Homecoming

Shifted numerous scenes, even pushed a couple into book 3. Renamed chapters 17, 18, and 19. Created chapter 20 — 1h46m29s — 2022/09/14

Polished 18.1 — 31m11s — 2022/09/16

Polished 18.2, 18.3, and 18.4. Alise needs to go to High Plains, not Land’s End — 2022/09/17

Polished. 18.4 needs work — 42m49s — 2022/12/15

Polished 18.4 again — 12m15s — 2022/12/15

Polished the chapter —51m55s — 2022/12/19

Polished 18.4 and created a storyline for the ghost of Serabella (sic?) — 31m18s — 2022/12/21

Worked on Baet’s and Paye’s story in 18.1 — 1h02m58s — 2022/12/21

Rewrote the beginning of 18.4. Crea’s story and Malcolm’s story are evolving… — 1h47m17s — 2023/01/09

Polished 18.4 and 18.5 — 1h05m35s — 2023/01/11

Polished 18.1 — 1h24m39s — 2023/03/18

Polished 18.1 — 24m44s — 2023/03/20

Polished 18.1, 18.2, 18.3 — 1h08m03s — 2023/03/21

Worked on the Crea, Malcolm, Brankellus storylines. Moved 15.1 to 14.4. 18.4 needs some serious work… — 1h18m28s — 2023/03/24

The party arrived at the estate of Azra Trandhill. They turned off the main road and made their way up a small valley. They passed under a large iron gate, both sturdy and impressive, but with a most unconventional fence. The fence was made of large trees, thick with undergrowth and vines, a good twenty yards thick. Much of it was quite thorny. Some of it was fruiting.

Baet stared at the fence, impressed by both it’s beauty and ingenuity. The various trees, brush, and vines were so intertwined that he had an impossible time trying to figure where the first one stopped and the next one started. Still, he recognized several species, including roses, honey locust, juniper, and raspberry. As pretty as some of them might be, he had to admit it all made for a formidable wall.

There were several watch-towers along the fence, covered over with grass and vines, occasionally occupied. There also appeared to be small breaks in the fence that an individual might be able to split through.

“Don’t fall for it,” Scurra said when she caught him staring into a nearby break. “Some of those are secret pathways, but most of them are dead ends, and the ones that are pathways are often trapped.”

“I figured as much,” Baet nodded. “I’m sure your friends would notice me anyway.”

“You could avoid the watchtowers,” Scurra surmised.

“I’m talking about the ones that have been following us for the last few miles.”

A guilty smile crossed Scurra’s lips. “So you noticed?”

“Let me guess, more cousins?”

“It’s a big family,” Scurra chuckled. “Who’d you catch?”

“Your leathery brother,” he pointed.

“No,” Scurra frowned and shook her head. “Nobody catches Krumpus.”

“I caught him,” Baet repeated. “He did this,” he waved his hand and wiggled his fingers just so. “It’s pretty subtle, but I used a similar sign a few times in Rottershelm. Talk about a flash back,” he snorted.

Scurra turned to her brother and called. “Krumpus! Did you do this?!” She waved her hand and wiggled her fingers just so.

Krumpus answered her in Tallian Hand.

“He said it’s his signal to Teres!” Scurra laughed and clapped Baet on the shoulder. “He never gets caught!”

Krumpus leaned over in defeat.

After they entered the gate, several heavily armed men approached them properly. They stopped and made introductions, then continued on their way while those that still wanted to talk fell in line and escorted them forward.

Beyond the verdant fence the valley thinned and spread as it gently twisted between east and north. Here, the trees were neat and often formed in curious patterns. Footpaths cut through the neat fields of thick vegetation. A small stream drifted back and forth across the valley, often crossed by the meandering road with sturdy bridges. There were several places where the stream spread into pools, many which were occupied by fowl or children. There were long, elaborate beds of greens and spices at the edge of the creek, which was also crowded with cottonwoods, sycamores, and willows. Indeed, the variety of trees in the valley was staggering. Among the more productive specimens were apple, cherry, pear, peach, walnut, pecan, chestnut… There were others that the guard could not identify, but the fruit looked appetizing. There were also grapes among these mixed groves, growing directly into the branches of the trees. There were blackberries ten feet up, cropped over the sides of several small cottages, climbing the legs of watch-towers, and also among the pillars of a large and finely decorated gazebo. There were other outbuildings that speckled the valley; cottages, sheds, barns; smaller homes, all well tended.

The ridgelines slowly closed in around them, two knuckles of a slow rising mountain. There was a large field and although he’d seen a number of horses, cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs; Baet was shocked to see several massive auroch strolling among some trees and staying out of the midday heat. The large beasts paid the newcomers little mind as they chewed their cud, and lounged in the shade. All in all, it was a nice, warm, mountain day—although the season was getting on.

There were people aplenty. Hands in the fields paused in their duties to stare at the new arrivals. There were dozens and dozens—even hundreds of them, lurking among the vegetation, gathering the harvest, and peaking out from under the protective shade. At first they seemed timid, and only the barking dogs cared to approach. But upon seeing who returned, several rushed forward. Certainly enough of them came running out of the fields to welcome back one or more of the returning!

After a while, there were a number of little ones that rushed about the walking horses. They had all sorts of questions to ask—even among the strangers. They had all sorts of sweet accomplishments and sour failures to share with their cousins and their charges. Several showed off objects they had made or decorated. One had just caught a snake of a benign and casual manner, a beast that did not mind being caught, or even being passed around among the men; all of whom were quite appreciative to see the beast and treated it with a gentle respect. Both Elpis and Aim gave veiled hints about the snake they’d managed to catch, though they coyly evaded any further investigation.

The adults had questions of their own for the visitors—though all were asked in a friendly manner. Some of them asked of the strangers directly, and they all found themselves genially introduced. A good number of the locals were shocked to see Krumpus visibly scarred, both face and hands. Many were keen to hide their surprise, and a few acted as if nothing had changed, though others addressed him directly. The shaman poked back at some of the interrogators, asking after their own new injuries and scars. Still, it was done in a congenial and jocular manner with no real malice. Indeed, there were many smiles and nods, and also a good amount of laugher—especially since none of them were really all that much worse for the wear.

Trailing a mob of locals, the party arrived at a collection of buildings, a couple miles above the gated entrance. It was practically a village. At the center was the main house, built of stone and sporting a spire five stories high. A steward stepped from the mansion with a dozen or so helpers. He hugged his cousins, turned to Paye specifically, and said, “Your grandfather will be delighted you have returned. He has been quite pained with your absence.”

Paye blushed to hear it, but realized that since the steward felt obliged to say such a thing—well—it meant that it wasn’t altogether true.

The steward turned to the foreigners and smiled. “Welcome to the home of Azra Trandhill. He is most anxious to meet you and hopes you will join him on the back patio for some light refreshments. After that, we shall show you to some rooms that have been readied for you.”

“Thank you,” Creigal said as he dismounted. He gave his reigns to a valet and accompanied the steward, followed by the others—all except Baet, who saw to their luggage, which he was fine to do. He carried the duke’s own bag, while others carried his and his captain’s bags. He was shown to the duke’s apartment, then joined his highness outside.

In the backyard, there was food and drink aplenty. The company was introduced to Azra Trandhill, a massive old man as thick as a tree. Despite his stature, the old bear grimaced and hobbled as he approached his granddaughter—so he might wrap her in a hug. He held her hand for a time, but was more than happy to include all the rest. He talked mostly to the foreigners. He was boisterous, generous, and prodding. Indeed, he was quite curious to hear of his company’s adventures.

A number of children circulated among the adults with pointed observations and questions all their own. These interrogations were slowed by an assortment of cookies, cakes, fruits, punches, and such. The children laughed, poked each other, and played to the far reaches of the lawn—only to return and ask another round of superficial questions of the newcomers—before pilfering another handful of sweets from the dessert table and disappearing to the corners of the yard. They were most curious about the dark man—but Carringten kept all but the bravest at bay with the slightest touch of a scowl.

Nearly all of the children were introduced. Only the most shy refused to approach. Mostly, they were content to scurry and roll about the grass.

For a long time, Azra talked to Creigal of the duke’s quest, and also of his home. The Saot and the Trohl both spoke affably, though they did so in Ministrian, which intrigued Toar to no end. He found it fascinating that these two congenial gentlemen found peace while speaking the language of a common enemy.

A consummate host, Azra pledged his house and plenty to the duke and his men. In return, Creigal assured that he would not stay long, and promised restitution. Quite satisfied with each other, Azra left the duke to his leisure, so he might attend other responsibilities. he took Paye with him.

Slowly, the gathering broke up. Roustich took his horse and rode for the city proper with a description of Humbert. Krumpus took Meu and Wenifas to meet his wife, since she lived in the next valley, just a few miles from the main house. Scurra went with them. Toar went to explore, as Celesi stalked after him. Creigal retired to his room so he might write a few letters. Duboha and Aim talked Carringten into joining them for a game of touches with a number of the locals. Baet asked if their might be a bath he could use, and Paye volunteered to show him one of the pools in the stream.

“Weren’t you talking to your grandfather?”

“He just wanted me for a minute,” Paye brushed aside the question. ‘Do you want me to show you or not?”

Baet gave a nod and let the subject drop. Several other cousins attended—as Homoth stalked in the distance.

The water of the pool was chill and bracing, but after a hot day in the saddle it felt really good. On top of that, Paye was a fine looking lady, young and strong, as she swam in her skivvies. She smiled and splashed as she practiced her Ministrian with the Saot guard. She asked questions about his home, while he asked questions about hers. “So this is Hearthstone,” he said of the estate. “While I must admit that it is quite nice, it is a fair deal smaller than I had expected.”

“This is the very edge of Hearthstone,” Paye snickered. “Indeed, we are pretty much still in the country.”

“But this is practically a town!” Baet smiled. “How far is it to the city proper?”

“To the first wall? Well, get back to the main road and then at least another dozen miles,” Paye stated. “The fort is still a day’s travel, especially if one gets distracted in the markets. Would you like to see it?”

“Of course,” Baet shrugged. “Perhaps we can go one of these next few days?”

“Why wait?” Paye asked. “Lets go take a look now!”

Baet frowned. “I can’t imagine we have half a day. I think it should be quite dark in a couple more hours.”

“We aren’t going to the fort,” Paye said as she stepped from the pool. “Come. This is something to see!” Baet followed. They made their way through several rich fields cut by lines of trees, then followed a number of switchbacks up the side of a ridge. It wasn’t far, maybe half an hour.

The view was well worth the effort. Several miles to the east—and just a touch south—was a tall flat mountain. On top of the long flat of the mountain’s summit was a fort with a series of watch towers, capped with flags of every color that waved and snapped in the wind. Houses and towers were built into the sides of the mountain, and between here and there were a number of estates similar to the one he was visiting. Baet was astounded to see it and realized it would take an unimaginable army to assail such a city, especially the fort at its summit! “So that’s Hearthstone,” he said, with reverence in his voice. “I should think no one could ever capture it—unless they came out of the sky!”

Paye turned to him, curious that he should say such a thing.

“I mean, it’s obvious to me that it is quite unprotected from the clouds,” Baet continued.

“You mean like the leviathan?” she replied, having heard stories of the beast.

“Yeah” Baet smiled. “A beast like that might still give your people hell,” he replied. “But I don’t think an army of men could capture such a city. It’s quite the sight!” he continued, as he turned to stare at Paye. “It’s easily the second prettiest thing I’ve seen today.”

“Ugh!” Paye groaned as she turned away and started back down the path. “Is that how you get women in the south?!”

Baet shrugged as he followed after her, ”it’s bound to work sooner or later.”

~!@#$%^&*()_+ 18.2 +_)(*&^%$#@!~

Krumpus asked Meu and Wenifas to go meet his wife, Sephonie, who lived just over the ridge. He also roped his sister into going, though she seemed reluctant. “I suppose I must,” Scurra acquiesced, then trudged after the others with a sigh.

Wenifas noticed that the shaman was also reticent, and so she leaned close to the sister and whispered, “is she really so bad?” Normally, the priestess wasn’t so forward, but Meu had given her a kiss, honeyed with venom, so she had the wyrm’s alacrity to bolster her courage.

Scurra pointed at her brother. “When he’s around she’s not nearly so bad, but when I have to visit without him—” she trailed off with a shrug, not wanting to say bad things about the mother of her nieces.

The path up the ridge was steep enough, and Wenifas found herself panting. They all took turns carrying Evereste, which was nice for the winded priestess. She was born by the sea, and had always hoped that she might live by the beaches, but circumstance had inevitably led her to climb ever higher in this strange world.

As they hiked, Krumpus stopped several times, so he might gather his breath. At first Wenifas thought he too was getting winded, but after the third of fourth time, she realized he was stopping on her behalf, and only pretending to need a rest. She was chagrined by the fact, but also quite happy to have the pauses. Still, the pauses seemed a bit long, and slowly she realized he was using her as an excuse so he could stall for his own sake.

At the top of the ridge, Meu and Wenifas caught sight of the city proper—and what a sight it was! The entire mountain was covered with dwellings! There was a massive fort at the very top of the mountain, and large buildings all about the sides! Only a number of sheer cliffs maintained their natural splendor! It was quite beyond the priestess how some of the dwellings were built, as they seemed to lean precariously over gulches and drops.

As spectacular as it was, there were still nearly a dozen miles to the edge of that mountain, and Wenifas was not interested in going that far. “Tell me this cottage is a bit closer than all that,” she said, suddenly worried that the hike was going to take the rest of the day.

“We shall not go that far,” Scurra answered. “Just down there,” she said and pointed toward the wooded base of the ridge.

Going down was much easier, though they still paused several times, mostly to take in the view. Between the trees, a cottage appeared, large and comfortable. As they approached, Wenifas continued to feel that something was wrong. There was a nervous air about the shaman, and the sister was stiff. This was not a proper homecoming. Even Meu sensed it. The only one oblivious was Evereste, as she frequently demanded to be let down, so she could pick about the pleasant dirt.

Finally they arrived at a beautiful cottage. Krumpus mounted the covered porch and reached for the door, he gave the others an awkward grin—then, before he could grab the handle—the door popped open, and a rambunctious woman flew from the house with a scream. She collided with the shaman, drove him back into the grass, and slapped at the little man as he rolled into a ball.

Wenifas and Meu moved to intercede, but Scurra lifted a hand and shook her head. “For your own sake, don’t get involved,” she advised.

Meu stared, and replied that she would protect her friend.

“Leave it be,” Scurra continued. “She won’t do any real damage,” she claimed.

How can you be so sure? the skin-walker asked.

“She’d be risking the coin he sends monthly, and despite her complaining, she rather likes her fine house,” she said of the cabin.

Wenifas took a second look at the dwelling. The structure was strong and wide, with two stories, and all sorts of intricacies. There was a solid fence about it, and all sorts of vegetation, with a number of rabbits and squirrels. She turned back to the shaman. The fighting continued, and the screeching and cursing with it. “What shall we do?” Wenifas asked, as she stared after her beleaguered friend.

“Let it play out,” Scurra said. “She’s not much of a physical fighter anyway.”

Krumpus squawked and cried as he struggled against Sephonie. Still, he wrestled well, and after a minute of suffering her hollow blows, he had the upper hand—until a child barely old enough to run, flopped through the door of the cabin, and attached herself to the shaman’s leg. With a shriek of her own, the toddler sunk her teeth. A gurgling scream erupted from the shaman as he turned his attention on the pint-sized attacker.

Another girl burst from the cabin, this one much older and larger than the first. “Pa!” she cried, recognizing her father immediately, then scolded her sister, as she pulled the tyke from his leg. “Don’t attack your papa!” the older girl said, as Krumpus howled at the savage wound inflected by his youngest.

The little towhead biter turned on her older sister with wide eyes, then stared back at the man wrestling her mother. “Pa?” She blinked—then kicked and tried to free herself of her sister. “Pa!” she yelled and grabbed for him.

There was a bright smile on the shaman’s face as he stared back at the wild child. He lifted his arms so he might take the tyke from her sister—but given an opening, Sephonie grabbed Krumpus in a headlock and forced him back into the dirt.

Both children now begged their mother to stop, but the pleas fell on deaf ears as Sephonie continued to assault her husband. Suddenly, she paused in her cursing, and stared at his brittle hands. “What in the sweet name of Jeiju happened to you?!” She asked—then took several more potshots at the man, though they were no longer aimed at his soft spots.

“Sephonie…” Scurra reached for the woman.

“Don't you ‘Sephonie’ me!” she turned and glared at the sister. “He deserves this abuse and you know it!” she screeched. “And you!” the vindictive little woman turned on Meu. “Are you the one he’s cheating with?!” The small round woman glared daggers at the svelte redhead, as the older woman backed several steps. “You have that smell upon you,” she accused. She turned on Wenifas next and looked like she’d have at her too—but after one aggressive step, she recoiled from the priestess with wide eyes. “You may have the curse upon you,” she began, “but not by my man.”

“The curse?” Wenifas wondered.

Sephonie’s eyes fell on Evereste—and lit up with an innocent pleasure. “Oh, what a precious treasure!” she said, then turned on Krumpus and began swinging at him once again. “Who are these people, and why do you only consort with women?!”

“Sephonie!” Scurra shouted.

“Oh, leave off!” Sephonie said. “You can see he’s not even fighting back! He knows he deserves this!” She drove a nail under his collarbone and slapped his face, though there wasn’t much force behind either assault.

“SEPHONIE!” Scurra stepped in. “Our new friends must think us savages with this wild display! Are you not embarrassed?!” she scolded.

“Well, he should introduce them to someone that wants to met them,” she said as she glared at the strangers once more—though her eyes softened as she smiled at the babe. With a snort, Sephonie reached down, grabbed Krumpus by the shirt, then dragged him back to the cottage. She pulled open the door, and led him inside, as she continued to lecture the entire time.

Shaking his head, Krumpus limped as he allowed her to pull him in. The older child and her little sister followed and let themselves in.

Scurra shook her head. “I feared it might be such a display.”

“Maybe we should go…” Wenifas pointed back up the ridge, toward the manse of Arza Trandhill. ‘If we go now, I think we can get back before it’s dark.”

Scurra shook her head. “Though I should have expected as much, I’d hoped she’d restrain herself in front of company.” She rolled her eyes as she pointed to the house with her thumb. “Still, the worst of it likely to be over. Given a few more minutes, she might be downright civil.”

“Why does he return to such a woman?” Wenifas asked.

“It’s a complicated relationship. I only thank the gods that it isn’t mine,” Scurra sighed. “Besides, this only lasts so long—and likely as not they’ll give me another niece before my brother wonders off once more, with dreams of saving the world,” she rolled her eyes. “Listen,” she smirked.

The three cocked their ears—though there was nothing to hear. Scurra put a finger to her lips, then tiptoed to the door, followed closely by Wenifas and Meu. They peaked inside. Sure enough, there was Krumpus and Sephonie, snogging, as their two children snickered.

Sephonie caught sight of the priestess, pulled away from Krumpus, and rushed at the door. “Can’t a lady have a little privacy in her own house?!” she snapped. She turned on her children as they beamed at their reconciling parents. “Go see to the entertainment of our guests! Show them the berry patches, or the ducks in the pond, or… something,” she carried off as she beamed at Krumpus. “Give us twenty minutes!”

The two girls turned, smiled at their aunt, and rushed out the door—which closed with a bang. “Well then,” Scurra stopped the two girls. “Let us introduce you properly. This is Willow Yockupp,” she said of the older child.

“I’m Aspen!” the little one volunteered, before Scurra could finish her obligation.

“Yes,” Scurra smiled as she ruffled the girl’s hair. “This is Aspen.”

“Pleased to meet you,” the priestess smiled. “I’m Wenifas, this is Meu, and the little one is Evereste.”

Hearing her name, the babe squealed and raised her arms.

“Oh, she’s sweet!” Willow said, then put out her hands. “Can I hold her?”

Scurra gave the priestess a nod, then smiled as the older girl cuddled the babe close to her face. “Look at you, you little dumpling!” she beamed, then blew a raspberry on her cheek—which brought ecstatic peels of laughter from the babe.

Wenifas turned to find Aspen staring at her. The tyke leaned into her aunt and whispered something.

“Yes she is,” Scurra said, then gave her butt a soft swat. “Now be a good girl and show us to the strawberries.”

“What did she say?” Wenifas asked as the child laughed and skipped into the garden.

“She says you’re very pretty,” Scurra whispered—so the youngling wouldn’t hear her revealing secrets.

Wenifas blushed, as she followed the trundling child, and realized she was quite happy to meet the shaman’s family, as eccentric as they were.

~!@#$%^&*()_+ 18.3 +_)(*&^%$#@!~

Toar wanted to be alone. No. Toar needed to be alone.

Jindleyak lands were nothing like he’d ever seen before, rich and prosperous. The people were numerous, humble, and so very friendly and forward. It was bothersome to the somber wanderer. Their prosperity highlighted his lack. He wondered how he could possibly live among them, and hoped the duke moved on quickly—so he might go too. This was no place for a miserable, dejected castaway, he thought. He needed to be upon his search once more.

Toar wandered the estate and found a hay shed where several goats and sheep made their beds. Back among the winter’s hay, he found several kittens, smart enough to be timid, but too new to the world to be out and out suspicious. Their mother was not around, and since he moved slow, the kittens warmed to him and allowed themselves to be scratched.

Despite wanting to be alone, Celesi was behind him. He didn’t know it until he heard her voice catch, right before she exclaimed, “Oh! Look at the babies!”

Toar turned and scowled, though the young lady ignored this sour act. For some reason, she never thought he was scowling at her, that the scowl was somehow for the rest of the world, even though he showed it to her plenty when they were alone.

“Oh, aren’t they precious?!” she beamed as she crawled into the hay, and tempted the kittens with soft hands. “You sweet babies!”

Several of the critters scampered off and hid, though a few figured the new intruder was just as good as the last. “Meowr?” they questioned, as she slowly approached.

Celesi glowed as she gathered one in her hands and caressed it behind the ears. The tiny beast grabbed at a finger and gnawed it with sharp, but wholly insufficient, teeth.

“You miserable beast!” she laughed as she tickled its belly. “Oh, Toar!” she smiled with excitement and longing in her voice. “Isn’t this place perfect?!”

He shrugged and refused to face her. “A little too perfect,” he grumbled.

Celesi tsked. “Don’t be such a puss,” she reprimanded. “Its unbecoming.”

Feeling irritated and frank, Toar turned to Celesi and glowered. “What do you want?!” he snapped.

With a snort, she stared at him, suddenly serious. For several long seconds she simply stared back. “Are you really so thick?” she asked and continued to stare. “You,” she shook her head and smiled. “I want you, you dummy.” She leaned forward and tried to kiss him.

Toar veered away, and crashed back in the hay—so he might avoid her lips—as kittens scampered out from under his falling form.

Celesi pulled up short, one hand on her hip, the other stretched out to Toar, that he might take it, and thereby apologize for hurting her feelings. “Really?” she began. “Does my affection displease you so?”

Toar stared back at her. “You don’t know what you’re asking,” he replied.

“Of course I know,” she answered, her hand upon his knee as she stared back at the petulant guide. “I ask that you love me.”

“You don’t know what you ask,” Toar repeated, tears swelling in his eyes, as he lay, frozen beneath her touch.

Celesi stared back. “I’ve spent the last several years groomed for the sexual pleasure of my enemies. But I know that sex is not all of it. I realize that a meaningful love must be difficult at times. I know that it will require us both to be at our best, but I am happy to devote myself to such work,” she said as she climbed over and pressed herself upon him. “Don’t resist,” she urged and kissed his lips. “I win, you win. What’s not to like?”

“Celesi…,” he protested with tears thick in his eyes.

She couldn’t imagine why. Was she not young and becoming? What sort of man would push away? Was she not attractive? She was certainly eager! She wondered if perhaps she was not nearly as pretty as she hoped, as so many had proffered, including the duke. Were they simply being nice? But she could not believe that. Not since Meriona had taken her in. Meriona was too cold and calculating.

Yet, Toar did not find her enticing—and that was all that mattered.

“Please,” Celesi begged. “Please love me,” she breathed and pressed against him, in hopes that his desire might swell. They were alone and she loved him so. If he wanted, she would have him now. She knew what she was asking—of the dangers it entailed. Indeed, she hoped he might put a child inside her, and then become the father that such a beautiful baby deserved. She kissed his lips.

He stared back at her, frightened and almost out of his wits. As she pressed upon him, he did not even pucker.

She could tell there was no interest as she pressed her hips into his. She could feel his frame beneath her, but all she felt was agitation. Something was off. Why was he so full of tears? She pulled away. Even if they should just be friends, wasn’t it a grand thing to kiss? “What’s going on?” she asked, suddenly suspicious.

“I can’t!” Toar exclaimed. “I can’t be that man!” he snapped at her. It almost seemed an accusation.

What was she missing? There was something obvious and terrible, something that her mind wasn’t willing to admit, and she began to wonder if she really wanted to know…

…still, she pressed. “I don’t understand,” Celesi replied, shaken, suddenly feeling like she’d betrayed and injured him. Why was he so mad at her—and why did she feel like she deserved it?! She knew he was hiding something—and somehow she had discovered it—even though she had not yet managed to wrap her mind around it…

“I’ve never been whole!” Toar told her. “One does not come up among a house of concubines fully intact! Not as a man!” He raged. “Would you see what I am missing?!” he snarled as his hands reached for his fly.

Aghast, she put her hands on his. “No,” she gasped. “No!”

Still beneath her, Toar turned his face. “This is a world of filth and hostility.”

“How could they do such a thing?!” she said between her fingers, shocked by what he’d revealed. She shook here head, unwilling to believe it, her own tears rising in her eyes. “Why?!”

“Why do you think?” he glared. “It they’d managed to sell you among the Baradha, do you think your new master would allow such a prize to wander among the man servants, bored and neglected?!”

Aghast, Celesi could say nothing.

Suddenly, Toar was stone beneath her. He grabbed her by the wrists with a tight grip, hurting her. “You tell anyone,” he snarled, “and I’ll kill you.”

“I wouldn’t! I could never…!” Her tears were so thick she could barely see. “I’m so sorry!” she pleaded and threw herself upon him once more. “I didn’t mean to pry! I’ve always thought the world of you!” she bawled. “I’ll always love you! You’re still man enough for me!”

“What’s the point?” Toar said back to her, once more cool and dispassionate. “I’ll never be the man you need. Not in all the ways you want.”

She wanted to say that wasn’t so, that sex wasn’t everything—and yet, she knew he was right. She couldn’t settle for a loveless existence. She wanted the touch of a man, the feel of an honest love. She needed to gift him with babies.

It was all too much. Celesi pulled herself up, and through a flood of tears, fled from the shed. She wasn’t surprised when Toar didn’t follow.

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