"2565-65" - читать интересную книгу автора (Warlady 1 - 2565 Ad Book 2)2565 A.D.! A TALE OF ADVENTURE IN THE SECOND DARK AGE OF MAN By Jerome B. Bigge Book Two Chapter Twenty Two (We return to Lorraine Duval) "How are things going?" I asked Gayle as we ate breakfast, the beautiful teenage blonde giving me a warm smile that reminded me much of my Sharon's. The two young women were much alike in many ways both in looks and personalities. Sa-she-ra smiling, her dark eyes glowing into mine. We were "blood-sisters". There is much that you share with your blood-sister. I did with mine. Her skill with a sword had reached a level that amazed me. I do fear, however, that her attempts to teach me archery weren't any- where near as successful. I am good, but nowhere near the equal of what Sa-she-ra was. On the other hand I can draw a bow up to nearly sixty pounds, while she had trouble with anything over thirty. I did master her "pinch" draw, but find it of little value to me as I do not use the sort of a light bow that she did. "Just as long as that Princess doesn't come back," Gayle an- swered, the look in her azure eyes one of concern as they looked into mine. I took her hand in mine, our eyes meeting. Little Mara watching the interplay between us, understanding little of its meaning, its deep implications. She would if she ever became a mother. Had a daughter of her own to love, to raise, to be proud of like I was of Gayle. I loved Gayle very much. Sanda regarding us all, her own daughter Sara sitting there beside her. Sanda's lower lip swollen a bit. Her husband had bitten her the last time they made love. Such is sometimes done in the heat of lovemaking, although I am more likely usually to do the biting. "Would you like to go into town and do some `shopping'?" I asked Gayle then. Darlanis might have my Sharon, but Gayle was mine! Mara was too, but she was still too young to share little secrets with, or discuss those feminine things that women share. Sa-she-ra would of course come, bringing her own daughter, who was now Mara's almost constant companion. I smiled at Sanda, at her daughter, who was only little older than Ta-she-ra. We might as well make it a good outing. Take everyone! Enjoy ourselves! "I'd love it, but I fear I don't have anything to spend," Gayle answered with a smile, knowing that I'd take care of that! Sa-she-ra smiling, kissing her daughter as she sat beside her. I believe that children are raised in the Nevada culture with more love and affection than was common back in my own time. The same is true usually of the mothers of California and Dularn as a gen- eral rule. Children are considered something "valuable", some- thing "precious" here in this era. It may have something to do with the restrictions on the birthrate imposed upon us by the Priestesses. Perhaps merely a change in the cultural "mores". I merely report it and let the reader draw his or her conclusions. "When I take you shopping, Gayle, I pay for it!" I told her with a smile. She was to me a daughter, another like my Sharon. I then reached over and tousled Mara's dark hair, giving her an affectionate smile. Telling her that she too was going to come with us shopping there in Thistle with her now famous "Lorraine"! "Do I have to?" little Mara protested, as cute as any girl could be. Looking up into the dark eyes of her "Lady Lorraine". "You'll love it!" I laughed, then telling her to hurry up and finish eating her breakfast so that Gayle could dress her for the day's outing. It would be a chance for me to relax, rest from my labors. A chance to enjoy myself with my loved ones! I had done much in the last month to better things here for the people. I feared that I had gone too far now. I had become too "popular" with the people. With the "Free Trelandar" movement! Now there were those calling for a "revolution" against Darlanis! I had introduced a bit of "democracy" into the lives of the people that I ruled, and what perhaps amazed everyone was that I was "available" to those who might have need of my protection. I had introduced contests in archery and swordsmanship open to both sexes, my intention being to make this part of Trelandar at least safe from pirates and outlaws. Lady Tirana, much to my surprise, had followed me, although the Lords and Ladies further to the north and south seemed to have little love for what I was doing, which didn't surprise me all that much. Sanda on the other hand was delighted, saying that someday Trelandar might be able to de- clare its independence of the Empire, my major domo having a low opinion of Empress Darlanis, perhaps because her son was still there on the Dularnian front fighting in a totally "winless war"! "I think I'm `pregnant'," Sanda said to me as we sat across from each other in the open carriage, Mara at her side, Gayle on mine. Sa-she-ra and Ta-she-ra each on their mounts, Sara on hers. The tall forest on either side peace and quiet. Three of my men at arms riding with us for protection against the outlaws that prowled the depths of the forests. It was early September now, the year 2565 A.D., or 518 A.W. as it is more commonly known. Nine months from now Sanda would hold a little baby girl in her arms. There were already two little "Lorraine"s running around. Named after that tall exotic "Lady" from the "past" that everyone seemed to admire so much! Said "Lady" still a bit puz- zled why everyone made such a "fuss" over her like she was some reincarnation of Janet Rogers! People even speaking about a "Queen Lorraine" should Trelandar win its freedom from the Em- pire! I had done what I could to put a halt to such talk. I had not been very successful. I hoped that Darlanis could do better. Our driver was a young man who seemed to be seeing a lot of Gayle or so it seemed to me. His name was Stan Holt. He was the son of the blacksmith who worked on the estate. Sanda was a bit hostile towards him since his caste did not compare to that of Gayle's, who was the daughter of high caste parents. He was also the brother of Phara Holt, who was engaged to Sanda's son. That had not improved things any in Sanda's eyes! Gayle herself mere- ly accepting his "attentions" as such, without seeming to be much "interested" herself in the young man. Why he continued to come around puzzled me, although I rather liked him and had spent some time giving him advice in how to court a young lady like my love- ly Gayle. He seemed to like me a lot, and asked me a lot of questions about things. What I thought of this, and that, etc. I was wearing that delightfully exotic attire that had made me so famous, the design dating back to the 21st Century. A de- sign that to those of the 26th Century spoke of another "era"! My legs crisscrossed up to my hips by the leather straps of my "strap-boots", my mini-length short soft black leather skirt slit on both sides to better display my exotically attired legs. My midriff baring blouse was cut low in a "V" neck to better display a teasing glimpse of my firm breasts beneath the black silk. A broad brimmed fashionable hat and black net veil completed my at- tire. Attire that made me instantly recognizable anywhere now! "It's hard to believe that only a month ago I was a slave girl praying to be sold," Gayle said as she looked around while I assisted Mara down from the carriage. A crowd gathering as was usual now when word spread that "Lady Lorraine" was in town! The sun hot on my body beneath the black silk of my half-blouse, my face shiny beneath my veil, my heavy hair now wet beneath my broad brimmed hat. It was, I thought to myself, at least ninety if not more without even the hint of a breeze. There was even a wet strip around my waist where my wide black leather harness pressed against my body. My three men at arms that had escorted us quickly heading for the welcome coolness of the nearest tavern and the cool beer on tap. I suppose they might even enjoy the pleasures of a sexy prostitute while waiting for their mistress, such women being quite numerous in towns like this where they may be found hanging around in taverns waiting to be "picked up". Open "street-walking" is generally frowned upon as a rule, and although the Prostitute Guild is powerful, the status of prosti- tutes as such is little higher than it was back in my own era. "It's hot enough!" I said, a dampness in the air that added to the oppressive unseasonable heat. It had rained a few days ago. Enough to help the peasants save their crops. It would be a good year after-all assuming that a revolution didn't start. I feared that, knowing what Darlanis' reaction would be. I had no wish to see again what I had once seen in another country long ago. I dreaded what the "Free Trelandar" movement seemed to be leading up to. They did not understand that Darlanis would not just sit back and let it "happen". That Darlanis would not let her "dream" die without fighting for it. Perhaps dying for it! "Lady Lorraine, may I help carry your things?" Stan Holt asked, tying the team to the hitching rail. Thistle, like most all the towns I have been in, reminding me something of a western movie set of the 20th Century. Most men bear arms, and daggers are common at women's hips. This is a barbaric and colorful era! "If you wish to," I answered, smiling beneath my veil. Stan obviously being smart enough to "woo the Lady" for the "maiden". He had been coming around every night, all "fixed up", and show- ing surprising interest in my affairs, the boy obviously feeling that "wooing" me was the best way to get to Gayle. That was what I thought then anyway. I would shortly learn quite differently! "Yes, I think this will look quite lovely on you," I said as I held the long silk gown up to Gayle, young Mr. Holt perhaps re- gretting his offer as he stood there watching us pick out things. "I'd like to try it on," she suggested, smiling, the silk of her dress beneath the armpits now dark and wet from her sweat. "Dry yourself off first," I suggested, picking up my hat and veil, fanning myself as Stan regarded me from his dark eyes. He was dark haired, rather on the handsome side, well built if a bit "boyish". The woman storekeeper picking at her things, mopping her brow, her dress plastered to her body by the oppressive heat. I could see the outlines of her nipple clips and the curves of her belly and thighs beneath the material. She wore a dagger like most women of the 26th Century do. She was blonde, a bit on the heavy side. A gold neck-chain was snug around her throat. "Why are you looking at me like that?" I snapped at Stan, seeing his eyes on me. He seemed to do nothing but stare at me. The oppressive heat was making me bad tempered and ornery. Mara on a chair squirmed restlessly with boredom. Sa-she-ra and her daughter had gone elsewhere with Sanda and Sara. I should have brought Yvette to watch Mara, I thought to myself in a streak of anger. I was in a vile mood, and also very much aware of it too! "Nothing, my lady," he said, averting his eyes for a moment. I could feel my half-blouse sticking to my body, outlining my breasts. Felt the sweat there beneath my short skirt, there not being a breath of air in the store. Then he was "staring" at me again! His eyes roaming up and down my figure like I was naked! "Are you observing that your Lady Lorraine sweats like any other woman?" I snapped at him, my hands on my hips as I stood there before him. I suppose I smelled too, although I couldn't tell that. I watched the storekeeper mop under her arms. Like most women she was clean shaved. The middle and upper caste wom- en of the 26th Century usually also shave their pubes as well as their armpits as a rule. Why we shave in both places and men don't is something I've never been able to figure out for myself. "You are a very attractive woman, my lady," he answered me in a tone of voice that told much to one experienced in such things like myself. I have encountered such things before. I am somehow extremely attractive to young men who are not sure of themselves. I suspected that this was the case here with him! "And would you like me to take you out behind this store and show you exactly what a woman like me can do to a boy like you?" I teased him, Mara all ears, the woman shopkeeper gasping to her- self at my words. I was very much aware of her eyes, of my own dominance, of the way that I doubtlessly appeared to him. Women like me often buy young men as slaves for their own sexual pleas- ures. Such things are quite common in this era, and are often the subject of pornographic tales just as they were in my era. While I can assure that I am not "interested" in teenage boys, unfortunately I also happen to be extremely attractive to them! "No, Lady Lorraine!" he breathed, scared now by the reality of the situation. It was no doubt one thing to "fantasize" about me while secretly masturbating, and another thing entirely dif- ferent to actually have his own secret sexual fantasies come true! Had I not had a "reputation" to think about, I might have done differently, teaching him a "lesson" that he'd never forget! "Then don't stand there and look at me like that then," I smiled, regarding him standing there before me. I was in my high heeled boots an inch or so taller than he was, my status infi- nitely higher. Then with a gentle shove I pushed him down into the chair next to Mara and told him to keep an eye on her while I stepped outside for a quick breath of air while Gayle changed! "What do you think, Lorraine?" Gayle asked me, turning be- fore me. The gown did excellent things for her. Made her look older than sixteen, although it is not uncommon for girls her age to be married off among the low castes. Gayle is about 5'7" and goes 35-25-36. A delight to the male eye who knows it too, un- fortunately! Her sister is a bit taller and fuller figured. The gown was a pale gray that went well with her eyes and color. The silk sheer enough that one could see her nipple clips and the sensual swell of her belly and thighs beneath the clinging silk. "It's yours," I told her, paying the shopkeeper, letting Gayle parade herself before Stan Holt. Keeping to myself what had passed between us a few minutes before. Gayle would be much better for him than I would be if things ever got to that point! "I hope our men are sober enough to ride back," Sanda Talen teased me as we entered the tavern where they had gone, our in- tention to both have a quick beer before heading back home. A woman leaning against the doorway wearing little giving me a warm smile. I had recently supported the Prostitute Guild in its clash against the town's mayor who should have known better than to try to tax the "hip-swingers" as he had tried. Not that I hadn't secretly thought it a good idea, but the Guild had the ear of Darlanis and it wasn't too wise on my part to irritate the ruler of California any more than I already had with my actions! Prostitution is legal and common in the Empire, as it is ev- erywhere I know of. The fear of sex that prevailed in my era be- ing now considered quaint and a bit foolish. Such women belong to a powerful Guild that few dare cross if they value their lives. "Hip-swingers", as they are commonly called, now have considerable political power, thanks to Lara Warsan and her long and intimate relationship with Darlanis, who uses them as her "eyes and ears" here in California. Little going on that the Em- press quickly doesn't know about. It is her spies and agents who give her much of the power that she has. There is little that I suspect she doesn't know about. She is "steel" beneath "beauty". The attire of prostitutes is distinctive and attractive, as well as being set by the Guild. The delights are not otherwise marked, and can be, I might note here, of any caste, including the Warrioresses. They wear halters and short skirts, a sort of uniform set by Lara to mark her women as what they are. I might also note that as a general rule they are usually quite expert with the short swords that they all wear as members of the Guild. "There's our men!" Sanda said to me, two of them with brief- ly skirted wenches on their laps. The other at the bar in con- versation with another lovely member of the Guild, it now being late in the afternoon. I didn't like traveling at night, even with guards to protect me on the couple hours' ride back to my estate on the seacoast. It had been only ten days ago that Tara and I had "met". That Sa-she-ra had saved Gayle's and my life. "Yes," I answered, my eyes scanning the dimly lit interior, then halting as a familiar handsome face came into view. One that didn't belong there or anywhere else in the boundaries of the Empire of California! Captain Jon Richards of the ramship Janis! What was he doing here in Thistle? And what of his ship? "Sanda, I will be staying the night here in Thistle," I told my major domo. "Have one of the men leave a mount for me at the stable." Sanda's dark eyes glowing into mine as she nodded. She was a dear. Smart enough to know when to keep her mouth shut! And also smart enough to keep some truly awesome secrets from me! 2565 A.D.! A TALE OF ADVENTURE IN THE SECOND DARK AGE OF MAN By Jerome B. Bigge Book Two Chapter Twenty Two (We return to Lorraine Duval) "How are things going?" I asked Gayle as we ate breakfast, the beautiful teenage blonde giving me a warm smile that reminded me much of my Sharon's. The two young women were much alike in many ways both in looks and personalities. Sa-she-ra smiling, her dark eyes glowing into mine. We were "blood-sisters". There is much that you share with your blood-sister. I did with mine. Her skill with a sword had reached a level that amazed me. I do fear, however, that her attempts to teach me archery weren't any- where near as successful. I am good, but nowhere near the equal of what Sa-she-ra was. On the other hand I can draw a bow up to nearly sixty pounds, while she had trouble with anything over thirty. I did master her "pinch" draw, but find it of little value to me as I do not use the sort of a light bow that she did. "Just as long as that Princess doesn't come back," Gayle an- swered, the look in her azure eyes one of concern as they looked into mine. I took her hand in mine, our eyes meeting. Little Mara watching the interplay between us, understanding little of its meaning, its deep implications. She would if she ever became a mother. Had a daughter of her own to love, to raise, to be proud of like I was of Gayle. I loved Gayle very much. Sanda regarding us all, her own daughter Sara sitting there beside her. Sanda's lower lip swollen a bit. Her husband had bitten her the last time they made love. Such is sometimes done in the heat of lovemaking, although I am more likely usually to do the biting. "Would you like to go into town and do some `shopping'?" I asked Gayle then. Darlanis might have my Sharon, but Gayle was mine! Mara was too, but she was still too young to share little secrets with, or discuss those feminine things that women share. Sa-she-ra would of course come, bringing her own daughter, who was now Mara's almost constant companion. I smiled at Sanda, at her daughter, who was only little older than Ta-she-ra. We might as well make it a good outing. Take everyone! Enjoy ourselves! "I'd love it, but I fear I don't have anything to spend," Gayle answered with a smile, knowing that I'd take care of that! Sa-she-ra smiling, kissing her daughter as she sat beside her. I believe that children are raised in the Nevada culture with more love and affection than was common back in my own time. The same is true usually of the mothers of California and Dularn as a gen- eral rule. Children are considered something "valuable", some- thing "precious" here in this era. It may have something to do with the restrictions on the birthrate imposed upon us by the Priestesses. Perhaps merely a change in the cultural "mores". I merely report it and let the reader draw his or her conclusions. "When I take you shopping, Gayle, I pay for it!" I told her with a smile. She was to me a daughter, another like my Sharon. I then reached over and tousled Mara's dark hair, giving her an affectionate smile. Telling her that she too was going to come with us shopping there in Thistle with her now famous "Lorraine"! "Do I have to?" little Mara protested, as cute as any girl could be. Looking up into the dark eyes of her "Lady Lorraine". "You'll love it!" I laughed, then telling her to hurry up and finish eating her breakfast so that Gayle could dress her for the day's outing. It would be a chance for me to relax, rest from my labors. A chance to enjoy myself with my loved ones! I had done much in the last month to better things here for the people. I feared that I had gone too far now. I had become too "popular" with the people. With the "Free Trelandar" movement! Now there were those calling for a "revolution" against Darlanis! I had introduced a bit of "democracy" into the lives of the people that I ruled, and what perhaps amazed everyone was that I was "available" to those who might have need of my protection. I had introduced contests in archery and swordsmanship open to both sexes, my intention being to make this part of Trelandar at least safe from pirates and outlaws. Lady Tirana, much to my surprise, had followed me, although the Lords and Ladies further to the north and south seemed to have little love for what I was doing, which didn't surprise me all that much. Sanda on the other hand was delighted, saying that someday Trelandar might be able to de- clare its independence of the Empire, my major domo having a low opinion of Empress Darlanis, perhaps because her son was still there on the Dularnian front fighting in a totally "winless war"! "I think I'm `pregnant'," Sanda said to me as we sat across from each other in the open carriage, Mara at her side, Gayle on mine. Sa-she-ra and Ta-she-ra each on their mounts, Sara on hers. The tall forest on either side peace and quiet. Three of my men at arms riding with us for protection against the outlaws that prowled the depths of the forests. It was early September now, the year 2565 A.D., or 518 A.W. as it is more commonly known. Nine months from now Sanda would hold a little baby girl in her arms. There were already two little "Lorraine"s running around. Named after that tall exotic "Lady" from the "past" that everyone seemed to admire so much! Said "Lady" still a bit puz- zled why everyone made such a "fuss" over her like she was some reincarnation of Janet Rogers! People even speaking about a "Queen Lorraine" should Trelandar win its freedom from the Em- pire! I had done what I could to put a halt to such talk. I had not been very successful. I hoped that Darlanis could do better. Our driver was a young man who seemed to be seeing a lot of Gayle or so it seemed to me. His name was Stan Holt. He was the son of the blacksmith who worked on the estate. Sanda was a bit hostile towards him since his caste did not compare to that of Gayle's, who was the daughter of high caste parents. He was also the brother of Phara Holt, who was engaged to Sanda's son. That had not improved things any in Sanda's eyes! Gayle herself mere- ly accepting his "attentions" as such, without seeming to be much "interested" herself in the young man. Why he continued to come around puzzled me, although I rather liked him and had spent some time giving him advice in how to court a young lady like my love- ly Gayle. He seemed to like me a lot, and asked me a lot of questions about things. What I thought of this, and that, etc. I was wearing that delightfully exotic attire that had made me so famous, the design dating back to the 21st Century. A de- sign that to those of the 26th Century spoke of another "era"! My legs crisscrossed up to my hips by the leather straps of my "strap-boots", my mini-length short soft black leather skirt slit on both sides to better display my exotically attired legs. My midriff baring blouse was cut low in a "V" neck to better display a teasing glimpse of my firm breasts beneath the black silk. A broad brimmed fashionable hat and black net veil completed my at- tire. Attire that made me instantly recognizable anywhere now! "It's hard to believe that only a month ago I was a slave girl praying to be sold," Gayle said as she looked around while I assisted Mara down from the carriage. A crowd gathering as was usual now when word spread that "Lady Lorraine" was in town! The sun hot on my body beneath the black silk of my half-blouse, my face shiny beneath my veil, my heavy hair now wet beneath my broad brimmed hat. It was, I thought to myself, at least ninety if not more without even the hint of a breeze. There was even a wet strip around my waist where my wide black leather harness pressed against my body. My three men at arms that had escorted us quickly heading for the welcome coolness of the nearest tavern and the cool beer on tap. I suppose they might even enjoy the pleasures of a sexy prostitute while waiting for their mistress, such women being quite numerous in towns like this where they may be found hanging around in taverns waiting to be "picked up". Open "street-walking" is generally frowned upon as a rule, and although the Prostitute Guild is powerful, the status of prosti- tutes as such is little higher than it was back in my own era. "It's hot enough!" I said, a dampness in the air that added to the oppressive unseasonable heat. It had rained a few days ago. Enough to help the peasants save their crops. It would be a good year after-all assuming that a revolution didn't start. I feared that, knowing what Darlanis' reaction would be. I had no wish to see again what I had once seen in another country long ago. I dreaded what the "Free Trelandar" movement seemed to be leading up to. They did not understand that Darlanis would not just sit back and let it "happen". That Darlanis would not let her "dream" die without fighting for it. Perhaps dying for it! "Lady Lorraine, may I help carry your things?" Stan Holt asked, tying the team to the hitching rail. Thistle, like most all the towns I have been in, reminding me something of a western movie set of the 20th Century. Most men bear arms, and daggers are common at women's hips. This is a barbaric and colorful era! "If you wish to," I answered, smiling beneath my veil. Stan obviously being smart enough to "woo the Lady" for the "maiden". He had been coming around every night, all "fixed up", and show- ing surprising interest in my affairs, the boy obviously feeling that "wooing" me was the best way to get to Gayle. That was what I thought then anyway. I would shortly learn quite differently! "Yes, I think this will look quite lovely on you," I said as I held the long silk gown up to Gayle, young Mr. Holt perhaps re- gretting his offer as he stood there watching us pick out things. "I'd like to try it on," she suggested, smiling, the silk of her dress beneath the armpits now dark and wet from her sweat. "Dry yourself off first," I suggested, picking up my hat and veil, fanning myself as Stan regarded me from his dark eyes. He was dark haired, rather on the handsome side, well built if a bit "boyish". The woman storekeeper picking at her things, mopping her brow, her dress plastered to her body by the oppressive heat. I could see the outlines of her nipple clips and the curves of her belly and thighs beneath the material. She wore a dagger like most women of the 26th Century do. She was blonde, a bit on the heavy side. A gold neck-chain was snug around her throat. "Why are you looking at me like that?" I snapped at Stan, seeing his eyes on me. He seemed to do nothing but stare at me. The oppressive heat was making me bad tempered and ornery. Mara on a chair squirmed restlessly with boredom. Sa-she-ra and her daughter had gone elsewhere with Sanda and Sara. I should have brought Yvette to watch Mara, I thought to myself in a streak of anger. I was in a vile mood, and also very much aware of it too! "Nothing, my lady," he said, averting his eyes for a moment. I could feel my half-blouse sticking to my body, outlining my breasts. Felt the sweat there beneath my short skirt, there not being a breath of air in the store. Then he was "staring" at me again! His eyes roaming up and down my figure like I was naked! "Are you observing that your Lady Lorraine sweats like any other woman?" I snapped at him, my hands on my hips as I stood there before him. I suppose I smelled too, although I couldn't tell that. I watched the storekeeper mop under her arms. Like most women she was clean shaved. The middle and upper caste wom- en of the 26th Century usually also shave their pubes as well as their armpits as a rule. Why we shave in both places and men don't is something I've never been able to figure out for myself. "You are a very attractive woman, my lady," he answered me in a tone of voice that told much to one experienced in such things like myself. I have encountered such things before. I am somehow extremely attractive to young men who are not sure of themselves. I suspected that this was the case here with him! "And would you like me to take you out behind this store and show you exactly what a woman like me can do to a boy like you?" I teased him, Mara all ears, the woman shopkeeper gasping to her- self at my words. I was very much aware of her eyes, of my own dominance, of the way that I doubtlessly appeared to him. Women like me often buy young men as slaves for their own sexual pleas- ures. Such things are quite common in this era, and are often the subject of pornographic tales just as they were in my era. While I can assure that I am not "interested" in teenage boys, unfortunately I also happen to be extremely attractive to them! "No, Lady Lorraine!" he breathed, scared now by the reality of the situation. It was no doubt one thing to "fantasize" about me while secretly masturbating, and another thing entirely dif- ferent to actually have his own secret sexual fantasies come true! Had I not had a "reputation" to think about, I might have done differently, teaching him a "lesson" that he'd never forget! "Then don't stand there and look at me like that then," I smiled, regarding him standing there before me. I was in my high heeled boots an inch or so taller than he was, my status infi- nitely higher. Then with a gentle shove I pushed him down into the chair next to Mara and told him to keep an eye on her while I stepped outside for a quick breath of air while Gayle changed! "What do you think, Lorraine?" Gayle asked me, turning be- fore me. The gown did excellent things for her. Made her look older than sixteen, although it is not uncommon for girls her age to be married off among the low castes. Gayle is about 5'7" and goes 35-25-36. A delight to the male eye who knows it too, un- fortunately! Her sister is a bit taller and fuller figured. The gown was a pale gray that went well with her eyes and color. The silk sheer enough that one could see her nipple clips and the sensual swell of her belly and thighs beneath the clinging silk. "It's yours," I told her, paying the shopkeeper, letting Gayle parade herself before Stan Holt. Keeping to myself what had passed between us a few minutes before. Gayle would be much better for him than I would be if things ever got to that point! "I hope our men are sober enough to ride back," Sanda Talen teased me as we entered the tavern where they had gone, our in- tention to both have a quick beer before heading back home. A woman leaning against the doorway wearing little giving me a warm smile. I had recently supported the Prostitute Guild in its clash against the town's mayor who should have known better than to try to tax the "hip-swingers" as he had tried. Not that I hadn't secretly thought it a good idea, but the Guild had the ear of Darlanis and it wasn't too wise on my part to irritate the ruler of California any more than I already had with my actions! Prostitution is legal and common in the Empire, as it is ev- erywhere I know of. The fear of sex that prevailed in my era be- ing now considered quaint and a bit foolish. Such women belong to a powerful Guild that few dare cross if they value their lives. "Hip-swingers", as they are commonly called, now have considerable political power, thanks to Lara Warsan and her long and intimate relationship with Darlanis, who uses them as her "eyes and ears" here in California. Little going on that the Em- press quickly doesn't know about. It is her spies and agents who give her much of the power that she has. There is little that I suspect she doesn't know about. She is "steel" beneath "beauty". The attire of prostitutes is distinctive and attractive, as well as being set by the Guild. The delights are not otherwise marked, and can be, I might note here, of any caste, including the Warrioresses. They wear halters and short skirts, a sort of uniform set by Lara to mark her women as what they are. I might also note that as a general rule they are usually quite expert with the short swords that they all wear as members of the Guild. "There's our men!" Sanda said to me, two of them with brief- ly skirted wenches on their laps. The other at the bar in con- versation with another lovely member of the Guild, it now being late in the afternoon. I didn't like traveling at night, even with guards to protect me on the couple hours' ride back to my estate on the seacoast. It had been only ten days ago that Tara and I had "met". That Sa-she-ra had saved Gayle's and my life. "Yes," I answered, my eyes scanning the dimly lit interior, then halting as a familiar handsome face came into view. One that didn't belong there or anywhere else in the boundaries of the Empire of California! Captain Jon Richards of the ramship Janis! What was he doing here in Thistle? And what of his ship? "Sanda, I will be staying the night here in Thistle," I told my major domo. "Have one of the men leave a mount for me at the stable." Sanda's dark eyes glowing into mine as she nodded. She was a dear. Smart enough to know when to keep her mouth shut! And also smart enough to keep some truly awesome secrets from me! |
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