Apprenticed to Pleasure Read online

  Ander was paralyzed, his wrist still held in a tight grip. He knew a little about the strange powers these men wielded and suspected they knew far more than the few tricks they had claimed. He began to shiver.

  Nicolai’s expression changed to sympathy. He stepped next to Ander and put an arm around his shoulders. “I didn’t mean to frighten you, but we don’t want to deceive. Binding you to an oath doesn’t achieve its purpose unless you understand its seriousness.”

  “It’s your choice,” Sorel said. “You won’t be committed to anything except secrecy. It’s the same commitment Nicolai and I have made. And we’re also offering you an opportunity. A passage into realms you’ve never imagined, if you have the ability to enter.”

  “What… what happens if I don’t take the oath?”

  Sorel glanced at his friend before turning back to Ander. “Then we part company and you’re free to go. We’ll have to tell Thane what happened. I don’t know what he’ll do. He’s honorable, but he’ll do what he feels is necessary. There’s more at stake than you know. And remember, we wish you no harm.”

  Sorel sounded sincere, and Nicolai’s warm arm around his shoulder offered only comfort. Though the talk of tests was ominous and the prospect of facing the mysterious Thane was frightening, they had treated him well from the beginning and had taken risks to protect him. And he still felt the inexplicable attraction that had seized him when he’d first seen them. When his curiosity entered the debate, the decision was made.

  “All right, I promise not to reveal anything. I forfeit my life if I ever violate this oath.” He gulped, still lost in Sorel’s gaze. “How… how do you bind me?”

  “We have to be linked. You’ll know if you’re about to violate the oath, and the link will impart that knowledge to me.” He smiled seductively. “Sex is the best way to create a link. But it’s not required, and neither of us is ready. It will be enough if our bodies know each other.”

  “Know each other? I don’t understand.”

  “It’s simple,” Sorel replied. He lifted Ander’s hand and uncurled the fingers to expose the remains of Ander’s climax. Then he pressed the palm to his lips. He paused briefly, inhaling the musky scent of Ander’s semen before licking with firm strokes.

  Ander’s breath caught at the warm pressure of Sorel’s tongue. Nicolai slipped behind him and held him in a strong embrace while his hand was licked clean. When Sorel looked up and met Ander’s gaze, his eyes seemed filled with intimate knowledge. Ander was breathless and aroused.

  “Now you,” Nicolai murmured in Ander’s ear. “Lick his cheek. Make his seed part of you.”

  Sorel stepped close, pressing Ander between himself and Nicolai. He was erect again and pressed his crotch against Ander’s. Closing his eyes, he turned his head and presented his cheek.

  His heart pounding wildly, Ander put his arms around Sorel’s lean body. Firm muscle moved under his hands. He brushed his lips over Sorel’s cheek.

  Sorel leaned into him, and Ander licked the semen encrusted on the cheek’s smooth skin. It had an earthy aroma, rich but pleasing. He closed his eyes and lost himself in the flavor of Sorel’s essence, the feel of his muscular torso, the gentle rubbing of their cocks against each other through his light pants. He didn’t stop until Sorel chuckled and gave him a friendly squeeze.

  “Enough, we’re linked. I can feel it. Can you?”

  It took Ander a few seconds to come back to reality. He took a shuddering breath and opened his eyes. Sorel met his gaze, and in moments Ander felt a presence in the back of his mind. Nothing definite, just a shadow of something vibrant and seductive. Sorel. His eyes widened in amazement.

  “You feel it,” Sorel said, a knowing look on his face. “And I feel you too. Curious, shy, horny as hell. As I thought, you’re well suited for the art.”

  Nicolai grunted and then released Ander. “We’ll see. I hope you’re right, though. We’re committed now.” He stepped over to the pile of clothes beside the saddle blankets and started dressing.

  Sorel lingered for a moment in Ander’s arms. They still gazed at each other, physical attraction echoing along their mental link. The lust in Ander’s eyes earned him a deep kiss before Sorel stepped back. His hand brushed Ander’s crotch, briefly cupping the genitals beneath the thin cloth. Concern flickered across his face.

  “We’d best get to Thane’s estate in a day. It’s too risky to stop at an inn. But you’re not dressed warmly enough to be outside that long. We’ll have to find you some better clothes, or stop to warm up whenever you get too cold.”

  Nicolai buttoned his leather pants, then looked up. “He can wear my shirt. The one he’s wearing is loose; it’ll fit me well enough. That should help.” He picked up his leather shirt and tossed it to Ander. “Let’s trade. Don’t worry. To me this weather’s mild.”

  The act of kindness touched Ander deeply. He gave Nicolai a grateful look, then pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it to Nicolai. Before he could slip into the leather shirt, Sorel put a hand on his side. The feel of the warm hand on his skin gave him goose bumps.

  “You’re a feast for the senses,” Sorel said. He slid his hand over Ander’s torso, caressing smooth skin drawn tight over contoured muscle. “I’m looking forward to continuing your testing, if Thane permits it.” His fingers grazed one of Ander’s nipples before he stepped back.

  “I hope so too. At least if testing means what I think it does.”

  Sorel regarded him mischievously. “I shouldn’t tell you more, not until Thane agrees. But… you already know we use sex to heighten the senses and alter forces that usually aren’t perceived.”

  “Sorel….” Nicolai’s voice held a note of warning.

  “I know, I won’t say more. But maybe thinking about it will help keep Ander warm.” He dressed quickly and had the grace not to comment on Ander’s blush.

  Ander slipped the soft leather shirt over his head and tucked it into his pants, then walked past the horses to the new wall Nicolai and Sorel had created. He touched it cautiously: cool rock, grayish brown, solid. He shook his head. “One thing you will have to tell me is how we’re getting out of here. These boulders are too big for us to move.”

  Nicolai was returning empty vials to their case. “You already have a clue. See if you can figure it out.” He closed the case and slipped it into one of his cloak’s pockets.

  Ander stared at the wall, perplexed. It was magic. How was he supposed to know how it worked? But something nagged at the back of his mind, something that hadn’t made sense earlier. Then he remembered. The horses should have panicked when Nicolai and Sorel made love and lights blazed in the cave like fireworks. He’d been too dazed with lust to think about it at the time, but it had stuck in his mind. And the horses hadn’t reacted when Nicolai and Sorel had made a flash to blind the city guard patrol.

  “The clue has to do with the horses, doesn’t it? They didn’t notice anything when you did your magic. But what does that mean?”

  Sorel came to his side. “One more clue, since you’re going to find out soon enough anyway. Watch.” He held up a hand in front of Ander, then placed it on a large boulder. Then, without warning, he pushed down, and his hand vanished into the rock. Ander gaped as Sorel withdrew his hand and wiggled his fingers, his expression challenging.

  Surprise was swallowed by a wave of curiosity. Ander knelt by the boulder, running his hand over the gritty surface, a puzzled frown on his face. “If you could put your hand there, it can’t be solid rock. It just can’t.” His eyes opened in wonder as an idea formed. “Does that mean nothing is here? It’s an illusion of some kind?”

  Nicolai joined them, squatting down next to Ander. “You’re almost right. There’s nothing physical here, nothing a horse could sense. We’ve just created a ripple in the kei. A ripple we shaped so that a man’s mind perceives it as a wall of rubble.”

  “The kei? What’s that?”

  Sorel chuckled. “Look who’s giving away secrets now. But don’t wor
ry, I won’t tell Thane.”

  Nicolai grimaced and stood up. “You don’t have to. It’s probably impossible to keep anything secret from him, anyway.” He returned to the saddle blankets and took a seat. “Let’s get some rest. We have a hard ride tomorrow.”

  Ander and Sorel joined him on the blankets. They collected the cloaks to cover themselves, and then Nicolai snuffed the candle. The darkness didn’t seem so threatening this time.

  Ander lay between the others, his mind racing with questions. He was just starting to get drowsy when he felt Nicolai stiffen. He started to ask what was happening, but Nicolai quickly put a hand on his lips.

  “They’re here,” Nicolai whispered. “Stay silent. Remember, that pile of rocks isn’t really there. You can hear through it if your mind isn’t sufficiently deceived.” Ander’s heart thudded, but he remained still.

  Soon Nicolai relaxed. “They’re leaving. The wall fooled them,” he said. “I heard one of them talking about the seraskier. There’s a reward to whoever catches you. It’s lucky you decided to take the oath and stay with us. You’d certainly have been caught if you’d left us and tried to hide in a village.”

  “I just hope he doesn’t do anything to Lady Tayanita. She’s been a true friend to me.”

  “Then I share your hope. A true friend is the most precious thing there is in life.”

  Sorel stirred, reaching over Ander to touch his partner’s shoulder. “I love you too.”

  Nicolai didn’t answer, but Ander felt him shift to put a hand on top of Sorel’s. Any lingering doubts about his new friends vanished. He could feel the bond flowing between them, and it held nothing but good. Sleep came quickly after that and was peaceful.

  GENTLE prodding on the shoulder roused Ander from a dream. Nicolai and Sorel were already up, and a new candle was burning.

  “My stomach tells me the sun is up,” Nicolai said. “We have to start early to get to Thane’s estate by nightfall.”

  Ander got to his feet and stretched his stiff muscles while Nicolai and Sorel quickly saddled the horses. As there was nothing to eat, the only thing left before starting the hike out of the cave was to remove the wall of rubble created the night before.

  “Could the horses just walk through it?” Ander asked. “Do they not sense it at all?”

  Sorel nodded. “That’s right. Nicolai and I could too, with an effort. But it would be impossible for you, unless you were unconscious.”

  “Do you have to, um, what did Sorel say… heighten each other’s senses? To get rid of the wall?”

  Nicolai poked him in the ribs. “You’d like that, wouldn’t you? Sorel’s right, you’re a randy creature. But no, removing a ripple is much easier than creating one. You can watch. There’s not much to see.”

  Holding each other’s hands, Sorel and Nicolai closed their eyes and lowered their heads. A faint red nimbus appeared around them. Within moments the wall began to shimmer. A few seconds later, it dissolved in a curtain of glittering light. The upward passage stood clear.

  Their exit from the cave was much faster than the cautious downward exploration the night before had been, but it was none too fast for Ander. It took all his willpower not to race to the entrance when it finally appeared far ahead of them, a faint blob of light. His spirit soared when they left the cave. Even the gray clouds, dropping their heavy snowflakes on the cold forest, filled him with joy.

  “No more caves!” he declared as they mounted their horses. “I’ll ride all day, but let’s not spend any more nights under the ground.”

  Nicolai and Sorel laughed, and they started on their way.

  Chapter 4

  THE sun was already well above the horizon, and thousands of bright points reflected from the rippled surface of partially melted snowbanks. Whatever tracks their pursuers had made the night before were lost under a fresh coat of snow on the trail.

  “Do you think the cuirassiers have gone back to town yet?” Ander asked.

  “I wouldn’t wager on it,” Sorel said. “If the seraskier really wants you, they won’t give up until he tells them to. And it sounds like he’s intent on having you.”

  Nicolai nodded. “Sorel’s right. That means the trails won’t be safe. And this trail isn’t heading the right direction anyway, if we want to get to Thane’s estate before nightfall. I say we leave the trail and take our chances with the terrain. At least there aren’t any big rivers around here.”

  Ander’s stomach rumbled at the thought of a long ride with no food, but he had to agree. Avoiding the seraskier’s troops took precedence over everything else.

  “Whatever you think best,” he said. “Maybe the ride will get my mind off breakfast.”

  Turning west, they left the trail and began working their way through the forest. Nicolai took the lead, followed by Sorel and then Ander. Towering pines caked with snow loomed around them. The forest was wrapped in winter quiet. Ander smelled the crisp air, glad to be out of the cave and equally glad to be wearing a soft leather shirt. It fit loosely on his smaller frame but was far warmer than his thin cotton shirt. He glanced at Nicolai. Cold didn’t seem to bother him. His cheeks were flushed with health, and his thick hair shone like gold in the bright sun. He sat tall in his saddle, calmly surveying the forest as he chose their path through trees.

  Ander felt his cock stir as he thought of the night before and the tender way Nicolai had pleasured his lover. He got hard as he absentmindedly watched Nicolai and imagined how the strong body would feel against his own.

  Sorel turned and looked at him, a knowing grin on his lips. He winked and squeezed his crotch. Ander blushed, remembering his newly forged bond, and Sorel smirked. “What’s on your mind, Ander?”

  He cleared his throat, his face crimson. “I, uh… I was… just wondering what Thane will be like. The way you talk about him makes him sound fearsome.”

  Sorel looked skeptical at Ander’s evasion but didn’t press him for the truth. “Thane can be forbidding when he gets mad, though that doesn’t happen often. He’s the most interesting person you could ever hope to meet. Sometimes he broods, though. He’s not really a happy man.”

  “He’s not? I always thought sorcerers are obsessed with their magic. The zamindar’s sorcerers certainly act like they enjoy it.”

  “Thane’s a true mage. He loves knowledge and the art. But he’s burdened by the past. I worry it will crush him someday.”

  Nicolai twisted around in his saddle. “Should we be telling him this? He’s not an initiate, after all.”

  “We’re sworn to keep the secrets of the art, but the oath doesn’t say anything about Thane’s tale. It might help Ander to know it before they meet. And it’ll help pass the time.”

  Nicolai sighed. “I suppose so, though the story always grieves me. Where should we start?”

  “At the beginning, of course.” Sorel let Ander catch up with him so they could talk comfortably.

  “He was born in the far west, to a peasant family, about thirty years ago. Would have been an illiterate farmer except that he was ten times smarter than anyone else in the village. Everybody noticed, and the landlord heard about it. So he had Thane taught to read along with his own children. Of course he still treated Thane like a serf, but at least the boy got a chance to lift his head above the furrows and start learning.”

  “Why’d the landlord do that? They usually don’t want serfs to start thinking.”

  “I’m sure he thought he could make money off it.” Sorel narrowed his eyes. “This landlord was ambitious. Had big plans and needed smart people to oversee his lands so he could spend time on politics. He thought that by giving Thane a little extra food and warmer clothes, he could turn him into a useful tool.”

  “It didn’t work, then?”

  “No. After Thane discovered the larger world, it didn’t take him long to figure out how the landlord was getting rich off the peasants’ labor. He was only sixteen, but he tried to talk the landlord into treating the peasants better. All that got hi
m was a beating. When he recovered, he fled the village.”

  Ander nodded thoughtfully. “He was lucky to escape. Some of the companions at Lady Tayanita’s house are serfs who ran away. They say the landlords usually just kill disobedient peasants.”

  “He probably thought Thane was too valuable to kill. And Thane didn’t give him a second chance. He went as far south as he could, all the way to Chanture. Before long he found a job as a servant in a wealthy house. It was a lucky move for him. The lord of the house, Tolmin, was a scholar, and he recognized ability when he saw it. Before long Thane was more colleague than servant.”

  The forest thinned out as they entered a meadow, and Nicolai dropped back to join the conversation. “That’s where Thane started to learn about botany. Lord Tolmin has a passion for plants, and Thane caught it. Once that happened, they became fast friends and Thane began to study in earnest.”

  “Botany? Is that something sorcerers study?”

  Sorel grinned. “I told you to be careful with this one. He doesn’t miss anything. You’re close to revealing secrets.”

  Nicolai shrugged, though he looked embarrassed. “He saw us using the oils, might have smelled them too. I figured he already knew that much about the art.”

  “I suppose so,” Sorel admitted.

  “About those oils,” Ander said. “The way you reacted to them was, uh… interesting. And I felt good, too, when Nicolai put it on you. Is that what makes the sex magic work?”

  “That brings us back to Thane’s story,” Sorel said, ignoring the question. “After he’d been working with Lord Tolmin for a couple of years, he met a boy his own age named Lucian. They fell in love and, well, you know how it is when you’re eighteen. They couldn’t keep out of each other’s pants. And with Thane up to his ears in botany and full of theories, it’s no surprise they started experimenting with things.”

  “What kind of things?” Ander asked eagerly.