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F4: The Guildsman

By: xelliebabex



 (Author's note: This story is an entry into FAWC (Friendly Anonymous Writing Challenge), a collaborative competition among Lit authors. FAWC is not an official contest sponsored by Literotica, and there are no prizes given to the winner. This FAWC was based around the theme of music, with four songs given to choose from. The song that inspired this story was "Midnight Train to Georgia" by Gladys Knight and the Pips.) 

* * * *

"You have played a dangerous game and lost." The corpulent King of the North looked down on the youngest and most beautiful of his five wives with a sneer. The daughter of one of his greatest rivals, the Princess Kyelle had been gifted to him as a means to show loyalty to his crown. "It is disappointing that your father would risk your pretty neck in such a way. Is he so desperate to be king himself that he would gamble with his own child's life?" 

The young woman looked up at him with her tear streaked face, "Mercy My Lord, please I beg you." She looked furtively at his right hand where the great sword, lay idle in its sheath. She knew to plead her own innocence would incriminate her more in his eyes than her acceptance of his will. In truth, she had done nothing but try and befriend the other wives by doing their bidding. It was not one of her own birds she had set to flight with a secret message, but it was hard to tell which belonged to whom. All she could do was beg for mercy, not contradict the king, and hope that there was enough doubt on her side to give the reprieve she so desired.

"Mercy you shall have, little Kyelle," the king sat back in his chair. His spies had informed him that she was not to blame but that one of his other wives had set her on the path to her own destruction. He was not vain enough to believe this was done out of jealousy, moreover since the fall of the final southern realm a year ago the threat of civil war loomed even larger on the eastern border.

This charade with Kyelle, however, needed to be played out to catch the witch who placed her in such a position, in the act of treason. Nothing short of that would warrant her uncontested execution and with so many small annexed countries looking for a reason to revolt and sever ties with the throne he must be careful about whom he gave reason to do just that. He had his eyes firmly set on Lost Amberlei now to secure the pathway to the great eastern continent.

"Confine her to her quarters," he barked at the men who had brought her in, "And inform the queen that I will see her at my own leisure today." He waited until the young princess had left the room before turning to his page, "Inform my son that I wish to see him in council chambers." With that, he got up and left the room followed by his closest advisors.

* * * *

Connor pushed the giggling girl against the hard brick wall of the small room he had taken for the week. Burying his face in her neck, he let a guttural growl roll from his throat as he bit into the place where her shoulder met her neck. His large hands went up to tear at the threadbare cotton of the blouse that was visible above the tight corset and mauled at her breasts. The girl he pinned against the wall was no stranger to love making he knew, but even he was surprised as she hitched up her skirts and raised a leg over his hip grinding her cunt against his groin.

Pulling on the frayed rope that held his pants in place, he let them fall down and, without bothering with preliminaries, he entered her. The girl was a most enthusiastic partner, and he jammed his hand over her mouth to stifle her squeal of pleasure as he fucked her hard. Losing himself in the moment, he lowered his head and bit her again making her cry out in both pleasure and pain. 

A soft knock at the door had given small warning to the lovers before the pounding began almost matching time with his pounding heart as Connor came into the buxom young wench who cried out one last time before he pushed her away and pulled up his pants. Searching around eagerly Connor dove out of the window as the door splintered open, and the men behind it charged him. 

An hour later he stood in the shadow of a doorway as the night patrol passed by the corner he had been about to turn. He had managed to conceal himself within the rundown bars and brothels near the wharfs for several days gathering information. His mistake had been getting to close to the inn keeper's daughter, in his own defence; she was an adventurous young woman who was no stranger to some of the finer arts of love making. He might have gotten away with the tryst if she hadn't been so enthusiastic. Once again he adjusted the pants he had barely had time to pull up before he was set upon.

He shivered wishing he had time to grab his cloak as he had dived out of the window and wondered if it was too late to return for it. Connor leaned against the doorway considering his options. He needed to get to the western wharves. Few of the people dwelt near the edges of the stone city for fear of the forest and what dwelt within it. Surrounded by stone walls with heavy gates the only way in and out was via the wharves.

He stepped lightly out into the side street again making his way towards the shore front. Without the anonymity of his cloak, he felt exposed, as if any who looked at him could see through his shirt to the brand of his homeland. The wharves loomed before him; ships of the north and west lined the dock, he cursed that no independent captain seemed to have made this their port. Given recent events he could not blame them but still he did not relish the idea of a long trek through the forest as hunted prey.

Keeping to the shadows until he saw a lone sailor staggering along the alleyway, he stepped out and stood in his path. Having the advantage of height and width, he planted his feet then let the drunken sailor run into him before grabbing him in a friendly steadying motion until he righted himself and looked up at Connor through narrowed glassy eyes.

"Ho, there neighbour, you must have just arrived on that leaky tub to still have your sea legs on," Connor said with good humour. "Let me help you back to your ship."

"That'd be right neighbourly of ya, but I think I would like just one more tipple of that spiced wine muck, it improves on the tongue over time ya see and I'm almost t' tha point of liking it." The drunken sailor chuckled and lurched forward with Connor at his side. 

"You don't seem like a typical sailor, neighbour," Connor realized that, like himself, the man was not all that he seemed.

"And you my friend, are no Northman," The would-be sailor looked up at him shrewdly through bleary eyes. "Come have that tipple of muck with me and maybe we can find some common ground. I think I have a prize that would be worth the risk to you."

"What could you possibly offer me aside of your cloak?" Connor asked with menace in his tone despite being startled by the sailor's words.

"Georgia," the man said shrugging off the northern cloak he wore to reveal the jacket of an independent man. "Here take it," he held the cloak out to Connor. "That was your original plan, was it not?"

* * * *

Walking the deck with the young Prince Regent, Kyelle raised her face to the sun. She had missed the warmer climate of her homeland and the smell of the sea in the air. Unlike the Regents mother who lay below decks bemoaned the feeling that she might die and cursing the king for forcing her to accompany her son on this voyage, Kyelle enjoyed every moment of her pseudo freedom from the rigors of court life.

She looked forward to visiting the port towns on the island trading post between east and west. The whole point of her accompanying the young prince on this mission was to ensure that their ship would be welcome in both the Western and the Eastern port towns. While no love was lost between the two realms, as the great King annexed each small realm in his own country, the watching eyes of the eastern continent had noted the dangers of a conquering King and the fleet he had begun to amass.

Kyelle's family had a history interwoven with that of the people of the east. Being a coastal realm they had been amongst the first explorers to venture past the island of Last Amberlei to the east bringing back with them treasures including a young woman of the royal house who would go on to rule with her new husband. This woman was Kyelle's grandmother, who now resided in the eastern port town allowing commerce between the two nations to continue on reasonably friendly terms. 

As the full might of the King's war machine had descended upon their own realm, all of the women of the royal family had attempted to flee the final battle by ship but once stopped in the bay by the king's fleet, only her grandmother who had hidden as a scullery maid had remained on board the independent ship as the rest of the women were arrested and held hostage. 

Her fate was not to return home, and she accepted it as part of being the Lord's daughter and resigned to being gifted to the king by force, made the best of living in the cold northern land. When told she would be banished for a time to Lost Amberlei she had secretly been overjoyed at the idea of sailing again, she had missed being close to the sea.

"What are the names of the port towns again?" She quizzed Prince Nikolai.

"Can't we just have a pleasant walk," he sighed. "I know you didn't deserve this temporary exile, so can we just try and enjoy it?"

"I am enjoying it Prince Nikolai" she laughed and went to lean over the rail looking out over the vast expanse of water. "I had not realised how much I missed the sea." She looked at him as he came to the rail beside her, "Still, we are here for a reason, and you cannot insult any of these people; the ports are too important and while they have allegiances to your father they are independent states and you must act accordingly, and show them deference and at the very least remember their names."

"Isn't that why you and mother are here? To make sure I don't embarrass father?" He said petulantly making Kyelle smile. 

"Of course we will help you, but it is your voice they will look to not ours, and especially not mine. They will see me as nothing more than a courtesan. The fifth wife has no power but that of my family's elevation in rank amongst the nobles of the court now that they have shown their loyalty to the crown. You must remember; your father is not King of this realm, they will not bow and scrape before you. Now how will you address their Lord?" 

"It seems odd that a woman close to my own age should be mothering me so, quizzing me on my knowledge of other realms, can we not just be..." he moved closer his arm brushing against hers, "Friendlier? Your being a courtesan, and all," his voice has deepened to a husky whisper.

"I may be viewed that way by some," Kyelle stepped away, "but the fact remains that you need to remember I am the wife of your father, the King, not a plaything for his son." She turned to walk away, but he grabbed her arm and pulled her back to face him.

"Look around you. These are my men on my ship. You would do well to be friendly at this point," He sneered, and she saw not for the first time his father's menacing ambition in his eyes. Fear welled up in her, and her eyes darted for a means of escape. The ship suddenly rolled and banked sharply causing the prince regent and several of his men to lose their footing. Kyelle looked up at the old captain of their ship who had been watching her and nodded imperceptibly, then she took the opportunity to disappear below decks to the relative safety of the Queen's cabin. 

* * * *

Connor recovered quickly from his surprise; he had not expected his contact to be dressed as a northern sailor but then again he had not known what to expect from the small message he had received tied to the leg of an owl, "Meet. Lost Amberlei. Before full moon." The owls were used by only one clandestine network and while he was now seen as an independent adventurer, he had always been tied to the guild. He had joined the ranks of the now deposed southern Lord and had been there for the last big battle and the ultimate capitulation before making his way back to Lost Amberlei.

Brave to the point of stupidity and showing intelligence and maturity beyond his years he had rapidly grown through the ranks of his homelands special-forces, and been the youngest inductee to the guild. Even with his great skill, somehow though this wizened old sailor had fooled him, and he looked upon the man with new eyes as he pulled the dark cape over his shoulders.

Placing a hand in a show of camaraderie over the man's shoulders he spoke with a slight slur to his voice, "I knew a girl by that name once, a bawdy wench she was too, could dance with the grace of a hippopotamus wading in mud!"

"Ah, I know just the wench, she in a port out of... no, no, no, let me get it," the old man laughed as they staggered forward towards the door of an overcrowded tavern. With drinks in hand and ribald laughter they carried on a conversation about the plump dancing wenches of some unknown tavern in some unknown town, in the north. All the while their hands and fingers moved as if animating their stories, but they spoke instead in the secret language of the guild, the man opposite Connor was obviously a master and as he realised the depth of his companions instructions he believed this may be his chance for immortality. 

If this daring plan failed, his life would be forfeit, and he realised at that moment that to the guild he was expendable but should the plan succeed, the infamy of his deeds would be told in history books. Wasn't this why he had enlisted so many years ago, for fame and fortune, rather than the drudgery of working on the farm with his father and brothers? He had only days to act, and he was not sure if it would be enough time for his own plan to work.

* * * *

Kyelle had stayed with the ailing Queen for the rest of the voyage. The young Prince Regent's intentions having been made abundantly clear and the fact that his men had seemed to all but ignore the fact that he had grabbed her so roughly, even if they hadn't heard the conversation preceding it, made her very wary about finding herself alone in his company again. She longed to be up on the deck, and she wished she could have thanked the captain for his fortuitous intervention if it was indeed an effort to assist her.

Perhaps she was being too vain. Perhaps it was just coincidence that the ship had rolled at just the right time, perhaps she should be thanking the Gods. She wasn't truly sure which God she believed in anymore, so she thanked them all, just in case.

The Prince had become surly about her absence above deck, but the histrionics of the Queen as she wallowed in self-pity about the roll and pitch of the sea saved Kyelle from having to leave her side. Moreover, she demanded the young woman attend her rather than her own servants. 

"He is his father's son," the Queen murmured on a calm day when she had managed to sustain a little broth and bread in her ever queasy stomach, "You do well to resist him." She had laughed when Kyelle had gasped in shock, "You and I have never been what one would call friends, so what else could explain such devotion as to attend my sick bed day after cursed day on this barge." She sat up straighter in her bed and surveyed the girl.

"In truth, I have felt much better the last two days but I do not wish to see that vast expanse of water, it is frightening to know there is no land in sight," she smiled and patted the bed. "It seems for good or ill, you and I have been shipped off to the relative safety from the storm that brews in the capital. Skirmishes were brewing in the west and south at the last I heard, before we left. I guess it is too much to hope you really were spying or involved in court politics enough to entertain me with idle gossip," she sighed, "So tell me which of the witches we call sister wives put you up to sending the bird with the coded message." She laughed again at the expression of shock on Kyelle's face.

Over the following days, the two women bonded in a way neither had quite expected, sharing their experiences with the King and the court. The Queen had aspirations for her son, and they did not include being exiled because the young Prince defiled the King's pretty young trophy wife. The King was a very territorial man, sharing little even with those he professed to love. Paranoid and ruthless only a handful of trusted advisors knew him well, and they walked a precarious path to great wealth with the conquering King of the north.

The Queen took to asking her son to read to her in the early afternoon and instructed Kyelle to take fresh air up on deck during that time. Kyelle had worried in the beginning that there may be some plot afoot, but the Prince had begun to treat her more courteously from that first day of reading to his mother and she relaxed enough to enjoy her time in the fresh sea air. The captain seemed to watch her from a distance but never spoke to her directly. He nodded in deference if she caught his eye and smiled at him.

She wondered at the man and considered if it were only in her imagination that he had heroically saved her from the Prince. She felt there was something oddly familiar about him but could not quite place it. He looked as most sailors did; his weather beaten skin was brown and creased with deep lines; his sky blue eyes seemed to see everything all at once and, without even turning his head, he could yell at a man behind him who was slacking in his duties. His mouth though always seemed to quirk as if some mischievous secret laughter was held just a breath from escaping. 

She approached him after discussing the man with the Queen and said tentatively, "The first Queen wishes me to convey her gratitude that you have found calmer waters of late to sail us through." 

"Aye, the Gods seem to have heard her prayers," he said in his lilting brogue.

"A southerner!" Kyelle said, astonished that a southern man would be captain of the King's finest vessel.

"Aye Majesty," he nodded not furthering the conversation.

"How long do you think until we reach Lost Amberlei?" She was keen to hear him talk the accent almost feeling foreign to her even after only year in the King's palace.

"Hmm," he looked up and scratched at his beard, "we should see L.A. day after next if we don't find any troubled waters."

"That's wonderful news, thank you, Captain," she smiled broadly, "The Queen will be most happy. Thank you, again, Captain."

* * * *

Connor walked softly picking his path with care. He knew he was no more welcome in this forest than any other of his kind, but he had spent time here once shortly after arriving on the island and he had survived. If the plan of the guild was to succeed then he would need the help of the islands mysterious natives.

Appearing on the beach some decades before, explorers of the north had stopped on the small island between the two larger continents in an attempt to find a fresh water supply that would aid them in their journey. They had found a peace loving people who helped and guided them as well as traded some of the lush, warm pelts of the forest animals for tools and trinkets.

Keen to explore the island, they had sailed around it and traversed it mapping it carefully as they stayed relatively close to the beaches and only ventured into the dense forests with guides. The initial contact between the peoples had been harmonious and beneficial to both. In time though and with the explorers knowledge of other lands and cultures, merchants began to travel the sea routes set out for them by early explorers, stopping at the sheltered beach near a freshwater spring. 

All the while the guardians of the forest and its peoples had watched from a distance, wary of the newcomers and sensing the threat these men brought with them. In practised silence, they had shadowed the men, noting the scents, looks and sounds of the guttural noises they made. 


F4: The Guildsman



Men either shipwrecked or left behind began to build structures, initially with drift wood or broken timbers from scuttled ships, eventually moved into the forests to source their needs. They had begun to clear the forest slowly at first, almost imperceptibly, but then with increasing speed as more people arrived. The foreigners sent parties of exploration into the surrounding forest who upon meeting some of the more forward men and women of the local tribes had acted with sheer force and brutality decimating small villages close to the burgeoning city.

The retribution of the forest guardians had been swift and just as brutal, surprise being their main weapon they had taken no captives and moved on to the city with a speed only the guardians could maintain leaving their less gifted clan to clean up the bloody trail they left in their wake. Fiercely protective of their land and their peoples the guardians had left some few of the foreigners alive to leave the shores and tell their tale.

Connor believed he understood the people, they worshipped nature, took only what they needed from the land and cared for the forest and the creatures it housed. He found what he had been looking for and using the broken limb of a tree sprung the trap that had been set to capture the more adventurous of the townspeople, then sat back and waited.

"Did you bring me sweets?" the soft melodic voice sounded directly behind him. It shouldn't have surprised him that he hadn't heard her approach, but he jumped slightly in surprise, making the tall, dark woman laugh.

"Of course, I would not dare come without," he took one piece of the sweet fudge from his pocket and held it out on his palm in offering.

"Only one?" The woman queried, "Perhaps I should search you." A slow lascivious smile crossed her face. Connor had played the mating game of hunter and prey with the guardians before. He knew that to run was to court the woman's excitement, so he stared back at her unmoving.

"I need to talk with Oriah," he said evenly his heart hammering in his chest, "Then I will play with you and you can have all the sweets you find."

"You're no fun anymore Connor," she stepped from the shadows to take the treat with a sulky pout. "You have got fat and lazy," she eyed him critically. 

"Don't look so glum, Odine. If Oriah deigns to help me, I will bring you some fit young men to play with who will stand in awe of your prowess," he smirked seeing her preen at the compliment.

"Keep up then, you look like you couldn't out run a child," Odine turned and began to jog through the trees with Connor hot on her heels.

* * * *

When the island of Lost Amberlei came clearly into sight several days later, the Captain dropped the anchor swiftly bring the Prince Regent up on deck in a burst of speed fuelled by anger. From their position directly below the deck on which the Captain stood the two Queens could hear the exchange between the two men quite clearly.

"Why have you dropped anchor?" The Prince demanded in a screeching burst of noise, "L.A. is just there!" he gestured wildly toward the not too distant island.

"Well now you see," the captain drawled and poked up at the afternoon sun. "The sun be long gone before we get that far 'n' none of them there Lords would be down the docks to greet you and your good mother. Best we go in on the morning tides, don't you think? Make them greet you, all proper like."

"They will come because I am their Regent!" The Prince said pompously.

"Your father may be King of all the land to the west of here, but these men are privateers. They allow you to hold court here because it suits them. Because you are the son of the King, just as they do for the Kings of the east. These are calculating men; you will get nowhere fast if you expect them to play your game of thrones." The man gave his unsolicited advice.

"My mother the Queen, longs for the feel of solid land beneath her feet, you will continue on our journey and reach land as soon as possible," the Prince refused to back down and let the captain best him. There was a slight cough behind him and one of his mother's men stepped forward.

"If you would excuse my interruption, your Majesty," he said with due respect, "The Queen sends her gratitude for your fore-thought of a small rest so she may prepare herself properly to meet the Leaders of Lost Amberlei with all the grandeur and ceremony that should befit the family of the great King of the north." He paused briefly as the Prince gaped at him. "She further requests that her son attends her to discuss the appropriate decorum for such an occasion."

"I will be back," the now surly Prince addressed the captain and stalked below decks not waiting to see the captain touch his forehead and give a half bow. It was not lost on Kyelle, however, as she appeared on deck a moment before the Prince disappeared below. The haste with which all the sailors worked to secure the ship for the evening was astonishing to her as almost unseen, she walked to the aft and stared out over the rail towards the west hoping she would be able to stay long enough to see the sky change colour with the setting sun.

Losing herself in thoughts of her homeland, and her younger years spent in the cliff top palace of her family, the time floated past her, and she gazed on the orange and pink horizon. She was glad that the Queen had seen fit to curtail her son's bad manners. She was so caught up in her memories of sunsets over the sea that she almost didn't notice the small boat drift away from the ship as the evening darkened. It silently moved through the water, the expert oarsman dipping and swinging the wooden paddles through the water without a sound. 

"Majesty," the captain appeared beside Kyelle making her jump. 

"Oh Captain, I am so sorry I was so lost in thought, I haven't enjoyed a sunset so much in over a year," Kyelle was unsure if the small boat carried stowaways or forerunners to alert the people of the island on their imminent arrival but she decided that the all-seeing captain would have known, he missed nothing that happened aboard his ship, so she feigned ignorance.

"Red sky at night, sailors delight," he quoted the old fisherman's tale making her smile. "May I escort you down to dinner, your Majesty?" he offered his arm and they slowly walked back toward the royal apartments without a backwards glance.

* * * **

Connor had seen the distant flare sail through the night sky last night, and as he made his way back to the township he saw the signal sail through the night sky again close enough to let him know the ship would arrive in the morning. The suspicious guardians saw the bright arcs as an omen of things to come and gave him an escort back through the dark forest to meet his destiny.

Oriah, oracle to the guardians had thrown her bones and deemed his request worthy of her peoples assistance. While the matriarch of the guardians enjoyed sporting with Connor the real power of the people lay with their oracles and Oriah distrusted all outsiders. It had taken all of Connors powers of persuasion to get her to even hear his request.

He had appealed to their protective instincts explaining that the conquering King had taken the last bastion of freedom in the west and now set his sights on Lost Amberlei. He told them that the King was sending his wife and his son as a precursor to his mighty army to take their island from their control and use it as a stepping stone to the east. 

The richer more culturally aware Kings of the east had no such intentions. In fact, they loathed the idea of war and required only their own small trading port on the island, gifted to them by the guardians. The east would do nothing to aid the island unless they themselves were threatened. As much as they enjoyed the trade pact with the west their economy was not driven by it, and they were just as happy to shut their borders to the west should the west win the island.

Connor cringed inwardly as Oriah had weighed his words using the gifts of prophecy and premonition. In truth, the east had sent the guild many years past to infiltrate the west. It suited them to ensure instability in the region, the populous west were a war mongering people, and if they united under one banner they would be unstoppable much as the King was now except that he did not rule a truly united land and the guild had plans in place now to bring his empire down around his ears. 

Oriah had weighed his words and judged him using the ancient bones and rainforest magic of her people. The threat itself was deemed real and Connor, despite Oriah's misgivings, was given audience with the high council or at least the guardians version of it. Plans were made, and Connor was sent back to his people to make his own preparations.

The forest finally thinned and his escorted faded into the background as she stealthily approached the wall and scaled with practised ease. He made his way quickly down along the wharf front to a nondescript hovel in cheap side. An elderly looking sailor sat in a chair on the rotting porch, and Connor greeted him his fingers working in practised gestures, to relate who he truly was and the man offered him a tipple of muck loudly inviting him inside.

The small room seemed crowded, and each man looked up as Connor entered as if expecting him. Younger than most of the guild that were assembled in the room he felt as if he was a recalcitrant child who was being scolded for tardiness regardless of being well past thirty now. He did not realise that tales of his heroism and skill had circulated not only amongst those who knew him in the years he had been in the west but beyond to the borders of his own country. Despite his age, the men assembled looked to him as a leader in this quest to halt the conquering King in his tracks and reverse his fortunes.

By dawns early light the last of the owls had winged their way toward the coastal villages of the west, the time and date set for action. Connor got up to leave, and one of the men stood and moved toward to doorway with him.

"I will walk with you a while," he said as he held the door open for Connor. It wasn't a request; it was a statement and he nodded slightly as he stepped out into the early light. "It is a shame that when we embrace our destiny we have to leave all that we love behind, and they must disown us, is it not? To accept a guild in place of our own blood ties can sometimes bring a man to memory and melancholia."

"Indeed," Connor said, "but it is best for all."

"Yes, indeed," he smiled, "I happened to be down in the small province of Wayland a while back, all that rich farming land its quite the peaceful place," he looked over at Connor for some reaction but got none. "I was a Waylander once upon a time, in another life. I was considering returning home to retire as it were. I ran into my sister there, Georgia, a beautiful woman, married a farmer out by the willow road, but she wears an empty locket and an air of sadness about her, despite her happy marriage."

At that Connor did falter in his stoicism, looking up at the man who had disclosed his relationship to Connor could only assume was his mother. He had not known he had an uncle in the guild, but then how could he have? His uncle would have left before Connor was born in all likelihood. He ached to know of his mother and family, but it wasn't the way of the guild, so he said nothing, letting the man talk on.

"She didn't know me of course, I asked for directions to the local blacksmith. Seems her daughter is married to him now, another beautiful woman," he smiled. "If I had ever found a girl half as sweet I may have given up my life in the guild and settled down, in such a safe, idyllic place. How about you? Ever considered giving up the life of a vagabond?"

"There was a girl once," Connor said wistfully, "My chest hurt and I could barely breathe every time I looked at her, but she was always well outside my reach. What could I ever offer a Princess but a life of hardship? I have no fame or fortune, no career that would be suitable for a wife and children."

"A Princess, well now, it is always good to have lofty dreams," Angus chuckled to cover his surprise at the young man's modesty. The reward for information on the mysterious rebel leader of the western realms was exceedingly high, and he didn't even realise it was him they sought. He had probably been so busy moving from place to place and setting fires with his actions that he would not have seen the trail of bounty hunters that greedily followed him. 

His deeds were legend in no less than six of the twelve realms, and a bounty was on his head in each. Angus had been surprised to find him alive and still seemingly undetected by any but the most astute of the guild. Admittedly meeting him in person was very underwhelming in comparison to the legend that was Connor Coor. He had no band of men with him, and he did not seek leadership and his soft voice and gentle smile belied his intelligence and ruthless fighting skill.

"Perhaps one day you will be King of your own castle with your Princess by your side," he looked meaningfully towards the east where the newly risen sun was hovering just above the horizon. "Perhaps one day you will return to your home and the peaceful rustic life, like that of a Waylander. Too many mothers wear empty lockets and mourn those that are no more."

"Alas Kyelle's beauty drew her north to be squirrelled away with the King's treasures. No, brother, I will be content with my life, as it is now. I am not the type to take up the plough or hoe," Connor said without a trace of bitterness or sadness. "There is much to do on this day of days," he took the man's hand and leaned forward to clap his other shoulder and in a low voice murmured, "It is good to know you Uncle, thank you for the news." 

* * * *

Kyelle was excited, but she tried not to let it show. She had first visited Lost Amberlei as a small girl with her father. He had let her ride on his shoulder through the town square, and she remembered the colour and bustle of the multicultural place. An independent nation, the town had its ties firmly in the west as did the city of Nomads Yen on the other side of the island had its ties firmly in the east.

She smiled thinking of her father and how much she missed him. She did not blame him for giving her up to the King, she always knew that marriage for her would never be about love but that of alliances. She reasoned that becoming the fifth wife to King himself was not such a bad thing if it kept her family safe and as caretakers of her homeland.

Resigned to her fate now, she took whatever small pleasures life offered her, and this was surely one of them. She walked in a slow procession down the gangplank following the first Queen and her son. She knew that no one would bother watching her when the Queen looked every inch of royalty and the Prince decked out in his finest robes escorting he,r so she happily looked around at the sea of faces that had gathered to greet them at the dock.

Her eyes locked momentarily with that of a seaman in the crowd; recognition flowed through her, but she blinked not believing what she saw, and the man had looked away. His hat was pulled low, and the collar of his jacket was pulled up so she couldn't be sure of whom it was, only that dark eyes had held a tinge of familiarity for her.

She lost sight of him as the procession moved at a stately pace to the heart of the town and the welcome of the city leaders, and she had not even had time to ask her escort what country he might be from. His face though stayed in her mind those dark eyes staring at her as she tried to puzzle it out.

Trying to remember she was a Queen now she smiled and waved to those in the crowd still looking at faces hoping to see something familiar from home, a cousin or uncle that might have escaped the aftermath of the Kings vengeance, but the only moment of familiarity, had been the curious sailor in the crowd.

She mounted the stairs to the central town hall to make the official greetings of the town leaders. Each a self-proclaimed independent man, having no allegiance to any one realm the leaders of this town had their economy bound up in the trade routes of the western realms and ultimately to the conquering King now. 

With all the ceremony due to royalty, the leaders had stood inline and allowed the royal party to file past them in introductions and enter the great hall first. Angus Kur smiled as he took the young Queens hands and looked into her eyes, "I had been told of your beauty Princess Kyelle but not until I beheld it myself did I believe its truth."

"Thank you," she stammered as she looked up into the dark eyes of the town leader. Almost the same eyes as those she had seen in the crowd and once again the feeling of familiarity came over her. Blushing she asked, "Have we not met before this day?"

"No, Princess or I would have remembered such beauty," Angus bowed slightly before her.

"Your eyes seem so... and I thought I saw..." she shook her head "I am confused, please forgive me."

"Perhaps you have met my nephew, he spent some time in your fathers realm a few years ago before the great battle. He was a friend to your father; I believe," he said patting her hand reassuringly but speaking in low tones. 

Kyelle tilted her head and thought, like a bolt of lightning the memory emerged, and she immediately realised why this man talked in such hushed tones, Connor! Could it have been him she saw in the crowd? She had thought him dead in one of his impossible raids on the enemy lines during the last big battle before her father capitulated. She longed to ask but saw that she was holding up the proceedings and moved along the line of people.

Throughout the ceremony, she tried to find a moment to speak quietly with the man who had called her Princess but it was not to be. The Queen resolutely kept Kyelle by her side, and Angus kept his distance not wanting anyone within the room to question his motives until he had had the chance to speak with Connor. It had taken years of political skulduggery to gain his position within this town and, with the looming battles ahead, it was worth the price they might have to pay to save the girl from her fate.

As the royal women moved to take their leave of the celebrations, Angus boldly approached them. "Perhaps while the first Queen and her son are meeting with the town leaders tomorrow, you would allow my men to escort the Princess Kyelle through the market square to purchase anything you have need of during your stay here," he addressed the Queen formally.

"I do not think that would be wise, though your offer is generous, we must decline," the Queen said stiffly. "Her husband, the King, would not like Queen Kyelle to put herself in danger I am sure." She rebuked the man for calling Kyelle Princess.

"Then perhaps when the Kings men are available I will be able to offer my services as a guide to both his Queens," he smiled accepting the refusal with a counter offer.

"We shall see if time permits," the Queen then turned and walked away offering no chance for another offer. 

* * * *

Connor's heart stopped as he saw Kyelle join the procession coming down the gangplank. He had expected only the Prince Regent and his mother. She looked as beautiful as ever, possibly more so in his eyes as she gazed out over the crowd smiling and waving. She looked happy, and his stomach knotted that, for the second time, he would have a hand in destroying the world as she knew it.

His mind flew back in time, and he cursed that he had not been fast enough, strong enough, smart enough to disable the trebuchet's before they had hurled the boulders at the walls of the castle holding the final Lord of the realm and his family. He had set two on fire and dismantled the third before realising there were too many that had already began the destruction and being behind enemy lines with no hope of reinforcement for his small troop of warriors they had fought their way clear to the coast and a waiting boat. 




F4: The Guildsman



Through the spyglass, he had seen the ultimate surrender as the walls crumbled under the onslaught. He and his companions had dressed in battered old armour and milled around with the crowd as the King had taken the Lords right hand and left foot from his body, cauterising the wounds immediately and sending doctors to ensure the man didn't die.

As was his way, he liked to leave a living reminder of what happened to people who defied him. The King had left with his pledge of allegiance from the Lord and his family, the gold held in the treasury and Kyelle. Heartbroken that not only the last bastion of freedom in the west had fallen but also at the loss of a girl he had held within his heart; Connor had left the same day setting course for Lost Amberlei.

Several times he had thought to go after her, save her from her fate, but it was a suicide mission and he would receive no help from the guild. Having a wife and family meant leaving the fraternal network, and they would not take his risking their lives only to leave them with less than they had before, even to put a thorn into the Kings side. He also didn't want to risk retribution on the deposed Lord and his family whom he had grown close to over the years he had served them. They were good people and good to their people, like so many of the ruling families he had fought with and failed.

Their eyes had locked for a moment, and recognition had flowed between them. She blinked, and he had taken that moment of severed contact to look away. His stomach in knots and his mind racing with plans on how he could save her, he had watched the small procession pass before wandering back along the wharves to one of the safehouses. There had to be a way to save her even if he could never tell her how he felt, perhaps the plan to assassinate each member of the Royal Family was too harsh. He knew that to get an agreement from some of the Lords in the realms it had to be this way but he had not considered that the King had married Kyelle or that she would be happy in her life with him.

He cursed himself again. He had been a fool to believe the King would not want to keep her beauty for himself. As a mistress, she was fair game to anyone in his court but as his wife she was his alone and he was a pretentious peacock who could not help, but flaunt the treasures he stole from the realms. Connor sat heavily and poured himself a mug of spiced wine. 

Downing the drunk quickly and with a sour taste in his mouth he walked down to the docks. He wandered seemingly aimless until he found himself in front of the ship that had brought the Royal party. Lost in thought he was surprised when a weather lined sailor came down from the ship saying loudly, "Can ye tell me where I can find me some golden ale, friend." As he spoke his fingers twitched and Connor raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"The ale in these parts does not travel well, but there is some spiced wine that is drinkable if you're in need," Connor spoke as his fingers and gestures told the story of who he was. "Come friend, I'll show you the way, so those sea legs don't take you astray."

"Aye laddie, it's been a long voyage in more ways than one," he grumbled good-naturedly.

They spent an hour or so talking about the captains voyage and the plans of the guild which the captain knew more about than Connor had given him credit for. Connor resisted the urge to quiz him about Kyelle when her name was raised in relation to the Regent and how she had spurned his advances. Connor was pleased that she had not become a plaything for father and son and that she still held herself as a lady, showing her cleverness at befriending the first Queen.

"Come on Cinderella, your fairy godmother has arrived," a big man burst into the room and threw some livery at Connor with a deep chuckle. "Angus sent me, says there's something you need to see."

"I saw the Royal party down at the docks," Connor emptied his mug and looked at the livery with a scowl.

"I dunno about that; they retired for the night an hour ago so I doubt you will be looking at them," the big man said with a shrug, "C'mon, get ya fancy pants on I wanna get back."

Connor groaned but stood and tore off his rough shirt and breeches replacing them with the livery of a town hall guard while the big man waxed lyrical about the charms of a certain kitchen wench he had met at the celebrations.

Arriving at the hall the two men marched inside and reported to the Captain of the Guards office. Unsurprised Connor greeted Angus with a curt bow, "Reporting for duty, Sir."

"Excellent! Thank you Cooper," he nodded to the big man in dismissal and waited until the door closed after him. "Seems your Princess is not as far out of your reach as you first thought," he smiled at Connor. 

"May as well be now," Connor was surly, "she did not even know of my existence in her father's army I am sure. We never spoke. I admire her from a distance; that is all. There is no great love story here, certainly nothing to justify endangering so much planning."

"If I could go back and redo that one pivotal moment in my life that one chance I had for happiness, I would. This is the girl that takes your very ability to breathe away, and I am not going to allow you to end up old and alone like me, even my sister treats me as a stranger. Let me tell you, at my age having lived longer than most in our profession, it's a lonely end I see in my future," he shook his head as if clearing dark thoughts. "So we need a new plan or at least a small adjustment to the plan we have."

* * * *

Kyelle walked around the spacious suite she had been given once again, sheer boredom making her search once again for anything that could be used as a distraction. There wasn't even a book in sight. She wondered if this great hall had a library she could lose herself in for an hour or two and decided to ask her hosts. Opening her door, she was immediately accosted by two men in the livery of town guards. She faltered and stared at them silently seeing only the uniforms and feeling like a prisoner rather than a guest.

"Do you need something, Majesty?" One of the guards prompted her, and she looked up into familiar dark eyes. Unsure of his position here because of the bounty on his head she said nothing at first. "Majesty?" he prompted her again as she stood staring and speechless.

"I was wondering if one of the leaders might have some books I could borrow, please," she spoke softly unsure if she would be allowed to walk the hall without the first Queen or Prince Regent. 

"I will ask for you and perhaps I could bring you a selection of books, Majesty," The man beside the first guard offered. He was bored and could use the distraction if only for a few minutes. He was dressed in the Royal livery of the Kings men, but she didn't know his face.

"That would be wonderful thank you, kind Sir," she smiled sweetly and closed the door again. Pacing the room again for several long minutes until she was sure the first man had left, Kyelle opened her door again. "I think I saw a mouse!" She said breathlessly "could you check for me please? Over there under the divan." She pointed the way inside.

Leaving the door open wide so as not to compromise her reputation, Connor stepped into the suite and crossed to the divan. After a thorough search, he stood and faced her, "We don't really get mice here on the island, and the water-rats tend to confine themselves to the docks are you sure it was not a spider?" A small smile curled his lip at the look of horror on her face.

"Do you have spiders that big here?" she was aghast.

"Not often, Majesty, but it is more likely than a mouse," he explained. He watched as she took a few steps closer to him until they were barely an arm's length apart.

"I know who you are," she said in a voice so quiet that he had to strain to hear her. "The King does not believe you are dead and has doubled the bounty each season that passes. You must leave and go east." She said with some urgency.

It was Connor's turn to be surprised. He had not thought she would have known him. They had never spoken directly through all his time in her father's house and at his right hand. "I think you are mistaken Majesty," he said equally softly.

"No Connor, I am not," she said clearly, "Along with the bounty your legendary deeds grow each season, you give hope to the realms that still wish to fight on. The King is not pleased, the Queen thinks it is why we have been sent on this journey rather than my exile alone."

"You have been exiled? By the King?" It was incomprehensible to Connor that she could have done anything to deserve such a fate.

"With small rebellions popping up everywhere, he could hardly execute me at the moment and give the people a second martyr," she shook her head. "The first Queen is a very intelligent woman, however, and she believes rightly that I was placed in an untenable position by another and that we have been sent to a place of safety while he puts down the civil unrest in the capital."

"You seemed so happy," Connor was puzzled by her words, "when you arrived I mean, no one would guess there was trouble within the palace." He needed to talk to the guild and find the truth of her words.

"Appearances are not all they seem," she indicated his livery. "You must go Connor, if the Prince Regent or first Queen recognise you, your life will be forfeit. My father loved you Connor as much as a son I dare say; he knew you were there in the crowd on the day of his unmanning, it gave him strength to know all was not lost and that rebels survived the day." Once she had begun talking of home it seemed she could not stop, and her eyes glistened with unshed tears. "Why are you here Connor guarding the lowest wife of your enemy? You barely even knew I was alive in my father's court, even when I placed myself in your path you would side step me."

Connor looked at her in confusion. His mind raced with all she had said. Treason? Exile? Had she tried to know him better in her father court? He rarely attended any celebrations that she was at; he had no idea of what she was talking about; she was the one that that was always out of his reach. 

"This is not a conversation for now," he said in a low murmur looking toward the door. "I am not the hero you paint me as, I admired your father he was a good and just man and he had right on his side when he went against the King. I would fight for him still..." He looked into her glassy eyes "We each have our parts to play now, be ready for yours it will come soon. Be brave and know I will be watching." He turned and left the room closing the door firmly behind him, leaving her as confused as he felt.

* * * *

Kyelle did not see Connor again over the following days though she felt somewhat comforted that the hero of her homeland was watching over her somehow. There was little do in the township of Lost Amberlei; it had little history, one market square and only a small group who were deemed worthy to attend the Royal Court such as it was. 

On the fourth day, she woke with an air of expectation, both the Prince and Kyelle had worked very hard at convincing the Queen to visit the town on the other side of the island to strengthen their ties with the east. The town leader Angus had offered them the use of his sleek sloop which would halve the travelling time and the Queen reluctantly agreed.

The voyage had taken a little under an hour, and Kyelle loved the rustic charm of the town of Nomad's Yen. The people who had made this place home differed very little from those of the west and they found that rather than exotic curios and food they were faced with a similar assortment of wares as available in Lost Amberlei. In all Kyelle was quite disappointed until she found an artisan who worked with brilliant purple stones. The detail of his work was so finely crafted and the settings different from the style currently worn in court that she stayed some time studying every item and praising the creators. 

The Prince in a small act of retribution for her denial of his advances had refused to purchase any of the stones for her and dejected she had finally left the stall. They had enjoyed a banquet lunch with the town leaders and returned to Lost Amberlei or L.A. as she had begun to call it now on the late afternoon tide.

She had dined with the first Queen in her suite that evening upon their return, the Queen feeling too exhausted to make an appearance at the evening banquet. The Queen had made excuses once again for her son's poor behaviour toward her, sighting that he was young and rash like his father was once. Kyelle as always looked at the positives in the situation and reminded herself that it was a wonderful day for sailing and exploring, and she had enjoyed herself for the most part.

She retired to her rooms and allowed her maid to help her undress and slip into a night dress before dismissing her. Like the first Queen the sea air had made her exhausted and she pulled her hair loose not bothering to plait it before she slid between the sheets falling into a deep sleep.

Assisted by strategically placed brothers Connor stole into the young Queens room in the quiet of the early morning darkness. He stood for some time looking down on the beautiful woman who had so captured his heart. Her hair fanned out around her face, and he wanted nothing more at that moment than to slide between the sheets and be with her, tell her of his love for her, hold her and make her his. It could not be though; his was not a world she could understand or that he could give up so easily.

He left the small parcel on her pillow and bent to brush his lips over her forehead, making her stir but not wake. He smiled as the small sleepy noise she made and turned leaving her room and walking out of the town hall before his impulsiveness got the better of him and destroyed the well prepared plans of the guild.

He had thought long and hard since seeing her that first day about what he could and would do to protect her and help her get the life she deserved and finally he and Angus had come up with a way to do that. They would help her get to a realm that neighboured her own homeland where her sister now lived. She and her husband would protect Kyelle's identity and keep her safe from those who wish the King's whole family wiped from the earth. It had to be this way; she was royalty and deserved a life of privilege, not the life of a wandering vagabonds wife.

He had spent days framing the words of his note, and he was glad he had told her at last how he felt though nothing good could come it. He could only pray now that she would follow his instructions so he could safely get her out of harm's way.

* * * *

Kyelle stared at the letter reading it for the third time.

"Princess Kyelle, Please accept this token of my adoration for you. The many years I spent in your fathers court were some of the happiest of my life, for it is there I first saw you and watched you from afar. If I were to ever give up my vagabond existence, it would be for a woman like you. But I am not the hero of legend, and I have no fortune or fame, there is nothing I can offer you to compare to the riches that should by right be yours. Please heed my warnings and follow my instructions, look to the east for a new moon, on that night during the evening banquet eat and drink nothing, take fresh fruit to your room and wash it thoroughly if you must eat something. Wear the amulet I have given you as you sleep, it will ward off the evil that comes and keep you safe. Yours C"

She held up the necklace that held an amulet studded with the purple stones she had seen in the market the day before; its centrepiece though was an amazingly bright blue stone the likes of which she had never seen before. She slipped the gold chain over her neck and let it hang down between her breasts. It was truly beautiful, and she read the letter once more.

She struggled to make sense of its meaning. Did he love her? Did he think himself unworthy of her because he was not rich or high born? Did he not realise just how heroic he was not only in her own realm but in others. If he chose to he could demand riches from any of the Lords if they still had it to give. He was a fugitive from the Kings bounty hunters though, and that meant a life on the run or fleeing eastward to make his mark.

She wished she had a way of finding him; she knew she would recognise him now if she saw him in a crowd. Formulating a plan of her own she got dressed rapidly and went to tend the first Queen. More relaxed than in the first days the Queen was in good humour as everyone fawned over her and gave her every privilege on the island. For it was like ruling a mini kingdom as her son swanned about pretending to be interested in the affairs of trade pacts with various realms in the east.

"I have asked nothing since we arrived, but I was wondering if today I might go to the market and see if I can find a jeweller who could procure some of those lovely purple gems we saw yesterday. Imagine how jealous the other wives will be when we return, you could perhaps have them added to your royal crown," Kyelle appealed to the first Queen's vanity. "I am sure Leader Angus and his men would escort me so as not to leave you and the Prince Regent at a loss. I am after all nothing but the fifth and lowest of the Kings wives; no one would want to harm me, and I have nothing to make me valuable as a hostage."

"Of course you are valuable, I couldn't have survived that voyage without you and despite my strong words of warning Prince Hametus is still drawn to your youthful prettiness," the Queen said condescendingly. "It is true Raewynn will be intensely jealous of those gems; she thinks her crown is so much better than mine because it was made by the dwarves of Mount Glorious; I think you should go and find some for me after all. I will see Angus and instruct him as much."

The Queen continued on a diatribe about the amount of time it took to rule even a small island such as this. She took it as her right to be the ruler as mother of the Prince Regent and first wife of the King and as always Kyelle offered her services to the Queen lacking in substance as they were but lapsed into silence allowing the Queen to complain about the role she clearly enjoyed immensely. 

It was only minutes since she had sent an invitation to Leader Angus to attend her suites that he arrived with a polite knock at the door and a brief introduction by the Queen's companion. He smiled at Kyelle upon hearing the Queens command and once again she marvelled that he held the same dark eyes of Connor, they had to be related somehow or at least from the same realm. At the conclusion of the discussion, she was escorted from the Queens chambers by Angus and led down towards the entrance of the hall.

"Might I have a private word before we leave, please, Leader Angus?" Kyelle said softly as they descended the stairs from the first floor.

"As you wish, Majesty, my office is this way," Angus guided her to a small doorway recessed into the wall on the left side of the foyer. Once settled in comfortable chairs he looked to her, "How can I be of assistance?"

"I would like to speak my mind without fear of its being taken further, but I fear my intention may be misconstrued," she began knowing she was talking cryptically.

"Speak your mind it will go no further than this room," Angus said gently.

"I need to find a man I have seen and spoken with in this town. I do not wish to name him as he is in a precarious position, and I wish him no harm. I am hopeful you can help me locate him," She said in a rush of words.

"I am afraid I will need a better description than that if I am to help you locate him," Angus said reasonably.

"He has your eyes," she said pointedly looking directly at him to gauge his reaction.




F4: The Guildsman



* * * *

Kyelle looked around the crowded but cosy back room of the jeweller's shop she had entered with Angus. The old man who welcomed them had disappeared to locate the jewels she sought, and Angus hovered nervously near the rear door. He had not told Connor why he had asked him to meet him here, and he worried about his reaction when he saw the young Princess waiting for him.

There was a rhythmic knock at the back door and opening it a small way Angus ushered Connor inside quickly. Connor shook off his cape and growled at Angus, "So I am here now, what was so important it couldn't wait?"

"That would be me," Kyelle said with a voice much stronger than she felt.

"You brought her here of all places!" Connor said disgustedly still talking to Angus and trying to hide his pleasure at seeing Kyelle again.

"She is shopping for jewels for Eowyn," he shrugged, "Where should I have taken her?" Angus looked at Kyelle, who seemed angered by Connor's reaction to her appearance.

"Could we have some privacy, please? What I mean to say should not be heard by genteel ears," she smiled sweetly at Angus who bowed and edged out of the room. Then taking the upper hand Kyelle advanced on Connor making him take a backwards step in surprise. 

"Just whom do you think you are to come into a lady's room in the middle of the night and leave a letter and gift such as this," she had reached into her bodice and drew the amulet forth. "You have given me no options, no right of reply, no real explanation." She drew a sharp breath, "Who are you to decide what and whom I deserve in my life. I am hardly the naïve girl you left behind in that doomed palace; I am married to a monster in case you had forgotten, and I have grown to realise just exactly how the world of men works." She continued advancing on him as she let vent to her anger and sadness backing him into a corner.

"Do you think me so shallow that your fortune or fame matter to me? Do you still see me as that young naïve girl who used to moon over you and follow you around the palace in secret, watching you practise with your men and those of my father?" She pressed forward until there was barely an inch between them.

Connor was made speechless by her words and her obvious anger towards him.

"Tell me, Connor, of this admiration you hold for the girl I used to be, for you obviously have no idea about the woman I am now," she took a deep breath and finally stilled with her lips close enough to his to feel his breath.

Connor looked into her eyes and saw them flash in challenge. He lost the battle with his emotions and leaned forward kissing her. She yielded to his kiss and closed the gap between them to press up against him, revelling in his soft groan. Coming to his senses Connor pushed her away holding her at arm's length and breathing heavily. 

"I'm not that young naïve girl you left behind Connor," she said softly looking up into his dark eyes, "Would you really deny me and send me back to the joyless life I lead now," she whispered. 

"I am not the heroic man you think I am," he final spoke and even to his own ears his voice held an edge of uncertainty and regret.

"No?" She pulled at her bodice popping buttons in quick succession exposing the flimsy undergarments and the amulet he had left on her pillow. "Then why did you leave this and the letter if not to try and save me from something?"

"Cover yourself," his eyes went towards the door before returning to hers, keeping them trained on her face with difficulty. His voice softened, as a blushed coloured her features and a small smile curled her lip. "Dammit, you're a Princess. A Queen," he corrected himself, "I am a soldier for hire, and," his eyes flickered down to her chest, "I am only human, please cover yourself."

She took one of his hands gently from her shoulder and stepped back in towards him again, her small smile growing. She ran a hand down his chest to his groin grasping his cock lewdly through his trousers and whispering, "I am glad to know you are human," she leaned in to kiss his surprised expression. "A man such as you could not send me back to face the coming turmoil without knowing a minute's happiness would you?"

"If I am honest there is nothing I would like more," he swallowed hard. "You are so beautiful," he stroked the side of her face and kissed her hard once more. Stealing himself and softly groaning he broke the kiss, picked her up and took several quick steps to the couch in the middle of the room. Placing her gently on the couch and moving away to sit opposite her on a chair, he put his head in his hands and rubbed at his face. "I know I am not the man for you, and even if I was, this is not the time or the place, I would not want anytime we may share, in an embrace, to be rushed and burdened by prying watchful eyes."

"But I..." she stopped as he held up his hand and followed his eyes to the door.

"Please just do as I asked, tonight under the new moon, you must promise me," he said with urgency. 

"Will you come for me? Will you save me from whatever is happening," she asked dropping her angry bravado of just minutes ago. Connors breath caught as the girl he had fallen in love with reappeared from behind the mask of the worldly Queen Kyelle.

"I am doing my best to make sure you are kept safe," he murmured averting his eyes once more, "Please cover yourself properly Kya," he said softly, "This is not easy for me." She smiled at his use of the nickname her father had always used for her and with nimble fingers buttoned her bodice.

"I will promise on one condition," she said, "That you give me your word I will see you again before I am shipped off to my gilded cage where life may be privileged but is also very unpleasant." He looked at her then and wondered at her life as it had been since becoming the fifth wife of a tyrant. He hadn't let himself think about her fate, but her words made him examine his assumptions about the life she now led. 

"I give you my word that I will do my best to keep you safe," he gave her a half truth, he did not know if he could risk another meeting like this.

"That is not what I asked," she seemed sad now, her anger having dissipated. "Am I so loathsome as the wife of your enemy that you would spurn me now, when I need you so much?"

"It is not me that you need, I am just the first face you have seen with the familiarity of home, you are home sick and once you are returned to your family you will find that things are not as dire as you thought at this moment," he said with regret. How easy it would have been to press his advantage and use her mixed emotions to his own ends, but he loved her in his own way and knew she was destined to be more than a whore for a guildsman.

"I have loved you for so long and believed you dead for half of that time," her voice caught as her eyes became glassy. "Now I am finally old enough, worldly enough, to tell you how I feel, and you call it homesickness?" Humiliation at his further rejection of her fuelled the tears she could not hold in check. "Perhaps I was wrong, a silly girl with a silly crush," her voice was brittle now, "You can tell your Uncle I am ready to view the stones now, I will bother you no more."

"Promise you will follow my instructions, please, Kya," he pleaded.

"Do not worry I will not betray you," she said the tears short lived as she was resigned to her fate now. 

"You will see me again one day," he said quietly and kissed the top of her head before knocking on the door his uncle had disappeared through, then turning and leaving from the rear door he had entered by without a backward glance.

Angus came into the room noting the girl's distress as Connor exited. He frowned but said nothing merely waiting until Kyelle looked up at him before showing her the jewels to choose from.

* * * * 

Kyelle lay in bed unable to sleep, she held the amulet tightly gripped in one hand staring into the darkness and giving reign to her tears. Of course, she missed home and her family but she would give them all up if he could love her the way she loved him. She wanted so much more than to be the wife of a conquering King, who was so paranoid he never even took his boots off before taking her to bed. She cringed remembering the nights she'd had to endure the attentions of the obese King and his hurried copulation techniques. At least it was over with quickly she had consoled herself.

Images of a shirtless Connor on the practice fields with his men filled her mind, and she wished he could have pretended to love her just for one afternoon. She longed to know the feel of a real man and her hand slid down her body to the apex of her thighs.

"There is no time for that," a feminine voice broke through the darkness of the room and as Kyelle opened her mouth to scream a hand clamped over it, and the woman spoke softly again, "Connor sent me."

Kyelle relaxed under the hand and nodded. The hand was lifted away, "We must go now, come!" She barely had time to grab a cloak before they exited her suite and Kyelle saw what she assumed were sleeping men lining the corridor and tall, lean scantily clad women roaming the walkways and corridors. She looked straight ahead and followed the woman out into the street. The cobbled stones hurt her feet, and she had trouble keeping up as the woman darted through the showy alleys.

Frustrated Odine picked up Kyelle and threw her over her shoulder before she continued on to the wall. Forced to climb the wall, Kyelle trembled in fear as she stood on the other side and stared into the dark forest surrounding the town. She had been told the legends of the forest guardians since she was a small child, and she had no wish to anger them, but at that moment she felt she had little choice. Connor had told her to be brave, so she stood passively in the spot the woman had left her as she helped others over the wall.

Confused and frightened Kyelle stumbled and was at times carried through the forest to a small well camouflaged village. She was shown to a small round house and ushered inside where she was left alone for what seemed an eternity but in fact was probably no more than an hour during which time she sat on a low bed filled, she suspected, with straw.

"I am Odine," the woman who had carried her from the town announced as she returned to the one room home. "You are small and weak, I do not understand why Connor believes you to be so... special." She said the last word as if it tasted bad in her mouth.

"He thinks me a child that needs looking after," Kyelle was offend by the woman's offhand comments but knew the truth enough to quench her curiosity and make her stop surveying her with predatory eyes.

"I know the looks of men; he does not think you a child," she laughed, "Tell me, what did you do to make him want such a small, weak woman for a mate? Do you have hidden skills with the bow or a knife?"

"I assure you he does not want me as a mate. He has told me as much," there was scorn heavy in her voice and she stood to face Odine.

"Then he is a liar. His heart beats for you and his eyes show his worry for you." She seemed to consider Kyelle for a moment, "I would be happy if it were not true, will you give him to me?"

"No!" Kyelle almost shouted because freezing under Odine's glare. "I mean... he isn't mine to give," she finished unsure of herself with this warrior woman. 

"Sleep," Odine indicated the small bed Kyelle had been sitting on. "The time for words will come soon enough." With that, she lay down on a similar straw mattress within the same room and closed her eyes ending the conversation.

For the second time that night, Kyelle lay down and stared at the ceiling, the dim light from the dying fire pit and the uncomfortable mattress were the only differences from earlier as once again her mind went to Connor. She didn't understand him at all; she was hardly a wilting virgin Princess anymore; he could have just taken her, made love to her, then left and done the things that needed doing but he had pushed her away. She had acted so badly, like a harlot of the street throwing herself at him. She cringed at the memory of his rejection. 

She closed her eyes and chose to remember the soft groan he made during their first kiss. It told of his need, and she had thought at that moment that she could have the man she wanted if only for the smallest of times. She tried to see where the mood had changed, but it eluded her, and she crumpled once again under the weight of his ultimate rejection of her advances and let her tears slide down her cheek as she turned to face the wall.

The sun was well past the horizon when Kyelle woke from a restless sleep. Her body ached, and she stretched laying in her bed and taking in her surroundings in the light of day. She was surprised that a screened off area held a pitcher and basin and a small chamber pot. Unsure of the customs here, it was with relief that she used the small screened off area grateful that she had worn a garment of some substance to bed that evening following Connors warning she even had her cape to drape around her shoulders.

Curious but not wanting to offend her hosts she peered through the small doorway of the round house into the village. It had seemed small in the darkness of the early morning when she had arrived, but she found it was actually quite a large a community from what she could see. A young girl stepped from the shadows beside the doorway and smiled. Motioning Kyelle to stay where she was the girl darted off into the surrounding houses.

It was not more than five minutes later that Odine came trotting back towards the house. Tall and muscular she looked even more impressive to Kyelle in the daylight. Her short dress hung from one shoulder and was belted tightly at the waist making her long legs seem even longer as she strode toward the doorway making Kyelle back away from the entrance.

"Come Kyelle," Odine motioned toward her. "You will not need that," she took the cloak from her and smiled, "The sun is a warm kiss for the skin, you must not hide from it so much. Come," she motioned Kyelle out in front of her, "We go to meet my mother."

Walking through the village Kyelle realised she was somewhat of a curiosity to these people. Her fair skin and light coloured hair marked her as distinctly different and while as a Princess she was accustomed to public scrutiny this felt very different from her life at court. They entered a large round dwelling and walked to the centre of the room. A tall, athletic looking woman looked up studying Kyelle and Odine before motioning them forward. The woman appeared older than Odine. She had the same features and build, although her curves appeared more feminine. Kyelle realised this must have been Odine's mother and guessed by the head-dress of feathers she wore that she was the leader of these warrior women. 

"I am Oshin, Mother of the Guardians," she raised an eyebrow as Kyelle gasped at the word and smiled. "Are we not the fearsome creatures of your fairy stories?" She gave a half laugh.

"I apologise Oshin, Mother of the Guardians," Kyelle said softly giving her the full title. "I meant no disrespect; it would seem the legend has grown over time to scare small girls away from exploration of your island, I expect."

"It is accurate from what I understand of the story you have heard, my ancestors were very protective of our land and people as am I when needs be," she said seriously. "We will judge your words and your heart today, as a boon owed to Connor of the east." Extending her arm in invitation, she invited Kyelle to sit on a low stool within a small group of older women before joining her there. Odine stood behind her observing but not actually joining the group.

An ancient woman got up and waved a large colourful feather over Kyelle, chanting a song in surprising sweet tones. He stomach filled with butterflies, but she sat still allowing this to happen around her trying to remain calm outwardly and to remember the words in Connors letter to be brave. She did not flinch or move through the strange ceremony but turned her head toward Oshin as she began to ask short, direct questions.

"Are you afraid? Do you come here to harm us? Will you respect and obey our laws while you are here with us?" Each time Kyelle's response was negative, except that she would obey the laws of their people. One by one the other women joined the chant as she answered the questions. After a dozen or more innocuous seeming questions, the oldest of the women lifted a small leather bag and small pieces of animal bone were strewn across the small space between the women to land before Kyelle's feet.

A hush descended over the crowd as the bones were studied and murmured over by the women of the small group. The oldest of the women babbled something incomprehensible to Oshin, and the leader of the guardians spoke once more.

"You must endure one more trial, you will stay here and will make no sound, you will just watch what is to occur in this house. Do you agree?" Oshin studied Kyelle's face as she nodded in agreement unable to find her voice in her fear.

Kyelle turned as she remained on the stool and saw the small crowd in the house part to show the forced approach of the First queen and her son. They were heavily guarded; their hands bound behind their backs. They presented a very different image of captivity than the guardians had shown her.

"I am Oshin, Mother of the Guardians." The warrior woman stood before the bedraggled pair.

"I don't care who you are. I am Prince Regent and future King and you will bow before me," Hametus screeched spittle flying from his mouth in anger and fear.

"And you Queen of the west, do think I should bow before your son?" she asked in a deceptively mild voice.

"You will pay dearly for our mistreatment," the first Queen said coldly confident in the fact that the King would come to rescue his eldest son.

"I will help you to understand," once again her voice was deceptively mild. "The King of the west has no rights over the people or the land of this island. Your people visit the town because I and my people allow it, not the other way around. I will bow before no man and his elderly mother." She paused, letting her words sink in. 

"You will bow before me!" Hametus blustered.

"No, I will not and this conversation has ended until you and your mother can show the proper respect to the true rulers of this land. Return them to their cages," she waved a hand and the guardian warrior women surrounded the pair once more and marched them from the house.

Kyelle was embarrassed by the bad behaviour of Prince Regent and lowered her head sadly as the warrior woman walked back toward her. "This is your family?" Oshin asked her again in that deceptively mild voice. 

"The King of the west took me from my family and placed me with those people," Kyelle looked up into the narrowed eyes of Oshin. "I will, however, apologise for their awfulness and hope that you do not think all people of the west are so arrogant in their stupidity."

"Stupid is a good description,"Oshin nodded. "You may go and visit their cages if you want to speak with them."

"Perhaps another day, thank you, Oshin, Mother of the Guardians," Kyelle said softly. "I would very much like to learn more about your village and your people."

"You must only move in the village with an escort and not leave its borders at all," she replied. "You will remain in Odine's house for now," at her confused look she explained, "Where you slept last night."

"As you wish," Kyelle said naturally and gave a half smile remembering that the same thing had been said to her many times recently.

"You will dine with us tonight, and Oriah and I will tell you of our thoughts, go with Odine for now," Oshin dismissed her but before she left the big house Oshin called to her escort, "Odine make sure she sees all of the village."




F4: The Guildsman



Odine began by giving Kyelle a tour of the houses, including a small school room and the large practise field where girls trained with a range of weapons and at athletic events. It occurred to Kyelle that there were very few men or boys in the village and certainly none in the prime of their lives. She found out through broken and evasive conversations with Odine and her friends that very few male children were born to the Guardians. That alone was the reason that they allowed the two towns to be established on their island and why the language of the west was spoken so well by most of the women there.

Kyelle also found that Connor was a favourite of Odine, who enjoyed his company whenever he came into the forest which was not often until lately. Enjoying all that she was learning about the people without realising the twists and turns they were taking Kyelle found herself before two huge covered cages. 

"Kyelle!" Hametus screeched in panic, "Let me out, don't they understand who I am?"

"Who are you to these people?" Kyelle asked.

"I am the future King!" his eyes were bugging out and he spluttered his words incredulously.

"Not to these people you aren't. They don't care about your armies or your conquests in the west. Here right now they are the Kings and future Queens, and you are just a man who if you play your cards right might be chosen as a mate for one of these beautiful women," with the bars between them Kyelle felt brave enough to speak her mind. "You have no armies here to bully these people into acknowledging your father's throne. Your winning personality and charm don't seem to be winning them over yet either," she smirked.

"He will come for us," the first Queen said with fire in her eyes as she glared at Kyelle.

"Perhaps he will, but then he has three other wives and two other sons," she shrugged, "Will he want to anger the people of the east while he is still putting down rebellions in the west? It would be a difficult decision where to place his armies I expect. If I were you, I would learn to bow to the queen of this village and hope that you have not already offended her beyond what is wise."

The first Queen paled, and Hametus had begun to screech at her again about who he was and that all should fall before him because it was his right as the future King of the known world. Kyelle turned and walked away without a backward glance at the two Royals and their men. Once out of sight she collapsed against the wall of a building, dropping her head in her hands and cried. She allowed Odine to guide her back to the small round house, and she lay down on the bed and gave vent to her rolling emotions.

"Please tell me you won't send me back there with them, I couldn't bear it again," she said between sobs.

* * * * 

Kyelle had been in the village for several days and was giving a fair amount of freedom despite being viewed by many with suspicion. Tired of her gown she had asked during the second day if she could wear one of the dresses of the warrior women. Odine had laughed merrily at the idea but given Kyelle one of the sort toga's to try on.

The toga style dress was of course made for a much taller well-built woman; Kyelle was more than a little disappointed when it hung well past her knees and gaped widely at the breast. She had gone after that to the women who fashioned the garments and spent a day with them learning their skills and altering the material to her own body shape and size.

The women impressed by Kyelle's eagerness to learn had helped her to fashion a pair of the soft moccasin style boots for her feet, as well. She had begun to pull her long curling hair from her face and braid it into a long rope that hung over her should and the only adornment she wore from her life as a queen of the west was the amulet Connor had given her.

Enjoying her time with the garment makers Kyelle began to spend days with a number of different groups of women learning about the foods of the forest and the utensils they used. What she enjoyed most though was learning the martial arts they used in defence of their island. Unlike the legends that had grown around them, they were a peace loving people, but the first explorers had taught them a valuable lesson it was one they never forgot. 

During this time, the First Queen and her son had endured imprisonment. Unable to bring themselves to acknowledge the guardians as the true rulers of this island they languished in their cages. Their men, on the other hand, seeing the shift in power as the days passed were freed at various times, to perform tasks for the village and flirt with the women.

More than a week since their first arrival Connor walked into the village with on of the women. He was taken to the big house immediately. Kyelle was torn between wanting to run away and hide from him and being curious as to his appearance here. In the end, she followed the women into the big house and stood dwarfed by the women around her and hidden within plain sight.

She could see Connor scan the crowd as if searching for someone, his eyes brightened as he looked at Odine and Kyelle felt what little hope that he had come for her fade, still she stood and watched the proceedings unable to take her eyes from him. She could not hear what was said but knew that the news what good by the obvious delight of the listeners. After a time, the small group at the centre of the room made their way out of the big house and toward the cages. Carried along with the mob as they followed Oshin and Connor to their prisoners, Kyelle followed trying to get close enough to hear what was being said.

"This man has come to return you to your homeland," Oshin said loudly over the murmuring in the small crowd that had gathered.

"Finally someone with some sense," the First Queen spoke first. 

"You will pay dearly for your treason," Hametus snarled at Oshin.

"I do not think so," Oshin said calmly. "Your father is dead, power has returned to the rightful rulers of the realms of the west and your own kingdom has been left bereft of coin or treasure. You have no power in this world or your own anymore. I believe you will become nothing more than a pitiful creature begging your neighbours for the good will your father squandered in his own thirst for power."

"Liar! Our allies would never let that happen; you have no idea whom you are dealing with you stupid bitch!" Hametus voice had become a screech again as he stood at the gate entrance and hurled abuse through the bars at a placid Oshin.

Connor stepped forward a letter sealed with wax in his hand. He passed it through the bars to the first queen and stepped back. She took note of the seal and broke it scanning the letter and falling heavily to her knees in shock. Hametus snatched it up from her fingers and read it slowly. 

"It is lies mother, all lies!" His voice remained high and pitched. As if a wall came up the first queens demeanour changed to one of resignation and politeness. She stood and straightened her back take a deep breath. 

"Thank you for bringing the news, when will we be leaving," she asked in an unemotional voice. The prince turned and began to hurl his abuse at her then incredulous that she would believe the words of the letter. Turning as if in a trance her arm flared out, and she slapped her sons face hard. "Did you not look at the seal? The seal of your father's ring could not be duplicated so accurately, and he never took it from his hand. He is dead, and we must now return and rebuild our kingdom." The prince stared at his mother in shocked silence not comprehending her words.

"We will leave once it is safe to do so," he looked meaningfully at the young prince who still stared at his mother in disbelief of her capitulation to the news he knew to be a lie.

"He will behave, I would like to leave as soon as you are able to negotiate our freedom, please," She said demurely, the contrite tone of her voice surprising everyone who had spoken with her in the preceding days when she had been demanding and acidic to all. "Will Queen Kyelle be returning with us?" she asked.

Connors eyes scanned the crowd once more, but he could not see Kyelle amongst the group. He had thought she would be eager to leave the rustic life of the village and return to the comforts of the township. "She will be given the choice to return with you or to her homeland now that she is a widow and no longer forced to remain in the north. You will find all of the kings loyal men followed him into the ground or fled the realm. It will be a very different world you return to, and I believe it will be quite a dangerous for some time to come."

Kyelle was shocked by the news and the scene she had witnessed. She was even more shocked by the news that she would be able to return home to her family and friends. Frowning she realised that regardless of how it came about, or how much her family loved and wanted her home, she would be viewed as the widow of their biggest enemy. She imagined that returning home would be far preferable to the ordeal she would be made to suffer at the heir to the throne of the North's hands. She looked at Hametus and shivered before turning from the crowd and quietly walking away.

She wandered to the edge of the village beyond Odine's house and climbed the tree she had sought solace in more than once during the time she had been here. She sat with her back against the trunk and her legs stretched out along a sturdy branch and thought about what it was she wanted to do now that she was widowed. With no money to speak of her choices were limited but she lifted the amulet that hung around her neck and considered the other jewels hidden in her clothes back in the township. Perhaps she could sell them to become independent for a while until she found a place to call home.

* * * *

After dealing with all of the business of this trip into guardian territory, and searching the village unsuccessfully for Kyelle, Connor reluctantly followed Odine back to her home. He had been looking for her since his arrival; he had thought she would be happy to see him after spending so long here without the creature comforts available in the township. Yet she had been nowhere that he could see. He had initially worried that he had offended the proud warrior women, and they had taken her elsewhere but, after speaking with Odine and finding that she had been treated as an honoured guest, he relaxed a little. He wanted to see for himself though that she was healthy and happy or at least not unhappy. 

Odine had purposefully walked to the tree she sat in after checking inside her house for her with Connor. He followed her, and she spoke loudly enough for Kyelle, who sat perched above their heads to hear. Connor had seen a village young girl sitting in the tree, but had not recognised her as he peered into the forest, trying to spy the long golden hair of Kyelle amongst the shadows.

"We talked of you, the little princess and I," Odine smiled, "I asked her to give you to me. She said you were not hers to give that you rejected her advances and treat her as a child." She said with the subtly of a sledgehammer making both Connor and Kyelle, who had tried to hide in the foliage surrounding her.

"That is not the truth of the matter, but she is right I am not hers, she needs someone who can give her the life she deserves not a man like me," he said. 

"So I can have you then?" Odine pressed.

"No," he said shortly. "It is best we know each other as we do. I could not live here and be happy, nor would you be happy living in my world."

"Then I give you to her; she is happy in your world," Odine said simply and without rancour.

"It is complicated, she deserves more than I could give her," he said still looking around as if realising she must be close by. 

"You are a stupid man," she shook her head, "You do not see what is before your eyes." She stepped back from the trunk and stared at him. "She offers you great love and you wold throw it away so she could be mistreated by another such king and his son? Are you so cruel you would doom her to a life of slavery just so she could wear trinkets and baubles?"

"It's not like that," Connor said startled by Odine's words.

"You are a stupid man," she said again shaking her head, "Do you really not know how unhappy and frightened she is of that life you say she deserves. I have asked mother to let her stay here if she wants, so you can go with the other two, I will take her back to town if she wants to go."

"This is not her world, she could not be happy here. Hers is a life of wealth and privilege. Just tell me where she is so I can tell her that she can go home now," frustration crept into his voice.

"She knows that, she was in the big house and at the cages today, right there in front of your eyes. You are blind as well as stupid," she looked up. "Come down and tell him he is stupid Kya."

Connor was speechless as within seconds Kyelle stood in front of him in the toga of the village women; her long flowing golden locks braided tightly and hanging over her shoulder.

"You are a very stupid man," Kyelle said and walked into Odine's house leaving him staring after her.

"She does not need palaces and riches to be happy, she is happy here. You do not want to make her happy yourself so leave her here where she will not have to worry about being given to a man who will make her unhappy, like that silly boy in the cage," Odine said simply. "I will let you say goodbye." She walked back into the village leaving Connor staring after her.

Confused by Kyelle's appearance as much as by Odine's strangely accented version of his language he walked into the house to speak with Kyelle. His mind raced to reassure himself that what he was doing was the best for her. He would return her to her father's castle and life could go on for her. The idea of her being given in marriage to another equally odious noble had never occurred to him before. He turned to look at her as she sat on the edge of a thin mattress.

"I didn't recognise you," he said softly.

"I don't think you ever truly saw me. I was never the princess of your imaginings who needed the dresses and jewels to be happy. I would have been happy to stay with my father when the king left him with nothing but a broken throne and a broken body. Just because I knew he loved me." She looked up at Connor, "I can't go back now. To the people I will always be the widow of their enemy, a queen of the north. It will be hard enough for my family without being tainted by that. No good family will want me associated with them, there is nothing for me there."

"But your father would..." Connor began protest.

"Of course he would welcome me with open arms; he loves me and I him. I would not burden him with the unrest that would accompany my return," she smiled sadly. 

"The king is dead, but you could still live as a queen in the north," Connor said not realising that the prince had made his intentions where she was concerned clear to her.

"Hametus believes I have wronged him on more than one occasion. Mine would be a miserable existence in the north. I have nowhere to go, and the guardians have made me very welcome here," she looked up at him, "Accepted me even in their village life, I have learned a lot about their culture, I am happy enough."

Connor watched her saying nothing as he thought about what she said. He wanted to argue with her, but he found it hard to come up with a reasonable option for her other than this place.

"What will you do now that this is over?" she asked softly. "You are famous in the west despite your protestations. "I think the bards ballad is what finally pushed the King to put such a high bounty on your head."

"I think you are overstating it. There is a large difference between a drunken of soldiers story and the ballad of a bard," he laughed self-deprecatingly. 

"I particularly like the one where you singlehandedly brought down a dozen trebuchet's before the castle walls fell, and you raced back to join in the fighting almost winning the day for my realm," she grinned knowing the truth of his deeds. "The bounty was real though and your likeness has been spread all over the western realm on notices. You could choose any realm and you would be greeted as a hero, except possibly the north."

"I will do what I always do I guess, travel and help rebuild where I can," he said slowly processing what she had said. "I may return home for a small time just to remind myself where I came from."

"That sounds fun travelling and seeing the world," she said wistfully.

For the first time since the last big battle, he considered a life with the woman before him. Had the won the day in that realm he would have given up his vagabond existence and stayed there, with her. Formally asking for her hand and in his mind living happily ever after in the seaside palace. Now she had next to nothing, and she was happy enough and he was saddened that she would settle for this existence. The silence lengthened as he imagined what it might be like to return to his own homeland with her by her side, and he crossed the room to where she sat pulling her up into his arms and kissing her.

He felt her yield under his kiss his arms wrapping around her to hold her against his body until she broke the kiss and stared up at him moving to step out of the circle of his arms. She seemed confused, and his eyes travelled down over her body as he finally let himself believe they could be together in another life in another place.

As his eyes travelled over her he could see both her breasts rise and fall unfettered beneath the thin material of the guardian toga, her pointed nipples seemed to beg his attention. He smiled down at her and murmured, "I was a very stupid man." He slipped his arms around her and pulled her back against him kissing her deeply, "I should never have denied how I felt when you came to me in the township."

He let his fingers caress her neck and shoulder pushing the thin fabric of the toga from it to reveal her breasts. He continued to kiss her as his hands lightly trailed over her breasts and down over her body loosening the rope belt and allowing the dress to pool at her feet. He pulled off his shirt and kicked off his boots while still kissing her, his eyes watching her face as he dropped his pants and lay her down on the bed.

Pulling her close, he found her lips again, and Kyelle practically purred at the sensations he gave her. She wanted to feel his touch all over her body. She felt so hot that she could have been melting beneath his hands. As if reading her mind, his hands began to work their way down her body caressing and tickling her as he went. He looked up at her and saw that she was glassy eyed and breathless and smiled knowingly. That smile just did her in; she could think of nothing else but how much she had wanted this moment and the sensations that he was bringing to her. 

He pulled back his head and looked down at her his eyes raking up and down her body as she lay beside him. She self-consciously squirmed as he did this wondering how he saw her through his dark eyes when she lay completely naked before him. 

"Wow," Connor breathed. Her breasts were firm, and her body was perfect. She had a small patch of hair on her pussy matching the gold of the hair on her head, and her legs seemed to stretch out forever beneath his hands.

"Don't stop," she begged. "I need this, need you, so much."

He slipped his arm around her and brought her face level with his then took her lips in a sweet sensuous kiss, one like she had never experienced before with any man, not that there had been any besides the king. He slid his hands down to her most vulnerable place and gently inserted his finger into her. She released a hoarse cry as she pushed her lower body into his hand, and she collapsed against him, relishing the unbelievable sensations he gave her as he stroked against her clit and the front wall of her cunt. The fat king of the north had never made her feel anything but uncomfortable.