Chapter 4: The Monster's Lusts

Thanks to b0b for beta reading this!

Acolyte Sophia – Shesax, the Kingdom of Secare

My heart beat with excitement as we crossed the Merchant's Bridge over the Melkith River that flowed through the sprawling city of Shesax. Behind us, the Lone Mountain thrust up like a rock spire to pierce the fluffy, white clouds drifting across the sun. Ahead, the sun rose, shining golden light in our eyes.

The Merchant's Bridge connected with the K'holene Highway, the great merchant road that led to the mining city of K'hol. I had ridden this very road from my mother's estates in the Tith Hills the day I came to Shesax to serve in the Temple of the Pure. Beyond K'hol, the road led to Ostian and down south to the Kingdom of Valya.

I sat sidesaddle on my white mare Purity, a gift from the Temple of the Pure. Knight-Errant Angela rode beside me on her monstrously large, black stallion Midnight. He was the meanest horse I had seen, his hooves stamping hard, his eyes vicious, and his neighs wild. He was a warhorse, trained to kick and bite in battle. He was nothing like my sweet, gentle mare.

Angela sat stiffly upon her saddle, her face drawn. I knew nothing about her. We had only met last night for her Blessing, and then I was mostly concerned with eating out her pussy—and she did taste delicious—while hoping she would receive an easy Quest.

She hadn't.

We had to slay the dragon Dominari far to the east. Well, okay, she had to. I was just along to provide support. I had no idea why. It was some ancient tradition that Acolytes of the Goddess Saphique would journey with the female Knights Deute on their initiation Quests. It was stupid. I wanted to be back in the temple lounging with a nubile novice. I missed those twins. They had been so cute.

The city of Shesax was bustling. I was surprised that so many people were awake. The sun had barely risen. Shouldn't they be asleep for hours more? I tried to never be awake so early, unless I had some stupid duty to attend at the temple. There were so many of them.

"The city sure is bustling," I said, trying to start a conversation. "Is something going on?"

Angela glanced at me, her blue eyes narrowing. She had fiery-red hair that fell about the shining pauldrons of her armor. Her breasts were impressive, cupped by her half-breastplate, and her midriff, left bare, was flat and toned. She wore knee-high boots, covered in armored greaves, but her upper thighs were bare and delicious. A shield hung from her saddle and a sword from her belt.

"You do not leave the Temple much," Angela said.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I demanded.

"Most in Shesax rise before the sun, at least the common folk do. There is much to do, crafts to perform, shops to set up."

I blinked. "Oh."

Angela muttered beneath her breath.

"I didn't catch that?"

Angela just gave me a sweet, forced smile. I suspected what she muttered wasn't nice. I gave an imperious huff, lifted my chin, and tossed my light brown hair. Did this woman know who I was? How dare she insult me.

The crowds parted for us, calling out, "Good luck, sir Knight." and "May the Gods watch over you on your Quest, sir Knight." Did any of them care that I was with her. I kept my head held high. I was the daughter of Duchess Catherine of Tith and an Acolyte of Saphique, the Virgin Goddess.

"Do you plan on riding sidesaddle the entire time?" Angela demanded as we neared the gates of Shesax that opened onto the farmlands that surrounded the city.

"How else would I ride?" I blinked. "I am a noble woman, not some uncouth peasant. It's hardly dignified to ride like a man."

"And what happens if you have to ride at more than a trot?"

I rolled my eyes. "Sir Angela, I rode from K'hol to Shesax sidesaddle. It will be fine. And I would prefer if you addressed me as Acolyte Sophia or my Lady. I am the daughter of a duchess."

Angela actually laughed. "Out here, you're more like my squire. My little acolyte that I'm saddled with. I have my doubts if you'll even be useful."v

"I'm plenty useful," I huffed. "I know magics and have healing potions. You will be thankful of my presence. If not, I will just ride back to the temple."

Please, do not be thankful.

I held my breath as she gave me a considering look. Her blue eyes grew considerate. "No. I need you. You are my witness that I have performed my Quest and keeping you alive is part of the task. I must defend not only the realm, but your pampered ass."

I lifted my head and gave another imperious toss. Anger boiled through me. No one had ever talked to me like that. "You are rude and uncouth. How a peasant was ever allowed into the noble Knights Deute, I will not understand?"

"I'm the daughter of a count," Angela answered as she heeled her horse through the gate and out of the city.

"I find that hard to believe," I muttered as Purity followed after.

The peasant farmers were already out in their fields. Like the poor commoners of Shesax, they had risen far too early. Dark-brown soil, almost black, was tilled by oxen, donkey, or horses, each pulling a plow while a farmer walked beside, leading the beasts. Children followed in the wake, planting seeds in the fresh furrowed tills. In other fields, weeds were pulled and thrown into wheelbarrows.

"Such dirty work," I sighed.

"Most work is," Angela answered.

How did I get stranded with this unpleasant woman?

The sun rose higher and the day grew warmer. The wind blew, but it carried the foul scent of manure from the fields. I grimaced and wished I had a perfumed handkerchief, a scented pomander, or even a fresh orange to hold to my nose. Sweat gathered on my forehead. I slumped my shoulders. My poor butt was growing sorer and sorer. This was as unpleasant as the first journey.

"Why don't we take a break and enjoy a refreshment?" I asked.

Angela glanced at me. "We're only an hour from the city? It's far too early for our midday break."

"Midday? Surely we would take a break before them."

"We're on a quest, my Lady," she sneered. "Not a pleasant ride through the country. And what refreshment do you expect to have here?"

"Perhaps a sweet wine to help wash away the dust of the trail and a light repast?"

"You have a waterskin. It's plenty refreshing." Angela pulled her own skin and drank water.

I grabbed mine and frowned. I had noticed it on my saddlebag, but hadn't realized what it was for. It was a leather bladder with a wooden stopper plugging the opening. I pulled it out and put it to my lips. I frowned. No water came out. I lifted it higher.

"Give it a squeeze, my Lady."

Her tone was so insolent. I squeezed, and warm water flooded my mouth. It was not the refreshment I craved, but it was better than nothing. I lowered the waterskin and capped it. "And what are we eating for our midday meal?"

"Trail rations." Angela grinned at me. "A hardy mix of dried fruit and nuts mashed into beef and turned into jerky."

I shuddered.

The journey became quite monotonous. When I traveled with my mother to Shesax to start my novitiate, we had singers to serenade us, servants to care for us. When we grew tired of riding, we would slip into the carriage and eat lemon cakes and sip lavender water.

I squirmed. My butt ached. My back was sore. The sun was so hot on my brow. I raised the hood of my robe to shade my eyes. I drained my waterskin before noon and my bladder began to grow full, but Angela showed no sign of stopping.

I decided I wouldn't show her any discomfort. She rode her horse like nothing was the matter, her back as straight as when we left Shesax. The profile of her face was lovely. She was nobly born to possess such perfect features, and that hair bespoke of foreign blood. It shimmered in the sunlight as it bounced on her armor.

"What are you looking at?" Angela demanded. "Do I have a speck of dirt on my face."

"I ... what?" I demanded.

"You were staring at my face, my Lady."

My cheeks burned. I looked ahead. "I was doing no such thing. I was watching the ... um ... interesting sights."

Angela looked to her left. "Right. Because a peasant mucking in the field would interest such a refined lady as yourself."

I wanted to scream. But I wouldn't.

I was grateful for our midday break. We found shade beneath a chestnut tree. Angela sat on the grass as she chewed on her trail rations. I walked around, letting my legs stretch out, and rubbed my poor, abused bottom.

Maybe Angela would kiss it better.

I glanced at her. She took a vicious bite out of her trail ration, almost ripping the poor piece of jerky in half. I glanced at my own. It was brown and beaten thin. And it was hard. I tried to take a small bite. It was salty. I grimaced, but my stomach growled. So I bit harder. I had to work to bite my teeth through the tough food. I may as well be eating leather.

I chewed on it for a whole minute. It was spiced, and there was a faint trace of nuts and fruits mixed in. I swallowed and ripped off a second bite. Angela had already finished and sipped from her waterskin as she stared out at the sky. I paced as I worked the jerky in my mouth. My eyes kept sliding back to her, studying the slopes of her breasts and the sleek lines of her thighs.

I haven't cum once today. I couldn't remember the last time I had gone so long. Certainly not since I joined the Temple of the Pure. An itch flashed through my pussy. I shoved the last of my jerky into my mouth before I leaned against the tree, squeezing my thighs together.

I let out a sigh as I rubbed my clit. I was skilled at masturbation. I was trained. I could get myself off just by pressing my thighs together. I closed my eyes and let out a second sigh. I pictured Angela kneeling before me.

I am so sorry for how I treated you, my Lady, she purred, her hands reaching out to rub at my sleek thighs. I humbly beg for your forgiveness.

I understand. You were overwhelmed by my beauty.

A flutter of pleasure went through me. I sighed and squirmed. My palms grew damp. I gripped the hem of my white robes. I wanted to lift them up. But there were men around, working the fields, and I couldn't let them see my naked treasures. I was dedicated to Saphique. No man could ever know my flesh. Only the sweet touch of a woman was permitted.

My nipples ached as I imagined Angela pushing up my robe, her hands sliding up my thighs. Her breath was warm on my pussy as her teasing fingers neared closer and closer. My pleasure swelled inside me. I squeezed harder on my clit, working my thighs to massage my bud.

That's it, I whispered in my imagination. You can apologize with that delicious tongue of yours.

I bit my lip as my fantasy-Angela licked her tongue through my pussy. Her tongue was lithe, stirring through my folds as she moaned in delight. My fantasy savored the taste of my pussy before her lips wrapped around my clit. I shuddered again, my hips bucking.

I sucked in my breath.

Mmm, yes, Angela. Eat my pussy. Put that tongue to use. You're going to be my little, lesbian slave on our journey.

Yes, my Lady! I want to worship your pussy. You taste delicious.

We'll kiss and suck and love each other all the time, I moaned in my imagination. My clit throbbed. My pussy clenched. My orgasm swelled. Whenever I have an itch, you'll be more than happy to scratch it.

More than happy, my Lady! I love your pussy! And your sexy body! You're so beautiful. I love your small breasts and cute nipples. I love your wide eyes and gorgeous smile. And your ass is perfect, just plump enough to grab a hold of.

"You're so kind," I whispered.

"What?" the real Angela asked.

"Nothing!" I gasped as my orgasm shuddered through my body. I clenched my teeth as the pleasure burned through me. My juices flooded out, pouring down my thighs. I loved this moment. My fingers balled up my robe as I quivered.

"Are you sure? You seem in pain," Angela said, standing up.

"No, no, I'm fine," I panted, a big smile crossing my lips. "Mmm, I'm more than fine. I'm ready to get back down the trail."

Angela furrowed her eyebrows. "Did you just..." She shook her head. "But you weren't even touching yourself."

I strode to my mare, my body buzzing with pleasure. "Come along. We need to get going." I climbed up into my saddle and all my good mood evaporated as my poor, sore bottom sat upon the hard saddle.

Knight-Errant Angela – K'holene Highway, The Kingdom of Secare

Sophia was a pampered, soiled, bratty, annoying, whiny, sexy woman. She aggravated me. All she did was complain. When I traveled to Secare, I had a thousand servants to wipe my ass and blow my nose, I imagined her whining. So I expect the same out of you, Sir Angela.

"I'm a fucking knight, not her wet nurse."

"Hmm?" Sophia asked. She had her hood up over her pale face. She was beautiful, with wide, green eyes and when she did smile, it lit up her face. She was petite, wrapped up in a white robe that concealed her figure instead of the diaphanous wraps she had worn in the temple that left her body nearly naked.

"Nothing," I answered.

She licked her lip, her silver tongue piercing flashing. That piecing had felt amazing when she ate my pussy last night. A hot flush went through me. I was mostly used to riding on horseback, but sometimes the rub of the leather saddle on my flesh was exciting. My clit tingled and my pussy grew moist. The moans of all the acolytes echoed in my mind as they masturbated around me, their pussies clenching and squirting their juices on me.

My thoughts drifted away from them to Kevin. His naked, sculpted form appeared, covered in muscles, his cock thrusting thick and hard before him. My pussy clenched, aching to be filled by him. He always knew how to love me.

My heart clenched. Pain filled me. How could he doubt my commitment to the Knights Deute? He had called the order's duty bullshit. He wanted me to quit and become his wife just so I wouldn't face death. I had misjudged him. I thought he understood me, that he respected me. He should have been proud that I was committed to perform a Quest no knight of the three orders had completed successfully.

Tears burned at my eyes. I forced them down. I had to be strong. I couldn't lament over my boyfriend's insults. And I most certainly couldn't break down and cry before Sophia. I wouldn't give the bratty cunt that satisfaction.

Our shadows grew longer and longer before us as the sun set behind us. "When do we stop for the evening?" moaned Sophia. "Surely we have traveled far enough, Sir Knight."

"When we reach Vrex," I answered. "There's an inn. We should be there by nightfall, okay."

"Fine," she muttered. "And how long is that?"

I grit my teeth. "A few hours still, my Lady." I put all my derision I could into the words. Why had Vivian, the Holy Virgin of Saphique, chosen this whiny brat to be my acolyte. Sophia clearly resented this task foisted on her. I always thought the best acolyte was chosen, one eager to serve her Goddess in this important Quest.

I gripped the reigns of Midnight. I too was eager to reach Vrex. A day in the saddle was wearing in armor. My lower back ached and my legs were sore. Not as sore as Sophia's butt. She kept squirming in her saddle, trying to relieve the pressure.

The village of Vrex appeared ahead, built on a small rise that the highway wrapped around. It was a collection of thatched roofs and whitewashed walls. The only slate roof was the Generous Courtesan, the inn that dominated the center of town. It was a well-kept inn, catering to the traveling merchants and nobility that passed through Vrex to and from the capital.

"Thank Saphique's hymen," Sophia muttered as we left the road onto the cobblestone of the village.

I arched an eyebrow. "I wouldn't think an acolyte of Saphique would blaspheme."

A mischievous grin crossed Sophia's lips; she almost seemed like a real person. "You would be surprised the rules I've broken."

We reached the inn and a dirty boy took our horses. "Watch out for Midnight's bite," I warned. "He can be vicious. But feed him some oats, and he becomes as sweet as a puppy."

Sophia dismounted and almost fell over. She groaned as she stretched her back and legs. A loud rumbled erupted from her stomach and she blushed. "I do hope they serve proper food here."

"Oh, yes, m'Lady," grinned the stable boy. "Got the finest food 'ere. You'll be burstin' at the seams once you've eat'n the nosh."

"Sounds lovely," muttered Sophia.

The innkeeper was a round-faced man named Hal and he greeted us properly. I paid for a single room with two beds along with a meal and stables for our horses. I led Sophia out to the inns common room. Her eyes widened. Serving women bustled about as laughing men fondled their breasts and ass, the women giggling back. Men drank tankards of dark beer and ate a rich stew of beef and vegetables. My mouth watered at the smell.

"This is ... different," Sophia muttered. "When I stayed here with my mother, we rented a private dining space."

"That cost coin, my Lady," I answered, giving her a mocking smile. "And we will need to be miserly with ours."

"Yes, yes," she sighed, and then smiled as a lass of sixteen sauntered up, her dark hair falling down her back in a thick braid and a shy smile on her lips.

"If it pleases you, m'Lady, I am Delores, and my father, the good innkeeper, has asked me to wait on you this evening."

"Perfect," Sophia purred, licking her lips. "You are just delicious, child."

Delores's cheeks reddened.

"Thank you, m'Lady."

"Do you have a bath?" Sophia asked.

"Of course. I can attend to you."

Sophia nodded. "And do you know how to massage weary flesh?"

"Massage. No, m'Lady."

"I'll show you." Sophia gave a wicked grin. "Now, if you would bring us our meal and two glasses of your finest wine."

"Ale is fine for me," I interrupted.

Sophia wrinkled her nose. "Thank you, sweet child."

I frowned at her. Why was she acting so sweet?

Delores scurried off and returned with a platter: two bowls of the steaming stew, thick slices of brown bread, a heel of butter, and our drinks. She sat it down on our table, then moved behind Sophia's chair, patiently waiting.

Sophia sniffed the stew. "It doesn't actually smell that bad. I guess I'm just so hungry."

"Yes, hunger has a way of spicing food, my Lady," I smiled.

"Are you ever going to stop with the sarcasm?" Sophia asked. "It is most unbecoming."

"I'm sorry to have offended you, my Lady."

Sophia shook her head and dug into her stew with a wooden spoon. After a moment, I joined her. It was delicious. I smeared butter on the bread and dipped into the savory stew. The warm food washed away some of the exhaustion of the road. I savored it, washing it down with the strong ale. It had a kick to it.

Sophia sipped at her wine as she devoured her food. I think she was surprised by how fast she finished. She pushed back the bowl and finished her wine. "More than adequate," she nodded to Dolores. "Now I am in desperate need of a bath."

I ordered a second flagon of ale and sat back in my chair. I nursed it, pondering the dangers ahead of us. Somehow, we had to find the Lesbius Oracle in the dark, unmapped Deorc Forest. It was haunted by Elves and monsters. It could be almost as perilous as our quest itself. And I doubt it would help. I took another sip. Lady Delilah was sure I could accomplish this Quest, but I wasn't special. Many knights had died already trying to kill Dominari.

Why should I succeed where they failed?

Fine. Be a stubborn bitch. Go and die. Throw your life away on this foolish folly.

Kevin's words echoed through my mind. The noise of the common room faded. Pain shuddered through me. I took another drink as tears trickled down my cheeks. I had thought I would marry Kevin after my Quest and once we were both knights. I had such romantic ideas about journeying with him, fighting by his side by day and making love to him by night.

Was he right? Was I just being foolish?

No. Lady Delilah believed in me. She was a true knight. She wasn't a coward like Kevin. I slammed down my tankard, spilling some of my ale. "I can do this," I muttered. I stood up, my armor creaking. "I will do this."