Lady Sting Ch. 06

Morning began cold and dark. The cavern was restless with gear checking and whispered goodbyes. As soon as Regeneria was dressed and fed, she moved to the train of wagons. This trip would be short and their numbers were strong, but Regeneria was on edge.

Basina and Brand met Regeneria and said redundant goodbyes. Then Regeneria motioned to the wagons, which proceeded orderly from the cavern. Regeneria and Basina turned their backs to each other and walked separate ways. The colony of brigands slowly rent in two as the wagons emptied from the cavern.

Regeneria mounted a horse and moved up the train. Zizi, Garrick, and Braeden were also mounted, riding among the men who walked beside the wagons. Ernst and his fellow guardsman walked near the middle of the train, surrounded by the singers he'd coaxed into joining him.

Robeart soon caught up to Regeneria on a horse. "We can be heard for miles," he said. Regeneria nodded and called to Zizi and Braeden.

"We need scouting flanks on either side of the wagon train. If anyone is out there, I need to know it."

Brigands fanned out and melted into the wood. Cold seeped under their clothes. It was quiet and clear, the blue sky brightening as the sun rose in the sky. Up front, some of Braeden's men were singing:

"Dost ask who that may be? Regeneria is she; Lady Sting her name, all foes befall her aim, And thus she wins the battle.""

At that moment a sharp whistle rang out from the wood to their left. Braeden wheeled his horse around and readied his axe. A man ran from the wood and stopped before them, panting: "Moors, riding up hard." His words had barely fallen when a rain of short arrows swished forth. The scout fell, two arrows protruding from his back. A horse bolted, causing a wagon to tilt precariously.

Regeneria sat upright in her saddle and yelled out: "Braeden, the flank! Zizi, the wagons! Every enemy dies lest our stores be discovered!"

Braeden urged his men into the wood. More arrows fell and some found flesh; men screamed. Zizi steered the horses right, pointing the rear of the wagons to the approaching enemies. Then the Moors came charging forward on foot, some on mighty horses, sweeping at the brigands with cutlasses.

Regeneria's army fell naturally into their roles. As Braeden's men made for the wood, Zizi's men lay down cover fire. Mellora nestled in the vee between two wagons. The report of her bow thrummed low and constant; Moors were falling to her by the handful. Athene had engaged a cluster of footsoldiers. Her rapier whipped and jabbed, felling foes with ease. But the battle was not in their hands. These Moors were hard fighters with the light of desperation in their eyes. They were also well trained and had already felled many of Regeneria's men.

Regeneria engaged the riders. Her francisca whirled and bit into horseflesh and torsos. The battle was a cacophony of motion and sound to her. She ducked and swooped through the heart of it, shattering bone and severing limb. Regeneria came back to reality when she realized she was cut off from the train. She was encircled by Moors, with nearby skirmishes in the wood and near the train. Sheer reflex and skill had carried her, but now the Moors were circling, ready to end her.

Ernst Luxeme charged forward, leading a phalanx of brigands. They pierced the throng of riders, surrounding Regeneria's horse and swirling their axes high to engage the mounted men. Their ferocity surprised the raiding Moors. Ernst circled his fist overhead and a rain of spears surged from his rearguard while the foreguard ducked. This move caught the Moors off guard and many of them fell, skewered.

By this time Mellora had scaled the wagons and was sniping at the remaining raiders. She was joined by dozens of brigands with rifles and spears. Facing a hail of missiles from above, the mounted Moors retreated and called their footsoldiers back. Braeden's men, now entrenched in the wood, whittled away at the retreat and stalled it.

Athene called from atop a horse and Mellora leaped down, clasping her hands around Athene's waist. Athene surged forward, running down the retreating raiders. Robeart joined her, grabbing two spears from the ground on the way. The two horses galloped into the wood and Regeneria urged her steed to intercept them. Braeden's men had felled most of the remaining footsoldiers but the handful of mounted men broke through, charging up a slope to get free of the battle.

Robeart nosed ahead of Athene, pulled up his steed, and let his francisca fly. It cleaved the air and landed in the rump of a retreating horse, which buckled and threw its rider. He then stood on the back of his steed and let a spear fly. It sliced into the shoulder of another rider. Robeart's second spear missed its mark, but Mellora had found her range and picked off three of the retreating men. Only one was left, and he was about to make the ridge. But Regeneria was riding hard behind him, urging her lighter horse up the hillside. Just as the man crested the ridge, clear blue sky framing him, Regeneria hurled her francisca. It caught him in the neck and he spun out of his saddle, clutching at his wound feebly.

Regeneria caught up and pulled her axe from the man's throat. She rode down the hillside, stopping to finish off a couple of the fallen men. As they wended their way back to the train, Athene stabbed each Moor with her rapier to test for malingerers. The battle had decisively ended.

While brigands gathered riderless horses, the field commanders huddled in conference with Regeneria. Ernst sat nearby cleaning his blade. Regeneria called him over. "Commander Ernst, shouldn't you be over here? " Ernst gave a smirk, bowed, and walked over.

"How many men did we lose?" Regeneria asked. The count was roughly forty men. Sixty more were wounded. The captains planned a retreat of the walking wounded, and sent two riders back to Wohn-Grab to summon spare wagons for the seriously injured.

The group agreed that their losses had been minimal. They surmised that the capable armed defense of the train had been a surprise to the Moors, who were desperate and looking for a quick haul. Nevertheless, Regeneria was keen to get the train inside Manor Rupii Ilse. The wagons regrouped and the train moved forward at speed.

They were soon in range of the Manor so Regeneria, Garrick, and Robeart rode forward of the train. Regeneria was pleased to note that men patrolled the outer wall, which showed signs of recent repair. Many of the windows had stout oaken battens in place. Gardens had been razed and roadways cleared of miscellany. The manor appeared more serious about its own defense.

Her train of goods and men was rousing attention. People poured from buildings to stare in curiosity. Caught between amazement and horror they stared at the rough men with bloodstained clothes and fierce scowls. They noted the splatters of blood across Regeneria's clothes and were subdued.

The brigands were equally nervous. Many looked about them in trepidation, fearing immediate retribution for the crimes they had committed. Some of the men had not seen a village for years, much less the burgeoning city that was Manor Rupii Ilse.

Soon the wagon train had pooled inside the base of the outer wall which separated the city from the wood. The men hauled yurts to a giant lawn that nestled against the outer wall, away from the houses and shops. Daylight waned, casting ruddy warm glows over the brigands and heightening the colors of their clothes and the grass. In that moment the men seemed heroic, romantic even.

Regeneria and her entourage rode through the city and inner wall to the front portico. The Lord Chamberlain and Marquess Illona were waiting with Prince Monrovius, who was flanked by a quadrant of armed guardsmen. Marquess Illona marked Regeneria's bloodstained countenance and winced. Prince Monrovius spoke up. "Welcome home, sister. We have heard of your army and the might of its supply. You shall have to tell me that story."

"I will do but first I need know: how fares the Manor?" The Lord Chamberlain assured her that the house was in order.

"Very well. Then let me introduce my companions. First, meet Commander Zizi. Along with guardsmen Braeden and Ernst Luxeme, Zizi is a field commander in my army. He shall be the liaison between my soldiers and the Manor."

The Lord Chamberlain nodded curtly to Zizi and gave a look to Garrick. But Regeneria was already moving on. "And these women are Athene and Mellora. They shall join my ladies-in-waiting. Marquess Illona, I implore you make them welcome. Their road has been long."

Illona took in the field-worn clothes and myriad weapons carried by the women and nodded. "As you wish, Queen Regeneria. I shall find them quarters. As for that, shall you retire to your chambers? I imagine your road was hard."

"It was. We were beset by raiders, Moors from the shores of Africa. I lost forty men on the way. I could use a change of clothes and some food."

Regeneria beckoned to the twins who fell in beside her. Illona and the ladies-in-waiting followed as they walked into Regeneria's quarters. When she entered the antechamber, Regeneria stopped still and looked around her in wonder.

The antechamber was no longer sterile. The ghost of her mother had fled from its walls. Long tables had been set up and stocked with weapons. Regeneria's bow and quiver were there, with flights of arrows resting upright in long blocks of wood. Gleaming franciscas were arranged in a fan on one table. A rack of spears stood against the wall. In the corner, a wooden octagon had been constructed and filled with earth and straw. A training dummy stood ready in its center.

The greatest wonder was on the mannequin where the poofy blue dress had once been. In its place was her mother's fencing leathers, which Regeneria had dismantled in order to face Captain Robeart. The garment was now improved from her rough hewn attempt. The edges were finished and burnished. The dog collar had been replaced by a high column of stiff, ribbed leather. It parted in a vee at the throat, where a lozenge of amber rested just above the bust. Linen, dyed black, formed a fitted underskirt to give Regeneria some room to move. Black linen bows accented the sleeves. The refinements created a daunting feminine allure, but retained the functionality of armor. Next to the dress on a table were knee-high, black leather boots, polished to a low sheen. A black satin pillow held a silver-plated francisca with a wrapped leather grip and the fine silver circlet of her crown.

Regeneria felt a lump in her throat and her heart pounded in her ears. The people had accepted her as their martial surrogate, even before she had marched home with an army of brigands. The thought made her wet. Regeneria looked at Illona in thanks, noticing cuts and awl punctures around her hands. Some of the other ladies-in-waiting had them, too. Regeneria hardly knew her retinue, but gratitude swelled in her at their efforts.

Athene and Mellora were walking around the room, taking in the armaments and layout. Mellora picked up a throwing axe and hefted it thoughtfully before setting it down. The twins inclined their heads in approval.

Regeneria turned to face her ladies-in-waiting. "I am humbled by your efforts. Thank you. I do not even know your names."

One lady stepped forward and dipped her knee. Shoulder length, fine brown hair cropped a stubborn, perky face with brown freckles and sparkling blue eyes. "Highness, do you not recall me? I am Hille." Regeneria did indeed recall the girl. She had been a tomboy, wrestling boys in the yard and always in trouble for having stained clothes. She was now more refined, but some spark of the playground remained. The other ladies introduced themselves and Regeneria tried to remember their names but failed.

"Ladies, you shall be joined by Athene," she gestured to the more colorful of the twins, who was swishing her rapier in the general direction of the training dummy, "and Mellora." The latter woman had Regeneria's bow in hand and was testing its draw. The other ladies looked askance at the pair and back to Regeneria.

"Think of them more as bodyguards, or field captains, or two more sets of eyes keeping watch. These women will wait on me wherever I go, even into the heart of battle. I would not ask you to do the same. But during their time here, please accept the twins among you. I shall retire now. Show Athene and Mellora the Manor."

Regeneria left the twins to mingle with the other ladies-in-waiting, inclining her head to Marquess Illona. The two walked to the bathing chamber where a hot bath was waiting. Regeneria stood wearily and let Illona remove her bloodstained clothes. Illona clucked at the matted blood in Regeneria's hair and the streaks down her neck and arms. "Verflixt, Regeneria!" Illona stared with naked concern, roaming over her face and body seeking signs of injury. She scooped a bucketful of steaming water and doused the girl, letting the water run over the stones in the floor. She set to Regeneria with a wet cloth, swabbing her hair and limbs roughly.

Illona ushered Regeneria into the bath and watched the water cloud with road grime and dried blood. A small beetle bobbed to the surface and clamored helplessly against the water. Regeneria watched it struggle for a time then flicked it out onto the floor. Illona soaped the girl down then rinsed her with buckets of water. She kneaded Regeneria's back and shoulders.

Regeneria dried herself and moved into the bedroom. She laid naked in her bed and beckoned to Illona. The woman removed her frock and folded it neatly into a bundle. Her linen undershirt stretched tight around her bosom. Long golden tresses framed her face and fell to her bottom. Regeneria watched her soft legs and graceful arms as Illona climbed into the bed and lay beside her. Regeneria rested her head against Illona's shoulder and ran her fingers through the cascade of blonde hair.

Illona delicately ran a hand over Regeneria's tummy, felling the hard muscles beneath. She fanned out her hair on both sides of her face and ran it over Regeneria, caressing her breasts, belly, and legs with long strands of silken hair. She whisked a tress of hair over Regeneria's thatch of copper curls then spanked at her labia with it. Regeneria laughed and Illona paused, staring at Regeneria with unfathomable need. She ducked her head and captured Regeneria's nipple between her lips, running her tongue tip over the hardening flesh. Illona lapped at Regeneria's titflesh, tonguing her body like a mother cat washing a kitten. Regeneria moaned deep in her throat and arched her ribcage upward to accept Illona's swishing tongue.

Regeneria clawed at Illona's linens, trying to get at the toys nestled inside. Illona sat upright, leaned over, and began to unbutton her undershirt. As each button opened the strain on the garment grew; her breasts jiggled with each release and threatened to spill out. Her cleavage deepened and distended as Illona's breasts drew further downward. And soon they swung free, her rosy nipples swaying above Regeneria's face. Regeneria swatted at them playfully, watching the pendulous motions. She pulled down one tit and slurped on it.

Regeneria moved back and forth between each breast and her sucks grew more insistent. Illona was not satisfied with their arrangement. As Regeneria fed hungrily from her breast, Illona scooted around until she could get Regeneria's nipple in her mouth. Illona sighed around the nub of flesh and nursed it gently while fondling Regeneria's other nipple. Reciprocal sucking noises filled the chamber. The women grew ever more animated, sucking and nipping frantically at each other. Then Illona moved off of Regeneria's tit, scooted forward, and straddled the girl. Illona lay her head on Regeneria's belly and listened to her tummy gurgle. Then she inched her head down, planting kisses until she was tonguing Regeneria's clit. Regeneria parted her thighs, allowing Illona's tongue tip to slice through her folds. The older woman mewled and lapped at her in a frenzy.

When Regeneria opened her eyes she was staring right into Illona's pussy. The delicate lips of her labia were long and smooth; white skin with a coral ridge of flesh rising. Illona was lightly perfumed, but the scent was overpowered by arousal. Curious, Regeneria extended a finger and ran it over the pouting lips, causing Illona to shudder. Moisture appeared and a bright pink flush peeked from between Illona's lips. Regeneria poked her finger inside and ran it along the sheath of Illona's pussy. This caused Illona to hasten her ministrations; she began sucking on Regeneria's clit and thrusting fingers inside her.

Regeneria had never actually tasted another woman's pussy before, and wasn't particularly keen to. But at the moment it was convenient, and she knew it would give Illona pleasure. So Regeneria continued to frig Illona with her fingers while inching her lips towards Illona's pussy. Regeneria's hot breath ran over Illona's thighs, encroaching on her center. Then she cupped her tongue and slid it over Illona's snatch. Illona stopped her tongue fucking and crackled with a thrill of erotic delight. Regeneria swished her tongue back and forth, nicking Illona's clit each time. It was only moments before Illona started bucking and crying out "ist so gut."

Regeneria fell back onto the bed and Illona leaned over her, eyes slitted but aglow with satisfaction. She smoothed the hair around Regeneria's forehead and murmured for her to relax. Illona fondled Regeneria's breasts some more and then disappeared among the clouds of the down duvet. Her tongue found Regeneria's pussy and soon the Queen was writhing through her own orgasm. She fell asleep shortly afterward. Illona moved quietly from the bed, dressed, doused the lights, and left the girl in peace.