Tenacious, Exile of the Legion Pt. 05

Tenacious, Exile of the Legion Part 5

by G. Lawrence

The punishment pole

This is a science fiction novel. It has followed Quinten Tyshan from his early years as a war orphan, his service in the Roman Legion 3,000 years in the future, and his life in exile on the primitive planet of Ballor. There have been bloodthirsty battles and dramatic moments as this dedicated soldier seeks to uphold the Edicts of Minerva. It has not been a heavily erotic story until now. This is part 5 of 6.

Recap: Tenacious, now 38 years old, and Thrive, a 26-year-old warrior of the Wolf tribe, have spent the summer on the high plains training squads of young recruits to battle the savages. Both were wounded in a skirmish, returning to Taramont to recuperate. But the feuding back at the fort has gotten worse in their absence.

* * * *

Chapter Thirteen

Night of the Wolf's Tooth

After a long trek, we arrived at Taramont just before sunset, having brought several of our two-wheeled carts. Following a summer of hard work, Thrive and I had no intention of abandoning our herbs and bison hides, which could be traded for luxuries at Willowtown. Thrive was quickly surrounded by Whinny and the senior warriors, who summoned Floy. The scrapes on Thrive's arms and legs were bandaged, but the injuries had not festered.

"How did this happen?" Whinny asked in distress, shocked by Thrives' wounds.

"We won a victory over the savages," Thrive said. "Be sure to congratulate Ota."

"We must get you inside. Find fresh dressings," Kestra insisted.

"Of course. Tenay, thank you," Thrive said as they carried her away.

I received a few greetings, but sensed the tension in the fort had not diminished during my 10-week absence. Ventra and Ota were still struggling over command, and none seemed happy with their queen. While I was gone, my hut had filled with dust and become inhabited by mice. Thankfully, my stove was still there, as it was getting cold. Especially when the wind kicked up from the lake. I started a fire, rolled up in furs, and went to sleep.

I normally ate breakfast in the stables, able to fry eggs on the blacksmith's forge. On this morning, I wasn't sure what to do. After a summer on the plains, I had no regular duties. Cathie had not spoken of her expectations. Finally, Ventra tracked me down as I was organizing the spices Thrive and I had gathered.

"Cathie and I have been speaking with the Queen," Ventra said. "We have convinced her to relent. When the time comes, just agree to her demands. After that, if you wish to leave these lands, you may. If you wish to linger in Willowtown for a time, Stam will welcome you."

"I was supposed to be home by fall," I mentioned. "I can stay for a time, if more training is needed."

"We can discuss it. Ota is making her move to become war leader. I have more support, I think, but no one is talking of training right now. Many are not even talking to each other."

"You are a good leader," I said.

"From what I hear, so are you," Ventra replied.

"May the gods protect me from such a fate. I had a friend in the Legion. Baskem of Omar. He was offered command of a squad. He replied, don't ask me to lead, just tell me who to kill."

"I doubt you require such instructions," Ventra said with grim humor.

A few days passed. It was pleasant to visit with True, Lydia, and Kayla without the pressure of combat on the prairie. True wanted to learn botany. Lydia was fashioning a new shield, lighter and stronger than the one Arl had devised. Kayla was taking every opportunity to visit Jared in Willowtown, blushing when his name was mentioned.

On a cold night with a bitter wind blowing through the fort, there was a knock on my door. It was one of Allandra's guards bundled in a long bear cloak.

"You are summoned," she demanded.

I found my boots, grabbed a jacket, and followed her to the headquarters. Dug into the hillside, several connecting rooms led deeper into the mountain. Drapes acted as doors. Oil lamps provided light. Each chamber had a fireplace keeping it warm. I found Cathie, Floy, Ventra, and Ota waiting in the throne room. All four of Allandra's guards were there. The royal chair was empty.

"Remember, just agree with the Queen. All will be well," Ventra said, taking me aside. "There is one thing that will be uncomfortable."

"What's that?" I asked.

"You must strip when standing before the Queen seeking her justice," Ventra answered.

"Completely?"

"I'm sorry. I know that, for a male, you are shy about such things. Though many women in this fort have seen you bathing."

"It's not the same," I objected.

"Allandra has invoked her right. This will be difficult enough without creating unnecessary complications," Ventra urged.

Ventra knew I was unhappy about this. Had I still been a young legionnaire anxious to impress women with my desirable form, I would not have thought twice about it. At thirty-eight, I was an old man covered in battle scars. My chest hairs were turning gray.

I waited in the anteroom until the clang of a cymbal announced the arrival of the Queen. Watched by two of her guards, I folded my clothes on a bench and entered the drafty chamber nude, standing quietly, hands crossed in front of me.

"Your Highness, this man is Tenay," Cathie said, wearing her feathered robes and red cap. "Though he came into the Wolf lands uninvited, he has served the Wolf Tribe for five months in penance. We, your assembled Council, believe him fit for pardon."

"What penance has he offered me?" Allandra asked, dressed in a white fox gown.

"He has served your people," Cathie said.

"He has not served me," Allandra complained. "But as many speak for him, I will be merciful. Male, kneel before me."

I walked within ten feet of the throne, getting down on my knees. Two of Allandra's guards hovered nearby. The other two remained at her side, holding spears. Cathie retreated, joining Ventra and Ota. Allandra stood up, glaring.

"I am not fooled by the lies I'm told," Allandra said. "Cathie accuses you of trespassing. I know you have borne weapons in my lands. The young warriors speak of it. My senior warriors refuse to be honest." She looked at Cathie, Ventra, and Ota, frowning. "Is this not true?"

None of her senior advisors responded.

"Let us hear your apology," Allandra said, resuming her seat.

"Great Queen, I regret any offense I committed by coming into the Wolf lands uninvited," I replied.

"And the weapons?" Allandra asked. I wasn't sure how to answer. There was no way to lie, and nothing to gain by telling the truth.

"I meant no disrespect to your traditions," I responded.

"There are stories. Slicing savages to pieces. Putting a knife to a rancher's throat. Ventra has not spoken the truth. Cathie has not spoken the truth. Even Ota, who I trusted most, has withheld what she knows. This makes me angry. Perhaps, if you beg my mercy, I shall have a change of heart."

She waited. They all did.

It was a difficult decision, but after careful thought, there could only be one answer.

"I am sorry, great Queen, I may not beg your mercy," I finally said. It threw the room into an uproar.

"You will beg my mercy or be sorry for it!" Allandra demanded, jumping up and stomping her small foot.

"Tenay, just do it. This is not the time to be stubborn," Ventra advised.

I knelt there quietly, having nothing more to say.

"This is your last chance," Allandra threatened, her face red.

"Tenay," Ventra whispered, kneeling by my side. "You must beg her mercy."

"I'm sorry, War Leader, I cannot do that," I answered.

"So be it," Allandra declared. "Guards, bind his wrists."

"Allandra, let us hear why--" Cathie began.

"I do not care what excuse he makes!" Allandra interrupted. "Guards, take this male up to the training field. Tie him to the punishment pole."

"The night is cold. The wolf's breath is coming up from the lake," Ventra protested.

"If he begs my mercy, perhaps he may go free. Not before," Allandra concluded.

"At least let him get dressed," Cathie urged.

"He will go as he is," Allandra denied.

I was dragged to my feet, hands tied behind my back, and a rope placed around my neck. Three guards led me into the compound. It was late. The women had turned in. The guards took me through the courtyard, up the long sloping ramp, and across the plateau. There I was forced on my knees, my bound hands knotted to a thick pole. My ankles were bound to the pole as well.

It was hard to move. The ropes kept me sitting upright as a cold wind blew through. There was no way to cover up. The guards said nothing. One took a position behind me near the ledge overlooking the fort twelve feet below. The other two returned to Allandra's palace.

I had heard of the wolf's breath but not yet felt its wrath. Though icy winds were not unusual in the river country, the mountains could get much colder. In silence, I dwelled on my dilemma. Surviving the night, undressed as I was, would be challenging. I didn't see an alternative. I tried to think of clever words to circumvent my situation, but they would only be lies.

The wind began in earnest, and was only going to get worse. I shivered and struggled against the ropes. They were secure. I wasn't going anywhere. A gray moon emerged as the clouds were blown away. At least that was something.

Ventra came up the ramp, recognizable by the distinctive clump of her boots. She marched in my direction, stopping before me.

"End this foolishness. End it now," she ordered.

"I don't know how," I replied.

"What does that mean?"

"I may not beg your queen's mercy. If I knew of another way, I would take it."

"Begging her mercy is her only demand. It's not unreasonable."

"I can't," I said, dipping my head at another gust. With my undercarriage exposed, the wind could come up underneath me. I was losing a lot of heat.

"Explain this to me. I must understand," Ventra said, kneeling close.

"War Leader, you must not touch the prisoner," the guard warned. Her name was Wanda. It was the first time I'd ever heard her speak.

"I've not touched him," Ventra shot back. "Tenay, explain."

"It goes back many years. You wouldn't understand."

"I will try."

"When I was a young man, the 5th Legion was sent to a planet in revolt. The people there were very determined, claiming a right to be free. Centurion Vallus received an order to massacre a town. Men, women, and children. Hundreds of them. He refused. When another cohort was summoned to do the killing, he helped the townspeople flee to safety.

"My commander was arrested, and our entire cohort declared mutinous. One hundred were selected for punishment, most of them volunteers. I volunteered, too. I admired Centurion Vallus greatly, and could not let my brothers face punishment without me."

"A hundred?" Ventra clarified. I nodded.

"The Emperor demanded Commander Vallus beg his mercy or be sent to the arena. Vallus said massacring innocents was dishonorable and no true soldier would obey such an order. He was sentenced to the arena. Then each of the hundred were also told to beg the Emperor's mercy. Each of them refused. Truthfully, I did not see the dishonor so clearly as my brothers. I would have bent the knee and gone back to drinking, fighting in bars, and womanizing."

"What did you do?" Ventra asked.

"I refused to beg the Emperor's mercy. What else could I do? They were my brothers. We were all sent to the arena, there to fight while a hundred thousand Roman citizens watched. Hordes of slaves and criminals were sent against us. Wave after wave after wave. We fought valiantly. Ninety-two brothers and eight sisters. A few of us fell, and then more. Vallus went down, sword in hand. Companions and friends died all around me. In the end, only I and two wounded comrades remained. Another horde of five hundred was ready to attack, and again the Emperor demanded we beg his mercy. When we refused, the crowd cheered our courage. The Emperor was forced to pardon us."

The wind kicked up again. I struggled to take a deep breath.

"Do you see now, Ventra?" I asked.

"No, I do not see," she replied.

"When I used weapons in the Wolf lands, I used them to protect your women. Though against the law, my actions were honorable. Centurion Vallus refused to beg mercy for acting honorably. A soldier does not do that. If I beg Allandra's mercy for acting honorably, I will disgrace Centurion Vallus's sacrifice. I will disgrace the memory of my brothers-gone-before."

"You could die tonight," Ventra warned.

"Or I can live without honor. Which would you choose?"

More wind. It was getting bad. I needed to concentrate. Turn my thoughts inward. Once the freezing wind turned my body numb, I wouldn't feel it anymore.

"Please, change your mind," Ventra begged.

"I may not. Now please, go away. I must focus my strength for as long as I can."

Ventra looked for help that wasn't there. She jumped up and marched away. I hoped she hadn't thought me rude. I was very fond of her.

Time began to lose meaning. The wind whirled and whistled across the flat plateau until hitting the hill, then swirled back. The storm clouds were gone, giving a clear night. The three-quarter moon revealed the training ground and the trees beyond.

I thought on my lost brothers and sisters. And my years in the Legion. I had not given those days deep reflection. After being orphaned and sent to serve as a powder monkey, death had little meaning. I never lost a night's sleep. What was life, but a moment to strive? Or suffer. Or exploit. Even after coming to Ballor, plunging into one desperate conflict after another, death was rarely a consideration. Then communities came to depend on me, and I had daughters to protect.

Those days were past now, my daughters grown. Strong, independent young women. They would miss me, but they didn't need me. It caused me to wonder. Had I earned the right to climb the marble steps? Even if I was denied entry to the Great Hall, to see my brothers and sisters one last time would be a blessing. It was a hope that kept me going as the merciless wind sought to turn my skin blue.

I was disturbed again. It was Ventra, coming back toward me and kneeling down. She had a strange expression.

"I have spoken with the Queen. Told her why you may not beg her mercy. She would not listen. I ask once more, may you not relent in this?"

"I'm sorry, Ventra. I may not."

"Then this is my answer," she said.

Ventra stood up, dropped her cloak, and began to disrobe.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"You saved the lives of my girls. I will share your punishment, as you shared the punishment of your brothers and sisters in the arena."

"This is not your responsibility," I disagreed.

"Is my honor less than yours?"

Throwing off the last of her clothes, she knelt before me, naked but for the gold medallion on a chain around her neck. Ventra was a fine looking woman, strong and well-developed. She could not touch me, but got close enough to absorb some of the wind.

"What did your brothers say to each other in the arena?" Ventra asked.

"That they'd rather be someplace else."

Ventra laughed. A cold, shivering laugh.

"You should not do this," I scolded.

"Save your breath. It's going to be a long night."

"Making this gesture has served your honor. Think of your place as war leader. Think of your warriors."

"Have you heard how our last queen died?" Ventra asked.

"None wish to speak of it."

"We'd had trouble with the savages, as all the lands did. One spring, it got worse. Our hunting parties were attacked. Queen Massandra led a large expedition to crush them. More than a hundred warriors.

"There is a deep gully near Kramour Bluffs. We were riding in column when savages suddenly appeared everywhere. They cut through us. Horses panicked. We formed into groups, trying to hold them off. It became clear we would fail. Our enemies numbered in the hundreds.

"Massandra declared that she and her senior warriors would form a rear guard while the rest of us retreated. I was a junior warrior, barely nineteen. It seemed cowardly. Cathie made me obey Massandra's command. The Queen's oldest daughter, Lelandra, was ordered to withdraw, but she refused, standing side-by-side with her mother. Half the Wolf warriors died there, fighting to the end. When the survivors returned two days later, there was hardly anything left for a proper funeral."

"I am sorry, Ventra. Such decisions are hard," I said.

"So now you must understand. I know the guilt you suffer. The regret of living, having seen your brothers die, and the need to serve their memory. You sit here tonight honoring your brothers-gone-before. I honor my sisters."

A few minutes later, there were more footsteps coming up the ramp. Rapid at first, and then cautious. True, Lydia, Kayla, and Thrive came toward us.

"What does this mean?" True asked.

"The queen punishes Tenay for not begging her mercy. For saving you. Tenay may not obey and keep his honor," Ventra explained.

"And you?" Thrive said.

"My honor is no less than his," Ventra replied.

The women looked at each other, and then their clothes were coming off, thrown into a pile. They pressed next to Ventra, sharing their body heat.

"Don't let them do this," I objected.

"I will not deny them," Ventra replied, her head held up. I wasn't in a position to stop them.

Another appeared. It was Floy. The medicine woman didn't ask questions, simply stripping down to nothing and squeezing between Ventra and Thrive.

"Go back, healer. Your health is not good," I sternly admonished.

"My health is not good," she agreed. "But my honor is strong. I have cared for these girls all of their lives. I will not abandon them now."

Soon Whinny and Kestra were on the scene, anxious to join. It caused a rearrangement of the entire line as they formed a semi-circle around me, acting as a windbreak. I was relieved to see them particularly close to Floy, giving her as much protection as possible.

"You can't stay out here all night," I complained, for it seemed pointless. What could they hope to accomplish by catching pneumonia?

"As there are no more secrets, what weapons has Tenay actually used?" Ventra asked.

"I've seen him with a club and a knife," Lydia said.

"I saw him with a spear," Kayla added.

"It was a tent pole," I protested.

"You used it like a spear," Kayla insisted.

"Ota gave him a wooden sword, but it only gave the savages headaches," Thrive said, managing to laugh through quivering lips.

"How are his archery skills?" Ventra asked.

"Excellent," Thrive said. "We hunted often over the summer. He killed many bison with his deadly aim."

"Thrive is making fun of me," I corrected. "My archery is fair. She is much better."

"You are good at targets that don't move," Thrive responded.

There was an unexpected arrival. Rotanna, no friend of Ventra and her allies. All were quiet, wondering what she wanted. She took in the scene, apparently having no questions.

"The wolf's breath has sharp fangs," she remarked. And then she stripped, sitting next to Thrive. She looked at me with those intense green eyes, her expression saying everything that needed to be said.

A wind twisted through, causing them to hunch over. I did not see any ice, though it felt frosty. There were more footsteps. Ota and eight of her senior warriors.

"Have you finally lost your mind, cousin?" Ota asked, standing over the group.

"It is a matter of honor," Ventra replied.

"Honor? For this male?" Ota questioned.

"In battle, his blood is red as ours," Thrive answered.

"Tenay, how can you permit this?" Ota said. "Beg the Queen's mercy and have done with it."

"This is my trouble, Ota," I replied. "Make them go back to the barracks. The weather is getting worse."

"How is this a matter of honor?" Ota asked.

"Tenay's brothers were put to death rather than beg their Emperor's mercy," Ventra explained. "In their philosophy, a soldier may not beg mercy for acting honorably. If Tenay begs Allandra's mercy, he believes it will dishonor his brothers-gone-before."

"Is this true, Tenay?" Ota pressed.

"It is my philosophy, not yours," I replied.

"Are we all not entitled to honor?" Ota said.

I put my head down, having no answer.

"Well, sisters, have we heard enough?" Ota asked.

"We have," Ferr answered.

They dropped their heavy robes, having little on underneath. And that they quickly shed.

"Make room," Ota demanded, kneeling between Ventra and Whinny. The rest of her women followed, locking elbows to form the tightest ring they could.

It started an avalanche. Women were running up the ramp to join the circle pressing around me, throwing aside their cloaks. First there were eight, then twelve, and finally every woman in the fort was searching for spots. The positions rotated, those on the outside moving in as they grew too cold, sisters from the center moving out to take their places. After a few minutes, they switched again. No orders were given.

"He's not a bad looking man," Ota observed. "Have any of the warriors slept with him?"

"I don't think so," Ventra said.

"He slept with Sharona in the village," True reported.

"That's a waste," Ota said. "His arms are strong, and he has a mighty chest. Look at those battle scars. I'll wager he's killed a thousand enemies."

"Have you, Tenay?" Kayla asked. "Have you killed a thousand enemies?"

"Not that many," I replied. "Well, maybe a thousand."

The women stirred. They were warriors who admired warriors.

"Let's sing," True suggested.

"Sister's March," Ferr said, starting the ballad.

In locked arms they weaved back and forth, singing songs of their ancestors' exodus to freedom, of the beauty of the forest, and legends of talking animals. One song requested the blessing of their goddess. It was inspiring, but I was beginning to fade.

"Tenay. Tenay!" Whinny said. "What songs do your people have?"

"You do have songs, don't you?" Lydia asked. "Warrior songs?"

"Yes, of course," I replied.

"Sing us one," True urged. "Sing us one of your songs."

There was an old barracks ballad I'd first heard as a child, though with different words. My throat was dry. To my surprise, Allandra's guard stepped forward, sharing water from her canteen. Having kept it under her cloak, it was warm.

"No one said the prisoner couldn't have water," Wanda defended. When she stepped back, she remained close enough that her long fur robe hung down over my bare feet.

"They say this song goes back thousands of years," I introduced. "It's a song my brothers and sisters shared in taverns, and in our barracks on cold nights."

I struggled to take a deep breath, then sang as loud as my condition permitted.

"The minstrel girl to the war is gone,

In the ranks of death you will find her

Her mother's sword she hath girded on,

And her wild harp slung behind her

"Land of Song!" cried the warrior bard,

Tho' all the world betrays thee,

One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard,

One faithful harp shall praise thee!

The Minstrel fell but the foeman's chain

Could not bring her proud soul under

The harp she loved ne'er spoke again,

For she tore its chords asunder

And said "No chains shall sully thee,

Thou soul of love and bravery!

Thy songs were made for the pure and free

They shall never sound in slavery!"

A shout went up.

"Again! Again! We must learn it," many were saying.

I went through the ballad again, carefully, the words repeated to those not close enough to hear. And then the women began to sing, and sing it again. It captured their imaginations.

Stories were told later. One said that Allandra, Cathie, and the three guards were standing in the door of her palace able to hear everything transpiring on the plateau. They watched a few, then many, and finally all hurrying to join the bizarre jamboree in the icy wind.

"My queen, our shift has ended," one of the guards said, speaking for her comrade as well. "May we be relieved of duty?"

"You are relieved," Allandra said, keeping only one guard. The two rushed from the porch and up the ramp, dropping their cloaks.

"Allandra, do you hear them?" Cathie said. "How strong they sound. Together, as sisters should be."

"I hear them," Allandra grouched.

"Oh, the honor. I can't bear it," Cathie whined.

"Do you wish to go, too?" Allandra asked.

"Oh yes. Please," Cathie replied.

"Then go! Freeze your damn ass off!"

Cathie was off at a run, shedding her jacket.

On the training field, the cold was beginning to tell on all of them. I saw the effect it was having. Floy had the worse time. I was afraid she didn't have much longer. Cathie arrived to sit next to her. A fresh, warm body. As much as I valued the memory of my brothers, I was reaching an inevitable conclusion. Floy saw it in my eyes.

"No, Tenay, you will not do that," Floy rejected.

"Do what?" Rotanna asked.

"He is thinking of surrendering his honor to save me. It must not be permitted," Floy explained.

"Floy is right," Ventra said, almost as cold as I. "We must persevere. The sun will rise in another hour."

"You may not have another hour," I feared.

"We are together. Do not take this from us," Whinny said.

"Tenay, I saw you use Thrive's knife to save her life," Ota confessed. "I did not report it. I said nothing to Cathie, or the Queen. In this, I am guilty as you. You may have violated our laws, but I let you do it."

"As I did," True said.

"I also saw Tenay use weapons and said nothing," Rotanna confessed.

"Many of us did," Ferr agreed.

"He was fighting for us," Kayla said. "What was he supposed to do? Stand there and watch us die?"

"Tenay, do you see?" Whinny said. "The entire tribe knows you used weapons, and we permitted it. We permitted it because the lives of our sisters are more important. If we abandon you on this cold night, what honor do we have?"

I knew there were many arguments that could be made, but this was no longer about me. Maybe it never had been. After years of dissention, the women had found common cause. They were a tribe. A sisterhood. They were a family.

Allandra remained alone in her palace but for one guard. Angry. Pacing.

"You would join them, if you could? Wouldn't you?" she asked the last of her protectors.

"Oh, Highness, may I?" her guard begged.

"I will not be embarrassed further," Allandra decided. "Go to Wanda. Tell her to release the prisoner."

The word was shouted up to the plateau. It didn't need to be repeated. Some reached for their clothes. Others just grabbed a cloak and ran. I was cut loose, falling on my side, barely able to move. A group of women picked me up, I'm not sure who, and carried me down the ramp to the junior barracks.

"Rub his hands and feet," True said, still shivering.

They wrapped me in furs, started a huge fire in the hearth, and heated rocks for the steam room. I was very grateful to be out of the cold, though disoriented. Everything around me was a blur.

"Here, drink this," Ferr said, having me sip a warm brew. It was spiced rum.

Though the barracks slept thirty, it felt like all of the junior warriors had crowded in. The senior warriors had disappeared. We drank, had an early breakfast, sat in the steam room, and at some point I fell asleep in Kayla's bunk, not reviving until noon. With a hangover.

* * * * * *

Chapter Fourteen

The Queen's Fate

I walked from the barracks into a bright afternoon, a little stiff from the long night. Having nothing to wear but a bearskin cloak, I rushed to my hut. The mice, who I occasionally fed, scrambled away as I found pants, a heavy shirt, and my boots. What would happen now? I had no clue.

The fort was busy. They needed to stockpile food for winter and find forage for the livestock. The tension I'd felt was gone. The women seemed happy, eagerly cooperating with each other.

"Tenay, did you intend to sleep all day?" Ventra scolded.

"It was a thought," I replied.

She was wearing her best fur jacket, her hair freshly washed and tied back. Along with the gold medallion, she wore a silver bracelet and two gold rings. All very formal.

"We need to talk," she said.

"I'm listening."

"You have served my people, been generous with your time, and saved the lives of my girls at much risk to yourself. I have developed a great love for you. For your courage, and kindness."

"I'm very honored, War Leader, but--"

"No, Tenay, not that kind of love," she said with a mirthful grin. "Yet I see you as more than a friend. I see you as a brother. A brother-in-blood."

She drew a slender knife with an ivory handle from her sheath.

"Do your people recognize the custom?" she asked.

"We do," I replied.

"It is an important decision. If you need time to think about it, I will be patient."

"I need no time. I admire you greatly, Ventra. Your calm strength, and integrity. And your occasional sense of humor. I would be honored by such a bond."

"Ota! Ota!" Ventra called.

Ota, Rotanna, Whinny, and Kestra came running. They appeared dressed for a special ceremony. Dozens of others followed.

"Tenay will become my brother-in-blood. I will be his sister-in-blood. Ota, will you stand witness for me?"

"I will stand witness," Ota agreed.

Ota and Ventra were friends again. Cousins. I suspected they would still be rivals, but the bitterness had been set aside.

"Who will stand witness for Tenay?" Ventra asked.

"I will stand witness for Tenay," Whinny said, stepping up.

Ventra raised the slender blade, made a light cut in her left palm, and passed the knife to me. I did the same. We clasped hands, mixing our blood.

"By the Goddess, I take you as my brother. My family. To stand by you, and protect you, for all days forward," Ventra swore.

"By the gods and the blessings of Minerva, I take you as my sister. My family. To stand by you, and protect you, for all days forward," I affirmed.

We embraced. It was a sacred bond, recognized by law.

"Welcome to our family, cousin," Ota said, coming forward to hug me. It was a warm gesture, without reservation.

"Welcome, brother. Now you are kin to the Wolf Tribe," Whinny said, kissing me on the cheek.

"We'll need to find him better clothes," Rotanna said. "We can't let him embarrass our clan."

"The outfit I was wearing last night was just fine. Arl gave it to me. It's still in the Queen's house. Speaking of which, what will your queen say of this?"

"We will deal with the Queen," Ventra promised.

It was decided to have a grand meal later that evening. For now, there was work to do. I went to the stables, using saws and a mallet to repair a wagon wheel. There were trade goods to take to Willowtown, and goods to bring back. Thrive and I were expecting a fair price for our bison hides.

"Can I help?" Kayla asked, bundled up against the harsh weather.

"Of course. Give me that wrench to tighten the bolts."

Kayla knelt next to me, providing tools as I made sure there were no cracks in the hub. We were close to the stalls, the horses nudging the gates for more hay.

"Will you be going to Willowtown soon?" Kayla inquired.

"I don't know. Why do you ask?"

"I'd like to go with you. If you request me, Ventra will let me go."

"Why don't you ask Ventra yourself?"

"I've already gone to Willowtown more than any of the other girls. She's growing impatient with me."

"Do I know the source of your distraction?"

"You guaranteed Jared's good behavior."

"I did not guarantee his fidelity. Be careful who you give your heart to."

"You've never had a wife?"

"No. I wanted to marry. Once."

"You loved her?"

"Very much."

"Maybe you can find her again someday?"

"She's dead. She died on another world many years ago."

We put the wheel back on the axle and made sure it was secure.

"Kayla, I want to help, but in this I think you should speak with Cathie."

"Thank you, Tenay. May I call you brother now?"

"Brother?"

"You are kin to the Wolf Tribe. We've not had a man with a blood-bond in the fort before. I don't know how that works."

"I don't, either," I admitted.

Kayla had other duties. After cleaning out the stalls and dumping the droppings in the compost bin, I needed to wash up. In better weather, I often went down to the lake. The day was too cold. As coals always kept the blacksmith hearth warm, I heated a bucket of water and stepped behind a curtain. There was a noise.

"Tenay?" True said.

"In here," I replied. She started to open the curtain. I pulled it closed. "I'm bathing."

"I've seen you bathing. And I washed your wounds," True said.

"I'm not wounded now. What do you need?"

"Are you going to be staying here? At Taramont?"

"I don't know. Cathie and I haven't spoken of it."

"You have a home far away, don't you?"

"Yes. A ranch called Twin Forks. About fifteen days from here in good weather."

"I wish we could visit."

"Someday you can."

"Warriors do not leave the mountains. It's not safe," she answered.

"Let's not worry about that now. Are you coming to my dinner tonight?"

"We all want to come to your dinner, but only senior warriors are invited. Lydia and I are asking to be servers."

I chased True away, finished washing, and started back to my hut. It wasn't going to be suitable for winter. I wondered if it was time to accept Stam's offer to live in Willowtown. Or go home, for now, and resume my explorations of the Blue Mountains the following spring. That was probably the wisest choice, though I could not help thinking that the women would benefit from a few more months training. If the savages returned in force, they would need every advantage.

"Tenay!" an annoying voice yelled as I crossed the compound.

It was Allandra, with two bodyguards, hellbent on causing trouble. She marched toward me still dressed in her white fox gown, her round face bent in a scowl.

"You may think to turn my warriors against me, but you've not answered for your crimes," she declared. "You will be locked in the cage. If my mercy is not begged, you will be returned to the punishment pole when the sun goes down."

Perhaps I should not have been surprised, though I was. My first instinct was to throw her into the compost pit, until remembering she was young, inexperienced, and likely insecure. A spanking would suffice.

"Tenay, what transpires here?" Ventra asked, arriving with Ota.

"The Queen feels my punishment has been insufficient," I explained.

"She does? We should talk of that," Ventra said, turning to her queen. "What punishment do you plan for my brother?"

"Your brother?" Allandra said, stepping back.

"My brother-in-blood," Ventra made clear, showing the red streak on her palm.

"You had no permission to take such an action," Allandra said.

"Your permission is not required," Ventra responded.

"This insolence is intolerable. Too long have you taken liberties at my expense," Allandra said. "I remove you from your post. You are no longer war leader. Ota, you are now war leader."

"You have no power to make me war leader," Ota denied. "You may only nominate, the warriors make that decision. And I reject your nomination. When I become war leader, it will be because I've earned the trust of our tribe. I'll not dishonor myself by exploiting the spite of a spoiled brat."

Allandra's face turned red. She stomped her foot and hustled away.

"She needs to be dealt with," Ota grimly said.

"That she does," Ventra agreed. "What do you think, my brother?"

"She's just high-strung," I replied.

* * * * * *

Ventra's banquet was held in the first barracks with all the senior warriors. The queen was not invited.

"Sister, I am reluctant to suggest things beyond my place, but Kayla asked to accompany me to Willowtown," I said.

"She isn't the only one," Ventra replied.

"Trouble?" Cathie asked.

"Several of the young women wonder about life in Willowtown. There will be more. The town has a good school. Traders come to visit. There are taverns, and young men. They grow restless out here on the frontier."

"Is this problem my fault?" I questioned.

"You are the biggest problem," Kestra said.

"Why am I the biggest problem?" I asked.

"Since our great-grandmothers fled the lowlands for freedom, we've known the cost of male oppression," Kestra explained. "With Jared and Booter as examples, those who wanted more contact with the outside world could see men as they really are."

"And then comes Tenay," Ota said, raising her cup. "Hardworking. Respectful. A fierce warrior. And a male."

"Why should the young women not see such an example and wonder if life in town might be more fulfilling?" Whinny said.

"It's not just the younger warriors," Kestra admitted. "No senior warrior would ever leave her post, but we should be honest. We've all shared those thoughts."

"Times must change," Cathie said.

"In what manner?" Rotanna asked.

"Our mothers came here for freedom, but now we are the prisoners, trapped in this fort," Cathie said. "We need a better path."

"What do you think, Tenay?" Whinny asked.

"It's not my place to judge," I replied.

"We don't want your judgement, we want your thoughts," Cathie pressed.

"Sisters, I've led the life of a soldier. I was a child in the ammunition pits. A scout living in bushes and mud. A proud member of a noble army. On Ballor, I've hunted enemies and shown little mercy when I found them. Some years ago, with three daughters to care for, I settled on a ranch. Raising horses. Milking cows. Cleaning stables. We built schools, an academy, and founded a federation. And of all the accomplishments I've had during a lifetime of adventure, none surpass the powerful women my daughters have grown into."

The table grew quiet.

"This is indeed the man we've been looking for," Cathie said, her sisters nodding in agreement.

"Tenay, have you been thinking of leaving?" Ota asked.

"I don't know that there's much choice," I answered. "Winter will be difficult in that hut."

"None of us believe you guilty of serious crimes, but you are still under indictment," Whinny said. "Should you not owe us service?"

"Whinny, what are you saying?" I asked. They were acting very strangely.

"One year. Give us one year," Ventra said.

"A year to do what?" I pressed.

"Marriages only last a year in these lands, if the vows are not renewed," Cathie explained.

"You want me to marry someone?" I asked.

"We want you to marry the Queen," Ventra confirmed.

Now I was quiet. Could they be serious?

"Is this a prank?" I asked. "Do you tease new kin in this manner?"

"We are not joking," Kestra said. "We've been in conference all day."

"I don't understand. Under what moon of Jupiter would the Queen want to marry me?"

"It's not her choice. The Council decides when, and who," Cathie said. "Myself, Floy, Ventra, Ota, and Whinny. We've decided the Queen must marry, and we want it to be you."

"If you decline, we can always invite Booter," Ota said. "We hear he has free time around the taverns."

I still wasn't sure if they were serious. I glanced at True and Lydia, who were serving the food and drinks. They weren't treating it lightly.

"I can't give you an answer now," I decided.

"What reservations do you have?" Whinny asked.

"The whole idea is very confusing," I admitted.

"That means he says yes," Kestra announced, her eyebrows going up.

"Yes, it does. Thank you, brother," Whinny said, reaching to hug my shoulders.

"It will be a wonderful ceremony," Cathie promised. "We'll get you a new suit."

"And a silk robe for the wedding night," Whinny said, giving Kestra a nudge.

"Let's have a toast. A toast to the Queen's husband," Ota declared.

They all stood up, clinking cups and looking at me with smirks. I took a moment to go outside, attempting to catch my breath. I had always been quick to follow my instincts, for they rarely failed me, but this had me thinking. Cathie appeared, closing the door so the others wouldn't hear.

"You may not think much of Allandra, but try to understand," Cathie said. "When her mother fell in battle, and her oldest daughter with her, there was no obvious heir. We feared a power struggle. Allandra was our compromise. She was not a robust child, so I couldn't let her train as we train the others. I don't know how she became so spoiled."

"Counselor, I spent five years at university in Rome," I said. "I'm yet to meet a young aristocrat who isn't spoiled."

* * * * * *

Despite the cold, I purified myself in the lake, paid tribute to the gods, and blessed the memories of my brothers-gone-before. Thrive acted as my best man, so-to-speak. Ventra provided a fine rawhide garment with a yellow belt and fur boots.

"You look wonderful, Tenay," Thrive said, sharing wine with me in her quarters.

"I'm still not sure about this."

"It's the perfect match," Thrive said with an evil smile.

"Why are the senior warriors so pleased with themselves?" I asked.

"They will have revenge on Allandra without having to kill her."

"They wouldn't kill her."

"No, but they want to. Allandra became queen when her mother died. She was only five years old. She's become demanding and arrogant."

"I am Allandra's punishment?"

"It's wonderful. I've never seen everyone so excited. Except Allandra, of course."

"Who told her?" I asked.

"Cathie, Ventra, and Ota. You were at the lake, but all in the fort could hear Allandra's wailing. This is truly a holiday."

She raised her cup for a toast. The women were having so much fun that I didn't want to dampen their spirits.

The courtyard was decked in banners and ribbons. The women in full uniform. Several played instruments while Lydia and Ferr sang ancient songs. My hut was gone without a trace, replaced by a platform. Cathie stood in her feathered robes and red cap, holding a golden scroll.

Thrive escorted me to the dais. The crowd parted when Allandra appeared in a long black gown and white feathered bonnet, walking like it was a death sentence. The music stopped. Floy led her to the steps.

"Don't touch me," Allandra softly complained when Ota went to help her.

We were placed side-by-side before Cathie. Allandra kept her head down. I couldn't tell if she was anxious or angry. Or both. I was surprisingly calm, having resigned myself, as a soldier resigns himself to grim battle.

"Since the days of our great-grandmothers, the ritual of marriage has been respected," Cathie said, holding up the scroll. "To have heirs, the Queen must have a mate, and it is our responsibility to provide one. This we have done, selecting the noble Tenay. Is this affirmed, sisters?"

"It is affirmed," they all chanted.

"To fulfill her obligations to her people, the Queen must accept the decision of her Council, or no longer be queen. What is your choice, Allandra?" Cathie asked.

"I accept the decision of my council," Allandra agreed.

"And you accept Tenay as your mate, for the term laid down by tradition?" Cathie pressed. Allandra glanced up, squinting. Struggling to control herself.

"I do," she muttered.

"Tenay, we understand your birth name is Quinten Tyshan, and that you are also known as Tenacious. Do you accept our queen as your mate regardless of what name is used?"

"I do, Counselor. For the benefit of the Wolf Tribe," I answered.

"You are mated," Cathie declared.

The wedding party cheered. There was no kiss. Allandra rushed from the platform back to her rooms.

"Time for the games," Ventra announced.

While I sat as guest of honor, next to an empty chair, the warriors engaged in feats of archery, javelin throwing, and wrestling. True and Lydia performed an exhibition of fighting with sword and shield. Ferr, Shawa, and Kayla rode their horses in clever patterns. There was a lot of drinking.

"What do you think, my brother?" Ventra asked, finally filling the empty chair.

"No wedding could be more perfect, except maybe to have a bride," I answered.

"You'll have a bride. Cathie and Floy are preparing the bedding chamber."

"That's not something to look forward to," I complained.

"You don't want revenge on Allandra?" she asked.

"Damn it, a man doesn't bed a woman for revenge. It's against the edicts of Minerva. A man only beds a woman for lust or duty."

"Then you will do your duty."

"I will try. That's all a soldier ever promises."

The wedding feast was held in the same great hall where I'd been condemned to the punishment pole. Allandra appeared still dressed in the black gown, sitting next to me but not speaking. The roast boar and gravy-soaked honey cakes were excellent. Ventra and Ota kept filling my wine cup.

"Are you trying to get me drunk?" I asked.

"We know you need extra courage for this night," Ota said, looking at Allandra and grinning. Allandra dipped her head.

"You think yourself a true warrior," Ventra said, bumping my shoulder. "Tonight, you must prove it."

Allandra jumped up and ran from the hall to the jeers of her women. I thought them a bit too mean, though the weddings of my brothers and sisters in the Legion weren't much different. The bantering could get brutal, and not all statements made in fun are fun to those who hear them.

"Have you much experience in the bed?" Floy asked.

"Not so much recently, but in days of old, I was quite proficient," I bragged.

The hall howled with delight.

As the evening grew late, Kestra and Whinny took me to the inner chambers of the palace buried deep under the hill. Lamps and stoves kept the passages comfortable. We came to an anteroom before the bed chamber, which was screened by a heavy curtain. I changed into the purple silk robe Ota had promised me.

Ventra, Ota, Cathie, and Floy entered, taking seats on the benches. They were well-fortified with whiskey and ale, anticipating a long night.

"We will be out here should there be problems," Ventra said. "We cannot hear all, but we're close enough if someone screams."

"I'm not going to make her scream," I protested.

"It's not Allandra we worry about," Cathie replied. "But we suspect she will scream when you beat her."

"Beat her?"

"The queen of a warrior tribe may not surrender herself without resistance," Ota said, handing me a birch stick. They were all smiling.

I had no intention of beating anyone, but saw no point in arguing. I shared a final drink, then slipped through the curtain and down a short hall. The bedchamber was lit with tall candles. The hearth burned with a low fire. The walls were decorated with tapestries and small statues. I did not see any weapons. What I did see was thoroughly shocking.

Allandra lay spreadeagle on a bearskin rug in the middle of the room, naked, pegged to the floor with stakes and leather straps. She glared up at me.

"I will not surrender, male! I despise you! I hate you!"

She spat. I was surprised she wasn't foaming at the mouth. I turned around, pushed the curtain open, and ran for the door. Ventra and Ota blocked me.

"Where are you going?" Ventra asked.

"Out of here," I said, trying to move her aside.

"What's wrong? Did Allandra get free? Were the ropes not tight enough?" Ota said.

"Do you think I would take her like that? Bound and helpless?"

"It is our way," Ventra said.

"It's not my way," I replied.

They dragged me back to a bench, surrounded me, and forced a goblet of ale into my hands. None would relent until I drank.

"You took oath," Cathie insisted.

"It is true, brother," Ventra said. "This is how it must be."

"But you must torture her first," Ota insisted. "She is no ordinary woman. She is a queen. She must suffer to prove her devotion to her people."

"You really demand this of me?" I asked.

"I'm sorry, my brother. We do. This is not a bad thing," Ventra assured.

I wasn't convinced, but I'd visited planets with stranger customs. On Rackatus III, the groom was killed once the queen became pregnant. At least I would escape that fate.

With a final gulp, I went back through the curtain. Allandra lay there staring, no longer shouting epithets. She looked frightened. I knelt next to her, holding the birch switch. She was very pretty, with shapely legs and round in all the right places. Her long hair was flayed out. Her skin looked soft and smelled of lotion.

I waved the switch, seeing her close her eyes waiting to be struck. And then I tossed it aside. There was a knife on a table next to apples and cheese. I fetched it and knelt at her wrist.

"What are you doing?" she said.

"I'm cutting you loose," I replied.

"Do you hate me so much?" she said, starting to cry.

"Want to explain that?" I said, sitting back.

"This is how my mother spent her wedding night. And her mother before her. If you cut me free, I will be humiliated. Mocked."

"You want this?"

"If I cannot endure my wedding night, I am not fit to be queen. I want my mother's spirit to be proud. Please don't take that away from me."

She was scared now. Afraid of not fulfilling her duty. I didn't know how young women usually envisioned their wedding nights, but I was fairly sure it wasn't like this. I set the knife down.

"You must beat me first," Allandra said.

"I'll think about it," I answered, getting up. She raised her head, trying to see where I was going. I rejoined the senior women in the antechamber, demanding another drink. They were highly amused.

"Have you performed your duty?" Ota asked. "We didn't hear any screams."

"Not yet," I replied. "Even the strength of Hercules had its limitations."

"Are you now a god?" Whinny teased.

"Hercules was half god and half mortal. Tonight, we will see which prevails. Do I understand she's never been touched?"

"Never," Cathie confirmed. I finished my drink and returned to the bed chamber, kneeling over her.

"Do you want to be tortured?" I asked.

"Be a man," Allandra answered, though I think she regretted the tone. Before long, she regretted it much more.

I rummaged around the room, finding the birch switch Ota had given me. But it wasn't what I wanted. Allandra's wedding bonnet lay on a chair. Long white feathers. I plucked one.

"What is that? What are you doing?" she said.

I ran the feather down her ribs, across her belly, and then down the sides of her legs, stopping at the toes. She tried to pull away, but her sisters had bound her too well. I dragged the feather back up the length of her body slowly, swishing back and forth. Allandra was growing short of breath.

"Stop that! Stop! Tenay, stop!" Allandra demanded.

"My Queen, you gave me an order. I must obey."

The feather was run back down her body again to her knees. She squirmed and fought against the ropes. The feather went back up her belly, across her neck, and then started down again along the inside of her thighs. I used it to tease her womanhood without making direct contact.

"Stop! Stop! By the Goddess, stop!" she screamed.

It's shameful to confess, but I was having a good time. Suddenly the curtains burst open, all four senior women pouring into the room. They sought to rescue their queen, only to pause and wonder. Allandra lay tied to the floor. I was bending over her with the feather, looking up in surprise. There was a moment of shocked silence.

"What is it you want?" Allandra angrily asked.

"Nothing, my queen," Cathie said. "We are sorry to disturb you."

"Don't bother us again," Allandra commanded, her brow bent.

The intruders withdrew, more red-faced than their queen. Allandra looked up at me.

"You were making me earn my crown," she whispered.

I tortured her for another minute or two, as protocol called for, but Allandra didn't do much shouting. That part of the game was over. I set the feather aside and lay down next to her, stroking. Kissing. Caressing. Waiting for her body to respond. It didn't take as long as I feared, Allandra's moans growing soft and anxious.

Finally, it was time. I wasn't quick, not wanting to rob her of the experience, but didn't linger so long that she needed to think about it. I will not say I didn't enjoy her. Her sumptuous body, and hesitant excitement, were enticing. Performance was not an issue. But I could not entirely relax. I was bedding a high-strung young woman. A virgin. My obligations went beyond personal satisfaction.

After we consummated the marriage, I retrieved the knife and cut her free. She found a racoon shawl and crawled back near the fireplace. I poured wine, found the fruit and cheese, and sat next to her. She held the wine glass in both hands.

"How are you?" I asked.

"I don't feel any different, but I am."

"You are who you always were."

"Who is that?" she said.

"Whoever you want to be."

"You are my husband now, and I don't know what that means. Other than the wedding night, which Floy explained to me, no one has said anything."

"What do you want our marriage to be?" I asked.

"I don't know. Ever since I became queen, everyone has been telling me what to do."

"Then I will tell you what I'm going to do. In my culture, marriage is a sacred vow. I will uphold your dignity. Protect your honor. And defend you by whatever means are necessary. You may feel a duty to me, or you may not. That is your choice."

Allandra pressed closer, seeking to refill her cup.

"Tell me more," she whispered.

* * * * * *

Allandra and I remained in our quarters, having food left for us in the anteroom. We enjoyed braised lamb, fish, grains dipped in goat's milk, and finely spiced vegetables. The senior women had disappeared, no longer feeling necessary. We cuddled and slept in each other's arms. I found her to be shy, perhaps from a lack of confidence, and very bright.

"You have books," I said, seeing a hundred or more in her library. Many were classics. A few were astronomy. There were several romance novels like my daughters enjoyed. I was surprised to find one about King Arthur and his knights of the round table.

"They are harder to find now than they used to be," Allandra complained.

"What's back here?" I said, reaching for a door. Allandra rushed to stand in my way.

"No, please don't go in there," she said.

"This is not a time for secrets," I denied, bringing a lamp.

It was an art studio with a high ceiling and a skylight. There were hundreds of pictures, mostly of birds, in pencils, chalk, and paint. As Allandra tried to draw me back, I probed further.

"These are wonderful. Why do you hide them?" I asked.

"They are?"

"I would gladly hang them at my ranch."

I saw a harp in the corner.

"Do you play?"

"Oh, yes. Music keeps me calm," she replied.

"Play for me," I requested.

She did, and she played well. She did everything well. Her talent would have stood out in any community. Except, perhaps, her singing voice, which was a little high-pitched. Especially after having too much to drink.

We were in the furs constantly. She made me feel young again. Allandra was just as eager. She didn't need to pretend. She didn't need to worry about being judged. Free of such burdens, she rolled in the furs as carefree as a young queen may.

"Now that I'm married, will I still be trapped in this palace?"

"Trapped?" I asked.

"Cathie has always been afraid I'll get hurt. I'm not as strong as my warriors. I've been given no battle skills. Mother was going to send me to the town, to live there, instead of the fort. But when she died, everything changed."

"Do you want battle skills?"

"I don't like feeling inept around my women."

"Being the only heir is a great burden, but empires are often faced with such dilemmas. They always find a way. Do you want to be queen?"

"No. But I owe it to my mother, and her mother, and my sister, to be a good queen."

"Ruling isn't a lifestyle, it's a profession," I warned. "Cathie can teach you that profession, though you'll need to push her. Become your own woman."

"Will you be king now?" Allandra asked toward the end of the second day.

"No, I will not be king," I replied.

"Some think you will be, or should be. Or might be. I don't know the tradition."

"I don't know your traditions, either, but I have a tradition of my own. To never let someone put a crown on my head."

"Then what should I do?"

"Guide your people wisely. If you want my advice, I will give it to you honestly, but in private. The decisions will be your own."

"Will I be going to the village now? I've only been to Willowtown a few times and Cathie wouldn't let anyone speak with me."

"I'll take you to Willowtown, and people will talk with you. They work hard. Raise families. They have little patience for nonsense. I don't recommend putting on airs."

"I won't put on airs," she promised.

* * * * * *

By the third day, it was time for Allandra to greet her people. I helped her dress in fine robes and wore my good rawhide outfit. The weather was moderate, allowing a warm blue afternoon.

"They were playing a great joke, weren't they?" Allandra realized. "Marrying me to a man they thought my enemy."

"Some may have thought that, but Cathie raised you like her own. She would never do anything to hurt you."

"Ventra and Ota had a good laugh," Allandra said

"I'm afraid they did," I conceded.

"What do you think? Being forced to marry me," she asked.

"I was not forced. What the future holds, none may say. Only that I am very pleased with my new wife and thank Minerva daily for my good fortune. What others think doesn't matter."

We emerged into the compound where women were preparing a wagon for Willowtown. Our presence brought all activity to a halt. Cathie rushed up, looking Allandra over.

"How are you?" Cathie asked. Allandra smiled but didn't answer. She spotted Ventra and Ota standing on the spot where the now-dismantled cage had been. She marched over.

"Ventra. Ota. Leaders of the Wolf Tribe," Allandra said, pausing before them.

"Yes, my Queen?" Ventra responded.

"I want to thank you. I want to thank you both for giving me such a wonderful husband," Allandra said. She turned and reached out. I went to join her. Allandra made her point by getting up on her toes, wrapping her arms around my neck, and giving me a long, passionate kiss.

The fort was silent. Then there was a laugh from True, realizing Allandra truly did like her new mate. Floy and Whinny embraced Allandra, offering congratulations. Then more. Eventually, the entire tribe. Ventra and Ota looked confused.

"Something went wrong," Ota whispered.

"No, we should have suspected this," Ventra disagreed. "Beneath that tough exterior, my brother has a gentle heart."

"Cathie, I want to repeat the wedding ceremony," Allandra suddenly announced, hanging on my arm. "This time, when I say the words, I will mean them."

* * * * * *

Part IV

A WARRIOR'S FINAL BATTLE

Chapter Fifteen

An Unexpected Arrival

To the astonishment of the forest women, Allandra and I became inseparable. She got the second ceremony she wanted, standing in the middle of the compound without all the frills. After responding to Cathie's oath with far more enthusiasm than the first time, she grabbed my hand and dragged me back to our quarters. We didn't emerge for two more days.

There was a great deal of curiosity about what we were doing. Beyond the obvious. I didn't see it as my place to share. And the women would have found it dull, as Allandra and I mostly discussed books, art, and music. Having attended academies in Rome during my youth, I was not completely ignorant of such things.

I resumed my regular duties around the fort, grooming horses and cleaning out their stalls. Allandra would sit on a stool and chatter the whole time. Once or twice a day, Cathie came to rescue me, telling Allandra she had duties to attend.

"You are absurdly patient with her," Ventra complained as we prepared shields for training.

"She's cute," I replied.

"Cathie says Allandra has spoken more in the last two weeks than she did in the last six months."

"She does have a lot on her mind," I agreed.

"None of us suspected she had anything on her mind. Ever. Other than pencils and fur coats."

"In the society of my birth, Allandra's accomplishments would be highly prized. "She knows books. Paints. Plays the harp. She has studied the stars."

"But?" Ventra asked with a smirk.

"Okay, though a wonderfully talented young woman, she's still a product of the forest. Considered a barbarian by some. She has more status here than she would have among the towns in the river valley."

"That does not seem to trouble you?" Ventra questioned.

"I was the youngest son of a gentry family," I recalled. "Ranchers and farmers. In Rome, we were considered bumpkins. I would rather have been a barbarian."

Ventra realized I was joking, despite some truth to the words.

"We don't live in a civilization. We live on the frontier."

"That's a problem for another day," I said.

As for fur coats, Allandra largely gave up her colorful wardrobe, dressing in woodland outfits decorated with green and black fringe, as I did, or wearing the uniform of a young warrior. She looked amazingly sexy in taut auburn pants and high leather boots. We went riding every day that the weather permitted. Without her bodyguards.

"This day is so beautiful," Allandra said, bathing under a waterfall.

"You put Diana to shame," I replied, cooking the fish we'd caught for lunch.

She ran from the pond to jump in my lap, dripping wet, and laughed. There was a wonderful dance in her blue eyes, like someone who had spent her life as a captive and was now free.

"Thank you for marrying me," she said.

"Your warriors insisted, and I'm glad they did."

"What will happen when our year is over?"

"We shouldn't worry about that now," I answered. For it was troubling. I wasn't going to live the rest of my life in a wilderness fort. Someday I would be leaving and didn't know if Allandra would want to come with me. There was no point in raising the issue now. I did need to send a message to Twin Forks letting Champion know I'd be wintering in the Blue Mountains.

In a formal presentation, I was given a sword and a hunting knife, officially allowed to carry arms as the Queen's husband. I would request archery lessons from Rotanna, for her skill was much better than mine.

"What do you think, my brother? Are they not fine weapons?" Ventra asked.

"They might become useful in the forest, my sister," I said. "But I don't need them here. In Taramont, this is the only weapon I need."

I held up the birch switch that Ota gave me to beat Allandra on our wedding night. All laughed, including Allandra.

Ventra and I began a new training regimen on the plateau, practicing with different groups most of every day.

"Block, counterstrike! Block, counterstrike!" Ventra yelled to a group of eight women.

I waved a claw, uttering fearsome growls, as did my crew of fierce assistants. Thrive became my aide-de-camp. True, Lydia, Kayla, and Ferr were my sergeants, strong and tireless. They would move around the trainees, poking, banging on the shields, shouting.

"Keep formation! Tighten your flanks!" Ventra demanded.

Every morning the war leader spent an hour with me first, one-on-one, learning what her women needed to know. She proved a harsher taskmaster than I. Her drills covered the fundamentals, anticipated changing conditions, and took injuries into consideration, finding ways to fill sudden gaps.

From groups of eight, we evolved into units of twelve, sixteen, thirty, and a number of times, the entire garrison. Ota became second-in-command and didn't complain. Her role was no less crucial, for she was learning to hold a flank, dispatch reinforcements, and take command should Ventra fall. Cathie, Floy, and Allandra would watch the exercises, offering compliments.

Though fall days were often warm and blue, sudden snow flurries were not unusual. One morning we got snow. It didn't stop Allandra and I from taking our afternoon ride.

"I should be fighting with the warriors," Allandra said. "My mother led in the field. As my sister did. I know I will never match True or Kayla, but I should still take my place among them."

"Have you trained with a sword?"

"A little. With Cathie."

"It takes years to develop those skills. A novice in the line is a liability."

"I am their queen. Should I sit back and watch?"

"My little queen, your riding skills are excellent, and you are good with a bow. Have you considered leading archers in support of your infantry?"

"Where would I find archers? The women all want to wield swords."

"In the village. There are many fine hunters. And they can teach others."

"I'm told many of those hunters are men."

"If there is a threat, the men will want to defend their homes as much as the women."

"I will ask Cathie," Allandra said. "Look. A deer."

We dismounted to approach quietly through the snow-covered trees, keeping downwind. It wasn't a herd. All I saw was a doe and her fawn scratching for acorns in the frozen grass. Allandra raised her bow.

"No, don't shoot," I said, pushing it down.

"I can make the shot," Allandra protested.

"It's a mother and her young. Seeking to survive a harsh winter. We don't need the food. Always remember, my love. We are hunters, not savages."

Allandra was quiet on the ride back to the fort. When we reached the gate, I took the horses to the stables. Allandra disappeared into her rooms.

I was having a pleasant evening meal with the senior warriors on a cold night. All were pleased with the course of the training. The next question would be a possible savage incursion in the spring. I urged more mounted patrols, which meant acquiring more horses. Fort Thera would make a good outpost.

"Tenay, where is Allandra?" Cathie asked, entering Whinny's quarters.

"In her studio painting, the last time I saw her," I answered.

"She's gone. The guards didn't see her leave," Cathie reported.

We all jumped up, assuming different assignments. Ventra and Ota headed for the gate. Whinny and Floy searched the barracks. Rotanna started for the storage rooms with Kestra. I went to the stables to see if a horse was missing.

Allandra had seemed distracted following our hunt that morning, and had barely eaten her supper. I wondered if she was mad that I wouldn't let her shoot the deer. Then I saw something at the bottom of the ramp to the plateau. A scarf. And a hat. I walked to the top of the ramp, observing a shadowy figure kneeling at the far edge. The wind kicked up, not quite the wolf's breath, but plenty cold.

"Allandra?" I called out. There was no answer.

As I got closer, torchlight from the compound allowed me to see better. It was Allandra kneeling next to the punishment pole. She was naked, her cloak and clothes thrown to the side.

"What is this?" I asked, squatting before her.

"Am I a savage?" she questioned through quivering lips.

"Why would you say that?"

"I had you chained up here. You might have died."

"It wasn't all on you. I could have given in to your demands."

"I was petty, and stupid. What if Floy had gotten sick? Or Cathie?"

"They didn't. And they are adults, capable of making their own decisions. Now you need to come back down. Let's get your cloak."

"No. I need to feel what you felt. What my warriors felt."

"Your husband is cold, and he can't go inside until you do."

"Can you ever forgive me?" Allandra said, starting to cry.

"Sweetheart, I forgave you the moment we were married, and I will always forgive you. Unless you make me stay out here all night."

She nodded. I wrapped her in the bearskin cloak, gathered up her clothes, and carried her back down the ramp. True and Lydia happened by, unaware that Allandra had been missing.

"You were up there? In this frost?" True said.

"Up where?" Allandra asked.

"Coupling on the training field," True clarified.

"We weren't--" Allandra started.

"You caught us, True. Don't tell anybody," I interrupted.

"We won't," Lydia said with a grin.

I took Allandra back to our quarters, building a fire in the hearth while rubbing her hands and feet. Thankfully, she hadn't been out there very long.

"We shouldn't lie to True and Lydia," Allandra said.

"What lie?" I asked.

"You said we were coupling," she replied, snuggling close.

* * * * * *

Two months after my sudden marriage, Taramont had visitors. Everyone in the fort gathered around, though I stayed toward the back. They were two women warriors, having ridden hard through bad weather. As they dismounted inside the gate, Ferr and Lydia took their horses.

"Greetings from Queen Kassandra, sisters," the leader said.

"Greetings, Beeto," Cathie replied. "Welcome back to Taramont. Come inside out of this cold."

The invitation didn't need to be repeated. The riders and senior warriors were soon sitting in the throne room, a roaring fire keeping everyone warm. True and Kayla provided hot soup and ale. Beeto seemed to recognize the older faces, but not the younger ones. She saw me in the kitchen helping with the meal, but held off saying anything.

"The tribes are calling for a spring gathering," Beeto announced.

"The gathering should not be for another year," Cathie said.

"We cannot wait that long," Beeto explained. "There were savage attacks throughout the spring and summer. Warriors of the Bear Tribe have died. Hunters and shepherds have died. Our herds are culled. It is feared the attacks will grow worse."

"Have you experienced trouble with the savages?" Beeto's companion asked, a young warrior named Sameer.

"We lost three warriors, and more were wounded," Ota said. "But they did not come so far west as to endanger Willowtown."

I handed plates of roast chicken to True, who did the serving. The visitors noticed.

"Queen Kassandra and Queen Bolinett have called for the gathering," Beeto said. "We know the Wolf Tribe has not participated for many years. Not since you lost your queen and selected a child to replace her."

"I am not a child now," Allandra said, speaking up for the first time.

"You are Massandra's daughter?" Sameer said. "You've grown."

"I could not stay a child forever," Allandra responded.

"We are hoping all five tribes will come," Beeto continued.

"The Wolf Tribe has been rebuilding these many years," Cathie said. "We would like to come, though we must speak before deciding."

"That's fair," Beeto agreed. "May I ask? Why is a male allowed so close to a senior council? Is he a slave? A deafmute?"

"That is my husband," Allandra angrily retorted. "He is a great warrior."

"A great warrior?" Sameer said.

"He does not have the look of the forest," Beeto dismissed.

"The man is a traveler from the lowlands," Ventra explained. "His name is Tenay."

"Tenay!" the Bear Tribe members exclaimed.

"Excuse us, my lord, we did not recognize you," Beeto apologized as she and Sameer jumped to their feet.

"I am not a lord," I said, entering the room.

"You know Tenay?" Ota said.

"Truly you've been isolated too long," Beeto replied. "Lord Tenay has asserted the rights of our sisters throughout the river valley. He brought agreement among the quarreling towns. His Rangers keep the peace."

"Some say to oppose him is death," Sameer added.

"Some spread exaggerations," I protested with a frown. "May I sit?"

Cathie motioned to a spot between her and Allandra.

"Have these savages been tracked?" I asked.

"There are several passes above the Little Mother, and another beyond the Great Mother in the Gray Mountains. We lack the numbers to scout them all," Beeto said.

"What success have you in fighting them?" Ventra asked.

"We hold our own when their numbers are small," Beeto answered. "Only the Hawk Tribe has matched larger groups."

"Why is that?" Ota asked.

"They have begun using shields made of leather and bone. They fight in closed formations, with spears and archers in support," Sameer answered.

"Like this?" Rotanna said, fetching one of the new shields.

"Yes! Very much," Sameer said. "Where did you get it?"

"Arl is making them in the village," Ventra said. "Tenay has been instructing us on how to use them."

"Knowledge of the Fox shields was also brought by lowlanders," Beeto said.

The Bear Tribe visitors remained for six days waiting for traveling weather. It gave Ventra the chance to show her warriors in training, and Allandra the opportunity to provide a grand meal with queenly entertainment. I privately asked Beeto and Sameer many questions. Whatever decision the Wolf Tribe made, it needed to be theirs without my influence.

* * * * * *

Though I had little doubt the Wolf Tribe would join the spring gathering, the question was who would go, who would stay behind to defend the fort, and how the village would be protected. At the last spring gathering they had attended, sixteen years before, Taramont had a hundred and twenty warriors. Now they had eighty.

"Do you have any advice?" Ventra asked me over a quiet meal in the senior barracks.

"You need archers," I said.

"It would weaken our formations by a quarter," Ota complained.

"Not if you bring hunters from Willowtown," I replied.

"Willowtown only has a dozen good archers, and the town will need them," Rotanna protested.

"Not if you bring men," I suggested.

"Men? To the spring gathering?" Ota questioned.

"It would cause trouble," Rotanna complained.

"You asked my opinion. You don't need to take it," I replied. "I can stay at Willowtown until late spring. If there's no savage activity, I'll spend a few months at Twin Forks and see you again in the fall."

"Your ranch? You aren't coming with us?" Kestra said.

"You just told me males aren't welcome," I responded.

My dinner companions grew quiet. Apparently assumptions had been made without thinking them through.

"No immediate decisions need be made," I said, getting up. "I'm leaving for Willowtown in the morning. Leave word for me there if you need me."

"You're coming back, aren't you?" Kestra asked.

"Of course. I'm escorting the queen. I can't run off and leave her there," I answered.

"You never leave her anywhere," Ota said. "You can't really love her, do you?"

I knelt down, kissed Ota on the forehead, and smiled.

"Yes, cousin, I can," I responded, returning to my quarters.

Allandra was packing for our trip, fussing with what to bring. Sometimes she could get a little frantic.

"Tenay, at last. I can't decide," she said. "The bear cloak, or the white bison wrap?"

"Why not both?"

"I can't appear with all kinds of apparel. Now that I'm making friends in the village, I don't want the women to get jealous."

"Very wise," I agreed. "The bear cloak is warmer in damp weather, and won't look as dirty after a day on the trail."

She smiled, laid the cloak over a chair, and came for a kiss.

"How was the conference?" she asked.

"Interesting."

"Can we spend a few extra days in Willowtown?"

"Every time we go, our stays become longer. At first it was two days, then four. The last time, almost a week."

"Willowtown is so much more fun than this dreary fort," she insisted. "Arl makes artworks out of wood and bones. Stam reads books. The teachers know poetry. There are children, and women care for babies. At night, they have music and dancing."

"Maybe you should become a city girl?"

"If I am queen of the Wolf lands, am I also not Queen of Willowtown?"

"I suppose you are, though you should consult with Cathie on that."

"What do you think?"

I had her sit by the fireplace with a cup of warm broth.

"Beloved, these lands belong to you, and the Wolf Tribe, and the people of Willowtown. I'm an outsider. I shouldn't be telling anyone what to think."

"You told the lowlanders what to think. At the point of a sword."

"No, I didn't tell them what to think. I made them obey the law."

* * * * * *

Allandra and I departed the next morning. The squad that had acted as her bodyguards were reassigned now, replaced by Lydia and Ferr. I had my own bodyguards, True and Kayla. Whinny came with us as senior captain.

Without wagons, it only took a day to reach Willowtown, most of it downhill through forests and meadows. Allandra and I rode out in front, arriving in the late afternoon. The village was busy.

"Queen Allandra, welcome back," Stam said, rushing to meet us. "Lord Tenay, you have guests."

"I've been expecting them," I said, letting True take my horse.

Villagers waved, excited to see their queen. And me, I suppose. But they didn't crowd us. Allandra had asked them not to, wanting the freedom to walk around without a lot of fuss. Nevertheless, Ferr and Lydia stayed near her.

I noticed Jared and Booter in the blacksmith shop, one working the forge, the other shoeing a horse. Good skills for the sons of ranchers. Kayla took an extra moment to watch Jared without saying anything.

The tavern wasn't crowded as we entered. My guests were sitting in the corner, drinking ale and eating chicken pie.

"Selena!" Whinny shouted, rushing to the table. Selena jumped up.

"Whinny, how have you been? You look well, sister."

It took me a moment to realize it wasn't spoken in comradeship. They were literally sisters with a strong resemblance.

"Kestra and I are well. Hello, Boltar, it's been many years," Whinny said.

Boltar merely nodded, lacking enthusiasm. I remember Selena saying her decision to marry him and leave the tribe had not been popular.

Whinny and I joined them. Allandra heard school was still in session and ran off, having little interest in a bunch of old people swapping stories.

"I was surprised to get Tenay's message," Selena said. "I thought he planned to avoid contact with the tribe."

"He was captured," Whinny explained.

"Captured? You captured Tenay?" Boltar said. "How many did it take? Fifteen of you? Twenty?"

"Six," Whinny answered. "He became our prisoner."

"You kept him in a cage?" Boltar asked, leaning forward with a frown.

"Not exactly," Whinny said. "He came into our lands without weapons, protecting a young girl, claiming to be a botanist. He was quiet, and respectful. Cathie gave him the run of the fort."

"You are prisoner no longer, brother," Boltar promised. "You will return with us."

"I can't," I replied.

"Why?" he asked.

"I'm married to their queen," I answered.

It took a moment for Selena and Boltar to grasp what I'd said. Whinny was nodding. Our visitors laughed.

"How is married life? To a queen?" Boltar prodded.

"Satisfactory," I responded, offering no details.

"We found your arms where Belle said they'd be," Selena said, plopping my sword and fighting knife on the table. "And Vitty was still in the pasture lands. He's in the corral."

I was glad to have my weapons back, though they'd need cleaning. And my horse. It would be a fond reunion.

While Whinny and Selena caught up on family business, I surveyed the village with True and Kayla. I needed to know how many archers Willowtown could contribute, their quality, and their willingness to fight. I did not want married volunteers, or any with children who might be orphaned.

Vitty recognized me on approach, jumping and turning in circles. I nuzzled his snout, gave him a winter apple, and spent an hour riding in the foothills.

Just after sunset, we had more guests. Masson and Dugger rode in after a long journey. They were accompanied by their wives and a score of employees. Jared and Booter enjoyed a reunion with their mothers. The men entered the tavern where I quickly joined them.

"Thank you for coming so quickly," I said, ordering ale for the table.

"Your message said it was important," Masson replied.

"The time of winter holiday is coming," I mentioned. "I think it best your sons return with you to the Grasslands. They can complete their parole under your guidance."

"The women will allow this?" Dugger said.

"I have a good relationship with the queen," I confirmed.

"This is wonderful news, and much appreciated. But I must ask why," Masson said. The man was no fool.

"I suspect trouble in the spring," I confessed. "Defending these lands will be difficult enough without complications."

"What trouble do you suspect?" Dugger asked.

"There is evidence the savages may be migrating west in greater numbers than usual. The warrior women are calling a clan gathering to confront them."

"That could leave these lands without protection," Masson realized.

"Would you seek to take advantage?" I said with a frown.

"We may resent the arrogance of these women, but we are not blind to the service they give," Masson replied.

Masson and Dugger retired to a corner booth, soon joined by Whinny. Belle was sent to find Stam and Arl. I went to give Jared and Booter the good news.

"Leave? Now?" Jared said. "My sentence runs through spring."

"Your father will be your parole officer," I replied. Jared turned to Kayla, who looked stricken. He took her hand and they walked off.

"What have you to say, Booter?" I asked.

"Wintering here is not so bad," Booter said with a grin. "But I won't mind going home for the holiday."

An hour later, Ferr rode out of town on Arl's fastest horse.

"What's that all about?" True asked, watching from the Elk Horn.

"I haven't a clue," I said.

And I didn't, until the next morning, when Cathie, Ventra, and Ota arrived on tired mounts. They disappeared into Stam's cottage. After a time, Masson and Dugger joined them, followed by Arl. Eventually, Allandra was brought in. It was all very mysterious.

A bell rang. More bells. Villagers came from their shops, the corrals, and the fields, gathering in the square. Once everyone was assembled, Cathie, Stam, the senior warriors, and the two ranchers emerged, all finely dressed.

"People of the Wolf lands, harken to our words," Cathie said from the gazabo. "Your queen has an announcement."

Allandra took center stage wearing a feathered cloak and a powder blue cap.

"People of Willowtown," she said in a strong voice. "Many are worried about the danger we face in the coming spring. The people of the Grasslands share our concern. Today, in consultation with our leaders, I announce a new era for us all. The Wolf lands and the Grasslands have agreed to act in common cause. We are expanding our trade, sharing our knowledge, and working together to protect our homes. There are more discussions to come. Not all issues are decided. For myself, I want to say how proud I am of you, and our neighbors, for this new beginning."

It was obvious Cathie wrote the speech, but it was still met with cheers, for Willowtown had long labored under an unwanted seclusion. Not all of the senior warriors would be pleased.

There was a banquet that night with toasting, singing, and dancing. I stayed busy behind the scenes, still assessing what resources Willowtown could spare for the spring gathering. Inclement weather provided extra opportunities.

"The Grasslands are just an eight day ride from my ranch at Twin Forks," I mentioned to Masson over whiskey. "Perhaps we can develop trade?"

"It is less by water," Masson said. "Even Willowtown is less by water."

"The Little Mother is all rapids below the Snake, and a few miles down, there's a waterfall before joining the Great Mother," I mentioned.

"That is true, but Mott Creek is navigable from Beck's Ford," Masson explained. "From there, goods can be ferried across the Little Mother and landed at Sunrise Cove."

"Sunrise Cove is on the upper end of my ranch," I said.

"I know. Many years ago, my grandfather brought hides to Sunrise Cove, carted them over the fork plateau to the Great Mother, and floated them downriver to the settlements."

"What happened?" I asked.

"After he was killed by pirates, we stopped trading with the west. It became too dangerous."

"Times have changed," I said. "You won't find pirates on the river now."

"Then maybe it's time to renew old acquaintances?" he said, reaching to shake hands. This new information caused me to consider many things.

"Tenay, my brother, you have much on your mind," Ventra said, bringing a pitcher of ale out to the corral. I was visiting Vitty, stroking his long mane.

"You know I can't stay at Taramont forever," I said.

"We know, though we wish you would. Allandra especially hopes you will stay after your year."

"I'm very fond of Allandra. Until tonight, I thought the distances between our lands too great to keep her. Now I'm not so sure."

"What do you mean?"

"By horseback, it takes several weeks to ride from Twin Forks to Willowtown. There are steep hills and dark forests. The trails are not always safe. Following strong rains, the rivers are impassable. There are no roads suitable for wagons. Masson says it's possible to reach the Little Mother from the Grasslands by water. With a keelboat, such a trip might only take six days."

"You see significance in this?"

"Lack of transport has left the Blue Mountain region isolated from the western settlements. If this new route is practical, trade can be taken across the peninsula near my ranch to the Great Mother and downstream to the towns. I would need to build a harbor. In time, thousands of people would find new opportunities. And with my ranch easier to reach, I might be able to see Allandra more often."

"I sense you would like that. We all find it very strange," Ventra said, raising her cup with a grin.

"We need to defeat the savages first. It won't be easy. After that, I'll need to see. I've spent my life as a soldier. Now I would like to be a builder."

The weather improved enough for Masson and his party to head home. There were many farewells, for the ranchers and Willowtown discovered they had much in common. Arl was planning a trade mission. I stood with Whinny as we watched Kayla and Jared take leave of each other.

"I fear your warrior's heart is broken," I said from the tavern porch.

"It happens often enough," Whinny replied.

"When Selena wanted her man, she left the Wolf lands."

"Queen Flinnia, Allandra's grandmother, was quite upset with her. When Stam wanted to marry Arl, there was less fuss."

"What fuss would Kayla face?" I asked.

"We will not give her up easily. But in the end, it must be her choice."

"I'm surprised your warriors are given such choices," I said.

"We are a clan, my brother. Not a slave camp," Ventra replied.

The next morning, it became time for our own departure. The women were anxious for the return to Taramont, making plans for the spring gathering. They would need to maintain the fort with a skeleton garrison. Ventra and Ota pulled me aside.

"We want you to come to the gathering," Ota announced.

"Just me?" I asked. They exchanged an uncomfortable glance.

"We know you have been reviewing archers. Women and men. Are you convinced they will be necessary?" Ventra asked.

"I am."

"Then make the arrangements. Ota and I will support you."

"Are you sure of this?" I pressed.

"We are sure," Ota said. "After speaking with Stam and Selena, and the ranchers' wives, we see the problems more clearly now."

"This will bring changes. I hope you understand that," I warned.

"Changes have been coming for a long time," Ota confessed, seeing Kayla standing next to her horse with her head down.

"What was good enough for our mothers and grandmothers is not good enough for our young people," Ventra agreed. "They want a bigger world."

"If you want my help, you have it. And if you don't, that will be alright, too," I said. "I've grown very fond of the Wolf Tribe."

"You are the queen's husband. Allowing you to help brings no dishonor," Ota affirmed.

We looked up as Allandra ran toward us, an excited bounce in her step.

"Must we leave already?" she asked.

"Duties await," Ota replied.

"We'll be back soon, won't we?" Allandra inquired.

"Why such urgency?" Ventra said.

"I've spent the morning with Stam, and I have news," Allandra answered. She turned to me, reaching out with both hands, dropping her head shyly.

"My husband," she said. "I'm going to have our baby."

* * * * * *

It looks like Tenacious has more to fight for in the final chapters, and it will be a battle, for the savage migration will prove larger and more dangerous than ever before.