Chapter 400 Shiny Things For Help



With that said, Mati scooted closer to me on the bed until our bodies were pressed firmly together from chest to hip. Her eyes locked onto mine as she slowly ran her hands up and down my arms in a sensual manner, sending shivers down my spine at the unexpected contact. My heart started to race in anticipation as Mati licked her lips suggestively before leaning forwards lightly to press them softly against mine...

There was a knock at our door.

I let out a growl that made Mati giggle, and then I got up and opened it to find Gloria standing there with an excited look on her face.

“Zack! You won’t believe what happened! King James has summoned you!” She exclaimed breathlessly, obviously trying to contain her excitement long enough to deliver this news.

"What? Why?" I asked in confusion as Gloria grabbed my hand and began tugging me towards where ever it was that James wanted me.

"I'll stay here!" Mati called as I was dragged away with my raging hard-on.

"He said he needs your help with something important," Gloria explained hurriedly as she continued leading me through the village streets. " He seemed quite upset about whatever it was."

"I will tell you who is upset right now!" I growled as I was practically dragged by the little woman.

"Hurry up, Zack!" Gloria called over her shoulder as she quickened the pace. "He's waiting for you!"

I really didn't see what was so urgent that James couldn't just tell me himself, but I supposed it must have been something important if he needed my help specifically.

Finally, we arrived at a large building that appeared to be some sort of palace or castle. There were two guards standing at the entrance who immediately stepped aside when they saw us coming. Then, without even knocking, Gloria opened the door and pulled me inside.

The first thing I noticed was how dark it was inside compared to outside. It took my eyes a moment to adjust, but when they did, I let out a low whistle in appreciation.

The room we were currently in appeared to be some sort of grand hall with marble floors and pillars adorned with golden vines winding their way upwards toward the high ceiling. A chandelier made entirely of crystals hung down from the center of the room, casting an eerie glow throughout the space. But despite its beauty, there was something about this place that made me feel uneasy ... like there was a storm brewing on the horizon.

"This way," Gloria said as she pulled me towards a set of double doors at the far end of the hall. "He's waiting for you in his study."

I was about to ask why he couldn't just come out here and talk to me like a normal person, but I decided against it. Instead, I simply allowed Gloria to lead me through the door and into what appeared to be some sort of library.

The walls were lined with shelves upon shelves of old books, many of which looked like they hadn't been touched in centuries. A large desk made from some dark wood sat in front of a window that overlooked the village below, and behind it, perched atop a throne-like chair, was King James himself.

The Fishman King looked more opulent this time, and he sat on the throne well with his hands on the armrests. His long white hair was pulled back into a ponytail that hung down his back, and he was wearing a robe made from some sort of shimmering blue fabric. A large golden crown adorned with jewels sat upon his head, further adding to his regal appearance.

"Ah, Zackary," He said as I approached and then gestured for me to have a seat in one of the chairs in front of him. "It is good to see you again."

I did as he asked, although I couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy being in such close proximity to this man. There was something about him that just didn't sit right with me ...

"So what can I do for you?" I asked after making myself comfortable.

King James leaned forwards in his chair and steepled his fingers beneath his chin as he regarded me intently with those cold silver eyes.

"I need your help," He began slowly, choosing his words carefully. "Someone has stolen something very important from me ... something that belongs to my people ."

“And what exactly did they steal? ” I inquired curiously.

"The Hurricane spear of Fishbar," He replied gravely.

I raised an eyebrow in confusion. " The what now?"

"It is a sacred artifact that has been passed down through my family for generations," King James explained. " Whoever took it not only stole from me but from my people as well ."

“And you want me to help you find it? ” I asked; still not entirely sure why he had summoned me specifically for this task. After all, there were plenty of other people who could probably do a better job than me...

“I would, but the thief knows magic,” King James said with a shake of his head. "They have hidden the sword using some sort of spell so that I cannot sense its location."

That did explain why he needed my help specifically then, but this all sounded highly suspect.

“So let me get this straight,” I began slowly, trying to wrap my mind around this whole situation. "Someone has stolen your sword and used magic to hide it, so you can't find it yourself. Is that correct?"

"Yes," James replied with a nod of his head.

“And you just want me to go and find it for you? " I asked; still not entirely convinced by this story. It all sounded a bit too convenient if you ask me ...

“I will pay you handsomely for your trouble," King James said; as if reading my thoughts. " One hundred gold coins should suffice ."

"Magical items, and I have still not met this elemental you told me about," I said, and the King nodded.