SeveredEben’s fingers were covered in a thick white substance which was now spider-webbing over the back of his hand. Her flesh formed around the sides of his palm. Trying to consume his hand.Dorin, The Captain of the Guard, immediately began commanding his force. Turning on Zierno. “You and your men get back!”Zierno glared at him.“Now!”Guards caught Zierno’s arms and began pulling him away from Eben.Drawing his sword, Dorin spoke to Eben. His tone calm, uncaring, despite the chaos. “When I tell you, pull away from it as hard as you can.”The beast was tossing its head. Eyes flaring red and then going gold alternately. Shaking as though having some inward struggle.Dorin intends to take advantage of that.Zierno could see it unfolding.“Don’t!” He shouted at Eben, struggling against the guards holding him. “If you miss, you could kill him!”“Do it!” Dorin ordered.Lip curled in disgust and teeth gritted Eben gave a stiff nod. He threw his weight backward, yanking the mare’s flex
RecompenseEben was shouting in his face. Intent on hanging the animal’s head above his mantle in vengeance for her crimes.It struck Zier that doing so would be quite a shame. She is one of a kind.He remembered how trustingly she’d allowed him to lead her into the castle.Zier’s brows drew together, and his chest was heaving with his anger. Furious that Eben would accuse him of purposely betraying him.And then tell me what to do with the prize I acquired.Yes, Zierno had intended her to be Eben’s but the thought of slaughtering her in the King’s name seemed a damn shame.“It’s a waste of a powerful beast.” Zier objected.“I’ll make that decision, Mercenary.” Eben hissed.Twice today, he’s reminded me how low I am.Gritting his teeth, Zierno collected his sword and spun. His cloak billowing around behind him as his boots clicked over the marbled floor. He adjusted it over his shoulder. Straightening where it dangled, from his recent toil.Storming through the doors of the Receiving
RefugeI have to get her somewhere safe. It was Zier’s only thought.Even as he heard the clatter of armor coming through the castle.And drawing nearer the stables.A knot tied his gut.Keep her safe. Get her away from here. He’d never felt such a strong compulsion to do anything in his life.She looked utterly helpless, and some piece of his soul knew that she needed him on a level that he could never have articulated.He was anxious that someone was going to catch him. Catch sight of her.Without knowing why, he was certain that would prove dangerous.EBENEben restlessly paced his personal chambers.Filled with something between fury and remorse, it was impossible for him to quiet.“What’s wrong, Liege?” Dorin asked. Watching him with a flicker of annoyance.“My closest friend has betrayed me.”“The mercenary?”“He’s a bit more than that.” Eben snapped. “As you are aware.”Dorin had been Captain of the Guard when he and Zier were still young yet. He had seen their friendship bloom
An IrritantDorin returned, gripping Liba’s arm and dragging her into the King’s chambers.Eben awaited her, sitting on the edge of his bed.“Service your King.” Dorin thrust her into the chamber and closed the door. Turning the lock as she rounded to slap the wood, desperately trying to flee.She spun back toward Eben as he crossed the room. Catching her by the throat and holding her against the door. “There you are, Slave.”“P-please…My King. Not-not tonight…I…”“I don’t care.” He dismissed. With his other hand he wrenched the dress she wore to the side. Exposing the thin leather strap covering her nipple. He hooked it with a finger and scooted it aside. Seeing that the red marks wearing into her shoulder was lessened today.“You’ve taken this off.” He batted her face.Making her gasp and her cheek redden.“What have I told you?”“I never take it off, My King.” She gripped the hand tightening on her neck. Giving him a wide-eyed look.“My King?” He snapped acidly.“Master.” She corre
Sacrificed“The others?” Dorin reared back in affront. “Is that how you qualify me?”“You’re not protecting me!” She defended.“Get up.” He said coldly.She climbed to her feet, holding herself, trying to keep the leather straps from pulling at her.Dorin caught her viciously by the arm and began pulling her as roughly as he’d brought her.“No! Please stop.”“Shut up.” He snapped. Clearly disillusioned, he walked her back to the door of the dungeons. Looking around to ensure no one saw as he turned the key and shoved her down. Pushing at her shoulders while she squealed in agony every time her step was rushed.“Men.” He announced from the bottom of the stairs. Making the five knights watching prisoners there, turn to him. “This woman is no longer under my protection. Have at her.”One of them rose immediately.Liba gave Dorin a begging look, but he’d already given her his back and was heading back upstairs.Ignoring her shouts as the knights dragged her further into the dungeon chambe
Demons WithinShe was squealing but with her face jammed in the hay, it was of no consequence to him. Notes he barely heard.He guided himself towards her fine puckered hole. So excited he was nearly shaking in anticipation. Certain her small frame guaranteed she’d be tight. He pushed parted her cheeks with his palms and positioned himself, so he hooked just in the entrance. He lurched up to align with her and pushed past the tense muscles guarding the opening and well into her narrow back channel. Sinking into the heat which gripped him. Feeling like its warmth was tugging him in further.He moaned in pleasure. Going still, as he savored her heat and tautness. Which were clutching at him beckoning him in further. He strained to touch deeper. Leaning over her, he felt her soft skin under his chest and couldn’t resist flattening out over her. Resting his legs along the back of hers until her small body was entirely covered by his larger one. His swollen belly resting perfectly in the c
The King's PropertyFrowning, Zier stared at his friend. Shocked that the king would say such a thing aloud.Before his subjects.He’s clearly possessed.Zier cast a startled gaze down at the woman in his arms. What is she?Zierno’s gaze returned to the lustful king. He’s no more Eben now than he was when he yearned for the Kelpie.Zierno’s chest tightened. I’m on dangerous ground.It was obvious from the king’s face that denying him now would constitute a grave act of disobedience.He could have me beheaded.But Zierno could see the darkness in the king’s eyes. The shadows that danced over them, told Zier that he would harm the girl.As surely as the wind blows.Zier envisioned all the women the King kept for his pleasure. Numerous slaves at his whim.Yet, he’s determined to have this one.Zier’s eyes fell from Eben to her.She turned her face to meet his gaze. Her perfect features revealing nothing. Still shivering in his arms, she exuded vulnerability and helplessness.Zier’s need
Defying the KingHeretic rounded the corner.People leapt from the stallion’s path as his heavy hooves threw up clods of dirt. The guards pulled the king from the destrier’s path and leapt sideways.Spotting Zierno, Heretic lurched to a stop, dirt piling up over his hooves. Rounding to stand next to him.Quickly sheathing his sword Zierno stared at them all challengingly as he smoothly mounted. Keeping their eyes as he tilted to reach for the girl. Offering his hand to her.Without hesitating, she slipped her small, bloodied, hand into his.He pulled her up in-front of him. His arm wrapping her waist, dampening with blood as he held her in the saddle before him.Catching Heretic’s mane, he heeled the mount who lurched forward. Heretic tore through the bailey. People cleared a path for them. Zierno looked past her shoulder to see the pale hand gripping the mane in a white-knuckled fist. She didn’t object, didn’t fight.Clearly in shock.“Stop him! Kill him and bring me the woman!” Eben
Physical GreedShe pulled him mechanically toward her, flexing him into her throat until she finally had to gasp for air. She suctioned off him with a pop, heaving for air and looking at him with watering eyes.“Holy Hell, Woman.” He shook his head in wonder. “You are certainly set for the crazy house.”“Shut up and fuck me.” She laid flat and guided him down her body. Stroking him down the crease between her rising breasts and down the plane of her belly.He slid his knees back to keep up with her.She guided him down along her belly button and through the small nest of gold hair and to her slit. Roughly rubbing him along her so he popped up under her hood before sliding back down toward her tail.Then forward again.He fell over her in a half pushup.She lifted her hips to meet him. Hooking her feet along his backside as she rose up to leverage her body over him. Sinking him into her brutally.He gasped at the sudden feel of her heat. Sucking him into her until his base rested again
Captain Dorin's IntentDORINDorin knew but would not be the one to report it to the king.Giving a brief nod at the king’s commands he backed from the Receiving Room and strode smoothly across the bailey. Sweat still touched his hairline from his illness the night passed. A sweet maid named Marie had helped soothe his ills but he could still feel his pallor lingering today. A bite in the wind helped add life to his cheeks, as did the thought of finally killing Zierno.The boy had never been anything but trouble. He’d charmed the king young and proceeded to climb into his favor every day after that.Dorin had hungered for the throne his whole life. He’d made a pretty name for himself amongst the kingdoms as a respected commander, an ingenious warlord.Despite his illness he intended to take the throne before his illness gripped him fully. For years he’d struggled against the rasping cough and growing fatigue but today there was a spring in his step and a greedy glitter to his eye.Wit
No Lady“I am no warrior, lady. A mere mercenary.”“And I am no lady.” She corrected. “You fear me a Dread but address me as more. Why?”He frowned. He had no real answer to offer.I don’t know. He suspected it was because she presented herself as nearly regal.It feels like I should give her a title.Releasing her warm hand, he abruptly he rose and dusted off his pants. Time to end this conversation.“Your suffering seems to have abated. I have much to do to build us a suitable shelter.”She was silent, merely watching him with her penetrating brown gaze.He gave her his back and strode to the entrance. Pausing in the entryway he looked over his shoulder. “I would caution you though, lady. I’ve spoken more to you than most…and I would find my own answers soon enough.”If you’re unwilling to give them to me, I’ll go find them.Her jaw tightened, but her face was unreadable.Still not talking.MIERNEPHENOnce he’d left the shack, Miernephen relaxed.The warrior saw everything. Missed n
Don't Touch It!Zierno was disturbed by Lofan’s hut. But that nervousness abated as he banished thoughts of it from his mind. Refusing to dwell on the odd circumstances.Especially, since he could make no ready sense of them.But as he rode back toward the shack, the fine hairs on his neck began to spike and he shuddered.The energy in the woods had changed.His heart sped minutely, and his instincts were telling him that something wasn’t right in the forest.The urge to get back to the woman was overwhelming. He could nearly hear her shouting for him in his mind.Help me. A rushed whisper that seemed to echo to him from every direction all at once. Echoing as though small creatures were whispering it back to each other. Desperate for him to hear the call.He looked around. Swearing that he saw eyes in the bark of trees nearby, the figure of a creature standing near a shrub, wearing leaves all along its silhouette.Pushing Heretic hard he ran throughout the cool night, weaving Heretic
Her NameMost of The Netherlands feared entering Feglen Forest. Legends abounded about this place. Whispers which foretold that dark fey, as well as good, roamed these woods.It was oft believed that both could quickly become dangerous to humans if crossed.One could cut down the wrong tree and piss them off.The fog hung over everything today, reaching over the ground like searching fingers, combined with the overwhelming sense that eyes were everywhere. Sending all his senses into high alert. Which had him jumping at the slightest sounds.Branches creaked and leaves scraped together even when the breeze stopped, like creatures peeled from the bark to peer at Zier as he made his way through their woods.It’s an eerie feeling. He didn’t like it. Not in the least. Imagining that vines along the forest floor might unravel from beneath the leaves to catch Heretic’s feet any moment.He could see why people might believe such things after a morning travel in the fog shrouded forest. Moss c
What We NeedIt took Zierno several more hours to build a makeshift hut. He worked diligently, pulling his tunic off to get more air, he constructed a pitiful shack against a rock face with what materials were available in the woods. Looking over his shoulder he caught the woman watching him unabashedly. Blatant approval on her face.Strange creature.Her unblinking gaze was disconcerting.He’d been scrubbing Heretic with thrushes from the forest floor but saw that the horse was badly in need of at least a blanket against the weather. Knowing it would take him several more days to build a second shack he’d intended to bring Heretic into the small shelter with them that evening but was already seeing they were in desperate need of supplies and he needed to get them before word got out that he was wanted.We can hunker here but not without supplies.“I’m going to have to go get some things.” He murmured. More to himself than to her. But she responded.“You need to go see Lofan.”“The so
CalledHer body was spasming. Convulsing so much it reminded him of a sickly elder he’d once witnessed have the tremors.But that’s not what this was.He could feel it was something different. Darker.She moved like she was in inescapable pain. Her face contorted in both pain and fear.Zierno slid over on his knees. Putting a hand to her belly to try to calm her.“What’s going on?” He asked urgently. “What are you doing?”She unraveled her legs from beneath her and tossed open the cloak, squirming over the leaves.“Get inside me, Assassin Zierno!” She cried desperately. Her face scrunching in pain.Inside? He eyed her in horror.Inside her? His gaze slid to where he knew the nest of hair guarding her sex would be but couldn’t imagine doing the act while a woman flung herself around as she was.It’d be damn near impossible!And wrong.“Much as that’s a tempting prospect, you look in no condition for that, Woman.” He cautioned. Easing back from her.She caught his arm and yanked him bac
Her Proposal“You’ll have no need to kill me after that.” She urged. “I will be fully returned.”Returned?Zierno stared down at her and wondered if the woman was completely out of her mind.Yes. She is.“Woman what are you talking about?” He demanded in frustration, running his free hand through his hair.She refused to respond further. Clinging to him and staring up as though she could convey some message he wasn’t understanding.Growling in his throat, he caught her by the upper arm and yanked her to her feet. Shaking his head bemusedly as they strode into the woods.“Do whatever you want with me…” He echoed. Shaking his head. “Chain me up. Keep me for forty-seven days, she says.”He looked at her, following him numbly. “You have got to be the most, wild, unstable woman I’ve ever laid eyes on!”They went on foot for awhile. Giving Heretic time to recover from his run.What the devil am I doing? Zier chastised himself. Knowing he was only going to bring all of the Netherlands Knight
Defying the KingHeretic rounded the corner.People leapt from the stallion’s path as his heavy hooves threw up clods of dirt. The guards pulled the king from the destrier’s path and leapt sideways.Spotting Zierno, Heretic lurched to a stop, dirt piling up over his hooves. Rounding to stand next to him.Quickly sheathing his sword Zierno stared at them all challengingly as he smoothly mounted. Keeping their eyes as he tilted to reach for the girl. Offering his hand to her.Without hesitating, she slipped her small, bloodied, hand into his.He pulled her up in-front of him. His arm wrapping her waist, dampening with blood as he held her in the saddle before him.Catching Heretic’s mane, he heeled the mount who lurched forward. Heretic tore through the bailey. People cleared a path for them. Zierno looked past her shoulder to see the pale hand gripping the mane in a white-knuckled fist. She didn’t object, didn’t fight.Clearly in shock.“Stop him! Kill him and bring me the woman!” Eben