Combat Healer Ch. 13

February 27, 2022

NOTE: I’m posting another bonus chapter of Combat Healer today (Aug 14) to make up for the few months when I didn’t release any of that story (and that will likely be the last bonus chapter for a while, for real this time).

That of course means I just posted the next chapter of Innocent Devil's Harem too.

ALSO: Next week will be the next chapter of Combat Healer (no IDH). However, after that, I will likely resume posting mostly Innocent Devil’s Harem, with only the occasional Combat Healer chapter, roughly 1 per every 3 chapters of IDH, like I was doing before.

LAST CHAPTER 12 (Feb 27, 2022): I tried to address some of the concerns you guys had. Really only changed two parts:

1) the last handful of paragraphs are different, to explain why Sylvia was okay with the oral, and 2) an explanation was added earlier for why Eliza was okay with taking their time (just search ‘our time’ to find that line).

ARTWORK: The art for Gabriella is available, so definitely check it out (please note that the image is for personal enjoyment, not to be posted elsewhere).

The Serenity picture I posted is her in a 'Latex Police Girl' outfit (very hot).

<< Chapter 12 | Chapter 1

- CHAPTER 13: Departure -

Present Day

A young Oni woman with rosy skin and white hair, along with her blonde Holstaur companion with tan skin and envious proportions, together walked through the upstairs hallways with trays of dinner in their grasps, intending on delivering food to the elf sisters who barely survived an encounter with a true monster.

The same monster that Mel suspected her Healer boyfriend would be sent to help subdue, since he’d saved the youngers sister’s life, Celestine, by learning a new Spell to cure her of the incurable liquifying she’d been suffering.

Mel knew her man was capable, but she just wished she could go with him.

As did Val, the busty half-Holstaur girl who had been betrothed to her man nearly a year ago.

Downstairs in the Guild canteen, it was quite lively now, between all the rumors circulating around, as well as due to the arrival of an unusual woman, who had as many speaking about her as they were about the events of the day.

The young woman was a Songstress, currently entertaining many who were sitting down for dinner by singing enthralling songs on the stage, as a warmup to her more engaging tales. However, what was so unusual about her was the fact that she had mauve skin a few shades lighter than Val’s purple eyes, coupled with vibrant pink eyes.

Yet she wasn’t an Oni, was as short as a human, and was rumored to have the pointy ears of an elf.

Mel didn’t know what to think of her, but was much more focused on delivering dinner to the sisters and eating with them.

Given that the pair of sister scouts, both of whom had chestnut hair, deeply tan skin, and bright blue eyes, were honored guests of the Guild, as instructed by the Head of the Guard and agreed upon by the Guild Master’s receptionist, the meals were on the house, including their own.

Nodding toward the male Elf Guard as Mel approached, she paused briefly as he opened the door for her, before stepping inside to find the sisters still on the bed.

Celestine still appeared shaken, her arms wrapped around her knees, her blue eyes vacant, being fully healed from her torment, but vividly recalling both the attack and the excruciating pain she suffered prior to falling unconscious.

As she described it, being bitten felt like being injected with a fire that immediately began melting her insides. And given what Mel knew of the monster’s appearance, and knowing that part of its horror was its habit to wear its victim’s skin, she knew that what the younger sister claimed was far from an exaggeration.

The older sister, Astaer, continued to sit with her arms wrapped around the younger one, gently rubbing her upper arm with her hand as she softly sang an unfamiliar lullaby in elvish.

Astaer focused up at Mel and Val as they entered the room.

“Thank you,” she said automatically. “Maybe some food will help her.”

“I’m…I’m not hungry,” Celestine whispered.

“Please eat,” Astaer said gently. “I’ll have to leave soon, and I do not wish to return, only to find that you’ve starved yourself.”

Celestine winced at that. “I’ll go too,” she said almost inaudibly.

“What?” Astaer said in surprise.

Celestine gritted her teeth. “I will not allow you to face that demon alone. I will go too.”

Astaer sighed heavily. “I doubt the Queen will allow it, dear sister. You’re not fit to return to your duties. Even if your body is healed, your mind suffers.”

Celestine winced, almost looking like she was about to cry, before she abruptly let go of her legs and began to scoot to the edge of the bed. “Then I’ll show her that I am fit for duty.” She focused on Mel. “Please hand me my meal. I’ll eat.”

“Umm, sure,” Mel said hesitantly, setting the tray on her boyfriend’s desk and then grabbing a bowl of hearty soup. “Maybe you can try this,” she offered, handing the bowl to the younger sister.

Celestine’s hands trembled as she accepted it, but she held fast and lowered it to her lap, grabbing the wooden spoon to begin working on her first bite. Astaer got up and grabbed a plate for herself, turning to face Mel and Val as they likewise grabbed their food, only for the tall brunette elf to sit down on the floor.

Mel and Val both took her cue, and sat on the floor as well, their legs crossed.

Glancing at Val’s thighs, Mel was actually surprised by how toned the blonde-Holstaur was, realizing she didn’t actually have very much fat on her, despite her envious proportions. Sure, her tits were massive compared to even Oni standards, but her waist was so thin, nearly thinner than Mel’s, while having sturdy hips that were far wider, coupled with thick thighs that actually made Mel’s look normal sized, even though she knew her muscular red thighs were thicker than average.

Then again, she was half-Holstaur, so she supposed she shouldn’t be so surprised.

She then focused on Astaer, noting how she was very tall, but also very thin, almost having no chest at all, with her younger sister, Celestine, having a slightly larger bust, but also being a tad shorter. Both of them were still very skinny though, and a few inches taller.

And beautiful.

Mel kind of wanted to watch, when these sisters showed their appreciation to her boyfriend, feeling confident their wild beauty would make him extremely flustered and overwhelmed. Especially if they expressed their gratitude at the same time.

At the very least, they both seemed experienced and very confident in their attractiveness, appearing to have no doubts that Mel’s boyfriend would take them up on their offer.

Which wasn’t really too surprising to Mel, given the lives they led.

She suspected that living in the wilderness didn’t mean they had no sex lives, with it being very likely that they fucked anyone they came across, while on their duties, sharing in a quick intimacy, and then going on their way.

In particular, Astaer especially seemed like she was very familiar with seduction.

A kind of seduction that resonated in her every gesture.

Needless to say, the way Mel had seen Astaer rest her hand gently on the guard’s shoulder while speaking to him, while simultaneously not seeming interested in the elf, implied that the brunette was generally flirtatious with everyone, as if preparing every man to be ready to bed her if she desired.

Then again, it was possible Celestine was the same way, and only wasn’t showing it due to her trauma.

Astaer had just begun asking Val questions about her family, growth, and Focus, almost seeming as if she’d heard about the half-Holstaur before, when there was unexpectedly a knock on the door.

“Come in,” Astaer said simply, knowing it must be the Elf Guard, since he would have chased someone else off.

However, the door opened, revealing two people, this second man also dressed in uniform, but having a serious expression.

“Astaer Rootkin,” he said firmly. “Orders from the Queen.”

The older sister immediately set her plate down and rose to her feet, standing at attention.

The man continued. “You are to recruit Melantha Murta’rahg and Valshia Kumrahg, and report to the southwestern stables within half an hour. The Queen will join you personally in this assault on the Arakna’cabra, along with the human Healer, Allister Rosengard.”

“What?” Astaer said in alarm. “The Queen is coming?”

“It’s too dangerous!” Celestine retorted.

“These are the Queen's orders,” the guy said simply.

Celestine abruptly stood up, bowl still in hands. “Are you to return to the castle?” she asked the man.

His expression softened. “Why? Do you need me to deliver a message?” he wondered, sounding much more relaxed as he spoke to the younger sister.

“Yes, please tell the Queen I am fit for duty, and wish to accompany both her and my sister on this assault. Please emphasize that I am fully healed, and absolutely determined.”

He hesitated, almost seeming concerned for her, before sighing under the weight of her bright blue gaze.

“Very well, I will do as you wish, Celestine.”

“Thank you,” she said gently. “Now please go. I must eat and prepare.”

He nodded, turning around and leaving, with the other guard closing the door for them.

“What just happened?” Val said in confusion, even as the two still seated focused on Astaer.

The older brunette immediately explained. “You’re being recruited for the assault team. We are to join the Queen and your betrothed, and together defeat the demon.”

Despite the implied danger, Mel was both relieved and excited.

“Thank the heavens,” she whispered, only to focus on the busty Holstaur. “Looks like you shall get your wish. We will reunite with our man and fight by his side in battle.”

Val sighed in obvious relief. “Thank goodness. I am so happy to finally be useful to my betrothed.”

Mel smirked, raising her plate to resume her meal, so that they might soon be off, finally reunited with their man after a few tense hours.

* * *

After spending a shockingly intimate time with both the Queen and her female lover, Sylvia, I was sent off to wait at the southwestern stables in preparation to leave the city, where an excessive number of carriages and wagons had been prepared for the Queen to choose from. Of course, I kind of wanted to stay with Queen Eliza, especially after discovering who she truly was, but I knew it was important that our relationship remain a secret for now, and it would not be appropriate for me to wait outside her chambers while she changed into an outfit more suited for travel and battle.

Similarly, Sylvia, the tall blond elf with icy blue eyes and magic to compliment, departed the castle to likewise prepare for this journey she’d been invited on. One where she would fight side-by-side with her Queen to defend the entire continent against the rapidly reproducing demon known as Arakna’cabra, or also commonly as Flesh Collectors.

From my basic understanding, the plan was to travel at full speed to the nearest outpost village, where fresh horses would be waiting for us, and then do the same through the night to the next outpost location, where we would again get fresh horses.

By morning, after having traveled around the western side of the lake and heading northeast, since traveling to the east of the lake wouldn’t be possible due to the wide river used for trade, we would reach the final outpost village and begin our search for the Arakna’cabra further north, using the wagon as far as we could, before resuming on foot.

Astaer would be our guide, but to ensure she was able to get some sleep during the night, the Queen indicated that either she, or Sylvia, would take the reigns for a portion of the night. Given that Queen Eliza and I had been forced to survive a Dungeon when we were younger while under constant threat of assault, I was well aware that she could function perfectly fine with little sleep.

After all, we’d both been forced to recover with only short naps at all hours of the day, rather than long stretches of sleep like normal people.

Of course, I slept normally now, but there had been a few times in a Dungeon, with my current Remnant team, that I’d woken up after only fifteen or twenty minutes, feeling both alert and refreshed, despite the lack of sleep.

When I arrived at the stables, escorted by a couple of Elf Guards, I took my time inspecting the horses they’d picked out with my Eye of the Goddess skill, since they also had attributes and such. Unsurprisingly, they were all strong and had high endurance, with each pair of Percheron being capable of hauling a wagon or carriage very quickly along the stone roads.

Unlike the Adrennais, which were usually brown and much more muscular, the Percheron were a bit leaner and typically had a grayish coat with a bunch of white spots, much like someone with excessive freckles. To the point that they often looked white from a distance, and were usually a signal of royalty.

Which meant, people who didn’t know the Queen was with us would at least assume that we were on a special mission. And with a runner having already been sent to the first outpost, another runner to soon reach the second outpost in preparation for us, they would know immediately that the team tasked with dealing with the emergency had arrived.

But most importantly, the most valuable characteristic of the Percheron was that they had night vision like elves, allowing us to travel through the concealment of darkness, the moon our only light.

I already knew that Mel, Val, and Astaer had been sent for, so I wasn’t surprised when they finally showed up, with my sexy Oni girlfriend riding with the brunette elf, her long midnight staff in one hand while she held on with her other arm, while the busty blonde Holstaur rode a horse by herself, seeming very familiar with the act.

Made sense, considering she’d lived on a farm all her life.

However, what I didn’t expect was for there to be a third horse just behind them, the younger elf scout Celestine riding with them, seeming especially determined, but in a ‘I’m trying to be brave in the face of death’ kind of way.

They also brought with them a bunch of Essence Crystals, with Mel, Val, and Celestine all having packs on their shoulders. Normally, it was more economical to avoid using such Crystals for battle, instead making due with one’s own natural storage and regeneration of the magical energy -- though many Mages kept a few on them -- but in this case they were obviously meant for me, since my lifesaving spell Divine Restoration required so much essence to use just once.

When everyone dismounted, Mel came right over to give me a hug -- black staff in hand, my slingshot in her bag -- while Val held back a little, seeming uncertain of what she should do in this situation. Similarly, Astaer, who was the only one without a pack, immediately focused on the horses and began going through them, with the creatures noticeably reacting to her as they silently communicated with each.

As was the skill of a Beast Master.

Alternatively, the younger sister, who was still taller than me by about an inch even though I was tall for a human, hesitantly walked over to me and then held out both of her hands. Uncertain of what she wanted, I accepted them, meeting her deep blue gaze, starkly contrasted against her dark tan and even darker hair, neither one of us saying anything.

She was a tiny bit shorter than her older sister, still just as thin, but I noticed that she was a bit fuller in the chest, though still small compared to the average human woman. Tall and lanky was the figure of the average elf, even when they had quite a bit of muscle on them.

Certainly, both sister scouts were strong and capable, but they definitely had feminine figures, their hips proportionally wide but that girth somewhat eclipsed compared to the length of their long legs and torso. The most noticeable difference between them was that Celestine had a slightly rounder face, which made her look quite a bit younger than her older sister, who had the more common chiseled oval face.

They both were dressed in brown leather pants, coupled with tan tunic shirts that hugged them loosely everywhere except their chest, the material thin enough to reveal their gentle mounds, a sort of raw sexuality to their appearances and lack of undergarments.

Finally, Celestine closed her blue eyes and took a long deep breath, blowing it in my face, her scent smelling strongly of honey, as the tension in her slim shoulders released.

She then focused on me, her tone full of affection and appreciation. “Thank you, Allister Rosengard, for trying so hard to save me, even when others quickly gave up. While at your Guild, my sensitive ears heard the disgruntled complaints of a few, revealing just how selfish they are and how selfless you are. I would be dead if not for you. And while what happened haunts me, I am alive and well because of your deeds. I can never fully repay you for overcoming the impossible and for saving my life. Nevertheless, I shall spend the rest of my life trying.”

I attempted to swallow, keeping my expression even.

“You’re welcome, Celestine. And just so you know, I would not have stopped attempting to heal you until your very last breath, even if that meant trying for days.”

She gave me a warm smile. “I’m afraid I would not have survived that long, but I sincerely appreciate what you are saying.” She squeezed my hands tighter. “As I said, I will not stop trying to repay you.”

I gave her a small smile, my Eye of the Goddess finally working enough for me to realize that she was suffering from moderate Trauma, which was something I happened to have a spell for, since this wasn’t the first time I’d run into it.

Of course, I wasn’t too surprised that another ailment had appeared after healing the first two with Divine Restoration, since Trauma was especially one that showed up the moment someone became conscious after experiencing an especially gruesome injury.

In this case, my Trauma spell couldn’t yet handle the severe version, and might never be able to, but I’d actually never seen anyone with severe trauma.

Even when I would have assumed a person had the severe version, the ailment ended up being moderate.

I decided to ‘silent cast’ it right away.

Heal Ailment, Trauma.

Unexpectedly, Celestine’s bright blue eyes, sharply contrasted against her deeply tan skin, widened in sincere shock.

“Oh my God,” she whispered in alarm. “Did you…” Her voice trailed off.

I simply nodded once.

“It feels distant now,” she continued quietly, her body relaxing fully. “I still remember it, but the fear…it no longer plagues me like only moments ago.”

“You’re welcome,” I whispered affectionately, still holding her warm tan hands.

The look in her deep blue eyes grew intense and longing, with her leaning forward just slightly as if she was about to plant a deep intimate kiss.

“Hey sis,” Astaer unexpectedly called out, causing us both to look over at her as she gently rubbed the side of a Percheron’s long face. “I’m really sorry to interrupt, but can you come talk to this guy? He’s giving me a hard time.”

“Oh,” Celestine said in surprise. “Of course.” She then gave my hands one last squeeze, along with an endearing and appreciative look, and then walked her tall sinewy body over to the steed. Apparently, whatever was wrong with the horse ended up being hilarious to both women, the two of them bursting into a fit of unrestrained giggles, only for Celestine to apologize out loud to him.

Astaer then went over to one of the guards and quietly requested that the horse pairing be switched up, since she wanted to take that particular wagon, but not that particular horse. Astaer and Celestine then began loading supplies into the back, including a couple of bows and quivers along with provisions for us to use on our hopefully short journey.

Not long after, the other team showed up too, since the rest of us were technically early, and quick introductions were made, though it was cut off by both Sylvia and Queen Eliza arriving at the same time.

The blonde Sylvia was of course a Mage, preferring to wear lighter colors, so I wasn’t too surprised to see her in a white leather dress that hugged her tall body like a glove, coupled with a rich blue silk cloak, considering it was pretty standard attire as a sort of uniform for those who wielded elemental magic.

Honestly, it was fairly similar to the outfit that Shel wore, though the slit in the side didn’t nearly go as high on Sylvia, only revealing up to the middle of her toned pale thigh. Of course, leather was very common attire in general, simply because it held up better in the wilderness, with cloth easily being torn in battle.

Nevertheless, I still had to force myself to not gawk for two reasons.

First, because I could vividly recall watching her eat out the Queen not long ago, and I could similarly remember how the tall blonde’s pussy felt against my mouth when Eliza proceeded to have me eat her out while the two women kissed.

And then second, it was because I’d never been afforded the chance to really appreciate her figure openly before, feeling like I was always just one wrong glance away from being frozen to death by her ice magic. But now that such a dramatic shift had occurred in our relationship -- and that one of the reasons why she previously didn’t like me was simply because I was a reminder of what she believed to be a failure on her part to find Eliza’s beloved -- now I really wanted to finally look upon the beautiful blonde woman and appreciate her figure.

Her chest was only slightly above average for an elf, but in that outfit, her cleavage was milky smooth swells that were in perfect proportion to her delicate shoulders, bony hips, and long legs.

I had no idea if she’d ever let me have normal sex with her, or let me eat her out without Eliza’s involvement, but the idea of her wrapping herself around me as she sat impaled on my cock really turned me on.

But then there was the Queen.

My beloved.

She preferred darker colors that complimented her black hair, causing her pale skin and vibrant purple eyes to really pop. While previously, she’d been wearing a fancy black silk dress, she was now dressed in smooth leather pants and a rich purple tunic that was partially hidden underneath a black leather top that would have revealed quite a bit a skin if not for the dark wine-hued fabric.

Honestly, while of a different design, Eliza’s leather top was quite similar to Mel’s top, except that it appeared as if the straps that held the Queen’s full breasts in place actually wrapped around her neck, with a single strap going down her back, as opposed to only going over her shoulders.

Both Queen Eliza and Sylvia wore Catalyst Bracelets on each wrist, which were silver with an embedded blue crystal, being one of the more expensive weapon options for mages, as compared to a more unrefined staff.

And the moment the two women arrived, Queen Eliza immediately made it clear that she was ready to go. She first proclaimed that she would not be traveling in comfort in a carriage, and that each group was to take one wagon, only to address the other team, calling out their names individually before proclaiming her instructions.

We were against a fearsome demon, and while she was confident in their abilities, she did not want to risk even one life.

Thus, they would locate the second Flesh Collector, but wait to attack unless the situation was overly dire. She left that particular decision in the hands of the other team leader, one of the Fire Specialists, but made a point to emphasize that the Mage’s decisions would be scrutinized afterward, especially if there was loss of life.

“I know you’ve sworn to protect our people, but if any of you should perish, then all may be lost. Do not take an unnecessary risk. Wait for us, unless you truly find it necessary.”

“As you command,” the female Fire Specialist replied with a bow.

Queen Eliza then turned to us, examining Mel and Val briefly, before focusing on Astaer to ask if she’d chosen a wagon and horse pair for us to take. When the brunette elf indicated she had, and that the supplies were also ready, including food rations, everyone was instructed to get in, with the Queen finally turning to Celestine.

“You are certain that you are ready to return to duty?” Eliza asked seriously.

Celestine immediately knelt down on one knee, bowing her head with her hand over her heart. “Yes, my Queen, and I would sooner face death again, rather than see either you or my sister perish.”

“Very well,” Eliza replied simply. “Then you’ll trade off with your sister in the middle of the night, so she can rest.”

Celestine’s tone was full of appreciation. “As you wish, my Queen.”

In the meantime, I was just about to be the first one to climb into the back of the covered wagon, a little surprised this one didn’t have benches on the sides, only for Sylvia to be right behind me in her white leather outfit and silk blue cloak, practically shoving me firmly toward the cart, only to climb in right after me.

Literally, within a matter of seconds, she was forcing me on my ass toward the driver’s bench, and then she was right beside me, seeming to get comfortable by bending her knees and laying her legs to the side, so that she could sit without exposing herself, even as she readjusted the skirt portion of her white leather dress.

There was a bag of supplies against my left side, so I leaned into that to get comfortable, even as Sylvia pressed even more into me, to the point that even a stranger would assume we must be very comfortable together…

Needless to say, both Mel and Val seemed a little confused as they got in, with Mel moving to sit across from me, while Val sat next to her, only for Queen Eliza to finally climb in and sit next to Sylvia toward the back, crossing her legs and leaning into the wooden side to get comfortable.

Astaer had already climbed onto the front seat, with Celestine climbing up to join her, the space being just wide enough for two people.

And then we were off, exiting the stables and following the other team’s wagon through the streets, heading for the southwestern gate, so we could travel around the western side of the lake in the north and then begin heading northeast.

Given that the massive Shrill river on the eastern side of the lake connected to the sea, and was thus used as a passage for trade, a bridge had never been built, to allow for large ships to pass through, which meant going east to get to our destination wasn’t an option.

Much to my surprise, there was actually a bit of a crowd once we got closer to the southern gate, with there being an entire line of mounted guards once we exited the city walls, all of them lined up as they showed respect to their Queen and the teams being sent out to defend the entire kingdom from this threat.

It was actually pretty encouraging to hear the people cheering for us.

As a Scourge Suppressor, where it was just a normal part of the job to defeat Scourge Beasts, I wasn’t used to feeling like I was being celebrated.

The sun was just beginning to set on the horizon, being toward the beginning of summer, and the skies were rich with orange and pink hues.

It wasn’t until we got a bit down the stone road that Celestine finally turned around, asking if Mel and Val could scoot over, and then climbed in back with us, now sitting in front of me. Unsurprisingly, she focused on me briefly, but then quickly shifted her gaze to Sylvia and Queen Eliza, the former of which still wasn’t even being shy about the fact that she was leaned heavily into me, the tall blonde supporting most of her weight on her own left hand, but still pressed right into my shoulder as if she couldn’t be more comfortable with the contact.

Eliza finally spoke up then, formerly introducing herself to Mel and Val as their Queen, and then beginning to inquire about them, starting with basic stuff like the spells they could use, as well as their experience in battle, only to explain the basics of what we were up against and what type of magic would defeat it.

“Melantha, your most basic fireball spell will likely be very important to defeating the Arakna’cabra. How many can you create at once, and how fast can you shoot them?”

“Oh,” she said in surprise. “Well I’ve never tried creating more than one or two at a time, but I can fire them off really fast. Practically nonstop if I’m using my staff. Although, with my Flame Daggers, I can create fourteen of those at once. And Mel is fine,” she added. “Especially if you insist that we be so informal with you.”

Eliza nodded. “Fourteen is very good,” she agreed. “But I assume that your Flame Daggers costs more essence per flame, compared to if you used Fireball to create the same number. Tomorrow when we arrive at the last outpost, I shall spend some time teaching you a few things about your spells. Including your Flame Whip. Unless you are already aware of how to ensnare a monster in it?”

Mel’s gold eyes were wide. “Umm, no, I didn’t even know that was possible.”

“It’s more simple than you might believe, so long as you know a certain trick to it. I, myself, have a similar spell called Lightning Chain, and it has served me well many times in allowing me to both capture and attack Scourge Beasts.”

“I didn’t realize you’d ever been a Scourge Suppressor,” Mel replied.

Eliza laughed at that. “Young lady, I am the Queen. It’s not a title earned solely by blood.”

I abruptly spoke up without thinking. “And are you of royal blood?” I asked seriously.

She leaned forward slightly to glance at me past Sylvia, prompting me to quickly continue.

“If I may be permitted to speak, my Queen,” I added.

She immediately had a mischievous glint in her eye, the kind of look that implied that she was debating giving me a hard time, only to sigh and lean back. “No, I was not of noble blood. It was very hard for me to become Queen, difficult to get them to consider me as a candidate, since there are things only taught to nobles, but I was determined to persevere.”

“I’m sorry,” I said quietly.

“Don’t be,” she replied. “I have no regrets. Except one. Only one. Though my mind is finally more at ease.”

Val spoke up then, sounding timid. “What was your regret?” she wondered in concern.

Eliza didn’t respond right away, and Mel immediately spoke up, almost acting like she’d been the one to ask, like she viewed both herself and Val as one unit.

“We’re sorry. We probably shouldn’t ask such personal questions of the Queen.”

Eliza finally sighed heavily. “Astaer, Celestine,” she said simply.

“My Queen?” they both said in sync, with Astaer focusing back over her right shoulder, the sunset bright on her tan face.

Eliza continued. “I have something I wish to share with all of you, but it is of the utmost importance that my words never find themselves on your tongue, lest you cause me great grief and endanger the lives of those I care most about.”

Astaer spoke up first, her tone firm. “Not on my life, would I ever speak of that which you had shared in confidence. My Queen, you have my pledge of silence.”

“And mine,” Celestine agreed. “I would sooner cut my tongue out, than betray your trust.”

Mel chimed in uneasily. “Umm, I definitely won’t say anything either.”

Val nodded. “I can keep a secret.”

Queen Eliza smiled warmly at the last two. “Thank you, though I am far less uneasy about sharing this secret with you.”

Mel and Val immediately exchanged a glance in confusion, while Astaer spoke up in concern.

“My Queen?” she said in alarm as she looked back over her shoulder, seeming sincerely worried that she wasn’t trusted as much.

“I mean no offense to two of my best and most faithful scouts,” Eliza responded. “And in just a moment, you will understand the meaning behind my words.”

Astaer turned her head forward only to look over her other shoulder at her sister, the two of them exchanging a glance briefly.

Eliza then continued after a moment. “When I was a young girl, roughly a hundred and six years ago, a great tragedy befell me and a boy I loved. I had been involved in a horrible incident, involving a horde of Scourge Beasts unlike the world has not seen in a long time, and lost both my mother and father in the incident.”

“I’m so sorry,” Mel immediately replied. “That must have been horrible.”

Eliza nodded. “It was horrible. But what was far worse was becoming trapped in a Dungeon shortly afterward, in an event called a Dungeon Engulfing.”

Mel immediately glanced in my direction, likely thinking about the fact that the same thing happened to me, but not realizing it was the exact same incident. Rather, I suspected what she wanted to say is, “Oh, Allie had something like that happen to him only six years ago,” but of course I knew she wouldn’t, since I’d told her in confidence, and trusted her to keep it a secret.

It was also likely that she was reflexively seeing how I would react to finding out that someone else had gone through a similar experience, and she would probably assume that my nonreaction meant I already knew this information -- that the Queen had already shared it with me.

Again, with her having no idea it was the same experience.

Celestine spoke up. “My Queen, if I may be permitted to ask, what is a Dungeon Engulfing? I’ve never heard of that, and do not know what you speak of.”

Eliza nodded. “It is a rare event where one might find themselves lost in a Dungeon, without actually entering it. Often, the only way out is to conquer the Dungeon, unlike a normal one that can be exited, if so desired.”

“How is that possible?” Celestine asked in disbelief.

Eliza sighed. “The nature of the event is unknown to me, but I have experienced it myself, and was trapped in a Dungeon for three months. My only companion a boy roughly my age, whose healing magic was the only reason we survived.”

This time, Mel really looked at me, her gold eyes wide, a sharp contrast to her rosy skin. Only for her white brow to furrow as she focused on the Queen again. But Eliza just held her gaze, almost as if she was waiting to see if Mel had figured it out, before Astaer spoke up.

“So what happened?” she asked over her shoulder. “If I may be permitted to ask,” she quickly clarified.

“I almost died, at the young age of fourteen, but the boy used a special skill that allowed him to give up his life to save mine. The only reason I’m alive today is because of his sacrifice.”

Unexpectedly, Mel threw out her hands in front of her, one toward me and one toward Eliza. “Wait!” she exclaimed. “Wait, wait, wait, WAIT! Are you…are you telling me what I think you’re telling me?!”

Eliza’s tone was a little somber. “That the story you heard today was not only true, but also my own story? If so, then yes. And my good friend Sylvia reported it to me the moment my name had been spoken.”

“Oh my God!” Mel exclaimed, causing Val and the sisters to look at her, clearly confused. “Oh my God, you can’t be serious! You can’t…” She abruptly looked at me, her gold eyes wide in shock. “Oh my God, didn’t you say her name was Eliza-something?”

I cleared my throat. “Elizatay Mariona.”

The Queen chimed right in. “My former name,” she agreed. “Before becoming Queen, and subsequently proceeding to do everything in my power to find the boy I’d lost. To find the young man I’d suffered with, and vowed to.”

Mel abruptly placed her rosy hands on her temple, sharply contrasted against her white hair. “Oh my God, how is this even possible? Are you really saying that you knew Allie over a century ago?”

“Wait,” Astaer abruptly interrupted. “I am so confused. What is going on right now?”

Mel abruptly gestured toward her, her thin rosy hands going wild. “That Allister and Queen Eliza were trapped in a dungeon together when they were teenagers, over a century ago, and that Allie escaped the Dungeon six years ago, which means he was in there for a hundred years!” She abruptly focused on me. “Right?” she said in disbelief, only to immediately look at Eliza. “Right?!” she repeated.

“You are correct,” the Queen said gently.

Mel just stared at her with wide gold eyes, only to finally lean back fully, just seeming shocked now that it was truly settling in. Her tone was more hesitant now. “S-So what does this mean?” she finally managed. “Are you two…” Her voice trailed off.

Eliza leaned forward and reached out to place her hand on Mel’s leather-clad knee, prompting my girlfriend to look down in shock briefly, before returning her gaze to the Queen, seeming uncertain. “I have you to thank for finally releasing me of a century of grief and loss, and now that I am freed of my anguish, I have no intention on interfering with your relationship with my beloved.” She focused on Val. “Or yours. You both are free to be with him, even in marriage.”

Mel was unexpectedly somber. “B-But what about you?” she asked quietly, seeming sincerely confused and concerned. “You went through so much together.”

“Please do not misunderstand,” Eliza replied, removing her hand from Mel’s knee and leaning back. “I have no intention to give up the man I vowed to spend my life with. But it will be some time before I can announce my intention to make him my partner. Therefore, I am counting on you both to see that his needs are met in the meantime.”

Mel and Val exchanged a glance, only for Val to speak up for once. “A-And what about afterward?”

“Then my beloved will have three wives, or however many he wants, as far as I am concerned. My only desire, now that I’ve finally found him, is to ensure that his life is full of happiness. For this young man not only gave me hope, but sacrificed his very life for my own.”

Mel leaned back, seeming just stunned by everything, causing everyone to fall completely silent, the primary noise now the wagon wheels rolling over the stone road.

The sun had set beneath the horizon, visible between the Atacama Pass between the western mountains, and it was now twilight, still light but beginning to slowly dim.

Mel finally glanced at me. “H-How is this even possible though?” she wondered, looking back at the Queen. “And if he really sacrificed his life, then how is he alive again?”

“I do not know,” Eliza replied simply. “But I am confident he gave his life for me, and I am determined to ensure that I spend every moment of my life, moving forward, making him as happy as possible.”

“As will I,” Sylvia unexpectedly agreed, still leaning heavily into me.

I gulped, glancing at Mel who was staring at the blonde elf in surprise.

“B-But didn’t you hate him?” she said in confusion.

Sylvia shook her head. “I wanted nothing more than to find my dear friend’s beloved, and meeting Allister, a male human healer, was a painful reminder that I’d failed in that task. Of course, I had no idea that he was actually Eliza’s love. Otherwise, I would have treated him much differently.”

“I…I see,” Mel said slowly, glancing at Eliza again. “So then, we’re all sharing him, I guess.”

“Yes,” the Queen replied. “And my only request is that you do not cause him heartache or grief. He has been through enough, as have I.”

“Umm,” Celestine unexpectedly began, only to look afraid. “N-Never mind.”

Eliza seemed to assume what was on her mind. “My dear Celestine, you may also do as you please.”

Astaer abruptly looked over her shoulder again, seeming shocked. “Really?” she said hopefully.

“Yes,” Eliza replied confidently, focusing up at the older sister. “So long as you also respect my request.”

Astaer immediately looked forward again, in order to look over her other shoulder, the two sisters holding each other’s gazes for a long few seconds, before Astaer looked ahead and Celestine lowered her gaze.

Both seemed pensive.

Because the Queen’s request, to not cause me heartache, was a serious one to consider.

It would likely involve a more serious commitment than what I was sure either one of them had mentally prepared for.

FEEDBACK: As I mentioned at the top, I tried to address some concerns for the last chapter (let me know if you think I need to do more on that one). This chapter probably felt short, but it was about 7,000 words.

In particular, I know some of you are a little shocked by Sylvia's behavior. In my head, I understand who she is, and why she's acting the way she is, so if you think I need to explain her motivations more, then please let me know (although, I'm not sure what key piece might be missing for it to make sense).

Then again, at the end of the day, there might be some of you who just don't like the idea that she's the kind of person who is only nice to her inner circle, and is otherwise standoffish to others (because that's who she is -- she's very pleasant to those she cares about, but is otherwise haughty, short, and even somewhat rude to everyone else -- she basically acts like an entitled princess, playing the part of someone who is to be respected, and has sort of lived the life of royalty for almost a hundred years, even though she's not technically royalty -- if you're curious as to why she acts that way, other than not liking men in general, it is because she has long since grown tired of men trying to get her in bed, so she gives them no illusion that there would ever be a chance of that happening -- she makes it very clear she's not interested and never will be).

NOTE: If any of that information changed your mind about her just now, then please let me know, so I can include it in the actual chapter.

Chapter 14 >>