Reserved for the Wicked

By Ashlynn Hartt

With each passing generation, lands are lost to time and despair. In the very heart of Bohemia lies a realm much like this, a place where the worst is always suspected. One of the many drifting about her lands is Kade, a young runaway determined to flee from his fate when he crosses paths with Lia, a maiden wandering aimlessly through the woods. The pair of mysterious strangers finds respite in each other for a time until Kade discovers Lia is no resident of the forsaken realm. Though this story is not merely Kades to tell, nor does it belong to Lia for that matter. Silent endeavors flourish beyond their sight as a stark cat lingers in the shadows: a servant fears what sleeps inside him. A father struggles to save his country, a merchant quenches his thirst for gold, and a tyrant king lusts for power and the warmth of his harem. Cast aside all expectations in this dramatic story of love, loss, turmoil, and adventure. Each one of them bears a past, but will any hold a future?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: Apr 19, 2012
• ISBN: 9781466926011

Ashlynn Hartt

After falling in love with the craft of pen and paper, Ashlynn spent years researching history and entertainment. She believes that literature does not merely exist to hold the attention of the mind, but a true artist lives for the opportunity to capture the emotions of one’s heart.

Book preview

Reserved 

 for the 

 Wicked

ASHLYNN HARTT

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© Copyright 2012 Ashlynn Hartt.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written prior permission of the author.

ISBN: 978-1-4669-2602-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4669-2601-1 (e)

Trafford rev. 05/08/2012

SKU-000565374_TEXT.pdf   www.trafford.com

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Contents

Ch. 1

Ch. 2

Ch. 3

Ch. 4

Ch. 5

Ch. 6

Ch. 7

Ch. 8

Ch. 9

Ch. 10

Ch. 11

Ch. 12

Ch. 13

Ch. 14

Ch. 15

Ch. 16

Ch. 17

Ch. 18

Ch. 19

Ch. 20

Ch. 21

Ch. 22

Ch. 23

Ch. 24

Ch. 25

Ch. 26

Ch. 27

Ch. 28

Ch. 29

Ch. 30

Ch. 31

Ch. 32

Ch. 33

Ch. 34

Ch. 35

Ch. 36

Ch. 37

Ch. 38

Epilogue

SKU-000565374_TEXT.pdf

Czech Pronunciation & Significance*

*   It pleases me to inform the reader that out of all the languages, the Slavic vernacular is one of the most predictable when it comes to pronunciation. The words will sound just as they appear, unless proven otherwise in parenthesis.

Oheň (as seen)—fire

Činný (as seen)—busy

Dok (as seen)—dock

Pásztor (Pah-shh-jeh-tor)—pasture

Přestup (Ses-tup)—change

Bratrstvo (Braht-st-voh)—brethren

Lávka (Lah-v-kah)—bridge

Tmavý (Tah-mah-vee)—black

Rehor (Reh-hor)—watchman

Rybolov (as seen)—fishing

Liška (Lee-skah)—fox

Věřící (Veer-each-ee)—believer

Rarog (as seen)—Stephan’s bird

Kouzelnik (Coo-jehl-nick)—sorcerer

Navzdory (Nah-v-jeh-dor-ee)—spite

Medvěd (Med-vi-et)—bear

Vubiĭtsa (Voo-bee-sah)—a demon summoned by Irre

Šedá (Seh-dah)—grey

Mudak (as seen)—smartass

Otherworldly Creatures and Slavic Gods

Dodola (as seen)—god of rain and clouds

Lada (as seen)—goddess of beauty, spring and love

Perun (as seen)—god of thunder and lightning, very similar to Thor.

Domovoy (as seen)—a household spirit given offerings by the family in the return for its protection.

Divozenky (De-voh-jehn-key)—a wild woman of the forest, very comely. Many locals know them to be thieves of children and adept with charm.

Eretsun (as seen)—a living vampire-like creature created when a sorcerer possesses the soul and revives the body of one on the brink of death.

The Jezinkas (as seen)—a trio of comely maidens who put wandering shepherds to sleep and tore out their victim’s eyes.

Dola (as seen)—a protective spirit, personal, can appear as a mouse, a cat, or a woman.

Yarilo (as seen)—god of erotic sexuality

Chernobog (as seen)—means black god, lord of darkness, bringer of calamity

Zivena (as seen)—goddess of life

Jarovit (Jah-ho-vit)—god of war

Volos (as seen)—god of the underworld

Ch. 1

Early morning dewdrops lingered within the tall grass like glittering broaches worn proudly upon a thousand swollen emerald breasts as the hue of the earth swelled with fresh rainwater. Above the forest floor, a bright grey sky enveloped the looming firs in a mauve glow as their boughs sagged with the weight of coruscating rain. The sun rose to greet the dawn with a dull glare against the pale atmosphere and the forest awoke from its heavy slumber. Yet in spite his avid love of the forest, none of it meant anything to Kade. He still couldn’t get his mind off of her. The young man glanced over the stagnant aura that settled over the foliage like a spiteful fog and yet his thoughts still lingered on the girl. Where the realm are they? What if they’ve already found her, he muttered, gazing back from whence he came, Why aren’t they here yet? They should be here by now. Another moment dragged on and the blonde rose to leave when he heard the familiar howls of the dogs in the distance just south of him.

Vicious, thundering barks echoed through the heavy air of the surrounding trees as a pack of ruthless mutts barreled through the meadow. The vast sea of saplings was reduced to nothing but a mass of brown and green blurs as the dogs raced onward in the heat of the hunt. An odor of worms hung like a bog with unrivaled acridity, and yet the hounds still managed to decipher the trace of their quarry through the horrid stench. His scent slathered every passing piece of foliage with its enticing aroma, aiding in their chase like a path known only to them. Lingering in their keen nasal passages like an unfaltering truth the wild perfume proved that nothing could be more important than his capture, their hearts on the edge of bursting as they gazed fixated on their illusive prey ahead in the distance. Their pupils tightened on the figure within the fog, their gait broadened and agile, desperate to keep up the pace.

Wet vegetation whipped at their legs as the hounds raced one another, dashing through the maze of underbrush like giddy children playing a deadly game of tag. Their target was finally within reach, merely a stone’s throw away from them. It was the closest they’d been to him in days and they drank it in, panting with pride. The canine camaraderie pranced ahead with wriggling tongues protruding sideways from gaping toothy maws. Howls of pleasure echoed between the dogs as they teetered on the cusp of ecstasy. Every pack member was eager to please their master and so they pushed on, fulfilling the one purpose for which they were bred; pursuit.

Kade ran at a pace he deemed fair to the dogs, there was no sense in losing them now. It was about time they’d caught up to him, the damned things. His cocky visage all but glowed in the dull light that streamed through the heavy clouds above. The young blonde squinted up at the swollen white blankets, studying the stinging rays of gray piecing through their breadth, his mind wandering from what he considered a droll moment. Just a little further now, he sighed, keeping at most a few yards from the pack. He might as well have been blowing raspberries at them, for he’d slow just enough to hear their deep swooping pants at his heels only to race ahead pulling them onward with his taunt.

Enveloped in all his virility, the young man maneuvered through the lonesome trees with an unfaltering grace. The thickness of the air hung heavily in his lungs, his back slick with sweat. A tingling in his toes kept him moving forward evermore, he adored the feeling, a sort of addiction to movement. To him, running was the very essence of being alive. Kade smiled as he glanced at his feet. He’d seen messengers run before, but not like this, not with such haste unless of course they were bringing word to his father. He snorted at the thought, and it departed from his mind as a noxious aroma of pine and worms flooded his senses.

Rain drifted down in light sheets further drenching his long, golden plait and flooding the muddy soil. If the ground hadn’t been unstable before, it sure was now. The monotonous yowls of the frenzied mutts rang in his ears as his powerful, young limbs propelled him forward slinging mud behind him. Each long stride brought Kade deeper into the forest, nearing ever closer to the rendezvous-point. Through the trees he all but hurdled, the light nearly blinding within the eerie calm of the clearing.

All at once, his emerald eyes spotted her perched above within the safety of an old oak and all manner of poise left him as Kade’s heart melted at the sight of her. The shimmering glen framed her beauty in its ether as the auburn maiden watched him approach with her dark gaze, ready and willing with bow in hand as she clutched the bend with anticipation. Thick waves of her exotic tress whisked past her shoulders playing with the wind, swaying to and fro. Rich chocolate eyes greeted Kade a second time with a stare very much like that of a hungry falcon. Even ever so high, he could have sworn he could smell her alluring scent from below. She squared her weight against the trunk of the tree while her legs curled around its thick branch, all but mounting it. Kade breathed with envy. Oh how he longed to be that tree, to forsake the hounds and get lost in her thighs. She was as magnificent as she was deadly and the predatory gaze peeking out at him stoked the kindling hunger within him, an appetite that any man could pinpoint with ease: desire.

Kade averted his gaze to the ground as he felt his craving begin to stir, the telltale signs of Hiatus. All at once, His heart ran away from him and his mind rushed to catch up. He never anticipated the anguish could consume him so quickly as the power began to trickle through his senses. Blood pulsed in his skull and rushed through each and every capillary in his anxious limbs. The young man clutched his chest breathing hard with all his might. Muscles tightened and ached beneath his fiery skin to the point he believed his ligaments would pop. Every inch of his being bellowed, mute and crazed with yearning as the realm beckoned him to quench his thirst for desire. His hardened fists trembled with angst all the while Kade struggled to endure the overwhelming sensations that coursed through his body and taunted his beast. The man jumped at the howling barks of the dogs close behind and his feet faltered beneath him in the slick mud.

With his heart in his throat, the young blonde caught his balance as he stumbled and continued to run. It was a grateful distraction to the entity that raged inside him, but the beast would not still. A primal part of him snarled with rebellion as he denied the addictive power of possession. Digging his nails into his arm with a hiss, the young man refused to lose himself with so much at stake, and the pain brought him slowly back to his senses. Kade bounded past the great oak ever blind to the maiden perched above, and it wasn’t long before he heard the familiar strain of the bow’s string, and the stinging whirr of the arrows soaring towards their prey. Jogging ahead, the earth squished beneath his leather boots and he slowed to catch his breath. No matter what, he would see to it that the dogs would cease their hunt this day, and he had to get a grip.

Lia watched with a giggle as Kade tripped up at the sight of her. He must have heard this for he continued on only to pass beneath the towering behemoth without so much as a glance at her. Lia frowned and turned her nose up, maintaining her position. Well then, if that’s how you want to play it, she fumed, resisting the urge to allow the dogs a taste of their prey. The maiden exhaled deeply, and all her thoughts of her love’s offense were flung from her mind as she stretched the bowstring taut. Lia released the first wave of showering spears at the first glimpse of movement and grabbed for another pair of arrows.

One after another the piercing heads rained forth from the sky as commanded by the waiting huntress. Their cedar shafts shattered innocent rain drops in midflight, twirling like weightless dancers within the atmosphere. Countless arrows shimmered through the pale rays of sunlight before diving into their unsuspecting prey, hides seeping with red in defeat. Lia watched with a frown as two beasts escaped her swift cast to continue the hunt. Yet her disappointment was short lived as she gazed bellow, smirking at the rest of their felled brothers left to whine in the swollen muck of the underbrush. Upon impact, the unsuspecting hounds fell in agony. The drive behind the feathers combined with the strong spine of the wood produced a deadly and dependable combination for Lia’s arrows. A stiff shaft allowed for deep penetration and the piercing stab was enough to stop most creatures in their tracks. Craftsmanship and precision go hand-in-hand along the lines of archery, and she had mastered both with stunning grace.

Kade listened intently as he glanced behind to find the absence of anything pursuing him. The pain of desire had subsided for the moment and once again he had control over his body. He hated the uncertainty that came with the realm’s call. The last thing he wanted was to lose control of himself and the very thought of it made him shudder. The air was thick with heat as rainwater continued to shower down on the young man.

Kade looked to his waist and eyed the wooden hilt of his dagger staring up at him. It hung there, languid like a leering cat with its weight lingering on his hip as his fingers twitched. At last, he could bare it no more and he snatched up his trusty weapon with pride. The wood felt smooth in his palm, a sensation he cherished as he gripped the hilt. It was like a shining extension of his arm and he took a few swipes to the air before he gave a satisfying grin. With dagger in hand Kade retraced his steps with curiosity, all but eager to see how many Lia had missed. If it was more than three he would scold her with delight. The rain had slowed to a light drizzle as he made his silent approach.

Lia had certainly done her job.

Two arrows claimed each of the defeated hunters, excluding the last still hound that had a great deal of the arrow’s shaft sticking straight between his shoulder blades, quite an impressive hit. One by one their whines faded into oblivion as he finished off the last of the fallen survivors. He looked to the final struggling canine with sympathy. Glowering in the underbrush, the dog kicked its only movable limb and did its best to intimidate the hunter. Even in its last moments, the mutt’s grudge against Kade remained intact as it snarled viciously at his approach. His bubbling lips curled upward as he displayed two rows of jagged yellowed teeth.

Kade grinned, I like your passion, dog. You know, I think we could’ve been deadly allies if you hadn’t been chasing me for the last three days, in one swift grab, he snagged the beast’s muzzle and dispatched the canine with a quick slice of his blade. One last muffled cry faded into the trees as the final suffering hunter drifted to sleep, never to track again. Kade stood and wiped his bloodied blade in the dampened grass, reviewing the battlefield before him. A million thoughts swam through his head. Was the forest usually this quiet? The young man stilled as he drew in a long draft of air and snorted. They were not alone.

Sweat trickled down a tangled strand of blonde that hung in his face. With crossed eyes, he watched one stray bead roll down the center of his nose. He licked the salty substance from his lip and scanned the forest with a casual demeanor. Many birch, oak and firs stood scattered across the clearing and their huddled appearance left odd entrances into Kade’s domain. Scruffy shrubs, capable of concealing anyone or anything, gave his foe the upper hand as well. Kade inhaled once again, and this time the scent had disappeared.

He glanced up at his beautiful archer perched above who scanned the surrounding area with caution, her hand steadily gripping the arrow’s nock as she waited to strike. The maiden caught his gaze, and in turn she gave Kade a slight nod to which he winked back. The maiden rolled her eyes at him, Oh, he thinks he can be cute now? Suddenly, Lia’s sights were attracted to a glittering, pale light that seeped through the trees as it danced over a charging figure from behind an oak, Kade, behind you!

The man caught the glint in the corner of his eye only a moment too late as he faced the snarling muzzle of an angry mutt hurdling towards him like a charging stag. With all his weight on his heels the hunter heaved himself backwards, just barely dodging the creature from his right. Kade watched in anguish, frame-by-frame as the massive animal sailed past and snagged his shoulder with a gaping mouth destined for vengeance. Its front jagged fangs ripped through his flesh like parchment and blood spilled down with the rain. Kade stumbled back, slipping in the mud as the hound bounded away and circled around to lunge at his target.

Pinned by the wild mutt, his once trusty weapon turned useless as it lay stuck in the muck out of reach. Kade grunted as he kept his arms straight out in front of him, the weight of the dog pushing him deeper into the mud. His biceps trembled and burned as he struggled to keep the hound at a decent distance from his face. Blood dripped from his arm onto his cheek and the invasive taste of iron filled his mouth. With bubbling lips curled, the hound snapped its foaming jaws at his face and drool slopped all around them. Fear gnawed at Kade from the inside out, and the craving returned. It was starting to piss him off, "There’s a simple way out of this—shit—no—I can’t risk her seeing me! Dammit!"

Sweat slid down his cheek, collecting at the base of his straining neck. Kade had never been so grateful to hear the familiar swish of an arrow erupt from Lia’s bow once again and he all but glowed in that moment. The mutt snarled and jerked as the shaft veered off just enough to merely graze its target and sink into the mud below. Kade knew there was no time for a second cast, and that’s when he gave in.

The world around him moved at a million miles a minute. He had answered the bellowing song of the realm and immediately his rationality took a seat behind his will to power. Blood writhed through his veins as he groaned in agony, his skin like fire. All at once, gravity seemed to disappear with a buzzing rush and the feeling brought with it solace. Overwhelming assurance burst into his consciousness and flourished as Kade smirked at the snarling beast like a jackal, possessed by the powerful drive of survival that danger often instigates. The Hiatus was in full swing now. Without warning, the terrifying blonde kicked his legs up under the chest of his wild attacker and thrust his feet forward launching the beast backwards into a tree. The hunter snatched up his weapon and faced the dog, his body caked in mud, blood and sward.

The rabid hound roared as it rose from the muck disoriented, dribbling a trail of saliva wherever it went as it stumbled in the muck. Pin-needles rose from its hide, its once white fur now matted with a disheveled concoction of mud and rain. All at once it shook off the pain to regain its footing, and stared Kade down before bounding at him once again.

Kade steadied his hand as he spread his legs and prepared his stance, his being enthralled in the heat of the hunger. Two-hundred pounds of pure muscle barreled towards him, and the Hiatus had yet to wavier. Innate instincts whispered in his ear to run, but the man didn’t budge as his need to slaughter the beast overthrew equanimity. The hound was closer now, maybe ten feet away. Silence dominated the dithering ambiance as he realized the accuracy of his first strike was crucial now more than ever. Kade snorted and gave a smirk, the angst of his breath swished into his tightened eardrums like a roaring stream. Five feet from where he stood the dog drew ever closer. Blinking now would be a mistake. He drew in a deep breath, out and then in again. Just inches now. He held the air hostage in his lungs until it burned inside him and at last, he lunged.

The combined momentum of his trusty blade and the hard dive of the beast was enough to slice through the dog’s chest cavity in one hit. Face to muzzle, the hunter watched the dark eyes of the mutt widen with a squeal from its gaping yellow jaws. Its weight continued to propel forward and even in death it managed to tackle the blonde hard, knocking the wind right out of Kade.

The hunter scrambled to roll the massive hound off of his chest as he gasped for much needed air. Once free of its hold, he grabbed up his blade and swung round to stab the mutt in a wild fury of uncertainty. Crimson geysers erupted from the animal as he repeatedly plunged the dagger into its thick bulk, its rubicund ribbons curling around his forearms and painting his squalid tunic with the violent spray. The man could feel the strength leaving him, his burning angst subsiding like the sudden hiss of a squelched blaze. He panted hard, unsure of how he’d gotten there or what he was doing. When the dog failed to move, Kade ceased to stab and looked at his shaking hands slick with blood. He hadn’t surrendered fully to the beast, thank Lada. In that moment his vision blurred and he tumbled back into the muck blinking away the distortion, light headed. All at once his emerald eyes darted through the treetops with sudden desperation, searching for Lia. She was nowhere to be found. The sickening dread in his stomach dwindled as he gave a great sigh, grateful she hadn’t witnessed his alarming outburst. With the angst subsiding, he smeared his hands along the beast’s hide and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

Kade lay back into the soft, dampened grass to chuckle at the lifeless dog. The cool of the drizzling rain buzzed on his face as he stared out at the bright sky, his eyelashes glittering with a collection of little droplets. Kade panted heavily, caught up in the paroxysm of his heart pounding away. Blood rushed through his face and down his arms with a tingle, So that’s what cheating death feels like, he muttered, To realm with that. It was all over now, but his satisfying moment of victory was short lived as he glanced up at the familiar sound of Lia’s approach.

Now is not the time to take an afternoon nap, Kade. They could be here any second, she chided, descending the tree as her cape fluttered back behind her like a swooping owl. Thick ringlets of her shiny tress bounced when her feet touched the muck, and Kade found himself smiling. He watched leisurely as his love strapped the trusty quiver to her back and brushed the streams of auburn out of her face. She glared down at him with an acute playfulness buried deep within her surly brown eyes. They’d been together nearly a year and her beauty still captivated him, which made it all the more difficult to retaliate with his own well-timed, witty comeback, Thank you Lia, but I am well aware of the danger. A man is entitled to rest in peace once in a while, you know.

She smiled at him, Not unless you wish to be apprehended by those damned persistent bounty hunters, her eyes drifted to his bleeding arm, Oh my, did the playful puppy have a little too much fun with his toy? she asked ever so coyly, My hand slipped when I spotted the beast, but I didn’t expect it to ruin my cast like that. You should have seen the bird that jumped out at me when I went to draw my next arrow. I nearly fell out of the tree because of the damned thing. If I hadn’t managed to catch the branch… the girl wrinkled her nose with a shiver, I won’t lie—it was terrifying. In any case I’m sorry I couldn’t help you, she frowned.

Kade didn’t respond.

It was then she realized her lover was looking up in her direction, but that he hadn’t caught a single word of what she said for his eyes were instead fixated on the well-endowed region below her neck. With a more than obvious stare and an unfaltering grin, Kade sighed with content.

The huntress rolled her eyes at him as she pulled her hood over her head with a pleased smile, Damn this Bohemian rainfall, I shall pray to Dodola before the night is over, she sighed, Come on Kade. We haven’t got all day, and would you stop staring at them already!? Lia held out a delicate hand for her lover, and just as his fingers brushed her palm she pulled away, giggling all the while. Snapping back into reality Kade growled at her with an irritated smile, Oh I’d make you pay for that if we weren’t already on the run, woman. Lia giggled again and stuck her tongue out at him while he got to his feet without her assistance.

The couple grew silent as they caught wind of the frustrated curses that drifted through the trees from not far behind them. Lia grabbed his hand and they bolted, There was another dog, Kade. I tried to snag it but I missed him, that’s probably him now!

This is no time for jokes Lia, Kade chided as he searched her expression for a sign of humor. Yet, to his dismay there was none to be found. He gawked at her with jocularity, You’re telling me that there were really two of them? Oh what will we do? he mocked as she laughed. Kade gripped her hand tighter and they trudged further through the grass strewn hill. In other circumstances, they would have shied away from the thick underbrush instead of taking the risk at twisting an ankle. However, the couple had little choice on the matter, and continued their mad dash deeper into the forest.

Dark clouds loomed overhead turning the sky a deep purple like warm spilt wine spreading across the horizon, a delightful change from the usual silvery sheen. Light had nearly disappeared beyond the skyline, and the night air quickly chilled. Leaves rustled and scattered as the wind stirred the trees, blowing east like a soft siren sounding the approach of the storm. Lia looked up at the swaying branches just as they stilled before she gave a big sigh. The girl had awaited Kade’s return for a while now, yet her lover remained elsewhere scavenging for firewood. A flash of light glittered among the sky stretching its reach with a fiery grasp in a mere length of a second before fading from sight. Thunder gradually rolled over the hills after a long pause, taunting her camp from afar.

Tension thickened as she strode from the campfire to a boulder that resided near an old Rowan tree, her wild thoughts racing through her head, ‘Why did he act so strangely this morning? Why was he taking so long? Had the hunters caught him?’ Restless feet paced back and forth kindling the raging anticipation that tightened in her chest as she scowled to the dirt like a child who had been utterly ignored. Lia glanced over at the poor excuse for a fire and cursed the dim light. In reality it wasn’t all that tiny, but she didn’t care. She frowned at the two forked branches staked on either side, situated outside of the fire’s barrier of rocks. Gutted and plucked, her fresh foul lay stretched above the crackling flames for some time now and the smell was enticing, Maybe I should eat without him, she smiled, It serves him right.

Lia leaned against the old Rowan and hugged her arms, It’s a miracle I haven’t just left already. This is absolutely ridiculous, she huffed, Oh what’s the point? He always does this, why should tonight be any different? I mean, we only vanquished an army of dogs. That’s nothing special. Her head thumped against the creamy bark of the old tree in defeat. Behind closed eyes she released the strain on her rigid shoulders and let them hang. A light breeze tickled her face with a playful nature and in return she tucked the freed strands of auburn hair back behind her ear. Lia stood silent and listened to the distant thunder as it encroached upon the approaching darkness.

Mew.

All awareness of the imminent dreary weather vanished as Lia turned in the direction of the endearing cry. There, perched atop the apex of the boulder sat a stark white cat. It stared up at Lia with expectant green eyes, its fluffy white head cocked to one side. The feline yawned, revealing the pink ridges atop its mouth as a rough tongue poked out to investigate between its needlepoint teeth only to slip back into the cozy domain behind its many whiskers.

The girl smiled, that involuntary squinty eyed smile that you can’t help but make when spotting something remarkably adorable, Aww, hello there. Where did you come from little one?

In response, the snowy cat tipped its head to the left. The soft rumble of purrs could be heard even from the distance between them. Patting the rock with a silent swish of its tail, it gently mewed at her again. All at once, the girl was overtaken by stark realization, Wait, where have I seen you before? The cat did not move as it continued to stare at her with its tilted green gaze, I know I’ve seen you before, she muttered. Lia had taken a step towards the feline only to stop with a heavy pit of unease settling deep in her stomach. Yet, it wasn’t the cat that made her weary, but a dreadful realization that she was being watched by some foreign trespasser of the forest. The rhythmic thump of her heartbeat got lodged in her ears as she swallowed against a lump down in her throat. Should she run for her quiver or play the part of the unknowing fool?

A twig snapped and Lia spun around, she couldn’t bear to even act the part of a damsel. Dashing for her arrows, she scooped up the bow and thrust it out before her. The arrow rattled against the shelf of the bow as she strained against her fear to hold the string taut. Chocolate eyes darted about, peering through the darkness beyond the light of the fire, frantically searching for any moving targets. The bushes rustled to her right and she nearly jumped out of her skin, Show yourself! she spat.

As if in a rejoinder to her shaky demand, a lowly rabbit hopped out of the tussling leaves of the shrub and stared at her with its beady black eyes. Lia’s visage went absolutely stolid. She couldn’t possibly have felt any more sheepish than she did at that moment, and for once she was glad Kade hadn’t been there to see it. The girl laughed it off, rose from the dirt and shook her head with joyful relief, Well that was a close one, she beamed, returning her gaze to the boulder, but her smile faded. The cat had gone.

Miss me?

A thunderous shudder trailed down Lia’s spine as the warmth tickled her earlobe and her knees buckled under her weight. Rigid arms caught the falling maiden before she hit the ground and the girl came face-to-face with the man she feared had disappeared. Lia glared at Kade, entangled in his embrace. Her chocolate eyes flicked with the fire’s light as a potent scowl emerged from the depths of her frustration.

Kade, why do you do that? she demanded.

A smug grin exceeded his usual gentle expression as he tossed dried grass and a bundle of broken branches into the flames, That was payback for earlier today, and besides you have the cutest glare when you’re angry. Kade didn’t give his lover the satisfaction of retaliation, but instead, he swept her curvy figure into his grasp and brought her to his chest for a possessive kiss.

In that passionate moment Lia’s frustration vanished and overwhelming warmth took its place as if she had drank from a tall cup of ale. Unrelenting and with staggering intensity, the shimmering emerald in his gaze all but glowed in her presence as he smiled at her with his stare. She’d never known another person who could ensnare every bit of her with just a gape, and it beckoned a dark prowess from deep within her that no soul could fathom. Her head swam and her cheeks flared a rosy red, at the thought of it. Although it was mostly just an instant reaction that followed his touch when he held her, and she never wanted the feeling to end.

Reviving from the kiss, Lia stubbornly focused on his shoulder instead of surrendering to his gaze as much as she longed to do so. She was desperate to call her frustration back into play. She studied his alluring figure which had become the magnificent result of days spent in the sun, and she quietly cursed his enticing looks. The blonde’s rugged demeanor was only enhanced by the ragged linen shirt and dark trousers that clung to his toned body. Kade brushed back his wild blonde hair revealing a sparkling pair of green gems that looked straight into her heart, and she started to soften.

Who were you talking to just now? He asked, smiling back.

A cat was keeping me company, once again Lia tore from his gaze to focus on something else, and the marks below his right eye became the perfect distraction from his charm. His flawless complexion was stained by two vicious scars placed along his cheek some time ago. The faded streaks stretched across his face from the apex of his cheek bone raking down at an angle, stopping abruptly at his ear as if he’d turned to avoid someone or something. He never told her what had injured him, but instead exclaimed that it was a memory he’d rather forget. Lia could respect that, for she too had deeply buried secrets she’d never let surface for him to see. She sighed with longing.

At last, Lia surrendered to his enticing stare and crossed her arms behind Kade’s broad shoulders to melt into his eyes with a coy grin, Never give a woman the incentive for revenge, Kade. You might just catch yourself twisted in her web of vengeance. You know, I spend nearly every day waiting, watching and worrying over you. Horrible possibilities swim through my mind, and your innocent puppy dog eyes are supposed to make it all better? Kade shrugged his shoulders, "Hmm, how do I put this… yes. It’s hard enough trying to find fuel for the fire with nothing but watery peat lying about, but on top of that, scouting for signs of the enemy is nothing to rush. I’ll not pretend I’m perfect, but I’ll be damned if I don’t at least try to keep you safe. I will not lose you, not to him or anyone else and I will manage that my way. It pains me to see you worry, Lia, his tone faded as he caught the sight of his lover’s accusing look, —but it’s the truth and you know it! It’s my job to protect you, and it’s my love that makes me so obsessed to do so."

Lia smirked as she gave him the evil eye, You know my skills with a bow better than anyone, Kade. I dare any man to take me on. There’d be an arrow between his eyes before he could even think to beg for his life.

She was probably right.

Her wistful stare encouraged Kade to smile, Yes my love, but men are smarter than you’d think. By hunting in packs, they are driven to malice in large numbers. Why do you think it is not one man that pillages, but many? They would do much more than just capture you, and knowing that makes me shudder. Lia stood on the tip of her toes, straining to kiss his neck. Kade inhaled her auspicious essence as she did so, and sighed with content. His heart threatened to burst as it pounded away in his chest. It was a happiness he felt only when around her, and he tightened his grip on her hips to pull her forward. Their tongues interlocked in a sensual dance as they stared into each other’s eyes, slaves to passion.

Lia blushed as Kade continued to gaze at her, and her reaction only fueled an excuse to tease her. Breaking the kiss, he grinned at the girl before tickling her abdomen in a righteous fury. It took only a few moments of torcher before she begged him to stop, gasping for breath between giggles. Lia patted his cheek affectionately with a sigh, I suppose you’re off the hook, but don’t push your luck. Next time I won’t be so forgiving. she kissed him once more, grazing his lower lip with her teeth as she pulled away.

Hmm, it seems I’m caught deep within your webs, M’Lady. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re encouraging me, he slurred with desire. Lia giggled at his silky tone and ignored his arousal in a crafty attempt at revenge. The girl sat near the fire and rubbed her hands together, goose bumps all along her skin. From the ground it seemed as if the flames tussled with one another, fighting for the oxygen before they stretched towards the billowing indigo clouds and faded into the heavens beyond. She gazed curiously at the rising heat that danced into the starry sky and cocked her head when it crackled at her. Its movement continued to entrance her and Kade simply watched with a smile, amused with such cute fascination.

Her auburn hair shined in the moonlight as a lofty breeze teased its tangled ends. Lia was simply amazing. She was the only woman he had ever met who loved the woodlands as much as he did. Their days together were filled with laughter and by night they ceased to tire of each other’s company. Lia was always so lively, and it would not have surprised Kade one bit if she confessed that the great goddess Zivena was indeed her mother. Swathed around her dexterous fingers all the way down to her belly was a layer of tan linen wrap that hugged her torso and bound her breasts. Kade delighted himself in the pleasure of unwrapping her, the very thought of it made him grin. Oh how he cherished that first touch of softness, his hand dipping beneath the endless droves of woven fiber until he revealed the most comely creature of all. It was enough to make any man shudder. Lia was a gift shroud in comforting mystery. Under all her minor imperfections, despite her endless taunts and teasing, she remained the same person he grew to love. She was an essential, authentic essence he could not bear to live life without, and he would not allow anyone to take that away from him.

The faded blue of her tunic lay over the wrappings, cut to reveal her mid-drift and allowing optimal movement. His eyes traced the knee-length leggings as they hugged the sensual curve of her hips, and at last his hungry gaze rolled over her firm thighs with unbelievable desire. She was fit, although running for days on end tends to do that to people. A hint of guilt swept into his mind before Lia’s figure captured him again. A good portion of her calves remained hidden, enveloped in the various strips of linen cloth that dove into the dark hue of her boots. The footwear had seen better days as dirt coated the scratched leather, only adding to their exhausted state. Kade gazed longingly at Lia’s inviting skin, her soft persona purest of all in his eyes.

Lia retrieved her shiny, prized flute from her left arm. The short silver instrument dwelled within a cavity along her thick leather armguard. Its opening was fitted with a cork-like stopper to insure it remained forever bound to her arm, yet also concealed from sight. She wet her lips and brought the head to her mouth, closing her eyes as the first note hummed through the night air. Her soothing melody rode along with the slow rhythm of the flames.

The sounds she created always astonished Kade, for he had never heard such magic speak so elegantly from any object. The pint-sized instrument was capable of the most somber of melodies, yet it could bring about a rising in his soul when her tone flowed into a higher pitch, one teeming with the life and excitement of its notes. The enchanting power she called music had never reached his ears before he met her, yet Kade became easily addicted to its foreign magic. The spiritual power that roared within him emanated from her melodies, undeniably a compelling experience for both the musician and the audience.

Lia slowed the rate of airflow, her fingers lingering on the flute’s body; she drew out one final note that reverberated within Kade’s chest, ending her song. She brought the instrument to her breast and held it there, a small smile curled on her lips. Emerging from her trance she turned, her brown eyes instantly melting his heart. What? she queried leaning in closer. Lia looked curiously up at him, oblivious to his childlike admiration.

There