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Original Fiction

"Black Night" , parts 1-10
by Midnight

The moon was rising just above the tree line, shedding its white cold light on everything in its path. The water lay still and reflective almost as if it was unbroken glass. The sounds piercing the night were soft and distant. Only the wind could clearly be heard blowing across the sea of grass and flowers that lay below the lake. The smell was that of summer in all its glory; warm, sweet and crisp. The night neither too cool nor too hot. It was perfect for the bonding.

Shadow stood tranquilly, arms wrapped about himself in a cocoon of protection as his father approached. A man he really knew very little about. He had always been the proper prince. There were no fatherly hugs or pampering as he was growing up. There was only what was considered proper. Childish affection was never considered appropriate.

"My son." The greeting was unaffectionate. Impersonal to the point it meant little more than the title "Slave" might.

"Father." Shadow bowed his head momentarily in the classic show of respect and turned his vision back to the glass-like lake. This was after all his last moment as a mere boy. He would soon be even beyond even his father's power as he was joined to The Dark Man himself. The highest ranking son of Say. It would either be his beginning or his ending.

"Your destiny arrived a short time ago." What a strange way of putting it, Shadow thought. Guess there could have been worse. "He came with a fine accompaniment."

"How appropriate." The words teetered on the edge of disrespect. "Is all well with the preparations?"

"I know this seems entirely unfair to you."

"Unfair. How about degrading, Father. I'm not some mere bride of virtue to be given as a lovely parting gift for the house of Say. Just something to seal the bond. I have been trained as a warrior, meant to be a member of the Brigade. Now I am nothing more than a trophy for them. I'll be dragged back and paraded as their prize." "These are the demands that are sometimes made upon a prince. The houses alliance is far more important than your title."

"My title is not the trouble, Father. My position is."

"You will be mated to the second highest member of the house of Say. This should make you proud. This is a gift you give to the house of Lee."

"What if the price for my gift is too high? What if I don't want to give it? I've seen what these gifts cost, shall you lie to me and tell me all is fine with the world?"

"I shall not. This bonding will take place, my son." The voice icy. "Even if I drag you there myself, offering you up as nothing but a slave. You will do this."

Shadow's look carried death in its wake. Melting and destroying any bond that might have been formed between father and son in that moment. "Yes, I shall, Father. May I have a few moments?"

Without a word the tall leather clad man who's blood flowed through Shadow's veins turned and left. The air even seeming to make way for him as all suddenly stilled. His black satin cloak announcing his departure in a silky swoosh of cloth.

"Perhaps you could have handled that better, little prince," came the amused voice of his brother in arms. His teacher. His only true friend.

"Yes, I could have went with dignity. What would have been the point?"

"The Dark one is here as you know. He seeks you out." He seemed to have ignored Shadow's question entirely.

"Does this Dark one have a name? No one's told me."

"Black Death."

"My destiny arrives." He repeated the phrase with a laugh.. "Some destiny."

"Should I show him up here?"

"I suppose. Does me no good to scurry away from him as though I am nothing but a scared child."

The footsteps retreated instantly. Seemed no one cared to talk future with someone whose destiny is death.

He watched the Lake looking for some movement, any thing to show it was real and not some figment of his imagination. He was losing his future. Being ripped away from the only childhood he had ever known. Life was often cruel but it seemed especially atrocious to Shadow.

His twin had died only a year before. His screams still echoed in Shadow's dreams night after night. The awful pleading as he begged to just be allowed to die. Even Shadow would have ended it for his twin. It could have easily been him, writhing in pain and humiliation at the Hands of Belyle's soldiers. In the end death had claimed him. His life slipped beyond the reach of this world.

Shadow had mourned his brother's passing silently. Lee watching him for the slightest cracks, anything to show this boy was weak. Unable to live up to his rightful place. It was as if they were looking for any reason to have him thrown down and they found it in the form of Black Death. He would now never grace the steps of power. He would be nothing more than what he was at this moment. A helpless child whose fate was in the hands of others.

He had been given immortality that very morning. The new feeling still coursing through his veins as he watched the lake. He could only hope his life wasn't an eternity too long. That at the very least this new path was manageable.

"So you're what they saddled me with," came a voice full of scorn. "Your nothing but a child. How old are you, boy?"

"Seventeen," Shadow said, spinning around in anger. He froze at the sight of the man staring back at him. The man's look was full of annoyance.

He hadn't been what Shadow was expecting. Not in the least. He wasn't the proper looking prince, soft and unmarred by life. He looked like a real warrior. Someone who rode ferociously into battle, sword held high. He was muscular, well built, A good head taller than Shadow. who wasn't exactly short. Although he was dressed for the occasion, he wasn't decked out in his finest. He had chosen a battle uniform made of black leather. A somewhat decorative breast plate. From top to bottom, it was black on black. Even his hair was the color of midnight. It was even longer than Shadow's, although somewhat less cooperative by the looks of it. It was tied back with a simple piece of silk at the base of his neck.

The man was magnificent in a rough sort of way. His face was hard. Coarse with unshaven stubble. He looked as though he despised the whole world for simply existing or maybe it was just Shadow who had earned this look.

The Man breathed in a long disgusted sigh. "Well boy, what are you doing up here?" Shadow wondered what kind of question that was. It wasn't as though he was expected to be somewhere else at this very moment.

"Watching the lake," came the curt, truthful reply. Without so much as a glance at Shadow he strode up the hill and looked curiously down at the lake.

"This consumes your thoughts more than your future bonded?" The Man's tone sounded cross.

"I wasn't aware I should have met you as you rode in." Shadow was trying to curb his annoyance.

"It would have showed you had some interest in your House's future." He paused, looking about as if to search for something in his surroundings that might have been so drawing to a boy Shadow's age. "It showed you were nothing but a spoiled prince off sulking on a hillside when there are ties to be cut. Obligations to be met."

"My Houses's future is now out of my hands. I am a symbol not a device."

"So you are," came the matter of fact response. "Shall you strive for nothing more, child?" The man's face was cold. It made Shadow think of his own father.

"What shall you have me strive for, sir?" The tone was condescending. "To be a better whore?" The look he was now getting was priceless. Black Death looked offended. Taken aback by this child who stood before him.

"You are full of fire, aren't you? You are certainly no frigid prince."

"I am of the same rank as you. Don't speak to me as if I am nothing. For as long as I am in this house I still hold my position of power."

"You shall only be in this house for a short time longer, boy. Then it will be me in the position of power." The man's voice held a hint of amusement. "Don't let your pride seal your fate, child."

"Now shall we go?" He extended his arm in a gesture of openness, of welcome. Shadow breathed in a long quiet breath and walked forward, allowing his arm to be taken, enfolded in the man's arm in the joining style. So he was now leading the seething prince down to the camp Just before walking in to the Bonding tent Black Death leaned in close and whispered into Shadow's ear.

"I suspect it may be possible for you to conduct your self with some semblance of adulthood. So please give this an attempt to save both our reputations." Before Shadow could manage to make his angry response he was pulled into the tent of people. Full to the brim with guests here to see the new alliance confirmed.

The prince straightened his back. Stood as he was supposed to. Even surpassing his duty by pasting a pleasant look to his face. "I hate you." The smile touching on complete sincerity for a moment.

"I suspect you do." He sounded treacherously pleasant as well. " I `d like you to meet someone." By the tone Shadow suspected this was going to be unpleasant. The man smiled wide as he approached a woman in her early twenties, releasing Shadow's arm to embrace her happily. "My light, how are you tonight?" The woman was exquisite. Royal beauty in all its glory. Her dress probably cost more than half the jeweled swords decorating the belts of the nobleman but the look he received was anything but welcoming as she smiled with fire in her eyes.

"Well my love, thank you for asking. This would be you new possession then?" She didn't even bother to extend her hand. "He's quite plain for Prince, did they have nothing better to offer you, husband?" Shadow could see Black Death's amusement as his feebleminded wife insulted the Son of Lee.

"I assume they needed rid of the boy, too much trouble possibly." Black Death looked straight at Shadow. The cold smile spread over his face. Shadow weighed his options. Once gone he was completely in this man's control. Did he want to have his pride or his life?

"I think its entirely possible my father thought you unworthy of my more supple brothers. I'm inclined to agree."

"Who do you think you are?" Black Death's wife was obviously beyond anger. Her voice loud enough to make heads turn.

"Wife, calm yourself. He is but a boy. He will learn his place in the scheme of things."

Lowering her voice to a growl she said, "He should learn them before someone cuts out his tongue."

"Indeed. Continue with your mingling. I'll see you tonight." She nodded as Black Death took Shadow's arm with a bit more roughness than necessary and tugged him along in the direction of Lee and Say who seemed to be chatting about pleasantries.

"My son." Say embraced his eldest son, something Lee had never done. At least not with Shadow. Damian sat to their right. Gave Black Death a nod of acknowledgment along with something very close to a smile. His gaze never passing to Shadow and why should it? Damian was the crowned prince. Shadow was beneath him.

"I see you have become acquainted." Lee asked coolly. Somewhat detached.

"Yes, you son is... Ah, shall we say spirited."

"Is he?" Lee's voice was more than ill-tempered. "I'm sure he will settle with age."

"Perhaps. We shall see, I suppose." "I hear you are magnificent in battle." Damian's seductive voice traveled like silk on glass to Black Death who smiled and showed interest right away.

Shadow wondered why his presence was even required. He was only the gift. He should have been able to spend his last hours on that hilltop, watching the lake. Not pretending to be happy about his enslavement to the House Of Say. The bonding would have only required a minute or two of his time.

An hour later Damian was chatting with Black Death about battles of his past. Shadow's mind had been wandering for quite some time. No one seemed to notice he said not a word. So he remained quiet, watching the flirtatious on goings between the two Princes.

"The bonding ceremony is to start." Eclipse's voice traveled through the room. "Will the future bonded couple approach."

"You will have to excuse us, my Prince." Black Death nodded to Damian in the royal fashion. An honoring gesture.

"Of course you have duties to perform." It was said as if he were merely attending a half important social duty of little importance. "I hope to see you later tonight."

"You will." The intent was clear in Black Deaths eyes. He turned to leave without so much as a glance in Shadow's vicinity. All pleasantness wiped from his face.

Shadow followed Black Death dutifully. Kneeling when asked to, repeating when asked to. Finally presenting his hand when asked to. He never even flinched as the knife was drawn across his hand, then placed in to Black Death's hand to meet a matching wound. Their hands were tied together in tradition and shouts spread through out the room as the couple was now presented.

One quick look at Black Death showed his eyes to be on Damian's face, Suddenly the world couldn't have been a darker place for Shadow. His life ended at that moment. He would be nothing. He would lead nothing and he would most certainly be just a possession. The crimson colored blood dripping onto the white stone steps drew his eyes. It was better than being utterly humiliated as hundreds looked on.

The first person his gaze fell upon when raising his head was that feebleminded witch of a wife. Smirking for all she was worth.

As the bindings were cut Shadow hastily made his way from the tent leaving a trail of blood in his wake. Straight up the hill he went. Suspecting his departure was un-followed, he dropped to his knees at the top looking down at his lake of glass. Bidding a silent farewell to his brother who lay beneath its watery surface.

*****

It took a long while for Shadow to be able to regain his composure. As he had suspected, no one followed him. He was alone on the dark hillside with both his grief and his shame. The night seemingly swallowing up all that somehow threatened him. He wondered how hard it would be to join his brother in that watery grave. Cut all ties to this world. He certainly had few choices available to him now. Things looked very bleak at the moment. All those nobles thinking he was nothing. That his life could be bartered for power. At this point Black Death could end his life with very little reason. As if he had such a right in the eyes of the gods.

Shadow's anger was quickly outweighing his grief and shame. His pride coming into play as he watched the unmoving lake of glass. So still it appeared as a painted picture. Beauty captured in all its glory. At the very least he owed his brother a little vengeance. No one here would seek it out on his behalf.

He stood slowly taking one last look at his glass lake before turning to move toward the tent. He had no desire to go back in. He merely perched himself on the dark hillside over looking the entrance. He may have been young. Even emotional, but he still had Leviathan blood pulsating through those young veins. He had been treated unjustly in more ways than he could count. It was time he had found a little payback. If he had learned any thing from his father it was that knowledge was power. Cunning was a weapon and he was looking for a way to put both to use.

He watched people's comings and goings. Taking note of the company that each kept. It was not surprising that late into the night Black Death emerged with both Damian and that witch of a wife of his, each gracing an arm. He noticed they all seemed a bit less than sober as they made their way up the far side of the hill. Seemed they were searching him out after all. Most likely seeking to cement the bonding.

Shadow slipped silently around the hill, staying effectively out of sight while putting him self within hearing distance of the trio.

"Where is that damned kid?" Shadow instantly recognized the slurred voice of Black Death. "It's not as if I have time to chase the spoiled prince about."

"He's probably pretending to be the frigid little virgin." Black Death's wife giggled at her own joke. As if she really thought her humor was something special.

"I was sure this was where he would be," came Damian's puzzling voice. He sounded entirely sober in comparison to the other two. "It's where he always comes when he's upset." It was odd to hear Damian's voice take on such a tender tone. Almost as strange to find out he paid enough mind to even know this small detail of Shadow's life.

"Why this place?" Black Death's wife asked. Laughter still filled her voice. "It's as plain as he is."

The look Damian gave the witch was enough to alert Black Death to the danger his imbecilic wife had put herself in. Even if she herself were completely unaware of it.

"Night Fall." Black Death had called out to one of his brethren standing at the foot of the hill. "Could you escort my wife to her resting place. She is in need of her beauty sleep." The excuse was made in complete civility. She nodded to her husband and retreated rather unbalanced into the arms of Night Fall who seemed rather happy to receive her. "Thank you brother." The man nodded in the fashion custom dictated, then retreated with her in tow.

"Your wife is a complete simpleton."

"She's young. Still a lot of fire in her veins. Jealousy dictates her actions. Please forgive the lady."

"Shall she be a threat to my brother?"

"Of course not. She has not the following of even the ladies of court. She is a mere child."

"Never underestimate your woman, Sir."

"You are somewhat bitter, my Prince. Has one poisoned your soul?"

"Indeed, a wife. She gave me two strong sons. Beautiful she was. Fiery red head with blue eyes. Her spirit seemed innocent, not like your woman, who is a demon in layers of silk. No, she was a fine innocent girl or so she seemed. Put a blade in my back she did."

"You draw trouble don't you, prince? What happened to this lady?"

"The same that happens to all who cross the chosen one. I killed her. Took her head clean off with the very sword I wear this night." Damian was now looking on with a hint of warning in his eyes. "Keep your woman at bay. For if she draws so much as a drop of my brother's blood I shall have her head." Black Death was studying the Prince's face carefully, as if to find some truth in his words.

"If she ever touches him, I'll give her to you myself. My oath as the First One of The House Of Say."

"Very well." Damian sounded pleased. Only a hint of seduction lingered in his words. "We should find that brother of mine. You should have him on this night. It was your bonding."

"He's a child. I prefer experience." Black Death stepped forward crushing the prince in a full body embrace. Taking his mouth in a kiss that almost made Shadow gasp. His hands slipping beneath Damian's leather tunic in an attempt to make skin contact.

"What about custom?" Damian asked with laughter in his voice.

"No one cares. The bonding is complete. This is simply formalities. Let me, My Prince." Shadow could see Damian nod. The shirt was ripped open instantly and the Prince's throat attacked with a sensual voracity that was frightening. Damian looked small in comparison to Black Death. Childlike. Their bodies a tangled mesh of leather and skin as they stripped each other. The Prince allowing himself to be controlled by the bigger man as his smaller hands were pinned with in the grasp of one of Black Death's larger ones. The big man writhed against the amused Prince, who seemed delighted with the outcome. It didn't take long for all the clothing barriers to disappear and Death took Damian in a hungry thrust that incited a puppyish whimper from The Prince and a clipped gasp from Shadow.

Damian's head dropped back slightly. It was just enough to allow his eyes to meet Shadow's. He didn't seem to be surprised to see him hiding there. A slight smile graced the Prince's lips, directed at the boy. It was warm, light hearted. There wasn't the slightest hint of annoyance.

Black Death seemed far too immersed in what he was doing to notice. With an embarrassed blush, Shadow dropped his head and slipped soundlessly down the hillside. Hearing the moan of Black Death's completion and Damian's amused laugh.

He made his way to where he now belonged. Black Death's tent. At that moment he even thought about saying to hell with his pride and running. Shadow had seen the way Black Death had taken the Prince, with total rough abandon. The man was huge and somewhat less than gentle. It frightened him somewhat. That was something he would never admit. Not to anyone.

When he arrived at the guarded door he stopped. It was obvious who he was even if the man hadn't attended the bonding. The white jeweled leather giving it away. The Guard looked the boy up and down in a rather strange manner. Appearing to come to some kind of conclusion that satisfied him. He pulled the tent flap back gently. He bowed slightly with a gentle reverence allowing the boy entrance. He called out to someone in an unknown language and followed the boy in.

Shadow entered the first section of the tent, pausing The set up was kind of odd and it was illuminated but not very well. It seemed to be the equivalent of the entrance room but there were no sitting platforms, only large wooden cabinets and lots of colorful pillows.

"Bry-onia!" he called out loudly enough to make Shadow flinch. In all the quiet the stern commanding word was unexpected. A woman appeared, obviously a servant possibly a slave. She smiled and knelt at the Guards feet. "Pracon'ta" She stood and vanished for a few moments, coming back with bed clothing and bathing materials. She motioned for Shadow to follow which he did. When he entered the area he found it almost blinding, lit up with so many candles and lanterns it could have been daytime. A white carpet covered the ground, stone tables lined the walls covered in candles and oils. Heavy white cloth draped all the walls in here. A large steaming bath was in the center of the room.

The woman moved about the room laying out the drying cloths, putting down small rugs to catch the dampness that was sure to hit the floor upon his emerging from the tub. Then she put oil in the already hot bath causing the smell of vanilla and sugar to fill the room. She cheerfully mixed it in, humming to herself. Then headed for Shadow with a purpose. One which he wasn't quite sure of till her hands landed on the ties of his shirt. He pushed her hands away and shook his head at her. She smiled, bowed, pointed toward his night clothes and left the room.

He began to undress. Upon seeing the state of the bonding garment he realized why he was getting such a look from the guard. It looked awful. Blood marred almost the entire front of it. Grass stains on the knees It was just plain filthy. It was hard to tell what the guard was even thinking. He was sure if he gave it much thought it would get embarrassing so he didn't. Simply stripped the rest of the way and entered the tub.

It came up to his neck. The smell was very soothing. The water was opaque in color, probably from the oil the woman had added. He carefully washed his hair and body, wondering idly why the water wasn't cooling. For as long as he had been in there it should have cooled considerably. It didn't matter. He was relaxed. Unbothered at the moment and he appreciated the small joy. He wasn't sure how much time had passed when he heard a soft but male voice ask to enter.

"Come." The small blond boy entered with a tray in hand. Placed it on a nearby table and then lifted the table and walked over to the tub, setting it within Shadow's reach. Shadow raised his head to see it contained a bottle of wine and glass. While the boy knelt and bowed his head it waited. When Shadow returned to his relaxed position the boy spoke.

"Can I get you something to eat, My lord?" The voice was very obedient. Black Death obviously enjoyed all the luxuries in life when not at war. He was most certainly a prince.

"No. Thank you." When the boy remained sitting there unmoving Shadow spoke. "You can go." He bowed his head and disappeared out the door.

He poured himself a glass of wine. Decided it was quite good and followed the first glass with the rest of the bottle.

This was really a new experiences for him. He had spent his life with his teacher in tow. He was never allowed indulgences in drink or much else for that matter. He had been under constant surveillance. For the first time in his life, no one was there with the famous word *no* for a boy of seventeen. This was now freedom. He was sure it wouldn't last but so long as it did he intended to enjoy it. It was the last thought before darkness claimed all his earthly worries and sweet bliss overtook his thoughts.

"Child." The voice sounded annoyed. Somehow familiar, though. "Wake up boy! God, they didn.t tell me he was a blasted drunk." Ahhh, now he remembered. That would be his destiny. "Come on, wake up." There was a long pause as Shadow tried hard to pretend he was still gone to the world. "It won't be that easy for you, out of my tub." Shadow opened his eyes slowly, looking up at Black Death's annoyed face. He had to smile. He wasn't sure how it appeared to the other man. "I'm going to give you ten minutes to be out of my tub and dressed, then I'm going to come in here and haul your naked little ass out of here my self and pitch you out of here nude." The man turned and stalked out of the room in a fit of rage. Shadow had to laugh. Who was the spoiled prince now?

He managed to get out of the tub despite the fact the room wouldn't stop moving. He dried, very well even. He was quite proud of himself. Even got the thin white night pants on before Black Death came stalking back in. Without so much as a glance at the boy, he shoved him roughly out of the room. He could hear a demand thundered in that strange language again. Suddenly several servants appeared, entering the room in a rush. Shadow just sank down on a pile of colored pillows in the entry way. Figuring it was as good a place as any, he let sleep take him once again.

Some time later he was being nudged gently with a bare foot. He looked up to see Damian standing there fresh from a bath, Black Death a few inches behind him. "Come on. We need to get your hair brushed and get you to bed."

"I can sleep here." He was already slipping back off as he spoke the words.

"Oh no you don't," came Damian's amused voice. It was only a split second later that he found himself being pulled to his feet by the Prince, Black Death taking it upon his self to lift the Shadow up in his arms in a cradling position.

"I don't think he was going to walk. Red Mist packs a punch." It was if he felt a need to explain this simple action to the Prince.

They had passed through several sets of curtains in to the center bedchamber before putting the boy gently down in a chair. Handing Damian a brush the big man walked away sitting down on the bed.

Damian patiently combed through Shadow's raven black hair with an almost gentle hand. Asking in soothing tones for him to turn his head this way or that. Shadow complied almost dreamily. It wasn't every day you got pampered by the Chosen One. It was a mystery as to why he deserved such treatment though.

"You have yourself a treasure here, Sir Death," Damian announced in a very sure tone.

"I see you think so." Black Death seemed uncertain.

"He is a one of a kind gift."

The half-hearted laugh that followed Damian's words left a total mystery as to what the big man really thought. "One of a kind is he?" It wasn't really a question. Shadow heard him remove himself from the bed. "You should have been my bonded."

"Me." Damian sounded amused. "You do place a high value on yourself."

"Not as high a value as I would place on you." At the moment Shadow felt like having them both murdered. He hated feeling as if he meant nothing. He might as well not have been in the damn room. He stood a little too fast, swaying on his feet till Damian steadied him.

Shadow swatted away the hands trying to assist him in disgust. He surveyed the room briefly for someplace to go and saw only an elaborately huge bed. He about half shrugged and headed in that basic direction, not really getting there with his dignity and grace intact. Crawling right up in the middle of it he pulled the covers about his neck. It was kind of chilly in this inner room and he had no desire to be cold

"Brave little thing," Black Death said in a semi-amused, half irritated voice.

"It's that Leviathan blood flowing through his veins."

"Most times my mates sleep in the outer chambers."

"Really? You sleep alone then?"

"Yes, less likelihood of one of them deciding end me in my sleep." Damian's laughter was soft, playful throughout the room. It seemed to Shadow as if it came from all around.

"Do all your mates hate you?" Damian asked, voice still filled with laughter.

"I'm sure they do. Who could stomach such a barbarian of a man." Shadow's voice rang out just what he had been thinking as he wangled his way in to a standing position in the center of the bed. Not entirely sure of his footing as grabbed for the top cover pulling it up with him as he managed to walk across the bed and step rather ungracefully to the carpeted floor. "You two make me ill," he announced in a rather aristocratic fashion. " Call me spoiled," he ranted in an annoyed tone. "Who had a fit over their damnable bath?" Now that he was on the floor he was trying desperately to extricate his feet from the cover without toppling over in the process. "Fucking on a damn hill side in plain view, talk about honor. At least my virtue is still intact." His voice was taking on a seriously highborn quality to it, even as he was becoming even more tangled up in the top cover. "Goddamn it, will nothing go right tonight?" he screamed out in a truly disgusted fashion.

"All these damn customs, power plays, deceptions to hell with them all, let Damian, lord of the dark, the chosen one lead you around by the dick. See if I care. I just want to get some sleep without having to hear you two flirting or pawing all over each other. I mean, could you get any more damn sexual at that deplorable bonding facade. Talk about incompetent." He was now viciously trying to get out of the blankets hold as the floor rushed up and smacked him right in the face. As if in protest he smacked it back and wiggled out of the covers. He heard Damian's laugh and saw the astounded look on Black Death's face as he grabbed the blanket and dragged it out of the room behind him. The last thing Shadow heard was Damian's amused voice say:

"That's Leviathan blood for you."

*****

Shadow roused to the world slowly, and in a fair amount of agony.

His head felt as if it was about to explode through the roof of his skull. He was stretched out on a heap of cushions in the entryway of Black Death's tent. He couldn't quite recall how he had gotten there. He seemed to remember taking a bath, having a few glasses of red wine and then pretty much nothing. He had never had a hang over before and was pretty sure he wasn't going to have one again. He was never going to touch that stuff for as long as he lived.

He slowly gathered himself and rose to his feet, kind of carefully. For some strange reason he feared the floor might suddenly lurch away from him. When that didn't happen he turned carefully to look about the room. His eyes came to rest on the guard who had greeted him upon coming in to Black Death's tent the night before. He looked somewhat amused but not unfriendly.

He stood and walked in Shadow's direction, holding out a vial filled with something light blue in color. Shadow took it, sniffed curiously. It really didn't have an odor so he put it to his lips to taste it carefully; the man nodded as if this was the right thing to do so he drank it down in one swallow. It hadn't been unpleasant in the least.

"Von pois'kay.Sivan" Whatever the words were, they seemed to amuse the man. He gave a slight laugh directed at Shadow. "Chi-vray?" Shadow could tell it was a question but was at a compete loss as to what kind of question.

"I don't understand." The man smiled at him and retreated across the room to retrieve a bag. Then came back, handing it to Shadow.

"'Von pois'kay.Sivan.' He called you the little drunken prince. `Chi- vray' is `feeling better?'" Black Death's voice carried a tone of dark amusement "Ready yourself, we depart in an hour."

"Drunken Prince! Feeling better?" Shadow stopped. He did feel a lot better. Actually he felt fine. "I do feel better." Black Death laughed outright at Shadow this time. Casting him an almost friendly look that just annoyed the hell out of the young prince "Don't you have any thing better to do?" Shadow spat hateful words at the big man.

"Your brother departed my company late last night and I'm all yours." Black Death seemed to be in a downright cheerful mood now. "Would you care to dress or should I ride with my half-naked bonded through the city streets? I'm sure in the sunlight of day those pants won't be hiding anything" He was staring at the boy with a somewhat of an appraising look. "Of course the plus would be all those who think you plain would be proved wrong." Shadow glanced down at himself in the almost see through cloth, blushed and turned to enter the bathing chamber without a word. He could hear Black Death's laughter follow him. Stopping just behind the heavy drapes.

"I see your tongue no longer spits fire, little prince." The laughter was quite clear through the thin walls. Shadow tried desperately to remember what it was he might have said to no avail.

The clothes in the bag surprised Shadow. They weren't some boy toy get up. Or even princely robes. It was a warrior's uniform. It matched Black Death's almost perfectly. The pants, leather and form fitting. The boots came almost to Shadow's knees. They were also black. The plain, simple black silk shirt slid smoothly across his skin and the soft black leather vest tied up the front. All he was lacking was the breastplate. The high and mighty one perhaps hoped an assassin would rid him of his new bonded

Shadow took his time dressing, not really excited about leaving his birthplace for an entirely new way of life. He had heard rumors of Say's House and it didn't settle well with the young prince. The stories told portrayed the whole house as ruthless barbarians willing to kill all things crossing their paths.

It probably wasn't good that Black Death hadn't seemed too happy to be stuck with him as a bonded. All hopes that this union might have in some small way benefited him were gone.

"Are you about done in there, child?" The tone was ill-tempered. Seemed he had yet again found a way to irritate the dark one.

"Yes, do you always hover?" Shadow's tone was irritated but light.

"Well, get out here and let me see you then." Shadow exited the room with a hateful leer on his face which Black Death ignored entirely. "Good fit, I see you haven't grown more than expected since the measurements were sent."

"They sent you my measurements?" Shadow was confused. This bonding had only been confirmed a few days ago. They hadn't had time for such a thing. Even if they had, why would they want to?

"Yeah, along with your portrait."

"Portrait?" He had never had a portrait done. Had refused to sit still for one in fact. "When did you get these things?"

"Over a year and half ago. Why?" The man was now looking at Shadow as if he were half-witted or something.

"You have a portrait of me from over a year and a half ago? When was this bonding sealed?"

"Do they tell you nothing? It was over three years ago. Of course they sent a portrait for me to approve of. Despite the treaties in the works I wanted to know what my bonded would look like. I mean, hell, if they were going to saddle me with some pampered prince I demanded he at least be desirable."

"You agreed to this three years ago?"

"Of course, they portrayed you as a much more timid thing though, I must say." Black Death paused, studying Shadow's face. " Even Cord described you as being rather fragile, princely. Some what of a dreamer I think he said. You've grown up a lot since he was here, I suppose"

"What was all talk about my being a mere boy on the hill? I mean, weren't you expecting a mere boy?"

"I was expecting to have my future bonded waiting for me, possibly even enthusiastic about our first meeting. Pleased about the union perhaps. At the very least I expected a highborn prince to show the House of Say a bit of honor instead of making me hunt him down. You had three years to prepare for this bonding, talk about spoiled. In the emotional respect you are most definitely a mere boy." Black Death seemed beyond annoyed now. "What is it, are you pining for another?" His words weren't altogether bland. They tinged on something dark.

Shadow was silent. He couldn't very well explain the House Of Lee's deception now, could he? Run the risk of being Black Death's first victim. It was The House Of Lee's responsibility to see to it once his bonded was promised that nothing happened to him. Otherwise it would be a complete show of disrespect. If he tried to set this thing straight all hell was going to break loose. So what the hell did he say? Black Death was beginning to look angry.

"Is that it? Is there someone you desire?" He paused, the look covering his face was almost deadly. "Have you had this someone you desire?" The tone was like ice. Threatening and deadly in a way that made Shadow's blood run cold. Black Death stalked toward him slowly as if he were a great mountain lion about ready to strike. Hand moving to the hilt of his dagger.

Panicking would have been easy with this man staring him down in a fashion that could cause a perfectly healthy man to keel over with a heart attack. Moving closer to him with serous intent to do bodily harm, or so it appeared. Shadow snapped out the word "No." He now understood the weight this man's name carried. He was not only imposing, he was death personified in his rage "My virtue is intact. I swear." Good gods, where the hell had those words come from? Shadow would have ridiculed himself except Black Death halted his approach. Just inches away, hand still on the large hilt of the dagger. He leaned in close studying the boy's face with cold intent. The prince refused to down his eyes in fear. He may have been terrified at that very second but never would he admit it.

"If I find out different, boy, you'll wish for death before I'm done." Shadow suddenly thanked the gods his teacher had always hovered so closely. Never allowing him such freedom. It wasn't like there were many seventeen year old virgins around and by that Shadow was hoping like hell he was just talking about the main deed. Because it wasn't like he was completely untouched. He was always the top. Black Death seemed to be somewhat satisfied as he slowly began to draw himself back, hand lowering from the knife hilt.

He was starting to understand. The pieces were falling into place. It was his brother who had met Cord years ago, although no one had ever said anything about a bonding. His brother was just Shadow's opposite. Soft-spoken, sweet, studied art and philosophy. He was being groomed for just this kind of thing. No wonder he just kept surprising this man. He was expecting a well-mannered, versatile little prince who could follow orders and be just one step above a pleasure slave.

Shadow suddenly felt sick. This man thought he was his very own twin, He thought he was Adrian. How the hell could they do this to him? Not only was he forced into this bonding but he was forced in replacement for his dead brother without this man's knowledge. The very least they could have done was warn him.

"We should be leaving now. I'm already behind schedule." Shadow dreaded spending one more second with this man. Pride and fear were at serious odds at the moment.

Shadow had always aspired to power. Today he was rethinking that whole idea. Maybe being a common farmer was better than traveling six days in close proximity to this man. So what if he ran the risk of starving to death. At least he wouldn't have had to look death in the very eye and demand his own soul stay brave.

He followed the man out the door to where his men were waiting. The group looked positively deadly. Shadow's eyes scanned over all the members. All warriors even the small one clad entirely in black. Wore a warrior's blade. His face covered by an Arabian style headdress, only the section around his eyes visible. The skin that shown through was creamy white, the eyes were a chilly blue. Not so much the color but the emotion that made them appear so. He would have been about Shadow's size if he had come down off that black steed.

Black Death mounted his horse and extended his arm to Shadow for assistance. At first he wasn't sure what he had wanted. Then he realized he was expected to take his place in front of Black Death, on his very steed. Oh, no, that was definitely too close for comfort. He started to back away when he was grabbed up and swiftly lifted forward. He might as well have been a small child among this lot. He found himself seated firmly between Black Death's legs, his arms about his shoulders. He fit perfectly in this position, his head just under the other man's chin. He suddenly felt like the child this Black Death seemed to believe he was.

"Nervous, are we?" The scene seemed to have provided Black Death with some entertainment. "Get settled, it's going to be a long ride." Shadow was trying desperately not to lean in to the Dark One. Like a few words would make him suddenly decide that idea was acceptable. "Suit yourself."

"You frighten the little one last night, Death?" The question came from the larger man sitting to the right. "Your passion too much for him?" Shadow could tell it was meant to be a putdown.

"He's young. He will recover." Laughter spread throughout the group after Black Death spoke. Shadow glared up at him. Black Death smiled down.

"Sir Death." Shadow turned in the direction of Damian's voice about the same time as Black Death did.

"My Prince, what brings you out this early?" Shadow could sense the satisfaction in Black Death at seeing the chosen one.

"Had to wish you good journeys. You carry my baby brother in your saddle." Damian walked over and laid a hand on Shadow's knee. "He is precious cargo." This was spoken loud enough so all there heard the statement.

Damian was presenting Shadow as a valuable member of the House Of Lee. Not just a parting gift. His subtlety did not go unseen. All there now knew Damian supported the little one. Anything that happened to him would carry the weight of the Dark Prince's wrath.

"I will see to it your baby brother remains safe, Prince. You must come visit him soon." Shadow felt like telling the big man off. Probably not the greatest idea though, considering that dagger was a mere foot away at this point. It was obvious to anyone with half a brain that Black Death wanted Damian to visit him.

"I will, very soon. Good journey." The words were spoken to Black Death "Travel well, Adrian." The look that accompanied the three simple words spoke volumes. Shadow could see that Damian was offering the only help he could. He wanted to tell the Prince he had already figured it out. All he could do was nod in understanding. Throw the prince a thank you smile and look away, as Black Death started them moving with a final hand gesture to the prince and a sturdy command to his horse.

*****

The ride through the city had been satisfying. It was obvious the people thought him a higher valued asset than his own family did. People were handing things to the newly bonded prince. The better part of them the warriors intercepted, passing them back to be added to the collection. Small trinkets making their way into his palms.

Shadow had never been outside the palace gates so this whole affair was a new experience for him. The people seemed to think him something beyond words. Some crying tears because he had merely graced their hand with his as he took the gift that was offered.

He wasn't sure what to think about it. He found himself rather puzzled at their reactions. Unsure of himself. He thought that maybe he should think this an honor. It was just that for some reason that he couldn't explain it seemed to make him anxious. He found himself hoping the city path wasn't so long.

"At least smile, boy. You are the son of a god." The voice took on a parental tone, and Shadow looked up at the big man in confusion. "So little they tell you." The man seemed about half disgusted.

Shadow turned back to receive a white rose from a young girl. Something about her caught his eye. Without giving it much thought he passed her the collection of gold trinkets, in exchange for the rose. It wasn't like he needed such things. She seemed to be in need of more food and better clothing. Those bits of gold should help

"You are a wonder, child. Not many men could hand away such a treasure of gold."

"I have no need of it." Shadow's voice was hollow as he turned to watch the girl who stood stunned, holding what seemed like to her all the moneys in the world. Her blue eyes flew up to meet his in complete wonder. She vanished in the midst of the crowd never having taken a step.

"That wasn't the point." The half hearted laughter echoed in Shadow's ears but the big man remained quiet. Not willing to share the joke, Shadow supposed.

It wasn't long before Shadow found himself leaning in to the bigger man. He could feel the satisfied ripple of laughter as he became comfortable in his new position. He felt like giving him an elbow in his rib cage. Taking a tumble off a moving horse wasn't the most pleasant of ideas. So he just scowled up at him.

They rode for the entire day nonstop. Shadow was sure he wouldn't be able to stand upon stopping. This man was most obviously made of stone. He hopped off his horse as though he had all the energy in the world. Stretched, then extended both his arms to Shadow as if he were somehow incapable of hopping down from the animal. So Shadow scowled, then threw both legs over the side of the horse and jumped down, landing with what seemed like a fair amount of dignity in his current state. He looked about at the encampment they had entered. It was lavish, in comparison to most of the War camps Shadow had heard about.

He watched carefully as a rather large man approached the small rider. He was tall, barely having to reach up to place his hands around his rib cage. He was lifted gently as if he were something fragile and was pulled into a savoring embrace. The smaller rider's legs went comfortably down to the ground when he was finally released. They made no sound whatsoever with the gentleness upon which he was set. The rider looked like a mere child now. The top of his head was even with the man's shoulder. "All went well?" the big man asked, not really looking at Black Death, the person for whom the question had been meant.

"All was as it should have been, my friend." In a sudden, completely unexpected movement Shadow found himself pulled forward and being lifted in the air toward the large man, much in the way one might present an infant son. "My gift. It tends to wiggle a lot on a horse." The other man's laughter was almost enchanting. Shadow was dropped in the spot in front of the man mere inches from the blue- eyed rider, who turned to look at him.

"Pretty he most definitely is." The rider's companion smiled down at Shadow.

"Pretty!" Shadow snapped out with complete irritation before he remembered his place and clamped his mouth shut in an attempt to salvage the situation.

"Yesss" Black Death hissed. "And a tongue of fire to match."

"He's merely spirited," came the rider's soft silken voice. "You can't handle a little spirit, Lord Death?"

"Shar-el, you wicked child, stay within your house. Leave this spoiled prince to me." Black Death's voice was full of amusement, his words almost playful.

"I think him no more spoiled than you, Lord Death." The boy seemed to know what buttons to push as Death laughed at him.

"As always the brave little devil." He stopped to study Shar-el, whose focus had drifted back to the large man. "Dragoon, take your boy and enjoy your evening. I have matters of business to attend to that will not require your little one."

"Thank you kindly, my friend." The look of warmth that radiated between these two obviously dangerous men did not go unnoticed by Shadow. They were close, it was apparent to any one with eyes. "You should see to your new bonded."

"Yes, I shall." Shadow turned to look at Black Death with a rather annoyed look. It was something about the man's tone that just didn't sit right with him.

"Where is that wife of yours?" Shadow kind of figured the woman would be lurking about some place to make his life miserable.

"On her way back to the home lands. She won't be bothering you for quite some time." Shadow watched as Dragoon and Shar-el disappeared among the tents. Wondering curiously about the young rider. What his position in this place was. "Home lands, aren't we headed back to your kingdom?"

" I have boundaries to secure to the south."

"The south, that providence is Belyle's home ground." He could feel the opportunity welling up inside him. Revenge for his brother. "I am to go with you?" "Of course, your protection is already been seen to."

"Protection?"

"I've hired a bodyguard for you."

"Shar-el." It wasn't as though Shadow needed a bodyguard, he had studied with the very best of teachers. Of course Black Death had no way of knowing this but he was intrusting his bonded to a mere boy. Some one of about Shadow's size. He might possibly have been immortal but Shadow hadn't sensed it in the boy.

"That kid?" It was just becoming plainer and plainer as it went along. He wanted him dead. Hoped the enemy would do it for him. "You trust my protection to that boy?"

"Don't let your eyes deceive you, little one. You couldn't be in better hands." Black Death was now studying him as if some notion had crept in to his mind that was puzzling him.

"What?"

"How did you change so drastically in only a few short years?" Shadow's heart skipped a beat. True to his Leviathan nature he thought of something quick.

"I've lived a lot in three years. Experienced a lot." His voice was distant as he thought about his brother. The screams that echoed in his mind. " I've seen a lot." All of it was the truth.

"You speak of your brother?" The shock of Black Death's soft words made Shadow cringe. " I was told you watched him die." The shaking had begun before the words had even made themselves clear in Shadow's mind. "It's hard to lose a twin. The emptiness is overwhelming." The big man wasn't looking at Shadow; he was now watching the trees off in the distance. "Shadow would have been a fine warrior. He would have made your house proud."

The lurch in Shadow's heart filled his body. If now it was possible to trade places with his beloved brother, he would do so without regret. Those screams filled his ears like thunder, the ground seemed to move and breathing was quickly becoming impossible. Time seemed to slip away as the world tumbled into nothingness. Light vanished and finally he knew nothing, felt nothing. He wished to stay in this place of emptiness. Anything was better than the all-consuming emotional pain his mind had adapted. The guilt was unbearable. He could have saved his brother. Instead he watched him die.

*****

The world was slowly coming back into focus. Memory flooded Shadow's mind. He had passed out. Made a total fool of himself. He now appeared to be the fragile little prince that Black Death thought he was. He wasn't sure how that made him feel. He supposed it was a good thing. He wasn't in the mood to be found out. Possibly to be killed for not being Adrian.

He looked about the room. It was dark and cool but he was snuggled comfortably under a couple of layers of bedding. It was very large and spacious with silk drapes all about so he figured he was in Black Death's rooms. It was too elaborate to be anything else.

He drew up his body slowly and sat up to take a better look. He wanted to know if he was indeed alone. He soon found that he was so he carefully slipped from the bed and made his way to the tent flap. When he pulled it back it revealed another chamber full up with servants and slaves scattered about the floor in sleep. The walk way was however clear so he proceeded quietly on past the sleeping beauties that graced the floor.

The third chamber was the entrance chamber, the guard asleep by the door. He wasn't even sure of what he was doing or even if he was allowed to be doing it. Being a caged animal wasn't his idea of life so if he was killed for having a look about--so be it.

He cautiously exited the tent, the night air chilling his bare skin. He looked up at the night sky. Beautiful and serene in all its glory. It was very late or really early which depended entirely on one's point of view. The loud voices of the men traveled on the heavy night air to Shadow, who stopped to hear all the foreign words being exchanged. He slowly made his way to the source of the voices. Curiosity was his biggest fault.

He stopped just at the edge of the nearest tent to watch the men. Words and laughter were exchanged as freely as the food and wine. Servants were all about the area. Some were serving, others were in the laps of their prospective masters. Black Death sat in the middle of the large group, obviously three sheets to the wind himself.

One of the male slaves was dancing for him. It was a slow sensual dance, meant to arouse. The firelight illuminated his creamy white skin. The smooth flow of muscle was accentuated with each sleek moment of his young body. His hair was a soft gold that flowed down his back to stop just against his shoulder blades. It glided almost angel soft against the slaves's skin.

Black Death's hands encircled the boy's narrow waist to pull him into his lap. The kiss the slave was granted was a fierce, almost ruthless kiss, meant to consume the little slave's soul. The little one gasped and squirmed in fear. It didn't last long as he was calming himself in a matter of seconds as his position demanded.

Black Death's hand found its way to the boy's pant ties and quickly undid them, pushing them down to reveal the small sleek hips. His fingers moved upwards, across his stomach and small flawless chest, closing in on the boy's right nipple and harshly pinching it, while his mouth licked at the left nipple. He nipped and bit his way up the little one's neck. Suckling hard enough to mark on the collarbone. Then up to the boy's mouth where tongue was sliding just inside the tender depths.

The picture they presented was just so damned erotic Shadow found himself as hard as a rock. He suddenly felt hot and almost breathless at the though he might be taken like this by the big man.

The boy was writhing in what appeared to be ecstasy with possibly a small tinge of fear. His hands cautiously finding Black Death's shoulders as he leaned in to the deep kiss.

Black Death's hands ripped away the seat of the slave's pants, fingers seeking out the small opening and working their way in. It didn't seem to bother Black Death that he had an audience. He seemed oblivious to them. He was simply indulging in the gift laid out before him.

The boy gasped and pitched himself forward. His face came to rest against the big man's shoulder, which opened him up for the probing fingers.

Shadow could see Black Death whisper to the boy. Then the slave reached down and freed the massive cock from its cloth prison. In a harsh thrust he was buried to the hilt in the small trembling slave who barely had time to adjust to the idea of being penetrated.

The tears that erupted from the slave's eyes were silent. If it hadn't been for the smooth crystal drops Shadow wouldn't have had a true understanding of the pain the entry had caused the young one. He never uttered a single outcry as Black Death thrust ruthlessly into the small fragile human body. He climaxed with a growl that was almost menacing.

The boy took special care to tuck Black Death's limp member back into his pants before slipping down to the ground to kneel. Eyes cast at the dirt floor.

Black Death rose to his feet and walked away from the boy without so much as a glance. He had been a mere toy to play with; his use was now fulfilled.

He grabbed up a bottle and downed the better portion of its contents. Eyes coming to rest on Shadow's face as he lowered the bottle. It was a moment in intense evaluation.

"Did you enjoy the show, Little Prince?" Shadow stepped out from his hiding place. Eyes causally resting on the slave boy Black Death had just used. The big man followed his line of sight and turned to smile sardonically.

"You like that little defeated one?" the tone had an edge to it. "He was a prince at one time, only he was captured in battle. Not given as a gift"

"I believe you are drunk, Sir Death." Shadows tone was soft. He didn't need to anger such a dangerous man who was in the throws of drunkenness.

"So I am." Black Death turned to retrieve a glass and filled it to the brim. "Would you care to join me?"

"I've sworn off drinking." Shadows tone was soft, somewhat teasing "I can't stomach my drink."

"You did give us quite a show the other night." The man laughed, one of those deep full hearted laughs

" May I excuse myself, Sir Death?"

"No, come sit with me and my men. They are my brothers in arms and have yet to lay their eyes on my newest treasure."

"Treasure, am I?" Shadow's voice was guarded, about half teasing.

"A valuable variety of jewels. I've seen emerald jealousy, ruby fire, sapphire loyalty and even the swaying colors of opal. You seem to have more shimmers than my wife has dresses." Laughter spread around the group.

"And this little prince. Is he valuable to you as well?"

"He is nothing, one of Luke's strays."

"Can I have him then? A gift to your new bonded."

"You wish to bed him?" the tone was cross, almost cutting.

"I have no such wish, I simply think he's pretty to look at. I am in need of a slave."

"Why would you need a personal slave? I have many to attend to any of your spoiled whims."

"Some possession to call my own." Shadow knew he was treading thinly. It could all blow up in his face at any second.

" I'll give you Luke's whore if you grant me just one willing kiss in front of my men." Black Death could do anything he wanted to Shadow and no one would stop him. It was bound to happen sooner or later so what was a single kiss.

"Very well"

The kiss Shadow was given stunned him beyond words. The pure heat of this man's mouth was enthralling. Pulling him down in to its sultry depths with the power only the gods should possess. Shadow barely registered the fact Black Death's hand was now tangled in his hair, his chest pushing into the curve of Shadow's shoulder. The man was surrounding his body with a wall of overheated flesh that Shadow sank into like a kitten begging for warmth on a chilly day. Suddenly it seemed as though this man owned his very soul. As Shadow would have granted him anything.

It was over even before it had a chance to start as he was abruptly standing cold and alone about a foot from Black Death. He had forgotten what it was he was supposed to be doing. His mind a complete blank.

"I think you have earned your gift little one." The smug look spoke volumes as Shadow snapped out of his daze. Anger flooded his being. He clamped his mouth shut to halt the flow of words that threatened to break through to the surface.

He stared Black Death down with the dignity of a Leviathan Prince. "COME!" he spoke the single hot blooded word to the little blond prince who only glanced at Black Death long enough to see his nodded approval before following his new master back to Black Death's tent.

*****

Shadow had entered Black Death's tent with his newly won servant in tow. He really wasn't entirely sure why he had asked for the boy in the first place. Maybe it was just to see if he could get him. Perhaps he felt sorry for the little prince. No, in truth it was a practiced manipulation. He was testing the waters. He had to know just what the limits were with this dark man. His bonded. His life was in the balance. He couldn't just sit around and wait for the truth to come out. If he had learned anything, it was that the truth was always lurking around the corner to bite you in the ass when least expected.

He turned to look at the little prince. He was kneeling on the floor silently by the flap of the sleeping area, head dropped down accordingly. Face covered with beautiful golden blond hair. He was indeed a sight; hair tousled, body covered in bruises that were just starting to show. Pants ripped. He was also trembling as though he could barely contain some unseen fear.

"Why are you afraid?" Shadow's soft, coaxing words filled the silence of the inner chamber.

"Master?"

"I can see your shaking."

"I------did not wish to displease my master's mate." The last word was almost shaken out of the boy's small frame. The tears that erupted from his eyes were pitiful. He sobbed silently.

"Displease? You didn't displease me. Why would you think that?"

"He----is yours----I am nothing—I swear to you------I" No further words could be spoken as the boy's body was overwhelmed with sobs.

Shadow found himself drawn to the smaller boy. He crossed the distance cautiously and knelt, trying to make some sense out of his words.

Looking at the small figure it became obvious he was an innocent despite his years. He thought Shadow the jealous and angry mate. He probably figured that scene in the garden had brought Shadow to him seeking retaliation.

"I'm not angry with you, beauty." The words were sweet and drew up the boy's eyes. "Duty is all that brings me to this place. I would never seek to harm you." The tears gradually stopped, but the boy's eyes were red and swollen by the time they did. His face was sodden with dampness.

"Bry Sivan?" The guard's questioning voice made Shadow jump. He looked up at the big man who was now looking at the still somewhat distraught blond prince. He knew he had been addressed in the basic fashion. " Tr aska van shoul?"

"I'm sorry I don't understand"

"He's asking if you are in need of something." The boy's silky whisper almost didn't reach Shadow's ears.

"You understand him?"

"Most of it, master." The words grew a little louder this time. The master part sounded odd to Shadow but he ignored the urge to tell him not to do it.

"Can you tell him I need fresh water, clothing in your size and some ambrosia scenting." The boy spoke softly never looking up at the guard, who nodded at the Prince as though the words had been spoken by him and disappeared.

In a couple of minutes three freshly roused servants entered the room carrying the items he had requested as well as towels and bath soaps. The young girl knelt at his feet before asking in a very practiced tone if anything else was needed. Shadow dismissed the three without further demands.

Shadow had left the boy to his own washing, scenting and dressing. That wasn't to say he hadn't glanced at the boy more than a few times during the process. Who could have not looked? He was magnificent.

Shadow showed him to one of the small platform beds he had laid down. He watched Shadow closely; then when his new master seemed to want nothing from him he went to sleep.

Shadow watched the sleeping boy for the longest while, wondering about so many things at once. His life had been turned upside down and here he was a prince with no power. Life was indeed cruel and the fates must have an evil sense of humor. Looking over at the enslaved little Prince he did thank the gods he wasn't a battle-won object.

A flurry of activity announced his bonded's arrival. The strange musical voices of the servants filled the entering chamber. The sound they made was almost soothing. He let his mind wonder about the possibilities. Would their bond be sealed on this night. How would Shadow handle it. If he stood proud-------ah hell, was that even possible? This man was filled with so much brute strength it was almost frightening. He had heard the horror stories of first bondings and the man was most likely still drunk. He didn't like Shadow. So this was bound to end badly. He already knew if he played the part of a frigid virgin it would be accepted without question.

He felt the sudden impulse to run. To hell with duty. Let them have their damn war. What matter would it be to him? He had already been betrayed. Tossed out as if he were no better than the slaves. Of course Black Death would come after him. Most likely string him up or something much worse. So again he resigned himself to the fate he was about to meet.

So much time had passed before the inner tent flap had been turned back and the big man appeared that Shadow had begun to wonder if he was coming to bed at all. He had bathed and the clean crisp smell of some unknown scent entered the room. He was clad only in thin night pants. Shadow stared. The man was freshly shaven, had a smooth well defined chest that one can only get a real appreciation of up close. He felt the shiver run up his spine. He hoped it wasn't visible as the big man glanced at the sleeping little prince with curiosity.

"You like your gift?"

"Yes." Shadow's word was softly spoken but it was obvious the big man had heard. The smile turning up just the corner of his mouth was proof of that.

"I see you cleaned up your new pet. Shall I buy him a jeweled collar? Perhaps a leash." The look on the big mans face was full of maliciousness.

"Are you always so mean when you're drunk?" Shadows tone was a bit colder than he would have intended it to be. That is, if he could learn how to curb that Leviathan temper of his.

"Only with pampered little Princes." He seemed quite amused with himself in his utter drunken state.

"I was as pampered as you it seems. You can call me nothing that does not reflect back on yourself, Sir Death."

"Did your father ever teach you any manners, child? It is Lord Death."

"You've earned no such title in my book." He could see the anger flare in the big man's face. He was crossing the line and he knew it. Might as well seal his fate while he was at it. "You think you are something akin to the gods. You are a fool. You are as much a pawn as I am." Oh hell-----that had done it. The big man's eyes were full of fury now. People hated to be reminded of their weaknesses.

The big man stalked toward the bed and grabbed up a fist full of raven black hair. Shadow instinctually closed his eyes tight. He couldn't seek to defend himself. Adrian had never been taught fighting skills. He could betray himself in the most likely futile attempt at self protection. So with all his will power he stayed still and waited for the blow.

What he received instead shocked him. It was a soft seeking kiss. The soft swipe of his tongue across Shadow's bottom lip shocked the boy in to trying to push himself away only to be gently tugged back into a full body embrace. Death's other hand found its way in to Shadow's hair, toying with it, fondling his scalp in the most intimate touch he had ever been given. It was so soft and enrapturing Shadow could do nothing but sink into it, open to the big man. His tongue delicately poked into the line between the Prince's lips, teasing them with tiny gentle nips lapping at the inside of his mouth. Tracing the teeth, seeking out Shadow's tongue for a soft playful dance. It erased all previous thoughts. He was a teen-age boy. This was a simple distraction. No one could expect a kid his age not to respond to such a sensual onslaught.

When the big man pulled back, Shadow stared up into satisfied eyes. "The next time you disrespect me, little one, I'll put your naked little ass across my knee and give you a spanking to remember." The words were smooth, a simple promise. Shadow was having a bit of trouble regrouping his thoughts as the big man pulled completely away. Leaving him sitting on the bed alone. Shadow wanted more but yet he didn't and was suddenly confused. He wasn't sure if he wanted to beg for this man's touch or scream at him for the words he just uttered. He was hopelessly torn. So he remained quiet as the man turned down the lights and got into bed. "You should get some sleep, Daybreak is coming fast."

The strangest feeling overcame Shadow. He felt as though he had been rejected. As though he were lacking some worth he couldn't quite understand and that simply made him angry.

In a huff he threw himself down on the bed and turned away from the big man, whose smile was shadowed in the dark.

*****

Shadow sat with his legs folded underneath him on the ground. He was watching the battery of sword maneuvers that were executed in the strictly mechanical sense. Almost in slow motion, as Black Death showed the young warrior how best to carry out this move and be successful at it. The kid was a quick learner and was thrilled with the personal training. Shadow found himself idly wondering if Black Death was attracted to this youth he was giving so much of his time to.

It had been three weeks since he had been brought to this war camp. Three weeks of being taunted, teased and treated as if he were a mindless child. Some princely plaything that could be toyed with at Black Death's whim.

He had watched the man and learned he had a weakness for the boys and the girls. Hell, he had a weakness for sex period and with no particular preference. Unless the fact that he left Shadow completely untouched night after night was any indication. Then flaunted his lovers around Shadow, seemingly uncaring of his feelings in the matter. He was sure it was just to get under his skin.

Today Shadow was simply tired, confused and unbelievably lonely. This fact had a lot to do with why he had wandered over here and sat down to watch the proceedings. It reminded him somewhat of home. He had been thinking of home for a few days now, his thoughts wandering over the past. Drifting to his brother and their long talks on late summer nights. He had been so excited about growing up. He had wanted to meet his destiny. Shadow wondered if he would have liked Black Death. He probably would have. He seemed to like handsome men of power. Shadow had often caught him looking on. Had teased him terribly about it, If only he could have those days back again.

When he looked up he saw that Black Death was approaching him. He sat up a bit straighter, making sure his pride was well pronounced. He had been expecting some taunt or joke at his expense but instead his wrist was grabbed. Shadow found himself on his feet being dragged into the practice arena.

"Someone of his stature can be a serious danger to you on a battlefield. It's not always about upper body strength. His size could actually aid him in your defeat. He has several advantage points simply from his shorter height." He was demonstrating the warrior's weaker points in comparison to Shadow's height. Shadow quickly took note of the lesson.

Then he noted Shadow's weakest points. Also providing an interesting lesson for the wrong boy. "Okay, what would be your best attack point against someone of his height?" The boy took his sword in hand and ran through a slow battery of maneuvers, stopping the sword at Shadow's throat. "Very good for a first try. Against an average warrior that would work well." Shadow knew that move was useless against an immortal warrior. "Can anyone tell me why this move might be ineffective?"

"If your challenger was immortal," Shadow stated softly.

Black Death turned to look at the small prince looking on with interest. "Elaborate."

"An immortal moves much faster than an ordinary man. So his neck wouldn't have been there."

"You're right." He paused thoughtfully. "I see you had a habit of watching the lessons back home."

"Sometimes." Shadow suddenly felt as though the spot light had been put right on him.

"Ever handle a sword?" Shadow could feel the heat rising in his chest.

"In play, as a child." He couldn't admit to having been trained. No such activities would have been permitted for a future bonding prince.

"Well, in that case." He swiped a sword and threw it at Shadow. "We will run through some maneuvers. The rest of you are dismissed."

So with those words Black Death scooped up behind Shadow and laid his hands directly over top of his. Bending down slightly to show him how the sword flowed through the air.

Several hours later they were just finishing up. Shadow had been shocked at how closely his lesson was being delivered. The man really intended to teach him something serviceable in the heat of battle. He even seemed interested in Shadow's questions, answering them with detailed vigor.

"You're a quick study." His voice was light and airy. Truly friendly, with not a single hint of that pompous attitude he was usually given. "We will do this again tomorrow, right after the regular training session. Think you're up for it?"

"Yeah." Shadow heard how soft his voice sounded and was almost surprised by it.

"Good. Every day, then. You up for that?" Shadow only nodded as Black Death drank down the water and poured the next glass over his head, throwing his hair back. He quickly stripped down to the waist and smiled warmly at Shadow before walking by him. Ruffling his hair affectionately as he left.

"Sir Death." Shadow hadn't a clue what it was he wanted to say but the big man had stopped and turned to look at him.

"It's Daxian or Dax to you. After all------ you are my bonded." Shadow looked for the humor behind the statement but he saw only truth.

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"For my place." There were so many meanings in that single statement. He had a position that he could accept. A place in the order of things.

"You're welcome," was all that was said before he turned slowly and left without so much as a backwards glance.

In the weeks that followed Shadow began to get an idea of who Black Death really was. He adored teaching. Spent many hours doing just that. He was a very accomplished warrior and not really a barbarian at all. He was well read. Highly conversational. With a sharp sense of humor that one could either despise or find coolly funny. He was a lover of the flesh. Drank more than he needed to. Spent far too much time gambling. He was also not a man you wanted to anger. He could do violence with a cold detachment that was chilling. He was fiercely loyal to The House Of Say. He was also a stickler for the old ways.

He had self-control dripping out of every cell in his body. Either that, or he simply didn't find Shadow attractive. It was thoroughly unnerving. It wasn't that Shadow was in a hurry to do the deed. It was the fact that the man ignored him in this sense completely. Shadow was starting to feel very undesirable.

The bright side was they were having conversations; mostly limited to battle maneuvers and cultural writings but conversations never the less. They had developed an odd sort of relationship. Shadow figured others probably just thought he had taken a liking to his new bonded. No one seemed to think anything of the sudden change of attitude. At least Shadow felt a little less lonely.

*****

Shadow stood in front of the mirror looking mildly unsatisfied with the new battle leathers that had been prepared for him. He wasn't used to feeling as though he had been melted and poured into his clothing. It was more like a torture device really. It even laced up his throat making him feel as though he was choking with every breath. Not to mention the fact every single curve he had was visible. Should be a woman's outfit, he thought drearily. How the hell was he supposed to fight in this get up?

"Should I braid your hair, master?" The pleasant, soft spoken voice of Sholie carried across the room. Over time he had learned the little blond prince's name. Won his trust. They had even become friends. Well, as much as they could be friends in a Master/ Slave relationship. The boy had lightened up tremendously under his soft coaxing tutelage. Even began to talk to him as though he weren't going to suddenly beat him to death. Shadow had even confided in the little prince who seemingly understood. Although he never spoke a single ill word of Black Death. Nor offered advice in that area.

"No, I like it down."

"It doesn't bother you when you practice?"

"No, The leather bothers me. Its tight."

"Maybe that's the point," came Sholie's almost teasing voice. "I mean, you are in close contact during lessons." Shadow laughed disbelievingly.

"Yeah, and this is why he ignores me night after night, so that he can gaze upon my leather clad body." He shook his head. "I think sealing me up in this casing is a hint."

"Hint?"

"Keep it covered." Sholie shook his head as though Shadow were a foolish child.

"How could anyone not desire you? What do you see when you look in that mirror, anyway?" Again the voice carried a tone that made Shadow appear beyond youthfully inexperienced. "Perhaps he can't see you beneath all that hair."

"He can see me just fine. He just doesn't want me." Again Sholie shook his head. "Perhaps I'm not as attractive as you seem to think." Sholie looked taken aback.

"W-H-A-T do you see when you look in that mirror? " The humor was just dripping from the boy's tone like honey.

"His reflection I would hope," came Damian's dancing voice as he practically appeared by magic through the inside tent flaps. Catching Shadow in a firm hug before he had time to process who was before him. "I'm told you're one of the best students in this camp, little brother." He was dropped abruptly to the floor as Damian turned to look at Sholie with questioning eyes. "And your companion would be?" Sholie had frozen, still looking straight at the elder prince with a thunderstruck expression on his face. He was frightened out of his mind.

"His name is Sholie He's my------friend, companion and personal servant." Sholie's eyes slid to Shadow with a questioning look. As well as honest surprise. Shadow merely smiled.

"What brings you here brother?"

"I was passing through. Going to meet my future wife." He rolled his eyes as if the idea was moronic. "Like I need another one of those." Shadow had to smile at the cheerful mood the usually so stoic Damian was in. "Seems I can never have enough sons or so Lee says." He laughed outright.

"Who is she?"

"Black Death's sister. I hear she wears battle leathers like a man." His teasing look set off the evil glint in his eyes.

"Lady Terra?" Shadow knew her well. Oh, not personally. He had watched her practice with Black Death on quite a few occasions. She was as good as any man he had ever seen perhaps better.

"Yes, that would be her." He said with a mischievous smile. "Is she pretty?" Shadow recalled the sleek, cat like woman with graceful limbs and a voice like silk. Long raven black hair and dark almost black eyes. Her skin was the color of cream. Pretty was not the word he would have used to described her. A goddess perhaps.

"Yes, she's quite beautiful." That was all Shadow decided to say. Damian looked satisfied.

The inside tent ruffled as Black Death entered. Sholie dropped to his knees immediately effectively removing himself from sight. He had never cared much for the big man and mostly hid when he was around.

"She's certainly more than beautiful. She'd have your tongue for such an understated remark." The tone was stern but not hateful. "She is also a fine warrior. As well as a fine Mythide. She is well up to your standard." It surprised Shadow that his bonded seemed somewhat cross with Damian.

"Well, I hope so." The angry glare was enough to make Shadow flinch. De just glared back.

"Coming to the wedding, Adrian?"

"We will not be attending. I have things to see to on the field." Shadow remained silent. It was not his place to argue.

"He can return home with me. I'll bring him back after the ceremony"

"No! I think he'll be staying here, Lord Damian."

"Well I suppose he is your bonded." The tone was almost cutting. "Its only right he be by your side"

"My warriors are ready to escort you through to my homelands." He stepped back with a look that screamed `on your way'.

Damian turned to Shadow and hugged him affectionately. "Worn out my welcome," he whispered. "You look good in those leathers even if the big man here is too blind to see it." With that Damian was gone, leaving a blushing Shadow in his wake.

Black Death turned to look at Shadow. Evaluating him in an almost worried manner. "You are not to be alone with him ever. Do you understand me?" Suddenly confusion was running rampant inside Shadow's head.

"Why?"

"You're too young to understand some things, Adrian."

"He's my brother."

"DO AS I SAY!" The loud voice harsh voice made Shadow flinch. The big man stormed out in a rage.

"Temper, temper." Shadow called after the retreating back of his bonded. The man never acknowledged him in the least.

*****

Shadow's practice session had been anything but pleasant. The big man seemed to be thinking of ways to make him look like a fool. Running battle maneuvers that he knew Shadow was incapable of carrying out properly. Then scolding him viciously in front of the rest of his students. As though he were some mindless idiot who couldn't get the simplest of concepts. It was really starting to get unnerving. It was actually to the point where Shadow was imagining different horrible ways the big man could meet his end. A couple of them had almost made him smile.

"These damned moves are not that far above you, Adrian Leviathan. Can we *please* do this again. And this time, walk through the damn move. S-L-O-W-L-Y. So I can see what it is you *think* you're doing." Shadow did as he was asked scowling the whole time. Before he had even completed the motions, Black Death screamed, "You'll get your god-damned head chopped off if you try and perform the move that way!"

That was it! Shadow turned on the big man, eyes blazing. "I don't know what the hell your problem is but I sure as hell didn't do *anything* to merit this treatment. Besides if I ever see an actual battle you can thank the gods when someone takes my head off because at this rate I'm going to murder you in your sleep you bastard!"

Shadow hadn't really expected to be slapped. He'd done lots of things that had merited a good beating. But never received a single punishment. However, this time he found himself on the ground looking up at a raging Black Death. Blood pouring from both his mouth and nose. "Never speak to me like that again, child. Or I'll have you strung up by the wrists and lashed. Do you understand me?"

Oh hell yes he understood. Rage filled Shadow. How dare he threaten to treat him like a common slave? Who the hell did he think he was talking to anyway? That Leviathan temper flared. Shadow's eyes were matching the hostile look glare for glare.

"Have others do your dirty work for you? What? You don't have enough nerve to do it yourself? You think me weak. I believe you to be a coward."

When Death froze staring down at Shadow with eyes that looked like molten lava, rage consuming them in wildfire, it occurred to Shadow he just might have went entirely too far this time. His hand drifted. through the sand to the sword handle. Clutching it tightly. Black Death's eyes followed his movement with curiosity.

"If you raise that blade against me, child, expect to be bleeding even more in the near future." His voice was icy. Cold detachment was all that showed through his now harsh demeanor.

"Perhaps, I guess we shall see." He brought his blade up sharply, just missing Black Death's chest. His blade crashed against his bonded's on the second strike. He was smaller and quicker but Black Death was definitely the better swordsman. He knew this from the very beginning. His temper would kill him one day. He only prayed that this day wasn't the one.

He saw the opening that was there. It was as plain as day so he took it. Slipping in close, disarming Black Death. The feeling of triumph lasted only a fraction of a second.

He felt the warrior's dagger drive up into his back. Deeply into the depths. His breath halted at the intrusion of the weapon still embedded in his back as Black Death's arm came around to cradle him. Those dark expressionless eyes stared down at him.

"Death is never pleasant little one, even if the man is immortal. You'll do well to remember you die only a token death here today. On the battlefield it could very well be real. Learn your lessons thoroughly."

He felt the blade slip from his back, the warm blood flowed freely as darkness overtook him. Dragging the Immortal prince into the false death sleep.

Waking was like pulling air into lungs set ablaze by fire. A rush so violent it was almost painful. As suddenly the world burst into focus. Things looking beyond bright. For a few brief seconds he didn't know where he was. Or even who he was. Everything was wrong. He could hear the call in his mind. That force of the universe, trying to take him back into its dying embrace. Rip him away from the living world. Deliver him in to the hands of the spiritual realm.

Suddenly it all became clear as he laid eyes on Black Death. He was standing above him. Staring down at him. All the rage gone from his handsome face.

"Remember what death tasted like, child." The words were bland as if this were nothing more than a lesson that had been delivered. Something required before the testing day. "Never disrespect me in front of my men again. Or I will have you punished beyond anything you can imagine. There are always worse fates than death. " He turned on his heel and walked away.

Suddenly Shar-el was above him. Offering a hand to assist Shadow to his feet.

"Why must you play with fire?" It was the first words the boy had ever spoken directly to Shadow.

His face was still hidden beneath his facial covering. Only the bright honestly curious eyes showed through.

"Stupid I suppose." He wasn't sure how he felt about all of this yet. He had just been killed by his bonded. Tasted death. Then revived. It was normal for immortals. To Shadow it was a new experience. One that left him somehow cold inside. Feeling he didn't belong among the land of the living.

"The chill will dissipate shortly. The dead still call to you." Shadow immediately understood what he meant. It was like they were trying to coax him back into their world through cold desperate whispers he couldn't quite hear. The chill reminded him of fingers pulling at his body. They just couldn't seem to get a grip. Slipping through his now living body like wisps of air.

"Is it always like this?" Shadow needed to know.

"Yes. Death hates to be denied its due."

He found his eyes drifting to the blood coated sand. Then down to his leathers. The dagger must have went straight through he mused, playing with the tiny hole right over his heart. "He killed me."

"He taught you a lesson he knew you would survive. Be better for it. You made him look bad in front of his men. It was either that," he pointed to the place where the wound used to be, "or stringing you up from a tree and having you beat into oblivion. Besides, you raised your sword against him first. So don't be such a child. You asked for it and you received what you sought. Did you not?"

Put that way Shadow could see the logic in it. His bonded had placed his blade to his. Threw his honor to the ground in front of his best warriors. What had he expected? Truth was he hadn't given it a thought. Never even considered the ramifications of his actions.

"In short, I got what I deserved." Gods above, Adrian was the one who should have been here. Not him. He lacked all those important diplomatic skills. He also had that damned Leviathan temper raging through his blood like wildfire with no way to control it. "So I fix this how?" He figured if anyone knew, this boy did.

"Apologize."

"Sounds simple."

"In front of his men on your knees." See, there was always a damned catch. "You could say nothing and go back to that bickering of before." Oh yeah, like he wanted to go back to that. At least otherwise they were pretty good friends. Well, had been.

"Where is he?"

"By the armory." The boy added almost happily, "Good luck."

It didn't take him more than a couple seconds to spot the big man. And of course he was right in the middle of a crowd. Just Shadow's luck. He'd have to swallow his pride and get through this. He walked into the area. Others moved back to allow him passage. He stopped only a few feet from Black Death who was talking about their next battle plan. His back was turned to Shadow. As if not missing a beat he finished his sentence, adding sharply.

"What do you want, boy?" The words were so sharp Shadow almost mouthed off. Instead he dropped to his knees. He saw his boots turn. Couldn't miss it now that he was staring at his feet. "Just what the hell are you doing?"

"Trying to apologize properly."

"You're telling me that after all this time you're going to act as duty demands?"

"Well, I'm trying to." Shadow snapped.

"You're deplorable at it." He paused. "Traditionally I'd take a strap to you now. Did you know that?"

"No, but if you must." He watched the big man's feet shift.

"Get off your damned knees, boy. I'll not have my over-opinionated fool bonded acting like some spoils of war bride." Shadow got to his feet. Then looked at the big man whose face was full of amusement. "Gather your stuff, have that outfit mended. I'll see you tonight, child."

With that the big man was off and yet again he was left standing there without so much as a clue to what was going on in that man's mind.

****

Shadow made his way to their tent. He was still confused. He had absolutely no idea what it was this man sought from him. All the things he understood to be proper only seemed to bring on this man's disgust. How the hell could he be a dutiful mate if he couldn't even figure out what that was?

Shadow encountered Sholie at the door. He had been in such a rush he had almost plowed over the little blond in his haste to get away from the leering eyes of the warriors. They probably figured it was about time he got what was coming to him.

He reached out and tried to steady him, only the boy back-peddled in shock. Practically tripping over his own feet. This resulted in them both going down in a jumbled up heap.

He soon found Sholie's hands on his chest. Searching for what could only be his wound. "What happened?" Shadow was unaccustomed to the forcefulness in the little one's voice. He said nothing as his leather shirt was stripped. His chest examined. "Who did this?" The outrage in that silken voice was beyond clear. "WHO?"

"I did." Black Death's voice echoed from the makeshift doorway. "Who are you to question my actions, slave?" Without any warning Sholie flew at the big man, fists flying. It would have been almost funny if Shadow hadn't feared for the young slave's life.

Black Death was taken off guard by the unexpected action. He back peddled from the boy who was almost half his size. The kid landed a blow hard enough to draw blood before Black Death grabbed him by the arms. Stilling the swinging motion. Shaking him harshly, the little blond's head snapped back at the force.

Shadow was on his feet now, frozen less than two feet away from the big man. Who now held the fragile little slave in his bruising grip. The boy still struggled. Anger flushing his pale skin bright red. Black Death could kill the boy before he could even get there. He had seen him kill for far less in the practice arena.

"Please don't." The fear echoed through Shadow's voice. " Don't hurt him, please." Shadow felt the tears slide down his face. " Please. He only meant to protect me. He saw the blood and…"

"Overreacted like the foolish child that he is." The big man's tone was flat. No anger colored his words. "You must be one fine prince to inspire such loyalty in a slave." Then his eyes drifted back to the child in his grip. "I taught your master a useful lesson in survival today little one, that he will remember for many years to come. So stop your foolishness before I'm forced to punish you for both your bravery as well as your stupidity." The words were firm, unthreatening in their deliverance.

Sholie's struggles ceased but the anger didn't leave his eyes. Instead he looked at Shadow as if to confirm this information.

"It was only a lesson. One which I deserved. I was never truly harmed." With that Sholie went limp. Averted his gaze to the floor. Then for the first time he must have realized what it was he had done. His body began to tremble ever so slightly

"I'm sorry Master----I was only-----The b-b-blood----I—don't know w- what c-came over m-me." The boy's stuttering words were filled with terror. " Pleaseee f-forgive me."

"You're forgiven, little one. I can only respect the loyalty you've shown here today." His tone was formal but somehow light. "Never attempt to strike me again, though. I fear if I was in a bad temper I would strike back before I thought and I have no desire to harm you." Then his eyes drifted to Shadow. "Nor do I desire to harm your master. I wish only to train him well. For an immortal some times those lessons are harsh. Although they must be taught, otherwise death comes sooner than expected."

When the big man turned Sholie lose he sank gracefully to the floor. Unable or possibly unwilling to remain a participant in the world around him.

Black Death turned to face Shadow, dropped down to his knees before his smaller bonded. "I apologize to you. The requirements of a leader are sometimes sizable. They demand a certain way of dealing with a situation. In this case you left me little choice. It's not an excuse for my actions. It's only an explanation. I have come to truly admire and care for you. I regret deeply that you became the victim in a show of political power. I would do the same again if the situation called for it. I am a man of power. Certain things are expected of me. " His words were heavy with unspoken implications "Know this, if I should ever punish you, it won't change what I feel."

Shadow's heart skipped a couple of beats, he was sure of it. The man had just explained himself. He even apologized. Said that he cared for him. Why was he feeling so confused right then? So overwhelmed, as if this man had handed him some universal prize. This was so stupid, horribly romantic but stupid never the less.

What was he supposed to say? Hell, how was he supposed to feel? He had spent so much time trying not to feel. Struggling to block all those emotions that revolved around this confusing man out of his mind.

He had been so sure that Black Death only tolerated him He had never stopped to wonder if the man liked him at all. It hadn't even been a question really. He had simply accepted the strange relationship that was offered him at face value. Never allowed himself to wonder if it meant anything.

Saying he cared for him was a far cry from `I love you' now wasn't it? Did Shadow even care if the feelings ran deeper? Did he want more from whatever this relationship was?

Yes, twisted as that seemed to him at the moment, the answer was yes.

Even with all the big man's faults, Shadow still wanted *something more.*

He enjoyed his company most days, found the man beyond intelligent. Certainly couldn't deny the fact that the Black Death was handsome. Encased in all that tight black leather. He had the grace of a dancer. The attitude of a barbarian. The wisdom of and ancient sage and the silver tongue of the devil himself.

Overall, a remarkable man.

Did that mean Shadow wanted to fall passionately into his arms? Be ravished by such a man as this? Hell no, he'd sooner throw him self at a barbarian than become this man's whore. He would never be made less than a man. Never.

If he were to be taken it would either be by force or by his own choice. Never as the proper whore. He would retain his pride even if he had to die to accomplish the feat

"Get off your damned knees. I'll not have my fool bonded acting like something human. Doesn't fit you." Shadow had to smile at the reprimanding look Black Death gave him as he rose to his feet.

"And to think. I tried to sooth your fragile nerves." Black Death's amused smile carried a power with it that was breathtaking rather than annoying this time.

"Fragile nerves? Who `have you' been teaching battle proficiency to over the last few months."

"Well, I thought he was a child." Death paused and looked on thoughtfully. "Turns out he's a man."

"A man who died today, so if you wouldn't mind I'd like to get some sleep."

"Sleep." The big man's eyes washed over Shadow carefully. The look was enough to make the young prince tremble ever so slightly. " Yes, you should sleep. I should be going. I have a proposal to make to the elders."

"They listen to the likes of you."

"They must. I am Death. Deliver of all those who fail our god." His tone was light. Almost teasing

"Such power. Is it supposed to impress me?"

"Something should, boy." The tone was husky. Shadow feared he was playing a game he failed to understand. Something that was strategically unwise.

"Some things do. Political jargon dished out by men who know nothing of modern ways, who hand out law , punishment and order to those they can not possibly understand is one of the least impressive things to be entertained by my mind."

"So what must I do to impress a man such as yourself ?" Shadow wasn't sure how serious the big man was. However he decided to answer truthfully.

"To impress my sense of breeding, you would have to be fierce in battle, loyal to your friends, your family. Care for your children. Make wise choices. Seek justice in all things concerning you." He paused thoughtfully. Deciding whether or not he should continue. "To impress me as a man, treat me as though I mean something to you. Other than the willful little bonded barely above a slave. Allow me my own nobility. Let me make a place among your warriors." He expected the man to laugh at him, perhaps get angry at his boldness.

Instead he smiled. The most charming smile Shadow had ever seen.

"You wish to truly become one of my warriors? To do battle at my side? Will you accept my command and do so without question?"

"Yes, I would."

"Accept any punishment I deem worthy if you should fail me in battle?"

"Yes."

"Then you have a month to prepare for the field. Human opponents. I won't risk you to the immortals blade. Be ready." With that the big man was gone. He looked truly pleased for the first time since Shadow had known him.

Sholie on the other hand looked beyond pale. Staring up at him through fear stricken eyes."Why must you insist on putting your blade to use? Wasn't learning the craft enough?"

"I want his respect. I need it."

"Why?"

"You wouldn't understand, little one."

"I don't want you to die."

"I won't die."

"Promise?" The young slave's voice was filled with fear. For the first time Shadow could see the true depths of the boy's feelings.

"Stand, come here." Opening his arms to the young slave he almost instantly found them filled. The boy was hugging him desperately "I can't promise never to die." The boy's tears burst forth. His grip tightened. "I'll promise to try and live for an eternity just to please you though. Okay?"

"I suppose it shall have to do."

He led the boy to his bed and tucked him in. He was quite a sight with his tear stained face. Red swollen eyes and ruffled hair.

He was asleep in no time. Shadow soon followed feeling somehow more relaxed than ever before in this place. Perhaps he could make something of this after all.

*** end ***

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