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Waking the Dragon Ch. 01

By: Belle_in_south



The warrior marched across the Desert, the blazing sun bearing down on broad shoulders. Beside the warrior, its head bowed beneath the dry heat, a gray wolf trotted through the thick sand. The warrior did not stumble, never breaking stride. Over head, an eagle circling the duo cried into the wind. The bird's broad wingspan cast a shadow on the shifting sand, but the warrior still did not falter. 

The warrior was dressed in soft, hand molded black leather. The clothing moved easily with the confident stride. Black boots came to the warrior's knees. A sword was encased in a sling on the warrior's back, along with the black shield with the multi-colored dragon. The warrior wore dark glasses to protect eyes from the bright star in the sky. A braid hung down the middle of the warrior's back, a braid so black it absorbed all the light from the sun.

The warrior had lost track of how long the wolf had been the only companion. They had spent hours and days and weeks and months in silent conversation. The wolf had fought at the warrior's side and during one long, painful night nursed the warrior's wounds. They had been trekking across the Desert for three days. They had sipped carefully from the warrior's canteen and ate sparingly from the warrior's supply of jerky stored in the gunny sack hanging across the warrior's chest and resting against the warrior's thigh.

Ahead of them, the warrior could see the welcome shade of the Forest. The Forest meant a supply of water and something to kill for dinner other than snakes and scorpions, plus a supply of wood to start a fire. Judging from the position of the sun, they would need to take shelter soon and continue toward the Forest after the star began its slow descent to the western sky. They should reach the edge of the Forest by night fall and could camp just inside the trees. Tomorrow they could walk without stopping since they would be protected by the gloom of the foliage. They would soon reach the cliffs that loomed on the other side of the Forest. The warrior was not certain of the final destination but knew without doubt the direction to travel.

Dragon's Bane to those who lived in fear of the dark warrior, The Dragon to those who fell under the warrior's protection, and Bane to the few who called the warrior a friend, the lone solider had been shunned from the royal service. Unable to deny the calling, the warrior had started an individual war against oppression. The wolf had joined the warrior's battle soon afterward. Bane had not questioned the wolf's presence, as the spiritual world knew much more than the warrior. The wolf led their journey now. The wolf would know when to stop.

They found an outcropping of rocks that would be in the shade as the sun reached its zenith. A snake was curled on the top of a rock and the warrior quickly shredded the animal's skin, laying out the strips of meat to dry as the temperature increased. Together, the wolf and Bane slid beneath the rock. Bane sipped from the canteen, then poured some water into cupped hands for the animal. They both ate some jerky before Bane made a pillow out of the gunny sack and lay back in the sand to rest. The wolf would protect Bane.

A cool hand touched Bane's brow, transporting the warrior to childhood and youth. Nyte lay beside Bane, mopping the fevered brow as Nyte had done so many years ago when death had crept into Bane's room. Even now, Bane could hear Nyte's soothing voice. It did not take Bane much effort to conjure up Nyte's presence. Nyte was Bane's only comfort other than the wolf. Nyte was always there to care for Bane when the sun burned too hot or the wind whipped too cold or the knives of the enemy were too sharp. Nyte soothed Bane as the warrior rested and woke the Dragon when the evening air began to cool.

With the smell of the Forest tickling their nostrils, they made good time to the edge of the trees. Nyte's ministrations had given them energy. When they reached the creek that fed the Forest, they both bent and drank heavily of the fresh water. Bane set a trap and quickly caught a rabbit. The meat smelled good, reminding Bane how long it had been since a good meal. Perhaps they had been in the Desert more than three days, but they both devoured the fresh kill. Bane prepared what little was left for the tucker bag and they both slept peacefully by the creek.

Bane dreamed of Nyte again. Nyte's recurring presence must mean that they were nearing their destination. Nyte always appeared more frequently when it was time for Bane to prepare for battle. Bane knew the time had come to be more alert, though the warrior's reflexes never sank too deep. Bane could wake from a deep sleep and be instantly ready to fight. It was part of the warrior's training, the warrior's instinct. 

The soft moss of the Forest slept much softer than the rock and sand of the Desert. Bane woke well-rested and the wolf was already eager to be on their way. Bane carefully covered all signs of their camp and followed the wolf through the trees. While the Forest offered protection from the hot sun, the trees provided more shadows for dangers to lurk. No one could plan a sneak attack in the Desert, unless they counted on their victim being delusional from the heat. Armies could hide inches away in the Forest with the unwitting traveler totally unaware. Bane's deep green dragon eyes constantly peered into the dimness, searching for potential trouble. The wolf seemed to sense the unease created by the Forest and constantly turned its head this way and that, hoping to catch any threat that Bane might miss.

Just after the midday meal, they came upon the edge of a farmer's field. Bane did not hesitate to pluck a few cobs of corn from the stalks as they walked through the rows. Corn would taste good roasted over the fire with whatever wildlife they captured that evening. Bane peeled back the silk husks of one of the cobs, brushing the strings away before sampling the raw seed. Bane was enjoying the fresh snack so much that the wolf was the one that sensed the peril first. Bane knelt next to the agitated canine, rubbing the animal's sides as vigilant eyes searched the surrounding area. 

Voices floated across the unharvested field as Bane focused on the atmosphere. "You have not offered your sacrifice, Roane."

"Sacrifice?" a trembling voice that Bane assumed belonged to Roane replied with false bravado. "A sacrifice is given willingly. This is blood money that you demand."

"Call it what you will," a new voice said. "The law says that you must give a portion of your income to the royal family. You have broken the law because you have not brought your gift to the palace. How do you answer?"

"I have but one son," Roane continued, "and no sons, yet. I have many acres to harvest."

"Excuses!" the second voice yelled. 

"I know, I know."

Bane had crept close enough now that the figures were visible through the stalks of corn. Bane secured the warrior's helmet and drew the sword from the sling, watching the scene carefully. Roane, the farmer, had white hair. He held his hat in his hand, his head bowed. Two soldiers sat on their horses, glaring down at the farmer. A teenage boy stood behind the farmer, defiance in his eyes. 

"The cost for failure to obey the law is your life," the higher ranking soldier announced, nodding at the private beside him. 

The private drew his sword and swung it toward Roane. The boy screamed, leaping in front of his father. Bane burst out of the corn stalks, the wolf at the side of the warrior. Bane's sword clashed with the private's weapon only inches from the boy's throat. The boy and Roane stumbled backward as Bane edged in front of them. Swords swung and clanged as Bane fought the mounted soldier. Bane's shield protected the warrior from the higher ranking officer's blows. Bane fought in a circle until the only immediate opponent was the private.

"Run, Jem!" Roane ordered in a booming voice, reaching for his sickle. He used it to knock the officer from his mount. The disadvantage in height had Bane backing slowly, until the warrior's back was against the wall of the barn. Bane climbed to the top of the wood pile and leapt onto the horse, knocking the private to the ground. Bane did not give the private an opportunity to fight back, running the sword through the exposed throat of the oppressor. 

Bane then turned to the officer. Roane was fighting the officer with his fists and the blunt end of the sickle. The officer was making his way to where his own sword had fallen. Bane closed the distance as quickly as possible, reaching the battle site just as the officer curled his fist around the sword. The officer swung toward Roane, who moved with surprising quickness. Bane did a somersault and the officer's sword struck the Dragon on the shield. Bane rolled left and then right as the officer's sword came down. The officer faked to the left and nicked Bane's right arm. Bane rolled back and kicked upward, feet landing squarely in the center of the officer's chest. The air rushed from the officer's chest as he stumbled backward. Bane did not hesitate to leap to a standing position and deliver a second death blow.

Gasping for air, Bane turned to look at Roane. "Please," Roane begged. "I don't know who you are, and we'll give you what you want, but there are three more inside with my wife and daughters."

Bane nodded silently. The warrior crept to the house, staying low to the ground with the wolf. Bane crouched beneath a window, using the shiny silver inside of the shield as a mirror to look into the room. Confident the room was empty, Bane pulled on the window ledge to enter the house. The warrior's feet landed without making a noise or stirring any dust. Bane sheathed the sword, pulling a smaller knife from the leather boot. Bane did not hear voices but could hear crying.

Again using the reflection from the shield, Bane looked into the front room. Roane's wife was gagged and tied to a chair. Her blouse had been ripped and her ample bosom poured out of the opening of the material. Both of the teenage daughters were completely naked. One of the soldiers had one daughter bent over the arm of the couch. Bane watched, feeling anger rise in the warrior's noble heart, as the soldier thrust in and out of the child's tender opening. A second soldier was leaning back in a chair, his hand wrapped in the other daughter's hair while he forced his manhood into her mouth. All three women were crying. The soldiers were laughing.

The wolf did not want to wait for Bane to formulate a plan of action. The canine ripped into the room, teeth bared as the sleek animal raced across the room to bite the standing soldier in the rump. With a primal roar, Bane followed the wolf, gripping the blade of the knife between slender fingers. Bane released the knife with a flick of the wrist, sending it twirling end over end until it landed squarely in the chest of the seated soldier.

The standing soldier had pulled out of the young girl when the wolf had sunk sharp teeth into doughy flesh. Bane withdrew the sword, never stopping the forward motion of the warrior's body, and twirled, slicing into the attacker's throat. The attacker's blood spurted from the open vein and he dropped to his knees. Bane's green eyes took in the scene. Three. Roane had said there were three.

The thought had barely registered in Bane's mind when a sharp pain flashed through the warrior's side. The wolf charged to the other entrance of the room as Bane wrenched an arrow out of the thick leather. Bane turned in a crouch, knowing the wolf would do everything possible to protect the warrior. The soldier in the doorway was drawing another bow, taking aim at Bane. Bane threw the shield into position as the soldier snapped the string, the arrow flying across the room but blocked by the dragon on the shield. The wolf again bared its teeth and bit into the soldier's crotch. The soldier howled in pain. Before Bane could take advantage of the soldier's distraction, the sickle swung and the soldier's head rolled into the room. Young Jem stood at the other end of the curved instrument.

Bane collapsed to knees, the adrenaline rush of battle seeping from the warrior's body. The wolf came to Bane's side to offer comfort. Noise replaced the silence of war, deafening Bane. Roane's wife was screaming and both of the daughters were sobbing, clinging to their mother. Roane charged into the room, not looking at his heroic son. He touched each of his daughters and untied his wife.

"We cannot repay you," Roane said to Bane as he helped his wife cover her breasts. "If anyone ever discovers that five of the Royal Guard were killed here, it might be better if we were all dead." 

Bane grunted, disgusted at their ungratefulness. Jem still stood in the doorway, his skin pale despite the dark tan from working days in the field next to his father. He suddenly dropped the bloody weapon, throwing it as far away from him as he could. He did not come into the house.

"Our savior is hurt, Poppa," one of the daughter's said. Bane was uncertain who the girl meant. Jem did not look injured. After a heartbeat, during which blood pulsed out of the open wound in Bane's back, a small, cool hand pressed against the abrasion. "Come, let me clean it."

The girl had draped a blanket over her shoulders and helped Bane to rise. She led Bane out the door and helped the warrior lean against the trough beside the pump. The wolf followed inches behind them. "I am Gwen," the girl said softly as she primed the pump. She filled a bowl with cool, clear water and sat it before the wolf. She filled another bowl and dipped a towel into it. Her fingers lifted the leather from the warrior's back, revealing the open wound from the arrow. She deftly washed it clean, applying pressure until the bleeding stopped. 

Jem stepped into the back yard, gripping Bane's shield in his still trembling hands. He extended the black shield with the multi-colored dragon on it toward the warrior, his eyes wide with awe. "You are The Dragon?"

"Aye," Bane said, lifting eyes to the small audience that had gathered around them. Bane heard the family gasp and also saw the hopefulness cross their face. Their hope was wasted, though. Bane did not believe this was their final destination. They had much farther to go before the journey would end. 

"We cannot repay you," Roane repeated. "We have no money. The guards will return to extract their blood money. Jem has killed a captain. He cannot stay here. I can offer you no material rewards, but I do offer either of my daughters to you."

Bane reached back, stilling Gwen's healing hands. Bane then lifted the helmet, revealing a round face, full lips, and long eye lashes. Bane sat the helmet to the side, shaking hair away from the beautiful, soft face. "I don't want your daughters," Bane answered in a lilting voice. "That would make me no better than the soldiers." Bane squatted next to the wolf, rubbing hands over the silken fur. Everyone noticed the way the warrior winced. "I ask for a hot meal and a warm bed."

The family exchanged looks of fear, knowing if the soldiers were missed their homestead would be searched. If the Dragon was found on their property, their home would be burned and every member of the family killed. Bane sighed, seeing the truth on their faces. "A hot meal and a hot bath, then, and we will be on our way."

Bane was still met with silence. The warrior stood slowly, resigned to go on. A warrior did not help others in order to receive rewards but because that was what a warrior's heart was designed to do. Bane lifted the shield, but Gwen's voice stopped the warrior's departure. "I will draw your bath," she whispered, going into the house. 

Bane looked at the other members of the family, setting the shield aside. The warrior sat down, again wincing as pain shot through the pierced side. Roane mumbled something about bodies and walked away. Jem, hero worship glowing in his young eyes, reluctantly followed his father, his eyes lingering on the Dragon. Roane's wife shooed the younger daughter back into the house. Bane's shoulder's slumped once alone. The wolf laid its head in Bane's lap. "Where are we going?" Bane asked, rubbing the wolf's muzzle and ears. Bane's eyes closed. "Speak to me, Nyte. Show me where we are going."

The wolf offered no answer and Nyte did not appear. Bane had not expected Nyte to appear; the spirit only came in sleep. Wearily, the days in the Desert finally taking their toll, the warrior stood and walked into the house. The wolf followed, Bane's sack clenched in its jaws. Roane's wife and younger daughter stood in the kitchen. Their eyes followed Bane. Bane cast a questioning look at them. "The bath will be upstairs," Roane's wife finally said. 

Bane nodded and walked up the narrow steps. Gwen was in one of the bedrooms. Bane watched the teenager as she prepared the bath. The steam wafting from the porcelain tub as Gwen poured the water looked more inviting than anything Bane could recall. Gwen had tied her hair back. She wore a simple smock, covering the too young curves that the soldiers had exposed and used. She lifted blue eyes to Bane, sensing the warrior in the doorway. A soft blush crept to her cheeks as she crossed the room to the warrior. She pulled Bane into the room. Light filtered through the lace curtains and dust mites filtered in the rays that fell on the floor. A large bed topped with a handmade quilt was the centerpiece of the room. The bed was also a welcome sight. Bane had been sleeping on the hard ground for a long time. Gwen pulled the door to a close, holding Bane's hand.

A strand of Gwen's brown hair had fallen against her face and Bane reached over to push it behind the girl's ear. It was the warrior's silent thank you. Gwen ducked her head shyly. Her hands went to Bane's tunic, helping the warrior pull the heavy leather away. Gwen examined the tear the arrow and the knife had made as Bane crossed to the tub, testing the water. Bane sat on the edge of the basin, trailing fingers through the steam. Gwen crossed to the warrior, kneeling in front of Bane. The teenager tugged the boots from the warrior's legs. Bane watched through half-closed eyes as Gwen's worker's fingers untied the laces at the waist of the trousers.

Gwen lifted her eyes to examine the warrior's body. Bane's skin was pale with sinewy muscles rippling beneath the flesh. Small breasts protruded from the warrior's chest. They were the size of ripe apples and had dark brown areolas with thick nipples. Bane's stomach was hard and rippled. Gwen tugged the pants over Bane's slim hips, her eyes lingering on the smooth lips at the apex of Bane's strong thighs. Gwen had to peel the leather off of the powerful legs. Bane stepped out of them, breathe even as Gwen's palms caressed the muscular calves.

Bane slipped into the hot water, allowing the heat to seep away the aches of the journey and the battle. Gwen loosed the binding from the long braid of Bane's thick black hair, unweaving the long strands. Bane's eyes were closed. The two perfect breasts were rising and falling in a steady rhythm, the warrior's repose barely disturbing the water. Gwen gathered the leather armor and took it to her mother to repair the tears and air the material. When the teenager returned to the bedroom, she knelt at the head of the tub with a fresh bucket of water. She poured the water over Bane's hair, soaping the thick strands and combing the tangles. Bane's lips were slightly parted, air whistling in and out. The thick eyelashes cast fan shadows on the ruddy cheeks.

Finished with the warrior's hair, Gwen moved to the side, adding more hot water to the basin. She hesitated, afraid to disturb the sleeping hero. Her eyes moved over the warrior's body, this time seeing beyond the rose-colored glow the rescue had created and seeing instead the scars from past battles that crossed Bane's stomach and a puckered burn brand that marked the side of the Dragon's breast. Gwen's fingers reached to the blemish, yearning to touch it and make the hero human.


Waking the Dragon Ch. 01



Bane's hand flashed from the water, gripping Gwen's wrist in a tight vise. Gwen's eyes moved to Bane's face. Bane's eyes were narrowed in fury. "Don't go places you don't want to know, little girl," Bane snarled, pushing Gwen's hand away.

"I'm sorry," Gwen whispered, dropping her eyes to concentrate on the towel and soap at her side. She lathered the cloth and began scrubbing the grime of sweat and desert dust and blood away from the warrior's body. Bane watched the girl for a few minutes, anger still burning in the dark green depths. Certain that the girl would not resume her exploring, Bane again relaxed, though not as much as before. Gwen could feel the tension in the warrior's muscles where none had been before. The young girl moved the lather over the warrior's breasts and stomach and legs, even touching briefly the bald mound at the center of the Dragon's body. 

As the bath began to lose its heat, Gwen helped Bane to rise. The young girl examined the wound, content that it would heal without bandages. She patted Bane's body dry. Bane allowed the gentle treatment, enjoying the pampering. The tenderness reminded Bane of Nyte. When Gwen finished, Bane went to the sack and pulled out a silk robe. The base color was sky blue and the multi-colored dragons in the design matched the mark on Bane's shield. A sash secured it around Bane's slim waist, folding the lapels together and hiding the hint of her breasts. Bane bent to give the wolf a little attention, not paying attention to Gwen's presence. "Are you always this quiet?" Gwen finally asked, unable to bare the weight of the silence.

"Aye," the Dragon answered. "The wolf doesn't need words to know what I am thinking." Bane stood, looking at Gwen. With the pain seeped out through the hot water, Bane had a fresh look. Green eyes softened until they were a hazel shade studied Gwen. Bane had come across girls being raped before. Gwen's strength was a testament to the girl's character. Gwen had not cowered, but had taken the initiative among her family members to show her appreciation to their rescuer. 

The bodice of her simple smock was splattered with water. Bane's eyes lingered on the way the wet material clung to Gwen's curves. Gwen sensed a hunger emitting from Bane, though the warrior's expression never changed. Gwen felt a blush in her cheeks but did not attempt to cover herself. Instead, she reached up and unbuttoned the bodice, allowing the sleeves to slide down her arms. Her skin was dark from working in the fields with her father, but her large breasts were pale with pink nipples. She stood in the filtering sunlight, allowing Bane to drink the view. She felt excitement shoot through her as Bane's eyes darkened. Gwen found herself wishing that Bane would comment or at least smile in approval.

Embarrassed at her boldness, Gwen turned her back and pulled the bodice back into place, bending to take care of emptying the tub. When she turned back around, Bane was gone. The girl sat on the side of the bed for a moment, fighting her tears. She tried to tell herself that the tears were a culmination of the emotional turmoil of the day. When the soldiers had appeared that morning, she really had not expected her entire family to live through the day. However, Gwen knew her tears did not originate from the rape. The tears pooling in her eyes came from Bane's rejection.

Gwen pulled her emotions in order and hurried down the steps. The bodies had been removed from the front room and all traces of blood scrubbed away. Mother and her sister were in the kitchen, preparing a feast to honor the hero. Bane was outside with the wolf, the evening wind whipping long black hair to the side. Bane walked passed the barn toward the far field where Roane and Jem had dragged the five bodies. Bane helped them toss the last one into a deep pit and cover the five soldiers with straw. The farmer stuffed homegrown tobacco into the bowl of a clay pipe, lit it, and tossed the match onto the dry straw. Jem poked a stick into the straw, stirring the flame to a roaring blaze. 

The trio watched the smoke rise above trees for a long time in silence. Jem's eyes kept moving to the Dragon in awe and worship. He squared his young shoulders in an effort to appear bigger and braver. Roane finished his pipe and tapped the ashes into the pit. "Why are you here, Dragon?" he questioned thoughtfully.

Bane studied the Forest, wondering how far away the nearest settlement was and if the neighbors would see the fire. Jem did not give the warrior an opportunity to answer. "Are you here to defeat the Queen?"

"Your Queen is no interest of mine, boy," Bane answered harshly. "I am only passing through."

Roane sighed, tucking his pipe into jacket. "We will need to work all night to clear the southern field. We can pile the stalks on top of the pit and have a reason for the fire. We'll use the harvest as our offering when more soldiers come to collect." He looked at Jem. "The first group was never here, and neither was the Dragon." Roane bowed to Bane. "Gwen will attend to all of your needs tonight."

Bane watched as Roane and Jem faded into the rows of corn. The fire continued burning, the flames licking at the clear sky. Bane lifted green eyes to the moon, breathing deeply of the scent and wondering if Nyte would make an appearance. Bane felt certain that the quest did not end here and did not know why they had been sidetracked by the soldiers and this family. The wolf seemed in no hurry to leave, so Bane trusted the guide. Bane had trusted the spirit of Nyte and the wolf for many years.

Only Gwen tended to the Dragon at the evening meal. They ate the meal in silence. Gwen sat to Bane's left, picking at her food and not looking into the Dragon's hypnotic green eyes. Bane enjoyed the cooked vegetables fresh from the fields and the fried chicken. Bane had heard Roane's wife throttle the chicken while Gwen had administered the bath. Gwen wrapped the leftovers and took them to the fields where Roane and the other women would spend the dark night stripping corn from the stalks. Jem would follow his family with the bloody sickle, slicing the stalks to the ground and dragging them to the bonfire. 

Bane removed the kimono and laid it across the foot of the bed. Gwen folded it, her hooded eyes watching the naked warrior. The girl pulled the quilt away from the feather mattress, preparing the bed for the hero. Gwen again inspected the spot where the arrow had pierced the armor. Content the wound would continue to heal, Gwen backed away from the warrior, admiring the Dragon's glorious body. Her eyes again fell to the puckered scar on the left breast. Gwen felt more confident now that the mark was a brand. She had helped her father brand the calves one spring. She remembered clearly the crackle of the fire, the red glow of the R that claimed the herd, the cry of the babies, and the smell of searing flesh. She had been sick by the time it was finished and her father had never asked her to help again. 

Someone had branded Bane. Someone had held the Dragon down and tried to place ownership on the warrior. The fierce fighter had been young when it had happened. Gwen decided that from the way the brand had healed. She tried to make out the shape of the brand, wanting to know who had held Bane still long enough to think they could possess the Dragon. Gwen did not have to bend far to steer her lips toward the stain. She puckered her lips, closing her eyes as she moved closer to the scar, thinking that this time Bane would allow the touch.

For a few brief moments, Bane was mesmerized by the wet lips of the young girl. Bane longed for Nyte's lips. Nyte's lips and Nyte's hands had been the only ones to ever touch the blemish. Bane could hear the familiar sounds of the castle, feel the pain of the fresh wound, and smell Nyte's natural scent of lilacs. Bane was hungry for a moment, but only for a moment. As Gwen's moist lips came closer, the present flooded Bane. The warrior placed strong hands on Gwen's shoulders, thrusting the teenager away, disgust burning in the deep green eyes.

Gwen stumbled backwards, lifting her blue eyes, feeling as if Bane towered above her. Her eyes were filled with fear and hurt. Just as suddenly as Bane had pushed the girl away, the warrior's hand grabbed the back of Gwen's neck, hauling the moist, pouting lips against the Dragon's. The kiss was vicious. Bane ground teeth and lips against Gwen's, drawing blood before their tongues entwined in an intimate duel. When Bane pushed Gwen away, the warrior's expression had not change. Gwen fell to her knees, her skirt billowing around her on the floor. The teen brought her fingers to her mouth, examining the blood on the tips. "How old are you, girl?" Bane demanded.

"Eighteen," she whispered, her breathing ragged. She took a deep breath and looked up at the Dragon. She could feel her young body yearning for Bane's attention, despite the wrath the girl saw burning in the Dragon. Her breasts were heaving as she gazed up Bane's naked body.

"Do you want to be in my bed, or do you feel obligated to be there?" Bane quizzed, still glaring at the girl. 

Bane's black hair flowed around the warrior's body, framing the soft face and strong arms. Bane's eyes never wavered, unwilling to allow Gwen to look away. If Gwen looked away, Bane would not see into the girl's soul. Gwen could lie if Bane's eyes would release her. She could say that she felt obligated and Bane would send her away. She wouldn't have to give into the desires the day had created. Bane's eyes would not release Gwen, though. The warrior demanded the truth. "I want to be there," she answered in a hushed voice. Bane turned away, releasing the prisoner. Gwen dropped her eyes, her heart wrenched with the admission.

Bane sat on the edge of the bed, studying the girl. Her head was bowed, her brown hair hiding her face. "Come," Bane ordered. The anger was gone, but there was no tenderness in the tone, either. Gwen lifted her head, her eyes swollen with tears. Bane did not reach for the girl. The Dragon sat on the edge of the bed, face expressionless, waiting for the teenager to obey. Gwen rose to her feet, moving shakily forward until she stood only inches in front of Bane.

Bane's hands were steady as they opened the buttons of the simple bodice, peeling the material back to expose Gwen's breasts. Bane leaned forward, licking each of the nipples until they stood stiff and long. Bane's tongue circled the nipples, bathing the puckered areola. A soft moan escaped Gwen's throat. She wanted to hold Bane's head in place but did not dare touch the Dragon. Bane sucked one of Gwen's breasts in, closing red lips over the full flesh and suckling softly. Bane's eyes were closed, the warrior's face content. Gwen looked down at the Dragon, seeing the warrior fade away to the human woman underneath. 

Gwen hesitantly lifted her arms, trailing her fingers down Bane's hollow cheek as the older woman drew nourishment and comfort. Bane did not open her eyes, unwilling to allow Gwen to see through the windows of her soul. Gwen held the lonely woman, offering what solace she could. She could feel pinpoints of pleasure spiraling from her sensitive breasts. Bane's mouth was hungry and her tongue teasing. Gwen leaned forward into the warm mouth as it switched to the other peak.

Bane's hands were at Gwen's hips, bunching the skirt in her fists, lifting it inch by inch over the girl's legs and thighs. Gwen felt the material brushing against her thighs, the sweeping sensation sending electric jolts through her ultra-sensitive skin. Bane's mouth was tugging at her breast, her teeth gripping the bud. Bane pulled back, stretching Gwen's full flesh. Teeth scraped against her nipple and Gwen moaned softly.

Bane took encouragement from Gwen's sounds of pleasure, grabbing the girl's waist and pulling her onto the bed. In one fluid motion, Bane had Gwen on her back and was over the girl, pinning her to the soft quilt. Gwen trembled eagerly, her breath quickening. Bane extended her arms over Gwen, her dark eyes taking in the heaving breasts, smooth stomach, and shapely legs. The girl was rugged from hard work, but her body was well-formed. Her stomach was soft, not hard, with a slight swell from being a member of a well-fed family. Bane bent and touched her lips to the round stomach, dragging down to dip her tongue into Gwen's navel. Gwen sighed at the tender touch.

Bane continued her journey down the farmer's daughter's body. One day, the girl would marry another farmer from the surrounding area. She would give birth to babies and her stomach would be marred with marks where her skin stretched to contain them. Her breasts would swell with milk. Her body would become familiar with a man's and eventually take on that used but loved relaxation. Today, though, she was a child with barely eighteen years of living this hard life. It had not taken its toll on the girl yet. Now, she was innocent, her eyes clouded with the sensations that Bane's slow moving mouth created, her body yearning for touches it had never experienced before.

Bane's hands tugged the skirt over Gwen's full hips. Those hips were made for baring children, Bane' thought, admiring the flare of the girl's pelvic bone. The hips were also made for cradling a lover. Bane smiled as she pulled the skirt over the girl's smooth legs, knowing she wanted to feel those legs that had walked a hundred miles between cornrows wrapped around her waist. Bane bent, kissing slowly up the inside of Gwen's leg. Gwen inhaled sharply as Bane's mouth moved over her knee and began working along the soft inner flesh of her thigh.

Bane could smell Gwen's rising desire. The girl trembled as Bane's mouth caressed her mound with the soft, gentle warmth of her mouth. She placed kisses in the thick brown bush, avoiding the glistening slit. Her scent was strong, bringing Bane's animal instincts to the surface. Bane growled low in her throat, her teeth scraping Gwen's swollen flesh. Gwen cried out, lifting her hips in a plea for more. The tip of Bane's tongue glided along the slit, tasting the salty flavor of Gwen's arousal.

Gwen's legs came apart, opening for Bane's tongue. Bane delved deeper, lapping at Gwen's moist interior. Her tongue scooped against the walls, avoiding the button that begged for attention. Gwen started shifting and stirring, trying to direct Bane's tongue to a spot that would relieve the terrible tension building in her body. Bane could tell by the girl's movements that she did not know her body. Her movements were not directed but random. Her hips thrust up and down and her hips wiggled from side to side. She was whimpering as Bane's tongue continued to tease. Bane could sense Gwen's desire and eagerness growing, so she continued to avoid that special spot. Bane's tongue darted from side-to-side and from top-to-bottom but did not land on the hard nub.

Gwen was panting with her effort. Bane looked up the young body, over the large breasts, to see the flushed face of the girl. Finally, the Dragon's tongue touched the nub, barely putting pressure on it. The touch was brief. Gwen thrust up, her sound a cry of relief and learning. There was the place where her body yearned to have Bane's quick tongue. Bane, pushed in and out with her tongue, sending blips through Gwen's system with each tiny movement. 

When Bane changed her method, dragging her long tongue along the bud, Gwen's scream exploded from her throat. Her body arched and she tilted her head back, her hips coming off the bed as she offered herself to the Dragon. Bane took the offering, her teeth closing around the extended nub. Gwen melted as Bane started sucking, tugging on her clitoris. Gwen's body began throbbing, pulsing with the pleasure radiating from Bane's mouth. Bane's ministrations were quicker and faster, sending Gwen along the crest of a tidal wave that would not break. 

Bane listened carefully to Gwen's reactions, sensing the girl grow tighter as the Dragon's mouth pushed her closer to the edge of the wave. Gwen's cries of pleasure were growing louder and shriller with each lap of the talented tongue. Bane seemed to know how to change speed and direction to send Gwen's body, heart, and head into chaos. Bane knew when she could no longer control Gwen, when the body would give over to its own desire and release the farm girl from the prison of her human body. 

The Dragon stopped short of allowing Gwen that ultimate spiritual and physical release. The warrior pulled back, hearing Gwen whimper at the loss of sensation. Bane took in Gwen's aroused body. Her breasts were pert and the nipples thick, her face and chest flushed. Bane could see the tiny muscles in the girl's stomach rippling. Gwen's legs were spread wide, open and inviting for her lover's tongue. When Bane did not return immediately, Gwen slipped her finger into place, only hesitating a moment before finding the button that Bane had woke. 

Bane reached into her sack, running her hand over the wolf's muzzle when the canine lifted its head. Bane pulled out a leather harness that the she fastened around her waist. Protruding from the harness was a thick, curved staff. Bane curled her long fingers around the shaft and stroked it as she watched Gwen trying to satisfy herself. 

Missing Bane's nearness, Gwen managed to pry her eyes open. They only came about half-open at first, heavy with her desire for the warrior and for completion. When they landed on the long rod poking beneath Bane's powerful torso, they widened more. Gwen pulled her finger from her opening and came to a half sitting position. Bane saw the unease flash across the young woman's face. The warrior quickly returned to the bed, stretching out beside Gwen and urging the girl to lie back down. Bane's fingers stroked through Gwen's long hair, whispering soothing words to the nervous girl. 

The need burning in her body overcame Gwen's trepidation. Urged by Bane's gentle hands, Gwen relaxed, giving herself to the Dragon's fire. Bane's mouth moved over Gwen's neck and chest, her fingers circling and teasing the straining nipples. Gwen moaned softly, pressing into the touch and forgetting her fear. Bane rolled to press her host into the quilt, her mouth settling onto one delicious pink nipple. The warrior's fingers moved to Gwen's slit, parting the swollen lips and teasing the girl's button again. The animal took over Gwen, her hips rising to meet Bane's stroke. Bane moved her hand from Gwen's clitoris to the opening of her canal. Her mouth never eased the suckling pressure on the daughter's full bosom. As Bane slid one stiff finger into the wet tunnel, Gwen moaned low and long. Bane rubbed the inner walls with the pad of her finger before adding a second finger. She felt Gwen's inner muscles stretching and adjusting. The Dragon began moving her fingers. They glided easily in and out of the wet passageway. At the same time, she intensified the pressure of her mouth. 

Gwen felt the double sensation and thought it might drive her mad before it stopped. Her mind was concentrating so hard on the attention from Bane's mouth that her eyes widened with surprise when she felt something larger than Bane's fingers probe and push into her opening. She had no time to resist as Bane pushed her hips forward and filled Gwen completely. Bane met a barrier but was unable to stop, tearing through the membrane. Gwen screamed as the barricade was breached. Bane eased her motions until Gwen's breathing had changed from the short, sharp gasps of pain to the long, low draws of desire.

Bane extended her arms, hovering over Gwen. She wiggled her hips, adjusting the rod in the girl. A low moan escaped Gwen's throat as Bane rested her hips in the cradle. She waited until the girl was steady before she made the first slow thrust. Gwen groaned, lifting her body to ease the pressure building inside her body. Bane pulled out, then drove the staff back home. The shaft sank deep into Gwen's body, her lips stretched around the hard beam.




Waking the Dragon Ch. 01



Certain that Gwen was ready Bane started moving more quickly. She thrust in and out of the tight tunnel, rocking up so the ridged material brushed the girl's bud. Gwen moaned as Bane lifted and sank in a steady rhythm. The Dragon's small breasts swayed in front of Gwen's eyes. Gwen watched, mesmerized by the one thing on the warrior's body that was not lean. Gwen lifted her head, trying to catch one of the nipples in her mouth. She wanted to return the favor of pleasure. She captured one breast, closing her mouth over the areola and lavishing her tongue over it. Bane never broke her motion.

Gwen could only concentrate on Bane's breast for a long. She ripped her mouth away, tilting her head back and exposing her throat as Bane pushed in and out. Bane bowed her head, the long black hair placing Gwen in a dark cave. Gwen closed her eyes, feeling the feathery caresses of the thick strands. Bane's mouth covered Gwen's throat, biting the flesh as her hips quickened. The sound of flesh against flesh filled the room, punctuated by Bane's harsh breathing and Gwen's steady cries.

Gwen felt her body tightening. The sensation was so unfamiliar to her young, innocent body that she screamed in fear that she was dying as her whole body exploded in powerful release. The wave washed over her and through her, vibrating along her veins and muscles. The crashing of the wave was so intense that Gwen was certain that every bone in her body would be crushed. Once she discovered the pleasure was not going to kill her, she screamed again in joy. 

The warrior slowed the attack, withdrawing the sword from the damp sheath. Gwen was sobbing now and Bane lay at the girl's side, stroking her hair until she was breathing normal. The tears still flowed down her cheeks. Sweet aftershocks ran through her body in delicious ripples. Her breathing slowed and her eyelids were heavy.

Bane stood, tucking the blankets around Gwen. She unfastened the harness, laying it to the side, and walked over to the open window. A breeze flowed through the room, drying the sweat on her wiry body. She could see the bonfire burning in the distance and lamps dancing along the rows as Roane and his wife and daughter plucked ears from the stalks. Bane's sharp green eyes could detect the change in height of the crop as Jem sliced the stalks to the ground. As Bane watched, the flames roared, indicating that Jem had thrown more on the fire. Bane placed her hand on the window sill, leaning against the glass. She thought of the fear in Roane's face when she had asked for room and board. She spoke suddenly, knowing Gwen was awake because she could feel the girl's eyes on her back. "Tell me about your Queen."

"She's not my Queen," Gwen spat. The vehemence in Gwen's voice echoed the hopefulness that had been in Jem's earlier when he had asked if the Dragon was there to slay the Queen. "I have no loyalty to her. My Queen died ten seasons ago."

"Ten seasons? That's a long time to honor someone who is dead," Bane mused. "And the fact remains, this Queen is in power over the land your father owns, so she is your Queen. Your family may not respect her, but you fear her. Either way is a successful way to rule. Tell me about your Queen."

"My Queen," Gwen began, emphasizing the word my, "was a beautiful and kind woman and wife. She was married to a handsome young man who everyone loved. This land knew peace and prosperity under them. They were revered in song and poems. When their child was born, my father says that the whole territory celebrated. To speak their names now is forbidden.

"Then the drought came. I was just six at the time, but I remember how hot and dry it was. I remember watching the pond dwindle to nothing. After the drought came the fires. They roared down the mountain, but the village had nothing to fight with."

"The Forest doesn't look new," Bane mumbled, gazing into the thick trees she had marched through. The dancing field fires illuminated the trees and the warrior imagined what they must have looked like when they trembled with roaring and racing flames. She had seen how destructive fire could be. She knew how quickly a hot flame could devour a human person. She remembered the smell of burning flesh. If a fire had swept through the Forest just ten years ago, none of the trees would be as tall or thick as they were.

"I remember the sound of the army marching through the Forest. We all thought help had come. They threw up fire lines and held the flames just on the outskirts of the village. We were indebted to the army." Gwen stopped and sighed wistfully. "Sometimes, I think it would be better if we had let the village burn.

"The King opened the gates of his palace for the army. He opened his wine for them. They paraded through the village, the people cheering for them. Matayla rode in their midst. I remember thinking how beautiful she was. She wasn't beautiful like the Queen. She was dark skinned and had dark hair and rode a stallion bigger than anyone else's. She was exotic. My eyes followed her. I wanted to be her."

"Matayla," Bane repeated. The name gave the warrior a cold chill.

Gwen could sense the warrior emerging and the woman receding. The girl knew when Bane returned to the bed, the lover would be gone and the Dragon would remain. "The King gave them a feast. Matayla and her army ate at the King's table, and then killed everyone in sight, including the King, Queen, and their daughter."

"She named herself Queen," Bane said dryly, filling in the blanks of the story that Gwen did not tell. She sensed it would be too painful for Gwen to tell the entire story. 

"The army disposed of anyone who objected to her rule. Executions were public and bloody. Soon, no one objected. A few fled, but my father's family has worked this land for many generations. For the protection the army has provided and will provide we are to bring a portion of our crop to the palace each season."

Bane did not prompt Gwen for more details. She stared at the moon glowing above the fires. She could see a tendril of smoke snaking against the surface of the pocked satellite. The wolf came to her side, rubbing against her leg. Bane dropped her hand and caressed the animal's head, drawing comfort from the presence of the creature. When she returned to the bed, Gwen was dozing. Bane lay at the girl's side and closed her eyes. Sleep came quick and was a calm time with few dreams. Nyte did not visit. Nyte would not visit when Bane shared her bed with another. 

They woke the next morning to the sounds of Roane's family moving about downstairs. Bane rose fluidly from the bed and crossed to the window. The field was now flat. Only wisps of smoke were escaping from the pit. The flames had been doused. A wagon piled with harvested crop sat in the yard. Roane was hitching a gray mare to the wagon. The fresh harvest would be taken to the palace to pay the price of protection. Bane allowed her eyes to examine the rest of the fields. She wondered how Roane's family would have enough food to last through the cold, barren months ahead. 

Fog was drifting onto the property from the damp Forest. The sun was obscured through the haze. Bane breathed deeply of the cool air drifting through the open window. The crisp temperature cleared her lungs as she exhaled slowly. She heard Gwen rustling behind her. Bane turned to look at the girl. Gwen was stretching her body. She groaned lightly, her muscles sore. She smiled at the warrior, blinking her eyes as the morning sun filtered into the room.

Bane turned away from the window silently. The wolf was standing at the door, ready for them to be on their way. The animal came to Bane, nuzzling the leg and hand of the warrior. Bane rubbed the sides of the animal's muzzle, looking into the deep black eyes. The expression in the orbs told the warrior what the animal was thinking. They had needed the warm bed last night, but the time for lingering was gone. They needed to make up distance today.

Bane started pulling on her leathers as Gwen watched. "You are leaving?" the girl asked. She was propped against the pillows, the blanket pulled to her waist. Her large breasts were exposed and unfettered. Bane admired the pert nipples and full flesh. The warrior's expression did not change. Gwen imagined she saw hunger cross Bane's face but knew it was only wishful thinking. Bane returned to lacing the britches without any response. Gwen rose, closing the distance. She inspected Bane's wound. It had scabbed during the night and she was certain that the warrior would feel no ill effects from the tear. Bane pulled on her tunic and began tucking her things into her haversack.

Gwen pulled on her clothes, watching as Bane's fingers deftly weaved her thick, long, black hair into a braid. Gwen shuddered as she recalled the way that thick hair had tickled and caressed during the night. Her nipples tightened as they rubbed against the rough material of her blouse. Bane adjusted her sword in the sheath on her back. When she turned to Gwen, the farm girl no longer saw any signs of the lover who had held her so tenderly during the night.

Bane left the room, the wolf at the warrior's side. Gwen followed the Dragon down the steps, trying to ignore the ache in her heart. Bane walked silently through the kitchen. Roane's wife and younger daughter watched as the warrior passed through the room. Gwen was just a few paces behind, her head bowed as she stepped onto the porch. She stopped at the edge of the steps as Bane and the wolf walked into the yard, their feet making prints in the dew covered ground. Roane looked up from adjusting the fitting over the mare, stopping as Bane crossed. The warrior quietly caressed the muzzled of the animal. The mare snorted but allowed Bane to talk softly. Roane listened but could not make out the Dragon's words.

Roane waited until the warrior had finished talking to the horse. The way the wild wolf followed the Dragon, Roane suspected that Bane had a gift with animals. The Dragon patted the animal's side before casting dark green eyes to Roane. The old farmer removed his hat. "Where are you going now?" he asked in a gruff, tired voice.

"West," Bane responded, turning in the direction of the rising sun. "Wherever Dracona leads," she continued, evoking the name of the goddess that watched over all those who were trained in the ways of the Dragon. She didn't mention that Nyte also led her. She couldn't explain Nyte. 

Roane nodded thoughtfully, wiping his rough hands on a towel. His eyes were fixed in the distance. "West is the way to the palace," Roane mused. "Your passing will not be kept secret for long and Queen Matayla is not to be trusted." Roane wiped the towel over his forehead and replaced his hat. "You can trust my family."

"I know," Bane stated. She shifted the pack on her back and turned toward the Forest. She would not walk down the path from the Roane farm. Any traveler could be on the main road. No one needed to know that Dragon's Bane had spent the night at the Roane farm. She wanted to avoid discovery as long as possible, so continuing through the Forest until the palace was in sight would be the surest path. 

"Wait!" a voice cried out as Bane headed toward the edge of the trees. Bane turned, lifting her eyes to the porch. Gwen still stood on the top step. Her eyes had left Bane and her head turned toward the barn. Bane followed the girl's eyes. Jem was running across the open field, a pack slung over his shoulder. "Wait!" he yelled again. Bane waited for the teenager to cross the dusty farm yard. He was breathless when he reached the warrior and had to pause a moment to catch his breath enough to be able to speak. "Take me with you," he begged. 

Gwen gasped, coming down the steps to hear Bane's answer. Roane said nothing, returning his attention to the wagon. Jem looked up into Bane's face with pleading eyes. "Please, let me go with you. If the Guard ever discovers that I killed one of their own, they will torture my family and then kill me. If I am gone when they come, Father can say I have been exiled from the family." He stopped, trying to judge how Bane was reacting to the request. Bane expression had not changed. "I want to learn to be a Dragon. Teach me the law of Dracona."

Bane regarded the eager boy. The warrior knew the answer without having to think about the situation. "This is not a life you want, boy." Bane's green eyes shifted to Gwen. She tried to hide the eagerness on her face. If Bane would take Jem, then perhaps the warrior would welcome her presence as well. The Dragon needed a companion other than the wolf. "I don't need any distractions. The places I go, no one should go. Stay here with your father, boy. Learn to be a man and a farmer. Dracona's Law carries no glory." Bane adjusted the sack at her side, spun on her boot, and stepped into the Forest, disturbing the mist that curled on the ground.



Waking the Dragon Ch. 02



Dragon's Bane walked through the Forest, the warrior's mind shifting and leaving Roane's family behind. The wolf moved at the warrior's side, crunching the leaves noiselessly beneath the soft paws. Bane was as quiet as the animal as they increased the distance from the farm. They didn't see another person until after the midday meal of cold chicken that Gwen had tucked into the haversack. Anytime signs of a farm appeared, Bane and the wolf made a wide path away, avoiding all signs of civilization as long as they could.

They came upon a road cutting through the Forest. Bane knelt next to the magnificent gray animal, rubbing the wolf's sides and looking left and right from the edge of the trees. Bane reached into the sack and withdrew a biscuit. She fed a little to the wolf and finished the rest herself while she studied the road and the possible directions she could go. The wolf looked to the southwest so Bane emerged from the woods and began walking along the dusty path. 

There was no hiding the warrior's presence as farms became more common along the side of the road. The Dragon squared strong shoulders, walking with confidence. The Forest gave way to a low valley and the warrior paused at the top of the road, studying the village in the distance. The quilt of farms became small buildings that lined the widening road. In the distance, sharp cliffs rose from the green plain. On a slight rise of land near the escarpment stood towers surrounded by a thick stone wall. The warrior assumed that the towers belonged to the palace, though Bane would not have called the building a palace. The Dragon had seen grand palaces. She had walked the halls of the homes of the mightiest rulers on the planet. The towers and squat buildings within the confines of the wall could barely be called a castle compared to places the warrior had been. For a moment, Bane felt a twinge of pity for Gwen, that the farm girl would never know anything grander than the small citadel at the head of the village.

Bane shifted her load and continued walking down the center of the dirt road. Farmers in their fields paused in their work as the stranger approached. They lifted their heads and shielded their eyes against the afternoon sun to see what neighbor was away from their work in the middle of the day. They looked up with the thought they would call the friend over for some cool water and a take a welcome break from their own labor. Instead, they watched the stranger in black walk by without even waving. Their eyes followed the warrior until Bane and the wolf disappeared from sight.

The closer Bane came to the village, the more people who were gathered close to the edge of the road, waiting for the Dragon to pass. They made no attempt to hide their curiosity. The villagers stared openly and silently as the warrior passed. Bane did not turn her head to look at the people. She knew the expressions she would see. She didn't want to see the hope in their eyes. She would not promise to help these people. She knew some of their face would hold wrath. A Dragon's presence rarely meant peace. 

Once, the Dragons had been the most powerful fighting force in the known world, an elite group of well-trained soldiers. They were heroes to most, though that heroism came with a price. They were heroes because they fought injustice, and sometimes, removing injustice required blood. Eventually the world had become too big for the Dragons. They had spread themselves too thin. Without the support of other Dragons, they had taken off on fool's errands. Eventually, those who were evil, those known as Hydra's, had begun hunting the Dragons. The coven's numbers had faltered and the members scattered in an effort to preserve the teaching that was left.

The Dragons still had a reputation, though. Bane's silent parade through the village was evidence of their legendary status. A few of the villagers whispered to each other, but most just regarded the passing of the warrior. Some willed the Dragon to keep walking through town and disappear into the cliffs. Others hoped wistfully that the Dragon was there to free them from Matayla. Bane felt hundreds of pairs of eyes on her as she marched up the high street with the wolf at her side.

Eton, a captain of the Royal Guard, watched the Dragon's approach from his mount at the far end of the high street. He saw the villagers line the street to observe the warrior. He turned the mount and knocked his boots against the flanks of the large brown animal. He raced away from the village, thundering through the gate in the stone wall, and bursting into the palace. His boots pounded the floor as he raced to the Queen's chambers. He knocked on the heavy wooden doors that sealed Matayla from the world, taking a deep breath to steady his thoughts. 

The door was opened by a young, naked girl. Eton walked into the receiving room without looking at the girl. Instead, his eager eyes found Matayla. She was reclining on a settee, sipping from a porcelain cup as she watched him approach. Her long robe was pushed above her waist. The naked girl knelt in front of the woman, bowed her head, and began licking the slick opening.

Eton bent on one knee, ignoring the girl. He took the Queen's hand and pressed his forehead to it. "Your Highness," he greeted.

"Captain," she returned with a bored tone.

"Mistress, there is a Dragon walking toward the palace!" he exclaimed in a rush of breath. He kept his head bowed, bracing himself for her reaction.

Matayla turned to him sharply, her fiery eyes ablaze. She sat up without a word, knocking the girl away, and walked out of her chamber onto the balcony overlooking the village. Eton followed. Matayla was staring at the road. They could see the tiny speck of the lone figure emerging from behind the last building of the village. The street closed with Matayla's subjects watching the warrior depart. "Did the people cheer?" the Queen demanded.

"No, Mistress," Eton replied. "They were silent but watchful."

Matayla stood on the tower balcony, watching the lone figure draw closer. Eton studied the Queen, waiting to read her reaction and follow her directions. The Queen's long blonde hair billowed about her in the wind that whistled off the cliffs. Her ice blue eyes were intensely focused on the Dragon. "Invite the Dragon in," Matayla finally decreed. "An enemy is best kept close."

Matayla spun on her heels and stormed back into the chamber. The girl stood nearby. Matayla stopped and slapped the girl as hard as she could. The girl cried out in surprise, her head snapping back. She stumbled but did not fall. She immediately returned to her position, her back straight and her head bowed. Matayla slapped the girl's other cheek, marking it with an identical red hand print. The girl did not cry out this time. The sound of the slap echoed in the room, but the girl's lack of reaction seemed to anger Matayla even more. She slapped the girl three times, and then dug her fingers into the girl's brown hair. Matayla used her strength to throw the girl over the settee. The girl landed face first on the velvet-covered sofa. 

Before the girl could return to a standing position, Matayla jerked a coil of leather from the wall. She gripped the handle in her powerful hand and raised her arm to swing the whip. It snapped loudly and landed across the girl's backside. This time the girl did respond. She cried out as the sharp pain ripped through her. The sound satisfied the Queen so she cracked the whip again. Eton even flinched each time the Queen raised her arm to snap the leather against the girl's bottom and lower back. Red welts appeared on the girl, blood rushing to surface but not bursting. 

Eton lost track of the number of times the Queen wielded the whip. The girl had stopped crying out though her body still reacted to every thrash. He was almost relieved when Matayla tossed the whip to the side. The girl lay over the low couch, her body trembling. "Get up, bitch," Matayla snarled her words as harsh as the whip. The girl hesitatingly placed her hands under her body, attempting to push into a standing position. She faltered, but caught herself and returned to her standing position before the Queen. "The Captain deserves a reward for bringing me this news so quickly."

Matayla waltzed out of the chamber without another word. Eton looked at the naked girl. He rarely gave her body a look. Matayla never allowed the girl to wear clothing. She wore a solid silver collar about her neck. She was in her early twenties, though they had all forgotten how old she actually was. Her skin was fair because she was rarely allowed to be outside. Her breasts were supple, though not overly large. Her nipples were a light brown. Her waist was slender. Eton's eyes continued traveling down the girl's small body. Between her legs was a trimmed brown mat of curls. 

Eton felt his manhood pressing forward and looked down to see the fly of his uniform tented. The girl's brown eyes were also focused on the rising staff. He watched as she sank to her knees in front of him. Her fingers opened the buttons of the fly and parted the coarse material. When she spread the fabric, his rod sprang free. She gripped it around the base without enthusiasm and began licking the head. He closed his eyes as her tongue lapped up and down the tip, lifting the hood as she teased. He groaned, feeling her warm mouth close over the swollen end. Her tongue continued to roll around the head. He sighed and placed his hands in her hair, pushing her mouth farther down his straining manhood.

She continued using her tongue to swirl around him as her head bobbed quickly. He grunted, his hips thrusting forward. He forced himself in and out of her soft lips. He could feel her mouth pulling on him, milking him with the power of her tongue. He groaned, pushing even deeper into her throat. She did not gag as he forced himself into her passage. The ease he slid into the cavern sent him over the top and he began squirting thick streams into her throat.

She pulled off the second the last hot squirt was released. She wiped her mouth with the back her hand. "Will there be anything else?" she questioned emotionlessly. 

He fastened his trousers and did not bother to give her an answer. The Dragon would be closer to the front gate and he wanted to be at Matayla's side when the warrior arrived. He left the girl on her knees in the Queen's chamber and went in search of the blonde goddess. He had followed Matayla out of the barren desert and helped her cement her power in this beautiful paradise. She had rewarded him with her body on a number of occasions and he hoped one day to be given the reward of ruling at her side. 

He found Matayla in the great hall dressed in her regal red and black robes. She was barking orders left and right. She regarded Eton with a skeptical expression. "That was fast, Captain. You usually have much more stamina. Did you not enjoy your reward?" she demanded in a disinterested, mocking tone.

"Actually, Mistress, no, I did not. The girl has become a bit of a machine, a bored mechanism that receives neither pleasure nor pain during its task. Her mouth is talented and fast, but there is no satisfaction, only gratification," he remarked casually.

Matayla's expression changed from one of mocking to thinly veiled anger. She spoke through clenched teeth. "Then you make her feel pain until you feel pleasure." She allowed the words to settle into his brain in the silence of the great hall. The only sound was the echo of boots shuffling in the tasks that the Queen had appointed. Certain that the captain understood her words, the Queen relaxed and spoke in normal tones, "Nevertheless, I will address the girl about her behavior. You can be assured she will be less mechanical next time." Matayla turned away from the captain, looking about the great hall. "We will welcome the Dragon with open arms, Captain. We will have a feast in the warrior's honor. I want to know why the Dragon is here. Why has this warrior traveled to our region and what is the intent? When we have the answers we need, we will kill the Dragon." She crossed to the window overlooking the road approaching the palace. The Dragon was very near. The warrior's steps never faltered. The stranger's features were becoming clear. A chilling smile touched Matayla's face. "Captain, I believe I will need your help in obtaining the information that I need. Can I call upon you for that service?"

"Of course, Mistress," Eton replied, his chest expanding in an effort to impress the Queen. She did not look at him though. Instead, her eyes continued to follow the journey of the Dragon. Her jaw was set and her blue eyes iced over. Eton could feel her anger brewing. He was almost relieved when she walked away with a spinning billow of her wide red robes.

Matayla marched through the corridors to her chambers, knowing she would find the girl there. She flung open the door, the heavy wood slamming against the wall hard enough to make the girl jump. She turned to face the Queen, immediately bowing her head when she realized it was not an intruder but the Mistress of the palace. Matayla's eyes swept over the girl's pale skin. Matayla circled the girl, admiring with a smile the crisscrossed red welts on her legs, bottom, and back. She smacked the girl on the bottom and was pleased to hear a light whimper escape the girl's throat. Matayla raked her nails down the girl's spin, digging into the already sensitive flesh. The girl arched, lifting her head. Matayla leaned over to whisper in the girl's ear. "Captain Eton was unhappy with his reward, bitch."

The girl said nothing. She bowed her head. Her breathing was slightly ragged and her body tense as she awaited her punishment. 

"He said you were like a machine. Broken machines need to be fixed. Are you a broken machine, bitch?" The girl still did not answer. Matayla did not expect her to. The girl knew if she tried to defend herself that Matayla's wrath would be even greater. Matayla slapped the girl's bottom again, thrilled at the tremors that raced through the girl's body. Matayla pressed herself against the girl's back, sliding her hand up the flat stomach, over the firm breasts, and then gripped tightly around the girl's throat. She squeezed the girl's neck, jerking her head back. The girl's hands came up in a panic, grabbing Matayla's hand in an effort to pull it away. A snap and a sting immediately followed her movement. Matayla had a thin crop in her hand. She used it on the girl's knuckles until she gave up fighting. Fighting would only prolong the amount of time that Matayla would deny the girl air. 

"Machines are lifeless. They don't need air. They don't need food and water." Matayla drug the girl across the room, keeping the grip on the girl's windpipe. Starbursts began forming in front of the girl's eyes as her body struggled to find excess oxygen. Because her head was jerked back, her mouth was open. Something slid between her lips and lay against her tongue. It hit the back of her throat and stopped. The girl felt leather slip around her cheeks. The straps tightened until they bit into her skin. Her lips were stretched around the thick gag. Confident the gag would stay in place, Matayla suddenly released the girl with a shove. The girl fell to her hands and knees, struggling to replenish her oxygen. She could breathe through her nose but could not pull in air through her mouth. Her body hitched in its effort to survive.

"Get up, bitch," Matayla hissed. When the girl did not obey immediately, the Queen kicked the girl with the pointed toe of her boot. The girl fell over, gripping her side, her breasts still heaving with the effort it took to breath. Matayla bent and gripped the girl's hair, yanking until the girl was standing. She stood on shaky legs, holding her side. Matayla threw a black cloth into the girl's hands. "Cover your face," Matayla ordered. The girl drew a leather hood over her head. It hid most of her upper face. There were two round holes for her eyes. The leather folded around her nose. The hood was laced along the back. The girl tightened it without question. She knew from experience that the Queen would check it. There would be punishment if it wasn't tied the way Matayla expected it to be. The hood was tight around all parts of her head, but her unruly, curly brown hair spilled down her back. Even people who were in the palace every day would not have recognized the girl's face.

Matayla checked the hood and the straps securing the deep gag, then stepped back to admire her work. The girl's lips were stretched around the gag, her jaw forced to drop wide. Bruises were already forming along the girl's throat. Matayla touched the bruise with her fingertip and smirked. She tilted the girl's face so she could see beyond the eye holes and look into the brown orbs. She made certain the girl could see the chilling smile on her face. 

A tap on the door interrupted anything Matayla may have said or done. "Enter," Matayla ordered without breaking the girl's gaze. The girl returned the stare, her expression emotionless. Eton, standing at the door, cleared his throat before speaking, giving Matayla an opportunity to look his direction. "Speak, Captain," she ordered without moving her head or eyes.

"The Dragon his passed the wall, Your Highness."

"Captain Eton, you said that the girl behaved like a machine. If she wants to be a machine, we will allow her to be. Tonight, she will be a machine for your men's pleasure. After the feast, you will take her to the barracks and strap her to a table. Your men have permission to do as they please." Matayla finally broke away from the girl, turning to face the captain. "Make certain your men have a barrel of ale tonight. We want them in fine spirits for this machine. Furthermore, I want a record of how many times she cries out in pleasure during the night. Testimony from your men will be sufficient for that."

"Yes, Mistress," Eton responded. He saw the girl drop her head and shoulders as Matayla walked away and for a moment, he admired the girl's strength in the face of such a cruel mistress. Without waiting for an order, the girl followed Matayla from the room. Eton fell into step beside Matayla, the girl following them down the long corridor.

"Everything is set for our visitor, Captain?" Matayla asked as they walked toward the heavy doors sealing the palace. "The feast is prepared and you informed the officers that they were to be in attendance?"

"Yes, Mistress," Eton assured, his voice echoing through the palace as they drew near the entrance. "Gryph has prepared a room."

The Queen stopped in the vestibule, looking at the young man waiting near the door. He was dressed in a soldier's uniform but it bore no insignia or markings. He wore a simple leather collar around his neck. "You will attend to all of the Dragon's needs, Gryph. Anything the warrior requests, you provide. When the candle goes out, you will report to me."

The young man nodded without speaking, acknowledging his understanding of the order. She turned to face the door, burying her hands in the sleeves of her long robe. She squared her shoulders and took a deep breath. Captain Eton checked the sword dangling at his side before placing one hand over the other at his waist in a non-defensive, non-threatening stance. The girl remained to the left and behind Matayla, her head bowed. Matayla nodded toward Gryph, giving the boy a silent command. He stepped around them and opened the heavy doors. The Dragon stood just outside.

Bane did not show surprise when the door opened. She knew it would have been impossible for word not to reach the Queen of her approach. No one had confronted her at the gate in the stone wall. She had marched up the long path leading to the palace door unmolested. However, she had not expected the Queen to be waiting in the entranceway. Bane narrowed her eyes to adjust to the dim light. Her hand rested on the knife hidden against her thigh until she was certain there was no immediate danger. She took in the young boy, the regal Queen, and the stoic guard. She saw the pale shadow behind the Queen. Certain there was no threat in the foyer, the Dragon dropped her hand from the comfortable wooden handle of the blade. "Your Majesty," Bane greeted in a firm voice. She bowed at the waist without lowering her eyes.




Waking the Dragon Ch. 02



Matayla stepped forward. "Enter Dragon," she ordered. Her tone was different from the inflection she used when giving commands to the soldiers and staff, though no less confident. Bane stepped through the door. Her expression was unreadable, as was Matayla's. Bane had always hated the stifled formality required when meeting the local leadership. "I am Queen Matayla of Avin."

"I am Dragon's Bane," the warrior responded. 

"Welcome, Dragon's Bane." She turned to the side and began walking down the corridor in the opposite direction of her chambers. Bane kept pace with the woman. Eton and Gryph fell behind them and the girl brought up the rear of the train. Bane did not like people behind her, especially soldiers. Her senses stayed alert. The wolf padded alongside the warrior, eyes perked for abnormalities. Bane was grateful for the wolf's presence. The animal was also a warrior. "This is Captain Eton. We have prepared a room for you and a feast in your honor. Gryph will answer any questions you might have."

"Thank you, your Majesty," Bane said. The Queen stopped walking and the whole entourage paused. She motioned to an open door and Bane stepped inside the room. Despite the fact that the window faced the west and the sun was dipping below the horizon, very little natural light filled the chamber. The cliffs created a shadow, but Bane was fascinated by the way the light danced on the rock façade. When the Dragon turned to her escorts, no one but Gryph remained. Bane started in surprise before allowing her eyes to sweep the boy. She judged him to be in his early twenties or late teens. Her eyes settled on the collar around his neck. She contemplated the symbol of slavery but chose not to comment on it. 

When Gryph led the warrior into the great hall later, the banquet table was filled with sweet fruits and hot meats. Musicians plucked rousing tunes from stringed instruments while the soldiers and their companions ate and danced. Several barrels of ale had been brought from the cool cellar and the strong liquor flowed freely. Bane sat back in the comfortable chair provided for the warrior and watched the party. Queen Matayla sat at the head of the table, her chair raised slightly higher than all the others. Bane sat to the Queen's left. The position did not settle well with the Dragon. Tradition always had a visiting Dragon to the right of the ruler. The Queen's behavior indicated she was familiar with the Dragons. The breach in protocol made the hair on the back of Bane's neck rise. 

Captain Eton sat to the Dragon's left, a smile on his handsome face. He attempted to engage the warrior in conversation, but her attention was not focused. Instead, the Dragon was observing the behavior of the soldiers. She had discovered long ago that she could learn more about her enemies by being quiet and watchful. Her fingertips plucked at the food set before her while her dark green eyes surveyed every corner of the great hall. She noted that though everyone had been silent while the Queen had made an elegant speech welcoming the Dragon and toasting peace, no one made an effort to include her in their merriment. 

Something brushed Bane's arm and the warrior turned to her left to see the pale girl who had lurked behind the Queen all night. Bane did not linger on the girl's naked body, despite the soft breast resting on her upper arm. Instead, Bane studied the girl's face. Her mouth was stretched around a thick gag and the warrior could see the leather biting into her white skin. Instead of admiring the nude form leaning over her, Bane found herself falling into the girl's brown eyes. Framed by the edges of the hood, the orbs were hidden in deep shadows. Bane narrowed her eyes, making the most of the flickering light dancing about in the grand room. 

The warrior was surprised when the girl did not look away. Instead, she seemed just as held by the Dragon's gaze. Bane fell into the girl's eyes, trying to read in the brown depths all that the girl was unable to say because of the phallus between her lips. There was no magic in the moment. The edges of the room did not become cloudy and the din of the music and voices did not fade. Eton continued rumbling in her ear, but nevertheless Bane felt captivated by the girl's deep eyes. The warrior could count the number of heartbeats that their eyes remained locked, but the intelligence and spirit in those eyes for those few ticks burned themselves into Bane's subconscious.

"Move along, girl," Eton growled, backhanding the girl across the face. Bane glared at the soldier in shock and anger. The girl did not respond to the blow. She sat up and quietly finished filling Bane's goblet from the decanter in her hand. She didn't even spill any of the amber liquid. Bane reached out to steady the girl's arm. The girl withdrew from the touch, rolling to her feet and walking away from the captain and the warrior. 

Bane watched the girl until she had faded into the crowd. It was easy for the Dragon to catch glimpses of the naked form moving among the dancing guests. When the warrior returned her focus to the Queen's captain, the fire in her eyes withered the man's bravado. "She was doing no harm," Bane hissed, her muscles tense and ready to retaliate in defense of the innocent girl.

"She knows her place," the Queen answered in a steady voice. Bane shifted her gaze to Matayla in her regal, elevated position at the head of the table. The Queen was expressionless in her answer, dismissing Bane's protest and Eton's behavior. Matayla had already moved away from the subject. She was surveying the party again, her crystal blue eyes moving over the drunken revelers. 

"How did the girl come into your service, your Majesty?" Bane asked.

Matayla returned her attention to the warrior, raising an eyebrow in amusement that the warrior would ask such a question. Eton tensed, expecting wrath from the Queen. Matayla regarded Bane for a moment, trying to determine if she would reward the warrior with an answer. "She is the spoils of war, my dear Dragon, something with which I am quite certain you are familiar." The Queen held Bane's eyes for a few seconds after she answered, allowing the words to register in the Dragon's head. Matayla also wanted to see how the warrior would respond.

Bane did not give the Queen the satisfaction of seeing guilt flash her eyes. Bane remained as solid as the Queen, holding the blue stare. The Queen nodded her head once and rose from her chair. The room went silent, eyes turning to the Queen. Those sitting also came to their feet. Bane remained seated, watching their behavior. The Queen exited the quiet room without a word. The room remained wordless until the Queen's footsteps had faded to nothing. Once all traces of the Queen was gone, there was some shuffling of feet on the stone floor and a few hushed whispers. The musicians left their corner and people began filtering out of the great hall. Gryph and the girl and other servants began removing trays and cleaning up the mess. Matayla's abrupt exit meant the party was over. Eton turned to the Dragon. "Please, go for a walk with me and allow me to apologize for offending you."

Bane started to refuse. She had no use for the arrogant captain. She knew though that he could be a potential source of information. She would allow him to believe that he was any ally until the time to draw lines began. She nodded and rose, taking a last drink from the strong homemade ale in her goblet. She did not make a face, despite the bitter burn in her chest. A half smile crossed Eton's face as he admired her fortitude. He offered her his elbow, but she did not take it. Instead, she fell into step beside him and allowed him to lead her from the great hall.

Eton took the warrior to the high bulwark of the castle and they walked along the ramparts in the cool night air. They paused to look over the sleeping village sprawled below them. Bane stood with her arms crossed, her face unreadable as her eyes sought the line of the Forest, following the road that she had traversed that morning. Eton looked over the village for just a moment, and then turned to study the warrior's profile. Her face was shadowed in the moonlight, giving her an almost ghostly glow. Her midnight black hair reflected the lunar radiance. In that illumination, Eton found the Dragon's beauty mesmerizing. He felt stirring in his manhood as his eyes drifted over her powerful body. He cleared his throat and returned his attention the village, forcing his body to focus on the task at hand. "What brings you this way, Dragon?"

The Dragon sniffed, testing the wind in the brisk night as she contemplated the answer. "The setting sun," she finally replied. "The wind at my back and the wolf at my side, I'll walk until something tells me to stop."

"Did you feel compelled to stop here, Dragon?" he probed, trying to appear casual in his inquisition. He did not want the warrior to feel threatened by his questions. If the Dragon was uneasy, they would not retrieve any information from the distrustful warrior.

"Aye, I did," Bane respond, not changing expression or tone as she answered. She used her peripheral vision to judge the captain's reaction. She suspected that he was not a worthy opponent, but Matayla was not available. He hid his reaction well, only a moment of surprise flashed across his eyes before he reigned in his control. 

"For what reason?" he demanded, though his tone was not harsh.

"A place to rest before I continue West," she replied immediately. She turned to examine the cliffs. In the night, they were black, impenetrable walls. "What's the best way up this escarpment?" she asked, confident that thinking she would move on soon would relax Eton and the Queen. 

Eton turned and allowed his eyes to survey the cliffs. "When you are ready, Gryph can escort you," he commented thoughtfully. "The best path if you don't know it is straight up. You could get into the caves and never emerge if you don't have someone with you who knows the trail."

She muttered an appreciation and they began walking again. "How long have you been in service for Matayla?" she quizzed offhandedly, listening to the night sounds floating across the landscape.

"I was conscripted when I was fifteen. She was a commander at the outpost where I was first stationed."

Bane heard what the captain did not say. Matayla was also a warrior. If the woman was a commander, then she was a skilled warrior. She was able to lead and to plan warfare. They were nearing the end of the rampart and Bane knew it was not the time to press any harder or dig any deeper. She had plenty of information to contemplate. They stepped through the door of a tower and she followed him down the narrow spiral stairs until they reached the main floor. They walked by the door of the great hall and Bane paused to look inside the room. Most traces of the party were gone, but the girl was still in the room. She was kneeling on the stone floor, scrubbing with a bucket and sponge. She sensed their presence and lifted her eyes to the Dragon. Bane felt an electric current race through her body as their gaze connected. Bane narrowed her eyes, trying to read the girl's expression.

Eton did not allow the connection to last long enough for Bane to draw any conclusions. "Gryph," he said in a firm voice. Gryph emerged from the kitchen as if he had been waiting on the command. "Escort our guest back to her room and see to all of her needs."

Bane watched the girl for as long as she could, but Eton entered the room and blocked the warrior's view. Gryph cleared his throat softly to indicate that the Dragon should follow him. They walked silently to the small room that the Queen had designated for the guest. Bane noted that the blankets on the bed had been folded back. A basin of fresh water sat on a table near a mirror and a basket of fruit was on the bedside table. Bane crossed over and picked up an apple. She rubbed it with the hem of her shirt and crossed to the balcony to gaze into the darkness.

She bit into the apple as her eyes again surveyed the dark cliffs. They moved from the tops of the bank, down the high escarpment, to the sprawling yard behind the castle. Squat, one-story buildings were nestled against the wall and Bane studied them. Yellow lights burned inside. Her eyes drifted across the dark grounds until she saw a bobbing light moving out of the palace. She leaned forward, her eyes narrowing in order to see better in the dim light. Eton stepped onto the stone path leading toward the gray buildings, tugging something behind him. It didn't take Bane but a moment to recognize the slim, pale figure trailing willingly on the rope behind the captain. 

Bane followed the figured, her eyes lingering on the slender waist, the flare of hips, and the curve of breasts. The Dragon's eyes rested on the round buttocks until Eton lead the woman into the gray building. "How did you come to be Matayla's slave?" Bane asked without taking her eyes off the distant door, hoping to see Eton and the girl emerge quickly. 

"My family owed the Queen tribute and could not afford it," Gryph answered without hesitation, anger, or shame.

"So, you were the replacement for the money," Bane mused as Eton walked out of the building without the girl. "How long will you remain in order to pay the family debt?" The girl did not follow Eton back into the cool night. Bane felt a sense of satisfaction knowing that the girl would not be molested by the captain that night.

"The debt keeps accumulating. This is not a bad life. Mistress Matayla is good to me. I am well fed, have a dry place to sleep, and my family does not have to worry about the tribute." 

Bane thought of Roane, and Gwen becoming a slave to Matayla in return for Roane's lack of payment. The thought sent a spark of rage through her. "Who is the girl?" the warrior queried, trying to continue to sound casual in her questioning. Bane tried to see into the windows of the building on the horizon but could not. Shades were drawn against the night. 

Gryph still did not hesitate in his answer. "She is a conquest of war, Dragon."

Bane puzzled on the answer during a long silence. "What is her name?"

"She has remained nameless since I have been here, Dragon."

"What are those buildings?" Bane demanded, changing pace rapidly in the conversation to keep the loyal servant off guard.

"Barracks for the sentries," Gryph replied. "Would you like me to take your clothing to be cleaned and repaired??"

"I prefer to handle it myself," Bane answered absently. The picture became clear. The girl had been taken to the guards' barracks naked and left there by the captain. It didn't take a great imagination to picture what was happening to the girl. Bane felt her muscles tense as she pictured the drunken soldiers taking their turns with the girl. She felt her hackles rise and her jaw tighten. She wanted to free the girl from her bondage. Matayla had tried to imply that the Dragon had also taken trophies from battle. Bane had certainly received her rewards for battles fought and won, but she had never enslaved anyone as a result of a conquest. The Dragon knew without a doubt what her purpose in Avin was. 

The wolf seemed to sense it, too. The animal was tense and battle ready. Bane knelt and ran a soothing hand over the animal's haunches. Her touch was meant to be soothing to the animal. Now was not the time to attack. They would have to take time to continue to gather information and plan their strategy. The two of them could not over power Matayla's whole army and that's what it might take to free the girl.

The wolf relaxed beneath Bane's touch. Bane breathed deeply of the animal's familiar scent. The companionship settled them both. Bane put the water basin in front of the animal before rising and looking at the slave. Gryph seemed to be embarrassed to have witnessed such an intimate moment from the steady warrior. He was shuffling his feet and staring at the floor. "Why is it you warrant such better treatment than the girl receives?" she quizzed.

Gryph did not answer immediately this time. He did not have a prepared reply to that question. Bane was pleased at the lack of response. It gave her time to study Gryph as he searched for words. He was boy and did not have the maturity to fully hide his emotions. "She is a trophy," he finally answered. "If my family could pay their debt, I would go free. She will never be free."

"What would happen if you were to try to make an escape?"

Gryph knew this answer. He had heard it hundreds of times. "I would be allowed to go free. My family would be tortured and murdered." His voice was flat, but it was evident that he was convinced of the threat. He would stay in place, doing Matayla's bidding until she decided that the family debt had been paid in full. Bane was familiar with the tactic. It was almost always effective as long as the captor was true and did not harm the loved one anyway. 

"When have you seen your family?"

"I'm allowed to go home once a month."

Bane nodded, turning back to the window. There were troops moving into the building where the girl had disappeared. Bane tried not to react. Her facial expression did not change and her muscles did not tense. The wolf finished the water and went to the end of the bed to lie down. Bane glanced at the animal and released a low breath. "I believe the animal has the right idea. I've been walking a long time."

"Where are you headed?" Gryph asked.

"I'll know when I get there," Bane said, pulling her tunic over her head. She handed it to Gryph and he folded it across the back of a chair. "I don't think I'll ever have a final destination. I've been traveling too long."

Gryph turned to her, his eyes flittering over her strong arms, her small breasts, and the bandage around her middle. She unlaced her britches and walked to the side of the bed with them open. Gryph continued to stand sentry inside the room. The Dragon sighed as she sat down to remove her boots. She lifted her hand and waved him away in dismissal. He paused a moment, his brows coming together thoughtfully. She waved again and he exited the room, allowing the heavy wooden door to click into place.

He stood outside the door for a moment, listening for movement inside. He heard some gentle rustling before the light spilling from beneath the door disappeared into the darkness. Confident the warrior had turned in for the night, he moved soundlessly down the hall to Matayla's chambers. He rapped on the door and waited for her command to enter. When it came, he turned the knob and entered the dim room. A few candles burned and it took his eyes a moment to adjust and find the Queen. She was seated on the divan, a glass of wine in her hand. She motioned and he came to kneel in front of her. "Mistress," he greeted.

In the flickering candlelight, he noted the shadows moving on her face and in her hair. She gazed down at the boy as she sipped her wine. "Is our guest settled for the night, boy?" she questioned. She was still in her full robes. He mumbled an affirmative. She shifted, putting a bare foot against his crotch. He stroked him with her toes and in a moment his rod had hardened in his pants. "Tell me about her," she cooed.

Gryph tried to concentrate on the Queen's request, but his mind was occupied by the blood pumping to the apex of his legs. The pressure her foot applied was firm. His trousers became tented. "She is a traveler," he managed to say. "She wanted to know how I had become your slave."

Matayla reached out with cool fingers and caressed his smooth cheek. "Did you tell her the truth, my boy?"

"Of course, Mistress," he replied, pressing into her palm and breathing deeply of her heavy scent. 

"What else did she want to know?" Matayla asked, rotating the ball of her foot against the head of his straining manhood.




Waking the Dragon Ch. 02



"She asked about the girl," he answered, unable to lie to her as she continued teasing his root. It pushed roughly against his pants, yearning to be free. He watched as Matayla lifted her skirts, revealing the blonde apex of her legs. He licked his lips hungrily as she opened her glistening lips. "She's been recently wounded," he said in a rush, hoping that piece of information would provide him with the reward he desired.

She pulled her foot away and he almost made a noise in disappointment but resisted. Matayla stood and looked at him expectantly. He rose and began working the eyes and hooks that latched her robes together. He was panting with frustration by the time he had worked all the heavy velvet gown open. He pushed it from her shoulders and laid it over the divan. Matayla's body was angular but her breasts were large. She was not as lithe as the Dragon, but the light on her pale skin and white hair served to cast a spell on anyone watching her. Gryph knew she was tight and her legs would wrap around her lover's hips in a vise. He felt his manhood jerk in anticipation and a wet spot appeared at the peak of the tent.

He bowed his head and licked her large pink nipples, his strong tongue lifting her heavy breasts. He filled his mouth with her breast, his tongue working over the puckered flesh until she moaned softly. She lifted her leg and began rubbing her naked thigh against his throbbing cock. He bit her flesh as a wave of pleasure rippled through him. The wet spot grew larger and he longed to free himself from the prison of the britches. His hands hung limply at his side as he suckled her breast. The friction of her thigh against his length caused a delightful heat that stirred a deep groan in Gryph's throat.

Matayla put her hand on his shoulder and pushed him to his knees. She sat on the edge of the bed and laid back, opening her long legs and beckoning him to her. He crawled over the short distance and leaned forward to dip his tongue in her moist slit. His tongue swept through her, swirling in and out and circling her swollen nub. She lay back on the bed, propped herself on her elbows, and moaned soft encouragement. Her powerful thighs wrapped around his head, pulling him deeper. He lapped against her, scooping and thrusting in and out with his tongue. She dug her fingers into his hair and pulled until Gryph thought it would come out, but her thighs did not release him from the sweet smelling prison. 

He felt her inner muscles spasm against his tongue a moment before she pushed him away. He panted for breath as she scooted up on the bed. He sat back on his heels, watching her move and longing to bury himself to the hilt with the sword throbbing between his legs. She propped herself on the pillows at the head of the bed and gave him an expectant look. He came to his feet and quickly removed his tunic. His chest was smooth and well-muscled from the manual labor he did in the palace. Matayla smiled in approval, her ice eyes dropping down to the vaulted pants. His trembling fingers unlaced the britches and his manhood popped into the warm room.

He pushed the trousers down his legs and resisted the urge to stroke himself. He knew if he gave into his primal urges that everything would stop. She would use the whip on him in her frustration and he would not be invited back to the chamber for a long period of time. Instead, he stood at the foot of the bed, his long root pointing against his stomach. In the throes of passion, Matayla had complimented his size, leading him to believe he was bigger than Eton. His presence in the chamber tonight was a symbol of her preference to him over the virile captain. 

He also knew that most nights, the girl fulfilled Matayla's basic needs. He wondered where the girl was that night but did not ask in fear it would cost him his reward. He assumed the Queen had sent the girl away for some punishment. He would like to think that the Queen had dismissed the girl tonight in favor of him. Even if that was true, it was in favor of the information he might have gathered from the Dragon. Based on the Dragon's questions and the long, silent exchange between the warrior and the girl, Gryph thought the girl might be the better choice for a spy. The Queen didn't trust the girl, though, so it was up to Gryph to be the informant.

"Come, boy," Matayla said huskily. "Mount up."

Gryph climbed onto the bed, licking the Queen's damp slit one more time before moving to bite each of her nipples. He then stretched out over her and positioned his thick cock at the opening he had tasted. The swollen mushroom head popped into the tight opening and he groaned with pleasure as her inner walls squeezed around him. He lay very still for a moment, feeling her muscles clench and squeeze him. He extended his arms above her, waiting until her body adjusted to his length and girth. His sacs rested against her mound and when he moved slightly, they slapped against her.

"That's it, boy," she growled, wrapping her legs around his hips. They squeezed about him, locking him in position as he began sliding his long shaft in and out of her tight canal. They rocked in a steady rhythm, his hips an endless piston with the sole purpose of pushing her higher and driving himself deeper. Their stomachs slapped together, punctuating each deep, quick thrust. He grunted with each downward motion, every muscle in his body rippling and tense with the effort to not release his body until she found her own release. If he spurted before she screamed out, he would be pushed out of the bed without being allowed to finish. She would secure him to the chains that hung on the wall so he couldn't cheat and proceed to lay on the bed and pleasure herself. Worse, she might call Eton or the girl back to finish the job. 

Her long nails scraped his back, making long red welts and drawing blood in a few places. He bit his lip and did not howl as her thighs locked his body in the cradle of her hips. He rocked so that his long shaft scraped her thick bud. He could see her eyes glaze over and her body start trembling and knew she was about to finish. He moved faster, slamming into her as rapidly as he could. His sacs slapped her mound and their stomachs rubbed. Both bodies were covered with a fine blanket of sweat. She reared up and bit his neck. Blood spilled into her mouth and he screamed, shooting long streams of his seed into the Queen's body.



Waking the Dragon Ch. 03



As Gryph emptied himself into the Queen's quivering body, the Dragon crept through the shadows across the grounds toward the soldiers' barracks. She stayed low to the ground and hugged trees and wagons as she closed the long distance between the palace and the gray buildings. She had left her sword and the wolf in the room and carried with her only a long knife that she kept sheathed in her pants. She had put her tunic back on after Gryph had left her. She had rubbed the wolf's head, her thoughts whirling until she had realized she had no choice but to attempt to rescue the girl from Eton's cruelty.

She had left the wolf sleeping and crept through the palace until she had found the exit Eton had used. Her green eyes adjusted easily to the night, seeing as well in the darkness as she did in daylight. She saw with her ears as well as her eyes, listening for other wanderers in the darkness. She reached the barracks and squatted underneath a window, listening to the sounds in the barracks. She could hear a man panting and grunting but nothing from the girl. Cautiously, she raised her eyes above the lip of the window. A break between the window's edge and the shade gave her a partial view of the room. 

The girl was face down on a long table in the center of the room. Her legs were tied with thick rope to the legs of the table. Her arms were stretched and two more lengths of rope secured her arms to the other end of the table. Beds lined the far wall. She could see sleeping lumps beneath the blankets, oblivious to the girl and the solider standing behind her with his pants at his ankles. He was positioned with his manhood at her rear opening. The girl's cheek was resting on the table, her face toward Bane. Bane could see silent tears rolling from the girl's brown eyes, even though the hood still covered her face. They had not removed the gag from her lips.

The soldier grunted as he finished and pulled out, slapping his hand firmly on the girl's bottom. He liked the mark it left, so he smacked against her three more times. Her body flinched each time. The soldier looked down, surprised to see his shaft rising again. He continued spanking the girl's bottom until he was stiff. Bane tensed with each sound, growing angrier at the poor treatment of the girl. Nothing she could have done would be worth this punishment.

The soldier slid back into her, his hips rocking quickly as he grunted and thrust. Bane pushed the shade a little, attempting to see more of the room. Only one other soldier was awake. He sat straddling a chair, his back to the window, encouraging his comrade. Bane sensed from the motion of his arm that the observer was stroking himself in time with his buddy's thrusts. The two of them would probably switch places through the night until they were worn out, then wake another pair to continue the girl's pounding.

Bane crawled through the window, moving with stealth as she placed her boot on the wooden floor. She gripped the hilt of the knife in her palm and crept behind the seated guard, using the base to knock him unconscious. The man thrusting in and out of the girl did not notice as his companion slumped. It would have been easy for Bane to slice the soldier's throat, but she thought it would be best not to kill any of the guards. She wanted to stir as little water as possible until she was ready for full attack. 

The guard at the girl caught sight of her movement but could not stop his rocking in order to combat her. He opened his mouth to wake his comrades, but Bane gripped the blade of her knife and flipped her wrist. The knife swirled end over and over, the blade catching the glint of the candlelight. To both of them, the blade seemed to spin in slow motion before landing solidly in the large apple at the base of his throat. Bane raced across the room and caught the man before he could fall. His eyes fluttered as he fought to breathe around the blade lodged in his throat. 

The girl watched as the warrior dragged the man outside. Bane put a finger to her lips and disappeared into the darkness. The girl kept an eye on the door as best she could until the Dragon returned. The warrior cut the ropes and helped the girl to stand. They didn't waste time exchanging words or looks. Instead, Bane grabbed the girl's hand and led her into the night air. She tugged and the girl followed across the dark, undisturbed grounds to the palace. They didn't stop until they reached the Dragon's tiny room.

Bane cut the knot from the lacing on the back of the hood and removed it from the girl's head. She sliced the leather of the gag and pulled it out of the girl's mouth, surprised at how long it was. The girl smacked her dry lips and Bane went to the basin that Gryph had replaced after the wolf had drunk. She filled a glass and helped the girl to drink, then used a towel to wash the girl's face. Bane wrapped a blanket around the girl's shoulders before she moved a chair to sit directly in front of the girl.

The girl took another drink of water and moved her stretched jaw. She studied the contents of the cup, and then looked into Bane's concerned eyes. In this light, they seemed more hazel than green. They were flitting over the girl's face, trying to discern the girl's stability and well-being. The warrior was so intent that when the girl threw the remainder of cold water from the glass into her face, the Dragon instinctively slapped the girl's face. "Typically people say thank you when they are rescued."

"I didn't ask to be rescued," the girl hissed, springing to her feet and pacing the small room. She ran her fingers through her brown hair, combing it away from her face and lifting it where the hood had pressed it down. "Why did you do that?"

The Dragon gaped at the girl, taken aback by the response. She sprang to her feet, watching the girl tread circles in the small chamber. "Because I detest seeing people abused. Do you mean to tell me that you were enjoying those soldiers taking turns on you? Would you have chosen to stay there?"

"No, I didn't enjoy it, but yes, I would have chosen to stay. The punishment now will be far worse then being at the mercy of inebriated guards all night. I know those men and I know what they are capable of. I also know Matayla, and her cruelty knows no limits." The girl stopped pacing and pressed her face in her hands, shaking her head. "Given the choice, I would have taken the night with the guards over Matayla's anger any day. Thanks a lot for being my hero, Dragon," the girl spat, venom dripping from her voice. She moved to the balcony and stared across the grounds. Bane could see the tension in the girl's body. Her muscles were drawn so tightly that she trembled.

Bane closed the distance, standing behind the girl. The blanket had slipped off the girl's shoulders, revealing her upper back and part of her chest. She gripped it in her clenched fists at her bosom. Bane placed her hands on the pale shoulders, gliding her palms over the smooth flesh. Her breath warmed the back of the girl's neck. "I'm sorry. I didn't know. You can tell Matayla it was my fault."

"It won't matter," the girl whispered, shaking her head dejectedly. Bane was relieved that the girl did not pull away from her touch. "Nothing will matter except that she will have an excuse to unleash her poison." The girl's shoulders slumped, her body giving in to the soothing caress of the warrior's strong hands. "What did you do with the one you killed?"

"I put him in the creek behind the barracks," Bane answered in a calming voice. She brushed the girl's hair to one side, admiring the fine line of her neck. A thick silver band encircled the girl's throat and rested on the knobs of her spinal cord that connected her skull to her body. Bane moved her fingertips over the girl's backbone, counting the vertebrae downward. The girl was so slender that Bane could see every ridge. The blanket slipped more, pooling at the small of her back. Bane's long, tender fingers moved all the way down to the base of the girl's spine. Bane made a circle there with her fingers then rested both hands on the back of the girl's pelvis.

The girl did not pull away. Instead, she sighed and dropped her head forward, her muscles slowly relaxing under Bane's gentle massage. The Dragon's fingers moved up either side of her backbone, applying more pressure as she neared the sharp shoulder blades. She used the pads of her fingers in circular motions to caress the tight muscles, working until the girl exhaled softly and slumped a little. Bane then moved her hands to the girl's shoulders, sliding her palms over the tender skin. She pressed closer, pulling the girl so that her back felt the soft leather of Bane's tunic. Bane's breath remained warm on the girl's exposed flesh as she slid her hands down the girl's arms. 

Bane's hands encircled' the girl's wrists, her deep green eyes looking over the girl's full breasts. Bane thought she had never seen two more perfect examples of the female anatomy. They were pale and round and Bane knew instinctively that when she placed her palms over them, they would be fully covered. The nipples were dark against the light colored flesh and were starting to pucker as the wind and Bane's touch worked their magic. Bane took the edges of the blanket and peeled it from the girl's hands. She pulled it open and dropped it on the floor. It pooled against their feet. Bane's hands moved to the girl's stomach, trailing lightly over the soft swell. She worked her way upward, moving toward the round breasts, her palms longing to hold them.


Bane turned her face toward the girl as her fingertips trailed upward, her breath warm on the girl's cheek. The girl turned toward Bane, moistening her lips. Her big brown eyes searched the Dragon's visage, unable to rest in any one place. She wanted to memorize the Bane's tender countenance. She tried to remember when she had seen anyone look on her with tenderness but could not. The tip of Bane's pink tongue darted about the Dragon's lips and the girl leaned forward, her lips slightly parted in anticipation of a kiss. Instead, the Dragon dropped her eyes back to her hands as her fingers trailed over the soft globes.

Bane's fingers made light circles over the full breasts, working inward slowly. The girl did not protest. She turned her head and her breath fluttered across Bane's neck. The Dragon's digits climbed upward, moving steadfastly toward the puckered flesh surrounding the lengthening nipples. The girl gasped softly when Bane closed her thumb and forefinger around the extended nipples and tugged lightly.

Encouraged by the girl's sound of pleasure, Bane rolled the nipples in her fingers. The girl relaxed, sinking back against the strong warrior. Bane's thumb brushed over the nipples as her hands cupped the breasts. She was pleased to note that only small patches of skin were visible beneath her splayed fingers. Her hand flexed and eased, massaging the full globes. 

Bane's left hand stayed in place, cupping and teasing the breast and nipple with playful fingers. The right hand danced downward over the girl's flat stomach. She slid her thigh between the girl's, pushing her into a wider stance. Bane's hand reached the base of the stomach. Her fingers drummed against the girl's mound and skipped along the slit. The girl still did not pull away from the Dragon's touch, but Bane remained cautious. The girl had been abused. Bane did not want the young slave submitting because it was expected of her. Bane wanted the girl to crave the touch, so her fingers remained light. They teased along the slit, brushing the thick curls. She paused to massage lightly at the base of the girl's opening. She pushed her index finger in to the first knuckle and swept up the girl's swollen lips. She could feel moisture forming in the girl's depths. 

The girl moaned softly and Bane smiled, moving her lips to the shell of the girl's ear. "I'll stop if you want me to," she whispered. "All you have to do is ask. I'll do whatever you want."

The girl shivered at the Dragon's words, groaning softly and leaning back into the hard frame of the warrior. She opened her legs a little wider, giving Bane more access. Bane's finger brushed against the girl's hard bud. The moan that exploded from the girl's lips sent a shudder through Bane's body, but the Dragon did not pursue the pleasure. She wanted to hear the girl ask for more. Bane moved her fingers back to the pert bosom, her slick fingers moving over the throbbing nipples. The girl's chest was rising and falling rapidly with her growing excitement.

Bane bit the girl's neck, her teeth drilling into the pale flesh. She sucked hard on the skin, her teeth gripping the membrane just above the thick silver collar. The girl tilted her head, whimpering softly as the Dragon's teeth drew a thin line of blood. The Dragon suckled, drinking from the vein. The girl's hips started rocking back and forth, her firm bottom slapping against Bane's cradling pelvic bone. Bane released the girl's flesh from her mouth, licking softly over the broken skin. 

The warrior's hand trailed to the girl's hip, sliding over the flare of her pelvis and back to the apex of the girl's thighs. Her hand cupped the mound, her middle finger slipping between the lips. She rubbed against the button, flicking it up and down. The girl moaned low in her throat, pushing her hips forward in a silent plea for more. Bane added two fingers to the motion, pushing them against the girl's opening. She wiggled the two fingers inside the girl, then added a third. Her thumb pressed against the nub, rotating it with the pad of her digit as her fingers began moving in and out of the girl.

The hand resting on the girl's breasts flexed and relaxed in time to the fingers gliding in and out of the tight channel. Bane moved her fingers swiftly, scraping the inside of the sensitive walls with her fingertips. The girl opened wider, allowing the Dragon full access to her deep recess. She sagged against the warrior, her face flushed as Bane's fast, talented fingers pushed the small woman higher into a pinnacle of pleasure. Bane growled in the girl's ear, encouraging her to give into the sensations rushing through her body. The girl tilted her head backwards, her mouth open in a silent scream as her body trembled on the verge of release.

Bane pinched and tugged the nipple, twisting as her thumb drummed against the slick button of the girl's center. The warrior pushed the girl faster and harder, building the climax. The girl arched her back, panting, a thin noise escaping her throat as she crested. Her skin shone with sweat and her vein throbbed against her temple. She bucked against Bane's thrusting hand, finally pushing herself over the top. Her body stiffened, quivering against Bane as she rode the wave within her. She whimpered, her eyes glazed over as Bane continued pushing. The wave broke even higher as Bane launched her to a second zenith. 

Bane stilled her fingers inside the girl, surprised to see tears streaking down the young face. Bane pulled free, wrapping her arms around the girl's waist. She held the girl tight against her body, feeling the vibrations fade away. The girl turned her head toward Bane, pressing her wet face to Bane's neck. Bane hugged the girl to her, unsure what had caused the tears. The Dragon was uncertain what to do with the emotional girl. Interpersonal relationships had never been Bane's strong point. She hadn't even been able to communicate with Nyte in that regard.

Bane turned the girl, roughly rubbing the hollow cheeks dry. She held the girl's face in her hands, staring into the deep brown eyes and trying to read the young slave the same way she would read an enemy. The girl bravely met the stare, seeing beyond the emeralds in the Dragon's eyes to the human beneath the warrior. The slave took the warrior's hands in her own and walked backwards toward the bed.

"What is your name?" Bane asked as they crossed the tiny room, her voice much softer and soothing. Her eyes and tone held tenderness.

"I don't remember," the girl answered.

Bane's steps faltered and she tilted her head in puzzlement. "How do you not remember your own name?" the Dragon demanded. 

The girl grabbed the tail of Bane's tunic, lifting it over the warrior's head and leaning forward to kiss each already hard nipple. The kisses were short but full of suction as she squeezed the hard buttons between her lips. She looked into the Dragon's face. "I dare say your given name is not Bane. Do you remember?"

A hint of a smile touched the warrior's lips. "You are very clever for a girl who doesn't remember her own name." Bane's words died on a sigh as the girl's lips closed over one of her breasts and her tongue lapped around the puckered areola. Her tongue swept round and round, teasing Bane's nipple to a greater length. The girl's fingers were unlacing the warrior's trousers. She moved her mouth to the other breast, treating it to the same playful teasing. 

Bane quietly watched the girl's mouth at work. Her cheeks flexed in a steady rhythm as her tongue rubbed the nipple repeatedly. The pleasure rushed through Bane in steady pulses. She could feel it growing inside her as the girl finished unlacing the pants. Bane's hands joined the girl's in her effort to slide the tight pants over the Dragon's narrow hips. Soft hands caressed the flare of Bane's hips, moved over her firm buttocks, and came to rest on her trim waist.

Bane put her finger under the girl's chin, pulling the tugging mouth away from her sensitive breast. She looked into the girl's brown eyes, both of them focusing on the other. Bane's heart thudded against her chest, a reaction she had not had to anyone since Nyte. The sensation caused her blood to turn cold. She pushed the girl back and walked away. The girl stood in place, watching the muscular back retreat. "Did I do something wrong?" she queried softly.

"No," Bane answered in an emotionless tone. "Go ahead and lay down." The warrior filled a glass with water and took a long drink. The girl remained in the same spot, watching in puzzlement as Bane fought her internal, silent conflict. The Dragon finished her water and slammed the glass on the table. "I said to lie down!" she yelled.

The girl flinched but still did not obey. Instead, she walked slowly across the room to the warrior. She cautiously ran her fingers over Bane's strong, tight shoulders. She leaned forward to rest her mouth against the rigid muscle. Bane relished the girl's tender touch for a few brief seconds. She felt electricity springing from the girl's lips to her skin. She closed her eyes and held her breath. The warrior wanted nothing more than to throw the girl across the bed and satisfy both of their bodies. For reasons she couldn't understand, making love to the slave did not feel right. Guilt tinged her conscience for the intimate encounter they had already shared. She shrugged her shoulders, breaking the contact. "Go on. Rest," Bane whispered, hoping desperately the girl would comply.

The girl hesitated only a moment this time, finally stepping away. Bane felt like she could breathe easier when the girl was not so close. The girl went to the narrow bed and pulled back the blankets. She sat down on the edge and turned to watch Bane prowl about the edges of the room. "Why are you in Avin?" she asked.

"I've heard that question a lot recently," the Dragon snorted. 

"Have you told the truth in any of your answers?"

Bane turned and looked at the girl in surprise. Her insightfulness was chilling. "I have not lied."

"Why are you here, Dragon?' the girl repeated in a firmer voice.

Bane walked over to the bed and sat down next to the girl, though the Dragon did not turn her discerning eyes to the small woman. She sat thoughtfully, wanting to word her response in the proper way. The wolf came to the warrior, resting its soft muzzle on her knee. "I've been walking for a long time without knowing where I am going. I've relied on the kindness of strangers for survival and human companionship. Avin is just another stop in my journey."




Waking the Dragon Ch. 03



"You can't beat her," the girl declared. Bane turned sharply, her brows drawn together in a point. "She's too powerful. You can't defeat Matayla by yourself."

"Who said anything about defeating Matayla?" Bane snipped.

"You don't have to say it." The girl slid her legs beneath the blanket and lay back on the soft pillows. She sighed as she settled into the soft blankets. "Don't trust her. She and Eton are plotting against you." 

"Aye," Bane muttered. She slipped beneath the covers beside the girl. She rolled to her side and placed one of her strong arms around the girl's waist. "We'll tell Matayla that I freed you because I wanted you," she whispered, trailing her fingertips over the girl's breasts again. The story would not be a lie. She had desired to taste the girl. The taste lingered on her tongue. The girl's soft sounds of pleasure still echoed in her ears. The Dragon wanted to hear the girl again but she forced her hand to be still, returning it to rest on the girl's flat hip.

"Then return me to her in the morning as if you were displeased. Be rough. That pleases Matayla."

Bane shifted to her back, staring at the ceiling as another wave of emotion raced through her. Her jaw tightened. "I don't want her touching you," she growled.

The girl's hand came up to the silver collar, her fingertips playing with the ring dangling from the center. "Would you hold me tonight?"

The two women turned toward each other, arms entwining and wrapping around bodies. The girl tucked her head beneath Bane's chin, resting against the warrior's soft breast. Bane inhaled deeply, breathing in the scent of the hair tickling her nose. She exhaled, knowing the road she walked was dangerous but unable to stop traveling down the path. She closed her eyes and tightened her arms, pulling the girl closer.

She heard the sniffle and felt the tears drop on her breast. Bane lay unmoving, allowing the girl to cry. Her fingers trailed lightly up and down the girl's bare back, offering whatever comfort she could. Words were wrong, so the warrior offered her arms and her body. She tenderly stroked the crying girl's hair, her fingers tangling in the wild curls, until the sobbing stopped and the girl's breathing changed to indicate sleep. Only then did Bane allow herself to think about the girl's warning about Matayla's power. The soft body pressed to her gave the warrior the resolve she needed to find the Queen's weakness.

The girl woke before Bane the next morning. She disentangled herself from the warrior's arms and propped on her elbow, studying the woman who had held her so tightly the previous night. The warrior had rolled to her back when the girl had pulled away and the blanket bunched around her hips. Her black straight hair was fanned across the pillow. In sleep, the warrior did not look so harsh and angry. She looked peaceful and gentle in repose. 

The girl's eyes followed the line of the warrior's neck, tracing the pale blue veins beneath the dark skin. The girl shifted and rolled toward the Dragon, her eyes caressing the firm breasts. The brown orbs lingered on the puckered flesh on the side of the globe. She reached forward and touched the scarred skin with her index finger, circling it tenderly. Her brows pulled together as she explored the shape. Something about the shape seemed familiar but the truth lingered just outside her conscious mind. The warrior did not respond to the caress. She continued sleeping soundly, so the slave leaned forward to kiss the healed wound. She turned her attention to the peaks of Bane's breasts. She closed her lips around the areola, sucking on it until the nipple hardened, and then gave the other breast the same gentle treatment. 

A soft moan escaped Bane's throat and she shifted her body, causing the blanket to descend farther. The girl smiled and slid her hand downward, exposing the warrior's bald mound to her touch. Watching Bane's face, the girl trailed her fingertips over the smooth lips. Still not waking, Bane moved her legs, opening them a little for the intimate touch. The girl smiled, allowing her digits to dip a little deeper. She could feel Bane's body responding. Her button was lengthening and her inner walls growing moist. The girl easily pushed two fingers inside the warrior and pumped in and out. The warrior moaned again and opened her legs wider. 

Encouraged, the girl crawled down the bed till her shoulders were wedged between the warrior's powerful thighs. She extended her tongue and trailed it along the damp slit. The tip of her tongue circled Bane's swollen bud, barely brushing against the raised button. The girl pushed her tongue deep inside the warrior and began thrusting in and out rapidly, pausing only to drag it along the nub. She moved faster, thrusting quickly and forcefully. She didn't want Bane to wake and stop her before she was able to properly thank the warrior for the tenderness of the previous night. 

She lapped against the thick bud, dragging her long, talented tongue against the sensitive flesh. She lifted the hood and flicked the button, moving quicker as Bane's hips started rocking in response. Fingers dug into her hair, attempting to lift her head from the sweet meal. The girl closed her teeth around the thick root, not relinquishing her position. She heard Bane growl low in pleasure and resignation. The warrior's hand was wrapped in the girl's hair, holding her head in place. The strong thighs wrapped around the girl's head, hips bucking upward as the girl's tongue plunged into the deep canal again. The girl's tongue swam around, rubbing against the inner walls. She pushed her tongue deeper, scooping inside Bane. 

Bane's eyes popped open as a wave of surprise pleasure crashed over her. She gasped, her shoulders rising from the bed. Her fingers dug into the girl's hair, pulling tightly. The girl felt shots of pain as some of her hair popped from its roots, but she held onto the Dragon as tightly as she could. Her lips closed around Bane's pleasure button and sucked hard. The pressure rushed through Bane's body, bringing the crest higher. She flicked the tip of her tongue until Bane grunted. Bane thrust her hips up forcibly, her shoulders and heels on the bed as she ground herself into the girl's mouth. Tremors rushed through her body and she groaned. She held herself suspended in air as the shockwave receded before collapsing onto the soft bed.

The girl grinned up the warrior's body, her tongue still working. She used the rough mouth muscle to dry the warrior's mound, lips, and inner thighs. Bane's fingertips massaged the slave's scalp, her fingers twisting in the wild curls. A smile lingered at the corner of her lips as the girl continued her tender care. She touched her lips to the warrior's strong abdomen, turning her head to rest her cheek on the flat surface, feeling the muscles still quivering. She nuzzled her face between the twin globes of Bane's breasts. She kissed the vein of the warrior's neck, counting the erratic pulse as the Dragon regained control of her body. The girl continued inching upward, looking into Bane's face. Their eyes locked. The girl used the tip of her tongue to moisten her lips. She bent with the clear intention of kissing her new lover. The Dragon turned her head and the girl's lips landed on a smooth jaw. The girl frowned, her eyebrows coming together in a point. She tried again to touch her lips to the warrior's, but Bane evaded her again. 

"No," the warrior growled, rolling the girl off of her. She stood and began pulling on her clothing. The girl watched the warrior for a moment, sensing the anger in the stiff movements. She hated the sudden change. It reminded her of Bane's withdrawal the night before. The servant did not know what to say to ease the Dragon so she remained silent. She swung her legs over the side of the bad and stared at the wooden floor. The weight of the metal collar seemed to rest heavier than normal against her neck. Her shoulders were slumped. She could feel tears behind her eyes but she blinked them away before the Dragon noticed. 

With resignation, the girl rose and took the hood in her hands. She pressed the leather against her face, folding it around her face. She secured the knots at the back. She picked up the thick gag but did not put it between her lips. Bane frowned when she saw the girl's face covered. "Why does she hide you? If you were my slave, I would want everyone to know how beautiful you are."

"She doesn't want anyone to recognize me," the girl answered.

Bane frowned, puzzled by the girl's words. She wanted to probe for more details, but the door to her room suddenly opened. Gryph stood in the doorway. He stopped when he saw the girl, his eyes widening. He entered the room quickly and crossed to the girl. "What are you doing in here? Mistress will be furious."

She looked away from him, stepping out of reach of his strong hands. "She's always furious with me," the girl answered. "Nothing I do is right, anyway."

"But she'll hurt you," he continued in a plaintive voice. Bane observed the exchange, hearing the concern in the man's voice. The warrior was glad to know that someone in the palace did care for the girl. 

"She enjoys hurting me, Gryph." The girl turned her attention to the warrior, allowing the Dragon to see into the depths of her brown eyes one last time. Bane's jaw was set tightly as she bowed her head to meet the gaze. "Thank you," she mouthed. Bane laid her hand on the girl's cheek, caressing the fine line with the pad of her thumb. The girl turned her head into the soft touch and kissed the warrior's wrist. Gryph felt awkward in the silence, but he sensed the tenderness between the two women. No one was more surprised than Gryph when Bane drew back her hand and slapped the girl.

The girl did not cry out. She dropped her eyes and looked away, rubbing her cheek. The warrior grabbed the collar roughly, sliding her fingers between the metal and flesh. She yanked and began walking out of the room with an angry and purposeful stride. The girl followed, dragging her feet and whimpering a little. Gryph fell into a hurried step behind them, confounded by the turn of events. The wolf trailed the women, staying close to the girl. 

Bane reached the throne room and stormed into the room without waiting for her entrance to be announced. A helpless guard chased the warrior and her captive, offering apologies to Matayla as Bane threw the girl onto the ground in front of the Queen. Matayla waved the guard silent, arching her eyebrow in curiosity at the warrior. "I am accustomed to having the best given to me. I was quite insulted to not be given the choice of a lover for the night." Matayla dropped her eyes to the girl. The girl was on her hands and knees, breathing a little hard, her face turned toward Bane as the warrior continued to express her disgust with the Queen's hospitality. "A Dragon is not accustomed to taking leftovers from the hired men."

"I thought a Dragon did respect the property of others," Matayla answered without giving away her feelings. "This girl is my property."

"Then you need to keep a closer watch on her, your Highness. She might get damaged," Bane returned without missing a beat. 

Bane turned and began walking out of the throne room, leaving the girl to Matayla's anger. Matayla's voice halted the Dragon. "Did she satisfy you?"

Bane stopped and turned, burying the smile that wanted to appear on her face as she looked at the slave still huddled on the floor. "She did," Bane answered flatly. She hesitated, looking at the wolf. The big animal stood next to the girl and Bane could tell the animal was in a defensive state. The Dragon shrugged and left the room.

Matayla rose from her chair and circled the girl, looking down with distaste as the girl rose from all fours to a kneeling position. "What about you, whore? Did the ferocious Dragon satisfy you?"

The girl didn't answer. She knew no answer would satisfy the Queen, so she remained silent. Matayla grabbed the girl's hair and pulled it, forcing the girl to look upward instead of at the hands lying limply in her lap. "Did the Dragon satisfy you? Did you scream and writhe in pleasure?" When the girl remained silent, the Queen pulled harder, snapping the girl's head backwards. "Answer!"

"Yes," the girl cried. "Yes, it felt good." 

Matayla dropped the girl's head. "Perhaps we should let your lover watch your punishment. Would that teach her to respect other people's property?" The Queen slapped the girl across the face. The sound of it resounded in the large room, echoing off the stone walls in the ears of the stunned guard and Gryph. They both stood on the outskirts of the room with their eyes averted. "Did you try to stop her or did you beg like a whore?" Matayla yelled as she slapped the girl's other cheek. Her voice was reaching a high pitch as she continued her tirade. "You need to remember that you belong to me. No one touches you without my permission." The third smack seemed louder than the previous two. Gryph flinched and bit his lip as the girl soundlessly took the Queen's wrath. Matayla's open hand made contact again with the girl's cheek. As her head snapped, Gryph saw that blood trailed from the girl's nose.

The wolf suddenly growled, stepping between the girl and the Queen. Matayla stopped in mid-swing, taking a step back as the wolf rumbled low in its throat. An expression of surprise crossed Matayla's face. Matayla took a step to the right, but the wolf stayed between the Queen and the trembling girl. 

Gryph was glad that Matayla took her fury out of the room at that point. She walked out of the throne room with a flurry of her red robes. The wolf stayed on the defensive, staying in reach of the girl's touch, but guarding the door from the Queen's return at the same time. The girl sank down, breathing with difficulty. Gryph hurried to her, kneeling beside the girl. She was not crying. He placed his arm around her shoulders, putting a towel to her nose. "Is that it?" he asked.

"It's far from over," the girl answered, blotting the blood. "I've never seen her that angry." The girl's eyes lifted to Gryph's as she handed him the towel. She spoke in a low voice. "She's scared of the Dragon."

He looked over his shoulder at the soldier. The guard did not react to the girl's words. Confident that he wasn't listening, Gryph responded. "That makes them both dangerous. Does she have reason to be afraid?"

The girl did not reply as she reached up and stroked the wolf's warm, soft coat. She knew that Gryph occasionally shared the Queen's bedchamber. She didn't know if she could trust Gryph not to tell Matayla the Dragon's secrets. "I don't know," she finally answered. It was an honest answer. Bane had said she didn't intend to defeat Matayla, but the girl didn't believe the warrior. She couldn't imagine how a noble guardian would allow Matayla's evil to prevail.



Waking the Dragon Ch. 04



The noble guardian spent the afternoon exploring much of the castle without the wolf, moving stealthily down the long hallways and in and out of open rooms. She tried to appear casual in her exploration but she was filing away every turn, every guard, and every hiding place. She climbed up the narrow, circular staircase to the top of the tower and studied the sprawling landscape. She examined the contours of the land with the practiced eye of a warrior. She easily pictured how Matayla's army must have looked as it marched through the village. She could imagine the fear that must have coursed through the King as he watched the mass of humanity moving toward his home. This army had stopped the fire, but what would they want as payment, he must have wandered. She could almost feel his helplessness as he had opened his home to Matayla, and then watched as his wife and daughter were murdered.

She then turned to survey the cliffs. In the light of day, she saw that the escarpment was not sheer. She could see winding narrow paths etched into the walls of limestone. From this height, she could almost follow the maze, but it would be difficult for an enemy to use the paths to attack. She watched a guard pick his way along one of the paths and disappear into one of the caves. Bane leaned forward, watching the entrance of the cave with a keen eye. She waited until he came out. It was a different guard. The first had entered carrying a full sack, but now it was empty. He kept his head down as he walked back down the path. Bane tried to mark the spot in her mind, memorizing the other features around the cave. Her eyes stayed with the soldier as he moved among the boulders.

Bane heard the footsteps behind her but did not move. Her body tightened, ready to defend herself if the need arose. She tilted her head just enough to see Gryph emerge through the doorway and step onto the platform. "Dragon," he said, announcing his presence. Bane turned, casting indifferent eyes on him. "Her Majesty has requested that you come to her chambers for the evening meal."

Bane considered the invitation. She had no desire to be in Matayla's presence, but she wanted to do nothing that would make Matayla suspicious. It would also give her an opportunity to investigate the inner sanctum. She nodded her head once, indicating her acceptance of the invitation. She returned to staring across the palace grounds, her eyes now tracing the stone wall. She noted every door and every possible way to breach the defenses. She did not immediately run to Matayla's summons. She wanted Matayla to know that she was not a puppet. She was a Dragon.

Gryph excused himself, hurrying to report to the Queen the Dragon's acceptance. Bane gave him time to do complete his task before she walked down the winding stairway and into the long corridor. She found Gryph waiting in the middle of the hall in front of a thick wooden door. He nodded in greeting before opening the door and stepping aside so the noble guardian could enter the Queen's chambers.

Bane entered and listened to the door click into place. The room was dim, lit only by several candles. Bane walked farther into the room, her eyes sweeping over the shadows. The table in front of the futon was spread with cheeses and fruits. Bane made her way to the low couch. Wind made the curtains surrounding the balcony door billow and she shifted her attention that way. Matayla stood in the entrance, her back to the room. The sheer red robe she wore whipped against her legs. Her hair was down and the wind lifted it from her fine neck. 

Bane took a moment to admire the woman. Despite her feelings toward the ruler, Bane could not deny that the woman had a fine figure. She had sharp patrician lines in her face and her body. Her legs were long and Bane cursed herself for wanting to know what those legs would feel like wrapped around her hips. She was suddenly glad that she had chosen to put on the artificial phallus underneath her armor that morning. She had worn it because its presence sometimes helped her to focus her mind, but now she thought it might have another use.

Realizing the train her thoughts had taken, she gave her head a slight shake in an attempt to refocus. She knew she had to be on the defensive with Matayla. Even though she found the Queen attractive and desirable, Bane knew not to trust her. The warrior placed several different fruits on a small plate and walked toward the balcony. She stopped at the entrance and cleared her throat. Matayla looked over her shoulder, a smile curving her full lips. "Welcome, Dragon," she greeted in her husky voice. Bane stepped onto the balcony, offering the woman a treat from the plate. Matayla took a slice of orange and bit into it, sucking the juice from the interior before finishing the bite. Her pink tongue darted over her lips, tasting the excess moisture.

She leaned toward Bane, her full breasts spilling over the top of the bodice of the silk gown. In the fading twilight, Bane could see the light pink areolas peeking from behind the red garment. She took a strawberry in her fingers, the fruit as red as her robe. "I gave you two options for lovers last night, Dragon," she whispered. "Either the Captain or the boy would have been happy to fill your bed." She held the berry to the Dragon's lips. Bane opened her mouth and bit the fruit. Matayla leaned forward, her voice lower and sexier, "You could have had me." 

The Queen's voice was warm on Bane's face as she finished feeding the berry to the warrior. She pressed her wet fingers to the warrior's lips, allowing the Dragon to suck the juice from them. The Dragon's tongue twirled around Matayla's long fingers, sucking them softly with a glint in her eyes. Her dark eyes never left Matayla's face. She watched as the tip of Matayla's tongue darted over her pink lips. The corner of Bane's lip curled and the warrior settled into one of the balcony chairs. "Why don't you show me what I could have had?"

Matayla felt a chill dart down her back. Bane's words were not a request. The Queen heard the command in the warrior's tone. Bane was watching the tall woman expectantly. It was clear from the expression on Bane's face that she had no doubt Matayla would obey. She nibbled on the fruit, waiting for Matayla to disrobe. Matayla felt her hands trembling. It had been a long time since anyone had dared to give the Queen an order. She wanted to refuse. She was appalled to find her hands at the ties to the robe, her quivering fingers undoing the knots that held it together. She tried to tell them to stop, but Bane's green eyes held her captive. She shrugged her shoulders and let the wisp of material fall onto the ground.

She pushed the thin straps of the gown off her shoulders, allowing the bodice to sag, revealing more of her full breasts and pink nipples. She pushed down, revealing her hard stomach. Her breasts sprang free, standing firm in the cool night air. Her nipples puckered under the warrior's gaze and the chilled wind whipping around her body. The gown fell down her hips as soon as she released the material. It formed a puddle around her feet and she stepped out of it.

Bane's eyes trailed up the Queen's long legs, lingering on the light colored bush at the apex of Matayla's thighs. Bane finished the fruit and allowed her eyes to trace the blonde's heavy breasts. She nodded in appreciation, setting the plate to the side. She rose and crossed to the trembling Queen. She trailed her fingers lightly over Matayla's pale shoulder, gliding down to the full breast. Her fingertips circled the nipple, watching as it tightened more. Matayla gasped and groaned softly, pushing into Bane's touch.

Bane's soft caress suddenly ended, clamping tightly on the hard nipple. She pinched tightly, tugging and twisting. A soft noise of pain escaped Matayla's throat as her body arched into the sharp, thrilling sensation. She tried to read the Dragon's face, but Bane expression was stoic and gave away nothing. Her green eyes were as dark as the Forest that surrounded three sides of the palace. Her mouth did not move into a frown or a smile as she squeezed tighter. Matayla whimpered, her knees weakening. Bane twirled the stiff nipple sharply and Matayla yelped. Bane broke the contact but immediately bent to rub a soothing tongue over the hard, throbbing breast. Matayla's whine faded into a soft moan of pleasure. She placed her hand behind Matayla's head, holding it in place as Bane's mouth sucked in more of her globe.

Just as the sweet sensations started washing through Matayla, Bane changed the pace again. Her teeth clamped hard on the already sensitive nipple. Matayla cried out again, her fingers knotting in the warrior's hair. She tried to pull Bane off, but Bane's teeth tightened on the nub, their sharp edges digging into the tender flesh. Matayla felt her skin stretch as she tried to free herself from Bane's hot, terrible mouth.

When Matayla thought she was no longer going to be able to tolerate the pain, Bane's teeth released her and began suckling softly once more. The warrior's hand came up and gripped Matayla's other breast tightly in her palm. She squeezed and massaged roughly, avoiding contact with the nipple. Matayla pushed herself into Bane, knowing that pain would come again but unable to relinquish the exquisite pleasure racing through her body in delicious currents. She moaned, trying to twist her body to force Bane's long, talented fingers to come into contact with the sensitive bud of her dry breast, but Bane easily avoided giving into the Queen's desires.

She clenched the full globe tightly, her fingertips biting into the soft flesh. She twisted the whole breast with her fingers, using enough force that they both knew the Queen would have bruises tomorrow. Matayla gave bruises, she didn't receive them, but she could not find it in herself to ask the warrior to stop. She wanted the pleasure Bane's soothing tongue offered and the pain the sharp nails digging into her soft flesh promised. 

Bane's fingers finally closed over the straining nipple as her mouth left the other breast and moved down the Queen's flat stomach. She pinched and pulled until tears formed in Matayla's eyes. She dipped her tongue into Matayla's navel, and then stood, pulling her hand and her mouth away. Matayla whimpered as Bane stepped away, watching breathlessly as the warrior walked back into the Queen's chambers. Helpless to do otherwise, Matayla meekly followed the warrior. 

Bane stopped at the foot of the bed and turned to watch as Matayla closed the distance with small steps. The Queen's breasts were red and the faint scratches bubbled on the pale flesh. Bane inhaled deeply, catching the scent of Matayla's arousal. Matayla reached for Bane, wanting to remove the warrior's clothing and roll together on the big bed with the velvet cover. Matayla wanted to see Bane's naked body and worship it with her hands and mouth. Before her hands could close over the warrior's arms though, Bane roughly grabbed Matayla and hurled her face first on the bed. Before Matayla could turn over and watch the warrior, Bane gripped the Queen's hips and yanked backward, forcing the lady into a kneeling position with her bottom in the air. 

Bane smacked each of Matayla's white cheeks with an open palm, and then pushed her trousers down her legs. She climbed onto the bed on her knees, her hand forcing Matayla's face into the pillows. Bane gripped her hand around the faux penis and glided the length of it between Matayla's slick lips. Matayla gasped is surprise, her hips bucking backwards. Bane placed the head of the shaft at Matayla's entrance and drove it into the Queen's channel. Matayla groaned with pleasure and Bane began thrusting in and out, the warrior's thighs slapping against Matayla as she quickened her tempo. Matayla moaned with pleasure, thrusting back to meet Bane's powerful thrusts. For a moment, the only sound in the room was Matayla's harsh breathing, punctuated by her trembling groans of pleasure, and the slapping sounds of Bane's hips pounding the Queen as she drove the rod in and out of the tight, wet canal.

Matayla's hands gripped the coverlet on the bed, the pillows muffling her screams as Bane's hips pistoned more violently. Matayla writhed on the bed, trying to find relief. At Bane's angle of entry, the thick, long shaft was driving in and out of Matayla's opening but was not brushing the throbbing button at the point. No matter how the Queen moved, Bane answered with a slight shift of her hips that kept the intensity at the same level. Bane was not breathing hard. She had not even broken a sweat. She could go for hours, wearing Matayla into a helpless bundle without allowing the Queen release.

Knowing that Bane was using her body as a weapon, Matayla reached between her legs to touch her own nub. Before she could reach it, Bane grabbed the Queen's wrist and pulled it behind her back, pinning it there. Pain shot through the Queen's arm as Bane twisted the limb into an immobile position. She moved to apply more pressure, forcing Matayla into a totally helpless pose as the warrior pounded the smooth cane deeper. Matayla was sobbing, unable to form the words to plead for release. Bane kept pushing, making no effort to relieve the bomb building inside of Matayla. 

Every nerve was alive in Matayla's body. She could feel the length of the tube moving in and out of her, building the charge but not igniting the fire. Her breasts and sensitive nipples brushed against the velvet cover, sending electrical shocks through her body. She could feel Bane's strong thighs moving against her. Tears were streaming down her face. She never knew pleasure could be so intense that it would bring pain, but the pain of no release was controlling her now. Bane leaned forward, her voice low as she growled in Matayla's ear. "What do you want?"

Matayla could not answer right away. She licked her lips and her mouth moved wordlessly. Bane tangled her fingers in Matayla's hair, tugging violently and repeating her command. "Please," Matayla sobbed.

"Please, what?" Bane barked without slowing her hips.

"Give me release," Matayla pleaded.

"The girl is mine."

"Yes, yes. Anything! Just please, finish me!"

Bane gripped Matayla's hips in her hands, lifting the woman from the bed as she continued driving deep. The new position allowed Bane to slam against Matayla's button as she thrust forward. She paused to grind against the nub, rotating her hips as she pushed against Matayla's pelvis. Matayla groaned as Bane changed her method of sweet torture. The shift in tempo and position increased the intensity. Matayla felt her pulse increase as delicious quivers started exploding deep in her womb. She forgot everything but the sensations washing over her as her body crested the first peak. She screamed into the pillow as Bane kept going, pushing her to a second peak. Matayla was accustomed to stopping after her first and the pain that flushed through her as Bane drove deep to launch a third blinded Matayla. 

Bane pulled out of Matayla, allowing the Queen to collapse in exhaustion. The warrior wiped the shaft dry using the velvet cover. She sat down on the settee and resumed snacking on the fruit and crackers, her strong legs stretched out in front of her. When she had eaten her fill, she pulled a thin dagger from a hidden sheath in her trousers. She turned the blade in her hand, watching the light of the candles glisten on the metal. As she rotated the blade, she found her eyes reflected in the silver surface. She stopped, momentarily hypnotized by the cold green orbs staring back at her. She couldn't remember the last time she had really looked at herself. For a breath, she didn't recognize the person staring back at her in the mirror of the knife.

Thankfully, Matayla disturbed the silence a few moments later with a low, long groan. Bane quickly took the blade and tucked it beneath the cushions of the divan. She slid it in the crease between the base of the chair and the arm. Matayla shifted on the bed as she regained consciousness, rolling to her back. She lay there for a long moment, feeling the delicious fatigue in her muscles. The Queen stretched, surprised at the soreness she felt from the warrior's brutal pumping. She smiled as the memory of the three intense climaxes. Her womb felt empty with the absence of Bane's thick weapon. With a contented smile on her face, Matayla rose from the soft bed. Her legs immediately gave out and she sank to her knees. The Dragon never looked at the Queen. Matayla crawled toward the Dragon, a hungry look in the blue eyes focused on the bulge beneath the black trousers.

The Queen reached Bane and stretched her neck forward to touch her mouth to the outline of the shaft. Bane immediately pushed Matayla away. "Where is the girl?"

"Being punished," Matayla answered with a short tone, reaching again with her mouth for the rod that had given her such pleasure. 

Bane pushed the Queen away and stood. "Take me to her."

Matayla sat back, feeling anger brew inside her. She had given herself to the warrior and in return the Dragon had given her the most incredible pleasure she could remember. She was humiliated to know that Bane had only used her to obtain access to the girl. "She won't go with you," the Queen spat.

Bane looked down at the kneeling ruler and raised her eyebrow. "Why is that?"

"She'll share your bed if I tell her to, but she won't leave with you," Matayla announced as she stood. She reached for her robe, wrapping it around her shoulders. She didn't want the warrior to see how much her pride burned. She silently tied the stays, keeping her back to Bane. Bane quietly waited for Matayla to continue. "She won't leave the palace."

Bane caught the wording of Matayla's statement. The girl would not leave the palace, she would leave the Queen. Bane heard the hidden message. "Take me to her," the warrior ordered again as she rose.

Matayla looked at the warrior with dark hatred in her crystal eyes. She felt turmoil. She hated the Dragon and everything for which the warrior stood. She despised the way that Bane had casually brushed her away. The look she had seen in the girl's eyes disturbed the Queen. For the first time, Matayla was unsure of her total control over the slave she had taken when she had ridden into the kingdom. The Dragon might be charismatic enough to convince the girl to try to escape. A smile lightly touched the Queen's lips. The girl could try. She would never succeed.

Matayla also detested Bane for the way her body felt just looking at the powerful warrior. Her intimate parts were sore from the brutal ride that Bane had just taken, yet her inner walls throbbed with the desire to experience Bane's raw passion once more. She wanted to see Bane's small, firm breasts and feel the faux penis sliding in and out of her lips once more. She could feel moisture forming at the thought. She tingled in desire. Her hands untied the robe again and she walked toward Bane. "Why do you want the girl so badly? I can satisfy you so much more."

Bane expression did not change as the Queen closed the distance. She admired Matayla's pale body, the nipples standing at attention, the flush of anticipation on her skin. Bane only had a moment to appreciate the finer features of Matayla's figure. The Queen stepped close, capturing warrior's left arm between her full breasts, teasing the warrior with the hard nipples. Her breath was warm on Bane's face. "Let me please you," she whispered, sliding her hand up the inside of Bane's thigh and over the hard phallus. "Let me make you quiver."

Bane turned her head, watching Matayla's inviting red lips move. She did not resist when the Queen's hand slid upward, pushing the heavy tunic off of the warrior's stomach. Bane lifted her arms, allowing Matayla to remove the top. Matayla stepped back to admire the warrior's small breasts, but her hands longed to touch them. She didn't even notice the burn scar. Matayla rolled the nipples between her thumb and forefinger. Bane watched the long fingers on her breasts, but her expression still remained stoic. Frustrated with the lack of response from Bane, Matayla untied the laces at the crotch of Bane's trousers. She pushed the leggings down until they gathered at the warrior's feet. Kneeling in front of Bane, Matayla looked at the phallus, studying it with her eyes. She leaned forward and licked it, feeling the smooth, hard material with her tongue. 




Waking the Dragon Ch. 04



Matayla was not accustomed to being on her knees for anyone. She didn't take any of her lovers with her mouth. She couldn't resist being on her knees for Bane. Even if the Dragon didn't have the hard weapon strapped to her waist, Matayla had a feeling she would be begging to have her tongue in the warrior's canal. She was ashamed and angry at her actions, but she wrapped her lips around the head of the faux penis, gliding her tongue over the marble until the head hit the back of her throat. 

Bane's fingers came down and combed through the Queen's long, blonde hair. Matayla could feel the intense green eyes on her. Blue eyes met the dark ones, seeking for some primal connection. Bane's fingers clenched violently, tugging on Matayla's hair as she thrust her hips forward, driving the hard shaft deep into the Queen's throat. Matayla's eyes widened as the phallus filled her air passage. She tried to pull away, but Bane held the woman's head in place, not allowing Matayla to escape. Bane promptly reached down and pinched Matayla's nose closed, watching as the Queen struggled to capture air. The shaft in her air passage kept any oxygen from reaching her heaving lungs. Her hands came up to grip Bane's hips, trying to push the Dragon away but too weak to do so. Instead, Bane started pumping her hips, sliding the large dowel in and out of Matayla's esophagus. Matayla struggled to inhale each time that Bane pulled back.

Bane seemed to recognize the moment that Matayla could not last a moment longer. She pulled out and took a step back. Matayla fell forward to her hands and knees, struggling to replenish the oxygen she had lost. Bane sat down on the divan again, leaning back as she watched the ice goddess melting. Bane's strong hand came down and started stroking the damp rod. The Queen lifted her eyes to focus on the Dragon's hand. She gazed at the hand moving up and down and wanted to feel the shaft inside her again. She struggled to her feet and moved to the Dragon. She put her knees on either side of the warrior and eased herself onto Bane's lap. Bane held the shaft steady, watching as Matayla positioned her opening over the head. Matayla lowered herself slowly, her pink lips stretching around the thick rod until her pelvis hit against Bane's.

Bane put her hands around Matayla's waist, lifted the Queen, and then slammed the small body back down. Matayla groaned in pleasure as the sensation radiated through her body. She took over the motion, lifting and sinking, quickening her pace as she drove the shaft in and out of her tingling channel. Bane sat back, her face still impassive, allowing the Queen to ride until she could no longer control her body. Matayla drove harder and harder, her hips pumping the shaft in and out until she exploded again in sweet pleasure. 

Bane shoved the woman away as soon as she had regained her bearings. "Clean me up," the Dragon barked. Matayla settled immediately on her knees again, licking the residue of her pleasure from the shaft. As soon as she finished, Bane stood, pulling her trousers over her hips. She tied them and pulled her tunic over her shoulders. "Take me to the girl," she snapped.

Defeated, Matayla stood. "Stay with me, Dragon. Rule with me," she pleaded, though she knew it was a fruitless effort. She was furious now that she had agreed to give the girl to the Dragon. She needed someone who could take her frustration. She needed to hurt someone. She wanted to hurt the girl, but the girl would be spending the night with the Dragon. Angrily, she reached for her robe.

Bane grabbed her wrist, fire in her green eyes. "Naked." Matayla trembled as she stared at Bane before reluctantly dropping the robe to the ground. Bane gripped Matayla's upper arm, shoving her toward the door. "Let's go."



Waking the Dragon Ch. 05



Matayla stumbled, but quickly regained her steps and led the warrior down the dark, quiet halls. They stepped outside into the brisk night air. The girl was suspended from a gallows on a small ledge. Her arms were stretched above her head, the rope looped around her wrists and tied to the crossbar. The balls of her feet barely touched the cold, sharp rocks below. She was naked except for a black hood that completely covered her face. There were no holes for eyes, nose, or mouth. The wolf was on guard at her feet, keeping the posted solider away from the girl. The animal growled low as Matayla entered, and only relaxed slightly when Bane followed.

The soldier blanched when he saw Matayla with no clothing. He quickly looked away, mumbling, "Your Highness."

"What is this animal doing here?" Matayla demanded, striding across the area without looking at the solider. 

"It's been quite a bother, Mistress. It hasn't let any of us get close enough to her to carry out the rest of her punishment."

Bane passed Matayla, pulling a rapier from the belt at her waist. She cut the rope with one swipe, holding one arm around the girl as she collapsed forward. The girl slumped against Bane's shoulder, mumbling deliriously. Bane whispered soft assurances to the girl, scooping her into secure arms. The warrior glared at the Queen as she walked away. The wolf followed, staying close to Bane's heels as she marched to her bedroom. "Bring food and water to my chambers," she barked as she passed Gryph but she did not slow down until she gently laid the girl on her bed. Her fingers worked the hood open, peeling it away from the girl's face. 

Bane tucked the girl into the bed, covering her with the warm blankets. Her skin had a chill to it and Bane did everything she could to raise the temperature. She added blankets to the bed and stoked a fire in the mantle in the corner. She bent and touched her lips to the girl's, giving her a slow kiss. After a moment, the girl shifted and began returning the kiss. She opened to the warrior and Bane slipped her tongue between the girl's lips. The girl brought her hand up and rested it on Bane's cheek, tilting her head so that Bane could delve deeper with her talented tongue.

They didn't break the kiss until Gryph came into the room. Bane wiped the girl's face, gave her water to drink, and forced her to eat some of the fruit and cheese that the servant boy brought. When she finished, Bane undressed and curled close to the girl, sharing the warmth of her body. "Lilith," the Dragon said. "My name is Lilith." The girl smiled, but did not say anything. Bane stroked her matted hair away from her pale face. "The Queen said you would not leave with me. Why?"

The girl laid in silence, her breath warming Bane's neck. "She holds my father captive. I accept my punishment to prevent her from hurting him."

Bane contemplated the girl's words for a few moments, listening to the chirping of crickets outside. "Why does she keep your father?"

"Because he was the King," the girl answered without hesitation.

Bane sat up, looking down at the girl. "You are the Princess?" 

The girl sat up, laying her fingertips against the warrior's lips. "I don't remember what it is like to be a Princess. I was just a child when Matayla took our palace and our kingdom and my innocence."

Bane lay back, her eyes focused on the ceiling in the dark. "Are you certain your father is still alive?" the warrior quizzed.

The girl waited so long to answer that Bane suspected she had fallen asleep. "He must be. If he were dead, I would have no reason to survive."

Bane knew about survival. She also knew about lost innocence. At that moment, she hated Matayla with more intensity than she had hated anyone since the day she had fled Nyte. She only had to close her eyes to remember the sound of the dogs baying. She could smell the fires burning. Nyte's words burned in her ears. "Run, my precious, run far and run hard."

"I was eight," Bane said into the darkness. "We were merchants and lived out of our wagon. Highwaymen robbed us, raped my mother, and killed them both. I was spared because I was hiding in the woods."

Tiny Lilith had cowered in the woods for three days, fearful that the highwaymen would return. She had been wasted to nearly nothing when Lord Donnellson's carriage had come upon the smoking remains of the wagon. Donnellson's men had rummaged through the wreckage. Lady Donnellson had moved about the edge of the clearing, her crisp eyes sweeping the woods. Lady Donnellson had been the one to spot the little girl trembling in the bushes. The Donnellson's had taken the little girl to the castle and cared for her as the child they had been unable to have.

No amount of time would erase from Bane's memory the first time that her eyes had met Lady Donnellson's. There had been an instant connection between the child and the woman. Lady's eyes had been gray, her smile welcoming, and her arms warm. Their bond had been deeper than any mother and child could be. As Bane's had grown, Lady had revealed to the girl that she had once been a member of the elite fighting force known as the Dragons. A tattoo on Lady's breast displayed a dragon wrapped around a dark moon. The dark moon was symbolic of Lady's warrior name, Nyte. Lilith had caressed the tattoo, studying every tiny detail of the artwork. 

As the years stretched, Lilith continued to be fascinated by the tattoo. Nyte had taught Lilith the skills of the Dragon and Dracona's Law. During times of mediation, Lilith had returned her focus to the tattoo. Her fingers danced and caressed over the intricate work. But as the girl had passed the teenage years, her attention had shifted from the tattoo to Lady's stiff nipple. Under Lady's quiet encouragement, Lilith had finally taken the nipple in her mouth and suckled it. 

"That's it, my precious," Lady had whispered, stroking Lilith's cheek with her soft fingertips. "Use your tongue, too." Lilith had been powerless to do anything but obey Lady's hypnotic voice. She had used her tongue to rub against the hard bud, circling the rough areola and smooth skin as she tried to draw nourishment from the dry breast. Lady bowed her head and watched the young girl's lips quietly. 

Lady had opened the girl's tunic, revealing the firm, pale breasts of a young woman. She had rubbed her thumbs over Lilith's nipples until Lilith had moaned softly. The vibration of the moan sent gentle waves through Lady's skin, causing the noblewoman to tremble. "Go to the other breast, my love," Lady ordered softly as she slid her hands down to Lilith's slim hips.

Bane minded the heated words, trailing her mouth over to Lady's other breast. She clamped her teeth around the rigid bloom, thrilled with the sensation that Lady's sounds of pleasure shot through her awakening body. She fastened her teeth harder, tugging, no longer following orders. She moved on instinct as Lady offered herself to the hungry mouth.

Lady reached down and began rubbing Lilith through the tight leathers that the girl wore. Lilith began rocking her hips in time to Lady's firm stroking between her legs. She latched onto Lady's breast, concentrating all her pleasure on that tender spot. The woman and girl were both breathless, switching between moans and gasps. There were few words. Lady gave soft commands but Lilith said nothing.

Lilith shuddered and jerked away when Lady's rubbing built her body into a fever. She trembled and cried out in surprise and pleasure. Her eyes widened. Lady smiled, massaging faster and harder until another wave crashed over the girl. Lady sat on the edge of the bed and opened her thighs, sliding her fingers between her slick lips as she watched the girl experience her first and second sexual peak. 

As Lilith recovered, she began to watch Lady's fingers as they moved in and out of her pink nether lips. Lilith settled on her knees, scooting close so she could watch. Lady held open her swollen lips so Lilith could see the swollen bud and wet channel inside. Lilith leaned forward, not waiting for a command from Lady before she lapped lightly against the nub. Lady moaned, lying back on the bed as Lilith's tongue began moving quicker. She rode the waves that Lilith's quick tongue created, unable to form any sounds of encouragement. 

Lilith didn't need words or instruction. She knew what to do. Her tongue was a powerful tool, silencing her partner and forcing her to submit to the intense gratification. Lilith's tongue curled and thrust into the tight canal, pumping in and out rapidly, forcing Lady's crests higher and higher. Lady locked her thighs around Lilith's head and pushed into the girl's talented tongue, begging silently for completion. Inexperienced Lilith even seemed to know how to prolong Lady's journey. Lady held on as long as she could before giving herself to the mindless explosions that rocked through her body.

Lilith laid her head on Lady's stomach, feeling the aftershocks as they radiated through the woman's body. Lady gently stroked Lilith's sweaty hair. "You shall be the Bane of my existence, my precious."

Lilith's new education began that night. During the day, Lady continued to train the girl in the ways of the Dragon. At night, Lilith learned how to touch all of Lady's buttons. She learned to use her tongue to make Lady moan and quiver. Lady even taught her how to use the thick phallus as a weapon on other women. 

Then darkness had descended and Lord Donnellson had been killed in battle. Lady and Lilith had defended their home as best they could without revealing that they were Dragons. Their enemies, an order known as Hydras, hated the Dragons. Revealing their knowledge would guarantee death for them both. Their home had been taken over by a violent man known as Kel. Kel had forced himself on Lady, tying her to the bed and pounding her repeatedly. Lilith had struggled to go to Lady's aid but two massive guards had held the young woman in place. When Lilith had finally managed to break free, she had climbed on the Kel's back, scratching and clawing with all her fury. He had effortlessly thrown her against the wall, knocking her unconscious. The guards had imprisoned her in a dark, damp cell for two weeks. When he had finally released Lilith, Lady had been a broken woman. 

Lilith had become a slave to Kel and his men. He had treated her as nothing more than a possession. He had ordered her branded with the Hydra symbol, a coiled serpent with two heads. Lilith had screamed as the red hot iron had pressed into her flesh. She had twisted as the brand had pressed, so the shape was never perfect. Lady had been forced to watch. The warrior inside the noblewoman had been infuriated but incapacitated to do anything in retaliation. She had lovingly nursed Lilith's wound as it healed, Lady's soft tongue washing away the memories as the brand became scar.

Kel had not discovered the truth about Lady for sometime. Lady continued Lilith's training whenever they could get away from Kel and the guards' watchful eyes. Kel had not learned the truth by finding Lady and Lilith in combat. Instead, he discovered Lady's shrine to Dracona. When he had realized that Lady was a Dragon, Lady had arranged for Lilith's escape. "Run, my precious, run far and run hard."

Lilith had obeyed, knowing that Lady would be captured. The punishment for being a Dragon was death by fire. The young woman had lingered in the woods, watching from a rise as Kel had tied Nyte to a pole and lit the byre beneath her. Lilith had run hard, determined not to think of the pain Lady experienced in death. The young warrior had attempted to join the royal service. She wanted to lead an attack on Hydra. She couldn't bring Nyte back to life, but she could reclaim her mentor's world. 

Unfortunately, Bane's single-mindedness had been her downfall in the royal service. She had been dismissed. Lilith had taken the name Bane and roamed by herself, avenging Nyte's death with every injustice she encountered.

No longer a child, she had infiltrated Kel's army. She rose quickly in his ranks and attracted his attention. He wanted to bed her and she had allowed him, knowing the closer she could get to the evil man the easier it would be to kill him. 

She had become Kel's lover, waiting for the appropriate moment to destroy his whole empire. The night the fall had begun, she had killed him in bed and torched Lady's palace. She had cried as she watched Lady and Lord Donnellson's beautiful home burn, but not until she had taken advantage of the chaos and panic surrounding the fire. None of Kel's guards had escaped the grounds with their life.



Waking the Dragon Ch. 06



The sun filtered through the window as it crested over the cliffs as Bane finished reliving her story. The girl slept close to Bane, calmly tucked against the warrior's side. Bane dropped a kiss on the girl's head and untangled herself from the blankets and walked over to the balcony, peering over the grounds. She wanted to rescue the girl. Bane knew about having her freedom snatched. She had seen her mother-figure, her best friend, her teacher, and her lover turned into a slave. Bane had been unable to rescue Nyte. She had been too weak. Now, she was strong. She could save the Princess from this life, but first she had to save the King.

Along the cliffs, a solider picked his way through the narrow path toward the entrance of the same cave she had watched yesterday. He carried a full sack and disappeared into the yawning mouth of darkness. 

Soft lips touched her back and a warm arm snaked around her waist. She sighed softly, leaning into the caress. Teeth scraped against her earlobes, sending delicious sensations radiating through her body. She turned her head toward the teasing embrace, her lips parted as she attempted to reach the girl. The girl met her halfway, pressing her mouth and body into the warrior. Bane turned, holding the girl's face in both of her hands so she could deepen the kiss. Bane sucked lightly on the girl's upper lip before sliding her tongue into the welcoming mouth. The girl closed her mouth around the invading tongue as it explored. It tickled lightly behind her teeth, sparking shivers in her body.

The warrior left the Princess's mouth, moving over her cheek and gliding down her neck. She encountered the metal collar circling the girl's throat and growled low in frustration. She pulled back, eyeing the band of silver. She worked her fingers over it, searching for a clasp. "I want this off when I make love to you, Princess," she grumbled.

"It's solid," the Princess answered, closing the short distance between them. She put her arms around Bane's shoulders, her pert breasts pressed against the warrior's. She bowed her head, her rough tongue circling Bane's nipples. Bane moaned softly, holding the back of the Princess's head to keep the warm mouth in place. The girl opened wide, covering as much of the firm flesh of Bane's breast as she could. Her lips massaged lightly as her tongue rubbed over the nipple. Teeth scraped against sensitive flesh causing Bane to release a soft sound of pleasure. 

Bane remained steady for as long as she could. She closed her eyes and ran her fingers over the Princess's soft flesh. The girl's mouth was hungry as it focused on the warrior's supple breast. The girl's tongue created such a strong stirring in Bane's body that she could no longer tolerate the teasing, swirling instrument. The warrior pulled away, holding the girl's upper arms with her strong fingers. She pushed, effortlessly tossing the slight girl onto the bed. Bane followed immediately, straddling the girl as she crawled onto the soft mattress. Her mouth traced the girl's nipples and danced down her ribcage. The warrior's strong arms pushed beneath the girl's thighs, opening her nether lips to the Dragon's hot mouth. She teased and prodded, avoiding the girl's swollen nub. The tip of her tongue circled it, but did not touch. The girl twisted, trying to bring herself into contact with the skipping probe.

The girl was whimpering as she struggled, her hips moving in a constant motion as Bane continued to tease playfully. Bane anticipated each movement of the girl and managed to counter it. Soon, the Princess was breathlessly begging for release. Bane continued her torment, pausing at the bud, flicking it, pressing it, and then moving away. The pleasure inside the girl built with each touch. She squirmed and moaned, her insides tightening in anticipation. Bane waited until she thought the girl could tolerate no more. The Princess's body was flushed and tense with anticipation as Bane focused her attention fully on the nub. She began lapping roughly on it, not wavering from the spot. Her tongue rubbed it, swirled over it, and brushed it. Her teeth scratched and bit. Her lips massaged. The Princess cried out as wave after wave of pleasure washed over her.

The Dragon suddenly stopped her relentless attack, extending herself above the girl. Her face was focused on something other than the Princess. The girl reached up, trying to draw the warrior back into her arms. Bane pulled away, sitting up beside her lover. "I know where your father is."

The Princess sat up, her eyes wide with surprise. Bane thought she saw a glimmer of hope in the slave's expression. "What?"

"I know where your father is." Bane went to the balcony and looked at the cliffs again, her eyes finding the cave where the soldier had disappeared. Her mind immediately began formulating a plan. 

"What are you going to do?" the girl demanded.

"I don't know," she stated, turning away from the window and looking at the small woman in her bed. "Somehow, I'll free him, and then I'll come for you. There is a dagger in the Queen's chamber. I hid it in the cushions of the settee. When the time is right, use it."

"How will I know the right time?" she questioned, her brows drawn together.

"When you remember your name," the warrior whispered. Bane sat down on the end of the bed, taking the girl's hand and kissing her fingers as she thought of her answer. "You must wait at least twenty-four hours. I have to have time to free your father and get him to a safe place. What will the reaction be here when they discover that he is missing?"

"They'll go crazy. No one has defied Matayla since she took the throne from my father. There will be no question that you did it."

"Will Matayla take out her anger on you?"

The Princess lowered her eyes, not wanting to hinder Bane's strategy. If the warrior was concerned about her, the Dragon might falter in her attempt to free the King. "Yes," she finally answered, unable to lie to her lover. Bane sat back, thoughtfully rubbing her chin. The Princess pushed forward, gripping Bane's hand tightly. "I'm tough. She can't hurt me."

"My brave girl," Bane muttered, reaching up to caress the Princess's face. "She can hurt you, and that would hurt me."

"Free my father," the girl pleaded. "Don't worry about me. I would rather die and know that he is free. If you can free him, then Matayla can be defeated. The people will rally behind my father. They will rebel against her. Lead them well, my love." 

Bane roughly gripped the girl's shoulders, pulling the small body against her for a long, hard, rough kiss. Bane broke the kiss with force, stepping out of arm's reach of the girl. The warrior turned her attention to the wolf as she finished gathering her belongings. "What about you?"

The wolf looked at Bane. The animal had been the warrior's companion for many years. The wolf had fought alongside the Dragon and nursed the warrior when necessary. The animal went to the Princess's side, laying her soft muzzle in the woman's lap. The girl ran her hands over the gray fur. Bane chuckled softly. "Traitor," she grumbled good-naturedly. Bane shifted her eyes to the girl. "I'll go now, before the whole palace is up."

"Please, be careful," the Princess pleaded, pausing her stroking of the wolf's head to scratch behind the pointed ears. 

Bane nodded, staring at her lover as she stood at the doorway. She felt the pain of the words they did not speak, but she could not bring herself to express the deep emotions burning inside her heart and gut. With a deep breath, the warrior left the room, cautiously moving out of the palace. She raced across the open courtyard and faded into the tree line while the girl watched from the window. The girl offered a prayer to Dracona for her lover before returning to the bed. She decided to lay there until Matayla came for her. She wouldn't face the Queen until she was forced to do so. She didn't want to have to face her tormentor while she was worried about Bane. She didn't want to give anything away. She felt confident that she could feign ignorance but she didn't want to test that theory until she absolutely had to.

Bane crept among the trees as she neared the path leading to the caves, her eyes darting between the trail above her and the palace. She used the window from her bedroom for a reference point and didn't allow herself to admit that she hoped to see the Princess there watching. The girl had disappeared as soon as the warrior had slipped into the brush. Bane used her ears to tell her if there was any danger. Once she reached the cliffs, there would not be many places to hide. Her sword rested comfortably against her spine. She could have it and her shield in her hands in the blink of an eye, but she still gripped a rapier in her right hand. Her left hand trailed along the rocks as she moved. 

She paused as she reached the entrance of the path to the caves. She knew from watching the soldier that the trail meandered. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to draw the map in her head. She would help no one if she became lost on the escarpment. With the picture in her head, she began the slow ascent up the path. She still used the palace as a marker but she no longer thought of the girl. She paused behind every outcropping of rocks to search the path ahead of her and review the path behind. She weaved along the track, barely breathing as she focused on her task. 

When the entrance to the cave came into view, she knelt behind a large boulder, watching the dark, yawning cavern. She closed her eyes again, pulling herself into a single focus. She imagined the inside of the grotto. It would be dark after twenty-five feet. The sun was not at an angle that would penetrate deep inside the prison. There would be firelight wherever the guard was stationed. He would not be expected to sit at his post in the dark. That would benefit her. She could lurk in the shadows and access the situation. For the guard, this was grunt duty. He wouldn't be the best fighter in Matayla's army. He would be bored and annoyed at being assigned this task. He would be unprepared to face a challenge. No one who had drawn this duty had ever had to defend his post. 

Bane tried to picture beyond the guard. She wanted to see where the King was held but she couldn't draw the image in her mind. She wanted to be in and out quickly. She tried to penetrate the darkness of the cave but did not see anything beyond the guard. 

She twirled the grip of the rapier in her hand before tightening her fingers. She didn't want to have to battle the guard. If the rapier could do the job, she could move much quicker. She lifted her eyes to the sky. The sun was high in the sky. She didn't need to pull the King out until darkness descended. She didn't want to risk anyone from the palace seeing them. Her eyes swept the distant walls, wondering if she had already been spotted by Matayla's men. 

She also knew the guard had just changed. She had time now to get the King someplace safe without someone new checking the prison. With a deep breath, she stepped into the cave, hugging the wall as she moved toward the darkness. The cave branched and she paused, searching both dark hallways with her senses. The guard was on the left branch. She turned to study the right path. She felt a breeze flowing from that direction. She dismissed it and crept down the left hall, moving as quietly as possible. One wrong scuffle would alert the guard of her presence.

When the first flickering glow of the guard's fire began dancing along the wall, Bane stopped again. The guard was sitting at a table lit by candles. His arms were crossed and his head hung forward as he dozed. Bane turned the rapier till she gripped the blade. Her eyes measured the steps to the guard before she flicked her wrist and sent the weapon sailing through the air.

The guard heard the whistling noise and lifted his head, turning toward the sound. The sharp point landed between his eyes. Bane's body was following the spinning knife, her sword raised. A half second after the tip of the rapier embedded itself into the guard's young brain, the sword slashed through his tunic and chest. He collapsed onto the table, blood pooling into the floor at his feet. Bane pulled the knife free as she walked through the light. She grabbed a candle and marched toward the darkness. 

"Who's there?" a rough voice called out as the circle of light moved forward. The warrior remained silent as she stepped toward the voice. The glow fell on bars. A man stood pressed against the metal. He squinted and blinked rapidly as he adjusted to the sudden light. "Who are you?"

"I am a friend of your daughter's, your Highness." Bane bent to study the lock, and then quickly walked back to the guard's station to find a key. It was clipped to the guard's belt. Bane yanked it free and moved back to the King's cage.

"My daughter is alive?" he breathed quietly as Bane worked the skeleton key in the rusty lock. The door swung open and the King stepped into freedom. "Take me to her," he demanded eagerly.

Bane swung the candle, examining the cave. The cage stretched across a dead end. Bane directed the light to the man. He was pale and his hair was a dignified salt and pepper. She had expected him to be slim and shattered, but he still had a healthy build across his chest and in his arms. The King had not wasted his time in captivity. "Let's go," she ordered, not giving him the answers he desired.

The King stopped as they walked by the guard. His expression did not change as he regarded his tormentor. "Your Highness," Bane said. "We do not have much time."

"We have plenty of time, Dragon," the King said. "Where is my daughter?"

"She is a prisoner, too. I have to get you to safety before I can go for her. Please, sir, let's move."

The King nodded, taking another candle from the table and stepping passed Bane. Bane frowned but followed. They reached the branch and the King examined the walls of the cave in the flickering light. "This way, Dragon," the King ordered, taking the right branch instead of heading toward the exit. "I explored these caves as a child. I knew them as well as I knew my own home. This will take us away from the palace."

Bane trailed the King, pleased that the man's mind had not deteriorated in his confinement. They moved in silence, winding deeper and deeper into the cavern. The King paused periodically to choose paths. He moved the candle along the walls. Bane didn't know what the King was seeking, but she didn't question his decisions. The Dragon rarely put her trust in others, but the King knew what he was doing. The caves wound deep into the bowels of the cliffs. The warrior lost all track of time. When they finally stepped out of the darkness, noon had passed. The sun had started its descent behind the cliffs. The palace was a distant dot on the horizon. The King looked to the warrior. "It's up to you now," he said in his gravelly voice. "I am free. Go to my daughter."

"You are not safe, your Highness." The warrior's eyes searched the landscape. The path looked clear so they moved easily toward the Forest. They skirted the village, moving quickly and effortlessly. The King now trusted his rescuer, following without question through the trees and brush. They marched around fields and crossed the dirt road. 

The field still smoldered as they neared Roane's property. The warrior signaled for the King to wait as they came closer to the warm house. Gwen spotted the Dragon before the warrior could hail the family. She was on the porch sweeping and when she saw Bane crossing the barnyard, she threw her broom down and ran forward. "Dragon! You came back! I knew you would!" She wrapped her arms around the warrior, tears shining in her eyes.

Bane allowed the girl to hug her but did not return the embrace. Roane emerged from the barn. His steps faltered for a moment as his quick, tired eyes scanned the scene. Gwen pulled away, frowning at the warrior who had shown so much tenderness in her bed just a few nights before. Bane saw the farmer making his way across the yard to the trio, his face stern. "Welcome, Dragon. Have you changed directions?"

"Nay," Bane replied. "My friend needs a safe place to rest, a warm meal, and a change of clothes. Can you help us?"

Roane shifted his steely grey eyes to the pasty old man. His clothes were worn thin and a thick, knotted beard hung to the middle of his chest. "It also looks as if you would borrow a razor."

"I would be grateful for your assistance, Sir," the King responded without revealing his identity. "Anything you can do would be appreciated."

Roane shifted his attention back to the warrior. "I owe the Dragon much. Gwen, have your mother prepare for our guests." For a moment, no one moved. "Go, daughter," Roane ordered, his eyes not wavering from the Dragon's face. Gwen whimpered but gathered her skirts and ran into the house. "How much before my debt is repaid, Dragon?"

"This will be a price you will be glad to pay, Roane," the Dragon assured. Bane turned to the King. She gripped his arm and steered him toward the house. Roane returned to the barn. "I think it is best that we keep your identity a secret until we have dealt with Matayla. When I have conquered her, you can announce your presence to the entire world and reclaim your throne."

"I don't care about the throne, Dragon. I want Lara to be with me. Promise me that you'll free her."

"Lara," Bane muttered with a dreamy smile. "Your daughter's name is Lara?"

"I thought she was your friend."

"She is," Bane assured, coming back to her stoic self. "I need to know everything you know about Matayla and the castle grounds in order to best plan Lara's rescue."

The King stared into the distance, but the warrior knew he wasn't seeing Roane's fields and the surrounding Forest. He was looking at the past. "I often wished that Matayla had just killed us. Instead, she broke us. She forced us to watch as she allowed her soldiers to take Lara. My wife died of a broken heart. They separated me from Lara. It was torture. They took me to the dark cave. I wanted to die, but they wouldn't let me." He shook his head. "No, Dragon, it is too dangerous. You must rescue Lara and flee. No one can defeat Matayla alone."

The backdoor flew open and young Jem burst onto the porch, calling for his father. He stopped halfway down the steps, turning to look at the duo standing at the railing. "Dragon, thank goodness you are here. The Queen has gone mad! She has ordered every building to be burned. Her troops are already marching toward the village with torches."

"The people will follow a good leader, Dragon," the King assured. "You can rally them and lead them to victory."

"I will fight alongside you!" Jem exclaimed. "The people are ready for Matayla to be gone."

Bane looked at the King. "I will go with you," the man insisted.

"No. You must stay here where you are safe. I am not a leader. I'm a warrior. I can lead in battle, but the people will need someone to lead the kingdom." 

Bane walked down the steps to meet Roane as the old man emerged from the barn. "I will need a horse."

In moments, Bane raced across the fields on a gray steed. Jem followed, determined to show the Dragon that he was a capable warrior. As they galloped toward the palace, villagers watched their passing. Men grabbed their courage and followed, some on horseback and some carrying weapons, but all determined to reclaim the kingdom from Matayla. 

The band met Matayla's troops in the village as the butcher shop and blacksmith's forge burned around them. Bane gave a rallying cry and chaos erupted, the villagers pulling troops from their mounts, wrestling weapons free, and driving the sharp blades into their enemies. The angry mob pushed the Guard until the soldiers fled in terror.




Waking the Dragon Ch. 06



From the palace, Matayla only saw the rising smoke as her orders were fulfilled. When the guards had announced to the Queen that the old man was not in his cell, she had been infuriated. She had struck the messenger and beat him with the crop she reserved for the girl. She had marched to the Dragon's room and not been surprised to find the warrior gone. The wolf had tried to defend the Princess, but Matayla had used Gryph as a decoy. The animal had attacked the servant while Matayla had snatched the girl. 

Captain Eton had stopped the Queen from beating the girl. He had walked into the chambers just as Matayla had raised her fists. The wolf had slipped in behind him and taken up an attack position in front of the girl. Matayla had ordered the village burned until the Dragon and the old man could be found.

Now, she watched from her balcony as her troops attempted to find the Dragon's hiding place. There would be death for anyone found helping the Dragon. The girl huddled in the corner with the wolf at her side. Captain Eton returned to the room and moved to the Queen's side. He stood silently beside her, waiting her next command. The seconds ticked by loudly as they watched the dust rise from the village square. "Kill the girl," Matayla spat. "Her father may have his freedom, but he'll have it knowing the price was his daughter's life."

"Yes, Mistress." Eton pulled his sword from its scabbard and marched into Matayla's chambers. The girl was seated in the floor, the warrior's vicious animal at her side. He reached for the girl's arm, but the animal sprang upward, growling loudly and baring sharp teeth. Eton tried to ignore the animal, closing his fist around the Princess's upper arm. The wolf leapt into the air, closing viselike mandibles around Eton's throat. Eton tried to scream in terror, but the wolf's jaws shut off the flow of air to the Captain's vocal chords. The wolf ripped away, tearing the larynx from the soldier. He collapsed, his hand clasped around his throat. The wolf moved forward for another attack on the guard, but was stopped by Matayla using the broadside of a sword to knock the creature away. 

Matayla raised the weapon over the girl, prepared to bring it down in a slicing motion to remove the girl's head from her shoulders. Before the Queen could lower the sword, a sharp pain pierced her right shoulder blade. She howled, dropping the sword with a clang. She reached over her shoulder and pulled the Dragon's long, thin rapier from the meat of her muscle. The Dragon stood in the doorway with her sword raised over her shoulder. There was a fire in her eyes as she waited for Matayla's retaliation.

Matayla bent and retrieved her own weapon, holding both the sword and the rapier in her hands as she advanced on Bane. "I opened my doors to you, but you took my lover, my captive, and my kingdom. You will not be victorious, Bane." A fierce yell exploded from Matayla's throat and Bane cringed as the memories of that sound rushed through her. "Hydra!" Matayla bellowed, racing across the room with both blades swinging in swirling arcs.

Bane easily met the early blows. Despite Matayla's injury, her power was strong. With two blades to the Dragon's one, she weakened the warrior. The metal of their weapons clanged against each other, echoing through the room. Bane maneuvered among the furniture, constantly retreating. Matayla worked the warrior into a corner and pressed the rapier to the warrior's throat. "You have been bested, Dragon. Now, you're kind will truly be extinct."

Matayla's words stopped short and her eyes bulged. They both looked down as her red robe darkened around a point protruding from her stomach. The metal retreated, and then stabbed forward again. Matayla fell to her knees, gripping her wound. Bane did not look at the dying Queen but at the person wielding the weapon. The Princess stood with the warrior's hidden dagger clutched in her hand. It dripped the red blood of her tormentor. The girl's eyes met the Dragon's. "My name is Lara."

"Yes," Bane whispered, stepping over the corpse as Matayla took a last gasping breath. She took Lara's face in her hands and kissed her savior warmly, slipping her tongue between the girl's lips and into the warm cavern of her mouth.

With Eton and Matayla gone and the people rebelling, the Guard fled with no direction. The people chased them into the Forest, driving them up the cliffs and into the Desert. Confident of victory, Bane pulled Lara onto the steed and returned to Roane's. The wolf stayed at their side. Jem rode beside the warrior, filled with questions about Dracona. Reluctantly, Bane answered the boy's questions. She didn't want the boy to come to harm, but she realized that if the Dragons were to be saved from extinction, she must lead them.

Roane and his wife and daughters came out on the porch as they heard the horses galloping up the front path. Recognizing them, Roane signaled and the King came onto the porch. His eyes latched onto Lara's immediately. Zombie-like, he moved down the steps. Bane stopped the horse in front of the King and helped Lara to dismount. The girl immediately launched herself into her father's arms. 

Lara found Bane in Gwen's room later. Bane was settled into the warm tub and Gwen was scrubbing the warrior's body. The wolf padded in beside the Princess and lay down next to the window. Bane gave Lara a tired smile. "Is your father bedded down for the night?" she asked as the Princess curled onto the bed.

"Yes. Avin owes you an incredible debt, but not as much as my father and I owe. You've given us our freedom and you've given us each other again. How can I ever repay that, Dragon?"

Bane stood, stepping out of the tub. Rivulets of water raced along the lines of her well-defined muscular body. Gwen hurriedly handed the warrior a towel, attempting to dry the Dragon's body. Bane quietly thanked the girl but promptly dismissed her. Gwen's eyes dropped as she made to leave her bed chamber to the Dragon and her new companion. "Gwen," Bane called. The girl turned back to the warrior. "Thank you." 

A weak smile formed on the girl's lips as she heard the heartfelt tone of Bane's words. The warrior would never be able to express more than that. The door shut behind the young farm girl and Bane closed the distance to the bed. She tilted the girl's face upward, their eyes meeting and melding. "I have not and will not ask for payment, my love." Bane bowed her head and pressed her lips to the girl's soft ones. The kiss was slow and friendly, their lips only moving slightly. 

Lara came to her knees, lifting herself into the warrior's warm mouth, her hands resting casually on Bane's naked hips. "Am I your love, Lilith?"

Bane pulled back, stroking the girl's long hair off her cheek. "I said it, didn't I?"

"That doesn't mean that it is truly what you feel."

"Do you think I would say anything I didn't mean?"

Lara accepted Bane's answer. Like Gwen, she knew the warrior did not speak her feelings easily. Bane was a woman of few words. Lara had gotten the closest thing she would get to a confession of love from the Dragon. She locked her fingers behind Bane's head and pulled her lover down. Bane went willingly, her lips pressing more firmly to the girl's. The girl teasingly nipped at the warrior's lips, nibbling along them before she pushed her small tongue into the eager, waiting mouth. Bane latched onto the tongue, closing her lips around it and suckling softly.

Bane's mouth left Lara's, traveling over the smooth cheek before touching the Princess's long neck. She pulled away, her finger lightly touching her lover's throat. "Where is the collar? How did you remove it?"

"Roane is a handy fellow. He used a fire iron to melt it off." Lara's words faded into a moan as Bane's lips and tongue tugged on the exposed skin. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the sensations as they radiated from each spot that the warrior touched. 

Bane moved down Lara's body, her lips caressing the small breast and teasing the erect nipples as she pushed the Princess's robe away. Bane moved farther, inching toward the sweet apex of the girl's legs. Lara moaned and tugged Bane's hair, trying to pull her lover upward. 

Bane followed the Princess's urging, traveling back to the girl's mouth. Their tongues met and dueled and the Princess rolled them until Bane was on her back. Lara's hands massaged the warrior's breasts, tugging on the long nipples. Her fingers danced along Bane's rib cage as her mouth moved to the puckered scar on her breast. Bane's fingers curled in Lara's hair, but she did not force her lover away from the spot that triggered so many painful memories.

The tenderness became too much for Bane and she changed the pace, rolling them again until she hovered over her lover. She surprised Lara by rotating her body, but the Princess found herself looking hungrily into Bane's slick lips. Bane bent and touched her tongue to Lara's mound. Lara groaned, lifting her hips to Bane's mouth as she raised her head to imitate her lover's movements.

They moved in time with each other, their tongues mirroring each other as they licked and prodded and circled. Long licks lifted and extended swollen, sensitive nubs. Quick, hard thrusts penetrated damp, dark holes, curling against tender walls. They moved in such perfect rhythm that they quickened their movements in the same moment and each cried out in pleasure in the same breath.

Bane nuzzled Lara's stomach as she turned to look at her exhausted lover. They shared a long kiss, their sweet nectar mingling on their tongues and in their mouths. The Dragon tucked the Princess close to her side. Lara laid her head on Bane's breast and closed her eyes. The long, arduous day and night caught them and they both fell asleep quickly.

Bane did not wake until the sun was setting again. Lara was not in bed. The warrior stretched and rose, slipping into her tunic. She walked down the steps and found Lara sitting under a tree with her father. The King rose as the warrior approached. "Dragon, you will accompany us to the palace. Rebuilding the kingdom as it should be will take a great deal of work. I will need a commander to organize my army. There are mistakes I will not make again. Will you lead my army?"

Bane sighed, looking toward the cliffs. She had been walking for a long time. For the first time that she could remember, she felt no compelling purpose to move along. There was no higher being calling her away. She frowned, unsure of her answer. She was afraid of being still. She was afraid of giving her heart fully to Lara. The Dragon, who knew immeasurable courage, felt fear at the thought of leading a life with a companion in one place. She preferred her solitary existence, traveling the world with only the wolf at her side.

Her quick eyes swept the surrounding area for the animal. She had not been surprised when the wolf had not been in her room but she was surprised to not find the creature close to Lara. She turned her head, hoping to find the animal. The wolf would tell her when they were ready to leave Avin. She felt certain that departure must be soon. Everything felt complete.

"I must move on, your Highness," she answered without looking at Lara. "It has been my greatest pleasure to serve you." She spun on her heel and walked back into the house. She tried to ignore the trembling in her hands as she put her belongings into her haversack. 

She sensed Lara in the doorway the moment the Princess filled the small space. The Princess did not come into the room as she watched the warrior prepare to flee. 

"Have you seen the wolf?" Bane suddenly asked.

Lara did a double take at the question, looking around the room as if she expected the creature to be hiding. "I haven't."

Bane still did not look at her lover, afraid that just a glance would break her. "That's odd. The wolf has been with me for a long time."

Lara took a deep breath. She crossed to the window where Bane was staring intently at the Forest. As if on cue, the wolf appeared at the edge of the trees. "Perhaps the wolf knows you no longer need company. You have a new companion. This is the animal's way of telling you that your journey is over." 

They watched as the wolf turned and faded into the Forest. Bane dropped the haversack to her side as Lara reached up and touched the warrior's back. "Stay, Dragon. Stay, Lilith."

Other lovers had begged Bane to stay before. Only Nyte had ever told her to leave. The Dragon closed her eyes, feeling currents spark from Lara's fingers. It electrified the warrior. The sensation raced through her body to her heart, making it pound faster. It thudded in her ears so loudly that she could not concentrate. She took a deep breath, trying to determine her next destination. The only image that appeared before her eyes was the palace. She could see the King's coronation in her mind. Lara stood at his side. The Dragon's point of view was not from the lawn in front of the palace, but from Lara's right hand.

The Dragons were becoming extinct. Bane knew there were still a few who wandered the world that followed Dracona's Law, but those who followed the teachings of the Hydra had erased most of Dracona's Order. Avin was safe from Hydras now, though. She thought of Jem pleading to come with her and learn the ways of the Dragon. If she could do anything to prevent the Dragons from disappearing, she could do it in Avin. She could find Jem and a dozen other young people who had seen injustice too long and were ready to learn a better way of life. They could be taught the Law. They could be taught to fight.

Avin could be the place of rebirth for the Dragons. In her mind's eye, she saw troops baring shields with multicolored dragons emblazed on them. She saw Lara commissioning them to go into the world and protect the weak.

Lara. She saw Lara in old age, her hair graying, but her arms lifted for her lover. Her arms were reaching for Dragon's Bane. Her hands closed over Lilith's hands.

The mantle of leadership would be heavy. Bane could feel the weight resting on her shoulders. Lara's hand moved lightly on her back, bringing the warrior back to the bedroom in the farm house. The wolf had not reappeared on the edge of the Forest. Lara's lips touched the back of Bane's neck and suddenly, the warrior's burden did not feel so heavy. Lara would help her carry it. For the first time since Kel had burned Nyte, Bane had someone to hold.

"Aye," Bane whispered. "I'll stay."