The Land Below our Feet COMPLETE

CORNERING

Phomtek rode mounted on the back of an enormous dark horse. Jogru, Jhoki and Jhagn trailing closely behind him as they approached the magnificent floating gardens of Xoltun city.

-I have heard a lot of stories about the sacred, flooded town – The young captain commented, halting briefly, and taking in the majestic view – Yet I had never visited it. It is even more beautiful than I could have ever imagined.

-And you haven't seen their women – Jogru remarked dreamily– They are as deadly as they are exquisite. I would gladly take one of their arrows to the chest just to know that they had laid their eyes on me, at least for the brief moment it took them to aim.

-I second that brother! – Jhoki cheered happily, whistling in agreement – They can have my willing surrender and do whatever they please with me.

-Not so fast! – Jaghn cut in jealously - If anyone is being taken hostage here, it is going to be me.

-Hold your water, kids – Phomtek replied, giggling loudly – And keep your junk inside your pants. If we want to be granted Xoltun´s help, you better start thinking with the big head over your shoulders instead of the little one between your legs.

-That is easier said than done, Captain– The three of them said in unison before cracking up and laughing.

-We are just kidding, actually… Everybody knows what those women are capable of – Jaghn declared with a frightful tone – In reality, all they do is scare the hell out of us.

As they neared the spectacular constructions, artfully suspended over the wide river on an intricate assembly of large rafts holding the tall palace and the surrounding picturesque homes, they could also see the large group of women guarding the gates, every arrow directed at them.

-Come any closer, and you will have an arrow shot through your heart – A tall, muscular woman shouted at the leading captain. Her bowstring drawn back readily and the sharp tip of the dart facing him – Men are not welcome in this city except for the spring equinox... As you should already know.

Phomtek stopped his horse's pace and so did the rest of the group. His men silently watching as he raised his hands in a yielding gesture.

-We do. And we do not mean to disrespect your traditions, but it is a life-or-death situation that brings us here today -The young Cahenean Captain explained - We beg Xoltun´s archers to please listen to our petition!

The tall, bearded man called out in a clear, purposeful voice. His eyes directed at the strong bow-women.

– We have been sent here today to request your precious aid. War is coming your way, and we all need to ally and cooperate if we want to keep this land from falling under this outsider's ruthless thumb. So, we beg you to overlook your ban just this once… Honor our vital demand for an immediate audience with Queen Histya and let us discuss our crucial strategy with your ruler.

Once the soldier pronounced the last of his words, a lengthy silence followed the echo of his proclamation. After a few tense minutes of wait, a young girl walked towards the dark-eyed woman in charge and whispered into her ear briefly. The grip relaxing on her bow and finally putting it down.

-Leave your beast and your men outside, then come unarmed – She instructed, nodding at him – Queen Histya will see you now.

Phomtek climbed down from his horse and handed all his weapons to Jogru, including the firearm.

-Are you sure you want to do this, Captain? – Jhoki whispered worriedly – What if they capture you? What if they kill you?

-I will have to take my chances – Phomtek replied, shrugging off, and placing the reins into Jaghn´s hand -This is the only way they will listen to me. We need them to win.

-What do we do in the meantime? – The three men asked simultaneously, their faces reddening at their synced train of thought.

-Settle the tents and wait for me – The Captain ordered authoritatively – I will be back as soon as I get them on board… Now, wish me luck.

-There is not such a thing as luck among Xoltun´s walls – Jogru breathed out with severity – Once inside, every man is as defenseless as a fly caught in a spider's web, and at the mercy of their inexorable leader. We wish you sufficient eloquence to keep her from shooting you.

-Well, then persuasion it is - Phomtek exhaled, brazing himself and starting to walk towards the large floating city – Let us hope we caught her in a receptive mood.

The young, tanned man paced forward slowly, keeping his hands in sight under the pitiful look of his men. Once he was close enough, the heavy doors cracked open and a ravishing tall woman patted him down thoroughly, before finally letting him walk inside.

The previous archer appeared before him and Phomtek struggled to keep his mouth from dropping at the sight of her beauty at such a close range. She was stunning… They all were.

As she led him through the corridors of the buoyant surface that sustained the idyllic city, the strong, bearded man fought to keep himself focused and his eyes from wandering all around to the awing vision of such perfect creatures.

They were all covered in tight armor from head to toe, their rich silhouettes enhanced by the flattering pattern of their dark protective gear. It was all as well-crafted as it was practical. The light material combining leather and a resistant alloy, wisely allowing them to freely and gracefully move within the enclosure of the strategically positioned metallic plates.

A helmet shielded their skulls from the nasal bridge all the way up to the back of their heads, a pair of massive horns protruding from each side of them. Their long hair tucked in an elaborate braid and hanging between their shoulder blades.

Queen Histya was standing at the edge of a large balcony that faced the crystalline waters of the immense Tulixa river. Her back turned towards him as she remained in silence, the orange sunset light washing over her shiny, black hair. Her attire was similar to the one that her subordinates wore, except for the delicate built-in crown that encircled her helmet instead of the intimidating horns that he had seen on the rest of them.

-Well? – Her deeply sensual voice reached the warrior's ears as she turned around, and he felt the air being sucked out of his lungs – Are you going to just stand there and stare at me? Or are you planning on actually speaking up and explaining what could be so urgent that you dare to come and disturb Xoltun´s peace with your manly presence outside our mating season?

-Forgive me, Your Grace – Phomtek began talking, clearing his throat and recovering from his initial dumbstruck state – I am afraid I am the bearer of black news… Our land is under the attack of vicious invaders, they are heading north, and we are trying to prevent their further advance. I was sent here by the Commander of the Yahurian army himself to ask for your favor... And your help to corner them.

A spark of recognition crossed the woman's sight at the mention of the familiar man, her cheeks visibly blushing for a second, before a broad smirk appeared on her face.

-You say Ussiariah Aghol sent you? – Histya pondered carefully, placing a hand over her hip – The white Yahun wants my help now… Who would have known?

-I see… So, you are acquainted with the Yahurian leader then? – The Cahenean man commented, nodding at her.

-We shared the battlefield a few years ago – The female warrior agreed, smiling suggestively, and walking towards him, her fingers running through his full beard and down his bulky torso – I offered him a visit in spring, yet he refused. It was a shame… He would have made a wonderful donor. You, on the other hand... Boy, you seem to be fairly well-built too!

She reached between his legs, her hand blatantly weighing his manhood against her palm and making his face redden.

-I was not wrong! One can certainly look forward to working with such an admirable tool… You are in luck. – She muttered in an appraisal tone, taking his hand, and dragging him forward –I am feeling generous enough to make a second exception today. You can tell me all about your cornering plan later, during our pillow talk.