The sea was told and sung (Rania Lark x Wolvenrogue)

They came without warning. The vikings invaded her land with no communication, taking their fertile farms for their own needs, taking the farmers, forcing them to work. The warlords took what they wanted with little regard to the needs of those conquered. However, there were those who would resist their conquering. Those who ran from the advancing horde hid within the dense woods, joining forces with others until they had become a faction. A faction led by a woman named Melisende.

Melisende had risen to lead the faction on raids covered by the darkness of night to steal weapons and food from the invaders. They stole iron to forge their own arrows, their own primitive spears. She was strong, charismatic and was able to rouse many to her cause. Though they had not had direct battle, Melisende had made sure to cause strife amongst the ranks of the invading horde.

And this night was no different. The woman had gathered a group of women to join her, their faces painted with black designs from the clay gathered about their camp deep in the woods to camouflage them against the fog from the sea and within the pitch darkness of the moonless night. Melisende herself was dressed in furs from head to toe, her trousers a pair stolen from one of the invaders made of leather that hugged tight to her lithe frame leading to her leather shoes. Her raven hair was tied back with a length of thin cord as the black clay was smeared across her eyes, creating a threatening mask across her face that made her blue eyes all the more piercing.

Tonight, they were on a mission for weapons; swords, spears, arrows, bows. They approached on their small vessel silently, the wind blowing only slightly that night. Once they were moored, Melisende raised her hand as she jumped from the small boat into the thigh deep water with barely a splash. They had all ensured their movements were as silent as possible. Emerging from the water, the group of women appeared as an approaching ghost faction out of the fog as they split up to silently raid the camp.

Anders sat in his lodge and drank with his men as was their custom after returning from a raid. Their recent raid of the Francian farms had yielded cheeses and good wine along with gold and silver they had taken from the palace. He had risen to be Earle over the clan, when at the young age of 19, the Earle had stolen and raped his mother. In vengeance and over the objections of his mother. He challenged the Earle, and succeeded him as Earle when he killed him that day. Now at age 38, he was in his prime and ruled the clan in absolute power. No-one dared to challenge him. He and all of his raiders were huge men, broad at the shoulders, with legs like tree trunks, hardened in battle. They shown no fear of anyone, and so especially in their own village they were relaxed and jovial, enjoying the night. Anders' head was shaved save a shock of blonde hair that ended in a short pony tail, and his body was coverd in tatoos, each which depicted a successful raid. A few of the men had their women there, and took full advantage of the fact, making certain that if the women were in season, they would go back to their huts pregnant. Sex was not something they were ashamed of but rather a vital force in the camp, and a pleasant and necessary diversion. Helping the clan to grow and become ever more powerful.

It was with surprise that they heard the iron bells wringing in the trees. The bells had been strung with trip wires lest any invader might decide to attack in the cover of darkness. The camp was well aware of what the sound meant, so festivities ceased immediately and the men gathered, shields ready before opening the doors to the lodge to face the invaders whomever they might be. They were prepared for a large force of battle hardened soldiers, but when the doors opened they found what appeared to be either women or boys, and though the invading force were valiant and courageous, it was quickly apparent that they were women and that they posed little real threat.

Anders quickly assessed the situation and identified the leader of the group. Judging that if she were subdued the courage of the others would quickly fade, he and each of his best soldiers picked one of the invaders he judged was a leader and engaged them one on one. Anders pared off with a woman they called Melisende. He was surprised and impressed by her ferocity with which she did battle and realized that any miss-step might mean death, however, based on mass alone she had little hope of striking a fatal blow. He fought calmly, but with withering force. "set down your sword and those that will may go" Anders told her as they continued the fight.

Melisende ran into the camp just as one of her own set off an alarm, sending out a haunting metal echo throughout the camp and immediately, the music from the lighted main building stopped. Stopping next to a group of her own, Melisende like all the other women was armed as much as she could carry. A bow was draped across her back, a quiver full of crudely built arrows with remelted iron tips. In her hand, a crude spear again constructed from stolen materials and a short sword was sheathed at her side. In one swift movement after a signal from one of her commanders, Melisende and the rest of the crew pulled their bows from their backs, loaded arrows and pulled back on the weapons just as the door swung open. Once light streamed out into the darkness, they all let the arrows fly at the same time, blindly shooting for the door to attack any emerging enemies.

Melisende threw the bow back over her shoulder as she grabbed hold of the middle of her spear and pulled her short sword from its sheath. Despite the enemies' size, her own faction's agility was far superior. Crying out as she fought her way through the emerging horde, she cried out to the others.

"Get back to the vessel! Don't wait for us!" Those that had managed to escape the eyes of the vikings took off running for the boat they had moored nearby. Melisende maintained her warriors to cause a distraction for the invaders as they fought valiantly through the horde.

Her skills were obvious from the moment she planted her spear to use as a base for quick movements in and around the burly warriors that faced them. Clearly outmatched in strength, Melisende and her warriors relied on speed and flexibility. She wasn't out to destroy the invading horde, merely to make their lives so miserable they would retreat from their lands and release their families from the clutches of slavery. She fought valiantly, even up to facing what seemed to be the leader of the invading horde.

Stopping for but a moment, the warrior women yanked her spear from its roost in the ground, flipping the handle of her sword in her other hand as he moved to attack. Moving her body back and to the side, she easily avoided the strong, blunt attack. Despite their size difference, the woman fought with just as much ferocity, however ones energy can only last so long and just as he was waning, her movements were becoming slower as well. Then a deal escaped his lips as she stood before him, her hands bloody and clutching both sword and spear in opposite hands as the clay across her eyes was smeared down over her cheeks, making her appearance more menacing when mixed with the deep red blood.

"Is that what you told my people when they fought back?" she responded, yelling over the echoes of steel against wood and as the battle raged around them, "Before you took them to be your slaves?"

"Very well then! Anders shouted so the others would hear. I gave you the opportunity, Now we will take you all as many as remain and you shall pay for this insult. Turning the flat side of his blade to her, he swung the heavy sword and hitting her a crushing blow to her calves swept the legs from beneath her causing her to land violently on her chest. He placed a heavy foot on her neck and stabbing the back of her hand pinned it to the ground forcing the sword from her hand. He then cut her bowstring and placing a knee in her back, used it to hogtie the young woman. Similar scenes were playing out throughout the camp. He lifted the young woman to her knees. "Before I finish with you, you will wish I had gutted you right here. But then you made your choice, not me. Such a waste of fine female flesh. !" Then taking his knife he slipped inside her leather coat and lifting it abrubly cut open the heavy leather coat and exposing her creamy white flesh from her crotch to her neck. with the tip of his knife he carved a small "A" over her breast bone leaving her a memento that could not be erased. "there ! remember that next time you are tempted to make a stupid decision.

Melisende readied herself as he cried out to his comrades regarding her refusal to abide by his orders. When his hand moved back to twist the sword to the flat edge before swinging across in a well timed swipe at her legs, her eyes widened as she attempted to move quickly. Stabbing the spear into the ground, she twisted her body in an attempt to hoist herself up off the ground. But her movement was ill-timed within the chaos of the battle and the cold steel found its mark square on the side of her calves. Letting out a screech of pain, she fell forward, her hand still gripping the sword as she hit the ground with a loud thump.

Turning her head, she attempted to gain some leverage with her own short sword just as his foot came down hard on her neck, immobilizing her head. Then the sword point came down on her hand, stabbing through the sensitive flesh between the bones of her palm. Screaming in pain as blood began to gush from the wound, her hand shook uncontrollably as all the muscles were forced to relax, releasing her grip on her sword. Pinned to the ground, she heard the familiar snap of a bowstring being broken before the sword was pulled from her hand and it was forced behind her back to be tied together with her opposite arm and her legs forced to bend up and met her wrists in a crude hogtie.

Groaning in pain as the blood from her hand dripped onto the ground behind her just as he lifted her up to her knees, forcing her back to arch painfully, pushing her chest out just as the flash of steel of his knife found a hitch in her furs and leather, slicing up through her clothing to expose her milky flesh beneath the black clay and red blood. Her sweat mixed with the clay and blood created streaks down her face through the two materials. She remained silent, clenching her teeth in a twisted grin as her breath quickened in her chest as he carved into her flesh, marking her with a permanent brand. Her head fell forward as the blade retreated, blood running from the crude letter carved into her skin as her her shoulders hunched in pain from being forced back to match with her ankles.

Her eyes darkened as tendrils of her hair fell over her face, running over her cheeks and through her gaze as her voice remained silent. And the same was occurring with her warriors. Though the screams of pain echoed as similar attacks were occurring, a tense silence fell over the captives as each of them caught their breath, the stillness a sharp contrast to the clash of steel and wood that had been occurring mere moments before.

He looked on her silent bleeding form with satisfaction. She hated him, but a time was coming soon when her hatred would grow even more. He picked up her bleeding sweaty form and tossing her over his shoulder carried her to his lodge where he fully intended to use her the entire night. If she happened to be in season, she would bear a child in 9 months, and that would end her war making at least for a season. He fixed a rope around each ankle and each wrist and then anchored her between two posts before he cut free the bow string.

Clapping his hands he summoned one of his servants who came with knives, a bucket of water and a sponge. Two young women finished cutting her clothes from her and then, being more or less gentle washed the mud and blood from her, head to toe, paying particular attention to her genitals. "you mustn't struggle miss! " they warned. Otherwise you will be very very sore in the morning."

Melisende's injured hand lay limp in the bonds as her other worked feverishly trying to free herself from the makeshift bonds keeping her ankles and wrists held together. Her fingers curled beneath the string in an effort to get her palm curled enough to free her hand however just as she managed to get one finger lodged through, she heard the hard clumps of his boots as they approached her bound form before she felt his roughened hands moving around her svelte body before lifting her up over his shoulder and flopping her down on her stomach, her wrists and ankles still painfully held together behind her. Melisende inhaled sharply in pain as her stomach was pressed painfully against his shoulder.

She was carried roughly through the village like a sack of grain or potatoes before reaching a crudely built hut made of sod and mudbrick. Once inside, he lifted her from his shoulder and placed her back on the ground before pulling her arms up to tie a rope around each one separately before fastening them tightly around two large posts. Then her ankles were fastened the same, leaving her standing, her legs and arms spread apart in a cross formation as he stepped back and summoned other woman into the tent.

As the women lifted knives towards her, Melisende pulled back against the ropes, her eyes narrowing as they cut the rest of her warm clothing from her, leaving her alabaster skin completely exposed to anyone within the vicinity, her skin marred by bruises and cuts from the battle as well as numerous months spent thieving and living in the woods. Blood was running down her arm from the gaping wound in her palm and the women began to wash the mask of clay and blood from her face, pushing her raven locks back from her face, exposing the near perfect alabaster skin of her face. Without the war paint, her face was almost angelic. Deep blue eyes were framed by high cheekbones and a slender nose that ended in small, pursed lips. Her body was muscular, marred and molded from months of stealthy battle and thievery. Her breasts were pert and sat high on her chest, only the carved 'A' marring the perfect flesh.

She hissed in pain as the women made their way over her wounds, washing the blood from them, the water causing an unbearable sting as they moved down over her arms and torso before moving down over her strong legs before moving their scraps of cloth up over the mound of her womanhood, paying close attention to it. Melisende's good hand curled into a fist as they worked between her legs, yanking down on the rope as they spoke of her struggling.

"You would do well to get away from me," she growled darkly to the women. Even bound, her stature was intimidating and as she spoke, her body suddenly lunged forward, her head lowering as the shadows obscured half of her face in an attempt to knock the women from her and to pull her good hand free.

Anders stood behind the woman unknown to her and as she lunged, he swung a cat of 9 tails and they splayed out across her naked ass several knots finding the pink lips between her widely spread thighs. "you will learn to head their advice" he spoke into her ear calmly. Otherwise it could be painful as you are no doubt seeing. He took her striped ass in his big hands and spread them wide before pressing his firm knob tightly against the opening before quickly pivoting his hips, burying his length deep inside her from behind. "your body betrays you" he hissed. It knows better than you ever could what it wants. Can you deny it? it squeezes me even now. wanting more. " he then pressed up and inside her even deeper. as he did this he reached around her torso from behind and his rough thumb began to massage the tender place at the top of her slit. " soon you will cum with me and draw my seed deep inside where it will do the most good. You are beautiful, but with a baby swollen belly you will be even more so." he kissed her behind the ear. "I am going to enjoy changing your life"

Just as she lunged, Melisende felt the sharp pain of a leather strip across her naked backside. Inhaling sharply, she hissed in pain as her body was forced back between the two poles as the knots found their way over her exposed flesh and into her most sensitive area. Out of instinct, she clenched her teeth as she felt his hot, moist breath over her ear as he spoke calmly into her ear. Immediately she moved her head away from his voice, tilting it as far as she could. Her back arched forward as his hands found their way to take hold of her fleshy rear before grabbing her painfully striped skin and spreading it apart.

Opening her mouth in a silent scream, Melisende felt him press against her before quickly burying his manhood fully within her. The pain tore through her worse than the whip that had found its mark mere seconds before. Clenching her good hand into a fist, her body was pushed forward in an attempt to pull her body away from the pain as he spoke about her body betraying her as the pain caused her muscles to clench, including within her, out of pain. However, her escape was foiled by his hand as it snaked around her hips to pull her front back against him, forcing himself further into her as his hand moved down to press into her slit, rubbing over her sensitive nub as his lips found their way behind her ear, his breath making way for his moist lips as they found their mark.

Keeping her teeth clenched as long as she could, Melisende's breath came in sharp hisses as the pain was soon mixed with pleasure from the attentions from his roughened touch on her pleasure nub. Opening her mouth, her defiance came in short, shallow breaths as she responded to his taunts.

"I will never bear a child for you," she gasped through her breath, "And I will make sure you beg for your life before I end it."

Hearing her defiant words only spurred Anders on. Taking her hips in each hand he pushed them down against his thrusting into her convulsing body again and again until he was nearing his climax "Well my dear, I am afraid you are wrong... unless you are barren you will surly bear a child for me. I shall keep you here until your cycle is complete, and each day you shall receive my seed!" with that said he thust up hard into Meisende and with a ferocious grunt his weapon began to inject her with rope after rope of potent seed. When the deed was complete, her thighs were bound tightly together and she was again tied this time with her ankles tied high on one post and her body on the ground. None of his seed would escape her, not this night or any other. Her wrists were each bound to the opposite post. Finally one of the maidens who had washed her was assigned the task of licking her nub the entire night. The young woman entered and stripped off her robe before straddling Melisende and licking and sucking her button without ceasing. She was told she may not stop no matter what Melisende might might say. She had been warned that if she failed to give Melisende a climax at least each half hour she would face a similar fate with Melisende the next night. "I warned you" the girl spoke into Melesende's clit.

Melisende's body was forced back painfully against him as his hands retreated to her hips, pushing down on the bones so he could push himself deeper within her. The only sounds she made throughout the entire ordeal were staggered, shallow breaths and hisses as he moved faster and faster, forcing her bruised and battered body to bounce on his shaft. It felt like an eternity before she felt him swell within her. Then she felt the warmth of his explosion within her body. Her own teeth clenched together tightly as he spoke of taking her like this each and every night to ensure his seed took hold within her. Her muscles were clenched in pain as he pulled from her, forcing her exhausted body to fall limply against the ropes that held her upright.

Then he undid her legs, the muscles shaking from exhaustion as he moved to tie them together, before moving up to force her thighs together tightly, not allowing her any leeway to expel his seed from her body. Restricting her even more, he then undid her wrists before forcing her to lie down on the floor and tying her legs up in the air while her hands were spread above her head to the poles, immobilizing her even more as the woman who had washed her re-entered the room.

The night was uncomfortable as Melisende was licked and sucked raw between her legs. She was barely able to get more than moments of sleep at a time as her body was rocked by climax over and over again. The night seemed like an eternity as she was kept awake. Eventually however, her body gave out beneath her thoughts and her muscles relaxed, her body collapsed with exhaustion and she lost consciousness until the first lights of day began to stream through the slats of wooden siding of the lodge. Groaning in pain, Melisende was first met with the throbbing pain of the stab wound through her hand, before the weight of the woman on her chest roused her. Lifting her head, she attempted to lift her arms but found them numb and bound above her head while her legs hung without feeling upright against the pole that held the intruders seed within her.

Beginning to struggle, Melisende let out a groan of pain as her numb limbs sent shoots of searing pain right up into her head as each swipe of the other woman's tongue over her sensitive and raw nub send a new throb throughout her groin.

Anders woke rested after a good nights sleep. He dismissed the young woman from her licking duty, and knowing that his victim would incapable of walking let alone running he untied her legs and let then lay out on the floor but left her arms firmly anchored to the post. He would allow her a few hours rest before demanding that Melisende be mated again. He liked her feisty resilience, but he knew that exhaustion would take its tole and some rest would be absolutely necessary. The woman was a mess so he sent for the maidens again and they set about washing his prisoner. He ordered her fed, and one of the women left and returned with a bit of fish and some bread which she soaked in milk and fed to Melisenda. She was given water and he ordered the women to wash and put up her hair. Some six hours later he returned and had he stood up and her ankles placed in chains and her wrist fitted with leather cuffs. Taking her by the elbow, he walked he slowly on unsteady legs out of the hut and into the sunlight. He walked her through the villiage and past a row of stocks where each of the women who had remained was secured naked. They were bent at the waist so that they were available to any man who wished to partake. As she walked by several were being used by Anders men. "No doubt in nine months there will be many new vikings in the camp, including yours he said smiling softly for her ears only. When they reached the square, there was a tall pole with a ring and rope attached. He threaded the rope through the cuffs that she wore and pulled her arms high and tight over her head. He selected a broad strap and there in front of her girls he made a short speech reminding them that her pride had put them where they were and hoping they enjoyed the privileged of seeing her punished. He then raised then raised the strap and brought it across her naked skin leaving an ugly red welt with each stroke. He covered every inch of her body from her shoulders to her knees before allowing her arms to be released. he then hung up the strap. When she collapsed, he lifted her to his shoulders and carried her back to where she had just been. The strap was exquisitly painful, but never did he cut her skin. Such was his control. When they reentered the hut, she was laid face down on a table and her arms and legs each anchored to a leg. Thighs were forced apart and she was ready for her mating but wanting her conscious of what was happening, he left her their to rest while he went to the hall and held court and ate dinner.

Before he returned, he had the maidens give her water and a little bread soaked in milk. When court had concluded for the day, Anders removed his clothes and stepped behind her. Without the slightest warning , he drove his long hard cock deep within her, again and again using her mercilously and when he had satisfied his desires upon her he again filled her with his seed. This time however a barrel bung was forced inside her opening insuring that no seed would escape and she was left tied where she lay for the night.

Before he retired he lifted her head and said to her. "If at any point you have had enough you may tell me you wish to submit yourself and I may be lenient with you. You turned me down before. Perhaps now you will come to your senses. "

Melisende barely registered when the woman's weight was lifted from her chest, abandoning her bound body. She felt hands wrap around her legs as the leather and ropes were removed, letting her legs fall back to the floor. Once they were released, an excruciating pain shot up her legs to her mind as she groaned loudly, arching her back and twisting her numb legs back to life.

Her legs felt like slabs of aged meat as the pain emanated from the limbs, sending Melisende into convulsions of agony before she passed out, her shoulders and arms throbbing still numb from being bound above her head for so long. She slept for what seemed like an eternity but was only a couple of hours. She awoke to the sound of the door opening as the two women re-entered. She couldn't move as they went to work cleaning her dirty body from laying for so long on the soil floor of the lodge. She didn't move as they cleaned the dirt from her naked body. Her lips were dry and cracked as they lifted a jar of water to her mouth and she drank it eagerly. She also allowed the milk soaked bread to provide some moisture to her mouth as she ate what they gave her.

Her head was forced up off the ground painfully as the women went to work cleaning her hair before braiding it and wrapping it around her head, removing it completely from her neck. Once that was finished, her captor returned and ordered the women to help her stand. The women untied her rope burned wrists from the post and pulled her up onto her feet. Melisende's face twisted into a grimace of pain as the blood rushed back into her numb arms, creating an excruciating feeling of pins being poked through her flesh which also elicited a groan of pain as they fell limply at her sides. Her body swayed unsteadily as her feet were barely able to hold up her own weight before the women attached chains to her ankles, connecting them to effectively hobble the prisoner so she would not be able to run before moving on to wrap leather cuffs around her useless arms.

Melisende could barely walk on her pained legs as he took her elbow and led her out into the sunshine, still completely naked and exposed for all to see. She stumbled as her feet twisted unnaturally, forcing her to move slowly as she squinted in the bright light. They walked past a series of stocks where her soldiers were being held, naked and exposed for anyone who cared to take advantage. Curling her fingers on her wounded hand, Melisende offered a defiant look to her comrades, pushing into the wound to make blood drip down onto the ground as she walked. She turned her head slightly as he whispered again about her bearing a child for him and her eyes narrowed defiantly.

Once at the post in some sort of square, Melisende remained silent as her arms were pulled painfully once again above her head before being fastened to the pole. Her gaze darkened as her captor told her faction that it was her pride that had gotten them caught.

"Don't listen to him!" she screamed out hoarsely, her throat still painfully dry, "He speaks lies, Aghhhh!"

The first blow of the leather paddle landed squarely across her stomach, an angry red welt appearing almost instantly. The whipping seemed to go on forever as her captor took his time to ensure that every part of her body was covered in welts, her screams of pain echoing throughout the village and across the water. Tears streamed down her face as she could not escape the pain. When he released her arms, her body collapsed into a heap on the ground, her skin a deep red as bruised had already begun to appear where the whips had hit hardest. Her captor then lifted her battered body from the ground, tossing her over his shoulder before returning to the lodge once again.

Melisende was too weak to resist as he tied her face down onto a large wooden table, ensuring her legs were spread wide and available to him before he left her alone once again. Too exhausted to struggle, Melisende passed out on the table from the pain. She awoke and was fed once again before he returned to have his way with her again.

His groans of pleasure were mixed with her grunts of pain as the table rubbed painfully over the welts on her body and then when she felt something strange being forced into her ravaged womanhood. Melisende lay her head down when he was finished, her body spent but it was not over yet. As he lifted her head up to give her a chance to surrender, her eyes narrowed as he spoke.

"I will never allow myself to surrender to such a coward," she hissed at him, pulling painfully on the ropes that held her atop the table.

"Do not fancy me a coward for the retribution you are facing. When we attacked your lands it was not as thieves in the night in cover of darkness as you did. We defended our homes and families just as you did. Now you will receive the punishment you earned." He spoke calmly and with resolve out of strong assurance. There was no emotion in his voice. He had been taught this cold response through years of experience. The woman had to be educated and with her those over whom she had influence. His resolve was unshaken.

He called in the women. "you will feed her and care for her. Do your best to heal her wounds. I want her conscious and of clear mind. Do you hear? The next time she is taken she will know it and resist if she is desires it. Be on your guard. She is treacherous. Keep her wrists bound at all times. Be certain the bung remains in place. I will keep a warrior on guard at the door. " The women worked hard at the task they had been given. Each bruise was massaged, each cut was washed and treated with salve and spices. She was fed and given both wine for the pain and teas to sharpen her awareness. When he returned to the lodge the women had seated her in a chair and had her awake and conscious.

"I see that my servants have done well." Anders commented as he entered the Lodge. "You fancy yourself my equal or better, and call me a coward. Did I not face you one on one? I shall give you a second chance. " He set two identical knives on the table before her. "clear all the weapons from this room" Place guards at each door and window. If she attempts to escape gut her alive for the coward she is. If not, she will be taken again alive and conscious and without restraint. If she kills me, set her free." he walked up to the woman and began to cut the bonds holding her. "I am being more than fair. We will see if you have even an ounce of honor within you" He picked up the knives and tossed one , handle first to the woman.

He laughed a wicked but confident laugh. "Its your move now" he said with a solemn resolve.

"We never attacked your village," Melisendre asserted between painful gasps and groans from her various wounds "we were merely taking back what is rightfully ours."

She maintained her own calm demeaner however, her emotions were not so restrained as she growled at her captor as she spoke. She was not in the wrong. The invaders had stolen their lands, enslaved her people, taken everything from them and Melisendre would have rather perished than be captured as she was. And his calmness was grating on her nerves. But their conversation did not last long as he dropped her head back down onto the table before beckoning the same servant women in to do his bidding before he left her alone with the other women.

The servants worked diligently, ensuring each bruise was massaged with fragrant oils. Her wounded hand was disinfected and stuffed with salve and cotton to seal it before they wrapped a piece of bandage around it. They then fed her the same bread soaked in milk they had the day before, running it over her lips to soothe the chap. They then untied her arms from the table before tying them once again in front of her as they stood Melisende up, obeying their orders as they washed her body and then gave her wine to soothe the pain of the angry red welts still present all over her body while mixing it with a tea to ensure her awareness despite the pain her exhausted body was exhibiting. They then pulled her up off the table and sat her naked body down in a chair. Working quickly, they tied her wrists to the arms of the wooden chair before leaving her alone, bound and something still filling her womanhood.

When her captor re-entered the room, Melisende's fingers curled into fists as her gaze darkened. Watching intently, she pulled on the ropes around her wrists as he placed two knives on the table as he spoke of equality. She was better than this barbarian. She worked to free her people and he worked to enslave them. She would not allow him to equate her noble quest with his conquering and invasion. She remained still as he explained his resolve to her, the challenge presented was one of honour and Melisende was all too happy to take it. She remained still as he cut the bonds across her wrists before tossing a knife towards her. Like a skilled swordsman, Melisende caught the knife in her good hand and stood from the chair, reaching down with her other hand to yank the unwelcome intruder from between her legs. When she saw it was the plug from a barrel, her teeth clenched tightly as her eyes narrowed into rage filled slits, however her resolve was still secure.

"You tout a fair fight when you are fully clothed with leathers and steel to protect you while I am left with nothing?" she asked standing tall, gripping the knife tightly in her hand as the rest of her body glistened in the candlelight of the lodge.

"Very well" .. he said with an icey calmness "lay the knife on the table and sit back down. I will make this a fair fight, but I am not fool enough to let vanity make me a victim, and bye the way, Your village posessed no iron when we arrive. What right had you to steal ours? I warn you if you do not comply completely and deal treacherously, I will gut you immediately and not lose a moments sleep. He waited to see if she would comply with his demand. " Don't keep me waiting, you know as well as I that you have no real right to any of this. Be quick now, or we will return to our former terms immediately. " Those around him looked in wonder at what he was doing, ordinarily this insulant woman would have been hung from a post and slowly gutted by now.

Melisende was pleased that this man was bending to her will; the first time since she had been captured and she would take full advantage of it to ensure her victory. Smirking at his assertion regarding them stealing iron when they had none, Melisende placed the knife down on the table before taking a step back to sit down on the chair that had held her captive moments before. Crossing one leg over the other, the smirk remained painted on her smug expression as she crossed her arms over her naked chest. The power was shifting in the room and she was well aware of it.

"You left us no choice," she asserted as he accused her of stealing iron, before lowering her voice to an animalistic growl, "We could not take back what was ours without weapons. A war is brewing in the shadows and I intend to ensure you and your men are expelled from our land, on your ships or burned with them."

Her smirk was not lost on Anders and he had no intention of tolerating it. More than one could play this game. She wanted a fair fight, she would get one. He unstrapped his leather armor and tossed it aside but as he turned to face her he lunged at the table taking both knives and tossed them to one of his guards. He turned to face her now wearing only a cod piece and his boots. They would face each other hand to hand. " she wants a fair fight, she shall have one ! if she picks up a weapon or even tries to, run her through!" He wore a dark expression that let everyone in the room know that there was only one hope for the woman and that was the death of the Earle. Anything less would be worse than death for her. They had seen that look before and it never ended well.

Anders eyes met with the woman's and then slowly traced there way down her torso stopping just at the bottom of her rib cage. This was a point that always moved with an opponents body and could not be used to distract an opponent. "If you think you can win this, you best be about it and quickly." His voice was cold as stone, and steady, devoid of emotion. This was not the first such challenge he had faced, and the fact that it was a woman who challenged him meant nothing at this point. His life and the lives of his women and children might be changed by a bad outcome, but then this was the life of a Viking Earle. He had lived with it almost 15 years, and if the Gods were kind to him, he would die by it as well. Dying in bed held no attraction. He expected and wanted to die at the hands of another, and he left it to Odin to choose the one that would be his instrument. He knew he could not match the woman for her for quickness, but without a weapon, the only thing that bought her was a means of escape. Now, with every exit blocked by a warrior armed with a sword, that wasn't likely. He had accepted her challenge and now the next move was hers. A wrong decision would mean her death or worse, a good one perhaps glory or perhaps just survival. Either way the next move was hers if she acted quickly. A smile and a laugh escaped him as he contemplated what might be coming. " I am going to enjoy watching your belly swell!" He said it in a taunting tone of voice. He meant every word. He said it knowing that even if he died, she might be forced to face that reality even now.

Melisende's expression abruptly changed from one of smug confidence to a faltering confusion and doubt when her captor lunged quickly at the table, tossing away the weapons that would be used in their battle, removing any type of weapon that would harm him. She could out maneuver him in any situation, but without a weapon, Melisende was not strong enough to over power the man without something in her hand. The flicker of doubt was fleeting however as her gaze darkened once again, hiding her doubt as her eyes quickly scanned the room they were in, denoting each movable piece within it. The large table; unmovable. The chair she was seated in; too light and awkward to wield. Furs on the walls; useless. Torches! The torches could be used!

Melisende turned her attention immediately back to her captor, a plan brewing in her mind. If she couldn't kill him while he was at full strength, she could weaken him sufficiently to do so. Her gaze towards him darkened even more at his taunting of his plan to force her to bear his child. Melisende would never let that happen! She couldn't let that happen! It would be the ultimate betrayal of her people and those that she had fought so hard to save. Her makeshift soldiers and thieves!

Standing up slowly, her body a fluid motion as she moved silently, her gaze as dark as his. Suddenly, she kicked the chair back against the wall, the wood hitting wood causing a loud bang to echo throughout the room. At the same time, Melisende went running across the room towards the closest torch, the fire licking up above the cone of wood with the metal brace about it. She ran quickly, her feet moving like a gazelle across the plains as she leapt for the fire that could prove to be her saving grace.

One of the guards brought his bow quickly to full draw, and took a bead on the A on her chest. He was about to release the deadly arrow when Anders gave him a withering look and he held back the arrow. Still maintaining his readiness. Anders eyes had never left her her ribs and the crash of the chair had been a futile effort at distraction. He didn't even waste the effort it might have taken to prevent her aquiring the torch. True enough its handle was linwood and hard as iron, and the end wrapped in beaten bronze, but it was light weight and even if swung with lightning speed, which he didn't doubt the woman was capable of, it lacked the weight to break bones, particularly when they were as heavy as Anders'. The man was a seasoned warrior and was accustomed to being pelted with stones, and absorbing the blow from back of an axe. These things were painful but not insurmountable. He turned his right side to her allowing him to absorb the blow where he chose and raising a giant forearm to shelter his head and guarding his groin with the other. He moved toward the woman with slow and deliberate steps. Behind her was a corner and to her left and right guards blocked her escape with bows drawn, and frustrated at being restrained by Anders. "I'm coming for you and there is no escape. You wanted a fight, well now you shall have it. I hope you enjoy the pain. Its the only lasting thing that will come out of this except for children! Many children!" He could see the hatred in her eyes at the words and that made him smile as he openly taunted her. "Who is the coward now? you with your little stick! It won't be long before you squeal like a child or a woman in heat!"

Anders moved another step with every word. Waiting... no hoping for the blow he was expecting.

Melisende yanked the torch from its metal ring anchoring it to the wall, the heat from the flame creating an orange and black shadow across her face as she began to take a few cautious steps backwards. Her eyes went over his body as he used his arms to protect his head and between his legs, cutting off his most vulnerable areas of the body. She knew she was cornered as she took another cautious step back, the torch held tight within her grip as he approached. Knowing full well he had control of the situation, Melisende could only hope to weaken him enough to find a weak spot, at least in the moment. Then he taunted her once again with what would happen should she be defeated. The woman was not amused and her emotions played across her face as she recklessly lunged forward, the firey end of the torch headed straight for the arm blocking his face in a desperate attempt to surprise her captor, to burn his arm and leave his head open for attack.

Melisende was not thinking logically as the taunts were getting into her head. She was angry and she was not a seasoned warrior. Her skills had come from necessity, not training and her anger was clouding her thoughts, causing her impulsive movements and leaving her open for mistakes.

The lunge was just what he had hoped for. As she tried to wound his right arm, his left was raised, and with her momentum moving her toward him he closed his left hand, a paw really around her right wrist in a crushing grip and slammed the back of her hand down hard across the iron hard bone of his thigh. the snap of bones was heard as her hand gave way and the torch, still burning fell to the floor. In what could only be described as a dance move, he lifted the shattered wrist high in the air and pulled it away from his body. Her momentum and the fact that at 6 ft 7in tall, he had stretched the short woman out caused her to pivoted involuntarily pressing her back against his chest. His right arm not being required for protection wrapped about her slender but taught abs and closed like a vice. A second later she found herself face down across his massive shoulder and looking at his back and ass, her legs flailing in front of him, and on her way out of the lodge and down the road toward the post where she had spent some time earlier. To everyone's surprise, when Anders arrived at the pole , he did not string her up as was his usual practice. Instead he called for a bench as he still held the woman high in the air, and then sitting down, pulled her torso between his powerful thighs, and then holding her thighs down like one would an impudent child began to beat her ass brutally with his calloused free hand. With each stroke he laughed and further taunted her. "Beg me to take you. I won't get tired. Before I finish you will beg me to take you right here."

He and the crowd watched as her ass was first pink, then, red , and finally purple. With each stroke he paused waiting for a response.

Melisende hadn't expected his movement, hadn't anticipated that she was leaving herself open to counter attack and was caught off guard. Her hand was caught in his grip, his hand squeezing her wrist like a vice before bringing it down hard over his thigh as a loud snap was heard followed by a screech of excruciating pain. Melisende's breath quickened as her wrist was broken over his leg, dropping the firey torch she held in that hand, her entire arm falling limp as the pain turned to numbness from the adrenaline. But he didn't stop. Pulling her arm up high into the air, she was forced to spin around, her back pressing against his chest as his other hand snaked about her waist before flipping her up and over his shoulder, her body bent at the waist as he began to carry her out of the lodge and down the streets.

Once at the post again, he moved to order his men to get a bench before he slung her wounded body over his knee before he began to bring his paddle of a hand down hard across her bare rear end. Screeching in pain as his hand came down, the sound like the cracking of a whip as he ensured her behind was a deep purple as he continued to laugh at her predicament. Her screams turned to screeches turned to cries of pain as her eyes became glossy and tears began to be pushed from the corners of her eyes, the pain becoming far too much to bear as her women watched in horror from their own nightmares.

He could feel her body starting to grow limp between blows even though it was wracked with pain. He wrapped an arm firmly about her waist and lifting his heavy leg pulled her into a seated position on his right thigh. The heat from her ass was intense. Taking her by the hair, he lifted her face and looked into her eyes, which had little life left in them. "I think you might just of had enough. What do you think?" he stood her up and stood up with her and then unwrapped the codpiece and exposed his massive thick member and sat back down... He turned her to face him on wobbly feet and said "Go ahead.. sit down if you like. you know what to do." he let go of her hair and held her by her good wrist. "This is your chance.... best you take it... its happening anyway. the only difference is how much pain is coming with it."

He took a fat finger and roughly massaged her clit. He took a sticky finger from her slit and held it under her nose. That isn't blood that has you wet! You want it don't you." He knew that she hated him and that he was probably making her ill but that bothered him notin the least.

Melisende's body was giving out on her as the slaps continued to rain down on her exposed, bruised behind. Her eyes could barely open as he pulled her up to a seated position, her waist trapped between her legs as he announced that he thought she had enough. Melisende's arms hung limp at her sides as her head wobbled slightly as his fingers curled into her hair, pulling her face up to stare straight at him, her strength disappearing from the massive amount of pain coursing through her body.

As he forced her onto her feet, her legs shook uncontrollably, her body losing strength with each passing second. Her feet could barely remain straight as he turned her to face him after he had removed the last of his clothes, leaving himself naked as well. Her only expression came when he forced his fingers into the slit between her legs and then moved it up to her nose, forcing her to smell her own juices as he taunted her mercilessly. Her face turned into a slight grimace as the combination of pain and the smell made her gag. Just then, her legs gave out beneath her and she fell hard onto his lap, her entire body falling onto his exposed manhood. Letting out a loud groan of pain, she was impaled on his member, her body too weak to fight back as it collapsed onto his.