Dragon Riders of Etrea 2—Chapter 11

“I’d like to say I’m excited, but the truth is there isn’t much exciting about the town of Limestone,” Rasud said when the small town finally appeared on the horizon.

“Well, it’s still a first for me,” Shel replied. Faint creases at the corners of her eyes showed that she was stressed.

“Don’t worry, my dear. You’re going to be just fine,” Rasud said. “Just don’t mention orcs, okay? In fact, don’t even think about them. People get rather testy around here when you bring them up.”

“Orcs raided their farms, right?”

Rasud nodded. “Apparently in all his infinite wisdom, Chief Torgan had some raiding parties make their presence known. So yes, to put it mildly, the locals hate orcs.”

Shel frowned. “I wasn’t part of that, but it sounds like something he would do. He dreams of being a king and ruling over a large and powerful city, you know. The workers are making very good progress back in Silverkeep, constructing towering buildings from brick and stone. It’s amazing how quickly people work with a few death threats to spur them on.”

“You weren’t involved with that? Didn’t you work with Torgan fairly often?”

“Kind of,” Shel said. “He used me when he needed something, for the most part. I wasn’t an advisor or anything of that nature. In fact, beyond my magic he didn’t even really respect me. I was just another tool to him. When Torgan looks at someone, he just thinks of how he can use them.”

“He really sounds like a charming fellow,” Rasud said. “Well, if I ever get the chance I can assure you I’ll enjoy setting the man on fire. That’s the least he deserves.”

Shel smiled. “Few things would make me as happy as watching Torgan burn.”

“Well, maybe some of the food here will make you happy,” Rasud said as they drew nearer to the town. “What was the name of the inn here? Ah yes. End of the Road. A name that really fills you with high expectations, hmm? Well, at least the food was good. Can’t say as much about the attitude of the locals.”

“You say that like something happened,” Shel said, looking at him.

Rasud frowned. “I walked out back to use the outhouse in the small hours of the morning. Everyone should have been asleep, but one man saw me. I was careless and didn’t have my hood covering my face, so he saw that I was…not quite as handsome as I am now.”

“What happened?” Shel asked.

“Oh, he chased me back to my room and then gathered up his friends,” Rasud said, feeling sour at the memory. “They probably would have tried to hang me. My ancestors were ready to defend me but there were a lot of them.”

“Well, I’m just glad you got out safely,” Shel said.

“Yes, Henrik showed up and used his complex negotiation tactics to convince the men they would be better off somewhere else.” Rasud chuckled. “Ah, they didn’t even see him coming. It seems if people see you beat a man’s face into a wall, they lose their confidence.”

Shel shook her head. “I know I’ve said this before, but his temper terrifies me.”

“Oh, that wasn’t his temper! He was just grouchy because they woke him.”

“At least he’s on our side,” Shel said after a moment of contemplative silence.

They passed by the outermost houses in the town and Shel stared at them in fascination. She got plenty of looks in return; Rasud idly wondered how long it would take her to get used to being so beautiful by human standards. Of course she had been just as beautiful before, but not everyone could appreciate the strength in the orc features.

“The houses here are much different than they are back in—um, back home. These houses look…cozy.” Shel seemed to smile as she watched all around her. A young boy stared at her, his mouth open in amazement.

Shel moved her horse closer to Rasud’s and kept her voice low. “Why are they staring at me?” she asked in a near whisper.

Rasud smiled. “I really need to find you a mirror, darling.” She looked a question at him, so he explained further. “You’ve always been beautiful, but now you’re beautiful by their standards. And not just beautiful, but the kind of face a man might only see once or twice in a lifetime.”

Shel reached up and touched her face like it was a foreign object. “I still don’t know how I feel about this. It certainly makes life easier, I suppose.”

“Well, at least our children will be attractive, right? Let’s hope they get your height though,” Rasud said. Shel gave him a sharp look and he just laughed. Slipping those little comments in here and there would help break down her walls. Soon, she would be professing her love to him on a daily basis. Well, that or stabbing him, but he was hoping for the former as opposed to the latter.

Shel kept her horse next to Rasud’s, which made him happy. Even with his heritage, countless women had shared his bed over the years—as he was fond of saying, gold could make any man attractive. But Shel was special. He genuinely liked her, and found himself drawn to her strength and interesting enough, her unfamiliarity with human society. She was straightforward, open, and direct, which were qualities he appreciated.

“Just up here on the left,” Rasud said. They steered their horses to the stable next to the inn and Rasud hopped down from his saddle, then offered Shel a hand.

“I know how to dismount a horse, Rasud,” she said firmly.

Rasud huffed. “I know, my darling. You have to learn to let people help you at times. Not because you aren’t capable, but because it’s a nice thing to do.”

Shel looked at him for a moment, then took his hand and climbed down from the saddle. Rasud held onto her a bit longer than necessary, just enjoying her touch. She noticed that and smiled. Ah, he would do anything for that smile.

Rasud immediately recognized the teenage stableboy and flipped him a coin. The boy caught it and bowed deeply.

“Honored to serve, my lord,” he said, taking the reins.

“See that these horses get plenty of water and fresh food, alright?” Rasud said. “They haven’t had anything enjoyable for a time and I’m sure they would appreciate it.”

“Um. Yes, my lord,” the boy said, bowing his head again. He kept trying to steal glances at Shel.

“Why does he call you that?” Shel asked as they walked away.

“Because I just casually flipped him a coin worth more than he makes in two months,” Rasud said. “Throw some money around and people will respect you, in most cases.”

“Strange,” Shel said. “They should respect strength, not money.”

“Money buys strength,” Rasud said simply.

Shel picked at her clothes. “These are strange as well, but at least they’re comfortable. I’m glad Anslie gave them to me.”

Rasud glanced at how the pants fit tightly over Shel’s hips. “Trust me, my dear, we are all glad.”

They went to the door and Rasud pushed it open, then held it for Shel. She gave him that look that said she was capable of opening the door herself, but walked through regardless.

Hamil, the innkeeper, saw them and approached with a broad smile. “Good day to you two! Please, have a seat and we’ll see you taken care of right away.”

“Good to see you, Hamil,” Rasud said without thinking.

Hamil looked at him, not recognizing him, but smiled anyway. “Yes, good to see you as well. Forgive me, my memory slips with old age.”

Rasud reached up and clapped him on the shoulder. “Ah, no worries. It’s probably for the best.”

Rasud led Shel to a nearby table and they both sat down. Francine, the serving woman, showed up just a moment later.

“Good day to you both,” she said with a motherly smile that stayed on Shel for a moment. “Well, you are just darling, you know that? You should wear some proper clothes, dear. You’ll have every man in the town asking for your hand.” She glanced at Rasud and laughed. “You might need to learn the sword if she ever starts wearing dresses.”

Ah, country humor. Rasud hated it, but forced a smile. “Yes, my wife has certainly been favored by the gods. What do you think, dear? Is it time to finally shed your traveling clothes and step into something a bit more feminine?” Oh, he dreamed of seeing her in a nice dress with a snug bodice and a low neckline.

“Your husband is right,” Francine said, again with that motherly smile. “There’s a tailor right here in town that does good work, and she would appreciate the business.”

“Deal,” Rasud said, glancing at Francine. “You two look to be of a similar size. Do you think you could pick something up for her? With the skirts divided for riding, of course. I hate to ask, but we’re short on time and will be leaving first thing in the morning.”

Francine shook her head. “Sorry, good master, but my job is here. Someone has to keep all these patrons filled with food and beer and….” Her protests faded when Rasud set a single gold coin on the table and slid it toward her. “Blue, you said? Darling, could you stand up for me?”

Shel gave Rasud a flat look, but pushed her chair back and stood.

“Oh, you’re so stiff,” Francine said as she grabbed Shel by the shoulders, then patted her waist. “Yes, about the same here. A little smaller there. Oh, I wish I had your figure, honey. I’m holding on as best as I can, but three children can be hard on the body. Okay, you stay there.” She ran off toward Hamil, removing her apron on the way.

Shel sat down, frowning at Rasud. “Are you determined to drive me insane? Sending that woman to get me a dress?”

“I am determined to treat you right,” Rasud said matter-of-factly. “I’m going to pamper you, Shel. Get used to it.”

“Maybe I don’t want to be pampered,” she said, crossing her arms. She hadn’t realized yet that when she did that it pushed her breasts up. While that didn’t matter in her old robes, the low neckline of her shirt made for a wonderful view. She saw Rasud looking and blushed to her hairline.

“So you’re saying you don’t want me to rub your feet at night anymore?” Rasud asked.

Shel pursed her lips. “That is nice.”

“And the back rubs,” Rasud added.

Shel sighed. “Yes, that too. Look, I’m just not used to it.”

“Well, get used to it,” Rasud said with a grin as Hamil approached their table.

“My lord, my lady. You must be thirsty after a day of travel. May I get you something?” Gold always changed a person’s demeanor.

“Two cups of wine, please,” Rasud said.

“Do you think I’ll like it?” Shel asked.

“I’m sorry, but we don’t have any wine here,” Hamil said. “We have three types of beer, though.”

Rasud sighed and pulled out another silver coin, then slid it across the table to the innkeeper. “I’ll take a cup of wine from your personal stash, Hamil. I suppose I’ll let my darling wife try it, and if she likes it then bring a second cup for her.”

Hamil’s eyes widened at the coin. He snatched it up and quickly made it disappear. “How did you—no mind. You don’t need to answer that. Right away, my lord.” He bowed and hurried away.

“Do you just pay everyone?” Shel asked.

“Sometimes,” Rasud replied with a shrug. “Loyalty can be bought. Special treatment can be bought. I’m used to doing that.”

“And trust?”

Rasud smiled. “Excellent question, my dear. No, trust must always be earned.”

Shel nodded as if that were the answer she expected. She looked around the common room at the different patrons. “Such a strange place. It’s so peaceful and quiet. Men don’t fight here?”

Rasud tried not to think of what had happened the last time he was here. “In general, no. This is a place for food and drink. Oh, and a bath. We should both spend a moment in the bathing room.”

“Baths for commoners?” Shel asked, then lowered her voice. “Back in Silverkeep, water is scarce. Only the wealthiest can afford full baths. Everyone else just wipes themselves down.”

“I’m sure the smell is lovely,” Rasud said. “Ah, here he is.”

Hamil approached them with a pewter goblet in hand and set it in front of Rasud. “Here you are, my lord. Ah, I would appreciate it if you didn’t spread word of this, you understand.”

“Of course, of course,” Rasud said as he brought the goblet to his lips. Drinking was certainly different without tusks, but he quickly grew used to it. The wine was delicious, just as he remembered. He slid the goblet across the table to Shel. “Go ahead and try. Just a sip.”

Shel stared at it for a moment, then tried the wine. She made a face, then pushed the goblet back to Rasud. “No, not for me.” She turned to Hamil. “Beer, please. Something dark and strong.”

“Of course, my lady,” Hamil said with a bow of his head. “Will you two be eating today?”

“Yes, no meat though,” Rasud said. “Extra vegetables. And we’ll be bathing after, and we’ll need a room.” Shel just nodded.

Hamil gave him an odd look, but bowed his head again and hurried away. He returned a few moments later with two plates piled high and smelling fantastic. After so many days of eating bland travel rations, it was a feast. Even Shel agreed the food was good.

“Pardon, my lord, but can you remind me when we met?” Hamil asked when he came by to take their empty plates. “Something about you is familiar, but I don’t recognize your face.”

“It’s probably best that you forget,” Rasud said. “As always, thank you for the hospitality, Hamil.” 

The innkeeper nodded, then reached into his apron and withdrew a key that he set on the table. “Room two, upstairs and on the right.” He bowed his head and walked away.

“Ready for that bath?” Rasud said, trying to conceal his excitement.

Shel just gave him an uncertain look, but she took his hand and followed him. 

Rasud led her through the hall and to a room in the back, where two large copper tubs sat. The floor was stone, and sloped down to a drain in the center. A large pot sat above a small fire, keeping water warm. Rasud grabbed a nearby bucket and used it to fill Shel’s bathtub, then his.

She stood there for a moment, looking uncomfortable as Rasud unlaced his shirt.

“What’s wrong, dear?” Rasud asked as he pulled his shirt off over his head.

Shel sighed. “You can probably guess what’s wrong.”

“Ah, you’ve never been naked in front of a man before, have you? Well, nothing to worry about. I won’t bite.”

Shel shook her head. “Your casual demeanor amazes me sometimes. Nothing seems to really bother you.”

Rasud stepped up to her and began gently undoing the laces on her shirt. Shel brought her hands up to push him away, but took a deep breath and relaxed. “Few things in this world are important enough to bother me,” Rasud said. “Your clothes, however, are bothering me right now, so I’m trying to fix that by removing them.” He gave her his best smile.

Shel laughed as some of her nervousness melted like candle wax. Once her shirt was undone, she pulled it off over her head.

Rasud tried not to stare, but she was the very definition of perfection. Her stomach was flat and strong, and her arms lined with lithe muscle. Her breasts were only average size, but were perfectly shaped. He wanted to grab them so badly his hands ached.

“This color is taking some getting used to,” Shel said, grabbing her breast. She ran a thumb over her pink nipple and sighed.

Rasud undid his pants while Shel did the same. His were off in a heartbeat, but Shel blushed as she pushed hers down over her hips. 

“I’m sorry,” Shel said, suddenly covering herself with her hands. “I’ve never—”

“I know, and it’s perfectly fine,” Rasud said. The curve of her hips was simply mesmerizing, especially with how they faded into such strong legs. Ah, what Rasud would give to have his face between those thighs of hers. One day soon, he would.

“Come here,” Rasud said, gently grabbing her hands. He pulled her into a tight hug and shifted his hips a bit so he wasn’t stabbing her with his erection.

“At least I know you find me attractive,” Shel said, rubbing her hip against his crotch with a laugh.

“To put it mildly,” Rasud said. “Come on, let’s get you in the bath.”

Rasud led her to the bathtub and helped her step in. He grabbed a fresh washcloth and a cake of yellow soap and lathered it up, then rubbed her body down. Shel blushed the entire time, of course. When Rasud got to her more sensitive areas she closed her eyes and breathed deeply. Rasud was careful not to overdo it.

Seeing that this was his moment, he stepped into the bathtub with her, ignoring the splashes. He continued rubbing her down, then grabbed a nearby ladle and used it to rinse her breasts off. No use in getting a mouthful of soap.

The moment his lips touched her pink nipple, Shel moaned loud and strong. She immediately clapped a hand over her mouth, but Rasud just laughed and went back to the task at hand.

She melted in his hands. Once she relaxed enough for him to touch her, she practically pounced on him and in no time he had her bent over the side of the bathtub.

Needless to say, they both slept well that night, holding each other tightly. Being next to the woman he loved was the best feeling ever.