The Storm Inside Him

Chapter 10: Preparations

Collin stayed in the palace to help Anthony prepare for the trials. When Anthony arrived at the palace, he had his servants attend to their guest and went to find Lenore. Lenore was in their chambers and when Anthony arrived he wrapped her in a tender embrace and kissed her lips delicately lingering his breath to build her arousal. He grabbed her arm and led her to the couch, so he could explain what was taking place.

“This sounds very dangerous,” she said in an anxious tone. She wrapped her hands around Anthony’s neck, pulling herself closer to him. "What if something terrible happens, and you do not live through these trials? Husband, I do not think I could bear life without you in it.”

Her concern for his safety made his c*ck hard as he ran his fingers down her back. “Wife, I have no choice but to participate, and I’m confident I will be successful,” he said in a reassuring tone. “The only thing that brings me distress is knowing I will not have your quivering body underneath mine nightly taking you to new heights of pleasure as I bury my c*ck inside you.”

Her back arched at his sinister words and he kissed her passionately until they were both out of breath. Panting, he rested his forehead on hers and said, “Come, let me introduce you to my cousin, Collin. I had the servants prepare him a room, so he is comfortable during his stay with us.”

Anthony and Lenore walked together to the guest quarters where they knocked on the door of Collin’s chambers. They were welcomed in by his attending servant and taken to the sitting area where Collin was reading a book. When he saw the king and queen, he rose from his chair to greet them. “Your majesties,” he said and bowed in their presence. “I thank you sincerely for the comfortable quarters you have prepared for me. I am quite amazed at the beauty of your kingdom.”

“It is my pleasure,” the king replied. Anthony dismissed the servants, so they could have more private interaction. “Collin, may I introduce to you my wife, Queen Lenore.”

“Your highness,” Collin said. “Your beauty is known in all the land, but they do not do you justice.”

Lenore smiled and thanked him. “Please call me Lenore. I am glad to meet Anthony’s family, but I do wish it was under different conditions. The thought of my husband participating in these trials makes me very uneasy, and he has instructed me that I should also not accompany him, which makes this almost unbearable.”

“I understand your restlessness, Lenore, but I assure you Anthony is a fine warrior and capable of passing these trials. With training and hard work, he will gain his immortality and honor as an elven warrior,” he said.

Anthony and Lenore sat on the couch to continue their conversation while Collin sat on a chair close to the fireplace. He began to tell the couple everything they needed to know about the trials. Collin told them there were three trials to prove his worth as an elven warrior, and they were all very dangerous. Each trial would test different abilities Anthony possessed and Collin would do everything he could to make sure Anthony was prepared.

“The trials will take place on the island of Ishalom. After our preparations, I will accompany you there and tend to you until the trials are over,” he said. “If you prove worthy, you will gain your immortality and rightful place as an elven warrior. If you do not, it will be because you have perished during the trials.”

Lenore tensed and grabbed Anthony’s hand as he spoke. He tenderly rubbed her palm with his thumb, calming her anxiety and stirring her arousal.

“I have never heard of this island. How do we get to Ishalom?” Anthony inquired.

“Ishalom is an island used by the elven people specifically for the warrior trials. You will meet other warriors who are proving their worth as well,” Collin replied.

“There are other warriors like me?” Anthony asked.

Collin paused. “Some, but it is not common for elves to mate with humans. Your mother’s captivity is almost unheard of. We still do not know how your father was able to deceive our people. There are some of our kind who would prefer we let you perish. My father deeply loved your mother and feels personally responsible for her demise. Helping you pass the trials is how he plans to make amends and restore his honor. He couldn’t save your mother, but he can save you,” Collin explained.

Anthony never met his mother, but he always thought his supernatural abilities and goodness came from her. He cursed his father for what he did to her and wanted to believe her spirit was at rest after Anthony killed the sick bastard many years ago.

“I wish I had known her,” Anthony said. “But I believe her spirit would be at peace knowing I killed my father to avenge all the pain and suffering he brought upon those around him.”

They sat in silence for a moment. “Will the elven people accept Anthony? Being that he is only half their kind?” Lenore asked.

“Anthony’s mother was quite special. Her beauty and abilities were known throughout Telamore. Our people feel a personal responsibility for not rescuing her. They will accept him because they want to restore Audrina’s honor and rightful place with her people,” Collin replied.

They visited for quite some time about Anthony’s preparation. His first trial would test his physical strength and would require he be victorious in battle for him to continue to the next trial.

“Who must I fight in battle?” Anthony asked.

“Not who but what,” Collin said. He told Anthony during his trial he had fought a great dragon, but his father faced a mighty water demon. His opponent would have supernatural abilities that would be decided by the high elves who create their foes. “The difficulty of your opponent is decided by your supernatural abilities and your past record in battle. My father has studied your battle history and believes you may face a mighty stone giant or perhaps a wild beast of some sort.”

Anthony nodded and continued to listen to his cousin explain how his opponent was chosen. “What can I use to destroy my opponent?” Anthony asked.

“You may use your supernatural abilities as well as any weaponry you choose. You prefer a sword, but we will practice archery and throwing daggers as well,” his cousin said. “There are also ways to use your ability to invade minds to assist you in battle.”

“Can all elves invade dreams?” Lenore asked, intrigued by learning as much about elven people as possible.

“No, not all.” He replied. “Just specific rankings of elves. Our family is from one of the oldest and highest elven classes. Our bloodline is revered in our lands because of our knowledge, strength, and warrior qualities. Elven abilities are given by the forces above to help strengthen each class and ensure they are capable of achieving what they are predestined to become.”

They planned his stay and discussed strategy late into the night. Lenore was exhausted from the day but tried desperately to stay awake, so she could listen and understand what was to come. She began to doze off multiple times by Anthony’s side, and he felt it was time to take her back to their chambers for the evening.

“My wife is tired, and I think we have accomplished a lot today,” he said. “We will take our leave.”

“Of course,” Collin replied. “Let’s meet in the morning and begin your training. Where is a good place to train where I can teach you in private? I do not want humans to become aware of your abilities, which you have done such an excellent job hiding.”

“I train in my private facility,” he said. “I have all the finest weaponry there for us. I will meet you here for breakfast, and we can begin training there afterward. My servants will prepare a hearty meal for us in the morning. It appears we will need it.”

Collin agreed and said his goodbyes and retreated to bed after Anthony and Lenore had left. Anthony led her to their chambers and helped her with her nightgown, so he didn’t have to call her maids to attend to her. He picked her up and placed her softly in their bed, covering her with blankets.

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