29 - Prey To A Predator
Since the night he had erased Benjamin Morley, Sauren was plagued by new nightmares. Repeatedly, the images of skinning the young man alive ran riot through his unconscious mind. He could feel the texture of Benjamin's skin as he cut, then tugged, peeled and sliced it away. Then he heard the sounds; from Morley's cries of pain and tearing of flesh to the braying darkhounds at the door. Even that of his own voice; acidic, dark, dangerous, all kept playing over and over again. The thick coppery smell of blood, mingled with faeces the tailor could not contain under such torture- all was as vivid as the evening he had lured him to the silo.
He would wake at all hours awash with sweat, the sheets clinging, restraining him within his own bed. His chest heaved as he gulped for air, questioning why Morley's demise haunted him more than that of the blacksmiths. Theirs had been brutal deaths too, but he had felt elated after those ones. Morley's, however, for some reason, gnawed at him. Quite why, he knew not. He would try to assess how executing the torture affected him - again, there had been a sense of satisfaction in it, akin to pride in one's work. So, what was it that bedevilled his somniferous mind? Mulling it over made it no less clear.
If he managed to drift back to sleep he was further tormented by his more frequent nightly terror - the troll, Tulu. Her voice would penetrate the fog of his mind and repeat the same words over and over, "Yuh will still pay de cost, half-breed! An de price has just gat higha!" Her yellow eyes would loom up through the murk, studying him with an unabated hatred, cursing, condemning.
In the background, a shuffling of scales moving over dry earth sounded as his serpent-self slithered close but always out of sight. Another voice, deep, husky and oddly familiar also spoke to him, but the words remained mainly unintelligible, except for - "But I... I would kill for you."
Again he would wake, this time in confusion. He attempted to interpret what his dreams were trying to tell him but all to no avail. The cocktail of fear, revulsion and despondency was potent, and yet strangely, the words from the serpent, which he believed to be his future self, held a hint of promise. Of what exactly, he could not determine, but of all the things which visited his dreams, that was what he would try to focus on.
It had not been easy. The days turned into weeks, and each day had felt like a trial, the evening somewhat of a goal and yet filled with dread at the same time for there his dreams would consume him again.
Eventually, he visited the apothecary on Elder Row and acquired a sleeping draught after some persuasion. The gallipot had questioned why a young man would need such an elixir.
Sauren bit down his irritation at being interrogated but with quick thinking explained the horrors of the siege still played over in his mind, preventing him from a peaceful slumber. And, on hearing his name the pharmacist duly apologised and handed over a small vial.
"It is strong enough to knock out an ogre, so caution should be applied," he'd advised. "Two drops in hot tea before bed will suffice." On that note he proceeded to explain the various properties of the drug but Sauren cared not what it contained, he just needed to be able to rest when he closed his eyes.
With instruction to keep his purchase secret, Sauren handed over the exorbitant price asked and said he would return if more was required. A sly grin crossed the man's lips. "The utmost discretion I assure you, Master Sauren, and anything you require shall be at your disposal."
At headquarters, both Don and Reed sensed the change in Sauren. Other than continuing to train together, or go into town to collect their suits for the Gathering, eat out or visit Odette's, they did not pry into what seemed to be troubling him. He treated them no differently, still managing to laugh, joke, play pranks - but there was just something amiss. At a guess, they thought perhaps the night at the silo had affected him quite profoundly, but he never spoke of it and their assumptions remained unconfirmed. Eventually, however, he became more relaxed, more himself and so their quiet concern lifted.
As for Sauren himself, the added panacea to ease his predicament came in the form of Piper Alston. Now that their courtship was blessed by her father, they met regularly. He wined and dined her and presented her with gifts from trinkets and baubles to perfumes and bouquets.
Her family had not yet secured a home in the city, areas to their liking having no property available nor land on which to build. Mr Alston decided to bide their time, much to Catherine's irritation, but on this matter he would not be pressed by his wife's desperation to be city dweller.
The truth, he revealed to Sauren, was in fact that he liked where they lived in Darkshire. He had been born and bred there as had his father, grandfather and great grandfather. There was nothing wrong with it as far as he was concerned and the home they owned was more than ample to house all his inventions and knick knacks. Recalling Catherine's conversation with Mr Atherton during the Midsummer Festival, Sauren knew that she most definitely did not share her husband's thoughts on the matter.
Regardless, the young beau had made one or two visits to Darkshire once the family had returned home. But now, the Gathering was upon them and Winter's Veil celebrations had begun.
The family were invited to stay at the Crimson Blade headquarters in guest rooms. Sauren could not help but smirk as he thought of Catherine's discomfort being in an environment where noblemen's mercenaries normally worked, ate and slept. He had no doubt she was unnerved to think she was amid men and women who were paid to dispatch particular persons on an employer's instruction, and spy, steal, or sabotage adversaries plans or that of their families.
A profitable life it was, but honourable? In the eyes of the rogue and those who utilised their services, yes it was, but individuals such as Catherine Alston were at odds with the logistics of such a career path. Still, her eyes did sparkle when she saw the lavish furnishings of her and Mr Alston's guest rooms.
Of the conglomerate of assassins and their kin, Brett remained at headquarters and along with his wife, Mary and Don's father, Matthew, would be attending the special evening also.
The winter celebrations meant the bulk of the rogues and trainees departed to their own homes for the duration of the holidays. The few which stayed on were of course attending the festivities. The general quietness of the complex was a novelty, having been buzzing since the opening day a few months prior. With fewer people residing on the grounds, a reduced house staff was required to tend the remaining rogues and of course the special guests of Sa'themar and Sauren. Preparations, nevertheless, were in full swing and the dining hall had been bedecked in holly and winter veil decorations.
Staff had been busy since the day before ensuring the rooms, grounds and fare would be seconded to none. The pride they felt in their guild being chosen to host this year's Gathering was evident in their attention to detail, all the little extras they saw to and the jovial festive tunes they hummed and sang as they busied themselves preparing for the evening.
As an event designed primarily for prestigious rogue guild leaders to enjoy a little soiree with their fellow peers, Sa'themar braved a new approach and opened the Gathering to include the invited guilds' top three students to the mix. At first the suggestion had been met by a few raised eyebrows and some subtle questioning as to the appropriateness of such a break in tradition. His reasoning, however, was readily accepted. It not only encouraged a welcome integration of aspiring young rogues to meet on a sociable footing but also allowed for a little healthy competition in the form of mini tournaments between individuals. He also announced the overall winners would receive a trophy from the hosts. A few mumbles of appreciation then followed, with a subtle lean towards a wager or two also being considered.
Sauren turned to the window overlooking the courtyard as he shrugged into his jacket. Torches burst into life within their elaborate wrought iron sconces lining the way along a decorative, temporary walkway from the tower gate to the main hallway. The portcullis had been raised and soon carriages would be arriving along with some of the rogues making the journey on horseback. Guests would start arriving just prior to the sun bowing out for the day.
As etiquette demanded, Sauren had to greet the guests with his father. With one final check in the mirror and a tweak of the cuffs, he left his room and made his way to the dining hall. As he approached the double doors he was joined by Don and Reed. He smiled. His two friends brushed up very nicely and by all accounts appeared to be of affluent means.
They stopped at the doors and surveyed the large decorated hall. It was resplendent in its festive greens, reds and golds. The tables had exquisitely embroidered runners on which the place settings were sparkling; the glassware and cutlery buffed and polished to reflect the many golden lights from the candelabras, chandeliers and strings of brightly-coloured baubles looped and laced over the beams.
An enormous tree dominated the top of the hall. Its branches were laden with ribbons, painted decorations, glistening cones and a large glittering star sat at its apex. Sprigs of berry-bound holly were mounted over the tops of the tapestries and coats of arms on the walls. It was most convivial indeed and all infused with the aroma of festive fare and mulled wine.
Sauren raised an eyebrow as he saw his father enter from a side door with Catherine and Oscar in tow. Sa'themar, as always cut an impressive figure, tall, athletic, dressed in a damson coloured suit with long tail-coat and silver brocade waiscoat. His hair was tied up in the customary high knot but otherwise draped over his back like a cape.
Catherine wore a very fitting lilac gown, its bodice beautifully embroidered and skirts full and flowing. Oscar, forever the rebel country bumpkin, wore a plain but well-tailored charcoal-coloured suit, a flash of colour offered in the teal waistcoat. Sauren smiled. He noted Catherine looking at his father now and again. Whether she was in awe or nervous of the high elf he was uncertain, but the slight flush to her cheeks definitely indicated his father had an effect of some kind on the uptight woman.
"Remember my suggestion if the evening doesn't impress Mrs Alston," Reed chortled.
Sauren bit down the urge to guffaw. "I think I will leave that pleasure entirely to you, but I can somehow guarantee your cock will fare no better than Don's did in the fruit incident."
"Ugh! Don't revive that memory," Don grumbled, instinctively cupping his crotch before reminding himself company approached. Sauren and Reed laughed quietly, trying not to attract any unwanted attention.
The half-elf's laughter was instantly cut short when Oscar stepped aside. In a tiered and ruched fuchsia gown Piper appeared from behind her father. Sauren's eyes widened at the sight of her, taking in the tapered waist and low neckline which sat straight across her bust. She had wore a coquettish smile which faltered the moment she saw Sauren's mirth abandon him.
He responded quickly. Sensing she had misconstrued his reaction as disappointment he stepped forward. Taking her hand, he bowed deeply and brushed his lips across her knuckles. His mahogany eyes darkened as he met her gaze. "You are - beautiful, Piper," he said drinking in the way her hair was piled up with ringlet strands framing her face. The young woman blushed and found her smile again.
Sauren moved to her side, offering his arm for her to link with him. His face bore pride as he turned towards his two friends who were in the process of bowing to the Alstons.
Brett, Mary and Matthew then arrived and introductions were made, Mary having met the Alstons for the first time. She commented on what a fine young couple Sauren and Piper made. The half-elf could not hide his appreciation and bowed graciously to the right hand man's wife. Catherine, it seemed, was taken by Mary and the two women quickly built a rapport. The evening, by all accounts, was off to a good start.
Shortly after, the first of the other guild guests started to arrive. Mary had suggested that she and Catherine take a back seat and they duly retired to the top table where they were to be seated. Oscar bowed to Sa'themar before whispering that he should join his wife. He turned to his daughter, expectantly. Piper was uncertain what to do and looked to Sauren for guidance.
"I would be honoured if you would greet our guests with me," he said softly.
Piper's delight was obvious and she smiled broadly before letting her father know she was staying at Sauren's side. Oscar nodded and then toddled off to join Catherine and Mary.
Leaders from forty renowned guilds across The Eastern Kingdoms arrived with their representatives. From Quel'thalas in the north to Stranglethorn in the south an impressive and intriguing collection of rogues arrived at the Crimson Blade.
Every leader was presented by way of their invitation being read out by Mr Bryce, self-appointed Master of Ceremonies. Each was warmly welcomed as they bowed to Sa'themar, Sauren, Piper and Brett. Ushers then led the guests to their tables.
"I am surprised to see some women as guild leaders," Piper whispered to Sauren.
"Are you?" The half-elf bowed to one such leader as she moved along the line. The woman was of medium height, dark-skinned, with piercing blue eyes. Striking yet rather daunting at the same time. Her avaricious smile as she greeted Sa'themar and then Sauren was unmistakably predatory.
Piper curtsied a little grudgingly as the woman looked upon her with lassitude and indifference. She waited until she had moved a few feet away before she spoke. "Do you know her?"
Sauren continued to nod and bow as the guests filed by. "No," he replied, undeterred from the protocol he had to perform.
"Are you sure?" she breathed, persistent.
Sauren turned to Piper just as the female guild leader faced him from a distance and awarded him one of her enigmatic smiles again. He held her gaze, for all it was merely a moment, until her attention was taken by one of the ushers leading her to her table. His eyes drifted to Piper's. There was a heat of a different kind behind hers. He smiled sweetly. "Yes, I am sure."
Once the guests had been shown to their seats, all eyes turned to the top table. Sa'themar stood, looking out over the sea of faces who watched him silently. "Fellow rogues, guild leaders and friends, I am delighted you have agreed to attend this bi-annual Gathering at the Crimson Blade. It is a great honour to have been selected as this year's hosts especially as we are still a relatively new guild. I hope you will enjoy this evening's celebrations. We offer you a warm and sincere welcome, exquisite festive fare, wine and ale. We have music, dancing and for those of you feeling the need to be competitive, a tournament to be held later where you can show off your skills as the expert rogues which you duly are." An audible gasp escaped Catherine's lips to which Sa'themar responded with a smile as he glanced her way. "There will be no bloodshed I assure you, the weapons are merely toys dipped in dye."
Soft laughter rippled through the guests. Catherine's rutilous face lowered, more abashed by her own outburst than Sa'themar's reassurance or the guests' laughter. The guild leader, noting her discomfort, drew attention away from her. "And so, please raise your glasses and let our merriment begin."
Everyone followed suit and hailed the Winter Veil's celebration, toasting good health and happy holidays to their host. Then the parade of platters began. A selection of quality roasted meats ranging from boar, venison, bear and wolf to turkey and the gamey strider all basted in honeys, wines and seasonal herbs and spices. Sweet potatoes, sauteed carrots, roasted parsnips and chestnuts accompanied the meats and homemade breads were sliced and laid out with generous helpings of chutneys and preserves.
Piper ate delicately, cutting her food into small pieces. She kept an eye on the female guild leader who equally appeared to be paying particular attention to Sauren.
"Is it to your liking?" he leaned to her and asked.
"What?" she asked, a little snappily.
"The food."
She turned to him briefly before her eyes drifted back to the woman at the table directly in front of them. "Yes, it's very nice," she replied.
Sauren noted her focus of attention and he too looked to the guild leader.
The piercing blue eyes crinkled at the corners as the female leader smiled, oozing a confidence which distinctly implied she was a woman who was used to getting anything she wanted. Sauren locked eyes with her for a moment but in that time he managed to convey a mutual understanding.
It had not went unnoticed. "I do not like her," Piper said under her breath. "She looks at you as if she could devour you."
Sauren fought the urge to smirk. "She probably could..."
Piper's eyes flashed as she turned to him again. It was not what she had wanted to hear. Neither did she expect to hear what he whispered next, his lips just brushing her earlobe. The cutlery almost fell from her hands and a flush rose from her neck to her cheeks. With a somewhat triumphant curvature spreading over her lips she eyed the female rogue once more. The satisfaction she felt as the woman's smug countenance faltered was truly invigorating. The female, however, then set her sights elsewhere and Piper was unsure whether to feel sorry for the woman or for the man her eyes rested upon. Sa'themar. "Your father is in trouble now," she whispered.
Sauren glanced across then laughed into his napkin. With a broad smile he turned to Piper again. "She is wasting her time, he will not entertain her either, not in that fashion anyway."
Piper giggled, inwardly euphoric that the predatory female would not get her way.
After dinner, dancing proceeded in the grand hall which was just along from the dining one through a passageway adorned with paintings of various landscapes throughout the Eastern Kingdoms.
Sa'themar was approached by none other than the female guild leader who had honed her sights on him.
"I don't believe he accepted!" Piper said to Sauren as he guided her around the hall in dance.
Sauren laughed as he caught sight of his father leading the woman onto the floor. "He is merely being polite. He will let her know in no uncertain terms that he will not be prey to a predator."
Piper looked up at him. "Maybe he is lonely though," she ventured.
For a few moments Sauren didn't answer and watched as Sa'themar swept the woman around in a waltz. He turned his attention back to Piper. "I have no doubt at times he is, but my father is a very discreet man and still devout to my mother."
"So you think he does not... you know?"
Sauren smiled sedately. "I have no idea, but I would imagine he has needs the same as any man." He waited as the blush rose on her cheeks again. Looking across the room he caught sight of Catherine watching his father and the female guild leader. He found himself feeling a little sorry for the matriarch. A small "hmph" escaped him, causing Piper to look at him questioningly. "I take it your father does not dance?" he said nodding over to where the Alstons stood.
Piper looked over to where her parents were at the edge of the dance floor. Oscar was engaged in conversation with some of the rogues, no doubt about some invention of his, while her mother watched those dancing with a wistful look in her eyes. She turned back to see Sauren smiling sympathetically. "I haven't seen them dance for many years now. I think my mother misses those days, perhaps it is part of the reason she wants to live in the city where all this happens regularly and just maybe she will dance again."
Sauren steered Piper towards her. "Then maybe this is my chance to get your mother to at least warm to me."
Piper understood and willingly let him lead her towards her parents. As they swept in front of Catherine and Oscar the young couple parted but remained standing together. Oscar broke off his conversation to greet them. "I trust you are enjoying your evening Mr Alston?" Sauren enquired.
"Yes, very much so," Oscar replied. "These gentlemen are most interested in some of my inventions and are even offering suggestions as to things which may be of particular use for the rogue community."
The three rogues, all from different guilds, nodded to Sauren attempting to look genuinely invigorated by the conversation. He gathered it took some effort on their behalf. "I see, well in that case, with your permission..." he then turned to Catherine, "...and Mrs Alston's willingness, may I ask your wife to dance?"
Oscar's mouth fell open, then promptly closed again to show a large, possibly relieved smile. "Why of course, Sauren." He then turned to his wife. "Dear?" he asked her.
Piper's mother looked truly surprised, but she found herself accepting the half-elf's hand quickly enough and allowed him to lead her onto the floor. "And are you enjoying this evening, Mrs Alston," he ventured as they started to waltz.
"I have not been to such a grand affair in some time, Sauren. Your father has organised quite an event." She would not surrender her haughty countenance.
Sauren's lips fought a smirk. He found Catherine's knack at avoiding a straight answer and her matriarch persona quite amusing.
"His efforts have impressed you then?"
The woman was noticeably flustered. "Yes." She replied rather tartly.
He swept her around the floor a few times noting how she became more relaxed the longer they danced. He chose then to speak again. "If you will forgive me, when first you heard about us that day at the Midsummer Festival, you looked aghast. We rogues are quite civilised beings, Mrs Alston."
Catherine looked up at him, a look of mild embarrassment crossed her face before she smiled quite pleasantly. "I admit Sauren I was a little concerned, but that was mainly due to my impression of your - career. I see now that I was misguided."
"I am duly relieved for I would have you know I will be a good husband to your daughter and would be most honoured if you would give us your blessing."
Catherine pulled back a little. "Oscar has already given it."
"Yes, but I think a personal blessing from the mother of my bride-to-be, equally if not a little more special."
From the softening of her features, Sauren knew he had finally won her over. Her smile broadened, lifting her eyes and making them sparkle. "Then you have it, Sauren. I do believe you are quite the young gentleman and will provide amply for my daughter. I can see that you love her, too."
"Mrs, Alston, you do me a great honour."
"Call me Catherine. Mrs Alston makes me sound like a relic."
Sauren beamed, the act having quite an effect on her as her cheeks reddened slightly again. "Very well, Catherine and I concur you are no relic, but a most gracious and very refined woman."
An inaudible thank you was mouthed from Catherine's astonished lips. The music stopped and Sauren led her back to where her husband continued to chatter to the now seriously tested rogues. He could not help but smirk as he caught one rolling his eyes. "I think I saw your leaders looking for you gentlemen," he offered as a means of escape for them, even though it was a complete fabrication.
"Ah, yes. Thank you, better not keep them waiting," one of them replied with a knowing wink to his young host. They said their farewells to the Alstons and moved through the throng of chattering guests.
Sa'themar appeared at Sauren's side. He advised the tournaments would being in about an hour and would be held in the room adjacent to the grand hall. Oscar was quite enthusiastic about it, Catherine was still a tad unsure. "Do not fret," the guild leader assured her. "There will no danger to life, it is merely exercises in skill with pliable foam daggers and some vegetable dye. The most harm will be to some coin purses I dare say." At that Catherine smiled and accepted the guild leader's hand as he too asked her to dance.
A very quick scan of the crowd told Sauren and Piper, that the predatory female leader was already grooming other potential "victims".
The half-elf then excused themselves from Oscar's company. After a few steps he turned to Piper. "We have an hour. Do you wish to pursue what I suggested earlier?"
Her breathing quickened, her green eyes large and darkening by the second. "Yes."
He took her hand and after checking that they were not being watched, he led her out of the grand hall towards the tower that housed the private rooms.
"Where are we going?" she breathed, trotting beside him clinging to his arm.
"My chambers," he replied. "Your mother may decide to look for you if she realises you are gone and she would most likely check your rooms first, so it would be unwise to go there."
He reached the base of the tower steps and again checked they were not seen before he started the ascent. Piper's gown rustled as she hitched one side to climb the stairs easier. Once at his door she gasped and pulled back. He turned to her, his eyes ablaze, dark with desire. "Second thoughts?"
She swallowed, her chest heaved. Shaking her head she managed a timid No, then he swung the door open to his chambers. Stepping inside she was astounded at the luxury. Her rooms were beautiful, but this was extraordinary. A fire was crackling and glowing in the ornate hearth, its surround and mantle sculpted with phoenix heads and open wings. Rich, heavy drapes adorned the latticed windows, all drawn keeping the occupants hidden and adding warmth to the room. A bureau was hard against the wall and occasional tables were sited between plush armchairs and a longue.
Turning she saw the few steps which rose to the bedchamber. He stood at the top, watching her as he loosened his cravat. Behind him was a huge bed, plump pillows stacked, decorative rolled sleepers in front and a fur throw over crisp bedding.
Nervously, she climbed the steps. He took her hand and led her around the side of the bed. She was trembling. He did not need to voice the question again, she knew from his face. "Yes," she said quietly. "I am ready, but I know not what to do."
He moved behind her and started to undo the small buttons on her bodice. "Don't worry, I will show you."
"Will it hurt?"
"A little perhaps, but I will take it easy." He slid his hands between her gown and corset, then gently slipped the dress from her. He stood admiring the curves of her body before starting to untie the lacings.
"Do I need to remove this too?"
He laughed softly and brought his mouth to her ear. "You may find yourself needing to take deep breaths. Removing this will make it easier for you."
"Oh," her nervousness was mounting. "You will need to help me back into it."
"I will, don't worry."
The last of the ties loose, the garment slid from her figure. Clasping her arms around her breasts she slowly turned to face him.
"Please do not hide yourself from me," he said in a heated whisper.
She was so nervous, her eyes started to well. He reached up and caught a stray tear. "If you would rather not..."
"I want to," she replied hurriedly. "It's just..."
"Just what?" He stroked her cheek.
"If I do not satisfy you, will you go Odette's instead?"
He cupped her face and pulled her near. "You could not fail to satisfy me, Piper. It is merely the unknown which unsettles you. The first time will be strange, you may find it uncomfortable, but I assure you, you will please me." His mouth covered hers and he felt her arms wrap around him.
He drew back and removed his clothing. Piper watched, transfixed as he stood straight again, casting his trousers to the armchair behind her. He circled her, tracing his long slender fingers over her skin. She sighed. "Sauren..."
He pulled her close, a small gasp escaping her lips. "Relax," he whispered, his breath on her skin causing her to tremble. "To hell with waiting until we are wed. I am going to make you mine tonight."
He pulled her down to the bed and slowly, tenderly, he claimed her.