The North Kingdom

By Jordan N. Danniels

The North Kingdom is an epic tale about the beautiful Princess Siobhan from the Southern Islands who is taken prisoner by Lord Killian. He is a Northman whose orders are to kill her, but he feels compelled to take her to his home in the North Kingdom as his bride.

Lord Killian risks everything he has to keep her by striking an unscrupulous deal with Prince Seamus whose plans are to be the next king of the North Kingdom. Prince Seamus and Lord Killian enlist Siobhan's help in their scheme, but when she comes to meet the charming Prince Padrig she makes plans of her own.

When Padrig is accused by his brother Prince Seamus, of murdering their father King Sebastian, he goes into hiding, but is soon found out and sent to the dungeon. After Padrig is imprisoned, Siobhan frees him and they embark on a journey out of the North Kingdom. It is along this journey that she finds the path to true love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Dec 17, 2003
• ISBN: 9781462088737

Jordan N. Danniels

A graduate of California State University of Fullerton in Liberal Studies, Jordan N. Danniels has four Siberian Huskies and actively participates in recreational dog sledding. Growing up near Laguna Beach, California, provided a rich backdrop for the setting of The North Kingdom.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1  

My life had been different once upon a time. I had lived well in the Southern Islands until the Northmen conquered my country and slew my father, King Ali’ikai of the Southern Isles.

I was taken aboard one of the North’s vessels, The Sea Tyrant. The vessel was a magnificent specimen, which was over one hundred feet in length, embellished with gold paint on the stern’s gallery and port wreaths. The Sea Tyrant possessed three main masts with staysails that flapped in the wind above me. King Sebastian’s dragon-blazoned flags were hoisted atop each mast, for all to see that the vessel belonged to him. Below the ship’s bowsprit, a gold dragon figurehead waited to ride the waves once the voyage commenced towards the North Kingdom.

The sea wind ruffled the sleeveless, azure silk dress that I wore. The dress doubled over my girdle and was fastened on the shoulders by two gold bee pendants. I pulled my shoulder-wrap closer, which was decorated in the same hibiscus pattern that adorned the edges of my dress, so the breeze would not carry it away. My tan leather sandals squished with each step after being drowned in the ocean water.

I heard a crewman shout, Weigh anchor.

Two point’s larboard, the Captain ordered.

Two point’s larboard, the Quartermaster repeated to the crew, while the anchor was slowly being dredged up from the ocean’s silt bottom.

At last, we were deserting the Southern Islands. I felt as if I were forsaking my people. Sadness filled my soul, leaving me empty inside.

The Sea Tyrant rolled steadily from one side to the other as the rippling waves jostled the vessel. The two knights escorted me through the quarterdeck into one of the cabins. The knights departed leaving me alone in the cabin. The dawn was breaking, illuminating the cabin’s sparse interior through the gold-framed windows on the stern. The only visible furnishings were a bronze chandelier, a dark rectangular oak table, and two matching chairs. Escaping through the window, I knew to be a fruitless chance, as the iron weight shackled to my wrists would drown me, so I remained a prisoner of the North.

I peered out the window to gain a glimpse of my home, knowing it would probably be the last time I would ever see the beautiful island paradise. The main island seemed to stand unscathed as though the barbaric carnage had not occurred. The crystal aqua waves crashed onto the white scintillating sand. Palm trees stretched above the jungle waiting for the trade winds to caper through their pointed leaves. A blue island crab walked in solitude along the sandy shore. In a few days, hundreds of crabs would gather on the beach for the annual migration, when the high tide aligns with the full moon.

The cabin door suddenly opened from behind me. Startled, I turned around quickly to see who had entered the room. It was that wretched man, who had ordered the two knights to take me prisoner.

There is no reason to be frightened, Princess, the man said, trying to calm my fear.

The man appeared to be at least twelve years my senior. He was handsome for a Northman, with short blond wavy hair, a shadowy goatee, and eyes the color of the ocean. The man was dressed in a uniform that consisted of a scarlet red silk tunic embroidered with gold cording that was fashioned in dragon embellishments. He had on a pair of fine black wool trousers adorning his legs. On his left side, he wore a leather sheath carrying a silver broad rapier sword, which was attached to a belt that wrapped around his waist twice. His feet were shod in black leather boots. He wore an ebony-fox-fur-trimmed cloak that draped off his left shoulder, affixed by a lapel, with the sleeves hanging like a cape. A black velvet hat with fox fur adorned his head.

The man drenched in sweat began to remove his hat and outer garments, as he spoke to me, Tell me, Princess, how do you stand the heat here?

I find the climate here to be a perfect temperature. There is no need for thick clothes that make us sweat like wild boars. You Northmen wear too many layers of clothing.

Well, it is very cold where I come from. We would freeze to death without our warm clothes, he said, setting his cloak and hat on the back of the chair. Enough talk of trivial matters. Princess, may I have the pleasure of introducing myself to you? I am Lord Jeremiah Killian. What is your name?

Reluctantly I answered, Siobhan.

You will call me Jeremiah.

It is a name I will not use, for such informality implies that we are friends, and most certainly we are not, as you have bound me with these chains, I said, displaying my shackled hands.

I am your lord and master now, and—

Sir, I do not care who you are. Free me at once for I am the Princess of the Southern Islands, I said impatiently.

I am afraid that is impossible, as you are my prisoner.

Where are you keeping my brothers and sisters? I wish to be reunited with them. Are they in another cabin on this vessel?

Lord Killian did not answer, but his silence told me they had not survived the bloody massacre. My heart surged with grief.

All of them? Why? Why have you spared me? I asked, restraining the tears in my eyes.

It does not matter why I have spared your life, Princess. Just be thankful for my chivalrous act.

I ignored this dreadful man’s appeal for my being indebted to him for my life. I continued my campaign to become free of the Northmen.

Please, sir, I wish to return home. I will pay you all the gold you desire for returning me safely to my island.

I am sorry, Princess, but I am going to have to deny your request for freedom. You do not understand. If you return home you will be killed. It is by King Sebastian’s will that we have conquered your country. His Majesty ordered us to dethrone your family and all members of the royal family were to be slain, but I have jeopardized my position and spared you to be my wife.

Your wife? You are not worthy to be my husband. My fear burned into anger. I did not want to marry this stranger from the North, who had kidnapped me from my homeland and murdered my family.

I am afraid, Princess, it is not your decision. Lord Killian made his way over to the oak table. Sitting down in the chair, he pulled me down into his lap. He pressed his rough beard against my cheek and whispered, I love you, Princess.

I do not love you and I do not want to be with you! I remained firm in my stand against this man, as I tore myself away from his grasp.

You are being very ungrateful. He slammed his fist against the table, frowning at me.

Slightly fearful of Lord Killian, I backed away from him. I will be grateful, sir, if you return me to my island.

You may not go home! he spurted out in a sharp tone, leaping up from the chair. How many times must I tell you, your home is now here with me? Going home for you is no longer an option. Siobhan, I suggest you hold your tongue on the subject of going home. Our voyage to the North will take at least a week if the winds are favorable, and I have much work to do. I cannot accomplish it with your constant whining to go home.

I am sorry, sir, if I have inconvenienced your work, but it is through no fault of my own that I am here, I replied.

Lord Killian ignored my comments, as he sat down again and began writing on his scrolls with a quill pen. A moment later, he looked up at me staring at him.

You are welcome to make yourself more comfortable. He pointed to the other chair that was positioned next to the table.

Thank you, sir, I said, and sat down.

I watched Lord Killian intently, as he wrote words onto the paper, but my mind soon drifted to the family that I had lost and I hoped that they had not suffered.

A tap on the door brought Lord Killian’s attention away from his writing.

Come in, he called out.

A young cabin boy entered with a silver platter filled with sumptuous golden yellow slices of guani.

My lord, the Captain thought you might like some.

Yes, thank you. Lord Killian motioned where the boy should set the platter. Siobhan, what do you call this fruit?

Guani.

G…wan…i, he said awkwardly.

Yes, in my native tongue it means honey fruit, I told him.

Boy, have you had a slice of guani before? Lord Killian asked.

No, my lord, the cabin boy said.

Try a piece, Lord Killian offered.

The cabin boy took a slice of guani, popped the whole piece in his mouth, and then pinched another piece before making his way out the door.

Lord Killian cocked his head seeming bemused by the boy’s display. I guess that means he liked it, he laughed heartily.

The fruit does not belong to you, Lord Killian. Your men have stolen it from my country, I said angrily.

You are mistaken. The Southern Islands belongs to the North Kingdom, including all of its fruits, the people, and everything else on those islands. We are going to colonize the islands in the name of King Sebastian. Your people will be made our slaves to harvest the crops that will feed our armies, as we conquer our enemies. That is the reason why many of my men have stayed behind, he explained.

There was no point in arguing these issues with such a doltish man. His words only strengthened my desire to return home to free my people. I looked down at the floor withdrawing myself from the conversation with Lord Killian. I sniffled a little, holding back the tears, as my thoughts went out to each member of my family, still refusing to cry in front of my captor.

I got up and went back to the window, hoping to see the Southern Islands one last time. We were already quite some distance away from the islands; it made them look as though they were nothing but green hills fading into the horizon. While viewing the islands, it dawned on me that I was the sole heir to the throne.

I am now Queen of the Southern Islands, I said under my breath. I knew then that my responsibilities were not only to myself, but to my people, and that I must free us from the North Kingdom.

Forgive my rudeness. Would you like some guani? Lord Killian asked.

No thank you. Guanis are not good to eat this time of year, I lied.

Why not? They taste ripe and very sweet, similar to a nectarine.

Well, the toxins do not leave until they are much riper in the summer, I continued elaborating my lie.

Toxins?

I saw fear cross into his alluring eyes. I hoped it was the same fear my family must have felt as they were being murdered.

Yes, the guani’s toxins cause a very painful death, but do not worry—you will perish quickly in a day or so, once the poison has taken hold of your body. You will not suffer long.

I must tell the Captain at once. He leaped to his feet.

A very noble idea, but then what will you do? The Captain cannot save you.

Lord Killian sank into his chair, seeming despondent. He pulled out a bottle of liquor, removed the cork, and began to consume the strong drink.

But I can save you, I said.

You can? How?

An herb called halenia has healing powers against the guani’s toxins. If you return me to the main island, I will get it for you.

Lord Killian looked relieved, but his expression changed. He narrowed his eyes, as he came closer to me, clinging to the liquor bottle.

You lied to me, he scowled. You thought I would take you back to the Southern Islands. I will not be so easily deceived in the future, Princess. Lord Killian slapped my cheek.

I glared at him, unshaken by his assault. I am Queen now.

Lord Killian ran his hand down the stinging side of my cheek. I suppose you would have been, he said in a calmer tone. But, unfortunately you have no country to be Queen of, it belongs to King Sebastian. He went back to writing on the papers at his table.

I sat down in the other chair, knowing that it would take something much greater than deceit to return me to the Southern Islands.

Despite the darkness, it was impossible to sleep. I kept moving around trying to get comfortable. The winds grew fiercer moving the vessel hard over the ocean water. The constant motion of the waves churning made the ship dive forward, tip back, and then rock from side to side.

Siobhan? Lord Killian’s voice broke through the dismal night.

Yes?

Why do you not sleep? You must be tired; it is well past midnight.

When I close my eyes, I see their faces: my brother’s and sister’s.

I am truly sorry for your loss.

They were just children, practically babies, except for Benjamin, my eldest brother. He was only seventeen. I do not understand what King Sebastian had against them.

How old are you?

Fifteen.

I felt Lord Killian’s arm drape over my shoulder and pull me close to him. It startled me, since I could not see him in the night’s obscurity. He ran his slender fingers down my arm, stroking my skin.

I have not been able to stop thinking about you since I first saw you in the palace. I am going to make you very happy in our new life together.

I do not want a new life. I want to—

Lord Killian grasped my shoulders firmly between his strong hands and muffled my words with a tempestuous kiss.

Siobhan, can you not see how much I love you? You were meant to die, but I have risked everything to save you. He let go of my shoulders.

I could hear liquid swishing in a bottle, as he gulped down the foul smelling drink.

Your beauty is more exotic than the islands you lived on. It takes my breath away. He cupped my face with his hands and brought his lips down hard upon my lips. I moved my face away from his and refused to kiss him.

I am sorry, but I cannot love you back.

Releasing me from his clutches he said, You should get some sleep. The dawn will be here soon.

I enveloped my body with the wool blanket that Lord Killian had given to me. I lay on the floorboards, in a corner of the cabin opposite of where he sat drinking.

I went to sleep—though, not for very long. When I awoke, Lord Killian was lying next to me kissing the back of my neck. The night was beginning to drift away revealing Lord Killian’s shadowy figure. I pushed him away, repulsed by his persistence.

What are you going to do to me once we reach the North Kingdom?

I will take you to my estate. It is in a very splendid part of the Kingdom with the greenest rolling hills known to man and the ocean is within riding distance. You will live quite comfortably there. I will make sure that you have everything you want. I think you will find it to your liking. You must forget about the Southern Islands.

I will not forget about the Southern Islands, I snapped at him. I do not want to make a new life with you.

You best learn to control that mouth of yours, since you are going to be my wife. Lord Killian gulped another shot of liquor. Would you like a drink?

No, you drink enough for the both of us.

It calms my nerves. Contrary to what you might think, I do not enjoy seeing men killed, but it is my duty to King Sebastian to fight in his honor. It is your duty to please me.

My duty is not to you, Lord Killian, I said firmly.

You are the most defiant young girl I have ever known. I have done nothing but treated you with generous hospitality. What do you prefer; that I should have let you die?

Yes, then I would not have to be with the likes of you.

Lord Killian became very angry over my words. He reached for his bottle of liquor and took another big gulp of it. He began to undress himself.

Siobhan, it is time that I show you how much I love you. I am going to make you mine, no other man shall have you but me. You must surrender yourself to me.

Lord Killian pressed his body hard against mine, smothering his lips across my neck.

No, I refused him, do not do this to me.

I tried to pull away from him, but Lord Killian was determined. His lips embraced my lips, pushing his tongue deep into my mouth. I tasted the putrid liquor tainting his mouth. I did not want to engage in his passionate behavior and seeing no other way around it; I bit his lip in defiance.

Lord Killian shot backwards, trickles of blood splattered down his beard. I sprang up to flee from him. His reflexes were quick, as he flung his right arm at me, knocking me down to my knees. I tried to crawl away.

You insolent girl, he said. He grabbed my shoulders from behind, squeezing them tight, and spun me around.

My hair fell into my face. Lord Killian, I order you to let go of me at once! I screamed at him.

You still fight me, after the risk I took to save your life. I will have you; your life is now mine as I have spared you from death. He lunged forward, forcing me down on my back.

I was terrified of him, and began a frantic struggle to break free. My muscles tightened as I attempted to fight him. His strength pinned me down to the floorboards, as he ripped my dress off of me. All I could do was submit to his plundering of my innocence. I began to weep uncontrollably, letting out all of the emotions I had struggled so hard to keep inside. He had taken away everything, including my virtue.

Lord Killian’s eyes softened. He ceased his defamation of my body, withdrawing from me. He tenderly scooped me up into his arms, cradling me in his lap in an attempt to comfort me. When I at last stopped crying, he began to speak softly to me.

You are my wife now. We are one, and this act has joined us as husband and wife. He took an emerald ring surrounded with diamonds off his little finger, and placed it on mine. This ring is a symbol of my endless love for you. I will honor and defend you with my life.

Lord Killian stood up and covered my naked body with a blanket. He then took one last swallow of liquor and threw the empty bottle against the wall; it shattered.

I did not want it to be like this, but you left me no other choice, he said, as he put his trousers back on.

I began crying again when he left the cabin. I sat up and attempted to redress myself, but the silk was torn into pieces making it impossible to wear. I tightly wrapped the blanket he had given me around my body. I pulled myself together knowing full well that if I were going to survive my ordeal, I needed to muster my courage from somewhere inside me. I dried the tears from my eyes vowing I would never again allow Lord Killian to touch me. I would not be his wife. I tried to pull the ring off my finger, but it would not budge.

The daylight shone through the gallery window. The miles of blue water surrounding the ship filled me with a sense of emptiness and despair. The Sea Tyrant rocked suddenly on the fierce ocean swells. The ship leaned starboard, and I slammed against the wall, sliding with the vessel’s motion, still unable to acclimate myself to the sea’s unsteadiness.

Lord Killian reappeared in the cabin with a set of boy’s clothing and a half empty bottle of rum. I abstained from looking at him, turning away towards the window. I saw him in the reflection of the window. He crossed the cabin floor setting the clothes on the table and took another swig of the rum. I closed my eyes not wanting to look at him anymore, yet I could feel his hot stare on my back. It made me cringe with contempt for this murderous Northman.

Get yourself dressed, Madame.

I will if you turn around, I said, opening my eyes, tired of the scratchy blanket rubbing against my sensitive skin. I turned around to face him.

As you wish, my lady. He threw the clothes at me. Then, he spun around to oblige my demands.

While I dressed myself in the tan trousers and plain white tunic he spoke to me, I suppose you think I am to blame for what has happened to you. But it is not really my fault. You should be more willing next time. After all, you are my wife now. It is a wife’s duty to submit to her husband’s will.

I am finished, you may turn around, I said, paying no mind to his words.

You are very beautiful, he said, staring at me in the trousers. He walked slowly to where I stood. He continued to drink heavily from the rum bottle. Have a drink with me; it will make you feel better. He held up the bottle for me to take.

I refused.

He set the bottle down on the table. You look very seductive in these clothes. Once we arrive at my estate, I will need to buy you new clothes that are more modest, Lord Killian said. He pulled me close to him. I know you will grow to love me, as I love you. Lord Killian kept one hand wrapped around my waist, while his other hand slithered up under the tunic I was wearing. You must learn that a wife’s duty is to please her husband.

My temper flared. The shackles jangled, as I reached for the bottle of rum.

You filthy bastard, take your hands off of me. I am not your wife now, not ever. I do not want to please you. I want to be far away from you, I cried out, smashing the bottle of rum over his head.

Lord Killian seemed somewhat dazed. The glass had cut a deep gash into his forehead. The rum mixed with blood dripped down his face. He wiped the stinging rum from his eyes, rage gleaming in them. He picked up one of the broken shards of glass and shoved it against my jugular vein.

Take off your clothes, Madame. I will have you when I want you. You are my wife and you will obey me.

Kill me now, for I will never be yours.

Lord Killian let the piece of glass drop to the floor. He grabbed the chain, jolting me forward.

You impudent little girl, I rescued you and I will have you for my wife and you will love me. He picked me up in his arms and carried me out the door.

We passed through the quarterdeck where I was met with a spray of cool ocean water and a salty sea breeze. He took to me to the railing.

It would be so easy to throw you overboard and be done with you, he threatened.

Go ahead, I baited him. Death is much more desirable to me than living in the North Kingdom as your wife.

Then, I will not satisfy your request. I will instead take you to a place more suitable for your brazen behavior. After spending some time there, you will be begging for me to make you mine.

Lord Killian put me down on my feet and forced me to follow him deep into The Sea Tyrant’s interior. Along the way, he acquired a lantern with a beeswax candlestick already glowing. We had to climb down three sets of ladders before entering through the hatch into the ship’s hold.

In the hold, there was a peculiar musty smell that I attributed to the lack of ventilation. The ship seemed to rock even more violently in the hold. I was able to feel every motion that swayed the vessel, leaving me feeling a little queasy. The lantern’s light guided us through a mess of provisions stored in the hold. I believe we were near the stern when he finally stopped dragging me behind him. Lord Killian brought me to a cross support, which had a chain attached to it, with one end of an ankle fetter clamped to one of the ringlets. He fastened the other end to my ankle.

You cannot do this to me, I commanded.

Remember, Siobhan, you brought this upon yourself. I treated you very well, but you are an ingrate. He began to leave me.

I am Queen. You are nothing, Lord Killian, but a pawn to the King.

No child, not anymore. You are neither a Princess nor a Queen. I am your lord and husband and you are my wife. You belong to me.

I will never be yours, you fiend, I cried.

Lord Killian turned away from me and started back towards the hatchway.

Do not leave me here by myself, I screamed at him, but he kept walking into the distance.

I tried to follow after him forgetting that I was chained to the cross support. The chain wrenched against my ankle causing me to fall forward onto the planks. I pulled myself up and began rubbing my sore knee. As Lord Killian went farther away from me, I saw the hazy light from the lantern fading, until I was submerged into total blackness.

A ghostly chill passed through me. I shivered in fear of the total darkness that surrounded me.

I hate you, Lord Killian! I vented on deaf ears.

I focused my frustration on the chain binding me to the darkness. I tugged at the chain in a furious attempt to free myself, though my efforts were ineffective against the iron metal. I sank to the floor, bursting into tears at my defeat.

Wake up, Siobhan, Lord Killian said. He stood over me holding up his lantern. The light blinded my eyes, so I shielded them with my hands.

How long has it been since you brought me here? I asked.

Two days, now eat this, he said, setting a tin plate with half a loaf of bread on it and a goblet of wine.

I drank the wine, because of my insatiable thirst, but when I saw him gloating at his victory, my anger reemerged.

I will not be fed like an animal, I said, and threw the bread at him. The partial loaf hit his chest and fell to the floor.

Very well, as you wish, my lady, he said, and left me in solitude.

The hunger in my stomach subdued my pride. I crawled on my hands and knees as far as the chain would allow me to venture, searching in the dark for the bread, trying desperately to remember where it had fallen, but to no avail.

I must have thrown it outside my reach, I said aloud. I would need to wait, until Lord Killian returned with the lantern to find the allusive bread.

I began to hear strange squeaking noises that disrupted the stifled atmosphere. The eerie chirping sounds were coming closer to me. I realized it was some sort of creature, many of them.

The creatures gathered before me, but I did not know what they were doing. One of their furry bodies skimmed along my leg, and bit my toe with its sharp incisor teeth.

I moved away from where their sounds collected within the confines of the chain’s boundaries. I listened trying to decide what the creatures were seeking. Then, their noises dispersed into another part of the hold. I resumed my search for the bread, hoping that one of the furry creatures may have unintentionally moved it within my grasp. I ran my fingers over the planks blindly feeling for the bread.

At last, I found a crumb. I quickly consumed the small fragment savoring the taste. I vainly searched for more crumbs, but found nothing. I realized then that the creatures had taken my bread. I was dismayed by the discovery and turned my attention to the bite wound. I felt the blood still oozing from my toe in small amounts. I held my finger over the opening to assist in stopping the bleeding.

I despised Lord Killian for condemning me to the hold with the furry creatures, as if I were an animal. I loathed being in the darkness. There was no sense of time. Night and day became one inside the ship’s abyss. Worst of all was the loneliness, I longed for companionship.

I closed my eyes picturing the Southern Islands, imagining that I was running on the beach with the white sand between my toes, and waves crashing on the shore. I could see Benjamin as if he were sitting beside me. He had dark brown hair and eyes that were the same shade as mine. His eyes sparkled like an ocean’s twinkle created by the sun’s light.

Benjamin, I began talking to my brother, "the first thing I am going to do when I return to the Southern Islands is to have a spectacular celebration in honor of my acquiring the throne. I will invite everyone in our country to attend. There will be crabs garnished with halenia herbs, fish layered in mango sauce, and every fruit that grows on the islands. Why, there must be at least forty different kinds of fruit.

I am dreadfully hungry, I sighed. "I would give anything for a slice of

guani or pineapple."

I could see Benjamin shaking his head at me for being so concerned with eating at time like this.

"Do not look at me like that. If you were as famished as I am, you too would give anything for a slice of fruit or perhaps crab legs dipped in cane juice.

Well, if you have a better inclination as to what I should do, by all means tell me.

My brother said nothing.

I suppose I will have to think of everything myself. There must be some way out of here. If I could free myself, I would steal a rowboat and sail to the Southern Islands, but Benjamin, how would I know where to go? The ocean is so vast and there are no landmarks to guide me. Even if I did manage to find the islands, the Northmen have seized our island to colonize it for themselves. I fear I am trapped in this dismal fate.

A furry creature scurried across my leg. Its tiny claws scratched at my skin.

Get off! I shooed the creature swatting my hand at it.

The image of Benjamin was gone.

Benjamin, where are you? I called out to him. "Why do you not save me?

You are free; take me with you, dear brother. Let me come with you. Do not leave here without me.

Despair exhausted me, so I curled up beside the cross support and rested my weary eyes.

I saw the lantern light swinging like a beacon in the night. Lord Killian appeared, as my eyes adjusted to the bright light.

Hello, Siobhan, he said in jovial spirits.

Where is my bread? I asked, ravenously hungry.

I did not bring you any. I am punishing you for throwing it at me in hopes that you will be more appreciative of the meals I bring you. He looked down at the floor. I see you must have eaten the bread I gave you.

No, the furry creatures stole it. Tell me, Lord Killian, what are those creatures that live in here?

You mean the rats?

I have never seen such vile animals before. They do not live in my country, but I am not surprised that they inhabit the North Kingdom.

All ships have rats, Siobhan. They are stowaways and thieves. See, look over there. He pointed at one of the rats. It had a slender body covered in charcoal fur with flesh colored ears, a long thick scaly tail, and round beady eyes. Now drink this or I will desist from bringing you any sort of nourishment and you will soon perish.

Eager to quench my thirst, I took the goblet from him and swallowed the wine. If it had not been for the drying thirst in my throat, I would have put Lord Killian in his place for threatening me. When I was finished, he removed the goblet from my hand. I speculated that he relished in the fact that I was dependant on him for my survival.

There now, that is progress, he jeered. Tomorrow I will have a loaf of bread for you to eat.

When may I return with you to the cabin?

Once I am satisfied that you will be completely submissive to my lordship over you and that you will do as I say. I want a respectable woman for a wife, not a hot tempered, ill-mannered child. Lord Killian raised his hand to nuzzle my cheek.

I became distrustful of his intentions. Fear overwhelmed me as I struggled to hold in the tears trickling from my eyes. I cowered from him slinking into the shadows towing the cumbersome chain with me, as if I could escape.

I see you are still not yet ready for my affections, he sighed heavily. Good night, Siobhan.

The light dissipated signaling that I was alone. For once I was relieved to be in the darkened hold, without the company of that Northman.

A gale materialized out of the sea tossing The Sea Tyrant on enormous swells. The vessel tipped completely starboard, and then rolled over onto to the larboard side. Waves crashed on the ship’s side planking so furiously, I thought the wood frame would buckle under the water’s pressure and drown me in the ocean’s fury. I slid down the rough planks with the ship’s motion, each time being wrenched by the chain bound to my ankle.

The strong drink Lord Killian had given to me did not sit well in my stomach. I felt the blood rush from my head, as I broke out into a cold sweat. I became nauseated. My throat felt as if it were expanding. I sat up and vomited the foul substance, which gave me some relief from the sea sickness. The acidic residues left a repugnant taste in my mouth. I tried to wipe the lingering fluid from my lips, but the ship careened forward riding on another turbulent wave and sent me sprawling.

Benjamin, help me, I cried out to him—more as a comfort to myself than anything, so I would not feel so alone.

To my surprise, the ship leveled for a brief moment. I managed to crawl to the cross support and wrapped my arm around it, so I would not tumble every time the vessel teetered. I held onto the wood beam with all my strength even though the chain from the shackles pinched my arm.

"I detest the North’s ships. They are nothing like our tenkas, our canoes, are they, Benjamin?

"You were the best sailor and navigator in all of the Southern Islands. It was as if the waves were at your command. Father feared for your life when you went sailing, he thought something might happen to you. But I knew better. Do you remember when I helped you sneak out so you could go sailing? I think that was the only time that I had ever seen Father angry with us.

You would have been a good King, Benjamin, just like Father.

The squall continued, never ceasing its rage against the ship. I brought my knees to my chest and buried my face in them. There was nothing I could do, but wait for the storm to ebb.

I awoke to a stabbing pain in my feet. The water was calm now as The Sea Tyrant gracefully glided over the ocean. The putrid stench of rancid vomit singed my nostrils. The rats had returned; their chirping sounds were encircling me. My toes felt as though pins were tearing through the skin, inflicting tremendous agony. I knew then that the rats were gnawing on my feet.

I kicked frantically to shake off the revolting animals, but they were tenacious creatures. My heart raced, I felt as though I were at their mercy. I screamed a dreadful wail, which reverberated throughout the hold. In a moment of weakness, I called out the name of him whom I hated most.

Jeremiah! I shrieked. Jeremiah!

No one came. The rats continued gorging on my flesh. Desperate to dispel the rats from my feet, I drew up the loose chain from the shackles on my wrists. Holding it between both hands, I commenced an offensive against the rats. I struck the rats with the iron chain unleashing all of my anger on the hideous creatures, beating them senseless until they fell away dead. The other rats fled for their lives, as I swung wildly into the blackness hitting the planks hoping to catch a straggler. Driven by hunger, the rats were not deterred for long. Their whiskers tickled my ankle. I did not hesitate to clobber their heads with the chain, killing them instantly. After awhile, the rats ceased trying and began to prey upon an easier meal, their dead comrades.

I, however, kept on guard refusing to sleep, afraid that in a stolen moment of slumber the rats would resume chewing on my toes. It became a constant struggle to stay awake. I was dreadfully tired. I began to cry, woefully lamenting the suffering I had been forced to endure. The