Tears of the Valar

Disclaimer/Author's Notes: I own nothing but the Original Characters and their adventures. Everything else belongs to JRR Tolkien, the Tolkien Estate, New Line Cinema/Peter Jackson, et. al. This was done purely for entertainment and as an exercise in creativity.
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The door to their prison opened and two of the vampires entered. Their glowing eyes shone with unmistakable vulgarity and they seemed to enjoy the repulsion they created in the two women.

“Lastharos bids you come,” one of them said in a hissing, guttural voice.

“Why?” Alexandra asked, meeting the creature’s gaze. “We aren’t his to command.”

“You will accompany us either on your feet or we will drag you there; it is your choice, woman,” the second creature replied, stepping close to the female. Its long, bifurcated tongue slipped out and flicked over her cheek, down her throat so quickly she thought she had imagined it except for the cold trail of its passage on her skin.

“You taste pleasant,” it told her in a low voice. “Laying with Elves has sweetened your flesh. Most mortals taste sour.” It smiled, baring the needle-like teeth and she forced herself not to look away or show her disgust.

“We are not to harm her,” the first vampire reminded it. “She is to be used elsewhere. This one, however,” it added, turning its gaze to Allase, “is not as valuable.”

“Touch her and die!” Alexandra spat as she moved between the creature and the Khandun woman. “She is well-loved by the Elves and if you harm her, then nothing will be gained for your lord no matter what he tries to bargain with.”

The vampire laughed, a decidedly unpleasant sound.

“You wish to take her place? We have not tasted much Elf-flesh but you are flavored as one.” It reached out and ripped the thin silk from Alexandra with one hand, pulling her close to its hard body with the other, claws digging into her flesh.

“No!” Allase shouted and tried to pull the other woman away from the beast, but the other vampire caught her and pulled her back against it, its length hard with the sharp hooked horns on it pressing against her back. Sliding its claws over her breasts, it tore her gown away as well and her pale globes were gripped brutally by the sharp claws.

“Watch your friend’s fate,” it whispered into her ear. “She takes it for you.”

Allase struggled, but the creature’s strength was far too much for her to have any hope of escape. She watched helplessly as the other vampire’s tongue slithered over Alexandra’s breasts, the two parts of the tongue wrapping around each of her nipples before grasping her wrists in one of its claws and flinging her down on her back over the back of the couch, prying open her thighs with the other hand.

Alex cursed the creature and struggled but her recent illness and progressive weakness had taken a toll and she was no longer able to fight as she had. In horror, she felt the tongue invade her body, cold and inhuman—un-Elven as well. The two parts slithered up inside of her like snakes, writhing and whirling, brushing over the opening of her womb and had it been her husband, she would have been screaming her pleasure. Instead, she gritted her teeth to avoid screaming in rage. To do so would likely only stir the creature more.

Allase saw the one who held Alexandra was growing more and more aroused, its member huge and rigid, the sharp hooks growing in length. It could not take Alexandra with that organ—it would kill her, ripping her apart. Abruptly it pulled back from between the woman’s thighs and released her, stepping away.

“Dress,” it told the women and Allase found herself released as well while the two creatures conversed in their native language. The second vampire cast a curious glance at Alexandra as the women pulled out more of the silken gowns, so thin as to be sheer with nothing but tiny straps to hold them up on the shoulders.

“What happened? Why did it stop?” Alex asked her companion. She had not seen the creature’s expression as it had withdrawn its tongue from her body.

“I do not know,” the woman replied. “Perhaps it remembered you were too valuable to harm.”

“Maybe,” Alex agreed though she had her doubts.

Each of the creatures took one of the women’s arms and led them down from the tower. They had been told not to fly with them though that would have been the quickest route. Lastharos had no desire to give any outside his palace the chance to see or perhaps rescue these two.

There were guards stationed along the way but they did not look at the women as the vampires had covered them with their wings. Apparently, Alex thought, Lastharos didn’t want anyone knowing of their presence; or at least, didn’t want anyone seeing them.

When the wings were furled they found themselves in a vast hall with pillows on the floor around long curved tables. A throne sat on a dais facing the tables and in the middle was a platform, somewhat like a stage. Metal rings in the floor and ceiling left no doubt that the area was used for Lastharos’ entertainment.

Allase was terrified. Never had she expected to be in the Leader’s palace and seeing the platform she had no doubt she would find herself there before the evening was over. She glanced at Alexandra and saw no alarm in the woman. How could she not be frightened? She found herself curious about this wife of the Elven prince. Much must have happened to her in her life that she found no fear in their current situation.

Alex had no time to feel afraid. She saw the people gathered in the dining hall and breathed a silent sigh of relief. Orophin and Naveradir were there with a Khandun woman she did not recognize but who seemed extraordinarily beautiful. The woman reclined on the cushions between Orophin’s thighs, her head resting against his chest as he fed her fresh fruit. Naveradir was seated next to them, one of the woman’s legs draped across his lap as he stroked her creamy thigh. Lastharos was next to Naveradir, propped on several large silken cushions as a slave poured wine in his goblet.

They had apparently been in conversation when the vampires entered the room and now all eyes were fixed on the two women. The Elves gave no sign of recognizing Alexandra, for which she was grateful. She merely frowned and put her hands on her hips.

“Well, here we are, Lastharos. What do you want?”

The Khandun leader smiled at her irate tone. “Come, princess. Sit and eat. Bring your friend as well.” He gestured to the pillows next to him.

Alexandra moved over to the table cautiously, making certain she remained between Allase and the Butcher of Khand. She did not sit, but looked down at the man with disdain.

“I’m not yours to command, Lastharos. Release us at once and perhaps my husband and his friends will deal kindly with you.”

The beautiful, insane man laughed.

“Kindly? I do not doubt, princess, your husband plans a most painful death for me. And is that Elf who was so besotted with Charika with him as well? He hates me also. No, I will not release you. You are far more valuable as a … guest.”

“Then let my friend go. She isn’t a part of your quarrel with me and my husband. She doesn’t even know Charika. I’ll stay here and do whatever you like if you release her safely to my husband and his people when they come for us.”

“Whatever I like?” Lastharos leaned back against the cushions and smiled. “You have no idea what I … like.”

“I think I have a pretty good idea,” Alex replied, refusing to show how her skin crawled as his gaze moved over her body, not at all hidden by the worthless gown.

Lastharos nodded knowingly then turned to Naveradir.

“This is the wife of an Elven prince,” he told the Rhunian. “I met her husband a while back. He was in possession of some property of mine. The other woman is one of my people though she has apparently consorted with an Elf recently; either she is their whore or she is attached to someone. I hope the latter for then I will have two decidedly valuable pieces with which to control the Elves should they be so foolish as to come after them.”

Naveradir’s gaze traveled over the two women appraisingly. He could see they were not injured. The Khandun woman—he did not know her and wondered what Elf she had ‘consorted’ with. They had to get the women away from Lastharos at all costs.

“Interesting hair color,” he said, standing and walking over to Alex, lifting a lock and inhaling the scent. “She is of the west, I see. Who is your husband, princess?”

“Legolas of Eryn Lasgalen,” she told him. “Why? Do you know him?”

“No, but I have heard of him. He is the son of Thranduil is he not?”

“Yes. So if you know him, you should tell your friend here,” she nodded toward Lastharos, “to let us go before his whole kingdom is destroyed. My father-in-law will not take kindly to any maltreatment of me or my husband or any of our friends.” She looked pointedly at Lastharos. “We know your creatures took an Elf. What have you done with him?”

The Khandun leader’s eyes narrowed. “He is dead,” he purred. “Would you like to know how? Tell me, did you ever lay with him? His body was quite delicious and delightful.”

Alex felt her stomach threaten to revolt until Naveradir turned to face her, his back to Lastharos and told her with his eyes and the minutest shake of his head that the Khandun lied. Reaching out, he once again ran his fingers through her long hair.

“Absolutely ravishing,” he murmured, loud enough for Lastharos to hear. “Come, princess, sit beside me.” He reached to Allase and took her hand. “You as well,” he told her with a smile. “I find the two of you a charming couple.”

“You think so?” Lastharos drawled. “I suppose the golden-reddish brown hair is unique in our part of Middle-Earth. And this one has something about her that is different from others of my realm. Perhaps it is her Rhunian blood.” His gaze followed Allase appraisingly.

Alex sat between Naveradir and Lastharos, refusing to allow him access to Allase whom Orophin and the other woman pulled down next to them. At least she knew her companion would be safe between Naveradir and Orophin. She could handle Lastharos herself.

Allase lowered herself to the cushions stiffly, not sure of these people’s intentions. Alexandra was still calm and she tried to emulate her companion. The Elf at her side was blonde and exquisite. He wore soft gray leggings and a light green tunic, open to expose his strongly muscled chest. The woman in his lap was also incredibly lovely and wore the thinnest of blue silk jackets which barely covered her rounded breasts and a sheer silver skirt held on her hips by a silver belt studded with blue stones. Alexandra did not seem uncomfortable around them and so she felt she might be safe … for now.

At the sight of Alexandra entering the room with the vampires, Orophin’s heart had frozen. Besides being barely dressed, she was captivatingly lovely and he knew Lastharos would not be able to resist harming her. The woman with her was unfamiliar though exquisitely beautiful and he could also see her fear. When she sat next to him and Dehlina he reached out to touch her shoulder gently, trying to let her know she had nothing to fear from them. Still his attention remained on Alexandra; she was seated far too close to Lastharos for comfort.

Alex couldn’t look at Orophin. If she did, she knew she’d give herself away. Instead she turned to Lastharos.

“What do you hope to gain?” she asked the man. “Keeping us here does no good. You know my husband will come for me.”

“Oh, indeed I do,” he replied with a soft laugh. “In fact, I am hoping he will come quickly. My Rhunian friend here has agreed to bring me my own Elves to be bred. Since I seriously doubt you have any female Elves with you, I shall depend on him to supply them. I will have my own Elven harem and your husband will be quite a centerpiece. He is rather lovely.”

“You wish you could have him,” she retorted. “Yes, he is exquisite and quite frankly I should gouge out your eyes for daring to look at him.” She turned to Naveradir. “You’re a slave dealer?”

“I am a businessman, princess. It has been my good fortune that Elves of the west sometimes wander onto my lands. They can be trained to enjoy many things if one gets them before they have so foolishly bonded with someone.” He reached over to pull her close to him. “I am certain you know of what I speak; you have known the delights of having an Elf share your bed.” His fingertips moved gently over her jaw to her throat and back to entwine in her hair.

Alex gazed into the Rhunian Elf’s eyes. Sweet heaven, she could see how easy it would be to become lost to his seduction though she knew it was simply an act for Lastharos’ benefit. Swallowing she nodded.

“It is perfection to share one’s body with an Elf,” she said as he smiled then, to her surprise, lowered his lips to hers, kissing her commandingly. Astonishment caused her lips to part automatically under his and her fingers gripped his shoulders as he expertly teased her mouth. When he released her, she gasped, catching her breath, then drew back her hand and slapped him. Hard.

“How dare you!” she said, her voice tight. “My husband will kill you when he finds out what you’ve done.”

Naveradir laughed and looked to Lastharos.

“I like her. I would like to taste more of her.” He pulled the struggling woman closer, setting her on his lap and wrapping his arms around her. “I would enjoy very much tasting your honey,” he told her, his hand slipping up to caress her breast through the thin material.

Lastharos watched, amused as the Elf’s wife was subjected to the ministrations of the Rhunian. Her anger gave her cheeks an enticing blush and the way her bosom heaved with her angry breath was quite tempting.

“So long as you do not harm her … visibly,” Lastharos told his guest, “do with her whatever you desire.” As much as he would enjoy taking the Elf’s bitch wife he knew he had to keep her in fairly decent health until her husband arrived. Once he had them together, he could use each of them to torment the other. Still, she had volunteered to submit to anything he desired. He eyed the Elf with the two women speculatively as visions floated through his mind. The mere thought caused his arousal to quicken. He would not be satisfied with a simple joining. He needed to inflict pain.

He gestured and two of the guards opened one of the small boxes next to his throne, pulling out a terrified, naked woman. She had been tied in a most uncomfortable position and forced into the small prison, kept there for several days. The scent of her own waste wafted over the room, the Elves hiding their revulsion though Allase and Alexandra were not quiet about their outrage.

The slave was thrown onto the platform and her wrists and ankles fastened to the rings set in the floor so she was on her knees, head down, spread open for whatever manner of abuse Lastharos wished to inflict. He nodded to one of the guards who picked up a long whip and, after a few practice strokes, brought it down across the woman’s shaking body.

She cried out as Allase and Alex both shouted for him to stop.

“Leave her alone you sack of shit!” Alex spat, struggling to get to the man who lounged on the pillows, his erection obvious.

Lastharos looked at her with a slight smile.

“You wish to take her place?”

“I wish you were in the deepest pit in the Void and that Orcs were eating you alive,” she returned. Naveradir’s arms around her were like steel bands and she didn’t understand why they didn’t interfere until she saw the guards around the room stationed on the balcony. Their bows were out and aimed at the group on the floor of the room. Any false moves and Lastharos would order the slaughter of everyone. They couldn’t risk the lives of the innocent.

“You would enjoy seeing that, would you not?” Lastharos asked with a laugh. Leaning close to her, he gripped her chin and gazed into her eyes. “Your temper burns hot and you do not fear much. In fact, I think you rather enjoy the smell of blood and sweat, the scent of terror. Does your prince sometimes bind you to take you? Does he use his hand or his belt to redden your flesh in your most sensitive places? Ah yes, I can see he does … and you crave it. You are a strong woman, yet you like being mastered by your Elven lover. You need it.”

Alex refused to let him know what a disconcerting effect his words had. How could he see so deep into her? She had never told anyone about the things she and Legolas did in their most secret places, their most private times. Everyone knew they made love with abandon and would happily spend all of their time joining with one another if possible. But the other … They did not even discuss it between themselves outside of the actual acts; they did not need to as each seemed to instinctively know what the other wanted and desired.

Lastharos’ words brought to mind images Orophin did not wish to consider and his body responded despite his attempt to force away thoughts of Alexandra tied and vulnerable, a willing victim at his mercy.

Dehlina could feel the Elf’s breath catch and glanced at him, surprised to see him watching the princess with raw desire. This was the woman Erestor had spoken of in her father’s dwelling. She wondered how to get her away from Lastharos and closer to Orophin, then smiled to herself as an idea began to form.

Slipping from Orophin’s lap, Dehlina pulled Alexandra away from Naveradir, pushing her toward Orophin. She narrowed her eyes at the mortal as she took Alexandra’s place in the Rhunian Elf’s lap.

“Take care you do not overstep your bounds, princess,” she hissed. “This is my husband and I do not like you touching him. A slave is one thing. You—no. You cannot have him.” She looked at Naveradir and smiled, kissing him hungrily, pressing her body against his.

Taking advantage of Dehlina’s actions, Orophin pulled Alexandra into his arms along with Allase. Now both women were at a distance from Lastharos with at least two other Elves between them and the madman.

Naveradir returned Dehlina’s kiss, sliding his hands over her rounded hips, squeezing her globes as he pushed her body closer to his. When the kiss broke he laughed softly.

“I did not think you cared, wife.”

“You may lay with any slave you wish. That is what you tell me. But she is no slave and I will not have it.” Looking to Orophin and the women, Dehlina sniffed. “My slave may indulge himself and you if it is his desire; but you are not to touch my husband again.”

Lastharos watched with amusement as the Rhunian’s wife asserted her dominance. The Khandun woman seemed to cling to the prince’s wife as the Elf held them both close. Something in the blonde Elf’s manner caused him to imagine even more elaborate scenarios involving him, the princess and the Elf. He nodded to the guard who once again brought the whip down on the cringing slave.

“Stop it!” Alex ordered. “Unless she’s committed some sort of crime, you have no right to treat her this way.”

“I have every right,” Lastharos answered dismissively. “She is my slave, my property. Her life is mine to do with as I please just as is your friend’s.” As if to prove his point he stood and approached the trembling woman. Walking around the platform his lip curled in disdain.

“You stink,” he said flatly. Picking up a spear the guard whipping her had laid aside, without warning, he thrust it into the woman’s rear opening, ramming it through her body so that the point quickly found its way out through her mouth, silencing her ear-splitting screams and effectively spitting her. The woman’s body twitched for a few moments before it finally went slack.

Allase cried out and buried her face against Orophin’s chest as Alexandra stared at Lastharos incredulously. Naveradir’s expression did not change though Dehlina and Orophin did not bother to hide their disgust.

Lastharos returned to his seat as he ordered the guards to take the slave’s body to the warg pit. Settling back against the cushions he picked up his goblet and took a sip of wine then looked at Alexandra.

“You were telling me what I could and could not do with my property?” His gaze once again traveled to Allase.

Alex had no answer. All she could see was the slave being treated like a piece of meat, literally. She was grateful for Orophin’s arm around her or she would have either collapsed from shock or gone after Lastharos, ensuring everyone’s death.

Allase did not dare look up for fear she would begin to sob aloud. Lastharos was a monster; he was even worse than she had imagined. The Elf who held her close was comforting and she felt safe, like when in the arms of Elladan. Though he was not the Elf she had grown to love, he exuded the same aura of strength and serenity and she clung to him.

Dehlina had squeezed Naveradir’s hands tightly as she fought the urge to attack the man who was her grandfather. She, like Alexandra, was aware, however, of the instant death sentence for everyone should any try to harm the Khandun leader.

Naveradir was not surprised by Lastharos’ actions. It was something his father might have done though Goroth had usually reserved his punishments for enemies or those who had outlived their usefulness. Lastharos seemed to kill simply because he enjoyed it.

“You must go through quite a number of slaves,” he said in a bored tone, taking a sip from his goblet.

“There are always more.”

“I hope you do not intend to go through as many Elves as you do mortals.”

Lastharos laughed. “No. Elves heal quickly and can take much punishment. It would be a waste to let them die.” He smiled at Alexandra’s angry expression. “I imagine your husband will endure quite a bit for your sake,” he told the woman. “How much can he take without dying? How much can you?”

“More than you can,” she replied. “You’re weak, Lastharos. You can dish it out, but you can’t take it.”

“No, I do not enjoy pain myself. However the pain of others is exquisite, especially if I am the cause.” His blatant admission was surprising but she didn’t know why. Lastharos knew no shame.

“You should try it,” Naveradir told the man. “There are many exquisite torments that are quite pleasurable for the recipient.” He squeezed Dehlina’s breast then lowered his mouth to bite the rosy nipple.

“Indeed?” The Khandun leader regarded the Rhunian thoughtfully. Perhaps he would be an amenable playmate. “You enjoy it for yourself?”

“It has its charms,” Naveradir replied with a smile, continuing to caress Dehlina with his mouth and hands as he thought of how to get Lastharos’ attention away from the women.

Lastharos noticed how the princess and her friend seemed to take comfort in the arms of the Elf. Of course they would; they routinely lay with Elves. Once more he stood and walked around the table.

Alexandra tensed. She would not let him hurt anyone else. Orophin’s arm tightened about her waist and she looked up at his expression. He seemed to warn her with his gaze not to attempt anything. But she couldn’t just let Lastharos continue with his megalomaniac ways.

He reached down and yanked Allase to her feet. The woman gasped and Orophin immediately stood. Lastharos looked at the Elf with a smile.

“I see you are not so tame after all. Tell me, Elf; what do you think to do?”

“My mistress wants her,” Orophin replied in a haughty tone that matched the Khandun’s. Without warning, he pulled Allase away from Lastharos and behind him with Alexandra. “You do not want her. I can see it. You want me; you have wanted me since the day I came to your palace. You want me because I remind you of the princess’ husband. We are of the same clan.” He stepped forward, close enough for Lastharos to pick up his scent, feel the heat of his body. “Here I am. Yours for the taking.”

Naveradir did not move but knew Orophin was willing to sacrifice himself. He caught Dehlina’s eye and shook his head. She looked to Orophin and stood.

“I have not given you permission to approach the Ruler,” she told him in a commanding tone.

Orophin glanced at her and raised a brow. “You cannot say you would not desire it, my lady. I can sense your mood, you wants and your needs. You have been longing for this since we arrived.” He, Dehlina and Naveradir knew he spoke the truth, only he was not referring to any act performed with Lastharos, but for one of them to get close enough to the leader to kill him. With any luck, Lastharos would take Orophin to his chambers where the guards would have only one target.

Lastharos examined the Elf up close for the first time since his arrival. Oh, but he was beautiful and seductive and the Khandun felt his desire grow painfully.

“I thought you were trained only for your mistress,” he said, reaching out to run his fingertips lightly over the Elf’s bare chest. His skin was smooth and his muscles hard, like silk-covered mithril.

“I am. But my mistress enjoys knowing others through me. Hence, I am still doing my mistress’ bidding, serving her for when we are done, I will go to her and she will know all that I experienced.”

Lastharos looked at Dehlina who stood there, one breast exposed, the nipple red from her husband’s and slave’s attentions, watching the two of them.

“Why not join us, then?” he asked her.

Naveradir stood and shook his head. “It is forbidden for her to lay with any male except her bedslave and myself. That is likely why she has taught him to lay with others at her bidding. I had not known of her teaching myself.” He gave Dehlina and Orophin somewhat disapproving looks.

“I thought it none of your concern,” Dehlina snapped. She wanted to kill Lastharos herself but these Elves were protecting her too damn well. She did not want Orophin to allow Lastharos to take him—even if he did so willingly, it would still be rape and he would fade. Still, he was prepared to risk it.

“You are correct,” she told Orophin with a smile. “I have greatly desired it; to know he has used your body however he desires and then have you return to me covered in his scent, tasting of him … “ She sighed at the thought, closing her eyes, ostensibly in delight though she was really trying to hold back tears of anger and frustration.

Naveradir slipped his arms around her waist and nodded. “It is my wife’s desire so you must fulfill it,” he told Orophin. “And you,” he added, reaching out to grasp Allase’s hand, “are indeed quite delectable; just the type my wife enjoys.” He pulled her close to them as Dehlina wrapped her arms around the woman and brushed her lips over the shocked Allase’s.

Alexandra listened to the others in horror. Orophin would die. If he didn’t fade from being taken against his will, he would be killed by either Lastharos’ attentions or his guards when he slew the Khandun. She understood what he was doing, but she wasn’t ready to lose him. She couldn’t; she loved him dearly.

Orophin did not move, remaining next to Lastharos. He could see the lust in the Butcher’s eyes and knew it would be quite painful and no doubt humiliating to submit to the Khandun’s desire, but it would be worth it. The others would be safe and Lastharos’ reign would end. Most importantly, Alexandra would be safe and she and Legolas could live the remainder of her life without the threat of the Khandun. And Orophin would know peace.

Lastharos stepped closer to the Elf, his need obvious and pressing against the slave’s body. The Elf’s breath was warm against his cheek and he smiled slightly, leaning in and pressing their lips together.

Oh, the Elven kiss was delicious. It was true what the vampires said—Elves did taste sweeter than mortals. He wrapped his fingers in the silver and gold strands as his other hand gripped the solid muscles of the Elf’s hip, pulling his body against him.

Orophin resisted the urge to pull away and kill the man. He forced himself to return the kiss and act as though he desired Lastharos as much as the Khandun did him. It was not the Butcher of Khand kissing him but the lips were soft and pliant and belonged to a woman who could never be his; a woman he loved enough to die for; a woman he would live for if she gave even the slightest hint of love returned.

Alexandra looked up at the Rhunian Elf and spoke soft enough only he could hear.

“Get her out of here. She’s Elladan’s beloved.”

She turned back to where Orophin was doing a very good job of distracting Lastharos but Naveradir gripped her wrist tightly.

She looked to where his hand encircled her arm then back and shook her head, jerking her arm free as the Khandun broke his kiss with the Elf and looked in their direction.

“You will take the place of my subject,” he told Alexandra. “You said if I released her you would do anything I desired. I desire you to share my bed with this beautiful Elf.”

“I agreed to do so if you released her to my husband’s people.” Alexandra would do whatever it took to get close enough to kill Lastharos so her argument was really for form only.

“I am releasing her to my friends,” he replied, gesturing to where Naveradir and Dehlina stood holding a trembling Allase between them. “They will not harm her … much.”

Allase shook her head. “You cannot do this, Alexandra. I am not worth it.”

“Yes you are; now go. I’ll hear no more arguments.” Despite the anger she saw flare in Orophin’s eyes she stepped close to them. “Here I am, Lastharos. Do whatever you wish.”

Allase bit back another protest at the pressure from Naveradir and Dehlina’s grips on her arms. She turned reluctantly away.

There was no reasonable way to stop the woman so Naveradir made the only decision possible and pulled Dehlina and Allase with him to the exit, an arm about each. To the guards, it looked as though they were going to spend a debauched night in their chambers. Instead, as soon as they were outside of the room, he whispered in Dehlina’s ear.

“Make haste to your father and see the lady safe.”

“What of you? Orophin and the princess?” Dehlina did not wish to leave any of them but in her heart she knew what must be done.

“I will not abandon them; now go quickly before the guards sound the alarm.” He pulled Dehlina close and kissed her hungrily, sending her and Allase down the quickest path to the escape route, then went back to the door in time to see Lastharos pull Alexandra close and kiss her possessively.

The Rhunian ellon could see Orophin’s fury but was impressed with the self-control of his friend. It took extreme self-discipline for the ellon to conceal his feelings. He had no doubt, however, Lastharos would use their affection for one another against them if he recognized it.

Alexandra endured the kiss with as much grace as possible though she longed to bite off the tongue that slipped over hers. Still … Lastharos was talented, she had to give him that. It was a pity, really, she thought, that he was so vile. He could have been a good man; a husband or lover to someone and lived a happy life. Instead, he drank from the waters of Cuivienen and became a monster.

Her kisses tasted of Elf and Lastharos’ arousal became painful. Both of them in his bed … if only the princess was an Elf herself, then it would be perfect. Knowing, however, he was using the body of the prince’s wife, however, had its own sweet reward. Pulling back he glanced at Naveradir with a smile.

“Do you wish to join us, my friend?” His hands caressed the two people beside him.

“I would enjoy watching, I believe,” Naveradir replied with a smile. “Since my wife has forbidden me to touch the princess, it will, I imagine be the best way to enjoy her.”

Lastharos laughed and nodded to a guard as he led them to the hidden stairway in the center of the room. The guard pulled another woman into the room, another slave in chains and naked. This one was young and had not yet been beaten severely enough to scar. She looked terrified as the Khandun leader gestured toward her.

“Take her, my friend, to entertain you as you watch. She is a slave and your wife did say you could lay with as many of those as you desired.” He did not look back as he led them down the stairs.

Naveradir took the woman’s leash and pulled her down with him into the depths. He wanted to reassure her he would not harm her, but could not do so with so many present. He regretted that he may have to do things she might find unpleasant; but when Lastharos was dead, then he would see she was well-taken care of. He followed the Butcher of Khand down into the darkness of the leader’s private torture chamber.