*****
The spy network that he had established twenty two years ago when things had still been under the old regime had served him well.
Paul, known now as Pasttu, sat the thrown of the western tribes. It had taken him nearly seven years to undermine the old king and destroy his bloodline. He’d managed to secure the ruler-ship through threats, bullying and out rite murder.
The once peaceful society which he had arrived in had changed drastically under his guidance and thirst for more power. No longer did they waste time worshipping unseen gods or the nature around them for Paul had shown them a better way.
The new society had been full heartedly embraced by the stronger members of the tribe who he’d made the soldiers, bodyguards and enforcers of his will. The hunters had turned to killers all under his personal tutelage.
His own father’s clan was weak and small compared to the power and masses that he now wielded to do his bidding. Huts of grass had been replaced by wood and stone as crude industry spurred his revolution.
No longer did the nomadic peaceful people bow down to an unseen divinity as they worked in his mines, fields and factories as slave labor for the war machine he was building. With it he would concur all of these new lands setting himself up as emperor of all the clans.
The reports of the goddess riding atop one of the great eagles had come to pass just like the old king had predicted. That of course was while he lay there bleeding out after Paul had plunged a knife into his worthless back.
“A Soothsayer?” he’d mocked spitting on the old king as death claimed him. “You should have seen this coming.” Now it looked as if the old goat’s prediction would be coming to pass.
As the information trickled up to him about the stranger walking the streets of his city, Paul was certain of the path he must follow to remain king.
From the description he had been given, the professor was almost certain that it was the American yet his men would have to capture and bring her to him to be sure.
Either way he would have another play toy to warm his bed for awhile until he got sick of her. Since he had come to power, the teacher had more liaisons then Henry the eighth and enough whores to make a sultan jealous. Only a few of the desert prince’s had more in their own harems.
Paul was just winding up a session with his Minister of Finance when the Goddess was brought through the doors of his new palace into the throne room.
Dismissing her with a slap on the rump and a look that said he expected her in his chambers later, the new ruler of the western tribes gazed at the exquisite creature before him.
He had to adjust himself as she swayed through the courtroom to stand before him with arms crossed over her more than ample chest defiantly. Her hair was longer and braided with silver strands interwoven with precious gems attached here and there.
A royal purple strapless top was held up by a gold colored chest plate with a short yellow skirt below. Brown leather boots covered her calves and his eyes were drawn to her long legs so nicely toned and tanned.
It was a pleasant change from the last time they had met and Paul decided to submit her to his dominance from the get go. He would frighten her into doing as he desired just as his father had tried to back home, for here Paul was a God.
*****
Alitta strolled along the stone roadway listening to the sounds of this new industrial city. It seemed that she was the only one who had seen the sudden transformation as if everything had been morphed by a computer program.
The people were the same only their cloths and everything else around them altered. She accepted a bread roll from an old woman who looked so sad along with the new surroundings.
The woman’s eyes lit up when Alitta thanked her in the old dialect as here a new one was being spoken. The American continued on stepping aside as a group of armed men rode past on large war birds so similar to the one that Sojurn rode. These however were larger sporting red and black feathers from their helmeted heads.
Metal sickles had been attached to their legs like those used in cock fights back home only these blades were over three feet long. One swipe would be able to cut a man in half.
Crossing the street, the paleontologist ducked into a pub as another patrol came down the road. Slipping onto an unoccupied stool, she signaled for a pint and then sat there sipping at the bitter ale while listening to the words of the patrons around her in the tap room.
Ordering a plate of food, Alitta continued to listen and learn this new dialect until she was fairly sure that she had mastered it. Then, calling the barkeep over, she put forth one of the gold coins on the bar.
The man’s eyes darted around to see if anyone else had noticed as he quickly put a hand over it ready to make it disappear into his pocket. Alitta put her own hand on his and leaned forward so that their conversation could be relatively private.
The bartender looked around nervously and then came close willing to answer her questions lest he loose the vast profit under his fingers.
When they had finished, she patted his hand and then leaned back as the gold coin vanished like a magician making a rabbit disappear.
A couple of regulars chided the man about striking out and to their collective cheers, Alitta stood up leaning across the bar and planted a kiss on the man’s whiskered face.
She then bowed at the applause and left the bar waving once to the bartender on the way out. She had only gone about five blocks when another squad of the “Rooster Riders”, as she’d dubbed them, stopped surrounding her in the middle of the street.
She saw the old bread woman pointing at her to the obvious leader of those now around her. He came up and told her that she had to come with them else suffer the consequences.
“Such as?” Alitta asked placing her hands on her hips in defiance. “Uhm...well...it wouldn’t be good. The King has put people to death for less.” he informed her.
The American just smiled at him then drew a breath in before she tore into the sergeant. “Now that you’ve said your due, you listen to me you offensive, arrogant, ignorant troll. You’ll not address a Princess of the Eastern Tribes with anything but courtesy, respect and always as your Highness else you’ll face my wrath.” she fumed at his insult.
All the while her insides were twisted up in knots hoping that her outward appearance did not show how truly scared that she was. The solider began to speak, but no words came out so he closed his mouth.
Several more times he tried to rebuke her only to be felled silent again. Finally he did as commanded and was able to utter his reply. “Your Highness, please forgive my rudeness. If you would, please allow us to escort you to the castle to meet King Pasttu?”
The other warriors around them looked from one to another unsure of if their leader was mocking her or if she had somehow cast a spell on him.
For her part, Alitta just remained silent as she formulated her own response. “Very well, but I’ll be carried as one that befits my station. You,” she pointed to the closest rider. “…give me your mount.” came her regal command.
The man only looked once at the sergeant who didn’t even move, before climbing down and holding the reigns of the war bird nervously. It clanged its metal talons together in protest as she approached.
“Be still.” she told it walking up to its beak and looking up into its saucer sized eyes. Blinking several times, it stopped moving and stood there perfectly still as she reached up and took off its muzzle and bridle.
The warriors gasped jumping back quite sure that the feathered monster would devour or cut the Eastern Princess in half. To their amazement, and hers, it lowered its massive head nuzzling against her chest as she rubbed it behind the beak whispering softly to it. Patting its neck, she climbed up into the small saddle after it lay down for her without prompting.
The great war bird turned its mighty head and looked at her then gave a cry startling all of the others in the group. “Now we may go.” Alitta told them moving out towards the largest
structure.
The soldiers parted as she passed and then fell in line behind her as if Alitta was head of a small army. The captain rode behind her unbelieving as she didn’t even steer the beast she rode upon yet it went where she desired threading its way through the cobbled streets.
As they approached the castle gatehouse, the officer went ahead and she almost had to laugh as even a mote had been dug around its massive structure as if it were a medieval castle in Europe.
Stopping in the outer courtyard, the paleontologist climbed down giving the war bird a final ruffle of the feathers atop its large head before she ascended the ten steps to the landing in front of the castle door.
It was as thick and massive as its predecessors yet also had the same weakness’s which Alitta took note of as she walked through into a spacious archway wide enough for four horses abreast on parade. Beyond was a massive hallway that was made of a polished marble and had an arched ceiling that stood forty foot above. Every effort had been made to carve intricate patterns into the stone pillars that held the roof up giving it a feel of some Greek or Roman temple.
Precious metals and stones had been set high above creating art like the tiled mosaics inside the Taj Mahal that she had visited ten years ago. Stone statues depicting the past rulers stood every thirty feet down the corridor like guardians to an inner sanction.
Alitta began to notice that they all looked very similar to the point of being uncanny. As she entered the great hall, she was reminded of Buckingham Palace with its mixture of décor from the both England and France. Yet it was its own unique design and she could clearly see the Spanish influence as well.
At the door stood two heavily armored natives with shields, long swords and maces hanging from their belts reminding her of the tales of King Arthur’s knights of Camelot.
The two held crossbows in their hands and eyed her from inside their three quarter helmets. She walked between the long wooden tables that could hold fifty people each on their benches pausing only a second as she recognized the man on the throne.
His sharp eyes caught her subtle movement and an evil grin touched his normally handsome features. The American couldn’t believe that she’d ever even considered sleeping with him despite being a better choice than Sabio.
“Welcome.” his words floated across to her with cool efficiency like that of a snake preparing to strike at its meal. “I hope that you like my humble home.” came his polite mannerisms that she could see were forced. For underneath his civil exterior she was now sure that a mad man resided.
Alitta could read it in his eyes and it sent a shiver down her spine as he casually looked her up and down. She could feel the rage that he kept bubbling below the surface like magma in a volcano.
She had dated a guy like him in college who had beat her up on a weekly basis for five months until a stay in an emergency room and intensive care unit helped to finally get Alitta to file a restraining order.
Stupidly he had violated it and been sent to prison for three years. She had spent another five days in the hospital recovering from the injuries that had been inflicted on her body the second time. To this day she still suffered emotionally not allowing others to get close enough to see the real her.
His cocky swagger told her that Paul had her pegged and planned on trying to use it to his advantage. “We have things to discuss, but first kneel before your King.” came the blunt statement bordering on rudeness.
“A Princess does not bow down to the likes of you.” Alitta stated crossing her arms over her chest insolently. Paul leapt out of the chair with a crazed look in his eyes that would have made her cower in fear before, now she just arched an eyebrow at him as his next stream of words seemed strained on the verge of hysterical even.
“I am your King and you’ll do as I command.” “You’re no King and certainly not mine. I am a Princess of the Eastern Tribes.” She stated still unyielding in both body language and gaze as the old Brunha had taught her.
“I’ll have you drawn and quartered…” “Your highness.” “What!” Paul yelled at the man who had come into the great hall. He was red faced from exertion and appeared to have mud and blood splattered on his armor.”A word my King? The Northern tribes have led a rebellion and…”
The solider stopped in midstream as the teacher held up a hand to silence him. “I’m afraid that our little chat will have to wait Princess Alitta. I have realm business that I must attend to. Please excuse us. Guards!”
“Yes my King Praul Nasat?” “Show our royal guest to the visitor quarters.” “In the tower?” “No you imbecile, in the west wing near my study.” Paul said on the verge of anger once more.
“Yes My lord, right away.” They responded as Alitta curtsied in reply to Paul’s quick bow before he turned about and led the bloodied solider over to a table full of maps.
“This way your Highness.” Her escort said looking at her only once before dropping his eyes to the marble floor.
“Idiot, I don’t care if they are starving or not. I need that rock quarried if we are to continue our expansion. Kill half of them if need be. Now…” “But my lord.” “We’ll have more labor once we have taken over the eastern part of the continent.” Paul said as Alitta lingered at the door before being led away.
The American took note of the twists and turns of the castle corridors as she was led by the guards to her new quarters. They were designed to confuse any invading enemies and Alitta had to give the builder his due for their architecture.
“Thank you.” She said placing a hand on the man’s shoulder as the guards prepared to leave. He looked up into her eyes only this time instead of fear; it was in understanding that she held a genuine compassion for others unlike his own undisputed lord.
After the door was closed, Alitta heard him bark orders to two of the six soldiers who had fallen in behind them on their way here. She could hear their booted feet marching off back down the snaking passageway.
She looked around at the spacious room that held beautiful hand carved furniture made out of a dark wood that had reddish veins running throughout it. Tapestries hung on the walls depicting unknown battles to her as the sun shone through the stained glass doors across the room.
The princess walked past an immense hearth whose fireplace held eight foot logs that were already lit. She opened the stain glass doors to find that they led out onto a private terrace that overlooked the eastern grounds of the castle. Below she could see a garden and past it a stable that housed the war birds. A pond the size of three football fields put together sat beside it with fruit trees casting their long shadows over the water.
Beautiful birds the size of swans, but the color of peacocks, swam lazily about in the afternoon sun. Alitta looked around the room again and found that one of the tapestries hid a lavatory that was complete with a marble tub.
She moved the lower lever in the wall and warm water began to flow into the tub. After it was full, the paleontologist made sure that her door of the room was locked then stripped down and sunk into the water up to her neck enjoying the sensation of luxury once more.
Closing her eyes, Alitta could almost feel as if she were back home in her apartment that was located not far from Arlington Virginia. The only thing missing were the sounds of the vehicles on the highway and the rumble of the planes flying over making the windows rattle as they passed.
After she had finished soaking releasing all of the aches and pains out of her muscles, the American reluctantly got out and dried off lying on the bed as her cloths warmed beside the fireplace.
Alitta reveled in the feel of the fine animal pelt against her bare skin with its hairs both caressing and tickling her all over at the same time reminding her of a short haired mink coat.
The knock at the door set her bolt upright and she quickly wrapped the hide around her before going over to the door to inquire who was calling.
“Sergeant Dardon Ambly your Majesty …ah Highness …ah Princess. The king has sent over a gown
for you and requests your company at dinner.” his muffled voice replied through the thick wooden door.
She opened the door to the same soldier who had first shown her to this suite. “Requests or orders?” she asked suspiciously. “Ahh …it is all the same great lady.” He said apologetically clearly uncomfortable with being the barer of such news.
“Set it by the hearth please.” Alitta said pointing to the high backed chair as she held the pelt closed with one hand covering as much of her body while the other held open the door.
The two guards to either side of the door looked her way and then quickly set their eyes forward as they saw her gaze in their direction. “Thank you again Sergeant…?” “Ambly your Majesty. Dardon Ambly.” He provided again with a bow after placing the garment where instructed.
“Thank you Sergeant Ambly for your kindness.” “Your quite welcome Princess. If I can be of any more service…?” “Actually you can.” Alitta said as she closed the door so that others could not see or hear them.
Leading him to the porch, she pointed at the building sitting off to the side of the city by itself. It was surrounded by the rubble of others as well as deciduous pines six to ten meters in height. “What is that building there?” she asked him.
“That Princess Alitta, is the old burial tombs of the previous rulers of the Western Tribes.” he told her as if it wasn’t supposed to be something that was discussed openly.
“Ahh…is there anything else?” he asked obviously ready to leave. “No. Thank you Sergeant Ambly.” “Yes Majesty, you are welcome your Highness.” “Please, call me Alitta.” “Princess Alitta.” He conceded as he slowly headed over to the door.
“Thank you again. You may go.” She told him as he stood by the door waiting to be dismissed. He bowed then left closing and bolting it behind him. Alitta let the fur blanket fall to the floor as she went over to check out what Paul had sent over for her to wear.
It was a finely woven fabric, not quite silk but softer then cotton. It was died a ruby red in color with white lacy like material on the cuffs and low neck line.
Dinosaur Dreams (Indian Trail's Book 1) Page 7