Dezra's Quest by Chris Pierson

Author:Chris Pierson [Pierson, Chris]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-0-7869-1368-8
Publisher: Fanversion Publishing
Published: 2016-01-01T05:00:00+00:00

"There are people," the bard told Caramon, "who'd consider this a sign they were about to enter paradise."

Caramon chuckled. He and his companions faced four dryads now. Pallidice was even more luminous in daylight. Her hair shimmered like emeralds, her eyes like amethysts. Her skin—she still wore not a stitch of clothing—was utterly unblemished. Her three companions were just as beautiful, each in her own way.

"I can see where they'd get that idea," Caramon replied wistfully. "If I'd met these lasses when I was young, I might still be living in one of these trees."

"I think I'm going to be ill," Dezra grumbled.

Trephas, who'd been speaking with Arhedion, turned to face the dryads. "Oak-maidens," he said, bowing. "This is an honor—I know thy kind don't often gather in such numbers in the open."

Two of the dryads nudged each other and giggled, stealing quick glances at Borlos. Pallidice nodded. "How could we do otherwise, with our trees in peril?" she replied. "Now, come. Gamaia will take you to her tree, Trephas. Tessonda will take the old one, and Elirope will see to the girl. As for you," she added, looking at Borlos, "I'm keeping you to myseif."

"Oh," the bard said, smiling weakly. "How nice."

Trephas clapped Arhedion's shoulder in farewell, then let his dryad, Gamaia, guide him into the woods. Caramon went in a different direction, his face red as a summer plum as Tessonda took his hand and led him away. Dezra went last, following Elirope. When the others were gone, Arhedion took his leave as well, turning south and cantering away into the forest.

"Ah," Pallidice said, staring at Borlos through thick, green eyelashes. "My dear one. At last we're alone."

"Uh, well," the bard stammered. "That is, I—"

The dryad spread her arms. "Come to me, my love."

"All right," Borlos said.

He embraced her, his lips seeking hers. He ached with pleasure as their mouths locked together. When they finally parted—he had no idea when that was, except that it was still morning—she led him, laughing, toward her tree. The tree split open, revealing a narrow passage of living wood. Borlos followed her in, glassy-eyed and grinning. He was fully aware she'd cast a glamor over him with her kiss.

On the other hand, he thought, who gives a damn?

Sap flowed about him. She took him in her arms, and they kissed once more. As it had last night, the tree closed around them; this time, he didn't even think of escape. Wood sealed shut, then bark, and all was dark.

"What… happens… now?" he asked between kisses.

"This," Pallidice said.

The ground opened beneath their feet, swallowing them both.

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