Sex Rites by Brandon Fox

Author:Brandon Fox [Fox, Brendon]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

SMOKE was curling from the vent in the lodge’s roof by the time they returned. Warmth enveloped them when they went inside.

Erik and Skorri were collecting hot coals from the fire, and Thane was using the table to prepare ingredients for the oil he hoped would dissipate the firestone’s energy. Earthenware dishes were strewn about, filled with shredded bark and bits of other plants, and Thane was using a knife to cut slits in a water skin to use as a filter.

He looked up and waved happily when he saw Ander. “This will be easier than I thought. There’s a cooking pot and other tools I can use. There’s even a hatchet; it’s perfect for chopping up raffia bark. See?” He picked up a wooden bowl and displayed a pile of fine brown splinters.

“We were lucky too,” Ander said, holding up his basket. “Dannel taught me how to spear fish.”

“Erik could have taught you that,” Skorri said. “He can even catch fish with his bare hands.” Erik ruffled his partner’s golden curls but said nothing. He looked relaxed and content beside the log fire, like a sleek cat. Ander joined them at the fire pit and helped them spread the coals. A pile of small stones was already on hand, perfect for layering on the coals to make a rock broiler.

Dannel placed his basket by the fire, then went to watch Thane. “Can I help?” he asked.

“Almost done. I’ve been thinking about this, though. Dispelling the anima might not be enough. You respond so quickly to the spell, you might come before we can dissipate the power. We’re more likely to succeed if we can slow your reactions.”

Dannel sat across from Thane, putting his elbows on the table and leaning forward. “How? Wine makes you slow, but we don’t have any wine or even ale.”

“Other things work too. Dream smoke leaves, juice squeezed from certain berries, even some spells. We don’t have many supplies, but we’ve got enough to make an elixir.”

“When can we try? Soon, I hope.”

Thane laughed. “I don’t blame you. You’ve been celibate far too long.”

The smell of sizzling fish soon seized their attention. They gathered around the fire, sharing fish and nuts and passing around a water skin. The fare was plain, but to Ander nothing had ever tasted better. The distance from home faded from his mind, and contentment filled him. Thane’s happiness warmed him more than any fine meal or luxurious surroundings.

After they had eaten their fill, they threw a few more logs on the fire and watched flames dance. Ander brought out his guitar and played old ballads from Pella, slow and melodic tunes, dispensing with the bravura techniques that dazzled audiences. Erik, who was sitting behind Skorri with his arms wrapped loosely around his partner’s chest, began to sing softly. His clear voice was perfectly true to pitch, masculine yet gentle in tone. Ander’s heart squeezed at the beauty of his sensitive singing. Though he could have performed in the finest courts, Ander knew the thought would never have entered Erik’s head.

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