Thyra's Tale

I don’t remember what life was like before I was enslaved and my first actual memories are those of the night when I was abducted. The screams, the fear, the anger, I remember those feelings so vividly and I sometimes still wake up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat when I dream of it all. My captors were rough bastards and they didn’t have the slightest clue how to be subtle but I’m sure that one of them in particular will always recall that night, considering I managed to break his jaw before being overwhelmed by them. I’ve always been a strong girl and even in my childhood, I was more than capable of knocking out a full grown man with a punch. The strike had been perfect too, a powerful right hook that caught him clean on the jaw and sent him crashing in a heap. That was the last action that I was able to take as three more of them quickly tackled me to the ground and bound my limbs and eyes, despite my vicious struggling. I fought like a beast against them and still continued to fight against my bonds even when all hope was lost. Giving up has never been in my nature and even then, a trait that has served me so well. One of the kidnappers managed to lift me off of the ground and carry me away but I was kicking so hard that he had a hell of a lot of trouble keeping his balance and I swear that he almost dropped me once. Still, I can still recall the moaning from the knocked out figure as he was roused by his fellows and despite all the fear that was rushing through my body, a small smile did creep across my face for a moment. I cursed and swore at them for all I was worth but was soon silenced by a foul rag that was forced in my mouth, even though that didn't stop me from trying to insult them even more. After that, I was thrown into the back of a truck and left to struggle, having no idea of what my fate was to be.

The trip in the truck was horrible and judging from the sounds that I could hear around me, it seemed that I was not alone in there. I could hear muffled feminine voices although from what I could make of the tones, they seemed to be more sad and depressing rather than angry although I refused to fall into that trap. The insults that were coming from me were ones that would offend even the most hardened criminal and if it wasn’t for the gag, would probably have offended all my fellow captives too. However, a sudden kick in the chest would knock the wind out of me, followed by a loud male voice telling me to shut up. My response was to simply try and kick out with my bound legs but all that did was cause him to kick me again, harder this time around. I would spin my head around in the direction of the voice and tried to glare at him through my blindfold, yet all he did was simply laugh and then drag me on to my feet. He would lift the black coloured cloth upwards so that I could see him, an ugly looking male, in his early 30’s with dark brown hair and bear. He was a little on the fat side too, a fact that I quickly took note of, before glancing down at his gut, before rolling my golden coloured eyes.

“What the hell is that look for?” he’d say angrily, “You’re lucky that I don’t beat you to an inch of your life for what you did to my partner, you arrogant bitch. I swear that you’ve broken his god damn jaw with that bloody right hook of yours.”

My eyes lit up with amusement and a muffled laugh would escape through my gag, before I would lean my head back and crack him in the head with the most awkward head butt in history. I couldn’t hit him all that hard sadly because of my bonds and after being stunned for a moment, he then struck me hard in the ribs with a punch, forcing me to drop to my bound knees. The strike knocked the wind right out of me and I struggled to breathe as I tried to get as much oxygen as I could through my nose. Roughly, he would then place his foot on my upper body and push, causing me to fall backwards onto my back, my arms tied behind me. “Mother fucker,” I’d shout through the gag, my words almost indecipherable. He seemed to get the gist of it though and pressed his foot down on my chest, causing me to scream and flail.

“Right,” he’d say, one hand placed over his head as he recovered from my head butt, a look of absolute fury on his face, “If you’re going to play that game with me then you can damn well suffer.” He would then move his foot away and walk out of my eye line, before I could hear the sound of something metal being picked up and a spell being cast. Walking back in front of me, he would then smile and raise the metal item, my eyes instantly being drawn to it. It looked like a type of branding tool, with the end smoking hot and steaming. My eyes would widen with horror as I realised what he was going to do. “Normally, we do this by magical means but I think in your case, I’ll use the old fashioned method.” Panicking slightly, I would try to roll my bound body on to my front but he quickly out a stop to that and kept me on my back. “Oh no you don’t, you decided to be a smart ass and now you’re going to pay for it. You’re going to have to learn to heel when we order you to and I think this’ll be a good lesson for the other girls too. Now, hold still.”

Kneeling down, he would pin me to the ground with one hand while moving the branding tool so that it was hovering just over her left breast, before bringing it down.

The pain was horrific and I would shout and scream with all my might as the hot metal would burn through my top and my skin. Waves of molten pain and agony would pulse through body, while my screeches were once more silenced by the rag. My body would viciously writhe and spasm as I tried to fight against it for what seemed like an eternity, before my resistance gave out and my world faded to black.

(1148 Words)

When I finally awoke, I found myself up against a pole, limbs once against bound to stop me from moving although at least my eyes and mouth were free. I was in the centre of an empty tent, forced to stand because of my bonds but that was not what instantly caught my attention. No, it was a horrible pain coming from my chest that felt as though it was on fire and as I looked down, I could feel the bile rising from my throat as I did so. My shirt was now just a tattered mess and just underneath my breasts was a horrific burn, dark red and ugly on the eye. I wanted to physically throw up at the sight of it and anger began to pulse through my body as I surveyed the damage. The memories of what had happened began to return to me as my head began to clear and I viciously tried to break whatever was binding me to the pole. The pain was a useful source of energy for my rage and I was soon almost pulling the tent down, due to the force that I was straining with. Just who was responsible for all of this anyway, I thought to myself and why had they taken me in the first place. It was a question that I hadn’t considered but it wasn’t as if there’d been any time for questions anyway. All that mattered was getting out of this place and that was the thought that kept coming back to the centre of my mind.

“My, my, they said you were feisty but I didn’t think you’d be awake so soon,” a voice would say, interrupting my concentration and causing my head to shoot up to look at the speaker. She was a tall woman, standing at almost six feet tall, with dark brown hair and piercing green eyes. Her garb was rather strange to me, a light kind of robe that was almost see through. It looked like something that you’d wear in a hot climate, which was enough to cause my eyebrows to raise. “I suppose you’ve figured it out, huh?” the woman would then add, noticing my expression, “Yes, we’ve travelled a long way while you were sleeping and you now find yourself in the beautiful sands of Desierto. I trust that you find my outfit beautiful, yes?”

“What outfit? There’s hardly anything of it to wear,” I would snap in reply, not caring for a moment about either the woman’s feelings or her own situation, “You’re just a kidnapping piece of trash that loves the sound of her own voice.”

“Now that’s just rude,” the woman quipped, a frown crossing her features as she approached me, while pulling out a dagger from a sheathe that had been attached to her hip at the same time. “I would have thought that you’re encounter in the truck would have taught you to keep your mouth shut when talking to your betters but I suppose you still need to learn.” With an annoyed look in her eyes, she would place the dagger right on top of my burned skin, before placing the tip of the blade onto it and gently twisting.

The pain was excruciating and I instantly started writhing against my bonds, “You heartless bitch,” I’d yell in between painful spasms of pain, “I’m not just going to become a pitiful little slave like those girls in the truck. So you can stop with this crap, right now.”

“Or what?” The dark haired lady would reply, “You’ll escape from your binds and rip me limb from limb? Good luck with that, you brain dead idiot. You may be strong but you have no brain cells as you’re only proving to me at this moment. You’re not going to get out of those bonds because they are magically sealed, you fool. Now, behave yourself for a minute and let us speak like adults, unless you’d rather I insert this blade all the way in and rip your heart out. Your choice.”

Struggling for a few moments more, I would briefly consider my options before sighing and coming to a stop, “Fine, say what you want to say.”

“That’s better and for a start, my name’s not bitch, so you can stop calling me that. As far as you’re concerned, I’m your entire world as of now and you will serve me as such,” the barely clad female would say, “The plan was to sell you to the highest bidder but because of your big mouth, there’s no chance of that. No one is going to want to buy damaged goods such as yourself, as one look at your chest is going to put anyone off. I swear that when I find Balthazar, I’ll beat him to a pulp. I don’t care how much of an ass you were, he knows better than to damage the goods.”

“So that’s the name of the bastard,” I muttered, voice dripping with anger, “You’re lucky that I didn’t have my hands free because it wouldn’t have been his jaw that I would have broken.”

“I’m well aware of that as your strike on Tristan showed,” the lady responded, a smile briefly crossing her lips and her eyes flickered for a moment as though a light bulb had gone out, “Since I can’t sell you and there’s little chance of me breaking you then perhaps I can just use you for sport instead? You can clearly punch and there are many men in my organisation who like to brawl. So, you’re going to fight for me until you can’t fight any more. If you try and run, I’ll have my men shoot you so don’t try anything funny. As long as you behave yourself, I’ll treat you well and who knows? If you amuse me enough, perhaps I’ll let you go. How’s that?”

“It’s not like I have a lot of choice,” I snap in answer although there is a slight tingle of excitement at the thought of getting my hands on the scum who captured me in the first place.

“Oh you do,” came the answer, “You can simply stay here until you rot but I’d rather not have you do that. It’s a long and messy way of doing things and will do doubt attract a lot of flies. Anyway, think about it, girl. I’ll return later to receive your answer.”

With that, she would take her leave, leaving me alone once again.

(1091 Words)
(Total WC: 2239)

Things seemed to move quite quickly once I agreed to fight, which was the only response that I could give when she did return. From there, I was moved to the woman’s own quarters and given a small space of my own there. Naturally, her eyes were always upon me and it was rare that I truly had a moment to myself but at least I had a little more dignity here. I was able to walk through the slavers compound when I wished, as long as I was escorted by guards. Not that there was a whole lot to see. The male slaves were forced to do manual labour while the women were quickly sold off to wealthy princes and nobles. It was an absolutely foul place and keeping my temper in check was always a constant struggle, something that the guards were always keen to try and test me on. They would regularly insult me, knowing full well that if I struck them then they would have the right to kill me on the spot. However, that didn’t stop me from giving them a verbal battering instead. Oh yes, I gave them all of the insults that they could handle and yet they’d been forbidden from striking me unless it was either a life or death situation or that I had broken the pact made with Lyandra, the dark haired woman whose name I only learned several days later. It was an odd situation but I’d already learned that she was a strange woman and that it probably made perfect sense to her.

In fact, most of my time was actually spent training, preparing for my first fight. I wasn’t given any information on who my opponent would be but was told that they were simply a slaver who wished to test his mettle. It had seemed that news of my physical strength had already spread throughout them, which did cause a spark of pride to rise in my chest although that was not the only sensation that I felt in that part of my body. For some reason, the branding had yet to fade and it continued to burn, long after it should have. Whether that was because of the magic infused iron used or simply something to do with the mark itself, I didn’t know and still don’t, long after these events took place. Anyway, as I was saying, my early days were spent in the slavers training grounds, usually being watched by a number of leering slavers which was always a sure fire way of pissing me off. Yet, none of them had the guts to approach and offer to spar with me, even if I was given permission to train with a couple of slaves. They were in pretty poor shape though and I did feel sympathy for them, so I went easy on them and simply knocked them out as quickly as I could. Sure, the slavers hated it but who gave a damn about what they thought?

Occasionally, Lyandra herself would make an appearance, shielded from the hot sun with a parasol, flanked by her own personal guards. I never quite knew what the looks she gave meant but it didn’t seem like anger or loathing. I could feel her eyes always on my body and yet whenever I looked her in the eye, she would always look away and smile to herself. For someone who constantly held a proverbial dagger to my throat, she did seem to enjoy having me around, which confused me even more. I was never able to figure out what she was thinking but even then, I had a suspicion that she was looking for something more than just another fighter. Yet, at the time, I had no idea as to what. She was always encouraging me, which was rather odd and trying to get me to be more aggressive with the slaves, despite my own distaste. It wasn’t the slaves that I wanted to grind into the sand and we both knew it, so I just ignored her, which always managed to get a rise out of her. We were always playing this game between each other, even though in the end, it would only end one way.

Life was pretty standard for the first few weeks and I soon fell into a pattern of training, which was doing wonders for my already fit body. My endurance and strength rose like crazy and the excruciatingly hot conditions only added to it. I would be exhausted at the end of each day but always went to sleep knowing that I was improving daily and ready for the poor target who’d been selected to take me on in combat. I felt as though I could take on anyone and come out the other side with a victory and that confidence was through the roof. It was clearly having an effect on the guards too, as they became more and more nervous around me as time went on. They would have an almost fearful look in their eyes and that was enough to make me smile. They wouldn’t be able to keep me for long and I think in the end, it was a fact that everyone who was involved probably knew. I had something inside me that was bursting to come out and a purpose that was to be far more than just a slavers champion. For the moment though, all I could do was train and play along, until the moment presented itself.

One morning, while I was dressing myself for another day of training, Lyandra herself would approach me, her eyes once more wandering, “I have news for you, Thyra. I’ve arranged a match for you against one of our members who is desperate to get his hands on you. Tristan has been ranting about the night that you joined us ever since then and his jaw has finally healed. So, I’m going to put you in against him and take place tomorrow morning. I don’t have to tell you what happens if you lose or try to escape but if you win then I’ll reward you. He’s a useless piece of shit anyway so by all means, have fun with him.”

With that, she would turn and walk away but I would stop her with a simple question, “Why do you keep looking at me like that? I see that glance every time you appear at the training grounds. What more do you want from me? My life is already in your hands.”

Lyandra would laugh and turn back towards me, “Honestly? I don’t quite know but there’s something about you that’s compelling. You amuse me, Thyra and I’ve never had a captive quite like you before. There’s a fire to you that they lack. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a lot to do this morning.”

She would then turn and leave, leaving me as confused as ever. Why couldn’t she just talk simply for once?

(1174 Words)
(Total WC: 3413)

There was definitely a fire in my belly during that day of training and by the time that I’d finished and returned to my room, all I could think about was what was to happen the following day. All I could feel inside was a mixture of anger, adrenaline and hate, which caused my heart to beast faster and my pulse to race. It was precisely how I felt during my capture and I have to admit that the sensation still gives me goosebumps, no matter how many times I feel it but back then, it seemed to have a unique edge to it. I wasn’t looking to just beat the guy up, I wanted to finish him and send a message to those who viewed me as simply there plaything and slave. Those who had watched me train and just laughed at my efforts would soon understand the error that they had made but the message that I wanted to send the most strongly was one to Lyandra. That it didn’t matter how many foes that she’d place in front of me because I would beat every single one of them, whether they be man, woman or something else entirely. Freedom was what I sought and I’d do anything to achieve that, well, almost anything. My ego would not allow me to play the subservient role so this was my only way out.

I didn’t sleep at all that night but the raw hatred that I felt inside was more than powerful enough to give me the energy I needed. I was brought to the training ground and placed inside a square ring, where my opponent was already waiting for me. Oh, I recognised him instantly and he sure as hell recognised me. His eyes burned with disgust as he watched me and his fists quickly clenched as he moved in to a combat posture. One look at his face brought the recent memories of my capture back to the forefront of my mind and as I stared at his blonde haired, blue eyed face, all I could think of was ending his life. I didn’t care about how primal or cruel that might have seemed at the time. There was nothing but my rage and want for revenge, something that clearly wanted to get from me as well.

“I’ve been waiting for this, whore,” he’d shout from his corner, “I’m going to make you suffer ten fold for what you’ve done to me. I’ll have you begging to put out of your misery after I’m through with you but don’t worry, I think I’ll take you as my personal maid instead. I’m sure even you’d look good in an outfit like that, even if you’re as ugly as sin.”

“I couldn’t give a flying fuck what you want to do,” I answered, my voice consumed by anger, “I’m going to beat you to a bloody pulp and hang you from the entrance of this camp for what you’ve done to me. No one puts their hands on my body, certainly not a piece of desert trash like you.”

The time for words had come to an end and he quickly sprinted across the ring and threw a punch although I easily evaded it. A clumsy and pitiful strike that easily left him open and I caught him with a powerful right-handed hook to his body, before smashing my left fist into his stomach. The force of the blows would send him into one of the neutral corners and he’d bounce back towards me, where I then caught him with firm strike to the ribs, followed by a devastating uppercut that sent his head skywards and forcing him into the corner a second time. He looked stunned already but I simply sprinted forward and launched a further barrage of punches, unloading as many as I could to his upper body and face. My power seemed to increase with each hit and as his face began to turn crimson with blood, I began to enjoy the feeling of being on top. The small group of slavers who had come to watch were stunned by the one sided display and a mighty left hook to the side of his head seemed to end the fight, causing him to collapse on the floor.

A roar of anger would suddenly reach my ears as a pair of rough hands would grab me and  always throw me away from the fallen figure. Turning around, I’d find myself face to face with Balthazar, a scimitar seeming to appear from nowhere in his right hand and putting himself in front of Tristan. “Bitch, I knew you were a freak of nature but this is insane. You’ve done enough damage, now back off before I slash you to pieces.” His weapon would suddenly glow with a bright white light and he’d unleash a blast that would launch me backwards and crashing against the opposite corner’s ring post.

Staggered, I’d drop to one knee but when the light faded, a feminine figure was now in between myself and Balthzar and she wasn’t pleased, “I told you to mind your own business Balthazar,” Lyandra would snap in anger, her own green orbs blazing at the slaver. “You gave me your word that you’d not interfere in this fight and that was the condition that I agreed to let you watch this.” Furious, she would release a powerful barrage of lightning which quickly had the slaver howling with pain and twitching on the floor. It was a sickening sight but I couldn’t care less for him at that moment. He’d taken away my chance to have my sweet vengeance on Tristan and who knew if I’d get the chance again? His screaming would echo for thirty seconds or so before he’d pass out, his body smoking slightly from the lightning burns “Get these two fools out of my sight,” she’d then say to the watching slavers, who would quickly enter the ring and do her bidding.

Lyandra, however, would turn and approach me and before I could do anything, she’d place a hand out towards my head and simply say, her eyes looking into mine, “Sleep!” My eyes glazing over, I’d instantly collapse to the ground, asleep before I even hit the sand.

(1054 Words)
(Total WC: 4467)

A pounding head was the first sensation that I felt when I awoke and my first few moments of consciousness were just a blur of images and random thoughts as I tried to get it together. A fight, a blast of light and a hand in front of my face, that was all that came to mind at first and it was only when I sat up that things began to come together. I briefly looked around to find myself in a beautifully decorated room, a far cry from the typical squalor that most of the slavers quarters were like. Yet, this wasn’t Lyandra’s quarters either, as I was already aware of what those were like so just where did I find myself now? Sighing and rubbing my temples, I would cringe as my head continued to feel like I had been hit with a trip hammer. As my mind began to clear, I would slowly begin to remember the events that happened previously and a smile would cross my face as I recalled my fight with Tristan. I had done precisely what I’d said I would and beaten him black and blue but why had Balthazar interfered. What reason could he possibly have to go so far as to defend him like that, against the wishes of Lyandra? It didn’t make a lot of sense to me but come to think of it. He’d been incredibly protective of him on the night of my capture too.

“I’m sorry for the headache but my sleep magic does tend to have that effect,” a familiar voice would say and as suspected, the dark haired leader of the slavers would be sitting at the end of the bed, “Take it easy for a moment and relax, you’re quite safe here.”

“Where am I?” I’d ask simply, slowly pulling my hands from my head and glancing towards the green eyed woman, “This sure as hell isn’t the slaver camp.”

“Quite right, this is my personal residence,” Lyandra would answer simply, “Miles away from the camp and those dirty pieces of filth.”

“You don’t think much of your employees, do you?” I would quip, raising an eyebrow as I took a second glance at my surroundings.

“They are simply tools to use at my disposal and a way of making money. Trust me, I couldn’t care less about them or anything that they say and do. However, I do expect obedience from those who work for me, as I’m sure you remember.”

“So that’s why you stopped Balthazar, just to show that you’re the queen bee,” I’d say quietly, “I guess that makes sense, given that you're a controlling and psychotic bitch.”

“How else am I supposed to keep law and order? Even though I’d rather not have had to use my magic as mages are frowned upon in this country and I had to do a lot of covering up afterwards in order to keep my contracts with the sultans. However, he left me no choice but to stop him. Besides, the image of him twitching on the floor is one that I won’t be forgetting for a while and you’re far more valuable than he is,” Lyandra would cheerfully state.

“What is that supposed to mean?” I thought you’d be glad to get rid of me and just let him attack. I’m just a tool to be used for your amusement, remember?” Came my bitter reply.

“If that was true, would I have brought you here and even let you rest on my own bed?” the slaver would answer, moving a little closer, “I don’t know how to explain it but when I saw Balthazar about to attack, I was compelled to lash out instantly and that’s what truly saved you. Not my need to show dominance but how I feel when I look at you.”

“I don’t understand what you mean,” I’d say with a confused look in my eyes, “You’ve done nothing but play around with me since your stooges took me and now you’re talking like this? I’m tired of these games, Lyandra and I don’t believe for a second that what you’re saying is true. Just take me back to the camp or do whatever it is that you’re planning to. I’m done with this passive aggressive bullshit.”

There would be a flash of anger in the eyes of the slaver and she’d suddenly leap towards me in anger but my instincts seemed to at least be waking up. I was able to catch her hands, roll her over and pin her to the bed, my gold orbs blazing down into hers, “What in the fuck are you doing woman?! I don’t understand you at all and never have done. WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME?!”

With a pulse of magical energy, she would break my grip on her, before pulling me down into a kiss. My eyes widened with shock, while my lips remained unmoving against hers. I’d never been kissed by anyone before, let alone another woman and my mind went blank. I just couldn’t react to it and when our lips finally parted, I just looked stupefied and for the first time in my life, completely lost for words. A smile would cross her features and she would pull me into an embrace, “You see now? This is why I saved your life and it’s why I’ll never let you go. I want you with me for as long as we both live and I always get what I want. I’ll be good to you and you’ll never have to worry about anything again. Just stay with me, willingly.”

Pressed up against her chest, my expression was shielded from her and truthfully, there was very little to see. My mind was still trying to process what had happened and her words continued to run through my head. I wanted to just pretend that it had all just been my imagination but the rapid beating of my heart spoke more than words could. This wasn’t fantasy, this was real and my life had just taken yet another sudden turn.

(1024 Words)
(Total WC: 5491)

I’m not sure just how long we laid there together but I it was as if I was paralysed to the spot any unable to move. This woman had arranged my capture, enslaved me and forced me to fight for her amusement and now she comes out and says that she wants me to be with her? It didn’t make any sense to me and I just let the silence between us grow longer and longer. She was more twisted than I had ever imagined and the thought of actually being with her repulsed me. To be with someone like her wasn’t something that anyone would want although there was a small voice in the back of my mind that had actually enjoyed the kiss but why? This wasn’t how it was supposed to be between two women, was it? These thoughts began to flow through my mind and that point, which only confused me further. What the hell was wrong with me and why was I even thinking like this? It just didn’t make any sense and I clenched my hands, something that Lyandra seemed to notice.

“You’re awfully quiet, don’t you understand what I’m trying to tell you?” she’d eventually say, keeping me pressed up against her, “I spill my heart out to you and I get silence? Don’t you have anything to say, Thyra? I’ve never seen you like this, talk to me.”

“This is just another game,” I’d finally say, my mind still focused on the kiss, “I don’t believe a word of it and I refuse to accept that you saved me because you actually give a damn. If you truly cared, then you’d simply let me leave and live my life as I wish. What you’re talking about is just another form of slavery and I refuse to be an object for you to fondle and mess around with?” Angrily, I’d force myself away from her and got to my feet, leaving her laying there as I the red mist began to descend on me, “You’re an unlovable woman, who simply treats all those around her like nothing, There’s nothing inside of you besides cruelty and hate. I’d never agree to stand with you, let alone share your bed. You make me sick.”

The tension was palpable and the look of anger and disgust on my face was soon mirrored in Lyandra’s as she sat up, “You have the nerve to throw my feelings back in my face like that!” she roared with anger, “I’m not playing with you nor am I lying and don’t tell me that you didn’t enjoy that either. Do you honestly think I’m incapable of feeling anything but hate? Is that how I seem to you? What do you know of me and who I am?”

“You’ve earned your money by stealing people from their homes, I don’t need to know anything more,” I’d counter, walking towards the door, “I’m not going to be your whore, Lyandra nor am I going to be your slave any longer and be your toy. It’s like I said before, kill me or release me because I’m done with this. You’ve robbed me of so much already and I refuse to lose anything more. What have I possibly gained during this whole shitty mess?”

“That you’re a terrible liar and underestimate all those that you meet,” the raven haired woman would answer, before unleashing a powerful blast of lightning in my direction. It felt like every nerve was on fire and my screaming could have probably been heard a mile away, given how loudly I was screeching. I tried to fight it off with all my strength but the truth was that I just had no defence against magic and I soon dropped to my knees, twitching and reeling all over the floor. My fingers scrabbled desperately against the floor but it was to no avail as the slaver just kept firing more bolts.

She’d stand up, continuing to fire more blasts of lightning that kept me twitching on the floor, “It didn’t have to be this way, Thyra but you always have to make things so fucking difficult. Perhaps that’s why I’m so fond of you because you just never do what I want.” The bolts would continue to rain down upon me and all I could do was roll around in pain, “It’s almost as if you enjoy being tortured or something but I highly doubt that’s true. I’ve seen the look in your eye and you’re just like me. You love to be the one in control, as you were against Tristan. The anger that I saw as I watched you captured me, Thyra. No matter what you say, deep down, you know that what I’m saying is true. We are alike and that’s why I am drawn to you. I just wish that you’d accept that simple fact and let me show you how pleasant it can be. I don’t want you to be a mindless puppet or slave and I’ve been telling you that since the start.”

Eventually she stopped with her attacks, leaving me to just twitch, barely conscious and incapable of saying much of anything. Lyandra would sigh and kneel down beside me, moving one hand down and gently stroking my green locks, “Listen to me, just for once. Even if I wished for you to leave, I couldn’t allow it. You know far too much about my organisation and if word spreads that I’m a mage then I can kiss my world goodbye. You’re staying with me whether you like it or not and no matter how strong you are physically, it will never be enough to defeat my magic.Think about it, please? I truly don’t want to have to kill you as it might just break my heart.”

With a flick of her wrist, I would be lifted up into the air and then placed once more on the bed, still smoking slightly from the lightning. Lyandra would then approach and briefly lean over so that we were looking each other in the eyes, “Now, I have to run some errands and will have to leave you for a bit. Take this time to consider what we’ve discussed here and maybe think about my offer a little more. There’s much that I can teach you about the world, if you would only give me the chance.”

Not having the strength to even lift my head, all I could hear was the sound of the opening and closing of the door, a magical symbol appearing on it afterwards. Laying there motionless, I would just stare at the ceiling, being unable to do anything else.

(1120 Words)
(Total WC: 6611)

All I could do was think as I lay there, my body unable to respond to my commands and lacking the strength to try and move. The lightning had been far more powerful than I’d thought and it was if it had ripped me apart with its horrible wrath. Every part of me was hurting, from head to toe and never had I experienced anything quite like that. I’d been so confident that I could defeat anything and anyone. I’d been so self assured and it was only when I was lying on that bed that I finally realised the truth. I was just another powerless soul, unable to escape from those who sat higher up the food chain than I. All of my strength was nothing compared to those of a mage, a truth that was just as painful to accept as the lightning had been to take. I hated myself for feeling this way but what else could I feel? So easily had been overpowered, without any resistance on my part. What was I going to do now? Simply become Lyandra’s private prisoner? A pet to be played and fondled with whenever she wished. The thought was a horrible one but at that moment, another one entered my mind. One that I hadn’t considered during the argument.

What if she had actually meant what she said? Was there a chance that she’d actually spoken the truth and did genuinely care? It was so hard to believe but it filled in some of the gaps in my understanding of what had happened in the arena. Her anger had been apocalyptic in nature and the venom that she’d attacked Balthazar with was almost palpable. She’d defended my life as with a level of force that only someone who actually gave a damn would and that idea caused my mind to start to turn. Perhaps this wasn’t a game at all and it was actually the honest truth. The kiss that she had given me had been gentle and sweet, lacking any real power or strength. It was as though she was trying to tell me something that words simply couldn’t. She’d treated me with such tenderness afterwards too, revealing a side that I’d never seen before. Was it perhaps me who had been trying to deceive and hiding my own feelings. My heart beat so fast during it, so much so that despite all of my anger and dislike for the woman, it made me have to stop and pause. I had enjoyed having her lips pressed against mine, even if I hadn’t thought so at the time and now that I had a moment to think about it, it suddenly hit me. Had all of what I’d been through simply been a form of courtship on her part? A twisted way of showing her love for me. It was a thought that would have repulsed me but now? It didn’t quite have the same feel to it.

Eventually, I would start to feel my hands and feet again, which was all I needed to feel in order to try and sit up. An awkward process but in the end, I was able to at least rise up on to my backside. I’d then pull my knees up against my chest and rest my head upon them as this new realisation began to fight against my old views. My stubbornness and hard headedness fighting against my ability to grow and understand. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to believe what my own heart was telling me. She loved me but I didn’t want to believe it.

“I’m back” Lyandra would suddenly say, interrupting my inner monologue, a smile across her beautiful features as she closed the door behind me, “Did you miss me?”

I didn’t say anything nor raise my head but the lack of an answer seemed to encourage her enough to approach and sit on the edge of the bed. “I take it that from your silence that you’ve been actually thinking for a change and have realised the truth. Stop fighting me, Thyra and accept things for what they are. We both know the truth here and there’s no need to lie to yourself. Just admit it and we can both move on.”

Eventually, I would raise my head and turn to look her in the eye, tears beginning to well up and start to fall down my cheeks. It was like the floodgates were opening up and all of the pain and torment that I’d gone through since my capture was finally bursting out. My ego was utterly destroyed and I was just confused without measure, unable to express how I felt. I was broken, heart, body and soul and the tears were just the physical manifestation of that. Each one being another small part of me that was being washed away. “Please, no more games, Lyandra,” I’d say, my words difficult to understand due to my sobbing, “I can’t handle them any longer.”

Slowly, I’d lay back on to the bed and after a few moments, the brown haired woman would follow, looking down at me, one hand on each side of my body, “It’s OK, Thyra, I know that this might not make much sense now but you must now understand how I feel. I love you and want you to feel the same way about me. No more games, no more forcing you to fight unless you wish it and no more being treated like a pet. It was just my way of trying to understand my own feelings, something that I’ve failed miserably to do. Please, forgive me for my cruelty and accept me. I need you.”

To my shock, tears were starting to run down her face too and that more than anything finally broke the lock surrounding my heart. Raising a hand, I would gently wipe away a tear from her, before leaning upwards and kissing her, clumsily trying to repay her gesture from before. I had no idea what I was doing but she soon took the lead, both her lips and arms taking control of the situation and teaching me without words. Her hands would begin to wander across my body, causing my cheeks to turn a bright shade of red but I did nothing to stop them. I simply melted into her embrace, finally accepting that this was how it was meant to be.

(1078 Words)
(Total WC: 7689)

Lyandra showed me a side of herself that she’d never shown to anyone, let alone me that night and by the time that the morning came around, we both had satisfied smiles spread across our faces. All of the tension that had been between us had suddenly vanished and our night together brought everything out into the open. She had promised to teach me so much and in just a single evening, she’d already taught me a great deal about myself. I’d been as awkward as a baby deer standing up for the first time but she’d been patient with me and slowly but surely, had been able to open my eyes to a new form of communication. I was content with myself and with the way things were for the first time since my capture, which seemed like an age ago. I’d happily stay with Lyandra for as long as we could be together, no matter what or who would try and get in the way. The only question that I had now was what would happen next. The thought of aiding her with her slavery endeveors made me feel physically sick and there was not the slightest chance that I would delve any further into that horrible world.

“Awake already, hmm?” Lyandra would say softly, yawning and wrapping her arms around me, “After what we went through last night, I thought you’d be out of it for at least half the day. Then again, you’ve always been the energetic type, haven’t you?” She smiled, her bright green orbs filled with whimsy and playfulness, “I’m glad that you finally came to understand what I’ve been trying to tell you all this time, my dear. I promise that things will only get better from here.”

“I’m sure as hell not going to back to that wretched camp,” I’d counter with a chuckle, it was said in good humour but there was a touch of seriousness as well, “I don’t see why you can’t just close the place, you must have made enough money by now. Just let the slaves go and let the slavers go work for someone else.”

“I’m afraid I can’t do that, my dear,” came Lyandra’s answer, “I’m in far too deep to pull out of now and my life wouldn’t be worth living if I went back on the deals that I have with my partners. The slave trade is not one that I can just get pull out from when I’ve had enough, Thyra, it’s a lifelong commitment. Look, I get that you hate the whole idea of it and I sure as hell would too if our places were reversed but it’s something you’re just going to have to expect. It’s how many of us survive in this country and like it or not, it’s going to stay that way.”

“Unless I put a stop to it,” I’d say quietly, feeling the burning of anger and adrenaline fill my veins as I thought about the poor men and women that I saw in the slave camp. The faces of those that I had to knock out during my training began to flash through my mind and a sense of guilt started to emerge, one that I sorely wanted to try and get rid of. “Just because that’s the way things are now doesn’t mean that they have to be forever. If the slaver camps were gone then there’d be no more…..”

“I don’t like where this is going, Thyra,” the brunette would interrupt, squeezing me gently and causing me to wriggle with pleasure, “I admire your guts and determination but there are men and women out there that you just can’t beat with your fists. You’ve already felt the full brunt of my magic, do you honestly want to commit suicide by going up against entire groups of mages? That’s what many of the slavers are, magic wielders. We’re treated so poorly among the main populace that we are forced to take up slavery in order to survive. Please let it go, my love. I’m not going to force you to take part in any of my activities, as I told you last night. You can spend your days here among the people without having to worry about anything. If you have a desire to take out your anger on something, then there is fighting hall in the city that is always open for new recruits. Take out your frustrations there and try to accept the fact that slavery is just too large a part of my life to give up.”

“Damn it,” I’d say bitterly, “I’ve spent my whole life thinking that there’s nothing that I couldn’t do thanks to my strength and now I find myself completely helpless and unable to do what I want. Do you have any idea what that feels like, Lyandra? Have you ever actually thought about what it’s like for those people that your men have kidnapped? How I felt when Balthazar branded me with that god forsaken branding iron? It feels like you have had the courage ripped out of you and be replaced by fear and uselessness. Nothing more than a terrified animal who licks their master’s hand, desperately trying to please them.”

“Is that how you feel, de fanged and lifeless?” Lyandra said softly, rolling me over so that she was looking down at me, “I don’t believe that for a second and neither do you. I admit that I’ve become numb to the feelings of those that my men take but strength can be found in the darkest of times and I believe that those with enough determination can make the most of their situation. Those men and women you’re talking about don’t have the courage to survive here but you do. Make the most out of your new life, Thyra and you will feel as powerful as those who sit on the thrones of this country. There are victories for you here if you’d just look for them and I’m sure that your experiences in the camp will only make them feel sweeter.”

“You’ve always had a way with words,” I’d say, my bitterness fading away for a moment, before I’d roll Lyandra over on to her back and put what she’d taught me the previous night to good use.

(1059 Words)
(Total WC: 8748)

The short time we spent together was incredible but my brunette lover soon had to leave and return to the camp, much to my displeasure. We shared breakfast together and then she was gone, saying that it would probably be a few days before she’d return. I was disappointed but reluctantly accepted that this was how things were probably going to be but at least I had the freedom to explore my new home, albeit with a warning from Lyandra that their were dangers, even in the more well off regions. Still, my curiosity was piqued and I was beginning to feel stir crazy being stuck in the house so I got up and wandered for a time.

I ended up in a massive marketplace where peddlers of all types were trying to sell their wares, shouting at the top of their voices. It was complete bedlam and it was tough to make much sense of anything that was going on around me. I wasn’t all that used to crowds of that size and after a while, I became a little tired of the pushing and shoving and decided to move on towards the duelling club that Lyandra had mentioned. She hadn’t said all that much about it, other than it would be a good way for me to let off some steam and after spending an hour or so being pushed, I was certainly in the mood for cutting loose a bit.

However, before I reached my destination, I suddenly felt fingers around my waist and turned to find a small figure darting off. My hand naturally went down, to find that my coin purse had vanished and without much thought, I turned around and sprinted after the slight figure. He was a tiny little kid and far more manoeuvrable than me but I was durable enough to keep up with me, even if I did ram one or two people rather hard as I dashed by, much to their annoyance. My mind became overcome with rage and any chance of me thinking clearly went straight out the window. He would turn around briefly to see if I was following and jumped a foot in the air when he saw me coming toward him, quickly sprinting off again although there was a smile on his face for some reason. Thinking back on it now, that smile was the clue that should have tipped me off.

As it was, I’d watch as he turned off into an alleyway and with no hesitation at all, I followed him down there. Only to find that he’d stopped running and that he wasn’t alone. There were now three large figures, wielding katanas and staring directly at me. The kid, however, was grinning from behind the men, counting the coins that he’d stolen from me. The adults though seemed to have something more than thievery in mind, judging from the looks on their faces. A look that I saw so many times back at the slave camp.

“You should have just let him run off with your coin, girl,” the tallest of the three would say, “Now it looks like we’re going to have to rough you up a bit or perhaps we’ll take you with us, who knows?”

“She looks exotic, perhaps we should try and sell her?” another one said, a shorter and far fatter male, a greedy look in his eyes, “I’m sure we’d make a fortune if we showed her to the sultan.”

“I swear I’ve seen her somewhere before,” the third added, standing slightly behind the others, a wiser look in his eye, “Wasn’t there talk of a golden eyed slave who’d suddenly vanished from that brunette bitches camp?”

“Her name is Lyandra, not bitch, ass hole,” I interrupted, folding my arms across my chest, becoming angrier by the second, “Call her that again and I’ll beat the three of you a pulp. Now, give me back what was stolen from me and I’ll walk away. I’ll only warn you once.” My eyes were blazing and the adrenaline and thrill of a fight was causing my heart to race. Part of me wanted them to turn the offer down, just so I could smash their faces in.

The three men gave each other a look and then just laughed, “I don’t think you quite get what’s happening here, girl,” the leader of the three answered, “You don’t have a hope in hell in beating us and you’ll be lucky to still be breathing if you try anything funny. So, how about you just drop to your knees and let us take you alive, otherwise we’ll have to mess up that pretty face of yours, which I sure as hell don’t want to do.”

“Why don’t you fuck off?” I retorted, my hands clenched into fists, “You guys don’t have the balls to do anything unless you’re sneaking up on people in the middle of the night and the fact you need this kid to lure me in proves what complete pussies you are.”

“Feisty one, aren't you?” a voice suddenly said from behind her and instinctively, she forced her elbow backwards, catching the speaker in the ribs and causing him to crash to the ground.

“That’s exactly what I mean,” I’d snap at the men, briefly turning an eye to the now dazed male on the floor, before picking up his katana and brandishing it in front of the three, “How many more of you mother fuckers are around here, huh?”

The three were slightly taken aback by just how quickly I’d take out their comrade and gave each other a slightly concerned look. After a few moments, they would nod and start to come forward towards me, each moving from a different angle, trying to make it more difficult for me to keep them all in view. Gripping my blade tighter, I’d watch like a hawk, waiting for the first one to make a move against me. In the corner of my eye, I could see the boy attempt to run but one brief glance from me caused him to stop, before diving behind a barrel for cover, watching what was about to happen with a frightened look across his features.

(1044 Words)
(Total WC: 9792)

I admit that I wasn’t all that great with a blade back then but that didn’t matter to me at the top. The red mist of combat had overtaken me again and my only concern is removing the scum that wished to take me captive. I wouldn’t become one again, bound against a pole, awaiting the judgement of whoever held my leash. This time, I’d defend myself and defeat all of those who stood in my way. I was a free woman again and it would stay that way, no matter what the cost. I held the sword in both hands, preferring a two handed grip compared to the one handed that the three thugs seemed to prefer. I wanted power, not grace and as I gripped it, there almost seemed to be an aura of menace that came off of me, causing all three of the men to become more tentative. I didn’t know whether it was natural or not but I didn’t care, any edge was useful.

The shortest of the three came forward and started the assault, attempting to keep me off balance with short and speedy stabs in order to try and break through my defences. I clumsily parried them, before managing to clatter his blade to the side and deliver a powerful knee to his stomach, knocking the wind out of him and causing him to stagger backwards. The tallest one would take the offensive then and take the lead, seeming to prefer my style of combat and we were soon slamming our blades against each other in a contest of raw strength. He was certainly powerful and far more experienced than I but in the end, my freakish strength came through for me, as I managed to force him back during a blade lock, before sending his blade flying with a massive two handed swipe. Defenceless, his eyes would widen with panic, before I suddenly shifted my battle stance and stabbed him in the chest, before cutting downwards. The blood burst forth from his top half and he collapsed to the floor in a heap.

The short thug would attempt to attack me from behind then but my senses were sharp enough to tell that he was coming. I’d turn around and meet his blade with mine, before pushing him backwards and then taking the offensive myself. He soon found himself to be overpowered and my attacks just became stronger the longer it went on for. I just kept pushing him further and further back until he came up against the alley wall. With a wild slash, I would then send his sword spinning from his wrist, before raising my blade and bringing it down in a monstrous two handed strike, cutting him almost in two. He was dead the moment my blade struck him and he fell motionless to the ground.

The third thug hadn’t actually done much of anything and was still watching her from where he stood, sword drawn. He was far more wary than the other two and almost looked uncertain as to whether he should attack or not, “Shit, you’re far tougher than I thought, girl,” he admitted, “I suppose any whore of Lyandra’s would have to be, given how she is with people. All right, I’ll walk away and let you off this time but know that you’ve made a mistake here, as my allies are the vengeful type. Perhaps you already know of some of them?”

“You mean those two morons who were electrocuted by her?” I’d answer angrily, furious as to how he was speaking of my love, “I’d be quite happy to finish those two off, given the chance. You’ve no idea what they’ve done to me.”

“Oh but I do,” he replied curtly, “They’ve told me all about you and I admit that I was surprised to find you walking the streets. The two you’ve killed here were unaware but there’s quite a reward out on your head, my dear. You see, Tristan and Balthazar would like nothing better than to take out their frustrations on you, as your actions so rudely ruined their former careers. There’s a spell with your name on it and you can consider yourself warned. You should stick to your quarters, my dear because next time we see you, it’s not just going to be the three of us wielding swords and we won’t be so forgiving either.”

He would then attempt to walk past me but I instinctively raised the sword and placed it towards his throat before he could do so, “What makes you think that I’m just going to let you walk away and tell your friends? That wouldn’t be a clever move on my part, would it? I should just end this year and finish you off too.” A flash of anger stemmed from my golden eyes and my sword gently pierced his neck, causing a few trickles of blood to begin to trickle from it.

“No, I suppose it wouldn’t,” he said with a sigh, “I didn’t think that you’d be so unforgiving and I admit that I find that quite admirable. Sadly, I’m just one step ahead of you.”

With that, he’d suddenly jump backwards, before pulling out a small bad and throwing it towards the ground, causing a bright light to emerge and briefly blind me. When my eyesight returned, he was gone and all that was left were the two bodies on the ground. I’d then briefly turn as I heard a strange sound and to my surprise, the boy from earlier was still behind the barrel, scared to death by what he’d just seen. Without a word, he’d quickly throw my coin purse in my direction, before running for his life. It was hard to feel any sympathy for him after his earlier theft but perhaps he’d learned a lesson from the spectacle. Not wanting to be found with the bodies, I’d then blend back in to the crowd and head off towards the duelling club, my original destination.

(1010 Words)
(Total WC: 10802)

I was completely on edge as I once more tried to get through the crowds, acting far more aggressively than I had before. I didn’t want to spend a single moment longer then I had to in the thick of it and by the time I finally reached the club, my ribs were sore from the amount of times that I’d been jabbed in them and my temper had quickly reached its limits. The adrenaline rush from the fight was still pulsing through me too which didn’t exactly help. I wanted to punch something then and there and if Lyandra had been right then I should be at the perfect place.

Opening the door, I’d find a lively atmosphere as a large amount of spectators were watching a pair of males fighting on a large mat which was placed on a pedestal. There must have been fifty or sixty people watching and the noise that was coming from the crowd was almost deafening. To my left was a counter, where a woman was trying to ignore the din and actually get some work done, writing a load of figures down on a piece of paper, which I assumed were bets of some kind. She barely even looked up at me as I walked over, continuing to write.

“I’m sorry but it’s too late to be placing bets,” she’d say distractedly, “You’ll have to come back later for the evening show.”

“I didn’t come to place a bet, I wanted to fight myself,” I’d answer, a small smile crossing my features as I watched her go about her work.

That made her look up and the woman raised an eyebrow as she looked at me, “Oh, I see. It’s not often that we get new recruits here and I’m not even sure if we have any room in our women's division. I’m afraid that it’s sadly not as popular as the men’s and so we find ourselves needing fewer and fewer competitors. I’m afraid you’re going to have to find somewhere...”

“Hold on a second,” another voice interrupted, “You might just be in luck.” A tall blonde haired male would approach the pair, almost having to shout to make himself heard, “We’ve just had one of our female fighters pull out through injury and could do with a fresh face to liven things up. If you’re tough enough, I’ll give you a shot. I’m Roscoe, the owner of the club, by the way. Normally, we put new recruits through a test to see if they’ve got the skills but judging from the state of you,” he’d pause briefly, glancing down at my bloody attire, “I’d say that you’re tough enough. Are you interested?”

“Yeah, sure,” I replied with a grin, “Anything I need to know about these fights of yours?” I didn’t exactly expect this to be a fight to the death or anything, even if part of me hoped that it might be. There was so much going on in my head at that moment and my body was still as pumped as ever. I needed to release on something or I was going to explode.

“The rules are pretty simple,” he said proudly, “Fist and feet only and to win you just need to knock your opponent out or get them to submit. No fatalities and no attacking after the fight is over. We believe in respect between opponents although some of our members still need to be reminded of that from time to time.Since you’re new, I’ll give you a bit of advice. The woman you’re fighting is explosive and likes to go straight for the knock-out. She’s going to be on you from the start so either fire back quickly or keep your distance until she’s tired.”

“I’ll try to remember that,” I quipped, a sudden roar from the crowd catching my attention as the current match came to an end, the winner celebrating with his arms raised in victory.

“Right, you’re up next, we’ll bring your opponent out now,” Roscoe smirked, “Good luck to you, girl, I hope you put on a hell of a show for us.” With that he’d turn around and walk away, heading for the backstage area and vanishing behind a curtain.

I would instead head towards the ring, moving through the crowd and making my way to the front. As I did so, a male with a horribly loud voice began to speak to the crowd, explaining the situation, much to the dislike of the crowd who started booing him the moment they heard about the injured fighter. However, once they saw me climbing up to stand beside him they soon started to cheer instead as I took a few steps backwards and prepared for my opponent to come out from behind the curtain.

After a few moments, a tall, blue haired woman would burst into view and sprint towards the ring, receiving a massive cheer as she clambered inside and took up her position. She was nearly six feet in height and as we moved to the centre of the ring, she clearly had a few inches on me, forcing me to have to look up at her. She had a strong brown eyed gaze and a look of anger and rage that mirrored my own. There was something definitely going on with her and I briefly wondered what although that thought was stricken from my mind as the rules were explained to us by a rather short figure, who then quickly got out of the way.

Once that was said and done, she stuck her hand out towards me and despite my doubts over the gesture, I shook her hand briefly, before letting go rather quickly. We then both backed up and waited for the bell and when it rang, I realised just what Roscoe had meant. This woman wasn’t fooling around and I couldn’t afford to either, as she came racing out of her corner towards me.

With a smile, I’d duck underneath her first wild punch and slam my right fist into her abdomen, causing an audible groan from the audience. The fight was well and truly on.

(1032 Words)
(Total WC; 11834)

It was a wild brawl and both of us had a very similar style, relying more on physical strength then finesse, resulting in an incredibly hard hitting contest. The fans loved it and were soon cheering for both of us, even though they didn’t have the slightest clue who I was. Each punch landed was met with a roar and as time wore on, they became more and more excited. I’d never felt such a rush before and although my love for combat was something that I’d long ago admitted to myself, never had I actually enjoyed a single fight as much as this one. My blue haired opponent could actually take a strike from, a rarity for sure. Her endurance was staggering and the force of her blows were certainly something that kept me on my toes. She had a constant smile on her face and her eyes blazed as strongly as mine, enthralled by the fight as much as I was.

The battle seemed fairly even until a sudden punch from her caught me in the chest, which caused my legs to suddenly stop moving, paralysing me. I’d never felt like that before and my inner voice was roaring at me to move and yet, I couldn’t, my body wouldn’t budge. She’d caught me just where my where branding scar just happened to be and somehow, the blow seemed to have a far more powerful effect. Taking her chance, my opponent would then dash forwards and strike me with a running knee that knocked me off my feet and onto the ground. The referee would quickly climb into the ring and look down at me to see if I was out cold but I was just about able to look up at him and nod when he asked if I wanted to go on. With that, he’d clamber back out and my opponent would run over to finish me off, however, it had just about given me the time I needed to recover.

As she swung her leg to deliver a vicious punt, I’d manage to grab hold of it and transition it into a rather bizarre submission attempt, wrenching on her ankle with all of my strength, trying to get her to submit to me. I’d wrap my legs around hers and continue to twist it, causing her to scream and shriek with pain, trying to get me off. All I could do was hold on for dear life and the crowd were watching every moment. The sudden change of pace had caught them off guard but they were captivated just the same. Some were shouting for her to tap out while others were chanting for her to escape. Either way, it was becoming more painful for her by the second and with one final powerful wrench, she managed to escape my clutches, rolling away, limping now.

I’d slowly stand up to face her, my energy returning and now having a weak point to exploit. I was still a little staggered and confused as to why her punch had done quite so much damage. Was it something to do with that scar or what? It was confusing and I didn’t understand at all but I had to get those thoughts out of my head and focus on the task at hand. She was noticeably in pain and her right leg was clearly suffering the effects of my submission. So, I did what came naturally and pressed forwards towards her, trying to land a finishing blow that would stop the fight. Her dodges were clumsy and I managed to catch her hard in the stomach with a punch, before striking her in her wounded leg with a kick. She responded with the fire that I’d come to expect from her and she managed to hit me in return, striking me with a powerful head butt, followed by a knee to the ribs, causing me to double over. However, she lacked the movement to take advantage and as she hobbled over to me, I was able to lift her up onto my shoulders and slammed her down hard on the mat.

I’d then lock in another hold on her right leg and started to wrench again and after a few spirited moments, my blue haired opponent ended up tapping out, unable to take the pain any longer. The crowd went ballistic, while I helped the other woman to her feet, which she gratefully accepted. She’d earned my respect and I’m pretty sure that I’d earned hers that day and after spending a few minutes soaking up the adulation of the crowd, I’d then help her to the back, where we’d both then sit on a bench, as a doctor approached and looked us over.

Roscoe appeared at that moment and as he walked towards us, he had a massive smile on his face, “Well, you two certainly put on quite a show for us, I must say. I didn’t expect you to be quite so formidable but it seems to me as though you’ve made a lot of new fans tonight. I’d be happy to invite you to join us officially, if you’d like to fight more often as you’ve more than proven your mettle against one of our toughest competitors, wouldn’t you agree, Thana?”

“I’d say so,” the blue haired said with a smile, wincing as the doctor prodded her foot to check the damage, “You hit like a truck, my friend and I’d be more than happy to vouch for you if any of the other girls have a problem. You’ve got talent, that’s for sure.”

“I don’t think I got your name,” Roscoe would then point out with a laugh, “With all this excitement, you never did give it to me.”

“I didn’t?” I’d answer with a grin, “It’s Thyra and I’d love to take part in more of your events. It was a lot of fun for me and the crowd were amazing.”

“It’s settled then,” He’d answer, “Come find me later after the doc’s had a look of you and we can sort out the details.” With that, he’d wander off, leaving me at the mercy of the club’s doctor as he soon finished with Thana and moved on to me.

(1048 Words)
(Total WC: 12882)

The doctor was rather thorough with his examination and when I mentioned what had happened during the fight, he had been adamant that I show him precisely where Thana had punched me. I did as asked and his eyes rose as he caught sight of my scar, a look of disapproval on his face. My new friend wasn’t impressed either and she swore like crazy when she saw it, demanding an explanation as to where it came from. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to but in the end I did and both of their expressions blackened as I spoke. They clearly knew something I didn’t and after a look between themselves, they said what was on their minds.

“That’s no ordinary scar and it’s no simple branding mark either,” the doctor said solemnly, “It’s a magical symbol that binds you to whoever implanted their magic into the iron that was used on you. You claim not to be a slave any more but I can assure you that there’s still a magical leash around your neck and until you confront the one who did it, you’ll always be enslaved to them.”

“It was this Lyandra, wasn’t it?” Thana spat, furious, “That’s a name that I’ve certainly heard of and her reputation around here is terrible. Everyone knows that she’s into illegal activities but because she has friends in the palace, no one can do much about it. She’s allowed to parade herself around like a queen, despite the fact that she’s earned her fortune by kidnapping innocent people. I swear that if she ever comes here, I’ll kill her myself.”

“I don’t understand,” I replied, slightly shaken by what I’d heard, “I’m not Lyandra’s slave, I’m her partner, her lover. The reason why we’re so close is because we care for one another, that’s all. She wouldn’t have her men magically bind those they capture to her…..would she?”

The two exchanged a look before sighing, the doctor’s voice softening, “Thyra, I need you to listen to me. I’ve been a doctor for a long, long time and this isn’t the first time that I’ve seen something like this happen. The woman that you claim to love is nothing but a monster who thrives on domination and control. It breaks my heart to say this but she doesn’t love you, she loves having you in the palm of her hand. She’s filling your head with all this talk of love so that you don’t try and free yourself from her influence and...”

“I don’t believe any of this,” I erupted, trembling with anger and suddenly standing up, “If that was true then why does my heart feel like its fit to burst whenever I look at her or feel her skin against mine? I confronted her about all of this before and she was in tears when she admitted her love for me. Those tears can’t have been fake ...they couldn’t have been.”

“Thyra, please listen to him,” Thana cut in, standing up on her one good leg and wrapping an arm around my shoulder, “This woman is a manipulative witch who is playing with your mind and it’s only going to hold you back. You’ll never be a free woman, as long as you’re with her and you have to understand that. You’re not meant to spend your life as her little doll and surely our fight must have shown that, even though I’m sure you already know this. You were born to be a warrior, like me. Stand up for yourself and fight back against her control, before you truly do lose the will to do anything other than to smile and nod.”

“You’re not in love with her, she’s twisted your mind so much that you think you are,” the doctor continued, “Everything she says to you is little more than a ploy to twist it even further, you must trust me on this. She’s only holding you back and the longer it goes on for, the worse it will get. She loves power, not you, as much as it pains me to say it. Think about it.”

With that, he’d complete his tests and take his leave, while I’d simply just tremble with confusion and rage. I didn’t know what to think or say and it was almost as though I was on automatic pilot. Every time I felt like I was going forward, something else would pop up and put me back at square one again. I wanted a way out, any way out. I wanted the strength and power to do what must be done. I wanted peace in my heart, something that I seemed to be unable to keep for all too long. In the back of my mind though, I began to understand and my heart began to break.

“What do I do?” I asked, my voice barely more than a whisper, I’m stuck in this endless cycle that I just can’t escape from. If I resist her, she tortures me but if I give into her, I become a spineless little runt. I can’t win either way. There’s a gap in our strength that I just can’t match and there’s nothing I can do about that. She’s a mage and I’m not, which makes all the difference in the world.”

“Who said that you’re not a mage?” Thana answered matter of factly, folding her arms across her chest, “I don’t know all that much about magic but I know that sometimes it’s something that doesn’t activate at birth. Maybe you have the potential for magic but simply haven’t found the key to it yet? I wouldn’t know where to start about how to do that but there’s one fighter or should I say, former fighter who does. He’s the elder of our club and has knowledge of many things. How about you come back tomorrow and try and speak to him? Perhaps he can help you find out for sure what you’re capable of.”

It was a small ray of hope but one that I desperately needed and after a moment's thought, I nodded my head, “All right, I’ll do that. Thank you, Thana.”

With a smile, she’d then slowly walk off towards her dressing room, still hobbling a little, while I’d walk in the other direction, my mind plagued with thoughts of hope and despair at the same time.

(1070 Words)
(Total WC: 13952)

So frazzled was my mind that I didn’t even bother to visit Roscoe and simply went home, unable to comprehend much of anything. The rest of the day passed in a haze of numbness and I don’t think I ate or slept much either. It’s difficult to remember anything about those hours and even now, I struggle to recall. The sense of shock and betrayal was just too much to bear and I’d never nor ever had since, felt that level of depression. I simply lay on the bed for hours, watching the ceiling and trying to understand what I’d been told. All of the energy and adrenaline of the fight had vanished and already did it feel like a distant memory. I just felt empty and hollow. I just wanted a massive hole to appear beneath me and pull me in, never wanting to see or feel anything again.

What kept me from doing anything stupid was the small chance that there was perhaps a way out of this situation and as the moon disappeared and the sun re emerged, that spark of hope was what caused me to clamber out of bed. I didn’t even bother to eat and simply did what I needed to do before heading for the club, looking a little worse for wear, not that I cared. I just wanted some answers to this and to finally find a way forward. As I walked, I began to feel this white hot anger towards Lyandra and I assumed that this meant that I was finally coming to terms. I’d been so naive and it was now biting me painfully in the ass, as well as the heart. I wasn't looking for revenge or justice, at least not then, no, the truth was what I wanted, nothing else.

The lady at the counter was waiting for me and allowed me behind the curtain without a word. There was hardly anyone there yet, besides a few of the younger grappler's training and the atmosphere couldn’t have been any different from the day before. There was an almost serene feel to the place and as I followed the directions that I’d been given, that feeling was one that certainly didn’t share. I couldn’t have felt any more on edge or tense but at least it wasn’t the void of depression and numbness that I’d felt the night before.

A familiar face came into view and I briefly smiled as I passed Thana, who was stretching, trying to look as cheerful as she could for me. I’d only met her the previous day but to think that I already thought of her as one of my closest friends was mind boggling, now that I look back on it. What a little heartbreak and strife can do to bring two people together.That and a massive brawl between them. I’d pass Roscoe too as I continued my trek and to my surprise, he didn’t seem bothered about my no show the previous day and he had an understanding look on his face, appearing to be aware of my situation. I didn’t honestly mind if he’d been told and it made me feel a little more at ease.

Eventually, I’d come up against a large brown set of double doors and firmly knocked and after a few moments, a strong but clearly elderly voice could be heard, “Enter!”

Opening the doors, I’d find myself in a large office, the walls decorated with various memorabilia and pictures. Most were of fighters carrying trophies and championships although I also noticed more than a few which were a little more adult in nature. At the centre of the room, a window sitting behind it, was a large desk, with a white haired figure sat on a chair behind it. He looked ancient and I’d say he must have been a hundred years old at least. However, the look in his eyes was a keen one she almost felt like she was being skewered on the spot as she approached.

“So, you’re the girl who made Thana tap out last night,” he’d say, tilting his head slightly, “That’s quite a feat to pull off in your first match, Miss Thyra. That was her first loss and to a complete rookie no less. You’ve piqued my curiosity, in more ways than one. Please, sit down.”

I’d walk over and take a seat opposite him, uncertain as to quite what to say momentarily, for once, “I was told that your knowledge of magic was extensive and that perhaps you’d be able to help me.” I didn’t mess around and got straight to the point, not wanting to get caught up in anything else for the moment. I can’t describe how much I needed this information.

“Yes, that’s true,” he answered, “Even though magic is looked down in general in these parts, it would be foolish for us to simply ignore it. I’ve had my fair share of mages fight here, Miss Thyra although they’ve always had to have conditions put on them due to the situation. You can understand what having mages fighting here might to to my business. Still, I feel I owe you giving the crowd such a show last night and so, I’ll do what I can to help you.”

Pausing, he’d open a draw and place a circular object on the desk, “This device is what I use to temporarily nullify a mages magical power so they can fight fairly in the ring. It doesn’t rob them of their physical abilities naturally but prevents them from cheating using magical ones. As you can guess, it is also capable of returning the magical power it stores and that’s how I propose to test your own magical potential. All you have to do is put your hand on this. If it reacts, then you’re capable of magic, if it doesn’t, you’re not. That’s all there is to it.”

With a nod, I’d slowly raise my hand and place it on the egg shaped object. At first, nothing seemed to happen and I sighed as my mind impatiently jumped to conclusions but after fifteen seconds or so, it would suddenly glow a bright white.

“Yes, that’s good,” the elderly man said with glee, “That’s what I was hoping to see…...What the?”

The light continued to glow brighter and brighter, before a horrifying pain began to surge through my body, setting what seemed like every nerve on fire. I screeched at the top of my lungs for what seemed like forever, before I slumped back into my seat, my world turning to black.

(1106 Words)
(Total WC: 15058)

“Come on Thyra, wake up,” a voice would shout, followed by a rough shaking of my shoulders. Groggily, I’d open my eyes to find Thana’s face inches from my own, a look of concern across her face. “Thank god, I thought you were dead then,” her friend would continue, backing away slightly and allowing me to sit up. I was on the floor of the elder’s office, spread eagled, with my clothes and hair smoking slightly because of the power that had coursed through my body. I couldn’t feel much of anything but as I slowly became aware of my surroundings, the familiar figure of the doctor was checking my pulse and performing tests. The elder thankfully seemed to be OK although he was currently throwing a bit of a fit, staring at the now completely blackened device, which seemed to have been broken beyond repair. Shaking my head slightly, I’d take a few breaths and try to remember what had just happened.

“That’s the last time I help you,” the elder said grumpily, “Look what you’ve done to my device, shattered to pieces. I hope you’re happy, my girl because you’ve no idea how hard it was for me to find that.” Sighing, he’d pause for a moment and then spoke in a far softer tone, “Forgive me, Thyra, it’s my own fault for not preparing you properly for what might happen. I didn’t expect that it would affect you quite so strongly although on the bright side, it definitely shows that you’re a mage. You are capable of it and if you can learn to wield it properly than perhaps you’ll be able to reclaim the freedom that you’re seeking.”

A smile would cross my face as he spoke and my shoulders relaxed. Finally, there was a light at the end of what seemed to be my permanently dark tunnel and I could feel the strength begin to return to me as I thought about it. Thana seemed to notice my expression though and pushed me back down to the floor with a surprising amount of force, “What you’re going to do now is rest. That little stunt could well have killed you and I’m not letting you out of my sight until the doctor’s given you the OK. No fighting, no mad stunts and nothing but relaxation. You got it?”

“I got it,” I’d answer, taking a moment to simply relax as the doctor continued his work although judging from the look on his face, he certainly wasn’t happy with my decision either. There was a stiffness to his movements and he didn’t look me in the eyes at all. In fact, he didn’t make any real reaction until he opened my shirt to test my heart rate. His eyebrows would raise and he’d take a closer at my scar, before taking a look at me. “I’m not sure what happened but the colouring of your branding has changed. It’s now red rather than black and I’ve no explanation as to why. I’d speculate that it may be a sign that your bond with Lyandra may have been affected by the blast and perhaps weakened the magic behind it somewhat.”

“Don’t excite her,” Thana hissed in response, “You can talk about that later but for now, I’m taking her home, whether you like it or not.” There was no debate to be had and that could be clearly seen in both her words and the look in her eyes and I was slightly stunned by the forcefulness. She looked genuinely frightened at what had just happened and was far more panicked than I was. In that moment, I appreciated her more than I’d appreciated anyone in my life and there wasn’t the slightest hint of arguing on her part. I simply let the doctor finish his work and when he gave the OK, I’d start the journey back to Lyandra’s quarters, Thana keeping a steady hand on my shoulder.

As we carefully made our way through the crowds, I couldn’t help but ponder to myself about how I could access my magic and wield it. I was like a child with a new toy and felt more pumped and excitable than I’d had for quite some time. There wouldn’t be much time before Lyandra would return and I knew that in order to be prepared, that I would have to move quickly. It was only then that I considered the option of simply fleeing the scene and perhaps escaping her influence for good and I couldn’t help but think that perhaps it was the right option. I needed time to learn and I couldn’t find it here. So, I made a decision there and then, I’d leave in the morning and vanish into the desert sands, until I was ready to face Lyandra in battle. The next time that she’d use her lightning on me, I’d be ready to counter it, with a fury that no one had ever witnessed. The adrenaline was beginning to pump through my veins at the thought and a smile appeared on my face again.

Arriving back at the suite, I was pretty much forced into bed by Thana although she needn't have been concerned about me causing a fuss as the moment my head hit the people, I was asleep. For the first time since my kidnap, I truly felt like I was free and even though what was to come would no doubt result in all hell being set loose, I was content with that. I’d been a victim for too long and now would be the time for my to take control of my life, like a warrior should. My scar would briefly flash with magic as I slept, resulting in a brief bright glow to radiate from it and for a moment, it seemed to switch between its original black colour and its current red one, as though my will was fighting against hers. The battle had already started.

(1002 Words)
(Total WC; 16060) (These posts have been handed in as freeform jobs)