Cain stalked toward the stone parish, his hand on his sword. His men followed behind him as a show of force. They had spent the afternoon clearing the village and castle of the dead, burning the bodies as was their custom. Normally they would lay waste to the village also. Burning everything and salting the earth. They left nothing behind them but bone and ash. However, since they intended to stay for a while, Cain had ordered his men to do as little damage as possible. They had only killed the warriors that stood against them. For the men and women that fell to their knees and paid him homage Cain spared their lives.

Reaching the church, Cain stood back while a handful of his men moved the carriages that barred the doors. Then they stood in a half-circle blocking any and all escape, their weapons in their hands. Cain nodded, and the doors were opened. They stepped forward, blocking the door as Cain went inside and looked over those held captive. They cowered at the front of the church before the tall wooden Celtic cross. They were pathetic, he thought, as he looked over the various men left — those that were too old and those that had been too weak to face them. A true man welcomed death before he allowed himself to be conquered. There was something to be said for the dead at least they went out with honour; their heads held high in the afterlife.

Cain stepped forward and looked over the woman and children. They outnumbered the men if they could be called men. “I am Cain the Destroyer.” He said loud and clear for all to hear. “As you can probably tell from my name, I am not one for taking prisoners, and I will have no qualms about killing each and every one of you if you press me. Now, my men and I have decided to stay, and they have requested I spare your pitiful lives so that you may serve us. You will cook, you will clean, you will entertain us, and you will obey without question. Now, I am not an unreasonable man. I understand that this may be a distasteful option for some of you, and to those of you who do not wish to suffer this fate, I say speak up, and we will kill you promptly. Speak now.” He said, drawing his sword and looking from frightened face to frightening face. “Any takers? No? Then I take your silence as a sign of compliance.”

Cain turned and left the church with Finn at his side. “How do you want me to process the survivors?” Finn asked as they walked along quickly and purposefully.

“Any way you see fit. See that there are enough servants in the castle by supper so that we may celebrate our victory. The men have earned some relaxation and recreation. I will be inside should you need me.” He continued on, but Finn turned and returned to the church.

Passing through the main hall, Cain collected his helmet and cloak. Then he mounted the winding stone steps to the upper level to find himself a chamber near his father’s. He wanted to stay close should he be needed. Cain pushed open a few doors and moved on, not finding them to be suitable. Then he reached the chambers directly across from his father’s and went inside. It was a fair-sized room with a large feather mattress bed, a large hearth with a stack of cut wood. There was a wardrobe in the corner by the window and a round wooden table in the center of the room. There was a smaller table with a clay washbasin by the window.

Cain went over to the bed and tossed his cloak and helmet on the mattress. Erik appeared in the doorway. “Cain.”

“What is it, Lad?” He asked, walking over to the washbasin; it was empty.

“The witch wishes an audience.”

Crain groaned. “Very well, bring her in.” He said. “And fetch me some washing water.”

Erik ducked out quickly and returned with a cauldron of already warmed water. Cain lifted the pot and poured the water into the washbasin and took a rag the boy offered. Erik then stepped outside while the witch stood in the doorway.

“What is it, Witch?” He asked, removing his armour and placing it on the floor. A tremendous weight lifted off his shoulders.

“I wish to speak to you about my accommodations.”

“What about them?” He asked, pulling his tunic off over his head. Suddenly she blushed and looked away. She was clearly unfamiliar with the male form. A fact that surprised him looking the way she did. She was very beautiful with those sensuous dark eyes and that silken hair. Her skin was flawless ivory almost as creamy as alabaster stone. He had been to many exotic places and seen numerous beautiful women, but he had seen none that affected him the way this witch did. When she was around, his body stirred with the desire to touch her.

“Do you intend to undress completely?” She asked, not looking at him.

“Do you want me to?” He teased, and she looked at him astonished and offended by his boldness.

“I certainly do not.” She snapped insulted by his insinuation that she was anything less than a proper lady.

“What is wrong, Sweet Siren?” He said, walking toward her. “Do I not excite you?” She backed up against the wall and looked up at him.

“Do not touch me.” She hissed as he trapped her against the wall, his hands on the wall beside her head as he gazed down at her.

“And what is to stop me?” He whispered in her ear, smiling when she shuddered.

“The life of your father.”

Cain stepped back and stared at her as she stared back at him. “You would threaten a dying man?”

“No.” She barely managed. “But should my virtue be lost, so would my powers.”

“They are entwined?”

“Yes.” He did not believe her, but he could not risk it. His father’s life hung in the balance. “But should you wish to risk it, I could undress.” She offered with a cocky smile. She knew he would not.

“That will not be necessary.” He said, returning to the washbasin. “No hand, I command will touch you. You have my word.” Cain picked up the rag beside the basin and dipped it into the water. He was looking forward to washing away the dirt and blood from the battle. “You may go.”

“But we have not yet discussed my accommodations.” She reminded him.

“What about them?”

“I wish to return to my hut outside the village walls.”

Cain laughed. That was not going to happen, and she was a fool even to think he would consider it. “So, you could run away? Do I look simple?”

“Ok fine, I will stay within the castle walls, but I will need a bed.”

“I will have one brought in for you.”

“You will not.” She snapped, stepping toward him. “I will not sleep with that man. I need my privacy.”

“For what?” He challenged, waiting for her reply.

“For my potions.” She stammered as if trying to come up with a viable excuse. “I will take the chambers next to this one. It will keep me close while still allowing me some privacy.”

He could find no fault with her request. He supposed it would harm no one to allow her private chambers. “Very well, you may have the chambers next to mine. Will there be anything else?” He asked, using the wet rag to wash his face and neck.

“I will need to return to my hut to gather a few essentials.” She said, folding her hands in front of her. Her chin lifted in quiet defiance. “I will also, at some point, need to go into the woods for supplies.”

“I shall escort you myself.” She looked disappointed; she could not possibly believe he would have let her go alone. “Now if our business is complete, Witch… begone.”

“You will stop calling me that.” She snapped her head held high. “I have a name, and you will use it.”

“Will I?” He could not fight the smile that now curved his lips. She had fire and guts to speak to him in such a way. It was admirable. “Alright, what is your name?”

“Zahra.”

It was a beautiful and unusual name. “Zahra.” He liked the way it sounded rolling off his tongue. “Very well, Zahra, you are dismissed.”

“I wish to return to my hut tonight to gather my things.”

“Alright, let me clean up, and I will escort you.”

“Erik will be fine.”

“Erik will stay with my Father. I will take you.” He insisted. He would escort her himself and return in time for the festivities.

“I wish to go now.”

She was a demanding little minx. “You shall have to wait. I am busy. Now,” he said, reaching for his belt, “I intend to disrobe; you are welcome to stay and watch.” He teased, watching her flee the sight of him. Cain snickered, she amused him. So fiery and spirited, yet she ran like a scared jackrabbit. Even if he could not touch her, Zahra could certainly entertain him.

***

Zahra quickly exited Cain’s chambers. The man had no decency, but what could she expect? They were called barbarians for a reason. In the hallway, she came to face Erik, who was leaning lazily against Regin’s door with a cocky snicker. “I am so glad I can amuse you.” She snapped, walking to the next door.

“I have never heard a woman speak to him in such a way.”

“Get used to it. I cower to no man.” She said her head held high. She had spent her entire life around people that hated her and wished her harm. She had developed a thick skin. These barbarians were no worse or any better than her clansmen. Zahra opened the door and went inside with Erik right behind her. “What are you doing?” She demanded, standing in the doorway to prevent him from entering.

“Coming in to check the room,” Erik said, smiling down at her.

“Cain said I could have my privacy.” She pointed out.

“And you can after I check the room.” He said, pushing past her and going inside. She supposed she could not stop him. Zahra stood off to the side, watching as Erik checked out the window, under the bed, in the wardrobe and behind the door. She did not know what he was looking for, but he did not seem to find it. He offered her a smile and then stepped out into the hall. Zahra shut the door in his face.

She turned around and looked around at what was now her chamber. It was her Ladyship’s chamber; with a four-poster bed with dark green curtains close to the hearth for warmth. There was a wardrobe filled with lovely gowns that were both short and too wide for Zahra to wear. In the center of the room was a round table meant for enjoying the morning meal. There was a small table by the wardrobe with a looking glass. The table was covered in fragrant oils, a comb, and some beautiful jewelled pins.

By the hearth was an iron washing tub that one could sit in and relax. Zahra ran her hand over the tub, admiring the luxury. Her Ladyship certainly had it good. Oh, how Zahra would have loved to enjoy a real bath instead of just washing with a bowl of cold water. Zahra sat down on the edge of the bed. How was she going to get out of this? Cain expected her to work a miracle. She had no idea what she was doing. What was she going to do? He and his men clearly were never going to leave her alone. How could she get away if she was constantly chaperoned?