“You said that this was all new to you. It’s new to me too. I’m just glad that you don’t have a problem with my attitude.”
“Shana, I never said that I didn’t have a problem with your attitude. What I said was that I can get used to it, but I don’t think others will be so welcoming. The western province of Markham is a lot more sedate. The women know their place and they have no desire to break free and do their own thing. They know that being with their man is exactly where they’re supposed to be. If I tried to tell you that, I’m sure that you’d have a few choice words in response.”
“You don’t have to worry about words. I’m more of a girl of action. If you were to say something like that, Braden, I might have to punch you.” He smiled and as I walked upstairs, I could feel my fingers digging into the banister. A splinter of wood came off with my fingers and I guess after years of neglect, this place was falling apart.
“Shana, that’s precisely the reason why I think it might be best that you keep a low profile. Essentially, you are a visitor from the eastern province. That doesn’t happen very often and we tend to keep to ourselves. I don’t know why you ventured all the way out here, but I’m glad you did.” Just looking at him and remembering what we did on that table downstairs had made my heart skip a beat.
I glanced back down at the table and I could see myself lying there with him between my legs. We were both hell bent on satisfaction and we weren’t going to finish, until each of us was satiated. I would never be able to look at that table in the same way again. Eating off it in the morning would only bring to mind those memories.
“I don’t think you know this about me, Braden, but I’m not used to being low profile. I’m in your face and if you don’t like it, then you can go to hell.” I would never be tied down, unless of course it was in the act of kinky loving. Otherwise, I was my own person and if somebody was to try to tell me what to do, they would find out in a hurry that I was, as stubborn as could be.
“Believe me, I know that. Most women would have been embarrassed to see a man naked, but you made a joke. I will say that I wasn’t alarmed by your presence, but I was certainly surprised. Not a lot of people would risk lying down with those flowers. It’s a good thing they didn’t perceive you, as a threat, because it might have done something to prevent us from meeting.” He was making it sound like that the flowers would have devoured me.
“I guess it’s a good thing that you came around when you did. I’m not saying that you were my knight in shining armor, but it was nice to see a friendly face.” We went into the bedroom and he once again took off that armor and climbed into bed in the buff. I was never one to sleep in the nude, but for him I would make the exception. I stripped down and I stopped with my underwear down half way towards the floor. I twisted my head sideways and I could see him leaning on his elbow and watching every move that I was making.
“Don’t mind me; I’m just enjoying the view.” I slipped in beside him and he curled up behind me. I was half expecting to feel that he was hard all over again, but he was only semi erect.”
“Shana, I’m not sure what your intentions are, but I hope that you’re here when I wake up. I know that some people don’t like to leave themselves open sexually or emotionally. I don’t want you to be that kind of girl, although I don’t think you are. If somebody offends you, you’re going to come out and say so and that is the kind of attitude that’s going to get you into trouble.” He laid his head on my shoulder and he nipped at my neck. If he had done that for any longer, I might have turned to him and taken matters into my own hands.
Chapter five
In the middle of the night, I awoke with my internal alarm clock, to see that it was still dark outside. I went downstairs in nothing, but a pair of panties that I’d found discarded on the floor. I stepped up to the window and I placed my hand on the pane to feel this chill go through my veins like a cold knife. I noticed lights outside. I opened the door to the spectacular show of fire streaking across the night sky. There were several of them up there and they were circling each other, but they didn’t look like they were trying to hurt one another. I would say that they were playing and it was nice to see that they had free rein to enjoy themselves when their masters were fast asleep. I almost felt sorry for them for being domesticated, but maybe that was the best way to go. If they didn’t do that, then they would extinct and they were magical creatures that really did deserve to live.
I couldn’t get over the different colors, but each time that they spewed fire, it was the same blue heat that most likely would have melted metal.
I watched for some time, as I’ve never seen something like this. There were a lot of firsts today, but my main concern was how I got here. Did I accidentally fall into something, or was I purposely brought here for a reason? I had to believe that somebody would be able to tell me.
It took every effort that I had to get out of bed. Seeing him sleeping with that smile on his face made me feel that there was a possibility for a future for the both of us.
I went inside the Library and once again began to pour through the details of the history of this proud land of Markham. I read of the history of the Dragos festival. Apparently, Lord Vadam’s ancestors had decided that it was a good idea to placate the locals. They wanted to find some way to interact with them, without really having to rub elbows. They came up with this to give those that were training some kind of incentive to push themselves even further than what they already were.
As it was, there was a need for warriors and the three castle alliance was always trying to make an example out of somebody. The guards were essentially used to do the Lord’s dirty work. They would go out to other lands and levy taxes on those that were struggling from day to day. Taxes came in the form of crops or any other such offering that would make the Lord happy. On each cycle annually, the lord would decide if your land was good enough to stay in your possession.
The festival was one time of the year where everybody got together under the black castle roof. It was a day of merriment, but also harsh competition that would leave many either dead or wounded at the feet of the Lord. I decided to familiarize myself with the rules and it was hard to understand, but eventually I got the main idea.
By the time that I was done, it was the crack of dawn and there were these brilliant blue and orange colors dancing along the treetops. It was nothing like the sunrise that I had seen back home. This one really did make you think that you were a part of something a lot bigger.
“I am glad that you have taken an interest in the rich history of Markham. It puzzles me that you have this need for a refresher course. As a child, I’m sure that you learned all about this. It is mandatory for all children to know the history of Markham, so that mistakes that were made in the past will not be made in the future. We live a relatively peaceful existence, but there are times that extreme force is necessary to make that freedom even that much more special to hold onto. Today was the trials for becoming one of the guardsmen. He looked freshly made up and I could smell this soap substance coming out of his skin. He looked ready for battle and if anybody had a chance to become one of the guards, it would probably be him. I wondered what kind of competition would stand in his wake. I was looking forward to seeing him best those inferior warriors that thought that they had what it took to take down Braden.
“It says here that there is a festival each year and every would be warrior is allowed three times in the span of three years to become one of the guards. If that doesn’t happen, then he is relegated to living off the land. That doesn’t sound like an awful existence. It sounds like a life of a hardworking man.” I knew that I was missing something and I would have to have him read between the lines.
“It’s not a terrible existence, but you’re never looked upon the same way again. They will always see that you are damaged and that you weren’t able to stand up to overwhelming odds. It’s very rare that somebody does join the elite, but it is very spec
ial when it happens. On the eve of…wait, you already know all this and why do I have to rehash the details? If you’re going to come with me, then I suggest that you get ready. I took the liberty of making breakfast.” I remembered the stew last night. After reading some of these books, I had a pretty good idea of what they made their food from.
It was essentially like a pig, but a lot uglier and quicker than what they appeared. It took a great feat of strength and agility to even capture one. There was quite a bountiful of them, but they would hibernate during the day and not come out until the crack of dawn or sunset to forage for food. They were black and that was one of reasons why they were so hard to spot at night. I did hear branches breaking outside the windows during the night and now had an idea that an Offus was responsible. I understood that they were just attracted to the smell of the burning wood from the fireplace. It wasn’t really a fireplace. It was just a pit, but it served its purpose.
The Offus was an animal that would be used to nourish those that lived in the land of Markham. There was something else called the Libra. It had feathers and could run for long distances and even fly when given enough incentive by threat or necessity. It had a multitude of colors. I looked to the plate for breakfast and noticed that the eggs were a swirl of different colors. The taste was remarkably the same as the eggs back where I came from.
The only liquid quencher was made from the sap of the trees. I didn’t exactly know how it was done, but it had all the nutrients that you would need for a growing boy or girl. It tasted like a cross between grapefruit and prune juice. It was kind of vile, but after a few sips, it became something that you could get used to. I never did like champagne, but on those celebrations that included New Year’s Eve, I would partake.
“You can use my coat. I only wear it when I’m outside without my armor.” It was something made of black fur and I was hesitant to put anything like that against my body. When I did it was like being surrounded in my own personal cocoon. I found the texture to be pleasing and the warmth was enough to keep out the chilly air, as we exited the house. Rankin was munching on the bullish green grass. There was no saddle and his scaly hide made it impossible for us to slip off.
He jumped onto Rankin and received a snort of blue fire in response. He grabbed my hand and threw me with ease behind him. The Dragos took off, but did not take flight. All four of its legs were moving at the same time and we were whipping underneath the trees through a path that was made specifically to go from one place to the next.
I knew from my reading that a Dragos was banned by the Lord’s ruling from flying during the day. There were those that went against that rule and Braden had been one of them. The griffin or sentry was sent out to make sure that those rules were enforced. There were only a few in existence and they were trained from birth to do the Lord’s bidding.
I was terrified for a second at the speed that we were going. The landscape became a blur and I began to laugh maniacally. It was exactly the same way when I was on a jet ski when I vacationed in the Caribbean. The first time, I was hesitant to go very fast, but the owner was more inclined to take things to the extreme. Once I was done with using it, he would take me back and the speed, in which he did, brought forth a case of laughter. This was exactly the same way.
I noticed that Braden was now standing slightly and letting the wind caress his face, as a new day had begun. When we got to a nearby village, we slowed and Braden was giving cheer for wearing the colors of honorable red. Apparently, they were putting all their hopes and dreams on his shoulders. He was one of many and others had taken up the mantle. If one of the red ones were to win, then the lands around castle Redstone would have a year of prosperity without the Levee of taxes.
He stopped altogether in what appeared to be a courtyard. In the distance, I could see the turret of the black castle. We were too far away, but I could already hear the faint sound of some kind of music.
Everybody gathered around and they craned their necks and raised their hand in salute to Braden. “My friends, this is indeed a proud day for our people. You have put your faith and trust in me and four others and we will endeavor to make you proud of that decision. I have been training diligently, living away from civilization to endure hardships. Once I am victorious, I will take my rightful place at the Lord’s side. My residence and land will be given to those that are ready to train for one continuous year for the chance to have the honor of doing the exact same thing that I’m doing today. I hope to see all of you there.” There was a deafening chorus of applause
Chapter six
He did the prerequisite handshakes and kissing of the babies. He reminded me of a politician back in my own time. They’re always doing those things, but mostly it was under the guise of being elected into office. For him, it was genuine and he was not so full of himself that he thought that he was all that. He took their adulation, as a sign of respect and nothing more.
“You’re my hero.” This came out of the mouth of a young five year old boy. In his innocence, he probably didn’t even know that Braden was taking his life in his own hands. “I want to be just like you when I grow up.” This made him smile and he picked up the kid, so that they were now eye level.
“You know who my hero is?” The kid shook his head vehemently “You’re my hero. All of these people are deserving of that same sentiment. They work tirelessly to put a roof over your head and food on your tables. I’m just one man and I would never presume to think that I was anything special. Trust that your decision to pick me and the three others was the right thing to do.” He placed the kid back on the ground and his mother came to collect him.
“Forgive my son; he tends to act before thinking. I’ve tried to warn him about strangers, but he never listens.” The bodice that she was wearing was quite fetching. Had I been into such elegance, I may have tried on something that like myself. Otherwise, people were looking at me strangely and I could tell that they were wondering about what I was wearing. No woman was wearing pants. They must have thought that I was strange.
“Shana, I think it’s about time that we get you something more appropriate to wear.” I suppose if I was going to fit in, I’d have to blend into my surroundings. “There’s a market not too far away from here. It should be still in full swing, at least for another couple of hours. If we can’t find something there, then we’re not going to find anything anywhere.” As the dragon…Dragos takes off, I had to remind myself that I couldn’t call it a dragon.
As we made our way through the village, people began to converge and before long we had a bit of a posse following us around. I would call them his entourage, loyal followers that had a lot riding on his success.
We got to this bazaar and I heard all sorts of different animals and it took me a moment to adjust to the look of each one. There was even one Offus in captivity and waiting for somebody to snatch it up and bring it home for a meal. There were many Libra’s and apparently their eggs were considered to be good fortune and quite nourishing. I already knew that Braden had one in his collection. I had no idea that he would have to give up his land, but apparently it was not his to begin with. It was given to those that trained for one year to become part of the guardsmen.
“I’m sure that I’ll find something I like.” I was never one for wearing dresses, but as the old saying go when in Rome do what the Romans do. “I have particular taste.”
“I would say that you have an eccentric taste. I didn’t want to say anything before, but a woman wearing pants is frowned upon. There is no rule against it, but there is no woman that wears pants. I would rather not put a spotlight on you.” As one of those chosen from the Redstone castle, he was inundated with praise and glad tidings.
I tried to gauge his reaction, but for the most part I could see that his ego was not affected. They were stroking it repeatedly, but he was not allowing that to make him into somebody that would be conceded and arrogant. He was humble of where he came from and he reminded himsel
f every day that his father was a hard working man. We had talked at length about his childhood.
I saw a dress that I did like and it was unique in that it was multicolored. On top was black and on the bottom was gray. With a few alterations, I could make this something that would make me proud to wear it. He must’ve seen that I was staring at it, because he doled out four coins. The woman that was selling it was elated.
“We have about an hour before the tryouts. We need to find some place for you to change.” We left the town and there was no way that they could keep up with the speed of the Dragos. I remembered what he said about the looking glass. There was no mention of it in the books that I had read. I’m sure that it was there somewhere, but I had not reached that volume.
We stopped at a nearby stream, so that the Dragos could hydrate itself. “I don’t see any place better than right here.” I wasn’t sure what he meant, but then it dawned on me that he expected me to strip and change right here. “You can’t say that you’re shy.” I was far from it, but I still didn’t think it was appropriate. Then again, he had already seen everything that I had to offer. It wasn’t like it was a mystery.
“I think we both know that I’m not shy, Braden.” I jumped down and then landed awkwardly, but I didn’t twist my ankle. I should’ve been hobbling, or at the very least limping slightly, but there was no discernible pain. I turned my back on him, but I was grinning the entire time that I was taking off my black leather vest and the shirt underneath. I was naked from the waist up and I heard an intake of breath and knew that I was getting a reaction.
I reached for the button on my pants, only to find his hand there and the feel of his armor pressed up behind me. Hmmmm this seemed oddly familiar “Let me do that for you.” As his finger began to work at the button, he finally got it undone and then began to unzip my pants. He was getting pretty good at that.
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