The Helm of Time Read online

  “I don’t care what the fuck you did anymore,” Nance spat. “You want to play with me? Fine now go back to your room and enjoy your vomit and filth. Another word and I will see to it you last two days.”

  Tanner was frightened at the thought but did as he was told. The next morning is when it started, just as horrible as ever. The pain was intense, there was no weathering it. Tanner finally went unconscious from it all but he awoke periodically and the pain was still with him. Sometime during the night Jennifer had came by and gave him relief. Tanner felt relieved as he could finally think again. His stomach muscles were a mess now, all the contractions he had done from vomiting left him sore. He started cleaning himself up as the girl he had fought earlier came in and brought him a bucket. Tanner cleaned up his room throughout the night and was ashamed anyone had seen him in his own filth. When morning came Nance was at his door and told him to get up which Tanner did readily. Whenever Nance asked him a question he answered it quickly and without delay. If Jennifer asked him a question he answered just as quickly. This went on for about a month, it was far longer than the Black Hand would have liked and it was confirmed that the Tavorians had crossed over in an attempt to overthrow the Regent and Queen Aundrea.

  “Tanner,” Nance said as he looked over a map.

  “Yes,” Tanner replied quickly.

  “We have no more fighting to teach you, only experience can make you better than you are now,”

  “I understand Sir,” Tanner replied quickly.

  “Tanner it pains me to have mages on this team, I don’t trust them anymore than you trust me,” Nance said as looked up from a map. “But Jennifer picked the girl Ashley along with Ransom to round out our team. Her other pick Dannon is a good fighter, he I approve of. The others not so much although they have shown skill.”

  “Very well sir” Tanner replied.

  “How long has it been since you woke up in your own filth, about a month?” Nance replied as he gave Tanner a bread roll.

  “I am not sure sir,” Tanner replied.

  “Tanner you would have made a great assassin. I am happy to call you a brother although I am sure the feeling is not reciprocated,” Nance said as he shook his head. Tanner decided to stay silent. “I meant you no harm when I took your wife away from you but I will not apologize for it. Tomorrow we are leaving towards the front lines. We have a way inside of Tavor and will take it all the way past the capital up into we reach our target. There is a good chance that we will not be able to make it back. I have asked for you to be able to spend a few moments with your wife before we leave but it was denied.”

  “I don’t want any favors or to owe you anything Sir,” Tanner replied somewhat fearfully.

  “You don’t owe me anything Tanner, amongst this team we are all friends although you have pushed us all away,” Nance said with a sad smile. “I know everything there is to know about the other new people, they have integrated themselves. You jump when you are supposed to and talk when you are supposed to but that is far as it goes. I never see you hanging out with the others during your free time, all you do is sit in your room. When Jennifer told you to get out and mingle with your team you were amongst us physically but your mind was elsewhere.”

  “I do not wish to know or enjoy the company of people I feel have wronged me,” Tanner said a bit more boldly.

  “You have not seen your wife in sometime and Jennifer has made it clear that she is willing to bed you yet you turn her down also,” Nance said as he rolled the map back up. “You should take her up on her offer, whenever she is desperate she has given me a tumble or two and I assure you that there is none better. Female assassins are taught the art of lovemaking just in case they have to use alternative means to kill their target. Ashley has even shown interest in you and you ignore her even though she had nothing to do with our first meeting. You should make the best of a bad situation. Ransom is happy you have ignored Ashley though, I don’t think he would have a chance with you around. Enjoy your night Tanner, we leave in the morning.”

  Tanner went into his room and thought about Mary. He had received a letter from her that she was being treated well but it didn’t sound like his Mary. She was from Kol and never talked like proper folk, at least to him she never did. The letter he received seemed off somehow, maybe she was being tortured or had the Green applied to her. Tanner had read the letter but sent no reply even though Nance and even the Master had given him materials to do so. Tanner declined to write back and was quite happy no one made him do so. Tanner spent the night gathering up the various weapons he had been given. He would finish this task, find a cure and get back to his Mary and take her far away. Tanner went to sleep, ii was somewhat restful as he thought about the journey they would start tomorrow.

  When Tanner awoke he was surprised to find Jennifer at his door laughing with a voice he had not heard in sometime. It was the Regent smiling and holding some type of pack.

  “Hello Tanner, Jennifer tells me you have made great strides,” The Regent said smiling.

  “Yes Milord,” Tanner said as he bowed his head.

  “Well I am happy we are all on the same page. Tavorian assassins have been spotted and killed in Ketol,” the Regent said putting a look of concern on his face. “I would have taken your lovely wife with me to see you off but I would never forgive myself if something happened to her and I am sure you wouldn’t either. But I did bring a friend of yours with me, I figured seeing someone you are close to would be just the thing you need. Why don’t you run along and catch up. I have delayed your leaving a couple of hours so we can all have lunch together.”

  “Yes Milord,” Tanner said as he hurried to the eating hall. Seated along with many other guards he found Golden, the traitor. Tanner had no plans to confront him though, if he acted up while the Regent was here he would probably stay in his own filth for a week. Golden looked worried but smiled as Tanner came over.

  “I already got you a plate Tanner,” Golden said somewhat nervously.

  “Thank you Sir,” Tanner replied.

  “Who is this Sir you are talking about?” Golden said with a little humor in his tone. “This place must have turned you into some kind of statue.”

  Tanner wondered if Golden was under the green. It would explain his reluctance to cross the Regent. “I’m under the green like you are Golden,” Tanner whispered.

  “What do you mean the green?” Golden asked confused. “Is that some kind of code you people use here?”

  Tanner narrowed his eyes as it dawned on him Golden was just who he thought he was, a lap dog.

  “I am sorry Sir, forgive my babble,” Tanner replied and dug into his food.

  “Well how have you been Tanner?”

  “I am fine Sir,” Tanner replied as he hurriedly finished his food.

  “Caroline made something for you to keep you safe,” Golden replied as he took out a necklace of some sort.

  “I doubt I will make it back, it would just be lost on in Tavor. You keep it Sir,” Tanner replied as he could see Golden’s face fall. The rest of the meal went with Golden asking questions and Tanner giving short answers until there was nothing but silence. Tanner excused himself and went for a walk, he would need his relief soon. Whether it was injected or eaten but he could not stand to be around the Regent or his lap dog. Tanner walked to the training grounds of team six and went into one of the abandoned buildings. These were made to teach the art of climbing, the scaling of roofs and how to unlock doors and windows. Tanner had taken to coming here when he was not needed and had found what he deemed his safe zone. It was inside a two story building all the way in a corner of one of the fake bedrooms. There was a wardrobe there that was just big enough to hide in. Tanner stayed in there for a little while and braced himself for what was coming. He could feel the tingle in his throat followed by his cough. Tanner let it come and quickly took off his clothing to avoid soiling them. Tanner tried to stifle his noises as he heard Nance’s voice calling out to him. Tanner put
a hand over his mouth as vomited erupted through his fingers. The pain came then which was as intense as he remembered, Tanner doubled over but refused to scream out. Nance’s voice faded away as the pain kept coming in ever stronger waves. This was horrible Tanner thought, just horrible but he needed something to take his mind off of Golden’s betrayal and being forced to be cordial with the Regent. Tanner was there for at least an hour with his pain as he could hear other voices now, all of his team members calling out frantically. Tanner wanted to call back, they would make the pain go away but he didn’t. He let his tears flow but tried to stay silent as darkness over took him.

  When Tanner awoke again he was in his own bed but someone was in the room with him. He wasn’t in anymore pain and shot up and could see it was the Regent who was in his room.

  “Life getting to you Tanner?” the Regent said as he poured a cup of what looked like tea. “The green is a difficult drug, I had heard you had overcome your earlier difficulties and received your relief often. Jennifer had told me you were a model student and you never had to go through the side effects. We were looking to give you your relief but you disappeared, it took us a while to find you but we protected your modesty as much as we could. Why don’t you drink some tea, it will make you feel better.”

  Tanner felt horrible and did not think he could take another side effect from the green and took the tea.

  “That’s better Tanner,” the Regent said smiling. “I can be a very good friend if only you will let me. Now the war has been in full swing for a while now and we are winning. I hate using mages but our side has the most experienced and we are now fighting on Tavorian soil rather than the other way around. This will be a bloody affair but when Tavor is crushed I am to make them a part of Ket. I will bring peace to this land so young men like you won’t have to sacrifice time with your family. By the time you get back I will have your estate in order. I intend to make you the Earl of Tox. I never had a child and while I may hope Aundrea would give me one it is wishful thinking at best. What do you think of my gift?”

  “Thank you Milord,” Tanner replied quickly.

  “You have earned it Tanner. I am sure Mary will be pleased to be a lady of her own estate. In fact I already have plans of letting her decorate the place whenever this assassin business dies down.”

  “Thank you Milord,” Tanner replied.

  “Don’t mention it,” The Regent said as he gave Tanner a smile. “My advice to you is that whenever you want to get away from all the fuss is to take your relief before you disappear.”

  “Yes Milord,” Tanner replied.

  “Tanner now that we have the pleasantries out of the way, I have heard my niece has made certain overtures towards you to make your stay a little nicer and you are not interested. I also hear you have not really opened up to your other teammates.”

  “I just want to get my Mary back Milord,” Tanner replied quickly. “I have no time for anything else all my thoughts are of her.”

  “I figured as much but have yourself a little fun when you can. On your table is a handmade item from your wife. You leave tomorrow, get yourself some sleep,” the Regent said as he closed the door. Tanner looked at the item and shook his head. Mary was being mistreated and was trying to send him a hint. Tanner knew he would have to be good to get everything over with to get her back. Mary was depending on him to free her from the Regent. Tanner went back to sleep and was ready the next morning. His things had been replaced by newer clothing depicting him as a guard of some type. The items were fancy and he could see daggers along with other weapons he had looked to be made by a master. The biggest thing Tanner saw was his sword was in the room with him. Tanner grabbed the sword and could feel its anger along with its fear. One of its former masters had been influenced by the green, this Tanner could tell. Tanner quickly got dressed and fixed his sword on his side. He heard shuffling in the hall way and could see Ashley dressed like a Tavorian mage.

  “You like my outfit Tanner?” Ashley said in a Tavorian accent.

  “It is nice,” Tanner replied as he moved past her.

  “This is going to be my first mission, I am so excited,” Ashley said as Tanner could hear her footsteps behind him. “I am only the second female behind Jennifer that has ever made one of the teams. We are going to be brought up to the frontlines in style. Will you ride in my carriage with me? I am kind of avoiding Ransom right now.”

  “I don’t want any trouble,” Tanner replied as he could see there were two carriages waiting and the other team members were loading them up. Jennifer was also dressed like a mage as the other men were dressed as guards. Tanner had a decision to make, would he ride in the carriage with Jennifer and possibly Nance or go with Ashley. When Ransom climbed in the free carriage Ashley changed her mind and got into a carriage with Jennifer, Gerty, Nance and Dannon which left Tanner and Ransom with their own carriage. It was just as well, Ransom didn’t care too much for him and the feeling was mutual. Tanner climbed inside and shut the door and kept his hand on the hilt of his sword. Getting to the border would take less than two days, providing the horses were regularly changed out. The first day went by easy enough, they had passed through a couple of small towns on the way to the border but had decided to stop in a place called Kobold which Tanner had never heard of. They rode up to what passed as an inn and went inside after changing clothes into Ketian styles. The only reason they had rode out looking like Tavorians was because they wanted to give the clothes a worn look. Their disguise would be found out if everyone in the party had on new clothing. Tanner walked into the place at the rear of his group and could see a small table with one chair in the corner, perfect for people who want to be left alone. Tanner broke from the group and took the chair. Before long a bouncy chested lady came over to take his order. She was young but had hips that told of having babies. The woman smiled brightly at Tanner.

  “So what will it be big guy?” the woman said with a little laugh.

  “Well that depends on what you have,” Tanner replied letting a smile come to his face. It felt weird, he had not smiled in a while but the surroundings coupled with the fact that he was not sitting with the other assassins made him feel better.

  “Well we have anything a man could need on a long trip,” the woman said suggestively.

  “Is that a fact? Anything a man could need,” Tanner replied deciding to play her game. “I wish I had the time. I think I could have a lot of fun with you but I can’t be tired tomorrow. How about an ale and whatever food you think a big guy like me would enjoy.”

  “I can make that happen,” the waitress said as she walked away, Tanner leered at her bottom and hoped the other women saw it so they would leave him alone. In reality he was lonely and seeing their bodies was breaking down his resolve. Tanner sat quietly and could hear his teammates remark on the serving wench. The men thought she was pretty, the women thought the only thing she had going for her was her chest. Tanner ignored the talk and found the smile stayed on his face as his food came out and ate heartily. When a bard started playing on a lute it reminded him of his hometown and he soon found himself grabbing a random woman and dancing as the bard played a happy tune. He danced long into the night until he saw his teammates join him on the floor which grounded him quickly in reality. Tanner left the floor then and went to inquire about a room. The inn keeper told him his was already paid for and gave him a key. Tanner went upstairs and could see he was in a room with two beds and promptly stripped of his clothing and went to sleep. During the night he awoke, someone was fondling him and stroking his member. Whoever it was felt soft as he felt breasts press up against his chest. Tanner moaned at the sensation, he had not had a woman in over a month. Tanner rubbed his hand down the small of the woman’s back and found a nice tight bottom which he gripped. The woman climbed on top of him as he opened his eyes and saw Jennifer. Her hair was down and she was naked, he wanted her badly before remembering Mary and Jennifer was most likely trying to sleep with him to gain some type of
other hold over him for the Regent.

  “Get off me Jennifer,” Tanner said as he pushed her away.

  “Your body doesn’t seem like you want me off of you,” Jennifer smiled and placed his hands on her breasts. Tanner tensed at the action and knew she was telling the truth, he wanted her badly. This was the woman who had stole Mary though. Mary was probably suffering from the green while he was going to shag her enemy. What would she think about it? If the places were reversed how would he feel about her sleeping with Nance? Tanner shot up at this and tossed Jennifer to the side. He was still very aroused but once Jennifer saw his face she knew the game was up.

  “What ruined it for me?” Jennifer asked.

  “You took Mary and your uncle put you up to this,” Tanner replied.

  “You know I could make you sleep with me,” Jennifer said pointedly.

  “You probably could,” Tanner admitted before finishing. “But nothing would be real.”

  “It doesn’t have to be real Tanner, I am not looking for love only a bit of flesh,” Jennifer said pleadingly. “She never has to know.”

  “I said no,” Tanner repeated as Jennifer got out of his bed and walked over to her own before pausing and leaving the room completely nude. Tanner laid back down embarrassed at what he was going to do. The morning came and as they left Tanner could see a smile on Nance’s face which he tried to hide. Dannon also looked pleased with himself as Ashley made no eye contact with anyone. Tanner had guessed the ale Ashley drank had put her in Dannon’s bed and that Nance had a piece of Jennifer. Only Ransom looked a bit angry as he climbed into the carriage. Tanner followed as the carriage lurched forward.

  “You came out of your shell last night,” Ransom said trying to make small talk. “I thought you were going to stay pent up the entire time. It is amazing what a nice set of breasts can do for your mood.”

  Tanner stayed quiet and closed his eyes and gripped his sword. It made him feel safe as it sent him soothing thoughts. Ransom soon got the hint and dozed off as the trip went along intermittedly talking about Ashley along the way. Soon they were dumped near the fighting. The group took their carriage right on through the war zone and off to a secret road that was defended from all intruders. The other teams had arrived this way weeks ago, since they didn’t have to fill out their rosters. The trip to their destination city went smoothly, they were rarely stopped and when they were their fake papers coupled with the assassins training in Tavorian accents got them through quickly. As soon as they saw the city of East’s End though they knew the gig was up. There were far too many guards on the wall and they looked to be checking papers. Jennifer got out of the carriage and walked over to a merchant of some type and whispered into his ear. The merchant turned red and was replying to whatever she was saying obviously interested. Jennifer licked his neck a couple of times before she walked away, the merchant eyeing her the entire way.