"2567-14" - читать интересную книгу автора (Jerome Bigge - Warlady 5 - The Warlady Of Dularn)"THE WARLADY OF DULARN" 2567 A.D.! By Jerome Bigge Chapter Fourteen "WORK! You damn worthless `Dulie' slut!" Cassie snapped at Carol, snapping her whip. She seemed in a "vile" mood, even for her. I saw her whip "strike" Carol this time, saw the livid welt there on her naked back. My wife gasping, stiffening for an in- stant, then turn to regard Cassie for a second, the "look" in her hazel eyes something that left no "doubts" in anyone's mind of her own thoughts! Carol then quietly picking up the burden she had been assigned to carry, flinging it up on her back with a grunt from the strain, and carrying it to the ship. Lady Tirana had saddled up a unicorn this morning, and rode off. She had, I knew, her own "estate" to check upon occasionally. She was a competent woman, capable, honest, and one that I "admired" muchly despite the fact that she now "believed" the "worst" of us both. "Mean bitch, isn't she?" the guard said, giving me a smile, leering at Kathi as she walked by, her body an "erotic promise". The ship was tied to the end of the dock, a small lateen rigged vessel, designed for the transportation of cargo along the coast. It was a pleasant day, a few clouds in the sky, the rain of the early dawn hours having left the air fresh, "clean" in a way I'd never known back in my own time with its air pollution "from" LA. Now Los Angeles was but ruins, inhabited I'd been told by strange mutated creatures of a sort that had made it a "forbidden zone". "We all have our `days'," I answered, slinging the hundred pound sack of corn over my shoulder and walking off with it. In the past at one time I would have found such "difficult", but in the last few years I had frequently "worked out" with weights. I suppose because I had considerable "incentive" considering the "sort" of men that Carol seemed to admire in those books of hers! Strong, muscular "he-men" of a sort one found only in fantasies!* * It should be noted here that women do have "wet dreams". (R.S.) "If you strike her again, I'll whip you!" I heard Keri snap at the luckless Cassie, Carol having been assigned burdens heavi- er than those given the other slave girls. Carol and Cassie hav- ing "gotten into it" a bit earlier, Cassie in a true "vile" mood! Cassie seemed to have it "in" for Carol in any case, why I didn't know, although Carol says that women like Cassie hate women like her. And if you can tell me "why" here, I'd like to know too! "What's this now?" I heard Cassie yell, turning about, yank- ing out her sword, with Keri now doing the same, their blades gleaming there in the sunlight. The other guards running up just as a beautiful blonde haired woman stepped out of the forest, a bow there in her hands! And with her were a dozen other women, a cry of delight from Sandi leaving no doubt as to just "who" they were despite their obvious "lack" of proper attire! One, a tall coppery skinned woman, obviously their leader or "leaderess" as one might wish! I saw that three of the others wore tunics, hose, the common attire of the Warrioress as did the blonde who was their officer. Such being a common practice with Maris, who maintains that it prevents the enemy from knowing "who" is who! "I will trouble you to lay down those weapons," the "blonde" spoke, her accent almost the same as Carol's and mine! She was a Dularnian! "I am Queen Maris of Dularn," she added, leaving no doubts now as to her "identity" as her green eyes roamed over us! The people guarding us setting down their weapons, well aware of the dozen so arrows now aimed in their direction ready to fire! The bows in the hands of the women "brand new" Dularnian weapons! "I think we should say `hello' to our Queen," I said, taking Carol by the arm as she stood among the slave girls. If we were going to ever find a "friend" here in this strange era, it would have to be with this woman! And at least she believed in pretty much the same things that we did! Dularn being a "republic" and all instead a sort of benevolent dictatorship like California is! "You are Carol and Bob Simmons?" Maris said to us, her green eyes strangely "glassy" as if she was not in "control" of herself just then. I thought of Tais, of the "powers" of the Priestesses of Lys. I recalled the "writings" of Lorraine, what she had told me back in the 20th Century before she'd flown through the time warp into this era. I thought too of Janet Rogers, of an age of science unknown in this era. Of FIVE CENTURIES of experiments!!! "`Mind programmed'," I whispered to Carol, Maris standing there like some lovely "robot". Her companions staring at her, a look of "concern" on their faces. I knew then what I had only "suspected" in a way before. Of the "plans" that had been made! "We are," I said, Maris seeming to "shudder" for a second. "I have been `sent' for you," she spoke, her voice "odd". "By one tall, golden haired," I smiled, recalling Tais. "Yes," Maris answered back, her voice more "human" now. "No!" I heard a voice cry! "I'm not going!" I saw Kathi, Lady Tirana's slave girl, break away from the others, flee back towards the manor perhaps a quarter of a mile or so away from us! Kathi doubtlessly aware of "what" would happen to her if the rest of the slaves, both male and female, ever got their hands on her! "Kill her!" I heard a woman bark, the woman being I thought the coppery skinned woman who was in charge of the outlaw women! Kathi would bring other guardsmen, guardswomen with their bows! "NO!" Carol screamed, dashing after the fleeing "delight"! Maris shaking her head, trying to "clear it" of her programming! I suspected she did not "understand" what had been done to her or "how". I recalled too the "hostility" that the Priestesses had towards the practice of hypnosis. I understood "why". Lorraine had "suspected" I think the "truth". I wondered if they had once "decided" that it would be "better" if she died. I recalled the "crossbowman". Lorraine had thought Princess Tara had sent him.* * See "2565 A.D.!" for further details of this "incident". (JB) I put my hands on the Queen's arms, "steadied" her for a moment. I saw that Carol had caught up with Kathi. Saw her tackle Kathi. Roll her over, slap her face hard twice, taking the "fight" out of her. I smelled the sweet odor of Maris' perfume, suddenly be- came "aware" of a beautiful pair of green eyes looking into mine! Of a soft red mouth, the lips parted, open, sensed the "hunger" in that beautiful body. Fought down the "thoughts" she aroused! "Your wife is a `lucky woman'," Maris Marn of Dularn said, a "look" in her eyes that left no doubt as to what she was thinking just then. I suspected it had been a long time since any man had held her in his arms. She was young, "vital" much like Carol is! Keri sitting there with the other guards, "frowning" to herself, former slave girls on either side of them with bows held "ready". "Carol is a `jealous' woman," I warned the Queen of Dularn. "And she can be `vicious' if `provoked' far enough too," I added. Maris nodding, understanding the "meaning" behind my warning too as Carol came strolling back, and dragging Kathi along with her. "I am `keeping' this `one'," Carol snapped, holding Kathi by the hair, the ripe bodied blondish slut now sobbing, "begging" to be allowed to remain on the estate instead of going with Carol! I had no doubts that she was terrified of Carol with good reason! "As you wish," Maris said, quite "agreeable" with all this. "Tais planned all of this?" Carol whispered as she stood at my side an hour or so later. Maris was a competent sailor even although the lateen rigged cargo vessel was doubtlessly unfamil- iar to her. She had gotten us safely out of the little harbor, barking her orders in a ringing voice that left no doubts she knew what she was up to! Maris had ordered Keri to "free" us of our collars, although this same "privilege" was not afforded to Kathi, who would remain a collared slave as we agreed was proper! Kathi being the sort of a wench that "belonged" in a slave girl's collar too if any woman "did". All the other slaves had gladly taken the opportunity to be free. Those who had followed San-sha however had not wished to "leave". I recalled Carol's novels. Those famous "libbies" of hers. Dularn would now have "allies" living almost within "stone's throw" of the Warlady's estates. I wondered what Lorraine would "think" of that tidbit! Carol had found a deerskin among the ship's cargo. With a dagger and some bootlaces she had made herself a crude halter, and a brief skirt. There were weapons strapped about her hips. She was no longer a 20th Century "housewife", although I think she's never been that. She had also found a "neck chain" to "grace" that lovely throat. Selected one of the Dularnian compound bows, a quiver of arrows. The sea was calm, the breeze mild, an "ideal day" for "sailing". "We are to `her' what Lorraine is to Darlanis," I answered. "We don't have Lorraine's military abilities," Carol said. "Lorraine is more `legend' than `reality'," I smiled back. "And now she has `us'," Carol answered, looking at Maris. "And Tais saw to it that we would hate California," I said. "Lady Tirana, the outlaws, Darlanis, everyone?" Carol asked. I nodded. Given "infinite power", "anything" becomes "possible"! "I have a theory the Priestesses can control anyone of this time by a `code word' of some sort implanted into their minds by an advanced form of electronic hypnosis," I said, Carol nodding. "And they also possess time travel," Carol noted in reply. "The Lorr never stood a `chance' against them," I noted. "Hold me," Carol breathed, moving into my arms then. "They are to us as `gods'," I said, stroking her hair. "I fear what they may do," Carol said, clinging to me. "She `needs' us now," I said, indicating Queen Maris. "`Not good'!" Maris spoke, staring through the telescope. I saw nothing but a tiny spot of color there in the distance like a speck of something against the horizon that divided the sea from the sky. We were well out, with land only a "haze" to starboard. The wind was not very strong, the sun hot, the sky a clear blue. "How long until the North Star meets us?" Lars Debolt asked, his arm possessively around Sandi's slim waist. A number of the other slaves now also staring astern at the spot of color there. The wind now barely "filling" our sails as we crept slowly along, the little vessel not being designed for speed, but for "cargo". "They could not `save' us from `that'," the Queen replied. "I would like a look," I ventured, wondering if she would allow me the use of the little telescope. Without a word Maris handed it to me. It took a moment to locate what she had seen. "Big galley," I said, lowering the telescope, letting Maris take it again from my hand. "That same one we saw back there in Trella that Lady Tirana said was `Sarnian Lady'," I told Carol. "If Darlanis learns.....," my wife breathed softly back. "They will signal her from shore," Maris spoke swiftly. "We have the guards' weapons, the bows," Sandi spoke. "Like .22's against a battleship," I smiled back. "We can beach, hope for the best," Maris spoke. "We can destroy Sarnian Lady," Carol answered her. "That's an Imperial first rate!" Lars breathed, awed. "It's made of wood, and wood burns," my wife answered. "And we are carrying ten casks of lamp oil," Sandi added. "And a fire pump to carry it from us to them," I added too. "No," Maris spoke softly, shaking her head. I saw her eyes. "We don't exactly have a choice in the matter!" Carol said! "The Caste Codes?" I snapped, taking Maris by the arms then. "Yes," she answered softly, her eyes pleading up into mine. "There was just a `mutiny' on this ship and you are no long- er `in command'," I said, Maris making no attempt to pull away or do anything but just stand there looking up into my face. Those beautiful green eyes like precious jewels glowing right into mine as I held her, that red mouth, the lips moist, parted, begged for a kiss I dared not give them! I sensed once again that "hunger"! "You'd better take these," Maris said, reaching down, half drawing her sword and dagger. Handing them to me, then turning, her eyes for a brief moment once again meeting mine before she disappeared with her three warrioresses down the hatchway. I saw Carol's eyes, saw too that she had "seen". I feared then for the Queen of Dularn. My brownette is a "jealous" woman. Good with a sword too. I suspected that she might even be better than Maris! "I'll see that they are `secure'," Carol said, going below. Such might someday be "important" if we reached Dularn. Neither Carol or I were legally bound by the Caste Codes, but Maris was. Should it be determined that she had allowed a violation of the Caste Codes to take place without doing anything about it Maris might be in very serious trouble. Thus it would be necessary to be "sure" that Maris and her companions were in the "legal sense" at least unable to prevent our "violation" of the Caste Codes. I did not however realize that Carol had other intentions in mind! "What is the `penalty' for killing the Queen of Dularn?" Carol asked, tying Maris' hands behind her back with a length of rawhide boot lace. The Queen for a second giving her a puzzled look as one might expect given the nature of the situation here! It was stuffy, rather "smelly" in the cabin, the ship old, dirty. It had not taken Carol long to tie the other three women secure. "We usually hang assassins, but I suppose that would be up to the Senate," Maris replied, suddenly then horribly "aware" of the very nature of the "question" that Carol had just asked her! "Got any laws against adultery?" my wife smiled back then. "A public whipping, but it's rarely done," Maris said. "You do have `dueling' don't you?" Carol asked then. "What are you getting at?" Maris asked, suspecting! "Come with me," Carol spoke, drawing the Queen with her. "THE WARLADY OF DULARN" 2567 A.D.! By Jerome Bigge Chapter Fourteen "WORK! You damn worthless `Dulie' slut!" Cassie snapped at Carol, snapping her whip. She seemed in a "vile" mood, even for her. I saw her whip "strike" Carol this time, saw the livid welt there on her naked back. My wife gasping, stiffening for an in- stant, then turn to regard Cassie for a second, the "look" in her hazel eyes something that left no "doubts" in anyone's mind of her own thoughts! Carol then quietly picking up the burden she had been assigned to carry, flinging it up on her back with a grunt from the strain, and carrying it to the ship. Lady Tirana had saddled up a unicorn this morning, and rode off. She had, I knew, her own "estate" to check upon occasionally. She was a competent woman, capable, honest, and one that I "admired" muchly despite the fact that she now "believed" the "worst" of us both. "Mean bitch, isn't she?" the guard said, giving me a smile, leering at Kathi as she walked by, her body an "erotic promise". The ship was tied to the end of the dock, a small lateen rigged vessel, designed for the transportation of cargo along the coast. It was a pleasant day, a few clouds in the sky, the rain of the early dawn hours having left the air fresh, "clean" in a way I'd never known back in my own time with its air pollution "from" LA. Now Los Angeles was but ruins, inhabited I'd been told by strange mutated creatures of a sort that had made it a "forbidden zone". "We all have our `days'," I answered, slinging the hundred pound sack of corn over my shoulder and walking off with it. In the past at one time I would have found such "difficult", but in the last few years I had frequently "worked out" with weights. I suppose because I had considerable "incentive" considering the "sort" of men that Carol seemed to admire in those books of hers! Strong, muscular "he-men" of a sort one found only in fantasies!* * It should be noted here that women do have "wet dreams". (R.S.) "If you strike her again, I'll whip you!" I heard Keri snap at the luckless Cassie, Carol having been assigned burdens heavi- er than those given the other slave girls. Carol and Cassie hav- ing "gotten into it" a bit earlier, Cassie in a true "vile" mood! Cassie seemed to have it "in" for Carol in any case, why I didn't know, although Carol says that women like Cassie hate women like her. And if you can tell me "why" here, I'd like to know too! "What's this now?" I heard Cassie yell, turning about, yank- ing out her sword, with Keri now doing the same, their blades gleaming there in the sunlight. The other guards running up just as a beautiful blonde haired woman stepped out of the forest, a bow there in her hands! And with her were a dozen other women, a cry of delight from Sandi leaving no doubt as to just "who" they were despite their obvious "lack" of proper attire! One, a tall coppery skinned woman, obviously their leader or "leaderess" as one might wish! I saw that three of the others wore tunics, hose, the common attire of the Warrioress as did the blonde who was their officer. Such being a common practice with Maris, who maintains that it prevents the enemy from knowing "who" is who! "I will trouble you to lay down those weapons," the "blonde" spoke, her accent almost the same as Carol's and mine! She was a Dularnian! "I am Queen Maris of Dularn," she added, leaving no doubts now as to her "identity" as her green eyes roamed over us! The people guarding us setting down their weapons, well aware of the dozen so arrows now aimed in their direction ready to fire! The bows in the hands of the women "brand new" Dularnian weapons! "I think we should say `hello' to our Queen," I said, taking Carol by the arm as she stood among the slave girls. If we were going to ever find a "friend" here in this strange era, it would have to be with this woman! And at least she believed in pretty much the same things that we did! Dularn being a "republic" and all instead a sort of benevolent dictatorship like California is! "You are Carol and Bob Simmons?" Maris said to us, her green eyes strangely "glassy" as if she was not in "control" of herself just then. I thought of Tais, of the "powers" of the Priestesses of Lys. I recalled the "writings" of Lorraine, what she had told me back in the 20th Century before she'd flown through the time warp into this era. I thought too of Janet Rogers, of an age of science unknown in this era. Of FIVE CENTURIES of experiments!!! "`Mind programmed'," I whispered to Carol, Maris standing there like some lovely "robot". Her companions staring at her, a look of "concern" on their faces. I knew then what I had only "suspected" in a way before. Of the "plans" that had been made! "We are," I said, Maris seeming to "shudder" for a second. "I have been `sent' for you," she spoke, her voice "odd". "By one tall, golden haired," I smiled, recalling Tais. "Yes," Maris answered back, her voice more "human" now. "No!" I heard a voice cry! "I'm not going!" I saw Kathi, Lady Tirana's slave girl, break away from the others, flee back towards the manor perhaps a quarter of a mile or so away from us! Kathi doubtlessly aware of "what" would happen to her if the rest of the slaves, both male and female, ever got their hands on her! "Kill her!" I heard a woman bark, the woman being I thought the coppery skinned woman who was in charge of the outlaw women! Kathi would bring other guardsmen, guardswomen with their bows! "NO!" Carol screamed, dashing after the fleeing "delight"! Maris shaking her head, trying to "clear it" of her programming! I suspected she did not "understand" what had been done to her or "how". I recalled too the "hostility" that the Priestesses had towards the practice of hypnosis. I understood "why". Lorraine had "suspected" I think the "truth". I wondered if they had once "decided" that it would be "better" if she died. I recalled the "crossbowman". Lorraine had thought Princess Tara had sent him.* * See "2565 A.D.!" for further details of this "incident". (JB) I put my hands on the Queen's arms, "steadied" her for a moment. I saw that Carol had caught up with Kathi. Saw her tackle Kathi. Roll her over, slap her face hard twice, taking the "fight" out of her. I smelled the sweet odor of Maris' perfume, suddenly be- came "aware" of a beautiful pair of green eyes looking into mine! Of a soft red mouth, the lips parted, open, sensed the "hunger" in that beautiful body. Fought down the "thoughts" she aroused! "Your wife is a `lucky woman'," Maris Marn of Dularn said, a "look" in her eyes that left no doubt as to what she was thinking just then. I suspected it had been a long time since any man had held her in his arms. She was young, "vital" much like Carol is! Keri sitting there with the other guards, "frowning" to herself, former slave girls on either side of them with bows held "ready". "Carol is a `jealous' woman," I warned the Queen of Dularn. "And she can be `vicious' if `provoked' far enough too," I added. Maris nodding, understanding the "meaning" behind my warning too as Carol came strolling back, and dragging Kathi along with her. "I am `keeping' this `one'," Carol snapped, holding Kathi by the hair, the ripe bodied blondish slut now sobbing, "begging" to be allowed to remain on the estate instead of going with Carol! I had no doubts that she was terrified of Carol with good reason! "As you wish," Maris said, quite "agreeable" with all this. "Tais planned all of this?" Carol whispered as she stood at my side an hour or so later. Maris was a competent sailor even although the lateen rigged cargo vessel was doubtlessly unfamil- iar to her. She had gotten us safely out of the little harbor, barking her orders in a ringing voice that left no doubts she knew what she was up to! Maris had ordered Keri to "free" us of our collars, although this same "privilege" was not afforded to Kathi, who would remain a collared slave as we agreed was proper! Kathi being the sort of a wench that "belonged" in a slave girl's collar too if any woman "did". All the other slaves had gladly taken the opportunity to be free. Those who had followed San-sha however had not wished to "leave". I recalled Carol's novels. Those famous "libbies" of hers. Dularn would now have "allies" living almost within "stone's throw" of the Warlady's estates. I wondered what Lorraine would "think" of that tidbit! Carol had found a deerskin among the ship's cargo. With a dagger and some bootlaces she had made herself a crude halter, and a brief skirt. There were weapons strapped about her hips. She was no longer a 20th Century "housewife", although I think she's never been that. She had also found a "neck chain" to "grace" that lovely throat. Selected one of the Dularnian compound bows, a quiver of arrows. The sea was calm, the breeze mild, an "ideal day" for "sailing". "We are to `her' what Lorraine is to Darlanis," I answered. "We don't have Lorraine's military abilities," Carol said. "Lorraine is more `legend' than `reality'," I smiled back. "And now she has `us'," Carol answered, looking at Maris. "And Tais saw to it that we would hate California," I said. "Lady Tirana, the outlaws, Darlanis, everyone?" Carol asked. I nodded. Given "infinite power", "anything" becomes "possible"! "I have a theory the Priestesses can control anyone of this time by a `code word' of some sort implanted into their minds by an advanced form of electronic hypnosis," I said, Carol nodding. "And they also possess time travel," Carol noted in reply. "The Lorr never stood a `chance' against them," I noted. "Hold me," Carol breathed, moving into my arms then. "They are to us as `gods'," I said, stroking her hair. "I fear what they may do," Carol said, clinging to me. "She `needs' us now," I said, indicating Queen Maris. "`Not good'!" Maris spoke, staring through the telescope. I saw nothing but a tiny spot of color there in the distance like a speck of something against the horizon that divided the sea from the sky. We were well out, with land only a "haze" to starboard. The wind was not very strong, the sun hot, the sky a clear blue. "How long until the North Star meets us?" Lars Debolt asked, his arm possessively around Sandi's slim waist. A number of the other slaves now also staring astern at the spot of color there. The wind now barely "filling" our sails as we crept slowly along, the little vessel not being designed for speed, but for "cargo". "They could not `save' us from `that'," the Queen replied. "I would like a look," I ventured, wondering if she would allow me the use of the little telescope. Without a word Maris handed it to me. It took a moment to locate what she had seen. "Big galley," I said, lowering the telescope, letting Maris take it again from my hand. "That same one we saw back there in Trella that Lady Tirana said was `Sarnian Lady'," I told Carol. "If Darlanis learns.....," my wife breathed softly back. "They will signal her from shore," Maris spoke swiftly. "We have the guards' weapons, the bows," Sandi spoke. "Like .22's against a battleship," I smiled back. "We can beach, hope for the best," Maris spoke. "We can destroy Sarnian Lady," Carol answered her. "That's an Imperial first rate!" Lars breathed, awed. "It's made of wood, and wood burns," my wife answered. "And we are carrying ten casks of lamp oil," Sandi added. "And a fire pump to carry it from us to them," I added too. "No," Maris spoke softly, shaking her head. I saw her eyes. "We don't exactly have a choice in the matter!" Carol said! "The Caste Codes?" I snapped, taking Maris by the arms then. "Yes," she answered softly, her eyes pleading up into mine. "There was just a `mutiny' on this ship and you are no long- er `in command'," I said, Maris making no attempt to pull away or do anything but just stand there looking up into my face. Those beautiful green eyes like precious jewels glowing right into mine as I held her, that red mouth, the lips moist, parted, begged for a kiss I dared not give them! I sensed once again that "hunger"! "You'd better take these," Maris said, reaching down, half drawing her sword and dagger. Handing them to me, then turning, her eyes for a brief moment once again meeting mine before she disappeared with her three warrioresses down the hatchway. I saw Carol's eyes, saw too that she had "seen". I feared then for the Queen of Dularn. My brownette is a "jealous" woman. Good with a sword too. I suspected that she might even be better than Maris! "I'll see that they are `secure'," Carol said, going below. Such might someday be "important" if we reached Dularn. Neither Carol or I were legally bound by the Caste Codes, but Maris was. Should it be determined that she had allowed a violation of the Caste Codes to take place without doing anything about it Maris might be in very serious trouble. Thus it would be necessary to be "sure" that Maris and her companions were in the "legal sense" at least unable to prevent our "violation" of the Caste Codes. I did not however realize that Carol had other intentions in mind! "What is the `penalty' for killing the Queen of Dularn?" Carol asked, tying Maris' hands behind her back with a length of rawhide boot lace. The Queen for a second giving her a puzzled look as one might expect given the nature of the situation here! It was stuffy, rather "smelly" in the cabin, the ship old, dirty. It had not taken Carol long to tie the other three women secure. "We usually hang assassins, but I suppose that would be up to the Senate," Maris replied, suddenly then horribly "aware" of the very nature of the "question" that Carol had just asked her! "Got any laws against adultery?" my wife smiled back then. "A public whipping, but it's rarely done," Maris said. "You do have `dueling' don't you?" Carol asked then. "What are you getting at?" Maris asked, suspecting! "Come with me," Carol spoke, drawing the Queen with her. |
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