by Owner
Just when he thought she was not going to answer, she spoke with a quiet voice. “I wonder if such a place exists and if it does, what is the price you require for my safety?”
Var considered telling her that they hoped she would choose a mate from among the warlords because of an old prophecy. He doubted she would believe that. And how could he tolerate her choosing another? The thought of one of his brother warlords taking her to mate felt like a knife in his gut. No, it was better that she not hear that yet. He would rescue her and go about his business and she would choose one of the others.
“You do project,” he said.
She drew in a breath. “I am not a strong empath, not like Claire.”
“I would know your extra abilities.”
“We do not speak of those.”
“It is best that you tell me.”
“We have nothing, really. Only our secrets.” He barely heard her.
“Secrets can be heavy, little mouse, and costly to carry.”
“And yet, secrets are all I have.” She took a deep breath and let it out. “My abilities are — different. I will not give us away.”
“You are confident in your control.”
She shook her head slowly. “I do not trust you. Someone has told you a great deal about us.”
“We are in the land of the slavers, girl. Soon, we will enter a settlement. You no longer wear the slave collar. The tattoos I gave you are temporary and will wear off over the next few days. Keep your eyes lowered so that no one sees their color. Pretend to be my slave. We will stay the night, and leave in the morning. I would have your word that you will do as I say until we leave tomorrow.”
“Is this the price for my safety? That I become your slave?”
Var sighed. “No, this is a ruse to get you out of this country alive.”
“Do you not trust these people?”
“I trust few.”
They rode in silence for a few steps. “I will pretend, warlord, but I will not like it.” She lifted her chin and he felt rebellion flow out of her.
Var fought to suppress his amusement. What a courageous little thing she was. Almost without hope, she still rose to the occasion. Pretending to be his slave would cost her pride, but he hoped it would keep her safe. The tattoos he had given her marked her as a claimed female, not a slave. He thought it better that she believe the markings showed her a slave. Var wondered if she realized she projected to him or if she did it on purpose.
“One more thing, little mouse, if you have any idea of getting yourself killed, give it up. I will not let you die. I will punish you if you try to bring about your death — or mine.”
She avoided his gaze and kept her silence.
“Tell me you understand.”
“I understand, warlord.” Her voice was soft, but he felt the steel inside her. She was probably planning, even now to defy him.
They left the forest and were soon on a dirt trail. Around the next bend they saw the settlement. Wooden shops lined both sides of the road leading into the small village.
A man was beating a young boy who was tied to the wheel of a wagon. The man continued to strike the boy’s back with a heavy leather strap.
Var pulled the horse around in a sharp turn and let his whip fly. It wrapped around the man’s upraised arm hard and fast. The man barely kept his feet before he turned his anger on Var. “This is not your concern, stranger.”
“I have made it my concern. I want the boy.”
The man, having regained his balance, gave Var his full attention. “He is an inept slave. Slow to do his chores. He was to load these stones into my wagon.”
Var noted the size of the stones and the size of the boy. He dropped coins in the dirt. “Release him.”
The man frowned. His demeanor changed when he saw the silver cuff on Var’s arm.
“Leave with your life and the danon,” Var said. “The boy is mine.”
The man picked up the coins and smiled. “You can have him warrior. Perhaps you can beat him enough to make him work well for you.” The man untied the boy and shoved him down in the dirt.
He turned and swung the heavy strap at a medium sized dog that was tied to the other wheel. The dog yelped in pain and tried to hide. Cursing, the man raised his heavy leather strap again. Var’s whip caught his upraised hand in the air, but this time, Var put a little more into it and the man dropped the strap.
The man’s face filled with color.
Tossing more coins in the dirt, Var said, “The dog too.”
The man spit on the ground, but cut the rope that held the dog.
“I do not want to see you abusing an animal or a child ever again.” Var’s voice was low, but deadly. “Next time the metal I use will be my sword instead if coins.” The man blanched and took a step behind the wagon. Var nudged the horse into a slow walk. “Follow me,” he told the boy.
The boy limped and Var slowed the horse so that the youngster and dog could keep up.
“It was good that you saved the boy and his dog. I hope you will treat him better.”
“I should have killed the man, but I am trying to get you out of here without drawing attention to you. I hope you will follow my directions and pretend to be a slave.” Maybe that would answer her questions and help to keep her quiet.
There was a white stone castle at the end of the street. They passed through the open gate and inside the walls. It was by far the largest building in the settlement.
The guards acknowledged Var as he continued to the castle entrance.
A young boy came forward to take the horse.
Var dismounted and helped Bess from the saddle.
She looked into his eyes, her own blazing green fire. “I can help him,” she said.
Var shook his head.
“Please, he is hurt.”
“He will be fine. Our host has healers,” Var answered.
Again, Bess bit her lip and winced. “What about the dog?”
“The dog will be cared for.” He leaned down and whispered. “Keep your eyes lowered. Make this look real. I will take care of you and the boy and the dog.” For some reason he did not even know, he added, “Trust me.”
When she continued to look at him, he leaned in closer. “Lower. Your. Eyes.”
“I hate you,” she hissed.
“Hate me if that is what you need. I will get you out of here alive. Obey me and this will be over soon.” He fought back a smile. “Answer me,” he said.
“Yes.”
“There should be more to that answer.”
“Yes.” Her voice was breathy and her eyes sparked her displeasure before she lowered them again.
She was not going to say it.
“Do not cry,” he said. She was a stubborn one. Yet he felt her tremble beneath his hand on her arm. Her bravado did not quite ring true.
“I do not cry.” She said in a fierce whisper.
Var felt her anger. To her credit, no tears fell. With her eyes lowered, her red hair bound and covered, and dressed in clothing of his people with her mate tattoos, she looked the part.
She glowered at him for another moment before dropping her eyes again. Her distrust and fear hurt him and he had no idea why it should. When he moved away, she followed, but he felt her project her hatred to him.
It was as hot as fire.
Chapter 20
Erik came out of the double doors of the castle. “Warlord Var, my good friend, it is a pleasure to see you again.”
Var raised his right hand in greeting.
“Erik, it is good to see you as well.”
Erik welcomed them in, calling servants to get a room ready. He pursed his lips, studying Bess. A small frown creased his forehead. “Do you want to keep the girl with you?”
Var nodded. “Yes, I would have her with me. She is new.”
Erik smiled. “Ah, have you decided to seek a mate for yourself then or do you transport her for someone else?”
The corner of Var’s m
outh pulled up. “I have not yet made a decision on that, friend.”
Erik’s laugh was hearty. “It is time you settled down with a wench of your own. This girl is small, but her hips are good for her size. She might be able to bear your offspring. And the boy, what of him, has he angered you?”
“I just bought him. He needs to stay here and heal. I will leave danon for his care and transport when he is able to travel.” Var added, “And the dog.”
Erik nodded. “It will be my honor to see to his needs. What is his name?”
Var considered the boy. “I would know your name.”
“Rel, Master.”
“Warlord Var or just warlord.”
Erik clapped his hands and another servant appeared. “Take this boy and his dog to our healer. He is to have the best of everything while he stays here.”
The servant approached the boy and helped him through a side door with the dog following behind.
“Come, old friend, sit and visit while your room is prepared,” Erik laughed as he led the way into a small, walled-in courtyard. “I see you are still saving the helpless.” They walked across large sandy-colored bricks. The walls were constructed of the same material. Twenty people would have fit comfortably in the area. Several pots held small trees that provided shade. Heavy metal tables and chairs sat beneath them. Two iron gates allowed servants access to the area. A sparkling fountain made a tinkling sound in the center of the courtyard.
Erik chose a table in the shade and sat down.
Var led Bess to the table and pulled out a chair for her before he sat.
Erik clapped his hands. Servants brought trays of fruit and drinks.
“How long will you stay with me, honored guest?”
“I must leave when the new day begins. I would ask another favor.”
“Whatever I have is yours.” Erik spread his hands to demonstrate his hospitality.
“I ask to cross your land. I have business to which I am duty bound. Crossing your land will save us days of travel time.”
“Of course. And feel free to hunt and fish while you journey.”
“I thank you, Erik. And — the girl needs more clothes.”
Erik threw his head back and laughed. “We can help with that as well.”
Var moved a cup in front of Bess. “Drink.”
She drank, but her movements were slow and cautious. Did she think he was going to strike her?
Erik’s eyes narrowed while he studied her.
Bess put the cup on the table and her hands in her lap.
“Is the girl not willing to go with you, my friend?” Erik asked.
“The girl does not yet know what is good for her,” Var replied.
Erik’s features relaxed into a smile. “This is the way of many new slaves…”
Var shook his head and Erik continued. “And wives. There is an adjustment period. Sometimes, discipline is required. She is fortunate to have you for a master. I’m sure she will soon understand her good luck. From what I hear, many hope to be taken by the Warlords of Kryst. Your reputation precedes you. When she accepts her situation, she will serve you well.”
To her credit, Bess gave no indication that she even heard what they said.
Var was not sure how much Bess could read from Erik, but she sat still and quiet with her head bowed. She was playing her part well. He and Erik discussed the weather, crops, and new ways around the non-trade status the Conglomerate had levied on Erik’s people.
Var moved Bess’s cup closer to her. “I would have you drink and eat.”
Bess nodded but her hands shook in her lap.
He held a piece of fruit under the veil to her mouth. She accepted it, but her skin turned pink. Var hid a smile at her blush.
Erik smiled. “You warlords do love to hand-feed your females. Her skin turns a beautiful pink color. Are you certain you do not want to part with this one?”
“I am certain,” Var said.
“And yet you have not give her your claiming necklace. I like the ones with spirit. And pretty skin. What I can see of it.” Erik licked his lips.
Var started to speak when a servant entered the courtyard and Erik nodded. “Ah, I believe your room is ready,” he said. “I know you will want to rest before the night meal. A maid will bring in clothing for your female.”
“Thank you for your hospitality, friend. And here’s something to go towards the keep of the boy.” Var pulled out danon and a small bag.
“And the dog.” Erik added.
“And the dog.” Var agreed.
Erik took the coins, looked into the small bag and grinned. “Enjoy training the little female, friend.”
Bess stood when the males did.
Var held her elbow as they followed the servant through the household. The interior was dark after being outside. The coolness from the stone floor and walls made the temperature bearable, even on such a hot day. Lazy ceiling fans circulated air through the large rooms. The main building was a long rectangle. Both sides, and even the ends, had stone walls with arched doorways. The doors ran the length of the room.
They went through an arch and turned down the hall. A few doors down, they turned again and followed another hall to the door that led to their room. The servant bowed as Var and Bess entered the room. Var closed the door behind him.
The room was dark and cool, with stone walls and a large ceiling fan hanging from the high ceiling. Plants lined the far wall, which was nothing but windows. A roof extended outside far enough to keep the sun from coming into the room. Two large pots held small trees. The overall effect was of cool comfort.
The back wall of windows had an open doorway to another courtyard with high stone walls. Var dropped the bag he carried, and walked to the windows where he shed his clothes and boots.
Bess covered her face and turned her back to him.
“We will have a bath,” he said, as he continued walking outside.
“I don’t — I do not want a bath.”
“I do.”
When she did not move, he went to her. “Take off the veil.”
Bess moved her hands from her face and tilted her head further back to see him. He invaded her space and moved closer to her.
Var pulled the veil off and tossed it on the bed. Masses of curly red hair cascaded down. He picked her up, and carried her outside.
When he reached the pool in the courtyard, he walked down the steps into the water with her. He handed her a ball of soap from a shallow dish beside the pool and took one for himself.
Bess turned her back to him before using the soap. Var would not have thought she could get clean while keeping her clothes on, but she washed her hair and took her time in the bath. She kept her knees bent so the water covered her up to her neck.
He caught her looking at him while he took the braids from his hair and washed it. He knew by the flush rising on her skin that she had not meant to get caught looking at him as he waded toward her.
She turned around as if trying to find a way out, but there was nowhere for her to go.
He held her elbow in one hand as he helped her up the steps and out of the water. When they left the pool, the setting sun cast deep shadows in the courtyard.
Var led her to their room. Once inside, he handed her a towel. “Take off your wet clothes and dry yourself.”
He pulled his hair around to hang down his chest, picked up another towel and continued walking. When he heard her gasp behind him, he knew she had seen his back. He turned to the side to look back at her.
She averted her eyes, but not before he saw the horror turn to pity.
Var pulled on leather pants and a vest, and put his boots back on. She hated him and feared him, but he would rather that than pity. He wondered at the sorrow for him in her eyes. Usually females only felt revulsion, unless they wanted him for sex. There were females who overlooked all the scars in order to get what they wanted. Of course, he paid them well too.
She jumped when someone tapped on
the door. Var ushered her into the small dressing area and closed the door. He let the servant enter with clothing for Bess. The woman retrieved their wet clothes and scurried out of the room.
Var opened the changing room door to find a terrified Bess. He pointed to the clothes on the bed. “Put this on.”
“This top is... “
He lifted an eyebrow.
“It shows too much.” She refused to look him in the eye.
“Put it on or go naked.”
She bit her lip and turned her back to him. “You are just mean!”
He saw her hand go to her mouth as if she had not meant that to come out.
Var’s insides twisted. His callous remark had hurt her. She was modest, that would not change overnight. He stared at her back above the towel. Beautiful. The girl was beautiful. Her skin appeared to glow in the darkening room. The curve of her waist was a thing of beauty. Then the flare of her hips captured his imagination. There was nothing more captivating than a female with a beautiful back — unless it was a female with a beautiful front. Though he had not looked as closely as he wanted, he knew she had both. He had no business looking at her, yet he could not stop.
She was dressed, standing there with her hands fluttering from her hair to the top of her dress, obviously not sure what to do next. Her delicate feet peeked out from the long dress. Var enjoyed seeing her barefoot.
He had just pulled on his vest which he wore open in front. Var did not braid his hair to abide by the custom at evening meal.
“You look like a pirate,” she said.
“I would know how you came by knowledge of pirates.”
“I watched a lot of vids. There were pirates on ancient ships that sailed in the water.” Her voice trailed off.
Perhaps she did not like his scrutiny because she busied herself with her hair. After it was up, he brought a headpiece to her and fixed it on her head. It completely covered her hair. A piece of metal with pearls around the top held it in place. The head covering, a sheer piece of net studded with small pearls hung down below her chin and covered her amazing eyes. From the crown of the veil, strings of small pearls fell almost to her elbows. The strands of pearls sounded musical when they clinked together.
“I have never worn so fine a garment.”