03 Atavism of the Ifrit Read online

  Beauty was marred by disgust as she sensed souls being served like hors doeuvres and the first words out of her mouth were in Blook Speak that had her feeling feverish “By my command, no souls will be consumed in this room from now on. I will never allow a mistress who consumes souls to enter my master’s chambers.”

  Whatever they had expected, it wasn’t that. Hisses and outrage was voiced by a few who were instantly disapproving of the First Mistress.

  Inside her head Kyoko hurriedly said “Deal with this now before mob mentality spreads.”

  “Nelli, Xochtil, Patli.” Kanade spoke in an air of indifference.

  They spoke together in a similar tone. “Yes, Mistress?”

  “Flay open the backs of all who offend my hearin’.”

  “At once.” Together the three selected extended long claws fully and dove off the ledge causing gasps. The Balam mistresses sped through the crowd as if not there opening massive wounds in the backs of all who dared raise a voice to the First Mistress.

  Shouts turned to screams of pain moments later as three beings jumped back into the position vacated. Heads turned to find all who raised their voice on the ground deeply wounded.

  With the same calmness Kanade’s voice carried above the cries of pain. “Anyone else care to speak against me?” The mood sobered and order reestablished. “Good. Now ya’ll listen good. Things will change or ya’ll can go back to wherever ya’ll come from. Offend me again and ya’ll can only hope I don’t tell my guards to kill. Respect me and we’ll get along just fine. If you can’t give up souls, I’ll not let any of you in here ever again. Is that clear?” Some gave a grunt of acknowledgement while most listened. “This place is made mostly for me and will return to how it was. I’ll make another room for ya’ll who can’t control yourselves. Only the finest will be allowed in this room. Soul eaters are banned henceforth.” This time the only noise came from those still writhing.

  Kanade stepped forward and her guards matched it, always in sync. “Ya’ll know why I’m here.” The change had some eager looking at her again. “So far I have one mistress under me. I’m lookin’ for more.” Attention was riveted solely on her again, even those with open wounds fought to listen and hope to get a chance at mating with the new prince. “I’m lookin’ for certain attributes that will align with my own ideals. Seers have foretold there to be eight mistresses in six months time.” This unexpected news was most welcome, it meant chances went up.

  “This leaves four more available slots open.”

  Ethan saw in Kanade’s memory as she had walked to the Mistress hall she’s already contacted Gaia and Sarimee who both were eager to return to Demon World and were in the process of coming, promising to all Kanade’s conditions to become mistresses Three and Four.

  “The king’s Seers foresaw a Lamia, Arachne, Siren and Dragewete followin’ me. I haven’t time to get to know all of ya’ll for the moment so all races not spoken of in the Monks’ vision, step off the courtyard and see to it the souls are returned to Spirit World. Balam,” the roomful of round feline ears perked. “kill any you see covetin’ souls or devourin’ secretly within this room.” Chins dropped in a nod at the clear order.

  Kanade couldn’t mandate all in the king’s domain to give up souls. It was impractical and otherwise impossible. Demons who never learned love, true love were hardwired to consume souls. It was like leaving a child in a candy store and telling him to eat celery and leave him alone to his own vices. But in this vast hall she was queen bee and could do as she wished.

  Demoness’ not in the species spoken of began leaving only marginally crestfallen. Others were downright mad with impotence their leisurely lifestyle was ruined, but the commands were clear. No one ate another delectable soul and risk a Balam’s claws.

  Many addicted to souls would never again enter the royal mistress hall.

  Kanade had drastically cut the crowd’s numbers and saw clearly those remaining would give up souls for a chance to become a mistress to the future king. Sadly the number of royal caste Demoness’ standing on the white marble courtyard splattered here and there with fresh blood still numbered roughly five thousand and Kanade also knew not all eligible females were present.

  Word would spread.

  Internally Kanade had sighed when Gaia and Sarimee were eager to become part of the family. It reduced numbers further. Sarimee the Kitsune was reluctant, but knew she’d not get in any other way.

  Snakes, spiders and fish outnumbered small reptiles by a wide margin. Kanade looked at the Dragewete’s and immediately noticed that there were only fifty three and they were slightly different in shape, but also color. Kanade never saw emerald green dragons before, but they were. Their horns were curled forward more like a bull’s, black as obsidian and had a luster few had seen before. And they were all much more powerful than Kanade. It meant they were nearly as ancient as the king himself.

  This prompted Kanade to ask “Dragewetes’, are there others of your race comin’?”

  Bones loudly cracked and muscles shifted as one changed before their very eyes. Talons transformed into slightly curved claws upon demure fingers. Her long neck shortened considerably along with a reptilian tail and leathery wings folded lazily along her side. A barreled chest flattened and beneath a pearly white underbelly muscles rearranged into a full set of soft, covered breasts without a mammalian nipple. Her muzzle shrunk into more of a human-ish face. Striking slit green eyes peered around as she pushed herself off all fours and into a standing position. Even her smooth black horns framed a lovely heart shaped face. She was striking with soft, pliable green scales, but was still highly attractive in a feminine aspect. It took roughly ten seconds to shift from a sixty two foot long Dragon and into a twenty five foot tall woman.

  Behind followed the fifty two others as the first spoke in Blood Speak. “No, First Mistress, we are all that remain of our race aside from three males who remain behind guarding our den.”

  Kanade said “Then I would like to speak to all of you since my time is short. The rest may leave for now.”

  As soon as the floor was cleared Kanade gestured for them to come up so leathery wings opened and lifted sturdy bodies with ease to eventually land kneeling one after another to the First Mistress. “Rise.” They did. Each one was large, pretty and rather fierce looking yet not in a disconcerting manner. They ranged between twenty to twenty eight feet tall and were almost as military oriented as Balam by how rigidly they stood still. “I’m forewarnin’ I’m not goin’ to choose any of ya’ll today.”

  Another spoke in Blood Speak though Kanade couldn’t tell whom. She was thankful for Panther’s help in learning the subtle and complex language. That and her man’s blood for letting her speak it. “We expect nothing less. Your predecessor as well never selected a mistress without full understanding there would be no threat to her position.”

  “Then you know if you have anythin’ to hide from me, you will be dismissed?”

  “We do.” Another voiced, who was unknown.

  “Then open yourselves to me.” Kanade then found their barriers drop for her alone. She found that although any one of the Dragewetes’ could kill her physically and melt her to a puddle of mush by acid spit, but their minds weren’t a match for hers. She delved into all without really trying, absorbing who they are, their ideals, aspirations and ethics. Every single one were warriors who were capable of great devastation and had been in countless life and death situations. Some relished in destruction. Of those she mentally said “I’m sorry, you may leave.” to nine right off as they were too hostile and old to ever change. They had no intention of staying anyway, but came at the king’s request. The nine dismissed, stepped of the pedestal and changed back to Dragon form on the fly.

  Remaining Dragewetes had protective, maternal and gentle personalities considering their nature. She also discovered why they were so few. They went into heat only once every three centuries and could have only one young who often didn’t survive since it
took five millennia to fully mature. During that time a female’s heat cycle would be suppressed if they cared for young.

  Ethan was surprised by all she had learned so fast and already narrowed down the numbers to twelve, minutes before the king’s hunger shook the land. Unlike normal Dragons or Ice Dragons, Dragewetes’ had an acid gland in their mouth that melted basically anything spewed upon and they all commanded great quantities of magic. Not a single one was under ten million years either. Those not sent home to the Windswept Mountains had known love, didn’t eat souls often except in defense and honestly wanted to join the highest royal Mistress ranks at any cost. Kanade still had a long way to go and wouldn’t rush it, but she was flattered and a bit curious sexually though they didn’t get a rise in her due to not having her man’s underlying scent.

  “She did amazingly, Ethan-sama.” Kyoko said privately, following along the rundown too. “I worried her nature would be seen and exploited, but she handled it better than my aunt could when I once listened from the same floor.”

  “Thanks to you, Sweetheart. I couldn’t have done it without all your lessons.” Crooned Kanade and mentally promised an orgasmic reward later. Kyoko winked.

  All this happened in under a second and Ethan watched Reevy look over Blake to find him unharmed. Satisfied, she relaxed the minor tension between her shoulders. Even the team was happy both came back alive and well.

  “Villiken.” Ordered Ethan and the Elf stepped forward ready and waiting. “I’ve had a hell of a day. Get everyone safely to their rooms.”

  “Right away, Master.” The large group outside the vast diamond palace vanished into their respective rooms.

  Hooves landed on melted granite outside the two story dwelling. Before visually scanning Ethan sent a pointed probe due east to find Ellen talking to Blake with everyone already safe in their room while Kira effortlessly lifted Dressor and was taking him to the lone castle she and Baldr claimed as their place of residence. Panther and the Six loves of his life were already lounging on hot rocks in their room, content as any cat can be though it had been a few seconds since the transfer. They knew when to relax and didn’t bother wasting time in doing so. Sighing that the team was safe he looked and saw all the supplies were carefully placed in the cave adjacent to the house. Kyoko stretched her arms over her head and groaned in relief before letting loose. Kanade beside her claimed the Yuki-onna’s hand to say “Movie time, Sweetheart. You promised.”

  Kyoko smiled in a way that said ‘I spoil you rotten and wouldn’t have you any other way.’ “What do you have in mind?”

  “Nineteen seventy eight’s Superman with Christopher Reeves! I haven’t watched it since I was fifteen.” She gushed.

  “It wouldn’t have anything to do with Ethan-sama’s first impression of the palace would it?” Kyoko wondered as she glanced at the three Elves waiting to be dismissed.

  “Maaayyybeee” She drawled out.

  “Mistresses, will you require anything from us if you plan to retire for the evening?” Amandale inquired to the two giant women of unsurpassed beauty.

  Kanade took on a speculative expression. “Did you stock my fridge like I asked?”

  “Of course, Mistress.” Amandale partially bowed. “I chose the finest fruits, vegetables, unfertilized eggs and delectable meats our land has to offer. I also took the liberty of also supplying perfectly aged mead from my son’s vast stock along with an assortment of wines from sweet to dry.”

  “How thoughtful. Then yes, you may be dismissed.” Amandale smiled at the praise, bowed and looked toward her mate.

  “You may rest as well, Dallare-chan.” Kyoko told her minion.

  “My thanks, Mistress. If you need me, know I’m going to the brothels and will buy myself a well hung male for this evening.”

  “Do not forget to return four hours before our next appointment with the king for fittings with the Arachne seamstresses, both of you.” Her addition had Amandale and Dallare bowing.

  “And what of me, Master?” Villiken asked.

  “I’ll need a few more minutes of your time.” Ethan said while rapidly organizing an idea. The Elf seemed eager to please despite his placid expression. Like a well trained Golden Retriever ready to chase a tennis ball. “Bring me an assortment of the straightest staffs of varying thicknesses from what you might use all the way to a tree trunk thick along with softball size spheres to beach balls. Make each one a pair actually.”

  “Beach balls? Softball? I know not these items. I’ve only known the palace and my time in the Dark Elvin Forests homeland.”

  “Oh, well then here.” Ethan gave the mental images to his aid.

  “My thanks, Master. I will return soon.”

  “May I help him, Mistress Kanade?” Amandale timidly asked.

  “You do not need my permission to help your man under my man’s orders.” Kanade waved her off with a free hand.

  Amandale beamed, took her mate’s hand and they vanished. Dallare was already on the hunt for some action in the nearest expensive brothel.

  “Alone at last!” Sighed Kanade, lowering the regal air seeming to cloak her body and weigh her down.

  “You need any help, Ethan-sama?”

  “No,” He said while walking towards the cave. “you two go unwind. I’m going to be busy for a little while.”

  “Let us know if you change your mind, Darlin’.” Kanade said and both she and Kyoko effortlessly jumped from the ground to the second floor balcony and headed inside to spend even more time together.

  Ethan though opened up the gaping maw of a front door to his shop to begin physically carrying in all the supplies. Firstly he hefted the huge casks of filtered oils and placed them by the quenching buckets before carting the crates of Dragon bone coal which he ripped open a lid and dumped it all in a brick layered coal-box. Three more crates filled the empty space up to the brim.

  Long, cut cords of wood would take three men to carry, but Ethan held them in one hand to feed the forge and get it ready. It wasn’t thousand year oak like he was used to, but Celestia told him this new wood was better. It was indeed different in that it didn’t catch right away though it was perfectly dry, but after a few hours in the forge it eventually began to burn a dark blue and would do so for days. Ethan would soon realize just how much Celesatia understated the efficiency and ideal forging it could produce.

  While waiting for it to catch though Ethan was busy bringing in the palates of metal ingots weighing hundreds of tons and yet were weightless in his grasp. Honeycombed in the far wall were large square holes deep enough for his arm which were filled specifically with certain metals, placed exactly as Celestia had them in her own shop. He was familiar with her organization methods and mirrored it almost identically. His shop was just placed a bit differently and resized to his scale.

  By the time he finished placing the last ingot of platinum on its shelf the remarkable wood had caught fire and burned with light blue hues and smelled a lot like hickory and cedar blended together.

  Checking the large, old fashioned scales that would precisely measure weight there came a small male voice “Master, I return.”

  Voice void of emotion Ethan asked “What took so long, Villiken? I’ve been waiting for a half hour. I thought you’d be faster.”

  “Forgive me, Master.”

  Ethan waited for an excuse. When one didn’t come he turned to find not only Villiken, but Amandale kneeling deep and looked only at the ground just inside the door. Right outside waited all he requested. It took a moment to realize they thought he was going to kill them for being late and would not defend themselves, not even by explaining, without permission to speak. To ease the uncomfortable silence he said “Well? Speak. Why the holdup?”

  Villiken stayed rooted in place, still not looking up as he said “The staffs were readily available in the armory, but the spheres were not. Especially the largest three. They had to be made. Wood was the quickest a Kitsune could grow, but I’ve got one of our smiths on standb
y to make a metal one or have a jeweler cut one…”

  “Wood will be fine. It will just be used to make a blank mold. As long as the spheres are completely smooth… are they?”

  “Yes, Master. Amandale may be small, but her delicate sense of touch found not one rough bur. She said everything is smooth as glass.”

  “Fair enough. Amandale, go call off the extra orders and turn in. I’ll be needing your mate for awhile longer.” She vanished. “Villiken, stand up.” He did, eyes still downcast. “Look at me and make sure your pointy ears listen good.” The Elf complied. “In this chamber I do not want you to bow to me anymore. When I’m not with my women or doing what is needed of me I’ll be in here. To help me, and yourself by extension, I’ll need you to understand what I need and what I do not so you don’t mess up my orders. To do that I’m going to show you a few processes in blacksmithing. I trained under the Phoenix Celestia and am also considered a Forgemaster.”

  “Quite an astounding achievement, Master. I’ve heard of that Phoenix’s reputation in making weapons without peer.” Villiken was in awe. He may not have known earthly creations, but his eidetic memory recalled the Phoenix vividly.

  “Yes, she was a hard-ass to the extreme, but she is the best for good reason.” He gestured to the wall behind the workbench. “As you can see she gave me her old blanks, but right now I need to make some for my new size and those I’m going to personally arm. And you are going to help me on the vow to never speak of what I’ll be showing you. No one.”

  “Master, the iron…” Villiken worried as his beady eyes glanced to it.

  “I know it burns you like acid, but you’ve got magic to levitate should I ask.”

  The Elf sighed in relief that he would not be punished by touching the one weakness his people shared. “When do we get started, Master?”

  “Right now.” Ethan drew the dagger-like sword from his lower back, easily stepped over his aid and outside to see what had been gathered. Everything was made of hard, dark wood that had a glossy sheen of smoothness, almost as if they were coated in clear varnish. The quarterstaffs had varied lengths and thicknesses and were ordered from a woman’s small thickness to thicker than his own broad chest. The thickest one looked to be good in the hands of a Titan. In all there were sixty one laid out staffs. The balls were also lined up from softball to beach ball, lined up smallest to largest, making nine kinds sphere pairs, totaling eighteen. “Not bad, Villiken. These will make for excellent blanks.”