Chapter Five notes:

Sorry about the LONG wait. I got dumped into three project at once at work. I've been crazy busy. I had most of this written a while back, but just couldn't find the time to finish the last part. I'm not sure how I like the last part. Hmmmm let me know what you think.

History: Tacitus said "Children are holden in the same estimation with their mother's brother as with their father" This means that nieces and nephews are just as much children to their Uncle's as to their own fathers. Often if parents died, the uncle would take the child and raise it as his own. It was just as if he were the father.

Also I don't claim to know much about the Germanic sword dances, only the two instances it was written about. This is just my take on what they described.

The song I used for the sword dance was "Arise" by ES Posthumus, if you want to listen to it while I you read that scene.

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Chapter Five

444 A.D.

Chatti Village

West of the Wesser River

The villagers were out near the entrance to their settlement as the hooves of horses could be heard approaching. With the abrupt departure of Radulf and his comitatus several weeks ago, no doubt rumors had been circling as to the reason for his leaving. The sound of the hooves slowed as Radulf's horse came into view. He slowed the pace of his riding as he exited the forest into the clearing where they were settled. It was not his bloodied garment that caught attention, nor the scars that were fresh. It was the maiden sitting in front of him on his steed.

Maura kept her head lowered as they slowly rode into the settlement. Radulf alerted her to how he gathered his best men and left without warning, so she expected some people to be there upon their arrival. She hadn't expected so many. He slid off of his horse a pulled the creature by it's reins down the path that would lead to his home. The villagers all parted with confusion on their faces. Most with confusion. Maura noted the group of warriors who kept their features stoic, weapons ready, as if preparing for an attack.

One of the young men broke away from the group. Maura couldn't help but notice he was amazingly clean shaven, unlike the others who still showed some light growth. His long black hair was wild, enhancing his chiseled features. The warrior approached her uncle, no he was her father now, and took both his shield and javelin with a slight bow.

"Our youngest warriors. They stay to protect the clan while we were gone," Radulf mentioned as he caught his niece staring at the group. Maura nodded and watched as the warrior returned to his group. He stood out against everyone else. They were all pale, like her, and had blonde hair, even lighter than hers which resembled the shade of honey. His slightly darker complexion and dark features made him easily noticeable. As did the fact that he was handsome.

Handsome. She shook her head unable to believe she could even think that after what happened. She was sure she would never be able to think of intimacy after her near-marriage. If it could be called that.

She sat in the back of the hut running her hands through her blonde hair. She had seen their clan leader, and he promptly claimed her as a spoil of war, despite the fact that it had not been his blade that killed her parents. Truthfully she'd expected the warrior to slay her too, and that would have been preferable to what was about to happen.

It became glaringly obvious after she had been thrown in the river and bathed by several of the women here. She'd been kept locked up in the weeks since the raid on her city. Now she was sitting in the leaders tent, dressed in a stola, no doubt stolen from the one of the homes they raided, with not even a tunic underneath. She moved down the floor and hoped that he wouldn't see her when he came in, despite the absurdity of the thought.

The fabric draped across the opening moved, and Maura felt her stomach turn at the sight of the man entering. He was huge, and despite not being completely hideous, she was well aware of the fact that he was responsible for the destruction of her home, the death of her parents, and the end of everything she knew. She also knew this man was crazy. You had to be crazy to attack a Greeco-Roman settlement.

He gave her a lecherous grin as he reached out and pulled her off the ground.

"You are now my wife." He said as if that made everything right. As if her parents had freely given her over to him at 17 years. She now wish she had take Lucero up on his offer of marriage a year ago.

As he moved to take her over to his pallet, a loud roar could be heard outside. Having just been in a battle, Maura knew the sound instantly. Had the Roman army found them?

The clan leader threw her down harshly and ran out the hut with his sword in hand. Maura found her curiosity overwhelmed her fear and she crawled to the opening.

This was not the roman army, but another clan attacking.

Maura didn't turn her head away as she watched members of the attacking clan strike down her captors. There was no mercy in any of the killings. Each man they came across was struck down quickly. This was not a battle, this was a massacre.

One of the warriors jumped of his horse and approached the clan leader. He moved precisely striking and countering each blow. Their lips were moving, and Maura wished more than anything she could make out what was being said. The bloodshed around the two men continued, but Maura could see they were unaware of it. The battle was obviously mismatched, as the attacking warrior easily parried the clan leaders moves. It was with one simple thrust, that the leader was impaled on the blade. Even as he stopped moving, the warrior didn't stop pushing, instead he raised the leaders face, staring in the dying mans eyes as he push the blade through to the hilt.

Maura leaned back from the doorway, wondering just who her new captives were to be. Would she be married off to another clan leader? Perhaps to this new warrior? Tears began to pool in her hazel eyes as she could hear footsteps approaching the hut. She braced herself as a hand landed on her shoulder roughly.

"Maura…" She glanced up into a face that seemed partially familiar, but she couldn't place it.

"I'm you uncle, Radulf"

Maura slid off the horse, looking at what was to be her new home. Radulf still hadn't told her how he knew where she was. He questions were only "How long have you be here?" and "Are you still a maiden?" She hadn't seen him in almost 10 years but she did recognize him. Her mother often spoke of how close they were and she wished Maura had known him better. Nonetheless she owed this man her life, and more.

"There will be a celebration for our victory this evening. If you do not wish to attend…"

"No. I will be fine." Maura said without waiting.

"Then the spoils from our war are in those bags. There should be clothing you are familiar with until we can get you more." Maura nodded and took the bag, walking into the dwelling without a word.

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The smell of meat mingled with the smell of wood and assaulted Maura's nose as she approached where Radulf was sitting. The moon was high, and though not full, it cast its glow upon the celebration. Torches gave the rest of the light. They were placed at convenient intervals along the edge of the property. It was sharp contrast to what she was used to. Instead of elegantly carved stone, they were made of wood. No more than tall sticks placed in the ground. Everything seemed to be different.

She looked over at the large animal over the fire and couldn't help the shiver than ran through her body. It was roasting over the pit, and the smell of it cooking sent a nauseous sensation through her stomach. There were no vegetables to be seen, and from what she could tell, all there was here to drink was a strange golden brew. Her preference of wine would more than likely be ignored. She poked at a platter of meat that was near Radulf, before settling on the bread and cheese. They were the only things she recognized.

"This cannot be healthy," she muttered trying to remember all her mother had told her about her people. Despite being one-quarter German, Maura had no experience with the culture. Her mother's anecdotes were obviously correct; it seemed meat would be the order of the day.

"Maura, please come," Radulf waved her over. "The entertainment is to start and you do not wish to miss this. Please, sit near Constance." Maura nodded and wondered just what kind of entertainment would be provided. It was setup very similar to the plays she had witnessed. However her mother's stories did not mention performances. She noticed her uncle seemed enthusiastic and found herself also anticipating the show.

Maura watched as two of the warriors she had seen earlier moved to the center of the gathering, holding swords. They were both blonde, and almost completely naked, except for a cloth wrapped around their loins to prevent anyone from seeing. Remembering who they were with, she glanced around for the young man who had intrigued her. She searched for him, and could feeling her disappointment growing as the drums started without his presence.

The two men in the center of the gathering slowly moved back and forth with the drumming, waving their weapons in time with their movements. The swords somewhat danced over each other as they started to move across the empty space, crossing in front of each others, but never stopping the waving of the swords.

Two more warriors walked into the slow dance, also holding swords and joined in the rotation. The formed two rows, crossing each other every few moments: forward and backwards, left and right. They extended their arms as they twisted their waists back and forth, with their feet moving them in the direction they needed to go. The pace quickened slightly, and they raised their swords to the night sky as their steps graduated to an almost run.

The drums slowed and Maura recognized the young man who'd taken Radulf's spear and shield as he moved along the edge of the clearing and waited. He paced slowly while waiting, like a an animal stalking its prey. Unlike the others Maura could see in addition to the cloth around his loins, he wore another cloth wrapped around his chest, as if it were to cover breasts.

Breasts?

The men's moving slowed along with the drums as the warriors lined up again, two per row, and danced back and forth waving their swords in half circles.

Maura narrowed her eyes as she watched the wild-haired warrior barrel roll with two swords into the dancing group. The dark-haired warrior held two long swords and moved so that the other four men were surrounding….her?

"A woman?" Maura whispered as the dancing started up again, glancing at Radulf.

The woman quickly fell into place with the increasing speed of the drums. The entire group began a series of timed stomps and waving of the swords. At a breathtaking pace the four men moved back to a circle with the female warrior in the center. Maura watched impressed as the woman began manipulating the swords she held. She tossed them into the air, catching them with the hilt and sometimes with the tip of the blade, managing not to injure herself. Maura herself slid to the edge of the log she was sitting on, her heart racing in anticipation of the woman's every move.

The female warrior dropped her weapons, and began weaving in and out of the others, coming within a centimeter of their blades. The five moved as one, as the drums picked up speed. Maura kept her eyes on the woman, the muscles on the warriors abdomen tightened with each leap, and Maura could see the sweat glistening from the light of the fire. She had never seen anyone so powerful yet graceful in their movements.

The men didn't slow down, but increased their pace, running and waving the blades within inches of each other and the woman. The woman picked up the pace with them, reaching down at one point and grabbing both of her swords, as she weaved in between the men.

Maura's heart quickened, matching the pace of the woman who began not just weaving, but leaping and striking with her blade between the men who were circling her with their swords. She kept her arms extended, somehow knowing just how far out to be to keep from striking her fellow dancers. It was if the dance was a battle, and the woman was one defending herself amongst a group.

The rest of the warriors and even the guests disappeared as Maura kept her eyes on the toned figure in the midst of the dance. The woman was far slimmer than her male counterparts, but she moved like a predator with her blade. With the warrior's muscles flexing with each movement, Maura licked her lips unconsciously entranced by the elegance before her. It was violent to be sure, but it was demonstrated with such grace and beauty. What her size would lack, her speed would surely make up for it on the battlefield.

The men in the circle broke apart moving back into their previous formation, two per row with the woman in the middle. They all began interweaving with one another, organized chaos. Maura gasp each time a blade came close to someone face, and she cringed as the female warrior seemed intent on challenging the sharpness of each blade. The groups pace quickened even further as they moved back into formation, but stomped in unison waving their swords out to each other.

The drums and all movement stopped suddenly, each warrior's blade within a millimeter of another's neck. The crowd erupted in a chaos of howls and cheering for the warriors. Maura exhaled a breath she didn't know she was holding as the warriors walked out of the clearing.

"Did you enjoy it?" Radulf asked. Maura unclenched her hand as the forced the muscles in her body to relax.

"It was…different. Was that a female warrior out there with the others?"

"Ah yes," Radulf said with a note of pride in his voice. "Jane. She is truly unique and a gifted warrior."
Maura nodded. She had never heard of a female warrior, she didn't even know such things were allowed.

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Jane's opened on eye, sensing something was off. Ever since the last attack four years ago, it seemed every animal or insect that moved outside her dwelling woke her in the night. She remained still, listening for movement outside of Tommy and Frankie's snoring. She often wondered how she managed to hear anything other than those two, but she did.

The sounds of rocks moving roused her, and she reached for her sword as she headed to the door. She poked her head out and saw a shadowy figure heading around the back of Radulf's house, where he kept the livestock.

Jane moved quietly across the open area ready to strike the thief if he turned on her. It was hard to believe anyone in the village would risk Radulf's wrath by thievery, but anything was possible.

Jane put her blade down as blonde hair became visible in the moonlight the closer she got. It fell in neat waves, and was darker than any blonde hair she had seen in the village. It must be Radulf's new daughter, Jane thought as she move close. I better not leave her out here alone.

Jane held her sword out of sight as she approached the girl.

"I would think you'd know better to wonder around at night like this," She said coming upon the girl who jumped at the sound of her voice. "The other clans will have no problem capture the clan leaders daughter and holding her for payment."

"I didn't know that," the girl said. "I was always told the tribes were honorable." She frowned momentarily then her eyes widened.

"What?" Jane said.

'"You're the woman from the performance tonight. The one who danced with the swords."

"Yes. I'm Jane,"

"Maura. That was amazing what you did. Why would you do that though? It looked dangerous." Jane was shocked at the bluntness of the question and the fact she asked it at all. The girl was leaning against a large stone, wearing nothing but a thin tunic, that if she stood in the light, would probably leave nothing to the imagination. The warrior glanced around before sitting down where the blonde was.

"That is why I did it. I cannot be a good warrior if I am afraid of swords. I also have to trust those I fight with. That was the best way to prove that I am ready."

"Ready?"

"To fight for our village. To join Radulf when he needs warriors to fight with him." Jane was surprised the woman could even ask such a question. Everyone understood what the sword dances were for. All young men participated in them.

"Have you never seen the dance before?"

"No. In Greece there were no Germans, and when we moved to the new settlement, most of the Germans who were there were Roman."

"You are Roman?"

"By blood and birth yes. I am Greek and Roman…and German." Jane stared at the woman for a moment. She was blonde just like the others in the village and even had those light eyes, though they were not blue like most, but a…greenish, honeyish...odd color. She was beautiful without a doubt, and far smaller than most here. While others were stockier, Maura had a thinner frame, like Jane, but was short with it. She did not look German, but she didn't look Roman either. Jane looked more Roman that this girl.

"I thought you were Radulf's sister's daughter."

"I am. My mother is…was half-roman. My grandmother was Roman, though my uncle Radulf would rather no one know. I was raised in the cities, not here."

"I was raised in another village. We moved here when I was younger, after my village was attacked," Jane nodded. "Wait, you said was…what happened to your mother. Is that why Radulf left? No one knew what happened. Radulf just left and came back with you. He said you were his sister's daughter, and now his daughter."

"Our city was attacked by one of the clans. Goth I believe," Maura said. "There had been a series of attacks in our area, and we tried to request assistance from the council, but were told to wait. When it was attacked…my mother and father…were killed."

"I'm sorry."

"Nothing to be sorry for," Maura's voice took on a cold tone. "You were not responsible for the attack and you are not one of the councilmen who ignored our pleas for help."

Jane could feel this wasn't something Maura wanted to talk about. She knew she hated talking about what happened to her family. She ran a hand along her left arm, feeling the faint scar. It was hardly noticeable and definitely didn't hinder her in any way, but it was still a reminder of all she lost.

"So what did you think of the dance," she said changing the subject.

"Well I have nothing to compare it to, but it was intriguing. I do wondering how it came about. The history of your culture is probably quite fascinating. I wonder if it originated here, or maybe somewhere in the east. I know Germans don't use a lot of swords as it is, more spears, so its likely that it was adapted form the east where swords are more commonly used in battle…"

"Whoa! What?" Jane said feeling her head swim. "What are you talking about?"

"The dance. Where it comes from."

"Why wonder about that?"

"I like learning new things. History, cultures, and especially the body, which is why I'm a healer like my mother was." Jane couldn't help but noticed the excitement that came to Maura's eyes as she spoke of learning new things. Jane happiness in learning extended to the battlefield and no further.

"That's interesting. So you can help if we get hurt. I'll have to keep that in mind.

"What?"

"Well I get hurt a lot…you can ask my mother," Jane said with a laugh. "I'll make you a deal…."

Maura arched an eyebrow. "What are the terms?"

"Help me when I get hurt, and I'll help you learn about living here. I'm sure it's a lot different that the Greek or Roman cities you lived in. I know when I moved here I had trouble. I can help you and you help me." Maura seemed to think on it for a moment before her eyes lit up with a smile.

"I think you have a deal."

A/N: Up next; accusations and arousal.