Anywhere but here

Hi this is my first ever story that I've written, any constructive criticism is helpful just try not to be too brutal =)

Chapter 1

Olya looked up with her hand shading her eyes from the afternoon sun. It was a beautiful day but she had spent it inside the academy library. Visiting the library was the highlight of her week, it was quiet and she could covertly read the kind of books they would frown on back at the nunnery. Whilst she was meant to be reading books on medicine to continue her training as a healer. She often would slyly read books on philosophy, history and science all subjects that would cause a questioning mind to doubt scripture. Hence her concealment of said guilty pleasure.

Whilst walking back to the nunnery through town she casually watched the townsfolk going about their day. She heard an irritated sigh, it was the baker's daughter dealing with more feeble yet unwanted amorous advances from the butcher's son.

Olya mused to herself 'at least my nuns habit and veil removes that kind of irritation from my day' most men wouldn't dare to openly flirt with her in broad daylight. Which she appreciated, as none of the men in the town held any appeal for her. Whilst she did not truly believe the scripture of the nunnery she was raised in, abandoning the habit at this stage would have seen her descended upon by ambitious suitors. All looking to bind her in marriage and plant their child in her, trapping her in this town forever.

She had no experience of anything outside of Wollingden; it was where she had always lived, she just wished to see some of the world she knew was out there for herself. She was only 19 and felt like she hadn't seen anything special yet.

Her walk was soon to end as the Abbey where the nunnery was came into view. As soon as she walked in the front hall one of the other novices blurted out.

"Abbess wants to see you Olya"

"Did she say what about?" She replied

"Nope, just said to tell you to come to her office when you got back" Olya thanked her and headed to the office, proceeding to knock three times before a mature, croaky voice deemed her to enter. Olya poked her head round the door and smiled at the Abbess "I was told you wanted to see me"

"Ah yes come in sit down, I wanted to have a chat" the Abbess responded with a warm open smile on her aged and lined face. "I was just wondering if you had given any serious thoughts about finally taking your vows" Her voice took on a slightly sharper edge.

Olya pondered her answer for a moment and sighed "I think on it regularly, but it is a serious lifelong commitment and... I have my doubts" Olya's gaze sank to her lap. She didn't want to disappoint the Abbess but she could not lie to her. The old nun was the closest thing she had to family, she had raised her, she was practically her mother after Olya was abandoned at the Abbey as a newborn. "Ah I see... a lot of young novices do, normally for the same reason... has a handsome young man caught your eye... causing you to wonder what you might be missing maybe?" She smirked and added a cheeky wink at the end. "Absolutely not Abbess" Olya responded with tinge of mortified horror

"No judgement from me child, I was young once and not always a nun" the Abbess chuckled. Olya tried to gauge what she meant by that, but the thought of the Abbess as a lusty young woman, was one she purged from her mind immediately. Instead she honestly voiced her concerns to her mentor.

"It's just that I wonder at all the things I haven't seen that lie beyond the edges of this town, things that I may miss entirely if I stay here forever"

The Abbess sighed almost deflated "I see, it's still lust, just of the wandering variety instead of carnal. I understand the urge, girl, but trust me when I say it can be brutal out there. So many dangers, not just people, but all kinds of nasties that creep through the night feasting on young naive things like yourself. That habit won't discourage the worst of the worst my dear. I hope you think on that"

Olya sounding disappointed " You make it sound like it's some of of nightmarish dark fairytale, this can't be the only safe place in the world"

The Abbess curtly responded "Maybe, maybe not, but it's where I know you are safe and I can keep an eye on you"

Olya starting to lose her patience with how this conversation was going " I could always just leave, pack up my things abandon my habit and see the world... you cannot actually stop me if that was my choice"

The Abbess took a deep breath and glared at Olya with frustration " I can stop you Olya, if you do leave the Abbey without my blessing I can legally have you dragged back kicking and screaming by the town guards. Which will be really bloody easy for them if you leave your veil behind since your hair is that dark copper colour it's really sodding noticeable. How many other people have you ever seen around here with that hair? Zero is what. So when I find out you've run off I just tell them, look for the ginger idiot with no idea where she is going or how bad it can get out there!" By the end of the tirade the Abbess was shaking with rage. Olya looked coldly at the Abbess and quietly said "May I now please be excused" struggling not to start yelling at the Abbess and make this interaction worse.

" I'm sorry Olya" The Abbess slackened and cradled her face in her hands " I am just terrified that you will leave and never come back, not because you have found somewhere to be safe and happy, but because you never made it there." Olya's gaze softened at these words. "Just promise me" the Abbess continued " That you won't just storm off, that we talk about this some more, maybe find you somewhere that's still safe but gives you the change of scenery you so desperately crave... please just think on it" Olya her stare directed towards her own lap not sure how to continue this conversation "I promise... now may I please be excused Abbess"

"You may, please go and help with the dinner preparations then help the other healers in the medical hall" Olya stood and gave a customary nod to the Abbess on the way out and headed to her duties.

Chapter 2

After spending most of the evening in the medical hall Olya finally made it back to her cell late that night, keen to curl up on her bed and sleep. Her thoughts still kept returning back to the conversation with the Abbess 'what arrangements would she actually make?' Another Abbey where she could be just as bored and trapped? Most likely. Absent mindedly she seemed to have left one of the medical knives in her habit pocket. 'I'll just have to return that tomorrow, the price of being distracted I guess' she placed it on her desk and began to undress for bed removing her veil and habit. As she made it down to her undergarments she took a moment to take stock of herself, admiring her hair. The Abbess was right; it was a most distinctive dark copper with highlights of gold running through it, though most would never know. The Abbess had made her wear the veil for as long as she could remember. Even as a small child, the reasoning the Abbess gave was 'in order not to attract unnecessary attention' whatever that truly meant. Olya's inspection of herself continued, long toned legs, slender waist, generous hips, sizeable pert posterior and equally proportional breasts would probably be overly tempting to any man outside of her shapeless habit especially with her smooth skin, like cream and her eyes which she had been told were a warm purple. While vanity was considered a sin in the scriptures and no mirrors were allowed, she saw no issues with being proud of the features she had. Alas there was no one she had any desire to share her body with; it was no sacrifice to maintain the chastity the scripture demanded. It made her wonder if perhaps that particular part of her was non-existent or maybe she just hadn't met a man who might stir that feeling, probably never would, trapped as she was in Wollingden Abbey. With a sigh she poured some water into her wash bowl and began cleaning herself. Whilst rinsing her face in the bowl she heard screams from her fellow nuns, male shouts and the aggressive opening and slamming of doors. Hearing masculine voices "Not this one, right-ish age but wrong hair,". It sounded like they were making their way up through the cells, opening the doors until they reached... her door. It swung open and a dirty thuggish looking man was the one who opened it. His sudden presence and the realisation of her state of undress in front of him filled Olya with horror. "Well well well, right age, right hair, right eyes and a lovely figure without much to cover it, seems like it's my lucky day." He said with a lascivious grin on his face. "LADS I FOUND HER!" He bellowed down the hallway. Next he stepped inside her cell and pushed her back against the wall next to her desk. His hand grasped tightly around her throat. Olya was taller than average but this man leered above her, he was broad, doughy and smelled awful, stinking of body odour and horse. He whispered in her ear "Ya gonna be a good gal fer me aintcha now, we's gonna go on a journey, deliver ya where ya we need to and ya ain't gonna put up a fuss or else I'll have to hurt ya" Olya whimpered in fear. The man continued "Good, glad ya understand... now" he paused to place his other hand on her waist and trail it up towards her breast "I don't hafta deliver you 'intact' so me and yous are gonna have a little fun before we hit the road, must be gaggin' for it stuck in this place" the hand on her throat was removed began to make its way towards the space between her legs and Olya began to panic desperately looking for any way out of this. The thug buried his face against Olga's neck, inhaled, sighed then began kissing her skin. Instinctively keeping her face as far away from him as she could, her eyes turned towards her desk and the misplaced medical knife. It was within reach and slowly she moved her arm towards it so as not to disturb her attacker, upon grasping her hand around the handle the thug grabbed her face. Forcing it forward to face him Olga silently prayed he hadn't seen her reaching for the knife, instead he smashed his greasy lips against hers and forced her mouth open to accept his tongue. His breath was foul, Olya struggled not to gag, but it was now or never, she reaffirmed her grip on the knife and jammed it into his neck. The thug stumbled back surprised, Olya pulled out the knife and stabbed it in again, in the process unleashing a spray of blood and the man retreated from her, desperately clasping at his neck, making it three steps before collapsing just outside her cell door. Olya let out a sigh of relief, before realising she was covered in blood. Two sets of heavy footsteps thundered down the corridor finishing in front of her cell door, two armed men as thuggish and dirty as the one bleeding out on the floor stared at Olga. Seeing the corpse, bloodstained Olga and the knife in her hand, the connection was quickly made. "YA FUCKIN' BITCH, YA GONNA PAY FOR THAT!" Olga was filled with terror and struggled to think, 'can't run, they're blocking the exit, can't fight, there are two of them with swords and I have a tiny knife, shit what do I do?' Unable to prevent her impending doom she took a shaky breath before a high speed crackling flash of light flew into her vision hitting one of the men and then another flash hitting the other. She saw both men now had massive burning holes in their torsos and they collapsed on the floor dead. 'What the almighty fuck was that?' Olga stood there shell shocked just trying to comprehend what happened, when another pair of smaller familiar footsteps made their way up to her cell door. The face that peered round was the Abbess "By the divine you're bleeding!" The Abbess cried. Staring straight ahead virtually unblinking Ohya responded in a weak voice "It's not mine" before pointing at the corresponding corpse on the floor, then gesturing at the other two. "Abbess, was that you?"

"Yes dear"

Ohya stared at her with a bewildered face. "How?"

The Abbess walked towards her, wrapped an arm around her shoulders and began escorting her out of the cell.

"I've dealt with the rest of them, let's get you cleaned up and a nice cup of hot tea with honey dear. We're going to need a long chat"

Olya took one last look at the bodies before allowing herself to be led away.

Chapter 3

Olya sat in the Abbess' office with a hot cup of honey laced tea, fresh clothes and a sense of all round confusion. The Abbess sat across from her wearing a face of warm concern waiting for when Olya was ready to break the silence. Olya finally looked at the Abbess and asked "Are you a mage"

"Yes dear"

"But you're a nun, an Abbess"

"True, but I did say I wasn't always a nun, I had a life before and I had a lot of wild adventures, none of which we really have the time to waste regaling you with"

"But the scripture explicitly condemns magic"

"The scripture also bans murder and theft but it doesn't stop paladins from launching crusades in the eastern lands, murdering 'heretics' then stealing their wealth for the Faith's coffers. The librarian at the academy tells me about the books you discreetly read instead of the ones about medicine, don't pretend you haven't noticed the hypocrisy"

"You knew about the books... and you're not mad?"

"No, if anything I'm proud, a curious mind is an asset" Olya smiled a little.

"Why did you join the faith if you are a mage"

"To protect and warn others like me wherever possible. It is far easier to get information whilst inside an organisation"

"Does that mean you are compromised now, I mean people are going to find out about those men you killed tonight?"

"None of the local people will care, and I have enough influence in this community for it to be ruled as 'death by musket shot' for any outsiders who are bothered to ask. The bigger issue is why those men were here"

"For me?"

The Abbess nodded at Olya "Yes my dear, for you"

"Why though, I haven't done anything to warrant that?" A concerned expression rested on Olya's face.

"It's not anything you've done, it's who you are or more specifically who your parents are"

"But I don't know them, I have nothing to do with them they abandoned me"

"Okay this where I have to admit to being less than honest with you, that was a lie"

"What?!"

"Well... because the truth was not going to bring you any comfort, and until it became essential to tell you... I thought it better to tell a lie that would be easier to live with than a truth that would haunt you"

Through gritted teeth Olya asked " What is the truth then?"

"Your mother left you here with me but she did not 'abandon' you. It was the best strategy she could come up with to ensure you were raised in safety and both of you were to remain out of the clutches of your father. Your father is a psychotic murderous bastard. His treatment towards your mother was monstrous, he found pleasure in torturing her however he could and there was no way she was going to let him have you. Your mother escaped from him when she found herself pregnant, and had to give birth on the run. She left her precious child with a trusted friend she knew her husband had no knowledge of" The Abbess pointed to herself "And kept running and is still running"

"Why was that necessary? I mean, even a wealthy man has a limited reach she could have eventually gotten far enough away?"

"It's not just wealth that's a factor, your father is the Fey King of the Northern Forests."

"The Penumbran Suzerain?" Olya queried, she had read of him, he was thought to be immortal and had ruled his lands for centuries with an iron fist. Most of the accounts described him as sadistic and cruel.

The Abbess nodded. "After he and your mother wed, he magically branded her. He can always find her. Her only option is to keep running and stay one step ahead of his underlings. Which is also why she can't come anywhere near you. He finds her, He finds you."

"Why doesn't he just remarry? Have a family with a wife who doesn't put all her effort into getting as far away as possible?"

"Pride probably and the fact that you and your mother belong to an ancient magical bloodline, he needs the two of you for something, as to the exact nature of his machinations your guess is as good as mine"

"Am I a mage?"

"Have you manifested any magical abilities?"

"Uh... erm... I don't think so"

" The simple answer is, until you channel magic you're not a mage"

The Abbess looked pensive then pulled a bottle of wine out her desk and started taking some large swigs.

"Olya how are you feeling after... you know?" She then proceeded to make a stabbing gesture at her neck.

Olya sighed and stared at the bottom of her tea "I'm not feeling great about it but I consider it to be better than the alternative..."

The Abbess nodded "... well..." she gave a heavy sigh. "I need you to leave the Abbey, for your own safety. Either your father knows you are here or more likely he has a rough idea of the region and is sending out search parties. Once this lot doesn't report back, that is going to narrow down his search area. I don't know how he found you, that's something I'm going to need to try and find out. I've contacted an old friend, he's coming to collect you tomorrow, he'll protect you and keep you moving so you'll be harder to find..."

The Abbess stared at Olya intently trying to gauge her reaction. While Olya sat there numb cradling her tea, contemplating these life changing revelations.

"... I have to leave?"

"Yes dear, I'm not young anymore, I can't sling as many spells as I used to. Dealing with the six opponents I did today has exhausted me, if I were up against a real fighting force, this could have ended far worse. Next time it might be insurmountable and then I will fail you and lose you. I did my best all this time to keep you safe and hidden. Now you need a different protector for the challenge ahead. I'm so sorry my dear"

Olya feebly smirked "I guess I now know why you were so keen to keep me close to you and why you got so upset when I threatened to leave"

"I hope you can forgive me Olya. I struggled with the balancing act. How do I keep you both safe and happy?"

"I appreciate you trying... but earlier was it just lip service or were you serious about finding a new place for me?"

"I was, but don't know how I was going to manage it. I was contemplating coming clean and telling you the truth, but wasn't sure how I would get you to believe me, and not label me as a crazy old woman. That ship has sailed though"

Olya let out a weak chuckle. "A final question then, one of the men earlier said 'right hair, right eyes' when he saw me. Why?"

"Easiest way to identify you, you have your mother's hair and your father's eyes... when you leave tomorrow please keep your hair covered, just the eyes may cause someone to look at you a little closer. But both together will be a dead giveaway for those who know what they're looking for."

Olya nodded. The stress of the night was hitting her hard and she was completely exhausted.

"Is there somewhere I could sleep tonight that isn't my cell?" She dreaded the thought of being near the bodies again.

"Yes dear, take my bed I will make arrangements for myself elsewhere, get some sleep. It's probably going to be a long day tomorrow as well."

As Olya stifled a yawn the Abbess gave her a tight warm hug, squeezing her shoulders as she retreated and finishing with a kiss on her forehead. "Rest well" and left Olya alone in the room. Olya finished her tea, walked to the door leading to the bedroom, opened it, took three steps inside, collapsed onto the bed and entered a dreamless sleep.

Chapter 4

After the dawn's light hit Olya's face she began to stir and reluctantly greet the morning. Once she opened her eyes and realised she was in the Abbess' bedroom the slim possibility of last night's events being a dream was removed. She got up and walked in the Abbess' office to find the woman in question sitting there at the desk. "Ah good you're awake, hope you feel rested I let you have a lie in so everyone else is already up at breakfast, go get yourself some food then I need you to pack what you need for your journey. My friend will be here before too long." She tried to smile at Olya but the sadness was visible in her eyes. Olya gave her a nod of acknowledgement and went on her way. Breakfast was uncomfortable, all the sisters were gossiping about last night's events, stealing glances in Olya's direction whilst she did her best to eat while her food sat heavy in her stomach. She dreaded the walk to her cell expecting to see the evidence of last night, only to find that the bodies were gone and the bloodstains had already been scrubbed from the floor, barely visible. She walked into her cell and began packing the practical things she would need for her journey, grabbing some useful tools and a bedroll before making her way to the kitchen and medical stores. Food and medicine would probably be helpful, but she thought that having something she could use as a proper weapon would also be vital. Olya made her way to the Abbey gardens searching for the shed, 'a gardening knife would be most appropriate' she pondered. Her path met with the gardener, an older kind man and they exchanged pleasantries. Their interaction was interrupted by the sound of hoofbeats approaching the edge of the garden.

Olya directed her gaze towards the rider approaching the Abbey from outside of town. He rode an enormous black stallion and as he rode closer into view, she realised he was a tall man, wearing dark colours, a wide brimmed hat and black goggles. He slowed his horse and trotted up to the two of them. Once Olya saw his features up close, she had a sharp intake of breath and felt her pulse quicken. He was incredibly handsome, even with the goggles and the hat concealing some of his face she could see his sculpted nose, high cheekbones, defined jaw and an elegant mouth, covered by skin the colour of freshly fallen snow and framed by silken ebony hair running past his shoulders. He tipped his hat to the pair and in a smooth baritone pur greeted them "Good morning, I am here to meet the Abbess, she is expecting me, where would be a good place to tie up my horse while I am inside?"

The gardener rasped "There's a hitching post at the side over there" The rider nodded in acknowledgement and headed in the gestured direction.

The gardener turned to Olya and grumbled "Well that bodes ill"

"How so?" asked Olya

"Well he's a hunter, wherever hunters are trouble is close"

"How do you know he's a hunter?"

"I've seen him before, last time he was here was to clear out a pack of corpse eaters that had settled in the area. He definitely isn't human"

"What makes you so sure of that?" Olya cocked her head curiously.

"Because that was when I was a boy. He hasn't aged a day since then"

Olya contemplated this as she parted ways with the gardener and made her way as intended to the shed to claim the knife. The hunter was most likely the "friend" the Abbess had called. So made her way back to the Abbess office door and knocked and waited to be invited in. Upon entering, the hunter was sitting in the chair across from the Abbess' desk both with mugs in hand and the Abbess' bottle of wine on the table. While he had removed his hat, he was still wearing his goggles. The Abbess made an introduction "Olya this is Havi, Havi... Olya". Havi placed his mug on the desk and stood to greet Olya reaching a hand out to shake hers. As he stood in front of her he towered over her, broad shouldered and standing over six and a half feet. Olya had to crane her neck to meet his gaze and struggled to keep her eyes off his long legs and narrow waist. "Nice to meet you" she blurted out, immediately feeling awkward and out of place in his presence. "Likewise" he said, giving her a warm smile, that smile made her feel like her heart was in her throat. Havi continued "The Abbess has explained your situation to me... and she's right that the best thing is to keep you moving and make it harder for your father to find you. It's best that we leave as soon as you are ready. Just so you are aware I make my living as a hunter that means I keep moving where the work is. There will be times that I will need to temporarily leave you somewhere safe because some of the things I hunt mean that taking you with me is a risk to the both of us. Do you understand?"

Olya looked at him and answered "You mean keep my head down, don't attract any attention and wait for you to come back. Because trying protect me and hunt your prey means your focus is on neither"

"Yes, exactly. I hope you packed light?"

Olya nodded "Only what's necessary and practical"

"Good" he gave her a light smile." I'll be with my horse outside, say your goodbyes and come when you are ready" He picked up the mug of wine, finished the contents and walked around the desk and leaned down to give the Abbess a hug, who looked tiny in his arms, before leaving the office and closing the door behind him. Olya and the Abbess stared at each other.

The Abbess gave Olya a mournful look

" I'm going to miss you child, but that man has promised to keep you safe and I have always known him to be capable and true to his word. I'll take comfort in that"

Olga replied "I'm going to miss you too... and this place, strangely enough. I'm reminded of the phrase 'be careful what you wish for'"

"... because you just might get it?" the Abbess interjected.

"Yes" Olya smiled weakly "I'm curious about something though, the gardener said he wasn't human?"

"Does that bother you?" The Abbess raised an eyebrow

"No... I just wonder if he's not human, what is he?"

"Maybe ask him nicely, perhaps he will tell you" the Abbess chuckled.

"How did you even meet him, Abbess? Was it when he came here last?"

"Oh... no... long before that I was only slightly older than you are now, but that is a story longer than we have time for, maybe ask him about that as well"

She gave Olya a knowing smile

"I saw how you looked at him, child, looks like you finally met a man that interests you. Just remember, despite what the scripture says, desire is not a sin." She flashed a wink and cheeky smile at Olya who had caught her meaning. Her cheeks flushed pink with embarrassment, mortified that the Abbess had read her so easily. The pair both stood and embraced in a tight hug. Olya buried her face in the shoulder of the only mother she had ever known, stifled a small sob as the Abbess laid a tender kiss on her cheek. "I love you child, never forget that" she whispered. "I love you too mother and thank you" Olya sniffled in kind. The Abbess cradled Olya's face in her hands before laying one last kiss on her forehead before letting go and stepping back. "It's time". Olga nodded, picked up her things, and went to join Havi outside.

Havi was casually leaning against the hitching post but straightened up upon seeing Olya. He began to untie his horse as she approached.

"Ready?" He asked. Olya nodded. He took her small bag of belongings, securing it to the saddlebags. He mounted the horse. While Olya tried to work out how she was going to reach the stirrup on his mount l, he made a gesture indicating he was going to help her up onto the horse as he held out his hand to her. She took it and was pulled up to the saddle in front of him. She took a moment to adjust her legs and reposition herself. He reached his arms around her sides to grab the reins and urge the horse forward. Olya suddenly became very aware that this man's back was pressed into hers and their legs were touching. She prayed the flush of pink wouldn't meet her cheeks and he saw it, but his gaze was straight ahead pushing the horse to a canter as they put the Abbey into the distance behind them.

Chapter 5

The majority of that day was spent on horseback, furthering the distance from all Olya had known. It was fast approaching dusk, the sun was starting to hang low in the sky. "We're going to need to make camp soon, keep an eye out for a good spot" said Havi

"What do you consider to be a good spot?" Olya asked genuinely unsure

Havi pondered "Ideally next to a freshwater source with flat ground and good tree cover"

"I'll keep my eyes peeled"

Havi's senses picked up something that made him concerned. There was something rustling amongst the treeline, something with a scent that didn't belong to the local wildlife. He tried to scan his gaze along the trees to see if he could pick out what it was when he heard the twang of a bow. He raised the small shield attached to his bracer and deflected an arrow that had been aimed at his throat. He then saw the bandits emerging from the treeline. All armed and doing their best to look intimidating. There were six of them, two with bows on a small incline and four walking onto the road. Havi could feel Olya stiffen as the bandits came towards them.

"What do you want?" Havi bellowed.

One of the bandits sneered "Givus yer valuables, supplies, 'orse and leave the girl. Ovverwise we'll gut ya like a sucklin' piggie"

"Not happening!" Havi glared at the sneering bandit

"Do ya wanna die!?" The bandit yelled

"Do you?" Havi asked with murderous calm. The bandit felt himself hesitate, this guy didn't seem like your average traveller. But they needed the payday, it would still be six on one, plus the nun would be good for a few days of stress relief. Meanwhile whatever was in the trees was still lingering on the edge of Havi's senses and getting closer. It was large and hungry.

The bandit interjected "We got two bows trained on ya, think ya can fight four of us without takin' an arrow?"

Havi smirked "Easily... but if I were you I would be more concerned with what is creeping about in the trees. It's coming and it's hungry. Plus from the sounds of it, big enough to eat a man in a couple of bites."

"Ya full of it mate, there's nothing there, yous is just tryin' to fuck wit' us"

"No, I'm serious as the grave" The Bandit grew visibly nervous

Havi then whispered in Olya's ear "I'm going to give you the reins, then dismount. I need you to ride out of this danger to a safe distance in that direction." Havi pointed to the opposite ways from where he sensed this unknown beast to be. "These guys are barely a problem, the thing in the trees is. Can you do that?" Olya nodded. Havi then dismounted and slapped his horse's hind to send it galloping, getting Olya out of harm's way. One of the bandits feebly tried to make a grab for the horse's bridle but failed miserably as Olya shot past. Havi then solidified his stance and drew his two handed sword that he easily welded in one. The archers attempted a volley, one arrow was deflected by his wrist mounted shield, the other knocked out of the air with a swipe of his sword. The four bandits on the road began to run towards Havi. Then the creature finally made its appearance, a mass of fur, teeth and claws burst from the treeline grabbing the archers and stuffing one into its mouth, grasping and crushing the head of the other. As Havi predicted, two bites and the archer was crushed enough to be swallowed whole. The bandits on the road shrieked in horror at the sight, and descended into panic. The beast jumped down to the road to continue its meal. It was an enormous ape-like creature the size of a small house with horns, teeth and claws to use as weapons, as well as its enormous bulk. It immediately crushed one bandit under its fist and proceeded to try to grab another. It missed by a fraction with the bandit using the opportunity to hack his blade into the beast. He drew blood and made a deep wound in its arm but he failed to dodge the swipe from its claws and was virtually cut in half. The remaining two bandits chose to run, opting to put as much distance between them and the beast they could. They were not fast enough as the beast caught up in seconds, grabbed them and smashed them into the ground with a sickening crunch. Then there was only Havi left standing. As the beast turned its gaze and began barreling towards him, Havi grabbed a knife from his belt lined up his shot, then threw it in its eye. The creature stumbled trying to cradle its mutilated eye. Without missing a beat Havi drew another knife and rendered its remaining eye useless as well. Filled with rage the creature began swiping blindly, desperately trying to slash Havi but missing every time. Havi would sidestep and dodge each swipe with supernatural speed. He was almost enjoying the frustration in the creature's screams. When an opening finally presented itself Havi rushed in and cleaved his sword through the belly of the beast, once, twice, thrice. Each slice unleashed a torrent of blood soaking Havi to the bone. He momentarily retreated, the creature attempted another swipe before hunching over, collapsing to its knees trying to cover its gushing wounds. This led to the fatal opening Havi was waiting for. He leapt onto the shoulders on the beast. With all his strength swung his sword down on the back of the neck. The first cleave made the creature go limp, the second separated its head from its neck. The mountain of bloody fur then collapsed to the ground. Havi retrieved his knives from the creature's head, picked it up by the horns and began walking in the direction Olya and his horse went. 'Some of my best work and no-one was there to see it... maybe Olya's found a good campsite' he mused. The last vestiges of the sun were slowly disappearing on the horizon as Havi made his way through the trees.

Chapter 6

As Olya slowed from the horse's gallop she pondered whether she had put the right amount of distance between her and the danger Havi told her to run from. She opted to keep going in the same direction at a slower pace and see if she could spot somewhere that would be Havi's ideal campsite. After a few minutes she spotted what could be described as either a small lake or a large pond, with flat ground and some tree cover. She figured this would do nicely. She trotted the horse over and tried to work out how to dismount without causing injury. After some tentative repositioning she managed to arrange herself so that she could slowly lower herself to the ground. After securing the horse to a nearby tree branch she pondered her next issue. 'Do I make a campfire or not? It will make it easier for Havi to find me, but it will be visible to other things as well.' After weighing her options, it was the chill in the air that secured her decision. So she set about collecting firewood and before long had enough to make a reasonable fire from. She used some dry leaves, made sparks from flints and before long she was warming herself by her fire.

She had set up the tent and had begun to cook some dinner when some heavy footsteps began to approach. Unable to see who was coming towards her, Olya kept one hand in her pocket grasped around the knife she had taken from the garden shed. Olya became more nervous as the footsteps got closer. When Havi stepped into the firelight she was startled and audibly gasped at his gore soaked visage.

Havi grinned "Don't worry, none of it is mine" while gesturing at the viscera he was covered in. He had removed his goggles which now hung around his neck. Olya finally saw his eyes, they were an intense gold colour and his pupils seemed... catlike? She wasn't sure, but they made it quite obvious he wasn't fully human. "Nice campsite you picked, I appreciate the lake because I REALLY need to bathe"

"So everything is okay for now" Olya asked with concern.

"Yup. All fine" Havi then proceeded to start lashing the beast head to his horse's saddle

"WHAT IS THAT?!" Olya stared at the beast head

"Evidence that the danger has been dealt with" Havi wryly smirked. Olya didn't question any further and went about dealing with other tasks to set up camp. Havi then started to remove his armour and various articles of clothing and began rinsing them in the lake before hanging them on tree branches by the fire. Olya was in the tent setting up the bedrolls. So she didn't see Havi remove his breeches, rinse them and hang them by the fire. He promptly left the range of the firelight and launched his blood soaked form into the deeper water of the lake.

Olya emerged from the tent and returned to monitoring the dinner she was cooking. After taking a look she noticed that absolutely all of Havi's clothes were hung up on the branches to dry even his goggles. Beyond the firelight she heard him splashing around in the lake and couldn't help the pink flush forming on her cheeks. 'That ridiculously handsome man is just over there... completely naked'. She wondered if that was something she wanted to see, the thought making her more and more apprehensive, a knot forming in her stomach. 'Wait was it nervousness... no it was a strange excitement she had never felt before'. Olya had been so absorbed in her thoughts that she hadn't noticed Havi walk out of the lake and into the firelight to check how damp his breeches still were. When she looked up she was faced with his fully nude body. Even whilst stunned, her eyes took in the view. His hair and skin were still dripping with lake water. His body was incredibly muscled; there wasn't a scrap of excess fat on him. His legs and arms looked powerful. His broad shoulders lead to strong pecs descending to defined abs with a narrow waist. Her gaze was guided by the slight flare of his hips to what hung between them. It was beautiful but intimidating. With a sparse coating of dark hair at the base, the skin turned to a light pink and the length made it a third of the way down his thigh. Olya estimated it was about as thick as her wrist.

Eventually Havi noticed her staring at him wide eyed with shock and mouth agape. He quickly realised that his naked body was the cause of the reaction.

"Oh... shit... sorry. I thought as you're a healer... you wouldn't mind, as it's nothing you haven't seen before" He sheepishly and speedily pulled his still damp breeches to spare her from the view.

After finding her ability to speak had returned

"I can promise you that I never seen anything like that before"

Havi looked confused

"Wait... was that the first one you have ever seen?"

Olya looked down and nervously responded

"I never tended to any of the male patients... so... yes it's the first I've seen"

Havi took a few seconds to process this new information then started hearty belly laugh. His laugh was warm and rich, but as much as Olya loved the sound, it stung that it felt like it was at her expense.

"Sorry Olya. I'm not laughing at you, just the situation. It's for any poor bastard who pulls his pants down in front of you in the future is never going to surprise you as much as I just did... your shocked face was kinda funny though."

Olya trying to reclaim some dignity, responded

"What makes you so sure yours is the only one that will surprise me?"

Havi smirked "I'm well aware of what I'm working with... now so are you" then gave her a wink.

Olya could not suppress the intense flush of pink appearing on her cheeks. The embarrassment got worse when Havi clearly saw it and flashed a cheeky grin her way. The attempt to try and reclaim some dignity had failed spectacularly. How was she the one feeling embarrassed and exposed when he was the one who had been naked and flashed her?

Dinner was quiet, but both were too focussed on eating to engage in any idle conversation. Then it came time for bed, while the tent had enough space for the two of them it was a little snug. Olya knew she was going to spend most of the night extremely flustered with how close she was to Havi in this cosy setting. There was no way she could sleep in her undergarments as she normally would when going to bed at the Abbey. Firstly she was out in the wilderness and secondly undressing in such a manner might be construed as some kind of attempt at seduction by Havi. Which would just make this whole embarrassing night even more awkward. So Olya restlessly lay there in the small tent next to Havi becoming very familiar with his scent. He smelt like a fiery whiskey and something she couldn't place, it was surprisingly both soothing and intoxicating. Despite her discomfort eventually Olya managed to reach something close to sleep as she closed her eyes and drifted off.

Chapter 7

The next morning Havi awoke just as the sun was beginning to crest on the horizon and the dawn chorus was starting its song. As he sat up he, spared a look at his new travelling companion sleeping peacefully next to him, the proximity had made him very familiar with her scent, like spiced honey, she smelt so sweet. She looked beautiful, with her high cheekbones, delicate nose and soft luscious lips. Havi wondered if what she had under the habit was just as pleasing to look at. He quickly slapped that thought away. He was supposed to be protecting her, she was a nun and as he found out last night, very inexperienced in that particular arena. Then again, as he further recalled the burning pink cheeks that arrived on her face after he teased her, a bit more dirty minded than her appearance would suggest.

He got up and started reviving the campfire to make breakfast and coffee. When both were hot and the young nun had still not roused, he mulled over what would be the most appropriate way to get her to wake up. Going up and touching her hand or ankle while gentle, seemed a bit too intimate for how little time they had known one another. So he settled for the loud whistle that he would use to summon his horse. Predictably, the girl roused with a jolt, blearily wiped the sleep from her eyes and looked at Havi.

"Breakfast is ready, rise and shine"

Olya picked herself up and joined Havi by the campfire where he passed her a mug of coffee and a bowl of breakfast. She took an experimental sip of the black liquid, surprised by how bitter it was.

"I like it quite strong, good for perking you up in the morning"

She continued to drink it. She didn't complain and adjusted to the taste. She noticed that Havi had his goggles back on and chose to risk a question.

"Why do you wear those goggles?"

Havi met her gaze "Couple of reasons, my eyes are better in the dark but bright light is uncomfortable and it makes it less obvious to others that I'm not quite human, some people can get... quite unnerved"

Olya gave him an understanding nod. "May I ask where we are headed?"

"A town a couple days' ride from here called Loffbrook, townsfolk are disappearing and a bounty has been posted to find the cause and deal with it, should help keep my gold pouch filled for a while. When we get there we'll stay at the inn, you'll stay in the room while I investigate round town"

"You want us to share a room?" A lump formed in Olya's throat along with a strange tight feeling in her belly.

The look on her face made him need to stifle a chuckle. "You'll have your own room, I don't plan on us sharing a bed... unless you insist, then I could oblige you". The telltale pink flush that erupted on her cheeks elicited a confident smirk from Havi. It was fun how easy it was to tease her.

"No... I will be fine with my own room... thank you" She wished the earth would swallow her.

The rest of breakfast was finished quickly and camp was packed up. Havi mounted his horse and pulled Olya up in front of him. Much like yesterday Olya was conscious of her back pressed against him and her legs brushing against his, but this time she had landed on the saddle a bit further back than she intended and realised her bottom was pressed against his hips and the appendage that lay between them. Before she made a move to adjust herself, Havi grabbed her hips and moved her forward. Alarmed at the sudden touch she turned to look at him, he gave her a mocking smile "I can't have you bouncing on my lap all day, no matter how much you can't help yourself". Yet again he was rewarded with the pink flush on her cheeks and she turned her head round in a huff facing forward and visibly stiffening in petty anger. 'She needs to develop a thicker skin but for now, this is fun' Havi thought before grabbing the reins and urging the horse forward to continue the journey.

It was late afternoon and everything was uneventful; they had seen no others on the road for hours and there was nothing for Olya to do. She watched the scenery go by and listened to the repetitive clop of the horse's hooves, when a question came to mind. "Havi, what is the name of your horse?"

"His name is Skyg"

"Why is he so large?"

"Because I wanted a big horse"

She turned and gave him a withering look before facing forward. He smirked and relented "He's a descendant of the Svadilfari, the giant horses of the Northern Forests"

"The Northern Forests?"

"Yup, it's where I'm from originally"

Olya's thoughts started racing at this revelation.

"Aren't concerned about being labelled as a traitor? Never able to return home? You're defying your king by helping me."

Olya felt Havi tense up in the saddle behind her. "Let me be clear, he is not my king, I no longer consider the Northern Forests to be my home and I am committed to keeping you away from that tyrant, especially if it pisses him off to no end. Besides I have already been labelled a traitor and forced into exile, the children of traitors are treated as such."

She felt she shouldn't pursue this topic any further for now.

"Should I keep an eye out for a campsite?"She asked tentatively

"I wouldn't bother for now, we still have several hours of daylight left and I want to cover some more distance" His tone swapped to something more cheeky "But if you're tired, you can take a nap, just try not to nuzzle your face against my chest... it'll make it clear what you're dreaming about" The pink flush hit her cheeks again. Havi couldn't suppress his snicker at the all too predictable face she pulled.

"Stop it" she snapped

"Stop what?" An arrogant grin was plastered on his face.

"You know... saying things to make me so..."

"Flustered" She shot him a warning glare

"If only you didn't make it so amusing though. There is a really simple thing you can do to stop me you know"

"Oh and what's that?" she replied in the most facetious tone she could manage.

He leaned in close almost brushing his lips against her ear "Don't make it so obvious just how much you want me, naughty nun"

"WHAT... I DON'T... HOW DARE YOU"

Havi, still close to her ear "Oh, so my naked body hasn't been running around your thoughts since yesterday?"

These words caused the pink flush on her cheeks to turn bright red, which wasn't missed by Havi. "HA, I thought so" and laughed. Olya tried to turn and hit him, but her strike was easily blocked. He grabbed her arms and pinned them to her sides. He purred mockingly "I don't mind getting a little rough but we should really get to know each other better before you have me pin you down"

"AHHHH! JUST STOP IT!" Olya cried, flustered and embarrassed beyond the point she could bear

Havi let out a chuckle with a victorious smile "Fine, I'll ease up on the teasing, but you really need to start keeping it in your skirts, I don't care how pent up you were in the convent"

She shot him a venomous glare that was more humorous than intimidating with her cheeks still as flushed as they were. Harvey swallowed his giggle. "Okay, starting now"

She went back to facing forward but the heat from her embarrassment was still coming off her in waves. Havi was still buzzing from the interaction beyond pleased with just how much he could affect her. He was also wondering how long it would be before he could get her out of her habit and make her more flustered than she had ever been in her life.

Chapter 8

They continued travelling until dark and for almost the whole of the next day. Conversation had remained limited to the perfunctory until they reached Loffbrook just after sunset. Havi trotted Skyg to the hitching post outside the inn. He dismounted and helped down Olya before unpacking a couple of bags from the saddle and making their way inside. They approached the Innkeep at the bar. He was a wide set jolly man with a ruddy face.

"It's always nice to see new faces. What can I do for you sir and sister?"

Havi chimed in with his best friendly smile "Greetings I would like to rent two rooms, and have some dinner if possible?"

"Aye, that we can do, we got rooms and the kitchen is still serving. Anything else?"

"Would you know if the mayor or ealdorman of this town is still available for meetings? I wish to discuss the bounty contract that was posted."

"A hunter eh? If it's about that I'm sure he'll see you. He's in the building at the end of the street on the right"

"Thank you kindly, would you mind helping my travelling companion with the bags while I head on over"

"No problem mate, if it helps you sort out what going ill around here faster"

Havi tipped his hat before leaving Olya behind. 'Of course he leaves me with the bags' she thought.

The Innkeep, true to his word, helped her with the bags and escorted her to the room. Although Olya could feel eyes burning into her back from the bar. She had no doubt the patrons must have considered her a curious presence. As the Innkeep unlocked the door to her room she noticed the curious glances he kept throwing her way.

"Forgive me if it is rude to ask you sister, but why are you travelling with a hunter?"

Olya created a lie "I'm on pilgrimage, the hunter is my escort"

"That's a bit unusual isn't it? I mean don't members of the faith get official protection for that?"

"I'm not highly ranked enough for that, so I'm not eligible for official protection"

"But still, young woman like yourself and a hunter out all alone, seems... risky"

"I promise you good sir, the Hunter most skilled in his craft and most devout gentleman. He would never disrespect a member of the faith" To Olya this felt like the most egregious lie she had ever told in her life. The Innkeeper, satisfied with her answer, asked "Is there anything else that you need?"

"I would love some hot water to bathe with after dinner"

"That won't be a problem, why don't we get you some supper". After depositing the bags in the rooms she followed the innkeep back downstairs, found herself a table and politely waited for the promised dinner. While waiting she felt the stares from the patrons in the bar fall upon her. Feeling out of place she sat there staring down at the table not meeting the eyes of anyone.

Shortly after the innkeep brought her a bowl of stew, a drunkard appeared before her. "Well aren't you a pretty little thing, why don't you show me your room and we can get to know each other better" he swayed with every other syllable. Upon finishing his query bar erupted with jeers and groans. "Your wife isn't going to like that mate" "You can barely stand up let alone get it up" "She's a nun, do you have no self respect"

Olya looked at him and responded keeping her face as neutral as possible "No thank you, I am enjoying my dinner then plan to get an early night, have a good evening" she then broke eye contact and returned to her food. The drunk didn't like being dismissed.

"Come on lassie don't be like that, you're still a woman under that habit... with a cunny that needs to be filled" more jeers filled the bar

Olya's patience quickly snapped and in a derisory tone "Sorry but the answer is still no! Even if I wasn't a nun, the scripture is very clear that one should not copulate with animals" Giving the drunk a sharp glare. More jeers and laughter echoed around the bar. The drunk's face filled with rage, he grabbed Olya's wrist and dragged to her feet.

"What makes you think you're so special WENCH, think you're too good for me!" Almost spitting his words.

"Drop it man and let her go, it's going to get nasty otherwise" Said a man with lank dirty blond hair, sallow skin, bags under his eyes and a lithe frame who sat in the corner.

"Oh yeah! You're gonna come and take a swing at me, bean pole?!" yelled the drunk.

"I'm not your immediate problem." The skinny man casually took a sip of his drink and pointed to the door, in walked Havi.

Havi quickly analysed the scene. He casually walked over, giving the drunk the time to comprehend just how large Havi was as well as armed. Upon reaching an arms length from Olya and this drunken fool. He glared at the drunk, wearing a face like thunder, the drunk dropped Olya's wrist.

"Is this man bothering you sister? It seems like he is treating you with disrespect" Havi asked with a sinister calm, in contradiction to his body language. Before Olya even had the chance to respond the drunk stuttered. "N.. N.. No problem here sir... I.. I was just leaving."

"Good" growled Havi and the drunk quickly and clumsily stumbled his way to the door and left chased by jeers. With the show over the bar patrons returned to their drinks and the low murmur from various conversations filled the air. Havi directed his attention to Olya "Doing a great job not drawing any attention to yourself I see" said with a withering look.

"He approached me" She responded with defiance.

Havi gave her a half hearted mocking smile. "And I'm sure you did your absolute best not to exacerbate the situation"

Olya returned to her dinner with a mild sulk, feeling chastised and was more annoyed that he was correct.

"May I have a bowl of that stew please Innkeep?" The Innkeep nodded and went out back. Havi sat at the table with Olya.

"How did it go with the ealdorman or mayor, whichever it was?" She asked.

"The mayor.. I got the contract, plus he gave me some gold for the beast head from my saddle. Seems there was a bounty for that one."

"That's lucky. When will you start your hunt?"

"As soon as I have had some dinner and have ensured you are safely up in your room. Can't leave you down here lest you continue to use your winning rapport with the locals"

Olya chose to ignore that last jibe. "That's fine I was planning to bathe and retire early anyway".

"Oh?" Havi raised an eyebrow with a lascivious smirk "Do you need any help? I can think of one hard to reach crevice that might want some attention deep inside." Olya barely managed to suppress the flush threatening to form on her cheeks.

"I will be FINE thank you. I want to be able to bathe in privacy as I haven't had the chance for the last couple of days."directing a pointed glance at him

Havi with his familiar cheeky grin "I'll have you know I am a gentleman. If you had wished to bathe I would not have peeked, I'd have given you your privacy. After all, I'm not the one out of the two of us who would sit and gawk at someone's wet naked body."

"That's... that's not what.." She blustered

"Whatever you say... pervert" He flashed a wink and was rewarded with Olya losing the battle, keeping the flush from her cheeks.

"You said you would stop doing this!"

"I said I would ease up, I never said I would stop" Arrogant smirk on face. Throughout the whole time they were sitting in the bar, Olya kept noticing the lithe man in the corner stealing glances at her and Havi but she dismissed it. He was probably just curious, she and Havi were an odd pair after all.

They finished their dinner. Havi escorted her upstairs carrying up a jug of hot water and a washbowl, ensured she was safely secured in her room and began his hunt. Olya took a moment to enjoy some privacy, the first she had had in days and began to undress to bathe.

The feeling of the hot water on her skin was heavenly and cleansing away the grime from days of travel was beyond satisfying, She rinsed out her undergarments and hung them next to the fire to dry, briefly warming herself before sitting on an actual bed with sheets as opposed to the itchy bedroll which she had slept on the past two nights.

As she waited for her undergarments to dry, she pondered if she should even wear them to bed and just enjoy the feeling of the soft sheets against her bare skin. She nurtured a fantasy of Havi coming to wake her the next morning, pulling back the sheets and seeing her in all her glory. Wondering if he would be so enthralled by her naked body that he would beg her to let him touch it.

The fantasy was dissolved when the rational part of her mind chimed in. 'He would just make a crude comment and a joke leaving you feeling embarrassed, not empowered'. She committed to sleeping fully clothed, envisioning a similar scenario if it was just her undergarments. It seemed a little ridiculous, after all the door was locked no-one was just going to walk in. She settled into her bed, wrapped herself in the sheets and soundly went to sleep.

Hours later she found herself being roused from her sleep by a scraping and clicking noise coming from the door. It was quiet but it had been enough to disturb her. Next she heard a pair of hushed whispers.

"I thought you said you were good at this" from a feminine voice

"I am, but you are rushing me" the second voice was familiar but not easily placed.

As Olya roused herself from the bed, she checked her pocket to check her knife was still handy. She grasped the handle, she wasn't sure what was happening exactly... thieves maybe? Whatever it was, she was going to be ready for it. As she stood up and firmed her stance the door swung open. Dark as it was, she could see in the doorway was the lithe young man from the bar and an unknown woman behind him.

"Shit she's awake" the man ran towards her unnaturally quiet and fast. Olya angled her knife and plunged it into his neck when he came into reach. He didn't stumble and barely seemed to register any pain as annoyance crept onto his face. He grabbed her head and wrenched it to the side, she caught a glimpse of his long sharp fangs as he buried them into her neck.

She felt a short sharp pain, then felt her muscles go limp. She tried to scream but couldn't. As he sucked on her neck the woman sauntered towards them pouring a liquid from a bottle onto a rag as she went. This woman was beautiful. She had golden brown hair, emerald eyes, elegant features and serpentine-like movement. When she made her way in front of Olya and her feasting friend, she slapped the rag over Olya's nose and mouth and firmly held it there with a strength that was unexpected. Olya felt her consciousness begin to fade and collapsed into the arms of her attacker.

"That's enough" The woman whispered, pulling her companion's jaws away from the nun's neck.

"But she's so delicious, I want more." The man quietly seethed

"Don't be selfish, I need to feed too and I can't do it here. We need to get her out of here before someone wakes up"

The man nodded and hoisted Olya over his shoulder and the pair snuck out of the inn.

Chapter 9

Havi was making his way back. He'd spent hours investigating around the houses of various townsfolk who'd been reported missing. He interviewed neighbours and looked for clues that would indicate what he was dealing with. Whatever it was it would attack at night, pretty cleanly, there was little blood if any and not always signs of a struggle. This was definitely abduction, not just the people being eaten at home, and whatever it was, he assumed was a more intelligent predator, not just a hungry beast. But this didn't definitively narrow down the possibilities of what it could be, even slightly.

Something in his instincts said vampire, but this creature wasn't acting like a vampire normally did, it seemed off. Frustrated and unsure, Havi had opted to call it a night and get some shut eye.

When reaching the inn and heading upstairs to his room, something was wrong. The suspicion was confirmed when he saw the door to Olya's room had been left wide open. There was some blood by the bed. Some of it was hers, the rest stank of undeath... vampire. As concerned as he was about her he felt mildly vindicated that his instinct had been right.

He took a deep breath focussing on the familiar scent of Olya, akin to spiced honey. Then the stench of the soon to be fully dead prey that had taken her and followed the trail.

Olya started hearing noises through her fuggy state. She became irritated by her face smacking into a back whilst a hand was firmly grasped around her bottom. Her limbs disobeyed her and she was unable to move them. She heard footsteps, one set from the man carrying her the other from the woman walking next to him. Casting her eyes around she seemed to be... inside a chamber? Underground? Her gaze met the emerald eyed woman, who smirked at Olya's disoriented face.

"Good! Looks like you are back with us, it's no fun if you stay sleeping"

After a few more steps they stopped and Olya was placed on a stone table with a set of manacles affixed to each end. 'No... shit!' She desperately wanted to flee but her muscles continued to ignore her. They secured her arms and legs with the bindings. Escape was now rendered impossible.

The woman smiled maliciously at her "I know you are feeling quite numb right now, but that will pass. We want you to feel what comes next".

Olya felt trepidation rise within her. Whatever these two wanted it definitely wasn't good.

"Now then let's put you in a better mood" She sauntered out of view. Olya heard what was most likely dried herbs being ground and the stopper from a bottle being popped open. The combination of sounds was something she was all too familiar with from her time working in the Abbey's medical hall. After a minute the woman wandered back over with a potion of some kind of medicine.

"Open wide!" She exclaimed with a manic glee.

Olya refused, with the tiny bit of sovereignty returning to her muscles she kept her jaw clamped shut.

"Awww, come now don't be difficult" She snapped her fingers and made a gesture to her male companion. He came over, grabbed her face and jaw in each hand, then forced her mouth open. The woman then poured the bitter foul tasting substance into mouth. The man then forced her mouth back shut and pinched her nose, forcing her to swallow. This was clearly a practiced manoeuvre for the pair.

"There's a good girl, my friend here will probably have something else bitter for you to swallow later. But we have an order to these things" She giggled malevolently

"FUCK YOU" Olya screamed

"Oh... hehe believe me we're going to, then eat you. But we're going to take it slow. Because you are like finding a bottle of fine wine amongst an ocean of swill. We're going to savour this." She beamed with malice.

Terrified as she was, the medicine began seeping into Olya's blood. She started to feel relaxed, blissful, floaty even. Like the horrifying things she was about to have happen to her weren't so important, she was just going to slowly melt into the stone beneath her.

The pair of them saw bliss creeping onto the nun's face. Each of them grabbed a pair of scissors and started cutting away her clothing from each end. Hacking off her habit, ripping off her veil and snipping off her underwear. She was stripped and made bare upon the table, fully on display for her captors. Under any other circumstance Olya would have been mortified that she was naked in front of strangers, but at the moment she was thankful for the breeze across her skin, she had felt a little too warm, now she had never felt so comfortable in her life.

The lithe, sallow skinned man was fully appreciating the soft beautiful form in front of him; creamy skin, generous breasts with pink nipples, the pleasing contrast between her small slender waist and her wide hips, leading down to her long toned legs and the small patch of copper hair between them. He could barely wait.

"Sting her now, I want to bury myself inside her" He demanded of his companion

"Hey... patience my friend, don't you smell it?" She purred

"Smell what?" he replied confused in both face and tone

She tried to mask her frustration with her rushing, clueless companion. "She is untouched, a virgin. Let's enjoy her current bouquet before changing its flavour.. We are in no rush after all"

"Fair enough, let's take our time." He agreed "But I'm having another drink" looking at Olya with poorly contained lust.

"No argument from me, just keep a handle on yourself. I'll be very angry if you kill her before I have had my fun. Wouldn't want her to be another thing around here that ends prematurely" She glared at him ending her remark with a sneer. He hissed in response. She continued magnanimously. "But as requested I'll give her a quick sting".

The woman dropped her skirt leaving just a tiny loincloth on her lower half as she unfurled a long, scaly tail, the tip of which retracted to reveal a stinger. She lined up her aim and stabbed it into Olya's lower thigh. She flinched at the impact, the wound was tiny and barely hurt but she felt liquid fire burn through her veins filling her with heat. Her breasts began to swell, her nipples stood up begging to be touched and her nether region throbbed with need.

The man knelt on the table near Olya's feet and began running his hands up her thighs, he then brushed his face against her skin delighting in the scent and feel.

The woman approached Olya, she brought her face close to hers, brushed their lips together then escalated to a gentle kiss. At the same time she clasped her hand against the nun's bare breast and started caressing her nipple. While Olya briefly surrendered to the kiss, a small part of her rational mind reasserted itself and she bit the woman's tongue. The woman retreated, bringing her hand instinctively to her mouth.

"AH! That was naughty, still got a bit of fight in you, well I think you need a bit more medicine to fix that" she directed her words towards the man at Olya's thighs. "Why don't you have a snack while I prepare her next dose" He had a gleeful snicker, then grabbed Olya's thighs forcefully parting them, he took a moment to stare longingly at the spot between her legs. The rational part of Olya's mind panicked at what this man might do next. Their eyes meeting, he gave a victorious leer, then he sank his teeth into her inner thigh. Olya felt the strength leave her muscles and went limp again.

The woman walked back with some more potion, she leaned over to sneak an appreciative look at Olya's most intimate area.

"How pretty and pink, just begging to be touched" she taunted, moving her gaze back to her companion greedily slurping on the girl's thigh. "You know an uncommonly known fact about vampires is that their bite acts as a paralytic, making their food unable to run as they feed. Also very useful for preventing naughty girls from acting out" She patted him on the back signalling him to pause his feed, he groaned in complaint but dutifully stopped. He hopped back off the table and returned his hands to Olya's head to repeat the process of pouring the medicine inside her mouth. As she gagged it down again, Olya felt the last vestiges of her rational mind melt away. "That's better" The woman purred while holding Olya's chin in her hands. The man moved to return to between Olya's thighs but the woman slapped him hard across the face, almost knocking him off his feet.

"I TOLD YOU DON'T BE SELFISH! I have yet to feed but you have done twice, restrain yourself" she shrieked. He recoiled, soothing his battered cheek. She then refocused her attention on Olya, restarting the kiss and aggressively massaging her tongue against hers. The kiss poured more fire into Olya's veins. She started unconsciously rubbing her legs together struggling to comprehend what was happening to her body. The woman ceased the kiss, cradled Olya's face in her hands "Yes my pet, surrender to me, I will give you nothing but pleasure until the end of your life" She started trailing her hand down Olya's chest gently grazing nails against her skin, destined to end their journey between Olya's thighs. Just as her fingers reached the top of the patch of copper hair, a set of purposeful footsteps echoed from the entrance of the chamber. The vampire instinctively hissed and Havi charged into the room.

The woman withdrew from Olya to face the intruder. "HOW DARE YOU, WE ARE HAVING A MEAL AND YOU ARE AN UNINVITED GUEST!" the woman erupted in something between a hiss and a shrill scream.

Havi analysed the man and the woman standing before him. "A succubus and a vampire working together? Well that's a new one for me" He cocked his head quizzically.

"It's been a most beneficial partnership" The man chimed in, adjusting in a pose getting ready to pounce.

The succubus studied Havi and liked what she saw. she decided to try one of her oldest tactics. She removed her shirt, standing there with her breasts on display and the loincloth barely covering anything on her lower half. She entered her most alluring pose and put on a seductive pout.

"Hunter I'm sure you get rather lonely on the road... so pent up, why don't you let me help you with that. You can release all your frustration deep inside me. There's no need for us to fight." she purred, putting on an almost lilted babyish voice.

Havi pulled a derisory face. He was both confused and disgusted by this turn of events.

"Absolutely not. Even if you were the last person in existence I'd rather live with blue balls. I can see why you teamed up with a vampire, your seduction technique is truly terrible."

The succubus screamed in rage "Well you'll just have to feel my charms up close won't you!" She rushed towards Havi, hands morphing into claws. Havi drew his sword and prepared to defend himself. The vampire drew a shortsword and lunged at Havi. Havi was having little problem dodging and deflecting their blows until the succubus vomited a stream of viscous acid at him. The acid coated his torso and sprayed in his eyes coating his goggles and temporarily blinding him. He had no time to wipe it off and the vampire managed to land a couple of blows rending away chunks of his armour. The succubus used this opportunity to give him two quick stings of her tail and redoubled attack.

Havi felt the surge of fire through veins distracting him further. Both the succubus and the vampire kept raining strikes upon him, he dodged most but some connected. It further damaged his armour and exposed more vulnerable skin to the succubus stings. She snuck in another two jabs while he was momentarily focussed on the vampire. They maintained this stilted stalemate until the succubus had managed to sting him four more times. A burning inferno was now raging its way through his veins and he had had enough. He barely managed to dodge a swipe to his face from the succubus claws, she hooked his goggles and ripped them off along with his hat. Upon seeing his golden eyes the ferocious confidence the succubus had embodied fell away. It was replaced with distress and doubt.

"Demon" she whimpered.

The vampire became unnerved and mildly panicked at the change in his ally's demeanor at this revelation.

Havi held his guard and glared at her coldly and mercilessly. He reached within himself for something that he kept locked up and buried. He dug it up, unlocked it and let it loose. His canines lengthened and his eyes started to glow, flames danced behind them as a pair of spectral horns formed from his forehead. The vampire lunged forward impaling his blade in Havi's gut, desperate to try and end this foe before it was too late. Havi just inhaled a deep breath, then let out a torrent of flame that engulfed the vampire and the succubus. The pair screamed, both dropping to the floor in pain, rolling, desperately trying to extinguish the flames. Havi leisurely walked over to each of them, swung his sword and separated their heads from their shoulders.

He put down his sword, then removed the blade from his gut and discarded it to the floor, the wound quickly closed without a scar. He ripped off the tattered remains of his armour and shirt, they felt too warm for wearing. The inferno of lust raging in his veins was driving him to verge of madness, his manhood was pulsing inside his ripped breeches. He had a job to do though, he needed to get Olya to safety. He approached the stone table where she was bound and stood there marvelling in the sight of the nun stripped from her habit. Her breasts gently rising and falling with each breath, the scent of arousal from between her legs and her eyes half lidded eyes filled with lust staring at him. The voice of the demonic beast he had unleashed echoed in his head. 'Look at her, so delectable, laid out like a prize just begging to be taken. She can't resist you, doubt she even wants to, the succubus gave her its sting after all. Drive yourself inside, make her feel every inch and claim her!' Havi resisted the voice, binding it in chains of restraint that were almost buckling with the strain. He reached to her ankles and undid her bonds. The voice reasserted itself as he began to undo the manacles on her wrists, 'Why do you deny yourself? She has been poor at concealing her desire for your body. You have saved her, the least she can do is repay you by letting you sheathe yourself in the tight, wet, warmth between her thighs! Being noble is for fools! The fact she has never known the touch of any other is all the more reason to claim her and make her understand who she belongs to!' Havi forced a gag on the demonic beast within, temporarily silencing it.

Olya had watched Havi walk towards her, his muscles shining with sweat, his eyes burning bright, the gold in them almost dancing and the spectral horns curling from his forehead. He was beautiful and terrifying. The only thought she could manifest was desire for him, in this moment she wanted him, she wanted him to take her and thrust himself deep inside her. His face was tense like he was wrestling with some conundrum. He returned his hands to hang next to his hips after releasing her wrists from the manacles and just stood there. A look was shared between the two of them and nothing was said. Olya shifted towards him and sat up. She ran her hands over his chest, trailing her fingers over each of his muscles leading down to his hips. She hooked the fingers from one hand over the waistband of his breeches, using the other hand to gently rub the hard bulge straining against the fabric. Olya gazed up at Havi and bit her lower lip. The chains of Havi's restraint started to snap.

He leaned down, grabbed a fistful of her hair and angled her mouth towards his. He grazed her lips with his before giving a passionate kiss that made her tingle down to her toes. She was pushed back down onto the table and Havi climbed on top of her. He gently bit her lower lip before drawing his lips down her neck towards her nipple. He clamped his mouth around it, caressing it with his tongue, flicking the hard tip and lightly pressing it between his teeth. After a surprised gasp from her he looked up at her staring at him, he gave her a lustful grin. He started to trail his lips down her abdomen, caressing his hands across her breasts towards her hips. He gently nipped the top of her thigh before dragging his hands between her legs and parting them. Havi positioned himself with his elbows either side of her hips, his hands ran over the the top of her thighs and gripped them tightly keeping her legs open as he brought his face in front of her sex.

He took a moment to savour her scent, how beautifully tantalizingly wet she was before tasting her. He placed his mouth upon her sex and kissed it like a lover he hadn't seen in an eternity. He voraciously licked her folds up and down exploring every part, periodically slipping his tongue inside her. She rewarded his efforts with sweet moans encouraging his exploration further. He escalated by centering his effort on her little nub, it was standing up begging for his affection. He sealed his mouth around it and started sucking and twirling his tongue around it. In response she ran her hands over his head gripping his hair. Was it to try and pull him away or hold him closer? She didn't know, she couldn't think, she had never felt anything like it before.

He withdrew a hand from her thighs and began massaging her entrance with a finger. She unconsciously tried to close her legs, but Havi's grip on her was far too strong. He started to slowly pump his finger in and out of her. He angled it to caress a sensitive spot inside that she had never known was there. She groaned, then whined with need. Havi added another finger and began pumping more vigorously, increasing Olya's volume. Havi was beyond satisfied at her reaction and the effect he was having on her. Even with his mouth around her sensitive nub he couldn't help but let out a victorious chuckle, the vibrations passed through his mouth creating a jolt of pleasure for Olya and she clamped her thighs around his head. Havi intensified his ministrations on her body, he increased the tempo of his thrusting fingers adding another to his effort and the intensity of his sucking was making such obscene sounds it was further arousing Olya and himself. He kept going but his now throbbing cock was refusing to be ignored. Olya's hips were grinding themselves into his face and fingers. From the way she was squeezing him and moaning, it wouldn't be much longer before she came. Olya's pleasure kept building and she felt like something was coming soon, her body wasn't her own anymore she was a puppet dancing on Havi's strings. His fingers, lips and tongue were driving pleasure into her and she couldn't take anymore. She let out a guttural moan as the intense pleasure washed over her, the world went white for a second and she felt herself become relaxed and limp. The medicine from earlier didn't even come close to competing.

Havi removed his mouth and fingers from her sex and moved to deeply kiss Olya, making her taste herself on his lips. Yet she wasn't satisfied she needed more, she craved it. Havi brushed his lips across her ear and gave a light nip before whispering "Tell me what you want." She shivered. He raised his face above hers and drew his fingers against her cheek.

"You" she whimpered

A demonic lustful smirk spread across his face "You're going to have to be more specific". He ran his thumb against her lower lip "And ask me nicely... beg for it"

A tingle ran down her spine, she responded breathlessly " I want you to thrust your cock between my legs, deep inside. Fuck me please, I beg you"

"As you wish" His smirk had evolved to full on grin, reaching from ear to ear. He pulled back from her and ripped off the remains of his breeches. He relished her gaze falling upon him as she saw him for the first time fully erect. Olya stared at his cock marvelling at and suddenly felt apprehensive. It was huge, she had thought it large when she first saw it, but now... as consumed by lust as she was, she was afraid. Yet she still wanted it, needed it deep inside her.

Havi lowered himself between her thighs and began to teasingly rub the head of his cock against her entrance. He caressed the head up and down her folds, focussing on her nub. As he rubbed it against it she had a sharp intake of breath and held it as he teased her. Her building anticipation felt like torture, whilst he was relishing the impatient look on her face. Just before she was about to yell in frustration, the tip finally entered her sex. He rested his elbows beside her shoulders, kissed her neck and eased himself inside her. Olya moved her hands to his chest as he began to thrust inside her. Each thrust going a little bit deeper than the last and eliciting a small groan from Olya. As wet as she was, he felt tight inside her, each small thrust forcing a little bit more of her body to accept him. Until his cock rested at the edge of her maidenhood. Havi ran his hand over the back of her head twisting his fingers in her hair and forced her to look into his eyes. He gave her a soft kiss before pulling back his hips so just his tip remained inside her. He thrust hard, piercing her maidenhood and fully burying his cock inside her. She let out a silent scream all while forced to retain eye contact, her legs convulsed and she shuddered under him. They remained face to face. He had conquered her and wanted her to be aware of that fact. She was pinned under him fully impaled on his cock, and they had barely begun.

When she started to breathe at a more normal pace, Havi pulled his hips back then gently slipped himself back in. He stayed at his achingly slow pace, revelling in her impatience. She wrapped her thighs around his hips wordlessly encouraging him to increase his intensity. He wanted to savour this for a while, her gentle breath against his ears and her whole body silently begging him to ravage her. For what felt like an eternity to Olya, Havi's hips finally increased their pace and started to energetically slap into her own. She started to moan as his length was hammered deep inside her with every thrust. Pleasurable shocks ran up her spine when his cock was fully buried inside her with each press of his hips. Her hands ran over his ass as his hips worked his length into her, squeezing and digging in her nails into his flesh. His hips increased their pace even further, plundering her depths. Olya started to alternate between moans and pleasured mewls as he aggressively drove his cock deep inside her sex. She felt herself approaching rapture like she did when he used his fingers and tongue. This time the peak felt so much higher and more intense. She felt her sex squeezing around him begging him to carry her to this apex of pleasure. He pressed his lips into hers, needfully, possessively, as their lips parted she reached the summit and screamed in ecstasy.

As she came down from her peak, Havi hadn't stopped. His hips were still furiously thrusting inside her relentlessly. Her sex felt too sensitive, his hammering inside of her whilst still pleasurable was verging on the painful.

Havi's demonic beast had broken free of its chains and took charge upon watching and feeling her cum around his cock, he wasn't going to ease up. He had conquered her body and he was going to get his satisfaction from her and she was going to take it. Olya tried to get him to slow down, to relent his pleasurable yet painful treatment of her lower body. She tried to push him off her but she didn't have the strength to make him budge. She started to hit his chest and slap his face but he barely even registered it.

Havi kneeled around her hips. He pulled her up to his lap impaling her upon his length, then wrapped his arms around her, pinning her arms to her sides and kept thrusting inside her. She slid up and down his cock as he bounced her on his lap. Havi's face had become half lidded and filled with lust and his mouth was slightly open to let out his moans. He started to shake as he bottomed out inside her with each thrust. Olya tried to use her legs to gain some purchase to free herself from being mounted upon Havi's cock but found she could put no strength into them. By the time she had realised she had no way to resist, the oversensitivity in her sex was fading and the pleasure he was pumping into her was building again. She without thinking began to rock and grind her hips against him, rushing to reach her rapture again. She sank her teeth into his shoulder and he released her arms to grab her ass and push her deeper onto his length. The underground chamber filled with the sound of the couple's wet skin slapping against each both trying to urge the other to their climax. Olya grabbed Havi's face and smashed her lips into his. The kiss was sloppy and desperate. The two of them groaned into each other's mouths. Havi moved one of his hands across her stomach and slid his fingers to her nub. Just the act of holding it was enough to feel like he was rubbing with how zealously they were grinding their hips into each other. Olya linked her arms around the back of Havi's neck, rested her cheek against his, sighing and moaning next to his ear. Olya felt her climax fast approaching with Havi's cock buried inside her and his fingers against her nub. She tightened up her sex and screamed as she clamped around his cock. The world went white and all that mattered was the cock filling up her insides. The tight wet sex frantically spasming around his cock sent Havi over the peak as well, he felt his balls tighten and spray his seed deep inside her. Olya came hard as she felt Havi's release between her legs, her body trembled and shook, exhaustion overtook her as she went slack in Havi's arms and passed out.

Havi withdrew himself from her and laid her gently down on the table. With his lust satisfied his demonic beast had been subdued, locked in its cage and buried again. He looked down at the young woman he had just mercilessly fucked. Her body was glistening with sweat, her hair was an absolute mess and his seed was dripping from her sex. Havi took a moment to be profoundly proud of his handiwork before realising he had really overdone it. He had allowed his beast to fully take control, deflowered the woman he was supposed to be protecting, pounded her nether regions to oblivion and came inside her. Once the post-sex afterglow wore off he was going to be ashamed of himself. 'Nothing much to be done about it now I suppose' He sighed to himself. He gathered his sword and hunting tools, cradled Olya in his arms and walked towards his horse outside to get some clothes and set up camp. 'We'll just have to see how things play out in the morning'

To be continued