“They not take you home! You be one of their women. Never see again!”
He pushed her ahead of him like a naughty child, back to their dwelling. Their home! Not mine!
She chewed her lip, aching with despair. If she had been successful in her attempt to leave, she would have no idea which way to go. With no means to determine how she arrived here in the first place, trying to retrace her steps was useless and she agonized over the possibility that she would never get home. If she had traveled back in time, as she feared, traveling to another area would not solve the problem. At least here, she had the care and protection of Tanith and her family.
Tanith and Machar emerged from their hut and started towards her. Tanith let go of Machar’s hand to wave and as she did so, he broke away and ran to Fiona’s side.
“You scamp, be careful.” Machar laughed and grasped her hand and started to pull her down the slight incline towards his mother.
Tanith scolded her once again. “You must not leave the settlement alone. Bad men from there,” she pointed north, “come here and if you are alone, they will take you. Bad animals out there also.”
“Sorry, I wasn’t thinking.”
Tanith nodded. “But do not go out there. Think in here. We go to the marketplace now. We need food for the evening meal.”
She touched Tanith’s arm. “How can I ever repay your kindness?”
Tanith smiled and hugged her. “I never had a sister and now you are my sister. That is payment enough.”
Machar ran ahead and disappeared from sight. Tanith hurried forward calling for him. As Fiona rounded a corner into the marketplace, she bumped into Tanith. Machar stood a few feet away, captured by a well-dressed, beautiful oriental-looking woman flanked by two guards and several women whom she recognized as priestesses by their tall pointed hats. The dark-haired woman was smiling, but the smile was cold and no warmth reflected in her black eyes. She spoke quickly to Tanith, too rapidly for Fiona to follow. Tanith straightened and Fiona felt the tension sparking from her.
“I heard you had returned,” Voadicia said as she pushed Machar towards Tanith. “It appears this little monkey has escaped.”
Tanith inclined her head slightly. “Thank you for stopping him. I but glanced away and he was gone.”
Voadicia looked past Tanith to the young woman standing behind her. “Who is this? She does not look familiar.”
Tanith slanted a glance at Fiona. “She is Kellach’s woman.”
Voadicia’s eyes narrowed and her voice lowered to a rasp. “Kellach does not have a woman, and if he did, it wouldn’t be this pale slip of a girl. Kellach’s taste in women has not changed so greatly, has it?”
“I would not know what his tastes might have been before, but she is his, he found her on the last journey to the east.”
“Found? Or bought her? Is she his slave?” She looked Fiona over, contempt dripping from her voice.
Tanith’s voice betrayed none of the concern she felt. “She is no slave. She has been afforded the protection of our family until Kellach returns. She will be settled with him at that time.”
Voadicia pushed past Tanith to glare down at Fiona, “Is she his bedmate then? I am surprised. Kellach is usually more discriminating in his choice of women.” Voadicia smoothed the clinging red tunic down over her shapely hips. The material was so thin, her nipples and nether parts could be easily seen.
“He is discriminating, but you would know that better than I.” Tanith’s words were not lost on Voadicia, nor had Voadicia forgotten that Kellach had repudiated her on the night they arrived.
“She is not his bedmate—I have reason to believe she will be more than that.”
“There are many who have been his bedmate. Why would this one be any different?”
“Kellach would seek to take a wife now. She needs a husband and a protector and she is biddable. She is very beautiful as well, that is the difference.”
Voadicia’s eyes flashed. “Kellach would not want a biddable wife. She is not so beautiful as me,” she added pompously and her entourage nodded their agreement.
“I am sure Alstrom agrees with you, or perhaps what he feels does not matter.”
“Alstrom has his uses, and he does not expect total fidelity from me.”
Theirs was a society that looked upon sex as both open and free, equally by the men as well as the women. Voadicia’s admitted promiscuity did not surprise Tanith, such was an accepted practice.
“If this little dove is to be Kellach’s woman, why does she stay with you? Why isn’t she residing in his household? If he claims her, that is where she should be.”
“She has been ill and I have been caring for her. Kellach returns soon and then she will be in his home and under his protection.” Tanith stressed protection so there would be no question as to Fiona’s position in the household of Lord Kellach.
Tanith reached for Fiona’s hand. “We must be on our way. We have much to do before this night.”
Voadicia stared malevolently into Fiona’s eyes, “We will meet again, little one, I’ve no doubt.” With that, she turned and stalked away, her supporters straggling behind.
Fiona witnessed the exchange with some trepidation. She was able to understand very little of the conversation, but Tanith’s attitude and the attitude of the other woman left little to the imagination as to their feelings toward each other. The dark woman’s breath was hot and feral, and it took all of Fiona’s resolve to keep from gagging at the smell. Relief washed over her when the woman turned and left. There was something cruel and vindictive in her demeanor and the woman made her skin crawl.
Tanith watched her walk away and then turned to Fiona. “Bad woman, you stay away from her.”
She agreed. “Very bad.”
The rest of the afternoon was spent in spirited haggling with the food vendors and in conversation with other women bent on the same duties as they. Fiona recognized many of the women now and was welcomed by them. The marketplace was a time for meeting up with friends near the well in the center of the square, trading stories and the latest gossip. Today, in particular, Engai was in attendance. Engai was one of the first women outside of Tanith that Fiona had become acquainted with. She was the wife of Elochad, and mother of two strapping teenaged twin sons and a young daughter, probably around ten years or so. Her children were a lively group and Engai was hard pressed to keep the older boys in control. The young daughter, Ceara, would grow into an attractive woman someday with her chestnut brown hair and lovely big blue eyes. She was a smaller version of her mother and it was very apparent that Ceara was the center of Engai’s life. Ceara was a merry child whose personality sparkled with animation. It was a cheerful meeting and helped alleviate some of the unpleasant feelings left by the encounter with Voadicia.
Tanith loaded their purchases in a large basket in preparation for the short walk home. Machar was tired so Tanith lifted him up and settled him on her hip. Fiona carried the basket and they left the market. As they neared their destination, the parents of Tanith came out and they visited for a few minutes before it was time to start the evening meal. Dinner was prepared quickly and they settled down for the evening.
Eleven
One morning shortly after, it was decided that they would travel to the neighboring yellow people’s settlement to trade and, for those requiring medical attention, to visit the yellow healer. Fiona had yet to be included on one of these trips but now that her health was greatly improved, she was allowed to accompany them. Small shaggy horses were saddled up and led out for the ride.
Machar was lifted up in front of Siran and Fiona was handed the reins of a small black horse, who promptly tried to bite her. She jumped back and barely missed being bitten by his gnashing teeth. Tanith laughed, walked over and slapped the horse on the nose. The horse started and threw up its head, but seemed to settle down after that. It glared at Fiona and she glared back. She had never ridden in her life and this horse seemed like a demon from hell. Tanith ges
tured at her to climb on, as the rest of the group were already mounted and ready to go.
“Get on.” Tanith tapped her foot, hands on hips.
“Wouldn’t it be better if I rode behind someone? Or I could just walk!”
“No. Too far. Get on.”
Feeling as though she was going to her own hanging, Fiona led the horse over to a large rock and scrambled up. Sweat pooled on her brow, palms grew slick with moisture. Now or never! She leaned over, grabbed hold of the small saddle and swung a leg on. The horse snorted and tossed its head but stood still long enough for her to struggle into the hard seat. She wiggled, trying to get comfortable. There weren’t any stirrups so her legs dangled down the horse’s sides. This isn’t good! She finally got herself settled. The little horse turned his head and looked at her, then trotted over to the other horses. She hung on for dear life, the reins dragging on the ground.
Tanith snorted in amusement, reached down and grabbed the reins. She tied them to her horse and off they went at a good clip. The gait of the horse rattled every one of Fiona’s bones and even her teeth banged together. The uncomfortable ride seemed to last forever, but eventually they made it to the village.
The other riders dismounted and hobbled their horses. Aching in every joint, Fiona slid off the vile animal and collapsed on the ground in a puddle of misery. Snickers and outright laughter swept through the good-natured group. She pulled herself to her feet and stood up. Her legs felt like rubber and the insides of her thighs were so sore, she could barely move. Her backsides would never be the same and every bone in her body throbbed.
“Just leave me here,” she groaned. “Let me die in peace.”
Tanith grabbed her arm. “Come. You sit and legs hurt more.”
‘There’s no way that could ever be possible.”
“You walk.” Tanith ignored her protests and dragged her behind.
The market was crowded by Asian-looking people as well as many from the settlement and the surrounding countryside. Much of the wares were similar, but there were a number of vendors selling strange and unusual products as well. Several booths boasted herbs and spices and, at one such booth, she was able to trade one of her bracelets for a small supply of medicinal herbs she recognized, but was unable to find near the settlement. As Fiona explored, she noticed several booths with carcasses hanging on them that resembled skinned dogs. She had to look away whenever she passed those. It didn’t set well that dog was an accepted food source.
“We eat now.” Tanith herded them to an open field near the marketplace and unpacked a large food basket.
Fiona inspected the food with a critical eye. Nope! No dog in here! A puppy ran out from behind a food vendor’s booth and headed for Fiona. It was small and brown with white spots and she loved it immediately. She picked it up and hugged it to her.
Tanith tilted her head questioningly and made an eating motion.
Fiona gasped. “No,” she shook her head vehemently and hugged the puppy tighter.
A small Asian woman stomped from a nearby tent and began chattering at the group and pointing at the puppy.
She held cuddled the little guy to her breast shaking her head. “No! No! You can’t have him.”
There’s no way I’m going to let him become somebody’s lunch! The woman ranted and raved, and from the way she waved her arms and the tone of her voice, she was very angry over the loss of the animal. She’s probably accusing me of stealing him! She wrenched off one of her bracelets and held it out to the woman. The woman’s tirade paused. Her black eyes glittered covetously.
Tanith watched the situation closely. The little cur was going to be too small to be any good as a herder and she had no idea why Fiona would want him, but because she knew how alone Fiona believed herself, she stood up and tossed the Asian woman a small coin. The woman shook her head “no” and again reached for the bracelet. Tanith spoke rapidly back. The angry woman scowled, muttered something, bit down on the coin, and then with a huff of indignation, marched back to the tent.
“Take my bracelet.” Fiona tried to hand the bronze bracelet to Tanith but she shook her head “no,” smiling as she resumed eating.
The puppy licked her hand as she rubbed her face against its soft fur. “I’m going to name you ‘Conan’,” she whispered. “You know, like ‘Conan the Barbarian’.”
“Too small.” Tanith took another bite. “Won’t work good.”
“He will, too! He just needs a chance to grow a little.”
Conan whined, eyeing her food. She broke of a small tidbit and held out her hand. He gobbled the morsel, his big brown eyes pleading for more. Conan might be just a puppy, she thought, but at least I have something that’s all mine in this weird place.
The afternoon waned and it was time to pack up and head back to the village—time to remount the devil horse! She gritted her teeth, fully expecting the worst. The ornery bitch tried the same trick he’d used earlier but she was ready, slapping him on the nose before he had a chance to stage his little rebellion.
She climbed back on, every muscle and nerve complaining, tucked the puppy under her wrap, and forced herself to endure as the horse trotted off. Her thigh muscles felt every bounce and bump and by the time they arrived at the settlement, she decided she would never walk again. Tanith had to literally lift her off the horse, and then help her to limp into the abode. Fiona collapsed in relief on the nearest chair. Conan wriggled free and jumped down, attacking Machar’s toes. Too tired to take him out for a walk, she tied a small rope around his neck and handed it to Machar.
“Take Conan outside, please,” she begged him. She didn’t think she would be able to get back up now that she was sitting down. Machar whooped with joy and ran out, the puppy trailing behind him. Someone besides me is happy about the puppy!
Her eyes were drawn to the structure across the square. No one ever appeared to be there, but she observed servants coming and going from time to time. She wished she knew what or who this “Kellach” was. That word came up quite frequently in conversations and, as yet, she was unable to determine a meaning to attach. Whatever “Kellach” was, whenever that word was spoken, people took notice. The large building across the center court from Tanith’s dwelling was pointed out often as being “Kellach or Kellach’s house.” Perhaps that meant some sort of motel or hotel. The building certainly seemed large enough and from the outside, more elaborate than any close by. She would be interested to see what the interior looked like.
Noticing her interest, Tanith once again said “Kellach’s house,” as she pointed across the square. “You live there soon.”
“I want to stay with you,” she protested.
“You belong there.” Tanith pointed again.
“Why?”
“You belong to Kellach.”
“What do you mean, ‘I belong to Kellach?’ I belong to me.”
Tanith’s smile reminded her of a wily fox. “I think you will like Kellach’s house.”
“I have never been to Kellach’s house.”
“I will take you there tomorrow.” Tanith turned away, intent on unloading their purchases.
Fiona stared across the square. Tomorrow she would finally get a chance to enter that mysterious and perplexing structure. As she stared, she had the strangest feeling that it was right and that she belonged there. How curious, she thought, but we shall see what tomorrow brings.
Twelve
Bright and early the next morning, Tanith bundled up Fiona’s things and they crossed the square to “Kellach’s house.” The structure was one large building, and she had seen none as yet to compare with its size. They stepped through the door and into the main area of the structure. The few furnishings were well built and far better than any she’d seen since she arrived. A huge bed, covered by sheepskins and soft bed linens, dwarfed the right side of the room. A low table, which could easily sit twelve people, occupied the large space to the left.
Colorful oriental rugs were scattered about the floor an
d the walls were decorated with weaponry and primitive art. A fire pit in the center of the room provided warmth and, she assumed, the means to cook, since a spit balanced over it. This was, without doubt, the house of someone important! Conan ran around sniffing and investigating. She picked him up, worried that he might decide to mark his territory and she didn’t want him to get the idea that it was appropriate. This man, Kellach, whoever he was, wouldn’t be happy if Conan left a calling card.
Tanith opened a carved trunk and deposited Fiona’s things into it. “You use this.”
Anxiety blasted her courage. It felt strange, unnerving to be left alone. It wasn’t right for her to move into a place where she had never met the owner or knew what was expected of her. “I don’t think I should be here.”
“Kellach be here soon,” Tanith smiled reassuringly. “You help out, clean, cook, wash.”
“Oh,” she said, breathing a sigh of relief. Things were becoming clearer. She was to be a housekeeper or cook or something like that. Servants were commonplace and were treated well.
Her spirits lifted. “I can do that!” There was a reason for her to be here. She couldn’t depend on Tanith or her family to support her forever if she never returned home. Being a housekeeper was respectable and safe, and it was a job she was fully capable of performing.
“When does this Kellach come?”
“Soon, very soon. Maybe two days, maybe four. Who can say?” Tanith shrugged unconcerned. “You will like Kellach.”
Fiona wished she was able to converse more easily. She had so many questions but did not yet have the verbal skills to ask them. What connection did Tanith have to this person Kellach? Who was he? Was he one of their leaders? Was he young, old, kind, miserly? What was he like?
Tanith patted her hand. “Maybe you will like Kellach a lot.”
Tanith had her own agenda, Kellach needed a wife and he wanted children. Fiona was the perfect choice. She was kind, intelligent and beautiful, and Tanith was going to make sure that she pushed them both in the right direction.
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