Memories Lost - First of Apocalyptic Hell Series

Telling of the Past

    “I didn’t know anything about technology or the modern world. When I woke up I was soaking wet in nothing, but a linen shift, covered in mud on a river bank. I wandered about for nearly a week surviving on what I could find and animals I could catch before I was found by three men. They were dressed in worn jeans, flannel shirts and one of them was wearing a vest, all three were wearing ball caps and smelled of what I later learned was m*******a, cigarettes and beer. I couldn’t understand anything they were saying to me at the time I only spoke fluent French, Ancient Greek, Latin and Elvish, but based on their tone I thought they were friendly and would help me. 

    I was terribly mistaken and suffered at their hands and the hands of those they lived with. They never took it beyond heavy petting and physical abuse, especially their women, they were particularly cruel to me. One even threatened to pull my teeth out so I would no longer have such a pretty white smile. It wasn’t until law officials raided their homes. They were shocked to find me locked in a closet. Those monsters were all arrested on several accounts and were going to never see the outside of a prison.” In my mind, old memories started coming up from the darkness while I told my story. 

    “I spent almost a year in a facility, they brought in specialists to teach me how to speak proper English. The monsters that kept me barely taught me very broken English, mostly basic words like yes and no. In that facility I was taught how to be a functionable member of society. It didn’t take long for certain things to come back to me, like how to swing a sword or shoot a bow and arrow. I excelled through the schooling program in less than two years time, surprised everyone including myself, even graduating with my Masters degree in 4 years in History with a Bachelor's in Business Management and from there I went on to work in different jobs with a side job in the big museum in the city part time.” 

    I remember all the doctors and therapists that I was forced to see, being as I was a ward of the state at the time. They had to bring in linguists from Harvard, Berkeley, Cambridge and MIT to help these modern people speak with me. They all couldn’t believe how I could speak fluent French, Ancient Greek, Latin and Elvish. Two professors from Duke and Yale came in to speak with me to not only study me, but to help communicate with me using Elvish. 

    “I was actually working at the museum the day a member of the Queen’s guards came to find me. I was taken back to Eindenia and was prepared for battle like many others, I was informed that Lilith was coming for the realm of humans and she was going to strike at one of the Hellmouths that are located across the world. When we found out which one the queen sent her forces to fight along with Lucifer and the archangels and the hunters of the human world. For the first time in thousands of years, Fae, humans, and archangels were fighting alongside each other to protect the world from mass destruction to put it in basic terms.” I looked away from Asar for that moment, pausing as I thought back to that nightmarish night. 

    “Sadly we couldn’t fight her back into Hell, even Lucifer called for a retreat to save those who were in battle. Luckily Queen Alenia worked with several powerful magic users and was able to teleport her forces back to Eindenia. After the defeat in the Great Battle, many who had joined arms stayed in Eindenia. I left to try and find my friends and those I called family to bring them back to the safety of Eindenia.” I looked back and met Asar’s eyes, I searched his face before I continued, “I was sadly mistaken. I hadn’t made it far before I was lured into the false promise that my friends were in this place, a colony of people that survived. They called their colony Fort Hope,” Asar cut me off. 

    “I’ve heard of that place, I would hear the radio scans from time to time. They were looking for survivors, but I was never brave enough to stray far from the safety of the store. It’s not safe?” 

    “No. It would have been safe for you because you are a man, but for a woman it is more dangerous than trying to survive out there in the wilds and fending for yourself. Within its walls I learned quickly that there was no hope to be found. I was trapped there for nearly a year before Theoden took me away and we returned to Eindenia.” 

    I still remember when I first met Theoden. He was a massive goliath of a man, his face was wounded among the other wounds that covered his face. I didn’t see how truly handsome he was till I washed the blood and mud from his face. I can remember seeing him for the first time. My heart began to flutter as I watched his sleeping face and occasionally I’d stroke his face whenever he seemed distressed from a fever induced nightmare. Once his fever broke and the first time he was able to actually sit up, he simply stared at me while I tended to his wounds. It would always make me blush furiously and my heart would flutter about, many days it felt as if it were going to pound out of my chest. 

    “When Theoden first arrived he had been injured while battling off a group of scouts from Lilith’s forces, he was weak from the fever that almost killed him. When I had arrived at Fort Hope they had me in the medical tent for a time due to their previous medic having been killed. I was in charge of his care when they brought him in covered in blood and mud, wounds that were seriously infected and a fever that was burning clear through him. When I heard how many of Lilith’s minions he had cut down, I was impressed that it hadn’t killed him. I also saw why the Governor was so adamant that he lived.” I paused again, preparing myself to relieve that nightmare. 

    “I was still caring for him the day one of the Governor’s gathering parties returned. One of those men turned out to be one of those monsters that had first found me on the river all those years ago, his name was Daryl.” Even now just uttering his name would raise the hairs on my arms and send a shiver down my spine. “I hoped since I look different than when he first found me he wouldn’t recognize me.” I had to pause to keep myself from gagging at the thought of that man’s disgusting hands touching my flesh, “I was wrong.” I looked around the group, their eyes all filled with fear, sadness, and of all things compassion. 

    “It didn’t take more than a few days for Daryl to find me. He came into the medical tent, claiming he was needing a refill on bandages for his travel pack. He said that they were leaving for another raid soon and he wanted to be prepared. I stupidly turned my back to him while filling his bag,” a harsh shiver shot down my spine as I began to remember what happened next. 

    “He approached me from behind while I was distracted,” I could still feel his sickeningly hot breath on the back of my neck. “When he made an advance on me I managed to get space between us and threatened to go to the Governor about the matter, I threw his pack at him and told him to leave. He left alright, but not before laughing at me.” The memory of that moment was still as vivid as the day it happened. 

    I could feel his hot and sticky breath on the flesh of my neck, it reeked as if he hadn’t brushed his teeth in months and had been eating spoiled meat. I had to hold back the strong reaction to gag on the spot. “I’d remember that sweet, tight ass anywhere. Babygirl where have ya been all these years?” I reacted instantly, thrusting an elbow behind me into his gut and after some scraping I was able to get enough distance between me and him. 

    “If you do not leave this tent now, I will get the Governor and have you banished from the colony, don’t you ever touch me again!” I threatened him, I kept my voice quiet to keep from waking Theoden. He cackled at me as if he didn’t fear the Governor at all. 

    “Don’t ya miss yer ol Daryl? I used tah take care of ya back in the day.” he sneered at me, he took a single step towards me. I threw his pack at him with enough force to almost knock the wind out of him. 

    “You mean by making me your slave and treating me like I was nothing but a toy for your pleasure. No, you will never touch me again.” I looked him square in the eye, pushing all the pent up rage I had from those haunting memories, “This is your final warning. Leave. Now.” I fought back what fear was rising up, I couldn’t let him know I was afraid of him. He just turned away and walked towards the opening of the tent laughing at my words, before he left he turned to look at me once more.

     “Ya gonna be Daddy’s babygirl again, sooner than ya think girl.” I stood my ground till he left. When I was certain there was a good enough distance between us I let out the breath I was holding. All I could do was tremble in fear, I never thought that I’d ever see that monster again. I had to talk to the Governor about this matter, that man shouldn’t be allowed to roam about free. 

    “Theoden was, I thought, at the time sleeping, but he heard everything. I didn’t learn that until a few days later when the Governor decided to pay him a visit in the medical tent. I walked in to find them discussing what he had witnessed. From the way the Governor had spoken he made it seem as if the raiders could only bed willing women. I was the farthest thing from willing anyone could ever have found in that colony.” I could feel the anger bubbling up in my chest as I thought about those words I heard, it had been years since I had heard those words and they still boiled my blood with rage. “It didn’t stop him.”

    “Don’t you worry none about Daryl, he’s been out in the wilds. Raiding and gathering all the supplies they could before coming back to the colony. If it weren’t for our good men that take on that dangerous job we wouldn’t be able to survive here. If they need to cool off when they come home, then by all means they are welcome to take any of the ladies to bed or partake in whatever activities they so choose to relieve some stress. If it is seeking comfort in the arms of a woman, they have to take a willing partner. If that girl isn’t willing, well Daryl will just have to find another woman to take care of his needs. There are plenty of women here that would be more than happy to take care of him. Most women here find it an honor to be given the opportunity to bed one of our fine raiders. You’ll find that out the longer you live here and before too long you’ll be bedding so many ladies, you’ll be the envy of all the raiders.” 

    “I remember that day as if it were yesterday, even the Governor tried to take me to bed. I refused him of course and he respected my choice. Or so I had thought, I was to later learn the truth.” I looked at Asar and even he had a slight glow of rage in his eyes, “Placed too much trust in the Governor.” 

    I heard the footsteps of what sounded like a group of people who had come in, I thought it was the supplies I had requested being brought over from the supply building. I couldn’t have been more wrong in my life. I turned to see the Governor and Daryl, behind them were Daryl’s cronies. I could see the smirks on their faces, even the Governor was standing there with a disturbing look on his face. 

    “It has been brought to my attention, young lady, that this man here,” he spoke as he gestured to Daryl, “saved your life many years ago. Took you in as his ward, provided you clothing, food and shelter. Took you in when you had no one, yet didn’t ask for anything in return.” 

    “I believe everything he has informed you of to be incorrect Governor, he took me in alright. Never once provided me with clothing, I wore the same article of clothing that he found me in. Provided shelter? I was forced to stay in a room that I couldn’t even lay down properly. Food? Well let’s just say I weighed half of what I do now back then. His ward? I was his slave! He would abuse me, beat me, fondle me in ways that no man should ever touch a lady! I am not some toy for his amusement, not then, not now and not ever!” My voice kept rising until I was practically yelling, but the Governor just sneered at me and continued as if I hadn’t said a word. 

    “Upon hearing that statement from Daryl I came here this evening to inform you that your assignment has changed,” as he turned towards one of the other men that was there with him and were nicer dressed than Daryl or his cronies. He handed him some sort of paper wrapped package and he tossed it to me. There was a feeling that was sinking like a rock in my stomach, fear was building as I looked at the package. “Your assignment is to now take care of the raiding team, you will be in control of what is allowed of course, but your job now will be to please them. Help them to relax and unwind after their travels and you will continue to do this until we find a better placement for you.” With that statement he turned and left the medical tent, Daryl and his cronies stood there sneering at me. 

    “Well girl, ya best change into yer new uniform and get to takin’ care of us. Wendy here will bring ya to us when yer ready.” He sneered as he stalked out of the tent with his group of cronies.

    It was then that I noticed the girl, she was frail looking and her eyes darted everywhere. She reeked of alcohol and filth as if she hadn’t properly bathed in days. She approached me and reached for my clothes to take them off of me. I grabbed her arm, twisting it backwards and pinning it behind her back, forcing her to spin around to keep her arm from snapping. 

    “Ah! Let me go! I’mma just doing what I was ordered to do!” she cried out. I shoved her away from me, she landed on one of the medical cots. “Jesus Christ, ya almost broke mah damn arm. What in the hell is wrong with you?!” She spat at me, rubbing her arm and moving her shoulder around to relieve the soreness in it from such movement. She watched me cautiously for a moment, her face going from angry to sad, “Ya better just do what they tell ya to, for yer own good and safety. They get pretty rough if ya don’t, ‘specially this group.” She had a thick twang to her voice like Daryl. I looked at her and in her eyes I could see there was once a spark of life that had died long ago. Her eyes were just empty and sad, any spark of life had been beaten out of her long ago, as if she had simply given up.

    “Tell me what you know about this place.” I said coldly, I watched her warily in case she tried anything stupid. 

    “This place, if  ya let it, will suck all the will to live out of ya.” she looked down at her stomach and laid her hand over it, rubbing the small bump there, “I pray to whatever God that’s willin’ tah hear me that this here baby is a boy, I just couldn’t live with mah’self if its a girl.” She looked back up at me and I could see that she was truly broken, her eyes glistened with tears. “Please, don’t fight ‘em, but don’t let ‘em take whatever they want from ya. Be strong and be smart.” 

    “What are you talking about? What is this deal that the Governor has with these raiders?” I asked her 

    “Ya see, the Governor used tah be a raider himself, so I heard that is. From one of the other girls that lived here, she used tah be the Governor’s w***e before he took the position as Governor. He went and convinced all the other raiders to side with him, even the guards and they conspired tah overthrow the old governor. He hired her to poison the old governor, had her play the role as one of the maids in the governor’s house and poisoned him. He got real sick one day, developed a fever and everything. When the governor died he took over, things were fine for a while and then the raiders started pressuring the women, it kept  on and at first it wasn’t terrible. The raiders were real nice and if yah told ‘em no, then they would accept it and leave yah be. These raiders, they’re mean and rough. They just take what they want, just use and abuse yah like you was nothing but a warm hole for em to stick their d***s. Mister Daryl is the worst one of ‘em all, he used to use me alot. Just take me like a hound takes b***h, I’m nothin’ but a slave to these men, but you, no they have somethin’ special for you. I’ve heard ‘em talking about you for days and talkin’ to the Governor. Be careful and be smart with these here men, you’re strong, stronger than I ever was. Don’t let ‘em take that from ya, ya hear. Ever.” She was practically shaking in fear, clutching the small bump that was the precious life she was growing. 

    “I’ll slit his throat if I have too, I won’t let them win. I’ll kill every one of them, including the Governor if I have to. I’m not anyone's toy!” My anger was building and threatening to break loose into an all consuming inferno of rage. I looked at the package that they threw at me and began to unwrap it, as the paper wrapping fell away revealed a dress that was different shades of red with gold trimming. It looked well made, not some cheap garbage, but it looked like a copycat version of the costume that I had seen in that space movie called Star Wars, it was being worn by a woman called Princess Leia I believe. 

    “They expected me to parade about in some knock off of  Leia from Star Wars. I didn’t have a choice on the matter and was forced to wear it as if I was their personal dancer. Thankfully Theoden had made his way into their group after a few weeks of taking time off to heal and recuperate. He had been moved out of the medical tent and given some property within the walls of Fort Hope some time prior to this happening, it didn’t take long for word to spread throughout the colony that a raiding party had their own personal dancer.” I sighed and gave a slight chuckling as I thought back to the day Theoden had found me, “I still remember that day as if it had happened just yesterday. He stalked over to Daryl, telling him the Governor had assigned him to his raiding party. Daryl had called me over and practically handed me over as if I was an old ball mit and told him to have his fun with me, said they were going to be gone for a few weeks on a raid and he should get his kicks in before they left. I knew something about Theoden than the rest of the men in that colony didn’t. He is a Fae like I am, a crossbreed or also called a fusion, but a Fae nevertheless. No human would’ve survived the wounds and fever like he did.” 

    I watched from one of the men’s laps while I was dancing for him as Theoden stalked up to Daryl where he sat on his makeshift throne. He didn’t even seem fazed by any of the atrocious acts going on by the men surrounding the fire they were all seated at. I couldn’t hear what they were discussing, but soon Daryl called for me to come over. He pulled me close to him, his hand groping over my bottom, slipping under my skirt. 

    “Ya see this big man here girl, the one you was takin’ care of when we had our little reunion. Yer his for the night, take care of the man’s needs. We gonna be gone for a while on this new raid and we want him well taken care of b’fore we leave.” With that he practically threw me at Theoden. I was surprised at how fast he caught me, his arms were large with rippling muscle underneath taunt flesh. I looked up to meet his gaze, his eyes were filled with anger, sadness and shame. He grabbed my arm and led me away from the group, unfortunately Daryl didn’t like that. “What? Ya don’t wanna join in on the circle? Damn brother, we all friends here.” He cackled and so did the others. 

    “I prefer my privacy in such matters.” Theoden’s voice rumbled and it was enough to silence the men. With that he walked me away from the group, I could feel Daryl’s eyes on me the entire way till we walked far enough away to have some privacy. His hands were so large that when he grasped my waist his fingers could almost touch, he picked me up and placed me on a bed and I began to fear that he wasn’t as good as I thought he was. That was until I felt a soft blanket laid over top of me. “You need to rest, I’m sure those heathens haven’t allowed you to rest properly.” I sat up and watched him for a moment. 

    “You don’t want anything from me? Not a massage, a dance, or anything?” I watched him cautiously. 

    “They may want that, it seems they only want you only for your body and to pleasure themselves. I am a gentleman and will never ask you to degrade yourself in such a way. Tonight, you will rest and if you wish to wear clothing that isn’t so disgraceful I can provide you with a shirt at the very least.” He was being sincere. He wanted nothing from me, simply my company and to allow me to actually be able to rest in peace. 

    He held out a linen shirt and averted his eyes while I took off that ridiculous costume and for the first time in weeks I was able to breathe. My breasts certainly felt relieved to be free of that metal bikini. I sat in the very top corner, my back against the headboard and my legs folded up underneath me as I pulled the blanket around me. Once I was comfortable he turned to face me and his size certainly intimidated me. It seems as if his size nearly filled the room, he truly was a goliath of a man. 

    “No need to be afraid of me, little dove, I won’t harm you like they did.” his voice rumbled softly. When he called my ‘little dove’ it warmed my soul for a moment before I began to feel sad at the memories of my father. “If you wish to be alone for a moment, I can step into the other room.” I blinked a few times before realizing there were tears threatening to spill over. I quickly wiped them away before they completely spilled over. 

    “No, no, it’s okay. I’ll be alright.” I cleared my throat a bit. I glanced over at him as he stood as still as a statue, but his eyes were soft as he gazed at me. Again I could feel my heart flutter about like a bunch of butterflies, warmth spread across my cheeks the longer I looked into his eyes. I didn’t understand why he was being so kind to me, why he wasn’t just taking from me like all these other men here. Was he truly different from them all? “Why are you being so kind to me?” I finally asked. 

    “A true gentleman does not take from a lady, no matter what he desires. I could never take anything from you, little dove.” I could see in his eyes that he was speaking the honest truth. 

    I could sense that he was being genuine and that he wasn’t a monster like those savages were. I felt guilty for questioning his motives, but there was something about him. I felt it from the moment I met his gaze in the medical wing after he woke from his fever. There was a pull that I felt, somewhere deep within my soul. Something wanted me to get closer to him, but I barely knew him. I sat there, conflicted on what to do. Part of me wanted to get closer and get to know more about him, but part of me screamed to stay guarded and to not fall into a false sense of trust and comfort with him. 

    “Care to speak what is on your mind?” His deep voice broke through the chaotic storm that was swirling in my mind. I blinked a few times before looking at him. 

    “I guess I’m simply trying to understand how I got myself into this place and how I can possibly get myself out of it.” I sighed, “I just wanted to find my friends, they are the only family that I have living currently and I don’t want to lose them. I’m hoping they are alive and well, but I want to find them and take them back to Eidenia where I know they will be safe. They deserve that much and I’ll do whatever it takes to get them there.” A brief silence settled around us for a moment, before he looked at me with a serious expression. 

    “I’ll help you.” 

    “For the first time in weeks I was able to actually rest and we simply talked all night once I was able to get him to open up to me. He told me about his past and how his mother was a high elf and his father was werebear. By looking at him, he wasn’t the most handsome man that I had ever met, but his heart and personality showed past his looks. His eyes were a brilliant shade of emerald green, his hair black as the darkest night and his skin looked to be kissed by the sun from hard days of working outdoors. His muscles were large and rock hard, he towered over me and over most people I knew. He’s actually over 7’ tall, his shoulders broad, everything about his physique screamed that he was hard working, strong and practically undefeated in combat. He had many scars on his body when I met him. The thing that drew me to him was when we locked eyes the first time I met him, we both felt it, like a shock of electricity that surged through us. I’ve heard it called many things, but it’s most commonly known as the soul bond. You only soul bond once in your life and if you do it a second time, it’s because the second one is the soul of your former love.” I looked around at everyone and was taken aback at the way they were all looking at me, it threw me for a moment. 

    “What? Don’t stop!” Asar was leaning forward and sitting like a child that was listening to a thrilling superhero tale. Vhaenna, Fayrova and Vivaldi were looking at me the same way. Vivaldi may have looked more relaxed, but I know even he didn’t know the full story of how Theoden and I met or what all happened to me prior to me creating him. I chuckled at how drawn in they were. 

    “From then on he did his best to keep me from those men, even if it meant putting me through a vigorous workout to make them think that he put me through my paces. It was certainly driving Daryl mad with jealousy, I could see it in his eyes, every time he would try to claim me for the night Theoden would always be there to say my name. This went on for many months, Theoden and I grew closer, we formed a strong bond that started as friends, then grew into something much more than friendship. Even when I wasn’t being forced to dance and parade around like some harlot for those men, we would spend as much time together as possible. Then one night, things took a turn for the worse. Theoden wasn’t there to get pick of me first, Daryl snagged me as soon as he could, that night things became dangerous.” 

    “Come here, girl!” Daryl snapped at me as I sauntered around the fire. I flinched at his voice, I looked over at him, he had a smirk on his face. “Give Daddy a dance.” I walked over to him, adding a sashay to my steps as I stepped lightly like a cat. The music started up once I made it to him. 

    I began to dance, swirling my hips around and moving with the beat of the music. While I danced I could hear him and the other men make crude comments about my body, I could feel Daryl grope me, his hands running all over my flesh. Eventually he couldn’t stand to just touch and watch me dance, his hand started to travel down south towards my nether region. I reached to grab his hand to stop his intrusion. He reached around with his other hand and grasped my throat, pulling me back against his chest. 

    “Yer hound ain’t here to claim ya, b***h, I’m gonna take what’s mine.” Daryl growled into my ear, “Now, ya be a good girl and keep dancin’ for yer Daddy.” his sickening breath blew across my face almost causing me to gag at the stench. I wasn’t going to give in, I’m not some toy that he can use for his own pleasure. He gripped my neck tighter, starting to make it difficult to breathe, “I wouldn’t be puttin’ up a fight. Dance.     Now.” He released my throat and smacked my ass. I still hadn’t moved yet, I wasn’t giving in yet. 

    Suddenly Daryl got sick of waiting, he stood up abruptly, spinning me around to face him. Pain erupted from the side of my face and my head was snapped to the side. Tears erupted in my eyes from the pain, his grip on my arm was so tight it was going to cause bruising. I could hear the voices of the men that were sitting around the fire, they were laughing at me. 

    “I won’t tolerate this bullshit from ya. Ya were assigned to take care of our needs, not just one bastard in this party. Ya think I don’t know what ya been doin’? Huh? I know ya been slinkin’ off with him, takin’ care of him durin’ the day and any chance ya can get! Is the d**k that good for ya? That much of a w***e that ya can’t be satisfied with one romp with him at night? Ya gotta go get yerself a romp durin’ the day too? If that’s the case, then ya might as well get a romp with me!” He gripped my face, forcing me to look him in the eyes. “So ya best get to dancin’ and pleasin’ me, b’fore I get real upset wich ya.” He growled at me, before spinning me around again and sitting down. Forcing me into his lap again. 

    I forced the tears down as much as possible, but not till a few escaped and slid down my cheeks, my right cheek stung from the slap it just received. My blood started to boil with rage as I thought about what he just said. This disgusting and pathetic excuse of a man thinks he can just take what he wants from, I think not. 

    The music changed to something dark and sensual with a strong beat to it. I knew exactly what I was going to do. I started to dance, but I forced his hands off my hips as I danced. I spun around to face him and kept dancing, my hips moving with the beat of the music. I glanced at what he was sitting on and smirked, he was sitting on a bench that was carved out of a large log. I placed a foot up on one side of his hips and stepped up, forcing him to sit up straight and push his hips back enough that I was able to place a foot between his legs as I turned around. I started to shake my ass with the music and roll my hips, I used a piece of fabric that was sheer and was usually wrapped around my waist and started to wave it through the air and around my body to add visual effect. I leapt to the ground and continued the movements, really getting into the music as I went along. 

    I kept it up for as long as I could, hoping to stall till Theoden arrived, but Daryl had other plans when he stood up and attempted to join in my dance. He grabbed me and pulled me against him, forcing me to grind on him. I could feel the throbbing bulge in his pants as he practically dry humped me while I danced. I could feel him pulling me towards his ‘throne’ while we danced. He sat down and pulled me down with him so I was sitting in his lap again, he kept one hand on my hip and the other one snaked around and groped at my breast. He pinched and twisted my n****e roughly, abusing the fleshy nub causing pain and pleasure to shoot through my body. I bit my lip to keep from yelping out as he continued his abuse. His other hand released my hip and snaked down south to my nethers as he began to toy with the tender flesh through the fabric of my panties. I let the music move me and numb my mind away from everything, I slowly raised up, but worked to keep my ass pressed against Daryl so he would think it was simply a part of the dance and it worked till he released my breast to release his ‘pole’ from it’s confines and pulled me down till the tip was trying to force its way through my panties. 

    I pushed against him to keep him from tearing through my panties and taking the last piece of myself that I refused to give to him or any other man in this group. He pulled me down harder, but the fabric held strong, fear was building in my stomach and tears were threatening to spill over. That was when I saw Theoden walk up and his face was revealed pure rage and hatred as he stared Daryl down. Dayrl saw him too and stopped pulling me down, just held me there and met Theoden’s gaze. 

    I watched as Theoden just stood there and stared him down, there was enough hatred in his gaze that if it could it would’ve set Daryl ablaze. Daryl just chuckled some more at him, but I could sense the impending fear building in him. 

    “Don’t ya worry yerself none, she’ll be able to take care of ya after I’m done with her.” He chuckled some more at him before returning his focus to me. One arm was snaked around my waist, the other he reached down, grabbing the crotch of my panties and with one quick yank they were obliterated as if made of paper. I used as much strength as I could muster to hold myself in a squatted position as he started to pull down on me. I could feel the tip of his pole pressing against my entrance. 

    “Oy I think she’s innocent, she looks like a scared little bird!” He roared with laughter and fell out of his chair. The other men started laughing too. Daryl just grew angry. 

    “I thought you was a takin’ care of our friend, seems that it was just a big ol’ lie.” He sneered as he looked over at Theoden, “Ya couldn’t take a bite out of this here ripe peach could ya? Not man enough to do the job, huh?” He cackled at me as he dug his fingers in and pushed down more, the tip his pole was trying to force its way in, the pressure was intensifying. 

    “No, please,” I whimpered out, not meaning to speak out loud with that, but I couldn’t stop now. Fear had taken hold of me, tears were streaming down my face at this point, I couldn’t let him take this part of me. I’d kept myself pure all these years, I wasn’t about to let someone rip that away from me. “Please, stop, Daryl, please!” 

    “Well lookie here, is she finally breakin’? Did I finally break this wild spirit? Well s**t, if this is all it took I should’ve done this months ago.” He cackled again, one of his hands snaked around to the front of my hips as he reached down and assaulted my c******s causing me to yelp out in pain. Theoden couldn’t stand this anymore as he bolted around the fire, grabbing me and hefted me with enough strength to break me out of Daryl’s disgusting grip. 

    “What in the hell do ya think yer doin’?!” Daryl yelled out as he jumped up and reached for me, I ducked out of his reach and clung to Theoden’s side, “If I wanna to take that innocence, then I’mma gonna. This is my little b***h and if I will have her anyway I damn please!” He growled at him. 

    I watched as the other men in the group stepped up, trying to flank Theoden. One of them was eyeing him with a predatory glint in his eyes. Theoden could see them moving in and reacted quickly. He reached down and pulled a large log out of the fire. 

    “She is not yours, no one owes her, she is not a slave or toy for your enjoyment. If you really want her that badly, come and take her.” His deep voice rumbling like the thunderous roar of a herd of stampeding horses. “Be warned, I will take down all of you if I have to. You will no longer hurt her, you will not touch her or even look at her.” His voice was so cold, even though it wasn’t directed at me it gave me chills. Daryl stood his ground for a moment before stepping down.

    “Fine if you want her so bad, keep the little b***h. Next time you pull a stunt like that I’ll kill you.” He spat at him before he sat back down and motioned for one of the other girls, Theoden guided me away from everyone. 

    I held my strength for as long as I could, we walked for so long before I felt sure that they couldn’t see us and my knees buckled. The fear and tears I had been holding back finally broke loose and I couldn’t contain them any longer. Theoden instantly dropped down next to me, his large arms engulfed me as he pulled me into a deep hug. All I could do was sob, all the fear and anger and humiliation flowing out with the tears. I clung to Theoden as if he was a life line. 

    “Sir, would you please come with me and bring your girl.” A man’s voice came from behind me. Theoden nodded before he released me and stood, he helped me to my feet before picking me up and laying me over his shoulder. As we walked I was still trembling with fear. 

    “You don’t need to be afraid, little dove, that bastard is never going to harm you again” he said to me quietly, his grip was tight on me, but not so much that it was causing any discomfort, “I’ll get you away from here.” He said that last bit in a whisper so quiet that I almost didn’t hear him. 

    “That night a man stepped in, someone who just so happened to be in alliance to Queen Alenia. When Theoden told him what had happened, he was beyond furious, he wanted to go out and kill Daryl and his cronies right then and there. Theoden stopped him from doing anything too drastic and worked with him to prepare for our leave of the colony. There was an underground passage that was in the back room of his shop, he sold and bartered dealing with mostly odd items. In the back room there was a large area rug that covered a large wooden door. He armed us with what he could spare, he tried to offer us a map until he asked for my name. He knew then that I was from Eindenia and had heard talk that I had gone missing.” 

    “Sayuri, the queen has been waiting to hear word on you for quite some time. What happened?” This man asked. 

    “I was travelling back to my home to search for my friends, when I came across this place. I thought that if there was a chance they were here, it wouldn’t hurt to look for them here. If I’d known what kind of horrors were within the walls of this hell I’d have never set foot in here.” I sat in the backroom of this man’s stall, finally in proper clothes and not dressed like some harlot. “Why are you doing all this? Why help? If you get caught you could get killed.” 

    “Well my lady, I am doing what I can for Eindenia. I, too, stumbled across this place while looking for survivors, I could sense the misery and pain within its walls and I couldn’t just ignore it. The emotions I was sensing from this place were so strong my mind wouldn’t allow me to do anything other than walk up to the gates and beg for entry. The Queen set upon me with the mission of looking for survivors and rescuing as many people as I can. I suggest you take this opportunity to return to Eindenia and I would leave quickly, before Daryl and his cronies cause more problems for you.” I looked at him, then at Theoden. He didn’t look leery of this man at all, if he trusted him then I should too. 

    “Fine, we will go, but please, I beg of you. Keep an eye out for my friends.” I looked at him pleadingly, he stepped towards me and placed his hand on my forehead. There was a sudden flash and I could see all my friends’ faces flicker like flashes of memories. Before I knew it he was finished and had stepped back from me. 

    “Now that I know their faces, I’ll watch out for them and if I find them, I will send them to Eindenia. Now please, go, quickly and pray they don’t come after you.” He looked at us pleadingly. We both nodded to him, grabbed the small packs he prepared for us and we descended into the tunnel. 

    “It took nearly four months of us traveling nearly nonstop to make it back to Eindenia, during that time we grew quite close. I’ll never forget that journey nor how it helped us grow closer and form a stronger bond. I left Eindenia after Queen Alenia gave me permission to leave the realm again, only this time I left more prepared and stronger than I had the first time. Luckily I never saw Daryl again and I hope that I never will.” For a moment we sat there in silence, Fayrove purred, nudging my arm with her nose. 

    It took a moment for me to compose myself before I could look at Asar, there were tears burning my eyes and a knot that had formed in my throat. I hadn’t told that story to anybody, not even the Queen though I’m sure she knows. I haven’t been able to tell that to anyone, the thought of reliving those memories was not a thought I wanted to think about much. It's been over a year since that had taken place and even though I know I’m stronger than Daryl, I still have a deep seated fear of him. 

    “I can’t believe that there is a place like that, why would anyone do that? I just don’t understand how someone could be that cruel.” Asar’s voice was filled with rage. 

    “I don’t know, sadly there are plenty of people like that in the world. There were people like that before the world went to s**t, they were just untouchable and stayed in the shadows. Majority of them are mortals, some are Fae. Many beings are born with evil already planted in them and there is no changing them. Some are born into a society that encourages such behavior. I don’t judge people for their actions or for their past, it is not my place, but people like Daryl will either change their ways or pay for their crimes.” I left it at that, we had more important things to worry about and stewing over the past wasn’t one of them. 

    “Before you were found on the banks of that river, you really don’t remember anything before that?” Asar asked. 

    “The last thing I remember was the age of the Renaissance, I even knew Leonardo da Vinci. He was an extraordinary man, definitely interesting and he had his quirks so to speak, but extraordinary to say the least. He had a brilliant mind and incredible skill.” I grew solemn as I was reminded that he was gone, “Sadly I wasn’t there when he passed on, I wish I could have, but then again he knew I was immortal and I would’ve tried to save him using my blood, as many times before he would’ve told me no. All I can hope is that he did not die alone or in great pain.” Many good memories just spent in his workshop watching him work, he would ask my questions about how I was born, where I was from, how I felt about being immortal and many other questions. 

    “Incredible,” Asar sighed as he seemed to sit and let that thought sink in that I was actually that old. I could see the look on his face as he thought about that. “What do you think could’ve happened to you to cause you to lose your memory?” he asked curiously. I thought about that for a moment before I answered him.

    “That is nearly 500 years of my life just gone, as if someone just erased everything. I had been alive for almost 100 years before my memory blacked out, then I woke up on the banks of a river. So many friends and loved ones that I will never remember again. Some days I wish I knew and other days I don’t want to know. There must be a reason for why that part of my life was forgotten and I’m not sure if I want to know what happened. I went from living in a world where the average lifespan for a mortal was half of what it is today, everything was horse drawn and there was no such thing as electricity.” We sat in silence for a moment, I thought about what the queen had told me once. She told me she could restore my memory, but that was only if I was prepared to know what had taken place all those years and there is a reason as to why my mind blacked them out. She confirmed that it wasn’t some form of magic that was blocking everything out and they also confirmed that it wasn’t a form of brain injury which would’ve been impossible due to what I was. 

    “I won’t pressure you to know more then, I don’t wish to upset you.” Asar sat there and looked guilty for a moment. 

    “You have nothing to apologize for, you did nothing wrong and it’s not like it bothers me. I doubt it was a form of trauma that forced my brain to shut those memories away anyway, I’m fine honestly.” I chuckled at him, giving him a soft smile. “For now let’s get some rest, Fayrova needs her rest so she can heal too. The sooner she is rested and healed the sooner we can return to Eindenia.” With that everyone relaxed and took this time to rest up.