Legends of Belariath

Stormbringer and Ayla

The Story of Stormbringer and Ayla 1

Introduction

Ayla

It was a glorious morning as I rode through the woods of my father’s kingdom. The stallion I rode was a fine animal that had been a present to me from my father the day I bested his best warrior in battle. I was good, I knew that but even I was surprised that day; only then realizing how lucky I was in being the only daughter of a king and having three strong brothers. Maybe I tried too much to keep up with them. I certainly bullied them until they agreed to include me whenever they practiced. For a long time I hid my skill from them not wanting to embarrass them but it soon became clear that my supple lean body had speed and maneuverability that gave me a huge advantage over my muscle-bound brothers.

I smiled softly to myself as the sun beat down on my tanned skin. I had been practicing with my brothers when I stripped off my armor and rode off in my thin chain mail. It had been specially made for me to fit the curves of my well developed body, a short crop top that would add extra protection to my heart and lungs and shorts that rode low on my hips. I was always aware of the sword that lay along the side of my leg as it bounced to the beat to my horse’s steps. My horse knew exactly where we were going. It was my favorite place to go, a small swimming hole that no one knew about but me.

The water was crystal clear and a warm for the time of year. The birds were chirping and small animals scurried away as I approached the swimming hole. I guess over the years they had come to know me because they never stayed away long. I enjoyed watching them play while I would lay on the long flat rocks and let my body dry in the sun. My horse knew this was his time as well, I dismounted and loosened his girth; a playful swat on the rump to tell him he could go and with a friendly whinny he made his way off to find a clump of green grass to graze on in the shade. I didn’t waste any time before stripping my body of the chain mail and diving off the stone into the water, feeling it’s warmth engulfing my body and smoothing my long curly hair down my back as I swam deeper and deeper into its depths.

I held my breath as long as I could before coming up as I always did., splashing up and out with a loud gasp that broke the silence of the woods. Treading water as I looked around …. something was wrong I was sure of it. The woods were too quiet, too quiet. Instantly my eyes locked on a tall powerfully built man standing at the edge of the water. The only thought that would come to my mind was how this was the most magnificent man I had ever seen. He had long flowing black hair that draped down around his powerfully built shoulders and the bluest eyes I had ever seen. Suddenly He smiled the most charismatic smile I had ever seen. A shiver such as I had never known before swept through my body startling me out of my trance.

He was a warrior that was clear by the mail he too wore, and on His side his huge hand rested on the hilt of the biggest sword I had ever seen. With a start I realized that in his other hand he held my chain mail! I watched as he brought my mail up to his face and buried his nose in the fine flexible chains… he took a deep breath and smiled, it was that same charismatic smile! Why that arrogant over grown ape, didn’t he know who I was! I would teach Him a lesson or two about manners! My mind enraged, determined to show Him that I was not just some maiden to be plundered for his amusement. He would have me over my dead body!

In the back of my mind I suppressed the strangest feelings I was having. As if my body was trying to tell my mind something that I could not possibly understand. I turned my eyes to my sword on the other side of the clearing. His eyes followed mine we both knew he could get to it before I, so I held my ground and continued to tread the water. I was sure that his intentions were to rape me and fear began to grip my soul. I was in the woods with no sword, no armor and no one or way to tell this man who I was. Well it was not going to be that easy for the big lout that was for sure. I became determined that if I were to give up my maidenhood to this man today it would not be without the fight of his life!

He watched me with those piercing blue eyes as if he knew every thought in my head. I felt completely exposed and tried to tell myself it was only my body that he saw. Then all of a sudden he dropped my mail in the sand and turned his back on me. I had not even noticed the Warhorse that was tethered in the trees it was a massive stallion, solid black with the most beautiful mane I had ever seen. When he swung his leg up and mounted the animal I felt my breath catch in my throat, it was the most incredible sight I had ever seen. He looked like a Greek God sent down from the heavens. He turned the animal away and started to ride away. My mind began to scream with anger… He was leaving! He had no intentions of raping me at all! He did not think I was worthy of raping!

All the way home I dwelled on the curious stranger, my feelings twisted and distorted. I told myself that I was angry because of the way he gawked at me in the water. I was sure he could clearly see my breasts and hoped that was all. I was not just angry because of that, I was angry because he did not find me worthy of raping. I had never been with a man but had been courted by many who had told me how beautiful I was. But without my father’s kingdom and my riches was I not worthy of being raped by this man? The thought tore at my heart and made me more and more angry as I rode home.

The next day I was in the practice yard with my brothers, this time fully dressed in my form fitting body armor that proudly bore the family coat of arms on the chest. I wielded my sword, long and thin, light in weight but made out of the finest steel money could buy; there were none sharper. My armor fit nicely over my mail and left my arms and legs exposed the way I liked. High leather boots strapped up to my knees with strips of chain mail sewn into them glistened in the sun as my sword came to an abrupt halt. It was him! He was just sitting there on his horse watching me practice. I turned and stared at the man my mind reeling for something to say but my words catching in my throat. My brothers stopped as well and I realized that everyone practicing in the yard had stopped. This man’s presence commanded attention. The dark tan skin of his face was suddenly broken with the glimmer of his white teeth; he was smiling that smile again, at me! Enraged I struggled for words to hurl at him but before I could come up with anything even half way sensible he gave his stallion a nudge and the animal started off toward the castle.

My face was flushed. I was angry and I didn’t want my brothers to see the way this man affected me. I turned, they were staring at me, “WHAT!” I shouted challenging them to say one word to me and then stomped off the practice field. I was determined to find out who this man was. I got bathed and dressed, this time wearing something that my father would find more befitting of His daughter. I tried to tell myself that I was dressing for my father, that I didn’t care what this man thought of me, I refused to accept that I wanted to look nice for this stranger who had come to our castle. I put on my best gown, a lovely blue silk with pearls embroidered into the garment making a corset that pressed my ample breasts up and thinned my already trim waist.

When I entered the hall it did not take long to spot the stranger at all. He was standing with my father over by the fire, with a drink in His hand and looking as if He had always been here. I walked straight up to my father and smiled my best smile at him “Greetings dear father, how be you today Sir?” I completely ignored the man standing next to Him. As always my father's face lit up when he saw me; it warmed my soul comforting me a bit.

My father smiled and greeted me then finally introduced me to the strange man “Ayla, this is His Royal Highness Lord StormBringer.” My jaw dropped, this man who goes riding around as if some hired sword was a King! I just stood there gawking and then he did it again…smiled at me with that arrogant heart-stopping smile. My eyes narrowed as I stared at him, my thoughts swimming with a combination of wonder, anger and fear. I knew that my father was behind on the tribute that he owed and could think of no other reason for this man to be here.

Collecting my thoughts I turned and looked at Lord StormBringer. “Why are you here Sir?” I asked point blank. My father gasped but I think I saw a hint of a smile touch the corners of Lord StormBringer's lips. “I am here to talk about what is due me, little girl” I could see my father swallow hard and knew he had no gold. He was a good king and above all else looked after his people. It had been a hard winter and much of the livestock had been lost, followed by a late freeze that killed off much of the farmers crops. My father had not collected the tribute that he should have this year because if he had, the people would have suffered and he could not do that. Finally I heard my father speak up, His voice was soft but strong “I don’t have your tribute Lord StormBringer.”

StormBringer

When I heard those words I had to suppress a smile. Despite my position I far preferred to ride about my lands anonymously. One can learn so much more when news is not filtered by a dozen layers of protocol, by a dozen courtiers each with their own agenda. I already knew what was happening here, having spent several days wandering about and speaking to the ordinary people. This king was a good man who put his duties above personal concerns and my only intent on coming to see him had been to reassure him that I understood, and to offer him help.

But there was his daughter again, standing there eyes flashing fire as though ready to run me through with the sword she had wielded with some ability in the exercise yard. And I felt sure I had seen her before.... yes ..... the young maiden swimming ..... green eyes and swelling tanned breasts ..... and that look again....... I determined to have some fun with the hot headed young beauty.

”Well Sir, that is hardly what I expected to hear.” I paused as though in thought then deliberately let my eyes wander over his daughter's full breasts. “Maybe you have something else of value to offer me?” The king seemed not to notice my glance but Ayla certainly noticed. Her cheeks flushed but at the same time her breasts rose in some agitation as her breathing also quickened. 'Interesting' I thought to myself. Then she surprised me for the first time, stepping between myself and her father and saying, “Take me as your slave, Lord, and leave my father in peace.”

The tilt of that small chin and the protectiveness towards her father almost made me give up the game at that point. But I remembered the way she had looked at me and decided this young girl needed a small lesson in humility. In her position she had probably never met a man who didn't fawn on her, both for her beauty and for the favor of her father. “I suppose we could use some extra help in the kitchens, girl” I said with a smile, “but slaves are cheap.”

It was all I could do to keep a straight face as I saw her body tense and her knuckles whiten, “I am a virgin, Lord and daughter of a king, not some kitchen trull to be bought and sold for a few mehrials. And I was offering myself as your personal slave out of love for my father and the people he protects. But I should have known you would fail to appreciate the value of such an offer.”

Almost I feared that her father would drop dead on the spot to hear her speaking thus to me. But all he did was put a hand on her shoulder and murmur gently. It was plain that this girl was accustomed to getting her own way. An idea struck me. “So you feel insulted, little girl? Maybe you should challenge me to duel then. Or do you hide behind that pretty dress of yours when it suits you?” Luckily I managed to get a wink to the father unseen by her, or I think he would have truly had a heart attack at that point.

Green eyes flashed again, pride was there but something more, something I did not truly understand at that time. “Let us make it more interesting than a way of avenging your insults then, Lord StormBringer. When I win you will free my father of all tribute for the next five years.”

”And if you should somehow lose?” I asked with another smile.

”Why, then you will take me as your personal slave and chain me to the foot of your bed.”

I pretended to consider the offer, mainly through enjoyment of watching her temper rise and the blush stain deeper over the exposed tops of her breasts, but in my mind I was clear enough. I would teach her a lesson and then release her from the wager and sort out with her father the best way to help ease his people's hardships. “Very well girl, you seem to have the better of the bargain but I'll not quibble with a child.” The way her eyes flashed amused me greatly, but I realized I was also starting to feel a lot of respect for this young woman. And maybe something more...

Down in the practice yard we donned padded armor and took up wooden swords and small shields. I wasn't worried for myself but had no intention of seriously damaging this girl by using real weapons and risking my reflexes working faster than I could control them. And to be fair she fought very well, her slender body moved with agility and she had the concentration and reflexes to make a fighter who would cause problems to a great many good knights. But I didn't achieve my position by losing to anyone, and while an excellent swordswoman, the girl lacked the killer instinct that comes only from real life and death combat. Not wanting to risk the embarrassment of losing, I wore her down slowly and carefully, my own stamina so much the greater. Eventually the chance came and with a quick move I knocked her sword flying, swung my leg across the backs of her knees and swatted her pert little bottom with the flat of my sword as she fell flat on her face.

I left the girl after making sure nothing was hurt but her pride, and went back up the hill with her father. Following my washing away all traces of the exercise I found myself once more with my subject king in his main hall, drinking wine and talking to him about my thoughts. He seemed rather relieved that I wasn't going to hold his daughter to her impetuous words, though he did confide privately that he sometimes worried about her headstrong ways. But as with so many other fathers, he found it difficult to treat his daughter as firmly as he did his sons. As to the tribute, he showed more pleasure that his people would not suffer than in the safety of his own position, confirming my high opinion of him.

As we sat side by side talking companionably, Ayla entered the room again. Gone now was the richly decorated gown. Instead she had dressed in a simple white slave tunic that revealed far more of the swelling curves of her ripe young body. Somehow she had managed to fasten manacles around her wrists and they jangled as she walked towards us, eyes lowered.

Moving before us, the girl gracefully sank to her knees before me and raised her hands, offering me a key which I rightly assumed belonged to the fastenings about her wrists. Not to be outdone I gravely took the key while looking down at Ayla as she knelt silently with lowered head. The positioning allowed me to see much of the soft curves of her firm young breasts and I admit my breath caught slightly as I studied her. Then, with just a trace of reluctance I handed the key back to her. “Keep your service, Ayla. And don't worry about your father.”

Looking up abruptly her eyes flashed deep green with anger and with some other message, maybe hidden even from herself. “So this is how Lord StormBringer keeps his bargains, is it?” she asked hotly. “It's to be wondered you keep the respect of your subjects if you break your word so easily.” I looked down at the kneeling girl in some amazement, having assumed she would be relieved to be released from her position but she showed no sign of backing off.

StormBringer and ayla{SB}

At last I drew back with a sigh, leaning back in the chair and shaking my head slightly. I had got myself into a position where the tables were neatly turned. Thinking to teach this headstrong young girl a lesson, I was now bound to keep my word and take her as my slave and, if I remembered rightly, keep her chained to the foot of my bed. This was a nice pickle! With a rueful sigh I met her father's eyes. “Your daughter leaves me no choice. I take her as my slave as agreed. But be assured I will take good care of her for you.” And return her when she comes to her senses, my wink conveyed silently. He nodded in agreement, sighing also. “I trust you to look after her, my Liege, and maybe you can teach her to be a little more ladylike while she is in your care.”

Looking back down at the scantily clad girl I spoke sternly “Give me the key, slave.” And with a smile that looked dangerously close to a smirk, she bowed her head again and proffered the key on upturned palms. Taking it, I placed it safely in my pouch and turned back to her father, discussing the state of his kingdom as though ayla was not there. I sensed her moving somewhat, either impatient or uncomfortable but kept my eyes off her. Slave she wanted to be? Then I would treat her no better and soon enough she would be only too willing to return to her previous life.

As the shadows lengthened in the Great Hall, servants came in to build up the fire and light torches. Many of them looked at the princess ayla in undisguised amazement but to her credit she maintained her position, kneeling before me with lowered eyes. Finally I spoke to her directly, “Slave, go fetch food and drink for myself and the King.” Without a word she rose to her feet and went off in search of the kitchens. Her eyes though spoke volumes. This was going to be easier than I thought.

I had arranged to spend the night in the castle before continuing my journey, so as night fell I sent ayla to prepare the room for me. When I made my way there, I found her sitting up in the middle of the bed with the covers tucked around her waist, an inscrutable expression in her green eyes and the firelight flickering warm reds on the exposed parts of her skin. My eyes narrowed. “You take liberties with your Master's bed, slave. Do you not remember our bargain?” For the first time I saw a look of uncertainty flicker in those deep emerald pools. “I agreed to keep you as slave and chain you to the foot of my bed every night,” I continued. “Now get into your place.”

If looks could kill I would have been lying in a crumpled heap on the floor as ayla slid out of the bed and kneeled on the fur rug at it's foot. Since she could hardly be that eager to lose her maidenhead as a common slave, I assumed it was the thought of spending the night curled up on a wolfskin that annoyed her so much. But my aim was still to teach her a lesson and return her intact to her father as soon as she admitted defeat, so I was resolute, looping her manacles between the carved wood of the bed and leaving her to spend the night there while I slept alone.

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