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Chapter 15: A Garden of Deadly Blossoms

I sat in the shaded depths of a heavy canvas tent. The front
of the tent was open to allow me to watch as the contestants
sparred against each other, and I was delighted with what I
saw. One thing I had learned when I first searched for
mercenaries was that they were a hodgepodge bunch. They came
in a vast variety of sizes and colors. Some I suspected had
come from lands near where I was born, but others came from
lands I had never dreamed existed.

But I was strongly disgusted by what I was learning from the
individual applicants. As I interviewed each of them, I
realized a general theme to their statements; A discontent
of their place within their individual bands. Although every
one of them was a capable warrior in her own right, they had
been treated as scullions, maids and in many cases, camp
girls. Many had been raped; all had been humiliated. And I
realized something. I wasn't going to make any choices for
my hidden force. There was no need to choose, and no reason
for them to be hidden.

At dusk, I stepped onto a platform that had been erected in
the middle of the field. "Attention, please. My name is
Alexander. I have invited you here, along with my partner
Nalita. I have a few questions for this group. Are you all
under contract or bond to your Captains?" There was a chorus
of "Ayes". "How many of your captains will release you from
your contract or bond for 300 florins?" The amount I offered
was the average amount I paid each mercenary chieftain for
his leadership per year. The average mercenary was paid
twenty to forty, with officers making up to seventy-five.
But as expected, I heard very few acknowledgements. "How
many of you feel any loyalty to your companies?" And again,
I was unsurprised by the lack of positive response.

"Your chieftains were not informed as to when you would be
released back to your companies. I actually didn't know how
long my search would take." I paused for a moment. "The
initial search is over. I am pleased to state you have all
been selected for my band.  Now, more individualized
meetings will be conducted to determine who will be chosen
as officers,  and what specialties you may possess. I am
also looking for a small force for my personal protection.
Any who would be interested in this team may contact Nalita
or Lady Kiro to learn what duties this might entail."

Nalita, Kiro and I had discussed this last night, and it was
agreed that they would make it plain to those interested
that an interview with me for this duty would include sexual
intimacy. We were certain this would limit the number of
applicants. Between the three of us, we expected I'd have to
choose from a dozen at most, and had made up a handful of
special tokens for these applicants. In this way I would
know which ones were interested, and avoid any embarrassment
with those who weren't.

When I entered the tent before dawn the next morning, Nalita
and Kiro approached me with somewhat stunned expressions.
"M'Lord," Kiro spoke first, "You will have a few more
'special' interviews then we anticipated."

"Oh?" I asked. "How many more"

Nalita responded, "We expect approximately forty more."

I know my mouth dropped open. Nalita shrugged. "I expect
most took the tokens out of curiosity. I doubt many of them
will actually present them to you."

I could accept that. "And what about the second part of our
discussion. Do you still think I should feed openly?"

Kiro and Nalita looked at each other. "Yes. If there is a
problem, I'll be outside to make them forget. Besides,
you'll need to place any you choose under the Covenant as
soon as you can. This way leaves you with the least amount
of explanation to them."

I could have argued, but the first interviewee had arrived
with the rising sun. She introduced herself as Maledith, and
was a young woman with pale skin, long strawberry blond hair
and bright blue eyes. She wore a studded leather jerkin, at
her waist hung a scimitar in a battered scabbard, and a pair
of daggers tucked in her wide belt. She didn't present me
with a token, so we kept our discussion to her skills at
battle. I made notes, and asked if she'd be willing to prove
herself late in the afternoon. (When we'd had the tent
erected, we made sure the afternoon sun would be in the sky
behind the entrance. Thus I could sit near the doorway to
observe, and remain free from the agonizing blow of its
rays.)

Thus the morning went, and I'd met with twenty-two warriors
without the presentation of a single token. I was beginning
to suspect that Nalita was being generous in her initial
estimate of twelve applicants.

But the next applicant took her seat and tossed me one of
the  tokens. She was young, perhaps seventeen. Her blond
hair was tied in a neat braid, and her brown eyes sparkled
with intelligence. She bore a longsword and wore light
ringmail. "I was told you were looking for a squad for your
personal service. True?" I nodded affirmative. "I was also
told such service would entail you taking me to your bed.
Also true?"

"Yes, the position will require that among your duties. Now,
go ahead and tell me I'm a disgusting miscreant, and then
we'll discuss your skills at arms instead."

She sat back with a slow smile, looking at me appraisingly.
"No. You're no villain, and you look to be a much more
considerate lover than any other man I've had. So... " She
leaned across the desk that separated us and offered her
hand. "I'm Talia of Belacourt. Tell me more of what you are
looking for, besides a lover."

I took the proffered hand. As I'd expected her grip was
strong and calloused. "I'm looking for women that are
skilled in weapons, obviously. But also who are intelligent.
My guards will find themselves traveling long distances with
me, and might find themselves in many strange cultures. As
for your willingness to share my bed, I'll explain more this
eve if you choose to join me." After agreeing to a time to
meet that evening, our conversation turned to the more
mundane matters of her skills and talents.

A few more interviews followed, one of which held the
promise of being a fine officer. During a short break, I
leaned back and shut my eyes for a moment. When I opened
them, a vision I'd never dreamed of stood before me.

She was very tall. Her hair was almost black, and hung in
multiple tight braids. But what took me by surprise was her
skin. The woman had skin like ebony. I'd never met a woman
with skin this dark. I didn't know women like this existed.
Her dark eyes met mine, and seemed to twinkle with
amusement. She wore a vest and kilt of some sort of animal
pelt, a gold furred creature. She carried half dozen
javelins in one hand, with a shield strapped to the opposite
arm. In the waist of her kilt, a dagger was thrust.

She leaned the javelins against the side of the tent, then
reached into a pouch I hadn't noticed that hung from her
hip, and tossed me one of the tokens.

"You seek a bedmate who is a warrior. Kirish is a warrior.
Tell me more about your needs. Perhaps Kirish will take you
for a partner."

She moved gracefully to the chair opposite me and settled
down. I said, "First, tell me where you come from. I've
never seen a person with skin like yours."

Kirish smiled at me, and her bright white teeth were
startling against her rich brown lips. "I come from far to
the west, across the vast western waters and across the
luxuriant plain, from my home, Nirob."

I gave Kirish much the same explanations I had offered
Talia. She accepted them with aplomb. Then I nodded to the
token that lay on my desk. "I've told you what type of
person I seek. I think you will fit those needs admirably.
But this matter is one you need choose. Do these duties
interest you enough to contemplate this additional
obligation?"

She considered the matter seriously. "Must I decide without
knowledge of what I accept?"

I understood what she meant. "If you like, join me at the
new day. I'll be more than delighted to let you inspect your
options."

"So late?" She chuckled softly, and I knew she understood
the reason for the lateness. "I hope your stamina is
excellent, Lord Alexander." Then she stood, collected her
weapons and strode out of the tent.

By the end of the day, thirty three warriors had been
interviewed, four had been noted as possible officers, and
one additional token had been returned. At this rate, I'd
have the interviews done in another six days. Nalita had
been watching the continuing sparring amongst the warriors,
and reported that they seemed to be getting used to one
another. "Alright, tomorrow split them into teams. Let's see
how they work together with soldiers they've never fought
with. And then, ten nights from now, we'll begin cutting our
expenses."


Talia arrived at exactly the time we'd agreed on, three
hours before the new day. I invited her into my chambers. "I
will not force you into this, Talia. If you like, you may
depart, and I will seek another more agreeable."

She looked around the room and smiled. "No, I'm quite
willing to do this. Where can I set my weapons?"

I pointed to a chest next to the bed. "Set them there if you
like. Your armor as well." She unlaced the ringmail and
lifted it over her head. Under the armor she wore a padded
jerkin and a leather strap skirt.  She set the armor under
her weapons, and made sure the blades were within reach of
the bed. When she moved to pull the jerkin over her head, I
intervened. "Allow me, please."

She smiled and turned to me, raising her arms above her
head. I stepped close and lifted the bottom of jacket and
tugged it off.  She wore a thin cotton chemise under it,
which I also lifted off.

She lowered her arms and looked me in the eye. "Do you
approve?"

I looked her over with pleasure. Her breasts were smaller
than Mia's had been when I met her, but her nipples were
long and stood proudly. Her areolas were a light brown, the
rest of her skin very light. I ran my hands along her ribs
and waist, then ran the back of my fingers across her
breasts. She gave a small shiver and quiet sigh.

I knelt before her, and unbuckled the leather skirt, letting
it fall around her ankles. Under the skirt she wore a short
cotton undergarment. I slid this off her hips as well. Then
I unlaced her sandals and slipped them off. I stood back and
admired the nude form before me. "I approve very much."

"May I satisfy my curiosity?" She asked. I nodded and untied
the sash of my night robe. I was naked under it, and she
looked me over appraisingly. I was not a young man. My new
life had begun in the forty-first year of my old one. I was
perhaps five foot eight, tall for this land, but less than
average for the land of my birth. My belly had a slight
paunch, but was firm to the touch. I was wide of chest, and
muscular in arm and leg. "I see no reason to complain," she
said with a grin.

I led her to the bath, and enjoyed washing her immensely.
Then I led her to the bed. "You can still refuse, Talia."
Her response was to take me in her hand and lie on the bed.

I suspect she expected me to simply plunge into her and take
my pleasure. I know she gasped and moaned when my lips first
caressed her labia. I discovered she was prone to tiny
squeaks of delight when I pressed my tongue inside her and
thrust gently. And that she would shiver whenever I caressed
her clit with my tongue. But when she finally climaxed, she
stiffened and stopped breathing until I stopped my caresses
in concern. Then she simply collapsed with a whimper.

When she'd recovered, I kissed her gently and caressed her
tiny breasts, then entered her slowly. She was very moist,
but very tight, and I relaxed and made love to her slowly.
And as her climax drew close, I sank my fangs into her
throat and fed.

As I drank, she wrapped her legs around me and bucked
against me in a violent orgasm. As her climax slowly passed,
I licked the wounds on her throat. I sat up, still trapped
by her entwined legs, and licked her blood from my lips and
fangs as she watched in fascination.

"Now you know what I am, Talia. I don't know what your
people call such creatures, but mine call them vampire. So
tell me, knowing this, would you still serve me?"

She slowly unlocked her legs and let me slide free. Then she
touched her throat, finding the wounds healed. "If I serve
you, would you pleasure me each time like you have? Or was
this the only time I'll feel such things?"

"Talia, I am only able to feed with a lover. Every time you
come to me, you will find delight like this in my arms. And
I will find delight with you. Now, consider what you know.
But share your knowledge with no one. Then come to me on the
morrow, and tell me of your decision."

I watched her dress, and when she began to brush her hair, I
sat her down on the bed before me. I think I surprised her
again when I shortly had her hair easily tied in her
familiar braid. "My wife, goddess watch over her, wore her
hair like yours. I loved to braid it for her." Talia offered
me a gentle smile at my words, then departed.

Perhaps forty minutes later, a firm knock made me aware of
the time. I opened the door for Kirish, and she again
offered her blinding smile. She came without her shield or
javelins. I was going to ask, but she anticipated me. "A
friend watches over my shield, and the javelins are easy to
replace. I don't think I will need either tonight."

She looked around the room, and set her dagger on the same
chest Talia had used for her armor and weapons. Then she
unlaced her gold furred vest and tossed it on the floor
beside the bed, followed by her kilt.

Then she stood before me with a challenging look. "Strip,
Hava Alexander. You see what I offer, let me see what you
offer me." I know I looked confused at the way she addressed
me. "Hava. It means, chieftain, leader, the one who commands
all."

I untied my robe again, and waited as Kirish stalked over
and began to run her hands across my body. She took my bicep
in her hand and squeezed with a sound of appreciation. She
gave my buttock a firm slap, then took my cock in her hand
and gave it a couple of strokes, then knelt before me and
flicked her tongue across the opening, tasting the drop of
lubricant her touch had coaxed out.

Then she took me into her mouth and quickly sucked and
stroked me to climax, swallowing every drop. When she stood,
she bit my shoulder painfully. "Let me see how soon you
recover, Hava." I decided it was time not to be wasted.

I lifted her in my arms and tossed her on the bed. As she
lay there chuckling at me, I took her black nipple into my
mouth, and suckled it to a stiff pebble. Her chuckle died
abruptly as I nipped on the hard flesh, and a soft moan took
its place. I spent a few minutes caressing and enjoying the
taste and texture of her firm full breasts.

Then I ran my tongue along her stomach, with a stop to probe
her navel and feel her squirm. I nibbled at the thick
triangle of her pubic hair then moved her legs apart and
attacked her pussy with my tongue, lips and teeth. I wasn't
able to push her over the top as quickly as she had me, but
I still enjoyed the results when her war cry rang out and
she thrashed under my onslaught.

Then I pinned her shoulders to the bed with my hands, and
spread her legs with mine. I humped against her, rubbing the
tip of my cock along her sex and clit for a moment. When I
found her opening, she was wet and ready, and I slid into
her, until I found my way blocked. Then I looked at her in
shocked disbelief.

Kirish was having none of that, though, and with a violent
thrust of her hips, she forced me through her barrier and
engulfed me with her virgin slit. Then she began to twist
under me, rubbing her channel against my invading sword.

I began to thrust into her slowly, but her animal growls and
violent twists showed me her displeasure with my pace, and I
began to drive into her hard and fast. And when she came,
and her war cry began to ululate I sank my fangs into her
throat. Her cries choked off with my strike, then I felt her
bite me hard in the shoulder, and felt my blood run across
my skin. As it touched her tongue, her pussy clamped and
spasmed around my cock, and her howls of pain and pleasure
filled my ears as I filled and drank from her.

At last, she lay back, shuddering from the pain of the
change, and the pleasure of her body. When she opened her
eyes, I made sure she watched as I licked her blood from my
lips and fangs. "I know you, Hava Alexander. You are the
NightFeeder. The creature used to terrify children. Will you
now take my life?"

I shook my head. "No, your life is yours, Kirish, to enjoy
as you like. But you know me now. You know what I am. And I
would still ask you to serve me. But I ask, I do not
command." She considered my words carefully.

"I gave you that which a man values most. And you still ask
if I choose to serve you. Hava Alexander, I pledge myself to
you until you drive me to the depths of the sea. Kirish will
guard you evermore."

I said nothing, I only lifted her and carried her to the
bath. I washed her lovingly, washing the odor of our passion
and her pain away. When she was clean, she lay back against
me as I lightly caressed her breasts.

"Kirish, why did you give me that gift? Why not to a past
love, or a future husband? I know when Kiro or Nalita gave
you the token, they explained clearly that there would be no
exclusivity, that you would be one of several women to share
my bed. Why was I your choice?"

"Because I knew I wanted to serve you, Hava. And to serve
you best, I must become one of perhaps many. And I was most
pleased with the skill of your sword. You will stab me
often, will you not?"

"Aye, as often as I may. It will depend on how many are
finally selected."

She nodded acceptance to that. "But I'm sorry you bit me
tonight. I didn't expect that, and if I'd even dreamed it
would happen, I would have warned you, and eased the pain as
much as I could." I then taught her of the Change, and what
it had wrought upon her. We discussed it for a while, then
she kissed me and made her way to her own bed.

I had one more bedmate that night. Alaysia had long dark
hair, and very pale skin, She bore a heavy two-handed sword,
but was startlingly thin. She turned out to be an
exceptionally eager lover, and easily accepted my
revelation. I ended up getting just two hours of rest each
night for the next seven nights. And on the tenth night, my
warriors displayed their skills for me.
