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✠ Steel and Lust ✠
The fort of Ak'rad was amidst the most infamous of settlements in the desolate southlands, the badlands provided the only bastion before the desolate expanses of desert began further into the south. This was the furthest hold within the Tyronian empire one where law was poorly enforced and quarelling vassals were left to their own devices eluding to the fact that the true masters of this place were the Xel'karnon, a mercantile confederation which ruled over the sparing settlements and managed to pay enough taxes for imperial officials to turn a blind eye. An assemblage of cut-throat merchants that fielded armies of raiders and thieves and traded in all manner of contraband drawing all manner of unsavory characters from the furthest corners of tyranoth. Drugs, Arms, Forbidden artifacts and Black magic but beyond all of these was the single most important source of the Xel'kari order's wealth.. Slavery.
The shemagh clad cut-throats watched and enforced order over every segment of this vast settlement as peasant carts laden with goods made their way to the immense bazaar. Marcus was here to witness the spectacle of what was called the greatest marketplace in the world, having had collected his bounty upon an infamous bandit he now strolled through the market place looking for an excuse to spend his money on.. " Al-Kadim.. " he remarked looking at one of his associates, a slaver that also had immense knowledge about the surrounding lands " Ah.. welcome Markos.. looking for another lead ? come.. " he began leading him across to large building of eastern architecture " By the gods, the heat will end Ak'rad before the enemy does.. let me pour you some iced reveah.. " Markus paused looking around the interior.. there was a row of cages with various figures lounging within them before he set his eyes on one.. a red haired girl.. Al-Kadim, the dog.. ever hungry for gold he was quick to notice Marc's glance
" Here you are my friend.. something to soothe the parched throat. " they exchanged the traditional sweetened drink of the region a watered down honey wine known as reveah.. before Al-Kadim engaged Marcus.. " You like that one ? untouched.. fine.. fertile.. she came in fresh.. there isn't so much as a whip mark on her.. you could use one you know.. or do you high imperials still think you'll be set upon by some woman of your dreams ? " he remarked, Marcus issued a slight scowl " Kadim.. you know i don't have time for such and such matters.. hrmph.. if you want my gold you'll have to give me the information i need " he paused " Unfortunately i don't have much for you Marcus perhaps- " Alright !.. i'll take a look at the girl.. but then we talk business.. ", " You will not be disappointed my friend " he leaned down unlocking the animal cage " Out with you.. out ! " he added grasping Ria by her red tresses and yanking her out from the animal cage before presenting her
before Marcus almost shoving her into his lap " Have you seen a creamier pair of loins upon a woman ! and a virgin too ! you're practically stealing from me Marcus " Marcus paused glancing at Ria seizing her cheeks and opening her mouth for a view observing and checking her features with scrutiny, Kadim stood beside with a whip for good measure.. Marcus softened his glance somewhat " What's your name girl.. do you know any trades ?" he added giving a gentle stroke to her red hair
The sound of the slavers voice drew the young red head from her thoughts, turning her gaze slow she saw the horrid man with another. He was tall much taller then she, older to his eyes gazing at her with a look she had seen time and time again since her short stay in the market. Al-kadim opened her cage door and ripped her out by her hair, a yelp fell from her mouth grabbing at his wrist to easy the pain. Her bare feet dragged across the hot stone floor before she was pushed to her knees in front of the new man, like she thought he towered over her small form. The man was called Marcus that much she knew from hearing them talk, suddenly he grabbed her plump cheeks and forced her mouth open; she let out a small squeak like a mouse. Big green eyes stared up at the man , her barely cover chest heaved. Trades? She was dumb founded before she found her voice no matter how small it was. "Ria...." she gulped "M-master" she whimpered the last word. Her knees shook and she found solace
Gripping his toned thighs with her small hands, she bit her lip before speaking again."I can heal Master and I-I can fight with a small sword but I'm not very good" she turned her gaze down to the floor, she didn't want to go back into the cage, Ria wanted freedom and home. Her stomach clenched at her next action, as smooth as her young self could do she pushed up on her hands and pressed her chest into his long red hair falling over her bare shoulders. " I'll do what ever you want master" she said lowering her voice hoping it came off anything other than desperate.-e-
His hands came to swiftly grasp her throat before another word was assured as he searched for something genuine in her eyes, he did not appreciate attempts to stir his conscience especially not when matters of gold were of concerned.. a man that worked a trade of blood could not afford to be feather-hearted " Careful Marcus.. Careful.. you'll have to pay a recompense if you blemish her " he paused releasing his grasp on her throat and bringing his finger to her lips.. " You can't sell her.. " Marcus paused and then smiled " What !? " Kadim remarked with widened eyes.. " A pale slave that you've neither marked or branded.. one so pure or unharmed.. you stole this one didn't you.. Ak'rad does not cater to slaves of such a value.. this one was bound for the Black Sultan's harem.. " he paused " I uhr.. i ehrm... " Kadim paced back " Your head is probably worth more than this girl right now Kadim.. hrmph.. but i couldn't put a blade to your throat.. consider that enough of a recompense..
" Hrnn.. fine.. but i can't let you walk out of here with jus- thwak ! a sack of gold coins hit the man in the face causing him to topple over " Make the most of it you greedy bastard.. it's tyronian gold.. consider yourself blessed by whatever foetid gods you worship.. they will tell long tales of a man who was paid to be rid of his Problems.." Marc then seized Ria's arm before glancing to the table " And i'm taking this collar off your hands too.. " he grasped a fancy looking choker gilded with gold and silver and adorned with pearls, rubies and sapphires.. promptly placing it around Ria's throat before a subtle clink sounded.. he tied the leash to his belt. It was necessary given she'd be set upon by the vagrants if they came to know she did not belong to him.. it was often joked about Ak'rad that neighbors would steal each others wives in broad daylight only to sell them back to each other in the slave-market.. needless to say this was a lawless place that emphasized the rule of
the blade. " Come girl.. we must depart " he added with a subtle tug to her new leash as he spoke he added pausing to run a hand over her nude, pale as milk frame a stroke that began below her navel and trailed up to her breast "Famished... let's get you some real food and drink too.. the very thought of the sort of rat-piss and stone bread that Kadim must have fed you wrenches me.. you said you could heal.. hrmph.. you'll have an opportunity to make yourself useful soon.. if i found out you're lying to me however.. i will bring you back to Kadim in a much worse state than when he found you " he added in a reprimanding tone as a fierce gaze swept over her before shifting to a market stall " The sword.. short one by the rack.. " he added throwing a few coins to acquire a short sturdy blade.. it took a keen eye to distinguish a sword of good smithing from a piece of scrap.. he strode through the market till the found a suitable food stall..
Marcus preferred to obtain cooked food from this place, there was no quicker death in Ak'rad than daring to sample what the locals partook in. The usual imperial amenities were offered, a loaf of bread, provided with a grilled rabbit haunch, a plentiful meat given the abundance of falconers and finally dessert.. toasted nuts with honey drizzled over them.. Markus took her water ration and poured half a quart of spiced imperial wine in it turning to her " Half the wells in Ak'rad are poisoned.. the spirits tend to kill whatever foul miasma tends to lurk in it.. " he added with half a grin.. the seat was small enough for one he patted his lap as he broke the loaf, dipping it in wine.. an imperial custom to honor the goddess of the hunt and provisions. Before lifting it to her lips " Eat.. " he added
Something fluttered in her chest when he clipped the collar around her thin throat, something she had never felt before. The tug of the collar from the leash pulled her forward with out thought, the hot unforgiving heart bore down on her all but nude frame. The paper thin slip did nothing to keep her covered, her pale dusty pink nipples lay flushed to the cloth for the work to see. Her face was hot from the thought of strangers gazing upon her nude body, Ria stayed behind the man...Marcus her new ....master by the gods she was doomed. They came to many stalls, blush still covered her cheeks from when he touched her stomach to her small breast. Finally they came to a stop after getting water, she watched as he poured wine in to the skin. Sitting himself down, he patted his large thigh; she gulped deeply and stooped still for a moment but a look in his eyes had her moving almost scrambling on to his lap. The rough material of his pants felt strange against her almost bare bottom
She had to lay her deft hand on his chest and other thigh to steady her small body, rutting softly into him she was gifted the first real food in...she didn't know how long. Opening her mouth she carefully took the wine soaked bread from his fingers, her plump lips trailed over his rough skin eyes fluttering in delight at the taste a low moan fell from her mouth before she could stop herself. Green eyes fluttered open and gazed up at the man, bitting her lower lip she shifted again moving closer to him once she saw another man leer at her. "M-master" she whimpered , her body felt weird again as she looked at him though her long lashes. "May I have some clothes " she whispered cheeks redder then her hair at this point.
Marcus turned a rather ferocious glance to the man who ogled her from the side, unsheathing his blade a little to cast his evil eye elsewhere. Marcus continued feeding his morsel petting her gently he felt something halfway between compassion and perhaps anger at how she managed to appeal to him, she certainly would have died due to Kadim's inexperience with peddling slaves, kept in an animal cage.. sore knees and chaffed palms Marcus denoted, the busy hustle of the market came to a near complete pause as they indulged in a good meal likely the first Marcus had in quite a while all the same.. His hand tugged her closer as she neared him glancing into her emerald eyes with his own steel greys as he considered her question " Alright girl but first, your wine. " he added lifting the wooden saucer filled with a measure of sweet aromatic imperial wine to her lips as she finished feeding her, he paused then " Have you had your share ? speak now.. we may not eat again till nightfall or the
next day.. " he added turning his eyes to a nearby stall of clothes and wares.. " And.. pick out what you need.. supplies.. herbs.. everything.. it's a long perilous trek to the mainland and we have much to do along the way.. after you've selected your wares we shall move towards the baths, a filthy slave tarnishes the reputation in these parts " he added before making a subtle pause glancing at her as it tempted his resolve he lifted a hand to her cheek and let it settle " Ria.. hmph.. you're safe now. " he stated letting his palm glide across her cheek.. " Which lands do you hail from.. how did you come about getting here ? "
She took a drink of the sweet wine, it made her tongue feel heavy. She moved more into him likening the warmth of his body even as the sun beat down on her flushed skin, she listened as he talked his voice almost sending her to sleep but her eyes perked up at the sound of bathing gods she wanted to bath so bad. She all but leaned into his touch as he held her face and told her she was safe, large doe eyes gazed up at the man she sat upon. Slowly and gently Ria laid her much smaller hand on his, he asked where she came from and how she came to the market. " I come from a small village east of here I think, I was out running weapons to many of my father's customers he is a blacksmith or was horrid people raided my village killed the men and boys and took the women I...I was a lucky one no one touched me and before I knew it I was here in a cave like an animal" it grew silent between the pair, slowly he moved her off his thigh, she missed the feel of the rough cloth.
After gathering her wares and new clothes, they moved to find a bath house. Ria could not help her excitement of bathing, the young girl in nothing but a collar and slip bounced in place her small breasts jiggled as did her plump thighs for the man next to her it would be a feast for the eyes. A small hand gripped his arm as green eyes found his, a blush and smile greeted him. "Master...." she trailed off blushing harder. " will you be bathing too?" She asked meekly
" Hrm.. " he grinned peering down at her with an approving gaze, she was sweet, eager to serve needless to say much as she missed the texture of the rough cloth he missed the delectable softness of her rump placed upon his thighs. Her story pulled at his heartstrings despite being such a hardened soldier he had not lost touch with all his humanity, nonetheless the trials of life were cruel and hard.. she was in good hands now.. sweet.. eager to serve it finally caused him to usher a subtle grin, she tended to grow on him quickly " Ofcourse i'd relish in purging myself of the foul air much as you would " he stated before adding " I couldn't leave you in this den of dogs even if i wanted.. that sword on you should keep them modest.. " they continued onto the great baths just outside of Ak'rads gates fed by a waterfall of fresh underground spring water figurines carved in white marble adorned the site, the poor came here to collect water, the middle class bathed in communal pools which
drew a sneer from Marcus. He turned towards the more elaborate bath.. Marc trusted the girl enough to yield her the blade, his attention caught by the gateskeeper of the private baths.. but from the corner of Ria's eye a man approached cautiously seeming to brandish a dagger.. he had a mark upon him not unlike the men that had raided her settlement.. an emissary of the black sultan.. her master seemed momentarily lax.. or perhaps in anticipation.. perhaps this was her time to show worth and gain more of his trust and affection.. but it was also about.. retribution.. revenge..
Her chest tightened, her hand inched towards her new shirt sword. Her brothers words flowed through her head. ' use your shortness bug aim for below the chin' Ria cut her gaze to her master again as the man moved closer, the leash gave her no range she knew she will get a lashing at what she was about to do. Drawing the sword Ria swung it down on the leash cord cutting her tie, Marcus turned sharply at her ready to grab at her. But the young girl was already out from under his reach, bare feet scrambled in hast the unknown man giving up stealth to run at them thinking he could easily cut threw her soft body. Rage filled her chest boiling hotter and hotter, all she could see was her family taken from her being put in a cage and now she was some what free and this man this monster meant to take that away once again. She ducked low as Marcus gave a loud shout, Ria couldn't stop now. Gripping the hilt with both hands she got under the mans arms and closing her eyes thrusted the blade up.
Hot crimson liquid splashed across her face and upper chest, it oozed between her trembling fingers and drown her shaking arms. The ringing in her ears finally stopped only for her to hear the sound of someone choking.Green eyes snapped opened and gazed up at the man, blood gushed out of his mouth and on to the dirt ground under them. A silent scream broke from her lips as she jerked the blade out of him, Ria stumbled back dropping the sword as she turned and ran into her masters body. She had killed a man another human, for what? Her small dirty body tried to rut itself into Marcus to get away from what she had done
He watched reaching out as he exclaimed " Girl ! " but she struck with blinding speed that drew a measure of awe in him, one magnificent stab was all it took and the man was brought down gurgling as she had buried him in his own blood.. his arms formed an instinctive embrace as she shot into him grasping tightly as tears welled in her eyes.. petrified from the act. Marc swept her up in his arms, quickly moving away from the scene, in Ak'rad murder was so commonplace that no one flinched at the idea of rough justice as they said.. An eye for an eye.. throwing gold coins in the direction of the gateskeeper as he let them through to the private baths Marcus paused part frustrated and part proud his grasp swiftly pinned her to the cool marble with his hand upon her throat as he looked into her eyes " That was bold.. " Thwat ! before he issued a slap upon her cheek " But stupid.. very stupid.. " he sighed releasing his grasp from her as he looked over the ruined leash.. surprised she had not made a run for it sooner.. he tugged the gorgeous choker off her for the sake of the bath.. running a thumb across her bloodstained cheek.. " Release yourself from the tether within.. it is all dust.. whatever happens.. happens.. you killed your first today.. that's the one that never leaves you.. accept that this is your path.. your fate.. do not let it burden you..
if anything i require you to have a clear head.. you don't choose the blade.. it chooses you. " he paused " It was a wild and feral leap.. either you caught that man by surprise or he wasn't versed in combat.. killing out of desperation or spite is not uncommon... he was one of them wasn't he.. the ones that came to take you.." he paused having sympathy for the emotions she felt as he placed a hand upon his shoulder " You'll need to temper yourself girl.. you've got the flare for it but lack the discipline.. i'll teach you to carry yourself... i have a vendetta against the man who leads them.. you happened to have fallen into my hands for a reason... i need someone whose loyalty is absolute.. not based on fear or affection alone.. the fact that you too want your vengeance makes you infinitely more reliable than the best soldier i could hire for any sum of gold.." his hand slithered up her neckline gently before grasping a handful of her red tresses tightly.
" You might not value your life but the man who owns it does, remember who you belong to before attempting such a thing.. i saw him coming but deception is the first law of war.. my hand never leaves the hilt of my sword.. i know not whether to punish you for what you've done or reward you infinitely.. you know well enough the penalty for a slave killing a free man in these parts don't you.. nevertheless.. i'll ensure your safety.. now then.. " he paused pouring perfumed oils into the marble pool before them, letting the flow of the fountain mix them in before he turned to her.. " Rid me of my wares. " he added raising his arms out before her.
Her gaze fell once he began to lecture her, a strangled moan left her mouth when he gripped the her hair at the base of her head. The feeling very different from when the slaver didn't it, something warm settled in her lower stomach. Ria held back a whimper as she was force to gaze at him, soon his grip loosened before sliding out of her long locks. Her eyes went wide at his command, undress him. She knew he wanted a bath too but she was stupid to think they would bath separate, she was a slave of course he would want to keep an eye on something that caused him a lot of gold. Swallowing she moved closer to him, with shaking hands she began to remove his many armor pieces starting with the large chest piece before removing the rest leaving him in just plain clothes. Before she could tell he cut a nice shape with the armor on, with trembling hands she shed him of his top. Her face felt hotter then it ever had before, Ria had never seen a man like this before besides family
and even then it was quick. She stilled, staring at his lower clothed half. Licking her dry lips knelt to the ground the stone floor cold on her bare legs, she itches to rid herself of the blood soaked slip that did nothing to hide her body. Quickly he in did his boots before reaching for his belt still on her knees before him, large green eyes gazed up at him while nimble finger undid his pants. Once opened she stilled once again, hands gripping his thighs.
" Hmph.. " Marcus looked down at her as she paused coming to the realization that the girl had never witnessed manhood before let alone experienced it there was a concupiscent eagerness to her that made her all the more desirable when Kadim mentioned that she was unblemished he did not believe him but now he came to terms with the fact she was a virgin. His thumbs gripped her chin and he then smiled.. " Good girl.. now.. get in the waters and soak yourself.. we'll wash together " he paused undoing the rest himself. Like most men of the legion he was robust, well statured and broad shouldered, age had only served to emphasize rather than conceal such features.. the roman numeral VI along with the words " LVPVS " in latin script were tattooed onto his chest, he wore a lion's fang charm in his neck, a family heirloom of the house of leocadus. A few notable sword scars were strew over his body the result of myriad brutal campaigns and conflicts that took him the world over.. She was deft and skillful in her touch but her lack of experience showed he looked down at the fire haired doe as she came to pause her digits resting against those firmly muscled and powerful thighs of his.. letting her slide into the cool refreshing waters that gave much relief from the sweltering heat..
Marcus slid into the waters himself, a paragon of masculine finesse that embodied all the better traits of his imperial blood in simple terms he was featuresque and sculpted to a perfection that would draw the envy of master artisans, subtle trails of manly fur lined almost like a crucifix of smooth hair that spread upon the chest and then tapered leaving a treasure trail that lead to that manly grizzle that lined that girthy hunk of mansteak that was his lust limb, pendulous virility beneath.. even unwashed he emanated what could be described as a potent musk not animal or befouled in nature his scent brought tones of earth, citrus, pines or some other aromatic wood.. an aura that was smooth, warm, calming.. a scent that enticed a feeling akin to the comforts of a thick blanket, a warm hearth and then a wildness too like the rush of pacing through picturesque wilds. The locals held nothing to this colossal man, at 6'6 he dwarfed most if not all.. the girl reaching just above his waist in contrast.. he grasped her once they were in those flowing water drawing her close to himself.. turning her chin towards his face, he seemed demanding, fiery but in a way that did not inspire fear but rather urge. " You've never had a man have you girl ? " he added intently as his palm nestled her cheek, steel grey oculars focused into her emeralds.. he seemed tentative yet not hesitant, his power was a smooth one rather than unabashed and sudden it was... consuming.. coaxing the girl slowly into heat.. even though her edible features.. delicious beyond compare.. enough to draw the ire of a goddess called to him, a young womb that beckoned to be claimed and yet delicate.
She had got to her feet like that of a new born doe, shaking and unsure. Her face felt like it was on fire, her master drew out feelings she had never had for another human. With her back turned to the large man she slipped out of her ruined slip letting it fall to the tile floor, flaming red hair water called down her smooth pale back just brushing the top of her plush bottom. Slowly she waded into the cool waters, the scents he had poured in filled her nose making her close her eyes in contention. It had been so long since she had a bath like this, her small hands trailed over her forearms to wash the dried blood away. A small squeal fell from her mouth as she was suddenly pulled closer to the man, green eyes first meet the sight of hard warm chest dusted with fine hair. His massive hand cupped her chin pulling her gaze to his, grey stared into green, her mouth felt dry, Ria's tiny pink tongue darted out wet her lips. The young girls heart pounded at his question, Slowly she laid a hand in his warm hard chest right below his strange tattoo, even their skin was vastly different. He was rough and slightly tan where even though she spent time out side her skin never gained color leaving it pale as fresh milk. " N-no master I have not" she whispered loud enough for him to hear, she moved closer to Marcus till the front of her body pressed into his no room between. Her body shivered as her tender nipples rubbed against his skin, the strange heat once again pooling in her lower stomach. "Master I feel warm" she mewl out, pink lips pulled into a pout.
" Good.. " he leaned in grasping a handful of her red hair swiftly before seizing her lower lip in his maw teeth raking upon that pillowy lower lip as he issued a heavy breath in response to her delectable taste like cream and strawberries gliding over his tongue at once issuing a potent suck to pull her small pink tongue against his own, a wet slither glided against her tastebud as his tongue navigate her palate and her lips he held her into with her frame almost floating atop his weightless upon his body.. his eyes slid open to lock a gaze that was a compliment of itself melting into her as his lips began to move and motion against hers, he didn't want her first time with a man to be overtly terrifying rather coaxing the girl into it slowly teaching her the fervent etiquette of lovemaking.. what the imperials referred to as Amore. His hands glided across her pale frame to work a slow lather upon washing away the blood from her stained arms before sliding up her body he seized her waist at both ends, her mid-section thin enough to be engulfed by both his hands coming to rest beneath those perky milk-mounds as he captured those pink nubs between his index and thumb tugging gently.. before his palms moved between her shoulder blades pulling her close to his frame as he broke the kiss for a brief moment his immense manhood slithered between the crease of her luscious hips as he haunches rest against his thighs.. Not yet.. he thought to himself.. not yet.. she was not prepared.. " Hmph.. that damned slaver was right.. i stole you from him.. look at ye.. " he added cupping her features with both hands " There's no sum of gold nor gemstones that could suffice for such succubine looks.. you are a gorgeous little morsel girl.. hold.. your.. breath.. " he commanded kicking against the wall as they dove beneath the waters together she was all but consumed in his powerful arms as red strands floated past in those clear waters.. a moment of aeons.. she felt his jaws at her creamy neck and then.. they emerged still locked into him as he held her above the waters.. a moment akin to being reborn or baptised..
first blood.