Summoner 20, page 16
“I don’t think that would be an issue,” Sleet interjected. “I assume this would happen over the winter break?”
“That was my thought, yes,” I confirmed with him.
Headmaster Sleet shared a glance with Arwyn. “I don’t have a problem with it. I want us to remain cautious when it comes to the mistwolf threat, but I don’t think a short visit to Hawk Clan would be a problem. Miss Hamner, what are your thoughts?”
“I think it’s a wonderful idea,” Arwyn replied. “I know Freya has been feeling homesick, and I think it’s a good idea to maintain a friendly relationship with the Southern Clans. It could only benefit us further in the future.
“That’s an excellent point, Miss Hamner,” Sleet agreed with her. “It’s been quite some time since you’ve last spoken with the Clans. Even just a brief visit would prove to the Clans we are willing to maintain a working relationship with them.”
“I think that’s a great idea,” I chimed in. “Chief Fenrir and I left off on great terms, but I’m sure he’s not too thrilled his daughter hasn’t been by to see him. I’m hoping the introduction of our daughter will lessen that blow a little. Freya told me they would be overjoyed to meet Lahrra.”
“I have no doubt about that.” Sleet nodded as he mulled the idea over. “Okay, Mister Gryff. Should things come to a point of calmness by the time of winter break, I think it wouldn’t be a problem for you and your wife to travel to the Southern Continent.”
“Thank you, sir,” I said, and a smile broke out across my face. “I know this will mean a lot to Freya.”
“I like your shapeshifter.” The headmaster smiled back at me. “She has a delightful spirit, and she’s been so diligent in her studies I think she’s earned a bit of a break.”
“She likes you, too,” I chuckled. “She always speaks of you quite fondly.
The headmaster’s cheeks grew pink, and the flush of color suddenly shifted his air from professorial to grandfatherly. “I have a few things I must attend to, so if you don’t have anything else you’d like to discuss, I’ll leave you to a relaxing afternoon. Once again, Mister Gryff, congratulations on your triumph. I look forward to seeing you excel in your third-year courses.”
“Thank you, sir,” I said, and after the headmaster gave me a brief handshake, I stood from my chair and followed Arwyn out the door.
When we left his office, I felt another wave of relief crash over me. I’d done it. I was going to resume my third year of school and finally regain a small bit of normalcy again. I couldn’t believe how much I was actually looking forward to something as boring as classes, but this was a great feeling. I was getting so much closer to graduation, and while the idea was daunting, I was ready to near the next phase of my life.
That evening, over dinner, I filled the rest of my women in on the plan, and they seemed excited by the idea of visiting Hawk Clan.
“So, you’re thinking of going while we’re on our winter break?” Nia clarified. The ashen-haired elementalist had Nicolis in her arms, and she was attempting to bottle-feed him, but our silver-haired son was not interested.
“It would probably be the most ideal time,” I replied, and my wife nodded thoughtfully.
“Will you all come with us?” Freya asked in a hopeful voice. “I would love for my parents to meet my sister-wives and all of our children.”
The rest of the women exchanged glances with one another.
“I don’t know if it’s the best idea for all of us to go,” Ashla spoke up first, and the former mercenary offered my blonde wife a sympathetic gaze. “At least not me. I feel like the research team is getting closer and closer to translating at least part of Carth’s book, and I don’t feel comfortable abandoning them right now.”
“Do not worry about hurting my feelings,” Freya insisted, and she rested her hand on Ashla’s arm. “I would love for you to accompany us, but your work is important, my sister-wife. If you must stay, that is alright.”
“Thanks, Freya.” Ashla smiled at her. She rested her hand on top of the shapeshifter’s and squeezed it gently. “Please, give your parents my best.”
“Your best what?” Freya frowned.
“Sorry, just an expression,” the ice mage said quickly. “I just meant, tell them I said hello.”
“Oh, I understand.” The warrior princess gave her a firm nod.
“I’m afraid you’ll have to give them my best as well,” Arwyn chimed in. “My apologies, Freya, but I must also stay behind for the research team. I wouldn’t feel right leaving them right now.”
“I understand.” Freya nodded, but her gold-flecked brown eyes betrayed her disappointment.
“I don’t think the twins are quite old enough to travel,” Nia added. “Nessa would probably be fine, but Nicolis has such a hard time sleeping, I feel like an airship would be miserable. I’d feel more comfortable staying home this time. The next time, however, I would love to see Eyrie Island again.”
“I’m going to stay here, too,” Layla decided. “I think it would be fun to go, but I don’t want to leave Nia here with the twins alone if Ashla and Arwyn are going to be researching.”
“We can handle them.” Ashla shook her head, and her long braids whipped around from the motion. “Layla, if you’d like to go, you should go.”
“I think I should stay,” the petite summoner repeated. “Normally, I would take an opportunity like this in a heartbeat, but Daphne’s been super fussy lately, and I don’t think she’d like an airship much, either. She’s not calm like Olivir or Milo.”
“Cyra?” Freya asked quietly.
With each invitation rejection, I could see Freya’s eyes grow less and less sparkly, and I felt bad no one was able to join us. Their reasons were valid, but Freya had really looked forward to all of us going, so it was no surprise she was bummed.
“Of course, I’m coming.” Cyra grinned. “You and I do everything together. I think Milo can handle some shapeshifters just fine, and besides, he’s such a well-behaved kiddo. I think he’d love it. ”
“I am so pleased!” Freya grinned at the curly-haired summoner, and I let out a small sigh of relief.
“It looks like that only leaves Erin,” I said, and I turned to face my copper-haired lover. “What do you think, do you want to come with us?”
“Of course, I’m coming!” the mimic giggled as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Who else would fly an airship all the way out to Vay?”
“Almasy?” I joked.
“Take that back.” Erin’s amber eyes narrowed at me playfully. “I won’t take that kind of slander in my own home. Keith Almasy hasn’t got shit on my skills. No, I will be flying us to Vay.”
“Are you sure?” I asked. “Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to have you, but if you’re worried it’s too soon, don’t feel like you have to go because you’re the only pilot here.”
“As mentioned earlier, Olivir is pretty laid-back,” Erin replied as she poked at her food with her fork. “Not a lot rattles him, so I think he’d be okay with coming. Besides, I fully intend to make that kid a pilot one day, so he’s going to need all of the airship experience he can get.”
“If you think he can handle it, I think that would be a great experience for him,” I agreed with my lover. “And we would love having you with us.”
“Everyone else is alright with us leaving?” Freya addressed the rest of the group. “If it is too difficult, or not the right time with the children--”
“We’re perfectly fine with it, Freya,” Nia assured the blonde shapeshifter with a brilliant smile. “You haven’t seen your parents in so long. You deserve to go back for a visit. We’ve got everything under control here.”
“We’ll be okay.” Layla winked at Freya. “Go spend some time with Hawk Clan.”
“Thanks, everyone,” Freya gushed, and her stoic demeanor faded away. “I appreciate all of your support. For those who cannot join us, I will miss you dearly, but I will pass along my love to my parents. Maybe one day my other family will be able to meet us here in Mistral.”
“That would be wonderful, Freya,” Nia said. “Please let them know they’re welcome here any time. We certainly have the room for guests.”
“I will.” My warrior wife smiled at the multi-elementalist.
After that, everyone resumed eating, drinking, and laughing, and as I peered around at my beautiful women, my heart felt full. Life was pretty damn great. I’d aced the exam I’d worked so hard to pass, and now I had the trip to Eyrie Island to look forward to. Freya’s family was so welcoming, and I was excited to see my in-laws after such a long time and finally introduce them to our adorable daughter.
The weeks passed by with little tension or drama, much to my surprise. I waited eagerly for Hunnah or Quilla to show their faces near Varle, but it was almost as if the Archons were biding their time before they launched their attack.
Even stranger than the lack of attack was the disappearance of the mistwolves.
Following the conversation we’d had with the headmaster when we’d returned from Nattanger, Sleet had sent out correspondence and checked in with every last town, Enclave, and village where Hunnah’s pack had been spotted, but every letter that returned to Varle gave the same response: the mistwolves were gone. With how quickly they appeared, and how quickly they vanished, it was almost as if the mistwolves had never existed in the first place.
I wasn’t sure what to think. Part of me was relieved the threat was no longer as imminent, but the other part knew not to let my guard down. The ancient goddesses were known for their trickery, so it was only a matter of time before they struck.
The wolves’ absence motivated Arwyn, Ashla, the research team, and I to double down on our efforts of translating whatever materials we had. Countless days and nights were spent laboring over the research, but unfortunately, it didn’t get us very far.
The enchantment that had been placed on Carth’s book was an intense one, and every time we attempted to read the glyphs, they shifted around and blurred until they became illegible. It took all of my effort to remain calm, though there were many days where I lost my cool and gave in to the frustration.
“Why can’t we read from this stupid thing?” I asked one day as I slammed the book onto a table in anger. “How are we supposed to figure out Hunnah and Quilla’s plan if we can’t even read the damn book?”
Arwyn and Ashla jumped at the sudden noise, and both of my girlfriends rose from their places and crossed over to join me.
“Gryff, I know Carth is being incredibly difficult, but we need to try to get further with the interrogation,” Arwyn soothed me. “It’s becoming clear there’s a missing piece, something needed to break the enchantment that only Carth would know. I don’t know the best way to proceed--”
“I can try my best,” I insisted, though the words had a hint of hesitance I couldn’t hide. “Maybe Xanrith or Sera will have some ideas on how to deal with her properly. They know her better than everyone else, so I’m sure they’ll be able to tell me something.”
“I think that’s a good idea.” Ashla placed her hand on my shoulder. “I know it’s all extremely stressful to deal with, and I wish I had some way to take some of that burden from you--”
“Don’t even worry about it,” I insisted. “Sure, it’s not always fun, but I chose this for myself, whether I like to admit it or not. The Archons are mine to deal with, and I need to just deal with them as I would with any of my other monsters.”
So, that evening after dinner, once the kids were put to bed, I retired to my bedroom and tried to relax myself as much as possible. If I wanted Carth to obey me, I needed to remain calm and collected. Once I was comfortable, I reached into my consciousness and unbound the pair of Archons from their wards.
Hello, master, Sera purred. How may we serve you?
Hello, master, Xanrith echoed. I hope you are well this evening.
“I am, thank you,” I said politely, and then I focused on the task at hand. “I need insight on how to get Carth to tell me the Archon alliance’s plans. The last time I tried to get answers from her, I wasn’t successful, and since the mistwolves have all but vanished, I need to find out what their intentions are.”
Ah, Sera replied.
“It’s so strange that they’ve disappeared all of a sudden,” I said. “I can’t tell if they’re just waiting for an opportunity to strike, or if Hunnah has given up on her plan altogether.”
It could honestly go either way, Xan replied. But I would assume the former. Hunnah is a fierce warrior, and she usually doesn’t give in unless the circumstances are dire. However, there’s also a part of her that seems like it’s overcompensating for her insecurity. Maybe she’s realized there’s no way she could win.
That’s not a terrible suggestion, but when was the last time you saw Hunnah give in when she was outnumbered? Sera countered, and I could feel the irritation radiate from the dark-winged Archon.
When it comes to the question of how to subdue Carth further, short of holding her down and extracting the information by force, I’m not sure how to proceed. Xan blew right past Sera’s statement. Carth’s mind is highly secure, and even I’m not sure how to breach it.
Unfortunately, none of us have any type of magic that would allow us an advantage, Sera sighed. I can open endless numbers of portals, but I can’t infiltrate Carth’s inner thoughts.
“There’s nothing else I can try?” I sighed. There had to be another solution I wasn’t seeing. “If I have to extract it by force, I will, but I’d rather find another way first.”
How that ungrateful little horned wretch can keep you from commanding her is beyond me. Utuni’s voice suddenly slithered through my mind, and the snake goddess’ words were thick with bitterness. You are her master, not the other way around. If you issue her an order, she must obey you.
“Not now, Utuni,” I grumbled. I had nothing against the snake goddess, but at times, her fierce loyalty and bloodlust made it nearly impossible to carry on a conversation with her. Today was a prime example of one of those times.
How dare she disobey the orders of her master, Miralea chimed in. Master, I would never betray you in that way.
“I know, Miralea,” I sighed. “I appreciate it.”
Don’t be a suck-up, Miralea, you’re sounding like Xanrith, Phi sighed.
“Stop fighting,” I growled at the monster goddesses as their bickering crescendoed within my consciousness, and I coated my words with a flex of my will so they knew I was serious. “Unless any of you have an insight on how to get Carth to submit, this conversation is over.”
Shall we hold her down for you, master? Miralea suggested in a high-pitched, girlish voice. Perhaps if you used your thick cock to penetrate her once more, she’ll succumb to your rule.
“Do you think something like that would even work?” I asked. Carth was gorgeous, and sex with her was objectively awesome, but I wasn’t really in the mood to entertain the thought.
It couldn’t hurt to try, the jaguar goddess replied.
“I’ve fucked her twice now,” I reminded the Archons. “And either time, she didn’t want to obey my commands, so I’m not sure that’s the answer I’m looking for.”
It was merely a suggestion, Miralea pouted. If you do not wish to, you could always save that delicious cock for the rest of us.
Yes, penetrate me instead, master, Phi spoke up. Fill me with your seed and forget about Carth. If she doesn’t wish to be faithful, she is not worthy of your time or your love. We wish to serve you in every way we can.
Please, master, Veopa finally chimed in, and my head suddenly felt way too full.
“I appreciate your enthusiasm, but unfortunately, there are bigger tasks at hand,” I reminded the Archons. “If you don’t have a way for me to get answers out of Carth, I’m afraid I can’t give you what you want.”
I sent another wave of my will before the Archons could utter another word, and the wards around them snapped back into place. Once they were locked away, a sigh escaped my lips.
Fuck. I’d really banked on Xanrith and Sera having a solution for me, but I began to realize Utuni and Miralea’s suggestion might be the right direction. I would have to formulate a better strategy to keep Carth from spurning me again.
After a few more days passed along with no sightings of mistwolves or the Archons, my women and I were given the clear from the Headmaster to depart for Eyrie Island the night before winter break was to commence.
Freya was thrilled we could leave so soon, and I was surprised to learn she’d already packed for the trip.
“I packed the night we decided we were going to go,” the hawk-princess admitted, and her excitement was seriously cute. “I didn’t know when we would get approval, but I hoped it would be soon.”
“Well, that makes one less of us to worry about,” I laughed at my wife. “You make me feel like I’m a slacker.”
“No, I was merely excited,” Freya laughed with me.
“I’m not excited,” Cyra grumbled from behind us. Her bedroom door was wide open, and an expression of frustration hung across her features. “I hate packing.”
“I can assist,” Freya proposed, and she crossed over to her friend quickly and wrapped her arm around the curly-haired summoner. “I can tell you what to bring that will be warm enough. Eyrie Island is quite cold at this time of the year.”
“I could definitely use help there.” Cyra nodded.
“I will help.” The hawk-princess nodded back.
“I was also thinking… perhaps we can have a group activity when we arrive at Hawk Clan?” the dark-haired mage suggested, and her chocolate eyes swept between Freya and me. “If that’s something that would interest you?”
“Deal.” I grinned. There was no fucking way I was going to reject an offer like that. The only thing better than having sex with one of my women was having sex with them altogether, so the idea definitely made me thrilled.
