The Princess' Blade

Closed for Rahyne


The wooden boards creak under my feet as I step off the ship's gangplank and look around the docks.

Faravahar, capital of the Empire. From where I was it didn't look like much. A musty, dark maze of narrow streets overhung with fishing nets and empty burlap sacks laden with mildew, floored with heavy planks coated thick with the grime and salt of a thousand years. Of course, I was in the docks, where sailing men from all over the empire converged with wild tales soaked in barrels of alcohol. This was one of the nastier parts of the capital from what I've heard.

Drawing my heavy black cloak closer around me, I move over to the dockmaster and present my papers. I had no fear of being discovered --my documents had been forged by experts back at Ninovan before my exodus.

The dockmaster was a heavyset whose left eye was closed with a thick scar. "Ugh," he muttered with distaste. "Another sellsword hoping to make it big in the city, eh? Well, master..." He checked my name again on the papers. "Marius Kazrune. I hope you don't mind that I wish you no luck here in Faravahar. We've no need for mercenaries here." The man brusquely pushed my traveling papers into my hand.

Climbing up a flight of stairs hewn from ancient stone, I head off --pack in hand, sword at waist, and cloak all around. All thirty years of my past needed escaping, and there was no better place to do it than in the hustle and bustle of the capital.

*****

After a few hours of aimless wandering, I found myself in the market district. The area was still alive even at so late an hour, although the clientele was much less preferable than those who purchased wares during the daytime hours. Despite the presence of peacekeepers, I had seen a few more pickpockets that I would have wanted to see in a place like this.

A commotion catches my attention. A marketeer running after one of the little thieves? It was... a girl? I realized she was running my way and prepared to catch her as she ran past...

“No Father! I am not going to marry some pompous stick in the mud!” stomping like a child in the midst of a temper tantrum. “I do not care what it says.”

“Ana, you must wed before your 23rd birthday. The law states this. You cannot learn the way of a knight.”; King Omurtag’s wiry body hurriedly followed my own down the long halls of the castle towards my room.

Stopping mid-stride, the oversized skirt whipping after my own twist; “Father, I’m not like...” Tears welling in fury, ready to overspill to the rose color cheeks. With a great sigh and a turn of the heel, I leave him standing there waiting for the remaining of my sentence.

Dismissing the ladies in waiting from my illustrious room, I fall back on the bed. The long locks of my fiery red hair flowing over the pillows beneath me.

“Why can’t he understand I just want to...” rising to my elbows to glance at the flickering flames of the oiled lamp. “I know what I can do.” Smiling brightly, I sneak down to where most of the help stay. Hiding in the shadows, I strip down to the bare knickers and snatch some of the clothes of the cooks.



“No one will know who I am in this.”; Thinking to myself as I leave the castle with a grumbling stomach. “One night can’t hurt.” Escaping the life of Princess Anastasia to become the commoner of the lands thrilled me to no end.

Only the glow of my sea green eyes visible through the thick dark wool cloak covering my tiny physique. Making my way through town, my stomach grew louder.

“I should have eaten before I left.”; murmuring to myself.

A few marketers still lingered for those last minute sales in town. Picking up their loaves of bread from the stand with a nod greeting. Breaking off a piece as I walk away, I hear the owner scream “STOP! THEIF!”

Scared I take off on foot running from the owner and now many of the castle’s guards following. “I can’t be discovered. Not here.”

As the girl runs past, I reach out and grab her, easily wrapping my arm about her slim waist. Pulling her close, I find myself staring into beautiful green eyes tinged with both panic and determination.

"Steady, miss." I grab one of her slim wrists as she tries to wriggle away. "It's not proper for a lady such as yourself to be filching food off honest merchants' shelves."

I heard the merchant's footsteps draw close, and the guardsmen following.

This was trouble. I didn't want to get involved in a legal dispute this early upon my arrival --why the hell did I even try to stop this thief? Deep down, though I knew. I had lived with hunger for some time as well. Though I had been too proud to take to thievery myself, I knew how desperation could put a man to such a path. I hoped to spare at least this girl from that kind of life.

"I'll tell you what, miss," I said, still keeping a firm hold on her. "This time. This one time, I will salvage you. But if I see you thieving again, I'll be the one to pull you into jail myself, okay?"

“Let me go!” stammering out in a painted breath. His grip tightens as I struggle to free myself. Hearing the guards close by, his thick fingers binding any movement. “I need to get out of here before the find me.”

The husky dark voice giving me an offer I really couldn’t afford to deny. I nod agreeing silently, meeting his eyes on the final nod. Marius’s eyes were of the crystal blue of the sea. There was something about them that just seared through, sending a shiver to my spine. His strong armed body pressed into mine when he leaned down to whisper in my ear. “Do we have a deal?”

“THERE SHE IS!” the merchant yelling at the guards.

“Deal. I vow you will not see me again sire.” Jerking away from his grip and grazing over the sword’s handle. A small satisfied smile appearing thinking how I have gotten away from this shamble and gives a last look at the stranger who will sacrifice his life for my own. “Thank you sire.”; bowing my head slightly and rests a hand on his bicep before bolting down the maze of streets.

The restless night dead calm, I hear the men begin to wrangle.

The girl ran away quickly enough as soon as I let her go. With a heavy sigh, I turned to face her pursuers.

The merchant was a lanky, fox-faced man with an immaculate white moustache. "What!?! You fool! You let that thieving brat go!" The man grabbed me by the collar of my cloak and tried to pull me off my feet, but I shift my weight, and the merchant's efforts were made futile.

"The child was hungry and penniless. You could afford to give the loaf in charity, you know," I replied. By this time the guards had stepped in, faces grim, hands ready on the pommels of their swords.

"If that were a valid excuse, every beggar on the street would have a loaf of my bread and I would have naught but flies in my purse!" the merchant exclaimed. "No... You two must be working together, that's it! Guards, arrest this man!"

My teeth grit at the sounds of swords unsheathing. "You are mistaken, sir," I said. "I am a wanderer newly arrived in this town." Slowly, I took my papers out of a pocket in the inner lining of my cloak and handed it to a guard. "I only took pity on the waif." I turned to the merchant and offered to appease him. "If it would satisfy the... kind sir..." I said, unable to prevent my voice from stressing the irony. "I'm perfectly willing to pay double the price of that loaf of bread... For sir's trouble."

The merchant frowned, considering. "Very well," he snapped. "It will be twelve coppers for that." I caught a meaningful glimpse between the merchant and the two guards and let it go.

A few clinks of coin later and the trouble was solved.

As the merchant and the guards moved away, a rotund, bespectacled man walked up to me. "You got robbed, you know," he said in a gruff voice.

"I know," I mutter. "But I don't mean to make trouble, so..." I shrugged.

The man sighed deeply. "Despite the glitter of the empire's gem, there is a rot in its core. You're a good man. You've no hope in a place like this." He laughed, then and offered his hand. "Osborn Kiollof. Tavernmaster and innkeeper. If you've no place to stay, you can go to my inn and I promise not to rob you."

I introduced myself and shook his hand.

*****

Kiollof's Tavern was full at this hour, mostly of the meaner sort of folk who had to either work or hide during the day, or ones who had business at night. Osborn offered me a seat at the bar and offered me a tankard of beer.

"Just one," I replied. "Then water for the rest of the night." Looking around, I noted the crowd.

"Well, we've got a bit of an occassion on our hands in about three months, actually," Osborn explained. "The Princess Anastasia will reach marrying age by that time, so the city's full of nobles eager to win the King's approval. And with their arrival comes a whole other gaggle of hopefuls looking to enter this or that noble's service." He eyed the sword I had on my belt and added, with a bit of an embarrassed cough. "I suppose your reason's the same?"

I smiled. "Not really, I'm just a wanderer looking for the next day's board and lodging. I don't really intend to dig roots in."

Osborn lightened up a bit upon hearing that. They didn't seem to like mercenaries around these parts. "Well," he said. "If you're any good with your sword, and you want a bit of quick money, you could always join in the tournament tomorrow. A couple of nobles wanted blood for entertainment and set up a contest for swordsmen."

I nodded. "That does sound like a good idea."

*****

The dawn found me up and ready. Paying the night's dues to Osborn, I made my way to the square as he'd instructed. There I found the tournament ring set up and a table for registrants ready. As I stepped on my way to enter my name, a mountain of a man in barely fitting armor roughly pushed past me.

"Get out of the way, runt," the man said, turning back to glare at me. "This is no place for amateurs like you." To emphasize the point he swung a massive sword --the blade wide as my arm-- menacingly.

There are fewer things that irritate me more than arrogance. "Perhaps, then, you'd care to indulge this amateur in single combat?" I said. Everyone around heard the challenge, and looked in anticipation for the huge man's reply. "I am willing to bet my place in the tournament. As well as this purse." I raised a leather purse big as my fist and shook it, letting them hear how full it was.

The huge man laughed. "So be it! I'd be happy to indulge a poor fool his death."

The crowd began to clear a small space in the area, and was abuzz with the news of an upcoming spectacle.

Ducking into one of the store’s doors, I peered out to see the stranger deal with the brawny men who pursued me. My full breasted chest heaving in a small pant; my mind begins to fight its own battle.

“Why would this stranger just put himself out there? If I was caught my own father would put me on the block in front of the next man who presented to be my suitor. Then I would have to be that perfect housemaid that stood from the stands and have fun. I want to be out there. I want to do everything that a man is able to do like fighting and hunting.”

Examining the skilled swordsman of Manus as he speaks to the guards, I scurry away before I am noticed by anyone else. It wouldn’t fail that Apollo and Maximus were the ones on duty tonight. Dawn approached as I snuck back into the castle unscathed and unnoticed, scooping up the disregarded dress and corset. Racing up the servants stairs and through the hidden door back into my room, I fell in a deep slumber from the nights excursion.

****
Shortly after the sun rose, the ladies in waiting came in to awaken my now sore dead body. There was no way I wanted to move from the warmth of the feather down blankets. Not after just falling to sleep such a short time ago. “Go away” I mustered out.

“Princess, you must awaken before the King comes. He has instructed us to bath and dress you for today’s festivities. The buzz on the street is there are several fine looking lads here for you. King Omurtag has already selected a few for you to meet.”

Cringing at the mere thought of my father choosing the man I am to wed. If he only understood that I wanted nothing of the sorts. “Well he can keep waiting. I’m not getting up nor will I get married.”

The moment the words exited the plump parted lips, the mahogany door with iron handle accents flung open. Father’s roaring voice boomed throughout the room. “You, Anastasia, WILL get up now. The ladies have the milk bath already drawn. Now get up, there are several men you need to meet.” My ladies in waiting scattered at the first sound of the king’s voice, like rats when food is left out somewhere else.

I had to get out of this. There was no way that I would turn around in marry in such a short time. “Why can’t I learn before my birthday how to be a skilled huntsman or fighter? Why do I have to marry and become a perfect little princess?” said with a mocking term.

“Anastasia, get those thoughts out of your head. You are not a man. You are the princess of the lands and soon to be queen when I renounce my position.”; Now sitting on the edge of my bed. My head tilted instinctively into Father’s hand as he cupped my cheek. “I cannot fathom my heir fighting with the guards, warriors, or anyone else who would put a blade to your fair skin.”

Deep in thought, I bring both legs up to my chest and link my arms around them. “Father, how can I be an heir and not know the ways of the land? Be able to fight my own battles and make you proud? I need to make my own way and ensure that our people feel secure that I can do them well.”

That is for your husband to bear upon his shoulders. It is also the reason why I am have called upon all available men for my picking. My dear Ana, there is no room for a blossoming woman as yourself in a man’s world. You are to bore the children that will live on our honorable name.”; the stern voice echoing.

He wasn’t budging on anything that I was saying. Letting loose a frustrating sigh, I finally conjure my last ditch effort. My features brightening as I remembered what I read recently in the library. “Wait” resting a hand on his forearm. “Isn’t there an ancient law which says I could choose to wed any man able to best me champion in battle?” dropping my legs and swinging them over the bed. “That’s it. Father, I mean King Omurtag, I wish to choose to wed any man to best me champion in battle. For that man will be one of strength, power and most of all, one who will fight right in.” Now standing before him.

King Omurtag stood with grace and presence. His hands locked behind his back as he paced the room. “So you want a challenge Anastasia for your hand in marriage? Is that right?” Quickly nodding answering his question. “Very well, you will have your challenge. Once he has won the battle, you will marry that very day. Is that a deal?”

Pulling in a sharp breath when the words “Is that a deal?” whips out of father’s mouth. Flickering thoughts back to the man in the market who helped me out. His eyes repeating the same shrill down my spine, yet the only man in my quarters was my father. Straightening my back like a stiff rod, ”Yes father it is a deal.”

****
Sneaking away from both the maid and my father, I went out to join the commoners once again in the stolen materials of the cook. This time being a little smarter and ties a rope around the bag full of shillings. Pushing my way through the crowds returning to the fights. That's when I see him. Sword drawn, the other hand wiggling his fingers against someone twice his size.

I watched warily as the huge man stepped into the middle of the cleared circle. He was flexing his shoulders --the huge blade he carried obviously took a toll on his reserves of strength.

As he stood there, another man stepped out of the crowd. Dressed in better-looking armor than my opponent, the man had a hooked nose and a prodigious brow, and seemed to command the respect --or at the very least, fear-- of the crowd. "What is the meaning of all this?" he said.

"Nothing but a gentlemen's bet, Lord Valefor," the huge man he said. "This boy thinks himself fit to challenge me. Who am I to decline?"

The man they called Valefor eyed me intently. "I don't recall seeing you here before..." he said. "You're quite brave to challenge the captain of my guard. Who are you, and how have you found yourself here in Faravahar?"

"I'm Marius Kazrune, sir. A wanderer seeking fortune," I answered.

"Marius... Kazrune, you say?" Valefor said in continued scrutiny. "You seem... familiar." With a dismissive shrug, he turned to the huge man. "Bower, I trust you would not overextend yourself." He began to walk away. "You may have your fun," he called back without turning. "But try to finish before the tournament proper."

I took off my cloak before the battle started, not wishing it to be despoiled. No one seemed to want to receive it though, afraid, perhaps that doing so would associate them with me and gain Bower's ire. I hung it on a tree branch and hoped it would still be there at the end of the battle.

I drew my sword amid gasps and exclamations of surprise. My sword had been forged by masters in the eastern kingdom of Raku-En, and was not a common sight in the empire. It was a long, single-edged blade made of a single sheet of metal folded ten times so that it was denser than normal. The blade had a gradual curve that dissipated impacts along its length. The blade whistled as I swung it. "Shall we?" I said as I gave the traditional fighter's salute.

Bower roared and swung his sword in a in an overhead arc as he jumped forward. The mass of his blade's metal smashed through the cobblestones of the square, at the place where I would have been standing had I not jumped a step back.

Even while Bower pulled his sword up I managed to step into his guard and sent the butt of my sword's handle in a punishing blow against his kidneys. Bower grunted as he staggered a few steps back.

Bower growled, recovering and lunged again, but I managed to twist away. Using the movement's momentum, I lunged myself thrusting the point of my blade into Bower's left upper thigh. I twisted my weapon and wrenched it out of Bower's flesh even as the man screamed in pain and frustration.

For quite a while I played with him, allowing him near hits and close misses even as I slashed and jabbed at him. Soon, the unarmored portions of the man's arms and legs were covered with tiny cuts that stained his clothes with red.

"Yield," I offered. "And escape with your honor."

"Never!" Bower roared.

He began to swing wildly now, but even then I could readily read his movements. As he let go of another overhead swing, I dove into close range again. Bower, to his credit, was quick enough to halt his strike. I would have cut his head clean off if he hadn't.

Through grit teeth, Bower grumbled. "I yield."

Still in the pause, I used a free hand to pluck the purse that hung from his belt. "Mine," I said. "If I remember our wager correctly." Amidst applause, hoots and hollers, I walked back to the tree where I had hung my cloak and felt my anger rise to find it missing...

Growing more curious of the two men, I creep closer to get a better look. The blades would shimmer in the sun light as they swung through the air. I watched Marius gracefully dance around the well-known captain. Though that was not what caught my inquisitive eye. It was the pommel at the end of the black roped grip laced with a fine gold line. The pommel gold and silver was not unusual; it was the crest in the middle.

“A lion?”; muttering under my breath. “Who is this sire?” Taking the final steps to the edge of the now enclosed ring around the two men, I stood next to a cloak hanging. Distinctively inhaling a deep breath as the swords clang in the air, he was close by. Sniffing in the air again, I could smell the musky sea scent that filled my senses the night before.

Losing interest in the now one-sided fight, I focused on the hanging cloak before me. Slender fingers slide down the opening ridge of the material. It completely reeked of Marius. Every slight movement in the air, his scent refilled my senses of the night before. His enormous hand circling my wrist with a tender but firm grip, the other bounded my waist. With the other patron’s attention to the scrimmage, a playful smile appeared on my features. Lifting the cloak off the tree branch and draping it over my tiny frame. Taking a few steps and disappearing between two tents away from the hoot and hollering of the crowd, pulling the hood over my head. “No one will find me now.”

Each step and turn, the scent flooded my wandering mind. Closing my eyes feeling completely safe, I let the mind wander in the ways it never had before. Imagining myself fighting with the skilled swordsman at first, striking for his ribs. His hand overpowering my arm and heaves me towards his solid chest, claiming me in a hard lustful kiss.

Suddenly opening my eyes at footsteps nearby, releasing the grasp of my left breast and squats low to hide.

The loss of my cloak --and with it my travel papers-- puts all thoughts of the tournament out of my mind. Tying my two purses together, I slip them into a hidden pocket inside my shirt and walk around the square trying to find whoever had made away with my belongings.

Scanning the crowd, I notice the familiar weave of my cloak before it ducks low behind a few barrels. Sneaking quietly as possible I go around the cowering figure. Assured finally that all avenues of escape was in my view, I let out a grumble. "That's a nice cloak you're wearing, thief."

Tightening my eyes closed once his dark voice stands inches from me. My feet shift underneath while I calculated if he could actually catch me if I darted away. Rising slowly muttering; “I did not steal it, I just kept it for safe keeping. You never know who will just take things that do not belong to them.”

With my back towards him, I saw my window of opportunity and darted deeper into the sea of tents. Zig Zagging in the open spaces, jumping over the wooden pegs that kept them standing. Thankful for all the dance lessons that father made me take, I landed softly with each hop.

The cloak’s hood falls back with the last jump; “Bloody Hell!” Quickly stopping between two more tents, one a red and golden and the other a blue and silver. Both I have known all my life. “This is not good.”

With Marius following close behind and standing between two of the other high ranking guards tents. I was in a shit load of trouble. “What to do? What to do?”

The thief mumbled something, but I wasn't able to hear due to the noise of the crowd, and surprised me by leaping into the narrow spaces between the tents. I looked around, watched intently for a heartbeat or two, anticipating where the thief would turn.

I had to give it to the rascal --the thief seemed to be flying, leaping on the tent pegs. I gave chase, knowing where the thief would end up, and got a shock as the hood of my cloak fell away and a familiar head of hair was freed under it --the girl!

More than a bit angry, I moved quicker, and saw the girl stand in confusion between two guards' tents. Gentler sex be damned! I leapt off my feet and tackled the girl behind, rolling on the grass. With my years of training, I knew how to come out of the roll straddling her waist, and as quickly as I could, pinned her down by her arms.

"Give me one good reason now why I shouldn't call the guards on you, you little thief!" I growled. "You made a foolish move. My papers are in a hidden pocket in that cloak. I can prove my ownership. And you... you'll get whatever they do to thieves around here."

First instinct is to scream when falling, but once the mouth opened, I was mute. His raspy voice played like a violin in my ears. “The reason being is because both of these guards will in turn take you as well when I tell them that you were trying to take my virtue.”; Struggling under his well-founded grip. “You think they will take pity on you when they hear I… “; pausing before finishing the sentence. I couldn’t say that I was their princess that they are bound to serve and protect. What could I tell him?

“Look, You seem like a man of barters.”; quickly thinking on my feet, well back. Soaking his very essence as I spoke; “I will give you what you want, IF you train me. I want to learn how to fight like you did with Bower.”

“Who’s out there?” Apollos called from his blue and silver tent.

With saucer plate eyes, I look to Marius for an answer. “The choice is yours.”

I jumped off the girl and, holding her roughly by the arm, pull her up and away from the crowd to a small alcove in one of the bigger structures near the square. In the privacy the narrow space afforded, I pinned the girl against the wall by her shoulders and spoke in hushed tones.

"Me? Train you? Why? So that you could use my art to cut purses and slay your pursuers maybe?" I hissed. "Besides, what could a thief like you give me that has any value? Short of anything stolen, you have nothing to your name!"

Of course, had the girl been thinking correctly, she would have realized I was halfway to saying yes already. I had considered her offer, after all, and gave her the chance to give her reasons for the bargain. All that was left, in the end, was that she give me a satisfactory answer, and I would do what I could to help.

That had always been my flaw, some have already said --that I was willing to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. The Gods knew how it had already so ruined me once. I dared hope they would not do it again this time.

Narrowing my eyes at his accusations, snapping back with a sharp tongue; “To let you know I can offer you a lot. More than the rest of these people combined.” Failing at the attempts of getting away, finding the one thing that I forgot was on my possession. A flick of the wrist, the dagger is removed from its sheath and pierces the skin near his kidney.

I wasn’t going to take his shit, though I haven’t had someone challenge me so much. He knew it too. At least he thought I did. I had to think of a way to get him to say yes without disclosing any more of my wealth and being. Just then I followed his gaze to the cleavage appearing and disappearing with every bated breath. “You like that don’t you?”; taking a deep breath, raising the shirt to the edge of my nipples. “I’m sure you would love to caress them.”; Exhaling as I spoke.

Keeping the dagger in it’s spot, brushing his side with the other finger. “I could give you everything you ever wanted. All you have to do is train me.”; seducing him with my eyes, moistening my lips with a drag of the tongue. Struggling not to let my mind return to earlier that day of desires beyond my belief.

“Name your price swordsman”

From our position, I could think of ten ways to disarm the girl as she poked a dagger lightly against me. But I indulged her sense of security. I was surprised though at the set of her words. "... I can offer you a lot. More than the rest of these people combined.” I wondered what the girl could offer, and as I did, my eyes wandered over her.

She was pretty, that much could be said. Hair of fire red offset by green eyes. A slim frame that seemed more suited for nobles than common thieves. I couldn't help but eye her bosom as it peeked through her shirt. when she spoke, teasing, I could feel the stirrings of arousal move through my loins.

Still, a question remained in my mind. I drew my face nearer to hers and whispered to her ears, close enough that the movement of my lips brushed against her earlobe, "The price can wait, IF I accept. For my consideration, I need your reason. Our reasons define us, thief. And I must know if what defines you is worth my blade."

His breathes hits the canal of my ear. Simply closing my eyes attempting to control whatever self-worth I have left. The hand adoring his side clenches the loose laying shirt. A little to noticeable for my own safety.

“A woman, sire, is good for only three things; bearing children, keeping the house, and servicing her husband. I want more than just that and to be taken seriously.”; The words flowing freely feeling completely comfortable in this man’s possession. “I am sure you could relate having no roots of your own.”

Cutting with words instead of the dagger, I knew I hit a spot with him. As much as I wanted to run it couldn’t be denied that I needed his help. His knowledge and skill to win the freedom I so desperately sought after. If only my father wouldn’t have denied my request to learn among the guards.

“Sire, I am more than worth your blade times ten.”; now almost sounding like I am pleading for his assistance, more so his touch. “You have my word, I will pay whatever your cost.”

I pulled away, mulling over the woman's words. It bore weight, true enough. In my travels to the east, I saw women of power there, unbound by the strictures we of the west had. They were warriors, masters of fighting arts, ruling queens... Why would I deny someone who wanted to forge a better path than her forebears?

With a deep sigh, I let her go. "What's your name, miss?" I ask as I ease off her. "I'm Marius." Even as I moved away I could recall the scent of her lingering in the air, so unlike the sweat and grime of common women. What was this girl hiding?

I took her hand, a bit gruffly but not as roughly as before. "Are you familiar with this place?" I asked as we walked. "Do you think you could find us somewhere private?"

As we wended our way through the busy streets, I could not help but think over the words she had spoken in that authoritative voice of hers: “You have my word, I will pay whatever your cost.”

Whatever the cost, hm? We shall soon find out.

Twisting the dagger and slipping it back into place. An uncertain relief cascading over as Marius takes my hand. “My name is……” hesitant to give my full name if anyone was listening in. “Ana” . Only my father called me by this name. The lands and servants knew me as Princess or Princess Anastasia. No one could sequester me by my nickname.

Pointing the way with the freehand; “We can go through that ally and into the woods. There is a path that leads to an open area that no one knows about.” I was leading him one of the childhood hideouts I use to go to. The guards always close by, yet far enough to make me believe that I was getting away with it. I was so naïve as a child thinking that even as a princess I could get away with disappearing deep into the woods with no one to watch me.

It was back then when I realized I didn’t just want to be someone’s beckoning wife. I wanted freedom to be by the side of whomever I choose helping fight for the kingdom. They just didn’t know the spitfire they would have to deal with. A small laugh breaks the silence between us in the dark forest. Hopping over the fallen tree trunk and moving the last branch that separated us from the clearing.

“Here we are. This is it.”; almost sounding like I was saying it to myself. Recollecting memories of the playful fights and basking in the sun when it shown bright. To the right, just on the ridge of the trees, a wooden shack still stood. To the left, shredded material swayed in the wind.

As Ana pointed the way, we wended through a seemingly undiscovered alleyway and into a neck of the woods closest to the city. The clearing seemed to fit my purposes well enough --spacious, well-lit by the sun during the day, relatively private. It even had a small shack that could be livable with a bit of elbow grease.

Ana surprised me as she laughs when we reach the place. It was a clear, hearty laughter. I couldn't help but smile in sympathy. "I assume this place holds pleasant memories for you. That's good. Any bit of inspiration would help."

Grinning, I let go of her hand. "I will teach you, Ana, my way of the sword. You are not allowed to complain about anything I will require of you," I state. "Or, to be more accurate, you are allowed to complain, but you will still be expected to comply. The moment you do otherwise, I will toss you away. Do you understand this?"

I offered my hand, and spoke. "My cloak, first." I walked away and gave the first order of the day. "Wait here."

*****

The purchase of an axe, rope, and small cart was easy enough with my winnings. After a brief foray into the market for supplies, I returned to the shack in the clearing and was satisfied to see that Ana had waited.

I let her look on, as in silence I took my purchases to a large wooden stump near the shack. With a touch, I felt the familiar markings of woodcutting work. I buried the long-handled axe into the stump's face.

Calling Ana over, I picked up a piece of old, dried log from a stack that lay unused near the shack. I explained the work to her by demonstration.

"You place." I put the log in the middle of the stump.

"You cut." I took a swing at the log with the axe, splitting it right down the middle.

"You throw." I picked up the split pieces of wood and threw it behind me with an overhead swing.

I stood behind her, took her hands in mine are went through the motions so that her muscles would feel the rhythm of the work.

"This is my price for the first part of your lesson," I tell Ana. "The coin you will earn from selling half a cord of firewood every day for the next seven days. You must sell no less than half a cord, or the training is forfeit. You can use the cart and rope to bring it to the market."

I look up into the sky, at the sun, and tell the girl, "If you start now, you can just about meet the first day's wages." I grinned.

She wouldn't be working alone though. While she earned the fee for her lessons, I would be nearby, fixing the shack up. I wondered if Ana had a place to stay, being a child of the streets. To be honest, I wouldn't mind if she would keep me company here...

His question of the clearing and how he immediately went into a focused training mode surprised me. “Ah, yeah you could say that. I use to come here as a youngin.” Watching intently his gracious movements about the clearing and swift turn back to face me. His instructions precise and straight to the point, I immediately agreed to his demands with a nod. Reluctantly I hand over his cloak upon direction furrowing my brows. “You are not going to just leave me here are you?” The quick departure answered the quick tongued question.

As Marius departs, the stillness of the clearing aches in my bones. A drifting thought, a memory of what was so long ago plagues my being.

~*~*~*~
“Marcus! Marcus! Over here! Let’s pretend we are slaying the dragon my father talked about” the innocence of the little girl echoing through the trees. Her red locks sweeping by her face at the smallest wind.

“Anastasia, you can’t do that. You are a girl.” Marcus mocking her request to do things like a man. “Besides, I’m supposed to be your savior – REMEMBER --? The long drawn out voice of the golden haired boy midst laugh.

“I can do whatever I want. I’m the princess. Hmpf”; sticking her nose high in the air. “And if you don’t like it, you Marcus can leave.” arms crossing turning away. I never wanted Marcus to leave. He was her best and only friend that the King trusted her with away from the castle. “Besides, who was the one that helped you make that shack over there?”

Marcus only 2 years older than her with the golden brown locks of his mother always stuck by her side. Since he was the son of one of King Omurtag’s confidants, he trusted Marcus. No one else had the same access he did. Including the rank he received when he turned of age to become a guard.

The years spent in this clearing up to the day before he left and joined the guard at the ripe age of 14 brought my lips up into a small smile.

~*~*~*~

Returning the focus to the present, I absorb everything Marius was doing. Each muscle in his ripped chest showing through the now sweat moist shirt. The precision splitting of the wood flexed his biceps in perfect harmony. An unknown ripple coursed through me, heating the most sensitive parts of my body. It didn’t help when Marius embraced me to guide me through cutting the wood.

“Wouldn’t it be easier to just pay you the half a cord a day? Instead of doing all this… work? I mean I could pay the total in a week with what I have here.”; patting the small bag, quirking a brow towards him. All in the while trying to figure out how to do this without being noticed if and when I sold the wood in the market. -How am I going to do this? If anyone sees me I will be reported and never let out of the castle. And who knows what father will do to him. With my luck either force me to marry or kill him. -

Marius left in silence and traced his steps around the clearing. Unable to take my eyes off his strong physique, I missed the first few strikes with the ax. –Crimany, Get a grip Anastasia. It’s just your teacher. Focus or you will be tossed.- Elevating the ax high into the sky and dropping it quickly onto the wood. It splits perfectly in half. A sense of pride raked through me and I continued on. Every now and then I would see Marius peek from the old wooden shack. Forgetting the items left in there from Marcus and my last adventures.

While I started to work in silence, Ana began on her task as well. As I expected the girl complained, even subtly bragging about how much money she had she could pay me enough instead of doing the task. I had done the same, many years past --I was even younger than her, I reckon, when I went through the same regimen. I let her be for a while as I surveyed the shack to note what needed repairing. Certainly the roof needed patching, and a stone or two was loose in the walls... The fireplace seemed to be clogged up as well.

Inside the shack I found a number of odd items --a candleholder finely filigreed with gold, some writing materials, and a small sword that was still keen but dusty and cobwebbed from disuse. Someone certainly had lived here. Was this Ana's, or from someone she knew?

Just as I went out Ana managed to split a log cleanly down the center and I couldn't help but smile. I walked over to her as she leaned on the ax, breathless with effort. My hand brushed against her waist for the briefest of moments as I stood by her. "See? Working feels much better than just paying for a lesson, doesn't it?" I clapped her good-naturedly on the shoulder.

I knew for a fact that after a few days --and she would probably start feeling it now, if she wasn't used to hard work-- she would hate me for the task I gave her. In time, her shoulders and arms would become sore, her hands chafe and blister. Best be nice to her for the moment.

I looked up at the sky and saw the darkness creeping in on the horizon. "I don't expect you sell to anything now. But you still have sun enough to finish the day's quota of chopped firewood." I hunkered down in the midst of the clearing to make a fire pit and set up a campfire. "If you don't have a place to stay, you can sleep here with me." I flushed at the implication of the words, and coughed in embarrassment. "I mean, here. Not "with me" with me. You know what I mean."

"Anyway," I continued. "Like I said, you can stay here, but I hope you don't mind bedding under the stars for the night. It's still a bit of a mess inside to sleep in."

With the pile of wood that Marius had bestowed upon me almost completed, I felt actually accomplished. Something that I have not sensed since Marcus and I built the now run downed shack. It wasn’t until I took a breather and leaned on the axe I actually could feel how sore I really was. Every muscle in my diminutive body screamed in pain. I was aching in places I never knew I had muscles.

I felt Marius’ hand brush over my side causing an internal shiver. “…See? Working feels much better than just paying for a lesson, doesn't it?" Answering his question with sarcasm; “Think I should have paid you instead. It would have been a lot easier.” He was right though. It did feel better than just acquiring what I wanted with riches or power. What he didn’t know was that was the only way I knew how to live, even if it wasn’t the way I wanted to.

His broad hand clapped my shoulder in a job well done, I nearly buckled in pain. The only thing that stopped me was the sensations his touch was generating. Awareness is awaken, one I could not even explain. It seeped through my veins straight to the forbidden area. An area that still was untouched by any person, well anyone besides myself. Why would someone under normal circumstances who would never be even allowed to come close to me if I was at the castle?

His hand drops when he glances up to the sky, ordering me to finish the work. I breathe an exasperated sigh of relief when Marius doesn’t expect me to sell the wood today. I was still trying to figure out how I would do that without being exposed of my new commoner lifestyle. If it was unmasked, there would be several consequences to pay.

After cutting a few more of the logs, I hear Marius start speaking again tripping over his words about staying with him. Stifling a giggle when he flushes red and continues to try to dig himself out of the hole he was creating with the choice of words. Resting a hand on his forearm; “Marius… I understand what you mean.” The same electricity returned racing straight for the core. Ripping my hand away and wiping it on the filthy clothes I sported.

Losing sight of my actual duties and position, I agree almost too eagerly to join him. Virtually tripping over the same words he did just a few moments ago.

The amber fire crackled in the silent night, Marius sleeping close by. The red glow highlighted his facial features, along with his strong built that I could not stop looking at. Falling into a deep slumber shortly after the last log crackled.

~*~*~*~*~

The clang of the sword vibrated down my arm, caught off guard when it radiates to my toes. It was enough distraction for the one I was fighting to catch my wrist and spin my back into his chest. His sword now gracing the soft skin of my neck, “Never let your guard down”. He could have been cutting off my head, though the only thing I could focus on his broad chest, the strong hand holding my waist. Most of all I couldn’t get my mind what was pressing into the soft skin of my buttocks…. It was long, curved to fit in his trousers and hard as the logs I was cutting earlier.

He knew it too. The more I struggled to get freed; he would press it deeper into me. I think he loved the control, the power over me. Marius’ hand dropped from where he held it and pressed it between the creases of my legs. Absent mindedly parting those for his wide hand to move at his will. Before I knew what was happening, the trousers I was baring were now pooled around my feet. Paralyzed from the fear and the excitement, all I could do is gasp out his name. “Marius” Yearning more than just his dense hand. I wanted what was pressing into my backside.

The sharp blade glides up the snow white skin tilting my head back, jetting my chest so I would not be cut. “That’s it. Admit what you want thief.”

~*~*~*~*~

Waking in a sudden panic the ground beneath vibrates from galloping horses. “Damn it. The guards” Removing the buried hand from my trunks, feeling how wet it was and wiping it on the covers that were tossed aside. "I need to get out of here and get back to the castle before I am found." Jumping up to my feet and finding a place to hide. Not finding anything but his cloak again to cover the noticeable hair. “He can punish me in the morn.” I swirl the cloak around the tiny frame and takes the wagon full of wood. “At least I can kill two birds with one stone.” Departing the camp back towards the castle.

The thunder of horses' hooves shook me to wakefulness, and I sprung up, hand flying to the hilt of my blade. I didn't draw it yet --as a newcomer I didn't quite know who had a run of these woods, and they might be prove to be a useful contact if befriended. The second immediate thought brought words off my lips, "Ana--" but turning to where she had slept I found her gone.

With my cloak.

"Damn it," I grumbled, even as I saw the riders' silhouettes break away from the shadows under the trees.

The horsemen were clad in leather armor that were blazoned with arms I had been told was the king's. Guards obviously. Coming to a halt in front of my fire, they eyed me suspiciously.

"Good eve, gentlemen," I said, easing up but not letting go of my blade. "Is there something the matter?"

One of the guards --the senior, by his demeanor-- spoke up. "We noticed the firelight and the smoke, sir... You realize you're in the king's woods, and poaching is not allowed without his majesty's permission?"

I smiled and let as subservient tone mask my annoyance at being awoken. "I wasn't poaching sir, as you can see. I'm merely a traveler met with misfortune. Unfortunately I had been robbed earlier and had nothing to pay for a room. I found an empty shack, yon," I gestured to point it out. "But it was in such a state of disrepair I had no choice but to bed under the stars."

The senior guard arched an eyebrow at that, and started to speak, "That sounds too much like an excu--" but was interrupted by his companion. The man had moved to the other side of the fire and quite likely had a better view of my face.

"Sir, I think I remember him from earlier today... The one who fought Valefor's captain..."

The senior guard trotted over and scrutinized my face a bit more. "Hm. I see," the man said. "You certainly lit a fire under those two's behinds," he chuckled at the memory. "You were robbed, you say? I guess that was why you disappeared too quickly-- which was good. Valefor seems to have got a mad-on for you, and it's not good to cross him."

The statement got me interested. "How so?"

"You may not have heard, but Valefor seems to be highly favored by the king to wed the princess --that puts him in line to become the next king. And a king, my man, is not an easy enemy." The senior guard began to lead his horse away. "Very well, feel free to camp out here, if you can't find good lodgings. But keep sure that you never harm the king's creatures... At least not until you get a hunting permit from our offices. Good eve, sir."


The treeline kept the dawn's light at bay, but I had been awake with the first cockcrow anyway. As I puttered around camp, boiling springwater and making skillet bread for breakfast, I noticed that along with my cloak, Ana had taken the wood she had split, along with the cart. I had the passing thought that she might have left to sell the wood for her dues. Still, it irked me that she had taken my cloak again. I only hoped that she had not lost my papers.

I settled down on the raw earth about the fire, and set to eat, anticipating my fleet-footed charge to break into the clearing soon.

Leaving cart with all the wood by one of the horseman’s stable, I snuck in through the kitchen and back up to my chambers. Opening the door, I breathe a sigh of relief of my own amenities. Immediately, the ladies in waiting gasp and summon the king’s guards. “Shhh, Christina…. Do not call upon them. It is I, Anastasia.” Covering her mouth quickly, I kick with a heel the door shut.

“Julia, please draw a warm milk bath.” Slowly removing my hand from Christine’s hand, she flourishes around. “Christina, please help me remove these clothes. Has my father been looking for me?”

Christina shakes her head in a no fashion pulling the strings from the top and pulls it over my head. “No m’lady. The king has been busy with the games and several suitors for your hand in marriage. One did come to seek your hand in a dinner proposal.” She helps me out of the last of the filthy commoner clothes.

“Who was it, Christina?” Julia still silently prepares the long awaited milk bath and takes my cut up hand and guides me. I couldn’t place what was exactly wrong. Stepping into the tub with the assistance of both of them, I question Julia. “Julia, you are never this silent. Who came to see me?”

Julia’s soft voice murmured out “Valefor”. Valefor was a brute of a man who Julia has had her eyes set on for most of her time with me. I knew that this would be a hard blow when he would attempt to claim my hand and the title of the future king.

Once completely submerged, I turn to her. “Julia, I know your feelings. I vow to you as your Princess and future queen, I will not take that from you. I will graciously decline his offer. Yet you do know that I have asked for a challenge and the winner shall take my hand. I will not be able to decline if he wins.” I knew where I was going with this. I needed someone to cover for my time away from both my duties and the castle.

“How will you do that if he wins, M’Lady? You cannot deny Lord Valefor if he does.” Her brows furrow in confusion.

“Ladies,”; relaxing into the tub “I know who will win, if given the chance.” Both lean in and start sponging my back and shoulders, washing away the dirt and grime. “Listen to me; I will need your help. I am going to be away from the castle for most of the days. There could be nights too. I will be back, but I will need you to cover for me while I am away.” I could see the worried expression on their faces. “Don’t worry I’m on the grounds out by the clearing that Marcus and I spent on our childhood days.”

They looked at each other and hesitantly agreed. “There is one more thing ladies.” Christina and Julia dropped the sponges into the water, waiting patiently. “I’m in no danger, yet I need your complete word. Tell no one that anything you might see or hear. I do not know what will happen in the time I will be gone, but I am sure that something will.”

Both agreed to what I have said and I gave them more instructions. After their gentle scrub down, I leaned back and just rested. Every muscle hurt from yesterday’s new activity and having too little sleep did not help the situation. There was nothing more I could offer and dozed off in the tub.


The bright sun beam radiates and heats my face. Opening my eyes I realized I have missed the most of the morning light. “Crap… Crap” Julia and Christine rush in to see what the alarm in my voice was. “I am going to be so late. So late. Where are the clothes?” Ripping the towel from Christina’s hand and drying off quickly. Julia walks in with more clothes in a satchel and a pile in her hands.

“This is the cook’s clothes. It might be a little baggie on you, but it is as you requested madam.” Julia’s head down as she presented.

“Thanks Julia. I promise you, Valefor will never remember who I am after all this.”; giving her a reassuring smile. Disregarding the knickers today, I fling on the shirt and trousers. “Thank you .” almost screaming the words out as I run down the stairs and out the back kitchen door. Not even caring who saw the hair of fire waving in the wind.

Sneaking out to the barn where I left the cart, I noticed it was offloaded. With no wood, I would have to make sure I had the coin to pay Marius for his services. Grabbing the cart, I sneak back deep into the woods.


I stood there watching Marius for a few moments. The heat coursed through my body again at first sight of him sitting on the ground ripping away at the food he prepared. Even carrying his cloak my shoulders, the freshly milked wash bath is all I could draw. His ruthless ways kept me in suspense and how I wanted them more than just his student. I was curious to know if he knew how I dreamed about him last night.

Did he smell my cum where I wiped it off on the covers? What will he do when he realized I walked out with his cloak again? Crap I didn't think about that when I left last night. At least I didn't have to worry about his "precious papers" anymore.

Putting my best foot forward, I walk out into the clearing with a bright smile. "Top to the morning Marius."

I raised an eyebrow at the girl as she stepped into the clearing. Obviously, Ana had found somewhere else to spend the night. She’d gotten cleaned up as well. Clean now, her light complexion was a stark contrast to the dark of my cloak.

“Well, I’m glad to see you’ve sold the wood, at least,” I said with a sigh as she walked over. “You left, last night,” I replied, letting displeasure taint my voice. I took a bite out of the pan bread, chewed deliberately as I stared at her. “And with my cloak again.”

Ana opened her mouth to explain, but I decided to silence her with a raised hand. “I don’t care why you left, but I need to know two things. First, do you have my papers with you?”

As soon as I got the documents, I stuck them for the moment in my belt. “Second, why the hell are we in the king’s woods? The men who rode in on us last night were the wardens, checking out why I had camped there. Had they not recognized me, I would have been shackled up by now and in jail.”

I took a sip of water and stared at Ana’s eyes. “So… How did you know about this shack? And what makes you think we would be safe staying here?”