TRC - Lord of the Glass Desert Ch. 39

"Hush, you," hissed Scarlet, elbowing the elf in the ribs. "Now, I'm going to ask you something, and you need to understand there is no punishment for saying no."

"The look on yer face is a little frightenin', but ask your question."

"Will you swear an oath of fealty to Kal?"

"An oath of fealty? What in the world would you need that for?"

"For me," said Scarlet. "In the near future, I will need captains for Kal's ships. You've proven your worth this past journey, but you were still a slaver, and I can't let that go."

"Understand that this will not be just any oath, but one made in the presence of magic. It will be binding until released by myself or Scarlet," Kal added.

"Sounds serious, but if I take this oath, then you'll make me captain of one of Darrow's other ships?"

Scarlet began to answer when there was a knock at the door.

"Come in!" called Ratt.

Three of The Scarlet Bitch's four cooks entered, each bearing a tray of food, which they slotted into depressions on the table. Two of the cooks left, but Kolas caught the wrist of the sheep-girl.

"I have one condition," said the former Captain. "If you give me my own command, she comes with me." Nobody at the table missed the softness that crept into Kolas's expression as he looked up at the woman. Despite her nervousness at being held back in a room full of the most important people on the ship, the sheep-girl returned the soft smile. "Promise me that, and I'll take your oath."

---

After the meal, Ratt dismissed Kolas with assurances that Kal and Scarlet would have a written copy of the oath to him in the next few days for him to look over so there would be no surprises when the time came.

Once the door closed behind the former Captain, Ikuno's head swiveled around and locked eyes with Tavorah. "You conniving little bitch," said the oni, her words at odds with her grin. "I saw the look when they knocked to bring in the food. You planned that."

The elf returned the grin. "Almost down to the second."

Without taking her eyes off Tavorah, Ikuno leaned toward Kal. "I like this one."

"If you like her now, wait until you see her with her clothes off," the mage chuckled.

"And you will be seeing me with my clothes off," the elf quipped with a seductive smirk.

"Though this would normally be fun to watch, could you keep the flirting to a minimum," Red sighed. "Not everyone at this table is happy with Kolas's outcome."

"I'll second that," said Kal. "Perra struggled with taking away Elta's free will, and she did it for the sake of protecting our family. While not as severe as the restrictions put on Elta, I'm about to do the same for the sake of maintaining a business, not protecting my family."

"Then why did you offer?" asked Ratt.

"Because it makes the most sense, and I plan to word this oath in a manner that will restrict him as little as possible while still giving Scarlet the peace of mind she needs to let him command his own ship. There is also the hope that Kolas has truly changed and that the oath will be inconsequential."

"From the look he was giving our cook, I think that might be a very real possibility," said Ratt before turning a look of annoyance toward Tavorah. "You may be my Commandant's lover, but you are still my navigator. I'd appreciate not being surprised by any similar developments in the future."

"My sincerest apologies, Captain. Maybe I need to come to your cabin tonight for punishment?" The elf blinked as if realizing what she had just said. "I'm so sorry, everybody. I've been unusually aroused most of the day--"

"Ever since Kal visited us earlier," Scarlet interrupted.

Tavorah blushed prettily while batting her eyes at the mage. "His presence did bring up some very pleasant memories."

"While normally I'd suggest you leave for a little while and come back when you are more relieved, your opinion and experience are too valuable for this conversation to continue without you," said Scarlet. "Likewise, I can't ask Kal to take you someplace and fuck you for the same reasons."

"Let her suck him off," Ikuno suggested. "His seed should clear her mind."

Kashka was shaking her head. "Then we'll have the same problem but with him. You haven't experienced what an elf's body does to Kal's head yet."

Ikuno thought for a moment before nodding in agreement. "You're right. I have never shared a bed with an elf and any of the lovers I bonded with in the past. I know they have an interesting power over men. Is it really that different?"

"You, Tavorah, and Kashka could all be naked and bent over in front of me, and I guarantee I would choose Tavorah over the two of you," Kal explained. "And my enchantment doesn't seem to dull the attraction. I think I could pull myself away from her, but it would take a severe force of will. But after being with her once, it becomes trivial."

"I feel like I should be horrified and filled with jealousy that you have so much power over my man, but instead, I'm intrigued to see this from Kal's point of view," said Ikuno.

"The power is fleeting," said Tavorah, "and I prefer him afterward when he can think straighter. But with men aboard, it puts me in a curious position where I need the cum of each one about once a month to keep them from fixating on me. Luckily, I don't need to fuck them all. Kissing or going down on one of the girls after they've had some fun with the boys is enough."

"If I didn't have Kal, that would sound like a fun day," Ikuno chuckled.

"Not for me," Scarlet grumped.

The elf rolled her eyes. "I only do it once a month because she refuses to make love or even kiss me that day."

"I just don't have a monster girl's obsession with a man's cum, is all. We need to get back on topic. Kal, do you think you could take Tavorah into the washroom for a quickie?"

"Probably. I think Kashka anticipated this and has been stroking me as we talked."

"We've all been with Kal. Why not just do it out here?" Ikuno asked.

"The scent of her sex would quickly turn this meeting into an orgy. It already has me feeling randy as hell just sitting next to her. They need to do it elsewhere," said Red.

"No, it's fine," said Tavorah, "As much as that sounds like fun, I can control myself and focus on the issues at hand. In fact, I'll start. Since you've been gone, Scarlet, Ratt, and I have gotten as much information as possible out of Kolas and his crew about Silvermoon. For the sake of our new guest, I feel the need to remind you that while we have traded with Silvermoon, The Scarlet Bitch has never docked there. That will change this trip. Kolas and Scarlet will need to vouch for your ownership of Darrow's holdings for the city's official records. There is a possibility that they may require some proof, but I believe going to his offices in the city and doing your trick with Ria will be enough. To my knowledge, there is no known way to tamper with a bag of holding's rules.

"We expect that Darrow's men will try to commandeer The Bitch as soon as she docks, so be prepared for an altercation. Knowing you, unless they come in with a company of soldiers, I have faith you can defuse the situation with a small show of power."

"I'll just cast a strength spell on Ikuno and have her kick a few into the next kingdom," Kal chuckled, jerking a thumb at the oni.

"Defuse the situation WITHOUT BLOODSHED," said Scarlet.

"I was joking, Commandant. I prefer not fighting unless necessary."

"Good, because things will be tense enough already," Tavorah continued. "Being a ship of free monster girls docked in the port of a slaver-friendly city will have all of us girls on edge.

"Now, rules for you. Drink nothing you did not take with you. Droosa is a powerful drug that can quickly incapacitate a person. Also, beware of anyone pushing something into your face. Inhaling Droosa powder can be just as effective." The elf wrapped her fingers around her thumb and held up the loose fist in front of her. "If you see people with green-stained skin, here," she pointed at the valley made by her thumb and pointer finger. "That's a sign of a user. They put a little bit of the powder in there and...." She brought her fist up to her nose and took a long sniff.

"Should I check people's hands before dealing with them?"

"Droosa is so common throughout the city that people don't hide their use. And despite Kolas's justifiable hatred of the drug, in small quantities, it's not as bad as he makes it out to be. It has also been a part of Silvermoon's culture for generations at this point, and people in the last few generations are being born with a natural resistance to its effects."

"What about my Cure Poison spell?" Kal asked.

"I don't know if the toxic portion of the drug and its mind-altering capabilities are directly related," the elf replied. "You may cure the toxin but still be incapacitated."

"Once we're on land and have the tent set up, I can run some tests and maybe figure out a way to cancel its effects," Kashka offered.

"You must be far beyond making simple sleeping potions if you think you can do that," said the elf.

"I was far beyond sleeping potions when we first met. Unfortunately, my knowledge was mostly aimed toward poisons. However, I now have access to a large amount of knowledge and experience making potions of all sorts," said Kashka, nodding toward Ikuno. "I just need some Droosa and the alchemy lab to do my research and testing."

"I feel like I'm going to need a second alchemy lab soon," said Kal.

"And a third," said Ikuno. "Remember, yours was once mine, and I would rather make my potions without disturbing your work."

"Something to shop for before we head east."

"When we spoke after you arrived," Tavorah continued, "Scarlet mentioned that The Perdition was finishing up a run to the lands south of her to pick up slaves and would come into Silvermoon about a week after we do. I know that you are looking to move on as soon as things are settled, but Scarlet and I would appreciate it if you would stay for The Perdition's arrival. The words of the ship's new owner will hold more weight than the hired help, even if she is your fleet commander."

"There is also the issue of The Perdition's cargo," said Scarlet. "The ship likely has a contract to deliver a certain amount of slaves. Buying out that contract will be expensive."

"Their contract be damned," growled Kal, but Scarlet was shaking her head.

"If you're going to do this, then you need to do it right. If you want to have a successful merchant fleet, you cannot start by breaking a handful of high-value contracts. They need to be bought back or fulfilled, and I don't need to tell you how I feel about the second option. I won't sugar-coat this, Kal, unless Darrow planned on marching the slaves over to the market and there are no contracts to worry about, switching the remaining ships in your fleet over to merchant cargo may leave you with a business that's nearly penniless."

"I inherited this by accident, so I can't mourn what I never had. However, if things start seeming dire, I'm sure we could sell some of Darrow's land or even one of the ships to keep the business afloat until the merchant runs start making a profit."

"Kolas spoke highly of the man running Darrow's offices, Olvo, and seems to think he can get things turned around in a short order," said Scarlet.

"Lastly, there's the matter of your wife," said Tavorah before taking a moment to bask in the glares from Kal, Ikuno, and Kashka. "I imagine you'll want to meet her at the very least. And even if you don't, you'll likely see her when visiting your estate. When she learns you are her new husband, Lady Darrow will likely throw herself at you. Do. Not. Sleep. With. Her. Consummating your marriage will void the annulment if you have sex with her before it is processed and sealed."

Kal glanced over at Ikuno, whose mouth twitched as she tried not to bare her teeth. "Somehow, I don't think sleeping with the woman will be an issue," he said, turning back to the elf.

Tavorah rubbed her head as if warding off a headache. "I feel like there's more to talk about, but that's all I can think of for the moment."

"I say we end it here," Scarlet suggested. "We've gone over a lot tonight, and there is still a mountain of small details we will need to hammer out before arriving in Silvermoon, many of which we will likely need Kolas here for. I think we should sleep on what we've discussed so we can look at it with fresh eyes tomorrow."

"I agree," said Ratt, "But before we go, I want to mention a personal opinion on Kolas. I am like you, Commandant. I cannot look past the man's former life, but I also can't ignore the asset he has been to my ship. As difficult as this is to say, I feel that giving him command over The Perdition would be a wiser move than giving it to me. After a few more loops around Azumbaho, I may feel comfortable captaining solo, but right now, I feel like I rely too much on you and Kolas for guidance."

"That's fair," said Scarlet. "Based on what I've seen since you became Captain, I don't necessarily agree with your assessment of your leadership abilities. However, I don't like the idea of someone who was not one of The Bitch's original crew being her Captain. The Perdition is Kal's ship, and Kolas is, by rights, Kal's employee. If he follows through with this oath, The Perdition will be his. If not, you'll have yourself a new ship. Understood?"

"Aye, Commandant."

Scarlet looked down at the empty plates on the table, remembering the look on Kolas's face as he gazed up at the sheep-girl.

"I suggest you start looking for another cook."

---

"Is Kashka staying with Ratt tonight?" Ikuno asked as she and Kal arrived at her nook in the hold.

The mage nodded. "And probably until we reach Silvermoon. Who knows when they will see each other again."

"I'm going to miss cuddling up with her furry butt."

"Maybe a silky smooth elven butt can be a substitute?" asked a voice from behind them.

Kal glanced back to see Tavorah. "Why am I not surprised," he chuckled.

"Because I've been waiting for this since you came aboard." She looked at Ikuno. "You don't mind, do you?"

The oni smirked. "Mind? I think you have too many clothes on."

Tavorah giggled and quickly pulled her shirt over her head. Ikuno's eyes widened, and she looked at Kal as his gaze locked on the creamy flesh of the elf's breasts.

"That's interesting," she said.

"What?" he asked without taking his eyes off the elf.

"I think I know why your enchantment doesn't trigger."

The mage blinked a few times before peeling his gaze from Tavorah's bare chest. "Huh? I mean... why is that?"

"Because you aren't feeling lust like with other monster girls. It's just a very intense attraction. This," she ran a finger over the cock trying to burst through the front of his pants, "is your normal reaction. It's not caused directly by some magic-infused scent or her elven attractiveness. Tavorah is beautiful. Her magic just makes her more so and lets your body and mind do the rest."

She looked over at the elf. "Not to be a mood wrecker, but is Scarlet okay with this?"

Tavorah sighed. "She's still not happy about Kolas and doesn't like the idea of being land-locked while getting things squared away, especially in Silvermoon where she knows she's unwelcome. The city doesn't like the sight of former slaves walking the streets. They say it's bad for business. Anyway, I tried to get her to invite Kal to our room, but she wasn't in the mood and sent me down here instead. Oh, that's another thing, she is not happy at all with moving out of the Captain's quarters. Roka's old room is bigger than most, but Scarlet feels that the Commandant of a fleet should have better accommodations." She put a hand on her hip. "I've shown you mine, are you going to show me yours?"

"Absolutely," said Ikuno as she reached for the clasps holding her top.

---

The winds grew colder the further north they traveled. The Scarlet Bitch had three more Azum ports to make after Soma, but none of the cities were nearly as large. Two were along the northeastern coast, but the third was along Azumbaho's flat northern shore.

Kal and Ikuno went ashore and took in the sights as the crew shuffled cargo around. Kashka chose to stay aboard and work with the trainees. It was curious that the cat had taken on a teaching role despite hardly having any more actual sailing experience than the women she trained. On the other hand, Kashka was exceptionally intelligent, and even Ratt had been surprised by how quickly she picked up the nuances of ship rigging. Kal guessed that her and Ratt's relationship had more than a little influence on the cat's learning. He knew from experience that trying to impress your lover can make one strive harder than just effort alone.

There was hardly a corner of the Azum countryside Ikuno hadn't visited at least once in her life. In the first city, she explained that when she first came to the world, the city's harbor didn't exist. Over hundreds of years, the coast eroded away the soft rock and sand in the area, carving out the city's harbor. Some entrepreneurial Azum families purchased the land and began excavating the area by drilling deep holes in the surrounding rock then filling them with water over winter. The expanding ice did most of their work for them, and in spring, the soft rock only took a few whacks with a spike and hammer to shear large chunks away. The process took decades, but eventually, they were left with the harbor they now docked in, and the original families became the founders of the city. Centuries later, those same families were still in power.

Ikuno's presence attracted a bit of attention, but word spread quickly that she was an oni, not an ogre, and for the most part, she and Kal were left alone. At Scarlet's request, they made a stop in the slums to relay their recruitment message. This time, Kal was given a piece of parchment to read from so he didn't screw things up like in Soma. He passed the parchment on to Ikuno, figuring that the call for sailors would be better received from a powerful monster-girl than a human man from the mainland.

"How do we know you aren't his slave?" a woman asked after Ikuno finished reading the parchment.

"Well, I'm not wearing a collar, and I can do this."

Ikuno swayed her hips to one side, then popped them back to the other, slamming into Kal's arm and sending the mage stumbling into the wall of a nearby hovel.

"Ikuno! What the hell?" he yelled, rubbing his arm.

The oni ignored him and looked at the women gathered around. "One universal rule of owning a slave is that you cannot hurt your master."

She gasped as the leather covering her bottom flipped up, followed by a loud crack that echoed off the surrounding buildings as Kal swatted her ass.

"Payback's a bitch," he said, now rubbing his sore hand every so often while still nursing his bruised shoulder.

"Is it, though?" said Ikuno, her voice low and husky.

Kal looked up sharply at the oni as she turned away from him and flipped the leather up again, bearing her rear to him.

"Now do the other cheek."

"I think it's safe to say she's not a slave," said someone in the crowd.

"Can I be next?!" called out another woman. "But maybe not that hard? What?" she said a few seconds later in response to the shocked looks she got from the women around her. "Anyone with a good nose knows that I'm not the only one who got turned on by that. I'm just being more honest than you judgmental bitches."

"Sorry," Kal replied. "We're looking for recruits, not lovers. If you want any chance, then head to the slums of Soma and check in with the elders there. As trainees move on to other ships, eventually your name will be called."

"Eventually?"

"Our training ship can only handle so many recruits at a time, but I have multiple ships that need crews replaced. At most, you may be looking at a couple of months."