Though only armed with her pocket knife, Hadine steeled herself for the expected fight. She was sure that Tina would be able to assist her with her magic powers. But what she saw when they reached the little bay came unexpected.
The boat was at sea, heading for the open water. They obviously had dropped their captives at the shore, for the four girls were lying there in the gravel, still bound and gagged. Tina wanted to get to them, but Hadine stopped her.
„They sure haven`t put them here without a reason!“
Indeed, they now could hear approaching steps and a few moments later, a group of men appeared. They were wearing only loincloths, but were well armed with sabres, spears and axes. Each of the men was wearing a red bandana.
„The Brotherhood!“, Hadine whispered. Tina looked puzzled, but there was no time to explain, for now, the men were putting the girls over their shoulders and carrying to where they came from. They did not seem too surprised why the men had dropped them there for them.
Hadine and Tina sneaked behind them and followed the group along a narrow path that led to an iron ladder. One of them whistled and a rope was thrown down from above. One by one, the four girls were pulled upwards and disappeared in a black hole where Hadine and Tina could see some hands reaching for them. Then, the men climbed the ladder, except for three who remained as a guard.
„So, do we search for another entrance or will we attack?“, Tina asked, a bit surprised about her own bravery. But more and more, she felt that she was related to this earth and that she actually belonged here. If becoming the Queen of Light meant fighting, she would fight.
„The easiest would be if you just send them asleep“, Hadine answered, pointing at the three guards. Tina hesitated. She didn`t want to tell Hadine that she didn`t know how to do that. Or rather, she knew how to do it, but did not know the spell. And if she asked Hadine for it, the bounty huntress would know that she was just a sorceress in training.
„Before I do anything, you could tell me who these men are. You called them the Brotherhood?“
„They call them so by themselves. Before slavery became illegal, very often men who escaped grouped together and made a living as bandits. Over the decades, these small groups got either extinct or became part of the Brotherhood. Now, they are just a bunch of coast pirates. They work together with both the pirates and the criminals in Ruan. Their caves are easy to defend and so, the Army hasn`t been able to get rid of them. Instead, most city officials pay a sum to the Brotherhood to be left alone.“
„So, Vanessa and the others were some kind of payment?“, Tina asked.
Hadine nodded, then, she once again looked at the guarded entrance. From what she could see, there was nobody at the hole leading into the cave system, just the three guards.
„Now, it would be nice if you could send them into dreamland, Tina!“
„Don`t you think we will need all my magic powers once we are inside?“
Hadine looked at her and Tina was sure the other knew that she was just trying to hide that she didn`t know the correct spell, but then, she nodded.
„Maybe, you are right. Well, let`s hope that they become a bit careless!“
They waited and Hadine reached for one of her boots that Tina was wearing. In the shaft, a small blowpipe and some darts were hidden.
„This sleeping drug works very fast, but I can only shoot one at a time.“
Luckily, the three men were not too alert. They had a goatskin flask with wine and soon, they were half sitting, half lying at the rocks. Hadine aimed carefully and shot. Since they were only some 30 feet away, Tina could see the dart hitting his chest, but as promised, he hardly twitched before he fell asleep. His comrades hadn`t noticed the attack.
Fast, but not hasty, Hadine sent the two others to sleep. Then, she and Tina climbed up the ladder. They had considered to take their weapons, but Hadine had insisted that if the men woke up and found their weapons still there, they would perhaps think they had just fallen asleep from drinking and would not raise alarm.
As expected, the cave went deeper into the rock. Every few yards, there were glooming stones that gave enough light to orientate. Tina and Hadine followed the long corridor until it opened to a big stalactite cave. It looked quite impressive, but Tina only had eyes for the little pond in the middle. There, she could see Vanessa, Lana and the two peasant girls. They were naked, but they weren`t restrained and obviously enjoying their bath. Caris was brushing her hair whilst Ella and Lana were busy soaping their bodies. Vanessa just seemed to relax in the warm water.
„Compared to the slave ship, they sure have improved their position!“, Tina whispered.
Hadine was a bit puzzled. She didn`t know much about the Brotherhood, but treating slaves like that was quite unlikely for a gang of robbers. She also was worried that there weren`t any guards.
When she turned to Tina, she could see that she had begun to throw small pebbles at the bathing women. When she had hit Vanessa, she looked up and Tina waved to her.
„Tina!“
„Sshhh!“
„Oh no, Tina, there is no need to worry! We are save!“
Now, the others had seen her, too. In a way that looked a bit clumsy in the water, Ella and Caris even dropped a curtsey and said:
„Your Highness!“
Only Lana hadn`t moved, she was just staring daggers at Hadine. But then, she suddenly smiled and said:
„They are right, we are save and sound!“
She had spoken quite loud but only when Lana dived down to hide her naked body, the two newly arrived women could see the guards that just entered the cave. With a gasp, Ella and Caris disappeared in the water, too and only Vanessa waited what would happen next.
„There are two more to serve the Goddess!“, Lana said, pointing at Tina and Hadine. Tina could see half a dozen men approaching and decided to show them that she wasn`t just a weak girl.
„Arrah!“, she yelled, pointing at them with her fist.
„Tina, no!“, Hadine said and one moment later, Tina could see what she had done. The magic blow had not only thrown the guards to the ground, but also shaken the cave. Several stalactites were falling from the ceiling, nearly killing the screaming girls in the water who were either running for shelter or trying to hide in the pond. The earth was shaking and it took some time until they could be sure that the cave would not collapse.
„Oops!“
„That, my dear, is an understatement!“
Hadine was right. The earthquake had also made the corridor they had just come through collapse and now, they were trapped as more men were entering the cave, careful, but obviously determined not to let them go.
„So, you must be the Queen of Light!“
A tall man had entered, who was not only wearing the red bandana, but also a red cloak. This, together with his golden chain, showed that he was the leader of the Brotherhood. He slightly bowed towards Tina.
„Your friend“, she pointed at Vanessa who tried to look as dignified as one could be who was stark naked, „has told me about you. The rebels are my friends and so, I promised to set her and the others free.“
Hadine looked at Lana who lowered her head. She had no idea what part the Countess`s maid played in that game, but obviously, Vanessa hadn`t told the leader of the Brotherhood that Lana wasn`t one of the rebels. Besides, if these men brought them to the rebels, it would not help her cause of getting Tina to the Countess.
„So, you will get us to my men immediately?“, Tina asked. She had no idea who „her men“ were, but she didn`t want to sound like an idiot. The man smiled, but he shook his head.
„To your men, you may be the Queen, but the Brotherhood only bows to me – or to the gods. And that`s why you are here! I have no idea why my friend, the pirates`s captain, this time has sent me some slave girls instead of gold, but it sure was a lucky coincidence, since the feast of Kurali is near! After that, I will take you to wherever you want, but until then, you will be my guest!“
The way he said the last word made clear it rather meant „captives“. Tina just wanted to ask who said Kurali was, but she could see that the bounty huntress was looking nervous to the left and to the right where now several men were approaching. Suddenly, she tried to break through, but the guards finally managed to overpower her. Some of them were showing bruises or scratches from Hadine`s desperate fighting.
„Get her upstairs!“, the leader ordered, „I think we found our special gift to Kurali!“
They carried the still struggling Hadina out of sight. Tina thought of using another spell, but this could have caused the cave to collapse, killing everyone, including Vanessa. She looked at the leader and asked:
„So, what is it about this feast of Kurali?“
If the man was surprised that Tina didn`t know, he hid it well.
„Our distinguished goddess of fertility and love! Her day of honour is in two weeks. And you are guests of honour.“
Tina decided to ask Vanessa about the details. After all, this man had promised to set them all free afterwards, so, their part in the feast could not be lethal. However, it concerned her what rituals there could be to honour a goddes of love.
She went down towards her friend and the other women and to her surprise, the men left, after they had checked the corridor was really broken, leaving no escape to her.
„So, will we have to take part in any – well, any rituals of love and fertility then?“
„Of course“, Ella said, seeming not the least concerned. Vanessa, however, seemed to understand what Tina was talking about.
„These rituals are quite harmless. Well, we have to do some nude dancing around the altar, but it is strictly forbidden to violate a woman or girl in the name of Kurali. And being part of the ritual is a blessing. I really don`t understand what that blonde`s problem is!“
Neither of the girls recognized the malicious smile on Lana`s face.
***
„Panic is never a good counsellor!“
Hadine knew about this saying, but contrary to her companions, she could not frolic about participating in the feast of Kurali. Under other circumstances, it would have been an honour, but not now. The feast of the goddess alsways was three days after the rise of the full moon – a day she would be dead if she just stayed here waiting instead of getting Tina to the Countess.
In retrospective, it would have been better to give in and look for a possibility to escape later, but now, this wasn`t an option. The men obviously wanted to take care she could not beat any of them any more.
They had carried her upstairs, to an open yard, surrounded by smooth rocks. Hadine had seen several caves opening to the yard – and a big „X“, made of two large sticks, standing in the middle. They had tied her to that cross, using leather thongs they had pulled tight, binding her with spread arms and legs to the sticks at wrists, elbows, knees and ankles. They had ripped the cloth covering her body, leaving her stark naked. When she had cursed at the men, they had stuffed her loincloth, still salty from her bath in the sea, into her mouth and tied another rag between her libs. Above that, they had tied a strip of wet leather. Hadine knew that once the leather had dried, this gag would be quite uncomfortable and impossible to remove without help.
For a while, they had left her there. Some more men had come, watching her squirm the little her bondage allowed. They made some comments about her shapely breasts or her firm butt, but none of them dared to touch her. Then, the leader of the Brotherhood appeared.
„So, you don`t want to participate in honouring Kurali? Well, I am afraid that I think otherwise!“
„Mph!“
Hadine wasn`t sure what he had in mind. Kurali was the goddess of love and fertility. Either killing or raping a woman in her name would doom the one who committed the crime. So, what did he want to do with her?
„Maybe, you will be glad that you will be part of the feast of Kurali`s daughter.“
Hadine`s first reaction was relief, for the day of honour of Luana, Kurali`s daughter, would be on the day after tomorrow. But then, her eyes widened with horror.
Luana was the goddess of the kinkier sides of love. And to celebrate her, a woman was brought to orgasm in front of her altar. Usually, this was done by a volunteer, but obviously, Hadine had been chosen for that part.
„With that damned balm still on me, I will not be able to resist forever! And then, my head will be blown away!“
She let out a muffled scream, but the man only laughed. Then, he said:
„Let`s take care you won`t get burnt by the sun!“
Given the fact it was late evening, this was rather a joke, but Hadine was the butt of it. Several men began to wash her entire body with cold water. Usually, this would not have been the worst of all treatments, but they all took advantages of her helplessness, touching and groping her everywhere. Hadine`s hope that the aphrodisiac had worn off died when she was then creamed with copious amounts of lovely smelling oil. Though she tried to fight it with all her might, she could not help reacting to all these men touching and massaging her body. She felt her nipples grow hard and her loins trembled when a hand expored her middle. She squirmed and moaned as her arousal grew, though she knew that this would bring death to her and all these men around.
„Wow, this could be such a short ritual that Luana might be disappointed!“, one of the men joked when Hadine was thrusting her hips forward, longing for him to touch her with more pressure. In fact, she had fought down her arousal with all her might, but it seemed that all her strength and self control was nothing against the power of this damned aphrodisiac. When she felt a man push two fingers inside her, she almost lost control, since the usually slight teasing was multiplied by ten.
It was the men`s sence of mockery that saved her life. When they saw that Hadine was short from climaxing, they withdrew. After all, she was meant for Luana, not for them – at least not now.
Panting and trembling, Hadine tried to regain control over her brain and her hot loins. After what seemed to be an eternity, her arousal decreased, but Hadine felt that a steady flame of desire was still burning within her – a flame that would not need much to become an open fire.
***
The leader of the Brotherhood kept his word about treating them like guests – almost. His men remained outside the cave, whilst Tina took the opportunity to bathe, too. After that, they had to dress in the clothes the men had given to them: fine silver chains to wear around their waists, made to keep the white silk cloths between their legs in place. These only covered their private parts, but only partially hit their butts and did nothing to protect their hips from view. However, they were quite convenient and better than nothing.
Each was given another white silk cloth that was slung around the neck, then pulled over their breasts and then knotted in the back. Tina felt a bit like wearing bra and panties, but at least, she was no longer naked. The last item they got was a pair of white sandals each.
„The proper dress for a virgin“, Vanessa mocked, causing Ella and Caris to blush. They either still were virgins or had just problems with talking about anything sexual.
When they had finished dressing, two guards brought some iron chains with shackles. They had to line up side by side, descending by their height. The row started with Tina, followed by Vanessa. Then, Ella, who was just half an inch smaller, followed, then Lana, the second redhead. The brunette Caris, being just 5`, built the end of the row.
The men started by chaining Tina`s left leg to Vanessa`s right. She could feel the chain was rather light, but it looked as if it was made of solid steel. Perhaps, she could try to open it with magic later.
The row went on, Vanessa was tied to Ella, Ella to Lana and that to Caris. Each chain was some two feet in length, meaning that they could walk without problems, but not run. And, of course, tied like that, none of them could go their own way.
Like that, they were led upstairs, where they were allowed a glimpse of Hadine, naked, gagged and tied to an Andreas`s cross. She looked at them and let out a moan, but Tina just waved to her, not knowing what to say.
They were quickly led into another cave that had the size of a normal room. To their surprise, it had neither a door nor iron bars, just a woolen curtain. Inside, there was a large divan and a table with several bowls and bottles on it.
The women greedily ate and drank, then, they explored their prison. There wasn`t much to be seen. In a corner, hidden behind another curtain, was a little toilet. It was almost a luxury, but since they were tied together, using it meant that the others had to come with one and to stand close to the entrance.
Tina pushed away the curtain of their cell and could see no guard outside. But sure, there were enough people around and besides, they had no idea where the next exit was. The Brotherhood could easily allow them some privacy.
„So, we will just stay together for a while and then, we can get to my supporters?“, Tina asked. She didn`t like the idea of dancing around an altar in the nude, but she would not die from that either. However, the way these men had treated Hadine concerned her.
„That`s what they said. At least, the Brotherhood is not involved in slavery – though they sometimes help slavers doing their business.“
Vanessa had briefed Tina about what had happened on the ship. Still, they were not sure about Lana`s role in that all. She somehow was an accomplice of Hadine, but had been left behind by the bounty huntress when she had made her getaway with Tina. In addition, she seemed to be related to those who considered Tina a rebel that should be killed.
„But what shall I do, after they set us free? I am just a girl and once you are together with your men, I am at your mercy!“, Lana said. She sure had overheard their conversation. Tina looked at hte redhead. Perhaps, she would be a valuable hostage, once she was together with the other rebels. She had no idea whether these were an entire army or just a few men, but sure they would be enough to take care of Lana. Ella and Caris seemed to have made their decision already, for they always adressed her by „Your Highness“, though Tina had told them to call her by name.
Lana had made her decision, too. She would try to befriend Tina and Vanessa. If they stayed until the ritual, Hadine would be dead. Then, if she played her cards right, she would be the one who could lead the Contess`s men to Tina`s hideout.
So, she used her skills to sound weak, her voice trembling and tears in her eyes. Tina didn`t say anything, but Lana hoped that she could become a friend of the would-be Queen.
For some time, the girls just relaxed, seeing no point in walking around through the cave village being chained together. Tina, who was lying on the right side of the divan, could look through a small window carved in the rock. It had the size of a palm and was hardly more than an airhole, but Tina could see a bit of the yard. She tried to get a glimpse of Hadine in her predicament, but instead, she could see a man who looked different from the other men, for he was fully dressed.
Tina oppressed a gasp. She knew this man! It was Petico, the captain of the slave ship! What was he doing here?
She could not understand what Petico was saying, but she could see him shake the leader`s hand and talk to him as if they were friends.
Tina looked around, but beside her, the others were sleeping. She was electrified. Obviously, this Brotherhood was not only on friendly terms with the pirates, but also with the men they had robbed. Vanessa`s words came to her mind: the Brotherhood were no slavers, but sometimes worked together with those who sold slaves. Like that Petico did.
„So, if this captain has got something to offer, we might end up as slaves just after the ritual!“, she thought.
Tina turned over to Vanessa, shutting her mouth with her hand to keep her calm.
„Mhhmm?“
Quickly, Tina whispered into Vanessa`s ear what she just had witnessed. The brunette pondered for a few moments, then, she answered:
„We should better try our best to get away!“
The first problem was that if there was a spell to open chains, Vanessa didn`t know it. So, they would have to try their escape altogether. Quickly, they woke up the others and told them about the latest turn of events.
„Perhaps, this captain is just trying to get some supplies and has no idea we are here“, Caris said.
„He definitely must have seen Hadine“, Lana answered. She did not actually like the idea of trying an escape, but on the other hand, it could help to prove as a loyal friend to Tina. So, she helped to persuade the reluctant peasant girls to give it a try.
To keep their chains from rustling, they had to keep them in their hands, meaning they had to walk close to each other. They had not been forbidden to leave their cell and so, they did not care if someone would see them in the yard. If they would get close to an exit – wherever that was - , this would be another problem.
They stepped on the yard where now that the night had fallen, only a few men were sitting around a campfire. Tina could see the X-shaped figure of the still tied up Hadine. How long was it since the Brotherhood had tied her up there? Five hours, or six? She suddenly felt pity for the bounty huntress.
„We should take her with us!“, she hissed.
„If we try that, they will kill us!“
Lana immediately tried to get Tina from such an idea. If Hadine would be with them, her own position would be much worse. Hadine would not mind getting rid of her once she had the opportunity. Perhaps, she would then be able to get Tina to the Countess, but before, she would make sure that Lana had no reason to be happy about that.
A silent, yet heated discussion started. Finally, Tina raised and looked at the others.
„Who`s Queen?“
„Your Highness“, Caris and Ella answered, followed by Vanessa a few seconds later. Lana said nothing, but accepted that she was outvoted.
None of them had a weapon, but Vanessa had crushed a vase and wrapped some cloth around the shards. These makeshift knifes would perhaps be strong enough to cut Hadine loose. Carefully, the little group approached the tied up woman.
„Hadine?“, Tina whispered. The answer was a deep groan, showing that the bounty huntress obviously was quite exhausted from being bound so long.
„If only she will not collapse and can come with us“, Tina thought, but she went closer to work on Hadine`s ties.
„Hey, what are you doing there?“
It was one of the guards. He didn`t sound threatening, just curious. In the pale moonlight, he had sure seen the white clad women, but had not recognized the shards.
„We – we just want to visit our friend.“
„So, but that`s not allowed, my girls.“
The man had come closer, but still, he didn`t behave as if there was a real threat. Vanessa just thought if they could knock him out, when another one approached.
„Hey, girls, get back inside!“
None of them moved. Of course, it would be clever to do what he had said and try to free Hadine later. Then, a clinking could be heard. Someone had dropped her shard.
„Hey, what was that?“
The man came closer and now, Vanessa reacted quicker than she thought. She kicked the man between his legs and with a cough, he went down on his knees.
„Come on, quick!“
The five women ran forward and so, they literally overran the second guard. But now, the two men yelled for their comrades and soon, more and more men surrounded them.
„Arrah!“, Tina yelled. This time, no rocks broke, but the approaching men were struck down like from a giant invisible fist. Tina slightly trembled. She had already learned that her powers weren`t unlimited. After some spells, she needed some time to recover. She begged that these men didn`t know.
„Come on, there must be an exit somewhere!“
„But what about her?“, Tina said, pointing at Hadine. Close to the tied up woman, a sabre was lying. With that, she would be able to free her much quicker than with the shard. She went for it, but now, Lana was refusing to walk further.
„I was against your escape plan from the very beginning, but now, you want us to commit suicide!“
Tina frowned. Lana had not been against her plan. On the contrary, she had helped to persuade Caris and Ella to give it a try.
Drawing by hugues66
„Mhhmmmph!“
Hadine had joined the quarrel, but Tina couldn`t say whether she was encouraging her or telling her to run as fast as they could. Then, another voice could be heard:
„Give up, or my archers will pierce you with arrows!“
The voice had come from somewhere in the dark. Tina knew that she still had enough power for two, maybe three more blows like the first. But since she could not spot her enemy exactly, she could not concentrate her stength on him and had to shoot at random.
To her surprise, now Lana took off her breastcloth.
„Is this an attempt to distract their attention?“, Vanessa asked her with a raised eyebrow. Lana smiled enigmatically and stepped behind Tina.
„Well, not exactly!“
With a quick move, she threw the cloth over Tina`s head and pulled on the ends. Tina felt the cloth between her lips and tried to shake the other woman off. Some moments later, Vanessa tried to help her, but Lana managed to keep the cloth between her lips.
„Uuhhhmmmmph!“, Tina moaned and then, she understood. If she could not cast a spell, her magic would not work. She could hear the sound of approaching steps and knew that the men had come to the same conclusion.
Vanessa had managed to pull Lana away, but before Tina could even gasp, a strong hand was pressed on her mouth, followed by another. She and the other girls were wrestled to the ground and then, the leader of the Brotherhood came close to them.
„Well, well, my dears, is that a way to answer my hospitality?“
„As you could see, I tried my best to stop them!“, Lana, one hand over her breasts, said.
„Traitor!“, Vanessa hissed. Tina, with a man`s arm slung around the lower half of her face, could only utter a grunt and Caris and Ella were too frightened to say anything. The man looked down at them, then, he said:
„I have just told an old friend of mine that I have already promised to set you free after the ritual, though he wanted to have you as slaves. But since you now mistreated my hospitality, I have to reconsider that. And for sure, I have to punish the use of witchcraft inside my walls.“
The man picked up the crumpled silk cloth from the ground and handed it back to Lana who put it back over her breasts, smiling at the other girls.
***