The Fantasy Trove

Everyone heads to the Pillar of Fire’s demesne to get answers on who Jessica is. Will their worst fears be realized, or is something else afoot?

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Chapter 17a

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Prodigal Daughter

The sharp tones of Eldon’s cellphone ringing startled him awake.

“Wha—?” He rubbed his eyes and sat up. Mandy groaned and rolled away from him, but Shlee whimpered and cuddled up closer. They were together on the floor at the foot of the bed. Sonia and Shelly were near the front of the car, sleeping by the fountain. His mom and dad had the bed and didn’t seem to notice Eldon’s phone ringing.

By the time he pulled it from the glove compartment where he’d placed it after calling the president yesterday, he’d missed the call. He didn’t recognize the number. Putting the phone back, he turned back to his girlfriends when it dinged to let him know he had a voicemail.

He looked out the front windshield, rubbing his eyes again to get rid of a few crusties. With the magical spacial difference between the interior and exterior of the car, the view was distorted, but not enough that he couldn’t make out the sun rising out over the horizon. They were on land after traveling through the Atlantic Ocean all night. Eldon didn’t know if they were travelling across Africa to get to Egypt, or if they’d entered the Mediterranean and were in Egypt now. Either way, it explained why he had cell phone service.

He glanced at Shlee and Mandy, the former being held in the latter’s four arms, and decided that looked more enjoyable than listening to the voicemail.

Unfortunately, just as he took a step towards them and a bit more sleep, his phone rang again.

“Who’s calling at this hour?” his mom demanded with an angry groan.

Eldon rushed back to his phone before it could wake her or anyone else up more.

“Hello?” he asked in a quiet voice as he sat in the passenger seat. Despite all the changes that’d happened to the Orange Bubble, it still had its original front seats, steering wheel, and dashboard. The speedometer was pegged; no telling how fast they were going.

“Is this Sheldon Lance?” a female voice asked from the other end. Before he could answer, it continued, “Of course it is, sorry. I just listened to your voicemail greeting a few seconds ago.”

“I prefer Eldon. Who is this?” he responded, still keeping his voice low.

“It’s me, I—” the voice cut off, an unmistakable sound of disappointment filling the other end. “I guess I can understand why you don’t remember me. It was just that one kiss, but it was one helluva kiss! I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. Or about you.”

“A kiss?” Eldon asked, trying to figure out who this was, but coming up blank.

“I tried to see you when you were in the hospital, but they wouldn’t let me in,” she continued as though she hadn’t heard him. “Then I tried to get your attention as you left. I thought you might have looked at me, but you just got into your car. By the way, how did you all fit in there? Is it like a clown car or is it magical, like you and that kiss?”

“Who are you?” Eldon asked again. This time his voice rose a little as he tried to get a straight answer from her. He remembered some strange redhead yelling for him as he left the hospital, but there were more important things on his mind then. How had she gotten his number? Hadn’t Sonia said her name was… “Megan?” the word slipped from his mouth before he could think better of it.

“You do remember me!” she squealed loud enough that he had to pull the phone away from his ear. “I told Bobby you would. He didn’t believe me when I dumped his stupid jealous ass.”

“Um, yeah…” Eldon grimaced as he tried to think of a polite way to get her off the phone. “So—”

“So I know you’re a busy man and all, what with your father being who he is, but I was wondering if we could get together sometime?” She was like a runaway bull, not even letting him get in a word.

“I’m in Egypt right now, and about to go to the Shadow World—” he tried again, but she interrupted.

“Oh, I would love to visit the Shadow World. I can’t afford a plane ticket to Egypt, but I can get to the nearest portal here in New York. How do I find you once I’m there?” Runaway bull? No, she was a freaking freight train.

“You’re not going to win this one, Lover,” Shlee whispered next to him right before licking his neck.

He jumped, not having heard her approach. She was like a stalking wolf when she wanted to be.

“I know,” he whispered and covered the mouthpiece of the phone. “But she doesn’t listen to me!”

“Tell her you have two girlfriends already,” Mandy stated as she came up next to Shlee. Both women were fully dressed, but they were beautiful with their hair slightly tousled. “The truth is usually best, anyway. Despite how you were raised, most women don’t like sharing.” She covered her mouth with her two left hands as she yawned.

“Hello? Are you there?” there was fear in Megan’s voice as she asked. “Is the reception terrible in Egypt?”

Eldon swallowed, worried that he was about to break her heart, but it was better this way. He didn’t know why he was worried about a woman he didn’t know, even if she claimed to know him. Perhaps he was getting too soft.

“Look, Megan, I already have two girlfriends, and I, uh…” this time he trailed off, surprised he even got that much out.

“Oh…” she sounded speechless for the first time since he answered his phone. It didn’t last long. “The four-armed woman, and Shlee Olsen, right? I mean, I knew about your dad and his wives, so it kind of makes sense. That also explains why you’re so damned good at kissing! You must get a lot of practice. They’re both pretty hot, so I can understand why you wouldn’t want to be seen with someone like me.”

“I didn’t mean it like that,” he told her before he could stop the words from escaping his mouth. He glared at Mandy, blaming her for the truth slipping from his tongue, but his lips weren’t done yet. “You’re pretty hot and sexy too.” He cringed as he realized what he’d just said, but couldn’t take it back. She had looked pretty hot in that miniskirt outside the hospital.

“Way to go, Casanova.” Shlee poked him in the arm.

“Really? You think so?” The hope and joy in her voice made the rock in his stomach heavier. “Well, I guess I can deal with you having two other girlfriends. I mean, it’s not like they’re not hot, too. I’m not into women, normally, understand, but if it means getting a better crack at those lips of yours, I could put up with it. Unless… of course, your women aren’t forced into that kind of relationship. What am I saying? You’re a guy. Why wouldn’t you take them at the same time?”

“Um, but I’m not looking for another…” he trailed off as a thought struck him. “Wait, you’re only interested in me because of my kissing skill? You do realize how dangerous it is to be around me or my family, right? My stepmom just died, and another one sacrificed herself to heal me after I was shot down in a helicopter. It’s not safe to be with me.”

“Well, not just how deliciously you kissed me at the club, but I’ve seen you in the news lately,” Megan said with an uncertain smile in her voice. “Shlee Olsen has done a number of stories on you, and I have to admit they paint you in a pretty good light. You’re brave, smart, and willing to protect those you care about. Pretty good qualities in any man.”

“Hold on,” Eldon blinked a few times as he tried to wrap his mind around her speech. He covered the mouthpiece with his thumb and glared at Shlee, “You’ve been doing stories on me?” he hissed at her.

“Of course,” Shlee shrugged. If he didn’t know her better, he would have said her smile was innocent. “I have to keep my cover with the station, and right now you’re hot stuff. And I’m not just talking about your perpetual boner, or that rocking body, or how brave, smart, and willing you are to protect those you care about.” She finished her diatribe with a quick lick of his cheek.

He doubled his glare at the werewolf as he put the phone back to his ear. “Sorry about that. I just had to confirm something. So, you know about me from some kiss, and from what the media is saying about me? You know you can’t trust the news, right?”

Shlee gave him a dirty look and another poke, but he ignored it.

“That wasn’t just some kiss!” Megan tittered on the other end. “But, I understand about the news not always giving the whole story. I also know that you could have beat up my stupid ex, instead of trying to avoid violence. And anyone who can have more than one girlfriend can’t have jealousy issues, unlike Bobby. I can’t believe that a bad person could kiss like you did. There was so much passion, and yet there was tenderness also. Even though you didn’t know me, I could tell in that single kiss what kind of a person you are.”

“Okay,” he replied, unsure how he felt about her comments. He was flattered on one level, but he still didn’t really know who she was. If he were honest with himself, he was a bit creeped out by her. “But I’m not… I mean, I have two girlfriends, and my life is pretty hectic, not to mention dangerous. I don’t want to—”

“I know it’s not because I’m human,” she interrupted. “I mean, you’re dating Shlee Olsen. It’s obvious she’s brave, but she doesn’t look like the type that can really defend herself. I don’t know. I may be wrong, but from the way she’s described you in her reports, you end up protecting her a lot. On the other hand, I know a dozen types of martial arts. I am a top marksman with multiple guns, and even a bow and arrow.”

“Um, okay,” he responded. Why was she telling him all that? He hadn’t asked for her resume. And she definitely didn’t know about Shlee. When he got a chance, he was going to ask Brooke how she dealt with stalkers.

“I grew up in Texas, and you don’t mess with Texas,” She told him as though that answered everything. “Especially not the daughter of a Texan sheriff, who also happened to play as a linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys before that. Daddy believed that a woman shouldn’t rely on a man to protect her, but should know how to stand on her own. He taught me how to shoot, fight, spit, swear, and everything else a big girl should know. Except, that is, how to find a decent man who can handle me. I think you’re that man.”

Eldon pulled the phone away from his ear and looked at it, as though he had no idea what it was. Was this girl for real? She seemed like a stalker, but one that could do some serious damage. She’d make a good ally, and a bad enemy. If she’s not crazy.

Shlee’s snickering pulled him out of his thoughts. Of course she’d find this situation funny. Mandy was also grinning, though he suspected she was enjoying his end of things, not able to hear as well as Shlee could.

He pinched the bridge of his nose as he thought through his next response. Placing the phone to his ear, he took a deep breath before telling her, “Megan, I truly appreciate you taking the time to call me. I have your number now, and I’m about to head into the Shadow World to talk to the Pillar of Fire, so I’ll have to call you back. I meant what I said about not looking for any more girlfriends, but you seem like an interesting person, and I know our cause could always use more capable people like you. Maybe the four of us could talk—Shlee, Mandy my other girlfriend, you, and I—when I get back?”

“That was quite diplomatically handled, Son,” Lyden complimented his son.

“You don’t understand women, Master,” Sheila informed her husband. “His words were kind, but he either just slapped her in the face, or gave her exactly what she wanted.”

Eldon‘s heart sank again as he wondered if he’d just made an enemy. That was the last thing he needed. The silence on the other end didn’t make him feel any better.

“I see…” Megan said after a few more seconds of silence passed. “I understand that you’re a busy man, what with saving the president and protecting both worlds. I want you to know that I don’t have any problems with the Lydonese. I’m not prejudiced like Bobby is. In fact, I’ll prove that to you. Thank you very much for taking the time to talk to me, Sheldon Lance. I can’t wait to see you again.”

Eldon opened his mouth but had nothing to say. It wouldn’t have mattered, though, as she hung up on him.

“He appears to have your luck with women, Master,” Sheila stated.

Eldon looked at his dad and mom, confused. Her words seemed like a blessing, but her tone made it sound like a curse. His father didn’t have trouble with women. All his wives loved and trusted him. Lyden Snow didn’t have any problems with women at all.

“I guess now is the perfect time to bring this up, then,” Lyden groaned as he sat on the edge of the fountain. “I haven’t told you kids this. And Shlee? I expect this to be off the record. I don’t want any of what I’m about to tell you, to end up in the news. Understood?”

“Yes, Mister Snow,” Shlee nodded. “You can trust my discretion. Nothing will be told that you need kept silent.” If Mandy hadn’t been in the car, Eldon would have doubted her honesty because of how solemn she looked. Such a change from when she was laughing or glaring at Eldon a moment ago.

“What’s going on, Dad?” Shelly asked.

“Relations between Ambassador Snow and the Pillar of Fire have been cool as of late. No pun intended,” Sonia informed them.

Lyden shook his head with a groan. “Figures the government would know about that.”

Sonia either didn’t notice his annoyed tone, or she didn’t care. “After your resurrection, you would take the time to visit the Pillar of Fire at least once a month. However, over the last year, you have been to see her only twice.”

“I didn’t realize how closely the U.S. government was keeping track of all my movements,” Lyden stated with an edge to his tone. “Does it also count my calories and measure how much I piss?”

“Your caloric intake is not considered important, and a little less than half a gallon on average.” Eldon coughed as he heard Sonia’s words. The android noticed the angry look in the older man’s eyes as she hastened to add, “You are considered a person of interest. My words weren’t intended to cause you pain or anger. The only reason I have the stat on your urination is because that is the average for a healthy male, aged fifty-two. I meant no disrespect. It looked like your news was painful to speak, so I hoped to alleviate that pain, and speak it myself.”

Lyden visibly pulled himself together before giving Sonia a nod. “I see. Well, in the future, I prefer to speak my own words, even if they’re painful. I appreciate the thought behind your actions.”

Eldon saw his sister reach out and squeeze Sonia’s hand in comfort. Sonia smiled back at her as they sat on the bed.

“Well, as she said, things haven’t been all hot and fiery between Angela and me lately,” Lyden spoke as he stared at the floor. “She’s always been one to hold her secrets close, and whenever possible, I’ve tried to let her have them. About a year ago, she started growing distant. I didn’t think about it at the time, as she always had a good reason to not have me visit. Her responsibilities as the Pillar of Fire keep her busy, and even when things were great, we weren’t always able to spend a lot of time together. With Jessica’s news, I wonder about that now. Could it have started when Jessica escaped from her? Why did Angela feel the need to keep her existence a secret from me?”

Eldon noticed a tear run down his father’s cheek and slip from his chin.

“We’ll ask her together, Dad,” Shelly offered him.

He nodded and stood up, walking to the front of the car and taking the driver’s seat. Sheila touched her son’s shoulder, and he got up from the passenger seat, letting his parents take the front.

Eldon walked over to the fountain and saw Areth’s statue sitting there. He was surprised, as his father hadn’t let it out of his grasp since her sacrifice to restore him. Her golden form stood four inches tall, and there was a smile on her gentle features.

He felt his heart breaking again as he reached for her. He still didn’t understand why she would give up everything, not to save his life, but to restore his body. He’d always thought she was selfish and self-centered. Her sacrifice made him question it all.

His fingers wrapped around her slim form and he cried out in shock, dropping her into the fountain.

“What’s wrong?” Mandy asked. She reached in with one of her hands and pulled Areth’s statue from the water.

Shlee came over to him and sniffed at his hand.

“I… I don’t know,” he stared at his appendage, then to the statue. “I picked her up, and I thought… I felt…” He shook his head, unable to form the words he wanted. There had been something there when he gripped her. He didn’t feel her presence or hear her voice, but there was a shock. His hand felt stiff, but as he formed a fist, his fingers moved with ease. The weirdest part was that she felt unnaturally warm. “Let me see her again,” he told Mandy.

She looked between them for a moment before carefully handing the wet idol across. He steeled himself, but when he took her, all he felt was her warmth. She wasn’t hot, but definitely warmer than the rest of the car’s interior.

The car shuddered, almost making Eldon drop Areth again.

“What?” Mandy asked.

“I think we’re there,” Lyden said as he got up from his seat. He didn’t sound certain, though. As Eldon looked past him, he could see that they were still moving.

“No….” Mandy said as she looked around the car. “No way…. Are you sure?”

“What’s she talking about?” Shlee asked him.

Eldon shrugged his shoulders, uncertain. Then he remembered Mandy having a conversation with the Orange Bubble outside the hospital. He stood up and almost fell back down. His knees felt like rubber beneath him and he had to set the statue back on the edge of the fountain.

“It did?” Mandy asked the car.

“What’s going on?” Shelly asked, finally getting out of bed. Sonia was right there with her. Shelly may have claimed to only want a friend for now, but the two women were acting like there was more to their relationship as they stood next to each other, staring at the four-armed woman.

“We had someone else in the car for a moment,” Mandy stated even as she shook her head. “The car was worried because of what happened when the Knights took Shelly, Becky, and Jessica. Whomever it was, they’re gone now.”

Eldon looked at the statue again and his stomach twisted. He sat back down and gripped Areth again. The car shuddered again, but this time Mandy looked right at him.

“I—I think it’s Areth,” he said in a whisper, unable to get much volume to his voice.

Lyden moved with lightning speed, faster than any human could. He pulled the statue from Eldon’s loose grip.

“Areth? Are you there?” Lyden panted. “Arethusa? Answer me!”

“It’s gone,” Mandy stated in a strained voice.

Shock and despair crawled across Lyden’s face as a new set of tears formed in his eyes.  Eldon had thought that his father was holding up well after the near back-to-back losses of Areth and Becky, but as he looked into the face of anguish, he realized his father was masking his feelings. How much more pain must he be in because of what Jessica said?

“May I, Dad?” he asked, holding out his hands.

Lyden looked at him as though seeing him for the first time. “The golden glow,” he said in a voice just above a whisper. Then louder, “The golden glow! We love you son! She loved you! It must be your touch.”

Eldon accepted the weight of the statue into his hands, waiting for the car to shudder again.

It didn’t.

They looked to Mandy, but she shook her head. “I’m sorry, but the car says it’s just us.”

Eldon’s vision grew blurry as he pulled the statue to his chest. “Come on,” he muttered under his breath. “Live, Areth. Come back to us.” The statue still felt warm, but that was all he could sense.

The car lurched and everyone looked at him, full of expectation.

“I—I don’t know,” he told them.

“No,” Mandy said into the loud silence that followed his statement. “We’re actually at our destination this time. We just went through the portal to the Shadow World.” She paused for a moment, cocking her head as though listening to something only she could hear. Which, Eldon realized, was exactly what she was doing. “Someone is waiting for us in the tunnel outside. The car says it’s a friend.”

Eldon handed the fairy back and looked away as his father kissed her golden head. Lyden whispered something but Eldon couldn’t hear it. He felt defeated, and the loss of the fairy was sharp in his chest all over again. Was there nothing he could do properly? It seemed like this day was nothing but failures and misunderstandings.

The inside of the car felt too full all of a sudden. He moved to leave, curious as to who was waiting for them.

“No, Master, she must stay here,” Sheila’s voice reached Eldon’s ears. He turned to see something that couldn’t be more alien to him than if the sky was orange and an ogre started reading Shakespeare. His mother was confronting his father, stopping him from doing something. Her hand was on his chest, blocking him from following Eldon out.

“But what if—” he pleaded back.

“No,” she said a little more firm. She stepped closer to him and brushed his lips with her own. “She is a water fairy. Taking her into the Pillar of Fire’s demesne would only cause her pain. Leave her by the fountain, Master. She will be happier there.”

For a moment Eldon thought his dad was going to order her to move, but then his eyes softened. “You’re talking about her as though she’s still alive.” He placed his left hand on Sheila’s shoulder and pulled her into a hug. “Thank you, my love.”

Lyden stepped away and placed Areth on the edge of the fountain. When he turned back around, Sheila was frowning at him. He chuckled and shook his head. When he spoke again, his voice was firm and commanding. “I won’t forget that you defied me, Slave. Your punishment will be most severe for that.”

“Yes, Master,” Sheila bowed her head, but Eldon saw the smile that split her lips.

“Your parents are weird,” Shlee muttered as she stepped past him. Sonia and Shelly were already outside, and Mandy was right behind the werewolf.

“Yeah, but they love each other,” Eldon smiled and followed them out to give his parents a moment of privacy.

“Hot damn!” came a voice he recognized. “Is that bulge in your pants because you knew I was out here waiting for you?”

“Jen? Jennifer?” Eldon asked with a groan. “Did you come here to personally escort us?”

“Heh, heh,” she gave him a dirty chuckle. “Yeah, I’ll be your escort.” Her tone left little doubt to the fact that she was thinking of a different kind of escort. That laugh did wonderful things to her massive bosom. Eldon knew magic had to be involved with the size of her breasts, but the one time he’d gotten up enough courage to ask his father, he was told they were one-hundred percent real. “Normally when I play that role, I charge a bill an hour, but for you, big guy—and from the looks of it, I do mean big—I’m at your mercy.”

“Ha, ha, Jen,” Shelly mocked. “As you can see, he’s not that easy to embarrass anymore.”

“Is that really you, Shelly?” Jen spun on her. “Wow, you’re looking pretty hot also! Your dad really had some good genes to pass on.” She spun back around to face Eldon. “Now I understand that bulge, being surrounded by this many great looking women has to have you horny twenty-four/seven!”

“I’m his sister!” Shelly stated, her cheeks going deep red.

“So?” Jen winked at Eldon before turning back to Shelly. “If I had a sister as hot as you, I’d be trying to get into your pants, and Sheldon knows how hard I’ve tried to get into his pants.”

“You never seem to change, Jen,” Sheila laughed as she led Lyden from the car. “Quit teasing the kids before Sonia takes offense and shoots you with a laser or something.”

Eldon glanced at Sonia and noticed that the android looked angry as Shelly gripped her hand, keeping her back.

“Can you blame me?” Jen laughed back. “Oh, the fun I could have with these two. All the teasing, the licking, the sucking, the fu—”

“Jen,” Lyden’s voice cut through Jen’s playful banter.

“You always were a stiff one,” Jen smiled. “Of course, that’s one of the things I love about you. I still get wet every time I think about how stiff you were when you took my virginity.”

“One of the things you love, huh?” Eldon smirked, thinking that for once he might have gotten the better of the salacious woman with Mandy around.

Jen turned on him, but the embarrassed look he hoped for was missing. Instead, she was grinning from ear to ear. “I know all about Mandy’s ability. Old Angie filled me in before she sent me to collect you. As such, know that I stopped on my way down here, and shoved three fingers up my little quim and fantasized about having that thick cock of yours ramming me from behind while I sucked off your wonderful father. Ha! I can still embarrass you!”

“My slave was right, Jen. You never change. In fact, you look no older than you did after the Chaos War.” Lyden stepped up to her and looked closer.

“About time you noticed my young girlish figure,” Jen cackled. “Angie helped me convince old Marchosias to help convert me to a succubus. Let me tell you, that man knows how to screw! But he’ll never compare to you.”

Eldon knew her words had to be the truth with Mandy right there, but he didn’t want to hear any more of that.

“The Pillar of Fire sent you to meet us?” Eldon asked.

“I didn’t send word ahead to her,” Lyden said before Jen could respond.

“She’s always watching you and your family.” Jen’s grin doubled in size. “She’s quite the voyeur.” Her grin vanished and she grew serious. “She saw what happened at the Knight’s compound. There was plenty of fire for her to see through. When she felt your car coming to Egypt, she knew you were finally coming to see her. You hurt her Lyden, by waiting so long.”

Lyden’s voice was sad but strong as he spoke. “It couldn’t be helped. Jessica’s actions have affected us all, and my children deserved to be here when we spoke to Angela. Besides, it’s not like she’s wanted to see me very much lately, either.”

“And what about Angela hiding the fact that we have a sister?” Eldon snapped. “Did she consider how much that would hurt us? Or Dad?”

“You don’t know of what you speak, Sheldon,” Jen told him. There was a fire burning behind her eyes, literally, that made him take a step away from her. “Do not bad-mouth my mistress. You have no idea how she suffers as the Pillar of Fire, nor do you understand anything about Jessica.”

“What do you know?” Lyden stepped forward, his voice demanding.

“That’s not for me to say,” Jen turned to look at the older man. Her face softened before a mischievous grin split her features. Her shirt melted away, leaving her topless. She hefted one heavy breast and licked her lips with hunger and desire. “But I’d be more than willing to let you try and torture it out of me.”

“Another time, maybe, Jen. I would prefer to talk to Angela as soon as possible,” Lyden informed her, though his eyes were locked on her massive bosom. She had to use magic to keep them from sagging.

“You sure?” Jen giggled and started to suckle the nipple of the breast she held. Her lips pulled back to show that she held the nub between her teeth, before closing them and pulling away with an audible pop. “Oh, fine. You’ve gotten stodgy as you’ve grown older. Are all your wives fucking your sense of humor out…” the twinkle left her eyes as she trailed off. “Forgive me, Lyden. I shouldn’t have said that. Becky was a great woman, and even Areth will be missed.”

“Even Areth?” Eldon snapped. “What do you mean by that? Areth was a great woman! She may have been annoying at times, but she cared more than her little size belied.”

“I meant no offense,” Jen said, backing away from his anger with her hands up. She was still topless, and Eldon felt his anger cooling as she apologized. “I’m sorry about the way I said that. The few times I met her, she brought a smile to my face. She was the only person I know who could match me in pervertedness.”

“Thank you for your kind words,” Lyden responded in a stiff tone, playing the diplomat. “Their loss weighs heavily on us all, and tempers are short. Jessica’s actions have complicated issues, and I would like to talk to the Pillar of Fire to find out what she’ll tell us.”

Jen grimaced before nodding. “I told her I wouldn’t be able to delay you long. Once your mind is made up, it’s as stiff and hard as your magical penis at driving for its goal.” She turned and headed for a tunnel leading out of the magma-heated cave they were standing in. Eldon realized sweat was dripping from his forehead and running down his back as he followed after. “Angela is waiting in her chambers for us. I know she wanted a little more time to make herself presentable for your arrival. Since Poseidon took over as the Pillar of Water, she’s been under a greater strain to maintain this world and its reality. I’m sure you understand no harm will come to your car.”

“She was upset that my dad took so long to arrive, but wanted you to delay us a little more?” Shelly demanded.

“As I said, she’s tired,” Jen said in a strained voice without turning to face them. “She takes her duties seriously, and wanted some time to freshen up before you saw her.”

“She’s a succubus,” Eldon mentioned. “She can look any way she wants to.”

“Unless all her power is being used to support this world,” Jen shot back.

“Then we shouldn’t delay any more,” Sonia broke in, placing her hand on Shelly’s shoulder. “There is still much to do, and we should be about it.”

They continued to follow the Pillar of Fire’s head of security. The cave they travelled through led up, and Eldon was glad he was in such good shape. He was still sweating, but his breathing was even as they entered a large antechamber.

“Lyden, the Pillar awaits you in her chambers,” Jen turned to face them. Her breasts swung from her movement, catching Eldon’s gaze before he could look away. Jen caught him looking and winked before turning back to Lyden. “She wanted to talk to you alone first.”

“No,” Lyden said, granite in his voice. “She knows I will not enter that room. Too many bad memories.”

“That was over twenty years ago,” a new voice broke in. Everyone looked to see a beautiful dark-skinned woman clad in fire and nothing else float into the room. Wings of flame sprouted from her back and carried her to them, over the magma fountain. “You once feared water like that. I know TanaVesta hurt you in there, my love, but she can’t hurt you anymore. Allow my love to heal those wounds.”

“She didn’t just hurt me,” Lyden growled. “She violated me. She ate my flesh, then raped me to heal me so she could do it again. I was forced to get over my fear of water to save Brooke, but I don’t have any reason to go into that room.”

“Not even if it’s for me?” Angela raised one fiery eyebrow, as her thick lips turned up in a soft smile. “I know your pain. I was forced to do much the same when I was under her control. I was hoping to talk to you about that in private, before…” She trailed off and descended to the marble floor, her head drooping and her flames dimming. Her wings disappeared. She took a deep breath before lifting her head and looking them all in the eyes. “I know why you are here. I know the secret that I’ve kept from you has caused you pain, though I hoped she would never get out, much less contact any of you.”

“So it’s all true?” Shelly demanded, her face going red with rage.

Mandy and Shlee stepped up next to Eldon, each taking an arm to comfort him. He felt his own anger rise at Angela’s confession, but his girlfriends’ presence grounded him. He gripped their hands, then turned to give each one a peck on the cheek to show his appreciation and love. When he turned back to Angela, he was surprised to see fiery tears sizzling on her dark cheeks.

“Sit down, and I will reveal everything,” Angela waved to some couches set around a fountain burbling with molten lava. “Not everything you’ve heard is true, and I can only hope you don’t judge me too harshly for what’s been done.”

As you might have noticed, we’ve added a new author to the blog, Jimmy Borther. Please go read his story, Will Stealer. He is looking for beta readers for his story. Not to steal from him, but I would also appreciate some beta readers. If you’re interested, write a comment below as constructive criticism and leave your email.

Okay, now to address the elephant in the room. Yes, there has been a HUGE gap between chapters. For that, I can only ask for your patience. No, this story isn’t dead. I already have a number of chapters written, and they’re waiting for edits. This year has been hell for getting any writing done. My usual pattern is to write three-four chapters ahead. As I finish one chapter, I go back and fix the obvious mistakes, then move onto the next. When Garbonzo has the time, he reviews the chapter, and sends me the fixes he’s found. I apply those fixes and tweaks, then go back over it again, taking what I’ve done in later chapters to make sure there are no discrepancies. This process takes a long time—I know—but it helps ensure that the whole story is more polished. Unfortunately, life, work, family, etc. get in the way of pumping these out in a timely fashion. This is why I’m asking for beta readers. It’s my hope that they might help speed things up. Jimmy had a great idea about that, and I’m going to piggyback off of it. If I accept you as a beta reader, it means I expect you to read a chapter, find mistakes, plot holes, bad grammar, or get story ideas. Then send me the chapter back with your recommendations. Yes, you will get to read a chapter ahead of everyone else, but I won’t send the next chapter to you, until you’ve sent the previous one to me. Again, let me state that this story is not dead. I already have a third book planned.

Thank you for your concerns, and also thank you for reading my stories.

-Zerg Rush