The Valkyrie War, Part 3

Fury and Reform
I jump awake, gasping for air, finding it quite easily, as I pant, trying to shake whatever was binding me away. I quickly look around, finding the room I am stuck within empty, thank the gods. I try hard not to think on what happened last night, even though it’s plain as the day that bleeds in from the small window, which I move a bit to finally gaze from. Mid-day, were I to guess. I can hear speech from the window, though hard to hear, it slowly clears up, while I slow my breathing.

“Naturally. I would not push it any further- What if his magic manifested and somehow broke the tethers?” It did not sound like Matriarch, nor Vinnah.

“I agree. You also tried Domination magic on his mind?” Another unfamiliar voice… In fact, I find myself unable to detect differences between the first two I hear.

“I have tried many forms on him, in many different ways. He has been affected by only the most… mundane… of trials. All of the harsher mind magic he appears to be nearly immune to. However, I think I have found a way to break past his mental power. He appears to have a weakness to simply being touched.” That one is Vinnah… I listen harder, nearly stopping my breathing.

“Is that so? To resort to such barbaric tactics are petty, War Leader.” They already redefine Barbaric, what point is there of them trying to justify how it should be used?

“I think the War Leader is within her bounds. We do not need an insufferable breeding male. If he has a weakness, exploit it and weaken him. Humans are weak to suggestion, manipulation, and above all, a pretty face. Think sisters, how many knights have failed to strike our visage because it would be against their ideals?” I wonder that myself. I’ve felt their magic, that powerful charm… I guess I’ve even fallen for it, or just gotten over it. I don’t know which part scares me the most.

“This male is different than those. He has few weaknesses, and I have spoken with the Matriarch again. She has hastened the Sages return, as he has shown signs of suicidal thought. We cannot risk it.” Vinnah again, as I partially snicker, drawing a breath, missing a line of speech from the next speaker…

“…if it is needed.” I don’t know what was just suggested, and I wish I had, as a bit of regret for having to breathe hits me.

“I shall gather it for you, War Leader.” I regret it much more now. I wait, listening.

“Very well. I will return to his side, maybe he will be less difficult today.” I don’t really have much of an idea of how to make this look like I wasn’t listening, so I don’t bother, as Vinnah enters her home, staring at me. I stand, and shake my head.

“Sounded like you were praising me out there. A man of few weaknesses?” Vinnah doesn’t look very surprised, as she sets a scabbard along the farthest wall, next to her spears. It is the sword the King gave me. “That belongs to me.”

Vinnah laughs, sighing. “No longer, male. So you have good hearing? I will keep that in mind for future conversations. The Sages will be here late tomorrow. You have no time to make choices, tonight. I will ask outright, as even the Matriarch is growing concerned with your abilities to deflect magic in your sleep. Will you give up? I will make it worth your while.” Vinnah turns to me, and hands me a filled waterskin. She stares at me with a strange face, as if a string of hope had been ripped from it.

“Concerned with me? Why, what happened? What did you try when I was sleeping?” I take the skin, and set it aside, as she takes a few steps closer, while I hold my ground.

“Many, many things. They did not work. However, there are troubling signs with your aura that suggest you will be put to death tomorrow. It is natural for one to be resistant to our magic- Not immune. I will ask again- Will you give up this resistance and accept me and what comes?”

“What would you care for? I don’t understand this safe and unsafe crap, nor do I care. Currently, the only thing I want is to deny your tribe what they want the most- It’s what you all deserve, in my eyes.” I watch Vinnah, as she balls a fist, but releases it.

“Human, what could you possibly know of our home, our people? We do not deserve extinction, if any that does deserve it, they be of your descent. We are grand hunters, preservers, and maintainers of balance in this world. Even with the last of our women here, we guard and hold ground against armies from all over. They seek our companionship- We have had offers of peace from nations, as long as we would serve their lords and nobles. King Grawsis of Dalora is no different. We do not seek their council, nor do we ever plan to give them our land in true. I have lived for nearly five hundred years, and all I have seen is greed from your kind- Even you have shown greed.”

I stare at her, and shake my head. “Greed? You seriously think that is why I came to speak with your tribe?” Vinnah walks to her table, and fetches a scroll, opening it, looking it over, before throwing it to my feet. “What’s this?” I grab it, and pick it up to read it.

“Proof of your greed.” Vinnah’s voice is a bit sour, as she waits for me to finish reading it.

I look through the scroll… ‘For the Subjugation of the Valkyrie Clan, Sill Evarrus is to be awarded a fifth of the land they possess, a small fortress to be built upon it, with one hundred servants, and a tenth of my personal treasury for his outstanding services. Please make sure to deliver materials and slaves to the castle from my outlaying forts to prepare for his success. Signed, King Dalis Grawsis’… I stare blankly, and almost laugh, as so much faith was put in me, which must look silly by now. “I never said I would subjugate anything.” I note the dated seal… It is dated two days before I even arrived at the Dalorian Kingdom. “This… was written before I was even given the task…” I crush the scroll, and shake my head. “You gathered this two days before I even arrived, didn’t you?”

Vinnah nods, “We noticed the rushing of his transports, and simply pillaged the smallest one. We knew of your coming to take our lands.” She has a sour look on her face, but if I had received the same message, maybe I’d have felt the same.

“That bastard is the reason I am where I am, then.” I lean against the wall, sipping the waterskin, as I rest on the furs. “I came to talk to your people, not subjugate them. I was told to barter for a part of your land, not ask that you hand it over. What the hell did the King think he was doing, was he just going to push you out regardless? A fort on his land… If I wanted it or not, I would get acclaim for whatever was done, and he would have a renowned Mediator living on his lands, even if in name only.” I feel betrayed, as were it not for the King’s hasty stupidity, I would not be here, nor would I have had much trouble speaking to these people.

“So you deny what was written?” Vinnah looks down over me, with her continued sour look.

“If it were true, wouldn’t I gleefully say it to your face, after all you have put me through? If he was not so dense, I would not be here. I wouldn’t be the Valkyrie’s favorite slave, nor would I have any inkling I had any magical prowess. I would have succeeded or failed, and moved on to the next job within my chosen career. I became a Mediator to solve problems, not cause them!” I slam my fist into the furs, which really does nothing at all. “And yet, one over-zealous, foolish King throws any stability I had tried to develop to the winds, before I even arrive!” Yelling now, Vinnah seems surprised.

She takes a couple steps towards me once more, and laughs. “What a petty act. Attempting to justify what you agreed on, how best to lie and make yourself seem the victim? How pathetic.” My anger peaks, as I stand, and she stares, with a little tilt of her head. “You even raised your cute little voice…” That was it. I felt my right hand ball up so tight, my fingernails dug into skin.

“Enough!” I roar, as I raise my right arm, and swing- Vinnah’s eyes show a fear, as I punch her in the left cheek, taking a step forward- She reacts so slowly, as if in slow motion, slowly bending backward as she attempted to avoid the blow… I push through with my punch, as waves of freezing air erupt through the home, sending Vinnah, and the better part of her front door, out into the streets of her village. I don’t know what had snapped within me, but all I wanted to do was HURT her. I knew I was moving forward, as the tethers of light holding me snapped like twigs.

“Detain him!” Vinnah calls over, as four Valkyrie move, blades drawn, to greet me. I raise my left hand, and find it holding the rapier crafted for me by the King. As they draw closer to me, they start moving slower, and slower, as if they were standing still… I move between them, as their flat-bladed strikes miss behind me, hitting the ground. I notice that many of the tribe have left their homes with weapons, and even the Matriarch has appeared. She raises her hand, and no one else advances, as Vinnah stands, calling her lance from the skies once more.

She thrusts towards me, as I grab the lance tip with my bare hand, stopping it. “Not twice.” I growl through grit teeth, anger seething in every pore. I pull the lance upwards, as I tear it from her grasp quickly, and throw it- I do not know how far, but from the sides of my vision, I notice slack jawed faces looking up and over, as it soars away from this place. I slam the rapier into her right shoulder, and watch her grimace in pain, slowing down, as I grab her throat with my left hand, now free.

She struggles a moment, something scaring her, as she mutters through my grasp; “Your eyes…” I smile, so glad she is the one in pain. So very happy… An eye for an eye, as they have said. I hit her with my right hand, as hard as I possibly could, in the left eye, praying it swells as mine did; She hits the ground, and bounces upward, spinning slowly, as she hits the ground, rolling over twice before stopping, and spitting up blood, coughing. I feel so content, so fulfilled, that I barely notice I have fallen to my knees. I slowly go numb, looking down at the ground, as my head is hit with something flat and sturdy, sending my vision to darkness.

-----

I wake up, though I do not know why I bother. I can hear chanting, and soon, through blurred vision, can see four women dressed in brilliant silken robes, see through far enough to play with the imagination. I notice Vinnah and the Matriarch, as they stand watch in the back of the room, though I am not sure where I am. The chanting continues, as a gentle hand is placed on my chest, and one of the Sages smiles, “Rest, we will not harm you.” Through partial sleepiness and mostly wanting to say something, I prepare to comment on their robes.

The words do not come out; instead, my chest floats an inch off the ground, magic drawing up and into the air- I can see whatever was inside me, as it slowly manifests into some small beast, curled and quite cute looking. I shake my head trying to get a better view, though it really does nothing. The Sage offers a hand to the small beast, as it wakes from its slumber, looking up with a tilted head. It raises a paw, and strikes at her fingers playfully, making her smile.

“My little beast of hearts magic, are you at peace with yourself?” The little beast nods, and yawns, stretching out, and sitting up, shaking snow from its strange, white and silver fur, as its tail wags. I try to speak, curious, but nothing comes out; instead, the little creature called from my chest mewls cutely, as all four Sages giggle. “You are a beast of great kindness, but perhaps your kindness and tolerance was recently broken?” The little cat nods, and looks over at Vinnah, as I manage to catch a look at her slightly swollen face. I could swear me and the little cat smiled at the same time. “Return to your host, beast. We have asked all we wished of you, and seen you for what you are.” With that, the little beast rushes to the nearest Sage, and rubs against her chest, nuzzling, before rushing back to me, and diving into my body.

I jump as this happens, my body relaxing. “What… was that?” I can finally speak, as the Sages break formation around me. One turns to speak, with a warming smile.

“The true manifestation of your magic.” She continues over to the Matriarch, and nods, with a smile. The four Sages quickly leave the home, as the Matriarch looks down at me, as I try to sit up.

“You are safe, as the Sages have decreed.” I was mildly afraid of that. I sigh, partly from being weary, and more so from just feeling terrible. So much was on my mind now- The King and his offer, these Valkyrie and how I was to be treated soon, and how the reputation I had worked so hard to create would be shattered instantly. Vain, perhaps, but I took pride in being successful and good at what I chose to do. The Matriarch takes a good, hard look at me, smiling, as she turns to Vinnah, “Break him in further, Vinnah. Carefully, this time, hmm? We have hope for our future, after all these years. And apologize.” With that, the Matriarch leaves the room, Vinnah showing an expression on her face that reminded me of kind hatred- Or just a bad case of swollen cheeks playing mind tricks.

Vinnah stands, walking to me, and kneeling down, as I quickly sit up, and try to put a small amount of distance between us. “There is no need for that now. Never have I seen the Sages pull a kinder beast from their spell, though it seemed lecherous.” She mulls something around in her head, as she gives me a strange smile I have not seen her give me yet. “I ask forgiveness.” I don’t know what to say. Saying you are sorry doesn’t cut it when you count in the torture, forcing magic to break ones will, being chained up like a dog, and treated worse, for the sole purpose that one might be useful. She seems to read my face, and nods. “I see you do not forgive me.”

I sigh, and then remember just… cutting loose. I feel dirty, as I realize I hit a woman not once, but twice, with more than plenty of intent to kill her. “I think after hitting you twice, I’m alright with just being even.” I half smile, as Vinnah quickly scoops me in her arms, and hugs me. Not only is this very strange and awkward, but it feels heavily out of place in every way. I accept it, though some part of me wishes she would never touch me again.

“Well enough then.” She breaks from the hug, and motions to the room, “We have been given shelter here temporarily until my home has been fixed. I am to… help you manifest your magic more reliably. I am also to be the first you impregnate. Once you are at terms with the act, and your magic, you will be expected to oblige willing women of the village as they request it.”

I frown, this idea leaving a terrible taste in my mouth. “And if I just left? Or killed myself?” Vinnah looks into my eyes directly, and sighs.

“It is obvious that our magic is not strong enough to hold you down. Nor, could we stop you from resigning your fate as you wished. But please, listen. You would be rebuilding a culture. Is that not reason enough to stay? To give life?” She seems to be pleading, and all I can do is think of the hundred things said before now that makes me want to slap her. I don’t, as I would feel worse if I did, but the desire is definitely there.

“Fine then… New rules. One, I do things at MY pace, no one else’s. Two, I get my sword back. Three, I need to speak to the King. Am I understood?” Vinnah nods, though reluctantly.

“I will escort you to the King tomorrow then. Tonight, I want you to-“ I stop her there.

“My pace. You can finish your sentence, but if it’s something you want me to do, and I want no part of, it will not happen. Understood?” Vinnah gets mildly upset, and I can see anger in her face, but she cools down.

“I understand.” She takes a deep breath, and I suddenly feel as if I am less of a prisoner, and more of a holder of power. “I want you to lay with me, and learn my body. We Valkyrie have sturdy bodies, and are known to cause pain to male genitalia with our own. You will need to develop a tolerance to this pain.” I nearly crack up. I try not to laugh, but a bit of one does escape my lips.

“In other words, you want to have sex?” Vinnah nods. “None of this breaking my will crap?”

Vinnah shakes her head. “I did not have to do such a thing, as the scroll you read did that for me. I also have formed a round of respect for you, as you are far stronger than any of us imagined. Healing magic was unable to undo all of the swelling you placed on my face, because of how intense the magic you struck me with was.” I feel slightly stupid, as I realize she was correct about the scroll breaking my spirits.

I sigh, and nod. “I guess it goes against everything I said before, but maybe I judged your race too harshly. You had reason to think I was here for warring purposes. I had reason to say you were all psychotic barbarians, thanks to your torture.” Vinnah nods. “And now, you all need me, and I’m not weak enough to contain, am I?” I smile as Vinnah’s nod reassures me, feeling more confident.

“I ask you one thing, do not abuse your privilege.” Vinnah gives me a harsh stare, as I smile a bit warmly to her, as considering normal abuse of a human city would be doing what you wanted with anyone, usually sex, much like nobles do with their concubines. Here, I’m being handed it, and they say not to abuse my privilege? What is there to abuse? She seems to notice I have little clue what there is to abuse; “Do not make us regret not having a way to contain you. That is all I ask.”

“I’m fairly sure you asked for sex earlier. As for abusing my privilege, not much to abuse when the only thing I’ve thought about abusing has been offered freely.” I laugh a bit to myself, feeling dirty.

“That is what you consider abuse of privilege? Your culture is pointlessly breeding regardless, who would care? We consider sexual pleasure as it is needed, and no more. We are not fans of pointless breeding, but in these times, a male is not around, besides you. Thus, many of our women will be glad to give you pleasure in exchange for being impregnated.”

“I’ve heard the word ‘Impregnate’ too many times lately. It’s getting on my nerves.” I sigh, and look out the nearby window, looking around, since I just now noticed it. Already dark, I must have been out for a whole day, or so.

“May we start?” I look at Vinnah, who gives me the same, waiting stare she usually gives me. “I would like to have you trained as quickly as possible.” When a woman says you must be trained in sex, an unsettling feeling floods your senses. I cringe a bit, and sigh, nodding.

“Sure, I guess.” As soon as I answer, Vinnah wastes no time stripping down, sliding from her silk garments with ease, and pushing me over. I am caught off guard completely, as she undoes what little I have left to wear, as my shirt is dirty and ruined to begin with. “That was, uh…”

I stare at her chest, as she lays herself over me, and rests her head against mine, “I will start slowly. We will not be stopping until you can no longer continue.” I half smile, as half of me cheers, ready to go- The other half of me thinks, wait, no longer continue? I soon find myself wishing I had more former experience, as Vinnah’s stamina greatly outshines mine.