Panter's Pride:
Hunted
by T. S. Hubbard
Disclaimer It's still mine. Note: Panter's Pride must be read first, as this is book 2.
Thanks to Thorie for volunteering to proofread yet another story.
Email address: thubbar2@insight.rr.com.- comments welcome.
Chapter 17
Tera supported her head; although she was drained after the afternoon of fighting she intently studied the reports spread out on the table in front of her. She massaged her forehead to try to relive a budding headache before scrubbing both hands over her face as she leaned back in her chair. Closing her eyes, she replayed the information she'd just read in her mind. Sighing in frustration she still took a moment to savor the slight breeze that blew through the public area of the opened tent.
"How are you holding up Amare?"
"Have you read the latest report Panter?" Tera turned her head and opened her eyes to see her partner standing beside the table and holding a full platter. She smiled fondly at the slightly exasperated look Panter sent at her answer. "A little tired, but I'll be fine." She shifted forward in her chair to study the contents of the platter that settled in front of her. "Thank you love, I was getting a bit hungry." Picking up a piece of flat bread she laid several slices of the offered meats and cheeses on it and rolled it up. Taking a healthy bite she chewed it slowly. She was amazed at the level of hunger that had stirred at the sight of the food. She nodded her thanks as Panter handed her a filled goblet. She took a drink to wash down her mouthful and was pleasantly surprised to find it was a wine with a light fruity aftertaste. "This is good. I don't remember us having anything like it, where did it come from?"
"From Doran's encampment. I sent several of the available squads to strip it of everything that was useful and dispose of the rest." She settled into the chair across from Tera and made her own meal from the tray. Silence fell over them both as they steadily depleted the food from the platter. Panter took a swallow from her own tankard before pulling the report that Tera had mentioned in front of herself and scanning it. "To answer your question, yes I have seen it why do you ask?"
Tera rose from her seat and leaning on the center post looked out at the militia that steadily moved past intent on their assignments that needed to be completed. She held off answering Panter and instead asked another question first. "Looking at the aftermath of the fight how would you say we did?"
Panter raised an eyebrow at the unexpected question but answered it without pause. "Number wise I would have like it to be less but I think it came out well regardless of that." She leaned back in her chair and studied her partner closely. She could tell that something was bothering her but at the moment she didn't have any idea what it might be. "Doran lost over two thousand of his troops to our seven hundred. As much as I hate losing any lives at all, we did give them a sound ass kicking. But I don't believe that is what your really asking me, is it?"
"I suppose what I want to know is what do we do with Doran's remaining troops. We don't have the capability of taking care of that many prisoners of war." She walked back to the table and retook her seat.
Panter scratched the back of her neck as she considered the question carefully before answering it. "I'm not familiar in what your people do in situations like this but I can tell you what mine tend to do when this happens." She continued her train of thought when Tera nodded at the offer. "It's pretty straightforward really there's one of two choices, slavery or execution. Slavery to recoup any expenses that the war has accumulated and execution because at times it simply too risky to leave a defeated enemy at your backdoor."
Tera stared impassively at the tabletop as she rested her forehead against her folded hands and thought about what Panter just said. To her neither proposition was a real winner. She didn't believe in slavery and as Regent did not support or allow such a thing in her city or in her outlying providences. Anyone that was found to be in possession of slaves were heavily fined and the unpaid labor seized and either returned to the place of their birth or found a paying position somewhere else at their request. To be asked to go against this ingrained ideal was slightly appalling. At the same time to guard almost a thousand prisoners and still move onto the confrontation that still loomed before them at Doslan would draw their forces to thin. To her it was a losing situation and one that as Regent she had to decide what solution would work fairly quickly. Her head rose as an idea suddenly struck her. "I dislike either option strongly. But I might have just thought up a third option." She met Panters inquisitive look as she leaned back in her seat. "The better part of Doran's forces consisted of mercenary's didn't it?"
"That and what seem to be soldier's from some of the settlements he had taken over, why?"
"Do you think that we could use them to fight for us. The added man power would help make up for some of the losses we just suffered."
Panter took some time to think about what Tera just said. The larger part of her wanted to say a flat out no, the idea that the very people that had been trying to kill them to turn and suddenly be on their side was almost to absurd to even consider. She started to voice that thought when she hesitated. There might be a way to make it work if their people were agreeable to the plan. Panter knew to request someone who had just lost comrades to fight alongside the one who could have killed them might be too much to ask. "I'm sure that the regular soldiers would be more then willing considering they were part of our forces before your cousin interfered. To my knowledge a fair wage and the promise of employment as long as they follow their orders would be more than reasonable. I suspect that if we ask them we'll probably find out that your cousin was up to his dirty little tricks again. The mercenaries on the other hand are most likely more interested in being paid then the cause they fight for. Offer a sufficient pay and they could also be persuaded to join our side. But I believe that if they do, it would be a sensible suggestion that they have no positions that could possibly put them in command."
Tera tapped her fingers on the table. "That can be easily arranged. Hopefully it will make the group of people who declines our offer small enough that we could get them transported back to Hawk's Peak to stand trial without a problem. Although that would need to wait until our return, the charges will be more then adequate to keep them in custody until then no matter how long it is." She frowned. "But how do I ask our people to fight with someone that was once their enemy, no matter what the reason."
At her words Panter realized where the problem laid. Tera was trying to take full responsibility of a decision that was primarily hers as the martial leader. "Amare, you do understand that this is above all a military assessment. So it falls within my powers as your Arms Master?"
Tera gaze turned inward as she considered Panters words. A slight smile touched her lips, as she understood what she was talking about. It was technically something that was out of the scope of her responsibilities. She did have to concur with whatever decision Panter came up with but didn't need to shoulder the whole burden of it. "And as Arm's Master do you think the idea is a viable one?"
"My gut for once agrees with Thira on this point and it says except for the settlement soldiers we should just kill them all and have done with it." Panter held up a hand as Tera started to speak. "However, I know that you wouldn't agree with something like that so I propose this. Gather them all together and let them decide it for themselves. Does that meet with your approval?"
"That seems fair. When do you want to do it?" Tera face saddened as she dwelled on the heartrending duty they still had to fulfill that day.
Panter sighed silently as she also considered the other matter that was being taken care of at this time. "Tomorrow, after we have sent off all the honored ones." Unable to bury all their dead effectively it had been decided on having two pyres instead. One was built separately for the Amazons and the militia as the amazons preferred to have their people honored independently as was their right as their own nation within the realm. The healers with the help of many volunteers had washed and wrapped the bodies as they were brought in from the battlefield after taking down their identities for their records. She looked up as movement caught her attention. She stood when Tera came around the table towards her. Panter glimpsed the tears that glimmered on her lashes as she took her into arms.
Tera burrowed thankfully into her partners embrace as her emotions finally broke past the walls she'd erected. She wept for the family and friends of the people that had given their lives to help save the freedom and ideals that they had regained when she and Panter had taken over Regency. Most of the people had voiced their support and approval of the two women. Those that hadn't soon learned that they would never find the amount of freedom and opportunities they had there anywhere else. Her heart broke especially for the ones that had their partners killed while they remained behind. Tera knew that most would be following their loved ones quickly but only after their fight here was finished. "I can't imagine the pain their going through right now."
Panter tightened her embrace and buried her nose in Tera's hair as she gratefully inhaled her warm scent. Her voice broke as she responded. "I can." She pushed back the haunting memory of holding Tera's still body in her arms. "You don't understand how you can keep breathing after knowing that your heart has been ripped out of your body."
Tera pulled back a little and met Panter's anguished eyes. "That's right, you do know." Rising up on her toes she kissed her tenderly on the lips. A hand griped the back of her head as she started to move back. A possessive mouth claimed hers again. Tera started at the unexpected action but moaned softly as she responded to the sudden passion. The slight concern that they were fully on display swiftly faded as the kiss deepened.
****
Alesia checked to make sure the squads guarding the prisoners would be relieved soon for their dinner break before heading back to her tent. After Doran had surrendered Thira had needed to rest even after the healing as her body finally protested the strain it had been under. Alesia had seen that after a quick bath she was in the bed resting before she washed up herself and took care of the few nicks and scrapes she had acquired throughout the battle. She slowed as she moved past the cook station, the tempting odors that emanated from it awaking her hunger with a vengeance. Deciding to stop and grab them both something to eat she joined the line in front of the counter. She exchanged greetings with several others while they also waited to be served but declined any offers to cut to the front of the line. She reached the counter fairly quickly and studied the short list of choices available for dinner. The cooks had found themselves scrambling to pull a decent meal together after the abrupt ending of the earlier battle.
She requested a platter of meats and cheeses thinking a light meal would be a better idea after the physical exertion they had both gone through. Accepting the platter along with a full skin of water she turned to leave when the assistant cook spoke up.
"Ma'am, I was wondering." The woman stopped speaking as Alesia turned to look at her inquiringly.
"I'm sorry, you were saying?" Alesia stepped closer. She frowned slightly as the woman flushed and looked down at the covered bowl that she held in her hand but didn't continue with what she'd been about to say. "You wanted something?"
The cook swallowed hard before extending the bowl out to Alesia. "I thought your partner might need this. I heard she had gotten hurt earlier, is she alright now?" She looked up at Alesia tentatively as if uncertain what reaction she would receive from the Marshal.
Alesia set the platter aside before accepting the bowl. She could feel the curious eyes of the people that patiently waited behind her for their turn. She folded back an edge of the cloth and after a start of surprise smiled at the woman that was wringing her hands nervously in front of her. She recovered the bowl and set it gently on the platter before picking it up again. "Thank you, it will help her." She smiled at the woman warmly touched by the kindness of her actions. "She's tired but she'll be all right by tomorrow." She nodded at her and then left.
Reaching their quarters she ducked inside and set her burden down on the table. Filling two goblets with water she went toward the low bed and for a moment just watched the woman that slept within its depths. Soft breathing slowed before sleep heavy eyes fluttered open as Thira sensed her presence.
"Are you joining me now?"
Alesia grinned at the question while she shivered inside at the soft growl that followed it. "Yes." She held out a hand to stop Thira as she reached out to drag her into the bed with her. "But we both need to eat something first." She ignored the slight pout that covered Thira's face at her refusal.
Alesia grabbed the extended hand and tugged her to her feet. "Come on, I can hear your stomach rumbling from here."
Thira grudgingly allowed herself to be pulled to her feet and followed her to the low table. Her footsteps quickened, as she smelled the odor of fresh meat. She drew the coopery scent in with a sense of pleasure. Her belly growled as her mouth started to water in anticipation of one of her favorite foods. Once more she thanked the goddess for finding a partner that did not object to the foods that she needed to remain healthy. "You got the meat." She sat down in her accustomed spot and retrieved the bowl from the platter. Uncovering it and letting the cloth drop onto the table, she chose a chunk of the succulent meat and popped it into her mouth. Thira savored the explosion of flavor as she chewed. Swallowing she looked up at her still standing partner. "Are you going to eat or not?"
Alesia settled beside her with a soft laugh. She made a meat roll while she watched the look of pleasure on Thira's face as she ate. They ate in companionable silence for a time. Finishing her roll she took a drink of water to wash it down. "Actually, I had forgotten to order it."
"Order what?" Thira licked her fingers clean as she looked up questionably.
"Your meat. One of the women at the cook tent stopped me before I left and gave it to me. She'd heard you'd gotten hurt and was wondering how you were doing." She prepared another meat roll as she talked. "I was surprised but it pleases me that nearly everyone has accepted you and Panter the way they have." She thought back to the uneasiness that had surrounded her mate every time she'd need to speak to another person besides their small group. Alesia knew that she might always retain a small part of herself that regarded humans as treacherous and untrustworthy but given the circumstances she felt it was more then understandable. She studied the food in her hands as she wondered how Thira could possibly put something like that aside. Unable to eat anymore she dropped the roll back onto the platter.
Thira studied her mate closely and caught the glint of sorrow in her dark eyes. Setting her empty bowl aside she shifted toward her partner. Cupping her cheek, she ran her thumb over the full lower lip. Thira's eyes became hooded when Alesia reacted to her action with a soft gasp. She pushed back the surge of want and focused on what she'd wanted to say. "I still have problems trusting the majority of humans but you know that I will never include you with them, right?" She leaned over Alesia and drew in a deep breath. "That I will love you to my dying day?" After all the death that had surrounded them today she needed to get as close to her mate as she could.
Alesia closed her eyes as Thira's warm breath hit her throat. The moisture that had been in her mouth went straight between her legs at the sensation. A guttural moan escaped her when lips and teeth found the curve of her neck. Reaching up, she ran her fingers through the flow of soft hair that spread across her chest. She arched into her partner as fingers easily unfastened her tunic and slipped inside. Alesia shivered when nails ran up her stomach and ribs then cupped a breast in its hand. "Gods….I love you too." She moaned again in disappointment when the hand withdrew from its pleasurable actions.
"Bed." Thira picked Alesia up and carried her over to it. She laid her down then carefully stripped off her clothes. She brushed aside the shaking hands that tried to assist her with a soft "No". Gazing down on her partner,
she ran her eyes over the firm body while she hastily shed her own clothing. Sliding onto the bed she moved over Alesia's body, her legs enclosing Alesia hips within them. Thira abruptly dug her nails into the bedding when Alesia grasped her hips and pushed up against her. A spasm shot through her as their mounds brushed each other with every movement. Her upper body bent back in reaction to the pleasure that ambushed her. Leaning forward she met every thrust from her partner, the ebb and flow of their bodies melding easily. The brush of a hand on her inner thigh made her eyes slide close at the sensation. At the next push her eyes shot open again when their clits met. Thira gradually increased the tempo while she leaned down and buried her lips in Alesia's neck. "I was trying to hold this off as long as I could." She husked.
Alesia arched into the hips that rhythmically pressed against hers. "I know." She whimpered as lips ran down her chest and encircled a nipple. Nails grazed her sides as hands moved to enclose her breasts in their firm grip. Sweat beaded on her skin as they moved together. The mounting pleasure of the hot mouth suckling at her breast vied with the increasing press of their hips as it blurred into a flood of sensations. She ran her hands over Thira's back feeling the muscles that shifted with each movement she made. Spasms of pleasure made her dig her nails into Thira's back causing her to release her breast as she cried out. Alesia writhed helplessly underneath her lover as she felt herself drawing closer and closer to the edge. "Please, take me."
Thira nostrils flared at the scent of Alesia's excitement. She felt the scratches that she'd left sting as sweat ran down her back. Even that pushed her arousal almost to its limit. She licked the dampened skin beneath her mouth before sitting back up. Thira shivered as she increased her thrusts the slickness of their wetness helping them to glide against each other smoothly. Thira growled as the urge to bite her mate flared up inside her. The more she struggled to ignore it the stronger it became. Alesia's husky pleadings made her blood burn even hotter. Bending she pressed a kiss against the curve of Alesia left shoulder. She jerked back as the pleasure suddenly mounted then with a rising howl she came hard. As the spasms ravaged her body she sank her fangs into Alesia's shoulder.
Alesia screamed at the abrupt pain but it faded quickly as her body shook. A final thrust propelled her over the edge and she convulsed in endless ripples of bliss. Alesia tightened her hold on Thira as they came to rest in a sweaty embrace. She pressed a kiss to the sweat-dampened forehead that was just beneath her chin. "Thank you." Her voice was hoarse from the scream that felt like it'd been ripped from her. She could feel the throb of the bite Thira had given her but it didn't worry her, the ache was mixed with a faint feeling of pleasure that still ran throughout her body. She tightened her hold on the body that abruptly tried to rise. "No." She knew that Thira had just realized what she'd done. The strength she'd been given came in handy as she strained to keep Thira in her embrace. "Stop it, you're not going anywhere." She snapped.
Thira stopped struggling to get away but kept her face turned. The disgust she felt at her own actions made her want to scream. She'd sworn to herself that she would keep the animal part of herself from their bed but had failed. She could still taste the tang of Alesia blood in her mouth and she fought back the urge to throw up.
"Thira, I'm fine with it." Alesia lowered her voice as she spoke. Hoping that Thira would talk to her.
"I bit you!"
The self-loathing tone made Alesia wince. "I know, but it's all right. I'm not hurt."
Thira jerked her head around to stare at Alesia in disbelief. "I sank my fangs into you as if I was just an animal." Her face tightened as her eyes closed. "How does that make it all right?"
Alesia tightened her hold on her partner with one hand and grabbed her chin with the other. "Look at me." She demanded. Her chest tightened as watery eyes met hers reluctantly. "It doesn't surprise me it happened, if you'll remember I told you that if it did I wouldn't have objected to it. In fact now that it has, I truly hope that this is not the only time it does."
Thira's eyes widened in shock, she wasn't certain if she'd heard her partner correctly. "You want it to happen again?"
"Of course." Alesia pressed a brief kiss against her lips. "I want you, the real you. I don't want you always worrying about if it'll happen again. I would feel cheated if you weren't fully in the moment with me." Alesia grinned. "Besides, you didn't leave a mark on me." She had felt the bite mark healing as they'd talked.
"I didn't leave a mark?" Thira reached up and gently wiped the blood away from Alesia's shoulder. She sat up partway in shock when no mark met her eyes. She frowned then a crooked smirk crossed her lips as she met Alesia's gaze. "The healing power that the Goddess gifted you with."
Alesia nodded. "I guess it works for me too." She pulled Thira back into her arms. "Now that you know it won't hurt me, will you please let things happen without worrying about it?" she whispered.
Thira let a forceful kiss answer for her as she pressed her body firmly against the one underneath hers. She could feel a small part of her mind relax the diligent hold she had over herself. Thira growled as Alesia pulled her even closer. For the first time while they made love Thira was willing to just let it happen.
*******
Tera watched the others as they waited for the meeting to start. Her gaze moved to their unexpected quest as she quietly sat beside them. This morning had been heartbreaking as they lighted the pyres. The roaring flames had lit up the pre dawn sky like it was full light. She had cried silently as she watched. She'd clasped Panter's hand while Alesia had simply buried herself in Thira's arms as she'd sobbed, not afraid to show the sorrow she'd felt at the sacrifice the dead had made on their behalf. Panter's grief had shown plainly on her face. Thira's face had remained grim but if you paid close attention the sorrow she felt could be seen clearly in her amber eyes.
A gasp had broken into the solemn atmosphere. Tera had looked over to see Potnia Theron standing at her side. The Goddess had nodded at her then walked toward the pyres. The abrupt hush made the sound of the flames even louder. As the Goddess drew near, the crackling flames seemed to quiet itself at her approach. A gesture made the flames part like a curtain so she could enter. She laid a bundle of sweet grass on each pyre then turned and exited out between the still burning towers of flame. She returned to stand by Tera and watched silently as the fires gradually burnt themselves out. Once the flames had died out she turned to the watching mass and spoke. "I am here to help honor the ones who have fallen in battle this past eve. If it were truly in my power to prevent these deaths I would not have hesitated. However, that dominion is fully in the grasp of my brother and as he does not interfere in mine I cannot interfere in his. My heart is saddened at their deaths yet it is lightened by the knowledge that they have been well rewarded for their sacrifices." At her gesture the ashes shifted and a stalk rose from it's dark depths. It grew, quickly gaining size and mass as it went to abruptly stop at a great height. Leaves rapidly covered its crown and golden flowers burst into being. The surrounding air grew heavy with its sweet scent. "As a living reminder of the people who died here, this tree will forever bear its flowery burden. In the depths of the hottest summer and the coldest winter it will remain. Neither the claws of beast nor the blade of man will ever bring it down. This I promise you." She smiled sadly at the renewed weeping and with a nod in her chosen's direction headed toward the Regents tent and disappeared inside. After making sure that the remaining ashes were carefully buried they had joined the Goddess inside the tent.
Tera broke out of her thoughts as the rest of her military leaders steadily filed in and took a seat. She waited for a moment while they got settled then officially started the meeting. "I know that we will always morn the loss of our friends and loved ones. But now we must direct our attention to the danger that faces us now. We have beaten my cousin but Doslan will be an even greater threat then what we've just faced." Tera met each look steadily fully aware of the Goddess's silent figure sitting beside her. "As you know we accepted the surrender of almost a thousand prisoners yesterday. About half of them were militia from surrounding town that had been overrun by Doran's troops. We did verify that they had been forced to join his ranks and unwillingly fight for his side."
"Did they not kill some of their own people, how is it we can trust them to stay on our side and not go back at the first opportunity that shows up?"
Tera met the Amazon commander's furious look squarely. "If you knew that a loved one had a knife at their throat would you willingly walk away from them and let them die?" Tera shook her head. "I'm not so certain I could if it were me, but I would do my best to never kill someone I was fighting against if I possibly could." She watched the irate look slowly fade from the commander face. "I believe that's one of the reasons so few of our people were killed yesterday."
"And the other?"
The corner of Tera's mouth rose slightly at the commander attempt to have the last word. "I think my people are damn good fighters."
The Amazon grunted lightly in approval at the statement and subsided with a nod of satisfaction.
The Goddess slapped her hands together as she rose to her feet. "Now that we all agree that your forces can kick butt, there's something that has come to my attention."
"You mean about the Demi God?" Thira broke in. She shrugged at the looks of startled surprise she received. "What, one of the mercs last night said something about it, right before I handed him his ass." Thira turned to the Goddess. "That's what it's about, right?"
Potnia Theron looked at all of them with an expression of utter regret. "I'm afraid so." She sighed deeply before speaking again. "And it's partially my fault this is happening."
Thira and Panter had to hastily cover their ears at the uproar that suddenly filled the tent. They met each other's gaze and shook their heads in resignation at the commotion then winced in pain as it grew even louder. It was rapidly looking like it was going to end up being a long if painful day.
Continued...