Standing Outside the Fire

By Summer

Beta read by Slip and Mother2012

3/25 ?

"Will you STOP picking at it!"

Viggo grabbed the itching fingers and pulled them back onto the young man's lap.

Orlando only looked up at Viggo with half pleading eyes and half amusement. "But it itches!"

"Of course it is going to itch. It will itch and burn for at least three days."

Orlando looked over at his arm and sighed. The brand had been done earlier in the morning.
Viggo had not lied and had put him into a drugged sleep. When he awoke, Orlando had waited
for the burning pain that usually followed with branding. Instead, his upper left shoulder felt
numb. Until a few minutes ago. When it started to itch. Unable to resist the urge, Orlando had
used his nails to scratch at the padded wound.

"You are going to leave a scar on top of the brand if you keep scratching like that?"

Even though Viggo's voice was low and a bit on edge, Orlando could tell that his new master was
not truly angry. Annoyed, exasperated, but not angry.

Releasing the young man's hands, Viggo was about to step away when he saw the hand starting
to rise.

"ORLI!"

Snapped back to reality, Orlando put his hand down and sighed. "But - "

Unable to stay angry with the young man, Viggo pulled the boy up into his arms and smiled
before dropping a gentle kiss on his nose.

"If you promise not to itch, I will give you a wonderful present?"

At once his new young slave gave him his master complete attention. "A present?"

Viggo laughed and released the boy and walked over to a nearby trunk. They would be arriving
soon on the main island and he wanted very much to show off his new slave in proper attire.

Opening the trunk, he pulled out a silky white shirt and black silk pants. Orlando's interest faded
slightly. Clothes. Yes, they were nice, but not really what he had been hoping for.

"Here, dress in these."

Obeying at once, Orlando took off what clothes he had on and put the new ones on. Viggo added
socks and shoes to complete the get up. Now fully dressed, Orlando looked much more
presentable.

Viggo was most pleased at the end results. Not as impressive as the blue eyed boy, but Orlando
was not without his own charisma and own endearing looks. Very nice indeed.

Seeing the slight disappointment in the boy's eyes, Viggo couldn't resist. "The clothes are not to
your liking? I chose them just for you?"

Orli touched the garments softly and shrugged. "They are lovely, it is just - " He paused then
shook his head. What the hell was he thinking? He was a slave, his master could have ordered
him to walk naked henceforth. He should be grateful, and he was. "Thank you for the present. I love it."

Viggo decided to let him off the hook and laughed. "Orli, that is not the present. This is the
present."

Taking out a small box in his pocket, he threw it to Orli who caught it in mid air. Now, the
brown eyes were full of eagerness and at once snapped open the small box.

The facial expression was worth the wait. Orli's eyes misted over and his mouth dropped open in
shock.

"Th-this is for me? Master?"

Viggo shrugged and, removing the delicate bracelet from the box, he set to putting it on
Orlando's wrist. The bracelet was made of sterling silver with topaz stones. It even had a final
styled initial V just beside the topaz stones.

"Viggo, Orli. In private please call me Viggo."

Orlando looked up and smiled. "Viggo? Thank you! It's beautiful. I ... I never. I ... " Unable to
think of anything to say, Orlando flew into Viggo's arms and lowered his head on his master's
shoulders.

As far back as he could remember, no one had ever been so kind or generous to him. In Viggo, he
had been blessed by the gods. They had finally taken pity on him. His new master was indeed the
most wonderful man on earth.

Viggo laughed then spied the long slender fingers reaching for the padded wound. "Ah! You
promised?"

The older man smiled and, unable to stop himself - nor wanting to - he gave Orlando a firm but
gentle kiss on the lips.

"We will be docking within the hour. I have much to do today. But I will escort you to my
chambers and you can catch up on some much needed sleep. I will join you later for lunch. And
all I ask is - that you do NOT scratch the brand mark?"

Orlando promised faithfully, but oh! how it itched. A few moments later, Viggo cried out for his
task master.

"Jonah, can you get me some of that special non itch cream - and hurry!"

***

The memories returned quickly when he awoke. The fear followed almost immediately. Elijah
then suddenly felt a lightness around his neck. Reaching for his medallion, he found that it was
gone.

Sitting up, Elijah saw Sean just returning from somewhere. He closed and locked the door behind
him. Elijah felt the rage overcome his fear and he leapt from the bed and dove at Sean with blood
on his mind.

Sean however, after years of dealing with slaves, was prepared for such an attack and easily side-
stepped and tripped the boy with his foot causing Elijah to slam into the door.

Moving quickly, Sean grabbed one arm around the boy's neck and the other around Elijah's waist.
The boy continued to struggle, but Sean had control of the situation.

"Easy, easy! Now what brought this on Little Elijah."

Elijah only spat and kicked, trying every which way to break free of the firm hold Sean had on
him. After what seemed like a long time for him, and getting nowhere, Elijah stilled but prepared
himself for any opening he could take.

"My medallion! You stole it! Give it back! It's mine!"

Sean winced and lowered his eyes for a moment. Ah, so that is what set him off. He hated doing
it but he knew that he had little choice in what he did. He had to take it. For Elijah's safety and
well being. It was lucky enough the pirates had not realized what the medallion was worth and
unfortunate that Elijah did not understand what the medallion represented. It was obvious that
some of the people on that block, including Liam, would know exactly what that medallion
meant. It was like raising a red flag in front of a dozen bulls. If he was to keep Elijah alive ...

"Elijah, I'm sorry. You have every right to be angry. I should have told you before taking it. I put
it in a safe place and I will return it to you. I promise! But, for now it must stay hidden."

Elijah only felt another wave of rage and began to kick wildly again. Sean had no choice;
removing Elijah from the door, he slammed him down onto the floor with a loud thump.

Elijah yelped in pain, and Sean regretted what he had to do. Securing the boys arms behind his
back, he reached for the shackles at his side and quickly chained the boy's hands. Once done, he
did the same to Elijah's ankles. With him secured, Sean picked the boy up and settled him onto
the bed.

Unwilling to admit defeat, Elijah made one last vain attempt to kick Sean with both his feet, but
Sean easily held them down with one hand.

"Do you know the penalty for striking your master?"

Elijah gulped and shook his head, a sudden cold fear washing through him.

"Twenty five lashes or death by my hand."

Elijah tried to swallow and couldn't. His mouth went dry. Tears sprung up in Elijah's eyes as he
realized the trouble he now found himself in.

Sean hated himself for the threat he made. Empty threat, he knew, but Elijah didn't.

"I will forgive you for this one time. Because I took something from you without permission. I
tell you again, the medallion WILL be returned to you when you are given your freedom."

"Why?" asked Elijah, still not sure whether he was going to be punished or worse.

"I can't explain it to you now. I am afraid we have other things that must take precedence."

Sean walked over to a small cabinet and, pulling out a drawer, he took out a small vial and a long
needle.

Elijah cringed. So, he was going to be punished after all. "No, please ... "

A knock came at the door and Sean put the vial and needle down to let the arrival inside. Billy
stepped into the room, accompanied by another man who was carrying something in his hand.
Elijah's eyes widened to see what ever he was carrying, a metal poker and it was smoldering.

"He's still awake?" Asked Billy his own eyes expressing concern and fear towards his friend.

Sean shrugged. "I was a bit delayed."

Reaching for the vial and needle on the nearby table, he loaded the shot with the drug and moved
towards Elijah. The absolute terror on Elijah's face caused Sean to pause again. He swallowed
and shook his head.

"It's just going to sting for a second."

Elijah only let out a scream and started to try to wiggle away, when Sean pushed the needle into
the boy's right shoulder.

Billy moved fast holding the boy in place as Sean pushed the liquid out of the vial and into
Elijah's veins. "Easy Blue-eyes, easy."

Two fat tears dropped from the boy's frightened eyes before they closed and he drifted away into
unconsciousness.

Sean felt like a monster, as he threw the needle and empty vial into a nearby waste-basket. He
could feel a bad headache coming on.

"Would you rather he be awake?" asked Billy, gesturing Craig to come forward.

Craig Parks was the tallest man of his crew and had dark wavy hair with deep sparkling blue
eyes. He was handsome and had many men and women fawning at his heels. He had served with
Billy for many years, but as far as Billy knew, Craig preferred the sea to land. If Billy needed to
talk with Craig he was always to be found on a ship. Or in a saloon near the shore.

They were good friends and Billy trusted Craig's experience in branding. Quickly and expertly
accomplished, over and done without causing too much harm and fear in the slaves. The man
also kept a supply of a special ointment he applied before and after the branding which prevented
most infections from setting in.

Craig had been there when Sean had been brought into the Anthony household. Craig had
branded him years ago. Sean never forgot it. Billy saw the flash of hatred in Sean's eyes at the
sight of Craig.

However before Billy could speak in defense of Craig, Sean was already out of the room. Billy
sighed and, holding Elijah in his arms, he watched as Craig took out the fiery poker and placed
the brand on the slender youth's upper shoulder. The meatier the spot, the less pain it would cause
Elijah.

He could smell the burning of the flesh and Billy's heart sickened at it. He knew it was a
necessity but that didn't mean he liked it any more than Sean did. Once it was done, Billy ordered
the ice pack and the special ointment. Then settling Elijah back on the bed and dismissing Craig,
Billy kept the ice pack on the new brand and waited for Sean to return.

When Sean came back into the cabin moments later, he was carrying the golden medallion.
Closing the door behind him, Sean saw Billy's curious face and knew he would have to explain
everything.

Sean handed Billy the medallion.

"What is this? You took it from him? Is that why you had to chain him?" Billy was not happy. It
was so unlike Sean to steal from a slave what remained of his belongings.

Sean nodded.

"Why?"

"I will explain. Later. For now, keep this for him. When the time comes, I will return it to him."

Billy wasn't sure he liked any of this secrecy, but loving Sean and trusting him, he took the
medallion and placed it into his pocket. "Very well."

But as Billy watched Sean kneel near Elijah's slumped form and his fingers gently stroked the
boy's cheek and hair, he sighed sadly. Tears had filled Sean's eyes and Billy felt his irritation
vanish, replaced by pity. His poor Sean. His poor sensitive Sean.

"He will be fine, Sean. Just give him a few days."

Sean only shook his head and faced Billy with his pain showing in his clouded eyes. "No, Billy.
It will never be fine. Slavery is wrong. Branding is wrong. All of this is wrong! I hate this world
that we live in. I hate this place. I hate ..."

Billy opened his arms and Sean moved into them. Holding Sean gently, Billy placed a soft kiss
on Sean's cheek. "Hush my dear. I know. But this is the world we live in, this is what we are
stuck with. Come, he will be asleep for the next five hours and in six we will arrive at the docks.
We will be home by supper. Let us make this journey something to remember."

Sean paused and turned to look at Elijah, an eyebrow raised.

"I will have Candy stay with him. If he should wake, I'll have her come and get us."

Sean would not leave until Billy's servant girl came and indeed got her to promise to send for
them if Elijah showed any signs of discomfort or waking.

A few minutes later, Billy pulled Sean into his cabin. Dominic was there, and yet wasn't. He had
been in the middle of reading a book on one of Billy's shelves in the corner of the room when
they entered the small cabin. Seeing what was coming as private, he had meant to make his
departure, but Billy had locked the door when he and Sean entered the cabin.

Unable to leave, Dominic could only try to keep his attention on his book. But the sounds that
came from the nearby bunk bed had his eyes jerking up every so often.

It was not the usual coupling he had witnessed many times before. Not a fast quick release; Billy
and Sean both slowly undressed each other, all the while kissing each part of skin they
uncovered. Once their clothes were gone, they started with gentle touches and tender strokes on
their heated bodies.

Dominic often felt disgust at seeing such things in the past. Quick and cheap fucks by men, often
against the other's will. A young girl with red hair flashed into his memory and Dom felt
completely repulsed by what almost happened in front of his eyes just weeks ago.

He swallowed raggedly. This time, this coupling between these two men, was completely
different. It was like watching a dance. Intricate and graceful. Loving and full of passion. The
likes of which he had never seen before.

When Sean and his master came down upon the bed, it was together in a warm embrace, their
eyes never leaving each other. They moved in time with the ship, rocking slowly and then
quickly and then slowly again. Soft whispered words were exchanged and, shamelessly, Dominic
found himself unable to turn away. The book long since dropped closed in his lap.

Dominic was surprised when it was Billy who opened his legs, wrapping them around Sean's
waist. Sean found a small vial just under the bunk bed, reaching for it, he slowly rubbed the oil
on his member and then coating Billy's anus thoroughly both in and out, making sure he would
be slick and ready to receive the seeking heat.

Billy moaned and his hands reached for his current lover and quickly stroked Sean's chest with
his fingers. Tongues reached out and lips joined. The room echoed the sounds of mutual pleasure
and when Sean thrust deep into Billy's pliant body, Dominic found his mouth dropping open.
Billy pushed closer against Sean's body, one arm wrapped about Sean's neck, while the other
tightly clung onto Sean's very round muscled rump.

"Seannie!"

"Bills."

"Please - "

They whispered and joined again and again in a wave of sweet labored love that had been
practiced and perfected years ago. The release then came quickly for Sean, his eyes widening as
orgasm swept him over the edge and it took several moments before he returned to himself.
When he did, he could see Billy was still in a state of arousal. His hands set to work quickly and
Billy cried out in the back of his throat as his own orgasm neared. They hung there in a moment
of time, just the two of them, and then Billy allowed himself to reach ecstasy and was milked by
Sean's hands for every drop.

Out of breath and still lost in the rapture of their love making, they refused to move from each
other's arms. Dominic knew within moments they would be recovered and would join again in
this obvious and mutual love making.

This time, Dominic managed to get up from his seat and move to the far corner of the room. He
turned away. Not in disgust, this time, but in respect for their deserved privacy.

He picked up the book and started to read once more. Somehow the words were not as interesting
as they had been scant minutes before.

***

Sean dressed and gave Billy a parting kiss on the nose. Unlocking the door, he headed out of the
cabin intending to return to Elijah's side. He did not give Dominic a parting glance, though Dom
was sure Sean knew he had been in the room. Alone now with his new master, Dom finally
closed his book and tried to be as quiet as he could in putting it back on the shelf.

But Billy turned onto his side in the bunk bed and lifting himself up on one arm he smiled. "Was
it interesting?"

Startled, Dominic had thought for sure his master had fallen asleep after the sessions of
passionate art of love. Instead Billy looked, not only wide awake, but almost looking like he was
ready to take on more.

"What?" Dominic asked at a loss, unsure what to do. Standing there in front of the
bookshelf after all he had witnessed made him suddenly feel quite exposed.

"The book - was it interesting? 'The Art of gardening'?"

"Ahem, yes." He lamely added. For now, looking into those blue eyes and just now realizing how
very handsome his master was, he shrugged not remembering anything about the book he had
been reading. "Yes, it was."

"Good. Even though you were reading 'Merman of the Sea'. So how about your brand. How are
you feeling?"

Billy pointed at the padded wound on Dom's upper shoulder. He had been branded earlier in the
morning and Dom had refused the drug induced shot. He remained awake through it all. Billy
had been amazed at Dom's stubbornness and his resilience to pain.

After the procedure though, Billy was quite forceful himself and insisted on numbing the area
with a strong anesthetic and ice pack. He had even handed Dom some special lotion that would
prevent any itchiness that occurred as the wound healed, demanding that he use it.

Dom shrugged. "I'm ... fine. Thank you for your concern, Master." Reminded of the branding,
Dom couldn't help but feel the return of his anger and pride. He was now truly a slave.

Billy heard the angry undertone and nodded. "Sorry about what happened here, Dominic. I am
afraid that Sean and I sometimes forget what is around us in certain moments. I will try not to let
it happen again. I am feeling rather sleepy. Why don't you go for a walk on deck and enjoy the
fresh air. Please - do not jump ship. Sharks infest these waters and we are still many miles from
shore."

Turning away, Billy did not hide the smile on his lips as he closed his eyes and drifted off to
sleep.

Dom remained where he was for several moments. Then with an annoyed look he opened the
door and headed out.

When he reached the deck, Dom was surprised to see many men were already about. Most were
workers and seemed to be intent on keeping the ship on its correct route and on schedule.

All around he could see only the ocean. Dom took a deep breath and felt the salty air fill his
lungs. Turning, he saw that the sky was a clear blue with a brightly shining sun just above them.
It was going to be a warm but cheerful day. Full of possibilities. Full of promise.

Dom felt very conflicted. He had sworn the day he was going on the block that he would die
before spending one day in slavery. Now, his thoughts were changing.

Billy seemed unlike the other slave masters. In fact, Billy seemed almost too good to be true.
Kind, fair and even sensitive. Billy also had an amusing wittiness about him that stirred Dom in
some odd ways, drew him to the man.

No, he made that mistake once, he was not going to make it again.

Dom closed his eyes and still remembered Liam's arms around him. The kisses, the promises and
the burning attraction. The heat that almost set him on fire. He opened his eyes and Dom felt a
wave of anger and betrayal flood his veins. Liam had lured him in for the kill and the fool that he
was he had fallen for it. And it had all been a lie, a deception. Dom had seen Liam's evil all too
late. His trust of another held so many consequences, including the loss of his freedom.

Someday, I will have my revenge. Dominic vowed. Someday.

And Dom knew he would, he just had to wait. Now, however he had another problem. Lord
William Anthony.

Dom had heard of the man from Liam months ago. None of which had been good. Or so Dom
had been led to believe. Now, as he had been unsure of Liam, now he was unsure of William
Anthony - Billy. His new Master. But he was filled with contrasts.

Dom also couldn't hide the feeling evoked as he watched Lord William and Lord Solomon Sean
Wade make love on that bed. Dom swallowed and still felt the arousal below his waist.

Sighing, Dom wrapped his hands around the railing and stared out at the sea. Several fins came
up out of the water and for a moment Dom was sure it was the sharks his master had mentioned.
But these were not sharks. They were dolphins that seemed to be in a race against the boat itself.
Trying to out run it. Dom smiled to see the dolphins succeed and then vanish into the fathoms
below.

Dom wondered indeed what it would have been like to be born a fish instead of a human being.
A dolphin no less. Free to wander the ocean as far as you could see. Free to do what ever you
wanted. Free.

His hand moved to the padded wound and he pulled the dressing away to stare at the brand. It
was a small mark. Smaller than all the other markings he'd seen. Not like Lord Liam's that had a
special design, intricate and styled to be quite painful for it's intended victim: an elaborate 'B'
burned into his skin.

He would never be free now. His heart sank. Even if in four years, Billy could be persuaded to
give him his freedom, Dominic was branded and henceforth he would always be looked upon as
a slave. For Dominic knew the truth, unlike others, slaves clung to hope that someday they could
win their freedom.

That was of course a lie. The branding labeled them forever in the minds of the Lords and
Masters. No, freedom for even a former slave was a dream, an impossible dream.

Throwing the stained dressing into the water, Dom closed his eyes in anguish, covering his eyes
with his hand. It was the first time he allowed himself to feel anything since the betrayal of the
man he had loved. He thought he was beloved, until his Lord sold him off to pirates. Tears came
to his eyes and Dominic began to weep. He had been such a fool.

Billy watched Dominic from the doorway. He had meant to go to sleep, but Billy had still felt a
bit of fear that Dom might foolishly follow David's choice and jump ship. That fear had caused
him to dress and come out on deck.

He now realized that Dom was a different being than that teenage boy that had plunged to his
death. Dom was brave and strong and he was a survivor. He would not jump ship. He would not
flee.

But watching Dom weep caused Billy to realize also that everyone had limits. Even Dominic
Caligula. Billy wanted nothing more than to go to him and take him into his arms and assure him
that all would be well. Things would only get better. But Dom was not ready. Not yet. Perhaps he
never would be.

And Billy could not understand why he felt such a wave of sadness come over him. A sadness for
things that would never be.

***

Elijah awoke to find the chains on his hands removed, and then began to stare at the bandaged
wound on his arm in despair. He knew Sean was in the room and made no other attempt to strike
out at his master. Nothing mattered now anyway. He was a branded slave, his freedom gone and
his ankles chained.

Where could he go anyway?

Staring at his hands, Elijah allowed tears to fall. Nothing mattered anymore, all was lost, he only
felt emptiness.

A flask was pushed in his direction. Elijah stared at it and then at Sean in confusion.

"Water. You must not get dehydrated. Candy will be bringing us some food shortly. Come on.
Drink up."

Elijah did as he was ordered. He didn't realize how thirsty he was until the water touched his lips.
He downed the flask in just a few gulps. Elijah wiped his mouth with his arm and then handed
Sean the empty flask.

Sean nodded and moved to a table and two chairs. A knock came at the door.

"Enter."

A raven-haired woman entered the room carrying a tray. Candy. The smell of food tempted
Elijah as it's aroma filled his nostrils, but he did not dare move.

She set the tray down. With a slight bow at Sean, the serving girl left the room.

Elijah's stomach growled and still Elijah remained where he was.

Sean removed the lid and glanced at the tempting treats. He looked over at Elijah and seeing the
obvious hunger in the young one's eyes he nodded.

"I don't know about you, but I am starving." Sitting down, Sean dug in, but as he went to put a
piece of chicken into his mouth he stopped to look over at Elijah, to see the boy had not moved
from the bed. In fact, he didn't seem to be making any attempt to join him at the table. Yes, he
was still chained, but Sean had loosened the chains so if Elijah wanted to get up he could walk
about, and he had released the chains on Elijah's wrists. So why wasn't he coming over?

Elijah still remembered the food brought in to the guards. The food had smelled so tempting and
so good and none was given to the slaves.

Elijah had eventually, like the others, been hungry enough to beg for food. But the guards had
only laughed at them all and gorged themselves, tormenting the hungry slaves.

One young slave girl had reached out her hand between the bars. Beseeching them for something,
anything to eat. The head guard had stomped on her hand in response.

Sean grabbed a plate and throwing as much food as he could on it, he then brought it over to
Elijah.

"Eat." He handed the plate to Elijah and waited.

Elijah stared at Sean in obvious confusion all the while his stomach growled and then suddenly a
wave of dizziness began to over take him. He didn't feel right, and bile began to rise in his throat.

"Elijah - when was the last time you ate?"

Elijah tried to think and couldn't remember. Sean smiled regretfully and then nodded. "Ok, let's
try a small bit at first."

But the hunger overtook Elijah and he took the plate from Sean. With one bite of chicken passing
his lips, he started to jam more food into his mouth. He was so hungry! Ignoring the dizziness
and the bile that was threatening to fill his throat, he stuffed more food in his mouth.

Moments later, Elijah's body rejected the contents abruptly. All over the floor.

Holding the slumped boy in his arms, Sean shouted for one of the healers Billy had brought on
the ship. With Dominic at his side, Billy arrived moments later, along with a middle-aged man.

Later Elijah was clean and sound asleep curled up in blankets. Sitting at the table, Sean stared at
the cold food shaking his head. Billy sat opposite him, while Dominic remained quietly in the
background, silent but listening.

"Dehydration and starvation is par for the course, Sean. You know that."

"But, how could they! How could anyone starve him. He was valuable property if nothing else. "

"Sean, I know it if is difficult for you. But you remember how it was, and that not much has
changed and certainly not for the better. Even though Blue-eyes would fetch well in the auction
block that does not mean they had to treat him better than the others. He is fortunate now to be
alive and well in your care. A liquid diet for two days and then we can move to soft foods and
then, he will be fine. He just needs nutrients as the healer said, and time."

Sean only shook his head. A whistle sounded from somewhere above.

Billy looked up and smiled. "We are almost home."

Getting to his feet, Billy made for the door and Dominic followed after him.

As Billy headed for the top deck, he paused to see that Dominic was slow to follow him. Turning
to his slave, Billy waited for him. When Dominic caught up, Billy could see the confusion in his
eyes.

"What is it Dominic?"

"What - what did you mean - you remember how it was?"

Billy smiled and shrugged. "Oh, Sean. Sean was once a slave. My slave. He is now a free man,
and not just a free man -- he has his own plantation. Perhaps you heard of it. Solomon Estates.
He is something that everyone aspires to be. A beacon of hope."

Dom grabbed Billy's arm and then, realizing what he had done, he released his master's arm. He
waited to see if Billy would retaliate at his presumption, and when he saw only a smile on Billy's
lips, he couldn't help himself and had to protest.

"That's not possible. No slave is ever really made free!"

"Ah, my dear Dominic. It is so, and perhaps someday - I will prove it to you as well."

Billy then turned and with a laugh hurried up the staircase. Dominic, after a long moment,
followed after him.

***

North Westward, Western Sea Shores

The ocean waters crashed along the cliffs, but the fortress castle remained secure above the hill.
It had existed here for many centuries and would remain many more.

The lone figure came from a ship docked near the Drendan community. She came alone and
made her way on foot towards the fortress. When she arrived, the male guard bowed low at her
feet and turned to his fellow guardsman to fetch his Lady, the mistress of the house.

She stepped out of the room, just after settling the children into their new beds. She felt a wave
of sadness and peace in seeing they were finally starting to settle into their new home and
surroundings. They were still asking for 'Mama', but in time they would adjust. She would do
what she could in trying to locate their birth mother, but she was sure that the woman was either
dead, or somewhere far from rescue.

As she made her way down the dark hallway, intending to turn in for a long, much needed sleep,
her guardsman came towards her to bow at her feet. "Rise, Guardsman, what news do you bring
me at such a late hour?"

The guard only replied. "She has come, my Lady."

***

A few moments later, Liv entered the main hall to see a lone figure standing in front of the fire
place warming her hands from the bitter cold she had brought with her from the sea.

"Aia!"

The dark haired woman turned and smiled, pushing back the cloak hood from her shoulders, a
moment later the two embraced tight in each other's arms. Their lips touching openly and without
hesitation.

Then, the kiss was broken and Liv touched her guests shoulders with urgency.

"You have news?"

"I have reason to believe yes, that I have found someone that may know what happened to your
youngest."

"Thank you!" Liv went to hug the Amazon, only for Aia to hold her back.

"It is not without a price."

Liv paused and nodded, she moved to the nearby chest but Aia got in her way. "No. Not money.
Not gold." Liv paused again and then went to remove her clothing, but Aia once again put the
clothing back into place.

"What do you wish of me?"

"Your father has much knowledge of the council's doings. I want to know when and where the
next meeting is to be set."

Liv looked at the woman in shock and realization hit her. "You cannot be serious."

"I am deadly serious. I have long since waited and bided my time. I will wait no longer. It is time
for the day of Woman. Man has ruled long enough in North Westward."

Liv paused and swallowed before turning away. Aia reached out and gently touched Liv's
shoulder. She moved her head forward and touched her friend's neck with a gentle kiss.

"You know this is so."

"Not all men are cruel Aia. That I do know."

Moving away from Liv of Norwood, Aia removed her cloak in one swift movement and then
threw herself onto a nearby couch. Liv called for her servant. A youth of about 12 years old
entered the room with a bottle of wine and two crystal goblets. He set them carefully on the small
serving table and stood aside. Liv poured herself and Aia glasses of wine. Smiling at the boy and
giving him a wink, she dismissed him with a small movement of her hand and turned to give Aia
one goblet, keeping the other.

Taking a sip of the wine, Aia stared at Liv with a small smile upon her lips. "Here you hide away
for the past six years, hidden by your father for safety. You should be walking in the sunlight,
treated like a queen instead of a simple wench doling out only the power her father allows her."

"Do not speak of these things to me, Aia. You know I love my father dearly."

"I say nothing against him. He is indeed a good man. One of few that exist. Your 'sweet' older
brother however is filth to me."

"I do not deny James is evil. Even as children, he took pleasure in hurting me and torturing little
Orli. I fear now that James is the one responsible for making my little brother turn against me and
our father. For Orli to go on that ship and fight ..."

"Fight us. Yes, I know."

"Orli was always so kind and sweet. Gentle. He loved to paint and ..."

"And the knowledge that somewhere out there he still lives. I have proof now and I know of one
who can perhaps reveal the truth. But my information is not for free."

Liv turned to Aia and shook her head, putting down her goblet untouched. "What you ask of me
is treacherous. The penalty is death if I am found out."

"Only if I fail in what I plan to do, Liv." Aia got to her feet and placed her crystal goblet next to
Liv's, she put her hands gently on each side of the dark-haired beauty's face. When their eyes met,
Aia nodded. "Long have I stood by and watched as evil and war caused pain, running riot
throughout our world. It must end. The madness must be ended. I will and can put a stop to it.
And I promise you, there will be only a little blood shed. Must you hear it from my lips? No
harm will come to your father. Nor any of those that you care about. I promise you, my love."

Liv listened then smiled up at the woman and nodded.

"Orli is alive?"

"Yes. He is alive."

"I will get you what you need."

Aia smiled and kissed Liv gently on the lips.

"Your brother James, at the auction today bought someone of great importance. The slave's name
is Daniel. Go and buy him and you will find the clue you need to find your missing Orli."

Aia moved to collect her cloak and leave, but Liv stayed her with a raised hand. "The night is not
yet over. Are you in such a hurry you cannot stay - for a bit of refreshment?"

Aia dropped her cloak once more and smiled back at Liv. In answer she began to unbutton her
blouse.

***

The ships docked on the harbor. The masters, Billy and Sean were the first to step off the boat.
Two beautiful coaches were waiting for them. Several of the ship's crew collected the luggage
and loaded them onto the waiting vehicles. Paying Craig his money, Billy turned to Sean.

"I will see you later this week? Friday?"

"Sounds perfect. I will join you at your plantation. I expect to taste first hand your new cook's
tempting foods."

Billy gave Sean a hug and then turned to see Dominic, Candy and Miranda, the new cook in tow
stepping down from the ship. He smiled at the lot of them.

"Let's go. Home is only a few miles away."

Sean watched them get into their coach. He waved as they headed on their way. Turning, Sean
then saw that Elijah was standing on the boat, staring all around him, his face frightened and
confused. Lost. Elijah looked so small and broken.

"Come on, Elijah. Let's go home."

He held out his hand and Elijah slowly made his way down towards his master. The chains had
been removed but the bandage on his arm was still in place. Tentatively Elijah raised a hand to
scratch at the pad.

Seeing this Sean nodded. "As soon as we get to the plantation I will put some more ointment on
your arm. Ready?"

He moved to the carriage and opened the door. Then he looked to the young man and waited.

Elijah looked carefully all around him. He considered for one wild moment to make a run for it.
He was weakened and tired; and then, like that, the thought was gone.

Sean held out his hand again and Elijah stared at it.

"Elijah. Come."

Hesitantly, Elijah reached and took the offered hand and stepped toward him.

Sean smiled. It was the first step for them both. There would be many more that would need to be
taken before Elijah would openly accept all that had happened to him and understand that his life
was still worth living.

Sean helped Elijah into the carriage and then swung in behind him. Closing the door, he tapped
on the roof. "Home as fast as you can get us there, Kevin."

With a slash of his whip, the driver brought the horses around, turning in the opposite direction
from the route Billy's carriage had gone, Kevin headed the horses toward the Solomon's estate.
They would be home just in time for supper.