The Anari

by Adrianna J Tetnowski

  Preeya was not having any of it. She brought her leg up in between the man’s legs and her shin struck his groin hard. But the man only grunted in pain, damn him, and did not let go.

  “I said let go. Let go, let go!” Preeya continued to scream. Just like that, she was falling to the floor, and the man was stumbling back with a blade buried into his shoulder.

  Ariadna was behind the girl seconds later, Troian and Artus close by. She twirled another dagger in her hand and growled at the man. “What part of let go don’t you understand?”

  The man looked at the small dagger in his shoulder; blood soaking through his black tunic and leather jacket. It reeked as it came dribbling from the wound. He pulled the dagger out. Not even the feeling of flesh sliding off the metal, nor the extra blood which spat out, kept him from fleeing.

  Oh, this man is a fool, Ariadna thought.

  But the paling faces of both Troian and Artus had her realising there was something wrong. But what?

  “We meet again, Mercenaries.” the man said. He let the small blade slip from his hand and it clattered against the floor, making Preeya jump a little. The man withdrew a weapon of his own, a slim but strong blade he had had attached to his back the entire time.

  Ariadna had spied it from where she stood, the hilt of the sword just poking out from behind the man’s shoulder, as she had thrown her dagger at him. She was not too sure whether to be impressed or annoyed that the intruder had not even bothered to show an ounce of pain on his face as he had pulled the dagger out from his flesh.

  This was going to be a challenge, it seemed but, as always Ariadna was willing to take on anyone who dared to take on her. It showed they had balls and Ariadna loved that. This man however, he was something else entirely.

  “He’s with Kanra.” Troian blurted out and he withdrew his own sword, listening to it ring as it slid out of its sheath.

  Artus had already pulled Preeya behind him, his sword out at the ready, and he felt the girl grip his arm with a trembling hand.

  “Oh,” Ariadna began. She pulled out two elegantly slim blades from her thigh pockets and held them up to her sides. It was an invitation to fight her. “So you’re Kanra’s pet?” she was tired of talking. The point of scaring off an intruder was to fight them, with weapons rather than words. She charged the man before he could even answer.

  Kadira was taken by surprise at the woman’s speed and he had little time to prepare himself as he ducked beneath her blade, stumbling as he flew forward and right in front of Troian as he too attacked. Kadira regained himself in a heartbeat and he thrust his sword into the mercenary’s side.

  Troian felt the shadow of the blade brushing against his fighting leathers. It had just missed his flesh, scratching only his clothing instead. He wasted no time and sent a clenched fist against Kadira’s cheek, giving himself time to move his sword hand away from his attacker’s grip.

  “Go.” Artus instructed Preeya as the man went stumbling again towards him next. He swung his sword against Kadira, catching him on his side like he had tried to do with Troian.

  Ariadna had already ushered the young priestess around the corner of the inn and she had her hide there in the shadows as she charged the brute again.

  Kadira hunched over and spat out blood. “I’ll enjoy killing you and bringing back your head to my master.” he said to Troian, between pauses as he continued to spit out more blood. “Perhaps I’ll keep you alive long enough to watch as I rape your silver haired woman.” he paused to slide his gaze to where Preeya was still hiding and he gave her another of his crooked smiles. “The priestess can be brought back for sacrifice.”

  Ariadna’s fury led her like a storm. She had had enough of his pathetic attempts at threatening and insulting them. She allowed Troian and Artus to take a couple of blows from the brute’s sword; it distracted him enough to not even notice Ariadna attacking him from behind. With both her slim swords, she rammed them through his chest and collided into him as they tightly lodged themselves into his flesh.

  Kadira howled in pain this time. No doubt everyone in the inn or around it had either heard the commotion or did not care to investigate what kind of trouble was going on today. It was poor security on the city guard’s part.

  “Don’t catch him.” Ariadna called out as both mercenaries reached their arms out to stop the body from falling on them. “Drag his body into the alleyway once he’s done. You wouldn’t want blood to get on you, it’ll look suspicious once we go back inside. Make it look like a group of thieves attacked and murdered him, there are enough in the city to make it seem plausible.”

  Troian and Artus took hold of an arm each and dragged Kadira’s massive body into the alleyway, all whilst the young priestess watched, trembling, with her hands over her mouth.

  “This won’t be the last time you’ll see a dead body.” Ariadna said to her. She crouched next to Kadira’s body and wiped her sword clean on his breeches. She slid them back into her thigh pockets and rose to her full height.

  Preeya burst into tears at the sight. To her own surprise, the assassin beckoned for her to come forward and Preeya did not hesitate as she rushed towards Ariadna and threw her arms around her. She buried her face into the assassin’s fighting leathers and sobbed. She felt sick.

  All the while, Ariadna shushed her gently. It was a strange sight to see the assassin comforting anyone. Whilst she may have been used to seeing bodies, she understood why Preeya was upset. The brute’s body still bled and after some time it would start decaying. Ariadna did not intend to keep Preeya near the body long enough for her to witness that too.

  “It’s alright. Let’s go back inside, I think you could do with another glass of rum to forget this had ever happened.” she said.

  Troian looked to Artus and frowned. “He was hunting us. Kanra wants us dead for certain but, once he realises Kadira won’t be back,” he began.

  “Who or what else do you think he’s going to send after us next?” Artus asked before his friend could.

  Ariadna led the priestess back towards the door of the inn and as she passed the men, she said, “We can save that discussion for later. Come on. I think we all need to get drunk now.”

  36 –

  Ariadna

  Preeya could not contain her nerves any longer. As soon as they entered the inn again, she pulled Ari to the side and let out a heavy breath. “I can’t do it.” she began. Preeya fiddled her thumbs around and eventually began tugging at her sleeves instead, to try to ease her nerves.

  Ariadna furrowed her brows together. “Can’t do what?” she asked her. The assassin had gotten used to not asking Preeya anything mockingly; only because she found herself growing fond of her. Considering Ariadna usually hated the presence of any other woman, other than the occasional whore here and there, it was a compliment that Preeya herself may not have fully been aware of.

  “I-I’m scared. I don’t know if I can sleep with Artus, not because I’m not fond of him, it’s just – does it hurt? The first time?” Preeya replied.

  Ariadna smiled at the innocent question. She really did feel like Preeya’s older sister as she placed a hand over her shoulder and shook her gently. “Not at all.” she said. Taking Preeya by the hand, she pulled her back to their table and together they sat down with the others.

  Artus looked Preeya’s way and smiled.

  “Are you ok? I’m sorry, that you had to see that.” he said.

  Preeya returned a smile of her own. It was genuine and kind. When she looked to Ari, she found the assassin raising her brows at her and cocking her head to the side; urging her to go one of the rooms Ariadna had also paid for, for the night. Preeya returned her gaze to Artus.

  “Here.” Artus said to the priestess, before Preeya could say anything. He pushed a glass of fresh rum towards her. “You could do with more alcohol, to help you forget.”

  Ariadna sat a little deeper in her chair, a glass of rum in her own hand, and she said to the priestess, “Upstairs, last do
or on the right.” and then she downed her drink in one go with a smile.

  Preeya took up her glass and did the same. She cleared her throat of any rum which had remained and rose from her chair. Looking down at Artus, she smiled again and offered her hand to him. “Let’s go.” she whispered. It was wonderful to see the girl taking initiative.

  Artus felt Troian kick him playfully under the table. Downing his own drink, he wiped his hands dry and took Preeya’s. Together, they both left the others in silence and went to go about their business.

  “They grow up so quickly, don’t they?” Ariadna asked teasingly, as both she and Troian watched their companions go with tilted heads, as though admiring them as a couple.

  “I think they go well together.” Troian said. He sat on his chair, staring intensely at his now empty glass of rum. Already the extra alcohol was getting to his head, and it was making him turn silly. Troian let out an exaggerated sigh. When he looked at Ariadna, he propped his elbow up against the table and rested his chin against his fist. “You were part of a convent as well?” he asked her.

  Ariadna scoffed at that question. She angled her body in Troian’s direction and slipped her legs across his lap, making herself comfortable. She knew how to handle her drinks but, one too many and she found herself dropping her guard down too.

  “That shit hole. I’m glad I’ve never found myself in a similar situation since, it was awful. Except for my lovely vegetable garden, of course.”

  Troian laughed at that. It was only after a few more glasses of strong rum and ale that he felt brave enough to ask, “How long have you been in this profession? You’re really good at it, I’m mean the way you fought Kadira, wow,” it was the alcohol talking now. “It was very arousing.”

  Ariadna choked on a laugh at the drunken compliment. “Yeah?” she asked, her words slurring slightly.

  Troian rocked his head back and forth in an exaggerated nod. “Yeah, really.”

  “I move faster with no clothes on.” Ariadna added in. Both she and Troian burst into laughter at that, earning a few stares from some other customers who had not quite reached their level of drunkenness just yet. “I joined the institute when I was fifteen, having escaped from being stoned to death by the convent I had once been a part of.” Ariadna explained.

  Troian sat back in his seat. The rum had really made him bold as he ran his hand over the assassin’s legs, making her shudder. “Why? What did you do?” he asked.

  Ariadna scooted a little closer until she could whisper in his ear. She made sure her breath tickled his skin. “I was caught breaking my oath of celibacy.” she whispered. Even then, she sounded seductive, despite her being drunk.

  Troian felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand but, not in fear. He shuddered at Ariadna’s breath against his neck again.

  “Let’s just say” the assassin began; she moved her own hand down to Troian’s legs and in between them. “I like sex too much to stay celibate for some damned gods.”

  Troian was too drunk to feel embarrassed as he stirred at her touch. He exhaled sharply when he felt her grab him there.

  Ariadna tutted playfully at him. “Well, well. Troian has feelings for the silver haired assassin. I’m touched.” she purred in his ear still.

  Troian slid his gaze to Ariadna’s face, and he asked her with a crooked smile of his own, “Exactly how fast can you go with no clothes on?”

  37 –

  Preeya

  After all this time she had spent wondering what it was like to make love to someone, Preeya was about to get a taste of what she had been missing out on. She said nothing to Artus as he locked the door of their room in the inn. The room was small but, beautifully decorated. Knowing Ariadna it had to be expensive and cosy, and it was; fit for a Lord and his Lady. Around them both, a series of candles were scattered across small lanterns on the wall and they burned dimly, creating a very romantic aura.

  Preeya felt her stomach turn as Artus approached her. She thought he was kind and handsome (despite Ari admitting she thought his nose was a little too big for his face), so she wondered why she still felt so hesitant about having sex with him. If it meant jeopardising Kanra’s sacrifice, should he find Preeya and kidnap her, she would be saving herself and indulging in a night of pleasure at the same time. Behind her, a double bed dressed in navy sheets of silk had been stretched out, with plump white pillows to accompany it.

  “Are you sure you want this?” Artus asked her. He stood before her now, looking down at her with that same warm smile of his. His fingers were already fiddling with the buttons of Preeya’s waistcoat.

  Preeya nodded. “Yes. And I mean it. I don’t want to be restricted or afraid of anything anymore.” she replied.

  Artus unbuttoned her waistcoat and allowed her to shrug it off. Before he began removing her tunic, he pulled Preeya a little closer and undid her dark hair from its braid first. He watched as it tumbled down her back like a sweeping river. “I understand. Tonight is about you, you deserve to live free and be happy.” having said that, Artus pressed a kiss against Preeya’s lips and she melted into him. He held her gently by the back of her neck and rolled his tongue around her mouth as he kissed her.

  Preeya felt the heat rise to her cheeks but, she did not draw away. She did not want to. She held onto Artus’ leather jacket for just a moment and then pushed it off his shoulders, as he slipped out of it in turn.

  Artus pulled away, leaving Preeya breathless. “Just say when and I’ll stop.” he whispered. Taking hold of her tunic, Artus pulled it over her head and dropped it to the floor once it was off.

  For a moment, shame came over Preeya and she covered her bare breasts with her hands. This was all she knew; that it was shameful to behave like this and that the gods did not approve of it because of who she was. But she was not a priestess anymore. She was a free woman. And free women did as they pleased.

  Artus shook his head at her and moved her hands away with care.

  “There’s no need to be afraid or ashamed. You’re beautiful, Preeya.”

  This time, Preeya did not go to cover herself again. As Artus backed her up towards the bed, she sat down on the edge of it and then laid back against it. The silk covers were soft on her skin but, cold. Preeya looked up at Artus as he undid the lace of her breeches and pulled them off along with her boots.

  Taking Artus’ words to heart, Preeya felt herself fill with more confidence and it was as though she forgot to feel ashamed or embarrassed by her nakedness. The bed dipped under the weight of another body and Preeya’s eyes widened at the sight of Artus as he joined her.

  Artus rested on top of the priestess. He felt her jolt at his manhood pressing against her but, other than that she did not move away from him.

  “Preeya,” he began again, hoping to remind her once more that she did not have to do this if she was uncomfortable. No matter how badly he wanted to.

  The priestess kissed him this time. She copied the way he had rolled his tongue around her mouth and she must have done a good job of it as Artus moaned against her lips. Artus ran his hand, calloused from many years of fighting, up Preeya’s unblemished skin; up to her leg until he was able to take hold of her thigh as he started them off. The first thrust had Preeya gasping, but once Artus had managed to find a good pace, she felt herself relax beneath his body. Artus buried his face into the side of Preeya’s neck. He felt her arms snake around his chest and she held him like that as he continued to move against her; with her.

  Preeya let out a moan of pleasure. She was not entirely sure how to react to such a feeling. Tears lined her eyes and ran down her cheeks, giving Artus reason to stop. Preeya shook her head in desperation. “No, please don’t.” she begged. She had never felt so free, so awake before. She shuffled around, unable to keep still at his touch.

  Artus kissed her neck once and then moved his lips down to Preeya’s chest, until he was able to enclose them around her nipple. She swooned at that. But Artus did not linger there long. He
continued to explore her further down, still. Swinging her legs over his shoulders, he dipped his head in between her thighs.

  Preeya grasped the covers tightly and arched her back at the first flick of Artus’ tongue. She gasped again and her breathing grew ragged as he continued to taste her. It felt like hours before he was done.

  When he sat back, Artus smiled at her. He flicked some blonde hair away from his eyes and drew closer to Preeya again. “How was it? The first go, at least?” he asked her. Artus already knew the answer to that question.

  Preeya lay beneath him, panting and sweating. Every knot in her body had loosened, and she felt like she was floating. When Artus dropped down onto the mattress next to her, she rolled onto her side and slung an arm across his chest. Steadying her breathing, Preeya finally managed to say the only thing that repeatedly came to mind.

  “Thank you.”

  38 –

  Vinn

  Patience was not a virtue, in Vinn’s case at least. These last few days he had been overcome with childish anger at Ariadna’s betrayal of him, rather than the Anari. He tried hard to convince himself that she would not return to him willingly and for that reason, he should go and find Ariadna himself.

  Now, Vinn had already made plans to find his silver-haired assassin and bring her back home, where he could teach her a lesson or two with his fists about the importance of not crossing him like that ever again. Vinn would have done the same to any man within his ranks, so Ariadna was to be treated no differently.

  So far, there had been no word of Mallice Mara’s death but, if he heard of anything then Vinn would have made an educational guess that Ariadna was in Forta. Or had been. The next stage would be trying to figure out where she would go after that. Ariadna Vikander had no other home and there was no other city she had ever shown signs of fondness for, ones she would be willing to run off to and start afresh there. If anything, the young woman liked to go about her business, return to the institute and lock herself in her room; which she treated like her a city of her own but, with a population of one.