Kindred Spirit Lodge Presents

Synestra & Aria

Parts 1 thru 25
by Ikarias, Aria, & Lord Sirius 
January 2003 thru March 2003  

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(Part 1 by Ikarias) --

Synestra missed the little blonde assassin. After all she had helped the Serpentine High Priestess keep the peace and the power. The disappearance of three obstinate opponents was the work of the gods. And everyone knows the gods do their best work through mortals.

She'd heard of a quiet little tavern away from the cares of the world, and where better to have a sabbatical, to reconnect with the 'little people' and especially one little bundle of fire. She stepped into the lodge and saw the familiar blonde hair and compact firm delicious body.

"Aria, sssooo glad to sssssseeeee you again," (the lisp was a small side effect of the tongue split but not a handicap.) The slender red haired woman in the jade green silks smiled as she looked about the lodge. Oh lovely women in all stages of dress and manner, and appetites!

"Sssurrrprissseee me with a delectable vintage, my dear. I know you have exquisssite tassstesss." Synestra sat at an empty table, arranging her gown about her as if she sat on the finest throne and waited for Aria to bring her a drink.

____****____

(Part 2 by Aria) --

Aria smiled as she stood and extended a warm embrace to yet another woman from her past. Though the assassin ‘waited’ on very few people, she made her way to the bar, whispered to the bar keep, then patiently waited to be handed a bottle of her prized wine brought back as a present from Lord Sirius’ on her last European excursion.

Memories of the High Priestess wafted in and out, shards of a time Aria tried to leave behind. She glanced at Synestra as she preened and posed for the women scattered through out the tavern. The blonde woman chuckled to herself as she watched her old friend nod and grin at her sisters as though they were her loyalist of subjects.

The bar keep brought her back to her task at hand, as she reached for the bottle. Aria held it lovingly, cradling it, as if it were her child. Walking back to the table Aria carefully waved it in front of her guest and then snatching it away quickly. Synestra catching sight of the label clapped her delicate hands together with glee.

“Ssssimply perfect my dear Aria… assss alwaysssss” the visitor said reaching for the bottle.

Aria mischievously held the bottle behind her back and with a twinkle in her eye said…

“First you must do me a favor, old friend”

“Cccccertainly sssweet Aria, you need only to assssk.”

“Say… Sally sells seashells by the seashore, three times -- fast.”

____****____

(Part 3 by Ikarias) --

"Cccertainly sssweet Aria, you need only to asssk."

"Say… Sally sells seashells by the seashore, three times -- fast."

The High Priestess hissed, her deep green eyes narrowed, her lips drawing back from her teeth, her dark red braided hair waving behind her like a long wide hood. Those actions made more than one hand go to a blade at the sight of the independently quivering three-quarter inch tongue tips.

Aria's assassin training held its breath. A quarter heartbeat and she could send that bottle of fine wine butt first in a lethal arc into the woman's throat crushing her larynx.

Then Synestra laughed, the attacking woman viper completely gone. She pointed at Aria, and held one hand to her heart, tears in her eyes, laughing and laughing. She finally sat catching her breath. "Dearessst Aria, I love you ssso. You're sssuch a teassse!

Sssallysssellssseassshellsssbythessseassshore.
Sssallysssellssseassshellsssbythessseassshore.
Sssallysssellssseassshellsssbythessseassshore. How'sss that?"

"Lovely. You knew I wouldn't waste such a fine vintage by smacking your Grace with it. Syn, Syn, Syn. How did such a naughty woman ever become a High Priestess?" Aria put the glasses on the table and filled them. How indeed, was a tale quite well known to both of them.

*****

Synestra truly believed herself to be chosen of Hyzperzia, the serpent goddess. At a tender age, the fifth child of indifferent royalty in a tropical land, she was fostered to the local unobtrusive temple. There it was mildly hoped, to keep her safe from politics and her own lack of interest in all things proper and regal. While escaping lessons and exploring, she fell through rotting wood boards of an abandoned castle into a huge ball of mating snakes. The fourteen-year-old landed none too softly as the preoccupied serpents more or less ignored her in search of more pertinent itches needing to be scratched.

She did receive a few bites from the less mature, less envenomed snakes too young to mate, and probably frustrated at that predicament. Synestra was in a babbling fever when she was rescued. Only after she was gingerly plucked from the legless, lust filled vipers were her words heard and the temple guards rushed her back, fearful that her death would mean royal retribution, or that her life mean something else entirely.

It was a miracle. Chosen of the primordial creatrix, Hyzperzia, an ancient goddess of a pantheon long forgotten, the sect shifted allegiance with Synestra as their mascot. Not everyone believed. As Synestra grew older, her faith never wavered, her studies were of every and any snake that appeared, and her words disturbed the status quo.

Three in particular wanted to warp the delicate language of the serpent goddess, to oppress the ignorant, and to read snaky entrails to divine their own wealthy power-filled future. Synestra bought Aria's services and the three were dispatched in an appropriate manner.

Synestra slid into power after quietly settling up old scores and using her charms and savvy to reeducate people. Snakes were good, they killed the vermin that spread disease and ruined the grain crops. The rats and mice were minions of the Under Daemon, whose sole purpose was to make humanity suffer by illness and starvation. Snakes shed and were renewed, thus they showed how adhering to healthy ways prolonged life. Venom from certain snakes shrunk tumor masses, others reversed the paralysis of the swamp fever. They could sense tainted meat from fresh and kept the wild pigs from rooting up the vineyards.

The young high priestess was just, reasonable in most things, and she truly believed in the divinity that blessed her. To be more alike to her sinuous kin she had her tongue split. A side effect was much appreciated by the novices who came to the prestigious temple to learn the sacred dances and the rapture of being in an entwined pile of lust honoring Hyzperzia.

*****

Synestra lifted hers, inhaled the delicate sensuous aroma of the golden wine then lightly clinked her glass to Aria's in toast. "I was blessed," she said quite simply, taking a sip. "As must you be with all these wonderful ladies and…others." (Her eyes flickered over the imperious dark Lord Sirius and the oddly scaled Ikarias.)

____****____

(Part 4 by Aria) --

Aria allowed the wine to slowly make its way down her throat. She did not often have an excuse to imbibe such luxury and given the cost and the location of this particular vineyard she needed some prompting to retrieve this elixir tucked safely away. Leaning in she looked at her old friend... Synestra was a walking dichotomy, she was amazingly shrewd at times, yet child like at others. This pretty red haired woman possessed untold reserves of generosity but with the next breath could order ones demise while stirring her morning coffee.

But, Aria liked her… always did.

Her combination of ambition and naiveté was appealing to the retired assassin. Business was business and when Aria was there to do a “service” for the Priestess they worked together as professionals… but when the jobs were done, depending on the outcome they often played and gossiped like school girls.

“So, my lovely Synestra, time to move up the food chain again?”

“Aria you alwaysss were ssso…ssstraight forward.”

“Syn, honey… a shy assassin is often a dead assassin and I learned from the best”, Aria said wincing at the memory of her Mentor.

“Can’t I come and sssee an old friend without causssing a fussss?”

“In a word, Syn… no.”

“Well firssst let me just enjoy my wine, sssoak up thessse lovely ladiesss and just look at you, dear Aria. I’ve missssed you sssweetheart, fill me in on this little patch of paradissse you’ve ssstumbled upon.”

Aria poured the Priestess another glass of wine, leaned in close, glanced at Lords Sirius, Ikarias and Nessa, and said “well…”

____****____

(Part 5 by Ikarias) --

Synestra listened to the humorous salacious gossip told in Aria's lilting voice. This one was a Celtic warrior with strong links to the divinities of her homeland, the odd half-scaled woman was part dragon with an irreverent tongue but a steadfast loyalty, and the midnight- flavored woman was, well, every encounter with her was an adventure best left to the most sensuous imagination. Then there were the rest wandering in and out with various quirks and wonderful times to be told of during the second glass of delectable wine.

Aria knew that Ikarias was watching with both eyes and was ready to divide Synestra's body into as many pieces as it took to protect her friend. She mouthed, 'I'm perfectly safe. Honest,' at the half- dragon.

Ikarias nodded and leaned back to laugh at a quip from one of her companions, not a whit less resolved to protect Aria, just in case.

A small white dog sauntered over at the mention of her own tiny heroics. From her chair, Synestra bowed to the little furry warrior as to royalty and gave Kirby a goodly scratch behind both ears.

As much as Aria liked the woman, who was a scant three years older, she deplored the circumstances that made them friends. This she never told Synestra, though she was sure the high priestess felt it.

Synestra did sense the regrets Aria held even though assassins too were servants of greater powers. Their duties as the hidden executioner was like that of the dark side of Hyzperzia, devouring those who needed reminding that the ills they practiced in this life were no longer allowed to continue. They must be altered and reborn into more productive and honorable ways. While Synestra certainly held life, death, and other less pleasant remedies to miscreants in her own temple, she was a gracious guest outside of it.

"Ssso by nibbling on you, I am at the pinnacle of the food chain," Synestra chuckled. "The daysss here have been kind to you then, sssweet Aria, and the nightsss full of pleasssure. You dessserve the happinesss thisss haven hasss to offer."

It was time to put the mouse in the pudding and see who jumped, as the old adage went. Aria wondered how Syn would take the news of her retirement from the business. She put her glass down.

"These women are family, each of them precious to me. This is my home where I have a new life. I would kill to save anyone of them. Another old friend tried to change that. She hurt two of my sisters though she in turn was slain. We do protect each other."

"I ressspect your wishes, my dear." Synestra nodded, not in the least discomfited by the career modification. "While your passst ssserviccces were mossst appreccciated, your deliccciousss ssself, your honesssty and compasssion are alssso of great worth. I do not come to you for help, rather becaussse I am worried about you. I did ssset out to find you, to sssettle my heart about your welfare. From all the sssigns and ill-dreamsss, sssomething wicked thisss way comesss… for you, my dearessst Aria."

____****____

(Part 6 by Aria) --

Aria looked lovingly at her scaly friend. A soft, gentle smile made its way to her lips after she mouthed her words of reassurance to the half dragon. Ikarias, for all her sinister bravado allowed Aria the luxury of feeling truly safe. It was a bond that took years to develop, but now firmly in place, Aria wrapped it around her like a warm shawl.

The sound of running water brought Aria back to the conversation at hand.

"Ssso by nibbling on you, I am at the pinnacle of the food chain," Synestra chuckled. "The daysss here have been kind to you then, sssweet Aria, and the nightsss full of pleasssure. You dessserve the happinesss thisss haven hasss to offer."

The ex-assassin was grateful for her friend’s compassion. There was little Aria wanted to bring from her past, but Synestra was one of the people she had hoped to keep.

The feeling of relief that Synestra had not come on business, came to a crashing halt when the Priestess told Aria of the real reason for her unexpected visit.

“I do not come to you for help, rather becaussse I am worried about you. I did ssset out to find you, to sssettle my heart about your welfare. From all the sssigns and ill-dreamsss, sssomething wicked thisss way comesss… for you, my dearessst Aria."

Aria’s blood actually ran cold. Years of training allowed her to maintain her composure and through sheer will power alone, she smiled warmly, took Synestra’s hands into her own and leaned in close.

“I’ve been having…nightmares”, Aria said.

“Bad ones”, she told the Priestess, almost in a whisper.

Ikarias shifted in her seat to get a better look at Aria. Call it intuition, but something at her friend’s table changed, Ikarias was sure of it.

“What do sssee, Aria?” Synestra asked in a soft voice.

“A book… Syn, it talks to me. Please do not think me mad. It is like nothing I have ever seen. It seems to be warning me.”

Aria had been living with the nightmares for two weeks. By the end of the first week, it seemed as though she waited for them to come to her in the darkness. They began to feel familiar to her. The core of the dream though protected and hidden was, evil…pure evil. Aria never knew whom or what it was, just that it was the darkest sensation she had ever experienced. Synestra now looked uncharacteristically nervous. Aria knew she could not have this conversation down here, not with the sentinels watching.

“By the Gods, Synestra listen to me, I am whining like a small child”, Aria said shaking off the ominous feeling. She needed time alone with this woman.

Putting her best foot forward, using a voice that betrayed nothing, she said, “Say goodnight to the nice women dear, it is time we went to my room.”

____****____

(Part 7, Firenzia Returns, by Ikarias) --

A master artist would have given his eyes for the sight. A girl of perhaps fifteen sat on a bench in the morning light, holding a large open book in her lap. Chiaroscuro perfection from the brilliant crisp, black, lettering underlined by a manicured forefinger to the halo of golden sun about the slight form.

Her almond shaped eyes were pale as fog, showing her lineage from the eastern kingdoms. Her unbound hair fell in shades of copper; playing hide and seek with the brightness. Her simple gown looked at first to be of watered silk, translucent then sheer about a body on the edge of womanhood. A thousand princes had offered extravagant sums for her hand; other less noble suitors had offered other inducements, none had succeeded. She was a vision of innocence waiting to be touched, tasted, devoured.

The ugly bound volume was another matter. It was not the sort of book proper young girls read. Too large for her delicate hands, it shifted in ungainly stages at the turn of each illustrated page. The binding was of human skin, very old, wrinkled, yet soft and pliant despite the age spots. It seemed to sigh as she stroked the tarnished gold protective edges that clung to the corners. She closed it with a hollow echo, motes of dust fled punctuating her action.

A muted groan came from the catch as she slid the hasp onto the buckle. The lock was heart-shaped, not the romantic symmetrical depiction but much more anatomically correct in dimension. The clip was a gnarled hand clenching as if to close tightly in a moment, tendons straining, skin taut. The entire mechanism had a burnt look to it about the edges, as if it had been white-hot when it was placed into the skin binding. As indeed it had.

The girl raised her head at the sound of pain. Her eyes half closed, she had a smile of deep satisfaction much too knowing for such a tender age.

Firenzia, for that is the name the sorceress had picked for the last few centuries, brushed the binding with her nails. A second caress actually drew blood from shallow gashes. The thick volume flinched and moaned.

"Shudder all you will, you old fool. So quick to fall for a piece of shapely ass and fawning smile, Theranoch the great wizard lead by the cock like any other male. He who lives by the cock, well, dies isn't quite it, is it. You asked for eternal wisdom when I chose eternal youth. You were so eager to grasp my breasts with those knotty fingers and fuck me with that limp dick. I bound you in your pathetic lechery, drew out your heart into iron and turned that groping hand into stillness. All your secrets are mine, I can read you like a book."

Firenzia let the grimoire drop heavily to the floor. She flicked a drop of blood from the ripped cover into a nearby shallow alabaster bowl filled with a bluish liquid. Now to see about making space and time a living hell for that damned half-dragon.

Chaenz was currently fertilizing several acres of wooded real estate. The sorceress wasn't sure why the basilisk eye implanted in the dark woman's head had failed. The lean assassin's mind had snapped, crackled, and popped into hundreds of tiny wet lumps of grey and red confetti. Had it been the beatings, the infernal headache, the monster fucking, or all of the above that drove her mad? Or her own ill-balanced mind? It was so hard to get good help nowadays.

Firenzia watch the liquid bubble and change in the bowl. While intimate immediate pain was good, mental anguish had such piquancy to it. Kill Aria, and Ikarias would see the signs from Firenzia and run not walk, into her own demise. Have someone else kill Aria, the scaled bitch would seek revenge and still her heart would be crushed. Suffering was such a nice way to pass the years. Either way the sorceress would have her pleasant settlement of death for the assassin cunt.

A well-maintained building took form, rising from the mists of the bowl, smaller outbuildings and a barn came into view as well. It was some sort of taverna with several women and an assortment of animals about it. The mirage centered as Firenzia's thoughts did on a familiar hated face, half-scaled, joking with some trull and nodding toward the little blonde who flirted with some red-haired woman. Warriors and wenches, trollops and wannabes, boring. But wait… there with eyes like black diamonds and classic ebon features was worthy soul.

Oh now this was interesting. A player in magick, Sirius, with the tang of one who loved the dark powers and wanted more. She had a penchant for the blonde assassin twat yet she stood aloof like a kitana of obsidian in that cesspool tavern. Finally someone interesting and worthy of Firenzia's attentions.

The woman was tall with long black braids, and a crescent scar imitating and echoing her left eyebrow. Her gestures were elegant and spoke of refinement and attention to every detail. She watched the others, with them but apart and amused at the play.

Now here was someone worth getting to know while the sorceress tidied up old scores. She would do something she hadn't done in a while--go out among the worldly mundane souls and play with them. Oh, this would be a novelty. She hadn't left the castle for years, never needed to when a spell and a thought could bring anything she wanted here. It would be a small challenge to set one against another, to watch friend betray friend and shed blood.

And as for Sirius, a little less liking for the mundane touch, then it would be time to take her place with the daemon gods and those who owned them. Someone like Firenzia.

"Ah sweet darkness, kindred soul. You are too in love with the mortal flesh of the weak and unworthy. I could teach you such things that would drown these petty beings in their own tearful excrement. You have such potential for true power."

Firenzia rubbed her hands together in anticipation. She'd have to pack, arrange for a mount, do something with her hair. She laughed, flexing one hand, imagining Aria's freshly ripped out heart in it, wet like tears of rage and despair from the half-dragon, and so like the hot wetness she was sure to find within Sirius.

Dreams and nightmares were more than serendipitous occurrences.

____****____

(Part 8 by Ikarias) --

"Read my flesh." The book urged Aria. "Taste my words, feel their cacophony on your tongue. Plucking at your eyes, warnings flashing in your ears.

"LISTEN!"

Aria sat immobile with fear and horror, her legs trapped under the massive volume. Its rough gangrenous cover was studded with bone shards scraping her thighs. The jaundiced, heavy vellum pages were musty with an underlying veneer of decomposition.

"Read my flesh if you want to save yourself."

Aria couldn't pull herself free, she couldn't rise or push the book that weighed like a mountain of bodies on her legs.

I am an assassin. I am a professional killer. No, I was, I not that any longer but I am still strong, still surviving. Now I am loved, I am strong in the love of my sisters.

"Get off me you garrulous bastard!"

The pages turned without the aid of any fingers, ink bubbled up in red dots joining into glyphs and swirls that made no sense to the assassin. Spaces showed what should end words but nothing made sense. The strange writing ran on and on spilling over the sides, covering her hands with blood.

*****

The petite blonde arose and scattered a few stale breadcrumbs on her windowsill. A sparrow and a nuthatch fluttered over, a second sparrow lit into the deadly gentle hand and plucked it free of food before flying off. Aria turned away slowly and wiped her hands on each other.

"That's when I wake up." Aria sat down, steepled her fingers and stared through them. She and the high priestess occupied the two of the three overstuffed easy chairs in the ex-assassin's room.

Synestra had watched every word slip from Aria's mouth. The little blonde was composed, as if reciting a dull history passage rather than a terrifying dream.

"Mine are sssimilar," Synestra rolled her head, making tiny pops came as the kinks eased out. Her braids rippled over her shoulders. Similar in that the high priestess was the one reading the ungainly tome. Pictures moved as if seen on a tiny stage, each one of Aria dying a particularly nasty death. Synestra was well-versed in ancient languages but even with this advantage the serpent dancer could only read two: 'Aria' and 'death'.

Other figures fared just as ill. The half-scaled woman was flayed alive, scale by scale. The Celt hung on a tree, assorted other women were mangled and it was hard to say who was what. Only the dark quiet one, tall and elegant, she stood by a shadowed figure. It was hard to smiled and nod to the 'strangers' in the lodge downstairs, especially since Synestra HAD seen them before. She had seen them mutilated, stripped of life in hot, wet increments and left to live on in a realm of suffering.

____****____

(Part 9 by Aria) --

“What is it Syn?”

“Nothing sssweetheart… really”, the Priestess said sweetly.

“Uh huhhh, oh and remind me to invite you to my next poker game…”

Synestra saw little point in keeping her visions to herself since her friend’s life might depend on it. “Aria, sssomeone or sssomething isss heading thisss way. Now I do believe you are not itsss main concccern, but you are integral.”

“Two othersss play prominently. One very dark and one, half human. It isss the three of you, I keep ssseeing in the 'cccircle of peril'. Synestra continued, “that dragon like woman I sssaw in the tavern, who is ssshe?” she asked slowly.

Aria smiled warmly, taking a moment to feel her friend, "Syn, that is Mistress Ikarias and I cannot imagine how she could be involved. I mean there was someone that wished her great harm, but she is of no threat... anymore.”

“The other one, the menacccing one?”

Aria smiled again, sure Synestra was referring to Lord Sirius, “ahhh, she would certainly qualify as the dark one in your circle of peril, the blonde said blushing.

Synestra spoke before she meant to, “Aria, ssshe sssurvives! With carnage everywhere, ssshe is the only one left ssstanding.”

“Survives? Synestra…survives what?

The Priestess saw the look of fear in Aria’s eyes and immediately reached for her, pulling her a little closer. Synestra knew Aria’s fright stemmed from concern for her friends. Taking the smaller woman into her arms Syn rocked the assassin back and forth slowly. Stroking her hair, the older woman hummed a chant allowing Aria to relax and melt into her.

“Maybe the nightmares won’t come if you stay with me”, Aria said in a small voice.

“Oh they will come little one. Sssomething unssspeakable is being ssset in motion and someone is helping you to see it.”

"No my sssweet Aria, the dreamsss will come to you, of this I am sssure.” Pulling away from the assassin and looking deep into her eyes she told the smaller woman, “Aria. you must embraccce the dreams, you must try to trussst them, but mossst importantly, you mussst learn from them.”

“It may be the only thing that can sssave your precious Lodge”, Synestra said as she lay down next to the petite blonde hugging her tightly.

The Priestess could wait until the morning to tell Aria the really bad news.

____****____

(Part 10 by Ikarias) --

Ikarias watched Aria lead Synestra upstairs. The forked tongue woman was quite attractive and her special attribute could certainly give the half-dragon's scales competition.

That wasn't the issue. Why was the high priestess here, and why did she look like she knew most of the inhabitants? Aria knew her from long ago, no doubt when she was in her 'delete the opposition' position. Ikarias was sure she'd never seen the woman before, also that she wasn't the threat. Then what was?

Chaenz was history and crow bait. Chaenz had wanted to kill Ikarias and not for merely trying to rescue the little blonde. Before that in the long ago masquerade, Ikarias knew that Aria had a mission, to kill her, but she didn't. She didn't do many things that her profession dictated. Assassins work for others. Good ones work for the very rich, very good ones work for the very infamous, or the very unknown...

*****
A few years ago…

Ikarias followed the spit girl, Aryn, as they played hide and seek through the wine cellars of Madam Muen's establishment. The special show had been hilarious with Alison playing the dragon getting revenge on a persistent knight with a naughty sword, the sword being a large phallus. Muen was so proud of her little love. She adored Alison and it was clear the girl loved her equally.

The food had been excellent; Ikarias especially liked it when eaten off the taut stomach of her playmate for the night. All she wore was a flowered girdle and those blossoms were starting to wilt. Aryn had teased and taken off with the 'sword' that had ended up in the hands of the 'dragon'. A tipsy Ikarias followed, laughing up and down stairs until they were into the tunnels below which were used for storage.

"What would you give to rule the world?" Aryn's lilting voice had teased the mellow half-dragon. Here and there a dropped flower from her belt gave a clue to her passage.

What an odd question. "Don't want to rule the world. Just want to conquer a certain little minx." Ikarias answered, picking up each flower. She went into an older section where wine casks stood by. Hoops and slats were piled to make more. "Aryn?"

"Dragons are powerful, their scales turn back magick. How much can you do?"

"Enough leeks and onions and I can stop a charging minotaur cold. I don't do magick--" A smack to the back of her head felled the half- dragon. She felt herself being dragged then tied. Something sharp pricked at her skin.

"Then you're ignorant, or stupid. But you could still be useful. The scales alone from the flesh of a half-breed…" Aryn's tone had changed.

"Why would a working girl need dragon scales?" Ikarias tried hard to focus from her tied position. A wide ring overhead descended with ropes that kept her upright and helpless. She didn't like that. She also didn't like the way Aryn's skin looked so odd, it rippled and shifted like something was under it.

"My Mistress says there are two types of magicks, innate for such beings as manticores, djinn, elves, dragons, and such. Then there is that type acquired by luck, larceny, ensuring survival of the sly, the swift, and the completely amoral. Couple that with self- preservation and that bodes very ill for you. Magic can't kill you. Though I have no doubt bleeding to death will work just fine."

Mistress? "Lady Muen doesn't give a fig for magick. Let me go and we'll call it a night." Ikarias twisted but found the girl could tie knots better than a sailor.

"Not the whoremonger, but MY MISTRESS! She who promised me many wonderful things just to wait in this pesthole for you to come back to scratch an itch. Gods, you're disgusting. Half lizard, warped flesh…" Aryn shuddered. Ikarias' last bit of shirt fell and Aryn smiled. She caught it and rolling it up, tied it tight about the half- dragon's mouth, gagging her. "Cut along the dotted, scaled line." And she proceeded to do so.

Ikarias bit and grunted and groaned as the knife cut under the scales slowly. Aryn may have worked the spit but she hadn't a clue about filleting. Blood ran and Ikarias' sobering came at a terrible pace.

"Alison, do you know if there's any of the Guldur brandy left?" A voice came from the hallway. Lady Muen! Ikarias was relieved then startled. She struggled as Aryn held the blade tight to her throat.

"Killing her won't be a problem, unless you make it so." Aryn whispered harshly as the half-dragon struggled.

"Oh, Aryn, what are you doing--?" Muen saw the blood and the knife. "Drop that knife and get the hell out of my house!" She strode over to Aryn, grabbed her knife hand then grunted as the smaller woman slammed her head into Muen's nose, breaking it. A quick push away and then Muen fell gripping her heart. Red ran between her fingers.

"I've got two--" Alison's voice came from the doorway and halted suddenly. "Muen?"

Ikarias pulled harder, bleeding more in her struggles. Was Muen still alive? If she could get free--stop the bleeding, help Alison.

"Ah, the fake dragon. You can die too." Aryn plucked a torch off the walls and moved to Alison, knife in her other hand.

Alison rotated the bottles by the necks in her hands. She held back the anger and the grief at seeing Muen lying still and covered in blood. Ikarias looked like shit and way too much blood came from her as well.

Aryn swung the torch and then the knife. Alison easily dodged both, ducking and kneecapping the murderess with one bottle.

Staggering back limping, Aryn switched the knife to hold it by the blade for a better throw. Alison tossed a bottle hard as she could over Aryn's head to smash against the wall, showering the girl with glass and alcohol. The torch flames dropped and licked Aryn as she screamed and flailed, burning.

The knife flew wildly. Alison caught it and ran to cut Ikarias free.

Aryn thrashed, the flames on her body touching barrels and sacks of provisions, igniting them as well. "MISTRESS! You promised! Save me!"

Around the pain, Ikarias noticed that was the girl's real voice. "Get Muen," she hissed pulling off the gag as her aching body was freed. Alison knelt, her face wet with tears as she touched the warm cheek.

Muen looked at eternity.

"Tools are cheap. Another time, half-dragon…" The oddly accented words bubbled from Aryn's lips as her flesh charred. The fire ate barrel and burlap, baskets and bushels. Aged alcohol-soaked wood was the perfect fuel.

Ikarias pulled Alison away from Muen's body, "We've got to go or we'll be trapped too. We need to get the rest of the people out. Come on!"

Alison saw Aryn twitching, moaning as her flesh tightened under the heat and her skin crisped. She threw the knife hard and fast and the girl lay still. Alison took the half-dragon about the waist and they left as a fiery beam crashed behind them.

*****
Today…

Firenzia ran her thumb over the frontward angled scales of her pet basilisk. She jerked her thumb hard over the rough tip at the bony crest behind the deaf creature's head deliberately cutting herself. She squeezed three drops into a burnished gold bowl set over hot green coals. The blood sizzled and hissed much like the young basilisk as the sorceress peeled off a scale from the three-foot creature's tail. It dared not strike its ancient Mistress, but a small displeasure could be made known. The scale followed the drops and melted. The fumes were noxious, even more so after the young sorceress murmured an ancient tongue.

Smoke twisted and poked over the edge of the bowl then arose seeking the source. It braided about itself as it reached and touched the seemingly young sorceress. Firenzia inhaled deeply and settled back in her lounge of tiny faerie bones. The small skulls keened, weeping, were ignored as the smoke sank into Firenzia's flesh changing her appearance.

Soon she would set out for that little haven, leave those unworthy quite dead. The ashes could mourn for all she cared, as the little blonde one would be left continually suffering. Another special person would be by her side, in delicious darkness.

*****

Synestra held Aria close that night. She wasn't sure the little assassin slept, though she pretended very well. The high priestess closed her eyes in pretense as well but her mind was much too busy.

Aria, Ikarias, Sirius… The tavern and its ladies decimated, even to the adorable little dog. Only the dark mysterious Sirius stood with another smaller figure. That's what the ugly book showed, but if that was the future, the future is mutable. Also, the book, though it showed such massive evils, was not of itself evil. It was like showing children gruesome faerie tale illustrations to warn them of the ill consequences to misbehaving.

Why would the dark Lord Sirius be left standing? Who was the smaller darker shadow? How can Synestra stop this from happening?

____****____

(Part 11 by Aria) --

“Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrria”

“Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrria”

The assassin had lain next to her friend, comforted for the first time in a many a night. Aria could feel Morpheus pulling her down into his land of dreams, when the voice starting calling for her. Summoning her. It no longer felt the need to wait until she was deeply ensconced in her sleep, now it seemed he just required her to be relaxed, to be able to penetrate her mind.

This time was different though, gone were all the dream like amenities. Gone were the misty fog and the muted angles. Now Aria stood in total darkness. Alone with nothing but a stool and beam of light that originated from nowhere. The book lay on the floor next to the stool.

“Come and sit, child. Our time is nearing its end.”

Aria registering no fear walked to the stool and started to climb up, when she heard a small voice say …

“Hold me Aria, please”

The part of Aria that was repulsed by this monstrosity, was dwarfed by the pity she felt when she heard the need in his voice. Bending to pick up the book, she was struck by the softness of the binding and the energy emanating from its pages.

The book moaned softly as Aria gently handled it. Inching up onto the seat of the stool, she struggled but maintained hold of the book, mindful to hold it with care.

Once settled in, the book more secure on her lap, Aria began to gently stoke its cover. She felt almost as if she was touching an ancient friend. The book continued to sigh softly when Aria suddenly noticed the heart, which kept the book locked, began to pump with regularity. Light seemed to poke from between the stiff pages shooting out into the darkness lighting nothing but the blackness that surrounded them.

“Listen to me Aria, for I shant be able come to you but a few more times.”

“As she watched the dragon creature, I watched you. As her hate grew for the scaled one, my admiration for you grew. Together, we came to know you and your Dragon,” the book continued.

“The plan is in motion and you must hear me, Aria. You must save yourself. You must leave now and trust that your sisters can defend themselves.”

“Do you have a name, new friend?” Aria said as she gently and methodically stroked the book.

“Allard, at your service, dear Lady.”

“How is it I can talk to you Allard, why come to me with this message?”

“You have asked questions your entire life little one, why would I expect your dreams to be any different”, the book chuckled for the first time in a very long time.

“I trusted her”, was all he said.

“I trusted her and I lowered my guard. I will tell you more later, little one. For now, I can only tell you….”

“She is on her way to you”, the book whispered.

“You must leave tonight, flee this site of destruction. Save yourself”

“Allard, if you know of my penchant for questions, you must also know I would never leave my friends”.

“They are all doomed, Aria. There is no saving them.”

“Allard, who is ‘she’?”

“I must go now Aria, she will be looking for me soon…”

“Remember new friend, run… save yourself…for she, is evil itself”, the book whispered.

“Who? Allard…who is evil?”

“She heads this way, Arrrrrrrrrrria.”

Aria woke with a start, glad to feel the older woman pressed tightly against her. The blonde woman’s heart was beating wildly and her body covered in a light seen of perspiration. Slipping out of bed, she headed towards the bath. Soaking in a tepid bath, would surely calm her nerves. She opened the door quietly so as not to disturb her snoring friend and walked right into Sirius.

“My Lord, what are doing here…?”

“Just securing the halls, sweet lady.”

“But you were standing in front of my door?”

“I often do my Lady. I often do…”, Sirius, said as she walked down the long hallway.

Not bothering to turn around the Dark Lord said to Aria as she slid into her own doorway…

“...remember Aria, she heads this way” and Sirius closed her door.

____****____

(Part 12 by Ikarias) --

Of course the bookmage did not reveal his true name, Theranoch. That would have been unwise in the extreme. The naming of names is a sacred dreadful business. Even thinking of mentioning his real name would have been a massive error, opening a gateway and a doormat with 'Welcome to Aria's Long and Excruciating Demise' on it to Firenzia. Even if he hadn't liked Aria, he loathed Firenzia to the greatest extent one in his subdued position could. He couldn't even give her a papercut but he could warn her victims.

Only a handful of living and two hands of the dead knew his name, and a good number of both had forgotten it. That's what happens when you disappear, and no word, thought, dream, or rite recalls your appellation in over 800 years. So the wordy wizard used a common name. He used a name hidden deeper than in his heart, one tucked away safely in his soul; Allard, his lost Allard.

Allard had been a quiet gentle man, a part time jongleur with a pure tenor and a poet of no mean worth when the muse sat by him. Usually he had been a simple contented fellow, Theranoch's great love.

Allard had been an exceptional gardener. He weeded the roses and lilies, pruned the apricot and fig trees, carefully tended the herbs, and made wreathes and ropes of sweet pine and fir to decorate the magician's castle during Mid-winter holidays.

He reminded Theranoch that not all magic was to be found in moldy tomes and crackled scrolls, or in spells and conjurations. Every day magic was the morning dew on a tiny golden snapdragon or found in the fox kits rolling over each other in play. Magic was the air with the sweet taste of rain, then rain with the scent of a forest rising like a fertile goddess, ripe and welcoming. Magic was the earth that rang with the lightning and then the zigzag fire that shot into the night quicker than thought was magical too.

Every thing was a wonder and a joy, especially with love. That Theranoch shared with Allard, though the mage would study too long and forget to eat, still enamored of what was beyond the veil in other worlds. The gardener would gently remind his lover of the time, the day, and the simple great wonders of the here and now.

A fever took Allard from Theranoch. A fever seemingly native for the cold rains that often bore such bitterness and malaise of the liver, with ague and chills. Not until the wizard was damned and transformed to be perused and misused by the bitch sorceress did he find he could read her too. Read and know that she had killed his Allard, his gentle love, the compassionate eyes, the strong hands, the soothing voice, all stilled. His Allard who raised orphan squirrels in his tunic pockets and set the leg of a kid when the young goat fell off the shed roof.

That was when the sorceress had shown up, enticingly naive, so Theranoch thought. Firenzia had poisoned Allard, poisoned him with the love of his favorite food. She'd twisted metal wire into fine coils, inserted them into truffles and when that was all he wished to eat in his sickness, and Theranoch had made soup from them, he'd swallowed them whole. He gulped the sweet morsels, not knowing that once inside they would not pass but uncoil as the mushroom buttons were consumed, uncoil and poke and rip and tear.

He'd held his arms about his gut, unable to get rid of the metal that clawed him open. The horrible cramps only got worse and then the bleeding that wouldn't stop drained his life. Firenzia stepped in to comfort Theranoch and that had led him here.

Firenzia was not as impervious and as omnipotent as she thought. Those things she thought beneath her notice were relegated to a trifling status. Things like Theranoch's lost love and a blind basilisk's sense of justice. Perhaps other things as well, too low or too high and out of her ken.

*****

Dark of hair and eye, olive skin and the lithe grace that marked the girl as an inhabitant from the Fire Islands. On her cheekbones were the small tattoos of flame birds, the symbols common only to the natives of the Burning Sisters, seven active volcanoes on the largest island.

Renzi, (who was Firenzia now transformed), liked her new look. She turned and looked at her reflection in the pool, admiring her new form and figure. Taller, darker, fuller in the breast and hip, lush lips and dark knowing eyes with just the hint of a tilt to them. The details were perfect, copying a long-dead princess, another unfortunate enough to have crossed Firenzia's path. The long healed welts on her back left ugly scars, very like those on the real island girl. Except hers never had a chance to heal. A sullen pout and the look was of a runaway slave, once royalty now looking to meet the world on new terms. Dirty, rough, hard, and wet.

Renzi clapped her hands and laughed. She wouldn't need magic to kill the half-dragon or Aria. She could do it herself, manipulate others to do so, to fuck and be fucked by that delightful dark woman, Sirius.

"I need a sidekick…" She turned to the black lizard, muttered something and watched smiling as the basilisk hissed and twisted, his body lengthening and shifting.

____****____

(Part 13 by Lord Sirius) --

Aria stood for several moments, caught completely off guard by Sirius' words.

Sirius lit a candle and placed it in the center of the floor. She stripped quickly , and pulled a heavy dark robe from the bottom of the bed chest. She slipped the shapeless material over her head, draping her lean body in the coarse material. She went to the window and drew the heavy curtain. Next she placed a small intricately woven cloth rug upon the floor. Seating herself cross-legged upon the rug she drew the cowl like hood over her head. Staring into the candle's small flame, She waited patiently.

Aria made her way along the long hallway. Already spooked by her dream and the brief encounter with Lord Sirius. 'How odd She is' Aria thought 'And what was she doing outside my door?'. A moment later a small shiver ran through as she remembered the words "I often do my Lady. I often do." 'What on earth did She mean?'. 'Still' , Aria mused , 'Her outside my door'. The little blonde smiled dreamily as she thought of a Lord Sirius standing guard outside her door. Protecting her. ' Now that, was funny' she thought to herself and smiled. Her giddiness was short-lived however as the book's ominous words echoed by Lord Sirius came flooding back into her memory. The ex-assassin was troubled by the events of late. What could Sirius possibly have to do with this. She gave Aria chills, indeed there was something about Sirius. Aria was both intrigued and excited by the Lodge's mysterious inhabitant.

Finished with her bath Aria started down the long hallway. Having just neared the Dark One's door she paused for a moment. She heard voices from within! It was the middle of the night. Who could possibly be inside the room with Her? Aria's face darkened. She knew for certain Sirius had been alone this past while. She felt a strange twinge of jealousy as she leaned forward and tilting her head gently towards the closed door. Sirius' voice she could clearly make out, but not the other. It was strange, it was one voice but it seemed to have several tones. All at once. Like a symphony of low notes resonating the same song in different octaves. She leaned closer.

Inside the darkened room the small candle flickered and expired. Sirius sat in almost total darkness. A thin film of night light was visible through the heavy curtain. Her dark eyes followed a dimly shimmering red light. She turned towards the table as it began to take shape. She smiled , almost like a young child.

"Tis been a long time My friend. Refresh My memory. "

Few sought Her out for favors. Sirius drove hard bargains. She was expecting someone. But this was indeed a surprise. The shimmering figure laughed, low and sweet.

"As if you don't remember Sirius. All that water! I swear it was at least a moon before things began to dry out!"

Sirius was curious though, the reason for this unexpected visit was still unspoken.

"What do ye seek from Me?" bold and blunt , as was Her

"A favor Lord Sirius. Just a small one."

"And what do I get in return for this...hmm ... little favor?"

"Same as the last time."

"Tell Me more. I'm intrigued by your offer."

Aria press her ear hard against the door. She could hardly make out a word. She was slightly angered that someone would be with Sirius. She felt jealous of whoever it was. She knew she shouldn't but the small blonde couldn't help it. "A favor?" Try as she might Lady Aria could not make out anything the other said. She could barely make out anything Sirius said.

Silence once more. Aria drew a deep breath and knocked on the door. She was determined to find out just what was going on. Sirius had repeated the same words as the book. She was in Aria's and Synestra's dreams. She was up to something. No answer. Aria lifted the latch and stepped inside. Sirius sat alone on the floor , the small candle in front of Her robed figure casting an eerie glow about the room.

"Sirius?" Aria looked around quickly and saw no one else. But she could have sworn she heard two voices. What was going on? She reached out to touch Sirius. The heavy cloth slid slowly to the ground and lay limply in a heap.

"What the fuck!?" Aria said out loud. The door closed suddenly. Aria watched the latch move into the locked position. 'Where is She?' Aria began to sense a real danger. She moved cautiously towards the door. 'Where the fuck was She?'

Aria was grabbed from behind and pushed towards the bed. She felt hands grabbing her roughly, lewdly. She tried to push whoever it was away. She was not an easy woman to best and this was not going to be any different. The hands traveled quickly over her body, feeling everything as she fought against thin air to keep her sanity. They pulled her towards the bed. Aria pulled back hard. She was becoming frantic. The hands struck one of her breasts hard, momentarily surprising her. Aria managed to pull free and head for the door once more. She reached her destination and fumbled with the latch as she felt it rushing towards her. She was dragged back by the strong hands. She felt it behind her. The invisible hands circled her waist quickly and Aria felt the insistent pressure of it, behind her, obscenely touching her. Pushing itself rudely against her. Aria's struggling form was silhouetted against the far side of the room. A lone woman's a! rms flailing about wildly and body lurching to and fro as if being attacked by an intruder. Aria's muted noises of struggle too quiet to be heard outside the Lord's room.

"The more you struggle, the better I like it. Please Me Aria" hot breath in her ear. Demanding fingers pushing crudely through the opening of her robe, finding her still moist slit and fingering her delicate clit roughly. The other arm held her tight crushing her breasts to her chest.

"Sirius!" she hissed thrusting herself forwards trying to escape but feeling the fingers slide roughly along her cunt lips. They gripped her mound and pressed her back towards the invisible rapist. She felt it through the thin material of her robe and stiffened. Sirius moved it against her covered buttocks grinding Herself lewdly into the soft blonde.

"Let me go. Don't do this. "

She could have screamed, probably should have, but she didn't. Aria felt herself responding to the rough fingers. Insistent and probing. Aria's legs were forced apart with a swift kick, her small form pulled backwards thrusting her naked center against the rough hand.

"Please Sirius..' she asked in a tiny voice "Please don't ..." even as

"Don't do what dear Lady, don't do what you have been lusting for. You came into My room uninvited after a bath , smelling of sweet lilacs and wearing a flimsy robe." Aria was pushed forward towards the bed Her robe pulled from her and thrown to the floor. She scrambled to get up but felt the weight of the larger body pressing her back down into the bed. Her kicking legs held wide by invisible hands Aria bucked in surprise as she felt the invisible cock tip touch her exposed slit. She could see nothing save the shadows on the walls and ceiling , yet here on this bed she was being taken against her will.

The body covered hers, keeping her legs splayed obscenely. She was wet now. The shaft slid steadily back and forth against her soft lips, thrilling the frightened woman.

"Enjoying yourself I see Aria " Sirius taunted her. Breasts pressed against her own. Demanding lips claimed hers as the cock was forced deep into her moistening hole, her cries of pain stolen by the insistent lips that crushed her own.

Aria was truly terrified. This thing , this shapeless violator of her soft charms was Sirius. She felt the cock moving within her at a maddening pace. The lubricious sheath pressed down upon the thick heavy headed beast. Greedy hands availed themselves of her naked flesh. As the hot shaft fucked hard into her the invisible hands molded her breasts roughly. They ached from the brutal mauling they were receiving. Pulled hard and crushed within the Dark Ones vicious grip. The strong fingers digging cruelly into her tender flesh.

"Is that what you came for Aria? " Strong hips hurled brutally against her pliant form, spreading wide her thighs and making vulnerable her sodden core. "Then take it!"

Aria gasped, her body pushed hard , the large cock skewering her insides at a frantic pace. The firm hands clawed at her legs, she felt them lifted from the bed as the terrible cock plunged further inside, scraping her dripping sheath and making Aria gasp with surprise. Her slick hole grabbed hold of the thick punishing cock , squeezing it hard. Her breath caught in her throat as the hot rush of pleasure suffused her trembling body. She ached for release, now!

"unhhhhh.... yes oh .. yes " the soft voice came in halting breaths. Aria felt herself nearing the edge. Sirius stopped and lay atop her. The little blonde wrapped her legs tight around the unseen Lord's body and thrust her hips upwards asking for more. Her excited flesh twitching nervously around the thick pole. She closed her eyes , straining as she pumped her wet cunt back and forth along the slippery shaft. She moved her arms up over the body. Her hands on the broad back of the invisible Sirius as the Dark One refused to move and remained steadfastly embedded within Aria's seething core. Her breasts were mauled once more, her fat nipples sucked and chewed raw, as her cunt strained hard for release around Sirius' cock. Her clit throbbed painfully swollen and pulsing with her desire for the Dark One.

"Please oh ...please " Aria choked out the words , her soft body trembling. Then small movements back and forth within the luscious sheath , teasing the distended clit , making Aria moan in pleasure but denying her any release. "Please.. Sirius..." Aria could barely make her self say the words. Her body gave this One what ever She wanted it seemed.

"More Aria, tell Me more. What do you want." She ground her hips into Aria's sopping crotch. The small woman choked back a scream of frustration.

"Fuck me! " She bucked upwards reaching for more "Please Lord Sirius."

The invisible Lord crushed Aria's small body into the bed with a hard thrust sending Her cock home all the way, until it banged painfully against the back of Aria's flooded depths. Her small sheath quivered and spasmed gently around Sirius cock. Invisible hands slid below and roughly pulled her forward stuffing Aria's cunt with every bit of Her shaft. With a fevered grunt the invisible Lord began Her bestial fuck. Hard driving fast thrusts, quicker than anything Aria had ever known. The delicious blonde felt herself being taken quickly to a new level of excitement. She was shocked at her own response. Hips twisting and moving with her attacker, Aria groaned out her need in a soft breathless voice.

"Please . oh please Sirius" she hesitated unsure of herself . "I need ... make me ..... cum ...... please".

Sirius' jeering laughter filled the room. "Then cum for Me now cunt" The thick cock moved faster within her ready quim. Aria's ragged breathing and soft sobs filled the room. Aria could not contain her excitement. She screamed. "SIRIUS! .... Oh gott... , ohh gott please Oh SIRIUS! " she chanted as her cunt convulsed wildly around the fast moving cock. Her small body shuddered, jerked and bucked in its carnal dance of release. Sirius rode the writhing body beneath her . Every "please" was answered by Sirius, again and again until Aria fainted from exhaustion.

Aria did not know she had an audience. Firenza watched from the privacy of her fortress. Her eyes greedily took in the scene. She loved that name. "Sirius"!

Aria awoke and found herself snuggled close to a sleeping Lord Sirius. She sat up in bed and looked incredulously at the naked Lord. Flesh and blood once more, Aria was seriously beginning to doubt her sanity. She had come in here to find answers. Instead she found only more questions. Just who the hell was Sirius? What was She doing here amongst the lodgers? Who was She talking to the night before? More importantly Aria wondered , why was Sirius haunting their dreams?

____****____

(Part 14 by Aria) --

Aria awoke curled up next to a sleeping and very naked Lord Sirius. ‘Oh this can’t be good’ was her first conscious thought. Her next, was the recognition that the soreness of her muscles and the swelling of her lips meant it had not been a fantastic dream, Aria’s blood ran cold. By yet another form of black magic, Sirius had in fact taken her… and done so, invisibly!

The assassin had waited her entire life for something of a truly magical nature to happen, when actually faced with it… it scared her. Everything now seemed shrouded in mystery. Everyone was suspect. Lying next to Sirius, Aria could not keep Synestra’s words from replaying in her ears…. “Ssshe is the only left ssstanding, Aria. Ssshe sssurvives.”

The blonde woman's mind became an emotional treadmill… unanswered questions, remnants of her nightmares, Synestra's words and the book's warnings all swirling around her brain. She knew she needed to get back to her room to quietly and rationally think this through. Slipping out of bed, she found her robe and quietly made her way to the door.

“I did not give you permission to leave, my Lady” a voice came from the direction of the once sleeping Lord.

“I was not aware that I needed permission, my Lord”, Aria said through gritted teeth.

“I wish for you to stay with me”, Sirius said propping herself up on some the many pillows adorning the mammoth bed. Aria shook her head and turned around, squinting her eyes ever so slightly she looked at the reclining Lord.

“I need to go, Sirius I have a guest and my manners will not allow her awake to an empty room”.

“I wish for you to stay with me”, Sirius said as if Aria’s reasoning was not even worth consideration.

“Sirius, I said, I really must go”, Aria told the Dark Lord calmly, all the while her entire being screaming for the sanctity of her own room.

“You DO NOT have my permission to leave Aria, now come back to bed, I am not through with you yet.”

“Very well then”, was all Aria said sweetly as she reached behind her opened the door and slipped out quietly closing the door. Turning and walking to her room, she cringed as she heard an angry roar emanating from Sirius’ room.

Walking quickly, she made her way to her room, opening the door and quietly slipping inside. Aria could see Synestra was already awake and sipping coffee in one of the high back chairs that faced the fireplace.

“I’m sorry dear, really, I meant to be back before you woke, it was never my intention to worry you.”

Synestra peeked around the chair, coffee cup in hand, “ah the dirty stay out returns… shame on you little one.”

Aria winked at her reptilian friend, stopped to pour herself a cup of coffee, then headed to the vacant chair… prepared to share all that had happened, when Aria's coffee cup shatters on the floor and the room filled with a scream that could be heard for miles.

Unable to form any words, the assassin stared at the chair in utter disbelief.

"Good morning my Lady. I was just telling your friend here not to be worried... that you would be along, shortly”, Lord Sirius said as she ran her finger slowly around the rim of her coffee cup.

____****____

(Part 15 by Ikarias) --

Synestra brushed a bit of cinnamon powder off her lips. It was a weakness that she adored in coffee. It wasn't too dear and it gave the most marvelous flavor. She was very pleased when her order for two could include some of the sweet spice.

She had arisen, quite alone, with a wry smile for her absent bedmate. Aria had obviously had a moist post-bath rendezvous, a lovely segue to dispel the fears that must twist her mind like a skeleton rattling on the gibbet rope. The high priestess gently chided Aria upon her return.

The blonde turned away to the breakfast tray set on the far corner table. Suddenly the empty chair held the enigmatic and elegant Lord Sirius. She held a thin black porcelain cup with some strange animal done in a golden glaze. It was hard to see through the fingers that covered it. A low mesmerizing voice spoke inside the high priestess' head.

Morning madam, I trust your rest was adequate, if singular. Yon ex- assassin will return in good order. I believe she enjoys her coffee the way she enjoys her coupling, not too sweet and very dark.

Before Synestra could reply, Aria screamed, dropped her coffee and became mute.

As Sirius rendered her good morning in a sardonic tone to Aria, Synestra inhaled the cinnamon of her own beverage.

"I prefer my intimaccciesss like my cccinnamon, readily available, hot and sssweet." Something about this magickal woman did not ring true. Dangerous yes, but to her Aria? The snake dancer wasn't quite sure. She was sure she'd allow Aria some latitude with her dark friend but if a scratch appeared on Aria against her wishes, Synestra wouldn't hesitate to instill manners and a few dents into the obsidian woman.

*****

Renzi, (Firenzia) waved the last of the fumes away from the new body of the basilisk. The smoke had done two-fold work. First, it showed Renzi the most recent doings of the dark one, Sirius, who fucked like a manic god. Such potential, such power ready to be tapped, turned, and twisted into a proper shape. Perhaps it would be worth Renzi's while to fuck Aria too. Killing usually ended any sexplay, unless you were a necromancer. Then, only the most recent dead were any good horizontally, that function usually went first.

Secondly, the fumes undid a certain shape and remade it. The black lizard was now a very pale woman, her hair bone-white and her eyes red. She rose in ungainly motions. As a basilisk animal her shoulder blades were vertical and parallel each to each, now they were flat. Her limbs could come forward but they were attached to the sides. She still had a smattering of black scales over her stomach and cupping under her breasts. She touched her new skin gingerly and hissed.

"Not bad. A veil, loose robes, you'll do nicely as my mistress. That will leave me as the 'long-suffering, kidnapped and sold into slavery ingenue'."

Renzi took off a thin gold ring. An incantation and the ring grew wider and thicker 'til she was able to slip it over her head. She held it to her neck, repeated the incantation backwards and the ring shrank and stopped. There was room for perhaps three fingers between the bright metal and Renzi's dark skin.

"I need you with me, who knows when a basilisk scale will come in handy. Besides I wouldn't trust you to wander these halls alone. You're too precious to me, darling. Bad enough we'll be traveling light and I need to leave the book behind. By the way, your name is B'sylla. Now watch my fingers, memorize and copy these motions. You can hear now, but I'm not sure if you'll be able to speak anytime soon. At least you'll be able to talk. I'll cue you mentally if I must, otherwise dear, play along." Renzi signed the alphabet, repeating each letter clearly.

Laboriously, B'scylla formed the word, 'Why?'

"You're my ticket in. My Lady B'scylla, suffering a malaise of the body. You've heard that the hot springs have healing properties and wish to take advantage of the quietude of the inn. One doesn't give up hope. Before your misfortune, your tastes ran to the rougher amusements with your slave. I dare not escape for I'd be killed for the gold ring that marks me as property. A lovely duality, don't you think?" Renzi asked the albino.

B'scylla sighed and nodded. Too late to run, far too late to hide. She could only obey and watch Firenzia destroy.

____****____

(Part 16 by Ikarias) --

Pale hair hung down below her veil; white as the moonlight under which they traveled. Her face tucked down further hiding the red eyes that were more comfortable in the dark light, B'sylla keep the grimaces of pain to her battered spine under control as her 'servant' Renzi led the stocky pony. It was 'borrowed' as was a smaller donkey tethered to it with the provisions of a wealthy but slow moving ill woman.

In earnest of the roleplay, each night they stayed at an inn, or if none were close, the best a farmwife could offer. Occasionally they made a rough bed under the stars. These actually were B'sylla's favorites with the clean air and the remnant memories of being her true form, free, with her own eyes.

Renzi still delivered small mischiefs; after all it was hard to quit magick cold turkey. This cow gave sour milk, those chickens stopped laying, that ladder snapped just as the fellow climbed to the second floor with a hod full of shingles. What a blessing he only broke his leg, still 'twill be a long season before he can climb again. Such things do happen naturally.

The sorceress would have loved to stay about for the rye harvest; watch as they ground the seed, made the bread, ate it and witness the myriad of madnesses the ergot blight would deliver. This one would think of flying, that one of his flesh itching with worms beneath, that of daemons under the bed, another with aches. A whole town and the sundry passersby who bought a stray loaf, all affected without knowing the why. She really would miss that.

"Can we not cut this off and hie away from your bitch?" The farrier's lad asked Renzi as they fucked in the backroom of the inn.

"She had it ensorcelled. Aught any try to pinch it and they burn their pinkies," Renzi giggled as she pumped up and down his rigid length. "Ye want it so badly, take my head, the slave ring will come off easily enow." She saw his eyes flicker with the instant thought of such wealth. Silly stupid boy, silly dead boy.

Who would miss such a trull? The limping albino can hire any bint, she magicked one ring, she can do another. Melt down this ring with dross and that would be easily enough to handle. That much of a fortune would take him far away from this pesthole and the dusky slut from some savage land. She didn't even have the decency to wear the slightest amount of britches under that shift. Find a ship and never see the ass end of a horse just waiting to kick him ever again.

"You'll never be anything more than a little man," Renzi growled, she despised weaklings.

The boy paled under her, his eyes wide at seeing hers gone completely white. She hissed a rough language as his erection shrunk along with the rest of him until he was no bigger than her hand. She sat back on her heels and whistled shrilly. The rat terrier came running as was his wont, and stopped seeing the naked rat-sized thing that squeaked shrilly. The boy ran but not far or nearly fast enough. The chase was briefly entertaining and the shaking of his master's body in the terrier's mouth made Renzi laugh 'til she shook as well.

The dog dropped the limp thing and looked to the sorceress for confirmation, tail wagging, tongue lolling. "Go ahead and eat it, that's a good boy."

Tomorrow or the next day they should be at the lodge. Renzi stretched and pulled on her shift to the accompanying crunching of tiny bones.

____****____

(Part 17 by Aria) --

Warriors, submissives and all those in between came running from everywhere. Aria’s scream denoted true horror, the first one in was Ikarias followed by Killian followed by almost everyone else.

Even in shock, Aria’s pride took over and her composure reared its head. Shaking off the belief that black magic and Sirius were somehow truly connected, Aria forced a smile, assured her sisters she had only seen a giant rat and that all was well.

Killian knew better but sensed Aria’s need for privacy and with nothing more than a look from the Lady, Killian knew she would be told the entire story... just at a more suitable time. Killian began to corral the others into leaving.

“Sirius, be a dear and clean up this mess you caused”, Aria asked without any apology.

To her credit the Lord merely nodded and stooped to retrieve the once lovely porcelain teacup from the floor. Aria’s heart softened as she watched this dark, brooding woman methodically pickup even the tiniest shard. There was a certain nobility to Sirius Aria realized, it was impossible for her to look ill at ease. Once this dark cloud passed over the Lodge and the nightmares ceased, she would have to spend more time with this Warrior...

Meanwhile, Ikarias would not even entertain Killian’s suggestion to leave Aria with her guests. The Dragon was not budging. All her senses pointed to the fact that Aria was in trouble and the stranger in her bedroom somehow tied into it. Knowing her Dragon longer and better than most, it was time for Aria to bring Ikarias into the web of mystery now surrounding the Lodge.

Sirius ever the dark gentleman completed her task without fanfare. She carried the silk handkerchief bloated with the pieces of teacup with her, kissing Aria ever so lightly on the lips, she took her leave… were it not for the way Sirius possessively grabbed the Lady’s ass upon exit, Aria might have questioned the validity of their magical tryst the night before.

Turning her attentions back to Synestra and her half Dragon, Aria suddenly looked younger than her years as she recounted her nightmares to Ikarias. She explained as best she could about the book, its intended messages and the ominous feeling pervading the Lodge..

Syn joined in adding her thoughts, then invited Ikarias to share in her dreams as well. All the while the half-Dragon listened and remained perfectly still. At first Aria wondered if her old friend even believed her. Was it all too fantastic to be believable? Would her sweet Dragon think her insane? Listening to herself Aria wondered if this might actually be her own descent into madness. Ikarias reading her friend perfectly scooped Aria into her arms and only said, “standing together, we will be fine, my little one”.

As always her Dragon had the innate ability to calm Aria. Maybe it was all their years together, maybe the passionate sex they had shared… at this point Aria no longer questioned it.

The Lady breathed easier for the first time in weeks as she formally introduced her Dragon to her Snake. She sat back and watched these two almost-human women look at each other and smiled.

“Should we survive what may come Ladies, we just might have to play house for a couple of days” Aria said, her green eyes twinkling.

____****____

(Part 18 by Ikarias) --

"Play houssse," Synestra echoed with a lingering glance up and down the half-dragon. "Nothing like a little life-threatening ssscenario to ssspiccce up an erotic interlude. Our Aria hasssn't changed a whit."

Aria had the grace to blush. She covered it with a sip of raspberry tea.

"Another broken wrist? Eh, I'll heal," Ikarias grinned broadly, wriggling a hand in the petite assassin's direction.

Aria managed not to do a spit-take. She did look like she was trying to swallow one porcupine and find a comfortable seat on another.

Synestra did not miss the implications of Ikarias' motions but the rest made her wonder, "Aria? Sssinccce when do you go in for rough trade? You broke the poor woman's arm?"

The blonde assassin would have severely damaged Iky if not for the insidious tea that now backwashed her sinuses. She was able to get a few kicks in to Ikarias' leg as she held a napkin to her face.

"It was for a good cause. You see, twitchy here got into Dragon's Breath," Ikarias explained. Synestra was all ears and while Aria still was at a loss for breath. If looks could kill, the assassin's favorite scaled one would have been pushing up daises several times over.

*****

It wouldn't be too hard to be the lame and hurting poor little rich woman. B'sylla was not only new to being in human shape but new to riding, even at the slow trot--which was excruciating when Renzi grabbed the reins and ran urging the pony and mule faster. B'sylla's hip bones felt like they were being split open and her thighs ached so badly she could not rest easily even on the most comfortable bed. Her walk was indeed hunched over, slow and of such obvious incapacitation she couldn't even think of escape.

B'sylla was currently on a blanket under the cool shade, resting while Renzi went off 'promising a surprise.' B'sylla folded her arms under her head after loosening her embroidered silk tunic. She lay on her stomach, the closest she could approximate to her basilisk form. Exhaustion caught up to her and she slept deeply.

"B'sylla, for all the change, the name does suit you. She has made you fair and the pain will pass. Being in mortal form is more natural than my fate."

"Who are you? Where are you?" B'sylla's mind was a haze. Something about the voice felt familiar. She was still wary for even in her sleep, Firenzia was full of malignant tricks of the mind.

"A fellow sufferer interested in the enemy of my enemy."

"Why should I hate her?"

"Why should you love her? Trapped as a child, taken from your home and kin, repeatedly blinded for her whims then made into something foreign to your nature. What's to like? Or are you so used to hanging since you've hung for so long. Is life so sweet for you? She uses your magick to reinforce what she's stolen. Remember the boy who took care of your horse? Wonder why he didn't show up this morning? Last night after Firenzia shrunk the boy to rat size, that sweet little terrier who loved your behind the ear scratches, ate him. Do you really want a count of the innocents she's maimed and killed?"

"That's why we're traveling now, this whole charade… If you--whomever you are, had more than power of speech in dreams you would have tried to killed her. Why lay her sins at my feet?" B'sylla was angry.

"Only words," the voice sighed. "But words can warn, words can persuade as well as bind. I risk more torments than those I have now for her destruction if I fail. This interlude is not for your benefit. We both know she is never of such gentle mien. Look for allies among those marked. The sorceress is not omnipotent."

*****

Something tapped hard against her heel. B'sylla awoke and rolled over covering her red eyes against the hurtful light. An ivory branch landed by her head. She focused on it as Renzi sat abruptly before her. She twisted to show her back, bruised and bloody from a vicious beating.

Neither ivory nor a branch, the stick was an odd long bone shaped into a cane with a thick-ridged head for a firm grip.

"Say hello to your walking stick, and a fare thee well to an irritating little blonde bimbo who thought she was better bred than 'a foreign slut.' This--" (and Renzi pointed to her abused back) "will be attributed to my ill-tempered mistress who often beats me. Groveling to that simpering sly bitch was worse than her ready arm with a horse whip." She spat to get the taste from her mouth.

B'sylla felt sick, another was dead for the sorceress' whims. She struggled to her feet, made easier with the cane. The pony was ready and packed; standing quietly by a rock that made for easier mounting. The mule mumbled to itself.

"The bimbo was right, she did have a fine bone structure," Renzi giggled then grimaced as she got up. "Playacting is fun. I can bide my time to have the half-dragon for breakfast with a side of Aria fillet, and that delicious Sirius hedge witch for dessert."

Three hours later the peaks and gables of the lodge showed through the tops of the trees. Sounds of laughter and scent of dinner filled the air. B'sylla would not let any others suffer such horrors Firenzia held in store. She stroked the head of her cane and slowly walked to the door making a silent promise to the latest lost soul.

When she is dead, you shall have peace. So shall all who lie under her bane.

____****____

(Part 19 by Aria) --

The blonde assassin would have severely damaged Iky if not for the insidious tea that now backwashed her sinuses. She was able to get a few kicks in to Ikarias' leg as she held a napkin to her face.

"It was for a good cause. You see, twitchy here got into Dragon's Breath," Ikarias explained. Synestra was all ears and while Aria still was at a loss for breath. If looks could kill, the assassin's favorite scaled one would have been pushing up daises several times over.

While Synestra was a valued and old friend, she was not in the category of the devine Dragon and the Lady squirmed at the mention of Ikarias' bruised limb in front of Syn

"Icky, that is so much more information than poor Synestra needs, new topic... what shall we talk about now, my personal petting zoo"

Both women grimaced slightly in unison over the less than human reference, but knew they each held a part of Aria s heart and quickly forgave her. The Lady loved her Dragon and her Snake but there was something in the air something was amiss. The book had not come to her last night, because she never slept, she wondered if it would it be there tonight. Part of Aria missed the sad and mysterious book, she had started to feel comforted and somewhat protected by her new friend.

Lady Aria listened half heartedly, as the two women chatted about the old Aria. Settling into the comfort of her chair, warmed by the fire, their voices soothed her much like her beloved white noise. She was so tired, that damn wizard Sirius had kept her up all night, albeit deliciously, Aria thought if she could just close her eyes for a minute...

"Arrrrrrrrrrrrria"

"Arrrrrrrrrrrrria."

The Lady smiled crookedly at the sound of her name, it meant she would be able to spend some time with her hardback friend.

"You force me to come to you in the daylight, little one "

"Sorry Book, I was, ah ah busy last night", Aria said as she scooped her friend into her arms, stroking him gently.

"Aria this is not the time for wanton sex acts with the mysterious Dark One I am trying to save your life and the lives of your friends" the Book said admonishing the Lady but loving her for her gentle touch. Aria was growing fond of the mangled book and allowed the lecture, all the while blushing at the memory.

"Aria the time approaches when I can no longer come to you."

"Why Book, why must the visits stop?"

"Because She nears Aria."

"She . By the Gods who is she?"

"Aria, your very existence depends on your inner eye, you must look into the souls of those around you. You must not trust the obvious, you must remember to question the hidden"

The blonde woman stroked the book softly, not quite ready for it s departure. "Please try to come back to me tomorrow Book, I still have much to learn. I promise not to be, ah busy"

"Tomorrow it will have already begun, little one the darkness is upon you."

"But Book, how will I know?"

"You won't Aria, not until it is too late."

"But, Book...."

"Remember little one, use your inner eye, it may be what saves youuuuuu..."

"Come back, Book... I have more questions...........please."

Synestra and Ikarias watched in amazement as tears streamed down the sleeping woman's face.

"Loooook into their soooouls, Arrrrrrrrrrria..."

____****____

(Part 20 by Ikarias) --

"Remember your place as my cruel mistress," Renzi whispered. "And as one who enjoys solitude since her eyes are inhuman, her form crippled, and her heart hardened to the suffering of her poor slave…"

"I will not forget," B'sylla answered slowly. She was surprised that her voice came so clearly in a low pleasant tone that got a raised eyebrow from the shape-shifted sorceress as well. B'sylla adjusted her veil to hide her face.

"You have a real voice." Renzi, nodded curtly, disappointed. It would have been easier to have the transformed basilisk woman just rasping out words but too late to change that. Perhaps whole speech would be to the sorceress' advantage, especially when she unmasked her entire plot just before removing Ikarias' lights and liver, and ripping Aria's skin off. Then raze the building, kill and incinerate the detritus and take Sirius off into a lovely world of dark possibilities.

Renzi led the pony to the front entry and went to her hands and knees. In full view of most of the lodge's inhabitants, the albino woman in rich embroidered silk dismounted by stepping down on the slave's back then to the ground. Thus was the tone set for their arrival.

B'sylla ignored the tense flesh underfoot. Stepping on her erstwhile tormentor gave her no pleasure. It was a means to an end. The curious stares held more sympathy for the ill-clothed slave with a golden neck-ring then they did disdain for the wealthy lame noble woman. Further role-playing would not endear B'sylla to the crowd but perhaps by single encounters with much discretion she could find help. She watched as a woman came over to take the mounts.

The blood crusted on Renzi's back, and the now ground in dirt from her mistress' shoes made her a pitiful sight as she rose with all the demeanor of a whipped dog. Furtive glances from downcast eyes told Renzi her audience was interested and several were anxious to know the story of this very odd couple.

"Please take good care of the beasts," B'sylla indicated the pony and mule to a stable hand. She took a drawstring purse, (enchanted for her by Firenzia that only she could take out an unlimited amount of money) and pressed several coins into the young woman's hand. "We shall be here for some time. If the funds are not sufficient, see me and I shall pay you more."

Ikarias stepped forward, "I am Ikarias. What is your purpose here, madam?" She kept her tone pleasant though something inside the half- dragon itched at seeing such an ill-treated servant. That clashed with an odd scent, somehow familiar coming from the albino. Like biting a lemon to taste grape, or feeling rain come down as dust. Ikarias was sure the background of these two would unfold in a long and intricate tale. That gold slave ring was seamless ergo it had to be welded on, not a painless procedure by far. It also was very thick, worth more than most villages in this area.

The veiled woman turned about with one hand on the white cane. "I am Lady B'sylla. Through bards and travelers to my home, I have heard of the hotsprings here. I have hopes of relief for all other nostrums and potions have failed. I have monies to pay for lodgings. Is there a quiet place where I may stay--with a separate entry? I do not wish to disturb anyone with my comings and goings." That last request was with mental prompting from Renzi.

"We have spacious rooms and comfortable beds for you and your servant. You're welcome to eat in the main hall, or meals can be delivered."

"My slave, Renzi will sleep on the floor. She will have little enough to do here. For her keep she is available for any who wish to relieve- -stress. It is what she is accustomed to." B'sylla gestured to the bags and gear. Renzi was quick to pick them up and stand behind her mistress. She shuddered as if expecting a blow, one that might come at any time.

____****____

(Part 21 by Aria) --

"We have spacious rooms and comfortable beds for you and your servant. You're welcome to eat in the main hall, or meals can be delivered."

"My slave, Renzi will sleep on the floor. She will have little enough to do here. For her keep she is available for any who wish to relieve--stress. It is what she is accustomed to." B'sylla gestured to the bags and gear. Renzi was quick to pick them up and stand behind her mistress. She shuddered as if expecting a blow, one that might come at any time.

Standing in the crowd watching this spectacle before her, Aria could not remain quiet any longer. She rushed to help the poor scarred, beaten down girl with the bags, the imagine of this young woman being used as a human foot-stool still fresh in Aria's mind.

"Please allow me...", Aria said taking the bags from the slave.

"Oh God no. Mistress will beat me for not tending to my chores", the slave said to Aria almost in tears.

"No one will beat you here, well not that way...", Aria assured the trembling woman while wrenching the bags from her hands.

Shooting Ikarias the look of death, Aria carried the bags inside, passed that horrid, little Mistress to the staircase.

"Where are these to go, Ikarias", Aria said not understanding why her Dragon was not as upset with this bully's behavior.

"Put them in the large guest room Aria, they should be comfortable there", Icky told the Lady, not oblivious to the hateful glare coming from her friend.

"Fine.... I'll set up a place for Renzi to sleep as well."

"That will not be necessary, girl... as I stated earlier, my slave will only require a space on the floor by my bed."

"I have a name, Madam and as it stands now, there isn't a ring around my neck. Everyone here is entitled to a bed..." Aria sputtered, as Ikarias and Sirius shot her the 'warning' look at exactly the same time. Aria silenced herself begrudgingly and struggled with the bags as she climbed the stairs.

Their main guest room was one of Aria's favorite rooms at the Lodge. The earth tones were comforting, the views splendid and the room was spacious. It was filled with Gothic size dark wooden furniture and possessed the most magnificent four poster bed. Aria looked up in time to see the poor little slave girl look longingly at the bed then at the floor beside it.

The Lady felt true empathy for the young woman and vowed to bring up extra blankets, this poor creature would not sleep on the hard floor if she had anything to do with it. Facing the ancient, misshapen Owner, Aria was about to say she would return with extra bedding for Renzi when for the first time, she looked into the eyes of the old woman...

"Your name girl, what it is it?"

"I am Aria... Lady Aria", the Lady said haughtily.

For a moment the air the room seemed to stand still. Aria had the strangest feeling. The Mistress' eyes seemed to soften for a second, catching Aria off guard. Renzi noticing the interaction between the feisty woman and her Owner quickly interjected with a litany of thank you-s for Aria's assistance, all the while pushing her in the direction of the door. The slave assured her the room was perfect and not to worry they would need nothing else and that would include additional bedding.

"I deserve no more than the hard floor, my Lady... "

"Renzi, you deserve so much more than, you deserve....."

"ARIA!", Ikarias said from the doorway. Aria spun around to see the Dragon looking almost cross with her.

"Ikarias I was just...."

"Come Aria, let us take leave of our guests and allow them to settle in", Ikarias said.

"But Icky..." the Lady tried to get out.

"Aria, now!", Ikarias said, noticing slight smiles on both the women's faces.

Pouting, Aria took the slaves hand in hers and said, "please, get settled in and come join us for some food and conversation... when you feel ready."

Renzi allowed one perfect tear to slowly slide down her cheek and she mouthed the words... "thank you kind Lady".

____****____

(Part 22 by Ikarias) --

The door closed quick and loud on the albino woman and the olive- skinned girl. From the hallway, Ikarias, Aria, Synestra, and the others heard the repercussions of Aria's pity.

"You stupid slut. Can't even carry my possessions without whining and pulling the 'poor me' trick."

"No, Mistress, please!"

A loud slap was followed by a muffled whimper and the dull smacks of a cane being applied to something much softer than it.

Ikarias grabbed Aria before the enraged blonde assassin could bust through the door and relive old habits.

"You can't just let that happen. Iky, LET ME GO!" Aria fought as if she were the one endangered.

"What happens in there is between them. For now. The girl is owned, legally."

"You so-called warriors won't lift a finger to save that poor girl--" Aria pulled and kicked the half-dragon hard.

"They're not doing murder and we only know what we've just seen. Not what went on long before they came here."

Lord Sirius raised an eyebrow at that comment from Ikarias but said nothing. She inhaled as if she could smell the wounds delivered, enjoying the tang of blood and spice of suffering. She stopped and an odd smile came to her lips before she went about her own business.

Ikarias bent, grabbed a shapely leg, hoisted Aria over her shoulder and carried the struggling woman downstairs.

Synestra flinched at the continuing sounds of the beating but put her back to the door and made shooing motions with her hands to the rest of the lodgers. "Your half-dragon has the right of it. Let's leave these two be. If there is injustice, time will heal it. We do not know the circumstances of the slave. Perhaps it is punishment for a crime, if so she is paying for it. We could ask about buying Renzi's freedom, if anyone is so inclined. Killing Lady B'sylla is not an option."

With whispers and shaking heads the gathered crowd left in ones and twos. Some had been slaves; some had owned them. Some enjoyed whipping, others enjoyed the sting of the whip and the sexual release that followed. Having this blatant abuse occur without mutual consent and the apparent helplessness of the girl stuck in many a craw.

*****

B'sylla sat in a chair as Renzi imitated her voice and beat a leather covered footstool with the cane, whimpering for greater effect.

Aria. She saw me, for a moment she really saw me. Then I was just an old bitter woman with a mistreated slave. She survived when Chaenz went beserk, she has made a home here and many love her. I wonder what that would be like?

"I should beat that idiot dragon into a pulp." Renzi dropped the cane with a whoosh of exhaustion. She strode over to the small door in the back, opened and saw stairs leading down past the kitchen and outside. She shut it with a sneer. "I--you requested a separate entry and this goes by the cook and stores. At least the side window opens onto the oak tree." She looked at the thick limb that dipped down to waist high from the grass, providing an easy egress.

Renzi shut her eyes and moments later her back was freshly raw and bleeding. "Behave yourself," she told B'sylla and pushing up the window, she crawled out and away.

B'sylla arose and went to the pitcher and basin, poured water and removing her veil, wet a towel and patted her skin with it. She looked into the mirror seeing a pale tired woman, not so old as humans reckon age, perhaps thirty, a tired thirty. Pale as Renzi was dark and the red eyes certainly were not mundane sights. She pulled a brush from a pack and slowly worked the bristles through her long hair. White hair, as white as the snowy fur over the ivory scales of an ice dragon or a colddrake. Soft and slipping between her fingers, the tangles parted easily.

She knew a colddrake once, long ago. Taruka, an old friend to basilisks, who had loved the glaciers and the hotsprings that steamed gently from vents deep in the earth. Taruka who wasn't in danger of turning to stone, who would laugh and play 'dead' at a glance from B'sylla in her basilisk form. She was a he then and Taruka was female. They had plans, games, moments of wonder when the aurora borealis would dance above them. Taruka would hold the basilisk in her paws and fly up into the rainbow lights, dancing with them as the basilisk hissed and clicked his mouth in awe and half in fear of falling. Knowing that he would always be safe in Taruka's paws.

Then the black lightning, Taruka falling and the constant reminder -- a white rug in Firenzia's bedchamber. That was the basilisk's first loss.

Marked ones… That could be any here. That priestess, all the warriors, wenches, ladies, the half-dragon, that mage woman.

Firenzia's powers were enhanced by basilisk scales. A small patch of them remained on B'sylla's breast. Without them Renzi would be lessened, by how much B'sylla didn't know but any reduction to the sorceress' abilities was a good thing. She wouldn't have much time. From another sack she took a small paring knife. B'sylla looked to the amphorae of wine on the side table and nodded to herself. A low fire burned in the grate, she put in a poker and knelt by the flames. She broke off a small stick from a bit of firewood and clenched it between her teeth.

____****____

(Part 23 by Ikarias) --

Downstairs in the hall…

"Aria, can we talk?" Ikarias asked the blonde. Actually she was speaking to Aria's ass held securely on the half-dragon's left shoulder. The short buxom woman pounded like a blacksmith in an anvil chorus with her feet and fists on Iky's thighs and back, respectively.

"Ikarias, I swear--"

"With great imagination, fluency, creativity, and verve." Ikarias sighed over Aria's left buttock. Not to it, just in a general expression of exasperation. (Not that Aria's nether cheeks weren't worth sighing over. Indeed they were, but this was neither the time nor place for it.)

Aria got a lucky elbow shot driven with all the force of her righteous indignation into the base of Iky's skull.

The half-dragon grunted as black gyrating stars danced provocatively behind her eyes. They promised rest and a cessation from the pummeling.

"ARIA! If I put you down, will you listen before acting like a vengeful goddess of dark-eyed slaves?"

The bashing of Ikarias' kidneys with determined fists stopped.

"Yes."

The half-dragon breathed a small groan of relief into a prayer to the deity of half-dragons. She put Aria down as gently as she would have a vase of exquisite ancient Chin pottery. The half-dragon rubbed the back of her neck.

"I love you Iky, but I swear I'll turn your scaly half hide into a suitcase if you EVER do that again." Aria was just a tad short of livid. She calmed down by degrees, being on her feet helped. Knowing that Iky never did anything without having a damned good reason helped more.

Ikarias waited, knowing the blonde would get reasonable with a bit of breathing space.

"Two and two don't always make four. Who really looks in more pain up there? The robust albeit dirty slave girl or the fragile albino who can hardly walk? Yes, she as haughty as you when you want to make a point--" Iky put her fingers on Aria's lips before a retort could escape. "I saw them look at each other, not a look from mistress to servant but something else. I don't know them. YOU don't know them. Why they're here-- the hotsprings aren't that helpful. The girl could get the ring sawed off--gold is soft compared to steel… The white- haired woman is just odd. I wouldn't trust either as far as I could throw them but I'll kept my eyes and my mind open."

Aria kissed the half-dragon's fingers and sat down. "I'm so damned worked up over the friggin' dreams and Syn has them too and now we have a couple of weird women turning the lodge upside down." She shook her head, "I'd leave in a heartbeat if I thought the danger would follow me and save this home. It won't. That scares me."

Ikarias sat and took Aria's hands in hers, one scaled, one skin. "And I'd not let you run off to face some berserker bitch all by yourself again. You can turn me into a handbag and matching f-me pumps for getting you to listen to another viewpoint. You'd make a great fashion statement. Doing something is easier than waiting. And you do look good in jade." Ikarias grinned and hugged the smaller woman.

"I am going to make sure both visitors get a piece of my mind. After I find out more," Aria promised. She looked up at Ikarias and ran her hands over the jade scales. "Then I'll make a silk purse out of a sow's ear." She kissed Iky thoroughly and walked away smiling.

Ikarias imitated a goldfish, mouth open, mouth closed. Repeat. She hated it when Aria did that.

*****

Her teeth clenched tight about the stick, B'sylla angled the blade close to her skin. She had to cut slowly about the curved edge of her scales for half a handspan. She grunted at the end of the first cut. The knife was sharp, that was a small blessing.

Gingerly she pulled the bloody edge back, set her teeth harder and slashed again, a third time, another, and a final slash.

A quavering cry came as she dropped the stick into her hand. B'sylla's breath came in short gasps, but she was only half done. The scaled piece of flesh fell to the hearth as she stretched for the poker. She put the stick back in her mouth and before she could let herself think too much, she rolled the glowing metal over the raw bleeding wound.

An inquisitive squirrel on the branch outside the window dove off at the barely muffled scream. B'sylla gasped for breath dropping both stick and poker. She rocked back and forth on her knees, reflecting grimly that this didn't quite come up to the agony of Firenzia ritually blinding her as a basilisk for her turn-to-stone eyes. There was a very short hair of difference.

She picked up the bloody flap of scales and threw it into the fire. The initial stuttering smoke changed to odd flames of scarlet, magenta, and burgundy. As B'sylla watched she had an unsettling thought--what if the scales grew back? She had no choice. This small move might give the others a few weeks or months, at least she hoped so. A flash of black flame, the sent of bitter cloves came and went.

B'sylla staggered to her feet, pulled her robe close and poured herself a large goblet of wine. She finished the carafe in a few minutes. It only slightly numbed the pain. She rang for a servant, and shortly a knock was followed by a girl looking in, unsure of the nasty mistress who stepped on slaves.

Her back to the door, B'sylla asked gently, "Please ask the priestess to see me, if she has the time. I have need of her spiritual guidance."

"Yes, Lady," and the servant left.

Some moments later a curious Synestra knocked and she too entered, closing the door behind her. Whatever she felt from the albino, it wasn't fear. The slave was nowhere in sight and the priestess didn't miss the open window, large enough for an agile body to slip through. The pain from the bent body of the albino was obvious, even facing away from Synestra, the chronic suffering was like a sharp unpleasant odor.

"As a priestess you must have had some healer's training. I have had-- an accident and I require your assistance."

"I am Sssynessstra, in the ssserviccce of Hyzzzperzzzia, the Ancccient Ssserpent. I minissster to any and all who need me." Synestra thought that she might have been called in for the slave girl, but to all appearances it was the mistress who suffered more.

B'sylla turned her unsettling red gaze to look upon the serpent- tongued woman. She opened the robe revealing the large fresh burn, "Please, could you help me with this."

Synestra rang for the servant girl who answered instantly, obviously she had been listening right outside the door. The priestess ordered linen bandages, feverfew salve, more wine, and dinner for the Lady. A bit later she had tied off the bandage and helped B'sylla into a lighter robe. She sat opposite the woman.

"Were you ssincccere about needing ssspiritual guidanccce?" Synestra asked as the albino drank some barley broth.

"Which is the greater sin? Betraying a trust or allowing an injustice to continue?" B'sylla asked.

"An injusssticcce that affectsss the greater number ssset to rightsss -- that isss the sssoul'sss true north. Loyalty isss in the heart, it isss not a ssseamlesss whole. Cccircumssstancccesss change. May I asssk how you will choossse?" Synestra took the empty bowl then handed B'sylla a plate of thinly sliced quail with honey and apricots over wild rice.

B'sylla took a few bites, marveling that someone--a stranger who must surely be wary of an odd visitor, could be truly concerned and solicitous without being patronizing. The genuine care was so foreign to B'sylla, having it made her heart feel whole.

"I will chose what I must, though I do not doubt this pain--(B'sylla indicated her bandaged chest,) "will be the least of them." She set the plate aside half-empty. This woman, while not an enemy could be a valuable ally.

"My goddesss callsss all things hersss. Rebirth and renewal are her giftsss," Synestra told the albino.

B'sylla nodded, "I'm sure She does, though all things may not recognize Her. I am weary. May we speak another time?"

"Cccertainly," Synestra rose. "If you wisssh me to change the dresssing, do not hesssitate to asssk."

"Thank you for all you've done," B'sylla bowed her head to the priestess and watched her leave. She closed and locked the door, wondering if ancient serpent goddesses watched over basilisk souls.

____****____

(Part 24 by Aria) --

"I am going to make sure both visitors get a piece of my mind. After I find out more," Aria promised. She looked up at Ikarias and ran her hands over the jade scales. "Then I'll make a silk purse out of a sow's ear." She kissed Iky thoroughly and walked away smiling.

Aria now all calmed down and deep in thought from Ikarias’ words, watched Synestra descend the steps and make her way over to the Lady. The Priestess was pondering something herself, Aria could sense it, so tapping the empty chair next to her, the Lady waited for her friend to come and sit beside her.

“A penny for your thoughts, Syn”, Aria asked knowing in her bones what it was about.

“I jussst ssspent ssssome time with our guessstsss”, The Priestess shared.

“I am glad you found some time for that poor girl, Syn. I do not know how she tolerates being treated like chattel” Aria said, not totally ignoring her inner voice’s grumblings.

“No, dear… I ssspent time with the Owner of the poor girl.”

“Why did you say it like that”, Aria asked instantly more interested.

“Because there was a sssincerity, a gentlenesssss to her not often found in women of her ssstature.”

“Ikarias believes there is more to this couple than meets the eye as well, Syn do you pick up on anything off kilter here too?"

“It isss too sssoon for asssssumptions little one, but I will sssay that when I am in the company of the misssshapen woman I am at eassse, but when the ssslave girl is afoot, my head throbsss in an almossst ungodly way.”

Aria had come to trust the gifts her Dragon and Snake enjoyed… they were blessed with many skills not often extended to full blooded humans.

“I too, have caught some oddities between the two”, Aria mused… thinking privately she needed to keep the guests away from Killian…at least until she was sure of their true intentions. Aria went on to say…

“What I have a hard time with my friend is… the pain I find in the older woman’s face. Why would a woman with her position in life, have so much anguish behind those eyes? Why would she seem so uncomfortable in her own skin? Why would she say something about slave, and then steal a look to see the girl’s reaction?

“All good quessstions, dear Lady”… Synestra smiled remembering Aria’s infamous need to ask questions, “I sssee that character trait did not wasssh away with the love of your Lodge sssisssstersss.”

“Now, now my snake like one… my senses may have dulled a bit, but they still serve me well”, Aria assured the Priestess. Aria went to ask Syn a question when the eeriest feeling feel over the room. People were talking and moving, but it seemed to Aria that they were going in slow motion… as if caught in some time warp.

“Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrria, Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrria”

Pushing down the feeling, she tried to focus on the question she had for Synestra.

“ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRIA, LISTEN TO ME. I RISK MUCH COMING TO YOU NOW!”

Aria realized finally what was happening to her, her Book was calling to her and she was wide awake.

“Oh Book, I thought you were gone forever” Aria said truly glad for its return.

“I have only seconds, little one… she is too close and I am taking great chances”

Aria had yet to register any fear, instead caught up with the joy of the unexpected visit.

“Come here old friend, let me hold you again”, Aria said gently lifting the book to her bosom.

“ARIA, LISTEN TO ME!”

Startled by the tone, Aria felt her delight slip away and replaced with a slow building fear.

“Yes, Book… talk to me, you’ve got my attention, now.”

“Trust your inner eye Aria, trust only the ones, you know - save one… keep everyone else at bay.”

“You mean the strangers, don’t you Book…?”

“She wakes, Aria… I must go now. It is very dangerous time for us but I will try to come to when I can.”

“Noooo Book, please… you need to stay and guide me, please stay.”

“Trust only thooooooose yooooooou knoooooooooow.”

Real-time had returned to the room and Aria found Synestra looking oddly at her.

“Have you heard an ssssingle word I’ve said Aria?” Syn asked, looking concerned. Aria was just about to assure Synestra, when she saw the Owner and her slave enter the main hall. Walking directly to the Lady and her Snake, the Albino informed Aria they had both just risen from a much needed nap and now they sought some food and drink.

“You were both… sleeping?” Aria asked trying to keep her tone calm.

“Yes girl… I, I mean Aria, we both required some rest before joining the inhabitants of the quaint establishment, why do you ask?”

Aria felt the Book’s words cut through her memory like a knife, they replayed in her mind with amazing clarity…

“She wakes, Aria… I must go now”

Synestra watched the color drain from Aria’s face, yet the Lady did not say a word. With her head now pounding, the Priestess excused herself reluctantly and immediately went in search of the Dragon.

____****____

(Part 25 by Ikarias) --

Renzi wandered the grounds, careful to let no one see her, but made sure she saw everything she could. The stables and barns, the hotsprings and gardens, the movement of the lodgers, all made a definite exploitable pattern.

Who to try first? She had a definite itch for Sirius, one which would require careful scratching. The tang of magick surrounded that one like the scent of air twitching just after a lightning hit. That would make her easy to follow. Renzi could be blind and deaf and still find the delicious mage-wanna-be. She was a rose among weeds, honey among bitter herbs, and Renzi didn't think she wanted to save her for last. At least try Sirius out with this body. She hated waiting for gratification.

Renzi leaned back in the corner of the barn where she still had a good view and stroked slowly between her legs. Her fingers slipped back and forth, the wetness flowing faster as her thoughts went to causing pain and devastation.

Would Sirius pity Renzi, want to protect her, or want favors for her shielding? Time to get a feel for this Sirius, find her weakness and play her. Between the twin prongs of magickal power far beyond her minute flickerings, and the lure of lust above the usual flimsy mortal grunting, lay realms of fantastic intensity. Renzi would take care. Young sorcery workers could be rather touchy and paranoid. She certainly didn't want to lose Sirius, at least not until she found out everything there was to know and taste, then… who knows.

Oh, to see that proud head bowed as Renzi's slave. Crawling to service her, bearing the marks of her whip. Learning more but never enough to satisfy and always wanting another lesson, Sirius would be at her mercy and her fingertips. Renzi touched herself rougher, feeling the wetness at thoughts of Sirius in chains, naked and being well and truly fucked, screaming Renzi's name. Or better yet, begging to cum for her Master. Renzi's hand moved faster.

That Faelet twat laughing with the girl Killian made Renzi's palms itch. She'll get that faery slut alone and show that flighty elfin abomination how expendable faeries really were. Meddling flitters had all the charm of a bloodfly. Renzi could use a new footstool to go with her faerie bone throne. Immobilize the little bitch, strip off her skin and leave her raw and aware of every breath of air on her body. Renzi's breath caught and she sighed harshly with the orgasm.

Oh, and that dragon bitch chopping wood was going to die so slowly. Maybe Renzi would let Sirius play with the human part. She hated that her magic was ineffective against the scaled bastard half-breed. But she could do to things that touch Ikarias, things that she used often, comfortable with their innocuous bland, everyday function. Like her worn boots. Renzi's fingers moved in the air, still glistening from her climax.

"Tread on the weary, brook no merciful query, ignore the unworthy core. Unfeeling as leather, hostile as winter heather, each one is your personal whore. Dragon so bold, your compassion is sold, for cruelty, lusting for more."

That spell should pit Aria against her champion, and guarantee Ikarias' enmity with all the caring souls who pitied the oppressed. Renzi always did like the occasional rough trade, she hoped the half- lizard knew which end to fist.

Renzi pulled her tunic down and wandered to the back door. She hunched her shoulders, looked forlorn and sniffed. The cook, seeing the poor slave girl, gave her a thick slice of bread with fresh honey. "You needn't go hungry in my domain. The lodgers may play their little games but none do so on an empty stomach while I'm here!"

"Thank you mistress cook," Renzi was appropriately grateful as she gobbled the warm gooey hunk before scurrying upstairs.

Renzi slammed the back door behind her, waking B'sylla as she lay on the great bed. "Time to make our appearance. You look like shit. Very appropriate." She picked up the white cane and holding the hilt to her lips, whispered loudly, "Tell the hag here to behave or you'll have lots of company. Then I could open up a shop for gimps." She laughed cruelly tossing the cane beside B'sylla.

The albino got off the bed, careful to keep her robe shut. Her nap had been brief, but restful. The priestess had gentle hands and the burn was not nearly as painful. She nodded and rising put on the veil. She moved stiffly out the door and down to the main room.

Aria looked pale as Synestra nodded to B'sylla and left to find Ikarias. The albino sat carefully in an overstuffed chair, across from the assassin as Renzi knelt next to her mistress' feet. She kept her eyes down while rubbing the gold ring about her neck as if it chafed.

"You who are hale do not need to nap as I do. She slept well enough on the floor," B'sylla slapped the cane end against Renzi's naked thigh.

Renzi kept still. Things should start getting very interesting very soon.

Ikarias wiped her hands and left the last stack of wood by the kitchen overhang. She lay the axe on the pegs behind the door and stamped her feet to get rid of an odd tingling. All work and no play made Iky a dull girl. She went to her room and found the rarely used phallus she'd gotten as a bad joke a while ago. She dropped her suede pants, secured it snuggly into the harness, then even closer against her center. She fastened the pants close and rubbed the respectable bulge.

The room where the newcomers had been was empty. Ikarias heard the mellow voice of the mistress downstairs and strode into the room.

"Aria, darlin', you see a ghost? You look like hell. Afternoon Lady B. Is that offer of stress reduction with the cunt still good?"

____****____

End Parts 1 thru 25, January 2003 thru March 2003
By Ikarias, Aria, and Lord Sirius