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Adventures of the Cohort Ch. 01

By: Soebek110



Mikael raised his sword quickly, parrying his opponent's vicious blow, before spinning to his left to dodge another. His foes spun, too, raising their own weapons as they readied another charge; one struck low, towards his knees, and the other went high. Mikael rolled sideways, avoiding both swipes, and swung out. One enemy crumpled as his magical blade cut upwards through its legs, slicing through steel armour.

He stood again, breathing heavily, and turned to face the remaining combatant. It mirrored his posture, and Mikael's mind raced as he tried to ascertain its next move -- understanding his enemy's strategy was often more important than knowing his own. With a flurry of movement it lunged towards him, and Mikael stepped to one side to deftly remove its head. He exhaled loudly as his enemy collapsed.

He sighed with relief, dropping his head back to gulp in air. This had been a hard training session, as testified by the numerous steel suits scattered around the room. The Cohort's training room worked on animated suits to represent foes, and they fought with conviction. Wooden swords were used by the mock-enemies to prevent serious harm should a combatant fall foul of their tactics, but a blow across the head still hurt. Mikael had been fighting seven of them to enhance his skills against multiple opponents, and had come out without a scratch.

He sheathed his swords and waved his hands. The suits instantly began to reform and retreat, settling eventually upon the far wall amongst others like them. Mikael regarded them a moment lined up like guards on a battlement, and decided that in his next session he would attempt to fight eight. Seven was too easy now.

He exited the room via the large wooden door and made his way to his bedroom. He reached it after a short walk and quickly changed into his regular clothing, deciding that he had done enough for the day. He had been studying theological texts in the library before training, too, and was now rather tired of work. What he really needed was some relaxation time.

Mikael concurred with this thought and left the room, grabbing an apple from his table as he went. Walking down the corridor to the relaxation area, Mikael bit into it, savouring its crisp, juicy flavour. He enjoyed the food here immensely, and as such he promised himself that he would always take some sort of fruit along with him wherever he went with the Cohort.

It had been a few weeks since he had completed his initiation, and they had been an enjoyable few weeks indeed. He had trained incessantly, and learned numerous new skills. The library taught him things about history he never thought he'd want to know, and Quintia and Melissa had taken it upon themselves to teach him a little about magic and medicine. After all, he represented those Aspects too, so why should they be weaker in him? Unsurprisingly he had proven to be quite the prodigy, and was quickly developing his burgeoning talent.

His other abilities had improved, too, and Mikael was more complete a warrior than he had ever been. And it was not just the warrior in him that was satisfied by this place, either. As had been promised during his initiation, the girls he shared this Sanctuary with were more than willing to be entertained by him, and he was more that willing to entertain them. He'd had more sex in the past three weeks than the previous four months, and it had not let up.

At length he reached the leisure area and entered it, smiling as he looked around. He loved this place; it truly was a paradise for relaxation. In this particular room were numerous comfy couches and a roaring fire, but other rooms were off to the sides. Mikael had not been in them all yet, but vowed that he would thoroughly indulge in each one eventually - he always found himself distracted by something before he could fully explore them.

And exploring was not what he would be doing today, either. He walked to the far side of the room and pondered where to go next; he wanted to relax, and he could go either to one of the Sanctuary's many balconies - resting whilst enjoying the stunning view - or he could go to the baths. After a moment, he decided that the water sounded more appealing, and he set off down the short corridor to the pools.

The baths were not truly baths in the sense that they were not hand made. They were instead a series of large pools heated by geothermal energies that resided in the bottom of a small cave. Openings in the ceiling provided the place with ample light, but there were lamp fittings, too, for the evenings. A large pool of tepid water existed if someone wanted to swim, but it was the smaller pool that Mikael had seen more frequently used. It was fairly large - easily enough to fit the Cohort into at once - and was warm but not hot; just above body temperature and thus extremely relaxing to be in. A small ledge enabled one to sit within it, although most occupants would either float or sit on the side.

It was this pool that Mikael decided to use as he walked down the corridor, his mind already enjoying the lapping of the water as he came to two small rooms about halfway down the hallway. They stood on either side of him, and he quickly entered the door to his left, eager to get ready to bathe.

As always, he was taken aback by the comfort contained within. It was bedecked in cloths and rugs, and it would have been a wonderful place to relax if so many other places hadn't also existed in the Sanctuary. Instead, it was used as an area to store one's things when they bathed. Modesty was not needed in the Sanctuary, and so it was not a changing room per se, but it was somewhere where a bather would put his or her items whilst they enjoyed the water.

Mikael undressed quickly and put his clothing in the corner. He stood and stepped out of the room, shutting the door behind him, before walking slowly down the rest of the corridor to the baths. He was looking forward to immersing himself in the wonderful warm water.

He stopped walking abruptly. Noises emanated from the baths as the cave opened out before him, and he froze to identify what was causing them. After a listening a moment, however, he relaxed, and a smile crept across his face. He edged forwards.

Kristine came into view, perched on the side of the pool. The blonde paladin's back was arched, thrusting her large breasts into the air, and a look of delight was spread across her angelic face. She was moaning loudly, and Mikael could not help but move slightly to see the cause of her ecstasy. A smile spread across his face as he noticed a head topped with wavy brown hair nestled between his Sister's thighs.

He stepped back into the shadows and watched Kristine and Melissa. Melissa's huge breasts were visible in the water as she bent over, her arms wrapped around Kristine's legs, caressing her stomach. Her head lightly moved as she licked Kristine's pussy, and the blonde gasped in pleasure at every movement of the medic's tongue.

Mikael slowly grew hard at the extremely erotic display before him, and it was all he could do not to walk in and join them. They could not see him, and though he was sure that they would not complain were he to suddenly appear, their sex was well underway and he did not want to disturb them. He leaned against the wall of the corridor as Kristine began to moan louder, nearing her orgasm.

She reached out with one hand, taking a firm grasp of Melissa's brown hair. Her hips had begun to buck, and she was pushing them firmly against the medic's face. Melissa did not relent with her assault, and Mikael could see her tongue as it probed her Sister's trembling snatch.

Kristine cried out loudly as she came, her eyes opening wide, flashing blue as they caught the light. Her back arched further and her long blonde hair fell down to the rock floor as she revelled in her orgasm, her eyes unfocused. She remained that way a moment, her mouth open, her body twitching as the last throes of rapture spasmed through it.

As Kristine's climax faded, Melissa lifted her head up and grinned. The stunning paladin looked down and smiled back, a glint in her eye as she slipped gracefully into the pool. She pressed herself against Melissa and the two kissed passionately, their breasts squashed together enticingly. Mikael once more resisted the urge to run forwards and join them as Melissa reached around Kristine's back, returning her lustful embrace. After a short while of ardent kissing, Kristine's hand fluttered downwards, reaching between her Sister's thighs and grazing Melissa's pussy. The medic broke the kiss and gasped as Kristine's fingers entered her waiting snatch, and Kristine smiled mischievously at the reaction.

The blonde beauty lowered her head and sucked one of Melissa's huge breasts into her mouth, her gaze intently focused on her Sister's deep brown eyes. Her fingers continued to work their magic between the brunette's legs, and Melissa moaned in pleasure at the attention being paid to her. Her hands raked Kristine's back as she whimpered in delight.

The gorgeous paladin switched breasts, reaching up with her free hand to grasp the wonderful mound. Her lips passed over the nipple, her teeth biting gently down upon it, and droplets of water fell from Melissa's body as she shook with ecstasy. The medic was breathing heavily, her right hand running through Kristine's beautiful blonde hair, her eyes glazed as the paladin's fingers slid into her pussy.

Kristine continued for a short while, her hands and mouth busy on Melissa's body, before reaching up and grabbing her Sister by the shoulders. She spun her round, and Melissa reached out and grasped the side of the pool, their eye contact never breaking. The brunette pushed herself out of the water into a sitting position, and Kristine reached out and grasped her huge breasts. She swiftly lowered her hands to Melissa's thighs, pushing them apart and grinning as the medic lay backwards, her arms straight and her hands spread. Melissa groaned as Kristine kissed her pussy lips, her groan turning to a loud cry as the blonde flicked her clit with her tongue.

Mikael watched as Kristine truly set to work, her fingers moving to her Sister's snatch and joining her tongue in its efforts. She caressed every inch of the brunette's pussy, her fingers probing the medic's entrance as her tongue swept over Melissa's clit. Melissa was trembling, her orgasm already close. They've been at this for a while, Mikael smiled, his cock twitching again.

Melissa's climax hit soon after, her deep brown eyes widening in pleasure as her hips bucked and her mouth hung open. She rode through the orgasm, a long loud groan escaping her lips as release washed through her, before eventually collapsing backwards onto the stone floor, breathing heavily. Kristine laughed and pulled herself up next to her Sister, running a finger leisurely over Melissa's breasts as they smiled at one another. Melissa pulled the blonde in for a kiss, and her Sister complied, leaning in and pushing her tongue into the medic's mouth.

Mikael watched them enjoying the afterglow of their climaxes, before deciding that his raging erection needed dealing with. He was not, however, willing to walk into the baths. Both of the girls were enjoying each other's company at the moment, and it would be rude of him to intrude.

He waited, weighing up rudeness to his incredible desire, before he finally realised that he'd rather they weren't disturbed. His Sisters came before his own personal need. He breathed deeply, replaying the sight of the two women enjoying their orgasms, and realised that he had to do something about his erection immediately. He stepped backwards softly, and turned, in order to quickly and quietly exit the baths.

He hurried silently along the corridor, holding his erection and rubbing it faintly. His desire was frantic, but he didn't want to just masturbate. That would be such a waste in a place full of women who would chastise him for it. He would hurry through the Sanctuary until he found another of his Sisters, he decided, and hoped that they would help relieve him. I probably won't even have to ask, Mikael laughed to himself, looking down at his erect cock.

He reached the side room where his clothes were being stored and wrenched open the door, turning as he did to swing it shut again. There he stood a moment, once more replaying the sex he had just watched, before spinning back around in order to walk in and dress.

As he strode into the room he froze, his heart skipping a beat before a grin spread across his face.

Lucinda was standing there.

"Afternoon," she said, her eyes dropping to stare at his member. "Looks like you've been busy."

Mikael smiled mischievously. "Actually, Kristine and Melissa were the busy ones; I merely watched from the shadows. Now I'm all worked up and in need of release."

Mikael watched as Lucinda smiled wickedly. She was stood there in her casual clothes, a light top and a skirt to her ankles. The clothes were loose-fitting, and though they disguised her wonderful figure they did allow a good shot of her magnificent cleavage. Her jet-black hair fell straight to the top of her ass, and her emerald eyes practically glowed in the early afternoon light.

"You only watched from the shadows?" she asked, her eyebrow rising. "May I ask why?"

"I didn't want to disturb them. They seemed perfectly content with each other."

Lucinda grinned. "Oh, Mikael, you don't need to worry about that. Would you mind if, say, you and I were fucking, and Quintia entered the room? I certainly wouldn't."

"I... guess not. No, I definitely wouldn't mind that."

"Then remember that. Perhaps you should return to the baths and join them."

"They've finished," Mikael said playfully. "So I need someone else to help me take care of... this." He motioned to his still-erect cock.

"Well, I suppose I might be able to help," she said, sauntering slowly towards him, her eyes roving his body.

"I certainly hope so, otherwise I might explode."

"And we wouldn't want that," Lucinda added as she reached him, her hands grasping hold of his. She leaned in closely, tilting her head to whisper in his ear. "Unless it's inside me, of course."

Mikael groaned and planted a passionate kiss on her lips, his hands moving around her waist. She returned it, her tongue pushing into his mouth and her arms encircling his neck. They stood like that for a moment, Mikael enjoying the feeling of her clothes against his naked skin and her tongue jostling in his mouth. His hands roved over her back, feeling her silky hair and her lovely ass.

Mikael lifted one hand to his Sister's cheek, stroking it gently as they continued to kiss. She pressed herself into him, her wonderful body evident through the thin fabric of her clothes, and Mikael could feel her large breasts against his chest. His other hand gently squeezed her ass.

After a short while Lucinda unhooked her arms and stroked her hands down Mikael's chest. They stopped just above his member, and she broke the kiss. Her emerald eyes stared into Mikael's and the corners of her mouth curled into a sensual smile as she slowly dropped to her knees.

"Now let's see what I can do about this..." she whispered.

Mikael gasped as her lips encircled the head of his cock, her tongue dancing along the tip and her mouth forming a slight vacuum. She slowly lowered her head further, taking more of his length into her mouth, and Mikael groaned again in delight. The feeling was utterly exquisite, and he voiced his pleasure as her left hand dropped to play with his balls. Lucinda pulled away and looked up at him with a wicked smile, her tongue beginning to lick up and down the length of his shaft, caressing every inch of his swollen cock. She would reach the tip, swirl around the head and then kiss down the sides again, her fingers still toying lightly with his balls.

"The... Gods..." Mikael moaned, placing his hand on her head. Lucinda giggled.

Once more she took his tip into her mouth, sucking lightly, and her right hand moved to pump up and down on his member. She slowly lowered her head again, and as she did so her hands left his cock to grasp the bottom of her shirt. She pulled the garment up, revealing first her toned and slender stomach, and then her large breasts. Mikael groaned approvingly at the sight, and Lucinda pulled her mouth from his member in order to pull the shirt over her head and toss it away. He bent forwards, running one hand over her smooth back, before reaching around and cupping one of her breasts. Lucinda moaned as he thumbed her nipple, and her left hand swiftly returned to his cock as her right slipped underneath the waist of her skirt. Her long black hair lay scattered over her back, almost reaching her feet as she knelt.

Mikael groaned again as she sucked hard on the tip of his cock, her tongue stroking the underside of his head. The movements of her arm told him that she was simultaneously playing with herself, as did the faint flush that started to creep over her beautiful face. Once again she kissed down the sides of his member, but more intently this time, her own desire inflamed by the work her hand was doing between her legs.

Lucinda's fist pumped faster and faster on Mikael's cock as her mouth devoured him ever more hungrily. He leant back against the wall, moaning loudly as the obsidian-haired rogue sent thrills through him. Her own breathing was heavy, her right arm matching the speed of her left as her eyes fluttered shut. She was clearly near release.

She came quickly, her hand becoming still on his cock and the vacuum lost as her mouth opened to moan softly. Her other hand ceased its movement between her legs and her eyes closed in pleasure as the orgasm trickled through her.

It was not particularly powerful, however, nor was it long-lasting. In a matter of mere seconds it had passed and Mikael suspected that, rather than satisfy her, its fleeting nature had only made Lucinda more voracious.

His suspicions were proven correct when Lucinda quickly sprang back to her feet, looking at him with animalistic hunger. She began to kiss him ferociously, pinning him against the wall, her green eyes glazed with pure lust. Mikael pulled her close again, running his hands down her naked back, before stroking them around to her magnificent breasts. He broke the kiss and lowered his face to suck one of her nipples into his mouth, his hands cupping the large mounds. Lucinda moaned and reached for her skirt, pulling it down her legs.

It dropped to the floor, and they were both naked. She placed her hands on Mikael's chin and pulled it upright, so that his face was once again level with hers.

"Lie down," she instructed, smiling.

Mikael gladly obeyed, stepping passed her and reclining on the plush rugs. They definitely made the room more comfortable, and he couldn't help but wonder whether that was actually their purpose. Knowing the activities of the Cohort, it wouldn't have surprised him. Before that thought could truly take hold, however, Lucinda had slid down on top of him, her hands and knees on the floor as she held herself above him.

She leaned down and kissed Mikael, and he responded, moving his arms to her back. He pulled her down to him, but she resisted, and as Mikael pulled away she grinned broadly.

"I have something far more fun in mind," she said, twisting round so that her face was mere inches from Mikael's throbbing member, and her pussy glistened enticingly above his head.

He did not need a second invitation, and before Lucinda could say another word he had wrapped his arms around her hips, pulling her ass down so that he could assault her snatch with his tongue. Lucinda gasped and arched her back as Mikael began to fervently devour her; it was the rogue's turn to be pleasured. He licked around her pussy lips awhile, kissing them lightly before sweeping his tongue over her clit. He raised his hands to stroke her ass as she moaned, before pushing a finger inside her eager snatch. She delighted in it, her cry of ecstasy swiftly followed by another as Mikael thrust one more finger into her depths. He moved them slowly in and out as his tongue caressed her clit, her juices flowing down his wrist. His other hand roved over her back and ass, and he could see that his attentions were having the desired effect on Lucinda.


Adventures of the Cohort Ch. 02



Mikael sighed as the cool breeze caressed his face. He reached up to brush his hair away from his eyes and leant backwards on the couch. He had open on his lap the history of the ancient kingdom of Nekkhara, but it had his attention only fleetingly. Whilst he was eager to learn, he had been reading for a good few hours and his mind had begun to wander. He instead took the time to gaze out over the balcony that he was sitting on, enjoying the wondrous views that were presented from the Sanctuary.

He stood and moved over to the edge, placing his hand upon the wall. Splayed out below him was a vast, glittering blue lake, its shorelines dotted with river inlets. Forests stretched off all around, and in the distance huge mountains rose, jaggedly slicing through the horizon. The sky was crisp and blue, with a faint touch of white as it neared the mountain ranges of the North.

Mikael closed his eyes and could hear the sound of the waterfall underneath his feet as it disguised the entrance to the Sanctuary. To someone looking upon it, where Mikael stood now was but an extension of the waterfall, smooth cliffs facing outwards and towering above the lake.

He breathed deeply. He did sometimes miss the outdoors, where he had originally thought he belonged. Still, he often came out here to satiate that urge, and he was never left disappointed.

Sighing with contentedness, he turned and settled once again on the couch, the sun's warming rays keeping the ambient temperature perfect. He reached for the book again in order to carry on digesting historical information on the necromancers of the East and their rebellions against the Gods.

He was distracted by the curtain moving to his right. It had been faintly swaying in the breeze, but it billowed outwards now, as if the wind had caught it full blast. Turning his head, he realised that this was not the case at all, but that someone had swept it aside and stepped onto the balcony.

"Good morning," Mikael smiled at Ria'torr, who had emerged through the curtain and was now facing away from him, staring out over the vistas. She spun to face him at the sound of his voice.

She beamed at him, the short skirt on her dress fluttering as she whirled around. "Good morning!"

Her woodland green hair was back into a ponytail, and it blended somewhat into the deep colours of the forests behind her.

"I've been looking for you," she said after a moment.

"Oh yes?" Mikael asked, curious, raising an eyebrow.

A large smile on her elven face. "Yup! I needed to thank you."

"Thank me? What for?"

"Ah, well, it's probably not something you were expecting to be thanked for," she said as she came over to him.

Mikael moved aside slightly so that Ria'torr could sit on the edge of the couch. She ignored the space and instead sat directly on his lap, her small frame weighing almost nothing. The wonderful scent of nature greeted him at her presence.

He chuckled to himself before replying. "Really? I've been thanked profusely over the past few days for my assistance in Habbrant, but that is only my role in the Cohort. I did no more than Melissa or Lucinda."

"Oh, that I know, although I think you do your efforts a disservice there. No, this is about something different, although it occurred at a similar time."

Mikael pondered a moment. "Hmm... then I don't know. I can't think of anything which you'd thank me for."

"Well, consider that I have some very close ties with the natural environment, Mikael. I know a lot of what is going on, more than you'd think," she pressed, leading him to the answer.

"The owlbear?" Mikael ventured, racking his mind for anything nature-related.

"Precisely," Ria'torr grinned, clapping her hands together with delight. "You saved those owlbear eggs from poachers, and you did it with no prompting from us. You really are a member of the Cohort."

"Well, I might not be as close to nature as you, Ria'torr, but I do know that owlbears are a rarity nowadays, unfairly hunted as vicious beasts. Living in the wild as a ranger taught me that, even if I don't have your elven background."

"Sometimes I wonder at that," Ria'torr said, sounding philosophical. "You are so close to nature, too, and so good at so many things. It is almost as if you do have some elfin blood in you. I would not be surprised."

Mikael shrugged. "Well, if I do, I don't know about it. I suppose it's possible one of my great ancestors could have been an elf, but as far as I can tell I'm all human."

"Perhaps," Ria'torr replied. Suddenly she broke into a huge grin, "But I haven't explained why you needed thanking yet!"

"I thought it was because I saved the owlbear eggs?" Mikael said, both confused and amused by Ria'torr's playful insistence.

"Ah, but there is more to it than that, Mikael. It may surprise you to learn, but owlbears actually have a society of sorts. They operate as a very loose community, not purely as animals as many suspect."

 "They do?" Mikael asked, shocked. "I never knew that."

"Not many people do, Mikael, don't worry. Only the owlbears, the Gods and the other creatures of the forest know it to be the case. And of course, I am a creature of the forest."

"Well, I never knew that," Mikael said, still soaking it in. "I lived in the forest for years and never knew that."

"Which is why it is all the more remarkable that you saved those eggs," Ria'torr continued, getting back to the point. "It was not just poachers stealing the eggs of an endangered animal; it was a sentient mother losing her young. As I'm sure you do know, owlbears only breed once every ten years. Losing that brood would have been disastrous for the mother."

"That I did know, and I'm glad I could help her," Mikael smiled.

"As am I," Ria'torr beamed, placing a hand on his chest. She suddenly looked very serious. "And so is that owlbear mother. I do not think you realise quite what you did for her. She was about to lose her young, and you saved them. You deserve just as much praise for that as for saving those young women from the vampires."

"I don't deserve any praise at all, Ria'torr," Mikael countered. "I do what is required of me, and I enjoy doing the Gods' work. I do not do it for praise."

She smiled, the expression lighting up her lovely face. "Your humility befits you, Mikael. And your sincerity further proves your place is amongst us. None of us here in the Cohort seek praise for our efforts, but we do realise it can be nice for someone to recognise our successes. Do not think that enjoying congratulations devalues your task, Mikael. Your honour remains intact."

"Thank you, then," Mikael said, reaching up with his own hand and placing it on top of hers, his fingers lightly caressing her own. "I do appreciate it, and I must say I'm surprised that you found out. I was expecting no one to know bar me and the Gods."

"And the owlbears," Ria'torr interjected.

"Yes," Mikael laughed. "And the owlbears."

Ria'torr turned her face away from Mikael to stare out over the balcony. Her woodland green hair fluttered slightly in the breeze, pushing a loose strand into her small nose. She scrunched her face up, and swept it away with her free hand, staring into the wonderful environment around her.

After a moment she spoke again. "It's stunning out here, isn't it? I never get tired of watching the land." The sun's rays glinted off her smooth, pale skin, and her leafy green eyes surveyed the lake intently.

"That it is," Mikael agreed. "It is enough to awe anyone."

He looked her up and down, her small but perfectly proportioned form beautiful in the rich spring light. She gazed intently out at the environment, her face concentrating on enjoying the scenery. She's so gorgeous, Mikael smiled to himself. And so very cute. His loins began to respond to his train of thought, and twitched independently.

Ria'torr was broken from her reverie at the feeling, and looked downwards. Her eyes quickly raised to Mikael's own and creased in amusement, then a huge grin spread across her face.

"I'm sorry," she said, wiggling her ass on his lap. "I didn't realise I was having this effect on you."

"You always have this effect on me," Mikael chuckled. Ria'torr laughed.

"Well let's see what I can do about that," she winked mischievously, her elven features curling into a wicked smile.

She slipped off Mikael's lap and turned towards him, kneeling by the side of the couch as her hand slipped underneath his pants. There she lightly toyed with the tip of his rapidly-growing cock, and Mikael groaned at the feeling of nimble fingers on his member. She twinkled with laughter at his reaction, her green eyes sparkling.

Mikael picked up his book from the side of the couch and dropped it carefully on the floor. His cock was now fully erect and straining against his pants as Ria'torr played with the tip, her fingers sending pleasure sparking through him. He reached down and stroked her bare shoulder, feeling the smooth, soft skin under his touch. She looked at him and giggled again, reaching out and undoing the buckle to his belt. She swept it off with one motion and dropped it beside her on the ground.

Mikael lifted his hips slightly as she tugged down his pants, and he kicked them off when they reached his ankles. Her hand reached up underneath his shirt, and he pulled it over his head, willingly complying with her silent request for nakedness. He relaxed back onto the couch and his Sister's hands caressed the muscles on his stomach, the sensation causing them to twitch.

She stood up slightly, leaning forward and licking Mikael's toned abdomen, her tiny tongue leaving a trail of slight wetness. Mikael groaned, and moved his hand to her head, stroking her silky green hair, before running his fingers down her cheek. She moved to his nipples, sucking one into her mouth and lightly biting down, causing Mikael to gasp.

She looked up and grinned at him, taking her mouth from his nipple, and he traced his fingers over her face again. They came to rest at the base of her pointed ear, and he delicately ran them upwards, gently fondling the tip. Ria'torr gasped at the initial contact, before moaning and leaning her head into Mikael's hand. She looked at him impishly, her smile widening at his expression of surprise.

"You didn't know my ears were sensitive, did you?" she grinned.

"I did not," he replied, pressing down on the very tip of the point. Ria'torr breathed in sharply.

"Only when I'm aroused, but when I am they are very receptive to a lover's touch," she moaned lustfully.

"Can you come?" Mikael asked.

She smiled, clearly enjoying the feeling of his fingers on her ear. "No. Think of them like a nipple. They are very sensitive and enjoyable to the touch, but not so much that they can bring me to orgasm." Mikael continued stroking. "They are very useful for foreplay purposes, though," she added with a wink.

"I'll remember that," Mikael said, his hand moving gently over her ear. "And it's good to know you're aroused."

"How could I not be?" she said, throwing her leg over his lap so that she was straddling him. She lay flat on top of him, her chest pressed into his own, and her face an inch away from his. Her sweet breath brushed his nostrils, and he could smell fresh rain on grass. She exuded such beautiful natural scents.

Her smile faded, becoming a look of pure desire as she leaned forwards, her lips parting. Mikael raised his head slightly, too, and their mouths met, her tongue flicking outwards and grazing his lips. He gently kissed her back, but she reached up with both hands and grabbed the sides of his head, kissing him with much more vigour.

Mikael took the hint. He raised his arms, placing one around her back, pulling her tight to him, and the other on her ass, gently clasping it through her clothing. Their tongues thrashed against one another, Ria'torr moaning gently into his mouth. Her pale green eyes stared into his, her pointy nose squashed against Mikael's own.

Mikael broke the kiss, instead planting small, delicate pecks on the side of Ria'torr's face. His hands moved to grasp hold of the bottom of her dress, pulling it upwards to expose her ass, which he lightly squeezed. He leaned forwards and licked the tip of her ear, and she squealed in delight.

Still nibbling on the end of her ear, Mikael's hand reached slightly between her bare legs, pushing them apart, his other hand still stroking her ass. He flicked out with his index finger, lightly brushing her hot sex. Ria'torr's moan became a gasp.

Mikael ran his finger along her folds, feeling the wetness, as his tongue traced the outline of her ear. He lightly rubbed her lips, eliciting a loud groan of pleasure, before he gently pushed a finger inside of her.

"Oh fuck, Mikael," she moaned, her face turned away so that he could play with her ear. "Carry on like this and I will come."

"Good," he mumbled, his mouth still around her ear. She glittered with faint elven laughter, the sound mixed in with her pleasured moans.

His finger continued to pump in and out of her pussy as his tongue covered every inch of her pointed ear, and she began to squirm with anticipation. His finger would enter all the way to the knuckle, and as he pulled it out he would bend it slightly, causing pressure on the walls of her snatch. Ria'torr started to push her hips back to meet him, and her head shook slightly as he nibbled on her ear.

"Oooohh..." she whispered, the insistence of her voice conveying her intense pleasure. "Aaahhhh." Her moans became louder and more tuneful as her orgasm approached, and she pushed her hips back with some vigour.

Mikael laughed to himself as a cool breeze washed over his face. He loved it here; just minutes before he had been relaxing on the couch in the sunshine, enjoying the book that had been open on his lap. And although he now found himself in a not entirely dissimilar position - he still lay on the couch in the sunshine, after all - it was no longer a book but rather a stunning elf who rested on top of him. She writhed and moaned in pleasure, and Mikael wondered how he had ever coped before he joined the Cohort.

Her pale skin had flushed, and her groans were loud, broken by her ragged breathing as she gulped down air. The harmony of her pleasure echoed out over the balcony, and Mikael was glad that the illusionary cliff disguised sound as well as sight. The green-haired beauty's body had begun to shake as she neared her zenith.

"Fuck!" she cried out as she came, her pussy tightening slightly, and her head pulling away from Mikael. Her eyes were shut with pleasure, but the orgasm was fairly fleeting and soon they were open again.

She looked back at Mikael, a grin spread across her beautiful elven face, and sat upright, her knees either side of his hips. His hands went to the knot on her back that held her dress together; a slight tug later it had come apart. She hunched her shoulders forward as the garment slipped over them, the dress tumbling down to rest by her waist. There she grabbed it with a grin and pulled it over her head, Mikael delighting in the sight of her body now naked on top of him.

Mikael reached up and took hold of her generous breasts. They were not huge, but they were certainly large - even though she was an elf, Ria'torr's breasts were bigger than those of most human women Mikael had slept with, and were more than ample for his tastes. She grinned, grabbing his hand and bringing its fingers to her mouth. Licking the tips of each, she guided them to her pussy.

Mikael took the hint and stroked along her folds again, causing her to gasp and shut her eyes. She grinned playfully and leaned forwards, once more resting on Mikael's chest, but this time it was her naked skin pressing wonderfully against him. With a moan she reinitiated their kiss, just as passionately as the last time, and their tongues danced with one another.

At length she pulled away, her pale leafy eyes staring into him. She moved downwards slightly until she was sitting directly on his cock, which was flat against his groin. Her warm folds brushed the underside, and she moved her hips, rubbing her pussy against it. She moaned with pleasure, and Mikael enjoyed the sensation.

Ria'torr rested there a moment, before lifting herself up and licking the palm of her hand, a playful glimmer in her eyes. Reaching down, she took a firm hold of Mikael's cock, giving it a quick stroke before she placed the tip at the entrance to her snatch, his head just parting her lips.

Mikael groaned as Ria'torr gently lowered herself onto his shaft, and her grin turned to a look of pure pleasure as she sank onto his rigid cock. She moaned loudly and harmonically, before leaning forward and placing her hands on Mikael's chest.

Her eyes opened and stared intently into Mikael's own as she began to raise and lower her hips, and her lovely moans danced around the balcony. Mikael reached forwards and rested his hands on her back as she bounced on him, her ample breasts moving slightly with the motion.

Her green hair swayed with the rhythm of their fucking, and the air was filled with the familiar scent of wildflowers. Mikael breathed in deeply, enjoying the aroma, as Ria'torr continued to moan exquisitely above him.

Her pace was slow, but deliberate. Mikael did not mind, and Ria'torr evidently enjoyed the feeling. He cupped her breasts, lightly toying with the nipples as he reached forwards and kissed the tip of her ear. She cried out, the sound clear and beautiful, before Mikael muffled it with his lips. His tongue pushed into her mouth, and she responded with passion.

His hands continued to knead and squeeze her breasts, and the sensation, coupled with the sex, caused Ria'torr to inexorably quicken the pace. She pulled away from the kiss, grasping Mikael's hands with her own and squeezing them, holding them on her breasts. Her eyes were creased with ecstasy and her sobs of pleasure grew louder as their lovemaking continued.

Her hands then moved to his shoulders and pushed him flat as she leaned further forward still, bouncing more horizontally than vertically now. She would pull off Mikael's cock to the tip and then thrust herself down on it with some force, gasping each and every time her groin slapped into his. Her small frame shook with the power of each downward stroke, and her face was twisted with pleasure as her orgasm built.

"Oh fuck," she grinned, her eyes staring into Mikael's, a shimmer of music in her voice. "Oh holy fuck."

"Your pussy feels so good," Mikael said breathlessly as she fucked him, her warm tunnel engorging and then releasing his cock.

"It feels even better with your cock fucking it," she moaned as she lowered her head, her sweet breath sweeping over Mikael's face. He always loved it when she talked dirty during sex. All of the girls did it, and he loved it with all of them, but with Ria'torr it just seemed so... out of place. The other girls here were gorgeous and sexual, and whilst Ria'torr was no worse off in either of those qualities, her elven nature made her seem so innocent. And she's most definitely not that, Mikael grinned.

"Hmm... you find something... funny?" Ria'torr groaned at him, her eyebrow slightly rising, but the expression was soon lost as another wave of rapture swept through her.

"I was just thinking how stunning you were, and how you don't seem like the sort of girl who'd enjoy sex this much."

"Well... you're wrong," she gasped. "I don't... enjoy sex."

"You don't?" Mikael asked with a tight smile as Ria'torr cried out above him, her orgasm incredibly close now. "Could have fooled me."

"No... I fucking... love it!"

Mikael grinned and kissed her, his hands grasping her hips as her tongue thrashed against his. Ria'torr's arms were straight as they leaned on Mikael's shoulders for support, and he began to match her downward strokes with thrusts of his own.




Adventures of the Cohort Ch. 02



Their loins slapped together with force as Ria'torr shuddered above him. Her green ponytail had come slightly loose with the force of their sex, and strands of forest coloured hair hung down in front of her face.

Mikael broke the kiss and leaned backwards, enjoying the picture before him. The elven beauty bounced vigorously on his cock, her delicate, pointed features screwed up with rapture as her orgasm neared. Her green eyes were glazed with pleasure, and her pale skin had a slight sheen to it at their lovemaking.

"Fuu... uuck..." she moaned desperately. "Aaaahhh..."

Mikael moved his hands to her ass, thrusting deeper into her every time she slammed down onto his cock. Her pussy was slowly tightening and he knew her orgasm was but seconds away.

"Oooh... Mikael..." she cried as her orgasm crested. Her body tensed with anticipation. "I'm... aaaahhhh... aaaahhhh..."

"Close?" Mikael groaned, enjoying the feeling of Ria'torr's ecstasy. She nodded feebly.

"Ooooohhh... FUUUUCCCKK!" she shrieked out, a wonderful sound to Mikael's ear. Her pussy rippled with her climax and her eyes were so glazed Mikael wondered if she was looking at anything at all. She remained motionless for a while as her orgasm ripped through her, but for the faint trembling of her skin, and her mouth, which opened and shut repeatedly. Her rapturous moans continued to issue forth until she collapsed on top of him, his cock falling out of her pussy as she curled up.

"By the Gods," she breathed, her face resting on his chest. "That was spectacular."

Mikael sighed happily at the sight of her. "That it was. You certainly seemed to enjoy yourself."

She lifted her face to him and grinned. "That I did. But we're not done yet. I want to come again." She glanced down at his cock then. "And it looks like you want to help me."

Mikael grinned and nodded, reaching out a hand to brush the loose strands of hair back away from her face.

"So how do you want to fuck me now?" she smiled, a mischievous look on her face. Mikael grinned, an idea entering his mind as he stroked her cheek.

"I know," he smiled.

Ria'torr yelped as Mikael picked her up. Whilst she was smaller than him she was not tiny -- a human of her height would merely be called short - and yet the weight difference was far more considerable. He was easily able to lift her.

He stood, and kicked the stool at the end of the couch over to the side of the balcony. It clattered into the wall and stood there, flush against the stone. Mikael stepped towards it, lightly dropping Ria'torr onto it, and she turned to face him. The stool was a good foot and a half off the ground, and this brought the elven beauty almost to his height.

He leaned in and they kissed, his arms around her back and her hands grasping his biceps. Their tongues twisted and turned against each other, their kiss long and passionate. Mikael ran his fingers along her back, enjoying the sensation of her delicate skin, and Ria'torr shivered with expectation. After a while, she broke the kiss, her eyes staring into his. She was at his level now, and their faces were inches apart.

"A good idea," she breathed as she slowly turned away from him. "A very good idea."

"Thank you," Mikael grinned back, his hands on her ass, before he ran them upwards to her shoulders. Ria'torr leaned forwards, her forearms resting on the stone wall, and stuck her ass out towards Mikael.

He stroked downwards, his hands eventually coming to rest on her ass, which he lightly squeezed. He grabbed his cock, guiding it to her entrance, before he pushed the tip in, just very slightly. His plan of teasing her by entering gradually was shattered as she thrust her hips backwards; her ass colliding with his pelvis as his cock fully nestled inside her pussy. She hummed in delight at the feeling.

Mikael's hands returned to her ass as he started to thrust into her, her small body trembling with the immediate sensations. He lightly stroked her body; first her ass, then her back, then the silky smooth skin of her upper thighs. She moaned loudly.

Mikael leaned slightly forwards, looking out over the surroundings as he fucked the elf. She, too, took in the sight before her; the lakes and the forests and the mountains. The Cohort seemed insignificant in the face of such vast beauty, and yet it was their task to protect it all.

He breathed in the cool air, and felt the warm rays of the sun at his back. The waterfall continued to pound the lake beneath him, and in the distance a flock of birds migrated south from the mountains.

His mind was snapped back to their lovemaking as Ria'torr cried out, her eyes closing as her orgasm built. He reached up and lightly stroked her green hair, his hand finding the knot on her ponytail. He pulled it loose, throwing the small strap of leather to the side, and her hair fell free. He had never seen her without her ponytail, and Ria'torr shook her head, allowing her hair to flow untied. It fell neatly either side of her head and neck, with some splayed across her back.

Mikael swept it over her shoulder, leaning forwards until his breath brushed across her neck as he thrust.

"You like my hair?" Ria'torr panted, her arms tense and her knuckles white from tightly gripping the stone wall.

"It's as gorgeous as the rest of you," Mikael replied as he kissed her neck.

Her delicate nose scrunching up with pleasure as his cock thrust in and out of her hot tunnel. "Is that... a good thing?"

"It is," Mikael breathed back, reaching forward to cup one of her generous breasts. He thumbed the nipple, and Ria'torr gasped, her gasp turning to a rapturous cry as he sucked the tip of her ear into his mouth. It was a trick he intended to use to the full.

"Oooohhh... fuck..." Ria'torr groaned. "Fuck... fuck... fuck... fuck..."

She threw her hips back at him with considerable force, her body gyrating with each collision. Her face was screwed up with rapture and her eyes flickered between open and closed at the ecstasy pulsing through her. Mikael enjoyed the sound of her moans, which grew louder and louder as the speed of their sex increased. The slapping of their loins and their twin groans wafted through the air, the sound complimenting the aroma of wildflowers that drifted from Ria'torr's loosened hair.

"I'm going... to... aaahh... come..." the stunning ranger said, her voice high, the proximity to her climax raising her tone by a pitch. Mikael's hips were a blur, and he moved forwards to rest his hands on the stone wall.

"Me too," he grunted, his balls churning. Ria'torr reached up and firmly grasped his forearms, her elbows still on the wall. She no longer seemed to be paying any attention to the scenery displayed before them, and neither was Mikael. Both were far too concerned with the pleasure the other was giving them, and Ria'torr cried out at the feeling.

"Aaaaaahhhh..." she cried. "fuuck... meeee... pleeaaaase... fuucckk... meeeeee..."

Mikael grunted and thrust harder and harder. He could feel his cock twitching as it neared release, and Ria'torr's pussy began to noticeably tighten. Her body became tense as she neared her orgasm, and she bit her lower lip so hard it started to turn white. Her cries reached a crescendo as her climax built.

"Sing for me," Mikael breathed, his orgasm imminent. "I want to hear you sing."

"Aaahhhh... fuucckk..." Ria'torr cried out. "Fuck... meee...AAAAAHHHHHH!"

She cried out in pure ecstasy as her orgasm detonated inside of her, a powerful scream of lust and release filling the air as she came. Mikael slammed into her one last time before his seed exploded from his cock, hot white cum coating the elven beauty's walls, and she squealed in absolute rapture.

Her body pulsated as her climax ripped through her, nature seeming insignificant as bliss took over her thoughts. Mikael, too, closed his eyes and allowed the feeling of total paradise to overcome him, his mind focused solely on Ria'torr before him and the feeling of his cock as it shot rope after rope of cum deep into her. Her pussy was tight around his member, shuddering with each and every wave of pleasure that seized her, quivering with delight.

At length, Mikael opened his eyes, becoming aware of his surroundings again. Of the natural beauty displayed before him and of the stunning elf who stood gulping in air, her naked form shaking as the result of a titanic climax. Her loose green hair trembled as her body shivered, her energy spent.

Mikael breathed out a loud, gratified sigh. Ria'torr twinkled with laughter. She turned her face to him, a huge grin plastered across her elven features, and winked. Her hand found her hair, bunching it back into a ponytail, before she picked up the strap of leather and retied it.

"Wow," Mikael grinned at her, his hands reaching forward and lightly stroking down the front of her body. She stepped forwards off the stool, placed her arms around him, and hugged him tightly.

"Wow indeed," she responded, her cheek pressed against his chest. "I'm not sure I'll ever forget that."

"Nor will I. It was spectacular," Mikael responded.

She looked up at him. "You remember earlier, when I spoke of one being able to enjoy the success of a task well done and take praise whilst still remaining humble?"

"Of course."

"Well don't become big-headed," Ria'torr beamed, a playful look on her face. "But that was probably the hardest I've come in my life."

"That's good to hear," Mikael smiled, leaning down and planting a kiss on her forehead.

"And I sang for you," Ria'torr grinned. "Just like you asked."

"You did. It's a song I hope to hear many, many more times."

Her grin became wider and more mischievous. "And I hope to sing it for you."

*****************************

It was empty when Mikael entered the Meeting Room. Clearly he was here before his Sisters, and he took his seat, reclining as he waited. They trickled in slowly, each looking as beautiful as the other, before lying comfortably on their own plush couches.

The room was silent, as was always the case before a message was delivered, and Mikael waited anxiously to hear of their next undertaking. He looked around, wondering which of them the Gods would use as a Speaker for their task.

It was Melissa who stood, smiling at the assembled group and lightly brushing down her toga. Mikael smiled back.

"Good evening," she said, curtseying slightly. "As I'm sure you've all guessed, the Gods are in need of us.

"There is trouble to our south, on the coast of the Sea of Shells. It seems as though pirate attacks have increased dramatically and the local navies are becoming too stretched; they will not be capable of fighting them off much longer. Too many years of infighting and outright war have left the coastal nations weak, and thus we are needed to defend them.

"But the Gods are wary, here. These pirate attacks are not normal, they feel, and something is amiss. There is a... wrongness in the area, and it is something that worries them. We should all be very careful."

With that, she sat slowly back down, a look of slight concern on her beautiful, soft face.

"It's been a while since I was on the coast," Kristine said after a moment of silence.

"Me too, though last time I was there I was not in as much danger," Mikael chuckled.

"I always wanted to be a pirate as a child," Lucinda said wistfully. "Of course, that was almost three hundred years ago, back before Black Theodore terrorised the seas and somewhat removed the romance."

Mikael shook his head wryly. To him, Black Theodore and his fleet of cutthroats were confined to history books, not something tangible or real. He was always amazed at his Sisters' real ages. They slowly stood.

Soon he was back in his room preparing his pack for the journey ahead. It had been a long time since he had heard the sea. He had always enjoyed the coast.

*****************************

They left the Sanctuary fairly soon afterwards, the necessary gear in their packs and their weapons at the ready. Mikael had originally wondered how they were to reach their destination in time, and had been informed that the only reasonable way was by ship.

"So we travel by boat?" Mikael asked once again, interrupting his Sisters' conversations.

Lucinda laughed and rolled her eyes. "Yes! Why is that so hard for you to believe?"

"I just haven't been on a boat in many years," Mikael responded, grinning. "It'll be a fairly new experience to me."

"Well we have to. It's the only way to get where we're going, what with it being an island."

"And where exactly is this island we're going to?" Mikael posed, not entirely sure on the destination.

A grin spread across Lucinda's face. "Bloodcove."

"Bloodcove?" Mikael gasped. "We're going to Bloodcove?"

"Of course. What better place to find information on pirates?"

"We seriously cannot go anywhere other than Bloodcove?"

"No."

"You're absolutely sure of that?"

"Positive."

"Really?"

"Really."

A moment passed.

Mikael sighed. "Bugger."

"Scared?" laughed Ria'torr. "I never thought I'd see Mikael scared."

"I'm not scared," Mikael shot back. "Just... shocked. I was told horror stories about that place as a child. About Black Theodore and his pirate haven. I wasn't entirely sure that it actually existed anymore."

"Oh, it exists," said Kristine. "It definitely exists. And if you want something a little, perhaps... illegal, then that's where you go. It's still a pirate haven, after all."

"Well, where better to find out about these attacks, I suppose," Mikael said.

Kristine smiled. "Exactly. We'll be fine."

*****************************

The raucous festivities were well underway in Florville when the Cohort arrived. The annual celebration of spring was in full flow, and drunkenness prevailed. It was still daylight, yet music and liquor already hung thick in the unruly atmosphere, the air heady with the pervading scent of alcohol and sweat. Mikael had been pleased to see such revelry; it reminded him that all was not wrong in the world. These, after all, were the people he was tasked to protect, and he was glad to see them enjoying their lives.

He had been surprised, however, at the number of people in the town. It was not a large settlement; bigger perhaps than most others on this stretch of the coast, but not huge when compared to many of the cities that Mikael had visited. It was, however, the predominant port on this side of the Sea of Shells, and as such brought with it a certain level of populace and wealth. Even so, it seemed to be overflowing, the by-product of such a well-received festival. People travelled hundreds of miles to trade and take part in the famous event.

As such, the port was filled. Ships heaved in the docks, some loaded with people, others with cargo. There was virtually no free space; the usual give and take of the pier replaced by the near-permanent mooring of the festival ships. They did not want to leave; many had transported customers huge distances, and those same customers would be stranded were their transport to desert the wharf.

There were, however, a few ships coming and going in the busy period, some trade insistent on continuing as normal. Common sense dictated that some of these ships would be pirate ships, smuggling cargo, and more than one would have Bloodcove on its list of destinations. It was more frequented than people liked to think, Mikael came to realise. There would be numerous ships sailing there.

But the sea was a decidedly male business nevertheless, and Mikael had been a little concerned at their prospects of finding passage. Five women would either be turned down flat or seen as easy prey to rape and robbery. He did not worry about the latter, as anyone attempting to harm one of his Sisters would soon find themselves killed by the same helpless woman he'd tried to molest, but he definitely didn't want to be stranded at sea after the crew had all been slaughtered.

That was why they had decided to take passage on the Bounteous Mermaid. Despite its rather lurid name - and accompanying carved figurehead - it actually seemed a reputable ship. The captain had a good name among the townspeople, and after loosening the lips on some of the local tavern's patrons with a steady supply of alcohol, the Cohort had been able to ascertain that not only did he smuggle to Bloodcove but that he often took women on board with no harm.

The ship's captain, however, was none too pleased at the prospect of taking on six passengers when they had managed to find him by his ship. That was, of course, until Kristine dropped a heavy pouch of gold onto his lap. Mikael could understand his concern; it was not every day a group of six strangers approached your ship and asked for passage to Bloodcove. Especially not when your trip was supposed to be a secret. And especially especially not when those six strangers were five women and a man.

His only concerns had been those addressed by the gold. How the Cohort had found out he transported to Bloodcove had originally been a problem, but as with most men of the sea his questions were hushed by a large bag of money.

"Well this looks like it might do," he growled. "I can certainly see us doin' business."

Kristine smiled. "Then it is settled - we travel in the morning."

"One thing," he said, his eyes lowering. "I need to know your business. Not necessarily who you're going to see or what you entirely plan to do, but I do need to know the purpose of your visit.

"I might get asked these things, see, and I need to have an answer. Don't much fancy taking a swing from the harbour. Particularly not by the neck, if you get what I'm sayin'."

Kristine tossed another, smaller bag of coins into his lap. "We're travellers. Make something up if you need to."

"An' I have certain standards on this ship, too," he continued, cagily watching Kristine and Mikael. "I don't take folk who've murdered their loved ones, I don't take children and I don't take women forced into prostitution."

"That's very noble of you," Kristine said, an eyebrow raised.

"Oh, not too noble," he grinned back, his wide smile revealing numerous blackened teeth. "I only said women forced into prostitution. There's plenty that come on my ship who've chosen their path themselves. Often they can pay their fare with ways other than money." He laughed.

"Well, I can assure you we're not whores," Kristine replied. "And you won't be enjoying our company."

"Oh, don't worry about that," he said. "I respect a person's boundaries. You paid me in solid gold and I'll let you keep to yourself, as long as none of you are being taken somewhere you don't want to go."

"I can promise you that we're all willing passengers here. No one is being taken against their will."

He eyed the group carefully, trying to gauge faces underneath the hoods that the Cohort always wore. His stare was met by six wide smiles.

"Get on then," he ordered, waving his hand at the ramp dismissively as he began to count his money. Kristine nodded at him, and the Cohort ascended.

*****************************

Their quarters on the ship were not much, a cramped room at the back containing six small bunks. Three beds on either side of the wall, one on top of the other, and no sheets or pillows. Mikael had expected this, but after growing used to the Sanctuary still found it a little saddening.

"Back to a lack of comfort," he sighed, staring at the bare mattresses.

Lucinda turned to him with a smile. "Now, Mikael, you lived as a traveller until you joined us. You can cope with a little austerity now and then."

"Of course, Sister. I just... enjoy softness."

Ria'torr giggled then as she climbed nimbly to the top bunk on the right-hand side. "You need to make sure you don't grow soft though. We need a warrior in the Cohort!"




Adventures of the Cohort Ch. 02



Mikael glanced at her, a wry grin on his face. "You don't need to worry about that. I know my duties as a member. It doesn't mean I can't enjoy some of the perks that come with living in the Sanctuary."

"And those perks are confined to soft pillows?" Kristine said as she turned around, an eyebrow raised. "I would have thought being in our company would have been a greater boon to your masculinity."

"In what way?" Mikael said with a playful smile.

"I think you know, Mikael. Perhaps, when we next get an opportunity, you can show me?"

"I'll do just that."

"Good."

The sound of Lucinda laughing broke his eye contact with the stunning paladin.

"Are we arranging hookups in advance now then? In that case, Sisters and Brother, I claim all of you for my bed at the next available opportunity." She laughed again, her green eyes twinkling with mirth.

"When is that opportunity?" Mikael asked hopefully.

Kristine sighed. "Sadly, not now. We should go out on deck to make sure there are no snags before we leave."

With that, the paladin strode from the room, and Mikael and his Sisters hurried after her.

*****************************

When Mikael woke, the ship had set sail. He could feel the gentle rise and fall of the hull as it crested the waves. He stretched and scratched his head; he had had a better night's sleep than originally expected, and felt refreshed.

He glanced out over the side of his bunk. He'd been given one of the beds at the very top, since they were by far the most awkward to get to. Owing to her grace, Ria'torr had been given the other, and Mikael noticed she was no longer in it. He could see no sign of Lucinda or Quintia either, and quietly dropped down onto the floor of the cabin. Melissa was still asleep in the bunk beneath his, and Kristine on the bottom bunk on the opposite side.

He dressed quietly, putting his cloak back on over his armour before opening the door and entering the dim corridor beyond. He walked along it to the galley, hoping to get some food, and entered. Two sailors turned to look at him, mumbling a greeting, and he grabbed a small chunk of bread.

"Mornin'," said one, turning to him with a small smile. "Hungry?"

"Very. Only two of you eating breakfast?"

"Only seven of us on the ship," the sailor responded. "An' you need four mannin' the decks. Captain is fast asleep."

"Is that a normal number of crewmen?" Mikael smiled back, before taking a bite of the bread. It was slightly stale, and not particularly nice, but he was unwilling to break into the supplies that they had brought themselves when food was readily available.

"Sometimes it is, sometimes it ain't," the man shrugged. "At the moment, it's what we got. Give us a few weeks an' we might 'ave another three or four men, or we might 'ave lost one or two. Can't be losin' too many mind or the ship won't be going anywhere at all."

"Fair enough," Mikael replied, finishing the bread. Definitely stale, he thought to himself, suppressing a grimace.

"You lookin' for yer women?" the other man asked, taking another swig of what Mikael could only assume was a healthy mug of morning ale.

"They're not my women," Mikael replied coolly. "We are all companions."

"Whatever," the sailor said dismissively. "Last I saw of 'em they was on the top deck."

"Thank you," Mikael nodded, before leaving the galley and climbing the hatch to the top level.

Cold sea air greeted him as he pushed it open, clambering onto the deck. A slight wind rushed through his hair, and sea spray hung heavy over the ship. It was a clear day, and the vessel appeared to be moving quickly through the sea; the land was a mere line on the horizon to their north, the rest an endless vista of sparkling blue.

He glanced around for his Sisters, and found them standing at the front of the ship. They saw him and waved, smiles on their faces. Mikael approached.

"Good morning," Ria'torr grinned at him. "Sleep well?"

"I did, thank you," he replied. "You?"

"Better than I thought," she responded.

"What are you all doing here?" Mikael asked, curious.

"Quintia's casting a spell to make the journey quicker," Lucinda said quietly. "We're making sure no one comes over here until she's finished."

Mikael glanced at Quintia. She was facing out to sea, her eyes closed. The wind had pulled back her hood slightly, and Mikael could see the gem on her forehead glowing brightly. Her hands traced delicate symbols in the air, and he could see the sails billowing each time she did.

"Our mage has quite the talent," Mikael said with a smile. "I don't know what we'd do without her."

"Neither do I," Lucinda said. "Though I can't imagine what would happen were any of us to disappear."

The ship lurched slightly as if hit by a large wave, and Mikael momentarily lost his balance. His stumbling was caught by Lucinda, who grabbed his arm and hauled him upright.

"Careful," she laughed, her emerald eyes creased in amusement. "Don't want to fall overboard."

The ship lurched again, harder this time, and both Mikael and Lucinda fell. She landed on top of him in a heap, and it took a few seconds for them to extricate themselves and stand once more.

"What the hells was that?" Mikael cried as he stood. The ship shook again. "What are you doing, Quintia?"

Quintia's eyes snapped open, and she staggered backwards. They were wide with shock, and surprise was etched on her face as she stared at Mikael.

That wasn't me! she said, the words appearing on the deck like inky water. They soon flowed away.

"Then what the fuck was it?" Mikael said, as the ship shuddered again. It had ground to a halt.

Kristine and Melissa came stumbling out of the hatch, drawing their cloaks over their hastily attached armour, looks of surprise on their faces. They ran towards the rest of the Cohort as the ship sat motionless in the water.

"What was that?" Kristine asked, nervousness in her voice. "That's never happened to me on a ship before."

"I don't know," Lucinda replied. "But it didn't seem good."

Mikeal glanced around, and was startled by a loud bang as the captain's door flew open. He was fully armed and armoured.

"What the fuck are you six doin' out here?" he cried. "Get inside, it's not safe. Now!"

"What's happening?" Mikael asked loudly, as the wind began to pick up. The other six sailors had emerged from below decks, also wielding weapons.

"Merfolk," hissed the captain. "They've started preyin' on ships goin' in and out of Bloodcove. Now take yer women and get inside!"

His shouts were halted by a faint sloshing sound, like someone climbing the outside of the hull. And that's exactly what it was.

Mikael whirled around to see a green, fish-like head emerge over the side of the ship, and then two more. A webbed hand grabbed the top and soon the whole creature had hauled itself onto the deck. It was green and scaly, looking somewhat like a giant, bloated fish only with greasy arms and legs. Its gills flailed uselessly in the wind, but its chest rose and fell like an air-breather. It clutched a battered trident, its companions similarly armed with crude, but no doubt effective, weapons.

"What is that?" Mikael muttered under his breath, as a sailor charged at it. It attempted to parry, but the sailor sliced through its arm, before severing its head.

"A merfolk," Ria'torr responded. "I must admit, whilst I knew of their existence, I had never seen one until now."

More of the creatures had clambered aboard now, at least ten. The captain was busy decapitating those who raised their heads too close to him, but soon he was distracted by the few who had made it onto the deck. The odds were not in the ship's favour.

"Get inside!" the captain screamed at Mikael and his Sisters once more, his eyes bulging as he tried to convey the desperateness of their situation. Yet more merfolk had clambered aboard now.

"Not a chance," Mikael whispered. "They chose the wrong ship to attack."

With that, he shrugged off his cloak. It fell to the floor, caught by the wind and blowing into a corner of the deck. With a keening sound he withdrew both of his longswords, the magic that infused them glittering like the sea, and the closest creatures quickly turn to face him. Around him his Sisters did the same, withdrawing their weapons, and Mikael was not sure who was the more shocked - the merfolk attacking what they thought was a poorly-defended ship, or the sailors who did not expect to see a band of hardened adventurers emerge from the cloaks before them.

He grinned, and charged. Slashing forwards with his longsword, he cut one creature clean in half, before plunging his other weapon through the heart of another. It gurgled, shuddering into motionlessness as black liquid bubbled forth from its mouth, and Mikael kicked it off the end of his sword.

Beside him Lucinda did likewise, her vorpal blades cutting through scaly flesh as she whirled. Kristine hacked her way through the swathes of merfolk that now seethed over the deck with her large two-handed sword, her loud war cry piercing through the sounds of the battle and wind.

Mikael spun to fight a merfolk as it climbed onto the deck, but before he could even raise his sword it had been thrown backwards, an arrow protruding from its head. It stumbled, before falling back into the sea it had emerged from.

Mikael hacked out at another, slicing down its back and sending it spasming to the floor. He stabbed downwards, ending its misery, before turning his attention to more that had slithered onboard.

"There's too many coming out of the water!" he cried, as yet more merfolk began to emerge from the murky depths. To his side, Kristine and Lucinda still cut through the scaly hordes, and the sailors fought valiantly in their own corner. A faint white light appeared to infuse them, and Mikael watched as a merfolk trident bounced harmlessly off a sailor's chest.

Mikael glanced over at his other Sisters. Ria'torr's arms were a blur, her bow singing as it fired shot after shot into the merfolk ranks, each arrow hitting true. One after another of the scaly creatures found themselves thrown back into the water, arrow heads embedded in their chests. Melissa, too, had her hands raised, a prayer on her lips and her body encased in a nimbus of light. Her eyes were focussed intently on the sailors, and Mikael realised it was only through her machinations that they were not already dead.

He defended himself against two merfolk that attacked simultaneously, parrying both blows with ease. He thrust his swords upwards, cutting through both chests and sending gore spilling out onto the deck. Stepping backwards he whirled around, finding Lucinda fending off four separate attacks. He stabbed forwards, killing one merfolk, and decapitated another. Lucinda made short work of the other two attackers.

He grimaced as he saw yet more clambering aboard, and charged towards them. A flash caught his eye, and his eyes shot sideways to see what had caused it. Quintia was awash with flame, her body seemingly made of liquid fire, and an intense heat suddenly washed across the deck. The merfolk shrank back, and the fighters used that to their advantage, cutting through the ranks of shirking creatures.

With the dull roar of an inferno, Quintia extended her arms to the sea. Flames exploded forth from her molten hands, erupting into the water with considerable force. Steam rose from the impact, and yet more flames poured from her outstretched palms.

Mikael winced as the heat rose quickly. The merfolk fared far worse, and were rendered virtually unable to move by the intense heat. Around the ship, the sea began to gently bubble, and the merfolk moved quickly to jump back into it.

They screamed as their flesh burnt, the temperature rising quickly and the sea beginning to boil. Rivers of flame still gushed from Quintia's hands into the water, and the merfolk ceased to appear. The water roiled, the tempestuous heat of Quintia's spell killing any merfolk still floundering near the surface. Eventually, it slowly started to calm.

Mikael and his Sisters quickly cut down the few creatures remaining on the ship, and turned to Quintia. She had stopped casting and was crouching on the deck, catching her breath. Ria'torr sat next to her, an arm around her shoulder. It had been a quick but brutal fight.

"What in holy fuck just happened?" shouted the captain, rushing towards Mikael and his Sisters. "What the holy fuck are you?"

"A warband," Kristine responded with a smile. "Ordained by the Gods."

"A warband of the Gods?" he replied, shocked. "Normally I'd throw you overboard for taking the Gods' names in vain, but after that..." he said, motioning towards the multitudinous merfolk corpses piled on the deck. "After that, I'm inclined to believe you."

"I... I should be dead," one of the sailors muttered, gently rubbing a hand from his shoulder to his stomach. "I was sliced right 'ere."

"Yes, sorry about that," Melissa said as she approached them. "I couldn't deflect that blow. I was busy preventing your captain from being stabbed through the neck."

"You saved us," the captain said slowly, his face brightening. "You fuckin' saved us!"

"We only did what was right," Kristine said happily. "And your men fought valiantly, I must say."

"They're good men," the captain agreed. "But I've got you to thank for them still bein' here."

"It was nothing," Kristine nodded. "But if you'll excuse us, we need to return to our cabin. We have matters to discuss."

"Of course," the captain responded. "I won't bother you again 'til we're there."

"And captain?" Kristine added, turning back to him. "I'd appreciate it if neither you nor your men mentioned this to anybody. In Bloodcove, being agents of the Gods might not necessarily stand us in good stead."

"Of course," he replied, bowing low. "No one would believe me anyway."

Kristine laughed and turned away, and Mikael followed her and his Sisters down the hatch and back to their cabin.

*****************************

"Well, there's nothing quite like a fight to get the blood flowing in the morning," Mikael laughed as he shut the door to the cabin behind him. His Sisters had all entered, sitting on the assorted beds.

"That was quite something," Kristine agreed. "I can only shudder to think what would have happened were we not on board."

"It doesn't bear thinking about," Lucinda grimaced. "But we were here, and the crew are safe. What's of more concern is where these merfolk came from."

"Indeed," Ria'torr nodded. "Merfolk are generally a fairly insular species. Granted, they're not particularly friendly, but I've not known of them to go raiding other races. They tend to attack only other merfolk tribes. This is a very strange turn of events."

"Could these be related to the pirate attacks?" Lucinda posed, looking round. "Could these merfolk raids be being driven by increased pirate activity, or maybe even be linked in some way?"

"I've not known merfolk to work with pirates before," Ria'torr responded with a shrug. "From what I have learned from the elven sailors I had the pleasure to meet, merfolk often dislike land-dwellers on the sea. They see it as their territory, and they object to us using it without very good reason."

"Well, that might explain the raids. They object to the ships going in and out of Bloodcove. What with the increased pirate activity, the volume of sea traffic must have risen somewhat, too," Mikael offered.

"I don't think so," Ria'torr said, gently biting her bottom lip. "Bloodcove has always been an extremely busy port. They would have grown angry at the sheer number of ships long before now if that was indeed the case. No, there's something else at work here."

"Well then we have a problem," Melissa shrugged. "If they don't raid, then why are they raiding? As Lucinda says, we have to assume that this is linked to the pirate activity in some way. And if it's not just due to a higher number of vessels in the water, then maybe we need to wonder if the two are in tandem somehow."

"But I just don't think that merfolk would work with pirates," Ria'torr said. "They're too xenophobic to work alongside another race, particularly not ones whose presence they resent."

There has been only one instance of merfolk attacking ships and land-dwellers in these numbers, glowed Quintia, her hands aloft. I recall it from the history books we keep at the Sanctuary. It happens so rarely, the event stuck in my mind.

"When was that?" Lucinda asked, raising her head to Quintia's.

Almost three hundred years ago, she responded. The last time there was a man strong enough to bring all the seas under his dominion.

"Black Theodore," Kristine hissed. "You don't think?"

It would explain the merfolk, Quintia's words said, slowly forming on the ground. Their nature reflected the solemn mood. It would take someone of quite exceptional power to drive the merfolk from their territory. I fear we may be dealing with another of similar strength.

"Then we really will need the Gods' help," Lucinda sighed. "I remember the destruction that Black Theodore wrought. If there is another like him, then there are more than a few ships at stake. He threatened the entire safety of the coastal nations."

Kristine clenched her fists tightly and quickly stood. She surveyed the rest of the Cohort intently, a fierce look in her eyes.

"Then for their sakes we must hurry," she demanded. "We need to find out what is going on here, and we need to do it quickly. I have a strong suspicion that a person with power of this magnitude is not going to be unheard of in Bloodcove. It will not be difficult to find out what is going on."

The Cohort agreed. There was work to do.

*****************************

It did not take the ship long to reach Bloodcove. The wind was good, and after their encounter with the merfolk there were no more unpleasant surprises for the crew and passengers.

Mikael stood by the side of the ship, watching the harbour loom ever closer as Bloodcove lurched towards them. It was a dingy town, Mikael gathered. The island was rocky, heavily forested in the centre, and appeared larger than he had expected. Bloodcove was pressed firmly into the large bay in front of him, limited by the mountain extending behind it and the sea stretched out to its front.

With a slight bump the ship stopped moving, moored into place on the harbour. The sailors scurried to and fro, making sure everything was secure, and getting ready to unload whatever illegal cargo they were carrying. The Cohort walked calmly over to the ramp, where the captain was waiting for them.

"Be careful out there," he said, stepping aside. "Bloodcove ain't a nice play to be. But I'm sure you'll be doin' just fine."

"You too, captain," Lucinda smiled. "Take care of your men. Keep them out of trouble here."

"I didn't keep them alive to have them killed in a bar fight, after all," Melissa laughed.

"Don't you worry," the captain responded with a grin. "I'll make sure they stay safe. And don't be worryin' about your secret. It's safe with us."

"Thank you," Kristine nodded. "Goodbye, captain."

The Cohort descended the ramp, entering Bloodcove proper, where Mikael's boot immediately stuck on something viscous on the dock. He grimaced and deliberately did not look down - he did not want to know what it was. He forced his foot free and they walked towards solid land, away from the wooden jetty and the Bounteous Mermaid. Mikael's nostrils were inundated with an assortment of powerful smells, some of them highly illegal and most of them incredibly disgusting. He grimaced again. Around him, drunks lay singing and vomiting in the streets, clutching almost-empty bottles of liquor, and spitting insults at anyone walking too close.




Adventures of the Cohort Ch. 03



Mikael cut the pear with a sharp knife, dropping the pieces into the bowl that he had in front of him. He put a segment in his mouth and chewed it slowly as he finished, enjoying its flavour. Its cool wetness proved refreshing, too, a welcome relief in the stifling heat. Mikael had already removed his shirt due to the warmth; the feeling of cotton hanging on to him in the high temperatures was not to his favour.

He placed the knife to one side when he was finished and walked over to the small cupboard where the Cohort kept perishable savoury goods. Opening the door and reaching inside he pulled out a small block of cheese wrapped in waxed paper that Lucinda had brought back the last time she had visited the local town. He cut this, too, placing those cuttings into the same bowl. It was a small meal he had learned to prepare in his days working in a tavern. It was cheap yet filling, and when quality ingredients were used, surprisingly delicious.

As he sliced the cheese he puffed his cheeks. It was too hot, and he did not particularly enjoy it. He had never felt the Sanctuary this warm before but, he supposed, he had not been here long. Perhaps his Sisters could shed some light on the heat or at least confirm that at certain times of year it was something he'd need to get used to.

He wiped his brow, reaching for the large cup of water he'd filled slightly earlier, and took a swig. It slipped down his throat, pure and refreshing, and he as he put the empty mug back onto the table he sighed with contentedness. He could not prevent the heat but he could at least try and stay cool.

He'd not even exercised properly today, the air too cloying for him to work up much of a sweat in the training room. He'd enjoyed a quiet swim in the early morning before any of his Sisters had been awake but that was more in an effort to keep cool rather than build his athleticism. He supposed that he could ask Quintia for further instruction in the sorcerous arts, which would at least help him hone his fighting skills, but he couldn't bear the thought of being around so many fireballs.

He finished cutting the cheese, wrapping the wax paper back around the remaining block and returning it to the cupboard. Shaking the bowl, he ensured that the cheese and pear were properly mixed rather than layered on top of one another, and then took a small bite and appreciated his handiwork. Remembering then that his cup was empty, he moved to refill it.

The small well that was situated in the corner of the kitchen made this easy and Mikael lowered the cup into the bucket of clean, fresh water that he pulled up. Had he not been in the Sanctuary he would have worried about the water drying up in this heat but he felt no concerns about its supply when he was here. He had never known the water to not be at its maximum level, even when the shores of the lake outside receded slightly. Clearly, this water was from a supernatural source.

That done, he was reaching for a loaf of bread to complete the meal when he suddenly became aware of someone walking towards the kitchen, their feet padding softly on the stone floor. He turned as the curtain was pulled open and smiled at Kristine as she walked in, and she smiled back.

"Hello," he said pleasantly, slipping some more cheese and pear into his mouth.

"Hello Brother. Preparing a meal? I didn't know you represented the Gods of food, too."

Mikael laughed at that and turned to face her, allowing his eyes to quickly rove over her body. She wore a loose cloth top and a linen skirt that fell to her knees, and although both did a good job of concealing her figure Mikael knew well what lay beneath. Her blonde hair was down but swept forwards over one shoulder today, and her piercing blue eyes were creased in amusement.

"What can I say? I'm talented."

Kristine laughed. "Well, I was going to get some food for myself, but I think now I'll just steal yours."

"I suppose I expected no different," he said with a wry smile as she reached into the bowl, withdrawing her hand with a small slice of pear. She giggled as she slipped it into her mouth, her eyes rolling back with pleasure as the refreshing fruit washed over her tongue.

"It's nice, isn't it?" Mikael grinned, taking out a slice of pear and cheese. He ate the two together, enjoying the taste. "Especially in this heat."

"Indeed," Kristine nodded. "I came originally for a cup of water."

Mikael smiled as he handed her his own and she thanked him before gulping back the entire contents of the mug.

"I didn't mean for you to drink it all," he laughed, taking back the cup from her.

"You know me. Offer me something nice and I'll take it."

"I know. I've experienced it."

She grinned again, her gorgeous face lit up with mirth, before leaning forwards to take another slice of pear from the bowl.

"This is nice," she beamed, eating another slice. "My compliments."

Mikael shrugged. "Well it's a light meal, and in this heat that's all I wanted."

"Understandable," Kristine nodded. "I've not known it to be this hot here before. It's actually rather worrying."

Mikael furrowed his brow. "I wanted to ask you about that. Whether this heat was normal or not."

"It is not," she replied, shrugging her shoulders to signify her lack of answers. "I don't entirely know what's causing it. I asked Quintia to see if she could divine anything out of the ordinary in this place but she found nothing. If there's a direct cause to this heat then it is away from here."

"Interesting. If there is something individual causing this then it must be powerful indeed to affect the Sanctuary, surely?"

"Oh, yes," Kristine agreed. "This place is well protected from spells. If something is breaking through those barriers, even if it is not targeted directly at us, then I would not be surprised to see us tasked with its removal by the Gods."

"Well, whatever we have to do I hope it cools down soon," he sighed. "I feel like I might melt."

"I wouldn't want that. Though if you did I might be able to eat all of this."

She reached out to take another slice of the pear but Mikael snatched the bowl away. She looked up at him with a smirk as he moved it behind his back, holding it away from her.

"My food," he grinned, and she laughed, her eyes twinkling. She lunged forwards and Mikael wrapped his free arm around her waist, pinning her in place against his body. She reached out to grab the bowl but it was just too far away.

"Give me some," she pouted, looking up at Mikael as her arms strained to reach the bowl. He stretched out, just keeping it out of her reach, and poked his tongue out.

Suddenly, she stopped struggling, instead turning to Mikael. She was still pinned against his body and her arms dropped to her sides. With a mischievous smile on her face she leaned forwards, pressing her cheek softly against his.

"I'm sure we could come to some arrangement here," she whispered in his ear, pressing her body against him. Mikael grinned as one of her hands began to lightly trace around his cock. "There must be some favour I can give you in return."

"I'm sure there is," he replied, beginning to relax his arm as his member twitched.

"How about..." she breathed, pressing her palm flat against his cock, "I help you work up an appetite?"

"Sounds good," he agreed, pushing his hips against her hand, enjoying the feeling.

"Tough!" she laughed, breaking free of Mikael's now loosened grasp and grabbing the bowl from his hand. Before he could react she had darted away and stood leaning against the counter, her body shaking with amusement. She giggled at the look on his face, before slowly raising a slice of pear to her mouth.

"Mmmm..." she moaned teasingly. "This is very nice."

"You know, if you're going to steal my food at least eat it properly. You're supposed to eat the cheese and pear at the same time," he said wryly, stepping towards her. "One is sweet and the other savoury. The contrast between the hard edge on the cheese and the sugary pear compliment one another."

Kristine swallowed the pear and flashed a smile at him.

"Is that so?"

He moved forwards, plucking out a piece of cheese and a slice of pear from the bowl, holding them delicately between the fingers of one hand. Then he stepped close to her, feeling the contours of her body through her top against his naked chest, and lowered his head to within a few inches of her own. She opened her mouth, her eyes shining into him.

Mikael dropped the pear and the cheese onto her tongue and watched her intently as she chewed. He positioned his head so that it was directly in front of hers, her breath sweet over his face, before he let his hand drop to her waist. She smiled and swallowed, pushing her body into him.

"You're quite right," she sighed. "That was delicious."

"I hoped it would be," Mikael breathed back.

The corners of her lips twisted impishly. "But suddenly I'm not hungry anymore." She reached out and placed the bowl at arm's length away on the counter.

"Now there's a surprise."

He slowly moved his head forward. Kristine's eyes glittered and her free arm wrapped around his back as she pressed herself more tightly against him.

"I suppose I did promise to help you work up an appetite," she said quietly, a seductive smile on her face. "Would you like to do so now?"

"I don't think you need to ask," he breathed, leaning in. Kristine grinned mischievously and Mikael pushed his tongue into her mouth as their lips met. She responded in kind, meeting his tongue with her own, and they kissed passionately.

He pulled her to him with both hands, fervently kissing her as their bodies crushed together, and grasped her ass firmly. She let go of the table and wrapped her other arm around his back with a moan, her nails scraping faintly across his bare skin. Then his hands drifted lower, hooking underneath her shirt and starting to gently tug it upwards, Kristine allowing the kiss to be broken as he pulled off the garment, her large breasts falling free.

Instantly, Mikael's hands were on them, slowly kneading them and gently playing with her nipples. Kristine's breath caught in her throat and Mikael lowered his head to suck a nipple into his mouth. She moaned as he teased them with his tongue and grabbed the back of his head, pulling him closer.

After a short while, he stood and kissed her again, his right hand reaching up and brushing her golden hair away from her face. The piercing blue of her eyes seemed to shimmer with lust as he took hold of the top of her skirt, gently pushing it down. She kissed him again, their tongues dancing as her skirt fell away, leaving her totally naked.

His hands were soon on her hips and he broke the kiss, lifting her clean off the ground with a smile and placing her on the wooden table beyond them. He stepped towards her and Kristine smiled wickedly, leaning backwards and opening her legs. She knew what was coming, and Mikael grinned as kissed her stomach, slowly tracing his way lower with his tongue.

He placed his hands on her calves, gently pushing them further apart, and allowed her legs to rest over his shoulders as he stroked her inner thighs. Kristine trembled slightly with anticipation and Mikael kissed around her pussy, feeling the warmth caressing his face, before he gently flicked out with his tongue.

Kristine gasped with pleasure and Mikael moved his face closer, allowing his tongue to roam over her folds. He ran it the full length of her snatch before pushing it inside, enjoying the way she tasted. Mikael moved to her clit, sucking it into his mouth and gently teasing it with his tongue. His fingers parted her pussy lips as they sank into her, Kristine moaning loudly.

He lapped at her clit before returning to running his tongue over her folds. Her wetness ran over his mouth and her opulent scent filled his nostrils. The flat of his tongue pressed against her womanhood before he teased her entrance with it, then slowly slipped inside. She moaned, and began to writhe slightly in pleasure as Mikael gently tongue-fucked her.

At length, he stopped, returning to her folds. He lapped at them for a few moments, every so often flicking her clit with his tongue, before he returned his full attention to the little bud. He sucked his mouth around it, lightly tracing his tongue over her clitoris and causing her to inhale sharply each time. He reached up again and pushed two fingers inside of her, allowing her tunnel to relax around them before slowly pumping them in and out. Kristine was moaning loudly now, her legs tight around his head as he worked on her pussy. Her body had started to tense.

His tongue was lightly caressing her clit and he slowly pressed harder, swirling his fingers around inside her. Kristine gripped the side of his head tightly and Mikael looked up to see her piercing blue eyes staring at him, a look of pure ecstasy on her face. Her moans bordered on shouts as her orgasm crested, her face taking on a look of pure animalistic desire. She bucked her hips in anticipation of her climax.

"Mmmm... yesss... fuuuck..." she moaned, her face screwing up with rapture. "Ahhhhhhhhh... yeeeeesssssss!"

She cried out as she climaxed, her snatch visibly trembling as her walls convulsed inside her. Mikael continued to push his fingers into her as her moans continued, a powerful climax tearing through her. He kissed her thighs as it faded, keeping her aroused, before standing up. Kristine grinned and leant forwards again, wrapping her legs around his back and placing her arms on his shoulders.

"Holy fuck, Mikael," she whispered with a grin. "That was good. And I mean good. I remember you eating my pussy in that tavern the first time you fucked me. Do you remember that?"

He grinned. "Of course I do. One of the best nights of my life."

"Good to see you haven't lost your touch," she said as she pulled him closer.

Mikael leaned in and they kissed, his arms wrapping around her back, feeling her smooth skin. Her lips parted and he pressed his mouth against hers, their tongues thrashing against one another. Kristine's arms reached down for Mikael's buckle, unclasping it and pulling free his belt. His pants fell to the floor and he stepped out of them, before kicking them away. They stood there naked, both enjoying the sight of the other. Kristine ran her finger lightly down Mikael's chest as he stroked her thighs.

Eventually, Kristine leant backwards onto the counter once again and Mikael lined his cock up with her entrance. He slowly rubbed the tip against her folds, eliciting a faint gasp from the blonde spread out on the table.

"Don't make me wait," Kristine moaned as his cock brushed her clit.

"Sorry," he moaned, before pushing inwards, gasping as her hot, tight tunnel swallowed up his member. Kristine moaned, her face contorting with the intensity of the feeling.

Mikael reached up and grabbed one of her large breasts, gently squeezing it whilst his other hand stroked her blonde hair, then her cheek. He pressed a finger against her lips and Kristine started to lightly nibble the end, his cock motionless inside of her. The paladin's lips were twisted into a wicked smile as she sucked on his finger and her blue eyes stared straight into his.

Mikael slowly began to thrust and Kristine shut her eyes in delight, opening her mouth and letting his finger drop free. She moaned as Mikael's cock eased in and out of her depths, her velvet walls caressing his shaft.

"Mmm..." she moaned, a smile on her angelic face. "That feels gooood."

"I'm glad," he grunted back, his cock sliding into her hot snatch slowly, every inch caressed by her silken tunnel. His pace was controlled, deliberate, and Kristine clearly enjoyed the sensations that sparkled through her.

He gently squeezed the breast that he cupped, before letting go and moving the hand to run delicately over her soft thighs, her legs still wrapped around his back. Mikael let his fingers stroke smoothly down her stomach, feeling its flatness, before he leaned forwards and placed his palm flat on the surface of the counter.

His new angle caused Kristine to gasp as his member pushed in deeper than it had been previously. Mikael grinned wickedly as she opened her eyes to stare at him and his other hand left her breast to rest on the table, too.

The blonde beauty beneath him now arched her neck slightly as Mikael's cock truly worked its magic, pleasure shivering through her each time it slid into her eager pussy. He slowly thrust harder and deeper, watching as her body bounced with each movement, his ass bumping into her heels every time he withdrew. He leant down and kissed her neck, his hips moving increasingly quickly.

Soon he was thrusting with vigour, Kristine shuddering beneath him as his cock slammed into her. Her entire body faintly glistened with a slight layer of sweat, their fervent lovemaking not helping them cool down in the stifling heat. His hips were a blur and Kristine writhed in delight.

She was a picture of passionate desire, her blonde hair spread messily over the table, and her sparkling blue eyes flitting in and out of focus at the force of her pleasure. Her stunning face reflected the growing feeling inside her and Mikael could see her slowly grit her jaw as her muscles tensed. She unwrapped her legs from behind his back and Mikeal stood up in order to allow her to straighten them. He leaned forwards again when she had, her lean thighs pressed against him, her calves on his shoulders.

"Fuu... uuck..." Kristine moaned, as her eyes fluttered between open and shut. She writhed from side to side, her flawless skin reflecting the natural light that poured in from the high windows. Mikael pressed his lips against hers, their tongues briefly touching before Kristine withdrew hers and cried out. Mikael pulled his head away, her muffled noises suddenly becoming clear.

"I... ah... almost..." she panted, her body slowly tensing. "Ohhh... Mikael... fuu... uck..."

"Feel good?" Mikael grinned at her, watching the orgasm build.

"Ohhh... it feels... fucking... fantastic...." She panted, her eyes closed and her neck arched. "I'm... nnggghhhh... I'm... I'm... I'm COMIIIIING!"

Mikael slowed his thrusts as Kristine came beneath him. She had arched her back, her face displaying her pleasure and her eyes tightly shut. Her mouth was slightly open and her breathing came in ragged gasps as the orgasm exploded inside her. Her snatch tightened around Mikael's cock and he slowly continued thrusting as her walls shuddered around it.

Eventually, she lay back down and her eyes fluttered open. She grinned and sighed loudly, her body relaxing. A mischievous smile, however, remained on her face. She took a deep breath as her eyes sparkled with delight, her mouth twisted in a huge grin. "Wow. That was just... wow."

"Glad you enjoyed it," Mikael smiled as his cock still gently eased in and out of her depths.

"I more than enjoyed it, Mikael," she said, before gasping as his cock grazed her walls as he withdrew it. "Mmm... but there's more to come yet, I hope."

With that, she grinned and lifted her legs. Mikael stepped back, allowing her to sit forward, and her feet touched the ground. She stood up, leaning into Mikael and kissing him, his erection pressing up against her naked body. Her breasts squashed against his chest and he enjoyed the feeling of her smooth form against him. He placed a hand on the back of her neck and pulled her closer for the kiss, their tongues duelling as Kristine's hand dropped to his cock, lightly caressing its length.

After a few moments Kristine stepped back and placed her hands on Mikael's shoulders. She turned, guiding him round until he the one leaning backwards against the table. He smiled as she dropped to her knees, her fingers tracing down his body.




Adventures of the Cohort Ch. 03



"I want to taste myself on you," she said as her hand wrapped around his cock, leisurely stroking its length. Mikael groaned as she caressed his member, her hand gliding up and down easily over his pussy-wet shaft. Then she leant forwards, her mouth parting slightly. She flicked her tongue along the underside and smiled wickedly at the even louder groan it brought from his lungs.

"I taste pretty good," she said, before sucking his head into her mouth entirely, her hand continuing to stroke his length as her tongue caressed his tip. Mikael moaned and placed a hand on her head, lightly playing with her golden hair as she once more moved to lick the underside of his shaft. When she had reached the base, she slowly climbed his cock, her tongue winding upwards until she reached the tip once more. There she would briefly suck his tip into her mouth before starting the pattern anew.

Mikael groaned and leaned backwards, placing both his hands on the counter as Kristine continued to suck him. She had slightly changed her technique and was now slowly taking his whole cock into her mouth. His tip would rub against the back of her throat and she would pull off, smiling, before continuing. Mikael was in ecstasy, and it seemed that Kristine was enjoying every second of it.

Gradually, she pumped his cock harder, and Mikael slowly moved his hips with the rhythm of her fist. He had forgotten how adept she was at giving head and as his orgasm neared Mikael's moans grew louder. Suddenly, Kristine stopped.

"Don't waste it," she grinned wickedly, letting go of Mikael's cock and standing up. He grinned, gently sweeping his hand down the curve of her back as he pulled her to him. She kissed him lightly on the lips before stepping away and facing the table, placing her palms flat on its surface. She smiled mischievously as she looked back at Mikael, arching her back and sticking her ass out. She wiggled it slightly and Mikael moved behind her, stroking her golden hair and smooth skin, enjoying the sight of her naked form curved before him.

He grabbed his cock and once again lined it up with her pussy, before placing a hand on her back and gently pushing inwards. Kristine moaned loudly and pressed backwards, her ass soon resting snugly against his pelvis.

He grabbed her hips and began to ease leisurely in and out of her depths, knowing that he had been so close to orgasm before that he had to start slowly if he wanted to last any longer. Kristine didn't seem to mind, though, and she moaned loudly at the feeling of his member as it slid gently back and forth inside of her. She rolled her own hips backwards with each thrust, meeting Mikael halfway as his cock gradually brought her closer to release.

Mikael stood up straight, his hands on her ass as he slowly fucked her. The paladin turned her head to look at him, smiling, her blue eyes glittering in the light. Mikael luxuriated in the feeling and took in the sight of the beautiful blonde before him.

Suddenly Kristine gasped, and her walls tightened slightly against his cock. It remained that way for a split second, her eyes shut, before relaxing again. She sighed, her tiny orgasm passed, and as he thrust she pushed back against him more forcefully.

She giggled, pushing her hips backwards, taking him in as far as he could go. "You make me come so easily."

"I try."

"You do more than try," she grinned, her cheeks flushed with excitement. A moan escaped her lips as his cock resumed its pace, her mind quickly focused back on their sex.

His hands roved over her ass as he replied, his hips still moving steadily. "Anything to help out a lady."

"You won't mind if I ask you to fuck me harder, then? I definitely want to come again, and you seem to so eager to help."

"But of course, ma'am," he nodded. The blonde laughed sweetly at his mock-humility, though she was soon moaning once more.

Within a few minutes, their pace had increased dramatically, Mikael responding to Kristine's demand. The paladin was thrusting her hips backwards fairly vigorously, matching his own passionate strokes, which were growing harder and faster. Mikael loved the girls here; they enjoyed sex just as much as he did.

He leaned forwards, placing his hands either side of Kristine's and pressing his body against her back, and his hips moved with far more vigour as he thrust into his Sister with some power. She was gasping more regularly now, her arms trembling with pleasure. She bent her elbows and leant forwards, her chest now pressed firmly against the table, her breasts tight against the surface. She stared straight ahead, her mouth slightly open as she panted, her eyes glazed with bliss.

Mikael stood up slightly and pulled his right hand away from the table, instead placing it on her back and leaning forwards again. He gently stroked her upper back and shoulder blades as his cock plunged in and out of her silken depths. Kristine was moaning louder and louder now as their lovemaking sped up, her orgasm building. Her breaths came in ragged gasps and she almost cried out with each one. Reaching forward with the hand that had been stroking her back, Mikael brushed her golden hair away from her neck, sweeping it over her other shoulder and leaving his hand there, using it for leverage as she slammed back to meet his every thrust.

Her angelic face was etched with passion, relaxed and yet energetic at the same time, lost in the feeling of rapture she was being offered. Mikael leaned forwards, his chest pressing against her smooth back, and started to breathe gently in her ear.

"Fu...u...uck..." Kristine managed to say, her voice broken by the orgasm building inside of her. "I'm so... fucking... close..."

"Come for me..." Mikael whispered in her ear, her moans and gasps so loud and ragged now they almost drowned out the sound of his pelvis slapping against her ass. Mikael grinned as a thought occurred to him.

Everyone in the Sanctuary must be able to hear us.

"I'm... ahhhh... going... to... fuck! I'm... going... to... ahhhh... come..." Kristine moaned, resting on her elbows and lifting her head slightly. Her breasts hung loose again, shaking with every thrust as her nipples grazed the countertop, increasing the sensation building inside of her. She took a tight grip of her golden hair as she crested her orgasm, her moans a constant sound as they grew louder and louder. Mikael's hips were a blur and his orgasm neared as Kristine's pussy began to tighten around his cock.

His pace was unsustainably quick, and he knew he would not last much longer. "Ahh, fuck, Kristine, I'm going to come!"

"Do it. Come... in... ahhh... come in... me..." was all she could say in between moans, powerful waves of pleasure coursing through her body. She was close now, throwing her hips back into Mikael as hard as she could, their sex not quite rough but definitely passionate.

"Ahhh... ahhh... fuuuck!" she cried out as her snatch continued to tighten. "By... the... Gods... FUUUUCCCKK!"

She screamed with ecstasy as her orgasm hit, her pussy clamping down on Mikael's cock so hard he could barely move it. Waves of pleasure shuddered through her, Mikael feeling her walls pulsing in time with each, and this drove him over the edge. He slammed into her and groaned aloud as he came, his spasming cock firing into her depths.

It was as if the thought of Mikael coming somehow further prolonged Kristine's colossal orgasm; her body visibly shook as it powered through her, her mind was lost in pleasure as his seed spilled into her. Mikael gripped her shoulder tightly as he fired rope after rope of sticky cum deep into her trembling snatch, gasping with the feeling. They rode their mutual orgasm out for a good while, the world around them unimportant in the face of such an earth-shattering climax.

At length, Mikael stopped coming and Kristine's pussy ceased its quivering. Her tunnel relaxed and her arms collapsed beneath her as she let out a huge sigh. For a moment they both remained still, gasping heavily in the aftermath of a monumental orgasm, before finally Kristine giggled.

"Fuck..." she whispered, catching her breath. "That was quite something."

"It was certainly memorable," Mikael agreed, withdrawing his cock. Kristine gasped at the feeling and turned her face to him. She was still slightly trembling. Mikael kissed the small of her back gently, and she moaned contentedly, before pushing herself up and turning to face him.

"It was more than memorable," she winked, reaching over to the bowl of food Mikael had originally been preparing and taking a slice of pear. She reached forwards and put it in Mikael's mouth before taking another piece and eating that herself. Her trim naked form was glistening with a sheen of sweat.

Mikael laughed breathlessly as Kristine moved away for another cup of water. He did not realise how thirsty he had become. "It was almost too hot for that."

"It's never too hot to fuck, Mikael! Shame on you," she replied, feigning anger. Mikael grinned, and moved to stand behind her.

"Shh," Kristine whispered, holding her finger aloft. "I hear something."

Mikael cocked his head to listen, and after a moment was able to detect the faint sound of moaning. It appeared that Mikael and Kristine were not the only members of the Cohort who had been entertaining lustful desires.

Sure enough, a few moments later an elven voice cried out in pleasure, the wonderful sound of Ria'torr's orgasm reaching the kitchen. Mikael and Kristine looked at one another, before doubling up laughing.

"Looks like we weren't the only two busy," Mikael chuckled.

"Apparently not," Kristine smiled back. "But that's hardly surprising."

Ria'torr's cry picked up again as Mikael responded with a laugh. "Can anyone here go a day without getting horny?"

"I don't think so," Kristine smiled, stepping forwards and placing the cup at Mikael's lips. He drank from it as she rested her head against his chest, her arm around his back. Mikael took the cup and pulled her closer. His sexual energy was spent, but he still enjoyed the feeling of the buxom blonde lovingly pressed against him. "Can you?"

He grinned.

****************************************

The Meeting Room was hot today. Mikael walked in, puffing out his cheeks, before he flopped onto the couch of the six arranged around the room that was his. As earlier, he was barely dressed, and he nodded in mischievous approval as his Sisters slowly entered, also wearing very light or little clothing. They laughed playfully at him as they sat down on the sofas.

Soon enough they had all entered the Meeting Room and Mikael waited patiently for one of his Sisters to stand. It was Lucinda who stood not long after, smiling at the assembled group, raising a hand to brush her obsidian hair from her face. She adjusted her shirt, which she had tied into a knot just below her bosom, allowing her taut stomach to be exposed in order to cool down. Mikael also couldn't help but notice with a salacious thrill the way it seemed to push up her already bounteous breasts.

"Good morning," she said, her emerald eyes glowing at her Sisters and Mikael. "It seems that the Gods are in need of us. As I'm sure you're all quite aware, it is hot. Unnaturally hot. We are not meant to feel changes of temperature like this in the Sanctuary and yet this heat is affecting us here. It is causing droughts and famine, woods are burning and wild animals are being driven to attack settlements out of desperation and fear. The world is beginning to panic but the Gods have identified the cause - the border with the Plane of Fire has grown weak."

Lucinda looked around, a serious look on her face. "Elementals are attempting to break through. It is they who are causing this imbalance in the natural order of things and it is us who must put it right. We are to travel to Scorch's Point, and there we can begin to tackle the problem."

She sat back down, glancing around the group with concern. Her solemn expression was matched by that of her Sisters.

"Scorch's Point?" Melissa asked. "Then this must be serious. Hopefully a guardian remains there."

"Scorch's Point? Guardian?" Mikael queried. He still did not always grasp the details in these calls.

"Surely you know Scorch's Point?" Kristine responded. "It is a well-known landmark, even to those outside of the Gods' service."

He nodded at her. "Yes, I know where it is. I passed through there many times on my travels; it sits on an important trade route. But I do not understand its significance in all this. It's merely a rocky outcrop, isn't it?"

"By the Gods, no," Kristine laughed back, though not maliciously. "It is much more than that, although I would not expect you to know that unless you had read it in one of our histories. Scorch's Point was the staging ground for the last great elemental attack on this world. It is a weak spot into the Plane of Fire and it is always one that they seek to exploit. That rocky outcrop is far more important than many people are aware."

"I see," Mikael said. "And this guardian?"

Melissa smiled pleasantly before answering. "The Gods do not leave their sacred places unattended. I'm sure you're aware that there are many other agents of the Gods. We are not alone in their service; there are others with power doing the Gods bidding."

"Of course. Like the priests and priestesses of the temples."

"Exactly. They are the most obvious of the Gods' workers, but there are more subtle agents in the world. Whilst none may be as important as we are, they all have a role to play."

"So who is this guardian?"

"They are not someone I have met before," the medic conceded. "I mentioned them only because I was hopeful of their presence, not because I knew them personally."

"But there will be one?" Mikael queried.

Kristine stood and moved towards the door. "Yes, there should be. We shall have to locate them when we arrive."

"And how will we know who they are?" Mikael asked, still asking questions even as his Sisters began to leave the room.

"We will know when the time comes," Kristine said, turning back to him. "But your questions can be answered on the way. Now, we must prepare to leave."

****************************************

It was not a long trek, Mikael knew, although he did not know exactly how far it was. What he did know was that Scorch's Point was a landmark he had passed many times before; one of the main roads linking the North to the Sea of Shells passed straight through it. As the son of a merchant, and later a travelling man, he had walked that road on numerous occasions.

He shifted the weight of his pack on his shoulders, drawing his cloak more tightly to him as evening slowly settled over the land. They had left the Sanctuary just after midday and had been travelling for a good few hours. Mikael and his Sisters preferred to travel on foot, their bodies fit and able, and unless something prevented them doing so then that was normally how they journeyed.

He looked around, enjoying the sights as dusk slowly dimmed the daylight. Tall hills that could almost be mountains stood proud on either side of their path and a babbling brook gently gurgled alongside them. Their route followed its length, and Mikael was grateful for being so near a source of water. He was an athletic man, but he did not enjoy long journeys where he could not regularly drink, especially when they were conducted in heat such as this.

Now was one such time, and he called to his Sisters as he turned from the path. They regarded him with a smile, and unhooked their own small pouches in order to fill them, too.

Lucinda moved next to him, dipping her pouch into the cool, clear water. It filled quickly and she took a long swig before speaking.

"I suppose if you're determined to drink I may as well join you," she said with a smile.

He shrugged. "It's good for you."

"I'm sure I'd be just fine though if I drank a little less. You do drink a lot of water!" She grinned, brushing a strand of her long black hair away from her emerald eyes. Most of it tumbled loosely down her back as she crouched next to him.

He turned at the sound of approaching laughter to see Melissa joining them. "Yes, because you'd expect me to heal you when you grew too dehydrated, Lucinda!"

"That may well be the case," the rogue winked back. "But it doesn't change my point."

Mikael chuckled and wiped his mouth as he stood again and stepped away from the stream. His thirst sated, he turned to rejoin his companions who remained on the path, Lucinda and Melissa following after they had filled their pouches one more time.

Kristine raised an eyebrow as he reached the rest of the group, regarding him with amusement. "Satisfied?"

"Yep," he smiled back, absently brushing the dirt from his leather leggings.

"No you're not," she grinned. "You're never satisfied."

Mikael laughed. "Says you! You'd have sex all day if your body could handle it."

The paladin put her hand on her waist and regarded him with a wry smile. Her blonde hair fell over one shoulder and her tight mithril armour did little to conceal her magnificent body.

"Ah, but that's a totally different scenario. And I do hope you're not comparing drinking water to fucking, Brother."

"They're not entirely dissimilar," Mikael remarked. "I enjoy both in abundance."

Her expression grew indignant at that, and she looked at him with something approaching surprising scorn. He was a little taken aback. "Mikael, please. One is vital for the body's wellbeing, something that must be done on a very regular basis or there would be dire consequences. The other is drinking water."

At that her lovely face broke into a broad grin, and he laughed.

"Surely you can see I'm right?" she giggled, her blue eyes sparkling.

A broad smile on his own face, he conceded.

"Good," she beamed, triumphant. "And with my victory, we must proceed."

The Cohort moved off again as evening grew later. They were not there yet.

****************************************

They reached Scorch's Point in the dead of night, the road totally empty in either direction. Stars liberally dotted the sky and the moon shone brightly over the mountainous landscape. Mikael was surprised by how light it actually was.

It allowed him to see the rocky outcrop in great detail and he looked upon it fondly. He had always had warm memories of this place; when he was a traveller something good always seemed to happen to him when passing Scorch's Point.

He now realised that it probably wasn't luck after all. Somewhere so rich in the Gods' presence would have affected him quite strongly and his incredible fortune may have been their doing, even if he did not realise it at the time. He had them to thank when, after his supplies had been spoiled and he had gone hungry for days, a passing nobleman had offered him a meal, and he could be grateful to them for - on a separate occasion - the appearance of the monk who healed his wounds when he had been attacked by bandits earlier in the day. But perhaps his favourite encounter had been his preventing of an attack on the caravan of a spice-seller travelling alone. She had offered him much-needed coin to guard her for the rest of the journey but also much-needed companionship late into that night and many others.

"Here we are," Lucinda announced, breaking his reverie. He regarded her with a smile, appreciating the fact that his Sisters were there now to offer him companionship whenever he or they required it. He did not have to depend on strangers and chance encounters any longer.

He smiled, gazing up at the outcrop. "It is as I remember it."

It was impressive to look at; large obsidian rocks jutting jaggedly into the sky. The meagre grass that lived in amongst the rocks was black and brittle, carrying the look of being freshly burned no matter the time of year. Where the hills around the Point were overgrown with long grasses and heather, the ground amongst the stones was sparse and rocky.




Adventures of the Cohort Ch. 03



It was a recognisable landmark for merchants and travellers and many passed by this way every day. This was how Mikael had known it, a strange but harmless formation of rocks, and he was still adjusting to its actual role as a gateway into a dangerous world.

But now he looked upon it in a different light. He could see the fiery glint in the shining surfaces of the rocks and could smell the faint essence of scorched earth and smoke. Where before had stood impassive black stone Mikael could now detect a burning intensity writhing through the air nearby.

"I can't believe I passed this by every year without noticing the power it contained," Mikael said, awestruck. It was only now occurring to him just how blind he had been.

Lucinda smiled reassuringly. "Do not be ashamed. There are very few of us who know of its true nature. Those who are not touched by the Gods cannot know, for fear would grip their hearts. Only we who are appointed to protect can understand its power, its intensity. And besides, Mikael, you know now."

"True," he breathed, the shimmering waves that flowed through the magical field permeating the outcrop setting his senses alight. "The border between worlds is most certainly a fine one here."

"And weaker than usual, now. Which is why it is our first port of call," Ria'torr replied. "When those on the Plane of Fire try to break through, this is where they do it."

Mikael stood there a moment, taking in the enormity of his new-found knowledge, and did not say a word. His Sisters, too, looked upon Scorch's Point in silence.

"I don't mean to alarm anyone, but does anyone else notice anything strange? Or am I being paranoid?" Kristine said suddenly, her voice quiet as her hand twitched slightly towards her greatsword.

"No, you're not," Ria'torr agreed with a whisper. Her nimble elven fingers had unhooked her bow and notched an arrow without Mikael even realising. "Something's not quite right here."

He looked around. His Sisters were right; whilst on his arrival he had been to overawed to pick up on it, he could now tell that something was amiss. He searched the foreground, his eyes scanning quickly over the stones as he tried to figure out what was wrong.

Lucinda crouched low to the ground, placing her palm flat on the surface and cautiously surveying her surroundings. Where before she had worn a slight smile, her face was now creased with solemn concern and her eyes darted over the sides of the hill.

Quintia closed her eyes and Mikael could feel her reaching out with her mind, probing the area for anomalies. Her efforts were hindered by the power that radiated out from the outcrop, clouding her magical senses, but she persevered.

Mikael breathed deeply and stared into the night sky. He knew something was amiss, something was wrong, but he could not place it. This latest encounter with Scorch's Point was so different to the others that any small changes were overwhelmed by the new light in which he viewed the rock formation.

Before, he had seen people amongst plain stone, a constant stream of fascinating travellers and traders, the individuals he met being the focus of his attention - not the rocks themselves. The nobleman, the monk, the beautiful spice-trader. These were the things he remembered Scorch's Point for, the merchants and pilgrims who passed it every day, and... where were they?

It hit him with a flash, the realisation striking him cold.

"There's no one here," he hissed at his Sisters, the six of them kneeling to a crouch in the heather that overlooked the point. "There's never no one here."

"Then where is everyone?" Melissa said hurriedly, her voice edged with worry. "And what's keeping them away?"

Quintia's words flashed, appearing on the back of a rock that faced them, hidden from those who could be looking from the outcrop. Invisibility. I can sense recent magic here.

Mikael nodded. "Me too. Someone -- or something -- is trying to hide from us."

A nervous silence descended on the Cohort and Mikael and his Sisters looked at one another as they tried to think up a course of action.

"Look out!" Ria'torr cried as a loud twang sounded in the night, launching herself into Mikael with all the force her small body could muster. It was enough, and as she knocked him over Mikael saw an arrow flash through the space his head had occupied scant moments before.

He lay there a brief moment, the Cohort shocked, before Ria'torr climbed nimbly off him. His Sisters were spurred into action and they readied themselves for battle.

"To arms!" shouted Kristine, unclipping her greatsword and bringing it to bear. Mikael jumped to his feet, withdrawing his longswords with a snarl. They crackled faintly with magical energy as they sensed they were needed, and he scanned the near distance for his foes.

A flash of white light to his right caught his attention and he squinted as Quintia's gem burned brightly. An explosion of radiant energy burst out of his blue-haired Sister, sweeping down over the hill in a wave of glowing power.

He watched as it passed over the ground and with a flash in its midst a man in dark red armour appeared. More flashes swiftly followed, and soon at least twenty warriors stood there, their eyes trained intently on the Cohort and weapons held tightly in their hands. One was notching another arrow, his eyes wide with surprise as he ceased to be hidden by his spell, and it was clear he was the assailant who had only moments before narrowly missed Mikael.

Before he could react to his sudden visibility the man was staggering backwards with a strangled cry, one of Ria'torr's arrows stuck firmly in his throat. The other warriors looked shocked, their presence revealed, and Ria'torr took the chance to loose another shaft.

Mikael and his Sisters charged forwards as their assailants gathered themselves, another falling to his elven companion's arrows before they even reached them. It did not take them long to cover the ground, however, and soon a vicious melee had begun.

With a cry Mikael's first foe drew within striking distance and as the man desperately parried one blade Mikael's other cut through his stomach. The warrior fell forward, Mikael ending his agony with a sweep of his sword.

Another came at him from the right and Mikael gracefully dodged the blow before he stabbed backwards with his weapon. The pained cry of the warrior followed and Mikael withdrew the blade from the man's back as the body crumpled to the floor, dead.

He raised his head in time to see Kristine decapitate another assailant before she turned to parry a blow aimed at her neck. She did not notice the third warrior who came up from behind her, however, the man's sword raised high as he prepared to thrust it between the paladin's shoulder blades.

The man was thrown backwards as a bolt of solid rock smashed into his side, Mikael's eyes intently focused as he cast the spell. Whilst he remained more adept at using blades, his magical prowess was improving all the time, and he summoned another boulder which crushed the warrior's skull.

He raised his head to locate his Sisters and saw Ria'torr and Quintia stood side by side. The elf's bow sung as it was plucked, each movement of her arms sending another arrow hurtling towards their foes, and warrior after red-armoured warrior was killed by the unerring accuracy of those deadly missiles. Quintia's hands were outstretched as magical blasts fired from her fingertips, streaking towards a woman who stood on the opposite hill, her own hands held aloft. Mikael guessed that she was the mage who had cast the invisibility spell in the first place. He almost felt sorry for her; there would only be one winner in that arcane duel.

Melissa, too, was aflame with holy light. Her main domain was that of healing, Mikael was aware, but she could fight if she needed to. It always struck him as odd watching the medic battle, but she channelled the Gods directly and as a beam of pure divine power smashed into a foe he could see she was quite capable.

Another warrior charged at him then, hacking out wildly with a snarl on his lips. The man's red armour soon ran crimson with his own blood as Mikael withdrew his blade from his heart, the reckless assault halted with a simple thrust of Mikael's sword.

Elsewhere, he could see Lucinda slicing through her opponents, her glittering swords swinging in deadly arcs that cut through her foes with ease. She was surrounded, but it did not bother her, and the warriors were driven back by her graceful but relentless assault.

Kristine, too, was embroiled in the bitter melee and her greatsword smashed into the assailants foolish enough to attack her. Her build was deceptive to them; her slim figure was evident through her shining mithril armour. It was obvious to her foes that she possessed a lithe, slender body and they assumed therefore that her choice of a heavy weapon was a grave mistake.

In actuality the mistake was theirs, something they realised too late as Kristine cleaved them in two with her blade. She was a whirlwind of justice, the warriors facing her cut down as they attempted to escape her holy wrath.

Mikael slashed outwards as another two assailants reached him, his two swords both parrying incoming blows. His opponents moved either side of him and he struggled to monitor them both.

These are not amateurs, he thought as they attacked in tandem, one with a broadsword, the other with a mace. He jumped backwards to avoid the twin attacks and once more they moved to surround him with the precision of battle-hardened warriors.

This time, they did not attack together, and as Mikael dodged the mace that was swung the sword thrust out. He deflected it, barely, and spun away, regaining his footing as the two warriors came at him once more.

The third time he was ready and as the mace swung out the other warrior thrust his sword at Mikael's back. He noticed as he prepared to dodge the mace, readjusting his balance and leaping forwards instead. The mace whistled barely an inch over his head and as he tumbled he stabbed outwards with one of his magical blades.

His thrust was rewarded with the sound of a desperate cry, the mace-wielder dropping his weapon as Mikael's blow sliced open his gut. Mikael let go of the blade as he stood back up, turning to face the remaining warrior holding only one of his twin swords. His assailant hacked forwards but Mikael deflected the blow, knocking her off-balance. Yet where he would normally have ended his foe with his other weapon, he found himself short of a finishing stroke, and so instead kicked the woman hard on the chin. Her head snapped upwards and as she stumbled backwards Mikael brought his sword down onto her exposed neck.

He pulled it out as the warrior fell, turning to sever the mace-wielder's head as the man writhed in pain. There was no need to make him suffer and Mikael ended his agony before reaching down to remove his other sword from the man's stomach. He wrenched it free, taking a brief moment to wipe it clean of gore on the grass beneath his feet.

He spun just in time to raise his sword, blocking the blow of a ferocious woman whose small frame belied her obvious strength. He sliced upwards with his free blade but she dodged the attack, rolling to her side before again springing to her feet. She regarded him with obvious hatred and she stabbed forwards once more. Mikael parried the thrust but his own counter swipe was deflected by her sword. She moved so quickly that Mikael had a hard time stopping her own blows, and his counterstrokes were knocked away in turn.

She flashed towards him, her actions as fast as Mikael had ever seen in an opponent, and he could barely move out of the way as her blade grazed his chestpiece. He took the opportunity to slice downwards with his own blade but only air remained where she had been split-seconds before. She came at him again from behind, her eyes ablaze as he parried her blows.

She cried out as Mikael dodged her attack, in turn avoiding his swipe, and their swords clashed against each other over and over. She lashed out with her foot but his boots stood firmly planted on the ground, her attempted trip leaving her vulnerable for a split second. He tried to take advantage of her misjudgement but she recovered too quickly, her balance restored before he could react.

They stayed that way a short moment, locked in a battle that Mikael was struggling to win. The woman was his equal in swordplay, her blade glittering as it reflected the moonlight and the powerful glare of Quintia's spells. They circled one another, each looking for an opening, and Mikael became aware of a lull in the fighting. All their other assailants were dead and Mikael's Sisters ran towards him as he did his best to keep the fearsome warrior at bay. They're too far away, Mikael thought, his arms growing weary. The warrior facing him showed no signs of relenting and Mikael began to wonder if she would get the better of him before his Sisters could arrive.

His eyes widened with shock as a cloud of black smoke appeared behind her, and before he could react it had taken the shape of a person. A tall, dark-skinned man shimmered near-instantaneously into being, a dagger held tightly in his grasp, and stepped towards the woman from behind. The weapon sliced across her throat and she collapsed to the floor, her face still contorted with rage even as her blood spilled over the ground. This had taken mere moments, Mikael and his Sisters barely able to move in the time that had elapsed.

Mikael raised his swords to the new combatant and his Sisters swiftly surrounded the man. All the red-armoured warriors were dead, but Mikael did not relax. Instead, he pointed his longsword directly at the newcomer's throat. Like Mikael, he was tall and well-built; not gigantic but lithe and strong. Mikael was also fairly certain this man would be considered very handsome in more forgiving circumstances. His eyes were deep brown and his head was clean-shaven, and he unquestionably held the aura of a fearsome warrior.

"Drop your weapon," Kristine ordered, motioning towards the ground with her greatsword.

"Easy now, I come in peace," the man replied in a smooth, rich voice as he lowered his dagger to the grass. He glanced at the corpse of the woman. "To you, at least."

Lucinda eyed him carefully, clearly wary of any movement the warrior might take. "Who are you?"

"The person I bet you're looking for," he responded with a grin, his composure laudable in a situation Mikael would not have enjoyed himself.

"Three fierce human women, an elf, a Sensei, and a man who can take on a Firebound Champion without being torn limb from limb..." he continued. "I think you may be the holy warriors I was waiting for."

Lucinda slowly lowered her swords as her beautiful face relaxed, a relieved sigh escaping her lips. She smiled and returned her weapons to their sheaths "Evening, guardian. A dramatic introduction indeed. I'm impressed."

"Please, call me Victor," the man bowed, his smoothly shaven head faintly reflecting the moonlight. He took her hand and lightly kissed it, before standing straight once more and addressing the rest of the Cohort.

"I am the guardian of these stones and I am glad you are here," he said clearly, his eyes moving over Mikael and his companions as they listened. "There is a disturbance in this place, as I'm sure you know, and the Gods have called you here to address it. But first, I will take you to my home. You must be tired."

"Lead on," Lucinda said, flashing a broad smile at the black warrior.

Victor nodded graciously, his eyes moving over the rogue appreciatively for a fraction of a second. "Of course. I shall introduce you to my companion when we arrive."

"There are two guardians here?" Ria'torr asked, surprised. "It is not often that is the case."

"Indeed not, but this is not a normal situation. I am an accomplished fighter, it is true, but these stones are powerful and it takes one who is at ease with the element of fire to truly listen to their call."

Ria'torr smiled brightly. "A shaman? I am yet to encounter a shaman of elemental fire."

"You will not be disappointed then; my partner is a very talented woman indeed."

"I look forward to meeting her," Mikael said as he and his Sisters reclaimed their packs.

"Oh, I bet you do," Kristine laughed. "Show us the way, Victor."

****************************************

The journey was short, and for that Mikael was glad. He was eager to rest after their trek which, whilst it had not been overly strenuous, had still been somewhat tiring. Victor led them quickly through the darkness away from the outcrop, over the crest of the tallest hill overlooking Scorch's Point. There, on the other side, they found a small cave and Mikael was not surprised to see them enter it. He had seen such a sanctuary before, on the very first night that he met Lucinda, and she had said then that there were many such entranceways hidden away in the world.

Victor strode to the back of the small cave and with a small incantation he waved his hands delicately through the air. A low rumbling filled the dark cavern and with the sound of falling rocks the back wall began to move away from them. Mikael had been expecting the floor to move but he was not overly surprised to see this one entered in a slightly different way.

After a few moments the back wall had duly retracted and a small passageway could be clearly seen behind it, lit by lamps that burned brightly on the walls. Mikael supposed that they, like the lamps in his Sanctuary, were magical to some extent, and they cast a bright light over the narrow stone corridor.

"Here we are," Victor said with a bow, a broad smile on his face, and Mikael and his Sisters nodded back. They stepped forwards, the passageway only really large enough to walk comfortably in single file. Mikael went last of the Cohort with Victor following up behind, sealing the entranceway as he did.

They wandered down the stone passage for a short while before they came across a set of steps that descended further. They were not particularly deep but they were deep enough to conceal the end of the passage from its start, and Mikael wondered where exactly they were heading. They climbed down the steps, eventually reaching the bottom, and reached another, shorter passageway. At the end of this was a solid wooden door and they made their way towards it.

"Hang on one second," Mikael heard Victor say from behind him. He turned to see the warrior shift once more into a vaporous cloud, which moved quickly past him to the front of the group. There he reformed, a broad smile on his face.

Mikael laughed. "You've got to teach me to do that."

"Unfortunately I cannot," Victor chuckled. "It is a product of my heritage, not my training. Only those from my family line are able to do it."

"Bugger, then, I suppose." His joke met with a hearty laugh from his male companion.

Victor turned to the heavy door and with a push it swung open. Mikael and his Sisters moved through the archway and he was surprised at what he saw. A very well-furnished living area lay before him, more lamps on the walls, and with lush carpets and bookshelves giving the room an opulent air. The room would not have looked at all out of place in a plush mansion and Mikael was somewhat taken aback by the luxury. It was no more exuberant than the main Sanctuary though, Mikael supposed, and Victor did make this his permanent home. A little comfort was not entirely unexpected, all things considered.

"This is very nice," Melissa said appreciatively.

Victor smiled and bowed low again. "Thank you, fellow agent of the Gods. It is my home. I try to keep it in good order."

"Please, call me Melissa." The medic's brown eyes twinkled as she regarded him.




Adventures of the Cohort Ch. 01



Suddenly, he felt something warm and wonderful engulf his cock, and looked down to see Lucinda's mouth wrapped around it once more. Her tongue again started its rapturous dance down his shaft, and the intense feeling only heightened the ferocity with which he attacked his Sister's pussy. It had been a while since Mikael's last sixty-nine, and he intended to make this one special.

He groaned into Lucinda's folds as she sucked him. The feeling was fantastic, and he could see she felt the same way; her breathing and the trembling of her arms made it clear she was approaching another climax. Her stomach muscles had begun to tighten, and in between her loud moans he could hear her gasps becoming more rapid and ragged. She pulled her head from his cock, instead pumping his member with her fist, and moaned loudly.

"Oohh..." she groaned, her eyes closed. "Oooh... fuuck..."

She pressed her hips down onto his face, her mouth hanging open as she gulped down air. Her body was truly tautening now, and Mikael grinned as he realised her release stood to be far more powerful than the last.

"By... the... Gooodsss!" she cried as her orgasm hit, ecstasy ripping through her body and setting her mind aflame. Her legs squeezed tightly together, and Mikael saw her pussy ripple faintly with the majestic contractions of her depths. Her orgasmic shriek echoed in the small room, and Mikael was sure that if Melissa and Kristine had not heard them before, they certainly would have done now. Not that they'd mind, he grinned to himself as the black-haired beauty climaxed above him.

Mikael waited as Lucinda rode out her orgasm, planting delicate kisses on her inner thighs as the pleasure that coursed through her veins slowly faded. Eventually she ceased trembling; the moment passed, she turned her face to Mikael with a salacious smile.

"We're not done yet, are we?" she said, her emerald eyes displaying her mixed amusement and lust.

"Not if I have anything to do with it," Mikael replied.

She reached down and grasped his cock, giving it a quick kiss before sliding her hips forward. Mikael rested his hands on her back and stroked downwards towards her ass as she positioned herself above his erect member.

Slowly, she lowered herself onto it, riding him in reverse. A long moan escaped her lips, and Mikael gasped in delight as his cock was swallowed up by her hot pussy. She immediately set to work, leisurely lifting her hips, Mikael's member sliding almost entirely out of her, before sinking onto his shaft once more. She breathed heavily, and Mikael continued to stroke her back, his fingers running through her long silken hair as she slowly and deliberately fucked him. The feeling was exquisite, the build-up slow, and it was all Mikael could do not to grab her hips and begin thrusting wildly.

He smiled to himself as he realised that she was teasing him. He knew that she wanted to fuck him as much as he wanted to fuck her, but she was going very slowly to provoke him into action. Mikael silently accepted her challenge.

She was leaning forwards on him, her shins on the floor as she hunched over his legs. She held his thighs as she rode him, her hair scattered messily over her back, even reaching so far as Mikael's stomach. Whilst he could not see her eyes, he knew that they would be tightly shut, the rogue enjoying the feelings his cock sent sparking through her.

Still she moved slowly; still she pulled off him almost to the point he sprang free, and then gently sank onto his shaft once more. Mikael's thighs tensed as he resisted the urge to make the first move, and he knew that she would have felt it. She was not entirely in control, though; Mikael noticed with delight that her toes were curling rapidly.

Realising that he could not last much longer, Mikael set a plan in motion. He reached forwards, the hands that had rested on her back sliding around the front of her slender body. There he cupped her large breasts, immediately thumbing her nipples and squeezing the fleshy mounds. Whilst he found the activity very enjoyable, it was Lucinda who bore the brunt of the pleasure.

"Oh, fuck it," she laughed breathlessly as she leaned back slightly, allowing Mikael to grasp her breasts more comfortably. "You win."

With that, her pace increased dramatically. No longer constrained by their silent challenge, she would raise herself quickly on his cock and then slam back down, her wonderful breasts shaking in Mikael's hands with the collision. Her back was arched as the speed of their sex built, her pelvis crashing into his with every downward lunge.

Mikael enjoyed the sight of her ass and black hair shaking as she bounced up and down on his member, her breasts shuddering with the force of their sex. She gripped his waist tightly as her pleasure built, her knuckles white. Mikael might have minded the power of her grip were her pussy not causing such wonderful sensations in his cock.

"I'm... ahhh... glad you didn't... join our Sisters..." Lucinda moaned loudly, the words interrupted by frequent cries of pleasure.

"As am I," Mikael replied, luxuriating in their sex.

He moved his hands to her waist, pulling her closer. She complied, and leaned backwards, moving her arms to support her weight and stretching out her legs. Soon she was perched above him, the small of her back resting on his stomach as her hair fell over his face. He reached up, brushing it over her shoulder so that it fell away from his eyes, and she lowered herself even further.

She continued to move her hips as Mikael now joined in with his own thrusts, the movement of his loins better facilitated by their new position. Her face was a picture of delight, and her eyes snapped shut at the added sensation. Mikael wrapped his hands around her front again, grasping her breasts and kneading them very gently. Lucinda gasped, her mouth opening with ecstasy, her entire body tightening as her climax neared. He began to kiss the crook of her neck as she groaned louder and louder.

"Fuck me, Mikael. Fuck meeee..."

Their pace was vigorous now, their hips smashing together, the wet slapping of their loins filling the room. Lucinda's face was screwed up in anticipation, her body desperate to attain the release that hovered just out of her grasp. Mikael's cock hammered into her tightening depths, and he knew she was but moments away.

"Make me... come... Mikael..." she cried. "Fuck meee... fuck MEEEEEE!"

Her walls seized hold of Mikael's cock as she slammed her hips down, her pussy quivering with the force of her climax. A long shriek was torn from the beautiful rogue's lips, and her green eyes sparkled as she came. Her entire body twitched as rapture seared through it, and Mikael rested inside her tumultuous snatch as her mind was buffeted by the sheer force of her orgasm.

She slumped down on top of him as her climax faded, lying motionless. There she rested a moment, breathless, before pulling off Mikael's member and turning over without a word. She was now facing him, and she propped herself up on her elbows to stare into Mikael's eyes, a huge grin on her face as she ran one hand delicately across chest.

"That was great," she whispered, her face displaying her mirth. "Though you did win the challenge."

"I would like to think I more than made up for your loss," Mikael breathed, taking in the sight of the stunning girl as she lay on top of him. Her breasts grazed his chest as she laughed, her legs spread apart either side of his.

He reached up, placing his hands on the small of her back, and pulled her close. This time she complied, lowering herself onto him and kissing him deeply. He grasped her hair as their tongues duelled, and enjoyed her body crushed against his.

After a moment Lucinda pulled free, pushing herself into an upright kneel as she straddled his waist. His cock rested against her ass cheeks, and her palms were on his stomach.

"I've a quick question," Mikael asked, his mind returning to his earlier train of thought.

"Yes?"

"Why is this room so luxurious?"

"You're finding out."

Mikael sighed in happiness.

"Most rooms in this Sanctuary are luxurious," Lucinda continued with a playful smile. "They are all wonderful to be in, to relax in, but in particular they are all wonderful to fuck in."

Mikael lifted his head, looking around the room. Rugs lay everywhere, far more than necessary, and it did not surprise him that that was their purpose. With a sudden jerk Lucinda pushed him back flat on the floor.

 "You're not escaping," she giggled. "For one thing, you've not come yet."

"It never crossed my mind to escape, Lucinda. I was just waiting for you to catch your breath."

She grinned at him as she lifted her hips, once more grabbing his cock and positioning it at the entrance to her pussy. She was still on top of him, but now she faced him, her magnificent breasts inches from his face.

She sank slowly onto his shaft and, as before, moaned in delight. She groaned at Mikael's expression of pleasure and lust and leaned forwards to kiss him again, her tongue pushing into his mouth. This time their starting pace was decidedly quicker than their last.

Mikael placed his hands on her back, playing with her hair again and enjoying her smooth skin beneath his palms. He stroked downwards, and his hands eventually came to rest on her ass as she bounced on his cock. Her own arms were either side of his head as she leant forwards, her beautiful face flushed.

After a short while their kiss broke, and Mikael took the time to indulge in the sight of Lucinda, her face screwed up in pleasure as they fucked. Her body coiled and uncoiled as her snatch caressed his member, and her large breasts swung invitingly with the movements of her hips, her nipples grazing his chest. Her green eyes stared straight into his, and her black hair lay scattered over her back, some cascading down and lying messily over Mikael and the floor.

"Mmm..." she moaned. "Deciding to bathe was a good idea."

"I'm glad that... we picked the same... room," Mikael groaned, his cock twitching slightly as his own pleasure grew.

He started to thrust upwards in time with his Sister's downward strokes, unable to lie still anymore. Lucinda greeted this with rapturous moans, her expression reflecting her desire as she savoured the sensations of his cock. Mikael did not relent, and his pace grew quickly; he could tell that Lucinda was well on her way to another orgasm, and he too was going to come this time.

Mikael stroked his hands slowly up her front, over her stomach, and grasped one of her swinging breasts. He leaned forwards to take a nipple into his mouth, his other hand resting on the floor for stability, and the rogue leaned backwards to allow him to do so. He sucked passionately on the wonderful mound, which trembled with the movement of their fucking, and Lucinda raised one of her own hands to pull his face closer to her chest.

 He took the hint, eagerly exploring her flesh with his tongue as their sex continued. Lucinda let go of his head and grasped her other breast, smiling wickedly as she held it firmly in front of Mikael. He grinned, returning his other hand to the rugs beneath them as he switched his attentions to the breast Lucinda offered.

She moaned loudly, and they remained that way a moment, Mikael's mouth busy on her nipples as she clasped her large breasts, their hips crashing together. He soon ceased his attentions on her chest, however, and raised his head, kissing her passionately and still thrusting into her hot snatch.

He placed his hands on her back and leaned flat once again, Lucinda this time lowering herself until she lay completely on top of him. Mikael appreciated the sensation of her large breasts crushed against his chest as he continued to thrust, and Lucinda's hands moved to his shoulders.

"Ooooh..." his Sister moaned, lifting her head from Mikael's. "Fuuck meee..."

Lucinda was so close now, and Mikael indulged in the moment. She shook above him as her orgasm built, and her body was almost overcome with the numerous wonderful stimuli that bombarded it.

"Oooh... fuck... It's so... fucking... good..."

Her moans drove Mikael on, his cock slamming in and out of her pussy with such force that her entire body shook. His balls were tightening, and he knew he was approaching his own climax. The obsidian-haired beauty's face was screwed up in pure anticipation, and she cried out ever more loudly, her voice indicating her imminent orgasm.

"Oh... fuck, yesss..." she shrieked. "Ooohhhhh... fuck... fuck... FUUUUUCCCKK!"

Lucinda screamed out in ecstasy as her body went rigid. Her pussy clamped down on Mikael's cock and the feeling pushed him over the edge, hot cum spurting forth from his member, his seed spattering against Lucinda's walls. The sensation of his cock burying inside her seemed to drive Lucinda to even greater heights, utter bliss suffusing her as the orgasm rend through her body. Waves of rapture pounded through both her and Mikael, and she was utterly overcome with the strength of her release.

Mikael cried out, too, his cock spasming as it fired ropes of his hot seed into the climaxing rogue's womb. He held her tightly, pinning her to him, and she bucked in his grasp, their minds lost to everything but the pleasure that each had given the other.

Lucinda sank to the ground as their orgasms finally faded, her skin faintly glistening with sweat. She lay on top of Mikael, and wrapped her arms around his neck once more, pulling him in for a brief kiss. Mikael quickly returned her affection, and then she rolled off him, moving to lie next to him on the plush rugs. She grinned at him in post-orgasmic bliss.

"I hope that helped," she breathed, a broad smile still on her face.

"Well, I did still explode..."

"But it was in entirely the right place." She leaned in for another tender kiss.

He grinned as their lips met. Yes it was.

*****************************

Mikael smiled as he entered the Meeting Room, and the girls smiled back at him. He had been called by the Gods, but did not know what the call was for: the Gods only spoke to one person at a time -- even when the entire Cohort was involved - and so that person would have to relay the information to the rest of them. He had to admit, he was slightly nervous; this was the first time he had been called since his initiation, and thus it would be his first task undertaken in the service of the Gods.

He took a seat on his couch, which had been recently added to the circle; six sofas now lying in the room rather than the five which had resided here before his initiation. The girls reclined on their own, and Mikael followed their lead and lay back. He smiled at the sight; being in a room full of beautiful women always turned him on, even though he had had sex no more than an hour before. His eyes lingered on each of their stunning forms, his thoughts wandering into decidedly carnal pastures, before the mood stiffened as Kristine stood.

Everyone sat up, their minds focused on what was to come. Any other thoughts were temporarily pushed aside as they awaited the task that was to be assigned. Kristine surveyed them all, a smile on her face, her eyes serious but pleasant. At length, she spoke.

"Hello, everyone," she said. "I hope we've all had a pleasant evening. Today was a wonderful day for it. But now we have business to attend to, as you may have guessed.

"There are two issues that need to be addressed, and the Gods require us to split into two groups. This is far from ideal, of course, but it seems that a delay would prove costly in both cases - we must tackle both at the same time, and for that we need to work in separate parties. I am sure, however, that we are skilled and experienced enough to cope.

"Firstly, there is the case of a rogue wizard in the eastern Farquah Expanse. He is experimenting in creating life from stone, a technique that the temples have banned. The Gods need him dealt with -- he is very close to succeeding in his efforts, and we cannot allow him to raise a vast golem army. His intentions are not honourable, and he is a threat to all the lands around him.

"Secondly, a coven of vampires is terrorising Habbrant. It must be stopped -- the Gods will not stomach a vampire to live, and as their souls cannot be redeemed they must all be destroyed. We know far less about this task, however, as the vampires are using powerful magic to veil their efforts even from the Gods.

"Needless to say, both tasks are of extreme importance, and as such we must split the group into two. Three of us will head east to tackle the wizard, and the other three will go south to Habbrant. Neither group can fail."

Kristine sat down and glanced around the room. Mikael could sense that his Sisters were anxious, and it set him on edge. Whilst he had previously been informed that the Cohort did not always work as a full party, this was still a rare scenario - his Sisters may sometimes have worked in smaller groups, but that was normally because the threat was small and did not require the strength of the entire Cohort. This was different. It would be far better were Mikael and his Sisters able to focus all their efforts into one task, and yet they could not. They would have to split their group over two fronts, and it made his Sisters nervous.

"So, not good then?" Mikael asked, trying to lighten the mood.

"Not good at all," Kristine responded with a weak smile. "Though we will cope."

"Who goes where? If we're going to deal with two tasks at the same time then we'll need to get the group composition exactly right." Melissa looked round at her companions.

"Indeed," Lucinda nodded. "I would think, perhaps, that I would be best off dealing with the vampires. They tend to like dark, quiet places, and, well, I am a master of stealth."

They deliberated for a few moments, before quickly coming to an agreement. Kristine, Quintia and Ria'torr would tackle the wizard, and Melissa, Lucinda and Mikael would destroy the vampire coven.

After a quick confirmation of the decision they stood. It was time to leave.

*****************************

"I'm, er... not too sure about this," Mikael said nervously as he and his two Sisters walked along the dusty path towards Habbrant. They had left the Sanctuary the evening before, and were now approaching their destination after a full day's walk.

"I've never fought a vampire before, or even come across one."

"You'll be fine," Lucinda soothed him, shifting the weight of her pack. "You've fought necromancers and worse, and I know that you're capable. Do not think for a moment you are under-prepared."

"Well, is there anything I should know in particular? Is there anything that might help me?" Mikael asked, trying to learn as much as he could before they arrived.

"Everything you heard about sunlight is true," Melissa said, turning her beautiful face to him. She was radiant in the midday sun, as if to highlight her purity against the evil they faced. "Vampires are destroyed by it, instantly. They cannot survive its cleansing rays. It is the chariot of the Gods, after all."

"So we're safe during the day?" Mikael asked.

His Sister nodded back. "Completely. Unless you disturb them in their lair, of course, because then there won't be any sunlight."

"And what if I do wake them up?"

"Then cut off their heads or stab them through the heart," Lucinda replied simply. "Those are the only sure ways of killing a vampire. Any other wound may temporarily hurt them, but they heal very, very quickly."

"What about garlic or water?"

"Useless," the stunning rogue laughed. "Completely useless. Do you think vampires would be a serious threat if they could be defeated with a common vegetable?"

Mikael grinned. "I guess not. I'd never thought of it that way. I suppose I always hoped I could fend them off with some garlic cloves I'd bought at the local market if I ever came across a vampire."




Adventures of the Cohort Ch. 01



Mikael and his Sisters continued on their journey. He wondered how his other Sisters were doing, heading east towards the wizard's tower. Their task was no less dangerous than his, although they undertook it with slightly more information available to them. The wizard was powerful, not secretive, unlike the coven of vampires that threatened Habbrant.

"How do we find out anything about these vampires?" Mikael asked, curious. He knew very little of the investigative arts.

"We ask around," Lucinda shrugged. "And stay outside at night."

Mikael laughed. "I look forward to it."

"Oh, indeed."

*****************************

Habbrant did not have any gates, which surprised Mikael somewhat. It was only a small town - not much larger than a village, in fact - situated on the edge of a great forest, but nonetheless it was an uncommon sight. Even the smallest hamlets tended to have some sort of protective wall around them, if only to keep wild animals out. Some of the houses had fences around their property, but most did not, and that made Mikael wary.

He looked around. The houses were not large, but they were not small, either. The town seemed to lack any poor quarter, though this did not surprise Mikael much. Habbrant was a distinctly middle-class town, founded and run by merchants. It was situated on the main thoroughfare between the mountains of the Great North and the Sea of Shells in the south, and as such did not attract much of the peasant class. Indeed, it had to import all of its food, as no farmers grew crops nearby, and this was beginning to worry the populace. No caravans would stop at the town as long as a coven of vampires was known to be attacking the residents within.

The three companions strode in, huddled against the cold in long cloaks. Their armour was concealed beneath the dull cloth, their packs strapped tightly to their backs. Mikael shielded himself from the glare of the afternoon sun as he pulled his cloak more tightly to him. He may have been further south than the Sanctuary here, but it was still cold.

"Remember, we are here as travellers. If anyone asks, we are here merely to spend a few nights on our journey south from the frigid Wastes," Lucinda said, turning to face the other two as they trudged along the main road.

"Of course," Melissa agreed.

"What if they want to see proof of our journey?" Mikael asked.

"They won't. And if they do, we say that it is none of their business."

Mikael nodded.

They resumed walking, before stopping again as they reached the main square. It appeared normal at first glance, the usual provision-selling shops accounted for, but there was something not quite right. It's the people, Mikael realised, watching the sparse groups. They were subdued and scared; they hugged their cloaks into themselves and rushed about. There was no aimless wandering, no shopping, no joyful chatter. The few people that were outside were outside for a purpose, and it seemed they wanted to be back inside as quickly as possible.

The party stood watching a moment, before heading off to the local inn to rent a room. Vampires would worry any town, but Habbrant had almost become deserted, even during daylight. Something needed to be done.

The Horse and Merchant was a pleasant enough looking inn, with a large central room that was used as the tavern. It was, however, surprisingly empty when the three companions entered. Normally a place like this would have been very busy indeed in the early evening, but instead there was merely the bartender, a barmaid and two men drinking. They approached the bar in order to speak to the tavern owner as the men ogled Lucinda and Melissa. Mikael could understand their surprise; two gorgeous women didn't often stride into a tavern like this.

"Good evening," Lucinda said, taking the lead.

"Evenin', lady," the bartender said back, seemingly surprised by the arrival of potential customers. "What can I do for you?"

"My companions and I are travelling south," Lucinda responded, gesturing to Melissa and Mikael. "We need a place to stay for the night."

"I wouldn't recommend you be staying 'ere, ma'am," the bartender warned. "I 'ate to turn away business, but this town's been 'avin' some... problems. There've been sightin's of vampires, y'see. No one's safe, and you'd be better off leaving 'ere than stayin'."

"That's quite ok," Lucinda smiled. "We've come across our share of monsters before; I'm sure we'll stay unharmed. Besides, what are the chances of these 'vampires' picking on one of us?" she laughed. The bartender looked rather gruff back, obviously not taking too kindly to Lucinda's feigned show of disbelief.

"Well, if you insist, lady," he said. "But don't you go laughin' at our problems too much. You might wake up with two bite marks in yer neck."

Lucinda smiled again and handed him four gold coins. The bartender took two and handed the rest back. Mikael took them.

"Barkeep?" he asked, looking up.

"Yes?" came the response.

"I've noticed that the people seem a little... subdued. Is it all to do with the vampire problem? I mean, how severe is it?"

"Heh, they're more than a little subdued," he grunted. "People are terrified. Do all their business at day and they do it as quickly as possible. The shops are open only at day and for short hours at that. I'll be shuttin' soon, just as I'd normally be at my busiest. People don't wanna leave their 'ouses."

"It's that bad?"

"Yeh. It's not some fancy story that folk 'ave fallen prone to, y'understand. There really are vampires 'ere. Three men have been found... murdered. With bite marks in their necks. And two women have disappeared too, poor souls. One o' them was the Mayor's niece, a pretty girl she was too, and the man's distraught."

"Two girls have disappeared?" Melissa interjected.

"Yes, ma'am," the tavern owner replied. "People 'ere are terrified that not only are there vampires about, killin' an' all, but that they're numbers is growin', too."

Mikael nodded and turned back to his Sisters.

"Thank you for your time," Lucinda said to the barkeep.

"No problem, ma'am," he responded. "Thank you for your patronage."

With that, the party left the bar and made their way to the room that they had rented.

It was not particularly luxurious, but it had the basics. A few chairs in front of a roaring fire and three large beds against the far wall which looked comfortable enough. The windows opened out onto a small balcony which stood over the main square.

"Well, that was interesting," Melissa said, breaking the silence.

"It certainly was," Lucinda agreed. "I think we need to pay a visit to the Mayor, don't you?"

Melissa nodded. "I do."

"Then we go now, before night hits and all the doors lock," Lucinda announced. The group dropped off their packs and made for the town centre.

*****************************

The town hall was an ornate building which stood out from its surroundings. Habbrant was very middle class and not particularly large, and the white marble façade contrasted greatly with the town's general look. Lucinda, Melissa and Mikael hurried inside, hugging their cloaks against the wind. It had begun to darken, and the few people who remained outside were swiftly making their way back to their houses.

Entering the main hall, the group were taken aback by the elegance with which it was crafted. Marble statues stood at the sides and great works of art adorned the walls. It was evident that important meetings took place here, but this was not their concern just at the moment. They wanted to see the Mayor, and his office was further in.

They reached it with no conflict. It appeared that all of the regular staff, and even the guards, had retired home for the night when they would normally still be working. Only the Mayor still sat in his office, staring at sheets of parchment. Lucinda gently knocked, and he looked up with a start.

"Hello?" he asked warily.

"Good evening, sir," Lucinda replied. "I was wondering if I could speak to you with my companions."

"Of course," he said, gesturing them into his office. "Forgive the mess; I have much work I should be doing. It's just that I find it hard to... concentrate, at the moment."

"And that is precisely what I wanted to talk to you about," Lucinda said. The Mayor narrowed his eyes slightly.

"Yes?" he questioned.

"Well, sir, we are a group of adventurers returning from the Northern Wastes, and we are currently staying in your town before we continue south. It has come to our attention that you have somewhat of a vampire problem, and we think we may be able to help. We have a certain level of experience when it comes to hunting down monsters, vampires included, and want to offer our services."

The Mayor's eyes brightened. "You do? Then excellent! We are in need of help; the situation is dire. The vampires are killing and taking indiscriminately and we have no way to stop them. As I'm sure you are aware, they have taken my niece from me."

 "That we are, sir," Lucinda replied. "The reason I mention this is not because I am looking for payment. Consider this a public service; we truly wish to help. No, we come to you merely so that you know we are doing it. The townspeople seem understandably nervous, and if they see us sneaking around - particularly at night - then they may well become suspicious. I thought that if we made clear our intentions to you then the chances of something ill befalling us due to a misunderstanding would be drastically reduced."

The Mayor nodded furiously. "You have my word that we won't interfere with your work, ma'am. All the help that we can get is welcome, and we certainly won't get in your way."

"Then we are agreed," Lucinda said, standing. "We will do what we can."

"May the Gods be with you, brave folk," the Mayor said as they turned to leave.

The party bowed low and left the room.

*****************************

The moon had risen as Mikael patrolled the town, and it cast its luminescence over the entire scene. It looked quite eerie, Mikael realised, despite his usual affection for its dull white glow. Being potentially surrounded by vampires will do that to you, I suppose, Mikael grimaced as his hand flickered to the pommels of his swords.

All around him the sounds of night were thick; the hoots and howls of animals in the great forest at the town's borders, the rustling of the trees and bushes in the wind. There were no noises from the townspeople -- they had locked their doors and extinguished their lamps in an effort to keep the vampires out -- but a nocturnal cacophony still buffeted his ears.

His Sisters were in the tavern; Lucinda and he having decided to take it in turns to patrol the night. Melissa's forte was not combat, and though she could fight if she needed to, it did not seem sensible to send her out alone. Indeed, it was decided that it was best for all of them if she remained somewhere they could easily find her, in case either they or someone they came across required her expert aid.

He lingered on the main road a moment longer, his eyes roving over the darkness. He had no need for torches on this night, bright as the moon and stars were. Besides, he could always cast a minor cantrip to allow him to see in the dark. Whilst he may not have been a master of the magical arts yet, he still had learned in his brief time in the Cohort how to cast some of the easier spells.

He was enjoying his new home immensely. He felt at peace for the first time since his parents had died, as if renewed purpose had imbued him. His acceptance into the ranks of the Gods' elite warriors gave him an aim in life, and he intended to do their bidding as best he could. That I'm surrounded by stunning, sexually voracious women is merely a bonus, he grinned to himself as a cold breeze washed over him.

A noise to Mikael's left broke his reverie, and he whirled on the spot. A shadow disappeared down an alleyway, flitting into the darkness beyond, and Mikael pursued it without a moment's thought. He reached the alleyway in mere moments, his footsteps light despite his pace, and stared into the inky blackness. The darkness was near-opaque, two reasonably sized houses casting a great black shadow between them, the moon's light all but blocked by their high roofs.

Mikael slowed as he reached out, his magical senses tingling somewhat as he edged down the alleyway. He did not draw his swords, not wanting to reveal himself as a powerful warrior just yet, but his hands drifted to their hilts beneath the flaxen cloak that he wore nonetheless. The dank stone of the alley echoed his hushed footsteps, and his muscles twitched, ready for combat.

After a minute or so of silent progress he came across a broken window, and paused to peer inside the blackness within. A muffled whimpering was all that he heard, and he deftly slipped through the window and landed on a thick woollen rug.

He stopped a moment as he adjusted to the light. Moonlight streamed in from the windows facing the street, and he took his bearings from the room. It was sparse, but large. A kitchen stood apart from it, its door wide open, and a staircase climbed the far wall. Glancing inside to make sure that the kitchen was empty, Mikael silently climbed the steps to the building's upper floor.

The whimpering was louder now, and his eyes narrowed as he identified the noises as ones of distress. Standing at the top of the staircase, he located their source, and moved quickly to the appropriate doorway. He pushed it open, the thick wood creaking loudly.

Hunched figures crouched within, and spun round to face him as the door opened. The moonlight was bright, and Mikael could clearly see what was taking place. A man and a woman lay in bed, pinned in place through magic and fear. Two other figures stooped over them, the moonlight glinting off their sharp fangs.

"Hi," Mikael said, his voice loud, breaking the silence. The bondage magic that held the couple in the bed broke suddenly, and they sprang from the covers and screamed.

The vampires turned to him with an angry hiss, their eyes glowing red as they further bared their fangs. Daggers were withdrawn from their cloaks as they leapt towards him, the unholy aura they emanated battering his senses.

With a cry Mikael withdrew his longswords, and they shone brightly as their magic radiated outwards. The vampires seemed taken aback, and Mikael took the opportunity to thrust one blade into the closest beast's heart. It disintegrated with a strangled scream, turning to dust as its howl rend the night. The other stumbled backwards, clearly stunned by Mikael's attack, and with one last growl leapt deftly out of the window. The glass splintered as the monster crashed through, and yet it seemed unharmed. By the time Mikael had reached the shattered pane, the vampire had already disappeared.

Mikael stood there a moment, surveying the room and catching his breath. With a final pulse of magic, he was satisfied that the vampires were gone and sheathed his swords. He made his way downstairs, talking loudly as he did so in order to calm the two figures that had forced their way past him, terrified.

He found them in the living room, hiding beneath the woollen rug, their eyes displaying their abject horror at what had just happened. He stepped towards them and they shrank back, so he sank to his haunches and smiled.

"It's ok," he soothed. "They're gone."

"W... w... were they vampires?" the woman stammered, her fear obvious.

"I'm afraid so, yes," Mikael nodded, a grimace on his face. The man yelped in terror. "But they're gone now," he quickly added.

The woman seemed to relax slightly. "W... what did you do?"

"I killed one, and the other fled."

"You didn't get them both?" she cried, shrinking back underneath the rug.

"Indeed not, but do not worry," he comforted. "They will not return tonight. You are safe, though I suspect you would feel better if you spent the night with a neighbour."

Mikael waited, continuing to calm the terrified couple as the town began to wake up around them. Clearly the commotion had woken the settlement, and despite their fear, their concern for their neighbours was greater. Mikael was impressed by their community spirit.

A moment later the door knocked, and Mikael heard a woman's voice calling his name. He smiled, reassuring the couple -- who still cowered under the rug -- that it was safe, and opened the door. Lucinda and Melissa hurried in, having heard the smashing glass.

"Are you ok?" Lucinda asked, a concerned look on her face.

Mikael nodded. "I am. There were vampires here, two of them. I killed one, but the other escaped me."

"And the occupants?" Melissa said, worried. "Are they ok?"

He gestured to the rug. "They are, though I am sure they'd appreciate your aid. They are very scared."

His Sister hurried over, crouching in front of them and calming them down as her hands glowed with a faint white light. The couple relaxed, yet were still clearly very shaken by events -- the man did not even once stare down the impressive valley of Melissa's cleavage.

"How did you find me?" Mikael asked at last, turning to Lucinda.

"Melissa located you," the rogue replied. "She could feel your magical essence radiating from this house. Even I could sense the emanations from your swords."

After a brief moment, Melissa stood, a small smile on her lips. She reached down, helping the couple to their feet, before turning to her companions.

"They're fine," she said, walking with them towards the front door. "Though they will spend the night at their neighbour's house."

"One thing before you leave," Lucinda called, walking quickly over. "Where did you get these?" Mikael watched as she plucked a clove of garlic from the front door.

"Old Hammond sold us those," the man said, looking upon her with disdain. Not disdain at his Sister, Mikael realised, but disdain for the garlic. "Fat lot o' use that did us," he added, spitting on the floor.

"Where is this Hammond? We must speak with him." The rogue clearly did not want to keep them, but she was also determined to reach the bottom of this.

"The large 'ouse in the middle 'o town," the man responded, before bowing and opening the front door. Mikael watched as Melissa left with the couple.

"You want to pay this Hammond a visit?" Mikael asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Indeed," Lucinda replied. "He needs to know that these wards do not work, and whatever his motives for selling them -- even if he genuinely think he's doing right -- he needs to stop."

"Then let's go," Mikael said, moving towards the front door.

"In the morning," Lucinda replied with a pleasant smile. "You need to get some sleep."

*****************************

The next morning brought with it a rainstorm, and Mikael and his Sisters hurried along the main road with the cloaks clasped around them. The daylight struggled feebly to break the ominous clouds, and largely failed. Water fell in great fat droplets around them, thumping onto their heads and soaking them through.

Luckily, the large house was not difficult to find. It stood on its own, quite apart from its surrounding houses, set back in large gardens. Lucinda hammered on the door as Mikael and Melissa shivered, and after a short wait the great oak entrance swung open.

"May I help you?" asked a pretty young woman, who looked upon them rather quizzically. "I'm afraid my master isn't taking any requests for items at the moment."

"We must speak with Hammond," Lucinda responded insistently. "Now."

"As I said, I'm afraid he cannot sell any more wards at the moment," the maid said quietly. "He is asleep."

"Then I am afraid you will have to wake him," Lucinda replied. "We are not trying to purchase any of his wards -- we must speak with him directly about the vampires."