Moral Stand (Aether’s Revival Book 7)

Gregory kept his face impassive when he entered the room. It wasn’t easy for him, as the magus was far from decorous. Grabil sat on the far side of the table with two naked eurtik women leaning into his sides.

“Adept! Welcome, welcome!” Grabil chuckled. “Come in, have a seat. Pull up a slave.”

Gregory took a seat across from Grabil. “My wives would frown upon me doing that, so I’ll pass.”

“Bah!” Grabil scoffed. “Who’ll tell them, hmm?”

“You don’t know my wives,” Gregory said. “They’d know, and then I’d fear for my life.”

Grabil’s smile dimmed. “You married another magi?”

“Three,” Gregory replied, “one of whom is a shadow magi.”

Grabil’s frown deepened. “Three magi all married an adept?”

“One magus, two adepts.”

Taking his arms from around the slaves, Grabil sat forward. “Who are you?”

“Gregory Pettit. I’m from Aether’s Guard.”

“Oh. The novice who won the tournament,” Grabil nodded. “I remember now. Another member of your clan pummeled you into submission to stop you from repeating as champion at the end of that year, right?”

“That was me, yes. I married her; her name is Jenn.”

“And the little white-haired one who fought her?”

“Yukiko, yes. Both of them married me.”

Grabil looked impressed. “Vera must love or hate you. What about this magus you spoke of?”

“Mindie, a healer.”

“Mindie… Mindie…” Grabil trailed off, repeating the name. “Wait… the one with fox heritage from the academy?”

“My third wife,” Gregory smiled.

“On second thought, leave these women to me,” Grabil said. He sat back again, his arms going around their waists. “What can I do for you, Adept?”

“I wanted to hear from you what your patrol was like. I’ve heard you’ve lost a squad of men over the year.”

“Eight dead in total. One here, one there— bad luck, mostly. We dealt with a couple of bane beasts that were larger than we expected, and fended off a small eurtik raid after we captured some. Honestly, the biggest problem is the winter. You have no idea how cold it gets until winter hits. Get some good clothing for that, or you’ll be seeing a healer when you get to town.”

The panther eurtik sat beside Gregory, now equally naked as the others. She didn’t lean into him, though. She merely sat there, her head bowed subserviently. “Magus, would you like me to summon dinner now?”

“Yes. We can talk while we eat,” Grabil said dismissively. “The worst was the bane bear. That thing was a monster. Cost me two men and wounded a dozen others. Even with me bogging it down, it was mostly free before my men did enough damage to stop it.” He gave one of the women a squeeze and she picked up his wine, bringing it up for him to sip from. When he finished drinking, he smiled. “Good pet.” Clearing his throat, he gave his attention to Gregory again. “The carcass was worth hauling into Icelake, though. I had half the meat turned into jerky for me, then sold the rest.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. I knew bane beasts would be a problem, but a bane bear…? Sounds terrifying.”

“Oh, it was. Massive thing, bigger than any bear should be. That’s why it was so hard to stop with my magic. It was almost as strong as a physical enhancement adept.”

Gregory nodded. “What can you tell me about the bandits, slavers, and rest we might meet on patrol?”

“No bandits, not for us,” Grabil laughed. “Only a massive fool would attack a magi guard unit. If there were any, they faded away until after we passed.”

“I can’t argue that.”

“The slavers never gave me any trouble. They were very respectful. None of the slaves they caught were, but that’ll be conditioned out of them.” He paused, eyeing Gregory for a moment. “You can even make a little extra if you have the power to brand a slave. Some of them don’t want to pay the extra to the town magus. Tidy little profit can be turned from being helpful.”

Gregory’s calm facade almost shattered at that, but he just smiled. Luckily, he had time before replying, as a knock came on the door. The food was brought in by a collection of slaves. It was then that Gregory realized all of them were wearing thin, golden collars around their necks. The collars were clearly a decorative touch to remind people of the namesake of the establishment. Each slave also had their brand directly below their neck, on easy display for anyone to see.

“Let’s eat,” Grabil laughed. “We can talk more afterward.”

~*~*~

Gregory left shortly after dinner. Grabil wasn’t drinking wine fit for magi, so by the end of dinner, he was drunk. His decorum was non-existent, too, as he was mauling and kissing the two slaves who fed him and gave him drinks. Gregory was glad the panther eurtik stayed respectful the entire time so he didn’t have to refuse her.

He did have to wait for her to put her dress on before she escorted him from the room. Grabil drunkenly slurred a good night with an overstated wink. Gregory just smiled tightly, then stepped out with the slave.

“You did not want what he was inferring, did you, sir?”

“No. Nope. Not for me,” Gregory said quickly to the woman. “No offense, but like I said, I’m fine with my wives.”

“I just had to check, sir. I’m sorry. If we do not ask, then…” She trailed off.

Gregory inhaled slowly. “Miss, you’re fine. If anyone asks, you were the perfect companion for the evening.”

Bowing her head, the panther began to walk down the hall. “Thank you, sir. My name is Thera.”

“He’s stayed here every time he was in the town?” Gregory asked as they walked slowly.

“I cannot say, sir. We cannot comment on other guests.” Even as she said it, her head tucked into a fractional nod.

“A good policy for most of the guests, I’d bet.”

“Will you be back?”

“No. This establishment isn’t to my taste. I wouldn’t feel right being with someone who has no free will.”

A fleeting expression of wistfulness crossed her features. “That would be different… I almost wish you would visit again. It would be interesting to speak like this again. None of us here would expect a magi to feel the way you do.”

Gregory slowed down as they got closer to the lounge. “Perhaps. I wouldn’t…” He glanced back. “I wouldn’t be like that, but do you play Shogi or Go?”

Thera’s lips turned upward, gracing her muzzle with a small smile. “I can play many games, sir. A few of us are skilled with games of chance, as well.”

“And it would give you a reprieve from others…” Gregory murmured. “Perhaps.”

“That would be a very welcome day. I understand that it is not given, but I will find a bit of hope in the thought that it might be.”

They paused just outside the door that led into the lounge. “A question: he was paying for dinner and your time, as far as I know. What does that mean for me leaving?”

“I will escort you to the front and explain. We always escort our customers out so the bill is able to be disputed if needed.”

“I can’t imagine that goes well for you if it is.”

“It depends on the dispute. Management doesn’t normally side against us, as we can’t lie if our runes are invoked.” There was a micro-wince when she said it.

“Ah, yes… compliance,” Gregory said tightly. “Shall we?”

Thera gave Gregory a smile. He was an anomaly that she wanted to know more about; a magi who’d barely glanced her way even when she sat beside him, naked and ready to serve. And all while two others were being manhandled across the table from him. She’d seen the revulsion on his face, and was certain that it wasn’t because the magi was being overly-friendly with eurtik. That was why she’d taken the chance to speak with him, and now, she was certain of her earlier feelings.

What would my family say if I could tell them of a magi who is dignified in ways that even other eurtik aren’t? The question wasn’t answered as she led Gregory to the front to leave.

The receptionist smiled when Gregory and Thera came to the front. “I see you had one of our best with you, sir. There was a note that you were the guest of Magus Grabil. All expenses will be passed along to him.”

“Very well. I had a question: if I do return, is it possible to request a specific woman?” Gregory knew it sounded terrible, but he was curious.

A wide smile spread across the receptionist’s face as her gaze darted to Thera. “For a magi, always. After all, if not for you protecting us, who knows what the wilds might do to our small town?”

“Very well. Thera, your companionship was exemplary,” Gregory said. “If I do visit again, I will be asking for you.”

Thera bowed deeply to him. “It will be my pleasure to serve you in all ways, Magi.”

“I will just ask Thera to specify the services she provided. Since you aren’t paying, sir, you may go, if you wish.”

Gregory caught Thera’s eye for a moment, his lips twitching up. It wasn’t much, but maybe the staff got bonuses for doing more. “I’m sure she’ll tell you all about the many services I asked for. Magus Grabil did tell me to enjoy myself. Just let him know I’m thankful.”

“Of course,” the receptionist said, making a note.

Gregory didn’t wait to hear more— he swept out of the business. Thera might say they’d done carnal acts, but Gregory wouldn’t begrudge her that if it meant she had an easier time for a day or two. Yukiko and Jenn would accept the truth from him, no matter what rumors spread after today. He’d only made it a few feet away from the Golden Collar when a snippet of conversation caught his ear.

“See? I told you. Even the magi who patrol the towns use the place. It might be pricey, but the women inside are first-rate slaves.”

“I don’t know… for that price, we could have the whole brothel down by the south gate.”

“And end up with who knows what diseases? The women here are seen by a real healer to keep them clean. Trust me.”

“Okay, fine. Just because you’re paying.”

Gregory’s teeth ached as he clenched them. The fact that people were perfectly okay using slaves the way they were discussing made Gregory want to lash out, but he knew his actions would reflect on his clan. Now was not the time to try breaking the system— that would be later.

When I declare myself as Aether reborn, I will crush the system of slavery, Gregory thought as he stalked toward the barracks. I’m sorry to Thera and everyone else who’ll be waiting for that day… May they forgive me in time…