Forbidden Arcana
Mirage Tamryn Tamer
Copyright © 2019 by Tamryn Tamer. All rights reserved.
www.smirkpublishing.com.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher. Except in the cases permitted by copyright law.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
All characters are 18 years of age or older.
WARNING: This work contains over the top graphic sex and violence.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Acknowledgements You may also like
Chapter 1
A Game and a Show
“You’re an idiot if you think you’re going to win,” Terra scowled at Jericho while brushing her long blonde hair out of her face. She leaned forward watching Jericho for any hint of what he had planned.
Jericho downed a shot of black licorice liquor and slammed the glass on the massive round table. The sound echoed through the massive dining hall. He grinned arrogantly while focusing on his large chested opponent.
His vision was blurry and he was having trouble staying in his seat. Fortunately, Jinx and Ariel were there to support him, literally. They each took a side and whenever he started to lean too far, they’d push him back to the middle.
“I think it’s been,” Jericho paused and tried to remember what he was going to say. “It’s been established that I’m an idiot. But I’m an idiot that wins.”
Terra drew a card and Cynthia’s emerald eyes lit up. She’d been watching silently for most of the match but it seemed the dominating dark fairy had an idea. She leaned down and whispered in Terra’s ear while gesturing at the cards and table.
“Not this time,” Terra laid down the environmental card Eastern Wind increasing the speed of her flying units when approaching
from the east. She immediately followed it up with Last Stand doubling the attack of all units for two minutes at the cost of their lives. For no reason, in particular, she also laid down her last card summoning a golem to defend her queen. “I’m taking your king.”
“Really?” Jericho said as Terra rushed his defenseless king. All of his units were too far away to intercept the buffed flyers. He stared at the blurry cards in his hand and it was regretfully kind of shit. It was still twenty seconds before he could draw another card. “That all you got?”
“You going to talk or are you going to do something?” Terra smiled while taking a shot. “You have nothing. You know what your problem is? You don’t think ahead. You just play it by ear and hope everything works out. This time it won’t.”
“We’ll see,” Jericho said as the timer ticked down allowing him to draw another card. It would be two minutes before he could draw another card. He looked at what he’d drawn and then back at his hand to confirm he wasn’t seeing things. “Ha!”
Jericho ordered all of his units to attack Terra’s queen. She had some defending units but the overwhelming might of his forces would make short work of them.
“How drunk are you?” Terra laughed, clearly oblivious to the fact the only thing keeping her upright were Cynthia’s black bindings. She knew there were no cards that’d allow his units to arrive before hers, it was a bluff.
“Pull back your units,” Cynthia said as a tiny flame ignited on Jericho’s shoulder. Due to his training in elemental magic, he’d become so powerful that whenever he was excited or emotional, magic would just leak out. He made a mental note that he should avoid gambling in the future.
“No,” Terra drunkenly snapped. “He’s doing the flame thing on purpose. It’s part of his bluff.”
“I’m advising you to pull back,” Cynthia commanded. “Move your queen north, send your units to attack his army instead of his king. They’ll kill each other allowing you to reset the board.”
“I said no,” Terra snarled, ignoring Cynthia’s command. “I’m going to win now.”
“You know what your problem is?” Jericho said mocking Terra as her units entered his kings’ range. “You’ve spent so much time planning that you’ve forgotten how much fun not having a plan can be. I’m going to remind you.”
Jericho laid down Dragon’s Vitality temporarily doubling his king’s health. He followed it up with Heroes Sacrifice, a support spell reducing the target unit’s health to one in exchange for healing another unit to full.
“What are you doing?” Terra asked as Jericho reduced his king’s health to one. He followed it up with Berserk, a spell that increased
the damage of a unit based on how much health was missing. “It doesn’t matter. My units only need one hit to…”
“Kassia’s Blade,” Jericho smiled as he played the card he’d just drawn, an enchanted weapon with built-in counter that also gained first strike if the unit was below ten percent health.
“I told you to pull back,” Cynthia said smugly.
“Shut up,” Terra snapped while moving her queen north to escape Jericho’s incoming troops. She wanted to divert her attacking troops but it was too late. The king was demolishing them and even if they managed to escape the units would die after Last Stand wore off. “Goddammit! This is such bullshit!”
“Are we going to win?” Ariel jumped up and down. “Does this mean we get the big bedroom?”
“Not yet,” Jinx glared at the timer on Terra’s deck. “The slutty elf could get lucky. Gnat. Insect.”
“Come on,” Terra tapped her fingers rapidly. Her eyes darted from her escaping queen to her deck. “Come on, come on, come on.” The timer reached zero and she drew her card, “Fuck!”
Terra threw down an elven archer which died immediately. A few seconds later her queen followed and the game ended. Terra immediately started banging the table as Jericho sat in his seat grinning.
“Stop smiling,” Terra growled. “Cocky doesn’t look good on you. That was such bullshit! I can’t fucking believe that combination! How? Seriously! How the fuck does that happen?”
“Don’t be a sore loser,” Jericho joked rising to his feet. Ariel and Jinx quickly moved to support him. “You’re the one who proposed we play for it instead of flipping a coin.”
“That’s because my deck is better than yours,” she sighed while pouring another shot. “I didn’t count on your stupid dumb luck. How fucking lucky are you?”
“At least you provided a good example for queen Ariella,” Cynthia stared at Ariel. “She got to see first hand what happens when people avoid my counsel.”
“And why are you even living here?” Terra asked angrily as Cynthia filled an entire wine glass with black licorice liquor. Her tolerance for it was unnatural. “You’re not even one of his familiars.”
“I’m the advisor to the queen,” Cynthia answered while magically tightening the dark bindings keeping Terra upright in the chair. Terra let out a soft whimper as her large breasts nearly popped out of her top. “Do you have a problem with that?”
“No,” Terra panted as Cynthia stroked her hair. “No problem.”
“Good,” Cynthia grinned wickedly and dissipated the bindings causing Terra to drunkenly tumble from her seat. “Although you bring up a valid point. My own living arrangements.”
“Pick a room,” Jericho gestured wildly as his familiars supported him. “There are plenty.”
Plenty was putting it lightly. After Jericho and Terra had freed the fairy village, they both acquired a large number of properties including the largest property in the village. More importantly, they acquired so much property they were able to control the home prices in the village and decided rather than undercut each other, they’d work together to maximize their profits.
In the process, they’d both accrued massive fortunes on par with some mid-level guilds. The first thing they did with their new wealth was build the largest manor possible on the hilltop property they’d agreed to share. It was nearly twice the size of the one Jericho blew up.
The manor was three luxurious floors complete with a rooftop penthouse acting as a partial fourth floor. The penthouse was also the master bedroom and was in a league of its own. It took up half the roof and opened to a gorgeous rooftop garden. In one of the corners of the room, it had a bathtub so large it could easily fit a dozen people. The room also had more closet space than Jericho knew what to do with, but he was sure Jinx and Ariel would figure out how to use it all.
Both Terra and Jericho wanted it and in the end, they decided to play Strife, Forbidden Arcana’s card game, for it.
“I suppose it doesn’t matter,” Cynthia said pensively. “I’ll be spending most of my time in the library or alchemy lab anyway.”
“I’m taking the third-floor room with the balcony,” Terra scowled at Cynthia while climbing back into her seat. “The one with the nice attached boudoir.”
“You don’t need to worry about me,” Cynthia smiled politely. “I prefer utility over looks. I’ll be taking a room on the second floor since all the important amenities are either on the first floor or in the basement. Thank you for the hospitality.”
“You’re welcome,” Jericho stared at Cynthia’s slender ass as she walked away. He couldn’t get over how good she looked in her leather bodysuit and recently he couldn’t stop thinking about her. The designers made her so over the top beautiful that men and women alike would beg to lick the boots of the dark fairy dominatrix.
“Stop looking,” Jinx dug her fingernails into his ribcage. He looked down and saw Jinx’s angry glare. Her breasts were practically popping out of her leather corset. She’d recently started dressing like Cynthia after noticing Jericho staring and it wasn’t the first time she’d fallen into that habit. She’d previously copied Terra’s style to garner more of his attention. “You keep looking at her. I don’t like the way you’re looking at her. Rake. Cad.”
“It’s not like that,” Jericho said looking to Ariel for backup. The fair-skinned fairy was wearing a white sundress which fell gracefully
on her petite frame. While Jinx was exceedingly jealous and possessive, Ariel was more trusting and supportive, even when it came to other women. “Ariel, back me up.”
“Cynthia has a frightening power,” Ariel said carefully to make sure Cynthia was out of earshot. “She commands obedience in ways I don’t understand. Our master seems to be particularly vulnerable to her and is finding his desire to sleep with her overwhelming.”
“Not helping,” Jericho objected as Jinx dug her nails in deeper. “Ow. Could have done without that last part.”
“But you do want to sleep with her,” Ariel insisted. “There’s no reason to be ashamed of it. Most men want to sleep with Cynthia.”
“I knew it wasn’t my imagination!” Jinx growled. “You want to be commanded? Fine, sit! Bastard. Asshole.”
“What?” Jericho asked as Jinx shoved him back down onto the chair. His drunkenness had yet to wear off making him easy to push around. He looked across the table at Terra who was watching the spectacle with interest. “What’s going on.”
“Did I tell you that you can speak?” Jinx smacked Jericho in the face. Ariel moved to defend him but Jinx stopped her. “Apologize. Idiot. Moron.”
“I’m sorry,” Jericho said. Jinx waited two seconds and slapped him again.
“Is that how you address your mistress?” Jinx snapped. “Try again. Jerk. Cheat.”
“I’m sorry mistress,” Jericho said already feeling his cock getting hard as the tiny leather clad familiar stared him down. Jinx grinned knowingly as her golden eyes glanced at his cock. She adjusted her leather corset to push her breasts up slightly higher and smirked.
“Good boy,” Jinx said stomping her foot down on the chair, narrowly avoiding his cock. “For the remainder of the evening, you will only refer to me as mistress. Do you understand? Pervert. Deviant.”
“Yeah,” Jericho answered as another hard slap cracked across his face. He corrected himself, “Yes mistress.”
“Ariel,” Jinx said staring at the nervous fairy. “Come here. Fly. Moth.”
“Yes?” Ariel stumbled as she stepped forward.
“Bind his hands,” Jinx ordered while stepping off the chair. “You can create vines, right? Weakling. Coward.”
“Yes,” Ariel answered as she began to bind Jericho’s hands together behind the chair. “Done.”
“Good girl,” Jinx said. “Now remove his pants. Flea. Fool.”
Ariel obediently removed Jericho’s pants as well as his underwear exposing his half hard cock. Jinx pushed Ariel away and
stepped forward. She tore open the front of his shirt and ran her hands up and down Jericho’s hard chest before gradually moving higher. She ran her fingers slowly along his collarbone before sliding up to his neck and gripped it tightly.
“Do you know the safe words?” Jinx asked with a menacing grin. She ran a finger from her free hand across his lips. “Do you remember them from my time with Terra? Emerald, Amber, and Ruby. Go, Slow, Stop. Understand? Whore? Bitch?”
“Yes mistress,” Jericho responded as Jinx tightened her grip. She ran her fingers through his hair lovingly while gradually increasing the pressure on his neck. Jinx leaned forward and gave him a peck on the lips while squeezing to the point Jericho felt he might pass out. “Amber.”
“Are you alright?” Jinx checked in while loosening her grip and pecking him gently. “Would you like a break? Slut? Harlot?”
“No mistress,” Jericho panted out as his cock throbbed. Ariel watched anxiously as Jinx resumed choking Jericho, this time stopping just shy of her previous spot while kissing and licking him. With her free hand, she reached for his cock and started slowly rotating her finger around the tip. Jericho’s eyes wandered back to Ariel. He couldn’t tell if she was worried, excited, or a bit of both.
“You’re such a good little slut Jericho,” Jinx released Jericho’s neck allowing him to breathe. She started to stroke his cock with both hands which was probably harder than it’d ever been. He
loved having the golden-eyed beauty tease him. “Ariel. Take off your clothes. Weakling. Mouse.”
“This is so fucking hot,” Terra moaned out from across the table. She’d removed her panties and placed one of her feet on the table spreading her legs. It wasn’t unusual for her to engage in exhibitionism but voyeurism was certainly new to her. She’d begun masturbating to the scene.
“Now what?” Ariel asked while kicking off her panties. She stared hungrily at Jericho’s cock hoping to be commanded to ride it. Jinx gestured for Ariel to come toward her and once in arm’s length, Jinx guided her behind Jericho.
“Choke him,” Jinx commanded. “Wrap your arm around his neck, and choke him. Wimp. Simpleton.”
“What?” Ariel’s voice cracked. “But he’s our master.”
“No,” Jinx said with disdain. “He is a worthless whore. A plaything to be used as his mistress sees fit. Choke him, or leave. Jellyfish. Louse.”
“Okay,” Ariel mumbled while wrapping her arm around Jericho’s neck from behind. He felt her warm soft chest against the back of his head as her arm tightened. Jinx grinned while unzipping her long boots and tossing them away. She followed up by taking off her tight leather pants revealing black crotchless panties.
“Mmm,” Jinx moaned while touching herself. She sat up on the table and gestured for Ariel to push Jericho closer. She measured the distance by sticking out her foot as the chair slid across the floor. Once her foot was over Jericho’s shoulder, she gestured for Ariel to stop and moved her foot in front of Jericho’s face, “Lick it. Bitch. Whore.”
“You can’t…” Ariel tried to object but Jericho reacted instantly.
He stuck out his tongue and licked Jinx’s foot as Ariel continued to choke him. His cock pulsated to the point it hurt as Jinx continued to humiliate him. He began reflexively struggling against Ariel’s bindings in hopes he could break free and stroke himself.
“See Ariel?” Jinx said imperiously while swapping to her other foot. “Cynthia has no special power. Jericho is just a sexual deviant. He wanted to be put in his place, beneath my feet.” Jinx grinned threateningly at Jericho, “Isn’t that right. Slut? Cunt?”
“Yes mistress,” Jericho said as Jinx jammed her foot into his mouth. Ariel continued to hold her arm around his neck as Jinx wiggled her foot. Jericho continued to suck while his eyes fixated on Jinx’s crotchless panties and exposed pussy.
“Fuck,” Terra whined from her side of the room. She had removed all of her clothing and started using both hands to work her pussy. Jericho had almost forgotten she was watching. He was somehow simultaneously embarrassed and excited.
“Release him,” Jinx said coldly while pulling her foot from his mouth. Ariel released her chokehold allowing Jericho to breathe comfortably. She turned and leaned over the table to watch Terra masturbate, her ass swaying in front of Jericho’s face. “Jericho, be a good whore and lick your mistress’s asshole. Deviant. Pervert.”
“But…” Ariel tried again to object but was once again interrupted by Jericho’s eagerness.
“Yes mistress,” Jericho panted out excited to bury his face in Jinx’s round athletic ass. The fact she was still wearing her corset made it more appealing. Ariel reluctantly pushed the chair allowing Jericho to lean forward and lick. Jinx let out a satisfied moan as his tongue slid across her asshole.
“Mmm,” she purred as Jericho continued to lick her ass. “That’s a good little slut. Do you like the taste of your mistress’ asshole? Bitch? Whore?”
“Yes mistress,” Jericho said while burying his tongue deep in her ass. Jinx pushed herself on his face and wiggled rapidly. Jericho’s cock was in pain, all he wanted to do was bury it in Jinx’s tight little asshole. Hell, any orifice.
“Would you like your asshole licked? Worm. Insect.” Jinx smiled while staring back at Ariel.
“I…I don’t know,” Ariel answered. Jinx pulled her to the table and forcefully bent her over. She grabbed Jericho’s hair and guided
him to Ariel. Jericho wasted no time in licking every inch of her tiny porcelain ass. “Oh god. That feels so good.”
Jinx thrust Jericho’s face into Ariel’s ass until he couldn’t breathe. After several seconds she allowed him to take a single breath before shoving his face back for more. Soon he found himself only getting half a breath, then a quarter of a breath, as if Jinx was attempting to suffocate him in Ariel’s tiny ass.
“That’s enough,” Jinx pulled Jericho’s hair. She reached behind him and cut the bindings holding his arms. He almost toppled over when she lifted him from the chair and roughly guided him onto the dining table. Jericho leaned back on the table as Jinx climbed up and stood over him, her pussy dripping with excitement. “Ariel, tie him down. Flunky. Reject.”
Ariel’s vines bound Jericho to the table as Jinx pressed her foot to his chest. She leisurely moved it up and down his body until finally, it reached his aching cock. She applied a little pressure as if she intended to step on it. Jericho readied the safe word.
“Ariel,” Jinx said. “Would you like his cock or his face? Flea. Worm.”
“His cock,” Ariel said climbing up onto the table, her pussy so wet juices were running down her thigh. “I want his cock.”
Jericho gasped for air as Jinx wasted no time in straddling his face. Her slippery fluids dripped onto his tongue as she began
rocking back and forth. He moaned into Jinx as Ariel’s pussy gradually slid down his cock. He immediately came.
“How dare you!” Jinx pressed down onto his face as if she intended to crush him. He struggled to breathe as she continued to hold him there shaking her ass. “You are not allowed to cum without permission. Understand? Whore. Cunt.”
“Yes mistress,” Jericho panted out as Jinx let him get a little bit of air. As soon as he answered she immediately started to suffocate him again.
“God,” Ariel whined. “He’s still so hard. I don’t think it’s ever been this big before.”
Jericho agreed. His cock was pulsing wildly as Ariel’s warm pussy tightened around it. He wanted to cum inside of the petite fairy again. His cock was ready and all he needed was a word from Jinx and he’d cum.
“I’m cumming,” Jinx moaned out as she began to drip into his mouth. Jericho began lapping up every bit of Jinx’s nectar as she continued to rock and wiggle on his face. “Drink every drop. Slut. Degenerate.”
“It feels so good,” Ariel whined. “Tell him to cum. Please.”
“Fine,” Jinx said as her own shivers ceased. “Slut, cum. Whore. Bitch.”
Jericho groaned as he released into Ariel’s pussy again filling her up. Ariel started giggling while rocking back and forth on his cock. Every few seconds she’d shudder and laugh again as small explosions went off inside of her.
“Fuck that was hot,” Terra said. Jericho wanted to look and see what she was doing but Jinx was still relaxing on his face. “I think I’m going to get some rest now. For the record, you three are freaks. And Jericho, I’m both a little impressed and a little disgusted by you right now.”
“Bye,” Ariel snickered while continuing to rock. After the laughter stopped, he felt her climb off of him. A few moments later Jinx got off of him as well and the bindings holding him down vanished.
“See,” Jinx said as she leaned down and kissed him. She gave him a couple light slaps as well as some pecks on the cheek. “I’m everything you need. Cheater. Cad.”
“Fuck,” Jericho moaned while trying to sit up. He was still having issues with his balance. “I can’t believe Terra saw that.”
“There’s nothing to be embarrassed about,” Jinx said grabbing his cock harshly. “You love serving me, right? Adulterer. Lecher.”
“Yes mistress,” Jericho answered as blood rushed to his face. Jinx smiled happily, before sliding on her pants and prancing off eager claim the master bedroom they’d won.
Chapter 2
Fairies and Friends
Jericho’s complacency was starting to eat away at him. He was happier than he’d ever been but that happiness made him idle.
He spent weeks focusing on the business of selling properties ensuring their village didn’t turn into a guild village. That required making sure no single guild owned more than a small portion of the property. Additionally, they wanted players who intended to stay in the village rather than resellers or speculators. It was a lot of work.
He wasn’t a landlord or a developer, he was a mage. He was the most powerful mage in Forbidden Arcana and keeping that title meant advancing. Fortunately, every single day Jinx insisted on two things, being fed and Jericho training to the point of exhaustion. This ensured he advanced in elemental and spirit magic.
Ariel was a much more forgiving trainer when it came to mind magic. She seemed to be excited and supportive regardless of the illusion Jericho created. He hated to say it but she was somewhat useless as a teacher. Cynthia, on the other hand, was much more effective. Not only did she push Jericho harder but her abilities were far beyond Ariel’s. Cynthia had no issue conjuring graphic scenes of sex and violence on a whim complete with smells and sounds.
None of this was why he was feeling complacent. It was the fact it’d been weeks since he found out that a shapeshifter would unlock
body magic and he’d made no progress in locating one. Instead, it was all business and training.
He’d checked forums and visited various vendors of rare books and scrolls during downtime but found nothing relating to shapeshifters. But there was one place left he could check.
“Where are you going?” Ariel asked as Jericho checked his equipment. “Should I be getting ready too?”
“No,” Jericho said as the half-naked fairy woke up. Jinx slept peacefully beside her. “I’m heading to Raycastle.”
“Should I wake up Jinx?” Ariel stared nervously at the sleeping familiar. Waking her up wasn’t something that Jericho would ever recommend. He shook his head, “You don’t want to take us?”
“Well,” Jericho said unsure of how to answer. “Raycastle and the surrounding area is exclusively human.”
“Exclusively human?” Ariel asked confused. “What does that mean?”
“They kill monsters,” Jericho answered. Ariel squeezed her pillow and looked away. “I know how that sounds but I assure you, I don’t think you’re a monster. You don’t have anything to worry about.”
“Why are you going?” Ariel sulked. Jericho didn’t blame her for sulking. He should have avoided using the word monster.
“Raycastle Library,” Jericho answered. “It has the largest collection of bestiaries in the world. I’m hoping I can find some useful information on shapeshifters.”
Jericho and Ariel both froze as Jinx growled and rolled over. After waiting silently for a few seconds, he continued.
“I don’t plan on staying there long,” Jericho whispered. “Once I find information on sha…” he paused as Jinx’s eyebrows furrowed, “on the familiar that shall not be named. I’ll leave. I don’t like that place and I don’t like those people. You have nothing to worry about.”
“Okay. I understand. But be careful,” Ariel said while putting on a cheerful expression. “And come back soon.”
“I will,” Jericho leaned forward and kissed Ariel before leaning down to kiss Jinx as well. “See you soon.”
Jericho rushed downstairs. While the master bedroom was gratuitously large and extravagant, Cynthia was right about the inconvenience of being on a higher floor. He passed Terra’s empty room which had already become a sea of clothing and eventually he arrived at the first floor.
“Leaving?” Cynthia asked from the library. “If you are, I would like you to pick up some herbs.”
“Have Ariel or Jinx pick up your herbs,” Jericho said. “I’m heading out of the village for a while.”
“I don’t want to ask them,” Cynthia appeared in the library doorway wearing her transparent mesh bodysuit. Jericho’s eyes fixated on her nipples poking through and the trimmed hair of her black bush. “I’m asking you. Besides, these aren’t local herbs.”
“I’m busy,” Jericho objected as Cynthia walked towards him. Her hips swayed hypnotically as she approached. “Maybe another…”
“Shh,” she pressed her finger against his lips. With her free hand she started feeling his chest, then his abs, then finally she slid it into his trousers. She deftly unbuckled them exposing his massive cock. She started to run her fingers along his cock before reaching under to grip his balls. “I only want to hear one thing from you, understand?”
“Okay,” Jericho answered flustered. “What do you want?”
“No,” Cynthia tightened her grip. Her glowing green eyes sent a shiver down his spine. “That’s not how you talk to me. Remember?”
“Sorry goddess,” Jericho answered. “What would you like me to pick up?”
“Good boy,” Cynthia smiled while moving her hand back to his shaft and starting to stroke. “I need Dragon’s Tongue and Lunar Roses. Will you promise to get those for me?”
“The herbalist won’t carry those,” Jericho groaned as Cynthia continued to stroke him. She grabbed his hand and guided it to her mouth and began sucking on his finger. “They’re insanely rare.”
“Don’t you want to please me,” Cynthia said while licking his finger. Jericho’s cock was already throbbing as her soft hand sped up. “It would make your goddess so happy. Remember, I only want to hear one thing from you. Do you promise to pick me up Dragon’s Tongue and Lunar Roses?”
“Yes goddess,” Jericho answered. Cynthia smiled wickedly as she rapidly stroked his cock.
“Now cum for your goddess,” Cynthia commanded while putting her foot forward as a target. Jericho let out a groan as he came. She continued to stroke it as he released all over the ground and her foot. After a few moments, she smiled and slapped his face lightly. “That’s a good boy. If you bring me those herbs, I’ll be very pleased. If you don’t, I’ll be forced to punish you for breaking a promise. Understand?”
“Yes goddess,” Jericho said while putting his cock away.
“You may kiss me goodbye,” Cynthia said in a tone that indicated it wasn’t a choice. He leaned forward and kissed her delicately only to have her harshly bite his lip. “Don’t forget.”
Cynthia smiled wryly before turning to head back to the library. Ariel was right, Cynthia had some strange power he was helpless to resist. He was definitely going to have to find those herbs but his priority had to be Raycastle.
The only time he’d gone to Raycastle he was turned away at the front gate. The base requirements for entrance varied but they were all pretty horrific. If it was as simple as killing goblins he’d have made it in, but the developers wanted Raycastle to be darker than that.
One way to gain entry to Raycastle was killing a hundred nonhumans. This included elves, dark elves, orcs, beast men, or any other intelligent non-human race. But players didn’t count toward the number and neither did soldiers or bandits, it had to be innocent civilians.
An alternative requirement was capturing and delivering nonhumans to Raycastle where they’d be tortured for entertainment. The minimum requirement was ten non-human prisoners and they’d let you enter the citadel.
A final possibility for entry was the killing of important nonhumans. That’s where Jericho thought he may have an opportunity. He’d killed three fairy elders and their two guards. He was pretty sure that would be enough to gain him entrance, as long as they counted.
He had no idea what to expect so he prepared the same as he would for a player versus player encounter. He’d stocked up on a variety of potions as well as a few enchanted items. For armor, he was wearing a new assortment he’d put together. His black mages coat and pants were reinforced with leather and enchanted to
increase physical resistance slightly. Rather than traditional mages gloves and boots he wore hard leather boots and gloves also enchanted to increase physical resistance. Overall, it’d do very little against any warrior or assassin but provided just enough armor to minimize ranged weapon damage.
“Jericho,” A familiar voice stopped him as he arrived at the portal outside of the village. He turned to see Raven approaching him with Endgame officers in tow. The grey-skinned dark elf grinned malevolently at him. Her violet eyes seethed rage. “Where are you running off to?”
“Errands,” Jericho answered. He realized he hadn’t spoken to her since before freeing the fairy village. He wasn’t quite sure why she was angry but there was really an excess of reasons. “What can I do for you.”
“What can you do for me?” Raven clenched her jaw. She didn’t seem to be her normal controlled self. “I honestly don’t know how to respond to that.”
“He could give us thirty million gold,” Kaos said. The large orc warrior cracked his knuckles. “In the end, that’s what this is about.”
“I don’t follow,” Jericho said while staring at the group. He noticed a familiar face that didn’t belong. A tall skinny dark-haired human mage wearing a black and white checkered robe and a harlequin mask. “Owl, why are you with Endgame?”
“I joined a few weeks ago,” the formerly number one mage answered. Jericho previously explained to Owl how elemental magic worked as payment for his assistance. It seemed that since then his skills had advanced to the point Endgame took an interest.
“Jericho,” Raven feigned a smile. “We need to discuss our relationship.”
“Relationship?” Jericho asked confused. “You mean the night at your place?”
“I mean our friendship!” Raven did her best to retain her composure but seemed like she might explode any second. Unfortunately for Jericho, he had no idea why she was upset with him. “And ultimately whether you’re my friend or an enemy.”
“This is a waste of time,” Owl removed his harlequin mask to rub the bridge of his nose. “Jericho isn’t a planner or a plotter.”
“Some concerning information has come to my attention and I’d wish to discuss it,” Raven said while ignoring Owl. “It calls our friendship into question.”
“We’re friends,” Jericho sighed. “Any information you have that suggests otherwise is wrong.”
“I’d like to believe that,” Raven said calmly. “Unfortunately, it’s that desire to believe it that creates the problem. There is what I want to believe, and the facts. The fact is you engaged my troops outside of Rend causing embarrassment to Endgame.”
“We’ve been over that,” Jericho shook his head. “That was Endgame’s fault.”
“I acknowledge that. But it’s possible you purposefully aimed for a delivery to Rend knowing full well Endgame would attack and always had the intended goal of embarrassing us. Then there’s Dayrose village.” Raven gestured to the fairy village. “You knew you were going to unlock it but you didn’t tell me. That seems like something a friend would do.”
“I acknowledge that,” Jericho said defensively. “As long as you acknowledge that you would have positioned yourself to buyout the entire village if you’d been notified about it ahead of time.”
“We don’t know that,” Raven responded coldly even though she knew Jericho was right. She seemed to be gauging Jericho’s reaction. He knew she must have a specific reason for approaching him and didn’t understand why she was beating around the bush. It was irritating him.
“What is this about?” Jericho asked. He considered Raven a friend and she was easily one of Jinx’s favorite people. He didn’t like feeling like their friendship was on the rocks. “Lay it all out and we’ll figure it out together.”
“I’ve received information that you arranged the delivery to Rend for the sole purpose of humiliating Endgame,” Raven said while watching Jericho’s reactions carefully. “You knew about the
Another random document with no related content on Scribd:
June 11, 1741.
SATAN rages furiously against our Orphan-House in this province: such lies and calumnies are raised against us, that our few dear friends think it necessary for me to represent the present state of the house. I have since been much in prayer, and believe G will direct me how to act. Some here, since you went away, have gone great lengths in asserting calumnies, even so as to offer to take oaths for the truth of them. Since I came, I went to them, to enquire what foundation they had for such reports; and it would surprise you to see their behaviour: they are ashamed to lift up their faces. Thus shall the wicked stand dumb at the bar of G . I think I can say, to the glory of G , that our family never was in a better condition. The children, the essence of our constitution, are well taken care of, and watched over. We all live in love. G has been visibly among us, especially with the children. Bethesda, as to its outward circumstances, is so much for the better, that you would be surprised to see it. G enables us to keep up much order. He likewise (blessed be his name) has given us the appearance of a plentiful crop. The garden and plantation now afford us many comfortable things, and in great plenty. Our stores are yet well stocked with flour and beef, &c. Mr. W―― behaves with great integrity, and is faithful in his work. The house would be soon finished, if we could get bricks. J. S. is ready to do all our bricklayers work gratis. Brother W―― is a great blessing to the family. If you come by way of Philadelphia, pray bring some hemp and coarse flax. He has weaved and spun a great deal for us. All the boys now lye in the great house. They have also coats, and lye in sheets of their own making: by this means they are kept sweet and clean. We have a fine growing stock of cattle; and if G should so order it, that we should have a plantation in Carolina, as I believe he will bring to pass, we shall need but little, if any, assistance from abroad. If our building were now done, our expences would be but trifling to what they have been.
Mr. Barber writes me thus.
Bethesda, September 4, 1741.
My dearly beloved Brother,
NOT knowing but our L may have business for you at the northward, and send you thither before you return to us; I have sent you a few lines, to acquaint you with the present state of your family. Many of us have been sick; but, blessed be G , our sickness has not been unto death. O that it may be for the glory of G ’s name! All of us are in good health at present, except James M――h, who was taken with the flux a few days ago, and B. ♦Habersham, who is much troubled with the worms. I wish I could say our souls were in as good health as our bodies are; but you may give thanks to the L , that he has made your house a house of mercy indeed to some. A few weeks ago, the L was pleased effectually to call Thomas W――b; his conversion was very clear, and much to the satisfaction of some, especially to his good old father. Mr. K――y, our taylor, and his wife, have been wrought upon, I hope savingly, since they have been here: I am not without hope that some of the children are likewise, and that the L in due time will convert more of them. I hope he is now shewing us that the work is wholly of him; that when the day of his power, the time, the appointed time of his love is come, we may be better prepared to give all the glory thereof to him. As to myself, I must confess that I am a poor worthless instrument, to be employed in the work of the L ; but what shall we say, if the L is pleased to make use of the foolish to confound the wise? I have, blessed be G , had a little freedom given me lately to speak to your family; but I want to have my heart more and more enlarged towards them, and to speak to them more and more in the demonstration of the Spirit, and with power. Who knows? perhaps G designs you should have the honour and happiness of being the spiritual father of many more in your family. May the L ’s will be done!
♦ “Haversham” replaced with “Habersham”
I have also some letters of a later date, which give an account of the continuance of the L ’s presence amongst them.
As for the temporal affairs, blessed be G , considering the great difficulties we have laboured under, they also have succeeded far beyond expectation.
Mr. Habersham, in a Letter dated March 24, 1741, writes thus:
AS we have got so much land cleared, I intend to try to plant it: accordingly I have four or five hands, which, with our own houshold, will be sufficient to plant twenty acres or upwards with potatoes and rice for fodder next winter, having greatly suffered this, for want of it; likewise corn and pease, and other necessaries. Our garden is in great forwardness: we are like to have a crop of English pease. G visibly blesses us, so that people are amazed.
In a Letter, dated September 1, 1741, he writes thus to a Gentleman in New-England: of which Letter I had a copy.
OUR affairs, blessed be G , have prospered far beyond our expectation. We have seen, and do daily see, much of G ’s fatherly care, in providing for and protecting us; and though we have no visible fund, yet we doubt not, but he that has begun, will carry on and perfect his work against every opposition. We have been plentifully supplied all the summer, while many about us lacked. Our building and necessary conveniences, are now compleated. Our family now consists of eighty-four persons, men, women, and children, and nineteen more are employed about us, and five in the Infirmary: the latter have a doctor and nurse, and all other necessaries found them at the Orphan-house expence. We have fifty-eight children: thirty-two of them belong to the colony; six to Purisburgh, who are, I think, as great objects of charity as any in Georgia; and the rest belong to the neighbouring provinces, who are orphans and objects of charity, except a few who are maintained at their friends and parents charge. We have a taylor and shoemaker: likewise two weavers; each of them have got a loom, but we can
employ but one, spinning here being extravagantly dear; though we hope in a short time to spin as much within ourselves, as will greatly assist in cloathing the family. G blesses our cattle; we have upwards of an hundred head, small and great, and shall be able in a year or two to kill a great quantity. Negroes not being allowed, and labour among us so expensive, we can make but little improvement in farming. This year we have planted upwards of twenty acres, and have cleared twenty acres more for to enjoy the conveniency of the air: and, blessed be G , though we have had a very dry season, yet we cannot complain, like many others, of a bad crop. Honoured Sir, you may now judge whether our design be drawing near a period. What I have written is a plain impartial narrative of our affairs, which our bitterest enemies will not pretend to gainsay. If any doubt it, I answer, as Philip did to Nathaniel, Come and see.
In a Letter, dated October 2, 1741, he writes thus:
MR. Wardrop and I have settled, his contract being finished: he is about some necessary jobs now, and will leave us in a few days. Messrs. Trip, Anderson, &c. are already gone: I owe them and Mr. Wardrop about seventy or eighty pounds. We are very quiet, and live at an easy expence. We have had no supplies since you left us, of flesh or bread kind from abroad, except some pork from Mr. B――. No New-York vessels have come to this province of late. We live entirely within ourselves, except a few necessaries which we cannot do without, that we are obliged to purchase elsewhere. Twice a day we eat hominy¹ of our own raising, and at present without molasses. For dinner, we eat beef of our own stock, and pease for bread, of all which we have plenty, and shall have for three months to come. Our garden is very fruitful of greens, turneps, &c. and we expect a good crop of potatoes. In short, we have a sufficiency of wholesome food. Glory be to G , we daily see our heavenly Father’s hand supplying us in this wilderness-land. O that we were more thankful! I must have cash, not only to pay debts, but also to buy clothing and many other necessaries; and I believe our G will give it to me. He is our shepherd, therefore shall we lack nothing. I trust he has enabled us to pray in faith, nothing doubting
but he will supply our every want. All here at present enjoy pretty good health. How thankful ought we to be! The L seems to be sending his judgments abroad upon the earth. In Carolina and Savannah a murrain is among the cattle, which takes off great numbers: ours as yet have escaped. Thanks be to G ! Indeed we are obliged to kill some of them for immediate supply. But what are all outward calamities, where G is?
¹ Indian corn boiled up thick with water.
A young Gentleman of Boston, having made a visit to the OrphanHouse, sent the following account of it to his father, which many have desired may be printed, for the satisfaction of those who have already contributed to its support.
Bethesda, January 1, 1742.
Honoured Sir,
BEING sensible of the many and false accounts industriously spread abroad concerning this house in many places, especially in New-England, by those who are enemies to its Founder, and the cause he is engaged in, which has certainly been a great hindrance to this worthy undertaking, as it has created even in its friends some prejudices, which has hindered their contributing with that pleasure and freedom they otherwise would have done; and as I am now upon the spot, I think a few moments will not be ill spent, in giving you a particular account of its present situation, which I shall endeavour to do in the most just and impartial manner, that you may have an opportunity of serving the interest in which your heart is so much engaged.
The Orphan-House is pleasantly situated, and, with the buildings belonging to it, presents a much handsomer prospect than is given by the draught annexed to the public accounts. The great house is now almost quite finished, and nothing has hindered but the want of
glass, which they daily expect from Bristol, and some bricks that are already at Savannah, and are to carry up another stack of chimnies, which would have been done before, if a vessel that was bringing brick and other stores, had not been taken by the Spaniards, which was a great loss. It is surprizing to see in what forwardness things are, considering what hindrances they have had, and the scarcity of labourers in this province. They have cut a fine road to Savannah of twelve miles length, through a thicket of woods; and, that it might be passable, were obliged to make ten bridges and cross-ways; which was done at no little charge. They have also cleared forty acres of land, twenty of which were planted the last year, and brought them a tolerable crop: the other twenty was for the benefit of the air. They have also a large garden at the front of the house, brought into pretty good order.
The family now consists of eighty persons besides labourers, who all contradict the wicked and false accounts of their being starved and cruelly treated, by the lively and hearty countenances they shew. I have seldom seen such a goodly number of youths together Twenty-three of them are orphans; others, that have lost one of their parents; one was born in the house; and the rest are fit objects for christian charity. There are in all thirty-nine boys, and ♦fifteen girls. The number was larger some time past: but several of the boys, that were well instructed, have been put to such trades as they inclined to; and others, who were put here for their learning, are returned to their parents, who have handsomely paid the House for their education.
♦ “fifteeen” replaced with “fifteen”
The care of this society at present is in the hands of a young gentleman from London, who manages the secular affairs thereof; and one from New-England, who has the care of souls as his particular charge. There are two school-masters, who instruct the boys in reading and writing: and those that appear serious, and of good capacities, are taught Latin, with a design of fitting them for the
ministry, if they incline to it. Two school-mistresses, that teach the girls; a surgeon and nurse to attend the infirmary, in which many sick persons, from divers parts, have been received, and always been cured gratis. Here are also several tradesmen; a taylor, a joiner, a weaver, and a shoemaker. The taylor has three boys to instruct in his business. It is expected that Mr. Whitefield will increase the number of craftsmen, when he returns from England. The œconomy observed here is as follows: The bell rings in the morning at sun-rise, to wake the family. When the children arise, they sing a short hymn, and pray by themselves: then they go down and wash; and by the time they have done that, the bell calls to public worship, when a portion of scripture is read and expounded, a psalm sung, and the exercise begun and ended with prayer. Then they breakfast, and afterwards go some to their trades, and the rest to their prayers and schools. At noon, they all dine in the same room, and have comfortable and wholesome diet provided. A hymn is sung before and after dinner: then, in about half an hour, to school again; and between whiles find time enough for recreation. A little after sun-set the bell calls to public duty again, which is performed in the same manner as in the morning. After that they sup, and are attended to bed by one of their masters, who then pray with them, as they often do privately. On the sabbath-day they all dine on cold meat provided the day before, that none may be kept from public worship, which is attended four times a day in summer, and three in the winter. The children are kept to reading between whiles. Many have reported, that the place is very unhealthy: which I believe is quite otherwise, considering it is a new settlement: a remarkable proof of which is, that not one have died out of the family, (into which many sick and almost starved children have been received, who have in a short time recovered) and but three or four out of the hospital, where many miserable objects have been taken in. I believe many, who now think the erecting an Orphan-house in that colony a mad scheme, would alter their sentiments were they here. Innumerable difficulties have certainly been overcome; but their affairs now look with a pleasant aspect. If the colony is allowed negroes, as it is thought it must and will be, they can, with about twenty negroes to manure the plantation, which contains five hundred acres of land, raise much
more provision than a larger family than this can expend, having already a fine live stock, which is daily increasing; so that in a few years, it is to be hoped, they will be able to support themselves. As to the state of religion here, particularly among the children, the power of G has, at times, been visible among them; and many of them have been brought under conviction, which seems lasting in some of the boys, and several of the girls: but most of the grown folks appear to be truly converted; and many, who have come as visitors, have been met with by the sovereign grace of G , and not sent empty away: may G grant I may make one of that number! Upon the whole, I think the institution to be of G : therefore it doth and will prosper.
Since this came to my hand, I have received more letters from Georgia, dated in May and June last, which also give me an account of the continuation of G ’s goodness to my dear family.
The Reverend Dr. Colman, in a letter he sent to a minister near Glasgow, part of which I find printed in a pamphlet entituled, The State of Religion in New-England, writes thus:
“Mr. Whitefield visited us in the right time, and found large contributions here: I doubt not but he will faithfully apply what he collected for his Orphan-house: but I have said to him, It will appear to me a greater wonder, if his faith is answered in that foundation, than that of Monsieur Franck’s, at Hall, in Prussia, was: the one being in the midst of Europe, the other on the confines of America. But the order and piety of the house is admirable, and so the progress of the settlement, alone as it is in the world, by the report of all that have visited it: but how it can subsist and flourish, and answer the Founder’s end, is the enquiry here, and will be a marvel in the providence of G , if it do so.”
The Reader may see, by this, the Doctor’s opinion of the Orphanhouse, and the testimony given concerning it by persons who have visited it, and who therefore cannot be unacquainted with its situation. They profess, “The order of the house is admirable, and so the progress of the settlement, alone as it is in the world.” How it can
subsist and flourish for the future, I am not solicitous about: G can help us in Georgia, as well as he helped Professor Franck in Germany. The earth is the L ’s, and the fulness thereof. I acknowledge him to be the founder of that house: he put it into my heart to build it: it has in a great measure already answered the end of its institution, and I am persuaded will do so more and more. The greatest outward difficulties, I humbly hope, are now surmounted. The workmen are all discharged, having fulfilled their contract, and carried on the work so far as to make every part of the house habitable. Our stock of cattle is pretty considerable, and appear to be in a flourishing condition. And, when once I am clear from all arrears, the Orphan-house will be supported at a very easy expence. The last parliament resolved to support the colony of Georgia: they have altered the constitution in two material points; they have allowed the importation of rum, and free titles to the lands. And if they should see good hereafter to grant a limited use of negroes, it must certainly, in all outward appearance, be as flourishing a colony as SouthCarolina. Not that we are without hopes, as Mr. Habersham writes me word in his last letter, of making a tolerable shift with white servants: the Saltzburghers do so already. There is a fresh body of them lately gone over, and some fresh troops to guard the frontiers of the colony. Not that I put any confidence in man, knowing that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but Providence ruleth all things: but, at the same time, I would act with the greatest caution and circumspection, and not tempt G by presuming on him without a cause. His having helped me and mine so often, encourages me to trust him again. He has put it into the hearts of some dear friends to give Mr. Habersham credit for cash during my absence; and his Excellency General Oglethorpe has been very friendly, having lent Mr. Habersham fifty pounds, and given the orphans nine barrels of flour: the L return him, and their other benefactors, ten thousand fold into their bosom!
But all this while, some will say, you give us no account of your collections in Scotland and elsewhere for near this year and an half. I will now do that to the best of my power, and likewise add an account of my disbursements; I say, my disbursements: for, having
had no particular account of what Mr Habersham has expended and borrowed since I have been from Georgia, I cannot possibly give an exact account of the whole; but I shall do it, G willing, immediately after my arrival at the Orphan-house, beginning where the former account left off. From that it appears, I was then upwards of eight hundred pounds upon arrears. Since that I have been absent near two years: and considering a family of eighty persons, or upwards, have been maintained, an infirmary kept up, the expence of further work done to the house, &c. it will not appear unreasonable that I should be still upwards of six hundred pounds on arrears; as I judge I am, from Mr. Habersham’s general intimations of cash he had borrowed in America, and what I have still to pay in England. But this will appear clear in the next account. In the mean while, the following accounts, I believe, will be satisfying to all the contributors¹: as for others, I do not think myself obliged to give them any account at all, any further than that I am commanded to provide things honest in the sight of all men. Neither do I believe, that this, or any account I can give, will satisfy captious men that are resolved to find fault: our Saviour himself could not please such. And if even good men can be so far prejudiced as to say, “The late glorious work at Cambuslang, is all delusion, and a work of the devil,” I do not wonder if some of his professed children speak all manner of evil of this undertaking: neither should I wonder after this, if they should affirm there was no such thing as an Orphan-house in being, though it was built but a few miles off them.
¹ The accounts of particular receipts and disbursements are omitted, by reason of their vast length; and likewise, as the public have already examined them, and received full satisfaction.
As for the aspersions that have been cast upon me, as though I collected money to enrich myself, it gives me little or no concern; the apostle Paul was branded as one that made a gain of people; but G knows the heart: at the day of judgment I will prove those persons liars. Professor Franck met with unspeakably more
contempt and calumny, whilst he was building the Orphan-house in Germany: he began very low, and left behind him an Orphan-house which contains now, if I mistake not, two or three thousand students, notwithstanding the erecting it, was attended with as many improbabilities as this in Georgia: he has been dead about fourteen or sixteen years. His son now succeeds him in the care of the Orphan-house: I have had the pleasure of corresponding with him. An account of this Orphan-house was printed in his life-time, and it has been very strengthening and beneficial to my soul.
If any, by reading this, shall be inclined to contribute any thing, either in money or goods, I trust G will give me grace to apply it faithfully.
I am not ashamed to beg for G on this occasion; because my going to Georgia, and erecting the Orphan-house, was one great means in his hand, of bringing me out to preach the everlasting gospel in so many places, and to many thousands of poor perishing souls, who I doubt not (be it spoken with all humility) will evidence my commission thereto, by being my joy and crown of rejoicing in the last day. Blessed be his holy name, he has not left himself, nor me his servant, without witnesses of this sort in Scotland! Many, I trust, since this time twelvemonth, have been made to taste that the L is gracious, and have in an effectual manner felt the powers of the world to come: such in particular, I trust, will lift up holy hands in prayer for me, and for the prosperity of the Orphan-house, that the enemies of our holy religion may never have cause to triumph over its ruins, saying, There, there, so would we have it. I look upon the Orphan-house as a great part of my charge; a family given me by G , to be supported and taken care of, for himself. Its very beginnings are not small; its latter end, I believe, will greatly increase. He that believeth, should not make haste to contemn the undertaking, or my conduct in carrying it on, seeing it has already evidently appeared to be of G , by the countenance and success he has given to both. And since the L , by his providence, has connected the care of this family with my preaching the gospel, by making it a means of first bringing me out, and ever since has been
pleased to continue the care of it upon me; I think myself bound in duty, to recommend it in the strongest manner to all people amongst whom I am called to preach the kingdom of G . Neither do I think myself justly blameable for running so much in arrears on its account, since the L , in all places where he has been pleased to send me, has inclined the hearts of people to be ready to distribute, and willing to communicate on this occasion: and, I doubt not, will yet dispose the hearts of his people here and elsewhere, to be my farther assistants by their charitable contributions, seeing I am so necessarily engaged in the affair He that giveth to these poor orphans, lendeth to the L ; and look, Whatsoever he layeth out, it shall be repaid him again.
Those who, notwithstanding what has been said, still continue in suspense, I would entreat them at least to pray for me, that in this, and all my undertakings for the church of C , I may go on with an even, humble, resigned, chearful mind, and single eye to G ’s glory; and then, I doubt not but they will see a happy issue of this work, and future ages have reason to bless G , for ever putting it into my heart to build an Orphan-house in Georgia
September 22, 1742.
Since the writing of this, I have heard of the Spaniards making a descent upon Georgia. I cannot say the news of it damped me at all; because, I humbly hope, the L will not give that colony over as a prey into the enemy’s hand. The place where they landed, is about one hundred miles to the southward of the Orphan-house: and, supposing it should be taken, I do not repent the erecting it, because the ♦advantages that have flowed already from it, as appears from my accounts, have abundantly answered the pains and expence it has cost. What is due upon arrears, as it has been already laid out, and is a debt contracted for G , I doubt not but he will incline the hearts of his servants to help me by their contributions to discharge it. At the same time, I am not without expectations, that this very attack of the Spaniards will be over-ruled for the good of the Orphanhouse, and be made a means of freeing the colony from their future
insults: for as Georgia is a frontier colony, and stands as a barrier to all the other English provinces, it is reasonable to believe, they will all unite in its defence and protection. But my trust is in the L ; and, through the mercies of the Most High, I humbly hope this undertaking will not sink, but become more and more beneficial to Georgia and the neighbouring provinces day by day. Let all that love the L J say, Amen!
♦ “advanvantages” replaced with “advantages”
September 27, 1742.
Since the foregoing papers have been in the press, I have received a letter from Mr. Habersham, superintendant of the Orphanhouse affairs, in which he writes as follows:
Savannah, July 14, 1742.
My dearest Brother and Friend,
ABOUT four days ago I wrote you very fully in relation to our present state and circumstances, from Mr. John Bryan’s. I hope our dear family are well there. When my last comes to hand, you will find we removed there for fear of the Spaniards, who came in upon Georgia like a flood. I hope the General will yet stand his ground, though the enemy is so numerous. I hear he destroyed and took one hundred and seventy of the enemy last Thursday. G only knows what he is about to do with us. Brother Grant and I are here, to take care of our house and goods. I hope G will direct us in our distress. Surely you will now, if possible, come over. I believe the bearer is gone; I must have done. Farewel, Farewel. Brother Grant gives his love. I must conclude by broken lines.
Yours,
J. H.
P. S. Absolute hurry and necessity obliges me to write thus.
This letter gave me much comfort, as it brought me the welcome news that my dear family was safe. This Mr. Bryan was converted at the Orphan-house, and is a wealthy planter in South-Carolina. I admire the providence of G , in raising him up to take care of the little lambs in this time of their distress. I hope ere now they are returned to their Bethesda in peace.
Blessed be G I have not been disappointed of my hope. For since my return to London, I have received the following letters, which give a more particular account both of their tryal and deliverance, and for which I desire to praise our great and gracious G .
From Mr. Habersham, at Mr. Jonathan Bryan’s Plantation in South-Carolina, July 11, 1742
My dearest Friend and Brother,
GOD’s ways are in the deep; the L only knows what he is about to do with your dear family. Here at Mr. Bull’s and at Mr. Hugh Bryan’s they sojourn at present, and all, blessed be our gracious J , in pretty good bodily health. Distress from the hands of the Spaniards (under G ) seems to be coming upon poor Georgia, and perhaps upon this colony also. Our afflictions have been heavy: the L only enabled us to bear up under them; but I really believe we have tasted but the first fruits of our trials. Was it not for a persuasion that G can, yea, will help us, we must sink under a prospect of impending difficulties. About the 25th of last month several Spanish galleys came into Cumberland sound, a little to the South of St. Simon’s, where the General’s forces are encamped. The General himself in a deal cutter, accompanied with two boats, was attacked by them, and had a very wonderful escape. The gallies went off as though they would go to Augustine; but a day or two after returned, attended with several schooners, sloops, and ships of force to St. Simon’s. Several days they lay within sight of the General’s camp. When we heard this, we kept a day of fasting,
prayer, and humiliation, to ask direction of our great shepherd what we should do. As the Spanish fleet had then made no inroad upon the General, we concluded to stand still and wait upon G . The 5th instant the Spanish fleet run into St. Simon’s Sound, up the river that leads to Frederica. The fleet, I hear, consisted of thirty-five or thirtyseven vessels; and notwithstanding the General fired upon them from his battery, and two privateers, and other vessels did the same, they passed without seeming to regard them, and landed a great number of people at Gascoign’s Bluff on St. Simon’s. The General seeing himself encompassed about with enemies, ordered several sloops, New-Yorkers, laden with provision to be sunk; his privateer sloop was burnt, and Captain Thomson and the ♦schooner made the best of their way to the North. The General is now surrounded by the Spaniards upon an island, without having one vessel of any bigness to carry him and his army off. He retreated from St. Simon’s (burnt all the hutts, houses, &c. there) to Frederica, and gave leave for the women and children, and I think all except his fighting people, to make their escape.
♦ “scooner” replaced with “schooner”
The 17th instant several boats full of people passed by our house, and informed us of the above, and that it was thought the General’s army would be entirely cut off, unless great assistance was immediately sent them, which it is likely could not be done soon enough. We all met together, and prayed to our dear Father, and afterward desired every one to speak their mind freely, what was necessary to be done in this emergency. We considered it would be impossible to move so many children, weak women, and babes in their arms away upon a sudden approach of the enemy; that we were so locked in, that we could not get through the Narrows with our boats but four hours in twenty-four, and unanimously agreed to move them away directly. But we had one great objection to get over, the glory of G ; we thought the providence of G plainly pointed out our removal; and if the Spaniards should be permitted to take and burn all before them, we should be accessary to the death of
eighty-five poor creatures, and likewise bring a reproach upon religion, through our disregard of using means for our preservation. Our friends thought things might not be so bad as reported, and concluded to stay that evening at the Orphan-house, while I should go to Savannah to ask the advice of friends, and likewise be better informed about it. Accordingly I went about nine that evening, and returned at three in the morning. The news I had confirmed from the persons who had fled from Frederica; and our friends at Savannah advised us to move. Mr. Jones offered to lend me any assistance to do it. The next morning, as delays might be dangerous, we took as many goods out of the house as the boats would conveniently carry with the people. We had none about us but Mr. K――’s and G――’s family, and two sick men in the infirmary, and in all made about eighty-five or eighty-six persons. Then we had another difficulty to grapple with: we knew not where to go. If we went to Ebenezer, we had no opportunity of providing so large a body of people with provisions, and might be in as much danger there as at Bethesda. If we went to Carolina, we considered that it was there, in all probability, the enemy wanted to be, and were destroying Georgia in order to get there with the more safety. But believing we should be better able to make our retreat to the Northward from Carolina, if necessity should oblige us, and also should be better able to supply the family with victuals, we came here last night about twelve o’clock, and were received kindly by our dear friends, who think we have done right in moving.
Mr. Barber who superintends the spiritual affairs of the family, in a letter dated near the same time writes,—“That as they were on their passage, they heard guns firing all round them, which occasioned them to think they were in the midst of their enemies.—This brought them into straits, not knowing which way to take to avoid falling into their hands.—But the L giving them to strengthen themselves in him, they ventured on, and got safe to the shore; where they were informed, that the guns they had heard, where in Carolina, firing to alarm the province of the danger they apprehended they were in from the Spaniards. What those guns were that they heard firing
from other quarters they did not know; most probably their enemies, whom the L directed them to shun by taking the way they did.”
Mr. Habersham, again says,—How it is with Georgia, I have not heard these three days; but as we left a great quantity of goods at the Orphan-house, and fearing that it might be plundered, brother Grant and I, with four hands, are in a few minutes to go there. I think, as we have moved away the helpless people, if the enemy should come, we can the better make our escape. O my brother, I hope you will not blame us.—A sense of so many souls being liable to be destroyed, was very burdensome, and called for speedy acting. I know not whether I shall be ever able to write to you again. Perhaps some friends that I leave behind me here may, and then they will tell you of all our difficulties. It is hard to leave my dear friends and children, my wife and little babe; but duty obliges me to go; I have no time to say any more; what I have written has been in great hurry. Pray pardon my abruptness. If I never see you, or write more, let me assure you of my love. I hope I need not now use any arguments to persuade you to come over. Farewel, farewel, farewel.
Yours, for ever,
’Tis past one in the morning.
James Habersham.
From Mr. Habersham, at Mr. Bull’s plantation in SouthCarolina, July 27, 1742.
My dear Friend and Brother
,
IWROTE you the 4th, 11th, and 14th instant. Doubtless the contents of my letters will give you some concern, and will be a means of hastening you over to us. I hope you will find us at our desired habitation. Hitherto the L seems to be on our side, and fights our battles. News is lately come from the General, that the Spaniards have moved off in great confusion; but it is not sufficiently confirmed; when it is, we purpose moving to Bethesda In mine of
the 11th instant, I informed you, according to my knowledge of the state of your family, and the colony till that time. I told you brother Grant and self were just returning to Georgia. We soon got there, and found our goods and house safe. John Goldwire, I, and a boy, staid at Bethesda while brother Grant went to Carolina, and returned with two boats. In the mean time we heard the General had engaged twice with a party of the Spaniards, and killed and taken one hundred and fifty of them, and that the enemy was so intimidated, and the General’s army so encouraged, that there was great expectations that the Spaniards would soon be drove off the island. G was pleased at this time to bring me very low by bodily illness, so that I was almost incapable of making any escape, if the enemy had been suffered to come upon us, having a hundred miles to ride through bad swamps, to my friends in Carolina. Likewise there was no one there, nor at Savannah, to give me any relief.
The 20th instant, having left three people at Bethesda, and our family wanting necessaries at Carolina, brother Grant and I returned with most of our goods. When we now left Bethesda, we were not very apprehensive of any danger of staying ourselves, or leaving the goods there; but as I was obliged to seek for some assistance, and our dear people wanted things we had there, we thought it was but a very little more trouble to load the boats. I have many times intended to write to you since I came here, but was not able conveniently till to day, but I bless G I feel myself much better in health. As far as I can learn, the General has behaved himself exceeding well, and the L has wonderfully ordered things for him, contrary, I believe, to his own and others expectations. His clemency to the Spanish prisoners, his confidence, prudence, and courage throughout the whole affair is so conspicuous, that his greatest enemies cannot impeach his conduct. I don’t as yet hear, that he has lost (except by accident) above three or four men. Indeed the hand of G has been evidently against the boasting enemy. Some say near fifty vessels set out at first to invade us, but in their passage, which is usually run in a week or ten days, they were fifty days, and by some means fifteen of them were separated from the rest, and did not come up to them at St. Simon’s. They first proposed to land in
Carolina, and cause an insurrection among the negroes; to that end they brought a number of negroes, to head and persuade our negroes (I suppose) to revolt. But being so long on their passage, they wanted water, and were obliged to put in at St. Simon’s. In their council of war there, they said they would soon cut off the General and his few men, and did not doubt but to settle and regain King Philip’s dominions, yea, even as far as the Capes of Virginia. I should have wished you had been present when we consulted about fleeing for our lives; it would have been great satisfaction to us all; but I am of opinion, you would not have staid with the great troop of little ones, under the apprehension of so much danger. I have met with none but what have approved of what we did.
Every one, I believe, are willing to contract expences.—I hope, nay I am assured, that all things shall work together for good; and I am of opinion, we shall all have reason to bless G for every, yea, especially for his late awful dispensation.—The deliverances we have had are many and wonderful, and he that has done much can do more. In regard to the Spaniards, they came like a flood, but the L can save by few as well as by many
From Mr. Habersham.
Bethesda, August, 19, 1742.
IMy dearest Friend and Brother,
HOPE ere this reaches you, you have received mine of the 4th, 11th, 14th, and 27th of July last, and that you see your way clear to come to us. Blessed be G we have reason to conclude the Spaniards have entirely left the colony, and we are now very comfortably settled again. The deliverance the L has wrought for us by the General, I think is the most remarkable I ever heard or read of, except some instances recorded in the Old Testament. It is so manifest, that “Surely G has fought our battles,” is in the mouth of every one, whatever may be in their hearts. I cannot now mention particulars, being much streightened for time; at Savannah the poor people are almost all sick; four have been cut off. At Frederica
likewise, and at Mr Bryan’s, and other neighbours, they are in the same condition. We have also many down. G has been chastising us with whips, but now seems to be scourging us with scorpions. O that the goodness and patience of G may lead us to repentance! We have a good crop on the ground, and have none to gather it in but the few boys. Brother Hunter has his hands full, and is chiefly at Savannah. It is but little we buy abroad.—We hunt and kill our own stock, and have potatoes and corn enough of our own. I am but poorly, as is dear brother Barber, who is singularly useful at this trying time.—What should I have done without him? I have much to say to you. Indeed I hope you are now in your passage to us. We cannot but expect you. B. Grant hurries me to conclude. Please to give my tender love to your wife, and all with you, and believe me to be
Your affectionate servant in our L ,
J. Habersham.
