Timeless Love

[Forrester]

Alcander

Her sounds of pleasure spurred him on and he groaned as she urged him to bring her to a higher plane of pleasure. Releasing his tight grip on her he braces himself on his elbows and began to thrust harder and quicker into her. His mouth found and began to feast on her breasts again as his hips moved back and forth. His moans matched hers as her heated passage wrapped around his cock squeezing it and causing it to swell even more inside of her. He had never wanted a woman so much in his life. And he wanted her more than just the physical way he was taking her now. He wanted to possess her body, heart and soul and to give the same to her. Here at this moment it seemed so possible their positions in life meaning very little with both of them exposed to the other in this way.

Trailing kisses up to her neck he increased his movements searching out her sweet clit again and stroking it as he claimed her body, his thrusts carrying him further and further into her until he could feel the tip of his manhood pressing against her womb. His fingers worked over her clit faster and faster as his thrusts became shorter and more forceful. He looked down at her with eyes of love as he felt her body respond to him, squeezing him as her hips rose up to take him in and he knew he would not last much longer. Still he had to give her the chance to back down from this final step even though his whole being was screaming for him to finish it.

"Say now, love..." He grunted to her as he fought of his orgasm while bringing her to hers,"You are no longer pure...in the eyes of...your family. They would accept...this only...if you do not wish to...carry my child...say so now for...I cannot hold back much longer. And there is no...going back after this."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Cara

She thrust up to meet each of his thrusts, her arms clutching him tight enough to keep her a little above the bed. The sound of their skin slapping together drove her crazy. She came up and nibbled up his neck while clutching him to her. She kept panting out moan and moan of pleasure. It was happening again, she could feel it. She cried out, almost there.

""Say now, love..." His words rang in her ear. She moaned into his ear, her voice heavily laced with desire, "Come with me Alcander.. Give me a baby Love!" She bit down on his shoulder as she errupted around him. Hot juices began to seep from her body as she orgasmed around his thrusting sex. She cried out once more, tensing up tightly around him, from head to toe, locking in a pleasurable sensation. For the briefest of moment there, she felt her soul touch his, she felt a tear slip down her cheek. She never felt something quite like this before. Doubted that ,without him, she would never feel it again either. She felt him pick up the pace, harder deeper strokes. He was close, she knew that now. She rode out the waves of her orgasm clutched to him tightly.

 

[Forrester]

Alcander

At her words he could no longer hold back. He felt her tense around his painfully hard member and he was lost. Thrusting harder and faster than he had before his movements aided by the slick juices flowing from his love's body he let her ride out her orgasm for a bit before he could no longer hold back.

Holding her close again he groaned as he pushed forward as far as he could thrusting the head of his sex against her womb, his sac tightening and forcing his seed into her waiting womb. Pulling back he thrust again, filling her yet a second time. He could feel his body taking over as he strained to fulfill her request wanting nothing more than to know that she was now possessed by only him, his child growing within her making her his forever. Again and again he filled her until she could hold no more and their mixed heat overflowed and poured out around them covering both of them with a testiment of their love.

He felt as if their very souls were wrapped around each other and for a brief moment it seemed as if that was the way it was meant to be and the way it would always be. Thrusting one last time into her he pulled her close and held her tight as the last of his desire was drained from him. Making no move to leave her yet he began to kiss her gently letting her come down from her own climax on her own as he began to again mumur soft words of love. Kissing the single tear away he knew that he could never leave her.

"I love you, Cara," He breathed and knew it was true. "I promise you I will never leave you no matter what. You are mine now and forever and I will never forsake you. You will never have to be alone I promise you that."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Cara

She felt his hot seed pour fourth into her waiting body, and moaned again in pleasure. It never felt so right in her whole life. This one moment, she knew she would love him forever. She held on to him, not wanting to let go. She wanted to feel this way for as long as she lived. He thrust again and finally stopped moving. Their lips met in a hungry passionate kiss before he pulled back. He vowed to never leave her, never let her be alone.

Her heart swelled with love, her eyes water with unshed tears of joy. "And I love you Alcander. And I will always be by your side." She hugged him to her, her heart swelling with love.

She jerked, someone was pounding on her door?
"Oh god! We must do something?.... But what? Hide?!" She tried to get him to move when the door came crashing in.

 

[Forrester]

Alcander

She had declared her love for him and he was reaching to smooth her hair away from her face so that he could look into her eyes when he declared his but just then a pounding sounded at the door.

They did not have time to do anything before the door came crashing in and guards filled the room thier weapons pointed towards him. Behind them was Maximus a dark look on his face. Pushing past the guards he pointed a finger at Alcander and said,"Arrest him! He has seduced and attempted to rape my cousin."

Throwing a look to Cara pleading with her not to say anything and let him take the blame he stood and looked about for his clothes but the only ones that were in the room was his costume which he could not pull out or else he would expose her plan and cause her to fall under suspicion also.

Twining bed linen about himself he stood silently while the guards shackled him. Maximus walked over to Cara and sat on her bed holding her hand. "There there, sweet cousin," He said in a falsly soothing voice. "Everything will be alright. See what happens when you make a hasty decision about who you are going to marry? Men like this take advantage of your weakened state. Do not worry. I promise I will take care of you."

Alcander could hold his tongue no longer. "How well cared for is she going to be when she begins to show that she is carrying my child?" He said straining in his bonds,"For you see, there was no attempt. I succeeded. And soon she will begin to show that result of that success. No matter what you do people will know whose child she carries. Even if you are to wed her as you planned there will always be doubt about the rightfulness of the first heir. You cannot escape it, Maximus, even more than you can escape the justice I have enacted for my brother death in the Arena."

Maximus turned to him with blazing eyes. "A fate you are about to repeat," He said in icy tones. "Take him away!" He yelled to the guards and Alcander was dragged out thrashing against the forced exit until one of the guards took the iniative and brought a lance over the back of his head and Alcander was falling to the floor, blackness enveloping him.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Cara

Her eyes open wide in alarm.. How had Max known? She felt her heart leap in her breast, fear inside her spreading as they yanked Alcander from her. She quickly covered herself, Max sitting down on her bed, proclaiming false worry. She felt everyting spin out of control as her eyes stared at Alcander, not daring to blink for fear he would vanish from her forever.

"M-Max.. Let him go! It is my royal right to have a lover if I so choose." He glanced down at her, anger and hatred in his eyes. "No Cara, You can not have a lover until the first heir is born And now look what he has done to you!?" He turned to the guards that held the now shackled Alcander, "Take him to the prison until tomorrow's Arena event." He dismissed him without another glance.

Cara felt her heart break in half watching them take the man she loved away from her. She did not know what would happen in the next twenty four hours, but it didn't bode well for her.

The door slammed with finality which made her cry out and try to climb from the bed. Max expecting this reaction from her, laid his weight on top of her, pinning her to the bed. His eyes darkened and his hand came up. He delivered a stunning blow to her cheek, knocking her head sideways. She colasped on the bed, tears in her eyes and anger rising over her.

"How dare you WHORE for a guard?! Are you stupid!? You screwed up everything!" He growled in her face, his temper rising so badly he was shaking. He wanted to strangle the little bitch, then he wanted to rape her and leave her for dead. All these thoughts shot through Max's mind as he looked down at her.

"I offered you respect, wealth! Everything, Even a position by my side as Ceasar.. And you throw it away! AND FOR A GUARD!" He stood up, storming to the door as she trembled in fear. Her face stung and her heart bled thinking of Alcander, and what he would face because of her. She wanted to die right then and there, but she wouldn't. She had to free Alcander... But how?

"I will see you in the moring Cousin, Father will want to talk to you as soon as he hears of this.. Best be there.." He stormed out, yelling out to fix her door and keep her within until she was summoned.

She buried her face into her pillows, crying with all the anger and pain she felt. She wished she knew who told Max of this night, but it would do no good now.. She had to convince her Uncle she wished to marry Alcander, and would only marry him. As long as she became pregnant from this night, Alcander would be safe. If not.. She didnt want to think about it. She could keep Alcander alive at least until the news of her condition was known.

She curled into a tight ball, her tears flowing freely down her face as she squeezed her eyes tightly shut. She would cherish this night forever, and hopefully, if the God's were kind.. She would get many more with him.

All that could be heard coming from Cara's room until the wee hours of the morning was her painful heart wrenching sobs.

 

[Forrester]

Alcander

Alcander groaned and sat up with a wince as pain shot through his head. As his his hands came up to the back of his neck where he had been hit with the lance a clanking sound told him he was manacled to the floor. Looking around he saw he was on the floor of a cell and in a flash the night before came back to him and he moved slowly toward the bars of the cell calling for one of the guards.

He heard a cacaphony of noise as other prisoners called out for him to shut up and let them sleep. They were trying to get as much rest as they could before the coming arena events and Alcander suddenly wondered when those events were going to happen. How long had he been out?

Ignoring the voices in the other cells he called again for the guard and was rewarded with the sound of clanking armor. A guard came to the cell and thrust a cup of water to Alcander through the bars. He took it and drank thirstily draining the cup before looking on the guard. A startled expression said that Alcander recognized the man before him. It was Arthur. They had gone through training together.

"Arthur," Alcander said his voice coming out harsh and scratchy,"What? What is going on? When am I scheduled for the Arena?"

Arthur shook his head looking on him with what seemed to be a pitying expression. "I hope she was worth it," He said in a low conspiritorial voice,"Maximus has you up against one of the toughest men in the Arena. No working yourself up in the ranks. He also has declared that you be given a short sword and no shield. He is out for your blood. Why did you do it? Is she worth getting killed over?"

Alcander did not even have to think about that answer. "Yeah, she's worth it," He said and leaned against the bars. "Arthur, you have to do me a favor. I need you to check on her and make sure she is okay. Maximus was not happy about things and she could be in danger. Please, I know you can get into the palace since you work shifts there too. Find her and tell her I'm okay and tell her...tell her that I never break a promise. Will you do it?"

Arthur looked doubtful. "I don't know. You risking your own neck to bed this woman. A royal I remind you. Is one thing and me risking my neck for a dead man is another." The guard looked at Alcander and waivered as he saw the pleading look on the man's face. "Okay. I will see how she is and if I can I will give her a message but I am not going to join you in this cell."

Alcander nodded the relief on his face visible. He sank to the floor as both he and Arthur heard noises pronouncing the change of guards and his promised informer moved to give the next guard instructions before his shift began.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Cara

She awoke that morning, feeling drained but determined to get her way. She would free Alcander if it was the last thing she did in this life time. Walking down the hall, her head held high, she got many strange glances from the guards as she passed each one. She kept her chin up, never faltering in her long walk to the thone room. Her uncle would be there by now handling the daily troubles with the senate.

That's when the cry went out, "The Ceasar is Dead! Search the palace! Find the traitor!" She faltered then, a tear coming to her eye, then more came unchecked as she ran the rest of the way to the throne room.

She skidded to a halt as she made the doorway, her Uncle slumpped over in his chair, eyes opened. She heard someone mention poison or possible strangulation. She felt cold chills race down her spine, "max.." She whispered one word. Her voice accusing and harsh in sound. She knew who did this.
"Lady Cara! You must go to your rooms until we can find the traitor.. You shouldn't be here. Someone find Max!" He turned back to her Uncle, checking for a pulse. But Cara knew he was gone.. Max would have made sure of this before leaving the room. Or whoever was sent to kill her Uncle.

She knew now, there was nothing she could do to save Alcander legally. No one would set him free.. Max was now Ceasar. She felt her blood run as if ice. Cold. Hard. She tremored and felt her stomach roll, she felt weak and ill. The sightless eyes seemed to be staring at her, pleading for help.. But none would be forthcoming. He was gone, and now Max.. Evil sinful disgusting Mac ruled all of Rome. She couldn't unseat Max as a single woman. Heir herself or not. There was nothing she could do.

Turning from the evil sight, she raced to her room. Her heart wrenching even more painfully in her chest. The Arena matches were due to start tomorrow. She would bet anything.. Alcander was the first on the list of battles.

She colasped on her bed, deep sobs tearing her apart. Nothing was going right in her life since she got here. Except for Alcander, this was a nightmare. And now he would die because of her selfishness to be free of Max. The god's were cruel, she could almost hear them laughing from heaven down at her pathetic display of injustice.

She sat up on the bed, she did hear laughter? But where was it coming from? She walked to her window, wiping the tears from her vision. Max! He was down in the court yard, a huge grin on his face as he spoke to someone? She didn't recognize who he was speaking too, but she had just gotten here herself. She wouldn't know everyone in a palace this size.

She opened the window, listening intently as the man described in detail how her Uncle had pleaded for his life as he had come towards him. And how he had clawed at his hands as he strangled the air from his feeble old body. Cara couldn't take it, she quickly shut her window and crawled into the corner behind her changing screen. Sitting with her arms wrapped around her knees, her forehead placed down. She cried for all the pain and sorrow so many would feel, have felt, and would see in the future with max as ceasar.

She cried for herself and her unborn babe inside her. Max would take her baby away from her, she knew that deep down. If Alcander didn't make it out alive tomorrow, she would flee. If he made it out.. She would save him and flee. Either way she was leaving this place of heartache as soon as she could manage.

Dawn was over and done, Ceasar was dead. She was prisoner.. And Alcander would be suffering soon enough, if not already. She cried as she rocked back and forth. Life seemed to be beating her down each time she found solid footing to rise up. But not this time. She would rather be dead, than be married or prisoner of Max's.

 

[Forrester]

Alcander

Alcander looked up as he heard footsteps approaching. He came to his feet looking expectantly at Arthur who sadly shook his head. "Ceasar is dead. Maximus will be crowned today and you are scheduled to fight in the first games tomorrow at his celebration after the ceremony." The guard opened the cell door and threw in the worn leather armor that was to be his only protection in the morning.

Alcander stood there not believing what the fates had dealt to him. Ceasar was dead and now Maximus was in charge. It meant the worst for both he and Cara. Especially Cara and what of their unborn child? He was sure within his own self that she carried his child and now there were two lives on the line instead of just hers. Cara's uncle would have taken her and placed her safely somewhere to have her child and live her life. Maximus would kill him, the father, and possibly her and the child also. He might even let her have the baby, kill it and then marry her forcing her to bear his heir. The possiblities were endless and all spelled desaster.

Sinking against the bars Alcander said,"Arthur, you have to help me get her to safety. You have to!" Arthur shook his head. "I will not end up where you are," He said sadness in his voice yet determined not to place himself in that position. "You have brought this on yourselves and you have no right to ask."

"No right?" Alcander said in a hissing breath,"You know as well as I do who had Ceasar killed! Do you know what will happen to everyone who Maximus rules over? This involves all of us!"

Arthur looked at Alcander and then looked away. Leaving the cell he walked back to his post leaving Alcander to stare at his back. "Cara, my love," Alcander said into the silence of the cell,"I am sorry I failed you..." Again his mind spoke to him and he did not know where the thought had come from but he knew it was true.

Sinking down to the floor he closed his eyes and felt the weariness come over him. At least he would get out of this easily. The same could not be said for Cara. He must have dozed off because he was awaken by the sound of his cell door being opened and Arthur's voice as a cold blade was pressed into his hands. "Your door is open and you are armed. I can do nothing else. Most of the guards are drunk at their posts in celebration of the new Ceasar and his promises to the people. If you are caught I will deny having done any of this."

And then the dark shadow that was his fellow guard was gone. Alcander wasted no time in flinging on the armor given to him earlier and, grasping the sword, carefully making his way out to the grounds beyond. He was going to go to Cara's room, secretly remove her and flee into the hills around Rome. He would find a way to provide for her and their children and they would be away from the cruelty of Max's reign.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Cara

She had laid in her room crying most of the night and next day. Alcander was no where to be found, as so her new guard told her. What was she to do? She did not know, she felt utterly lost in misery.

She glanced up as Sofia and Max walked into her rooms. His look serious, and Sofia looked scared. She wondered what was amiss this day?

"Max?" She sat up rubbing her face free of her tears. He sat down, looking her over. His eyes filled with disgust and hatred.
"Alcander is dead... He was slain last night attempting to escape. It is over Cara. I am sending you to the country until we determine if you are with child or not. If you aren't you will return to the palace and be my wife. If you are, once the bastard is born and shipped off, you wil return here and be my bride. If you defy me Cara, the babe will die. I will keep your unborn child for as long as it takes until you realize this is the only way to my reign here in Rome."

She glanced at Sofia, her eyes blurry with tears as Max set down the law.

"I am sorry miss, but he is right. Alcander is dead..." She didn't look Cara in the eyes, but said it in a grave tone. Sofia never lied to Cara before, why would she lie now? She sobbed, but quickly covered her mouth to stop the sound.

"Have her packed and out of the palace in an hour. Take her to the summer estates. I will join once it is settled down here, and my place as Ceasar is stable. Until then cousin of my heart."

He turned and walked out, a smile of triumph on his face. He had won, and Cara knew no better. Tonight Max would be crowned as the new Ceasar and her fate sealed in stone. With Alcander dead there was no one to save her.

She cried while Sofia packed her things. She cried while everything was loaded and she was escorted out to the carriage. Her heart broke as she turned back to look at the fading city gates. She did not know if she would ever be whole again or not.

She was at the summer estate somewhere between midnight and dawn. They escorted her to a private room, and locked her in. Colasping on the bed, she cried even more.

Perhaps tomorrow she would find an escape? She dearly hoped so, at least for her babe's sake. Alcander would have wanted her to find a safe haven for her and his child.. Even if he wasn't with her in body, she was sure his spirit was looking over her.

 

[Forrester]

Alcander

Alcander had made his way through the city steadily approaching the palace and Cara. He was not sure how he was going to get in to her he only knew he must. Hiding in shadows and ducking as guards approached he made headway but very slowly. He was to learn that Fate had different ideas as he finally made it to the gates around the palace and heard the guards talking. They stopped as a senior officer approached and quickly snapped to attention. Word had come that Alcander had escaped and security was to be increased. The escaped prisoner was expected to make a move toward the palace and make a threat upon the life of Ceasar's cousin.

Alcander's face went red as he thought of the lies that Maximus was weaving in order to make his own plans succeed. A cold determination came over him. He would get Cara out of this and into a safe place even if it cost him his own life. But how? The senior officer was now telling the guards that Cara was to be transported to the summer estates in order to protect her from Alcander's intended harm. He had an hour to work out any plan he could come up with but what? A slow smile came to Alcander's face and he moved away from the entrance of the gates and toward the stables. That would be the last place they would fortify and it would be too busy to pay attention to what he was about to do.

An hour later the carriage came around and waited for Cara to enter. A hooded figure had hold of the reigns and, in the cold of the night, it did not seem suspicious that the driver would be wrapped up so. Alcander could hear the stiffled sobs from Cara and his heart ached as he longed to jump down and hold her in his arms and comfort her. But that would have to be for later he had to wait hard though it was.

The trip to the summer estates was pure torture as Alcander could hear Cara's sobbing in the carriage behind him and he was helpless to do anything about it. Finally they pulled up to where she would be staying and she was escorted out of the carriage. She was limp and unresisting as she was escorted inside and Alcander's eyes never left her until his attention was called toward the lead soldier who was repeating his instructions to Alcander in a less than pleased tone of voice. "Take the carriage to the stables and care for the horses," The man said and Alcander gave a short nod and headed that way.

He was the only one in the stables as the estates were not usually in use at this time of the year. That would be to his advantage. Using the time needed for things to settle down he put away the horses and carriage and waited impatiently until he dared make a move. Once he knew it was late enough he made his way to the house looking for the most likely room for them to have enclosed Cara in.

Locating the lit room that was set apart from the more active part of the house Alcander made his way up the trellis outside of it. The large french doors were open to let the night air in. They obviously didn't expect Cara to attempt the three flight climb down to the ground. Alcander froze as he saw guards passing under the trellis and realized that they were taking no chances. He had been lucky not to encounter them before he had begun his climb. Once they passed he climbed up onto the balcony and made his way into the room pausing to make sure no guards were within. The light in the room shone down on Cara and his heart lurched in his chest as he saw the red swollen eyes that spoke of her misery.

Sitting on the bed he placed his hand firmly on her mouth not wanting her to call out. Whispering in her ear he said,"Shh, love. It's me. I have come to get you out of here. I don't know what kind of life I can offer you but I promise it will be better than anything Maximus has in mind."

She had stiffened when he first touched her and now she turned her mouth moving from under his hand and she stared at him in disbelief and...fear? He looked at her puzzled. "Whats wrong?" He said,"Did you think I would not come for you?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Cara

She was shown a smaller room then her's back at the palace, but she did not care. She was even placed in the 'blue' room since it was her favorite color. And still all she could do was cry. After a few hours it did finally cease, and her heart felt empty inside for the first time in a long time. She lay there, just wondering how she would get herself out of this? Wondering if Alcander was in a better place? She wished she was with him. Rolling over to her side, she faced the door, her eyes closing as the soft breeze rolled in from the open balcony behind her.

She felt a hand come over her mouth and she jerked a little intending on screaming out. Who had her?! She fought a second, but still when she heard the voice. Turning over she looked up at Alcander. He moved his hand from her lips, her face must have shown her stunned disbelief, for he asked her what was wrong? She tried to find her voice, but all she could do was cry. Thrusting herself upwards, she wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug, not daring to let go.

"Th-They told me.. you were dead!" She cried softly, her arms clenching him tighter. "I never thought I would see you again.." She didn't let go, even though he tried to pry her back to see her face, she did not care to move at the moment.
"oh by the gods'! I never thought I would see you again.." She moved a little her lips fusing with his as her heart swelled with joy once again. She broke the kiss..
"We have to get out of here.. Or at least you! Before you are found and killed!" She pleaded with him to get out before it was too late. Hoping he would listen to her just this once, and get free.

 

[Forrester]

Alcander

Alcander was startled when Cara threw herself at him but his arms came around her and held her tight as she sobbed out her story. His face darkened with fury that they would decieve her like this but he did not have time for revenge at the moment. He tried to get her to look at him but her face stayed buried in his chest. Then she was kissing him and after only the briefest of pauses he was kissing her back with a passion he did not know he possessed. The taste and feel of her was like a drug and he could not help but respond even in their percarious situation.

Pulling back he begans to speak when Cara starts pleading for him to flee and save himself. "Absolutely not!" He said in a firm tone,"I am not going anywhere without you. What good would breathing do me if my life stopped because you were not in it. I am taking you away from this and we are going to find a place to raise the babe you are carrying plus many more of his brothers and sisters. I promised you I would never leave you and I mean to keep that promise." He was kissing her again this time with promise as he held her tightly in his arms.

When he raised his head he said,"Now, get a few things ready and get dressed. You are leaving this place and never going to return. Maximus may have Rome but he will not have the treasure within that city that he so covets."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Cara

She nodded her head, and hurried to gather a few things that were in the room with her. The rest of her baggage was not present, but she didn't need those things. She packed a small bag, and waited for Alcander.
"How do we get out of here? There is guards posted everywhere Alcander." She worried her bottom lip with her even white teeth, her frustration showing plainly.
She glanced around, the room was too high to scale down the wall. The door was locked from the outside. This was begining to feel like a replay of something before. But what? She jerked her head, silence filling the room as she heard guards walk past her door. Her heart lept into her throat, how would they get out?
She looked to Alcander for a solution.

 

[Forrester]

Alcander

Cara brought up a very good question and Alcander was hard put to answer it. They had to get out but he had gotten in partly with luck. They were going to have to get out the same way. "The trellis," Alcander said leading her to the balcony,"We will have to climb down it and then sneak into the stables. There are two horses there that pulled your carriage. Before I left I saddled them and made them ready for a quick departure. Wait a moment and the guards should be coming around the house at any moment. Once they reach the edge of the house and are just about to turn the corner we go."

There were several tense moments of waiting before the two guards appeared below. In that time all the things that could possibly go wrong went through Alcander's mind and he felt a panic rise inside of him that he had to work hard to tamp down. The only thing thoughts like that would do was to trip them up before they could escape and he was determined not to fail Cara. Again the thought invaded his mind and he wondered if the pressure were getting to him more than he had thought.

Then he saw the flash of armor in the fading daylight as the guards rounded the corner, passed each other by and walked toward the opposite corner. A moment before they reached the corners of the house Alcander signalled for Cara to come and move over the balcony onto the trellis. As she lowered herself down he gave her a quick kiss and a smile that was hopefully reassuring.

Once she was over he went himself moving down as quickly as her own climbing would let him. They hit the ground just as the guards returned walking their post. Alcander drew Cara close to him and under an awning that was close by. He practically held his breath as the two walked up to and passed each other the briefest of comments shared in their passing. Grabbing Cara's hand he moved toward the stables and their escape his heart beating hard in his chest as he finally saw the end in sight. At least for a moment. Just as the thought had formed in his mind he felt a lightening sharp pain in his left arm and felt it go limp. Whirling about his soldier's instinct kicking in even as his mind acknowledged the arrow that was embedded deep within his shoulder he saw soldiers come out from hiding in the foliage and surround Cara and himself weapons at the ready. Some of them he knew, many more he did not. All were under the command of the man that followed them into the twilight.

Maximus walked out haughty and triumphant his eyes glowing in the emotion and his smile twisted as he approached Alcander. "So, the little guard has been caught in my web has he?" The new Ceasar said with a sneer,"You know you just might have made it if you had just given my cousin up for lost. But no you had to play the hero and come to her rescue just like I thought you would. Soon you will learn that this is not a romantic play but one of tragedy. You see I get to keep the prize." Here one of the guards stepped forward and ripped Cara from Alcander's good arm to pull her away struggling the whole time. "And you are sentenced to a worse death than if you had just played your part in the arena. I am going to enjoy watching you suffer as you die slowly at my feet. I want to see your face as you realize that I have won. I want to see the hate in your eyes as I tell you exactly what kind of fate is going to befall your child even as I torture you. And I will have Cara begging me to marry me just to save you. I might do it too. If she begs enough and in the right way."

His hard, cold stare turned to his cousin and Alcander felt something inside of him snap. I coldness washed over him and he knew that the only way to save Cara was to die himself. He could not have Maximus have any hold over her at all. Locking gazes with Cara he mouthed one word to her and his eyes told her not to argue. "Run" he said as he palmed the dagger hidden in the folds of his driver's cloak. Growling under his breath he faced Maximus. "I wouldn't harm the child," he said to him in a hard, cold voice,"It will be the only heir your kingdom will know." Slashing out before any could react to the threat in his tone he lunged forward and low driving the knife into Maximus in a place that would assure that, if he lived, there would be no heir from his loins. Maximus' strangled cry of "kill him!" echoed through the courtyard even as the blade sank deeper.

As the satisfaction of the knife being driven deep into soft flesh registered to Alcander pain exploded in his head and his vision blurred as the ground rushed up toward him. He was just in time to move away before the blade of a sword came down and bit deep into the earth. Rolling over he let out a high pitched cry as he felt the embedded arrow snap off into his shoulder as the shaft hit the earth. Struggling to his feet he faced odds he knew he could not beat but wanting only to give Cara enough time to escape and make it to the horses and freedom. Looking down at his hands he saw them covered with blood and he smiled a death's grin. He knew it was Maximus' blood and the satisfaction he felt swelled as he charged the nearest guard knocking him from his feet. He was surrounded now and could not see Cara. He only prayed she had escaped. "Be well, my love," He thought as a knife or dagger sank into his back before he could sense and move from the danger zone,"I am sorry to have failed you again."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Cara

She started to run, and almost made it to the stables, but something made her turn back. She came running back, a cry of anguish escaping her lips as Alcander fell. Max lay on the ground, screaming and holding his groin region, demanding Alcander's death.
"Halt!" She cried out, kneeling down next to Alcander.
"I am so sorry Love.." She kissed him tenderly good bye, for what seemed like the replay of another scene in her past. Her hands trembled as she cradled his head. She watched as he smiled up at her, love shining in his eyes as he slowly stopped breathing. She did not know how long she stayed like that, but silence around them was deafening. She finally looked up at a guard,
"Your name?"
"Arthur, a friend of Alcander's.."
"So you and everyone else will know, he DID NOT rape me! I was willing, and I loved this man with all my heart. I hope you are all proud of yourselves.."
She turned to Max, Her eyes narrowing to little slits.
"You! For the death of an innocent man, I sentence you to death.. Arthur! Finish him." They all hesitated at her order.
"I am an heir to the throne of Rome... I carry the next heir.. He can not produce children, he isn't married, and He is a murderer. He killed my Uncle, I witnessed his conversation with a hired man the day of my Uncle's death. My word is my bond." She knew now they had no choice. All those facts were true, and she was heir. As much as Max was heir. She could produce the next heir, Max had just lost his manhood.
Arthur moved forward over the kneeling Max.
"Halt! You can not slay the Ceasar!" He demanded then pleaded.
"Yes, Cousin.. I can and will.. Rome will not be ruled by your cruelty any longer." She stepped forward, taking Arthur's weapon. With one final swing, she decapitated Max.
Looking on with no remorse and no pain, she turned back to the guards who stood around confused of their position in this matter. Did they arrest her for slaying Max? Or was she the new ruler.
"At ease Soldiers. Take Alcander, bury him in the family cemetery. With Honor! He never did no wrong in this whole mess. And Take Max, and bury him in a pauper's grave, outside the family walls. And clearly mark who he is, and his crimes against all of Rome." She stood there trembling as they moved to do her bidding.
She kissed Alcander farewell as they hefted his large frame up and carried him to the chruch.
She laid her hand over her stomach, "You are safe now little one.."

10 Years Later

Cara lay apon the bed, her condition worsening. The fever would not go away. Little Alcander looked down at his mother, his eyes too serious for that of a 10 year old.
"Mother, I will miss you."
She smiled and stroked his face tenderly, "No worries my little man.. All will be well. Arthur will watch over you as if you were his own, and some day..." She gasped for air as she went into another coughing fit. Blood came to her lips, but Alcander knew not to point it out.
"Some day my son.. you will Rule all of Rome. Be a good Ceasar, a fair and kind man that I know you are... You are so much like your father.." She felt a tear slip down her face as she glanced up at the ceiling, "Soon love, I will join you.."
She waved Arthur over, "You are advisor to the Ceasar now.. Guard and Guide him well. Never let his anger take over, and teach him to be fair and kind." He placed his fist over his heart, a silent vow, and gripped her hand one final farewell.
She pulled Alcander down to her, kissing his cheek. Her sickness wasnt one that hit everyone, just her. Her son was safe to be near her after months of seperation. She wished she didn't have to go, but knew it was coming upon her quickly. She already felt her heart slowing and her eyes fogging over.
"I go to join your father now.. Be strong like I know you are my little man.." She slowly closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep. A sleep she never woke up from again.
Rome was led by Alcander, with a fair and just hand. And his son went on to be Ceasar.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Viking Clan

British Isles, 1059 AD, Birka

Kaitlyn of Irye

She had a typical life here in Birka, nothing ever seemed to change. Well except for the Christian’s arriving to their home. She had grown up tending the geese, learning to make dairy, and finally wifely duties that she would be expected to refine into perfection. She was now eighteen winters old. Time for her to marry was upon her. Her father and her foster father had gone to the Althing, and asked for a marriage contract to be drawn up between Kaitlyn and Dirk of Haden. All was set, only thing to interrupt the nuptials was the current raid he left on only this morn.

So there she sat in her Foster Father’s home practicing her weaving, her mind in a whirl. Would she like being married to Dirk? She could divorce him if she chose to at a later time, but she wasn’t sure if he was the one she waited for. Her family did not like Divorce, so they gave her the choice of marriage. If it hadn’t been for the fact Dirk was the only male close to her age who wasn’t frightening to look upon, she wouldn’t have picked him.

She sighed again, her weave coming together to make a spring morning on the throw rug. She was more than half way done, since there was nothing else to perfect in her skills, but this. She glanced out the open window a storm was coming. She should close the shutters before rain got into the long house. Standing she started to lock and secure all the shutters before it arrived. The hay was strewn about and finally clean, she did not want to redo the entire thing.

Glancing out the window she saw a rider speeding across the lower field, she wondered who would be racing across their lands with a nasty storm coming? Grabbing her shawl she walked out the house and stood on the stone steps. As she watched the rider fell to the side and landed hard on the ground. From here she could tell he was not well. Calling out she raced down the hillside and up to the fallen rider.

She skidded to a halt looking down at the person on the ground. It was a Viking, one of her own clansmen. But who? She rolled him over and gasped in surprise. It was Eric of Earl, the next lord of their clan. Why was he riding across the field in such a manner? She rolled him over and glanced down at him. His eyes were glazed over, and his body wracked with fever. He was ill? But wasn’t he raiding these past two years? She was certain he wasn’t due back until his marriage to the scot woman.

“Eric? Can you hear me?” Her Norse was a bit bad, she was out of practice using it since the Christian’s came, but she still made sense. He uttered a low moan, and laid there, his eyes not focusing on her at all. She turned around as Donner came up to her. He was her foster father’s blacksmith, a burly man with a tender heart. He hefted Eric over his shoulder and motioned her to lead the way. Walking ahead of Donner she took them up to the long house. “Put him on the pallet in the far corner Donner, Do not want the cold or rain getting to him.” He gave a nod and walked over where she instructed, he carefully set down their future ruler and stood back.

“Perhaps he’s a wee bit ill lassie?” She gave Donner a look of irritation.
“Of course he is ill.. That will be all Donner, thank you.”
He left her alone with Eric, and she got to work. She called in Erin to come and help her take off Eric’s tunic and heat water and broth for the ill man. She just hoped her Foster Father would return soon and aid her in getting Eric home.

She glanced down at the man, who was now sleeping fitfully on the pallet. She had seen Eric once, four winters ago. She would always recall the day. He was ten years her senior, but he was magnificent to look upon. She sighed a little, if it weren’t for her contract, his contract of marriage, and her station in this Clan, she would have gone after him herself. Fate brought him to her though, at least for tonight anyway. Perhaps a few days? Anything was possible, Odin worked in mysterious ways.

She dipped the rag she held into the steamy water and began to wipe Eric’s brow free of sweat, hoping to help ease his pain a little. She mixed the proper herbs into a stein and had Erin help her get him to drink it. She kept her mind on her work, not on the man. But it was terribly hard not to stare down at his divine face and long to kiss him just once. She snapped herself out of those thoughts, and kept her ministrations up until her arms ached. Using now cool water, Kaitlyn kept working on him to break his fever until help arrived.

The questions kept plaguing her mind, Why wasn’t Eric raiding still? Why had he returned three months before he was due? And did his Father know if his return? She would have to find all this out in due time, for now she was left guessing and admiring his beauty. Broad, blonde, sky blue eyes, and a smile that always made her heart beat harder in her chest… If only she wasn’t so young, or such a lowly ranked member of the Clan..

 

[Forrester]

Eric

Eric moaned as his skin took turns turning from a blazing heat to a freezing cold. He tossed hi his fevered state flashes of himself and his warriors moving before his eyes. His force was strong and they easily cut through their opponents, subduing those unfortunates in the villages they were raiding and making it possible to gain the riches that they had been their goal from the first. His men became happier as the spoils increased and each man fought like a man possessed.

Then came the day when they entered a villiage that posed no resitance at all. In fact the gates were ajar and it was deathly quiet. Suspicious, Eric took a scouting party and entered only to find the village full of the dead or dying. It seemed that the whole village had been set aside to house those with some disease that spread rapidly. Eric at first assumed it was a quarrantene effort but when one of the dying men watched the passing scouting party a malicious grin on his face and there was no treasure to be found Eric knew it was a trap. Someone was hoping that the raiding party would stumble across this village and become infected themselves.

A week later it was clear that the ruse had worked. Most of the scouting party lay dead or dying though those not included in the party were unaffected as Eric had ordered them to stand back once they had exited the gates again. It seemed the illness was only contagious for a period of time which was good news for the majority of his men but Eric was sick and becoming sicker and there was no one who would treat the invaders not even under threat. The only choice they had was to return home and so return home they did.

Once reaching the shore Eric ordered those who had escaped the illness to escort those who could not make it back to their homes. Climbing aboard a steed he declared his intentions of making it to his home on his own in spite of the pleadings of Mordric his cousin. There was too much to do and too many to take care of who were worse than himself and Eric had confidence that he could make it. His confidence was ill advised as he learned as he felt himself weakening even as he headed toward home. He was almost there when he could no longer grasp the reigns and fell from the saddle his limp body tumbling to the earth.

Floating in and out of conciousness he was dimmly aware of soft hands upon him and he opened his eyes to see an angelic face above his. Surly the Valkaries had not come for him so soon. A soft voice uttered his name and asked if he were alright but all he could manage was a moan. His body shaking as it was caught in the fever that racked his body.

An aroma of herbs was next to penetrate his muddled senses and then the welcome cool of a wet cloth. He opened his mouth trying to talk but his tongue was thick with thirst. Reaching up he grasped the slim wrist of his angelic nurse muttering his need to her his mind confused and unable to form the thought completely. She must have understood though as her hand came up behind his head and a rough wooden cup was pressed to his lips. He drank greedily and then closed his eyes falling into a restless slumber.

When he woke again it was with a clarity of mind he had not known in a long while though his body was weak and trembled. His tunic was nowhere to be found and he felt in need of a bath more than food though his stomach announced his hunger. The room around him was dark and he surmissed it was night. A fire crackled in the hearth and lit the room driving the shadows into the corners. He wondered whose house he was in for it was not his own. Looking around he searched for his rescuer the memory of a beautiful face drifting through his mind as he did so.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Kaitlyn

She awoke from her pallet to the sounds of moans and groans. She was weary and achy all over from working all day and night to break his fever. Her foster father hadn't returned yet, and it was only her and Erin there. Donner was sleeping in his own house down the hill towars the main village. So it was just her who had to get up and see what the problem was.

She was a bit groggy, but she managed to climb out of her warm furs and over to Eric. "Are you well Eric? Do you need of something?" She whispered, her eyes not wanting to stay open at the moment. She finally focused on him, his eyes didn't look as groggy as before, but she was tired. Perhaps her sight was failing? She sat there a moment, trying to wake herself enough to pay attention.

"You have been ill and warring against a bad fever for nearly a full day.." She reached her hand out and laid it upon his brow, he felt cool to her. She placed her hand on his neck, his heart beat was normal too. Then she heard his stomach growling.
"Oh, I am sorry m'lord. I will go get you some broth.." She stood up and got her bearings a moment. Walking to the hearth she ladeled him some soup into a mug and carried it back to him. Sitting back down, she picked up the mug and held it to his lips.
"Drink this, It should help you some. Until you are better to eat hearty.." She smiled at him, watching his eyes stare at her.

She did not let her eyes fall to his bare chest as he sat up a little for her. She had already seen him, but a lady was not supposed to gaze apon the nude form of any man but her husband. With out his tunic, it was considered nude. She didnt bother to remove his leggings when they put him to bed, thank Odin for that. She blushed a little, somewhere in her a little spark of interest shined through on what he would look like with nothing on?

She scolded herself, Dirk would return and they would be wed soon. She was not to think these things about the furture Ruler of Birka.

She pulled the mug back as he drank the whole thing. Wiping off his chin she set the mug down and turned to face him once more.
"Is there anything else you require?" She waited, a little more eager to help now she was awake.

 

[Forrester]

Eric

Someone got up from the bed across from him and approached. Looking at her he realized that this was the face of his 'valkarie' and he smiled at the thought. Her hand felt cool and welcome against his beaded brow and then again at his neck. When brought the broth he drank greedily his stomach protesting the thinness of it but Eric knowing that more than that and he would not be able to hold it down.

His hand came up and over her own as she held it to his lips and he lay back after it was gone taking a good look at the woman who had probably saved his life. "Yes, I require something more," He said the corner of his lips turning a bit,"Your name. You seem familiar but I cannot place where I have seen you before. Who do I have to thank for saving me this night? And what reward would you name for that service?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Kaitlyn of Irye

She blushed bright red as his lips came into contact with her palm. She felt tingles shoot up her arm, quickly she pulled her hand back. She glanced down at the mug now empty in her hands.
"It was nothing Eric, anyone would have done the same for you." She gulped down the lump in her throat, he wished to know her name? It was a simple enough request, but she found it hard to think at that moment. Finally her thoughts came back to her, "Kaitlyn of Irye, Donner helped me to bring you here and Erin and I nursed you until the fever broke." She glanced around, no one was in the long house but her and Eric. Her foster father hadn't yet returned with his wife and daughters. She felt a little nervous. Looking back up at Eric, she smiled in return to his kind glance.
Their eyes met and held for the longest time, silence became heavy in the air as they stared at one another. She did not know how long they sat like this, but she finally disturbed it, "Congradulations on your marriage.. I hear it is within a fort night.." She smiled a little, but it did not reach her eyes.
"Is there anything else m'lord? I should retire and you need rest to heal completely.." She felt like that awkward 14 year old again looking up at a grown man who didnt know she exsisted even back then.
She had to remember her station in life, and that this was not appropriate behavior for an engaged woman. Her eyes met his again, and she smiled. Unknowingly, she couldn't seem to stop herself.

 

[Forrester]

Eric

Eric nodded at the information and closed his eyes for a moment before opening them and looking at her once again. My but she was a vision of loveliness kneeling at his side, eyes wide awake now but sleepiness still in her voice. There was something about her that seemed so familiar but he could not place a finger on it.

His gaze clouded a bit as she mentioned the woman he was going to marry. A marriage of convienece to be sure he had recieved word upon his arrival back to the land that there were rumors that his intended had already been unfaithful to him and not awaited his return or news of his death before dallying with other men. For now it remained rumors but if true it could taint his own reputation and if false it would prove difficult to tamp down the untruths. He was not happy with the match in the first place, telling his father that the girl was too flighty to make much of her place as his wife but his father had insisted and the marriage had been arranged.

Waving away the congratulations weakly he said,"I do need rest but I would bathe in the morning if you will prepare some water for me. He smiled at her again and eased himself back upon the pallet. "Thank you, Kaitlyn. It is a great relief to know I am in such capable hands. I will make sure you are rewarded for such a gesture, rest assured of that."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Kaitlyn

She smiled, and nodded her head. "Yes, a bath in the morning. I will get it done first thing in the morning.." She watched his eyes darken a little at the mention of his fiance. She knew the rumors going around about her, but she held her tongue. It was not her place to interfere with this business.
She stood up from his pallet and moved a few feet to her own. Her mind was active but her eyes were tired. She did not wish a reward from him, but she didn't heave the heart to tell him no either. Smiling she fell into a dreamless sleep.

Morning was soon coming and with the cock's crow she climbed out of her warm pallet and stretched. Glancing around, she took note Erin had already started this mornings break fast with some mush boiling over the hearth. She went to a near by trunk and gathered her fresh clothes and made her way to the bathhouse. She would change there and then assist Eric in his bath. If her foster mother was home, she would be the one doing this duty, but she wasn't. That left it up to Kaitlyn. She blushed a little while she changed. She had only helped one person bath and that was her female cousin a few years ago. Never a male, This would prove to be an interesting task.

She walked back into the long house and woke up Eric with his break fast. "Once you are finished, we will get you to the bath house." She sat down on her pallet and waited to see if he needed help with his food.

 

[Forrester]

Eric

Eric's next concious moment was when Kaitlyn woke him and announced breakfast and the upcoming bath. Nodding Eric sat up and discovered that the illness and fever had made him very weak. It took all of his strength to sit up and, when handed his bowl, he saw that his hands were shaking too much to eat. Setting the bowl down there was a dark look on his face. He could not, in any way, appear weak in front of others. He was a leader and must show strength at all times.

Looking over at her he said,"I do not feel hungry this morning. I will take my bath now." Gritting his teeth but turning his head so that she hopefully could not see the effort it took for him to do this, he steadied himself on the floor and pushed himself up until he half stood, half leaned against the wall. He looked toward the door and the bath house beyond and wondered how he was going to make it that far as the distance seemed unreachable in his weakened condition. His jaw clenching in determination he pushed himself off of the wall and stumbled toward the door concentrating on every step as he did so.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Kaitlyn

She knew he was hungry, but said nothing. She did not want to embarass the future leader of their Clan. She nodded her head, and watched as he slowly stood up and made his way towards the door. Her heart went out to him, but what could she do? A man's pride was important, and she was taught never to make a man appear weak. She sighed, "Erin, bring the mush to the bath house and a fresh tunic from Father's wardrobe." She stood up from her pallet as Erin moved to do as she bade her to.

She came up next to Eric, and wrapped her arm around his waist, putting her neck under his arm to help support him. "It is foolish not to ask for help, even the bravest and strongest man needs help sometimes.. Here Let me help you, I will say nothing to anyone of this. But a broken limb would not help you return home any sooner." She said it quietly, so only Eric would hear her. Though there was no one around but the two of them.

They made it outside the longhouse and to the bath house door. She opened it with her free hand, and helped him inside. Already the room was steaming hot from the heated rocks in the large copper tub. Bless Donner's heart for knowing ahead of time what was needed. Now the water was ready and the hot rocks removed from the tub. She sat him on the bench, listening to him huff for breath. He was worn out pretty badly, but she kept her silence. She glanced at him, his face beaded with sweat but eyes filled with determination.

She smiled, "It's ready for you. I will walk out, you undress and climb inside the tub, then call me. I will come back in and help you wash." She nodded to him and walked outside. She waited for him to call to her, she did not want to embarass either one of them by entering too soon. She closed her eyes a moment, humming a soft sweet tune, remembering what he looked like without a shirt one. Were all men hard like that? Everywhere? She was curious, but she would have to wait to find out once she was married to Dirk. Though, the thought of Dirk was some how more unappealing then ever before. She glanced at the door, she smiled with her thoughts. Now that one was one she would be proud to call her own.

She shook herself, that was nonsense. And she needed to stop thinking that. Soon he would return home, and to his future wife. She wouldn't let that thought ruin her day, but she did feel a little heavy hearted now. Life sometimes was just unfair and unjust.