Makas was angry. In a killing rage from the moment he got the news.
He’d not taken it well. Locking himself in with Harle for days. She’d not called for help and from the noise coming from the rooms, she was far from unwilling. He constantly searched for her eyes and she evaded them.
Riders came towards them. Painted black in the raider’s colours. Eleanor had never seen them before and was struck with how they looked. The Barbarians were all muscle and dominance. These had a different edge to them. Survival. Raw and brutish.
They stopped some distance away, the lead three coming forward. Stopping shortly before them.
The leaders gaze looked them over, passing over Harle not seeing her, her hair covered in the fur hood of her cloak on her horse next to Makas, then the leader’s eyes snapped back to Eleanor. He leered taking her in. Eldron growled reaching out to her.
Harle snapped at them in a language they did not know, and the men looked back to her. Surprise lit their eyes realising who she was. Makas horse took at step forward.
They gave Harle a nod then looked to Eldron. “We have prisoners. Do you wish to exchange?” The lead one told him. His voice and face cold and hard.
“Let me see them,” Eldron called out. The leader raised his arm and several men were dragged forward. They’d been badly beaten, some tortured, others injured and not treated. Their treatment hadn’t been good. They were near dead.
Eleanor pulled her swords angry at the sight. The leader and his men looked at her intrigued. Harle reached out and touched her hand leaning in to her.
“Do not draw their interest Eleanor it is not wise. They will have others. You will condemn them. They were treated no less than we would have been.”
Eleanor held their gaze and tilted her head. “I will remember you,” and put her swords away.
The raiders laughed and her blood boiled. “Do you accept the exchange Lord Eldron? Men for men?” Eleanor asked loudly.
“I do. Bring our prisoners forward.”
The leader spoke to Harle in English. “You look different betrothed. There is a woman there after all, not just a cunt to warm my bed and cock.” Makas hand went to his sword. The prisoners came forward and were released on both sides, Eldon’s men came forward to help his.
Harle laughed and sneered at him. “You only rape those that cannot fight you off. The only way your cock is in my hand next is when I cut it off.”
“Can I watch?” Eleanor said before she thought about it. The mans eyes came to her before switching back to Harle.
“You can help.” Harle told her.
“Come.” The leader beckoned to Harle leering. “I will enjoy breaking you once and for all.”
Makas went to move but Eleanor’s horse took a step forward. “I think not.”
They all looked at her from both sides. She saw a moment of relief from Harle. “The agreement spoken said ‘exchange of men’ and as you have just confirmed, Lady Harlewin, is female and therefore no man. There is no exchange arranged for her. Be gone.” She flicked her wrist at him.
The leader looked confused and angry. “You tricked us witch,” he spewed looking at Eleanor.
“You did it yourself you idiot.” Harle shouted. “You made the rules of the exchange, they are not stupid.”
“Take her back,” Eleanor shouted looking at the leader who was practically foaming at the mouth. “When you bring us the rest of our people, treated properly and cared for, we will talk again.”
The leader looked at Eldron. “You are pussy whipped by this female. Does she speak for you?”
Eldron grinned. “She does and I welcome it.”
They moved back. The leader and his men moved forward then a row of arrows from the Keep hit the ground in front of them and they backed off.
“Your father will kill me for this.” The leader shouted after them.
“Some loss.” Harle whispered.
Six
Harle dismounted quickly in the centre courtyard along with Eleanor and almost ran back to her room. There were moments on their ride back when Eleanor could see how shaken Harle was, her fear cracking through her armour. She quickly masked it, but it came back again. Harle was thinking and it wasn’t of anything good. It was the first time Eleanor had seen like that, all her bluster and confidence gone. She’d been shaken.
Eleanor knew the look. Harle was fighting something that scared her. Badly.
Eleanor ran after her walking into her room shortly after her as they removed their cloaks and gloves, Harle poured wine for the both with a shaky hand taking hers and looking out the window. Eleanor took a seat giving her space and time sipping the wine. They hadn’t been there long before a roar met their ears, Harle physically jumped as charging footsteps came nearer. Eleanor watched her struggle with something. She looked scared for a moment. It was a shock most likely of whatever had scared her.
That was a shock in itself and told of how afeared she was. Nothing scared Harle and she tried to hide it well as Makas entered the room looking for her. He only had eyes for Harle, taking her all in then came roaring at her. She threw her goblet at him and made a move to avoid him.
“Fucking betrothed female? Betrothed to that piece of shit?” He stormed over to her, as Eldron came in calmly and walked to Eleanor bending to kiss her and taking a seat next to her.
Harle held herself as he ranted. Eleanor clutched the arm of her chair ready to intercede but Eldron’s hand stayed her and squeezed she glanced over at him and he gave a slight shake of his head.
Makas seemed to hesitate seeing something in Harle’s eyes, then let loose completely. “Another fucking male touching what belongs to me!” he roared. “You would let that bloodbag touch what’s mine?”
Makas moved into Harle’s persona space backing up to the wall and lifted her skirts roughly. His hands found what he wanted. His head close to Harle’s, his eyes never leaving her face. “This,” he told her as Harle jumped a little, then relaxed and bit her lip. “Is mine. No other fucking male gets here, you hear me Harle, its mine.” He growled pumping away at her.
It was clear to Eleanor that Makas’ fingers were going to work as both their bodies moved together. “Mine,” he kept telling her. Harle blinked slowly then seemed to focus on Makas and in seconds the old Harle was back, ripping at his tunic trousers.
“You got something for me lover or are you all talk?” Her normal spit and fire nowhere near as hot as it would have normally been. That pained Eleanor. She wanted her friend back, but she knew she’d get there.
Makas lifted Harle’s leg around his waist and he thrust up. “Mine,” he growled louder. Grabbing her hair and pulling it back so she looked at him, his actions in no doubt that he was giving her a punishing fuck.
And then he just stopped and placed his forehead against Harle’s and breathed a little shakily.
“I wanted to kill him so badly I could taste it. Gutting him and making him pay for touching you over and over again,” he whispered to her. Elenore thought he sounded broken and her heart bled for them both.
Harle lifted her own shaky hands and caressed his cheeks. “I’m no longer lost Makas, I’m still here,” she whispered. “Still here….”
Eleanor got up taking Eldron’s hand and walked out closing the door behind them, walking back to their own rooms.
“He cares for her very much.” Eldron squeezed her hand.
“He does. She seems to care for him too.”
Eleanor nodded. “She was scared by that male Eldron. I’ve never seen her like that.”
“Yes, Makas saw it, then heard her words. It undid him. Not knowing how to help her. The look on her face as we came into the room told it all, Makas nearly went mad with rage. He used what he had to bring her around.”
They reached their stairwell. “She can’t go back,” Eleanor told him defiantly.
“She might not have any choice. We need our men back and prisoner exchange is expected.”
Eleanor nodded sadly, r
eaching their own rooms and walking in. “But while they are reeling from what just happened, they wouldn’t be expecting a raid and if we had our men back, they’d have nothing to offer in exchange would they?” She smiled up at him stroking his cock through his leggings.
Eldron grinned at his mischievous wife. She had a point. “I like it.”
Eleanor waved her hand at him. “Ummm I thought you might. Go get them and when you get back….” She started to undo her dress, it slipped passed her breasts and she caressed herself… “I’ll have something for you…”
Eldron bellowed with laughter, came to her and kissed her hard. “I’ll be back wife, I will enjoy your gift.” He waggled his eyebrows and went to the door.
“Eldron?” she called out and he turned back to her naked body.
“Don’t kill him, she’ll need to do it.” He held her eyes and slowly nodded and left.
Eleanor slipped her dress back on and sat. Harle’s words to that male ringing in her ears. ‘You only fuck what you rape.’
Resolve flowed through her. That was one male that didn’t need to breathe for much longer.
***
She was abed when Eldron returned. The darkness told her it was late. Grunting his approval that she was naked and waiting for him. He pulled her on top of him and held her. Touching and caressing. One firm hand on her ass and his arm around her shoulders pulling her to him as close as possible. She lay on him breathing him in happy to have him back.
“Sleep,” he told her.
He was gone in the morning. She woke surprised, he never left her bed until he had given her a reminder of the pleasure they’d shared. It surprised her as she looked around. She used the chamber pot, washed and dressed as the maid came in with her breakfast, Eleanor brushed out her hair and braided it wondering how Harle was this morning. “Is Lady Harlewin up?”
“Yes mam, a tray was going to her.”
“Ask her if she would like to join me for breakfast and then train in the courtyard.”
The maid bobbed and left.
Eleanor poured the mead and sipped it looking at the fire. Harle appeared in her doorway and came in. “Good morning,” Eleanor told her. Harle gave her a smile that didn’t reach her eyes and sat. The maid placed another tray by Harle.
“Close the door on your way out.” She told the maid.
They both sat in silence for a bit eating a little fruit, bread and cheese.
Eleanor knew if Harle wanted to talk she would. Sometimes it was enough just to sit with someone.
She made light conversation throughout the meal talking of this and that.
Nothing that required Harle needed to join in with. Then they both made their way down to the practice area in the outer courtyard. Eleanor making her way to the area set aside for injuried men and talked to each one.
Some she didn’t recognise, who appeared to be the worst off. She guessed they were the one’s Eldron had rescued last night. Taking the Priest aside she asked if they needed anything before joining Harle as she watched the men at arms going through their training.
Handing her a sword, they moved to do their own practice.
Eleanor came at Harle hard. She didn’t need her judgement or consideration. What she needed was what was natural to her. To fight.
They battled and soon they were both lost to the dance of survival and attack ignoring everything around them, concentrating on the opponent before them. They had different styles, and both were adaptable. Eleanor jumped the blade, twisted, attacked and ducked when needed. More than once, Harle’s blade came close to striking her and she knew hers did to Harle but neither gave an inch.
They eventually both stood up smiling at each other. “Gods I needed that,” Harle told her handing her sword to one of the soldiers.
They laughed and clung to each other completely unaware of their audience until they turned and saw the group of smiling people watching around them. Eleanor shook her head and smiled back. “No one got any work to do?” They humorously moved off.
Striding away she saw Eldron and Makas by the cell entry and made their way over. A male was dragged out into the sunlight. He’d been worked over badly. As they got nearer. Eleanor recognised him as they approached. Harle took a sharp intake of breath and almost woodenly moved with her.
Eleanor stopped not far from them and turned to her. The male was on his knees with Makas holding he’s head up by the hair. Eldron stood to one side his arms closed over his chest.
They both looked at them. Waiting. Eleanor released one of her blades and gave it to Harle silently. Harle looked down seeing the blade then looked at Eleanor.
“I know you would have preferred to take him in battle and I’ve no doubt that you could but the risk to you my friend, would have been too high and that piece of shit doesn’t deserve a warriors death. He’s yours to kill.”
Harle took the blade and walked to what she feared. The only thing she’d ever feared. Gripping the handle of the blade her eyes never left the male on the ground on his knees. Eleanor stood by watched as Harle waited until he looked up at her through bloodshot, swollen eyes. His face a picture of the beating he’d taken. Eleanor couldn’t find any sympathy for him.
“No loss,” Harle spat at him. Then roaring all her anger in his face taking a warrior crouch, she stood lightning fast and swung the blade high and down, severing his head from his shoulders in one.
Turning slowly, Harle walked back to Eleanor and handed her the blade. They both stared at each other understanding flowing between the two of them.
Eleanor took the blade and put it back. “God I need a bath.”
Harle laughed and draped her arm around her shoulders. “Me too. Let’s do that together, I’ll scrub your back and you can scrub mine.”
“Deal.” They both laughed.
Two groans sounded behind them.
Eldron and Makas….
“Did my wife agree to a threesome?” Eldron asked as they all walked towards the centre courtyard.
“No, my betrothed did. She is so good to me.” Makas told him smugly.
Harle and Eleanor looked at each other as they walked on.
“Sorry boys, girl on girl time only.” Harle told them. Eleanor sniggered at their moans.
“But we can watch right?”
“No.” They said together and ran off laughing.
Eldron watch his wife go with her friend. “Thank you Eldron.” Makas told him quietly his emotion in his voice.
“No thanks needed. Eleanor’s idea. She told me to bring him back for her to kill, we both know Harle needed to do it.”
“It took everything in me not to kill him…..”
Eldron grasped his brothers’ shoulder and squeezed knowing what he said to be true. Given the choice they would have tortured him for days, skinning him alive but Harle needed to deal the death blow and quickly. Putting her demons to rest.
How Makas had tempered his anger Eldron did not know. He’d been so close to losing it. The female he guessed, her need coming before his own. That he understood only too well.
Had it been Eleanor, he wasn’t so sure he would not have cracked.
***
10 Days later, the alarm warning fires were lit on the horizon. It was day light, but they could still see the smoke. By the time Eldron and Eleanor made it to the outer wall to join his elite, their watchers were making their way back through the road towards them and an army crested the hill.
Eldron had already received messages telling him that the army had turned back towards him four days ago. They’d been expecting it. The army stopped at the first barricade. Those going down the road, lost several men and horses to the traps in the road before they stopped too. Eleanor smiled and Eldron kissed her hand. Then they started to peel out of the trees in front of them.
It was an impressive army, there was no doubt of that. Makas and Harle joined them at the wall. Harle stood next to her facing her own people. A male rode forward flanked by several others. He
lifted his hammer and another male ran forward holding a white flag.
Eldron and Makas turned with his elite to go down. “I need to go too,” Harle told them.
Eldron looked to Makas who was looking at Harle. A silent conversation passed between them, then Makas turned to Eldron and gave a slight nod. They all walked away with Eleanor watching them.
It didn’t take long before she saw the gates opening and the bridge slide out, with them riding across it making their way towards their enemy. They all looked magnificent in their cloaks and furs. Harle’s hood covering her hair.
“Mark,” she called.
He came running towards her. “If they attack, I want lighted arrows at the ready to fire into the furthest ring blocking their retreat.” He nodded and ran back.
Eldron rode up alongside his men. They jumped the trenches easily that supplied the pits and stopped before the first ring of defence.
The male on his horse waiting for them taking it all in. He would see what Eldron had on that first day back. A well defended and prepared Keep that would be difficult to breach. They stopped.
Then he heard Eleanor’s voice shouted from the wall. “We fight for what’s ours!” The people roared loudly behind her.
The male looked to the wall hearing the battle cry behind them. Eldron turned his head. Eleanor’s swords were held out in front of her pointing at the male now looking at her. Eldron smiled and turned back.
The Barbarian Page 15