~*~*~*~ What It Feels To Be Caged ~*~*~*~
9/11 will remain in our hearts forever. GOD BLESS AMERICADisclaimer: I know I write nothing like the great Tamora Pierce, I know I don't own them. Except for the people with the funky names. ;)
IMPORTANT NOTICE: This story is based on history that I was recently studying in school. In ancient times up to 500 AD, eastern Asian countries such as Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and other numerous small countries, and their rulers, would partake in events that will come into play in my story in the next few chapters, supplied by the corsairs known as the Barbary Pirates. And it will not turn NC-17, and hopefully not R. I will cut those parts of the story if I feel the rating needs to go up. But this fic is RATED FOR A REASON! You've been warned…
A/N: *dodges rotten tomatoes and empty cans thrown at her* I'm so sorry bout the long wait! To all of my wonderful, beloved, cherished reviewers-thank you!! I'll try and update as much as possible-but with school, that might be a little hard, as my teachers seem to enjoy loading as much homework on us as they can. But anyway, let's think cheerful thoughts!! Enjoy the chapter!
Chapter Two: The Famous Temper
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When the fiery-haired female fell still, all action ceased. All three men were studying the female in Rais' arms with amazed curiosity. Never before had they seen a woman act like this…
What kind of women does this country turn out that they fight men even when they are outnumbered? Kasim pondered.
But now that they could scrutinize the woman's face up close, he saw that she was barely a woman. She did not look to be any older than 20. (A/N: Some ppl asked, that means that Alanna is 19.) But Kasim had never seen hair such a rich ruby red, and her features were foreign, but enticing.
She is lovely, though. Hakeem Sharif will be pleased.
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Kasim was indeed correct. Hakeem Sharif, the slave merchant aboard their ship, took one look at the girl they had picked up, and could be said to be excited. This was a very rare occurrence; he was a man of the world, and it was difficult to impress him."And you say she fought you?" he asked almost expressionlessly as they strolled along the deck the morning after the abduction. It was hot for the early May day, but clouds were rolling over the sun, and the sea breeze was refreshing.
"Yes, and she was good at it. She might have had a chance to get away, but she tripped and fell into Rais' arms."
"Wait a moment. She was brought aboard unconscious. How did that occur?" Hakeem Sharif missed nothing.
"I saw that she was about to call for help, so I picked up a piece of driftwood and knocked her out." Kasim answered somewhat pensively.
At this, Hakeem stopped in his tracks and swung around to face Kasim. His dark, weathered face was clouded over with anger, and his gray eyes looked like thunderheads.
"You hit her?" he asked incredulously. When the only answer he received was the wind whistling through the sails, he stepped forward and shook Kasim roughly by the shoulders.
"You stupid man, did you hit her?" he repeated. Kasim knew why he was upset. He nodded. Hakeem swore severely under his breath, glaring daggers at the younger man in front of him.
"By the gods, why? How do you expect her to ever except our ways if she is afraid of us?" But before Kasim could answer, he swept his ropes around him and stalked off down to the stern.
Kasim knew better than to explain himself to the merchant. Better to let him cool off first. He swayed to the rail, and looked out over the rolling olive-colored water to the horizon. For reasons not known to him, he felt almost guilty for what he had done to the female captive. Not just for hitting her, but for spotting her. He might as well blame himself for what she would have to go through now. A wild spit-fire like her didn't deserve the life of a slave. But what would happen now was inescapable. Hakeem Sharif would not let such a rare jewel slip through his hands.
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In her dreams, she had been on Moonlight's broad back, and they were bounding through an open meadow. Alanna swayed gently on the saddle, perfectly in tune with the rolling gait of her mare's smooth canter. She gazed out to where the prairie met the sky.
Her mind wandered. It's so beautiful out here-unspoiled, untouched by human hands. I wonder…
But the woman never got to finish her thought, because her horse's pace had suddenly changed, throwing Alanna out of her deep seat in the saddle. As she hit the thick pad of wild grasses and flowerets, she was jerked out of the peaceful reverie.
She immediately sat up in bed, instinctively wary. The moment she was awoken, she felt disoriented and dizzy. Glancing around, all she saw were brown walls. She realized she wasn't even on a bed, but a pallet on the floor.
This certainly doesn't seem to be our cave. She thought groggily. I wonder where- but again, her thought was interrupted, this time by what seemed to be an earthquake, or something similar to that.
The whole room heaved, and Alanna was thrown rudely from her mat. She lay on her back for a minute, waiting for the shadows to stop spinning in front of her nose. Then, like she had just been smacked in the ribs with a staff, it hit her. She was on a ship! That was what that distinctly familiar feeling was. But as the small cabin rolled again in front of her, she was tossed into what seemed to be a door. Alanna feel the fresh air rushing through a wide crack between what she assumed was the doorframe and the door. It carried the pungent odor of salt. That could only mean one thing.
As she tried to remember how in the name of the gods she had gotten on a ship, Alanna groped for a doorknob.
A ship! A ship, of all things! Next thing I know, I'll be retching over- and then suddenly, her memory returned just as she found the doorknob. What had happened on the beach came rushing back, along with a fresh bout of nausea.
Alanna started to twist the knob, but found it was locked. She gathered up her Gift to perform a simple unlocking spell, all the while trying to keep her dinner in its rightful place, and cursing the people who had done this to her.
I don't know what in the name of Mithros they think they are doing, Alanna fumed to herself, but gods be my witness, I will set them straight…maybe break a few noses while I'm at it.
Since her Gift was a little off due to her obvious seasickness, Alanna had to try the spell several times. The third time, her profanity became so loud, her own ears ached when she heard it. Finally, the door sprang open, and Alanna bolted out the door, only to run into a chest dressed in silk. A deep, menacing voice growled into her ears in rough Common.
"Trying to make an escape, were we, fire-hair? Tsk, tsk, that will not do."
Alanna was too intoxicated from her queasiness to actually comprehend that she was being gently pushed back into her room by two new men. Silk Shirt stayed where he was, leaning nonchalantly against the doorjamb.
As soon as she was somewhat balanced again, Alanna violently shook off the hands of her escorts.
"I can walk for myself, thank you very much!" she snapped, sounding slightly drunk.
The men didn't say anything, but retreated to the back of her little cabin. Silk Shirt came forward, and Alanna could see his face now. His skin was fair, and his light brown hair fell over his face. Had she been in better light, Alanna would have noticed the streaks of gray in it, and the wrinkles on his face. But all she noticed were his sea-green eyes raking over her as though he were mentally undressing her.
Alanna turned furiously pink under his scrutiny, and it was only because she was so light-headed that she didn't punch him then and there. She forgot all motives to be polite to her captives.
Instead she braced her feet and hissed venomously, "May I be so kind as to ask who you are and why you are staring at me so rudely?"
Almost as if he didn't notice her talking to him, the man looked her over once more, and then returned his gaze to her face. Alanna met his reserved stare with eyes that glittered icily, showing him that she was not afraid of him no matter how he looked at her.
When she did this, a nut brown eyebrow arched curiously. Alanna didn't reply to this, only waited stubbornly for an answer. She didn't know the thoughts that were racing through his mind.
Those eyes are exquisite. And redheads are rare-the king has not seen one in quite a while. Of course, she is a little thin, but rich food can fill out her curves. She shall bring a fine price once we return home.
He answered only the first part of her question in the same jagged Common that her captors had used last night.
"Not that you need to know my name, but I am Hakeem Sharif."
"That is nice to know," she tossed back sarcastically, "but I demand to be put ashore immediately."
Only provoking her further, Hakeem Sharif laughed.
Doesn't she realize it is not up to her? He mused silently.
"Well?" Alanna demanded.
"You do not seem to understand why you are here-" he began.
"Of course I don't, dammit, that's why I asked in the first place!" she interrupted, her eyes spitting sparks. Hakeem could tell she fast losing what little control she had left.
Smiling, dodging around the subject he knew would make her explode, he replied, "We cannot put you ashore, why would we? We are still reveling over the gift that has fallen into our laps."
Once again, Alanna tensed. "Gift? What gift? If you mean me-"
"Certainly you." His grin widened. "You will bring us a fortune in-"
Alanna was quickly losing her composure, forgetting that civility might have been the best way out of this mess.
"Don't be ridiculous, you stupid man," she cut him off sharply, "You don't know who I am. I assure you, you will get a much more handsome price if you were to ransom me."
"Ransom?" He chuckled, a sound of genuine amusement. "No, women are rarely ransomed, at least not women as beautiful as you."
This comment pushed Alanna over the edge. But as her mind told her to burn this man to a crisp, along with the rest of the ship, Alanna tried to calm herself. Losing temper probably would not be the best thing to do. She closed her eyes, breathing deeply.
Opening her eyes again, she asked tersely, "This ship-what is it doing here? Why have I been brought aboard?"
"There is no need to fear," he attempted to assure her, "You will not be harmed."
The attempt failed. Faster than she cared to gauge, her rage was rushing back like a stampede.
"Damn you, stop beating around the bush and tell me what is happening!"
"We are corsairs."
Those few simple words explained everything. Alanna's mind was racing.
Pirates? I've been kidnapped by pirates?? If they think they are taking me as a slave, they've got another thing coming! This is absolutely ridiculous, Tortallan knights are not taken as slaves!
As this litany was running through her head, Alanna unknowingly held up her hand, calling fire to her palm. The men behind her gasped and threw themselves at her, obviously thinking to protect Hakeem Sharif, she saw that the man had stepped to the side of the door, allowing her an open path.
Thinking that the man was afraid, Alanna bolted out the door, only to stopped rudely in her tracks by some unseen force. Damn that man, he had but an immobilization spell on her!
Walking around in front of her, Hakeem Sharif looked down his nose at her, still amused. He was unsuccessfully trying to hide a grin, and it only infuriated Alanna more. But as an effect of the spell, she couldn't move or talk.
"Well, fire-hair, you seem to hold many secrets. I did not know you had the Gift."
Alanna could only glare murderously at him.
"I hope you will not continue to be a problem for us," he commented with the tone one might use when discussing the weather, "Your new master will not want such a disobedient servant." He flicked his wrist, and the two men watching carried her back into her room. It was only now that Alanna realized they were both black.
Probably slaves also, she thought with disgust before she was deposited on her pallet. She tried to move, but Sharif had not yet removed the spell.
Sharif was still in the hallway, and he turned as to leave. But after a moment, he turned back around and walked into her room. "But even if you do prove to be this obstinate, I don't think we will have trouble finding you a buyer."
He is lucky that I can't move or else…
"I suggest you cool down for a little bit, and we will be back with your dinner." And with that, he spun on his heel, and with a flurry of silk was gone.
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A/N: Ok, this chapter was really badly written, as I was in a hurry to update. But I confess, I have absolutely no idea where I am going with this fic, so I need as many ideas as possible. ^_^ The plot kinda ran away from me on this one…it'll come back next chappie! But let me know what you think should happen, as thinking of Alanna in slavery makes me want to hit myself over the head for even thinking of it. =P I really enjoyed the reviews!!! Maybe…13 more for another chapter?? Maybe?? *grins hopefully* Please?
Thanx to:
LadyKnight: I don't know!!! I really don't! Lol. ;) I tried to put plot in this chapter, but it kinda floated away…never to be found again…j/k. Thanx for reading!
Trisana McGraw: Thanx!! I don't know yet if anybody might just show up. ;) That would make a nice twist to the story, though, wouldn't it? I hope you liked the chapter!
Lady Arianna: That's exactly what I am for: to be different! *evil grin* Hehehe. Thank you for the idea, I can use as many as I get! I hope that Alanna does learn something, and that she doesn't get all these Islanders dudes ticked off at her cuz of her temper! ^.^ Thanx for reading!
Doukeshi03: I like the Alanna-goes-to-the-convent fics, but they can get a little over-zealous at times. I'm sooo sorry about the long wait!!! I'll try and be better about updating. I think my reviewers are about to come hunt me down waving steak knives because I haven't updating my other story in so long. Thanx for reviewing! But I do need luck to find a plot…=D
Potter_gal: I intend to continue, and your reviews motivate me!!! Lol. Keep reading!
Dragon*fyre: Thanx! Different is what I strive for!
Xelena: Thanx for reviewing! I'd like to see what happens to Alanna too, especially with that temper of hers… That's really bad that as the author, I don't even have a clue, but hey! I'll figure it out eventually! XD
Keita: Yea! A regular reviewer from Forget the Past!!! *grins ridiculously* Thanx for reviewing!
Merky: Thank you! Keep reading!! ^_^
Galadriel Greenleaf: Hehehe. I've felt that way before…I hope you liked the chapter! I didn't really, but it gave me an idea for what to write for the next chapter. Keep reading!
Zella: Wow! I feel so privileged!! ^.^ Keep reviewing!! Pleeease!! Lol. I hope you liked the chapter!
Angelina Weasley: *smiles through abrupt joyous tears* Thanx!! Alanna's not married…yet. *grins* Keep reading!
M'cha Araem: No, let me assure you right now, this fic will not turn into a lemon. Yuck. =) Promise. It might go a little R, but probably not. Anyway. Another regular reviewer!!! *sobs happily* *stops abruptly* Thanx!! I hope you liked the chappie!
FantasyMagick444: Yes, I too, think the author is an evil person when they leave their fic at a cliffhanger, but I enjoy it sooooo much when I write it! Lol. I'm sry to have kept you waiting so long! Thanx for reading!
LadyMage: I'll try in the future to be better about updating, but school got like reeeeally hectic the last two weeks. *cringes* Thanx for reading!
Mandy: Ooo I just love your pen name; that is my best friend's name. But anyway, I'm glad you like it. I like it too! Lol. XD
Fdsa: Ok, Alanna is not marries yet and she's 19, since it is her second year of knighthood. Thanx fore reading!
Lady-Seraya: *sobs happily* What a compliment!! Thanx!! I hope you liked this chapter-and I promise a better one is on the way! ^.^ Keep reading!
Krizsta: Hehehe, I have a feeling Alanna is not going to take slavery lightly. ^_^ With her temper…this could be fun! ;) I really enjoy your story, too! I'm so glad you like mine! Keep reading!
God bless America,
~*~ Starlet ~*~
P.S. The rating and note at the beginning didn't really refer to this chapter in particular, but it is a warning for those to come.