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Slaves to Passion (greybishop & ShadowOfDesire)

Lukas considered the ranger’s one word reply; it was certainly positive, though a bit on the terse side. Perhaps she didn’t want to talk after all; it certainly wouldn’t be the first time he was wrong about a woman’s intentions. Still, he took a moment to admire Jacelyn as she sat there bare-chested; despite her tousled hair and yawning mouth he still thought her quite the beauty. In the morning light her breasts looked remarkably full and firm as they curved out from her torso and his eyes were immediately drawn to the hard little nipples jutting from their tips; he had to imagine that was because of the cool air coming in through the window, but was still tempted to suck one between his lips nonetheless. But knowing the busy day that lay ahead he restrained himself from that, and instead settled for tasting her lips in a long, affectionate ‘good morning’ kiss.

As his lips pressed into Jacelyn’s, Lukas’ mind again wandered back to Izantium. The Izantines had fancied themselves as being Eastern Imperials and so had adopted many of their customs; he’d taken to some of those in his time there and at one point had gotten Ilse some … adornments for her sensitive nipples. The pair he’d liked best were little bells that clipped onto her and jingled rather merrily as she moved about the small quarters they eventually shared; he always knew where she was because of them. The pair she’d liked best were rather stouter, since they had to support a slender chain of sorts that connected them; she’d particularly enjoyed when he gave the chain a gentle tug, and once told him she didn’t know which she liked more: thinking of that pair being put on her, wearing them, or when they were finally removed. Lukas wondered if he could find something like that here for Jacelyn, and if she’d like them as much; he had his doubts at first, but then thought of the pleasure slave siblings he’d seen and resolved to make a few discrete inquiries. As he mulled all that over and his tongue slipped between her lips for a moment, the sellsword’s fingers wandered to the ranger’s chest almost involuntarily and brushed over her nipples tenderly …

After he finally broke his kiss Lukas answered Jacelyn’s question with a grin. “Another visit to the baths sounds like a good idea to me lass; I worked up a bit of a sweat before bed last night.” Then he picked up his breeches and remembered they no longer had a drawstring. Leaning forward, he regretfully began undoing the little knot that held that cord around the ranger’s slender throat; as he did his flaccid cock leaned forward a bit too, the head now almost completely covered by his foreskin. As he worked he wondered if the blonde whore would still be down in the baths, but doubted it given the hour; at first Lukas was glad about that, but then began to wonder once again. Back in Izantium he’d shared Ilse with others more than once, and while she’d expressed concern about it before and after, had always enjoyed herself immensely during the acts she was being ‘forced’ to participate in. How would Jacelyn react if he decided to bring a whore to bed with them one evening? Or share her with another man? He wasn’t quite sure how he might arrange the latter, but doubted any man would balk at the chance of having a taste of the shapely ranger. Possibilities blossomed in his mind as he worked the drawstring back into his breeches and then pulled them on.

“After you lass” Lukas added with a grin, as he gestured at their room’s doorway and tucked his long knife into his waistband …
 
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Jacelyn moaned in his mouth at that kiss, letting her arms rest on his shoulders as she leaned forward to indulge. Her slender body shuddered as he found her breast and hardened nipple. When they broke away, she brushed past his beard to feel it against her cheek and kissed him on the neck, though had to draw back as his fingers began to remove the makeshift collar. She'd all but forgotten that she had it on, and glanced down with a bemused expression as he worked it free. Her hands slid up his thighs as he untied the knot, rubbing lightly, though she didn't stray any closer to his cock.

Once he'd freed her of his drawstring, she rose along with him and reached for her shift, pulling it on and lifting her hair free as it slid over her head. It was modest now that she was no longer wet from the bath, rather shapeless when not clinging to her wet body. Jacelyn reached for the towel she'd brought up the evening before and threw it over her shoulder as she moved to precede him downstairs.

She went the way she'd come up, the narrow stairs that led from the back of the hallway and bypassed the common room, banking that most would be sleeping in a bit longer after a raucous night in the tavern. Luck was with them for they met no one on the stair and the steaming bathhouse was empty. There was no sign of the whore that had propositioned him. The ranger tossed her towel on the rack and shucked off her shift a moment later without any hesitation. The water in all of the tubs was hot and steaming. She stepped into the first to scrub herself again and wash away the remnants of their loud night of lov... fucking.

After that quick scrub, she moved to the larger communal bath to soak, leaning back against the edge of the tub to wait (and watch) Lukas as he went through his own routine. Her eyes grazed over his body as he moved, teeth catching her lower lip. He was extremely hairy, but she liked that in a man. Without that hair, a man looked too much like a boy, and she didn't find that attractive in the slightest. A man, a real man, needed hair on his chest and a beard on his face. Or at least the ability to grow a beard. She didn't trust a man that couldn't grow a beard.
 
Lukas followed the ranger down to the baths and took a bit longer in his washing tub, mainly to make sure his wound was clean and also to let his arm soak some in the hot water; it still felt stiff and was a little red, but he thankfully smelled no hint of contagion and his fingers were moving just fine. When he joined Jacelyn in the communal bath the first thing he did was dunk himself fully under the surface, and he came up sputtering with water streaming from his hair, beard and chest; to an outsider it probably looked a bit like a bear happily playing in a stream to cool off. After he’d wiped his eyes clear, the sellsword moved to the edge of the tub just beside Jacelyn and wrapped one of his arms over her shoulders as their hips touched.

“We have a busy morning ahead of us lass. The temple of course, probably first thing, to let them know about the cemetery and ask some questions. And also a healer, to replenish our supplies and let ‘em have a look at my arm.” Lukas looked down at his wound and offhandedly added “It seems fine, but as you said it’d be best for someone else to check.” He brushed some water from his face then continued. “And I’d like to visit a smithy too.” He grinned. “Even before last night, after facing that creature there’s a thing or two I’d like to see if I can find. Though now …” his grin broadened “… there’s something else on my list, and I might have to see a leather worker or even a jeweler for it.” Then his expression grew more serious. “Don’t worry lass, I haven’t forgotten we have your Isolde to find. But if those mines really are a day and a half away, another few minutes won’t hurt our prospects after all this time.”

The sellsword’s visage brightened a bit before he went on. “Speaking of which, that does make it sound like we’ll be spending another night together tonight. I don’t know if that’ll be at some small inn or in the woods, but you should know I do intend on continuing what we began last night, one way or another. And as a little taste of that …” Lukas turned Jacelyn’s head so he could kiss her, and as his tongue slipped into her sweet mouth one of his big hands cupped one of her breasts as it bobbed in the water in front of her; his touch was gentle and he took his time playing with her, making sure that both her nipples were nice and erect from more than the morning chill. But his free hand never dipped below the surface or went between her lean legs, and once he’d gotten her nice and … happy, he … climbed out of the tub with a big grin on his face. “Alright lass enough playing about, we have work to do. I’ll meet you in the common room.”

---

Since Lukas didn’t need to dry and braid his hair, he kept his promise and was back downstairs at a table long before Jacelyn; since it was still early the room was only beginning to fill and the reception he got was a chilly one. Mara, the older girl who he’d met in their room, looked at him almost hostilely as he sat down and the blonde whore – who was now working as a serving wench – and the bearded owner eyed him with obvious suspicion. The sellsword wondered about that after he’d asked the whore for some elderberry tea with honey while he waited and quickly realized these people were all Jacelyn’s friends, who knew they’d shared a room and undoubtedly had heard, or heard about, the racket coming from that room last night. Lukas imagined his reputation here now depended on how the ranger looked when she first walked into the room. That made him relax a bit, since unless anyone checked her bottom Jacelyn had looked perfectly fine to him and seemed quite happy this morning.

As he sipped at his hot tea Lukas chuckled at the idea of someone in the common room inspecting the ranger’s backside in front of everyone. Not that he’d ever embarrass her in front of her friends like that, but the idea of parading Jacelyn into a room full of strangers wearing nothing but a collar, and perhaps some tiny sandals and a diaphanous shift did hold a certain appeal. He couldn’t help but wonder what she’d think of that. Would she immediately balk at the idea, or settle into her new, albeit intermittent role of pleasure slave and simply do as she was told in that situation? It had been so much easier with Ilse in a way, since the rules then were quite clear; she did as he said, period, since she truly was a slave. Not that he’d become a tyrant about the power he’d held over her though, far from it; they’d actually ended up living as man and wife for most of the time, but the precedent was still there. Well, right up until she told him “no” when he asked her to leave with him. Things with Jacelyn were quickly proving to be much more … complicated. But he smiled as he thought of working through those complications while they searched for the girl they were after; the ranger really was quite the beauty in every way, and he had to wonder if she might be the girl he was really after on this campaign …
 
Though Lukas' pointed teasing left her needy, wanting, and ultimately frustrated, she took it as it was intended -- a jest. That he was comfortable enough with her to toy with her in such a manner said much about his personality. Any other man she might have grabbed by the cock and forcibly dragged him back into the tub where she could fuck him properly. With Lukas, she merely watched him leave with a smirk that matched his own, sighed, and climbed out of the heated water once he was gone. She donned her shift and climbed the stairs again with her towel about her hair. In their shared room, she rebraided her hair, tightening the strands close to her scalp at either temple and braiding two individual braids that hung down her back. When she was ranging, she'd cross them over one another and pin them in a bun or about her head like a crown, simply to keep them from snagging in the dense foliage. Now, however, they had other tasks to complete before returning to the road, and she could let the long braids swing free.

Dressed in her loose trousers, tunic, and vest, Jacelyn joined Lukas in the common room a few minutes after he'd settled. She'd left her armor in their room as they'd not be needing it in town, though she did bring along a pair of knives strapped to either thigh. Seeing her friends in attendance, she smiled happily and lifted a hand in greeting, oblivious to any strange looks they might be giving the sellsword. She settled beside Lukas, not quite touching him, but near enough that it could be considered purposeful. Despite herself, she did wince as she found her seat, the hard wood reminding her that her rear was still quite tender.

"Oi! Maggie! Can a girl get a decent breakfast? Perhaps a few meatrolls or fresh tart?" She offered the whore a brilliant and ingratiating smile.

"Spiced cider, too?" she asked, apparently familiar with Jacelyn's appetite. Her eyes shifted between the ranger and the sellsword, but she eventually smiled knowingly.

"How well you do know me, Mags."

After the whore brought their requested items, the ranger dug into her food with the gusto of someone that had spent much of their calories being thoroughly fucked the night before. She grinned at Lukas as she tucked way her third meatroll. "Temple doors won't be open for a bit. The healer and smith both keep early hours, however. Thinking we should do the healer first. He's closest, anyhow, and it would be good to have that arm looked at before we go haring about. Which do you want -- a leather worker or a jeweler? There are several of the former, but only one of the latter and he isn't cheap."
 
Lukas couldn’t help but smile when Jacelyn made her entrance into the common room. She seemed happy and relaxed, and full of a positive energy that seemed to spill out of her; she was beautiful. And her hair … he knew better than anyone that the ranger was a fully grown woman, but the way she’d done up her hair that morning gave her a girlish look that the big sellsword found … quite appealing. And then she plopped down right next to him, and began shouting for breakfast like one of the boys … was there nothing this woman wasn’t capable of? His heart swelled up a bit, as did the manhood in his trousers, at the notion that Jacelyn was now with him, and not afraid to let her friends see that.

And see it they did. The bearded innkeeper seemed to relax too, and the whore – Maggie evidently – now seemed full of good cheer as she eyed the both of them; Lukas appreciated that, since now he needn’t worry about his meat pies being spiced with belladonna. But the young girl Mara still looked dubious, and was doing her best to covertly inspect Jacelyn as she swept her broom closer and closer to their table. Finally Lukas could stand it no longer and hailed the girl. “Good morning lass. Did you give those carrots to my horse?”

The young girl’s reply to the sellsword was as terse and dismissive as could be; “Aye, he’s fine” she snapped out.

Lukas answered her back immediately. “Well thank you lass, that’s good to hear. Especially since we’re fine too this morning;” as he made the comment he tilted his head and raised a broad shoulder to indicate the woman sitting right beside him. The effect of that gesture and reply on the young girl struck Lukas as … very hard to understand. Mara glared at him, then gawked at Jacelyn and blushed, then turned away with tears beginning to glisten in her eyes. As the young girl stumbled away Maggie immediately noticed and quickly made her way to Mara’s side; after taking the broom away the older woman wrapped an arm around the girl’s shoulders and spoke to her quietly. Then, without glancing back, Maggie took Mara’s hand and led her from the room, undoubtedly so they could talk somewhere more private. That made Lukas sigh; it was always hard to see a child lose the last of their innocence …

---

After a hearty breakfast the pair made their way to a healer as Jacelyn had suggested; the man confirmed Lukas’ arm was on the mend and commended the ranger on her stitching. But the healer could shed no light whatsoever on the poison that had paralyzed Lukas’ arm temporarily; he’d never heard of the like in all his years. Replenishing their medicinal supplies for a few silvers was an easy task and soon enough they were on their way to a smithy; their luck there was equally mixed. On the one hand and as the sellsword had suspected, the smith said it would take at least two days to fashion a plate couter for him, or to lengthen Lukas’ hauberk sufficiently to cover his right elbow. The sellsword thanked him politely and then inquired about a more offensive solution to the problems the creature had posed; Lukas did much better in that regard. Perhaps.

None of the selection the smithy brought forth looked like what a blacksmith used, or what put calluses into the palm of a carpenter’s hand either; they were all far, far uglier and brutal looking. The common theme was a short neck and a hard face, balanced out on the other side by an equally short spike; all of that steel was attached to a length of hardwood that allowed the head to be whipped about so it could generate tremendous force upon impact. Lukas tried hammer after hammer, and his reply after a brief flourish of each and every one was “No.”

Clearly exasperated, the smithy finally handed the sellsword his last sample, remarking “This one isn’t mine; I found it in the back when I purchased the shop.” The sellsword looked down at what he’d just been handed and could see it was old; runes he could no longer read had once been carved into the blackened steel. But the head seemed perfectly balanced to him as it rested at the end of an equally black hardwood shaft, and he quickly discarded the short, efficient swings he’d tried previously, for something else; tossing away the imaginary shield he’d been holding in his left hand, Lukas drew his long knife and much to the surprise of the blacksmith, and perhaps Jacelyn as well, the big man began to … dance.

To Jacelyn’s trained eye she could see that every move Lukas made as he spun about the yard was practice for the field of battle. He’d start with a feint or a parry, usually with his knife but not always, and then keep whirling into a flurry of blows and parries that always kept him moving, moving, moving, seemingly striking out at multiple opponents around him. But every combination that morning ended the same way; with a punishingly savage strike from the black hammer, each designed to crush a foeman’s skull, or shatter his shoulder, or remove his kneecap so as to render him helpless to prevent a final, killing blow. Lukas may not have been a sword saint but he’d been trained by one, and blending that style with the ways of the Order of Mares had come naturally to him in Izantium. Breathing lightly he finally looked at the smithy standing next to Jacelyn, and there was a huge, huge smile on the sellsword’s face. “I’ll take this one. What’re you asking?”

---

As they walked away from the smithy’s yard Lukas twirled his new hammer in his hand and chattered away at Jacelyn like a boy with a new toy; he was in such a good mood that he hadn’t even asked her where they were going next. “You know lass, I’ve never been one to name my weapons as some do. Scalpel, Cat’s Claw, Graywand, Sting … those all seem …” The big warrior grimaced and waved his free hand as if he was trying to swat away a swarm of gnats. “But this weapon … I suppose I could call it Foehammer, after the sword of Mares …” That name had always puzzled the sellsword; why call a sword Foehammer? That’d evidently confused the Varangi too when they’d come to Germania, and was one of the reasons they adopted Mares as their war god; Lukas couldn’t recall the name of the Varangi’s god of war, but definitely knew he wielded a hammer known as Meyulnir or some such. The sellsword thought that name a mouthful, but it reminded him of an old Varangi tale about an ancient sword of great power that had been as black as his new hammer; Tyrfing had been its name in the old Varangi tongue, and Lukas did know what that meant. Smiling brightly Lukas looked over at Jacelyn.

“What do you think of the name Stormbringer lass?”

---

Far, far away from where Jacelyn and Lukas walked, beyond even the highest mountain where the old gods of their world now mostly slept, an entity nearly as old as the multiverse opened one of its eight eyes. It often heard its many names, or dreamt that it did, but very rarely were they spoken with the reverence that one of them had just been voiced with. Sometimes that was all it took, especially when it was bored, and so a very tiny fraction of itself began oozing its way down the pathways that would take it to have a look at the insignificant little creature who had just called to it …
 
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Jacelyn threw Lukas a curious look. "That is a name of power to the Northmen. What know you of their gods? I've heard you speak of others, foreign gods, which I assume are part of your teachings? The goddess, for instance, you mentioned last night is unknown to me. I know very little of those powers. Mathis follows the Old Ones and their rites, as many do in these lands, which are not dissimilar to the Northmen's tales. The Northmen have their own creators, their own gods and goddesses, and it was to those that we paid homage." She tapped her right arm where her sleeve covered the band of runes that encircles it. "I was marked as a tribute to one of their goddesses when I survived a bear attack when I was young, but never once witnessed the protection she was supposed to provide. The bear was more interested in the fish I'd caught and left me to bleed high in my tree. I'm fairly certain that the goddess had nothing to do with it."

She shrugged as if such things were beyond her comprehension, or simply outside of her realm of understanding. She didn't know if the gods were real, but preferred to live by the strength and skill of her own two hands rather than depend upon them for help. "Perhaps we might discuss your gods in depth when we are once more traveling? I would be interested to hear of those you believe give you strength and watch over you."

---

The temple was located near the heart of the village and was not overly large. The gates that guarded the entrance had been crafted of black iron and worked in intricate patterns and designs. The main building was built of a white stone that one did not often see in those lands. It gleamed in the morning light, like a beacon of power meant to draw the attention of the gods themselves. The wall surrounding the temple was of ordinary stone, however, and looked similar to those that constructed other structures in town. They'd heard the morning chimes as they walked, and when they reached the temple, the gates had been opened. Morning devotions had been concluded and the blue-robed priestesses were now at work with their various chores and daily tasks.

Lukas and Jacelyn were not the only early morning visitors. Others of the village walked the path within the temple gardens, heading to worship at the main temple or one of the many small pavilions that held shrines to their chosen deity. Surprisingly, the gods and goddesses represented here were varied and of several different religions. Lukas' own gods were in attendance, as were the Old Gods that Mathis followed and a few of the southern religions, as well. The gods of the Northmen were rarely worshiped this far south, but one of the pavilions was dedicated to those that had no other place within the temple grounds, offering a place for those that did not follow the more popular religions a place to offer sacrifice and prayer.

The priestess that met them at the main temple was older than them both, but had a handsome face and friendly eyes of deep brown. The diaphanous scarf she wore over her hair fluttered as she bowed to them both. A circlet of silver kept it in place and held a crescent moon that rested between her brows. "Welcome, travelers," she said gently. "What answers do you seek this day? How may we be of service?"
 
Lukas bowed back politely to the priestess. “Good day Mother,” he began quite formally. “I’m Brother Lukas, of the Order of Mares;” the big sellsword fished the hammer totem he wore from within his tunic and briefly showed it to the priestess. “And this is Mistress Jacelyn, who represents the merchant Lord, Mathis. We actually have grave news for you Mother, though after you hear it you may indeed have some answers for us. Perhaps we could speak privately?” The priestess looked at Lukas skeptically as she replied; “You’re a long way from home Brother Lukas …” was all she said before she turned her brown eyes towards Jacelyn. After a moment’s hesitation the priestess’ gaze and tone softened noticeably; “… and I’m well aware of who Lord Mathis is; welcome dear. Come, we’ll talk within the sanctum …”

---

Mother Helena’s scriptorium was as neat and tidy as the woman herself, though her writing desk was overflowing with correspondence. The three sat in heavy, high backed chairs around a short table obviously set aside for important visitors, and Lukas briefly admired the two tall, stained glass windows that illuminated the small room with bright colors; he could see each depicted an aspect of the goddess Persephina. Then the sellsword began his recounting of their visit to the cemetery, pausing here and there to allow Jacelyn to add some detail he’d forgotten or amplify on an important point he’d glossed over; as they spoke the priestess’ handsome face grew more and more clouded, and Lukas could see worry lines begin to appear around her lips and eyes and between her brows. When they’d finished Mother Helena immediately called to a novice and soon after the temple’s guard Captain joined them. “Organize as many men as you can spare” the priestess instructed crisply. “You will leave for the cemetery on the road to Sinclaire as soon as possible. Before you depart I will explain why. Also have the call put out in the town square for as many of the faithful to join us as possible, to assemble here armed to follow you at noon; I will accompany them in the carriage.” The Captain eyed Lukas suspiciously and the big sellsword just shrugged; “As you instruct Mother” acknowledged the Captain before he left the room. Then Helena turned to Jacelyn; “Now show me the pendant you found dear …”

---

After staring at the piece of cheap jewelry they’d taken off the creature the priestess had Lukas heft a small, ironbound chest onto the table and opened it with a key she fetched from her desk. Keeping the lid between her visitors and the chest’s contents, Helena withdrew an old book bound in dark brown leather that also was locked shut; after opening the book’s cover she quickly consulted the tome and then placed it closed in her lap. After taking a deep breath the priestess again looked the couple across from her in the eyes and began speaking clearly.

“I expect you are aware of some of what I am going to tell you Brother Lukas, so please understand much of this is for the benefit of Mistress Jacelyn and Lord Mathis.” The older woman paused and glanced down at the book before continuing. “The gods of course have many different aspects.” She gestured at one of the stained glass windows. “So while a farmer might pray to my Lady Persephina for a bountiful harvest in the spring …” Helena’s hand moved to point at the other window. “…so too might a young maiden anxious to be with child;” the priestess’ eyes briefly flicked down to the ranger’s abdomen as she said the last.

“So too is it with my Lord Hados. Not only do we pray to him to watch over the souls of our dead in the Underworld, which is his realm, but miners do too, and others who search for riches deep in the earth, which is also part of his domain.” Helena sighed deeply before she went on. “But there is another aspect of Hados, and his consort Persephina as well, of which we do not speak; one which dates back to the age of the Imperials. There was a sect … a cult really, which believed that Hados had … consumed his consort … joined her power to his in an unholy union which … allowed him to return the souls of the dead to this earth. How exactly Lord Hados accomplished this abomination was unknown outside the cult, but it was said that it either involved some act of complete and total … carnality, or that Peresphina was actually … devoured.” The priestess looked away and shook her head, then looked back at Lukas and Jacelyn. “This aspect of Hados was known as Dis Pater. And I fear he has returned.”

After a short pause to let her words sink in, Mother Helena then showed the pair the page she had looked at in her book. It was a simple, black and white drawing of a cavern or temple reproduced by woodblock print; a giant worm was stretched throughout the cavern and circled back on itself to swallow its tail – though given what the priestess had just said, it was now hard to tell whether the snake was eating itself, or thrusting its tail into its own mouth. Surrounding the worm were dozens of naked people, enthusiastically engaging in every sort and combination of fornication possibly imaginable. And mingled in among the mad revelers were the twisted forms of demons and devils, some of whom were also … coupling with the people, while others were … quite literally feasting on their human flesh and blood. Despite the many ugly things Lukas had seen over his years, that one image was easily the most repulsive the sellsword had ever laid eyes on.

After a few seconds the priestess snapped the book shut, placed it back into the chest and then reached out to cover the pendant with a handkerchief. Without a word she went to a small cabinet and began extracting a small decanter and three glasses from it; when Lukas saw Helena’s hands were shaking he immediately stood and moved to her side. “Let me Mother, please.” Back at the table Helena poured them each a generous helping of fortified wine and then quickly took a healthy swig from her glass; as the priestess looked away and seemed to settle down, the big sellsword picked up his glass and then looked at Jacelyn, his eyebrows raised …

---

Next to Lukas the entity listened and looked on as it sat quietly within the old warhammer lying on the floor. It had been to this place before, or would be again and had been curious to see how things here were now. The creature, the man, who had called to it had seemed interesting enough, but it had been his companion, the woman, who initially convinced it to stay for a time. Her soul burned so brightly, but also seemed to be laced with a delightful pattern of darkness; the entity imagined it would taste absolutely delicious. And now, now this other woman, this priestess – the entity couldn’t help but giggle to itself – was talking about the return of some little godling to this place? As was its way the entity settled more deeply into the hammer – it had been here before, but sometimes it was hard to remember – to watch and wait, and see what the man did with his new toy. And as a little more of the entity oozed into the weapon by Lukas’ side, its black steel seemed to grow even darker …
 
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The meeting left her far more unsettled than comforted and gave rise to many more questions than were answered. While relieved that the priestesses had taken their claims seriously and was sending reinforcements to the cemetery to investigate, the tales of her suspicions left the ranger feeling uneasy. It wasn't so much the walking corpse that had plagued them as it was the possibility that someone could be making more of those infernal creatures. If the cult did exist, and the one heading it held some sort of real power, they might very well not have stopped with one beast. There could be an army building. And how would the living combat such creatures when the merest touch of them infected and poisoned?

She was about to pose that very question when the priestess revealed the book, and Jacelyn's attention was suddenly diverted to the pages. She stared at the drawing for what seemed an eternity, unable to fully taken in all of the details, but utterly fascinated by those she made out just the same. She had not the faith of the others, so it merely aroused her curiosity rather than any feelings of spiritual revulsion. Elements of the depiction were disturbing, but she had seen far more disturbing things in her life. She had no need of monsters when men themselves could be monstrous creatures. Fixated on the book, feeling something within those pages, she reached out a hand before she even realized what she'd done. As the Mother closed the book with a snap, the spell was broken and the ranger let her hand fall to her lap, contemplating what she'd seen.

Lukas' glance caught her attention, though she didn't speak to his silent query. Instead, she returned her bright gaze to the priestess and waited for her to calm herself before returning to the conversation. "Mother... if this creature is truly real, then surely there is some way to stop it? All deities, no matter how strong, have their weaknesses. Do your tales and books tell you anything more in that regard?"
 
At first Mother Helena glanced at Jacelyn with an annoyed expression on her face, but then quickly sighed and smiled sadly at the ranger as she turned back to the pair. “That’s an astute question dear” the priestess began. Helena sipped a little more wine, glanced at the book in the chest, then seemed to come to some sort of a decision; after she’d placed her glass on the table the priestess sat back with her hands in her lap and kept on talking.

“A soul is a delicate thing. No one’s humors are ever, can ever be completely balanced. Some say this is mankind’s greatest flaw, while others think it’s a gift given to us by the gods.” The priestess shrugged her shoulders then, as if to indicate she had no particular view on the matter. “It was said …” she gestured towards the book “… that when the followers of this cult somehow convinced Dis Pater to return souls from the Underworld they would always come back … even more unbalanced than ever. Most often what returned would be consumed by yellow bile, and choleric to the point of becoming the sort of mindless, raging creature you encountered.” A shiver of fear clearly went through the priestess’ frame and she took a moment to have a little more wine before she went on.

“Along with that imbalance, the returning souls were often said to be corrupted by an … unholy vigor and sometimes even a … dark taint that could give them the strength and vitality of many normal men, or fill their touch with a chill of the grave that could paralyze.” Helena held up her hands. “You ask me how you should stop something like that? I don’t know, how would you stop a rabid dog, or a hungry wolf, or a very angry bear?” The priestess glanced at Lukas then back at Jacelyn. “But it seems you already have, at least once, thank the gods.” Helena reached out and patted the back of the sellsword’s right hand, then gave his burly forearm a gentle squeeze; her hand stayed in place as she glanced at Lukas’ injured elbow and gave him a warm smile.

After a rather long pause Helena sat back, finished her wine and poured herself another glass before she continued. “But that dear, was and is Dis Pater’s great weakness. No matter the promises of his adherents, no one who returned … no one who ever returns will be the same person they were before. Even the very, very few who outwardly appear the same will still be … unbalanced, tainted … an abomination within.” The priestess gingerly picked up her glass, but paused before drinking again; “It’s all a lie” Helena said as she finished, her voice suddenly sounding very distant. As the priestess looked away again and took the first sip of her second glass, Lukas finally had a little of his fortified wine and looked at Jacelyn … but before the big warrior could say a word Helena’s novice came rushing into the room and started breathlessly speaking; “Mother Helena, Captain Malcolm wishes you to know he is now ready to depart as you instructed.” The young girl glanced around very nervously, obviously unsure if she should have just barged in.

The priestess coolly eyed her novice over the rim of her glass as she drained the entirety of her second helping of the wine. Then, in the blink of an eye, she seemed to pull herself together and spoke to the girl firmly but with a measure of warmth in her voice as well. “Thank you dear. Tell the Captain I’ll be with him in a moment.” The novice stood stock still, as if she hadn’t quite heard what she’d just been told. “Off you go dear. Tell the Captain I’ll be with him in a moment. Now, Clarice.” The young girl finally seemed to understand what she’d been told, and rushed back out of the room …

Helena stood and, quite steadily, placed herself in front of her visitors and let one of her hands settle onto the top of each of their heads. Then the priestess looked out of the stained glass windows and began chanting in the old Imperial tongue; Lukas later told Jacelyn what Helena had sung in a lovely mezzo-soprano voice:

“My Lady Dianis, please bless these two of your children, as they hunt those who serve an evil one and seek to find more of your children who have been carried off to feed the evil one’s ways.” Jacelyn would later recall that the priestess had glanced at them both at this point, but that Helena’s gaze had lingered on her the longest.

“And my Lord Mares, please aid these two of your children, if a call to arms is needed to thwart the evil one’s plans. Foehammer is a terrible, swift sword; please lend its strength to these two if it is needed.” In her memory Jacelyn would recall that was when the priestess’ eyes dropped to Lukas’ face, and her hand slid from his head to gently caress one of his cheeks …

After the hasty blessing Mother Helena locked up the strongbox on her table, pocketed the key and then ushered Jacelyn and Lukas out of the temple’s sanctum and into the courtyard; there armed men bustled about and others hurried to harness the high priestess’ carriage, while still more waited to go rushing into town to gather volunteers. The priestess quickly wished the pair farewell, then raised the hem of her gown and charged forward to lead her flock into the fray; the sellsword’s eyes followed Helena closely and there was a definite grin on his face.

“Well now, she’s … not like most of the priestesses I’ve ever known lass, I’ll tell you that …”

---

The entity couldn’t help but be a little impressed by the ‘Mother.’ Much of what she’d said was wrong of course, but she’d still gotten a few things right and also been lucid enough to know she really didn’t know much at all; her soul seemed a lot stronger than most, but was nowhere near as bright as the other woman’s. The way her soul had pulsed and fluttered as she gazed at the picture of the little godling’s followers in the book had been most interesting. It hadn’t just been the brightness of her soul but the pattern of darkness within it that it had sensed earlier as well; that dark pattern had almost shivered with excitement, or so it seemed to the entity. Most interesting indeed; it couldn’t wait to see what this simply delightful creature would do next …
 
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It wasn't exactly the answer that she'd been seeking, but she wasn't going to press the priestess further on the matter, not when the subject clearly disturbed her. Though she sat quietly during their blessing, she was heartily glad the Mother made her benediction blessedly sweet. Rising to follow, she watched the chaos in the courtyard for a moment until it became clear that the priestess was too busy to offer them any more time. She sighed and threw a glance at Lukas, one brow quirking at his comment.

"You haven't known any around here until now. They're all rather... contrary." Flicking her chin toward the gate, she started back down the path. "Perhaps if they worshiped one set of gods they would be less challenging, but they seem to think that they are all somehow connected and related. As though the deities of all are somehow the same and simply known by various names. You can't fault them for their knowledge, however. They've spent centuries amassing it and dole it out like bread crumbs to their flock. Very small, minuscule breadcrumbs. I'm surprised we got as much out of her as we did." She was smirking when she glanced his way. "Perhaps because she liked you so much."

"She certainly gave us plenty to think about," she mused.

Gesturing to the road that would lead them to their next destination, she started down the path which had slowly grown busier as the morning stretched on. There were many carters about hauling their wares to market or setting up stalls along the busiest streets. Most shops had opened and were beginning to see their early morning customers. A canal cut through the town and was spanned by several bridges, each constructed of a different material from a different era. Those nearest the center of the city were large and ornate, primarily built of stone. Those further away were wooden, some intricately designed, but they became more simplistic as one walked further from the central hub.

Though the city itself wasn't overly large, they walked for several minutes before reaching their downriver. They could smell the tannery long before they could see it, and the smell only grew stronger as they drew closer. Manure and blood served as a rancid undertone to the acrid scent, for the outer ring of businesses in that particular district also held the stockyards and slaughter houses, all of which depended on the others in a kind of symbiotic existence. Thankfully, the shop wasn't in the tannery itself, and the exterior stench didn't pervade the building. Inside, all they could smell was fresh, new leather which lay stacked in large sheets upon the shelves or in rolls tucked into baskets upon the floor. A short, stocky man stood at one of the work tables, carefully scoring a leaf of black leather.

He glanced up as they entered, studying them both, but his gaze landed on Lukas, flitting briefly to the hammer he carried. He straightened. "'Elp you?"
 
As they walked away from the temple the sellsword’s mind was focused on their meeting with the high priestess. The information Mother Helena had provided confirmed Lukas’ suspicions, and while no magical or godly defense against the creatures seemed to exist she’d still given him much food for thought. If he was after an angry bear or a wild boar then spears, shields and bows immediately came to mind once again. But beyond that his thoughts turned to using hunting dogs, pits full of spikes and fire as well; definitely fire. When he’d been in the east the sellsword had seen firsthand what Izantine fire could do to a ship or a man, and he had to imagine it would do the same to any one of these spawn of Dis Pater. Of course he’d never been privy to the secret of that particular weapon, but perhaps an alchemist hereabouts might have some thoughts on the matter.

Then there’d been Mother Helena herself; her manner had struck Lukas as odd at times and Jacelyn had said she’d thought the priestess had liked him for some reason. Could that have been true? The clergy wasn’t allowed to marry of course, since they were considered wed to the gods, but they were allowed to take lovers and consorts just as the gods did; it was only the curious new god from the east who insisted on his priests remaining celibate, which was yet another reason why that god had so few followers in the west. Had Helena been looking at him in that way? In retrospect the idea rather pleased Lukas since the priestess had seemed helpful and well read, along with being full of spirit and comely in her own dignified way. And she’d been able to hold her drink too, or so it had seemed, which was always a plus ...

---

All thoughts of the priestess left Lukas’ head when he realized where Jacelyn had guided them next. The notion of visiting a leatherworker had been driven to the back of the sellsword’s mind by his excitement at finding the perfect hammer and pondering on how to defeat any more of the creatures they might encounter – but the lass hadn’t forgotten his offer and her acceptance. That made him smile and feel more certain than ever that there was a rightness to their budding relationship …

---

The sellsword was a little surprised that Jacelyn had accompanied him into the shop and for a moment he considered asking her to step outside. But just as quickly he rejected that idea, since having here right there would not only simplify things but also help her begin to truly understand exactly what she’d agreed to. So he simply turned to the stocky man who’d greeted them and replied to his question most directly. “Aye, I’m in search of a strong wrist thong for my new hammer …” Lukas lifted the weapon a little “… and a collar for her.” The big warrior nodded his head towards the ranger as he said the last.

The leatherworker’s brows rose a bit in surprise, but then he shrugged and tilted his head as if to say “Business is business and you’re the customer.” Then he replied to the sellsword out loud. “The thong is easy enough, but what sort of collar might ya be lookin’ for? Somethin’ tall, to keep her head up?”

Lukas immediately shook his own head. “No, no, I’ll teach her that. But nothing too short either; she’s full of spirit and needs to know that she’s really wearing a collar.” The sellsword scratched at his beard as he looked about the shop and then his eyes settled on what the man had been working on. “Black of course, and I need to be able to lock it onto her. And a ring in the front as well, for a leash.”

“Ah, alright then. An’ some extra rings on the sides perhaps?”

“Aye, that sounds like a good notion.”

“So you’ll be wantin’ some cuffs for her too then?” the leatherworker suggested helpfully.

“Aye, aye another excellent idea” replied the sellsword.

“Alright then, let me measure her up. I’m sure I have something in stock that’ll meet your needs.” The leatherworker picked up a long, thin strip of leather and a piece of chalk and turned towards Jacelyn; as he did Lukas also looked back at the woman and spoke to her quite matter of factly.

“Hold still and let the man measure you …”

---

The entity was bubbling with glee as it listened to the two men talking; it had been well pleased to hear about the little godling, but now this?! These two, the man and the woman, were proving to be so, so interesting. It was beginning to understand why it had responded to the man’s call when he’d picked up the hammer. But what would the woman do now? It wondered as it watched her and her soul quite carefully, with all of its many senses …
 
If he expected her to balk at the casual talk of collaring her, he would be sorely disappointed. Perhaps if she'd not already been a man's property, or if she'd never worn a slave collar before, she might have been embarrassed or shy in the face of the conversation. If anything, she would have simply remained outside to let Lukas conduct his business and accept whatever he'd selected for her without question. However, Jacelyn was no longer a slave. Taking Lukas' collar was voluntary, something she wanted to do, not something she was being forced to do. Her servitude for Mathis kept her bound to the merchant legally, but there was nothing that said she couldn't give her body to the sellsword at the same time.

As the tanner neared with his measuring tools, she lifted her head slightly and pulled her braids up and out of the way so that he could wrap his bit of leather around her slender throat. While she'd let Lukas take point, as she had with the stone mason, she wasn't so shy as to keep her mouth shut while they discussed the fit and form of the collar she'd soon wear.

Her eyes met the tanner's as she spoke quietly to the man as he neared. "The rings would need to be able to lie flat beneath my gorget, and the collar itself adjustable enough to fit atop it if desired. The latch would need to be low to rest below the armor just here." She caressed the hollow of her throat with one fingertip to indicate where her neckpiece ended. The cuffs would need to be of similar design to lie flat beneath my bracers and cannot interfere with my bowstring." She drew back an imaginary bowstring to show him which wrist the string would snap against and how much her bracers covered. Had she thought on the matter a bit, she would have worn her armor just so he could fit her while she was wearing it. However, she doubted that the design would be much of a challenge."

While he took his notes, she threw Lukas a glance, feeling as though she needed to explain. "Anything I wear needs to work with my current armor... in case you'd like me to wear it while traveling." They both knew that going without armor upon the road was foolish. Jacelyn wasn't going to put them both at risk by forgoing her protective armor in favor of a slave collar and nothing else. Perhaps Lukas might strip her and prance her about naked when they were out of danger, but neither of them knew when that might be -- not with the new threat they now faced.
 
Lukas grinned as Jacelyn spoke, but let the woman say her piece to both the leatherworker and him; when she was all done the sellsword turned to the shopkeep and chuckled. “I told you she had spirit. But you can forget everything she just said; she’s not going to be wearing the collar under her armor. Or over it either; either way would be too cumbersome. Just get me some samples of what we discussed to look at.”

The leatherworker seemed put off for a moment, but quickly got hold of himself and replied to Lukas amiably enough. “It’s just as well; a custom job like that would take me almost a day to craft. But there's some right nice finished work for you to choose from in me storeroom. Just gi' me a moment.” And with that the man hurried off to the back of his shop to start selecting samples …

Lukas placed his hammer on a work table and then leaned back against it; as he did he crossed his arms over his chest and looked directly at Jacelyn. After a moment he started speaking to her in a voice that was quite calm, but might have seemed a little loud in the now empty front room.

“When we’re searching for Isolde, we’ll do so as equals.” He paused for a second as if thinking. “In fact, since you know this area better than me and have more at stake, you can be first among equals if you like.” Lukas let that sink in for a moment before he went on. “But when we’re not looking for Isolde, when we’re someplace like this …” he gestured around them “… you’ll do as I say. Do you understand? Because if you don’t, now is the time to say something Jacelyn. Before I buy you a collar you don’t really want, or need. If that’s the case, then we’re all done here.”

After he’d finished the big warrior kept looking at the ranger, the expression on his face just as calm as his voice had been. And as the man waited the entity looked on too, keenly interested in how the woman would respond to the man’s latest words …
 
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The ranger gazed at the sellsword in slight bewilderment as he countered her suggestions, a slight crease forming between her brows. "If you want to limit your claim in such a fashion, then I suppose that is your prerogative and ultimately your decision. I was only thinking of how this would best serve us both." She shrugged as though it didn't matter all that much to her. "I'm amiable to whatever arrangement you wish, though you might want to think on your rules a bit before we reach the next village. We'll be traveling for days through the wilds and likely sleeping in haylofts if the farm folk are amiable, though will never fully be out of danger. If that matters not to you, and you can go without collaring your new toy for long stretches, then you'll have no argument from me on how or when you finally wish to do so."

"I'm more than pleased that you're aware of where our priorities lie. The search for Isolde comes first and foremost always, and I shall do whatever I need to do so to find the girl, even if it means going on alone. What develops between us shall be secondary to that goal, but only when it truly matters. I believe that we both know why that has to be the case right now. Afterward? That's another story entirely, and we shall have to discover what that means for us when the time comes."

Her head tilted in curiosity. "I accepted your proposal in our room because the idea appeals to me, and not so that you'd continue to fuck me. I did so because I truly wish to experience what it would be to serve a man like you."

She adopted an easy lean on the counter, one foot crossed over the other. After studying him a moment, her expression shifted a fraction, brightened by her smile. "I will tell you this once so that you will know for certain my thoughts on the matter --- I want this, and the moment I do not, you shall be certain to know. I go into this willingly and with my eyes fully open. I am no naive maiden that has never been touched by a man or known the brutality that can come with loving one. Besides, I think we know that this collar is something we both need. Is that not so?"
 
Lukas listened to Jacelyn carefully and patiently, and when she was done he took a moment to consider what she’d just said. Then he replied to her in the same calm tone he’d used with her before.

“Alright lass, it’s best we speak plainly. The only things I need are the air I breathe and the food and drink that occasionally fill my belly.” The big warrior looked at the woman across from him flatly for a few moments. “I’ve already told you that I didn’t just leave Izantium, I left Ilse behind as well, when she didn’t want to come with me.” The sellsword looked away, grimaced and shook his head once before he looked back at Jacelyn. “I haven’t thought of any other woman that way since. And when I can I do as I wish, nothing more, nothing less.” He looked at the ranger for a few moments more before he went on. “And yes, what I want, now is you.”

Lukas’ gaze stayed locked on Jacelyn’s brilliant blue eyes as he pushed off the work table and moved very close to her; given his greater height and broader shoulders an onlooker might have thought the sellsword was trying to intimidate the woman. But she could see his visage had softened, and when his hand came up it was to gently brush a stray strand of hair back behind her ear. His voice was warmer as he went on. “The collar is only a symbol. An important one to be sure but … a symbol nonetheless. When you … accepted my proposal last night, that … was the important part.” The big warrior’s hand slipped down from Jacelyn’s ear to curl around the side of her neck and was soon joined by his other fingers; his grip on her was just firm enough for her to feel his hands circling her throat. “It’s done. So let me worry about us sleeping in the wilds, or haylofts, or wherever else it is we end up resting our heads while we look for your girl.” The sellsword smiled his crooked grin at Jacelyn, and one of his scarred thumbs pressed into her soft skin with just enough pressure to allow him to feel her heartbeat as she stood before him. Then he heard a theatrically loud cough from behind him …

---

Lukas rejected the first seven samples the shopkeep proffered for a host of reasons, but finally – much to the leatherworker’s relief – seemed to like the eighth collar he was shown. The leather was a rich black which contrasted nicely not only with Jacelyn’s skin, but the collar’s deep red stitching and shiny steel hardware. It was almost tall enough to cover her entire neck, but not so tall as to force her to keep her head up all the time; he really did want to be the one to teach her to do that. And it functioned just as he’d wanted; it could be locked in the back and had nice sized rings on the front and sides as well. After the shopkeep checked the fit and showed Lukas how it could be varied from rather snug to almost comfortable, he snapped a matching leash to the front and then showed the sellsword a set of leather cuffs that were clearly part of the set. Those accessories for Jacelyn’s wrists could also be locked, and had rings and clips that would allow them to be locked or clipped together in front of or behind her, or attached to her collar as well; in the last case her fingers would rest behind her neck, in a position to "appreciate" the lock that kept the collar on her. He knew this was the right set just as surely as he’d known Stormbringer was the hammer for him.

“So, will she be wearin’ it all out of me shop?” the leatherworker asked with a smile.

“Nay, she has friends here in town, so I’ll have it all in a sack if you please.” As Lukas reached for the purse he’d received from Constantine and started counting out silvers, he casually looked at the shopkeep. “Oh, and I’d appreciate it if this stays between just the three of us here in Helias. No reason to embarrass the lass needlessly, is there?”

“Of course not m’lord” answered the leatherworker a bit less than smoothly. “I sell to all sorts here, and as a master craftsman I rightly know the value of discretion.”

As the sellsword handed over the coins his other hand clamped down on the shopkeep’s shoulder and squeezed for just a second. “Good man. It calms me to know this secret is safe between just the three of us here in Helias. A lady’s reputation is the sort of thing that …” Lukas squeezed again a little harder, and the leatherworker grimaced for a second “… well, those of us from Germania take seriously.” Then he released the man and smiled amiably. “Now, you sadly said that you don’t sell the locks for my purchase, but have a friend who owns a jewelry shop on the high street that does; I’ll be more than happy to mention your name when we visit, if you’ll just get me that sack ...”

---

Outside the shop Lukas’ nose was again filled with the delightful aroma of blood and manure; it smelled more than a little like a battlefield to him. He twirled his hammer back and forth in his hand, feeling how the new wrist strap coiled and uncoiled as he did; the little strip of black leather had been cut from Jacelyn’s new collar to size it to her and given the handful of silvers he’d just handed over, the shopkeeper had thrown it in for free. The big warrior held the sack out to the ranger and smiled at her.

“Alright lass, why don’t you take this for safekeeping and guide us back up to the high street, and this jeweler our new friend has recommended …
 
Despite his intimidating posture, Jacelyn wasn't afraid of him. No, she was extremely aroused by the way he closed in, those casual fingers that brushed at her hair, and the power in his hand as he gripped her neck. A small fraction of her was still listening to his words. The rest was lost in the thrumming of her heart as it increased in speed, the pressure of his fingers that could so easily cut off her life's blood, and the heat radiating between them. In her time as a slave, she'd learned to set aside pride and endure humiliation, to soak it in like a sponge and let it make her stronger rather than drown in guilt and shame and sorrow. She'd been groomed in her youth to accept it, to withstand it, and even crave it. Had Lukas decided then and there to put her to task and push her to her knees, she would have gladly sucked him off in front of the tanner without a second thought. The fact that he didn't, that he didn't even make her wear her newly bought accessories for fear someone she knew might see her... that spoke volumes of his considerate nature. He might have plans for her, brutal plans, but he still thought of her as a person.

Outside of the shop, she took the sack without question and looped the fastening about her wrist. Her chin jerked in the direction they'd come, though she didn't take the same path. A branch took them to High Street and the many businesses there. These shops were fancier, most catering to the wealthy of the city. As several sold wares that were far too tempting for a thief, they saw guards aplenty wandering the district. Jacelyn waved to a couple that acknowledged her with a nod. Some gave Lukas a hard stare that included the deadly hammer in his hand, but none challenged or stopped them for the ranger often visited on business for Mathis.

She pointed to a shop on the main road which boasted a large front of windows which displayed the man's trade. Some were practical pieces, but many were fine and delicate and bejeweled that no working man or woman would wear for fear of losing something so valuable and precious. Jacelyn paused at the door, lifting an eyebrow at Lukas.

"Would you like me to remain out here so whatever you're doing in there will be a surprise, or do you need me?" She wasn't going to offer her opinion no matter what he chose, for he obviously had a particular idea in mind.
 
Lukas grinned at Jacelyn as they stood in sight of the jeweler’s. “What a smart lass you are” he said quite sincerely. Then his grin broadened. “Must be why you’re with me now. No need for you to come in, so why don’t you enjoy the sunshine for a bit and think about getting us to those mines, while I go chat with this shopkeep.” The sellsword handed his hammer to the ranger before he set off, remarking with a laugh “No need to get ‘em stirred up inside, thinking I might accidentally crack one o’ their fancy display cases …”

---

Some time later Lukas emerged from the shop and he was quite clearly tucking a medium sized, blue velvet pouch into his tunic; it seemed far too large for the three small locks the leatherworker said would be needed for Jacelyn’s new collar and cuffs. As he took his hammer back the sellsword spoke to the ranger with a note of satisfaction in his voice. “Now that fellow certainly knows his trade. Alright lass, I think I’ve lightened Constantine’s purse sufficiently and gotten everything I want from this lovely town.” He glanced up at the sky. “I’ll leave it to you if we need to visit anywhere else, or have time for some lunch back at the inn before we set out. But I think this just might work out for us just fine, if the mines really are a day and a half away; sunlight’s not going to help us explore the diggings, and a bit o’ darkness might help us approach ‘em more stealthy like …”

---

On the way to wherever Jacelyn was guiding them next, Lukas suddenly suggested they take a shortcut down a winding alley; partway down the way he swiftly bundled the ranger into a nook full of barrels and crates, put his hammer atop a stack and then reached for … the pouch tucked into his tunic. As he pulled the blue velvet into sight he began speaking in a low, amused tone. “I know I said your new collar was just a symbol. But even a fellow such as me knows symbols can be important. So instead o’ the cord to me breeches, I got you this to wear when you don’t have my leather wrapped around your neck.” With his big fingers the sellsword fished a short silver necklace from the pouch, then pulled the drawstring tight with his teeth; by the way he handled the blue velvet as he tucked it back into his tunic, it still seemed oversized for just three locks and the necklace.

As Lukas moved Jacelyn’s two braids aside she could see that what he’d gotten her was quite simple and also short enough to be more of a choker than a necklace. After he’d fastened it on her, one of his hands stayed curled around her slender neck while the other caressed her cheek. “I could have waited ‘til we were back at the inn I suppose, but I wanted to see you wearing this now. You can tell your friends whatever you want about it, even that it was a gift from me if you like.” He smiled at her warmly. “But we’ll both know what it really means.”

And then he kissed her. It started out in a sweetly loving way, but then Jacelyn could feel Lukas’ tongue pushing between her lips as the hand wrapped around her neck started tightening up; his grip on her didn’t actually turn painful, but left her nowhere to go. As his warm tongue probed deeply into her sweet mouth his other hand dropped from her cheek and began caressing her breast through her top, while he pushed her up against the wall with his whole body. For a moment it seemed as if he was going to take her right then and there, and when Lukas pulled his head back for a moment he certainly looked that way; he was breathing heavily and his eyes seemed unfocused, which went along with the hardness Jacelyn could now feel pressing against her hip. Then with an obvious shudder, the sellsword seemed to master himself and stepped back as he shook his head to clear it.

“Alright lass, I just … I know we need to get going and just … wanted to take this little detour to give you your new necklace, that’s all. We have to get going, they’ll be time for … other things later.” And with that Lukas picked up his hammer, took Jacelyn by the hand and firmly guided her back out to the main street …
 
While Lukas dealt with the jeweler, Jacelyn explored the street and exchanged news with those she knew. None of them mentioned the hammer she was carrying, but she saw several give the hefty weapon a hard look. She didn't mention it either, but it did make her smile. She'd returned before Lukas escaped with his shirt and had given the hammer a few practice swings. She found it excellently balanced, though it was far too heavy for her to wield as a regular weapon. It was obvious that the sellsword was strong, but given how easily he swung the thing about told her that he was even stronger than she realized. She handed it back eagerly when he returned, glad to be rid of the extra weight.

"I want to visit the market before we return to the inn. I've provisions, but would like some fresh fruit for the journey. Won't stay good more than a day or two, so I didn't bring any with me. Then lunch before we leave and we can be off. I know of a family we can stay with tonight and should be just about half a day's ride to get there."

She was leading the way to the market when Lukas suggested his 'shortcut'. "That doesn't cut throu..." she trailed off as he pulled her in among the crates and barrels that shielded them from view of the road. Quickly realizing he had something in mind, she held her breath while he went fishing in his new bag.

Her eyebrows lifted in surprise at the offering. Her eyes studied his face as he fixed it about her neck. "I've had a collar, but... nothing like this. No one has ever given me anything so fine." She touched it almost automatically as she felt the weight against her collarbone, fingertips lightly grazing the cool metal. She didn't know how much it had cost him, nor would she ever ask, but she was flattered that he'd spend coin on her so easily. "Thank you," she murmured.

All but melting against him as his lips found her own, she pulled him tightly against her body, moaning softly at the pressure his fingers placed upon her neck. Her knee rose to press against his groin, grinding shamelessly against his massive erection through his trousers. A shiver rolled through her. Her eyes closed while their tongues danced, losing herself in the taste of his mouth and his demanding kiss. Her lips would be as bruised as the rest of her before he was done.

She was breathless when he finally broke away, slightly disappointed that he hadn't decided to fuck her then and there even though she ultimately agreed with him. They needed to be on the road soon. There would be time enough for their intimate explorations later. That didn't keep her from wanting his cock inside her, though. He'd worked her up with that kiss, and she'd be thinking about the wetness in her breeches for some time to come.

With a soft sigh of resignation, she followed him back out into the street and then directed him on the appropriate turnings. The market wasn't difficult to find. They'd passed through a small portion when they'd first entered the town the day before. Jacelyn led to another small section where a woman was hawking all manner of fresh fruits and vegetables. Jacelyn selected several different things and passed over her coin while she chatted. Like most, the woman threw Lukas a skeptical glance, as though he might lunge forward and smash his hammer into her head at any moment. The ranger noticed the behavior, but wasn't certain if the woman thought Lukas to be a danger to everyone, or a danger to Jacelyn alone. His scars and intimidating stature weren't doing him any favors, but those around him seemed to relax a trifle whenever he smiled.

He has a wonderful smile, she thought privately.
 
Lukas bought some fresh berries from the woman in the market and happily gobbled them up as they walked back to The Singing Beard; as they strolled along the sellsword occasionally glanced over at Jacelyn and was rather pleased with how her new necklace looked on her, and also how easily she’d let him adorn her with it. Not that she really needed anything to make her more beautiful in his eyes, but he definitely thought a woman like her deserved something pretty to wear even in her travelling clothes. The sellsword was mulling over that idea as they neared their lodgings and they walked past the innkeeper outside, haggling away with a grocer over a cartload of produce in a way that managed to be as friendly as it was enthusiastic …

Inside the Beard it turned out to be the older woman Maggie who was now keeping an eye on things as the common room started to fill with those seeking their midday meal. As Jacelyn and Lukas sat down the sellsword could see Maggie hand Mara a serving tray and give the young woman a gentle push in their direction; Mara placed a spiced cider in front of Jacelyn and a tankard of ale in front of him, then held the tray in front of her as she began speaking to the pair in a stiff, formal way. “Good afternoon Jacelyn and Lukas. These drinks are on the house. I’m very sorry for being rude this morning and poking my nose into the fairs of … I’m very sorry for being rude this morning and poking my nose into the affairs of our guests.” To Lukas it sounded exactly like the rote apologies he’d been forced to make back at the monastery when he was young.

Mara took a breath when she was done and then looked over her shoulder at Maggie; the older woman smiled and nodded her head at Mara as if she was well pleased. Then the young woman turned back to look at the ranger and sellsword, and stood there for a moment visibly vibrating with a kind of nervous energy; before either of the guests could reply, still more words came tumbling out of Mara’s mouth. “Jacelyn I really like you and want to be a ranger just like you and it should be me going on adventures with you not him!” The young woman glared at Lukas once again, but quickly looked away even though all the sellsword was doing at the moment was sitting there with a perplexed expression on his face. Then Mara turned to Jacelyn and looked at her with big, pleading eyes for a moment before her gaze noticed the silver necklace now wrapped around the ranger’s neck; the young woman’s mouth opened wide and she blushed crimson before dropping her eyes to her feet while she clutched the tray to her body with bone white knuckles.

Lukas noticed some nearby patrons gawking and did know how to handle that; the big sellsword glared at them, just daring one to open their mouths – they all quickly turned back to eating their meals with gusto. Then Lukas saw Maggie throw down a rag and start coming out from behind the counter with a look of displeasure on her face; his response to that was to hold one hand open down low and wave her back as he shook his head slightly; the sellsword had enough sense to know that whatever was going on here was between Jacelyn and Mara. Then, in the most neutral tone he could muster up, he spoke to the ranger evenly as he stood and collected his hammer and ale. “I’ll go get us something to eat from Maggie while you two talk.”
 
Jacelyn's eyebrows rose in surprise at Mara's confession, though she couldn't help the gentle smile that pulled at her lips. Taking the tray carefully from the girl, she put it aside and pulled her closer. One hand swept hair from her eyes as she took hold of her chin so that the girl couldn't duck her head. "Sweetling, if you wish to become a ranger, I will make it my life's mission to ensure that you become just that. A girl like you was born to have adventures. Everyone knows it."

"Though, you know that you're a bit too young for that just now. The sellsword is m'lord Mathis' hire and, I need him this time around, else I'd be sure to take you with me. Don't be angry with him, though. You see how big and strong he is? I've got monsters to fight and they'd be sure to just gobble you up. When I get back, I promise to take you out with me. We'll go hunting for a start. How does that sound? Maggie'll like you bringing home some fresh game that you killed yourself, wouldn't she? And I'll teach you how to track and fish and set snares, too. I'll even teach you how to shoot a bow, if you like, or fight with daggers. Would you like that?"

"In the meantime, I need you to do something for me." Jacelyn dipped her fingers inside her tunic to pull free her coin purse. After digging about in it, she drew forth a polished green stone that had been carved with a runic inscription. Opening the girl's hand, she placed the stone into her palm and curled her fingers about it. "Can you keep this safe for me? I got it from the Northmen. It holds a prayer inside it, but not for the one that has it. I can't use it for myself, but you could use it for me, couldn't you? Could you give it a rub now and then and think of us upon the road and pray that we overcome any dangers ahead so that we might return in safety?"
 
While Jacelyn talked to Mara, Lukas spoke to Maggie in a low voice over at the bar. It turned out that many years ago Mara’s father had been a friend of the innkeeper, Belkin, when they both served in the town’s guard as young men. The girl’s father had died during an attack on a bandit camp that turned for the worse and her mother, a washerwoman had passed away from the pox when the girl was twelve; after that Belkin had taken Mara in, giving her room and board in return for helping out around the Beard. Maggie sighed and went on to say that in the intervening years she’d tried to be a surrogate mother or older sister of sorts to Mara, but admitted she hadn’t always been very good at it. The younger woman certainly wasn’t addled, but had always been very close mouthed about what she was thinking and feeling, and Mara’s expression of admiration, and perhaps even affection for Jacelyn came as a complete surprise to the older woman …

---

When Jacelyn took the tray from Mara she could see the younger woman was trembling like a leaf. And when the ranger gently tilted Mara’s head upwards it revealed an incredibly brittle expression on her face; it was clear that just one wrong word would not only have caused the younger woman to break into tears, but also break down completely. Fortunately that one wrong word never came.

Mara hung on every one of the ranger’s words and soon enough ceased trembling as color began returning to her cheeks; she started nodding her head over and over again, and the hint of a smile began forming around her lips even as her eyes started to grow moist. When Jacelyn pressed the rune stone into her hand the younger woman stared at it in wonder, and accepted it as if she’d just been handed a queen’s diamond before she curled her fingers around it tightly. After a few seconds Mara finally raised her eyes back to Jacelyn’s and spoke to the ranger quietly; “I was so afraid you were going to laugh at me.”

Mara looked back down at Jacelyn’s hands curled around hers and the stone, and then tentatively placed her other small hand atop the ranger’s. After a second she looked back up and went on talking. “I’m sorry I was cross with your … friend. It’s just …” The younger woman’s eyes flicked down to Jacelyn’s necklace then looked away quickly, and suddenly she became quite tongue tied as a look of confusion gripped her face; her free hand left Jacelyn’s for a moment and fluttered about, as if she was trying to wave away a swarm of gnats. “I don’t know …” Then she seemed to calm down and looked back at the older woman.

“I promise I’ll keep it safe. And think of you every day while I wait, and hold it when I pray to the gods you come back safe.” Mara took a deep breath and clearly had to force herself to say the next words. “And I'll pray for your friend too.” The young woman took a small, worn kerchief from her dress and carefully wrapped the stone within it before pocketing them both, then she touched one of Jacelyn’s hands yet again; “I don’t know how to thank you for being so ... nice to me. But I’ll keep your stone safe until we can go hunting. I have to go back to work now, so Maggie won’t be angry with me.” As Mara stood Jacelyn could see that while the young woman’s eyes were still moist, she was carrying herself with shoulders back and chin up, and seemed to not so much be ignoring the patrons around them, as simply not giving a shite about what they might have thought about what they’d just witnessed …

---

As Mara made her way to the bar Lukas took a roundabout route back to their table and placed two bowls of chicken stew and some bread down for their lunch, along with a second tankard of ale for himself. “Leftovers from last night, but Maggie said there’s some chicken in it.” After putting the serving tray and his hammer aside, he sat down and looked at Jacelyn. “That looked like it turned out alright;” though phrased as a statement, it came out sounding more like a question. “Maggie told me a little o’ the girl’s life; not an easy one so far, that’s for sure.” He sipped some of his ale then ripped off a hunk of bread. “So lass, will we be leaving after lunch then?”
 
Jacelyn gazed thoughtfully after Mara as she extracted herself from the embarrassing situation with as much pride as she could muster, silently vowing to herself that she'd keep her promises if she was able. The girl had too many disappointments in life. She deserved something to cling to, something to look forward to, else she just might left her life sour her attitude.

Once Lukas arrived with the food, she set to her bowl and bread eagerly. While they'd not been active enough to warrant starvation, the ranger never passed up an opportunity for a hot meal. There would be few of them on the road when they'd not be able to make a fire because of rain or proximity to others. She took a bite of stew, nodding to both of his questions.

"She'll be fine. Just a ball of emotion right now and needs a bit of direction in her life. Can't blame her. I'd be going stir crazy, too, if I was trapped in one place with no hope of leaving. I agreed to train her if she was still willing when we returned. Having ranging skills could prove useful to her, even if she isn't good at the profession." Her eyes flickered to the sellsword. "Don't take her curtness to heart. She's just jealous of you, that's all."

Dunking her bread into the savory meal, she tore off a hunk with her teeth and chewed thoughtfully. Glancing to the light that streamed through the door, she considered. "Aye, we should be off shortly. Weather looks as though it'll hold. So long as it does, we'll make it to Job's farm a bit after sundown. They don't mind sharing a meal for coin or trade, though the usually prefer the trade. That mess of apples I got in the market'll will fetch us the hayloft for the evening. He don't often get to town, so fresh fruit is a royal feast for him and the littles. Wife passed about a year ago, so just him and the younglings running the place. They do alright, though."
 
Lukas looked over towards the bar. “She’s jealous of me?” Then he looked back at Jacelyn as he picked up his spoon. “Huh.” The sellsword grinned broadly just before having some of his stew. “Well, at least she has good taste;” it wasn’t immediately clear who he was complimenting just then, the ranger or himself. Maybe it was both. Then he sat back, sipped some ale and went on in a more serious fashion.

“It’s good you’re willing to help her out. It took some courage for her to talk to us so freely, and you have to respect that.” He dipped some of his bread into the stew and wolfed it down before going on. “Maybe she can be your apprentice, after we find Isolde and get you free and clear of Mathis;” the big sellsword gave the ranger a wink and a grin after he made his last suggestion, then had some more ale and changed the subject. “So a hayloft this evening, hmm? I’ve slept in worse places, so that sounds fine; it’ll keep us out of any weather, and maybe even grant us a little privacy too.” Lukas’ grin broadened just before he had some more stew. “I’ll make sure to keep Paulus away from your apples on the way.”

---

After donning his armor Lukas packed up his meager belongings and headed down to the stableyard; there Mara already had their horses saddled and ready to go, and Maggie was standing beside the younger woman. The sellsword settled his bags and the sack that held his helmet and coif onto Paulus, then hung his new hammer from his saddle’s pommel; as the black steel touched the charger the beast whinnied and shied to the side a bit for some reason, but Mara was easily able to keep the warhorse from bolting. Then, much to her obvious surprise, Lukas stepped in front of the young woman, squatted down and spoke to her amiably eye to eye. “It was good to meet you Mara. My thanks for taking care of Paulus for me. I’ll do my best to take care of Jacelyn, so she can come back and start your training.” The sellsword pulled a few coppers from his pouch and pressed them into the girl’s hand. “Here, so you can get yourself some proper trousers, if you don’t have any; I don’t think I’ve ever seen a ranger scouting about in a dress;” the sellsword grinned and gave Mara a wink before he stood and spoke to Maggie. “Good to meet you as well lass; I’ll get Jace back here as soon as I can, so she can help you look after this young spitfire.” Then Lukas swung himself easily up into his saddle, and waited for Jacelyn to make her goodbyes and begin guiding them on the way to the old tin mines up in the hills …
 
Jacelyn pulled Maggie into a hug and pressed a few coins into her hand. She did the same with Mara, though before pulling away from the girl, she murmured something quietly in her ear. The girl brightened as the ranger pulled away and nodded, smiling. Jacelyn matched her grin and tweaked her braid before turning to her own mount. Her mare waited somewhat impatiently, a front hoof pawing at the ground as Lukas' mounted his charger. Giving the beast a reassuring thump on the shoulder, she swung up into the saddle easily and checked her bags to make certain they'd been secured. Her bow hung over her pommel and her quiver rested against her knee where she could draw arrows easily if needed. Lukas' gifted necklace was now hidden beneath the leather armor she wore, but she could feel the cool metal resting against her skin and it was almost reassuring.

Giving her mare a gentle prod with her knee, she offered the innfolk a wave and started her beast upon the road that would lead to the eastern gate of the city. By staying well away from high street and the traffic there, they made good time and soon found themselves at the eastern wall. The guards were lounging in the gatehouse, but the gate was wide open. She offered a salute as they passed through. Jacelyn pressed her horse into a canter that would eat away at the miles they had to go without exhausting their beasts.

They'd been traveling for several candlemarks before she finally slowed her mare to a walk and angled her off the main road. Lukas could hear the tumbling waters of the river ahead, though the water itself could only be seen in glimmers of light that flashed through the trees. The bridge was a sturdy one and looked to have been recently repaired. A well worn path angled down toward the water where the trees were thinner. They thinned and disappeared altogether as the pair found themselves riding down a gentle slope to a sandy bank. Evidence of hoof prints and cookfires spoke of how often this place was used. There were men in small skiffs working the waters upstream, fishing with a large net that they cast between them. Jacelyn gave them a moment of study as she dismounted, leaving her mare to drink her fill. Unlike stupid beasts that carried Mathis' guards, her mare wouldn't drink herself sick, and after only a few moments in the cool waters, the horse had moved on to nibble at the tender shoots of watercress nearby.

Jacelyn moved a bit upstream and knelt to filled her waterskin, though stood as she quenched her thirst. She'd been watching the sky as they traveled, tracking the weather, and what she saw didn't bode well. "Rain's comin'. Will likely reach us before we get to shelter," she informed Lukas. "Was hoping it'd swing south, but no such luck. Looks to be a bad blow."
 
Lukas waited patiently while Jacelyn said her goodbyes; he thought it nice she had friends here in Helias, and was particularly pleased to see Mara smile at whatever it was the ranger had whispered to her. As they rode off the sellsword was tempted to ask his companion about that, but in the end decided to let it pass; he knew how much women liked having their little secrets, and the idea of Jacelyn and Mara now sharing one seemed sweet and somehow fitting …

---

As they rode along Lukas mulled over all that had transpired in the past two days. They’d made a good deal of progress towards discovering Isolde and Balan’s fate, and his budding relationship with the ranger had started to blossom quite nicely as well. The former was as much due to their hard work and skill as it was good fortune and the favor of the gods, and the latter … well, it seemed as if he and the lass shared certain things in common that had just drawn them together. But there was a great deal more to be done on both scores, and as the miles passed beneath the hooves of their horses a part of him had to wonder how it’d all turn out in the end …

---

When they left the main road for the river Lukas could see the clouds building in the sky. So after appraising the fishermen, watering Paulus and then getting something to drink himself the sellsword wasn’t at all surprised by Jacelyn’s gloomy assessment; their luck wasn’t going to hold forever. After wiping off his beard he sighed and replied to the ranger. “I’ll leave it to you lass. Our affairs in town ate up a lot o’ time, so if you’d like to ride on to the farmhouse in the rain that’s fine by me; I’ve marched in worse, and know I won’t melt.” He grinned a little before he went on. “And even though you’re very sweet, at this point I know you’re not made o’ sugar either.” After refilling his waterskin Lukas continued more seriously. “On the other hand if ya want to seek shelter somewhere else, before the rain starts, that’s fine by me. Under the bridge maybe? Provided there’s no trolls sleepin’ there already o’ course. Or anywhere else nearby ya know of, if you like. It’s really up to you lass; you’re our scout after all.”
 
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