A challenging offer....

Azael settled delicately on a tree stump, crossing her long legs and arranging her purple dress modestly.

"The task is difficult, but within your ability," Azael said. "It has to do with King Ralin."

"I'm not an assassin."

"Yes, you are. But that doesn't matter - I don't want you to kill him."

Azael paused. "King Ralin has been trapped in a chastity belt by followers of the Golden Lord. They worked with the Queen to trick the drunken King on his wedding night, and now his cock is locked away in a cage. The Queen enjoys the power over him, but the High Priestess of the Golden Lord has the key. In the meantime, without an heir the kingdom is falling into chaos, providing plenty of opportunities for the servants of the Golden Lord to sell their hateful message."

"What do you want from me?"

Azael smiled. "Simple. Free the King. Ensure his duplicitous queen gets the fucking she deserves and delivers a son. Find a way of shaming the High Priestess of the Golden Lord and having her driven from the city. And smash her temple and the priestesses. Have them shamed."

Eilwy's eyes were wide. "You're... You're joking? You tease me? This is a suicide mission! The King's inquisitors hate me! They would string me up in their dungeon!"

"My coven can get you a position as the King's magical advisor. That will protect you from the Inquisition. From there, you will need to use your wit and judgement as you feel best appropriate. I'm sure you'll find a way to untangle the situation."

"I... Well..."

Azael shrugged. "My time is growing short, enchantress. Decide how, or I leave you to the mercy of the Troll."

Eilwy's shoulders slumped. "Very well. I will do it."

"Swear it. Swear a binding geas."

"I swear a binding geas," Eilwy croaked. "I will do this task for you."

"Well, well!" Azael grinned. "Well, well. One never knows where help will come from. You are a most welcome addition to my cause, enchantress. But now I must leave you and return to my plane. But first... that Troll..."

There was a bright flash, and when Eilwy's vision cleared she saw that the Troll had moved to a position right next to the two nymphs.

Right in grabbing range.

"They'll fuck it out between them," Azael grinned. "I certainly wouldn't want to be those nymphs when time restarts... At least one of them is limping home. Well then, get going enchantress - you have a long trek ahead."

And she vanished.

Without a word, Eilwy turned and set off to finally leave the forest.

What a day, she reflected. And what a collossal task that lay before her.

Still... In every risk there was an opportunity. This job at the King's Court would certainly have benefits.

Gold... Power... Respect...

As she reflected, the clouds cleared and the birds began singing again. The path to the Bridgetown was well trodden and pleasant. And behind her, at the edge of the forest, she heard a sudden **** wail from a nymph.

With an optimistic grin, Eilwy shouldered her magic bag and set off.