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60 AD Ch. 01

By: Vlinder_Fawn



(This story is spread over several chapters. 

It will contain explicit sex scenes and it will have vampires. But neither will appear for the first few chapters) 

*

Utta turned to see the last of the tents collapse under the attack from the Roman catapult. Already most of the village was in flames with screams of the dying filling the air. News had already spread of Boadicea's revolt and this had forced the invaders to crush any further rebellion. 

Running as fast as she could Utta saw a Roman soldier ending the life of an old man who had lived in Regulbium all his life and been part of her life since the day she was born. The sword severed his carotid artery in one swift movement causing a fountain of blood to spurt into the air accompanied by the sound of the old man's scream and gurgling. 

Utta's life with her family at Regulbium (modern day Reculver) was about to come to a swift and tragic end. The youngest of two daughters born to her father Wenham and mother Edwina, Utta was brought up with her sister Hildred and five brothers. 

While Hildred was every inch a young lady Utta was always a tomboy urchin who played with boys and often beat them at their own games. One day, when she was twelve, her father asked her when she was going to be more like her sister and take an interest in her appearance and begin to think about marrying and raising a family of her own. 

Utta cut all discussion short by saying quickly "Dad, you know that's not me. I wasn't born for that." Before her father could respond she had gone outside, picked up a wooden sword and began play fighting with her brothers and other boys disarming one eighteen year old and forcing him to yield. Wenham knew he would have to bend to pressure and accept his youngest daughter would never be one to submit to a man as husband especially as she preferred carpentry to cookery and fencing to dancing.

The Romans were part of life and although they had established a castle and settlement in Regulbium the indigenous population had little cause for fear. There were always rumours that when the legions marched on route to the north they would take some of the fittest men as slaves and the attractive women for the brothels but this never happened in Regulbium where things remained stable apart from the undercurrent of resentment common to all occupied communities.

When the revolt of Boadicea took place all that changed. Suddenly the invaders appeared vulnerable. To stop the situation getting out of control while the governor Gaius Suetonius Paulinus was leading a campaign on the island of Anglesey the Romans imposed their will on other communities including Regulbium. Food supplies were cut, fighting men dragged away to either be slaves or gladiators, and women were raped before being taken to the citadel in Rutupiæ (modern day Richborough) where they would entertain the troops with their bodies.

Wenham tried to get his boys into hiding but was thwarted by the swiftness of the Roman advance. Utta watched in horror as her father was overpowered and she saw her sister taken away onto the back of a centurion's horse. Grabbing a stone she placed it in her sling and in one strike killed the soldier instantly with a direct hit onto the back of his head. But it was already too late, another soldier grabbed Hildred onto his mount and Utta never saw her sister again. Drawing a sword she came to her father's rescue by courageously taking on and killing two soldiers who were trying to tie him up. In the frenzy she heard a scream and saw her mother emerge from the tent bloodied and dying from a stab wound in the back. Her father looked on in horror just before receiving a fatal stab wound to the chest.

Utta didn't have time to grieve She had to try to rescue her siblings, yet fighting with all her might and bravery she was to be the only member of her family who remained free after the terrible carnage. Making her way towards the sea Utta passed many corpses of her own people and a few Romans. Not quite fifteen years old she was not used to the stench of death but she knew she would have to get used to it. 

Remembering her father had always warned her that if she ever fell foul of the Romans she would be captured and raped before either being forced to be a bed slave, or more likely as a fighter she would be forced to entertain her captors in the arena. Recalling his advice that if she was ever on the run, separated from her home, she would have to try to sleep during the day and move and hunt by night. She tried to put this advice into practice making her way round the coast to Dubris hiding in the hills and cliffs, finding what refuge she could in caves and holes.

By the time Utta was seventeen years old news of Boadicea's suicide had demoralised the Britons and encouraged the Romans to push on in breaking up the remaining British settlements. Already hardened by her ordeal Utta was used to living a solitary life knowing she would never have anywhere she could call home. She had to keep away from the Romans at all costs.

Looking out from the cliff top Utta watched as yet another Roman fleet arrived bringing more soldiers to the port. Heavy rain was falling and many roads were impassable. The heavy sky lit up and a bolt of lightning crashed to earth, sending a small avalanche of rocks cascading down the hill into the path of a small band of Romans. Instinctively, Utta jumped behind a boulder to avoid being seen but as she did so the rain increased and the lightening crashed, again and again, while she felt a definite tingle in her flesh caused by the electricity in the air.

Sensing someone near her Utta felt her muscles tense for either fight or flight. Maybe the Romans had sent a scouting party into the hills or perhaps there was another Briton seeking refuge in the hills that centuries later would be known as the "White Cliffs of Dover". As another thunder bolt crashed she saw the small Roman party run into a nearby cave. For once, they, like their conquered people, were subject to a higher authority. Even the mighty Romans could not fight nature.

Utta heard another noise behind her and immediately reached down for a stone. Placing it in her sling, she prepared to defend herself. Then, she heard a voice, a woman's voice, speaking in her own language, "No, don't. Please." She froze on the spot and looked round.

Utta answered "The Romans are hiding." she said quietly, "Come to me." She heard a rustle and then saw a young woman approaching, her long dark hair clinging to her small, tanned face, held there by the rain. About 5ft tall, slim and clothed in just a short, torn and faded yellow dress held closed by a belt which held a dagger. Appearing to be about twenty years old, she was about three years older than Utta. 

"It's ok, we are both Britons. We are stronger together." Looking at the girl through the blinding rain, she asked her name.

"Denua, I'm Denua. I've escaped from my village on the Dubris Road. The Romans came burning, killing, raping and showing no mercy. Some of us made it into the hills but the legions pursued us and took out the men before capturing the women. I found a cave and hid there for two nights. Only hunger and the storm brought me out." As she spoke another clap of thunder fell and the scene lit up in the light of the flare. 

Utta shook her dark red hair as she looked in sympathy at her new fellow survivor. Long thick strands drenched in the rain clung to her face and through her green eyes she showed sympathy. Utta was over six feet tall and it was obvious to her that she would tower over Denua when they both stood up. Utta was clothed a leather top and skirt which clung to her waist through a belt which held her dagger, sling, and a larger sword. 

The rain had soaked her top so much it was clinging to her flesh and her nipples had moulded the material around their peaks. "My name is Utta." she replied, "the Romans destroyed my home too, murdered my parents, took our home and set it on fire." She looked at Denua and asked her softly "Have you eaten?" 

Denua shook her head as Utta reached into a bag and produced some flat, sodden bread. "It's not much and it is probably turning green but it will have some good bits left." She was amazed as the girl almost snatched it out of her hand and ate it as fast as she could, green bits as well as the good parts. "Wow, you must have been hungry!"

"I'm sorry." Denua replied, "...my parents ..." She hesitated, remembering they were almost certainly dead. "My parents would have been ashamed of me." The thought of what had probably happened to all the people she knew and loved overwhelmed her and she began to sob. 

Instinctively, Utta drew her new friend to her and tried to bring her comfort. She too knew the pain of overwhelming sense of loss and impending doom. "There is some food in that cave. The only problem is that it's full of Romans. Any ideas?" 

"How many are there?" Denua asked. "If there are many we don't have a chance." She looked towards Utta for answers but only got a shrug of the shoulder. "Is there anywhere else we can get food?"

Utta looked deeply into her new friend's eyes trying to gather her thoughts together for an answer. "I don't know, and, how many? Hmmm...Three, maybe six." Seeing Denua's face fall she said softly, "Bad idea ... sorry."

Just then, another clap of thunder sounded and the earth shook as rain cascaded down the hillside bringing mud and stones with it. Looking down they saw one of the Romans looking up from the cave. "He's seen us!" said Denua in panic. "He knows we are here!"

"But, he isn't likely to come after us in this storm, is he?" Utta sought to reassure her friend. "We still have time to plan something." The lightening fell again and the immediate clap of thunder shook the hills as it echoed to and fro "Let's make it up the hill, away from here." Utta suggested. "We can think better when we know there is a bigger distance between us and them." 

The girls slowly made their way up the hill their progress hindered by their rain-soaked clothes and as they were slipping and sliding in the clinging mud they struggled to help each other. Reaching the top, they found a cave that looked as though it had not been used for some time. 

Utta signalled to Denua to wait while she carefully made her way in. A new flash of lightning lit up the interior and she thought she saw someone in there. Drawing her dagger from her belt, she tried to pierce the darkness. Suddenly, there was someone at her back trying to pull her to the ground. Next, she felt herself being grabbed by someone else from the front and a third person held a blade to her throat. As this happened, she heard Denua screaming at the entrance and knew they were both under attack. Twisting herself around, Utta managed to loosen the hold of the attacker on her back and threw them forward to hit and dislodge the one at her front.

The hand at her throat tried to stab her but she managed to block with her own dagger before turning the tables and holding the knife at her attacker's throat. As she held firm she saw a lighted torch come from the back of the cave held aloft by a woman of about thirty years old, tall with dark thick hair and deep brown eyes that sparkled in the light of the flame from the torch.

"What's happening?" The woman asked in a deep British voice "Who are you?" She asked, looking at Utta. "And who is that outside with you?" The scuffles were still going on outside but it was clear Denua was winning the battle even if she was outnumbered. "CEASE!" the stranger woman ordered and the noise outside stopped. Looking at Utta she said "So, are you going to kill my sister or are we going to talk? We thought you were Romans."

Denua entered the cave and saw Utta still holding the blade in the light of the torch. "We aren't Romans any more than you are. All we were looking for was somewhere to hide until the storm passed by. There are Romans at the bottom of the hill but not many of them." Turning to Utta she said "I think we are safe. You can let her go."

Looking down Utta saw she was holding a young girl about her own age who looked terrified. Holding her tighter, she said "They attacked us, remember? She's our bargaining tool. I let her go and we have nothing."

"Of course they attacked us. For all they knew we were Romans trying to capture them. Let her go." Denua pleaded with her friend.

"How do we know they aren't working for the Romans? Come to think of it how do I know you are not a Roman collaborator trying to capture me? I've only just met you! You could have been sent by that small party hiding below." Utta answered as yet another bolt of lightning illuminated all around them.

The woman with the torch bent low so her face was alongside Utta's. "I'm Vala, leader of these women. If you don't believe me, look at my forehead." She moved her hair to show a brand mark that had been placed there made up of the letters 'FUG'. "I am the daughter of Gaufrid, leader of the village of Somer just outside Castra. The Romans came three years ago and wiped us out killing our men and raping the women. I was captured and given to a Roman Legionnaire to be his bed slave. I was so much trouble he branded me with this sign. It means 'Fugitivus', a trouble maker. I was to be taken to the market and sold along with many other women but the resistance attacked the caravan and freed us. We have been in the hills ever since". 

Utta looked at the mark which had deeply scarred an otherwise beautiful woman for life and relaxed her grip on the one she was holding. Vala continued, "Since then we have been joined by other women and together we have been a thorn in the flesh of the Romans. Something tells me you and your friend would be a welcome addition to our ranks". 

Denua urged Utta, "Please, let her go, you can see she is no threat to us. Maybe this is our future now. I know I want to join, I have nothing else to live for and neither do you!"

Vala stood up and smiled at Denua before turning to Utta "What are we going to do? Do the Roman's dirty work for them? Go ahead; kill our sister if you want to." The young girl screamed with fright. Vala continued, paying no heed to the frightened cry, "Make it easier for our enemy. Or release her and fight alongside us. The choice is yours."

Utta hesitated for a moment and then released her grip on the young woman and threw her dagger down on the ground. 

"SEIZE THEM!" Vala shouted and instantly several women jumped on Denua and Utta and bound their hands behind their backs. 

Startled, Utta said quietly and accusingly "What treachery is this? I ... we trusted you ..."

Her words were cut short by Vala "SILENCE! You'll speak when you are spoken to. Search them" she commanded as Utta and Denua were pushed to the ground.

"Only a couple of weapons and some crumbs left over from some bread." A young voice said. "If they are Roman spies they are showing little sign of it."

Utta had had enough. "Roman Spies? Is that what you think we are? I'd rather die than help those pigs!"

"Oh, that can be arranged quite simply." Vala responded. "One more word out of either of you unless you are spoken to and I'll do it myself." Turning to another woman in the shadows she barked, "Theode, take them into the cave, chain them and feed them. We must show our guests some hospitality while we check out those Romans they said they saw in the valley."

The storm raged on through the night and at times it seemed to Denua and Utta that they had been abandoned to starve to death. But just as dawn seemed to be breaking they heard a commotion at the entrance. Vala came in followed by the other women dragging a container behind them. Looking at Utta she said "You were right, there were Romans in the cave down there. But, there aren't any more... Not LIVE ones anyway. And, you were right in saying that they were few in number so it didn't take long to dispatch them."

Laughter echoed around the cave. Opening the container, she showed it contained swords, spears, shields and plenty of food included salted meat and fresh bread. "This should keep us going for the next few weeks." Turning to one of the women who obviously came from Africa she said, "Release them." Looking at Utta and Denua, she continued, "We had to be sure you weren't sent to spy on us. But you wouldn't have been linked with that small group. Come, eat with me."

Utta and Denua stood up and joined Vala. "It's up to you." Vala said as she handed them each a portion of bread. "You can join us if you wish or you can try and escape and make it on your own. If you stay you must accept that this will only end one way. We will attack and defy Rome for as long as we can but one day we will fall. We all think it's better to die an honourable death fighting for our liberty than becoming slaves to some Roman pig. It's up to you; you're both welcome to join us if you wish."

Utta looked to Denua and said, "I can't speak for her, but I have nowhere to go, count me in." Denua stood up and nodded agreement.

"Then we must be on our way" said Vala. "That little patrol we've killed off will be reported missing any moment now. Now the storm has ended the Romans will come looking for them. We must be long gone by then."

Within minutes the women had gathered their belongings and packed them away. Moving out, they climbed the remainder of the hill and made their way along the summit until they came to a ridge. There, Vala cupped her hands and made a whistling noise that was replied to further down. Responding again, she led the women to an entrance to another cave that was well obscured behind some rocks and bushes. "I'll take the first watch while you all settle in." She said quietly. "Later we will rotate." 

So, it was that thirty two women, escapees from Roman malice hid in caves in the region of Cantus (modern day Southern England) that provided both shelter and natural water while they waited for the next opportunity to attack their conquerors.

60 AD Ch. 02



Jonas Aemilianus Julius was worried. He had sent out a small patrol to investigate rumours of a group of wild women attacking supply routes and they had not returned. Summoning his lead Centurion, Julian Nerva Latinus he asked him if there had been any news. "Sir, there was a terrible storm last night and I expect they took shelter. They should be back soon."

Jonas had a bad feeling about this. The new Governor Marcus Trebellius Maximus had trusted him with the job of capturing these women and it had to go well. Not being a Roman Citizen by birth he had fought hard and paid well to be accepted yet he always knew that he would be viewed with suspicion by those he was placed in command of. Born in region of Mount Malmasin (modern day Bilbao) he had a rugged look enhanced by his short cropped dark hair, the long scar on his right cheek and dark blue, almost black eyes. "I'll give it until the next watch then we will go looking for them. Romans shouldn't be afraid of thunder. It's our enemies who should fear Thor."

Julian saluted and returned to his duties while Jonas set about writing his report. He remembered how he had always had the ambition to lead an army, experience victory, and then be part of a triumphal return to Rome. He knew he had to set up an effective supply route but while this band of women were launching attacks it was going to be impossible. The fact that it was women made it even more embarrassing for the Romans and he knew he had to succeed.

By the middle of the day there had still been no sign of the patrol so Jonas summoned Julian again. "Take twenty men and search the valley, find out what's happened and report back. Maybe they have captured the women and are having an orgy or they might be under attack and seeking refuge in a cave". Julian clicked his heels and saluted. 

Riding on horseback, Julian was accompanied by his foot soldiers as they entered the valley. The ground was wet and muddy with large brown puddles everywhere. The ground level was honeycombed with caves and every one had to be searched. Suddenly, a young soldier came running towards him. "Sir, I've found them. Or ... what's left of them." 

Julian followed the young man into the cave where lay the corpses of six Roman soldiers. Their weapons had been stolen and there was a sign they had been outnumbered.

As he was coming out of the cave Julian was aware of a whooshing sound and a thud. Turning, he saw the young man fall to the ground, his brains spilling from his skull that had been smashed by a large stone hurled from a sling. More stones followed and four more of his men fell before Julian could give the order to form the turtle. Shields were held aloft and the men held their position as their attackers were forced into hand to hand fighting.

Utta was one of the first to reach ground level and she engaged a soldier in a sword fight. With a single thrust she managed to slit open the right side of his throat as his warm blood spurted out covering both of them. Turning, she saw Vala being attacked by two soldiers. Swooping down, she sounded a war cry yodel as she killed the first, and then the second.

Meanwhile, Denua was busy dislodging rocks with three other girls in an attempt to block the soldier's means of escape. One by one, they came tumbling down, making retreat difficult.. 

Vala managed to shout to Utta "Call them to retreat, get to safety." Seeing Utta hesitate, she shouted louder, "DO IT, DO IT NOW! GO!" As she yelled another soldier advanced on her, sword in hand, intent on killing the women's leader. Before he could get to her, Utta threw her dagger straight into his back causing blood to explode forth as the soldier screamed his death shout. "RETREAT!" Utta shouted, "RETREAT!" 

With those words, she made her way to Vala to help her to her feet. Both started running up the hill while four other women gave them cover with spears, daring the Romans to come after them.

Julian echoed the command of his enemy by calling on his surviving soldiers to also pull back and not pursue the fight. On the ground lay the bodies of nine Roman soldiers and two rebel women. He tried to observe the direction the women were taking but he and his men had to take shelter because four women were standing midway up the hill launching sling shots which claimed the life of yet another soldier and badly wounded two more.

Returning to the camp Julian reported the death of the scouting party to Jonas who was even more determined to exact revenge. Just when he thought things could get no worse another report came to his ears that made him wish he had never left the home of his youth.

A messenger came into the cohort and told of the massacre of over five hundred men on the road to Noviomagvs Regnorvm (modern day Chichester). 

"Sir" the Centurion messenger looked white with fear "Something very strange has happened. An entire army killed and yet it appears the blood had been completely drained from every one of them. It ... it ..." The man's voice trailed off.

"That's all I needed. Next They'll be saying the blood suckers are fighting for the Britons. Only the gods know what the Governor will say if he gets to hear about it."

For the next year the women attacked the Roman Legions as they made their way from Dubris to Verulamium while strange stories of mysterious deaths continued to circulate. On one fateful day as a small group of soldiers was crossing the River Meduwaen (modern day River Medway) the women attacked and forced them into an old deserted citadel. 

There while the sling throwers were keeping resistance at bay the twelve surviving soldiers were picked off one by one. In one hand to hand battle Vala was disarmed by her opponent who thrust his sword into her left side under her rib cage puncturing her lung. Fatally wounded she cried out and crumpled to the ground. 

Utta swooped in from horseback removing the soldiers head and gathering her leader in her arms taking her back to the safety of a cave. 

Back in the cave it became clear that Vala was dying. The women gathered around her as she addressed them. "The gods have decreed I should be called to my ancestors but in their wisdom they have already sent my replacement". Turning towards Utta she asked solemnly, "Will you lead these women?" 

With tearful eyes Utta, now nineteen years old, nodded while Vala continued. "Then my warriors, meet your new leader. Obey her as you would obey me 

As the sound of their voices died away Utta instructed that the women keep watch with their dying leader until she entered the realm of the afterlife. 

As dawn broke Utta was awoken by a disturbance and thought at first that the Romans were attacking. Instead, she saw Denua trying to wake a young warrior, Lufu, who seemed to be in a trance. There was no sign of Vala. "What's happening?" Utta demanded "Where's Vala?"

"Ask her" said Denua in an annoyed tone. "If you can get any sense out of her." She looked at Lufu, a dark skinned beauty, who seemed to be drunk with wine. "She's talking gibberish."

Utta squatted down next to the young woman and asked, "Are you drunk?" 

Lufu shook her head. 

"Did you fall asleep?" 

Again the young girl's head shook. 

"Then what happened? She didn't just get up and walk away!"

"That's exactly what she did do." Lufu's face glowed with sincerity. "I saw it ... I saw ... I saw ... him."

"Who?" Utta demanded, "The Roman leader? A soldier?"

"No!" Lufu said slowly, "It was ... was ... I don't know but I felt safe as he looked deep into my eyes and through them into my soul. He drew me into sleep into deep slumber." Looking round, she held Utta's gaze. "He ... he took her. The gods must have sent him to heal our leader." 

Denua interrupted, "Maybe ... maybe the gods sent him to help her. Maybe she will come back to us."

"Don't be stupid. There are no gods! The Romans have discovered our hiding place and have taken Vala." Retorted Utta.

But Vala was never found, it was as though she had never even existed. Utta assumed the leadership of the band of women and for months they disrupted the supply channels of the Roman Army.

And to the women it seemed the beasts of the hills were fighting the Romans with them. On several occasions Utta and her band found small groups of soldiers dead on the ground with looks of horror frozen in their faces. The amazing thing was that there was no sign of blood being shed. It was as though whatever attacked them had drained the life fluid from their victims while keeping the flesh intact.



60 AD Ch. 03



During the next year the women inflicted defeat after defeat on the Romans and Jonas was summoned to see the Governor. "I won't tolerate it, the Emperor won't tolerate, and you shouldn't tolerate it!" Maximus said firmly as soon as he and Jonas had exchanged the normal courtesy. "You are allowing a group of women to make a mockery of the Roman Army. I want this Utta in chains by the end of the year and I want her band wiped out. I then want to hear no more of her or anyone like her."

"Putting her in chains would be simple." Jonas replied "Finding her, that's the difficult part. Those hills are honeycombed with caves and hiding places, some we would never find."

"This is not the Senate or a debating chamber" said Maximus "Take as many men as you need, and do anything, ANYTHING" he emphasised "to bring this to an end." Jonas saluted and left the governor's quarters.

Despite extensive searches and a continued stream of new soldiers arriving and blockading the valley there was no success in capturing Utta or her band of women. Small victories were chalked up when a woman warrior fell in battle but it seemed that whenever one fell two more would start again.

Jonas was at his wits end when he launched a raid on Durovernum Cantiacorum (modern day Canterbury). Capturing many women and children he was about to arrange for their shipment back to Rome when a commander, Nigellus, who had fought under Titus in Gaufrida, came forward with an idea. "Hold the women and children hostage and threaten to execute some daily until Utta surrenders herself to you. News will reach the women and she will feel compelled to surrender. Once we have their leader in chains the rest of the women will disband".

Jonas frowned "I'm a Roman Soldier. I don't murder children." 

Nigellus smiled at Jonas "The Governor's orders are for you to capture Utta alive and bring her to him. You only need to threaten to kill or execute. Trust me; you won't have to carry out the threat. The Governor wants to train her to fight in the arena. Your reward will be instant promotion and a place in the Imperial Guard." As the two men exchanged salutes Nigellus smiled at Jonas "And there is one other reward you can take immediately you capture her. Rumour has it she is a beauty and still a virgin."

"Not for much longer then!" Jonas joked. "Tell the Governor he will have her in chains before the winter." He hesitated "But he might have to wait before he can place her in the arena. Pregnant women don't make good gladiators."

Three days later Nigellus emerged from his tent and threw a woman down before Jonas' feet. Her dress had been almost torn from her, her dark hair covered in dust and dried blood round her mouth where she had been beaten. "She's one of Utta's women. She was captured yesterday and she knows the way to where she hides. Poor girl, I don't think she had ever seen a cock before." Both men laughed. "I suggest you set her free. Don't follow her; just let her go with this written message to Utta of what we are going to do to our captives. Within hours your enemy will be in your hands. Enjoy her."

The woman, Zelda, was one of the lookouts who had disappeared a few days before. This was not an uncommon event as it was a dangerous role and many of the lookout women had been killed by Roman archers. On her release Zelda made her way into the hills until she was spotted by another lookout, Raven. Ensuring they were not being followed Raven led the tired abused woman to an outer cave where she handed her over to an escort who took her to the warrior camp just as Utta was finishing addressing the women about another raid she had planned.

Utta looked at Zelda and her heart went out to her in sympathy. She had obviously been subjected to a degrading attack from the Romans. 

Hearing what was going to happen to the people of Durovernum Cantiacorum unless she surrendered herself to the Romans Utta called the women together. "Those pigs are about to commit genocide, they are going to murder the innocents of Durovernum Cantiacorum unless I surrender myself. "Do you recall Vala's words to me when I joined your band of warriors?" Those women who had survived the past years nodded. Utta continued "You will recall she said, 'We will attack and defy Rome for as long as we can but one day we will fall. We all think it's better to die an honourable death fighting for our liberty than becoming slaves to some Roman pig'. I think the time may have come for me to die."

Turning to look around her she said "I intend to surrender myself tonight. Here's the plan. I go there tonight, alone and hand myself over. The following night the rest of you under the command of Denua mount an attack at sunset. Denua's duty is to rescue as many of the hostages as possible and hide them. By then I will be dead but Denua will be your new leader. Do not allow yourselves to be captured." Utta then commanded the women to sleep in preparation for the evening.

On waking Utta washed and changed into her battle leathers of short skirt and a top that moulded round her body supporting her breasts. "I intend to meet my death clothed appropriately" she joked "at least they will know it's me", Having given instructions for the other women to care for Zelda Utta placed a large dagger in her belt and made her way down towards the Roman encampment.



60 AD Ch. 04



I want to thank my sister Slipped Halo for her encouragement and DalekRasputin for the historical research.



It was dark when Utta arrived outside the camp. Most of the cohort were asleep with the exception of the ten guards who patrolled the perimeter and the two outside the luxury tent, obviously where Jonas was sleeping.

With stealth and silence Utta approached the back of the first guard. With practiced ease she covered his mouth in her left hand while with her right she plunged the dagger into his neck killing him instantly. She then moved on to the next and killed him in like manner. Within thirty minutes all the perimeter guards were dead. 

Creeping towards the command tent she threw a stone to attract the attention of one of the guards. As he went to investigate she attacked and dispensed his colleague. When the first returned he did not have time to register the death of his partner before Utta's dagger ended his life with a single blow.

Entering Jonas' tent she saw the commander asleep on his bed. By his side was his sword which Utta carefully lifted and held at his throat. Jonas awoke immediately and within seconds was aware of what was happening. "Utta! At last!" Then realising his vulnerability he asked "How ... how did you get passed my guards?"

"What guards? O yes, your guards. All twelve of them!" She chuckled. "They're dead, every one of them. And you are about to join them!" She began to press her sword towards her enemy's throat.

"Kill me, kill me now if you wish. But remember this. Rome is very hard on any race that kills one of its commanders in cold blood. We have hundreds, thousands of Briton slaves. Every one of them will be crucified if you kill me like that. You will be responsible for their degrading deaths." 

Utta hesitated not knowing what to do. "Then I better kill you in battle then. Get up!"

"I'm not fighting you. Why should I let you absolve your conscience? No! You can dispatch me now and then face the consequences for both yourself and what remains of your people". Jonas was getting bolder "Or you can surrender to me and live. I also promise your people will be handled with respect."

"You! A Roman pig, you ask me to trust you?" Utta pushed the point of the sword forward so it was making an indent in Jonas' throat. 

Suddenly they were interrupted by a soldier bursting into the tent dispensing with any ceremony. "Sir ... w ... w ..."

Jonas lost patience and despite his predicament was able to respond "Stop stammering soldier and get help." Looking at Utta he said "If you are going to kill me get on with it. If not drop your weapon." Noticing the soldier was still in the tent Jonas said firmly "Is there anything else soldier?"

"There is worse! ... Sir ... the cohort under Nigellus. ... Sir they are all dead." He hesitated "It ... it seems 'THEY' have struck again sir. All dead, blood drained from their bodies yet not a single drop on the ground."

Jonas looked at Utta and in his broken Celtic asked "What do you know about this?" 

To Jonas' surprise Utta answered him in good Latin "I know nothing about this. Must be the gods cursing you for what you are doing to our people. I promise, when I kill you, you will bleed. And no doubt scream like the pig you are." As she spoke she put extra pressure on the sword and noticed the fear in Jonas' eyes. 

Jonas looked up at the woman holding the sword "Brains as well as beauty" he said as he tried to hold her gaze "It will be such a waste if you throw your life away."

"My life is over now. The minute I release this sword you will kill me." Utta looked down with resignation. "But at least I have taken many of your men with me."

The soldier didn't know how to interrupt but he had to share the next piece of news "Sir ... there's more. One of the victims scratched a word on the ground. It read ... it read 'Vala'!"

Both Jonas and Utta reacted with surprise. "What trickery is this?" Utta looked straight at Jonas "She was killed by your invaders two years ago. Your men must have been drunk before they died."

As she spoke more soldiers entered the tent but when they saw their leader with Utta's sword against his throat they just stood back. Jonas looked at her. "Kill me and you and every Briton we can lay our hands on will be crucified." He looked for a response but saw none in Utta's cold eyes "Release me and you will live. And your people will not die in such a manner." He felt the sword relax a little "Your call!"

Utta looked down at him and was tempted to drive the sword through her enemy's throat. Instead she relaxed the hold, stood back and threw the sword to the ground. Immediately she was rushed by several soldiers one of whom was about to kill her. Seeing what was happening Jonas shouted "STOP! I gave my word." Approaching Utta he said slowly as he cupped her left breast with his right hand "Besides I have plans for this beauty."

Utta shuddered at the feel. No one, nothing, had ever touched her there and she was shocked by Jonas' action and surprised by her body's response as she felt her nipple harden to his touch. She wanted to spit at him yet couldn't. Noticing the look of lust in Jonas' eyes she knew the inevitable, the fate her father had warned her about, would soon take place. 

"Take her to the brothel tent. Get the slaves to bathe her, shave her, clothe her in virginal white and prepare her for me." Jonas barked as the guards roughly dragged Utta away.



60 AD Ch. 05



Denua was worried. Utta had gone out armed with only a dagger and although she was adept at using it even she would be no match for the Roman Army. She was sure her friend and commander was dead by now.

Making her way into the cave she found Zelda "I doubt you slept well sister" she said with a concerned tone "but I hope you are rested enough to join us in what could be one last battle."

Zelda stood up and said firmly "O I'm ready, I know this is probably my last day alive but I AM ready" she said with emphasise. Turning to Denua she said "She won't be dead yet. You know it and I know it." 

"O she will be dead" said Denua, "She would have taken that bastard with her."

Zelda shook her head "It doesn't work like that" she said placing a hand on Denua's shoulder "He won't fight her, and if she kills him in cold blood then every prisoner they can find, men, women children; everyone will be crucified." Seeing Denua's concern Zelda continued "They will have made that plain to her and then demanded her immediate surrender. By next year she will have been fucked by a hundred Roman cocks. A trophy for Rome and more humiliation for us."

Meanwhile the laughing Roman soldiers pushed Utta before them until they reached the large tent where several women were either lying around or preparing for duty to please their Roman Masters. One woman, Avellana, was known to Utta as she had been one of the elder's wives in Regulbium. Now well into her late fifties she was still upright and refined despite her being a slave for several years. Too old to please the legions sexually she now prepared other bed slaves for their duties.

"This is the stinking Briton known as Utta" the centurion announced "The Commander wants her prepared for deflowering tonight. You have three hours to wash, shave, dress and prepare her."

Avellana nodded and then called two other girls to follow her. Looking at Utta she remarked "I never thought they would ever capture you. You were our last hope. Now they have you we have no chance."

"They didn't actually capture me" Utta corrected her "I had Jonas at my mercy. But I realised that if I killed him all the slaves would have been crucified."

Pulling Utta towards her and removing the leather top that held her breasts in place Alizah shook her head "Whichever way you look at it your belly will be swollen with Roman child in just a few months. Have you ever ... you know ... have you ..?"

Before Alizah could finish the embarrassing question Utta blushed and interrupted her "Never ... I never ... I was never that kind of girl. I don't know what to expect."

"We all knew you were more boyish than girlie, but really, you have no idea?" asked Alizah "You haven't even 'fingered yourself?'"

"NEVER!" Utta retorted with indignation. "I've heard tale ... in the village and I remember when girls got married how they would ask their friends or older sisters for advice." Utta shook her head "But that was never me ... I did see the animals ... the sheep and cows do ... do ... it ...but ..." her voice trailed off.

Removing the rest of Utta's clothes Alizah took a towel and wrapped it round her. Instructing two slaves to prepare a hot bath she said "So, the rumours were true. You were the virgin warrior the Romans feared so much. If you only knew ..."

"What?" Utta asked "If I only knew what?"

"How many of these girls were instructed to pretend to be you when the soldiers took them. Every man had this vision of being the one to destroy your innocence. Now Jonas is to be that man." She moved Utta towards the bath and helped her sit in the warm water. "I wish I could help you. But the only advice I can give you is to relax, try to respond and allow your body to accept what is happening. If you try to enjoy it you won't feel too much pain."

Two of the girls organised the bathing and then prepared to lather Utta's legs and mound. Gently one of them shaved her legs before moving to the area around her sex. After the shaving was completed Utta was removed from that bath and then placed in another which had been scented with rose petals and other flowers.

Pulling her out Alizah again wrapped her in a towel before instructing other girls to dry her. "I've found the virginal dress used on nights like this. It is pure white and will hang over you with the tapes at the front. That makes it easy for your conqueror to undress you when he is ready before beginning the assault on your maidenhead."

Utta blushed again as Alizah continued "He might want you to suck him before he takes you, or most likely the next day. I know it sounds repulsive but he will have washed as well. Take it slowly and try not to gag. Whatever you do don't bite him even though you are tempted to. Every girl in this tent will be on a cross if you do."

A noise was heard outside and the women stopped talking. A soldier entered the tent and announced "The commander is ready for his prize" he said with an authoritative voice. Utta looked at Alizah who nodded and handed her to the soldier. Looking round the tent she sensed every eye on her and the looks of sympathy from the women.

Utta was taken to the command tent and told to wait outside while the soldier entered. Returning he opened the flap and beckoned Utta to enter. Inside she saw Jonas dressed in his finest toga, washed, brushed and very relaxed. "Enter, enter and approach." As Jonas stood up Utta was sure she noticed a bulge in his crotch that indicated he was already anticipating the events that were to follow.

Back in the women's camp Denua was busy counting out the slings, stones, arrows and spears. Every woman would be armed with either a sword or a dagger which would allow them to fight in close proximity to her enemy if that was required. 

Calling Zelda to her she asked "How many men do you think Jonas has?"

Zelda shrugged before saying "I would say around three hundred, maybe three hundred and fifty."

Denua thought for a moment "So we will have surprise on our side. If the sling throwers can take out about fifty and the archers can fill the sky with arrows we could maybe half that amount in the first exchange." Turning to the other women she said "We need to make every sling shot, every arrow and spear count. Our priority is the release of the hostages. But let's take as many Romans as we can".

The women held their swords aloft and again gave a war cry 

Denua then gave the order to sleep before thinking to herself that Utta was almost certainly dead by now. Mentally she was prepared to join her in the afterlife the next night.



60 AD Ch. 06



Back in Jonas' tent the commander chuckled "You know you fell for it. Just as I expected. I don't have many hostages here. They're on their way to Rome. You have been captured because of a false rumour."

Utta felt her anger rising and she instinctively reached down for her dagger. But she had forgotten she was no longer dressed for battle but for mating and she cursed under her breath. She felt her legs begin to tremble but was disgusted with herself when she realised it wasn't only because of fear.

Laughing Jonas mocked her "It's too late! You are mine now and I am going to enjoy you."

"You won't enjoy it!" Utta retorted "I'll see you don't enjoy it any more than you would if you were having a wank!" She stood tall with her defiant look.

Jonas laughed again "Not enjoy it? You have so much to learn about men. Any man prizes the prospect of taking a woman's innocence. More so when it's a warrior like you." He continued laughing.

Utta stared at him, tears beginning to fill her eyes as she felt the anger rising in her body. Alizah's words came back to her "...the only advice I can give you is to relax, try to respond and allow your body to accept what is happening. If you try to enjoy it you won't feel too much pain."

Jonas interrupted Utta's thoughts as he said "Now, I'm going to give you a warning about your fellow slaves. If you harm me in any way, bite, scratch, unless in passion," he laughed "the slave Alizah will be put to the cross and the other girls lashed until they curse their mothers for giving them birth. Do you understand?"

Struggling to hold the tears back Utta swallowed hard and nodded. Jonas continued "Then approach, come to me and let me see my reward."

Feeling her legs tremble to almost jelly Utta approached the commander until they were in touching distance. The slaves had brought Utta's hair into a bun tied with white ribbon. Jonas reached behind and undid it sending her red locks cascading down.

"P ... p ... please d ... don't d ... do this" Utta stammered out "I beg you ... d ... don't do this t ... to me ..." Her voice trailed off and she felt her heart pounding as she held his gaze.

Jonas stared back and said slowly "You beg me for mercy? What mercy did you ever show us your conquerors?"

Utta laughed sarcastically "US? US show YOU mercy?" She regained some composure and said defiantly "Just remember who the invaders are Roman!"

Jonas ran out of patience "Enough of this! ON YOUR KNEES!" Utta hesitated as Jonas continued "Kneel before your conqueror." Utta looked at him, stared him in the face and seeing any defiance was hopeless she knelt in front of Jonas. Rearranging the folds of his toga Jonas allowed his hard aroused manhood to protrude outwards until it was almost touching Utta's face. "Kiss it!" He said slowly watching Utta's reaction. Seeing her hesitate he repeated louder "KISS IT! And remember Alizah. DO NOT BITE!"

Utta started crying and tried to object but Jonas grabbed her hair and forced Utta's mouth onto his cock. "Kiss it gently, softly." Utta gave a tiny peck kiss onto the uncircumcised head and felt Jonas twitch as he softly groaned. "Now a full kiss ... mmmmmmmmm!" He responded as Utta finally gave a proper kiss. 

Utta sensed the second twitch and felt a little fluid escape from the tip. Not knowing how to respond she allowed it to drip onto her lower lip. "That's better" said Jonas "And that fluid? That contains the seed that will this night flood your womb. The very thought excited Jonas and he commanded "Now gently suck on it. Taste me, know me mmmmmmmmmmm!"

Utta remembered the advice she had received and although she was tempted to gag she took him into her mouth. Nursing Jonas' member in the folds of her tongue she felt a strange excitement rage through her body and hated herself for it.

Jonas found himself losing control and was worried he would explode prematurely. "S ... Stop!" He said as he sought to maintain his dignity. Withdrawing his shaft from Utta's mouth he reached out and pulled her up towards him. Untying the tapes that held the front to Utta's virginal white dress he released her breasts and with one movement his own toga was on the floor.

Her naked breasts pressing against the warmth of Jonas' hairy chest Utta felt a strange warmth as her nipples became hard like beads she found herself losing the battle with her own body. Turning her round Jonas positioned her so her back was to the bed as he pulled her into a kiss that caused Utta to shut her eyes in passion.

Utta moaned as Jonas' right hand explored her left breast and she felt strange warmth invading her most private area. Gently feeling Jonas pushing her down onto the bed Utta found her body caressed by the furs that covered it. Lowering himself down next to her Jonas again claimed her mouth as he removed the lower coverings of her dress. Leaving her mouth his lips claimed her right nipple and Utta moaned and groaned as first his tongue danced with it and then his teeth gently nibbled it. 

Struggling to both enjoy and resist at the same time Utta found herself in unfamiliar territory but she managed to attempt one last appeal to her conqueror. "No ... please ... st ... stop ... don't ... don't force me. Stop it ..." But by now she knew all resistance was futile not only was her enemy overpowering her but her body was fighting her will and she showed her surrender by initiating a long passionate groan as she arched against her enemy trying to encourage him to penetrate her.

Moving his hands down to her mound Jonas used his left middle finger to judge the state of play. Feeling Utta's warm wetness he tore his mouth away from her aching breast and whispered passionately "My, I'm expected aren't I?" 

To his surprise Utta nodded and said in a whisper "Only my body wants you to take me, make love to me. Make me a woman. My mind says 'no'" Jonas covered her mouth with his as manoeuvred himself so his urgent manhood was just above her entrance. Allowing it to tease the smooth shaved opening he began to lower himself on to her and gently pushed in about a quarter of an inch. Feeling Utta arch again and moan into his mouth he moved a little further gradually claiming her most sacred treasure.

Utta was in a frenzy of lust and confusion now. This Roman's cock was invading her, exploring sites nothing, not even her own hand, had explored before and creating a storm of desire and passion on a level she believed was not humanly possible. Utta the tomboy warrior was embracing her femininity and enjoying it. When she felt the tip of his manhood come up against her barrier she panicked, opening her eyes in shock she cried out "No, NO! ... Please DON'T!" Her words were silenced by his mouth as he again claimed it and began to slowly push forward while his right hand claimed her left breast. 

Breaking from her mouth he said breathlessly "It is true. You are a virgin warrior." With those words he reclaimed her mouth and pushed forward. At first he encountered resistance but drawing back slightly he rammed forward ripping through Utta's hymen and changing her for ever from a girl into a woman.

Utta could feel the pressure and panicked as Jonas whispered his words of lust. Utta felt a sharp searing pain rip through her and cried out in agony. But any cry was dampened by her rapist's mouth. Feeling warm blood seep out of her womanhood she trembled as Jonas removed his mouth and whispered "You WERE a virgin warrior!"

Panic set in as Utta realised what was finally happening to her. Within minutes Jonas would have deposited his seed and Utta could even be pregnant with his child. But, instead of just emptying himself inside her, Jonas appeared to be considerate. He seemed to be allowing her time to get used to the feel of him invading her most precious space. 

Soon Utta was aware that the sharp pain had mellowed into a dull ache and at the same time Jonas began moving slowly up and down, in and out like a human piston. At first the movements refreshed the pain in Utta's torn hymen but soon it faded to be replaced by other sensations. Desire, then lust followed by the beginning of pleasure ending with undiluted passion. To her surprise, shock and disgust Utta found her body moving with Jonas. Little murmurs, groans and whimpers began escaping her mouth as her body arched giving Jonas greater access.

The sounds Utta gave off began working on Jonas' self-control and his lust fuelled by the desire of this wild creature that no man had ever tamed melting to his manhood began to envelope him.

Then nature took over and the muscles in Utta's channel clamped onto Jonas' shaft holding it in place yet stimulating the release of his seed. The primitive make up of Utta's body sought fulfilment. A fulfilment that both disgusted her but excited her. One that would result in both participants surrendering to their most basic needs.

The pace became faster and urgent until Utta threw her head back, opened her mouth and released a cry of pure animal lust and passion. She surrendered to her first ever orgasm and a sensation of warmth and fulfilment erupted through her body as her channel released a flood of passion juice that bathed Jonas' manhood as she came violently on the head.

Jonas, aroused by Utta's passion, surrendered to his own desires and called out to his gods as he exploded deep inside her forcing wave after wave of his seed into Utta's virgin womb as it convulsed against the onrush of her love fluid.

Feeling Jonas seed violate her innocence caused Utta to soar to even greater heights of passion as her nails tore into his back and every part of her body became engulfed in the flames of desire.

How long this continued Utta had no idea but it seemed an eternity. It was only as the lust finally began to subside that she became aware of the magnitude of what had taken place. "No, no, NO!" She yelled as she felt violated and unclean. As tears flowed from her eyes she knew she had at last surrendered to the feminine side of her nature and had in every sense become a woman.

Jonas came to a halt and rolled off his conquest holding her in his arms. Placing a finger to her mouth he tried to silence her and whispered "You surprised even yourself by enjoying that didn't you?" Seeing Utta trying to protest he kissed her cheek "I'm honoured. Just make sure you take care of my baby."

The old Utta was beginning to return as she protested "Don't flatter yourself Roman! That was rape, you raped me and you know it!"

Chuckling Jonas whispered "You can deceive yourself if you wish, but you and I know that that was anything but rape!" Moving from her he sat up in the bed. "I know you will be sore" he looked at the blood and semen on the furs "so I will allow you to rest and clean yourself up. Then we can explore something else tomorrow night."

Moving her legs Utta felt the pain of her ruptured barrier give her a deep jolt while remnants of Jonas' seed trickled from her womanhood. Turning her face to the pillows she sobbed herself to sleep.



60 AD Ch. 07



Denua gathered the women together ensuring the sling throwers were well armed; the archer's arrows were sharp and straight while they tested the strength of the bows. The women were all armed with both a sword and a dagger and Denua gathered them together. 

"Tonight we attack with one intention. To kill as many Romans as we can and release the hostages. No one must be captured and here we have a responsibility for each other." She looked seriously at the women. "If you see a sister being captured kill her. Do not allow those pigs any chance of using her. We owe it to each other."

Standing up she said seriously "This is your last chance. If any of you want to leave then do it now. No one will think any the less of you if you feel you can best serve the cause by living to fight another day." Looking round Denua noticed with pride that not one woman wanted to leave.

Swallowing hard and with a trembling voice she said "Then, today could be a good day to die". The women responded by shouting and beating on their shields and waving their swords in the air.

In Jonas' tent Utta stirred in bed as one of the slave women came in and brought some hot water, a towel and her warrior leathers. "The Master wants you to wash and change back into this." she said holding up Utta's top and leather skirt "He will be back to fit you with your collar."

"MY COLLAR?!" Utta shouted, "I'm not a dog that I need a collar!"

The slave woman stood up and stared at Utta "No you are not a dog. You are lower than a dog. Utta, the 'Virgin Warrior'" It was obvious she was mocking "The one who was to save us, overthrow Rome!" 

Laughing she said with sarcasm "You couldn't get enough of his cock last night. Your screams of passion were heard throughout the camp!" 

Utta's eyes filled with tears as the slave continued "After you have given pleasure to the Romans you will be placed in the arena where you will be forced to fight to entertain the Romans. Who knows? You might even have to fight Denua!" The girl turned to leave the tent but before opening the flap she turned to say loudly "WASH!"

Utta washed herself finding her womanhood was painful when the water hit her torn hymen reminded her of the previous night bringing a confused emotion of fear, anger and desire. She changed into her warrior dress and food was brought to her which she ate. 

As night began to fall Jonas returned and closed the flap of the tent. Utta expected to be raped again but instead the Roman stood in front of her. "You will find I am not a monster" he said quietly as he clapped his hands and two slaves entered. One carried a table the other a flagon of red wine and a wine cup. 

"I know you are still painful from last night so I will give you time to heal. It's time for another lesson." He ordered Utta to stand and then kneel while he manoeuvred so that the lower part of his toga opened and his hard manhood stood out. "Remember, kiss it ... gently."

Utta spluttered as it entered her mouth but obeyed with a tiny peck which made her master's cock twitch with excitement. 

Jonas continued "Now, remember my warning. Bite me and a slave will be crucified. Open your mouth and allow it in." Utta felt tears of shame flow down her face as allowed the tip to rest on her tongue. "Now, gradually allow it in. Lick it, suck it. Let it possess you."

Utta struggled to protest but with her mouth full and disgust in her heart her number one struggle was trying to avoid gagging. "You will get used to this" Jonas said "sooner than you think." Utta found the fold in her tongue was a cushion for the underside of Jonas's cock and although she felt disgust there were other sensations bubbling to the surface within her. Primitive sensations she was ashamed of. A raw lust and a desire to cause this man to cum in her mouth. 

Suddenly there was a noise of uproar in the camp and the sound of panic. Arrows covered in burning straw were being fired at the tents followed by the rush of sling shots and the thud of stone hitting skull with the screams of the dying. 

Jonas jumped back determined to take control but as he went to leave Utta tripped him up grabbed his sword. Taking Jonas' hardened cock in her hands she slashed the weapon across severing it from his body causing an explosion of blood urine and semen. "Have this on account Roman!" Utta cried while Jonas' screams were both guttural and primeval as he rolled on the floor in agony bleeding to death. 

Turning she said deliberately "That's for all rape victims in history!"

Leaving the tent Utta saw a guard coming towards her and with a single swipe removed his head from his body. Shouting as loud as she could she rallied the women "THE HOSTAGES HAVE GONE!"

The battle raged for nearly an hour and there was a smell of smoke, blood, butchered flesh, urine and human excrement in the air. Making her way into the slave tent Utta encouraged the slaves to escape but on her exit she received her first wound. A dying Roman soldier threw a dagger that pierced her back just below her right shoulder blade. Turning she lifted her sword and his chest exploded.

Outside bodies were lying everywhere, Romans, slaves, warrior women. Denua had taken a spear in her chest just below the heart but it had not gone deep enough to kill her instantly. 

Nevertheless the wound was fatal and she staggered into the open where she saw Utta. Smiling at each other Utta turned to engage three other soldiers. Utta killed two but the third stabbed her in the lower right abdomen penetrating her right lung and the young warrior fell in her death throes.

It was the last thing Denua saw before a huge sword swung round removing her brain from her skull. Utta saw it and cried out as one of the Romans raised his sword to end her life too. But it didn't happen. Instead there was a sound like a huge rush as human like creatures descended upon the Romans at super speed. Screams of terror filled the air as the Romans found their weapons useless against their attackers.

For Utta time seemed to stand still as a kaleidoscope of images and sounds attacked her senses. Screams, shouts, battles and death filled the air and then the darkness closed in as she succumbed to a sinking feeling that she embraced as death. 

In her last moment of consciousness she thought she saw Vala approach and pick her up. Even in death Utta believed this was a hallucination, the last gasps of her dying brain.

In the very next moment of consciousness Utta was aware of a weakness in all her limbs and a feeling of thirst and hunger together with a sensation of deathly coldness. 

Hearing a voice she recognised she turned her head to see Vala looking at her. Struggling to talk she heard her friend speak to others round about "It's ok. She's with us." Approaching Utta Vala said with a smile "Welcome to your new life Sister, we're pleased to have you with us."



60 AD Ch. 08



"Where am I?" Utta struggled to ask, "What happened? Am I dreaming?"

"Woa!" Vala said gently "One question at a time and not yet, you need rest, plenty of it. After that we'll answer your questions but not yet." Turning to a man who stood beside her Vala asked "Was I like that?"

"O, much worse" came the reply "You wanted to know everything. I suggest you give Utta the mind link and force her into rest. She has to get used to her new life."

Vala knelt beside Utta and brushed her hand through her hair soothing her. Then she placed her forehead against Utta's and shut her eyes. Within seconds the younger girl had fallen into a deep sleep. "You'll need that Sister" Vala said as she stood up "The transformation has only just begun."

Standing next to the man Vala asked "Is there anything we can do for the others? Surely we can save some." The man shook his head and moved away. Vala pursued him "So it's just us then. The sole survivors of a whole unit of warrior women and even we aren't human."

The next few days were critical for Utta and she found herself slipping in and out of consciousness. Finally she awoke to see a smiling Vala looking back at her. "You really gave us a fright young lady" she said with a mocking grin that showed there had been some serious concern. "You need to adjust to your new life, or should we say 'death life'"

"What are you on about?" Utta asked trying to get up "You aren't making any sense." Then feeling weak and very cold she added "I feel terrible, so ... cold."

"You have a lot to learn and adjust to" Vala said as she indicated Utta should not try to stand "But soon you will realise that you are not the old Utta who fought the Romans. She's dead. You are alive because she died and the only thing that links you to her is the memory and personality that she once had. Your body resembles hers, you will act like her, be like her, and in fact you will be her. But you will not be the old Utta."

Again Utta shook her head "Nonsense! You are speaking nonsense. I'm Utta, I remember being in a battle, I remember being ... O God! No!" She reached down to touch herself "That Roman Bastard. He raped me, forced me to ..." Her voice struggled to form the words and tears or something filled her eyes as she raised her hand to her head. Removing her hand she saw not tears but blood. Panicking she said "Wh ... wh ... what the ..."

"Just rest and don't try to speak" Vala said slowly. "It's just part of the transformation that has taken place. Soon you will have the strength of ten stallions, the speed of an eagle, the eyesight of a hawk, the hearing of a bat. The new you will live for many centuries, maybe for ever if you take care of yourself and follow some basic rules". She moved forward and took a knife to Utta's left arm. Piercing the skin she rubbed a little solution in to the wound and the young warrior fell asleep. 

Several days later Utta awoke feeling much better and raring to get on with life. Vala came over to her and asked "Better?" then smiling she sat beside her "You look better, but you are still very new to this life. Sit still while I explain what has happened to you. And no interruptions. Agreed?" Utta hesitated before nodding and smiling.

Vala continued "Many hundreds of years ago the gods came to earth and mated with the humans." Utta nodded as Vala continued "What was produced was a new race of creatures, a Master Race, part god and part human. But they could not sustain the physical side of their nature without the human life force found in blood. The only way they could survive was through absorbing human blood into their bodies. For this they had fangs at the top of their mouths that penetrate their victim's veins and drain the blood.  

"They sometimes excreted some venom into their victims and the victims would themselves metamorphose into blood sucking creatures themselves, not as powerful as the Master Race but superior to the humans. With time and practice the Master Race learned how to control the venom so they could create servants at will. The servants themselves were able produce other servants in the same way. 

"In time the gods again came back down to earth and destroyed the Master Race in what has been called 'the flood' but allowed the servants to live subject to a few weaknesses. Mainly they deigned that the Akkadian, as they called us, must never be exposed to the sun because its rays would destroy our flesh. They also decreed that we can be killed by driving a stake of wood through our hearts. We, like the Master Race before us need blood to survive. By feeding on the blood of the living we retain the strength given us by the gods.

"So, that's who have been attacking the Romans" Utta said slowly. "It makes sense now. But what has that got to do with me?"

"Lots" Vala continued. "Everything ..." She hesitated to allow Utta time to understand but jumped in before she had time to interrupt "... You are now one of them, we all are ... all of us here. We are Akkadian or as the Romans call us 'Vurvurdulakas'!"

Utta couldn't stop herself laughing even though she was afraid "Now ... come on Vala, I don't find it funny. It ... it isn't possible. I would have known I would have gone out sucking blood from my birth. Pl ... please, no teasing. What has really happened to me?" She looked intently at her erstwhile leader searching for any sign of humour but finding none. "Y ... you're serious aren't you? You ... you really believe this nonsense don't you?"

"Utta," Vala interrupted "I ... we all know how you feel, none of us believed it when we were told. But it's true, you are not human anymore. You died in battle to be reborn, re-formed as a Vurvurdulakas. Here, drink this." She handed Utta a bowl full of a deep red liquid that looked and smelt like blood. "It's not human, it came from a goat but it will show you what we mean."

Instead of feeling disgusted Utta found herself excited, longing to take the liquid down. Suddenly her canine teeth extended and snatching the bowl from her friend she sucked its contents through her teeth and then licked the inside of the bowl clean. It was only when she finished that she realised what she had done. "O my God ... what did I just do? I sh ... should be disgusted but ... What ... where?"

Vala reached out and calmed her friend down. "It's ok, it's normal."

"NORMAL?" Utta shouted "How the FUCK can that be normal?" I'm a freak, a throwback, a ... a..."

"A Vurvurdulaka" Vala interrupted "and you need a lot of teaching, a lot of adjusting and then you will not only accept your new state. You will embrace it and use it to help destroy our enemies."

"But ... What about Denua? Did you ..?"

"Her wounds were too severe" Vala said grimly "her brain was ripped from her skull; there was nothing we could do. I'm sorry." Utta wept blood.

And so throughout the next few weeks Utta was shown how to use her new strength and speed. She was trained in hunting and compassion. On one occasion she came face to face with a Wolf and was about to end its life by overpowering it and draining the blood from its jugular vein. But as she was about to strike Vala told her that the creature was out hunting to provide for her cubs and that if she killed it the cubs would die too.

Vala explained that the Vurvurdulakas did not reproduce in the biological way that humans did. All that side of their nature was dead and gone. Instead they had the power to recreate their own kind by draining a human of his her blood but then re filling them with the venom that was stored in their old lymph glands that was now linked to the fangs that had replaced their old canine teeth. They could still enjoy sex, in fact the sex act would be intensified but they could never reproduce through sexual union. 

Then the day came for an attack on a Roman caravan. The legion had travelled through Cantus burning, killing, raping and had come to a village long deserted yet still with a well. The slaves were ordered to fetch water for the Tribune, the Centurions, the soldiers and the horses. Only then were they permitted to drink themselves.

Waiting for the sun to go down Vala led the Vurvurdulaka into position and they waited until the Romans had moved away from the well. In an instant the Vurvurdulaka struck with enhanced speed, superior strength and a hunger and thirst for human blood. Utta noticed a young centurion who had been shouting obscenities at a young female slave no older than about fourteen. His fate was sealed as soon as she saw him and she jumped in front of him. 

"Hello Big Boy! How about a REAL woman?" She mocked him before grabbing his neck and sinking her fangs into his jugular vein. Within less than a minute every drop of his blood was now in Utta's system and she discarded his body as a young girl discards a rag doll. The whole battle was over almost before it began, the Romans were left dead and bloodless, the slaves were free and the Vurvurdulaka back in their cave before anyone really knew what was happening.

For the next fifty years Vala, Utta and the rest of the Vurvurdulaka continued to fight the Roman invaders until news came that the tribes in the North were faced with the prospect of the 'Invincible Ninth Legion' being sent to destroy the 'Painted Warriors' or the Picts as the Romans called them.

"Our people in the North need our help" Utta said "I'd like to try my hand at helping them." At last the time came for her to part company with Vala. 

That night she returned to the hill where long ago she met Denua. Still missing her friend she knelt by the rock where many years ago they hid from the Romans. "I don't know if you can hear me old friend" she whispered "but no matter how long I live I will never ever forget you. Whenever a Warrior gives their life for freedom your soul will continue to ride on in battle. Through their courage you will live on"

Struggling to stop the blood filled tears seeping from her eyes she said softly "We'll drive them out; I promise we'll drive them out. And one day, somewhere, somehow in another life, another world we'll be together again. Until then I bid you 'farewell' and thanks for everything."

With those words Utta set off for the North.

*

Will we hear from Utta again? Did she help defeat the Ninth Legion? Is she STILL with us? Did she go over to the 'dark side'? Please let me know if you want to hear more about her.