Robespierre's · Library

VIII

Stefania sat still between Angus and her mother. The Guild people about her made her nervous, they had a strangeness to them that made her skin crawl. One Guild representative in particular kept gazing upon her, his eyes barely blinking, his gaze never wavering. Stefania squirmed in her seat pressing against Angus who looked up at the Guild representative who met Angus' cold hard stare without wavering. Lady Tavdi glanced at Angus and Stefania and went back to her needlework.

"He scares me," Stefania said for all in the compartment to hear.

"Too much time in space has addled his brain is all," Angus replied. "All that time spent among machines and metal has taken away much of his humanity."

Stefania's eyes went wide and she leaned forward staring at the Guild representative with the intensity only one of her age could muster.

"He looks funny," she said letting out a slight girlish giggle and his a smile behind her hand.

"Stop that child, it's unbecoming of a lady of your postion ot behave like such a commoner," Lady Tavdi rebuked Stefania without looking up from her needle work.

"Sorry mother," Stefania smoothed her skirt and looked at the Guild representative. "I'm sorry for making fun of you."

The representative barely nodded his head in acknowledgement and turned his attention to something small in his lap. Stefania squirmed wanting to see what it was but kept silent.


Baron Tavdi listened without emotion as one by one the comm units in his command center went dead as the Imperial Sardakaur systematically over ran his house's meager forces. His aides remained silent as their death approached unabated.

"Is our surprise ready?" The Baron asked softly. A short nod of acknowledgement. "When they reach the Spice stores, overload the lasgun,"Baron Tavdi ordered in a firm voice.

All present knew of the Lasgun and shield set as a trap in place of the family atomics which had been spirited away with the the Baron's family. The Great Convention would matter little already dead.

"They approach my Baron," an aide said softly.

"Do it," he ordered.

The comm unit crackled as orders were given and acknowledged while those present waited for the explosion.

"My Baron! Something's wrong!"

Baron Tavdi sighed. "It was always a possibility, the Sardakaur had infiltrated my house troops." Baron Tavdi gripped his short sword. "Prepare for our last stand," he growled.

To Be Continued.....
_________________

I

"Your payment is satisfactory," the metallic voice hissed through the speaker. Baron Hamid of House Tavdi swallowed hard as he watched cannister after cannister of melange were swallowed by the landers massive cargo hold.

"You have a sanctuary picked out?" the Baron demanded.

"Your family will be safe, the Guild has never gone back on its word. No House that has turned renegade has ever been turned over to the Landsraad," hissed back the guild representative, his voice almost lost in the crackle of the speakers.

Baron Hamid turned away. His broad shoulders slumped. Events of the last several months had taken their toll on the Baron.

"I was too reckless," he thought. "Too greedy. Now Shaddam is making an example of House Tavdi to keep the Landsraad off balance."

Baron Hamid turned back to the guild representative. "I will send for my family."

"The offer is only good until the lander lifts off," spat the guild representative.

"They will be here." Baron Hamid tossed his cloak over his shoulder and stomped out of the office.

Baron Hamid sat and watched his daughter as she slept. Here within the sanctuary of her room, she at least had the illusion of safety. Baron Hamid wiped his tears as he stood and silently left his daughter to sleep.

Stefania kept her eyes closed as she listened to her father's footsteps fade away. She knew he was troubled, he use to not sit in her room and watch her as she slept.

Throwing back her covers, Stefania slid from her bed, her bare feet silent upon the floor as she krept from her room. The villa was quiet. Even the hum of generators was muted at this time of night.

Carefully Stefania slinked down the hallway, pausing by her parents suite of rooms. She could hear muffled voices from within as she strained to listen.

"It's been decided," Stefania heard her father say. "The guild's lander departs tomorrow and you and Stefania wil be on it."

"Must it be this way?"

"The Emperor is leaving me little choice." Baron Hamid sighed. Stefania looked about, peering down one end of the hall, then the other.

"Where are the guards?" Stefania whispered. A cold shiver ran down her spine.

Despite her desire to hear more of her parents discussion, Stefania slipped away from the suite, heading not back to her room but to her favorite place, her sanctuary.

The night air was cool and refreshing as Stefania wound her way through the lush garden. Water babbled and spalshed as she crossed over the stone bridge onto the small overgrown island.

Stefania pushed her way through the overgrown vegetation until she had reached her favorite spot. Untold generations of the Tavdi family had worn smooth the stone bench perched on the islands edge. Stefania dipped her feet into the cool water.

Her father had been acting strange ever since he had returned from from a summons to the Emperor Shaddam IV. Since that day, Swordmasters and Mentat's had been visiting the villa on a daily basis.

"You should be in bed asleep mistress."

Stefania nearly stumbled into the pool of swirling water. A callused hand reached out grabbing hold of her and effortlessly pulled her up and onto the islands bank.

"You scared me Angus," gasped Stefania as she looked at her massively scared guard.

"Not as much as not finding you in your bed where you belong miss," Angus replied his voice low and gruff.

Stefania sighed. She knew she couldn't argue with Angus. He had watched over her since she was a babe. She looked into his eyes, faint blue on blue. Stefania sniffed her nostrils flairing at the wiff of melange. Angus grinned his white teeth flashing. He dug into a pocket and pulled out a piece of spice candy.

Greedily Stefania tore the wrapper and stuffed the candy into her mouth. The flavors of spice exploded in her mouth as she chewed the delicacy.

"Come, let's get you back to bed before your parents find out you're missing."

"Our current stockpiles are adequate for our current levels of consumption," droned the guild apprentice.

Around the massive chamber several navigators floated in their tanks, clouds of melange gas swirling around their alien features. Their brains pulsing with activity.

"our needs grow, we require more spice," echoed several of the navigators. "We foresee," the navigators pause the flap of their mouths moving without sound for several moments. "We forsee interference with the flow of spice."

The apprentice grew pale and turned and looked behind him. A seam appeared in the wall and a lone man entered. He dismissed the apprentice with a careless wave of his hand and seats himself before the navigators.

"Our clear is this vision?" the man's voice is soft yet firm, a trace of Geidi Prime accent still present.

'It is not clear, yet it is strong," replied one navigator as his tank moved out of line to sit before the man. "We require more spice."

"We have been aquiring all the spice we can, even the black market. Supplies are tight. The Harkonnen's are not the only one's hoarding. The witch's have been as well and the Emperor has been cracking down on black market spice."l

"Demand higher tribute from the Fremen," hissed the navigator. "They will pay."

"That is a short term solution, we need a long term one," replied the man.

The navigators when silent once more, the clouds of gas in their tanks growing thicker and thicker.

"Not all is clear. We require more spice."

The man pursed his lips and leaned back in his chair. "I will report to the board and report back with their decision."

He stood and straightened his clothes and turned to leave.

"More spice," in sequence, each of the navigators repeated the demand. The man nodded and exited the room, the door silently sealing behind him.


"Have transport arrangements been made with the Guild?"

"Yes Bashar."

"Well, what is it? " demanded the Bashar of his aide.

"The witches took an interest in my negotiations with the Guild."

The Bashar frowned.

"Leave me."

The aide saluted and vanished from he command center. Bashar Grandar turned to his small desk in the corner covered in reports. Imperial Mentat's inundated him day after day with volumes of analytical information.

With a grim smile Bashar Grandar found what he was looking for and quckly glanced at it before ringing for an Imperial messenger.


Baron Hamid slipped from the bedroom he shared with his wife and padded towards his daughter's room.

"She sleep's Baron."

Startled The Barun spun around, thin blade in hand. Angus chuckled as he stood at ease within the partial shadow of the hallway.

"You're too damn quiet Angus," growled Baron Hamid.

Angus ignored his Baron's remark. "Have the arrangements been made?"

Baron Hamid sighed. Suddenly he aged several decades despite his spice consumption.

"They have. The Guild will take the three of you aboard as well as what house resource's we have managed to hide away. I will stay behind and give the Sardakaur a fight."

Angus scowled. "My Baron, House Tavdi is not one of the stronger military houses, is it wise to throw away your life as well as those who stay with you?"

"Do not dare lecture me Angus!" snapped Baron Hamid. "I have made my decision!"

Angus bowed. "Forgive me, I forgot my place."

"I do what I do so my daughter may have a future Angus," Baron Hamid said softly. "You're the only one I trust to actually be able to pull it off."

"I will not fail you my Baron."

Stefania looked at her mother and frowned. Her eyes were tinged with red despite the blue on blue of her spice addiction.

"Why you so upset mother?" she asked.

"It's nothing," her mother wiped her eyes and turned away.

Angus appeared and he smiled at Stefania. "We're going to the spaceport," he told her.

Stefania's eyes lit up. "is father coming with us?"

Angus shook his head. "No, he has business to deal with."

Stefania lowered her head in disappointment and tried not to pout.

"I'm coming with you dear," Stefania's mother said softly.

Stefania smiled but her mother was not her father, it was his attention she craved.

"Time to go," ANgus announced.



The Reverand Mother looked over the report her face expressionless. "This report is troubling," she said finally.

"The daughter is the only child and the bloodline is of some use to us."

The Reverand Mother ignored the obvious remark.

"Send for the guild," the Reverand Mother ordered. The Reverand Mother sipped at her tea, the lone reminder of her homeworld.

"Yet another bloodline driven into exile," she murmured. "Am essage must be sent to Shaddam, his arrogance is tampering with our work."



Baron Hamid drained the last of his spice beer and looked about him. His men were grim, they knew the fate awaiting them yet only a few had fled.

"Everyone is in position Baron," reported a comm officer.

Baron Hamid nodded. "Now we wait," he whispered.


Shaddam paced as his Sardakaur Bashar's filed out of his chamber room. Despite his growing anger he maintained a calmness. The chamber was silent, he was alone, no listening devices, only the trusted huards at the doors and covering the hidden passages.

"Damn the witches," breathed Shaddam softly.

One of the chamber's many hidden doors silently slid open and out stepped his Bene Gesserit Truth Sayer. Shaddam bowed slightly, a gesture she acknowledged with the briefest of smiles.

"What is the need of the sisterhood?"

"We are concerned with the actions you are taking concerning House Tavdi."

Shaddam wrinkled his brow in thought. "House Tavdi? The name is familiar, but I do not recall specifics."

"It is a minor house, one that has been earmarked for destruction by your interests in the Landsraad and C.H.O.A.M."

"Ah yes, now I remember, a silly new House, it is of no interest of mine," stressed Shaddam.

"The sisterhood has need of House Tavdi. Bashar Handel is in charge of the House's destruction, we require you to postpone it."

Shaddam's face flushed with anger. "I will consider it, but I do not see any need ot alter any decisions."

"The sisterhood is adamant on this."

Shaddam stared at his Truthsayer. "I will have an answer for you on the morrow." With a sharp wave of his hand he dismissed his truthsayer. When she had vanished into the black of the hidden passage Shaddam let loose with a rage that left the chamber room shattered and torn.
Stefania was curled up next to her mother, the sleeping agent Angus had added to her morning spice tea had done its job. LAdy Tavdi stroked her hair as she avoided meeting Angus' gaze.

"It must be this way," Angus said softly. "Baron Hamid has no desire to see either of you suffer at the hands of the Padishah Emperor."

Lady Tavdi raised her eyes and cast a stern glare upon Angus.

"My husband has no interest in me, its her he cares for," her tone softened. "I came to love him in my way."

"The Baron does what he must to ensure his house survives," Angus intoned without emotion.

Lady Tavdi sighed. "You know more of the machinations than I do, why he doesn't flee with us and take everything I don't understand," her eyes welled slightly with tears.

"Politics is never simple, like the sand chigger of Arrakis, one is rarely truly free of its bite."

"Always riddles with you Angus. So trusted yet so little known about you," Lady Tavdi leaned in closer to Angus. "Such a mystery."

Angus pulled away and looked out the smoked window. "You know I cannot."

Lady Tavdi nodded. "I don't trust you Angus."

"Your trust is of little importance to me, the Baron commanded me and I will obey."

"Such loyalty. Yet you flee, why?"

"My Baron commanded."

"Did he?"

Angus' cold glare made Lady Tavdi shiver. The muscles in his neck tensed briefly then relaxed. His palm rested lightly upon the his thigh close to his blade. "Guard your words my lady, if i must kill you to protect the Baron's daughter, I will not hesitate."

Lady Tavdi cooly looked at Angus, his fierce some ugliness an eyesore. "Guard yourself Angus, I am her mother."

To Be Continued......

XII

Drago pushed their mounts hard. The pounding of their hooves a steady beat as they ate up the miles. Small villages turned into hamlets. Irregular fields became orderly as the land turned from wilderness to plains. In the distance Esmeraldas could see the grey line just beyond the group of hills.

"Look Delnair, " cried Esmeraldas. "The ocean!" She grinned at her partner who managed a faint smile.

Drago spurred his mount even faster. Delnair pulled along side him as his Guardians kept pace, urging Esmeraldas forward. The cloud of dust raised by hooves rose high in the air broadcasting their location.

The sun was just beginning to set when the party thundered into the port of Vandar. Their mounts were lathered with sweat as Drago led them down the main street until he stopped before an inn near the docks.

Drago turned to one of the guardians speaking to them in low tones. Esmeraldas strained to hear but couldn't.

"You look like a child who is trying to hear what their parents are saying about her."

Esmeraldas blushed and turned away from Delnair's grinning features. Delnair slid from her mount wincing slightly at the ache in her thighs.

The guardians stayed mounted, one hand hidden within the folds of their robes within easy reach of their weapons. Drago tossed a small pouch of coins to Delnair.

"Rest for a bit here," he ordered. "I will return shortly."

Esmeraldas watched her father make his way into the crowded thouroughfare, his solid frame standing out above the mass of those on foot.

"I hope this hovel has hot water," Delnair smiled at Esmeraldas as she wiped her dust smeared face.

Esmeraldas grinned despite her wearyness. She took Delnair's face in her hands and kissed her deeply. Strong hands pulled Esmeraldas away from Delnair spinning her around.

"Control yourself," hissed one of the guardians her voice low and full of menace from within her robe. "You are not among those who look kindly upon them that are different."

"I don't understand?" stammered Esmeraldas.

"et her inside," ordered the guardian to Delnair. keep her in the room until you hear from Drago."

Esmeraldas stared slack jaw at the guardians until Delnair grabbed hold of her and dragged her into the inn and up the stairs. Esmeraldas tried to protest only to have Delnair silence her with a finger across her lips.

"We must watch ourselves until we are on the ship," Delanair said softly, her plump lips close to Esmeraldas ear.

"What is going on?"

"I didn't see anything," began Esmeraldas only to have Delnair cut her off.

"Neither did I, until after the guardian seperated us. The order is strong here. Their symbols are everywhere."

Esmeraldas tried to control the fear that gripped her. Delnair wrapped her arms about Esmeraldas.

"I swear to you lov, if we survive this wild adventure of your fathers, we will put an end to the Order's evil."

To Be Continued........

The shadows of my world
Flit about me cackling
At my misery.

Swooping in close
Lighting upon my shoulder
Whispering dark deeds
And unfullfilled desires
Tearing at the fragile shield
Around my mind.

I wrap my arms about
Myself and sink to my knee's
The cold wet sand rough upon
My flesh.

The sun sinks below the
Distant waves
The false warmth fading,
The light s temporary beacon
In the Shadow World.

Esmeraldas groaned as her body protested. The chill of the night air made her shiver as she pulled her cloak tight about her.

“Wake up love,” Esmeraldas saif softly.

Delnair mumbled in her sleep and rolled over. Esmeraldas grinned and pulled Delnair’s blankets from her.

“Get up, we have a lot of riding to do,”Esmeraldas grinned as Delnair cursed her.

“Drago wants to make the coast before nightfall.”

“I don’t care what Drago wants,” growled Delnair.

“Stop it please, for me ok?” Esmeraldas said softly her eyes wide and innocent.

Delnair sighed and took Esmeraldas into her arms.

“I’m just worried about you. I don’t trust your father. There is more going on than he says.”

“I know,” whispered Esmeraldas. “but he also is telling the truth.”

“Did you?”

Esmerldas nods.

“He knew I was doing it but he let it happen.”

Delnair scrunched her face as she thought for a bit. “Humans are hard enough to figure out. I’m still trying to get over your father being a dragon.”

“We’re packed and ready to go,” growled Drago as he stepped out of the darkness.

“We’ll be ready,” replied Esmeraldas as she gathered and rolled her trail blankets.



The rays of sun crowned the sharp mountain peaks as it rose. Teran grinned as she gazed into her reflecting pool at the shimmering images.

“You grow desperate Drago. Soon your daughter will learn the

truth. Where will that leave you then.?”

Teran turns from the reflecting pool. “Kreon, I have a task for you.”

Kreon raised his head. Blackened blood trickled down his chest. Teran ran her fingers over the blackened edges of the holes in Kreon’s chest.

“Poor Kreon. It pains me to hurt you in this way.”

Kreon whimpered and raised his head gazing lovingly into

Teran’s eyes.

“Please mistress,” he said from between cracked lips. “I would

do anything for you. Release me.”

Teran leans down her lips brushing Kreon’s.

“Soon my love, soon. Just one more task and you will finally be

free.”

Kreon whimpered as Teran pressed his head to her bosom.

“Shhh,” cooed Teran as she stroked Kreon’s damp hair. “Do you love me?”

“Y...yes,” whimpered Kreon fresh salty hot tears running down his cheeks to dampen Teran’s ample bosom.

“Will you do anything for me?”

“I would die for you mistress,” Kreon sobbed his body trembling against Teran’s.

“Look at at me.”

Teran brushed her lips against Kreon’s, flakes of dried blood peeling away.

“I need you to die one more time.”

Kreon screamed as his body exploded in pain, his cries reverberating off the sheer mountian sides.

To Be Continued......

I sit and wait
Though I know you
Will not come.

I listen to your words
With their false ring.
I want, desire, in my
Heart.
What my mind knows
Will never be.

Your cruelty cuts
Deep,
Yet I return
Again and again
Though I know better.

The heart leads
And the mind follows.

Delnair pulled up her mount, the points of her ears twitching. Her eyes darted about trying to pinpoint what had sent the jolt up her spine. Esmeraldas held her breath as she watched Delnair slowly slide from her mount her left hand resting lightly on the pommel of her dagger at her waist.

An unusual calm filled the air. There wasn’t the normal sounds of the forest. Delnair sniffed but the water obscured any scent.

“Someone lives near by,” whispered Delnair to her mount as she eased toward the bank.

Esmeraldas stared wide eyed as Delnair approached her heart pounding. Her mind screamed at her to flee. Her feet stayed firmly planted her knee’s digging into the soft ground of her hut’s floor.

Delnair paused and squinted across the stream. Suddenly she leaped atop her moount ans spurred him forward into the water. Esmeraldas let out a gasp and turned to her feet getting tangled in her chain.

The splash’s of Delnair’s mount grew closer. As her mount Delnair noticed the hidden path that led from what appeared to be a hut set back away from view.

Esmeraldas frantically looked about her small hut desperate to hide. “Frak!” cursed Esmeraldas as the sound of the mount grew closer the brush around the hut rustling.

Delnair looked about the hut her eyes narrowing. No one had come forward yet the hut had the look of recent habitation.

“What weirding is this,” murmured Delnair. Her hand momentairly went to the pommel of her dagger her palm cupping it before reaching ound and unhooking her short sword. The edge of the steel twinkled in the daylight as Delnair eased forward towards the huts entrance.

Esmeraldas gathered he chain her hand ready to use the heavy links as a weapon to defend herself from whoever was out there.

Delnair slowy turned the cornoer shading her eyes. Esmeralds leaped forward swinging the length of chain in her hands. Delnair let out a yelp of surprise as she sidestepped the attack bringing her short sword up to strike. Only to slowy lower her blade.

“What evil is this?” Delnair’s eyes traveled over the chain connected to Esmeraldas ankle.

“Leave!” hissed Esmeraldas. “You risk us both!”

“Frak that, no woman should be a slave.” Delnair spat out as she kneeled in front of Esmerldas to examine her ankle.

Esmeraldas jerked her foot away and scurried to the other side of the hut. Delnair stared at her mouth open.

“Why did you do that?”

“You need to leave. He might come back at any time.” Delnair cocked her head.

“I fear no man.”

“I fear this one.” Esmeraldas looked at Delnair her eyes wide with fear and pleading. “Please, for both our sakes, you must go!”

“What kind of man is this to inspire such fear?”

“He burned my mother,” whispered Esmeraldas as she turned her head to hide her tears.

Delnair stepped forward and sank to her knee’s. She reached out her long fingersand took Esmeraldas chin in her grasp. Gently she turned Esmeraldas chin and looked into Esmeraldas tear filled eyes.

“I’m getting oyu out of here I promise.”

Esmeralda gaped at Delnair her mouth opening and closing several times before she spoke.

“You mean that?” Esmeraldas whispered.

“If I work fast, we will be gone before anyone comes by.” Delnair smiled warmly. “Give me a moment to examine your shackle.”

Esmeraldas held out her foot and Delnair gripped it in her hands. “This shouldn’t take me long hold on.”

Delnair released Esmeraldas foot and rose turning on her heel and striding from the hut. Esmeralds listened as Delnair rummaged through her packs until she found what she was looking for.

“Just hang in there, ths will only be a moment,” Said Delanir as she once more grasped Esmeraldas foot and prodiced a slim piece of metal which she inserted into the shackles lock.

As Delnair worked at the lock Esmeraldas kept her eyes and ears open for the sheriff or any of the nosy villagers who would some times pass by to torment her.

“Almost there,” Delnair said softly as she manipulated the piece of metal.

Esmeraldss found herself smiling and looked down at Delnair. Really looking at her for the first time. Esmeraldas noticed how the points of Delnair’s earswere sharper than her own, almost like tiny mountain peaks poking through her hair.

Delnair let out a sound of triumph and Esmeraldas looked down and gasped in amazement as the shackle fell from her ankle onto the dust of the huts floor.

Tears once more filled Esmeraldas eyes as she stood on trumbling legs. SHe threw her arms around Delnair burying her face in Delnair’s hair.

“You have no idea how I dreamed of this day,” she said softly her words muffled.

Delnair grinned and returned Esmeraldas embrace. “We need to go, before anyone shows up.”

“It’s a litle too late for that,” rumbled a deep voice.

Esmeraldas gasped and pulled away from Delnair. Delnair whirled about to see Jandar standing at the entrance to the hut his massive frame filling it.

“I’m taking her with me,” Delnair said emotionlessly.

“She’s the daughter of a witch, she is chained here for her own good,” Jandar replied as he stepped forward.

Delnair smiles a bit, Jandar moved with an unsteady gait and his eyes showed signs of recent drink.

“It seems she is chaines so that even a drunken bastard such as yourself can sweatily flop about on top of her, limp flesh flopping between his legs useless.”

“You fracking bi tch!” howled Jandar as he drew his short sword and angrily thrust ar Delnair.

“Such forwardness,” smiled Delnair as she easily paried the thrust and drew her dagger driving forward her short sword kncking away Jandar’s, her dagger thrusting forward the piercing the leather of Jandar’s breeches cold steel pressing up against the tender flesh of his groin.

“I’m taking her far from this evil,” hissed Delnair.

“You won’t get far,” gasped Jandar his eyes bulging with fear.

“Farther than you.” Delnair thrust her dagger and shoved Jandar away from her. Jandar let out a high pitched scream of pain both hands clutching at his groin trying to staunch the massive flow of blood.

Delnair ignored Jandar’s flailing and pleas for help turned and held out a hand to Esmeraldas.

“It’s time to go,” she said simply.

To Be Continued........

Rough callused hands woke Esmeralda’s. The night sky was still black the light of the of the distant stars twinkling. Drago’s breath misted in the air as he peered down at his daughter.

“Rise daughter, we have much ground to cover.”

Drago faded into the shadows and Esmeraldas groaned as she rolled over and gazed upon Delnair. Only in her sleep did one ever see Delnair at peace. Features that were hyperfeminine, Esmeraldas reached out and touched Delnair’s cheek.

Esmeralda’s could clearly see it in her mind, the day she met Delnair. The late fall sun was warm on the rocks by the river. The bubbling laughter of the villages younglings drifted over the soft babble of the water.

Esmeraldas looked upon the bridge connecting the island village to the shore with longing. The heavy iron chain about her ankle burned her skin despite it’s looseness.

“It isn’t meant to be,” murmured Esmeraldas to herself as she turned back into the small hut that was her home. The chain hissed on the polished wood as Esmeraldas made her way to the plain table near the fire.

“Where’s dinner?”

Esmeraldas gasped as she looked up into the eyes of Jandar the villages sheriff.

“I...I wasn’t expecting you,” stammered Esmeraldas as she slowly rose to her feet.

Jandar’s hand was rough as it smashed into Esmeraldas cheek.

“I could of put you on that fire with that witch mother of yours,” Jandar’s breath was sour with beer. “But lucky for you,”” Esmeraldas cried out as Jandar raised her skirt and thrust his dirty fingers between her legs. “But this treasure, is so damn sweet.”

Esmeraldas tried to scream as Jandar pressed his lips to hers.

“Damn it you fraggin slit,” hissed Jandar, “shut up and take it.” The back of his hand rocked back Esmeraldas head making her vision narrow.

“I’m going to break that witch’s spirit in you ,” grunted Jandar as he forced Esmeraldas onto her bed his massive sweaty weight smothering Esmeraldas.

Jandar tied his greasy breech’s and looked down on Esmeraldas.


“Frack, at least show some life.” Jandar spit on the ground and walked off into the cool night air.

Esmeraldas sniffled as she wiped her slick thighs with the rough material of her skirt. Despite the pain she rose to her feet and sat down on the bench. Her long slim fingers trembled as she tore off a hunk of brown bread.

Esmeraldas closed her eyes as she chewed, visions of Jandar violating her swimming across her eyelids.

“You can’t let this go on,” Esmeraldas told herself as she swallowed. Warm salty tears ran down her cheeks blinding Esmeraldas.

“Stop it,” mumbled Esmeraldas wiping her face. “You can’t keep going on like this.”

Esmeraldas stood and shuffled over to the fire tossing on a log and stirring up the coals getting the fire roaring once more. Sighing Esmeraldas alid down on her bed and pulled her thick woolen blankets over her and curled u phugging her knee’s tight to her chest. She finally drifted off to sleep long after the fires coal had faded black.

Delnair rubbed her red and weary eyes as her mount plodded along. The bone jarring wearyness of ther road pentrated every fiber of her body.

“A hot bath, slab of meat, mug of beer, and the soft curves of a woman would be heaven right now,” growled Delnair to her mount as she wiped her dust smeared face with a grubby hand. Her mount snorted and just kept plodding along.

“I knew I could count on your love,” Delnair grinned despite her wearyness. It was looking to be a delightful day and Delnair began to whistle softly as she guided her mount along the well trodden path.

Esmeraldas hiked her skirt up and waded into the cool water. Her nimble fingers gathered the fishing lines she had put out last night smiling at the large catch. Thoughts of fish fried with potatoes danced through her mind.

Delnair sniffed and smiled, the aweet smell of water filled her nose and she urged her mount forward.

Esmeraldas whipped her head about at the sound of brush cracking and the thump of hooves approaching. Fear gripped her as she tossed the last of her catch into her basket and gathered her slick wet chain in hand and scrambled up the bank and into her hut.

Esmeraldas peered through a crack in her hut’s wall her heart pounding so loud in her ears she couldn’t even hear the burble of the water.

“Please go by,” whispered Esmeraldas.

Teran stretched her silky naked skin a faint bronze among the furs. She cocks her head smiling at the screams of Kreon, continous even this late in the afternoon. No matter how much pain she sent through his reanimated bodies he still would disobey her.

“Time to have another chat,” teran murmured as she stood and gazed at her naked form briefly in the silvered mirror before casually tossing a a fur robe about her shoulders.

Kreon felt as if his brain was melting ,the white hot poker fro mthe night before had blossomed into a raging inferno that left him whimpering clawing at his shackles, reaching for anything to end the agony of his renewed existance.

“Tell me minion, does the pain give you pleasure?”

Teran’s voice shattered the globe of pain and Kreon’s vision slowly faded from white on white sun bursts to the hazy mist of shadows.

“Burn in hell!” Kreon screamed as he arched his back as the pain enveloped him once more.

“I don’t think so, I escaped from there once before, I have no desire to return.” Taren smiled coldly her crimson lips pout like.

“KILL ME!”

Taren leaned down her lips brushing Kreon’s ear. “Not yet, you still have work to do.”

“No more, please, end it.”

Taren laughs and the room goes cold.

“I’m sending you off , this time do not fail me.”

The ravens launched into the air a mass of black against the blueness of the sun as Kreon’s screams once more echoed off the mountains.

Esmeraldas wiped her weary eyes. Delnair eased off her mount wincing at the pain as she stretched her legs.

“Frak! My thighs are bloody raw. That bastard could slow the pace a bit.”

“You know he won’t,” rplied Esmeraldas as she wiped her dusty face with a wet rag as she led her mount to water.

The four Guardians had taken up their usual positions while Drago tended their mounts.

“No fire tonight, lasses. trsil rations, a short rest and we leave before the moons have completed their travels across the sky.”

“Do yuo sense something?”

“No daughter, we need to be aboard ship before the tide. The winter storms sometime come early, I wish to avoid that at any cost.”

Drago turns back to the mounts. Delnair sighs and reach’s for her saddlebags.

“I have some jerky and trail bread.”

“Has it fossilized yet?

Delnair chuckles despite her weariness. “I think even Drago would be hurt by it.”

“No thanks then. I’ll just gum the jerky.”

Delnair grunts as she tosses Esmeraldas a mass of dried meat.

Drago eased his massive frame onto the ground and let out a sigh.

“Old age, gets even the strongest of us,” grinned Delnair.

“I’ve seen more lifetimes than you can imagine young whelp,” growled Drago as he raised his wine skin to his lips.

“You old people are all the same, long in the tooth and long winded.”

“You live 2500 winters and see how long winded you get,” Drago grinned at Esmeraldas and Delnair.

“He’s not that old,” whispered Delnair to Esmeraldas.

“I’m to damn tired to care,” replied Esmeraldas as she laid out her blankets.

“It’s going to be a cold night,” sighed Delnair as she placed her blankets next to Esmeraldas. “No fire it seems.”

“As long as you keep me warm it doesn’t matter,” murmured Esmeraldas as Delnair scooted in close and pressed up tight against Esmeraldas.

“Sh, love,” whispered Delnair, “Get some rest.”

Esmeraldas tossed and turned trying to sleep. At her side Delnair slept deeply. The fire had burned down to a pile of red coals its heat pulsing out into the cool night air. Esmeraldas opened her eyes and looked about. The four guardians were still standing keeping watch over them.

Wincing at the stiffness in her body Esmeraldas rose and began to move about. One of the Guardians turned her head slightly and gazed at Esmeraldas. The cold piercing gaze made her shiver as she pulled her cloak tighter about her.

“What happened?”

At the sound of Delnair’s voice Esmeraldas turned and hurried to her side.

“I’m here for you love,” she whispers as she kneels at Delnair’s side.

“I feel so worn out.”

“You’ll be ok, your just tired.”

“My entire body hurts.”

“You angered Drago.”

“I don’t remember anything.”

“I’ll feel you in later. We are going to travel with Drago and his companions.”

“Why? I don’t trust him.”

“”He’s my father.”

“You believe him?”

“I do.”

“So you’ve forgiven him?”

“No, we still have much to talk about, and there are many unanswered questions, but for now I think it is best to go along with him.”


Thunder rumbled across the black mountains as lightning flashed lightning up the razor peaks. Kreon opened his eyes and screamed at the pain that filled his entire body.

“You failed me servant,” hissed a voice out of the blackness.

“I didn’t mean to,” groaned Kreon as his body convulsed as another wave of pain washed over him.

“You did not follow my orders, you confronted Drago.”

“I can handle that old bastard.”

“Obviously not, it was his angry person welp that took me by surprise.”

“Drago found her?”

Kreon screamed as his body exploded with new pain his mind going numb for a moment.

“Please mistress, release me!” Kreon screamed his every nerve on fire.

“You have displeased me servant. You will suffer as long as I deem fit.”

“No mistress, I beg you.”

“I want more than begging. I want subservience.”

“I have no other master mistress! I only serve you!” Kreon’s body convulsed as the power coursed through his body setting every nerve ablaze with pain.

“You remember that.”

The light faded in the room leaving Kreon in the dark his body convulsing his screams echoing off the bare mountain walls.

Taren Dhamhall blocked out Kreon’s screams as her dark magic ravaged his body. With a wave of her hand she closed her door as she entered her rooms. Lush rich tapestry’scovered the slick black rock walls.

A Gendern stood quietly as Taren disrobed.

“Your bath is ready mistress,” it hissed in its soft gravely voice.

“leave,” ordered Taren as she descended into the steaming water.

The Gendern bowed and closed the massive heavy oak door behind it. Taren closed her eyes the wearyness of the day heavy upon her.

“The old dragon grows bold, she must be the last of his children, I’ve hunted down the rest. How could of I missed one?” Taren said outloud to herself as she washed her body.

Gracefully she rose and stood the water slowly running down her bronze skin. Her fingers lightly traced her curves pausing at her nipples which were proudly upthrust.

“So old friend, you want to dance once more, but this time you’re going to get more than burned.” Taren smiled and headed towards her bedchamber.