By the Sword by Christian Kachel

Author:Christian Kachel [Kachel, Christian]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Endeavour Media
Published: 2014-09-28T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 23

Night had fallen since our entry to The Fair Peach and my body still reverberated with a euphoric glow from strong wine and carnal pleasure. What was I doing with women before tonight? I wondered to myself. It certainly wasn’t what I had just been introduced to by my talented and beautiful companion.

“We’ll get some food and wine there,” Vettias pronounced, pointing to a nearby tavern and brothel. The impressively furnished establishment was moderately full and looked cleaner than any hole Ilandra had to offer. The women working the floor were all of above average attractiveness and a young man played the lyre in the background, adding to the pleasant ambience. We sat at a sturdy table made of fine wood that had recently been cleaned. Vettias ordered a jug of wine with some bread and meat and the two of us ate in silence. The wine and food were excellent, thus every sense had now been indulged.

“I could live here,” I joked.

“Not bad is it? Wait till we arrive in Triparadeisus. Maybe one day you’ll see Babylon.” During our lethargic conversation I noticed Vettias kept looking at the establishment’s working girls, as if evaluating which one to bed tonight.

“More women?” I asked surprised.

“If I call one over here just play along and mind your tongue,” were his instructions. “Hmm, what do you think of that one?” Vettias asked, looking at a beauty with foreign features.

“I think she’s beautiful, but another woman? Right now?”

“Not for what you think. In fact, if she passes her audition, I can change her life for the better.” This last statement was strange and cryptic, even for Vettias. He told me to play along, however, so I kept my mouth shut and awaited the night’s next lesson, or surprise. I now made a concerted effort to remove the sated grin from my face that I’m sure was a constant reminder to Vettias of just how unsophisticated I still was. Vettias mulled his decision for several more minutes, looking at the beauty with an inquisitive eye until finally getting her attention and calling her to our table.

“Good evening, my lady.” Vettias greeted with his familiar charm, honed by years of replaying this very moment countless times.

“Hello gentlemen. How may I be of service tonight?” she replied with forced warmth.

“Well, probably not in the way you are assuming,” Vettias answered, which brought an expression of annoyance from our table guest as she immediately ceased regarding us as possible paying customers. Someone like her working in a city like this was no country whore willing to hang on Vettias’ every word. She had no doubt seen countless men of Vettias’ eloquence and prominence, perhaps many who could be deemed more impressive. As it looked like she was getting up to find more lucrative prospects, Vettias quickly halted her, holding several coins in his hand. “Of course I am willing to reimburse you for your time with us.” Her annoyance only half subsided as she changed attitudes and put on her artificial charm once again.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.