Chapter 26

ANA

Ana entered the pool, relishing the sensation of the waterfall against her skin. Though not as grand as the one in Quinn's castle, it was still invigorating. The warmth helped alleviate the stress from their journey. She allowed the water to cascade over her head and shoulders, loosening her muscles. After a moment, she stepped away from the waterfall to lather up with soap.

A splash startled her. Ana turned to see Quinn, gloriously naked and heading toward her. A quiver of excitement left her breathless, and she smiled. Her gaze dipped from his chest to his golden patch of hair and his enormous erection nestled within.

"I've come to assist with those hard-to-reach places," he said with a suggestive smile.

Ana's legs turned weak at his words, and he grabbed hold of her waist, wrapping his arm around her. His touch sent shivers down her spine, causing her to melt into his embrace. His fingers traced the delicate curve of her ear and lingered on the pointed tip before gliding down her cheekbone and resting on her mouth.

"Do we have time for this?" she asked, her breath panting.

"We battle soon, so I'm making time." His mouth bore down on hers in a desperate, needy kiss.

Breaking away, he took the soap from her hands and skillfully worked the lather into her hair. As the tension in her scalp dissolved, a moan escaped her lips, craving his touch. He placed one hand on the small of her back and the other behind her head, then submerged her under the waterfall to rinse. Turning her around, his fingers glided over her skin, covering every inch of her back from the tips of her wings to the end of her tail. Pressing her against his chest, he soaped her front. Starting with her breasts, his hands moved down her body, meticulously cleaning her until he reached her most intimate area. With a finger, he explored between her legs, eliciting a cry.

"I believe I've found the spot that requires the most attention," he murmured upon her neck, sending shivers down her spine. His skilled fingers soon brought her to a powerful climax.

Taking a deep breath, Ana steadied herself, allowing the waves of pleasure to wash over her. She stood still for a moment, waiting for her legs to stop shaking before reaching for the soap.

"My turn." She flashed him a grin. "You're a very dirty boy." She playfully spun him around, admiring his toned form. With the same sense of admiration, she relished the intimacy of washing every inch of his body. Her smile still present, she turned him back around and lathered his arms, savoring the sensation of his strong muscles beneath her fingertips. With gentle hands, she continued down his body, exploring the contours of his chest and abs before reaching his shaft. The touch sent shivers through him, eliciting gasps and bucking. She stroked his erect member, marveling at its silky texture, longing for it to be inside her. His hands moved to cup her breasts, and she arched into his touch, moaning in pleasure.

Quinn gently pressed against her, guiding her backward as his hands caressed her skin. Her back met the cool stone wall surrounding the pond. With a sigh, she released him and ran her hands over his buttocks and up his back. Her fingers tangled in his hair, pulling his head toward hers, forcing their lips together. She gasped as he lifted her, her hands gripping his broad shoulders as he braced her against the wall. His lips moved down to her breasts, alternating between them and grazing a nipple with his fangs. With a slight adjustment, he entered her and began moving with purpose. His thickness almost overwhelmed her, but she couldn't help but cry out in ecstasy.

Their breath quickened as he adjusted his position with each thrust, building tension inside her until it was almost unbearable. As he sank his fangs into her neck, the release surged through her senses. She screamed in pleasure and collapsed in his arms.

Quinn's thrusts became more urgent as he rocked her on his shaft. Sensing his climax approaching, she tightened her inner muscles around him. His moans of pleasure grew louder, confirming his imminent release. As her orgasm reached its peak once again, she bit his neck. He roared, and his cock pulsed inside her, sending waves of pleasure crashing over her again.

Once they had changed into fresh clothes, Ana and Quinn rejoined the group, feeling a renewed sense of optimism. Not only had their passionate encounter lifted her spirits, but Ana now had an outfit that reminded her of her old life, providing a touch of comfort.

"Thank you again for your hospitality." Quinn bowed before Orry. "Chief, my queen has a plan." He squeezed Ana's hand. "Go ahead, my love."

"Well, it's not exactly a plan," Ana admitted, her gaze flickering to Quinn. "More of an idea."

Quinn encouraged with a nod and a smile.

She took a deep breath. "Without our warriors, Gregor has the upper hand. I hoped the gnomes…"

"Hold on, Your Highness," Chief Orry interjected, gesturing around the cavern. "We're not fighters. We're farmers, cooks, carpenters—skilled, but not in warfare. We've no weapons nor the trainin' to use ‘em."

"But you're mistaken." Ana made her way toward a woven basket, retrieving a boomerang. "I've watched you play that game–boomer. You're all incredibly accurate. These are your weapons." She held the curved wood aloft. "With these, you can take down any gargoyle, and send them plummeting from the sky." She returned and handed it to Orry.

The chief studied it with pursed lips, shaking his head.

"You've got those incredible beetles," Ana pressed. "With them, you can fly just like gargoyles."

"I'm afraid…" Orry raised his hand, halting her.

"We'll help in any way we can," Tilda said, rising to her feet. "Without the gargoyles, we'd all be dead. And frankly, under Gregor's rule, we're doomed, anyway."

Orry sighed. "Wise words." He scanned the area. "But I gotta convince our rowdy bunch." He cast a wry glance toward a group of gnomes engaged in a playful wrestling match, their laughter echoing off the walls.

With a determined stride, the chief made his way to the pedestal, nimbly climbing atop it. He pursed his lips and unleashed a piercing whistle that cut through the cavern. The crowd fell silent, their attention drawn to their leader.

"Gather ‘round and listen," Orry boomed, beckoning them closer. "War is upon us!" As the audience swelled and murmurs moved through the ranks, he raised a hand for quiet. "I know, I know. You think this ain't your battle? Trust me, it is." A wave of dissent washed over the gnomes, heads shaking and voices grumbling. "Our home needs protectin'." Orry stomped his foot.

"Why should we fight it?" a red-haired gnome shouted.

"Remember a time before the gargoyles?" Orry countered, his glare sharp.

A collective nod rippled through the crowd. Orry's voice grew thick with emotion, his eyes glistening. "We all felt the loss from those damn juguais. Without the gargoyles, the pain would've been much worse." He shook his head, his silver hair gleaming faintly beneath the dim green light. "If you want to keep livin' free with the ones you love, then we gotta fight! Under Gregor, there'll be no freedom. Defendin' our way of life, that's what this is about!"

"But we're just herders!" another yelled.

"And tailors!" another chimed in.

A chorus of "And bakers!" and "And cobblers!" rose from the group, their voices a jumble of peaceful professions.

"Ah, but you all are more than your calloused hands and dirty aprons." Orry hopped down from the pedestal. He weaved through the crowd, his gaze locking onto a burly gnome with a bloodied tunic. "Niver, you wield that cleaver with enough skill to butcher an oalnt. Cleave through your enemies just the same!"

Niver puffed out his chest as Orry continued.

"Briwin…" Orry clapped a hand on the shoulder of a wee man, soot smudging his face. "…your hammer swings with the force of a batterin' ram! No gargoyle could withstand a blow from you."

A low murmur of agreement rippled through the group. These latent warriors and their everyday skills were a wellspring of untapped potential.

"We gnomes, we bring a bit of fun to everythin' we do," Orry returned to his perch. He gestured toward a black-haired gnome with grass-stained clothes. "Xalwor here? He's a beast on the field!" He raised and pumped a fist. "No gnome can stop him once he's on a roll…" A wave of cheers washed over Xalwor as his friends thumped him on the back and ruffled his hair. "I wager no gargoyle could either."

"And that's the brilliance of this lot," Orry bellowed, his voice thick with pride. "We gnomes dig deep, find that fightin' spirit, and channel it into everythin' we do—our work and our play!" He swept his arm around the cavern. "And now, we'll channel it into savin' our home!"

Raising a boomerang high, Orry roared, "We fight! We win!"

A deafening roar of approval erupted, the crowd brandishing makeshift weapons: pitchforks, rolling pins, even a particularly enthusiastic gnome wielding a giant carrot.

As the cheers subsided, Orry's tone softened. "For now, fill your bellies, cherish your loved ones. We may not have this chance again."

He climbed down and joined Tilda as the group dispersed, some already deep in animated discussions.

"Well, thanks to my sweet…" Tilda turned to Quinn and Ana. "… you have our full support."

Orry wrapped his arm around Tilda. His gaze filled with gratitude, and he stole a kiss.

"Thank you," Ana echoed, relief warming her chest. "But there's one more item. We have to free the gnomes Gregor's holding captive. I promised them, and I can't leave them to suffer because of me."

"A worthy cause." Orry nodded. "And I suppose they're a boost to your army."

Ana shrugged. "It was a thought, but I did give them my word."

Quinn pulled her close. "So we require someone to assure them we mean them no harm and to use those persuasive tactics with them."

Tilda's eyes met Orry's, a silent conversation passing between them. "Consider it done," she declared. "You, my sweet…" She turned to Orry, "…must stay and whip this lot into shape."

A mischievous giggle erupted from across the room, drawing Ana's attention to a gnome gleefully drenching another in a bucket of what looked suspiciously like watery honey.

"Looks like they'll need all the help they can get." Tilda chuckled, pressing a kiss to Orry's forehead. "And your leadership more than ever."

Orry's grip tightened on Tilda's good wrist. "My treasure, I can't let you do this. The thought of you not comin' back…" His voice wavered. He cupped her face, his gaze tender. "And you're hurt."

She smirked, raising her bandaged arm. "This? You made me wear this even though I told you I was fine." Tilda leaned in, her lips brushing his. "I will come back to you."

Orry's resistance was evident, but a defeated sigh escaped his mouth. "I know I can't stop you once you set your mind. So be careful." He looked toward the group. "So, what's the plan?"

"It's still morning," Quinn replied, taking Ana's hand and rubbing his thumb across hers. "Reaching Gregor's castle and returning will take time. Ideally, we attack at dawn, tomorrow."

"How's the battle to begin? How will we know you're ready?" the chief asked.

"Fern," Tilda announced.

Ana's brow furrowed. "Fern?"

Tilda gestured at a large enclosure. "Yes, the eakcoln you received from one of your suitors." After leading them over, she retrieved a silver whistle and a worn leather glove, approaching the cage. The hinges creaked as she opened it. "This whistle is perfect for eakcoln ears, but gnomes and gargoyles can't hear it." She blew on the metal tube, producing no sound, yet the bird—the eakcoln–—soared out, landing on Tilda's gloved arm. As it flew, its feathers shimmered, transforming from red to blue, yellow, and finally brown. "I've been trainin' her."

"May I?" Ana asked, her hand outstretched.

"Of course, Ma'am. She's yours." Tilda gestured, and the bird fluttered its wings in response.

Ana's fingers sank into the eakcoln's plush plumage as she stroked its back. "Can you show me how to care for her someday?"

"Happy to." Tilda smiled warmly.

"Hold on." Luke stood up and walked over, followed by the others. "How does a bird help? They're just food."

Sebastian bristled. "Animals are sentient beings with emotions, intelligence, and a vital role. Reducing them to mere food is not only ignorant but disrespectful to the interconnectedness of life." He paced, his voice rising. "Imagine a life without pollinating bees or singing birds. The world would be a barren, lonely place!"

Zach placed a calming hand on Sebastian's shoulder. "And let's be honest, they're much more fun to be around than a plate of roasted vegetables … or you, Luke."

Sebastian nodded in agreement.

"Oh, so they're not just walking, flying snacks? Shocking!" Luke smirked, crossing his arms.

"Finished?" Tilda asked, hands on her hips.

Sebastian sheepishly nodded. Luke shrugged, a smirk still lingering.

"All right then," Tilda said, raising the whistle. "A blow on this, and Fern will fly out, signalin' the attack." With a flick of her wrist, she sent the bird soaring.

"Zach, Tilda, Ana, and I will infiltrate Gregor's castle. Sebastian and Luke rescue my soldiers and assist Chief Orry to ready his army," said Quinn.

Sebastian and Luke thumped their chests.

"Ideally, Gregor has deployed most of his forces, leaving the stronghold lightly guarded. We'll overpower the remaining guards, free the gnomes, and with Tilda's help, convince them to join our cause." Quinn glanced at Tilda. "Once we return, Fern's call will trigger the attack. Surprise is our key weapon against Gregor's troops." He tapped his chin thoughtfully. "But we'll need to restrain the captured at the castle."

"I have an idea," Tilda declared, turning and hurrying off.

"How will we know your warriors from Gregor's?" Orry's brow furrowed.

Ana covered her mouth, pondering. She admired the gnomes' vibrant, intact attire. "Quinn's gargoyles could use armbands, maybe from your scrap clothing."

Orry nodded. "We have that." He instructed a nearby gnome, who hurried off with his orders.

Tilda soon returned with a small bag. "Fella plant seeds. Their tendrils can snare any beast."

Tilda explained the vines' properties, requesting some of the eye magic to stimulate immediate and fast growth. "They need to be in the dark until ready to use." After mixing them in her satchel, she tied it to her belt. "If it doesn't work, we can always rip up sheets and curtains." She shrugged.

Just then, panicked shouts echoed through the cavern. Gregor's soldiers had found the entrance.

"Quick, take down the support beam," Orry barked.

For a heartbeat, nothing happened. Then, with a thunderous groan, the ceiling gave way. A deafening roar drowned out the soldiers' shouts as tons of rock and earth crashed down in a cloud of dust.