Disclaimers: See part 1<\/p>\n
by AJ Marks<\/span><\/p>\n Chapter 4<\/span><\/p>\n Ami felt herself settling in over the next couple of days, or at least the best she could do considering the situation. She discovered the library one day, and started reading everything she could. She asked questions to Kira about some of the stories, as she would be more apt to answer such questions. Kari seemed stricter and less receptive to the fact Ami had come from \u2018that\u2019 place as they put it.<\/p>\n Ami\u2019s day usually started late, with the usually Empress gone. Breakfast and a bath, then she was on her own until before dinner. Sometime before dinner time the Empress would send for her. Usually they shared dinner, unless Tess was in some meeting, then Kira or Kari would bring her something to eat. The night usually meant in the Empress\u2019 bedchamber where she would stay for the rest of the night.<\/p>\n Ami learned she did have a small room of her own where the twins kept her clothing and she could sleep or take a nap during the day. She did this once after a particularly long night with Tess. Ami smiled at that night, Tess had introduced her to being tied up and things had ended up going on longer than either of them planned.<\/p>\n Ami also learned that she could talk to Tess, especially during dinner or if she was still lying in bed when Ami woke up in the morning. She learned more about where she was, and that there were different races, reminding her of some sort to Tolkien novel with elves and dwarfs in it. Tess had also answered her questions from stories she read, learning that even here some stories were unreal, despite magic.<\/p>\n Ami missed a few things from her old world, such as TV, internet and her cell phone, she also realized she had gained quite a bit. In her old world she had still been in college and unsure of what she wanted to major in. Now she had a much more comfortable life, despite the fact she was the Empress\u2019 pleasure slave.<\/p>\n Ami took a moment to think about all of that while lying in bed. She realized Tess was still in bed as well. Ami never knew if what to expect the next morning. She wondered what Lycos thought of Tess taking so much time with her. Ami had seen quite a lot of interesting people, and more than a few that were beautiful. She wondered why Tess had taken her as a slave. Ami considered herself with redeeming features, her small breasts and nipples always embarrassed her, she was too short in her mind and her hips were too big, even her long hair could be a pain to maintain.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, what are you thinking of little one,\u201d Tess\u2019 voice said, startling Ami with the knowledge that the Empress was awake.<\/p>\n \u201cUm, nothing much,\u201d Ami replied, getting a soft chuckle in return causing her to look up into blue eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cThere is very little you cannot ask me little one. Go ahead and get it out of the way,\u201d Tess said, causing Ami to wonder if the question in her mind would be wise.<\/p>\n \u201cWell,\u201d Ami finally said, pausing not sure how to ask the question. It sounded easy in her head, but actually saying the words she found to not be so easy.<\/p>\n \u201cCome on,\u201d Tess repeated, tickling Ami\u2019s side, causing her to squeal a bit at the touch and move away. \u201cIf you don\u2019t tell me I\u2019ll keep it up,\u201d Tess told her. Ami paused in consideration before making up her mind.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay,\u201d Ami said, eyeing Tess\u2019 long fingers poised to strike. \u201cH-How, I mean, why me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy you what?\u201d Tess repeated.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy me, as a slave, I-I\u2019m not beautiful, nor do I have a great figure. You\u2019re the empress after all,\u201d Ami said.<\/p>\n \u201cNot beautiful? By whose standards?\u201d Tess asked, her blue eyes focused on Ami\u2019s green eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cMy breasts are too small, hips too big and I\u2019ve seen many prettier girls in the palace,\u201d Ami said, continuing her thoughts now that she started giving them voice.<\/p>\n \u201cI should spank you for such thoughts. I never said I wanted some big breasted bimbo, besides I think your breasts are cute and I like how sensitive they are,\u201d Tess replied, as Ami felt those long fingers tease her nipple causing her to gasp slightly at the touch. \u201cAnd, you are beautiful little one.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut-\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo buts, degrade yourself again and I will spank you,\u201d Tess replied. Ami could see the fierce determination in the blue eyes, and finally decided she would not doubt right now.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay,\u201d she finally stated, though the thought of being spanked by Tess continued to float in her mind. They had not done anything like that yet. She felt her heart rate pick up at the thought of such an action.<\/p>\n \u201cHmm, spanking might not be a suitable punishment for you,\u201d Tess said catching Ami off guard. \u201cPerhaps you like that thought?\u201d Tess whispered in her ear. \u201cMaybe a few hard spanks to that cute behind of yours followed by soft exploring caresses?\u201d<\/p>\n Ami wiggled slightly as Tess\u2019 hand ran over the part in question, before sliding between the cheeks. Ami felt a finger pause at her asshole before pressing against it. Ami squeaked before at the touch feeling Tess\u2019 leg part her legs brushing up against her wet slit.<\/p>\n \u201cWet I see, did the possibility of being spanked turn you on?\u201d Tess asked.<\/p>\n Ami blushed at the thought, and instead of answering hide her face in Tess\u2019 shoulder. She felt the slight laugh before Tess spoke again.<\/p>\n \u201cWon\u2019t talk I see, well we have ways to find out,\u201d Tess said.<\/p>\n Ami felt herself in a whirl of activity as Tess moved to a sitting position with Ami lying on her lap. Ami barely had time to recognize the position, when a loud thwack sound echoed in the room, feeling a slight sting on her behind. Ami barely processed that when a second followed in rapid fashion hitting the other cheek as Tess rapidly spanked her switching between the cheeks before stopping. Ami felt her breath hitch, as that same hand now lightly rubbed all over her behind exploring every bit of flesh there.<\/p>\n \u201cWell?\u201d Tess\u2019 asked, both of them knowing what question Tess wanted. Ami knew that Tess already knew the answer to the question but wanted to hear Ami say it.<\/p>\n \u201cYes mistress,\u201d Ami finally replied to Tess chuckle. Ami had a feeling that this morning would be interesting.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Ami stood on the balcony overlooking the training grounds and parts of the city several stories below. She was about four stories up making the palace one of the highest buildings in the city. She avoided sitting right now as the morning activities left her behind sore still. She felt happy despite the soreness as Tess had relieved some of her fears.<\/p>\n She looked down at the training grounds quickly spotting the Empress squaring off against a couple of men. Ami watched her easily fight off the men before stopping the training and calling out to several of them and going through some motions. Ami watched as each man seemed focused on what she was doing. Ami found herself focused on the Empress figure and the way she moved like flowing water.<\/p>\n \u201cThere you are,\u201d a familiar voice said behind her. Ami turned to see one of the twins walking onto the balcony. She had finally been able to figure out which twin was which thanks to the fact they parted their hair differently. The twin who entered the room had her hair parted on the right.<\/p>\n \u201cJust enjoying the view,\u201d Ami replied, turning back around to look out at the training grounds as the Empress now had the men in different formations going over tactics.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is nice, isn\u2019t it,\u201d Kari said.<\/p>\n \u201cHuh?\u201d Ami replied unsure about the question, looking over at Kari who looked into the city and beyond. \u201cOh, yeah, the mountains are nice,\u201d Ami finally replied, looking at the mountains. The view reminded her of pictures she had seen on the internet. She never expected to see such a sight so soon.<\/p>\n \u201cI see, I think that what we were looking at were two different things, interesting,\u201d Kari said, causing Ami to turn. Kari\u2019s brown eyes were looking right at Ami in a strange way.<\/p>\n Ami decided to say nothing and looked back down in a different direction. She spotting several strange-looking figures in the crowd, one with white hair, another gold and the third with silver hair. They were tall and thin compared to others around them..<\/p>\n \u201cHm, Soulviers,\u201d Kari said, almost as if she was asking a question.<\/p>\n \u201cSoulviers?\u201d Ami asked, looking at Kari then back down at the three figures, hearing Kira walk out onto the balcony. Ami knew of the race in some of her readings but till today never seen one.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, they are out to the East, share a border with the Shadowlands with us,\u201d Kira stated, causing Ami to nod her head.<\/p>\n \u201cPowerful magic, but a bit reclusive,\u201d Kari said.<\/p>\n \u201cUsually they only come as merchants.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSell good wares.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut those look\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cKira!\u201d<\/p>\n Ami turned to see Kari glaring at Kira with the look. Not the first time such interactions had happened. Ami learned Kari took her job very seriously while Kira had a curiosity for the unknown. Ami had a feeling that Kari stopped her twin from saying something she considered off-limits.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, you, I mean we, have contact with most of these races?\u201d Ami asked, hoping to change the subject.<\/p>\n \u201cMost, there are about a dozen races,\u201d Kira said.<\/p>\n \u201cSome we have contact with others we don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut not everyone gets along.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLike the Soulviers and Yeelks.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, they hate each other.\u201d<\/p>\n Ami processed that for a few seconds, along with the knowledge she still had a lot to learn. She turned back to the training ground, seeing Tess make her way towards the palace with another tall woman standing beside her. It seemed obvious to Ami that Tess knew the brown-haired woman well by their interaction. Was this woman a lover? Ami\u2019s eyes narrowed a bit studying the woman.<\/p>\n \u201cYour bath is prepared,\u201d Kira said, interrupting Ami. She looked at Tess and the other woman before following the twins off to the bath.<\/p>\n Ami disrobed after entering the bathing chamber, and headed over to the bath carefully sitting down on her still sore behind. The water stung for a second but she got used to it quickly. Kira went to wash her hair as Kari walked out of the room.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, what is this device called a computer?\u201d Kira quickly asked. Ami quickly recalled their conversation yesterday, as Kira would ask these questions whenever Kari was gone.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, a device that we use to just about everything from shopping to sharing information, talking, entertainment, videos, and anything else we can get it to do,\u201d Ami replied hoping she could adequately describe it.<\/p>\n \u201cAll in one thing! Amazing! How large is it, do people fit in it?\u201d<\/p>\n Ami chuckled slightly at that. \u201cNo, most times it can fit in the palm of your hand. It has a screen which you can use to view the information displayed and we can use touch-pens, keyboards or a mouse to input information.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSounds strange, using an animal like a mouse,\u201d Kira replied, causing Ami to chuckle.<\/p>\n \u201cNot an animal, a small device we use to control a computer, sounds strange and I don\u2019t know why they started using that name, It might seem unusual, but to me so is seeing magic and other races,\u201d Ami replied honestly.<\/p>\n \u201cNever thought about that,\u201d Kira stated.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about wands, I know people use them, but are they required?\u201d Ami asked.<\/p>\n \u201cWands, most people do use them, we can do magic without them. Wands are useful in large magic spells. I use it for large-scale cleaning, moving heavy objects that would otherwise require me to use more magic,\u201d Kira answered.<\/p>\n \u201cI see,\u201d Ami said thinking about that for a few seconds.<\/p>\n \u201cPeople in the military can use them to change their wand into whatever weapon they desire, or a shield,\u201d Kira said surprising Ami a bit. She thought of the wand changing into some sort of long sword or shield. She could see where carrying a wand in the military would be easier than a sword.<\/p>\n \u201cCan they do the same thing with armor?\u201d Ami asked.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, too large so they put that on still,\u201d Kira said. \u201cSo you don\u2019t have other races where you come from on your world?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, we have other countries, and they don\u2019t always get along either. Some go to war and depending on how large they are it can involve the entire world,\u201d Ami replied.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, so not much different,\u201d Kira replied, as Kari walked into the room ending their conversation. Ami never asked why Kari disliked talking about such things, wait until she got to know them better and hoping they would tell her first.<\/p>\n Ami stepped out of the tub, accepting the towel from Kira quickly drying off before sitting down. Kira sat down behind her brushing her hair.<\/p>\n \u201cYou are finally opening up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAround us.\u201d<\/p>\n Ami glanced over at Kira wondering what the twins meant about that. She then looked over at Kari who started the reply.<\/p>\n \u201cYou no longer blush.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOr try to cover up anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhen you get out of the tub.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLike you did.\u201d<\/p>\n Ami took a moment to think about what they said. She realized that both twins were right in their statement. \u201cI guess you\u2019re right,\u201d she finally said, wondering what else about her had changed in the time she had been here.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Empress has said she wanted one more thing that had yet to be done,\u201d Kari said, almost apologetically, reaching over to where a bottle of clear liquid sat. Ami eyed it with a question in her eyes. \u201cThis will eliminate your periods.\u201d<\/p>\n Ami opened her mouth in shock wondering if she heard correctly. Something that would eliminate her period?<\/p>\n \u201cWe have discovered a magic serum that can do this,\u201d Kari said.<\/p>\n \u201cTough usually only those who are sex slaves or have sex as part of their profession use it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs there is a side effect to taking it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt usually renders the woman unable to have a child.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut the Empress wishes you to have this.\u201d<\/p>\n Ami thought about this again. She knew that by going through with it she would be free of her periods and probably everything else that went with them, but to never have children seemed an awful large step. She also realized that regardless of her personal preference, it meant nothing to the Empress. She understood that by refusing she risked punishment. Tess had described some punishments to Ami in large detail to the point she did not wish to test the woman.<\/p>\n \u201cIf the Empress orders it then it must be done,\u201d Ami replied. \u201cDoes it hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere will be.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSome mild discomfort.\u201d<\/p>\n They answered. Ami nodded, hoping it did not taste too bad.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n Tess walked into the meeting room. Lyos had found her changing from her armor, telling her that she had some guests who asked to meet with her. Usually Lycos refused such requests, unless the person was important. So the fact that the request got through meant, whoever they were, they were not typical guests.<\/p>\n She looked at the three people sitting down across the table quickly recognizing them. Representatives of the Soulviers sat at the table patiently waiting for her. All three stood as she entered the room. Tess focused her attention on them curious to why they were there. She had no problems with the border with the Soulvier Empire so she returned their bow sitting down and waited to hear why they were there.<\/p>\n \u201cI bring greetings from our Emperor Bararra to Empress Tess,\u201d one said. Tess looked on taking in his clothing and that he was an advisor. He had blonde hair and silver eyes. The person on his left, gold hair and gold eyes, and the third person, silver hair and silver eyes. \u201cThis is Perlack,\u201d he said pointing to the Soulvier who had gold hair, \u201cand Uccri,\u201d the Soulvier who had sliver hair, \u201cand I am Jarkal, senior advisor to Emperor Bararra.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI greet and welcome you to my Empire,\u201d Tess replied back, knowing that such exchanges in pleasantries were essential in dealing with Soulviers. She hated it and willed herself to be patient as Jarkal went thought the next three levels of greetings, before finally the pleasantries had finished.<\/p>\n \u201cI am impressed Empress Tess, I\u2019ve been told you don\u2019t handle such patience so well,\u201d the gold haired Soulvier said. Tess recalled his name as Perlack and a military advisor.<\/p>\n \u201cHonestly, it does test my patience, but I\u2019ve learned from the battlefield there is time to be patient and a time for action,\u201d Tess replied looking him in his gold eyes and not backing down.<\/p>\n \u201cThat might be a wise but you don\u2019t seem to be that type. I\u2019ve heard you like to strike hard and fast,\u201d Perlack said.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen I strike, yes I strike hard,\u201d Tess replied. \u201cSo what is this about?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRight to the point as usual,\u201d Jarkal said.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know what this is about!\u201d Perlack said, interrupting anything else Jarkal started to say. Tess frowned at what appeared two different approaches, content to watch as the two stared at each other for several long seconds.<\/p>\n \u201cAhem,\u201d she finally said, when it appeared neither would back down. They both turned to look at her and she focused on Perlack. \u201cIf I knew, as you say I do, then I wouldn\u2019t be asking, so what do I know that I should know?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou have a large force of soldiers in the Shadowlands near our border,\u201d Perlack said.<\/p>\n Tess looked over at Becca then at Carrie, both of them shrugged at the allegation. She looked at Jarkal and Perlack seeing no deception in their eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cYou say I have a large military force along your border in the Shadowlands, correct,\u201d Tess said to them both, wanting to make sure the information was correct. She already had a theory forming in her mind.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, don\u2019t deny it, we know they are human,\u201d Perlock said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe only know they are a human force, our mission is to find out if the Human Empire is behind this,\u201d Jarkal said looking over at Perlock.<\/p>\n \u201cI can honestly say I have no force in the Shadowlands,\u201d she finally said.<\/p>\n \u201cBut you have been busy in the Shadowlands, we know that you did a deep scan of some areas of it recently,\u201d Jarkal said.<\/p>\n Tess looked over at Carrie, both knew that her mages had done some scans looking for Gregory. She waved her hand bringing up a map on the table.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere is this group of soldiers that you\u2019re talking about,\u201d Tess asked. She hoped to gain some insight about where this group was, especially if it might concern Gregory, which she had a suspicion it probably did.<\/p>\n She stood leaning over the table along with Becca as Perlock pointed to an area. She looked at the map realizing the beauty of Gregory\u2019s plan to locate so close to the Soulvier boarder.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not mine, but I think I know who it is,\u201d Tess finally replied.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, yours,\u201d Perlock said.<\/p>\n \u201cKeep quiet, we\u2019ll listen for now,\u201d Jarkal replied as the two once again had a stare down.<\/p>\n \u201cThere is a warlord, a Zero-Mage, called Gregory who has recruited mercenaries now for a while,\u201d Tess said to them, watching to see what their reaction might be. \u201cIt seems that he needs an army for something he\u2019s planned, what that plan is I do not yet know. Have any or your people managed to infiltrate the group?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHa, anyone we send would be spotted right away, they have some powerful mages with them,\u201d Perlock said.<\/p>\n Tess added that to her information before Jarkal spoke again. \u201cSo, what does this Zero-Mage, Gregory, want?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n Tess rubbed her forehead sitting back down. \u201cThat I don\u2019t know,\u201d Tess finally said, seeing a thoughtful look on Jarkal\u2019s face and distrust on Perlock\u2019s. She motioned to a servant who brought over something to drink. She thought about how much she could actually tell them. She spoke the truth that she did not know Gregory\u2019s true goal, only that he needed an army to do it.<\/p>\n \u201cThis Gregory, I think I\u2019ve heard of him, he worked with you for a while, did he not, before you conquered this land,\u201d Jarkal stated calmly. Tess realized that he had some good and accurate information. He held up a hand forestalling anything Perlock would say before continuing. \u201cThis information greatly disturbs me and I\u2019m sure our king would think the same thing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere is little I can do to alleviate such fears is there not, especially if I do not control them,\u201d Tess said, looking at the three of them.<\/p>\n A guard walked into the room interrupting anything else that might have been said. Tess glared at him watching him stumble for a second under the stare.<\/p>\n \u201cE-Empress, there, um, well there is someone here to see you,\u201d he said, trailing off as he spoke. Becca stood and hauled off the guard heading back out of the room, leaving Tess angry at such an embarrassment in front of representatives of another empire. She prided herself on the order of her people.<\/p>\n \u201cI have to apologize for that, my guards are usually well-mannered and know better than to interrupt such talks,\u201d Tess said, knowing that the outer guards would get a talking to as well.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s to be expected, you are human after all,\u201d Perlock said, causing Tess\u2019 eyes to narrow at the insult to her.<\/p>\n Tess started to reply when Becca walked back in rather quickly right up to Tess. The look on the brunette\u2019s face told more than anything. Something had happened.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have another visitor Empress, one that you probably should keep waiting,\u201d Becca said.<\/p>\n \u201cNo doubt from that group of soldiers you have along our boarder saying they were caught,\u201d Perlock said.<\/p>\n \u201cThen you are the fool,\u201d another voice said, causing them all to turn towards the door. Standing in the doorway stood a short white-haired old man with blue eyes leaning slightly on a walking stick. Tess realized that he was a Segic, and that Becca was right, she could not ignore such a visitor. They were rare to meet with others.<\/p>\n \u201cYou call me a fool old man!\u201d Perlock said angrily.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, a fool, and a stupid one at that,\u201d the man said, causing Tess to quickly hide a smile at the Segic\u2019s analysis of the situation.<\/p>\n \u201cBe quiet Perlock,\u201d Jarkal quickly said. \u201cDo you know who this is?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAn old man who should learn to keep quiet,\u201d Perlock said.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, he is Gallic, a famous seer,\u201d Jarkal said.<\/p>\n Gallic, a name even Tess had heard of. He was noted for his famous visions for so long. He vanished about twenty years ago and people thought he had finally died. Tess realized that they were wrong if he stood in front of them right now. She also realized that he had something to tell her if he came out of hiding.<\/p>\n \u201cI think I should listen to my new guest, if you\u2019ll excuse us,\u201d Tess said, standing up to head to another room.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, this is for all of you for it concerns the fate of the world,\u201d Gallic said to them. Tess took a second before sitting back down and motioning him forward to speak to them.<\/p>\n \u201cA deep darkness is spreading outwards from this land,\u201d Gallic said causing Tess to bristle. \u201cIt is an ancient evil that is awakening. I have seen the return of the Enokrad.\u201d<\/p>\n Tess thought about that but could not recall such a name. She looked over at the others to see if they knew. Becca\u2019s face showed confusion at the name as did the three Souldivers but Carrie\u2019s face showed something else.<\/p>\n \u201cEnokrad! You must be mistaken,\u201d Carrie finally said.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I\u2019m afraid not,\u201d Gallic said.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve heard of this, Enokrad?\u201d Tess asked hoping to gain some information about this.<\/p>\n \u201cOnly from obscure texts that I\u2019ve read, very old scrolls telling about an ancient evil, one that could suck up magic,\u201d Carrie said.<\/p>\n Tess looked at Carrie then over at Gallic wondering about this. If this person was indeed so evil why had she never heard of it?<\/p>\n \u201cAlmost all texts were destroyed regarding this creature. It was hoped that it would slumber for all eternity,\u201d Gallic said. \u201cHowever it seems someone has learned about this creature.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGregory,\u201d Tess said at last. \u201cThis has to be what he\u2019s after, he is a Zero-Mage.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI do not know much about this person you speak of, my visions do not show me who is behind it, only that if action isn\u2019t taken it will awaken,\u201d Gallic said.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, we\u2019re to do what? If we don\u2019t know what this is, are we to wait for this, Enokrad, to wake up?\u201d Perlock said.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, if Gregory really is in that area then we attack him,\u201d Tess said. \u201cHe said he needed a large army to break a seal when we rode together. But I always assumed the seal was in my land, so why is he near your boarder?\u201d she mused to herself. \u201cIt makes no sense to bring another group into the mix, unless he hoped to start a war. I also find it hard to believe that he\u2019s working with powerful mages, he hates all magic, and this creature, this Enokrad can absorb magic then,\u201d she trailed off at that thought looking up at the others.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s trying to ride the world of magic,\u201d Carrie said.<\/p>\n \u201cThen those machines of the Zero-Mages will rule supreme,\u201d Becca said finishing off the thought.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is getting too complex,\u201d Tess said.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy does he hate magic,\u201d Jarkal said.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd what\u2019s this Zero-Mage you keep talking about.\u201d<\/p>\n Tess sighed knowing that while among the humans they were well known in the other races they were less known.<\/p>\n \u201cZero-Mages are a group of humans who have no magical ability, they build machines instead. Almost all are evil and murderous,\u201d Tess stated to them. She had learned so much thanks to Ami, but now she guarded some of that information. Some races harbored fears of humans and such a group would not improve relations at all.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd how would this person have found out about such a creature,\u201d Perlock said. \u201cIf all records were destroyed?\u201d<\/p>\n The question bugged Tess as well. \u201cI don\u2019t know, only that he\u2019s known about it for a while now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere are obscure groups around the world who know about this creature,\u201d Gallic said finally. \u201cSome to protect the secret others to revive it. If he found the right group, they would tell him easily.\u201d<\/p>\n Tess felt unsure knowing that groups were out there operating in secret about such things.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Psyoks,\u201d Jarkal said.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, but they usually don\u2019t concern themselves with the physical world,\u201d Gallic said finally.<\/p>\n \u201cI think we need to read up about this, Carrie can you bring the scroll for us to read?\u201d Tess finally said looking over at the red-head who had a strange look on her face.<\/p>\n \u201cUm, I suppose, it\u2019s not here,\u201d she finally replied. \u201cI\u2019ll see if I can, it might take me until tomorrow or so.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe shall wait to hear all of this, but if it is in your empire then it is no concern of ours,\u201d Jarkal said. \u201cWe shall retire for the night and make up our minds after reading this scroll.\u201d<\/p>\n Tess waved at one of the servants telling him to get Lycos. A few moments later he appeared with a bow at Tess waiting for her orders.<\/p>\n \u201cLycos, our guests are staying the night, make sure they have comfortable rooms,\u201d Tess said to him.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course Empress,\u201d he said with a bow and then left the room followed by the three Soulviers leaving Tess with Becca and Gallic.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, that was interesting,\u201d Becca finally said stretching slightly.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd what about you?\u201d Tess asked the old Segic.<\/p>\n \u201cI shall stay as well, for now,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cThen we\u2019ll have a dinner in the main hall,\u201d Tess replied. \u201cI\u2019ll have Lycos fins you a room as well.\u201d<\/p>\n Tess headed out looking for Helen.<\/p>\n End Part 4<\/p>\n Continued in Part 5<\/a><\/p>\n Comment below or send to AJMarks01@aol.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Disclaimers: See part 1 Fortunatus Light of Dark by AJ Marks Chapter 4 Ami felt herself settling in over the next couple of days, or at least the best she could do considering the situation. She discovered the library one day, and started reading everything she could. She asked questions to Kira about some of […]
Continue reading…<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[24],"tags":[3,40,6,38,28,5,12],"class_list":["post-710","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-original","tag-aj-marks","tag-dark","tag-fantasy","tag-fortunatus","tag-original","tag-sci-fi","tag-story"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/710","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=710"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/710\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":716,"href":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/710\/revisions\/716"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=710"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=710"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=710"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}