A Dangerous captive

[cumnchat]

Darius stood quietly to one side as Fiona made an impassioned speech to the villagers telling them of Ayleen's crime then speaking over the cries of 'Death to the spying bitch' she told of the way that she was forced to spy in order to save her family, she asked if the villagers would have done the same in her position and whether they should rescue Ayleen's family. Darius was grateful that Fiona did not tell the villagers that Ayleen was his family until it had been agreed that they should rescue her family. It might have seemed that he and Fiona thought that their family was above the law.

He stepped forward and spoke,

People of our village, you have shown that you are compassionate and want to save my family but the fact remains that this girl deceived you and broke your trust so it is only right that you decide her fate once our family is safe"

He led Ayleen and Fiona back to their hut and spoke to Ayleen,

"I have one more question for you, it is known that Wolf marks all his female captives so his men can use them however they wish,do you have such a mark?"

Without a word Ayleen slipped off her shift and stood naked in front of them both and pointed to her bushy growth between her legs and they could see burnt into her young creamy flesh just above her bush was a wolf's head.

 

[Opensesame54321]

Once back in their hut, Darius asked for proof from his sister that Wolf had taken her and marked her as his. Without hesitation Ayleen lifted the shift that she wore over her head to reveal the obvious cruel mark on her naked body. Immediately Fiona felt sorry for the young thing. She had always felt strongly against a woman being used cruelly by a man. When Darius had first stolen her away from her village and family, she thanked the gods that she had their protection. It was obvious that Ayleen and her mother did not have that blessing.

Fiona stepped forward to her new sister, resting her hand against the girl’s cheek. “You are safe here for the time being. And we shall now see about a rescue to the rest of your family. Go ahead and slip your shift back on.” While Ayleen redressed she asked her, “Now, tell me, how are you to get the information to them? How many of them are out there and where do they wait? And have they mentioned anything about when they plan to attack again? What is it that they want? Our village? Our people?”

Without hesitation Ayleen answered her questions calmly and concise. When she finished, the girl waited.

“We are going to trust you, though you should know that if you deceive us any more, our gods will take out their revenge.” She stepped out and called Igor and Hetta. The two quickly stepped inside and awaited their Priestess Perfect‘s instructions.

“For the time being, I need you to be in charge of Ayleen. Take care of her, protect her. She is under your protection, but she should not be allowed to contact the enemy outside these walls.”

Both Hetta and Igor nodded and Ayleen left with them. Finally alone, Fiona turned to her mate and kissed him, giving a tug on his beard.

“I know that you worry for your family. We know that half of Wolf’s forces await outside our walls, watching for a sign that Ayleen has betrayed them. How many men do you think it will take to free them?”

He gave his answer and she nodded. “We shall need a small force here to help lead us should they attack. I will pray to the gods to aid in hiding your leaving. Clouds to hide the moon, insects to drive them away, but only briefly. When they return to watch the gate again so there must be no sign of your departure.”

She hugged him. “If your brothers are as big and strong as you are, then perhaps we can catch them off guard. You can sneak back and we can attack from the front and the back?”

She walked over and pulled a small leather pouch out that had been hidden in a reed recess. Wrapped by a thin strip of leather, she quickly undid the simple knot and opened the pouch. Inside was a simple charm on a thin leather strap long enough to slip over a persons head. The charm was metal and carried a rune sign on one side. In the other side was a hand symbol.

“Carry this in its pouch. When you reach your mother, slip it around her neck. It is a simple protection blessing. As long as she wears it, the gods will offer her their protection. It will last only until she is brought back here. But if she removes it before that, then the protection is gone. Do not let anyone else wear it as there is only one blessing on it.”

She kissed him again. “Go chose your force while I speak to the gods. When you return I should have your answer.”

She turned and, slipping her shift over her head, placed a mat in the center of the floor and sat in it, closing the outside noises and reaching out to the gods. Her slim body still held no sign of the life that grew within her but it was 4 minds that reached out to the gods.

 

[cumnchat]

Darius took note of everything that Ayleen could tell him about Wolf' and his encampment and the size of his force and sat on his haunches thinking of how best to reach his family and free them. He also thought about the other captives and how miserable their lives would be if he failed so it had t be a wholesale victory, all or nothing, the only positive outcome he could see was the total destruction of the enemy and the death of Wolf himself. Fiona went to a concealed reed recess and brought him a small leather pouch and showed him a small amulet with designs on both sides and a looped strip of leather attached,

'Carry this in its pouch. When you reach your mother, slip it around her neck. It is a simple protection blessing. As long as she wears it, the gods will offer her their protection. It will last only until she is brought back here. But if she removes it before that, then the protection is gone. Do not let anyone else wear it as there is only one blessing on it.'

Darius thanked her profusely for thinking of his mother, then she kissed him again, '“Go chose your force while I speak to the gods. When you return I should have your answer.'

Darius went to find the men he would take with him, eight in all, too large a force would make too much noise and they would depend on surprise, Each man that Darius chose was a renowned warrior, fierce fighting men who neither gave nor expected any quarter.

He returned to the hut and found Fiona sitting naked in the centre of the hut,

"Fiona my love do you have an answer from the gods?"

 

[Opensesame54321]

In the quiet of their hut, the gods spoke agreeing to offer their support, limited though it would be. Their words comforted her, for speaking with them was something that she had done most of her life. Their voices she knew as well as she knew her own.

Fiona my love do you have an answer from the gods?

The voice of her mate brought her out of her trance, the instructions that she had just received fresh in her mind.

“Yes, when the moon is high overhead they will send clouds to block out its silvery rays. A chorus of frogs will hide any noise that your movements may make. No words may be spoken between your men or you and you must move forward quickly and quietly single file until you are several hours away. Wolf’s men have set a trap as a precaution to warn him that you have escaped the village. A badger will be sent to bar your way. When you see him, you and your men must seek another way to your destination. These are traps that your sister had no knowledge of.”

She rose to face him. “We here must carry on as if everyone is here, just in case there is a way that they can see inside. So it will appear that you and your men are still here. Then once you free them, you and your brothers and you men will take up position behind them and send word through the gods and we will crush our enemies.”

She kiss him as he wrapped his arms around her nude body, his hands gripping her buttocks. “Your children and I await your safe return, when we can celebrate the freeing of your family.”

 

[cumnchat]

Everything that Fiona told him was as he wished, he offered his thanks to the gods that he now considered to be his gods for their assistance in what he thought to be a just cause. He helped her to her feet and wrapped his strong hairy arms around her nude body as she kissed him. With her buttocks cupped in his plate sized hands he hoisted her so her legs instinctively wrapped around his waist. He growled in her ear,

"May the gods protect us all, there is no knowing if I will return as the gods cannot save me from a sword thrust to the heart but I cannot leave you without a final reminder of the love I hold for you."

He lowered her gently down, her vagina spread wide to take his manhood and he fucked her as never before. They coupled together in a writhing noisy mass of hot flesh their cries of joy and pleasure filled the hut they called home. Darius could feel Fiona's heart beating against his broad chest, her hard aroused nipples pressed into him.

Everytime he had previously made love to her she had been wet with desire but now she was like a pool of slippery juice and her hips met his with loud slaps as his manhood filled her very core. they exchanged wild, erotic, passionate kisses each aware that was possibly the last time they would mate. Darius roared as he filled Fiona with his seed.

"Let us remember this time my love, my mate, my companion, my Priestess Perfect. If we never make love again I will have done my duty to you and you must tell our children as they grow that their father loved them."

He set back on her feet and dressed, buckled on his armour and walked out to meet with his band of warriors who would help him determine the fate of his kin.

 

[Opensesame54321]

May the gods protect us all, there is no knowing if I will return as the gods cannot save me from a sword thrust to the heart but I cannot leave you without a final reminder of the love I hold for you.

And with those words he slid her down until his manhood slipped into her waiting sex. As never before their bodies met, filling the air of their hut with loud pants and cries as he held her in his hands, lifting her only to thrust her back down. The smell of him filled her senses as she held on, the sound of skin against skin loud in her ears.

He kissed her and she felt breathless as if her mate was taking all the air out of the hut. All was wild and exciting and she felt lightheaded. Suddenly with one last thrust he roared as his seed rush in to fill her womb already filled with his babies.

Let us remember this time my love, my mate, my companion, my Priestess Perfect. If we never make love again I will have done my duty to you and you must tell our children as they grow that their father loved them.

“My love, my mate, my Priest. May the gods watch over you and may you be victorious. May you came home safe, where your family awaits for you.”

Then he set her back on her feet and dressed. She watched him put on his armor and she worried. Would this be the last time that she saw her mate? He left to gather his men together in preparation of leaving and she quickly slipped her shift over her head and rushed out to see them off.

Darius stood in the center of the village giving his men the instructions that she had given him. Overhead the clouds began to gather and the light from the moon began to dim. Suddenly Darius turned to look at her across the way. No words were spoken but deep inside she knew what he was thinking. And he too knew her thoughts.

Energy seemed to shoot straight through her and she nodded her head at her love. Suddenly the sky went dark as the moon was covered by the clouds. Darius turned and strode towards the gate followed by his men. She could hear the frogs croaking loudly outside the palisades as Igor opened the gate just wide enough for the men to slip through. Darius was first, leading his men as one by one they disappeared through the small opening until the last man was gone and Igor quickly and silently closed and bolted the gate.

For a long period of time the frog noise continued, offering camouflage to the men. Eventually it tapered off and she felt the distance increase as her mate left. She sent a prayer to the gods to watch over Darius and to make his campaign successful.

The village settled down for the night, with the men on guard being especially vigilant. She watch as Ayleen glanced at her and with a hesitant smile turned to go with Hetta back to their hut.

For the first time since she was kidnapped by Darius, she slept alone.

 

[cumnchat]

His chosen few stood waiting silently for him as he strode out to meet them the blood rushing through his veins, ready for battle, this is what he was best at. He greeted each one by name, MARCUS, SIMON, DAVID, GARETH, ARTHUR, LANCE, and the two inseparable brothers, LUKE AND MATTHEW. As was their custom each one bowed their head to him and embraced him.

The clouds rolled in shutting out the light of the moon,

"It's time." Darius said simply and they slipped out of the gate into the forest the loud croaking of frogs hiding any sound they made. Ayleen had told him where Wolf's force was waiting so they skirted that part of the forest and headed deeper their progress made easier as bushes and brambles rolled aside in their path as they approached. They drew nearer to where the main encampment was and remembering Fiona's warning about the badger he kept an eye open for any sign of it. Without warning a Badger reared up in front of them on its hind legs like a black and white bear. Without hesitation Darius sliced its head off with one blow and signalled his men to head for the river a hundred yards or so away.

Once they had gathered there he showed them what to do, he cut a long hollow reed from the river bank and wrapped his sword and dagger in leaves from the trees so they would dull any sound they made going over rocks. The river was quite deep but they could walk along the river bed using the hollowed out reeds to breathe. It was hard going but Darius and his men were determined and eventually they left the river just a few yards from the encampment and they crouched among the bushes looking for any guards.

One appeared carrying a large pail of what smelt like gruel and took it into a large hut on the outskirts of the camp. That must be where the prisoners were kept he decided and he sent Gareth to silence the one guard they had seen, Gareth returned a couple of minutes later wiping the blood from his dagger. They could hear raucous laughter coming from the centre of the encampment and they worked their way closer to see what was happening.

"By the Gods, none of those animals will live to see the morning sun." Darius growled angrily as the guards each took their turn with a naked young woman, driving their swollen cocks into any orifice within their reach as she was pushed around the circle of six rough looking guards.

"They have to die, NOW!" He rored and charged the six guards, Darius's men were right behind him and soon the camp was silent again, the young girl laying on the ground sobbing, probably thinking she was to be taken captive again.

They went to the hut where they thought the prisoners were and found twenty or so men and women huddled inside. Darius looked for his mother and brothers and found them huddled together.

"Do you recognize me, any of you?" he asked hoping that they would know him.

His mother answered, "Darius? Is that you my son?" her voice trembling with emotion.

"Yes mother it's me, before you ask, Ayleen is well and safe for the moment," He took the leather pouch from his pocket and gave it to his mother, "Take this and wear it and it will protect you as long as you wear it."

His brothers gathered around him slapping him on the back and thanking him.

"We are not done yet, we have another battle to win, take whatever weapons you can find and all the women get back to my village as best you can , you will be guided by a white owl. The men come with me if you wish to fight."

In all there were eight men who had been captives and they all wanted to fight so it was a determined group of seventeen men who made their way towards Wolf's army.

 

[Opensesame54321]

She only grabbed an hour of sleep before awaking. Quickly she wiped down her body and slipped a shift over her head before heading across the village towards the fearann. Inside was Hetta, with the aid of Ayleen, preparing pallets for the women.

“Have the gods told you how many women?”

“The gods say 12 so the fearann will be swollen for a while. Luckily we are well stocked with food but we will need to step up our production. My father will house Darius’ brothers so we shall just need several other huts to house the remainder of the men until the palisades can be enlarged and more huts built for the new families that shall be happening.”

Hetta quietly nodded and turned back to her work. Lilian lay upon her wider pallet nursing her baby and gave Fiona a soft smile. The baby sucked noisily from the woman’s teat and Fiona weaved between the pallets to stand beside the her, looking down at the little boy that sucked at his mother’s breast. She all too soon would have her own babies to feed and take care of. She hoped that at least one of them would be a girl to carry on the position of Priestess Perfect for her people.

“Have you chosen a name for him?” She asked Lilian softly so as not to wake the women that slept nearby.

“I will name him Liam.” The woman stuck her chin out in defiance and Fiona smiled.

“Tis a good name.” She smiled and gently stroked the baby’s head before turning to leave the pair alone. She had questions concerning Lilian but that would be for another time.

He father was waiting for her, the group of pallets for Darius’ brothers already prepared. He listed the huts that had each agreed to house a man until their own huts could be built.

“The women will be here soon and the men are preparing for the battle to come. We must win as so many depend upon us.”

Kissing her forehead, her father smiled. “Your mother would be proud of you.”

Leaving her father, she went in search of the men guarding the wall. Igor stood watch over the gate, peering into the dark.

“As the women approach, the frogs will become louder. When you see the white owl, he will be leading them into the enclosure. As it approaches, be ready to open the gate quickly.”

Igor nodded and they waited, looking for the spirit owl.

 

[cumnchat]

Darius and his fighting band gathered all the weapons they could find including a large strong bow and several arrows which it turned out had belonged to one of the men now in Darius's party.

"It is good to have my bow back in my hands Darius, I have prayed for this day for so long."

"It is good to have you with us Graeme, I have no doubt that you and all the others will acquit themselves well and bravely."

Darius addressed the brave band of seventeen,

"We have a huge battle that has to be won for if we fail I doubt that any of us will see another sunrise, the women who were with you and the women of my village are depending upon us, we will have the advantage of surprise so we must use it well so when we draw near to the battlefield there must be no talking, If possible I want Wolf himself to be taken alive, I have a personal score to settle with him, I say if possible but if you have to kill him yourself in order to survive then you must do so I have no argument with that."

They did not need to take the same route as they had on the way, they were anxious to get back and play their part, The Gods helped them on their way with Aurora clearing a path for them through the dense forest. They ran quickly at a steady pace each with his own thoughts on what the day might bring.

The sounds and smell of battle reached them before they reached the village, Wolf's men seemed to have the upper hand as they had passed the fiery trenches and stakes, they were now trying to scale the palisade but at the moment were being bravely repelled by Igor and his men, Through the smoke Darius was not surprised to see both his Fiona and Hetta standing side by side cutting and thrusting at any of Wolf's men who thought they were easy pickings.

Darius wished he could signal Fiona that they were there but that was impossible so he closed his eyes and spoke to the Gods, 'I beg you tell my mate that we are here ready to give our aid.'

He called forward Graeme with the bow, "There, on the tower to the right of the gate hangs a barrel of oil can you sever the rope that holds it and then send a fiery arrow to light it."

Graeme grinned and said confidently "Of course, I thought you were
going to ask me something difficult."

He drew back the bow and let it go, the arrow flew through the air and cut the rope holding the barrel that tipped its contents over Wolf's men gathered below, before the barrel had even emptied its contents a flaming arrow was on its way to land among the enemy and a great wall of flame shot up, the roar of the flames drowned by the screams of Wolf's men being devoured by the flames.

Darius teeth were bared in a snarl as he cried out, "CHARGE! WE ARE HERE MY LOVE."

The timely arrival of Darius and his sixteen companions turned the tide and the battle was soon over with Wolf's men surrendering quickly, Wolf among them.

Wolf was brought before Darius in the centre of the village with everyone gathered round.

"Wolf? I see no wolf just an upstart cub who thought he was an adult, You are not fit to be a leader of men, you are not fit to live with men, DO MY VILLAGERS AGREE HE IS NOT FIT TO LIVE?"

 

[Opensesame54321]

The croaking of the frogs became incredibly loud and Igor rushed to the gate to await the signal that Fiona would give him.

Suddenly, out of the darkness came the ghost owl followed closely by a group of women. Fiona signaled Igor and he opened the gate to step outside, motioning the woman to rush inside. Stumbling and half naked, the women ran through the gate to collapse behind the walls in relative safety.

Fiona sent her thanks to the gods and called for help. A group of women went to the new women, helping them to the fearann and the pallets that had been prepared for them. One woman, a young thing, stood shaking and completely naked. Even in the dim light Fiona could make out the symbol of the wolf’s head above the hair that guarded her sex. One of the women threw a blanket around the girl’s shoulders and led her into the fearann.

The gods called to her and Fiona answered and awaited their words.

Your enemy will not wait. Prepare for battle.

Fiona thanked them and called to Igor. “The time is nigh! Prepare for battle!”

With a cry Wolf and his forces charged them. Darius had fortified the palisades but all too soon they were breached. To protect the weakest part of the fortifications, which was the gate, Fiona and Hetta plus about half a dozen men guarded it, fight and slashing the enemy.

All around her the sounds of battle filled the air with the men looking down on the fighting and joining in, throwing rocks and shooting arrows and spears. Igor rushed around the top walkway moving men to cover the weaker areas. Those women that could fight did so, brandishing spears or daggers or whatever they had to fight with.

“Ha! Where is that gutless Darius? He is such a coward that he lets women fight his battles!”

She looked around to find who it was that was speaking, and discovered Wolf standing over to her left fighting another. He grinned at her and called out as they both fought others.

“You know, I had his mother and his sister! His sister’s virginal blood felt so good on my cock! I think that I have planted a baby in both of their bellies! And when we defeat you and take over this fort, then I will plant a baby in your belly and place my brand on you too!”

She made a stab at her opponent, giving a sharp laugh to the disgusting man fighting one of her kinsmen.

“You underestimate my mate!” In her head she heard The gods calling to her. Your Priest has arrived.

She stabbed the man that was a part of Wolf’s tribe and turned to face Wolf. “I suggest that you look behind you for your end is nigh!”

Suddenly several men on the other side of Wolf burst into flames and she saw Darius charging in with his men behind him. He was like a man possessed and the anger rolled off of him like the fog on the morning moors, slashing and carving a wide path in front of him.

In no time the tide was turned and Wolf stood angrily by at the end of Darius’ sword point. The survivors of Wolf’s men were ushered into the center of town. Quickly Wolf was culled from his men and as Fiona and Darius stepped up onto the dais, Wolf was forced to kneel before Darius.

Wolf? I see no wolf just an upstart cub who thought he was an adult, You are not fit to be a leader of men, you are not fit to live with men, DO MY VILLAGERS AGREE HE IS NOT FIT TO LIVE?

“DEATH TO THE MAN! DEATH TO THE CUB! DEATH TO WOLF!” The villager’s cries filled the night but Fiona noticed Ayleen standing to one side with her mother. She knew that it was Darius’ mother as she wore the charm that she had given Darius around her neck. Fiona raised her hand and motioned to Ayleen and the girl stepped forward until she stood in front of Wolf. The look that she gave the man was full of bile.

“You. You took my purity.” Wolf grinned as if remembering a pleasant experience. The slap was loud, ringing in the air as a small red handprint appeared on Wolf’s cheek and Fiona could see the man clenching and unclenching his teeth.

“For all the women that you did this to, you deserve everything that you get.” Ayleen spit upon the man and spittle ran down his cheek, anger in the man’s eyes. “I say DEATH!”

 

[cumnchat]

Once Darius had taken Wolf's rear and added their numbers to the fighting villagers Wolf's men lost their courage and surrendered in small numbers two, three, four at a time until the number of prisoners exceeded forty. Wolf, however fought on until he was the only one left and was slowly overwhelmed by sheer numbers and brought before Darius and Fiona and made to kneel and grovel in the dirt.

Darius was tempted to just kill Wolf and be done with it but he understood that others too had their reasons to see him suffer and take their revenge. Fiona had told him of Wolf's boast during the battle that he'd had both Darius's mother and taken his sister's virtue and that it was likely that both had been impregnated with his seed and would be carrying his progeny. It made Darius sick to the stomach that his family had been violated and although Fiona had not said anything he suspected that the grovelling heap of flesh before him had intended to violate Fiona too although Darius knew that to be almost impossible as she still wore her amulet that helped the gods protect her as it had protected her from him in the early days.

'Wolf? I see no wolf just an upstart cub who thought he was an adult, You are not fit to be a leader of men, you are not fit to live with men, DO MY VILLAGERS AGREE HE IS NOT FIT TO LIVE?'

He asked the villager what Wolf's fate should be and as he expected, it was unanimous.

'DEATH TO THE MAN! DEATH TO THE CUB! DEATH TO WOLF!'

The cry grew louder and louder as they chanted for his death then Ayleen stepped forward and stood grimly in front of the bowed kneeling figure,

'“You. You took my purity. For all the women that you did this to, you deserve everything that you get. Ayleen spit upon the man and spittle ran down his cheek, anger in the man’s eyes. There was no pity and no fear in Ayleen's eyes as she gave her verdict.

I say DEATH!'

Darius was not a savage man by nature even though he was a fearsome warrior in the heat of battle and would kill without a moment's hesitation. He recognised the raw courage that Wolf had shown by fighting on alone when his men had all surrendered.

"The villagers say that you should die and that you surely will but I give you the opportunity to die with a sword in your hand and fighting. If you wish you can fight me, man to man, to the death, IF you kill me you will be allowed to leave with nothing but the clothes you stand up in, WHEN I WIN I will carve you into small pieces and feed you to the dogs, OR you can just face the axe on your neck and your body buried in an unknown place where nothing will ever grow again because of your evil, which do you prefer?"

 

[Opensesame54321]

Fiona had stood by and watched the sentiments of the villagers and she could see the hurt in the eyes of Ayleen and the mother of Darius. The village seemed to be surrounded by a dark red, muddied haze. Wolf knelt before the Priest, his head unbowed as spittle ran down his cheek to mix with the grime from battle. This was a man that knew not the meaning of giving up. Hatred ran deep within his breast and she knew his answer. Yet it was within her nature as the Priestess Perfect to try to mend such bad feelings, dissipate anger and promote love and cooperation.

Closing her eyes, she listened to the gods, their voice strong and loud within her. Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward and a hush fell over the assembled.

“People can change. The very proof is right before your eyes. Not too long ago, I was taken from this village to be used as a sexual plaything. Yet, it did not happen for he was made to see the right way. He and his men changed. Became valuable citizens of our village.”

She could feel Darius and his men that had so lately joined their village become uncomfortable at the reminder of the men that they had been. Perhaps what Darius and his men had witnessed was not so different from the days when he had his camp. When a man could grab any woman that he wished to rape her.

“So, Wolf, I give you another option. Should you wish to stay and join our village, become a good person, a valued member of the village, you may.” There were gasps in the crowd. “But there will be a price. Your desire for women will cease. You will work as we work, making sure that the village thrives. And if you fail to change, the gods will take away your ability to plant your seed in any woman. Your seed shall dry up and become as empty shells, shriveled and small. Your manhood will no longer give you pleasure, only pain.”

The look on Wolf’s face changed from proud and filled with hate to appalled as her words registered in his mind.

“It is up to you. Make your decision. Yet know that you have hurt many here and it will be hard to make amend. Neither way shall be easy.”

 

[cumnchat]

Darius had given Wolf a way to die as a warrior should die , fighting byt Fiona upstaged him by pointing out that not too long ago he and his men had been just like Wolf, preying on the weak and defenceless and stealing women to be used as playthings yet he had changed, his men had changed and they were all the happier for it.

'People can change. The very proof is right before your eyes. Not too long ago, I was taken from this village to be used as a sexual plaything. Yet, it did not happen for he was made to see the right way. He and his men changed. Became valuable citizens of our village.'

He saw that his men were uncomfortable being compared to Wolf's band of rogues and they hung their heads and shifted from one foot to the other. Fiona went on to offer Wolf a life of some description if he would only change.

'So, Wolf, I give you another option. Should you wish to stay and join our village, become a good person, a valued member of the village, you may.

There were gasps in the crowd.

But there will be a price. Your desire for women will cease. You will work as we work, making sure that the village thrives. And if you fail to change, the gods will take away your ability to plant your seed in any woman. Your seed shall dry up and become as empty shells, shriveled and small. Your manhood will no longer give you pleasure, only pain.'

Darius knew in his heart that this offer would never work as Wolf's heart was full of evil and as black as the darkest night

Wolf's eyes filled with hate as Fiona spoke and told him to make up his mind. Without warning Wolf sprang to his feet and snatched the dagger from Darius's belt and tore the simple shift from Fona's body and held her from behind his hand gripping her breasts and the dagger at her throat.

His voice was filled with hate and lust as he shouted like a man demented,

"NEVER, NEVER, WILL I BECOME ONE YOU, SNIVELLING AND HIDING BEHIND A WOMAN'S SKIRTS, PRIESTESS PERFECT? IS THAT WHAT YOU CALL HER? SHE WILL NO LONGER BE PERFECT WHEN I AM DONE WITH HER."

Darius stayed calm for he knew that the Gods would protect Fiona and no harm would come to her.

"What do you propose to do Wolf ? Walk out of here with our priestess and no one will try to stop you? Would you harm her here in front of everyone? She is well loved and you would be torn to pieces in seconds."

Wolf pressed the dagger to Fiona's throat but a look of terror came over his face as the blade of the dagger grated against what seemed like stone instead of soft yielding flesh.

"You see Wolf, Fiona has the protection of our Gods, you cannot harm her so give me the dagger and my original offer still stands, you can fight me to the death and die as a warrior should die, again you have a choice , make the right one this time."

 

[Opensesame54321]

She had removed her armor once the fighting had ended and had stood before her people as their Priestess Perfect when she had addressed the villagers, and given Wolf his option to leave his evil ways. His reaction did not surprise her for even though she wore the protection of her gods, she also felt the power within her. The power that came from the child - correction - children that she carried within her. She was the vessel that must survive, at least until the birth of those children.

She had seen the evil within Wolf’s eyes. Had seen the anger well up inside of him like a stew over a fire. She knew his answer before even he did. Could see within his mind as he reacted without thought. To take that which was not his. To hurt. To show power that he no longer had.

As if time had slowed down she saw him move to grab the dagger tucked within Darius’ waistband before ripping the shift from her body. He held her by her breast, the small weapon pressed throat as he pulled her bare back against his chest.

She remained calm, but some of her people seemed afraid. Not the elders, for they knew their Priestess Perfect to be safe. They had seen it with her mother.

But the young ones, those younger than her, and the new members such as those from Darius’ camp and even those that had just been rescued, knew not the full power of a Priestess Perfect. Would hopefully never know, hopefully never see the full power that currently resided within her.

NEVER, NEVER, WILL I BECOME ONE YOU, SNIVELLING AND HIDING BEHIND A WOMAN'S SKIRTS, PRIESTESS PERFECT? IS THAT WHAT YOU CALL HER? SHE WILL NO LONGER BE PERFECT WHEN I AM DONE WITH HER.

Darius talked to the man as if explaining something to a child. He knew that she was safe.

What do you propose to do Wolf ? Walk out of here with our priestess and no one will try to stop you? Would you harm her here in front of everyone? She is well loved and you would be torn to pieces in seconds.

Fiona felt nothing as the man tried to stab her throat. Instead came the sound of metal against rock. The gods surrounded her, giving their protection.

You see Wolf, Fiona has the protection of our Gods, you cannot harm her so give me the dagger and my original offer still stands, you can fight me to the death and die as a warrior should die, again you have a choice , make the right one this time.

He held her tighter, as one that falls in a river and cannot swim. A small smile came over her face as Fiona closed her eyes and thought of peace. Her body grew cold yet every place where Wolf touched was hot, and getting more so the longer he held her. A glow began to envelope her and the villagers watched in awe as their Priestess Perfect showed the power that resides within her.

Her mind reached out towards Wolf, finding it jumbled yet full of hatred. To those watching the two were incredibly still and only her father actually knew what Fiona was doing as he had seen his own wife do something similar when she carried Fiona within her. As Priest, Darius knew that something was happening and would discover later exactly what when he again talked to Eric.

Fiona found again that dark muddied red haze within the man’s mind. Yet in the corner huddled a small boy trying hard to be a man. She reached out a hand to him but he shrunk away.

“Where is the man that I thought I would find? Instead it is only a frightened boy.”

Suddenly the boy grew and an ugly snarling beast stood before her. “Ah, that is more like it. Wolf!”

“You do not belong here! This is my domain!”

“Then act like the man that you claim to be.” The beast looked confused. “Who is it that now hides behind a woman? Who is it that everyone sees using my body as a shield? Even your own men are appalled at your actions.”

The beast stepped back, surprised and she felt Wolf release his hold on her. Before her eyes the beast turned into Wolf but the eyes still were the beast.

She nodded and pulled back, leaving Wolf’s mind. The hands holding her released her as he noticed the glow around Fiona.

Wolf turned to look at Darius, the dagger still in his hand. “Fight!”

 

[cumnchat]

Darius was calm and not afraid for his mate , she still wore her amulet and had the protection of the Gods. As he spoke to Wolf he could see that something was happening between Wolf and his mate, what it was exactly he could not tell but he was sure that Fiona was in no danger even with a dagger at her throat. Where Wolf held her was growing red and hot, slowly spreading over her whole body until she glowed like a beacon.

Darius repeated his offer to Wolf of a fight to the death, he was sure in his own mind that he could defeat the savage beast but he may be hurt which did not bother him as he had suffered pai before and survived, the numerous scars on his body bore testament to that, yes, he had been wounded before but always he had come out the victor.

Wolf released Fiona and dagger still in hand his eyes venomous with hate he turned to face Darius, his face contorted into a snarl he answered "FIGHT"

Not waiting for Darius to prepare he lunged at Darius's throat with the dagger. Darius had suspected something like that and swayed back so the dagger just cut off his beard.

"You will pay dearly for that Wolf, it took many months to grow, I was going to kill you quickly but now you shall suffer."

Darius was unarmed as he had only worn the dagger but he undid the cord around his waist that held his tunic together. it had a loop at one end and round flat pebble at the other much like a heavy button. he flicked his wrist and the weighted end wrapped around Wolf's wrist and knocked the dagger from his grasp. He pulled Wolf towards him and when he was within reach he spun Wolf round so he stood behind him and forced the evil one to his knees.

"I could just snap your neck and be done with you but you have too many crimes to pay for to receive a quick death, you have violated my mother, my sister and would have done the same to my mate had you been able, not to mention the nameless others you have besmirched. You will die as you have lived , DISHONOURABLY"

Darius wrapped the cord around Wolf's neck an slowly garrotted him taking an hour to kill him, taking pleasure in seeing Wolf's eyes bulging each time he tightened the cord and the choking sounds emanating from him. When he was done and Wolf lay lifeless at his feet he ordered two of his men,

"Put his carcass outside the gate and let the crows feed off him,"

 

[Opensesame54321]

Suddenly Wolf lunged at Darius, slashing as he did so. Darius seemed to have anticipated that move for he pulled back so that the blade sliced off the braid of his beard instead of her mate’s neck.

You will pay dearly for that Wolf, it took many months to grow, I was going to kill you quickly but now you shall suffer.

As Wolf had Darius’ weapon in his hands, he was forced to use his wits and created a weapon from the sash around his tunic. A seasoned fighter, it really did not take Darius long to gain the upper hand on Wolf and bring the man to his knees.

I could just snap your neck and be done with you but you have too many crimes to pay for to receive a quick death, you have violated my mother, my sister and would have done the same to my mate had you been able, not to mention the nameless others you have besmirched. You will die as you have lived , DISHONOURABLY

The gathered crowd surprisingly stayed silent as they watched Wolf slowly die. She stayed silent - this was a son showing his concern for his family. Revenge for a mother and sister whose honor was sullied. Revenge for a mate accosted in front of his men. Ayleen stood by her Mother, her other brothers gathered round the women to provide a measure of protection.

Even Wolf’s own men stood silent, perhaps wisely as they were mildly outnumbered. They watched as their former leader slowly died at Darius’ hands. Perhaps they worried that revenge would be the next dish that they would taste. She was fairly certain that they too had used his sister. Had used his mother. Worried that perhaps any child that any of their women would carry would come from their loins. Perhaps these men wondered how long it would be before they too felt the tight sash around their necks.

Till the very end there was hatred in Wolf’s eyes though as the last of life flickered from his eyes, the little boy looked at her, small and lost and filled with anger.

Finally he was just a body at Darius’ feet. There was almost a collective sigh of relief from the people before her mate passed judgment.

Put his carcass outside the gate and let the crows feed off him

The body was dragged out by two men and everyone silently watched him leave. Meanwhile, she started to send a silent message to Darius but before she could, one of the men stepped forward and hesitantly spoke.

“My Lady, some of us wondered what is to happen to us? Would the same offer apply to us?”

She turned to the Priest and silently questioned him. She knew that he was speaking for his family but she sent him a thought message.

“Just remember that too much revenge can have a bitter taste.”

 

[cumnchat]

Even though Darius had taken his revenge on Wolf he still felt anger towards the remainder of Wolf's men, he realised that it was quite possible that some, if not all had at some time availed themselves of Ayleen and his mother's body and quite possibly had planted the seed of life in either one or maybe both,

'My Lady, some of us wondered what is to happen to us? Would the same offer apply to us?'

He glared angrily at the man who had spoken and spat out,

"Do not dare to speak to the Priestess Perfect and ask for mercy, your fate is in my hands alone."

He was about to give the order for them all to be hanged when he heard Fiona's voice in his head,

'Just remember that too much revenge can have a bitter taste.'

Against his better judgement he kept his thoughts to himself and spoke to the cowering huddled group of men.

"I am undecided what should be done with you, my villagers will keep you under guard until I have consulted with the Priestess Perfect and we decide. It may be that this is your last night in this world so if you have a God or Gods then I suggest that you pray to them for forgiveness for I cannot."

He took Fiona's arm and led her to their hut and once inside he began to shake as the enormity of what he had done to Wolf surfaced. Killing him was one thing but torturing him as he had was another. He gathered Fiona in his arms and asked her,

"Am I not as evil as Wolf? He was a brave if evil man and I humiliated him, and what shall I do with those that remain of his men? I do not have the stomach for more bloodshed, there is always the possibility that there are good men among them who, given the chance could improve our community. I rely on your wisdom and the will of our Gods for the answer. Let us sleep on it."

Darius peeled of his tunic and his leggings and stood before her naked and carefully lifted her shift until she too was naked ad they walked hand in hand to the pallet and lay down in each others arms for several minutes before they kissed and made love.

 

[Opensesame54321]

She watched Wolf’s men being led away to be watched. For the most part, the feeling that she got from those men was one of unease and some fear. They knew not what to expect and some wondered if this was to be their last night on earth.

She and Darius retired to their hut where the violence of what he had done hit him and he began to shake. She could feel the the pain and fear run through him - pain at what had been done to his family and fear that he was becoming like Wolf. Wrapping his arms around her, he questioned her.

Am I not as evil as Wolf? He was a brave if evil man and I humiliated him, and what shall I do with those that remain of his men? I do not have the stomach for more bloodshed, there is always the possibility that there are good men among them who, given the chance could improve our community. I rely on your wisdom and the will of our Gods for the answer. Let us sleep on it.

“That you question your actions tells me that you are not like Wolf.” She stroked his brow hoping to give him some relief.

Removing his clothes, he helped her undress and led her to their pallet. He laid down and bade her to lay with him. For a period of time they lay together, offering each other solace though she felt that he was in need more that she. His soul hurt! She could feel it.

Eventually they kissed and slowly she felt the pain dissipate, enough that eventually they made love and she felt the pain had left. Afterwards she reached up and ran her finger across the space where the missing braided beard once hung.

“How long will it take for it it grow back? For I will miss it.”

Their bare bodies were pressed to each other and she finally decided to broach the subject.

“Have you any idea as to how to handle Wolf’s men? Though I think that we should come up with a different name for them. Wolf’s name might not be a positive thing. Maybe they should be called the new men.”

Taking a deep breath, she continued. “There is also Ayleen. We are eventually going to have to find out just what the people wish to do. I really think that I should be the one to talk to them about her. Otherwise it might appear that you are trying to sway them.”

 

[cumnchat]

The very act of making love to Fiona calmed him, her exquisite body pressed to his, her soft lips kissing him with so much love, her hips undulating beneath him allowing his manhood to drive deep into her warm wetness. It was just what he needed; to know that she did not regard him as of the same kind of man as Wolf had been. They climaxed together, not the explosive gushing that normally occurred but a gentle release of their respective fluids releasing the tension and guilt that he had felt.

Afterwards they lay on their sides facing each other with Fiona's hand gently stroking his member and he cuddling her soft full breasts. She made him laugh with her silly question as if that was the only thing that mattered, she reached up and stroked the remains of his beard on his chin.

'How long will it take for it to grow back? For I will miss it.'

"I really don't know my love, perhaps you should measure it each day and see if there is anything we can do to hurry it along."

Fiona's face became serious as she broached the subject that was uppermost in both their minds.

'Have you any idea as to how to handle Wolf’s men? Though I think that we should come up with a different name for them. Wolf’s name might not be a positive thing. Maybe they should be called the new men. There is also Ayleen. We are eventually going to have to find out just what the people wish to do. I really think that I should be the one to talk to them about her. Otherwise it might appear that you are trying to sway them.'

Darius pondered on what Fiona suggested and was in agreement with her about Ayleen, yes she was his sister and forced to spy on the threat of harm to her family but once in the village she could have declared herself and thrown herself on their mercy, why did she not do that? Darius wanted to believe that it was because of the threat to her brothers and her mother, she loved them that much, but it was up to the villagers to decide Ayleen's fate.

The fate of the men that had attacked them was in Darius's hands and he remembered the thought that Fiona had earlier put into his mind.

'Just remember that too much revenge can have a bitter taste.'

"Fiona. those men must be punished for they have committed terrible crimes, rape, murder, no doubt sodomy as well, robbery, desecration, the list goes on yet it was all at the instigation and encouragement of one man who now thankfully is no more. I cannot believe that there is not one man among them who would repent of those crimes, I intend to give those who truly repent a chance to live decent honest lives, I will not make it easy for them but here is what I suggest.

They will be known as The Scum, living in their own compound and cared for by themselves, cooking, cleaning, fetching water, all tasks usually carried out by women. Women will be denied to them though I doubt that any woman would willing lay with any one of them. During the day they will be set to work rebuilding the village and its defences, if at any time they meet a female of any age they must bow their head in deference until that female has passed. In order to get out from the Scum the individual must commit at least three acts of kindness to be evaluated by us. Do you have anything to add my love?"

 

[Opensesame54321]

She listened to his word and could still feel the anger that he had, though some of it was gone. Still, it was his Mother and his sister that had been violated. She placed her hand over his heart, trying to send him comfort and relieve him.

Then she kissed the skin where his heart beat before looking up at him, her eyes filled with love.

“I understand why you feel what you feel. Yet not that long ago, you stole me from my family. My village. My home. Your sole purpose was to do exactly what Wolf and his men did - to use me solely for your pleasure before turning me over to your men.”

A pained expression crossed his face. But she kissed him and smiled.

“My Love, the difference was that you were willing to change. To realize your error. Something that Wolf was not willing to do. I gave you love and you accepted it. Your idea of making them work to repair things is wonderful. What if when we accept their three acts, then they get their name back. If that is alright with you?”

She did not want to hurt him. “I can remove their desire for sex. But I do think that we should give them a limited time to change or they will be banished from here. I do not like the idea of a compound where “Scum” live being a permanent part of our village. But a reasonable time period. I want every family to have their own hut. When they can once again use their name, at that time I will remove my power over them.

“Before I put the subject of Ayleen before the people, I think that you should spend some time with your family. I need to check in the new women in the fearann. Why not bring your family here where you can have a private reunion?”

She kissed him and quickly dress. She could tell that he still was hurting and hoped that some time with his family would help.

Despite it being early evening, there were quite a few people roaming about or standing in groups talking. All showed her their respect and for the most part she felt comfortable in her surroundings. Subconsciously she placed a hand to where her babies grew as if to supply comfort to them.

Upon entering the fearann, she found herself in the middle of an argument between two women that was almost coming to an outright fight.

 

[cumnchat]

It was some minutes before Fiona replied to his suggestions, which pleased him as it showed that his opinions did matter and he was not just a figurehead for the village and a stallion to provide The Priestess Perfect with children.

With her hand on his heart she kissed him and spoke of her decision looking up at him with such love that he knew his thoughts of being ignored were groundless.

'I understand why you feel what you feel. Yet not that long ago, you stole me from my family. My village. My home. Your sole purpose was to do exactly what Wolf and his men did - to use me solely for your pleasure before turning me over to your men.'

Darius's eyes clouded over as he remembered those days, he hated being reminded of them,,,, what he was,,,, who he was. Fiona kissed him again, calming him.

“My Love, the difference was that you were willing to change. To realize your error. Something that Wolf was not willing to do. I gave you love and you accepted it. Your idea of making them work to repair things is wonderful. What if when we accept their three acts, then they get their name back. If that is alright with you? I can remove their desire for sex. But I do think that we should give them a limited time to change or they will be banished from here. I do not like the idea of a compound where “Scum” live being a permanent part of our village. But a reasonable time period. I want every family to have their own hut. When they can once again use their name, at that time I will remove my power over them.'

Darius puffed his chest out, Fiona had accepted his proposals in the main with only minor alterations, he felt he had done well, fair without being soft. it would take deeds of great importance to persuade Fiona and himself to give a man back his name.

'Before I put the subject of Ayleen before the people, I think that you should spend some time with your family. I need to check on the new women in the fearann. Why not bring your family here where you can have a private reunion?'

It was only then that Darius realised that he had not spoken one word to his Mother or his four brothers since their rescue. It was so many years since he had spoken to his family and he realised that he knew nothing about them now, their likes, their dislikes, their women, their home, they were all strangers to him and he to them.

He went to find Ayleen first who was in the care of Hetta, they seemed to be getting along well with each other with no animosity on Hetta's part, before he left with Ayleen Hetta took him to one side,

"We must do what we can to save her My Lord Darius, she is not an evil woman just a victim of circumstance, if it comes to a trial I will speak for her."

Darius gave her a warm smile,"Thank you Hetta, I am much obliged."

He found his four brothers together sorting through weapons collected from the defeated men.

"Brothers! Can you leave them for a while? I feel that we must talk, it has been fifteen years since we talked, all of us together as a family, I know that is my fault as much as anyone's but I want to try to make amends, let me fetch our mother and we will meet in my home in half an hour, the seven of us."

 

[Opensesame54321]

“I saw him first!”

“Well, l care not! It is obvious from the way that he looked at me that he found me attractive.”

“That tis only because you stood before him half naked.

The two women stood practically in each other’s face, anger almost a tangible thing. This was not an uncommon thing in the village. Passion had a strong hand and sometimes two women could be fierce.

“Listen! Have either of you considered that perhaps the man is not interested in either of you? Perhaps he is not looking for a mate but rather a moment of passion.”

That unleashed a torrent of emotion from both women and eventually she got both to sit down and talk about the man and the problem. The women began realize that after all, the man had a say in all of this too. And then she discovered that the man that they fought over was one of Wolf’s men.

“Right now, none of this is relevant for though he may have looked at you with desire, he now has that desire removed and it will not until he has proved that he deserves to be a member of our village.”

Eventually things began to calm down. One of the women in the fearann had been trying to keep the children quiet, eventually singing to them. After a while the place seemed to have found its peace and Fiona felt comfortable leaving the building.

She was determined to give Darius the time that he needed with his family. She found it difficult to imagine being separated from her family for so long a period of time. And she marveled that her mate loved her enough that he was willing to change his ways.

She felt the babies inside of her calling to her - not in words but in feelings. She placed a hand protectively on her still flat belly.

I am here. She reassured her babies.

She headed over to the area that had been set aside for the Scum. She really hated thinking of them that way, and in her own mind she called them the Unnamed. She had removed their desire for sex, yet the females of her village still had their desire. Already there had been that one fight. She was sure that others would occur.

 

[cumnchat]

It was with some trepidation that Darius waited for his family to join him, he had not prepared a speech but spoke to them from the heart,

"Mother, sister, my brothers who joined me on this earth on the very same day, I have not been a brother or son to any of you, going my own way, leaving you, I bitterly regret that but for several reasons. I have found a woman who loves me for what I am in spite of my many, many faults, I love her and have taken her Gods as my own, she has much power bestowed upon her by those gods and they have made her the Priestess Perfect of this village and we have mated in private and in public to demonstrate our love and the Gods say we are blessed with three sons, they will be your Grandsons Mother, your nephews my sister and brothers and I ask you to welcome them into our family when the time arrives but first I wish that you welcome me back into your family."

He heard the Gods calling to him and he answered in his mind,

"Darius there is one thing that you wish to know and we give you the power to discover the answer for yourself, if you are brave enough to accept whatever the answer might be."

"How am I to discover the answer to a question that I do not know? You speak in riddles my Gods."

"Take your mother and your sister to one side and place your hands on their naked bellies and you will know the question and the answer."

Still confused and unsure of what he was supposed to be doing he asked his four brothers to leave him alone with Ayleen and his mother. He looked at them both with sorrow,

"I am going to ask you both to do something that may seem lewd and perverse but I must ask, the Gods have told me, Please lift your skirts high so that I can touch your bellies, please trust me I take no pleasure in asking you this."

His mother and Ayleen slowly did as he bid them and lifted their skirts high and stood side by side as Darius placed his hands on their bellies, averting his eyes from the wolf's head burnt into their skin, the room darkened and then was lit with a bright golden light and a small golden fairyl emerged from the golden light and kissed the branding on each of their mounds and disappeared back into the light, the light got smaller and normal light was restored, Ayleen gasped "Mother, your brand, it's gone!" she then glanced down and saw that hers was gone too, no blemish left at all.

"What dark magic is this Darius? I don't like it. " cried out his mother.

"It's no magic it is the gods, triumphant over evil, all the other women that were branded will have their's removed in time. the Gods also told me that I would know the answer to a question that I did not know, now it is clear to me, when I placed my hands on your bellies I felt nothing, neither of you has Wolf's seed taking root inside you, call my brothers back in and give them the good news."

 

[Opensesame54321]

As she had walked across the center of the village, she had seen Darius’ brothers standing outside her hut and knew instinctively what was happening inside.

They bear no fruit

She smiled with relief, knowing that such news would be a very welcome relief to her mate.

But others do

She stopped. That was something that she had overlooked. Other—s. That meant more than one. As she turned to find a quiet place, she saw the last of the brothers heading into the hut. She could not go there at this moment. They needed the time alone to reunite as a family. It could be the last time, depending upon the outcome of what the people chose. No, she could not go there.

Instead she found a quiet spot over near the palisade and reached out to the gods.

Oh wise ones, how many?

Not as many as you carry

Two

Two of those women were with child. Whether it was Wolf’s child, or the child of one of the other men she knew not. Deep inside her she felt a stirring and knew that it was her children.

“You are safe.” She told them, reassuringly. She wished that she could say the same for Ayleen. The poor thing must have been ashamed and petrified knowing that her family’s lives were in her hands. She hoped that the crowd would understand and forgive her.

She sent her thoughts to Darius.

Enjoy your time with your family for tomorrow morning the village decides Ayleen’s fate.

She would give them time alone before heading back to her hut.

 

[cumnchat]

Darius faced his brothers and told them the news that their mother and sister were not pregnant, the looks of love for the two women were heartwarming and they all hugged each other. Their mother then told them about the golden fairy and how it had made the brand on their bodies disappear. The brothers were astounded but declared it to be magic but Darius convinced them that it was his faith in Fiona's gods and that they were now his gods. He pleaded with them to believe in those gods themselves and come under their protection.

"What about Ayleen? Will they protect her?" Was a question that Darius could not answer.

"It is in the hands of the villagers what happens to Ayleen, I believe that her only chance of being absolved is for someone of standing to speak for her."

He could not say who that might be as he could not try to sway the villagers nor could Fiona.


Darius heard the message from Fiona and said to his family,

"We can only pray that mercy is in abundance tomorrow."