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Taking a breath she slowly picked up a cane. “Now I know they saw you have felt one before. I am not going to make it easy for you as I know you need to fully feel it. Just take a deep breath between the blows. I will stop when you are red, you will have a good set of bruises from this. Sitting is going to be an ordeal and you will be riding most of the day until we reach Clarkdown. You are going to find it hard to move each night. But will not be let of your chores.” She took a breath and swung, starting on his bottom. He managed not to scream until the fourth blow. She slowly worked her way up his back forcing her self to ignore his screams and continue. He needed to feel it fully, as much as she hated it. Finally reached his shoulders and stepped back to let him recover from the pain. It took a bit to work though. His back was bright red and there would be a good bit of purple there in the morning. He would be sore and have to move with care do to the pain, but there was no broken skin. It was less then most of hers had been, even before he started using the whip on her. Still it had her back hurting with the memory, though not as bad as it had hit her the first time she used a cane. Sehiam had been able to help her get past a lot of it. She wished she could help him, but that would just hurt him more. She hated it, and was so glad that Luke didn’t know just how bad some of her beatings had been.

The last one she had laid there for a bit before she could heal the damage enough to move. Then had to ask the fire to help her, as there was to much for her to fix to a point she could stand to work. She kind of thought Beth knew of that she had healed some of the damage other times as well. Never all, just enough that she didn’t cause them too much alarm. It helped a good bit once Stive was gone and not there to help. But that last one. Said she should learn where she was headed. If she wanted to be a servant then she should get a taste for it. That he had been wrong to keep her. He should have sent her to the church for disposal as she was a worthless monster Then he left her, telling the others in the room to have fun. She didn’t think he ever asked about it, but had to know it wasn’t just a beating they had in mind. Using the cane on someone who wanted it, who needed it helped her. Though there was a lot to work though. She wondered how much they had told him. Only Sahiam knew it all, and only as he had to meld to her to get her through the first change as the lessons where holding her back. The fear that this was proving her father right, she was nothing more then a monster that should have been stopped. She knew that was not so, but the fear was to strong. All have some fear the first time, which is where the mate come in. but hers was a bit to much so Sehiam had to step in as well, and then set about teaching her to heal. As far as she knew Jabari didn’t know just how bad it had been, how close she was to lost that time. Sehaim had covered, knowing as well as she did they had to work with Crater to have any hope of stopping the Tower. But that was why he had sent the unit. They were his idea of body guards.

 Critern’s breathing had slowed down so she moved back over and started undoing the cuffs. “There, now do you feel better? You are going to be in a good deal of pain. If it gets to be too much say so and you can have some willow. I don’t want you making yourself sick just to prove some point.”

Critern said. “Yes Mistress, thank you. I promise I will tell you if it gets too much.”

She nodded. “Go wash, then we will go to bed.” Once he was in the wash room she turned to Asalm. “Please see there is some mild pain medicine mixed into his canteen before we head out. He has no idea just how bad riding is going to feel.”

Asalm bowed. “Yes mistress I will see to it. Now what about you? I know you know he needed it, but how bad is it?”

Charity said. “I felt it a bit, but not as strongly. It is getting easier. It helped that Jabari had me take him into the link which is likely why he had me do it. I know they can talk to each other with out my help. Jab order him to see I slept, and he is to not let me out of his sight when they aren’t there. So you needed worry about trying to watch me so much. Now go on and get yourself to that poker game like you want to. If you come back tonight just be quite about it. I will see he knows the packing is your task, but you must let him see to the tent’s take down and set up.”

Asalm smiled. “Thank you mistress, that is fair, and yes as often as I can before we are back to where I can’t. Mistress. I will see he knows he must use Ma’am and sir when we are in the camp.” Charity laughed as he bowed again and left.

Chairty striped and got into the bed, it wasn’t long and Cristen was there and they were getting to know each other and how best to meet the others needs. That was the way the bond would be sealed, as was the case with most such.

Chapter 3

Arrival at Clarkdown.

Mid morning a week and half latter Charity stopped calling a halt on the banks of a stream, they had been staying on the road this day, but as there were no other travels they had speed it a slight bit. “All right folks the gate is just a bit down this road. In all likelihood we will have to wait there a bit, as they will have to check before letting us in. I did ask for a priest to be waiting, however we are about an hour earlier then I had expected. Remember these folks are a bit ridged and do you best to behave. We don’t want to make it harder on them then we must. Kindly stay to clothes this find fitting, meaning the servants not in pants and shirts need to get them on. If you think you need to change anything do it now. As that is tended to the rest see the horse watered, there is not going to be enough at the gate for this many. We will move out in fifteen.” She turned to Asuim. “I know you don’t want to, but yes you must put all on your badges. I might need you to come talk to the guard if he is to mule-headed to listen to me. They won’t know the Oak, but they should know ours, therefore I need you standing by. Hopfully the gaurd will be fine just seeing you there, but best to be ready should I need you to come closer.”

Asuim nodded. “I have it, ma’am, why they saw fit to give mean officers badge. Still think one of the others should wear it for this, but see your point. It just is not right for me to be seen as giving you permission, even in passing. Ma’am, may I dismount and take your horses to the water? I will take the boy as well his will dink with him on it.”

Charity nodded. “Yes go ahead, and dismount. And you know why. Chad can’t be everywhere and you needed to be able to help him keep things moving in the med tent. You are the most fit for that post and you know it. It is fitting for a servant to hold a second’s duties in a med tent. More so as Jab and I both told you to do so. Let me check that the boy turned the reins loss then you can take them to water.” She walked over to Critern who was smiling glad to have been spoken of that way. He did like it when they treated him like he wasn’t there. It was how it should be. Charity shook her head. “Good now Asalm is going to take the reins. How is the back? This is the last change to change that shirt. I know it has to sting.” He had begged to be put in a rough one as he had to have one on. The training made it hard for them to be fully dressed when not on a battle field. Not having the ropes made it that much harder. So she and a few other had ended up tying their servants into the clothes. The pants she had tied at the knees and ankles, making it almost look like he was tied to the saddle. The shirt was tied on the arms and waist, the waist tie would be making it worse on his bruised back.

Critern said. “I am fine Ma’am. It hurts, but not over much. Just enough that I can’t forget it. Thank you. I do like being reminded of the marks I earned. Will the ropes cause problems? I do like them, it feels better. It helps make it clear I am not free. I need it, I was too much in a place of power before and so it is harder on me.” He shifted a bit longing to touch her, but not having permission to. She responded by putting a hand on his leg. He moaned softly, loving her touch. That had shocked both of them, how deeply and completely the bond had taken him, and how it made him need her. Jabari had been relived, for it insured that Critern couldn’t let her out of sight for long.

Charity shook her head. “I don’t know about you boy. Alright you keep that shirt, but it is to be a softer one tomorrow. The ties will stay, that much is not going to be a problem. If asked I will just tell them the truth, that you have issues with keeping your clothes on. The fact the clothes are plain will tell the locals you are servant, as you will see only they wear plan clothes here, so few will even question them. There is a clear division of classes here. There will be times you can have the full ropes on. Relax none here will see anything but a servant with you. That is the only way you will be introduced, if you are at all.” She moved back so Asalm would take the horse to the stream. Which had him whimper a bit.

Asalm nodded at her. “He will be fine Ma’am, but is going to need a bit more bossing then I do. If it is getting too hard on him I will see you know he needs you to yell at him some.”

Charity put her hand on his arm, hearing his unvoiced worry. “Yes you can be tied some of the time as well. Chad seems to not mind a bit if you end up getting tethered to a post in the med tent. So I will see it happens. You have no business trying to get out in the field. I will not risk you trying to run to Jab or I, here. It is perfectly reasonable that I do so with the bond you have. Now go get that horse watered so we can head out. We don’t want to be too far behind the others, so I had best stop delaying.”

Charity moved away knowing they wouldn’t until she did. She looked up the road steeling herself. This was going to an interesting few days. She could just bet her father didn’t believe she was among the fighters. Likely saw her as a bar maid, one that worked upstairs. Just how would he react? Hopefully he was careful about what he said.

Garstern said. “I don’t know about that boy. One little touch and he is more than ready for you to take him off into bushes for a bit. I know he was bad, but didn’t think it would take him that hard. That said, I do hope it is not for fear of bothering me that you are not dragging him off. It is normal to be a bit needy the first days, just as you were once the vows with Jab were set. It truly doesn’t bother me. I have had time to get used to the idea. He asked to be allowed to wait the tables in the house this last year, and most times father let him. Just so we would be used to seeing him as a servant, as what he was, what he needs.”

Charity smiled. “I do take him some, but it is an adjustment for me. I have never cared to be waited on, and to have him need to see to me is a bit overwhelming. You might bee used to it, but I’m not. I was taught a low wives duties, which meant putting everyone else before me, even when it came to have a servant around to my room for an evening. I am better than I was, but still have a lot to get past.”

Kaneb said. “So what are we walking into? There is something you are not saying. Just why do you not want them there without you?”

Charity said. “I am just worried what my Father will say. He never truly heard me those last days. He still didn’t believe I knew what I was saying, even though I had my weapons when he saw me last. The church said I was unable to learn, that my brain was wired wrong to ever know how to wild a weapon or read a book. Then if I was ever to touch the power I would destroy everything around me. Even seeing the De and her team he held those beliefs. They were out-kingdom twisted beings not real women as the land saw we were. It is going to be a hard few days. He is not expecting to see me.”

Garstern smiled. “This tip just keeps sounding better. This is going to be so much fun Commander.” She frowned a bit and shook her head. “No, you are wearing the medal, you took command. It is going to be clear who is in charge, like it or not.”

She said. “I know it, which is why I put off putting on my shield as long as I could, but I need it now, it makes it clear you are with me. No I was just thinking of the reaction. It will be a week a most before everyone knows you are a prince. The guys are not going to be able to go long without using the right title, as you know. Yet clearly I am in charge.”

Kaneb shrugged. “Well sis it will all come out anyway. Or are you leaving off the crowns when you break out the formals?”

Charity said. “Me, yes, the clothes will be enough. However what you three do is up to you. Now then mount up, we need to get moving.”

Garstern smiled and winked at her, then bowed. “Yes Commander, right away. You herd her Men. Commander says mount up.”

She shook her head. “You just had to do that. Now I am going to end up explain why those folks are bowing to me. As if the title wouldn’t be enough. Warren is going to use this to force me into the meetings. Asalm see the boy’s reins are in place. I am sorry, but yours can’t be fixed until the gate is dealt with. Once it is I will see to them. It will be less then you had to put up with it last spring, but yes you will feel the cane for each seeming order you give me.”

Asalm bowed. “Thank you Ma’am, the boy is set, his reins are back in place. Did I get this badge right this time?”

Charity nodded, and got on her horse, so he would get on his. “Yes that is fine, now you stay close to us. With luck, that will prove enough.” Though he clearly wasn’t happy about it he moved up tell he was all most even with them as they headed out.

It wasn’t that much longer before the gate came into sight, then soon the guard came out and stood behind it. He called out. “This is a closed area, do you have papers?”

Charity moved a bit close so he could easily see her badges. “We are some of the hired Mercenaries heading to Clarkdown, there was to be a priest here to met us, but I fear I am a bit earlier then I had thought I would be. The lack of traffic let us move faster. I can tell you our presences here is known to Inspector Heanirk, if that helps.”

The guard scowled at her then looked at the men with her, clearly going to address them, as he did with the trader caravans. However anther man spoke first. “Welcome and thank you for not only coming but bring friends. I fear we will need them. Phill go open the gate, these are the ones I am here for.” He turned to another out of sight. “See Lad, I told you wouldn’t have to wait long and we could be on the way. We will be there in plenty of time, you won’t miss anything. That ball you are worried about isn’t for a week yet and we will be there tomorrow, go see let your mother and sisters know we will move on shortly.”

Charity blinked. “Lord Jeffry, this is indeed a surprise. How are you, and what has you out here? Well I remember how you enjoy the woods.”

The man smiled. “See Tohmass I told you she would know me. The good Knight had some other business to see to but as we live in Falxviwe and were headed to Clarkdown, I said I would come meet you all so he could stop trying to split himself in two.”

Chartiy tuned to look at Asalm, moved a bit close and fixed his reins then nodded. “Go on back, yes I still will.” She shook her head, then led them through the gate. “We will be fine with playing escort, Sir. Luke said that Father was calling the family in, but I didn’t realize just how far that meant. So it is a full gathering we are walking into. I must wonder if messages got mislaid. I do hope we haven’t delayed you to much.” She looked back at the others. “Men, there will be a slight delay here, as Lord Jeffery and his family get ready, they will be trailing with us this just half. Feel free to get down and stretch, see if they need a hand getting there beast hitched, but don’t wonder far and don’t push.”

Garstern said. “Yes Commander.” And bowed from his saddle, the other black shields copied him easily then dismounted.

Charity shook her head, Kaneb winked at her, then turned to his. “You guys heard her. Hadhir go see if you can find out why that carriage horse of theirs is so stirred up. No way it can go on the road like that. It would make the ride far to rough.”

Hadhir jumped down from the wagon. “You got it Cap.”

Lord Jeffery looked at her. “So these are yours? Sounds like you have been busy these last years Charity. Your father is going to be a bit shocked. We were just here about an hour, and actually by going with you we will get there faster, as it gives us a good expiation of why we can’t stop in every town along the way. So see I am using you. I really don’t like listening to disputes about cattle or rivers, that the mayor seem to feel I should be informed of when I pass through town. I am more then happy to leave all that to Jeadiare. I will be so glad when I can pass him the governorship in truth next year. He is for better at it then I ever was. This area was my reward for bring the alarm, complete with moving service to my new manor house. I am bit better about being surrounded by trees then I used to be, for all we do have a fair sized town around us.”

Charity said. “That is some reward, but better then feared. At least He is awake this time.” She smiled. “As to them, well. I was sent to guide some friends we had spent some time studying with as they wanted some fun. Then another from the area said he had a few he was going to send to me. I should have asked a bit more about what a few meant as I have ended up in command of a unit. Should have known that was what he was plotting, but well I also think we will need all the help we can get. Everything says they are not playing this time. I am not sure Father even realizes that I am going to be there. So yes, he is going to be shocked. The years have brought a good many changes. So any idea why he is having everyone there? De had received confirmation, so he had to know the companies would be there.”

Lord Jerffery shook his head. “He wouldn’t say, but did say that there would be two outland Mercenary units there for the ball, so that the girls wouldn’t have to dance with relatives all night. I had best go help my Wife get the girls back in the carriage so we can get moving.”

Charity nodded. “I don’t want to be to far back. Luke is a bit upset with Palmmer over some abused horses, and for all he said he would behave I can’t be sure how long that will last when he is seeing him.”

Jeffrey went over to his family and it wasn’t long until they were on the road. He stayed with them but watched Charity and thought of Feather. It was indeed going to be an interesting visit. She would shake him up. There was more to those with her, and her command of them then she was saying, but that was her right. He did wonder just what his brother was up to. “This visit should be a bit better then the others. They are going to shake things up. Now you all know they arenot evil or twisted just because they hold difent viwes. I have no problems with you going among them. You have the right to know what is out there.”

They stopped at a camp ground an hour before sunset, knowing eveing that long had been too much on the guests. Jeffery looked on in amazement as they spring into action and the camp started taking shape. Charity went over and undid Critern’s reins. “Off the horse and go get the tent up.” He nodded and got off the horse she watched him a bit to make sure he wasn’t to stiff then turned to make sure things were going smoothly and saw Lord Jeffery watching. “Sir, do you have tents and would you like some help with them? I never went that far from home before joining up with De so do not know if you have beds in the carriages or not. I know that is what the wealthy in Jacksome do. If you do not mind sharing our meal, Kaneb’s cooks will have something hot ready in thirty minuets, at the most. Now they will be using a bit of magic to speed the process, however I do believe your army makes use of similar spells.”

Jeffery smiled at her. “I think the young boys are setting up tents for them, but yes most of us will use the beds in the carriages. The warm meal will be most welcome if you do not think they will mind us joining, that is. I confess I never thought about how we would cook when I was packing the food.”

His son laughed. “I put in a camping stove andcould have manged. When out with the hunters I do what I can to take up the chores so they took to teaching how to do them right. But yes it would be much better not to, as likely a few of you would hurt yourselfs trying not to laugh.”

Kanab said. “Mine would just shake their heads and take over if you tried to cook. By all means join us, we will have plenty.”

Chairty smiled and looked then moved over to Asalm and freed his hands, which she had bound tighter at the last rest stop. “All right he has the tent up you may take the bags in. Critern will see to the horses tonight, you need not leave the tent.”

Asalm bowed, smiling, glad she was doing it, for all she hated it. There was still a bit of reluctance in her voice but she had come a long way. “Yes ma’am, thank you.”

Charity shook her head as he left. “Now you will be expected to just take a place at the table with us and let the servants see to you. Likely you will find that easier then I do.”