Empire Builder 1: Breed, Populate, Conquer by Dante King (free e books to read online txt) 📕

Adremor muttered a curse about mountain ogres when he heard that. As Ben suspected, the mages bought the lie and assumed the ogres had simply sold their slaves to the wrong buyer.

“Our mission here in the north is to transport these princesses to the capital for experimentation and resource extraction,” Adremor explained to Ben, with no heed whatsoever for the nymphs, who could hear every word, and looked pale and nervous.

“The nymphs are mine now,” Ben explained, knowing this was a long shot, but hoping it might be enough to send the nymphs on their way.

“But that cannot be,” Adremor said. “These nymphs are already accounted for.”

Ben gave Adremor a long hard look.

“With all due respect, lord, you may work for the Grand Vizier, but we have our laws.” Adremor’s tone was deferential. Evidently, he remembered his place. He seemed like a hard and stubborn man though, who would defend his legal right to these women as his property.

“You will be paid, of course,” Adremor continued. “These women are valuable; we can offer you more than what you paid the ogres.”

Ben mustered the most carefree expression he could. “Let us discuss business after refreshments. We can settle the matter of this trade once you have eaten.”

Adremor looked satisfied with this, though Uzax continued to squint suspiciously at Ben.

“The nymphs do not wear null locks,” Uzax commented, though it sounded more like a demand.

“I have great power,” Ben explained, thinking quickly. “I have no need of null locks; the slaves will not disobey me.”

“Show us this power,” Uzax demanded.

“We would be grateful if you could display this power,” Adremor added, more politely. “It is always a pleasure to witness the capabilities of a fellow mage, particularly a noble from the capital such as yourself.”

“Bring me one of your soldiers,” Ben said. He had a plan, and wondered if he could threaten the mages away.

The two mages hesitated.

“I assure you, he will not be permanently harmed.”

Curiosity seemed to get the better of Uzax. “Take one of my men.” He pushed the nearest unwilling foot soldier in front of Ben.

With practiced skill, Ben drained half the soldier’s strength into himself. The soldier slumped, instantly overcome by weakness. All three mages watched and gasped in wonder.

Then Ben, his body flooded with extra strength, took the helmet off the soldier’s head. He crushed it between his hands like paper, until it was scrunched into a ball the size of his fist. He dropped it to the ground with a clang. At least if it came to blows, one of their men would be less well armed.

Uzax and Adremor clapped in appreciation.

“A splendid trick indeed,” Adremor commented. “Enough to keep a handful of weakling slaves in order, certainly.”

Ben waved a hand nonchalantly, trying to hide his worry. “It keeps them in line. I wouldn’t want to display more strength without a suitable enemy in sight, but this suffices for my needs at present.”

If this was what they called a trick, Ben suspected they could present a very real danger. He had no idea what kinds of powers they had. And at the very least, he was sure that they had more experience than him with magic.

“I would be grateful if you could show me your magic as well,” he said, “but I don’t want to keep you on your feet. Let us take refreshments in my chambers first.”

Ben led them all to the elevator, and they rode up to the crown of the tower, while the nymphs busied themselves preparing refreshments in the kitchen.

The mages expressed great astonishment at the splendor of the tower as they ascended.

“Such magnificence is not seen outside the capital,” Adremor remarked. “Your mission must be of great importance.”

Ben simply smiled in acknowledgement and said nothing.

“Not to pry, of course, that would be rude,” Adremor added. He scratched his head, evidently feeling slightly uncomfortable and not knowing what to say.

“How many people live in this tower?” Adremor continued.

Ben realized Adremor was trying to fill the silence. He wondered whether he should try to put the mages at ease, or intimidate them. He decided it was probably best to remain diplomatic for a time.

“At present I live here alone with my assistant and my servants, that is to say, with those nymphs. I have not estimated how many could live here when the tower is full, but I dare say a great number.”

Lexi, standing next to Melody near the glass, stared out of the elevator spire as they ascended, her yellow eyes wide with wonder. “How was this tower built, if I may ask? With magic, I take it. Did you do it all yourself?”

“Magic did play a part, naturally,” Ben responded drily. “I was given an artifact from the capital which assisted with the process. Of course, I can’t divulge all the details.”

“Of course,” Adremor agreed, as if it went without saying.

“I never cease to wonder at the marvels that come out of that capital,” Lexi added.

Uzax didn’t speak, casting his eyes loftily up at the elevator ceiling. Ben did notice however, that he appeared to wince every time Lexi spoke. Theirs was certainly not a cooperation built on friendship.

Once they reached the crown, the two male mages seated themselves in one of the numerous entertainment areas in the upper levels, luxuriously appointed with lush lounges and armchairs.

Lexi entered the room and looked for a chair.

Uzax looked up at her. “Don’t you have beastkin matters to discuss in private?”

Lexi froze, looking as if she’d been lashed. “Yes, of course, we do,” she finally managed, turning to leave the room with haste.

Ben glanced up at Melody. He saw the sting in her eyes. It hurt him not to be able to do anything to alleviate it, but there was nothing he could do. He had to bide his time until he knew more about these mages.

Melody turned and left with Lexi.

Adremor had one leg comfortably crossed over the other, looking as if he owned the