Aratheon – Aratheon

The Bound Soul: Chapter 12

Posted on August 31, 2022August 31, 2022 by Arathadmin

Elves, fantasy novel, Fantasy book, epic fantasy, high fantasy, dark fantasy,

He molests my bare breasts as he pins me against the bed. My skin crawls at his touch as fear, anger, shame, and disgust well up inside of me once again. I can’t go through this again. I can’t be his victim. Not like this.

I must do something. Anything.

Phraan reaches underneath my skirts, and panic arises underneath me. The night I suffered through with that red-haired monster returns like a nightmare taking over a dream, pushing all my primal fear to the surface. His fingers crawl up my thighs and I can’t even scream with his hand squeezing my jaw shut. For the first time since I was broken by that man, I cry. There’s nothing I can do to stop him. I’m going to have to endure it all over again. Worse, because it has to be Phraan this time. How can this happen again?

No! I won’t be helpless. I won’t give in. I will not let him win. Anger boils inside me and I feel a surge of energy. That sweet euphoric and addictive energy I haven’t felt in ages. It warms over me and fills me with power, and unlike before, I’m overrun by it with the help of the invisible ring on my finger. The one I have kept all this time and nearly forgotten about.

I feel like a burning star with all the energy inside me, and then I release it. I release every drop into the man I hate more than anyone else, watching as every last bit of him is burned away. I take joy from the fear in his eyes as he realizes what is happening. But it is too late as cracks of fire-blue light sear across his flesh, burning away his skin as he’s engulfed in the flames and an explosion of the blue light fills the room.

It’s so intense that I can even see it through my eyelids. When it finally flashes out, there’s nothing left of Phraan. Not even a shred of the clothes he wore. I have no idea what I just did. I look at my hand to the ring that still sits on my finger invisible to the eye, and I’m taken with true amazement. I feel nothing for Phraan’s death. Nothing but satisfaction and that sweet, addictive energy as it slowly dwindles to a burning simmer.

I truly had no idea what I was capable of. This power is absolutely amazing. It felt so high and unstoppable. I want to feel more of it. It was far different from the feeling Orym gave me with his healing white light. It felt more powerful. More euphoric in a way. Far more intense than I have ever felt before.

A sudden crash goes off downstairs and I hear the clatter of footsteps marching upstairs before the door to the room is broken in by guards led by a dark-haired man in a robe with a sharp, hooked nose. He stares down at me with contempt. “You have been found guilty of using magic without a permit. I hereby place you under arrest. Seize her, and place the collar around her neck so she can’t channel. Let’s take no risks with her. I’ve never felt such power.”

The guards swarm me as a collar is wrapped around my neck, and suddenly I feel so weak and feeble. It’s as if I’m cut off from that hot, burning fire inside me. Cuffs bind my wrists and ankles. The guards drag me out behind the arrogant man in robes. Madame and the others stare with gaping mouths and wide-eyed expressions as I’m paraded through the brothel in chains. Even the patrons are speechless and horrified.

Am I going to face the same fate as my family, or worse?

To be continued in Broken Souls

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fantasy, fantasy novel, Fantasy book, Fantasy story, elves, vikings

The Bound Soul: Chapter 11

Posted on August 31, 2022August 31, 2022 by Arathadmin

I’ve lost all sense of self since the night I endured the abuse of that man. He killed whatever innocence I had within myself and the bit of heart I had left. There’s nothing left of that girl I once knew. She is long dead and turned to ashes. All that is left of me are the broken pieces that are only pain, sorrow, shame, guilt, and regret. I spent several days in hopeless darkness that filled me with despair and shame. I didn’t feel like a person anymore. Just a thing that was used and tossed aside.

I lost any love I had for myself; I’m disgusted with who I have become. The physical pain may have been healed by the priestess, but I still hurt. She was a faceless angel who was gone when I awoke, who I never got to thank. There wasn’t a scar left on my body. But even though the physical pain I endured has been washed away, I still hurt. Not my body, but my heart and soul. The pain I feel inside is all-consuming. I’m drowning in it.

A large part of who I was is gone. Taken from me by that man. He stole a part of me. And for a while after, I became a shell of a woman. I couldn’t bring myself to continue on for a long time. If it weren’t for Tyma, I don’t know what would’ve happened to me. I spent many days and nights in bed crying. Reliving the nightmare over and over again in my head. Feeling so helpless. Completely powerless to stop him.

Every night, I close my eyes and see his face. I can’t even bear the touch of others, for it brings back the pain he left upon my body. Upon my soul. I weep with no one to pray to. And I feel like it’s my fault. This is what I agreed to. To be used for a man’s pleasure. It’s what I got paid to do. Right?

Therefore, I shouldn’t cry when a man uses me for his own twisted delights. That’s what I try telling myself, and yet I didn’t want to be abused so mercilessly. I never asked to be hurt like that. No one deserves that kind of treatment. And it feels like there is nothing I can do about it. Sure, Madame will now refuse service to that man, but who’s stopping it from happening again with a different man? It’s not like we can go to the guard about this. They’ll just say we’re whores and that’s what we get paid for. Maybe they’re right… I don’t know anymore.

But one thing is for sure, I know I’m not completely broken. Part of me still clings to a purpose. After my tears dried up, I somehow picked myself up and dusted myself off. I have to create a mask that holds a smile to hide the pain inside so I can do what is needed. While my family is in chains, I will not hide away in darkness. I know the abuse they endure is probably far worse than anything I will endure at the hands of a man with coin and a hard cock. I’ll endure what I have to in order to get the coin I need to free them. I don’t care what happens to me anymore. As long as I can free my family and friends, it’ll be worth the pain.

I pull myself together and head back to work. But never again will I ever allow myself to break under a man’s treatment. They can do what they want to me, but they will not get any satisfaction from seeing my tears or hearing my cries. Nor will I ever give another man my heart if there is anything left of it. I’ll please their cocks and get them off, but they will never break me.

And over the weeks, many have tried their best. I’ve truly sacrificed myself to pain, taking on any client with enough coin. Faced their worst. Some have tried to be as rough as they can with me, but they didn’t see a single tear. Some have tried to win my heart, but all they got was my body for the night.

I, however, have come to win their hearts. I have learned to properly play the game. Luring these lustful men into spilling their secrets and making them imagine a future we could have together if they continue to pay to be with me. They’re a bunch of hypocrites. They come back night after night for a love they think I can give them. Of course, most of them have wives of their own and completely disgust me. But I have created one of the best masks of deception. I can wear a smile like the best of them. Make even the wisest and stalwart men open their hearts and their purses to me.

I’ve gotten so skilled at the game; I even have men paying to pleasure me. I’ve learned to wrap them around my finger and convince them to put their balls in my hands so I can squeeze every last copper out of them.

I even have a wealthy captain of the Golden High Elf Trading Company as a regular whenever he’s in town. Captain Gorwin Glynydark. He is a decent-enough looking man with a face like any other. His nose is a little big, but he’s kind, gentle, and will do whatever I tell him to. He literally pays me coin just to worship me and lick my feet. He might be the captain of a ship, spending his time giving orders and commands, but in my presence, he’s completely submissive. I can tell him to do whatever I want, and he’ll do it and like it. He particularly loves to kiss my toes. I’m not much on feet since they’re usually dirty, but I don’t mind having mine worshiped. I once had him spend an entire session giving my feet and the rest of my body a massage. Such a great way to get paid.

Once I find my parents, I will have enough to buy them back. I’ve also taken a step to make sure no one will ever rob me again. I’ve put my gold into a secure bank. I learn from my mistakes, and I won’t ever make them again.

In being broken, I’ve become unbreakable. A force not to be reckoned with. I’ve even put Zaralraden to shame. Stealing most of her clients as well. She now begs to be ridden by the most desperate of men. Revenge is by far a dish best served cold. Even better than revenge is to surpass your rivals in power and importance. I’m now Madame’s best worker. Men fight each other to have just one moment with me, let alone an entire night. They’ll pay their entire fortune just for a kiss. It gives me much pleasure to have so much power over them. To snap my fingers and have a man fall to his knees to pleasure me. Not the other way around. That’s what Zaralraden never had. All she has now are my scraps. She can have her nasty High Father and the rest of the abusive pervs. I’ll take what I want from any man I want.

My name is whispered among both lustful men and jealous women alike. It’s revered. The women I work with wish they could be me, and the men want to have me. But neither will get what they want. No woman will ever be like me, and no man will ever truly have me.

Tonight, like all nights, men pour in to fight over me, trying to outbid each other for a moment alone with me. I leave it to Madame to put up with them as I make my way to my room. The best room in the brothel. It’s definitely the biggest. Used to be Zaralraden’s. Stupid cunt.

If only Orym could see me now. He would be so jealous and full of regret and desire. I hope I do see him again. I would love to rip the bastard’s heart out.

As I wait for whatever lucky man should get the privilege of being on their knees to eat my cunt out tonight, I pour myself an enormous glass of wine and relax by the window. The night is rather calm. Of course, we rarely ever get rain in the Shifting Sands. An occasional sand storm with heavy clouds of thunderous heat and lightning seems to battle in the sky. Those were horrible when we lived in tents. Everyone would bunker down in the Gallows and pray their belongings were still salvageable when it was over. Those bastard wood elves get all the rain. A bunch of uncivilized, tree-worshiping savages. They still cling to the old religion and their woodland goddess. I’ll never understand them.

The door opens and I don’t give the man the satisfaction of my attention. I just continue to look out the window, watching the moons fight for the sky while the man closes the door behind him.

But then a voice stills my beating heart. “You’ve grown quite the reputation, Little Sparrow.”

I spill my wine as I nearly stumble out of my chair when I meet the eyes of a man I hate more than anyone else. A man who is truly the reason I lost everyone I cared about. Phraan. He wears a wicked smile as he stands between me and the door. “I’ve been waiting a long time for this. A really long time.”

Before I can scream, he lunges at me, wrapping his hand around my mouth. He pins me against the bed, pressing his weight on top of me. His ugly face is smeared with a horribly sinister sneer. “I’m going to take my time and really enjoy this. The things I’m going to do to you will not be pleasant for you, but I’ll love every moment of it.’

Not again! I can’t go through this again. No… Especially not with him. I won’t be a victim again. I feel his hand crawling down my body and it makes me want to throw up. Fear mixed with anger boils in my blood as I struggle and fight as hard as I can. I won’t let him hurt me. Never! He tears at my blouse as I struggle to get his hands off of me. Tears well up in the corner of my eyes. No… Not again. Not with him. Please…

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The Bound Soul: Chapter 10

Posted on August 31, 2022August 31, 2022 by Arathadmin

I have no choice but to take on another customer. I need coin. Not just to free my family, but to survive. I can’t even afford food. I swallow my pride and head to Madame. “May I please have another customer, Madame?”

“Of course. And what preferences are you willing to indulge?” she asks.

“Any as long as the pay is good,” I say without meeting her eyes.

“Are you sure?” she asks, taking my chin in her hand and bringing my eyes to meet hers. I nod. “I’m not sure you know what you’re asking for.”

“I need the coin,” I say with a desperate plea.

“I understand. Just please come to me if things ever get too much. Okay?” she says. I nod silently. “Why don’t you take a long bath and have a glass of wine? Just try to relax. Tonight, I’ll get you one customer to start and we’ll go from there.”

I nod. “Thank you. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”

She wraps her arms around me and holds me for a few moments. “Now go soak in hot water. It usually calms the nerves.”

I nod and do as I’m told. Heating up water in the tub and taking a few long moments to soak in it. What have I gotten myself into? How could things come to this? Was there ever a possibility of a different path? I suppose I could’ve accepted that priest’s offer oh so long ago. It feels like an eternity ago since I was on top of that bell tower and she caught me up there weeping. She was kind, and looking back I wish I had taken her offer. I had been stupid and hasty.

Yet I feel Madame has also been very kind to me. Even though the situation is, for a lack of a better term, fucked; I truly feel like she does what she thinks is best. It’s hard to know what is truly good when you are always put in bad situations. Women shouldn’t have to sell their bodies for a man’s pleasure. But if I don’t work here, who would accept a street rat like me aside from a church I don’t believe in? My father always taught me to be skeptical of religion. To always question everything and find everyone’s true motivations and intentions. And usually, a person’s motives rarely align with the words coming out of their mouth. The best way to judge a person’s character is to watch and observe their actions. So far, Madame has been kind to me and helped me in the way she thinks is best.

Orym told me he loved me; he said he wanted to be here, yet he is not here. I haven’t seen him in so long. My heart is truly broken. I want to crawl into a hole and die there. How could I be so stupid as to think a man as handsome as Orym could ever want anything to do with a street rat like me? Tyma was right. People who come off as good, kind, and pure are the cruelest of them all. Even so, I’m the fool. Deep down, I knew it wasn’t to be. I knew he wasn’t the one. He didn’t feel like the one, but he was still so kind and gentle. He fooled me with such heartwarming words and a warm touch that I was willing to give my heart to him. I’m so stupid.

—

After the hot bath and two cups of hot, spiced wine, I feel a little more at ease. My stomach doesn’t feel as if it were digesting rotting fruit any longer. I have to take another glass of wine to down the foul-tasting tonic.

Madame has me wait in a room for my new customer. My mind wonders about what kind of things this man wants from me. I don’t think I’ll be so lucky to have another man as gentle as Orym. Part of me doesn’t want that anyway so my heart doesn’t grow attached. I’m not sure if I want to enjoy this anymore. My heart is still broken from all the pain I’ve been through. The guilt of my family’s enslavement because of my actions. The feeling of being abandoned by Orym and how stupid I was to fall in love with him. I just don’t want to be a fool any longer.

When the door finally opens, my heart leaps into my chest. A tall, muscle-bound man walks in, and I can tell he’s a ship captain for the Golden High Elven Trading Company. His face is that of a stone wall with burning red hair and eyes that seem to burn with a blue flame full of hate. There’s a scar across his mouth, and one of his long pointy ears has the tip cut off.

I lower my head as he walks around the room, inspecting it. Then I see him start to take his clothes off. He doesn’t seem to be the talkative type. But what happened next, I did not expect.

Everything seems to happen all at once, and I’ve never felt so helpless in my entire life. Especially now, laying bare on the floor, shivering, and covered in sweat. Tears bleed down from my eyes. His hands paint a map of the hurt he left upon my body. I can’t fight, I can’t say no, I just feel frozen by fear. He rips the hope from my heart. Strips me of myself.

I can feel his hands around my neck… That hateful stare burning down upon me. The unrelenting assault upon my body never seems to end. He didn’t even give me the courtesy of the comfort of a bed, instead he has me pinned against the cold, hard floor. The rough wood against my face is something I know I will never forget. I’m still bleeding where he tore me apart. I feel so cold. He takes the warmth from me and leaves me with only this chilling, frozen fear and despair. I feel my heart being ripped open and wrung out. I cling to the floor, my nails digging into the wood as my soul is torn with each of his savage assaults.

My mind swirls in and out of the blackness, clinging to a shred of light. My eyes seek mercy and only find the name of this monster. Faidhor Haryrwen, stitched upon his tunic lying in front of me. A name I will never forget.

Time seems to stretch forever while all I feel is pain. I have lost the world around me and my only escape is the icy darkness of my mind. I barely remember him leaving. Just the sound of him putting his clothes on before he walks out, leaving me here shivering on the floor, curled up in tears.

I hurt everywhere, and what little innocence I had left inside me has died in the short few moments in which it took him to break me. He took what little shred of life I had left.

I don’t know how long I laid on the floor, weeping. I no longer have any sense of time. Just pain. It’s all I feel, and each moment is an eternity of suffering.

I hear someone walk in and gasp. “Lura?”

I don’t move as they kneel down. I flinch away as I feel their touch. “Madame!”

The world around me seems to fade as I drown in my pain. I hear their words, but they all sound so empty and hollow. “She’s bleeding. Get a healer. Find the priestess. She’ll help.”

“I’m so sorry… If I had known what that man was going to do to you, I would’ve never let him inside. I don’t tolerate such behavior.” My head is pulled into a lap and a hot towel is pressed against my forehead. I no longer have tears to weep with. Even after they cover me with a blanket, I still lie there shivering. I don’t even remember being lifted into the bed.

I don’t know what hurts worse, the pain that was dealt to my body by that horrible man, or Orym’s empty promises that broke my heart. It’s hard to tell which man is worse. The one who broke my heart, or the one who broke my body.

Then I feel that warmth enters my body once more. That familiar warming joy. It makes the pain fade away and I’m enveloped in the joyous warmth. I want to lose myself in it. Is it him? Orym? Has he finally returned to me? Please, let it be him.

I force my eyes open to such blinding light and see some angel standing above me. Is it really him? Slowly, the warmth fades, taking the light and joy with it, leaving only a blurry outline of a woman with golden hair standing above me. There is something familiar about her, but my mind is too heavy with fog. I can’t think straight. “You poor child. You are safe now. I will take away your pain. Just sleep, poor child. Just sleep.”

Her voice is one I have heard before, but I can’t place it. I feel her touch against my cheek and it radiates with warmth, but then it’s gone as I drift off into the darkness.

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The Bound Soul: Chapter 9

Posted on August 31, 2022August 31, 2022 by Arathadmin

I feel as if I walk upon the clouds. My smile won’t fade and this joy won’t either. I do not know how I came to be so fortunate to experience this love, but I will cherish it.
All day I wait for the moment to come where I can be with Orym. My holy Paladin. The hero of my heart. I can’t help but consider his offer to join the church and be with him, even though we’d have to keep our relationship in the shadows. Even so, it would be worth it. A love in the shadows with this much passion is far better than no love at all.
As my shift begins, I happily skip over to the Brothel. Madame gives me a room and I sit and wait for the handsome man to return to me. I make sure my dress is straight, my hair done up, the room clean, and everything perfect while I wait.
I pace and drink a glass of wine, waiting for my love to come. I know he’ll come. He said he would, and I know he’s a man of his word. He will come.
I look out the window for him and watch the moons chase each other across the sky. Finally, a knock at the door startles me. I quickly make sure everything is perfect, re-straightening my dress and hair while checking the room before I answer the door. Unfortunately, it’s Madame. “I’m sorry, child. I do not think he is coming and I need the room.”
“But he said he’d come. I know he’ll come,” I say in protest.
“Then I will find another room for you when he does show up,” she says. I relent and follow her out. “Why don’t you wait on some tables in the meantime? Don’t forget why you’re working here. Your family should come first. And child…”
I meet her eyes. “Don’t give your heart to a man who has to pay for it with coin. More often than not, they don’t deserve it.”
I don’t say anything, but I want to. Orym is not like that. He is a kind and an honorable man. I know that in my heart, but I do as she says and wait tables while enduring disgusting remarks and men’s wandering hands. Maybe he wasn’t able to sneak away tonight. Maybe he was sent on a mission. There must be a reasonable explanation for his absence. I’m sure he’ll tell me tomorrow when he arrives.
However, when tomorrow arrives, he does not come with it. I spend all night serving drinks at the cost of my self-worth. Serving these disgusting men who love to degrade and demean women with awful remarks. It can wear down even the hardest of souls.
The next night is the same. No Orym, and my heart cracks with every night we are apart. Surely, he is out on a mission. Surely, he’ll return. I just have to wait, but the days go by. Madame suggests I should take up other customers to earn money, but I’m reluctant to do so. What if I do and he returns? I couldn’t bear his heartbreak if he saw me with another man.
However, that night as I return to the room I share with Tyma, who was kind enough to let me move in with her after she finally moved out of the Brothel, I find the place broken into. All the coin I worked so hard to save was stolen. I felt so broken and devastated. Every last copper I’d earned was gone. All the coin I was saving to free my family was all gone!
I can’t help but break down and cry. Even Tyma’s words can’t make me feel any better. Even worse is the awful feeling in my gut telling me that perhaps Orym didn’t love me. Perhaps he just said those things to take my virginity. Maybe he’ll never return; he’ll just move on to another brothel and use another whore as dumb as me for believing his lies. I bury my face into my pillow and scream. I hate this world.

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The Bound Soul: Chapter 8

Posted on August 31, 2022August 31, 2022 by Arathadmin

As I arrive at work, full of nervousness and anticipation, I talk to Madame. “I think I’m ready to give my virginity to my client.”

She looks caught off guard. “Really? I suppose that could be wise. Especially since you seem to have him wrapped around your finger. Just know that men seem to lose interest once you give it to them.”

My breath catches in my throat. Orym wouldn’t do that, would he? He’s a Paladin. Holy and divine. He’s a righteous and devout man. He wouldn’t. “I’ll do it.”

“Okay then. I’ll set it up when he comes in. Why don’t you go up to the same room as last night and get ready? Just so you know, when you lose your virginity, it isn’t pleasant for the most part. It can be quite painful and bloody. I will have a talk with him and make sure he’s gentle. If he isn’t, let me know and I’ll make sure he regrets it,” she says in a stern voice.

I nod. “Thank you, Madame. I appreciate all that you have done for me.”

She nods and gives me a half smile. “Of course. I look out for my girls. Now go prepare and have a glass of wine or two. And I’ll have a tonic to prevent pregnancy brought up to you. You might need to wash it down with wine.”

I nod and rush up the stairs. I tidy up, spray perfumes, make sure the bed is set, check my dress, and then double-check everything again. I do as Madame suggests and drink two glasses of wine. It lifts some of the anxiety off my shoulders. But I still wonder – what if he leaves me after?

A knock at the door makes my heart leap into my throat. I check everything once more, take a deep breath, and answer the door. Standing at the door is Tyma. She’s smiling with a cup in her hands. Right, the tonic.

“Here ya go. You’ll want to down this foul-tasting drink before you do the deed. You don’t want to get a baby inside you. Trust me, you’ll be left to fend for yourself with no coin to help,” she says, handing me the cup of tonic.

I nod and take it. I sniff it and recoil in disgust. “That’s putrid.”

She shrugs. “It’s worth it though. It goes easy with wine.”

I nod and pour myself another cup. I have to go sip for sip, and even then, I need another cup of wine before I can drink it all. It tastes like rotten eggs. Like something spicy and poisonous.

“So, are you ready? Madame told me what you plan to do tonight. It’s always nerve-wracking to lose your virginity. I remember when I lost mine. It was a long time ago to a rather ugly man, but he was kind and gentle. Honestly, if you could get past his homely face, he was a decent man. I’d certainly take him over some of the best-looking men who are rotten to the core. There are plenty of them out there.”

“I think I’m ready. Orym said he’d be gentle. I trust him, oddly enough.”

“Good. Well, I have to go. Good luck,” she says with a smile and a wink. I return the smile with a nod as she heads to her own room.

I catch myself pacing back and forth, worrying if I have misjudged Orym. He’s been so nice and kind to me, but what if he’s just acting and is truly a horrible person underneath? I refuse to believe that.

A knock at the door pulls me out of my thoughts. I scurry over to it and my breath catches in my throat as the man, with all his handsomeness hidden behind a cowl, stands before me. I step aside and let him in, closing the door before he pulls down the hood. “I’ve been waiting for this moment ever since the last one we shared together.”

“Me too,” I say, fidgeting with my hands. I don’t quite know what to do with them, so I force them behind my back. “I am so nervous.”

“I don’t blame you. But don’t worry, my lady, I won’t hurt you. I promise. Are you still sure you want to do this? We can just talk like last time,” he says.

“If that’s what you want, then let me inform Madame, so you’re not charged with taking my virginity,” I say.

“No, you don’t have to tell her. I don’t mind paying as long as the coin gets in your hands,” he says.

“Then we will have sex. I won’t let you pay for a service you didn’t receive,” I say.

“It’s not just a service to me. It’s far more than that. You make me feel as if I’m not alone,” he says, stepping up to me.

I walk to him, resting my hands on his chest. “I feel the same way.”

He wraps me in his embrace, and my soul warms with his kiss. My hands slide up and wrap around his neck as I kiss him back. He lifts me up and I wrap my legs around his waist while he carries me to the bed, laying me down gently. I feel his hot breath against my skin as his lips leave a trail of kisses down my neck. He looks up and down at me. “One last time. Are you sure you want to do this?”

I nod with a smile. “Yes. Just promise not to leave me after tonight. I don’t know if I can stand being without you.”

He smiles. “I promise I won’t abandon you.”

I return his smile before I lean up and kiss him. “Also, please be gentle. I heard it hurts.”

“Do not worry Lura. I am a Paladin. I have a way of making pains go away. All you’ll feel tonight is the pleasure we share,” he says with a smile as he undoes my dress before tugging it off me. Then he pulls off my stockings and undergarments.

I lay completely naked and exposed on the bed before him as he undresses himself, revealing carved muscle with scars here and there throughout his torso. I sit up and trace my fingers on each scar. “So many scars. What have you been through?”

“Do not worry, it is the way of a Paladin. We put ourselves in danger so others are safe from it.” He smiles and winks.

“I would not wish you to be in danger,” I say.

“If not me, then who? I’m sorry to say, Lura, but that is just the way of things. Paladins are the shield of Light that protects the realms against the darkness. This is my purpose in life, and I fulfill it willingly with honor,” he says proudly with his chest out.

“Will you at least promise me you won’t risk your life for anything short of a truly righteous cause?” I ask. He nods.

“Of course. Every cause I take up is a righteous one,” he says with another wink.

He lets his pants drop, showing that beautiful cock that seems to come to life at the sight of me. He then grabs my thighs and drags me to the edge of the bed as I laugh. I truly didn’t expect him to bury his face between my thighs, nor the pleasure that comes from it. He has me moaning in worship. I feel like a melted puddle of butter, gripping the sheets so I don’t fall over the edge.

Finally, he stands up and wets his cock with his spit. “Are you ready? This might feel a little uncomfortable. But don’t fear, my beautiful woman. It will not hurt.”

I nod, completely trusting this man. With one hand on his cock, he places the other against my pelvis. Then slowly presses his big, meaty cock against my cunt, rubbing the tip up and down against my lady lips. I take a sharp breath in as he presses the tip inside me and it truly feels uncomfortable. But then, a white-hot glow comes out of his hand, filling me with so much warmth. It’s intoxicating. It feels just like every time I’ve ever used magic. So filling and wonderful. A joy of life. But this feeling is slightly different. The magic I’ve used before always felt like a sweet candy-filled and wine drunk joy, but very empowering and somewhat addicting all the same. This warmth feels pure, clean, and divine. As if I am one with this light that seems to envelop me. I want to hold on to it and never let it go.

I can feel his big cock fill me up as the heat engulfs me with so much joy and wonder. I want to live in this light. Bathe in it. I’ve felt nothing like it. It makes me feel as if I’ve died and gone to the place where only the worthy are allowed. The church calls it Heaven. This must be what it feels like. His cock continues to fill me up as the warmth leaves me feeling intoxicated.

Oh, sweet mercy. I think he’s all the way inside me. I want to feel this way all the time. To feel such joy mixed with pleasure. To feel so warm and happy. It’s addicting. He takes his hand away from my pelvis, taking the warmth and joy with him, leaving only an uncomfortable pleasure. “What was that?” I ask.

“The healing power of the Divine Light,” he says as he lifts me up and brings me to the top of the bed.

“That felt amazing,” I say, holding on to him.

He smiles as he leans down and kisses me while slowly thrusting inside me. This pleasure feels amazing too, but nowhere near as good as that warmth. He then leans down again, taking my head in his hands and kissing me. Suddenly, I’m overwhelmed with that joyful warmth once more. It feels like paradise. It’s even warmer than the heat of the sun, and yet it doesn’t feel draining, but fulfilling. I want to feel so much more of it. I want it all.

His lips connect with mine, and I breathe him in, clinging to him and that wonderful light. I hold on to him as he fills me both with his cock and with his soul. I’ve never felt so good. He thrusts his cock inside me, and they become harder and faster. The pleasure tries to battle the joyful warmth, but ultimately loses out. Nothing could feel as good as this. His lips wander down to my neck as he fucks me, filling me with so much joy and warmth.

I can feel his breathes become heavy and his thrusts become erratic. His kisses become primal, and the light feels far more intense. I’m drowning in joy, warmth, and pleasure. I want it to take me.

I finally fall over the edge and feel the intense pleasure wash over me along with his burning hot seed filling me up. He collapses on top of me as the warmth slowly fades, taking the pleasure with it, but the joy seems to stay. I hold his head against my breasts as his breath staggers and struggles. He’s soaked in sweat and shivers with coldness. I hold him tight and keep him close. He seems to be on the edge of consciousness. I hold him close to my heart, Nourishing him with my love.

He barely whispers. “Sorry about that… I lost control. I didn’t mean to use that much power. It drained me.”

“Don’t apologize for that. It was the most wonderful, amazing thing I’ve ever felt. I’ve experienced nothing like it,” I breathe, kissing his head.

“Well, hopefully, it won’t be your last time experiencing it. You know, if you trained at the church, you’d feel it quite often whenever you use the Light,” he says.

“How does one use the Light? I am filled with the blue magic,” I say.

He struggles to get to his elbows and lifts up his necklace with a crystal attached. “It purifies the magic we use and converts it to the Divine Light. You see, I too harness much of the Arcane magic. I was born with it, but this lets me turn over to the Light.”

“That is fascinating. So, if I go to the church, will I be given one as well?” I ask.

He nods before he rests his head back down against my bosom. He kisses my skin as his hands caress me softly. “I will have to go soon. I don’t want to, but if the church finds me sneaking off to this brothel, they’ll surely send me away.”

“Will you be back tomorrow?” I ask.

“I will find a way to sneak out and return. I think I love you. Would you ever come away with me? You can become a priestess and we can be together. In secret, of course, because any form of an intimate relationship is forbidden for us, but no one will ever find out.”

“I would love to, but I need the money to save my family from slavery. Does the church pay at all?” I ask.

“It pays decently. I won’t lie; it probably isn’t as good as the coin you make here, but it’s honest work and it makes you feel like you’re making the world a better place most of the time. Of course, it is burdened heavily with politics and bureaucracy, but what isn’t?”

I laugh. “That is true. Even a brothel has a level of bureaucracy.”

He smiles and kisses both of my breasts. “Just think about it, and we can discuss it tomorrow when I fill you with my Light again.”

I laugh and kiss his head. “Oh, please fill me with your Light.”

He smiles and winks. Then, he gives me one last kiss before he pulls himself up off the bed. He staggers and wobbles a bit. His face is slightly pale.

“Are you okay?” I ask.

He nods. “Yes, quite so. But I may have used more energy than I should’ve. Just like with the Arcane magic, using the Divine Light takes a toll. You can only use so much of it before you tire out.”

“Well, please be careful. I don’t want you hurting yourself just to show me some joy.”

“It was worth it. Trust me. I enjoyed it just as much as you did,” he says as he finishes getting dressed. I go to him and kiss him as he wraps his arms around me, holding me close. “Tomorrow I’ll be back and we can be together again.” “I can’t wait,” I say as we share one more kiss before he leaves with his cowl hiding his handsome face once more.

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The Bound Soul: Chapter 7

Posted on August 30, 2022August 31, 2022 by Arathadmin

For some reason, I cannot wait for the night to come and work to begin. To see Orym again fills me with so much anticipation and excitement. Is that wrong? He’s consumed my thoughts. Especially his gentle kindness and warm touch. I want to feel his hands in my hair once more. To see those bright shimmering eyes upon me.

When the time finally comes, I am so giddy with anticipation that I could burst. As my shift starts, Madame pulls me aside. “It seems you really did a number on that man; he wants you for an entire night and he’s willing to pay handsomely. I don’t know what you did, child, but make sure you do it again. You also might want to reconsider what you’re willing to do. I can only imagine what he’d be willing to pay for your virginity or even just to feel the pleasure of your arse. It would be worth it. I assure you.”

“You might be right. I’ll think about it tonight when I am with him,” I say, trying to hold back a smile and give nothing away. I trust Madame to an extent, but I do not want her to know the way I feel about him. She might think I am a foolish child. I’m starting to think that too.

She nods. “Well, he’s waiting for you in the room on the far wing.”

“Thank you, Madame. I guess I shouldn’t keep him waiting,” I say and force myself to hold back from rushing to him. I try to walk as calmly as I can up to the far wing.

As I walk in, he is standing as he did before, facing the window in his cloak. He turns to me and pulls back his cloak, revealing that handsome face. His eyes seem to widen with awe. As soon as I close the door behind me, he comes to me, taking my face in his hands before he kisses me deeply. Then he quickly pulls back, turning away from me. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be so forceful.”

“Don’t apologize, and I do not consider that forceful. I quite enjoyed it,” I say as my heart races faster.

He turns to me with relief and desire in his eyes. “I requested you for the entire night. I hope that isn’t too much.”

“Not at all. I was actually looking forward to this all day,” I say with a smile.

“I know you’re not comfortable with most things, and I won’t force you to do anything you don’t want. I intend to make this just as enjoyable for you as it has been for me,” he says, taking my hand in his.

“Maybe, with the right man I’d surely consider doing more. Especially if he is as caring and gentle as you,” I say, biting my lip.

“Well, I’ll admit I am a bit jealous of this man. I hope he is worthy of your love,” he says.

“He is you, silly. Or at least I’d like him to be,” I say with a smile.

His grin makes my heart melt. “I was hoping you’d say that.”

He takes me in his arms and nuzzles his nose against mine, making me smile. I lean up to kiss him and his lips take in mine. His arms wrap me up and make me feel safe and loved. He’s a Paladin of the Light, and I can feel that Light shine out from him. He has such goodness in his heart and I want to feel its warmth.

I reach down and start to unbuckle his belt, but he stops me. He pulls back and looks me in the eye. “What’s the rush? We have all night. Let’s cherish the moment and get to know one another.”

Joy washes over my face, and it’s shown in my smile. “I’d like that. A lot.”

“Would you like some wine?” he asks as he walks over to the table where a jug rests along two empty cups.

“Sure.” I linger by the doorway, not sure what to do as I rub my elbow.

He pours us both a cup and hands me one before he goes over to the bed. He takes a long sip and sets it aside. “Will you join me on the bed? I’d like to feel your warmth.”

I nod, taking a sip of the wine before setting it aside and laying down next to him. He wraps me in his arm and lets me rest my head on his chest. His other hand runs through my hair with gentle care.

“So, tell me, Lura, how did you end up here?” he asks.

“Well, I used to live down in Tent City with my parents. I spent a lot of time with my uncle and his crew of thieves. He wouldn’t let me join him on his jobs, but I spent much time pick-pocketing and stealing from vendors. Anything I could to feed my family,” I admit.

“I find it atrocious how people are left to starve and fend for themselves while others live in wealth and hoard it for themselves,” he says as his finger twirls a strand of my hair.

I look up at him to see the righteousness in his eyes. “Yes, it seems like a grave injustice.”

“What more happened for you to end up in this place?” he asks.

“My uncle and his crew were arrested, all because a man who was a brother of one of the guards wanted to force himself on me. He was stopped by my uncle and his friends and tossed out, but he betrayed them and led the guard to my uncle’s hideout and they were all taken. I somehow escaped and went home, but unfortunately, the man led the guard to my parents, and they were taken solely because they were my parents and he wanted me,” I say. The memories bring the pain with them.

“That is awful. Who is this man? Maybe there is something I can do?” he asks.

“No, it’s unimportant now. I snuck into Low Town from a crack in the wall I used to slip in to steal things. I wandered the streets a bit before men tried to take me, but Madame stepped in and took me in. I started serving drinks, trying to save up coin to buy my family’s freedom. But serving drinks doesn’t quite pay enough, so I decided to serve men in a different way. I’m desperate to see my family free. Fortunately, you’re my first customer.” I look up at him with a smile.

He leans down and kisses my head. “You have a kind soul. I can see that as clear as the night sky.”

“Really? I don’t feel like a good person. Good people don’t sell their bodies for pleasure or steal, for that matter,” I say.

“I wouldn’t say that. I think good people sacrifice what they have for what they feel is right. You are sacrificing your body to follow your heart so that you can one day right the wrongs that have been done to you. I think you’re a very good person. Better than most. Heck, better than most who follow the Light even,” he says, with a sincere smile. “Better than me.”

“I don’t believe that last part. You’re so kind,” I say.

“To you, I am kind, but my sword and hands are soaked in enough blood to damn me for an eternity. You would think following the Light would be peaceful, but unlike priests, Paladins are no stranger to war and death. I joined the faith after my family was brought to the sword by Northern Savages. They slaughtered my entire family and fed on their corpses like demons. My parents worked for the Golden High Elf Trading Company on their ships and would travel to and from Chillshore on merchant ships trading. I was with them this time for whatever reason; I can’t remember. We were attacked when we were taking a shipment from Chillshore down to Barefrost by these savages who feed on the flesh of others. I watched as I hid while my parents were slaughtered and fed on. If it weren’t for the priestess Damaris, I’d be dead. She shielded me and men came from Barefrost, driving the savages back.” He takes a moment to take in a deep breath and let it out as he looks out at the window. “I vowed that I would get my revenge on the savages. I trained to become a warrior, but was brought to the Light by the same priestess who saved my soul. Sister Damaris was once again there for me. She’s kind and true to the faith. I wish all who claimed to follow the Light were like her, but sadly the church is full of those who claim to follow the Light but only serve themselves. Anyway, I will one day return to the north and seek justice against the savage cannibals.”

“I am so sorry for your pain and loss. That is truly awful and sad,” I say as I look up at him and bring my hand to cup his face. He leans into my touch, covering my hand with his own. I wish I could wash away his pain. I want to clean him of all that he suffers from. I get up and kiss him. He pulls me into his arms and holds me close, kissing me softly. “I do know of that priestess you mentioned. She used to come down to Tent City to help the people in need.”

He smiles. “That sounds like her.”

We stay just like this, holding each other with kisses. I want nothing more than to remain in his embrace. But unfortunately, our time together comes to an end. “I feel so guilty. I didn’t even give you the pleasure you paid for.”

“You gave me much more than that, my lady. You gave me peace and warmth. Far more valuable than pleasure,” he says with a smile, giving me another kiss.

“Well, maybe if you’re back tomorrow, I can offer you something more. I still have my virginity, and I want to give it to you,” I say, biting my lip.

He looks worried as he raises a single eyebrow. “Are you sure?”

“I will never find a better man than you to give it to,” I say.

“Then I would be honored to receive such a gift,” he says with another kiss. “Tomorrow, I will make it special. I promise.”

I smile and bite my lip. “I do not doubt that. You’re already special to me.”

He grins before resting his head against mine. We lay like this for a long time, enjoying each other’s warmth. Then, he gives me one last kiss and a smile. “Until tomorrow then.”

I nod. “Until tomorrow.”

After we part ways, I find myself with Tyma and her friends at the Hookah Lounge, telling her every little detail. “That’s great. I’m glad you got a client. Just don’t get your heart wrapped in him. These men can be quite fickle and often cruel. Usually, it’s always the ones who seem so good and pure that have such cruelty to them.”

“I don’t think he has an ounce of cruelty to him. He’s absolutely perfect,” I say. “I hope he is,” she says with a careful smile.

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The Bound Soul: Chapter 6

Posted on August 29, 2022August 30, 2022 by Arathadmin

I feel sick to my stomach worrying about what I’m about to do tonight. Am I seriously about to let a man use my mouth in order to make some more coin? My father was mad about me stealing. I can’t imagine what he’d think of this…

As I start my shift at the Brothel, still waiting tables and cleaning dirty mugs, I watch each and every man, wondering who’ll be the one that I will have to serve. I hope it’s not the balding fat elf with drooping ears. Nor the disgusting drunk slob that has half of his meal all down his tunic. And then there’s the tall skinny man missing half his teeth. And what of the short, stubby elf with a gimp?

All of them disgust me. I’m going to have to service one of them. Another man comes in under a hood of a cloak. His face is covered in the shadow. He walks up to Madame and they chat for a bit, her nodding before her eyes slide across the room, landing on me. A smile crosses her lips. She says something to the man before he nods and walks upstairs.

Madame glides across the room to me. “Ready to make more coin?”

I nod reluctantly. She smiles. “Don’t be so reluctant. You’ll want him to enjoy it so he asks for you again. Now come. This man is willing to pay well just for a mouth.”

I follow her upstairs and she stops us right outside the door. “All you have to do is savor his cock like a tasty treat. Listen to the sounds he makes. That will let you know how he likes it. And for the sake of King Volodar, do not let your teeth touch his cock. No man likes that.”

I nod, my stomach tightening. Am I seriously about to do this?

She nods towards the door. “Now go inside; show him what heaven is like and you’ll earn a nice bag of coin.”

I nod, take a deep breath, and let it out. I tell myself, it’s just an act. No more, no less. It’s now or never. I steel myself and walk in. The man has his back to me as he looks out the window. He turns to me, taking off his cowl. His face is more than pleasant. He’s got a beard and mustache with long black hair. His eyes shimmer bright blue. He swallows and steps forward. “You… You’re quite beautiful.”

“Thank you, sir,” I say.

He nods, closing the gap between us. His hand gently brushes up against my face. “Such beautiful eyes. You have a lot of mana inside you. What is someone with as much potential as you doing in a place like this?”

“I… I don’t have many choices. I can’t afford a permit nor can I afford tuition in the Academy,” I say.

“Have you ever thought about joining the Church of the Light? You can learn the Divine use of healing. With your potential, you’d be one of the greatest healers we’ve seen,” he says. I shake my head. I do not want to be shackled to them. Or anyone else. “That’s a shame. The church could use someone of your potential. You’d do a lot of good.”

“Are you with the church?” I ask.

He nods. “Yes. Technically, I am not supposed to be here, but a man has needs. I’m a Paladin.”

“Are people of the church not supposed to have sex?” I ask.

He shakes his head. “In our service to the Light, we are prohibited from another’s love. Our heart belongs to our duty.”

I nod. “I understand, but you wish for the pleasure of the flesh?”

“It is my great weakness. I shouldn’t, but I can’t help it. I need to feel the love of a woman,” he says.

“Then, let me help you with that,” I say as I reach for his belt buckle. This man is someone I can serve. Even though he’s here, seeking the pleasure of my mouth, he seems to be kind and noble. We all have our flaws and I can understand this. I wouldn’t be able to be a part of a church that forsakes love. My heart is too big.

I slowly sink to my knees as I undo his trousers and let them fall to the floor. Standing before me is an enormous cock, thick and wrapped in veins. I look up into the man’s eyes, his beautiful, luminescent, sapphire eyes. Like two gems shining in the moonlight. I wrap my hand around him and feel the pulse of life inside him. I stroke his massive pillar of a cock and feel him shudder.

I do what feels right, bringing my lips to the head of his dick and kissing it softly. He lets out a sigh of release. Then I lick the bottom of his cock all the way to the tip. It doesn’t taste so bad. Not bad at all. His eyes connect with mine as he bites his lip while my tongue swirls around his tip. He gasps as I take the head in my mouth and close my lips around it.

He moans out as I suck on his dick. This isn’t so bad. Not bad at all. It feels like I have this power over him. To make him feel so good with just my mouth. Slowly, I stroke his shaft as I lick and suck on the tip. “That feels so good.”

His hand runs through my hair, gently stroking it. I take more of his dick inside my mouth and have to stretch my mouth open in order to do so. His cock seems to pulse with life as I lick it. “Oh, for the love of the Light, you are so beautiful. Holy Divine Light, that feels good. Don’t stop.”

I pick up the pace and worship his cock as if it were the holy scepter of his church. He moans and groans, his hand gripping my hair as he rocks his hips back and forth. “I’m so close.”

Does that mean… “Oh, holy Light!”

He holds my head as his cock bursts into my mouth, spewing his seed on my tongue. I quickly swallow it as more sprays into my mouth. Honestly, it isn’t all that bad. It tastes sweeter than I thought it would. He finally releases my head and stumbles back onto the bed. “That was the best I’ve ever had. Come, sit with me.”

I do as he asks and lie down next to him. He wraps his arm around me. “What is your name?”

“Lura, sir,” I say.

He rolls on his side to look at me. “I’d like to see you again, Lura. Will you be here tomorrow night?”

I nod, and that earns a smile. “Well, then I’ll be back tomorrow to see you once again. My name is Orym, by the way.”

“It was nice to meet you, Orym. This was my first time and I’m glad it was with you,” I say.

He smiles. “I’m glad I could be your first. I promise, whenever you’re with me, I will make sure it is pleasant for the both of us.”

“I would very much like that,” I say.

He leans in and kisses me on the lips, making my face burn hot. Then he breaks away and gets up, pulling up his pants and buckling them up. “Well, I have to be off before someone notices where I am. I cannot wait to see you again tomorrow, Lura. You are a sweet girl. I hope maybe one day you change your mind about the church.”

I smile at him. “Maybe you can help convince me.”

He grins. “I just might have to.”

Then he leaves, putting his cowl back over to cover his face. That was far better than I ever expected. I think I am in love, but at the same time, it does not feel as I imagined it. He doesn’t look like the man of my dreams, but he is kind and nice.

A moment later, Madame comes in with a wide smile. “I don’t know what you did, child, but you have really outdone yourself. Especially for your first time. He wants to see you again tomorrow. Here. You’ve earned this.”

She hands me a pouch of coins. The biggest pouch I’ve ever held in my entire life. I look in it and find it is all silver. My eyes go wide as I look up at her and, before I know it, I hug her once more. “Thank you so much!” “Don’t thank me, you earned it,” she says, patting my head.

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The Bound Soul: Chapter 4

Posted on August 29, 2022August 29, 2022 by Arathadmin

The men have twisted smiles with eyes that are filled with lust as they crowd me. I step back before hitting the wall as the men tease me.

“Oh, little girl, we’re going to play a fun little game together,” he says as his friends all laugh. I swallow the dread in my throat as I freeze. I can’t find words. I want to scream at them. To tell them to leave me alone, but I can’t even breathe.

“Oh, Cele, there you are. I’ve been looking all over for you,” A raven-haired, busty woman says as she pushes the men aside and helps me up. She glares at the men. “Enthein, did you forget the last time you tried to hurt one of my girls?”

The eyes of the man who was terrorizing me go wide. “Sorry, Madame Faralene, I didn’t realize this one was yours. Forgive me.”

“I will this time, now off with you lot,” she says as she whisks me away into a nearby building. “What in the bloody hells are you doing out here all alone?”

“I… I was trying to find someplace to stay for the night.”

“Well, you almost found out what it’s like to be at the mercy of scoundrels. Thank goodness I was around. Now, come dear, let’s get you all cleaned up and a nice hot meal.” She doesn’t wait, pulling me in with her. My jaw drops as we enter a room full of people. Men sitting around tables drinking with scantily clad women dancing in their laps. Some are showing off their bosoms and others let men grope them. Disgusting.

I’m being dragged up the stairs into a side room with a wide round table and forced into a chair. They give me a bowl of delicious-smelling stew, and I don’t bother asking questions as I devour every last bite of it. The woman then drags me back to the bathroom, and I’m stripped naked and shoved in a tub of cold water. Another woman comes in and scrubs me. I cling to my delicate parts to keep them hidden from their eyes, but the woman scrubbing me doesn’t care. She just pushes my hands aside and washes my bare breasts. At least what I have for breasts. They look like molehills compared to… What did that man call her? Madame Faralene? She has a bosom that could knock a man out.

After I’m cleaned, I’m pulled out, and the woman dresses me as if I was a child. And not with decent clothes. The same kind as those women downstairs wear. Sheer stockings that only go up to my mid-thigh. Underwear, if you can call it that, that barely covers my bottom and a dress that does nothing to cover my legs. Soon, Madame Faralene comes back and inspects me. “Yes, you’ll do quite nicely.”

“Excuse me? What is going on?” I ask.

“How would you like to earn a lot of coin?” she asks.

“Coin? How much coin?” I say with my attention fully in her hands.

“Oh, more than you’d ever see in your entire lifetime, girl,” she says.

Suspicious, I narrow my eyes. “And what would I have to do to make this money?”

She smiles. “Oh, just wait on a few scoundrels. Let them have a feel or two. Give ‘em a dance. Make them feel desired. You could make a lot more coin if you take them to bed, but I won’t force anyone.”

I think it through and nod. “I’ll do it for now. But once I make enough, I’m done.”

“Fair enough,” she says with a smirk. “Now, let’s put you to work. See the table over there? Go bring em some drinks.”

I nod and head up to the bar, grab three mugs of ale, and head over to the men sitting at the far table in the corner. I place them down on the table and let out a gasp as a hand comes down hard on my bottom. My face turns to pure red as I look over at the elven man, who has a wide grin on his face as he keeps his hand on my arse. I try to brush him off, but he gives it a squeeze. I want to slap him, but I know that I shouldn’t. I pull away and thankfully he lets go as I rush back to the Madame.

“Girl, you’re going to have to do a lot better than that if you want to earn enough coin to get out of here,” she says in a flat tone as I hold myself, covering as much as I can of my exposed skin.

“You need to tempt them. Don’t give them what they want, but let them know you have it,” she says in a sultry manner. “There is far worse you could do than this line of work.” I sigh as I get back to work, serving drinks and enduring hands that are far too friendly.

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The Bound Soul: Chapter 3

Posted on August 29, 2022August 29, 2022 by Arathadmin

I walk back into my tent, and suddenly the shadows fade away, and everything becomes solid. What happened? How? Did it run out? I touch myself and feel my body. I walk over and touch my father’s letter. I can touch it. I can’t stay here. Guards are probably on their way to confiscate everything. I’m surprised the neighbors haven’t raided our stuff. I grab a bag and start packing up what I can before I dart out of the tent. I don’t know what to do. Everyone I know is gone.

Happy day of birth, Lura, you’ve lived for thirty cycles and you’re finally not a child anymore. I cry and cry on a day I should be happy. My uncle and his crew… My parents… They’re gone. They’re all gone. They paid for my deeds with their freedom. There’s nothing I can do. Maybe I can still see them if I head up to Low Town. I head to the part of the wall where there are enough indents and the joints are big enough so I can climb up it without any problem. I head to the gap in the wall and climb through.

A thought occurs to me as I drift through Low Town. Maybe if I turn myself in, they’ll at least let my parents go since they were only arrested for “Harboring a Fugitive” which is a load of rat turds. I head to the central guard post. But before I get there, I see a wagon cage carrying several elves who have been sold. My mother is among them. I rush up to it. “Mother!”

Her eyes find mine, and we reach for each other, grasping each other’s hands. “My baby. What are you doing here? You must go.”

“I’ve come to turn myself in so you and father can be freed,” I say.

“No! Don’t ever do that. It is too late for us. We’ve been sold into slavery. They will not set us free. You must be free for both of us. Go, live your life and forget about us. I love you,” my mother says, with tears streaming down her eyes. My gut clenches as the reality of the situation sinks in. My parents are going to end up as slaves because I couldn’t listen to my father. My tears are bitterly painful.

I try to keep up with the caged wagon, but I’m pushed into the dirt by a guard. “Back away from the prisoners.”

I glare at him before I get up and keep pace with my mother. “I’m so sorry, mother. It is all my fault.”

“Don’t be sorry, my love. None of this is your fault. Please, forget about us and live your life,” she says as the wagon is taken past the gates beyond my reach. I fall to my knees and cry.

I wipe the tears away and run. I run far, and as fast as I can through Low Town, and climb up the tower of the church until I reach the bell that looks out of the town. I watch through blurry tears as the wagon slowly disappears in the distance. I stay there and cry until the tears no longer come. I reach into my pocket and find the letter my father wrote.

I open the envelope and pull it out.

Lura,

My beautiful child. If you find this letter, then we are out looking for you. Just please stay. As you wait, I decided to tell you the truth. It’s a hard truth to say, but I find writing it down is far easier than speaking it out loud. My brother, Lethvelion, and I came from a once noble family named Syllana. However, we had a falling out when the noble King abdicated the throne. Our noble house stood for the Royal family; however, we were only one of few. Our family was denounced and our power stripped, along with our nobility and house. Our lands and wealth were forfeited, and we were shunned. Never trust people of authority, and have a healthy skepticism about any organization that claims to know the truth of life and what comes after. For it was those who hoarded the power and wealth, claiming that they know what is best for everyone while stripping our family of everything.

We became poor and broken. Our name was taken from us. My brother and I were so full of anger and hate that we did the only thing we knew we could; we became thieves. We stole from those who took everything from us. However, actions always have consequences. And our actions were no exceptions. We were nearly caught, however, even though we escaped punishment, our parents were not so lucky. They were arrested and enslaved. Our sister killed herself shortly after that. I was so stricken with grief and shame; I walked away. That is when I met your mother, and she saved me from my own despair. I beg you, my dear daughter. Please don’t make the same mistake I did. I don’t want to see you have to pay the same price that I paid.

Sincerely,

Your beloved father

Tanyl

Just when I thought I had no tears left the damn breaks, and my cheeks are flooded. It feels like my heart just shattered into thousands of little pieces. Why couldn’t he have told me this sooner? Now I really have repeated his mistakes. I am my father’s daughter. Because of me, the only friends and family I’ve ever known have been taken. It’s all my fault, and there’s nothing I can do about it. I should just end my life before I make things worse.

Suddenly the trap door opens up, startling me to my feet as a beautiful, golden-haired elven woman in a white robe walks up. “I thought I heard someone. Lura, why are you hiding up here?”

I look up at the beautiful shimmering blue-eyed priestess, Damaris, and wipe my tears away. “I… I lost my family, and it’s all my fault.”

She hesitates, but walks over and takes a seat on the ledge. “Why do you think it is your fault?”

“I don’t know if I should tell you,” I say, wearily.

“Child, I am a priestess of the Light. I am bound by the Light to keep whatever sins you may have committed sealed by the Light. To tell me your sins is to tell our savior, the Light. the Light never punishes honesty, and it is clear that you have already been punished for your sins. There is no reason to punish you twice,” she says. Then she looks down at the empty space beside her and pats it before she looks at me, inviting me to sit down next to her.

I take a deep breath and take the seat beside her. “I stole what I could from the pockets of others and food from the stalls to feed my family. I hung out with my uncle’s gang of thieves even though my father forbade me. And a man tried to… Well, he was kicked out of the crew, but his brother was a part of the city guard, and he brought the guard down upon my uncle. They were all arrested. They then went to my home down in Tent City and my parents… They were sold into slavery because I wasn’t there…” After all the crying I’ve done, I thought I was finally all dried up, but tears water my eyes once more. “They paid the price for my crimes and now I’m all alone. It’s all my fault.”

“Oh, my dear child,” Priestess Damaris says as she takes me in her arms and gently rubs my back. “My dear child. You have been dealt a grievous cost for such a meager sin. For that, I am sorry. I may not be able to free your family, but I can offer you a place for shelter, food, and a bed. You have felt the heavy weight of the consequences our deeds may invoke, but that does not mean it is just or fair. Even so, what is done is done. All that you can do is move forward and choose how you should live your life from now on. You still have freedom, and now it’s your responsibility to use that freedom to live a life your parents could be proud of…”

I look up at her as the tears dry up once again. “What shall I do with my life now? I have no one.”

“You have the Church of the Light. You are always welcome here, child,” she says, gently taking my face in her delicate hand. Her fingers wipe away my tears.

“What if I don’t believe?”

“No one can fault you for your beliefs, child. It is in our nature to be skeptical. No one will blame you for that. Once you see the healing Divine Light for yourself, you’ll see that it is true,” she says, gently stroking my cheek.

I just don’t know if I can join her. Where was this Light as my family and I starved? Why does the Light let so many people suffer?

“Come with me and we’ll get you cleaned up,” she says as she stands up and offers her hand. I take it, but as soon as she starts down the trapdoor, I head out of the balcony, climb down the bell tower, and run. I can’t trust anyone. Especially those of the religious sort. Father said not to trust anyone who claims to know the truths of life. They always preach and preach and preach about peace and prosperity, but how can they let all of us suffer in tents when the wealthy prosper in mansions and castles?

I run away through the streets, searching for a place to hide and rest. I head down a series of dark alleys filled with trash and homeless elves lost in the glimmer spice, trying to find a quiet spot to just sit and think.

As I turn another corner, I run head into a man and nearly fall back on my arse. The tall elven man is with several other men who all look as if they’re up to no good. They smell of strong drink and pipe smoke.

“Well, look at what we have here, a pretty face. I bet she’d be a lot of fun,” the man says with a twisted, rotten tooth smile. The others slowly circle around me. I can’t find words as my heart races in my chest. What have I gotten myself into?

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The Bound Soul: Chapter 2

Posted on August 29, 2022August 29, 2022 by Arathadmin

I head back down to the Gallows because I can’t go back home. Not after what happened. My father is a hypocrite. I head back to my uncle’s hideout. Several of the gang are still there, including Renna, her boyfriend Minpireth, and Valindra, who might be with my uncle, but I’m not quite sure what their relationship is.
Zaos, Olaurae, Larongar, and Haerzis are also there with my uncle. They’re all around a table discussing plans of some sort. As soon as they see me, my uncle steps up and walks away from the table over to me. “Kid, what are you doing here? You’re supposed to be home.”
“I got into a fight with my father. He lied to me. He’s a hypocrite on top of that. He tells me not to hang out with you and that what we do here is wrong, but he was your partner. He abandoned you,” I say, barely able to hold back tears.
“Oh, Lura. That is far from the truth. There’s a lot you don’t know. I can’t tell you everything. It’s not my place. That’s your father’s place, but him leaving wasn’t his fault. Things happened between us, and it cost us both a great deal. Your father especially. He was never the same after. He left and went on to live a more noble life. You can’t fault him for that, nor can you fault him for wanting a better life for you. This isn’t a life for you. You deserve much better,” he says. I know he’s right, but it doesn’t make me feel any better about it. “Now, I promise you this, if I ever see Phraan again, I’ll make sure he dies if he touches you a second time.”
The door slams open and shut as footsteps rush down the stairs. Delmuth and Saevel rush down. “The Order, they sent guards down to the Gallows. Phraan is with them!”
My uncle puts his hands on my shoulders. “You need to get out of here.”
Boom!
The door crashes down the stairs with smoke following. Lots of footsteps rush down the stairs as the room fills with smoke. My head hurts. I reach in my pocket for something to wipe my face with when I grab the vial. Before I realize it, I have it uncapped and on my lips. I drop it after emptying the tangy liquid down my throat.
It’s as if the room becomes all shadows. I can see everyone inside it, but I can barely hear them. It’s like an echo of a whisper. There’s a fight, but it’s not much of one, as a spell caster binds my uncle and the gang with magic.
“The girl is down here, I know it. I saw her walking. She’s mine,” Phraan says. What is he doing with the guard? They haul my uncle up. I run to him and no one stops me. But as I reach him, my hand goes right through him. What in the gods is happening?
Phraan stops the guard with my uncle. “Where is she?”
My uncle spits in his face. “I hope you end up in the ninth level of hell.”
Phraan backhands him across the face.
“Phraan! You’re not allowed to touch the prisoners,” a man with rather lopsided ears and a familiar look.
“Brother, we made a deal,” he says.
“We made no such deal,” the elf says. I can’t tell what he looks like because it’s like he’s cloaked in shadow. Everything is cloaked in shadow. What is this?
What did I drink? The soldiers bring my uncle and his gang up the stairwell. No! This can’t be happening. They can’t take my uncle away or his gang. What am I going to do? Tears fall from my eyes as I try to grasp my uncle. I can’t even touch him. My hands just go right through him as if he were pure smoke. No! They can’t take my uncle. No! I watch helplessly as they haul him and his friends away in chains. The tears fall down my eyes and hit the ground in a puff of smoke. I follow them all the way out to Tent City.
What can I do? This feels like it’s my fault. Phraan turned on my uncle because of me. If I would’ve listened to my father and stayed away, this would’ve never happened.
I go to the only place I can go, home. As I get home, I find my mother sobbing and my father trying to comfort her. “We’ll find her. I promise. We’ll get her back. Somehow. Don’t worry.”
“I’m right here!” I yell, but my words do not reach them. A scream escapes my lips. “I’m right here!”
Neither of them look up at me. My father writes a letter and puts it in an envelope, leaving it on my bed. “Just in case she comes home and we’re not here.”
“Now let’s go find our daughter before she gets hurt,” my father says.
“Don’t leave. I’m right here,” I say as I try to stop them, but they walk right through me.
“Is this the tent?” A man asks outside.
My father hobbles to the entrance to have a look. I can barely make out several of the Council’s justices standing outside. My heart goes still as I hear the voice of Phraan. “This is her tent. Remember our deal. I have a lot more information on other gangs, too.”
I rush outside, walking straight through the guards gathered. Several other elves have come out of their tents to watch as several guards pull my father and mother out. “We have a warrant for the arrest of the girl named Lura who has been seen stealing and is a known associate of Lethvelion and his outlaw gang.”
“She is not here,” my father says.
“Check the tent,” the main guard says. Two of the guards push past my mother as she walks out of our tent. I can hear them tossing things aside before they come out.
“She’s not in here,” one of them says.
The elven man giving the orders looks at my parents. “I hereby place you both under arrest for harboring a fugitive. Arrest them.”
“Leave them alone!” I scream.
I desperately try to stop them from taking my parents. No matter how hard I try, I can’t touch them. I watch helplessly as my parents are dragged away. No! What have I done?
I fall to my knees and cry. The tears won’t stop. I ruined everything. I’m so sorry, father. I’m so sorry. It’s all my fault.