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Because of the Night

By: cawastedyouth



Leif knew he was a lucky man as he looked over the companions before him. Sir Glen, his host tonight, allowed him first selection for his evening companion. Initially he narrowed the choices down to three. He didn't have to question their abilities; Sir Glen was renown in his circles for his training. All the women waited patiently as they waited to hear from Leif's lips which among them would be selected by him to serve as his companion tonight. They had brought in, asked to kneel in front of Sir Glen's chair illuminated by the fireplace. From the shadows, Leif had come forward, to avoid their curious gazes.

Here in the library lit only by the room's fire, heavy evening shadows were cast over the room. Only Sir Glen's finest would be available tonight. He had seen most of the companions that had come to Sir Glen or had been brought to him for training. They knew him, and of his history.

All but one raven-haired vision who Leif had never met before. She stole a glimpse of Mr. Leif, against all she had been taught. Her conscious prayed that Sir Glen might have missed her slight in fraction. A casual thump of Sir Glen's cane on the floor told her she had been spotted. Internally she cringed.

Leif ignored the reprimand that Sir Glen issued and then approached the daring woman and lifted her chin so that he could read her name on the gold necklace she wore. She chose the moment to look up at him, but could not make out his features because he blocked the light from the fireplace. 

"If I may Sir Glen, I believe I would like to select the company of..." he looked into her hazel eyes with a roguish grin, "this siren." He turned to look at the formidable, aging man who he had known in great detail so many years ago. Leif fought the training he had to go and wait by the man's side and help him with his robes.

Sir Glen nodded, his eyes narrowing to her in warning to her. He was fair, but she should remember all he had taught her. 

"Yes, Taylor should be a good foil for your skills Mr. Leif." He spoke to Leif motioning with a slight wave of his hand commanding the remaining two to withdraw and rejoin the others, awaiting the other guests of the evening, leaving Taylor at Leif's feet. Hearing the name of the mysterious guest, undoubtedly it would be common knowledge in the entire household in the matter of minutes the identity of the protected guest of Sir Glen. But when his eyes fell back on Leif, Sir Glen's eyes sparkled in a private joke between them.

Sir Glen beckoned his favorite, Laurie, to his side and whispered a few instructions and then motioned for Leif to join him to return to the majority of the gathering. Before Taylor followed silently behind Leif, Laurie slipped Taylor a small package and tucked it in her gown.

Sir Glen and Leif entered the entrance hall, Master and apprentice. In the entrance hall to Sir Glen's home, Leif was nearly blinded after being in the dark quiet room for nearly fifteen minutes. The other guests took note of Sir Glen and nodded and shook his hand as he mingled. They watched Mr. Leif warily. 

"You're new here." Lief spoke as he drew Taylor into the shadows of the grand hall behind a large marble column. Taylor shook having been addressed for the first time. She studied his boots, an unusual cut as they were stitched on the outside and not high gloss as many of the other boots she had studied from Sir Glen's collection.

"It is the first time Sir Glen has allowed me to join his evening functions." She dared to allow her gaze to travel up. He was dressed unusually casual for tonight although his blue jeans were new. However, his black cloth robes were starched and crisp for the evening. She was surprised that he didn't wear a belt, but black suspenders with brass fittings engraved with what she decided were his initials.

A derisive chuckle rose from his lips. "A daring one."

"I am sorry." She swallowed hard wondering what Mr. Leif must think of her horrible memory of all she had been taught.

"Oh, to the contrary, I do not mind a little boldness. You must be curious. Step back and look your fill for now." 

As she did as she was told, she wondered what he was thinking of her. But her gaze continued as her eyes rose over him. His white shirt was worn, but like his robes were crisp and well starched. But looking into his pale blue eyes, Taylor found he was amused at her curiosity.

Three chimes echoed over the murmur of gossip and laughter that had risen in the grand hall and the entry. The guests seemed to part as Sir Glen and his favorite began to head to the dining room, hand in hand. Most guests had already met their companions for the evening, having previously agreed to the conditions that Sir Glen set. Those that hadn't would meet their companion at dinner. Then a select few wouldn't have a companion at all: the collars marked total commitment, and had been brought as guests of Sir Glen.

Taylor reached into her gown feeling the small package she had been given. She pulled it out and looked at it, realizing it was a pair of dinner gloves for Mr. Leif. She presented them to him. 

Again, he chuckled. Taylor found herself attracted to the sultry deep resonance in his voice. "Laurie knows me all too well." He took the gloves, giving Taylor a chance to see his hands. To her surprise, the back of his left hand was marked with a tattoo that only belonged Sir Glen's order. Taylor had not ever met another in Sir Glen's order, and as the hair on the back of her neck stood on end in warning, she undoubtedly was intrigued by the man who had chosen her as his companion for the evening.

Sir Glen's order was men who had come to him at one time or another to be companions. Clearly, though, Mr. Leif was not a companion, at least not anymore. In some ways, the companions of the order were another class unto themselves in the house. All bore the distinctive tattoo of a triangle inscribed of a circle, which in itself was inscribed in a square. 

"Now we just need to endure the formalities for at least an hour and then we'll be off on our own." He reluctantly zipped up his own robes, looking as formal as the rest of the guests of Sir Glen.

"Mr. Leif, you cannot tell me that you find amusement in allowing your companion to watch you as you dress." A woman in her own flowing robes and dinner gloves approached Leif as if she was walking on a cloud. "I admire your skill Mr. Leif, taking her already in a public hall. Perhaps you should join the group later in the dungeons?"

"Ah Lady Marie." Leif greeted her warmly with a false smile.

"Now Mr. Leif, I did see you exit Sir Glen's private rooms with this enchanting companion. I hope that you, I, and she might meet up again later tonight?" her perfume surrounded them, and Taylor fought off the urge to fan the air.

Leif turned back to look at Taylor. "I'll see what I can do Lady Marie. But I do believe my companion is only for my eyes tonight." Taylor did not need to look to Mr. Leif to know that his words were genuine.

"Ah well, I'll see you a dinner then." And with a seductive wink she floated away.

"If you'll humor me for one more thing my companion." Taylor's eyes lit up as Mr. Leif addressed her. He hung a silver pendant around her neck.

"This will keep people like Lady Marie at bay." He kissed her shoulder allowing the cold clasp to fall against her pale neck. Taylor stole a moment of inspection of the pendant. On the plain silver disk, three block letters were stamped out: his initials.


In a moment of introspection, she wondered if there was nothing he didn't put his initials on. Obediently, she followed Mr. Leif wondering what lay ahead in the evening.

In the dining room, it seemed as if the guests had thinned out considerably. Or perhaps now that they were lining up around the table instead of the haphazard cliques that dominated the friends of Sir Glen, that there seemed to be less of them. Every high back wooden chair had an accompanying cushion on the floor for companions, except for Sir Glen's, which Taylor marked with fascination. When all the guests had located their seats, Sir Glen entered, with Laurie. She also noted that Mr. Leif was seated at Sir Glen's left hand. 

"My guests," announced Sir Glenn when he had come next to his chair, Laurie waiting patiently behind him. "Before we begin, I would like to welcome you all to our gathering tonight. I hope you find all you desire here tonight. I have but one announcement."

"My companion Laurie, has agreed to bind herself to me." And as the announcement was made, the guests and companions applauded in salute of Laurie and Sir Glen.

Sir Glen held the chair at his right for Laurie and she took it quietly allowing the guests to take their seats. As Sir Glen took his seat, dinner was served, and the dinner chatter rose from the table in hearty gales of laughter and smiles. The guests were looking forward to the evening as it took shape.

"I trust that your return Mr. Leif means you're going to stay this time?" asked Sir Glen.

"You know me better than that Sir Glen, I have my interests else where in the world right now." Was the brusque response as he took a choice morsel from his plate and fed Taylor with his fingers. She accepted the bite, realizing it was Sir Glen's finest fare. He was here tonight to definitely impress his guests.

"Then can I convince you long enough to stay to over see our ceremony?" asked Sir Glen, catching the ears of the guests closest to the head of the table.

Leif paused. "I had no idea you held me in such high esteem Sir Glen."

"Mr. Leif, you should know me better than that. A difference of opinion is hardly a dent in our relationship."

"Then I would be glad to."

"Perhaps in getting you to stay Mr. Leif," spoke Sir Glen's oldest nemesis, Mr. Conner, "He will convince you to help him with the companions." The comment was laced in humor. Leif's stay with Sir Glen eight years ago for nearly two years was the longest he had ever stayed anywhere in recent history.

"Doubtful, I'm sure Sir Glen remembers all of my exploits quite well." Mr. Leif drew a chuckle to try and diffuse the situation. Sir Glen kept his friends quite close, but having Mr. Conner not three seats from his Laurie proved that his enemies were kept closer.

"I doubt there's been as much fuss since you left Mr. Leif. No companion is nearly as daring or as cunning as you were with the wine accident." Chuckled Lady Daire as she flirted needlessly with her companion at her side. Clearly her companion was enamored with the elder woman's grace.

"I was hoping that my fame would not be for the havoc I caused, but my leadership, my overwhelming gentlemanly behaviors." Leif patted the woman's hand. "And if I remember Lady Daire, I believe it was you who swooned into my arms as I was your chosen for the evening."

She smiled fondly at Leif. "Aye, and it was a good thing you were as fast on your feet as you are with your mind."

Taylor looked to Mr. Leif surprised in finding out this bit of information. In her time with Sir Glen, the wine accident, as the novice companions had dubbed it, had seemed as much as lore as truth. Never in her dreams had she imagined that she would meet the mastermind behind the greatest escapade in un-companion-like behavior in Sir Glen's conclave.

"Well Sir Glen, what do you think of your prodigal companion?" asked Mr. Conner. "Do you think you're up to the task of keeping him in line until you and your companion are bound as one?"

From over his wine goblet, Sir Glen appraised Mr. Leif. "I think time has tempered Mr. Leif's ..." he paused searching for the correct word. "Curiosity. I'm quite certain that there are many other things which will capture his time to keep him from leading a companion revolution."

"If that is true Sir Glen," spoke Leif gallantly, "then I must endeavor to keep you on your toes. I sense a challenge."

"Mr. Leif, I believe that I am too old to worry about your little tricks. Besides I've seen them all." With a wink, he passed his cup to Laurie who sipped from it. "I do believe I still have one or two of your former comrades around here who will be able to snuff out anything you might try. I'm not beyond taking you to task in the dungeons."

"In that case Sir Glen, I shall be on my best behavior." The men exchanged meaningful glances. For as much of a scamp Leif had been under Sir Glen's tutelage, Sir Glen had admired the man's tenacity and respected the man that Leif had become in the past years. 

With the last course served, Sir Glen clapped his hands, calling for the guests' attention once more.

"Now my friends, the entertainment for the evening. The dungeons are open for you to use as you see fit. Please ask if there is anything you require. My Laurie and I shall be in the dungeons should anyone need additional assistance. I hope those of you who have the company of one of my companions tonight find them more than satisfactory. Before we adjourn, I would like to propose a toast."

All of the seated guests took up their cups, the companions, waited, their eyes submissively downcast.

"May you find what you seek tonight, a new limit, a new fondness, or even a new appreciation. To the journey."

The rumble of agreement as they all echoed the motto of the society, "To the journey."

As the cups were lowered in solidarity, almost immediately, the companions were ordered away on preparatory tasks. Taylor sat patiently wondering what might Mr. Leif have in mind for them both tonight. She watched anxiously as each companion filed out of the room, leaving the 

-Perhaps he is a tease, he seems playful enough.- wondered Taylor.

Sir Glen leaned forward in his chair to Leif and spoke in a hushed whisper. "Mr. Leif, you know where your room is, feel free to have entire roam of the facilities here. I can trust you won't get into too much trouble with Taylor."

"Mr. Leif! So good to see you." 

"Sir Marcus, the feeling is likewise." Leif turned to rise and greet the familiar man. A regular to Sir Glen's gatherings, Sir Marcus was known for only one true appetite: dinner.

"If you'll both excuse me, I have something planned for Laurie." Sir Glen exited the room with courtesy nods from both men.

"Now who is this enchanting woman that you have here?"

"A companion Sir Glen selected for me tonight." He lied but put a protective hand on Taylor's shoulder.

"He seems to be hiding the best ones. Would you and your companion like to join Sir Joel and myself this evening? We both are headed to the dungeon racks first. I think a pretty one like the one you have in your company tonight would prove to be very interesting to say the least."

"Indeed." Mr. Leif feigned interest. "I have other plans for Taylor tonight, but perhaps we might pass each other in the dungeons, if I have time."

"Of course. Sir Joel!" Sir Marcus called over to his partner in crime. "Well, I'll be seeing you."

"By your leave Sir Marcus." Mr. Leif deferred passage to the other man.

Once they were alone in the dining hall, Leif turned a chair with the toe of his boot next to Taylor.

"Sit." He was brusque as he reclaimed his chair. Taylor climbed into the chair.

"Now ask what ever you wish. I know you heard an earful just now."

Taylor looked at Mr. Leif with saucer shaped eyes. "I wouldn't know what to ask Mr. Leif." She stammered.

"I have some indication from Sir Glen you're a bit difficult to control, he seems to find it funny that you and I are companions for tonight. Is that true?"

"I am working on it Mr. Leif. My faults are something I will always work at to overcome."

"Are you happy here?"

"I've known few other places. I am happy here Mr. Leif."

He nodded. "Can't argue with honesty." He leaned back and unzipped his robes, leaning back to relax in his chair.

Taylor looked around and then apprehensively spoke. "Why haven't we joined the others Mr. Leif?"

An eyebrow arched at the question, which was followed by a chuckle. "I may initially choose my companions for their beauty, but I do like to know my companion is more than she appears."

"Is there anything I might be able to do for you Mr. Leif?" though she asked, her eyes were on the maids who were trying to clear the dining hall.

"Hmmm. Come then." He followed her line of sight getting to his feet with a sigh and holding out his hand for her.

Instead of heading back to the entry and into the room across the hall, he led her up the stairs to his private room.

Taylor hesitated. She had never been in a private room, which wasn't either Laurie's, or Sir Glen's. And this should not occur without Sir Glen's knowledge.

Leif spun around assessing his companion for a moment. In the dull light of the private quarters hallway, he glanced Taylor over in her entirety for the first time.

"Turn around."

Nervously, wondering what Mr. Leif intended to do at this very moment, she did as she was bid. 

In the light he caught the pale pink of her gown, and he muttered to himself remembering the color scheme that Sir Glen used to denote seniority. Though Taylor was quite accomplished, to date, Sir Glen had never allowed her to greet companions on their own. And having her accompany her to his private chambers would be quite inappropriate as a guest of Sir Glen.

"Wait here, I'll only be a moment." Leif berated himself privately for not taking more time in selecting a companion for the evening. Within the sanctuary of a private room, he removed the gloves placing them on the bed stand without much though. The fire already lit, and the curtains drawn to remind him of the soul of the deep night, Leif paused for a moment over looking the grounds he had helped maintain so many years ago. But his lingering memories did not last long. His interest in Taylor peaked knowing that Sir Glen found her worthy enough to be a part of the selection process. He hung up his robes in the armoire and then selected a shirt that he wasn't going to miss if it suddenly was misplaced in the depths of the dungeon.

Leif looked over the blue drenched landscape outside the window, wondering where he could go and avoid the girl outside when his door creaked, as it was open, and he turned straightening his cuffs. The silhouette spoke. 

Because of the Night Ch. 02



"Mr. Leif, if I might be so bold, I cannot believe you do not find Taylor satisfactory." 

It was the soft lilt of Laurie's voice. The severe shadows hid her features, but he knew she too had changed to something appropriate for the dungeons, a white silky gown that was undoubtedly raise the jealousy of all who would watch her serve Sir Glen. It billowed about her almost like a sail, but in such a manner that it was the image of a dream.

"Ever the ravishing companion, but it would be inappropriate for Taylor to be here alone in my company." He spoke as he quickly fastened his buttons to his cuffs. "I have no wish to raise Sir Glen's ire. As he spoke at dinner, he's getting too old to deal with problems I've caused, and I am much better off not provoking him." He ended in a token roguish smile that earned him to see a rare genuine smile from Laurie as she shook her head. He wished he hadn't drawn undue attention to the fact that her beloved was vastly older than she, but that didn't seem to matter.

And just as quickly as she remembered Sir Glen's most challenging young companion, she returned to the favorite companion of Sir Glen, the one worthy of total commitment to her companion. Her voice was strong and commanding, though hushed with all the discipline that Sir Glen demanded of any of his companions. "Taylor please finish dressing Mr. Leif. You have permission to follow him wherever. Sir Glen trusts Mr. Leif as he has been given full run of the house." 

Nervously, head bent, Taylor entered the room, and Laurie left closing the door silently. Taylor glided across the dimly lit room and finished buttoning the shirt as she was asked.

"Taylor, what have you not experienced with Sir Glen?"

"Pardon me?" her fingers jumped away from the shirt as if she had been shocked.

"You know I was once here Taylor. I will not pretend with you. I know the caste system Sir Glen uses. What have you not experienced? What do you keep failing at?" he tipped her head up.

She turned away angrily. "I am not without fault Mr. Leif."

"Sir Glen would not have you allowed to be among the chosen companions tonight if he didn't think you were proficient enough. But there is at least one thing you lack. And finish as Laurie asked you." He gathered her hands and placed them on his shirt.

"I have yet to curb my defiant ways Mr. Leif. That is the reason Sir Glen has been unable to complete my training."

"How many other novices are in residence here?" His voice turned severe and it scared Taylor. She wondered how safe she was here with this strange man she had so early wondered so much about.

"I am the last companion novice. The others who were there...are from else where, but would have not minded your company Mr. Leif. I do not know how many of the Order are in residence." Leif nodded. Sir Glen's estate was nearly a boarding house for companions while business out of town was conducted, or some new skill needed to be acquired.

"Well, come along Taylor, we will join them in the dungeons. Then we'll see how much more Sir Glen means to teach you."

It was a brief respite in the evening's activities as guests left, and companions went their separate ways. Some went home, others to the companion sanctuary. Sir Glen, however, found Leif in the main dungeon room; cleaning some of the toys that had been used, eerily quiet now that no one occupied the dungeons.

"Novices will do that in the morning Leif." Leif raised an eyebrow with being addressed so familiarly.

"I am able Sir Glen. I do not mind."

"What is it Leif? You returned, as you're always welcome here, you know that, but without a word of warning. Something is troubling you." Glen sat on a bench looking at the younger man as a brother instead of as a peer.

"I needed some grounding. Your estates have always brought me peace Sir Glen."

Sir Glen didn't believe Leif and continued to press for answers. "You've been missed for nearly five years. Was it hard on you Leif, or did someone rip your heart to shreds?" He watched the younger man cringe, revealing the sore spirit, broken by a stark reality.

Changing the subject, Sir Glen spoke up. "You nearly frightened Laurie tonight, leaving Taylor outside your room. She poor girl thought she'd done something wrong."

"No one under your careful hand should ever think that Sir Glen." Leif hefted a paddle onto its place on the wall under the dim lights.

"Take Taylor to your room tonight Leif. Let her help you."

With all the honor in his being, Leif shook his head and began to examine a silver handled whip. "She's still a novice Sir Glen." 

"I will give her permission tonight." The elder waved away Leif's concern.

"Why is she still a novice?" He looked up from his inspection.

"I believe you will find that out tonight Leif. Laurie will see you have proper attire for tomorrow evening." He beckoned a passing servant asking him to bring Taylor to Leif's rooms.

"Leif, I don't just help companions. I help their Tops as well. I'm not nearly as good at it as I am with novice companions, but it comes in handy from time to time."

The lost look in Leif's eyes caught him. "Don't you think I didn't know, every time I saw the whip hit you, you became more determined to overcome your internal humiliation. You were mistaken in your calling Leif. If you remember there was a time when your antics went virtually ignored because you were beginning your own path Leif. I cannot break the spirit that will not bend. I am not so prideful that I did not see that in you."

"You're a good man Leif. Don't let a personal set back destroy you." And with those words, Sir Glen turned to leave the dungeon.



Because of the Night Ch. 03



When Taylor's eyes opened to the white ceiling above her masked by a white gauze canopy, she wondered for a brief instant where she was. But the musky male odor reminded her of the previous night.

She looked at him nearly sprawled over the remaining bed, his back slashed with faint scars of careless companions. Taylor looked his back over wantonly, wishing he were awake so she could ask him how he gained such lasting scars. She shivered knowing that he must have suffered painful nights and days to recover from such a harsh punishment. She sat up partially to kiss one particularly vivid scar that wrapped around his shoulder, hinting that it crossed his chest when she heard the door open. She turned and saw Laurie and obediently she slipped out of the bed, gathering the clothes that Mr. Leif had hastily discarded last night while muttering something about unnecessary garments.

"When did he finally sleep?" she asked in a hush whisper reaching up on the bed to pull his covers about him giving Taylor a moment to dress.

"Sometime after dawn. He paced nearly the whole night." she replied equally quiet wondering how Laurie knew that Mr. Leif barely slept.

"Do you need anything?" Taylor shook her head.

"He's a good man, despite what he thinks of himself and what some may think of him. With a little time he'll be a rival to even Sir Glen." Laurie's foreboding words shocked Taylor and she looked back at the man who lay in the bed.

"So the 'wine accident' is a true tale and not lore to amuse the novices?" she asked playfully.

Laurie smirked. "I even helped him." She admitted sheepishly it was then she noticed the pendant that Taylor had been given last night by Leif.

-He has exquisite taste. I've got to give him that.-

"You have a choice to make, if you wear the pendant for the rest of his stay, you'll be expected to attend to him. If you leave it here on his bed stand, he'll know he can count on you."

Taylor froze not knowing the depth of significance when he had given her the pendant. Her fingers lay on the metallic disk hovering slightly over her breasts. 

-He had said it would just keep others away.- The implication that the simple silver pendant was more than only a deterrent meant to give him some privacy placed her nearly speechless. "Those are my only choices?"

Laurie looked at Taylor and offered up the third choice unhappily, wondering if Taylor had found misery in Leif's company. "Leaving it with a servant to return will mean you will not see him again. The choice is yours."

Taylor looked at Leif sleeping peacefully remembering the highlights of the previous evening. She had not expected to find pleasure in dressing him, or his laughter. His fingers when they were in her mouth had aroused new interests that she wished dearly to explore. –With him.- The self-admission took her by surprise, yet it settled into anticipation. "I think I would like to attend him for as long as he is willing to have me and Sir Glen does not mind." She stammered. Embarrassed, she turned away.

Laurie hugged the novice, a gesture rarely given in the house. "Then you have a lot to do before he wakes, come with me." Laurie's heart soared hopefully as she escorted Taylor out from his room. 

Taylor took a deep breath. Having now been enlightened to the expectations of her as a regular companion, it was nearly too much. Locating Mr. Leif's scant wardrobe options and then assessing what he had to wear was actually the easiest task she had completed nearly eight hours after having left his bed. She didn't see him at breakfast or lunch, much to her dismay. 

"Sir Glen is keeping Mr. Leif busy with preparations. You'll see him soon enough." Laurie teased in a private moment. Embarrassed by her lack of attention to the work at hand, Taylor returned quickly to reviewing the schedule for the next two days.

As a novice, she never once considered anything beyond remembering all she had been taught. As a companion, even a temporary one, she realized that there was more work involved particularly in a house as formal as Sir Glen's. Dinner attire, evening attire, then clothing for the dungeons and on top of that yet, she had to find some way to find something appropriate for him to wear to officiate at the formal ceremony slated for next week. And it wasn't just making sure Mr. Leif was appropriately dressed. 

They both had been amused to see the few toys Mr. Leif had brought along in a battered knapsack as they searched his clothing. While nothing that would necessarily arouse suspicion, for Taylor they did raise a crimson flush whenever she thought of using them with Mr. Leif.



Because of the Night Ch. 04



In the private voyeur's room of the dungeons, Leif's face almost touched the one-way glass. He stood with his legs shoulder-width apart, and his arms crossed. Now clad in all black, he looked even more the part of a potential formidable master. It was here that Sir Glen stood judging, not the companion and the guest who had asked to try the companion again in the afternoon, but Leif.

He dodged direct questions particularly about his life while so far away from the Order. Life had definitely sobered the man. 

On the other side of the glass, the companion was enjoying a splendid task of serving the guest on his knees, but the stoic Leif didn't even seem to blink much. The throes of ecstasy shared by the couple heightened, moans of contentment became more drawn out. 

"You seem desensitized to all that is around you Leif. What can we do to bring you back to the pleasure that life can be?" Sir Glen asked as a scream of pleasure emanated from the companion.

"She kept my pendant Sir Glen. I didn't think you would allow her. And I still have no clue as to why she isn't more than a novice in your household, or is Laurie jealous?" His response was distracted, ignoring the question posed to him.

Mildly grateful to be on the receiving end of a conversation from Leif, Sir Glen decided to take his cues from Leif. "Hardly. Taylor is allowed to make that choice. If she finds enjoyment in serving you, then I see no reason why she cannot continue to. It is her choice, unless you'd rather have someone else."

"No, for all the devil's goods, I like her spirit. I've not tested it yet, I was hoping you would help me." He asked sheepishly, finally looking down at his feet, drawing them together.

"What is your poison Leif?"

"Sensory deprivation. It's the only thing I've been able to control within myself. I was hoping last night to find other means, but everything else I seem to look at…I loose my patience and only want to rip the companion away from their experience."

"Did you try any last night?" As crude as the question was, Glen was glad Leif was coming around. Even discussing what he wished to accomplish with a companion was good.

"I didn't even sleep until nearly four, she is a distracting companion at best. I couldn't even fathom joining her in bed." The frankness from his comrade startled Sir Glen. 

"I suppose the joke is on you then Leif." Sir Glen's eyes twinkled. "There was a time I remember that it was all I could do to keep you out of the companion's wing, and even then I wasn't always successful." He clapped Leif on the shoulder.

"If she's willing Leif, I'll be more than happy to be there for the both of you."

"When would you and Laurie like to go over the details of the bonding ceremony?"

"Tonight, after dinner. If you'll excuse me, I have to meet with Lady Rose about her 
Jocelyn."

"By your leave Sir Glen." Leif bowed his head as Sir Glen left the room, leaving Leif 
to return to watch the couple, now collapsed on the floor in the heat of passion.

Free from her duties now that Leif had resurfaced in the main house, Taylor followed Leif through the orchards in the late afternoon. He had become undoubtedly moody, but held his tongue regardless of his opinions. Taylor glanced up at him now as they walked nearly side by side. She decided that he looked distracted as he carefully skirted around an over ripe plum, its juices calling a local colony of ants.

"Are you all right Mr. Leif?" she asked tentatively. Her words were hardly reached his ears. 

"Am I that imposing to you Taylor?" He reached for her hand and led her over a footbridge.

"No sir."

"I'm not all right Taylor, but there's little anyone but myself can do about it. However, I would like to make up last night to you. I know I didn't pay much attention to you last night, I was wondering if you wouldn't mind joining me in a scene?"

Taylor looked to him quizzically. "I am here as your companion for as long as you desire my company. I am willing and able for anything you wish."

Leif kissed Taylor's forehead. "I know you are obligated to me as I am a guest of your Sir Glen, but I will look after you as if you were my own."

"I look forward to all you wish Mr. Leif." Her words drew a smile to Leif's face.

"We best return to the main house, Laurie does not take kindly to those who are late to dinner."



Because of the Night Ch. 05



A comforting glow of coals in the small fire pit that captured the attention of all who had been invited helped to light the dungeons. Steeped in heavy shadows, the gathering was unusually silent, waiting for the ceremony that was about to begin. Three deep bells rang through the halls echoed.

As their rings disappeared from the halls, Leif spoke up from the hallway his voice resonating into the main room. "A life commitment, cultivated over time is not nearly as marked with achievements over adversity and enjoyment of the good times as that of Sir Glen and his Laurie. Our gathering here tonight is symbolic of all the people they have met in their lifetime to make them the companions they are today. May all their days know that the journey is always the beginning of another. To the Journey." Leif ended with the Order's sacred words, echoed by the guests in the room.

The coals flickered high as an alabaster pedestal arose from the center, with a gold chain in the center of the pedestal. Sir Glen carefully reached over and took the chain as it rose from above the flames; warm from it's nest and presented it to Laurie who was waiting under a blue light only her form was discernable.

A thunderous clap arose as Sir Glen placed his pendant around Laurie's neck, removing the gold chain that held her name. Brazenly, he took advantage of the moment and kissed the nape of her neck, gathering chuckles throughout the halls. 

"And now my honored guests, we celebrate!" With a clap, the lights in the came to a reasonable level and servants all came out bringing the guests an assortment of hors d'oeuvres and drinks.

"I see Mr. Leif is still here." Said Mr. Conner casually to Sir Glen as he took a glass of champagne.

"Mr. Leif is welcome here for as long as he need or wants." Sir Glen said pointedly to nip the conversation line in the bud.

"He's the companion of your only free companion left. I'm surprised you let him that close. I'd not let him that close to one so...vulnerable." Mr. Conner took a sip looking at Sir Glen surreptitiously.

"Mr. Leif is the closest friend I have, and I trust him implicitly, as does Taylor, which is the only approval I need to allow them to continue to be companions." There was no mistaking that Sir Glen wanted to end this line of conversation.

"Congratulations Sir Glen, you're Laurie and yourself have made a wonderful choice. And if I might say Sir Glen, there are no companions that I know of that match Mr. Leif and your Taylor, with exception of only of yourself and Laurie." Said Lady Daire as she joined the two men, her new companion hovering near by.

"Thank you Lady Daire. Are you enjoying yourself?" Sir Glen ignored Mr. Conner's attempt to recycle the conversation. Mr. Conner, sensing he had been aptly replaced, faded away.

"Quite so Sir Glen, your gatherings are always so marvelously planned. I look forward to them as always."

"Ah, there's more to come, if you wish to be in the voyeur's room later. Laurie has agreed to one final public display." He announced it with a wicked grin.

"You're a lucky man Sir Glen, so willing to share such a gift. I look forward to it of course Sir Glen. It's time I take up watching your techniques. You've done remarkable things with every one of my companions who have come to you."

As she spoke, Sir Glen nodded and smiled watching with concern as some members of the Order converged on Mr. Leif. It was the first time there had been any gathering of his Order since Mr. Leif's return. Leif escorted the group from the entrance to another part of the dungeons, Taylor followed, but not before glancing apprehensively Sir Glen's way. Glen only raised an eyebrow and thanked Lady Daire for her vote of confidence.

It was then Laurie returned to his side, drawing a welcoming smile from Sir Glen.

"The guests have already begun to occupy the private rooms."

"Patience Laurie." He said with a quiet chuckle as he took her hand. "We have plenty of time to get started. Where did Mr. Leif and Taylor head off too?" 

"They're not here?" she looked surprised.

"I saw Mr. Leif leaving with a few of the Order." He nodded in response to the congratulatory comment given to him by a guest.

"I'll see what I can find out." Laurie turned to leave when Sir Glen took her arm.

"No, stay here." Sir Glen waved to Sir Marcus, beckoning him to come join him and Laurie.

"Congratulations Sir Glen. Your Laurie will do you wonders." Though both men exchanged hearty handshakes and greetings, Sir Marcus was definitely interested in why Sir Glen would call him over.

Sir Glen leaned in quietly whispering to him. "Something has been brought to my attention Sir Marcus, would you please keep an eye on Laurie and for the rest of the Order. I believe they are up to something."

Sir Marcus nodded with concern. "Certainly."

"If you'll excuse me, there is something that requires my immediate attention." He kissed Laurie on her forehead, exchanging looks of promise and immediately, Sir Glen faded away into the shadows, politely thanking all those who wished he and Laurie well. In the empty hall, hurrying down past small groups that were beginning to escalate their public sceneing. Glancing from side to side, checking the room occupants scheduled for the room and noting very carefully as he stepped through the hall where companions were on their knees providing service to the guests. As he briskly covered the halls, assured through some voyeur blocks in the hall that the people in the room were only those who requested the room, Sir Glen's cloak and robes billowed about him. Sir Glen stopped at the last room in the hall, only to find it locked.

Sir Glen was slightly perturbed and looked to the sign on the side of the door. It wasn't slated for use, and all the doors in the dungeon were unlocked as a rule. He reached for his keys, filtering the ring looking for the master key for the dungeons. 

-How fitting that I find the only dungeon room without a voyeur block? - He berated himself silently vowing also to have one installed in this last room even if it meant re-building the entire dungeon.

Also knowing that if there were occupants in this part of the dungeon, they might very well be other guests, Sir Glen opened the door quietly, finding as he suspected, the Order, Leif and Taylor.

Whatever had been going on in the room came to a screeching halt as Sir Glen filled the doorway. Silently, those in the room filed out leaving Taylor and Leif in the room. None of the occupants that were in the room lifted their heads as they passed Sir Glen.

"Are you and Taylor all right?" Sir Glen asked entering the room.

"Nothing a little time won't heal." Leif turned his head away as Taylor helped to steady him, his left arm wrapped around holding his side. Sir Glen grabbed Leif's chin turning to meet his eyes, seeing the rising bruise above his eyebrow.

"Is that the worse of it Taylor?"

"Yes." The answer came out of Leif.

"I didn't ask you boy. Answer Taylor." Leif cringed at the reference to his former position. Sir Glen resisted the urge to reprimand Leif further.

"He was hit a few times, I don't know if he's bruised else where." Her voice shook.

"Take him up the servant's stair case to his room. Lock the door and let no one in. Laurie and I will be in later. If you need anything, ring for a novice to get what you need." Sir Glen turned and left the room, pausing at the door waiting for them to exit. When they left, Sir Glen locked the door and returned to the dungeon entrance and to Laurie.

"I'll explain later Laurie. Thank you Sir Marcus."

"My pleasure Sir Glen, it's been quite a while since I've had the company of such a wonderful companion. I envy you greatly. I may just have to look into seeing what I can do to convince one of your novices to come to my compound."

Sir Glen smirked. "Well, envy is always a good thing, as long as it is friendly and between good friends." The shook hands in good humor.

"Now Laurie, I believe you need to go prepare the chambers we're going to use. I'll be in there very shortly." Sir Glen murmured softly and then sent her on her way, but not before she shot him a very sly look.

Sir Marcus leaned over Sir Glen's shoulder and whispered, "It's a good thing envy has phases, because I now envy what waits for you."

"Ah Marcus, I only would envy that for a moment, because she has no idea what waits for her."

Chuckles arose, but in the back of Sir Glen's mind was the image of Leif beaten with Taylor helping him out of the dungeons skulking away as if they were both still novices, and not the companion pair they were becoming.

Sir Glen took a deep breath and smiled as yet another congratulations came his way. 

"Nervous Sir Glen?" asked Sir Marcus.

"I'd lie if I said 'yes' but if I said 'no' I'd not be her Companion."



Because of the Night Ch. 06



When Sir Glen walked into the private room where he and Laurie had agreed to perform for tonight's event, he had been surprised as the stark nature of the room. And Laurie patiently waiting for him, her back turned to the one-way glass filled the room like no other. Undoubtedly, guests had been already in the voyeur room watching Laurie get ready, and make the room ready.

"Are you ready for all I have planned for you?" he asked as he began to pull off his formal white gloves.

"Yes Sir Glen." Her eyes were shining as she spoke, drawing a comforting smile from Sir Glen.

The door behind Sir Glen slid closed and Sir Glen laid his gloves on the shelf in front of the room's assortment of bondage gear. His eyes danced across the selection of ropes, handcuffs, chains and leather straps.

He felt Laurie's eyes look over his shoulder with apprehension and desire. 

"Which scares you more my Laurie? My choice, or the anticipation?"

"Always the anticipation Sir Glen." Her voice was barely a whisper, as she fought against closing the gap between them.

Sir Glen reached into his robes, turning around. "Then turn around Laurie, and let the guests take yet another look of you." When she did so, Sir Glen unfurled a handkerchief and rolled it creating a blindfold. 

He then blocked Laurie's vision with a devious smile. He nipped her ear gently with his teeth whispering, "Then it is the anticipation we shall have to use all night."

From deep inside Laurie, the anticipation of being with Sir Glen arose with every tender caress, whimper of excitement, and moan of contentment. She lost track of events as she and Sir Glen continued on as Laurie guided the both of them, every sensation had her straining against her bonds. When her gown had melted away, Laurie was beyond the nervousness and apprehension of the initial moments of only her and Sir Glen in a room being watched by their friends had left as well. Laurie's only desire became to remember that nothing would ever come between her and Sir Glen: they were as one.

Taylor had climbed the narrow stairs with Mr. Leif slowly, her heart racing hoping they would not come across any more obstacles that evening. In the sanctuary of his room, Taylor helped Leif towards the bed. She was certain that she'd collapse next to him before she could help him any more. "No" he ordered when he realized their direction. "The chair by the fire. Sir Glen will be visiting us as soon as he can possibly get away." Blood trickled from his mouth.

Deep inside, Taylor knew Mr. Leif was right and was trying to preserve the remains of his dignity tonight, but she continued on towards the bed. She took a corner of her gown and wiped his chin.

"If you want to go to the chair, you'll do it on your own Mr. Leif." She helped him fall into the bed and then pulled the comforter back.

Taylor looked to Leif now as he reluctantly sunk into the bed, too tired to really argue. She pulled away and locked the door returning to him only when she had a damp cloth to clean the smeared blood from his chin. He winced as the warm water touched his raw cuts.

"I'm sorry." She tried again as gently as she could. The crusting blood smeared both on his freshly shaven skin and the cloth. She tried to forget the image of the fist that had come out of nowhere from a disguised figure and made contact with his jaw. He had not fought back, accepting all the brutality and the slurs that came at him. When she had run to his side, she had been pulled away and held. 

'Do not get in the middle of this novice.' The memory of the hoarse whisper and the nearly bruising grip on her arm still frightened her.

"I doubt there would be anything you could do that wouldn't make it hurt any less." Leif sighed. "I apologize for having you follow me into that room. You should have stayed outside." His hand rested on her arm as it shook in fear, gently trying to clean him.

"They didn't hurt me." -They didn't even realize I had followed you dutifully until they circled us in the dungeons.- It was the truth, nevertheless, it had frightened her to see Leif the center of the controversy that had no apparent origin or rationale.


"I'm sorry you had to find out my leaving the Order was...less than ideal." He sighed and loosened his tie and opened his robes.

"You don't need to apologize Mr. Leif. It'll be taken care of now." Taylor carefully helped him out of his robes noting where his blood had stained the cloth; folding it and placing it near the servant's passage. She lingered only for a moment wondering when the door would unlock bringing in Sir Glen to tell them both everything would be all right.

"You should have put me in the damn chair." He growled, drawing her close when she returned.

She eyed his side carefully as she drew up against him with a smile. He kissed her neck.

"I'd be remissive if I didn't tell you that I've enjoyed your company Taylor. And, one other thing," He drank in the vision of her eyes once again. "Thank you for following me. I am quite sure that things might have been worse had you not been there."

"I don't understand Mr. Leif, why were they..."

"You cannot know." He was firm as he cut her off. He hated to though, as her eyes searched for reason deep within his own.

On a lark, she looked to him asking, "If I were to offer to be bound to you, could I know then?"

Half startled by Taylor's proposition, he was about to stammer when the door was opened and Sir Glen and Laurie stood in the doorway.

"Taylor, go with Laurie." Ordered Sir Glen, and Leif nodded. Taylor looked stricken as she looked to Leif hoping he would let her stay.

"Sir Glen is the keeper of this conclave Taylor, go as he told you." Leif's voice was hard. Hurt, Taylor did as she was told, only when she and Laurie had returned to the novice chambers, did Taylor cry to Laurie.

Laurie said nothing. No words could comfort, no words would be sufficient to explain. No one could unlock the future at hand, but certainly from where the road was leading, Leif and Taylor would need each other.



Because of the Night Ch. 07



"I'm sorry, since you left, I've become too lax with the Order." Began Sir Glen as he paced across the foot of the bed. His cane thumped along as he walked. Leif could tell that it was late for the man. -When did the venerable Sir Glen become susceptible to the humility of aging?-

"You shouldn't have come here. Tonight is for you and Laurie."

"Laurie understands." Again, the terse voice of authority flew from Sir Glen.

"Sir Glen, there was nothing you could have done to prevent this. I knew when I left if I returned as anything but a member of your Order, I would have to face their scorn. They're only human after all." Leif scooted out of bed and stood to face Sir Glen.


"And you put Taylor in danger." Though nearly extinguished now, the flame of fear in Sir Glen's eyes glowed.

"The Order knows she is still yours. They'd not have so much as breathed funny in her direction lest they catch your undue attention." Leif tried to reason with him, hoping to lessen the events of tonight.

"Maybe you're right, but that doesn't excuse ignoring the principals of community." Sir Glen sighed. "It is nearly time for me to pass the conclave on to another you know this. Loosing control of the Order is unacceptable. What will be next? The novices?"

"You must have thought this when I was in the Order Sir Glen. I know I tested your virtues beyond all reason."

Though Sir Glen chuckled and took a seat on the trunk at the foot of the bed, his cane still in hand he shook his head. "Not when a man longs for peace with what is his and his alone. I cannot have that as long as I control this conclave." He looked up to Leif, the bruises on his face inflamed in bright purple.

"You should know better than anyone Mr. Leif that it is better to leave when you are at your best, then to give only half of your heart to all that you command. It's not quitting Mr. Leif it is demanding a level of perfection." Sir Glen reasoned with Leif to remove the look of perplexity on the younger man's face.

Leif only nodded and sat on the trunk next to his friend. "Laurie will miss it. She is all she is because of this conclave and no other. And only this conclave became her home like no other before because you were the leader." His voice held steady, hoping that his immediate acceptance might help sway the pendulum of thought in the other direction: staying.

"You still flatter quite well Mr. Leif. But what we've spoken here of is not for anyone, including Laurie and Taylor."

"As you wish Sir Glen." The voice of the humbled apprentice returned.

"Tell me Mr. Leif, you've scened with Taylor, drunk in her limited expertise, what do you think of her?"

"She still has quite a way to go Sir Glen. I'm sure with time, her gifts will surface more easily. She approaches every challenge eagerly, that cannot be a bad trait."

-Spoken like a true Conclave Leader. I may have this boy finished yet.- Sir Glen spoke up while he was in thought. "No it is not. Do you enjoy her company?"

"I would be lying to say if I didn't." The sheepish grin spoke more of their camaraderie as companions than anything else. They shared pleasures beyond what Mr. Leif provided for Taylor. And it had been clearer tonight than any other night previously.

"Very well, I am going to return to Laurie. Taylor will return to you in the morning." Sir Glen stood and left the room, leaving Leif to sit and wonder what might be going through the man's mind.

Alone now for the first time since had returned, Leif looked about lost, finding himself lost. 

-Why do I always seem to find myself back in this predicament?- he wondered with a sigh.

Already his aches were stiffing calling him back to bed. 

-If Taylor would only return tonight...- he pushed the thought out of his head. She wouldn't return tonight, Sir Glen's word was law in this conclave and by all he deemed honorable, he would abide by it. She would return to his side in the morning.

But the eerie quiet of his room was disturbing. He had never been alone ever in this conclave. First as a member of the Order, he slept in an open hall with the twenty other men who had been a part of the Order when he first came. Then as a companion novice, he accompanied the guests to their rooms, seeing to their needs, often never leaving their side as Sir Glen ordered him. And now, the prodigal returnee had received the gift of the only free companion in Sir Glen's care. 

But tonight, they would sleep separately. 

Alone.

The word reverberated in his rooms in the dark shadows reminding him of just how afraid he was to be in this state. Nothing good had ever happened to him when he was alone. Certainly nothing amazingly good happened to him when he was in the company of others, but that was mostly his own fault. 

-No, she has the comfort of the novices.- Though the thought had intended to comfort him, Leif was immediately jealous of her peers. Here, denied peers, neither Sir Glen's equal, nor a member of the Order, only Taylor provided company. He brutishly shoved aside his self-pity and climbed into bed, stripping his clothes away carelessly, then folding them before dropping them on the floor.

With a rye smile he humored his frustration. -Some habits die hard.-

A vision of Taylor bound, blindfolded and gagged by him in the dungeons flirted with his mind. How amazing that evening had been, even with Laurie and Sir Glen in attendance. Taylor was truly an accomplishment for Sir Glen. Curiosity and willingness filled her to the core, and Leif had to respect that. No that was wrong, it wasn't respect: he coveted the untamed soul within Taylor.

The desire for company was driving Leif wild. He turned onto his side: a mistake. Taylor's form was not there floating the reminder that he was alone tonight. He gritted his teeth. It was only a few hours before morning. He could sleep them away, and Taylor would fly back into his arms, and the self-inflicted disparaging would have proven needless.

He groaned needlessly trying figure out what it was about Taylor that made him so dependant. He had been alone for those five years since he left the conclave. He hadn't even looked back once. 

-And what does she think she is doing by trying to bind herself to me?- He was annoyed with the notion. He wasn't even a real companion yet, certain of himself never to be. He had nothing to give her. No place to call his own. He barely owned the shirt on his back. 

Only when Leif had found himself stripped of every ounce of hope, did he return to Sir Glen. Sir Glen had not even given a second though to taking him back in. 

-And I am eternally grateful for Sir Glen's generosity.- he reminded himself. He certainly was not going to go behind the man's back and just take the only free companion left under Sir Glen's care, even if it did seem to be her idea.

He reminded himself that only a few hours remained until Taylor would return to his side and he allowed his eyes to close. He had endured five years. He could wait a few hours. 



Because of the Night Ch. 08



Laurie slipped into Sir Glen's dark rooms and into his arms.

"How is Taylor?" he asked. She had not been surprised finding him naked in the dark standing by the window over looking the conclave.

"Asleep." Laurie tipped her head up intent on finding out what had occurred.

"No Laurie. Just make sure Taylor returns to Mr. Leif in the morning. We'll leave these demons be." Reluctantly, she turned the covers back on Sir Glen's bed, and he followed pulling her to him and stroking her hair. In a few minutes, Sir Glen drifted off, leaving Laurie to her thoughts and memories.

Laurie had come to Sir Glen's conclave only a few days earlier than the problematic neophyte member of the Order, Leif. He had been dropped into Sir Glen's care by a dispassionate companion who didn't want to deal with the hellion. Conclaves were places of discipline, and needless to say Leif was in dire need of the strictest form of discipline known to companions.

"I don't ever wish to see him again Sir Glen. He is yours to with as you wish." Leif was shackled in the middle of the room that Sir Glen used for all formal business. Leif knew how precarious his situation was at this very moment. If Sir Glen did not take him in, Lord Xavier, the leader of all the conclaves in the area would be forced to take notice of him. And considering Sir Colin was already foaming at the mouth over his latest escapades, Leif did not want to consider what might await him.

Laurie was in the shadows dusting the volumes of books around the room, unnoticed in the vast room warmed by two fireplaces.

"You didn't even bother to register him with the Order Sir Colin." Sir Glen leaned back in his leather chair taking stock of what was being offered.

"If anyone can make him a dutiful companion, you can Sir Glen." Sir Colin, an older, balding man of his own conclave of mostly meek female companions was hardly worth comparing to the companions, both male and female, that Sir Glen trained. The compliment was given hopefully to sway Sir Glen's choice. Sir Colin had a difficult time reading the venerable Sir Glen. He sat stone-faced in his chair assessing Leif.

"Very well. I will take him." Sir Glen turned to Sir Colin. "Next time stay with what you know Sir Colin. I may not be as generous next time with helping you out." What neither Leif or Laurie knew was that this had been the tenth time Sir Colin had 'misjudged' the character of his free companions. Sir Colin might be a nice man in all other contexts, but he was a lousy judge of character.

Sir Colin thanked Sir Glen and then turned away to return to his conclave when Sir Glen stopped him. "Sir Colin, you've forgotten one thing."

The man stopped and turned back. "Forgotten?"

"Unshackle him." Sir Glen reached for his cup of tea and sipped.

"It's your death." Muttered Sir Colin and unlocked the nearly rusted cuffs and then departed knowing that Sir Glen would have his own if he ever came to his senses.

When Sir Colin had gone, Sir Glen strode over to Leif and looked him in the eye.

"I strongly suggest for the time being you discover why you're really here and do your damnedest to stay in my good favor, if you're as deviled as Sir Colin says." And with that brief introduction, Sir Glen called forth a servant.

"Take Leif to the Order, and have him registered as mine." The order rang out, catching Leif's attention. His new home would be very different.

The servant silently led Leif away to the wing where the Order stayed. Laurie had seen to the preparation of the tray that would be used to tattoo the new arrival. She was taking the tray up to the door of the Order, as close as she was allowed to get to any member of the Order at the time, when she heard on the other side from Sir Glen's servant speaking to him.

"The boy is a mess Sir Glen. I never thought Sir Colin would be capable of such horrors. His wrists, where the cuffs were, were almost in ribbons recently. I don't think there's an inch of skin on him large enough that you could mark."

"Has he been tended?" Concern filled Sir Glen's voice. He cared for his own first and foremost, and now that Leif was under his care, he would get no less consideration.

"Yes Sir Glen. It will take more than bandages to repair this one."

"Do what you can." He ran a hand through his hair and shook his head in disbelief.

"As you wish Sir Glen." Came the dutiful reply.

It would be nearly a month before Leif was healed enough for his tattoo. And in the meantime, he had taken comfort in his surroundings. While strict and demanding of the Order, Sir Glen did allow them quite a bit of leverage. Within six months, the first bit of mischief seemed to find the epicenter around Leif. 

In preparation for one of Sir Glen's yearly showings, every servant and companion in the conclave was busy preparing the halls and dungeons for the guests, leaving Leif to concoct an interesting scheme with mismatching the guests and their companions.

Through a complex series of miscommunication and the missing orders from Sir Glen, it might have seemed that Leif would have gotten away with his little escapade if he hadn't accidentally gotten paired with Sir Colin who recognized the chaos his former companion caused.

Sir Colin immediately cuffed Leif around the neck and dragged him before Sir Glen as he discretely tried to sort out the mistakes that had occurred.

"I see he's still as unruly as ever. I found your ruffian in my chambers preparing my room as any companion might."

Though Sir Glen was quite upset at the backtracking and image of his lax preparation, Leif couldn't help mistake that the twinkle in Sir Glen's eyes: Leif had gotten a dose of his own folly. But the humor left his eyes as Sir Colin backhanded Leif and tossed him into the corner.

"Useless rubbish Sir Glen. I'm surprised the conclave is still in one piece." Sir Colin spat in Leif's direction.

"That is more than enough Sir Colin. When I need your help in disciplining my own, I'll ask for it." He signaled to a trusted servant who dragged Leif off to the Order hall to be dealt with later.

Laurie never did find out what punishment Leif was given for his momentary exploit. She didn't see him again until just after Sir Glen had elevated Laurie's status among the companions. Leif had become known as the household scamp and that anything unexpected might be his own handiwork. So it was no surprise this night that he had found a way to slip in to the novice hall undetected by the companions who slept near all the major entrances and exits.

"What are you doing in here? The Order is not allowed in here. If Sir Glen catches you, he'll skin you and then boil your skin for fun." She whispered hoarsely spotting him.

He hushed her.

"It's no big deal. I'm just here to find the bath hall." He tried to quiet her.

"Bath hall? You have your own bath hall in the Order." She blustered surprised that he was clearly too mischievous for his own good.

"Don't you want to see the room filled with bubbles as all bath halls should be?" he asked innocently flashing a trademark roguish grin.

"Get out before your seen. Please Leif, you're doing so well here, if Sir Glen is forced to take you to Sir Xavier, there will be no more time for you to be as playful as you are now." She pleaded.

"You're stopping me. I'll be all right. Now go back to sleep. You're Sir Glen's favorite, he'll notice if you're not well rested."

"Or being bothered." Leif looked up and saw Sir Glen folding his arms glaring at his misplaced member of the Order.

Leif sheepishly gulped and dutifully marched out of the hall ahead of Sir Glen. Laurie swore that Sir Glen was capable of combustion that night; steam already seemed to pour out of his ears in thick billowing clouds.

But as harmless as most of Leif's pranks were, nothing prepared anyone in the house for the wine accident.



Because of the Night Ch. 09



It was definitely a collaboration of wits. Leif paid attention to the details. It was what made him a prized companion, despite his antics. He had been in residence for over a year at this point and everyone had become accustomed to being wary of anything that seemed remotely suspicious.

It had taken months of planning and careful choreography on Leif's part. He also enlisted the help of five other companions, two of whom were still directly involved in the Order, and the last key member: Laurie. 

Sir Glen had nearly a hundred entire barrels of wine moved into his cellar that late fall after the harvest. And over fifty empty barrels. It was the empty barrels that caught Leif's attention.

It took nearly five weeks to take the empty barrels, which were unmarked, and remark them as filled. Catching moments between activities and duties, they rotated down into the cellar and marked the barrels. 

The empty barrels were to be hoisted against the ceiling in the dining hall and dropped on cue. However, due to being caught for another antic, Leif was unable to actually supervise the placement of the barrels, he might have noticed that the barrels selected were filled with wine.

Before his annual ball, Sir Glen caught Leif by the scruff of his neck, as he paraded out with the other companions on loan to the guests that night.

"I've paired you up with Lady Daire tonight Leif. I trust you will be ever vigilant and keep her foremost in your thoughts tonight. She is quite a bit older, and will not tolerate you as much as I do. One toe out of line Leif, and I will leave you in the stocks for a week. Do you understand me?"

"Yes Sir Glen."

"Good. Now square up your shoulders, Lady Daire likes her companions that look impressive." Sir Glen left out that Lady Daire would probably prefer a Chippendale night to Leif, but Leif would have to do for the time being. He swept his hair in one direction with a well meaning hand and then shoved him back into the mass of companions.

"Leif!" Jacob called Leif over to the corner. "I've got the barrels up while you were -er busy with Sir Glen's attention." He whispered.

"Okay, well, wait." Leif calmed his partner in crime down. "Stay with your companion."

"Ah, there you are young Leif." A woman approached the small gathering. Jacob fell dutifully into the shadows as the Lady Daire assessed Leif.

"Well, at least Sir Glen chose me a looker." Though much older, Lady Daire walked in heels and robes as if she were still very active in caring for companions.

Leif pulled a pink rose from an arrangement and presented it to Lady Daire.

"Very clever. Sir Glen has roped you in well. You have impressed me. If your manners are as good as your skill in the dungeons, I think you will make a very good companion. I will test you there tonight." She tipped his chin with a manicured finger. "You will beg for everything you get tonight, and enjoy it."

She motioned him to follow her, he submissively fell in step, and his interest peaked over the older woman. 

Dinner was uneventful, and Lady Daire mindless stroked Leif's hair that evening while sipping after dinner coffee. Leif closed his eyes; enjoying the circular massage that Lady Daire was using to tease him with. Jacob mistakenly decided that Leif's distraction was the perfect signal to release the ropes that held the barrels over the table.

Leif had a chance to barely open his eyes as the barrels headed in the direction of gravity and cover Lady Daire with his body as the filled barrels landed on the table in an orchestrated crash sending dishes, wine, and even some startled guests into the air.

Drenched and dripping in wine, coffee and even some remains of dinner, Sir Glen pushed himself from the table and marched over to Leif who was calming Lady Daire down from hysterics. Plucking the companion by his tunic from her side, he marched right out of the dining hall, Laurie at his heels.

Sir Glen reached the voyeurless dungeon room where a small steel cage sat. 

"I was planning to use this with Jacob next week, but I believe you will be better suited for breaking this in." And with a heave, Leif tumbled into bottom of the cage, the door groaning shut.

"I'll deal with your cohorts later. I know you had help with this one." Sir Glen slammed the door to the room shut and locked it with his master key.

Sir Glen shook his head and returned to his guests upstairs. Sir Marcus clapped Sir Glen on the shoulder.

"Sir Glen I only have one bit of friendly advice for you. No matter how hard you try, sometimes you can't keep the truth from coming to the surface. But I would like to say remarkably, for a companion who screwed up as badly as that boy of yours did, he did protect Lady Daire quite selflessly."

Sir Glen turned to look at Sir Marcus. It took endless will power to keep from laughing in the man's face as a bit of fettuccini hung from Sir Marcus's mustache. Laurie quietly reached up with a handkerchief and removed the offending bit of noodle. Sir Marcus smiled in shock and chuckled.

"You have to admit Sir Glen, as horrible as this little catastrophe was, no one will ever forget tonight."

Sir Glen groaned. The theme he had chosen for the night's events was, regretfully, 'Unforgettable'. 

"If you'll excuse me Sir Marcus, I must see to the other guests." And with a forced smile Sir Glen was off to see that his other guests and their companions.

It was quite some time for Leif to sit brooding in the cage wondering what would be in store for him.

-Would Sir Glen take me to Sir Xavier?- He shuddered at the thought. Without a doubt, he had royally screwed up this time. He was also seething mad at Jacob. The barrels were not supposed to come down tonight. What made the useless nitwit capable of such a horrific plot? For all his anger, Leif also knew he had fostered the behavior in the innocent Jacob.

Sir Glen had made himself known as an even-tempered man. Punishments equaled the crime, and Leif often found himself licked by whips, though never as severe as Sir Colin had been. Leif was grateful for the skill Sir Glen took over Sir Colin: Sir Glen was able to contain his lashes in the same area. Sir Colin was lucky if he ever hit the same part of Leif more than once.

The dim light from the hall of the dungeons blinded Leif as the door flew open, Sir Glen stood in the doorway, his robes billowing about him.

The door shut with a solid echo and the cage door was opened.

"Get out here." It was a blanket order, void of emotion. Leif crawled out apprehensively, tipping his head only high enough to see Sir Glen sit on a stool in the room.

"Leif, I tried for the life of me I did try." He began with a sigh. "Who told you that this was calling?"

Leif only shook his head. "One day I was an outsider, the next, I was Sir Colin's."

"Sir Colin was very wrong. I didn't think he could be this wrong."

"If I might Sir Glen, what are you talking about?"

"Leif, you are not a companion, you should have never been brought to a conclave to be taught, particularly by Sir Colin. Now while your behavior is reprehensible, I think your energy would be better placed elsewhere. I'm going to have you moved from the Order hall Leif, and you will join me in a room across the hall."

"I'm still lost."

"You are not a companion Leif. You have many of the finest qualities of a companion, but you seem hell bent on being the careless scoundrel. You've misjudged yourself Leif, and in doing so, encouraged others to get the wrong impression about you. I see through all your escapades Leif, you're not happy here, yet you are a leader among them all. When you're controlled, you only seek one way: the way out. You don't find pleasure in serving, but tonight when you realized that a grievous error had been made, you thought of only one thing-your duty to Lady Daire. I have a hunch and I think that you will be better off for it."

"Now as for your punishment- I believe the dining room needs some cleaning. I expect you to be finished before morning." Sir Glen left the dungeon room unlocked, and seemingly disappeared leaving Leif to wonder what exactly did Sir Glen have in store for him.

Leif grew under Sir Glen's instruction over the next three months. So everyone was utterly shocked when they found his room empty one morning. Sir Glen said not a word about the missing member of the household. Only to Laurie after a week had past did he say, "I hope he knows what he is doing out there."



Because of the Night Ch. 10



Returned to the comforts of the novice hall, Taylor felt misplaced. She had cried to Laurie who had taken her under her wing, but Laurie was mistaken in assessing Taylor's tears. The muted pallet of décor in the novice hall did nothing to staunch her tears. For once in her life, this wing of endless down-filled satin cushions, gauze-like veils from floor to ceiling steeped in femininity was her prison instead of her saving grace.

She could not believe how foolish she looked tonight, trying to find out more about Mr. Leif's past than he was willing to share with her. And offering him something she had no right to offer without Sir Glen's permission...if he found out she knew she'd never see Mr. Leif again. The little bits of stories she was able to glean from the three or four remaining sources in the conclave were little help. With the exception of Laurie, all remembered Mr. Leif as an insufferable troublemaker and had been glad to see him go. Upon hearing his return and the status in which he returned, all they could do was hope he had left to become a better person.

The servants assigned to Mr. Leif had absorbed all the gossip, and as such, sided with the companions. They did little to help make his stay more pleasant. It was Taylor who awoke early in the chill of the morning to light the fire in his room. It had been Taylor who had bribed the laundry to starch Mr. Leif's shirts. If Mr. Leif's meals had not always been in the company of Sir Glen, she was certain that in the kitchens she would have found a cold shoulder there as well. Laurie did all she could from her end, she twisted the arms of the servants who prematurely left his rooms before all the work was done, but both Laurie and Sir Glen knew that there would be more opposition faced by Leif than the eccentricities of the servants.

She lamented, though her eyes were closed. The sheet she slept under twisted about her legs, reminding her of the night he had scened with her. It had been exhilarating to feel his touch direct her. He was quite through in wrapping the buckles around her ankles and then again on her wrists. It had been a surreal experience, an event she never wanted to forget.

A seductive smile crept across her lips as she recalled looking into his eyes when he had drawn her back into his arms. If nothing else, she did have to admit he made her feel as if she was his, regardless that she truly was still under Sir Glen's watchful eye. It was his voice that graced her ear asking if she could last five more minutes in that scene. She could not be certain if it had been his hands that had teased her endlessly, but it was his encouragement she wished to hear, his praise.

She shook her head wondering when she had lost all logical thinking. The answer to her meditation danced across the light breeze blowing in through the windows: when she saw Mr. Leif in Sir Glen's chambers.

She sat up looking down the novice hall bathed in faint moon light feeling miles away from everything she had believed she had become. Quietly, she slipped from her bed, her feet wincing against the cold stone floor. But they did not complain for long as she ran out of the novice hall and slipped into Mr. Leif's chambers, her heart thundering in her ears as she closed the servant's entrance, turning to look at the solitary form in the bed. 

The door to the room opened, and Sir Glen appeared crossing his arms looking straight at Taylor. He sighed and beckoned her out into the hall with a slight motion of his hand.

Taylor stole a hesitant glance at the bed then scurried across as the guilty mouse in the cookie jar. Sir Glen led her to the bench that had been placed outside of his room and sat down appraising Taylor before he spoke. Her eyes fell on his rumpled clothing from the previous night and it was clear he hadn't slept at all.

"I had a sneaking suspicion. I am not unaware of what goes on in this conclave. You know so little of him so all I can ask is why?" he began his eyes softened as they caught her attention.

"Unless he's asked for another, he has no one else as his companion." Her response came without a thought, but she trembled as the words rang from her lips. 

"Loyalty is something that Mr. Leif has very little of. Just remember above all else that patience is the seed. And one other thing Taylor, I need you to remember I can protect you from everything but heartache." He stood up and closed the space between them holding her gaze.

"Thank you Sir Glen." Sir Glen stood and kissed Taylor's temple.

"I only wish I could do more Taylor. Go to Mr. Leif, and help him remember everything he's forgotten."

Taylor gratefully slipped back into Mr. Leif's room and crawled into bed next to him, shedding her gown.

Leif's eyes flew open startled almost jerking away from Taylor as she closed her eyes. Seeing her soft hair and pale skin drew a smile to his lips and he hugged her close. 



Because of the Night Ch. 11



For Sir Glen in the hall, the night had worn on him. These past weeks were long and cumbersome complicated by Mr. Leif's presence. He did cherish the fact that Mr. Leif had returned. It meant that not all was lost after all. And every day, there was the spark that the time away Mr. Leif had spent went to good use; without fail, Mr. Leif was definitely becoming conclave material. But even in the nonchalant manner in which Mr. Leif had returned could not be ignored.

Ever the quiet evening at the conclave those many weeks ago, though it felt as if ages had passed, Sir Glen was in his study, mindlessly stroking Laurie's back, his eyes focused on Taylor, when three knocks echoed over the entry way and through the double doors to his study. 

"Continue Taylor. The servants will get the door." Sir Glen's voice was calm and steady as Taylor continued about as he had ordered her. His last free companion in the conclave was nearly perfect and Sir Glen took great pride in that fact.

Here inside, it was peaceful, though outside buckets of rain fell pierced by a tempered lightening bolt and the grumbling of thunder.

A servant came from the shadows to his side. "Forgive me Sir Glen, there is a messenger at the door for you, asking you by name."

Sir Glen waved his hand and then leaned forward pulling himself out of the wingback chair he had been sitting in. 

"Laurie, take Taylor to the novice hall." And with that, he strode out into the brightly lit entryway.

Standing over the grate shivering in hooded jogging clothes, drenched from head to toe had the man been a dog, he might have looked like a drowned rat. Though initially hesitant, Sir Glen knew better than to judge messengers. Upon closing the space, the messenger's bent head tipped up only slightly, giving a hint of a familiar silhouette.

Sir Glen's well polished boots came to a halt feet from the guest in his hall. With a hand, he motioned for the messenger to follow him, pausing only long enough to whisper some instructions to a servant who had just come into the entryway.

Once they were alone and beginning to ascend the stairs did Sir Glen remove the hood that had plastered to the messenger's head, revealing a mass of matted hair and the searching eyes of Mr. Leif.

Laurie was waiting for them at the top of the stairs, but before the last stair had been reached, she turned and ran down the hallway between Sir Glen's private rooms and the novice hall. Leif paused almost wanting to shout at her not to leave on his account but it was the commanding voice that reminded Leif of his place in this conclave. "This way Mr. Leif." And Sir Glen led him to a room directly across from his own. With a wry smile, and an impish twinkle Leif looked up mildly surprised as if to say 'To keep me out of trouble Sir Glen?'

Sir Glen did not respond but only shut the door behind him once inside, and crossed to take a seat near the fireplace. It was then that Laurie reappeared with a warm robe and towels for Mr. Leif.

"Laurie, you may help Mr. Leif."

Laurie quickly dispensed with Mr. Leif's clothes, leaving them in a self-created murky puddle. Only after wrapping a towel around him and helping him into the robe did Laurie return to Sir Glen's side. As Laurie stripped their guest, he had questioned the choice of bringing Mr. Leif in such a drastic circle. Sir Glen assessed his wayward peer physically suppressing pity and winces knowing full well that Mr. Leif had found a harsher reality than inside the safety of the conclave. 

With a hint of mild embarrassment, Leif fished into his wet clothes and pulled out the few items he owned and then sat across from Sir Glen waiting for the questioning to begin. A million of unspoken questions hung in the air and Leif didn't want to answer them all, but he would if he was asked. Having left, he had experienced first hand many things worse than Sir Colin's lackadaisical care.

Finally, Sir Glen sliced through the tension. "If you'll be here in two night's time, I'll will expect you to join us at the dinner Laurie and I are giving. A hot meal will be sent up shortly."

Caught between a croak and whisper, Leif spoke, "Thank you Sir Glen."

With a nod, Sir Glen rose to his feet, Laurie not far behind him and they slipped out of his rooms to their own both of their fingers crossed in hopes of seeing him over the next two days. To Sir Glen's relief, Mr. Leif stayed, and as the days had passed, it became a balance between tempering Mr. Leif's fears and encouraging the strengths inside of him for all the same reasons when he had been a member of the Order. Undoubtedly as Sir Glen and Laurie observed Mr. Leif and Taylor, Mr. Leif had begun to explore sensuality at a higher awareness than when he had left and perhaps because his company had been filled by Taylor, or perhaps simply because Mr. Leif knew it was his time to come into his own, he clearly enjoyed it.

Watching her beg Mr. Leif in the tinniest whisper as she controlled her entire body for his touch, his command. Even the caress of his voice in her ear excited her. Though she had mastered denial for much longer, in Leif's face, Sir Glen was able to observe that even Mr. Leif was as anxious as his companion. Perhaps this was even heightened by being openly watched by a close couple, Sir Glen could only guess, but alone with his Laurie that night, her only comment was that Mr. Leif had gained confidence and had enjoyed himself.

But all journeys were not single paths, Leif's was drastically layered and Sir Glen had a hint of the reason why Taylor might be attracted to Leif. But he needed to be able to control both for a little longer. Sir Glen was not foolish enough to keep Taylor from Leif: he was relieved that they acclimated to each other, filling a loneliness that Taylor had since she had come to him.

Sir Glen had no doubt that Taylor and Leif were right for each other, he only wanted to know that they knew it as well. Leif had the skills, though they needed honing, he would indeed become a great member to the conclave. Taylor had the patience, she would be the one to encourage the deepest of fires and temper Leif's inventive nature.

-Or perhaps more fitting,- Sir Glen mused, -she'll encourage him to be more inventive.-



Because of the Night Ch. 12



With the warmth of Taylor wrapped around his side, protecting his bruises and scrapes, Leif looked over Taylor committing every inch of naked flesh against him.

He found her absolutely fascinating. He had regretfully not bothered actually taking every moment to assess her entirely, but now here, unable to sleep, he took his pleasure as the dim light washed over the both of them. 

Leif reached over with a forefinger softly tracing her fingers then down her delicate neck to the little hollows that he had discovered were key to driving her mad with passion. Softly he traced these watching her shift in her sleep against him, a smile on her lips. 

Leif hesitated, surged with a temporary desire. He gave in, brushing her lips softly with his, drinking her in. He rested his forehead against hers, pausing trying to push away the multitude of interesting ways Leif was imagining waking her at this very instant. Without a doubt as his eyes finished tracing her body and burning it into his mind's eye, Taylor was a beautiful woman who seemed to be selfless but also had been his saving grace since she had filled his company every day for the past weeks.

She opened her eyes and reached up to stroke his temple. There in that moment with their eyes searching the other's soul, shortcomings, age old haunts and all the questions in the world no longer mattered. Though Leif would need permission from Sir Glen for everything else involving Taylor, he could never take back this simple moment, nor possibly understand the honesty they both were searching for within themselves and for the other.

Taylor rested her head on Leif's shoulder, not closing her eyes until she was sure he was asleep. Listening to his breathing calmed Taylor, and before both of them knew it, the next day had crept up on both of them.

It was later that evening, after dinner that Sir Glen and Leif were talking about some mild issues outside of the conclave. Sir Glen idly stroked Laurie's back suddenly in a quiet moment.

"Laurie, Taylor, leave us." He said startling both women. Though he was obeyed, both lingered, looking to Leif's puzzled response.

When they were gone, Sir Glen thumped his cane.

"You need to know something about Taylor." He intoned seriously. Leif looked up to Sir Glen.

"Firstly, Taylor is not my free companion. Officially, she belongs to Sir Marcus." And so Sir Glen began to tell Leif, who had clearly been just taken aback by Sir Glen's announcement, of how Taylor came to Sir Glen.

Sir Glen had Laurie following him closely inspecting the companions at Sir Marcus's conclave. It was early spring and they had a moment to visit their closest friend.

"Sir Marcus, you've outdone yourself as usual. You are going to be some rival to me in years to come." Sir Glen's cane came down at the very end. And Sir Marcus waved the companions away back into their hall.

"That is quite a compliment from you Sir Glen, but I think I have one that might benefit from your expertise."

"I came across her by accident Sir Glen. She needs more attention than I can give her, I have a full plate currently Sir Glen. I know most of your companions are those that are in your care from other companions and masters in the area, I was hoping you might see your way into helping her."

Sir Glen shook his head. "I am not quite interested in taking another raw companion currently Sir Marcus."

Marcus played his ace and announced, "She was Sir Colin's. Lord Xavier placed her in my care Sir Glen."

"I thought I'd never hear that man's name again." Sir Glen suppressed a snarl. "How bad was she?"

"Actually, much to everyone's relief she's been untouched. She was in Sir Colin's care only three weeks before Lord Xavier dissolved Sir Colin's conclave."

"Just long enough for his scarring." It came as a regretful sigh. Sir Colin's carelessness would cost them all years of trouble with the companions that needed special attention. 

"I am afraid so Sir Glen. I know you didn't want to take on anymore of Sir Colin's mistakes, but I hope you'll at least talk to her." Sir Marcus was candid with his closest and most trusted confidant. 

"I'll speak with her and advise you, but I make no promises." Acquiesced Sir Glen.

"That is the least I can ask for Sir Glen." And the small group went into Sir Marcus's sitting room. Unlike Sir Glen's more traditional conclave, Sir Marcus's rooms were light and airy with no hint to the dungeons or other assorted rooms that Sir Marcus housed. As a result, his conclave often attracted the most select circles of female companions.

Sir Marcus excused himself and brought in the companion he had spoke of. Laurie looked up at her for a moment at the companion entered. Had Sir Marcus not had her clad in all white, she might have easily been mistaken for his shadow. The girl looked frightened beyond belief, trying hard not to leave the protection that Sir Marcus' body provided.

A whisper from Sir Marcus drew the girl's trembling hands into small fists, but they relaxed once in front of Sir Glen.

"I'll leave you be Sir Glen. If you need anything, Taylor will know how to find me." And with a wink, he exited the room, closing the doors behind him. 

"Taylor, do you know who I am?" began Sir Glen softly. She shook her head quietly.

"I am Sir Glen, and this is my free companion, Laurie." He rested his hand on Laurie's shoulder.

"Hello." She stammered, Laurie could see Taylor still trembled.

"Come, join us and we can talk." Taylor followed Sir Glen's hand to sit in front of him, and she followed with some initial hesitation.

"I won't go into detail of our conversation Leif. A private conversation best left just that. Taylor came with me, mostly to heal, but mostly to grow." Finished Sir Glen. "I've done as much as I was willing with Taylor, and Sir Marcus is forever grateful for the help I've been able to provide. As I'm sure you know what Sir Colin was like, I'll spare you the details. Believe me when I tell you, there was a time when Sir Colin was the best and most heralded conclave holder."

Leif's face was drawn as the shadows from the fireplace danced across the room. -Indeed, those days have been long behind Sir Colin.-

"And what has Sir Marcus said?" asked Leif after a moment, leaning forward towards Sir Glen.

"He's said nothing, but I thought you should know. I do not know what he has in mind for her, but I would strongly suggest that you speak with him tomorrow... that is if you are willing to take further responsibility for her."

"Thank you Sir Glen." Leif stood up and turned to leave.

"Leif, one more thing." Leif stopped and looked back at the high back chair that held Sir Glen.

"One thing about Sir Marcus. He is unusually silent, but if there was something he truly did not want to see you and Taylor at all, he would have told me."

Leif nodded. "May I take Taylor with me to Sir Marcus tomorrow?" he asked the chair.

"You may." And Sir Glen turned, peaking around his chair to look up to Mr. Leif. "Would you please send Laurie in to me."

"As you wish Sir Glen." And with a wink, Leif left in search of Laurie for Sir Glen. 



Because of the Night Ch. 13



At the gates to Sir Marcus's conclave the next afternoon, Taylor gulped wondering if Mr. Leif had come to return her to Sir Marcus. Not a word had come from Mr. Leif throughout the trip.

Initially flooded with horror wondering what she might have done recently to evoke Sir Glen's displeasure, she only calmed shortly as Mr. Leif took her hand and then drew up his hood. She reached into her gown and presented Mr. Leif with his gloves, again borrowed from Sir Glen himself. 

Mr. Leif stepped out onto the gravel entryway first, helping Taylor follow him.

"I was wondering when I would see you Mr. Leif." Sir Marcus was at the top of the stairs leading to the entry, his cane in hand, and the wind seemed to whip his opened robes about him, alluding to the all mighty image that could only come with someone like Sir Marcus. Leif nearly jumped back into their transportation when he spoke, and after a moment, he steeled himself and turned.

"Thank you for meeting with us Sir Marcus."

"Come along, I imagine you wish to talk." Silently, Leif and Taylor followed Sir Marcus into his halls.

Once inside, Sir Marcus's voice dropped so that only Leif could hear.

"Take off that insipid hood Mr. Leif unless you are here to tell me you've returned to the Order." And, obediently, Leif complied. As brusque as the comment had been, Leif was surprised to see that Sir Marcus seemed to sympathize with Leif's misplacement in customs.

Sir Marcus then looked beyond Leif to address Taylor. "It is good to see you again Taylor. I trust there are no messages from Sir Glen?"

Taylor found her voice after an awkward moment. "None that I am aware of Sir Marcus."

"Good. Now I believe Mr. Leif and I have some business." A short nod came from Leif, wishing he could summon his voice, his mind still trying to arrange what he was going to say to Sir Marcus this afternoon.

He showed them into his private rooms off the main hall of his conclave, and immediately, the companions scattered seeing Sir Marcus enter. When it was clear that the room was empty of extra eyes, Sir Marcus offered Leif a seat.

"We'll cut to the chase Mr. Leif." Sir Marcus began candidly, "You're an honorable friend of Sir Glen's. I've been the victim, as have many of Sir Glen's friends have, of your exploits as a companion and as a member of the Order."

Sir Marcus turned with a twinkle in his eye. "I had hoped briefly, Taylor, that you would eventually serve me, but I think you're better suited for Mr. Leif. I think it's only fair after the grief he caused Sir Glen that he know how difficult a companion truly is."

"As long as you're willing to serve Mr. Leif in Sir Glen's conclave, I see no reason why you should not continue Taylor. I only expect Mr. Leif to remember all he owes the honor of seeing you by his side."

"Now, Taylor, leave us for a moment, Yvonne, my senior companion should be just outside the door there, and probably deserves a scolding for pressing an ear to that door. She'll show you to the dining hall. We'll meet you there shortly." His voice rose, and there was a hushed yelp from the other side of the door to prove he was correct.

Taylor looked to Leif briefly, and he nodded. Taylor floated out of the room, with both pairs of eyes on her as she left. Leif swallowed, the trembling not quite subsiding from the rush of being here before Sir Marcus, and the relief of his permission, if not his complete approval had not quite entirely sunk in."

With the door closing behind Taylor, Sir Marcus intoned, "Patience and courage Mr. Leif. Those are the two precepts that precede every companion's journey. For every turn, fall, and rise, they respond in varying degrees."

He turned his complete attention back to Leif. He poured two cups of water from the tray that was on his left. As he did so, he addressed Leif. "Sir Glen didn't tell me what occurred the other night, and I can only guess. But if the Order is at the root of the problem Mr. Leif, know that you will find the same hospitality here under my roof as that at Sir Glen's. Taylor needs you to remember only two things: yourself and her. If you wish, you can always come here."

"Thank you Sir Marcus. I am quite honored." Leif accepted the cup.

"As you should be. Sir Glen just wouldn't choose anybody to rise from the ranks of his Order, those fools the other night will never understand. It will be just as he was selected. In due time Mr. Leif, you will prove Sir Glen right." Sir Marcus drank, as did Leif, Leif's heart thundering in his ears.

Leif processed the bit of information that had been given to him. "How many are allowed to rise from the Order?"

"Each conclave is allowed only one. I have yet to find mine, but even Lady Daire would joke that Sir Glen thought he was exempt from death. It wasn't until you came along Mr. Leif. It only goes to prove that Sir Glen is the best leader that many have seen in a long time."

"Chosen to succeed in the conclave?"

"Not always, but we can deal with that bridge if it ever comes to pass. Now I believe there is a grand meal waiting." Sir Marcus clapped Mr. Leif on the shoulder and led him out, Leif brimming with questions, unsure if he could ask them here, and quite unsure if he should ask them at all.

"Before we go Sir Marcus, I want to know one more thing, if I may?" Leif's voice spoke, though his mind questioned its motives.

"Certainly Mr. Leif." Sir Marcus turned and looked at Leif, pushing away the image of Leif as the bratty leader of Sir Glen's order.

"What are your plans for Taylor?"

"I know you gave her a token of your honor Mr. Leif. I should ask you the same question." With a rye smile Sir Marcus returned to his seat and Leif followed.

"I've not been ignoring her, I want that made clear. Sir Glen took her because he is a dear friend of mine and he knows how to reach companions in a way I may never learn no matter how long I continue. But she is entirely my responsibility. If you hadn't chosen her to be your companion that night weeks ago, she would have already returned and been a free companion here in my halls." Began Sir Marcus, opening his robes, and settling in for a long conversation.

"Taylor would have served as I directed until I found her either appealing to be bound to, or simply someone came as an appropriate match. You know first hand Mr. Leif, I do not differ that much from Sir Glen's teachings."

Leif nodded.

"But for now, as long as you desire her company, you may have Taylor as your companion. Learn from her, teach her: grow with her. And we'll see in due time Mr. Leif what Taylor becomes." 

-And what I become.- Leif locked eyes with Sir Marcus.

"You're not as far from all the secretes you need to know Mr. Leif. If you stay and finish, I'm certain that Lord Xavier will be bestowing your titles to you within a few months, that is if you wish it."

Leif shook his head. "I've not spoken about that with Sir Glen, nor have I thought that far."

"Then again, I know Mr. Conner is very happy as neither. The choice is yours Leif, eventually you will be expected to choose."

"I chose to leave Sir Marcus, I've almost no reason to continue to stay."

"But was there reason to stay outside Mr. Leif?"

Leif shook his head. "Outside Sir Marcus is uncompromising. The only thing worth gaining is the loss of self. I wandered aimlessly, and nothing appealed. I foolishly thought I could return to Sir Glen without time passing. Time has passed, and I know there are other places Sir Glen needs his attentions."

"Tell me about what you think about when I mention Taylor?"

"She is truly a gift. I hope she finds someone to bind to that is honorable and patient. She still has a lot to learn."

"Did you know I was in the voyeur cell the night you helped Taylor cross out of being a novice?"

Leif paled looking a bit startled as he allowed the question to sink in. "No, I didn't."

"You are destined to become a true companion Leif. We've known that since the moment you left. You have brought Taylor to places and helped her cross beyond that of a novice. I could not do that for her simply because I could not love all of her. Even as skilled as Sir Glen is, he could not take her much further."

Leif shook his head. "You're wrong Sir Marcus. For all we know I could be fooling myself, as I did when I was outside. I only..."

Sir Marcus cut him off. "When are you going to realize that this life is only another part of yourself Leif?" Sir Marcus's voice was sympathetic, but urgent. "At the base of all we are Leif: we love. Without it all we accomplish is nearly impossible. Taylor has to love you to be your companion, and you have to love her to test her limits as well as yours. The trust came first, true, but it's love that keeps you both coming back for more. She's all you want, and when you're alone after taking both of you to the edge of all your experiences, you find that love. Don't let it die Leif: control it, nurture it as you only know how to."

"Listen to yourself Mr. Leif. You know the answer for both of you right at this very instant." And with the next breath, full of laughter, Sir Marcus announced, "And that answer is for us to join Taylor and Yvonne at a meal before you and Taylor return to Sir Glen's conclave."

On the journey back to Sir Glen, Taylor once again found the silence of Mr. Leif puzzling. She had suppressed the overwhelming urge to run around and should with joy when Sir Marcus gave his permission for Taylor to remain with Leif. His permission now permitted Leif to take Taylor to other functions outside of Sir Glen's conclave. 

Sitting across form her, however, was the same brooding man she had tempered these past weeks. Thoroughly discouraged, Taylor drummed up the courage to speak.

"Have I done something to displease you?" she asked timidly. 

The question jarred Leif mid thought drenched in self-doubt. "No, not at all." He was forced to look at her, to assess how she had come to that conclusion, alarmed that she might find something wrong.

She sat innocently looking ever so tempting to ravish in the airy translucent gown. But sitting there alone she also had the appearance of shattering the instant a scathing word or stern look came her direction. Wanting to avoid an irreparable mess, he held his hand out, opening himself to have her join him by his side.

"No Taylor, it has nothing to do with you at all. I'm sorry you're not used to having someone terribly introspective. I suppose it is my worse fault." He hugged her to his side.

"Tell me, share your thoughts with me." She pleaded softly to him, mildly aware that as she pressed against him, her body's adjacency to his was causing him some relief from his troubled mind. 

He shook his head. "I'm afraid I've seen more sides to this story than I care to right now." He sighed and rested his head on hers.

Her voice trembled. "Sir Glen told you that I was from Sir Marcus's care, did Sir Marcus tell you from whom he acquired me?" 

"No. Sir Marcus didn't but it doesn't matter to me anyway." Leif was grateful for the moment to lie truthfully.

It didn't matter that Sir Colin had misdirected their lives so many years ago. The past was only reasoning for their present and had minimal bearing on their future.

The brief memory of the jaded soul that Sir Colin had been set Leif's jaw on edge. He had known that there was a time, no matter how short, that Sir Colin had been as honest as Sir Glen or even Sir Marcus. Leif had to convince himself of that fact. Sir Colin was Lord Xavier's closest confidant, and many of Sir Colin's finest had been trained for Lord Xavier. 

Lord Xavier was a leader that one could not think poorly of. He had become widely known as a skilled artist, with the deep-rooted thoughtful and imaginative persona when it came to pleasure and pain of his companions. One could hardly believe that he was responsible for posting Sir Colin to his conclave. All those Lord Xavier posted shared his ideals, much like Sir Glen. Methodology, however, was personal. Lord Xavier would not tread there ever.

The vast differences were not lost on Leif. What Sir Colin had believed was disobedience, Sir Glen saw a companion in need of moderate structure. And when it had become clear that Leif had been put on the wrong path, Sir Glen had righted that mistake.

Sir Colin had become so blinded in his own misery he had blamed his companions. No one had been spared in the conclave that Leif had started in, all had suffered his unfounded accusations and punished in Sir Colin's untamed manner.

Leif quietly reminded himself that those days were over and long gone. He swallowed hard and closed his eyes.

"Mr. Leif are you all right?" Taylor jolted him out of his shuddering memories of darkness and pleas of mercy that fell on deaf ears. She touched his cheek softly.

"Tell me where you were, come back from there." She whispered softly.

Leif opened his eyes and kissed her cheek. "I'm already back." He forced a smile pushed a stray hair out of her face.

"We're home." Leif announced, realizing that there was a bit of relief in sight.

Returning to the welcoming gates of Sir Glen's home, Leif stared at the front façade wondering what was really going on. Mindlessly, he helped Taylor out of their transportation.

"Mr. Leif?" She looked to him, hoping to find what had distracted him since they had been at Sir Marcus's.

"No, go ahead Taylor, I need to wander a bit." Leif pulled away, leaving Taylor in the yellowed light from the house. She watched him disappear into the dark landscaping before climbing into the house.

Leif climbed all over the estate, finally settling in peace on a bench in the orchard looking back at the conclave. Flopping into the bench, he opened his robe and ran his hands through his hair.

Unsorted phrases echoed in his mind's eye clouding his perception of his surroundings. He hadn't heard the stick snap behind him, nor the rustling of the bushes.

"You really shouldn't be on the premise alone Mr. Leif." Sir Glen's patient voice startled Leif. "I'm sorry to have startled you, but I wanted to come speak with you."

"She's crying to Laurie isn't she?" Leif asked guiltily looking at Sir Glen in the eye as he joined him on the bench. His fingers laced for a moment then exploded apart searching to find the one place that would help him avoid the millions of questions that danced around in the moonlight.

"Among other things, yes. You should really brood with her, and not leave her to her fears. But I believe Sir Marcus said more than he should have. Am I wrong?"

Leif's eyes narrowed briefly. "You should have told me your intentions when you removed me from your Order."

"Leif, just because I used my one choice to rise from the Order, doesn't mean I meant for you to entirely follow in my footsteps."

"It's hard to believe that after speaking with Sir Marcus today." Leif whirled off the bench and stood squarely in front of Sir Glen, crossing his arms.

Sir Glen was as quick to his feet, stepping toe to toe with Leif. His words though eloquent were clipped and dripped with anger. "Sir Marcus wasn't your companion. I was. If it were your path to follow me, it would have been clearer to you. I will choose my successor, no one else. And for the time being there is no one, not even you. I carry a noble burden Mr. Leif and no one who isn't worthy, or ready shall ever have my place. Who I groom and why I choose them is for no one to question, judge or infer."

For a few moments, as the confusion cooled off in the night air and the crickets chirped nervously of peace. Locked eye to eye, Leif's shoulder slumped in acquiescence. 

"Have figured out what you'd like to do next with Taylor? I'm sure she's more than willing." The olive branch came from Sir Glen as he resettled on the bench.

"It's not a matter of what but simply 'when'." Leif said with a bit of a smirk sitting besides him.

"I'd take advantage of the opportunity at hand Mr. Leif." Sir Glen stood up, leaning on his cane. "Among other things patience only last so long. Her fortitude has worn Mr. Leif, it's time you show her who you truly are."

And with that, Sir Glen disappeared into the orchard.

Taylor sat in the wingback chair next to the fire, curled up waiting for Mr. Leif to return. Her eyes had dried, but they were still tender and puffy. Guilt surged through Leif as he watched her from the doorway.

He shut the door, startling her to slip from her seat to help him.

"No, don't move, stay there." He pulled off his own robes and tossed them into a heap on the floor. He knelt before the chest at the foot of his bed with his meager possessions that were found on him when he had first returned to Sir Glen's home. He found beaten, water-stained brown leather bound book in the bottom and pulled it out.

"I was difficult to reach when I first came to Sir Glen. I suppose that some things never change. He gave me this journal to help him trip his way around helping me. I'm not great at asking questions Taylor, but if there's anything you can't ever get a moment to ask me directly, please write it in here, leave it on the chest here for me to find."

"I care Taylor, though I'm lousy at letting you know. I want to be able to know I can help you learn as much as you can." Leif scratched the back of his head wishing she'd stop looking at him as if he had lost his head. He held out the book to Taylor who took it and ran her finger over the tattered cover.

"Thank you."

"I don't know about you, but I would like to put today behind us and concentrate on the plans I have for us tomorrow." He kissed her neck softly.

She looked to him expectantly. "Ah, not now little one. It is a surprise for us to share tomorrow. For now, read what I've written, and think about everything you need to ask." He drew her attention back to the book. 



Because of the Night Ch. 14



Lady Daire was shown into the only room that showed signs of bowing to Laurie's simple decorative graces. She smirked to herself knowing how stubborn Sir Glen could be, but also knew that Laurie was a formidable opponent. Lady Daire took a seat near the cheerful fire, admiring the delicate details and feminine touches that graced the sitting room.

Upstairs, Sir Glen and Laurie were indulging in a bit of private time when the soft knock interrupted their concentration. 

"Forgive me Sir Glen, Lady Daire has come to speak to you and Mr. Leif." Came the hushed message.

"Very well, make sure that she is welcomed. We will join her shortly, and roust out that rascal Mr. Leif."

"As you wish." And as silently as the messenger entered, the messenger left.

Laurie was already gathering Sir Glen's robes and holding them for him.

"Thank you my Laurie. I'll see that we finish later. Little minx." He growled into her neck. She only smiled and followed him down to the sitting room.

Mr. Leif met them at the foot of the stairs, his hair barely raked with his hands, stood up on end. Sir Glen took only an appraising look at his chosen protégé and sighed.

"You do know it was Lady Daire that summoned us?" he asked softly.

Leif nodded, "I was downstairs in the dungeons." Sir Glen sighed and then headed towards the sitting room, Laurie and Leif in tow. 

"Always a pleasure to see you Lady Daire." Greeted Sir Glen. "I trust you've been made comfortable?" Sir Glen sat across from Lady Daire, Laurie settling at his feet.

"I wish I could spend a more pleasurable call Sir Glen, but I've come across some news I don't think any of us will like. Lord Xavier plans to restore Sir Colin."

"He's still alive?" Leif asked his face ashen.

"It may have been another lifetime to you Mr. Leif, but Sir Colin has only been removed for a little over a year now." Reminded Lady Daire, her eyes roaming Leif briefly.

"And all who were Sir Colin's are likely to return to him." Ended Sir Glen.

Leif swallowed hard.

"Well, there's little we can do about this Lady Daire." Sighed Sir Glen. "Sir Colin is Lord Xavier's closest friend. Even when the nameless companions were found, Lord Xavier wanted to brush all of the controversy under the rug."

"Lord Xavier has also heard that Mr. Leif has returned. I believe he wants to make an example out of him. But currently, that is only hearsay." Assured Lady Daire, watching Leif grow more silent.

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Have you seen Sir Marcus?"

"No, I came here first." She assured her dearest friend. "I didn't want to see such a fine companion as Mr. Leif back under Sir Colin's thumb. For all his troublemaking, Mr. Leif is still the most successful of all the companions rescued from his teachings."

"Thank you Lady Daire."

"Now, if you wouldn't indulge me for a moment Sir Glen, is there any chance I could see a few of your companions for an hour or so?" she asked with a wink.

A hearty chuckle came from Sir Glen. "Laurie, take Lady Daire upstairs and let her select who she wishes."

When they had gone, Sir Glen got up and poured Leif a wine. "I know it's early, but you need this."

"Taylor isn't safe with him. No one is."

"Drink. I'll do the thinking." Ordered Sir Glen.

Leif continued his nervous tirade, ignoring Sir Glen's voice. "That monster isn't safe even for the companion who had strict traditional training. He'll eat them up and spit them out before..."

"Leif! It will be taken care of." Sir Glen roared. Meekly, Leif sat in the chair that Lady Daire had vacated. However, even as the reassurance left his mouth, Sir Glen doubted his scope of abilities.

Sir Glen got up and leaned over Leif catching his eyes. "Not a word of this to Taylor, Leif and I mean it. If you choose to run, you do without her. Promise me." 

"On my word." The words quavered as Leif questioned Sir Glen with an eyebrow but didn't venture the question that had grown between them.

"Now go, I have dinner preparations to consider, Sir Marcus will be joining us shortly." Sir Glen pushed back leaving space for Leif to slip away from him.

Once Sir Glen was alone, he allowed the pending fears to seep into his soul. He had not a clue as to what this dice roll could do to either Leif or Taylor. And above all else, he had no idea how to prevent breaking up a pair that had truly earned their way together.

Since having returned from Sir Marcus, Leif and Taylor seemed to have grown closer together. Leif was undoubtedly happier than he had ever been. While the mischievous grin and wink Leif had become famous for could not be tamed, it was remarkable that Leif had utter control over himself and Taylor. 

Laurie silently joined him. "What are we going to do Laurie? We can't take Mr. Leif to Lord Xavier, and we certainly cannot allow Sir Colin to just waltz over to Sir Marcus and demand that Taylor return under his guidance. It would shred Leif to ashes."

"I've sent for Sir Marcus. Between the three of you, you'll figure out what can be done for Mr. Leif and Taylor."

"And the others that were Sir Colin's what of them?" mused Glen.

"Leif and Taylor are the only two we know of who have healed as much as they have. And they might never have come as far without you."

Sir Glen shook his head and kissed Laurie's forehead. "Thank you for the reminder my love. Now, please make arrangements for Sir Marcus and his entourage. I expect between Sir Marcus and Lady Daire, our facilities will be quite used." 



Because of the Night Ch. 15



Leif returned to the dungeons, finding Taylor sleeping soundly where he had left her wrapped warmly in a blanket, a pair of handcuffs, only feet above her head. Silently, he picked them up and slumped onto a stool in the corner of the room. Shiny, they glared back at him with the pale blue light in the room. He folded them on top of each other, the chain dangling dangerously against the heavy brick wall and crushed his hand around them, pushing the locking mechanism through. 

He wanted to do anything but sit here and watch Taylor sleep peacefully. And though there was the temptation to run and disappear, something kept Leif there watching Taylor sleep blissfully unaware of her precarious fate at this very moment.

Taylor shifted a bit, and opened her eyes slightly, assuming she was alone.

"I'm here Taylor." Leif mechanically answered, and she turned and slipped out of the blanket and to his side.

"Did you sleep well?" he forced himself to speak. He was hoping the distraction would be enough to keep him from brimming over with impulsive conclusions.

"Yes, thank you." She slipped into his lap and touched his cheek softly. "Is there something wrong Mr. Leif?" 

-Not the searching eyes, please not today.- he begged silently. He took a moment and steeled himself her eyes locked with his own. "No Taylor. Sir Marcus is on his way for a visit, and Lady Daire is already here." He informed her.

She took one side-glance at him, but processed the guest list. She could only guess that he was being excessively moody for some other reason. He spoke again, detached from his surroundings. "You best go and see if Laurie needs your help. I'll finish in here." 

"As you wish Mr. Leif." Leif kissed her temple and then let her leave the room.

Lady Daire had watched the two of them from the voyeur block, and shook her head empathetically as Taylor left. The companion she selected from Sir Glen's halls knelt patiently, unaware of how intently Lady Daire had been watching the couple on the other side. 

"Little one, go into the next cell over. I will be there shortly." She assured softly and willingly, the companion left. Lady Daire went into the hall way and snagged Taylor by her elbow and pushed her into the voyeur room.

"Stay there." She ordered against the girl's puzzled half-heard protests. The door shut firmly and Lady Daire turned her attention to Leif.

As Leif began to examine all the equipment he had used from the previous evening, Lady Daire entered.

"Caught between the two worlds again are we Mr. Leif?" She entered behind him.

"You were watching." His steeled voice was still there, now traced with frustration. 

"Yes I was, I was wondering how much more sensual you had become in the past years." Her quip and ego stroking drew a smirk out of Leif. "You've definitely become more introspective. And it scares her, she's never had anyone quite like you."

Leif slammed his fist into the table he had used with Taylor. It's solid wood polished beyond blinding only grunted under his fist. "I've heard this speech five times over Lady Daire." He paused then began, his voice broken. "I struggle with it, and some days, just seeing her helps me." 

"And what I brought today just made that conflict worse." She crossed her arms. She crossed her legs and stepped forward on her left heel crossing in front Leif, blocking him from the direct voyeur room view.

"You need to stop being afraid Mr. Leif. She needs you to lead her and without fail she needs to know you're only thinking about her. You're in a precarious place, and it scares every one who sits in the very place you are now. But once you overcome this, she will know to serve you better than you can ever believe." She leaned forward over the table on her fingertips, catching the sharp look from Leif.

"She's not mine to expect that of." he refuted under his breath. -You've got to give Lady Daire credit. Age does not take the edge off of her.-

"She's more yours than anyone who's had her before or who you could imagine that she would ever be with." The words spat from Lady Daire startling Leif.

She drew back, tossing her hair. "I am going to hold a session later tonight. I would be honored if you and Taylor joined me."

Leif bowed his head as she headed for the door. "I'll ask her."

"Good." And with that, she whirled out of the room and back to the voyeur room, finding Taylor wiping away tears.

"You should leave now." Lady Daire urged quietly. Taylor nodded and complied. But before she left, Taylor turned to Lady Daire.

"Thank you, you didn't have to do that."

"I did it more for you than anyone. He just needed some of the right kind of prompting." And with a quick smile from Taylor, she slipped away.

Sir Marcus, Lady Daire, and Sir Glen stood facing the fireplace roaring with warmth in melancholy. Sir Marcus took another sip of brandy.

"I met Mr. Leif when he was little more than Sir Colin's slave." Said Lady Daire brimming with nostalgia. "He had slipped on the rug in my room that evening and caught my attention. He scrambled into the shadows of the room like a frightened rabbit. I might never have found him, but he left a trail of blood. I found him bruised beyond recognition. I barely remember him through his eyes."

"When I brought him to Sir Colin for attention, Sir Colin dismissed his needs and reassigned me a slave for that evening. When I saw him again, he was here under your watchful eye Glen. And that boy looked a sight better for all you've done for him."

"He was incorrigible those early days. I didn't think that there was a conclave in history that had such a troublesome companion." Sir Glen said with half a laugh. 

"But I can guarantee no one in recent history will forget his antics." Chuckled Sir Marcus.

"We don't have to worry about Leif. He's mine to deal with, but Taylor is an entirely different matter."

"I'd offer help, but I know they'll come looking for Taylor from me." He said shaking his head.

Lady Daire turned to take a seat on the lounge by the fireplace. "Hiding her will only make matters worse for both of them. They are not our pawns in this game." She mused ruefully and then finished off her glass of port sliding the crystal goblet onto a tray next to the candelabra that burned with three candles.

"It is clear that Solomon's decision will not occur tonight. Perhaps tomorrow." Sir Glen sighed and rubbed his temple.

With a half smile, Marcus took a seat next to Lady Daire. "When we went through Sir Colin's estates after Lord Xavier had made an example of him, I found this faint flame of a soul in his most recent trainee. She was in one of his rooms, shivering with the most haunted eyes and the beauty unrivaled anywhere I had ever seen. But of all the others we had found that day, I was sure she was able to come back from the paces that Sir Colin had put her though."

"I helped her loose that haunted look, but I knew there was something missing, but nothing I did could fill that void. And I never knew what it was until Mr. Leif brought her back to me to ask my permission for her. And tonight at dinner, I saw how vacant Mr. Leif looked. He knows the reality of loosing her, possibly even himself."

"Sir Colin wasn't alone as a habitual tormentor. Sir Colin's Lady Marie had a nice hand in twisting Leif's perceptions as well. I thank the stars he was strong enough not to be shattered by either of them." It came out as a sigh as Glen turned back to the tray where an assortment of bottles waited to be emptied in order to pour another drink.

"Has Mr. Leif asked for his rights? I think he's more than proven himself in these past months since his return Sir Glen. He isn't without fault, but then again no one is. He can grow in time to everything else." Asked Lady Daire. "The sooner the better. It may secure his place."

"Unfortunately he has not. He's not asked after it, and I am loathed to push him with all that has arisen." 

"He ran the last time you pushed him before he was ready." Sighed Marcus. Glen nodded and returned to stare into the fire begging for answers.

"I still stand by what I said earlier Glen. Marcus should take Taylor back, allowing you and I to focus on Leif. The time apart will do them good and it will allow Sir Colin to think he has a chance with all of us cooperating. And it may give us the chance to help Leif see that much of the desired outcome of this pending tragedy does pivot around him."

"I don't agree Daire. You said so yourself, they aren't our pawns in this game. This is beyond all of us. Perhaps the answer lies really..." Glen was cut off as the double doors opened. All eyes turned to see Leif standing in the doorway. 



Because of the Night Ch. 16



"Come on in Leif." Glen encouraged him to enter.

"Want anything to drown your sorrows with?" Sir Marcus tried rye wit to make the cloud hanging in the room lighten a bit, but there was no use disguising the topic that had been holding them all at bay.

Leif stayed in the doorway. "If you are going to take her, take her now."

Sir Marcus put down his glass. "We're still talking about it. And I'd shut that door if you want to be a part of the conversation." Leif closed the door but skulked in the shadows. 

"Mr. Leif is right Sir Marcus. Best you take her now." Prompted Lady Daire.

"Why are you of all people so interested to see me take Taylor back?" Sir Marcus picked up his empty glass, the comfort of something in his hands helped ease his mind.

"I have my own reasons Sir Marcus."

Glen raised his eyebrow as if to begin to question Lady Daire, but she caught his questioning gaze. "You'll learn in due time Sir Glen. Rare is the opportunity to proceed into a situation and know the stumbling blocks that will be encountered."

"Where is Taylor?" asked Sir Glen finally.

"She's in the dungeons preparing a room for Lady Daire." Answered Leif. He swallowed hard from the shadows.

Sir Marcus looked to Sir Glen, and the held each other's gaze not wanting to really find the questions or know their answers.

"Let's get this unpleasantness over with Marcus." Sir Glen finally announced. And both men left the room through the back passage, neither wanting to see Leif's face.

Lady Daire closed her eyes. "I am sorry Leif, but we need time if we are to keep her from returning to Sir Colin. And with that being true, you might not necessarily be safe."

A warbled, strangled answer came from the shadows by the fireplace. "I know."

Just as Leif had said, Taylor was overseeing the preparations for the dungeon that Lady Daire planned to use when Sir Marcus and Sir Glen came up to her. Just watching her as she placed all the instruments Lady Daire had requested on the table, both knew just how far this companion had come. 

Once they had her attention, Sir Marcus began. -Is the lie worse than the truth?- "Sir Glen and I have been discussing your future Taylor." He forced himself to continue and at least skirt around the issue. "We've both decided that it is no longer in your best interest to remain with Sir Glen. You will return with me tonight."

Taylor blinked, floored by the information she had just been given. She had known of no happier time than these past weeks with Mr. Leif. "But what about Mr. Leif?" she stammered as she tried to digest the 'bomb' she had just been handed.

"I'll take care of Mr. Leif." Assured Sir Glen. "This cannot be avoided Taylor. Circumstances have changed. You always knew you would not be with me forever."

Taylor gulped trying to force back the tears and bowed her head. "Will I have time to say goodbye?" her voice warbled as a whisper.

Sir Marcus closed his eyes praying that Taylor could not see him shatter with such a simple request. "We're leaving now Taylor. There is no time."

A small voice came again from the girl in front of them. She turned to Sir Glen, tears brimming in her eyes. "Did I do something Sir Glen?" She looked frantically between her mentors for an answer. They both traded guilty looks.

Finally Sir Glen put a hand on her shoulder. "No Taylor. We just think it is time for you to return to Sir Marcus." He smiled as he drew a tear from her cheek. "Now, dry those tears little one. It is not goodbye; it is the interim between journeys. We will see you again."

With a choked sob, Taylor nodded. "Come my dear." Came gently from Sir Marcus and she followed, looking back only for a moment. She paused at the door. 

"Please Sir Glen, tell Mr. Leif..." she trailed for an instant. "Tell Mr. Leif I wish I could have said 'goodbye'."

Sir Glen nodded and tapped his cane on the stone floor, prompting her to scurry after Sir Marcus.

When he had heard the entry door to the dungeons close, Glen turned to the stare blindly into the torch that gleaned against the thick walls deepening the shadows. -God save the man that takes Laurie from me.- he thought wondering how Leif found the courage to see Taylor go. Glen shook his head and headed from the dungeons. It would be negligent of him if he allowed Leif and Lady Daire to be alone in the same room at this very pivotal moment. 



Because of the Night Ch. 17



For Leif, it had been five lifetimes over since Taylor had been taken from Sir Glen's conclave two weeks ago. Though he muddled through his day, he had become detached. Sir Glen and Laurie gave Leif a wide berth, but kept a close eye on their friend. Glen had quietly been receiving messages about Taylor from Sir Marcus. He was reading one such message when he heard a dull roar start in the conclave. When Sir Glen emerged from his private study into the main entry hall, Lord Xavier had burst through the door with his entourage including, Sir Colin wearing his leather robes. 

Trapped, Sir Glen did the only thing he could do. "Lord Xavier, so good to see you." Sir Glen greeted him warmly his head slightly inclined. Though he was sincere, he felt the remorseless stare from his equal, Sir Colin.

"I trust you remember Sir Colin." Lord Xavier raised an eyebrow as they entered. Glen nodded and folded his hands behind his back, falling into step next to Lord Xavier, usurping Sir Colin of his place. Sir Colin twitched his mouth with irritation and stepped right next to Glen. Lord Xavier appraised the double height entry hall with appreciation. "Every time I come here Sir Glen, your conclave continues to impress me." Lord Xavier turned and gave Colin a warning look.

"I am honored you enjoy coming here."

Laurie appeared at the top of the stairs, hearing Sir Glen's voice. She paused seeing Lord Xavier and Sir Colin as Sir Glen's guests.

"Is that your Laurie? My God Sir Glen, I should have taken her from you when I had the chance." Having been noticed, Laurie descended and joined Sir Glen by his side.

"Welcome Lord Xavier, Sir Glen." She said sweetly. Colin's hazel eyes pierced her like daggers.

"I am quite sorry I missed your binding ceremony Sir Glen. I'm sure it was quite lovely." Lord Xavier kissed Laurie's hand.

"You were quite missed." Glen assured him vaguely while looking at Sir Colin, wanting to hide Laurie behind him wishing that would be enough to warm the room against the one-man cold front that had just appeared.

"We have business." Sir Colin's words were terse. The pleasantries were biting at him; he knew from just one look at the ever 'perfect' Sir Glen, he was certainly not welcome here.

"Well, no use mincing words with you then. This way to my study." Sir Glen took the hint and directed the way to the study. When they were on the way, he whispered, "Laurie will you direct Mr. Leif to the study."

Laurie watched Sir Colin saunter behind Lord Xavier only nodded as Sir Glen left her side and motioned for a servant to bring them drinks in the study.

Once the drinks had been presented, Leif came to stand in the shadows at Sir Glen's side, and the doors firmly shut, Sir Colin walked around the room like a caged animal. Lord Xavier settled into a wingchair and sipped watching Sir Colin.

"Is there something I can get you?" asked Sir Glen.

"Enough stalling Glen. We're here to make sure what is mine is returned." He announced without pretense. He turned and stared at Leif.

Sir Glen took a ledger from his desk drawer. "These are my records, you will find no fault with them. There is nothing of yours here."

"What about him?" Colin jerked his head towards Leif.

"Mr. Leif was registered as a member of my order. He's since been selected to rise from their ranks. I have it all in the ledger, if you will just..." Sir Colin knocked the book from Sir Glen's hands as he leaned over the desk.

"Where's the proof?" He asked.

Glen stood up and leaned back in and said in a tight controlled voice. "I will not have you upend my conclave while you search for your wayward sheep -Sir- Colin. My word is my bond such that of all companions."

Lord Xavier chuckled. "So there is some fight left in the legendary Sir Glen. Back away Sir Colin, but you owe him his proof Sir Glen."

Leif stepped forward and showed his tattoo. "Enough proof for you Sir Colin?"

Sir Colin grabbed him and looked at the tattoo. Disgusted, he threw Leif back. "I branded mine on the left on the back."

Sir Glen was on his feet, indignant for his friend, his arms crossed. When Leif looked to him, Sir Glen nodded and set his jaw on edge. Leif pulled off his shirt and turned around. 

Clearly disappointed, Sir Colin walked around to look Leif in the eye and with a serpentine smile he said, "You're still useless. Not a shred of discipline in him. Didn't you hear that Lord Xavier requested that I had my proof? You owed it to me boy, by my right as a true companion." Colin turned to Glen as Leif pulled on his shirt, fuming. "He'll never be half of what you are Glen." Leif was certain he would boil over and turn Sir Colin inside out, but Sir Glen stepped in and put Leif behind him slightly. 

"I expect Mr. Leif to be entirely himself Sir Colin. And he's done remarkably well."

Lord Xavier had by now begun to flip through the last few years of Sir Glen's ledger and mentioned as his finger traced down the page, "You were entrusted with some who may have come from Sir Colin's conclave."

Turning his attention to Leif, he gave him a meaningful look hoping that Leif would stay out of the matter. "When I heard Sir Colin was going to be restored, I returned all of his companions to where they had been taken. You will find, Mr. Leif, my Laurie, the Order and the servants are all that are here."

"You may examine the grounds, but please do not disturb anyone." Offered Mr. Leif. "If you find there is a discrepancy, we'll have it examined immediately."

Lord Xavier chuckled watching Sir Colin bluster. "Has Mr. Leif asked for his robes yet Sir Glen? I'll give them to him now. He seems anxious for your job."

Leif stepped back, eyeing Sir Colin suspiciously. 

"Mr. Leif has his own decision to make up when it comes to his robes. I expect in due time that he will make his choice."

Sir Colin reached for the ledger from Lord Xavier and traced the carefully penned information with a thin finger. "It says here boy that you've been entitled to your robes since Sir Glen appointed you five years ago."

Sir Glen once again set his jaw on edge and interrupted Mr. Leif. "Sir Colin, I would appreciate you give Mr. Leif his due, he has earned undue respect in this conclave."

"So the boy does have guts. It is a wonder that he has any at all, he spent most of the time spewing them on my floors."

"Enough Sir Colin." The mandate came from Lord Xavier. "We have twenty more places to visit to completely restore you. You can visit Mr. Leif and Sir Glen another day."

"It was my pleasure to see you Lord Xavier."

"Likewise Glen."

Sir Colin slid the ledger back onto the table and followed Lord Xavier outside. Though Sir Glen saw them outside, Leif didn't join him until they were well on their way.

"That was pleasant." Leif looked down at the small dust devil that seemed to follow Sir Colin and Lord Xavier. Sir Glen looked pointedly at Leif and raised his hand to shield his eyes.

"Thank you for your intervention Sir Glen."

"What I said is true Mr. Leif, no thanks is necessary."

"It is nice to hear it every now and then."

"Without a doubt." He clapped Leif on the shoulder.



Because of the Night Ch. 18



I hope you have enjoyed 'Because of the Night'. Creating Mr. Leif, Taylor and Sir Glen was probably the easiest part of this journey. 

Thank you for your time and enjoy the final installment of 'Because of the Night'.

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Taylor was on the lounge in her private room that Sir Marcus had provided for her. Since her return, she had kept to herself in this single cell, venturing out only when requested. True to his word, no ill befell Taylor here under his care, but he knew that the caged songbird couldn't sing. Sir Marcus was not blind to the hollows under her eyes or the red track marks on her cheeks. Glen had been right, there was something about Taylor and Leif neither of them could truly appreciate. Even simple tasks such as serving, made her thoughts drift to those of Mr. Leif commanding her.

Today her thoughts were of the second time she had spent with Mr. Leif.

Leif cleared his throat drawing her attention, his eyes slowly adjusting to the dim blue lights in the dungeon cell back at Sir Glen's that had been reserved for him tonight. Though his hands were clasped behind his back he could barely ignore the twitch of excitement that ran through his arms. He bent his head and took a few deep breaths.

-I can do this. She asked to be here with me.- he reminded himself.

Taylor looked anxiously over his shoulder as he faced the wall of assorted items she could only assume he enjoyed and had selected for this evening. She could swear that her heart had found its way between her ears. 

As Leif's vision rose from the brick floor his eyes fell upon a pair of suede gloves and he was touched by just a fleeting thought that evoked his imagination. He suppressed the jitters of expectation and picked the gloves up and put one on, leaving the other on the table behind him.

He turned and approached Taylor who smiled to him. He nodded slightly and Taylor slipped to her knees, resting on the cushion that had been provided. Leif's ungloved hand reached out and gently gathered her hair to one side revealing a delicate neck inviting his tongue.

He brushed his gloved hand against her neck before allowing his mouth to explore this one small piece of her. As his touch sent a shiver up her spine, Taylor let a low gasp escape and she closed her eyes.

Leif didn't miss this moment and his whisper grazed her ear. "Keep them open Taylor."

"Yes Mr. Leif." the words barely escaped her mouth. 

-How different this second time is.- she mused as she opened her eyes.

Sir Glen and Laurie were sitting together on a couch in the voyeur cell. Sir Glen stroked Laurie seductively as they watched. 

"He seems to have quieted some of his demons." Laurie whispered softly as she nipped at Sir Glen's chin playfully.

"Some, but not all, but he does enjoy her company. He's grown wonderfully while he's been away. Much more creative." their eyes locked in a silent joke between the two of them and then shared a passionate kiss.

Taylor whimpered on the other side of the one-way glass. Leif was wasting little time with her taking her to the edge and then talking her back. Over and over again he would whisper something inaudible and then with the gloved hand caress Taylor to nearly a frenzied desire then draw her attention elsewhere.

"Please Mr. Leif..."the breathless gasp escaped from Taylor.

He took a ragged breath and spoke. "Yes Taylor?"

Taylor gulped as his hands continued their travels over her body. She opened her mouth to speak, but his covered hers before she could utter a sound. She melted into his kiss, pressing herself against him trying to make her desires known.

She shook her head to concentrate finding herself artfully chained spread, staring at her own naked reflection in the mirrors before her that all showed the vulnerable girl staring back. From behind her she felt Leif's warm breath graze her shoulders and the soft moist kisses lingering on her skin.

"Keep your eyes open Taylor. You will miss more tonight if you do not." A gloved hand crept around her hip caressing and searching for the ever-sensitive areas on her body. Taylor A low chuckle resonated from him as his body pressed against hers.

"The amazing thing about mirrors Taylor, you never know what really turns one on. Is it the reflection of a helpless soul struggling against her bonds? Or is it seeing your reflection knowing that it is you who you see? Or is it seeing your reaction as you respond to the careful touch." The gloved hand had abandoned her hip favoring to tease a breast. His hand massaged softly over and over again. She caught his face in the mirror as he leaned over her shoulder to once again administer the tempting kisses to her neck. The silent visual connection made her take a sharp breathe knowing that it would be a long pleasurable night with Mr. Leif.

But those memories were shaken by a familiar voice. 

"Where is the girl? I'll not stand for being led around halls aimlessly. I won't have it." Sir Marcus was in a precarious position, but he would have to hold his ground with her for the time being. Especially since Sir Colin and Lord Xavier had tumbled unannounced into his lap.

"Through the door Sir Colin." Sir Marcus looked to the sky wondering if it would do him the pleasure of sending a torrential rain. 

Sir Marcus knocked giving Taylor a chance to wipe her tears.

"Sir Colin is here to see you Taylor." They all entered the room, and Taylor looked wide-eyed to Sir Marcus wishing he would say something or do something to reassure her. She trembled wondering what was going to happen.

Sir Colin slipped past Lord Xavier and Sir Marcus and glanced Taylor over.

"I might remember her. Kneel girl."

Taylor complied, grateful for something to do, her stomach twisting and turning. Sinking to her knees, she fell under Sir Colin's shadow cast from the light in the hall.

"This quaking girl, are you sure she's mine?" he paced around her. A sneer rose over his lips. "She's not fit to lick my boots much less serve anyone I deem fit."

Sir Marcus stopped Sir Colin from continuing to circle like a vulture. "I swear this girl was yours Colin. Yes, Sir Glen and I worked with her and frankly; I believe she is more than fit to lick your boots. She's earned more than that right and is a wonderful companion. If you do not wish for her, I have someone who is more interested."

Sir Colin's thin eyebrow peeked. "I don't expect you to have handed me back the same girl who was left with you." He paused, his face drawn as if he had tasted something unpleasant. "I owe you for your patient hand with her. But that is not my way."

"Make your choice Sir Colin." Lord Xavier was rocking on his feet, clearly enjoying what was transpiring. "Take her or leave her. You have your favorites. No reason to take her if you don't want her. I trust that Sir Marcus has taken a few touches with her that you'd never consider."

Sir Glen felt Laurie squeeze his hand for reassurance. Five weeks had since past since Leif had stared down Sir Colin. And somehow the sudden change in Leif had been more than welcome.

"I know of no other who is most deserving of this Leif. I know you should have your own, but I will hope you'll accept mine instead. You will always have a safe haven with us Lief."

As Lady Daire settled the leather robes on Leif's shoulders and pinched his cheek, Leif and Glen shook hands.

"Write us, let us know you're all right." Requested Laurie as she stepped forward. Leif kissed her cheek. "I will."

"Sir Leif, we can't let you leave just yet." Sir Marcus came into the dimly lit field accompanied by a hooded companion. Leif swallowed hard. The title was so new; he could hardly believe what he heard himself.

Marcus turned to his companion. "If you follow him of your own free will, I see no reason why he cannot be responsible for you."

The cloaked figure stepped up to Leif. "If he'll have me." Two hopeful pools in her eyes glistened. Her name, hung on his lips, caught in his throat. Leif kissed her lips tenderly. It no longer mattered that Leif had no clue where he was going for the time being. Frankly, it didn't matter that Glen, Marcus, Lady Daire, and Laurie were all watching. His eyes and heart were filled with Taylor.

"I don't know what it is about you Taylor but I know simply knowing you are here with me, it makes everything fall into place." He said to her.

"I choose to place all my trust in you, for you to help me discover new limits. Wherever you go, I want to be there." She took his hand.