The Duchess of Lust Ch. 04

"I wasn't always locked in a tower," she said softly. "Spent most of my life at a monastery, so there were days I could swim, run, ride and even dance." Her eyes narrowed. "Until I committed the grave sin of...consorting with a young priest. Father had the man excommunicated, and had me placed in this tower."

"Gods," Neryth said. "Well you can dance, run, swim, ride and fuck all you want once we get you out here."

Velwen blushed again, then nodded. She took a few deep breaths, then gestured for the door.

"Lead on."

Neryth did so, moving quietly back out into the hall. It was still empty, so she took the rope from her pack, affixed it to the doorknob, then lowered it out of the window. It descended almost all the way to the ground, with just a short gap between the end of the rope and the sandy shore beneath the tower.

"Sure you can do this?" Neryth asked, testing the rope to ensure it would hold.

Velwen peered out of the window and bit her lip.

"I have to."

The blonde shuddered, then gripped the rope and started to descend. She panted and squeaked with effort as she moved, and Neryth glared. If she was so damned loud during the entire descent, her father or the monks would surely hear her.

Neryth stayed to watch the door, her hand resting on the hilt of the knife. Occasionally she'd peek out of the window to check Velwen's progress. After a few minutes, the blonde made it to the bottom then dropped the last few feet.

Neryth sighed with relief, then untied the rope: she had to leave behind as little evidence as possible. She swung down out of the window, tore her climbing spike from the wall, then began her own descent, moving nearly twice as fast as Velwen.

The other woman watched, eyes wide, as Neryth made the climb down. The captain grunted and hopped down the last few feet, then tucked the spike into her pack.

"Right," Neryth said, panting. "You see that forest over there?" she asked, gesturing to a copse of trees a short distance from the estate. "We'll get you there, and you can hide until I can confer with the duchess about our next move."

"All right," Velwen said, following after Neryth as the captain made her way to the shore. "But we can't stay there long. As soon as my father realizes that I am missing, he will do all he can to recapture me."

Together, they headed for the shoreline, then slipped into the water. As they swam, Neryth's eyes watched the shorelines. The patrol was closer to the estate now, and moving towards the east.

Much to Neryth's surprise, the woman was able to keep pace with her, and within a few minutes they made it to the shore. Both women laid upon the sand, gasping for air and letting their sore muscles relax and recover.

Neryth slowly rose, then reached down and helped Velwen to her feet. The young woman glared at the tower, then spat in its direction.

"Wish I could tear that tower down, brick by brick," she growled.

"Maybe you'll get your chance, lass. Come on." She tugged Velwen by the hand, guiding her towards the forest.

***

"You did what?" Sarya hissed, her eyes widening as Neryth finished her tale. The captain stood at the other end of the bedchamber, taking a long swig from a cup of water. "You...you kidnapped Davik's daughter?"

"Kidnapping implies that she wasn't willing. More like...a surprise rescue."

Sarya ran a hand through her hair and sighed, her mind still reeling from the implications.

"This changes everything," she murmured. "If this secret is revealed, it could undermine Davik's piety and stranglehold on the duchy. Those priests at the tower might be all right with his secret, but the barons and the other priests may not."

"So what's the plan, then?"

"You get her to safety, back to Lucan's army," Sarya said. "And tomorrow, I will confront Davik. About his daughter, and about the fact that he is apparently drugging the duchess."

"Are you sure that's wise?"

"He wouldn't dare do anything untoward, not when we have his daughter. And I will be...very particular about my demands. I won't ask him to commit the priesthood's entire might to our cause: we wouldn't be able to trust him. I'll just demand that he cease his drugging of Chera, so we can recruit from her barons and soldiers."

"Damned risky, my lady."

"So was scaling a tower and stealing away with the High Priest's secret daughter," Sarya said drolly.

Neryth snickered.

"So who is she, exactly?" Sarya went on. "Did she tell you who her mother was, or how she ended up in his clutches?"

"Aye, she told me on our escape to the hiding place. Her mother was a nun, who had an affair with Davik not long after he became High Priest. Her mother died in childbirth, and out of guilt and shame, Davik hid her away. Didn't want her to be 'corrupted' by the outside world, nor did he want the secret to get out."

"Seems he violated several of his order's laws, then. Good. Gives us all the more leverage."

"I should get moving, my lady. The longer we linger in the forest, the more risk there will be."

"Very well." As Neryth headed for the door, the duchess cleared her throat. "One more thing, captain."

Neryth paused.

"Give...give Lucan and Ketrik my regards."

The captain grinned and nodded.

"As you command, my lady." She bowed, then stepped out into the night.

Sarya took a deep breath and steadied herself, then turned her mind to rehearsing for her inevitable confrontation with the High Priest...

***

Neryth returned to the forest, leading two horses. Velwen was right where Neryth had left her, seated against a fallen log. The woman tensed as Neryth called out to her, then grinned sheepishly.

"All is well?" Velwen asked.

"For now, yes. No alarm has been raised, and if we ride swiftly, we can get to Duke Lucan's army before dawn."

Neryth guided the horse over towards the leg, and Velwen climbed up into the saddle.

"Been too long since I've ridden," the blonde murmured.

"Can you manage?"

"Yes. I may have been a prisoner kept in seclusion for most of my adult life, but I am no child."

Neryth grunted at that then pulled herself into the saddle, then led the way out of the forest.

"So the duke and duchess that you serve," Velwen murmured. "What are they like?"

"Technically I serve Duke Lucan, and not Duchess Sarya. She's an ally of my liege, she is not my liege herself."

Neryth smirked a bit.

"And Duchess Sarya is...fiery. Compassionate. Clever. And..." She laughed. "Fun."

"Fun?" Velwen frowned.

"The sort of fun your father's priesthood would frown on. The sort of fun I like, too." She laughed quietly. "And also, the sort of fun that Duke Lucan likes as well."

"I see," she said, biting her lip a little.

"And that's nothing compared to our barbarian allies," Neryth went on.

Velwen's blue eyes widened.

"Yes, I've...heard. My father warned me about such men, when we recieved news of the siege of Fellhaven. He said that they are a sinful, rapacious and ravenous lot."

"They most certainly are."

Velwen's face reddened even further, which drew forth another delighted laugh from Neryth.

"Gods, if you keep blushing like that, and your face is liable to stay red permanently."

"I'm sorry. I'm just not used to hearing people openly talk about such things. For me, the talk of such things was always about how bad or nasty or sinful it was...even though my experience was to the contrary."

"You mean that young priest of yours?"

"Yes. Horran was his name. A handsome young man, who had been a soldier before taking the vows of the priesthood." She sighed and stared up at the sky.

"Wondering where he is now?"

"I...not really. I suppose we didn't have anything real. Just a fling. A few wild, secret trysts. Had we met in the real world, I doubt we would have connected at all."

"Just means you can forge your own way, once we're out of this mess. Find him and fuck him, if you want, or find someone else to make you forget him. Take up the sword, take up sorcery...whatever you want, I suppose."

Velwen smiled.

"A lot of choices. And truth be told, I don't know what I'll do."

"And that's just fine, too. I spent many a year just wandering about, figuring out what I wanted from life."

"And what is that, captain?"

"A thrill. In the battlefield, in the bedroom, or wherever. Doesn't matter. I just need that little spark to make me feel alive."

"That's the sort of talk that would make my father very cross with you," the blonde said drolly.

"I think he's already going be rather cross with me for stealing you away," Neryth laughed.

"I wish I could see the look on his face..."

***

Davik's face burned red with rage as he stood in the doorway to Sarya's room. It was still a few hours before dawn, but Sarya hadn't slept after Neryth's news. She sat on the edge of her bed, clad in a silken robe, looking expectantly at the High Priest.

"Is something wrong, your holiness?" she asked innocently. "I pray that nothing has happened, but why else would you knock on my door at such an early hour?"

"That captain of yours," the priest snapped, stepping into her room. "Where is she?"

"Before I answer, your holiness, it seems you must be reminded of my position. I am a Duchess, with an army of allies only a few hours' ride from here."

His eyes narrowed, and before he could speak, she gestured towards the open door. Several of his priests stood out in the hall, their faces stern.

"You may wish to close the door before I continue."

The priest made a holy gesture with his fingers, grumbled, then slammed the door shut.

"The captain is currently riding away with your daughter, your holiness. They are-

"You damned treacherous-"

She raised a hand, and to her surprise, he fell silent.

"You may have all the power of a duke here, but in the hierarchy of the Empire, your holiness, a priest still bows before a duchess. Do not interrupt me again."

Davik glared and clenched his teeth, and she continued.

"They are currently on their way to safety. And your daughter shall remain safe, provided that you and I come to arrangement."

"It is not just her safety I am concerned with, as you can imagine. If she goes and starts babbling-"

"She will not," Sarya continued. "I know that this scandal would destroy your rule, likely get you excommunicated, and would cause the priesthood's power to crumble. But that need not come to pass."

She cleared her throat and rose to her feet.

"In return for the safety and silence of your daughter, you shall immediately cease your drugging of Duchess Chera."

"How dare you suggest that I do-"

"Drakesong," she said bluntly. Rage and recognition flashed in his eyes, and she smiled with triumph. "Yes, I know that is what you are using. Cease such poisoning at once. Allow her mind to return to her, and step back from your duties as her adviser. Not completely, of course. You do have your uses, but she is the ruler, not you."

"What else?" he said icily.

"Once her stupor fades, you shall convince her of the wisdom of committing troops to our cause. Allow the barons and other lesser nobles to send their troops to aid mine, and you can even send some priests along as healers, too."

"Doing so could spell the end of Wolfgate. We could lose hundreds-even thousands-of men in a vain attempt to save Fellhaven. My power and position is not worth such a price."

"Lives may be lost, yes. But I guarantee that if Fellhaven falls, the Iron Blades will turn their full wrath against Wolfgate next. And you shall not have any aid from Duke Lucan or myself, nor likely from any other duchy, because I shall write to every other duke and duchess of your failure to aid us when asked. But I have more than just demands," she said. "I have other things to offer."

"Go on."

"Temples. Out of gratitude to the gods, I shall dedicate several new temples in Fellhaven, once the siege is lifted. Moreover, I shall allow your priests to attempt to convert any prisoners taken during the battle. And one tenth of any booty shall be donated to the church."

His eyes gleamed at that.

"Yes, I know you clearly have a taste for acquiring things and selling them off, given the state of this estate," she said. "So I figured you'd appreciate that offer."

He wrinkled his nose.

"Fine," he snapped. "But my daughter, she must be returned to me."

"No. She is a free woman now. She must go her own way."

Sarya should have demanded more, she should have threatened to reveal everything to Chera, so the duchess would be tempted to take the man's head. But doing so could tear Wolfgate apart, maybe even trigger a religious war within the Duchy, and the Empire had enough problems at the moment.

"I suppose I do not have much choice, if I wish to keep my power and privileges at least somewhat intact."

"Precisely."

He sighed and seemed to relax

"When this started, it was with the best of-"

"I am not concerned with your excuses, explanations or rationalizations, your holiness. I am concerned solely with saving my city."

He murmured a soft prayer, then nodded.

"So be it. Usually we give her the first dose of drakesong as part of her morning tea...we shall skip that today. I suspect within a few hours, she will be lucid enough for full negotiations."

"Excellent. I am glad that we could come to an accord, for the sake of both Wolfgate and Fellhaven."

Davik eyed her for a few moments, then sniffed and marched away, leaving the duchess alone to bask in her triumph.

***

The dawn's light had just started to creep along the horizon by the time the captain and Velwen made it to the border. Velwen slumped in her saddle, utterly exhausted, but Neryth was wide awake and alert.

"Easy there," she said, reaching out to pat the other woman's knee. "Almost there."

Velwen murmured and jolted herself upright.

As they neared the army camp, one of the barbarian sentries gave a shout.

"It's the captain!" The man's eyes narrowed at Velwen. "And she's brought us a prize!" Some of the other sentries laughed and hooted at that, and Velwen's face reddened even worse than before.

"It's all right," she said with a wink. "I'll look after you."

Some barbarians marched out of their tents at the commotion. Among them was Ekwulf, who regarded Neryth with a lustful grin, then turned that same hungry look to the blonde.

"Long story," the captain said quickly. "Catch you up later. Where's the duke?"

"Center of the camp. He and some of his barons got up early to go fishing, and they're making breakfast or something." His eyes looked Velwen up and down. "So who's this?"

"As I said, long story."

"Aye, but you should know better than to bring pretty women around this camp. You know what happens to such women..." He winked and licked his lips, and she reached down to give him a playful slap upside the head. He glared at her, and the other barbarians laughed.

Neryth tugged on the reins, guiding Velwen away from Ekwulf and the other leering savages.

"Gods," Velwen said with a shudder. "Those...those men."

"Aye, they can be scary at first. But don't you worry about them."

A sheepish smile came to her face.

"I admit...I kind of liked it. The attention. I'm used to being around dour, celibate priests who never even show a flicker of desire at all."

"Careful what you wish for, lass. Those men would love to do more than just leer at you, you know."

Much to Neryth's surprise, the blonde didn't blush at all that time.

"I know. It's just, I remember when-" She shook her head. "Never mind."

The captain raised an eyebrow, suddenly curious, but Lucan's voice snapped her out of it.

"Captain."

She turned about. The duke was kneeling beside a great cookfire along with several other barons, in the process of gutting and deboning dozens of massive fish they'd caught in the nearby river.

Lucan wiped blood from his hands and rose, then raised an eyebrow at Neryth and her companion.

"Where is the duchess?"

"Back at the estate of Duchess Chera, and she gives you her warmest regards. And...it's a long story."

Lucan dismissed the barons with a wave of his hand, and Neryth dismounted, then helped Velwen down. The blonde curtsied before the duke.

"My lord," she murmured. "I am Velwen...the daughter of High Priest Davik."

Lucan's eyes widened.

"You meant to tell me that the pious and celibate man who truly rules Wolfgate, has a secret daughter?"

"Indeed, my lord. And Duchess Sarya plans to use this secret as leverage to force Davik's hand, to get him to finally aid us."

"A bold move," the duke murmured.

"Aye, but I think she can pull it off."

"I think so, too," Velwen said. "My father cares more for his reputation than anything. He'd do just about anything to keep my existence a secret."

"Very well, then. Lady Velwen, make yourself at home. I'll have some of my servants prepare a tent for you, so you can get some rest." He nodded at Neryth. "Captain, keep an eye on her."

Neryth nearly made a quip about doing more than just keeping an eye on the lass, but instead she smiled and nodded.

After a minute or so, the servants returned and showed the women towards an empty tent. Before slipping inside, Velwen cast a brief look in the direction of the barbarian section of the camp.

"I've heard so many horror stories about them," Velwen murmured. "In one of the books my father made me read, about the faiths of foreigners, the author wrote that they..." She shuddered. "That they have these grand rituals involving..." Her voice dropped low. "Lots of sex. Dozens of people, all at once."

Neryth laughed.

"Aye, they do. All sorts of other rituals, too, mostly involving nasty fights." She tapped the scar on her jaw she'd received from her duel. "Got this one in just such a fight, in fact."

Velwen's eyes widened.

"Gods. And...have you taken part in the...the other rituals?"

The captain laughed again, shook her head, then sat down to give her sore legs a reprieve.

"No. Just a duel. Was damned fun, though, in a thrilling sort of way."

"I can't imagine finding a bloody ritual to be 'fun.' But the other sorts..." She cleared her throat and shook her head. "Sorry. I'm getting carried away. Was cooped up for so long, now that I'm free, my mind is wandering to impure thoughts."

"Let your mind wander, my friend. Nobody's here to stop you. Gods know you won't find judgment from me, the duke, the duchess, the barbarians..." She shrugged. "Do as you will, as long as it doesn't endanger the army."

"An odd thought. Almost...uncomfortable to think about."

"I'm not suggesting you go out and fuck every man in the army just because you're free," the captain chuckled, and the blonde blushed fiercely. "Just saying that you can do as you wish now. You can wear something other than those robes, read something other than a boring holy book..."

"I doubt there are many books in the army, though," Velwen said sadly.

"Well, your first act as a free woman can be stopping at a book merchant or a library during the march. Sure there's one along the way."

Velwen smiled.

"Yes, baby steps. Buy a book of my own choosing, then I can see about being more...sinful."

Neryth chuckled.

"Now get your rest. If Duchess Sarya's plan works, we'll probably be marching in only a few hours."

She yawned, nodded, then curled up beneath the bedroll. Neryth remained awake, her eyes on the other woman's sleeping form. Her thoughts drifted back to the sights and sounds of Velwen pleasuring herself, and she felt a flicker of lust, and wondered what it would take to get between the blonde's soft, pale thighs.

The flicker of lust turned to a flicker of guilt. The young woman was free but alone, and lost in a world she barely knew. Taking advantage of that was perhaps a step too far, even for Neryth.