Castlewarming Chapters 421-430
by Hercules Forum Collective
Chapter 421
by ANGEL
Ares grinned as he continued to wander around the battlefield unobserved.
It was times like these that he really loved being a God. It was so
fulfilling to know that if he chose to, he could swing the outcome to
whichever side he chose. This time he would make sure that the Amazons
either won, or at least suffered minimal casualties. He frowned suddenly,
thinking if it hadn't been for Angel's insistence that he side with the
Amazons, this war could have been a lot more fun.
He stopped his thoughts long enough to dispatch one of Stygnos' men before
he did some damage to the Amazon he was trying to sneak up on. 'Well,' Ares
continued to muse, 'at least Hades should be happy. He will undoubtedly get
quite a few souls before this war is over.' He materialized momentarily to
help another Amazon defeat the four men who had decided to gang up on her.
"Thanks, Lord Ares" the grateful Amazon said as the last of her attackers
fell. With a nod Ares turned and disappeared again. She shrugged and went
back to fighting, glad that the rumors of Ares siding with them were really
true.
Ares continued to scan the battlefield, looking for certain mortals as he
continued on. Hmm, this was curious, Hercules had been there earlier, where
had he gone? 'No matter, I didn't promise Angel I'd baby-sit my brother, so
he can fend for himself!' Besides, war was no fun with Hercules present, he
always won. Rarely did he ever get into serious trouble, so maybe it was
for the better that he was off to who knew where.
Ares again frowned as he got to the edge of the battleground. He had
accounted for most of the Amazons who were supposed to be here, but, a few
were missing. And as luck would have it, they just happened to be some of
the Amazons Angel had asked him specifically to find, mainly the previously
injured Aquillea.
'Great' he thought. 'Now I'll have to go looking for her! I just hope the
other missing mortals are with her. Guess I'll look for them at the camp.
With any luck they'll have taken some injured there and I can come back
soon.' With that thought he left.
Ares appeared back at the camp. All seemed quiet here. He noticed the new
Healer and RainCloud's recent injury. Now that would be a story to hear
later. Impatient to get back to the action however, he didn't want to make
his presence known now. This would only further delay him.
He noticed that not only was Aquillea not there, but neither was
Lyrical, and she was supposed to be in camp. Come to think of it, where
was Eeyoraus? Wasn't she supposed to be here too? He hadn't seen Gabrielle,
Joxer, Auto, Maddie, or Greenie either. Just what in Tartarus was going
on here?
An eerie feeling that those missing were not just out for a stroll was
beginning to bother him. This unusual and uncomfortable feeling only served
to irritate him further. He decided to search the surrounding woods near
the camp just to make sure the missing mortals weren't just off on their
own mission.
He wondered if Angel was right and Morpheus was involved. If so, he would
have a lot to answer for when Ares got ahold of him. First he invades Ares
dreams, then interferes with Ares' favorite mortals? That was
intolerable! Especially in the middle of a war! The new Demi-Goddesses Ares
couldn't stop Morpheus from messing with. But the mortal Amazons, now they
were a different story, especially since he would never hear the end of it
from Angel if anything happened to her Amazon sisters.
Ares once again was thankful that she wasn't right here, in the middle of
things, especially if something out of the ordinary was going on. He had
confidence that if it were just a simple matter of fighting, Angel would
hold her own without a problem, even though she'd been badly hurt just days
before. Days? Had it only been days? It'd seemed like months since she'd
come to him and announced she was going to Calee's castlewarming party. He
smiled as he remembered how she'd asked him to come with her then announced
that if he didn't go, she'd go without him. When he heard that his brother
was going to be there, Ares agreed to go. After all, who knew that Hercules
and Lyrical would end up together?
He had to admit to himself that it had been a spark of jealousy that had
made him agree to go, after all, last time they got together Angel and his
brother had gotten along too well for Ares liking. He remembered the
argument he'd had with her after that meeting. She'd insisted that they
were friends and she had absolutely no interest in his brother. He hadn't
believed her and they'd had an argument that almost literally shook the
walls of his Temple. Well, at least the making up part of the argument had
been well worth the fight!
Where were those annoying mortals? He'd now searched all the way
around the city, complete battleground, and camp area, and a good portion
of the woods with no luck finding any of the missing Amazons or their
friends!
His thoughts wandered back to Angel. She'd gotten hurt badly when she
fought his mother. She'd been in some nasty fights with Hera before, but
she'd never been injured so badly before. Not that he would have admitted
it to anyone, but it had frightened him. Every time she got badly injured
it scared him. He sometimes wondered if she got into those messes on
purpose, just to remind him that he could lose her. No, it wouldn't have
been like her to purposely get hurt. She just stood up for herself and
those around her. If that meant getting hurt, well, so be it. Unlike him,
she didn't fight just for the thrill of it, she fought for what she thought
was right, and for those who couldn't fight for themselves. Sometimes he
wished she didn't fight at all. 'No,' he mused, 'if she didn't fight for
what she believed in, she wouldn't be who she is. And I wouldn't love her
the way I do.' He started slightly; he hadn't admitted his feelings for her
in a long time, even to himself.
He wondered if he should go find Angel and tell her who was missing, or
just continue looking. He decided to go back to the battlefield. He'd
observe and listen to the mortals, maybe he'd find out where they went. He
liked that plan much better than upsetting Angel with the news that her
'beloved' sisters were missing. She'd probably rush off looking for them
and drag him along! And, he reasoned, why should he have to miss a
perfectly good war, just to go rushing off after a few missing mortals?
Once he decided what to do, he headed back to the battle to watch and
listen, occasionally stepping in to wound or kill a member of the
opposition's army.
Maddie was briefly disoriented by her fall from the toppled altar but
managed to turn her landing into a backward somersault that landed her, if
somewhat unsteadily, on her feet. Her staff once again at the ready, she
prepared for the onward rush of Bacchus' minions. Bacchus himself had moved
further from the fray, along with Lilith who had managed to grab the bowl
from the table before it had fallen. Maddie could only assume that she
found the contents too precious to waste.
Maddie realized she have to make her way through this first line of defense
before she could even get near Bacchus. It actually made sense to eliminate
as many Bacchai as she could before pursuing her main goal. That would mean
less of them to trouble her human (and therefore, vulnerable) friends. She
managed to drop two of them with quick but rather savage blows to the head.
One stab of the staff end made dust piles of them quickly enough.
She glanced around quickly, realizing that her friends were managing to
hold their own against the creatures. The gentlemen had managed to lose any
inhibitions they might have had about fighting with women (especially when
the woman was ten times stronger than they were). The amazons had no such
reservations to begin with and the ranks of the Bacchai were decreasing
until it appeared they almost had a fair fight on their hands. Bei had
taught them well and Maddie had begun to feel a grudging respect for the
dispatcher. Now it was time to go after Bacchus.
Maddie made her way back to where Bacchus was once again seated on his
throne. Sunrise was coming soon, his forces were depleted and yet he still
seemed unconcerned. Were Maddie still fully human, her instincts would have
told her it was a trap but the combination of human and Bacchai emotions
blinded her.
"I see you have managed to find the vault," said Bacchus, gesturing toward
the staff.
"Yes, and I've found this quite useful," Maddie replied. She did not mind
the banter. It allowed her to catch her breath.
"You are playing with toys you don't understand, yet," said Bacchus. "But
you could. You still have a chance to join us, my dear. I don't think you
understand all I have to offer."
"I have everything I need right here," said Maddie sarcastically as she
raised the staff. But the dizziness was threatening to return. The nearness
of Bacchus made the hunger within her more painful than it had ever been.
She closed her eyes, fighting to concentrate. As she fought the weakness,
more Bacchai seemed to appear from thin air, surrounding the throne
platform. She barely noticed them.
Bacchus rose from his throne and slithered closer until he was practically
towered over the Bacchai Amazon. Her grip on the warstaff faltered as if
she would faint again. Bacchus would not let that happen this time.
"I can give you whole kingdoms, my daughter," he breathed, "to rule as you
see fit. By the time we are done no one will stand in our way. I'll have
countries to give to whomever I chose. You could have all of Greece, even
Rome."
"I don't, don't . . . want," she said weakly but the smell was once again
overpowering. She realized it came from the cup that he was holding just an
inch from her lips.
"No," she whispered and with one last ounce of strength dashed the cup from
his hands to the cave floor.
"So be it," he snarled and grabbed the bowl from Lilith's hands. He threw
the contents at Maddie with all his might, drenching her from head to toe.
Destiny was still talking to a few of the Guardians when Angel entered the
study. She stopped speaking to them long enough to tell Angel she'd be with
her in a few moments, then continued to issue instructions. After the last
of the Guardians left, she continued to stare into the Pool of Time,
pretending to check on something.
Angel sat down on a bench and waited for her sister to turn around. She
knew better than to disturb her sister when she was checking on someone's
destiny. At least that's what Angel presumed she was doing since Destiny
had not yet looked up from the pool.
Actually Destiny was really trying to mentally regroup her thoughts before
facing her sister. Ever since Angel had come to the castle Destiny had
sensed emotional distress in her. Angel didn't realize it, but Destiny had
been reading her mind, and she didn't like what she'd found. Destiny felt
Angel's momentary pain over Ariel's loss & her guilt over Destiny's being
'stuck' with not only one, but two huge responsibilities. Destiny had
similar thoughts in the past, and had even used the Pool of Time to see if
certain events had been different, what the outcome would have really been.
One such thought had been what would have happened if Angel had been the
head of all the Angels. Destiny had searched all the possibilities and had
always come back to the same three paths. In none of the possible destinies
that she had followed did her sister ever end up being the Head of All
Angels for long. No, Angel's destiny had always been with Ares. In fact,
either she would have still ended up in charge, Ariel would have gotten
the job, or another child would have been chosen. Destiny assumed that the
child was either hers, or perhaps a little sister of Ariel's. She supposed
that one day she'd sit down with Angel and explain this to her. She knew
that this was not the first time Angel had felt guilty over Destiny having
both 'jobs'. However she still hadn't found an easy way to tell her sister
all this without making Angel aware that there was a possibility that Ariel
would still be alive.
Destiny had always felt guilty about Ariel's death. After all, Angel had
wanted Ariel to take the position of the Head of Guardians, but Destiny
hadn't wanted to give it up then. She'd never told anyone, but she'd also
known that Ariel was going to die. Even though it was forbidden for her to
look at the future of a God or an Angel, she had been looking at Angel's
future and had seen Ariel's death. It was bad enough that she'd broken all
the rules by looking into Angel's future, if she'd told her sister or Ares,
they would have prevented Ariel's death, thereby changing her future.
Interfering in someone's destiny was an even bigger no-no than looking into
an immortal's future.
'Well, now that Angel's discovered that there *was the possibility that
Ariel might have lived, maybe it'll be easier to talk to her about it' she
thought.
Angel was getting restless waiting for her sister to finish. She shifted
her position on the bench in an attempt to get more comfortable.
"Why don't you sit on the couch over there" Destiny said as she pointed to
a couch, which sat in the corner of the room. "I'm almost done, I brought
you in here so you'd be more comfortable." She paused for a moment and
added, "I sensed your pain." Destiny tried to read Angel's thoughts again
but her sister was blocking her now. Good, maybe this would stop the line
of reasoning Angel had started down. "Why don't you get comfortable, Kisha
will be here in a moment to see if you need anything." She didn't turn
around as Angel complied with her sister's request and moved over to the
couch. Angel sat down and was asleep before Kisha even entered the room.
Good, this would give Destiny more time to regroup her thoughts before she
had to deal with her sister again.
As Angel slept, Destiny's thoughts wandered back in time to another child,
a child who never had a chance at life. She had never told either of her
sisters about the child, the one she lost while still in the early stages
of pregnancy. She was surprised that Ares had never told Angel about it.
But, then again, she'd made him swear not to say anything to anyone. She
remembered that day so well.
It was just a few days before Angel's fourteenth birthday. She was nineteen
then, and had been in her position as the Head Angel since she was
fourteen. Ares had come to see again, begging her to tell him why Angel had
been sent to Ireland, and why he'd been forbidden to go see her. He was
almost seventeen then, and almost as stubborn as he was now. This time when
he'd come to see her, he had said that just hours before he'd been asleep
and had heard Angel calling his name. Destiny tried to avoid his questions,
as always, and tried to tell him he'd only been dreaming, but he wouldn't
believe her. The truth was, Angel was in pain, and she had called
him. Destiny had felt it. Angel had also called out to her, and their
telepathic link had allowed Destiny to know what was happening, even over
the distance that separated them.
Destiny had been trying to get Ares to leave when it happened. She'd felt a
pain, greater than any she'd ever felt before, or since, then came the
blood. It flowed from her so quickly that she'd almost fainted. She had
stumbled, and almost fell, but Ares caught her. He lifted her up in his
arms as though she were a child and placed her on the couch, the same couch
her sister now slept on. That was the first time she'd ever seen fear in
his eyes. She'd begged him not to call his father, or hers, opting to break
the rules for the second time in her life by allowing him to call his
Guardian instead. His Guardian at that time was an Angel that Destiny knew
she could trust to help and not say anything to anyone. She'd made him
swear not to tell anyone, not even Angel. She told him that some day she'd
tell her sisters, but she hadn't even told the baby's father that she was
pregnant, how could she tell anyone else?
She sighed heavily. She still hadn't told the baby's father that she'd
been pregnant all those years ago. Years? Yeah, right! More like Centuries!
Back in a time when they'd all been young, and foolish. She still
remembered it like it was yesterday. She never did tell either of her
sisters, or anyone for that matter, about her lover. She had loved him,
much the same as Angel loved Ares. And he was a God, just like Ares. Well,
maybe not just like Ares. Her God was not a violent God. Not usually
anyway. But, to her, he was everything. At least until the Supreme Being
had discovered that Destiny was pregnant. He had known before she did. Of
course he did, he knew everything . He had reminded her that she could
not remain involved with a God.
He'd forgiven her for her relationship, but had told her to break it off,
unless her sister was willing to take her place. Not willing to give up her
position, she'd chosen to break off the relationship instead. How foolish
she'd been. Especially since her sister had been willing to do it. At least
she had then. She sighed again, looking over at her sister to see if she
was still asleep. Good, she was, Angel looked as though she needed the
rest.
While Maddie went to confront Bacchus, the little group continued to battle
furiously. It required such concentration that the combatants began to lose
track of each other, let alone where Maddie had gone. Michael continued to
look in on event through the reflecting pool near Rhiannon's temple but it
was difficult for him to follow her exclusively. It was also difficult to
maintain his objectivity. Every ounce of his being cried out to join battle
and ensure Maddie's safety. To interfere, though, would bring upon him
harsh punishment from the council of elders to whom even the Celtic gods
must answer. The council had a strict policy of non-interference in the
affairs of mortals when life or death decisions were at hand. The gods were
forbidden to save the life of a human (unless the human had been harmed on
sacred ground and was considered worthy of restoration) or to interfere
with human free will. They were also forbidden to become romantically
involved with any mortal. Rhiannon had warned her son that the punishment
of the council would be swift and could be devastating, even for a god.
Michael threw a stone at the image in utter frustration. He simply could
not see clearly from this point. Surely it would do no harm to observe from
some place in the cave. He would not interfere, the mortals would not even
be able to see him. With a flash, he was gone.
Michael materialized near the cavern wall, away from the battle. If the
mortals had been able to see him they would have found him rather
familiar-looking. His eyes and golden curls were quite similar to Iolaus,
but he was a bit taller and nowhere near as tan. The resemblance was enough
to bring about recognition but a second look would show they were not
identical.
Michael looked around attempting to get his bearings. Finally he seemed to
locate the object of search. He spotted the back of an auburn-haired amazon
battling one of the larger Bacchai who seemed to tower over her. It was all
he could do to keep from flying to her defense but Michael stood his ground
and wondered if his trip to the cave was a good idea, after all.
The amazon was managing to hold her own in the battle, moving with a speed
that seemed something more than mortal. Michael attributed this to the
Bacchai influence but he still could not get a full-faced look at the
woman. Suddenly there was a change. The Bacchai, sensing she was on the
losing end of the battle, turned into a snarling she-wolf and lunged for
the amazon's throat.
Something in Michael snapped. He charged across the cave, retrieving the
stake that the amazon had lost during the fight. He shoved the woman out of
the way, meeting the beast in mid-leap, driving the stake through its
heart. He hit the cave floor with a thud amidst drifting dust.
Michael looked up and the view of the amazon stunned him further. "Auburn
hair but different eyes," Michael thought. "Beautiful but different.
Different face. Beautiful, different amazing face." It was not Maddie who
stood before him but Eeyoraus, capturing his heart in a matter of seconds.
"Excuse me," said the demi-goddess, "I can usually fight my battles myself,
but. . . thanks. I think you saved my life."
"You . . you can see me?" Michael sputtered.
"Yes," E! replied as she became quite comfortable with the god's handsome
features. "But, who are you?"
At Bacchus' invitation, his rabid daughters descended upon the band of
heroes and chaos erupted. This time, no defensive circle could be formed,
the swirling currents of Bacchai separated the friends in an effort to
divide and conquer. Aquillea's eyes darted here and there trying to assess
the situation so that she might devise a feasible plan. But the situation
changed moment by moment, and the endless stream of attackers didn't allow
much opportunity for observing anything outside of arms' reach.
"Auto. . . .the tuning fork," the dark Amazon shouted across the expanding
flood of man-eaters. "You've got to get closer to Maddie."
Aquillea never knew if he'd heard the cry, for, just then, the tide carried
her across a lounging area where she tripped on a large, silken cushion and
lost her balance. Fortified by the life or death struggle, the woman was
nearly oblivious to the stabbing sensation in her ribs as she hit the floor
somewhat fortuitously. Two Bacchai, coming from opposite directions,
careened headlong into one another and fell unconscious on either side of
her.
"I knew you were headed for a fall," the Amazon quipped as she quickly
dispatched the pair then jumped back to her feet. Scanning the chamber yet
again, Aquillea almost absently swung her arm out, straight leftward, to
impale the jaundiced eyed specter she had caught in her peripheral vision.
Although the numbers of Bacchai were dwindling, the scene was becoming
increasingly nightmarish as overturned tables, cracked pitchers and tipped
over goblets were fountainheads for flowing rivers of crimson. Then the
reticent woman let out an audible gasp when her eyes fell upon a ghastly,
stricken Maddie, who was now, herself, dripping with Bacchus' vile blood
wine.
The Olympian, seeking to take advantage of the Bacchai Amazon's temporary
insensibility, nodded to three of his highest ranking disciples. Aquillea
observed Bacchus' cowardly directive with disgust and alarm. Nothing and no
one could be allowed to further harm Maddie or interfere with her
exterminating the libidinously evil god of wine. The trio had to be lured
away from their intended target.
Aquillea pulled her prized, collapsible spear from her left boot, skewered
a pillow with the instrument, and then put everything she had into the
left-handed throw. The projectile flew along the sole remaining upright
table, clearing the serving pieces in its path with much clanging and
splashing. As the last of the lust sating liquids spilled onto the ground,
the Bacchai assassins paused to stare and Aquillea surreptitiously reached
for her dagger.
"Aw. . . I am such a klutz," the brunette shook her head, seemingly
chagrined. "I really must apologize." Bacchus' hit-women were puzzled
but, otherwise, little more than irritated. However, the commotion itself
was not meant solely as a distraction. Aquillea needed to eliminate the
competition.
"Here," the dark Amazon said, extending her hand. Aquillea's lifeline ran
red with her own blood from where she had slid the blade of the dagger
across her palm. "This round's on me." She smiled as the yellow glowing in
the Bacchai's eyes intensified.
"Grade A. . . . positive," she enticed them into taking a step toward her.
She continued her baiting, "Fresh and Wholesome." The blood lust of the
ravenous Bacchai began drowning out thoughts of their father's bidding.
"It does a body goooood," Aquillea liltingly coaxed. The dark Amazon had
earned the undivided attention of the Bacchai trio who advanced steadily,
driven by a burning hunger.
As it happened, they were not the only ones to take notice.
Alec began to look more closely at RainCloud's breathing, something was not
right. He went to the table holding the herb bottles and reached for the
one containing the Mandrake. Taking off the cover he smelled the substance,
it seemed correct. Using his fingertip, Alec captured a few grains of
Mandrake from just inside the rim of the bottle. Touching his finger tip to
his tongue he tasted the contents. "It's mandrake all right." he said
walking back to the cot.
He gently lifted RainCloud and placed some blankets under her head and
shoulder to elevate her a bit higher and see if that would assist her
breathing any. Shaking her shoulders slightly, he said encouragingly.
"RainCloud take a deep breath."
RainCloud could hear Alec's voice but it seemed so distant. Slowly she
tried to take as deep a breath as she could, but as with her arms and legs
she was having trouble with getting the muscles in her chest to cooperate.
Stripe was wandering around the camp making sure that it was secure. She
looked up and realized that she wasn't that far from the lean-to where
RainCloud was and decided that she would stop in and see how she was doing.
As she stepped through the entrance and looked toward the cot where
RainCloud was lying, and immediately became alarmed.
RainCloud was deathly pale, and lying so still. Alec was shaking her by the
shoulders and saying something but Stripe couldn't make out the words. From
where she stood it was obvious that RainCloud was not breathing correctly.
Filled with rage Stripe reached over her shoulder and drew her sword.
When Alec heard the sound of the sword coming from the scabbard he looked
in that direction. There stood the Amazon who had threatened him before.
"What was up with this woman," he thought. Aloud he growled, "Listen, I do
not have time for this right now."
"Back away from RainCloud NOW!" shouted Stripe.
Alec looked down at RainCloud, her lips had taken on a bluish tint, her
breathing almost non existent. Looking back at Stripe he had a decision to
make. If he didn't back way it was very likely that the Amazon would attack
with her sword, yet if he did not help RainCloud she was going to die.
Knowing he stood little chance at disarming Stripe, he had witnessed
Amazon's in battle before and they fought fierce. He figured he could hold
his own for a short time, however precious moments would be lost. Turning
his undivided attention to RainCloud Alec had made his decision.
Encouraging her to breathe, he waited for a response, but there was none in
coming.
His frustration started to mount as he shouted her name and shook her even
harder. Stripe let out a mighty Amazon cry and launched herself at Alec. He
stood long enough to swing his arm backwards at Stripe. The unexpected
action knocked Stripe off balance as she stumbled back. Regaining her
balance she raised her sword intending to strike this so called healer
where he stood.
Alec had his back to Stripe, desperately trying to get RainCloud to respond
to him. Hercules entered the lean-to just as Stripe drew back her sword. As
she closed the distance between herself and Alec she started her forward
swing.
Lyrical did her best to try and get a little rest. This proved to be more
difficult than she thought. Even with the ropes loosened, her arms were
really beginning to tire. To make matters worse, Maloran couldn't stop
looking over at her and practically licking his lips at the thought of
watching Strife have his fun with her. Stygnos was aware of Maloran's
lack of concentration, and decided to send him on some kind of an errand.
" Maloran, go and find out how well our plan is progressing. I need to
know if any changes need to be made." suggested Stygnos, "After all, one of
the Warlords needs to make an appearance to keep them on their toes." "Yes,
your right," said Maloran, " It should be me. After all, I have the
reputation of being ruthless in battle. They could learn a thing or two
from me and...." His voice trailed off as he left the tent. Stygnos walked
over to Lyrical and looked her over very carefully. He wanted to make sure
that
nothing happened to this Amazon. Taking her face in his hand he looked her
over.
"You will fetch a good deal of money on the auction block." he said, " I
want to make sure you are in good condition. Guard! Go and bring Gildon in
here. Move or I'll run you through."
Stygnos, laughed as the guard rushed from the tent. In a matter of
minutes, Gildon stepped inside.
"Is there a problem with the girl, my lord Stygnos?" he asked cautiously
"Check her for any problems the ropes may be causing. I don't want her to
have marks on her wrists and ankles that won't heal before we can get to
the slave auction." Stygnos running his finger down Lyrical's jaw and down
her neck.
Lyrical thought she would throw up if this walking pig pen, touched her any
further down. Luckily, Stygnos wasn't about to go against Strife and his
warning. At least Lyrical hoped that he wouldn't.
"Take her down, and check her over, but don't take the ropes off." Stygnos
said, "And remember, if anything happens to her, or if she even tries to
escape, I will punish your family." Having given his threat, he left the
tent.
Gildon untied the center rope and gently let Lyrical's arms down. As he did
this she moaned in pain.
"I can give you something for that pain, but it would knock you out for a
while." Gildon said.
"No thank you, I have to keep my wits about me for now," Lyrical said with
a groan. "If I can stretch out on the ground for a few minutes that would
really help."
Gildon helped her lie down and started to put some suave on her ankles and
then her wrists. He worked around the ropes as best he could, even loosened
them a bit more.
" Just remember to tighten them back up before you leave," said Lyrical,
"I won't be responsible for anything happening to your family."
"Thank you." said Gildon smiling for the first time, " It has been awhile
since anyone has taken an interest in someone other than themselves around
here."
"Are there many in camp like you and your family?" she asked
"Actually there are quite a few slaves and so called wives of some of the
warriors." said Gildon, "Why do you ask?"
"I wanted to know if we had any sympathizers out there and if push came to
shove would they fight." said Lyrical. She was watching Gildon's face as
she spoke and could read his mind, as well.
"You can count on the slaves for sure and you know I will do everything I
can," he said, " Is there anything you can tell me now?"
Lyrical was about to answer, when Stygnos came back inside the tent.
"She looks better now, give her some water then leave." he commanded.
Gildon did as he was told and left. Once gone, Stygnos came back over to
Lyrical and once again tied her arms above her head, this time even higher.
"Oh I do hope that Strife forgives me this one indiscretion," Stygnos said
with a menacing tone.
Once her arms were secured he slowly brought both his hands down touching
both her arms, making Lyrical cringe. Once his hands reached her shoulders,
he guided them up her neck and to her face. He was just bending his head
forward to kiss her, when a voice made his blood chill.
"What are you doing?" asked Strife coldly.
"I was checking her eyes and teeth. I want a good price when we take her to
the auction block". Stygnos said without missing a beat. "Shouldn't we
rough her up a bit, make her suffer a little and watch Hercules loose his
temper when he walks in?"
"If there is any roughing up to be done,* I* will be the one to do it. I
will also make any decision concerning her, until this matter is settled.
Do I make myself clear, or do I have to show you step by step." The tone in
Strife's voice made the mighty Warlord tremble and skulk quietly back to
his battle plans.
"Next time I come my little Amazon, I promise to have Hercules with me and
we will then have our fun." Strife said. Just before he left he brushed
his hand along Lyrical's mouth almost daring her to bite him. He bent his
head quickly, brushed his lips against hers and was gone in a flash.
A low feral growl made the hair on the back of greenie's neck stand on end.
She turned just as the tawny gold wolf attacked and saw the white fangs
bared to devour. For once in her life, she froze, unable to react.
Then, Bei passed her in a blinding motion, her weapon drawn and ready. As
the wolf launched itself through the air, she struck, cleaning piercing the
heart of the slavering beast. It disintegrated into silvery gray particles
of dust. Brushing some of the dust from her clothes, Bei turned to face
greenie, who looked at her with thankful eyes. "I owe you one, Bei," she
said, her voice filled with sincerity. She could see now why Quilla called
this one friend.
Bei smiled and turned to efficiently dispatch a wild Bacchai who stood with
fangs bared to the left of her. "Think nothing of it, Amazon. You are a
friend of one who is very dear to me. I know she wouldn't want anything to
happen to you."
Greensleeves smiled at this powerful young woman, amazed at her strength
and agility. No wonder she had chosen the hard life of a dispatcher. Then
again, maybe she had had no choice in the matter. If she had the strength
to fight and kill the Bacchai, maybe choices had been made for her. A wave
of sympathy washed over greensleeves at this thought. She knew how it felt
to have no control over your destiny. Rasheen had taught her that.
There was no more time for thoughts and small talk as several Bacchai
advanced upon them. The next few moments were spent furiously fighting the
minions of Bacchus. Greenie took several energizing deep breaths as she met
the challenge with all her Amazon fury. She had just finished with the last
of the Bacchai when she saw something out of the corner of her eye. It was
the quiet and mysterious Amazon Shait and she marched through the howling
horde with determination in her beautiful eyes. Greenie watched in wonder
as Shait made her way towards Bacchus. The look on her face bode no good
will for the Olympian God. Oh, Gods above, what was going to happen now?
