Slavery Ch. 07

Dust stuck to Alana's sweat soaked skin making her feel grimy. She was curled up on Kalen's lap, her blotchy face seeking out the coolness of his armour. The men who were seated on the uncovered wagon with them had reacted to her presence in one of three ways: several of the men had ignored her completely, refusing to even look at Alana, or her master; a few of the men had exchanged polite chatter with the two, then became engaged in conversation elsewhere; the majority, though, were hostile, insulting Kalen, jostling him, and staring at him with cold, resentful eyes.

They had been travelling for hours in a long convoy that stretched as far as the eyes could see in both directions. The procession had passed through cities that were wondrous to Alana's eyes, through villages of warriors like the one she had come from, and through villages of ordinary people. Everywhere had greeted the warriors with cheers, and everywhere there had been people staring at Alana and Kalen. Now, they were miles from the nearest town, and the landscape had changed dramatically from lush green with exotic colours, to browns and rusty reds. In Alana's opinion it certainly looked inhospitable.

As the wagons started to struggle on the terrain, Alana realised that they were stopping. A field of tents disappeared into the horizon, the fabric of them rippling in the hot, gritty wind. Everywhere clangs and clatters rang out to fill the air with a cacophony of unnatural, unwelcoming sounds. The men in Alana's wagon started to climb out, and she did the same. Kalen stood behind her, a hand on her shoulder to reassure her as thousands of men weaved through each other to find their destination. She felt overwhelmed and tiny; everything around her seemed so large, rugged and violent.

"A whore for the men, how thoughtful." Before Alana could figure out who had spoken, Kalen had his hand on his sword and had taken a defensive position before her. Alana could feel the tension radiating from him which, in turn, made her heart thunder in her chest.

"She is my lover, and will not be touched," Kalen snapped at a man who had appeared before them. He sneered at them both with a look of dislike so intense that Alana felt worthless. It was obvious how he viewed her, and he seemed to be in charge.

"She is your slave." The man circled Alana as Kalen rose, still wary. The man ran his fingers through Alana's tangled, sweaty hair, pulling gently. "You could share her with a few of us. She is quite lovely, and we could help to keep her safe." The man's tone was wistful, his voice threaded with longing, and some other soft emotion." Kalen shook his head. "Her death will be on your hands. Slaves are not permitted here, and though I doubt the other generals will do anything, it will only be a matter of time before the other men do. She is so fragile, so breakable. One rough fuck and she would snap."

Alana huddled closer to Kalen. The man was staring at her as he spoke. The longing in his voice seemed to intensify as he talked about her fragility. The heavy weight of Kalen's arm settled over her shoulders and drew her towards him.

"Where will we be quartered?" Kalen's tone was all business, much to the dissatisfaction of the soldier before them. The man gave some directions, and Kalen thanked him, before taking Alana's hand and heading in the direction that he had been pointed in.

"Alana," his tone was hushed and serious, "he is named General T'arik. If you ever have to run, run to him." Alana shuddered. If that man was the only other protection she had here, she was doomed. She agreed though, and tried not to let Kalen see her worry.

When they arrived at their tent, Alana was surprised to see it was considerably larger than those surrounding it. Kalen could easily stand in it, and it was well furnished. It seemed quite luxurious considering it bordered a battlefield. Kalen seemed pleased with Alana's fascination, and took the time to explain why he was awarded such honour.

"I am in charge of a large group of men, many hundreds. Although I am not a general, I could be. I am a skilled warrior, and have slaughtered many more of the enemy than any other man. Part of my reward was you." He wrapped his arms around Alana, and steered her tired body to the bed. "Rest whilst I prepare dinner." His lips brushed hers in a tender gesture of affection before he left the tent. It wasn't long until the delicious aromas of food wafted in on the breeze. Alana hadn't realised how hungry she had become on the journey, and was glad to see Kalen when he entered with a bowl of what turned out to be a spicy stew.

"This is really good," Alana enthused between mouthfuls. There was no mistaking the glow of pride on Kalen's face from the complement, and Alana promised herself that she would praise him more often. Alana and Kalen sat on a fur rug on the floor. Alana couldn't help but think that under different circumstances it would be a great place for slow, sensuous sex.

"You like the tent?" Kalen's voice seemed a little concerned. Alana nodded in response, her mouth too full to speak. "That is good. You will not be able to spend time outside without me, and I shall be gone most of the day. I promise to escort you early in the morning, and late at night, but that is all that we may risk."

Alana was horrified. She had enjoyed sitting in the sun at Kalen's home, and after three months with Mia, she had also come to enjoy the freedom of being able to come and go as she pleased. If it was that dangerous for her to be there, surely a tent would not be much of a deterrent. Alana touched the metal band around her neck; surely that should be enough to mark her as another man's property.

"What if I need to...?" Alana couldn't bring herself to finish the question, her cheeks heated and her eyes glued themselves to the floor.

"You look lovely when you blush like that." Kalen touched under her chin, encouraging Alana to look at him. The look in his eyes made Alana's insides feel like molten metal. "If you need to relieve yourself there is a pot under the bed. It is not pleasant in the heat, but is better than being at the mercy of some of the men here." Alana nodded her agreement, but was not convinced. She knew that she would sneak out if she got the chance. The heat in the tent would be unbearable without a breeze to stir it, and the smell wasn't even worth considering.

As Alana undressed for bed, Kalen's eyes stayed glued to her body. She knew what he wanted, but wasn't ready to give it to him, mentally or physically. He seemed aware of this, simply snuggling into her back as he climbed in bed with her. For the first time in days, Alana felt safe and secure.

"I will do my best to protect you," he whispered against her head. Alana rolled over in his arms, her breasts pressing firmly against him. Feeling brave, and more than a little thankful, she gently bit him, then licked the marks. A growl rumbled through his chest as he scooted down the bed and settled his mouth on her shoulder.

"Gently," Alana murmured, with a little fear in her voice. Conceding to her wishes, the bite was little more than a scratch, though it still drew blood.

"Thank you. I know it is not in your nature." Burying her head in Kalen's chest, Alana smiled at his comment. It seemed that she was pleasing him left, right and centre tonight. It was something that she felt good about. Considering the loss of her baby, the death of the doctor, and the move to a battlefield full of cruel, lonely warriors, it was surprising that she had any capacity to feel good left at all.

Alana was surprised to find Kalen ready for battle when she awoke.

"I didn't think you would be sent out straight away." Worry had settled into the pit of her stomach. She was only just coming to realise that he might not come back alive. He didn't seem to share this worry, however.

"It's what we are here for, Alana. The enemy are weak, and I am strong. I shall enjoy the hearts of many men today." Alana felt herself pale a little at his response, remembering the coppery taste of blood from the day before. Handing her a bowl, Kalen bid her farewell and reminded her not to leave the tent.

It was only moments after he had left that Alana realised that he hadn't fulfilled his promise to take her outside. Had he simply overslept? She really wished he hadn't as she was desperate to relieve herself. Striding to the flaps of the tent with only a thin sheet clutched to her, she slipped outside. She could see Kalen's head disappearing over the heads of many of his companions.

"Kalen!" The shout was not as effective as Alana had hoped since he didn't so much as pause in his stride. It did, however, attract a lot of unwanted attention. Eyes were suddenly fixed upon her from all directions. Feeling incredibly scantily clad, and undeniably foolish, Alana stumbled backwards, pulling the tent closed and quickly lacing it shut. Her heart was pounding in her chest: many of the looks had been uncomfortably curious, but several had been openly unfriendly.

After eating the breakfast that Kalen had left for her, and searching for what passed for water here, Alana sat at the little desk with the books Kalen had given her. As she had delved into her bag for them, she remembered the blue earrings, and wondered if she should put them on. It seemed rude not to, but she didn't want to break the rules. Working steadily through one of the books, and struggling with every page, Alana quit after little over an hour. Instead, she decided to try on the new clothes that she had been bought. The grey tunics and leggings were all identical, and had no decoration. Considering it seemed much hotter here than where they came from, Alana couldn't understand it. It wasn't even close to midday, or at least she didn't think so, and sweat was already running down her breasts and across her back. Longing for a cool bath, and to remove the stifling clothes, Alana undid the flaps of the tent. No one seemed to be about, so she settled down cross legged in the doorway, her head back in her book.

Alana was starting to feel hungry, and unbelievably hot, when a shadow looming over her startled her out of her attempts at reading.

"General T'arik," Alana stammered at the man who towered above her.

"It's too warm to be sat here. Come to bathe with me." IT wasn't a question. Honestly, Alana felt rather relieved. Despite drinking a ridiculous amount, and sitting in the breeze, Alana was starting to feel a little dizzy. Her clothes were sweat soaked, her legs a little shaky as she rose. She really hoped that Kalen was right about General T'arik as she could hardly refuse a man with a sword.

Following the General in silence, Alana soon started to feel dizzy. The sun was hotter than she had realised, and her vision started to blur. The world was spinning, her breath coming in gasps when she felt hard arms wrap around her waist. Alana's first urge was panic; the person supporting her, though tall, was still shorter than her master.

"I'm going to lift you." Alana recognised the General's no nonsense voice and relaxed into him. Her legs left the floor only for her to be placed on her bottom less than a minute later. Without the exertion of walking, Alana seemed to be returning to normal, and when a water bottle was placed at her lips, she drank greedily.

Alana had been seated on the bank of a fast flowing river. The green water sparkled under a sun that wasn't quite at the top of its arc. As she placed the water down to take in her surroundings, the General started to tug Alana's tunic from her. She complied, standing and allowing the man to disrobe her. Her body trembled a little at the thought of what he might do once she was naked, but in the meantime it was just so nice to have the wet fabric taken from her body. In the back of her mind a voice was telling her to run, but it really wasn't an option.

Once naked, Alana fell under scrutiny. The General didn't touch her, or even attempt to, but he certainly enjoyed looking. The evidence of that was clear once he was also naked. Alana was curious herself. It was interesting to see what the golden native skin looked like in other places. The General was certainly fit, but he didn't compare with her master. He looked lean and athletic rather than the heavy muscles that she was used to, and somehow that was unappealing.

"The current is strong, I will need to hold you," General T'arik said as he stepped slowly towards Alana. Holding his hands up before her he continued, "if you will give me your permission to lay hands on you." For a moment Alana considered saying no, instead she decided to clarify his intentions.

"Are you asking permission to hold me steady in the water?" Her question prompted a deep throated laugh.

"Indeed, and to lift you in and out. My hands will stay happily at your waist." Alana blushed, imagining the hands in other places.

"In that case, General T'arik," Alana stated with mock seriousness, "you have my permission to lay hands on me in the aforementioned way." After the General took a dramatic bow, Alana was quickly lifted. She was pressed against the length of the General as he stared into her eyes. It took him a moment to move towards the water as he seemed to be enjoying the skin contact.

Despite the unfamiliarity of the hands around her waist, the water was indescribably pleasant. It rid Alana of the feelings of faintness, cooling her blood, and soothing her irritated skin. The General was correct about the strong current; she wouldn't be able to bathe here alone. The water had swept her legs out from under her even with the General's support. The general lowered himself into the water, taking Alana down with him to sit between his legs. He splashed cool water up her back in a way that was impersonal. She was glad. Being here with another man made Alana feel a little like a cheat, despite the fact that the touches that she was receiving were not intimate in the slightest.

"General T'arik..."

"Just T'arik, please," he interrupted Alana with a grin.

"Are you allowed to take me out?" Alana's voice held genuine concern. The last thing she wanted was to hurt Kalen's feelings, but she couldn't really tell his boss that.

"Worried about your punishment?" T'arik pressed his chest against Alana's back, and whispered in her ear, "don't worry, if he beats you black and blue I will only have to bring you out here again to soothe your injuries. He is smarter than that." Alana giggled and hated herself for it. The General had seemed cruel at first, but maybe that was a front. He seemed very pleasant to her, certainly the most entertaining man of his race that she had met.

When Kalen returned that evening, he stood and eyed the mud that was caked up Alana's legs. Climbing from the river barefoot onto the dusty banks had not been a good idea. She had intended to wash when she returned to the tent, but had been too short on water.

"T'arik took me out." Her voice sounded defiant to her own ears. In truth, she was scared. Kalen looked sufficiently pissed off to do some damage.

"T'arik?" Alana nodded. Kalen stepped towards her aggressively and grasped her wrist in his hand. Lifting her naked arm he inspected it, then dropped it back to her side. He circled her, inspecting her body. It was bruised and bitten, but the marks were all his.

"I'm in one piece. He was a gentleman." The last thing Alana wanted was to be banned from visiting the river again. Once she had returned to the tent, she had been uncomfortably hot yet again. The searing heat of outside had nothing on the suffocating closeness inside.

"So it would seem." Kalen wrapped her gently in a sheet, then proceeded to remove his armour. It was Alana's turn to inspect him, and she felt sick with what she saw. His arms had deep slashes in them, as did his thighs. The side of his face was black with blood, and bruises had blossomed all over his back. Throwing the sheet from her body, she flung herself across the room at him. He winced in pain as she squeezed him too her, but tried his best to reassure her all the same.

"It is worse than it looks." He stroked her hair, then tried to peel Alana from him.

"Come to the river. Let me clean you. You're filthy, and your cuts will get infected." Kalen smiled at Alana's eagerness, and agreed. She suspected that it was more to appease and entertain her than for any other reason, but she was glad that soon she was dressed and they were walking through the humid night air. As they walked, Alana couldn't help but clutch at Kalen's hand as if that action would save him on the battlefield. Her terror at the thought of him being slaughtered was fully justified; without him, she had nowhere to go, no place to belong.

The route the pair took was different to the one that Alana had followed that morning. Even in her half-conscious state, she had taken note of some of her surroundings. When they came to a bridge that she hadn't previously seen, Alana looked up at Kalen in confusion.

"Did you come here earlier?" He asked her.

"To the river, but we did not come near the bridge." Kalen nodded as if it made sense. The bridge looked fragile, the wood well baked in the sun and blasted by the wind.

"If you bathe in the river, even with someone capable of holding you, make sure it is upriver from the bridge. It is close enough to the water that, if you were swept by, you would stand a chance of saving yourself." Kalen led Alana over the bridge as he spoke. It wobbled slightly under their combined weight, but was surprisingly sturdy. Across the bridge, the land sloped down dramatically away from the river, and Alana found herself stumbling along the path. It was soon evident why Kalen had brought her, though.

At the bottom of the slope, with the river towering feet above them, a waterfall cascaded into a deep, rocky pool. At the far side of the pool, the water was still and Alana realised that she would be able to swim in it without worrying about the current.

"Where does the water go?" The river didn't continue after the pool, and Alana was curious.

"It goes underground. I don't know where, but it's safe to swim in." Kalen walked to the water's edge, and took a graceful dive into the emerald pool. Alana stood awkwardly for a moment with a bag full of ointments and bandages. She decided that treating Kalen's wounds could wait; the heat plus the humidity was too much, and the pool was incredibly tempting. Stripping off as fast as she could, Alana decided to do something childish. Running as fast as she could, she launched herself off the bank and landed with a splash in front of Kalen. His laughter filled the air as she came up spluttering, and she couldn't help but join in.

The swim was a luxury after two days of dry heat and choking dust. For the first time, Alana really saw Kalen's playful side as he repeatedly dived under the water, pulling her down with him, splashing her, surprising her, teasing her. He really seemed to be in his element. Although he entertained Alana, Kalen made no attempt to seduce her. He seemed content to enjoy her company. In Alana's opinion, the trip back to the tent happened far too soon, but she could see that Kalen was exhausted. His injuries remained undressed, however he assured her that by the morning they would be fine.

It was on the walk back that Alana decided to quench some of her curiosity. She wasn't sure why they were here after Kalen had just spent three months fighting.

"Alana, I was sent to this planet as a punishment. Whilst I am generally treated well, I am eager to return home. The people here are not comfortable with my presence. I am a reminder that this planet is still at the mercy of others."

"A punishment?" Alana wasn't happy that the conversation was posing more questions than it was answering.