The following work is fiction, and all similarities to existing works are purely coincidental. The author (myself) hereby attests that the author is over 21 years of age, and that this material is intended for those over the age of 18 (or the legal age in accordance with local, national, provincial, or state laws). The author will not take responsibility should the reader decide to take the risk to access this material, and does not take responsibility for any offense towards violence, sexual intercourse between consenting adults, and depictions of fantasy.
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This material belongs to the author (me), and the author does not consent for anyone to copy, distribute, or sell the work as their own in any shape or form. Permission to post on other forums will be permitted provided that the poster seeks written consent from me, and that the forum is for non-profit and benefits the LGBTQ community.
A note on the story:
I have always been a fan of fantasy role playing games as well as DnD, and take inspiration from those sources. However, I have researched extensively, and would never intentionally copy works of other people.
If you are looking for a story that immediately jumps to sex and erotica, then perhaps this story is not for you.
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CHAPTER III
Apollon
Though often portrayed as a destructive and uncontrollable force, Apollon saw fire as a comforting and cathartic element, and he felt his soul become less burdened as he watched the last of her majesty's portrait turn to ash. He had slept more well than he had in several months, and though it was only a few hours, Apollon felt well rested and energized. He felt grateful for Teodor's efforts, and was beholden to him for his courtesy and empathy. Per their newly established routine, they freshened up within the villa, and enjoyed a hot bath, but soon were preparing their packs for the road ahead. As Teodor prepared a simple stew with potatoes, carrots, and some red wine from the abandoned village, Apollon took one last round throughout the villa. Running his hands along the walls, and admiring the family portraits in various states of decay, he felt himself more connected to her majesty, and offered a silent prayer before reuniting with Teodor. Using stale bread to dip into the stew, their conversation was the typical morning fair, but Apollon noticed a new softness in Teodor's expression. He remembered how when he first met Teodor's eyes, the merlot irises were hardened and cold, but Apollon could now see soft light reflecting the wine-colored pools. Gathering their things and exiting the villa's garden to the dirt path, Apollon caught Teodor muttering a silent prayer, and pretended to not notice as they pressed forward to the city of Satucele.
Built during ancient times when their ancestors were still divided into various clans and tribes, Satucele was established as a safe way point for tradesmen and artisans to congregate in peace, and the city enjoyed over a millennia of uninterrupted commerce. Positioned at the foot of the steep mountain path that led upwards to the eastern highlands and plateau, the city was fortified by walls and hired mercenaries as a means to keep order, and to not oblige itself to a complex network of allegiances and pacts. Settled and visited by people from many cultures, the city contrasted with the others in Lazevasca, and possessed a unique blend of architectural styles and a special cuisine. Apollon had never gone this far east before, and was amazed as the trees of the great wood yielded to grassland, and only small collections of trees dotted the wide open landscape. Looking forward, he saw how the path slowly inclined, and like a cobblestone snake, it winded and twisted up towards the mountains. Teodor was looking at the map closely, and Apollon enjoyed the gentle breeze as it formed small waves in the sea of grass. Suddenly, a stench hit his nostrils then, and Apollon pinched it quickly as the smell of rotten meat was carried from the west. Teodor caught it as well, and he gagged as he quickly stuffed the map back into his pack.
"Well, something or someone died." Teodor scanned the horizon "There, just beyond those groups of trees, I see a camp."
Apollon threw his weapon and Teodor followed suit: "Based on the smell, they have been dead for sometime, but their killers might still be nearby."
"Agreed, watch my back, Apollon."
The pungent odor of rotting flesh grew stronger as they walked across the field, and as the campsite came into view, Apollon saw that the tents were typical of Gichari, but he was disturbed at dried splatters of blood that had seeped and stained the insides of the tents. At the camp's entrance lay two dead Gichari scouts, and from the look of their injuries, Apollon noted the clean cuts of a Lazavese sword, but tried not to stare at the stabs made after the men had long died. It was cruel to desecrate the dead in such a manner, and Apollon shook his head. Teodor was about to enter the camp when he suddenly stopped, and he looked back at Apollon with an expression of pure horror. As Apollon caught up, and looked into the camp, he felt the blood drain from his face. Scattered across the campsite were several bodies, but none seemed to be soldiers in any way, and Apollon felt the world go cold as he saw several elderly men and women among the dead. The tents had been ransacked, whatever valuables that these Gichari settlers had were most likely sold, and the more sentimental objects like portraits littered the grass. Apollon found it particularly disturbing to see several bodies clutching one another, and knew that the attack had come suddenly.
"We cannot do anything for them, there are too many." Teodor said quietly: "It's best we report this when we get to Satucele, but I have a feeling that they may have had a hand in this."
Apollon was shocked at the accusation: "Inanna would never allow such a thing. These people were unarmed."
"I understand Apollon, but some have no morality in war, I am not implying that Inanna ordered this, I am simply saying that troops can sometimes become ... frustrated."
"They had it comin, if you ask me." A gruff voice called out from behind them, and they turned to see four men dressed in leather armor. Each was armed, and they stared at Teodor and Apollon with malicious grins.
Teodor's face shifted, and became cold and expressionless: "We have nothing of value if that's what you want."
The man with the gruff voice spoke again, rubbing his black beard: "Too bad, there is a toll to get up the hill, but we are willing to accept other forms of payment."
Apollon readied his pitchfork, and with his free hand, he readied some mana: "We can resolve this another way."
The four men laughed, and readied their weapons, and the bearded man smiled: "You think you can take us four on two?" Apollon looked at Teodor who stood calculating their movements, and Apollon whispered: " Close your eyes tightly."
Apollon raised his hand then, and before their foes could react, he released a blinding flash of light. Hearing the men howl as their eyes burned from the sight, Apollon watched as Teodor charged the man farthest to the right, and danced around him as the man blindly swung his sword. Taking the man farthest to the left, Apollon easily dodged the man as he attempted to stab at the air in front of him in desperation, and he noted how sloppy and slow the man's movements were. Using the handle of his pitchfork, Apollon swept the man's legs from under him so that he fell onto his face, and Apollon used the butt of the handle to hit the back of the man's head. Instantly becoming still and unmoving, the man was unconscious, and Apollon watched as Teodor was much more forceful. Like watching a wolf hunt a newborn deer as the rest of the herd scattered, Teodor grabbed the man's sword arm, and Apollon heard a noticeable crack as the bone was broken. Screaming in pain, the man was brought to the ground by a kick to the back of the leg, and Teodor left the man both humiliated and groaning on the ground. The other two men were trying to rub their eyes to recover their sight, and Apollon watched as the bearded man recovered first, and swung his ax at him. Watching as the head of the pitchfork was cut off, Apollon was relieved that his blow was accurate, and the bearded man pulled the prongs from his flesh. He stared at Apollon with bloodshot eyes, and in desperation, he threw his ax. Looking at himself in the reflection as the ax whizzed past his face, Apollon heard it lodge itself into the tree behind him, and in reflex, Apollon shot a ray of light straight into the man's chest. With a gasp as the wind was knocked out of him, the bearded man flew several meters, and split another tree in two as his heavy body crashed into it with a thud.
Apollon panicked slightly then, and rushed to the bearded man whose body laid between the two halves of the trees, unmoving. Pressing his hand to the man's throat, Apollon waited patiently, and was relieved to feel a pulse. He was glad that he did not overstep with his spell, and turned to Teodor who was finishing off the last man with a quick blow of his dagger handle. Quickly running to Apollon, Teodor looked down at the bearded man, and gazed back up at Apollon.
"Is the bastard dead?"
Apollon shook his head: "I didn't use enough force to kill him."
"Shame, the world would be better off without this lot in it."
Apollon looked back at the other men: "You didn't kill any of them did you?"
"No, I didn't want them to die without facing punishment first. They won't be able to walk for a while." Teodor's eyes narrowed then, and he pointed back towards the main road: "It seems our battle has attracted attention.
Apollon turned, and saw that a group of mounted knights had gathered on the main road. They seemed to be unconnected with the four brigands, but even from this distance, he could see that the knights had their weapons drawn, and they studied him and Teodor with wary expressions. Apollon held up his hands then with Teodor following suit, and they walked slowly towards the group of knights. As they got closer to them, Apollon noticed a familiar sigil and crest on their shields, and realized that these knights were a part of the local garrison. As he had heard, the knights were typical of those from Satucele, and possessed a variety of facial features from the people who settled the area. At the front sat a knight in more intricate armor, and Apollon deduced that he was likely the leader, and he seemed to be more Lazavese in terms of facial features. Sitting on a large white mare with a gray mane, the knight seemed oddly familiar to Apollon, but he could not place him anywhere.
The knight's serious expression changed to one of shock: "Is that you Sir Apollon?"
Apollon nodded: "Yes, have we met?"
The head knight shook his head: "We've met only in passing. I was once a potential candidate for the kingsguard, but failed the aptitude test. I was given this post as a reconciliation by Sir Johan. We thought you dead, Sir Apollon." The head knight turned to Teodor then:: "And you are?"
"Teodor Laska." Teodor seemed uncomfortable being surrounded like this.
"It is an honor to meet the person who guided Sir Apollon all this way, Lady Inanna will be elated at the news. She had more optimism than us, and ordered us to keep an eye out for you."
Apollon was surprised, Inanna must have heard about his failure, and he thought she had purged him from her memories: "Lady Inanna is in Satucele?"
"Nay, she is in a remote location in Baia Puella. She commands the eastern troops, and without her guidance, we would have lost Satucele. We are slowly gaining territory back from the traitors. There is frequent correspondence between us, and I will write to her immediately as soon as we reach the city." The head knight turned to the others: "I need one of you to take Sir Apollon's companion on the back of their horse, the others, please gather and bury the dead, but also bind the brigands."
"Captain!" The other knights said in unison.
"Please, Sir Apollon, allow us to escort you to the city. You are our guests, and you are welcome to rest for as long as needed. I will update you on the situation when the time best fits. Please, climb onto my horse, and Sir Teodor can ride with my second in command."
"That would be kind of you." Apollon smiled softly.
"I am usually the one who is being ridden, but I suppose riding could be fun." Teodor muttered just low enough for Apollon to hear, and climbed onto the back of another horse.
The pathway leading to the city was treacherous, and Apollon struggled to not fixate on the steep cliffs that stood just a few centimeters from the horses' hooves. However, upon reaching the grand gates of the city, Apollon quickly forgot about the ordeal, and took in the strange and unique cityscape. With various architectural styles and colors meshed together in a seemingly chaotic order, the main thoroughfare of the city was lined with buildings with elegant oriel windows, and numerous aromas and scents floated out from the many street stalls and vendors. Apollon was amazed at the sight of it all, and he could tell that Teodor was enjoying himself as well. As they passed under a sea of paper lamps that hung just before the main square, they stopped in front of an inn, and the head knight negotiated with the elderly owner to put Apollon and Teodor up for a few days. Informing Apollon that he would return at dusk to collect them, the head knight rode off, and he and Teodor were escorted to a rather lavishly furnished room.
Placing their packs in the corner of the room, they took turns taking hot baths in a proper bathroom, and found themselves sprawling out on silk sheets. Changes of clothes were brought to them by another knight, and Apollon sat in the covered balcony that overlooked the street below. Even when he lived in the palace, he seldom saw such views, and found it comforting to see the lives of people who were not touched by war. It seemed as though the war was non-existent, and perhaps, the war would never come to such an idyllic place. Apollon felt Teodor's gaze on him again, and Teodor soon joined him on the balcony to watch the townsfolk go about their business.
"It seems strange, doesn't it?" Teodor said as he placed his chin onto his folded arms. "These people don't even know that innocent people were killed just a couple of kilometers away. Can you imagine if they learned that our people were also capable of such cruelty? It would shatter the peace they try so hard to maintain."
"It is strange, Teodor. I feel as though this peace was not intended for us."
"You and I have experienced things that these people could never dream or fathom." Teodor sighed "However, I disagree with that. I think we can enjoy this peace one day, whether it be in the grave or in glorious battle."
Apollon had gotten used to his humor: "Must you be so cynical?"
"Cynicism and realism are different things." Teodor smiled "I never thought my life would turn out like this, and I never thought I would have a heroic journey."
"What did you imagine your life would be like?" Apollon replied, and realized his error "I am sorry, I didn't mean to pry."
"You're not prying. We've traveled together for a couple of days now, but it seems like so much has happened. I feel as though I've known you for years." Teodor turned to Apollon then " I never would have imagined my life shifting this way, how I would enjoy the luxuries of camaraderie and companionship again. I am glad I chose to help you, and I regret nothing."
Apollon felt his face flush: "I feel the same about you, I feel we have come to know more about one another in a few days that many take several lifetimes to do."
"Apollon?"
"Yes?"
"You never really told me about your more personal life. I am aware that you spent considerable time with her majesty and Inanna, but have you ever cared for someone romantically?"
Apollon thought on it then: "No, I spent nearly a decade within the palace walls, and never saw much of anyone besides Inanna and her majesty ; however, I see Inanna as a sister and her majesty was a mother figure to me. Romance is something that I never really considered or sought out. I was raised in a pious environment as a child, and became accustomed to a solitary and quiet environment as a knight. I never really dwelled on the thought."
"Have you ever considered what you found to be romantic or what you sought?" Teodor's voice was soft.
"My idea of romance is taking solace in a quiet place, and just watching nature or the stars pass by. How about you? You mentioned that you have been traveling for some time, have you thought about your ideal partner?"
Apollon saw Teodor go quiet: "I imagined that I would find someone who was kind, principled, and at times naive. Sympathetic and courageous, and optimistic."
"I see." Apollon was not sure what Teodor meant, but Teodor had experienced much more than he had, and those traits balanced out Teodor's personality well.
"I am quite tired from such an eventful morning, shall we sleep it off?" Teodor stood
Apollon saw Teodor's face had reverted back to his normal neutral expression: "Yes, it has been quite a long morning."
They slept well, and it wasn't until they heard a loud rapping at the door that they awoke. Apollon yawned as he opened the door to see a messenger, and was told to be ready within half an hour to meet the carriage. Waking Teodor, the two washed their exhaustion away by splashing their faces with water, and quickly changing into more formal attire. Picked by the inn keeper's daughter, Apollon donned a light blue tunic with white trousers while Teodor wore a wine red tunic with cream colored pants, and they thanked her before climbing into the carriage. Riding in silence, Apollon sensed a strange awkwardness about Teodor, but attributed it to having to wear more formal clothing. As they reached the garrison, they were met by the head knight from earlier who greeted them with a salute, and Apollon was surprised to see the garrison relatively empty.
"Forgive me, but we are having an officers meeting, and most troops have retired to the barracks by now." The head knight said as he showed them down the hall.
They entered a large room where several people awaited them, and Apollon felt eyes on him as he took his place at the table. Surrounded by a dozen oak chairs with a glass chandelier hanging above, the table at the center of the room took most of the space, but only half of the table was occupied. Besides Teodor and himself, Apollon counted only four other officers, but surprisingly, the head knight sat nearest to the head of the table's chair rather than in it. As silence filled the room, the head knight cleared his throat, and looked at Teodor and Apollon directly.
"Please forgive us first for imposing on you, you only just arrived in the city, but Lady Inanna requests that you travel to Baia Puella in a fortnight, but she wants you to be informed before you meet with her. We recently took back a small village not far from the eastern front line, and we rescued a captive that was held by the Gichari. He seems to be traumatized and won't speak of what happened in the camp, but he does have key information that we need in order to get an edge in this war. Sir Apollon, I know that you are capable of using white magic, would you be as kind as to help in maintaining his composure?"
Apollon nodded: "Of course."
When one heard the word mage, there was always a stereotype of a frail and bookish individual who spent their days studying the arcane, and who were not suitable for the front lines, but the mage who entered defied all expectations. Supported by a knight on either side, the man was perhaps slightly taller than Apollon, and had a healthy if not slightly bulky body with a good balance of meat and fat. The mage resembled someone who toiled in the fields or who did manual labor rather than a mage, but Apollon could sense that he had a massive pool of mana flowing through his veins. It was almost suffocating in its amount, and it showed the mage's raw power. The mage had a rather blank and melancholy expression etched on his face, and Apollon sensed a buried sorrow within him. The mage was rather unique in appearance with short, styled, strawberry blonde hair, and he had a straight nose and dimpled cheeks. Attractive and good looking with his thick brows and long lashes, the most striking feature about him were his large, expressive, down turned eyes that were the color of a bright flame, and they seemed to flicker with the warmth of a campfire. Apollon stood then, and he gently made his way over to the mage who looked up at him with apprehension.
Apollon felt a shudder as he brought his hand closer to the mage, and felt the mage's body break out in a cold sweat. He was visibly shaking, and Apollon looked at Teodor who nodded to reassure him that he had his support. "I am not going to hurt you, you're safe now. Please, just relax." Apollon said gently in the mage's ear.
The head knight looked at Apollon with curiosity: "What are you going to do?"
"White magic was created to heal and soothe, and I think if I can sync my body with his, I can use my mana to soothe his mental state as well. I used to do this for her majesty to help her sleep, and she described it as if someone were giving her mind an embrace." Apollon concentrated then, and felt the mage's heartbeat. He listened for a moment, and began to gently release his mana. Teodor was particularly in awe as a gentle green aura surrounded the mage's head, and he watched as the mage's face went from apprehensive to calm.
"Please, talk to him, and I will try to maintain it as long as possible" Apollon said to the head knight, and he turned to the mage: "Are you alright?"
The mage sighed a breath of relief: "I am alright, I can speak, but please maintain the flow for however long you can."
The head knight patted Sir Apollon on the back, and turned to the mage: "Lord Enji, could you tell us what happened."
Enji's face turned solemn: "I was in Uria when the Gichari attacked, and I recall seeing a gaseous cloud of purple pollen being dropped from the sky." Enji's face contorted with pain: "Sir knight, can you... can you please put some more mana into the healing."
Apollon nodded then, and released more of his mana into the flow: "Is that better?"
Enji nodded: "Much." He looked at the map that was spread across the table "The smell of the pollen was something that I didn't recognize, and it smelled as if it was a combination of flowers and rotting flesh. I was at the back of the formation, but the stench was unbearable. Before we could use magic to blow the cloud away, another explosion came, and we were soon caked in the dust itself. That's when we discovered that our magic was taken away. The Gichari broke down the city gate then, and all I could do was watch as my comrades were slaughtered as they tried to cast magic, but it came... out in sputters." Enji began choking up with tears. "I was .. I was only one of the few that knew how to fight without magic, and I did... I did my best to fight them off with a sword and shield. They captured me after.... And I was taken with them across the mountains.... They.... Used me over and over."
The room was quiet, and the head knight spoke: "Was there anyone else, why did they keep you alive?"
"There was a senator with them, and he pointed out our rankings and status...." The tears were pouring down Enji's face, and he was soon hyperventilating.
Apollon looked at Teodor who shook his head: "We need to not press any more." Teodor stood, and gently rubbed Enji's back: "Apollon, how much longer can you keep up your healing?"
Apollon could feel Enji's soul quivering, and he could feel his heart rate becoming quicker and quicker: "He is losing his composure, one treatment isn't enough."
Teodor leaned down to speak to Enji: "Are you alright? You do not have to speak any further on the matter, we have the information we need, please relax."
Apollon watched as Enji's entire being shook, and his eyes were now distant as if he stared into the void himself. He only muttered incomprehensibly: "No, stop...."
The head knight nodded at the guard who escorted Enji earlier: "Please take Master Enji to his chambers."
Once Enji had departed, the head knight ended the meeting, and told everyone that they would meet again once Enji had stabilized. Disappointed, but content with the information that was gathered, the remaining knights retired to the barracks, and only Apollon and Teodor remained with the head knight. His expression was serious and saddened, and he said very little for the longest time. Apollon saw Teodor looking at him with worry, and Apollon shook his head to signal that Teodor need not worry about his condition.
"Sir Apollon, did you use a lot of mana?" The head knight steepled his fingers.
"No, I am alright, I am used to using my mana this way."
Teodor leaned against the wall: "Do you think he will be sound of mind with a few treatments?"
Apollon thought for a moment. Her majesty was quite anxious, but not to the degree of Enji's state of mind, and perhaps it would be a long and arduous process: "I doubt he will be fine within a few days let alone a week, I think it will take at least three weeks of constant treatment for him to be stable."
The head knight sighed: "I do not mean to rush you, Sir Apollon, but while we wait for him to recover, the war rages on, and he has key information that we need to succeed."
"You cannot force someone to heal, and it is up to him whether he accepts the healing. White magic is not a miracle, it is dependent on the caster's will as well as the receiver's belief and purpose. That is why you cannot raise the dead or heal someone who is too far gone...." Apollon clenched his fist, he felt a long dormant emotion, and that was anger.
Teodor seemed to sense this, and turned to the head knight: "I hope you are not suggesting that Apollon brute force the healing?"
"No, no, not at all. Forgive me, I am just speaking before thinking." The head knight sputtered. "Sir Apollon, my apologies if I was implying something so cruel."
Apollon calmed himself then: "I accept your apology."
"Lady Inanna awaits you in Baia Puella, perhaps you could send Sir Teodor in your stead?" The head knight spoke carefully: "Perhaps he could give her a much needed update?"
"I choose to remain at Apollon's side, I am sure Inanna will understand our tardiness and situation." Teodor replied curtly.
"Perhaps it is best that we retire for the night, and we can discuss this at a later time." The head knight was visibly nervous, and Apollon wanted to defuse the situation as much as possible.
"Sir knight, if you could, please let me speak with Sir Teodor in private."
The head knight stood quickly: "Of course."
Hearing the door click, Apollon turned to Teodor who was now staring upwards at the ceiling, and Apollon could see a visible redness to his face. He had not expected Teodor to have such a reaction, and wondered where it had come from. Apollon found it surreal to see such a level headed individual become so irate at a seemingly normal suggestion, but he understood that Teodor had his reasons.
"Teodor, is everything alright?"
Teodor nodded: "I am sorry, I suppose I got a little carried away, didn't I?"
"You were right though, I have known Inanna most of my life, she is dutiful, but she is also a woman of passion and of high morals. I am sure she would understand if we postpone the reunion." As much as Apollon wanted to see Inanna's face again, he knew that he was needed "It seems like most of the other healers have gone to the front, and I feel Sir Enji will need constant treatment in order to see progress."
Teodor looked relieved as Apollon said this, and Apollon also felt the tension dissipate from the air: "Apollon, as I told you, I do not regret coming on this journey with you, and I would like to see it through."
Apollon looked down at his lap to hide his flustered expression: "I suppose, we will have to remain here for a few weeks. I pray that Enji will recover, and the front will remain stable. We should at least write to Inanna, and let her know that we are alive and well."