Trials of Kardan
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Trials Of Kardan Chapter V free porn video
Author's note: A sincere thanks to all those who comment on my stories, I
appreciate the advice and the criticism. Hopefully my work is improving,
despite how quickly I write most of these things.
Chapter V: The March West
Kardan and Bethany paused on a rocky ridge that overlooked the small town
they had just abandoned. From their perch on the wooded outcropping they
could see the smoke rising as the last remnants of Bethany's old life
smouldered and turned to ash. The erstwhile inn-owner looked melancholy
for a moment, watching the life she had fought so hard to defend burn
away to nothing. Yet she had new companionship to look forward too, and
her recent lover proved to be far more interesting than she had imagined.
It was time for a new life, and that was a thrilling enough prospect to
let her shrug off any lingering attachments she may have held to the old
one. Looking at Kardan, she examined her calm, thoughtful gaze as she
stared impassively at the rising wisps of smoke. The death and violence
she had dealt out did not seem to weigh on her mind, or if it did she did
not allow it to show.
"We should hurry," Kardan said, "They may pursue us. Men can go to great
effort for wounded pride." Bethany nodded, and the two women turned their
back on the embers of the old tavern and began hiking away into the
forest. Though she did not communicate her plans, Kardan was heading
west. It was the warrior woman's intention to make a wide circle, and
approach Thusla's stronghold from the southern side. This meant
travelling to the sea, and then following the coast south to Dominion
borders. From there she would have to cut across to the east, into the
mountains, and pick her way back into the Northern hills where her enemy
gathered his troops. It would be a long trek, but she needed time to form
her plans and, perhaps, gather more fighters to stand at her side when
the time came to seek entrance to the fortress.
The two lovers trekked across the uneven forest ground, slowly making
their way to the western shores of the Faustian Sea. Kardan knew that the
journey was very difficult for Bethany, who was not accustomed to such
endless travelling on foot. Yet as their steps grew into a countless
number, she never once complained to Kardan, nor did she ever request
rest. The warrior was grateful for the strength of her lover's character
and, even though it was never asked for, she often gave pause to their
marching in order to allow Bethany a few moments recuperation. It was
still hard going, since Kardan opted to avoid any of the main roads and
pathways. The laconic young woman was still wary of pursuers, and did not
wish more conflict. There would be more than enough blood to be spilt
before her campaign was completed, and she did not desire to dull her
blade on fools.
It was five days before Kardan and Bethany came upon the clearing in the
dense forest. It was like a vision from the gods, to break from the trees
into a sun-dappled glade. A large pool of clean, clear water lay there,
surrounded on one side by tall rocks. A river fed the pool in the form of
a small cascade that fell from the largest of the rocky embankments.
Kardan let her eyes linger on the serene waterfall, becoming fully aware
of how grimy and dusty she felt. The warrior looked at her lover, who was
equally travel worn and unkempt. A friendly and encouraging smile played
across Kardan's face, which was returned eagerly from the bedraggled
Bethany.
"I think we can afford to camp here for the rest of the day." Kardan
said. The sun had not yet reached its zenith, and Bethany was elated at
the prospect of spending so many hours recovering from her exertions. Her
feet ached constantly, and the dirt on her skin felt as thick and heavy
as cheap armour. "Is it safe?" Bethany asked, still wary of the vehemence
of the affronted villagers they had fled from. "I have seen no sighs of
pursuit for three days now. I believe they attempted to exact their
vengeance on us, but lost us after the first day. I take it your village
was not known for adept trackers." Bethany allowed a short laugh to
escape her lips. "No," she said, "Farmers and miners, the lot of them.
I'm not even sure if any of the men even knew how to prepare their own
food." Kardan nodded, sharing in Bethany's good-humour.
Half an hour later Bethany lay floating in the centre of the pool, eyes
closed. Standing under the small waterfall and scrubbing herself clean
had been rapturous. Now, free from the dirt and sweat, she relaxed. Her
face may have been darkened slightly from the long hours of walking, but
her body was still milky-white and supple. Her nipples stood out darkly
against her fair skin as she drifted, half conscious, across the water.
Kardan dove from one small rock and swam gracefully under the surface of
the pond. Bethany opened her eyes and languidly watched as the warrior
emerged from the shallow depths. The clear water dripped from Kardan's
dark hair. As the quiet amazon pulled herself from the pool onto the
shore Bethany could not help but admire her lover's physique. She
marvelled as her toned muscles contracted, glistening under her wet skin.
Kardan stood and turned after hauling herself atop a boulder near the
bank of the pond. She stood poised for a moment. As Bethany examined her
lithe, athletic body she began to understand why some artistic men sought
to capture similar images of athletic prowess with their paint, clay and
marble. She herself lacked such creative gifts, however, and was merely
content to see such things for herself. Kardan was not blind to beauty
either, and her eyes were likewise examining Bethany. She still felt a
hunger for her lover's soft lips and smooth skin. She let herself dream
slightly as she watched the young woman float in a surreal way upon the
glassy water.
Then her mind wandered to more serious subjects. She still had not
decided how Bethany figured into her plans. The woman was strong, but she
could not stand up against a troop of trained soldiers. More importantly,
Kardan realized, was that she cared for Bethany. She knew, more than
anything, that she wished no harm to come to her. Kardan sighed, pushing
the thought aside for a moment. She would have to decide such things
later.
Bethany slowly ceased her aimless flotation and paddled to the shore.
Kardan leapt deftly to the ground and walked to the spot where their
clothes had been hung to dry after they had washed them. Despite the
early hour, there was very little direct sunlight. Kardan calculated that
the garments most likely would not be fully dry before nightfall, and
that they may have to wait until morning to get dressed again. She didn't
mind though. At that moment, with Bethany, she felt totally comfortable
being naked. It was the first time since Thusla's magic had changed her
that she felt totally at ease with her body being exposed. As Bethany
approached her the two women shared another smile.
Shortly thereafter Kardan built a fire, and strung above it the few small
fish that she had managed to trap in the stream the fed the pool. The sun
crept behind the line of trees, and nightfall quickly seeped in around
them. The two women huddled together beneath their blankets, eating the
simple food they had prepared. Bethany watched Kardan as she ate,
wondering where her companion had hailed from. She could sense, however,
that Kardan did not wish her to ask. Bethany understood the desire to
forget one's past, and did not pry into the matter. She did, however,
feel she had the right to enquire where it was they were heading.
"If we are safe from reprisals from my old neighbours," Bethany said,
"Where shall we go now?" Kardan wondered for a moment how much to tell
her lover. "I was planning to head West to the sea, and then south to the
city of Colthorn." She replied. "Are you acquainted with anyone in that
city?" Bethany asked. "No, at least nobody I know very well. I have some
enquiries to make there." Bethany nodded. "So you aren't planning to stay
there?" Kardan turned to face her companion. "Shall I accompany you that
far?" Bethany continued. Kardan smiled at her. "Of course, if you wish
to." Bethany was glad to hear her say that, but still had doubts. "And
what shall become of us after we reach Colthorn?" She asked the warrior
woman.
Kardan signed. "I do not know. I -" Her voice faltered for a moment,
unused to personal expression, "-I enjoy having you with me, very much.
Yet there is something I must do that will prove very dangerous. I would
not want to lead you into such violence." Bethany began to understand her
lover's conflicting thoughts. "Can you tell me what you are planning?"
Kardan held Bethany close to her. "There is a man, a Lord in fact, who
rules the rocky lands to the east. He not only stole something from me,
but he abuses all those under his power. I may have been able to live
with what he took, but I cannot allow him to continue his dark ways.
There have been many attempts to dethrone him, but they were too
scattered and lacked strategy. I plan to raise a small force to penetrate
his stronghold. I wish to bring justice to this man."
She was cautious still, not mentioning of her former life. Kardan hoped
Bethany would accept this explanation. The former ill-keeper was silent
for a few moments. "I understand." She said at last. "Well, I cannot
answer for the future, yet for now we still have a few weeks together and
I plan to enjoy them." She concluded, slowly leaning in and kissing
Kardan softly on the lips. Kardan returned her kiss, grateful that she
had come across such a remarkable companion. She may have grown close to
Dirk, but with Bethany she felt totally at ease. As the two women
embraced she felt a strong desire to tell Bethany of the transformation,
of what would happen to her once she gained entrance to Thusla's chamber
of sorcery. Kardan could not risk spoiling the present moment, however,
and remained silent as she pushed Bethany back on the blanket.
By the warmth of the fire Kardan pressed Bethany against the ground,
crushing the smaller woman with her own body. She trailed her lips down
her lover's flawless white skin, lingering at her supple bosom as her
hand gently teased her lower regions. Kardan sunk her fingers slowly into
Bethany's body as she playfully bit her lover's nipples. Soon, however,
her mouth moved to assist her fingers, and she nuzzled her head between
Bethany's thighs. Bethany moaned softy as Kardan pleasured her, her
whimpers mixing with all the sounds of a forest at dusk. The lovers
entwined, lost in the pleasures of each others bodies, surrounded by the
serenity of isolation.
Yet they were not as alone as they would have thought. Even Kardan's
practised eyes and sharp ears had failed to detect something moving high
up in the trees. Perching on a branch about a hundred paces away, an
adolescent boy watched the pair in their passions. He smiled to himself,
both embarrassed and excited to be witness to the women's activities. It
would certainly make an interesting story to bring back to his elders. As
he peered at the two females he idly wondered what the rest of his people
were going to decide to do with the two women when dawn arrived. His life
had been a hard one, but he always found himself regretting the habit of
handing such attractive women over to the slave traders.
Their passions spent, the two travellers slept soundly in each others
arms. They were not aware of the silent, patient footsteps that had begun
to move in the woods. Just before dawn they came, treading imperceptibly
on the forest floor and among the branches of high trees. A fox could not
have moved more naturally than these men, for their lives were one of
stealth and cunning. The forest men crept up on the sleeping lovers
slowly, keeping their distance as much as possible. The circle of them
drew tighter around Kardan and Bethany. Yet, when they were twenty meters
away, Kardan's eyes were suddenly open.
It was difficult to place the sensation distinctly, but Kardan sensed the
furtiveness in the forest air. The other creatures that would have
normally be stirring at the sunrise sounded cautious and on guard, and
Kardan's years of experience told her that someone was watching her. She
moved slowly, reaching to wrap her hand around the hilt of her sword. Yet
her hand never touched the weapon, for a finely crafted arrow sung softly
through the air before striking the ground next to her blade. "Very
good!" A voice cried out, it's owner still concealed masterfully among
the leaves and branches of the glade. "You are sharper than most.
Certainly sharper than any other woman I have known. Alas, it is too late
for you; however, there are many other arrows in many other bows all
around you. And the next one won't be aimed at the dirt."
Bethany was awake now, her eyes fearfully looking to Kardan for help. The
warrior woman pursed her lips and scanned her surroundings. She could not
see any of her assailants, but her instinct told her that there was
indeed more than one. She began to stand up slowly and deliberately. "If
we have trespassed upon you in some way, I apologize!" Kardan said in a
loud, clear voice. "We simply sought a day's rest before continuing our
travels. Strong as she was, Kardan was still aware that she was trying to
negotiate while standing naked and exposed. She knew the sight of two
unclothed woman was likely to undo any attempt at reason she might make.
A small arrow, little more than a dart, struck Kardan in the left thigh.
Bethany Gasped when she saw the wooden shaft protruding from her lover's
leg, and she jumped to her feet as a second dart impaled itself on
Kardan's neck. A third dart landed in the soft flesh of Bethany's
stomach. Kardan felt her legs begin to tingle, and then go numb. She
stumbled forward, trying to find and grasp her weapons, but it was too
late. In a few seconds she fell, a look of glaring hatred upon her face.
The world went black as the once-serene pool slipped away from her. Her
body went limp and, after a few moments, the men in the forest emerged to
collect the two unconscious women.
Kardan awoke, not surprisingly, to find herself bound and gagged. Under
the circumstances she would have been shocked to awaken in any other
manner. She had come across forest scavengers like this before; men who
lived by picking off stray travellers, killing and robbing the males and
selling the women to slavers. Sometimes, when travellers were scarce,
they would also sell their services as assassins to whomever had a need
of silent killers. While she was glad she was not killed in her sleep,
she did not look forward to the alternative she now faced as a woman.
Turning her head as much as she could, she could see that Bethany was
lying not far from her. She was likewise restrained, and still had not
opened her eyes. Craning her neck in the opposite direction, she managed
to see something of their captor's camp.
Ten men were gathered around a small fire, cooking a few paltry scraps of
meat. Kardan guessed she would not be offered any. It seemed that a few
hours had passed, and the sun was now high on the horizon. "We were lucky
the little one spotted these two," A gruff voice said from among the
group of men, "Most of the women we get these days are farmer's wives
with the faces of swine - these two are quite a prize." There were
murmurs of agreement. "And," another, younger voice piped in, "We don't
have to preserve 'em. These one's looked seasoned enough that nobody will
be disappointed if they 'aint virgins." There was a low chorus of
chuckles that filled Kardan with rage and disgust. She was now facing
what she had been afraid of ever since the change; she was in serious
danger of being violated against her will.
Once again Kardan found herself fearing more for Bethany than herself. If
Kardan herself was abused by these men, she knew she would survive. Yet
she wondered if Bethany would be so strong. The former ill-keeper's life
had been filled with a long stream of disrespectful men, and Kardan
wished to spare her any more of those experiences. She swore she would do
everything she could to protect Bethany, regardless of the damage she
might do to herself.
"Did you see the blade that tall harlot was carrying?" One of the
marauders asked, regaining Kardan's attention. "It's a fine piece of
work. Wonder how a whore managed to get her hands on a weapon like that."
The man speaking gestured to his left, and Kardan spotted the bundle that
contained all of her and Bethany's belongings, meagre as they were.
Perhaps, she thought, there might be a chance to get to them come
nightfall. She doubted, however, that that opportunity would arrive
before the men of the camp turned their attentions towards her and her
companion. Carefully, Kardan began testing her bonds, checking to see if
her captors had been remiss in securing her. Sadly, they had made no
error.
Bethany had begun to stir now, and Kardan tried to get her attention. She
wanted time to think, and the longer they went without drawing attention
to themselves the better. It was no good though, and her lover let out a
soft moan before she could signal her to be silent. Instantly the
conversation around the fire ceased, and a few men stood up. Three
approached them, grinning malevolently. It seemed Kardan did not have
until nightfall after all. "Looks like our princesses have awoken." The
younger man said. "Good mornin', gorgeous." another said, leering over
Bethany. "That there salted beef didn't really satisfy," The first man
said, "maybe we could use something else to sate our hunger, eh lads?"
The vote was unanimous.
"I'll wager the darker one has some serious hate in her, maybe three good
lads should entertain her at once, make sure the wench don't start
fightin'." The apparent leader proclaimed. "As for the soft one, I reckon
she be a good sow and take us one at a time. If you boys don't mind -
I'll take my share first." Kardan glared at the men who were so
flippantly proposing to rape them. She put all of her might into trying
to break her bonds, but only succeeded in flaying the skin from her
wrists and ankles. Bethany closed her eyes and gritted her teeth, hating
how powerless she felt. She remained silent as she was manhandled up from
the ground and dragged towards the makeshift tent of the lead bandit.
Watching her lover being taken away only made Kardan more determined to
revenge herself on her enemies, and she thrashed on the forest floor,
trying to strike out at them. These efforts only earned her a vicious
kick in the stomach however, and she clenched up her belly to take the
abuse. A second kick landed on her ribs as she bit into her gag. She was
distantly aware of the six other men who were sitting by and watching the
whole scene. Some seemed content to be spectators, while others seemed to
be eagerly waiting their turn with Bethany.
A backhand slap stung Kardan's face as her captors did their best to
reposition her. Suddenly a muted cry was heard from the leader's tent.
At first the band of thieves smiled, but a second moan erased their
mirth. The cries were not coming from Bethany. One of the spectators
hopped up and hurried over to the tent. "You a'right in there captain?"
He asked. He received no reply. Concerned, the man peered into the filthy
cloth abode. He quickly gasped and called for the others. "Captain's been
stabbed by the other whore, and she's gone!"
As much as it hurt to do so, Kardan smiled. Bethany did not disappoint
her. "Tie that one to the waggon!" Shouted one of the marauders, "We need
to get that other piece of quim back here!" Kardan was savagely bound to
the wheels of their caravan, and then served another quick helping of
swift kicks to the stomach. The camp was all in confusion, with men
either running to help their wounded leader or else scrambling to find
Bethany. Kardan ignored the aches and pains in her body and tried to
contrive a way to come to her lover's assistance.
Kardan froze suddenly. Someone was crouching behind her silently, and she
heard a knife drawn from a oiled leather sheath. She was about to try
and lash out with her feet when a soft voice spoke to her. "Don't move."
It commanded in a muted whisper. Kardan felt pressure on the robes around
her hands, then she sensed the bounds being severed by a sharp blade. Her
hands were cut loose, followed quickly by her feet. She was free.
Kardan turned to face her unsuspected savior. It was a youth of perhaps
seventeen years of age, grubby and un-groomed. He smiled at her,
motioning for her to remain silent. He reached behind him and handed
something to Kardan. It was her sword. The youth nodded at her, grinning.
Kardan did not pause to ask questions, but took hold of her blade and
slowly stood up. Her body was throbbing with pain in several places, but
not enough to impair her. As she looked around the camp, she heard
Bethany scream out in shock. Kardan's nerves steeled themselves for
vengeance. Three men appeared from the trees, dragging Bethany behind
them. The former inn-keeper struggled and kicked at them as viciously as
she could.
The men stopped in their tracks when they entered the camp however,
stunned by the sight that greeted them. Kardan stood defiantly in the
centre of the camp, still naked. Her face was a mask of fury, and her
sword glinted slightly in the morning light. There was a few seconds of
total silence, as the men of the camp gaped foolishly at the current turn
of events. Then everybody erupted into action.
Bethany was thrown to the ground as the scavengers fumbled to collect
their weapons. Kardan was on them in an instant, blade held high. The man
nearest to her found his eyes slit open before he had a chance to pull
his dagger from it's scabbard. The three men who had been manhandling
Bethany threw her to the ground and joined into the fray. They did not
fare much better than their friend, however, and their clumsy blows were
easily countered by the skilled warrior woman.
Parrying a blow from the first of the trio, she landed a counter-thrust
into the opponent on her right while he was attempting to beat her blade
aside. She then pivoted back to the first assailant and met his second
attack, following up with a twitch to her left which not only split the
man's face, but also placed his falling body between her and the third
marauder. As the final member of the trio struggled to manoeuvre around
his dead comrades, Kardan dropped low and severed his left leg clean off.
She then performed the same courtesy to his head, adding to the pile of
carnage that adorned the forest floor.
Kardan stooped and grabbed a large piece of wood from the fire. She then
hurled the flaming timber at the shabby tent, from which the remaining
five men were emerging. The oiled cloth ignited almost immediately, and
three of the thieves were caught in the blaze. The three burning men
thrashed and screamed, trying to put out the flames that crept up their
bodies. In all the chaos Kardan had no trouble cutting down the first two
who leapt from the flames, nor was it much effort to relive her remaining
opponents of their flame-engulfed suffering.
Then all was silent.
The smell of searing flesh crept into the air as Bethany stood and joined
her companion in the centre of the ruined camp. She spat down at the
remains of the would-be rapists as Kardan lowered her sword. "Were you
harmed?" the warrior asked her lover. "No, I am fine. It looks they beat
you quiet badly though." she replied. Kardan made a dismissive gesture to
Bethany's comment. Both women turned as the youth who had freed Kardan
stepped out from behind the waggon. He held in his hands the remainder of
the two women's belongings, and he offered it foreword to them in a
gesture of peace.
"Who are you?" Kardan asked abruptly as she took the bundle from the
lad's hands. "My name is Jorah, I was a servant to these men." The young
man was having trouble tearing his eyes away from Kardan's blood-
spattered nudity as he spoke. "Yet you betrayed them?" Kardan said as she
began pulling on her clothes. "I was alone in this world, they provided
food and shelter in return for my services. Yet I had had no sympathy for
their way of life, and I could not allow them to destroy two more lives.
Especially... Especially not two women as beautiful as you." He spoke
charmingly, and smiled brightly. It was apparent, though, that he was not
as confident as he pretended to be, especially not around two nude women.
Kardan tossed Bethany her clothing and the second woman began to dress
herself. "What will you do now?" Bethany asked. "Well," the lad answered,
"I was hoping to beg of you to allow me to travel with you, at least
until we reach a decent sized town where I can find some work." Kardan
raised her eyebrow as she turned to look at her lover. Bethany thought a
moment and then nodded. "We owe you great thanks, it would be our
pleasure to travel with you." Kardan replied. "Provided," She added, "you
do not take issue with my authority over our journey." The young man
shrugged, "Anything is better than being dragged around by men like
that." He said, gesturing to the dead men. "I am yours."
Kardan nodded approvingly. "Collect anything you wish to bring, we should
leave now." She said as she finished strapping her clothes and weapons to
her bruised body.
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