The Severaine

Chapter Seven The Seduction of Aimbria-1

Chapter Seven

The Seduction of AimbriaAimbria was an island known to most by reputation and located just off the coast of Kalá Port. It was a place of recreation, the only one of its kind, and it accommodated to most, if not all. It knew and tolerated no conflict, and was the sole location where pirate and sailor, hunter and criminal, could be seen to raise a glass in unison.

The natives to this land were hand-selected for their skills. Each man and woman residing here possessed a beauty that could have been bestowed by Aphrodite herself. But appearance wasn't all they had to offer. Most were trained and could become whoever, or whatever the patron most desired, from a mentor in trade or craft, to pleasures more physical in nature. The extremes their passions were allowed to reach all depended on how much they had to offer.

There was a magic to the land almost, but not quite, visible to the human eye. It had an attraction, a feeling that few were willing to risk losing through conflict.

The island itself was divided into small suburbs, each honing its unique specialisation and overseen by its own governor. It was this individual's role to ensure custom was directed to the most appropriate party, and that the experience the patron envisioned was brought to flesh by those selected.

The main city was found on the boundaries of the port, an area where taverns, as well as other means to reduce inhibitions, were prevalent. Many venturing here would be content to remain within this borough, but as their time progressed, they were encouraged to an area where they could truly feel release.

The small towns were staggered across the island, all close enough to the main city to ensure an ease of travelling. Each area was slightly different in its appearance. There was a town dedicated solely to craft, for those whose pleasure came from creation, or who wished to hone or learn a skill. Here, by the mountain which sheltered access to the island's mines, forges burnt and the ring of iron resonated daily. Other towns were more delicate, but each in some way reflected the nature of the acts being committed, as if the towns themselves became a physical representation of the undertakings within.

The further from the town, the more scarce the settlements. Surrounded by none, alone in its splendour, stood Cardow's mansion. Cardow was known as the proprietor of this island, yet the authority belonged to the governor-in-chief, Rosa. She alone was responsible for business and the control of the districts. She reported solely to Fenris, the owner and founder of this island and its establishment.

Fenris was a tall, elegant man, and like most on the island, he had about him an unearthly beauty, a smile that made the women swoon and long blond hair that shone like fine silk. Cardow, in comparison, was the complete opposite. He was short, stout, and bald. If not for his wealth and position, he would struggle to turn a single head in his direction.

Surprisingly it had been no feat to get here. When they first entered the Maritime bar, all had fallen silent. They approached the fleet commander, who also acted as the bartender in this establishment, and queried if he knew of a sailor who would be willing to brave the currents and grant them passage to the nearby island. Instead of meeting with the expected silence or mocking laughter of those who feared the vengeful mood swings of their mistress, a cheer from each table could be heard. The area filled with the roar of noise as each captain pledged their interest in this contract. At last the tavern fell silent as the captains waited in anticipation.

The fleet commander spun a giant wheel, previously hidden from view by a closed drape. Cheers erupted as the pointer passed over the various carvings, slowing its pace until the challenge was decided. He had each captain draw a numbered tile from one of two hats, without need for instruction they found their corresponding number and the arm wrestling contest began. There were many challenges, from a test of knowledge to a last-man-standing brawl. The losers returned to their table and the draw would start again until but two remained. The winner of the final match was crowned the victor and was given the right to make the voyage. A resounding cheer was raised from the crew of his ship.

Not knowing the island's reputation, it had seemed a little strange that the sailors were so eager to help. It had long been a custom at this bar whenever more than one captain wanted a job it would go to the victor of the challenge. It was a unique way of ensuring the ships' captains trained diligently. Only winners were given work; too many losses and the captain would soon be replaced by one more fit for the role.

As the ship docked, Acha, Eiji, and Daniel disembarked, the ship's crew almost upon their heels. The captain, seeing all had been secured, reminded them departure would be prompt at the specified time and signified by the third whistle. Anyone, crew or passenger, not returned before the final whistle would be left behind. Eiji smiled as he heard jovial talk behind him of selective hearing and poor schooling in mathematics.

It seemed the sailors were no stranger to these parts, for by the time their passengers had retrieved their belongings, the piers and docks were empty.

There was a strange silence to the area. The lapping of waves conjured images of large marine life beneath as the brushing against the drum piers was reminiscent of something trying to climb the stonework. Their paces quickened instinctively, the twilight casting shadows which only served to remind them of the tension they unknowingly held.

The dock led directly into the city, and had they never seen the likes of Collateral it would have left them in greater awe than that they experienced. The entire structure was made in stone, the sturdy buildings towered five and six stories high. Each seeming to host a tavern on the lower floor. Around them stood an array of restaurants, and even what seemed to be trinket shops. They entered the first tavern, and the air was heavy with the scent of vanilla. As they crossed the threshold they were greeted by a well-groomed young man. He flashed them a smile, offering to relieve them of their cloaks and assign rooms. Acha glanced outside, noticing the twilight tint still prevalent in the sky. It was entirely possible Cardow would be unable to see them this evening, after all, they had come unannounced.

Explaining their purpose here had proven fruitful. The usher had agreed to send word to the mansion to see if Cardow could receive them this evening. In the meantime, he suggested they relax at the bar, assuring he would send word when they could have their audience.

The room came with a complementary meal and bottle of wine, which they decided to have brought up later. The suite itself was magnificent. The door opened directly into a large lounge complete with settee and a four-seat table. Near each corner was a door, three leading to individual bedrooms and the fourth to a grand bathroom, complete with a large self-pumping shower, and a bath which could comfortably accommodate two. At the far end of the room was what appeared to be an enormous window. On closer examination this glass had a door and stepped out onto a balcony that overlooked the road below to offer a unique vista over the port and ocean.

Unsure when they would be called upon, they each showered in turn. Acha, having done so first, decided to head down to the kitchen to place the order for their meal. The atmosphere was like none she had ever experienced, and more than once had she turned her head to be met with a very public display of affection. She stood at the bar, waiting for the barkeep to notice her, while trying to keep her eyes from the large mirror which seemed to encompass the entire wall behind the bar.

“You're new here, aren't you?” Acha glanced to her side, noticing the curves of the young woman who had come to stand beside her. She clicked her fingers, signalling the bartender to approach. “Aphrodite.” She gestured to the place before her and Acha.

“We've just arrived, we're waiting to see Mr Cardow,” Acha explained, watching as the barkeep poured what appeared to be a combination of cherry, cinnamon, and chocolate liquor into a metal container before adding a dash of liquid chocolate. He gave it a vigorous shake, rolling the rim of their glasses in the liquid chocolate and dusting with cocoa and cinnamon before pouring the contents equally.

“Anything else?” he questioned, seeing his attention being summoned elsewhere.

“Can you send the meals to room ten, please?” Acha slid a paper across the bar. The man nodded, relieving her of it.

“You didn't strike me as the normal patron. Then again, we have all types. How's the drink?” Acha lifted the glass, taking a sip. She felt herself blush.

“Amazing.” The taste surely one to rival ambrosia itself. Chocolate, in her time, was a luxury only afforded to the rich. She had never considered its use to be so public today. The warmth of the drink spread through her. She smiled at the woman, taking another sip. “What do I owe you?”

“This one's on me. You look like you need a little company.” Acha jumped as the woman placed her hand on her shoulder. “You seem lonely. You've lost someone close to you?” The woman studied Acha, psychology was just one of the many things they were schooled in here, and her skills spoke of this person's loss.

“My sister.”

“Were you close?”

“We were friends. I didn't know who she was until it was too late.”

“And you have no one to talk to?”

“My friends have their own problems; I can't add to their burdens.” The woman signalled the barkeep once more as Acha finished her drink.

“Tonight's a slow night if you feel like talking.” The woman brushed back her long brown hair, securing it in a ponytail, the shorter layers falling free to frame her face. For that one second, Acha had seen Zo in her place, the woman's mannerisms mirroring her friend's almost exactly. Acha picked up her drink, taking another savouring sip. It was only then she noticed this was a new glass, and her memory of finishing the first was lost.

“I should probably get back to my friends.” Acha glanced toward the staircase meaningfully.

“Tell you what, your food will be ready soon. Let's take a short walk along the beach, by the time we're back it'll be ready, and if nothing else won't it be nice to talk to someone your own s*x?” The woman flashed her a smile. “The name's Zoe, by the way.” She stood, offering Acha her hand.

“Acha,” she responded, taking the hand in her own gloved one.

“Come then, Acha, tonight's on me.” Acha hesitated before following Zoe to the tavern's door. She glanced back towards the stairs. A short walk surely would not hurt, and like she had so aptly said, it had been so long since there had been another woman for her to talk with.

* * *

Daniel emerged from the shower to see Eiji standing on the small balcony. The sun had now set, and stars—still perfectly visible through the gentle light of the city—were beginning to dot the horizon.

“Is Acha back yet?” Daniel questioned, glancing around as if to ensure he hadn't overlooked her. He moved to join Eiji, yet his vision was not focused upon the distant horizon but the strange forms which seemed to jump between the shadows below. He rubbed his eyes, entering in time to hear the knock at the door. “That's probably her now.”

Daniel opened the door, surprised when a tall gentleman, distinguished in appearance, stood waiting.

“Your meals,” he announced, raising the tray he held slightly. Daniel stepped aside allowing him to gain entrance. He approached the table, placing two plates upon it and arranging the corresponding cutlery. “Is there anything else, sir?”