Danica Pt. 10

The Commander asked, "Can you do it? Rid the wood of those damned illusions and my men can find the traps, both magical and mundane. Small groups could penetrate and begin cutting the heads from the hosts, in much the same fashion you and your companions have proven effective."

Terran stepped forward and nodded his head toward Danica. "I agree with Danica's idea. Destroying the Phantasmal Force spells that supplement the illusions and make it difficult to tell reality from fantasy will draw out the master of Illusion. The power he expends to craft and maintain the phantasmal creatures must be tremendous. He could not overlook a systematic elimination of them."

"I will bow to your knowledge of things magical," the Commander said. "If you can do that, we may yet survive this."

"We'll begin tomorrow," Danica said and then smiled. "I think Illusion is going to have a very bad day tomorrow -- and for many tomorrows to come."

Her confident and somewhat jocular tone lightened the mood of the gathering as it drew to a close. Everyone felt more hopeful about their chances of survival when they left, though fear still remained.

{*****~~o~~0~~o~~*****}

The next day the Celes, Terran, and Mara joined the companions in the common room of the fortress to speak of what they had discovered while scrying the wood that morning.

"The illusions are easy enough to be findin', they put off a lot of magic," Celes explained. "They're all about the wood, but we ne'er see more'n one of the Phantasmal creatures about at a time. They come out from inside the area where we believe Illusion is hidin', roam about scarin' the other critters in the wood, and then return. Another comes a stompin' out right on the first's heels."

"Illusion is using something to power the illusions, something beyond his power alone. Some sort of powerful magic device is probably being used. The phantasmal creatures must be brought within range of the artifact for renewal every so often, and it apparently has limits or more of the Phantasmal ones would be running free at a time," Terran surmised.

"You can find whichever one is out in the wood now?" Danica asked.

"Aye, in a trice. We kin find 'em with spells that detect illusion, an' they'll shine like a torch," Celes answered.

"Let's get ready then -- and go ruin Illusion's day," Danica said.

The wizards explained to the rest of the companions how a Phantasmal Force spell worked, while Celes tracked the illusionary creature that stalked the wood -- a Storm Giant. The magical monster would have substance, and weapons would hit it, though the phantasmal creature would not truly take wounds, as would a living creature. Strikes against the creature would weaken its power and eventually destroy it, however.

It could also cause real harm, and the companions would have to battle the phantasmal creatures as though they were real beasts. Knowledge that the creatures were illusionary magic would lessen their ability to cause injury, but battling them would still be quite dangerous. To someone unprotected by their magical charms and without their knowledge, such a battle would certainly prove life threatening.

The creature moved toward the South edge of the wood, near where the companions had attacked goblins once before. Danica and the others prepared for battle, and then hurried out to intercept the creature.

Danica cursed when she found a band of around twenty goblins settling in at the spot she had chosen to intercept the phantasmal creature. Few other places nearby afforded enough space to attack. Danica knew that they would either have to let the opportunity pass, or fight the goblins as well.

After a short discussion, the dwarves convinced everyone that the goblins would likely flee the moment an attacking force raised weapons against them. The monsters were without a shaman, counted none of the larger warrior goblins in their number, and half of the creatures bore wounds from the battle at the complex. The goblins would hardly wish to battle a formidable band of over half their number, especially with a Storm Giant stomping toward them.

With that decision made, the group organized and set out quickly toward the goblin encampment before the phantasmal giant passed by in a few minutes. Venaru and Janelle split off the trail, moving quickly and silently through the trees on either side. Celes whispered to Danica to prepare, as they would reach the clearing just ahead of the phantasmal creature, in her estimation.

The companions entered the clearing and the goblins immediately snatched up weapons. The monsters appeared torn between the urges to flee or fight, all looking to a larger goblin that probably served as a leader.

An arrow and a bolt thudded into two of the creatures, while magical missiles peppered three more. The mages had agreed to avoid fireballs and lightning bolts, knowing the sound of those spells would carry over long distances. Danica worried enough about the sounds of the battle drawing more enemies from even a short distance.

The goblins quickly scrambled into the undergrowth when five of their number fell within seconds. Janelle took down a sixth with her bow just as the phantasmal giant emerged in the clearing and roared a very convincing challenge.

Venaru's crossbow immediately sang out and a bolt hit the creature. The fighters charged, led by Cheron's mace. The illusion winced and acted as if the wounds pained it -- all part of the illusion. The wizards sent streams of magical missiles at the thing, knowing that the number of strikes, not the level of destructive force, had more to do with dispelling a phantasmal enemy.

The fighters hit the illusionary giant in the same manner they had attacked the hill giant earlier. The dwarves swarmed in under the giant's guard to hack at its legs, while Brandon and Bear harried the thing with quick strikes. The phantasm was nowhere near as effective in battle as a real giant. Its strikes were slow and packed far less strength than would those of a real giant. It could not mimic the magical powers of the storm a real storm giant would have used, but it would have nonetheless been a deadly foe if the companions had not known it for an illusion.

The blows quickly took their toll. Danica could see the magic comprising the creature begin to unravel. Bear caught his foot on a protruding root and stumbled slightly as he danced backward to avoid a swing from the illusionary giant's sword. Nara stretched out her hand and pushed him to the side quickly, cushioning him from actually hitting the ground with a bubble of telekinetic force. The swing of the giant's sword passed just over him, and Bear quickly jumped back up to readiness.

An arrow from Janelle's bow finished it. The creature continued to swing at the fighters and bellow, but the noises it made sounded quiet and unrealistic. The phantasms blows went right through the weapons set to block it. After a moment, it faded from view completely.

Bear looked at Nara and nodded his thanks to her as the creature faded. Venaru and Janelle dropped into the clearing.

"That should be raisin' Illusions ire, I'm for thinkin'," Celes said with a cackle.

The companions activated their rings of invisibility and quickly returned to the fortress, avoiding the creatures swiftly moving toward the sounds of battle.

The friends were all in high spirits upon returning to the fortress. Celes quickly went to scry the wood, hoping to track the next phantasmal creature as it emerged. Bear thanked Nara for her quick thinking, and she spent most of her time talking with Bear and Janelle.

Danica ended up talking with Terran, finding him to be a charming and quite handsome man. Once again, Danica curiously wondered about what he had under his robes. Cheron made her first assault on the sisters by quickly drawing Mara aside into conversation. Brandon joined Danica and Terran, interested in the discussion between the pair about research Terran was doing that would combine a wizard's magic and a warrior's strength into a more effective and powerful team.

Danica's thoughts were more about having both the men at once, and thus had a difficult time following Terran's conversation through her daydreams. Brandon listened quite intently, however.

Celes found another phantasmal creature, a troll this time, and the companions quickly mobilized to attack it. All the phantasmal creatures appeared to follow generally the same path, with only slight variations. Thus, it so happened that the companions struck the troll illusion just southeast of where they had destroyed the giant.

The group dispatched the troll phantasm with little trouble, as well a group of fifteen or so goblins that charged into the clearing just as the troll faded from view. Another group of goblins quickly turned around and fled upon seeing their fellows lying dead on the field -- and the dangerous band of companions turning their way.

Four illusions had assaulted them as the battle with the goblins ended. The illusions could not harm Danica and the others at all thanks to their magical protections, so the companions simply activated their invisibility and returned to the fortress.

Danica and Celes shared a wicked laugh, knowing that the attack of the illusions meant their master felt threatened. Danica also knew that a master of illusion could have watched the entire run through the woods afterward, ignoring the invisibility magic, but obviously couldn't do anything to stop them.

After spending a short time talking as a group about the attacks on the phantasms, the companions broke apart into the same groups as earlier in the day. Evening was approaching, and Danica felt her passions burning as she talked to Terran and Brandon. Knowing where she wanted the night to lead, Danica left briefly to make preparations. When everyone else retired to their rooms, Danica led both men to hers.

Danica's obvious -- and very arousing -- need when she suggested they both come with her to her room prompted the two men to undress without a moment's hesitation. Danica licked her lips as she looked at the two men while she pulled off her own clothing -- particularly at Terran. The sight of his well-defined musculature brought a smile to Danica's lips. His cock was of a nice size, and Danica could already imagine it inside her.

She pulled both men close together and knelt down in front of them, alternating between the two men as she moaned around their cocks filling her mouth.

With a last flick of her tongue over them both, she looked up into their eyes. She kept her hands wrapped around their cocks, stroking them both slowly. "I want you both -- both filling me," she sultrily suggested and then moaned as she stood.

She led them to the bed and directed Brandon lie down leaning against the backboard. She slid over top of him, straddling him, and then leaned over to kiss him hungrily as she held onto Terran's hand.

She then pulled Terran close and kissed him with the same passion. She whispered huskily to him, "Put that gorgeous cock inside me. Get it nice and slick. I want you in my ass while Brandon fucks my pussy." Knowing that she wanted this, Danica had prepared by flushing her bottom with water during her brief absence earlier in the evening.

He climbed up onto the bed on his knees behind her, Danica reaching back to guide his cock with her hand. He pushed into her depths with a long groan of arousal, matched by an equally aroused moan from Danica.

He stroked his cock inside her, making Danica moan even more. After about half a minute, she reached back again and guided him to pull free. His slick member glistened with her juices when he withdrew.

Danica reached down and grasped Brandon's erection, guiding it into her and sliding down onto it with a moan. He rocked his hips, taking short strokes inside her. She then guided Terran's cock to the puckered iris of her ass and gasped as he slowly pushed inside her.

Danica's eyes squinted shut and she let out a quavering gasp, trembling as hard cocks filled her pussy and ass. When she stopped quivering, her muscles relaxed enough to let Terran begin stroking his cock in and out of her tight ass.

Danica gasped and moaned as both men stroked her. Terran kept her cheeks pulled wide, kneading them with his hands as his member stretched her ass. Brandon caressed her breasts and rolled her nipples between his fingers as he rocked his hips, thrusting his big cock up inside her soaked depths.

She felt so full, and so intensely aroused by both men taking her. Brandon and Terran picked up the tempo and strength of their thrusts as she opened up to them. Danica could feel where their cocks almost seemed to meet inside her through her walls.

Danica felt her orgasm welling up inside her. Both men took her hard now, holding her in a perfect position for both their cocks to stroke her hard and fast. She screamed, "Oh gods yes," as she soared up to her peak and tumbled over into orgasm.

She let out a series of almost whimpering moans as her orgasm rolled through her. Both men slowed their thrusts as she thrashed, quivered, gasped, and moaned.

When she finally caught her breath and regained control of her muscles, Danica let out a little growl and said, "Give it to me. Make me come again and fill me up. I want to feel you both fill me. Come for me."

The men started stroking her again, building quickly to the same powerful thrusts that had sent her into the incredible orgasm only a short time before. "Oh yes -- so full. Do it. Faster," she gasped as they both fucked her so well. Terran's tight grunts let Danica know he was nearing the limits of his ability to hold back his own climax.

Danica quickly climbed her mountain as well, another earth-shaking orgasm welling up inside her, begging for release. She looked back at Terran, his face a mask of arousal and intense concentration at the same time as he tried to hold off his own orgasm until Danica came again.

Danica perched on the edge of ecstasy as Terran's growls took on an almost pained sound. She knew he was about to reach the point of no return. "Oh yes, give it to me. Fill my ass up," she half gasped, half screamed.

Terran slammed into her, releasing the pent up energy within him. Danica whimpered from the mix of incredible pleasure and little stabs of pain bringing her ever nearer to the edge. When Terran buried his cock in her ass and groaned in release, she could feel his hot cum filling her ass. "Oh, yes! OH YES!" Danica screamed as her orgasm grabbed hold of her.

Danica cried out in climax as a flood of her juices washed over her and both men. Waves of overpowering ecstasy made her every muscle contract. The tightening of her walls around Brandon's cock set him off as well. With a loud grunt, he pulled down on her hips hard and buried his cock inside her. Danica squealed as she felt his semen spreading warmth through her depths.

They all gasped and shuddered, collapsing atop Brandon as they spasmed from their orgasms. Danica moaned long and loud as she delighted in the feeling of complete fullness -- tingles of energy spreading through her whole body from the pools of warmth deep inside her.

Neither man could endure the clenching of her muscles around their sensitive cocks long, and they pulled from her. Danica let out a little disappointed moan, but when both men's purple helmets popped free of her, it set off another wave of orgasmic energy within Danica. She quivered and gasped as warm cum dripped from her and her back arched from the pleasure still saturating her every pore.

They all relaxed and caught their breath for a few moments, then took the time to clean up. Both men watched as Danica brought on another orgasm with her flashing fingers, incredibly aroused by the sight of her masturbating.

First Terran, then Brandon slipped between her thighs, licking and sucking her to several more wonderful orgasms. Both men were hard again when she managed to recover from the last orgasm on Brandon's tongue.

Danica directed them take the opposite positions as before. Danica moaned and her eyes shot wide open as Terran's cock stroked her fast -- far faster than Brandon had. The angle of Terran's erection also made a lot more contact with her swollen clit than Brandon's had previously. Brandon's bigger cock gaped Danica's ass almost painfully wide.

She came three more times before both men flooded her with hot cum once again. Danica had to have help getting to the basin to wash up this time, her knees wobbling too much from the power of her orgasms to support her.

None of them realized that they had fallen into an exhausted sleep until they woke up -- their bodies all entwined together -- several hours before dawn.

{*****~~o~~0~~o~~*****}

The next day the companions immediately returned to work on their plan again. Celes used her magic to peer into the wood, and located the next phantasmal creature -- a hulking minotaur this time. The capable group made quick work of the illusionary monster, cutting down a pair of ogres that wandered in upon hearing the sounds of battle as well. The companions once again ignored the host of purely illusionary enemies that swarmed them after the battle, and returned to the fortress.

Celes returned to her scrying as the others saw to their equipment and shared each other's company. Mara and Terran relieved Celes on occasion, though she did not seem to want to leave the task to anyone else. Celes enjoyed the task of irritating their foe.

Terran walked in near dark and said, "I believe our master of illusion has grown wary of sending out the Phantasms. No more seem to be coming to stalk the wood."

"Time to strike at the heart then," Danica declared.

"Are we sure we're bein' ready fer that? We're not for knowin' fer sure Illusion ain't hidin' some tricks. The others could be comin' to his aid too," Celes cautioned.

"I doubt the others will come. The sense I get when I'm in the wood is that there is as little cooperation between the masters as there is between the monsters they have enslaved," Nara countered.

Danica declared, "I think we're ready. It seems unlikely that someone who has so thoroughly mastered illusion would have found time to study much else. I doubt we'll face any real surprises."

Celes smiled wickedly. "I'm fer thinkin' the same," she said with a cackle. "I was just wantin' to make sure we thought 'bout it."

"Let's see if we can't lop one of the heads off this beast then," Brandon said with an evil grin and slapped his hand on his sword hilt.

{*****~~o~~0~~o~~*****}

Zoraster paced nervously as he watched the group planning in his scrying mirror. He had observed the previous battle, and the results did not encourage him. The Training Grounds were simply too important to his plans to allow to fall.

The Archmage formed a plan to defend the place should the need arise, though he was loathe to tip his hand there any more than he already had. The group was resourceful, and Danica's plan seemed logical to Zoraster. He planned his contingencies with the hope that they would prove unnecessary, validating his faith in Danica and Celes.

"Master," Zoraster heard from behind him.

"Report," Zoraster said as he turned to face the man.

"Master, the Princess is now fully under our control thanks to the drugs provided to her. Already, we have persuaded her through suggestion in her sleep to kill her teacher. She talks to herself of it often and seems to be enthusiastic to bring about his death. It appears our own plans coincide with hers. We have simply accelerated them."

Zoraster smiled. "This is most welcome news. Soon, she will sit on the throne and I will finally have full control. We have an agent in place to marry her?"

"Yes, Master. He is prepared and she already allows him to pay court to her according to our suggestions."