Maledictus Terra Book 3: Vetitum Nemus Part 94
Introduction
Welcome back to Maledicturs Terra. This is a Chain Story between myself and @lex-zaiya, meaning that we each write the parts alternatively.
If you have not read Maledictus Terra Book 1: Mortis Custos yet, it starts HERE at Part 1 and ends at Part 101 HERE. At the end of the Part 101 post you will find links to all 101 Parts!
Maledictus Terra Book 2: Sanguifex started HERE with Part 1 and ends at Part 111 HERE
The previous part by @lex-zaiya can be found here!
Part 94
Magna paced the walls of the castle pensively, scanning the horizon as if she could still see her twin brother. It was unusual for her to be far away from him, except for the time that he nearly died. And this absence reminded her strongly of that. Therefore deepening the feeling of wrongness.
As she walked to the courtyard below, a bounding lupine form greeted her.
You seem worried.
Magna looked up at the giant wolf that stood beside her. His tongue lolled out from his jaws as he was panting.
"Yeah, I'm worried about my brother. It's not often that we're this far away from each other."
I understand that. I do remember a time when the two of you were separated and we had to literally fight through hell to get him back.
She stopped and smiled at the massive wolf. "Yeah. And you were there for me then. I am thankful for that, by the way."
The outline of the giant wolf blurred and shrunk. Within seconds before her stood the handsome man that she had come to love. He was not a boy, not young, she knew that, but he had been kept in a kind of stasis for a very long time as well.
When it came to maturity, he seemed to be about her equal... and sometimes she still felt that he was a little bit like the child they had met in the forest only 2 years ago.
He walked up to her now and took her in an embrace. Magan was not a small woman, but Derric was tall and broad. Though she thought it might be possible that he was able to manipulate his size and shape as well.
"I thought I told you to wear a shirt while you are in the castle?" A voice said sternly.
Magna's face flushed a bright red as she realized that she had been pressed up against Derric's bare chest. She had been holding him around his waist and her face was buried in the mounds of chest muscle and light fuzz of hair.
She stepped back hurriedly and the Prince of Loghaven was grinning sheepishly. His chest blurred and a shirt and overcoat materialized. Magna knew these clothes were not magically created, they were stored in some sort of magical holding place.
The Queen of Dragonshold walked up to them. Mary did not look angry or even annoyed. Her face was set in a sort of stoic resting face that gave the impression that she would enter into no arguments nor suffer any argument.
"It is time to set out." The Queen said simply.
Magna nodded her head. "Yes, mother. I have packed my travel gear and weapons already. I am ready to saddle up."
"As am I!" The three of them turned to see Letulah striding towards them, she wore full travel gear. She wore supple leather boots that reached mid-calf. A fitted leather jacket with reinforced elbow pads and a flared skirt allowed for maximum mobility, while a pair of durable leather gloves covered her hands.
A billowy shirt of sturdy, woven fabric was tucked into her breeches, which were made of the same dense cloth. A wide leather belt cinched at her waist, holding a quiver of throwing knives and a short sword at her hip. The overall effect was one of understated elegance and deadly competence.
Magan was impressed but Mary was instantly concerned. "Are you sure that you are fully recovered? What did the nurse say?"
Letty grinned and spread her hands. "The nurse does not even know that I am gone yet! So I am well enough to sneak my way out of there and get dressed and ready!"
Mary did not look fully convinced.
There was a rustle and clank of full armour. Magna glanced sideways to at Derric and realized that he must have heard the noise for a while now. "Not to worry, your Majesty. If she bleeds or fakes not having injury... I will know."
Letulah grimaces. "Is it just me, or isn't that just a bit creepy? You have an undead flesh-eater who will smell my blood and..."
"...and keep you from hurting yourself further." Mortis interrupted her rant. "Honestly, the Queen may decide to keep you at bed rest and task a guard to stand over you until you are healed." He stared down at her, his eyes glowing a magenta colour within his full helm. "If that guard were me, you would not escape my detection."
Letty spread her hands nearly apologetically.
"Enough." The Queen said and everyone looked at her again. "I accept that Letulah is restless. I am also impatient to have this party's task underway and completed. Though I am concerned about Letulah's health, I trust that Mortis can keep her in line." She turned to her daughter. "Princess Magna will be in charge of this expedition. She has proven herself capable on more than one account. Mortis and Letulah are to act as advisors to my heir. Derric, you are her personal guard, which I am sure would be automatic since you seem to follow her everywhere. Magna. You can take with you up to five men from the Guard. This will be your staff that could set up a basis of operations in the area that you conduct your searches. It will be up to you to see to their deployment and duties. You do not need them with you at all times. But should you need something specific done, having them under your command can prove useful... besides... you need to learn to command."
Magna's eyes widened. Her mother was taking this, and her, very seriously. She bowed her head. "Yes Mother."
"You will be given one more day to get ready. You leave at sunset tomorrow night." Mary commanded. "Mortis... make sure that Letty sleeps."
Over to you Lex!
Thank you for reading!
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Vetitum Nemus
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@zakludick
Shame. Poor Mortis has become a babysitter, more than usual.