Savage Surrender

by Deanna Ashford

  ‘It appears they do.’ Zene curved her fingers around the stem of Tarn’s penis and pumped it crudely. Then she pinched the loose skin of the head of his cock until she saw the bead of clear liquid seep from the tiny slitted mouth. ‘The seed,’ she said, working the loose skin backwards until the engorged plum was fully exposed.

  Tarn groaned and tried to pull away from them. The women determinedly held him down as he bucked and writhed beneath them. ‘Let me be,’ he begged.

  ‘So he begs at last,’ the brunette mocked. ‘Stop fighting us, or you’ll feel the cruel sting of the lash,’ she added menacingly. Tarn gave up the struggle and lay limply on the straw-covered ground.

  ‘Don’t you want to couple with Zene, slave?’ another teased, tugging at the soft hair in his armpits.

  ‘Zene wants your seed,’ the woman holding his left leg said as she stared hungrily at Tarn’s rampant cock. ‘But she’s scared because your manhood is so large.’

  ‘I’m not scared,’ Zene scoffed. Kneeling, she straddled Tarn’s hips. ‘I’ll have him right now.’

  Cautiously, she lowered herself until the tip of his glans was pressing against the entrance to her feminine sheath, then she paused. Tarn, grunting with the effort, jerked his hips upwards with all his strength, desperate to savour the soft heat of her pudenda. His cock invaded the soft, moist opening, sliding near halfway into her vagina.

  Startled by his temerity, Zene stared wide-eyed at Tarn. Then, biting her lip with concentration, she delicately sheathed herself on the entire length of his iron-hard rod. The tightness of her vagina embracing his engorged flesh was infinitely pleasurable, yet it still managed to stretch enough to fully accommodate his entire shaft. He felt the head of his cock press against her womb as he pierced her completely.

  ‘Now ride him like a stallion,’ the brunette urged.

  Digging her fingers into Tarn’s hips, Zene began to pump herself up and down on his shaft. Her internal muscles tightened even more as she lifted her body and thrust down again. The different sensations were maddening. Tarn could smell the scent of his oppressors’ desire, feel their strong hands holding him down. Zene’s suede boots rubbed against his outer thighs, while her vaginal muscles vigorously embraced his cock.

  She ground her vulva down against his pelvis, her face taut with concentration, her breath coming in laboured gasps. Tarn’s lustful desires were beyond redemption. He revelled in the sensation of helplessness as Zene worked herself up and down on his straining member.

  Zene’s pleasure peaked swiftly. As the climax washed over her, Tarn felt her internal muscles pulse rhythmically. What little control he had deserted him. He gave a hoarse gasp as his orgasm overwhelmed him and his seed jetted deep inside her.

  The strength of her own response appeared to take Zene by surprise and she fell limply forward across Tarn’s chest. Lifting his head, Tarn took possession of her lips, thrusting his tongue deep into her mouth. She returned the kiss with a greedy passion that astounded him. Suddenly realising that she had totally lost control of her senses, Zene pulled away from Tarn and sat up, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

  ‘Zene?’ the brunette said in confusion, appearing quite overcome herself. ‘What happened?’

  ‘I don’t know.’ Zene’s legs trembled as she moved away from Tarn and knelt on the straw-covered floor. ‘I never knew one could feel like that when coupling with a man,’ she muttered, picking up her leather skirt.

  ‘What is going on here?’ a harsh voice asked. The women moved nervously away from Tarn as the slave mistress angrily approached. She looked down at Tarn, her face contorted in disgust. ‘Get up, slave, and cover yourself.’

  Tarn rose shakily to his knees, grabbed his discarded tunic and held it protectively in front of his sex. He struggled to his feet, hearing the slave mistress harshly berate the women. It soon became clear that unauthorised coupling between warrior and slave was not allowed. He brushed the straw from his skin and hair, then draped the tunic around his waist, certain that he was next in line for the slave mistress’s wrath.

  ‘You!’ She turned as the warriors slunk guiltily away. ‘I knew that bringing an outsider here would cause trouble. If you wish to survive, you’d better learn to become far more submissive, slave.’ She grabbed hold of Tarn’s arm. ‘Come with me. I have orders to keep you under lock and key until further notice.’

  Chapter Twelve

  SARIN TURNED TO look at his companions as they reined in their horses beside his. ‘Do you think we’ve lost their trail?’ he asked Cador and Gerek.

  ‘Surely they cannot be far ahead,’ Gerek replied, glancing back at the weary troop of soldiers accompanying them. ‘Rianna may be well used to riding but she’s still a woman.’

  ‘She doesn’t appear to be slowing Tarn down,’ Cador pointed out frustratedly.

  They had discovered that Tarn and Rianna stopped yesterday morning, in a small village twenty leagues from there, to purchase extra feed for their horses. Their trail had been all too clear at first, but as they reached rougher, thickly-forested ground, their tracks became far less easy to follow.

  ‘Why did they come this way?’ Sarin looked at the dense forests and high mountain peaks in the distance. ‘We must be close to the border of Freygard.’

  ‘Perhaps they came this way because Rianna intends to seek help from her kinsfolk,’ Cador suggested, drawing his cloak tighter around him. The weather was turning steadily colder.

  ‘How can she do so, when she is Tarn’s prisoner?’ Gerek said irritably. On a number of occasions Cador had insinuated that Rianna was no hostage, and was in some way aiding Tarn’s escape.

  ‘I understand you’ve no wish to believe ill of your daughter,’ Cador replied. ‘But it’s obvious that Tarn could never have travelled so far, and so swiftly, burdened with a reluctant female prisoner. Everyone we’ve spoken to said that Rianna looked well and quite happy in his company. How so, Protector?’

  Gerek grunted crossly and turned away from Cador. ‘Until it’s proved otherwise, Sarin, I intend to go on believing in my daughter. Rianna would never take her marriage vow so lightly.’

  ‘She never gave me any cause to believe she would help Tarn,’ Sarin faltered, frowning thoughtfully.

  ‘Doesn’t pleading for Tarn’s life count?’ Cador said harshly. ‘You know she lied to you about her mother being Tarn’s kinswoman, Sarin. And she displayed great sympathy for his plight.’

  ‘I’ve had more than enough, Cador.’ Gerek drew his sword. ‘I’m prepared to defend my daughter’s honour.’

  ‘Wait!’ Sarin held up his hand. ‘This has gone on long enough. When we catch up with them, we’ll discover the truth. Until then you keep your opinions to yourself, Cador.’

  ‘My lord,’ the captain of the troop interjected. ‘One of the soldiers we sent ahead is returning.’

  The soldier galloped up to them and pulled his mount to a halt. ‘Any sign of the fugitive?’ asked Sarin

  ‘They camped close by last night, my lord,’ the soldier replied breathlessly. ‘But there are signs of more than two horses. At least seven or eight.’ He glanced back from whence he had come. ‘My companions thought they spotted a lone rider and set off in pursuit.’

  Sarin’s mount stamped its feet restlessly. He moved it forward a few paces, in order to calm it a little, just as the other two soldiers came in sight, accompanied by another rider. ‘Let us hope they have some positive news,’ he muttered.

  Gerek tensed as the soldiers came closer. ‘I rather think we’ve miscalculated our position, Sarin,’ he said anxiously, as he stared at the woman the soldiers had apprehended. ‘I wager we are already in Freygard.’

  ‘You obviously have some knowledge of this race, because of your late wife,’ Sarin said, seeming unconcerned by the news. ‘We’ll ask for their aid in tracking the fugitive,’ he added, disregarding all cautionary tales about not venturing into Freygard uninvited. ‘They are your daughter’s kinswomen, they are bound to want to he
lp us capture her kidnapper.’

  ‘Danara, I’m not staying here another moment,’ Rianna said as the Queen entered her chamber. ‘I insist on seeing Tarn.’

  ‘All in good time,’ Danara said, with an understanding smile. ‘Calm yourself, my sweet. There are good reasons why I’ve issued orders confining you to your room, just as I’ve ordered that Tarn be confined in the men’s quarters.’

  ‘What good reason can there be?’ Rianna pressed irritably. ‘I ask for your help, then find myself a prisoner. I expected to see you hours ago.’ She went a little pink, then whispered, ‘Especially after what happened last night.’

  ‘I’ve been busy.’ Danara put an arm around her and kissed her cheek. ‘I received some troubling information. I’ve been sending messages to the surrounding villages, calling my warriors here to the castle. I intend to be prepared for all eventualities.’ She led Rianna to the bed and sat her down. Twining an arm around her she gently stroked her breasts.

  ‘What eventualities?’ Rianna asked, trying to remain unmoved by Danara’s intimate attentions. Last night she’d succumbed out of curiosity as well as lust, but now all she felt was an uneasy sense of guilt.

  ‘We’re expecting company. A large troop of soldiers led by Lord Sarin have been spotted in the area. They’re fast approaching the castle. It appears your deserted husband wants you back, Rianna.’

  ‘No, he wants Tarn more than I,’ Rianna replied anxiously. ‘You must not surrender Tarn to them. Please, Danara, I’ll do anything if you’ll help.’

  ‘Anything?’ Danara said huskily.

  ‘Anything,’ Rianna confirmed. ‘But you must know that my heart belongs to none but Tarn.’

  Danara pursed her lips. ‘You called out his name in the midst of your pleasure last night. In a way I felt betrayed. Nevertheless, in time I am sure your feelings will change.’

  Rianna felt uneasy as she heard Danara’s words. ‘So you’ll help us?’ she pressed.

  ‘Our sisterhood safeguards its own. I cannot refuse you protection. And while you remain here with me, I’ll also give shelter to Tarn. He will not be handed over to face Sarin’s bleak justice. Tarn is part of our community now, just as you are,’ she said reassuringly. ‘So do not look so concerned.’

  ‘But Sarin might attack the castle.’

  ‘Not if he thinks you gone,’ Danara smiled confidently. ‘I’ll open my gates to him. Offer him and his men food and a warm bed for the night. I intend to tell him that you passed by the castle early this morning.’

  ‘You think he’ll be deceived?’

  ‘Lord Sarin has no reason to mistrust me.’ She took Rianna’s face between her hands. ‘Now that I’ve found you, Rianna, I intend to keep you safe.’

  The fervent desire in Danara’s eyes was immensely troubling, but at present Rianna was more fearful of Sarin. Once she was sure Lord Sarin and his soldiers were far from here, she and Tarn could plan their escape from this castle.

  ‘Very impressive,’ Sarin whispered to Gerek as they entered the great hall of the castle. ‘I didn’t expect such luxury, and such an obvious display of wealth.’

  Gerek was unimpressed by the show of wealth. His only concern was the large number of warriors ranged along the side of the large chamber. Most of them were young and attractive, but also very fit-looking and well-armed. Gerek knew just how brave the women of Freygard could be in battle. He felt uneasy with this obvious show of hospitality. Strangers were usually not welcome in Freygard, even those of royal blood.

  ‘Women dressed as warriors and armed to the teeth make me uncomfortable,’ Cador muttered. ‘So do those male slaves,’ he added, staring at the men laying the table at one end of the hall. ‘I cannot believe that every man in Freygard is a slave.’

  ‘Believe it,’ Gerek said in a low voice. ‘That’s why this charade troubles me so much. They have little or no respect for men,’ he added.

  Unconsciously, he found himself looking at all the female faces, seeking some likeness to Kitara. He knew she had sisters and cousins, but he had no idea of their positions or names. The loss of her was made even more poignant in these surroundings.

  ‘Lord Sarin,’ said a female voice. ‘I bid you and your companions welcome.’ They turned to see a tall, elegant woman approach them, dressed in regal purple, a gold circlet on her brow.

  ‘Queen Danara,’ Sarin bowed politely. ‘I thank you for agreeing to see us.’

  ‘The pleasure is mine, Lord Sarin.’ She smiled but her eyes were cold, like emerald chips.

  ‘May I introduce my companions,’ Sarin said swiftly. ‘Cador, a nobleman of Kabra.’ Then he turned with a flourish. ‘And of course, Gerek, Protector of Harn.’

  Danara appeared taken aback for a moment, before she recovered herself. ‘I’ve heard much of you, Protector.’

  ‘And I you, Queen Danara.’ Gerek was certain Danara was a close relative of Kitara. There was a strong family resemblance, even down to the colour of the eyes and hair. He bowed, then placed his hand on his heart, an ancient Freygardian custom he’d learnt from Kitara.

  She appeared to appreciate the gesture. ‘You pay honour to our heritage, Protector.’ Once again she smiled, still with little genuine feeling. ‘I can begin to see why our sister Kitara decided to remain by your side.’

  ‘I was blessed with her affection, but she never forgot Freygard. Unfortunately at that time no strangers were welcome in your land. It saddened her that we could not visit the land of her birth,’ Gerek said in all seriousness. ‘To be truthful, I am surprised that you welcome us now, I believed that the borders of Freygard were still closed to outsiders.’

  ‘Lord Sarin is a powerful monarch. Now that you and he are allies, you would prove to be formidable opponents,’ she replied. ‘It seemed prudent to discover why you ventured into our lands without prior warning, before we displayed any show of force.’

  ‘You must excuse the oversight, Queen Danara,’ Sarin interjected. ‘I should have sent a messenger to seek your permission before entering Freygard. We became overzealous in our pursuit of a fugitive and crossed the border without thinking,’ he explained.

  ‘Fugitive?’ she enquired innocently.

  ‘The man who led the rebellion in Kabra.’ Sarin’s face was wracked by concern. ‘The swine kidnapped my wife, Lady Rianna, your kinswoman.’

  ‘Kitara’s daughter?’ Danara appeared surprised. ‘If only we had known about this, we could have aided you earlier. I presume this man still holds your lady captive?’

  ‘Sadly, he does,’ Sarin sighed. ‘I’m greatly concerned for her well-being.’

  Gerek was painfully aware that Sarin’s display of feeling was purely for Danara’s benefit. Sarin hated the thought that Tarn had taken Rianna, but he had shown little genuine concern for his wife’s welfare. He seemed to consider her a possession and little else. After what Jenna had told him about Sarin, Gerek was deeply troubled. Once Rianna was safely recovered he intended to insist on taking her back to Harn for a time.

  ‘Permit me.’ Danara beckoned to one of her warriors, a brawny, rather masculine-looking woman. She stepped over to the Queen and they exchanged a few private words. As the woman departed, accompanied by a number of warriors, Danara turned back to Sarin and Gerek. ‘I’m told that two riders were seen passing close to the castle yesterday morning. I’ve sent some of my best warriors to track them down. My people know the countryside, they are bound to be more successful than your soldiers.’

  ‘I hope they are. I’m obliged to you, Queen Danara,’ Sarin said gratefully. ‘How can we thank you?’

  ‘By dining with me this evening.’ She pointed to the table now laden with steaming, delicious-smelling dishes. ‘We can share a pleasant meal, while your chambers are prepared. Tonight you will sleep on a soft bed instead of the hard ground.’

  Gerek was woken by a sudden stinging pain in his left thigh, to find his bedchamber illuminated by the soft light of many candles. At the same moment his mind was assailed by a multi
tude of sensations. The pain in his thigh had diminished, but his skin was chilled by the lack of bedclothes. He lay naked on his bed, his hands tied behind his back and a restrictive tightness around his neck.

  ‘So you’re awake.’ The woman’s voice was husky, low-pitched and sounded a little strained.

  Gerek experienced a sudden rush of fear. Queen Danara had betrayed their trust and he was a prisoner. He didn’t bother to reason why; his only concern was the second stinging pain as something hit his stomach. It felt like a hundred tiny pins pricking his flesh.

  Lifting his head, as far as the stiff leather collar would allow, he looked to his left. The chain attached to the collar was fixed to the bedpost. Then his eyes alighted on the woman. She wore the most provocative outfit he’d ever seen, and he felt an immediate lustful desire for his captor.

  A tight, black leather corset encased her shapely torso. The top was gently cupped to support her full, naked breasts. The creamy globes were tipped by prominent rusty brown nipples and silver clamps imprisoned her delectable teats. The clamps were decorated by fine silver chains, tipped with diamonds, which swayed tantalisingly as she moved. His gaze slid downwards to where the corset curved at the base of her belly in order to best display her thick, auburn fleece. A skirt of silver chains looped away at the front, bringing even more emphasis to her exposed sex.

  Gerek wanted to see her face, but only her lush red lips were visible. The rest was covered by an elaborate silver mask. Her eyes glittered through the almond-shaped slits as she swung the small whip she carried against the side of her shapely thigh. The leather strands of the whip were tipped by small silver beads, and he remembered the cruel pain they’d inflicted on his flesh.

  ‘Who are you? What do you want of me?’ Gerek said harshly. He was aroused by the sheer sight of her. Blood surged into his loins and his penis twitched excitedly.

  ‘I am your Mistress, slave,’ she said coldly. ‘I’m here to punish you for your misdeeds.’