The Crystals of Mida

12 A message—and the spilling of blood

I was not pleased. Sooner would I have walked the forest road at the end of a length of leather, yet Ceralt would not hear of such. Before him on his kan had he placed me, his arms about me as though I had never before taken seat upon a kan, as though I were city slavewoman. My two legs brushed his left one, and so, with humiliation, did the journey continue.

Fayan, behind Nidisar, seemed both pleased and amused by what had been done to me. Although she still avoided my eyes, now it was mainly her amusement that she wished to hide. Should she and I ever again face one another alone, her amusement would be well seen to. The warrior Fayan had been greatly surprised by the appearance of Larid, seemingly very well used, her wrists bound behind her, her throat held tightly by a length of leather, but Fayan had said nothing. Just then did she meet my eyes, and though the contact was brief, I had little doubt that Fayan would continue to say nothing. Possessed in some manner or no, Fayan was yet a Hosta warrior.

Larid looked to me occasionally as she stumbled behind the kan of telion, and a grimace from her told me that Telion had done well with avenging his pride in the darkness. Ceralt, too, had not been idle, for after he had used me, great amusement had he found in pursuing me about the tent. Each time he had closed with me, sharply was I struck with his hand, below the small of the back. With each blow, was I told, “You shall not again do as you did this feyl” and I found that I could not avoid him. Desperately had I attempted escape from the tent—impossible. Again and again I was cornered and struck, till wildly had I thrown myself upon Ceralt, attempting attack with teeth and nails. The hunter was taken by surprise at the attack, and briefly was I able to appease my fury, yet all too quickly did he rally from the surprise and force me from him, striking me the harder. For close to a hin had this continued, I, stumbling about, knowing the blow was soon to reach me, nearly crying out when it did, he, doggedly pursuing, allowing me no rest, no corner in which to find a haven, saying all the while that I was not to do again as I had done that fey. When at last I had dropped to the fur, thoroughly winded and obviously bested, soundly beaten and deeply humiliated, he had again taken me in his arms. Thus had I passed the darkness close beside him, my cheek upon his chest, his fist wound tight in my hair, and the strong male smell and warmth of him had done much for the chill of the darkness. I knew not what to make of his actions, yet was reluctant to have them repeated. Truly must I have angered Mida for her to have allowed the male such doings.

The meal stop, though of no particular interest to me of itself, provided an opportunity for speaking with Larid. Telion joined Ceralt and myself to feed, leaving Larid bound to a tree, and once the meat had been seen to, I stood before her with arms folded beneath my life sign.

“So,” said I quite coldly. “A Hosta warrior comes to free her war leader. Very well, then, warrior. Proceed to do so.”

Larid, her red hair free about her bound arms, looked woefully ashamed. “Forgive me, Jalav!” she pleaded most piteously in a small voice. “I know not how the male surprised me so!”

“Perhaps he flew upon the wings of a lellin,” said I, crouching down before her. “It would be best, I feel, if we were together to ask Mida’s forgiveness for your shame.”

“I hear, Jalav,” Larid acknowledged miserably. The males, knowing nothing of our customs, would believe that we spoke with heads bowed to Mida, when in truth, a warrior who called to Mida stood straight and proud, as Mida wished her to be.

Larid’s head did not raise itself, yet in a moment her whisper came. “They no longer watch us, Jalav. Did they truly believe me?”

“I feel they did,” I murmured. “What word do you bring from Gimin?”

“We have captured two males,” whispered she. “They knew the look of Hosta and attempted battle, but we were able to take them without spilling much blood. Upon questioning them, we learned that they were indeed a part of those who stole from the Tower, yet they knew not the location of the Crystal. Those others who had been with them, save for one who still travels with your set, have all continued on to Ranistard. Two hands of them, in all, there were.”

“These two,” I murmured, feeling a great elation in that we moved closer to the Crystal, “was one a male with the look of a young girl?”

“No,” Larid whispered. “They both were as most males appear. He who yet travels with your set is one who brings slavewomen to Ranistard, to be given to males within Ranistard.”

“I know him,” said I, recalling the look of the one who had brought the city females to travel with the set. Broad was he, and tall, yet lacking the height of Telion and Ceralt. Many times had he gazed upon me, yet now did I understand the meaning of the look upon his tight, hard face.

“Gimin would know if she may begin to deal with the males she holds,” whispered Larid. “Much pleasure did we have in their questioning, yet does she feel it unwise to bring them still living to Ranistard. Binat now watches from the forest, her gando and mine not far off, and easily might you join her, should you wish to do so.”

“So you thought to change my capture for yours,” I mused. “Is that why you fell to Telion’s trap?”

She, too, smiled faintly. “Almost did I find the need to take him by the throat,” said she. “He watched you from the forest, thinking himself well hidden, yet had Binat and I small difficulty in seeing him. I could not speak with you without his knowing of it, therefore I decided to allow him to bring me to you. Had he not been one of those you traveled with, I would have spilled his blood in silence, yet I knew not what you wished done with him. I had nearly stepped upon him before he saw me, and most difficult was it pretending I saw him not.”

“These males know little of the forests,” I murmured. “Did he treat you harshly because of your doing in the Tower?”

“Most annoyed was he at the memory,” said she. “I was much used by him, yet the sight of tears affects him strangely. I shall have to attempt to produce more of them.”

Inwardly I smiled, knowing Larid well able to see to her safety, and said, “I shall not return to Gimin with Binat. I shall continue on with this set to Ranistard, for there, I believe, the Crystal lies. Also, should this male from the Tower attempt to depart the set before it reaches Ranistard, I would know of it and be able to follow. Do you wish me to free you so that you might return?”

“The males would not be pleased with such an action,” mused Larid. “I would not have you given pain through their displeasure, therefore shall I remain also. Binat awaits your word.”

“Very well, warrior,” said I with a sigh. “But you must bear in mind that the choice was yours.”

Larid frowned with lack of understanding; however, rather than enlighten her, I stood and walked from her. Perhaps Larid would not be shamed as Fayan and I had been, and I did not wish to speak of it with her. One who has not experienced such would find difficulty in its comprehension.

I paused to one side of the road, some few feet from where Larid sat upon the grass, bound to a tree, and gazed casually into the woods. A lellin scolded in the near distance, just before me, therefore did I move my arms about as if stretching, then bring the finger away from my lips, my palm up, to give a sign message. The lellin scolded again, then was there silence. I crouched where I stood, pulled a piece of grass upon which to chew, and smiled faintly, pleased that Binat had read the silent speech. “Tell Gimin yes,” I had said, although I used the sign for Gimin, rather than her name. Had Binat not been able to read my words, the lellin would have cried twice.

I crouched before the woods, chewing upon the grass, for no more than a moment or two before a hand touched my shoulder. I turned my head to the left and saw Ceralt, who grinned slightly.

“There are those who would speak with you, Jalav,” said he in some amusement. “I have told them that you would be pleased by their visit.”

Again I stood straight and looked past him, and saw the females who had delighted so in chanting at me, yet Halia was not among them. They stood perhaps ten paces up the road, all in a tight clump, most moving nervously, their eyes everywhere but upon me. A grimace creased my face, for I wanted none of them, and Ceralt laughed.

“It will cause you no harm to speak with them,” he said firmly. “Should you not wish to approach them of your own accord, gladly shall I aid you by tying the leather again to your collar.” His fingers reached out and lightly touched the circle of the collar which still held my throat. “A leash is a great convenience when a man must deal with a woman.”

Coldly did I look upon him, for I had not forgotten his actions of the darkness, then did I stride toward the waiting females. Upon the recovery of the Crystal, Ceralt would again be given to my warriors, and only if he begged it of me, would he be returned to my sleeping leather. His captivity would be long indeed, and as humiliating as possible. The hunter would learn the weight of the wrath of Jalav.

I halted before the city females and folded my arms beneath my life sign, saying no word. Almost completely without hearing are those of the cities, for the females knew not that I stood there, till one chanced to look toward me. Then she jumped as though struck by the venomous sednet, and uttered a startled, “Oh!” as she stared up into my eyes in fright. The others quickly turned to me as well, and sickly smiles grew upon their faces. One, of light brown hair, took a hesitant step forward.

“We wished to say how brave we thought you to be,” said this female timidly. Then did her head drop, and she twisted her hands at her waist. “Also,” added the female with some difficulty, “we wished to apologize for what was said to you. Your act was a noble one, completely undeserved by the past actions of Halia—or any of us.”

“Yet, had it been me who was saved from the beast,” said another, one with tightly bound, light gold hair and large eyes, “I would have been filled with a gratitude the like of which has never been seen! Halia feels no gratitude, and refuses even to speak a word of thanks! Her father should have broken two switches upon her, rather than just the one!”

“Indeed he should!” they all murmured with angry indignation. Seemingly, they all felt outrage toward the female Halia, which, in itself, was amusing.

“The female Halia was saved through the actions of Mida, not mine,” I informed them mildly. “Also, Mida demands that each of us act according to her nature. To do so, no matter what such nature might be, is to act in accordance with Mida’s will. No one may be faulted for obeying Mida’s will.”

“You are far too generous in your beliefs!” said the light-haired female. “Had Halia treated me so, I would have scratched her eyes out!”

As I frowned in lack of understanding, she of the light brown hair pointed toward my throat. “Look!” said she in disbelief. “Still she wears a collar! Has that Ceralt not freed you as yet?”

“It is monstrous!” said another indignantly, one with hair of dark brown, “How does he dare to keep you a slave?”

“I am no slave,” said I, seeing that they had no understanding. “Jalav has never been slave.”

“But—but—the cuffs, and the leash, and the leather!” protested another. “He holds you as a slave, and calls you his!”

“It matters not what others believe.” I shrugged. “Jalav knows herself to be free, and that is sufficient. The hunter holds me captive, yet the state shall not continue forever.”

“You are magnificent!” said she of the light-gold hair, adoration clear in her tone. “You are a woman, like us, yet you are truly free! Even held captive by a man, are you nevertheless free! How I wish I could be like you!”

“Especially as we, too, shall soon be held by men,” said she of the light-brown hair. “Our fathers shall choose them to whom we are to be given, and we shall be slave to them in all but name. For us, there is no escape.”

“How do you remain untouched in your captivity?” asked the one of dark brown hair in curiosity. “Should it be possible, I, too, would learn the way of it. I have no desire to be touched by a man.”

The others agreed with firm enthusiasm, and again was I puzzled. “The hunter uses me as he wills,” said I, seeing the shock and reddening grow upon their faces. “That is to be expected, for my warriors and I used him well when he was captive to us.”

With mouths gaping they stood, and she of the light-gold hair recovered her tongue first. “You use men?” she gasped quite shrilly. “With none to force you to it?”

“Strong males give a warrior much pleasure.” I smiled, amused by their innocence. “There is no shame in the enjoyment of a male. For what other reason would Mida have provided them?”

They looked upon each other helplessly, unable to answer my question, and she of the light-gold hair waved a hand in vague gesture. “But we have ever been told that we must not allow the touch of a man, for it is evil!” said she. “Our fathers have told us this always, that only he to whom we are given may touch us! I have never quite seen why the one should be an exception, but I do truly believe the act to be evil, and my mother has ever held it so. Is it not evil?”

“I have found no evil,” said I slowly, feeling a great sadness for these city females. To be taught to find no pleasure in the touch of a male is an abomination. And how is a male to find his own pleasure, with a woman raised to loathe his touch? Telion and Ceralt, when first they used me, found much excitement of their own in the excitement they caused me to feel. Had I not responded so, they might the well have acted alone, in a corner. “I have found no evil,” said I again, “nor has any of my warriors. Have you never looked about you, felt the draw of a male, imagined him prepared to give you pleasure?”

“I have,” said she of the reddish-brown hair, a bit hesitantly. “I had thought it wrong, but why should a man expect to be given pleasure, yet expect to give none in return? I think perhaps I might enjoy such pleasure.”

The others seemed doubtful, yet did she of the light-gold hair, who was smaller than the others, square her shoulders in determination. “I do not know if I shall be able to do it,” said she, “yet I shall attempt to see it that way. I had thought that I was destined to be dirtily used by men, and the thought that I, too, might use, intrigues me. What might be a way to begin this, Jalav?”

They all looked to me as though I had words from Mida for them, yet truthfully, I knew not what to say. How does one instruct in the way the look of a male, insolent in his prime, fires a warrior’s blood? “You must examine males, and see if they please you,” said I, groping for the proper phrases. “The set of his shoulders, the manner in which he holds his head, the look in his eye. Does he feel strong in his own being? Does he carry himself proudly? Does he meet your gaze evenly? A male such as that may give much pleasure, for he is untamed.”

“Ceralt and Telion have such a look,” mused the female of reddish-brown hair, studying the males from where she stood. “Do they give pleasure, Jalav?”

I turned to also study the males, Ceralt where he stood beside his kan, inspecting the leather seat of the kan, Telion where he crouched by Larid, putting meat into her now unbound hands. I studied them briefly, then did I smile. “Indeed those males know the way of giving pleasure,” I murmured. “My warriors had much use from each of them, and Mida willing, shall have the same again. They are males with much to give.”

“I think I should enjoy seeing men bound and helpless,” said she of the reddish-brown hair, still studying the males with a thoughtful swing to her body. “I would then beat them if they did not please me.”

The other females laughed at the comment, nodding in agreement; I shook my head. “Males as captives must be bound,” said I, “yet a warrior finds greater pleasure in a male who is not bound so. And a male who would please you only if beaten is not a male at all, but a slave. Only those who are slave themselves, would enjoy the use of a slave.”

“Those two seem pleased with each other,” said she of the light-brown hair, nodding toward Nidisar and Fayan where they sat, somewhat apart, speaking softly and laughing much. “Nidisar keeps her leashed close, yet she does not seem to mind.”

I made no answer for I had none, and she of the dark-brown hair mused, “What would it be like, I wonder, to be leashed by a man? Should it be done to me, would I struggle, or obey him? If I did not obey him, would I be beaten? What is it like to be truly beaten?”

“Jalav knows,” said she of the light-gold hair most soberly, her large eyes filled with sadness. “Telion did say that she was beaten in the Palace of the High Seat, for she refused to obey them. Why did you not obey them, and avoid the beating, Jalav?”

“A warrior does what she must.” I shrugged, feeling the answer inadequate. “Much pain was there from the lash of Bariose, yet not as much as would have come from the discarding of dignity. My dignity may at times be taken from me, yet never shall I give it of myself.”

“Dignity,” said she of the light-gold hair. “I had thought that I possessed dignity, yet now do I see that I do not I shall also attempt to attain what I may of that, for true freedom, I feel, lies in dignity.”

Each of the females greeted this in silence, their eyes turned inward toward their own, deep selves, and the sudden appearance of Ceralt caused them annoyance.

“How do you fare, ladies?” asked the hunter with lightness, a grin upon his face as he placed his hand upon my back beneath my hair. “Have you spoken to Jalav of the ways of civilized women, ways which she, too, may learn?”

“Indeed we have spoken with Jalav,” said she of the light-gold hair quite coldly, looking upon Ceralt with disapproval. “Have you no care for her dignity, that you paw her? She is no slave, that she may be treated so!”

“I feel that this one has much heat in him,” said she of the reddish-brown hair, carefully inspecting Ceralt, whose jaw seemed unhinged. “You are a man—a male—of some interest, Ceralt. Would you care to call at my pavilion come darkness? I would see you compared with other males who are about.”

Ceralt’s jaw moved up and down, yet no sounds emerged. She of the dark-brown hair stood herself before him, her arms folded, and laughed lightly. “You look foolish, Ceralt,” said she, “I do not believe one so foolish looking is at all capable of giving much pleasure. Let us seek further, girls, for there are many to choose from.”

Firm nods and forceful agreements came from the others, and they then took themselves away, pausing at conveyances to carefully inspect the startled males upon them. Their actions were amusing, for they sought to emulate warriors, though their understanding was still far from complete. Ceralt’s hand upon my back did naught of a drastic nature to my dignity, yet did it sorely put my reserve to the test. No wish had I to reward him for his treatment of me, yet I also had no wish to deny myself.

“What have you done to them?” asked Ceralt weakly, staring with dismay at the strolling females. “They seem so... What have you done to them?”

“I did nothing,” I responded truthfully, and then shrugged. “It was, after all, you who insisted that I speak with them.”

“So that they might instruct you!” said Ceralt angrily. “Not the other way about! I see that for their sake, I shall have to keep you from them in future! Come, it is time to continue on the way.”

He urged me to the kan once more, and seated me again as I had been. I was still much displeased with the position, most especially so as Larid, too, found amusement in the hunter’s aims about me, his face often buried in my hair. There was much for a war leader to think upon, yet serious thought deserted me at the playful touch of Ceralt’s hands and lips. When I attempted to return these touches, he would not allow it, laughingly holding my wrists between his hands so that I might not reach him. In a fine fury was I when the set halted at its campsite, and Ceralt was exceedingly amused. Had I been able to free myself from his grasp, I would have taken to the woods on the moment; that must have been clear to him, for he held me fast till the tent stood again, and then was I thrust immediately within it.

“Should you be wondering,” said Ceralt mildly when I stood angrily upon the lenga pelts, “you are being punished for urging those innocent young girls to emulate savages. Savages deserve no consideration, and when I find you behaving in such a manner, so will you be treated. It shall not be enjoyable to you”

Then he seized me and lowered me to the fur, and began to encourage my ardor. Much encouragement was not needed, yet on and on did he continue, caring only for lighting the fire, naught for cooking upon it. Truly beside myself was I in my need, yet he only laughed.

“I was carefully instructed when I purchased you,” said he, moving his hand in a manner which caused me to moan. “A woman told me that I was to be sure to deny you quite often, after first having aroused you, and you would quickly learn to beg me for release. Are you yet prepared to beg for release?”

His eyes watched me with amusement, and most desperately did I need release, yet the words were impossible to speak. Clearly did I recall the touch of fire given me by Bariose, and my eyes closed so that this pain, too, would more easily pass. My body shook in his arms, and I attempted to stiffen myself as against a blow, for a warrior must be strong enough to stand against all that is done to her. Then Ceralt opened his arms and moved from me, for a slave brought the freshly roasted meat. Ceralt went to it and began to feed, and I lay on the lenga pelt, willing myself not to writhe.

“Come and eat,” called Ceralt, his mouth full. “It is nilno, and quite tasty.”

The lenga pelt was smooth and soft beneath me, and I could almost feel individual hairs. I rolled my cheek to it, grasping it in my fists, feeling it bunch silkenly in my hands, surrounding and caressing my cheek with its sleek warmth. There was no pain, there was no need, there was only the lenga pelt beneath me.

“Jalav, do you hear?” said Ceralt from a distance. “Come and eat with me.”

The lenga pelt caressed me at many points, whispering to me and touching me, allowing no rest to my body. A small whimper escaped me, for the fur spoke as leather did not, and I could not silence it. Small hairs rushed to my nose and mouth as I breathed, wishing to touch me within as well, then was I again abruptly seized, and held tightly to Ceralt’s chest.

“Jalav, forgive me,” said he in upset. “I thought to give you only discomfort, not true pain. That sound you made—once I saw a falth near death from a spear wound, and its pain must truly have been great, yet it made no more than the same sound. A sound of pain to be endured and not acknowledged.” In silence did he hold me for a moment, then he sighed deeply. “There is but one manner in which I may make true apology,” said he, and then did he release me, remove his covering, and place himself flat upon the pelts. “I am the cause of your pain,” said he. “Come and use me.”

Wearily did I gaze upon him, and as wearily turned away. To be given a male out of pity is worse than no male at all, and should it be the male himself who thus gives, it is the worst of all.

“You find no interest in me?” came Ceralt’s voice from the fur. “How is it you are able to resist so fine a fellow as I? Do you mean to say I am unappealing?” Suddenly, he pinched me hard, and when I rounded on him in fury, he laughed and said, “Or do you merely mean to say you fear me?”

True fury did I feel then, and upon hands and knees I advanced upon him. He lay somewhat raised up on one elbow, amused, then when I placed my hand and weight upon his throat, forcing him flat once more, his amusement changed to frowning surprise. He seemed about to protest, but I was quickly in possession of him, for a warrior has much skill in such things. Possessed and used did he suddenly find himself, not at his own bidding, but at that of a warrior. He seemed shocked at the speed of the thing, and I smiled, for he had forgotten his time in the woods with the Hosta. Then the memory returned to him, and he pulled me close, his hands spread about me, his lips raised to mine. Much pleasure did I take from him before he could hold himself back no longer, and then our places were reversed. He then used me well, and much pleasure did I receive from him as he took his own. The nilno grew cold before he was able to return to it.

I laughed. I threw my head back and laughed so heartily that Ceralt took my arm and shook me angrily. “There is nothing amusing to be seen there!” he hissed, turning me from the sight he had pointed to. “The thing must be stopped!”

“I see only females with their hair unbound.” I chuckled, still amused at Ceralt’s distress. “From the manner in which you spoke, surely did I think to see them armed upon gandod.”

“That is not far from occurring,” grumbled Ceralt, and again he pointed. “Do you see no more than that their hair is unbound?”

Again I studied the females, the selfsame females who had come to speak with me. This fey was their hair unbound, yet little more did I see from our vantage point in the trees. True, they walked about and openly gazed upon males, and now that I thought on it, their gait did indeed appear strange. They seemed to swing their bodies as they walked, the step composed of glide, pace, and stride. Truly, it was most difficult seeing how they retained their balance.

“Why do they move in such a manner?” I asked with a frown. “Have they been injured in some way?”

“Aye, injured,” Ceralt replied disgustedly, shaking his bead. “Can you not see, child of the forests, that they attempt that hadat-like stride of yours? Yet, while yours is strong and graceful, they in theirs appear injured!”

“It is merely a mannerism from stalking on the hunt,” I shrugged. “You wish me to correct their errors?”

“No!” he came close to shouting, but kept his voice down. “I wish you to have them cease such behavior! Their fathers have all come to me, for they find themselves frantic! The threat of a hiding means nothing to them as they are, and the hiding itself seems to strengthen their convictions! They have announced that they shall wed no man whom they, themselves, do not approve of, and their fathers are beside themselves. So invidious is the infection that others of the young ladies are beginning to follow the lead of these!”

“There is nothing I can do,” I informed him, amused by the situation. “I did not suggest such behavior, therefore I may not stop it. A pity they are too old to begin training with a sword.”

“A pity it would be inconvenient to wring your neck!” said Ceralt from between his teeth, and then he paused. “How are they too old?” he asked in curiosity. “They are no older than you.”

“Think you I have held a sword but moments?” I asked with a laugh. “I was many kalod from womanhood when my hand first touched a hilt. It seemed so large and heavy then that I felt sure I would never do well with it, yet was I to grow and best many warrior and war leader alike. As well as male.”

Ceralt studied me briefly. “Nidisar said three guardsmen were slain when you and the others were taken,” said he hesitantly. “You slew one of the guardsmen?”

“I slew two,” said I. “Pileth, too, would have fallen before me, had I not been struck from behind.”

“But—Pileth is a Captain of the Guard!” said Ceralt in shock, looking upon me strangely. “He is one of the finest swords in the city! You could not seriously have thought to challenge him!”

“Do you forget that I am a war leader?” I asked in annoyance. “Pileth would have fallen as did the others.”

“The others were undoubtedly new recruits,” said Ceralt firmly, “unused to blades, and hesitant about striking at a female! Pileth would not have been of the same caliber, and he would have trimmed you properly! I had best never see you foolish enough to draw sword against a true warrior—a male warrior—else I shall take the blade from you and thrash you soundly with it! Now, let us return to the current problem. What are we to do about those silly wenches?”

“The problem is not mine,” said I shortly, angered that be thought so little of the war leader Jalav. “They are not my warriors, therefore I have nothing to do with them.”

I turned and walked from him then; he quickly matched my stride and took my arm. “As it is you they fashion themselves after,” said he sternly, “the problem is indeed yours! You shall seek a way to return them to their former sanity, or else I shall act upon the matter! You had best bear it in mind!”

I did not reply to him, and we returned to the others in silence. The feeding of the meal stop had already been attended to, and Telion sat speaking with Nidisar, Fayan close beside them. Still Fayan refused to speak with me, but now she was often deeply in sorrowed thought. I felt it best to leave her as she was, hoping that in time she would once again be the warrior I had known. Larid sat upon the grass to the side of the road, her wrists unbound, yet with leather still upon her throat. She pulled at the grass absently, almost angrily, for this fey, she, too, had ridden, although Telion had chosen to emulate Ceralt rather than Nidisar. Larid rode before Telion, as I rode before Ceralt, and she was much annoyed at the position.

Ceralt joined the other males, so I walked to Larid and seated myself upon the grass beside her. My face showed no hint of a smile, I knew, yet Larid frowned.

“There is no cause for amusement!” said she in an angry whisper. “I truly regret not having spilled his blood when the opportunity was presented me!”

“Merely for riding you before him upon his kan?” I asked with amusement, stretching myself out in the grass.

“That is the least of it!” she snapped, her eyes flashing. “He expects from me the actions of a slavewoman, and beats me with leather when I will not obey! And I must still pretend fear of the heavy whip, else he shall begin to doubt what was told him! When may I have his blood, Jalav?”

“Take it now, if you wish.” I laughed, enjoying the touch of the grass upon my back. The sky was clear above the trees, Mida’s light warmed me, the children of the wild spoke softly about me, and soon I would be within reach of those who had taken the Crystal. In those things I found much pleasure.

“I find little humor in your jest, war leader,” said Larid bitterly, her eyes bleak. “My sword and dagger are well bound upon his kan, and attempting to take his weapons only earned me the leather! If matters are to remain so, we might as well bind our hair and smother our bodies as true slavewomen!”

“Matters shall remain so till Ranistard is reached,” said I most comfortably. “It is there that the Crystal lies, and our duty with it.”

Larid drew in her breath sharply, and a glance at her face revealed pained memory. “Forgive me, Jalav!” said she earnestly. “The capture of the two males drove the thought completely from me! There is yet other news which you must hear.”

I raised myself to an elbow, no longer amused, and Larid continued.

“Rilas sent a messenger,” said my warrior seriously. “The Keeper’s Attendants visited the Tower of the Crystal which the Silla guard, and there were refused entry. The Silla were respectful of the Attendants; however, they were hurried away from the Tower, and away from the Silla home tents. The Keeper Tanir, of the Silla, was reportedly unavailable to speak with Rilas’s Attendants, and Rilas believes that the Silla no longer possess their Crystal, but that it was not stolen.”

Much disturbed was I by this news, for although the loss of the second Crystal was by no means unexpected, it now seemed that the Silla approved of its having been taken. The Silla were less than falth, full blood enemies of the Hosta, yet I knew not how it was possible for Midanna to give up Mida’s Crystal while they still lived!

“Was Gimin able to learn the reason for the Crystal’s having been taken?” I asked Larid.

“The males knew of no reason for what they did, other than the payment of much metal,” said Larid. “We thought perhaps the metal was desired for the construction of some object they coveted.”

“Who may know the desires of those with no souls,” said I in disgust. “Now are both Crystals in the grasp of those who should not even be permitted to gaze upon them! When the Crystals are again in the hands of Midanna, the Silla shall not again find themselves honored!”

“Never have I truly understood why the Silla are so honored to begin with,” said Larid in anger. “Never have Hosta and Silla faced one another with aught save hatred and bloodshed. Perhaps we will be fortunate enough that the Silla will come seeking their Crystal when they learn of its ultimate location.”

“Perhaps.” I nodded then laughed. “That would be a Mida-sent gift of pleasure.”

“Pleasure indeed,” agreed Larid, also with a laugh.

“They speak of pleasure,” came Telion’s voice from quite near, and we looked up to see the warrior and the hunter regarding us. “Think you they speak of us, or rather what we may be foolish enough to purchase for them in Ranistard?”

“Undoubtedly both,” Ceralt decided without hesitation. “The female mind is completely capable of considering two thoughts of such a nature.”

“I agree fully.” Telion grinned, then he reached down to grasp the end of the leather which circled Larid’s neck. “Come with me, little flame,” said he to an indignant Larid, who was pulled unceremoniously to her feet. “I feel an urge to walk in the woods, and therefore shall you accompany me. Ceralt, see that my kan is left tied where it stands, should the walk go beyond departure time.”

Ceralt nodded with a hearty laugh, therefore did Telion start for the trees, nearly taking Larid from her feet with his pull on the leather. Larid grasped the leather in her hands, attempting to pull it from Telion’s grip, unsuccessfully, and in his track she stumbled along, led by the throat into the woods.

“I feel their walk shall occupy them for some time.” Ceralt grinned, looking down to me where I sat in the grass. “The thought is an interesting one, and well worth serious consideration. Much pleasure may be had from a walk in the woods”

His eyes spoke clearly to me, yet had I other matters to consider, matters of greater weight, therefore did I rise to my feet and shrug. “The woods hold no interest for me at the moment,” I informed him, brushing my hair back from my arms. “How soon does the march continue?”

“Soon enough,” he grumbled, appearing most displeased, then did he eye my collar. “Perhaps it would be well to reattach the leash,” he mused. “I should not like you to be thought of as less desirable than the other two wenches.”

“The thoughts of others do not concern me,” said I, folding my arms beneath my life sign. “Ceralt is too often concerned with others.”

“That is necessary when one must live among them,” rejoined the hunter dryly. “Jalav would do well to do the same.”

“Jalav does well serving Mida,” said I quite firmly. “Naught else need she consider.”

“Jalav had best consider Ceralt,” said Ceralt, his eyes stern. “Have you yet thought upon what may be done with the young ladies?”

“Should they please Mida, she shall see to them,” said I with satisfaction. All problems have their answers, should one seek earnestly enough.

“I have little intention of waiting for your Mida to act,” said Ceralt in annoyance. “Come the new light, either you shall have thought of something, else shall I lead you to the wenches’ midst, and prove to them that the mighty Jalav is naught save a wench herself—who may be punished as easily as they. Come, the caravan now continues.”

We again mounted Ceralt’s kan and followed the road, and I gave little thought to the city females. Much more pressing was the question of why the city males desired Mida’s Crystals. The Crystals had naught of the look of the shiny stones males cared so much for; indeed were they cloudy within their facets, at times aswirl with movement, and never a glint to be seen. To some fell purpose did the city males wish to put them, of that was I convinced, although their purpose was beyond me to conceive of.

By the passage of two hind had Telion and Larid rejoined us, Telion seeming quite pleased, Larid awash in smugness and contentment. The leather, I saw immediately, was no longer about Larid’s throat, and when she caught my gaze, one eye did she close in satisfaction. I knew not what she had done to the luckless warrior this time, yet was she now completely unbound, and Telion pleased to have her so! Larid had bewailed the loss of her weapons, but it seemed quite clear to me that she had little need of them.

The next fey brought little light, for Mida’s tears fell quite heavily upon the set and ground over which it traveled. The males put upon themselves skins to ward off the wetness, and to the outrage of my warriors and myself, they insisted that we do the same. To say that the tears of Mida were a blessing, one which boded well in next battle for her who bathed in them, did nothing to sway the intentions of the males. Firmly we refused such coverings, for even Fayan stood with us on the matter, and gladly did we stand upon the mud, glorying in the wetness, yet were we savagely seized and tied, then thrust within the hated coverings. Struggle availed naught, for the males were truly set, and so did the journey go, throughout the fall of the tears. One benefit did, however, accrue, or so Ceralt felt. A male who accompanied the city females rode to Ceralt, and informed him that the rain was truly a blessing, for it and it alone had kept his female and others from attempting to adopt the Midanna manner of dress. So incensed was this male in his anger toward me, that I could only laugh. My wrists bound tightly at my back, the smell and feel of the covering sickening me, I laughed at the upset of the male, at his fury at the attempted escape of his female. Ceralt quickly clapped his hand to my mouth, saying that the rains had addled my wits in some manner, and most fervently did the male agree before he turned and rode to his original position. Most wroth was Ceralt with me for my laughter, and most sharply did the leather of his anger sting, but he could not lessen my amusement.

Three full feyd did the tears of Mida fall, soaking all it touched. Unlike the welcome rains of our home, this wetness brought a chill upon the winds which whipped it about, forcing the kand to plod unhappily against it. The trees bent and moaned; little was heard or seen of the children of the wild, and no fires were then built. The meat which we ate was at long last acceptable, bloody and raw rather than burned to leather, yet had the excess, already cooked meat, been taken for the city folk. They, it was said, were unable to eat raw meat, and none save the hunters of the set, my warriors and myself, and the three males who traveled with us, ate it.

Upon the fourth fey bright light at last returned, and we and the children of the wild stretched in pleasure. Not again would the hated skins cover us, and no longer was it necessary that we be bound. Although the air of the light now held a chill which only the darkness had heretofore had, my warriors and I were pleased to be free once more. The fey passed easily, the kand disliking the mud of the road, yet preferring it to the blasts of the rain.

The set had halted to make camp, and we stood awaiting the completion of our tents, when the sounds of a disturbance reached us from the area of the conveyance which carried the city females. Filled with curiosity, we, along with others, approached the area, and the sight which greeted us caused a groan in Ceralt, and chuckles in Nidisar and Telion. My warriors and I were amused, for the city females, to the fury of their males, had altered their coverings so that they now were little longer than clan coverings, and obviously meant to remove the tops of the coverings as well. Red-faced, the males shouted at them, yet the females, though taken a bit with nervousness, stood firm in their resolve.

“Now see what you have done,” muttered Ceralt to me, as my warriors and I stood watching with interest. Even the male slaves had ceased in their labors to laugh, and the guards did not beat them, for the guards laughed as well.

“The doing is not mine,” said I quite firmly. “Should they take spear in hand, and enter the woods to hunt, would the doing be yours merely because you are a hunter?”

“The point is not the same!” replied Ceralt with equal firmness. “Take yourself to them, and see that they cease their foolishness!”

I began to inform him that never would I attempt to so order the life of another, when the hordes of darkness fell upon us. From the trees about the camp they came, too swift to number, males upon kand, their swords swinging. Screams and shouts of terror erupted from the city folk, curses from the guards who had not taken their posts, and abruptly shortened wailings from those armed males who were struck dead without chance for defense.

“Brigands!” shouted a male, he who was called caravan master. “Defend the caravan!”

Those who were able freed their blades, and my warriors and I found ourselves elbowed aside by Ceralt, Telion and Nidisar, who quickly stepped to do battle. Many were the males about us, and never shall Hosta stand about when there is blood to be spilled, therefore we made our way to those who no longer needed the blades they wore. The females, frightened to screaming, had been returned to their conveyance, and male slaves crawled beneath the conveyances in an attempt to save their miserable lives. My fist closed about the hilt of a sword, and once again did Jalav, war leader of the Hosta of the Midanna, glory in the world about her.

Quickly I turned to the battle, and just as quickly threw myself to the ground and rolled, thereby avoiding the slashing attack of one of the mounted males. His kan thudded by, carrying him past, and I leaped to my feet again to rejoin my warriors. Many of the attacking males had abandoned their kand, perhaps wisely, for they seemed not well used to battle from the back of a mount. They fought their way across the now littered ground, and high did the battle lust blaze within me. With the battle cry of the Hosta full upon my lips, echoed by my warriors, we charged to the midst of the attackers, and caused our blades to sing. To left and right did we lay about us, our edges taking arms and eyes and heads, and blood aplenty. Cries of anguish arose from the males we faced, and much fear was there in their eyes; however Hosta never give quarter in battle. On and on we pressed, barely seeing that the males of the camp had fallen back, for the pleasure of battle-glory had too long been denied us.

Three males were then before me, desperation in their stance and manner. Surely they wished their blades to drink my blood, yet was it I who charged with full eagerness, well upon them, my sword cutting toward them. The one in the center backed with a cry, his blade held before him to ward off attack, and swiftly I slashed that one in the neck before his sword could cover his unprotected side. The one who had backed away moaned in anguish, for it was his retreat that had left his fellow open, but the time was past to repair the error. The one on my right thrust toward me with an oath, thinking to spit me; however my blade was quickly there, turning his thrust and returning it with strength. Surprise and horror covered his face as my blade went into his belly, and a scream was torn from him as I also tore my blade free. His body fell to the reddened ground, his life already fled, and then there was but one further male to deal with.

The one who had retreated now stood alone, his sword still held before him. Slowly I stepped toward him, joy upon my face, the capture croon of the hadat in my throat, and slowly his head moved from side to side, denying the fate that was his. He was of a size with me, yet were his shoulders wide, his arms stronger than mine. Had we two stood unarmed, surely he could have bested me, yet he had chosen a weapon that I knew full well the use of, that I had learned to wield with strength and sureness. My sword gripped tightly, I moved upon him, not to be denied my victory.

As the chosen prey of the hadat comes to knowledge, so, then, did this male see his end before him, yet were my hopes of further battle dashed to naught. With a cry of terror this male threw his sword from him, and fell upon his knees before me to beg for his miserable, useless life. With great disgust I stood above him, sickened by his groveling and mewling, and then I raised my sword and, two-handed, removed his head, so that Mida’s ears need not be further fouled by his pleadings. His body fell silent to the ground, and I turned, to seek more of the enemy.

Many were the dead upon the ground, and my sword dripped red from many of them, and now a silence of end of battle had fallen. The attackers had all been seen to or made to flee, and my warriors stood but paces from me, their heads held high, their blades dripping from the thoroughness of their efforts. No others were there to stand before us, therefore did we raise our bloody swords and arms to Mida’s skies as I shouted, “For your chains, Mida! Accept these worthless males from your Hosta! Always shall we spill blood to your glory!”

“Always!” echoed my warriors with their arms high, and then we turned, full pleased, from Mida’s skies. The armed males of the set stood about in small groups,, their swords still grasped in their hands, their eyes wide. My warriors and I laughed in our pleasure, and Fayan and I took swordbelts from those we had bested, cleaned our swords in Mida’s sweet ground, then donned belt and sword. No longer were we unarmed, and not again would I lose a sword as easily as I had. I took, too, a dagger from the one who had sought to spit me, and placed it in the leg bands which I still wore. The dagger snuggled in its proper place, a now-filled void that had too long remained unfilled.

Slowly sound returned to the camp and its people. The males who had stood about with sword in hand now cleaned and sheathed their weapons, though somewhat reluctantly, and still did they glance strangely at my warriors and myself. The females did not emerge from their conveyance, but sat clustered about its opening instead, their arms about one another, their faces pale and filled with sickness. To the rear of their conveyance stood the male who had arranged for their journey, the sole remaining male of the Tower, and now that I thought upon it, I did not recall seeing his sword bared with the others. He stood with his hand upon the side of the conveyance, his eyes upon me, and slowly I raised my head and folded my arms beneath my life sign, for he and I had unfinished matters between us. As our eyes met, his body stiffened angrily, then was his hard, broad face gone from my sight, his steps carrying him away behind the conveyance. Then I heard the sound of laughter.

“You did not acquit yourself badly, male,” said Larid to Telion as I turned. She stood proudly displaying the swordbelt she had taken to replace her own. “With a bit of effort,” she laughed, “you might yet earn the name of warrior.”

“I have already earned the name of warrior!” Telion snapped in annoyance. “Should you sometime look about you, wench, you will learn that there are other means of using a sword than all-out attack!”

“Hosta know of no other means,” laughed Larid. “So have we ever entered battle, and so shall we ever do. It is our means to victory.”

Telion made a sound of disapproval, and then I saw Nidisar and Ceralt, some paces behind Telion. Nidisar looked upon a radiant Fayan, for Fayan had cleansed much of her shame in battle, yet it seemed that he was not pleased for her. She moved toward him, joy upon her face, but he turned away from her and strode quickly away, without a word. The joy fell from Fayan like too much oil from a sword blade, and she seemed grieved. Stiff and proud she stood, as a Hosta warrior should, yet had the heart been taken from her more cruelly than with the slice of a sword.

Ceralt looked after Nidisar a moment, then slowly approached me. “Truly is the war leader Jalav most skilled with a sword,” he whispered. “I offer my apologies—for all things.”

Then he turned and strode after Nidisar, his head somewhat down, his pace somewhat hurried. I did not understand why he acted so, nor did I understand his words, but as Telion abruptly moved after him, another male voice spoke.

“You have seen,” said the male to the city females within the conveyance. “You wish to speak as they do, and dress as they do. Do you also wish to do as they do?”

The city females, each with a shudder, removed themselves from the entrance to the conveyance, none having spoken in answer, yet all having, nevertheless, answered. The male then turned away from the conveyance, but in place of the satisfaction I thought to see upon his face, a great sadness showed. Larid stood beside Fayan, and I then went to join them.

“Jalav, what ails Fayan?” Larid asked softly, her face concerned. “I spoke to her, but she does not hear my words.”

Although Fayan stood with head high, her face, so lovely in laughter, seemed sad. “Fayan has felt a wound,” said I, my hand upon Fayan’s shoulder, “a wound which the Hosta have heretofore been blessed in avoiding. It is not a wound a warrior should be made to feel. Let us return with her to the tents.”

Larid, in silent confusion, assisted me in urging Fayan slowly forward. Fayan moved as we bid her, although her eyes were elsewhere. Slowly we made our way to the tents, but Telion stepped before us at the yellow tent, barring the way to the red.

It would be best if she slept in the yellow pavilion this darkness,” said Telion, much concern and sadness upon his face. “Nidisar—is not well, and he would not disturb her sleep.”

Telion’s eyes met mine; I nodded. “The warrior Fayan is ever welcome to share my roof,” said I, and with Larid’s aid, helped Fayan within the yellow tent. Fayan sat in the fur as we bid her, and then I turned again to Telion, who had followed us within. “Ceralt will not object to her presence?” I asked him.

He looked sad. “Ceralt feels it best that he stay with Nidisar,” he said without inflection. “To give him aid, should he require it. They are hunters, and brothers. Not warriors. Larid, would you honor me by sharing my pavilion?”

Larid, in frowning confusion, looked toward me, and I nodded to her. She seemed uncertain at my decision, yet was I, once again, proven war leader of the Hosta. Telion held open the tent flaps, waited for her slow, hesitant exit, then followed behind her.

Soft yellow, in the candlelight, were the tent walls, and shadowy golden were the pelts upon the floor. Fayan sat where she had been placed, rocking gently to and fro, as tears flowed silently from her eyes. I did not understand why Nidisar had not spoken to Fayan, and I did not understand why Ceralt was not to return. So many were the darknesses we had passed together, and I searched my words and actions to see where I had given insult. None did I find, though again and again I searched, reflecting, even, that of late, I had not even attempted to use him, allowing him, instead, to use me. Where, then, did the insult lie? I did not know, for I knew nothing of the thoughts of city males, little of the thoughts of any male. Then Fayan began to sob, weeping like a city female, yet unlike them as well. Deep, deep, were her sobs, twisting her body as she lay in the furs. With tight fists she held to the fur, giving to it the wetness of her body, the agony of her soul. Briefly I stood watching her torment, then I walked slowly to the rear of the tent, seating myself by the post that stood there, leaning my shoulder and face upon it. Quite late was it when the roasted meat was brought, yet neither Fayan nor I were asleep.