The Queen's Sacrifice

[zydrate]

<Closed for M13>

http://seat42f.com/images/stories/tvshows/Camelot/Camelot_Starz3.jpg​

Queen Isabella of Lucian rode along with 4 knights as her protection. It was a secret trip and one that had to be done late at night. Her self mission was to go and meet a King. A different King whom she had passed correspondences with in order to set a meeting of high importance. Word was the camp they were riding to was more than two hours away. Severely close to her husband's kingdom's borders.

No one knew about this meeting, not even the King of Lucian himself. The Queen had couriers working day and night for the last 3 weeks going to and from the castle. They were loyal to the Queen and would not breathe a word to the King for they would lose their duty along with their life.

So now, here Queen Isabella was riding through a field, on her way to meet a different King who had requested her presense. He wanted to talk to her in person. Enough of the couriers, he wanted to hear her request in person.

She had only heard of this man. This King. He was ruthless. A brute. One not to turn your back on. He had more allies than enemies but his ways were unheard of. Those were rumors mind you. In these days, one would do anything for their kingdom, to keep their lands safe along with their people. It was what they did.

But this meeting wasn't for her people or the kingdom. It was for herself. For Queen Isabella.

Her husband, King Lucian, had just arrived back home no more than a month prior to all this. She had waited for more than 4 years for his return home. Now that he was home, she would do anything to keep him home. And if that meant being manipulative then sobeit. She had anticipated his come back that she would move the heavens to prevent another war that would take him away from her.

Now, she was doing just that. The hours passed and her party reached the camp. A small camp that consisted of nothing but men. It was dangerous, even for a Queen, to be out here like this. So vunerable. So exposed. She had come this far so there was no turning back now....

 

[marauder13]

Nerrill sat within his tent, relaxing. His upper body was bare, his legs still clad in the leather pants and boots all who rode wore while on horseback. His large framed body was well muscled from years of hard work and fighting. His scalp was clear of any hair, as was his face. Brown eyes stared into the distance, his mind preparing for a most interesting of events to come.

About him, women of the flatlands served him food and drink. They bore about their necks the symbol of their status, if their mode of dress was not sufficient enough to remind anyone of their place. The food was simple, no different to that served to his men while they campaigned. The carpets of his homelands covered the ground, keeping the coolness of the earth away from his feet. Braziers smoked in each corner of the tent, filling the air within not only with warmth, but also with fragrant aromas to help hide the reek of bodies hard worked. About him hung the bright and colourful designed cloth of his homelands, and of the places his father conquered many years before. While his true home showed the proper grandeur of his position, while he traveled, that humble tent served just as well.

Unlike his father before him, Nerrill only fought those foolish enough to challenge his dominance of the land he claimed and controlled. His father waged war against those that killed his emissaries and merchants without provocation, turning the entire people into slaves of the Korem. Many of the people moved there, taking up new trades and ways of living, aiding the people greatly. Others allied with the fools brought war, and they too felt the wrath of the horse lords. But during that campaign, Gahresh was slain in battle. Those foemen were honoured by keeping their freedom for their skill in battle.

Nerrill took over from his father, and spent a few years reminding others within the people that he was the rightful leader of the Korem. During those times, others sought to take lands of him, claiming that the lands were theirs, not belonging to “some band of horse riding barbarians”. Once all was settled within his lands, Nerrill turned his attentions to those that attacked his people. Once more, the Horse Lords were unleashed, and those that fought against them, and were defeated, suffered for their ruler's lack of wisdom. Other nations, one at a time, were absorbed, their peoples enslaved, and the lands taken over by the Korem.

Lucian was a kingdom that was marked for destruction mainly for strategic reasons. The Kingdom was well placed such that in a time of war, it would be difficult for the Korem to defeat. Nerrill also knew that the warriors of the Kingdom were well verse in war, having fought recently against a neighbour. But before they could bring their war to the Lucian, Nerrill received a most interesting missive from one of the nobility. They would sue for peace before the war commenced. The missive was answered, and more were traded. Finally, Nerrill called for the noble to come forth, and plead their case directly. His hospitality was extended to the noble, ensuring no harm would befall them while in his presence.

He stood up, indicating for one of the stationary slaves to approach him. The filmy silks that covered her body hid nothing from him, but added to her allure immensely. She carried a large bowl of warmed water. Another woman, taken from the same city, took the cloth from within, and washed him. His shaved head was the first to be cleansed. His broad shoulders and bare back followed, then his well defined torso was next. Finally, she washed his thick arms from his shoulders to the tips of his fingers. He smiled, seeing her relief that he was pleased with her efforts. She soon returned with another cloth, drying him quickly, before helping him don his bright blue silk vest. He kept the rough, leather pants and boots on, as well as the broad, sword belt that held the scabbard which housed his well used sabre.

The sounds of movement outside the tent alerted him to the arrival of the noble. He wondered if they would really arrive, or if someone else would come in their place. He would only accept the writer of the missives, and none other. Should they fail to come, then the war would come to Lucian. The tent flap opened, the voice of one of his personal guards the only thing that passed through.

“Riders from Lucian have arrived, Nerrill King. Four knights, and a woman of high birth.”

Nerrill smiled warmly, waving the slaves back to their places as he walked to greet the one who wished to save the Kingdom of Lucian. He took one step away from his tent, placing his balled fists on his hips. His eyes glittered in the moonlight as he looked upon the woman who came to plead for the safety of Lucian.

“Greetings and well met, Isabella Queen. Come within and let us speak of this peace you so strongly seek.”

 

[zydrate]

Near a clearing, the four knights dismounted and the one leading them hastly made his way to help the Queen down off her steed. He reached up and with no effort on his part, he guided the Queen off of her sidesaddle and stood next to her as she straightened up.

As she started to walk forward, the knight stepped in front of the Queen, "I don't trust them." He said, he eyes wary of everything in sight. Despite the weary ride, Isabella smiled as she put her hand on his arm, "Caleb, please. If he wanted to kill us, it would've all ready been done. We don't want to be the cause of any trouble so right now, just stay on guard. It will be fine."

The Knight didn't like it but he did as his Queen bade him. He signaled to the others and they secured their horses, one the savages appeared, he too seemed on edge.

"You be the Queen milord is expecting?" He asked in a gruff voice. He watched the knights as they watched him.

Isabella held her head high, regal, "I am Queen Isabella, here to see the King, yes."

"Come with me now!"

"Watch you speak to the--!!" The head of the knights started to draw his sword but Isabella quickly stopped him with a slight touch.

"Remember Sir, we are guests." The Queen told the knight quietly before setting forth to follow the man.

The Queen didn't make herself appear better than those in the King's camp. She smiled softly at those she passed and offered them each a 'hello', no matter their station. The man went in before her, annoucing her arrival.

What she saw next was something that took her breath away, completely! The King, Nerril, as she remembered from the many correspondences they had passed, stood tall, yet not as tall as her husband. But he had a power about him that seemed no one in their right mind would dare challenge. As he spoke, his voice commanded a certain aire about him also.

“Greetings and well met, Isabella Queen. Come within and let us speak of this peace you so strongly seek.”

The beautiful Queen found her voice and it was surprisingly steady, "Before we go into...chambers, would it be possible to get our horses some water and something for my men to eat whilst we talk?"

 

[marauder13]

Nerrill smiled at the request. He was pleased to see that she was concerned for her people, thinking of them before anything else.

"Of course." He turned to those of his people nearby. "These are our honoured guests. See to their mounts. Find them food and drink to their liking. They have come here in peace, and in honesty, and we will show them proper hospitality while they are here."

One of his lesser chiefs walked over to take the reins of Isabella's mount. He spoke simply, "Follow me." No other Korem moved while the knights were led away from the tent.

"Fear not for your safety, Isabella Queen. No harm will befall you while you are here, unless you bring treachery with you." He stepped forward, holding the tent flap open himself. "Please, Isabella Queen, enter my humble Home of the Rider."

He waited for Isabella to enter, letting the flap drop behind him. He gave her a few moments to observe the interior of his home, including the slaves that tended to his needs. He moved further in, indicating a pile of cushions for Isabella to sit on.

"Please, make yourself comfortable, Isabella Queen. I am sorry that I have no chairs, but these are far easier to move about. May I offer you anything to drink or eat?" He remained standing while Isabella made herself comfortable. He then sat down, beckoning over a slave. He told her what to fetch, then turned back to Isabella.

"So, what have you to offer to keep the Korem from making war on Lucian? I have been very intrigued by what you have done for your Kingdom. Not many Queens, nor women in general would have the courage to do what you have done." He let his eyes quickly flick over her. "I admire that in a woman."

 

[zydrate]

"Please, Isabella Queen, enter my humble Home of the Rider."

"Thank you," she told him, her voice barely above a whisper, yet her voice remained angelic.

"Please, make yourself comfortable, Isabella Queen. I am sorry that I have no chairs, but these are far easier to move about. May I offer you anything to drink or eat?"

"Water, please." The pile of pillows didn't deter a single reaction from Isabella as she nodded in acknowledgement and took a graceful seat atop the pillows, she adjusted her skirts before she looked at the king, answering him.

"So, what have you to offer to keep the Korem from making war on Lucian? I have been very intrigued by what you have done for your Kingdom. Not many Queens, nor women in general would have the courage to do what you have done." He let his eyes quickly flick over her. "I admire that in a woman."

It was time to get down to business, "It's not so much I am offering anything other than asking that you please not make war with Lucian. As you know, the King just returned from a long, dreary war and has not spent much time at home. Which is where he belongs for the time being, at home with his people."

A slave handed the Queen a goblet of water and she took a small sip before continuing, "I have come to ask why you want to make war with us? Why not talk? Despite the rumors of your....following."

The King didn't say anything, but she could tell his eyes were locked onto hers and her body, so the Queen continued, "I am sorry, but there is talk of you being ruthless and I figured rather than rely on rumors, I come and see for myself...perhaps prove the talk wrong?"

Still quiet...."Unless there is something the Kingdom of Lucian can offer you something to reconsider?"

 

[marauder13]

Nerrill smiled as Isabella started to put her offer forward. He had thought she would actually negotiate, rather than plead like... a woman. From their earlier communications, Nerrill had gained the impression that there would be some offer of substance to stop the Korem from taking the fight against one of their neighbours. But he was not sure if she understood that her offer sounded like a request to allow them the time to prepare.

"I have come to ask why you want to make war with us? Why not talk? Despite the rumors of your....following."

"For the same reasons your peoples have made war against us. Have any of your peoples, Lucian included, sent ones to talk to us before marching against my people?

"We are a peaceful people, we have our own ways. But others seem to think that we are weak, or willing to allows others to take from us what is ours."

"I am sorry, but there is talk of you being ruthless and I figured rather than rely on rumors, I come and see for myself...perhaps prove the talk wrong?"

"Unless there is something the Kingdom of Lucian can offer you something to reconsider?"

"Of course I am ruthless. I am King of a mighty people. I not be king by being nice." He let his eyes take in Isabella once more, being more discreet than the previous time.

"Well, if Lucian wishes to avoid another war, then there had best be something offered. Merely asking, without some form of offer will not have any effect, Isabella Queen. We are rulers, we understand that for something to be given to you, you must offer something in return."

A commotion was heard from outside the tent, including voices of some of the Lucian knights. Nerrill jumped to his feet, walking briskly to the door to the tent when the flaps were pulled back. Outside, the Lucian knights and one of the Korem were restrained by members of his own Clan.

"Speak! What is this outrage?"

The Clan Chief was holding one of the knight's swords, and looked both angry and nervous.

"Nerrill King, this one," he pointed the sword to the Korem being held, "had an accident that spilled hot food on Knight. Knight saw as an attack, or grave insult, and drew weapon. Stopped fight between them, but other Knights come to aid. We bring them all to Nerrill King for Justice."

Nerrill took the blade from the Clan Chief, getting a feel for the heavy blade. "The Knight drew this weapon to strike the one that spilled food?" The Chief nodded. Nerrill's hold of the blade changed, and the weapon sailed through the air, removing the head of the Korem who was restrained. He stepped aside of the fountain of blood coming from the dead man. When the body fell to the ground, he wiped the blade on the clothing on the corpse.

"Release them. These are honoured guests, and will be treated as honoured guests." He presented the clean blade to the knight who owned it, hilt first across his arm. The knight hesitantly took the offered blade, thanking Nerrill with a nod. "Accept my apology for my lack of being a proper host. None will offend you again."

Nerrill turned to face Isabella, his harsh expression melting into one of diplomatic politeness.

"So, as we were discussing, Isabella Queen, what does Lucian offer in return for peace with the Korem?"

 

[zydrate]

Seeing the head of the other man come off was a sight the Queen was not prepared for. Although how could one ever be prepared for something of that...cruel nature. She held her composure despite it all. Her head held high, her eyes meeting those of the knight whom she gave a nod to for him to go back with the other knights and stay until they were called.

"So, as we were discussing, Isabella Queen, what does Lucian offer in return for peace with the Korem?"

The King spoke and that shook Isabella from her thoughts. She spoke, her voice not shaking as she feared, "If we can continue in your tent King," with that she didn't give Nerrill a chance to think about it as she turned and disappeared back into the tent. When she heard him enter the tent, she kept her back toward him as she spoke...

"Thank you for being lenient with my guardsman.." she trailed off, her back still toward him. What he couldn't see was the Queen slowly untie the front of her bodice to her gown. What was she prepared to offer?

The answer was simple...anything. She would do anything for her country, her husband's kingdom. She refused to have her husband gone for years because of a stupid war. She hated wars. They were stupid. Men were too pigheaded to talk things out, agree to something...instead they chose to fight.

That's what a good queen did right?

"I have only one offer Nerrill King...please know that I do not speak of arrogance but of certainty, I offer you the one valueable item our kingdom has...and that is myself..." with that, Isabella turned, although her laces were undone, she wasn't exposed completely but exposed enough for the King to see more than any other man had seen in her kingdom.

 

[marauder13]

Nerrill saw the colour had drained from Isabella's face at his dealing justice for the grave insult to his personal, as well as breaking the Law of his people. It was the way they understood. He was their King, and his word was binding.

He followed Isabella into his tent, curious to see where this conversation was going to go. He saw her slow, and fidget as he let the tent flap fall back into place.

"Thank you for being lenient with my guardsman.."

"He broke no laws. My men know better than to have such accidents with honoured guests."

"I have only one offer Nerrill King...please know that I do not speak of arrogance but of certainty, I offer you the one valuable item our kingdom has...and that is myself..."

Isabella turned, the bodice of her dress open to display her upper body. He let his gaze take in what Isabella had permitted him to see.

"Everyone! Leave now."

He waited until the slave girls fled his tent, leaving both Nerril and Isabella alone in the tent. The pale skin was probably seen only by her King when he demanded her to lie with him. He was caught up with the soft curves set free by the restrictive cloth. He saw such many times through the filmy material worn by his slaves, but from a woman who was not in such a state of bondage was a novelty that had never worn out.

He took his eyes from her body, returning to her nervous looking face. He walked the intervening distance slowly, taking measured steps as he approached. He raised his hands, grasping the edges of her bodice firmly, pulling it back up, and closing it somewhat.

"Restore your modesty, Isabella Queen. I accept you offer as a hostage with the Korem in return for our people not making war on Lucian. If Lucian makes war, or openly helps others make war on us, you will no longer be our hostage.

"Once you have restored your modesty, your guardsmen will be called to you, and you will tell them of your offer, and the outcome. If Lucian conducts itself with honour, then I will release you back to your King. You will be treated with the respect due to a Royal Guest while you stay. If you break our Laws, or manage to offend me greatly, you will find yourself like the other women you saw on your entry, if I don't kill you."

Nerrill walked back to his place within the tent, sitting down and waiting for Isabella to dress herself properly.

 

[zydrate]

She could feel her face blush furiously, the temperature seemed to have rose in the tent even though the fire was almost out. Quickly, she tied the bodice to her gown, her fingers fumbling with the ties.

"I-I...I thank you King..." she finally was able to look up at him, the look in her eyes not wavering, "Your generosity is most gracious."

He could've done a lot worst, she surmised... rumors of his ruthlessness was something a lot of people feared. Before she left, she heard her husband speak of his concern for the threat Nerrill and his country could bring.

 

[marauder13]

Nerrill sat patiently, not caring about or even noticing the trembling fingers that dealt with her clothing. He had plenty of eager and able entertainment available to him, so adding Isabella to his chain wouldn't gain him much. Treating her with respect would garner him more that treating her as any other captive.

"I-I...I thank you King... Your generosity is most gracious."

"You are most welcome, Isabella Queen. Now that we have concluded our discussions, and they are favourable to both the Korem and Lucian, we will be leaving in the morning to return to the main camp of the Korem. Now would be a good time to tell your Knights of your decision, and have them return to Lucian."

Nerrill clapped a short beat, and one of his warriors entered the tent, staying near the flap. "Walk with Isabella Queen as she goes back to her Knights. Make sure that no harm comes to her from the Korem. Once she has finished her talking with them, you will escort her back here."

"Yes, Nerrill King!" The Warrior saluted, standing straight and tall. Nerrill looked at Isabella, his face completely neutral as he looked at his new guest. After she had spoken to her knights, he would organize for her to be more properly clothed and get her some slaves to tend to her needs.

Nerrill was looking forward to seeing if the agreement struck would hold, or if someone from Lucian would use it as a means of advancing themselves, or the Kingdom. Only time would tell.

 

[zydrate]

Isabella didn't hear Nerrill's order about bringing her back to his tent...she didn't need to, she had other things to worry about. Like what her men would say about leaving her here with the King... Surely this would lead to some sort of search for her by her husband...

With her hand on the lead knight's arm, Isabella regarded him quietly, speaking to him as well as to the rest of his men, "I do have some news Knight..."

As she told her guards, they seemed to change their positions around the Queen and got in a protective stance. There was some grumbling from the other knights as the head guard shook his head, "NO Queen!" With that he drew his sword, causing Nerrill's men to look their way.

"You will listen to me Knight, you have a direct order from your Queen. Do not disobey me or my kingdom. There is to be no search party once you get back. Please understand that I will do what I must to keep our kingdom safe from any more wars! Do you understand me?"

Several more moments passed and finally her guards relented. With a sigh, Isabella whispered, "Good...now, a final message for my husband." She said as she took a pendant that hung on leather around her neck. A wedding gift from her husband, "Please, give this to him." She said, her voice shaking which she quickly steadied. "Now, go. No more arguments."

Once her guards were gone, Isabella never felt so alone. One of Nerrill's men came up to her, taking her by the arm and pulling her back toward King Nerrill's tent.

 

[marauder13]

While Isabella was out of his tent, Nerrill called for his slaves to enter. He sat patiently as over a dozen women entered his tent, sitting before him. He regarded them all, recalling who they all were prior to their capture. He raised himself to his feet, and walked over to stand before them. He slowly walked along the first line, pausing to pick out two of the women. Each stood, and went to where he pointed. He walked the second line, picking out a third. The remainder he dismissed.

"You will belong to Isabella Queen of Lucian. You will tend to all of her needs, exactly as you tended mine. Isabella Queen is a guest of the Korem, and she will be given the respect that a guest is due." All three of the women nodded.

The flap of the tent opened, the guard more dragging than guiding Isabella back to his tent. Nerrill's face darkened as he turned his full attention to the man holding Isabella's arm.

"What are you doing!?!" His stride was powerful as he closed the distance between them. His sword hand enclosed around the wrist of the Korem holding Isabella, and tightened. The warrior quickly released his grip, allowing the King to propel him out of the tent. "See to it that he is flogged for his ill treatment of an honoured guest."

"As you command, Nerrill King," the reply clearly passing through the slight gap in the tent. He spun on his feet, still clearly irritated as he returned to his seat. He eased himself into the pile of cushions, letting the last signs of his feelings ease from his face.

"Isabella Queen, these three slaves are now yours. They will tend to your needs while you are our guest. Their first task will be to dress you more favourably for travel and life within the Korem. For now, Isabella Queen will stay in my tent while one is made ready for her.

"We will be leaving tomorrow, to rejoin the main gathering of the Korem. With Lucian wishing peace, there will be no need for us to remain here. And if no one else decides to war on us this turning of the seasons, Isabella Queen will get to see my palace.

"Now, see to our guest, and make sure she is dressed properly."

With a slight nod to Isabella, he turned his attention to some food on a plate that sat beside him. He reached for some of the fruit, his eyes partially closing as he bit into the juicy flesh of the fruit.

Outside, the cracks of a whip and the cries of pain drowned out the other background noise.

 

[zydrate]

"What are you doing!?!"

With an even more startled glance from the guard to Nerrill, Isabella started to protest but was quickly quieted at the King's next command about flogging the guard who had handled her roughly. She did wanted to say something in his defense but knew it wouldn't do any good. The outlanders usually didn't want nor needed a woman's opinion, even if she were a queen.

So Isabella kept quiet as she noticed three slave woman, much younger than herself flanked her, their heads down respectfully. Just as she was about to inquire about them, Nerrill spoke up.

"Isabella Queen, these three slaves are now yours. They will tend to your needs while you are our guest. Their first task will be to dress you more favorably for travel and life within the Korem. For now, Isabella Queen will stay in my tent while one is made ready for her. Now, see to our guest, and make sure she is dressed properly."

Isabella waited for the King to leave but when he just settled back down, eating from the plate of fruit, she knew he would not budge. With a sigh, she turned her attention toward the women slaves. They started to undress Bella so she didn't bother to stop them. Her sleep clothing was completely inappropriate for travel as it would have it.

"Are we to leave soon or until morn?" She asked, hoping Nerrill would know that she was talking to him. Outside the tent, she heard the cries and the snap of the whip on the guard who had mishandled her. "I thought King Nerrill was a king of understanding, not brutality. The guard was only doing what he was conditioned to do...listen to his King." She added with a boldness that no queen should have when talking to a King.

 

[marauder13]

Nerrill saw out of the corner of his eye Isbella getting changed. He was tempted to watch, to see what the King of Lucian would be missing out on. But she was his guest, not a future bed slave or some other trophy to be enjoyed. He had more than enough slaves to keep his interest, so there was no real need for another.

"Are we to leave soon or until morn?"

Nerrill looked a little frustrated at the question. "We will leave in the morning, Isabella Queen. It will take us a day to rejoin the main camp of the Korem. After that, we will return to the palace."

"I thought King Nerrill was a king of understanding, not brutality. The guard was only doing what he was conditioned to do...listen to his King."

"Nerrill King is a King of understanding. The guard, as you called him, treated you wrong. Isabella Queen is an honoured guest. Honouored guests are not dragged around by their arm. All who see will know why he was flogged. Honoured guests will be treated with respect.

"The Korem are a hard people, due to the ways of our ancestors. To teach them, there are times when one must be hard. That one will remember how to deal with a guest in future, because he knows that his punishment will be worse than what he gets now."

Nerrill continued to eat, letting the slaves help remove the unnecessary clothes from Isabella. Once she was nude, they commenced to dress her in the proper clothing of a high born Korem. She was given a dress of leather that was light and supple. It tied up at the sides, along with a tie that pulled the dress so it supported her breasts. She was also given boots that came half way up her calves. They were fur lined inside, and laced up firmly on her legs.

When she was finished being dressed, Nerrill turned his attention to her. His eyes traced the length of her body. He liked what he saw. His face eased from the stern expression gained from his earlier talk with Isabella. "Sit, Isabella Queen, and eat with me, if you are hungry. Tonight, you will sleep in this tent with me. Once back at the main camp, there will be a proper tent set aside for you."

Nerrill sat quietly, eating. His mind turned to the needs of his people, and how to best deal with the problems that faced them. He was glad that there was one less problem to deal with. With fortune, the other kingdoms that were close to Lucian would see the wisdom in not attacking the Korem. If they did not, then Lucian would be safe. It would be if they valued their Queen.