The Mercenary Knight

Evernight Publishing www.evernightpublishing.com

Copyright© 2011 Elyzabeth M. VaLey

ISBN: 978-1-927368-18-3

Cover Artist: Jinger Heaston Editor: JC Chute

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

DEDICATION “A writer only begins a book. A reader finishes it.” Samuel Johnson Thank you for finishing it.

THE MERCENARY KNIGHT Elyzabeth M. VaLey Copyright © 2011

Chapter One

Conrad kneeled next to the woman and placed his hand on her wrist, searching for a pulse. “This one lives,” he called to his companions. With two quick strides, Wybert materialized at his side. The black giant crouched next to him and stared at the woman for a few moments before finally speaking. “You certain?” “Aye, she has a pulse. She’s simply out cold and bruised, but alive.” “What do you propose we do with her?” Johann asked. He walked towards them, sheathing his sharp dirk. Conrad raised a questioning eyebrow. “I saved the guard a few hours of suffering.” Conrad nodded in understanding and went back to examining the woman. Her reddish-brown hair was tied back in a messy plait. Underneath her right eye she had an old bruise, quickly turning yellow, and in the back of his mind he wondered who had hit her. There was dried blood on her brow and dirt stains streaked her cheekbones. Her nose was slightly swollen and dusted with freckles. Conrad gingerly touched it, testing to see if it was broken. It wasn’t. Her lips were full and even in sleep had a certain pout to them. “By the looks of her, I’d say she was a serving maid, if not of a more liberal line of work.” Conrad looked up as the last approaching member of their party of four, Grigorii, spoke. “Aye,” Conrad agreed. Her clothes, a low-cut white chemise, brown bodice and matching skirt indicated that Grigorii’s guess was probably correct. “The rest of the group?”

Wybert shook his head. “All dead. I believe the bandits that caused this mess took her for dead as well,” he said, indicating with his head the girl at their feet. “Or they simply didn’t find her.” Johann shrugged. “Nonetheless, what do we do with her?” “We take her with us,” Conrad answered without hesitating. Grigorii chuckled. “We’re mercenaries and brigands. What do you suggest we do with a woman? Besides the obvious, of course,” he added. Wybert and Johann laughed, but Conrad said nothing for a few minutes. He studied the woman. Once the bruises and the swelling disappeared, she would be a lovely sight. A few strands of hair had fallen over her closed eyes. Conrad silently wished that she would open those eyes so he could catch a glimpse and see what color they were. Conrad’s gaze roamed lower. Even underneath the clothes, he could tell that her form was supple and well rounded. Unbidden, the question of whether she had any freckles on other parts of her anatomy came to his mind. He shook his head and regarded the steady rise and fall of her chest, the top of her creamy breasts tantalizing him. Conrad bit back a groan as the image of her ripe breasts filling his hands assaulted his mind, and he forced himself to look away. They couldn’t leave her here. Most mercenaries and brigands weren’t as kind as his men were, and they would probably ravage her body in an instant. He glared at his men. “Do you suggest we leave her here to die?” “Of course not, you idiot,” Grigorii replied. “But—“ “Conrad’s right. We have no employment now. It would do no harm to help the girl and take her with us to the nearest village,” Wybert said. Johann groaned. “To Wilton? What have we to do in a village?” “Stop complaining, Johann. It’s been decided, we’ll take her with us. Besides, maybe in Wilton we can find some decent work, a hot bed and a meal for a change. I tire of hiding in the forest.” Getting to his feet, Conrad motioned to Grigorii. The blond stooped down and easily scooped the unconscious girl into his arms. She whimpered in pain as he picked her up.

“She’ll ride with me. If we deviate from the road a few miles north from here, we’ll find a glade where we can rest for the night.” He climbed atop his horse. “Here,” Conrad said. Grigorii handed him the girl, and Conrad accommodated her in front of him. He encircled her waist with one of his hands and held the horse’s reins with the other. Once his comrades had mounted, Conrad kicked his horse and led the way back to the muddy trail. The men rode in silence, accustomed to being alert for any sign of trouble. Conrad remained cognizant of his surroundings, but his mind wandered. He fully understood now the men’s reluctance to take a woman with them. She was proving to be a distraction, her firm bottom having nestled back against his groin, grinding against it at every step the horse took. The road’s condition didn’t help much, for The King’s Highway was little more than a cleared dirt path, still full of stones and pebbles. Conrad shifted in his seat, but only succeeded in smelling the essence of lilacs on the maiden’s hair. His cock tightened painfully against his britches. “How can you smell so good after lying on the forest floor?” he muttered. The horse skipped a stone and the woman’s ass rubbed against his shaft. Damn his brilliant ideas. Conrad slowed his horse to a gentle canter as they entered the open space and left the darkness of the thick forest. He blinked as his eyes adjusted to the light. Though the sun was setting, the sky still had a pinkish hue about it, which bathed the clearing in a soft glow. The grass was already green in this part of the woods, though some of the trees had barely started to sprout. The river gurgled nearby and birds sang their last tunes of the day. Conrad directed his horse to a spot he deemed safe for the animals and dismounted. His men followed. With the approaching night a cold wind had risen from the north. While riding, he had covered the maiden with his cloak, her baggage probably stolen by the thieves that had attacked the merchant. He wrapped the warm material tightly around her now before taking her into in his arms. As he tended to the maiden, the other men busied themselves preparing the camp for the night. Wybert was collecting firewood near one side of the clearing, and Johann brushed down the horses while Gregorii pulled out the sleeping mats. Conrad carefully dropped the woman near the fire and had barely turned his back on

her, when she cried out. He hurried to her side, the other men a step behind. They all hovered over her, unsure of what to do. Conrad watched the girl carefully. Her cheeks were flushed and her breathing haggard. A small smile played at her lips as she began to stretch, but upon opening her eyes her smile vanished. Conrad barely restrained himself from gasping. Her eyes were mesmerizing, the color of liquid gold. The girl blinked several times, slowly regaining full consciousness. Her gaze traveled from one face to the next, searching for a familiar one, but upon realizing she was among strangers, her face drained of color. Those amber eyes widened and she threw back the cloak. She tried to sit up, her fragile hands clenching the grass for support. "Don't move," Gregorii said with a gentle whisper. She paid him no heed. Her eyes roamed, searching for an escape route. Conrad could only guess at her thoughts as she tried to stand and take in the unknown surroundings. She finally managed to straighten her back, and Conrad crouched at her side to assist her further. She looked up at him, her eyes begging him not to hurt her. Before he could explain that they meant no harm, she retched all over his feet and trousers. Conrad swore under his breath. From the shore, Grigorii openly laughed. “Clearly, your face was too much for her to swallow.” He tossed over a pair of clean breeches, and Conrad stormed out of the river’s bank. “How does she fare?” The sun had finally set, and Conrad shivered while redressing. He gathered his cloak around him. At least she hadn’t thrown up on that. “She was still unconscious when I left her, but Johann was cleansing her wounds. She must have taken a nasty blow to the head. You think she remembers what happened with the merchant?” “We’ll have to wait and see, won’t we?” Conrad growled. He was in a bad mood. His ride to the glade had been painfully uncomfortable and now, in manner of thanks, the maiden had vomited upon him. It was a good thing he always carried a change of clothes, but still, bathing in the cold river at night was not to his enjoyment. The men walked back to the campsite. Wybert prepared a meal over the low-burning fire while Johann sharpened his rapier. The girl lay asleep near the fire, wrapped in some blankets. “I hope you washed her before putting those mantles over her.”

Johann nodded. He lifted his sword to the light and searched for any sign of imperfection. With a sly smile, he pointed the weapon at a bundle of clothes to the side of the girl. “You took off her clothes?” Conrad bellowed. “Shush, man, you’ll wake her up. What did you want me to do? Leave her stinking in her own waste? I’ve lent her some of my hose, and with the long chemise she’ll be comfortable enough for the night.” Johann resumed wiping down the blade. “And tomorrow morning,” Conrad said, grinding his teeth, “you expect to find the skirt clean and mended by the magical tree fairies?” Johann laughed. “Good Lord, Conrad, what’s with you? I’ll clean it now, as soon as I’m done with the sword. I was waiting for you to finish in the river, and I didn’t want to leave Wybert alone here.” Conrad frowned but decided to remain silent. He approached the girl and regarded her. Johann had cleaned her face of dirt and blood, undone her braid and combed back her hair. Her semblance was peaceful, her lips slightly parted as she breathed evenly in her sleep. Conrad passed a hand through his hair. He couldn’t believe that Johann had stripped her naked. He suppressed a groan of frustration. While Johann had seen and touched her lush body, he had spent hours riding with a raging hard-on. The woman turned in her sleep and his gaze slipped to where her ass rested. His shaft began to grow at the memory and he quickly sat down next to her, lest the other men see his discomfort. Wybert handed him some warm broth and glanced at the girl. Conrad glared at him. Had he seen her naked too? No one had any rights to see the maiden naked again. She should be the one to decide who got to see her bare flesh. He burned the roof of his mouth as he hastily swallowed some food. Conrad glanced at the woman accusingly. There had been other women in their company in the past, prostitutes most of them. Some they had shared, some they hadn’t, but Conrad had never felt possessive of any of them. Who was this seductress that made him so jealous? Furious, at his own reaction to the girl, he took another spoonful and almost dropped the bowl. “Damn,” he growled. The men turned to him with questioning faces, but Conrad chose to ignore them. He pretended to concentrate on his food, but out

of the corner of his eye, he watched. They ate in companionable silence, but every once in a while he caught them glancing at the sleeping woman. Conrad wondered what dirty thoughts crossed their minds, and vowed that no one would see her unclothed during the remainder of the night. The men began to move around camp as they finished their meal. He set his own dish aside but didn’t undo his bedroll. “I’ll take the first watch.” The men nodded in acquiescence and quickly settled to sleep. Conrad studied the woman one last time. She was too much of a distraction. Tomorrow, they’d drop her off at Wilton and he’d be done with all this nonsense of jealousy and temptation. Determined, he turned his back and stared at the forest gloom, all senses alert for any sign of trouble.

Chapter Two Tanya shifted underneath the soft material and covered her eyes with an arm, trying to block the oncoming daylight. Upon tentatively stretching her legs, Tanya realized something was wrong: her skirt was gone. She tried to stand, but fell back, biting back a groan as the sudden movement caused her head to throb. Gingerly, Tanya began to explore her body. She was dressed in her chemise and some wool hose. Her knees ached, and she guessed she must have fallen at some point. Her right arm was intact, but the top of her left arm hurt. She touched her face. Her nose hurt like it had been slammed against a wooden board. Finally, she reached up and touched the back of her head, grimacing at the large lump there. Tanya heard noises and slowly turned around. Four men labored around her, lifting camp. The memory of the day before rushed to embrace her. Tanya stood on the hill overlooking the village. Spring had barely begun: the grass was parched after the winter snows, and the trees were still partially bare. The sun was rising in the east, its soft rays chasing away the shadows and slowly bathing the village below in light. She closed her eyes. At this hour, Joseph would be setting the bread to bake, the sweet aroma filling the whole tavern. She and Matty would clean and prepare the common room for the morning guests, while Baldric would be running around making sure nothing was amiss. She shook her head, dejected. She would probably never see any of those people again. The morning chill coupled with her grief caused her to shiver and she wrapped her arms tight around herself, searching for comfort. A ray of sunlight fell across her face and she opened her eyes. "It will be for the better, but damn you, Reynard." Taking a deep breath she turned around to smile at Hermes, the wool merchant. He waited patiently atop his coach for her to mount. With a farewell nod to the village of her birth, she clambered onto the back of the wagon. Vane and Brennard rode behind them, watching for trouble. Anyone who looked at them would think twice before attacking. A horrid scar from his temple to his lip disfigured Vane's face, and Brennard had a bumpy nose from all the times it had been broken. However, she knew they were kind men, always leaving her a generous tip when they passed by Lester.

The slow pace of the cart and its unsteady swaying reminded Tanya of the way her mother rocked her when she was a small child. It had been several years since her mother's death, but the pain hadn't eased. Perhaps, if she hadn’t gone out that night... Tanya snapped out of her reverie as the wagon stopped with a jolt and caused her to lurch forward, hurting her arm. She heard raised voices. Vane indicated with a finger to his lips that Tanya should be silent. Brennard was nowhere in sight. Suddenly, the horse whinnied and reared. She jumped from the cart. Her heart went to her throat as she recognized the sound of swords clashing in battle. Someone shouted something and she fell to the ground. Darkness overcame her. Tanya swallowed back tears. If she was here, that meant that Hermes and the rest were dead. Bile rose to the back of her throat and she slapped a hand to her mouth, vaguely recalling having spilled the contents of her stomach the night before. Inhaling a deep breath, she tried to calm her unsteady nerves. Tanya observed the men around her. Had they killed the merchant? Was she their prisoner? They hadn’t bound her but her skirt and bodice were missing. Had they abused her? She patted her breasts and slid her hands down to the apex between her thighs. She didn’t feel abused. Even so, she had to get out of there. Tanya threw back the blankets and tried to sit up. She closed her eyes as a wave of nausea passed through her. When she opened them again, a giant man, dark as ebony, grinned down at her. "Ah, you're awake. Do not fear, little one, we mean you no harm. My name is Wybert. That there with the horses is Gregorii, and those two are Johann and Conrad," he said, pointing to each of them in turn. "What is your name?" Tanya stared at the man. His voice was deep, with a slight accent which she had a bit of trouble understanding through her daze. She shook her head slightly. Wybert smiled. "Do you think you can sit?" "I've tried, but--" "The world dances before your eyes," he said with a low rumbling chuckle. Tanya nodded. "Let me help you." Wybert placed his hand at the small of her back and gently pushed her upright. "Easy now, take a deep breath…" The clearing became a blurry mess and she shut her eyes tight, waiting for the feeling to pass. When she opened them again, all four men stood before her. “Here.”

The large man offered a water skin. With trembling fingers, Tanya took it and drank deep. She hadn’t realized how thirsty she was until he had offered the drink. The cool liquid slid down her throat, helping her head clear. She drank some more while glancing at the men out of the corner of her eye. Even though he stooped over her, Wybert was incredibly tall. Tanya couldn’t tell for sure from her position, but guessed that he was probably the largest of the men. He wore tight leather breeches that hugged his muscled legs and a brown vest over a green chemise that barely held his buff arms in check. Hanging at his side was an equally powerful weapon, a cutlass. His hair was short and curly, closely hugging his scalp. His nose was a bit flat and had a slight bump towards the middle, probably from previous battles. He was cleanshaven. Tanya’s gaze landed on his lips. They were full and defined, the lower lip protruding slightly. The sort of lips Matty, her work mate, would have described as ‘kissable’. The man who had tended the horses earlier, whom Wybert had called Gregorii, stood next to them as well. His large brown eyes regarded her kindly. He had beautiful brown hair in a neat ponytail almost to his waist, high cheekbones and a finely chiseled nose. His lips were a bit thin, but pleasant to look at. He wore a simple brown tunic and trousers with knee-high boots. Tanya wondered at his precedence, for he wore leather armbands with an intricate design, of which she had never seen the kind. Suddenly aware that she had been staring, Tanya passed the water skin back. "Drink all you want, little one. We can refill," Wybert said. With a smile of gratitude, Tanya took another swig. Where the other men were broad, the one called Johann was slender with thick blonde eyebrows, and vivid blue eyes. His blond hair was streaked with brown highlights and cropped short. He wore a goatee, which he caressed as he watched her intently. Tanya quickly lowered her gaze. He was dressed much like the other men, but his weapon of choice was of a lighter build: a sword that required speed and skill more than brute force. Finally, she chanced a glance at the last man. He was by far the best looking of the four. Almost as tall as Wybert, his thick, sinewy hard muscles were visible under his tunic and leather

breeches. At his side, he carried a broadsword and she had no doubt that he knew how to wield its girth. Unbidden, her gaze wandered to his crotch and she swallowed at the hefty bulge. Tanya quickly averted her eyes and peered at his face. He was clean-shaven, with a solid jaw and proportionate nose. The man’s gaze met hers and she barely stopped herself from dropping the skin. “Are you all right, lady?” Gregorii asked, taking the empty bottle. Tanya hesitated. The men seemed pleasant enough, but she wasn’t sure if they could be trusted. “I’m just a little confused.” She smiled tentatively. "You have no need to fear us. As Wybert told you, we mean you no harm," Conrad said. Tanya nodded. His voice was deep, with a rough quality to it that caused goose bumps on her arms. "Indeed, we saved you," the blonde spoke up with a roguish smile. "I am in your debt, then." Tanya bowed her head. "Not at all, we did what any honorable men would do." "Are you knights, then?" The men burst out laughing, clearly amused at her notion that they could be knights. "No, but a man doesn't need to be a knight to have honor," Conrad said as the laughter died down. "Indeed," Tanya said. Nor does a man need honor to be a knight, she added to herself. “Nonetheless, we would like to know how you got into this situation.” Tanya hesitated. She bit her lip, pondering how much she should tell them. “Perhaps you’d like to know how we found you first,” Gregorii suggested. Tanya nodded, relieved that the men understood her need. “A woman with a natural distrust of men. How rare,” Conrad chuckled. “Very well.” Quickly, without adornment, he filled her in on what had occurred the previous night. “Will you now tell us your tale?” “I was traveling with Hermes, the wool merchant, to Wilton when some men attacked. I don’t remember much. I was sitting at the back of the cart and a few minutes after I jumped off someone hit me on the head and all went black.” She shrugged. “Next thing I know, I’m here, sleeping in men’s hose in the middle of a clearing with you gentlemen.”

Grigorii nodded. “Our guess is that the man we found tried to protect you by knocking you unconscious and hiding you in the bushes.” “I apologize for removing your garments, my lady,” Johann said with a slight bow. “But it was necessary. You had soiled them badly.” Tanya smiled in earnest. “I thank you, my lord, but there is no need to call me a lady, for I am not one.” As soon as the words had spilled from her lips, Tanya knew she shouldn’t have mentioned it. She cursed herself. What had prompted her to tell these four men that she was no lady, no virginal maiden? "What was your occupation before?" Johann asked. The tone of his voice and the way he was eyeing her left no doubt as to what he was asking. She surveyed the men around her. To one they all seemed to be holding their breath, waiting to hear whether she was a whore or not. "I was a serving maid at Lester's inn," she replied with pride. The men looked slightly disappointed, but they were quick in recovering. "A worthy profession, like many others.” Gregorii offered her his hand. “Perhaps my lady feels ready to stand?” He extended an arm. Tanya smiled at him and took the proffered limb. Wybert put a helping hand to her back as she stood. She held on to Gregorii as a wave of dizziness overtook her. “Are you well?” Conrad asked her, concern showing in his green eyes. Tanya nodded, unable to speak at the intensity in his gaze. “I will fetch your clothes.” In quick strides, he left her. Tanya bit her lower lip, unsure of what had just passed. Fortunately, her stomach chose that moment to grumble loudly and her cheeks warmed in embarrassment. “How thoughtless of us,” Johann said. He hurried to the horses, while Gregorii tucked her hand into the crook of his arm and walked her toward them. When she arrived, Johann handed her some bread and dried beef. Without hesitation she took the food. “Thank you, Johann,” she said between mouthfuls. The men watched her eat and she shuffled her feet, uncomfortable under their relentless gaze. Tanya had not been unpopular at the inn, but she had never had so many men fawn over her at the same time. “Where are you gentlemen headed?” she asked them, unnerved at the silence.

Johann was the first to answer. “To Wilton. We will look for some odd job or another, perhaps guarding a caravan or something of the sort.” “But before, we’ll stay one or two nights at the town. We miss a hot meal and a warm bed.” “Not to mention the warmth of a willing woman,” Wybert said with a barking laugh. Johann and Gregorii glared at him. Amused at their discomfort, Tanya laughed gaily. She wondered when had been the last time they’d taken a woman to their bed. “Don’t mind me; men have their needs, as do women.” "The camp does not pick up itself," Conrad growled, openly glaring at the men. In his hands he held Tanya's skirt and bodice. With audible groans and silent curses, the other men scattered to do his bidding. "Here are your clothes." Conrad thrust the material into her hands and turned his back on her so she could change. Tanya knew she had no right to feel that way, but she was irritated at his offhand behavior. “I wonder if you have some soap I can borrow. I would like to wash myself before redressing.” Conrad studied her without a word or a flicker of emotion. "Come with me." He led her to another of the horses, a beautiful grey mare that nuzzled his shoulder when he approached. Conrad patted the animal and scratched it behind the ears, whispering sweet nothings as he searched in one of the leather pouches hanging from the beast. Tanya lowered her head trying to hide the smile that tugged at the corner of her lips. She found it endearing that the large man, with such a powerful presence, treated his horse with such tenderness. “Aha!” he exclaimed. “Found it.” With a wink, he handed her the bar of soap. Their fingers casually brushed together and Tanya jumped at the electric current that ran from up her arm. “Thank you.” She turned on her heel and hurried to the river’s bank. In a heartbeat, Conrad was beside her, loudly clearing his throat. "Would you like me to keep guard so that the men don't bother you?" For a moment, Tanya was sorely tempted to decline the offer.

Let them watch if they liked. She'd bedded less finer looking men and only the Gods knew when these four had last seen a naked woman. However, something in the way Conrad was looking at her prompted her to nod, accepting his offer. She didn’t see open desire in them as she had seen in the other three mere moments before. No, in Conrad she saw a sense of duty, a sense of protection. If he wanted to protect her, then who was she to deny him that pleasure? They walked to the riverbank in silence. Tanya glimpsed a spot shrouded by overhanging branches, which gave her a little more privacy. Conrad noticed and bowed his head to her before turning his back. He stared ahead, making sure that none of the men attempted to approach while she was bathing. Quickly, Tanya disposed of her clothes and shrieked as she tumbled into the freezing water. She swam around trying to warm her limbs. However, she didn’t wish to delay the party from continuing their journey, so she took the sweetsmelling soap and began to lather herself. As she bathed, she watched Conrad. He stood with his feet a bit apart, his broad back erect, arms crossed on his chest. Tanya licked her lips. An urge to walk to him stark naked and demand he look at her began to grow between her legs. The man was so chivalrous he wasn't even trying to peek at her. She bit her lower lip. Perhaps he had once been a knight. She discarded the option. No, true knights, those with a brave heart and chivalrous intentions, were a thing of fairytales. All the knights she had stumbled upon were mere men with greed for power and a love for war. Tanya rinsed herself and put her clothes back on. In silence, she padded up to Conrad. He did not turn around as she approached, and she wondered where his thoughts lay. She grasped his arm and gasped: muscles of steel. He looked down at her and she hastily released him as their eyes met. In a fluid motion, he encircled her waist and brought her closer. His green eyes glittered with danger. Tanya shivered in his embrace. Here was a man of power, a man who eluded her comprehension, and yet appealed to her senses in a primal way. He tugged softly and she crashed against the solid plane of his chest, the bulge of his cock pressing against her. Her nipples hardened under her chemise and her folds became slick. Her heartbeat quickened until its pulse beat in her ears like a tribal drum. Conrad slowly lowered his head until their lips were so close their breath mingled in the cold spring morning air. "Conrad!" Tanya jumped and Conrad released her. The spell was broken. She had forgotten about

the remaining three men. She glanced at Conrad. His face was once more a controlled mask, all the burning passion gone. "Come." They walked back to the clearing. She noticed Gregorii raise a questioning eyebrow at Conrad, but he said nothing, just shoved the soap into the pouch and climbed atop his grey mare. "You shall ride with Gregorii," he ordered. Tanya bit her lip, annoyed. In other circumstances he would have heard a piece of her mind, but she was a guest among these men, and after they had saved her life, it would do no good to create strife. "Lady?" Gregorii called to her. Tanya smiled and accepted his help to climb atop the animal. Gregorii adjusted himself behind her. He encircled his arms around her waist and grabbed the reins. Tanya leaned back against his solid chest, trying to forget Conrad's imprint on her waist and the hot pressure of his body against hers. The rest of the company mounted and without another word, they were off.

Chapter Three Tanya watched Conrad. He rode erect, his back muscles tense, ready to pounce should the need arise. She did not understand the man. She worried her bottom lip and tried not to fidget in Gregorii’s embrace. Tanya suddenly recalled his vivid eyes burning into her, creating a flame that left her yearning for more. The hardness of Conrad’s shaft against her had made it quite clear that the feeling was mutual, and yet, he had dismissed her like a bothersome fly. She was no lady, but a smile of acknowledgment would have been nice. Tanya sighed. As if he’d heard her, Conrad chose that moment to check back on his men. Their eyes met for a brief second and she thought she saw regret in his gaze. She blinked and the moment was gone. Coolly, Conrad turned his back to her once more. She sighed again, uncomprehending why she cared so much for the opinion of a man she just met. “Do not mind Conrad, he’s a man prone to moods,” Gregorii whispered in her ear. She twisted her head to face Gregorii. “Are my thoughts so easy to read?” Gregorii chuckled. “Nay, lady, but I follow your line of vision, and though Johann and Wybert ride before us your eyes bore through Conrad’s back.” Tanya smiled. She looked ahead once more. Johann had ridden next to Conrad and they were speaking in low voices. “Have you known him for long?” “Aye. I was with him the first. We met more than ten years ago at the battle of Summit Meadows.” “You were knights?” Tanya asked, incredulous. “Is there something wrong with that?” His tone lowered an octave and his fingers pressed into her waist. Tanya twisted in his arms. She laughed in relief. His brown eyes twinkled with mirth. He was clearly mocking her. “I’ve never been a knight, but Conrad was.” Tanya’s eyes widened. “Though, that is a tale he speaks little of and you’ll have to ask him about.”

Tanya said nothing. Now she understood the aura of power emanating from him and why, when Conrad gave orders, the men followed blindly. She shuddered. He must have done something horrible to be stripped of his knighthood. They rode in silence for a few moments. “How about yourself? You are not from the kingdom.” “You are very observant, my lady. I was fighting against Conrad.” Tanya swiveled in her seat once more. Gregorii smirked. “You jest?” “Not at all, my lady. Though do you know the story of the battle of Summit Meadows?” Tanya shook her head. “Before becoming part of the Kingdom, Summit Meadows was a free land. All that area was, to the Kingdom, nothing more than empty land. But for my people it was the Uhtred, in Kingdom language, ‘the blooming land’. Our villages were neither great in size nor booming in commerce. We were simple people that cared for livestock and farming. Our greatest pleasure was to watch the seeds grow and bloom during spring. We hunted and sang of our lore around a roaring fire. We lived in peace with no desire for war or strife. Should King Caspian’s father have bargained with us, we probably would have accepted trade or even a treaty. Yet, he was a man that enjoyed bloodshed and he ordered his generals into our fields. He burned, plundered and destroyed. My home, Ragnahall, was one of those raided villages. We fought bravely, even though our knowledge of war was scarce, but the King’s forces came, fought and appropriated the area. And thus, Uhtred became Summit Meadows.” Gregorii shrugged. “But how did—“ “You must ask Conrad. I have already said too much.” Tanya bowed her head in understanding. She stared at Conrad’s back, wondering at the mystery spun around him. If he had been fighting against Gregorii, why was either of them alive? Why were they now friends? Lost in her thoughts, Tanya jumped in her seat when Gregorii’s grip on her waist tightened. She looked up and he put a finger to his lips, motioning to her to be silent. She noticed Conrad make a motion with his hand. Johann jumped off his horse. Without

any noise, he sprinted away. Taking his comrade’s beast, Conrad directed them to one side of the road. They waited in silence. It wasn’t long before Johann returned. “Brigands, bandits, and looters, fighting not far ahead,” he said breathlessly, mounting his horse again. Tanya grasped Gregorii’s arm, remembering her recent encounter with bandits. “Conrad, there is a maiden involved.” Tanya gasped. Conrad’s gaze fell on her and a flicker of emotion passed through his eyes. “We will aid those in concert with the maiden. Gregorii, ride ahead with Tanya to Wilton. We shall meet you at the Dragon’s Repose.” Tanya pressed Gregorii’s arm and squirmed in her seat as she watched the men gallop away. “Do not fear, lady, they are capable men. We’ll deviate from the route so as not to interfere and we’ll be able to reach Wilton a little after midday.” Tanya lessened her hold on him and Gregorii rapidly swiveled his horse into the forest. The woods were silent, all the customary noises of birds and animals gone as the animals fled at the sound of fighting. “Notice the ground,” Gregorii spoke near her ear. “Years ago, before the King constructed the King’s Highway, this forest already had a trail. Today, many that wish to elude the King’s taxes prefer to travel through this way, although it is considered more dangerous.” Tanya shuddered as a high-pitched scream reached her ears. “We should be safe if Cathal picks up a quicker trot.” He kicked his horse so that the animal gained speed as they traveled through the woods. The sound of battle grew near. Tanya could hear the clash of metal and the grunts of exertion from the men. She strained her vision, trying to see something of what was occurring through the blur of trees and shrubbery. “Ignore it, my lady. If you are not used to the blood, it will bring you naught but nightmares. What occurs in the road is no tavern brawl.” Tanya turned to Gregorii. “I cannot help it, Gregorii. What rang earlier was a woman’s scream. What if the woman was murdered? What if Conrad and the men are hurt? What if--”

Gregorii’s lips crashed against hers, and Tanya hesitated for a moment before accepting his warm mouth. Gregorii pressed her to him and felt the bulge of his cock grow against her bottom. Heat grew in her as their kiss deepened. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer, invading his mouth with her tongue, unspent passion running through her veins. Gregorii’s hand rubbed up and down her back, pulling her closer. She became lost to the sensation of his manhood grinding against her as the horse galloped through the forest. A branch brushed her arm and Gregorii released her, quickly tugging at the reins and reducing the horse’s speed. “Gregorii, I—“ “I am well aware of your position, lady,” he said huskily. “You are no whore, yet you are no innocent maiden, either. Nonetheless, I admit with no shame that it was all a tactic to get you to forget the sounds from the battle, and it has worked.” He finished with a wolfish grin. Startled, Tanya looked around her. Indeed, they were now at a slow canter through the forest. The only sounds around them were the birds chirping and the horse’s hooves as he walked over the tender earth. She laughed. “Your tactic has worked in more way than one, Gregorii of Ragnahall,” she said, placing her hand over the bulge of his trousers and pressing lightly. Gregorii hissed. His hold on her, which had grown lax, tightened once more. “Are you sure of this?” “Did you not hear when I said that women have their needs too?” Gregorii grinned and bent his head to capture her lips again. He was gentler this time, taking his time to taste and tease. The tip of his tongue brushed against her lips, seeking entrance. Willing, she gave him access. His tongue plunged into her mouth, sampling every corner. She captured his tongue and sucked lightly. Gregorii returned the kiss with frenzy and wrapped his arms tightly around her. After a moment, he lowered his hands and firmly cupped her full breasts. Tanya moaned and pressed herself to him, her hardened nipples begging for his touch. Gregorii pinched them lightly. Releasing her mouth, he gently lifted her. Tanya yelped in surprise. He laughed and turned her in the saddle. Her eyes widened as she came to face him. Gregorii winked at her. Before she could react, he

grasped her face and kissed her fiercely. Tanya slid forward in the saddle. She moaned as she came in contact with his stiff shaft. He tugged at the lace of her bodice and lowered her chemise. Her breasts became fully exposed and Gregorii cupped them with tenderness, his index finger grazing her tight nipples. “So creamy, so beautiful,” he murmured. Without further comment he pressed his mouth to her breast, lightly sucking one of the pink areolas. Tanya let out her breath in a hiss and thrust her chest forward, demanding he take more. She groaned as he released the wrinkled bud with a pop and quickly took the other one into his mouth. He scraped the nipple with his teeth and she instinctively bucked against him. Desire pulsed through her veins and culminated between her thighs. Her hands wound their way underneath his tunic and she wondered at the solid ridges of his stomach. When she reached his chest, she stopped. “Bare?” “It is the way of my people,” Gregorii replied, leaning in to kiss her again. Tanya melted into the passionate kiss. She caressed his hairless chest, enjoying the smooth, silky feeling of his skin in contrast with the firm planes of his chest. “Tell me you took off those hose Johann lent you,” he demanded in a whisper. Tanya giggled. “I would not be wearing my skirt if I hadn’t.” Gregorii wound his way underneath her skirt. His hands slid underneath her bottom and he lifted her onto his lap. “Oh,” she said as she felt his throbbing erection against her. “There’s more. Wait and see, my lady.” With a wicked grin, Gregorii caressed her inner thighs. His hands brushed against her slick sex and she clamped her fingers around his shoulders, trying to bring him closer. His fingers stroked her wet pussy and she quivered in delight. Tanya whispered his name as one of his fingers entered her. Entangling her hands in his ponytail, she pulled him to her with a searing kiss. Another finger accompanied the first and she rocked harder against him. Pressure began to build in her belly as he easily slid in and out of her soaking pussy. Suddenly, he removed his hand and she whimpered in frustration. Tanya couldn’t help smiling appreciatively as she caught sight of Gregorii’s hands swiftly undoing the lace of his hose. She licked her lips as he brought out his engorged cock, the tip already gleaming

with pre-cum. Without warning, he was lifting her in his hands, guiding her until the tip of his cock was pulsating against her sodden cunt. She moaned as she adjusted to the pressure of his dick buried deep inside her. Gregorii dropped soft kisses on her neck and chest while his hands tugged at her nipples, causing her body to tremble with small ripples of sensuous delight. When she began to move against him, he circled her waist and took hold of the reins once more. “Now, you shall see and feel.” With a light kick the horse was off in a gallop. Tanya cried out in surprise as intense pleasure flooded all her senses. At every leap and jump the horse executed she was lifted and slammed back onto Gregorii’s stiff member. Her nails dug onto his shoulders as she hung on for dear life. Gregorii brought her closer, her sensitive breasts pressing into his torso. She mewled in delight as his cock plunged deeper and faster inside her. Gregorii groaned against her ear, absorbed in the delightful ecstasy of their lovemaking. He nibbled on her earlobe and her breath hitched in her throat. The horse quickened its pace beneath her and she almost forgot to breathe as Gregorii’s thrusts became a fevered carnal force pushing into her. “Oh, oh.” Gregorii brushed his lips against hers and she glanced at him. He was staring at her with a half-smile. He held on to her hips and winked at her through eyes lidded with desire. The horse increased its trot. Deep and hard, he drove into her twice before she cried out in ecstasy. Stars danced before her eyes and white-hot pleasure burst inside her. The horse continued its maddened canter as her pussy convulsed and pulsated around Gregorii’s shaft. She collapsed against his chest, all her energy drained. Finally, his hold on her tightened as his body stiffened and with a grunt, he too found release.

Chapter Four Conrad, Johann and Wybert reached the town’s gate barely minutes before it closed. They slowly galloped through the clutter of houses, the few citizens still about rushing to their homes before night fell as those with ill-reputed professions emerged. The inn was not far removed from the gates, its lighted windows a welcoming beacon to all in the area. A stable boy heard them approach and quickly ran to gather their horses. They instructed the groom on how to care for the beasts, and collected their belongings before commencing the short trek to the main building. As they reached the front door, they caught sight of the tavern’s sign: a sleeping dragon, its tail curling over the words The Dragon Repose. “Last time we passed through Wilton we had to sleep in the common room. It’s a good thing we have funds for this trip. I’m exhausted,” Johann said. “Besides, I can’t wait to try one of the rooms; rumor has it they’re the best there are for the next fifty miles.” “That is if we can find a room. The place seems to be packed full,” Conrad said. He gave Johann a friendly slap on the back as they stepped into the building. He scanned the room searching for Gregorii and Tanya. Conrad was surprised to see that the majority of guests were soldiers. They sat about the open hearth, laughing and singing along to a troubadour’s cheerful song about a knight and a maiden too free with her virtue. Another group of men, by the look of them hired hands, sat at a table playing a game of cards. Gregorii sat in a corner, not too far from the roaring fire, nursing a mug of ale. Opposite the door, where a long bar rested, the innkeeper was serving ale pewters. A tavern maid waited patiently to take the drinks to the guests, while another wound her way between tables serving hot food. Conrad finally spotted Gregorii at a corner table, not too far from the roaring fire, nursing a mug of ale. Tanya was nowhere in sight. “I’ll be with you in a second, gentlemen,” the innkeeper, a portly man, shouted above the noise. Conrad waved to him and made his way to Gregorii. He passed a hand through his hair, trying to hide the anxiety that coursed through his veins. Had something happened to the girl? Had Gregorii abandoned her? Had she left their company? A bitter taste rose to his mouth at the thought that she would have left without saying goodbye.

Gregorii rose to meet them, smiling. Conrad frowned. It had been a while since he’d seen his friend so relaxed and at ease. He had the feeling that something was amiss, but he couldn’t quite place it. “Where is Tanya?” he asked while sitting across from his friend. Johann and Wybert took seats next to him. “Fast asleep upstairs. I came down to wait for you.” The innkeeper hurried to them, a smile upon his face. He welcomed them and quickly took their orders. “She is safe?” “In perfect state, merely tired from the last day’s tolls. But I guess the hunger has awoken her. There she comes.” Conrad turned around to where Gregorii pointed and forgot all about his comrades. Tanya walked towards them. Clearly, the few hours of rest had been beneficial, because she looked even more beautiful than before. She still wore the same clothes, but stood straighter and as she walked her body swayed in a hypnotic way. She had recently brushed her hair and it hung loose and shiny, in soft reddish waves down her back. “I see you have made it back safely and without a single scratch,” Tanya said softly. Conrad blinked. His mind was blank as he regarded the glow of her eyes under the soft light of the fire. “Lady Tanya was very worried that you wouldn’t make it,” Gregorii explained, quickly rising to offer her a seat. “Lady?” Conrad blurted. Gregorii frowned and Conrad knew that he had made a mistake. He glanced at Tanya again and his suspicions were confirmed: he had erred. She openly glared at him. Her amber eyes, which two seconds ago had been welcoming and mellow, were now ablaze. Before he could utter an apology, Tanya lifted her chin and swung back her hair in defiance. “I might not be the sort of noble woman you are used to dallying with, but I am no common whore to whom you can speak in that tone of voice.” “What do you mean, noble woman? Gregorii, what have you told her?” Conrad stood up in outrage, his chair falling back. Tanya ran to stand between him and Gregorii. “Don’t you dare accuse him of anything!”

One of her fingers shot out and she began to poke him in the chest. She looked up at him, livid. “He has told me nothing. Your actions have spoken for themselves. You believe yourself superior to my status, like any other knight. You think you can command me around and I’ll do your bidding, well—“ “Will you stand by and watch while this wench shouts at me?” he growled at his men. Conrad glowered at them. They looked impassively on, amusement drawn on their features. For God’s sake, he could even tell that Wybert was trying hard to stifle his laughter. He noticed that some of the soldiers were also watching and openly laughing at the scene. Outraged, Conrad turned around and left. He could not bear to hear her accuse him of those things. That he did not know how to be with a commoner? That he thought himself above all his friends? That his actions had proved her point? When had he been anything more than gallant? He had offered to watch over her while she bathed, without peeking. There had been that moment when he had looked into her eyes and almost succumbed to her beauty, but besides that, he had done nothing worse than stay away from her tempting nature and now, he found, hot temper. Conrad hurried to the stables, where the startled stable boy jumped to his feet as soon as he saw him. He handed the boy a coin for his troubles and sent him back to bed. He found his mare, Splendida, and began to brush her down, the physical task and the proximity of the affectionate animal calming his bad humor. “Conrad.” “Did you gentlemen have enough entertainment for the night, or do you wish to make more sport of me?” he said through gritted teeth as Johann came into view. “You’re being ridiculous, Captain.” Conrad spun around. The fact that he was in command of the small band of mercenaries was an unspoken truth. It was a rare thing when any of them addressed him like that. “Why do you think that?” he said in a controlled voice. “You are angry over a woman you’ve barely known two nights.”

“She has no right. We could have let her die in the road, perhaps be raped. But we saved her, and yet she dares accuse me of things she has no knowledge about and—“ “None of us has any knowledge about it, except Gregorii. But tell me truly, Conrad, are you angry because she is a mere woman shouting at you or because she discovered something we don’t know, or what? Why are you angry, man?” Johann demanded, slapping one of the wooden beams that held the stable together. Conrad faced his mare. The animal nuzzled him affectionately, perhaps judging his sour mood and seeking to comfort him. Conrad smiled and scratched her behind the ears. Why was he angry? He had been in the stables for a few minutes and still had not come up with a satisfactory answer. He’d gone through a thousand reasons: Tanya was ungrateful, Gregorii had let something slip; Gregorii had betrayed him, Tanya had no right to shout at him…Whatever passed through his head, Conrad discarded it. The truth was that he wasn’t sure why he had burst like that. He shook his head and passed a hand through his sweaty locks before facing Johann again. “I thought as much. Come join us for dinner and put this behind you.” With a nod and a last pat to Splendida, Conrad followed Johann out of the stables. “Besides, worry yourself not, tonight is probably the last we’ll see of her,” Johann added. Conrad jumped. How could he have forgotten? They had promised to drop the girl off at Wilton, and that they had done. They would be rid of her tomorrow morning at first light. He should be glad that the bothersome wench would be gone, but instead a feeling of black despair seemed to claw at his heart. He ground his teeth together, trying to fight off that dismal feeling he didn’t quite understand. The animation in the tavern was in full swing: The troubadour sang another rowdy tale of a sailor and a mermaid, and a soldier had dug out his flute and accompanied the cheerful melody. The card players had stopped their game to watch and sing along to the wellknown ballad. The exception to the merry-making was the group of three men who sat oblivious to the party. “The girl?”

“She fled to her room as soon as those three men entered,” Wybert whispered, indicating with his head where they sat huddled in conversation. Conrad observed them. Two were without a doubt knights. They wore simple tunics, breeches and mud-clotted boots. Over their clothes they wore tabards, though he could not make out the coat of arms. The third man was dressed in impeccably clean clothes. He could not gauge from his distance but he had the feeling that the buttons on the man’s white shirt and brash jacket were made of pearls. “She declares she was not feeling well, but I believe there is something more.” Gregorii nodded. “Her eyes grew wide and all color fled her cheeks. Do you think she was fleeing Lester town? We only asked her what had happened with the merchant, not why she was with him.” Conrad nodded, solemn. “Clearly, something is amiss.” He took a swig from the warm ale he had abandoned earlier. “Shall I go speak to her?” Gregorii volunteered. “No, I’ll go; I owe her an apology, anyway.” “She’s in the last room to the left of the staircase,” Johann said. “Since Gregorii arrived here earlier, he was able to procure two rooms for all of us.” Drinking the last of his ale, Conrad stood and made his way up the wooden staircase. He knew he had to apologize, but he had never been very good at it. Furthermore, he had to know why the girl was fleeing from soldiers. If it was something that put her in danger… He stopped at her door and knocked. There was no response. He knocked harder, thinking that the noise from the common room drowned out all sound. He passed a hand through his hair and shuffled his feet. Maybe she had fallen asleep. He put his ear close to the door, attempting to hear something within. He was rewarded by the noise of something falling and a softly spoken curse. With a bang, he opened the door. Tanya stood on the window ledge, the hem of her skirt tangled on the lock, a wooden bench strewn on the floor. She looked at him, her eyes wide and frightened as she tugged at her skirt trying to free herself. In two strides Conrad had his arms around her, pulling her inside. She struggled against him and they fell in a heap onto the floor.

Tanya tried to stand and run, but he pulled at her skirt and she fell back with a cry. Grasping her wrists and placing them over her head, Conrad rolled over her and held down her body with his own. “Let me go, Conrad.” She lifted her hips, trying to stave him away, but only succeeded in firmly nestling her body against his. Her pouty lips parted as her breathing became heavy. The tip of her tongue slid out to wet her lower lip and his cock stirred. Her eyes glazed over as she stared up at him, all traces of fear gone, replaced by desire.

Chapter Five Tanya’s breath came out in short spurts. Conrad held her hands above her head, his heavy weight pinning her to the ground. “What did you think you were doing, trying to jump out of that window?” Conrad asked between clenched teeth. Tanya swallowed hard and wet her dry lips, trying to regain some control over her body. She watched in fascination as Conrad’s bright green eyes turned a shade darker, gleaming with desire. She parted her lips and took in a shaky breath. Her breasts were crushed against Conrad’s solid chest. Her sensitive nipples poked through her clothes, begging to be licked by the soft lips that hovered a few inches above her. Fluid rushed to meet her nether folds as she felt Conrad’s cock grow long and hard between her legs. “It is none of your business, lord knight,” she managed to spit out. “It is my business. You could have killed yourself. That ledge is not wide enough to hold any man or woman. You would have taken a step and slipped to your death. What causes you so much fear?” “Release me,” she demanded. Tanya struggled against his firm grip. She knew she would never be able to fight him off, and she didn’t want to. It was all a pretense to get closer to him. She wanted him to hold her down and overtake her. His thick cock slid against her, their layers of clothing preventing him from being inside her. Tanya bit her lower lip in frustration. Conrad held her tightly and yet his body flowed with hers, as if they were making love through their clothes. As if remembering his purpose to be in the room, Conrad stilled their undulating bodies. “Not until you tell me why you’re running from the soldiers.” His voice was a controlled growl. Huskier and deeper than ever, it caused her insides to melt. “It is—“ “None of my business,” he ended for her, his head an inch closer, his tone more threatening. “But it is, Tanya. If you are an outlaw, I am being kind in letting you explain yourself. If those men are looking for you, I could turn you in right now and probably gain a hefty bag of gold in the process. Speak.”

Tanya cursed under her breath, all erotic thoughts banished from her mind as the truth of his words dawned on her. Anger quickly replaced her excitement. “Will you at least get off me so I can breathe?” she asked. Conrad hesitated. She could tell he was weighing his options. His eyes darted from the open door to the window. “I will not run. I promise.” With a nod, he reluctantly removed himself. Tanya sat up. She crossed her legs and watched in a daze as Conrad went about the room, barring the window and door. Her body still throbbed from their tumble and she could not help thinking him handsome as he reclined against the door, his arms across his chest, his piercing gaze demanding she begin to speak. With a sigh she decided that after all her losses, explaining her tale to Conrad held no danger. She stared at her hands for a moment, trying to gather her thoughts and calm her fast heart. Finally, she looked up at him and met his gaze head-on. “As I told you, I worked at Lester’s Inn, in the town of Lester. I grew up in that tavern. My mother had been a serving maid there for the better part of her life. Then one day, a knight came. He promised her all sorts of things and my mother believed him. From that union, I was born.” Tanya laughed without mirth. “She always said that she didn’t regret having me, but that her greatest mistake had been to trust a knight. Therefore, I grew up with the knowledge that knights were untrustworthy. According to her, all knights were liars who used their status to obtain whatever profit they could. “ Tanya paused. Conrad had seemed on the verge of saying something, but he shook his head slightly and indicated that she should continue. “She was right.” With thumb and forefinger, Tanya rubbed her eyes, suddenly feeling extremely tired. “It had been a quiet night at the tavern. A man dressed in armor, except for the helmet, smelling of sweat and blood stepped into the inn. “He’s gorgeous,” Matty whispered dreamily from behind the kitchen door. Tanya smiled. She studied the knight as he argued with Baldric, the innkeeper. He was taller than Baldric by at least a good three inches, and Baldric was almost six feet. His messy hair, still sweaty, was cropped a little above his firm jaw. His nose was straight,

his lips finely chiseled. He had thick eyebrows and large brown eyes. Tanya had no doubt that the knight was good looking, but underneath the handsome face, his eyes had a hard edge to them that made her nervous. She listened in as Baldric quarreled with the stranger. The soldier wanted rooms for all his men but he wanted to pay half of what they were worth. Baldric refused. The knight lowered his voice so that she could not hear what he said. The next thing she knew, the knight strode out and a few minutes later, soldiers were camping all over the tavern. She soon discovered that the name of the knight with the calculating brown eyes was Reynard. His vassal was Lord Frederic and he and his soldiers were on their way back from some mission or another. “I’ll be glad to be rid of these pests,” Baldric uttered under his breath while refilling the empty pewters she had brought him. “When do they leave?” “Tomorrow at first light, thank goodness!” “They stayed for another three days. Reynard the Bastard as I like to think of him, decided that his trip to see his lord could wait and he changed my life forever,” she said. Tanya watched Conrad slide to the floor. He sat across from her, his legs crossed above the ankles, his back to the door, listening intently as she spoke. “He was tolerable the first two nights. He simply pinched my ass or spoke loudly about my body. I could handle that, but on the third night…” “Matty, will you please serve him?” “I’ll try again, Tanya, but you know he’ll call for you.” Misty took the tray laden with food and wound her way to Reynard’s table. She had barely set the food down when he began to shout. With a swipe of his hand he threw two of the dishes onto the floor, crashing them into tiny pieces. “Where is the red-headed wench? I demand to be served by that beauty or you’ll not have any more plates by the time we’re through here, master innkeeper.” His men laughed as Tanya hurried to his table with a rag. She knelt on the ground to pick up the broken pieces. Rough hands grabbed her from behind. She yelped as they lifted her off the floor and settled her onto Reynard’s lap.

“Now, that’s a laddie. The blond is pretty enough, but she is nothing to you,” he said, sliding his index finger over the top of her breasts. Tanya bit her lower lip, trying not to insult the knight for she knew there would be dire consequences. She felt a wave of nausea as he cupped her sex through her skirts. She could feel his shaft nestled between her buttocks and thought she would vomit right there. “Tanya!” Sam the cook called to her from the kitchen doorway. “I need you now.” She tried to disentangle herself from Reynard’s grip but he held her steadfast. “Tanya!” “Please, sir.” “Promise you’ll be back, wench,” he demanded. Tanya nodded. Apparently satisfied with her mute reply, he slapped her ass as she scurried to the kitchen. Tears came to her eyes as she hid among the safety of the pots and pans. Sam patted her shoulder awkwardly. Suddenly, Baldric materialized out of nowhere. “Tanya, please, I beg you, bed the man so he will leave us all in peace.” “I beg your pardon, Baldric?” she hissed. Her tears ceased to fall as her temper surfaced. “What have you to lose? Everyone knows you lost your virginity to my brother. It will only be a night and we’ll all be safer as soon as they leave.” Tanya shook her head. “How dare you! I lost my virtue to your brother because I cared for him. I am no whore. I will take to bed whomever I please. I will see to the horses.” She spun around and almost ran to the stables. “Fetch some wood since you’re at it,” Baldric shouted after her, his tone clearly reflecting his anger. Tanya reached the stables. It was late at night and the groom boy was fast asleep atop the loft. She paced across the hay-strewn floor. She needed to be alone for a moment before returning to the common room. The only place where she could relax was around the animals. They didn’t boss her around, call her names, or touch her when she didn’t welcome the touch. At the back of the stables, she found Baldric’s horse, a bay beauty that allowed himself to be petted. She didn’t hear him coming. Suddenly, he was upon her. His large hands grabbed her breasts, tugging at the lace of her bodice

and ripping at her chemise. She fought back with all her might. She struck out at Reynard, digging her nails into his face. “You bitch.” He punched her and her world turned black for a moment. When she regained consciousness, her skirts were bundled around her waist and he was hovering over her, his dick poised to enter. She closed her thighs and kicked him savagely. He stepped back. Grabbing her by her braid, he forced her to her knees. “We can go back to that later.” He spoke something else but the words didn’t register. A plan formed in her mind and as he pushed his cock into her mouth, she bit him. It wasn’t hard enough that it would cause permanent damage, but it was enough to startle him. Shoving him to the side, she ran out of the stables. His screamed curses followed her all the way out. “Unfortunately, he was true to his word and didn’t take long in executing his revenge. He and his men departed the next day, leaving behind a trail of nasty rumors about me and the inn. Baldric explained that I needed to leave. The inn couldn’t survive with such harsh publicity.” Tanya shrugged. “So, after a tearful night I decided that nothing tied me to Lester and that same morning I searched for someone traveling north with whom I could go. Master Hermes, the wool merchant, didn’t mind the rumors and he was kind enough to accept me into his caravan. After that, you know the tale,” she finished. Conrad watched her quietly. His face was an unreadable mask. “Why didn’t the stable boy ask for help?” he asked after a moment. “I don’t know. Fear, I guess.” “Do you think Baldric set you up?” Tanya bit her lower lip as her eyes filled with tears. That was indeed something that had crossed her mind more than once, but she wanted to believe that Baldric, a man whom she had grown up with like a brother, wasn’t so cruel. “I see. Are the men in the common room—“ “They are Reynard’s men and I fled when I saw him enter. He didn’t see me but I can’t imagine what would happen if he did… I guess I panicked.” Tanya lowered her gaze. Conrad’s expression was unreadable and she feared that he would somehow consider her at fault for what had happened. Her eyes widened when his shadow loomed over her. She stared up at him as he kneeled before her. Her

gaze danced across his face. Conrad’s countenance was serious but his green eyes revealed his wrath. “I will not let any of those men harm you, Tanya. Tomorrow we will leave Wilton and take you to another town where you’ll be safe. I give you my word.” The tears that she had been holding back began to slip down her cheeks and she hastily wiped them away. “I’m sorry I insulted you earlier, Conrad. I did not mean to meddle.” Gently, Conrad placed a finger on her chin, tilting it up so she would look into his eyes. He brushed away an errant tear, caressing her cheek tenderly. “It is I who must apologize. I don’t know what came over me. I guess it had been a while since anybody stood up to me…and mentioned my past.” Tanya said nothing, mesmerized by his eyes. Her breathing became shallow and a lump grew in her throat. How could a man so large be so gentle? He lowered his head and lightly kissed her lips. A current swept through her, as if lightning had fallen from the sky. Suddenly, it was gone. Conrad had taken a step back and was heading for the door. “Gregorii told me he saved this room for your own use, but we shall divide. I’ll have Gregorii and Wybert sleep here with you tonight and Johann and I will use the other room. In that manner they can keep an eye on you if there is any trouble. We’ll leave at first light.” Tanya opened her mouth to protest. Why didn’t he want to stay with her? She quickly closed it, though. Who was she to question her savior? “Have you eaten?” Tanya shook her head. “I’ll send the boys up with some food and ale. Rest well, Tanya.” With that, Conrad was gone. Tanya sat in the middle of the room wondering on his strange moods.

Chapter Six Tanya stared at the cracked ceiling above her. They had retired for the night more than two hours ago, but sleep had not come to her. Moonlight streamed through the wooden shutters, giving the room a soft glow. The night was warm and sweat gathered at the back of her neck. To make it worse, the image of Conrad kept swimming before her eyes. Tanya wished she could throw the window open, but the men had suggested keeping it shut, just in case. She glanced at the window and suppressed a giddy giggle, remembering the afternoon’s incident. Barely a few hours ago she had tried escaping, but Conrad had prevented it. And how he had stopped her! A shiver raced down her back to land between her legs as she recalled Conrad’s intense gaze sweeping over her. Capturing her wrists in his hands, he had thrown himself over her, his erect cock rubbing against her. She groaned and turned in bed. Her right hand snaked to the apex between her thighs and she pressed lightly, hoping to appease her roaring lust. It did nothing more than to fuel her desire. She searched the room, trying to calm her mind. It was scantly furnished with only their sleeping mattresses, a washing basin and a small table. Her gaze fell on Gregorii’s and Wybert’s sleeping forms. The recollection of Gregorii’s wild horseback ride from that afternoon assaulted her and her body responded with an intense tingling of arousal. She licked her lips, remembering his well-endowed shaft. Tanya smiled as she observed him. He slept like an innocent child: curled up to the side, his right hand dangling close to the floor and near his sword. And what a sword he had––not the one on the foot of the bed, but the one with which he had impaled her that afternoon. She pressed her legs together as the memory of his thick cock pounding into her resurfaced. It was so thick and hard, filling every inch of her sodden pussy. Then there was the matter of his naked chest. She watched as it rose and fell in easy sleep, her hands itching to caress the soft skin. With a frustrated sigh, she trained her eyes on Wybert. He slept soundly: his feet dangled over the edge of the bed, and he had one arm over his eyes, the other splayed on his stomach. He kept his trousers on but had rid himself of his tunic. Tanya marveled at the thickness of his arms and the corded muscles on his biceps. She mused at the thought of wrapping her arm around the thick limb. Her

small hands would probably be unable to cover it all. She shook her head, her thoughts straying to another part of his anatomy that she hadn’t seen but which she couldn’t help wondering if it was as big as the rest of him. Disgusted at herself, she lay on her back again. Had she been alone in the room she would have pleasured herself. She crossed her arms over her chest and closed her eyes. Tanya took in a deep breath and tried to relax. It was impossible. Her thoughts travelled back to Conrad. She smiled in the dark, remembering how he had promised to see her to safety. What she wouldn’t give to have him in the room with her now. She could just picture it: the small cot would sag under their weight and Conrad would probably barely fit. But she wouldn’t mind. She’d curl up to him, her ass pressed tightly to his groin, his arm tucked under her waist, pulling her closer. Slowly, his erection would grow against her behind, teasing her. Her breath grew shallow. One of his hands would travel to her breasts, pinching the bud of her nipples, making her squirm against him. He’d grind himself against her and she’d push back. The heat would consume them and soon she’d be on her back, him over her, his rigid cock poised to enter her and— Tanya huffed. This was not good. She turned to face the wall. She was hot, wet and uncomfortable. Perchance she could try being quiet and touch herself a little, if only to ease the steady throbbing between her legs. She waited a few moments. The men seemed to be soundly sleeping, their breaths even. It wouldn’t harm anyone and maybe then she’d be able to sleep. Slowly, she slid her right hand to her thighs. She lifted the hem of her chemise and found her wanton pussy soaked. Tanya bit her lip, trying to stifle the moan as she caressed her swollen folds. She lowered her other hand and thumbed her clit. Her breathing grew louder in her own ears and she stopped, waiting to see if any of the men had awoken. Satisfied that they were still asleep, she squeezed her clit again. Gently, she pushed a finger inside her simmering twat as a tiny moan erupted. She paused again to make sure the men slept. She introduced another finger and quickly built up the seesaw movement. With the palm of her other hand, she bore down on her clit. She tried to move as little as possible on the creaking cot, but her body took on a mind of its own and she rocked against her hands. Her breasts strained against the wool of her chemise and she closed her

eyes, dreaming that Conrad was there, suckling on them. She whimpered at the thought. Strong hands removed her own from her pussy. She jumped and bit back a cry as Wybert’s looming shape stood over her and his fingers substituted for her own. She couldn’t help moaning loudly as the large digits penetrated her wet canal. Light erupted into the room and she saw Gregorii placing the lamp on the table. She beckoned to him. Gregorii brushed his lips against the back of her hand. He inhaled deeply before taking her index finger into his mouth and licking it. She watched in fascination as his eyes grew dark with lust and he savored another one of her fingers. Unexpectedly, Wybert’s delving fingers were gone. She barely had an instant to register the emptiness when she felt his mouth on her sopping pussy. Her jaw dropped and Gregorii took the opportunity to kiss her, his tongue driving into the recess of her mouth and bringing her to new waves of pleasure. He pulled her chemise higher until he was forced to disengage himself from their kiss. Tenderly, he helped her remove the garment. Tanya shivered at the sudden cold air but the feeling dissipated as Wybert’s mouth sucked, explored and licked the outer and inner flesh of her cunt. Her breath sounded brash to her ears as a burning sensation began to build inside her. Meanwhile, Gregorii weighed her breasts in his hands, pinching and rolling her nipples between thumb and forefinger. Her moans grew louder, less careless. She bucked against Wybert’s mouth as Gregorii’s latched onto her right nipple. He sucked deeply, like a starving cub. The heat in her belly grew until she thought she would burst. Almost in coordination, Gregorii switched breasts and Wybert flicked her clit. Her world crumbled. “Conrad,” she cried out as wave after wave of pleasure engulfed her. Tanya lay back. Her legs shook and her heart beat loudly against her ears. Had she just cried out Conrad’s name? She glanced at the men. They didn’t seem to notice. Wybert grinned at her from his position between her legs. Gregorii, swept back her hair, also smiling. “We though you needed some help.” Tanya couldn’t help smiling. “You were not mistaken, but I–– ”

“Women also have needs, Tanya,” Gregorii said, a sassy smile spreading across his lips. Tanya laughed. She sat up in the mattress and observed the men. They stood in front of her, arms to the side, the flickering candlelight bringing their chiseled bodies into relief. They had broad shoulders and stomachs ridged with muscles. Her gaze dipped below their narrow hips and she licked her lips at the sight. Both men still wore their trousers but the strain of their cocks was visible through the cloth. “I believe men have their needs, too.” She stood up on her tiptoes and kissed Wybert first. She shuddered against him. His lips were soft yet commanding, and the tangy taste of her sex still lingered on them. Tanya crashed against him as his large hands cupped her ass, covering it entirely. Her nipples rubbed against his chest, creating a delicious friction as she slid her body against him and the large organ that rested between them. Wybert stroked the inside of her thigh and she pulled away from him. Gregorii opened his arms and she went to him. He embraced her hard, but their first kiss was tender. Tanya caressed his wide shoulders, her fingers lightly dancing over his hairless chest and down onto his muscled stomach. Her fingers glided over his hip and snaked across his back. Gregorii’s tongue plunged into her mouth, stroking it and sensually arousing her. She raked her nails down the hard planes of his back and he hissed against her mouth. She smirked and stepped back. “Well, aren’t you going to take those off?” She indicated the trousers. Both men scurried to do her bidding and she couldn’t help laughing. However, her laughter died out when they all turned to stare at the small cot. “We won’t fit,” Wybert pointed out. “We will fit,” Gregorii replied with determination. He sat on the bed and motioned to Wybert that he should sit next to him. “Now, my lady, you lie over us.” “As if you were the cot?” she asked them. Suddenly, Tanya felt extremely shy. She had never been with two men at the same time and their angry swollen heads and thick hard shafts slightly intimidated her.

“Don’t be afraid, little one. We won’t do anything you don’t want us to do.” Tanya nodded and observed the men for a moment. “I think I’d rather kneel before you.” Gregorii raised his eyebrows and Wybert inclined his head, but neither man said anything as she dropped to her knees before them. Curiosity drove her to Wybert first. She tentatively kissed the inside of his thigh and glanced up at him. His dark eyes were trained on her, waiting. She smiled nervously and continued dropping kisses on his thigh until she was close to his rigid cock. She hesitated a moment, marveling at its thickness. She attempted to wrap one of her small hands around its girth, but couldn’t. She bit her lower lip in concentration. Just because she couldn’t hold him in her hand didn’t mean she couldn’t take him into her mouth. Determined to pleasure him, she lowered her head to the bulbous top of his shaft. She kissed the fat mushroom-shaped head before lightly rolling her tongue against it. She licked her way to the base and around it until Wybert’s thick cock was wet with her saliva. Then, she opened her mouth and had her first taste of his weeping cock. While she adjusted her lips to the wide member in her mouth, Gregorii took her other hand and directed it towards his own shaft. Tanya moaned. Pleasure coursed through her as she realized what she was doing. Her body burned and she began to lower her mouth in tempo with her hand across both men’s stiff dicks. Slow at first, she gradually adjusted herself to the posture and increased her pace. The smell of raw sex lingered in the air with the sounds of low moans, groans and slurping as she avidly sucked Wybert and handled Gregorii. Abruptly, Tanya switched. She took Gregorii’s full cock into her mouth. One of his hands flew to her shoulder and he let out a strangled groan. She held Wybert’s cock, her hand slipping easily over the shaft wet with her saliva. Wybert kept his eyes closed in concentration. His lips were a thin line as he bit hard on them, clearly trying to hold back. She chanced a glance at Gregorii. He looked down at her, his brown eyes darkened with desire, his mouth slightly parted, and sweat trickling down his chest as she went down on him. Their eyes met and he slumped backwards while his hips thrust forward. She cupped his balls and his breath became shallow.

Gregorii reached down and brushed his fingers against the sensitive skin of her breast. She mewled in pleasure. “Release me, lady, before I finish in your mouth,” he said between gasps. Tanya complied. She stood up on unsteady feet. Her thighs were slick with her own juices and the steady humming between her legs demanded attention. She took a step towards Gregorii, meaning to straddle him, but Wybert grabbed her and pulled her to him. She fell across his lap and he kissed her thoroughly while his hands nimbly explored her heated flesh. He lowered his head to her right breast and licked the pink areola, causing goose bumps to rise on her skin. Gregorii took possession of her left and she cried out in pleasure as both men sucked hard on her tender nipples. Gregorii’s hand found her pussy and he roughly pushed a finger inside her. Wybert continued playing with her breasts while Gregorii caressed her ass. Over and over again his fingers slid down her crack. They’d dip lower and lower, enter her pussy and rush up again. Her body quivered. Tanya rocked herself against the invading fingers––she could no longer tell if they were three or four. In they’d go, then out, spreading her wetness to her ass. Back down they would slide, rubbing against her labia, rotating inside until she dripped and then out again, sliding into the curve of her ass. “Please—“ “Shush, little one.” She bucked against them. Her pussy throbbed. She wanted their warm rods inside her, not their thick fingers. “Please—“ Suddenly, they pulled her up into a sitting position. Wybert picked her up and settled her so that she was straddling him. She reached down to grasp his cock, eager to have him inside her. He playfully smacked her hands. “Not yet, sweet lady.” Before she could protest, Wybert thrust his tongue into the hollow of her mouth. She melted into the kiss, concentrating on the smooth firm lips that were nibbling and licking her. She broke away from him as a strange entity tried to enter her from behind. “Relax, my lady.” Gregorii stood behind her, his hands splayed on her ass, caressing. Tanya nodded and Wybert recaptured her mouth. She

gasped as she felt the finger enter her virgin anus. Wybert took her mouth and relaxed against him as Gregorii slowly began to fuck her backside. She bent forward, her body a burning ball of fire. Gregorii pushed another finger inside and she shoved back. Another source of pleasure caused her to squirm. Wybert’s fat digit was entering her open cunt. Pleasure slammed against her so hard she thought she would faint. “Please, Gregorii, Wybert,” she mumbled, unsure what it was she wanted. She barely caught the glance the men gave each other as if they had reached some sort of silent agreement. Wybert lifted her a little above him. He took her hand in his and led it to his thick, veiny shaft. Tanya moaned as the thick member stretched her slick vagina. Wybert leaned back and brought her down with him. He brushed his lips against hers. “Don’t move.” Tanya yelped when she felt something large try to push its way inside her anus. “Did I hurt you?” Gregorii’s husky voice whispered from behind. She shook her head. “I was just surprised…I’ve never…” “Try to relax.” She nodded. He rubbed the head of his cock against her wet pussy for a moment before she felt him once more against her backside, slowly pushing in. Wybert kissed her, trying to distract her from Gregorii’s cock slowly easing his way inside her virgin hole. She felt her anus slowly adjust to the new feeling until Gregorii’s cock would go no further, her anus already made smaller by Wybert’s shaft inside her pussy. Gregorii folded over her back and kissed the nape of her neck. “Are you ready?” he whispered hoarsely. Tanya nodded, a thrill of anticipation running through her and wetting her pussy more than she ever thought possible. Without warning, Gregorii pulled back. His cock eased from the depths of her tender opening for a moment before he thrust in again. The movement impaled her on Wybert’s cock inside her pussy. She cried out, pleasure coursing through every pore of her body. They began to build a steady rhythm: when one was pulling out the other was pushing in. Tanya had never felt so full in her life. The men grunted

in exertion and sweat trickled down their muscled bodies, mingling with her own sweat and the juices that ran freely down her thighs. Gregorii wound his arm around her and fondled one of her breasts. She moaned and whimpered in ecstasy. Flesh smacked flesh over and over again, their lovemaking reaching a frenetic rhythm. Gregorii smacked her ass, Wybert licked her earlobe. Her body spasmed and shook, her vagina contracted and she lost all sense of direction. Tanya screamed, and as if far away, she heard the men groan as they too found their shattering release.

Chapter Seven Conrad bit the inside of his cheek. He tasted blood and was furious. Why had he sent Gregorii and Wybert to Tanya’s room? A little voice in his head answered him: You became scared. He was a fighting man. He’d seen some terrible things in his life and did not fear death or pain. And yet, he’d barely brushed the wench’s lips and had run off like a coward. Conrad turned in bed and clapped a hand to his ears, trying to fend off the unmistakable moans of pleasure issuing from the room next door. He should have possessed her right then and there. The moment his lips grazed Tanya’s, he should have succumbed to desire and claimed her. Instead, he’d made the terrible mistake of sending Gregorii and Wybert to protect her. Conrad swore under his breath. “Protect her, please,” he snorted. By what he was hearing through the paper-thin inn walls, they were all fucking each other’s brains out. Conrad felt he should have known better. Neither one of them had had a woman in bed for months––and Tanya was no lady. She had made that clear, but had also stated that she was no whore. Well, she was certainly acting the part now. Conrad slammed his fist against the cot as a particularly loud cry reached his ears. He would be surprised if the whole inn did not hear the scandal they were making. He could make out every single one of her cries, her moans, her whimpers… And at every one of them he wished he was the one pounding into her and making her climax, kissing her pouty lips, stroking her ripe breasts, running his fingers through the damp curls between her legs. Conrad sighed. His cock was so hard it hurt. He ground his teeth together as he heard one of the men say something. He would have expected something like this from Wybert, but Gregorii? His best mate. Conrad had saved his entire goddamn village, and this was how he was to be repaid? By Gregorii taking his woman? Conrad opened his eyes to the gloomy room. Where had that thought come from? His woman? Since when did he have a claim over her? He’d barely known her for two days. He had no right, and yet…He turned in his bed, trying to ease his discomfort. It was her sexual appeal. He hadn’t had a woman in months either, and Tanya was a woman in all senses: Her soft supple curves,

the soft locks of her hair, her yielding mouth. He heard Tanya cry out in what he guessed was another orgasm. But she was a woman like any other. What he needed was a pussy. Any pussy. And he needed it now. Conrad sat up in bed and began to put on his boots in the darkness. He glanced at Johann’s cot and noticed the man watching him dress. “I’m going out,” Conrad declared, donning his tunic. He heard Johann’s cot creak as he also got up. “I’m going with you. I think Wybert and Gregorii are able enough to care for her.” **** Conrad trudged up the stairs. It was almost daybreak, and if Tanya wanted to leave the town without attracting any notice, it was best to do it at this hour. Besides, they’d have to either buy a horse for her, or steal one, because he would rather she didn’t ride double with any of them any more. Conrad rubbed his tired eyes and stroked the shadow of the beard that darkened his features. As the night wore on, his fury still had not abated. He and Johann had gone in search of a prostitute in the small town. They’d found two willing ladies for a considerable fee. Johann had gone up to one of the rooms in the brothel and he’d gone to another with a redhead. He had kissed her, stripped her, and touched her, but his cock had gone flaccid. He kept seeing the damn wench in his mind, and it was not the prostitute. The whore didn’t have the rounded milky white breasts he knew would fit perfectly in his hands. She didn’t have the narrow waist and wide hips. She didn’t have the buxom bottom that had slid over his cock when they had ridden together. She didn’t possess the soft lips he had kissed before. And what’s more, she didn’t have those passionate amber eyes that caused Conrad to squirm so. He’d paid the girl for her time and gone for a walk. Conrad stood at the door to the last room on the left of the staircase and hesitated. He passed a hand through his hair. What would he find in there? Would he be able to stomach it? He couldn’t imagine his Tanya sandwiched between his two men. He shuffled his feet. It didn’t matter. He had given her his word that he’d get her out of there, and they had to leave now. He knocked on the door. There was no reply. He knocked again. Nothing. Conrad’s rage increased and he pushed open the door. He stared for a moment in shock. The three of them lay on the floor, a

simple sheet covering their naked bodies. His glance focused on Tanya, asleep between Wybert and Gregorii. Her hair was tousled, her pouty lips partly open. Conrad could just glimpse her soft curves from underneath the white sheet and his cock began to stir. “Get up, you lazy louts,” he bellowed. Gregorii and Wybert jumped up, startled. “And you call yourselves mercenaries? I could have gutted any of you in a moment and you wouldn’t have batted an eyelash to stop me.” Tanya hurried to cover herself, her face bright red with embarrassment. “Get dressed and come downstairs to the stables. We leave in an hour’s time.” With that, Conrad was off. He thought he heard Tanya calling, but ignored it. He hurried to the common room where the innkeeper was already preparing the day’s meal and ordered ale, downing it in a single gulp. Hadford was the next village, a week’s ride away. That meant another week with Tanya at his side. Conrad cursed and ordered another ale. It would be another week of trying to fight off whatever it was he was feeling. **** “Conrad, I think we’re being followed.” Conrad jumped at the sound of Johann’s quiet voice next to him. He realized that throughout their five-day trip, the usually introverted man had been quieter than customary. He berated himself for not noticing before, and made a mental note to speak to the lad at their next stop. “Go back and scout,” he ordered the blond. Johann nodded and turned back his horse. They were barely two days’ ride away from Hadford, and had not encountered any problems so far. That is, if you didn’t consider Tanya. Conrad glanced her way. She sat atop the horse he had bought her at the inn, quietly staring at the road ahead. Almost as if she knew he was watching her, she tilted her head to the side. Before their eyes could meet, Conrad looked away. Conrad had been battling with a surge of conflicting emotions. He had barely been civil to Tanya during their trip, addressing her only when necessary and avoiding her at all costs. Yet, he could not restrain himself from gawking at her like an idiot. Once or twice she

had caught him and tried to talk, but he would scurry away, making up some excuse or another. It’s not that Conrad didn’t want to talk to Tanya––he did. He ached to hear her melodious voice speak directly to him, to see her amber eyes flash with passion and her hands swipe the air as she told one tale or another. But Conrad avoided it, running from her like the plague, partially because he wasn’t sure of his own feelings. At times, he longed to gather her into his arms and kiss reason into her. Conrad wanted to show her that Wybert and Gregorii were nothing compared to him. He was all she needed. At other times, Conrad was so angry with Tanya for bedding Gregorii and Wybert, he didn’t want her close, didn’t want to remember that they had touched her intimately, or that they had stared into her amber eyes filled with passion and she had surrendered to them. That thought also reminded Conrad just how furious he was with his two men. He ignored them too, and when they sat around the campfire at night, he would sit a little apart, watching them as they laughed and talked and shared a secret bond of which he had no part. The anger would abate as soon as he settled into sleep, and then he’d hate himself for being a fool with no guts to admit that he had fallen for the tavern wench. Johann returned after a few minutes. “They’re right behind us, a company of two dozen men.” “Were they--?” “No, it didn’t look as they were searching, but you never know.” Conrad nodded. He raised his arm and motioned the men to follow him into the forest. He doubted they were seeking Tanya, but he decided not to risk it, preferring instead they wait for the cavalry to pass and then continue on their way. They rode deep into the woods until Conrad found what he was looking for. They stopped at a small gully that was easily defendable on all positions. “We’ll wait here until they pass.” No one questioned his orders. They waited. None spoke. The men hadn’t drawn out their weapons but they stood ready to pull them out should the need arise. After a half hour, Conrad sent Johann to check that the horsemen had passed. He returned with the news that the road was free, so they continued on their way.

The closer one got to the Kingdom’s capital, the larger the surrounding villages became. Hadford was no exception. It was a buoyant town of commerce. Vendors approached them as they rode past the city gates, selling items that ranged from hairbrushes to amulets to crockery or clothes. Conrad ignored them all and wound his way around the city. Finally, they reached the inn he wanted, The Pilgrim’s Rest. The building, not particularly large, rested at the city’s postern’s gate. It wasn’t the best inn in Hadford, but it did have exceptional food. As they approached, a young boy appeared to take their mounts. Everyone handed him the horses except for Conrad. “Go on ahead. I’ll catch up with you in a bit, I’m not sure the boy knows what he is doing, and I’d like to oversee Splendida’s care.” Before any of the men could question him, Conrad turned on his heel and followed the boy into the stables. He didn’t hear any steps behind him so he assumed they had obeyed. Conrad threw the boy a coin and the lad showed him to a stall where he could keep his animal. Conrad sighed. He knew the youngster was capable of caring for the animals but he needed the time to be alone. He unbuckled his sword and set it to the side. Then he removed the baggage his animal was carrying. Finally, he took off his tunic. The night air cooled his skin and cleared his mind. What he really wanted, he admitted to himself, was to relax for a bit before confronting Tanya at the dinner table. Conrad removed Splendida’s bridle and saddle. The animal nudged him, clearly expecting him to give her a treat. Conrad searched in one of the pouches he had just removed and brought out some oats. “Well, Splendida,” he said in soft tones, “it looks like Reynard’s men have ridden past Hadford. So that means we’re free of Tanya.” The horse nickered. Conrad lifted an eyebrow. “What? You disagree?” The animal bumped his hands in search of some more food. Conrad steadied her head and scratched her behind the ears. “Yeah, I know. The men could be back but I mean, she’s old enough to care for herself and—“ The horse seemed to give him a baleful look. Conrad couldn’t help laughing. “All right, I know you’re right, but—“ He left the thought unfinished, afraid to say it aloud. Conrad began to brush the

animal vigorously. He couldn’t just give up on the girl. He had to talk to her first, make her understand. Conrad ceased brushing the animal. A rustle of cloth, barely audible, made him pull out the dagger hidden in his boot. He stood to one side, ready to attack first and question later. He blinked in shock as Tanya came into view. “What are you doing here?” “Do you always pull your sword out at the slightest sound?” She laughed nervously. Her eyes darted from the knife in his hand to his naked chest and back to the knife. The tip of her tongue grazed her lower lip as her gaze landed once more on his chest. “Forgive me. I did not hear you coming.” He lowered his weapon and noticed her hands. They were clenching her long skirt so hard her knuckles were almost white. As Conrad took a step forward, he noticed her eyes rise to his face. Abruptly, he changed his mind and turned his back on her. “Conrad—“ “What do you want?” “I did not mean to disturb you, Conrad.” He flinched at the pain in her voice, but refused to look at her again. Not after what he had just seen in her eyes: that intensity, that burning lust, that aching care which he did not dare label as love. He continued brushing down Splendida, hoping that she would leave him. Conrad heard her hesitant step, her skirts rustling against the scattered hay. He thought Tanya had moved away, but instead a jolt of electricity slammed against him as her small hand wrapped around his arm. He jumped back at the contact, almost dropping the brush at the shock. Tanya released him as if burned. She lowered her hand to her skirt, pretending to brush off some invisible lint. Her cheeks glowed and he fought against the urge to take her into his arms and feel that astonishing bolt of lightning race through him again. “Conrad, why are you angry with me? What have I done to displeasure you?” The question was unexpected, barely a whisper. Tanya’s eyes searched his face and he forced himself to look away. Conrad was angry, but not at her. He was angry with himself for being a fool. He was angry because he wanted her so badly it hurt his very soul.

“What have you done? Nothing,” he lied. “Then why won’t you look me in the eye?” she demanded. He glanced into Tanya’s fiery amber eyes and almost smiled. Barely moments ago she had stood before him, a figure of disappointment. Now, her temper was rising, her character much like his. Unpredictable. Perhaps that’s why he was so attracted to her, he mused. “Well?” Conrad did not answer. “Conrad.” “What?” “I asked you a question. Why have you been avoiding me throughout the week? Why are you so mad at me that you glare at me at every given opportunity? You won’t look me in the eye, you won’t—" “Why should I?” “What?” “I said, why should I look you in the eye?” “Well…” Tanya stalled and he plunged on. “Just because the rest of my men and Reynard faun over you like you were some royal whore does not mean that every man wants you, Tanya.” Tanya gaped at him. “You think me a whore?” The hurt in her voice was unmistakable but the words came out before he could stop them. “I don’t know any respectable woman who would bed two men on a single night.” “How dare you?” she shrieked. Despite his growing agitation, Conrad didn’t reply. He continued brushing his mare as if Tanya wasn’t there. He had fled to the stables to be on his own, precisely because he didn’t want to confront the pretty maid, and now she was here urging him to speak. Unexpectedly, Tanya was yanking at his arm, forcing him to look at her. Her eyes were on fire, and she held her hands to her sides in small fists. “You spied on us?” “I didn’t have to. You were all loud enough.” Tanya’s jaw fell and her face became red, almost to the root of her hair. “You’re just jealous,” she spat.

Conrad laughed, anger feeding his words. “Jealous of what? Of taking a whore to bed? I can go to any brothel and pick any girl a thousand times prettier than you and fuck her all night long. She’ll probably be cheaper, too.” Tanya’s eyes shot daggers at him and he knew that he had crossed a line. “I did not ask you to rescue me. I did not ask for your food. I did not ask for your help. You offered it. When I told you I had no money because it had been stolen you offered to pay. You bought me that horse because you wanted to. I did not ask it. How dare you accuse me of being expensive?” Conrad shrugged. He wasn’t sure what to say. Already he regretted his last words. “You’re just like all the other knights, a self-righteous bastard. Don’t worry about me any longer, Conrad. On the morrow I’ll find an occupation in Hadford and you can be rid of me and my expenses.” Tanya turned on her heels and stormed out. Conrad stared dumbly after her. He had seen the pain in her eyes and once again could not move to comfort her. He passed a hand through his hair. What had he done now, and how was he going to fix it?

Chapter Eight Tanya had had enough. She hurried across the distance from the stables to the inn, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill. She regretted going down to the stables. She knew she should have stayed at the common room with the men, but she had to talk to Conrad. She was hoping that by catching him alone she could have a quiet word with him, to understand why he had been evading her for the past week. Instead, she had lost her temper and somehow things had gotten out of hand. He didn’t want her there and she had pushed him to his limit. She ran past the common room and sprinted up the stairs, taking two steps at a time. She had a need for Conrad that she had never felt for any man. She thought that after the vow he had made her during their trip to Wilton, there had been some sort of understanding between them. The trip to Hadford, however, had proven her wrong. Tanya’s heart ached thinking about it. Every time she had tried to approach Conrad, he’d scampered off. Unable to stand the distance between them any longer, Tanya had gone to him in hopes that they could speak, wanting to understand if she had done something to irritate him. In the barn she had found a man that not only didn’t look her in the eye, but also lied to her. What kind of dimwitted girl did Conrad think she was? She could stand that he didn’t glance her way, but she wouldn’t tolerate a lie, not when it was so obvious. He told her that nothing was wrong but his aloof stance, his raw tone of voice and his rigid jaw betrayed him. Damn it, he had almost spit out those words at her and that had irked her to no end. Tanya just had to let her temper get the better of her and insist. The more he refused to answer, the more she knew something was amiss… until what had been gnawing at his insides burst out. Everything was clear now. The tears she had been holding back finally began to slip down her cheeks as she entered one of the rooms they had secured for the night. She threw herself upon the pallet and cried in earnest. Conrad thought she was a whore. There was nothing wrong with the old profession, but Tanya herself was no prostitute. She only took to bed men she liked and wanted. If she had opened her legs to Wybert and Gregorii it had been because Conrad left her in such a state. Tanya shut her eyes tightly and grazed her lips with the pad of

her thumb. He had barely brushed them but the sensation that coursed through her body and soul was hard to forget. She choked back a sob. If Conrad had stayed in the room with her that night she would have given herself over willingly to him. Instead he left her with Gregorii and Wybert. He had brought it upon himself. Exasperated, she wiped away her tears and swiped back the stray strands of hair that had fallen from her braid. She’d had no idea that he had heard them, but if she had known… Tanya worried her lower lip. No. It still would have happened. As a free woman, she was free to bed whomever she pleased. Tanya clenched her fist. They didn’t have a relationship. Conrad had no claim over her. She was no object. “But I want you. Damn you, Conrad.” A new bout of tears began to fall as she realized her loss. Her heart ached. Why did she have to go and fall in love with a stupid knight? Love? Her heart hammered in her chest and a new sort of pain erupted inside her. She had lost him. Due to her lust, she had lost a man whose voice made butterflies dance in the pit of her stomach and whose eyes caused her insides to turn to mesh. Yes, she had gone and fallen in love with Conrad the mercenary knight. She barely knew anything about his past, but she knew what mattered. He was kind, loyal, fearless, courteous, generous, and willing to help anyone––even a poor tavern wench in the middle of a deserted road. Conrad had gone out of his way to help her, watching over her when she had bathed, protecting her from his own men. He had sworn to see her to safety and had brought her to Hadford, even buying her a horse. She smiled remembering how he had presented the beast to her. “Conrad!” Tanya called after him but he didn’t hear her. She had frozen in horror when he had abruptly opened the door to the bedroom. For the better part of the night she had delighted in finding satisfaction with Gregorii and Wybert but her mind never strayed far from Conrad. More than once she had murmured his name and imagined it was he touching her and pleasuring her. The harsh realization that he hadn’t even been close to her throughout the night appeared when he stood in the doorway to the bedroom. For a moment, as he stood there glaring at them, she had glimpsed his desire, but he had shut it out and replaced it with rage. Tanya dressed as fast as she could, fastening her bodice as she hurried out into the hallway and outside. She rushed past the

common room and into the stables. At the far end of the barn, she saw Conrad deep in conversation with the innkeeper. They stood next to a tawny horse, which Conrad was petting with an affectionate hand. The animal snorted and Conrad laughed. Her heart skipped a beat at the sound of his raspy laughter. She stood rooted to the spot, afraid to confront him. Unexpectedly, Conrad turned to face her and grinned like a little boy caught in some sort of mischief. Tanya couldn’t help smiling. He motioned with his hand for her to approach and her fear and worry evaporated at the sight of his warm reception. “Good day, my lady.” The innkeeper shook hands with Conrad and bowed his head to her as he departed, a chinking pouch in his hand. “What do you think?” Conrad asked her. “It’s beautiful,” she replied, patting the horse’s nuzzle. “It’s for you.” Tanya gaped at Conrad. She knew her face must have held an expression of pure shock because suddenly he laughed with mirth. “For real?” Conrad chuckled. “Yes, I convinced the innkeeper to sell her to me. He promised that it’s a serene beast and it won’t give you any trouble.” “You—you didn’t have to…” she stammered. “I wanted to.” His clear eyes spoke volumes to her and Tanya had to remember to breath. Suddenly, the moment was gone as footsteps and loud speech broke into the stables. Conrad swiveled around and his countenance became stony as Gregorii and Wybert came into view. Desperately, she tried to recapture the moment. “What’s her name?” He glanced her way and she felt as if she’d been slapped, so accusatory were his eyes. “Dorada.” A soft knock caused Tanya to raise her head from the bed. “Yes?” “It’s me, Johann.” “Oh.” “May I come in?” Tanya sat up and wiped away her tears. She hesitated. She didn’t want to speak to anyone, but she felt rude denying entrance to one of the men that had been so kind to her.

“Come in.” Johann walked into the room and softly shut the door behind him. He glanced at the stool in the corner and Tanya nodded, acquiescing that he could sit. The blond moved the chair to place it in front of her. He sat with a heavy sigh and crossed his left leg over his other knee. He leaned forward, elbows on knees and hands flexed before his face forming a triangle. His bright blue eyes studied her. Tanya stared at her fingernails waiting for him to say something. “You had a fight with Conrad.” It was not a question but a statement. Tanya lifted her head and nodded. “He is a good man, Tanya.” “I do not doubt it,” she said coolly. “He’s been through a lot, though he speaks little of it and love has never been part of his life.” “Love?” Tanya stood up, startled that the rangy man was being so outspoken. “No one has spoken of love—“ “Are you as foolish as he, to deny your feelings?” “I—“ “Personally, I think he was struck by you from the moment we found you in the forest. Even bruised you are a pretty striking girl.” Tanya said nothing as she began to pace the small room. She felt Johann’s eyes trained on her, observing her for any kind of reaction. “If he is so struck by me then why does he run away from me?” She spun around to face Johann. He shrugged. “Like I said, throughout his life there hasn’t been much love. Conrad’s used to being in control and the feeling of losing it…is more than he can handle.” Tanya shook her head and resumed pacing. She stopped and stared out the small window. The sun was slowly setting and the sky was alight with an impressive array of soft pastel colors. A flock of birds flew in the distance and she wished that she could fly away from all this turmoil. She sighed. “He called me a whore,” Tanya hissed. “He is mad, Tanya. It was hard not to hear you making love with Gregorii and Wybert.” “You heard it too?” “Yes.” Tanya studied Johann. He scratched the back of his neck, clearly uncomfortable.

“It wasn’t love. It--“ she paused. “It could have been him in that room,” she said, her voice shaking. “He kissed me and ran off, leaving me with them. He didn’t want me.” “Conrad’s afraid of his own feelings, Tanya. He’s a soldier, a captain, he’s used to being in command and when he’s around you he loses what little control he has.” “I think you’re wrong.” Johann lifted his shoulders, indicating he didn’t care what she thought. “Maybe, maybe not. I’ve known the man for the past five years and before that there were rumors of his feats. He is an honorable man and his heart is in the right place.” Tanya shook her head and stared out the window. She wrapped her arms around herself trying to shake of the feeling of desolation. There were a lot of able men in the Kingdom. It didn’t matter if he had honor or was a good man. What was important was if he had feelings for her, and after their argument, she felt that that was not the case. “I think I would like to be alone for a while now, Johann.” The tall man nodded in understanding. He stood up and came to her side. He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and squeezed lightly. “Don’t worry yourself, he’ll come around.” Tanya remained quiet. She heard the soft click of the door as it closed but she didn’t move from her post next to the window. Deliberately, slowly, she began to undo her braided hair. No, Johann was mistaken. Conrad was a knight or at least had been a knight, and that sort of man brought nothing but trouble. Her mother had taught her that. She wouldn’t commit the same errors. Tomorrow morning she’d have a word with the innkeeper. Perhaps he could do with another maid. If not, she would check around Hadford. It was a big enough town and she was sure something would come up. Whatever happened, starting tomorrow she would part ways with the men, even if it broke her heart.

Chapter Nine “What?” Conrad glared at his horse. The animal seemed to be giving him an equally reproving stare. He picked up the brush, which he had dropped at some point and began to comb the animal. Snippets of his conversation with Tanya intruded his mind, but the memory of the pain in her eyes caused him to groan. He leaned on Splendida’s neck. “What have I done?” The animal snorted and Conrad looked up. Whore or not, he was in love with the tavern wench, and he had to stop running from her. He patted his horse and donned his clothes. A nervous tingling rushed from the top of his head to his toes. He could do this. He was a soldier, a man that had withstood life-threatening battles. He would confront the girl and clear things up. All manner of situations and possible outcomes presented themselves to him. It was almost like planning an attack before a major offensive, but he knew that no matter what he came up with the result would almost never be the one expected. Conrad entered the common room at a quick stride. He didn’t bother to acknowledge his men as he raced up the stairs. He had to do this and he had to do it now. However, as he reached Tanya’s door, he paused. What if she refused to talk to him? It would be understandable considering how he had behaved. No. He had to stop this destructive behavior. She would listen, even if he had to tie her down. He knocked softly on her door. “Tanya?” He chewed on the inside of his cheek. There was no reply. He raised his hand and knocked a little harder. He cleared his voice. “Tanya.” “Conrad.” “Aye.” Conrad shuffled his feet and passed a hand through his hair. He heard her bare feet slap the wooden floor as she rushed across the room, probably lighting a lantern. Finally, the sound of her steps stopped at the door. “What do you want?”

“I want to explain.” Conrad held his breath. He could almost hear her hesitation. “Even if you decide to part company with us tomorrow, you owe me that much.” He was right and she knew it. The bolt slid and the door creaked open. “All right, come in.” Conrad stepped into the bedroom. His eyes widened as he took in the chamber. Moonlight streamed through a large window near a washing basin with several utensils and a mirror. Closer to the door a table held a flickering lantern that bathed the room in a mild glow. Next to the table, there was a stool, but what denoted the bedroom’s opulence was the large elaborate bed with hangings draped from a frame that hung from the ceiling beams. “Last time I was here, the rooms were not so cozy,” he said dryly. “The innkeeper called it a suite. There was only one other room left but it was of poor quality and Johann insisted.” Tanya’s voice trembled and died out and Conrad turned to face her. His breath caught in his throat. She stood with her back to the door, dressed in nothing more than her chemise, a piece of garment that barely grazed her kneecaps. Her hair hung loose in soft waves below her shoulders. She tried to hide her anxiety by holding her hands behind her back and sticking out her chin but she couldn’t stop herself from worrying her lower lip. Conrad forced himself to look away. He was here to talk. Nothing more. “I’m sorry if I woke you,” he managed to say. “You didn’t. I was having some trouble sleeping. Would you like to sit?” she asked, her words coming out in a rush. “I’d rather stand.” He approached the window and took in a deep breath. The night air was warm and heavily perfumed with the smell of spring flowers. He looked below and was surprised to discover the room faced a reasonably sized courtyard. It would be perfect for the permanent guests to practice their sword-fighting skills, he thought. He caressed the hilt of his sword, a nervous habit that he had acquired years past and which had helped him confuse more than one adversary. Like the ones from Summit Meadows, his last battle as a knight. Abruptly, he made up his mind. He had to tell her everything.

“I have never spoken of this to anyone.” Tanya nodded, but he barely registered the action as he began to pace the room, gathering his thoughts. “Ten years ago, I was a Knight for King Caspian’s father and Lord Belamy. My family was from the north of the capital. We withheld a minor title and lands of little importance. I was the third son so I was sent to court to be educated properly and hopefully find a suitable wife. However, things don’t always work the way you want them to. I excelled at my duties and was quickly inducted into knighthood. My family was so proud, Tanya. You have no idea,” he said fiercely. “At first I was happy. I truly was. I was one of the Order, a man without boundaries, with only one duty: to serve his lord and his king. But things quickly degenerated. Caspian’s father was hungry for power and so was my Lord Belamy. We assaulted all manner of villages, plundering and killing those who got in our way. Then one day, we assaulted Gregorii’s village. Those men fought so bravely. But it did not matter. Belamy ordered us to kill everyone. Everyone, Tanya!” Conrad stopped. He remembered that day as if it had been yesterday. He passed a tired hand across his face, trying to dissipate the ghosts of the past that still followed him. “Surrender to your rightful King, Ulric the fourth of that name, Lord of all lands to the north, south, east and west of here.” There was no answer from the village. Conrad knew the men were stalling. They were likely rushing the women into the mountains and preparing themselves for the attack. “Surrender or you shall feel the wrath of God.” Again, silence. “Very well.” Lord Belamy trotted back to their lines. He motioned for Conrad to approach him. “Burn down the village.” “My Lord—“ Conrad vacillated. Belamy’s eyes were as cold as ice as he stared down at him from atop his horse. “Did you not hear my orders, Conrad? Burn it down and kill everyone. We have no use for traitors or those with mixed loyalties in the kingdom.” Conrad bowed his head. He understood the threat was also meant for him. Either he followed orders or there would be hell to pay. Belamy rode back to his tent. From there he would wait for his

men to issue the attack. Once the battle was considered won over, he would perhaps join them to ensue the coup de grâce. He hurried to dispatch orders. Men ran to their places. The village was not overly large and it had not been built for warfare. From their position, he could glimpse the keep atop a small hillock. It was nothing more than a two-story building made from timber in which the men and women could find safe haven during attacks. A palisade surrounded the bailey. Conrad scratched at his beard. Clearly, these were not fighting folk. The structure of the town was missing a ditch or a moat, which would have ensured a little more protection, not to mention that the whole thing stunk of newly built. Conrad sighed. Most likely, they would be fighting against herders and farmers, not soldiers. These were a peaceful people not used to fighting. Had the King more common sense they could have probably adopted them into the Kingdom. Instead, Belamy ordered everyone killed. It was not the first time he killed men but lately the battles with Belamy in the name of the King and the Kingdom had turned into bloody raids. It was almost as if Belamy was not following the code but simply plundering for the sake of bloodshed. “We fought through the outer bailey almost with our eyes closed. It was a massacre.” Conrad stared across at Tanya. He could hear the screams of the dead and the dying in his ears. He saw the blood and the bodies littering the floor. “However, the gross of their men were at the keep and the battle truly began there.” “Burn down the wall. That will keep them entertained for a while.” Belamy appeared at his side. “Cover this front, Marius. Conrad lead your squadron to the rear with me.” Conrad issued orders. As one with his men, they followed Belamy to the southern sector of the city. Belamy glanced at Conrad with a leering smile. “As soon as that wall starts burning they’re going to try and escape through here. Did you notice they had begun to construct a moat? If they had finished it on time they might have been able to douse the flames, but it’s too late now.” Conrad remained silent as they waited. He could hear the sound of battle from within and soon enough he began to observe the red flames of a roaring fire. “Take what woman you will for sport, kill everyone else,” Belamy bellowed. Suddenly, a group of men was running through the

gate and they were charging. Blood splattered everywhere as swords pierced tender skin. Women screamed and men cried out. Conrad entered the keep with his men. Everywhere he looked was chaos. Men fought, women ran trying to escape capture and rape, and children cried over the loss of their family. In the background, the menacing fire threatened to consume them all. Suddenly, a high-pitched wail brought him out of his horror. He turned and saw Belamy racing from the keep with a young girl thrown over his shoulder. Conrad felt nauseous. A man raced to confront him and he easily parried and thrust. A woman raced towards him but before she could reach him, she was dead, a dagger sticking from her back. Madness was everywhere. This was no gain for the Kingdom; this was death and carnage in its most primal form. Resolute, he turned from the battle and hurried to find his Lord. They had won over the city; there was no need to continue spilling blood. A shrill scream alerted him to the whereabouts of Belamy. He followed the sound into an abandoned building at the far end of the village. The girl lay on the floor still conscious and fighting though blood oozed from several wounds. Belamy lay over her, his cock pounding into her, a sneer of satisfaction in his face. Rage like he had never felt before raced through his veins. Before he knew what he was doing, Conrad was raising his sword and cutting through muscle and bone. Belamy’s head rolled to the floor blood spurting in all directions. “That child was my sister’s age, Tanya. She was no more than twelve.” Hot tears streamed down Conrad’s face. Tanya took a tentative step towards him, her face stricken with tears of grief. He lifted his hand, indicating that he was not done. He would not take comfort, not when he still hadn’t told her the worst of it. “I killed my Lord Belamy,” he whispered. “In a rage, I cut off his head, but I finished off the girl, too.” Tanya stared at him; her golden eyes, red-rimmed from crying, questioned him, uncomprehending. “Belamy had hurt her badly. She was bleeding from several places and she muttered incoherently. She had lost her mind…I felt that I would spare her the suffering. I…I live with that doubt every day.” Conrad paused. “I think I lost it then. For several moments, I just stood there and then I realized what I had done.”

Conrad raced out of the building. He mounted his horse and spurred her out of the carnage. Thoughts raced through his mind. He would be hanged, his family would be dishonored for eternity, and they would take possession of all their belongings and brand them as traitors. As he reached relative safety, his mind cleared. He could endure but he knew that his family would not. A plan quickly formed in his mind. He raced back to the village, but this time he made directly for where the fire had started. The closer he got to the flames the more certain he was that this was what he had to do. As he rode, he scouted the ground, looking for a body. Finally, he found it: A man similar in build and weight to his. There was no one about, the heat in that area of the city to great to contend. Quickly, he discarded his armor and dressed the corpse with it. He put on the man’s trousers and slung him onto his back. His eyes scanned the area until he found a portion of the wall that was burning avidly. He threw the body in and watched in fascination as the flames consumed it, burning the corpse and the metal armor beyond recognition. He turned around and the blade of a sword brushed against his neck. “It was Gregorii. He threatened to kill me and I was glad. I had made up all that masquerade of dressing the body with my armor to ensure my family’s safety, intending to run away. If they believed I was dead, no one could blame me for Belamy’s death. Gregorii’s appearance simplified everything. I thought I was ready to die. The code that I honored was a lie but the bastard decided to save me.” Conrad chuckled. “I don’t know if he saw something in my eyes or what it was, but the next thing I remember was his fist striking my face. I was taken away from the wreckage and woke up hours later with Gregorii and some people from his village. I tried to convince Gregorii to kill me but he refused. Seems he thought I didn’t really want to die since I didn’t throw myself into the fire.” Conrad shook his head, smiling at the memory. “I shaved my beard, let my hair grow long and helped the survivors adapt into the Kingdom. Then I left and Gregorii came with me.” “Haven’t you ever encountered anyone from your past?” “I haven’t ventured this far north in years. Do you remember the brawl we discovered on the road a few weeks ago?” Tanya nodded. “I met there a knight I once knew, one of the few worthwhile men that I could count as friends. He recognized me, though it had

been more than ten years and I have a haggard appearance compared to then. After the strife, we spoke briefly. I was informed that my family is well. My eldest brother rules over our estates, my other brother became a priest and my sister married a prosperous noble. I counted few friends among the knighthood. This man was one of them. In fact, he offered me to join him and fight for his cause. I refused.” “Why?” Conrad stared at Tanya. She hadn’t moved from her post next to the door, but her posture was more relaxed. His eyes found hers and he knew the moment had come. “I have no place in the nobility anymore. I will be content just to settle down somewhere in peace with the woman I love.” Conrad closed the distance between them. Gently he tilted her head so that she could look into his eyes. “Do you know who that woman is?” he whispered. Tanya’s lips parted and her golden eyes became vulnerable pools of hope. Conrad cupped her cheek and lowered his head until his forehead touched hers. “You.”

Chapter Ten Tanya’s head spun and her heart beat so loud it drowned out all other sound. Stunned, she stared into Conrad’s green eyes, afraid to interpret what she had heard and what she saw in his gaze. Her doubts disappeared as Conrad’s firm lips pressed down hard against hers. She trembled against him as he gently grasped her waist, pulling her closer. Still unsure, she tentatively slid her fingers up his arms and past his shoulders. Conrad’s wet tongue glided over her lips, seeking entrance and all remnants of doubts vanished. She wrapped her arms around his neck and opened her mouth. Conrad’s tongue brushed against hers, causing a shiver to race down her spine. He pushed her against the door and she moaned. How long had she yearned for this man? It had only been days, and yet from the moment they touched, she was slave to his flame. Tanya tangled her fingers in his hair, slightly pulling while she rolled her tongue and slid it across the roof of his mouth. Conrad groaned and pressed himself to her. She couldn’t help a strangled moan from escaping as she felt the contour of his growing cock. Their kissing pace increased and became desperate as Conrad massaged her ass. His mouth slammed against hers repeatedly and she nipped and nibbled at his lips, urging him to give her more. Conrad lifted the hem of her chemise and she jumped in her skin as his warm hands cupped her bottom. Fluid rushed to rest between her legs when his fingers gently glided over the crack of her ass and past her hips. Her breath hitched as his digits brushed against her lower belly, barely grazing where her pubic hair began. She waited for him to continue exploring to the south of her anatomy but the expectant touch never came. Instead, Conrad took a step back. Her chemise dropped to her knees and she glanced at him, furrowing her brow in confusion. “Have you any idea how beautiful you are?” he whispered. “You’re like a fiery angel with red hair, rosy cheeks, and bee-stung lips. I want you so badly, Tanya.” Tanya smiled. She took a step forward and cupped Conrad’s firm jaw. She stared into his eyes before standing on her toes and planting a kiss upon his lips. “Then what are you waiting for?”

Conrad watched her with restrained lust and frustration. Taking him by the hand, she led him to the bed. “Sit.” Conrad hesitated, but she pushed him hard and he fell back into the soft feather mattress. “Tanya—“ Tanya placed a finger over her lips, indicating that he should remain silent. Conrad lifted an eyebrow but said nothing. Grasping the hem of her gown, she raised it tantalizingly slow. She observed Conrad intently. When her thighs came into view, he sat up straighter. As she exposed her pussy, his tongue darted out from his mouth to wet his lips. The sight of her tummy caused him to fist his hands. Tanya purposely hesitated at her breasts. Conrad’s gaze flew to her face and Tanya chuckled as she finally removed the last of her garment. He was upon her in seconds. His mouth clamped down on hers, claiming every inch of its space. His hands explored her flesh, massaging, caressing, and rubbing whatever he could grasp. “Conrad.” “Shush.” He nibbled on her lower lip and she gasped as a current of longing swept through her body. Tanya arched her back when his hands hovered over her breasts. Gently, he placed his hands over them. He looked into her eyes, his own dim with passion. “Do you have any idea how badly I’ve wanted you?” Conrad fondled her full breasts. Her sensitive nipples responded to his touch and quickly hardened to teasing peaks. “Have you?” he demanded, lightly pinching the hardened nubs. Tanya shook her head. Conrad lowered his head and brushed his lips over one of her pink nipples. Tanya arched her back, aching to feel his hot mouth ravishing her breasts, but Conrad maintained control. He licked his way down her belly until he reached her wet pussy. Tanya’s breath was loud in her ears while she waited for Conrad to continue tasting her. “I saw you unconscious on the forest floor and already I wondered what color your eyes were, how your lips tasted, if you had freckles anywhere else,” he said glancing up at her with a smile. “I have a lot of freckles to explore.” Tanya laughed but the sound died and became a sharp cry of pleasure as Conrad dug his fingers into her ass and took his first taste

of her weeping folds. Her legs shook and she had to hold on to Conrad’s shoulders so as not to fall. He nibbled, licked, sucked and savored every inch of her drenched pussy. “Please, Conrad—“ Two thick fingers glided into her. Tanya pressed her body to Conrad, begging him to give her more. He sucked her clit into his mouth and she screamed, holding his head to her cunt as an orgasm rattled her body. Her knees buckled but Conrad was already lifting her into his arms and carrying her to the bed. He placed her on the mattress and began to remove his clothes. Tanya’s body still tingled from her orgasm, but a new bout of lust rushed across her body and landed between her legs as Conrad’s tanned skin came into view. He had only taken off his shirt and already her mouth watered and she itched to run her hands across the firm planes of his chest. She bit her lip as she avidly waited for him to undo the lace of his breeches. Her pussy began to throb when Conrad released his cock from its constraints. Unconsciously, Tanya licked her lips. She wanted to do everything and anything with that thick, long member. She wanted to lick it, suck it, taste it and drain it with her mouth. She wanted to feel its girth inside her, stretching her, filling her to the limit until she screamed out her pleasure. She wanted all that and more. She wanted the pleasure of sex, but she wanted the caring, the tenderness, the intimacy, the comfort, the understanding, and the love of a partner. Conrad climbed next to her on the bed. He opened his arms and Tanya went to him, surrendering to his warm embrace. Conrad cupped her chin and stared into her eyes. “Tanya—“ “Conrad, the first time I looked into your eyes… I can’t even explain.” She laughed nervously. Conrad brushed back her hair, giving her time to gather her thoughts. “You awaken something primeval in me, Conrad. You say you wanted me? You have no idea how much I have needed you. Something in you calls to me to succumb to you, to give myself to you, in all senses.” “To surrender not only to passion but to a deeper feeling?” he said, gruffly. Tanya nodded. “To cherish and protect, to not allow any harm to befall you.”

Again she nodded. Conrad traced the outline of her hairline, down to the corner of her mouth with a finger. He brushed the pad of his thumb against her lips. He gazed into her eyes and Tanya knew for certain that she would grow old with Conrad by her side. “To love—“ “To love,” she stated, “above all other feelings, to love.” Tanya kissed Conrad. It was a slow sensual kiss but one full of the comprehension they had denied each other for the past days. Gently, Tanya pushed Conrad back. She climbed over his prone form, straddling his hips and his stiff cock. She ran her hands across Conrad’s chest, over the small hard nubs of his nipples, and down over the ridges of his muscled stomach. It was like touching silk and yet everything was hard and packed with muscle. His flesh was hot and burning, making him something real and carnal and causing her skin to prickle with desire. She splayed her hands over his rib cage, searching for the beat of his heart. She smiled as she found it and bent over to lightly kiss him. Lifting herself slightly, she wrapped her fingers around Conrad’s engorged member and led it into her waiting sex. Conrad let out a hard breath as the top of his bulbous head made contact with her soaking pussy. Slowly, she lowered herself onto his cock, easing his thick member into her. She bit her lip and closed her eyes, as the hot rod glided into her slick insides. She swayed against Conrad as he finally entered her to the hilt. “You feel so good,” she mumbled. “I can say much the same,” he replied hoarsely. “Like liquid velvet embracing my cock.” Tanya rolled her hips back and forth. Sweat trickled down her back from the exertion while pleasure slowly built inside her like a dam about to break free. Conrad held on to her hips, pulling her down hard. Tanya moaned. With vigor, she bounced up and down, increasing her rhythm and causing her clit to bump against Conrad repeatedly. Conrad watched her through heavy-lidded eyes, his lips slightly parted as his breath came out in ragged spurts. Tanya’s breasts jiggled over him and he reached out to tweak them. She whimpered with delight and scraped her nails down his chest, leaving a line of livid red marks. Conrad growled. He pulled her down and kissed her passionately,

their tongues entwining and mimicking the movement of their lovemaking. Suddenly, he released her and gazed into her eyes. “Mine, you are mine, Tanya. Always. Forever. ” Tanya nodded. Gripping her ass, Conrad pumped into her with abandon. He kissed her savagely, imprinting his very soul upon her mouth as his cock swelled and erupted into her womb. Tanya arched her back and dug her nails onto Conrad’s shoulder as pleasure rushed to every pore of her body in an intense climax. “Conrad!”

Chapter Eleven Conrad held Tanya to his chest, her warm body cupped against his like a spoon. He sighed contentedly. He was at peace. Tanya took his hand and lightly kissed his knuckles. Conrad turned her in his arms and found her lips, already slightly parted waiting for him to claim them. She molded herself against him, her plump breasts pressed against his chest, her legs entwined with his. He pressed her to him and heard her sharp intake of breath as his cock rose between them. He kissed the hollow in her neck. She giggled. “It tickles,” she whispered. He smiled appreciatively and kissed the spot again, her laughter turning into a soft moan as he grazed the tender skin with his teeth. He suckled softly and her hold on his hand tightened. Pressing down sharply, her body stiffened against his. Softening his hold, Conrad continued lavishing attention on her neck. He was aware that she’d probably sport a mark for a few days but he didn’t care. She was his and he wasn’t about to let her go at any moment. They would find a home and they’d settle down. He was through with his days as a mercenary. Perhaps they could set up an inn; he knew Tanya would like that. He growled low, his thoughts dispersing as Tanya snaked one of her hands between them grasping his stiff cock. With a featherlight touch, she caressed him from the base to the top, enticing another groan to escape him. Suddenly, a scream rent through the air, disturbing their peace. Abruptly, Conrad let go of Tanya. There was another cry and the sound of doors being thrown open could be heard throughout the inn. Conrad glanced down at Tanya, the worry and confusion in her eyes mirroring his own. She nodded and he sprinted into action. Jumping out of bed, he donned his trousers while rushing to the door. He was still tying his breeches when he swung the wooden structure open. Chaos greeted him. Women screamed and cried while men cursed. All of them pushed in their haste to get away. Some ran through the hall, dressed in nothing more than their nightgowns. Others in not quite such a hurry took their time to dress fully. They were the ones that tried to drag along their belongings. Suitcases, chests and boxes littered the hall and obstructed the path. Conrad couldn’t see what was occurring downstairs, but he guessed by the level of noise that the situation was

much the same. Alarm bells began to be heard throughout and the reason for everyone fleeing became apparent. “Fire. Fire!” Conrad turned to face Tanya but she was already out of bed, tying her bodice with trembling hands. Conrad rushed to her side and gazed into her eyes. “It’ll be all right, love.” He squeezed her shoulder and searched for his chemise and weapons. He quickly put on his shirt. While he strapped on his sword he looked outside the window. From his vantage point, he could see the bottom floor of one of the new buildings under construction burning brightly. Unless the town folk organized themselves quickly, the whole inn would soon catch on fire. “We have to get out of here, Conrad.” The tremble in Tanya’s usually melodious voice brought him out of his contemplation. Taking her by the hand, he led her to the cluttered hall. She stopped before the door, fear etched on her features. “Conrad, what about the other men?” “They can care for themselves, love. Besides, they were sleeping downstairs, they’re probably already out of the building.” Tanya nodded, but he could see that she wasn’t entirely convinced. It didn’t matter. What was important was for them to get out. “Hold on tight,” he warned her before stepping outside. Conrad navigated through the human mass that was fighting to get out of the burning building. He used his bulk to good advantage, pushing and shoving aside those people too stubborn to move quickly and leave behind their material belongings. They reached the stairs relatively fast, but once there, they were forced to stop. A man, in his haste to escape, had fallen down the stairs, breaking his neck in the process and blocking the way with his body and his large chest of belongings. People were bottling at the steps, crawling over the body and the chest and leaving behind those that weren’t as apt at climbing. Conrad swore. “Out of the way,” he cried, dragging Tanya down with him. A man with curly brown hair and a moustache turned to confront him, clearly not pleased that he was bossing them. For a

moment, Conrad thought he recognized the man, but he dismissed the passing thought. “We’re all trying to escape, mate.” “I know that well enough, friend, but with that chest and body we’re all going to bake in here. Don’t stand there, help me move the chest. Stay here, love. I’ll be right back.” The man’s gaze riveted to Tanya and an uneasy feeling swept through Conrad, but he forced it away. This was no time to be possessive. With a reassuring smile to her, he clapped a shoulder on the man and led him down the stairs. Edgy, he turned one more time to look at Tanya. He was comforted to see that she was standing in the middle of the steps, her hands on her hips, trying to force people to wait for them to clear the way. “We’ll have to move the chest first and then we can come back for the man.” “Why don’t we throw him across the rail and get it over with?” “We can’t, there are people down there.” Conrad said, pointing to the common room where people scurried to safety. The stranger nodded grimly. “Hold that side, I’ll grab this one. On the count of three: one, two, three.” With a groan, they lifted the heavy container in unison. A step at a time, they carefully moved down the remaining steps. When they were almost at the bottom, a man and his wife tried to sweep past them, but Conrad stilled them with a glare. Breathing heavily from the exertion, they finally made it to the bottom floor. They placed the chest to a side where it wouldn’t bother anyone. A stream of people rushed down the freed passage, the body of the dead man trampled over without a thought. Conrad watched them go, but Tanya was not with them. A sense of foreboding invaded him and he glanced up, hoping that she was where he had left her. She was not. Taking two steps at a time, he hurried back up the wooden staircase. “Tanya!” he bellowed. Conrad raced down the hallway, dodging the few remaining lodgers who were trying to flee. He kept peeking into every room in hopes that she was in one of them but they were all empty and abandoned. Finally, he reached their suite. It was also empty.

“Tanya.” Conrad turned a full circle inside the empty chamber. Despair threatened to overcome him. For the first time in his life, he was at a loss of what to do. The window and the burning fire without caught his eye and he stepped towards it. The sight he saw sent his heart leaping into his throat. A man, hooded by a cloak, dragged a slumped, unconscious Tanya over his shoulder. Conrad glanced downwards into the courtyard and saw a fallen ladder. Fury and determination flowed through his veins. The empty helplessness that had assaulted him moments before vanished. They had taken Tanya, and his mission was clear: get her back. He ran outside into the empty hallway and down into the common room. The innkeeper was hoarding his remaining precious coins into a bag behind the long bar before leaving his establishment. He looked up startled as Conrad pounded a fist on the bar. “The door to the courtyard?” He demanded. The man’s eyes widened in apprehension and he tried to hide his purse from Conrad’s view. Grasping him by the neck of his gown Conrad shook him slightly. “The door, man!” “In the kitchen, to the left, but that will lead you---” Conrad didn’t hear the rest as he leaped behind the bar and burst through the double doors that led to the kitchen. The kitchen was eerily quiet and dark after the commotion in the hall and common room. It was late at night when the fire had started and the inn’s employees had not yet started their morning routine. Conrad observed a shaft of light entering from the far corner of the room near an assortment of empty baskets. He rushed towards it, certain that it was the door left partially open by a worker in his haste to flee. The glare of the flames welcomed him as he stepped into the courtyard. The fire had spread quicker than he thought possible and the main building was already beginning to catch on. He hurried across the empty space towards the direction in which he’d seen Tanya and the stranger escape. They had entered the building to the far left, the addition to the inn that looked nearly finished. Conrad passed through a pair of double doors thrown wide open. He slowed his pace and cautiously drew his sword. Light snuck

from above and he realized that the ceiling was not completed. Calmly, he surveyed his surroundings. He was in a room of some sort. His boots struck the stone floor loudly as he inspected the small chamber. Timber lay piled in stacks, along with other materials that he could not distinguish in the gloom. There were no windows and two doors. The one to his left held a solid wooden door, firmly closed. He guessed that its purpose would have been to lead into the main building or perhaps a new kitchen. To his right, an entrance yawned into a dark passage. Conrad bit the inside of his cheek. He had no way if knowing if the kidnapper had taken Tanya through the closed door. Had he been outside he would have searched for tracks, but in a stone building, dimly lit but for the burning inferno outside, he didn’t stand a chance to find proof. If his men had been with him he could have divided the group, but he was on his own. As he did in the direst situations, Conrad followed his gut. Turning right, he entered a dark stone tunnel, lit by scone torches hanging from the walls. Initially narrow, the tunnel expanded until he could open his arms wide and not reach the walls. He assumed that the innkeeper was building this as an escape route in case of a fire or if the city fell under siege. Conrad treaded carefully through the dirt ground. The channel was becoming darker, the spaces between each hanging torch wider. As he turned a corner, all light vanished. He stopped and waited, straining his ear for any noise. He did not have to wait long. He heard a pair of feet running away and then the unmistakable noise of a heavy sword being lifted. Only his fast reflexes saved him as he crouched and parried the weapon meant for his neck. Taking a step back, he tried to bring his enemy into the light. His eyes widened in surprise. “Johann?” “Captain,” he said with a slight nod. “What are you doing here?” “I’m earning enough gold to retire for life.” Johann indicated with his head and Conrad watched in terror as the retreating form of the hooded man, with Tanya in his arms, fled back the way he had come. “Who is he?” Johann laughed. “Who do you think he is?”

Conrad’s eyes narrowed as he recalled the inn in Wilton. He should have realized it before, when he had encountered the man with the moustache on the stairs. They were no strangers, these were the men Tanya had fled from and he would bet his fighting arm that the hooded man was Reynard himself. “You sold her to Reynard?” “Not exactly, sell. It was more of an agreement. He wanted the girl. I gave her to him. I earn extra for killing you.” Without another word, Johann swung a vicious blow at Conrad. As he stepped back, he noticed that his usual sword was gone. In its stead, he held a greatsword with a jeweled hilt, clearly a Knight’s weapon. Conrad ducked and lashed out at Johann. Steel rang against steel as they clashed. Conrad cut and Johann parried. Due to his build, Johann was faster, but he was not used to the weapon he held. Conrad took advantage of this and slashed at his ribs. Quickly, Johann dodged and lunged. Conrad stepped aside just in time before Johann’s sword pierced through his stomach. Johann riposted and Conrad parried once more. Sweat trickled off his brow as they fell into a pattern. Up and down the sword went, to the side, parry, lunge and repeat. Conrad was patient. He knew that Johann was not used to the heavy sword and he would tire before Conrad would. Suddenly, he saw an opening. Quickly he performed a series of blows that made Johann stagger and step back. Using the advantage of his bulk, he threw his weight forward and lifted his sword in a sweeping arc severing Johann’s head from his body. “You were always a sad fool,” Conrad said as Johann’s body folded over and his head rolled away. Conrad cleaned his broadsword on Johann’s tunic. He stared down at the head of the man who had been his comrade for the past five years. He couldn’t believe he had trusted the man. With a shake of his head, he turned his mind to more immediate problems. He had to find Tanya. Grabbing a torch, he tried returning the way he had come, but upon reaching the tunnel’s entrance a wave of burning heat and the acrid smell of burning wood reached his nostrils. He swore loudly. The bastard had likely set the storage material on fire.

Conrad swiveled and plunged back through the tunnel hoping that it would lead him to a fire-free exit. He didn’t know how long he had been running through the darkness. It felt like an eternity but the truth was that it probably was no more than a few minutes. Sudden light assaulted his senses. His eyes teared and he blinked repeatedly trying to regain focus. He was at the stables. The horses were gone but the torches were intact in their places. Conrad raced through the barn and out into the open. A long line of people carrying buckets of water assembled before the inn trying to douse the roaring flames. He quickly scanned the crowd for Gregorii and Wybert, afraid that they had also betrayed him. He breathed a sigh of relief as he caught sight of them at the far end of the line, helping the populace. “Gregorii, Wybert!” His friends jogged towards him. “Conrad, where have you been? We surmised you had gone out another door, but—“ “I’m fine, but they’ve taken Tanya, and we’ve got to find her.” Conrad interrupted Wybert’s worried rambling. “What?” Gregorii scowled. “We need horses. Do you know where they’ve taken them?” Wybert nodded, his face a glowering mask of fury. “Show the way, man, I’ll explain meanwhile.” They hurried away from fire to a clearing close to the city’s postern gate. A score of horses grazed peacefully on the grass, the boy that had greeted them when arriving at the inn watching over them with another youngster. A blacksmith and his apprentice urgently dug a few stakes into the ground so they could secure the animals. Gregorii approached one of the lads. “Boy, have you seen anyone go out through this gate?” The boy from the inn shook his head but his redheaded companion nodded. “Find our horses, boy. You, speak up.” Conrad tossed both children a coin. “Three men, sir, a few minutes ago took galloped through.” “Was one of them wearing a hood? Did they have a girl with them?”

“Yes and no, at least not that I could see. It’s dark out here,” he said in manner of an apology. Conrad nodded grimly. He tossed the redhead another coin and turned to find his friends and horse. The other young man was already bringing their mounts. The horses were unsaddled, except for the bridle. Everything had been left behind, the animal’s safety a priority before any material equipment. Conrad climbed atop Splendida, sure that Wybert and Gregorii would be but a step behind him as they thundered past the gates and into the road. They couldn’t be far off; the knights only had a few minutes’ advantage. Conrad kicked his heels to Splendida’s flanks, urging her to run faster. The horse whinnied and obeyed, hurtling through the path, kicking stones and dirt at every step. The path was barely lit by the light of the moon. However, dawn was not far off and soon the sun’s ray would clear their way. A high-pitched scream sliced the air, causing Conrad’s chest to constrict. Tanya had probably recovered consciousness. “Faster, Splendida. Faster.” The horse was at its limit, charging across the trail in the gloom, foam forming at her mouth from the effort. They took a bend on the road and suddenly two riders were crashing upon them. Conrad began to draw his sword but another rider sped past him. He watched in awe as Wybert, balancing himself atop his beast, released his reins and jumped onto the other man’s mount, throwing them both to the ground. “Go, just go,” Gregorii shouted. He didn’t look back as he rode on. He heard Tanya scream again, nearer this time. A strange mix of pride and fear for his woman suffused his body. She was fighting against Reynard but God knew what the bastard was capable of doing to her. Speeding past another twist he caught sight of them. Tanya sat upright before the cloaked rider. She was biting, scratching and screaming, trying with all her might to get the man to release his hold on her. “Let her go!” Conrad bellowed. Reynard looked back and Tanya took the opportunity to bite down on his hand. The knight cursed, and lifted his uninjured hand to strike at her but she grabbed it in mid-air. They struggled and

suddenly, Tanya was falling. She cried out as her body crashed to the ground with a dull thud. “No!” Conrad hurried to her side. Without thinking he halted his horse and jumped off, rushing to kneel next to Tanya’s still form. His hands shaking, he caressed her brow and laid a hand over her chest. She was still breathing but he had no way of knowing if she was bleeding internally. The hairs at the back of his neck stood and the sharp edge of a sword cut through the skin on his neck. “She’ll be all right. The horse wasn’t going that fast.” “Why won’t you leave her alone? Why do you want her?” Conrad rationalized that Reynard had plans for him, if not he would have killed him right then. He needed to distract him enough to be able to back away from under the pressure of his sword. “I want her. That’s all. I asked her nicely back at Leighton but she refused. I always get what I want. No one denies me. It’s a lesson she needs to learn if she wishes to keep her pretty head on.” “So you weren’t going to kill her?” Reynard laughed and Conrad took the chance to roll to a side. Quickly standing, he unsheathed his sword. Reynard stared at him in surprise, but the expression quickly transformed into one of pure malice. Conrad realized his fatal error. By moving away he allowed Reynard the liberty to seize Tanya again. “Over my dead body!” With a warriors cry he lashed at the knight. Reynard staggered backwards, momentarily thrown off balance by the attack. He quickly recovered, stepping forward and throwing Conrad a killing blow. “Conrad!” Wybert cried out. “Take another step and I’ll poke her through,” Reynard threatened, while dodging Conrad’s broadsword. “Stand back,” Conrad called to his comrades. “This will be our fight, Reynard, you and I. knight against knight,” he snarled. Reynard chortled. “You? A knight of the kingdom?” “Sir Conrad DelCorazon, at your service,” Conrad replied, swiftly avoiding a blow by jumping aside. “DelCorazon, from up north?” Reynard spit. “You’ve a sister and two brothers. You were buried with honors after the carnage at the battle of Summit. If you are who you say you are, you are nothing more than a lord ghost.” Reynard gave him a sadistic smile. His blue

eyes twinkled dangerously, and sweat trickled down his brow, making his long fair hair stick to his forehead. “Maybe I am, maybe I’m not. You shall soon find out,” Conrad riposted and took several steps back. Reynard hadn’t realized it but he was slowly drawing him away from Tanya’s body. The men circled each other, neither of them giving in, both of them waiting for the other to raise his blade. Conrad stumbled and Reynard was upon him, his sword rising high, clearly intending to severe his head from his body. Conrad raised his weapon and parried. The blades crashed, sparks flying in all directions. Conrad took a step back and tried an overhand blow at his opponent. Reynard ducked and riposted. Conrad staggered backwards by the sudden move. Conrad ground his teeth together. He had made the worst mistake any fighter could: underestimating his enemy. Reynard was a vicious swine but he was a fine swordsman with experience. Then again, so was Conrad. In a series of fast blows, Conrad lifted his weapon then lowered it. Before Reynard knew what struck him Conrad was upon him. Reynard faltered and Conrad grasped the opportunity. He raised his broadsword and stroke down, piercing skin and bone. Reynard glanced up at him, surprise and then acceptance registering on his features as the light faded from his eyes and death embraced him. Conrad drew back his bloody sword. He stood petrified to the spot, panting in exertion. Sweat trickled down his back, slowly cooling with the morning chill. His heart pounded in his ears. He closed his eyes. Something akin to panic threatened to engulf him. He had fought in countless battles but he could not bring himself to turn around and see if the women he loved lay dead on the road. Something small, warm and fragile slammed against him, almost throwing him off balance. Conrad opened his eyes, a tear slipping down his jaw as he embraced a weeping Tanya. Never again would he let her go. A loud cough grabbed his attention. Gregorii and Wybert stood before them, big grins on their faces. Suddenly, Conrad realized that the danger was gone. They were safe. “It’s over, my love,” he said, grasping Tanya’s chin and carefully lifting her face so he could gaze into her eyes. “You fool,” she cried after a moment. “You should have let Gregorii and Wybert help.”

Conrad laughed. Lifting her off the ground, he kissed her passionately. One year later… Conrad and Tanya stood hand in hand on the front porch of their very own inn, “The Tavern’s Lady”. After the battle at the King’s road they had returned to Hadford to recover their leftover belongings. Conrad wanted to return to Leighton, Tanya’s hometown, but she refused. They finally decided to continue down the path until they found a town to their liking. A few weeks later they arrived in Karpathian, the province that belonged to Conrad’s friend, Lord Emeric. There had been some trouble in the province, but with the help of the mercenaries Lord Emeric and his lady were now at peace in their castle. In exchange for their troubles they had received more gold than expected. With it, they had married and settled down at the inn, located near the city’s western gate. Conrad shook hands with Gregorii and pulled him into a hug. The men embraced. Tanya looked on, a playful smile on her lips. “Don’t even think about it,” Conrad mock growled, releasing his friend. “You know I don’t share.” Tanya laughter became a giggle of delight as Gregorii swept her into his arms and kissed her gently on the lips. “I’ll miss you, my lady.” “And I you, Gregorii and you too, Wybert,” she said opening her arms to hug him. The black giant who had been leaning taciturnly against a column cracked a smile and stepped into her embrace. Standing on her toes, Tanya slammed her lips onto Wybert’s. Snaking her hand around his neck she forced him to lower his head and kiss her back. The man didn’t resist and Conrad cleared his voice loudly so that his wife would cease entangling her tongue with his friend’s. Tanya blushed to the root of her reddish hair as she stepped away from Wybert. “Are you sure we have to leave, Gregorii?” Wybert asked with a husky voice. Gregorii laughed. “Aye, my friend, we’ve got to leave these two love birds on their own. Besides, the Captain looks like either we leave now or he’ll make us leave.”

Conrad chuckled but said nothing. He possessively placed a hand on his wife’s waist and brought her closer. He refused to admit that watching Tanya kiss his friends had set his blood boiling and his cock twitching. Tanya lifted her gaze to his face, love shining through her eyes and he didn’t harbor any doubts that though she kissed his friends, her heart belonged to him. “You see how he doesn’t deny it?” Gregorii scoffed. “Get going already,” Conrad grunted. “Will we see you again?” Tanya asked, tears brimming in her eyes. “Lady, have no doubt about that,” Gregorii said, taking her hand and squeezing it. “Sweetling, you haven’t gotten rid of us, yet.” “We’ll be back before you start having little Conrads and Tanyas crawling around the house.” Tanya laughed and blushed. Conrad tightened his hold on her. Little Conrads and little Tanyas. He could hardly wait to start his own family. Without another word, the men mounted and spurred their horses down the path to the gate. Conrad and Tanya stood in silence, watching as their retreating backs became nothing more than thin air. Tanya sighed sadly. Conrad glanced down at her. He gently brushed a few stray tears from her cheeks. “They’re tough men, love. Rest assured they’ll be back before we know it.” Tanya nodded and stood on her toes to capture his lips. Conrad kissed her back, passion and love running through his veins. “Let’s go inside, love. I want to start making little Conrads and Tanyas.” Tanya laughed as he lifted her and carried her inside, kicking the door shut once and for all on his life as a mercenary knight. The End

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Other Books by Elyzabeth M. VaLey: A Decade of Longing

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