This story has been playing on my mind for a few months now, I've created literally hundreds of character profiles trying to figure out my main character for this one until finally, I think I got it right. Anyway, here goes
Nobody saw me. Never was I chosen from among the ranks of girls all living and breathing for the money they earned on their backs. They would lounge in the front room at their shift, displaying their bodies proudly or desperately in an attempt to capture someone's eye. The front room was well displayed, with plenty of cushions to lounge on and warm mahogany furniture to compliment the marble columns and whitewashed walls.
There were girls of all ages here, some pretty, some not but all exquisite and rare, seeing as they were mostly from other countries or were just abnormally beautiful. I was one of the smallest, which made it easy for me to hide and I was also one of the plainer ones, which meant I was easily overlooked for one of the more fascinating creatures before me. I wouldn't say I was ugly, more…well. One up from plain.
Often I was assigned on kitchen duty as I was never chosen from among the girls waiting to be selected by the men who walked in, looking for a good time. We were the best pleasure house outside of the fort of Hadrian's Wall. The next big town of richness. Our lord paid good money to keep his pleasure houses well-presented and the girls of good quality. It made me sick.
I'd been bought from my own father, who had too many mouths and too many sons he did not want to part with. Being the only girl, I had to go. Apparently I was worth nothing. I'd been in this hell hole for around two months now but I was determined to escape. The only way out was through that front door and the only way we girls ever got out was if we were hired as an escort.
A pretty thing for a rich man to drape over his arm. I had a plan but for the plan to work, I needed the right target. From time to time a man would look my way but I would scowl and twist my face to make it look sour and horrid, it seemed to work in putting them off. When there were much prettier girls to go for, why would anyone ever look at me?
Plus because I was so small, I was able to hide behind the others. I wasn't going to sell my virtue, not for all the gold in the world. Looking down at myself, I supposed I was well looked after. My dress was clean and I was fed three times a day, which was more than it used to be.
I refused to be made into a prostitute, however. I needed to escape, to make a living of my own. I wanted to be free from this place and its people. Though the girls were kind they were not very bright and held very little intelligence to have a conversation of stimulating interest, which meant that I isolated myself further.
It was a day like every other, me sitting at the back behind the other girls, when I heard someone running towards us. "There are knights comin'!" She whispered loudly then squealed. "The knights from that wall, what's it called?"
"Hadrian's Wall." That sounded positive, if anyone was to be lost the best place to go was Hadrian's, it was the biggest fort for miles around. Instantly I began to shift forwards a little. All the girls began to pull at their clothing, lifting skirts higher, pulling necklines lower then chewed on their lips to make them plumper.
Sure enough the knights came in just a minute or so later. I knew them instantly to be the knights from the wall as they fit each description perfectly. Rumours and stories circulate well around these parts.
Lancelot, the bold, brash and handsome second in command to Arthur. He carried twin swords though he didn't have them with him now. He walked with an air of pride, his dark eyes gleaming over every girl with greedy eyes of lust. I did not want him.
Gawain, blond haired and cheerful, soft in appearance but seasoned as a warrior. He was known to wield a spear as well as a sword and was just as terrible in a fight as the others were whispered to be. He looked kind and gentle but I did not want him either. He was too experienced.
Galahad. The youngest of them all, fresh faced with youth and inexperience, though highly skilled as a warrior. He was less handsome than Lancelot was but there was a cleanness about him, a young purity that made him feel more attractive than the others. Him. I needed him.
Swallowing nervously I watched the other girls as they either struck seductive poses or rushed forwards, eager to meet these legendary warriors. I paused for a moment, listening to their giggles and laughter as they tried to coax the men into their beds. I shuddered before standing, slowly and deliberately showing my grace and collectiveness.
Elegantly I walked across them, going over to the wine pitcher to pour three drinks into fine goblets of fake silver and rubies before setting them on trays along with a bowl of fresh grapes. Carefully I picked up the treats and brought them over to the knights with a slightly bowed head. My simple bun kept my hair at the back of my head which allowed them to see my features.
"Ah! Good service here." Lancelot called as he looked me over. I slowly lifted my head, gave him a blank look then turned my eyes to Galahad. His own widened slightly and I let a corner of my mouth slide upwards in a welcoming smile, holding the tray in my hands as Lancelot grabbed at the grapes, trying to pull my attention back to him.
Keeping a steady gaze on Galahad, I silently pleaded that this would work. The one thing that set me above the other option of girls were my eyes. Apparently they were unique, very unique. I had to say I agreed. I have never met another person with one green eye as bright as pale emerald and spring grass and the other as blue as the summer sky. One green, one blue. Glancing to the other, Gawain, I offered him his wine then moved closer to Galahad, allowing myself to blush slightly at the cheeks.
"What's your name?" He asked politely so I lifted my eyes to his again.
"Katlyn." I answered softly, smoothing over my voice so that it was a gentle purr. I saw him swallow a little nervously. I balanced the tray on one hip and hand then took the goblet, lifting it to his lips then slowly tipped it towards him, letting him taste the sweet nectar before pulling it back to offer it to his hand. He took it, staring at me closely. I was probably ten years his senior, he couldn't have been older than seventeen, bless his young heart but I need him to escape. It was vital he be as malleable as possible and quite frankly, a young boy on the cusp of manhood was bound to make a few mistakes. I was going to be one of them.
Turning away I kept my back straight, thankful that the dress, although modestly covering everything, did show the inward curve of my waist. "Wait." He commanded, trying to deepen his voice, which made me smile. I like this boy, he was quite sweet. "Will you show me to your room?" His companions had already left, so he did not sound as nervous as he had looked earlier.
"Gladly, my lord." I murmured, handing the tray over then beckoned with a finger. "Come this way." Picking up my skirts I turned, instantly sucking in a deep breath of nerves. If I was wrong, then this could end badly for me. Either in punishment or assault or both. I prayed that he was not like the rumours said and would not harm my innocence should I request. Though, I had to take matters into my own hands. I could not afford to let them be in the power of a man. Not anymore.
My room was up two flights of stairs at the furthest part of the corridor. I had been trained for this moment and my owners would be pleased with me when I pay them my wages from this boy, or at least, they would had I the intention of letting him have his way. Praying fervently, I glanced over my shoulder to the boy, teasing him with my looks before resting a hand on my door.
"I have fresh wine inside. Let us share a cup or two." I smirked a little, raising my eyebrows challengingly. I learned men liked to be challenged, it made them swell with pride. Galahad did exactly this, his chest enlarging a little. Even for a boy, he was well muscled. I felt sorry for him, forced to kill because of a stupid treaty between Roman ancestors and his.
I pushed open the door then swept inside, maintaining my grace and posture before turning to Galahad, who shut the door behind him. Then he blushed. I made no comment or let my face change, it was obvious he lacked experience in this sort of thing though I have no doubt it was his first encounter. "Don't be afraid. I am trained to deliver the highest quality of entertainment." I whispered, stepping close to him. My head barely reached his, pretty soon I expect he'd be much taller than I was, despite me being fully grown.
The boy shuddered slightly as I leaned my lips to his ear, one hand sliding up his chest then down to his waist. "I promise, you won't regret this." Once again I prayed I had picked right. Was he truly inexperienced? Would he make the mistake I was counting on him to make?
My fingers brushed against a concealed dagger and I smirked into his neck as I paid teasing attention to it with my mouth. He brought a weapon to a brothel. The foolish child, did he not know that some women were intelligent? That they would think to use this weapon? Never mind, I had no intention of hurting him.
With a quick push I spun Galahad around, drawing his dagger then pressed it to his throat and clamped a hand over his mouth. "Remain still, or you might cause this hand to slip." I whispered to him. "I don't intend to harm you, I merely require your assistance." His panicked breath slowed and I could feel him tensing beneath me. "I wish to escape and you, dear knight, are going to help me. Will you do that for me?" He did not answer so I sighed. "Please. I'm still a virgin. I don't want to remain here, ruining what little pride I have left of myself. All you have to do is escort me outside and out of sight, then I shall return your dagger and you shall never hear from me again. That is all I desire."
Slowly I peeled back my hand and the boy sighed. "Gawain and Lancelot are never going to let me forget this." He mumbled then nodded his head. "I suppose I can help." I sighed with relief then withdrew the dagger, keeping a tight hold of it.
"Put your arm around my waist." I commanded and he did so, keeping the grip loose. "And cover me with your cloak, like this." I pulled the folds so that they covered my right hand, which pressed the knife up into his ribcage in warning and the other around my side as if to keep me warm. "Now escort me to the door. No one should stop us."
So together we walked, a little awkwardly as there was tension between us. He could not know that I did not intend to harm him but I held the knife and I was not going to turn it over until he had completed his side of the bargain. When we got to the front, I began to giggle quietly, leaning closer to Galahad then whispered to him. "Smile, you look like you've got a knife in your ribs." I said it lightly and my tone made him chuckle. He managed to smile though he glanced around nervously.
When we got to the door, however, the worst happened. "Sir? Where are you escorting one of my girls to?" My owner had stopped us. Swallowing nervously I placed a hand on Galahad's chest as we turned.
"He's taking me to see the horses. Sir knight promised he'd escort me around the town before taking me to the tavern. I'm to be his knee wench." I answered, giggling a little. I felt like a blushing fool but it was necessary.
"If that is acceptable by you, sir." Galahad raised an eyebrow and tensed his shoulders, growling. "You wouldn't refuse a paying customer, would you?"
"No sir. Of course not. Do keep her safe will you? Daniella is one of my favourites." He bowed low, his barrel belly touching his knees before he waddled off. I exhaled with relief before heading outside. For a moment I blinked, startled by the intensity of the sun before leading Galahad away.
"The sun." I murmured, tilting my head slightly to the side to lets its warm rays kiss my neck. "I haven't seen it in months."
"You haven't?"
"I've been trapped in there. No one is permitted to leave without an escort." Galahad shifted uncomfortably, coughing slightly.
"What if we are caught?"
"We won't be."
"How can you know?"
"I am a master of evasion." I assured him. "And they will not punish you, for you are a man." I half scowled at him before turning down an alley which led into the back streets where it would be easier for me to hide away before I could make for the roads. I continued deep into the shadow, my eyes focussed on the other side where my freedom beckoned me. It was so close, I could practically taste it.
A strong hand grabbed my right hand, dragging myself and the knife around before another flashed towards me. In blind instinct my left hand darted out and gripped the threatening wrist, stopping the knife in its tracks as Galahad called out. "Tristan! Don't hurt the poor lass. She's not going to hurt anyone." I scowled up at Tristan, narrowing my eyes. He was forcing me to arch my back and it was beginning to hurt. He refused to let go of me.
"She had a knife at your ribs, Galahad. Have you been drinking again?" He blushed bright red.
"Only a sip." Tristan, the most fearful knight of them all, then turned back to me. A small part of me was panicking. If Galahad couldn't convince him to let me go then I was done for. All hope for freedom would be gone. If he would only lower that knife, I had a plan that would get me out alive. "Let her go Tristan, she only wants to be free." The knight still glowered down at me. Finally his accented voice spoke again, this time addressing me.
"I don't appreciate anyone threatening my brothers with knives."
"I don't appreciate anyone threatening me with knives. Perhaps you'd like to compromise a little." I replied sardonically, keeping my face without fear as my back began to ache further. After a brief moment, Tristan let me go and lowered his knife. Instantly I moved.
I pressed my hand into the flat side of his blade then gripped his wrist, pushing it up before sliding it from his grip. As soon as the knife was from his hands I slammed my knee into his groin then kicked backwards, slamming Galahad into the wall. "Forgive me!" I squeaked then tore off down the alley, stretching my legs to get out of sight before they recovered and launched another knife at me.
Before they had even stood up from their grunting of pain, I was around the corner then jogging into a new alley, twisting my way through the network until finally, I was free from them. Knife in hand, I looked down at it. It was a good size for me, the handle fitting my hands perfectly but with a blade long enough to be imposing.
Glancing around I walked towards a lady washing clothes outside her house. When she saw me standing there, she looked up then frowned. "What do you want?" She practically spat at me.
"I'll trade clothes with you." I told her, turning slowly to show her my well-made dress. "And shoes." Lifting up my skirts a little I showed her my fine, dainty slippers. She licked her lips hungrily before nodding her head. She gestured for me to come in, abandoning her washing. She found me a dress that would fit of rough wool and a slip, as well as some shoes better fitted for walking.
We exchanged and she stared at her treasure with wide eyes, stroking the soft silky folds of my gown before looking to me. "Anything else?" The women looked stretched thin, poor and getting poorer by the day. I wanted to ask for some bread.
"Nothing. Enjoy your gown and slippers, thank you for my own." I smiled, touching the cloth that I had wrapped around my hair before stepping outside. With my new knife safely tucked into my belt I headed for the open road. I knew it was dangerous to travel alone, especially for a woman, but I refused to stay here.
If I followed the river after a few miles of walking the beaten path, then move back onto the main road at its fork, I could be at Hadrian's Wall within five days. Swallowing my fear, I stepped out of the city gates then headed for the long stretch of road where my new life awaited.
R+R if you like