Captive in Cordova

[haremfaery]

This is an information post to help me/us keep track of details.

A medieval type setting in an alternate world.

The Kingdom of Esperanto (a nation similar to Spain) has been expanding its borders and has taken over the city of Cordova and surrounding lands in Franconia near the border.

Crown Prince Domingo, new Governor of Cordova, has ideas on how things should be run. believes his father is too lenient. He has been conscripting men into the army and also rounding up Franconian dissidents.

Siobhan (Shivawn) O'Connell, daughter of Liam O'Connell, a merchant trader. luminous pale skin (with some freckles? would that be more exotic?), red hair and blue eyes. 5'4" but seems taller because she carries herself well. She's 18-20, so let's split the difference and say she's 19. She's a good horsewoman and has no problem getting her hands dirty so she has a taunt strong body with a tiny waist and nice round tight bottom, with a decent pair of breasts that will probably improve with age. She is not the pleasingly plump type that is popular in her own country.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PfXna5SshX8/S556M8MtrYI/AAAAAAAAABA/B8VDtr0QVis/s320/Lily+Cole.jpg

Crioch Fuinidh (Remote country), (pronounced Cree-och --like loch Finnig) to the north and west of Franconia. The people are fair skinned and blond or red headed. They have been famous traders and merchants traveling to all corners of the world buying and selling goods. Their own king fears the Esperanto expansion will eventually spread to their lands. In the meantime it has disrupted commerce.

Muirne, Siobhan's maid of sorts. Taken in by her father when her parents died. The girl is a little younger than Siobhan. She is pretty enough with dark hair and blue eyes. her skin is pale but not so pale as Siobhan since she spends more time outdoors. She's about the same height as Siobhan but thinner, slim hipped, small breasted.

Bladud (Blad-ooh), means wolf. Muirne's older brother. A big strapping farmboy. Dark hair and blue eyes like his sister.

 

[haremfaery]

The Kingdom of Esperanto (a nation similar to Spain) has been expanding its borders and has taken over the city of Cordova and surrounding lands in Franconia near their border.

Siobhan O’Connell’s father is a merchant and so travels freely with his small group of wagons along the trade routes, buying here, selling there. Things were not so good while Franconia and Esperanto were actively fighting. But now there is an uneasy peace, albeit enforced by Esperanto since they had now annexed the city and a major part of the surrounding countryside situating them perfectly to mount further attacks and annex more territory. The people of Crioch Fuindh were not happy about this. Franconia lay between them and Esperanto, If Franconia fell totally, they were next.

---

The camp had settled down for the night. Guards were posted. Siobhan and her father were asleep in their wagon that contained many of the smaller more expensive goods, gold jewelry from their own homeland. Liam O'Connell was looking forward to the next day. Cordova was stable again and they people were ready to trade. He had a good supply of Fuindh lace and woolens, he was hoping to trade for wine among other things.

Also in their wagon was Muirne, a girl about the same age as Siobhan. She helped the cook when they camped too far from a place to get food. She helped with any number of things that needed to be done around the camp. Liam had taken her and her brother into his household when their parents died of the ague within weeks of each other. Muirne was a little slow in her mind, but she was a hard worker. Siobhan treated her like a little sister and at least she had someone to play games with in the evening before they settled for the night. As long as the game wasn't too complicated. Besides it was a challenge to have the girl win without realizing that Siobhan had lost on purpose.

 

[jascent88]

Domingo sighed as he sat at the table with his advisors, they were recounting all of the problems and procedures that they needed to accomplish after taking control of this land. He had been part of the military campaign, he had been charged with coming up with the initial battle plans and was given oversight when they when they laid siege to Cordova. The siege had not lasted very long, only a few weeks due to a few acts of cruelty, fear had spread like a plague through the city and their rulers had been forced to relinquish control and hand it over to his father.

When he had returned home the parade had been spectacular, he led the rest of the soldiers and generals into the city. The people cheered and they were showered with flowers and seeds as they wound their way though the city. His father had greeted them at the steps of the capitol and had beamed with pride, he had never seen his father that proud of him. Domingo took a deep breath and sighed, and his reward was to be sent away to this land. His youth now being spent administrating a new country that he had no desire to be in.

He pressed an elbow on the table and listened as more problems were listed off, he rested his head on his arm. He was bored with the details that he was going to have to deal with at some point, he would rather still be savoring his victory not having to make sure that the cisterns were cleaned.

“Sir” one of his advisors said as they tried to get his attention.

“Yes Remmy” Domingo said as he yawned and turned his head to face the older man.

“Sir we need to secure the borders, we need to be sure that we know who is coming into this county” he implored Domingo.

Domingo shook his head, his dark brown hair waiving softy as he agrred “Yes lets double the patrols and guards that we post at the passageways” he said with a nod.

“Very good Sir” Remmy said as he made a few notes on his paper.

“What about the caravans Sir” asked another advisor.

“What about them” Domingo responded.

“They have been accused of helping smuggle weapons in to the resistance here in the city”

Domingo nodded “Send some spies to gather intelligence” he said. “How much more do we need to discuss today” he asked.

“I think that will cover the major points” Remmy said as he looked over his notes again.

“Good” Domingo said as he stood up and started out of the room, he had just gotten settled in here at the palace and wanted to explore more of the grounds.

 

[haremfaery]

The camp came to life early. They wanted to get to the city gates as soon as they opened so they could go in, do their trading and get out. Especially Liam. He had some merchandise that he needed to get rid of as soon as possible. To anyone looking, there were large bolts of linen, but wrapped inside were weapons and documents that would help those resisting the new rule of the Esperantodores. he had not wanted to bring his daughter on this trip, but she had been accompanying him for some time and without a real excuse, it would seem very suspicious if she did not come this time as well.

Siobhan and Muirne was chattering to each other as they returned to the wagon with their breakfasts along with some for her father. Then they would help break camp. Siobhan was excited. Cordova had one of her favorite marketplaces with musicians and dancers. She liked the colorful clothes the people of Cordova wore, so different from the drab colors of her native land. Perhaps because the sun seemed to shine brighter and warmer here. She did have to protect herself from the burning rays, but wearing a large brimmed hat was a small price to pay. She also found the people of this area very handsome with their dark hair and black piercing eyes, and their bronzed skin. So unlike hers which looked like clotted cream. Boy at home told her she was pretty, but she felt like ghost next to the raven haired beauties in the southern countries.

It wasn't long before the caravan was ready to move. They were made up of a few different traders. It was safer to travel in a larger group. Some would stay and not continue to the next stop with them. They would leave later with another group of traders. Either going on, or heading back home. New merchants would join them and so it went along the trade routes.

Siobhan would be visiting some private individuals who had been good customers before the Esperantodores took over the city. She had some very delicate laces that she and her father hoped they would buy for a higher price than they would get in the marketplace. She looked forward to it because it meant she would get to see more of the city. It made her feel like se was a real merchant herself. She took Muirne and Muirne's brother with her to help carry their wares. If she made a good deal, perhaps she could convince her father to let her buy a brightly embroidered jacket and skirt that was common garb for the Cordovans.

 

[jascent88]

The sun arose early, much to early for Domingo's liking, he stretched and rolled out of bed. Ornate rugs had been placed on his floor around his bed, he rubbed his feet on them, they did much to keep the cold off of his feet but he could still feel it radiating from the marble floor through th cloth. He cleaned up and had some of his servants prepare his breakfast, he waited out on the terrace for them to bring it to him.

As he sat there he gazed out at the wide street that wound out from the front of the palace, he turned as he heard the clinking of dishes as the food was brought out to him. A small wooden table was set next to his chair and a golden tray was placed on it with the food that had been prepared. He picked up a piece of fruit and absently chewed it as he looked at some of the steaming bowls. He picked one of them up and looked down at the rice dish, he spooned some of it into his mouth as he watched the activity starting to build in the streets.

“Ahhh Sire your awake” Came the voice of Remmy.

Domnigo frowned, work was about to begin and he hadn't even finished his breakfast “Yes” he said as he swallowed a mouth full of rice “and eating breakfast”.

“Very good Sir this will only take a moment” he said as he stood next to him. “Here are the intelligence reports from the field commanders” he said as he handed over a rolled scroll.

Domingo looked at it and took the paper from the other man and then set it down next to him “As soon as I finish my food I will devote my full attention to it” he said sarcastically.

“Of course” Came the pleasant reply. “And then there is the mater of the security of the city” he said more seriously.

Domingo nodded “Are we searching the caravans as they come into the city” he asked as he looked up at the other man.

He nodded, his short hair waving.

“Good” Domingo said “Lets begin to search them as they go out as well” he said with a grin “we need to know what is leaving this city as well”.

“Very good Sire” came the reply “I have some other matters to attend to”.

Domingo cut him off with a waive of his hand, he then picked up a bowl of nuts and started to chew on a few of them. He looked through the slotted railings of his balcony as he saw two young women chatting with the guards at front of the palace. Their clothing was something foreign to him, the taller one had a wide brimmed hat, her skin was much paler than most of the woman he had seen here in this country or his own.

He stood up from his chair and walked to the balcony and leaned on the rail as he watched the interaction.

 

[haremfaery]

Siobhan, Muirne and Bladud (pronounced Blad-ooh means wolf) made their way through the city. They decided to make the governor's palace the first delivery. It was furthest away from the marketplace and they could work their way back. They had linen tablecloths and napkins for the banquet halls. Then they had a few deliveries of lace to make in the high town. Finally, they would return to the marketplace.

Siobhan could see that there were many more soldiers on the streets then the last time she was in Cordova. She was but a girl then.

They approached the front of the palace. Siobhan smiled sweetly at the the guards. She spoke enough Cordovan to transact business and have general conversations with people. She spoke more Esperanto since the Empire was larger and the language was fast becoming the preferred one for commerce. "We have brought the linens the Castellan ordered. I have the Bill of Sale. She held up a piece of paper. Half was paid when the order was made and half is due on delivery." She bent the brim back on her hat so she could see the guard better. "My father is Liam O'Connell. The Castellan and he have been doing business for years." Except now Cordova was under Esperanton rule. The palace was occupied by the Crown Prince. And who even know if the Castellan was the same man?

The guards were Esperantons. They looked over the three pale people. Especially the women. The closest guard took the paper and looked at it. "Seems in order. can't have the Crown Prince chafing his lips when he wipes them now, can he?" he chuckled at the girl. he motioned to one of the other guards. "Take this and get the Castellan while I make sure there is nothing else but the linens here."

He looked at the pale-skinned man. "Okay, Pinky. Open that bundle."

Bladud narrowed his eyes but behaved himself. "What? Here on the steps? Sir? 'Twill dirty the fabric. But as long as ye take responsibility..." He prepared to set his bundle on the steps.

((Who knows perhaps there's some code in the embroidery, but I doubt anyone would figure it out. Otherwise, everything is as it seems.))

 

[jascent88]

Domingo watched as his guards went through their security procedures to make sure that the merchants were who they said that they were and that they didn't have anything concealed in their packages. He rested his elbows on the railing as he continued to watch them. He followed them as they entered the court yard passing by a fountain in the center of it and then into the house itself.

He stood up and looked around, several of his servants waited there for any of his requests. He smiled, “I feel like going for walk” he said as he walked past them and into the house. He felt them spin and turn to follow him, that was something he had grown up with, servants shadowing him all of his waking life.

“Sire” he heard called as he entered a hallway, he slowed his pace as one of the city administrators rushed up to walk along with him. He exhaled as he let Ernesto walk with him, he looked over at the shorter man, he was a Cordovan, one of the previous administrators. He had come over to their side very quickly after it was apparent that they would win the war.

Domingo gave him his best diplomatic smile “What can I do for you Ernesto” he said as he continued to walk.

“Sire, we might be having a problem with crop production this season” he said his voice full of concern.

Domingo nodded “That would be a problem this winter, why is the production down” he asked.

There came a short laugh “Well the war, Sire” came a some what sarcastic reply.

Domingo shot him and look that cut his chuckle off “Well we are no longer at war” he said as he reached a set of stairs. He started down, the steps starting to squeak as he descended.

“Correct sir, but the planting didn't happen as we would have liked”

Domingo nodded “Well see what our estimates are and what our population consumption is” he said as he started down a hallway. He walked as he scanned the room as he passed looking for the merchants who were dropping off their items.

“Very good sir” he heard Ernesto say and then trail off.

Domingo paused in front of the door to the formal dining hall, he walked into the spacious room as the merchants were presenting the good to the new chef who was examining the work. Domingo walked in, his eyes taking in the two girls as they conversed with the chef

As soon as he entered the room the appropriate acknowledgements were made, he waived his hand “Dont mind me” he said passively as he slowly circled the table. His dark brown eyes moved between the girls, he did inspect their escort for a few moments and then returned to the girls. As he stood behind them he examined their figures, both of them very attractive, but the shorter one had much more generous curves, something he liked. He walked up next to them, he could feel his guards tense behind him as he was in such close proximity to unknown people. He reached between the girls and started to feel the fabrics, he was very impressed with the skill and detail of the embroidery.

“Did either of you do this” he asked as he let his thumb slide over the silken threads.

 

[haremfaery]

Siobhan heard someone announce the Crown Prince, Governor of Cordova. She wasn't sure what the protocol was, he wasn't her prince after all. But it was a matter of respect and she certainly didn't want to jeopardize a sale. She poked Muirne and they both bobbed a curtsy. Siobhan wasn't sure if she was allowed to look at the Crown Prince or not. She decided it was more respectful to keep her eyes downcast. She could feel his eyes looking them over as we walked around them. She wanted to turn but kept still. She could feel Muirne's anxiety.

Siobhan and Muirne both jumped when the Crown Prince reached between them and touched the fabric. "Nay, sair--milord. Your Highness." Siobhan fumbled for the right word. Why did she feel like she had suddenly fallen into a viper's nest? She spoke Esperanton passably well, her nerves made her foreign accent stronger. "We can sew an' darn an' even embroider, but nae so fine as this. They be artisans what do the weaving and finishing work." Should she have spoken to him? She felt the heat of embarrassment flush her cheeks. She looked at the Castellan hoping for guidance.

She took a deep breath to calm herself. She could smell the Crown Prince. He was scented with expensive and exotic perfume. It was heady and sensual. She breathed it in again.

 

[jascent88]

Domingo turned his head to listen to the girl that spoke to him, he could tell by her accent and improper use of the language that she was a foreigner. He was not impressed with their lack of propriety, the slender one did not acknowledge his position until the curvy one forced her to. He focused on the one who was speaking, she at least had the upbringing to curtsy to him. He took in her figure as he took a step back to examine her, her pale skin and curves gave her a very exotic look to him. He nodded and smiled softy as she spoke, he placed the accent to a Franconian border province.

He took an additional step back, they had been having quiet a problem with Franconian dissidents causing problems along with the conquered Cordovians. He eyes the two women again, they didn't seem very threatening, but he had learned early on that looks were not a good enough indicator to base a threat on. The man that they had brought with them however, something about him made Domingo wary.

He nodded as she finished, he smiled softy at her flushed cheeks. He could see her nervousness with the way that she shifted her weight, he had always enjoyed having that affect on people. “Very good” he said as he nodded to the Castellan “you may continue” he said as he turned to leave. He sighed, he was sure that he had much more pressing administrative matters to address than table linnens, as he turned he noticed a large bundle on the floor next to the corner of the table. He paused “What is in that” Domingo asked as he turned back to the merchants.

 

[haremfaery]

The Crown Prince had a nice smile. Siobhan had to admit he was a very handsome man. His skin was the color of the morning drink favored by the Franconians, cafe au lait, she thought it was called. She had traveled all over the known world with her father. She had met people of every skin color there was. As much as she despised the Esperantadores, aesthetically, she thought they were the handsomest people in all the world.

"Thank you, Your Highness." Siobhan bobbed a curtsy. She was relieved that the Crown Prince was leaving them. She froze when he indicated the other bundle. She knew what was in that bundle. She curtsied again. "Highness, those are just the linens for the kitchen. Work towels. Not so fine as the table linens that your majesty uses. Towels for drying the glassware and silver. Towels for the dishes. Towels for the hands and the, the...man who pours the wine." She said stumbling over the words. She tended to chatter when she was nervous to fill the silence.

Many of the towels in that bundle were embroidered as well, though not as elaborately. But the embroidery was special. In it was a code to send a message to the dissidents. Siobhan did not know the message or the code. But she knew it was there. It was rather difficult for her father to keep everything from her. She was not simple like Muirne. She glanced at the Crown Prince's face and then down at the tips of her shoes. It was probably not a good thing for her to look him in the eye.

 

[jascent88]

Domingo nodded at her explanation, it sounded plausible, but there was an increase in the pitch of her voice and there was a new intensity in her eyes. These were all signs that there was something in that bundle that she did not wish to make know to him. He smiled pleasantly “I am however responsible for everyone in this palace and governing this country” he said as he placed a hand on his chest. “I would like to see what we are getting for the money that will be spent from my coffers” he finished his voice much more insistent than it had previously been.

“I understand that they might not be as elaborate as those ornate pieces there” he said with a waive of his hand “but they will still be used in official functions so I would like to know that they are acceptable for display to my guests” he said with a much more pleasant smile than his voice had conveyed.

He watched her hesitate for a moment and then move to the bundle to show off the items that he had requested. She produced a handful of them for his inspection, he walked over to where she was holding them, his eyes more focused on her than what she was showing him. The work was indeed not as nice as the work that was on the table cloth, the were not as ornate but still someone had taken quiet a signification amount of time to embroider a patten on them.

He reached out and touched on the towels, the fabric was much more course than the other that he had felt. He ran a finger across one of the patterns, something about it seemed to be more than just a design, he pressed his lips together as he tried to see if he could find anything in it that made any sense to him. After a few moments of looking at it he looked up at Sibohan and smiled “Thank you very much for indulging me” he said as he stepped back from her and made his way out of the room.

That pattern was writing of some sort, it looked like some sort of script to him but it was one that he was not familiar with and with all of the artistic flourishes it would be that much harder to decipherer. Once the doors to the room we closed behind him he looked over at one of his attendants “Where is Hector” he asked.

The attendant made a motion down the hallway “He is in a security briefing currently, Sire”.

Domingo nodded “I want all of those linens kept there till Hector can look through them” he said with a firm command, something was going on there “I want those girls watched” he said as he started to make his way down the hallway to the briefing. Irritated by the thought of someone passing secret messages through his palace to the insurgents.

 

[haremfaery]

((argh, I thought I answered this last night, I think lit ate it.))

Siobhan could feel her pulse racing. She simply wasn't cut out for this sort of thing. She wished her father hadn't told her anything about the linens. It was bad enough that she knew the traders were smuggling messages in and out of various towns along with their goods.

The fact that the Crown Prince was a very powerful and handsome man did not help one bit.

"Your highness, those are really not meant for your guests. They are for the kitchens and the baths. Although I suppose your guests will see them when they wash." She should just keep her mouth shut. She didn't want the Prince lingering any more than necessary.

Siobhan bobbed a curtsy, "Oh, no. Thank you, Your Highness for taking an interest in our humble wares. You do us and all those who worked on these great honor." She hoped that would appease him.

She breathed a sigh of relief when the prince left the room. She could feel the tension drain from others as well. She had heard he had a temper. She heard that men were taken to serve in the prince's army, and that women were taken to appease his soldiers. She had heard many things. It was always difficult to know what was true. He had not looked at her in a manner that made her fear for her safety. He only was a little too interested in the linens. Had he learned the secret? She hoped that whoever was receiving the message had the sense to destroy the coded linens and soon.

"If there is nothing else?" She asked the Castellan, "we have other deliveries to make."

They were excused and the three eventually made their way back to the tavern at the edge of town where they were staying. She spoke to her father privately in his room to let him know the Crown Prince seemed curious about the linens. They went down to the great room and had a subdued dinner. Her father would pass word to others in the caravans. They would all need to be more careful. he wondered if he should cut their stay short, or if that would rouse further suspicion.

((dunno if you want to move this on to them leaving, or how you want them to get taken. You can do that if you want.))

 

[jascent88]

Domingo made his way to where Hector was, he pulled the door open and entered the room, several heads snapped around to find who had entered the room. Domingo walked into the room and walked over to the table “I hate to interrupt” he said calmly “but what news do we have of secret messages being passed through this palace” he asked irritatedly.

Hector, his fathers most trusted intelligence officer gave him a blank look, his large beard covered most of his face and his brown eyes held the princes gaze for a long moment “We have none, Sir” he said quietly.

Domingo nodded “Well then you had better make your way down to the dining hall and find out what is going on” he said pointedly. “If we can't control what goes on within these walls I doubt that we can do anything better with the rest of the country” he said coldly as he looked around the room. His eyes displaying his aggravation.

Hector stood up, he was taller than Domingo by at least six inches, and his body was that of a soldiers, lean and rugged. He nodded to Domingo “Yes sire” he waived his hands to dismiss the meeting.

“Report back to me as soon as you have something” Domingo said and left the room to attend to some other matters.

A few hours later Hector came to find him, he held in his large hand a towel and piece of paper. He bowed low and waited to be acknowledged. Domingo waited for a long moment before he responded “Yes Hector” he said as he waited to hear what the other man had found. He knew he had seen something before but wasn't able to figure out what the meaning of the message was.

“You were right Sire” Hector started “we found several encoded messages” he said as he handed Domingo the paper. “This one contained locations and lists of crop stores” he said with a sigh “something that would be very useful to destroy if someone wanted to affect our rule here”.

Domingo nodded “And do we have any idea as to who sent it or who it was intended for”.

Hector shook his head “Not yet, but I have my spies searching to try and find out”.

Domingo nodded “Well till then I want the girls that dropped these items off detained, they should be able to tell us something” he said as he lips curled up in cruel smile. He knew by her actions that the taller one seemed to know more than she had let on, he was going to enjoy coaxing that information out of her.

 

[haremfaery]

Early in the morning Siobhan's father went out to those of the caravan staying outside the city to tell them that the Prince was suspicious. If Siobhan was wrong, no harm done. They would be on their way perhaps with a little less money in their pockets. But if she was right and the Prince had an inkling of what some in the caravan were up to, helping the insurgents. It was always better to be safe than sorry.

It should not arouse suspicion that the merchant wanted to return to his wagon, or that his daughter should stay and make a few more deliveries. The Siobhan, along with Muirne and Bladud would return to the tavern, collect their things and leave as well. He would have preferred to leave with his daughter, but the deliveries had to be completed and they needed to act as normally as possible. A few of the rebels had promised to keep an eye on Siobhan just in case.

Siobhan and Muirne met Bladud for a quick breakfast, then the three left to deliver the last of their goods to a few of the local merchants with stalls in the bazaar. Siobhan enjoyed the bazaar, but not this day. Bladud knew of her concern, but Muirne was blissfully ignorant. Siobhan promised the girl a honey cake when they were done to keep her from being distracted by all the stalls.

Was is Siobhan's imagination or were their more soldiers about today?

 

[jascent88]

Domingo had issued an order to his security forces to keep a close eye on the women who had left the palace. He wanted them followed, but not harassed, not yet. He ordered his men to stay close to him and watch anyone that they interact with, if they tried to leave the city then they were to intervene. Hector had been in charge of carrying out this order and making sure that they did not slip away with out getting any information from them.

He spent the rest of his morning dealing with city administration, on their way out the ruling family had made several of the day to day functions of the city very difficult. He listened to three engineers presenting possible way to fix the cities drainage system and stop the sewage from backing up into the streets.

He had trained for this, he had spent the formative years of his youth learning the craft of administration. He knew the inner-workings of how a city should function, how all of the pieces need to fit together for everyone to be able to go about their business and live normal lives.

To his relief a young man came into the room holing a piece of paper, he handed it to one his administrators who then walked over to him and handed the paper. He read the short report, they had attempted to leave the city. He smiled, they were being taken to one of the prisons close to the palace. He nodded, “I want to go and see them once they have been processed” Domingo said to his administrator. This would be a welcome break from the drudgery of the day, he sat up straighter in his chair “Lets go with your idea” he said pointing to the engineer that had argued the most energetically for his fix.

 

[haremfaery]

Many of the merchants in the caravan who were in on helping the insurgents left as soon as Liam gave them word that there was suspicion in the palace. They trickled off so it wasn't that obvious to any of the guards on the city walls. Some of the traders finished deliveries and made a few more sales. They had spoken to Liam that morning. but decided they needed to finish delivering their own smuggled messages. That a mass exodus would guarantee they would all be taken. They would leave as soon as they could.

Liam returned to the city to await the girls and Bladud.

Siobhan spoke to Bladud in low tones as they walked. She told him what her father had said so he could be on his guard. Muirne was unaware of the danger, and had to be hurried along sometimes. They moved quickly making their deliveries, not stopping for small talk. Only some of the deliveries had messages, others were for people who had nothing to do with the rebels. She thought if they were being followed that some not involved at all might be implicated, but she couldn't worry about that. They should all be fighting for their freedom.

They finished and headed back to a tavern by the gate to the city to meet her father. There was a commotion at the gate. People were yelling in angry voices. She steered them away from the noise. There was a smaller gate further along, perhaps they could get out that way. Siobhan kept looking for her father, but she doubted she could find him in the ever growing crowd as people came to see what was going on.

As they backtracked trying to find a way out, Bladud saw soldiers who seemed to be trying to follow them. He led them away and further back into the city. Siobhan and he discussed the idea of ducking into a building for awhile. But as they turned a corner, they saw four soldiers ahead of them. They turned around and the two soldiers they had seen before were closing in on them. "Take your sister and run" Siobhan told Bladud. I'll go the other way. I pray we both escape, but at least one of us may have a chance if we go in opposite directions. Now, go!" She pushed him away down a side alley. She ran further ahead hoping to find another alley to duck into, but the soldiers were closing in.

The soldier grabbed her roughly and dragged her out of the alley as she kicked and screamed and tried to fight him. Another soldier joined him and they each took an arm and half carried her to the prison.

---

Siobhan was thrown into a cell with other women. She recognized two. One worked in the high town at one of the mansions. The other worked in one of the taverns. She frowned at both of them and shook her head a little. It would only go worse for everyone if the guards saw that they knew each other. She sat on the floor and put her head in her hands. She wondered if Muirne and Bladud got away. She wondered if her father had gotten away. She bit back tears. She refused to cry.

Some time later the cell opened and a girl was pushed inside. Siobhan looked up, "Muirne! For the love of Brigid, Muirne. I'm so sorry. I had hoped you would get away. What of Bladud?"

Muirne's face was tear streaked. "They took him too, down another way from this un. Why did they take us?"

Siobhan pulled Muirne down next to her. They held each other and Siobhan couldn't hold back the tears any longer.

 

[jascent88]

Domingo had been advised of the commotion near the gates when his soldiers had tried to corral the merchants that were trying to leave the city. He gritted his teeth as he was told that several of them had slipped away, he was frustrated at the news. He wasn't expecting to catch them all, but was surprised at how many had been able to get away.

He had spent the better part of an hour looking over some of the reports that had been scrawled by his commanders on some paper about the events and the plans that they were putting in place to continue to increase the security around the city. He was happy to hear that the ones that they had been tasked with following had all been captured, he sighed happily. At least he would be able to personally question them about their involvement in the resistance.

Once all of their captors had been processed at the garrison jail he had been brought there. He enjoyed his ride through the city, getting to see all of the activity of regular life going on. Things had been getting closer to normal now that he was in control and the people were starting to learn what they could expect from their new ruler. He admired the street vendors selling their wares and enjoyed the smells of the small bakery shops preparing bread for the midday meal.

He arrived at the garrison, a red brick building that had been constructed to look as impressive as it was sound. The gates opened as his carriage drew near, exiting the coach he was escorted by a group of twenty soldiers to one of the inner courtyards. Her the three that had been in his palace were lined up. Each of them had their hands bound behind their backs, he walked around the edge of the courtyard as the head guard recounted all that they had been able to find about this trio.

Domingo pressed his lips as all he heard was some names and vague ages he looked over at the commander “Is that all” he asked “that doesn't seem like you were able to coerce much out of them” he said as a smile crossed his lips “perhaps I will have to show you a few new ways to help loosen their tongues” he said as he looked over at the group.

He walked to the man first, he grinned as he stood before him, he was bigger than Domingo but not so much that he felt afraid of him. It would be hard to be afraid with an entourage as he had behind him “So you use these women as cover for your plans” he said as he looked up at the other man. Domingo placed his hands on his hips as the man did not answer. The lack of communication enraged him, but he kept his face calm as ever. “Flog him” he said with a waive of his hand as he went to the next.

He stood in front of one of the girls now, Muirne he thought was this ones name. He looked over as he heard ripping of cloth as they prepared Bladud for his whipping. “Now” he said turning his attention back to the girl “what messages did they have you passing” he asked softly as he stood close to her. He watched as she shook her head and her eyes started to tear up. He rolled his eyes as she started to cry, this one seemed to be just as useless as the other, but not as stubborn. He reached out his hand and gently touched hers “its alright” he said softly. “If you help me I promise that you will get to go home soon” he said he heard the leather snap against flesh.

He was surprised that they there was no cry, at least not yet, he smiled. “Tell me Murine, are you hungry” he asked. She nodded, “Well lets get you something to eat” he said as he stood next to her and put an arm around her shoulder giving it a soft squeeze. He saw her looking over at the other girl, “Would you like for your friend to come with us” he asked, she nodded.

Domingo nodded for the guards to bring the other girl, he spoke softly to Murine “What would you like to eat” he asked.

 

[haremfaery]

Siobhan, Muirne and Bladud stood in the hot courtyard with their hands tied behind their backs. They had been dragged out of their cells. The guards seemed to be waiting for something, or someone. Siobhan was able to talk with Bladud in low tones. He hadn't seen her father, which gave her hope that he had escaped. She wondered why they had to stand so long outside. Was it part of their tactics to wear the down?

Then the Price arrived and Siobhan understood. He must want to see them to interrogate probably since he was the one who wanted a closer look at the linens. She didn't know why but she felt more nervous, more frightened now that the Prince was here. She remembered how he had stood between Muirne and her. A shiver went through her.

"No!" Siobhan said when the Prince had Bladud dragged a little away to be flogged. Then the Prince was talking to Muirne. Couldn't he see the girl was simple? "She doesn't know anything. She's just my maid."

Muirne sobbed louder when the whip cracked. Siobhan flinched. She couldn't look. Bladud knew they were passing messages to the insurgents, but like Siobhan, he didn't know what those messages were.

What was the Prince playing at? He was going to feed them now? He couldn't possibly think Muirne knew anything. A guard took her elbow and Siobhan shook him off. She tried to keep her composure as they walked to a table in the shade further from where Bladud was being flogged.

Siobhan stood next to the table, her hands flexing behind her back. "We don't know anything. We were just making deliveries. Please, stop hurting Bladud. He's just a servant. Your Highness." She added at the end remembering her manners amid her fear. It would not do to make the Prince angry. Or angrier than he already was fro all his soft talk. he had ordered Bladud flogged as if he were ordering a tankard of ale. Siobhan took a deep breath to calm herself. They had only to stay alive until her father and the rebels could mount a rescue. It was clear the Prince hadn't scratched the surface of all those involved. It gave her hope.

 

[jascent88]

Domingo ignored her request as he reached for the table and picked up an handful of nuts, he eyed them for a moment before he tossed a few in his mouth and chewed thoughtfully. He sat silent for a moment before he spoke “It seems to me that your either hiding more than your letting on” he said as he turned his gaze to Siobhan, his dark brown eyes locking on hers. “Or that you truly don't know anything” he said with a waive of his hand.

“Either way I have to find out” he waived his hand around the courtyard “this is such a duplicitous place” he said and then clucked his tongue “I want to be sure that when I begin to question your friend here” he said motioning towards Murine “that she under sands what it will mean for her if I feel that she is in any way hiding anything from me”.

He smiled sweetly as Siobhan “I can see by her reaction that she does” he said motioning towards the sobbing girl. He watched both of them very carefully, he had been taught what were the common tells when someone was trying to be deceitful. His father had insisted on this as part of his diplomatic studies, partly to help him read others, and to know what not to do when he was lying. He smiled, he had learned quiet a lot.

He reached his hand out and touched Murines's arm “Now I want to ask you a few questions” he cooed. He held up his hand to stop the beating that was being administered to Bladud, “tell me what messages you were hoping to pass to the resistance” his voice cool and calm. He had exhibited only a small part of his cruelty, he hoped that he didn't have to go very much farther with it, but their answers would force his hand if they didn't talk.

His dark brown eyes searched the cast down face of the other women “You know we don't have to talk here if you don't want” he said softly “we could go some where more private” he said with a grin as his fingertips started to slide up her arm. He smiled at her, out of the corner of his eye he could see Siobhan taking all of this in as she watched him softly stroke the other girls arm.

 

[haremfaery]

"We don't know anything." Siobhan pleaded. "We just make the deliveries. I go to the merchants and homes of the people who buy from us. We _all_ do that."

"Muirne doesn't know anything. Can't you see the girl is simple? She doesn't know your language. The only thing she understands is that you are hurting Bladud." Siobhan winced when she heard the whip fall again.

Muirne flinched when the prince touched her. But both girls relaxed noticeably when the beating stopped.

Muirne looked at Siobhan when the Prince spoke to her. "He wants to know what messages we were passing to the Resistance."

Muirne shrugged her shoulders and shook her head. "Messages?" She asked Siobhan.

Muirne shivered and leaned away from the Prince. There wasn't much she could do to protect herself with her hands tied behind her back.

Siobhan didn't like the way the Prince was touching her friend. "Leave her be. She doesn't know anything. Please." She had a weight in her stomach as she thought what the Prince might do if he got Muirne alone. The girl knew nothing. She wouldn't even be able to make up something to try and appease the Prince. Muirne didn't have a deceptive bone in her body. Even if her life depended on it.

"Please. You have to believe me. Muirne knows nothing." Siobhan said again.

She looked at Muirne and spoke rapidly in their language. "It will be all right. I keep telling the prince you are innocent. It's the truth and we all know it. Be brave."

"Stop touching her. She knows nothing of the ways of men." Siobhan hissed at the prince.

 

[jascent88]

Domingo watched as they girls shared a look and then continued to look down at the table, her heard their protests and denials. He had heard that all before, they were the ones passing messages, that much he was sure of. It didn't matter to him if they knew what they were actually saying, they knew where they came from. He let his fingertips continue to stroke Murine's arm.

He looked across her as Siobhan and shook his head “No, you all know more than your telling me” he said with a grin “and I have many methods of coercing that information” he chuckled.

He raised an eye brow as Siobhan told him of Murine's lack of experience “Well” he said calmly “I think that is something I can help her out with” he said as he shifted his chair to put himself closer to the young woman. “I can be quite the teacher” he said his voice low, but loud enough that Siobhan could hear him. “I can introduce you to the ways of men” he said as his hand started to move across Murine's arm again.

He gave her a soft squeeze as his hand went to her back “I can provide you a life of privilege and pleasure” he said as his lips moved closer to her ear. He felt her starting to tense up as he moved closer to her “all you have to do is to tell me what I need to know” he said as his hand moved to her neck.

He kept an eye out for Siobhan as he continued to apply pressure on Murine, he could feel their level of tension growing as he picked up his advances. He smiled to himself, he was having to much fun at this.

 

[haremfaery]

"We don't! We don't know anything. Truly. Who would let a simple-minded girl know anything if we were truly helping the resistance?" Siobhan knew she was hurting Muirne's feelings calling her simple. She had never called her anything like that before. But it was true.

Siobhan cursed herself. She thought the fact that Muirne was a virgin and mentally deficient would make the prince less interested in the girl, not more so.

"You cannot make us tell you what we don't know. He are not rebels. This is not our fight. Why would we suffer and die for them?" Siobhan tried a different tack. She wondered even if the Prince was satisfied he knew all they ahd to tell him If her would ever let them go. They would all die here sooner or later. She must find a way to make it later so they could be rescued. They _had_ to be rescued.

Siobhan herself had little experience with men, but far more than Muirne. The girl was like a child. "She is like a child. Surely the Prince would not find a child worth teaching anything. No real man lays with a child." She spat. Her arms were beginning to ache pulled back and tied as they were. Soon they would become numb and wouldn't bother her so much.

"She doesn't understand you." Siobhan said again. She felt sick to her stomach the way the prince was treating Muirne. Like a cat playing with it's food.

Muirne leaned as far away as she could. She was a rabbit ready to bolt. Her eyes darted about the courtyard as if she could find a place to run or hide.

 

[jascent88]

Domingo could feel the fear radiating off of Murine, her body leaning as far away from his as she could. He smiled as he listened to Siobhan trying to plead their case to him, “You involved yourself when you started to work for the rebels” he said with a waive of his hand as he continued his soft caresses on Murine's neck.

He let his eyes drift down her figure, she was young but she was a fully developed woman and she had been blessed with a very generous figure. “Don't presume to know what and whom I want to to teach” he said with a chuckle. His hand started to rub her back “From what I can see she is a grown woman” he said letting his voice drop lower. “I see nothing that indicates she is a child” he said as he took a leering look at her breasts.

He grinned as he looked over at Siobhan “Since you are so versed in the ways of men perhaps you could instruct her in how to please me” he said as his fingers started wrap around Murine's arm. “Perhaps you could help her understand what I want” he said softly as he moved his lips towards her ear.

He began to pull her towards him as he smiled at Siobhan “Tell her if she resists she will be punished” he grinned “much like your friend over there”, he said nodding his head towards Bladud.

 

[haremfaery]

"We are neutral. When my people hear that you are holding us against our will, you may find you have more to deal with than than a few rebels."

Siobhan sighed a little and repeated her story. "We were paid to deliver some messages. It's what we do. How we make money. People hire us for all sorts of things all the time. Perhaps if you allowed your new subjects a little more freedom they would not feel that they had to hide things from you." Siobhan probably shouldn't have said any of that. She should probably be acting deferentially. But she was frightened and angry and wanted to lash out.

"P-p-please, not to touch me." Muirne whispered in awful Cordovan. She looked at the prince with frightened eyes. She didn't understand what was being said, but she knew Siobhan was pleading. She also knew that the way the prince touched her was not right. Mr. Liam had told her many times not to let the boys touch her like that.

"Please. Your highness," Siobhan said. Perhaps being polite would serve them all better. "Her body may be mature enough for you, but in her mind, she is a child. Please. If you do what I think you are threatening--you will drive her to madness. She doesn't understand. Even if I explain..." Siobhan slid off her chain onto her knees before the crown prince. "She still plays with dolls." Tears glistened in Siobhan's eyes. "She sucks her thumb like an infant when she sleeps. Please. Let her go. Let them both go and I will tell you everything I know." Her large blue eyes looked into the prince's dark ones.

 

[jascent88]

Domingo listened to Siobhan, her words felt sincere, her tone most certainly was. He could tell that they both understood what he was implying. Despite her insistence that Murine didn't understand he could tell that she did.

“Your questioning of my rule here doesn't help your situation” he said as he stared hard at Siobhan. “I don't believe I desired any of your administrative opinions” he said sharply “but they are noted” he finished sarcastically.

He watched as Siobhan kneeled down before him as she pleaded for their release. He let go of Murine and shifted around her as he looked at the other woman. He stared at her face for a long moment, her tears seemed genuine. He was willing to take that chance for now, he would keep the other two around in case they provided useful later. He stood up from his chair and walked over to Siobhan, his hand slipped into her red hair and yanked her head back to look up at him.

“I will leave you friends alone” he said as he waived at them “but if I find that you are being deceitful, I promise that you will rue that day” he finished as he let go of her hair.

He stood up as he motioned for one of his attendants “Take care of these two” he said motioning to Murine and Bladud “have his wounds dressed”.

He turned his attention back to Siobhan “Now we are going to have a nice private conversation” he said as he ran his hand softly along her hair. “and find out if this bargain turns out to be profitable for both of us” he said as he nodded to one of his other attendants.

One of his guards walked over to Siobhan and start to pull her up to her feet.

Domingo turned and started to head out of the courtyard. The next discussion he wanted to be somewhere he was more comfortable, some where he had the necessary tools to show how insistent he could be.