Rennis had fallen into a stunned silence.

Roquan sometimes had trouble reading people over Farview. In his eyes, even the best pearls degraded the representation enough to lose subtle nuances upon which he relied. Thus the true intent of the silence was lost to him, and he had to guess.

"Yes, it was rather a shock to myself as well when I had first heard it," said Roquan in a somber voice. "To learn that the very thing that I relied upon for so long was also the potential instrument of destruction of the primary quality that I sought ..."

"How close is Vanlo, Roquan?" Rennis suddenly demanded. "Is he making any headway at all?"

"I have not received a detailed account for some time. I suspect he did not wish to interrupt these delicate negotiations with ..."

"But can he do anything at all? Can he even begin to understand how it all works?"

Roquan perceived the edge of nervous desperation to Rennis' voice, but failed to understand it. "He did tell me that he had been stymied in his attempts for some time, but he has since made a breakthrough. He believes it is only a matter of time."

Rennis looked alarmed, but he recovered and nodded quickly. "Is this the only thing he is working on?"

Roquan gave his friend a puzzled look. "I do not understand."

"Is it the only thing?" Rennis repeated with growing impatience. "I cannot make my question any more clear than that!"

"If you mean he is working only on countering this particular side-effect, yes, I believe that is the case. It is the original task I had assigned to him, at any rate. Is something the matter, Rennis?"

"Not if he is confining himself to the task you assigned to him."

"Why would this be a concern?"

Rennis appeared to search for words. "I simply believe the Draught was not meant to be tampered with."

"That is an odd statement coming from you, since you have told me on numerous occasions that you have tweaked your version of it."

"I have done such a thing only a few times, and those times were few and far between. And nothing so radical as you are planning."

Roquan was nonplussed by Rennis' reaction. "Granted. But you have altered the formula. All Overlords are granted the right to ..."

"I just want Vanlo to be careful, that's all. He is not an Overlord. If he were to make a mistake and make an alteration that is too extreme ..."

"Vanlo is better at chemistry than any extant Overlord. He is perhaps the best at this discipline in all of Oceanus. If anyone can do this properly, Rennis, it is him. If you are nervous due to what is being said about Freya ..."

"No, this has nothing to do with that," said Rennis, and from his tone it was clear that Roquan could accept this as truth. "And to be honest, I am not sure I believe half of what I am hearing about her."

"Admittedly, all we have is speculation."

Rennis nodded. He looked lost, as if he wanted to say something, but the words were not coming to him.

"Rennis, is there something you need to discuss? I wish to reassure you as much as possible. I have only the slaves' best interests at heart, even those I have not yet acquired."

"Not yet acquired," Rennis repeated softly to himself, as if taking solace in it. "Yes, of course. This would be going forward only."

Roquan tilted his head curiously. "Of course. A Draught cannot be administered -- or re-administered -- after the fact."

"Of course not! It's a silly idea."

"Which is why I am curious as to why you even entertained the thought in the first place."

Rennis hesitated. "Well, I remember how you would complain about Amanda and how intractable she was. I thought, if things were different about the Draught, you would consider ..."

"No," Roquan said firmly. "Even if such a thing were possible, and even if it would protect her intelligence, I would do no such thing to her."

Now it was Rennis' who appeared surprised. Where he had not received a recent update about Amanda, he did not know how far Roquan's feelings had swung in her favor.

"Speaking of whom, Amanda is being brought to me this morning. I must end this Farview soon."

"Understood. I will likely visit you very soon."

"I thought you were looking to stay in your own Manor for awhile. You always did complain about the trip here."

Rennis gave his friend a wan smile. "Perhaps I continue to miss Sirinna. How is she, Roquan? Is she okay? Is she doing well?"

Roquan sensed some urgency in Rennis' voice. "Yes, of course. She is happy to have Amanda back. I fear that I will be unable to separate the two of them any more."

"That may be for the best, Roquan. They can keep an eye on each other."

Roquan paused. "In what way would you see this as an advantage?"

Rennis appeared to search for words again. "Well, you see how Amanda helped thwart that attempt to take Sirinna from you."

Roquan frowned. "You suspect such an attempt to be repeated?"

"No, I was merely using it as an example. Hellfire, Roquan, let me fret over Sirinna now and then without it having some broader implication."

Roquan slowly nodded. "I would look forward to your visit as always, Rennis."

Rennis smiled, looking less flustered. "I will arrange it soon as I am able. I suspect you will be making more business for me quite soon."

There was a soft knock at the door. "One moment," Roquan called out. "I must go, Rennis."

Rennis nodded. "Good luck to you, and good day."

"Good day."

Rennis faded from sight.

Roquan sighed. It was one thing to feel the tension and the stress in himself, but to witness it in so many of those he called friends was a burden in and of itself. For a moment he wished that he could be with Duric and know what he was planning, how he was intending to bring the war to a close, reunite Oceanus, and bring sanity to his life once more.

Roquan frowned. Leave the soldiering to the soldiers, he thought, half in chastisement and half in lament. He turned towards the door and lifted his head. "Enter."

The door opened, and Amanda slipped quietly into the room.

Roquan noted immediately that she was alone. Though her higher status afforded her the privilege to go about the Manor unattended, it was still traditional to allow the Trainer to escort her to the Overlord when he commanded her services. The fact that she had elected against escort was a way of flaunting her few freedoms.

The dark eyes that regarded him under bangs of lustrous raven hair showed no trace of defiance in them. Nor did they show the absolute devotion he would expect from a "normal" slave. Instead, he saw a delicate loyalty, a willful submission in the moment, a tacit promise of obedience born out of her own desire to please and be rewarded rather than the compunctions of duty.

Amanda stepped over to him. In that simple move, it was as if Roquan were seeing her for the first time in over a moon. She carried herself with the confidence of a mature young woman. Yet as she lowered her eyes and dropped to her knees, he could see a very slight tremble in her movements, momentarily dispelling the illusion.

Roquan watched as Amanda spread her knees and settled back on her feet. She lay her hands palm-up against her thighs and hung her head in quiet submission. She continued to quiver, barely noticeable.

Roquan understood. She was nervous. She knew that he rarely called her to his service at this hour of the day. You want something of me, her stance shouted at him. Something important that I might not like.

He had the urge to apologize and to simply tell her what he wanted of her. Certainly he was not prepared to engage her sexually. He had already fully dressed himself for the day, and did not intend to undo it all, despite the temptation.

Roquan crouched beside his Draughtless slave. His eyes slid over the soft, perfect curves of her feminine form. He lay one hand gently against her back and let it slip downward until his fingers pressed softly into the flesh of her rear. He heard the slow intake of breath and felt the tiny shiver.

With his other hand, he cupped one of her breasts. He did not squeeze or fondle it, he simply held it, as if weighing it in his hand. She let out a soft sigh, closing her eyes. Her thighs twitched. He was rewarded with the scent of her arousal.

Roquan still marveled at the girl's sensuality. Despite her Draughtless state, a few simple touches could arouse her.

His hand dropped from her breast. She left her eyes closed, her lips parted. She let out another husky sigh as warm and willing folds enveloped his probing finger.

"Stand with me," said the Overlord.

Amanda slowly rose to her feet. Roquan kept his finger pressed to her sex, slowly rubbing her engorged womanhood. His other hand squeezed her buttocks. Amanda uttered a tiny gasp and quivered in anticipation, her eyes closing again in preparation for the first blow.

He let out a slow sigh through his nose. As much as he wanted to, as much as he adored how it made Amanda intensely aroused, it felt somehow inappropriate.

Roquan let his hand drop from her rear. Amanda slowly opened her eyes and looked at the Overlord, eyes a mix of puzzlement and desire.

"Spread your feet apart."

Amanda did so, eagerly. She moaned as two of his strong fingers squished into her slick tunnel. She panted as he thrusted.

"Allow yourself to cum as you wish."

Amanda relaxed her muscles. Her eyes slid closed again. She clutched at the Overlord as her pleasure rose. She pushed her sex against his hand, driving his fingers into her in an escalating frenzy. Finally she let out a loud moan, squeezing his fingers tightly out of reflex rather than slave training.

He let her play against his fingers until she was spent, then withdrew.

Amanda's sex ached pleasantly in the afterglow. "Thank you, Master," she said, her voice soft and breathless.

"It is the least you deserve, Amanda, for all that you have done for me."

Amanda stared. "Oh! Um ... thank you." Her lips curled into a smile.

Roquan secretly loved that smile. It was refreshing to see one that did not come from the Draught. "I must again ask a task of you. One that you may find difficult."

Some of Amanda's smile faded, but her gaze did not waver. "Will you be sending me away again, Master?"

Roquan detected the fear in her voice, even as hard as she tried to suppress it. "No. You will not be leaving the Manor for the foreseeable future."

"What is you wish of me then, Master? Do you wish to make me available for the visiting merchants?"

"I wish you to make yourself available for one man. The visiting Ambassador from the Urisi."

Amanda's eyes widened, but she said not a word. She simply watched and waited.

"He has requested you. You are to be his personal slave for at least part of his remaining time at the Manor."

"And you wish me to act as a normal slave? You do not want him know that I am Draughtless. Is that it, Master?"

"No. He already knows you have not had the Draught."

Amanda looked faintly shocked. "He does? But how did ...?"

"It is quite involved, Amanda," said Roquan. "And I give you my word that I will explain it all to you when these negotiations are completed."

The Overlords cast an earnest gaze into Amanda's questioning one. The latter turned to one of resignation. "Yes, Master, I understand."

Roquan could read Amanda's eyes so well, and now they said I trust you. Roquan did not understand why he was so taken with that. "You are not obligated to tell him the exact circumstances of your Draughtless state. You may refuse to give that information with impunity. But you must do what he tells you."

"Yes, Master, of course. I will please him the best I can."

Roquan was relieved. It was amazing. With just the little freedom he had given her, she was now totally willing to do what he wished. He did not question her loyalty for even a moment.

"Master, will I have to give up my work at the Healer office?"

"Ambassador Norlan will be spending much of his time during the day tending to business. You will likely be needed for only the evenings and the mornings."

"Thank you, Master."

"Master Vanlo mentioned you the other day," said Roquan in a softer voice. "He is very pleased with your work."

"I'm quite enjoying it, Master. More so than I thought I would."

"Very good. I will recommend you continue for the foreseeable future. Now, I must attend to the business of the day. You will go to the Ambassador's quarters at twilight this evening."

"Yes, Master. May I go? Master Vanlo wanted me to work on inventory this morning."

Roquan nodded once. Amanda smiled and headed out.

The Healer office was unusually quiet when Lanno arrived. Thus it was with some surprise that he beheld Vanlo sitting before his apparatus in the back room. He stared morosely at the flask holding its latest product.

Lanno watched the fluid that continued to drip slowly from the end of the glass pipe poised over the neck of the flask. It was crimson with a touch of amber. What had gathered in the flask was so pristine it seemed to glow. "Has something gone wrong?"

Vanlo jerked and nearly fell out of his chair. A hand fluttered to his chest. "Heavens, Lanno ..."

"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you."

Vanlo took a deep breath, his hand dropping to his lap. "Yes, something is indeed wrong. I have failed the Overlord in the task he had given me."

Lanno raised an eyebrow. His gaze again shifted to the flask.

Vanlo shook his head. "Not that task, Master Lanno." He leaned forward and twisted a valve closed with a faint squeak. He let the last drop fall from the end of the pipe before lifting the flask. "In fact, I am almost there. I am astonished by the rapid rate of my progress."

"Then what in Narlass are you talking about?"

Vanlo studied the fluid for an inordinate amount of time. "He had asked me to find more information on what Healer Evella may be doing for Overlord Freya," he said finally. "I have been utterly unsuccessful in this endeavor."

Lanno slapped his forehead. "Hellfire. I was so wrapped up in my work that I forgot all about that."

"I fear it was something else other than work that was distracting you, Lanno."

Lanno rolled his eyes. "I am not that obsessed with Amanda!"

"Note your choice of words: you are not that obsessed, which implies ..."

"Look, enough about my sex life, okay?" Lanno snapped. "So Roquan is that concerned about Freya?"

Vanlo stood and stroked his beard thoughtfully. "I believe he has a right to be." He gestured towards the apparatus. "We have already seen what a determined Healer with knowledge in chemistry can do to the Draught. While I doubt that her experience rivals mine, what I have been able to learn about Evella is that she is exceptionally intelligent and clever. She has the ability to think beyond conventional wisdom."

"You don't think she might figure out the same thing that you did? That the effects of the Draught can be reversed?"

"It is sheer speculation, of course, but yes, it is within the realm of possibility."

Lanno looked thoughtful, then shrugged. "Okay, so? From what I've gleaned about Overlord Freya, she's not exactly as generous towards her slaves as Roquan. I doubt she will have use for reversing the effects of the Draught."

Vanlo picked up the flask. "You have missed an important point, Lanno."

Lanno gave Vanlo a sour look. "Yes, it seems I always do. But pretend for a moment that I do not have decades of chemistry experience and humor me."

"The fact that the effects of the Draught can potentially be reversed by the application of a second Draught has a very critical corollary. It means that the original Draught could possibly be modified to no longer require the mind to be in a state of Portal-shock."

"That doesn't make any sense! You have to give the Draught to someone in Portal-shock. It's the only way the mind is open enough to accept it. It's what the Healer Guild Elders tell us."

"The same Elders that claimed the effects of the Draught to be permanent in the first place?"

Lanno opened his mouth to retort, then closed it without a word.

"The premise that the mind must be rendered completely open and defenseless by Portal-shock is based on the assumption that the Draught inflicts permanent damage to memory." He handed the flask to Lanno. "That, Master Lanno, is proof that this assumption is wrong. But one must be willing to ignore conventional wisdom to achieve any success. Otherwise, one will instead see repeated failure as I initially did before Amanda suggested a different approach."

Lanno smirked and handed the flask back. "Well, good thing then that Amanda is here instead of at Freya's Manor."

"Really, this is not the time for your flippancy. Such an alteration to the Draught is not to be taken lightly. It could be abused in too many ways to count."

Lanno frowned. "Surely you don't think an Overlord would ..."

"It is my understanding that his Lordship does not trust Overlord Freya. Thus it cannot be assumed that her intentions are honorable."

"With all due respect, Master Vanlo, that's a rather strong accusation. I mean, Evella never struck me as the kind of girl to do something like this."

Vanlo drew himself up. "I certainly hope not, Lanno. It would be against every ethic that a Healer lives by. Hence my frustration. I have not been able to obtain information on what ingredients Evella has ordered. It would have helped me determine if she were indeed engaging in research along these lines. Now the Guild will not speak to me at all on the matter."

Lanno sighed. If anything, Vanlo's probing likely made the Healer Guild even more suspicious of Vanlo's activities. Worse, they may refuse Vanlo any further ingredients.

Vanlo's voice grew taut. "I had the intense displeasure of speaking to Evella's father."

Lanno's eyebrows rose. "Master G'slan?"

"He refuses to even attempt to contact his daughter again. He seems content to wash his hands of her. I find such an attitude ..." Vanlo paused, looking uncomfortable. " ... most abhorrent."

Lanno was stunned. He had never heard Vanlo speak of someone in such blatantly ill tones.

"There is no point in belaboring this," said Vanlo. "I do not wish to be talking about this when Amanda arrives. I will speak with his Lordship on the matter this evening. It is best we get to work."

Lanno nodded absently. Vanlo turned away and sank into his chair. Lanno's gaze lingered on the older Healer for a moment before he finally walked into the treatment room and paused.

For a moment, he wasn't in the Healer office of Roquan's Manor, but standing in the empty classroom at the Guild Hall. He could still remember Evella standing before him, holding out her hand, giving him an annoyed look. And very soon after that, she had walked off in a huff.

It had been the last time he had ever seen her.

Lanno frowned and shook his head. He just had a stupid idea. It would cause more trouble than it was worth and would likely gain him nothing.

He set about his morning tasks, and tried to forget he had ever thought about it in the first place.

"You wanted to see me, Uridon?"

Uridon passed a goblet to the Overlord and took a drink from his own. "Something is up at the Imperial Palace. The Emperor is entertaining the Urisi Ambassador Mandas again."

"I thought Z'haas had sent him back because the trade deal fell through."

Uridon gave the Overlord a humorless smile. "Yes, interesting, isn't it?"

Roquan raised his own goblet towards his lips. "It could mean that the Emperor is growing desperate. That the merchants' actions against him are working if he is attempting to broker a deal again."

Uridon fingered the stem of his goblet idly. His gaze dropped as he slowly swirled the amber liquor.

Roquan paused and lowered his goblet. "What is it?"

Uridon stepped past the Overlord, stopping at the opposite end of the tent. "Roquan, no information travels faster among merchants than news of other merchants. Also, no information is considered as sacrosanct. I am about to violate that."

Roquan said nothing. He continued to cast a level gaze at the Clan Leader's back.

Uridon took a long drink of his brandy as he turned. His voice was thick. "Roquan, I believe it was the Urisi that sent the Ambassador back."

Roquan frowned. "The Urisi? Why?"

"I am basing this on what I have heard come out of the merchant guilds of the Urisi Nation. They have been approached by the Council of Lords to handle trade between the Urisi and Oceanus."

"I beg your pardon?"

Uridon let out a sigh and spoke in low, urgent tones. "Roquan, you are to tell no one where you got this information. No one. I am taking a huge risk."

Roquan nodded quickly. "I understand, and I appreciate it. But I have questions I need answered. Can Z'haas do this? Can he actually call in foreign merchants to ..."

"There is no such thing as 'foreign merchants'. Merchants are merchants, no matter where they hail from, what clan they are part of, or what Guild Hall they are aligned with."

"But surely this would be considered poor form to say the least."

Uridon started nodding halfway through the Overlord's statement. "Yes, yes, true, but merchants are also interested in making a living. And if the Council offers enough platinum ..."

"But your Guild will protest."

"Oh yes! They will make a grand stink about it!" He drained the remainder of the brandy in his goblet. His eyes grew hazy. "And then platinum will be exchanged, and the Guild will say no more about it."

Roquan's eyes narrowed. He opened his mouth to comment, but caught himself and remained silent.

"No, no! Say what you want! Say what you think, Roquan!" Uridon said. "Because you're not thinking anything that I am not already thinking. Your thoughts are no darker than mine."

Roquan put down the goblet. "Very well. I find this to be reprehensible. The Guild is compromising principles for platinum. Their priorities are horribly out of line."

"But they are merchants, Roquan! And their interests lie in keeping free trade flowing. Ultimately, that is what matters. And see! Even I leap to their defense. I am one of these cowardly swine myself."

Uridon turned away in disgust. Roquan grasped him by the shoulder and spun him around. "Stop it. If there is anyone that can understand being in an untenable position because of the traditions and protocols of his brethren, it is me."

Uridon's eyes misted with both alcohol and regret. He shoved the Overlord's hand from his shoulder. "No. I am acting only out of a desire for revenge. Let's be plain about that. Revenge for the way the Emperor corrupted my son." He threw his goblet across the tent, his eyes blazing. He shook a trembling finger at Roquan. "It may have been that other Overlord that plunged the dagger into my son's neck, but it was the Emperor behind it!"

"I assure you, he will be off the throne once ..."

"I do not want him off the throne, I want him dead!"

Roquan said nothing. There was nothing that could be said.

The rage drained from Uridon's face. He staggered as he turned away. He covered his face with his hands and let his breath go as a rattling sigh through his shaking fingers. Roquan had no words yet was moved to speak. "Uridon ... if I can help at all ..."

Uridon's hands dropped. He took another breath to steady himself and lifted his head. His eyes shimmered when they met the Overlord's gaze, but the rest of him was a vision of forced calm. He clasped his hands behind his back with a loud slap and approached Roquan.

"I have no more to say," he said, his voice quavering. "My clan will be leaving by tomorrow morning. If you need any other supplies we do not have now, please let me know by then. Good day to you, Roquan."

Roquan hesitated before he inclined his head respectfully. "Good day, Uridon."

The Overlord was to the door of the tent when Uridon called out. "Wait."

Roquan stopped and turned.

"Something you should know ... something I found out ... about the pearl that was delivered to you."

"Pearl? Which one?"

"The one from Overlord Freya. It was stated as being from Freya. However, it was delivered by a Mage."

Roquan's eyes became steel. "Which Mage?"

"Q'yros."

One hand clenched into a fist at the Overlord's side. "Thank you, Uridon. Good day to you."

As she had that morning, Amanda elected to go to her new temporary Master alone.

Sirinna had been so proud of her. Such poise and maturity in someone so young, and in such a short amount of training time. No other Trainee of Sirinna's had come close. Even Tanyee had not advanced this quickly. Amanda had not wanted to dispel the illusion by acting nervous before her.

She could act the part of the slave. Even though Roquan had made such a need less a part of her life lately, she knew she could summon it at will. She used many mental tricks to arouse herself quickly. She had it down to an art.

Now the rules had changed on her. Again.

Amanda stopped just short of the path to Norlan's quarters. She tried to calm her racing heart. She had to keep repeating to herself that this was not the same as it had been with Freya. Roquan was not giving her away. She was Norlan's only for his remaining stay. She had to trust Roquan to keep his word.

It was to little avail. Her heart was still thudding in her chest by the time she reached the door and knocked on it softly.

"Enter."

Amanda stepped inside and paused just inside the threshold. This was the first time she had seen a Urisi. She had expected something different. From the disdain that Roquan often expressed towards the Urisi, she had expected a man that looked less civilized.

Instead, he looked very much as his title suggested, an official of state. Head held high, a regal bearing that exuded confidence, an aura of entitlement, it was all there. The only thing that seemed out of place with that picture was the satin robe he wore loosely sashed about his body.

The Ambassador regarded her with gaze that was neither hostile nor inviting. Amanda closed the door behind her. She managed to keep her voice from quavering as she said, "Master Norlan, I am to be your pleasure. Use me as you see fit."

She dropped her eyes and assumed the submissive posture before him. He's not like Freya, she thought desperately to herself. He's not like Freya ...

"So Oceanus slaves are allowed without escort," said Norlan in a neutral voice.

Amanda fell back on what she knew and did not reply. A proper slave did not speak unless asked a direct question or given explicit permission.

"Quite different than the Urisi. But then I am given to know that you are quite different yourself."

Amanda again said nothing and remained where she was.

Norlan slowly smiled. "Very good. Despite your lack of a Draught, you have apparently been trained to some extent. Rise."

Amanda swiftly stood. His hand suddenly cupped her chin and lifted her eyes to his own, catching her by surprise.

"You have such lovely dark eyes, my slave," said Norlan. "And dark eyes are often the most revealing. Did you know that?"

"No, Master, I didn't," said Amanda softly, keeping her gaze locked to his.

"'The dark of the eyes mirror the dark of the spirit'," the Ambassador intoned. "It is an old saying in my country. And one that Slavemasters take to heart."

Amanda's eyes wavered very slightly, but her gaze remained level.

Norlan lowered his hand. "Alas, I am no Slavemaster, I do not have even half the ability they do to read the feelings of a slave in her eyes. Which is why what yours tell me, even with my meager skill, is so intriguing."

Amanda did not care for the reminder. Hiding her feelings from her eyes was a skill she did not possess and was loath to develop. She could feel good towards a Master or Mistress. But it always depended on how they treated her. She could not exorcise that from her psyche no matter how hard she tried.

Norlan turned away from Amanda and strolled towards a large dresser. "Do the Oceanus Overlords demand total obedience from their slaves?" he asked.

"Yes, Master, of course."

Norlan glanced back at her for a moment and smiled. "Of course? Hmm." He turned back to the dresser. "The Urisi Slavemasters pride themselves on obtaining obedience from their charges as well. Though their methods are decidedly different."

Amanda repressed a shudder. She knew nothing of Urisi methods and had not thought to ask. That did not stop her imagination from conjuring a nightmare.

Norlan opened a cabinet and extracted a large gourd. He turned and lifted it for Amanda to see. "I imagine this is something that Roquan would view with extreme disdain. He appears to dislike things he considers in ill taste. 'Contraband' is the term he uses, I believe."

Amanda's eyes widened before she could stop herself.

Norlan lowered the gourd. "Does that make you nervous, slave?"

Whenever something called "contraband" had appeared in the Manor in the past, it had been used against her to her great consternation, or hurt someone she loved, or caused other chaos to befall the Manor.

"Yes, Master, a little," Amanda said.

Norlan stepped up to Amanda. Her breath quickened. "I have you as my slave while I am here. I intend to treat you as I would my slaves back home."

"Even those that have not had a Draught, Master?" Amanda heard herself ask.

Amanda's heart pounded hard into the silence that followed. "There are some that would relish such a thing, actually. I, normally, am not one of them, but you intrigue me enough that I am interested."

Amanda could not hide her curiosity. He all but stated that the Urisi had Draughtless slaves.

"Hmm. It is clear that you are not very knowledgeable about the Urisi. I shall do my best to educate you, starting with this." He removed the cork from the gourd. "Spread your feet."

Amanda hesitated despite her best attempt not to. She managed to slide her feet to either side before he could give her the order again.

She watched as he poured something from the gourd into his hand. It was thick and oily, but so crystal clear that it seemed to shimmer like a fading Farview image. She flinched and held her breath when he slapped his oiled hand against her sex.

She let out her breath as a husky sigh. The oil was very slippery despite its viscosity. His finger slid over her folds and her womanhood, encouraging them to lend additional slickness to his fingers.

He did not linger over her slit, however. Soon his fingers spread the oil about her outer labia a bit above her delta as well. He reversed and dipped past her slit between her legs. He stopped just short of her anus before he finally withdrew.

Her entire sex glistened, as if she had just had a Kaylaxxa treatment. Yet she felt nothing more than a slight tingle, and not isolated to her womanhood. As Norlan procured a towel and wiped off his hand, the tingling was replaced with a gentle pressure against her slit. Whatever stimulation he had given her during the application quickly faded in its wake.

Amanda shifted her weight. She looked down in puzzlement and swung her hips to one side. Her pussy felt odd, as if something more solid were pressed snugly against it.

"Go on, slave," Norlan said as he re-corked the gourd.

Amanda looked up in confusion. Norlan took one of Amanda's hands and lay it against her sex. Amanda was so surprised at what she felt that she nearly pulled her hand away.

"You may touch yourself there," Norlan said, lifting his hand from hers.

Amanda slid a single finger along her slit. The thin layer of oil had solidified into something plastic-like. It had molded itself perfectly to the contours of her pussy, encapsulating her womanhood as well. She tried to rub herself, and found that her intimate regions were sealed away from her touch.

"This is called a sex seal," Norlan explained to a stunned Amanda. He plucked her hand from between her legs. "No sexual contact at all is possible while it is on. It allows fluid to pass, so you can utilize the sanitary when needed. It is interesting that you seem fearful at this idea, considering that you are not addicted to sex as the other Oceanus slaves seem to be."

"No, Master, I'm not, but ..." Amanda said in a shaky voice before stopping herself.

"But what, slave?"

"I ... I do enjoy sex, Master."

"Ah, do you? That is very good to hear. That renders the seal effective in its intent, which is to encourage good behavior for the reward of being unsealed and sexually satisfied."

Amanda had to bite her lip to stop herself from heaving a sigh of relief. For a moment she had the frightening notion that this enforced chastity was somehow permanent.

"Quite different from what you are used to, I am sure," said the Ambassador. He reached into his robe and pulled out a small vial containing a cherry-red liquid. "As I am sure is this."

Amanda just stared at the vial without a word. He popped the cork and presented it to her. "Drink."

Amanda took the vial and downed the contents in one go before she could loose her nerve. Remarkably, it actually did taste like cherry.

Norlan took the empty vial from her. "Now, we'll wait a few moments."

A tingling had returned to her nether regions. It became a heat, and then a growing ache. Moisture seeped through the seal. She let out a lustful sigh.

Norlan reached between Amanda's legs and rubbed his fingers against her. She could not feel it. Yet the physical need continued to climb until she let out a low moan.

Norlan took her hand and looked into Amanda's eyes. She stared back in both accusation and desperation.

"This is also a technique that we use, slave," Norlan said in a low voice of growing desire. "It also encourages good behavior, as it lasts until you are granted an orgasm. Now, come to my bed and please me well if you are to be unsealed and rewarded."

"Y-yes, Master ..." Amanda moaned.

Doran was huffing badly by the time he reached the door to Roquan's quarters, so much so that he had to pause with one hand on the door frame to catch his breath before he could bring himself to knock.

His hand had barely risen into the air when the door was abruptly yanked open. Doran's eyes rose to Roquan's, but before he could say a word, he stumbled backwards from a hard shove to his chest. He was saved from a bad fall only when Roquan grabbed his shoulder.

Roquan yanked the door to his quarters shut.

"What ... what is the meaning of this!" Doran sputtered, red-faced more from his exertion than anger.

"Quiet," Roquan hissed through clenched teeth.

The vehemence of the Overlord's tone momentarily stunned Doran into silence, at least long enough for Roquan haul him away by the arm. When they reached the main path along the north side of the Manor, Doran yanked his arm from Roquan's grip.

"Unhand me already!" Doran snapped. "I came here to tell you something critically important, and you ..."

"And I do not wish it to be overheard."

Doran frowned. "I beg your pardon?"

"Not here. Come." Roquan rushed off.

Doran sighed and rolled his eyes. He had to jog to keep up with his more fit cohort, and soon he was puffing again. "Blazing hellfire ... slow down, Roquan!"

"You should not let yourself go so much, Doran, really."

"I'll not have you telling me what ..."

Roquan stopped and turned. Doran only noticed then that they were in the middle of the gardens, standing on a slim path barely wide enough for one of them to stand without touching the foliage.

"I demand to know what is this all about!" Doran boomed.

"The pearl that was given to me purporting to be a new Farviewing pearl to Freya may have been illicitly altered by a Mage."

Doran stared in shock. "Who told you this?"

"I cannot tell you that. My source wishes to remain anonymous, but it is very trustworthy."

"But altered to do what? What could ..." Doran trailed off, his eyes widening.

"Yes?" prompted Roquan.

"Roquan ... the Mage who you believe did this ... do you know who it was?"

"Who else?" Roquan said bitterly. "Q'yros."

Doran's mouth fell open, then closed again. His teeth clenched. "I do not believe this."

"Doran, what are you ..."

"That bitch ... that hellspawned bitch ..."

Roquan paused. "I assume we are speaking of Overlord Freya?"

"She is not fit to be an Overlord!" Doran bellowed. "Roquan, what I was coming to tell you ... thank the gods Wotan is still on your side ... Freya has somehow convinced some of the Overlords to consider deposing you."

Roquan's lips parted slightly, the only reaction of overt alarm that he would allow himself before a fellow Overlord. "Indeed," he said crisply.

"And now I know how she did it. She put Q'yros up to this. That pearl is likely spelled to Farview without your knowledge!"

Roquan nodded once. "That was the only thing I could think of as well. I take it that Q'yros is related to Freya in some manner."

"Her grandfather. Though I had thought there to be no love lost between the two of them, so I had not been concerned. Hmph! He better know what he's doing, because sure as we are standing here now, she will stab him in the back at her first opportunity! Mark my words!"

"I am concerned only with what we are to do about this."

"Do? What is there to do but wait for them to convene a Conclave?"

"We cannot let it get that far. They will not dare attempt it while I am still negotiating this treaty. And we have the problem of the pearl in my quarters that potentially hears all my private conversations."

Doran glowered. "Why do you need direction on this, Roquan? Get rid of it! Destroy it! Or if you insist on being so eminently practical about it, find a Mage to remove the additional spell so you can reuse the pearl."

"Doran, stop and think for a moment. We have an advantage. We have uncovered the deception. We must find a way to use to our advantage."

Doran frowned. "All I can think of now is how I would love to see Freya meet up with an unfortunate accident that would remove her as a perpetual thorn in our sides. Hellfire, Roquan! Even when Overlord politics was at its worst, no one ever resorted to such tactics. And no Overlord would let one get away with it, no matter how heinous the revelation it revealed."

"I would not blame the other Overlords too much. They are frightened."

"Frightened? Of what?"

"Of the war. Of the future. They realize things are changing, Doran, and they hate it. They are latching onto anything that will anchor them to the past. And the chance to take out their fear on what I have done is just what they need."

Doran's jaw clenched. "I hate it when you are right."

"I'll try not to make a habit of it, then."

Doran snorted, as close as he could come to expressing any sort of humor at that moment. "Whatever we do, Roquan, we cannot do it alone. We need allies."

"Rennis has expressed an interest in coming to my Manor. I will hasten his arrival. You say that Wotan is on our side?"

"Only as he continues to disbelieve Freya's accusations!"

Roquan nodded. "We will have to work on that, then."

Doran shook his head. "You are far more optimistic than I am, Roquan. Count me as one of those frightened old men you speak of."

Roquan clasped his shoulder. "You, at least, confront it constructively."

Doran placed his hand on Roquan's arm and sighed. "That remains to be seen."

Amanda lay awake in the near darkness, curled up in the furs of her bed. The gentle sound of the crickets outside her window were occasionally joined by a soft, wheezy snore from the adjoining chamber, where her Master of the moment slumbered.

She carefully rolled onto her back and stretched her legs. Her pussy still ached from the intensity of her earlier orgasm. Norlan had been true to his word. She had pleased him, and he had rewarded her.

But he also continued to keep her as he would keep a Urisi slave. The throbbing had barely faded when he had sealed her again.

Amanda's hand slipped between her thighs. Her fingers traced the contours of the stiff mold of her labia. The flesh lay barely a few hair-breadths from her touch. She fingered the nub at the top of her slit. It was as lifeless as the rest. It had a small amount of give, like stiff rubber, but nothing more than a vague sense of pressure was transmitted to her sensitive flesh.

She turned over on her side and shivered as the seal pressed against her folds more snugly. Roquan had promised she would not be given to him permanently. She would not be sent to the Urisi. He had given his word. He would not go back on it.

She had to keep reminding herself until she believed it.

The furs were thrown from the bed, and a figure stood and advanced. It was quickly aborted when his toes smacked against the leg of a chair. He uttered a loud curse and sat back down on the bed. One hand rubbed at his toes as the other flicked out towards the small table beside the bed. Light flared inside an oil lamp.

Lanno muttered another curse to himself as he lowered his foot. He ran a hand over his face and swiped at his hair.

Never had he been so disappointed that Amanda could not share his bed that evening. It would have distracted him from the thoughts that now kept slumber at bay. His gaze shifted towards a small trunk in a corner of the room.

"Gods damn it," he muttered, rubbing at a sore muscle in his neck.

Amanda would have let him focus on the present. He could have used the pleasure of the moment to relegate Evella back to the dark shadows of memory.

Lanno frowned. He was still upset with Yarlo's characterization of him as a girl-chaser. The old Healer Elder had misremembered it. It had not started until after Evella.

Despite thinking better of it, Lanno stood up again and headed to the trunk. Against his own protests, he dropped to his knees and lifted the lid. Knowing full well he would regret it, he peered inside.

Some trunks like this contained memories. His did as well, but these were ones he would rather forget. Some were innocuous. Gifts from clan members that had become estranged. Mementos of friends that had drifted apart.

Some were simply wounds to his pride. Failed examinations. Reprimands from the Guild Healer Elders. The letter that had erroneously stated he would be the new head Healer at Roquan's Manor.

And then there was the Farviewing pearl.

He reached into the trunk and extracted it. He sighed as he balanced it on his palm. Evella had wanted the Farview pearl back. She had wanted no link between them any more. Lanno had refused to give it up.

His fingers curled tightly around the pearl. He had promised her he would never use it again. He simply wanted to know if Evella were well.

His hand opened. The pearl was pristine and perfect. It was as much a peek into her life as he was allowed. Now he was contemplating the unthinkable after all this time.

It would be for Vanlo and the Overlord, not me, he told himself, but he was not sure he believed it.

Lanno put the pearl back. He couldn't do it. Not until he had truly convinced himself he was not doing it for his own interests.

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