NaNoWriMo '08

There were not many people in Nori Four-Ways who were wealthy enough to really afford a servant. Still, Toram felt that it made sense to still show them, in case a traveling noble or local noble decided to acquire one. His clan was relatively well known for well-trained servants, and he was not about to soil that reputation by not even showing any.

Erin truly looked awful, however, and so Toram left Slivia in charge, should any clients show up, and left to find Eól. The boy was trustworthy and diligent, two qualities that led Toram to believe that he would be able to take over for Erin for a few days.

He made his way to Eól’s wagon, and knocked politely. The door was soon opened by the boy himself.

“Hello Eól, I was wondering if you are busy?”

“No, Sen’Toram,” he replied respectfully, “Would you like to come in for a cup of tea or something?”

“Thank you but no,” Toram answered, “If you are not busy, would you mind helping Slivia an I in the servants’ tent? Erin is really in no fit state of mind to work.”

“Of course I’ll come!” Eól said, “Please excuse me just to put my boots on and grab a cloak. Should I meet you at the tent in a few minutes?”

“That would be perfect, thank you,” Toram said, smiling. He turned and walked back to the tent.

“Erin, go home,” he said as he arrived. The tent was still deserted, though several townsfolk were milling outside near the other stalls.

“No, Toram, it’s alright…” he tried to protest.

“I insist. Go home and get some rest. Eól will replace you for a few days,” Toram embraced him tightly, then gently pushed him towards the tent opening. Erin made his way out, his shoulders drooping and his feet dragging. Toram looked after him.

“He really cared for Methal, didn’t he?” Slivia asked him gently.

“Yes. He was sure she would come around any day, and accept his marriage offer,” Toram said, “I can hardly imagine what he is going through now.”

“It is good that you men stick together,” Slivia said.

“Yes, it is.”

Just then, Eól made his way into the tent.

“I’m not late am I?” he asked a little breathlessly, “I saw Erin leaving.” He sighed gently.

“Well, let’s not get too depressed now, alright?” Toram said loudly, clapping his hands once, “We have business to attract!”


The business they attracted was not at all what they expected.


Shortly before midday, a mounted rider raced into the town. Upon learning about the Do’vram gathering and sale just outside the camp, and that that was where the local nobles and mayor of Nori Four-Ways were, the rider stormed into the camp, sending townsfolk and Do’vram alike scurrying to the stalls to make way.
The rider reined in just short of the cream tent. Jumping down, he grabbed the reins and walked up to the tent.

“I am looking for Lords and Ladies Ellena Shonam, Wil Traavis, Anabel Lavet, Patrik Lepar, and Mayor Vaxer Selda,” the voice was surprisingly female. She untied the scarf from her face, revealing a middling dark face and dark brown eyes. Her divided skirts were dark orange, embroidered with three silver roses. This proclaimed her a messenger of the Lower Royal House of Dania, “The leader of the Al’Seâr clan of the Do’vram is also invited to join this meeting, along with any two high members he or she desires to have present.”

Toram looked up at this. He quickly sent Eól scurrying, “Fetch Zelda and Galdor, as quickly as possible. Tell them of the rider, and tell them to meet me here.” Eól barely nodded before he dashed off.

Meanwhile, as the local nobles were making their way to the rider, Toram too, stepped out from the tent and made his way. He held his head proudly.

“I am Toram fo Regada, current leader of the Al’Seâr clan of the Do’vram,” he announced, “Two of my most respected clan members are on their way.” The rider inclined her head in acquiescence.

The other local nobles, Ladies Ellena and Anabel, and Lords Wil and Patrik inclined their heads graciously. Mayor Vaxer smiled at him.

Within minutes, Eól returned slightly out of breath with Zelda and Galdor.

“Allow me to introduce my most respected clan members,” said Toram formally, “This is Zelda do Anaïs, Healer of the Al’Seâr clan of the Do’vram,” Zelda bowed her head to the nobles, mayor, and the rider, “And this is Galdor do Driel, Head of the Council of Market Goods of the Al’Seâr clan of the Do’vram.” Galdor bowed his head as well.

“Thank you for assembling so quickly,” said the rider, addressing them all, “I am Valaina Ancalimë, messenger to the Lower Royal House of Dania. I am bearing an important message, for your ears alone. Toram fo Regada, as we are in the midst of your temporary land, is there a place where we can safely speak?”

“Of course,” he replied, wracking his mind for such a place, “If by your permission, Zelda do Anaïs may be allowed to invoke a spell of privacy, we may step inside this tent,” Toram gestured the cream tent, “once the servants have been taken elsewhere.”

“Please do so,” Valaina said, gesturing for him to go ahead. Toram inclined his head, and quickly ducked inside the tent.

“Slivia, Eól, please take Arwen, Lyas, and Nessa to whoever of your wagons is closer, and stay there until I come to find you,” he instructed. The two hastened to hand the concealing veil cloaks to the captives, and then to lead them out the back entrance of the tent.

“My Lords, my Ladies, Sir Mayor, Miss Ancalimë, if you would please step inside. I apologize for the lack of chairs,” he said, holding the tent flap open. Zelda and Galdor followed them in, and Toram brought up the rear.

“Zelda, if you please,” Toram said.

Zelda molded the magic that no one could see with her hands.

“It is done,” she said, inclining her head.

“My thanks,” Valaina said a little abruptly, “I am sorry to call for such a hasty gathering, but I was instructed to spread this message to every noble and traveling party I encountered on my way.

“Oracle Denisa at the Upper Royal House spoke a prophecy just four days ago,” everyone crossed their middle and fourth finger, and joined them to their thumb to ward off the evil of four, “She spoke of a strange young man, who had arrived in our midst, come to defeat the rising of the great Sea Dragon,”

Everyone present gasped. The Sea Dragon had not been heard of, neither head nor tail, for over a thousand years, when all Four of the Elemental Dragons had risen from their sleep to remake the world and restore balance. However, something had gone wrong, and the Dark Force of the World had somehow ensnared the Sea Dragon. She had had to be severely beaten back, wounded to the point of death… Or so everyone thought. The whereabouts of the other Three Dragons were, though as they retreated into their lairs, it was believed that the Dark Force had planted a seed in each of them. Their offspring would be Dark, leading the next Remaking to annihilation.

Valaina continued, “No one knows what this young man looks like, and Oracle Denisa was not helpful on this point, but it is believed that he must be very dark to be able to accomplish such a feat. Any sign of such a man who is not from this world, must be reported immediately and sent to either Melusa, home of the Lower Royal House of Dania, or Lencyn, home of the Upper Royal House of Dania. Please inform everyone you know of this. The sooner this young man is found, the sooner the Sea Dragon’s approaching rising will be defeated and our lives can return to normal.”

Toram very much doubted that anything would truly be considered ‘normal’ after this.

“Thank you for your time,” Valaina said, “Thank you Toram fo Regada for your hospitality. Unfortunately I must be on my way to inform other towns and cities. May you lead your life in health and happiness,” she ended formally.

“Thank you for your news Valaina Ancalimë,” said Mayor Vaxer, “We also wish you to lead your life in health and happiness,” the nobles and Do’vram echoed this wish, “May the winds be favorable on your journey,” he ended.

Toram went to open the tent flap as Zelda took apart the silence spell. Valaina recuperated her horse from a young boy, and mounted. She wrapped her long dark scarf around her head to keep the dust out. Whirling her mount, she waved her hand in farewell, and galloped out of the camp.

Mayor Vaxer conferred with the nobles to agree on how to announce the news of the prophecy to the town. It was agreed among the town leaders and Do’vram that they would both make the announcement later that evening. The day was to continue as a normal day.

Meanwhile, Toram headed to Slivia’s wagon. Knocking on the door, she opened and looked at him with big eyes.

“What did the rider want?” she asked.

“I’ll announce it later,” Toram said gravely, “You and Eól can bring out Arwen, Nessa, and Lyas now. Business will resume.” Slivia nodded and she and Eól led the captives back to the cream tent. Within minutes, everything was back to normal. It was as though Valaina had never ridden through the camp. Yet Toram could not get rid of the feeling that something monumental had just been announced.


Anaëlle finally allowed her trainees to rest. She retrieved the basket of cold cut meat, apples, and bread, and allowed them, and herself, to have a light meal.
After their meal, she allowed them and herself a short nap to digest the morning’s lessons and the meal. After an hour, she roused them.

“Wear this long concealing cloak Shane,” she said, handing it to him, “I don’t want everyone to know about you.” Shane slung the cloak around him. The sleeves were long and concealed his hands. The hood was deep enough that his face was kept in shadow. Then, she attached the leads, and led them out of the wagon. They would practice keeping their distances and adjusting their gait and steps.

Anaëlle led them out to the fields where they could practice easily. They fanned out behind her as she first walked at her normal pace. She could feel tugs and jerks of the leads as they learnt to adjust their pace to hers. Just as she went several paces without any incidents, she switched, slowing to shuffling gait, imitating that of an older person. The leads immediately went slack as they closed in on her. She didn’t change her rhythm, and the leads slowly regained a loose tautness. A few minutes later, she changed again, speeding up to a lady’s delicate walk. Someone muttered a curse behind her, Theos no doubt, as a couple of the lines jerked when their owner stumbled over the change in speed.

They kept this up for the better of an hour, before heading back to the wagon. There, Anaëlle proceeded to instruct them in the proper way of caring for their owner’s linen. Male and female servants were expected to know how to properly make a bed, turn it down, where to place hot bricks in the winter to warm the bed, as well as the proper way to avoid singing the linen with the bricks. She taught them the theory of how to wash the linens and properly air-dry them so they remained supple.

By the time she began teaching them how to properly act and serve refreshments to guests, the sun was close to setting.

Lith was the first to return to the wagon. She had been at the cloth stall all day, with a chair of course so she could rest her feet and back from the strain her pregnant belly put on her body.

“Hello,” said Anaëlle, looking up from correcting Shane on how to hold the pot correctly, “How was the day at the stall?”

“Oh it was fine, we’ve sold a lot of the lighter cloth. This is perfect weather, just when everyone is thinking of having some new spring clothes. Something strange did happen though,” Lith went on, “A rider stormed through the camp and demanded to talk with the local nobles, the mayor, and Toram! They all went into the cream tent and Zelda spelled it silent, so no one knows what that was all about. I expect Toram will tell us when he returns.”

Everyone was surprised at the news of the rider, and Anaëlle strongly doubted that her father would tell them what that was all about before sharing the news with the rest of the camp. That was something Lith still didn’t seem to understand. Just because they were part of the leader’s family did not mean they received news that was important to the whole clan before everyone else. Lith sat in the corner and picked up her embroidery hoop. Anaëlle was glad that she wouldn’t be spewing advice every three seconds about her training the servants. Though, knowing her, she might do despite seeming to be immersed in her embroidery.

Anaëlle had barely resumed her lessons when Toram came in as well. He seemed lost in thought, though his face looked closed in as well.

“Hello Father,” she said, rising to take his cloak. He handed it to her without a word and sat down at the table. Silence reigned in the wagon. Tension crept in.

“There will be a meeting in one hour. Anaëlle, instruct Lyas and the twins to go door to door and spread the message,” she stood, “Shane stay here,” he ordered as he made to stand and join them. Shane sat back down on the floor.

“Where is the meeting to be, Father?” Anaëlle asked.

“In the central market area,” he said automatically.

“Very well,” she said, and slipped outside, shadowed by Lyas, Relle, and Samira.

Outside, she gave instructions to the captives.

“This isn’t usual, this must be really big news if he wants you two help me spread the news. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know where the location is, everyone else will know. Lyas, go with Relle and cover the wagons to the left of this one. Samira, you are with me, we’ll cover the wagons to the right. Got it?” She asked.

“Yes miss,” said Lyas and Relle.

“Yes miss,” said Samira a beat later.

They split and began their rounds. Anaëlle carefully looked at the reactions her fellow clan members had when she announced the news. They varied from relief at finding out why the rider had come amidst them, to worry at what kind of news would require a silence spell.

It took a half hour for Anaëlle and Samira to complete their half of the camp. They waited for a few minutes outside Anaëlle’s wagon, and saw Lyas and Relle on their way. As a group, they reentered the wagon.

Silence still reigned in tandem with tension. Lith seemed to be concentrating extra hard on her embroidery. Shane had relocated to standing in a corner after putting away the practice utensils they had been using before Toram entered. Toram himself was still seated at the table, in the same position Anaëlle had left him in half an hour ago.

“Everyone has received the message, Father,” she said softly. Lyas and the twins hung up their cloaks and stood with Shane in the corner.

“Good,” he said, “Shane will stay here when the meeting begins. Who knows about him?”

“Apart from us?” Anaëlle asked, “I have only told Eól because he watched the captives when I first took Lyas and Theos over to the tent yesterday.”

“Good. Did you give him the news about the meeting?” he asked.

“No, Lyas and Relle did,” she replied.

“Go to him and tell him not to mention Shane to anyone. Go now,” Toram ordered her.

“Yes Father,” she said, hurrying to sling her cloak back on. The door slammed shut behind her as she ran down the steps.

As she hurried to Eól’s wagon, she wondered what the news was even more. Obviously, Toram thought it somehow related to Shane, making him anxious to keep him hidden. But why? If he was a fugitive from the law, why would Toram want to protect him? So many questions, and none would be answered before the meeting.

Anaëlle arrived at Eól’s wagon and knocked. Luckily for her, he opened the door.

“Can I talk to you out here for a minute?” she asked.

“Sure,” he said, and stepped outside, shutting the door behind him.

“Have you told anyone about Shane being a…” she whispered, “foreigner?”

“No,” he said, “why?”

“Oh thank goodness!” she said, itching to hug him in relief, “I don’t know why, Father just asked me to tell you to keep quiet about him when I told him I’d told you, after he asked me if I’d told anyone.”

“Oh. Does this have anything to do with the meeting tonight?” He asked.

“Probably. But I don’t know any more than you do. You know how Toram is about equality even among his family. I won’t find out until tonight,” she said, “Anyway, I’d best be getting back. Thank you so much for not saying anything, and I’ll see you later alright?”

“No problem, see you later!” he said, slipping back inside.

Anaëlle hurried back to her wagon. The air still had a slightly wintry chill about it when the sun started to set. However, she arrived only to find Lith holding Lyas’s, Relle’s, and Samira’s leads, as Toram closed the wagon door. Anaëlle fell in step with them, taking over the three leads.

They made their way to the central area in front of the cream tent. Most of the clan members were already there, milling about with a low buzz of conversation. They fell silent as Toram made his way through the crowd to stand in front of the cream tent. Someone had brought out one of the boxes that the servants usually stand on, for Toram to stand and be slightly elevated so everyone could see and hear him.

“Good evening everybody, and thank you for assembling on such a short notice,” he began, “You will all have noticed that earlier, a rider halted among us and requested to meet with the leaders of Nori Four-Ways and I. She bade us to share the news with our clans. Mayor Vaxer will be announcing this to his townsfolk tonight as well.

“The rider bore a message from the Royal Houses of Dania. Oracle Denisa prophesized that a strange young man had come to our world to defeat the rise of the Sea Dragon. We have been raised with stories of the Four Elemental Dragons. As far as I know, the Sea Dragon has not risen yet. We will continue to lead our lives as we always have. The messenger has asked us to keep an eye out as we move for the strange young man. If we come across him, we are to escort him to Melusa or Lencyn, whichever is closest to us. The Royal Houses will then take over from there.”

Toram paused and observed his audience. Several people wore expressions of fear, of worry, and strangely, of relief.

“That will be all, if you have any questions or worries, you know where to find me,” he said, “I wish you a good evening, and to keep leading your lives in health and happiness. Good night.”

Toram stepped down, and rejoined Lith, Anaëlle, and the three servants. People milled around a little, talking lowly in groups, but steadily made their way back to their wagons and evening meals.

“Toram,” said a male voice, “How are we supposed to know what this ‘strange young man’ looks like – I assume he is one of us?” It was Ladr, Eól’s father.

“No, he isn’t. That is what will make it somewhat easier for us to keep a lookout for him. Valaina, the messenger, thought that he would probably be dark-skinned, but apparently Oracle Denisa did not specify. Does this answer your question?”

“Well as much as anyone can answer it. I don’t suppose anyone will know who it is until they lay their eyes on him,” Ladr said, barking a short laugh.
“Undoubtedly,” agreed Toram. Anaëlle’s stomach fluttered with nerves. She was sure now, that Shane wasn’t captured by accident.


It seemed that no one had any other questions. When the square was mostly empty, Toram began to lead his family back home. Anaëlle followed him and Lith, with Lyas, Theos, and the twins walking behind her. They were maintaining the distance quite well, she noticed absentmindedly. She supposed she would have to tell Shane about the prophecy. Unless Toram wanted to tell him.

They reached the wagon and filed in. Shane had thoughtfully already pulled down the beds, slipped warm bricks between the sheets, and began dishing out stew into bowls as Lyas closed the door behind them all.

“Thank you Shane,” said Anaëlle, smiling at him, “This looks wonderful. Where did you learn to cook?”

“Back home,” he said, “Never without an oven though, or microwave, but I think this isn’t too bad. Some of the meat might be a little burnt though.” He smiled apologetically.

“Don’t worry about it, I’m impressed you’ve managed this, not being from here,” she said, “I’m not even going to ask what an oven or a micra-thing is because I’ve never heard of one and I’m pretty sure there aren’t any here.”

Shane smiled, “So, what was the meeting about?” Damn. That was totally tactless.

Anaëlle exchanged looks with Toram, “Would you like me to tell him Father?” she asked.

“Please,” he said wearily, and dug into his meal.

“Well, earlier today, a messenger rode through the market stalls and requested a private audience with the local town leaders and Father. She brought news of a prophecy, concerning a strange young man come to defeat the rising of the Sea Dragon,” she said rather quickly after starting slowly.

“Uh…” Shane said, “Aren’t sea dragons tiny?”

“No, the Sea Dragon is one of the Four Elemental Dragons which rise periodically to remake the world and restore balance,” Anaëlle explained.

“So isn’t it a good thing that he’s rising?”

Anaëlle sighed, “This involves quite a bit of our history. About a thousand five hundred years ago, the Elemental Dragons rose to remake the world. But after their forging, as they returned to their secret lairs, the Dark Force of the world ensnared the Sea Dragon, turning him to his cause. It is believed that the Dark Force has also planted his seeds in the other three Dragons, which means that the world is now in danger. If Dark Dragons rise, then the world will know chaos and annihilation, rather than chaos and rebirth.”

“So this means…”

“Shane I think the reason why Father asked you to stay here during the meeting – correct me if I’m wrong Father – is because he believes that you might be the young man come to fulfill the prophecy.”

“Me?!” exclaimed Shane, “No way! I… I’m not from here true, but I can’t fight a flipping Sea Dragon! Those are complete myths where I come from! Stories to scare children at night! I’m just a regular guy – I’m not even dark skinned! No one will take me seriously, I’ll just get thrown in prison or something!”

Anaëlle thought he might react in this way. She also thought he had very valid points.

“I know, but… If you are the one, there’s really nothing you or I or anyone else can do about it,” she said, looking at him a little sadly.

“Look, can we just eat and, and we’ll talk about this later?” Shane asked, pushing a bowl of stew towards Anaëlle, and placing one in front of Lith’s place. He hurriedly dished out four other bowls, and handed one to Lyas, one to Relle, one to Samira, and kept one for himself.

“Alright,” Anaëlle said, as she sat down at the table and began eating. Shane also pulled out some bread to go with the stew, and then he joined the other servants at the other end of the wagon. He couldn’t help but notice that Lyas, Relle, and Samira sat a little closer together and a little farther from him. His mind was in turmoil at these new revelations. He felt like his brain was going to explode from so much new information.


That night, Shane couldn’t get to sleep. He lay in the dark for a long time, thinking over what had happened to him in the last four days. Walking through the park, getting captured, being knocked out for two days, waking up to Anaëlle and her strange world, learning a whole new set of customs and traditions because he was now destined to become a servant, and now this. The prophecy. What kind of world was this where there were prophecies? And Dragons that regulated the world? It was as though humans were just pesky insects that had to be wiped out every once in a while. But they always seemed to come back, eh? Or maybe not. He guessed that one of the reasons why Anaëlle and the others were worried about this rising was in part because no one knew what really happened when the Dragons remade the world. Then again, if they knew the last one was a thousand five hundred years ago, then some form of records, at the very least, must have survived, along with actual survivors. Otherwise they wouldn’t know the existence of the Dragons.

Dragons. Complete myths back home, unless he counted dinosaurs. And they were long extinct. Like, sixty-five million years extinct. Of course there were medieval stories about knights fighting dragons and all kinds of other creatures and fairies and witches and all, but everyone knew those were made up too. Though now, Shane was forced to consider: what if they weren’t made up? What if the world really was inhabited by these so-called mythical creatures, and they just showed up once in a while?

That was ridiculous. Shane shook his head, trying to restore a little order and rationale in his mind.

But… what if he was the one the prophecy spoke about? He still clung to the probable fact that no one would accept him as such because of his skin color. Funny that. He never expected his skin color to save him from anything. He lifted his hand in the dark and looked at it dimly. It looked the same, apart from the thin leather cuff he wore around his wrists.

Then again, his skin was different than everyone else’s. It didn’t shine and shimmer Anaëlle’s did. He didn’t have streaks or swirls of color the way Lyas, Theos, and the twins did. He rolled over onto his side. What was he going to do? What could he do? What kind of options did he have? His skin marked him twice now, once as an inferior and once as an outsider. The rings in his ears marked him a third time, as a servant. He would get nowhere without any help. And, he had to admit to himself, Anaëlle was really the only source of help he had. Mistress Lith-Sela, well, she was nothing to him, and Toram was only being civil because he had recognized validity in his speech the previous day. Anaëlle on the other hand… She had already begun speaking to him differently when he woke in the night and she gave him some of that drink to put him to sleep. Sleeproot.


Anaëlle too was awake long in the night. She heard Shane tossing about, and knew he was finding no solace in sleep. Her mind was racing, trying to piece together all the pieces. There was no doubt now, they would press on to Lencyn. Perhaps the twins would sell there. She sighed internally. They would be here for a few more days yet, and it was at least a week’s journey to Lencyn, if they didn’t stop. She thought of the prestige her clan would get at delivering Shane… but immediately, she regretted the thought. She liked him. He was nice, eager to learn, and smart. He was probably terrified of this load of information, especially with the prophecy. Anaëlle knew she would be scared if someone suddenly plopped her in an unfamiliar world, bound her, and then told her she had to defeat the rising of a terrifying creature. By the Elementals, she wouldn’t want to save a world that wanted to put her in a lifetime of servitude! As she rolled over and sleep finally overcame her, she told herself that she would see Shane home safe, no matter what the costs.


The wagon was lightening slightly when Shane finally found sleep. He could hear Lyas stirring, and he knew that the pale young man would rise to fetch bath water and prepare breakfast soon. Shane buried himself further under the blanket and hoped that the little sleep he managed to snag would be enough for the day.


Later that morning, Anaëlle resumed her training, while Lith and Toram returned to the market stalls, Lith selling cloth and Toram in the servants’ tent.
Toram took Lyas and met Eól with Arwen, and Slivia with Nessa. Once again, they presented the three servants. Very soon, Ladies Ellena and Anabel glided up to the tent, accompanied by a handmaiden each and four guards. Their dark skin glistened.

“Hello, Sen’Toram fo Regada,” Lady Ellena said, addressing him formally, “May we view your merchandise?” she asked.

“Lady Ellena Shonam, Lady Anabel Lavet, you honor me,” Toram replied, “Please call me Toram. Follow me,” he said, holding the tent flap open. The ladies and their retinue entered the spacious cream tent. Nessa, Lyas, and Arwen stood in a row on their display boxes.

Lady Ellena’s grey dress made no sound as she circled each of the three servants. Toram felt pride as not one of them batted an eyelash. They looked straight ahead with a nondescript expression on their face.

“What do you think Anabel? Should I get a male or a female?” Lady Ellena asked her companion.

“I don’t know Ellena. You already have two males and a female. Why not acquire a second female?”

Lady Ellena observed Arwen and Nessa, her eyes flicking back and forth between them.

“Then again, I do like the look of that male. He is verrrrrry pleasing to look at,” she remarked. Lady Anabel made a noise of agreement, “Sen’Toram, what are the names of these servants?”

“The male is named Lyas, the redhaired female is Arwen, and the other female is Nessa,” Toram inclined his head, “Is there anything else milady wishes to know about them?”

“How long have they been undergoing training?”

“Lyas here joined us just last week but has proved to be a very quick learner. Arwen and Nessa have been in training three to four weeks.”

Lady Ellena made a noise of acknowledgment and resumed her observation of all three of them.

After a moment, she spoke again, “May I view Lyas in the back?”

“Of course milady,” said Toram, taking Lyas’s lead and walking to one of the privacy stalls, “If milady would accompany me,” he said, careful to avoid the word ‘follow’ as that was what Lyas was doing. Toram pulled the thick curtain to the side, and allowed Lady Ellena to enter. She took a seat on the chair provided, while Toram shut the curtain and unhooked the leads from Lyas’s cuffs, so he could undress more easily.

Toram held his showing clothes as Lyas stood naked before Lady Ellena. Her eyes observed his every nook and cranny, front, back, and both sides, before she said she had seen enough. Lyas dressed again as Lady Ellena waited outside with her retinue. When Toram emerged with Lyas in tow, she was whispering with Lady Anabel.

“Sen’Toram, how much longer will you be here?” she asked imperiously.

“I am afraid milady, that we must move on soon, probably tomorrow,” he replied unhappily, “Has milady made a choice?”

“No. I wish to see the dark blonde woman in private,” she said.

“Slivia if you please…?” Toram said, beckoning Slivia to take Nessa’s lead. The three women headed to the same privacy stall Lady Ellena had viewed Lyas.

They emerged a few minutes later. Lady Ellena headed straight to Toram.

“I wish to purchase Nessa,” she said, “What is her price?”

“Sixteen gold crowns,” Toram said confidently. He knew she would haggle.

“Twelve,” she said

“Fifteen gold, and twenty-five silver pieces.” There were fifty silver pieces to a gold crown.

“Thirteen gold.”

“Fifteen.”

“Thirteen gold, twenty-five silver.”

“Fourteen gold, forty silver.”

Ellena grinned, “Fourteen gold.”

“Fourteen gold, twenty silver.”

“Fourteen gold, ten silver.”

“Fourteen gold, seventeen silver.”

“Done,” she said, and reached for her moneybag. It jingled merrily. She turned away as she opened it and counted out the coins. Turning back to him, she put the money in her hand. He counted it quickly and surreptitiously, before opening the clan moneybag at his belt and dropping the coins inside. Slivia led Nessa to a stall, with a change of clothes. The showing clothes would remain within the camp. Nessa emerged a few minutes later wearing a demure long plain brown woolen dress with a modest neck and sleeves that came down to her wrists. A brown cloak was pinned at her neck, covering her shoulders. Slivia removed the leads and collars.

“Go on Nessa, you belong to Lady Ellena now. Don’t forget what I have taught you. Now then, don’t keep her waiting,” Slivia gave her a little push. Nessa walked to Lady Ellena, her head bowed and her steps even. Lady Ellena looked on approvingly.

“Sen’Toram, thank you for your help, I hope you lead your life in health and happiness,” Lady Ellena said as she curtsied lighly and turned to leave when Nessa had reached the respectable distance from her.

“Lady Ellena, it was my pleasure to serve you, may you lead your life in health and happiness,” he replied, bowing and smiling. He escorted her outside and watched her and Lady Anabel disappear.

“Good work, Slivia,” he said as turned back into the tent, “Let’s shift Lyas and Arwen over a little to the right now.”


Shane stepped out of the wagon during their break to go take care of pressing business. He walked out to a little copse of trees on the edge of the field and relieved himself. Straightening, he felt prickles between his shoulder blades. He looked around, not feeling quite as afraid as last time, since last time they captured him. Now he was theirs, marked by the rings in his ears.

Instead, Janeth suddenly stepped out in front of him. The big man took a few steps towards him.

“What do you want?” Shane asked.

“I want you,” he replied calmly.

“What do you mean? Why do you want me?”

“Come on, you’re not stupid are you? Everyone knows about the prophecy. I think it’s a wonderful thing that a light skinned man from another world has been chosen to save us. Ironic really. It’s like we can’t even take care of ourselves,” Janeth said. He took another step forward. Shane took a step backwards.

“Oh don’t worry, I’m not going to do anything to you,” he laughed, “You are too valuable to damage.”

“Why are you so persistent in finding me alone then?” Shane asked

“I like looking at you,” he answered, “Your skin is fascinating,” he lunged and grabbed Shane’s wrist, pulling it to him, “You have no shimmer, no streaks or swirls. It’s like you are not alive.”

“And yet I am,” said Shane sarcastically.

What happened next, Shane is not too sure. What he does know is that he ended up plastered with the tree at his back and Janeth at his front. Something warm and both soft and slightly rough touched his lips, pressing down gently then with more force. Janeth’s arms were on either side of his head, effectively trapping him.

But his arms were still free. His legs may have been slightly numb and wobbly from the effect of the kiss he was receiving, but his arms were free.

He used them. Bending them back, he managed to wedge his hands up to Janeth’s shoulders and push with all of his might. The giant didn’t budge but he did pull back from the kiss.

“What is the matter O Prophesized One? You can’t take a kiss?”

“I’m … not … gay!” Shane panted. So why did his legs go all wobbly? No! No no no, they did not go wobbly!

“Gay?” Janeth’s eyebrow raised, “That is not a term I am familiar with. Enlighten me.”

“I’m not attracted to guys,” Shane said.

“Are you sure about that?”

“…Yes,” Shane barely hesitated –his damn legs!– but if Janeth caught the hesitation, he didn’t remark upon it.

“If you say so,” Janeth said, and pushed himself away from Shane completely. To the point of taking two steps away.

Shane eyed him warily, then made his way back to camp.


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