by Kate Hill
“It is nearing the shadow-time, hold me until I must leave,” she begged.
Filip scooped her up in his arms, carried her to a solid homemade chair, and sat with her in his lap. “I will be outside the walls of Garlanzo Castle in the morning. Meet me by the fruit orchard and I will have yer clothes.”
Giving him one last embrace, she stood. “I will be there at first light. I do not need remind ya of the dangers of arriving too soon. The transition back is worse, and I fear for even yer life at the hands of the beast within.” Her fingers brushed his cheek. “I must go now.” Zolona ran for the door removing her clothes as she went.
Just minutes after the door closed behind her, Filip could hear the heartbreaking scream as the beast emerged. Blow after agonizing blow, his fist pounded the table. “Damn ya! Damn yer evil soul ta hell.”
Filip lit a fire and fed kindling to the hungry flames. The wood cracked and popped as the reddish-blue fingers clawed their way over it and sent a shower of sparks up the chimney. Lighting a candle, he made his way into the cave. He stopped at a heavy wooden door kicked it with all his strength.
Wood cracked, the sound echoed around him. Again, he slammed his foot into the door. It exploded open, banging off the wall. Taking the candle, he entered the witch’s room, and put the flame to a candelabrum.
The added light sent shadows dancing along the wall. A thin pallet lay in the corner. A small table and chair were the only furniture in the room. Several old books, covered in dust, sat on a crude shelf. Maybe I will find what I am looking for in one of those.
Picking up the books, he carried them to the front of the cavern and sat near the fire. Shifting through the old yellowed pages, Filip grew discouraged. He found pages of chants and spells, magic potions, poisons and cures. Frustrated, he started to close the book when a word leapt off the page. This had to be it. Nothing else came close to describing the evil curse.
“So, ya thought yourself ta be a powerful witch.” He began reading it again, slower. The title alone sent a shiver up his back. The Revenge of the Wolf. This is a spell used against those who have transgressed against a powerful and dominant witch. The casting of this spell should not be done in haste. If cast by a lesser witch unjustly against a dominant one, it will be returned upon the head of the caster threefold, with dire consequences for generations ta come.
There was more, but it would have to wait. The night had passed quickly and he would have to hurry to meet Zolona in the grove at daylight.
Chapter Four
The morning shadow-time had passed. The dew covered her naked body as she lay in the tall meadow grass surrounding the grove of fruit trees. She rose up to where she could see and scanned the area for any sign of Filip. If she were caught like this, how could she explain her lack of clothes to her parents? Her poor misguided sisters would feign shock, and then mock and ridicule her behind her back. She sighed. They probably will anyway. The thought did nothing to lessen the resentment towards Filip at being late.
A flash of black through the trees caught her eye. In the middle of the grove, the rider brought the horse to a walk. She recognized Filip and whistled. He stood in the stirrups and looked in her direction. Zolona stood, waved and started towards him.
With a swift kick to the ribs, he sent the horse charging through the trees. He reached her side in a matter of moments and pulled up sharp on the reins. The head of the horse came up and his hindquarters dropped to the ground as he slid to a stop in the wet grass.
“My father would not approve of his prime livestock being mishandled,” she scolded. “Yer late. Suppose one of the serfs from the castle had come ta the grove this morning, or worse yet, one of his knights decided ta take a morning stroll.”
“My apologies, my wolfen queen.” He stepped down from the saddle, stood in front of her, and adjusted the growing bulge in his pants. “Ya look lovely with the morning dew sparkling like diamonds in yer hair.”
Without warning, he picked her up, swung her around, and gave her a resounding kiss. She started to respond to his sensuous lips. “Ya think I’m excusing yer tardiness with a few flattering words and kisses.” Placing her hands on his chest, she pushed him away.
“It is far too open here in the meadow. Follow me. Someone may have seen ya approach the castle and send a watch ta check.” Using the horse to shield her from the prying eyes, she led Filip through the grass and into the surrounding forest.
“How was yer night, my lady?”
“Interesting,” she turned her head and smiled. “I daresay, the beast can cover an amazing amount of distance in one night.”
“Pray tell, where did the beast take ya?” Filip reached out and took her hand.
“Ta the far north end of the estate, over the mountain, and onta land of Lord Gravely.”
He halted in his tracks and grabbed her shoulders. “It is far too dangerous for ya ta be leaving the valley. Promise me, ya will not do it again.”
“I can not make such a promise, Filip. The man is a thief.” She shrugged off his hands and entered the tree line. “While he sits his fat arse under the table of my father bemoaning the sad state of his affairs, the size of his herd grows faster than the rabbits our cook keeps for food.”
“I hope ya were not seen.” He tied the reins to a small hickory tree.
“Why the concern over the lie’n pig?” She placed her hands on her hips and waited.
“Over the years, he has grown stronger, his knights grow bolder and now patrol the hills in large numbers throughout the night.”
“I observed his fearless knights, huddled around a campfire, swilling down their grog and fornicating with scared peasant women.” She spat on the ground. “They are mere highwaymen and gypsy trash.”
Filip took her into his arms. “Enough of Gravely and the affairs of his lands. Have ya eaten?”
She smiled, “Da, thank ya, my lord, for yer concern. I feasted quite well last night.”
A groan rumbled in his chest. “The knights did not chase ya?”
Zolona laughed, “They were too busy a pulling up their pants and trying ta catch their horses.”
“I am worried for yer safety.” His fingers threaded through her hair. “I think ya take too many chances.”
“As a woman, I can do nothing ta stop Gravely from robbing me father blind.” She rested her head against his shoulder. “But as the beast…there is much I can do.”
“Ya will end up on the tip of a lance and the trophy of a knight before it is over.”
“Would it matter ta ya if I did?” Zolona whispered against his neck.
“Da, very much so.” His lips brushed her hair and then left soft fleeting kisses along her ear.
Turning her head, her lips met his in a tender, almost hesitant caress. “I think ya mean that.” She felt the hardness of his cock pressed against her leg. “If ya wish ta lie with me, Filip,” she grinned and stepped away, “ya best do it now. Once inside the castle walls, ya will not be getting another chance.”
His fingers flew to the buttons of his homespun trousers. Warm desire spread through her at the sight of his swollen cock. She reached out and wrapped her fingers around the rigid shaft.
Kneeling on the ground in front of Filip, she looked up and smiled as she placed a kiss on the head of his cock. She felt a slight tremor as his legs stiffened. Growing bolder, she parted her lips and took him in her mouth, caressing him with her tongue.
His breathing quickened, the muscles in his legs quivered, and he rested his hands upon her shoulders. She lay back on the soft pine needles and patted the ground beside her.
Lying beside her, he lowered his head and took her nipple between his lips. As his teeth gently grazed the sensitive flesh, her back arched from the ground and a low sensuous moan floated from her throat.
“Oh!” she gasped. “Do not make me wait,” she pleaded. “I ache ta have ya inside me.”
He slipped between her legs and she felt the tip of his cock penetrate her flesh. His mo
uth took hers in a searching, probing attack. Pain flashed through her like a knife. Her cry swallowed up inside him.
Zolona broke the kiss, “Why, Filip? This is the third time with pain. The first I understand, but yesterday and now today.” She buried her face against his neck. “Tell me this is not part of the curse. Am I ta suffer pain every morning ta have yer pleasure?”
“I am sorry, my lady.” He rested his forehead against hers. “I…am afraid this may well be the truth of the matter.”
“An unfair lot I have drawn, my lord.”
“Da, that it is.” He started to pull out and roll off of her.
“Where do ya think ya be going? Ya will not cause me the pain without giving the pleasure. I will not let ya.”
He settled his weight back on her. “Are ya sure, my love?”
“The pain has lessened, my lord.” Wrapping her legs around him, she arched her hips, and wiggled her ass to hurry the union.
She exhaled a contented sigh as his cock slowly entered the blood-slick walls of her pussy. Frustration began to mount at the carefulness of his movement.
“Ya do not need ta be so careful. I will not break,” she chided. “If ya cannot bring me pleasure, then I will find a man who will.”
A moan escaped her lips as he drove his hips hard against hers. “And who would ya find, the foppish son of Lord Gravely?”
Her eyes closed as she savored his wild abandon. “Nu…only my shadow-time lover can please me… I want nu other.”
His lips met hers in an open-mouth exchange of passion as their tongues touched and danced in rhythm to the savage thrusts of his cock. Her fingers raked across his back and grasped the cheeks of his ass. With heart pounding and her vision blurred, she rode the tempest of their climaxes. Gasping for breath, Zolona lay content with the weight of his body pressed against her breasts.
“My lord, I fear the vassals and serfs will soon arrive in the orchards and fields. It would not do ta be caught in such a compromising position.”
“Yer right, my lady. It is time ta go.”
Filip pulled out of her and she cleaned her thighs with dew-laden grass. Taking the clothes he brought her, she dressed and crossed to where he waited with the horse.
He lifted her with ease into the saddle and swung up behind her. She leaned against the solid wall of his chest, thankful for his strength and support.
At the far end of the orchard, they were greeted with cheerful waves, calls of good morning, and many a backward glance as they went on their way.
“By nightfall,” she laughed, “the whole village will know I returned at dawn with a strange man.”
“Da,” he joined her laughter. “And with pine needles in ya hair, they will not be a wondering what ya were doing.”
“I do not.” Her hand flew to her hair, searching for the offending needles.
“Da, my lady.” Filip took it from her hair and held it out for her to see. “I fear we have been found out.”
“Oh, my.” Twisting around, she looked into his eyes. They were bright with laughter. “I am afraid my sisters will never tire in reminding me of my wanton ways.”
His gaze held a deeper emotion, one she was loathe to put a name to. The future before her held too many uncertainties to look beyond the shadow-time of day.
The guards at the castle gate stared as they rode through. Chickens scattered, a dog barked at them, and several women gawked openmouthed at the sight of her riding in such a compromising way. “Tongues will be sure ta wag over breakfast porridge.”
“Then, my wolfen queen,” he whispered in her ear. “Shall we make it worth the effort ta indulge in so arduous a task at break of day?”
She turned her head and gazed into the dark pools of his eyes. “Da.” She touched her lips to his and felt the longing desire to turn and flee, to spend the day naked in his arms.
The crash of broken pottery sounded in the courtyard. With regret, she broke the kiss and turned her eyes to the well. “Good morning, Sister Letty. Close yer mouth, girl, before ya swallow a fly. Papa will not be pleased with ya for breaking the water pitcher.”
Letty lifted her skirt and ran to the kitchen. The door swung wide and out poured a horde of women she affectionately referred to as twits. They stood in a half circle around them, starring at her as if she were sprouting another head.
“Good morning, dear sisters, Maria. Good morning, Mama. I’d like ya ta meet Filip.”
There were several guarded glances from her sisters to Mama. Some not so guarded. “Mama, what is the meaning of this? Ya said Zolona was sick and not ta be disturbed. Does Papa know she has been out all night fornicating like some tavern wench?”
Zolona felt his arm tighten around her waist. Lowering her eyes, she could see the knuckles of his clenched fist were white against his dark skin.
“Maybe if ya spent a little more time with yer legs open and yer mouth closed, dear Charline,” she rebuked her sister, “yer husband would not spend his time at the tavern.”
Charline turned red, stomped her foot, and ran back to the kitchen.
“Zolona, ya owe yer sister an apology,” the voice of her mother crackled with irritation.
“I owe her nothing but a swift kick in the arse for what she said ta me. If there be any apologizing done, she will be making it ta me. Where is Papa?” She leapt from the horse and turned to Filip. “Come, ya must be hungry. If my family has forgotten their manners, I have not.
“Letty, set another place at the table…and try not ta break anything else.” She gave her mother a kiss on each cheek. Taking Filip by the hand, she led him into the family house, down the long passage, and to the large table in the dining hall.
“Good morning, Papa,” she kissed each cheek. “I’ve told Letty ta set another plate. It is good ta see ya again. I shall leave Filip ta yer care while I run ta my room, freshen up, and change. I will not be but a moment.”
She turned and ran from the room.
“Thank ya for bringing Zolona home.” He motioned for Filip to take the seat beside him. “I have had the devil of a time keeping her absence a secret.”
“My lord, I commend ya for the delicate handling of this awkward and difficult time.”
“The curse has been lifted. We must go on from here and restore the estate’s holdings,” he paused. “Something troubles ya, my son? Tell me in truth, has the curse been lifted from Garlanzo Castle?”
“I am sorry, my lord. It has not.” Filip turned his face away from his lord’s visible disappointment. “At least…not completely.” Looking around the room, he lowered his voice. “My…the old witch deceived us all. The curse transferred, my lord…ta another.”
The lord looked briefly towards the door Zolona had gone through. “Tell me,” his voice broke. “Does the curse now rest upon my…?”
“Da.”
The Lord of the Manor slumped, his head sagged, and when he lifted his face, his eyes were glazed with unshed tears. “Tell me Filip. Do ya bring any word of hope ta bind up the soul of her father? Can the curse be lifted from her?”
“There is always hope, my lord.”
* * * * *
Zolona gasped at the sight of her father. He seemed to have aged a dozen years. She turned a questioning gaze at Filip. His somber expression answered the question she was afraid to ask out loud.
Her feet carried her to Papa’s chair. He turned, buried his face against her middle, and wept.
“Papa, do not cry for me.” Silent tears flowed down her cheeks at the distress of her father. “Because of this, I have found out the lies of Lord Gravely.”
“And what lies does my future daughter-in-law accuse me of telling?” Lord Gravely stepped through the door. “Sir Weston will not take kindly his wife-ta-be is spreading discord so close ta the day of yer betrothal.”
“Leave us,” he addressed Filip. “I have matters of urgent business ta discuss with Lord Garlanzo.”
“I have nu desire ta discuss business this morning. We are rea
dy ta break the morning fast. Whatever it is ya wish ta see me about will wait. I will have a plate set and later we shall talk.” Lord Garlanzo patted her hand. “Tell the maid, Lord Gravely will eat with us.”
Zolona cast a warning glance towards Filip and hurried to do as her father asked.
“Sir Weston sends his regrets at not making the trip, but we were attacked last night by the beast,” Lord Gravely sighed. “It scattered my flock and ran off my knights’ horses. I came upon what remained of one on yer land as I rode through.”
“Were none of yer knights slain by the beast?” Zolona asked as she reentered the dining hall.
“Nu, they chased the evil away,” he boasted. “The beast is big as a lion. There was nothing more they could do.”
“My word!” Zolona covered her mouth to hide her grin. “Yer knights are so brave ta attack such a monster on foot.”
“There will be nu more talk of monsters and evil beasts at the table.” Lady Garlanzo announced as she and the rest of her daughters entered the hall. “My girls have delicate dispositions and I will not have them taking ta their beds.”
“Zolona would not mind going back ta bed,” Letty giggled. “Would ya, sister?”
“Well, I’m sure she can be excused if her fever returns.” Lord Gravely spoke with heightened concern.
“Oh!” Charline quipped. “It was nu fever that kept her ta her bed. She had an itch, poor thing.”
She heard the suppressed laughter from several of her sisters as they and their husbands took seats around the table. “Charline, dear,” she smiled. “At least, I know what an itch is, and the remedy for it.”
The face of her sister turned red and there were more giggles up and down the table. Zolona felt sorry for their husbands who looked in confusion at each other.
Father stood, and the table became silent. “I wish ta make an announcement this morning,” he paused and looked from Filip to his daughter. “This is the last time I will have this privilege. I do here by announce the betrothal of my daughter Zolona ta…”