Bab 22: The Man from Nantucket...
The morning sun cast a golden hue over the town as Adrian and Lilith prepared to leave. The quiet streets were just beginning to stir with the early risers, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of fresh bread and morning dew.
Adrian adjusted the reins of the horse they had purchased; his thoughts were already focused on the journey ahead.
Lilith, however, seemed content to stretch the morning out, taking her time to adjust her cloak as she watched him with a playful glint in her eye.
She moved closer, slipping onto the horse behind him and wrapping her arms around his waist. Adrian tensed slightly as she pressed herself against his back, her breasts moulding to him in a way that was far too deliberate.
"Are you comfortable?" Lilith purred into his ear, her breath warm against his skin.
Adrian cleared his throat, trying to maintain his composure. "You know, you could ride on your own."
His initial plan was to get two horses, but the old man convinced him otherwise.
"You can't afford a second horse, boy. This will have to do," he said, patting the flank of the black stallion.
"Besides, she looks like the type who would want a bit of company," the old man added, winking suggestively.
Adrian wasn't sure how to respond. But something tells him Lilith had something to do with the man's suggestion.
"But where would be the fun in that?" Lilith teased, her fingers tracing patterns on his chest. "Besides, it's so much more enjoyable being close to you."
"That's enough, Lilith." He replied, his tone firm.
He felt her pout and pull away.
"Always knows how to kill the fun," she muttered.
Adrian ignored her and urged the horse into a canter.
They rode through the narrow streets of the town, the cobblestones clattering beneath the horse's hooves. As they neared the edge of town, the buildings became sparser, giving way to open fields and rolling hills.
The road ahead was long, stretching toward the distant capital city, where they hoped to find the map maker.
As they traveled, Lilith continued to toy with him, her touch lingering longer than was strictly necessary. Adrian knew it was her nature to tease, but her proximity was starting to wear on his self-control.
It didn't help that her scent was intoxicating, her natural musk making his blood run hot through his veins.
It was going to be a long journey.
They rode in silence for some time, the sun climbing higher in the sky. Eventually, Adrian felt Lilith rest her head against his back, her arms wrapping tighter around him.
"Do you know any songs?" She asked.
"Songs? No." He replied, keeping his gaze focused on the road ahead.
"What about a poem? You must know one of those." She persisted.
"No, I don't know any poems either."
Lilith sighed. "You humans are so boring."
"Well, if you had a book, or something, I could read it."
"A book?" She mused. "You know, that might not be a bad idea."
Lilith was silent for a moment, lost in thought. Then, she began to speak, her words soft and melodic.
"There once was a man from Nantucket. His dick was so long, he could suck it. He said with a grin, as he wiped off his chin. If my earlobe was a cunt, I would fuck it."
Adrian blinked, stunned into silence.
"Did I say something wrong?" She asked, her voice laced with innocence.
"No, it's just... where did you learn that poem?"
"Oh, a traveling bard told me."
"And where did he learn it?"
"I have no idea," Lilith replied with a shrug.
Adrian shook his head in disbelief.
"Well, that was interesting," he remarked, a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
"Yes, it was," Lilith replied, her tone completely serious. "Maybe you should write a song about it."
"No, I don't think that would be appropriate."
"Why not? It would be funny. And educational."
Adrian suppressed a smile, his lips twitching slightly.
"We'll see."
As they continued to travel, Lilith eventually fell asleep, her soft snores tickling the back of Adrian's neck.
He glanced back at her and couldn't help but smile, the sight of her peaceful expression filling him with some warmth even though he had no idea why.
After a few hours of riding, they passed through a small, desolate town. The signs of recent strife were everywhere—burned-out buildings, broken carts, and hungry faces. A group of children huddled near the remains of what had once been a thriving market, their eyes hollow and filled with despair.
The sight tugged at Adrian's heart, and he slowed the horse, taking in the scene with a grim expression.
Lilith stirred, yawning as she raised her head.
"What's wrong?" She asked, her voice heavy with sleep as she looked around. "What happened here?" Lilith enquired, her tone having softened and changed to one of genuine concern.
"It looks like a raid," Adrian replied, his jaw tightening. "Or perhaps a battle. Whatever it was, these people were caught in the crossfire."
He could see the realization dawning on Lilith's face as she took in the scene, her eyes scanning the ruined town, a mixture of sadness and anger flaring within them.
"It's horrible," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
"It is," he replied. "But we can't do anything to help. We can't afford to get involved.
All we can do is move on and hope for the best."
He urged the horse forward, spurring the animal to pick up the pace.
Lilith nodded, though her eyes lingered on the suffering faces as they rode past.
Adrian remained silent, his thoughts dark, as they continued on their way. The sight of the devastated town only fuelled his resolve to reach the capital city as soon as possible.
He planned on informing the king about this incident and maybe request for the kingdom to help in rebuilding the town and the lives of the citizens.
They continued to ride until the sun began to set, the sky painted in hues of pink and orange.
As they approached the capital, the landscape changed, the rolling hills replaced by dense forests and lush fields.
The roads were well-maintained, and the towering walls could be seen from a distance, marking the outskirts of the city.
"Finally, we're almost there," Adrian said, his tone lightening.
"Thank goodness," Lilith replied. "My ass is sore."
The capital's massive stone walls loomed ahead, stretching high into the sky.
"Impressive," Adrian remarked.
"I've seen bigger," Lilith replied with a shrug.
He looked at her, his expression skeptical. "I doubt it."
"Oh, it's true," she insisted. "Have you ever been to the city of Asmara?"
Adrian shook his head, turning his attention back to the road.
"Well, you should visit it someday. The city is incredible, and the wall surrounding it is massive. They say it's enchanted and has protected the city from invaders for centuries."
"Enchanted?" Adrian asked, his curiosity piqued.
"That's what they say. No one really knows how it works. Some say the Goddess of Magic herself blessed the walls."
Adrian couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement. The thought of seeing such a marvel made his pulse quicken.
They approached the single entrance that led into the city, a wide gate guarded by armored sentinels. It seems like the only way in.
A long queue of people and goods stretched from the gate, with merchants, travelers, and peasants all waiting for their turn to enter.
Adrian pulled the horse to a stop at the end of the line, surveying the scene with a wary eye.
The guards at the gate were checking everyone who entered, their expressions stern as they pushed back anyone who didn't meet their standards.
Several people were turned away, their protests falling on deaf ears.
As they neared the front of the line, Adrian noticed the guards' attention shifting to Lilith. Their eyes widened as they took in her beauty, the usual scowl on their faces replaced by something more akin to awe.
When it was their turn, one of the guards stepped forward, eyeing Lilith with an almost predatory gaze.
"She's permitted," the guard said gruffly, "but you"—he jabbed a finger at Adrian—"can't come in."
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