In the Devil's Keeping

[caela]

There was a dark burning hunger in the Mages eyes leaving his love with the sure knowledge that this time their love would not be slow or gentle.

That look drew her passion to the surface in an instant and when he pushed her back into the bed she was already pressing up under him. Her lips and fingers were everywhere they could reach, nipping and biting. This time she was the hellcat she'd warned him off and she writhed and bucked until he finally entered her and rolled her to her side.

One long leg flung over his hip to hold him close while her teeth and nails bit and clawed at his flesh leaving her mark in his skin even as his own nails scored her flesh. She moved with his strokes into her and when at last her orgasm exploded through her she released a scream of pleasure that could be heard throughout the Tower.

As her pleasure flooded her and the scream dies she whispered, "Fill me love, give me your pleasure!"

 

[cgraven]

As her pleasure flooded her and the scream dies she whispered, "Fill me love, give me your pleasure!"

She was a hellcat her own dark pleasures demanding of him yet the Mage bent his love to his will even as she clawed and bite him in her passion the pain and pleasure mixing in their dark passionate dance of love. Her voice a dark husky passion filled whisper as she bit his shoulder. His fingers knotted in her dark silken tresses bowing her head back as her slender neck bowed and his teeth nipped at it. He made her wait anticipate what she had pleaded for until he felt the demanding touch of her mind as her need for him to fill her was excruciating.

Arawn scream of pleaser resounded through their chamber as he filled his love’s grasping, rippling, cunt, as her legs held him tight to her as her young body milked the last of his cum from him. Their breathing was ragged their hearts racing, and their bodies soaked in sweat as their mouths hungrily sought each other.

The sun hung low in the western sky as Arawn helped his love into her armor. When the last buckle was drawn tight he kissed the nape of her neck just above the high leather collar.

“It is time my love to join the others.”

 

[caela]

“It is time my love to join the others.”

She sighed softly, that last kiss to her neck making her shiver as her eyes lifted to his. She didn't know what to say and so she simply opened her mind and heart to him and let him feel all of her love for him. Taking his hand she squeezed it gently as they headed up to the Tower.

Seeing D'Lation and Noir waiting for them she smiled softly. Even in their dragon forms she could see the love between the two and it gladdened her heart. Walking up to Noir she smiled to her friend and caressed her long neck softly as she whispered, "You watch after my love and I'll watch after yours my friend. We'll bring them safely back to each other."

Turning to Arawn she pulled him close and kissed him fiercly before whispering, "Be safe my love or I will find and haunt you."

Knowing she would start to cry if she stayed any longer she pressed a finger to his lips to keep him from speaking before she leaped into her saddle and threaded her reigns through the rings on her nipples. Her mind brushed D'Lations urging him to go and he leaped from the tower as she asked. Soon they were out of sight and the first kingdom they had to stop in was the one place on earth Orinda would rather have never returned to...her old home.

 

[cgraven]

”Be safe my love or I will find and haunt you."

Knowing she would start to cry if she stayed any longer she pressed a finger to his lips to keep him from speaking.

The press of that single finger tip to his lips, the warmth of its touched stilled his voice. As Orinda slowly withdrew it that warm filled it heart lingering on his lips and slowly fading as the Young maid dawned her dragon helm and mounted D’Lation. They soared into the sky wheeling to the east on the mission that he himself had set for them. How different Orinda was from that scared pampered young girl that quivering on the floor in fear when The Lady Noir had first brought her to the tower. Arawn knew she would have to return home on her mission home to face her past, until once again she come home to his arms.

“They are so young Noir neither of them have fought their first battle yet.”

As where we Arawn when we flew out for the first time when the demons came into the world of the Tan-A-Dan-Nue-Wee.”

The mage made no response for the Tan-A-Dan-Nue-Wee had been driven underground for generations and he himself had suffered at the hands of the demons for centuries before that war was done. He mounted Noir and they soared into the skies and wheeled to the western sea and the shining land beyond where the Elves where said to have fled the affairs of the other races.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

People screamed and pointed to the clear morning skies of dawn as the dragon and its rider soared across the sky and circled the castle of the king.

”Your Majesty Queen Selene a dragon and rider approach”


What she screamed and ran to th battlements as th alarm bell rang outs its warning call the men to arms.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

When both riders had left D’or took flight but not to the Consul of Dragon’s but towards Eastern human realms and the demon horde.

 

[caela]

"What?!" she screamed and ran to the battlements as the alarm bell rang outs its warning call the men to arms.

"I don't want to be here D'Lation," Orinda murmured as he circled the castle in a tightening spiral that brought them ever closer to the battlements. She knew by now her sister would have seen the Brass dragon and would know it was not the same beast that had taken Phedre so long ago. The pain of that betrayal still hurt her and D'Lation knew it.

You're not that girl anymore Orinda. Think logically, if Selene hadn't betrayed you you wouldn't have found love or become a rider.

"You're right of course. I hate it when you're right," she laughed softly just as he touched down on the battlements.

Sliding from the saddle she looked into the scared green eyes of her sister and suddenly she burst into laughter. "So Selene, your schemeing got you what you wanted? Tell me does the crown sit heavily on your head knowing you gained it through betrayal?"

Selene didn't recognize the woman before her. There was something familiar in the shading of the woman's eyes that reminded her of Phedre but there was no way this woman could be Phedre. Phedre had been soft and compliant and would never have been able to tame a dragon.

"I don't know what you mean, woman. My sister was snatched by one of those very beasts while we were at a gypsy fair. When my father died his crown naturally passed to me. Are the riders of dragons not taught better manners than to address royalty so familiarly?"

A small smirk curved Orinda's lips as Selene spoke and she truly realize that D'Lation was right. She was no longer that girl and Selene's betrayal no longer held any power over her. Holding her sister's gaze her fingers moved slowly and soft words passed from her lips as she called forth her magic, the line of it moved among the soldiers on the battlements and their weapons burst into a rain of useless flowers at their feet. The men were startled but their eyes widened even further when she pulled her helmet from her head and let her raven locks fall. Unlike Selene they recognized her and sank to their knees before the eldest Princess.

"I apparently learned my deportment lessons better than you did sister for I would never have dared to address a dragonrider as "woman" nor insulted her manners before knowing just how much of a threat a lone rider could be to my kingdom."

"P-Phedre? It can't be, you're supposed to be dead!"

"Next time you want to betray someone by selling them into slavery sister perhaps you should consider that slaves don't always die." Reaching into Selene's mind she saw the envy growing in her sister at Orinda's power and her dragon and she hissed softly. "Would you stop being a jealous bitch and think like a fucking Queen! You have an entire kingdom for yourself be content sister for if you wish to keep it than you will have to listen to my words."

Looking to the men who were gaping at the two women now she waved a hand gently and their weapons reformed at their feet. "You will have need of these and soon. Spread the word throughout the kingdom that war is coming. The demon hordes have escaped their prison in hell and are this very moment massing to attack the world of men. You will see a great many creatures crossing the land, dragons and griffons, creatures from legend and myth. They are NOT seeking to harm us but to help us for if our world fails they too have no where to go and will just as ruled by demons as we."

Turning to her sister her voice dropped and violet eyes held emerald, "Sister, I come here in peace to bring you warning of danger to your kingdom. I do not seek your throne, I have no use for it. Your betrayal has, in the end, given me more than my life here ever would have. Amass your army and have them train every able body in the kingdom Selene, male and female.

I've seen the demons sister, I've been tested by them, " as she spoke she reached into her sister's mind and opened the part of her own that held the memories of her trials and allowed Selene to see the horrors she'd had to face . "This and worse is what comes for your kingdom. I would not see it destroyed and you and the nephew I know you've borne dead. I bear you no ill will Selene. Will you heed my counsel?"

 

[cgraven]

"P-Phedre? It can't be, you're supposed to be dead!"

Selene Shrunk back in horror at what Orinda showed her of the world that might be. Her hand flew to her mouth when she realized that this hard dragon rider that wheeled magic with such ease knew her son was father by their father the product of Selene lust for the thrown and her insectious relation with their father, the king, to secure it. All else faded from her as her heart was gripped by fear that others would learn of it.

I've seen the demons sister, I've been tested by them. This and worse is what comes for your kingdom. I would not see it destroyed and you and the nephew I know you've borne dead. I bear you no ill will Selene. Will you heed my counsel?"

“Your counsel, you a slave that prostituted your body for power, and consort with a winged serpent letting it use your body as a drunkard would use a common whore.”

Selene emerald eyes where wild unfocused as fear gripped her need to lash out at her sister the only thing she could comprehend, and her accusations a mad woman’s justification for her betrayal.

“How dare you speak to your Queen in such a manner you witch, you whore.”

With an imperious wave Selene turned her back on Orinda.

“Marshal Draco such matters are your concern see what the beast’s whore requires of us and I never want to see her in my presence again.

Yes your majesty”

After Selene stormed off to her chambers Marshal Draco dropped to his knee and kissed Orinda’s hand.

“Princess Phedre what do you wish for us to do are we to fight here or march to met the enemy.”


<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

D’or bowed to the demon Seth.

Then it is agreed the girl will be mine and the dark will be imprisoned so you can drain his magic from him to feed the horde.”

“As you wish Lord D’or. When they face gathered their army lets us know and we will attack before they can organize a proper defense for these humans are vain and proud and will fight for supremacy., and that will be their undoing.”

 

[caela]

“Princess Phedre what do you wish for us to do are we to fight here or march to met the enemy.”

Orinda sighed softly as her sister left. She was half tempted to use her magic to retain her and try to force her to see reason but she'd seen the blinding fear and all consuming ambition in her sister's mind and knew it would be pointless. Reaching out she stroked D'Lation's long neck drawing strength from his mere prescence.

"Rise Marshall Draco. I am no longer your Princess and do not seek to resume my place as such. My name is now Orinda. My place is no longer as one of royal blood but with my Mage and my dragon. This Marshal is the Lord D'Lation and contrary to Selene's words he is much more than a serpant. He is my friend."

The Marshal bowed low before the dragon offering him the same respect that he had given to Orinda. "It is an honor to meet you Lord D'Lation, any friend of Princess Orinda's is considered a friend of the Kingdom in my mind."

"Gather your armies Marshal. The demon horse seeks to break through from the eastern lands and so you must march to the east. Be sure to fly a flag of truce once outside your own lands. The last thing we need is for the armies to start fighting themselves. We will need a united forces to defeat the demons.

I will spread word of your coming as I travel east, neighboring Kingdom's will be warned that you march. Make sure my Lord Marshal that your troops carry enough food to feed themselves and that they don't ravage the country side. Again we are fighting the demons not each other and there is no reason to incite the ire of our neighbors.If you can show me to your mapping room Marshal we can set out more detailed plans."

Smiling softly to D'Lation she reached out to touch his mind gently with her own, If you want to be part of the planning my friend you'll need to change your form. I need access to the Marshal's maps and that requires going inside. If you prefer to stay out here I understand but I would greatly value your counsel.

 

[cgraven]

D'Lation watched in silence at the exchange between the two sisters and marveled at the difference between them where Orinda was calm and focus her emotions under control and her bright pure spirit shinning like a star in the night sky. Selene’s was dark and twisted the stench of false pride, envy, and jealousy made him physically repulsed by her and he wondered if this was what evil smelled like.

He found it impossible to believe that two beings shirred by the same parents could be so utterly different. His scales rustled threateningly when Selene shrieked.

“Your counsel, you a slave that prostituted your body for power, and consort with a winged serpent letting it use your body as a drunkard would use a common whore. How dare you speak to your Queen in such a manner you witch, you whore.”

It was only Orinda’s gentle touch upon his neck and her need for his strength that stilled his anger and he let his lady take the strength she needed from him.

D’Lation shifted to his human form and followed his consort and Marshal Draco to the map room. The afternoon faded into evening and was spent in making plans to raise the kingdom’s forces. Draco question the need and the advisability to have even the women armed and incorporated into the army.

“To what purpose will frail women serve in this fight My Lady Orinda?”

Draco was a seasoned warrior and had scene war and its horror the rape and pillage that followed a defeat in the field and could not grasp the necessity of exposing women to such horrors.

Evening wore into night and finally Draco ran his fingers through his steel gray hair. Orinda was discovering that going to war was more complicated than just sounding the alarm. Already one precious day had been spent just rallying her home kingdom, and there where still five more where she was not known or who had been bitter enemies in the past.


“The Hour is late My Lady I shall have two room prepared and we shall continue in the morning.”

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

D’or had sold his soul to the demon Seth so that he could posses that which he could not have. He took wing his shining golden scales tarnished with the loss of his soul. He must appear at the Grand Counsel of dragons to belay ant suspicions.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

On the morning of the third day Arawn and Noir found the Elves in the lands across the western seas. Their reception was less than they had hoped for.

 

[caela]

“To what purpose will frail women serve in this fight My Lady Orinda?”

"You will need every pair of hands that can lift a sword or shoot a bow my Lord Marshal. I've seen these things and the hell they came from. Believe me when I say that if we should lose you will your women had died on the field of battle with you rather than have them left to the demon's untender mercies."

As she spoke Orinda still saw the skepticism in the Marshal's eyes and she sighed softly. "Marshal would you permit me to show you what I mean by touching your mind for just a moment?" She didn't really need to ask, the Marshal didn't have the skills to keep her out but she didn't want him to fear her when what he needed to be concerned with was the attack to come.

The Marshal nodded slowly giving his consent and Orinda murmured, "Thank you my Lord Marshal." Gently she touched his mind and showed him the horrors of hell, the demons she'd seen and the tortures they'd put her through. She didn't show him when the pain turned to pleasure for she could feel that he wouldn't understand that and it was something he didn't need to know.

"This is the barest tip of what comes for us my Lord Marshal, and this is why every man and woman must be armed and made ready. I don't suggest that the women be in the front lines by any means, you have seasoned soldiers for that. Many of them though could be taught to shoot a bow and thus free up more of your men for the true fighting."

“The Hour is late My Lady I shall have two room prepared and we shall continue in the morning.”

"My Lord Marshal please do not take this wrongly but only one room will be needed." She the startled look that filled his eyes and the way his gaze started to shift between herself and D'Lation and held up her hand. "Stop my Lord Marshal. I do not trust my sister, whether she has given you leave to listen to me or not her outburst earlier has shown her to be an enemy to myself. She fears me, and what Selene fears she tries to eliminate. I believe Lord D'Lation and myself will be safer in Selene's palace if we are together."

The Marshal nodded his head and called for a servan, ordering one room prepared for the Lady Princess and the Lord Dragon. Orinda couldn't help the small laugh that parted her lips when he also ordered the servant to make sure a second bed was placed in the room so that they could both sleep comfortably. Her countrymen were such prudes!

***

That night she lay curled in D'Lation's arms but neither was thinking of sex. Both were thinking of their loves taking wing across the sea and were simply drawing comfort from having a friend so close. Orinda was just about to fall asleep when she heard the door opening slowly. Sighing softly she called up her magic and sent invisible strands of it out to wrap around their intruder, pulling him into the room and slamming the door with it as she sat up to see whom she'd caught.

She was surprised to see a young boy of about 10 staring wide eyes at her and struggling against the bands of magic holding him. From his rich dress this child could only be one person. Her nephew. But he was so old! Had she truly been gone so long? It was then that she remembered Arawn telling her that time didn't matter in the Tower and she realized that it must move more quickly out here in the world of Men.

Gently she released the young Prince and smiled warmly. "Why is it that a Prince comes sneaking into my room in the dead of the night?" she asked him gently.

"I-I wanted to see the dragon and the Lady that so scared my mother. She wouldn't let me see earlier, she said you were a whore and unclean. You don't look like a whore though, you're pretty and clean and you look just like Mommy except your eyes are purple."

Orinda laughed softly and patted the bed for the child to sit beside them. She was suddenly glad that she'd chosen to wear a nightdress that evening instead of being nude. "I'm not a whore young Prince. I scared your mother though and so she thought that insulting me would make her less afraid. It is a common thing though not the right thing, the only way to truly banish a fear is to face it full on.

And the reason I look like her young Prince is because I am her older sister."

The boys eyes widened at that and he shook his head, his raven locks so like Orinda and Selene's own shaking around his cheeks. "That's not possible, Auntie Phedre died before I was born."

"No my sweet nephew she didn't. She was stolen by a dragon because a dark Mage knew of her innocence and purity and he'd also seen what no else ever had, an inner strength that even she didn't know she had. The dark Mage trained and taught her and set her mighty trials to shape and mold her and prove herself worthy to ride a great dragon. The Mage taught her magic and weapons and how to love and when her trials were done she was allowed to ascend and choose a new name for she was no longer the same woman. So Phedre faded away and Orinda was born and she was lucky enough to be chosen by the Lord D'Lation as his rider and sits here talking to her young nephew at last." As she finished she gave the boy a gentle hug and was surprised when he gripped her tightly.

"I always wanted and Auntie, I think having a dragonrider for one will be the best!" The boy turned his eyes to D'Lation skeptically however and whispered,"But Auntie, he doesn't look like a dragon!"

This drew a laugh from both Orinda and D'Lation who smiled down at the boy. This child bore none of his mother's stench and was as sweet and pure as any other. "This is my human form little Prince. All dragons can appear in either dragon or human shape, "D'Lation explained. "Being a brass dragon I am also blessed to be the closest to our Mother the Earth and so can also change into any of her creatures."

The boys eyes were wide in wonder as D'Lation spoke and with all of a childs exuberance he suddenly exclaimed, "I don't want to be a Prince, I want to be a dragonrider when I'm big!"

This drew another laugh all around and Orinda ruffled her nephew's hair. "If that is what you truly want my nephew than you must remember to always be kind, thoughtful, honest, and pure of heart for a dragon will not come to one that is corrupted by power or greed. Now my young man you had better get back to your bed or your mother will worry and it's never good to make a mother worry."

The boy nodded thoughtfully and kissed Orinda's cheek before throwing himself at D'Lation and giving him a large hug. As quietly as he'd come the young Prince slipped back out and Orinda kept him cloaked with magic as he crept back to his room.

"Why did you tell him that Orinda?" D'Lation asked quietly."He will have to be King here, your sister has no other children."

"I know D'Lation, but the same qualities that can draw a dragon will also win him his people's heart and make him a good King someday. I remember being that age, this week it's a dragonrider, next week he'll want to be a soldier."

Smiling softly she curled back in against D'Lation and felt his wings enfold them both and they drifted into a light if uneasy sleep.

 

[cgraven]

"I know D'Lation, but the same qualities that can draw a dragon will also win him his people's heart and make him a good King someday. I remember being that age, this week it's a dragonrider, next week he'll want to be a soldier."

D’Lation kissed the crown of Orinda’s head as she curled close to him his wings enfolding her. He felt the tension of the long day ease from her and her breathing steady and slow as sleep came to her. Yet The young drake’s mind would not let him rest just know. D’Lation experience with humans hade been limited to his contact with Orinda and the Dark Mage. He remembered the conflict and the taint of evil when he had met Selene, and the shock and the revolution when Orinda had told the Marshal that only one room would be required and the ways the Marshal’s war captains had looked at her, the way her armor clung to her reveling all her charms to their gaze, and the lust he saw in their eyes. The dark was repulsed by their petty spiteful natures and wonder why this selfish lustful race should be saved from a fate that they truly appeared to deserve.

Yet when the young prince came creeping into to their room late at knight, the way he clung to his Auntie, the simple innocent questions he asked, his eyes wide with wonder as his small voice said. ,"But Auntie, he doesn't look like a dragon!" and the way he smiled with pure joy puffing out his little chest to declare. "I don't want to be a Prince, I want to be a dragonrider when I'm big!"

A thought slowly began to form in D’Lation’s mind. If all humans where not the same, if some could be as pure of spirit as Orinda and the young Prince, and some could be tainted with evil such as Selene, then could it also be true of dragons? The young dark’s mind began to race memories of the way that D’or had looked at Orinda, the obvious lust that he had to posses her, the way he had looked at both himself and Noir when they where wed, and suddenly D’lation was very scared. He kept these thoughts to himself less he be wrong, had unjustly judged D’or. But silently he voiced his concerns over time and space to his love.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

A week had passed as the Elvin nations where consumed with esoteric arguments as to weather they should or should not come to the aid of a world that they had turned their backs on. The warning question that D’Lation had sent to The Lady Noir troubled both her and Arawn. For they both knew that in the last demon war the Chromatic Dragons had joined the demon hordes, and that Tiamat their queen ruled the first of the nine levels of hell and bred her spawn there.

When the Elvin counsel convened on at the beginning of the second week a furor erupted when representative of the Drawfven people arrived unannounced to take part in the deliberations as the news of the demon horde had reached them. At the end of the third week The dwarfs had committed their support yet still the Elves argued failing to reach a decision.

“I beg you MY Lords do not turn your backs on the world.”

The Mage impassioned plea seemingly falling on deaf ears. That Night Noir and Arawn took wing for the obsidian Tower.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Orinda had spread the alarm through out the human realms with one exception Clanmore. Clanmore lay closet to the impending threat and had been a bitter enemy of Orinda’s home realm as long as living memory could recall. Laying close to the wild mountains the sight of a dragon on the wing though rare was not viewed with the awe of the more settled realms. MacTar their chief was a brute of a man and cared little for anything outside the boundaries of his own realm other than for the joy of battle and conquest. And so it was to his Kingdom at last that Orinda and D’lation flew.

 

[caela]

Clanmore. Orinda couldn't help the shudder that passed through her body as they flew at last over the Kindom that was an ancient and bitter enemy to her own despite the fact that they were the farthest apart. She'd deliberatly started in her own Kindom at the westernmost edge of the World of Men, and worked her way back east. She did this for two reasons, the first was to get the armies of the western lands moving east as quickly as possible and the second was that it allowed her to avoid Clanmore for as long as possible.

Seeing the Castle of Clanmore come into view she shivered once more and her grip on the reigns tightened slightly making D'Lation reach out to her. Ease up a bit Orinda, that grip is painful on the reigns. Are you all right back there?

She started and eased her grip on the reigns and slowly nodded her head. "Yes I'm fine D'Lation, just worried, Clanmore has always been an enemy. I'm hoping their King, Chief, doesn't recognize me."

She stopped speaking as they broke into their spiraling entrance above the castle's battlements. They'd found that this was a good way to draw attention and it gave all the men-at-arms a chance to make the battlements so that Orinda could make their weapons useless with her magic. Knowing that Mac Tar would take this as a deadly insult however she refrained this time. She knew words of their coming would have reached him because there was no surer means of communicating throughout the Kingdom's than the gossip chains that ran through all of them.

Mac Tar himself was standing on the Tower as they landed and Orinda slid from the back of D'Lation with the smooth grace of much practice. She was about to speak when Mac Tar cut her off. "So the dragonrider and her beastie have come at last to Clanmore. It took you long enough girl. Tell me why we weren't your first stop if demons are truly getting set to attack us?"

The Chief was gruff and to the point but Orinda sensed no malice from him and was startled to realize that he was handsome in his own gruff manner. Smiling slowly she answered easily, "I came to you last great Chief because I knew that of all the Kindoms, Clanmore would stand the MOST ready to act and would already be the BEST prepared for what was needed. I knew that the other Kingdoms were soft because Clanmore has always stood ready at the gate and protected them more than they know or appreciate. So I went to them to get their armies put in motion and headed this way to come to the aid of all mankind knowing that of the five Kingdoms Clanmore alonw would already be prepared when I arrived."

Mac Tar listened to her and in the end a small smile twitched at the edges of his lips and he finally allowed himself to burst into laughter. "You speak like a courtier girl. Come inside and we'll plot and plan to keep the demons at bay. If your Dragon Lord would shift to human form - and preferably clothed thank you, I don't want my wives eyeing him more than they already will - we can get to the business of planning how to keep the demons at bay."

Orinda chuckled and she could feel D'Lation's amusement as well. The man was gruff but he was as good a sovereign as any they had met so far and much more open in his manner. Orinda did a quick scan of his mind and was startled to find that she couldn't read him! The surprised look on her face made the Chief laugh.

"We're still Mage trained here girlie. You won't see into my head unless I let you. No more than I can see into yours."

The Chief linked his arm through one of Orinda's and motioned for D'Lation to come up and take her other arm. Orinda was glad that Mac Tar obviously hadn't recognized her as well as glad to find that he wasn't the devil she'd always been taught he was. And so sandwiched between them they enteres the Castle of Clanmore.

 

[cgraven]

"We're still Mage trained here girlie. You won't see into my head unless I let you. No more than I can see into yours."

MacTar smiled at the momentary shock when the young beauty had tentatively reached out to touch his mind. His mouth a gaping hole in his bristly wild red beard as he laughed and linked his arm in hers and D’Lation’s and led them in to his castle keep. His nature was affable and friendly for there was no man nor kingdom That MacTar feared.

As they entered a bevy of his wife came running to kneel at his feet. They were all very young some younger than Orinda herself. Each was of royal birth, several where heavy with child and each represented on of the five western kingdoms of mankind, and some where from the eastern realms that bordered Clamore. There was one notable exception there was no princess royal from her own realm. MacTar bid them to rise, and kissed each one passionately. Their attire was scanty to say the least, their young charms displayed to show their submissiveness to their lord and husband.

“Aye they are all Bonnie Lassies and dutiful wives. A king is less likely to attack if his own flesh and blood is in my Keep and the wee barrens their grandchildren.”

There was no malice or deceit in MacTar statement juts a pride in his wives and his diplomacy.

“So my wee girlie what are Yee called?

His manner was disarmingly pleasant and it appeared to the unobservant that MacTar wore his emotions on his sleeve.

“I must say that you armor becomes you lass, but I fear we have weightier matters to discuss.”

The after noon was spent discussing the gathering armies of the five kingdoms that the battle was to be fought at the pass of Long Strife the gate way to the west from the barren mountains. It had grown late into the evening as these meeting always seemed to be tediously drawn out affairs, moving in the slow rituals of diplomacy.

“I of course shall command the armies as this battle will be fought in Clanmore and it is my land that must support the army.”

Mac Tar’s request was only reasonable as it was Clamore that would bear the brunt of the demon hordes attack and the first to suffer if they failed to stop the horde at the pass of Long Strife. As the meeting was adorning he called again for his wives.

“Prepare a room for Lord D’Lation and his consort and feed the dragon Lord.”

Turning he paused before continuing.

“Lady Orinda a private word if you please.”

He waited till just he and Orinda stood alone in the counsel chamber.

“There is but just one more condition I require to be met Princess Phedre. I lass I know who you are your eyes a violet betrayed you.”

He savored the look of surprise in the young beauty’s eyes when he revealed that he knew her true identity.

“When the armies are gathered you will come before all dressed as the Princess Royal of your realm carrying your shield and sword and lay them at my feet.”

MacTar paused as he let what he said sink into the young maid’s mind.

“Then you will bare your body to me and submit to me as I use it for my pleasure. You will nay use your magic to bare me from you in any form, for I shall know. It will be up to the gods and goddesses if you become with child. Ye shall tell no man nor drake of this arrangement. Is that clear Princess Phedre.”

Mac Tar voice soften his eyes kindly as he continued.

“In this way it will forestall the pity squabblings of the others and leave no doubt as to who is to lead the armies. I had no wish to offend Lord D’Lation, nor is there need to distress him or his honor until necessary. That is why I asked to have a private word with you.


Mac Tar had said that she could tell no man or dark of their arrangement but he had said nothing about telling another woman.”

 

[caela]

Orinda found that the day passed pleasantly enough despite the fact that they talked of war and that she had been reared to fear and loathe Mac Tar. She found him to be good company indeed and she was surprised to find that she honestly liked him. For all that he appeared to wear his emotions on his sleeve she quickly found that his affability hid a sharp and cunning mind.

When he demanded that he would lead the armies Orinda simply nodded and waved a hand slightly, it was something she'd already thought of and though it had rankled most of the Royal's and Marshal's that she'd spoken with all had agreed that considering it was Clanmore lands that would be most effected by the coming battle that it was his right to lead. It had been a contentious point and Orinda knew it had bothered more than one but they weren't about to really argue with a dragonrider who happened to also be a sorceress, even a low level one.

It wasn't until he asked for a private word that Orinda grew suspicious.

“There is but just one more condition I require to be met Princess Phedre. I lass I know who you are your eyes a violet betrayed you.”
“When the armies are gathered you will come before all dressed as the Princess Royal of your realm carrying your shield and sword and lay them at my feet.”“Then you will bare your body to me and submit to me as I use it for my pleasure. You will nay use your magic to bare me from you in any form, for I shall know. It will be up to the gods and goddesses if you become with child. Ye shall tell no man nor drake of this arrangement. Is that clear Princess Phedre.”

For a few moment's Orinda simply looked at him without saying anything. Her surprise at his words clearly written on her features. Reaching up her fingers ran nervously through her hair while her mind spun. Her first reaction was pure anger which she pushed away because she recognized it as her pride pricking.

Damnit but she hated men thinking she some toy to be used!

"You ask much Mac Tar and you place me in a highly awkward position. If I were to take up the role of Princess Phedre again I run the risk of throwing my homeland into a civil war for it is my younger sister and not myself who sits the throne. If I were to come to you as Phedre many of my people would see that as me marking my rightful claim to our throne which I do NOT want. I am content to leave it in my sisters hands for while she has many personal failings she rules well and the land prospers.

You also demand that I not tell my Lover or my Drake. It is not just the dragon's pride you need worry over Mac Tar but the Mage of the Dark Tower's as well. I will need time to think on your terms. I will give you an answer in the morning Mac Tar."

Pushing up from her chair she gave Mac Tar a look that was colder than glacial ice. "It's too bad that you've proven yourself to be like most of the men who have come through my life Mac Tar. I am much more than a pawn or a toy to warm any man's bed and you are both shrewd and have a good heart. Until that final demand I would have been glad to have gotten to know you better and perhaps named you friend. Quite possibly I would have come willingly to your bed at some point had my Love permitted it. I don't appreciate being blackmailed into a man's bed however."

Turning she left the counsel chamber and simply asked a servant where the Lord D'Lation's chamber was. Joining him there he could tell something was bothering her but when asked she told him Mac Tar had bid her not to tell him as yet but that she would as soon as he allowed.

Settling into a chair near the window she stared out over the landscape and reached out with her mind to the Lady Noir. Orinda would tell no man but she needed counsel desperatly. Waiting until Noir reached back and had connected with her Orinda replayed the private conversation with her and even included her little fit of spite at the end. I should have left the last bit out I know, my mouth got ahead of my brain...I need help though Noir, I don't know what to do.

 

[cgraven]

I should have left the last bit out I know, my mouth got ahead of my brain...I need help though Noir, I don't know what to do.

The lady Noir listened as Orinda related the events that had transpired in the private meeting with MacTar. She also knew that Clanmore clung to the ancient ways. That their rulers where mage trained from birth, and that their chieftains, unlike the more western kingdoms, where elected. This Noir explained very carefully to Orinda.

“My dear friend what was your impression of Mac Tar before he made his last demand?”

The dark beauty listened to her friend critical evaluation of MacTar. She hesitated for a long time, choosing her words very carefully.

“Orinda you face quite a dilemma. You are correct in assuming D’Lation’s outrage and his violent reaction. I also believe that appearing as th Princes Royal would have the results that you fear..”

Noir paused before continuing in a soft comforting voice.

“But Orinda I fear that you missed judge Mac Tar’s intention. He does not see you as a pawn but as the leader who has gathered the army. According to the ancient ways if you where a man you would lay your sword and shield at his feet and bare your neck to him as a sign that you submit to him as high Lord and commander. But my dear you are definitely not a man. As a warrior Maiden you would be expected to bare your body to him so he could take his pleasure and as a sign that you submit to him as High Lord. These are the old ways and would stop all others from challenging his right to lead the armies.”

Noir paused to let Orinda consider what she had told her.

“I can not, nor would I presume to tell you what to do. You know the realms of man better than I do. If you think they will steadfastly follow MacTar then your submission will not be necessary. If not then your choice is clear. Mac Tar did not mean to insult you but honor you. I fear you may have misjudged him.”

Noir could feel the anguish in the young dragon rider’s heart and did not envy her the choices that faced one so young..

“In two days time we are to meet at the tower. If you wish I shall tell Arawn for I know you can’t. I will deal with D’Lation in my own way depending on your decision my dear.”

 

[caela]

“In two days time we are to meet at the tower. If you wish I shall tell Arawn for I know you can’t. I will deal with D’Lation in my own way depending on your decision my dear.”

"Thank you Noir. Would you please tell Arawn for me. I can't but I could use his wisdom too. What you've told me makes sense and if you are right about Mac Tar following the old ways than I owe him an apology and will gladly offer it. If Arawn agrees then I will accept Mac Tar's terms but only if he allows me to come to him as the dragonrider and warrior who has gathered the armies. I didn't do this as Princess Phedre and there is no reason I can see from what you've told me to plunge my own country into a civil war to appease the old ways.

Thank you so very much Lady Noir!" If Orinda had been able to hug the other woman she would have but since she couldn't she brushed the other other's mind in a gentle caress that spoke of friendship. "D'Lation and I both look forward to coming home in two days."

Orinda slept fitfully that night and in the morning she slipped from bed early without waking D'Lation and went in search of Mac Tar.

***

A servant showed her to the Study where Mac Tar took his breakfast in private and quietly she sat down and waited for him to acknowledge her presence. When he did his gaze was as cold as her's had been the night before.

"I have my answer for you Mact Tar, as soon as you answer one for me. Why the demand? What is it you hope to gain from it?"

Mac Tar looked honestly surprised at her question and some of the coldness left his gaze. "Have the other kingdoms forgotten so much? Tis the old way lass, when the leader of one army submits to another they lay down their sword and shield and bare their neck to the new leader's sword submitting to him. Being as your a woman, you would submit your body by the old laws lass. Didn't you know that?" Mac Tar's gaze had turned from cold to disbelief as he spoke and it was obvious that he couldn't quite fathom that Orinda hadn't known this.

Orinda smiled softly at the look on his face and slowly nodded. "In that case I owe you a large apology, I am truly sorry for misjudging you Mac Tar. I quite frankly didn't know and my pride was pricked too much last night to ask. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions and for that I am sorrier than I can say." She offered no excuses or explanation for her behavior, only her simple but heartfelt apology.

"I will submit as you wish Mac Tar but it must be as myself, as Orinda, the Dragonrider and young Sorceress who has gathered the armies. Princess Phedre no longer exists, she died the day a dragon snatched her from a gypsy fair. Let her stay dead Mac Tar, it wasn't Phedre who brings you armies to command but Orinda and to claim Princess Phedre is to make a lie of the old ways as you've explained them to me."

 

[cgraven]

"I will submit as you wish Mac Tar but it must be as myself, as Orinda, the Dragonrider and young Sorceress who has gathered the armies. Princess Phedre no longer exists, she died the day a dragon snatched her from a gypsy fair. Let her stay dead Mac Tar, it wasn't Phedre who brings you armies to command but Orinda and to claim Princess Phedre is to make a lie of the old ways as you've explained them to me."

“Though Yee education in the olds ways is sadly lacking Lass I can nay hold you responsible for it.”

There was a hint of a teasing smile at the corner of the High Lord of Clanmore’s mouth. Then his voice became more serious.

“Lass your point is well taken about the risk of civil war and we can nay have dissention in the ranks or squabbling among our selves for the act would have the opposite effect it is interned to. Yes come as Orinda Dragonrider and Sorceress.”

When he had finished speaking there was almost a shy embarrassed look that creased his rugged face.


“I nay meant to offend Yee Lass.”

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

When The lady Noir told the dark Mage of MacTar demand Arawn could see the need for the old ways to be honored. Yet the pain that his love could not bare MacTar seed from growing in her some how saddened him, for he himself could do nothing without revealing he knew and that would have meant to the High Lord that she had told him breaking her word and her life would be held in forfeit. Grudging he told Noir that it was his love decision and he would respect and support all that she did.

“Noir tell her I love her more than life itself my Lady”

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

On the evening of the second day Noir and Arawn where at the tower awaiting the return of their loves. At the first sight of D’Lation on the wing Arawn’s hear leapt within his breast at the sight of Orinda setting regally astride the Brass dragon.. She was hardly out of the saddle before she found herself in the mages arms lisp lips pressed to hers in a loving kiss. By the gods he loved the feel of her in his arms, without her there or by his side he felt empty.

“Did your mission go well?”

Before his love could answer he pressed a single finger to her lips.

“I know love Noir has told me. You need not break your given word .”

The Mage knew that he had to let Orinda know of MacTar and the pledge that he had made her give him otherwise it would cast a shadow between them.

“My love at times I wish I was just a man free of my obligations and you just a woman kneeling by my side in front of our own hearth.”

Enfolding the young maiden in his arms he smile and kissed her tenderly.

 

[caela]

“My love at times I wish I was just a man free of my obligations and you just a woman kneeling by my side in front of our own hearth.”Enfolding the young maiden in his arms he smile and kissed her tenderly.

Orinda felt a sweet calm descend over her as Arawn kissed her so tenderly. She wrapped her arms around his neck and held him closely her lips moving with tender sweetness on his. "Perhaps someday that can be, but first it seems the gods have work for us to do. Come let us talk of our missions inside where it's warm and we can eat. I'm sure we have much to tell each other." Linking her arm through Arawn's she smiled to see Noir and D'Lation having their own quiet words together before they went inside.

The night was spent in long conversation as Orinda and D'Lation told Noir and Arawn of their mission. It tore at Orinda's heart to speak of her sister's venemous words to her but retelling the story of her nephew lifted her spirits once more. Even D'Lation had enjoyed meeting the boy and both of them hoped that he could retain his sweetness and purity in his mother's household.

Orinda told of the other four kingdoms as well. All but Clanmore had been frightened and more than ready to shoot first and ask questions later when they'd first arrived and on the top of more than one Palace tower D'Lation and Orinda had been glad of the skills that Arawn had taught her.

"They'll come. They'll all come for I showed all of the Royals and their Marshals just the small portions of hell that I have seen and it made their blood run cold. I instructed all the Marshals to bring enough food from their own lands to supply their armies so that no undue burden would be placed on their neighbors. It would do no good to have the demon hoards pushed back just to have the kingdoms erupt into war with each other."

As the evening waned Orinda felt the need to be as close to Arawn as she could. She'd missed him terribly and simply needed to touch him and so she slipped from her own chair and curl lightly at his feet, her head resting in his lap. "How did the meeting with the elves go? Will they help?"

 

[cgraven]

Arawn listened as his love told of her mission ands when she spoke of her sister's venomous words, the mage realized if he had not bought Phedre, his love would be long dead and forgotten. He smiled when he saw the light in Orinda’s pale violet eyes, there was something beyond the joy of her nephew, a fleeting longing that she quickly banished. Their discussion of Clanmore where short and very much too the point and exceedingly brief. D’Lation raised an eyebrow t its curt shortness but let it pass.

Arawn and Noir in their turn told of finding the Elvin counsel far across the Western sea. How it had been mired in esoteric arguments with out reaching a conclusion. Of the sudden arrival of the Dwarfs, that news even seemed to take D’Lation by surprise. The one individual that was not present and should have been was D’or. And his absence caused the brass dark to think back on his misgiving of the Golden dragon, making very uneasy, yet he held his own consul till he could speak to Noir in private.

The meeting lasted well into the wee hours of the morning and when it finally broke the four adventures where bone tired and in sore need of rest. Noir and D’Lation where the first to excuse themselves a look of longing in their eyes.

“Go my friends the hour is late,”

Arawn extended his hand his love and drew her from her chair where she sat half dozing. She look so frail and worn as she staggered to her feet. He smiled at her and carried her to his bed, lay the covers over her as she curled up like a kitten and was soon fast a sleep.

He lay by her side as his mind turned MacTar, no magical bars, with child if the god and goddess willed it. These thoughts haunted his sleep.

 

[caela]

Orinda woke late the next day. Her body and mind feeling much clearer for the good nights rest curled in Arawn's arms. She'd told him truly, his embrace was Home to her. Seeing him still asleep though she wondered just how late into the morning he had stayed awake thinking and crawled carefully from the bed so as not to wake him.

Conjuring a robe she felt through the Tower and found Noir alone in the study at the moment. She was surprised but also glad because she had a question that she needed to ask Noir and it wasn't one she wanted to ask any man. Making her way downt he steps of the Tower she peeked her head in quietly and found the dark beauty reading. "Do you mind if I interupt for a few moment's Lady Noir?"

Seeing the other woman smile and wave her in Orinda slid inside and quietly closed the door before curling up in the chair across from Noir. "I have a question I need to ask and much as I love Arawn I don't think it's something I want to ask a man. Besides it would violate my agreement with Mac Tar about telling him of our bargain. Mac Tar said I couldn't use magic to bar him from my body which of course leave me open to getting with child. I don't want his child Noir, if I have any child I want it to be Arawn's...what I need to ask is would it violate my agreement with Mac Tar to use herbals to either bring my flux early so that I can't concieve when I go to him or to take some that will keep me from conceiving?"

 

[cgraven]

"I have a question I need to ask and much as I love Arawn I don't think it's something I want to ask a man………….I don't want his child Noir, if I have any child I want it to be Arawn's...what I need to ask is would it violate my agreement with Mac Tar to use herbals …………………..or to take some that will keep me from conceiving?"

Noir listen carefully as the young maiden asked her question. She remained silent for a very long time considering what Orinda had asked. Finally she rose and walked to the girl curled in the chair. Kneeling she took both Orinda’s hands in her.

“My dear friend if you took herbs or a potion to accomplish what you desire would that not be using a form of magic, those simple and natural as it is, to bare MacTar seed from you?”

The dark beauty’s golden eyes held her pale violet eyes as again Noir spoke.

“I do believe if you did so it would be a violation of your agreement with MacTar.”

As tears shimmered in Orinda’s eyes Noir kissed her delicate finer tips.

“Trust in love Orinda.”

Noir placed her finger tip to the girl’s lips.

“No more questions my dear. Just trust in love.”


<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Noir had told D’Lation of what was to pass between MacTar and Orinda and as the Lady knew he flew into a rage. It took all her skill and all her love to clam the young drake.

“D’Lation you must be strong for her if you are not al that she has worked so hard for will come to nothing and the demons will have already one my love.”

The young Drake bow to the truth of his love words but it was cold comfort to him as he knew he could not speak of it or comfort his consort.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

At Mid day the screech of eagles was heard and the sky was filled with a legion of Hippogriff each bearing a Dwareven Warrior. Jhon Warhammer had come as he had promised. And it was time for the Dragon riders to join the gathering armies.

 

[caela]

“No more questions my dear. Just trust in love.”

Orinda nodded but the tears still glimmered in her eyes and she quietly left the study. Making her way back up to Arawn's chamber she slid back into the bed with him, a small smile touching her lips when his arm reached out and pulled her close. Curling in against his chest she rolled to face him and woke him tenderly with soft kisses over his face. "Wake up sleepyhead, there's something I want to ask you."

As she spoke they heard the screeching of eagles and Orinda knew her question would have to wait. Her fingers moved gently calling clothing to them so that they could be prepared to meet their guests. Today she called forth a long silk skirt that was slit in both sides all the way up to her hips to allow ease of motion and a matching halter. The silk clung to her curves and matched the violet of her eyes exactly. She'd been in her armor for over a week and knew she would be for much longer than that once they left the Tower again. Even if it was just for one day she wanted to feel a little feminine.

The Dwarves and the Hippogriffs were both a surprise to her. Arawn had mentioned them of course but the actual sight still caught her breath. They welcomed the Dwarves into the Tower and saw to it that the Hippogriffs were well fed for they had traveled far and in a quick mental conversation it was decided at least one night's rest was needed before they all took wing to join the armies of men.

 

[cgraven]

"Wake up sleepyhead, there's something I want to ask you."

Oh how he had missed waking with his love curled close to him, her soft kisses calling him form the listless world of dreams to the reality of her. He was about to ask what her question was, when she called forth clothing so that they could meet their newly arrived allies. A dark lustful glimmer of appreciation shown in his eyes at the outfit, the silk clung to her curves and matched the violet of her eyes exactly. He was no less pleased with the rich burgundy robe she had summed for him a bit tighter and more reveling than he would normally chose for himself. And then he saw the impish laughter in her eyes and took a swat at her firm ass and just missed, a mischievous smile on her sweet face.


The days events dragged on as the Dwarfs toasted and feast to the health of their allies. The legends of their enormous appetites had not been exaggerated by myth or legend. It was early evening before Arawn could extract himself and Orinda from his notorious guests. He decided that her chambers would afford the most privacy as D’Lation was sequestered with his lady Noir.

“Orinda my love you had a question?”

 

[caela]

“Orinda my love you had a question?”

Smiling softly a slight blush colored Orinda's cheeks as she looked to his eyes and then turned to gaze out the window in her chambers. her eyes watching the full moon drifting overhead. Without thinking about it her hands fell gently to cover the lower half of her stomach, the move gentle and instinctive to women everywhere when they think of children.

"I've been thinking every since I met my nephew Love. I know you know me well enough to have seen it when I spoke of him. Would...would you mind terribly...what I mean is, what would you think of being a father Arawn?"

She couldn't quite bring herself to turn and face him, she knew all the arguments against what she was proposing...there was a war looking, and of course her agreement with Mac Tar. She had said nothing of timing - if he wished she'd wait until things were settled, the Gods certainly knew being pregnant during a war wouldn't be easy - but she'd wanted to know his thoughts on the matter. It was something she'd planned to discuss with him ever since she'd met her nephew, and a hope she thought might be shattered by her bargain with Mac Tar.

Still she needed to know.

 

[cgraven]

"I've been thinking every since I met my nephew Love. I know you know me well enough to have seen it when I spoke of him. Would...would you mind terribly...what I mean is, what would you think of being a father Arawn?"

Arawn slowly walked up be hind hid love his arms encircling her body his hands resting on hers covering her lower belly. His cheek was press to hers, his chin rested in the crook of her neck. Turning his head he kissed Orinda’s cheek with a gentle, tenderness so sweet; it would make ones heart ach just to see it.

“Orinda my beloved it would make me the happiest man in the world”.


He stood their with his love in his arms watching the moon in it ghostly treck across the night sky

 

[caela]

“Orinda my beloved it would make me the happiest man in the world”.

Orinda smiled at the aching sweetness of this kiss to her cheek but it was his words that filled her heart with joy. Feeling his arms wrap around her she laced her fingers with his over her stomach and let him feel it as she lowered the warding that gaurded her womb for the first time. There was no need to wonder if she would be fertile that night for the fullness of the moon always worked it's own special magic on her body and she knew that if he wished it they could create a child between them that night.

Whether or not to act on that wish she left up to him. If he chose to wait until the war was fought and ended she would more than understand. They were living in a time that was dangerous to say the least without having to worry over the gaurding of a child and yet she still felt that desire burning in her. Leaning back into his arms she remained still and quiet as if her entire body waited to see how he would react to her removing the ward that kept her from conceiving.