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Hello again! So... I just discovered my lovely mate has been sneaking on here and reading my stories. I was going to wait till I finished this to let her read it, but now she encourages me to finish these chapters. How cool is that? Sometimes I wonder if she will look at me funny after reading these. LOL Well... only one way to find out!

So, to help out, a hand is equal to about 4 inches in this story.

CHAPTER FOUR

It really wasn't a fair fight. The Forsaken had sent a delegation to protest the treatment of their newest member at the hand of the person who killed him. Ren had discovered this when he rushed up the main thoroughfare and started to make the turn on to the street where he lived. As he rounded the corner, the young warrior slid to a halt. His father, Gareth Mordrogon, stood on the stoop in front of their house. Roughly a dozen Forsaken stood loosely grouped in the street around the front of the house. All of the party was facing Gareth. Nearly all of the undead were dressed as spellcasters. A single, familiar-looking Orc stood closest to the stoop, a vertical, ragged scar prominent on his chest.

"I don' care watcha say! I'm not just gonna hand these over to ya!"

Gareth was quivering with fury, but even as he pointed to the Orc, his voice never rose into a shout.

"I don't care what you think. I did what I was asked; now you will give me what was agreed from the onset."

"The agreement is changed. You can tell Mal'therius I won't part with the artifacts."

"And you brought assistance to renegotiate the deal?" As he spoke, Gareth gestured at the rest of the Forsaken. The other undead immediately straightened and became more attentive. The mood on the street became tense. The Orc looked around at his companions to reassure himself before replying.

"They 're here ta make sure ya don' try ennythin funny. We know yer rep, Gareth."

"Obviously, if you don't intend to honor the original deal, you don't know me well at all."

One of the Forsaken wizards raised an arm.

"Enough, Mordrogon! You cannot challenge us all! You will not take the artifacts!"

"Wrong. Again."

The undead mages began casting almost as one. Ren dropped to one knee behind a steel-wrapped barrel. He was plotting how he was going to involve himself when his father began to incant. Ren looked on in awe. He was familiar with the prodigious intellect his father wielded. Often, during lessons, his father would challenge the young warrior with some obscure or unimaginably complex puzzle, only to present the brilliant solution, all without cracking a book. Now, Gareth began to weave a complex series of spells so devastating, the air vibrated as the invocations streamed from his mouth. The elder Mordrogon never faltered, never paused, transitioning from one spell to the next so smoothly it was as though he was still working on the first.

Lightning flashed, fireballs erupted, and strange, dark shapes appeared in the street. The air pulsed with destructive magics. Gareth continued to cast swiftly and smoothly. His eyes darted about and he shifted his incanting from one spell to the next as he accurately perceived the workings of his opponents. The human mage was often so swift in his casting that he completed counter spells before his enemies could even finish their original chants. As Ren watched, undead mages blasted apart from the inside. One Forsaken erupted in purple flames so intense they scorched the stones of the road. A potent electrical attack lanced towards Gareth. The mage waved his hands and the charge slid off some unseen shield, blasting into the house face. The originator of the attack dropped from sight into a hole that just appeared in the street. As Gareth turned smoothly to the next opponent, the hole closed in on itself, burying the Forsaken inside.

Ren marveled at the battle. If there were any doubts of his father's abilities, they would have been immediately dismissed watching this encounter. The Forsaken's numbers fell rapidly, like wheat before the scythe. A rock elemental crushed an undead mage. Another was torn to bits by small, fast moving shadows. Gareth smashed them all save one, the undead Orc. The Orc spun wildly in place as one after the other; his companions succumbed to the battle. When the last one fell, Gareth pointed at the undead Orc.

"Now then, I believe you have something for me?"

The Orc stood open-mouthed. Slowly, he reached into his clothes and produced a large leather pouch. Gareth fixed his eyes on the pouch and nonchalantly waved a hand in Ren's direction.

"Ren, you can join me for lunch now... and bring those in with you."

Gareth turned and walked through the ruined doors of the house. Immediately, they began to repair themselves. Ren stood and walked over to the stunned Orc. As he came closer, the young warrior noticed that the leather pouch in the palm of the Orc's hand was actually two smaller pouches. Ren scooped them up as the undead Orc looked more closely at his face.

"Hey. Aincha tha kid that waited with me til tha Forsaken showed?"

"Yes, I am."

"Watcha doin with THAT guy? Ya don't seem tha type."

"He's my father..."

Ren walked away as the look of shock returned to the undead Orc's face. He reached the front door just as it finished regenerating and clicked shut softly. Ren opened the door and looked over his shoulder.

"I wouldn't hang around. You might really piss him off."

"That wasn't pissed off???"

Ren smiled as he entered his house. He could hear the Orc muttering as he moved away. As he walked down the hallway, Ren took a moment to look at the pouches in his hand. One of the pouches glowed with a sickly green color, visible even through the leather. When Ren transferred a pouch to each hand the one with the green glow seemed to sap energy from his palm. Tiny shocks trembled down his arm and his stomach started rolling slowly. Ren hurriedly placed the pouches close together again. Immediately, the effect faded. Intrigued, the young warrior carried the pouches in front of his body as he entered the parlor. Gareth sat at the table, idly tapping a finger. The large table contained thin cuts of meat, cheese, and bread. A bowl of greens sat off to one side. Wedges of fruit and small pieces of vegetables sat to the other side. The meat was cold, but had been marinated and braised. Several different sauces were available for dipping. Ren knew that the salad, meat, and sauces had all been prepared by his father. It seemed only natural for someone who could so skillfully blend spells to learn how to blend ingredients and cooking as well.

Ren set the pouches on the table in front of Gareth before taking his own seat. The elder mage lifted the first pouch, with the green glow, and dumped the contents into his palm. He held it aloft to the light and turned it slowly. The bag had contained an enormous green gem, beautifully cut, that glowed with its own internal light. The unhealthy radiance basked the entire room in its glow and Ren felt the nausea returning. Gareth seemed completely unaffected.

"Strange energies in this one. Mal'therius has wanted this for a long time."

Gareth pulled an ornate box from a nearby shelf and laid the gem inside. When the lid closed, Ren was relieved to find the ill effects disappearing. When the master mage turned back to the small bag on the table, Ren leaned forward with interest. With the second emptied, the remaining pouch had begun to glow feebly. The light was a pale rosy color shining just through the opening of the purse, not the sides. Gareth upended the contents on the table. An ornate band rolled a few hands across the table and flopped on its side. Ren slowly reached for the band. As his fingers closed the distance, he could feel steady, comforting warmth emanating from the unique bracelet. Ren hefted the piece and took a closer look. The band was gold, and thick. A myriad of multi-colored jewels speckled the outer surface, fitting so tightly together that it was difficult to see the gold in between. One jewel was larger than the others, and the source of the glow. Ren turned the piece sideways and realized with a start that the jewelry was too small to be a bracelet. He took the fingers of his other hand and put them inside the opening. It was barely three fingers wide, too small for any but possibly the smallest of wrists.

"What is this, Father?"

"It is an artifact that was stolen some time ago from the Elven nations. It is intended to be a gift to one's true love. I do not know any more than that."

Ren was surprised. Normally his father knew nearly everything about anything he handled. Gareth would research for days before acquiring an item so that he knew exactly how to handle it. The young warrior asked the obvious.

"What do you think Mal'therius wants with this?"

"Mal'therius doesn't want that."

Ren's eyebrows rose. There was obviously some power at work in the trinket.

"This is yours, Father?"

"No, actually, that belongs to you."

Only years of experience around his father kept Ren's jaw from dropping.

"Mine? Why would it belong to me?"

"Mal'therius told me to give it to you. Apparently he wants to apologize for the incident with Armiella."

Ren looked at the band in his hand. Despite himself, he began to grow angry. Around his father that translated to cold fury.

"I don't understand how this is supposed to make up for her death."

"Mal'therius stated that he was unaware of your relationship to his daughter at the time. This is intended as a peace offering."

Ren stopped glaring at the piece in his hand and turned to his father. Before he could speak, Gareth raised a warning finger.

"I realize you are still angry about it. However, I will remind you that Mal'therius is a powerful member of the Council. Also, in all of the years I have known him, he has only made an apology twice. Think before you speak."

Ren closed his mouth. Just the fact his father felt it necessary to make that statement told the young warrior he shouldn't press the issue. Anger and pain still bubbled below the surface when he thought about what had happened. As his eyes found the band again, he couldn't help but think of Belune and some of the pain melted away. He was still upset about what happened to Armiella, but the beautiful Tauren had started to help to heal his heart. Ren's face must have shown his emotions because his father spoke again.

"Good. Now then, do you have someone in mind as the recipient of that charm?"

"I may, Father."

Gareth began to assemble a plate of food as he spoke.

"I would assume it is your young Tauren friend?"

Ren had followed his father's lead and begun to assemble his own plate. Something in his father's voice made him pause before replying.

"That was my intention, why?"

"I think you would do well to dismiss her and find another companion."

Ren was startled. His father had never taken an interest in his relationships before.

"You feel she isn't right for me?"

"Yes."

"Why? Because she's a Tauren?"

"Yes."

Now Ren was really confused. Gareth Mordrogon was the least racist individual Ren had ever known. The master mage judged others solely on their abilities, personal conduct, and effect on his family. It was something he had instilled in Ren since near birth.

"I don't understand. What does her being a Tauren have to do with our relationship?"

"She cannot give you an heir."

Gareth was not a man to beat about the bush. He went straight to the matter.

"I have no other complaints per se. I am sure she must be exceptional if you have taken an interest. My concern is that if you continue this relationship, you will not be able to continue the Mordrogon line. That is something I insist you carry on."

"Father, I don't want any other."

Gareth's lips were a thin line. It was the only sign of his annoyance.

"Nonetheless, you must find another. Taurens and Humans simply cannot reproduce. Even when you were with Armiella or the goblins, I said nothing. I am NOT a purist. If your heir is a half-blood, so be it, but you MUST produce an heir. I must insist on that."

"So you wouldn't have any complaints if she could give me a baby?"

"Of course not. Unfortunately, we both know that cannot happen. I am sorry, Ren."

"What would you have me do?"

"You have other options. You can always select a suitable subject from the blocks. Your mother turned out exceptionally well."

Ren ate slowly as he pondered his father's words. He had long known of his mother's origins. Gareth had purchased her from the slave blocks under the pretense that she would clean his home. Though he wasn't wont to show emotions, the master mage had treated her kindly, buying comfortable footwear, soft dresses, and other meaningful gifts. He would blend lotions to smooth her skin and soft soaps for her bath. After a time, Ren's mother recognized his kindness and went willingly to his bed. After Ren was born, she stayed in the house, tending chores and caring for her son. When her child was nearing his eighth year, the young woman had cleaned an inscription in a section of the workshop that had been forbidden and unintentionally triggered the failsafe. At her funeral, Ren thought he saw a tear on his father's cheek, but the master mage had turned away too quickly to be sure.

"I'll make you an offer, Father. If I am to stay with Belune, I will find an alternate method of producing a proper heir. Is that acceptable?"

The older mage thought for a moment, chewing his food. He swallowed and waved dismissively.

"That will be satisfactory. I will hold you to that."

The two continued to eat in silence for a few moments. Ren decided to try another subject.

"Father, I miss Mom. Do you ever still think of her?"

For the second time that day, Gareth's voice grew soft and his eyes distant.

"Yes, Ren, I do. I remember the first time I saw her. She was filthy, of course, and bound to a post, but there was something about her..."

Ren walked up the west main street towards the Apocethary. Gareth had continued to talk about Ren's mother for the rest of the lunch and Ren had been loath to let it end. In all his years, his father had never spoken openly about how he felt about the woman who bore his son. The young warrior listened in wonder and marveled at his father's tale. Ren could see the subtle emotions playing across Gareth's face as he spoke. The young human was fascinated. His entire view of his father had been centered on the concept that Gareth showed no feelings. Ever. In one day, Ren had seen more from his father than in the last twenty years. The young warrior smiled at the thought.

As the security fence came into view, Ren hefted the ornate band his father had given him at lunch. He still had mixed feelings about the gift. All he could sense from the piece was warmth and comfort; but he just couldn't bring himself to fully trust Mal'therius. Ren was hoping Lirrak would be able to help him. He rounded the corner and came face to face with the Orc guard.

"Yeah, watchu want?"

"I'm here to see Lirrak."

"Yer that fighter kid, aincha?"

Ren sighed.

"Yes, that's me. Lirrak and I are friends. I just want to ask his advice on something."

As Ren spoke, the Orc had stepped to one side and gestured for him to proceed.

"Nah, ya go on in. I 'member ya."

"Thanks."

The human walked past the guard, up the steps, and into the outer room of Lirrak's shop. Nothing had changed inside. The counter on the far side from the door was still littered with various bins and stands full of nearly useless junk. Behind the counter was a single door that Ren knew led to a seldom-seen backroom. He was three steps across the floor when the door behind the counter opened and Lirrak came through, beaming at Ren.

"Ello Ren! Whatcha doin here so early? We don' leave fer two days."

"How do you do that?"

"Eh? Do what?"

"When you came through that door, you already knew I was out here."

"Oh that? I gotta scrying panel in tha back."

"A scrying panel? Aren't they rare?"

"Yeah, but I made my own."

Ren blinked twice. Lirrak was not only an alchemist, but a Mastercrafter as well? The Goblin store owner chuckled at Ren's expression. The young warrior turned to say something to Lirrak when his hand clunked against the front of the counter, reminding him of the band. When he raised his hand, Lirrak took notice.

"Oh! Hey now! Whatcha got there?"

Ren held the jewelry where the Goblin could see it clearly.

"It's something my father gave me. I just don't know what it is."

"Say that agin?"

Ren proceeded to tell Lirrak everything that happened at lunch with his father. When he was done, the Goblin was looking at the band with a small frown.

"Mal'therius, huh? Whelp, come on inna back and let's take a look."

Lirrak walked back through the flip portion of the counter and opened the door. When he turned and looked at Ren with a raised eyebrow, the young human rushed the same route. Ren was excited. As far as he knew, no one besides Lirrak had entered the back room in over thirty years. Stories and legends surrounded the mystery. As Ren followed the Goblin through the door, his jaw dropped to his chest.

The first thing that impressed itself upon Ren's mind was space! Lirrak's back room was enormous! Shelves with huge bins lined every wall and marched in rows down the middle of the room. When Ren glanced down an aisle, it appeared to go on for miles. Puzzled, the young human looked thoughtfully at the door he just entered. Lirrak saw the look and chuckled again.

"Ya ain't goin crazy, Ren. It's bigger on tha inside."

"How is that possible?"

"Brulliard helped with this a long time ago."

Ren was astounded. A spell of this magnitude must have taken phenomenal power! And the inventory! Rows upon rows of bins stretched away in the distance, each one in some stage of fullness; from nearly empty to overflowing. Lirrak turned and began to descend a narrow set of stairs. Ren followed him down into darkness. Before the young human could open his mouth, a series of glowing lights flickered to life on the walls. Ren gazed in awe once again. He was standing at the edge of a massive laboratory. Bottles, beakers, tools, and more were assembled in arcane configurations or racked neatly on the walls. Ren gawked freely as he followed the Goblin through the lab. Never before had the young human seen or heard of a more thoroughly stocked workroom. Lirrak stopped in front of a section of bench obviously used to work with gems and jewelry components. As he picked up a magnifying glass, Lirrak spoke to Ren.

"Ya might wanna take a seat. This'll take a bit."

Ren sat in a nearby chair and watched him work.

Three hours later, the gold and gemstone circle lay by itself on the bench. Lirrak and Ren rested, leaning over on their elbows, facing the piece.

"I never seen ennything like it, Ren."

"Never? Is it dangerous?"

"Nah, it's like tha opposite'a dangerous. Every gem onna band has some kinda magic innit. There's healin spells, blood purifyin spells, regeneratin spells, all kinda spells. Every spell is used ta fix a body up iffin they were wearin it. Tha only one I couldn't figger out is tha big one."

"The big one?"

"Yeah. Tha big jewel on tha band. Tha glowy one? It's gotta spell innit, but I can't put ma finger on what it is."

"Is it bad? I mean, does it seem bad?"

"Nope. Whateva it is, it's like tha most powerful healin spell, protection spell, and adaptation spell all rolled inta one. Never seen ennythin like it."

Ren picked the band up off the bench and slowly spun it in his fingers.

"So this thing is good for you?"

"Oh yeah! Prob'ly the best ya could ever own."

"So is it a bracelet? A big ring? It seems like it's a strange size."

"Yeah. It is. But I gotta thought bout that."

"What's that?"

"This thing is OLD, Ren. Older'n ennythin I've ever seen. Mebbe tha folks that made it were a differ'nt size than us. I can't finda lock r opening r ennythin like that onnit. It has ta be slipped on from tha side."

Ren smiled as he held the band. The comforting warmth filled his hand.

"If that's the case, then I think I know exactly what I want to do with this."

Lirrak chuckled as he carefully put away his tools.

"Yeah, yeah... she'll love it."

Ren had a revelation.

"Lirrak! Could this be made for a Tauren?"

"Hmm. Mebbe. But it's still'n odd size. Most Tauren's fingers'r way bigger'n that thing."

"Well, there are exceptions. Look at Belune."

"True, true, but ya gotta admit. She's a rare'n."

Now it was Ren's turn to chuckle as he put the band in his pocket.

"That she is, my friend. That she is."

"She's stilla little small fer that tho."

"You're right. This would be too big for her fingers. I'll figure something out later."

"So whatcha gonna do now?"

"I was planning to go over to she slaver blocks, why?"

"Eh. I figger I'll go with ya."

"Excellent! We should go soon before it gets dark."

"I'm all cleaned up 'ere. Lead tha way..."

Ren and Lirrak made their way across town to the slaver blocks. Ren had never been to the blocks personally but had heard many descriptions. As the pair turned a corner, the full scope of the slave section became apparent. Two stages, sitting back to back, stretched the length of fifty paces, essentially forming one stage with two sides. For several paces in every direction from the stage, the area was clear of any structures to allow for mass movement of both new stock and those that purchase them. As Ren came closer, his eyes were drawn to the figures on the nearest stage side. Dozens of nude females stood bound in chains. The chains were attached to heavy metal rings mounted on the back wall of the stage just for that purpose. Ren saw a myriad of races present. Elves, Dwarves, and Humans stood listlessly next to Orcs, Trolls, and Taurens. The young warrior knew that the blocks were populated from not just "enemy" troops from outside the wall, but perpetrators of various crimes within as well.

Ren and Lirrak stopped short of the open area. Several figures dressed in the traditional leather vest and pants of the slavers guild paced up and down the row of slaves, occasionally growling at one of the chained females or smacking them with a wide riding crop. One particularly impressive guard was snarling at a cowering slave when Ren edged up to the stage and cleared his throat. The guard spun at the sound and Ren took a step back. The jailer strode over to the young warrior and squatted down on the edge of the stage. Upon closer inspection, Ren realized the slaver was an impressively muscular female Orc. She looked down on Ren and flashed him a wicked grin, including a broken tusk.

"Heya hot stuff. Ya here ta buy?"

Ren swallowed carefully before replying.

"Er, actually I was looking for the guildmaster."

"Heh, well, he aint here right now. Off to tha headquarters fer some kinda meeting."

"Oh. Is there someone in charge I could speak with?"

The Orc's tusky grin faltered.

"Eh, what? Ya got a complaint?"

"Oh no! Nothing like that! I just wanted to make a request."

The Orc's grin returned twofold.

"Ah! Ok. Then ya might want ta talk ta Sergic."

"Excellent. Do you know where I might find Sergic?"

"Yeah, he's on the male's side of the stage. Ya can't miss im."

The Orc ran her eyes up and down Ren's form while she absently flexed a massive bicep. The young warrior tried not to gape. One of her arms was nearly the size of his thigh! The Orcs grin turned sly.

"Course, if ya wanna, I could probably lead ya over there myself. Just don't be surprised if we make a pit stop in my quarters first." The Orc waggled an eyebrow at Ren.

"Ooh, tempting as that is, I really am in a hurry. Sorry."

The beefy Orcess shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly.

"Your loss, gorgeous. I woulda put a smile on yer face, fer sure."

Ren beamed a huge smile at her.

"See? You already have!"

The big Orcess chuckled and stood up to return to her duties. Ren and Lirrak made their way to the end of the stage. The young warrior tried to keeps his eyes off the wretched forms bound on stage. All of his life, slavery was something he just accepted because he lived in this village. Now, he couldn't look at the current slaves without thinking that, at one time, his beloved had been chained somewhere up there as well. Ren mentally pushed away his anger and resolved to speak to Belune about what she endured after the raid on her village. Much to his relief, the pair reached the end of the stage and turned the corner. As the other side of the stage came into view, Ren regretted his feelings of relief. If anything, the males' side of the stage was far more crowded than the females. Dozens and dozens of naked males were chained to the back wall, most sharing a heavy ring with one or two others due to lack of space. Ren looked at Lirrak questioningly and the Goblin just shrugged.

"Figger it out, Ren. The girls'r gonna be WAY more popular than tha fellas. And not many 'a them make it t'tha stage anyways."

Ren's stomach dropped at that statement. Suddenly, he just wanted to get this done and get away. One of the guild, a heavyset Orc, approached the pair.

"Heya! Lookin ta buy?"

"Um, no. I'm looking for Sergic?"

The Orc looked Ren up and down strangely before replying.

"Huh. Didn take ya fer the type. I'll send 'm over."

The heavy Orc turned his back on the now puzzled human and walked away quickly. Ren turned to Lirrak, who shrugged, just as puzzled. A few minutes later, a large form broke away from a group of guildsmen on the stage and strolled over to the pair. Ren blinked as the individual drew closer. All of the guildsmen wore the two piece leather uniform. Sergic also wore leather, but finely tooled and nearly skin tight. He was tall, well over a pace, and his skin was a ruddy, pinkish hue. When he hopped down lightly from the stage, Ren could see he was in terrific shape, with well toned musculature. Sergic's face was heavy jawed, but with clean lines and no facial hair. Small tusks protruded from his lower jowl, causing Ren to blink again. Rounded ears and large eyes peeked discreetly from under a mop of loose brown curls. Sergic must have seen the question on the pairs faces as he approached.

"Hey fellas. Bet you're wondering just how I came to look this good, eh?"

Sergic spread his arms and turned in a circle. Ren couldn't help but notice how clean he was.

"Yep. Momma was human, but Daddy was an Ogre. Thank goodness I got looks and brains from Mom, eh?"

"You're Sergic?"

"The one and only. Now what exactly can I do to you?"

Ren and Lirrak exchanged puzzled looks with each other. Sergic broke into a husky laugh.

"Look at your faces! Geez guys! I was just kidding! Seriously, what can I do for you?"

Ren regained his composure.

"One of the guildsmen on the female side said you could help me with a request."

"What kind of request?"

"I was wondering if the Guild would agree to change the secondary attributes of a mage lock."

"Oh really? What secondary attributes?"

"She has a no sex clause woven into the lock."

Sergic blinked and then burst into laughter. Ren stood irritated as the Half-Ogre slapped his thigh and guffawed. He was blinking tears from his eyes when he placed a well-manicured hand on Ren's shoulder.

"Oh I'm sorry, honey. I can't do that."

Honey? Ren exchanged another glance with Lirrak.

"What if I told you who owns the bond? Would that help?"

"I don't know. Who owns the bond?"

"Councilman Brulliard."

Sergic snapped to his full height, eyes wide and a big smile on his features.

"Brulliard? THE Brulliard?"

"Er, yes."

Sergic stepped back until his bottom bumped the stage edge. His eyes lost focus and his face took on a dreamy cast. While he spoke, he hugged himself with his arms.

"Mmm mmm mmm. There is one elf I would LOVE to get to know better. Blond hair, dreamy face, an ass you can bounce a gold piece off of..."

Ren couldn't believe it. But it did explain that "honey" crack earlier. He spoke as an aside to the Goblin.

"Wow, Lirrak. I bet Brulliard would love to hear he has a secret admirer."

Like a bowshot, Sergic was suddenly standing in front the young warrior.

"No! You can't do that!"

Ren rocked back on his heels at the sudden onslaught.

"Why not? I just thought you would like to meet him."

"I can't do that!"

Lirrak stepped closer so he could see around Ren's arm.

"Whatsa matter? I thoughtcha wanted ta get ta know him better?"

Sergic actually looked embarrassed.

"Oh, of course I do! It's just...well...I..."

Ren had a revelation.

"You're shy?"

"No...I mean yes...I mean... Dammit! I only get like this when I think of him."

Lirrak and Ren chuckled kindly. Sergic scratched his head and looked over his shoulder.

"Look guys; let's go over to my office, ok?"

Human and Goblin nodded their heads. The Half-Ogre climbed back on to the stage and started walking to the other side. Ren and Lirrak followed close behind. Lirrak poked Ren with an elbow as they walked and pointed at the slaves. With a start, the young human noticed that all of the slaves were quick to put their backs to the wall as the Half-Ogre passed. Ren looked quizzically at Lirrak, who shrugged a reply. In just a few minutes, the three were sitting in a room contained in a small building attached to the stage. Sergic sat behind a sturdy wooden desk facing the others. With a sigh, he propped his booted feet on the desk and addressed Ren and Lirrak.

"Look fellas. I may have a huge crush on Brulliard, but I can't talk to him yet."

"Yet? When ARE you planning to speak with him?"

"Soon, really. Until then I keep sending him gifts."

Lirrak was the first to respond.

"Gifts? What kinda gifts?"

Sergic waved a hand at the nearby closet door. Ren stood and opened the door. Inside, a thin male elf stood placidly. The slim elf bowed in Sergic's direction.

"What is your request, sir?"

"Oh nothing right now, darling. Brulliard should be by soon to pick you up. In the meantime, why don't you get us something to drink?"

"Yes, sir"

The elf readjusted his breeches, the only clothing he was wearing, and slipped through the door. Ren just stood there in surprise but Lirrak turned back to Sergic.

"Ha! Yer tha one ole Brulliard's always yackin on about!"

"What? What does he say?"

Ren returned to his chair and turned to the expectant Half-Ogre.

"He says you do a good job of training his purchases."

"He said that? Oh wow. He noticed? Oh wow..."

Sergic continued to mutter to himself, seemingly ignoring Ren and Lirrak. After a few minutes, the young warrior reached over and shook the Half-Ogre's boot. Sergic snapped back to attention.

"Oh, sorry. I get a little distracted when I think of him. Especially now that I know he likes the gifts I send him."

"Sergic. Brulliard does seem to enjoy those that you send to him, but Lirrak and I both know that he is looking for a more permanent relationship. Why don't you let us introduce you? Brulliard is a good friend of ours."

Sergic leaned back in the chair and considered Ren's offer. Lirrak leaned over and whispered to Ren.

"Whatcha doin?"

"Trying to get him to help us out."

"Ah. I see. Ya wanna trade a favor fer a favor."

"Something like that, yes."

Just then the slim elf returned with a pitcher and three glasses. When he set the drinks on the desk, he obediently bent over at the waist, back straight. Sergic tilted his head to the side and regarded the elf's backside for a long moment. Lirrak grinned and elbowed Ren again. Before the young warrior could voice a response, the Goblin discreetly pointed at Sergic's pants. Ren looked over and spotted the enormous bulge presenting itself halfway down the Half-Ogre's thigh. The young warrior turned his eyes back to the Goblin alchemist and frowned as Lirrak tried to stifle a chuckle. The thin elf poured three glasses and straightened to come around the desk. Lirrak and Ren accepted the drinks without a word. The elf proceeded back around the desk before kneeling and holding out the third glass.

"Your drink, sir?"

Sergic straightened and put his feet back on the floor. He took the drink and patted the elf on the head.

"Thank you, sweety."

The kneeling elf glanced at the Half-Ogre's crotch.

"Do you require any additional services, sir?"

"Not right now. You can go back to waiting."

"Yes sir."

The elf rose and went back in to the closet. When the door closed, Sergic took a sip of his drink.

"The only reason I keep him in here is that he reminds me of Brulliard. Can you really get Brulliard to talk to me?"

Ren leaned forward over the desk.

"I think he would like you. And it would be beneficial for both of us."

"Oh yeah. Your little mage lock problem..."

The Half-Ogre sighed and set his elbows on the desk. He looked up at Ren with sympathy.

"The problem, handsome, is that I really can't change the lock. Once it's set, only satisfying the bond can change it."

Ren leaned back and sighed. He turned to Lirrak.

"Damn. Belune's going to be disappointed when she hears this news."

The Half-Ogre tapped a finger on the table, grabbing everyone's attention.

"Wait a minute. You talking about that cute little Tauren girl that came through here about a year ago?"

Ren felt his heart squeeze tight in his chest.

"Yes. Do you remember her?"

"Do I? I had fifty idiots drooling over her before she even processed in. Brulliard talked with her and made an offer immediately. She was wearing a necklace twenty minutes after she arrived. Never even stepped on the stage."

Ren felt a lump in his stomach vanish. At least Belune never had to endure any time on the stage. Sergic continued on.

"Yeah, I remember. She came in with a bunch of kids from a human village. Most of them were too frightened to talk except this one big idiot. Kept on calling your girl 'Cow' and bitchin about how her punching him in the nose started all of this. He was a real piece of work."

The young human just stared at Sergic.

"What happened to the big idiot?"

"Him? Oh, Rusula bought him. Last I heard he was still playing the good house husband, cleaning her quarters and providing 'entertainment' through every night on a regular basis."

"Rusula?"

"You would remember her if you met her. Huge arms, bigger than mine, broken tusk on one side, and an EXTREMELY healthy sex drive?"

Ren blinked and started laughing. Both Lirrak and Sergic looked at him strangely. The young human just waved as his laugh fizzled into a coughing fit. When he was finally done, he sat there with a huge grin on his face. Lirrak pointed at him.

"You ok Ren? What was that 'bout?"

"I'll fill you in later. You'll love it. But Sergic, you going to come talk to Brulliard with us?"

The Half-Ogre looked surprised.

"Now I just told you I can't change her lock, honey. Why would you still want to help me?"

"Let's just say it would be nice to have a friend in the guild."

Sergic studied the young human for a moment then stood up and walked to the door. He opened it and called out to someone Ren couldn't see.

"Goldoon! Come here a moment!"

The Half-Ogre went back to his chair as the heavyset Orc from earlier stepped through the door.

"Whatcha need?"

Sergic indicated Ren with a pointed finger.

"You remember this guy?"

"Yeah?"

"Good. Cause if you ever see him pop up in intake, I want you to let him go immediately."

"Say what now?"

"You heard me. His girls got a rape trap on her mage lock. If he gets too fresh and winds up here, I want him to be able to walk away, got it?"

"Ok, I got it."

"Good. Go tell your boys."

The heavy Orc turned and left the office. Ren beamed at the Half-Ogre.

"That's really nice of you, Sergic. I was getting worried about even kissing her."

"Oh! You won't come here for that. You can kiss her; touch her, play footsies, all kinds of stuff. Just don't drop your drawers, or hers, and you won't end up here."

"Well thank you very much. How about I take you to meet Brulliard?"

"What? Now?"

"Sure, if you feel ready."

"Not really, but let's go before I lose my nerve."

The three stood and left the office. As they started down the street, Ren remembered something he wanted to get.

"You guys mind if we stop at the bakery? I promised Belune I would pick up a few pastries for her tonight."

Sergic and Lirrak shook their heads. Ren changed course.

"Thanks. This shouldn't take long."

The towering Half-Ogre clapped Ren on the shoulder.

"Not a problem, sweetcakes. I just have one question."

"Eh? What's that?"

He looked back and forth at the pair.

"What ARE your names?"

Some time later, the three arrived in front of the bakery. All the way, Sergic had chatted amiably with Ren and Lirrak. He turned out to be smart and witty. Ren hoped Brulliard liked him. As they looked at the front of the bakery, the human and the Goblin glanced at the spot where Brulliard's pet demon had made short work of the Orc. Neither even mentioned the incident. Ren told the others to wait and went into the shop. The retail section of the bakery stretched the entire width of the building. Row upon row of slightly angled shelves formed a rectangular area for customers. All of the shelves were a pace in height. The only difference was a small section of counter designed to allow customers to pay for their purchases without reaching over the tall shelves. Druhma currently rested both hands on the counter, leaning over and talking to Brulliard. Ren stopped short as the Belf mage continued.

"Darling, you really shouldn't let this stop you."

"I can't help it. I dated him for a whole two years, Brulliard. How could I have been so stupid?"

"You were not stupid. He was just exceptionally good at disguising his true nature. After all, didn't you only see him every couple of months or so?"

"Yes. And I cannot believe I waited for him every time! What am I gonna do now?"

"You're still an attractive and popular woman, Druhma. Come to the Rod & Cup tonight like I asked and I'm sure you'll have your pick of suitors."

"Do you really think I'm pretty enough to find a nice guy?"

Ren stepped up to the counter, attracting their attention. He looked right into the busty Orc's eyes.

"Druhma. You are, without a doubt, the most attractive Orc I have ever laid eyes on. Most of the men in this town would give their left arm for the privilege of dating you."

The voluptuous Orc looked shocked for a split second, and then broke into a big smile.

"Well! Hello again! You sure know how to flatter a girl."

"Just speaking the truth."

Brulliard put a hand on Ren's shoulder. The other dipped down to quickly squeeze a buttock. He addressed the Orc.

"He's right Druhma. You can see for yourself if you come to the inn tonight."

"All right. I suppose I could go."

"Good! Then I will see you there!"

Brulliard started towards the door when Ren stopped him with a gesture.

"Brulliard! Before you go out that door I have to tell you something."

"What is it, yummy?"

"Do you remember that 'candy' you like to pick up at the blocks?"

"Yes?"

"Well today I met the guy who trains them."

"Oh really?" Brulliard stepped closer, a look on interest on his face.

"Yeah he's a BIG fan of yours. Want to meet him?"

"Absolutely!"

"His name is Sergic. He's waiting outside with Lirrak."

Brulliard looked at the door thoughtfully. He turned and kissed Ren on the cheek.

"I know what you are doing, hunky."

"Is that a bad thing?"

"No it isn't. Thank you, Ren" Brulliard turned and went out the door. Ren was pleased. Brulliard had even addressed him with his real name. A throat cleared behind him. When he turned, Druhma was looking at him.

"That was a nice thing you just did."

"He's a friend. Besides, he really needs someone more permanent. I just hope they get along."

"You're a pretty nice guy."

The big Orcess leaned on her elbows on the counter. Normally she stood nearly two heads taller than Ren, but this put her face only slightly higher than his. With one hand she reached out and stroked Ren's cheek.

"Ren, right? You have a girl?"

"My girlfriend works as a waitress at the Rod & Cup."

One finger hooked in the front of his tunic. Druhma pulled him closer and kissed him lightly on the cheek. When she let go, Ren beamed at her. She tapped him on the nose with the same finger.

"She's a lucky girl. If she doesn't hold on to you, come talk to me, ok?"

"I'll keep that in mind."

"Good. Now what can I get ya?"

Ren purchased his pastries and exited the bakery with the faint memory of Druhma's kiss lingering on his cheek. He chuckled as he imagined himself with the chesty Orc. He probably wouldn't survive one night! When he looked around outside, all he saw was Lirrak. Ren frowned slightly.

"Where are Sergic and Brulliard?"

"Pshhh Ren! Ya shoulda seenit! Ole Brulliard came outta tha shop and said hi to 'im. Sergic got all googly eyed 'an the two'a them took off. Left me 'ere all by myself!"

Ren just chuckled and clapped Lirrak on the shoulder.

"Mission accomplished, from the sounds of it! Now what do we do?"

"I dunno. I wish we could just git outta here tamorrow and gettit over with."

Ren's eyes lit up.

"Well, why not? The sooner we leave, the sooner we can get back."

"Hmm, don' sound like'a bad idea..."

"Great! I can be ready in an hour. How about you?"

"Ah! I gotta go scrape some stuff t'gether fer the trip. It won' take me long tho..."

"My house is on the way to your shop. Do you want to walk with me?"

"Sure. Let's get goin."

"All right. We can talk preparation and then I need to take a nap before I go see Belune tonight."

The two started down the main street.

The sun had been down for several hours when Ren finally made it to the Rod & Cup. He knew that Belune's shift had started some time ago so when he pushed the door open, a blast of sounds and smells nearly knocked him back through the opening. The inside of the inn was packed to full capacity. Everywhere he looked; patrons were drinking, laughing, and carrying on with great gusto. Ren pushed his way through the crowd, eyes scanning everywhere for Belune. As he passed by yet another full table, a strong grip on his arm spun him around. Brulliard and Sergic stood next to the booth. The Half-Ogre had one arm draped casually over the elf mage's shoulders. Brulliard was clasping the larger figure to his chest, rubbing himself up and down Sergic's hip.

"See Serge? I told you he would be here tonight."

"Yes he is. Now we should thank him."

The Belf mage licked his lips.

"Ooooh. We can thank him now? I still have the key to the room..."

Sergic chuckled at the lusty elf.

"You are insatiable! Did I not just roll you out of bed a few minutes ago?"

"Oh yes. I still can't sit down. But you have to admit, he would look great sandwiched between us."

The Half-Ogre looked the young warrior up and down.

"Yes he would, wouldn't he?"

Ren waved both hands back and forth.

"Thanks anyways guys. I take it you two are hitting it off?"

Sergic laughed and squeezed the elf closer.

"We've been 'hitting it off' all afternoon. Thank you for this, Ren"

Brulliard grinned and grabbed the Half-Ogre's crotch.

"Serge doesn't know it yet, but he's going to be 'hitting it off' most of the night. I am soooo horny right now."

"Really Authir? You trying to wear me out on the first day?"

"Absolutely! And don't say my first name. Not everyone gets to know that."

Brulliard leaned over to whisper in Ren's ear.

"He's perfect! I owe you, hunky."

The young human whispered back.

"You're welcome, Authir."

"Oh, you're going to pay for that..."

Ren blew in his ear and chuckled evilly. Brulliard leaned back and favored him with a mock frown.

"Come on Serge, I don't want the bed to get warm."

"As you wish hot stuff."

As the two sauntered away, Brulliard winked at Ren over his shoulder, waggling his eyebrows for effect. Ren chuckled again and returned to searching for Belune. Finally he spotted the Tauren making her way to a crowded table with a platter of drinks. Ren intercepted her after she unloaded and was heading back to the kitchen. Belune wasted no time in locking lips with the young warrior. A moment later, she looked into his eyes.

"Hey hon! Glad you could make it!"

"What's going on here? This place is packed!"

"Yeah, Brulliard let it slip that Druhma was going to be here and that she's in the market for a new boyfriend."

"Wow! He really packed them in!"

"Yes he did. The only problem is that it's going to make a busy night for me."

"Damn. Sorry to hear that."

"Don't worry about it. I can sure use the tips. How was your day? Did you make it to lunch?"

"Yes, fortunately. But I really have to tell you about after lunch."

"Well, walk with me while you talk."

Ren trailed alongside as Belune continued her job duties. He told her all about his trip to the blocks and his encounter with Brulliard at the bakery. When he told her of Druhma, she looked at him with a raised eyebrow.

"She really said that to you?"

"You're not mad are you?"

"No. Druhma comes in here a lot when it's not busy. I like her. She probably doesn't even realize that you were talking about me."

"I think it's kind of flattering, really."

"It is flattering. And I'm glad you want to be with me. I consider myself pretty lucky."

"You're lucky? I can't believe how open minded you've been about some of the stuff that has happened in my life."

Belune stopped and looked at him with searching eyes.

"Ren. After all I have lived through and done myself, how could I not be open minded? The only thing that I care about the most is that you will always be with me no matter what happens."

Ren kissed her on the nose.

"You have no fear of that, Bel. I'll always be here with you."

"Good. Then I have no problems."

Ren thought for a second, and then put an arm around Belune's shoulder.

"Since we're being open-minded, I have a confession to make."

"Really? Like what?"

"It's sort of about Druhma..."

Ren proceeded to fill her in on the story of his hidden clearing in Giants Step. When he was finished, Belune looked at him in amazement.

"You seriously have been spying on her?"

Ren looked a little guilty.

"Now are you mad?"

"No, I'm jealous."

The young warrior looked like he was slapped.

"Say what now?"

"I said I'm jealous. That sounds like it would be SO erotic. I wish I could go up to that clearing with you."

Ren just blinked, and then smiled.

"If you come up there with that necklace on, I'm going to end up at the blocks. But when you get it off, I'll take you up there any time you want, ok?"

Belune pressed her body up against him.

"Mmm, sounds like fun. I'll hold you to that."

Ren couldn't stop smiling.

"I can't believe you're into that. I'm a lucky man."

"Hey. You already know my story. It wouldn't be the first window I've looked through. Besides, it always makes me SO horny..."

Ren wrapped his arms around her and kissed her passionately. He slipped his tongue between her lips and caressed her bottom through the thin, silky dress. Her wonderful smell filled his nose. Without thinking, one of his hands wandered up the front of her dress and squeezed an enormous breast through the thin fabric. Belune's eyes snapped open and she broke the kiss.

"Ren! Be careful! The mage-lock, remember?"

He just smiled at her, but took his hand away slowly.

"I forgot to tell you. I set up a deal with the guild. If I get teleported to the blocks, they're instructed to release me."

"That's wonderful! How did you manage that?"

"You're going to love this. Sergic? The one I told you I talked to at the blocks? I promised him I would set him up on a date with Brulliard and he made sure I wouldn't be held if I somehow ended up in the intake center down there."

"That's really good to hear! How did the date work out?"

Ren pointed up at the ceiling.

"I'm pretty sure if you listen hard enough, you'll hear them."

Belune giggled.

"It's nice to hear I don't have to panic every time we kiss. But what was that groping a moment ago? Are you trying to push your luck?"

"Sergic told me I could go pretty far before the lock triggers."

"Really? In that case..."

Belune turned and yelled into the kitchen.

"Lunch break?"

The troll working the stove grunted back.

"All right. Joo gots 30 minutes den."

Belune turned back around and walked Ren backwards across the room. When the young warrior's back touched the far wall, she began kissing him feverishly. Her hands dug up under his shirt and caressed his bare chest. She pressed her hips against his and ground her pudendum into his crotch. Ren moaned under the onslaught. He ran his hands over any part of her body he could reach. When his finger tips brushed the base of her tail, Belune gasped and redoubled her efforts. Ren immediately filed the knowledge away for future reference. Before the action could heat up any further, someone bounced into the amorous couple.

"Oy! There ya are! I've been lookin fer ya!"

Druhma stood, weaving slightly, with a drink in one hand. She was looking at Ren as she spoke, but noticed Belune with her hands up his shirt.

"Heyyyy! This is yer girlfriend? I know her!!! She's HOT!"

The busty Orc plopped down on the edge of a nearby table, bringing her to eye level with the couple. With her free hand, she reached out around Belune's bottom and pulled the Tauren over between her spread legs. Belune squeaked, but didn't struggle. Druhma looked at her face, looked down where their breasts mashed together, and then looked at Ren.

"Now ain't thatta sight for ya? Come take a peek at all these boobies!!"

The big Orc laughed and took a swig of her drink. Ren had to admit, the combined cleavage between the two was REALLY impressive. Belune regarded the intoxicated Orc with interest.

"You think I'm hot? You have to explain this to me."

Druhma grinned drunkenly at her.

"Ah! See, I like tha girls too. Not too many know that..."

The busty Orc took another swig of her drink. She leaned over and started to whisper in Belune's ear. With each passing second, the Tauren's eyes got wider and wider. Her mouth dropped and she blinked in amazement. Without letting go of the Tauren's buttocks, Druhma leaned back and smiled at Belune, who looked at her in awe.

"Seriously? That can't be possible!"

In response, the voluptuous Orc simply stuck out her tongue. It was long, nearly two hands in length, and the tip fell well below her chin! Ren was stunned, and Belune couldn't take her eyes off it. Druhma let them look for a moment and then reeled it in. She took another swig before speaking.

"Yep. It runs in tha family! Plenty'a fun wit this thing!"

The Orc polished off her drink and casually chucked the mug in the general direction of the back room. She hooked a finger into the front of Ren's breeches with her freed hand and pulled the young warrior closer. She continued to talk to Belune.

"Yer a sexy critter. And yer guy here sure is... whoa."

In the middle of her sentence, Druhma had nonchalantly groped Ren's crotch. She looked down in surprise and then back to Ren's face. Her wide eyes swiveled over to Belune.

"Girl, ya better start loosenin up now. This boy's gonna have ya walkin funny fer a week!"

The big Orcess grinned crookedly and looked at Ren while talking out the side of her mouth to Belune.

"That big hog'a his just gave me an idea! When you've been bumpin uglies fer a while and ya wanna spice up yer sex life, ya just call ole Druhma and I'll come'a runnin!"

She pointed one finger at Ren.

"Yer boy here can play pin the schlong in tha Druhma..."

Her finger swiveled over to Belune.

"... and I kin try ta lick yer bellybutton from tha inside!"

Druhma snorted with laughter.

"Oh Yeah! Ye can make yerselves a Druhma sammich!"

While she was chuckling, the big Orc never stopped groping Belune's bottom. The Tauren glanced at Ren, who was just smiling, and back to Druhma. Without warning, Belune cupped the Orc's face with her free hand and planted one right on her lips. Druhma's eyes snapped open in surprise, and then she was giving back as good as she got. Ren stood, transfixed, as the two females tongue wrestled not two hands from his face. Silence rippled across the crowded bar, then whooping and cheering burst from everywhere at once. The girls went at it for a few more moments, and then Druhma broke the kiss with a wet pop. She panted lightly as she eyed the Tauren up and down.

"Damn girl! You are one smokin beast!"

The big Orc turned to Ren.

"Ya better hand on ta this one, Ren! Ain't neva had one jump me first like that!"

Druhma turned back to Belune.

"You just remember what I told ya earlier, k?"

A quick peck, and the Orc gently maneuvered the Tauren out around her thick leg, which protruded from a slit in her dress that reached her waist. She guided Belune into Ren's embrace and then wrapped an arm around them both.

"Ah like ya both. Ya make'a cute couple. But dammit, now ya got me thinkin'a Taurens. I'm gonna go back ta my party, but first..."

Druhma leaned in close and shoved her tongue in Ren's mouth, just long enough for the young warrior to feel her presence. A second later, she was gone, scooping a fresh mug off a passing tray and bellowing at the top of her lungs.

"I'M HUNGRY FOR TAUREN!!! WHERE'R THOSE HORNY BULLS AT??"

A collective groan almost muffled the cheers from the back corner of the building. The Orcess staggered off to find the source of the cheers while Ren stood dazed.

"What the hell just happened?"

Belune chuckled slyly and licked his neck before whispering in his ear.

"I think we just got invited to a threesome with Druhma."

"Yeah, I got that. But how? And what was it with that kiss?"

The curvy Tauren tried not to look mischievous, and failed.

"Well, you did say you liked it that I was open-minded. The idea just sort of popped into my mind."

"Bel, I never would have thought you would do something like that."

A worried look crossed her features.

"Did I go too far?"

"Hells no! I've never been so turned on!"

Ren pulled her close and took up where he had left off before Druhma's interruption. The next ten minutes were heavenly. Ren spent quite a bit of time groping Belune through her dress. The Tauren spent quite a bit of time groping Ren through his breeches. At one point, she pulled away long enough to look down and back at Ren.

"Wow. Is that all you?"

"Er, yes it is."

"Ren, we have got to get this necklace off. You know that, right?"

Ren smiled at her.

"It's been top of my list for a while..."

Belune's break was long over and Ren stood off to one side, nursing a drink. The festivities in the back room had stepped up a notch. Druhma flounced from one Tauren bull to another, grabbing at crotches and planting kisses on their muzzles. Ren saw her wiggling happily in the lap of a young Tauren male when someone tapped him on the shoulder. When he turned, he was face to face with the grizzled, one-eyed Orc from the Academy.

"Yer pretty popular round here."

"I don't know how? I just came to see Belune, I swear."

"Oh I believe ya boy. But I was just breakin tha ice. I actually wanted ta offer ya a job."

"A job? Doing what?"

"Trainin at tha Academy o course. Yer one'a tha best I ever had."

Ren was stunned. Normally it took years before someone was requested to train at he Academy.

"What...what position?"

"Why, Full Instructor, like me."

Ren stood, eyes wide. The Orc snickered at him.

"Well? What's it gonna be?"

"Of course! When do you want me to start?"

"Well. Now I know ya got a little trek with Lirrak fer tamorrow. When ya get back, look me up."

The grizzled Orc turned and vanished into the crowd. Ren was bursting with happiness. Training at the Academy was something in which he excelled. The pay for Full Instructor was superb and would allow him to help pay off Belune's bond all the faster. Ren searched out the busty Tauren and gave her the news.

"That's wonderful Ren! We'll get this necklace off yet."

Ren wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her on the nose.

"I wonder, are we trying to get that off for your freedom, or just because we're both horny?"

Belune giggled at him.

"Can't it be both?"

Ren just leaned in and lost himself for a little while. When he came up for air, Belune was stroking his chest and looking up at him sadly.

"You know you are now going on that trip with Lirrak tomorrow."

Ren sighed.

"Yes, I do. But I wont be gone but a few days."

"I realize that, but I'm going to worry about you all the same."

"I WILL come back to you. I swear."

"I'll hold you to that, my love. In the meantime, shouldn't you be getting some sleep? You leave early in the morning."

Ren smiled at her. Then he paused and searched her eyes.

"I'll get sleep. Of that I have no doubt, but there is something I would like to do to make sure you know how much I love you."

"Ren, I know you love me. You don't need to..."

Ren placed a finger on her lips.

"I know I don't need to do anything, I just want to give you something."

Ren reached into the pocket of his breeches and pulled out the bejeweled band. Belune's eyebrows climbed high as she stared in fascination.

"Ren, what is it?"

"It's an artifact given to me by my father. It contains several spells to help keep you healthy and safe from harm. He told me it was meant for my true love."

The Tauren lifted her gaze to the young human, her eyes filling with tears.

"It's so beautiful! Is...is this really for me?"

Ren pulled her closer with his other hand and smiled.

"Absolutely. As soon as I discovered what it was for, I thought of you."

Belune reached up and took the band. She turned it in her three-fingered hands for a few moments, marveling in the glow from the gems.

"Oh! It's warm! And it feels so good..."

The busty Tauren slipped the band over one thick finger. Unfortunately, even with larger than human digits, the band was floppy and loose. She removed it and thought for a moment. Then, with a grin of triumph, she dropped the band over one delicate horn, snugging it down till it was only a finger width from her head. The band twinkled and shimmered as she turned her head back and forth.

"What do you think?"

"I think it pales in comparison to you."

"Flatterer. You really make me feel special, you know that?"

"You are special."

The two embraced and kissed. Belune looked at him with wet eyes.

"This is wonderful, Ren. Thank you for this, but now I have to get back to work and you have to get some sleep."

"I find myself reluctant to leave you."

"I know. But if I want you back in one piece, you need rest to stay sharp."

"Ok, ok. But I'm going under protest."

Belune smiled sadly even as she hugged him to her chest.

"Good night Ren. I'm glad you feel that I'm your true love. I love you so much."

"I love you too, Belune. I'll see you soon."

Moments later, Ren found himself walking alone down the street away from the Rod & Cup. His heart was torn. On one hand, the job with Lirrak would go a long way to satisfying Belune's bond and thus granting her freedom. On the other hand, the thought of going even a few days without the curvy Tauren made Ren realize how much Belune had become a large portion of his life. He was still pondering that fact when he heard giggling and laughing from the road behind him. Reflexively, Ren ducked into a space between two buildings. A few moments later, Druhma and a young male Tauren wobbled past. The Tauren had his arm draped over her shoulder, with the corresponding hand buried deep inside the neckline of her dress. Ren could see his hand even through the fabric, cupping an enormous breast and rolling a nipple in his fingers. Druhma had an arm around the male's waist. Her other hand was deep in his breeches, obviously playing with what she found there. Together they moved awkwardly down the wide street towards the bakery.

Ren struggled with himself for a moment, and then curiosity overcame his sense of duty. A few side streets later, the young warrior was back in front of the drunken couple. He rushed down the street and made his way to his hidden rope. Within minutes, he was lying on his stomach in the hidden clearing overlooking the back of the bakery. Ren waited as patiently as possible. After a few minutes, the light came on and the door of the bedroom opened.

Druhma came through the door first. The young Tauren was right behind her, his hands on her hips. She stopped short partway across the room, forcing him to run into her. When he did, he grinned broadly and ran his hands from her hips, up across her soft belly, and stopped on her massive breasts. Druhma reached back under his arms and grabbed his hips, wiggling and grinding her bottom into the Tauren's crotch. The big male nuzzled her neck as he kneaded her immense mammary glands. Occasionally, one hand would slither down and rub her mound through the material, causing the huge breasted Orc to arch her back and slam her backside into the Tauren's crotch. Ren felt his own crotch grow tight.

After a few minutes of this play, the Tauren said something to Druhma and then spun her in place. She bounced in place a few times and threw her arms around the male's neck. With no hesitation, the Tauren gripped both of her buttocks and leaned down to exchange wet passionate kisses. As their tongues danced with each other, the male slowly started to gather the fabric of Druhma's dress in his hands. When he no longer had any excess to collect, he stood straight and pulled the Orc's dress up to her chest. The Tauren took a moment to readjust his hands before pulling the dress out and over her gargantuan bust line. As Druhma's leviathan orbs bounced free, she raised her arms to allow the taller male to completely shuck her outfit. The Tauren casually tossed the garment over his shoulder and went back to necking with the Orcess. The big male let his three-fingered hands wander up and down the Orc's back and bottom, gently stroking her skin.

The Tauren shifted tactics and reached down with the hand closest to the glass. He hooked Druhma behind the knee and lifted her leg so that it propped high up on his hip. Then he slid his hand down over her rump till his fingertips touched the soft flesh between her legs. Smoothly, the Tauren bent his wrist, inserting his thick fingers into both of the Orc's openings. He went deliciously slow, taking plenty of time. Druhma closed her eyes, gasping at the sensation. She clutched at the Tauren's arms for support as he finally hilted his fingers in her depths. As he began to move his hand in and out, the big male dragged his tongue up her neck under her chin. Druhma threw her head back, panting at the ecstasy. The Tauren increased the speed of his hand. The big Orcess twitched and shuddered, then buried her face in his shoulder as her fluids ran down his hand and dripped to the floor. The male smiled down at her and stopped his hand with the fingers in as deep as they could go. He slowly squatted down, never removing his digits, and licking her bare skin as he went. When he reached her bust, the Tauren stopped and slurped a huge nipple into his mouth. He suckled her gently, running his tongue in circles around the giant areola. Druhma continued to pant and moved one of her hands to the back of the male's head. He smiled as he licked and murmured something to the Orc. She gasped something back and the Tauren abandoned the rock-hard nipple and continued his journey south.

As he worked his way down over her tightly rounded stomach, the bull peppered her skin with soft, lippy kisses, occasionally using his tongue. By this time, Druhma's raised foot had reached the floor and she was having a hard time standing still. The Tauren paused when he reached her belly button. His embedded hand had become bent at an awkward angle. With agonizing slowness, he pulled his fingers from her body. Druhma shuddered and said something to the big male. He looked up at her and chuckled, then puffed a little air into her navel. She giggled and swatted his head playfully. The Tauren licked her stomach just under her bellybutton and pulled her other leg up in the air. With the Orc's foot firmly propped on his raised thigh, the big male gripped her hips and murmured something up to her face. The Orcess giggled again and waggled her finger at him. Suddenly, he leaned in and dragged his tongue slowly up her slit. Druhma gasped and grabbed the Tauren's horns. He paused and looked up at her again. She panted something at him and he smiled and stuck his tongue out. Way out. The bull's tongue was well over three hands long and easily at least a hand thick. Druhma's eyes bugged and her jaw dropped. She shook her head in disbelief and laughed something at the Tauren, and then she stuck out her own tongue. The male raised his eyebrows at her length and smiled while he chatted something up to her. The entire time, he never stopped rubbing and massaging her hips. The big Orcess took one hand off of the male's horns and idly toyed with her long dark hair.

The Tauren took advantage of her flirting by simply bowing his head and stuffing his broad nose into her mound. Druhma shuddered and returned both hands to the bull's horns. He shifted position, raising his thigh higher, and consequently raising her leg higher. The Tauren worked her sex over good, alternately licking and sucking on her shaved treasure. The Orcess threw her head back, panting heavily and trembling at every nuzzle. After a few moments, the big male backed off and frowned down at the floor. He then looked around the room and appeared to make a decision. With one smooth motion, the Tauren scooped Druhma up into the air and carried her to the bed. He plopped her on her back and knelt next to the edge of the mattress. A couple of tugs to get her into position and the Tauren stuffed his tongue back into her folds. The Orcess arched her back and gripped the covers tightly in both hands. The big male stopped moving his head around so much and simply extended his huge tongue deep into her passage. One arm snaked under her leg and around her hip to lay his hand flat on her wriggling stomach. The other hand pinned her leg out wide, allowing him the best access to her sex. Druhma writhed and gasped under the ministrations of the male. Her magnificent chest rose and fell faster and faster as her panting increased. Suddenly, the Orc reached between her legs and grabbed the male by the horns. She pulled him into her tightly flexed body and shuddered in the throes of a powerful orgasm. The Tauren locked his big hands on her hips and lapped the juices from her quivering body. Once the waves of pleasure released their iron grip on the Orcess, she took one hand and gently pushed the Tauren's face away from her crotch. The big male chuckled and rubbed her thighs as the Orc lay breathless and staring at the ceiling. Ren scooted as close to the edge of the cliff as he dared. He knew from previous visits that the Orcess never let an opportunity go by to drink her fill of manly juices. It was only a matter of time.

Druhma sat up slowly and leaned over to kiss the Tauren passionately. Her hands slid up behind the bull's soft, floppy ears and pulled him to her as she plunged her tongue into his mouth. When she came up for air a few seconds later, she pointed to the ceiling and barked a single word at the Tauren. He obediently scrambled to his feet to follow her as she stood up. Druhma ran her hands down the sides of his neck, down his chest, and grabbed two fistfuls of his tunic right above his pectorals. Then, in one powerful yank, she tore the shirt completely off in two opposite directions, leaving her holding the tattered remains in each hand. Dropping the scraps on the floor, the busty Orc playfully nipped at the surprised male's furry throat, and then she squatted slowly, nibbling at his chest and abs as she dropped to her haunches. When she reached his breeches, she quickly went to work on the fasteners, undoing a belt and toggle in seconds. The Orc tugged his breeches down and the Tauren's erection jumped to life, swinging up and bouncing off her chin. Shocked, Druhma leaned back to get a better look at the monster under her nose.

The Tauren's length was formidable, easily as long as her last boyfriend, but the girth was legendary. Druhma reached up and grasped it with one hand and gawked, wide-eyed, as she realized she had plenty of room around the circumference between her fingertips and her thumb. The Orcess mouthed something up to the male, who shrugged and smiled helplessly. He gestured to his erection and waved his hands as he replied. Druhma returned her gaze to the thick rod in front of her. She grasped the base with her other hand and stroked its length for a few moments, studying the end of the member as if she were deliberating something. She leaned forward and gave the tip a tentative lick. The Tauren twitched slightly at the sensation and Druhma smiled and licked him again. The big male screwed up his face in ecstasy and mumbled something to the Orc. She grinned and then dragged her long tongue completely up the underside of the Tauren's erection. He shuddered, gasped, and cupped the back of the Orc's head with one huge hand.

Druhma took the hint and stuffed the head of the Tauren's meat into her wide open mouth. As she gripped his shaft two-handed and pushed it deeper, her head jerked to a stop. She backed off and frowned at the pole before her while tapping a tusk with a fingernail. She then turned and used the same hand to reach under the mattress of her bed. The Orcess pulled her hand out and revealed a familiar-looking flask. Letting go with the other hand, Druhma dribbled a little of the flask's contents on to two fingers and rubbed them on the insides of her tusks. The Tauren watched the entire process closely, his massive erection bobbing slightly to the beat of his heart. The Orcess closed the flask and gently tossed it over her shoulder on to the mattress. She scrambled off the floor back to the edge of the bed. With no further preamble, she reached out with both hands and literally shoved the Tauren's rigid pipe into her mouth. The Orc continued to push, past the sticking point of earlier, and soon a full third of the male's shaft was lodged in her throat. Determined, Druhma moved her hands to the bull's hips and pulled hard. Her throat bulged obscenely as she laboriously worked her way to the base of his bulky manhood. When her nose finally touched his furry abdomen, she gave his gigantic testes a victory lick with her amazing tongue and then retreated completely, gasping for air. Throughout the entire event, the Tauren's eyes grew wider and wider. It was obvious he never expected her to take the whole thing. Still breathing heavily, the Orcess winked up at the bull and stuffed him back into her mouth.

She soon had a steady rhythm going, two hands sliding back and forth to meet her lips partway. The Tauren had stopped staring and was starting to pant. His hand never left the back of her head. Druhma increased her pace, occasionally using her tongue or applying suction. The young bull began to grimace and shiver. Panting heavily, the Tauren suddenly stiffened and clenched his teeth. The Orcess shortened her strokes, her cheeks caving mightily with suction. The bull bucked his hips a little, and then threw his head back. Druhma stopped moving and began swallowing. At first she smiled a little around her prize and took her time, but soon the widening eyes and increased speed of her gulps showed she was completely unprepared for the extraordinary amount of production exhibited by the young Tauren. The male continued to gasp and shudder as the Orcess tried desperately to keep up with the flow. She slid off the bed and knelt at his feet. No sooner did her knees touch the floor, the volume of the bull's gift exceeded the Orc's capacity to swallow. Thick, white rivulets fell from the corners of her mouth and splattered on the massive shelf of her breasts and still the Tauren continued to orgasm.

Some long moments later, the male stopped twitching and regained enough composure to step back. Druhma smiled and used a finger to scoop and lick the thick fluid from around her mouth and chin. When that was clean, she hefted her colossal orbs and proceeded to clean the entire spatter with swipes of her lengthy tongue. The Tauren was breathing hard, smiling and watching the action, his flagging pole still hanging at half mast. The Orcess finished her cleaning and eyed his member. She said something up to the male and he stepped back into her reach. Druhma drooled some saliva down between her melons and suddenly lunged forward, clamping the bull's manhood between her enormous pillows. The Tauren grinned wide and put his hands on the Orc's shoulders. Druhma began to bounce up and down, boobs sliding around his pole. When he regained his erection, she would occasionally pop the head in and out of her mouth, causing the male to jerk every time.

The Tauren enjoyed the sensation for a few minutes, and then lightly pushed on the Orc's shoulders to make her fall back on to the bed. She threw him a big smile and scrambled backwards to the center of the mattress. The bull followed her, kneeling between her outstretched legs with his broad manhood jutting out over her abdomen. He slid his hands around on the bed for a moment and came up with the discarded flask. The Tauren opened the flask and up-ended the contents over the length of his shaft. Rubbing the lubricant all over with one hand, the bull leaned over and supported his weight on the other, allowing him to lock the Orc in another passionate kiss. She ran her hands up and down his sides until the Tauren broke the kiss and looked down to where he hovered above her. Using the same hand, the male guided the tip of his enormous rod between her legs. There was a moment of resistance that had the Orcess gritting her teeth and clutching the bull's shoulders, and then her body gave way and let the first few finger widths slide home.

Druhma's eyes and mouth opened wide in surprise at the intrusion. The big male drew back a tiny bit, and then pushed in again, sinking a couple of hands widths into her sex. The Orcess gasped and squirmed under the Tauren. Her face was a rare mixture of pain and ecstasy. Undaunted, the bull moved his free hand to her chest, fondling and kneading her gigantic orbs as he waited for her to adapt to his girth. He then gripped her thigh just above her knee, cocking her leg back before withdrawing and plunging deeper into her body. Druhma's eyes clenched shut and her hands flipped up to brace herself against the bed's headboard. She panted heavily as the Tauren continued to stroke slowly, pushing himself a little deeper with each thrust. Before long, the big male managed to finally hilt himself inside her. He was smiling down at her as she panted something back up at him. Without warning, he withdrew most of his length and slammed it home, causing the Orc to buck in place, her eyes wide open. He gave her another withdrawal/slam, and another; and before long the Tauren was keeping a pace that had the Orcess clawing at the headboard.

He leaned over and licked her neck, whispered something in her ear, and then paused to readjust his grip. The bull shifted his knees and moved the hand that was previously resting on the mattress to the back of the bottom of the Orc's thigh on her other leg. Leaning forward pinned the busty Orc's knees to each side of her rounded stomach. The Tauren grinned at the look of trepidation on Druhma's face and then started moving again. Within moments he was pounding his gargantuan manhood in and out of her shaved slit. The Orcess gaped at him throughout the onslaught, her chest heaving as she absorbed the impacts. The bull kept up an amazing pace, seemingly immune to exhaustion.

Several long minutes later, the big male started to speed up, thrusting with such force that the bed bounced on the wooden floor. Druhma tilted her head back, eyes closed, and hands propped back against the headboard to keep from sliding away. Every passing moment, the Tauren increased the ferocity of his strokes, bouncing the bed so hard that Ren could actually hear the impacts through the glass sheet. Suddenly the big male stabbed it home one final time, shuddering and twitching as he spent himself inside the Orc. Druhma gasped, mouth open, as the bull drove himself phenomenally deep. Letting go of a leg with one hand, the Tauren collapsed on to the Orcess, catching part of his weight on the open hand. He continued to twitch and shiver, filling her cavity to bursting with his seed.

The Orcess wrapped her arms around the panting bull and gasped in his ear. The male continued to shudder for several long moments before finally releasing her other leg and sagging fully on top of her. The two lay still for a moment and then the Tauren propped himself up on his elbows to look into the Orc's face. He said something to her and she replied with a shake of her head. He smiled and kissed her reverently. When they broke their kiss, the male pushed himself up off her body, withdrawing his semi-erect tool, and flopped heavily to one side. Druhma rolled over to cuddle up facing him, running her hands over his chest and shoulders. The Tauren smiled down at her and then reached back and extinguished the lamp stand, plunging the room into darkness.

Ren rolled over on to his back. His own manhood throbbed painfully inside his breeches. Now more than ever, the young warrior wished he could be intimate with Belune. The scene that just played out in front of him had fired up all the fantasies that had been foremost in his thoughts since the evening he met the beautiful Tauren. The young human thought back to Druhma's earlier offer. After what he had just witnessed, he had serious doubts he would be involved in any affair involving the chesty Orcess. Ren knew he would never be able to come close to the performance of the young bull. Still, it had been months since he had been with a female and his body was primed and ready. Sighing heavily, Ren made his way back off the ledge and down to the front of the bakery. With one last look up the street towards the inn, the young human started down the street towards his home.

Ren glided through the front door without a sound. When he had approached the house from the outside a few moments ago, he had spotted a flickering light in the study window. This was a good indication that his father was entertaining company. Now he made his way down the hallway towards the steps, and ultimately, his bedroom. As he passed the partially open study door, a familiar voice could be heard.

"This gem is incredibly valuable to me. Thank you for precipitating its swift recovery."

Mal'therius sat in the study holding the sickly green gem the undead Orc had given over that very morning. Ren peered silently through the crack of the door, trying to ignore the bout of nausea caused by the flickering green light. Gareth regarded the jewel with interest, his fingers stroking his goatee idly.

"Very interesting energies, Mal'therius. Of what use would this jewel be to you?"

"Oh, nothing important. A simple binding spell for my new demon."

Gareth's eyebrow climbed up his forehead. Ren was surprised. His father normally never expressed any emotions, especially with non-family members. To the best of Ren's knowledge, the only person to see any emotion from him other than anger was Ren himself. Gareth was quick to hide his movement but it wasn't enough. The simple change of expression warned the young warrior that Mal'therius was not telling the whole truth. Ren watched closely as his father responded.

"Ah yes. I understand that would be a major asset for you. Do you have all the necessary elements to complete the binding?"

"Alas, not yet. But soon I will have what I need."

"Excellent."

Gareth poured more drink. Mal'therius sipped slowly and then turned again to Ren's father.

"And what of your son? Did you present him the artifact from me?"

"Yes. I told him of your desire to make amends. He was hesitant at first, but then accepted gratefully."

"Superb. Has anyone discovered its complete purpose yet?"

"Not to my knowledge."

"Pity."

Gareth turned to reach for his own drink. While his back was turned, Mal'therius' face bloomed with a wide, evil smile. Ren's blood chilled at the sight. It was blatantly obvious that the elf mage was planning something of which Gareth was not aware. What worried the young warrior the most was the fact that he seemed to be an unwilling part of Mal'therius' scheme. Ren began to doubt his decision to give the band to Belune. Gareth turned back and Mal'therius continued.

"I wonder what Rendlethaven did with the piece?"

Gareth took a sip before responding.

"No doubt he gave it to his newest companion."

"The Tauren girl?"

"You know of her?"

"I have heard things. Apparently she is one of Brulliard's investments, and quite popular at his establishment."

Gareth frowned into his drink.

"So she is a female of loose morals."

"Quite the opposite, actually. All of my sources say she turns down all offers, and has actually volunteered for the no-sex addition to her mage lock."

Ren's father nearly let his eyebrow give him away again.

"I was unaware. Maybe I should rethink Ren's relationship with this girl."

"You may be surprised, Mordrogon. She may be good for him."

"Possibly. But if that is true then I do not want any malady to befall this girl. Ren was nearly destroyed when you took Armiella from him."

Mal'therius set his cup down and fixed Gareth with his gaze.

"I assure you. Right now I want her to make him as happy as possible. From what little I could learn about the artifact he gave her, it will ensure her health and longevity while she wears it. I inadvertently took Armiella away from him and I have no plans to separate him and this Tauren girl in the near future."

Gareth returned his gaze silently. Ren knew that his father was processing the elf mage's words, allowing his powerful spells to search for any falsehood. A second later, Gareth relaxed and took another sip of his drink.

"I am glad to hear that, Mal'therius. My son's well-being is of high importance to me."

"Of that I have no doubts. Now, what of this new ward you have developed?"

"Yes, well the components were simple..."

Ren left them talking and moved silently up the stairs. It was a relief to hear that the band he had given to Belune was safe. His father's response to the elf mage's words told him all he needed to know. As he climbed into bed, a thrill ran through his frame. Tomorrow would mark the first time in his twenty years that he had ever ventured into the world outside Shady Vale. It was going to be an interesting journey.