3 comments/ 4503 views/ 3 favorites The Chronicles of Thett Ch. 01 By: Dstep Ten years have passed since the barbarians from the mountains attacked Syanay's village and left her orphaned. It was Thett, the warrior in King Heloan's army that found her after the siege of her village. A girl of eight standing in the ruins of her family's hut, covered in dirt, ash and the blood of her parents. To her advantage, Thett was the only one who had seen her. She saw him walking towards the hut, stepping into the huts still standing. When he reached her hut, he stood and stared at her. The hut was simple and had completely crumpled to the ground. Thett looked around and saw that no one was near. He quickly climbed through the rubble to her, knealing when he reached. "What are you doing standing in the open like this?" he asked her desperately. "Don't you know you're marked?" Thett reached up and wiped the tear wet ash from under her eyes. "You must hide, and quick," he said looking around. "If some one finds you, they will kill you as a bad omen." Syanay didn't move. "Go now, hide," he said to her. "But what will happen to me?" she said, her eyes filling once more with tears. "Go to the forest, there is a large rock just over the first hill. Sit there and I will come for you after the sun has set. Now go." She had done as he ordered, and he had come for her after the sun had set, just as he promised. She was now at the age of eighteen, she had grown into a beautiful woman, and with the training of Thett, a great sword fighter. But there was more in her heart then she wished to express. Although Thett had been like a father to her, she saw him as more then just that. He was also her teacher and elder by thirteen years. Still she had the instincts of a woman and a yearning for the touch of a man. She loved Thett, there was no doubt in her mind about that, and it wasn't just the fact that he gave up so much for her. Mostly his loyalty to King Heloan and was now considered a traitor to the crown. She knew he was a good man, and so, she vowed that no man would ever have her, only Thett. And if Thett would not have her, she would die never knowing a man's touch. That was her sacrifice to Thett. Syanay stood in the center of Thett's "Training" room. A large grey stone room 50 feet long and 20 feet wide. Thett had built the room himself to train Syanay in the art of combat. The walls rose 10 feet, lined with windows at the very top to allow the sun to light the room no matter what time of day it was. Hanging from nearly every inch of the walls were swords, axes, war hammers, bows, quills of arrows, targets, and other assorted weapons, there was also a four tiered shelf of smaller throwing knives. Thett left no weapon out when it came to training Syanay. There had to be over two hundred weapons in this one room, and Syanay had used every one at least once. Training wasn't her purpose in the training room today. Meditation was her purpose today. She had to clear her head from the confusion and flood within her. She had awaken early this morning to find Thett in his bed, nearly naked. She had sat on the edge of his cot, tracing his many scars with her fingertips, hoping he wouldn't wake. With every scar she traced, her want only grew. After what felt like forever, she left Thett, dressed, and came straight here. Now at midday, she still stood stone solid, her head down and repeating the chant Thett had taught her over and over. "A warrior must see that what can not be seen, a warrior must hear what can not be heard, a warrior must be at peace with himself and the world, give me calm," she whispered over and over again. Although her mind was a jumble of thoughts of love, her ears didn't miss the high pitched whistle of a blade cutting through the air. With quickness that impressed Thett to no end, she drew her own blade and spun on her heels, raising her blade to block the blade coming at her. The sound of metal striking metal echoed off the walls. "Very good," Thett said with a smile. "I didn't think you knew I had entered." Syanay smiled. "I heard you draw your blade." Now Thett was impressed. He had drawn his sword nearly twenty feet before reaching the door to the training room. "That's impressive, but means nothing," Thett said not letting the pride in his trainee show. They stepped back from each other, keeping their swords at the ready. "You still have a long way to go before you can call yourself a warrior," he said taunting her. "Perhaps I've already learned enough, but just don't want to hurt the pride of an old man," she said back. "Not likely," he said, wanting to smile. "No woman will ever be a warrior." Syanay took the first swing, but Thett blocked. The sounds of sword play filled the room. Finally, Syanay made the mistake of a downward swing when her balance was off slightly. Thett dodged to the side and bent down. He reached out and knocked her feet from under her. Syanay, did a flip in the air so she would land on her feet. When she did land, Thett was ready and swung his sword, striking her in the chest with the side of the blade. Syanay fell back into the wall, surprised and winded. When her back struck the wall, her shoulder hit the shelf, rattling the knives. Syanay couldn't move as Thett slowly walked toward her. "Fancy acts will not save you on the battlefield," he said. "It's all here," he said pointing to his head. "And here," he pointed at his chest. Syanay finally caught her breath and stepped away from the wall. She relentlessly swung at Thett, turning as she did in order to back him against the wall. She finally had him where she wanted him. He was now where she was. She lifted her sword for what would be the fatal blow, but before she could bring the sword down, Thett reached and grabbed the shelf. Before she realized that he had her where he wanted her instead of the other way around, Thett pushed the shelf over. The shelf struck Syanay in the shoulder, knocking her to the ground. The shelf fell on top of her, pinning her to the floor. Thett stepped away from the wall and stood over her. "As I said," he said as he lifted the shelf off her and pushed it away. "A woman will never be a warrior." Thett started to turn and walk away, but Syanay wasn't done with him yet. She reached out and pulled his legs from under him. Thett fell face first to the floor, his sword skidding across the stone floor. Syanay grabbed a knife and pinned him down, sticking the point of the blade against his throat. "Yield to me," she yelled through clenched teeth. Their noses were only inched away from each other and Syanay could smell his sweat. Thett stare up at her. "By the Gods, you are beautiful." Syanay relaxed the pressure on the blade against his throat. She had waited for him to say that for too long. She pulled the knife from his throat and knelt closer, wanting only to kiss him. Then she felt it, The sharp point of a blade in her ribs. "You're dead," Thett said, then pushed her off him. Thett slowly got to his feet, leaving Syanay on the floor. Syanay could no longer keep her feelings hidden. She began to weep as Thett crossed to his sword and lifted it. He looked back at her as he resheathed it. "You let your feelings show too much girl," he said. Now feeling sorry for what he had done, but not letting his own weakness show through. "Dam you," she cried looking up at him. "You're evil." "No, I'm your teacher," he said walking away from her. Thett reached the door, glanced back at Syanay and saw her still on the ground weeping. "Now clean up." Thett opened the door and walked out. Syanay screamed as she picked up a knife and threw it at the door behind Thett. Outside, Thett was facing the door as the tip off the knife exploded through. The blade vibrated a moment. Thett reached up and touched the blade. "I'm sorry Syanay," he whispered before turning away. He walked away from the training room and into the forest that surrounded his hut. Thett had no idea where he was headed when he left the training room, but found himself in a small clearing. Running through the clearing was a thin stream. Thett sat on a fallen tree and stared into the rippling water, lost to the world. His only thoughts were of Syanay and her screams of frustration as he left her in the training room. "She is ready," A voice said from behind him. Thett jumped at the voice, he hadn't heard the woman walk up, but once he realized who the owner of the voice was, he knew why. But he realized who it was too late. He was already on his feet and sword drawn. As he spun, the sword struck a large tree branch that sagged to the ground from a large tree ten feet behind him. The force of the blow knocked his shoulder at a strange angle and popped the improperly healed shoulder from the socket. Pain forced him to hold the sword low and shaky. "What are you doing here you vial temptress?" he growled to the woman behind him. The woman was beautiful. Long flowing blonde hair, large breasts, tanned skin, and dressed in a long flowing white gown that emphasized all her womanly features. To look at her, one would never guess she was thousands of years old. Her given name was Cree, but men called her The Oracle, or any insulting name they could. "I have been called many names by many men," she said, her voice as sweet as a chorus of angels singing softly into his ears. "But only when you insult does it hurt so." "I asked you why are you here?" he growled. He had had too many dealings with this woman, and he was tiring of her company already. "I have come for the girl," Cree said smiling. "The one you trained behind my back." "You knew I would when you told me I would find her," Thett said, the sword lowered. The pain in his shoulder was too much to bear, but he didn't trust Cree. Cree slowly crossed to him, her smile growing. "I had hoped you would, but the time has come for her to go to King Dennacor. As you knew it would." "I will not send her to her death," Thett said. Beads of sweat rolled down his brow. Cree now stood before him and saw he was in pain. She reached up and gently caressed his cheek. "Your shoulder, it still bothers you?" "You should know," he answered trying to raise the sword, to no avail. "You did this to me." "I had to teach you a lesson for not listening to me," she said slowly letting her hand slide down the side of his face to his neck. When her hand reached his shirt, she let it slide underneath, then under the leather patch that was suppose to keep the shoulder in place. She then grasped his shoulder and grabbed Thett's head with the other. With a quick jerk, Cree popped the shoulder back. Thett's knees weakened from the pain and he lost his grip on the sword. Thett went to his knees, and Cree followed, never taking her hands off him. "You knew the time would come when your paths would part. That time is now." "No," he growled through his clenched teeth. "She is not ready. Dennacor and his men will kill her." "They just may, but that is for her path to determine." Thett looked into her bright blue eyes and swam in the ocean of them a moment. "You know what is to happen. Tell me." Cree shook her head and ran her fingers through his hair. "That is not of your concern." Thett pushed her away and grabbed his sword. He lifted it, ignoring the pain in his arm and pointed the blade at her heart. "I'll cut you down right were you stand unless you answer my question." Cree laughed at him. "You'll not kill me. Even if it is your blade that strikes my fatal blow, it is not today." She was right. His arm hurt and he didn't have the strength to shove it into her. She was right, she would live at least one day longer. "She must leave tomorrow to meet Dennacor. That is her path, you cannot stop it." Unfortunately, she was right and of all people, Thett knew that most of all. Thett lowered his head and the sword. "I'll send her on her way." "Good," Cree said and sat back on the ground before him once again. Thett looked at her. "Now, love me." "Have I not loved you enough?" "No," she answered and kissed him on the lips. Thett wanted only to pull away. He despised this woman and hated everything she did. She manipulated people and forced them to do her bidding, all to her gain. But he couldn't escape the sweet taste of her. It was true that he had loved her many times before, but with one taste of her, he wanted nothing more then to taste more. Needed more. Thett let as much of his hate for her rise as his body and lust would allow and kissed her with great eagerness and force. He pushed her to the ground and planted violent kisses on her neck and chest. Cree wrapped her arms around him and smiled. Thett grabbed the front of her gown and ripped it from her body, exposing her breast. Thett stared at them a moment, then wrapped his mouth around each one in turn. As he sucked at her teats, he pushed the gown from her waist. With her completely naked, he pushed his own pants down and thrust himself in her as forcefully as he could. Cree screamed in pleasure. She pulled his shirt off, leaving him dressed only in the leather patch over his right shoulder and the straps that kept it tight on his body. Cree dug her nails into his back and raked them from his lower back to shoulder, shoulder to lower back, and back again, leaving long red trails. Thett's thrust became more pronounced until he finally orgasmed. His body stiffened against her and she dug her nails in deeper, drawing blood. The next morning, Thett woke naked and alone. A fine film of dew covered his body and he shivered slightly as a soft breeze blew through the clearing. Thett sat up and looked around. There was no sign of Cree, as he knew there would not be. This was always the way it was with Cree. Save one. Thett looked over to his clothes to find them neatly folded and sitting on the fallen tree he had been sitting on last night. There on top of his clothes was the one and only sign of Cree's visit. A heart shaped stone. He had known Cree since his fourteenth year. That was the first time he had loved her, thus beginning his path. He was only sorry that his path and Cree's crossed so often. He knew that Cree had loved and manipulated many other men, and women, but she always returned to Thett. He had a large chest full of the stones to prove it. Thett picked the stone up and held it in his palm. He cocked his arm back and stood in that position for an eternity. He wanted nothing more then to throw the stone into the stream, but something inside wouldn't allow him, as he knew he couldn't. He had been through this too many times before. He lowered his arm and quickly went about dressing himself. He had to send Syanay to Dennacor, and as much as he didn't want that, he knew the consequences of disobeying Cree. Many of the scars on his body was from disobeying Cree. Thett threw open the door to the training room in the hopes he would find Syanay there, but to his dismay, there was no one. The shelf had been righted, but there was no Syanay. He closed the door and went to the hut. There he found Syanay feeding a fire to prepare breakfast. Thett stood inside the door watching her a moment before she said a word. "I am sorry I failed yesterday," she said not turning to him. "I was unfocused." Thett began to step in, but stopped. There was no time for the comfort he was about to offer her. Things had to be done, and now. Or suffer the wrath of Cree. "Never mind that," Thett said. "Come with me, I have something to show you." Syanay turned just as Thett began to walk away. "What about breakfast?" she asked as she stood. "There is no time," Thett said, never looking back. Thett led her to the back of the training room and stopped at the edge of the forest. He looked back at her before taking the first step down a deer trail, or what looked like a deer trail. There was only a hint of the trail, there was too many weeds and low hanging branches to really call it a trail of any kind, but Thett followed it just the same. And Syanay followed Thett. The trail ended at a great drop off, and offered a wide view of the mountains across a wide green plain, broken only by the crystal blue line of a stream. Syanay stepped up to the edge of the drop off and stood next to Thett. Thett stared straight ahead at the mountains, Syanay looked in the same direction. "What do you see out there?" he asked, never looking at her. "Mountains," Syanay answered. If this was one of his little tests, she didn't get the point of it. She squinted and looked hard, but all she saw was rocky climbs and snow covered mountain tops. A strong gust of wind blew high up and Syanay could see a cloud of snow as it was blown off one peak to another. "Look closely at the highest peak and follow the northern side down. About half way down you will see what you need." Syanay did as Thett told her, and just as he said, she saw what he wanted her to see. Half way down the mountain, there was an outcropping scattered with large boxy shapes that could only be man made. And she couldn't make out exact details, but carved into the side of the mountain was what looked like the front of a castle. "I see it," Syanay said and turned to Thett. "But what is it?" "That is the fortress of Lord Dennacor," he said, a tiny bit of sadness entering his voice. "Who is that?" Syanay asked looking back to the mountains. Now that she had seen the fortress, she couldn't unsee it. It now stuck out like a red rose in a field of daisies. "Lord Dennacor is the king of the mountain barbarians," Thett finally looked to Syanay. She stared silently. "The same mountain barbarians who destroyed your village." "And killed my family," Syanay whispered angrily. "Yes." Syanay turned to Thett. "And you've known all this time that they were close." "Yes," Thett said. "And when were you going to tell me?" Syanay said and turned her whole body to Thett, but he didn't answer. "When?" she yelled hitting him in the chest. Thett grabbed her shoulders and held her at arms length. "When you were ready to go. When I was sure you could stand against them on your own." Syanay pushed away from Thett and glared at him. "I'm going." Syanay stepped closer to the edge and was about to start her climb down. "Wait," Thett said. Moments later, Syanay found herself standing outside the stable that held Thett's three horses. Thett came out leading Cloud Dancer, his strongest and fastest steed. For a moment, her anger fell away completely and was replaced with the greatest of gratitude. But only for a moment. Thett threw a saddle over Cloud Dancers back and turned to Syanay. "It is a four days hard ride to reach Dennacor's fortress," he said going about tightening the straps. It only took a moment, then he stepped aside and allowed Syanay to climb up. Before she could nudge Cloud Dancer into moving, Thett placed a hand on her leg. She looked down at him. "This is where our paths separate," he said solemnly. "You were a great student." "I will return," Syanay said. She nudged Cloud Dancer and rode away from the hut she was raised and trained in. "I hope you're right," Thett whispered as he watched her disappear into the forest. On the third day after she had left Thett, she reached the gate surrounding Dennacor's fortress. She had ridden hard night and day, and stayed awake by her anger alone. When she reached the mountains, she had let Cloud Dancer go since the going would be too steep for the steed. Now, here she stood at the gate, tired, dirty, and every muscle in her body aching from exhaustion and the climb, but ready to fight. "Who are you?" a voice called out. Syanay drew her sword and looked to the top of the gate to see two guards looking down at her. The Chronicles of Thett Ch. 01 "I am the warrior Syanay," she yelled up to them. "And I have come for the head of Lord Dennacor." The guards looked to each other and laughed. "A woman warrior," the guard on the left and the larger of the two said laughing. They looked back to her. "I'm surprised you can even lift that blade," the other laughed. With her free hand, she drew a throwing dagger from the wrist sheath of her right arm. With a quick flick of the wrist, she let the dagger fly upward. The dagger stuck in the throat of the smaller guard. His eyes widened in momentary surprise before he fell backwards off the gate. The other guard watched him fall, then turned back to Syanay. "That was a mistake girl." Syanay was about to reply, but pain exploded in her head and the world went black. Her attention had been turned to the two on the gate, and she hadn't known the other guard was behind her until it was too late. Thett sat straight up on the cot, his body glittering in the fire light from the sweat that covered him. It took a moment, but he caught his breath and he calmed. He couldn't remember the dream that had awaken him so suddenly, but it had to have been a bad one. He never woke from dreams this way. Then he noticed there was something strange about the hut. It wasn't that something was missing, because nothing was. It was the fire. He hadn't lit a fire, so where did it come from? "Bad dream?" a voice he recognized all to well asked from the shadows. "What do you want Cree?" he asked turning as Cree stepped out of the shadows beside the bed. "I have something important to tell you." Cree sat on the cot facing Thett. She gently placed a hand on his chest and looked into his eyes. "I will tell you, but only after you love me." She leaned forward to kiss him. Thett reached out and grabbed Cree's shoulders, holding her inches from him. "And if I don't?" "Then I leave knowing what you don't." Thett took his left hand off her and reached for the dagger hidden under the blanket, but Cree was quicker. Before Thett's hand reached the blanket, Cree had her own blade under his chin. "Don't make me kill you Thett," she said leaning closer, her mouth nearly on his ear. "You are too important to me, but you can be replaced." "Then replace me," Thett growled. "I don't want to be your puppet any more." Cree laughed. "As if you ever had the choice. Now love me." Cree planted light kisses on his neck. Thett tried to resist, but she was intoxicating, his drug. She may have him, but it would always be his way. That was his one piece of control over her. He would always be violent with her. But what he didn't know was the fact that she wanted him that way. She would always let him have that. That's just what he did. He loved her in the most violent way he could. Thrusting with all his strength, squeezing where ever his hands laid, biting her neck and shoulders. She moaned and screamed as he pushed himself deeper into her, and she dug her nails into his back as she reached the magical moment of orgasm. She held his shivering body close and tightly until his shivers subsided. She smiled as he breathed heavily into her ears. "You have pleased me Thett," she whispered. "Now I will tell you what I came here for." Thett pulled away from her and hovered over her. "And what did you come here for?" "I came to tell you that Syanay's blood has been spilt at the gates of Dennacor's fortress." Thett quickly climbed off the cot and began to dress. "Where are you going?" Cree asked with a smile. "To Dennacor," Thett said. He grabbed his shirt and his sword and left Cree on his cot. Cree watched him through the open door from her spot on the cot and smiled. All the pieces were falling into place just as she had planned. Soon Thett's path would be over, and she would be safe from harm. Pain filled her head as she tried to open her eyes. The pain started in the back of her neck and blossomed through her head. She had never felt pain like this before in her life and hoped to never feel it again. She slowly tried to open her eyes but could only get them to open slightly before the pain forced her to close them again. Through the momentary slit of her eyes, her mind registered the bright light of the sun and the comfortable cushion below her. She could hear voices, but they were too quiet to understand what was being said. The confusion in her mind suddenly cleared and her last memory flooded her mind. She knew where she was now. Dennacor's fortress. Ignoring the pain, she opened her eyes and sat up. The pain crept down her back. She saw she was in a long room with three other men. The ceiling of the room was made from glass frames, letting in the sun light. The room was bare, yet some how beautiful in its structure. The three men hadn't noticed that she was awake. One she recognized as the large guard from the gate. The other was a muscular man with a fur cloak and a patch over his left eye. His bald head reflected the sunlight shining down on him. The other man was older, his black curly hair was speckled with white hair, his muscular stomach had long given way to the belly of old age, and he was regally dressed. She knew that he had to be Dennacor, the man she came to kill. Syanay looked around for some sort of weapon, but they had stripped her of all as she slept, and there was nothing close at hand. The only weapons in the room were strapped to the sides of the three men. Syanay knew she was quick enough and quiet enough to cross the room, take one of their swords and strike the three down before they could place their hands on their swords. And she would do just that. Slowly, she pushed aside the blanket covering her and sat up. Still no one looked her way. She planted her bare feet on the stone floor and stood. Dizziness grabbed her and took her legs from beneath her. Syanay fell face first to the floor. The men turned their attention to her. Dennacor was the first to move. He walked across the room and helped her to the couch she was just resting on. "There, now," he said soothingly. "You took a hard blow to the back of the head, you need to rest." The guard and the man with the patch now stood behind Dennacor. "Why are you being so nice to her my Lord, she did come to kill you." The man with the patch said. Dennacor stood and turned to the man. "I choose my actions General. This is not war, so I do not need your input." "As you wish my lord," the General said bowing. "But there is still the fact that she did come to kill you my lord." Dennacor turned to Syanay. "Don't you think I'm aware of that." He sat facing Syanay. She felt the disgust and anger rise, but there was nothing she could do now. The guard and General would kill her before Dennacor's body hit the floor. "Now," Dennacor said softly. "The General wants me to ask who sent you to kill me?" "No one sent me," Syanay answered. "I came of my own accord." "Liar," The General said before the words were out of her mouth. Syanay and Dennacor turned to him. Dennacor opened his mouth to scold The General for his outburst, but before he could utter the first syllable, the door to the room was thrown open. The four quickly turned to the door to see a woman dressed in a long grey cloak walking in. The General knew who this woman was as soon as he set eyes on her. "Cree you evil hag," he spat. Cree pushed the hood of the cloak from her face and smiled at The General. "I'll consider that a compliment coming from you General." Dennacor stood and stepped in front of The General and the guard. "What are you doing here Cree?" "I have come to offer my services to you Lord Dennacor," she said as she closed the space between them. "At what cost?" The General asked from behind Dennacor. "That can be discussed at a later date," she answered smiling. She reach Dennacor and stopped. "But as for now, you seem to be have come to a difficult decision," she whispered so only Dennacor could hear. "What decision?" Dennacor whispered back. "If I could have but a moment of your time, Dennacor," she said louder. "I will help you through this little dilemma." "Very well," Dennacor said and turned away from Cree. He started for the opposite side of the room where they could talk privately and Cree followed. She paused a moment as she passed The General. "If you so much as lay a hand on the woman, you will feel my wrath to the harshest extent," she whispered to him and walked away. The General glared after Cree as she and Dennacor crossed to the far end of the room. When the two were out of ear shot of the three, Dennacor stopped. "What is the meaning of this Cree?" Cree's smile never faltered. "You must decide what is to become of this young woman, and soon." Dennacor looked past Cree to Syanay. "She has come to kill you, but there are two things you must consider." Dennacor turned his attention to Cree. "Which are?" "Number one," Cree started. "You are fascinated by her." Dennacor's heart raced. Yes he was fascinated by her, and he had tried so hard not to let it show. "And the second?" "A king needs a queen." Dennacor stared at her in disbelief. "She came here to kill me. There is no way she will become my queen." "Then you must persuade her. Give her no choice." "I'll not trick her into this," Dennacor growled. "Then persuade her with the truth," Cree said urgently. "This must be done." "Why are you so anxious about that woman becoming my queen?" Dennacor asked. This was strange, even for Cree. She had to have something up her sleeve, but what. "What do you have to gain from this?" "The only gain I receive from your union with this woman is the loss of something very dear to myself," Cree said. This only confused Dennacor more. There was more to this then Cree was making evident, but he was also intrigued with the woman. She was beautiful and he yearned for her like he had never done before. "Very well," Dennacor said. "I will do as you say, but you shall owe me." "As you wish," Cree said bowing to Dennacor. Dennacor pushed past Cree and crossed back to the three. When they reached the couch, Dennacor sat facing Syanay once again. "General, take this guard and Cree and leave us alone." "But my Lord, what if she..." Dennacor turned quickly to The General. "Don't disobey me General." "Yes my Lord," The General said bowing. "She is unarmed, I shall be perfectly safe," Dennacor said turning back to Syanay. The General turned and led the guard and Cree out of the room. With them gone, Dennacor gently took Syanay's hand. Syanay fought hard to suppress a shiver of discuss. "My lady," he began. "I know you have come to kill me, but you are at a stale mate now. There is only one way out." "And that is?" Syanay asked. She knew she was in a bad spot now. Even if she killed Dennacor now, The General would not let her escape. And who was that woman, and what did she and Dennacor have to say to each other. This was not going her way at all. "You must become my queen." "What?" Syanay asked, nearly laughing. Now she had heard enough. Here she was with one purpose, to kill this fattening old man, and he was proposing marriage. "If you become my queen, The General can not touch you, if you don't, The General will kill you in the slowest most painful manner he can devise." "And why are you trying to save me?" she asked even more puzzled then before. "Because I would hate for The General to rid the world of such beauty." Syanay was having a hard time with this. This man had been nothing but sweet and nice to her, even though she had come to put an end to his life. How could this man have destroyed her village and killed her family? "Must I choose now?" she asked. "Yes my lady," Dennacor answered, urgency filled his voice. "I'm afraid that The General will have you killed within the hour if you choose not to take what I offer." "Which is?" "A kingdom to rule at my side." Syanay was quiet a moment. Then a thought entered her head. If she did in fact take what Dennacor offered her now, another chance to kill this man may just present itself. "Okay," she answered forcing a smile. "I will become your queen." Dennacor smiled wide. "Then we shall be wed tonight, once the sun has set." Syanay gave Dennacor the best fake smile she could, hiding her disgust of him under this manufactured look of gratitude. The General and Cree remained in the hall outside the room, awaiting Dennacor. Shortly after they had been sent from the room, The door opened and Dennacor stepped out smiling. "General," he said beaming. "Call for the holy man and the villagers, for there is soon to be a queen to the throne." The General looked to Cree in disbelief. Cree smiled widely back. As the moon cleared the peaks and lit the mountain village, the room that Syanay had been resting in was a completely different room. Barbarian men and women stood elbow to elbow, filling the room with their mummers and whispers as Dennacor, the holy man, and Syanay stood before them all. The walls were lined with torches and the light of the full moon poured in through the glass ceiling giving the room an eerie orange and silver glow. The entire village had gathered to witness the union of Dennacor and his would be assassin. All but one. The General stood at the edge of the glass and stared down as Dennacor and Syanay got to their knees before the holy man. A sneer distorted his face. "Why can you not be happy for your king," Cree said from behind him. "The king has become a fool," The General said not looking to her. "Why do say that?" Cree asked stepping next to him and looking down at the wedding. "Because this is not what you want?" "No," The General said defensively. "What I want has nothing to with this. He's wedding a woman who came to kill him," The General looked to Cree. "Something tells me you had a hand in this." "Perhaps I did," Cree said with a smile. "What insanity is this Cree? You may have endangered Dennacor, and you smile about it." "Tell me General," she said looking to him. "What is it you want?" "That has no bearing now." "Doesn't it?" Cree said. "You have been in the service to Dennacor all your life, and when has he once given you what you want?" She leaned forward and whispered into his ear. "I know what you want." The General pulled away from her. "You know nothing." "War and glory are your hearts deepest desires," Cree said sternly to The General. He could say nothing. Cree seemed to know the desires of his heart as much as he. How was that possible? Cree was an Oracle, her job was not to know a man's heart, just his path. "What kind of witchery is this?" "This is not witchery General," she said, the smile leaving her face. "I can see it in your eyes. Any one could see it if they only looked deep enough." The General looked back to Dennacor as he kissed Syanay, then turned back to Cree. "I can give them to you," Cree said. "You just must do what I say, and nothing more." "For what price?" The General asked. "No price," Cree said. "All you must do is stand behind the queens innocence. Nothing more, and you shall have your war." The General looked back down. "Fine," he whispered. After the wedding feast, Dennacor and Syanay were finally alone as he led her to her chamber. Neither talked, and Dennacor had tried to take her hand, but she had pulled away from him. They reached her chamber door and Dennacor opened it for her, standing aside to allow her entry. Syanay looked at him, giving him a small smile before stepping in. The chamber was as large as Thett's hut. Thett, she had only left him four days ago and already she missed him dearly. She quickly crossed the room to the large overstuffed bed. She stood over the bed, and ran a hand over the top blanket. Never in her life had she felt anything so soft. Sleep would not come easy on this bed. She had grown accustom to the stiffness of her cot. She jumped slightly as Dennacor placed his hand over hers. She turned to see him inches from her. She hadn't even heard him come in. She thought he had stayed by the door. "My you are beautiful," he said leaning in to kiss her. Syanay pulled her hand from under his and pushed him back. Dennacor stepped back three steps, nearly falling over backwards. "I gave you my hand," she spat at him. "As much as I didn't want to, I gave you my hand. You'll not have my body." "We are wed," Dennacor said hurt filled his voice. "You are my queen." "But I don't love you," she said. "I have already sworn myself to one man. He will be the only one to have me." "But..." Dennacor started. "I am sorry," she said turning away from him. "This man gave up everything for me. He sacrificed everything so I may live. In return I sacrifice my self to him and him only." Dennacor looked to the floor. He could not find the words to say. He was a large man and could easily take what he wanted by force, but something inside would not allow him to do any harm to something so beautiful. "Very well," Dennacor said. He was about to turn away from her but a soft hand on his cheek stopped him. He looked up to see her looking at him with pity in her green eyes. "I am truly sorry," she said. "I know you're a good man, but I have made a vow I cannot break." Syanay leaned forward and kissed Dennacor softly on the cheek. She gave him a genuine smile before turning from him. Dennacor gave her his own smile of regret before leaving Syanay to her slumber. Dennacor had gone to his own chamber after he left Syanay, but sleep did not come to him. He yearned for Syanay and his crotch ached from that yearning, stealing his sleep away from him. Before the sun could begin it's rise, he knew what he had to do. He had to have her and forcing himself on her was not an option, but there was a way. A short time later, Dennacor was walking along the row of iron bars that lined both sides of the dungeon. He knew where he was going, as did the guard. He ignored the moans and rants from the cells he passed, the one cell he wanted was nearly at the end. His eyes and ears were open only to that cell. He reached the cell door and waited for the guard. His haste had carried him nearly ten feet ahead of the guard. The guard finally caught up and unlocked the cell door. He threw it open and stepped aside. Inside the cell, an old woman covered in wrinkles and long white hair sat up as Dennacor entered the cell. "I have need of your services Whyth," Dennacor said stopping in the center of the cell. "Is that so?" Whyth said in a voice raspy with age as she slowly stood. Her back had hunched with age and she shook. "And why should I help you? You were the one who threw me in here." "I am offering you freedom for one favor." Whyth laughed. "The king has come for a favor, I thought the day would never come." "Enough," Dennacor roared. "If you would rather rot in this cell, then so be it." Dennacor started to turn, but Wyth grabbed his arm. "I will help you," she said. "What is your favor?" "I want you to make my queen desire me," Dennacor said. "I want to love her, I must love her." "You're a barbarian king," she said quietly. "Take her." "I can't. She is too beautiful and pure to just take. It must be of her own accord." "Very well," Wyth sighed. "I must have something of hers." Dennacor drew one of her daggers from his cloak and handed it to her hilt first. Wyth took the dagger and examined it carefully. "There are no markings, no insignia," she said looking to him. "Where is this woman from?" "I know not." Wyth nodded and smiled. She held the dagger before her, blade up. In one quick motion, she ran her tongue up the side of the blade, a sour look distorting her face. "Her lust for this man is wretched and nauseating." The Chronicles of Thett Ch. 01 Wyth grabbed a handful of Dennacor's hair in both hands and pulled his face close to her. She ran her tongue up both sides of his face and let him go. "Go to her tonight while she sleeps and you shall have her," Wyth said, sounding tired. Dennacor stood looking to the ground. He felt a sudden hint of shame for the deception he had not yet committed. Wyth looked at him and smiled. "There is one last bit I must tell you." "What?" he said not looking up. Wyth leaned forward and whispered in his ear. "You shall be damned for your actions today." Without the hint of movement, Dennacor drew his sword and ran the blade through Wyth's heart. Wyth fell to her knees, laughing up at Dennacor. He grabbed the hilt and twisted. Wyth's last breath was a high pitched laugh that echoed through the dungeon. As night settled on the mountain village, a shape edged along the gate surrounding it. The shape was aware of the guards posted above and the single guard behind the large boulder twenty feet from the gate. But the shape was quiet and sly enough to enter the village without being detected. Then again, that wasn't the shapes intent. The shape had come in seek of revenge and blood. The shape scaled the wall silently and reached the top just out of sight of the two guards posted at the top. The shape quietly mounted the walkway and slid against the wall until it was close enough to strike. Thett drew his sword and stepped into the torch light. Before the guards could utter more then a sigh of surprise, Thett had disposed of the men with two swift swings of his right arm. The guards fell to the ground, one opened at the belly, the other holding his throat as blood poured from between his fingers. Thett turned to the boulder in time to see the man stationed there step out from behind. Thett took the bow slung over his shoulder and held it before him, arrow in place and ready. Thett aimed and released. The arrow soared from the wall and imbedded itself between the mans eyes. Thett turned to the fortress. He knew his goal, and he would allow nothing to stop him. Syanay awoke with a start as a hand gently rested itself on her forearm, a scream froze on her lips as she saw who the hand belonged to. It was Thett. "I have come for you," Thett whispered. "But I have not killed Dennacor yet," she whispered back. "Your chance shall come Syanay, but for now we must go." "Ok," she said and sat up. She was about to throw back the covers but stopped. "No, I can't." "Why not?" Thett said with some urgency. "I am queen now, and they will come for me," Syanay said. "And they will kill you." Thett only sat there staring at her. "But know this Thett, she said sadly. "I love you and would never love any one else." "Then I must go," Thett said as he started to stand. Syanay grabbed his hand and held it tightly. "That is my sacrifice to you. You sacrificed your place in Heloan's army for me and I sacrificed my love for you only." Thett sat back on the bed and touched her cheek. "Then I shall love you take your sacrifice before I go." Thett kissed her deeply on the lips. Syanay kissed him back and wrapped her arms around his neck. Thett laid her back and slowly ran his hand up her thigh, pushing aside her nightgown as his hand went up. He pushed the nightgown up, revealing her breast and pulled away from her. He hovered over her a moment before bowing his head to her breast. She inhaled deeply as he wrapped his lips around first the left then the right. Syanay wriggled out of the nightgown and pulled Thett's shirt over his head. He looked down on her, hunger in his eyes. "You are beautiful," he whispered. "As are you," she whispered back. She grabbed the waist of his pants and pushed them down. Thett lay on top of her and planted kisses on her neck. She could feel his erect penis against her crotch as it tensed and relaxed. She wanted him now more then she ever had. "Love me," she whispered into his ear. He did. It was painful as he slowly slid into her, but the pleasure soon took over as he began to thrust and pull back. She moaned and held him tighter. Their breathing became heavier as his hips thrust faster and harder. After what seemed an eternity of ecstasy, the reached their climax. Syanay collapsed back into the bed and Thett collapsed on top of her. "I love you Thett," she whispered. "And always have." "I love you too Syanay," Thett whispered winded. They fell into sleep holding each other. Syanay came to awareness as the sun broke the horizon. She felt Thett's arm over her and smiled. Suddenly she was aware of where she was. If he was found here, he would be killed. She couldn't let that happen. "Thett," she yelled as she sat up and turned to the man beside her. She stopped, her breath stuck in her throat. Thett was not in the bed beside her. It was Dennacor. Enraged, she grabbed the oil lamp from the bedside table and brought it down on Dennacor's head repeatedly. Dennacor never opened his eyes. She didn't realize it until it was too late that she was screaming. The door to her chamber was thrown open and two guards entered, stopping as the scene registered. Syanay had dropped the lamp as the door opened and she turned to the guards. The General stepped in, between the guards, and looked from Dennacor's body to Syanay. Syanay's eyes were wide with surprise. The General was about to order Syanay's death, but Cree's words echoed through his head. "Stand behind the queen's innocence," the word repeated through his mind. "What happened?" he asked. "I awoke to find the king this way," Syanay cried hysterically. The General closed his eyes a moment before turning to the guards. "There is an intruder in the village," he ordered. "Find him and throw him in the dungeon." The General turned to Syanay and stared a moment. He slowly bowed to her. "The killer will be found," he said, knowing the killer was before him. "Dress and go to the thrown room. I will call a meeting of the council once we find the king's assassin." The General turned and left Syanay alone, slamming the door behind him. Thett had reached the fortress before sunrise, but it was so massive and the network of tunnels carved into the mountain and halls were disorienting. He didn't find the stairway leading to the king and queen's chambers until Syanay had awaken to the surprise of her husband in bed with her. Thett reached the hall outside the queen's chamber as The General ordered the guards out. He was half way to the door when it flew open and the two guards ran into the hall. Before the guards realized that Thett was before them, Thett had already run his sword through the chest of the first guard. The second guard hastily drew his own sword, catching the hilt on the sheath. Thett brought his sword back for the swing, and heard the sound of metal striking metal. He quickly turned to see The General standing behind him, their sword locked together. Thett's eyes widened as The General back handed him. The power of the hit threw Thett against the wall, his sword clattering uselessly to the floor. Thett started to push himself away from the wall, but The General stuck the point of the sword into his chest. Thett stopped, beaten for the first time. A few feet down the hall, the door to the queen's chamber opened and Syanay stepped into the hall. Thett and The General turned in her direction. Thett had to hide the surprise in his eyes. She was suppose to be dead. That's what Cree had said, but here she was, alive and beautiful. "Go back to your chamber my lady," The General said. "We have caught the king's assassin." Syanay crossed to The General and Thett, looking to Thett. "Why did you kill my husband?" Husband? What was this? Was Syanay under some spell? Then Thett noticed the pleading look in her eyes. Syanay was in trouble, and he was the only one who could get her out. "Because your husband ordered the death of the family of some one very dear to me," The General was lost in confusion. He knew Syanay killed Dennacor, but why was this man confessing to the murder. "A woman?" Syanay asked. "Yes." "Some one you love?" "Just some one I care for very much," Thett answered. Syanay slapped Thett hard across the face, leaving a hand print on his cheek. "Take him away," she said turning from him and storming back to her chamber. The General reached out and took the dagger hanging from Thett's waist and examined it closely. "Take him to the dungeon and call the masters to the throne room," he said not looking away from the dagger. The guard grabbed Thett's arm and led him down the stairs. The General turned from the dagger to Syanay's chamber. Something was amiss here and he intended to find out. The whole situation stank of Cree. The room Syanay had awaken in and been wed in was empty once again except for a long table in the center of the room. Both sides of the table was lined with elderly grey haired men, all murmuring and whispering to each other. At the head of the table sat Syanay. The door opened and The General entered. The General crossed and stood behind Syanay. "What is the meaning of this General?" Master Gan asked impatiently. "Why have you summoned us at this early hour?" The General looked over the men to be sure they were all in attendance. All present and accounted for. "I have assembled the council to make you aware that the king was murdered early this morning." The room filled with gasps from the old men. "The assassin has been captured and imprisoned in the dungeon," The General started. "The assassin shall be executed at midday." "Who is this man?" Master Gan asked. "He was carrying this," The General said tossing the dagger onto the table. "It bears the insignia of King Heloan." The room erupted with voices as the old men began talking all at once. The General held his arms up. "Gentlemen please," he boomed to be heard over the voices. The men quieted. "This crime must not go unpunished. It is my opinion that we respond to Heloan's attack on us with a full scale attack on his fortress." "Are you suggesting we go to war?" Master Gan asked. "No," The General said. "I am telling you that we go to war." "You do not have the authority to take us to war General," Master Gan said standing. "Sit down you fool," The General snapped. "With the king dead, I am the next in charge." "No," Master Gan said, not sitting. "It is the queen who is in charge now." "Yes," the rest of the council said. "And what does the queen say?" Master Gan asked looking to Syanay. Syanay looked at the men then slowly stood. "I say we not go to war." "I agree," Master Inze said from the back. "Our army is not prepared for an assault of this scale." "So you choose to ignore this?" The General yelled. "Heloan will send more men, until we are completely wiped out." "That is my final decision," Syanay said. The General turned to Syanay and glared at her. "I think you planned this my queen. Everything was fine here 'til you arrived." Without thinking, Syanay drew the sword of the nearest elder and swung it in The General's direction. The General was quicker and had his own drawn as she spun on him. Their sword struck each other. "Watch your tongue General before it finds it's way to the floor," Syanay growled. "And I will kill you before it hits the floor," The General said with a smile. Behind them, the door flew open and Cree walked in, a smile spread across her face. "What am I missing?" she asked. "I thought you had left Cree," The General said. "No," Cree said as she reached The General and Syanay. "I have much business here. For starters, this little spat between yourself and the queen." "I suggest The General and the queen fight this out," she said looking to the elders. "If the queen wins, you do nothing, if The General wins, you go to war." "I agree," The General said with a smile. "No," Master Gan said. "I agree," Syanay said, never taking her eyes from The General. Without another word, The General stepped back from Syanay holding his sword in a defensive stance. Syanay took the first swing, and The General blocked. Syanay repeatedly swung at The General, The General never took one swing. He was sizing her up, and testing her weaknesses and strengths. Finally he felt Syanay's swings lose their force. Now was the time to attack. Syanay swung and The General swung in response, hitting her blade and knocking her off balance. With his free hand, he back handed her, knocking her to the floor on her back. He stood over her and lifted the sword above his head. "Stop," Cree yelled. The General looked to Cree, the sword still over his head. Cree crossed to them and knelt beside Syanay. "Yield to him Syanay," she said quietly. "Or else he will kill you." Syanay looked at Cree, then turned to The General. "I yield to you General. Launch your war." The General smiled and lowered his sword. "As you command my queen," he said giving her a mock bow. "Now comes the terms of your rule General," Cree said when The General was standing straight once again. "What?" The General said in surprise. "You shall have the throne since the king is no longer with us," Cree said. She held out a hand and helped Syanay to her feet. Once she was standing, Cree didn't release her hand. "But only for a short time." "What are you saying?" The General asked. Cree placed a hand over Syanay's belly. "You shall have the throne until Dennacor's heir arrives. Then and only then, the queen shall be the voice of the child." The elders gasped in surprise. "Then, it will be your duty, General to train the boy in the art of war and rule when he has come of age." "And if I refuse?" The General asked. "Then you will lose your war," Cree said with a smile. "Now," she said letting go of Syanay's hand. "I have urgent business to attend to." Without another word, Cree turned away and left the room. The General stared at the closed door a moment before turning to the elders of the council. "Masters," he said and smiled. "We go to war." Thett sat on the stone bench in his dark dungeon cell. His anger at Cree overtook all other emotion. She had told him that Syanay was dead, which was the whole reason he had come here. Come here only to find that Syanay was alive. For the first time, Cree had lied to him. She had always told him half truths and variations of the truth, but never lied to him. In his anger, he balled his fist and brought it down hard on the stone bench. Pain exploded up his arm, but he ignored that as well. Thett was so focused on his anger that he didn't realize the guard was outside his cell door until it was thrown open. Thett stood as Cree stepped in. His anger increased at the sight of her. "If I had a sword right now, I would cut the head from your body," Thett said through clenched jaws. "Is that any way to welcome a friend?" Cree said. "You lied to me Cree," Thett said. "Why did you lie to me?" "I never lied to you," Cree said. "And I never would." "You said Syanay was dead..." he started. "No," Cree said defensively. "I said her blood was spilt outside the gate, which it was when The General knocked her in the back of the head." Thett was stunned silent. She was right, she never said Syanay was dead. Another half truth. "But that is not why I am here," she said. Thett broke his daze. "Why are you here?" "To help you escape," Cree said pushing past Thett. Thett turned and watched her as she stopped at the stone bench. She examined each stone in the wall above the bench. "Why?" "I have a task for you," Cree said turning to him. "No, no more tasks," Thett said taking a step back from her. "I've been your puppet long enough." "You must go to king Heloan," she said ignoring him. "And bow to him. Tell him he has your sword again." "Did you not hear me Cree?" Thett growled as he grabbed her arm. "I will not be your puppet any longer." "You will do as I say," Cree yelled. "Now, you must hurry." Cree jerked away from Thett and turned back to the wall. "As if you can't tell, I'm in a heavily guarded dungeon. There is no escape." She finally found what she was looking for. She placed her hand upon a stone and pushed. The entire wall slid back, revealing a tunnel. Cree turned back to Thett. "Now, you must go," Cree said stepping aside. "Ride as fast as you can to king Heloan." "He will not see me," Thett said lowering his head. "I have been labeled a traitor to the crown." "He will listen to you when you tell him that The General has declared war on him." "What?" Thett said looking at her. "The General found Heloan's insignia on your dagger and has declared war on Heloan." Thett pushed past Cree to the tunnel. Before he could disappear, Cree stopped him with a hand on his shoulder. "The General will arrive at the first sun rise after you reach him," Cree said and smiled. "If there was time I would have you love me." "Not this time," Thett said before disappearing down the tunnel. "And so the war begins," Cree whispered to the empty cell.