Ahren had to finally ask the Lady to please come supervise the installation of the furnishings. Not only was she afraid to place anything in the room without approval, but she had no experience with such things as the Lady’s enormous bed when a sleeping bundle had most often been hir furniture, and the outdoors hir ‘chamber’. It seemed odd now, to have a place to be and belong, yet Ahren was still too busy to ponder it for long.

Finally, Kellina surveyed the work with no little amount of appreciation. The floor, comprised of stone tiles of varying shapes and sizes in different shades of gray, maroon, and browns was so clean it actually glistened in the light from the fireplace. The velvet drapes she had brought with her from Shire of the East both to save money and because she so very much loved them – now they hung easily from the high windows and draped to the floor with a pooled elegance. The deep maroon caught the colors of the floor nicely, and she had arranged things to catch this tone.

Her bed, an enormous king sized canopy style in deep mahogany, was placed against the main wall between the dressing room and the small antechamber. Now covered with her beloved comforters, pillows, and sheets in shades of rose and mauve that complemented the maroon tones nicely, she felt somewhat at home within the room. Her chaise was near the fire atop a white fur rug that His Lordship had given her after a particularly intense scene they had shared. She smiled at the memories held by this rug … oh my, if only it could speak! But, she mused, better that it could not.

And now here was Ahren, bringing some refreshment from the kitchen. The boi had suggested installing a small area for preparation of refreshments near the fireplace, a brilliant addition the Lady agreed, but it would not be ready for use for some time. Kellina had to admit, she more and more liked this mysterious one she had chosen … so much yet she did not know about hir, though. Where was she from originally? Who were hir family?

She accepted the cup of steaming cocoa gratefully and smiled. Time enough for questions later. At this moment, she was exhausted.

Ahren had set the tray aside and knelt quietly by the chaise, hir blue eyes gazing serenely forward and hir hands folded in hir lap. Back straight and firm, the position was very much to the Lady’s liking … the young woman’s own strength of will held in reign as she kept vigil in a state of submission. If the boi had any thoughts, she did not utter them. It spoke of some kind of training at some point … but where, when, and by whom? Kellina knew Ahren had to be near exhaustion, but there was one thing she needed to ask before dismissing hir.

“Ahren,” She said softly.

The boi looked up, “Yes, my Lady?”

“Have you had a chance to speak to the Captain regarding the prisoner?”

“Only briefly, Ma’am … the guard remains defiant, belligerent, and quite vocal.”

“Doesn’t like his new quarters, I take it?”

“Captain Payne said the brig was pretty run down, and quite infested with a variety of living creatures, none of whom the guard seems to appreciate. He is residing in the one solid cell the Captain could find, and sports a bruise on one jaw for trying to once again turn on the Captain before going into the cell.”

“Truly? I wouldn’t think a woman could land a blow that hard …”

“She didn’t, Ma’am … she hit him with the iron door to the cell when he ran at her. His jaw might be broken, he’s been much quieter.”

“Hmmm,” the Lady mused, “Check on that in the morning, will you? I don’t want him suffering from any injuries before the platform is finished.”

Ahren nodded, “Of course, Milady.”

She nodded approval, “Now, sweet one, I know you are beyond exhaustion. You are free to retire for the night, Ahren.”

Ahren bowed, rising to leave, “Ma’am. Yes, thank You, Ma’am.”

Now that she was alone again, Kellina gazed once more approvingly at the chamber … although the far end was still empty of furnishings, it did hold empty and still full crates of her belongings. In time, all would be unpacked and put in good order, leaving the space at the far end of the chamber empty once more.

She sighed. Time enough for that, she mused, when I decide exactly which way I am going with it. Her desk stood adjacent to the windows that opened to the balcony outside her room, and as yet remained empty of contents. She wanted to have another chaise placed out on the balcony for when weather was nice and she could sit and enjoy a good book. She also planned to have a cushion made for Ahren when she was in service … the floor was simply too hard to expect the boi to kneel upon for any length of time.

She had decided the standard for the Shire was to be a gold field with a blue dragon in the center – time the castle once more had a standard lifted high to fly in the wind. She wondered to herself if there were others like Tambor, and if so, why hadn’t she ever seen or heard of them?

She finished the cocoa and set the cup on the side table.

Removing her robe, she climbed into the familiar covers and, falling back onto the pillows and cushions, she closed her eyes and slept. She knew Ahren was just down the hall, as she had insisted the boi should reside on the same floor as she – proximity lowered waiting time when the Lady was impatient.

For hir part, Ahren had accepted the Lady’s wishes without protest. At Shire of the East, she had been staying in the main servant quarters. She couldn’t remember the last time she had slept in a room she could consider ‘hir own,’ a chamber all to hirself, and knew that hir old sleeping bundle would not do for long if the Lady saw it.

Unlike the Lady’s chamber, Ahren’s was still somewhat dirty and in need of some repairs. Time enough for that later, for when she lay down in her bundle weariness flowed over hir as another covering. Not wanting to ask of the Lady with everything still in a state of upheaval, she fell asleep musing on how to build a bed and other furniture pieces for hir room, and, as sleep took hir, wondering idly how Lord Michon would react to the returning guards.

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

Ahren might well have wondered, for upon the return of the guards to Shire of the East three days later a small explosion might well have been heard all the way back in the newly reclaimed Shire.

Lord Michon, by nature an early riser, had been up since dawn and was in the same sour mood he’d been in since Kellina left. He supposed in time he would become accustomed to her absence, but there was no remedy for it yet.

No one pleased him, it seemed, and servants were keeping a wide berth between themselves and the glowering Lord they generally adored without fear. At his desk writing, he glanced up in obvious annoyance when a servant informed him of the arrival of the guards.

“What? Now what?” He stood and stomped past the servant, who managed to keep out of the way and follow her Lord downstairs without making a sound. He reached the landing outside and surveyed the guards, one in the forefront in irons. He walked over.

“What happened?” He asked a guard next to the one in shackles.

“Insubordination, my Lord. He challenged the Lady Kellina’s orders, and cast slurs on her character as well as her right to rule the new Shire.”

Turning His attention to the shackled man, he asked, “Is this true? You did this, knowing the trust I placed in all of you to watch over and protect her while the Shire is being set up?”

Now, before his Lord, the guard was humiliated and ashamed, nodding, “Aye my Lord, I am guilty of this man’s words. I did so question and slur the Lady Kellina’s name as well as that of her unborn child.”

Michon‘s jaw clenched, “What exactly was said about her and the child?”

The attending guard took a deep breath, “He questioned taking orders from one of your Lordship’s sluts and implied she is with child, carrying your bastard, my Lord.”

Not often given to impulse, Lord Michon’s hand now moved so swiftly the attending guard barely had time to move out of the way of the flying fist that landed on the offender’s jaw and knocked him to the ground, causing several nearby guards to move quickly aside.

“You dare slur the name of my most favored one and our child, who will be heir to both Shires and all they contain?”

The guard, knowing Lord Michon could easily kill him, kept his face to the ground and begged mercy, “F … Forgive, my Lord … please, have mercy … it will never happen again!”

Days of frustration came to a head and unleashed on the pitiful guard, Lord Michon’s booted foot landing hard against the man’s abdomen, “Oh no, it will not, my man, “ He looked at the attending guard, “You, get another man and take him to the flogging pole in the outer courtyard and bind him there. Then assemble all you can find in the courtyard.”

The other guard nodded and bowed, nodding to another guard, who moved forward immediately, “Aye, my Lord, at once!”
They pulled the other man to his feet, none too gently, half dragging him away, sobbing and begging, “No, my Lord …. Pleeassseeee nooooooo.”

Lord Michon, his attention now on the other guards, asked, “And what of the lot of you? Wherefore are you here?”

One stepped forward, bowing, “It was Daniels, my Lord. He struck Ahren for an accidental offense, and so incensed Lady Kellina that she ordered an assembly of all guards. Once assembled, we all were asked to swear allegiance to the Lady and the Shire in blood, or to leave immediately. The female guards all remained, and a good third of the male contingent.”

Michon looked over the group of men, two thirds of the three hundred men and women he had sent with Kellina to see to her safety, “Blood? Am I to assume, then, that every one standing here refused?”

The guard flushed and looked at the ground, coughing uneasily, “Aye, my Lord. To a one.”

Michon moved forward until he was inches from the man’s face, “Look at me.”

Slowly, the man’s head came up, fear obvious in deep brown eyes that still met those of Lord Michon, “Yes, Sir?”

“Why did you refuse?” Michon’s voice was quiet. Ominously quiet. Not a man in the group before him dared move, speak, or even breathe more than needed. They knew they were in danger for their lives. When the man did not respond immediately, Michon repeated the question, just as quietly.

“Why did you refuse? Tell me. You swore such an oath to me when you came into service in this guard, did you not?”

The man nodded.

“Then I am curious. Your oath to me was to obey all commands, even unto death, in service to me and this Shire. Am I correct?”

Again, the guard nodded, unblinking. His eyes held his Lord’s evenly, his breath now shallow and slow.

“Then tell me, when commanded to go with Lady Kellina to the new Shire, and serve her as you would me, that you refused to swear allegiance to her and that shire? It cannot be that you thought I was in error to send her there? Or that she is unworthy to rule when I have said she shall do so? Or that her child is any less heir to all I have without marriage?”

His eyes moved briefly over the group of men before him, and then back to the guard. He waited.

The guard was silent, perspiration forming on his forehead, as he considered the response for which Lord Michon now waited. If truthful, he would likely lose his life. If untruthful, he would still lose his life for there was no good reason for what Lord Michon clearly saw as disobeying a direct order.

He took a deep breath. “My Lord, I did so swear to obey your commands and to serve this shire, even unto death. I failed to obey my Lord’s command to do the same toward the Lady Kellina and the new shire to which you have sent her. There is no reason beyond my own bias against the Lady Kellina’s former role in this shire, and my view of her as indeed unworthy to rule.”

Michon was quiet still, unmoving, his breath slow and even. Outwardly, he was the epitome of self-control. Inwardly, a war raged. The man deserved punishment for disobeying an order, this much was certain. It was also certain that every other man with him shared his feelings and had refused for close to or exactly the same reason. Having them all put to death would be a waste.

Still, there needed to be an example set, and a choice given. Michon was known to be firm, but fair, in his dealings within the Shire and without. He would not alter that reputation now.

Finally, he spoke, “I see. You disobeyed because she was a submissive and you saw her as unworthy to rule, although I’m sure you and the others here have other terms besides those which I have used. Words such as ‘whore’ and ‘slut’ and ‘bastard’ for the child. Well, of course, you are men of the sword and used only to coarse words. Such is the way of the warrior. I, too, have other terms for ones you used.

Failed? You chose treason. Biased? I think you a bigot and miscreant. So too do I think of any of you who disobeyed my order and have returned here in shame and dishonor. Daniels at least acted honestly, if dishonorably. You, however, have need of education in the ways of the women in my service. Where is Daniels now?”

The guard swallowed hard, “The Lady has him in custody, my Lord, awaiting punishment.”

“What punishment?”

“She is having a platform built, much like the one in Your Lordship’s courtyard, for a public flogging that is to continue until Daniels apologizes to the Lady and to Ahren. He also tried to attack the Lady and Captain Payne, my Lord, when being sent out to the brig.”

“He WHAT??” Lord Michon’s control was gone in an instant as he became livid, “Bring my horse!! At once!!”

One of the other guards moved forward and bowed, “At once my Lord, if it pleases you.”

Lord Michon nodded, “Go!”

He turned back to the remaining men, “So some did stay … did obey her as they would have me … is this so?”

A different guard stepped forward slowly, “Aye, my Lord. It seemed that the Lady desires only women in the new shire and if men are there, they are there by her consent only so long as they live in complete honor. She had Captain Payne put out a call for women guards and soldiers to come forth for training in the new Shire.”

This, at least, brought a fleeting, small smile from Lord Michon, “Did she now? It would appear her Ladyship is taking over nicely,” his eyes went back to the guard in front of him, “for one so unworthy to do so.”

The guard swallowed hard, but remained silent.

Michon saw no reason to delay any longer, “Do you still swear to obey my commands, even unto death?”

The guard nodded, “Aye, my Lord.

Michon stepped back five measured paces, then turned again to face the man, his voice now hard and louder with each word, “Then follow my command – for the crime of treason and disobeying a direct order, fall on your sword!”

The man hesitated, but only a second, realizing Lord Michon was offering him a more honorable death than that which he deserved. Slowly, pulling his sword out and putting the point to his chest firmly, his eyes met those of Lord Michon one last time, “Thus I do obey my Lord in blood and honor!!”

The guard then fell forward with a lunge, the broadsword he carried piercing through his body with a sickening sound. The body lurched with death throes as he lay on the ground, and then was quiet.

Lord Michon stepped forward, rolling the man over with his boot, and pulled the sword from the body. Dripping with the dead man’s blood, the sword was lifted up for all to see.

“The same fate to any man here who fails me in even the smallest matter!! All of you are confined to quarters till my return. Now get out of my sight!”

A small cloud of dust was raised as the remaining men fled the presence of their Lord, who turned to one of his aides.

“Dursten, it is best to see for myself. Please advise the Captain of the Guard to find five honorable men to accompany me, and be sure they are given mounts. So help me, any more offenders will die on the spot!”

Dursten nodded and turned to obey, running past others as he did so.

Michon turned to the still trembling girl behind him, whose eyes were locked on the dead man on the ground, “You, pack me a small satchel to take along … usual items.”

The girl brought her eyes up, curtsied and spun, tripping in her haste to obey. Instinct overturning ire, Michon reached to help her up, realizing with chagrin that perhaps he’d been a bit harsh of late. The girl was comely, flaxen hair tossed loosely about her shoulders as she stood up.

He held her hand gently, “I am a dolt. There, child, are you harmed?”

She shook her head, gazing up timidly through dark lashes. Her eyes were green and filled with uncertainty, even shying from him as his hand went up to brush her hair away from her face. More gently yet, he asked again, “Are you harmed, sweet one?”

She shook her head slowly, “No, my Lord, I think not, just shaken a bit. By your leave, Sir, I will attend to your orders.”

He gently ran one finger along her chin, lifting it to see her eyes more clearly, and nodded, “What is your name?”

“Christine.”

“Well, then, Christine, off with you, and be quick.”

The girl curtsied shyly and moved quickly ahead of him as he went back into the Castle. Moving through the entry hall, he glanced up at Christine as she moved up the stairs toward his
chamber. Smiling briefly as he watched her lithe form ascend the stairs, he continued out to the courtyard, where his countenance was once more stoic and severe. The guard had been bound to the flogging posts as ordered. He addressed the guard standing nearest the post.

“Cronstone, strip him naked, and give him only water until my return. At that time, every female submissive in my Shire shall have a turn at flogging him. When they have finished, we will pour honey over him and let the insects and birds have him. So shall be the fate of any who dare offend the Lady Kellina or the child she carries.”

Cronstone, known better about the Keep as Cron, bowed in acknowledgement, Michon spun on his heel and went back into the Castle. Provisions had been quickly packed by the kitchen staff, and Christine brought out a fair sized satchel with clothing and toiletries he would need. As he took it and placed it on the back of one of the horses, he turned to smile at her, taking her hand to kiss it softly.

“Well done, Christine.”

At her blush, he chuckled softly as he mounted his beloved Belvedere, the chestnut stallion stomping impatiently. He turned to his aide, once more standing near, his orders having been carried out.

“Watch over things while I am gone, Dursten … I do not know the length of my stay as yet.” He nodded in the direction of the body, “Have that seen to, will you, my man? Have the body impaled outside the guards quarters where they can see it.”

The man, gray at the temples and of a moderate build, bowed gracefully, “Of course, My Lord, all will be as you order. Go safely and see to her Ladyship’s well being. All will be as you are leaving it upon your return.”

Nodding, Lord Michon turned His beloved steed in the direction of the new Shire and headed out, waving as he left. The chosen guards fell in behind him, their steeds keeping pace with his.

Alone with their own thoughts as they rode, not a one of them envied either of the two men who were to be punished and all but one held a new measure of respect for the Lady Kellina and her new Shire.

That one, known as Saul, rode to the rear of the group. None thought anything of it, for Saul kept to himself more than most, and was in service to Lord Phalon.

When Dursten had come looking for five honorable men, it was an opportunity to follow through on a request his liege Lord had made of him earlier -to find a way into the newly reclaimed shire, keep his eyes and ears open, and report all to his liege Lord regularly.

Now Saul rode silently, recalling the sight of the dead guard being carried away, and mulling over his own role in the game of wits and power he now saw developing between Lord Michon and his own liege Lord Michon’s brother, Phalon. He had to be cautious, or his fate would be the same as that of the hapless idiot who so willingly fell on his sword.

It would be difficult. Saul, for all his silence, was usually anything but cautious.

“Ma’am? Can I help you with something?” was the sleepy question.

“It’s all right, child,” She responded in a soft whisper, “I’m just looking for my slippers. Go back to sleep dear, I’m sorry to have disturbed you.”

The girl reached over from her mat and handed the Kellina two soft pink slippers, “Here, Milady, if you please, use mine.”

She smiled as she slipped them on, “Thank you so much! Now, go back to sleep!”

The girl nodded as she laid back down, murmuring sleepily, “Yes, Ma’am.”

Clad now in robe and slippers, Kellina made her way to the kitchen area. Her dark brown hair hung loosely tousled over her shoulders, her hazel eyes watchful as she stepped around and between the sleeping forms around her.

In the kitchen, she was both surprised and not … Adelaide was up and fussing about, which was nothing new, but Kellina was surprised to find Ahren up and dressed already. Ahren bowed as the Lady came in.

“Good morning, Milady,” the boi said with a smile, “Did you sleep well?”

“Alas, no. Far too much excitement in one day, and then a bed that was not my own. And you?”

“I didn’t sleep much, Ma’am. Like you say, too much excitement and much to think about. Can I get you some breakfast?”

Kellina looked over the kitchen in wonderment. Thoroughly cleaned, there were boards covering broken panes in the windows, and warmth from the stove indicated a fire going, “There’s food? I would have thought the stove out of commission with all the other deterioration around.”

Adelaide came over, laughing, and put her arm around Ahren, “This boi is a wonder, girl! She was up all night, cleaning and scrubbing this place, and would not let anyone else lose sleep to help her. She found one crack in the stove chimney, repaired it, and cleaned it so I could use it.”

“She got the chickens we brought along to part with some eggs, made some biscuits, and even found a hive with honey in it. The bees were not as cooperative as the chickens, though. Then she managed to locate potatoes and coffee in the food wagon, and a goat found wandering outside shared some of her milk. The well is apparently in working order, and so between us two we pulled it together.”

The Lady blinked in amazement, “Honey? Now, so late in the year?”

Ahren smiled, “There was a bit left in a hive, Milady … oh, and the village is not entirely deserted. There are those who stayed here or returned after whatever happened to leave the castle in such a state. I have some chores to do for a villager later in exchange for the goat milk, if it pleases you.”

She nodded, “People stayed? I shall have to look about then. Of course, you may fulfill your barter agreement. And, have you always been so … resourceful, Ahren?”

Blushing brightly as she handed Kellina a cup of coffee, Ahren nodded, “I’ve been on my own since I was very young, Milady. I had to be resourceful. Lord Michon’s shire was actually the first place I’d stayed for any length of time. How do you like your eggs, Ma’am?”

Smiling at the redirection, she responded, “Over easy, please. Now, you were saying? How long had you been at Shire of the East?”

“Six months.”

“Why come here?”

“Lord Michon summoned me and asked if I would like to accompany you here, and I said I would. I thought perhaps I’d find a home … and …” her voice trailed off as she handed Adelaide some biscuits from the oven. She then handed the Lady a plate with two eggs, flawlessly done, golden hash-browns, and a biscuit smothered in honey.

“And…” came the prompt.

Ahren looked up at her, blue eyes glistening, “And a reason to serve … a purpose, Milady.”

The Lady regarded Ahren quietly as she ate. Hungrier than she had realized, the food was delicious and gone before Ahren had cleared the dishes.

Busying hirself with tidying, helping Adelaide with food for the staff, and making sure the Lady’s coffee cup was full, she was already pouring when Kellina’s hand went out after the third cup. She cried out as the scalding liquid flowed over her hand and fingers.

“Owwwww!”

Ahren, horrified at hir carelessness, ran for a cold cloth which Adelaide already had waiting when she got to the sink. As she did so, one of the male guards came in, “Are you all right, Ma’am? What happened?”

The Lady allowed Ahren to wrap her fingers gently in the cool towel, “It’s all right, just an accident is all.”

The guard, a bit overzealous in his desire to prove himself in the new setting, saw the spilled coffee and the pot on Ahren’s side of the table. Putting the picture together, he came over and slapped Ahren hard across the face, “You idiot! Look what you’ve done! My Lady, what shall be done with such carelessness?”

Ahren froze in offense and rage, then turned and walked slowly and silently over to the other side of the table where the Kellina stood and knelt at her feet.

The Lady glared at the guard, “That will be enough!” Her voice was like ice, “This was an accident and I’m not seriously hurt. You will apologize to my boi immediately for striking hir.”

The guard blinked, genuinely surprised, “Your …. Your … “

“Boi: a female submissive who follows a more masculine demeanor and dress, who you’ve struck without my consent. Now apologize.”

The guard, now thoroughly humiliated by his error, was not going to add to it by offering an apology to a former slut and her ‘boi’ – whatever they called it, he knew Lord Michon ran a sexual mastery, and that said only one thing about the women in that castle: sluts there for his pleasure alone. He was not about to apologize, and stiffening, said, “No, Ma’am. I will not apologize. I did my duty as I saw it.”

Kellina nodded, “Ahren?”

“Yes, Ma’am?”

“Fetch Captain Payne, please, and return here to me.”

Ahren rose and bowed, “Right away, Ma’am.”

While Kellina waited, she noticed Adelaide was busy working on the other side of the room and, with a deft curtsy to which the Lady nodded her consent, exited the kitchen. The guard remained frozen where he stood, silence between them hanging like velvet drapes over a window.

Several minutes later, Ahren returned.

Kneeling by the Lady once more, she looked up, “The Captain is on her way, Milady.”

Nodding, the Lady’s eyes locked on the guard in icy fury. She saw now that she would have to act and act decisively … after the incident at her chamber the night before, an example needed to be set, and this guard had unwittingly stepped forward to volunteer for the honor.

Captain Payne entered, bowed, and saluted sharply, “Ma’am! Yes, Ma’am!”

Turning to the Captain, She spoke softly and evenly, hiding the ever so slight tremor of fury in her chest, “This guard has overstepped his authority and struck my boi, Ahren, and then refused an order to apologize.”

The Captain glanced at the guard, who stood facing forward without emotion, then back at the Lady and nodded, “What is your will, Ma’am?”

“I want him imprisoned until a platform can be built that will serve for public displays of discipline. On that platform, he is to be bound and flogged until he consents to apologize to Ahren.”

“And … if he does not consent, my Lady?”

The Lady walked over to the Captain, meeting her gaze evenly, “Then he will die of his wounds.”

Payne nodded slowly and bowed, turning to move toward the guard.

Suddenly unfrozen and lunging toward Kellina, he cried out, “You stinking bitch, I’ll kill you!”

The Captain’s swift movement blocked the attack, and the next floored the guard, who found the Captain’s sword at his throat. In spite of this, the guard managed to spit at Captain Payne, whose sword pressed in till a crimson bead showed around it, “You were saying?”

“Enough, Captain!” the Lady said, “Take him to the brig … no matter its condition. Never mind the flogging. The miscreant has earned himself a death sentence. He will remain in the brig until judgment can be made.”

Nodding, the Captain pulled the guard to his feet and shoved him toward the door.

“Oh, and Captain Payne…” the Lady called, to which the Captain turned. “I want all guards assembled outside within the hour. Let the call go out that this Shire will be a haven for women, for women who love women, and for women who desire to follow the path of Dominance and submission of their free will. A call for female soldiers and guards who will train and protect this Shire under the guidance of our guardian, Tambor shall also go out. If a male desires to reside here, he will do so by consent only so long as he lives in honor, and fulfills the obligations of any other citizen within these borders.”

The Captain smiled, saluted sharply, and said, “By Your will, my Lady, so it shall be so!” As she left with the guard, Kellina thought she saw a renewed enthusiasm in the Captain’s step.

Turning back to Ahren, Kellina smiled tenderly, “Are you all right, sweet one?”

Ahren was dizzy with all that had transpired, but managed a nod, “Yes, Ma’am, thank you.”

Laughing softly, the Lady nodded, “No problem, I take care of my own.”

Ahren ventured a glance upward, “Your … own … my Lady?

“If you wish it.”

“What does being yours entail, if one may ask?”

The Lady walked over and gazed down at Ahren, who was still kneeling, and whose blue eyes were clear and full, “It means what you want it to mean, Ahren. Let’s start there …”

Ahren gulped, “I …. I’m … I don’t know what to say …”

“When one does not know what to say, it is then it is a time for silence. For now, there is a Castle to get in order and a Shire to restore! And I … need a Chamber to sleep in by tonight!”

Ahren nodded, but waited.

“You may rise, Ahren.”

“Yes, Ma’am,” Ahren stood and went back to cleaning up after the Lady.

The Lady turned to leave, nodding to an apprehensive Adelaide who stood just outside the door. As she moved to leave the room, Kellina noted the look of relief when Adelaide saw the kitchen remained intact, stopping as Ahren called to Her, “Ma’am?”

“What is it, Ahren?”

“The answer is yes, Ma’am.”

She looked at Ahren for a moment and nodded, understanding more than most what was being offered, “Then your first duty is to obtain a detail to help you move my things into my chamber upstairs, and prepare it for me to use by tonight, after you complete your bartering agreements with the people in the Shire.”

“Ma’am?”

“Yes, Ahren?”

“What are you going to name the Shire?”

Thinking for a moment, the Lady smiled as only one name came to her. “Dragonsheart,” She said, and left the room.

“Dragonsheart,” whispered Ahren, nodding in approval even as she headed for the door to obey hir Lady’s command.

Adelaide returned quietly and resumed her work on the kitchen, muttering softly, “Fine thing … I get a good helper, and off she goes … oh well, couldn’t be a better choice for the gir … I mean, Lady.”
She looked out one of the windows, out over the sleeping village and rolling hills beyond, toward the morning sun. She nodded in approval, “Dragonsheart!”

“HOME SWEET HOME.” The words came unbidden, but floated clearly through Her mind. She looked around for the source and the only one near her was the once again diminutive blue dragon.

“Was that you?” she asked.

He turned and winked one green eye at her, “TALKING IS TIRESOME. I FIND MENTAL COMMUNICATION EVER SO MUCH MORE CONVENIENT. I’M GLAD YOU CAN HEAR ME. NOT ALL HUMANS CAN.”

“Oh, I see,” She thought back. “Home sweet dilapidated wreck would be somewhat more accurate an assessment, my blue friend. It will take an army to make this dump livable.”

“OH, IT WILL BE WONDERFUL IN NO TIME … YOU’LL SEE!”

Kellina looked at him, nodding in disbelief, walking further inside, peeking into rooms off the main entry hall. Over her head hung a long neglected chandelier of what appeared to be brass and crystal. She wondered idly who would be unlucky enough to garner that little piece of reworking, but continued her exploration of the entry hall. There was a central stair case that led upward and branched off in opposite directions, dust caked stairs held a hint of former glory but were long chipped and faded with disuse. She wondered if they were even safe to climb and would need some brave soul to check that before anyone used them regularly.

Though dirty, the windows appeared to be sound, although the treatments hung in faded tatters from rusted or tarnished rods. While the exterior of the castle had held not one visible square corner, as was the custom, the interior held the conventional corners, walls, and doorways. She thought it odd, but perhaps the builders of the structure wanted the appearance of fragility when in actual truth the castle was as strong as needed to guard the Shire and village.

A set of double hung oak doors to the left of the stairway opened to a vast chamber she assumed to have been a hall for entertaining guests at balls and banquets. Two enormous stone fireplaces dominated the far wall, appearing to her as gaping mouths demanding to be fed.

There was still some furniture here and there, most of it unusable in their present condition. Tables lay on their sides, chairs broken and overturned, and the chandeliers hanging in severely damaged conditions that belied stability of any kind. They would have to be taken down and replaced, or what was left of them would. They gave the appearance of wanting to loosen themselves from the fastenings that held them, and she was careful not to walk directly under any of them.

Leaving that chamber, she moved around to the room on the right side of the stair case, also behind what were double hung oak doors. The doors lay on their sides, off their hinges, as though ripped aside by some unseen assailant. She stopped and closed her eyes, laying her hand on one of the doors. Instantly, long distant images rushed through her mind of screaming women and shouting, fireballs of assaultive weapons, and the energy of brute strength invading the space before her.

Pulling her hand away, she opened her eyes and breathed deeply, letting the images and the energies they carried sink back into the soil beneath her. What wounded Kaia’s children could only be healed by Kaia, as her mother had often told her. How impatient she had been! She shook her head at the memory now, of the petulant child with crossed arms and scowling visage, stomping her feet in rebellion.

Attempted, always … successful, never … every lesson met with the same resistance and every lesson learned with the same reluctance. She had done her lessons with all the enthusiasm of a condemned prisoner approaching a gallows, but she had done them. She had learned them. She had put them to memory and used them countless times since she had grown to a young woman. Her mother, bless her, had never once mentioned her past rebellious nature or used it to chide her. The memories of women were like that, she knew now. Cast in iron are the memories of the heart’s joys, and fleeting as shadows are the memories of the heart’s aches.

This room, whatever it had been, had seen the worst of whatever had happened here. Charred beams echoed of a fire, and the window at the far end of the room was shattered as if hit by the fireballs she had seen so clearly. Fortunate that the builders had the foresight to build of Kaia’s strongest stone … only the wood had burned. The floor was charred, but solid, and what furniture had been was demolished.

Gazing around her, Kellina could not help but wonder at what had happened here … when and by whom and for what purpose? She would have words with Michon when next she saw him. He might have warned her of what she would find here.

She went back outside and looked around what seemed to have been the entrance courtyard – the only way into the shire was through the castle gates, which had long fallen from disrepair. Or from attack, she thought, remembering the room on the right. She looked over to those windows and saw that something had indeed entered with extreme destructive force – shattered shards lay scattered as if they had exploded upon the impact of whatever had been launched against them, stone and casings were charred from some source of intense heat.

Tambor, once again the normal size for a dragon, waited outside as she wandered around the entire courtyard and at last she turned to him.

“It’s a mess. I would think my Lord would have forewarned me,” Kellina’s voice was weary and disheartened.

“IT HAS BEEN MANY YEARS SINCE HE HAS BEEN HERE, LADY, AND HE WAS YOUNGER THAN YOU WHEN HE LEFT. SOME MEMORIES FADE WITH TIME, ESPECIALLY IF THEIR OWNER WISHES IT SO.”

She nodded, “I will grant you that. Still, this is so … overwhelming … what was he thinking to send me here with it in this condition?”

Tambor chuckled, “WOULD YOU HAVE APPRECIATED IT MORE HAD IT BEEN RESTORED WHEN YOU ARRIVED? HOW THEN WOULD YOU MAKE IT YOUR OWN? HIS PARENTS FOUGHT THE LAND ITSELF TO BUILD THIS SHIRE. REALLY, LADY, YOU SOUND SO … SPOILED …”

He was expecting the huff of indignation and the sound pelt of a shoe against his clawed foot, “TRUTH STINGS, DOES IT, LADY? I THINK HE THOUGHT YOU MORE THAN UP TO THE CHALLENGE OF RECLAIMING THIS SHIRE, AND I AM INCLINED TO THINK HIM CORRECT.”

Kellina considered another attack on his foot, but her own still hurt from that first time. She sighed and nodded quietly, “I will not disappoint, then. Perhaps you could clear the way on what used to be the entrance road to the castle, my friend? It looks too overgrown for the caravan to make their way through it successfully.”

Tambor glanced down the road leading up and saw that it was indeed heavily overgrown with shrub and brush, through which the caravan would have to hack their way if they were to reach the castle. He motioned for her to stand back, and shielded her with one wing. She peeked around the edge of scaled protection to see him inhale, close his eyes, and let loose the most incredible flame that she’d ever seen.

Like a river the gold and amber flames flowed down the roadway, consuming everything in their path. She had ducked back behind her protective shield when the flames became too intense, but looked back when Tambor again folded his wing up onto his back.

“THAT SHOULD DO NICELY,” He thought.

It took some time for the remainder of the caravan to arrive, but she heard them approach through the gates that guarded the castle and the village beyond. Since the gates were severely damaged and lay forlorn on the ground, so there was at present nothing to hold anyone back from entering the Shire at will. That would change soon enough, she promised herself.

Nonetheless, she was relieved to see them approach and hear human voices again. It had been some hours since Tambor and she had arrived, so she knew another camp of sorts was in order for the coming night. Kellina braced herself and went out to greet the young Captain Payne, up front and obviously in a fine temper.

Dismounting, the Captain bowed stiffly if somewhat graciously, though her voice was tense, “Milady …”

“Rise, Captain, I see you have all arrived safely. Without incident, I trust?”

“None at all, Ma’am,” replied the Captain, nodding toward the castle, “Milady …”

She looked at Payne, whose face and eyes flushed with smouldering anger, “Yes, Captain?”

“Really, Milady, what WERE You thinking, taking off like that?”

“Excuse me?” She couldn’t believe the tone being used.

“Milady, do you not think Lord Michon would have all our heads if any harm befell you? Taking off like that .. showed the highest disregard for your safety and our heads! Don’t ever do that again!!”

Kellina looked at the Captain, whom she sincerely liked, and decided to make an example of hir. Others had grown silent as they beheld the display, and she noted Ahren to the rear of a small group, head down as if she had failed her duty in some way. Instantly, Kellina knew that Payne had held the boi responsible. In the same instant, She knew she could not allow Payne to become a bully.

Quietly, she spoke, “Captain, do remove your helmet, please.”

Obediently, Payne exhaled sharply as if annoyed, and placed her helmet under her arm. Kellina stepped forward. She turned to another guard, “You, your gauntlet please.”

The guard stepped forward, bowed, and removed the gauntlet from his belt, handing it to the Lady.

“Thank you,” she smiled.

She looked back to the Captain and, without missing a beat, brought the gauntlet up full force across Payne’s face.

Surprise caused the Captain to fall to one side, attempting to regain her balance, when the gauntlet struck her again and dropped her to the ground. Every attempt to rise was met with another blow, till at last Payne remained on hir knees. She looked at the ground, defeated. In this humiliation, she knew at last she had been far out of line to address the Lady as she had in front of the entire assembly, and that this was necessary in order for the Lady Kellina to establish Her authority.

Payne moved slowly, but decidedly, lowering herself further in the direction of the ground. On her stomach, she moved forward and gently kissed the foot of the Lady. Then she put her arms out to her side and lay still.

No sound could be heard. Every eye was on Lady Kellina and the Captain. After several minutes, she spoke, “You may rise, Captain.”

Slowly, Payne arose and faced the Lady, going down on one knee before Her, “I am most sorry, Lady. It will never happen again.”

The Lady nodded, “I trust that is so, Captain. Now, replace your helmet and rise … we have much to discuss.”

“How … how do you find the castle, Lady?” Payne spoke softly.

She shook her head, “I fear we will have to make camp in the courtyard and surrounding grounds. I am unsure of the stability of any part of the castle, and until it can be assessed suggest we remain outdoors.”

Payne nodded her agreement, “A wise plan, Ma’am. By your leave, I shall convey your wishes to the others. At sun up I will assign a squad to assess the safety of the castle structure, if that meets with my Lady’s approval.”

She nodded, “Excellent, Captain. And now, if I could have my tent assembled so that I may rest …”

Later, by the fire as before, she yawned and stretched from weariness. A female guard nearby looked over, “Are you well, Lady Kellina?”

She nodded, rising, “Quite well, just weary. I shall retire for the night. See to your post.”

To her surprise, the young guard turned to her, “If you will permit me, Lady Kellina, I shall accompany you to your tent. This environ is still unknown to us, and dangers may lurk of which we are unaware. Lord Tambor is a most wonderful guardian, but even he in all his strength cannot see all things.”

Unable to argue with the wisdom of the young woman’s logic, Kellina nodded her assent. They walked in silence to the tent, where Ahren stood waiting. Seeing the guard, she came up to them at once.

“Milady, is all well? Why have you need of a guard?”

She shook her head, “I’m well, my dear Ahren, truly. The young lieutenant is merely being cautious, and wisely so in such an unknown place as this.” She turned and nodded, “Thank you, err … your name? I don’t recall you giving it …”

“Lieutenant Eliwayne, Milady,” she said, bowing.

Kellina smiled, “Very well, Eliwayne, you are dismissed. See to your post as assigned by Captain Payne.”

“At once, Lady Kellina, as you will,” and with another bow, Eliwayne turned and left them.

Ahren moved to hold the tent flap open as Kellina went inside, turning to smile at hir just briefly, “Thank you, Ahren, now get some sleep. Find someone to take your place.”

Ahren bowed, “Yes, Ma’am. Right away, as you will.”

Inside, Kellina again simply lay down in her riding garments, pulled the covers over her, and doused the light. In the darkness, she thought the idle pre-sleep meanderings of mind that often accompany the weary. She knew a bath was in order, and soon.

Where it would happen she had no idea, but from Tambor’s back she saw that two rivers converged near the castle, and she was certain a bath might be possible in some secluded spot along the shore. Then she needed her bed … two nights in a tent had left her tender back somewhat aching.

It had taken the longest to heal after that Night … torn ligaments and muscles took time to mend. It was weeks before she could move without pain, and then the realization of her condition brought even more anguish. So reluctant was she to tell Michon that he had been forced to bring in a soothsayer to give her a potion, compelling her to reveal what she was hiding.

Then when she had healed sufficiently, he devised a ritual of healing for them both, culminating with the planting of his seed within her, claiming the child as his own. She did not weep at the memory this time, but smiled at the warm remembrance of it, her hand going to her abdomen as sleep finally claimed her.

The following morning, Captain Payne reported to her during her breakfast that her guards had checked the castle stem to stern and, with a few exceptions, had found it to be structurally sound.

Kellina was glad of it, and gave the order that unpacking was to commence as soon as morning meal was done. Tambor, true to his self-proclaimed role as guardian, was present as crates and boxes began to move into the long abandoned structure. The Lady smiled at the blue presence.

“And where did you flit off to last night?”

“I HAVE A CAVERN DWELLING BELOW THE CASTLE, LADY. AFTER MY SURVEILLANCE OF THE SHIRE LANDS, I RETIRED THERE FOR THE NIGHT. AND AS GUARDIAN OF THE SHIRE, I AM HERE TODAY IN CASE I AM NEEDED.”

Kellina watched as dust swirled with supplies, furniture, and belongings being brought in. She coughed and cast a dubious glance at the dragon beside her. Noting her glance, Tambor merely shrugged. She glanced down to the floor, and bent to wipe away dirt and debris with her hand. A faint pattern appeared, and she turned to one of the guards nearby.

“You there! I need a sturdy cloth …”

“NEVER MIND,” thought Tambor, who turned and swished the soft underside of his tail across the floor several times. A finely detailed floor of cross grained inlaid woods was revealed even as Tambor yelped and jumped, flinging his tail harshly.
“OUCH!”

The Lady, who had moved clear of the tail and the resulting dust cloud, moved over to view the problem. Tambor shook his head and pulled his tail back. Kellina looked at him, crossed her arms, and said firmly, “Give me that tail, lizard!”

Reluctantly and slowly, the tail came back toward her, lifted slightly.

Bending down, Kellina could see the shard of wood that had imbedded itself into the soft underside flesh of the dragon’s tail. Calling for a healer, she knelt down and looked at Tambor, who obliged by lifting the tail gently into her lap. She was glad he was small now … normal size would have crushed her.

The healer arrived and, seeing the Lady in attendance on the wounded, opened her tool pack for Her to use.

Tenderly, Kellina used some clamps to pull on the shard, which stayed fast.
Realizing more stern measures were needed, she pulled harder while moving the shard against the direction of entry and pulling. The healer saw the action, and placed her hands on either side of the wound to stabilize the flesh.

Slowly, it came out, along with the dragon’s blood. Seeing the depth of the wound, she took a needle and sinew and began stitching. With each stitch, Tambor flinched and whimpered softly.

The healer did her part by running the calming energies she knew the wounded dragon needed in order to stay still, as Lady Kellina was tending the wound herself.

Once stitched, she applied a dressing and bound it around the tail securely.
“I’m afraid you will have to remain small while it heals, my Lord Tambor,” she said softly, putting away the tools used and closing the healer’s pack, smiling Her thanks. The healer nodded and bowed her head.

Tambor nodded and moved aside as Ahren, standing nearby, helped the Lady to her feet. As Tambor ambled off, he called out in an offended tone over his shoulder, “And I am not a lizard!”

She smiled, handed the healing bundle to the healer, and moved to continue her examination of the stair rail, also of a dark, rich wood. The steps appeared to be some kind of polished stone … marble perhaps. Hard to tell until they were thoroughly cleaned.

A sudden scream brought her head up abruptly and She ran toward the back of the stairs and through an entrance to the kitchen.

On the floor lay one of her maids, a young woman named Louise.

Immediately the healer came forward while Kellina looked around the room to find what had caused Louise to faint. Detecting an odor of decay in the room – living decay – she looked at the faces around her to verify it wasn’t Her imagination. She walked past Louise to move to the other side of the huge island in the center of the room. Gasping audibly at what she saw there, she reached out to grasp the edge of the island to steady Herself. Instantly Ahren was at Her side.

“Milady … what is it? Are you all right?”

She pointed, then turned from the decaying human remains leaning in a sitting position against the stove. Mostly skeleton, it wasn’t possible to determine a gender from what was left. A lone rat gnawed without concern at what was left on the hips. Tambor came around the corner and made a face.

“EWWWWW.”

“You didn’t do this, did you?” the Lady asked him, and regretted the question as soon as she saw the wounded look on his face. Now she had succeeded in offending him twice within an hour.

“My dear Lady,” He said haughtily and with every ounce of wounded pride he could muster, “if I were at all inclined to consume humans, or even dispatch them, none of you would be here right now!”

She nodded, “Of course. I am sorry to have offended you. However, that still leaves us with a dead body and no explanation of how it got that way or why it is decomposing on the kitchen floor!” At this point she rolled her eyes and turned, “And would someone PLEASE remove that rat, and take the body outside to one of the other buildings?”

At the tone of her voice, Ahren stepped up, “I will take care of it, if it please You, Milady.”

She looked gratefully at Ahren and motioned to two guards, “You and … you … help Ahren take care of this. If Louise can be moved, let’s get her into another room away from this stench.” She turned back to Ahren, who was already removing the now deceased rat, “Open all the doors and windows, please, and oversee to the cleaning of this room.”

Ahren stopped to bow, discreetly putting the rat behind hir and out of the Lady’s view, “Yes, Ma’am, right away.”

The Lady smiled ever so slightly to herself as she followed the procession back into another room. Louise had regained consciousness and was protesting in vain at being carried. Looking back briefly at Ahren, who was already assigning tasks and telling the guards to get a stretcher to take the body outside, she thought briefly, “That one is a keeper.”

“INDEED,” came Tambor’s reply.

She looked at him, “Do you always eavesdrop?”

“NO, ONLY WHEN I DON’T DELIBERATELY SHUT OUT THE THOUGHTS OF THOSE AROUND ME. THERE IS ALSO THE RARE OCCASION WHEN I WILL NOT READ SOMEONE.”

“Does that happen often?”

“NO, ONLY WITH DARK MINDS.”

“Dark?”

The dragon looked at her evenly, growing ever so slightly to meet Her at eye level, “EVIL, MY LADY. EVIL MINDS ARE TOXIC … POISON TO OU… MY KIND. I DO NOT READ THEM. NOW, YOU MUST EXCUSE ME, LADY, AS THE GUARDIAN OF THE SHIRE, I MUST BE ABOUT MY DUTIES. WHO KNOWS, I MAY FIND ANOTHER CORPSE OR TWO …”

She didn’t smile in return, “If you do, please incinerate them so no more of my maids have fainting spells.”

Tambor bowed, “AS YOU WILL IT, MY LADY, SO IT SHALL BE.”

As Tambor ambled back out the double front doors, lifting his tail gingerly over the wooded floors, the Lady turned back to the room where Louise was resting on a pile of comforters. “Are you feeling better,” She asked.

Louise nodded, “Yes, Ma’am. I’m fine, really. I’m sorry for making such a fuss.”

The Lady’s hand fell gently on the young woman’s shoulder, “It’s quite understandable, Louise. If I can faint at the sight of a dragon, you can faint at a rotting corpse.”

Louise laughed, “A rotting corpse being nibbled on by a mangy, disgusting rat.”

“You fainted because of the RAT?”

Louise nodded sheepishly, “I’m terrified of them.”

The Lady chuckled and turned to the guards bringing in boxes and chests, “Ok, I need a detail of ten … no, twenty … no … thirty guards … NOW!!”

In no time at all they were assembled before her. She groaned a little inwardly … her Lord had assigned mostly men in spite of the fact that this was to be a women’s shire. Time enough to deal with that little problem, “Now, I want this Castle combed from the highest turret to the lowest dungeon … every rat, insect, or other vermin found are to be removed from the premises immediately. Is that clear?”

“What if we find other … bodies, Milady?” asked Captain Payne, whose short red hair was peeking from beneath her helmet, damp with sweat.

“Call Tambor. He’ll take care of it. Now, go … and be thorough! If I find so much as a roach when you’re through, you will sleep in a pit of them.”

As the guards dispersed, the Captain assigning areas of the castle to each group, Kellina wandered back out toward the stairway and absently began to climb the steps. Her hand slid along the smooth wood of the railing as she reached the second floor landing, images once again floated toward her.

This time, children laughing, one sliding down where her hand lay now, and happier days. The castle had known love.

Faded, tattered draperies hung from windows fogged over with ages of dirt. Within the stone supporting structure, the faded wallpaper spoke of a grander time for the castle. To Her right and left were stairways that continued upward. The landing stretched to either of side of the stairways, with a hall in the center of each.

“Great,” She thought, “I’ll never run of out of guest rooms.”

Dirt, dust, debris, and cobwebs covered everything she saw. She decided to follow the stairway to the right and came to the third floor landing.

Doors again lined the walls with a hallway between them. The wallpaper here was as faded as the other, but of a different pattern. The floor also was of a different inlay than either the main or second floors. She marveled that whoever had designed this Castle had put much thought and care into the effort, as well as money. She wondered how long it had been here … who built it … what had happened … and why it had lain so long abandoned.

Her hand followed the pattern of the masonry on the stairwells as she climbed to the next floor, and to the next. There she paused to sit on a worn bench next to a window covered in grime. She wiped away some with Her hand and looked out at the surrounding grounds, grown over and untended. She leaned wearily against the window and sighed.

“Oh My Lord,” Kellina whispered, “I hope I don’t fail your trust in Me.” She jumped as a tiny flutter rippled her abdomen, and put her hand to it. A second flutter made her smile.

“So you are letting me know you’re here, little one! And just as I needed to know if your father’s trust in me is well placed.” She stood and went down the hall to her right, ignoring finally the next flight of stairs. At the end of the hall on her left was a huge wooden door with iron plating and hinges. She patted her tummy as she reached for the handle and turned, “Let’s go, little one.”

The door gave way reluctantly and long unused iron hinges creaked loudly in protest. It opened to a large empty chamber covered in the same dirt and cobwebs of every floor she’d been to, and yet it appealed to her.

As she came further in, she saw to her right what appeared to be a toilet, with an enormous claw foot tub near a window, and an ample wardrobe area off to the left. To her left was a fireplace and hearth of hewn stone that rose to the ceiling. On the far side of the room, near the windows that opened to a balcony, was a small chamber, most likely for an attendant.

The windows were double-hung doors paned with colored glass scenes. She looked closer at the handiwork and saw that the scene panes alternated with panes of different roses, and that the scenes depicted dominance and submission themes. One was of a young woman kneeling, head down, and blindfolded. Another was of a wooden cross complete with chains and bindings. Yet another was a candle dripping wax. She pulled the doors open and stepped out onto a large stone balcony that went the length of the room inside. Back inside, she continued her exploration of the chamber.

Huge windows provided ample light, or would once clean. She closed her eyes, imagining them crystal clear and hung with richly brocaded drapes. A door at the far end of the room revealed an adjoining chamber, somewhat smaller than the main one.

She smiled, “A perfect nursery, my little darling.” Other than the door to the soon to be nursery, the room held little at this end so she felt it would be well suited to other décor once she found a suitable submissive. She sighed. Lord Michon had been generous in allowing her to experience some of those appetites on his submissives, and it had proven quite intoxicating to her.

It had surprised her, the intensity of her reactions to a helpless but willing body waiting before her … sounds of moans and cries and sometimes screams coming from tender lips as she worked the instruments of her choosing on their flesh. She loved to push them … see how far they would go for her … and in so doing, find their own inner strength and peace.

Shaking her head, she moved on. Near the door to the nursery was a slightly hidden panel with a carving of a dragon in flight. The tail was slightly out from the surface, and when she pushed on it, the panel slid open to reveal a narrow spiral staircase leading downward. She suspected it might lead to Tambor’s lair, and made a point to ask Him about it. Not knowing the condition of the passage or the length, she decided to wait until it could be examined and determined to be safe.

A commotion out in the hall drew her attention and made her move toward the door as Ahren, the Captain, and two other guards entered. Upon seeing her, all bowed respectfully. Ahren, she noted, went down on one knee and held the position while the Captain and the guards resumed their standing positions.

The Captain spoke, “Milady, we were concerned about you when we couldn’t locate You. Are you well?”

She ignored the Captain, and looked at Ahren, who was still kneeling, “You may rise, Ahren.”

The boi stood, but did not respond with other than a nod in the Lady’s direction. The Lady turned back to the Captain.

“I am well, Captain. As to my whereabouts, I see no reason to inform anyone when I’m exploring my home. This is going to be my chamber. From henceforth, no one is to enter here without knocking and waiting permission to enter. I want two guards posted at the door at all times once the room is cleaned and furnished.”

The Captain, unused still to the authority of one she knew to have been a submissive, hesitated about three seconds in acknowledging the Lady’s command. It was about two seconds too long for the Lady.

“Something wrong with your hearing, Captain?” She asked, tapping Her foot.

“No Ma’am,” the Captain flushed a bright crimson.

“Your voice, then?”

“No, Ma’am.”

Kellina waited as the silence became heavy as the beams in the ceiling over their heads. She stood still, Her usually soft hazel eyes becoming hard as the Castle’s stones, and met the Captain’s gaze. Slowly the young woman lowered her gaze and dropped to one knee.

“It will be done as You command, my Lady.”

“Then you may see to your duties, Captain.”

The young woman rose, bowed deeply, and left the room with the guards. The Captain turned to them once in the hallway.

“As commanded, you two will take the first watch at her Ladyship’s door.”

“Sir …” one said.

“Yes?”

“Are we going to put up with her putting on airs like this? After the way she treated you yesterday?? She was a sex slave for heaven’s sake … even now we hear she’s carrying Lord Michon’s bastard.”

The Captain moved quickly. One second the guard was standing, the next he wasn’t. He was laid out on the floor where the Captain’s blow had landed him, her sword at his throat.

“Get your things and return to the Shire of the East as this man’s prisoner. You are hereby stripped of your rank and position. Upon return to the Shire of the East, you will surrender your uniform and weapons to Lord Michon, and submit yourself for disciplinary action. I’d pray if I were you … His Lordship doesn’t take kindly to treason.”

The Captain met the gaze of the other guard, who had paled, “Do you as well question the Lady’s right to rule this Shire?”

The guard shook his head firmly and the Captain nodded, “Then go, and be sure to send two honorable guards for tonight’s watch.”

The guard saluted, “By your command, Captain.”

Watching them go, the Captain shook her head as the Lady came to the door with Ahren, having heard the entire event, “I’m worried about that being the surface of an iceberg.”

The Lady nodded, “I trust your ability to command, Captain, have no doubt of it. Your position here is firm as long as you wish it.”

The Captain smiled and bowed, “Thank you, Lady Kellina, I shall endeavor to honor your faith in me. Until your chamber can be made ready, will you come downstairs? We have prepared a temporary room for your night’s slumber.”

She nodded, “Indeed yes. I am very tired. It’s been a very long day.”

I could only nod and take a few steps back, shading my eyes from the sun to watch Tambor launch upwards from the ground. I had to admit, in spite of my fear and worry for Lady Kellina, the sight of the powerful blue wings effortlessly stroking the air as dragon and rider climbed higher towards the sky was a majestic sight to behold.

I shook my head and sighed as the flying figures dwindled in the distance. Keeping my pledge to Lord Michon to serve and to protect Lady Kellina indeed was going to require every ounce of patience, skill and wits that I possessed. Much more so than either I or His Lordship anticipated a fortnight ago.

I nervously waited outside the door to Lord Michon’s private study while His male servant went inside to announce my presence. His Lordship specifically sent for me and I had no idea why. His message was delivered in such a manner that brokered no dilly dallying, so in all haste I immediately excused myself from my normal evening duties of helping Madame Adelaide clear the last remnants of the night’s dinner in the kitchen. As I followed the servant who delivered Lord Michon’s summons, I racked my memory for any transgressions that I may have unwittingly committed recently. None came to mind.

Bile rose in my throat, forcing me to tear my eyes away from Lord Michon’s gaze. This time, it was I that abruptly rose from my chair and sought refuge by the window.
He did not reprimand me for the breach of protocol, as was His right.

“My Lord Michon, Your wish is my command. I will serve Lady Kellina as I have served You, and I will strive to do my utmost to protect Her. This I pledge to You. ”

“Look out!” Lady Kellina’s carriage driver shouted, drawing my attention away from the sky. I heard the thunder of approaching hoof beats and instinctively dove sideways for the ground as Captain Payne’s horse nearly ran me down.

The Captain reined Her horse to an abrupt stop, its hooves stamping the ground mere inches from where I sprawled. She immediately leapt out of the saddle, grabbed my tunic with both fists and with surprising strength, hauled me to my feet. “Where did that beast take Lady Kellina?” Captain Payne demanded, punctuating Her words with quick jerks of my tunic. “Why didn’t you stop them?”

“Captain, Sir, Lady Kellina got on the dragon’s back voluntarily, at his invitation.” I finally got my feet solidly underneath me and brusquely pulled away from Captain Payne’s grasp. “I couldn’t have stopped Her even if I could. The dragon stated with great conviction that Lord Michon would have his head for Yuletide dinner if any harm should befall Lady Kellina.”

Several guards and servants came running from different directions and surrounded us.

“And you believed him?” Captain Payne eyed me dubiously.

“What choice did I have, Sir?” I glared back at the Captain. “I promised Lord Michon that I would safeguard Lady Kellina…just as You also pledged to do when You accepted Your position as Captain of Her guard. I tried to stop Her, with no avail. Like I said, Lady Kellina mounted the dragon’s back voluntarily. Believe You me; I share Your concern for Her safety!”

“Ahren is right, Captain.” Lady Kellina’s carriage driver chimed in. “I saw what Ahren saw. For all his enormous size, the dragon took great courtesy and care in positioning himself such that Lady Kellina willingly mounted his back.”

“Besides, Sir, if Tambor really meant harm… not only to Lady Kellina, but to the rest of us… don’t You think he would have done so right from the very beginning?” I added.

Captain Payne frowned at my boldness in front of the others, but chose not to address it. She sighed and shook Her head in obvious frustration. The start of Her new captaincy certainly was not going as smoothly as She liked or expected.

“We saw the dragon take off.” One of the newly arrived servants said, and several others nodded, their facial expressions a mixture of excitement and concerned agreement.

“Where did he take Lady Kellina?” Another servant asked.

“Lord Tambor said something about giving Her Ladyship a tour..and for us to follow…” I replied as I brushed dirt and bits of dead leaves from my breeches and tunic. “He flew towards the west.”

Captain Payne reached inside the leather pouch fastened to Her sword belt and pulled out a piece of parchment. The parchment was obviously frail with age or heavy use, for the Captain took great pains to unfold it carefully. “Well, according to this map, that direction is our ultimate destination. I suppose this is where the dragon has taken Lady Kellina.”

“All the more reason we should make haste and complete the journey.” I said. “Even with the dragon as Her temporary protector, we need to reach Lady Kellina.”

“How much farther, Captain Payne, Sir?” one of the guards asked.

The Captain squinted as She looked up at the angle of the sun in the horizon, then to the direction of the main road we were following, and then back to the map. “There is a landmark that Lord Michon told Me to look for. It should be a little further north up the road, and then we turn west.”

“Show them.”

I blinked, and glanced at Captain Payne and the others in the group. No one was looking at me, as if expecting to be addressed. I realized at that moment it was that mysterious voice again. Whispering in my ear, just as it had done the night I gave Lord Michon my promise. A fleeting image passed through my mind, of Lady Kellina and Tambor walking back towards Her carriage, Her face thoughtful. Returning from what appeared to be a private conversation. At least, that was what I surmised at the time.

“Show them.”

Again, that whisper.

I looked back in the direction that we had come since leaving the Shire of the East, then looked towards the road ahead of us. The road we traveled was one of the main through fares from one known Shire to another, although we had yet to encounter any other travelers. Given the full blaze of autumn colors proclaiming the season that was upon us, human minds and hands focused more on home and hearth, in preparation for the coming winter snows, rather than travel.

“What is the landmark we are to look for, Sir?” I asked curiously.

“Broken fragments of a stone.” Captain Payne replied. “According to Lord Michon, it once was a very large stone, with symbols inscribed on it.”

For the third time, came the whisper in my ear.

“Show them.”

Again, the mental image of Lady Kellina and Tambor walking together came to my mind. This time, the image lingered. It was as if an unseen artist was using my thoughts as an easel, painting vivid details of the landscape that earlier, surrounded Lady Kellina and the dragon as they walked towards Her carriage. I felt a distinct sense of being nudged, as if the artist was directing my attention towards a specific location.

I followed the gentle compulsion and looked again at the road in front of us. My tracking skills taught to me by my late father and honed by Callyn when she was still alive, picked out the faintest trace of a path veering to the left of the road, about two hundred or so paces from where I stood. The insistent push faded from my senses, and once again, the now familiar whisper came to my ear. “This is where they went. Show them.”

“Excuse me, Captain Payne…” I murmured, interrupting the Captain’s examination of the parchment map in Her hands. “I think there’s something over there….”

With Captain Payne at my side leading Her horse, I led the small group down the road to the faint path. After a few moments, the path gave way to a clearing, and we stopped in sudden amazement, for in the distance, framed between the sky and the mountains behind it stood a castle.

One of the older servants finally broke the stunned silence. “So it is true, then…those bedtime tales my grandfather told me and my sister… there once was another shire. ”

“Apparently so, Raven.” The Captain replied as She gauged the distance with a trained eye and consulted the parchment map. With a small grunt of satisfaction, She carefully folded the map and returned it to Her pouch. “And Lord Michon has given Lady Kellina the task of rebuilding it.”

“With our assistance.” I added. “I think we can be certain now that Lord Tambor flew there with Lady Kellina. Shortest and quickest way by air than by horseback or by foot…”

“Brave Lady….” The servant named Raven murmured in a mixture of admiration and disbelief “I don’t know if I would have had the courage to fly…on the back of a dragon…that high up….”

Captain Payne nodded curtly at me then took the reins of Her horse and swung up into the saddle. “We’d best press onward, then, if we’re to reach Lady Kellina before nightfall.” She rode back towards the rest of the caravan, leaving us to return on foot.

I lagged behind the group, and turned back for one more look at the castle.

And I was not surprised to once more hear that now familiar whisper.

“Keep your courage. All will be well.”

Tambor, for his part, merely huffed in indignation.

“HAS THE FEMALE NOT SEEN A DRAGON BEFORE?” he asked solemnly.

Ahren stood, “Not that it matters, beast! This is the Lady Kellina, newly ordained as the Matriarch and ruler of this Shire by the order of Lord Michon of the Shire of the East.”

Tambor blinked, “MATRIARCH? BY THE ORDER OF LORD MICHON? THAT IS A DIFFERENT MATTER … HAD YOU TOLD ME THIS BEFORE, NONE OF THIS PERFORMANCE WOULD HAVE BEEN NECESSARY!!”

Lady Kellina, having awakened from her fainting spell, got to her feet and started shooing away the well-meaning attendants, even Adelaide, who were hovering over her.” Enough, people! I only fainted, for heaven’s sake!”

She moved forward and faced the dragon standing before Her, “Now, who are You to block our path and forbid entrance to lands rightfully ordained to Me??”

The dragon, if it were possible, almost seemed to smile. Tambor liked her. A lot. She had spunk, and she would need it to reclaim this shire from ruin and neglect. Only a few still dwelled here … most had moved on and left only dust and cobwebs in their wake. Tambor bent down and brought his head level to where she stood, but this time she did not move, flinch, or faint. She met his gaze evenly and firmly. When he spoke this time, Tambor’s voice was softer.

“I AM GUARDIAN HERE, LADY. ORDAINED SO BY LORD MICHON WHEN I AND MY MATE, SCARBOROUGH, SETTLED AND MADE OUR NEST HERE. I HAVE BORNE THE TASK TO OVERSEE AND PROTECT THE SHIRE AND ADJOINING LANDS UNTIL SUCH TIME AS A WORTHY RULER COULD BE FOUND. I UNDERSTAND THAT YOU ARE SO ORDAINED TO BE, AND I OFFER MY SERVICES TO YOU AS GUARDIAN, GUIDE, AND TEACHER FOR THE WORK THAT LIES BEFORE YOU AS RULER.”

The Lady nodded, “I see. Of course, you won’t mind if I verify your information with his lordship?”

Tambor nodded, “I WOULD EXPECT NOTHING LESS, LADY. AND NOW, MAY I ESCORT YOU AND YOUR ENTOURAGE INTO THE HEART OF YOUR NEW REALM?”

Lady Kellina nodded, “That will be acceptable, thank you. I am certain no harm will befall us with you and the guards to protect us.”

Tambor rose and looked at the guards, whose swords were still drawn and at the ready, “MIGHT I ASK THAT YOU HAVE THEM STAND DOWN, LADY? THEY LOOK LIKE THEY’D RATHER RUN ME THROUGH.”

The Lady turned and addressed Captain Payne, “Please have your guards stand down, Captain. There is no danger here. Apparently the dragon is an ally.”

The Captain eyed the huge creature with distrust, “But my Lady, surely ….”

She looked at her squarely, “I gave you an order, Captain. Will you obey, or do I need to replace you with someone who will?”

The Captain swallowed hard and shook her head, “No, my Lady, my apologies. I will obey at once!”

She nodded in approval as the guards slowly replaced their weapons at the Captain’s orders. Taking a moment to look around her, she was startled as she noticed that Tambor had fallen into step next to her, in a much more diminutive size.

“My Lord dragon, you’ve shrunk.”

He nodded, “I have the ability to take on other sizes and forms, Lady. All dragons do, as you should know.”

She looked at him quizzically, “Indeed? And how should I know that?”

Tambor looked at her and cocked his head slightly, “You don’t know?”

“Know what?”

“That … well … let me ask this, do you know your parents?”

She nodded, “My mother raised me by herself … she spoke little of my father for he had to leave us while I was but a babe.” She fingered the pendant around her neck absently, “I do not remember him.”

“She believes him to be dead.” It was not a question, just a statement.

“She does not know. She told me that she has not felt his life force for some time.”

Tambor shook his head, “I can see you will need time to accept the truth of things, so let us let it rest for now. There is much work to be done on the morrow as we will reach the Castle by mid-day. May I suggest we make camp here in the nearby clearing? There is fresh water nearby, and I will stand guard.”

The Lady nodded and yawned, “Yes, I am quite weary. Very well,” she turned to Captain Payne and Ahren, “Captain, we will make camp here for the night. Lord Tambor has offered to guard us from harm, and reports there is fresh water nearby. Ahren, please go down the caravan and inform everyone that we are staying here for the night.”

Voices rang out as the Captain and Ahren, after a nod of respect, turned to go about their assignments. Lady Adelaide drafted two guards to set up the Lady’s tent under some nearby trees, and then two more to help her locate the kitchen supplies and food wagon.

“Are you well, Lady?” Tambor asked after a moment of intensely gazing at her.

“Yes,” she replied, “I’m fine. Why do you ask?”

“You fainted earlier. Not unusual for one with child, but I was just checking.”

The Lady blinked, her hand going to her abdomen quickly, “How did you know?”

The dragon turned to leave, but called over his shoulder as he left, “Dragons know everything, my Lady. What we cannot see or hear, we can sense and feel, even as others cannot.”

The Lady watched him go, puzzled and intrigued. She was determined to find out much more about Tambor as time permitted. She realized how tired she was and sought out a nearby log on which to rest while camp was set up. She smiled as she saw Adelaide approaching her with a basket and cask.
“This should hold you, my Lady, until I can have a proper supper prepared. I should have given you a lunch basket for the trip – I could have myself flogged for such an oversight!”

Kellina reached out and took the older woman’s hand, “Never, my dear friend, as long as you are in my service. Now, this will be fine, go about your duties, please.”

Nibbling on her bread and sipping the sweet wine from the cask, Kellina had the distinct feeling that she had the better end of this bargain. How would Michon ever manage without Adelaide? She smiled. She didn’t know and she didn’t care.

Adelaide, wonder that she was, pulled together a feast of biscuits, gravy, and a flock of roast ducks that were unlucky enough to be swimming in the nearby water. Several of the company contributed their own supplies, so there was quite a feast set out for the hungry travelers. Sated, Kellina watched and listened as the camp began to move toward bedding down, loathe though she was to leave the blazing fire before her. Voices were soft now, though earlier there had been much merriment and even singing. Torches here and there allowed servants to find their way back to their own tents, the voices of protesting children being hushed as their parents led them off to bed. She was glad she had insisted on families coming. She was deeply content at this moment, even not knowing what the morrow would bring. She looked up into the night sky, the twin moons casting a warm glow over the now ever quieter camp.

At last, she rose and headed for her tent, where Ahren stood quietly and pulled the tent open as the Lady approached.

“Thank you, Ahren. Now, if you will fetch a guard for the night to replace you, I want you to get some rest.”

Ahren nodded and bowed, “As you will, Milady, so I shall do.”

Kellina entered the tent to find it comfortably set up, even if somewhat sparse. She wondered idly if her mother had spent many nights in such tents on the way here from Cainnait … a place of which Kellina had only heard in stories while she was young. She took note that her trunk was open and a sleeping gown laid out, but decided that weariness indicated propriety must yield to necessity on this night. Removing only her riding coat and shoes, she crawled under the comforters and was soon fast asleep.

The night passed without incident, and following a light breakfast in the clear light of morning, camp was down in no time. They journeyed peacefully through most of the day, stopping for a brief lunch before continuing on. Once more, the procession came to an unexpected halt, albeit much gentler than the one yesterday. The Captain came to the Lady’s carriage.

“The dragon wishes to speak with you, my Lady.”

She nodded and exited her carriage, walking slowly to the front where Tambor stood waiting, still in his more diminutive size.

“Follow me, please,” he said.

“Of course,” she nodded, and followed him along the roadway to where a clearing stood off to the side, and walked with her to the edge. There, surrounded by fall foliage and standing by the small blue dragon, the Lady had her first view of the Shire and the Castle in the distance. It looked … forlorn … cold … and somewhat formidable. She swallowed hard. Whatever was her Lord thinking, sending her like this?

“Second thoughts.” Tambor asked, looking at her. Again, a statement, as if the dragon knew far more than he was letting on. Indeed, that he held a deeper understanding of human hearts than did their owners.

She shook her head firmly and looked back at him, “Not at all. It just needs a woman’s touch, is all.”

Tambor chuckled, “Probably several touches, my Lady, but I think you’re more than up to the challenge.”

She sighed in return, “Several touches … brooms, mops, and probably a crowbar or two … but yes, I think I am up to the challenge, and I had not realized there was so much distance from Shire of the East.”

“Two full days journey,” Tambor told her, “when the weather is with one. Longer in the winter storms. A lone rider can make it in but a day with a good steed and superior strength, but that is rare.”

She nodded, listening as she walked back toward her carriage with Tambor next to her. As she started to climb inside, his next words caught her off guard, “My Lady, would you like a tour? The others can follow …”

The Lady stopped in mid-step and turned to look at him, “A tour? How?”

Tambor smiled and slowly assumed his full height again, and dropping down to her. “Climb aboard,” he said.

“WHAT???”

“Just climb up on my neck, behind my head, and tuck your feet under the scales … you’ll be safe as in your mother’s arms.”

Kellina looked dubiously right and left before climbing up as he asked. She had to work to arrange her gown and riding coat accordingly, but soon enough she had settled behind his head as he had instructed. Ahren, who was nearby, protested, “My Lady, NO!! What are you doing? If anything happens to you, Lord Michon will have our heads!”

Tambor lifted himself up slowly, spreading his wings for liftoff, “AND HE’D HAVE ME FOR YULETIDE DINNER, SO MIND YOUR PLACE! NO HARM WILL COME TO HER, THIS I VOW. CONTINUE ONWARD AND MEET US AT THE CASTLE.”

Ahren nodded, reluctantly, and moved toward the front to let the Captain know, having the distinct feeling Payne would be no happier about this turn of events than she had been. Apparently fulfilling Lord Michon’s injunction to protect Lady Kellina would prove to be a full time endeavor. Meanwhile, the lady hooked her feet securely as Tambor had told her, grasped two outgrowths firmly at the back of his head, and called out, “Mighty Tambor, I am prepared!”

Tambor nodded, easing his way into the air slowly and evenly. The Lady gasped as the fullness of the Shire’s lands came into view, a simple village of shops and homes with the Castle at the forefront passed beneath them. She could see two rivers forge into one near the Castle, with one bridge leading into the castle grounds. It was evident even from here that there was much damage and decay. The Ketangular Mountains to the west rose high and jagged, and rolling hills rich with forests lay between the Shire and the mountains. She could see roads leading from the mountains in only two places, while footpaths meandered here and there through the hills. The two rivers forged a ragged path through the mountains and hillsides as evidenced by waterfalls crashing into still rougher waters below. With the mountains to the west and flanked by the rolling hills and two rivers, the Shire stood naturally protected by the lands around it.

Tambor flew carefully, allowing her to see everything around her, before heading toward the Castle, where he landed gently and dropped his head so she could dismount. She turned to him once she was on the ground and quickly kissed his snout before he rose back up.

“WHAT WAS THAT FOR?” he asked, somewhat startled by the impetuous move.

“For the ride,” she answered, “it is the most beautiful Shire in all of Kaia!! Thank you so much!”

“NO PROBLEM,” he replied, “NOW, IF YOU’LL GO INSIDE, I THINK I WILL WAIT OUT HERE FOR THE OTHERS TO ARRIVE.”

She nodded, walking over to the huge oak doors, one of which was off its hinges and leaning to the side. Inside, dust was everywhere, along with leaves blown in by the wind, a rodent or two or three dozen, and spider webs galore. She was certain there were spiders to go with them and gave an involuntary shudder. She hated spiders.

Meanwhile, Tambor stood waiting quietly outside. He raised a claw to gently rub the spot she had kissed. It tingled slightly. Humans were definitely strange, he thought quietly, continuing to rub his snout. And she didn’t even know the whole truth about herself … he shook his head … even with the pendant she wore around her neck. How much did her mother know, to give her such a gift? He looked off toward the mountains, knowing there would soon be need of a journey to find out. So much work to do …

“Yes,” she called, “Come in.”

The young woman who entered was of moderate height, short blonde hair and steel blue eyes. It was obvious from the other woman’s firm build and masculine mannerisms that she was used to hard work.

Lady Kellina looked her over carefully and smiled, recognizing Ahren from times she’d seen her around the keep, “Yes, what is it?”

The young woman went down on one knee, one arm resting on her other leg then she briefly bowed her head (hmmm … Kellina thought … no curtsy), then rose, “Ahren, if you please, Milady. Lord Michon said you would need some servants to carry your things down to the wagons.”

She nodded, “Indeed, and you are most punctual … er, Arhen.” She decided to take advantage of the moment to ask about the name, “That’s an unusual name for a woman, isn’t it?”

Ahren flushed a bit and nodded, “Yes, Milady, it’s a name someone dear to me gave me and I have used it ever since, if it pleases you.”

The woman’s voice was deep and melodic, easily more masculine than the average female’s. The Lady nodded and smiled, “Then Ahren it is, as you wish it. I need to ask you a question, and wonder if you have time to answer now?”

Ahren nodded, “Of course, Milady.”

“You haven’t been in Shire of the East at all long, have you?”

“No, Milady, only a few months, actually.”

“I know Lord Michon has told you he’d like you to go with me on this journey. I would like to ask your thoughts on this.”

Ahren was silent for a few moments before replying, “Permission to speak candidly, Milady?”

“Of course.”

“Well, Milady, it’s not that I don’t like men … but my tastes have always run to … other women, if it pleases you. Although Lord Michon has been the most wonderful of Masters, there is a distinctive leaning toward the female servitude to the pleasures of the male masters within this Shire. So no, I don’t mind leaving Shire of the East. Lord Michon has never required anything of me but service duties, and respected my wishes on other things. Still, it is my wish to be in service to you, Milady, wherever that might be.”

Surprised at Ahren’s blunt candor, Lady Kellina smiled, “Service to me … how very flattering. And you say you prefer women, you say? How interesting. We shall have to talk more on that, if you’re agreeable.”

“Talk more on it, Milady?”

“Well, may I have your word that you will tell no one?”

Ahren stood up even straighter, it that were possible, “Milady, my word is my bond … and my service to You is, and always will be, my all.”

Kellina smiled. She liked Ahren, “Well, I have been thinking that My shire is going to be different … a haven for women, of a sort, who love women and seek a home where they can do so freely and without fear.”

Ahren smiled, “And do you, Milady, love women?”

Lady Kellina caught the familiarity of the question and decided to let it hang in the air without comment. Ahren noticed immediately and bowed low, dropping to one knee with her head down, “Forgive me, Milady, that was too bold. It won’t happen again.”

Lady Kellina nodded, keeping her voice firm, “Very well, Ahren, but I can forgive such an indiscretion only once. Please do not let it happen again.”

Ahren nodded, retaining her position, her voice soft, “Yes, Milady. May this boi be excused to tend to my duties?”

Lady Kellina nodded and looked puzzled, “Boi?”

Ahren looked up, “It’s a phrase I learned along the way … I’m not a boy, but I am more masculine than feminine, so I came up with ‘boi’ with an ‘i’.”

“Indeed. Ahren, you may of course attend to your duties. I will let you know when I am dressed so you and the other servants can enter freely.”

Ahren stood and bowed, “Of course, Milady, at once.” She backed to the door, turned, and exited quietly. The Lady smiled, somewhat bemused.

“That young woman is going to be full of surprises, I think.”

Later, as servants bustled about moving the Lady’s supplies and belongings, she stood near her window gazing out over the shire that she had known as her home for so long. But a child when she came here with her mother, servant to the household of one of the Shire’s nobles, she had always known the freedom and peace of the rolling hills and pathways. She tried to keep the memory of that one terrible night from her thoughts, but she wondered if she would ever feel safe again. A knock on the door made her turn, and she smiled as Lord Michon came in.

“My Lord,” She whispered and curtsied, brushing her brown velvet riding gown aside to greet Him.

He laughed, “I wonder if you will ever get out of the habit of curtsying every time you see Me,” he said softly as she came to Him.

She shook her head firmly, “Never, my Lord, it will never be so.”

He nodded, “Well, everything is packed … it looks like an army is moving.”

She laughed, “It is. You’re sending guards and servants and all my things and supplies … what more could I ask?”

“You can ask anything you wish of me, you know that,” He said, bending to kiss her cheek softly. “My heart is already weeping with your leaving.”

She looked up at Him, “I don’t have to go, my Lord … I can stay here.”

He shook his head firmly, “No … that’s decided … you will go and rule your own Shire as I have mine. Now, shall we go?”

To His surprise, she held back a moment, smiling almost apologetically, “There is something I must needs do before I depart, my Lord.”

He nodded in understanding, “Your mother?

“Yes, do you know me so very well?”

Extending His arm, He smiled, “I prefer to believe there are still mysteries to you I have yet to unfold. Still, your mother would never forgive Me for allowing you to leave without a farewell, so allow Me to accompany you to her house.”

The walk to her mother’s small house wasn’t far, and one could see it before even approaching it. It was white as white could be, surrounded with roses of every hue, and she knew there was a small vegetable garden in the back. In the stables was her mother’s horse, Cheyenne, though she had been unable to ride for many weeks due to an injury. Kellina worried about her mother being alone, but she would have none of living in the keep. The woman was independent to a fault.

They didn’t have to knock, she met them at the door, “My darling!” Her arms enfolded Kellina, feeling like the warmest blanket she had ever known. It had always been that way. Her mother’s home was modest, but comfortable, and it was hers. Lord Michon had bequeathed it to her as part of Kellina’s service price.

“Mother!” she cried, returning the embrace enthusiastically, “Are you well?”

Her mother snorted and allowed Lord Michon a polite curtsy, to which He responded with a deep bow, “My Lady Phyla … how do you fare, gracious one?”

The older woman blushed, the crimson flushed against gray hair that she wore down and loose around her shoulders. She stood easily as tall as Kellina, and was dressed in a simple work gown and over gown. She led them to the small table where she had tea and cakes prepared. A small limp was the only hint of the injury that had kept her from riding Cheyenne in the past weeks.

“Mother, how did you know we would be coming?”

The older woman smiled tenderly at her daughter, “All these years you are my child and you know me not, dearest one.”

As they sat and visited, Kellina felt the pangs of loss, knowing she would be leaving this woman behind, the one person without whom she knew she would be most lost. She had always been able to run to her mother with questions and ask for advice, a benefit that would shortly be no more. It was in her favor that her mother was of good health for her age, and that very little slowed her down. She was rarely ill, and had never suffered an injury severe enough to keep her down for long. Kellina eyed the still bandaged ankle.

“How is your leg, Mother?”

The older woman tossed her hand in the air as if it were no matter, “Trivial at best, child. Soon enough Cheyenne and I will be roaming the hillsides again, never fear. I visit him in the stables each day with a treat from the garden … I miss him as much as he misses me, I think.” She looked at Lord Michon, “That animal was a blessing, my Lord, and I do thank you for him.”

Lord Michon bent his head in acknowledgement, “Gift enough that it makes you so happy, Lady Phyla. He’s a good steed, steady, and I thought you two were made for each other somehow.”

The older woman nodded, then looked long at Kellina, “So, you are leaving, daughter?”

Kellina swallowed hard, sipping more of her tea, “Yes, Mother, today actually. The storms yesterday delayed me but a day and now I must go.”

Her mother reached out and put her hand to Kellina’s abdomen, “Your little one is happy. That is a good omen … she will come in the Spring, I think.”

Kellina blushed, “Thank you, Mother, that knowledge does my heart good. Wait, you said ‘she’?”

Phyla looked away and out the window, “It is a girl child you carry, Kellina. She will be wise beyond her years. When the time comes for you to bring her forth, you must send for me,” she looked back at Kellina, into her eyes, “this is most important, daughter, you must send for me when your time comes.”

Kellina nodded, “Of course, Mother, how could I not?”

Phyla smiled and seemed to relax, “I have something I want to give to you before you go.”

She stood and walked slowly to a trunk at the foot of her small bed, lifting the lid slowly and rummaging around until she found a small red box. Closing the trunk, she came back over and sat down, looking at Kellina.

“This was your fathers, Kellina. I realize you never knew him, for he had to leave us while you were very small. I myself do not know if he lives yet or not, it has been many seasons since I could feel the energy of his life force.” She held the box out to Kellina, who took it gingerly in her hands. The box was of a fine red velvet, barely worn at all, as if it had lay in the trunk for all the years since her father left.

“Was … was … my father a good man?” Kellina asked softly, gazing at the box she had yet to open.

“A good man?” her mother echoed, “Nay, but more so than even that. His heart was of the purest I had ever known. Taking me to wife was a risk for him, for he was nobly born and I was not, and soon events making that small infraction seem nothing led to our having to leave. He sent you and I away with a caravan while you were but an infant. This he gave me to give to you when the time was right. And now that time has come, my daughter. Open it.”

Kellina lifted the lid on the box and gasped softly, her hand going to her mouth in surprise, “Oh Mother! It’s … It’s beautiful!”

On a long filigreed gold chain hung the purest and most beautiful gold dragon figurine, wings fully spread in flight, and a single crystal stone clasped in its claws. The eyes were of fine set emerald. Kellina half expected the creature to take flight from her fingers, so well made was it and so full of detail.

Phyla looked at her daughter, “I myself do not understand the meaning of the pendant, only that he impressed on me the utmost urgency that I give it to you one day. He said you would learn the secret behind it and fulfill its legacy.”

Kellina looked at Lord Michon, who shook His head, “I fear I am in as much mystery as is your mother, My dear. I think this secret may yet be one you will have to learn on your own. And now, while this visit has been most wonderful, the sun grows high and Kellina must be on her way to her new home. Will you come see her off, Mother Phyla?”

The old woman smiled and stood, “As if the gods themselves could keep me back. Let us go!”

She took His offered arm, Kellina taking the other, and the threesome went to the front of the castle without comment. Outside, there were no less than fourteen wagons, one hundred guards, carriages with assorted servants, and her carriage. The horses stomped impatiently, but the skill of her carriage driver kept them under control.

Kellina turned to hug her mother tightly, as if it were the last time. But of course, this was foolishness. Her mother was quite healthy and anxious to come when the baby would be born. To her surprise, her mother took the box from Kellina and put the necklace on her.

“Do not take it off, daughter. It is your birthright. In it you must find your courage for what lies ahead of you.”

Kellina nodded, “I promise, Mother, I will not remove it. And you must come visit soon, when the castle is suitable for you to come stay.”

Soon enough she was seated in her carriage with her pillows and blankets in case she became chilled and they were on their way. She turned to keep Lord Michon in her sights until the last possible moment. He waved as the carriage pulled out of sight around the first bend, and remained as the caravan followed behind.

He looked at Mother Phyla, “What was that about? The necklace?”

“As I told her,” she replied, turning to go back to her home, “it is her birthright. More than this I was not told. Fare you well, my Lord … I must be about my garden. It will not harvest itself.”

Neither of them noticed Michon’s brother, Phalon, watching from one of the Keep windows. He was older than Michon and yet had turned ruler ship of the Shire over to the younger brother. He was not happy with the turn of events and of this Michon was acutely aware. Glowering, Phalon turned from the window and quietly left, returning to his own keep without seeking out Michon. Upon arrival at his own Keep, Phalon summoned his most trusted submissive, Tamblyn, who alone had the ability to calm his frame of mind when it was uneasy.

Ahren rode a black mare next to Lady Kellina’s carriage and saw her lingering gaze, but if the young woman had any thoughts on this, they were her own. Ever vigilant, she kept her eyes open and alert for any sign of trouble as they continued on their way.

At last, Kellina turned away from the back window and settled into her covers, watching the passing autumn scenery. The varied colors of summer now slowly gave way to reds, oranges, soft purples, and gold. It wasn’t yet cold, but a nip in the air the past few mornings and evenings gave hint of the winter snow that would soon blanket everything. The carriage hit a bump, pulling her from the lull of the scenery and then smiling at her start.

The baby would be born in the spring … so perfect, she thought, for a new baby. Her hand went to her abdomen, still only a slight bulge. She had decided on the name Gwendolyn if it were to be a girl, and of course, Michon, if it were to be a boy. She had hoped for a girl, having no clue what one might do with a boy child. She smiled softly, remembering her mother’s words. Her mother had never once been wrong on the gender of an unborn child, so she took hope from that.

“Gwendolyn, my little Gwendolyn …” she mused softly, her hand resting lightly on her abdomen.

Kellina looked out again at Ahren riding alongside the carriage, eyes alert and focused. Ahren cut a striking figure in crisp white tunic and green breeches, topped with black leather riding boots. She watched the young woman’s movements and, remembering her conversation with Ahren earlier, and seeing her skill with the horse, she found herself thinking Ahren should have a stallion to match her spirit. Something about strength of character seemed to go well with the spirit of a stallion, at least in Kellina’s mind. She would have to ask Michon about it as she had no skill in horse trading and would have to learn from Him how best to go about it.

Finally lulled to sleep by the rocking carriage, Lady Kellina dozed quietly.  An abrupt halt awoke her with a start, causing her to fall forward. “Ooomph,” she cried out.

Ahren’s head was in view at the carriage door in an instant, “Are you all right, Milady?”

She sat upright, “Yes, I think so … what’s the trouble?”

“We have a … well, a roadblock, Milady. And it refuses to move.”

“A roadblock?” She said, ‘I am coming out.”

Ahren nodded, dismounted, and opened the carriage door, holding out her hand for the Lady. Kellina took it gratefully and stepped down to the ground. Captain Payne, the female guard Lord Michon had consented to coming, came riding up, “Milady, it may be dangerous, please return to your carriage!”

“Nonsense!” Kellina said, pushing past the Captain’s horse, “If I am to be ruler of my own Shire, it starts here. Let’s see this ‘roadblock’ that dares interrupt our journey.”

She came up short, however, as she came to the front of the procession. All Kellina could see were feet. Enormous talons led to blue appendages that were scaled and deeper blue as she followed them upward. Her gaze followed the feet up huge muscular legs, over a mountainous chest, to a head that was scaled, horned, and blue as well. The creature’s chest and undercarriage was the creamiest of white, glistening scales. It opened its enormous mouth, full of heavy fangs, steam and flame escaping the huge jaws, and Kellina stopped, stunned.

Having only heard of dragons and never beholding one other than the golden representation around her neck, the experience left her with no words, nor even thoughts. This beast was enormous, and quite capable of ending their journey with one swipe of the enormous tail that was swishing about in a most threatening manner. Bony ridges followed over the dragon’s head, down the center of its back, and along the tail to the tip, where four bony spikes arose from the end. She clasped the pendant around her neck for courage and swallowed hard, only to hear nothing but a peculiar buzzing as the air around her darkened.

The creature looked down at her with green-gold eyes and bellowed a fiery roar into the sky above before stating clearly, “I AM TAMBOR, GUARDIAN OF THIS SHIRE AND LANDS. NO ONE ENTERS HERE WITHOUT MY PERMISSION!! WHO ARE YOU TO DARE TO COME HERE???”

When the creature looked down for an answer, it blinked. At the feet of her Captain’s horse, the Lady had fainted dead away.

Released.

The very word seemed alien. It was nothing she had ever thought would come to pass. Only those who were displeasing or utterly rebellious were ever released. She was not these things. If anything, she had long enjoyed being the most favored, even though her heart had long secretly yearned for more … wondered what lay beyond the front gates of the Shire of the East. There was no reason behind the feeling. She had anything her heart desired, all she need do was approach and ask. Every need was met and more. Her chamber was spacious, she had servants to tend to her, and she was clothed better than many noble women had ever been. Yes, she had everything she could want….and yet …

Released.

Now she was free to pursue her own dreams … her own desires … passions … the elusive ‘more’ she longed for in her heart. If you had asked her what the more entailed, she would not have had an answer. She couldn’t name it or describe it. She only knew it was there. Not that she hadn’t loved submission to Him.. He was as gentle and good as she now knew men could be cruel and evil. To be sure, there was a brutality about their scenes she had come to love … but not cruel, not ever … not like that night …

“M’lady?”

She turned to see a young girl standing in the doorway. At her turn, the girl curtsied and lowered her eyes.

“Yes,” she responded, “what is it?”

“The Master has asked that you join Him for dinner, m’Lady. Will you come?”

“Asked … ” she repeated softly. Not commanded. Not sent for. Not called. Asked. She looked again at the girl, “Please inform Him I will be in attendance shortly.”

The girl curtsied politely and nodded, apparently waiting. The young woman smiled softly. How often had she waited in just this way?

“You may go,” she said softly.

The girl curtsied again, and demurely left the room. The young woman looked around, her eyes falling on her trunks, now packed and ready for the coming journey. She was to leave in the morning. Leave? How could she leave? And yet, how could she stay? After all that had happened, how could she stay? A tear formed in her eye and she brushed it away brusquely. No time for tears, and she had already shed an ocean’s worth she was sure. Tears of pain. Hurt. Fear. Guilt. And despair. Too many tears, and she was determined they were done with.

She touched up her make-up and checked the dark hair she now wore up, tucking an annoyingly stray strand back in place, and moved toward the door. Glancing in the mirror to survey the gold gown that was His favorite, she noted that nothing really showed yet…the barest hint of a small bulge just below the silken lacings of the bodice. It was going to be difficult, she had not yet to become used to wearing so much clothing. So many layers! So much hidden from the prying eyes of men. On Kaia, or as much of the world as she had seen, women had two purposes of which she was aware…pleasing men, and birthing children. She knew noblewomen enjoyed some semblance; a measure of equal footing, but when the chamber doors closed and the lanterns turned down, their purpose was the same. Exiting the room, finally satisfied that all was as perfect as she could make it, she walked toward the stairs. As she descended, she was again taken aback by those who now curtsied to her. She was still in a place of awe, with everything taking on an air of the surreal. How could this be real? How could this be happening? How could any of it have happened?

Coming to the landing, she turned toward the Great Hall, Her eyes falling briefly on the oak door to the lower levels of the castle, now locked and barred as if to lock away the horror of that night. She walked over and laid her hand on the rough wood. Nothing had been touched since that night, she knew, and it was His plan to totally replace everything. Yet, He couldn’t, not really, this One who had taken her so often to the depths of fear only to guide her back to the light and emerge stronger than before. He couldn’t wipe away the memories of years of submission within those walls below, or in His chamber above. Even with all His power, He could not remove that one night of terror locked into her memory. The night she nearly killed Him. Leaning her head briefly against the beams of the door, she let out a soft sigh.

“All will be well,” a whisper came to her ear. She turned but saw no one. She shook her head firmly and looked away, dispelling the traces of doubt that lingered, and moved forward toward the dining room. The masonry of the walls and the tapestries that hung were as familiar as ever, yet somehow different. she did not notice a strange shadow off to one side of the door she had just left.

As she approached the double oak doors that were the entrance to the dining room, the footman stepped forward and bowed.

“M’Lady,” he said.

She nodded and waited at the door as the footman went ahead of her, “My Lord, the Lady Kellina.”

She heard a chair slide smoothly across the heavily beamed floor. The footman came back through the door and bowed, “The Master will receive you now, M’Lady.”

She nodded and went through the door, smiling as He waited to greet her. She curtsied politely and out of habit lowered her eyes demurely. A soft chuckle made her look up. He was handsome and sturdily built, His frame muscular and solid. The jacket He wore was of a blue velvet, highlighting the tint of blue in His gray eyes. A flush of lace at the collar showed how dark His skin had become over so much time in the summer air. Hair to His shoulders, dark with only hints of gray, now pulled back into a formal pony tail. She exhaled softly at the sight of Him.

“My dear,” He said softly, “but we are equals now, You and I. No more lowered eyes for My Lady, unless they are directed toward You.”

She nodded and extended her hand, which He gallantly bent to kiss and then used to lead her to the table to sit next to Him. She smiled as He pulled Her chair for Her, looking over the settings. Nothing had been spared. The lofty spires of Cainnait lay far to the west, across the Coral Sea, yet one would have thought a head of state were in attendance.

He smiled, “Are You well?”

“I am, do set Your mind at ease. All is well. You’ve amassed an army that is to escort me … and the new girl, what’s her name again?”

“She prefers to be called Ahren … and is silent as to the reason. She’s most wonderful as a servant. Bright, strong, capable … just a little too … well … masculine for my tastes. I like women who are soft and sweet smelling and curved – and who like men.”

At Her look, He paused, “Have I offended?”

“Is it so surprising to You that some women prefer women, My Lord?”

He looked at Her, bemused, “And what would You know of such things, My Lady Kellina?”

Her blush pleasant as ever, even to the softness of Her reply, “I … have … heard of such, My Lord Michon … amongst the maids and other women. It is said there is a place in the mountains where the women are fierce and love freely as they choose … it is a tale My mother often told Me while I was yet a child.”

He nodded as a servant poured wine, “I, too, have heard such tales, and think it suspect that women talk so among themselves even here.”

“So My good Lord thinks women cannot burn with passion toward our own kind as do men toward us?”

He shook His head, a little too hurriedly as if realizing His error, “No, not at all, not at all. It’s just that … well … My preference is for women who prefer men, at least a little.”

She smiled demurely, but said nothing. He noticed.

“You look very much like Creole when he’s caught a mouse … confession time, girl, I will have Your thoughts!”

She looked at Him, straightening Her back, hazel eyes flashing more than a hint of resistance, “Girl? Did You not just call us equals, and now belittle Me as ‘girl,’ my ‘boy’?”

He stiffened just briefly at the word, and then relaxed, chuckling, “Aye, You’ve caught Me, love. I apologize. So, will You not share what Your secret is, my Lady?”

She smiled tenderly, looking away to lift a spoon of soup to Her lips, “I had thought My Lord more observant … “

As She kept Her focus on the bowl before Her, sipping the still hot broth, silence covered the room. He looked intently at Her, realization slowly crossing His face at Her unspoken secret, incredulity filling His eyes, “I had no idea!”

“By Your troth, my Lord? Never once?” She did not look up even now.

He nodded, raising His right hand solemnly, “I swear I had not one clue. You … you gave so completely … so thoroughly … never a hint that You were not happy …”

Her hand went to His arm, Her eyes on His at last, “Oh no, My Lord, forbid even the thought! I’ve been as happy with You as I might any man … well, most …” Her eyes clouding only briefly, remembering …” but as time has passed, I have been more drawn to women. Their softness, their sweet natures, the way we hold each other sharing secrets, the way we smell and feel, and ,…”

She stopped, realizing He was totally taken aback, “And this also I love in women!”

She nodded, “I know … and I have given much thought to this new Shire over which You would have Me rule. After all that has happened of late … Vanyelia and Jenna, that hideous night … this must be a place where women can be with women and be at home to love whom they will, a place of safety. Can it be so unreasonable that there be more than one place we are free to live and love our passions as do the men of our world?”

He shook His head after a moment, “Your words have the ring of truth to them. It doesn’t seem unreasonable at all.” He took a sip of the soup set before Him, “Is there any word from Jenna?”

She shook Her head, “Not one. She has contacted no one, not even Van. I can well imagine what she went through … what she’s going through now …”

He nodded, “You will allow Me to send male guards – at least until you can acquire and train your own female guard?”

She nodded, “Of course … but do lend me that delightful young female Captain you just promoted … she seems very capable.”

“As You wish … Ahren, Adelaide, Captain Payne … anyone else?”

“After what You just said, don’t tell Me You begrudge Me Ahren?”

“Only in that she’s an excellent servant, although I’ve respected her wishes as far as sexual service went”

She laughed softly at the idea of Ahren and Lord Michon together. Given His preferences in His women, it was beyond Her capability to imagine such an union. “Well, I’m glad she found her way into Your Shire … perhaps she will one day help Me to develop My own into something to be envied as is Yours.”

He looked at Her solemnly, wondering even now why He was letting Her go … why He didn’t ask Her to marry Him and rule Shire of the East at His side. But He knew, even as the servant filled their glasses, that She was destined to rule Her own Shire. The one Southwest of His, long abandoned now, but still viable as a realm. It had been many years since He had last walked its grounds. She was strong and capable, and He knew She would eventually wilt in His service, especially with what She had just revealed to Him this eve. Even as His wife, He now knew She would never be truly happy with Him. He looked at Her abdomen, still flat and firm against Her bodice. She followed His gaze and smiled tenderly, reaching out to touch His hand.

“We are both well, My Lord. Cease Your worry. I have servants to come with Me, guards to guard Me, and a new Shire to build.”

He nodded, “Then let us eat and no more talk of sorrow or good-byes. I understand Adelaide has done wonders with the roast turkey tonight.”

She nodded firmly, placing Her napkin onto Her lap, “Indeed? I can hardly wait, and thank You again for agreeing to allow Adelaide to come with Me.”

He nodded, “I am sorry to lose her … she’s a brilliant cook and will run Your kitchen with an iron skillet!!”

They laughed. Then there was no more talk of leaving or good-bye … just of good memories … joyful moments shared … and times of great contentment. Later, He walked Her to the door of Her room, and kissed Her softly on the lips before turning to leave. She watched Him go and sighed, then went into Her chamber. The bed was turned down and the fire burning softly cast a warm glow. A maid helped Her out of the gown and, as the sections of gown and undergarments were laid across the bed to be put away, She went to climb into a tub of hot water for a bath. The warmth melted away all residual fears as well as the ache of sore feet. She was certain sure that She would never be accustomed to having shoes, and determined to still walk barefoot as often as decorum would permit. She closed Her eyes, wondering idly if any of the maids…or even perhaps Ahren… knew anything of massaging feet …

The maid returned to the bathing room to help Her out of the tub and into Her nightgown, another development which She must accept. None too soon She was under the down covers, Her eyes turned toward the window and glow cast by the twin moons outside. The maid curtsied unseen and left quietly after stirring the embers in the fireplace one last time.

Tomorrow She would begin a new life … and as slumber took Her, She wondered what it held in store … for Her, for Him, and for all those coming with Her. Would She finally find the something ‘more’ for which She had longed so long and secretly? She drifted into a dreamless slumber as the dying embers of the fire left the room in darkness.