Day 6
For Jessica Wildness the next day came too soon. She had been awake most of the night really trying to find a way out. She had tried sneaking passed the guards, and that hadn’t worked. She had tried distracting the guards that also didn’t work. She tried fighting the guards that got her locked in her room. She tried climbing out of the window but her hips just wouldn’t go though.
She was scratch and bruised and she didn’t feel like a bride at all.
When first light appeared, slave girls came in. They led her to a stone Jacuzzi type bath. It was large and had five rounded sitting places.
She was undressed to her horror and put into the water. The steam rose from the water. It was the perfect temperature.
The slave girls tried to get in with her, but she wouldn’t have it. She insisted on cleaning herself and having them stand back. Bathing with an audience was very uncomfortable but the water was great. She hadn’t had a hot bath since she arrived.
Maybe being the generals’ wife will have some benefits.
But a hot wash was not worth marrying a guy for!
Once she was done bathing and washing her hair. The slave girls dried and dressed her into the beautiful red dress she had drawn for them the morning before. She was disappointed at their efficiency. She had hoped it would take a few days. It fitted beautifully and she felt good in it.
Then the girls messed with her hair, curling her already curly hair. Using clips and pins to hold the curls in place.
They then had her standing in the morning sun.
The breeze was chilly and felt like winter air.
Harnacus had tried to relieve the guards. But Jessica’s escape attempts had her locked down with no visitors. He finally gave up trying to free her that night and he decided he would do it before the ceremony, when everyone would be gathering.
Captain Magofilies had similar ideas. He planned to use this to win him the barracks.
Presenting Jessica to the prince upon his arrival and ending the wedding saving Jessica from the now unstable General Spade and winning favour from those above him.
Magofilies planned to take over the barracks and become the new General.
He felt he had earned it, he deserved it. He would never make a woman be bonded to him and he would never ignore the customs and traditions of his people. He worked hard, he was respected and he had sacrificed much for that barracks.
He also kept Shane safely hidden away.
Jessica had beauty treatment that she would never wish for anyone. Her lips got stung by a bee, her hand and feet had bugs on them. Her face was then plastered with white stuff, then color added with coal or ash she couldn’t tell.
She had their black eyeliner above and below her eyes. Her uncomfortably full lips, now made a plush red. Her hair was redone and she wasn’t allowed to eat.
Marquez the boy teaching her to ride her new dragon, came in with a flower.
The slave girls put it in her hair. There was no vail. No flowers to hold. No tiara, just a single white flower in her done up hair.
She was pulled along without shoes to General Spade. He admired her out fit and seemed very happy with the outcome. Jessica however felt very unhappy. The hour was approaching and she was unable to get away.
How could he marry her if she didn’t speak the language?
She wasn’t even pretending to smile. She kept her unimpressed face and gave him a dirty look. Her plan to win him over required time and she was out of time.
Music started playing General Spade took her arm and looped it in his. Then he walked down before most of the barracks’ free occupants to an altar, pulling her with him. He smiled and looked really happy in his full military uniform.
However, Jessica wasn’t smiling at all. She was planning to object at that part of the ceremony.
Meanwhile Magofilies paced up and down. He could hear the music which meant he was running out of time. General Spade was likely to only do the required parts of a bonding ritual. So, he worried about Jessica. If she ran once bonded, she would be killed.
But then the royal white spiked Dragons were spotted coming towards them.
Magofilies breathed a sigh of relief. It would be tight, but it could be done, and if he blew the horn of a royal arrival early maybe the ritual would be stopped. So, he picked up the horn.
Once Jessica and General Spade got to the alter, a man wrapped a blue silk cloth around their hands. Jessica kept pulling her hand away. So, he had to keep re-wrapping and say the same word over and over while doing it.
“I do not want to marry you.” Jessica stated “And I will not make this easy for you.”
General Spade was getting impatient. He grabbed her wrist roughly with his other hand and held it in place. The man in purple wrapped the blue silk around their hand again.
Then he said something and the general replied. Everyone stood up and repeated the words.
“I object!” she said thinking this was the objection part.
But then the man said something else. The general replied and then everyone again stood up and repeated his words.
Jessica was getting desperate. She dug her nails into his hand so he would release her. She pulled free from the silk wrapped and ran for it. She still wasn’t wearing shoes.
But the guards working for the general stopped her.
Now the general was feeling embarrassed. She was proving to be a troublesome bride.
Back to the alter she was dragged and since she wasn’t walking, it was literally dragged. She sat at the general’s feet refusing to stand.
There were murmurs from the ‘guests’ and she could see he was angry.
She hoped being in public would protect her from his anger. That he would have to restrain himself, despite how he felt.
He pulled Jessica to her feet. He was stronger than she expected for an old guy. He was strong even for a young guy.
Desperate to force an end to this unwanted wedding, she spat in his face as he held her up. The gasp from the ‘guests’ was followed by a tangible silence.
However, spectators or no spectators General Spade lost his composure. He slapped her across the face, letting her fall to the floor.
The earth seemed to still be moving as she was yanked to her feet by her hair.
Where he slapped her again.
Dazed and dizzy she wasn’t sure if the horn was in her ears or if someone was really blowing something.
The earth began to stabilize and the ringing in her ears eased. She saw the general had a worried look on his face one almost of panic.
The ‘guests’ all scrambled out as if something bad was happening.
She just balanced herself, letting everything settle before trying to stand up. She touched her throbbing face, she couldn’t tell if it was swollen or not.
Everything became right. She could focus again and hear despite the faint ringing.
A tall good-looking man extending a hand to help her up.
He had green- green eyes, with dark brown hair, it curled a little on his neck.
He had a silver band over his forehead. It was like a four-strand braid in pattern.
She took his hand and he helped her up.
She noticed Magofilies standing behind the man.
There were four men with the oldest son of the prince of the dragon riders, the Skiopia Tribe. He had brought a knowledge keeper, two body guards who were mighty warriors, and a scribe.
(Magofilies had wanted to blow the horn early but then his son Harnacus had told him how Jessica was fighting unwrapping the bonding tie. So, he held off waiting until the prince arrived to blow the horn. Harnacus ran between his father and the ritual keeping Magofilies informed of the progress.
Magofilies had then told the prince of the red-haired woman who was travelling with her brother to their father’s house. He told the prince that he had picked them up and kept them hidden in the barracks afraid to tell anyone about them.
(This was covering for not telling General Spade.)
But Jessica the lost heir to the throne was spotted by many as she couldn’t just wait in her room all day. This resulted in everyone finding out about her. Including General Spade.
Magofilies was hoping they would walk in on the bonding ritual so he didn’t mention the forced bonding. But he did mention that her brother was a physician in training and he had been helping the ill and wounded.
A small not well-known fact about the dragon riders. They allowed mixed marriage between them and the Terra Tribe. Because the child would still be a dragon rider. Unlike other tribes were if you married an outsider the child would no longer possess the abilities of either parent. Instead, they were called Carsta.
Dragon Riders’ skin was fire proof, and they were immune to the poison in the dragon’s claws and teeth.)
Prince Drake was surprised that Jessica was so beautiful. The bold red dress, the white flower and her blue-grey eyes intrigued him. However, the hamster cheeks were not really his usually taste. (The color plastered on Jessica’s face hid the redness from being hit.)
“Find out everything from her and all the generals and captains” Drake told the knowledge keeper.
So, he tried to kiss Jessica. But she was done with men pushing her around. She refused to be kissed.
Magofilies explained “She doesn’t speak our language nor understand our customs. Maybe leave her till last”
“Alright” the prince agreed.
“Why is she dressed for an occasion? My arrival was not scheduled.”
“General Spade has had her under guard with no visitors. He should be able to explain.” Magofilies said.
Then Yair the Viden kissed Magofilies.
“My Prince I have been fulfilling my duties. Please forgive me.” Magofilies said.
“I will speak with you again later. Set up somewhere for me and my companions to rest.”
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The prince wanted to say have Jessica come with me. But he needed to get business done. This barracks was up to something and he didn’t like it.
Because general Spade sent a report every fourteen days without fail, he believed that this was a happy functional barracks. He was disappointed that it wasn’t.
Magofilies took Jessica to Shane who was still in the wine cellar. She was happy to see him.
“Thank you” she said and he understood.
Shane stood up and hugged her.
“Are you ok?”
“I think so. A man that General Spade is afraid of has arrived and he’s hot.” Jessica told Shane.
“What?!” Shane asked.
“Well, the wedding thing didn’t go as General Spade planned and then this hot guy arrives and the general is no were to be found.”
“How did you get out of the marriage?”
“Well, I just kept pulling away. Made it difficult.” She shrugged.
“What happened to your face?”
“Bee sting” she touched her swollen lips, then her cheeks “He hit me twice, after I spat in his face”
“He what?!” Shane was disgusted.
“I’ll be ok. I’m not married so, YAY me!”
She said trying to lighten things.
Jessica asked to see his bites. He wasn’t so keen on it but he showed her.
The bites were nasty, but not infected.
“That evil man” Jessica said feeling outraged
“I hope he dies”
“Don’t say that” Shane said.
“Why?”
“Because if it happens, you’ll feel bad”
“Will I? Will I really?” she asked.
Shane paused; he had found himself wishing ill upon General Spade too.
But as a serious doctor he felt bad for this. Yet, he had still done it.
“Well in brighter news Pragya the woman with the beautiful lilac, blue and white eyes… well she kissed me.” Shane said
“When did this happen? Tell me everything”
She said as if one of her girl-friends had just told her they had kissed a boy.
“It was odd though. She came it, looked at my bites. Kissed me on the lips and ran out. I haven’t seen her since.”
“Oh” Jessica said
“That’s not really a romantic story”
“No, it wasn’t romantic” Shane pulled a face.
“You should put ice on your face.” Shane said
“That was random” Jessica said
She nudged him. Shane was beginning to feel like family. Or at least a best friend.
“I am glad you are not dead” she paused
“General spade told me that you died from your injuries. This was after I received your letter, so I was worried he had killed you.”
“I am also glad I am not dead.” Shane said morbidly.
The mood was very heavy and they sat there side by side for a while. They were depressed together and as we all know; misery loves company and they were miserable.
Jessica’s face hurt when she talked. But this was not going to stop her from talking… much.
Prince Drake the oldest son of the prince of the Skiopia tribe, was shown every courtesy. All the formalities were followed and he was given the best of everything. They tried to hide the not so good things but his Viden, Yair, (The knowledge Keeper) just kissed everyone as they went. It was an informative trip for the prince.
Yair saw Pragyaparamita one of his own. Hiding her face under a hat. When he approached her and indicated an exchange of knowledge, she backed away saying she’s just a slave girl, a Carsta. But Yair didn’t believe her. However, he didn’t push.
Prince Drake finally went to see General Spade. Magofilies hid outside the door eavesdropping.
“General Spade, I do not recall the lost heir, being mentioned in your report”
“It was going to be in my next report” he lied.
“How long has the girl been here?”
“Not very long, a few days”
“I have heard of her brother the training physician; I would like to meet him.”
General Spade calmly replied
“The floor in an abandoned section gave way. He died from his injuries. His sister has been informed.”
“I believe she doesn’t understand us. How did you inform her?”
“I had Pragyaparamita explain it to her. She had been teaching her to speak.”
The prince turned to a soldier,
“Bring Pragyaparamita here.”
The soldier went.
“Was her brother able to speak?” the prince asked
“He used a bad queen’s vocabulary to communicate.”
“I have seen a feast was prepared, in what honor was this done?”
“I wish it was for you. But I was not informed of your visit so it was in honor of our fallen. It was going to be in my next report.”
“I was told there was a bonding ritual happening today.” Drake pressed.
General Spade tried to think of an excuse.
“Two slaves,” he said
“May my Viden have your knowledge?” the prince asked
A general was a rank that was respected and honored. Not even a prince would have one subjected to a Viden’s kiss without permission.
“Do you not trust me?”
General Spade was defensive and offended.
“I intent to have a full record of everything that happens. It is not meant to offend. But surely you have nothing to hide from your prince?”
“I have nothing to hide. But I will not be kissed.” He said
Pragya walked in with the soldier.
“Please maiden allow my Viden to kiss you.”
She took off her hat.
When the price saw her eyes, he smiled
“You have been keeping a Viden hidden from me?”
“No, my prince I am a Carsta” Pragya said kneeling at his feet
“Then please kiss my Viden”
She wished she knew how to hold back information. She was not a Carsta but a Viden and she had kissed Shane. She now knew everything he knew and Yair was about to have that knowledge too. She thought of her parents, and tried not to let Shane and Jessica into her mind.
Yair kissed her.
“Interesting” Yair said
“General you have whored this woman to every one of your guests. Even having her for yourself.” Yair said.
The general was embarrassed.
“My Prince it is confirmed now this man was forcing Jessica the presumed lost heir to bond with him.” Yair concluded
“General you are stripped of your rank. You will accompany me back to palace. In the mean time you will be held in the dungeon with the rank of soldier until my departure.”
Yair kissed him. Being a soldier, he didn’t have a say any longer.
Yair informed him of the general’s plan to become king of the land and his tentative plan to have Jessica die shortly after an heir was born.
Magofilies quickly went and fetched Jessica and Shane.
“The first prince will need to see you. Come, come.”
So, Jessica and Shane got up.
“I should have sent you to be cleaned.” Magofilies sighed seeing them.
Jessica scowled at him.
“You left me to marry that crazy man.” She accused.
Shane translated
“She’s angry that you didn’t get her out of the wedding”
“Wedding?” Mag asked.
“Becoming the Generals wife.”
“But I did. I sent for the prince.” Mag said.
So, Shane replayed that
“He says he sent for the prince knowing it would stop the wedding.”
Jessica still scowled. She had almost become his wife, and as far as she could see, he hadn’t done anything.
Prince Drake rested with his companions.
“Tell me what is really going on here?” Drake said to Yair.
“Sire the general was planning to take over the kingdom by making that woman with red hair be bonded to him. Magofilies knows that she is not the lost heir. But rather from another world. He advised them to keep it a secret. She is not a widow. In their customs earrings are decorative. With no significant meaning. Even men wear earrings in their world. Shane is not her brother but he is a physician in his world.”
The prince was impressed and also annoyed.
“Why was the truth hidden from me?” he asked.
“Magofilies feared that going against a general would cost him too much even if it was the right thing. So, he sent for us, hoping we would uncover the truth before the girl was bonded. He also had hopes for Shane as his treatment of those infected by the plague seemed to be successful.”
“A cure for the plague?” the prince interrupted.
“No, just tests that helped the suffering of those infected. The son of Magofilies tried to engage in courtship with the woman Jessica. But then she was taken for the generals plans.”
“Don’t call him the general, rather Spade.” Prince Drake replied.
“As you say. So, Spade took the girl even after courtship gifts were accepted. Harnacus didn’t have an agenda for her but rather the simple interest of a man wanting a woman. This Jessica was given a dragon by Spade as a betrothal gift. Plague infected slaves are sent to a room to die. The bodies are then burned or thrown down the cliffs. Jessica found one of these rooms, she intended to show it to Shane but they were caught. Spade then had Shane locked in the dungeon that has rats. The kind that picks off the meat from your bones while you watch. He is recovering. The plague has hit this barracks, and they have lost half their men.”
“Spade didn’t mention the plague was here. Not in one report did he say the plague had reached us.” The prince was angry “I would have sent our healers”
Then Drake walked around in a circle thinking to himself.
He returned to Yair.
“Continue” he told Yair
“There are those infected being stored in the damaged parts of the barracks. The Carsta woman is…”
Jessica and Shane arrived with Magofilies
“Can it wait?” the prince asked
“Yes sire, it can”
“Come in. Sit with me” the prince said to them.
“Thank you.” They said
They sat down. There was an awkward silence. Magofilies hoped that he would be made the new general.
Jessica was just enjoying the view, this is what a prince looks like.
Shane wanted out, he wanted to take his chances elsewhere, anywhere away from all of them.
“I apologize for Spades rash behavior. He has been removed as general of this barracks and you may keep your dragon.” Prince Drake said to Jessica
Shane was about to translate but then Yair did, and he didn’t paraphrase either.
“Thanks. A dragon, don’t even know what it eats. Just wanted it so I could get away.” She said flatly.
“And how can you speak English?” she asked Yair.
“I am a Viden. I am able to gain knowledge through a kiss.”
He relayed the message to the prince.
“Such honestly. Is that all she said?”
“Sire she also asked how I am able to translate. So, I explained it for her.” Yair added
“Sire. Her face is swollen from Spade hitting her. She was resisting the bonding ritual and when she spat in his face, he struck her.”
“She spat in his face. A general’s face?” Drake asked confounded.
“Yes sire.”
“Such bravery. But she doesn’t look like much.” Prince Drake observed.
Shane finally said something. He was able to understand most of both sides.
“On earth we say, don’t judge by appearances.”
The prince didn’t look happy that he had spoken.
“Forgive me. I do not know your customs. Yet I wish to return home without offending you.”
Shane was being diplomatic. Last time he ignored playing nice he was fed to rats and locked in a wine cellar.
“Told you he’s hot” Jessica whispered while the prince wasn’t looking.
Shane gave her the ‘keep quiet’ look.
“Magofilies you are now the new general of this barracks. I will however stay for another day or two and formally make you the general of this barracks. I will leave my scribe here for a full turn of the moon. I expect your report and his report to be covering the same issues. I expect you to return this barracks to its former glory. After all this is our first line of defense. Upon my return home I will send healers. So, feed the sick. They will be healed. I will also take our visitors to meet my father. Maybe they will hold to key to opening the ‘sugs’.”
“Sire I will do my best. But we do not have the man power and our sick are many. How will you heal them?”
“We rescued twelve Mystic Healers thirty full moons ago. I will send five. They will be enough. Do what you can with the lack of man power.”
“Thank you sire.”
“Go start what you must. Prepare the ceremony for a new general.”
Magofilies stood to attention and brought a fist to his chest.
“Before you go. The feast prepared for the bonding ritual celebration. Make it available for everyone in honor of our fallen. I will be attending.” Drake instructed.
Magofilies left a very happy man. He was in charge of the barracks and the prince was pleased with him.
Jessica felt uncomfortable. Even though she was cross with Mag for not stopping the wedding he had never harmed her and now being left alone with the prince and his lilac eyed companion she felt uneasy.
“I have heard you are a good physician. Will you come and teach your medicine to our physicians?”
Shane was surprised. He didn’t expect to be spoken to with respect.
“Prince… sire… I don’t know what is the proper way to address you. Ummm… I would be willing to teach if I am doing it as a free man. Allowed to leave whenever I pleased.”
“You are not a slave nor will you be treated as such.”
“I wish for Pragya to come with me.” Shane said.
The prince tried to hide his disgust but it showed on his face.
“Why would you want her?” he asked.
“Sire he doesn’t know she is a harlot.” Yair discreetly informed.
“She is a harlot” the prince announced.
“I wish for her to accompany me as a free woman.”
Shane thought he had now asked for too much.
“If you insist” his face still showed disgust “She may be yours you can make her a free woman if you want. But remember then she is free to leave you.” Prince Drake said.
“If a woman doesn’t want me as a free woman, then I wouldn’t want her.” Shane replied
Shane kicked himself. Did he even make sense? Why risk everything for a woman who kissed you once? Maybe because in her eyes he saw himself. Doing what he had to so he could survive.
“Fetch Pragyaparamita. She is now the slave of Shane the physician.” Drake ordered
“Now you and your slave will come with me to the palace. You will teach what you know to my physicians. You will have whatever you need for your work.”
Pragya was brought in. She was wearing the hat she always wore. Pulled over her face, hiding her beautiful eyes. Which now having seen those eyes on a man, it was… odd. But Shane still thought they were beautiful.
“This is your new master.”
The prince formally gave her to Shane. It was recorded by the scribe.
“I now set you free. You are not my slave you are a free woman able to do whatever you want.”
This was also recorded by the scribe.
“I would like you to come with me to the palace where I will teach others how I use medicine. Please come with me?” Shane asked Pragya.
His heart pounded. He had now set her free in front of everyone even though the prince thought it was a bad idea and he now asked her to come with him. She stood there in silence. For Shane that silence was forever.
“I am free?” she finally said.
“Yes” Shane said.
His heart sank. She was going to say no. He couldn’t blame her. Her eyes wanted freedom, she wanted a choice and saying no to him would make sense. He hid his disappointment. Then she said it
“Yes, I will go with you.”
He breathed a sigh of relief. She said yes.
Even prince Drake looked surprised.
“Well, there it is. We will leave in a day or two. I have matters to attend to.”
“Yair, ask Jessica if she will take a walk with me in the gardens?”
“Sire there are no gardens here”
“What is there?” Drake asked.
“Dragons, sire. The new hatchlings are something to be seen.”
Yair prompted.
“Excellent, ask her if she will join me to watch the hatchling.”
Shane and Pragya watched as Yair asked Jessica.
“Would you like to watch baby dragons hatch?” Yair asked.
“Like real dragon coming out of eggs?” she asked excited.
“Yes” Yair said.
“Yes, I’d love to!”
“She would be delighted sire.”
The prince smiled. He was so use to being surrounded by people that having Shane and Pragya present didn’t faze him.
He proudly left to go to the dining hall. Where hopefully Magofilies was ready for his arrival.
Jessica giggled
“I’m going to watch baby dragons hatch! How awesome is that?!”
“I am happy for you. But remember we are not yet free from this place.”
“We don’t need to be. The prince is here. General Spade is in the dungeon, Magofilies can’t keep us hidden or apart. So why do we need freedom? As long as we are looked after and treated well..?”
“You are a strange girl.” Shane said
“You wanted off this rock, now a ‘hot’ guy shows up and your all, ‘everything is fine’.” He said in a mocking voice.
“As if your one to talk. You’re all googly eyes for miss one kiss over there.”
“She is now free. No longer a slave.” Shane said.
“And I guess you did that out of the kindness of your heart”
Jessica raised an eyebrow.
“Yes, I did.” He said defensively.
“That’s why you didn’t free all the slaves?”
She gave him the pouting ‘explain yourself’ face.
“Let’s eat” he said changing the subject.
Pragyaparamita was not use to being free. So, she entered the dining hall and went to sit on the floor in the corner with the other slaves.
Only when she was with a ‘special’ guest did she sit with him at the table.
“Sit with me” Shane said to her.
Then the scribe announced.
“Pragyaparamita is now a free woman. General Spade in no longer a general. The first prince will be dining with us. All stand.”
Everyone stood, the prince walked in. He greeted everyone then sat. Everyone else then sat. The food was passed around and it was good for a change. Even though the carrots were purple they were recognizable, unlike most meals at the barracks.
Jessica was so hungry. She hadn’t been allowed to eat before her wedding. Then stuff happened so this was the first meal she was eating all day and it was about three in the afternoon. She ate unaware that the prince was watching her eat. She sat next to Shane and Pragya sat on the other side of Shane.
Pragya was smiling only Yair knew that she understood. That she was a Viden and not a Carsta. She was happy to be free. She could now do whatever she wanted. She didn’t know what she wanted now. As being allowed to want something was foreign to her.
After eating Jessica went with Drake to watch the dragon’s hatch. She was excited. She had never seen something like this before. However, it was not what she expected.
The sun was setting and the place where the eggs were kept had very little straw. The eggs were balanced on a rockery. There were black marks on the stone floor all around.
Doesn’t anyone care its dirty, she wondered.
Then it started, the egg cracked. It shook and cracked some more. A claw pocked through. Then a foot poked out.
“It’s so cute” Jessica squealed.
A little more shaking and wiggling and another foot pocked through, then in one big crack a light blue with yellow speckles head popped out next to the leg.
This was too funny for Jessica. She squealed and giggled.
Then it sneezed. Green snot like goo sprayed out.
“Gross” Jessica squirmed.
Then it sneezed again and fire spewed out.
Jessica had to play dodge.
Its big yellow eye blinked.
Then it broke free from the shell. It couldn’t yet walk. So, Drake picked it up. He held it out for her to take. She held the reptilian feeling creature. It began to cry. Making a strange noise that sounded like no animal she knew off.
The next egg began to hatch. She watched excitedly.
So, Jessica spent her sunset watching dragons hatch with the first-born son of the Dragon Riders’, the prince of the sky people, future leader of the Skiopia tribe.
This was her idea of a good date. Something new, none typical, different and exciting and something she could remember forever.