Next stop, the stables. Aaralon, carrying the two large bags, tried to be discreet as he hurried through one corridor after another. The storekeeper had been right; the bags were light as air, so light they almost seemed to float. But they were still large, and would attract attention. Thankfully, so far he hadn't run into anyone --
Suddenly, he heard voices up ahead. Someone was coming round the corner! He had only seconds to act; the corridor was long and empty and the nearest door was some distance behind him. The right side of the corridor was lined with windows, while the left side was a blank wall with occasional portraits. For a moment he considered throwing the bags out the window, but that would serve little purpose... plus the broken window would surely draw additional attention. He could see shadows at the bend in the corridor now, he had only seconds before whoever it was rounded the corner --
In an instant of inspiration Aaralon flung both bags up into the air and backed up against the wall. The bags bobbed against the ceiling and began to float gently down...
Just in time. Round the corner came two wizards, deep in discussion. They did not look up, or left or right, and paid no attention to Aaralon. "Yes, a frog!" One of them was saying. "Made out of soup!"
"And what did he do?"
"I don't know... but we must find a way to stop these silly cantrips from spreading around the student body! They're causing havoc!"
When they had passed Aaralon breathed a sigh of relief. He waited a few more seconds for the bags to descend within reach, then grabbed them and moved on.
***
He reached the stables without further incident. Pursha was already there waiting for him. "Mmm, and here comes my darling little magelet. I see you've brought what I asked."
He placed the bags on the ground before her, and she leaned in to place a soft kiss on his lips. "Well done, Aaralon," she whispered. Aaralon shivered; a bolt of lust shot through his loins at her touch. Silently he cursed her power over him, even as he revelled in the pleasure of pleasing her.
"Are we ready to go?" he asked through gritted teeth.
Pursha pursed her perfect lips in a mocking moue, raised a perfect eyebrow. "Ready to go? But this is your home Aaralon, are you really so eager to leave?"
He said nothing, and she laughed, a rich, throaty sound that sent shudders through the young mage's body.
"Soon enough little one, soon enough. But first I must introduce you to the ones who will be accompanying us." The succubus gestured to one of the stalls in the stables; three figures were inside. "Winna, I believe you already know. And the other two..." |