DISCLAIMER/WARNINGS: Needlessly violent and foul. You know, same old, same old phair.

FEEDBACK: Tell me you love it, hate it, or could not care any less… p.phair@comcast.net

WARNINGS: You know what I'm like most of the time. More of that version than the unusual glimpse of me you saw in Unexpected.

PROMISE: As long as the ancient Celt haunting my dreams continues to tell me this story, I'll keep writing it down. This is what any generation would call a…

Fair Trade

by phair

Chapter 7

A gale blew out of the west with the dawn and sent the sea into a churning expanse of swells and froth. Rowers locked their oars and crawled into the hollows below their benches when the Captain took the wheel from the Pilot. The Captain was born at sea and believed he was better able to ride the storm than his navigator.

He did not need to alert his passengers of the danger. Finntan was on the deck with the first sprinkle of rain. Ainninn was right behind him.

"We best get the riggins down. We'll be swamped," Finntan screamed to be heard over the rising winds.

"I'll race it. We'll ride the tide," the Captain argued.

Ainninn was already scrambling up the masts as the ship rocked violently. Finntan was quick to follow. The pair of them worked without a word between them but in perfect precision. The Captain and the Pilot were surprised enough to let them have their way.

Finntan and Ainninn had managed to drop the sails moments before the dire prediction came true. However, they had no time to get themselves back to the deck and safety. A monstrous wave slammed against the port side nearly capsizing the ship. The masts hovered almost parallel to the water. The Captain turned the wheel hard trying to follow the momentum of the sea. A groan of wood rose above the call of the wind warning him the rudder was under terrible stress.

"Let the wheel go!" Ainninn shrieked as she swung wildly on a rope dangling less than a the height of a man over the waves.

The Captain held his grip. "We'll be lost without it!"

"And, what are we now?" Finntan screamed as he tied himself to the mast. "Listen to her! The Gods are with her."

"Damned Celtic Gods! Not Roman Gods," the Captain cursed.

Mery screamed from the cabin. Ainninn forgot her own peril for a split second at the sound. The site filled her with a different fear. Her naked slave was darting and swinging from benches to riggings to railings. She defied nature in her sprint. For a brief moment, she seemed swallowed by the sea in a ferocious wave only to swim her way back to a loose rope. She swung hard and crashed feet first into the Captain. He lost his hold of the wheel. Finnally freed of its tormentor, the wheel spun wildly until it splinter off its mount.

The ship pitched back to port. The momentum almost flipped her but she fishtailed. A wild action which managed to right the hull. Another wave from behind pushed the floundering ship forward. The winds were finally at their backs.

Ainninn was flung against the suddenly vertical mast. She lost her consciousness and her hold from the force of the hit. The world whistled in her ears as she crashed to the deck. She did not feel Dru's hands turning her over and saving her from drowning in the sea water pooling on the deck.

Finntan cut himself loose from his safety harness and took command. "If you want to live to see another dawn, man the oars! We'll row out of this horrid storm or drown in a sea of fish piss."

"You're a madman!" The Captain screamed. "We're doomed without a rudder."

Finntan bellowed with laughter, "What kind of Roman are you? Surrendering to the fates because the waves broke your little boat? Be useful and grab an oar or be bait for dinner, the choice is your own."

"Lunatic!" The Captain shouted but he took a bench and began to row for his life.

"Help me?" Dru asked as Finntan approach.

He didn't speak. There was no need to speak. Both he and Dru had the same mindset. He slung Ainninn over his shoulder and headed to the cabin. Mery stood in the doorway. Blood ran from a cut over her eye. Finntan could see she was terrified. But, beneath the fear there was real anger.

"How could you do that?" She questioned as the Finntan lowered his burden to the berth.

"Easy," he replied with gentle humor. "I just lifted her up. She's kind of light. Just akeward to carry."

Dru chuckled but stopped when Mery snarled a warning at her. "Don't you push me, slave! You are in just as much trouble as these two are."

"What? What did I do wrong?" Dru asked as she stepped away.

"Racing out there with no thought of the danger. You could have been killed."

The ship took another slam to the stern. It sent flying Mery into Finntan's arms. Dru was knocked off her feet and sprawled across Ainninn's still unconscious body. The ship tipped wildly to port then to starboard and back to port before settling into a rhythmic rocking.

"We still might be killed, my love," Finntan whispered in her ear as she nuzzled close to his heart. Mery let out a little sob. "Save your anger with us until we stand on dry land again. Then you may be as angry as you want."

"She's hurt bad," Dru interrupted the couple. She had climb to the inside of the berth Ainninn lay motionless on. "She's not opening her eyes."

Mery managed to check her emotions to focus on Ainninn. She stepped closer to the drenched body. Placing her fingers on Ainninn's neck she waited to feel the life pounding heartily beneath the skin. With an ear to Ainninn's chest, she listened to the breaths and did not hear water bubbling under her breasts.

"She took a heavy hit. Her body needs to rest, I think. But, nothing looks terribly bad. No wounds to stitch or bones to set."

"What do we do then?" Dru asked from her spot between Ainninn and the ship's wall on the berth.

"Wait. All we can do is wait for her to wake," Mery said.

"If she wakes," Dru worried aloud.

Finntan grinned. "She'll wake. She's got more to do before her days are done."

"You sound very sure of a fame she's yet to deserve," Dru sounded bitter.

"I am. Ainninn was first favored by her father and then our people embraced her and now, even the Gods clamor to befriend her."

"What makes you so sure?" Mery was surprised by Finntan's apparent faith.

"We survived," Finntan winked. "Who else but the Gods' own chosen one could guide us through that maelstrom?"

"You said a moment ago, we might still be killed," Mery countered making the big man laugh.

"Then I will be proven wrong. But, for now, I'm right."

* * *

Ainninn's head throbbed. It seemed like she could not recall a moment when her brow did not pound a drum beat of suffering. Every inch of her body ached in sympathy for her head's grief.

She was sick of waiting for the pain to subside. Using more strength than her body thought she still had, Ainninn forced her left eye open. A small groan from the effort accompanied the action.

"It is good to have you returned to us," Dru smiled and placed a cold rag on Ainninn forehead.

Ainninn tried to lick her lips but her mouth was dry and stuck. Dru saw the struggle and grabbed another rag from the bowl on berth beside her. She carefully dribbled water on Ainninn's parched lips. It was enough to loosen the wounded woman's tongue.

"We are no longer under sail? Are we drifting?" Ainninn questioned and tried to sit up.

Dru easily restrained the action by placing her hand on Ainninn's chest. "You are weak. Do not try to rise yet. We'll need Finntan to get you on your feet the first time you try to stand."

"How long was I dreaming in the land of nod?" Ainninn asked and slowly realized her pains were not only from the battering she took during the storm but also from stiffness.

"Days and days. We've been rudderless and rowing since the storm passed. The Captain lost his mind. Finntan is at the helm with the Pilot. They've steered us by the stars at night and we weigh anchor at first light to rest the rowers." Dru laughed, "It seems a system that pleases your Gods. The Pilot sighted land this morning."

"The land of the Iceni?" Asked with soaring hope.

Dru shook her head no and smirked at the resulting disappointment on Ainninn's face. "No, we did not happen upon those sacred lands in our directed drifting. We found a island, it would seem. Foul place, at best. Remote with lush greenery to swallow the unsuspecting whole and rumored to be filled with forrest dwelling creatures. The people are little better. A disagreeable lot of near savages. The Romans won't even try to conquer this place or her people."

"Perhaps, we can enlist their assistance. If the Romans reject them, they can not be all bad," Ainninn was rueful but trying to find an advantage in misfortune.

"Ah, you've happened on an idea of our own good thinking. And, we've a bit of luck. A man on board knows the place and has kin on the shore," Dru happily informed Ainninn.

Ainninn struggled beyond Dru's hold to sit up and confront the cheery woman. "Spit it out! Who was raised in this horrid place? He'll have a heroe's welcome from my father for his efforts."

"Big fellow," Dru said and raised her hand above her own head. "Smelly and belching. Vomits too much when the waves toss us. You might know him by name; Finntan."

Ainninn took a few moments to clear the cobwebs from her mind and actually understand Dru's meaning. "Home? We're home?" Dru's laughter and nod overrode Ainninn's relief at the news. "Why did you go on so? You left me to think us lost when we are not. Why the joke?"

"I did not mean to unduly concern you. But, I could not resist the chance to repay the suspense I've endured these past few days in kind fashion." Dru's smile faded, "They gave up hope on you. All save Finntan and me, believed you died but your body was unwilling to give up your ghost."

Ainninn saw the worried exhaustion in Dru's eyes and her tone softened. "I should thank you then instead of reprimand. However, I did not enjoy you humor nor will I when you tease me after I have all but forgotten it. Thank you none the less."

Dru merely nodded.

"When do we get ashore?" Ainninn asked then winced as the soreness of stretching her muscles with a yawn.

"On the morning tide. This is the last day on ship for us."

"Most welcome news," Ainninn sighed and lay back down. "Rest while you can, Dru. Once on dry land, we have a journey of two days more. But, then we will stay put. We shall be home for good and forever."

Dru watched Ainninn drift back to sleep. Tears formed in her eyes as she mumbled her reply, "There is no we in this arrival. You'll be home for good with just another slave in tow to add to your wealth."

Chapter 8

Ainninn felt invigorated. Even though her brow still throbbed a bit from the wallop she took hitting the ship's deck, the pain could not diminish her joy at being home. The hills were greener, the air was fresher, and the sky seemed bluer with her feet planted solidly in the dirt of her homeland.

They were traveling light so their journey was making excellent progress across the lush countryside. Finntan and Mery nagged Ainninn into resting before it was fully dark on the first day of travel. She'd been reluctant to do so but relented when she noticed Dru shivering. Once the camp was struck and a fire built, Ainninn and Finntan went through their gear to find warmer clothing to share with Mery and Dru.

Looking over her shoulder, Ainninn suppressed a chuckle at the sight. The two women were trudging along behind her in Finntan's and Ainninn's over sized clothes. It was as if a huge bolt of wool tried to swallow them whole. Ainninn regretted she was not in her right state of mind during the last few days on board the ship. She would have thought to have Mery stitch suitable clothes for Dru and herself to keep them warm in the cool, misty air of Iwernia.

"You look well rested. It was clever for you to suggest we make camp when we did last eve," Finntan said seriously but with a rye look in his eyes.

Ainninn smiled and replied, "As always, you care well for me. I struggle against your wisdom out of the ignorance of youth but I never doubt your heart's fondness for me. Forgive me my childish ways. I was just so anxious to be back by my own fire, under my own blankets, and eating from my own stew pot."

"Nothing to forgive. I just felt the need to taunt you once more before we are home again. I'll miss my responsibility when I return your care to your father's hands." Finntan winked then, "But, I shall continue to nudge you from time to time if you are too full of who you've become."

"I would hope so," Ainninn laughed. "Nobody else will cross me. There is only you to keep my feet on the ground and my head it's usual size."

"Mistress," Dru's gasp interrupted the conversation.

Both warriors turned in time to see Dru collapse to her knees. Mery hurried to her side to hold her up.

"We should stop for a while," Finntan said.
"Perhaps the night?" Ainninn asked.

Dru shook her head no before answering, "I need but a moment. We can move on in a moment more. We are just hurrying too fast. It is hard to get breath enough to keep up with you."

Ainninn turned to Finntan and said, "Start a fire. We'll be one more night under the stars. A day one way this or that will not harm our task. But, a little extra slumber could benefit each of us."

Finntan went quietly about the task. Ainninn waved Mery over to help him as she went to Dru's side. With the others making the camp, Ainninn squatted and began to check Dru for injuries or fever.

"You wheeze with your breathing," Ainninn observed. "When did this begin?"

"It is my ailment since birth. Only during wet, cold days, though. My lungs ache with the rains." Dru took as deep a breath as her chest could hold and blew the air back out slowly. "Mistress, I'm sorry to delay your travel. I can be ready to walk again before Finntan sparks the fire. Please, do not lose your patience with me."

Ainninn laughed. "Is the mighty gladiator afraid of being an annoyance? Worried I'll sell her off to any passing elf in the glen?"

"Elf?" Dru yelped. "I thought Finntan was telling tales to frighten the sailors. Are there truly hideous, flesh eating creatures hiding in these rolling greens around us?"

"Yes, and with great fangs to rip the skin from the bones," Ainninn spoke in a low tone watching Dru's alarm increase with each word. "But, I think you've little to fear."

"Why?" Dru asked fully believing the story.

Ainninn smirked and said with great amusement, "They only eat virgin meat."

Ainninn's good humor served to darken Dru's mood. She watched with squinting eyes as her Mistress laughed and wiped merry tears from her cheeks.

"You think it's funny to have lost what I did the way I did? You find my suffering the stuff of mocking?" Dru's whispered questions stopped Ainninn's laughter cold. "You've seen the rings they spiked my nipples with? You must have while I was helpless under your whipped tutelage. Or maybe later, you noticed their shine when I lay too weak to cover myself? You must have seen them. They are the rings my Master used to tame me while I suffered under his weight."

Ainninn shifted back on her heels but had nothing to say.

However, Dru's anger was not ready to be silenced, "Does it strike you as comical to know he fastened a chain to them after staking me out on his bed. When I did not respond as he wished, he would tug the chain until I thought the rings would tear free leaving me mutilated? If Mistress thinks this is quite hilarious, you'll be even more pleased to learn there is yet another ring buried between my thighs, deep inside me."

Ainninn answered just as Finntan lit the flame for their camp. "I saw them. Mery explained their use. But, my mind is still foggy from fall. I spoke without thinking. I meant only to tease you a small bit in return for your humor at my expense on the ship. Nothing more than that was intended. You'd be wise to see fit to excuse my poor jest."

Dru remained silent and glaring. Ainninn sighed, weary of the argument. She stood and offered her hand and a warning to Dru. The slave grudgingly accepted both offerings.

"I have been liberal with you and your pointed tongue. But a bit of caution is in order, my father will not allow such words from the mouth of a slave. And, that is what you remain with me. Your pain, both past and future, is your lot. Do not think you will be given privileges with my people the Romans did not see fit to bestow on you."

Dru stood next to Ainninn. She stayed silent with her face to the ground. Her shoulders shook from either the pain in her lungs, the cold, or her anger. Ainninn walked away determined to not care about the cause.

* * *

They rose with the birds after a pleasant but quiet evening of food and rest. The misty air slowly warmed as the sun climbed into the sky above. Even so, it remained chilly enough to make all their cheeks rosy as they travel out of the glen to a well worn path up a rocky hillside.

Once they reached the highest ledge, Finntan roared a loud shout across a rolling meadow of green leading to massive wall of heavy stones. It ran from the edge of the cliff overlooking the sea in a half circle. The fortress was fortified with battlements at ground level and stacked the height of a man up and once again up from there. A narrow passage way leading inside was barred with a metal door.

Finntan was so happy to see home he slapped Ainninn hard across the shoulders. Still weak from her injury she almost lost her footing and collapsed. The same meaty hand that struck her turned to steady her. Between his support and her own arms flaying for balance, she righted her body.

"Do you wish to kill me when we are within view of home?" She snapped at him.

Finntan laughed before replying, "It was a loving swat. Have you grown so weak among the Romans that a simple pat sends you tumbling to the dirt? The soft life of those foreigners made you lazy, you I think."

"You'll not believe that after I've slept a week in my own blankets. Come see me after a moon. See if I not best your best again then," she said but smiled broadly.

They walked only a short distance on the road when Finntan suddenly stopped and dropped his pack to the ground. He frantically began to search the contents. The three women exchanged confused expressions before Mery looked over his shoulder.

Still uncertain of his motives, Mery asked, "What is so important?"

Finntan stated his reply in a tone which suggested it would not be argued with, "You are a free woman, Mery. You'll have no worries with our homecoming. But, the little Viking, is a spoil of our travels. If she is to remain Ainninn's prize, she must be bound to her Mistress when we enter the village. Otherwise, she belongs to our Chief."

He found several lengths of leather at the bottom of his pack. Sparing a moment, he braided the strands together and pulled them tight. Once Finntan was satisfied the tether was strong enough, he stood and handed it to Ainninn.

Ainninn barely glanced at him as she accepted the offering. Her belly groaned loudly but it was not from hunger. She was reluctant to restrain Dru. The thought of doing so was literally making her sick.

"Unless you want to see her in his bed, bind her hands and hold her fast," Finntan was emphatic.

Ainninn turned to face Dru. She saw exactly what she expected she would. Her slave was glaring at her openly. However, Dru crossed her wrist before her chest and waited to be tied. Ainninn threaded the leather through the rings embedded in the metal cuff still locked around Dru's wrist. She used a tight knot leaving Dru no slack.

"Now, bring it up into the collar ring. Keep her hands at chest level," Finntan pointed as he instructed.

Ainninn obeyed without question. Dru remained silently defiant. After knotting the tether, Ainninn had about five or six lengths of leash left to lead Dru. She stepped away feeling the need to distance herself. Her feet no sooner settled in the dirt than Finntan leapt forward and smashed Dru hard across the mouth with the back of his hand. He turned then and snarled at Ainninn.

"Do not tolerate such disrespect from her in front of your father! If she raises her eyes to you, warn her once then strike her. If she dares to shoot death looks at you, flog her!" He kicked at Dru's trembling body on the ground and made a promise. "If you try any surly acts while I can grab you, you lose another inch of skin from your shredded back. If you embarrass Ainninn in any way, I'll cut your tongue out and stew it for your dinner! Do you understand me?" Before she could answer, he advised her, "You won't live long enough to stand before me if I hear any word but yes pass your lips."

"Yes, Sir," Dru answered dutifully and waited for permission to rise.

"Thank you, Finntan," Ainninn said softly. "I am in your debt for this reminder. Slave, on your feet."

Finntan walked away leaving Dru to get up on her own.

"Mery, if you would," Finntan's good nature returned abruptly as he addressed his love, "take my arm. I'd enjoy nothing more than walking by your side as we return my the land of my birth."

Mery gave a small smile and nodded her ascent. They strolled down the road like a pair of young lovers returning from a their wedding night. Ainninn watched them for a moment before hurrying after them. She caught up in five steps. Dru did nothing more than struggle to her feet and trail behind the trio.

Muffled shouts could be heard from the battlements before them. The calls were not directed to the party approaching. The messages being relayed were for those behind the walls. With a crack and thunderous groan of wood, the door protecting the passage into the fortress began to lower from the top seam outward.

"I've never seen such a contraption," Mery marveled as she watched the door open.

"Our chief has a rich mind. He creates all sorts of devices to protect our people," Finntan explained with more than a small amount of pride apparent.

The tunnel beyond the doorway into the fortress was narrow. It would only allow one man at a time to pass the length of it. Once inside, the traveler was defenseless. The walls were too close for a warrior to draw his broad sword from it's scabbard. Should his sword be at the ready, a warrior would have not room to wield it. Retreat was complicated for a broad warrior as there was no room to turn. They either advanced or were forced to blindly back up.

"I'll go first. The way is dark. Keep hold of my cloak and follow close on my heels."

Mery nodded agreement with Finntan's directions.

Ainninn looked over her shoulder at Dru. The woman, in spite of her bloody nose, was staring in wonder at the fortress. Ainninn could not help but be pleased with the open admiration of her father's creation.

"Amazing, isn't it?" Ainninn asked.

Dru nodded but then thought better of her silence. "It is a wonder. Is this why the Romans are so eager to befriend your people, Mistress?"

Ainninn smirked before she answered. "It is only the half of it. The less impressive half, I might add."

The four weary travelers made their way down the narrow but lengthy passage in silence. The walls were so tightly hewn, even the smallest breath echoed like a shout. Mery and Dru grunted several times as they stumbled over the uneven stones beneath their feet. Their distress was magnified many times by their own echoes. Their sighs of relief when they finally saw the light at the tunnel's end caused soft chuckles from both Finntan and Ainninn.

"Follow the bright path and you'll be swallowed by the sea beneath the cliffs," Finntan warned. "The floor at that end of the tunnel ends before the walls do."

He lead the way sharply left into what seemed an even narrower and darker tunnel. His shoulders brushed the walls on either side. The soft whisper of his cloak against the stones was all that remained of him in the blackness surrounding them.

"Finntan?" Mery hush her words but they boomed in an echo.

"Easy," Ainninn said in an equally magnified voice before touching Mery's back. "A few steps more."

"Ouch," Mery crashed into Finntan.

"Do not lift your foot. Glide it along the smooth stone until you feel a step," Finntan instructed before he moved again.

The floor beneath them creaked open. Mery could see Finntan had descended several steps below where she was standing. The lighting was better but still dim. She did as he instructed and found the step with tip of her boot. She eased her right foot down once and then let the left join it. Again she repeated the process and felt a cool breeze caress her legs. One step more and Finntan was able to grasp her hips and lift her down to grass covered ground.

"Thank the Gods," Mery exclaimed her relief at exiting the tight confines.

Finntan chuckled and turned back in time to see Ainninn's feet descending. Her progress halted briefly while she instructed Dru on the subtleties of the steps.

"As Finntan said, feel with your foot for the steps. Once you are down three, he and I can lift you the rest of the way."

"Mistress, I can't see," her voice was shaking with fear. "Please, free my hands so I can follow without snapping my neck."

"The loss is mine if you break," Ainninn was annoyed. "Do as I say and hope for the best."

Before Dru could form any argument, Ainninn dropped onto the solid field beneath the tunnel's opening. A scraping of soft and tattered leather sounded as Dru obeyed the direction. Her foot struggled to the edge of the stone floor and found the stair below. She grunted at the uncontrolled plop. But, her other foot eagerly joined its mate on the step. Dru edged forward again and once more caught the edge and made an ungainly drop to the step. Her other foot scrapped along but followed. Her third try was less graceful and she hit the stone stair hard enough to lose her balance. If Ainninn and Finntan had not grabbed a thigh each, Dru would have been wedge shoulders to heels between the tunnel wall and the stairs.

She could not contain her gulps of terror even though she was safely standing on grass ground. Dru dropped to her knees, trembling at what almost was her fate. Finntan stepped close between Dru and Ainninn. His voice was low as he warned them.

"Show no care for her Ainninn. Dru look for no comfort. Our Chief approaches, pay him his due and act as you are; Mistress and slave."

Dru glanced up. The brilliant sunlight was blinding after the darkness of the tunnel. It reflected off the sea beyond the wood and stone homes speckling the enclosed hillside. A village perfectly defended by a treacherous cliff at its back and a man made trap at its breast. And, their leader was racing toward them like a wild mare from the land of dreams.

He was shorter than Ainninn but as broad as Finntan. He was dressed in a wool battle skirt and heavy boots. His cape billowed behind him leaving his naked chest exposed to wind and wandering eyes. The man's hair was gray as storm clouds and braided into three plaits; one slung over each ear and one down the back of his head. As he ran toward them, he let out a braying cry. Dru thought, for a moment, he might actually slay them were they stood. Instead, he hurled himself at Ainninn and wrapped her in a smothering hug. The pair of them almost crashed to the dirt but he managed to hang on and stay on his feel.

"I was this very moment prepared to go search for you! Where have you been? What has taken so long to be back to my side?" He fired off the questions as he pulled Ainninn to arm's length only to draw her back and hug her again. "I saw the ship three, no four, yes, four suns ago rowing for the coast. You should have been home by the next eve's supper at the very latest. Where have you been?"

"My fault, my friend," Finntan spoke up quickly to apologize. "I delayed our return by insisting on rest and meals. I worried after the women's health too much, perhaps. My focus was on safely returning and not timely."

"I think there is more to your story than that," the Chief said as he eyed the drawn features of Ainninn's face.

Ainninn hushed a plea, "Please, there is much good news. Do not lessen the wonder of it by worrying over a minor bump."

"A bump? Or is it several?" He asked in an equally low voice.

"I promise to share all with you by your hearth before the moon rises. Let us, for now, reassure our neighbors. We were very successful with the Romans. We will gain much and suffer little from them in the coming years."

He smiled then. A bright and dimpled cheek smile. Another solid hug was given before he turned to face the gathering of villagers who had hurried to greet their returning friends and learn their collective fate.

"We are blessed, twice or maybe more," the Chief bellowed to the group. "My daughter has returned whole and safe and with our brother, Finntan. They have happy news for us. Tell them, Ainninn, tell them what you've achieved."

Ainninn struggled to hide her surprise. Her father was their leader. Any news should come from his lips. For him to step aside while breath still filled his lungs, was unprecedented. However, she did not want his faith in her misplaced and she cleared her throat to speak.

"We have an agreement with the Romans. We will guide their merchants to our neighbors to the west. They wish only to trade their goods for our neighbors wool. Each expedition they will give our Chief his weight in gold, a literate slave, and a cask of wine from their most pristine vineyards."

A surly woman at the forefront of the group interrupted, "How wonderful for our Chief, your father. This venture makes the noble Loich even richer."

"And, that gains you nothing?" Ainninn asked before her father could snap an angry rebuttal.

"Unless the slave is warming her bed of gold while tapping the wine cask for her private sampling, Maida won't be happy," a thin man in the back of the group quipped.

Ainninn waited for the nervous laugher to die out on its own. "Loich, your Chief, my father, has grown fat off your labor, Maida? He fed his belly while your six babes wailed in hunger? Is that how it has been all these years since your husband fled your bed?"

"You insolent whelp!" Maida hissed.

Again, Ainninn spoke before her father could. "The very fact you dare curse at Loich's daughter before him and our neighbors proves his fairness. He has never let a villager suffer needlessly if he had means to help. He killed deer for your table before he slaughter rabbit for mine own meal. If anybody has complaint about his largesse, it is myself and my dead too soon mother. You and your children have nothing to complain about."

The crowd was quiet. Loich kept his emotions from his face. Ainninn was unsure if she had said too much. She was more nervous than any in the gathering when her father began speaking.

"My daughter is my fame. I've no need to add my words to her generous appraisal of my actions." He smiled then and the villagers relaxed with his ease. "I know you'll forgive my wanting to shelter my daughter and Finntan for the rest of this day and eve to come. We'll celebrate their homecoming tomorrow with a grand feast. Let me see them safely under my roof and prove to myself they are well indeed."

The gathering of neighbors resumed happily greeting Ainninn and Finntan. Most stayed gathered or along the path to shake their hands. But, a scattering few walked after Maida when she turned her back on Loich and headed for her hearth.

Even though the path was well known to them, Ainninn and Finntan followed Loich to his home. The way was less traveled than the other paths around their village. The grass was lush beneath their feet and served to cushion their steps. The home was a stone structure with its own parapet jutting off the corner closest to the cliff's edge; closest to the sea. A watcher within its bosom would notice any vessel traveling over the waves toward the coast.

Loich shouldered the heavy wooden door open and warm, scented air surrounded the weary travelers behind him. "Come in and sit by my fires. I have hot food ready and warm cider at the ready."

Loich's direction was in a voice weak with worry. It startled Ainninn to see her father's frailty. He never betrayed the smallest pain even when her mother stitched closed gaping wounds hard won in a fight. Here, in the comfort of his own home, Loich slouched with fatigue and he seemed unsteady on his feet.

"Are you ill?" Ainninn asked while Finntan closed the door after they entered. "It looks to me like you should sit while we make you a fine meal. What plagues you?"

Loich snorted and shook his head slowly as he answered, "Your mother, my child. She's haunted me for nearly a moon. Heaping vile curses on my manhood for letting you travel so far from home. She feared you dead. So many nights, she woke me from sound sleeping. She went on and on about your sweet head being too cherished to be, as she spoke, 'smashed apart on the floor above the sea.' I've no argument with that but I don't know what mystery she divines for me."

"Gods, that woman was strong stuff in life and now in death she's worse," Finntan gasped in horror.

Mery placed a hand to his chest to quiet his fears. "Tahemetnesu is not here to harm you, warrior. She returned to warn her husband to be more careful with his treasury."

"That was my very goal," Loich interrupted Mery. "I sent the only two I could trust to deal with Rome. My treasury is secure because of their skills. Why would Tahemetnesu lecture me when I'm right in what I've done?" He paused a moment before asking, "And, who are you and what is that ragged little creature skulking in Ainninn's shadow? Ainninn, what have you brought into our home?"

Mery answered first and fiercely, "Your treasure is your daughter, you braggart. Tahemetnesu is right to return from the land beyond the Styx to lecture your carelessness with her. She did smash her skull on a floor above the sea. The ship's deck was coated with her blood. We nearly lost her."

Loich took Ainninn by the shoulders as much to view her as to steady his trembling. "Is what she says true? Did you almost wash away from me?"

Ainninn nodded and Loich gasped. He pulled her into a tight hug and wept into her hair.

"I will never let you leave our shores again. You will stay here and tend these lands until it is time you join your mother in her paradise. I promised her I would not let you wander too far from her grave. She wants an eternity with you. I thought it all to be childish religion and promised her but did not believe the words. She returned to tell me I'm a fool. A fool damned to eternity without either of you."

Ainninn's heart broke for her father. She didn't know for certain if it was a specter who haunted him or if his mind fled his head. She did know he was worried and sad and grieving the one he lost and the one he almost lost.

"All is fine. I am well. Mery and Finntan and the little Viking took care of me," Ainninn was aware Dru stiffened at the title. Apparently, Dru perceived the term as an insult and not a promotion. "Let me introduce you well to Finntan's woman," Ainninn began.

"It is more right to say, I'm Mery's man," the big man laughed and draped his arm around Mery's shoulders. "Loich, my life long friend and Chief, this is Mery from the land of the Ptolemy. She'll have me."

Loich stood straighter to acknowledge the Egyptian but kept his arms around Ainninn. "You are most welcome among my people. Let them be your people too. We, your new family, will set to build you a dwelling after the homecoming festivities tomorrow."

"What of my hut?" Finntan questioned. "I thought she'd stay with me."

"You'll stay with her." Loich chuckled with the first sign his humor was returning, "We'll knock your hovel over with a one handed push and build Mery suitable housing."

"I, I don't know what to say. Your generosity is without equal," Mery stammered.

"You saved my daughter. You tolerate my best friend," Loich said with a wink. "It is the least I can do for you. Now, sit by the fire. I'll get the cider and meat."

"No," Dru spoke up but flinched when Finntan balled his fist and glared at her.

"What is this?" Loich questioned with a flare of anger all his own.

"Pardon, Master, but I am to serve my Mistress. If you show me the way to the kitchen, I will do my duty," Dru spoke in her clearest speech to make sure her intent was understood by all.

"Funny little accent. No Viking there," Loich laughed. "Ainninn, set the little slave to work and join me by the hearth."

Ainninn drew her blade. She sliced the leather binding Dru's wrist. Another slit freed the collar from its leash.

With a gentle toss of her head to the left, Ainninn issued her first real command to Dru, "Kitchen is behind the tarp. The food and drink should be in cooking pots on the table. Bring them to the fire and then you can fetch the plates and cups."

"Yes, Mistress," Dru spoke without looking up.

Ainninn felt her stomach knot but the others did not notice as the went to sit and waited to be served by Ainninn's slave.

Chapter 9

Ainninn climbed down the ladder from the second tier of her home. She was well rested after a night of good food and strong drink by the fire of her own father's hearth. In fact, she was still a bit giddy from the revelry of her first night home. She drank more than she usually allowed herself. Loich needed to lend her an arm to steady her when it was time to take her rest.

That was an equally intoxicating event. Sleeping in her own bedding was more delightful than she dared to remember on the trip to Rome. As she reached the hearth side, Ainninn promised herself she would never leave her home again. A small worry bloomed like a weed that she would not be able to keep that promise.

The house was still. It seemed as if the other occupants had not awakened yet. This did not surprise Ainninn. They had all made very merry late into the evening. She was certain Finntan and her father would have pounding heads when they finally did rise. It was the least she could do for them to prepare strong cider to ease their suffering. A bit of broth would be welcome after a more than likely purge of their bellies' lingering contents.

Ainninn stepped into the damp chill of the kitchen to begin preparations of food to break their fasts. She skidded to a stop when she saw the naked figure huddled under the table. It took her foggy brain a few moments to determine the who and the why of the sleeper shivering on the floor's cold stones.

"Oh yes, my little slave," Ainninn murmured as she realized she had actually forgotten about the slave while she indulged in excessive consumption of cider and mead and wine during the previous eve's festivities.

Ainninn squatted down to examine Dru more closely. She had looked on the woman's nakedness before but always quickly so she would not be caught gaping by Finntan or Mery or Dru herself. On board the ship, it seemed wrong to gawk at the the woman she injured. A slave she wrongly punished. Somehow, in her own kitchen, it seemed more appropriate for Ainninn to inspect her property.

Dru was huddled face down. Her bare ass was humped high in the air and her wrist were chained tightly to her ankles. Dru face was turned so her right cheek was pressed against the cold stones. Her jaw was slack allowing drool to dribbled down her chin. A soft snore punctuated her breaths.

Ainninn looked at the strong muscles of Dru's arms and legs. Even in sleep they seemed to flex in preparation for trouble. The skin stretched across them was tanned from unprotected days under the Mediterranean sun. Scars were plentiful but not so hideous as to distort the power slumbering beneath the skin. In fact, the well healed wounds accentuated the slave's fortitude. A force so resilient ongoing suffering could not destroy it. Even the old brand burned into the meat of her thigh, marking her origin as a Greek slave, seemed only to reiterate the body could endure oppression and survive. Ainninn noted most of Dru's bruises from the arena were too faded to see. The only lingering damage still visible was the welts Ainninn inflicted with her precise and merciless whipping.

Looking away from the harsh reminder of her failure to show good judgment, Ainninn's eyes settled on the downy white skin of Dru's ass. Those delicate globes were as fair as the day Dru was born. The rounded cheeks trembled with each breath inhaled. The delicious curves seemed to beg for closer inspection. Ainninn reached out to finger the delicate and only unscarred patch of skin left on the slave's much abused body.

She was within a hair's width of stroking the sweet ass when Dru jerked to wakefulness. Her body bolted backward within the limited confines of the chain links. Years of abuse trained Dru well. Even sleeping, her body was ready for an assault. She tucked into a fetal position to protect her face and unprotected belly. Fists clenched in spite of their helplessness dangling at the end of chained wrists. With a sideward glance and blinking eyes, Dru tried to find the danger which woke her. Her shoulders sagged as her gaze focused on Ainninn.

"Morning," Ainninn said with a deep hush.

Dru took no comfort in the tone, "Mistress wishes a meal?"

Ainninn shook her head no. "I would see what I've won for myself before I eat again."

"Mistress has seen my shame," Dru looked up a bit and then back down when she saw the clear interest in Ainninn's eyes. "I'm too beaten and broken to linger over. Let me fix a feast for you and the house."

Ainninn shook her head no again. "I'll feast but it will not be on food. You belong to me. We are safe and home. I'll finally see all that I earned and I'll touch it too."

Ainninn stood and retrieved the key for the chain from the cupboard across the room. When she turned back, Dru was openly glaring at her. Hatred was obvious in the tight set of her jaw and squint of her eyes but fear was there too. Ainninn smirked and walked over to squat before the slave once again.

"If Finntan was in this room, he would knock you senseless. Do not shoot death looks at me if you intend to keep air in your lungs."

"Why will you hurt me?" Ignoring the warning, Dru questioned in a voice broken with hopelessness.

Ainninn stopped midway to releasing the chain. Dru's face, filled with fright, was so young. Years in the arena had not hardened her to the point she lost her youthful glow. Her hard fought life had not destroyed every last vestige of her innocence. Her fear softened her features and made her eyes moist with tears which she fought not to shed.

Still, Dru was a strong woman, attractive, and trapped. Ainninn was deeply aroused by both the woman and her own power over the slave. It was a new feeling but one Ainninn could not deny. She did not think to question if the feeling was right or wrong. She only knew it was as tempting at the brew she swilled the night before.

"You've endured much worse than what I intend."

Dru's hissed her reply but it was filled with terror, "If you force me, it is just as bad as what was inflicted before you. It is crushing."

"It won't have to hurt."

"If my will is not with you, it will be far more painful than the flogging. Would that be all you do to me this morning, I'd kiss your feet in gratitude."

"I can be kind," Ainninn felt awkward but continued to try to reassure her slave. "I was taught much by a Greek traveler after I came into my own. My father made sure I knew both men and women so I could rule them more easily. You must know the desires of both sexes to rule adequately. I know, not only passion, but how to be gentle and caring as well."

"Then be so," Dru said and looked up with pleading eyes. "Be gentle with me. Care for me. Don't use me for your wants like you would a whore."

Ainninn sighed unhappy with Dru's continued resistance, "You are my slave, not a whore. It is different. You must do as I will, that is your lot. I've had enough of this discussion. My will is to be comforted by your mouth without delay." Ainninn said as she reached for the chain once more, "I want you on your knees now."

Dru stuttered in absolute horror, "Right here? On the kitchen floor? With the sun high in the sky? You lower me to less than a whore. You make me a bitch in heat. Is this the kindness you spoke of? The gentle caring? You act like a Roman. No, this is worse than they ever did to me. You act like a rutting pig and I merely a sow in the muck."

The slap was well earned. Both women knew it. Dru let her head roll with the hit but it was still forceful enough to split her lip. Blood oozed where only moments ago child like drool dribbled.

"Pardon Mistress," the venom in the words could not have been thicker.

Ainninn grabbed Dru's chin and dragged her face to face. "Silence! If Finntan or my father hear you utter words so glibly, they will end your life."

Dru's eyes closed and she angled her head back exposing her neck, "Please let that be the caring you spoke not long ago of. I've spent too long on my knees intimately pleasing people I do not even like. Then, when my owners were sated, I was sent off to kill. I've murdered too many men I actually admired. I've suffered too long at the hands of petty women like you to continue to pretend to care if I'll see another morning. So, Ainninn, if you are wont to rape me, just kill me instead or I promise you before the moon rises I will find my own exit from this gentle kindness you praise yourself with."

Ainninn stared at Dru. Her words, her anger, her desire fled with the resignation and defiance of the shackled woman huddled before her.

"You ruin my morning," Ainninn finally growled. "I would have made you enjoy a little pleasure before you set to your tasks but your sharp tongue and your sour face steal the warmth from my center. Would it have been too much to ask for a simple suckle?"

"If you had but just asked," Dru nearly wept her reply, "I would have happily comforted you."

"Ha, the Viking Slave of Rome wishes to be wooed," Ainninn said and tossed her hands in the air in complete disgust.

Dru shook her head no and answered, "No Mistress, a Suebi woman enslaved by Roman soldiers and swindled into your possession, who saved your life once already, wishes only to be treated as something like a human. Perhaps, you could find it in your gently caring heart to think of your slave as a favorite pet or useful ox. Is that too much to ask of you, Mistress?"

For the second time that morning, Ainninn was silenced. She had no answer worthy of the argument. Climbing to her feet, Ainninn stalked out of the room in search of something else. She was unsure what that might be but she knew she would find no satisfaction in the kitchen.

Dru watched Ainninn stride away. She kept her eyes focused on the swinging tarp her Mistress pushed aside to leave. Its soft sway was the only wake Ainninn left behind her. Her feet made no sound as she crossed the stone floors to wherever she would go next.

Dru hung her head and let the nausea rolling in her belly flip what remained there from the night before. The food has become as heavy as stones with the tension of the morning. The weight of it made her sorry she bothered to eat anything at all.

She had served them well and mutely last eve. Keeping their plates filled and the mugs brimming. The four spoke and laughed and even sang a bit before they staggered off to their beds. Finntan bid them good night and then pointed Dru to the kitchen. He followed her and made her strip in front of him which frightened her. When he pulled a chain from an eye ring in the wall, Dru considered bolting but the man waved her over easily with the promise it was just ensure she wasn't stolen from under Ainninn's roof. He made quick work of chaining her tightly. He said nothing but did pat her head before he waddled off to find his way to Mery's bed.

Dru realized she had allowed herself to be fooled. They lulled her with a tranquil domestic setting. The chores given to her were reassuring in their ordinary nature. Even the casual pat on her head took the humiliation of chaining away. At least, it eased the sting a bit allowing Dru to relax and sleep.

Then it ended like sweet dreams are known to do. Ainninn boldly entered at day break looking to sow her oats. Ainninn, her owner and a woman, just barely so but grown enough, and a simple villager, too boot, Still, she was just as randy as a Roman soldier.

"No peace," Dru muttered and lowered her eyes.

A glint of metal caught her attention. There, within reaching distance even bound, was the key. A means to escape the kitchen for certain. But, where would she go once unbound?

"Worry then, run now," she growled as she grabbed for a temporary release.

Ainninn was annoyed. Annoyed so much as to need a sulk but not so much as to forget something as important as the key to the chain. She dropped it or tossed it or it simply removed its own self from her hand. It was not lost. The tiny but vital piece of forged steel was to the left of Dru's right knee. A three legged and blind cat would have little trouble finding it. What of a weary slave? One reduced to threatening suicide if forced to taste between Ainninn's thighs; would that slave find the key? Ainninn grinned feeling a renewed excitement in the morning's promise. She settled on a stone across from her father's door to watch and see if a show would emerge from within.

Dru crept to the tarp using all the skills she learned in the arena. The house was so quiet, it was like she was completely alone. Pushing the tarp aside, she saw the room as she left it the night before. Nothing had changed. Listening with every fiber of her body, Dru neither heard nor felt the faintest of rumblings in the house.

"Time to act," she made up her mind and sprung to the door.

Ainninn barely saw the flash of white flesh barrel out of her father's house. Dru dashed around the far side of the home and darted momentarily out of sight.

"Ha-ha, and I thought it would be a dull day!" Ainninn chuckled before sprinting after her runaway slave.

The only sound she made as she put distance between herself and her captivity was the rustle grass. Dru was cutting a path down an incline heading for the cliff. Over the edge and into the wildly tossing water below was looking like her ultimate escape. It seemed only two or three horse lengths more. The cold wind was welcome against her tear stained face. She briefly thought of how perfect the morning was with fresh air blowing by her as she raced into the sun rising out of the sea; as she ran toward eternal freedom.

Dru nearly stumbled when she crested what she thought was the edge of the cliff. Instead of a long drop down to jagged rocks jutting out of the black cold ocean, she was greeted by another long meadow of green and wet and lush grass. It stretched to another sightless edge.

"There, that's the end of it," she panted and picked up her feet and put them down hard to control her speed on the slippery field. "It must be the end of this world."

The closer she got to the edge, the more concerned she became for the sea beyond her. It did not seem to function as an ocean should. Crashing waves make a joyous noise and birds squawk a choir of support. But, this sea behind Loich's house had no sound. It was mute or muzzled but silenced none the less.

"Quiet it can be but let it be wet enough to drown me, strong enough to kill me," she pleaded as she continued to hurry to something wanting only to get further from her.

Three heads bobbed up and down and up again from beyond the edge of the meadow. Dru gasped and tried to stop but only skidded along the wet grass. The heads bobbed up again and attached shoulders were bouncing into view as well. Loich, Finntan, and Mery were emerging from over the edge and approaching the meadow.

The men were more naked than their mothers' had ever seen them and drenched. Steam rose from their skin but their howls were laughter and not pain. Mery was wet at well but wearing linen that revealed more than it covered. She was happily chatting with the pair.

Dru's arms flailed as she tried to turn back toward where she came. Three sets of eyes settled on her and widened. The expected shouts signaling a hunt for a runaway did not follow. The three seemed to be shouting a warning to her but she was too frighten and the language too thick for her to understand. It was only when a solid body slammed into her that she understood their words.

"Watch out!"

Dru managed to stay on her feet but was dragged several steps with Ainninn. Her Mistress finally released any hold she had on Dru and accepted she'd fall alone. Ainninn flipped and flopped into the grass. She was still sliding when Dru, completely panicked, got her feet solidly under her and turned to flee north. The shouts from the onlookers not only continued but seemed to grow in number as panting behind her increased.

A grunt of effort and Dru's knees were knocked to the ground. Both hands went out to break her fall but her face still smashed into the dirt anyway. Scrambling still, Dru spit out bits of grass as she tried to claw free of the arms holding her legs. Fits of laughter weakened her efforts. Dru shot a glance over her shoulder and saw a giggling but breathless Ainninn holding her fast.

"Fun, such fun. You were right, this was much better than a tumble in the blankets. Lets go again," Ainninn panted the words and climbed the length of Dru's body, holding her tight for the entire journey. "This time, maybe we should grease you so it's not so easy on my."

Dru, stunned by the words, was left to merely stared at Ainninn.

"You should have said you'd be racing," Loich called as he approached with his two companions and several villages following him. "I'd have got the betting set. You spoil our sport being impulsive."

Finntan smiled but did not voice his support. His eyes narrowed when Dru looked to him. A subtle head shake let her know he was not fooled.

"The pair of you must wash up. I'll not have you track mud and grass into my host's home," Mery scolded and appeared unaware of the deception Ainninn fabricated.

"Ah yes, a sprits in the lake," Ainninn sighed. "Wonderful follow up to a hearty race. Especially, a race I won!"

"Enjoy the morning, my girl. Today you rest and recreate. Tomorrow our work begins again. There'll be no games again until the winter winds blow the Romans back to pig muck of their homeland."

"He'll cut you to shreds if you try that again," Ainninn said quietly as she and Dru walked down the meadow.

Dru did not answer. She kept trying to walk behind her Mistress but Ainninn continued to slow her pace. Every few steps they would be abreast of each other again.

"You hear me, right?" Ainninn asked.

"Yes, Mistress."

"Why run? You can't get away from here." Anninn stopped walking and spread her arms wide at the vista around them. "The way we entered is impossible for an outside to follow back. Running toward the sea will only exhaust you as you tramp from one meadow to the next. Our protection to the east is the sea itself. The shoals are speckled with vicious stones to wreck any vessel approaching. There is no escape from my village, Dru."

Dru answered easily. "You are not correct, Mistress. Death is an escape which seemed within reach this morning. But, fast as I chased it, you were just a bit faster."

"Should I be pleased or insulted that I am more unbearable than your Roman masters?"

"Mistress' will to be either, I suppose," Dru said with a shrug and began to look for the lake. "Where is this thing? How do you hide the obvious?"

Ainninn did not reply. She turned and continued to walk again. This time she made certain to stay a step ahead of Dru. When they finally dropped into a lower meadow, Dru gasped at the sight. The lake was enormous and filled with churning but clear water. It lapped at its banks like a dog greeting a long absent master.

Without warning, Ainninn grabbed Dru by the arm and a fistful of hair. She began to drag her along. She pulled and shoved and forced the slave into the fridge water. When the water climbed higher than her hips, Dru realized Ainninn was not intending on stopping.

"Mistress," she stuttered with the cold and fear. "I'm not so very good in water."

"You don't need to be good in the water to drown. If that is what you meant to do then let me help you the rest of the way."

Ainninn jerked Dru forward. Dru splashed face first into a dunk. She snapped up gasping for breath and tried to move to safety without getting in deeper. But, Ainninn was on her. A firm hand on her head and a push sent Dru under the surface. Dru struggled but could not break free. Mighty gladiator she was but her beating on the ship, the long days' journey in a colder climate, and the failed dash to the sea conspired to weaken her. Her body jerked against her Mistress' hold but she could not get her nose above the water. Her fingers dug into Ainninn's skin climbing higher up the strong arms but it did her lungs no good.

With a strong tug, Ainninn pulled Dru's head above the waves. "You like this drowning? Is this what you wanted? Shall you like to drown some more?"

Dru was coughing, trying for a breath of air. She could not speak but she heard the words very clearly. She very much wanted to say no but it was not possible. Ainninn, tired of waiting, shoved her slave under the surface again. Dru dug her nails into Ainninn arm. She clawed and struggled. Suffocation was a greater agony than she'd imagined it would be. The pain made her body demand survive.

"Is this to you liking?" Ainninn screamed as she pulled Dru out again.

Dru was more prepared this time, "NO! NO! MERCY!"

The hold on her eased immediately. Dru sagged against her Mistress and panted for air. Ainninn bundled Dru up against her hip and hauled her along on the trudge back to the shore. The pair was exhausted but they eventually made it to the safety of the grass. They fell with the first stumble. Neither let go of the other as they hit the dirt. Long moments of ragged breaths passed before Ainninn sighed.

"You stop running for your death and I'll stop dropping you to your knees for my pleasure," Ainninn began the bargain. "Do what I tell you without complaint. I'll not ask you for your services in my bedroll or under the stars. I think I'm quite good at the task and you would have enjoyed me but I can spare you this chore if you promise all other things I demand."

"All I need to do is obey and not die by my own hand? You'll not abuse what the Romans' ruined?"

"This is what I said," Ainninn swallowed trying to catch her breath.

"I will obey you then. I will not seek my own exit from your care. But, I will hold you to your promise, Mistress," Dru warned. "I'll not lose my self again to the whim of my betters. The last time was the last time."

"As you say," Ainninn agreed. "Now, enough talk. Let's bath then eat and then race again. That was more fun than I expected."

Dru watched as Ainninn stood. The woman stretched before she striped off her clothing. Anninn was tall and lean. Muscles were clearly defined under firm and dark skin. Her breasts were sweetly rounded and the nipples peaked in the cold air. Ainninn's ass was finer than any Roman statue Dru had ever seen.

"What have I bargained away?" Dru thought bleakly as her Mistress went bounding into the water.

TBC

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