Eternity at Story's End

By Michael James Wilbur

Jimmy Sakamota's come a long way since his days of watching a little bridge in the middle of nowhere. Now a duke of the realm surrounded by more friends and family than he ever imagined having, the would-be Samurai is set to marry the woman of his dreams, only for the two of them to be arrested and thrown into a mysterious cell. As if that weren't bad enough, they escape only to find the entire palace and the nearby city to be completely empty. Where did everyone go? How did they vanish without a trace? Where the heck is King Iniagus in all this? Join Jimmy, Terra, and the rest of their friends as they investigate the mysterious disappearances, uncover an ancient plot against the entire world of Vinta, and face off against a three-thousand year old evil to earn their happily-ever-after once and for all.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Michael James Wilbur
• Release date: Nov 15, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463638316

Michael James Wilbur

I'm an author of light fantasy and science fiction novels, my first being "A Dreamer's Knight"; and my latest being "Wisp - A Scarecrow's Tale". While larger themes may appear in my work, I'm simply out to provide an enjoyable experience to my readers ... and possibly a brief escape from the confines of this reality. I call myself a Dreamer, and while I lack the abilities of the Dreamers of the Elsewhere Incorporate, I do my best to leave things better than I find them, be it at home, at my secondary job, or in the world at large. Don't know if I'm really having an effect on any of those, but to try is the thing as far as I'm concerned. I sincerely hope you enjoy my work, and hope that you'll let me know if you do by writing a review.

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Table of Contents

Prologue – One Last Beginning

Chapter 1 – The Best of Times

Chapter 2 – Back to Relative Normality

Chapter 3 – The Hollow City

Chapter 4 – Small Sanctuary

Chapter 5 – Lost in the Crowd

Chapter 6 – Customer Service

Chapter 7 – Palace Pandemonium

Chapter 8 – Lover’s Spat

Chapter 9 – Egress

Chapter 10 – Lack of Direction

Chapter 11 – Picking a Fight

Chapter 12 – Friendly Competition

Chapter 13 – Raising Stakes

Chapter 14 – Discipline

Chapter 15 – Pin drop

Chapter 16 – Zongo the Great

Chapter 17 – Up to Speed

Chapter 18 – Sucker for Good Conversation

Chapter 19 – Run for the Border

Chapter 20 – Border Troubles

Chapter 21 – Towering Issues

Chapter 22 – Safe in the Eye

Chapter 23 – Glyche Summit

Chapter 24 – Hallways

Chapter 25 – Big Bang

Chapter 26 – Betrayal

Chapter 27 – Change of Pace

Chapter 28 – Answers

Chapter 29 – The End of the Road

Chapter 30 – Final Approach

Chapter 31 – Finality

Chapter 32 – Crash Course

Epilogue – Eternity at Story’s End

Prologue

One Last Beginning

Before beginning the final part of my story, I’d like to write a few words regarding those closest to me.

To Mick Sakamota and CIC Bethany: You are both by far the kindest, most sympathetic people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I know now why Narrator Number One developed such a close friendship with Core Desygan and consider you as my sisters.

To my step-brother and friend, Terry: you’ve looked out for me, even when you knew nothing about me, and I’m grateful. I know you’re worried about the future … who isn’t? Still, if there’s anything we’ve learned through our adventures, it’s that the only thing certain about life is that there’s nothing certain at all. With your dedication, however, I’m sure you’ll rise to any challenge … and I’ll be there to pat you on the back. I promise.

To Arc Skylad, the other hero of Wenapaj and likely one day a hero known across the worlds: When we first met, I thought you were a bit of a punk. That assessment hasn’t changed much, but you certainly have. It’s comforting to see that after everything you’ve been through, you’ve lost none of the energy you had back then.

To the Dreamer known as Narrator Number One, I have this to say: If anyone I ever met deserved praise, it’s you. You may act modest, but you are every bit the hero the stories say you are. To have traveled with you is perhaps the greatest honor of my life.

To the love of my life, Terra … well, I could probably just tell you, seeing as I can sense you’re behind me right now, watching quietly with that smile I love so much as I type this. Everything that happened, all the horrible situations I was thrust into, all the horrible monsters I had to fight … it was all worth it, if for no other reason than you. I would gladly go through everything again, and more to have the honor of seeing your smile when you wake up in my arms. I know it’s cliché and more than a little sappy, but … you complete me. Your comforting presence is always with me no matter how far apart we are, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Last of all, I’d like to say something about you. Yes, you, the person reading this. You’ve followed me through from the beginning (or accidentally picked up the wrong volume, but that’s okay). You were with me from the day Devon came to deliver the King’s message, and when I went to Brigsonstrat to find Ronisgald McDonald. You were with me when I fought the fake dragons and pit myself against corrupt core units, and after you turn the page, you’ll be with me and my friends one last time.

-Jimmy Olsen Sakamota

Inheritor of the Saybaro

Chapter 1

The Best of Times

It had been building in my thoughts for weeks now, as I showed friends, family, and other well-wishers to the newly furnished rooms of the now-restored Saybaro Mansion, and that morning as I rose from bed and donned the ceremonial kimono Uncle Ann took such pains to import just for me. Nevertheless, it wasn’t until I was standing at the front doors of the Saybaro Mansion waiting for my cue to walk down the aisle that it finally sank in: I was about to get married.

It had been just under a year ago that I’d been a lowly, lonely guard watching over a tiny river in the middle of nowhere, a victim of our bored king and his Immigration Employment Initiative. Things may not have changed since then had the king not seen doom in his cereal and proclaimed that I (and incidentally, my friend, Arc) might be a hero; since then, I’ve traveled most of Wenapaj, fought corrupt robots and fierce dragons (kinda), made friends, and even fallen in love. I was now a Duke of Wenapaj, even if I wasn’t exactly sure what that entailed, and my once crumbling home was restored from the lobby to the rooftops … and as though that weren’t all enough, in a few moments, I was going to marry the woman I loved, Terra Branford Ulyndia.

Strange, to think the fional beauty of the Queen’s Shadows whom I once thought a mere hallucination of a lonely mind would soon be my wife, and I her husband. I wished I could sense her thoughts; although the partial telepathic bond between us normally allowed us the ability to share emotions and memories, the inhibitor Terra insisted we take the night before was in full effect. She said it was simply a way to make sure the vows were given without outside influence, but ultimately it just left me alone with my mounting nervousness.

I jumped as the intercom panel beside the door let out a soft chime. Swallowing hard, I stepped forward, grasped the handle, gave it a turn, and pushed open the door.

The twin suns blinded me for a moment as I stepped onto the tiled path. Once my eyes adjusted, the first thing I saw was her. Not the other friends I’d made through my adventures thus far; not my former guardian, Uncle Ann; not Terra’s mother, Lucindia, sitting beside husband amid a cloud of her children, the youngest bundled up in her arms.

No, the first thing I saw was Terra standing at the makeshift altar beneath the tree that stood just in front of the bridge I’d guarded for so many years. She wore a lovely white dress with lavender accents that contrasted well with her cream-colored fur. She’d let her normally short blonde hair grow out the last few weeks so that it now hung to her shoulders. A single flower plucked from the ivies growing over the bridge railing adorned her hair, its purple petals matching her eyes perfectly.

A cough from someone in the audience made me realize I’d been standing and staring for longer than was customary. Blushing, I walked forward as we’d rehearsed the day before. My closest friends lined the aisle: Terra’s brother, Terry, who reluctantly allowed Terra to disguise herself as him so she could get to know me better; Mick Sakamota, the incorruptible core unit and daughter of CIC Bethany; Meryli Grange, a former floater mechanic who was one of the few people who knew more about the Glyche facility beneath the Saybaro Mansion than I did; Casey Anastasia Jones, the writer and director of many a hit movie; Minnie Minuet, the Faerie Witch of Minuet Tower, sitting beside her boyfriend, the gentle giant Ell, and the yulias-turned-flying cat-girl, Flip. I was surprised to see the fire-witch Ginger there as well, though on further reflection, she probably leapt at any chance to get away from her windmills.

There was one absence I noticed, however: the plush doll of Narrator Number One I picked up near the start of my journey sat still in the chair beside Uncle Ann. Part of me chided my disappointment. Narrator Number One was a busy Dreamer, after all, and probably had more important things to do than attend my wedding. Still, I’d come to think of the Dreamer as a friend and was a little hurt that he hadn’t at least stopped by to wish us well.

My disappointment didn’t last long, however, as I soon found myself nearing my bride. My best man, Arc Skylad bowed his head and stepped aside so that I could take my place next to my wife-to-be. The Galden-turned-core unit was wearing a very smart suit for the occasion, though the affect was marred slightly by his bandanna and flight goggles. He was admittedly my third choice for best man, but Terry still felt guilty about the deception he and his sister played on me, and Mick turned down the offer on grounds that she was not a man. Arc was my fellow ‘hero’, however, so having him as best man seemed oddly appropriate.

Terra smiled at me, a faint blush visible beneath the pale fur of her cheeks as she whispered, I see you managed to get here without running off on an adventure.

It’s still early, I whispered back, patting Glint. I carried the sword of my ancestors in a splendid sheath of polished mahogany and silver, a wedding present from Terry. I’d wanted to leave it in my room, but to my great surprise, Terra insisted I wear it. I think she was still a bit wary of my talent of attracting trouble, and preferred that I was prepared.

The celestial priestess, an idestan woman named Melina Elexius who’d kindly made the trip from Iniagusville (or rather, the newly renamed Iniagopolis) to the Saybaro on our behalf, smiled at the both of us. Please join hands.

We did so, the soft fur on the back of Terra’s hands like fine silk as the priestess began the ceremony. My heart was racing more than ever, and the gentle beat of Terra’s pulse told me she too was anxious. I stared into her eyes, hypnotized by her loving gaze until I realized that the priestess was asking me something.

I-I do, I said.

Terra giggled even as a murmur of laughter ran through the crowd.

We’re not quite there yet, Mister Sakamota, Mother Melina said, giving me a lightly-reproving look. I asked you for your pendant.

Oh, right. Cheeks burning, I turned to Arc Skylad.

Right, the pendant. Arc reached in his right suit pocket and froze for a moment before quickly checking his other pocket. A look of panic fell over his almost featureless face as he patted his pockets.

My heart sank. You didn’t.

His gray face lit up with a grin. Nope. Gotcha, though. He opened his fist, revealing a necklace with a diadamond crystallic pendant, a small amethyst bunny sleeping in the center.

Breathing a sigh of relief, I gave Arc an appreciative nod (while mentally making a note to get him back at some future time) before turning back to the priestess. She took the pendant and looked over it for a long moment before smiling.

And you, Terra Ulyndia?

She turned to her niece, Traysia, who held up the pillow holding the pendant meant for me. Even from a distance, I could see the faint bridge within the amber sphere.

The priestess took the pendant from Terra and examined it as well.

Jimmy Olsen Sakamota, she said, Do you-

Proximity alert! CIC Bethany’s voice rang out over the Saybaro lawn, startling many among the wedding party, including Terra and me. Unidentified airborne object approaching the Saybaro!

You’ve got to be kidding me! I said, reaching for Glint. Terra’s hand got there first.

Let Bethany handle it, she said, We need to get everyone inside.

Right … right. Turning to the guests, I called out, Everyone! Please head into the mansion as quickly and calmly as-

I stopped and squinted at the distant object fast approaching our makeshift pavilion. Hang on, I said, Isn’t that the royal crest?

Terra held up a hand to shield her eyes from the suns, but it was Arc who said, You’re right, Jimmy. In fact, I think … Arc’s face fell. Yeah, that’s King Iniagus.

King Iniagus! Terra repeated, brow furrowed. What’s he doing here?

You did send him an invite, right? Arc asked, a nervous look on his synthetic face.

Of course, I told Arc, watching as the floater bearing the king’s crest drew near the end of my bridge. He never RSVP-ed.

Typical, Arc said, shaking his head as I approached the bridge.

The king parked his royal floater a short distance from my bridge. There were two stone-faced guards with him; bodyguards, I imagined. One of the opened the door for the king, who immediately pranced up to the bridge, his magnificent mustache bouncing with every step and his regal red robes kicking up dandelion seeds in his wake.

He stopped on the far side of the bridge, a wide smile on his face. Jimmy, my boy! Just the fellow I wanted to see!

To what do we owe your visit? I said, trying to convey through as polite a tone as I could muster that I would prefer his interruption be a brief one.

Oh, I just … The king stopped and frowned, his eyes on the murmuring crowd seated in front of the mansion. I say! Are you having a party? They don’t look like they’re having much fun. Did you run out of cheese dip?

It’s a wedding, Your Majesty, I said, My wedding in fact. Did you not get the invitation?

The king stared at me with wide eyes for a few moments before smacking himself in the head. Your wedding! Of course! How silly of me to forget such a wondrous occasion!

Thank you, Your Majesty, I said, glancing back at Terra. She wasn’t smiling, though I felt somewhat relieved to know it was the king she wasn’t smiling at. Um, we were just about to finish up. Would you care to join us?

Of course, of course! The king threw his arm over my shoulder and followed me back to the pavilion. The looks of the guests were priceless, as was my own no doubt.

I walked King Iniagus to One’s seat and picked up the plush doll so that the king could sit down. I was sure the Dreamer wouldn’t mind.

Thank you, Jimmy, the king said, smiling happily at me.

Your Majesty. I gave him a small bow before hurrying back to the altar.

My apologies, I said to Mother Melina.

Believe me, no explanation is necessary, the priestess replied, a look on her face I’d come to recognize as the expression of someone who was more familiar with the king than they cared to be. Clearing her throat, she said, Jimmy Olsen Sakamota, do you promise to … hey!

I jerked my gaze from Terra again, only to find King Iniagus standing beside the priestess, looking over her shoulder with interest.

Can I help you? asked Mother Melina, eyes narrowed.

Hmm? Oh, I was just reading the vows. It’s been a long time since I married the Queen.

Hmpf. Mother Melina turned back to us and opened her mouth, only for King Iniagus to let out a polite cough.

I believe it’s customary to read the wife’s vows first, he said mildly.

It doesn’t really … fine, if it lets me marry these two, so be it. Please take your seat! Mother Melina closed her eyes and appeared to gather herself as the king returned to his seat. Taking a deep breath, she said, Terra Branford Ulyndia, do you promise to take Jimmy Olsen Sakamota as your husband, to stand by him in times of happiness and times of trouble, through darkness and light, and to share all the good and bad that may come his way, from this day forward?

I do, Terra said, squeezing my hands.

Jimmy Olsen Sakamota, Mother Melina said, turning to me, Do you promise to … Creator, give me strength, what is it now?

The vestiges of regicide were in the priestess’s eyes as she looked at the king, whose hand was in the air. He quickly rose to his feet and once again approached the makeshift altar.

It occurs to me, he said, speaking to the crowd, That as king of the wondrous nation of Wenapaj, The honor technically should be mine, is it not so?

I knew ship captains could perform marriages, so I supposed the king could as well. It was almost touching in a way for him to want to perform the ceremony himself. Terra looked uncertain, but I squeezed her hands again and nodded at the priestess.

Mother Melina rolled her eyes. Fine. If the bride and groom are fine with it and it gets this ceremony moving, go right ahead.

She stepped aside and motioned for the king to take her position behind the altar. The king beamed and stepped into place. After taking a few moments to smooth his mustache and straighten his robes, he coughed and said in an authoritative voice, Jimmy Olsen Sakamota, Duke of Wenapaj and Inheritor of the Saybaro, the brave Knight who assisted in the rescue of my daughter and rescued myself and my family from certain doom and gave me a seaside home to boot-

My pulse quickened … again. This was the moment, and through the dying influence of the inhibitor drug, I could tell that Terra knew it as well.

-you are under arrest. Guards!

What?! Terra exclaimed as the soldiers I’d mistaken as the king’s bodyguards grabbed my arms and lifted me from the ground. Glint was quickly taken from my reach, an unnecessary act seeing as I was too shocked to even think of retaliation.

Take him to the car, King Iniagus said, shutting Mother Melina’s book and turning from the wedding pavilion. Good day, everyone!

There were angry mutterings from the crowd, many of whom weren’t very happy with our king’s ruling practices. Sensing trouble, I said, Everyone, stay calm! I’m sure there’s a good-

Electricity coursed through my body after one of the guards pressed a taser to the side of my neck. I heard Terra let out a scream of rage before I fell into the darkness of unconsciousness.

Chapter 2

Back to Relative Normality

I awoke on something whose lack of cushioning would qualify it more as a shelf than any type of bed. For a long moment, I thought I was back at the Saybaro the morning of the wedding, and that I’d overslept. I’d had that nightmare several times the last week, though I shouldn’t have. Terra wouldn’t have let me miss it, even if she’d had to break the whole ‘groom shouldn’t see the bride before the wedding’ thing.

I lay there in the dark, cold, groggy, and confused, but all of that quickly faded as I felt something else: anger. An almost inhuman rage swept through me, directed at the king who’d left me in the middle of nowhere for twelve years, dragged me into the quest to rescue his daughter who only ran away because of him, and now ruined what was supposed to be the happiest day of my life.

Worse yet, I had no idea why, or even if there was a reason at all. The king was certifiably insane, and while it had been tolerable in the past, even funny in a strange kind of way, this time he had gone too far.

Even worse than the anger was the disappointment. It’d be one thing if it was just me, but he’d ruined the wedding for Terra too. All the time we’d put into setting up, fixing up the mansion, prepping food for the guests … all the nights we came close to completing the bond, only to stop because of the old belief that staying virgins until our wedding night would bless our union. All of it was for nothing because our king was a nutter.

Something shifted beside me. I froze at the feel of fur rubbing against my arm coupled with a growing sense of befuddlement that wasn’t I quickly realized wasn’t mine.

Terra? I asked.

There was a gasp, followed by a surge of relief. Jimmy!

Her arms closed around me, her lips soon finding mine. My anger faded as we kissed, Terra’s presence like a flood on the flames of my rage. From the feel of her clothes, she was still wearing her wedding dress.

When we released, I asked, But how did you-

I, um, might have attacked the king, she said, her face close enough to mine that I could feel her cheeks grow warm with embarrassment. Clocked him right in the jaw before they stunned me too.

Part of me was horrified, but there was still enough anger in me to find the idea that Terra had punched King Iniagus pleasurable.

I don’t suppose they said anything about why they arrested me? I asked.

No, she said, clutching my arms as though afraid I might disappear. And no one’s come down here since I woke up. I heard her sigh. I know the king’s insane, but the queen usually keeps him in check. In the very least, I thought she would’ve warned me.

Maybe he caught her by surprise too, I said. I’m just sorry it messed up our special day.

She laid her head on my chest. As I wrapped my arms around her, she whispered, Me too.

I savored her warmth against me for a few moments before saying, I do, by the way. In case you were wondering.

She let out a giggle. I heard. Did you hear anything the Mother said before that?

Not a word, I admitted.

Me either, at least until she got to the vow itself. Can’t say I thought the darkness we might face would be so literal.

I chuckled at that, rubbing her shoulder. We sat in darkness for a long time before she asked, Can you see anything?

Very little, I told her. and they took my PIM.

Damn. Its flashlight function would’ve been useful right about now. Heck, I’d take a match at this point.

An idea struck me. I raised a fist and channeled energy to it as I did while preparing to unleash a Streamer technique. After a few moments, blue-green energy swirled around my fist, providing a small amount of light.

We were in a cell. Stone brick walls, iron bars blocking the doorway, and no visible way out but the door. There was only the one cell, a connecting chamber with several ominous-looking wardrobes, and a stone staircase leading up to what I hoped was the exit.

Terra felt her way around the walls, checking for loose stones or bars, while I took a closer look at the interior of our cell. . Our ‘shelf’ was just that; a metal platform with just enough cushioning to keep the cold from passing to us. I gave the manacles a tug, more out of curiosity than anything, and was surprised to find them covered with something soft and silky.

Tired from channeling flux for that long, I sat down on the side of the bed. Terra pulled her hands from the bar she’d been trying to pry loose and sat down beside me as the last vestiges of light faded from my hand.

One cell, no light, I said, rubbing my numb hand, And no guards. Probably means this place is some sort of secret dungeon. I wonder what His Majesty read in his alphabet cereal to think I deserved this.

Terra rested her head against my shoulder. I’m sure father will sort it out. He’ll talk Iniagus into whatever senses are still rattling around in his skull … that, or he’ll just come straight down here and let us out.

If not him, then the others, I said, hugging her to my side. Probably getting ready to mount a rescue even as we speak.

They’ll probably come barging in any second, Terra agreed.

We waited. Seconds became minutes, which all-too-quickly became hours. I gave the room another look once the feeling in my hand returned, but didn’t find anything new other than a small wooden bucket under the bed. I was tapping the bucket against the bricks in the wall one-by-one while Terra watched me from the light of my glowing hand.

I thought prisoners were supposed to use spoons, she said, giving me a small smile.

Left my spoon at home. I gave up with a sigh and tossed the bucket to the floor before returning to my seat beside her. Not exactly the honeymoon I’d envisioned.

Me either, said Terra, huddling against my side. So, where were we going?

Casey scored us some first-class tickets to Jai Vye. Then again, I’ve never seen Longshore before, and I don’t remember much about the time I lived in Ronisgald. Glyche Circuit’s in a few weeks too.

You were going to let me choose?

Frankly, I was going to do them all. Take a trip to Jai Vye for a few weeks, and surface at Ronisgald only to take our time and pass through Longshore and Rimstak before heading back home. I sighed. So much for plans. Now here we are, stuck Creator only knows where, no way out and nothing to do but wait.

A long moment of silence passed before I felt Terra’s hand touch my cheek. As my hand moved over hers, she said, Y’know, there is something we can do to help pass the time.

Oh? I said, feigning ignorance despite the fact our partial bond made both her intentions and my desire for said intentions very clear. And what might that-

Her lips cut me off, pressing against mine with a hunger I eagerly reciprocated.

Y’know, I whispered breathlessly as we broke away for a moment, I was hoping our first time would be in a nicer place like this.

Place isn’t important, she said, her hands untying the obi from my waist. Only the person. And we did already exchange vows.

That we did, I managed before her lips found mine again. The next few minutes were like an awkward wrestling match, where both of us tried to push the other to the bed between passionate kisses and tender caresses. Still, if our awkward fumbling embarrassed us, we were reassured through our bond that at least we both felt the same.

I was the eventual victor, pressing Terra’s back against the hard shelf. I ran my hands down her shoulders and arms, and slowly raised the hem of her dress. She leaned back, caressing the back of my head as I kissed the soft white fur of her bare stomach and slowly worked my way down. My inexperience in such matters made me nervous, but I could tell from the gentle pressure on my head that she liked the direction things were heading. My hands brushed the thin straps of her panties and gently slid between them and the fur of her hips.

A loud bang shot through the air as the door to the hidden chamber was sent flying into the far wall. I jerked away from Terra in surprise, the light coming from the now-open passage more than enough to illuminate the look of annoyance and disappointment on her face at the interruption.

Yeesh, said Arc’s voice as a very flustered Terra and I sat up and quickly adjusted our clothing, We just needed it open, Meryli.

Yeah, well now it’s open. Meryli said as she walked through the doorway a moment later, Arc following close behind.

Meryli! I said, Arc! Thank the Creator!

Good to see you too, Arc said as Meryli went to work on the cell door, Both of you. I wasn’t sure you’d end up in the same place. Heck, I wasn’t sure we’d find you at all, but the Mox Wazoo was very insistent.

Go Devon, I said as Meryli approached the cell door. To my surprise, she opened it with a good kick.

Go Meryli, Terra said, grinning at her friend.

It wasn’t locked, Meryli said, eyeing the door. Sure jammed to heck though. What’s up with this place anyway? I mean, since when does the king need a secret prison?

Sounds more like the queen to me, Arc commented with a snicker.

Terra glared at him. Her Majesty would never do something like this!

Oh, come on, Terra! Arc said, Surely you’ve been sent out at least once to deal with an enemy of the state. Make ‘em an offer they can’t refuse, eh?

You watch too many movies, Terra said, rolling her eyes. On the rare occasions we were sent to find someone who was deemed a threat to the nation, we brought them to Lanshere for trial. We didn’t just abduct them and throw them in some secret jail!

So, what is this? Meryli asked, I mean, it looks like a dungeon, yeah?

Hang on, Arc said, fumbling at the wall. I think this is the light switch.

The room was suddenly filled with soft red light. Soft jazz filled the air from unseen speakers as a small mirror-ball descended from the ceiling and sent spots of light spinning around the room.

I spun at a loud slapping sound, only to see something flop onto the shelf we’d previously occupied. A rush of air inflated the mattress to the size of a king-sized bed, several pillows and blankets resting in a clump in the center. I touched the manacles again, my mind now supplying the material covering them as crushed velvet.

Oh my, Meryli said as several wall panels spun to reveal an array of whips, harnesses, and other implements of, shall we say, a sensual nature. Someone sure knew had to have a good time.

Iniagus the Twenty-First, Terra said. I could tell she