A New Spirit

*************************

The beginning of a new day, the red fiery sun gave light to a jungle village. Its warrior-like inhabitants have already started milling about going about their daily business. The huts are built within the ancient trees of the jungle where bridges connect most of the village. Vines are sometimes used to get from one section to another quickly. Pulley systems are scattered throughout the village to get good up to the trees. The people only fight when it has to come to such measures but they avoid it if necessary. They have protected and guarded their jungle home for centuries now. Everyone is trained in the art of the sword though mostly men are the common warriors. Most women will take up a bow and stay in the safety of the trees then a blade. But there is a woman who is as head-strong; even more so than the men and prefer the blade to a bow.

She appeared out of the biggest hut. This is the royal hut where the king and his family live. The young princess gazes around her jungle home watching as a party goes off to hunt while a few new mothers sat and talked while they bounce their little ones on their knees.

To say the princess is strong and beautiful would be an understatement. Her shoulders are broad, her arms muscular, and her hands hard. Her legs are powerful, her body slim but fit just showing the signs of maturity. Her face has soft features with thin lips, high cheekbones, and bright green eyes. Her dark brown hair is in thick with dreadlock pushed back by a green bandana. Her gold leather skin complements her as a whole. Her clothes are tight fitting and are meant to blend into the green jungle. She was dressed as a common warrior in leggings and tunic. This is how she prefers to be seen.

At one time she had been a fragile little flower who would dance in the trees in gowns but that was before her mother had been brutally murder right before her eyes. It had been during a raid from the mountain fortress in the far north. The brutes came like savages to kill their mighty warriors and capture whoever they could. Her mother had fought like no one had ever believed. She had been a peaceful woman who refused to learn the blade. Her father had told her but when it came to protect her little flower, her mother fought better than the mightiest warrior.

To this day she remembered sitting crouched under some roots that sheltered her away from the battle. A warrior had spotted her and was about to take her when her mother appeared out of nowhere and slayed him. The brutes attacked her and she held them off for a time till one caught her in the back and pinned her to a tree. She was still alive when they cut and slashed her as she screamed to death.

She had only survived because they had forgotten about her and retreated with their blood lust filled for that day. Her father found her much later crying over her mother’s slayed body. They had both cried to sleep that night in each other's arms.

Her father was her only family now so she took up the blade and learned all she could so she could protect the old man. She was perhaps one of the greatest warriors in the village.

“Morning Princess Xael,” came a chipper voice.

She looked down the ladder to see the best archer in the village. He was a tall, thin man but his arms were strong. He had a skill that could not be matched. He claimed to see his targets in his head and he never missed no matter what the distance as long as something didn’t get in the way.

He, like the other jungle people, had the thick dark hair that was in dreadlocks though his was pulled back by leather. He had green eyes like a hawk. And his skin was golden tan leather-like skin. He wore the jungle colors, dressed as a warrior.

“Morning Taborri,” she smiled as she slid down the ladder.

“It’s a beautiful one isn’t it?” he asked.

“Yes the great sun smiles down on us today,” she told him. “You on your way to the tower?”

“Of course Princess but you know how I have to stop by and say good morning to you,” he grinned.

“What have you made me today,” she asked with a chuckle jumping down the latter to get down to him quickly.

“I hope you like it,” he answered, holding out his hand.

Apart from being a great shot, Taborri was a wonderful woodworker. For a year now he had carved something for her. She was utterly amazed at his skill.

She held her hand out underneath his and felt the wood fall into her hands. She closed it quickly and brought it close to her chest.

“You spoil me Taborri,” she smiled.

“Just look at it will you,” he chuckled.

She carefully opened her hand and smiled at the tiny wooden wolf.

“I thought it would be a befitting necklace,” he said holding out black leather.

She took it and laced it through then held it close to her neck turning so he could assist her. His hands brushed her neck as he tied it. He kissed the base of her neck softly.

“Are you still flirting with my daughter Taborri?”

“Until the day I take her hand My Lord,” he answered the king.

Xael smiled at her father to show him her new gift. The wedding had been set and was still a month away but neither could await the day.

Taborri was the only thing that made Xael turn into the once fragile flower she had been once. He was the only one to see her tender side but also respected her warrior as well.

“Don’t you have a duty to the village,” he asked with a chuckle.

Taborri bowed and kissed Xael’s forehead before sprinting away.

“Of all the men you could have Xael,” her father said, coming down slowly.

“Taborri has had my heart for too long, you know this better than no other,” Xael told her father.

“Like your mother,” he sighed.

“And I love you just as much,” Xael whispered, kissing his cheek.

He had grown sick in the last year and her father would be lucky to see the new year to come. Xael would miss her father dearly but she couldn’t bear to see him suffer any longer either.

“Walk with me, my daughter,” he asked, extending his arm.

She took it gently and walked beside him.

“The village is a great responsibility and I know both you and Taborri are the greatest warriors. I know you will do all in your power to protect the people and keep them safe to the best of your ability,” he said as they walked.

“There’s something I’ve wondered about, father. Why don’t we move our village so we could hide better from the barbarians of the north. Perhaps if we were to travel farther south they may even give up their chase,” she said.

“We have lived here for centuries, child, could you imagine what it would do to the people if you were to uproot them?” he asked.

“It would save a lot of lives, father,” Xael argued.

“Our tree is perhaps the most ancient one in this whole jungle. You couldn’t even come close to finding a suitable tree in this jungle,” He said shaking his head.

“Then we won’t live in the trees…,” she started.

“NOT LIVE IN THE TREES!” he said angrily emphasizing each word loudly. “That is like telling a bird not to fly, child. The trees have been our protection,” he told her.

“Some protection, how often do those barbarians come barging into our home and slay our warriors and take our people,” she asked. “They know where we live, do we even have an idea where they live,” she continued before he could respond.

Her father decided to ignore the first question for he knew the answer but did not want to admit she had a point. “To the north of course,” he answered.

“How far north, father? And where exactly? Not ever have we had someone return from their fortress. What do they do to those they capture,” she asked.

“That doesn’t matter, what does, is we try to protect those we can,” he said letting go of her arm and walking forward alone.

“Doesn’t matter, so what mother died so we could save a few,” she asked angrily.

He turned quickly, blood leaving his wrinkled face. “Your mother sacrificed herself to save you,” he told her angrily.

“So you rather she lived and I died,” Xael asked tears now blurring her vision.

“Never will you hear me say that,” he said, turning away.

“I’m sorry father…I know you miss her,” Xael said, wiping her tears before someone saw.

“And I await the day to reunite with her in the great beyond,” he nodded. He turned and embraced his only child. “Never forget that there is something better after this life of misery for no matter what befalls you here there is that one sliver of happiness,” he told her before kissing her forehead.

“I know father,” she said bowing her head.

“I came to see what I could do to make your wedding and here we are discussing other things,” he smiled.

“These other things are more important than a silly wedding,” Xael said.

“Don’t let Taborri hear you say that. In fact I would like to see grandchildren before I die,” he warned her.

“We’ll see what we can do,” Xael sighed.

She let the old man change the subject to the planning of her wedding but she would not let the other issue be dropped completely. She would bring it up again.

As they talked and made planes, a horn blew from the north.

“The brutes,” Xael said, turning to the sound.

Those who had been enjoying the day were now scattering to the safety of the trees. Warriors poured out pulling out their blades ready to face the enemy.

“Hurry Father to the trees,” Xael said, leading him to the home tree.

The brutes from the north attacked as people were still scrambling for safety. Xael pulled out her blade to protect her father. She had sworn more to herself that her father, that he would fall to old age and not a blade.

“Up the tree Father,” she said, slaying a man in metal.

She twisted and slayed two more before he was up in safety. She went to attack a fourth when he fell down with an arrow sticking just in the slit of his visor. Only one man could shoot that well.

Taborri flew down from a vine and came by her side notching another arrow in place.

“You should be in the trees,” Xael said, taking his back.

“Yes but I wish to stay by your side my love,” he answered, firing two shots as quick as lightning.

“Your funeral,” Xael said, charging forward to protect a pregnant woman. They had caught her by her hair and were trying to drag the screaming woman away.

They fought valiantly but of course there were casualties.

“Xael,” cried a voice.

She turned to see Taborri cut down. He had been overrun by the increasing number.

Blinded by anger Xael tried to make her way to her slayed love. Of course grief and despair filled her heart that she didn’t notice the warrior who took her out.

******************

It was the beginning of a new day, the red fiery sun gave light to the mountain fortress. The chilly morning kept most people in right now. It had been a whole day since the army had left for a raid of the savages to the south. For as long as the people of the north could remember the savages of the south have robbed, stolen and even killed. They justified it by going to their jungle home and killing them in return. To add insult to injury they took captives as well and made them slaves.

The young prince looked out from his stone castle. He was a tall and strapping lad, finally the age of becoming a man, he was learning to take over his father’s kingdom. He had boyish good looks that he found few women couldn’t resist. Course he had little time for charming at the time. He wore a black suit that fit his strong body to the tee. His short blond hair was combed back as his blue eyes looked out at the jungle edge. His skin like most of his people was pale.

“Father I don’t think I’ve ever seen any savages come here except if by chains,” he said turning.

“Because we have learned to keep them at bay my boy. Don’t let them fool you,” he said bitterly swatting his slave away.

She was small and just hanging onto life. She was dressed in thin rags. Her once thick dark hair was in strings. Her once gold completion was nothing but flaky dead skin. Her eyes were cloudy and grey. They may come in great warriors but they were stripped of that within the first month. No slave had ever lasted more than two years. This one was coming up on two years but most likely wouldn’t see that day.

She left quickly leaving them alone.

“I don’t think they’re as terrible as you may say,” the bold prince challenged.

“How would you know Charles? The only savages you’ve ever seen is a striped one,” his father asked.

“Exactly father, I want a fresh one. I want to see one in its prime and see just how horrible they are,” he said.

“I don’t think you know what you’re asking for, boy,” his father said though he thought it could be a good lesson for the spoiled boy.

“I think I do Father. I just want to see for myself. I will take full responsibility if anything should happen,” Charles said.

“Then you may choose any of the ones coming in from the raid,” his father nodded.

“Any?” the boy asked with a grin.

“Yes any, now leave me be,” his father nodded.

Charles bowed his head and left the throne room. He made his way through the echoing halls of his father’s castle, one day it would be his but he wasn’t quite ready for that just yet.

He hoped during this raid they would pick up a skilled fighter, it wasn’t often they did of course but he hoped to test his sword skills against him before he was broken.

Charles made his way to the courtyard and drew his blade from its saber. He had been able to wield a blade since he was but a boy. He had been told many times that he was a fierce warrior, perhaps fierce enough to cut down a few savages. Of course he had tried countless times to convince his father to let him go on a raid but of course was denied. He was the only hair to the throne and could not be cut down before his time. Imagining an opponent before him Charles lunged to attack. His opponent was as great as he was in his mind. He played until night crept over and headed to take a hot bath before turning in. It wouldn’t be till about midday tomorrow before the new slaves came in.

******************

The great white moon rose against the blackened sky as the mountain soldiers traveled back with their prize. It was only one captive but they didn’t know that this was the daughter of the savages.

She rode on the back of a horse chained and shackled. The once great warrior was just waking to the realization of what had happened.

“She’s awake,” a guard called.

The army stopped and the general of the army approached.

“Up slave,” he ordered, kicking her off the horse.

She fell off the horse still in a daze not quite sure where she was. The jungle wasn’t as thick here, they were already far from her home.

She stood feeling sore all over, the chains bit into her wrist and ankles.

“Wait till the king sees you but we still got a ways to go,” the general said. He attached a long chain to her shackles and then to the saddle of his horse.

“Come great warrior wouldn’t want to keep the king waiting,” he said as his comrades snickered around her.

Xael wondered if they knew who she was, she decided that if they didn’t then it should stay that way.

She walked in silence trying to get the lay of the jungle around her.

But as they walked farther in the night she realized they were farther than she had ever traveled. The walk was long and without rest. The chains felt heavy by morning first light. They had come to the edge of the jungle. Hills and valleys meet Xael’s eyes. A little village sat not too far off. The village was surrounded by a high wall so she couldn’t see too much of it. The pace increased a bit once the guards were out in the open. They didn’t seem to care for the most part they were dragging her. Though Xael did the best she could to keep up. She knew they were only doing this to weaken her so it would be easier to turn her into a slave.

Well they were going to have to do better because she was determined to give them a hard time. She wasn’t going to just roll over while she still had some fight in her. She was going to find freedom or die trying. Perhaps die trying would be better for she would be reunited with her beloved Taborri.

The sun was directly overhead when the mountain fortress loomed into view. Their stories had not lied the castle looked as if it had been carved out of the mountain. It was beautiful and ugly all at once; seeing it made Xael shiver slightly. Somewhere ahead she heard a horn.

******************

The great fiery sun was directly overhead when the horn blew to announce the return of the warriors. People spilled out of their homes to welcome their warriors. Though most came out to also hiss and spit on the captives. The long walk from the main gate to the castle was the most humiliating thing the new slaves had to go through before entering the dungeons for three days.

But Charles would be taking one of the slaves before they were taken to the dungeons. He hurried from the courtyard to the front doors of the castle. He could see the main gates open as the guards came spilling in.

He’d be able to see the slaves come in chained and shackled, tired and hungry from the walk from their jungle home to here. The slave came into view as his father came out of the castle.

“One,” Charles angrily asked, seeing it was a woman.

“Yes I’m afraid they got the better of us this time,” his father nodded.

“Then I will wait for another raid. What am I to do with a woman?” Charles asked.

“I got a few suggestions,” his father answered with a smirk.

“I have not laid with one of our own women. What makes you think I’ll lay with a savage?”

“You will, nothing like the bite of a woman who doesn’t want you,” his father grinned. “If you don’t take her, I will. I need a new playmate,” he said.

The general approached with the strong-headed women in tow. Charles was a bit taken back that she held her head high. Most hung their head for how fatigued they were from the journey. It was only warriors that held their heads.

“She had this,” the general said holding out a blade.

Charles stepped forward and took it. He withdrew it and swung the blade marveling at the craftsmanship. They of course took their captive’s trade but added their own style to it.

“You’re a warrior?” he asked looking at her bright green eyes.

Another unusual thing other than warriors, most of their eyes already started to gray.

“Yes,” she answered without blinking.

“So you’ve changed your mind?” the king asked, disappointed.

“I have, father,” Charles nodded. “General could you take her to the courtyard,” he asked.

“Of course my Prince,” he said bowing his head before dragging her off.

******************

The crowd began to hiss as Xael stepped through the main gate. She kept her head held high and ignored their insults. Some spit and even a few decided to toss rotten fruit at her. Most landed at her feet but a few hit her. Like in the chest and arms, one glanced at her head and she was sure some got stuck in her dreadlocks.

The parade ended at the castle front gates where the king and his son stood waiting. Both studied her. The old man looked at her, hopefully the young man confused.

“She had this,” the general said, handing over her blade.

The prince stepped forward to take it. He withdrew it and swung the blade. Then he looked right into Xael’s eyes. He seemed surprised as he did. Did most of her people cast their eyes down?

Once the prince realized she was a warrior he had the general take her to the courtyard. The king didn’t seem to like that his son now seemed interested but Xael was glad to be away from his lustful eyes.

These were sick dogs, she wondered what the prince intended to do.

“Should be going off to the dungeons,” the general mumbled as he pulled her.

So going to the courtyard wasn’t normal.

The prince entered behind them still playing with her sword. Instead of imaging running the blade through his gut, she looked around the grassy area. There was one lone tree in the center. It bearded some sort of large red fruit, it was unlike anything she had ever seen.

“Give her some space, General,” the prince ordered.

“Of course,” he bowed, stepping back to the entrance.

“Do you wish to be free, to return to your people?”

Xael looked surprised at the prince never had someone come home after being captured. He was playing with her perhaps.

“My Prince,” the general said angrily.

“Leave us if you can not keep quiet,” the prince snapped before looking back at her. “Yes I’m sure you’re aware that we never let one of you return but I wish to do so…that is if you can defeat me,” he added.

“You wish to fight?” she asked, trying to hide her surprise.

“If you best me you are free to go back. The general here will give you a horse even,” Charles said nodding.

“And if I lose,” she asked curiously.

“Well then you are mine of course,” he smiled.

“I accept,” she said holding out her shackled hands.

“Free her general,” Charles ordered.

This spoiled man didn’t know what he was asking and the general seemed to agree. He had probably seen her fight before she was taken out. Xael rubbed her raw wrist but she could ignore the pain. The only downside was she was tired and hungry so it would affect her fighting but only slightly. She was determined to win her freedom.

The prince strolled forward to the tree and plucked a fruit studying it before turning back to her. “I wish you to fight at your best, this fruit will heal you, fill you, and energize you,” he said tossing it to her when he was a few feet away.

She caught it and looked at it curiously. The skin was hard but still soft enough to be able to bite through. Interested by the thought of a healing fruit she took a bite feeling the juices flow down her chin. It tasted good, sweet. As soon as she swallowed she felt its power.

Slowly she saw the rawness from the cuffs disappear on her wrist leaving faint pink marks where they once had been. She also no longer felt hungry nor tired.

“Eat it all, don’t be shy,” the prince encouraged, smiling eagerly.

He really is full of himself, Xael thought as she finished her fruit finding she had to spit out the seeds.

“And now we fight,” he grinned, handing her back her sword. He then called for a blade and the general rushed forward with his. The prince tested it as the general retreated.

“So it is agreed I win my freedom if I best you,” Xael clarified.

“Yes my general is to see to it personal. Of course once you leave the castle walls you’re on your own,” the prince added.

“All I need is a fast enough horse you will never see me again,” Xael said, holding her blade ready to attack.

“General,” he called.

The general stepped forward, he held his hand between them, “Ready, fight.” he said, jumping back as the two lunged forward.

The boy was good, he even held strong even as Xael upped the game. They got lost in the fight forgetting there was an audience. Charles only knew he was fighting for his life for the first time in his life. Xael was relentless with every blow she landed, every blow was one that could kill a man. This wasn’t like any sparring session the prince had ever taken but he had been trained by the best.

They fought flawlessly for a good hour, then two hours. Time was lost but so was the fight slowly beginning to be lost too. The prince was able to surprise her by pushing his blade just enough where he was able to kick Xael’s blade out of her grip.

Once Xael was debladed, the prince knocked her to the ground and held the blade to her neck. “You’d be dead,” he grinned.

“Then finish the job because I am already,” Xarl answered breathlessly, she closed her eyes hoping he would.

But the prince shook his head, “Shackle her,” he ordered.

The general came, forcing her to stand and reshackled her. The prince handed him both blades and dismissed him.

“You are my slave and I am your master,” the prince said, walking around her.

Xael hated the way he eyed her now, he truly looked at her as if she was something he owned rather than a living being. “I will not break easily,” she told him, closing her hands angrily. Oh how she wanted to strangle him.

“Oh I’m aware of that,” he chuckled. “I would not have taken you otherwise,” he added. He stepped behind her and touched her dreadlocks. Her hair was thick and black, curled tightly. He pulled off her bandanna to see how it shaped her face. He strolled around her and took her face gently. She held his eyes, her eyes burned with fire. She probably wished she had won.

“You will cast down your eyes, slave,” he said, striking her face.

Her face stung but she looked right back at him in defiance. He didn’t seem to notice, as he was running his hand on her bare shoulder. His white skin was smooth and cold against hers.

“Like leather,” he whispered as he ran his hand down her arm feeling her muscle.

Xael refrained to say something and let him do his examination.

“Come,” he ordered, taking her chain.

She followed him into the castle through the main hallway. She studied the castle as they walked it was the only thing to do as she followed, she was more curious than anything. She was fine until her eyes fell on someone familiar...but not.

“Ivy,” she whispered rushing forward.

The prince let the chain slip and stood back to see the encounter.

The woman who had been Ivy looked…...dead. Her skin was whiter than theirs, flaky and scabbed. Her hair hung in thin strings. But it was her eyes, they were gray empty pits that refused to look at her.

“What have you done to her,” she asked, turning to face the prince. Tears filled her eyes.

“This happens to all our slaves,” Charles shrugged carelessly.

The once gentle and spiritual woman stood not even a shell now hardly aware that her princess stood before her.

“You sick monsters, how can you do this?!” Xael cried rushing forward at him.

He held her strong as she tried to win the upper hand. “We don’t do anything, it will happen to you as well,” he said, pushing her back.

“No,” Xael cried, falling to the floor.

“It’s what you savages deserve,” he said looking down at her.

“Savages,” she questioned looking up at him, the fire back in her eyes. She hurried back to her feet, “You cold heartless monsters are the savages. I can remember back when I was but a small child when your men would come into my home and take our warriors lives then take our mother’s back as a prize,” Xael told him.

“And you are no different; I know the raids that your people have done in the past. It’s only recently that we’ve been able to hold you off,” Charles said.

“Lies,” Xael accused standing right at the ignorant man. “We have only tried to live in peace. It’s your men who are the monsters. Did you know they hacked my mother to bits because she had been trying to protect me?”

“Enough!” Charles cried out, striking her very hard this time. Blood silt from her lip but she ignored it. He looked at the other who stood there obediently. “Back to work,” he ordered.

The slave bowed hastily and walked away quickly. “Follow,” he said impatiently, pulling Xael’s chain.

She did, her mind screaming at this blind fool. He’d see the truth or she’d die trying. He swung a door open and lit a torch with flint. It was an empty stone room with nothing but a long leather whip. He pulled her forward and attached her chain to the wall and took down the whip.

“You will learn,” he said snapping it once for good measure. “Who am I?” he asked.

“A spoiled child,” Xael answered.

He cracked the whip and heard her take in a deep breath as it made contact with her skin. So she was stubborn, good he’d break her yet.

To hold back a scream of pain had been hard but not impossible. He’d have to kill her before she broke.

“Who am I?” he asked again.

“A cold, heartless monster,” she returned holding her head high. Her eyes were closed anticipating the whip.

He struck her twice getting a small cry on the second.

“Who am I?” he asked.

“A pompous pig,” she said, a tear leaking out of her eye.

Three strikes. Soon it was ten strikes. She fell to her knees and her back bleed heavily but her insults had increased.

“Who am I?” he asked a final time his hands had grown numb from the whipping.

She closed her eyes unable to answer past the pain. She just wished for death now.

He left the room in silence to leave her there for the night. Tonight he would soak his hands in the juices of the fruit.

******************

Charles took his time waking the next morning. He took a hot bath and dressed carefully in his black suit. Then he strolled to the chamber where he had left his slave and lit the torch. There she was just as he left her. Her back opened up with dried blood all down her leather skin.

She sat there on her knees crying silently holding something close to her chest. He approached her quickly and made her release it. It was a pendant made of wood. He must have missed it the other day. It was in the shape of a wolf.

He snatched it off her neck and held it to his gaze.

She only turned her bloodshot eyes to him. “Please give it back,” she begged.

“Why should I?” he asked coldly.

“It’s all I got,” she told him softly. “Please Master,” she added, lowering her head obediently.

He smiled and looked down at her now. She lowered her eyes in the hopes to appease him more. “Who made it?” he asked curiously.

“My father,” she told him without hesitation. “He made it for my mother; it’s all I have of either of them,” she said.

“What will you do for it?” he asked.

“I am your faithful slave master, I will do anything you ask,” she whispered.

“Stand,” he ordered.

He watched as she struggled against her shaky legs and she struggled to stand.

“You will do anything?” he asked.

“Yes,” she answered weakly.

He tore her top and touched her breast. He bent and kissed each one teasingly. He took her head and made her gaze at him. Her eyes were still mainly green but the rims were gray.

“On your knees,” he ordered, releasing her face.

She sank to her knees, closing her eyes, her breath slow and shallow.

“Do you know how to please a man,” he asked.

“No master,” she answered.

“A virgin?” he asked curiously.

“Yes master,” she answered, shivering slightly.

“Surely you have some ideas?” he asked.

“I can try,” she answered.

Her hands trembled as she reached for his trousers. She seemed to have trouble with the tie. Quickly losing interest he pushed her away, “This is too easy,” he said, turning away. He quickly fixed his pants. She fell to his feet crying. “Last night I thought about what you said,” he told her, kicking her away from his feet.

This stripped warrior wasn’t appeasing any longer. He wanted the fight back in her.

“I don’t remember,” she answered sitting crouched up. Her blurry eyes looked only at his knees.

“You choose not,” he said. “Tell me of your village,” Charles demanded.

“We live in the ancient trees; the oldest tree is home to the king and his family. We are simple people,” she told him.

“Why are you so skilled in the art of the blade?” he asked curiously.

“To protect our people. We only fight to protect,” she told him seriously.

“I meant you specifically,” he told her.

“I told you….my mother was killed, I wasn’t even five feet from her when it happened. No child should witness that kind of brutality. I took up the blade in the hopes to protect my father,” she told him.

“And your father?” he asked.

“He was alive when I pushed him up a ladder. Though his heart was weak and I’m sure his health has failed to see his only daughter captured,” she answered sadly.

“Then he and them are gone,” he said, turning with the pendent and pocketing it. “I am your family, your friend, your sun, and your night. Do you understand?” he asked.

“Y-y--yes master,” she stuttered, closing her eyes.

“Dress and stand,” he ordered. She obeyed without hast. He took off the chains and shackles. “Accompany me but even think about running and you will pay. You will wish for death but it will never come,” he said, turning.

She followed obediently.

******************

The month that followed Charles gave her through different duties. He would sometimes watch the once great warrior do the different task. But with each passing day he noticed her starting to change. The eyes were always the first to change. But then it was their once golden leather skin. He noticed a patch of white flaky skin by the end of the month. The longest he ever recalled it taking. He wondered if it was the warrior in her.

That night he watched as she cleaned and made his bed. A thought came to him, “Have a drink with me,” he said, pouring two glasses.

She bowed her head as she approached, she accepted her glass and took a sip.

It was a wine made from the healing fruits. He watched as the power changed her quickly. The patch disappeared, what scars he could see on her back disappeared. And when she opened her eyes they were a brilliant green again.

“Amazing. I guess we never gave any of you the fruit before,” he said noting the changes.

She blinked seeing light for the first time since her whipping. She had been in a fog for most of this time and she looked right at the prince.

“Where are we,” she asked in confusion.

“My room,” he smiled.

She blinked and gazed around.

It wasn’t decorated much. A tapestry of a battle hung on a wall. A window that led to a balcony showed the view of the hilly land to the west. She could see the setting sun just above the horizon. His bed was huge, bigger than it needed to be. The mattress seemed soft. It was dressed in black sheets with black drapes tied to the poles that held a canopy.

“You mean you don’t know?” he asked surprised.

“It’s all foggy,” she answered honestly .

“Drink some more then,” he encouraged. With that he walked forward and threw open the large window. He walked out into the balcony looking out at the setting sun.

Confused, she approached him, “Master...,”

“What shall we toast to Flower,” he asked, interrupting.

“To the end of the day and the beginning of night,” she answered.

“Aye,” he nodded, holding out his glass. She tapped hers with his and they drank.

“It’s getting colder,” she shivered slightly.

Yes she still wasn’t used to the cold.

“I need a bath,” he said strolling back to his room. She closed the balcony behind him and entered into his washroom to prepare for him. He stripped off all but his trousers. Then entered the room to see her filling the bath.

“When was the last you washed,” he asked curiously.

“I don’t remember,” she answered honestly.

He approached her and she rose to stand. Her once bouncy dreadlocks were fuzzy and falling apart. “No I won’t have it, you are to wash,” he said, shaking his head.

“Of course Master, forgive me,” she said bowing her head.

******************

Xael felt as if she had woken from a really bad dream, it took her a moment to remember what had happened. The Prince was grinning at her with that spoiled look.

They drank more of the wine and he demanded a bath. She quickly drew him one thinking how to get out of here. With her mind clear she could perhaps drown him with his defences down.

He entered with his trousers only on, his muscular chest white and hairless. “When was the last you washed,” he asked with a look of disgust.

She couldn’t honestly remember, so he ordered her to bath instead.

She stripped without thought in some ways she still felt in a fog. She stepped into the warm water grabbing the soap. She was aware that he was sitting there watching her. She didn’t know why and she could honestly care less. She ravished in the bath, wondering what had happened during her dark time.

“All done,” he asked at some point.

She nodded solemnly and stepped out letting the water run out of the tub. His hands came to her skin and it crawled. She wished he would just take her already and be done with it. She thought of Taborri and how she had saved herself for their wedding night.

“You still have some fight left,” he smiled feeling the shiver her skin gave at his touch.

“I am yours to command,” she answered shortly, though she hated herself in some ways. She wanted to appear still as the obbetent slave after all.

He took her face and forced her to look at him. “Fight,” he grinned.

She was unsure what he meant but then his mouth was on hers. She pushed him off wiping her mouth. “Fight,” she questioned, spitting. “How?” she asked.

He hurried and grabbed her, excited now by the fight. She wrestled to get out of his grip. They fell onto the cold hard ground of his bedroom. She tried to pin him growling angrily as he only grinned at her. He flipped her, starting to kiss her neck.

She fought to get him off of her.

“You are a great warrior,” he grinned at her. “But I still hold an advantage,” he told her.

“You do,” She admitted. She flipped him now and straddled him as she held his arms. She could feel a hardness against her.

“You want me don’t you?” he grinned.

The thought disgusted her. “You told me to fight...now I’ve bested you,” she told him.

“You should have bested me when you had the chance,” he told her.

He seemed surprised by her strength; it must have been the fruit.

“And what if I knocked you out,” she challenged as she considered it.

“Then you’d have to fight through the guard for freedom,” he said.

He slipped her grip and flipped her down onto the ground. She grunted trying to fight. He kissed her, feeling her fight. It was the fight that excited him. He untied his trousers pushing into her. She gasped as he protruded into her.

He kissed her as he pushed into her. The fight dissipated as his lips found her. She wrapped into him pulling him in. Then he was on the ground and she was on him kissing him back. He didn’t question as they fucked.

He quivered feeling pressure as he was about to explode. She gasped as he realized.

“Enough,” he begged, unable to take anymore.

She fell off him panting. She laid there, her head on the stone floor, breathing hard. She hadn’t expected to take over. Once started she couldn’t stop even though she still despised him.

“Amazing,” he said, grabbing her and pulling her close.

“Yes,” she whispered regretfully.

“I didn’t anticipate you wanting that as much as I did,” he grinned at her.

“Me neither,” she answered honestly. Her head was still spinning.

He traced her skin, feeling her muscles. She was beautiful and she wasn’t pulling away. She laid there close to him, watching him. “Want to take this to the bed,” he asked breathlessly, enjoying himself.

“If you want,” she answered unsure.

Charles felt different now, he had had her, enjoyed her and yet, there was still something about her. “You want freedom?”

She stopped from getting up and looked at him uncertain.

He saw the desire in her eyes, “Go,” he told her softly.

She stood and he did too. He tossed her a dress before grabbing his trousers.

“Just like that,” she asked. She was confused, looking from the garment to him.

He pulled out the pendent wolf and put it into her hands. “You're still here,” he stated.

Xael couldn't believe it, with that she pulled the dress on and left the room quickly without question. Her heart pounded as she traveled down the hall. Was that what it took for freedom?

She stopped at the gate...no one had stopped her the whole way and yet...she couldn’t leave. She thought of the spoiled man and how much he really didn’t know. It would only be a matter of time till another raid was made on her people. Maybe she could do more good here than she could ever do for her people. Quickly, she made her way back, tripping over her feet as she hurried back to the man’s chambers. He was at his balcony looking over the landscape.

“Charles,” she called standing there at the doorway.

Charles turned and looked at her surprised. “Your back,” he said.

“You have been here all your life,” she stated. He nodded. “What if I were to show you who my people really are?” she asked. “What if I showed you that we are not the monsters that you think we are?” she asked.

He sat back for a moment taking her suggestion in. He seemed amazed to see her standing there never mind pleading for him to see her people.

“Very well…,” he nodded after a moment. “You're no longer my slave...I hope you know,” he asked.

“Thank you,” she nodded.

“What is your name…?”

She was taken back by that...he had just started calling her Flower and she had just accepted it. She was unsure if she should tell him her true name.

“Xael,” she finally said.

“Really,” he asked.

She nodded and he accepted it.

“Very well Xael,” he smiled.

He strolled forward and took her hand. “Let’s get you some proper clothes,” he said.

“Later...I’m tired,” she admitted.

He brought her to his bed and sat her down. “Go ahead, get some sleep,” he encouraged.

She drew him to her, kissing him. She didn’t know why but she wanted him now. He climbed into bed with her.

This was not so much a fight. He drew over her, touching her drawing into him as he pinned her hands above her. Her legs strong and steady moved into him. They kissed as they flipped now he was her’s. Enjoyed the way she rode, him looking at him with fierce eyes.

They finished and fell quickly asleep.

******************

The next day they ready for the journey. Horses had been prepared and they rode off just the two of them.

“What changed your mind,” he asked her as they rode.

“What changed yours,” she returned.

They had their reasons and neither would say.

“I do have a confession,” Xael told him as they rode.

“What?” he asked.

“I’m the princess,” she told him.

He blinked not expecting that from her. “I...I didn’t know,” he said finally.

“I know...I didn’t want you to know,” she told him honestly.

He smiled at that. “You realize how trusting I’m being right now, right?” he told her.

“Yes, I could easily do the same to you,” she nodded. “But I think you can trust me,” she said.

“I think so too,” he smiled.

They rode casually till they reached near the village. A whistle hit the air. Xael pulled short on her rains.

It was the warning cry that Taborri gave the people when the people of the north came. Taborri was alive.

“What is it, Xael,” Charles asked, not noticing the whistle but her reaction.

“As we speak my people are off and hiding,” she said. “And the warriors are preparing.”

“Well they’ll see you,” he said.

“Not till it’s too late,” she said, shaking her head. “Let me go and let them know they have not fear you,” she said.

“Go ahead,” he said, trusting.

She snapped the reins and urged the horse forward. As she got even closer someone pulled her off the horse and down to the ground.

She looked up to see Taborri, a scar across his cheek. “Taborri,” she whispered relieved.

“Xael,” he asked shocked.

Before she could respond his mouth was on hers kissing her fiercely. It took a moment but she pushed him off.

“I missed you too but listen,” she said sitting up.

“I’m sorry,” he nodded, sitting up too.

“I have the Prince with me...somehow I’ve convinced him to come with me. If I can convince him that we’re not the monsters he thinks we are then there will be no more raids,” she told him.

Taborri smiled at her as he tucked her hair back, “Your father would be proud,” he smiled.

Xael felt a knot in her stomach, she dreaded the answer but she had to know, “My father’s dead,” she asked.

“I’m sorry,” he nodded.

Xeal nodded and sniffed as she looked at him. Gods she still loved him and missed him so much. “I thought you were dead,” she told him honestly.

“I did too,” he nodded.

“Taborri...I did some things..,” she started feeling guilty. It wasn’t going to be easy to tell him of her plan.

“It doesn't matter Xael. You're alive and well. Bring that man in...we’ll treat him just like he treated you,” Taborri said.

“No, he’s my guest,” she told him insistently.

“What?”

“Taborri...I don’t have much time,” She persisted.

They could hear the horse approach.

“I’ll go tell the village,” he nodded. He kissed her and hurried off.

Xael swallowed as she climbed back on the horse. See turned to just in time to see Charles approach.

“Come on,” she called leading him. Unfortunately Taborri being alive didn’t change her plan.

******************

Charles watched her disappear. He was crazy walking into this. And for what? A girl whom he had never dreamed he’d fall for. He felt as if he was under her spell. That was his only explanation why he was her now trusting her.

Oh when his father would learn, there would be trouble. He spotted her up ahead not too much farther. Shaking his head at his craziness , he made his way to rejoin her.

“Come on,” she smiled.

They continued on, there were trees everywhere, they seemed to get bigger and older as they traveled.

“I’ve been thinking about something since the other night,” Xael said out of the blue. Her eyes stayed forward, a demined look in her green eyes.

“What,” he asked, truly curious.

“That our kingdoms should unite,” She said. “Become allies,” she added.

“Oh…? And how would we do that,” he asked.

“Come on Charles must I say it,” she asked.

“Yes, because I think you're saying this because you feel you must to save your people. I want you to know we do not need to wed in order to unite,” he told her. He had to admire her but he could not force her to be with him.

“And I did not need to lay with you last night but we bedded anyways,” she added, with that she looked at him with a small smile. “Despite what we've been through, there is something between us.”

Charles smiled at her words, “Very well...let us see how this goes,” he nodded. “Then I will ask you.”

They rode into the village, many of the people were up in the treetops watching below as a group of warriors stood to greet them. Their weapons seemed to be at the ready. Charles swallowed.

One stepped forward and greeted Xael with a great big hug. He was tall and thin with a bow and quiver on his back.

“We missed you, Xael,” he told her. His eyes looked hateful at Charles, not that he blamed the man. He wondered about Xael's relationship with him. But for now, he would observe.

“Thank you Taborri for looking after everyone for me,” she smiled. “Shall we gather a feast. I’m not crazy about what they call clothes,” she said, indicating the dress she wore.

“No you look horrid,” he smiled with a chuckle.

She chuckled and pinched his cheek. Xael looked to her people, “Charles is my guest and he shall be treated as such,” Xael told everyone. She climbed off her horse. Charles followed suit.

The horses were taken as Xael took Charles’s arm. “Come,” she beckoned.

******************

Xael was a little disappointed by her people's behavior as they entered. But she greeted them and introduced Charles. She then decided to take Charles to the main tree. She led him to the tree house she grew up in. He touched it silently studying it.

“It is the oldest tree in all the jungle,” she told him.

“Beautiful,” he nodded.

They entered and walked side by side. She opened up doors to a little room. There was a straw bed on the ground covered by furs. “There’s a wash room just in there,” she told him.

Charles nodded and then saw her turning to leave, “Wait,” he said, grabbing her arm. She stopped short. “Where are you going?” he asked, concerned.

“To see my father,” she told him softly.

“I would like to meet him,” Charles insisted.

“I hoped you would have,” Xael sighed. “He is no longer with us,” she added sadly.

“Oh I’m sorry Xael. Of course you wish to mourn him alone,” CHarles nodded.

“I’ll be back,” she told him. She kissed him for good measure and hurried to the garden where all dead kings and queens were burned. Their ashes would get scattered into the garden so they could be part of the trees.

She knelt by the little stone that was her father’s marker and smiled sadly at it. It had been laid next to her mother's.

“I’m sorry father,” she whispered.

She sat for a moment feeling the breeze across her skin. She sighed, she had things to do. She made her way to her room.

There she washed up and put on her warrior best. After refixing her hair and strapping on her weapons she went to find Charles. He was washed and was wearing his black suit.

“Better,” he asked. He grabbed her tightly.

“I am,” Xael nodded, smiling at him.

“Xael the feast is ready…--,” Taborri said walking in. He stopped and paused. After a moment he turned to leave.

“Hungry,” she asked trying to ignore the guilt she felt. She felt soooo torn

Charles nodded solemnly and took her arm as they traveled back outside.

******************

Charles bathed and put his suit back on. It wasn’t long till Xael returned in her warrior best. He grabbed her loving how she looked wild. It excited him.

The man Xael called Taborri entered announcing the food was ready. He stopped looking at them. He seemed angry as he turned away. Charles couldn’t blame him.

But it was Xael’s reaction to this that really affected him.

“Hungry,” she asked, chewing her lip.

He nodded trying to take this all in. Was she torn between her people and him?

People mulled around with baskets of food. Music was in the air. He saw meat over a roaring fire.

They greeted Xael pleasantly and children ran past them. They were simple people living off the land not savages. Charles could see that now.

They weren’t exactly nice but he didn’t expect them to be. Taborri seemed to be watching him closely. They sat on the ground and food was passed around.

“What happened?” someone asked as they ate.

“It was horrible...but Charles here made it possible for me to return. I hope that we can be free of the brutes for good,” she told them.

“Brutes,” Charles laughed.

“You call us savages,” she smiled.

“True,” he nodded. “What would you say to our kingdoms uniting?” Charles asked.

The crowd chattered at this, Taborri stood looking shocked.

“What,” Taborri asked.

“Taborri...please I believe it should be considered,” Xael said, taking Charles' hand.

“What of your place here, Xael?” Taborri asked.

“You have proven well, my friend,” she said.

Taborri growled. Xael tried to smile at Charles. Charles couldn’t help feel like there was something more.

“I want the best for all of us,” Xael tried to tell her people.

“But you are the only heir,” someone said.

“So am I,” Charles announced.

“You thought me dead, but I returned. We are forming an alliance. We will trade and learn from the north,” Xael told them.

“They’ve poisoned you,” Taborri called. “You are not the Xael who was taken from us,” he said.

“Do you know what they did to me? Were you there Taborri? I forgiven them, can’t you do the same?” she begged.

“As far as I’m concerned you are dead,” he said and left the feast.

Xael looked to her people but others were grumbling leaving the feast as well. “I’m sorry; this is not easy for them,” she sighed. She stood and brought him back to the main tree.

“No it can’t be,” he nodded.

They were alone now in a room, the straw bed with furs in a corner. A little wicker nightstand with a woven closet.

“I feel tired now,” she sighed sitting down on the bed.

He crawled in next to her.

“Sorry it’s not more comfortable,” she smiled.

“Sorry about your people,” he sighed.

“Don’t be,” she whispered. She took his face and started kissing him. He pulled her in by touching her.

“Fight me,” he asked with a small growl as they started.

She smiled. It seemed to excite him which in turn excited her. They wrestled together having their way with each other as they had their fill and went off to sleep.

******************

A noise woke Charles the next morning. The morning light was barely up. He looked over and found Xael gone. She had outdone herself once again.

He slowly got out of the bed. The first thing he was going to do for these people would give them mattresses. Who could sleep in itchy straw? He went to wash before clothing when a sight caught his eye. A figure driving what looked like a whipping post into the ground.

The sight made him swallow. He quickly dressed to confront the figure to see Xael. Her green eyes seemed to be blazing.

“What are you doing?” he demanded.

“I have to get through to my people,” she said checking the post.

“What, they get to whip me raw till I learn my lesson,” he laughed.

“Bind me,” she said, giving him her hands.

He blinked. “No,” he said, shaking his head.

“I know my people,” she said holding out her hands still.

Here he was fearing a lashing and here she was asking for one. He took the rope and tied her tight to the pole, her back exposed to the wind.

“What are you doing?” Taborri cried hurrying to her with a few other people. He looked angrily at Charles pulling a sword.

“I told him to,” Xael said looking at Taborri. “Charles give Taborri the whip,” she nodded.

Charles grabbed the long thin leather whip, it was a bit like the one at the castle.

“Xael…,” Taborri gasped.

“I want you to, go ahead,” she told him.

Taborri shook his head.

“Go ahead make me pay,” she cried out to the crowd. There was a mix of more confusion then anger. “Charles?” she asked.

He shook his head, he could not hurt her not again.

“Won't anyone...you asked what they did?” She gestures. “You said they changed me, I’m dead Tab. So why not whip me,” she said.

“Your crazy Xael,” he sighed, turning.

Without thought Charles grabbed the whip and struck her, she let out an unexpected cry. He watched as Taborri turned his eyes wide as blood formed on Xael’s back.

“Again,” she grunted.

There was no protest, he struck out again. No one person tried to stop him, not one person did anything but sit there and watch as the brave young princess was whipped. Finally he could not strike her again even though she kept asking.

Charles dropped the whip and cut down Xael. She fell right to the ground weak. So Charles quickly scooped her into his arms.

“You're an animal,” Taborri accused, going to her as well.

“I’m the animal?”

He could not understand these people. He shook with anger. This only made these savages angrier at him then before. He followed as Xael was brought to a small hut. They laid her down and started putting a stinky sticky paste on her back. He stole a swipe of it and rubbed it into his hands. It stung the wounds on his hands.

“Xael,” Taborri begged, trying to wake her.

“I had to show you what happened,” she gasped, opening her eyes.

The gray disk had come around her eyes. By the next day they would be completely clouded and she would be nothing more than a shell.

“What does this mean,” Taborri asked, not understanding.

“She will be nothing more than an obedient slave,” Charles told them. “This is what happens to your people when in slavery,” he said.

“It’s not pretty,” Xael nodded.

“I’m taking her back to the castle. She will die here,” Charles announced.

“No...you’ve done enough to her,” Taborri stood.

“You could have stopped me,” Charles said, closing his hands.

Taborri shook his head and sat.

“Some warriors, you hold your heads high but break one little thing and you fall apart. Your princess here is stronger than any I’ve ever seen. I love her and an alliance or none she is to be my bride,” Charles announced.

“Like hell, she’s my bride-to-be,” Taborri shouted. “You took her from me probably even poisoned her to think she loves you…,” he stated.

This took Charles back, so that was his problem.

“I have not been poisoned, Taborri...I do love Charles,” Xael spoke up. “When can we go,” she asked looking at Charles.

“I’ll let you rest, you can’t ride like that,” he told her.

Taborri left the room, leaving the two alone.

“I shouldn’t have…,” Charles said, taking her hand.

“No I asked you to,” she said weakly.

“You were engaged to him,” Charles asked.

“Yes...he was the love of my life...but he’s blind to what’s really going on. I thought I could get through him,” she told Charles. “He gave me the wolf,” she said.

“What…?” he asked looking at her unexpectedly.

“The wolf I said it was a reminder of my mother and father but it’s not. He gave it to me that day I got captured. We would have been wed on the full moon,” she explained.

“And you want me?” he asked uncertainly.

“Yes,” she nodded.

He covered her back and waited for her to fall out.

******************

In the morning Charles got the horses and assisted Xael onto a horse. Taborri watched silently as they rode out. Charles did his best to keep Xael safe until they reached his Kingdom. His father greeted him angrily.

“Where have you been,” he asked.

“I went to the Jungle,” Charles told his father. He jumped off his horse and started walking by Xael’s side. They started to head back into the castle.

“You're lucky you're not dead,” the king said, shaking his head as he followed his son.

“Them ‘savages’ aren’t exactly killers but they're not civil either. She’s their leader...they did this to her,” he told his father.

“Really,” the king said surprised.

“I fed her the fruit, and we got talking. She convinced me to travel with her to see her people. She made sure I was treated as a guest…. And I proposed to her…” Charles started telling his father.

“You what?” the king asked, stopping short.

“I thought our kingdoms should unite. There is no need for this,” Charles told his father jestering to the slaves.

“You are sick if you think I would let you marry a savage,” his father said, shaking his head. “Or that our people would accept a union with those people,” he said.

Yes his people would be just as hard to convince, even more perhaps. But right now, he just wanted to get Xael some fruit.

“Guards,” his father called as they approached the castle. “Get this slave away,” he said.

“No she’s mine,” Charles said quickly, trying to stop the guard.

“You apparently don’t know what to do with a slave,” his father said shaking his head.

“You gave me one to take and I was responsible. I had questions. We have never been attacked as far back as I can remember,” Charles said.

“You're weak and unless you change your thinking boy you will not have the throne,” the king said.

“You can not take her from me,” Charles said as he fought back.

“Go lay with another woman or something boy...you're confused,” he told his son.

He waved at the guard who pushed Xael off the horse. She fell to the ground helpless in her condition.

“I am your master now,” the king told her.

“Yes master…,” she said standing quickly.

Charles knew she was nothing more than a shell, her eye completely gray.

“Good, crawl dog,” he commanded. She obeyed crawling before him. “Nothing more than helpless,” he smiled at his son as they strolled into the throne room.

Charles followed angrily watching as his father sat on the throne.

“I’ll show you what a slave is really for,” the king growled sitting back.

But before he could, Charles could not contain himself any longer, he stabbed his father, killing him right there.

Glad no one was there Charles grinned. “Guard,” he called. Two guards hurried in. “My father was murdered…,” Charles stated. “I want the murder found,” he told them.

They nodded and hurried off. He would be left alone for a time now.

“Come Xael,” he called. He guided her to the tree and picked a nice ripe fruit and ordered her to eat it.

“Charles…,” she gasped after finishing the fruit. She looked around in confusion a moment but then she looked sad. “They let me go,” she sighed.

“They did not want a union,” he said shaking his head. “You did that all for nothing,”

“So now what,” she asked.

“I make you my queen,” he answered, kissing her fiercely.

******************

Xael woke from her fog to see herself back in the courtyard of the north kingdom. She knew what must have happened once she lost touch.

“They let me go,” she asked sadly.

“They did not want a union,” he told her as he shook his head. “You did all that for nothing,”

“So what now?”

“I make you my queen,” he said, kissing her fiercely. She melted into the kiss, pulling him closer. Charles pulled away, “It’s not going to be easy...my people are not going to be crazy about it like yours but we will change their mind,” he assured her.

“There’s the king to deal with as well,” she said.

“He was murdered, I found him dead on his throne,” He told her.

“So then you are king,” she asked.

“Come...we have much to do,” he smiled.

“Very well,” she smiled. It was not going to be easy but she had grown to love Charles and hell she doubted she would ever return home. Though she would miss home, mostly Taborri but she had destroyed that relationship by choosing Charles. So she had to go forward with no regrets and have hope with her new future.

****************