by Ramona Gray
“How come Naveen isn’t a slave?” Kyle asked.
Lloyd shrugged. “He’s what they call a kalan which is basically a doctor. Plus, he can do some kind of magic shit. He can shoot flames from his goddamn fingertips. During that fight with the green women he brought down a bunch of these ugly, giant-ass birds to attack them just by muttering a few incantations. I think that stuff makes him more valuable than a breeder. I get the feeling that he’s the kind of guy who’d rather take it up the old poop chute than fuck a woman anyway. If you know what I mean. Don’t matter anyway. He’s got to be pushing seventy and probably shooting blanks.”
“The claiming ceremony,” Silas prompted.
“Right, right,” Lloyd said. “At the beginning of every month they hold the claiming ceremony. Any woman who’s eligible for breeding gets to bid on a man who’s available for sex that month. Once they’ve put their bid in they’re paired up to fight.”
“They actually fight?” Kyle said.
“No. Well, yeah, but they use wooden swords to fight. No one gets hurt. The winner of the fight then fights the winner of another fight and so on until they’re down to two women. The one who wins the final fight gets the man for the month.”
“If some of the women are just housekeepers or gardeners and the others are in the army, how is that fair?” Steve asked slowly. “A housekeeper wouldn’t have a chance of winning.”
“They don’t,” Lloyd said. “But they can ask one of the women in the army to fight on their behalf. Lots of them do that otherwise it would be nothing but the queen’s guard who get to fuck.”
“What about Quinn?” Silas asked.
“The massina? She’s tough, that one. After the queen, she’s the next in command.” Lloyd glanced again at the guards. “A lot of the women here are afraid of the queen and for good reason, but I ain’t talked to one that didn’t respect Quinn. She’s tough but fair.”
“Why are they afraid of the queen?” Kyle asked.
“I told you – she’s batshit crazy. The reason the women get along so well in this place is because the queen doles out punishment to those who don’t. And it ain’t easy on them.”
“What kind of punishment?” Craig asked.
“Public beatings mostly.”
“You’re kidding,” Evan said uneasily.
“I ain’t. Any of the women break the rules the queen has them punished.”
“Who does the punishing?” Silas asked.
“Mostly that Akia bitch,” Lloyd said sourly. “Although occasionally I’ve seen Quinn do it but I get the feeling that the queen uses Akia because she likes to do it. The men who’ve been with her says she’s a real ball buster in bed too. Most of the women don’t keep the men chained when they’re fucking but I ain’t talked to a man yet who said Akia left them free. She likes keeping them chained up and in her control.”
“Have you slept with her?” Kyle asked.
“No, thank God,” Lloyd said. “I ain’t got nothin’ against dominant women but that bitch is as crazy as the queen. Loena says Akia’s been angling to be the massina for years.”
“What exactly is the massina?” Craig said.
“She’s like the general of the queen’s army. Like I said, she’s second in command to the queen and she also acts as the queen’s personal bodyguard when she leaves the clan.”
“Does that happen often?”
“Not that I can tell. The queen’s only left once or twice in the five years I’ve been here. Mostly the massina just defends us against attacks from other clans and trains the other women to fight. They’re always doing practice fights in the courtyard in front of the castle. I’d say she advises the queen too but I get the feeling there ain’t no one the queen listens to. Not even the massina.”
“How long has Quinn been the massina?” Silas asked.
“I don’t know. She’s been the massina for as long as I’ve been here,” Lloyd said. “God, what I wouldn’t give to have that woman in my bed. She’s a looker.”
“Who has she slept with?” Silas asked.
“The massina?” Lloyd laughed. “She don’t sleep with no one. It’s real strange actually and I’m surprised that the queen hasn’t forced her to. Almost all the women of breeding age fuck the men sooner or later. I suppose the queen doesn’t want her getting pregnant. She’d be difficult to replace. When she fights in the games it’s a real thing of beauty. Like watching a real pretty dance …ballet maybe.”
“I thought you said she didn’t sleep with anyone,” Silas said.
“She doesn’t. The women can ask others to fight for them, remember? The massina gets asked a lot. She don’t always agree to fight but when she does… it’s somethin’.”
“The other women agree to fight her?” Evan said curiously.
“Oh hell, yes. They love fighting against her. It’s like a point of pride to fight the massina. They never win but I think they just like to tell the story about how they fought her.”
“What about the women who were with us?” Kyle asked. “Are they even still alive?”
“Oh I’m sure they are. They take anyone who comes through the orb, even the females. They treat them well from what I can tell. They usually become housekeepers or nannies but there’s a couple of them who joined the army. They can breed too if they’re healthy. They’re pretty lucky. The other clans just straight out kill any females who come through the orb.”
The far door opened and about a dozen women came in carrying platters of food. They placed them on the long tables as the men began to move toward the tables. Lloyd stood and stretched. “Breakfast time, fellas. C’mon.”
Chapter 11
“What’s going on? Do you know?” Silas asked the man standing next to him.
After breakfast, all of the men had been led out of the building to the courtyard just in front of the castle. It was filled with women but they were eerily quiet. They stood in small groups, whispering amongst themselves or staring uneasily at the front of the castle.
“Punishment,” the man said in a low voice before moving away.
Shit. Silas had no doubt who they were punishing. He scanned the crowd for Quinn but there were so many women he didn’t have a chance in hell of spotting her. He did see Naveen and he bellowed the man’s name before waving frantically at him. The other men frowned at him as did several of the guards but he ignored them and called Naveen’s name again.
The old man wandered toward him, nodding to the other men before stopping in front of Silas. “Good morning, danen.”
Naveen was uncharacteristically somber and Silas’ pulse thudded heavily. “My brother, Naveen. Is he…”
“He’s fine, danen,” Naveen said. “He woke this morning. He was groggy but lucid and ate and drank a bit.”
“Thank God,” Silas breathed. “When can I see him?”
“He needs more rest but I’m sure by tomorrow he’ll join the rest of you. How is your head?”
“It’s fine,” Silas said as Vida appeared silently beside him. He glanced at the big man as Naveen gave Vida a strained smile.
“Good morning, Vida.”
“Naveen,” Vida replied. His voice was low and gravelly. Now that he was close to the man Silas could see the small sharp fangs that were his eye teeth.
He held his hand out. “I’m Silas. It’s nice to meet you.”
Vida stared at his hand before shaking it briefly. “Vida.”
He lapsed into silence and Silas turned back to Naveen. “Have you seen Quinn?”
Naveen’s face paled and he cleared his throat. “She is in her home.”
“Her home?” Silas frowned. “I thought the women lived together.”
“They do but the massina has her own quarters next to the castle. When she is not on duty she lives there.” He pointed to a small stone building nestled on the left side of the castle.
“What are they going to do to her?” Silas asked in a low voice.
“She will be punished,” Naveen said.
“It wasn’t her fault,” Silas said. “Kila and I went after the gorans on our own. Quinn had nothing to do with it. If you would let me talk to the queen, I’m sure I can make her understand that - ”
“Stay away from the queen, danen,” Naveen said sharply. “Do you understand? To approach her without invite is asking for punishment or death.”
“Quinn is about to be punished for something that isn’t her fault,” Silas said. “How is that fair?”
Naveen laughed bitterly. “Nothing is fair when it comes to the queen. Keep your mouth shut while Quinn is being punished, danen. The massina is strong and she can handle what’s about to happen.”
“This isn’t right, Naveen,” Silas said.
“No, it is not,” Naveen replied quietly. “I must go. They will bring you to me later and I will examine your head. All right?”
He left without waiting for Silas’ reply. Silas stared up at Vida. “How long have you been here?”
The big man remained silent and Silas nudged him. “Vida?”
“Many years,” Vida replied shortly.
“Are you happy here?”
“Does it matter?”
“If you could leave, would you?”
“Be quiet,” Vida said abruptly. “It is beginning.”
The queen emerged from the castle. She was followed by a truly miserable-looking Kila. Her eyes were swollen from crying and her face was pale but she stood stoically next to her mother. Today the queen was draped in pink silk and her hair was wound in a braid around her head. She studied her subjects and Silas grunted when Vida’s hard hand pushed on his back. Everyone was kneeling and he dropped to one knee as the queen walked down the steps and stood next to a small stone wall. Two chains were embedded within the wall and she smiled haughtily at the crowd as they rose to their feet.
“Good morning.”
“Good morning, my Queen!” The crowd shouted as one.
“You all know why you are gathered here this morning. One of you has disobeyed my rule. What happens when there is disobedience?”
“Punishment!” The crowd roared.
The queen smiled before staring at the small stone building next to the castle. The door opened and Quinn walked out. She was wearing dark pants and a plain white shirt and her dark hair was in a high ponytail. The crowd watched curiously as she stood next to the queen.
“Massina,” the queen said, “do you admit that you willfully disobeyed your queen?”
“Yes, my Queen,” Quinn replied. Her reply was lost in the loud gasps of the crowd and the queen scowled.
“Enough,” she said and the crowd quieted instantly.
“Will you accept your punishment in front of those who watch?” The queen asked.
“Yes, my Queen,” Quinn said.
Taller than everyone but Vida, Silas had no problem seeing Quinn’s face. It was pale but composed. As her gaze swept across the crowd they locked eyes for a moment. He tried to smile at her but it came out as more of a grimace. Her expression didn’t change and she bowed her head when the queen stroked her hair.
“The wall, Quinn.”
She walked toward the wall and smiled briefly at Kila when the young woman reached out and squeezed her arm. Quinn faced the wall silently as the queen called Akia’s name. Akia joined the queen. She was holding a short but thick piece of wood that was sanded smooth. It reminded Silas of a miniature baseball bat and a thick thread of unease trickled down his back.
“What are they going to do to her?” He muttered to Vida.
Vida just shook his head and Silas watched anxiously as Akia approached Quinn.
“Your shirt, massina,” Akia said. “Remove it.”
Quinn unbuttoned her shirt and dropped it to the ground, revealing the smooth skin of her back. Akia prodded her in the middle of the back with the bat and Quinn pressed her naked upper body against the wall before reaching up and wrapping her hands around the chains above her.
“My Queen?” Akia said.
“We will start with ten,” the queen replied.
Akia bowed before standing next to Quinn. She raised the bat and with a viciousness that made Silas wince, slammed the small wooden bat into Quinn’s back. Quinn shuddered but didn’t cry out and Silas cursed under his breath. Akia hit her a second and then a third time and Silas started forward. His arm was taken in a hard grip and he glared at Vida.
“Let me go.”
“She’ll kill you,” Vida said in a low voice. “You and the massina if she thinks there is a reason for your concern.”
Silas paled and stopped struggling. Vida released him and he stared at the ground, trying to block out the horrible thudding sounds as Akia hit Quinn repeatedly. By the time she reached ten, Silas’ stomach was rolling with nausea and sweat was dripping down his forehead. He raised his head and made a low groan. Quinn’s back was a fiery red and he could see her skin already beginning to swell and bruise. She was still standing stiffly against the wall, her hands wrapped so tightly in the chains that they dug into her skin.
“My Queen?” Akia was breathing heavily and swinging the bat in a low arc.
“Five more,” the queen said serenely.
“Fuck,” Silas snapped. “She’ll fucking kill her.”
“The massina is stronger than anyone else in the clan,” Vida said.
This time Silas couldn’t look away as Akia slammed the bat into Quinn’s back. He held his hands in tight fists, flinching each time the bat connected. Quinn’s flesh rippled under the onslaught and he could hear her ragged breathing across the silent crowd. She remained completely silent, not even a whimper crossed her lips. He was both impressed and horrified by her silence.
When Akia was finished, she returned to the queen’s side. Silas had never hit a woman in his life but he could have cheerfully slapped the smug smile off the woman’s face. The queen pointed at the crowd and Naveen scurried forward. He touched Quinn’s shoulder and spoke quietly into her ear before helping her unwrap the chains from around her hands. She pressed her forehead against the wall, breathing heavily as Naveen eased her arms into her shirt. She winced but remained silent as Naveen buttoned her shirt and took her hand. He led her past the queen and stopped when the woman held up her hand and studied the crowd.
“Do you see what happens when you disobey me?” She asked. “Not even the queen’s massina is exempt from punishment. I am to be obeyed in all things. It is me and only me who protects you from the dangers outside of these walls. Without me, you are nothing and have nothing. Do you understand?”
“Yes, my Queen!” The crowd replied. Their voices were hushed and they watched uneasily as the queen placed her hand on top of Quinn’s head.
“Massina, look at me.”
Quinn raised her head and the queen smiled benevolently at her. “Will you disobey me again, massina?”
“No, my Queen.”
“Good. Naveen, take her to your quarters and treat her injuries. I require my massina returned to me in perfect health.”
“Yes, my Queen,” Naveen said quietly.
As the crowd watched he led Quinn out of the courtyard. Silas glanced at Kila. The young woman looked like she was going to vomit and her eyes were watery with unshed tears. The queen reached for her hand and Kila took it numbly. Without speaking, the queen turned and ascended the stairs of the castle with Kila in tow. They disappeared inside and the crowd glanced apprehensively at each other.
“Go on now, all of you.” Barkha had joined Akia at the bottom of the castle stairs and she clapped her hands briskly. “Get back to work.”
The crowd slowly dispersed and Silas watched as Barkha glared at Akia before stomping away from her. Akia laughed and tapped the bat against her leg, watching as Silas and the other men were herded back to the breeders’ quarters.
* * *
“Naveen?” Barkha called as she led Silas into his home. “I have brought the danen as you requested.”
“Thank you, Barkha.” Naveen ca
me hurrying out of a room, drying his hands on a piece of linen. He was juggling five white pouches and he dropped them into a bucket in the hallway with a wet plop. The strong smell of mint and something else Silas couldn’t identify clung to Naveen and the pouches. “Put him in the exam room, please.”
Barkha nodded before giving him a hesitant look. “Naveen, the massina?”
“She’ll live,” Naveen said.
Barkha’s body relaxed. “Akia was brutal this morning. I have never seen her hit someone so hard before.”
“Are you surprised?” Naveen asked. “You know she hates Quinn.”
“Aye, I know,” Barkha replied. “Do you need me to stay while you examine the danen?”
She gave Silas a quick look, her skin already beginning to glow. Naveen shook his head. “No, the guards are just outside. Besides, the danen will not hurt me. Will you?”
“No,” Silas said.
“Are you sure I shouldn’t stay?” Barkha asked. She rubbed her hand up and down Silas’ arm as her glow brightened.
“I’m positive, Barkha,” Naveen said. “I am only examining his head, not preparing him for testing.”
“Have you chosen someone for his testing yet?” Barkha asked eagerly.
Naveen laughed. “No, you little tarnan. The testing is not for a few days.”
“Keep me in mind, will you?” Barkha said. “I haven’t tested a breeder in ages.”
Naveen laughed. “Go on, Barkha. I will ask one of the guards to get you when I’m finished with the danen.”
Barkha nodded and took Silas to a room before leaving. Naveen had followed them in and the moment they were alone, Silas said, “My brother, Naveen. Can I see him?”
“Aye, I guess that would be fine. Let me look at your head first and then I’ll take you to him.”
Silas sat down on a chair and Naveen cleaned the cut on his forehead with some water before prodding it lightly. “How do you feel? Any more headaches or nausea?”
“No,” Silas said. “How is Quinn?”
“In a great deal of pain,” Naveen said shortly as he mixed together some powder with a bit of water, “but she will live.”