Thread: Sword & Shield

Never had one been so surprised to get the very thing they asked for. Tierian did not flinch one bit as this woman stared him down, for to him she was trifle, she was just a thing. She held no weight, simply a nuisance until her master appeared and this could all then be settled by men. When she called the captain in he didn't look away, brown orbs locked on her gray, staring her down, never once dulling in intensity despite his predicament. That intensity did falter a bit when he heard her command, even showed with a degree of confusion when the ropes binding his ankles were actually freed. Then the order came, and he rose, but not without a wicked wince and a gasp of air. The prince's ribs were hurt bad. They'd been sore going into the battle, had worsened as the fight went on, and the cheap shots just now did nothing to better the sharp pain. But as soon as the display had come it was gone, Tierian taking a breath and shifting his weight to the other side. He stood, glancing between the captain and the wench. Then, again, that smirk was present. So, Percival was alive. That was excellent. Better if the man had gotten away, but he would have to trust that to one of his other honor guards for now. Tierian said nothing. Wrists still behind his back, his shoulders relaxed and he simply walked, letting them lead him where they would. There was a bit of a surprise that he wasn't blindfolded. He was being shown invaluable information, from their tent formation to the wellness of their soldiers, to how many arms and food were laying in crates here and there, to an idea of the size of the camp as a whole. He was too in the middle of things right now to really see, but if he could get to a hilly part of the camp he'd be able to get a better idea of where they were located as well, at least in a sense of getting his bearings this was Ellencian land, so he wouldn't recognize the area other than if he happened to pass through it again. Perhaps it was arrogance that they allowed him to see all of this? A feeling that he would never be free, that they were fine with him knowing everything as he wouldn't be putting it to any use? He hated to think it was just oversight, just foolishness, as what was a man who would be defeated by such simpletons? The glares of the soldiers did little to sway his confidence as he was led through the camp. Some just looked. Others taunted. Others spat at his feet. A few drew daggers or brought hands to their scabbards, but nothing more came of it. Funny, they all wanted a piece of him when he was bound. Not a one would likely stand so tall when he bore his silver armor and plumed helm. Tierian remained silent, simply thinking these thoughts to himself all along the walk. Once they reached the practice field he looked around to the circle of gathered men. Then, to the way a few of them parted, shouted, jeering, making room for a man the prince recognized well to be tugged through. Percy! He shouted out, grinning ear to ear, voice mixing with the din. Didn't I order you that if you're going to lose to an enemy, at least make it one worth mentioning? Did his friend hear him? He wasn't sure. They locked eyes a moment later though, that brief acknowledgement enough to say much. Both understood their situation, the comment aimed more for the soldiers than the captive aside. Things weren't good. Then the whisper came. Tierian's face grew sullen. It drained a little, the color, but despite the obviousness of his disadvantage, to say the least, he was not about to put on the act of a man beaten. That would be a shame, he said calmly, not looking to Keara but his words easily meant for her. They weren't loud enough for anyone else. They were barely loud enough for her to hear she'd have to strain to as it was. I'd really prefer you don't do that. It would look bad if I let my men die to someone so forgettable. Somehow, somehow that damn smile was still there. You underestimate him. You underestimate them all. I don't want them to die, but the truth is they'd all rather meet your blades than stay your captives. Plus there's the added mention of the money you'll be throwing away. His eyes stayed on his man, proud that Percival stood tall despite his obvious wounds. The apple cores and clods of dirt flung the warrior's way did nothing to alter the defiant stance. I have eight honor guards in total, my personal bodyguards. If I'm worth a large fortune, each of them is worth a small one. How many do you have, hm? As for the others, my father would not be hesitant to purchase the freedom of such brave men. Tell me, is your arrogance so much that you'd throw away enough gold to feed your men for a month just to get beneath my skin? The smile turned into a smirk. Did she really think he would be broken so easily? His body may be injured and bound but his demeanor, it seemed, was untouchable. Leaning over, Tierian's eyes fluttered closed as he brought his lips to Keara's left ear, exhaling soft, warm breath upon her skin before he spoke. It would innocently be thought that he just wanted to whisper something like she, wouldn't it? That he had something to make sure she heard. But it was more than that. She wanted to get under his skin? He would show the little bint how it was done. That's the official, on the surface reason of why you'd be a fool to touch my men any further than you already have. On a more personal level... mm, I'll make you an offer. See to it they're treated well in their time here in captivity, as well as myself, and when I am ready to return home I will find a place for you among my concubines. Your kingdom can only keep this fight up so much longer. Why not see to it that you have a good life when this all is over? If any of them is harmed, however, he continued, pausing there, letting the thought linger before going on. Then, with a warm exhale against her ear, cheek, jaw and neck, I promise that I will rape you twice - once before I've personally slit your throat, and once after. Then the icing on the cake his tongue licked playfully against the inside of her ear. That was how you got beneath one's skin.