Quest of Water and Steel (Gothos Rising)

The Embers

The wedding took place in the early morning the dampness clinging to everything. The high temple to the deity of the land called the Great Builder. The bells rang outside its timber reigniting through the country side. The high sprawling tower was built in the high point of the Northern Territory built by King Alther when he was crowned king. The church was filled with upper nobles, knights, and the guardians. King Damon was sitting in the front aisle with his men at his side. It was common knowledge that King Damon and Dominic have been close since the knight had gone up in the ranks under the rule of the king. There were rumors and speculation about how close they are and what things have been hidden after one of their nights of revelry. Naturally these were dismissed as amusing stories and nothing more.

The king was dressed in glinting gold armor that was more for ceremony then battle. Usually stoic he seemed amused by event leaning back in his seat. Dominic was standing in front of the priest dressed in his best armor. He looked like a dark angel in his black armor and dyed crimson cape falling from his shoulders. He was clean shaven; dark blue eyes scanning those who came had come to attend his special day.

Dominic felt pride welling up at him that he had quite a turn out for his wedding, the servant glad that they had the day off from work were outside the chapel in celebration of his day. Of course it was his bride’s day as well, but she was to be his wife. His and no one else’s. He looked at the door where his lovely bride will come from feeling a sense of anticipation rolling through him. The image of her writhing under him in their wedding chambers made him start to harden under his armor, but he mustered his resolve knowing that waiting made it even sweeter. Shifting his weight back on his heels a bit he ran his hand lightly along the hilt of his ceremonial sword, wetting his lips with his tongue lightly, breathing in the stale fragrance of the flowers decorating the chapel.

Sera stood in one of the back rooms staring at her reflection in the tall looking glass. She was garbed in a white lace dress that hung along her lithe body, beading on the bodice. Her hair was done up in a bridal braid, a single braided strand along her forehead with flowers woven into the braiding. At her side stood her twin, her hands resting on her sister’s shoulders. Asura’s eyes were fixed on her twin’s face, a frown on her own clearly not approving of this marriage. The looking glass reflected their forms, so alike at face value, but inside so different.

“Today you will walk the path that is treaded by most women, but I had not expected it for you, my sister. You deserve better then to be the simple wife of a warrior” Asura said, her lips pursed in a thin line, brow knit, and eyes fixed on her sister in the looking glass. Sera turned her head and studied her sister silently for a moment, taking in her natural doppelganger.

“I know that you have taken a lover among the circle and that is your business, marriage is mine” she replied, her words holding a finality that made her twin flinch. After a long weighted silence Asura relented and let out a soft sigh.

“This is the path you have chosen and cannot be changed” she said with a hint of sadness. Walking to the table next to the full length looking glass she picked up a box and brought it over.

“This is my gift to you. Promise me that you will always wear it and think of me” She opened the box where a beautiful blue green stone laid heavy on a silver chain. Sera could swear when she removed it from the box that the colors swirled in the dim lights of the room. Convincing herself that it was her imagination she let her sister place it around her neck, it falling between the tops of her breasts.

The bells of the cathedral rung and the double doors opened revealing Sera who stood there in her long lace gown. The thin gossamer veil, hiding her face from those observing her. Dominic smiled slowly seeing her angelic form coming toward him. Every person in the cathedral turned in their seat to set eyes upon the bride as she walked toward the high marble altar in front.

Calus was the only one who didn’t looked at her, looking pained as he sat ridged in his seat with the others. Sera stopped next to Dominic who looked like a shining prince in his full armor. Dominic reached out and took his bride’s hand and squeezed it gently in his own. The ceremony commenced, the high priest speaking from the large book he held. Vows were exchanged and a cheer went up in the cathedral from the spectators. Asura stood among the other protectors clapping, her hands and cheering with the others despite her feelings toward this marriage.

A huge banquet was held in their honor of this wonderful day. Suckling pigs had been roasted earlier that morning. Fish, muscles, and clams were shipped in from the ocean. Water fowl and other birds were caught and cooked with delicious spices.

The bride and groom were sitting at the high table looking like a perfect couple. The knights were sitting around eating and chatting happily feeling relieved to have a moment away from battles. The mood was jovial and light. The children of the soldiers were sitting in a circle by the roaring fire as one of the knights; Markus was telling the children stories that made them giggle happily. Physically he bore a striking similarity between himself and his younger brother Dominic, but he was warm well his little brother was more stoic. There were rumors took being passed up for Captain in stride, though everyone thought that the elder would get the job instead of the younger.

The older brother was married to a kind woman named Lonia who gave him two young sons and a daughter, and was soon to give birth to another child. Markus was pleased that his brother found a wife for himself, but was none the less surprised by it. Dominic was known for his womanizing ways since he first came into manhood, but there is a time in every man’s life when they have to settle down he reasoned. He had a sneaking suspicion though that his little brother wouldn’t change his ways. Shaking his head he looked down at the children waiting for him on baited breath for him to continue the story. Dominic was sitting draining his goblet as he smiled at his friends and allies, feeling very confident with his new bride at his side.

The newly appointed captain looked at his new wife and gave her a smile. Sera looked upon Dominic with her navy blue eyes, unable to believe that was the bride of the handsome captain. Her new sister-in-law, Lonia was very kind and welcoming to her. Lonia was sitting at a few people down with her three year old daughter, Kora on her lap, fussing a bit. Sera watched her with the toddler imagining herself with her own child on her knee, and turned her head looking at Dominic who was pouring himself more wine.

After the revelry died down Sera stretched and got out of her chair, Dominic by then was standing by the fireplace with some of his brethren tossing dice. In a daze she knew that when she walked into her bridal chambers she would not be sleeping alone. She knew she would have to walk this road alone. Feeling her feet heavy on the ground she walked through the double doors of the great hall, and made her way down the hall.

Sera knew that her new husband’s friends would bring him in when he was well ready to consummate their marriage. Upon entering her chambers she felt a chill creeping through her. Shaking it off, undoing the sash of her gown and placed it on a nearby chair. Undressing she walked to the bathroom leaving her clothing laying on the floor planning on picking them up later.

The great cathedral was resurrected by the king and had many rooms that boarded monks, soldiers, and visiting dignitaries during special events. The bathroom was fully furnished with an oak bathing basin in the center of the room. Copper pipes laid under the stone foundation that tapped into a hot spring under the ground giving them hot water. Crossing the bathroom into the center she admired the tiling on the wall that climbed almost up to the vaulted ceiling.

The room was circular with a stain glassed window of an armored angel with a yellow backdrop. Sera filled the tub to the top and blended some rose oil in it to make her skin fragrant. She washed her body free of the sweat and nerves of the wedding procession away. Sitting there she stared at the stain glass mirror in front of her, the amulet hanging between her breasts.

“I will not let my nerves get the best of me.” She told herself firmly as she squeezed the sea sponge between her hands, the water dripping over her stomach. Knowing that she could not stew in the tub all night she forced herself to her feet feeling the cold of the room. Shaking it off she reminded herself that she is the Guardian of the Stone of Healing and would not let her childish fears overtake her. He saved her life, asked her to marry him. It wasn’t like it had been arranged by some uncaring parents or she was kidnapped and forced to marry. She agreed to become his bride. Telling herself these things over and over she dried herself off and padded back into the bedroom. She knew that her new husband would be coming in later after he finished drinking with his friends. Lying down upon the bed she closed her eyes and drifted off into a light sleep.

Dominic stepped into the chambers of his room; he was wearing only his breeches since he lost the rest of his clothing, including his best boots in a hand of cards. Looking down at the sleeping angel on the bed a smile crept to his lips. She had the covers draped over her body, her bare chest and arms peek-a-booing from the top. A part of him didn’t want to disturb her slumber, but the ache in his breeches reminded him as his right as her husband. This wasn’t the first time he has deflowered a virgin before, he had many times enjoyed the spoils of the battlefield and looked into the faces of fathers who thrust their daughters at him in hopes that their own lives would be spared. This situation was different though. The girl laying in such relaxed slumber is his lawful wife. Reaching out his fingertips caressed her soft skin with the back of his fingertips. “Wake up, my beautiful bride.” He said softly as he gazed down on her face.

Sera’s eyes fluttered open and found her gaze meeting that of Captain Dominic. The color rose in her cheeks as she let out a soft breath, drinking in his handsome face.

“I must have fallen asleep” she said drowsily, stifling a little yawn. He leaned down and brushed his lips to hers, his fingertips slowly moving to touch her sides. Her fingers came up and caressed his chiseled cheek and smiled softly. Reaching out he grasped the sheets covering her body and slowly slid it over her skin, his eyes not leaving hers. Sera shivered despite there being a warm fire in the hearth. Sliding back he undid the lace of his breeches and slid them down, giving her the first look at his nude form. His calves and thighs were toned from the rigors of training and battle. His c**k was hard between his legs with a bead of pre-c*m clinging to the tip.

The mixture of drink and seeing her laying there had aroused him beyond measure. It was difficult for him to control himself gazing at her on the bed. Sera stared at his body fully and felt her breath catch in her throat. Not wanting to seem too eager she took her time to study every inch of his athletic, but somewhat scarred skin. He had a few knick and evidence of battle. She could see the want in his eyes and knew that he was trying to hold himself back. Stretching out she opened her arms out to welcome him. He nestled himself between her slightly opened legs and raised one of her legs smoothly, his hand stroking the underside of it gently. Leaning forward he eased his hardness into her body, taking her virginity. Sera’s brow knit at the ache that took a toll through her. Her sister had warned her that a woman’s first time can be very painful, but it would pass and never be experienced again. Dominic held her leg and bent his face down to nuzzle her tears away.

“It’s alright my little dove” he murmured. Feeling the slight pain pass she opened her eyes and looked up at her husband. He smiled at her and started to rock his hips, easing himself deeper in her causing her to feel a strange sensation. With each thrust she felt her own body relaxing, filled with a delicious feeling she could not describe. He laid a soft kiss upon her throat then drew one of her pert rose-colored n*****s into his mouth. It filled her with an incredible sensation causing her to cry out. His mouth and touch made her feel warm all over.

Dominic rolled his hips against hers easing himself, deeper, and deeper. Sera felt that it must be madness as it went on and on leaving her dizzy and delirium with the new sensations he was giving her. Dominic groaned and arched his back as his climax hit him, emptying himself within her. Letting out a deep breath he laid his face against her neck. Sera lay under him catching her breath slowly as he climbed off of her and collapsed at her side, after a moment she heard his soft snoring.

Laying there she stared up at the ceiling unsure what to do with herself now. Sitting up she turned her legs facing the edge of the bed. It was the first time she experienced the ache in her muscles and saw the blood on her thighs. Forcing herself to a standing position she walked to the bath, mustering all the strength she had left. Sera quickly cleaned herself up and slipped into a nightgown and got under the covers with him, pulling the covers over her body shivering.

The fire had died down by then leaving coolness in the large bedroom. The lit candles were the only illumination she has. The amulet that her sister had given her still hung between her bare breasts, a habit she would not part from.

The next day Dominic and his soldiers rode off on campaign leaving Sera to take in her new surroundings. The Golgothian Knights lived in the Catacian Complex. It was a sprawling building with high towers and courtyards in the middle, the white marble gleaming when the sun rose. It was the home of the knights and their family. Sera had woken up to find that her new husband was gone, but knew she should of expected it. Rising from her bed she felt the ache all over her body and saw the droplets of blood on the sheets. Blinking away the sleep from her eye she swung her legs around and placed her bare feet on the bed. The door opened and a girl about fifteen stepped in wearing a very simple brown dress, her hair pulled back in a braid.

“Miss I am sorry to interrupt your rest. My name is Marie. I your maid and I will help you if you need anything.” She said her brown eyes lowered in respect. Sera looked at the girl and stretched a bit.

“Can you draw me a bath, please?” she asked in reply. Marie nodded her head and hurried to the bath and started to fill it with warm water.

“The Captain is a handsome man. You’re so lucky to be married to him” The young maid said as she put rose and lavender oil. Sera felt surprised by the tone the maid spoke about her father, though it could be an innocent comment. She didn’t know why she had a strange nagging feeling in her gut. Casting it aside she walked to the bath and studied Marie’s shining face and polite smile.

“Yes he is” Sera said softly now standing next to the bathtub. Marie reached over and turned off the facet.

“He is very popular among the girls in the home. Out of all of the knights he is a devil with an angel’s face” Marie said and curtsied, leaving the room before Sera could question her further on her cryptic words.

Undressing she slid in the water and sat down, feeling her muscles start to relax in the warm water. Leaning back she let her head lull against her chest a bit, her eyes half closed. She wore the amulet her sister gave her around her neck that lightly caressed the top of the water. She started to slip into deep dreams.

A spiraling staircase leading upward toward a grand room. The sunlight glinted through stain glass windows upon the stone steps. At the top of the stairs was a large circular room with a metal staircase in the back. The walls were covered with tapestries and shelves of old leather bound books and scrolls. A roaring fire lay in a white marble fireplace, crackling soothingly. The room had two large arch windows without glass in them. Standing before a long oak desk stood a man. It wasn’t a human man, but a Sythian man. He had pale skin with muscularly beautiful features. He had golden yellow eyes, a slender nose, and his lips thin but full. The man was dressed in a soft white robe the clung to his muscular form. On his back were sprouted midnight black wings that were folded slightly. His head was bowed slightly, eyes half closed with a frown tugging at his lips. He stood before a pile of papers looking miserable. Turning he walked to the window and stared out. The ground below was filled with mutilated bodies of other Sythians. Men, women, and children had been horribly slaughtered by someone. This was the reason for this man’s sorrows.

Sera woke up with a start realizing she fell asleep in the tub. The water was freezing cold by then and her skin was all pruned. The dream had startled her and confused her. It was vivid and real as if she had gone up those stairs and seen this man. Sliding out of the water she quickly toweled off and looked at her reflection in the mirror. Staring at her pale reflection she could have sworn she saw the amulet against her breast giving off a slight glow. She got dressed and walked down to the high board where lunch had been laid out by the servants.

Lamb was roasted with garlic and peppers stew and fresh bread was place out with warm cider and cinnamon sticks to go in it. Sera was surprised to see Markus sitting there leaning back in his chair a bit, his elbows resting on the large table. Upon seeing her he motioned for her to take the seat next to him. Walking over she took a place at his side.

“I thought you would be out on campaign with the others” she said, c*****g her head to the side slightly.

“I decided not to go since my dear Lonia is close to having her baby. The doctor says it will be any day now, and I want to be there to ease her mind.” He replied and gave a relaxed smile. This was highly unorthodox among the men since they usually aren’t even in the room when the blessed event happens. Choosing to refuse to go on campaign makes me look weak, but I don’t care. Lonia is my angel” he said adamantly as he sat in the chair, a goblet of wine in his hand.

Markus would never admit to anyone, not even his wife that he was becoming disenfranchised by battle. He saw no glory in the battlefield anymore. He often didn’t agree with his brother’s methods of torture and he has seen things that he would take to the grave.

Sera sipped her drink looking thoughtful. She touched the amulet around her neck lightly and again was reminded of the vivid dream she had. The being in the dream was a Sythian. She knew from the description she has grown up hearing. In her wild dreams since she had seen them as being horrible monsters that snatched babies from their cribs. The man she saw in her dream though was beautiful and sad. His emotions had moved her greatly, but she wasn’t even sure if what she saw was real or not. It gave her a lot to think about well her new husband was out on campaign.

Dominic sat on the end of the straw bed in the room where he stayed in the small village of Maladus. It was one of the outposts he visited on the boarders the Western Territory.

The Western Territory is where the Sythian, vampires held sway. He felt like it was trying to get rid of ants under a brick. Kill a few and hundred mores scuttle out from the cracks. The thought of it filled him with a deep seated rage. He knew that soon they would capture the eldest of the Sythians, the last ruler since their ancient king passed away from the first battle. Once they capture and execute him then he knew that the others would fall.

Brena, his lover and mistress lay stirred a little on the bed, spread out like a feline. He stood up and started to get dressed having grown bored with her tonight, perhaps before he went home to the stronghold he would take her again for his amusement. She didn’t wake by the time he opened the door and stepped out.

He felt restless wanting to throw himself into the ecstasy of battle. The class of swords, and the iron of blood filling his nostrils. A smile spread across his lips as he went to saddle up his charger. Taking off in a gallop he brazenly crossed the border that was a field of corpses hoisted up on wooden stakes, impaling them.

Slowing his horse he looked around at the dead grass, red from the seeping blood and saw movement in the distance. Getting off the horse he patted the horse’s side and walked slowly toward the sound. Silently he stalked his way until two figures became visible.

A Sythian man and a toddling little girl were at his side. The little girl was just coming into her wings that were folded against her pink dress, her dark hair in a messy ponytail. In her hand she held a raggedy doll that had black hair of yarn and a simple dress. Holding her father’s hand she looked down at the ground, scavenging for small animals to feed off. Since the knights had begun their ruthless display killing all the livestock and animals that thrived in the area, they were forced to leave their territory to look feed off humans or starve to atrophy.

Not wanting to take the risk some families scavenged for what they can. The small child let go of her father’s hand seeing a small colter lizard crawling along an ancient log.

“Daddy, It’s a lizard!” she cried and hurried after it. Her father gave his child a wistful look, his golden eyes filled with sadness, knowing that a small lizard would not be enough to sustain his small child. If they didn’t find bigger prey then they would go home hungry, and the thought of that broke his heart. Both were not aware of the danger coming their way. Running to the log the little girl she jumped forward and tried to snatch it, but it eluded her finding its way in a hole. She pouted and stared at the hole where the lizard had escaped. She looked up when a shadow cast over her. Looking up her eyes widened at the sight of man in the glistening armor.

For a long moment she was rooted to the spot unable to move, fear galvanizing her. Her father had spotted Dominic as well and ran over scooping her up as Dominic raised his sword to cut her down. Grabbing the small child, the male Sythian turned his body and took the blow of the weapon, coming down hard on his back and tearing right through his right wing. Blood sprouted from the wound as he placed her down, his knees shaking badly.

“Run my child! Run!” he cried as he fell on all fours. The little girl let out a whimper and looked at her father and turned and started to run through the field. Being too little she has yet to learn to use her small wings. Dominic watched the Sythian running through the tall grass and pulled his sword up and brought it down again, decapitating the man. The toddler hurried through the grass gasping for breath holding the doll in her little hand. Hearing footsteps she foolishly turned and found Dominic was mere feet from her. She let out a cry of fear and dropped the doll to the ground, terror showing in her big golden-yellow eyes.

“Hello little one” he said smoothly and raised his sword, dripping with the blood of her father. The girl stared at the man in his armor, looking into his blue piercing eyes. Dominic smiled widely and brought the sword down.

Sera woke up restless in bed and pulled the sheets off of her form. Getting up her bare feet touched the stone floor. It has been two week since her husband rode off on campaign. She found distractions in the families that lived in the Catacian Complex.

Lonia had given birth of to her daughter, a healthy girl named Talia. Having her monthly bleed she found to her dismay that she was not with child. Of course she has not been married long, but she feared that he would die in battle and leave her alone in this strange place. It made her miss her sister and her friends in the Hall of Clothos.

The distance between herself and her twin was incredibly difficult. She often thought of Calus who she once had soft feelings toward, but she had made her choice and married Dominic. Sera hoped that soon she would get to see her sister soon. The dream came to her again of the Sythian man who stared out the window in sheer misery. Having overcome the overwhelming fear of the recurring dream she started to wonder about the man. He mostly stared out the window at the macabre landscape that lay below the window. The

Sythian often switched his attention from the window to stand by the table in the center of the circular room covered with old tomes. She tried to reach for him in her dream, try to speak to him but she could not. It was as if she was looking in behind a window.

It brought out all lot of strong emotions out of her. She reasoned that it was because she was missing her husband, but each time she had the dream she wasn’t sure.

Walking across the cold room she made her way to the basin on the table. Pouring the water into the bowl she washed her hands and face lightly. The fire by now was almost out casting the room in darkness. Sera stared down at the clear water lit by the moon through the window. Staring down at herself she watched in awe as the water shivered and rippled, transforming into the image of her twin sister. Excitement ran through her, recognizing that it isn’t her own reflection at all.

“Sister, I thought I thought I wouldn’t see you for some time” Sera cried happily with fingers curling against the sides of the basin. Asura smiled at her sister, but it did not reach her light blue eyes.

“I am glad to see you as well. I feared that I would not get a chance to speak to you” she replied cryptically. This puzzled the healer as she studied the face in the pool.

“What do you mean by that?” she questioned, finding the statement odd. It filled her with a sense of palpable dread. Asura sighed audibly and gave a slight shake of her head.

“Two nights ago I read the Cards of Fortune and they spelled things to come, things of great misfortune. My question was about you and it warned of great danger. It compelled me to use this mirror of divination here in the Hall of Clothos to seek you out. What relief I feel to see that you are unharmed, but I cannot shake this feeling” her twin, her natural reflection that peered back at her with brow knit with worry. Sera gave a slight shake of her own head.

“As you can see I am very well.” She told her, but her words faltered a bit as the shadow of doubt once again unfolded upon her.

“How is your marriage to the Captain? Are you happy, sister?” Asura pried itching to find out if the choices her sister had made were the right ones for her.

“I must confess that he is off on campaign. He has been for a week protecting the land from the rising darkness that plagues our land” Sera replied quickly, not wanting to hear the ‘I told you so’ from her twin. From where she stood before the basin she could glimmer a touch of smugness tugging at her sister’s lips.

“He will return soon and all will be right again” she added defiantly standing up taller than she was before.

“If you are happy then that is all that matters to me sister” The guardian of the stone of wisdom finally conceded, knowing that it was too late to further warn her sister about the man she wedded to. The deed had already been done. This didn’t erase the fear for her sister’s safety though. Sera looked at her older twin wondering if she should ask her about the strange recurring dreams she was having, but she thought that would compound her sister’s concern and compel her to make the long journey here. It was a treacherous path from the high north filled with bandits, cutthroats, and other creatures including Sythians who have spread out their hunting grounds. Instead she saw the wisdom in holding her tongue, feeling that this creature that she kept dreaming of might not be as dangerous as the knights have attested to.

“What about you and Talos? How have the both of you been? And Calus as well?”she asked throwing the questions out to her sister to distract her from further asking questions about her personal life.

“Talos is well and handsome as always” she reported, the warmth creeping into her words as she spoke fondly of her lover. “As for Calus on the other hand I don’t see much of him which is a shame. He is always with Amerus, thrusting himself in his studies. I think he is still heartbroken over you choosing the captain over him” she continued, not holding back on her tone of continual disapproval.

“I have made my choices and I am willing to accept what may come”Sera said wistfully as she looked at her sister in the reflection.

“I hope that is so, my dear sister” Asura replied sadly. Before another word could be spoken the water rippled as the power that connected them in the reflecting basin had loosened its grip. Unable to stifle a sigh she returned to her bed and laid down not sure if she could forget the prediction that the cards her sister had drawn. If there was indeed danger on the horizon she would have to face in with strength and humility. Laying back she closed her eyes, her arms tucked behind her golden halo of hair. Drifting back in an uneasy slumber.

A week later, Dominic and his men returned to Catacian Complex. To everyone’s surprise the captain had brought a woman with him, his lover from Maladus, named Brena. Everyone but Asura knew that this woman was one of Dominic’s many light skirts. Sera ran out hearing the trumpets blasting signifying their return. She didn’t think anything of the girl on the back of the horse, not noticing how she clung to her husband possessively.

“Dominic I am happy to see you, my dear husband” she said cheerfully. Dominic smiled widely pleased that his wife had come out to greet him as she should. He slid off the horse and reached out and took her hands in his own, then pulled her into his arms kissing her deeply. Sera returned the kiss feeling the color rising in her cheeks. The captain turned and helped the girl off the horse and then looked at his wife.

“This is Brena. She will be your new maid. I feel that Maria is lazy and doesn’t know her place.” He announced as if this was some great gift to his wife. Sera looked at the girl who looked a few years younger than her as she curtsied and softly murmured a greeting.

“Welcome to the Catacian Complex. I am quite new here myself so we should stick together” she said warmly, having no suspicions about the motives of her husband.

Brena gave her new mistress a sulking look when she wasn’t looking. It wasn’t her plan to become the serving of the woman who had stolen the love of her life. She planned in making it very difficult on the other woman. Brena knew about the reputation that the Protector of the Stones had with their magical abilities and sorcery. The rumors in her small village were like a wild fire. The Protectors before them had kept the Sythians at bay, but at what cost? She felt that the healer, Asura who had stolen Dominic’s heart must have used her magic to do so. That meek woman that she stared with resentment couldn’t possibly be his beloved. Smiling to herself she knew that Dominic would come to her bed once he got bored of his new wife, and perhaps she Brena would get pregnant with his child before this woman. The child would be illegitimate, but it would show that b***h that he wanted a family with her! Putting her plan together mentally she followed Sera into the complex.

“What the hell were you thinking?! Bringing that w***e here” Markus yelled throwing the cup of mead against the wall.

“You have just gotten married. Isn’t it enough? You show great disrespect toward her” The older brother was absolute beside himself in rage. He already saw Sera as her dearest sister and her brother’s behavior was almost too much for him. Dominic didn’t seem moved by Markus as he leaned back in his chair.

“What I do is really none of your concern, big brother. Sera is my wife, she belongs to me” he replied in a calm voice, almost wistful.

“I can do as I please with her and with the w***e I brought back with me. There is no law against it.” Markus ran his hand over his face and let out a long sigh.

“It’s not right. You incur the wrath of the Great Builder on your head for betraying your vows to your wife” the older man reasoned.

Dominic raised his eyebrows and suddenly started to laugh, it animated his whole body.

“I had no idea you are a religious man, Brother. Perhaps you should have been a preacher instead of a warrior. Between the two of us I don’t believe in what the bishops say. They might think that there is something special about those stones they protect, and that they have some sort of natural magic from the planet. It’s a crock in my opinion. My wife is just a woman and women are weak.

“Dominic stated and leaned forward a bit, a smile crossing his lips. “You might be fooled by that plain little dove you have in your bed, but I know better.” The older man knew he should blow up in anger at his younger brother, but he realized it would do not good. Such a jaded creature as Dominic would come to a bad end.