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"Queen of The Known World"

Baldr was impressed with these Darkness warriors. Not only were they fabulous fighters but their tactics were far superior to anything he had faced before. The first night had been an education for him and his men. They were used to open warfare and straight forward fighting. A lot of his men cursed these men as treacherous cowards who had no honor but Baldr quickly quelled such talk. He knew that these people just had a different way of fighting and they would have to adapt if they wanted to win.

After talking with the Karants he had taken with him Baldr issued new orders for the next day. Against usual practices the forward ranks would use shields. Normally a Clansman shunned the use of such an item feeling it was dishonorable, but against an opponent that would not fight and shot at them constantly they were happy with his decision.

It proved wise and they were able to close on their opponents and by the end of the day they had killed as many as they had lost. Even the most vocal man now had to admit that the men they faced were also good fighters however. They were not up to the standard of a Clansman but they were good, very good.

That night there were a few skirmishes but mostly they were left alone. It was if they had given up and decided flight was the answer. Baldr however had other ideas. He sent two flanking forces ahead and by midday of the next day he had ridden them down. In a small gully his men had managed to ford a stream at vital points and lay in wait for the Darkness troops and the coach they guarded. As Baldr drew up behind them the Vint troops surrounded the coach and drew swords and knocked arrows on their bows.

Baldr examined the situation. The darkness troops were hard up against a washed out bridge and could not move across the stream as it was too deep at that point. His men were lined up just out of bow shot on the opposite bank 100 strong. His own troops of just under 150 troops lined the top of the gully in a vast semi circle looking down upon them. He did a quick count and saw about 40 or 50 Darkness troops. Smiling grimly he knew he was going to win this battle but it would cost him almost a quarter of his troops if he was lucky and over half if he was not. Still he would have Onya back and and he would have proven a point to these Southerners.

As he watched however their leader had called out an obvious prayer and each man and woman had sheathed their weapons or put down their bows and drawn a small dagger and slit their own throats. So powerful was the sight that he failed to notice that Aliza had spurred her horse towards the scene until he saw her halfway towards the coach with one of his men on top of her. Kicking his own horse forward he jumped off and looked down at her and found her sobbing. He was going to question her about why the warriors had done such a foolish thing when her words hit him.

"She's not here."

Turning his head sharply towards the coach he ran to it and ripped the door open, breaking it in the process. He looked inside and found an empty space. He examined every inch not believing his eyes, imagining their must be a hidden compartment but finally he admitted that she was not here. Leaning back he screamed his rage to the heavens and even his own men backed away from him.

Finally he gestured for his Karant's to approach him. "We camp here until tonight. Gather what can be salvaged from the dead and round up the horses, they will prove good breeding stock. Assign five warriors to bring them back to camp along with the plunder. After the horses have been watered, fed and rested we journey back to Varta and we are going to wipe the city from the world," he smiled grimly. "I will give them one chance to return Onya to me then on their heads be it."

He waved his men away and then began to systematically destroy the coach with a large war hammer he borrowed from one of his bodyguards.
 
Baldr had finally worked off his rage and returned the weapon to his bodyguard. There was not much left of the coach and several of his men looked at him with new found respect. these were the few who had never seen him fight before. He had not even raised a sweat and he led his horse towards where his Karants were waiting for him anticipating his needs.

Soon he was discussing what they were going to have to do when they got back. he was hoping by the time they did his major forces would have joined up and he would have enough men to assault the city. They would overwhelm it with sheer numbers. He would show these Southerners how North-men fought and to never disrespect them.

He was in the midst of planning the assault when Aliza walked up. Her voice cut through what he and his men where talking about when she said the magic words "I can get you into the City." Baldr looked at her and gestured his men to move aside so he could see her. Her eyes were downcast but she spoke clearly. "I can get you into the city ... through any of several secret or vulnerable entrances." . She lowered her gaze for a moment, then looked back up to continue, "I will do this ... I will lead you personally ... I will betray my own people ... my Nation ... my Order..."

Baldr nodded but knew there must be some form of payment she wanted. Even though she had sworn to follow him this was too big for her to just do because of that. He stared at her waiting for her to name her price. "I will help you find Lady Onya ... if you will let my dead brethren join the Goddess in the Fires of Un." Ahh so that was what she wanted. She needn't have bothered bartering for that as he had been going to burn their bodies anyway but perhaps he should not tell her that. He had been tempted to leave the bodies where they were to rot, the ultimate disrespect, but they had been true warriors and he could not do it. They deserved the honor of the fire. Even now he had men out gathering wood.

"Very well, but you will not only guide me but a force of my men, and I want you to be armed and if we come against any resistance you will fight. I will put you near the middle so the chance of you having to is slim but I want your word you will." he demanded. "I also want to know how your system works. Am I right in assuming that if I challenge Parta and win your city will not surrender? Is there someone higher giving orders that we have to take prisoner or defeat to end this? I may respect your Captain and your warriors but if I have to kill every one of them to get Onya back I will," he said harshly. "However if I could take your city without bloodshed I will. It would be nice to have your warriors on my side instead of against me. Truly they would bolster my army," he smiled.

"As for your people," he told her gesturing to the bodies."You must tell us if there is any special way to prepare them. Tonight we will honor them, but tomorrow we will ride hard back to the city."
 
Baldr was surprised when Aliza arrived at his tent and demanded entry. His Karants were worried for his safety but he gave them alook and they left him alone with the woman. The day he could not defeat one such as her was the day he did not deserve to lead the clans.

Once they were alone she pulled the tent flap closed and he raised an eyebrow in surprise and his other soon joined it as she began to take her armor off. She continued to disrobe and he watched as more and more of her luscious flesh was revealed until she stood before him naked. He had listened to her reasons for doing so and in truth he could understand it but at the same time he was torn. He had promised himself to Onya and he should not give himself to another woman.

Looking at Aliza though he saw an almost broken woman and he knew he needed her. Stepping forward he clasped her shoulders and leaned down and kissed the woman, tenderly at first then with more passion. Standing back up he removed his armor then his shirt, his boots and finally his pants revealing his semi erect penis. He smiled as he saw her reaction. The few women that had seen him naked had often compared him to the stallion he rode. Indeed he was large but fortunately he was not too wide. He was already worried about his wedding night but from the look on Aliza's face he was not going to have to worry with her.

He moved forward again and kissed her, moving from her lips to her neck, then further down to her breasts. He suckled on them licking and kissing them before taking her nipple in his mouth and rolling it around with his tongue, he began to nibble on it with his lips.

His hand wandered down between her legs and slowly massaged her mound before he slipped a finger between her lips and searched for and found her clitoris and began to slowly move it around. He continued his ministrations feeling his finger getting coated in her juices before he pulled away from her and guided her to the table.

Pushing her face down on it he put his now fully rigid cock at the entrance to her tunnel and moved his head up and down in her juices before easing it inside her. Slowly he pushed inside of her, sinking ever deeper until finally he was all the way inside and his heavy sack bounced off her clit. Smiling he pulled back just as slowly and then entered her again.

It took him a good minute of slow in and out strokes to loosen her up enough for him to start to pick up the pace. Finally he was able to flex his back muscles and drive into her deep and long. Grabbing her hips he thrust into her and then he leaned down and whispered into her ear.

"Prepare yourself Girl. You wanted to see how a King fucks? Then let me show you."

Bracing himself he began to plow into her hard and fast, his balls lapping hard into her clit and his thrusting cock threatening to break into her womb. He grasped her hips and pulled her back against him with every inward thrust burying himself in deeper and deeper as his pelvis smacked into her ass. The tent was filled with the sounds of their rutting and soon Baldr was grunting as his balls tightened and he blasted inside of her.

Jets of hot cum erupted deep within her, filling her up and leaking out a he continued to pound into her until he was finished. As he did he lay across her back for a bit then withdrew unleashing a flood of juices down her legs but he just led her to his bed. He was still erect and he laid down his erection pointed at the roof of the tent.

"The night is not finished yet. Climb on and we will see just how long you can last Warrior of the Darkness," he grinned.
 
Baldr had enjoyed his night with Aliza. She had proved to be a wild woman in bed, taking all he had to give her and wanting more. He had thought he would tire her out quickly as he did with most woman and then sleep until it was time to leave, but the woman proved to have almost as much stamina as he did, finally falling asleep just as dawn was breaking. He managed to snatch a few hours sleep before his body guards came to wake him with knowing smiles on their faces.

He shooed them away and disengaged himself from the woman unleashing a torrent of their shared juices from her well used pussy. He splashed water on his face then his sticky member and then got dressed. Finally he woke up Aliza.

"It is time to ride again oh insatiable one although I doubt this rid will be as enjoyable," he smiled.

He left her in peace to get dressed and walked out to observe the camps progress. Already it was well underway. The Vint soldiers horses had been rounded up and the loot had been strapped to their saddles. He had ordered their bows to be brought along however. He had seen the damage they caused and wanted to test them out for himself. If they could use them it might prove decisive in the battle to come.

As he watched the last of his warriors putting out the fires Aliza joined him and his bodyguards started to dismantle the tent. It was only a matter of minutes and the thing was strapped to two horses bought along for the job. Soon everyone was mounted and except for the ten warriors that would bring the slower moving Vint horses the rest set off back towards the city.

It had taken them almost 3 days to get to this spot. Baldr hoped to make it back in less than 2. They had been fighting a lot of the way and that had slowed them down and although they had to be cautious now that they had lost over half their numbers, they were still a formidable force.

The first day passed without incident and they camped the night. Again Aliza joined him in his tent and they spent an enjoyable night together although they did not repeat the marathon session of the night before. Instead both of them explored each others bodies, working over their breasts and chests, necks, shoulders, belly's and what lay beneath. Baldr spent an enjoyable half hour delighting Aliza, driving her to orgasm again and again with the action of his tongue and fingers as he ate her pussy while Aliza lay back on the bed and shivered in delight. One day she promised herself, she would be the one to make him feel the same way as she did now. Then she remembered that once they saved Onya she would be his and she may never get another chance.

She rode him to another series of orgasms before Baldr came again and then they slept in each others arms again.

The next day the camp was up early and riding again. They made good time and Aliza started to point out landmarks telling them they were getting close. However as night was falling they had still not made it back. Aliza however pointed out they were only several miles away. Baldr decided to press on and sent several scouts ahead to warn of his approach.

It took them less than an hour to get to the outer ring of scouts he had set up and be challenged and then guided to a safe path up to the camp. he warned the scouts to be on the lookout for the men following behind him and to expect them in a day or so. then rode up and into camp. He had expected it to have swelled with the influx of his main troops but they were nowhere to be seen. he sent his men off to rest and approached his tent calling for the Karants he had left behind.

They met him there and his first question was about the lack of troops. They themselves did not know the answer but old him the logical explanation, Tyr must not have got through. When their forces had not been spotted at the right time a force of ten riders had been dispatched. That was two days ago.

Baldr was irritated but wise enough to know these things happened. The men had extra horses so should have reached his forces by now and they had been urged to get here swiftly. He would have to delay for another two days. Still this would mean he had two days to go over things with Aliza and train with these new bows. He dismissed his men and sat calling for food and wine. It would be nice to eat something good for a change.
 
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A messenger burst into Baldr's tent as he once once again in the middle of a meeting with his Karant's. The way things had been lately he did not know why he bothered. Every time he started such a meeting he was interrupted. However the news this man brought was indeed dire and he summoned all the Karant's to follow him.

He raced to the training ground he had set up for Aliza to train his warriors in the use of the new bow. At the moment he was only training one Karanteen. They only had the forty captured bows, but already his carpenters were working on making more following Aliza's instructions. By the time he was ready to invade he hoped he would have a bow for everyone here and later enough for several Karanteen's.

However what he saw when he ran up had him in despair. Aliza was surrounded by angry Clansmen with weapons dawn, while another a significant distance away was on the ground clutching his groin. Actually as he got closer Baldr could see that the mans hand was pinned to his groin by an arrow. He shook his head in despair while secretly marveling at the shot. To hit such a tiny target at that range, she was indeed a superior archer.

He forced his way through the crowd and confronted the men. They lowered their weapons and Aliza immediately lowered her bow although Baldr noticed she still kept an Arrow on the string. He was told what had transpired and he growled. He understood the situation immediately. His men thought Aliza nothing more than a slave that he was rutting with and treated her as such. Aliza of course knew what she was and reacted as a free woman should. This was actually his fault. He had made an error in judgement and his man had paid for it.

"Take Sven to the healers and see he gets the best care," he informed the two closest men to him. They nodded and took the groaning man towards the healers tents. Looking around he still saw angry faces and knew that would not be sufficient. "I have made a grave mistake this day. We are in a new land and their ways are not our own. I took her," he said pointing at Aliza, "Not as a slave but as a prisoner to assure that I got my wife back. She is to be treated like a free woman but I understand why you failed to do so. These new ways are going to take awhile to get used to. No longer are we raiding and going back home. We are taking these lands for ourselves and staying."

He saw a few puzzled looks and he pointed around him. "Look at this land. Each year we raid it to get what we need to survive, then slink back home to fight each other for the rest. Now we no longer do that and life has been a little better." Those who had been with him the longest nodded their heads. Indeed it had been better. With no need to raid their fellow clansman for the things they did not have they had grown considerably and been able to concentrate on other things.

"Now think what we could do if we owned these lands. Good soil to grow our crops instead of that wasteland to try to plant in. Look at this grass for our horses. Why just being here look at how much our own horses have changed. Their coats are shinier and bellies fuller than I have ever seen. They move like colts again," he smiled. The men laughed, indeed they had seen this.

"The problem is we will not want to do everything. Of course we have our freemen and our slaves, but this land is vast. however some of the old chiefs had a plan and through their Karant's I have learned of it and I think it is wise. We let them do the work and we demand a share of it. For every ten bales of hay they produce we will take one. For every ten casks of wine or ale we will get one. Fish, bread, vegetables, ore, gems, whatever this land has to offer we will take a part of it without having to lift a finger."

The men cheered, they liked this idea a lot. It was like raiding only without the danger. "The only problem is we can no longer take slaves and no longer treat captives like them," he said pointing at Aliza. "It is a big change I know but the payoff is worth it." There were more cheers but some grumbles. He smiled. "Ahh I know what you are thinking, no slaves no sex. This is not true. The south have what are called whores. For a little money these women are willing to spread their legs for any man and believe me they will follow us around like flies on horseshit. You will have more that enough willing women ready to take your cocks men."

Now there were enthusiastic cheers, but as they died down one of the men pointed at Aliza. "I have no problem treating her as a free woman Chief, but she still did wrong shooting Sven in his purse like that. He only made a lewd comment. I'm not defending him mind, he deserved a smacking if she is to be treated as such but an arrow?"

Several others nodded and murmurs could be heard. The man was right of course and Baldr knew it. He had been trying to distract them hoping they would forget until he could get her away, but he had failed. "You are right and she needs to be punished and it needs to be public so everyone knows it has been done." There were nods at this. Baldr knew he had to be fair and he could not treat Aliza any different from any other member of the Clan or Free man.

"It is a tough decision. Sven unknowingly committed the crime as did Aliza. It does not excuse the crime itself but it can lessen it. However Sven may be injured for life. It is fortunate he has sired two sons to carry on his name just in case." He rubbed his chin and looked at Aliza. "Very well the punishment is this. Two lashes from a riding crop across your back from each member of his family. That is his wife, his daughter and his two sons. Then two from me as chief. This is to represent the two precious things you may have destroyed. This is to happen tonight. Gather the camp and build a large fire, I want everyone to witness it."

He then grabbed Aliza by the arm and took her back to his tent to prepare her for her ordeal.
 
As Baldr escorted Aliza back to her tent he nodded at her suggestions. Of course some of the things she was suggesting were already going to happen, but others were not. Stripping her fully naked was not something the Clan did. Her top half would have been exposed as she needed to be lashed or her back, but her bottom half would have remained covered. He wondered why she was insisting on going fully exposed the a meaning presented itself to him. In that way she could show that she truly had nothing to hide. It was good in one way for him as the chief, but bad in another as him the man. He did not want everyone to see the woman he was sharing a bed with naked. Normally he would not care, but for some reason he did about this woman. It would be bad enough that she would be exposing her breasts to them. Now she wanted to expose her whole body!

He left her in her tent under the care of Gree and retired to his tent. He knew he could not get out of this punishment but there must be some way he could make it less harmful to her. She was going to have to take ten lashes, two each for every member of Sven's family. He had a wife, two sons and a daughter. Plus the ones for himself. Of course It looked like Sven would not be able to do the deed himself which was why Baldr had said he would do the lashing. Normally it would fall to the closest family member but Sven had no brothers and his father although still a warrior was with the warriors waiting at the border.

Ten lashes was harsh, but it was the correct punishment. Already his Karants were reporting in that his speech had been circulating around the camp and his men were talking about this new way with renewed enthusiasm. They were also pleased with his punishment of the woman although even some of his warriors found ten lashes to be a little harsh although like him they agreed it was the law. Baldr was pleased his warriors were now happy, and talk had turned to the conquering of the land instead of the Razing of it. He was just worried his next step might not be as well received, but he would ride that horse when he got to it.

An hour before the scheduled punishment he summoned Gree to his tent. The woman came but did not look to happy. Baldr sighed. He knew she had made fast friends with both Aliza and Onya and he also knew that in her eyes what he was about to do probably looked like a betrayal in her eyes. "Gree what I do now I do for the Clan, not for myself. I can not have my warriors think I favor a bed partner over them. A chief must forever be impartial in these matters no matter how much he does not want to be, do you understand?" he told her.

Smiling at her he held up a small bottle. "Saying that, I want you to make sure Aliza looks her best tonight so that the whole clan can see how brave she is. Before she dresses rub her down all over with this so she will glisten in the torchlight. It will make sure everyone can see her. Do not take no for an answer Gree. If you have to tell her it is an order from me. When you are done put her in a simple gown and wait for her to be summoned." He waited until she nodded and sent her on her way.

Finally it was time and he strode from his tent to where the huge bonfires had been lit. Fifteen hundred men were gathered around them and they had been feasting and drinking, only the guards, and those on scout duty (Those who had drawn the short straws) were not gathered here. Baldr strode to the place of honor and raised his hands. Soon a hush fell and he began speaking.

"You know why you are gathered here tonight. A mistake was made not just by the two people involved but by your chief as well. By now you have heard from your fellow warriors what our plans are for this land. I will tell you now, that once I marry Onya it will not be just this land but all the lands in the South that we will conquer this way."

A huge roar went up and Baldr waited for it to calm down. "However it may mean we will have to change our way of thinking, but that is something to discuss another time. You are here to witness a punishment as our laws state. Sven was injured and Aliza must bear the cost of doing so." He waved his hand a Gree brought her forward. She walked forward on her own, proudly and dressed in a simple gown of black. Baldr smiled as he put his hand on her shoulder. "She does not run from her obligations, indeed she has told me of the way her old people did things. They would take their punishment bare to show they had nothing to hide and to offer themselves up to their god. I have agreed to allow her to do this so you can all witness her bravery and to see that she is worthy to be called a freeman of this clan."

He clasped the robe then lowered it letting it fall free from her and she stepped out of the garment to stand before the clan naked, glistening in the firelight. He led her over to a pole which had been pounded into the ground and held up the straps. She shook her head and he nodded and then offered her a bone. "It helps if you bite down on this." Again she shook her head and Baldr shook his head. Her pride would only hurt her. He turned her so her back faced the gathered men then he reached out and a riding crop was placed in his hand.

"Aliza, formerly of the Darkness of Virta and now a Freeman of the Clan," he said making sure all now knew of her allegiance, "You have been found guilty of wounding a warrior of the Clan. You will receive two lashes for him and each member of his family. This sentence is to be carried out by the chief as the warrior is unable to do it himself and no family members are present."

Baldr closed his eyes then opened them and raised the crop and brought it down across her back. He was an expert at this and knew exactly how to strike a person to cause the maximum amount of noise and causing the maximum amount of striping but causing the least amount of pain. That wasn't to say that there would be no pain however. He paused and then struck again, this time in another spot. By the time he got to the fifth lash he could see tears flowing freely down Aliza's face but she had yet to cry out. However the seventh proved her undoing. She cried in pain and on the eighth she yelled. Baldr shut out her cries and hit her again even as she yelled in agony. The last hit had her almost whimpering in pain but she still stood.

Baldr looked around at his men and not one was looking away. Then one by one they started to stamp their feet and then clap their hands. A slow steady chant of "Aliza" began to build up until it echoed off the tents. Baldr let it go on for a few minutes before he lifted his hands and cut it off. "The punishment has been given and received. The issue is no more. Now back to the feast," he yelled. The men cheered and resumed their eating and drinking. Baldr turned to Gree who had been hovering anxiously and motioned her forward. He helped her with Aliza and he studied the woman's back. It had ten raised red stripes on it, but none were bleeding. He sighed in satisfaction.

"Take her back to the tent and soak bandages in the stuff I gave you," he whispered to Gree. "They will help numb her back and speed the healing. If she can let her sleep but do not let her roll over, she is to sleep on her stomach tonight. I will visit her tomorrow."

He watched as the two of them made their way back to the tent and then resumed his seat. He had a long night ahead of him but he was proud of the way Aliza had performed. Truly she was a magnificent warrior, but maybe that numbing salve he had Gree rub on her had done something.
 
Baldr was standing outside his tent looking towards his approaching warriors with pride and a bit of impatience. He knew the last was not their fault but he was ready to attack the city and get his bride out of their clutches. He looked towards the city and saw frantic activity all along their walls. Obviously they could not make out how many men were approaching, but from the dust cloud that was approaching them they would know it was a sizeable force. Perhaps now they would finally negotiate. He would think about giving it one last shot.

Then he decided to not even try. They had been given every opportunity and declined each time. Why should he give them another chance just because he had superior numbers now? They had made their choice and now they had to live with it.

As his men finally rode into camp, they began the usual task of setting up their tents as his men directed them to were it was safe, as the karants joined him in his tent. He had food, wine and water brought and waited until they had slaked their first and fed themselves before he asked after their trip.

"Peaceful Chief," reported their spokesman, the oldest Karant. he had been with Baldr from the start and all the others normally deferred to him. "As soon as people saw our dust cloud they ran, but as per your orders, we rode straight here."

Baldr nodded and praised his men promising them a feast that night. His scouts and hunters were having to roam further to catch game, but they were skilled and the area around Virta had sufficient game. However with all his troops here now, he needed to win the war quickly or they would soon deplete the available food.

He was telling the Karants his plan of attack when Yol requested an audience. Suspecting what it was about and wanting to introduce her to the other Karants anyway, he permitted the man to enter and when he voiced his request Baldr smiled. Aliza of clan Baldr then. She had finally embraced her destiny. He was glad of that and sent Yol to bring her back.

He saw puzzlement on the faces of the Karants who had just arrived but pride and respect on the Karants who had witnessed last nights deed. "Men I will not bore you with long speeches. Aliza was a captive, or more accurately a freeman warrior of thee forces facing us. She was responsible for taking my bride but it was on orders from her superiors. She has agreed to help us get my bride back and indeed it is her that has been training our men in the use of this new bow that is more powerful than any we have ever seen." The karants nodded. They knew the wisdom of this and prisoners often proved beneficial. "However I made the mistake of not officially stating her status and one of my warriors said some rather disgusting comments that not even a slave should have to put up with. Unfortunately she is a warrior and acted as such and she was training the archers at the time. The mans hand and his purse was injured."

The Karants paused then one laughed a little. "This woman must be an excellent shot to hit a mans purse at a distance. How did you solve the issue chief?"

"Ten lashes as is the custom. Two for every member of the mans family."

Now they really paused and winced. They knew how the bite of a lash felt having to meet out punishment themselves and a few having to taste it themselves, but ten. "How many did you get to before she passed out?"

Baldr said with some pride," She refused to be tied and the bone and she did not cry out until the seventh hit. She stood upright for all ten lashes and walked away under her own power."

Now the men erupted. Men had been known to faint after five and the most any had seen was six. A woman taking ten and walking away. "You went easy," one cried. 'Immediately one who had been there stood up and threatened him. "I saw it with my own eyes and will swear that the chief whipped that woman as well as any man. She will have stripes on her back for weeks, but she is a stubborn wench." His eyes watered and he did not hide it. "What I saw last night was beyond any feat of bravery I have ever seen. I would be honored to fight by that woman's side."

The other Karants who had been there nodded in agreement and raised their voices in agreement. Baldr smiled then looked at the others. "You will get your chance to see if I went easy men. She will be coming here in a second and you may examine her then and tell me if I went easy," he said menacingly.
 
Baldr looked around at his Karants and noted their expressions. Most wore ones of acceptance, indeed some of pride. A few of the newer ones had ones of distaste that they quickly hid. He could understand if they were of disappointment but distaste? He would have to keep an eye on them. One or two were of Clans that had bordered these lands so they may be forgiven. Having spent years fighting these warriors and generations being taught they were the enemy, it might prove hard for them to accept her readily. However several of the others were from clans so far away he wondered what excuse they had.

All however had seen the stripes on her back and he had seen nods pass between them. More than one nodded at him to show they now knew the truth of his words and even some marveled that this woman was not just up but was able to move and bend the way she did.

As she made her pledge he stood up and accepted her sword then slowly cut his palm lightly with it, drawing blood and bathing the sword with it, then reached down and placed a stripe of blood across her forehead. "I chief Baldr welcome you Horse warrior Aliza into the Clan. May you protect it and all who are in it."

He handed her back her sword and gestured for her to stand up and stand beside him. Then he looked at his Karants. "Tomorrow we will attack this city that has stolen my bride. We have discussed my plan and with Aliza's help we now have a new weapon that will turn the tide, saving a lot of lives." He smiled at his men then dropped the bear among the wolves. "However now Aliza is going to tell you how our plans can be better put into action and how tonight when those warriors think we are sleeping getting ready for the battle ahead, we will strike at the very heart of them."

He smiled at the newest of his warriors and gestured for her to speak.
 
Baldr looked at the messenger and then the scroll. His eyebrows raised as he read the terms and then he laughed causing all eyes to turn to him even as Aliza opened her mouth to continue to talk.

"The first captain Parta, he who leads the Darkness warriors and the defense of the city," he explained for his Karants who had newly arrived, "Has decided to surrender his city instead of face our wrath."

There were cheers from the men. Fighting was good, but winning without loosing men was better. It was why the chieftain battles had been set up in the first place. Too many men died from cold and hunger and the dangers of the north to be wasted in battle if it could be avoided.

Baldr held up his hand. "Their terms are this,
A thousand pounds each of gold and silver, right now.
A hundred pounds each of gold and silver every moon.
A presence inside the city, meaning I can have an Ambassador and a small force to defend the city.
Ten percent of the city's production of goods annually.
Ten percent of the Territory's production of goods annually.
An Earldom for myself in the North on the current border with the Unnamed Untamed, That is what they call our land, far away from Virta, of course. It would amount to about 1/10 of Virta's current territory.
In addition, the people and architects of Virta and Vint would help us build a permanent city on this piece of land drawn on this map."

He paused and looked at his men who looked a little puzzled at this explanation. "What they are saying is that they will pay us to go away and leave them alone. I think some of your old chiefs did this to a few kingdoms in the south." A few karants nodded their heads in understanding.

Baldr continued. "What they want from us is this,
Our troops will neither enter nor besiege the city or restrict the movement of its people and products in anyway.
Our troops will not enslave or otherwise harm the citizens of the Territory of Vint in anyway."

Again Baldr looked at his men and after a second they began to laugh. "Who does this man think he is?" one spoke up. "Does he think us fools?" another called out. "He tries to bargain from strength when he is weak.' cried another.

Baldr nodded and then gestured for Aliza. "I need to go talk to this fool. In all this there was one thing he did not mention, Onya. You will accompany me and we will see what he has to say about it." He called for quiet and then began to issue orders. "You know what to do. The plans are set and nothing has changed. Get some sleep and we begin at dawn. Good hunting."

The men rose and saluted their chief then left. He gestured for Yol to accompany him then left with Aliza for the tent.


He found Parta in an agitated state when he strode in with Aliza by his side. He threw the scroll on the table and said one word. "No."

Parta's face fell and he looked between Baldr and Aliza. "You must know that any secrets she has given up have been either closed or blocked with men. You will not be able to use them. Many people will die before you take this city."

Baldr looked at the scroll and laughed. "Why settle for a bit when I can have everything. Your city will fall make no mistake and everything that it has will be mine including it's lands and all it's taxes. You give me nothing that I do not already own."

He then leaned in close and picked it up and held it out to him. "And where in here does it talk about the one thing I want to know about," he said with anger in his voice as he stared at the man. "What have you done with Onya and when will she be returned to me? What care I for lands and gold I already own or your stinking lives or the lives of your people? Tell me now of Onya or I swear not one of you will live to see another night."

Aliza stepped forward and touched Baldr's shoulder and he rounded on her with anger in his eyes but calmed down and stalked to the back of the tent. Aliza looked at Parta and spoke calmly. "I have told him everything Parta, how we kidnapped Onya because we thought she had been abducted and how she is in Varta. If you do not hand her over he will do as he says. He truly loves her and she him, you know this. He is a man of his word, Once given he will not break it ever. Negotiate properly or all is lost. I may have joined them and for good reason, but I do not wish to fight my brothers and sisters and truly they would like to win by not fighting either."
 
Baldr did not care about the gold and silver or about the rights to this and that at the moment. He had meant what he had said. Everything was his and this man had no bargaining chips. What he was negotiating with already belonged to his clan so his words meant nothing. If he did not say something worth while soon he was going to separate the mans head from his body and mount it on a spear for his own warriors to see.

Then finally the truth came out and he stepped up beside Aliza and listened to the man.

"Lady Onya is not in the City," he finally said to Baldr, his tone genuine. "The High Priest had her taken to Vint by boat."

It was all Baldr could do to restrain himself from reaching across the table and strangling the man. Only the fact that he showed any remorse saved him.

"I can assure you that Lady Onya had already concluded the voyage and is already in the city," Parta continued, again looking at the Northman. "And I can assure you, Lord Baldr, this was not of my decision. As Aliza--" He looked to her and continued with a slight nod of respect, "--of the Clan Baldr has said, she and I are responsible for Lady Onya's, um ... kidnapping, would be the proper word now. But after Lady Onya made it clear that she wished to return to you, m'lord ... and after I'd convinced myself that she was acting on good faith, to herself, to her Goddess, to you ... I attempted to take custody of her once again ... to return her to you."

He nodded to Baldr again, saying with a soft, sincere tone, "I failed, as an element of the Darkness that answers directly to the High Priest had already rushed Lady Onya out of Virta on her way to Vint."

Blast these men and their priests. Why did they think they knew better than the two of them did. He knew men like this, he even had a few in his own clan. They were convinced that the old ways were the best ways and that they knew what was best for everyone. He had 'persuaded' more than one that they were wrong, several of them at the end of his sword. After all if their god which they had so much faith in wanted them saved, surely he would. So far none had been saved. He wondered if these priests would be?

He looked at the commander and his anger subsided. When he had been younger, he had to follow some orders he had thought stupid as well, but he had done so because it was his duty. It seemed he was caught in the same dilemma.

"I will order the City and Castle gates opened to your forces, Lord Baldr. You may search every well lit room and every dark corner ... and you will find that I am being truthful with you."

He then looked to Aliza, then back to Baldr, and said, "And ... if you would honor me with the promise that our city and its people will not be punished for deeds it and they did not perform ... I will help you in anyway I can ... including employing the officers of the Darkness should they be requested ... and trusted ... in not only locating your betrothed but in returning her to you as well."

Baldr was startled by this offer. He was sure the man was telling the truth, he was very good at reading a man and this Parta was not much of a liar. Even during their previous negotiations he had been easy to read. He was to used to telling the truth. However to open up the city and allow a search was a generous offer and then to pledge to help him get Onya back.

He glanced at Aliza and saw her nod indicating he could be trusted. He was about to answer when the man drew his sword and dropped to the floor, offering it up as Aliza had done.

"I am Parta, First Captain of the Darkness. I pledge my sword, my loyalty, and my life to you, Chieftain Baldr."

He shook his head in disbelief. Now he had two darkness warriors in his clan. He again cut his palm and rubbed his blood into the mans forehead. "I welcome you into the Clan Baldr Parta. May you protect it and all who are in it." He gestured for the man to rise then looked him in the eyes. "This is the deal I will make with you. You will return to the city. I will not call it your city because you are now one of my warriors. You will tell them that you are surrendering and opening the gates. I will only send a thousand men inside and no harm will come to anyone as long as no harm is done to them. They will do no looting but a thorough search will be carried out with you and Aliza in charge so all the secret passages and bolt holes can be checked. As long as there is no sign of her we will leave and travel to Vint to again ask after her. However I will be leaving 500 warriors here. They will make sure your priests do not get up to any mischief but nothing else. I would also like some of your men to accompany us and one or two priests. No harm will come to the priests. I just wish to use them as messengers when we get to Vint. Is all this acceptable to you?"
 
Baldr watched Aliza take over the negotiations with a slight smirk on his face. He would have to have words with her when they were in private. If she ever did this while any of his Karants were around, she would beg for the lash after the punishment he would have to bestow on her. However because it was her former commander he decided to let her continue. She was not saying anything that he would not have demanded anyway.

He nodded at her decision to send Yol and a detachment of riders with the man to keep the gates open tonight. He did not mind given the man the night to inform his people so they could be ready for what was to happen, but with his men in charge of the gates, if there was treachery they could be inside before they shut.

He watched as the man left and Yol and then Hagar joined him along with 30 horse warriors. They were just leaving when Aliza lowered the tent flap and then made sure the ones looking towards their camp were shut as well. He saw the look of lust in her eyes and her armor came off quickly as did her undershirt to reveal her firm breasts, her nipples hard and swollen and looking sweet to his sight. As she approached the table she kicked off her boots and her sword belt and pants soon followed. Now standing naked before him she turned around and leaned on the table presenting herself to him. Then she looked at him over her shoulder and demanded, "Fuck me, M'Lord."

Baldr smiled and quickly dropped his pants and moved up behind her. He was already as hard as he had ever been and he could see the juices leaking down her legs. Quickly he placed himself at her entrance and thrust deeply into her. Both of them groaned in pleasure and he began to fuck her with wild abandon, thrusting into her hard and fast causing the table to rock underneath her.

"You my little female warrior are going to drive me wild," he gasped out as he continued to pound into her, his hips moving faster and faster as he came closer and closer to coming inside of her. Finally he could hold back no longer and he exploded inside of her in powerful jets.

Calming down he fell across her back and began to nibble on her neck. "Tonight you will visit me in my tent my warrior," he said smiling "and we will see who wears who out," he chuckled. "Then tomorrow you will show me around your city and perhaps show me where you used to take your other lovers," he chuckled.
 
Baldr had spent more than half the night fucking his new female Horse warrior. If the camp had not known that the two of them had been lovers before, they surely did now. One thing about Aliza was that the woman was not quiet when she was being pleasured. She made sure everyone knew she was happy with his performance.

It was a boost to his ego to know that a woman felt that way about him, but it also was a source of dilemma. Baldr had to admit to himself that he no longer was treating Aliza as just a quick tumble before taking Onya as his bride. He thought he would be able to enjoy himself a few times then pass her off to one of his Karants. Instead he found that he wanted to possess this woman and not let her go. Unfortunately he also wanted to do that with Onya as well.

He knew Onya would not agree to sharing him with Aliza even though Northern customs allowed it. He thought Aliza might be okay with it, but there was no way his new bride would allow him to bring another woman to their bed or visit hers. He was going to have to work this out before he rescued her and married her. Perhaps Aliza herself would have a solution.

He allowed her to stay sleeping as he arose and got ready to enter the city. If she could not get up then she deserved to miss out. However just before he and the warriors left she rode up and took her place beside him. He chuckled at the look on her face as did a few other of the warriors. "I am sorry Aliza. You seemed to be so exhausted I decided to leave you sleeping, however I am glad you have made it," Baldr quipped. now his men openly laughed but it was good natured laughter.

They set off for the city and were soon passing through it's gates where Parta and the men dispatched met them. No one else seemed to be on the streets except a few warriors. Parta bowed to Baldr. "The warriors have been confined to the barracks lord Baldr and the priests to the Temple. The people were told they were free to go about their usual activities but I am afraid they are to scared to do so. Most are in their homes. Only the fisherman are out and that is because they are out on the lake."

Baldr nodded then gestured for his men to begin their search. They had already been briefed and they split into groups of three and set off. He looked at Parta and Aliza. "Take me to these priests. I would speak to the one in charge," he said with a slight growl in his voice.
 
Baldr was surprised at the state of the city. He had grown up on the tales his mother had told him of the great cities of the south, especially the twin cities of Vint and Varta, but she had also told him how the had been destroyed when the Falling wars had happened. Those in the North had never suffered from those Wars. Their way of life was much the same as it had ever been. They had no real permanent structures to topple nor hierarchy to pull down. Except for a few small temples dedicated to their gods that no one would ever destroy for fear of angering them and being denied the afterlife, they lived in the tents their forefathers had once lived in, many times patched and added to but still the same.

He had expected to ride through the gates and find the people living in patched up houses. Instead he found magnificent structures and fully planned out streets. It was just how his mother had described it to him. As they continued through the streets towards the main castle, the people finally came out of their houses and he got his first look at them. They were much shorter than him and most people from the north, although their skin was much the same color. Most were thin like Onya, even the males, although some had some muscle on them. All of them however stopped and bowed and he saw that it was all directed at him. He saw fear in their eyes but also wonder. He smiled a little and rode on. He wondered himself if that expression would last for any length of time.

As they entered the main castle gates he saw that a group of Darkness warriors was lined up on either side. He could sense Aliza's tension as well as that of his warriors but he remained calm. If these warriors had wanted to attack they would have done so from the shadows without revealing themselves. Indeed they merely stiffened up and bowed like the people outside and Parta dismounted.

As Aliza did he realized they could go no further and was dismounting even as Aliza gave him a look to tell him this was so. The small amount of his warriors left followed suit and they all followed Parta as he led them into the castle proper. One at a time Baldr pointed at passages and a warrior would sprint off. Finally it was just himself, Aliza and Parta. He was again impressed by the extravagance of the castle. Everywhere he looked he could see the fruits of hard work. His practiced eye noted where repair work had been done on statues and stonework, and what rugs and tapestries were new and which were old. It must have taken many hands to do this in so little time and he wondered if it had been done freely or under duress.

As they came to the gardens he paused for a moment to look out at them. Never had he seen such an abundance of different crops in such a small area. He smiled and took it all in. He would have one of his Karants find out who ran such a thing and get him to tell him his secrets. The north could use a man like him. The small valley Baldr had chosen for his village was one of the few that had a mild winter, although by Southern standards it would still be considered very cold. If this man could show them how to grow good crops in their soil in the time they had, Baldr would make him a very rich person indeed.

Turning he caught up to Parta as Aliza joined him at his elbow. The structure they approached was even more elaborate than any he had seen yet, and two darkness warriors guarded it's doors. These two had gold on their armor though and Baldr knew instinctively that it meant something and perhaps something he should know.

Parta paused in front of the door and began to take off his weapons as did Aliza. "We must disarm," Aliza said softly."It is safe, m'lord. No blood has ever been shed ... or ever will be shed ... inside the walls of the Temple of the Order of Vint." Baldr stared at the two men guarding the door then began to unbuckle his sword belt. Dropping it to the floor he smiled then reached into the tops of each of his boots and removed a dagger from each of them. He smiled at Aliza and shrugged. "I am picking up bad habits from you."

Looking at the guards they finally nodded and pushed open the doors and Parta led them inside. Baldr looked around and again was stunned at the elegance of the building. He was used to raiding castles that had been built out of wood or stone, but purely for defense with little time to make the place look pretty. This city must have stood for generations for it to look like this. There were carvings of creatures on the walls and actual colored glass that made pictures through which the sun shone through.

As they walked down the center of the large room, he saw smaller rooms packed with books and scrolls in large wooden frames with black robed priests running around in them. In this room other priests sat at raised desks carefully writing in other books. At one he actually saw one reading a scroll and copying it down into the book in front of him. He shook his head wondering why he would do such a thing. Why would you need more than one copy of anything? Still as they passed each priest would stop and bow to them before getting on with what they were doing.

As they moved further in, climbing stairs and going up floors, the place become less elaborate and he saw beds in rooms as well as older priests teaching younger ones from the ever present books. Again he wondered what was so important in them. His mother had taught him to read and write, A fact he was not about to reveal to these people yet, and he had been fascinated by the few books he had found on raids, but they had never taught him anything. They had just been stories about fanciful heroes and lonely women.

Finally they made it to a long room with a man sitting on a large chair. He was dressed much like the other priests except to Baldr's eyes his robes were of a much finer quality and his expression was much haughtier. He noted several darkness warriors with the gold on their uniforms around the room, but kept his eyes on this priest. He was sure he was now in the presence of the person in charge of the city and the one who had sent his Onya away. If this man did not have the right answers for him, Blood might be spilled inside the temple for the first time.

He glanced at Parta and waited for the man to speak.
 
Baldr watched the wizened old man descend the steps and while appearing generous and righteous, spoke condescending words to both Parta and Aliza. He watched as he easily maneuvered Parta back towards his side, separating him from Baldr and then forced Aliza to leave his side as well, although he did not try to have her return to his side. He had claimed her as his own again by his words and then left her to come and face him although he did not descend to his level.

Again he smiled as the man stopped several steps above him to place his head above his, trying to place himself in a position of dominance. Again his words were flowery and conveyed a message of peace and welcome, yet Baldr heard the true feelings of the man behind them. He never once called him a Northman or his Clan what it was. Instead he used the vilest terms of the south. Baldr however did not flinch from them instead looking the man straight in the eye. However he could see Aliza motioning him to kneel to this man and he broke into a wide smile. For all that she had been with the Clan for these last few days she still had a lot to learn.

He moved up to the same step as the old man and looked down at him, the difference in their height and build now evident. "And you would be the man who is in charge of this city. The one who ordered Onya taken to Vint to be married off to some other man because I was no good for her against her wishes and the one who has forfeited his life if he is not careful with his words," he smiled down at the man.

He looked up at Parta and then Aliza and gestured at them. "What are two warriors of the Clan doing listening to some old man. Have you forgotten your vows so soon after giving them? Stand behind your chief now," he barked."

He then looked down again at the old man. "I do not hide behind flowery words old man.I came here on the bidding of my soon to be wife because she assured me the priests of Vint were honorable and she wished to be married by one. Instead I find that they are like the snakes in the grass, lying in wait until they can strike. You took my bride against her will and then have sent her away. You are lucky I do not kill you where you stand. Frankly I care little for your Goddess and even less for you. If you leave this place I will not guarantee your safety. You are confined to this building."

He turned to go and began to stride from the room.
 
Baldr stopped as Aliza called out, more from surprise than her actual voice. Never before had she dared call him by anything other than his formal title or one she had made up for him, so her shouting out his actual name caused him to turn back.

Sh rushed up to him and bowed low before starting to beg in a whisper, trying her best to stop him from leaving the room. She glanced back once to where Parta still stood rooted to the spot and Baldr took notice of that. The man was clearly distressed looking from the priest to his chieftain, but he had made no move to follow. Glancing down at Aliza as she grabbed his hand he listened to her whispered words and his eyebrows shot up. Just what was she saying? Lover. If those two overheard they could use that against him in his hopes of getting Onya back.

Yet as he looked into her face he realized she was doing this for him and for Onya. She was telling him that this priest was the same as himself and could not afford to back down or show weakness just as he could not. However the anger he had inside of him could not be quelled with this knowledge. All he cared about was that this man had taken his bride and was trying to sell her off. If he had been another chieftain Baldr would have challenged him and his head would have been rolling on the floor by now.

Aliza must have recognized that in his eyes for she did something so out of character it shocked him like a bucketful of cool mountain water on a hot summers day. She got on her knees and bowed low like a slave and begged him, pleading for him to remember his bride. For her to invoke Onya's name at a time like this had to hurt her. He knew she loved sharing his furs and that she wished to continue doing so. Yet here she was begging him to do something that would see him get Onya back and take him away from her.

He reached down and with a calmer look on his face he pulled Aliza to her feet. He smiled at her and gave her a small nod, then walked back to the bottom of the stairs. Looking at the priest he gave a tight smile. "Perhaps I spoke hastily Priest. The love I feel for Onya has me greatly upset at those I feel have kept us apart. As long as you and yours cause me no further trouble then I believe we will be able to get along." He placed his hand on his heart and inclined his head, treating the priest as he would a Clan leader. "However relations would go a lot smoother if I was reunited with Onya quickly and our wedding went ahead immediately."
 
Baldr was surprised again when the old priest immediately came down to his level. He was expecting some more posturing but it was not to be. His opinion of the man rose. So he just wanted Baldr to acknowledge him as an equal. Learning the ways of the south was going to take some getting used to, but if every leader of a city thought they were his equal then it might be easier or harder than he thought.

Still as the old man began to lead him back the way they had come he listened carefully to his words. He wished Onya was here. She was much better at this talking side of things, especially with people who said one thing and meant another. Baldr was used to dealing with people that openly spoke their minds. If they disagreed with you they spoke up. If the disliked you, they told you so, and if they wished to kill you they issued a challenge. Since he had been in the south he had been lied to so many times his head hurt trying to keep up with them.

Still he seemed to be talking the truth this time, although he was not offering much. He offered his people and all the people surrounding Virta to help him get Onya back. Baldr sighed again. Did these people not understand that all these people now belonged to him? Why offer something that he could order himself? Still he did not wish to kill innocents as long as Onya was brought back to him.

As they again walked over the gardens the priest stopped and gestured down at them, telling him he would be most welcome to send his holy men to exchange samples of their grains and flowers in exchange for some they had grown that could survive in the colder climates of the north. Baldr smiled. Even now the priest was wrangling to advance his knowledge. If they wanted samples of the Norths foodstuffs they would be exchanging a lot more than a crop that Might work.

Finally just before they turned down the passage that led to the stairs leading down The priest stopped him and told him that Onya had been examined and she was indeed who she claimed to be. Baldr smiled widely. he had known all along, but to have it proved to other people, he knew how much it meant to Onya.However his next words had him glaring at the old man.

"When I marry Onya, she will be my Queen and I will be her King. Does that mean I have to be in charge, or does that mean she has to be in charge? No it means we are in charge. Maybe the Clans do it a little differently to what you do it here in the South, but our women have always been precious to us. They were to be protected at all costs. They were the ones who looked after the children our living legacy and our homes our place to come back to. They might have had no voice in battle or in the war tent, but it would be a foolish man to say that no woman ever had a voice in the decisions of the clan," he chuckled.

He looked at the priest and shrugged. "Our ways are changing priest. Will I take a knee to my wife? No. Will my wife have to take a knee to me? No. However will I be upset if people swear to follow Onya instead of me? It makes no difference. In the end we will be ruling the world side by side and Gods help anyone that threatens her."
 
Baldr watched the old man walk away. As he did he seemed to pick up speed and was soon lost from sight. He gave a wry smile. So, he was fitter than he looked or allowed most people to know. He was also very smart. Baldr would have to be very careful around him.

He allowed this new, younger priest to guide him to a new building where he sat down to a meal with both Parta and Aliza. He studied them both as they ate and drank and both refused to meet his eyes occassionally.

Finally he looked at the two of them. "Aliza, Parta, You have both sworn to follow me and pledged your life to Clan Baldr. I have honored you both by allowing you to become Horse warriors and all the rights that go with that, however today your honor was tested. You both have Gods that are not like the Gods of the North. I even further understand that the priest we just met used to be the man you took orders from and is the one who represents your gods here." He looked both of them in the eyes to make sure they understood his next words were very important.

"However to a Horse warrior his clan chief is to be obeyed first, his Karant second, and his god last. Today both of you did not follow those directions, but you have not grown up within the clan, so I am willing to overlook it. However it will be just this once," He glared at both of them.

Sitting back from the table he stood up and gestured for them to follow him outside. As they did he blew a clear note on a horn attached to his belt and over the next half hour his men made their way to him to report their findings. All reported no signs of Onya but he had also received reports on the state of the defenses, food stores, money, luxuries, citizens, the actual city itself, water supplies, etc.

He sent each man inside to get a meal as they reported in until he had a good idea of the entire strength of the city, how long it could last, and exactly how much he could get out of it if he sacked it. It was impressive especially the estimates from inside the castle, but it was worth more to him as a functioning city.

"Let's hope your priest is successful in his mission," he said to the two warriors at his side. "I do not have the time to pause here long and I feel fighting against your fellow warriors would not sit well with you."
 
Baldr had listened to both Aliza and Parta as they explained what they would do to secure the town. They both believed the High priest to be an honorable man, but he had been when he had sent Onya away even though she protested and they had each tried to persuade him it was wrong.

He allowed Aliza to send men up to the communication tower. He needed to know what messages were sent and received first. He also agreed that the two port accesses needed to be shut off so no word could be sent by boat. He would have several novitiate priests out in the streets on the following day explaining to the people what was happening so they did not become worried and he would also keep up his patrols just in case anyone tried to slip away.

He summoned some men to begin locking down the siege equipment on the walls, and confiscating all bows. He would allow the warriors to still patrol the walls but only with swords.

Finally he sent word back to his own camp that everything was in order and he would be staying in the city for now.

As he sat with Parta again waiting for Aliza to join them, he was surprised when the man began to apologize for his actions. Baldr tried to dismiss it, after all he had chastised the man and it was now dealt with, but he continued on and then took full blame for the abduction of Onya. He had stood up and bowed low and although Baldr had a strange feeling he had passed it off as a Southern custom.

Then the man had quickly drawn his short sword, placed it just below his sternum and thrust. Baldr had reacted quickly but not quickly enough. The table they had been sitting at had gotten in his way and he had been unable to stop the man. As he bounded over it he found Aliza already there, cradling him as she eased him to the ground.

Baldr backed away, leaving the two of them together and gesturing those who had come running at Aliza's scream to give them room. He waited until the man had died and she had time to grieve before he sent for a novitiate and a warrior to take her to her room to get cleaned up and another two to take Parta to be prepared for his funeral.

He was surprised when she joined him later and began to tell him how long it would take for the priest to be informed about any decisions from Vint. As she talked he had seen her resolve crumble however and she moved towards him. He reached out and pulled her into his arms, allowing her to cry as he held her. He didn't do anything but comfort her as she held him tight and let her tears flow.

Finally she took control of herself and he let her go and stepped back and she continued in a stronger voice. She suggested sending the army south and he agreed with her. He was not going to sit here and wait for his bride to be brought to him, he would go and get her.

"I agree with you Aliza. Tomorrow we march on Vint and heaven help their High priestess if Onya is not ready for me when I arrive."
 
Baldr had left the planning of the trip to Vint in the capable hands of his Karants. He took the task of securing Varta on his. While Aliza, Yol and several of his other Karants organized the secret journey, He and Hagar roamed the city and met with the senior priests and the Darkness captains.

The latter proved to be problematic. There was a rumor amongst them that he had assassinated Parta to gain control of the city. He brought every captain together in the main barracks and then had Parta's body presented to them. It had been cleaned and readied for the fire, but the wound had not been touched. He invited them all to inspect it and tell him if they still believed he had inflicted the blow. One by one they filed past and looked and then discussed it amongst themselves while he waited. There was much grumbling before the senior captain finally spoke. "It looks like he did indeed take his own life.We will relay this to our troops. What are our orders?"

Baldr smiled this was what he had hoped to hear. "For now your duties remain the same. Protect the citizens of Virta. However you will now report to Hagar here instead of the head priest. He will be working with the head priest but all final orders will be issued by him." He dismissed the men and although he saw one or two murderous looks thrown his way most seemed begrudgingly okay with his decision.

Turning to Hagar he motioned the man forward and slapped him on the back. "Well now, How does it feel to be the new Chief of Virta?" he smiled.

Hagar shook his head, wryly smiling back. "While I appreciate the honor Chief Baldr, I would rather wrestle in a pit of rock vipers."

The men laughed as they began walking towards the high priests quarters when Yol caught up to them with a message. Baldr read it and then smiled. Well that explained a few things. He also needed someone who knew the area. It could mean he could add another land without having to fight and all he would have to do was agree to make one of his men a noble in the eyes of the South men. A very easy task. If Tyr was going to bring him a Barony, he deserved to be one, he chuckled.

Baldr and Hagar spent several hours talking with the High Priest about how Hagar and he would be running Virta and what troops would be stationed within the city and what their role would be. It had become heated at times, but the old man had known that Baldr would do it regardless whether he agreed with him or not so he had finally put a brave face on and just agreed with him.

As he made his way back to the main hall again, Baldr smiled. So far the plan was working. As his leadership group met up a final pigeon message arrived confirming what he and Aliza had suspected. The High Priestess had convened the council to discuss the matter of returning Onya to Baldr. It basically read as a stalling tactic. He was glad he had made the plans he had.

He made sure everyone knew what had to be done then sent Aliza to the head priest, said goodbye to Hagar and headed back to camp. As he entered he noted the fine work that had been done. The main entrance and what could be seen from the walls was well lit and well patrolled, making it seem like the camp had thousands of warriors within it. Yet as he passed the well lit portion it was easy to see that only several hundred warriors remained in the camp. He greeted the Two Karants that had been chosen to remain behind and support Hagar. They would support him from outside and would ride in to help him if needed. Baldr had already made sure his own men controlled both gates and that they were secure.

He then waited for Aliza and rode through camp and with his remaining men rode quickly down the small valley's away from Varta to the south to meet up with his main force and then began riding towards Vint.

It was a tough ride made doubly so when they had to find a new place to cross because of the washed out bridge. He relied on what his own men had found and proceeded to small ford points and shallow points to swim across before his forces once again joined up and traveled together en mass towards Vint.

As they arrived and looked down on the city and began to set up camp, he smiled as the bells began to ring. He saw men scurrying about on their walls and the gates being hastily closed. It just proved what he had thought. They never imagined he would come to pick up his bride. Well they would just have to get used to him doing things they never imagined. As he set his men to once again making fortifications and sending his scouts out to hunt, he led Aliza, Yol, and his bodyguards down towards the town under flags of truce to see if they were ready to talk about his bride.
 
Baldr had seen all the new work that had been done, and how the forest had been logged. He knew what that meant and he grew furious. The high priestess had never been going to return Onya and had been using whatever time she could to prepare for his arrival. The fact that he had arrived now had probably spoiled some of her plans.

He nodded when he received the news about the approaching army from the east. They had probably hoped to be inside Vint's walls before he arrived. Well It would cost them dearly. He sent a dozen good riders to keep track of their progress and to find a nice battlefield where they could be slaughtered.

As the camp was being set up Baldr discussed new plans with Aliza and his Karants to take into account their new intelligence. It now appeared they were in for a long battle and they would not be getting Onya back easily. Baldr was mad and his Karants knew the signs. They just hoped they would not end up suffering his wrath.

When he was informed of the party coming out to greet him he knew what it would be about and so was prepared for it. He was surprised that the city was being led by a woman but it did not change his plans. He sat in silence and listened to her demands then he smiled down at her.

"You are in charge here? Then we can solve this problem very easily. I have come to reclaim my bride and I will do so. How many die is up to you. In the Clans we have a way that saves many lives. The chiefs fight and the one that survives rules over all. I offer you that challenge Ellanora of the city of Vint. Will you face me in single combat with the fate of this entire war riding on your shoulders. For if you win my men will turn around and leave these lands never to return. However if I win I will marry Onya and my claim as her king will be upheld. What say you?"

He looked at her and knew what the answer would be. She would not risk such a thing nor would she be allowed to by her masters. He sneered at her and waved her away. "Go back to the men's boots who you must lick before you tell me your answer. You are no warrior, nor are there any here. However tell your master this. For every one of my men killed I will personally see that ten priests die even if I have to search the entire world to fulfill my oath."

Baldr turned to go and then turned back. "Oh and if you would please tell them to use their far seeing glasses and look east, I will be happy to show them just what is awaiting them should they step outside of their precious city."

Smiling nastily he took off at a full gallop back towards his camp and called together his Karants again. It was time to plan the attack on the approaching army. He wouldn't need his full force. Against a thousand foot and only 200 hundred horse he would barely need a thousand of his own troops,but he wanted to completely annihilate them and send a message to those inside the city. He started making plans to take 3000 troops, half his force, along with those armed with the new re curved bows. He had over 300 warriors armed with them now, all very proficient at using them.

Now he just had to wait until the army got close enough.
 
Baldr reached out and clasped Aliza to him. He had come to realize that this woman meant as much to him as Onya did but in a totally different way. He also knew that Onya would never accept her like a Northern woman would and that made him sad. He was going to loose a part of him when she left but he knew it was the right thing to do.

"You will always have my love my one and only female Horse warrior," he smiled as he kissed her tenderly then slowly began to undress her. "However I hope you don't mind if I indulge myself one last time."

Baldr took his time, making love to her slowly, savoring every inch of her body as if committing it to memory. He stroked, licked, caressed, kissed and pounded into her until she screamed out his name time and time again and he finally filled her up several times. They lay together cuddling before he finally kissed her for the last time and got up and dressed in his armor.

As he prepared to ride out to battle he looked at her. "Bring me back my bride and we will find a true place of honor for you." He then smiled. "Now let me go and cause one hell of a distraction for you."

Slipping from his tent he mounted his horse and rode to where his men waited for him. He led them towards the city yelling and hollering before peeling away towards the east. They traveled a few miles before being met by a scout and led the rest of the way to a wide open plain. The Ketchian army was approaching from the other side and was halfway across, but they paused as his 2000 warriors appeared. Baldr smiled and yelled out a challenge, which was picked up by his men.

They spread out facing down the plain in large ranks and began a slow walk towards the Ketchian's. They on their part hastily moved their Cavalry to the flanks and their foot soldiers into files with shields at the front to receive their charge. Baldr smiled. He loved when the enemy did exactly as he predicted. He raised his hand and his troops began to walk forward and then suddenly there came a large horn call.

He saw the tension on the faces before him as they expected his men to charge. Instead the 1000 men he had sent around behind them came thundering in and attacked them from the rear. Each man threw two war spears an galloped passed. Most concentrated on the foot soldiers, but he had assigned his best to deal with the cavalry. By the time they made it passed more than half the enemy forces were dead and they were in total disarray.

Now Baldr sounded his own horn and his 2000 men eagerly charged forward. In minutes it was over. Not a Ketchian remained alive on the field. His army had suffered only a few minor wounds. Smiling he set his men to rounding up the spoils and then rode back to camp. He rotated the scouts and set them a new task. "Be careful tonight. You all know what these Darkness warriors are capable of. After that display they will be hungry for revenge. However remember the countermeasures Aliza taught us. Keep a thin cloth across your eyes and mouth to stop their powders and work in threes, not twos. Make sure everyone can see everyone else at all times and we will have larger fires tonight."

He looked towards the city. He only hoped Aliza's mission was going to go as easy as his had.
 
Baldr had returned from the battlefield to find Aliza had left. The second stage of his plan was well underway and he watched as his warriors charged about in front of the walls. He doubted if the defenders even knew what they were actually doing. If they did they would not continue firing their weapons like they were. So far his men had placed a series of markers on the ground to indicate the firing ranges of the different weapons in the city.

Short poles had been sunk into the ground with bright feathers attached to them at different places in front of the wall. Blue was for the large trebuchets, red the ballistae's and white the outer range of their bows. So far the Ballistae and Trebuchet were proving of little hindrance to them. Baldr was not sending his men out en mass an that would be the only time such weapons would be liable to hurt warriors such as his. When they had room to maneuver hitting them over distance was proving near impossible.

Still he did loose one or two warriors due to poor riding and overconfidence. Several others were injured when their horses were struck with debris and had to be killed. The most casualties were being suffered in close trying to gauge the range of the bows. Too many were straying too close, but still the losses were acceptable. They now knew the ranges of all weapons.

He was standing on the hilltop looking down on the city and smiling. His warriors were having fun now teasing the enemies batteries. They would charge a specific part of the wall and then break away at the last minute just out of range. They would also stop then charge again after the missile had landed. Then run just out of range along the Ballistae corridor as they fired hopelessly at them. So far they had wasted a lot of ammunition on them.

Baldr was receiving a progress report on the state of his own siege machines when his men formed a protective wall around him then all started to drop to one knee. He looked and there was Onya. She was dressed in her undergarments which were stained in filth and mud and who knew what. A testament to how hard her escape had been. She paused when she saw him then flew into his arms. She was crying and he tried to reassure her she was safe even as he looked for Aliza to thank her.

Finally she pulled away from him a little and looked up into his face. Sobbing she told him "They killed her ... Ali-- Aliza ... she's dead. She saved my life ... and now ... she's dead."

Baldr's heart stopped and he stared at her blankly for a few seconds. No that could not be true. Aliza was one of the best warriors he knew. She couldn't be dead. However looking at the grief stricken expression on Onya's face he knew it to be true. He pulled her to him and held her tightly as tears began to form.

Then she pulled away again and moved several steps away and looked at the city. Baldr however was looking at her. She was standing up a lot straighter, her eyes had a glint of anger in them and her red hair reflected the firelight giving her the look of an angry fire spirit. Her undergarments clung to her and he smiled in approval as he got to see her womanly curves on display for the first time.

However it was her voice and what she said that stirred him most. "Burn it. Burn it ... burn it to the ground," she said in a harsh determined way.

Bowing to her he smiled grimly. "Whatever my queen commands."

Signalling for Gree to come forward and take control of Onya he signaled for his Karants to assemble. "You have heard our Queens wishes. We are going to burn this city to the ground. They made a mistake building it so close to these hills. We might not be able to throw large boulders against it's walls from here, but we can certainly throw burning pellet shot," he smiled. "I want it to be raining fire by morning. Also how is the plan going to sneak warriors in by sea?"


Tyr had ridden hard and fast but not as fast as he could. He had kept his promise and taken the boy with him and although he was a good rider, he was no clansman yet. He could not sleep in the saddle nor piss from it, but at least he was learning to eat in it.

Still they had made good time, but when they arrived at Varta Baldr was no longer there. He reported to Hagar and was told he had traveled to Vint to reclaim Onya from there and that he was to report to him there.

Tyr decided to leave the boy at Varta. A war was no place to train someone. He left him in the barracks and assured him he would be back soon and set off for Vint. If Baldr was going to be conquering this land, perhaps lady Pratt's offer would look good to him. Tyr would try to put in a good word for her if he asked his opinion.
 
Baldr had watched Gree lead Onya away and then turned back to his warriors. For the rest of the night he was busy organizing plans to attack the city, sending men out to gather ingredients for pitch and setting up defenses. He discussed battle plans with his Karants and made sure weapons were available and sharpened.

He toured the defenses that had been built and ordered changes to certain areas. He talked to men and joked around, putting them at ease knowing that come tomorrow night some of them would be dead.

Near dawn his siege engines approached the top of the hill. Smiling he rode up to them. His warriors had done well. Only on rare occasions did the clans ever build such weapons,preferring to hit and run or fight openly, but when they did they could build them well. The big weapons they had built could not throw heavy boulders against the walls, but they would prove their worth.

Baldr had designed them to throw large amounts of flaming stones into the city and along the walls. It would keep the defenders heads down long enough for his men to attack and keep any defenders inside the city fighting fires and too busy to reinforce the walls. He ordered his men to start firing and soon large amounts of fiery debris was falling down on the city.

At first they lobbed them far into the city then lowered their sights until the wall itself was being peppered. Once Baldr was sure his men had the range he returned to the front lines and readied his warriors. He had broken them down into units of 400 warriors. As he ordered them forward he used the same tactics they had during the day. One unit charged forward then broke off, and as the projectiles fell harmlessly the next units rushed through and pulled up in front of the ballistae range. As they did Baldr's own machines fired at the wall. The enemies machines fired and normally missed and his men charged the wall. His fire storm then hit the walls clearing it or causing the defenders to hide and allowing his men to get close enough to attack without coming under fire, then escape.

Attacking this way he was able to steadily whittle away the defense and finally as dawn broke he penetrated the cities walls. His men flooded in and soon he controlled the outer part of the city and the defenders were forced to withdraw into the castle.

He ordered his men to press the attack and to leave the population alone. They were only to defend themselves and not to attack. Soon they had surrounded the castle and were again making preparations to attack. Baldr had his men take control of the Vintians own machines inside the city and turn them around. His men that had been so successful from outside the city moved inside to take control of them and soon large stones were arcing over the city and pounding into the castles walls.

Baldr didn't even bother wasting any of his men. He kept them back, surrounding the castle and letting the siege engines do the work for him. He had already lost more men than he had wanted to. The estimates he had stated that almost 600 horse warriors lay dead and the same were wounded. The fact that they had killed triple that number did not make it any better.

As the day continued he gave orders and sent messengers to his Karants in the city as well as the ones guarding the exits to the bay and the other city gates. So far no warriors had escaped although some had tried, as had some priests. Any peasants were first being detained, searched and then let go to make sure they were who they claimed to be.

Finally he saw Onya begin to approach but before he could acknowledge her a messenger rode up and bowed before him announcing that the castle walls had been breached. He smiled and gestured for the man to go and get a drink and then turned to his waiting men. They turned and cheered and he joined them while looking passed them at Onya and smiling. She curtsied to him and he bowed his head to her as he yelled for quiet.

"My warriors, I thank you for all that you have done this day. You have shown these Vintians the true mettle of the Clan and now the South knows we will not be taken lightly. You have fought hard, you have fought well and you have made my bride to be happy, have they not my lady," he asked her as he approached her.

He was glad when she praised not only him but his men and as they talked he smiled and drew her in close. Then she talked about Aliza and he realized from her words and the look of Gree that she knew exactly what the woman had become to him. Yet she did not seem to mind although he knew he had disappointed her in a small way. As she curtsied once again and rose back up he approached her and went to one knee in front of her.

"M'lady Aliza was the first female to ever be truly accepted by the Clan as a warrior worthy enough to be called a Horse Warrior. She will be sadly missed by everyone, yet she died doing what she wanted and that was reuniting us, for she knew that we both love each other with all our hearts."

Smiling he stood up and looked down into her eyes and then leaning down slowly he kissed her softly and sweetly on the lips. "When this city has been conquered my queen, I will find a priest of Vint or have one brought from Varta and we will be married."
 
Baldr was proud of his Queen. He had been surprised at first when she had joined him and the others clad only in a cloak to protect her from the drizzling rain, but he had smiled as well. This was the way a true Northern chieftains woman would ride. He had seen the look of distaste on her face as they had ridden towards the city and he knew she would rather be anywhere else but in it, but these things had to be done and it was good to know she had the strength to do them.

As they dismounted and walked under the pavilion set up for them he studied the people sent to negotiate the cities surrender. He recognized the woman who had first ordered him out of the Southern lands and a smile smile played over his lips. He wondered if she would still like to take him up on his offer of single combat. A lot of lives could have been saved if she had.

The men she had around her looked like members of the army, yet he noticed that they carried themselves very similair to the way both Parta and Aliza used to. He had never seen regular soldiers stand that way. Indeed Onya sensed the same thing and must have recognized at least one man, for she called out Ellanora for bringing Darkness warriors to the meeting instead of regular troops and when she denied it ordered Yol to kill the closest man.

With her bluff called, Ellanora had no choice but to back down and send her whole escort away to wait in what shelter they could find near the ruined gates, except for two priests. Baldr could hardly contain his mirth, but his good mood was dashed when Onya demanded Aliza's body be returned and Ellanora assured her it would If it could be found.

Baldr glared at the woman and then began to calmly list off what was going to happen to the city, knowing full well she was not going to like it.

"Well Captain. Perhaps you should have taken me up on my offer. The result would have been just with a hell of a lot less casualties. The result was never in doubt and your stubbornness has caused me the loss of close to a thousand men and from what I can see at least double that on your side." Shaking his head he looked around at the devastation and at the bodies that were still lying in the street. "I think our way is the more Noble way of fighting."

"Still we are not here to debate that. You will surrender all weapons and gather all troops in the main square. You have my word they will not be harmed. They are to be divided up into Darkness members and regular army. All priests are to gather in front of their temple and the High Priest and priestess are to be brought to me immediately along with the council. A curfew from Dusk to Dawn is now in immediate effect. Anyone caught outside during the night who is not a member of the Clan will be killed on sight regardless of who they are. The exception to this will be for the Fishing fleet if you have one. I will be sending men down to the docks to sort that situation out."

He smiled grimly at her. "On that note all ships are bound in port and will not be permitted to leave until they have been thoroughly inspected. As of now Vint belongs to the Clan. Whether this city survives or not depends entirely on your actions captain."

Ellanors eyes had been widening as Baldr had been talking. She was only now beginning to realize that these warriors were not just going to raid and leave. In fact she had not been prepared for what had actually happened over the past day at all. Who would have imagined that a group of barbarians could have actually had the audacity to attack, let alone defeat her city.

Sighing she looked at the powerful man in front of her and shook her head. "I can not deliver the High Priestess M'Lord. She left on a ship for Suva even before you began your assault. Everything else will be done although I will need several hours to get it organized." She looked him in the eye and straightened up. "I will have your word though that none of my warriors will be harmed."

Baldr nodded to her and whatever she saw in his face was enough to convince her. She backed down and looked dejected again. Baldr waved the woman away. "I will return in 3 hours Captain. I will have words with your warriors then and tell them what is to happen to them and the priests. Afterwards I will want to see you again and we will take a tour of the castle. For now you are dismissed."

He watched the woman walk away and then looked at Onya. "I am not certain if this city is worth keeping my love, but the people are not responsible for their rulers bad decisions. I think they have been punished enough. However I need every warrior I have now. If we are going to be fighting like this to reclaim your throne everywhere we go, we will soon run out of men. Do you have a solution my dear?"
 
Baldr sat in his tent and talked with Onya. So far all that she was saying made sense. It would be a lot better for them all if people would flock to their banner of their own free will no matter what the reason. If it was because of his wife's name then he could live with that, If it was because of his power then that was good too and even if it was because they thought they would gain more things if they joined them Baldr did not mind. As long as he conquered more land without loosing more men he would be happy. Of course he would demand a high price from some of them and he would keep a very close eye on them all.

He remembered the message from the lady Stella and thought of mentioning it to Onya, but as she began talking again it was pushed towards the back of his mind. He could discuss it later, maybe once Tyr made it back. Perhaps she would be able to advise him if the decision he had made was a good one.

When Onya called for her horse to be saddled he wondered where she would be going. He made sure to nod at Yol as he exited and he noticed that the men he had assigned to her also started to move off. Good she would be well protected. However when Gree returned with a rolled up piece of parchment Onya made sure to praise the woman telling her she would be rewarded for her deeds. Baldr smiled and nodded as she promised her a home and marriage to her choice of warrior. Even laughing as Gree promised to birth her an entire Karanteen.

"I don't think I need you to birth so many Gree, however I am sure your husband will be glad that you are willing to try."

After she left he looked at Onya and she told him about her and Yol's secret tryst's. Well not so secret. Baldr had seen the way the young warrior had looked at the servant. Perhaps it was high time she was rewarded for her service.

He moved over to stand near her and examined the map she had spread out on the table. His eyes lit up as he took it in. Here indeed was a treasure. He looked as she began pointing out the cities he had just conquered and the territories that belonged to them. He also looked at the lands surrounding them and where Platt was supposed to be. He also listened to her explanation about the high priestess and frowned. Damn so she was out of his grasp. He hated having an enemy that he could not get to, yet he knew he could not waste the time or effort to try and chase her. However he knew she would prove troublesome later on and it bothered him.

His attention changed to Onya however when her whole attitude changed. She stopped talking about other lands and the high priestess and started to talk about herself. He suddenly realized that it was just the two of them inside the tent and that besides from the two men guarding the tent, there would be no one close to it.

As her dress came off his breathing became more rapid and a flush came over his body. Finally she stood there, her breasts bared to his sight and he moved over in front of her and smiled down at her. Leaning down he kissed her gently and then a little more hungrily. He knew he could not just take her like he had done with Aliza or any other woman he had been with. He would have to be very gentle with her and take things slowly.

He began to kiss her and caress her face then reached down and stroked her breasts as he continued to shower her with kisses. He moved from her lips to her neck and then her shoulders as his hands caressed her breasts, circling them and then stroking her nipples and then twisting them a little. Slowly he kissed his way down to them and began to suckle on them, flicking them with his tongue, first one then the other before he stood back up and smiled at her.

Without a word he took her hand and led her to his bed. Once there he slowly stripped away the rest of her dress and marveled at her beauty. Then he divested himself of his own clothes and stood naked in front of her. "Are you sure this is what you want my dearest," he asked her, barely able to restrain himself.
 
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