Old world blues

You feel strange for a moment, and stumble, disoriented, into a stone room, finding yourself at spear point. Looking around, you raise your hands. “Umm...hi. I’m Josh Meyer, I’m pretty sure you’re expecting me?”

You look around as the spears are raised. What appears to be guards in steel armor step away from you, and an older man in robes beckons you forward. “Yes, yes. The trapped mage. Come with me. The king awaits you to finalize the deal.”

Not having much choice, you follow the man. He leads you out of the stone room, into a hall, carpeted and decorated, but still stone. You’re obviously in some kind of castle. The man talks as he leads you.

“My name is Gregor. I operate this side of the portal for the AWIO. I’m originally from the new world. I’ll get you up to speed. King Halid is in the waiting area. He’s a pig, but he happens to be the ruler of the lands around the portal. Fortunately we are independent here, but it’s to our benefit to stay on his good side. Did you bring anything tech based with you, gun, phone, anything like that?”

You shake your head, you left your phone with the girls. You’re a little overwhelmed by Gregor and his rapid fire info dump.

“Good. Tech doesn’t play well with magic. Not enough magic in the new world yet to break stuff, but trying to use it here can be...exciting. Now, you know the deal we made to get you freed?”

“Apparently I’m taking an exile with me. I don’t know anything about her, though.”

Gregor nods. “Sad story, actually. She’s a selkie, a seal girl. Looks normal on land, but her legs change into the bottom of a seal in water. A bit like a mermaid, but seal instead of fish. Native to northern areas. Well, this girl, her name is Yura. She came here as an orphan, raised in the monster girl orphanage. Came of age, couldn’t get her life together. Magic user, mostly tribal divination stuff, casting bones, that sort of thing. She would probably be a tribal shaman among her people. But the only thing she owns is this traditional dress. It’s beautiful, and honestly, she is too. Unfortunately, she caught the eye of the king.”

Gregor slows his walk, probably to get the story out where King Halid can’t hear. “Halid keeps a harem of monster girls. He has a couple with him today. Basically sex slaves, and obviously hate it. Like I said, he’s a pig. He offered Yura a place in his harem. Being a typical 18 year old, she was horrified. Refused him, and not politely. Halid took offense. Imprisoned her, said her magic was ‘dangerous necromancy’. And wants her banished. So...lucky for her, you showed up.”

You nod. “That’s...a lot to take in. I’m guessing I need to speak to the king now.”

Gregor nods. “Don’t piss him off. Especially before you get that collar off. Good luck.”

With that, he leads you into a richly appointed room. Seated in a chair at one end is a man appearing to be in his late thirties. Overweight, but dressed in fine clothing, he idly gropes a catgirl sitting passively beside him.

Your gaze is drawn, however, to the beautiful girl tied to another chair, who looks up as you walk in.

This must be Yura. Her hair is hidden by a furred hood, but her dark skin, and black eyebrows make you assume it is black as well. She has purple eyes like Lynn, although you can see the sparkle of magics in Yura’s eyes. The dress she wears hides most of her body, but it’s obviously a beautiful outfit, green and black with fur lining, and delicate golden thread decorating it. She looks at you for a moment, then resumes looking down.

You approach the man you assume must be King Halid. You bow respectfully. “Your highness. I am Josh Meyer. I am here to have this collar removed, and in return I will bring this girl into exile.”

Halid looks at you, still groping the catgirl. Finally, he speaks. “I understand you have a harem of your own, mage. Do you plan on making use of this girl? Idle curiosity, you understand.”

Internally, you want to vomit. ‘Make use of this girl’? Says a lot right there. “I’m planning to bring her through the portal, your highness. My girls will meet her and we’ll see what happens.”

You phrase your answer as neutrally as possible. Halid shrugs. “Fine, whatever. I assume you want to talk to her. I’ll give you a couple minutes, I have needs that require privacy with this one.” He offhandedly waves at the catgirl, who stands with a dejected air. You watch him leave, and sigh. Gregor nods, moving to stand outside the door.

You pull up a chair across from Yura. “As you probably heard, I’m Josh. Gregor told me your story. I’m sorry this happened to you. I can’t get you out of this, but I promise a better life on the other side.”

She lifts her head. “Am I to be one of your toys?”

You shake your head. “My girls aren’t toys. We’re family. We love and care for each other. You don’t need to do anything with us. It’s a big house, and I just had a big pool built.”

“I can...swim again?”

“Of course. I know you’ve had it rough, but I promise you I will not hurt you.”

She looks into your eyes for a long while. There is wisdom in her eyes that belies her youth.

“Very well. I will give you a chance. What do I call you?”

“Josh is fine. Can I call you Yura, or do you prefer something else.”

“Yura is good. Thank you for your kindness.”

Her monotonous delivery is a bit off putting, but maybe she’ll warm up with time.

Just then, Halid walks back in. The catgirl follows, looking disheveled and sad.

“All introduced, I hope? I’m ready to get out of this hole. If you’re done, the artificer is ready.”

You nod, and the king waves you out of the room.