Part II.

"Open the gates for Captain Sara!" A female voice echoed in the early hours of dawn from atop one of the 30 foot high stone walls of the Royal Guard Keep. Seconds later, the large wooden gates of the Keep, nearly two feet thick, swayed inward to allow Captain Sara to gain entry.

"Report Captain Sara," a woman called out from one of the stone buildings scattered in the immense courtyard at the base of the keep's three towers with Queen Alana's immense white palace, just beyond. Sara recognized the voice as the voice of Adjutant General Linara Safina, who was second only to the Queen in military matters.

Sara turned and saw Adjutant Safina duck her head as she emerged from the doorway of the stone building and make her way over to Sara. As Adjutant Safina approached, Sara quickly took in her attire, which was nearly identical to Sara's own, complete with brown knee high boots, tight leggings, brown shirt, folded hat with white feather, and royal blue cloak. The only distinction between Sara and the Adjutant was the White Crown stitched onto her royal blue cloak. Whereas Sara's crown was unadorned, Adjutant Safina's was bordered by deep purple which signified her rank. Physically, Safina was incredible. As she walked, her tight leg muscles and quads jiggled rigidly and sensuously under her tight brown leggings. Following her eyes upward, Sara noticed Adjutant Safina's curvaceous hips which swayed nicely as she walked. Through her brown shirt, Sara could see Adjutant Safina's prominent breasts which were made visible by the form fitting brown shirt she wore. The upper buttons were undone, revealing ample cleavage over the defined muscles which flowed over her clavicle. The form fitting brown shirts also revealed muscularly round shoulders and the tightly coiled biceps of her arms and forearms which were covered by brown falconer's gloves. Adjutant Safina, long a friend of Queen Alana's, had been the first woman Alana had recruited after taking the throne and one of the first to be gifted with Queen Alana's Blessing.

Sara knelt down to one knee, her hat sitting on her outstretched leg.She's beautiful, Sara thought, Look at her silver hair, her full lips and green eyes. Look at her muscles... Sara sighed softly in envy, I want that.

"Report Captain."

"Adjutant Safina, we encountered a woman who proved difficult to catch and was extremely strong." Sara began.

Safina's voice quipped with interest, "Strong? How so? Was she blessed with the Queen's Blessing?"

"No Adjutant. She was not." Sara looked up at Safina, a flash of confusion crossed her face, "She was small, ordinary, and plain. But she moved like a Manaran tiger! Fast and powerful. She knocked down several of the Guard and escaped using the rooftops. We followed her as long as we could but we lost her in the darkness. She was amazing. I have never encountered anything like it. Not even a woman under the Queen's Blessing has such grace."

"Hmm..." Safina thought, her fingers rubbing her chin in thought, "Interesting. Sorcery?"

"I am not sure Adjutant. Aside from her physical prowess we did not see any sorcery in play. There were no air distortions around her form which would lead to one's assumption that she was a sorcerer. Even if she were, no sorcerer could do the things that she did." She looked down, "No one could do what she did."

"Not true Captain. Not true. You will find out that the more you receive the Queen's Blessing that you will develop greater and greater abilities. Why the Queen can..." She stopped herself in mid-sentence, "Well let's just say that is a state secret and you are not to talk to anyone of what I have just said. Do you understand?"

"Yes Adjutant. I understand." Sara said, bowing her head low in affirmation.

"Good. Do not worry Captain. We will catch this woman and learn her secrets. When we do, we will give them to the Queen, may the heavens continue to bless her. You are dismissed.

**************************************************

Within the immense white marbled halls of Queen Alana's throne room, foreign rulers, nearly fifty men strong, had gathered to discuss their existing alliances and trade deals with the Kingdom of Linea. Dressed in their finest wears and most elaborate clothing, the gathered gaggle of people vied for power, influence, and position, hoping that Queen Alana would notice them.

With a royal flourish, loud trumpets echoed in the hall and a strong female voice echoed in the chamber, "All kneel before her majesty Queen Alana!"

Across the hall, everyone kneeled on bent knee as Queen Alana entered from large ornate doors at the end of the chamber. With another royal flourish, the trumpets played a joyful tune as Queen Alana began her regal stroll through the center of the gathered mass to the large throne which dominated the room.

Queen Alana, the beauty of the age, towered over the tallest man at nearly 7 feet in height. Dressed in her standard royal blue dress, which hugged the nearly perfect shape of her lean body, prominent breasts, and prominent muscularity which had no equal, she exuded an erotic sexuality as she moved through the crowd.

With each broad and sweeping step she took, her long, muscular thighs were revealed from the slits in her dress which ran up to mid thigh. Her buttocks, rolled sensuously and tightened perfectly with each stride causing the men within the crowd to lose control of their thoughts temporarily. Her waist was tight and ran up into the v-shaped muscles of her back and rounded shoulders.

The world had never seen anyone who could match her.

When she arrived at the throne, twenty female Royal Guards, adorned in their black dresses, took up positions around the throne as Queen Alana, her blue eyes affixed ahead, sat in her throne and crossed her legs, showing off a sexily massive muscled thigh.

Seconds later, six more Royal Guards walked down the aisle in a defensive square. Within that square, was Jhar Helar. When the six Royal Guards reached the throne, they moved to open their protective square, leaving Jhar before Queen Alana.

"Come to me my Jhar. Take your place behind me at my side." Her whisper echoed in the room to all those that were gathered there. Her attention to Jhar left nearly all of the men pining in jealousy.

"Yes my Queen," Jhar bowed.

She smiled as Jhar took his place behind her and then she focused on the crowd. "You may all rise."

The crowd rose quietly and watched her with baited breath. While they watched, Alana gently reached behind her, and guided one of Jhar's hands to rest on her sculpted shoulder. As she did so, Jhar shuddered as warmth rushed through his body.

She has such power over me, he thought, My thoughts and desires are no longer my own. I belong to her body and soul and I am her most prized possession.

As if sensing his thoughts, Queen Alana smiled as warmth from Jhar's touch spread through her body, causing her muscles to engorge slightly and push on her dress. Yes Jhar, touch me. Our bond, my connection to you, strengthens me.

Pausing to savor the sensation, she spoke to the crowd, her voice dripping with erotic sensuality and command. "You are gathered here today because you wish to discuss your alliances with Linea. My diplomatic officers say that you feel as if you are not being treated fairly. Is that correct?" Her eyes scanned the crowd. So many attractive men to control. So many men to dominate and fuck... She stopped, realized where here thoughts were going and squeezed Jhar's hand. Don't leave me Jhar. Don't let me be tempted. It's so hard even though I love you so.

Fools Jhar thought as Alana spoke, She swallows nations and they come happily to the feast.

A tall bearded man near the front of the crowd approached the throne and kneeled before Queen Alana. "Queen Alana, as you know, I represent the Conqa merchant alliance, the largest faction within these chambers. I believe I speak for us all when I say that we are concerned with our dealings with Linea." He met her eyes and small beads of sweat began to collect on his forehead. He continued, "As you know, our treaties with Linea stipulated that we would receive 35% of the revenue generated by trade made in Linean ports and cities. Right now, we are only receiving 20%. What's more, Linean ships are slowly stealing our business as your navy takes up the carry trade."

Queen Alana began to laugh out loud, her throaty laugh echoing in the room. The men in the room gave each other quizzical looks of alarm at Queen Alana's apparent madness.

After nearly 15 seconds of continued laughter, Alana suddenly stopped and closed her eyes, as if focusing deeply on something. Within a minute the air in the chamber felt sweeter, more pleasant, as Queen Alana's mind altering pheromones circulated in the air.

And now she will make them slaves. Jhar thought.

Queen Alan opened her eyes and smiled. "Ahh, I see." she said as she rose from her throne and walked down the steps toward the Conqa merchant. As she moved, the men in the crowd had their eyes fixed upon her in lust. Approaching the Conqa merchant, she looked down at him and smiled. I would love to ravage this man. I would love to take them all. She thought.

"Do you not want to serve me?" she asked, leaning down to whisper in his ear.

"I... I... serve my people..." He stammered out as the warmness of her breath sent shivers through his body.

"How admirable of you." Her hand ran down his chest. So strong. she thought lustily. She closed her eyes again for a brief moment, willing a concentrated dose of pheromones to secrete from her pores. She touched the man's lips with her finger, causing him to nearly collapse in sexual ecstasy. "Will you serve me?"

"Yesss... I will serve you my Queen. The Conqa Merchant's are at your service." She withdrew her touch and the man reached out to her with longing. "My Queen, don't leave me."

She turned back to the man and held his hand. Her other hand grabbed him softly in the crotch, bringing him to arousal. Up on the stage Jhar trembled in jealousy and anger.

Alana whispered into the man's ear. "You may serve me, but you cannot have me unless I desire it. Perhaps someday," she licked her lips, "I will come to you but for now I belong to Jhar Helar and he to me. Do not worry," she nodded to one of the Royal Guards who moved toward them, "Kirlana will take care of you and through her, you will be connected to me."

"Yes, my Queen." He said, looking downcast.

"Good." She smiled to the shocked crowd and then worked her way up to the throne to retake her seat.

A man from the back of crowd yelled out, "This is outrageous! You can't control us all!"

"Can't I? What you just saw, I could do to all of you in a matter of seconds. While you stand before me I could make you my slaves. With a thought and a word." She stared at the group of men. "However, I have different plans to ensure that you serve me far beyond the times spent here in Linea."

Queen Alana clapped her hands and twenty-five more Royal Guards entered the room. "Gentlemen!" Queen Alana said with a flourish of her hand, "Let me introduce you to my Royal Guards. These gorgeous women will be assigned to you and your kingdoms as my diplomatic officers. Each of you will work with them to," she laughed, "facilitate better communication between our peoples. Each one of them has been "Blessed" by me personally. Do you know what that means?"

"Yes! It's your sorcery!" One man cried out.

"No, no. It's not sorcery," she responded lazily, "They are 'Blessed' through a diluted form of Linean Strongroot..."

"Linean Strongroot?" Another interrupted, "How dare you violate our most sacred laws!" He pointed at Alana, "She must be killed or she'll...."

"Silence!" Queen Alana yelled across the chamber, her voice drilling into the men. She whispered quietly, "You will listen to me or you will die here. I can make you lust after death and fall upon your swords as quickly as you would lust after my body."

The men quieted down, expressions of helplessness on their faces.

"Excellent. I see that you understand. You see," she said standing up and pacing in front of her thrown, "I am not like other rulers. Whereas other rulers, mostly men, would use pain and terror to enact their will, I believe in using reward and pleasure to enact mine. I found that it is so much better to be loved than feared." She ran her hands down her body, "To be desired."

She stopped pacing and sat down again. "With that thought in mind, and as I was saying, each of them has received my 'Blessing'. Each of them has ingested diluted Linean Strongroot laced with my essence. Through them, you will service ME. They will ensure your loyalty and your desire to serve me when you return home to your cities. Of course, some of you will have to make new living arrangements to accommodate your new personal aids, but I believe, that in the end, you'll be quite pleased with it all. " She smiled and then nodded toward the blacked dressed Royal Guards in the chamber. "Ladies, if you will introduce yourselves..."

With Queen Alana's command, the Royal Guards, each one beautifully tall and athletically muscled, approached one of the foreign leaders. The men, nervous and unarmed, cried out in terror and rushed toward the large double doors at the end of the chamber.

Queen Alan laughed. "Run if you must. Hahahaha! But you belong to me!"

As the men trampled over each other to reach the doors, more of Queen Alana's Royal Guards, attired in blue cloaks, folded hats, and brown uniforms, blocked the doors with swords drawn. The men, now corralled, turned, and watched as a line of Queen Alana's black dressed Royal Guards slowly approached them from behind.

The women in groups of twos and threes, their pheromones wafting in the air, quickly reached out and grabbed struggling men desperately trying to escape. Using their superior strength, the women subdued the men, many of whom called out their undying love to their wives and mistresses, by giving them pheromone laced, open-mouthed kisses. Once kissed, the chemicals in the women's saliva was instantly absorbed into a man's bloodstream and nervous system, giving Queen Alana absolute control over their actions through their assigned Royal Guard. Once kissed, the men were transformed, looking upon the Royal Guards and Queen Alana with lust, desire, and unwavering devotion.

Excellent, Alana thought. My power over nations continues to grow. With these converts, and the governments I will create, I will command the world and usher in a new age.

Queen Lana stood up from her thrown and looked over the gathering. "Kneel before your Queen. Kneel before your Empress." The men, eyes locked onto Alana, knelt deeply.

"Excellent. You belong to me now body and soul. You may all go. May you bring me glory."

****************************.....

The giant marketplace of Linea had changed drastically since Jaina had gone missing. Where once there had been wooden carts gathered in a dusty open area, there now stood elaborate fountains, lush foliage, and giant marbled pillars supporting sweeping architecture.

Well, I have to give Alana credit, she sure made Linea a power to be reckoned with. Jaina thought as she moved her small form through the crowd of people.

"Hear ye! Hear ye! Queen Alana bolsters alliance with the Conqa Merchants! Merchants wish to join Linea! Come and get it!" A small boy cried next to a cart of pulpy paper.

"I'll take one!" Jaina called out as she approached the boy. "Here's a Linean farthing."

"Why thank you. May the blessings of Queen Alana be upon you." The boy smiled.

"Yeah, sure, whatever." Jaina grumbled back as she walked away.

Looking down at the brown paper, Jaina read silently:

In a magnificent move from Queena Alana, may she be forever blessed, the Conqa Merchants have taken steps to strengthen their ties with Linea in our war against the Manarans. The Conqa Merchants, some of the most powerful merchants in the Western Dominances, requested stronger ties to Linea following an official meeting with Queen Alana last week. This stronger alliance will bring more wealth and opportunity to both Linea and those cities connected to Conqa trade. More incredibly, several of the more important Conqa merchant families, have begun to ask that Queen Alana declare herself Empress and create a Linean Empire joining the allied cities and Linea.

Queen Alana, perfect in form and wisdom, was modest regarding these proposals and said that she would ponder the possibilities. She said that her first concern remains the people of Linea and their wellbeing. Regardless, the Kingdom of Linea continues to reap great rewards and benefits from Queen Alana. May the heavens above continue to bless our beautiful Queen.

In other news, a mysterious malady has struck down and killed eight wives from the ruling families of the Conqa Merchants last week. Court alchemists dispatched from Queen Alana have found.....

"I hate that woman." Jaina snarled and crumpled the paper in her hands. "All I ever hear anymore is Queen Alana this, Queen Alana that. It's ridiculous. She has everything..."

Like my Jhar, she thought sadly. How I miss you.

Behind her the voice of a Herald called to the thousands of market goers through a giant cone which amplified his voice. "Hear ye! Hear ye! Queen Alana, may she be forever blessed..."

"May she be forever blessed!" Thousands cheered.

The Herald continued, "Queen Alana will hold a 'Festival of Lights' two weeks from now to celebrate our new alliance with the Conqa Merchants in our war against the bloodthirsty Manarans. Citizens are to decorate their homes in the coming days and Linean district communities will hold nightly festivals throughout the week, culminating in Queen Alana Grand Masquerade Ball...."

The crowd cheered!

How can I compete with a woman who has such devotion? My parents are even afraid of me now. I have no one. Jaina thought sadly.

"This year, Queen Alana will select fifty average Linean citizens to dine with her at her majesty's palace for the Grand Masquerade Ball. To enter, please visit the Temples of Litar with your devotions and enter your name for the drawing. Good day to you all. May Queen Alana be forever blessed!"

"May she be forever blessed!" The thousands responded.

"Oh my, did you hear that?" Jaina could hear a couple of older women talk to themselves.

"I sure did. A chance to dine with the Queen herself!"

"Yes, yes. Isn't it fantastic? We must go to a Temple to enter our names. I'm so excited!" The women giggled as they worked through the crowd.

Hmm... Jaina thought. Perhaps I should put my name into this contest. I need to see Jhar one last time.

**************************************
"Ohhhhh Jhar... my little Jhar. That feels so wonderful." Alana moaned as Jhar rubbed his hands along her broad, muscular back. "Do you know how long I've needed this? Your touch electrifies me like lightening from the heavens Jhar. Mmmm..."

"I know Alana, it electrifies me too," he said, legs straddling her waist, his hands working on a knotted muscle over her scapula. "You are magnificent Alana. Magnificent."

"Oh Jhar, you say the most wonderful things to your Queen. Come lay down next to me." She patted the spot beside her. Jhar moved to do as she commanded.

When he was laying next to her, her eyes blinked luminously into his. She ran her fingers through his hair, and whispered softly to him, "I owe it all to you my love."

"To me? How?" Jhar responded, returning the gesture by running his hands through her hair, brushing back a silky strand of blonde hair which had cascaded down into her face. Magnificent, he thought. Simply magnificent.

"The Linean Strongroot Jhar. As you know it has powerful properties. In it's purest form, the form that I take, it brings on changes in the body...."

"Yes. I know, and you look incredible," he said tracing his hand down her spine and causing her to squirm in ticklish delight.

She smiled, "Oh Jhar." She shooed him away. "Seriously though. When I was at the High Academy at Chesterook, I worked in the Grand Library and found this scroll...."

"Do tell." Jhar prompted, his fingers running along her arm.

"This scroll was ancient Jhar. It was written by Morganna Lea during the Age of Wonders. In this scroll, it spoke of seven stars which fell to the earth across all of the known lands in existence and in the lands beyond the Dark Sea. It was said that one of these stars fell north of the Forlorn Mountains and that when it plowed into Ethereata, the Strongroot sprouted in its wake."

"Fascinating," Jhar said his eyes fixed upon Alana's form, enthralled with her voice.

"Anyways, traders brought the root back from the valley to Linea where the great mystics in the Age of Wonders studied it. According to the scroll, the Strongroot is most affective when it is coupled with a love bond. Its effect is even greater when one is married. For the men, it makes them go crazy as you saw with my father, but for the women, it has profound changes when a woman makes a marriage bond with a man, with his essence." She kissed Jhar smoothly on the lips, and he could feel himself rise in desire. "Like I have with you Jhar."

"And... and," he breathed heavily, "What will it do to you?"

"I don't know what its ultimate effects are. The scroll was burned at the bottom. I know that, when you and I make love, the changes occur faster in my body. I become stronger, smarter, and my power over others grows, becomes more potent." She said coldly.

He looked at her in concern. He hated hearing how others desired her. "You are also becoming more sexually aggressive. It troubles me Alana. You won't choose another, will you?"

Alana paused in thought. "Yes Jhar. I AM becoming more sexually aggressive. Sometimes I can't control myself. There so many men in this world and I...." She stopped, noticing Jhar's downcast expression. "My greatest changes require you and you alone. I love you."

Jhar was unconvinced. "But today in your throne room, the Conqa Merchant, ALL of the Merchants were enthralled by you. The way you grabbed that man and whispered to him. You desired him Alana. You wanted him."

She sat up angrily in bed. "You don't know what it's like Jhar! The power! This body! I can feel how they desire me. How they want me. I'm trying to control it but the temptation is always there! The power, the command over others is such a rush and I hunger for more.!" She yelled at him, frustration in her voice and tears were welling in her eyes.

Jhar reached up to touch her. "I know Alana. Perhaps if you stopped taking the Strongroot for a while you'd..."

"No! NO!!! I will not stop taking it Jhar. Look what it's given us! It's given me you."

"But Alana it's..."

She continued on, "The people are happy, cared for. Linea is strong and powerful. I am strong and powerful. I will not stop taking it." She breathed in out and several times, calming herself. "Jhar, even though I have powerful urges, I can control them. I know I can. I desire you. I love you. You are the one who has made all of this possible. With you by my side, I can conquer the world. They will desire me...."

"There you go again!" Jhar yelled. "It's all about you and what you want! Can't you hear yourself? You're drunk on power Alana. You lust for it and it's destroying you!"

"Oh Jhar, I... I'm sorry." She started crying. Jhar got up. "Don't leave me Jhar!" she reached out to him over the bed but he was out of her reach.

"I will leave you. This is madness Alana. You're destroying us. Do you know what it's like to know that the woman you love may begin to bed with others if she slips and stumbles? I can't take it anymore. I'm leaving until you come to your senses and you can't stop me." He turned toward the door and began walking.

She snarled in response, a hint of madness in her voice. "Oh? Can't I?" She closed her eyes and began to focus and the room began to feel different.

"Alana don't start this again..." Jhar said backing away.

"You think you can leave me Jhar? You can never leave me. Even if my body should falter and take another to my bed, my heart loves you Jhar and you belong to ME. You cannot go. I need you to complete my plans. I need you to see how much the Strongroot will change me. Resist me if you want, but I will not be denied. Now come to me." She whispered.

"Alana, I love you too but this isn't right. I'm not a slave, I'm a man."

"Yes. You are a man Jhar," she eyed his crotch hungrily and he could feel blood rush down there in response. "Come to me Jhar," she reached up and pinched a nipple. When she did so, her pheromones flooded the room from her increased arousal. "Come to me Jhar," she panted lustily, and slowly reached down to touch herself, her hands running over her sculpted ab muscles as they moved downward.

Jhar, against his will, felt his body betray him as he took one step toward Alana, and then another.

"Yes Jhar. I need you tonight. My body hungers for your essence." She reached over to the nightstand and pulled our her pouch of Strongroot.

"Alana....no... don't do it.." His voice trembled as his hands reached out to caress her.

She swallowed the Strongroot, her eyes instantly rolling backward. "Yessss Jhar... I need you tonight." She said as she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him down onto the bed. Her eyes were tinged with madness and lust.

"Alana, stop this! Please!" He pleaded as she moved on top of him. Using one hand, she guided him inside her. Once she was positioned over him, she held his arms down above his head, her hands clamped firmly around his wrists. Then her hips started to move slowly, her vaginal muscles working him expertly.

"You would resist this?" She snarled. "I am the most desired woman in a millennium and I give myself to you." She kissed him. "I command armies and move nations and you would resist this? One way or the other, you will serve me Jhar. As I bless others, I need the blessing of your essence to change and grow," she said aggressively as she sped up her hips. "That is how the bond works."

"Alana, please stop," he moaned, his body reacting to her movements.

"I feel it Jhar. I feel your body begging for release." She said as she speed up again. "Give it to me Jhar..."

"I will... I will...not..." Jhar screamed out.

"Give it to me Jhar... Tell me you love me!" She whispered loudly. "Come for me Jhar!"

"Can't hold...any... loonger..." Jhar cried out.

"Yes.. I feel it... I feel it..." Alana cried as her body, dripping in sweat, rode him vigorously. She leaned down and whispered to him. "Give it to me. Do it now Jhar. Show me you love me."

With a final cry, Jhar released himself into her and watched as the familiar change began to affect her body. "Oh Jhar! I feel it! The warmth inside of me. It's so intense!" She breathed heavily as she lay her head on his chest, him still inside of her. "Already I feel like I have more control. More power. It's incredible." As she whispered, Jhar could feel heat radiate from her body and the familiar sensations of her musculature shifting, inflating, giving her more size and power. Her erotic scent filled the air, more potent than ever.

When the process was done, Alana rolled off of him and held him closely. "You belong to me Jhar Helar." She whispered in his ear. "With you by my side, the world will soon be mine as well."

When Alana had fallen asleep Jhar Helar turned over to his side and wept silently.

The last thoughts before he finally fell asleep were of his last moments with Jaina.

********************************************

The moonlight from the twin moons of Laken and Frost hovered overhead as Jaina leaped from rooftop to rooftop in the rich Merchant's Quarter. Dressed in flowing dark gray robes, complete with hood, she blended in with the night sky and the shadows that stretched across the city as she leapt. Reaching her destination, she could see the torchlight from the ever present Royal Guards as the athletic women kept constant vigil over Linea.

There it is, Jaina thought as she noted the Merchant Guild house where vast stores of Linean coin were held. My ticket into the Grand Masquerade Ball.The building, recently constructed, was a dazzling marble structure, complete with giant pillars at the top of it's enormous steps. In the center of the building, a large circular rotunda completed the structure.

"Now if I can just find a way in. I can steal what I need."

Taking another quick leaps across the buildings, she finally landed on top of the Merchant Guild house. As she landed, she noticed the enormity of the rotunda, the lack of windows, and the thickness of the marble material.

Damn it! I'll never get into here. I'm strong, but this place is impossible. I must think of another way to get what I need.

"You there!" A Royal Guard's voice called down below. "Get that cart to the loading dock!"

Jaina followed the direction the woman and her ten companions were motioning to and noticed a large wooden cart, pulled by two large oxen, and attended to by five men in dark red Linean Naval uniforms, approach cross the square.

"Lieutenant Smith of her majesties Royal Navy reporting." A man snapped, his fist over his heart in salute. "We are here to take shipment 356 to the city of Conqa for the new merchant's alliance." He said thrusting out a waxed scroll for the Royal Guard to look at.

"Very well Lieutenant Smith. The loading bay is back there. Bring the cart around and we will load the coin and follow you down to the docks."

"Yes ma'am. Gentlemen, if you would bring the cart around please. Keep your sabers at hand and beware of brigands they may..."

"Lieutenant, you have nothing to fear. My Royal Guards are excellent. Everything will be fine." She smiled down pleasantly at him. Clearly, his height, slim build, firm features, and blond hair pulled back into a queue under his red tricorn hat impressed the Royal Guard.

"Uh..er.. yes ma'am." The man blushed slightly and then composed himself. "You will also be joining us at sea is that correct?"

"Yes. The Queen wants to make sure that this shipment reaches it's destination."

"Yes ma'am. We would be honored to have you. When we return to the ship, you and the Royal Guards will be given quarters beneath the Quarter Deck."

Jaina, having jumped down from the rooftop, watched concealed from the shadows as the five men worked to lift the heavy wooden chests of Linean coin into the back of the cart in the torch light. As they did, the first Royal Guard, a tall athletic, brunette, picked up last chest, weighing nearly 200 lbs and slid it into the back of the cart with the other five chests.

While the navy men tied down the chests, the Royal Guard approached Lieutenant Smith. When she was close, she reached up her arm and touched him on the chest. "You are a fine one. Perhaps when this delivery is done and we begin our voyage, you could provide further service to the Queen through Guard's rest?"

The other men stopped what they were doing and looked over at Lieutenant Smith, their jaws open in disbelief. The ten Royal Guards around him giggled quietly.

"I uh... uh...." Smith stammered.

"Oh, don't be so bashful Lieutenant. I promise not to take you from your duties at sea. I'm sure that after a long day in the sun that would be most," she leaned forward and brought her lips to his ear, pulling it gently downward with her teeth, "Enjoyable." She kissed him before backing away.

"Perhaps ma'am but I'm...."

"Oh Captain Bri, let the man do his duty. Can't you see you have him hoisting a sail?" One of the Guards laughed as she noticed the constriction in Smith's white breeches. The other women joined in.

"Yes. You're right. We will talk about this later." She winked at Smith and then turned around. "Let's get this cart to the docks. Move it!"

The cart began rolling down the empty streets in the darkness...

****************************************************

"There is the wharf ma'am. The ship that this load will be transferred to is at dock B-17. It's three masted vessel. Let me send one of my men forward to get everything in order." Lieutenant Smith said from his seat upon the cart. The other men, dressed similarly in red coats stared forward in silence.

"Very well Lieutenant." Captain Bri nodded as Lieutenant Smith whistled at one of his men who ran ahead along the wooden wharf. She looked up at the Lieutenant and smiled. "I believe that when we set out to sea that you'll really enjoy my company and..."

"Captain, we're here. Something is not right." One of the Royal Guards called behind her as the cart rolled up in front to a ramp in front of the ship which was normally quiet.

Captain Bri scanned the scene for a moment very intently and then spoke to the Lieutenant, her eyes still fixed ahead. "Lieutenant, is this the right ship?"

Smith jumped down, his hand on his saber. "Yes ma'am. I don't know what's going on. There should be men bustling. Let me take my men and investigate."

Smith nodded to his men and began to walk forward when Captain Bri's hand stopped him.

"Wait. We will investigate this together. Guards, draw your swords and be ready for anything." She looked back at Smith. "Lieutenant, you and your men follow behind us. Go." She commanded. They slowly climbed up the gangplank and onto the vessels deck.

Captain Bri scanned around again and then motioned quietly, hand-signaling two of the Guards to check below, two to fore, and two to aft. The remaining four stood near her on the deck. The only sound in the darkness was the slight sound of the breeze on the partially reefed sails and the creak of the vessel as it rode on the waters in the bay.

"Now!" Lieutenant Smith shouted his saber held at the ready.

From below deck came a deep rumbling as feet from dozens of men rushed up onto the main deck before the Royal Guards had managed to get below. From above, men, who had hidden in the reefed sails, descended quickly down the deck to surround the Royal Guards.

"Guards to me, defensive square!" The Royal Guards ran across the deck toward Bri. A pair of the Guards, blocked by men brandishing weapons, did flying somersaults over them, landing gracefully and nimbly on their feet, taking up positions in Captain Bri's defensive square. "What is the meaning of this Lieutenant! This is treason!" Captain Bri yelled at Smith.

Smith emerged from the group of men, taking off his red naval coat as he did so. "Treason?" He laughed heartily. "My beautiful Captain Bri, this is not treason. I serve the Kingdom of Manara. Captain Hawke is my name." He bowed roguishly at the waist, "I'm with the Manaran Navy's Clandestine wing and you're on His Majesty's ship, the War Sparrow." His men cheered. "Now my dear, you have two choices. You can surrender, and we will take you back peacefully to Manara, or you can fight to the death."

Captain Bri laughed aloud. "Foolish man. Do you know what we're capable of? Do you have any inkling of the power that each of us commands? I alone could snap ten of your men into twigs or shed their blood on my blade within seconds."

"Surely you jest ma'am we've heard stories you prowess but the Linean army hasn't been able to..." Hawke started and then was cut off.

"Men," Captain Bri snarled. "The bulk of the Linean army is composed of weak men. You have yet to face the full might of Linea and her majesty's Royal Guards." She flipped her blade into the air and caught it deftly by the pommel in an impressive display of showmanship. "Soon, you will and Manara will fall. Royal Guards! Attack!"

The women, surged outward like a snake striking at dangerous prey, their sword blades cutting into flesh and cutting down men who were unprepared for the speed of the Royal Guard's assault. Within seconds, twenty of the men lie bleeding on the deck, their entrails and limbs spread about. As quickly as the attack struck, the Royal Guards returned to their square once again.

"Attack men!" Hawke yelled out to his men who were frozen in terror. "Attack or they'll kill us all!" He charged forward, the six men from the cart following in his wake. With his battlecry, the other men took heart and surged forward.

As before, the defensive square cut down dozens of men but the sheer rush of men, numbered at nearly one-hundred hands, bore down on the Guards breaking their formation. The battle became a rout as the both sides hacked at each other.

The Royal Guards, their swordsmanship honed to perfection, killed and maimed nearly all comers. Men, desperate, hacked away as best as they could only to find their blades met with steel and driven back by the sheer strength that these women possessed. The Royal Guards flung out fists and feet which sent men sprawling to the deck with broken ribs, skulls, and faces.

They were nearly unstoppable.

After nearly forty Manarans dead, only three of the Royal Guards had gone down. The Manarans, becoming panicked began to move lose ground upon the deck, being forced into tighter and tighter confines.

Hawke, fighting with two other men, had just managed to bring down one of the three Royal Guards when Captain Bri rushed upon him, her blade a flury of motion, which he barely managed to counter as she drove him away from his men, cutting him off.

"My Captain, you're very skilled with a blade." Bri smiled at him, speaking and moving effortlessly as she toyed with him. "I'm very impressed."

Hawke, heaving with exertion, breathed out. "I'm just full of surprises." He moved backward up a small set of steps on the forecastle, grabbed a rope, and launched himself quickly at her knocking her sword out of her hand before she could severe one of his legs.

As her sword was knocked away from one hand, she reached up with the other before Hawke could reach the full arch or circular swing, and pulled him down to the deck. Hawke fell hard, his sword rolling away out of his reach.

Captain Bri straddled him at the waist, holding his arms down. "Oh Captain. I have you right where I want you. Too bad you're a Manaran, this position would be much more pleasant for you right now." She squeezed her thighs, causing Hawke to yell out in pain. "You could have served me but I'm afraid you'll have to die."

"ARRRRGGH!!" Hawke screamed as her strong legs squeezed him again.

"Mmmm.... This is probably the best kill I've ever had." She smiled down at him. "Prepare to die Captain..."

A fist struck out, sending Captain Bri down to the deck. Hawke, clearing his eyes of the red flashes of pain which had afflicted him just moments ago, looked up at a figure concealed by a grey hooded cloak. The figure, from where he lay, loomed over him and thrust out a hand.

"Here. Get up." The female voice said, pulling him easily up.
When Captain Hawke was up, he realized that he toward over the figure. Is that a woman? He shook his head quickly and looked down at the unconscious Captain Bri. He looked the short figure again. "How did you...?"

"No time for that now. Your men are losing." She turned and ran away into the fray.

When Jaina reached a couple of the Royal Guards, she jumped up into the air, her booted heals and legs, striking out at the temples of two female Royal Guards simultaneously, sending them sprawling to the ground. When they were down, the Manarans in front of her sat in bewilderment.

Jaina screamed, "Finish them! They will kill you if you don't!" The men moved to run their swords through them.

Jaina, eyeing two more Royal Guards cutting through a swath of men, picked up a fallen saber and launched it one of the Royal Guards. The blade rammed into the Guard's back up to the protective bulbous hilt and the woman turned, blood flowing from her mouth. Before she could complete the turn, Jaina was upon her and quickly pulled the blade out of her and swept it up in a rising arch, to severe the arm of her Guard companion who was in the process of delivering a killing stroke to downed man. Disarmed, and surrounded, the Royal Guard killed two more men before finally being run through.

That's almost all of them Jaina thought before feeling a tremendous weight plow into her, taking her off of her feet.

"I'll kill you! You bitch!" Captain Bri yelled above Jaina, her fists plowing into the back of Jaina's head and neck. Bri, after a few blows, pulled down Jaina's neck, grabbed her hair, and rammed Jaina's head into the wooden deck, sending blood out of Jaina's nose and mouth.

Must get up Jaina thought weakly as the pain rushed through her body. Will die... Jhar.

"Die! Die!" Captain Bri screamed in rage as she continued her attack.

"Ugh..." Bri let out, as a blade thrust through her chest, it's silver color gleaming in the moonlight. She toppled over, dead.

Hawke, pulled his blade out and knelt down to Jaina, rolling her over gently and cradling her head in his lap, he asked softly, "Are you okay? Please, talk to me." His hands pulled Jaina's black hair from her eyes.

Jaina coughed, blood spurting into the air. "I'll..."
Another cough went up, this time met by a white handkerchief which Hawke held to her. "I'll be okay. Are they dead?"

"Yes." He said looking at the carnage. "I've lost nearly sixty men, but they're dead. Thank you for your help."

Jaina sat up, her body already healing the damage done to her face.

"Who are you?" Hawke asked.

"I'm no one." Jaina responded as a Hawke stared at her quizzically. "What?" She blushed.

"Your, your face! It's healing!" Hawke said has he watched the bruises on her face recede and her broken nose slowly reform itself.

"Oh that." Jaina giggled, "Nothing to be worried about." She stood up, Hawke rising as well. She looked up at him. My, what an attractive man. She blushed again before speaking. "I need some of that Linean coin Captain. Can you spare 100,00 since I saved your life?"

"Uh, sure. Men!" he turned, "Two canvas bags quickly! Get these men down to the doctor." He said pointing to the injured. "Also, man the capstan and lets get that anchor pulled up. I want you out of here within the hour. Commander Exilim will take you back to Manara. You'll have to do burial at sea for the all the brave men who died today."

"And you sir?" A voice called from the deck.

"I have to remain. I am a spy after all." A man ran up with two canvas bags. He looked down at Jaina. "I believe these will do," he said as he handed them to her. When his hands touched hers he felt a warmth rush through his body.

Jaina blushed again, feeling it too. "Yes." She moved over to one of the large chests and opened it, filling her bags with precious coin. When she had it filled up, she stood up on her toes and pulled down Hawke with her strength, giving him a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you Captain." Then she turned and lept onto the wooden wharf, disappearing into the shadows within a matter of seconds.

Hawke watched her go. "What is up with these strong women?" He said as he rubbed his neck where his shirt had pulled at him when Jaina had pulled him down for her kiss. "I swear, they're going to kill me."

*************************************
Captain Sara, after nearly three days of desk duty and paperwork following her incident with the mysterious woman the week before, had finally reached the end of her shift for the week. Scooting in her ornate wooden chair, and blowing out the candles which she had been working by, she left the Guard office she had been working in.

I need to rest, to replenish my strength. I require a man. she thought to herself as she made her way through the gleaming white corridors to a station attended by two more Royal Guards who saluted her and let her pass into the dormitories of the Royal Guards.

In the space of a few minutes, Captain Sara quickly changed out of her clothes and put on a body hugging black dress which accentuated the lean muscular curves of her body. Running her fingers through her long, luxuriously dark and curly hair a few times, she applied red Linean oil to her lips and puckered them a few times. After doing a few turns in the mirror she stopped and stared at herself. I was nothing before the Queen's Blessing. Now look at me. I'm strong, tall, and beautiful. No man can resist me.

There was knock at her door. "Sara?" A woman's voice called, her friend Captain Kellia "Are you ready for Guard's Rest?"

Sara walked over to the door and opened the door and smiled at Captain Kellia, a tall brown haired woman also dressed in the body hugging black dress that was standard attire for Royal Guard's on "Guard Rest." She giggled slightly, "Yes. Yes I am. Let's go."

She closed the door behind her.....

************************************************

As Captain Kellia and Sara walked across the city to the "Long Glass", a high class tavern in the Market district, they could feel the eyes of average citizens fixed upon them in the early light of evening. Where they walked men's eyes followed and women watched with a jealous, yet envious eye.

"It's been so long since I enjoyed a man," Kellia said playfully as they walked through the market.

"Ha! Kellia you had Guard's Rest last week. That's not long ago. In fact, if I recall correctly, you didn't just have a man, you had two." Sara laughed.

"Yes, well, I have my appetites and this body," she ran her hands down over her breasts and down to her hips, "Needs so much attention." In the distance they heard a large piece of pottery drop followed seconds later by the protestations of woman yelling at a man to pay attention and compensate her for his clumsiness. "Have you ever been with two at once?"

"Um, no," Sara responded sheepishly.

"Ha! You should try it. It takes a lot of concentration but the rush of energy flowing into your body is incredible!" Kellia beamed.

"Yes well, I find that it's best to be with one man at a time." Sara sighed, "If only I could still be with Aarin. If only he hadn't died..."

"You're still going on about your young love eh?" Kellia said seriously. "He died of Marsh fever. Sad to say it but we all must move on with our lives. Besides, Look at you!" she said cheerfully. "You can have any man you want! You have strength. You have beauty. You have power and influence. Besides, you know the price of the Queen's Blessing. We must not create a marriage bond with a man. That is the law." She patted Sara on the shoulder, "Besides, I think you like the price of the Queen's Blessing, and" she looked Sara up and down appraisingly, "The payoff. I know I do."

Sara burst out laughing. "You're right. You're right. I do. I do. I want more."

Kellia stopped in the street and looked above her at the flapping tavern sign. "Well, you'll get more. If we keep serving the Queen proudly and she'll continue to reward us. Not only with lands and title, but with more changes from her Blessing." She looked at Sara again and winked. "Oh, here we are. Are you ready?" Kellia asked.

"Just a moment." Sara said as she closed her eyes. With her eyes closed, Sara breathed a few deep breaths and concentrated. She breathed in and focused inwardly, feeling heat slowly build up between her legs. When she breathed outwardly, she could feel chemical reactions ignite in her body, the first precursors to the release of potent pheromones which would attract and allure a man waiting beyond the door.

"Okay. I'm ready." She smiled to Kellia who was waiting to push through the swaying doors. "Let's go."

"Yes. Let's..." They stepped inside.

As they stepped inside, the usual music and conversation stopped for a moment as the men of the tavern sat and stared at the beautiful women who entered the tavern.

"Men of Linea. We are with Queen Alana's Royal Guards."

"Blessed be the Queen!" the tavern goers chanted, glasses raised.

Sara smiled, "And we are here for Guard's Rest."

With those words, the conversation stopped and the tavern became silent. The only sounds that could be heard in the silence were the exasperated gasps and dropped drinks from the announcement.

Excellent, Sara thought. I can smell their desire, their lust, and their fear.

"Do not be alarmed. As you know, being chosen for Guard's Rest is a great honor." Kellia said to the tavern goers as she scanned the bar. "You women," she pointed to a small cluster of women, territorially guarding their men, "May go now. Your men, should they be lucky enough to be chosen, will be returned to you after their service to Linea," she added as the women, giving vicious glances at Sara and Kellia, flooded out of the door.

Yes. They will be returned to you ladies, Sara thought, But they will long forus for the rest of their lives.

"Now, it is time to choose." Kellia spoke softly, as she and Sara walked around the room. As they walked, they slowly concentrated on the chemical reactions of their bodies, releasing more pheromones into the air. Men stared at them in desire, many of them clearly showing their lust through their now constricted breeches.

"Do you want me?" Sara breathed on the neck of one man who had droplets of sweat running down his forehead. "How about you?" She quickly turned to another and ran her fingers down his face. The man, attractive, blond, tall and athletic tried to resist her.

"I. Am. Married." He forced out at her touch.

"Married?" she said, a mocked expression of pout on her face. "Married?" She laughed sensuously. "Do you think that matters to me? I am a Royal Guard, blessed by Queen Alana herself in defense of the Kingdom. You will serve the Queen." She ran her fingers through his hair and brushed his lips softly with her own. "You will serve me..."

The man shook, "I will... I will... not."

"Captain Kellia, have you chosen?" Sara said looking across the tavern to Kellia.

"I have Captain Sara. I have chosen." Kellia answered her, two tall, athletic men, following behind her.

Sara turned back to the blond man. "Will you come?"

"N...n...noooo. I. Will. Not." He forced out.

"Ooo baby. I think you will." She said as she reached around him and put him into a sleeper hold. His body slumped into unconsciousness within seconds and she easily draped him over her shoulder.

"Let us return to the Keep. This man intrigues me." Sara said.

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