Tearis and Nevallia

(Continued from...)

Chapter 2

In the months that past, Kane and Tearis became fast friends and usually found together. He only saw the ‘small-one’ a few times more, though never without less then their entire body covered. Tearis began to think them a disfigured slave because he had never seen them without their veil.

“Ah, bugger!” Kane exclaimed through clinched teeth. Tearis looked up to see him nursing his middle finger between his lips.

“You careless bloke.” Tearis said laughing at Kane. He was over at Kane’s cabin helping him out with his fletching chores for the day.

Kane was about to come back with a retort, but a knock at the door interrupted him, so he shot Tearis a dirty look instead.

A beautiful woman came through the door when Kane answered it. Her arms and back were so full of bags and backpacks that she could hardly get through the door. Tearis watched her carry the arm load into the next room, Kane following behind her shouting.

“Damnit Nev, where is your veil? You know you shouldn’t go out without it,” Kane screamed at her. He got up and walked into to the room following Kane. “And you forgot the furs again, you incompetent woman!” Kane yelled, striking the woman across the face and then storming past Tearis. Seconds later the front entrance door opened and slammed shut again. The woman didn’t move or even flinch when she was struck. She just stood there staring at Tearis expressionless.

Tearis followed Kane outside and found him chopping would for his fletching. “Who is that woman? I don’t think that we have been introduced.” he asked calmly, trying to keep the man’s anger directed at the wood and not him.

“The most infuriating woman known to all.” Kane answered shortly, slicing through another chunk of wood. He stopped after a few more swings, resting and catching his breath.

“Well, then narrow it down because you just named most women I know.” Tearis joked.

Kane looked at Tearis, who grinned at him and shook his head smirking back. “I am sorry Tearis, she is my woman. Her name is Nevallia and I got her young, traveling on her own. Her father disowned her, I’m guessing.”

“Disowned her? Why?” Tearis asked dismayed. ‘How could anyone disown such a beauty?’ he thought silently.

“Well, she is a half-elf you know.” Kane said, as if she was plagued with some horrible contagious disease. 

Tearis shrugged. “They are becoming more known. I do not doubt that is why she must wear a veil?” Tearis said, now understanding why he got so upset over the matter. “But that still doesn’t explain why a father would disown his own child.”

“Well, it wasn’t so much disowned as it was abandonment. You see, she is not a love child more then a child of impulsive lust.”

“Ah, I see. Is she your wife then?” Tearis said, thinking different of his new friend. He never thought that he was the type to settle.

“Nay, I just keep her around to keep my home clean, meals cooked and my bed warm.” he winked at Tearis and went back to chopping wood. Ah, that is what he first thought, so he was right.

People who know Tearis are the first to call him heartless and even cruel at times, but that day, Tearis felt sorry for Kane. He obviously did not see the beauty in the woman as Tearis did. There was darkness in her that he thought he would like to know, but when he returned to the cabin, she was gone.

~~~~~~

“Rubbish!” Tearis exclaimed to a trader that was looking at him expectantly. He had given up his day to go to the Bazaar to pick up some supplies. “Dorset, I am not paying twenty-five coin for a bundle of vegetables. Not when your wife is a druid, sir.”

The gnome merchant drew out a heavy sigh. “Tearis, you drive a hard deal. Look, fifteen coin, but that’s my final offer. No lower, man.”

Tearis smiled at the man that he knew well. “Done.”

As the man packaged up his sale, Tearis quickly looked over the people in the market and suddenly stopped on a familiar form, his breath catching in his throat. “Nevallia.” he said, hardly above a whisper. He was becoming obsessed with the woman, as the weeks went by since he saw her at Kane’s he has found himself looking for her. It was very unlike him and he just couldn’t understand it, but he had to go over there. He paid the trader and thanked him before wading through the crowded Bazaar.

Nevallia saw him through the crowd and instantly recognized him. How could she forget? Those ice white eyes, piercing and dangerous. Arrogant, temperamental, hostel, and that sinfully beautiful body that only Dark Elves are capable of having. It was torture every time he came over to the cabin. It was, of course, improper for a taken woman to be thinking such things, but since the day he introduced himself by the fire, we was the only thing she could think of. Realizing that he was coming in her direction, she quickly looked around for an escape.

Tearis almost laughed out loud at the look of complete panic on her face. She looked as though she wanted to flee. He picked up his pace so that she did not have time to find an exit. He was pleased when he saw that she had abandoned her effort to flee when she failed to find an exit, he put a smile on his face as he walked up to her.

“So we finally have a proper meeting.” Tearis greeted her warmly. “My name is Tearis Hollowsoul.”

“Nevallia.” she said bowing slightly, never letting her eyes leave the ground. “Pleasure to meet you, My Lord.” Nevallia offered her hand and Tearis properly bowed over it. A small tremor went through her.

“There is no need to be frightened, child. I will not harm or let harm come to you.” Tearis said, no louder then the breeze, intending it for her ears only. Her eyes finally lifted from the ground, looking up at him. She was, of course, wearing that blasted veil again. Her eyes were exposed, however seeming to look right into his own with a sort of pleading. ‘Green. Beautiful’ Tearis thought. ‘It is lust that is driving this absurd obsession.’ He reassured himself.

Nevallia looked down and saw that he was still holding on to her hand. She was thankful for the veil today, for he would certainly be appalled to see the blush creeping into her cheeks. She politely withdrew her hand and tried to think of something, anything to distract her thoughts from him. “Are you for supper, my lord?” she asked nervously. As soon as she realized what she had said, she squeezed her eyes shut and cursed under her breath.

Taken back by the random and confusing question, Tearis cocked his head to the side and lifted an eyebrow at her. “Excuse me?”

“I beg your pardon, my lord.” Nevallia said slower, trying to keep from running in humiliation. “What I meant to say was, are you able to join Kane and I for supper tonight?”

"I would be honored in joining you tonight.” he said smiling.

~~~~~~

After the encounter in the bazaar, Tearis made it a point to include Nevallia in on as many of his and Kane’s outings as he could get away with. Kane of course, was not too excited with Tearis’s new found interest with Nevallia. Tearis had insisted that it was for her own safety, so that she may walk freely about the village or where ever she may want to go without the veil. This had brought on numerous heated discussions between the two friends.

“Why is it such great importance that she wears that damned veil if we’re to escort her?” Tearis argued. They had been at Tearis’s house preparing to go hunting when the subject was brought to surface.

Kane didn’t answer at first. He kept his back to Tearis, hoping to ignore the whole subject.

“I just don’t see-“

”Because it is not about protecting her.” Kane snapped shortly, interrupting Tearis. He looked around as if Nevallia were going to spring from a bush right at that very moment. He spoke through clinched teeth and in a low voice. “It’s about protecting me, damnit!”

He let out a sigh and ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. “Damnit Tearis, don’t you think I know how bad that sounds? I hate to say it because it’s cruel, but I am a damn good Fletcher and I don’t want people to know of her. When people find out . . . that’s all they see.”

Tearis was in shock, but managed to keep his voice calm and even. “Kane, you are already established in my guild. If it still bothers you and you feel that she may still hurt your business in some way, let her go.” Kane started to say something, but Tearis cut him off. “And don’t you give me that ‘but I love her’ crap, because I know different.”

Kane’s gray eyes hardened and grew cold as he gazed at Tearis. “This isn’t your concern.”

“Aye, you two have a relationship that you have to work out, that is not my place,” Tearis held Kane’s gaze unblinkingly with an even colder one. “But she is my concern because she is a person in my guild and in my village. No one is to feel ashamed to be who they are, Kane and no one is going to make them feel as if they should be.”

With that Tearis went into his bedchamber to retrieve his armor, leaving Kane to fume. When he returned, Kane was gone.

Chapter 3

Tearis had been working on the small room all day, but as he looked around at his progress, it didn’t look as if he’s even made a dent in it. He glanced out the window and realized that it was getting late and he had not eaten anything all day. He was standing up out of the pile of junk that was surrounding him, when a knock came at the door.

Before he could open it, his assistant came in uninvited. “Tearis, I have been looking for you for a while now-“ She stopped in mid-sentence and looked around the room, ignoring the annoyed look she got from her employer. “Damn, are you moving?”

“Moving rooms,” Tearis said distracted. He walked back into the room he was working in, forgetting his hunger. Nedari quickly followed, faithfully at his heels. “What do you need Ned? As you can see, I am busy.”

“Oh yes,” she said quickly, as if just remembering herself. “I went to the Brunswick to find out about the guild you asked about. Actually, I thought you had the wrong one, so I went to all the guilds in Brunswick.” she said, beaming with pride, expecting praise. Instead she got another annoyed looked added with an expectant one, so she went on with it. “They all said the same thing. They have never heard of anyone by the name of Sir Kane Carditour. Further more, they all have everyone one of their members in tact, except those whom have recently died in the Fylwyth raid.”

Tearis looked up at her and creased his brow in thought. “Okay, thank you Ned.” he said absently.

“My lord?” she said softly. He didn’t answer; he was already gone and lost in thought. “My Lord?” she said a little louder, no response. Finally she shouted at him. “Tearis Hollowsoul, damnit!”

“Nedari!” Tearis jumped, startled to see that she was still there. He took a deep breath and softened his voice. “Yes, Ned?”

“He scares me, Tearis.” she said seriously, not taking her eyes from his.

“How? What do you mean?” Tearis came to her side and guided her to two sitting chairs and waited for her to continue. “Kane?”

Ned nodded. “Well you see, my lord . . . we were . . . involved for a few weeks, sir. I saw him with another woman one night, so I didn’t think much of it.” she blushed a bit. “I just figured that he was just playing the game, ya know?”

Tearis had seen him ‘playing the game’ often enough. When Tearis got tired of the hurt in women’s eyes, he stopped going. He himself preferred no game at all, just a woman that was willing for a price and wouldn’t be there in the morning. 

“Well, I started to pursue other men and he got . . . jealous.” she looked into his eyes with a scared look that she hid under her steady gaze. It was a look that he had never known Nedari to have. “Scary jealous. That wasn’t long after he got here, he doesn’t pursue me anymore, but I don’t know, he still scares me Tearis.”

“Did he hurt you? Ned?” Tearis’s eyes flashed with anger.

“No. I too can handle myself you know, my lord.” Nedari said jokingly.

Tearis smiled and held his hands up in surrender. “Okay, okay. Though, if I find out that he hurt you-“

”You would have been the first to know.” she promised.

“Okay. Thank you.”

Ned left Tearis to continue his work on the spare room. He couldn’t keep his mind off of Nevallia and Kane. Kane didn't exist, he was not who he said he was and Tearis wanted the truth. Also, Nevallia and her having to deal with the anger that Tearis had provoked earlier that day. The more he thought of it, the less work he got done. ‘Why should I care about her? She’s lived with him this long, she can handle herself!’ Tearis reasoned with himself. He thought again of the day she brought in the bags of supplies and how he slapped her without her even flinching.

“Damnation!” Tearis cursed out loud to the cluttered room. He left her to go home to him alone.

Stupid Tearis, just go.

He grabbed his tunic and didn’t even have it all the way on before he was out of this house, heading for Kane’s cabin. He had to go see if she was alright.

~~~~~~

“I just wanted to say that I’m sorry for pushing you today. I don’t want our friendship harmed over a stupid veil.” Tearis looked up at Kane with the most honest face that he could manage.

Kane laughed. “I was angry, yes. Though, that was mostly because what you spoke was the truth. I will not hold our friendship to an argument that was so dim.” He moved aside letting Tearis pass into the house. He noticed it seemed colder then usual.

“Where’s Nevallia?” he asked casually glancing into the kitchen.

“Her mothers house apparently.” he said, looking at the front entrance as if she were going to walk through at the mention of her name. “I came home and found this.” Kane handed Tearis a note written in unmistakable women handwriting. :

Kane, I have received a note from my mother. It seems to be an emergency. I’ll be home tomorrow.

-Nevallia

“Where is her mothers’?” Tearis asked, handing the note back to Kane.

“Sevlekrad.” Kane said calmly.

“Sevlekrad!? That foolish woman!” Tearis roared. “She went alone also, no doubt?”

“I told you she was infuriating.” Kane said with a slight smile.

“Yes, you did.” Tearis agreed, sounding annoyed with Kane for being right. “Are you going after her? Does she do this a lot?”

“No, I’m not going after her and no she doesn’t do this a lot, but she can handle herself.” Kane said with a shrug. Tearis looked at him skeptically. “I am serious. My being a Fletcher made it easy for her to develop a skill with a bow. She is no novice with a sword either, might I add. She can handle herself”

“Well, as soon as she gets back, could you send her to me please? She cannot put her self in danger like this! She could get killed, captured, and who knows what else!” Tearis raved. “ The guild would have to go after her, which puts more people in danger and then-“ he stopped suddenly, his face in thought as if he just remembered something. “If her mother is a High Elf, how is she living in Sevlekrad?”

“Enchanter,” Kane said simply. He shrugged as if that explained everything and looked up at Tearis. “I’m guessing she married a Dark Elf or perhaps just likes to live dangerously.”

“Yeah well, if she is anything like her daughter, then I’m guessing she likes to live dangerously.” Tearis sighed deeply. “Okay, now that I am completely worked up, I’ll be on my way.” he said shaking his head and making his way to the door.

Kane smiled. “I live it everyday.” he turned serious as he followed Tearis to the door. “I’ve put a lot of thought into what you said today and you’re right. If I fear what she is, I should let her go.” he looked down at the ground. “I guess that I felt that having her around so long . . . it’s just going to be hard without her.”

“There is a friend of mine that is looking for a house mate. She is a real nice person.” Tearis stepped out the door and turned back to Kane. “Think about it.”

Kane nodded and Tearis made his way along the path back to his home, knowing that this night, would be a sleepless one. Damnit.

~~~~~~

“I was gone hardly a day! Why should you care so much anyways?” Nevallia defended herself from the verbal attacks Tearis had been throwing at her. She had come home to a note left by Kane to see Tearis as soon as she got back. She found him at home. “I am not a child, Tearis! I am a woman, not only that but a woman that can take care of herself!”

“That may be true, but you are in my guild and you should have told someone!” Tearis snapped back. He had never yelled at her before, nor she him, but the fear of the night before had engulfed him. “Damnit Nevallia! You could have been hurt! Sevlekrad?! You know better then to go anywhere by yourself, let alone where they eat little Half-Elves like you for dinner!”

“I don’t see you interrogating everyone else that leaves for the day!” Nevallia shot back.

Nedari entered the house without knocking, as usual, and stopped short at the intense look she received from her very angry employer. “I’ll come back later.” she said quickly and headed back through the door. ‘Whoa, I wouldn’t want to be in her shoes.’ she thought.

“That is because nobody else is foolish enough to go alone somewhere they can get killed!” he yelled at her, just about fed up with her defiance.

Tearis watched Ned go then turned back to Nevallia, trying to ignore the tears that now streaked her face. She just didn’t understand the danger she could have put herself in.

“Look, think about it this way. If you got injured or captured I would have to employ the entire guild to come rescue you. That is now putting the entire guild’s lives in danger. You are no longer allowed to go anywhere by yourself, especially when I can’t be there to protect you.” he ordered.

She moved away from his grasp, walking across the room and leaning against the wall. “You don’t need to protect me, Tearis. I can take care of myself and I will go out as I please, just like everyone else in the guild.” Nevallia said crossing her arms in front of her, challenging his orders.

Tearis looked at her from across the room, her eyes were lighted like fire emeralds and her lips formed a frustrated pout. Her blood-red hair was cut short framing around her beautiful face that was for once, showing her emotion unveiled. She was covered in dust and still wore the clothes she had been wearing on her journey. She was beautiful. She was dangerous. She was what he wanted.

“You will do as I say.” he said calmly his voice low, though the threat in it was plain as day.

“I am not a child.” she said again, her boldness wavering.

Nevallia felt his eyes on her and his gaze was hot like the afternoon sun. They started at her feet, which were bare because her travel boots bother her, so she had taken them off. As his eyes traveled up the length of her body, she looked away so that he didn’t see her face blushing bright pink. He was openly staring, lingering on her face which that was so often covered. He went to her, deliberately angling so that she was trapped against the wall and himself.

“No, you are not.” he said so close to her she felt his breath on her face.

Nevallia looked up at him, letting his intense yellow eyes look through her. She wanted him to see the desire she had for him. She wanted him to feel the want and need that she carried for him from the first day that she saw him.

“You are very much a woman.” Tearis wasn’t sure what was driving him. He knew that it was wrong, but the fire inside of him was growing and his need for her to need him was unbearable. As he looked down into her eyes, he saw something that he hadn’t caught before. Longing? He had to know. He bent down and hovered over her mouth, waiting for her to refuse him.

‘Say no! Say it’s wrong! Say something!’ Nevallia silently urged herself. She lifted her face to his, not saying a word as his lips covered her own. Tearis wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her to him. He was almost expecting to be pushed away, but was rewarded when her arms wrapped around his neck.

Nevallia felt him flick his tongue against her lips, prompting her to open her mouth for him. The fire she felt in her belly burned so strong with desire as she opened her mouth for him and he kissed her more passionately and deeply then she had ever been kissed.

She moaned as he explored the sweetness of her mouth, lost in her want and need for him. She felt Tearis reaction to her moan against her belly. It gave her great pleasure in knowing that she has that power over him. His mouth left hers and made it’s way along her neck, leaving a trail of kisses in it’s path.

Nevallia laced her fingers through his long, white, silken hair, gripping it tightly as he kissed along her collar bone and around her ear. Tearis played with the ties that held her tunic together. When he got them free, he reached a hand underneath and relished the feel of her soft smooth skin. His hands traveled the length of her back, feeling each curve and crevice of her body. One hand went to the front of her, cupping one of her high firm breasts in his strong hand.

Tearis touch brought a small gasp from Nevallia. Tearis smiled wickedly up at her as she arched into his touch with a soft moan. She felt her knees start to go weak and she tightened her grasp on his hair. Tearis took the que and lifted her into his arms, carrying her into his bedchamber, closing and locking the door behind him.

Tearis came forward and stood in front of Nevallia, who was sitting on the edge of his bed. He captured her lips with his and she let her desire steer her actions. Reaching between them, Nevallia lifted his tunic over his head. She looked over his toned chest, selfishly devouring every inch of him with her gaze. One arm went behind his back to pull him closer to her so that she could taste his sweet skin, kiss by kiss. Nevallia paid special attention to his nipples, which made Tearis inhale sharply with a hiss of pleasure as she gave each on a quick love-bite.

When she made her way down his chest and kissed around his navel, he couldn’t handle it anymore. He leaned over Nevallia and pulled her traveling shirt over her head and discarded it on the floor with his own. He gently leaned her back on his bed, kissing along the way, stopping to nibble on her ear.

“Tell me to stop, Nevallia. Tell me to let you go home to your man. Tell me this is wrong.” Tearis murmured against her ear.

“Please . . . “she answered him wantonly. Aching for him in a way she didn’t know her body could ache. Tearis continued his journey of kisses along her body, making his way to her high firm breasts. He tenderly mouthed her exposed peaks and felt them respond to his persuasive tongue. She arched under his touch and gave a small whimper of pleasure. He felt himself respond to every noise she made with an electric jolt to his groin. She lifted for him when he started to slightly tug on her travel pants.

After discarding the pants Tearis sat up a bit, drinking in the sight of her. “You’re so beautiful.” he breathed.

Nevallia smiled at him shyly and lifted her leg slight to rub against the growing bulge between his legs.

Tearis looked at her in shock. “Nevallia!” she smiled wickedly up at him. He leaned over her again, kissing her beautiful lips and letting his hand slide down the length of her smooth body until it reached the sweet wetness between her legs. He started to rub her gently and was soon rewarded with a deep, soft moan.

 Nevallia arched her back, pushing herself against his expert fingers. She had never known such pleasure so pure. There was no fumbling, no pain or pinches from him. Just pleasure. Beautiful mind numbing pleasure. “Tearis.” she sighed softly, not sure if any sound had left her lips.

Tearis fought to take control his own need. She spoke his name. So softly, so completely consumed with desire, he almost lost the control he was so carefully holding on to. He slowly slid down her body, planting a kiss at her sweet entrance. He felt her warm wetness, her need for him. Using his tongue, he greedily lapped up her honey juices.

Nevallia gasped and shot up in alarm. “Tearis! I don’t know-“ but she was quickly over whelmed with pleasure as he teased her with his mouth. He gently pushed her back against the bed again. “ Shhh. Relax, my sweet Nevallia.” he murmured.

As he continued to tease her, she felt all the warmth of the pleasure turn into mounting pressure. “Tearis.” she moaned, her breaths quickening into pants. Her hands that once raked through his hair now gripped him, as if intending to never let him stop this wonderful thing he was doing to her. Tearis felt her grip tighten and quickly flicked his tongue in and out of her, causing her to buck her hips against his mouth.

Tearis could no longer restrain himself. He sat up and positioned himself between her smooth pale legs, halting himself at her opening. He watched her face, silently asking for her permission.

Nevallia nodded at him, understanding what he was asking. Loving him for it. He entered her in one quick thrust, groaning as she closed around him. He kept still, letting her adjust to him, then started a slow and steady pace. He watched her beautiful face convey her desire for him.

Nevallia arched her back, causing her to tighten around Tearis, unknowingly.

‘Anymore of that and this is going to be a short romp!’ Tearis thought to himself. Nevallia smiled up at him sweetly in mock innocents. The grin that slowly played on her lips told Tearis that she knew exactly what she was doing.

Tearis lifted an eyebrow at her, questioning the wicked smile that appeared there. “Having fun, tormenting me like that?” knowing she had gotten him, her smile grew and a challenge twinkled in her bright green eyes when he looked into them. ‘Even in bed she challenges me.’ he thought, amused that she was a playful lover. 

Taking the challenge, Tearis leaned over her bringing her legs to rest upon his shoulders. Nevallia started to protest, knowing that he had bested her. Slowly he pushed into her, Tearing her wits with his depth and maddening slow pace. Gripping into his arms, she dug her nails into his flesh. Her breath quickened with his pace. Speeding up at her urges, her nails forgotten by him as she let a delicious moan escape her lips. As her pleasure mounted she clinched and unclenched her stomach muscles, tightening and loosening around him as he entered her. Sensation took over her and with a sudden release of pressure she climaxed, calling out his name. Watching her finish and her calling his name was quickly Tearis undoing as he came to his own draining climax. With a small cry, he slumped on top of her, propping himself on his elbows, being careful not to crush her.

Nevallia lazily looked into his yellow eyes and seemed to get instantly lost. They were beautiful. He was beautiful. Tearis rolled over, lying next to her, his head resting on the pillows that lined the head of his bed. She snuggled against him and rested her head on his shoulder, smiling up at him. She was rewarded with a boyish grin that she had seen few times before.

“You are beautiful, Nevallia.” he said, looking down into her shining emerald eyes.

“So are you, Tearis.” she said, then frowned in thought. “Tearis.” she corrected herself, using the not-so-formal nickname.

“Neva.” he said teasing her. She smiled at him happily.

Nevallia laid there enjoying the warm feeling of his body next to hers. She pushed all other thoughts away. Especially those involving going back home to the cabin with Kane.

Chapter 4

“Why?” Kane was furious. This wasn’t how it was supposed to happen. She was supposed to just let him get his fill of her, without being difficult. Kane had gone over to Shelly’s house, which was his latest conquest, but she was proving to be a bad sport. He had met Shelly the night before, while Nevallia was away at her mothers. Of course last night Shelly had some ale in her and was much more welcoming.

“Because I said no, damnit.” Shelly stomped her foot in a very frustrated female manor. Her blue eyes shined bright, but looked vacant.

Kane softened his features, putting on the shyest look he could manage and gave her a sheepish grin. “I’m sorry, Shelly.  I don’t mean to be forceful, I just had a whole lot of fun last night and I thought you did too, but perhaps I was wrong.”

 Shell’s features softened. ‘There we go!’ Kane thought triumphantly. ‘Lay it on thick, Kane old boy. Ring in the charm!’

“I’m too much of a romantic,” Kane continued, trying to look embarrassed. “Thinking I could just come here and whisk you off to bed.”

“Aww. Sweetie,” shelly said melting. “I did have a very nice time. I’m sorry for being short with you. I’m working too hard I guess.” she smiled at him sweetly and touched his arm. “Would you like to go for a walk? I could use some time out of this house.”

“That would be great!” Kane said brightly, fake enthusiasm laced his voice. ‘A walk?’ he thought disappointed, but then suddenly perked up. ‘Yes, a walk. A walk straight across town and into my cabin.’ he thought wickedly. 

~~~~~~

Nevallia opened the door and quietly closed it behind her. She was too tired to move any faster then a crawl. She was exhausted from her long journey. And from Tearis. She lingered on that thought and smiled.

She walked over to the cutting slab and picked up what looked like smoked bare meat and popped it into her mouth. She was famished, so she grabbed a handful more and picked up her back pack, making her way to the bedchamber.

A sudden noise made her stop right outside the room, the food in her hand dropped to the floor, forgotten. She stood very still and very quiet, listening outside the door. The sound came again and she was able to identify what the sound was. It was, in fact, a very female giggle that was coming from hers and Kane’s bedchamber. Then came a low manly moan. Nevallia squeezed her eyes shut, fighting the urge to grab her bow and quiver. ‘How can you be upset? You did the very same thing no more then an hour ago!’ she scolded herself. ‘This is different.’ she justified, as all the loathing flooded her brain. All the years she spent pretending that Kane loved her and would someday marry her. All the years of Kane’s incapability to be faithful to only her. All the years of the beatings. It all came forth, demanding her attention all at once. Nevallia took a few steps away from the door, then came back full force, kicking it open with a loud bang.

The woman shrieked and hurried to cover herself. A low curse was thrown from Kane as he jumped up naked.

“Hi darling, I am home as you can see. Oh, you’ve got a guest?” Nevallia’s voice was thick and dripping sarcasm, but her eyes were bright with fury. “Well, I am terribly sorry, but I am tired. Could you please take your tavern wench someplace else so that I can rest?” she asked evenly. Her arms were crossed in front of her and her form still blocked the doorway. Her furious gaze shifted to Shelly, making her visibly wince.

“Oh, she is no tavern wench, ‘tis Shelly.” she looked back at Kane who was still standing there without blinking. “So, my dear, moving up in the world? Well, I guess a whore is better then a tavern wench. At least she’s free.”

“A whore?!” Shelly stood up suddenly defensive, naked, and weaponless.

Nevallia took out her dagger and held it over Shelly’s left breast, daring her to make a move. “Shelly, you are nude in my man’s bed. So unless this is a misunderstanding and I got this all wrong, I suggest you shut yourself up.” Nevallia’s deadly glare seared Shelly . “Oh by the way,” she added calmly. “How is Cooper? You know, your husband!? Maybe I shall pay him a visit sometime soon.”

“You wouldn’t!” Shelly challenged, but her eyes were fearful.

“Coop is my dearest friend, why wouldn’t I?” she said in her unnerving even voice. She looked at Shelly with disgust. “Get your stuff and get out of my home!”

“This isn’t your home.” Kane said, finally recovering from the intrusion. Nevallia turned to look at him, his colorless eyes stared into her challenging green ones.

“Oh no? Well, I shall leave too then. You do me nothing but a favor, Kane.” Nevallia started to leave, but her wrist was seized by Kane. She tried to bring the dagger around to stab him and he jerked her to him, wrapping both her arms behind her causing her to drop the weapon. Holding her against him with his free hand, he painfully pulled up on one arm that he held behind her back. Nevallia screamed out in pain.

Shelly slipped out, going unnoticed.

“Have you not learned to obey me by now? You do not wear your veil, you insult me and the woman I bed. You will not go unpunished.” Kane said in a low deadly voice.

Nevallia was no longer intimidated, though all the witty remarks and courage that she had only moments before had left her. She looked into his eyes with disgust and spit in his face. ‘Oh Nevallia, you’re not going to survive this.’ she told herself.

“Bitch!” he roared, releasing one hand to wipe the saliva dripping down his face. Before she had a chance to react, Kane brought his other hand around, hitting her with the back of his hand.  She hit the ground hard, holding her face. “You spit at me?!”

Kane stomped her ribs, trying to break them. The breath whooshed out of her and she groaned in pain, rolling to her side. “You challenge me and spit at me? Get up Neva! Fight me if it’s in you!” he kicked her back hard, making her scream out loud.

He walked away from her, looking around the room, searching for something. Finally finding a leather strap that had once went to a now broken quiver, he walked back over to her. “Now, get up! Damn you! Get up!” he screamed at her, but Nevallia lay sobbing, holding her back.

He reached down and grabbed a fistful of her short red hair, forcing her to her feet only inches from his face. His breath reeked of stale spirits. “Where is your veil? Do you think people want to look at a freak like you? Is that why you don’t wear it?”

Nevallia didn’t answer him, she just stared into his eyes, feeling nothing but contempt for the man she once loved. She brought her knee up between his legs as hard as she could, his face went red as he tried to gasp for breath. He let go of her hair and she sank to her knees, catching herself before she went face first into the floor.

On her knees, she struggled to catch her breath. Recovering from the blow Kane grabbed a hold and ripped her tunic off of her, exposing her naked back to his wrath. She didn’t move, she knew what was coming, but was in too much pain to stop it.

Snap! Red flashed in front of Nevallia’s eyes as Kane whipped her naked flesh with the leather strap. Snap! Snap! Nevallia screamed, feeling the warmth of her blood on her back. Snap!

With violent enthusiasm he continued to whip her until she went unconscious and lay limply on the ground. He lifted her limp body by her hair to his bed, throwing her over the side so that she was face down and only her upper half was on the bed, leaving her lower half dangling off the edge. Kane ripped off her pants and positioned himself behind her, plunging himself savagely into her sex.

Kane continued to rape her, murmuring disgusting remarks into her ear. “That’s right, whore! Take all of me like the slut you are.” then finally, with a triumphant cry, he climaxed. He got up and got dressed. Leaving her there bleeding, naked, and unconscious.

‘That will teach her to obey her man from now on. No more getting brave to me.’ Kane thought with a victorious strut, he left the room.

Chapter 5

Nevallia was face down on a bed. She wanted to open her eyes, but they wouldn’t obey her. Something cold was touching her back. Voices or maybe one voice. Yes, one voice, it was talking softly somewhere near her.

“Come on baby, open your eyes. Sweetie? Can you hear me?”

Tearis. Yes, Tearis was talking, but what was he saying? It was so muffled. Nevallia concentrated on the voice, willing it to clear. After a few moments it became clearer, making more sense.

“Nevallia. Sweetie? Can you open those pretty green eyes for me?”

Nevallia tried to get up, but pain shot through her entire body. She finally got her eyelids to cooperate after several minutes of trying. She opened them slightly, but everything was a blur of color so she blinked a few times and Tearis’s face, creased with concern, became clear.

“There you are.” he said soft and lovingly, trying his best to mask the fear in his voice.

“Tearis?” she said, her voice croaking weakly as she craned her neck to look up at him. Too weak to hold her head up for long, she rolled herself on her back and instantly screamed in pain.

Tearis quickly sprang to the bed carefully bringing her on her belly again, picking up the cool rag to dab her back and sooth the pain. When she calmed down, she laid still on the bed, blinking away the tears that burned her eyes.

“We sent for a healer, he should be here soon. It’s going to be okay, Nevallia.” A woman’s voice came from the other side of the room. Nevallia looked past Tearis to where she heard the voice coming from. Tearis followed Nevallia’s gaze.

“Oh, don’t be frightened, Neva.” Tearis said quickly, seeing Nevallia’s eyes get wide with fear of the new voice. “Ned come here into the light please. Do you remember Nedari? She’s my sister, she’s been helping me take care of you.”

Ned stepped forward and bent down so that Nevallia didn’t have to look up. “Do you remember anything, dear?” Nevallia shook her head, everything was so fuzzy. “That’s fine, don’t worry about it. Not until you are ready. Okay?”

“That’s right baby and just remember that you are safe now. No one is going to hurt you here.” Tearis said in a soothing voice. He was hoping his soothing voice was convincing. Really he would like to know now what happened to her, so that he could repay the favor upon whoever did this to Nevallia. He wanted to cry when he found her. He did cry actually, once he got her in his home, he cried with rage.

Tearis bent down so he was eye level with Nevallia and gave her a quick kiss on the nose. She looked into his eyes, her own filling with tears.

“H-how bad? Am I going to. . .” she swallowed the words that caught in her throat.

“You want to know?”

She nodded. She had to know.

Tearis took a deep breath and let it out slowly and took her hand before speaking. “As far as I can see, you have two broken ribs. You have a broken cheek bone and lots of cuts and bruises all over your body. Your back . . .” he squeezed her hand and never let his eyes leave hers. “Your back is shredded up so bad.” Tearis felt the tears falling down his face and quickly brushed them away. It would do no good for her if he looked scared. ‘Hopeful. Look hopeful, damn you.’ “You’re going to be okay, baby. I promise.”

“How long have I been . . . here?”

“I brought you here four days ago. You are in my house and you are going to stay here until you are better and I know what’s happened to you.” his eyes looked hard and determined, but also loving and very concerned.

Nevallia suddenly felt tired. She started to close her eyes, but a rush of panic came over her. Her eyes flew open and she reached for Tearis weakly. “Don’t leave.” she whispered in a desperate plea, as if begging for her life.

Tearis watched her struggle to stay awake, fighting the heaviness of her lids. “Shhh. Sleep. I’m not going anywhere.”

~~~~~~

“I don’t know what else to do.” the cleric Jona said, he shook his head helplessly. “I’ve helped a lot of people and cleaned up a lot of wounds, but this . . .” he voice trailed off. He looked up at Tearis.

“She wont say who, or can’t, I don’t know,” Tearis said answering the question he saw written on his face. “But I have a good idea who.” he said quietly, his soft voice no less deadly.

“As do I.” Ned whispered darkly. “I have a very good idea.”

“I would gladly help you see justice where it’s needed.” Jona said, looking at Tearis matter-of-factual. “Does she have anywhere outside the village to go?”

“Her mother lives in Sevlekrad.”

Astonishment washed over Jona’s face. “Sevlekrad?”

“Aye.” Tearis said smiling a little. “That was my reaction too. I don’t know the whole story, but that’s where she lives.” he shrugged.

“Maybe you should take her there for a while. Out of the village. She might feel safer, more willing to talk.”

“I have a place in Vie Valley.” Ned suggested. “Also in the woods.”

“No.” Tearis said, dismissing the ideas. “I’m keeping her here in my care, in my home. Where I can protect her. I don’t think Kane will be coming to claim her anytime soon if she’s here with me. The man can beat a woman, but the coward wouldn’t dear come and challenge me.”

“If I know Kane, he will not let his property, or what he believes to be his property, go so easily.” Ned warned.

“Kane? Kane Carditour?” Jona asked surprised. Tearis nodded his head. “Ah, nasty business that one is. I’ve cleaned up his mess before.”

“What do you mean?” Nedari asked, her body going tense. “You know him?”

“Well, know of him really. She was a tavern wench, but badly beaten non-the-less.” the cleric nodded with the memory. Then looked back at Tearis. “Not as bad as this, mind you.”

“Sonofabitch!” Tearis roared, then immediately winced. He peered into the room that had the still sleeping Nevallia and let out a sigh of relief.

“We’ll get him.” Ned vowed. “We’ll end this soon.”

“Ned? I need you to do something for me.” Tearis said suddenly as if just remembering. “Go to Kane’s cabin, if you’re willing and get Nevallia some proper clothing. Her armor, sword and bow are here already.” he looked up at her. “Will you?”

“I’ll do it now.” Ned said rising from her seat. “If anything he’s out hunting.” she said, starting for the door.

“If he is there, don’t breath a word of where she is and please take Azor with you.” Tearis asked, meaning her old child hood friend. “And Ned?”

Nedari turned back to Tearis, locking eyes with him. She knew her brothers deadly look all too well these days.

“If he’s there, leave him be. Kane is someone I want to deal with.”

Ned nodded to him. “I promise.”

~~~~~~

“You may get away with that now young lady, but you’re going to have to let me turn you over and clean that wound of yours sooner or later.” Tearis scolded, trying his hardest to look stern.

It obviously wasn’t working since Nevallia continued to grin happily up at him. The last three days since she woke up, she had been working her courage to turn over again. When she finally managed to get herself on her back it hurt like hell and Tearis had been horrified, trying to turn her back on her belly. Nevallia wouldn’t have it.

“I think you enjoy me being helpless, my lord.” her eyes sparkled with humor.

Tearis tried to hold a serious glare, but Nevallia’s teasing tone, laughter and those damn green eyes finally made him smile. “You ma’am are a brat.”

“I know, but you are the only one that will put up with me.” she joked, her grin widening.

“And you sir,” a voice said in the doorway. “Are a push over.”

The two by the bed both looked at the door as Jona made his way into the room, shaking his head at the sight of Nevallia sitting up in bed. “Damn you, stubborn woman.” tenderness laced his mock angry voice that was accented with a smile.

“That’s about the same thing I said.” Tearis reassured him. “Just a few more colorful words.”

“Well, as long as you’re tuned over, let me see your ribs.” he said walking over to the side of the bed. With Tearis’s help she got herself laying flat and her tunic lifted so that the bandages covering the lower half of her rib cage was showing. The cleric cut away the bandages as slowly and carefully as he could. Though she was healing, the bruising was still an angry reddish-purple with spots of green that stretched along the length of her abdomen.

He ran his hands along her ribs, giving her an apologetic look when he saw her wince. He looked over at Tearis, who was holding her hand supportively. “Tearis, could you give me and Nevallia a second to talk?” Tearis looked up at Jona sharply, but seeing the reassuring look there, he nodded. He excused himself, quietly leaving the room and shutting the door behind him.

“Nevallia, I need to ask you a few personal questions,” he warned. “But I want you to be as honest with me as possible, alright?”

Nevallia nodded her head, anticipating the verbal invasion.

“Where is your father? I know that usually it wouldn’t matter, but since you are a Half Elf, it would help to know.” he asked bluntly, but carefully.

“I don’t know. All I know is that he is a human and in a guild that claims to be enemies with my mothers guild.” Nevallia looked away in shame.

“And your mother, she is a princess, isn’t she?”

Nevallia’s eyes grew large. “How did you know that?” she whispered.

“Your mother doesn’t live in Sevlekrad, does she?”

Nevallia looked down at her fingers. “No. She lives in Fylwyth.”

“I know because, as you can see, I am a High Elf. Her father just passed away and I watched her get crowned yesterday. As soon as I saw the blood-red hair, I toyed with the idea, but when she walked past me and I saw her face, I knew. I knew that you had lied.”

“I’m sorry, I just didn’t want anyone to know that she had a Half Elf -“ she stopped suddenly, realizing what he had just said. “Crowned?”

“Yes and you my dear are a princess. “Jona said smiling at the very unprincess-like Nevallia.

Panic suddenly flooded Nevallia’s features. “Don’t tell a soul, please!” she begged, catching him off guard.

“Why ever not?” Jona though that she would be thrilled at the news. “You’re a princess now. Whoever did this to you will pay every so dearly.”

“No! I am a Half Elf! Do you know what they could do to my mother? A high elf?!” Nevallia said in panic. “No! No! No!”

Jona put his hands up defensibly. “Okay, okay, calm down. I wont tell a soul.”

Nevallia calmed herself down and looked dawn at her hands again. “Thank you.” she said quietly.

“Can I give you a suggestion?” Jona said quietly, no longer examining her, just looking down at her.

“Sure.”

“Tell him.” he said bluntly.

“He’ll want to-“

”No, he wont. He’ll do whatever he has to do to keep you safe and happy.” Jona said seriously. “Tell him.”

Nevallia nodded silently. ‘This wasn’t going to be easy.’ she thought.

Jona poured blue-ish liquid into a cup and gave it to her to drink. “Drink this up, dear. It will dull the pain some. Maybe you can get out of bed soon.” Nevallia drank the contents of the glass and gave it back to him. “I’m going to leave this here so that you can take it when you need it. Only a glass a day though.” A knock came at the door and Tearis opened it slowly, peeking his head inside.” I brought soup.” he offered.

“You can come in, but only because you bribed me with soup.” Nevallia said smiling.

Tearis grinned that lopsided grin of his. “So how is she? Can we put her to work yet?”

Jona wagged her finger at Tearis, scoldingly. “Now, no more letting her push you around. Strap her down if you must.”

Tearis turned to Nevallia with an eyebrow cocked and a suggestive grin appearing on his face. “Strap her down. Now there is an idea.”

The cleric laughed at Nevallia’s flaming cheeks. After leaving final instructions for her care, he slipped out of the room closing the door behind him.

Tearis sat on the side of the bed, spooning out soup for Nevallia. When she couldn’t possibly eat another bite, he set the dish to the side.

“Tearis, we’re friends right?” Nevallia said hesitantly looking up at him.

Surprised at the question, Tearis settled himself on the side of the bed again. “Of course, I would like to hope so. Why do you ask?”

She took a shaky breath, but never let her gaze leave his. “I have to tell you something, but you cannot let it leave this room.”

Tearis looked at her seriously. “I wont.” he promised.

“My mother doesn’t live in Sevlekrad.” she took another deep breath and slowly let it out. Tearis looked at her questioningly, but wanted for her to continue. “She lives in Fylwyth. She is part of the royal court.”

“Part of the royal court? Like a lady?”

“Like the Queen.”

“The queen!?” Tearis said shocked. “You’re a princess? Why didn’t you say anything?”

“Because I didn’t think . . . I just didn’t think it mattered.” she said finally. “I don’t want anyone to know.”

“Why the hell not?” you’re a princess!” Tearis reasoned. “You could be living the high life.”

“I like my life. Besides, I’m not a princess. Not really. Do you know what could happen if the High Elf court found out that their Queen had a bastard child? A Half Elf bastard daughter?”

“No.”

“Me either and I really don’t want to find out.” she said nervously.

Tearis nodded, understanding. “I wont tell anyone.” he promised again. “So, my lady, I do think we need to get you into the bath water I have been heating over the fire.” he smiled reassuringly at her.

He left the room to grab the wash tub and then the hot water to put in it. When he returned the second time with the hot water, he found her struggling to sit up. After setting down the large pot of water, he rushed to her side to help.

Tearis sat her up and got her undressed with the directness of a professional and the tenderness of a lover. He carefully helped her off the bed and into the tub that he had waiting for her.

Nevallia sat silent while he washed her. The warm wash cloth soothing across her lashed back, allowing her mind to wander and her guard to slip. She wanted to close her eyes, but she knew what would happen. Horrific scenes from that night haunted her. The second her eyes closed the scenes came to her, they always did. “I know you want to know what happened to me.” she said suddenly, braking the silence of the quiet room. The movement of the wash rag on her back stopped briefly, but then continued in silence. “I also know that if I asked you not to pursue the person, you would ignore me.”

“You know me well.” Tearis said, smiling slightly.

“That I do, I also know that I am going to tell you anyways. More for my own sanity and I have to if I want a prayer of ever getting any sleep ever again.”  

Tearis walked around to the front of the tub and took Nevallia’s hand in his own, squeezing it reassuringly. “Take your time.”

She nodded and took a deep calming breath. “The night I came home from visiting my mother, I found Kane and Shelly in bed together.” Tearis instinctively balled his fists, ready to kill. “All the anger of my life with him, the rage of feeling ashamed of myself because he was ashamed of me. . . it all came back to me all at once. The foul words, the . . . “ Nevallia looked into his eyes, painful tears flooded them. “The beatings, that damn veil . . . everything. I let my anger take over my words. Kane didn’t find it as liberating as I did. He stomped my ribs and back before he got me to the ground. Then he took a leather quiver strap to my back. Honestly, I don’t know after that, I woke up here.” Nevallia sighed, she felt as if a huge weight was lifted from her. She could see the emotions crossing Tearis’s face.

“Look,” she said quickly, trying to brake up his thoughts that were no doubt of vengeance.  “I know what he did was wrong, but I don’t think that you should seek vengeance right now.”

Tearis looked at her in disbeliefs. “Nevallia, you could have died. You would have died if I had not found you.”

“I know, I just-“

”He’s gone.” Nedari said bursting into the room, ignoring Nevallia’s nakedness. Neva, on the other hand, quickly grabbed a large drying blanket to cover herself, wincing in pain that her hasty movements caused.

“What do you mean he’s gone?” Tearis said staring his sister down, his yellow eyes blazing.

“I mean I went over there to grab Nevallia’s things, like you asked and everything was the same.” Ned explained.

“That was three days ago, Ned.” Tearis snapped.

“Yes, well I went back today to see if he had shown up yet, “ Ned continued. “Everything is gone.”

Tearis had been pacing then stopped suddenly when he realized he had left the half naked Nevallia trying to stay decent while climbing out of the tub on her own. He went to her, covering her properly and carrying her back to the bed.

Nevallia looked up at him with hope and fear in her tired eyes. “You think he’s really gone?”

Tearis smiled at her lovingly. “Shhh. Get some sleep and I am going to find out. Okay?”

Nedari left the room and waited for him in the kitchen where her good friend Azor was waiting with her.

“We need proof that he is actually gone.” Tearis stated when he was safely out of earshot of Nevallia’s room. “ I want to get in contact with Cooper Dames and Shelly tonight. Send them an invite, please. “

”Tearis? I understand you’re upset, but you seem more then upset. Are you alright?” Nedari asked, concerned for her brother.

“I just want him to pay for what he’s done to her, I just want. . . I want her to be able to sleep at night without the nightmares.” Tearis said, shaking his head.

“She told you? What he did to her?” Ned said shocked looking from her brother to Azor, she was betting that Nevallia was going to take this to her grave. “So you know for sure, it was Kane?”

He nodded at her. “He beat her to the ground and then whipped her with a leather strap until she went unconscious.” he explained.

“What?!” said the usually silent Azor.

Nedari didn’t speak for a moments pause, then suddenly, she jumped up. “Alright, I’m going to Cooper’s now.” Ned said quickly, as if Nevallia’s story put her into motion. “If they can come tonight I’ll tell them that it would be better that way.”

Tearis nodded, his thoughts on the death of an old friend.

Chapter 6

“Tearis! What a surprise to get your invitation.” Shelly said gushing over him when he answered the door. Cooper hung back, giving Tearis a quick nod.

“Hey guys come on in.” Tearis said, as nicely as he possibly could to Shelly. Knowing that she had a part in what happened to Nevallia, it was all Tearis could do not to strike her dead on the spot. “Shelly can you cut up some of that smoked meat for us men. We’re going to be right back, I want to show Cooper my new bow.”

Shelly nodded vacant enthusiasm and happily set off to do her task.

Tearis took Cooper into Nevallia’s bedroom to have her visit with him. She was sleeping with her back to the door when they came in. Tearis followed Cooper into the room, closing and locking to door behind them.

“Alright Tearis, I like you a whole lot and all, but locking me in a room with you is just not my style.” Cooper joked. “Besides that, I made your new bow, so why should I have to see it?”

“Cooper, there is something I have to tell you.” Tearis said, walking over to the bed to wake Nevallia.

“Sweetie? Wake up Nevallia, Cooper is here.” Tearis said soothingly as Nevallia opened her eyes and looked around.

“Cooper?!” she rasped out. She rewarded him with a large smile. “Hi Cooper!”

“Hail Nevallia, you staying at Tearis’s for a while?” he said conversationally.

Nevallia looked at Tearis. He nodded his head at the question she was asking. “You could say that I guess. Why don’t you come over here Coop.” Nevallia said, patting the bed beside her.

He made his way over to her and faced her expectantly. “So tell me, what’s this all about?” He asked.

She nodded. “Coop, about eight days ago, Kane beat me. It was well. . . “ She looked at Tearis, who helped her with lifting her tunic so that he could see her ribs. She carefully got up and showed him her back.

“That Sonofabitch!” Cooper roared, not caring who heard his outburst.  “You killed him right?” he asked, looking at Tearis.

“I’m working on that, but I really need your help.” Tearis explained.

“Look Shelly hung out with him for a few days maybe she can help, let me call her in.” Cooper started to say. Tearis and Nevallia both jumped. “No!”

“Coop, there is something else that you need to know.” Tearis said cautiously. “The reason Kane did this was because Nevallia walked in on him cheating on her. Cheating on her with Shelly.”

“What?!” his face went pale.

“I’m sorry Coop, but we need your help. I think she knows where Kane is now.” Nevallia pleaded with Cooper, hoping he would look past his rage enough to help them. 

Cooper nodded distractedly that Tearis knew well as calculation. Suddenly he got up and walked to the door and opened it up. “Shelly, get in here.” he barked.

Shelly hurried in the room, not seeing Neva and Tearis just yet. Cooper closed and locked the door behind her and so that she couldn’t leave.

“How may I help you, husband?” she said brightly.

Tearis nodded for Nevallia to make herself known. “Hail, Shelly. Fine to see you again.”

Shelly’s face went pale at the sound of Nevallia’s voice. She slowly turned around to see Nevallia sitting up on the bed, her fire-emerald eyes searing into Shelly’s blue ones.

“No. No. You’ re dead, you are not here. H- How?” Shelly stammered, looking from face to face in the room, not understanding.

Cooper stepped behind Shelly and put his face close to her ear. “There wouldn’t be something of importance that you’d want to share, is there?”  

“I didn’t hurt her, I didn’t do it, I swear!” she said jumping to the conclusion that they were blaming her for Nevallia’s injuries. “He just came by trying to get me to leave with him, saying that he killed her and he had to go.”

Nevallia started to move off the bed but Tearis stopped her. He turned to Shelly. “Where is he now?”

“I don’t know I swear, he was talking about a new land being found, through Sevlekrad I think.” Shelly said quickly.

Cold metal touched Shelly’s throat. “Look, I am no longer going to tolerate your existence, so tell me where he is, or you’ll die and I’ll find him anyways.” Cooper said from behind his wife, his dagger to her throat.

“He’s still in the mountains, he hasn’t left Tersida yet” she said quickly.

“Thank you.” Cooper said, leaning forward giving her a kiss on the cheek. Quickly before anyone even knew anything happened, Cooper slit her throat and dropped her body to the floor.

Tearis stepped over the body, drawing his sword as he walked towards the door. “Let’s get him.” he said simply. Cooper nodded and followed behind him. Tearis stopped and turned back to Nevallia before leaving the room. “I’ll send Nedari over to check on you.”

Nevallia acknowledged him with a brief nod, but her eyes never left Shelly.

~~~~~~

“Aye, that’s right, wake up. Don’t mind the ties, they are really for my safety and nothing more.” Kane said to Nevallia when he saw her eyes flutter open. She blinked several times trying to clear her mind, then looked at Kane. “I know how much fight you have in you when you have half a chance.” he continued.

She knew him too well, he wanted to see the fear in her eyes and hear her begging for her life, but she wouldn’t do it. She just looked at him with all the hatred in her and began feeling along the ropes for a seam.

“How much have you told your lover?” Kane said nonchalantly from the chair next to the bed. “Well, probably not much in the throws of passion. I mean you have been shacking up here for two weeks. There is passion, right?” Nevallia was amazed. He, out of all of this, he couldn’t leave. Not because of money or power or anything else of value. It was jealousy.

“Well I know you are wondering why I came here.” he said, in a low voice. “Nobody steals from me, Nevallia. You know I didn’t have a choice but to punish you.”

“What are you talking about?” she asked, not really wanting to know, but needing to stall time so she can undo the ropes on her hands.

“I have to punish him for stealing from me. He had no right to take you, you’re mine, not his.” he said, his voice sounding desperate for her to understand. “You were bad, I had to punish you. He had no right to take you.”

“I’ll kill myself before I go back to you, Kane.” Nevallia challenged him. She was on the last knot and she had to get him angry so he wouldn’t notice what she was doing.

“You don’t have to.” he said happily.  Defiantly not the reaction she was expecting. “You see, when your lover comes home to his prize, I’m going to beat him to near death, and then I’m going to have my way with you in front of him.” Kane licked his lips, looking down her body.” Then I’m going to kill you so he is tortured for all of his after life with those images.”

“I know he went out looking for me, so I stayed close to this house and waited eight days,” he continued. “Eight days I waited for you to be alone, and then it finally happened. I see Shelly was repaid for her sins by the way. Sad, very sad. She really was a good girl.” she said shaking his head. Nevallia got the last knot untied, but held as still as she could.

Kane stepped toward her, stopping at the foot of the bed. “You know. I’m sure that your lover won’t mind if we warm up a little before he comes home.” Kane said suggestively. He started his way up her body starting at her feet, slowly making his way to her face. “What do you think? Am I as good as your lover?” he whispered against her ear.

Nevallia flinched and pulled her face away as far as possible when his breath hit her face. “You could never match Tearis, ever! You are not half the man he his!” Nevallia spat and with that she brought her knee up hard between Kane’s legs. He rolled off of her gasping for breath and sputtering in pain. Nevallia took the opportunity to jump off the bed and run for the door for her bow and sword.

She was almost within reach when he jumped off the bed, tackling her to the ground before she could get to her weapons. He savagely flipped her to her back, pinning down her arms and slid his hands between them and pushed up her tunic. Nevallia gagged at his touch and tried to twist from him. “Don’t you move bitch. I will have you.” he threatened.  Nevallia screamed in hopes that someone could hear her.

Kane got a hold of her hair and in one swift movement slammed her head into the floor, making her world go black.

~~~~~~

“We will set out tomorrow and head to the woods, he can’t be too far if none of the horses were stolen.” Cooper said as he and Tearis headed back after searching for three hours. They hadn’t found much, but a bunch of people saying they have seen him around the past few days.

“We’ll have to, I don’t like the idea of him here.” Tearis agreed.

“No you don’t like the idea of someone killing him before you is what you don’t like.” Cooper joked, knowing he wasn’t fully wrong.

Tearis started to make a comment, but a sharp scream pierced the thick, humid air, then was quickly cut off and silence took over the night again. Tearis and Cooper looked at each other briefly and both took off, running the rest of the way to Tearis’s cabin.

When they reached it, Cooper ran around the back to look into the bedchamber window. Tearis drew his bow and walked along the side of the cabin looking into the windows. He knew Kane too well to just walk into the house. He almost never went anywhere without Annole and Gront.

When Tearis peaked into the window, it was just as he expected. Annole and Gront were talking amongst themselves outside his bedchamber. A noise behind him made Tearis spin around with his sword drawn.

“Whoa, Tearis it’s me, Cooper.” Cooper whispered quickly. Tearis sheathed his sword, annoyed at himself for being so jumpy.

“Gront and Annole are in this room.” Tearis said, pointing with his bow.

Cooper nodded, but remained silent.

“Well?” Tearis snapped.

“He’s in there with her, she’s fine, but I think she’s unconscious.” Cooper said quietly.

“Alright, here is what I want you to do. Go back into the woods where you’re not seen and shoot fast and hard as many arrows into this window as you possibly can.” Cooper started to walk away, Tearis stopped him. “Get help with this please.”

“Don’t worry about me, get her safe.” Cooper whispered, before disappearing into the woods.

“I’m planning on it” Tearis said to no one in particular. Tearis spoke quick words and the ground shook and cracked beneath him. A boney finger, then a hand and an arm emerged from the ground. In a matter of seconds, and undead slave was called forth to loyally aid him in whatever he needed.

Speaking quickly in an undead tongue, he commanded his servant to do his bidding, while he walked to the bedchamber window and waited for Cooper to start the assault.

A whistling noise ripped through the silent night, followed by another and another. Tearis listened carefully for the commotion in the other room and when he heard Kane start shouting and then jump to his feet he jumped through the window.

Nevallia laid on the floor, her tunic was pulled up indecently over her breasts. He carefully put it back into place and lifted her off the floor, setting her gently on the bed.

“So you did decide to be the hero.” Kane said, his voice mocking and cynical.

Tearis spun around to face him. He was standing in the doorway of the bedchamber, using the handle of the door as a crutch.  Tearis didn’t say anything to him, just challenging his to move with his fierce gaze.

“Odd how you end up being the hero and yet, you’re a killer yourself.” Kane said, his words slurring slightly. “In fact, your entire belief system goes against everything you represent. Protecting that slut,” he said nodding to the bed where Nevallia laid. “Looking after these rejects you call a guild.” Kane laughed hysterically then without warning he spun around and drew his word on an unseen opponent behind him.

The sound of crunching bones was the end of Tearis’s undead servant, whom was loyally following orders. Tearis took advantage of the distraction and drew his sword on Kane, but he heard him coming and their swords met with a clank.

Tearis could now see the wound that was causing him to lean against the door was one of Cooper’s arrows through his thigh. Tearis backed up a few steps and as if in perfect unison they both went for a lunge, of course causing the other to miss. Before even finishing the strike motion, Tearis came around with his sword. His aim was dead on as it sliced neatly into Kane’s side.

Kane looked at Tearis, his gray eyes in disbelief. “I’m not supposed to lose to you.” he whispered.

Tearis reached into his boot and pulled out his gutting knife for when he goes hunting. He walked up to Kane, taking a handful of his hair in his hands and jerking back, exposing his neck. In one swift, fluid motion, Tearis sliced cleaning through Kane’s exposed jugular.

"You just did." he said, without sympathy.

Chapter 7

“Tearis?” Nedari asked, tentatively knocking on the door to his bed chamber.

“Yes, Nedari. How may I help you?” he asked through the door.

“I wanted to see how Nevallia was doing and I have a few others here that wanted to do the same.” she said in a low voice, wincing a little when a low curse came from the other side of the door.

Heavy foot steps came across the floor until a half naked and very irritated Tearis opened the door with a jerk of the handle. He scanned the faces of the people waiting to see Nevallia and finding that none of them were familiar, his eyes quickly cut back to Nedari. “Ned, explain.”

“Okay, well you said that no one should be afraid to be who they are and so on,” Nedari spoke quickly, hoping he’d give her a chance to finish before striking her. “So I went to Fylwyth and spoke to the queen there and it turns out she feels the same way.”

“You did what?!” Tearis almost screamed. “You, a dark elf, went for a little chat with the queen of Fylwyth, the city of high elves?” Tearis pressed two fingers to the bridge of his nose. “I am assuming that you weren’t alone, right Azor?” he said loudly, knowing the Barbarian was never far from his sister.

Azor emerged from the crowd of people with his head bowed. “Aye, me lord. I was with her.”

“Might I say something?” An unfamiliar voice interjected. Tearis looked up and saw the face of the woman talking. “I think that since I did not kill your subjects for showing up, it might show that we are more interested in visiting my daughter, then killing two kids.” The woman said, with a smirk on her face.

Tearis couldn’t stop staring. Even thought the races are so different, Nevallia was the exact image  of her mother.  Other then obviously being taller and paler then her daughter and her hair was longer then Nevallia’s, they could be siblings instead of mother and daughter.

Tearis moved out of the way so that the woman and her entourage could go into the room. He closed the door so that they could be alone. And then turned his focus back to the two trouble makers standing before him with their heads hung low.

“You realize no matter how good you intended it to be, it was very stupid?” Tearis said, his arms crossed in front of him.

They both nodded.

“You realize that you are in big trouble and are going to be doing extra chores for me, right?”

They both nodded.

“Okay the chores start right now.” Tearis tapped on his chin as if thinking hard for the perfect chore for them to do. He stopped suddenly and looked at them. “Okay, the first chore is to go away and leave us.”

Azor and Nedari both looked up at Tearis to find him smiling broadly at them. “Also one more thing and I know this is hard, but please for once in the history of you two being partners in crime, please stay out of trouble.”

They both nodded, smiling at him.

“Okay now go away” he said and started to walk back into the bedchamber, but two arms encircled him into a hug. When he looked back Nedari was clinging to him with all her might.  He bent down and kisses her forehead. “Now didn’t I say go away?”

They both left the house, talking amongst themselves. ‘Probably plotting their next adventure.’ Tearis thought.

~~~~~~~~~~~

“So with all of the statements having been said, I would like to proudly say that this guild is now and forever forward an ally with Fylwyth people.” Tearis announced loudly.

The crowd of onlookers that gathered in the guild hall roared with applause. Nevallia walked over to Tearis and took his hand, Tearis gave it a squeeze in acknowledgment.

“Forever?” Nevallia whispered, searching Tearis face. “That’s an awfully long time, my lord.”

Tearis bent low to give her a kiss. He pulled her closely and looked into her emerald eyes. “Not nearly long enough.”