"Yr 820: Oops - Part I"

by Kira Murphy, Royal Court Jester/one of the town prostitutes,
Lord Edmund Blackadder, Local noble,
Baldrick, Grubby Manservant to Lord Blackadder and Cousin to Kira
Some castle lackeys,
Lots of armed guards

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Wriggling as she lay tied up on the floor of the dungeon in tight bonds without any clothing on, Kira thought back to what had led her into this current predicament.

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OOC: Warning.. Sex.. Lots.. Don't read if you don't want to..

"Yr 820: Oops - Part II"

by Kira Murphy, Royal Court Jester/one of the town prostitutes,
Guards

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Kira didn't struggle as she was put down and her arms chained above her head. Taking his wicked looking knife, the captain quickly finished cutting away Kira's clothing, leaving her hanging nude and helpless.

"Kira Murphy, by order of the count, you are under arrest for grand theft. The count does not believe treason is warranted, but I have been given full authority to punish you however I see fit. I have talked to my fellow guards, and we came up with a brilliant plan for our little castle whore. First, we are going to get you very pregnant."

"Nooo! Please don't rape me."

Grabbing her chain hard, he growled, "Too late, Kira. You are going to get exactly what you deserve."

Taking hold of her breasts, he squeezed them hard until she moaned. Turning away, he gave some orders for preparations.

Groaning, Kira let her head drop, knowing that this time, she wouldn't be able to stop it. Feeling her hair being pulled back hard, she looked up and saw the captain removing his clothing.

He moved around behind her where she couldn't see him. Hands grabbed her hips and pulled her back until she was forced to arch forward. Struggling, she gasped suddenly as he rammed into her. Throwing her head back, she let out a loud cry as he entered her over and over with his large member. Grabbing hold of her breasts, he pulled her back and forwards, causing her to arch hard as she let out ectatic gurgles of pleasure.

It didn't take long before both of them were shaking. Falling forwards in her chains, Kira panted with exhertion as the captain moved to the side.

Giving orders to his men, he watched as an iron collar was around her neck & locked on before it was chained to the ground, all the while as she struggled to no avail. Small leather leashes were attached to her nipple rings and she couldn't stop it.

Finally, the chains holding her arms up were detached until only the chain to her neck held her, standing there naked without any inhibitions.

When the chain was quickly pulled, Kira was forced down on to her hands & knees like an animal. Turning, she saw the guards removing their clothes and she shuddered, nervously crawling around.

A blanket was brought out and one of the guards lay down on it. Reaching out, he grabbed on to a leash and wrapped the end around his hand before pulling on it. By applying pressure, he was able to force Kira to move over to him and when he could, he pulled the other until she was close.

The others moved in and quickly grabbed her hips, pushing her around until she was in position. She screamed as he rammed forwards until he totally impaled her womahood. Gasping as another man pushed into her mouth, Kira was unable to stop being used. Shaking as she was only able to rock back & forwards, she knew she would be very banged up by the time they finished. When one finished, another took over, determined to fulfill their captain's punishment.

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About five hours later..

Kira finally was able to collapse against the cold stone, her body leaking copiously and quite sore. Her nipples were sore as well, since the man had decided to yank on the leashes as well to hear her scream.

Finally, she was unchained and picked up, being carried into another room. The captain smiled, "Now that we are pretty sure you will be pregnant, we can get on to some other punishment. This one was thought up by the count many years ago, and he has used it numerous times to interrogate & punish women. Since you like giving lapdances in the more disreputable taverns, we are sure you will just love this one."

In the centre of the room, there was a large bronze statue of a naked man sitting on some sort of rock with outstretched arms.

Kira was carried over to it and long but small iron chains hanging from the chest of the statue were attached to her nipple rings.

One of the guards pressed a button and two bronze phalluses shot out from the statue, exactly where a woman would sit on the statue's lap, causing Kira to gasp. The guards were grinning evily, and Kira didn't think that was good.

One of the guards moved over and started pouring some sort of reddish liquid into the side of it. After a few moments, she could see some red liquid weeping out of the phalluses and also running onto the chains.

Two guards moved to each side and started turning large wheels. The phalluses started moving and Kira gasped when she saw the chains retracting slowly. When the slack on the chains disappeared, she tried to pull back but the guards just pulled harder, causing her to scream. Finally, she was yanked forwards towards the statue, forced to move towards the inevitable.

When she came close, two other guards moved forwards and lifted her struggling body off the ground. Moving her close, they forced her to lift her legs before pushing her closer. Kira groaned and gave in when she felt the phallus push against her.

The guards holding her grinned to each other before ramming her down onto the phalluses, impaling her fully. Kira screamed in shock and the guards stopped turning the wheels now she was on the statue.

After a few moments, she felt itching insider her and gasped when she realised it was the red liquid. Struggling when the itching became more, Kira moaned loudly, rocking her hips.

Screaming for mercy as her insides started burning, she jumped and writhed and wriggled to try and stop it but only managed to make it worse by coating her insides more with the liquid.

Moaning loudly, she tried not to move anymore but the itching was maddening.

The captain moved over to her and started rubbing one of her breasts, "That's for all the practical jokes, spitting and cursing that you gave us all. I'm sure you won't want to know this, but the mixture that is currenly itching and burning away inside you is a special blend of poision ivy, hot spices and something that we bought from some herbalist which is supposed to really affect women. I can guarantee that it won't lessen, but also that moving will definitly make it all the worse for you."

Kira clenched her fists tight as the guards stood back to watch, laughing. After a short time, Kira was unable to stop her hips from moving softly, desperate for something to scratch the itch inside her, but was trying hard not to.

After a few minutes, one of the guards whispered something to the captain, who laughed and nodded.

Gurgling as her rocking did nothing except make it worse, Kira finally just accepted it and started moving. Moaning & groaning as she bounced up and down, Kira threw her head from side to side as her body moved as much as it possibly could.

Something was done at the back of the machine and a clunk was heard. The guards at the wheels started turning them again and Kira let out a yelp as she felt the two phalluses move inside her. She could feel liquid squirt out of them every so often, and it only infuriated her itching.

Now that the statue didn't have to pull the chains, there was a lot less tension and the guards were able to move the wheel faster, causing Kira's insides to churn. Kira thrashed in her bonds as she was thoroughly fucked without her control.

Kira lost track of how many orgasms she had, shaking and quivering, being awoken whenever she fainted as they took her to the point of exhaustion and further.

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Nine hours later...

Kira was taken off the machine and laid down on the ground, totally unable to move. Guards physically carried her to a jail cell and threw her down on a pile of straw inside, locking the door behind them.

She curled up into a fetal ball, her whole body bruised and aching from the torment she had received.

Year 816

“A-New”

By Dhanishta Eshe.

Dhanishta awoke to the sound of Kalethan crying it took her a moment to realise what the sound was and another to remember that Chandrakala had left the day before and she was alone with her son. She was getting used to the early morning feeding times but it was still all very strange to her. In fact the entire world was strange to her, it was only recently that she had awoke from a nightmare and found herself in another!

The Baron had come to retrieve his wife and wasn’t happy to find her with a three month old baby in her arms; ‘Dhanishtas’ baby!

Yesterday Kalethan fed from Dhanishta for the first time, it was a wonderful if not strange experience. She had breast fed the baby in front of K’vol, quite risky seeing as the child wasn’t hers and she was in a way trying to prove to K’vol that it was. Luckily she had produced milk and Kalethan wasn’t bothered who fed him as long as he got fed!

Kala had stayed with Dhani for a year helping her get better, teaching her about the world and helping her to remember what she already knew. It had been a very hard year but the witch had helped them a lot; showing Dhanishta the world through her own eyes and making her understand how to control the ‘Sight’ so it didn’t take over her again.

Kala and the witch had the joy of swapping pregnancy stories. The birth of their children had been separated by only a few days. As a mark of respect to the witch for what she had done for Dhanishta, they left baskets of food for her every few months on the edge of her land, the spiders would not let them any further than the outskirts of the witches territory they had become very protective, with good reason.

Dhanishta was heart broken when her sister left. It was her sister who had saved her and taught her how to live and being with her twin again was a reunion of kindred sprits. And now she was alone with only a crying baby for company, the risk of becoming insane, again, a real threat.

Kala had persuaded K’vol to pay off the rest of Dhanis hospital debt and give her enough money to start her new life. It took a while for he thought of her as a mad woman, and now sullied with a bastard child. Kala had to work on him to ensure the well being of her only son.

Dhanishta threw the covers back, her night gown clung to her sweaty body; she never slept well if at all. She walked to the other room where Kala had stayed since Kalethan was borne. They had made a crib for the little one and Dhani hadn’t moved him in to her own room, worried that the change would upset him, and she couldn’t bring herself to take Kala’s place though she knew that she was going to have to, now rather than later.

Picking up the squawking baby she fed him, holding the tiny Kal in her arms she felt close to her sister. She looked into the babies eyes, they were like his fathers. She wondered where he was and why they hadn’t seen him in a year. He had left after delivering them to the Webwitch, she knew that he had been hurt badly and must have been close to death, she had felt the gun shots; the bullets penetrating her own flesh, ripping through her body. She had felt his life, as it were her own, linger between here and the Nether world. Through all this he lived and she knew that he was… somewhere.

Looking round the house she wondered how she was going to feed herself. With Kalethan in her arms she walked out into the early morning mist. The sun on the horizon, rising, cast an orange haze through the mist illuminating the trees in the distance and bathing the fields in a dappled orange glow. Feeling the grass, wet with dew, under her bare feet she looked across the fields, everything she could see was hers, fields upon fields. Bending down she picked up a handful of soil and watched as it crumbled in her hand and fall to the ground.

She knew what to do.

"Berries"

Grey the Thief
Saladin

The berries varied between sweet and sour, so Grey varied between smiling and scrunching her nose while sticking out her tongue while she ate them.

She had a routine now. Five or so for the baskets. One for her. Smile. Five or so for the baskets. A few more for her. Smile, shudder, smile. Five or so for the basket...

What was that sound, Grey thought, her berry stained fingers pausing before their prize. She turned and crouched down. She had heard a sound.

What...oh, she thought. It was the friend of the Webwitch. Grey had spotted him numerous times over the last two years but had never actually met the man. He didn't seem like he was bad, she decided. And since there was no chance to run with the berries though before she was spotted.... Grey made sure her dagger, Victor himself made sure it was sharpened every now and then, was ready just in case.

Saladin looked over at the bushes who wandered, in these woods. Unconsciously, he freed a dagger just in case it was someone who he would have to dispatch.

"Hello..." He called out, "Who is there?"

Grey peeked her head out from the bushes. She pointed at herself. I'm here.

"What is your purpose here?"

Grey frowned and showed him her basket of berries. Then she showed him her dagger and pointed at his. I'll put mine away if you will, the gesture seemed to say.

He sheathed his dagger, "Do you have a voice ?"

Grey shrugged. She supposed she did; she heard it on the rare occasions she laughed and certainly when she hurt herself. But she hadn't spoken in years. She wasn't even sure if she remembered how to form the words correctly. She pointed at him. He didn't seem to have a purpose in this part of the woods either.

He approached slowly, "Why are you here?"

She waved the basket in front of him again. Really, she thought. Men had such short memories.

He sighed, "Enough with the basket stranger..."

Grey frowned. How did one pantomime that one lived in the forest? She pointed to herself and then at the ground and the trees. He probably wouldn't understand but that was his problem.

"What is your name?"

She blew some hair out of her face, looked at his grey cloak and pointed.

"Cloak?" He asked incredulous.

Grey blinked and then laughed. What an interesting name that would be indeed. She didn't have the time or patience to be trying to converse with this man. Grey turned to pick up her baskets.

"Fine. Very well." He shrugged, "Whatever your name is..."

Grey placed a hand on her hip and turned, slightly irritated. He need not sound so flippant; it wasn't her fault he couldn't open his eyes. *Her* vision was unclouded. She pointed at his shoulder to where the little spider had stowed away. Then she clasped her hands together. You're the friend of the Webwitch, she thought smugly.

He started to get what she was doing, for some reason the woman wasn't speaking. Looking over his shoulder he saw the spider and then nodded. Then he pointed at her, as if to ask are you?

Grey shrugged. She wasn't exactly a friend, although she left the witch small presents on occasion after she gave assistance to Laura, but she wasn't an enemy either.

He cocked his head, then pointed to the berries then over to one of the other bushes as if to say, those are good berries, much better.

Grey sniffed. She knew what she was doing. But it couldn't hurt to try them, she supposed. She went over and began her berry picking routine over again.

"Caught In The Middle"

Lieutenant Colonel Sir Cassius Henderson, Paladin Of The Crimson Banner
Erin Thorne, Page To Sir Cassius Dame
Alexandra Ripal, Envoy From Lord Price
Captain Roger Groelenberg, Envoy From Lord Hoth

-The Courtyard, Crimson Banner Chapterhouse-

The recently promoted Lieutenant Colonel Henderson stood in the courtyard in the rain, adjusting his weapons, as Erin Thorne finished saddling his horse. Her own horse was tied to a hitching post a few meters away. Behind them, Alexander Dorningham and his ten men-at-arms were assembling with their horses, armed with swords and bows.

"This shouldn't be happening," Erin said as she tugged at a particularly recalcitrant strap. Finally, after having her long-barreled musket slide off her shoulder one too many times, she handed it to Sir Cassius, "Can you hold this?"

He accepted the gun silently, considering her first statement. The fights had been going on for days, on and off, and people were taking sides. It was time to fulfill a promise he'd made five years ago. Lieutenant Dame Brynn deColton had returned not a few moments earlier with a crossbow bolt embedded in her shoulder, talking about a riot that was about to get out of hand. Evidently the town guard had been summoned, but most of them had been too busy fighting amongst themselves. Those who remained neutral were too few to consider standing up to the rioters.

"Oh course it shouldn't. But nonetheless, Dukes Hoth and Price are sending out their 'envoys' to stir up trouble. And they've partisanized our town guards. So that leaves us," he responded quietly as she finished the saddle.

"Yes, but shouldn't we be coming together as a nation. The King's death... a tragedy, yes, but we can't let it tear us apart like this," the page replied, cupping her hands to help her knight up into the saddle. Once Henderson was mounted, she began to unhitch her own horse.

"You are right, Erin, but you should look at it from their perspectives as well. Hoth and Price both expect to be king. The King thus far has ignored everyone, and now that he's dead... They have to do something. It's more that they need to act together. Hoth is right that Kling can be dangerous. However, they will be more dangerous if we are split." Henderson checked his weapons once more. Bastard sword, dagger, two bladed sword, crossbow. He was ready. As they would ever be ready.

"Then we go," Thorne said grimly.

"We do," he replied, then turned and looked at the men-at-arms behind him, "Alright men, let's move out. Remember, don't use your weapons unless your life is in danger. Move out." That said, he edged his horse forward, and Erin fell in silently behind him, next to Alexander Dorningham, as they rode out of the courtyard, two by two.

Four quiet and tense minutes later, they arrived at the edge of the town square, where the riot was about to break out into complete violence. Henderson looked across the area quickly, assessing the situation. The Hoth supporters were on one site of the courtyard, near the statue of Count Bhrode, lead by a stone-faced man in plate armor, who could only be the emissary from Duke Hoth.

On the other side of the courtyard was the envoy from Duke Price, a woman dressed in the robes of a diplomat, though she wore a finely made breastplate over it, no doubt to protect herself in case the man from Hoth went for the light crossbow that hung at his side. She wore a thin rapier, though Henderson had his doubts as to whether it would hold up well in combat. Hopefully it would not come to that.

"Duke Price is your true leader!" the young woman shouted over the screams of her companions, "He will bring prosperity, and not false warmongering to the throne, should he become king! Duke Hoth will only make the tension between our people and the Kling even worse. He will push us into a long and bloody war that nobody wants. A war that will kill your sons and daughters! Your husbands, and your wives! And Bhrode's county will be the first to be attacked. You share a border with Kling! Think of your families!"

Henderson frowned. The woman had a good point, and one that he privately agreed with. One that Lady Irene, Marquess of Breenae also privately agreed with. But they both knew, bettter that Robert Lee Price and Jurgen Hoth, that their duty was to Galaxia and to themselves. That was what kept them apart from the quarreling dukes.

"Lies! All of them lies!" the envoy from Hoth shouted, "She would have you believe that Hoth wants war with Kling. He does not! Duke Hoth wants only to protect us against their aggression, so if war does come, we will be ready, and the Kling will not ravage your countryside. You would be the first to lose your lives if we allowed Price to be the one defending our country! He does not understand the true threat that is Kling!"

Henderson's frown grew deeper, if that was possibly. The man was playing off the fears of the crowd, and it had a large group of them ready for war now... There were lots of weapons in this area, though most of them were simply farm implements and torched. Lightning struck in the distance, lighting up the courtyard and causing the crowd to fall back to name shouting.

"Warmonger!"

"Greedy bitch!"

"Power-hungry bastard!"

"Naive fool!"

Henderson shook his head and removed his helmet. Edging his column forward, they formed into a line, with him out front. "Hand my your rifle," he said to Erin, who obligingly unshouldered the firearm and handed it to him, careful to keep the leather cloth over the lock to keep it dry.

Raising it in the air, he pointed the barrel slight backward, so the bullet would impact on one of the building roofs rather that falling into the crowd, and pulled the trigger. The deafening crack of a firearm going off startled the crowd. That was no thunderbolt.

"Silence!" Sir Cassius shouted, "I am Lieutenant Colonel Sir Cassius Henderson of the Order of the Crimson Banner. It is my authority to order you all to disperse. This land belongs to nobody but Count Bhrode and the King! There is no king currently, so you all owe your allegiance only to Count Bhrode, until which time as succession has been legally decided! We must stand together as a people, or that which you fear will be multiplied many times over. Kling will be more dangerous to a people who are divided! We will only be able to prosper when we are united under the legitimate King! Let the nobles at court decide the next King! That's their job. Ignore these agitators, and turn your attentions to maintaining your duties. Ignore these tax collectors. The only ones able to levy taxes here are the King and Count Bhrode. And Dukes Hoth and Price are not King yet! Now go back to your homes!"

Turning back to his men, he nodded in the direction of the space directly between the grounds. The column reformed and they troted out into the middle, five men faxing each direction, ranged weapons out, with Sir Cassius at the head of the column, with Erin and Dorningham behind him, one commanding each side of his troops.

A few people heard his words with clear heads and began to leave, but the remainder stayed, and began to hurl insults again.

"Traitor!"

"Treason! Treason!"

"Let us through so we can get to the traitors!"

The crowds surges together against his horsemen, ignoring the crossbows that were readier.

"Go back to your homes!" Henderson shouted as he clipped his helmet back into place.

Then it happened. An angry rioter grabbed the crossbow away from Hoth's envoy, Captain Groelenberg, and fired it at Dame Alexandra Ripal, the envoy from Price, hitting her in the shoulder and knocking her off the crate she was standing on. The crowd exploded into action and attacked each other through the horses.

Somewhere in his line, a nervous youth, probably one of the recruits from three years ago, who had replaced those that Saladin's men had killed, pulled the trigger on his crossbow, with deadly results. Suddenly, Henderson's whole column was firing, and the crown was fighting back, on both sides. Bodies began to fall, and blood flew. One of Cassius's men was drug from his horse and knifed.

It was out of Sir Cassius' hands now, and he drew his sword with grim determination, swinging it's flat side at a rioter, trying to knock him out without hurting him too badly. It was in god's hands now.

Year 820

‘Bomb Shell Part 1 of 2’

“Kalethan.” Dhanishta called out of the kitchen window. The little boy was playing out in the garden just like Dhani and her sister had done for years before. The little boy ran in through the back door, breathless. “Yes mother.” Dhani handed him a small bundle which he took from her, his little face lit up and his eyes gleamed. “Are we going to the woods today?” Dhani nodded, and the boy beamed.

A few hours later they were in the forest. They were headed to the edge of the Witches land, where they would leave a basket of food for her. Dhanishta carried the basket as well as a blanket and other items. It would take them a few days to get to the Witches territory so she had packed provisions and tools that they would need for the nights in the dark woods.

Kalethan loved being in the woods more than anything, they went every few months but the four year old hadn’t established the pattern yet and every time was an adventure. And the few months in-between was a life time.

The sun was high up but the tress kept Dhani and Kal cool. The lushes green vegetation grew in thickets and it was a difficult trek at times. They stopped briefly in a clearing for a rest and soon trudged on.

The little boy ran on ahead, skipping through the tall grasses. Dhanishta smiled to herself, it was nice to see the boy enjoying nature. He seemed to know the woods better than she did, or so she would have him believe.

Kalethan ran with his little arms outstretched, the wind ruffled his hair, he felt like he was flying, soaring like a bird, he closed his eyes for just a moment, and then…

*CRASH*

The small boy was brought back down to earth with a bang. He opened his eyes to look at the obstruction; it wasn’t a tree, but a pair of legs. He looked up, craning his head back till he almost fell over, as the person in front of him was bigger than a giant.

Picking up the boy by the scruff of his clothes, the man pulled the boy up off his feet until they were both at eye level. On the way up, the boy could see an unusual dagger of some description along with a sword. His chest was bare, displaying two scars, both right next to his heart. Then his face, distant black eyes, long dark brown hair. “You know little boys shouldn’t run too far ahead in the forest, specially these parts. Never know who you might run in to.” The man said.

“I ain’t little mister.” The boy replied indignantly, his feet dangling in the air, “I’m almost five.” He said swelling with pride.

The man smiled and put the boy back down so his eyes were level with his sword that was very clean. Light from the sun reflected off the blade and into the little boy’s eyes. “I stand corrected.” He replied.

“Who are you?” the boy asked innocently.

“Ethan.” He replied after a moment, “What’s yours?”

Before the boy could answer his name was shouted through the trees, he smiled up at the man as if it were his own voice.

The trees rustled behind them and a woman fought her way through the brambles, “Kalethan.” She called again sharply. Noticing the man in front of Kal, she stood still.

Ethan looked towards the woman climbing through the brambles and then down at the boy. He looked somewhat familiar and that voice, the one that had called for the boy. He could never forget a voice like that. One that may have cursed him years ago. But Ethan believed that she was merely commenting on things to come. He touched his chest again, his fingers rubbing over the scars left there from a wound he had suffered years earlier. He then looked back up towards the woman.

Dhanishta knew the man standing next to her son, they had nothing to fear from him. Though seeing him again after all these years was still a shock. “Boom, boom.” Was all that she managed to say.

The boy looked slightly amused at his mother’s words, “Boom, boom.” He repeated, “Boom, boom?” he questioned.

Ethan sighed and remained still as Dhanishta approached them, looking slightly shocked. Ethan was glad to see that she looked much better than the last time he had seen her. She was not skinny to the bone any more. She didn’t appear to be chanting in a psychotic fit either. All good signs. “You look well.” He said at last.

She nodded at him. Standing before Ethan she stroked Kalethan’s hair. “And you.” she replied plainly. She was still not used to language and found it difficult to express herself so she said as little as possible.

She picked up the boy with ease and hitched him on to her hip.

“We are on an adventure.” Kal told Ethan. “Do you want to come?”

Ethan looked around the woods and then at the boy. “Some adventures are over-rated.” He replied with a smile. He looked at Dhanishta. “Off to see the Webwitch?”

“What’s a Webwitch?” Kal questioned, looking back and forth between Ethan and his mother.

Dhanishta shook her head, “Walk. Nature.” She replied. “Teaching. Kal.” Her forehead wrinkled as she frowned, she rubbed her head, slightly annoyed at Ethan, and at herself for not being able to talk as easily as others. Her words were even more jumbled now than when she was ‘insane’.

“Ah.” Ethan said unconvinced. Odd that after everything Dhanishta had gone through, her of all people, she was not raising the kid and teaching him everything there was to know. Ethan frowned and looked back at Dhanishta. “He’s a smart kid.” He commented thinking of the kid’s age. ‘Nearly five’ the boy had said earlier. If it was Dhanishta’s child, then she would had to have slept with someone in the hospital or with someone when Ethan had taken her to see the Webwitch. Odd. “Seems a lot has changed in the last five years.” He said looking at Kal again. “Then again, a lot hasn’t. People are still the same. Deceiving.” He said looking back at Dhanishta. “So who’s the lucky guy to have your child?” he asked.

Dhanishta picked up her basket and began to move on, “None is.” She replied. She turned and looked back at Ethan with a look of ‘are you coming or not?’

Ethan frowned and slowly followed Dhanishta and the kid as they made their way deeper into the woods.

As they continued on there walk Dhanishta thought hard about how to explain things to Ethan, she knew that if she thought long enough she would be able to put the words in order. Kalethan took a little nap on Dhani’s shoulder as they walked. Once he awoke he insisted on walking. He was annoyed that he’d missed part of the adventure, also he was trying to memorise the path they took, but each time they went Dhani walked a different way so that no one knew where they were going.

She set Kal down and as usual he ran on ahead. Once out of earshot Dhanishta turned to Ethan, “I do not tell the boy of the Witch to keep her and her family safe.” She said quietly. “Kalethan is too young to understand his parenting.” “People are deceiving,” she added looking Ethan right in the eye, “all of them.”

“Don’t need to tell me that. I don’t live out here in the woods because I’m a tree-lover. I came out here to get away from everyone. They’re all miserable, distrusting…” he trailed off. “You can’t trust anyone. Everyone has a secret agenda. It’s just a lot simpler out here.” He admitted. “No one to impress, no one to judge you. No one to force you to do something you don’t want to do. Out here, you can do what you want. Freedom.” He said looking deep in thought.

Dhanishta didn’t know how respond to that, if she thought about it long enough though she might come up with something but it had taken her long enough to work out what she had already said. So, again, she stayed quite.

As the evening grew darker Dhani called Kalethan back. She found a suitable clearing and sent Kal off to find fire wood.

“You…. stay….eat?” she asked Ethan.

“Sure, I could grab a bite. Besides, if I go now, who’s gonna watch over you two angels?” he asked laying down on the ground as he watched the boy collect fire wood.

A smile flittered across Dhanis lips. The boy bundled back his arms laden with twigs, sticks and behind him he dragged, to him, what seemed to be half a tree. He dumped them down smiling with satisfaction and then ran off again to collect more. Dhanishta gathered some rocks together and left them in a pile. When the boy returned he sat down and cleared away the undergrowth, until there was a big clearing of dirt, Dhanishta watched him. The boy began to dig with his hands and made a shallow hole in the dirt, after that he placed the rocks in a circle and then laid a fire inside the rocks.

Ethan watched the boy and smiled at how smart he was. Not many people knew how to survive in the woods, let alone start a fire. But he had been taught well and it was clear that this was not the first time they had ventured out into the woods.

Dhanishta took out two flints from her bag and made the boy sit back before banging them together to make a spark. Within a few minutes the fire was lit and Dhanishta was handing out food, first to Kal, then Ethan.

Ethan took the food off Dhanishta and couldn’t help but stare at her. She was a spitting image of her sister. Although he didn’t feel for Dhanishta what he had felt for her sister, he still felt a close connection. Like he was partially responsible for her. After all, he did break her out of the institute and almost die getting her to the Webwitch. He couldn’t help but look down at his scars again. As it was getting late, he grabbed some clothing from his bag and covered himself up. His life had not been the same since Chandrakala and Dhanishta had left and after he had been shot. His world had been tossed upside down. But part of him felt content, laying on the ground near the fire and Dhanishta. His curiosity was still burning away about the boy. He wanted to ask more questions, but now was not the time. He also wanted to hear about Chandrakala, but she was probably living the luxury life as a Baroness. He couldn’t believe that she could be with someone if she! didn’t love him. What was she still doing with the Baron. He shook the thoughts out of his head. He didn’t want to know. Besides, after all these years, would they still have anything special. Perhaps it were best left in the past, a memory. He looked once again at the boy and then at Dhanishta and quietly ate the food Dhani had just given him.

The small lad piped up from across the fire, “Sing?” he asked. Dhani shook her head, and Kal lowered his. After a moment he walked over and sat between Dhani and Ethan, he wanted to be centre of attention. “Where do you live?” he asked Ethan.

Ethan watched the boy for a short while and chuckled at him. “I live out here in the woods.” He replied waving his hand towards the darkness of the forest.

“You don’t live on a farm like us?” he asked with a mouth full.

“No.” Ethan replied swallowing some more food. “I used to live on a farm, and in a nice big house too. But I’ve been living out here for the past nineteen years. Just me. No one else.”

Kalethan cocked his head to one side, “Why?”

Ethan hesitated and thought about his answer. “You’re an inquisitive kid.” He commented. “A long time ago, I had a…. disagreement with a large number of people. It was very serious, not for kids eyes.” He paused, not wanting to go into too much detail. “I then left the town. I didn’t want to stay in a place where I couldn’t get along with people. Out here it’s just me and the animals. I don’t have to worry about having a disagreement with anyone.” He lied thinking about the many fights he had had ever since he had lived in the forest. It began with people being sent to hunt him down and bring back his dead body to the town, but then upgraded to thieves and scavengers. Some he had taught them a good lesson, others he hadn’t let return. But ever since that day when he got shot, he didn’t have the heart to kill anything. He simply taught them a lesson and watched as they raced away as quickly as possible.

“Oh.” The boy muttered. He sat silently for a while mulling over what he was just told. “Did they hurt you?” he asked after a while.

Ethan smiled again at the boys eagerness to find out more about him. “They tried to.” He said simply.

“Did you hurt them?” came his next question.

Ethan paused again and just stared at Kal. “No.” he said at least and what he thought was pretty unconvincing.

“My father was hurt before I was born.” Kalethan said.

“Oh? What happened?” Ethan asked tilting his head.

The boy just shrugged, “Ma says I have his eyes.” He said as if that made up for not knowing what happened to his dad.

Ethan slowly leaned his head further forward and looked at Dhanishta. “What else do you know about him?” he asked Kal.

Kal munched away at his food thinking about all he had heard about his father, “Ma tell people that he left us, but she told me that he didn’t, that he was hurt and …” he trailed off for a moment looking at Dhani for reassurance that he was allowed to talk about these things.

Dhani paid them no mind and removed a bucket from the basket. She stood up holding the bucket in front of her, signalling that she was going to get some water. She turned and left them by the fire.

When Dhani had gone Kal turned to Ethan and leaned in close, like he had the best gossip in the world and it was for Ethan’s ears only, “I think he left cause he was in love with Ma’s sister and that is why she never writes us or visits.”

Ethan looked into the fire for a short while and thought about what Kal had just told him. He wanted to have words with Dhanishta, boy did she pick the perfect moment to leave. “What kind of person do you think of father is?”

Kal shrugged, “I d’know, never met him, have I?” he said as if it were the most stupid question he’d ever heard, and the answer was soooo obvious.

“Would you like to meet him?” he asked turning back to face Kal.

Kal thought for a while, this one wasn’t a stupid question. He looked up at Ethan. “I spose.” He said eventually, with a slight hurt in his voice. He stood up and went back to the other side of the fire. Sitting down he unpacked his own bundle and rolled out a blanket, one under and one over. He lay down and closed his eyes.

Ethan sat up once Kal was nicely rested. He was eager to find out more about the boy. But Dhanishta was no where to be seen yet. He would remain awake until her return. He sat still, by the fire for a while. His mind was lost in the fire as his thoughts raced back to when he first met Chandrakala and how she had asked for his help to break out Dhanishta from the institute.

Year 820

‘Bomb Shell part 2 of 2.’

By Dhanishta Eshe
Ethan Suder

Dhanishta returned a while later, her bucket brimming with water. She set the pail down and checked on Kal. She stroked his hair and kissed his forehead, “Mommy, will I ever meet my dad.” He murmured in his sleepy state. She knelt down close to him and whispered something in his ear, it seemed to soothe him and he fell back asleep. She tucked in his blankets making sure he was warm and then returned to her place by the fire.

Ethan continued to watch the fire as Dhanishta sat down and then he finally turned and looked at her. “It’s good to see you again.” He said softly.

Dhanishta had thought about how the conversation, that she knew would take place, could go and combine words into sentences, so that she could actually have a conversation, one that made sense and wasn’t one sided.

“I don’t remember you well,” she said, “Only what I was showed, and felt. The things you did, I did not see.”

“I know. And it’s ok.” Ethan said, again softly. “The only thing that counts is that you’re a lot better now. And with a son.” Ethan said with a raised eyebrow. “So how did that happen?” he asked.

“You already know.” She said. Still talking in riddles.

Ethan sighed and looked over at Kal, “Can he ever know?”

“When you are ready. But I ‘am’ his mother.” She gave Ethan a hard look. “That must be.”

“As you wish.” He said. “It’s getting late, you should get some sleep. I’m going to have a walk round, make sure no one’s about.” He said, making the excuse to get some air away from the fire and think about the bombshell that had been dropped on him. He strolled off into the darkness and strolled around the perimeter, mainly thinking as appose to checking for unseen intruders.

Dhanishta curled protectively round the sleeping Kalethan, eventually she too drifted off to sleep.

Ethan watched Dhanishta and Kalethan from a tree. He slid down the trunk and sat against the soft bark. He felt sorry for the kid. The boy was comfortable and loved Dhanishta. But she was not his mother, and he could never know that. Ethan could admit to the boy that he was his father, but then he would be living the lie for the rest of his life. The lie about who his real mother was. He would become the very thing he wanted to get away. Distrusting people. What if the boy ever found out about Chandrakala? How would he treat Dhanishta and him. He spent the next few hours watching them both, contemplating the thoughts racing through his head.

****

Dhanishta awoke early, but Kalethan had woken even earlier and was nowhere to be seen. Dhanishta could feel that something was wrong, is why she would not let the boy sing the night before. Someone was in the woods with them, near them, someone ….. evil.

Dhanishta woke Ethan, who had fallen asleep propped up against a tree. His eyes were barley open, like little slits begging the light to go away, Dhanishta almost shouted at him, “Kalethan?”

Ethan opened his eyes, jumped to his feet and pulled out his sword, all in a single-smooth motion. He looked around and instantly noticed the boy missing. He then looked at Dhanishta.

Dhanishta put her index finger to her lips, motioning Ethan to be silent. She looked round the camp they had made looking for a sign to where her little boy had gone, he had no idea of the danger he was in. The first thing she spied was the pail of water. She pointed at it and then headed off towards the river.

Ethan followed. He continued to be careful as he knew something was odd.

As they approached the waters edge she could see Kalethan bathing in the water.

Ethan paused the moment he could see the boy. He felt as if he were looking through someone else's eyes. He looked around and crouched to the ground and continued stalking.

Dhanishta hurried the boy out of the water, his hair which had seemed dull and black was now clean and red, like his mothers, his real mothers. If anyone were to see the real colour of the boys hair they would instantly know the truth, Dhanishta had to hide that till the time was right, till he could go and live with his real mother. She threw a blanket over him and pushed him down to the ground, franticly rubbing dirt into his hair. She dressed him quickly, all the while he was dumb founded, after his clothes were loosely hanging on his body she almost threw him towards Ethan, “Home.” She told them in a stern, no nonsense do as I say, NOW, voice.

Ethan begrudgingly picked up the boy with a sigh and ran through the woods. He knew where his things were, including his horse. It would take him a couple of hours on foot, once there, he could ride the boy home. He wanted to go back and help Dhanishta, but he had to look out for the boy. His son.

She watched them leave from the waters edge. Once they were out of sight she turned back and waited for the evil to come, she knew ‘he’ hadn’t seen Kal and Ethan and as long as they went home quickly they should all be safe from the medalling evil.

Year 820

‘Meddling Evil’

By Dhanishta Eshe (Directly after Bomb Shell Part 2 of 2)

As Dhanishta sat she could feel ‘his’ eyes on her she could feel ‘his’ movements as he moved towards her and she could taste ‘his’ hatred.

“And What pray tell brings you to the forest?” he hissed from the brush.

Dhanishta stood and gestured towards the scenery.

He grunted.

“You. Following. Me. Hotchkins Junior?” she asked, knowing the answer.

“Yes.” He said plainly, turning away from her.

When he turned back a blade twinkled in his hands. “This is for you.” he said reaching out and pulling her towards him. She could feel the blade pushing through her clothing, the point touching her skin. “But not today.” He hissed in her ear. Grabbing her face he traced the point of his blade down her cheek, drawing blood.

Dhanishta made no move against him, she showed no fear this was nothing compared to the torture she had suffered at the institute. The torture that kept her from sleeping at night.

He threw her down to the ground, like dirt. “You are the devil, and one day I will slay you. But today I have someone bigger. Where is the witch?”

Dhanishta looked up at him blankly.

“Don’t tell me you come to these woods for the scenery. You come to visit the Satanist. Do you know what she would do with your bastard son? Feed him to spiders!” he exclaimed with fire in his eyes.

Dhanishta got to her feet slowly, “I, not know of witch, only, of old wives tales…..”

“Don’t lie.” He said interrupting her, raising his arm to strike her down again.

She reached out and grabbed his wrist, “I no lie. I come, forest, for BASTARD sons father.” She shouted at him.

He yanked his arm from her the fire in his eyes now blazing.

“Come, see yourself.” She said.

She led him back through the forest, blood dripped down her cheek. They walked quickly, neither one enjoying the others company.

They reached the edge of the forest before night fall and from the tree lining they could see the farm clearly.

Dhanishta pointed to a figure with her son, “Boy, father.” She said.

Hotchkins could not deny what he saw. As he went closer he could see the features of the man clearly, and he did look like the boy. “This isn’t over, devil. I will be watching you.” he said, annoyed that she seemed to be telling the truth. He grabbed her by her shoulders hard and she let out a small yelp, “One slip, and I’ll be there, waiting to make sure you fall.” He said. After pushing her on the ground again he spat at her and kicked dirt into her eyes and then stalked off, cursing.

Dhanishta waited till she was sure that he had gone and then arose. The night had closed in around her, she could feel the light of the moon on her and from it’s light see her path home. She looked back at the forest, the Witch will have to wait, was for her own good. If Dhani were to go even to the edge of the Witches land then she was sure that Hotchkins would kill her and any with her. Dhanishta didn’t know how many people lived with the Witch she knew she had a son and the son must have a father, if he were with them maybe then even more. And Hotchkins cared not for gender or age!!!!!

Year 816

"Scythe's"

(Back post)

(Set after ‘A-New’)

By Dhanishta Eshe
And
Michael McDowell

Dhanishta got dressed and wrapped up her sleeping babe. She tied him to her self with a wrap and set out to the Town. She thought about how she was going to interact with the towns people. Language was still difficult for Dhani and she hoped that she would be able to express herself so that others could understand her.

It was spring and the sun shone brightly yet the air was cool, she left her cloak at home knowing that the walk into town would keep her warm and her heat would in turn keep Kal warm, that and the blankets she wrapped him in.

The dirt road turned into a cobble stones as she entered the town square. She tried to stop a passing pedestrian to ask for directions but no one had the time for her. Eventually she came across an open plan building, heat rolled out in waves. Inside Dhani could see a man working metal.

She jostled Kal into a slightly more comfortable position, one hand lingered protectively on the sleeping babe, as she waited patiently for the man to finish what he was doing before she approached him.

Michael stood straight and looked at his work from a distance. ~Not bad, but not the quality the gentlemen demanded.~ he thought. He drew a palm of his forehead trying to get rid of all the sweat. It was unusual hot for this time of year and not the best time to be a Bladesmith of profession.

At that moment he noticed someone standing some three meters away from him, just outside his shop. It was a woman carrying a baby. To Michael she looked unfamiliar and after a few moments of just staring he smiled and said, "Good morning. Is there anything I can do for you?"

Dhanishta tried to think of all her sister had taught her about greetings, yet it was all muddled. Before she could put all her muddle into order Kalethan opened an eye, squirmed and let out a squeak, followed by another and then his tiny mouth opened and he began to cry, squeaking and squawking. Dhanishta unwrapped the tiny babe and rocked him gently in her arms, ignoring everything around her she focused on Kal and began to sing a beautiful lullaby. Though she sang quietly her voice was crystal clear, melodic and enchanting.

"Lollay, lollay, little child. Why wepestou so sore," she began,

"Nedes mostou wepe It was iyarked thee yore Ever to lib in sorrow And sich and mourne evere As thine eldren did er this,"

As she sung a hush enveloped the workshop, the birds outside silenced and even the townspeople passing by slowed as if spelled.

"Whil hi alives were," she continued, "Lollay, lollay, little child Child lollay lullow Into uncuth world Icommen so ertou."

When she had finished the babe was fast asleep and Dhanishta turned her attention back to the bladesmith.

"Dhanishta," Dhani said pointing to herself.

Still standing there listening to the woman's voice, Michael found himself just staring there saying nothing. What just happened? And what kind of language was it she used? "Uhm...what? You are...who?" he said confused, still thinking about her incredible voice.

"Dhanishta." She said again, with a slight frown.

"Oh,...I see. Well,...you're new in town, aren't you?" Michael asked. He couldn't help but being curious about the woman before him. Not after what happened a few seconds before. "At least, I haven't seen you here before."

She shook her head. ‘Ah’ she thought, "Sister?" she questioned, Chandrakala had stayed with her for quite some time and she wondered if she had been here.

"Sister? What do you mean?" Michael didn't quite understand her. It looked like she didn't come among people very often,..or hadn't done that in ages. Then Michael remembered something. "Oh wait, I think I know what you mean now. Sometime ago a woman bought a dagger here... She's your sister, isn't she?"

Dhanishta had no idea what her sister had bought in his store or even if she had been here. She held a hand up to her face and shook it slightly, trying to mimic her own face, "Same." She said. Then she ran her fingers through her long black hair, "Fire." She said, telling him the colour of her sisters hair. Next she pointed to her eyes, "bright, ... Jade." She said, the colour of her sisters eyes. She looked at him hoping he would understand.

This was mighty strange. She was talking in metaphors. He had to figure out what exactly meant. Michael frowned as he tried to make sense of what Dhanishta had said. Finally he said, "Same face...you both look the same?"

She nodded.

"Good. At least I got that one right." Michael answered. "And yes, she did look like you...if I remember her well." After a another few moments he said, "Fire, Jade...I guess you mean she has red hair and green eyes. Hm...yes, that still fits the picture. I bet it was your sister that bought that dagger. Never saw her again though. You live with your sister somewhere near Galaxia?"

Dhani shook her head, she wanted to tell him that she lived alone with her son but thought better than to tell a stranger that she was on her own without a man.

She encircled her 'wedding' ring finger with her right hand. Her sister was married and lived far away, she had no idea how to tell him the last bit. She would have loved to chat with him but she just didn't have the knowledge of language and so proceeded to ask him what she had been rehearsing all the way into town.

She spoke slowly and disjointed, "I need,.." she looked around for a prop and sighed, "Tools... For ... Farming." she got out at last.

"Tools for farming,..." Michael repeated. "So you live on a farm? Then you must be happy with this kind of weather now. Anyway, what kind of tools do you need? I've don't have anything you can buy right now. People don't come to me often for the tools you're asking for."

Dhani looked round his workshop again, hunting with her eyes for something similar to what she needed.

"You know what, why don't you draw a picture of it here in the sand." Michael point at a spot a meter in front of him. He was surprised that she couldn't even describe what kind of tool she needed. Although it was kind of awkward to talk to her, Michael wasn't one to send her away just because of that. Plus he prided himself to have lots of patience. Maybe it would take some time before Dhanishta had made it clear what exactly needed, but somehow Michael felt it was the least he could do.

Dhanishta tied Kal to herself once again and sat down on the dirt ground, she used her fingers to draw intricate pictures of scythes, ploughs, hoes, spades and many other things that she would need for farming. She sat back on her haunches when she had finished and looked back up at the bladesmith.

The pictures made it a lot easier for Michael to understand what Dhanishta wanted. He nodded. "That's much better." A cute grin appeared on Michael's face when he looked at Dhanishta. "You certainly don't take half measures, do you?"

She shook her head and returned his smile. She scratched her head for a moment working out how to ask her next question, “Money, much?”

Michael waited a few moments before answering. He'd wondered how she all would pay for it, but wouldn't want to get ahead of things when she was still busy drawing those pictures. Much more serious now he said, "It won't be cheap, that's for sure. You certain you need all those tools at once?"

Dhani looked back down at all the things she had drawn, she really didn’t know what it was she needed she had no idea how to farm, it was going to be a rough start but she knew she would make it. She highlighted a few of the things she thought she would need straight away and then looked back up at the Bladesmith.

"Well, if you only take a scythe and hoe, then you won't have to pay too much at one time." Michael said and nodded in agreement. It was kind of strange that he gave this advice, but he was in the lucky position that wasn't short on money. Business went well. "You can come back again later, when you have saved another few silver pieces, for the spade and plough. I'll have them ready for you by then. How about that?"

Dhanishta nodded in agreement and stood up. She brushed the dust off her skirt and repositioned Kal. She smiled at him and held out her hand, “Business good with you.” she said.

Michael hesitated, wondering why this particular woman held out her hand to conclude the deal. Finally he smiled, reached out for her hand and shook it. "Thanks. I'm glad that I could be of service."

Dhanishta smiled as they shook hands and waved good bye as she left. Happy that she had been able to communicate with another and have him understand her, though it was him doing all the work really, and happy that her plan for the future was finally coming together.

Year 821

“All for the Baron”

By Dhanishta Eshe
Ethan Suder
Appearing Chandrakala Lakshmi Eshe (Baroness K’vol)

Dhanishta was sitting at her spinning wheel while Kal, her son, sat on the floor carding the wool for her to spin. Ethan was outside paying the farm hands. Ethan had lived with Dhani and Kal for a year now. He helped with the farm and taught his son all he knew. The farm had grown well, they now had a herd of sheep, several cows and chickens. The crops were growing well and Dhani knew that they would do well this year.

The farm hands had brought news from the town, bad news. The Count was dead. Dhani knew of the turmoil that the land was now in and feared it.

As she sat spinning she watched her son. At some point Ethan strolled into the room, talking, but Dhani didn’t hear him, nor could she see him. She saw fire hair, a market place that was not local and many other things that she could not describe. When her vision cleared she saw Ethan on the floor with Kal, to them nothing had happened. It took her a moment to realise what the Sight had shown her, it was her sister, at a market. The information only came to her; Dhani had to work out its meanings and what to do.

She looked over at Ethan, his eyes glowing in the fire light a smile danced on his lips. He only smiled like that at the boy, his boy. Kala had really changed his life, and her own. She had given them the greatest gift; a beautiful son. Since Ethan had come she felt like they were a family. Though the all had different rooms, Ethan had turned the attic space into another room, they acted and cared for each other as a family. Dhani knew that Ethan would prefer to be with Chandrakala and that to be with the one person in the world who looked like her, but was not her, must be a form of torture. She knew that Ethan loved Kala and she was sure that Kala returned his love; she was just confused by duty and the need to conform.

Dhani would send Ethan to that market.

************

They parted with a kiss on the cheek, nothing more nothing less, this was as far as their intimacy went, and it was mainly for show.

Kal ran down the dirt track road waving his father a farewell and wishing him a speedy return. It would be four weeks till Ethan returned, Kal was the man of the house till then, but he was still young and had many a chore to do that would fill those empty weeks without his beloved father.

*********

Ethan had spent several days travelling to a town he had not been to before. He had been given specific instructions as to where to go and what to look for. He had travelled prepared. One day he felt tired. Tired of living the lie. Living the life of the type of person he had lived away from for so many years. He enjoyed the company of his son and talking with Dhanishta, but he could never look at his son and feel like a good man. It was torture, and seeing Dhanishta, a woman who looked like the woman he loved so many years ago. Part of him and feelings for Dhanishta, it wasn't just the similar looks, but just her. They were both unique sisters. But Chandrakala was for him.

After the first day, he had calmed down and felt like he was one with nature again. It felt odd living in the village with Dhani and Kal. He was so used to the forest and was not used to the number of people about.

But he had to make sure Dhanishta and Kalethan remained safe from people. He would be the wall of protection, the law that stood between them and danger. The rest of the world be damned!

He finally reached the next town. Entering the busy area, he looked around for a particular stall in the market that he had been directed to go to.

The market place was full of hustle and bustle. Merchants shouting, people talking. It was certainly a busy day. Chandrakala pushed through the crowds, it was not often she got to go to market, usually the maids went but today Kala had done a deal; she would go to market and buy all that was needed in return for the maids silence and a day off, paid. The maid was not going to argue, gave her time to see her family. They had both road into town together but the maid had road on to a near by village to see her family. All that the Barron would know was that Kala had gone with the maid, she had to be chaperoned wherever she went. He would not know that Kala would spend the day alone.

She made her way round the market filling her basket, ticking off the list as she went. It was a wonderful feeling to be out even though she had to shop it was still nice to be away and to be doing something without being constantly criticised and watched.

Ethan watched a blacksmith perform his day to day tasks. Sparks flew out of his store. The sword the black smith was creating was flawed. He turned to leave.

Ethan felt a soft breeze scrape across his face. He slowly turned his head and looked into the market. Everyone seemed to be moving so slow. He looked at each person.

Kala lingered at one of the fruit stalls. She picked up an apple and examined it, looking up at the tender her gaze flittered over his shoulder to the other side of the street.

She dropped the apple.

Ethan turned so he was completely facing her. His eyes locked with hers. After years of having nothing but memories. He was finally stood looking at the woman he fell in love with years before. She looked no different. For a while, he was frozen, unable to move towards her. But then finally, he began stepping slowly, towards Chandrakala.

Her breath caught in her throat, it was just last night when she had seen him last in the woods, in a rain storm. But she knew that had been a dream of memories past when she awoke next to K’vol. But she was sure she was awake now, as sure as she was that the stall tender was screaming at her; something about damaged goods. She didn’t want to take her eyes off Ethan for fear that he was a dream. She left the stall and the grumbling tender and met Ethan half way.

Ethan suddenly felt caught off guard. He wanted to say so much. He had dreamt of this moment for a very long time and suddenly here he was. He looked down at her shoes and then slowly back up. His eyes welled very slightly. She still looked like the wife of a Baron deep down. She had had a child and slept with another man, yet she remained with a man she didn't love. He closed his mouth, unable to speak and just looked into her eyes.

Kala reached out her hand and brushed it against Ethans, as she did she felt her heart swell. The yearning to be near him, to feel him oh to just kiss him. She had no idea if he felt the same way but she wanted to find out.

Ethan held her hand and felt torn inside. Half him was delighted to be with her, to be near her. The other side of him, was a little more complicated. He sighed and smiled slightly. But still, he could say nothing.

She led him away from the crowds and the market to somewhere quite, turning to him she spoke, “What brings you here?”

Ethan gazed at her for a while, lost for words. "I uh..." he paused. "Your sister asked me to come here. Get a few things. You?" he asked.

“Oh.” She said at the mention of her sister. She felt snubbed, she had written to Dhani several times over the last few years but she never got a reply. Dhani had her only son and she didn’t even know what she had called him. The Baron was eager for his own to say the least and was not very happy with Kala. Here was the only man that she had ever loved the one she had a son for and he seemed quite happy playing ‘happy families’ with her twin sister. She let out a puff of air, “I’m just here filling the larder.” she replied swinging her basket slightly. She didn’t want to talk to him any more her heart sunk, and she felt anger too; that he could watch her son grow and she could not.

"She hasn't heard from you, for a long time." he said reaching out for her hand again. He felt his heart sink too. After seeing her, how could he go back to Dhanishta and his son, allowing himself to watch his son grow up with the lie whilst Chandrakala lived a miserable life. He wanted to tell her how hard it was, the pain. But he couldn't get the words out. He thought he'd give her a chance to explain the lack of contact. His face was full of expression. He felt like crying. How could he go on?

She gave him a confused look, “I have written many times.” She said defensively. She wanted to ask of her son but instead she said, “I really must be getting on.”

"You leave so soon?" Ethan asked confused himself. "What's going on?" he asked walking after her. "You say you've written but she's never received anything. You're still living with him aren't you. That's why I couldn't find you."

“You mean you actually looked for me?” she shot back at him.

Ethan gave a nod. "Of course. For a while there, I thought we had something. Something I know you'd never had before. Something I'd never had before." he said with some suprise in his voice. "I was gone for a while I know. There was.... a thing, I needed time. I only recently found out about..." he stopped, unable to speak again. How much was too much for her ears. Was she ready to hear about what he wanted to say?

Her features softened at his words of ‘something special’ but then turned hard, “I stayed. For a year. What was that not long enough for you?” she asked with hurt in her voice and pain on her face.

Ethan looked down for a short while. Lifting the soft fabric that covered his upper body, he exposed the scars on his chest. "No." he replied softly. "Six months, a year, it didn't matter. You went back to someone you don't love. Abandoned your son. Left me. Why?" he asked quietly.

“Oh Ethan,” she cried, the harshness melted from her face as she reached out to touch his chest.

Ethan looked confused. Why had she gone back to a man she didn't love after what they had? Why leave her son? Ethan allowed her to touch his chest. Her hand was soft as it covered his scars. "A little reminder of our adventure." he said quietly. "Everything was simple a few years ago. Then I met you. My world was turned upside down. I couldn't understand why you were with someone you didn't love. But you've made the same mistake twice. You're still with him. It's wrong." he said, keeping his voice soft and gentle. "Your son should know who you are. You're his mother, not Dhanishta. And he'll figure it out. How can I live a lie for the rest of my life, not tell him about you?" Ethan questioned. He sighed let several tears fall down his cheeks. He looked away for a second and then at the ground in front of Chandrakala. "How can I live with someone who reminds me of you every day and she not actually be you?" he whispered. "A few years ago I told you about people, the distrust, the dishonesty, the lies, the betrayals..." he paused and looked up at Chandrakala. "All the reasons why I moved away, why I lived in the forest. I thought if I were to ever meet someone and have a kid, granted this wasn't planned..." he paused again. "The point is, it's not fair on the boy to be raised in a fantasy world where he doesn't yet know I'm the father and is raised to believe that Dhani is the mother when it's you. You've no doubt felt the burden over the last few years since you left, so have I. So has Dhanishta. It's not fair and it's wrong! And you're still with the Baron, living a lie. Of all people, I never thought my family..." he paused to correct himself, "the people I care about the most on this damned planet, would be the worse liers of them all. I hate myself, what I have to do, what I have to say every day to Dhanishta, to the boy, and to myself!" he looked down at the ground again. His outburst had been unintentional but he felt slightly better. He was still unsure how he could return home. He looked into the distance where he saw trees leading into a forest. Tempting. But that wouldn't be right either, running away like a rat chased by a cat. His shoulders sank as he thought about what he and said. He didn't mean to take it out on her, that much was clear in just the way he looked. But it was hard and what they were all doing was wrong.

She pulled her hand back. She was taken aback at his outburst. “I didn’t abandon my son. K’vol came for me. If he had found out about you, us and the baby…. He would have killed us all. I did what was best for my son.” She said, her eyes welling. “Do you have any idea how painful that was for me? To leave the only man I’ve ever….” She stopped herself from saying to much, but then decided to continue, after all he had just opened the can, why couldn’t she pile more worms on the table? “The only man I ever loved. Being with you was the best few weeks of my life. Carrying your, our son. You speak of betrayal, but you betrayed me. You left me pregnant with your child, on my own with a crazed sister. If you had told me that you were hurt then the Witch could have helped you. You lied to me, you told me that you were fine. I gave birth on my own, did you know that? Like a wild animal! The labour lasted day’s it was painful and I was alone. ALONE.” She shouted tears pouring down her face. “Don’t you think I want to be with my son, my only child, to see him grow and change into a man? Do you really think that I want…” she stopped now as the tears were too much, shaking her body.

Ethan was overwhelmed with emotion. He understood what she was saying but knew there was a way out of it. He could bring her with him, she could get away from K'vol. He moved forward and kissed her passionately. He had wanted to since he saw her and it seemed like such good timing.

She was stunned. She pushed him away, holding on to his shoulders, she searched his eyes; those deep black eyes, she wanted to fall into them. She returned his kiss matching his passion and then some.

Ethan, lost in the moment of heat continued to kiss Kala. After a short while, he picked her up with great ease and carried her off whilst continuing to kiss her, first softly, and getting more and more aggressive and passionate.

********************************************************

"A Change In Pace"

Year 820

By: Crom, self serving merchant with little at all

********************************************************

You see the major problem with being a travelling merchant, is that sometimes you just can not get your hands on any wares to move. This minor setback is expected to come up occasionally, but as Crom found out, it comes unexpectadly as well.

**/\**

"You said fifteen chickens for three quarts of goat's milk!" Crom complained at the burly farmer.

"I don't see any goat's milk here, do I?" he stared down at the small man on his doorstep with a stern look of anger welling up.

"I know I don't have it now, but I will! You have to believe me, it will not take long for the delivery to arrive! It will be within two days, I assure it! But the chickens you will provide me with are VITAL for the survival of the poor orphans...." The farmer grasped Crom about the neck with one hand and picked him up to eye level. Crom squeaked slightly.

"I don't take kind to you, little man. I don't like the gleam in yer eye! I suggest you.....you...." his voice trailed off as he looked behind Crom and down his walkway. A smile crept across his face as he slumped the little man to the ground.

"You there!" he called out. Crom turned slowly, grasping his neck, craning around to see whom the farmer was talking to. A pair of stout looking men whom obviously had business, wearing each the colors of the Dukes. ~Oh no~ Crom barely had the time to think before the farmer called out again. "I believe you may want to have some business with this merchant here!" He looked down at Crom sitting on his doorstep and chuckled as he turned to go back into the house.

"Ah, a merchant!" the man in the grey proclaimed. "Then you must be in favor of Duke Hoth claiming the throne. Excellent my good man...."

"Hoth?" spat the man dressed in red. "Everyone knows the merchants should favor Duke Price!" He glared at his counterpart.

"Pah!" The man in grey chuckled. "Do you really take this fine man here," he gestured to Crom. "To be a fool? Price! That's a laugh!"

"Um...I am..." Crom tried to interrupt the two squabbling men. "It sounds like you have business with each other. I'll be leaving now." Crom nodded and tried to brush past the two men, whom caught him in a firm icy grip.

"Not so fast." Duke Hoth's man said coldly.

"We need to know whom you support. Now." Price's man exclaimed through gritted teeth. The two men looked more like thugs than throne servants. Crom shuddered for a moment and weighed his options, which were fast running out.

If he favoured Price, he was sure the Hoth's man would work his small frame over, just because he could. If he favoured Hoth, Prices man looked as though he would slit his throat. So this is what it meant to be stuck between a rock and a hard place. Frankly, Crom wasn't a fan of it.

"I..." he began and looked into each of their eyes. "I support neither, for you see I am a traveller from afar, and..."

"Support neither?" Price's man sputtered. "But you must support one, for whom would you deal through for your licences and such?"

Crom froze and tried to shirk back from the two burly men. "I don't even live here! Why would it matter whom I support?"

"You do have a licence, correct, merchant?"

"Well, um...." he looked frantically between the two of the men, whom were growing increasingly agitated and upset.

"Doing business without a licence?" Hoth's man said coldly. "That means you are nothing more than a criminal who needs to be brought to justice." Crom heard a dagger or a knife being drawn. "One way or another...."

"NO!" Crom screamed and squirmed out of their grasp. He bolted at the front door of the farmhouse only to smack face first into the locked door. He picked himself up in time to see the two men advance on him quickly. He bolted around the side of the farmhouse and heard footsteps very near behind him. He rounded the house to the back just to catch a stiff clothesline from the farmer. He stood above him chuckling again.

There was an unmistakeable sound in the next moment. The sound of steel sliding into flesh. The farmers' face grew grim and he slumped foreward. Crom barely was able to scramble out of the way. One of the men's daggers was stuck in the farmers' back and his lifeless eyes glared holes into Crom's soul. Price's man pulled his dagger from the corpse and bellowed out loud, "HARK! THE CRIMINAL HAS MURDERED THIS MAN! SEIZE HIM!"

He was framed. Crom couldn't believe what was going on. However, he knew if they got to him, he was a dead man as well. So there was only one thing to do.

Run.

~One Small Step, One Giant Leap~

Cutter Karan
Tessie

In the year, 821

"Cutter, I really don't think this is wise," the fair, young bowyer, Tessie said.

"Tess, if this works, if I can fly ... then, then I will have done the thing I've always dreamed of. Nothing so great is ever gained without a bit of danger." He stepped into the newly configured wooden and cloth-covered contraption, carted up yesterday to the roof of the church steeple, located very near the town square. He no longer had to strap it to his arms, not as delicately as before. The downward force from his arms was no longer required, instead, the machine would glide on the air, theoretically.

"Besides," Cutter said, "look at all the people gathered to watch."

Down the road, a large mass of people had collected around the statue of Count Bhrode. "I don't know if they are here to watch your experiment, Cutter. There appears to be someone shouting from the statue's platform."

Cutter simply shrugged. "Well, whatever. They will be witness to quite a sight."

"Indeed," Tess said, an eyebrow raised slightly. They would likely be witness to a death, as well, she thought. She had come to respect Cutter over the past few months they spent together working on this project; she had even come to enjoy his company. It would be quite tragic if he killed himself on this crazy stunt, but she would no longer protest. Cutter simply would not listen, he cared about this project so much. It was all he thought about, to fly, like his beloved birds.

Tess helped the carpenter into the set of wings, strapping his waist and arms. Although supports were built to hold his legs up flat as he flew, they could not be strapped in. He needed them, as he began to slowly waddle towards the edge of the steeple. After some effort and assistance from Tess, Cutter stood at the precipice.

The church tower suddenly looked a lot taller, and the group of people down the street, much smaller. A wave of fear washed over Cutter, like nothing he ever experienced. A fear of death. He never really thought about it before, but he could die with this flying leap. Only the light wood and the thin cloth could save him. That was a lot of faith to put into such materials.

He thought of Tess, too. He would not get to see her if he died. He wouldn't get to see anyone, but mostly, he wouldn't get to see her. All these thoughts rushed through his mind and again, something that had never traversed before, crossed his mind. Should he not jump?

But there was no time to ponder such things, he would never be able to answer that question. A loud, cracking thunder boomed through the sky. A gunshot, from down the street. The noise was so startling, that Cutter could not help but leap. And he did, right off the church tower.

But, to his amazement, he did not fall, at least not vertically. Instead, he was moving forward, down the street towards the mob of people, maintaining steady altitude. He was flying!! Flying, free from the Earth, above the town, and Cutter smiled. Actually, he screamed, a victorious shout, through his grinning teeth. It caught the attention of several people as Cutter flew over.

The looked up, jaws agape in amazement. But, then they would be shoved down by the boiling mass of people. It didn't occur to Cutter what was going on, he had forgotten about the gunshot, even. The people were rioting below, but Cutter was setting new bars for mankind above.

Soon, almost too quickly, the people below left Cutter's field of vision. He noticed, then, that that field was decreasing in size, blocked in by growing buildings. His flight was coming to an end, much too shortly after it began. He was still moving very fast, as fast as a horse in full gallop, and the question of how exactly he was going to land crossed his mind.

Suddenly, a stray wind caught him, blowing crossways out of a small alley. Its actions were quick, and before Cutter ever realized what was going on, he and his wings were tipped slightly, rotated about 60 degrees from the ground. He was falling sideways, his wings slicing through the air to his right like a knife, no longer capable of holding him up. A reflex struck, and Cutter tried to twist his body to the left, but it was too late. The right wing struck the corner of a stone building, crushing in its leading edge and sending the carpenter twirling through the air.

He landed hard, the side of his ankle hitting first. He spun again, in a new direction, at the impact, and his body rolled across the dirt path. After a few impossibly long seconds, it was over. Cutter was strewn about the ground, still attached to his machine, unable to move. The cloth of the smashed wing slowly turned red with blood from his arm and his leg bent at an unnatural angle.

Pain coursed throughout his body, stabbing him at many places and throbbing with his heart everywhere else. But, despite his agony, he still smiled. Tears of pain washed the dirt from his cheeks, followed by tears of joy. He flew! He really flew! The steeple could be seen in his peripheral vision, at least six hundred meters down the street. Six hundred meters!

And he laid there, laughing to himself, repeating outloud, over and over again, "I did it. I can fly! I did it."

~Ambush~

In the year, 821,

The time had come. The tensions had tightened to the point that the people had snapped. Lefedera was crumbling, everywhere, its people were fighting over who would be their new king.

In Galaxia, the people were rioting in the town square. Men reduced to fisticuffs, women were rolling around on the ground in their work dresses, scratching, biting and ripping hair; woe to their victims. Even children were involved, kicking chins and throwing rocks. Never before had these people seen such chaos, never before had they sunken to such animal-like behavior. It did not matter who one was fighting against anymore, as long as they were alive. Then, on to the next person, be sure not to trip over the fallen, trampled bodies of your neighbors.

All this chaos was being watched over by Count Bhrode, the statue of his likeness standing proudly in the center of it all. His guards at first tried to pull people apart from one another, to stop the riot before it started, but they, too, had been reduced to barbarians. Even the noble knights waiving the crimson banner were lost in the madness.

No one paid any attention to the loud, clomping of horseshoes on the pavement approaching. It was a young horseman, galloping through the town, covered with dirt from the road, eyes lined with lack of sleep and restlessness, mouth frowning, quivering with the need to tell his dreadful news. He was surprised to see the riot, and suddenly began to fear for his life. A crowd like this was likely to kill the messenger.

He shouted, at the top of his lungs, but no one heard. Everyone in the crowd was shouting themselves. What could he do? Leaning down against his horse, and stabbing its sides with his heels, he galloped through the crowd. Once past, he stopped and turned, and found that he had caught some of the villagers off guard. His arm reached back behind him, pulling the musket from its sheath on his back. He held it into the air, and fired. The thunderous clap rang through the sky, echoing between the buildings. He reloaded as quickly as he could, concentrating mainly on refilling the barrel with explosive powder, then fired again.

"LISTEN TO ME!!" he shouted, knowing that few could hear him over the mob's roar. "LISTEN TO ME, YOU MUST HEAR ME!! KLING HAS ATTACKED!!"

He kicked his heels again into his horse, darting into the fray once more. "KLING HAS ATTACKED!! KLING HAS ATTACKED!! LISTEN TO ME, GOD DAMN YOU ALL, LISTEN TO ME!! LEFEDERA IS AT WAR, KLING HAS ATTACKED!!"

===============================

In the year, 825,

Children ran through the streets, cheering, and many women wept tears of joy. The army was coming to Galaxia to rest on their journey to the west. The men were returning, finally, from battle. After four years, fathers would be reunited with their children, husbands would be reunited with their wives, and sons reunited with their parents.

So many men had been recruited into Lefedera's army, only the very elderly and the very young, and a couple of injured, were able to remain so long ago. They had left with Count Bhrode and his guard, along with the Knights of the Crimson Order. Four years ago, they marched east to meet the forces of Kling after their rampage through the territories of Duke Price. They met with what was left of Price's army and fought the Kling, ultimately winning and deflecting them to the southwest into Hoth's territory. From what the women of Galaxia could hear, the battle was bloody and many had died, but no one knew who. The Kling were apparently more successful in the west, crippling Duke Hoth's military support.

Oh, he was able to hold his northern territories, but his forests were in the south, where the Kling army controlled, leaving him unable to rebuild his deadly catapult and trebuchet war machines. Far to the north, buffered from the Kling attack by the dukedoms of Hoth and Price, Galaxia County and the border lands, Duke Yakasota had taken the throne. His army included men from all of northern Lefedera, and was much larger than the crippled forces of either Price or Hoth. They had no choice but to comply with Yakasota's new monarchy, and help him in his quest to drive the Kling from Lefedera borders.

He had found a fast friend in Count Bhrode, who added his contingent to the larger force led by the new king. Over the last four years, the army had been concentrated in cutting supply lines and driving the Kling out of border territories to the south of Price's lands. This would ultimately cut the body out from under the Kling army in the south dukedom of Hoth.

But, no one left in Galaxia cared about that. The army was now going to camp just south of town. Everyone would be able to visit their friends and family in the army, or find out if they were still alive. Bhrode had sent messengers yesterday, alerting the townspeople. There would be a celebration when the army arrived! A welcome break from the ongoing war.

714