by Lee Scott
Shifting from side to side, the knight stared intently at Gillian. He was entranced by the moonlight as it bathed her hair and skin.
Gillian watched the man wring his hands in extreme frustration. She knew there was a good chance he would forget about Alyssa and the nearby villagers as an audience and pounce upon her once again.
Shortly the crackling and snapping of bushes, this time just at the edge of the clearing drew Gillian’s attention. She breathed a sigh of relief when the giant stepped from the trees and declared their path was clear.
The full moon provided perfect traveling conditions. Light, bright enough to cast shadows, enabled the horses to safely walk through the underbrush. As the four riders climbed a small hill, in the distance, Fairhaven loomed into the star-studded sky.
Gillian loved Fairhaven. It had long been her home, and she had formed many happy memories within its walls. But now, seeing it’s outline cast against the night sky caused a shudder to slink down her spine. She had no means of escape with her hands and feet bound so tightly. No doubt a fall to the ground from her palfrey would only injure her. She had clearly suffered enough pain to avoid that at all costs. Silently, she prayed someone looking to avenge her and Alyssa’s abduction would rescue them.
The lowered grate of the portcullis blocked entrance to the castle. The custom was that most travelers would wait until daylight to approach a manor such as Fairhaven,. But Gillian knew their arrival was expected, and it came as no surprise when she discovered that the side gate was open.
After dismounting, the knights lifted their lightweight captives to the ground. Several pages rushed to attend the horses and the knights lead the ladies into the manor.
While in the privacy of the building, Gillian squirmed as the familiar hand once again drifted over her shoulders and back. She wrenched her shoulders away but when the knight grabbed the rope, it dug deep into her tender skin. A gasp worked its way from her throat, but even it failed.
The frustrated soldier yanked Gillian by her rope up the steps into the great hall. The gags were removed from the women’s mouths and the ropes tying their arms to their waists were removed. Only their hands remained tied.
Gillian glanced around but saw only unfamiliar faces. What had happened to her staff of servants? A cry of dismay was lost in the cloth.
As they rounded a corner, a familiar face did present itself. “Good evening to you Nate,” Katherine purred as she rubbed against the knight’s armored chest. But while her hand traced a line up his chest and neck, Katherine’s gaze, never left Gillian’s.
Nate wrapped Katherine into a tight embrace. His lust was nearly bursting, and he needed someone to ease the stiffness. His mouth captured hers in a hungry kiss.
As though handling a pesky toddler, Katherine pushed her lover away and promised more with a wink and a peck on his cheek. He responded mindlessly to the overture by jerking her slightly closer.
“I want you to take this whore to the dungeon and whip her.” Katherine commanded. Sylvan’s body solidified as if he were made of stone. “When you’re finished, come back to me. I have been hungry for your return.” She looked at Nate with seductive allure.
“Nay Katherine,” the man said firmly. “I will not harm the woman. I have given my word of honor that she shall not be harmed at my hand.”
“Why do you think she was brought here to me? She has grievously injured me, and I intend to exact the punishment, pound for pound,” Katherine hissed. “Now do as I say before I am angered by you.”
“I gave my word,” he repeated. His voice carried an obvious concern, but his face told even more.
But Katherine obviously did not share the same concern. Her temper rose and cheeks colored as she demanded satisfaction. “I care naught for your word, whether it be honorable or not. Do as I ask.”
But the knight’s code of honor was not easily dismissed. “I have told you I will not. If you wish it done find someone else, or do it yourself.”
“I shall do that very thing. I want them brought to the dungeon now!” Katherine croaked loudly. Her voice came out harshly with a crackling waver to her tone.
The knight’s grim mouth displayed his disapproval, but Katherine was determined to have her way, on this matter at least. A servant grudgingly led Gillian and Alyssa down the steps to the underground cells once used for detaining and holding prisoners collected after battles.
The cavern smelled of mold and mildew. The dank, dark odor almost gagged the sensitive noses of the high, born women. Without prisoners soiling the cages, the room smelled only of unchecked moisture. But Gillian and Alyssa were still forced to cover their nose with the cloth that had once been stuffed into their mouths to shield it from the unpleasant odors.
The servant opened one cell door and pushed Alyssa inside. Her exhausted legs gave way under her like a wave cresting on the beach. She cowered in the corner hoping that if she didn’t see the man approach her it wouldn’t be happening. His hands took advantage of her impaired state. Alyssa gasped with horror as the man explored her curves.
“Piers!” Nate barked. “Leave off! She has a difficult task in front of her. You do not need to add to her burden.”
“Leave him alone,” Katherine scolded from behind. “I care not what he does to the stupid chit.”
“You might care if you must battle her kin when they find she has been ravished.” Nate argued.
“I shall not have to battle kin, my darling,” Katherine whispered into his ear.
“No, but I shall, and I care naught for defending against that which should not be. Take care not to create a problem where none need be, madam.” Nate was firm in his request.
Piers finally pinned Alyssa to the hard-packed earthen floor as he wrenched the bonds holding her hands and feet.
“I shall do as I please,” Katherine snapped. But only a moment later she changed her expression and turned to Piers and said, “Leave her, Piers. It is not my wish to give back damaged goods to the Thornburghs.” Katherine looked to Nate and smiled her affection. Then she looked over at Gillian and a new and different measure of satisfaction formed on her face.
“Hold this one while I teach her a lesson she shall not soon forget,” Katherine demanded. Her color flushed red hot at the prospect of physically injuring the woman who had caused her so many problems.
Looking at Gillian, she said, “You may not know, but you have caused me a great deal of dissatisfaction as of late. Sir Oliver has discarded me because of you. And believe me, you shall suffer much more than me for that decision.” Katherine then waved Nate over to Gillian..
The giant held Gillian by the rope still digging into her bloody neck. Katherine took a willow branch she had brought with her and raised it above her head. Her hand fell down hard with the stick.
Exhaustion and fear prevented any of the control Gillian fought to maintain. Her gag was no longer there to muffle her cries. But it did not matter. The dungeon was too far removed for anyone to hear her screams of anguish. Katherine’s face distorted with perverse pleasure as the second stroke dug into the woman’s back. Finally, a third, then a fourth struck. Nate’s hand intercepted the next.
“She has had enough, Lady Katherine,” Nate growled. “Look for yourself.”
Gillian shook uncontrollably from the pain and her cries had dwindled to weak muffled whimpers. The giant released her and she collapsed in her cell.
“Perhaps you’re right,” the lady said. “I should not like to deprive myself of the pleasure I will get from watching her suffer. Thank you Nate.” She spun and made her way to the entrance. “Leave them here with water and a chamber pot. Nothing else!” Her skirts swirled making a whooshing sound as she swept out up the stairs.
It was early morn when Luke’s contingent of men approached the tent encampment of Oliver Blakeley outside Longmore. According to the messenger who had bypassed the group just two nights past, no one had moved. And as Luke was anxious to be on the trail to retrieve two captive family me
mbers, he was glad for his good fortune.
It seemed strange that Oliver would remain ensconced at the castle if he had committed the abduction. Regardless, Luke had every intention of extracting the whereabouts about Gillian and Alyssa as soon as possible.
The rumbling hooves of warhorses through the makeshift tent village sent some of its warrior inhabitants scrambling for their fill scabbards. During the past few docile days sitting at the exterior gate, the men had become lax in their vigilance. Now face to face with danger, everyone seemed unprepared to meet the challenge.
The body of men formed a circle around the small encampment while Luke rode boldly to the center, stopping outside Oliver’s tent. Every man, to the last, sat tall with his broadsword drawn and at the ready. Surprised at the commotion so early in the morn, Oliver separated the tent flaps and stood boldly in front of the armed intruder.
Oliver greeted with reserved pleasure. “Good day, sir. What goes on inside Longmore? I have been awaiting word from my niece and have received nary a missive of any sort from within.”
Unable to hide his outrage, Luke slid from Storm’s back and took a menacing step ahead. He stood but three feet from the man who had ended his father’s life and stolen two ladies near to his heart. At the moment Luke longed to wring the life from this hateful man.
“What manner of question do you pose sir? Of course you must know of the evil events just two nights past. Lady Gillian and my sister Alyssa have been carried away from within these very walls.” Luke spoke more evenly than he had expected he could manage. As he spoke and waited for a response, he watched Oliver’s eyebrows, lips, and cheeks, for any sign of betrayal.
Oliver finally spoke, his forehead already beginning to dampen. “I know naught sir. I have sent word to my niece upon my arrival to Longmore and still await admittance. Oliver’s color now blanched to white and his mouth formed a thin tight line.
“I would search your tents to see if you, in fact, do tell the truth.” Luke said. And as he spoke he took one more step forward.
“Nay! The man exclaimed. “It shall not be. You must first tell me what mischief has befallen those of the castle.”
After relaying the story of the abduction, Oliver allowed Luke to conduct a search for Gillian. But Luke was no longer able to remain away from his father any longer. He mounted his steed and rode the short distance to the castle.
Luke was met at the gate by John who quickly relayed what he knew as they both strode into Phillip’s bedchamber. As they entered, Luke immediately noticed Phillip’s face was pale, and dark circles lined his sunken eyes. Luke blinked away the vision of his once virile and powerful sire as his stomach clenched with an urge to kill the man who struck Phillip down.
At the sound of his son’s footfalls, Phillip opened his eyes, then motioned Luke to his side. His weak hand extended, and Luke clutched it in his own tight grip.
“I am here father. What would you have me do?” Luke asked.
“You already know the answer to that, my son,” Phillip said. But now his expression turned grim. “We were set upon in our sleep. They were after Gillian. God help me, Luke, I failed her. I failed Alyssa too. She fell into their hands, as well. I have sent trackers in pursuit, but I have received no news.” Phillip drew a deep breath but drawing little strength from it. Phillip’s eyes clouded with moisture as he said, “Find them Luke and bring them back.”
“I too failed Gillian, father,” Luke whispered. “She has suffered much at the hands of Oliver and Katherine.”
“I would kill Oliver for what he has done to her, had I the strength to mete out the punishment,” Phillip said.
“I have spoken to him, father,” Luke said. “I trust him naught, but I fear he does not possess our ladies. He denies abducting them, and once again pledges to join our forces while we make our search. What think you on this matter?”
“ I know naught. Do you think he attempts to trick us to gain our confidences?” Phillip asked.
“Mayhap, sire, but I would have him close by where I can watch him,” Luke answered. “He and his men may come along, and welcome too, for the extra eyes they offer in our search. And if need be, he would make my work quick if I should find cause to strike him down.”
“Be careful, son,” Phillip admonished. “I am not long in this world, and I would not have you leaving it before me.”
Luke held tightly to his father’s hand as he said, “Aye, father. I will be careful.”
“I want you to go now and retrieve our ladies. Do not wait upon me. It will gladden my heart to know you are searching.”
Chapter Seventeen
Alyssa sat against the wall, shivering from the cold and dampness. “Gillian,” she whispered, “I cannot tolerate the darkness, and my stomach protests without sustenance. Do you think they mean to leave us here to die of starvation?” A series of sobs convulsed through Alyssa’s body before Gillian groped her way along the cold stone floor to reach her companion.
“Hush!” Gillian cooed. Her arms enfolded the other woman and rocked her soothingly. “I doubt they should want you to suffer overmuch. Your life is worth a great reward from the Thornburgh family. No doubt your brothers are riding to see you safely under their protection at home.”
“And you too, Gillian. You are now part of our family. My brothers will come for you as well,” Alyssa assured. “I do hope they come soon. The darkness and cold sinks into my very bones.”
Alyssa finally slipped into a welcome and much needed rest. Gillian stroked her head as it rested in her lap. Try as she might, her mind defied her body’s need for rest. Suffering guilt over the events of the past few days, her mind scolded and planned for her future if she should ever leave this wretched place.
Clearly marriage would never suit her now. Loving Luke as dearly as she did, and wanting no other, her future would hold little happiness. Anguished tears streamed down her cheeks, just thinking about how Luke must hate her now.
It might be best to enter an abbey to live out her days. Although the thought held little appeal, she refused to force the Thornburgh family into caring for one who had robbed them so cruelly.
Fairhaven could be her sanctuary if she could only raise her own bride price. If freed in time, Katherine might not be able to spend her entire inheritance. Yes, buying solitude might relieve her anguish about entering another loveless marriage. For she was certain her heart could never love again.
She also felt that duty might force the Thornburghs to feign some allegiance to her, but feared that in the end they would resent her.
These dreams of the future were futile. Gillian knew Alyssa was the only prize Katherine would find worth keeping. If Katherine let her live a week she would be surprised. No doubt her captor would kill her for the pleasures the lady would grant, and death would seem most welcome now that her life was reduced to a living hell.
In the Fairhaven tower, Katherine pulled her chemise from her shoulders exposing her breasts. In a practiced move she slipped against him. Nate growled approvingly. Soft flesh caressing hard muscle lulled her into a lusty stupor. Her legs parted as Luke’s heavy manhood bobbled against her flat stomach. Every inch of his flesh was anxiously awaiting the pleasure her sweet charms promised.
Taking a fist full of hair roughly into his hands, Nate held her head immobile while he plundered the honey depths of her mouth. Tongues tangled in a swirl of taste and battles of love play. In a bold move, his lips closed around hers and sucked her tongue inside his own hot, moist mouth.
Katherine surrendered any will she possessed to eagerly lead their lovemaking, allowing Nate’s erotic advances to demand, then retreat. Demand, then retreat. Ultimately, his efforts thrust them both into spikes of ecstasy and delight. Wild pleasure consumed their bodies and before they could withdraw, each swelled and prepared for another savory feast. With such tasty morsels to sample they had no desire to leave the rumpled sheets of the bedchamber.
Hardly hungry for food, each meal was taken in the pri
vacy of Katherine’s bedchamber near the window, where the two paraded naked and bathed in sunlight, often in front of one and all. Every motion their naked bodies made attracted the other like moths to the flame. Exhausted by the constant physical demands, the two collapsed on the bed early each night, drifting into a deep sleep.
For two full days, Gillian and Alyssa and their condition in the dungeon, were locked out of Katherine’s thoughts. Only water was delivered and the two prisoners sank further into the despair enveloping them.
Katherine bolted up from under the sheets in horror. “I have forgotten myself,” she screamed. I have left those two little chits in their cells without provisions for food.” As soon as the horrified words bubbled out of her mouth, she lay back in the bed and laughed.
“What have you done?” Nate bellowed. “The lord’s daughter is worth a fortune to us. If she is found to be in poor health, you may expect a fight rather than the generous reward we continue to hope for. How could you forget to make the simplest of accommodations for them? Men gave their lives for this plan.”
“I was lost in my admiration for you, my love,” Katherine purred. “You have simply proved to much for me. Her silken arms wrapped seductively around Nate’s shoulders and into the hair at the nape of his neck. “Besides, a couple of days without food will not harm them.”
In a fit of angry exasperation, Nate bounded up from the bed and began pulling on his chausses.
“Where do you go at this hour?” Katherine asked.
“I must go inquire after the ladies,” Nate said. His pale eyes bore into Katherine’s vivid blue. “If no one brought food,” he said, “the two ladies might be ill from lack of nourishment.”
As soon as his chausses had been pulled up and tied, Nate clutched for his shirt and pulled it on over his head. As the cloth passed over his head, he strode out of the room and down the stairs.
In moments, Nate’s lantern cast light on the two forms cowering in the corner of the cell. Clinging to one another, both women gasped at the blinding light cast from the dim lantern. Having spent every waking minute in the total blackness of their cell, the unaccustomed light overloaded their senses. As if controlled like puppets on a string, two arms swept up to cover light sensitive eyes.