Fic: The Servant (28/?)

[amberwinters]

A few hours before dawn, Adam’s door opened and Madu came in. “I expected you to barge in on me last night. You must have been very preoccupied to just ignore the possibility I was torturing your precious wife.”

Adam sat up, “Is she alright? Madu, what have you done?” Kris could hear the concern in Adam’s voice.

Madu rolled his eyes, “She is fine but you need to take her away from me and head down South. I was hoping we could have orchestrated a dramatic parting but I will just say I woke up and she was gone. Adam, listen very carefully, no matter what happens in the North and even in Agbeko, you must remain in the South and keep your army at bay. If you come up North, I will kill Kris.”

Kill me? Wait… Before Kris could react, Adam spoke, “What do you mean you will kill Kris? What if you are defeated? My army is-“

“If my army is defeated, yours would not fair any better. Take Allison to Kim and then position your men so that the Southerners cannot come North.”

They switched dialects and Kris could no longer follow their conversation. Kris heard his name mentioned several times and was angry he wasn’t being included.

“I am right here. If this plan involves me, I have a right to know.”

Madu nodded, “The plan is I need a guarantee that Adam will not do anything stupid. You are my guarantee. We don’t have time for me to persuade you both to agree. Kris, have I ever hurt you or touched you inappropriately?”

“No.”

“See Adam, I have kept my promises. I will keep my promise this time. If you do as I ask, I swear to the goddess, I will keep Kris unharmed.”

“What if you are defeated?”

“Adam, I can only promise what is in my power. The whole continent could be destroyed, you could be ambushed by your own army. We can only control so much. Allison is not safe here and Kris is not safe in your army. Neyou, thinks Terrance and Raja will mutiny if they think Agbeko is going to fall. You must stop them and keep the Southerners at bay. That is your mission. I will fight the invaders up North and the King will protect himself and the Queen in Agbeko.”

Adam didn’t seem completely sold. “If you are trying to help me and doing what is best for Agbeko, Why are you threatening me with Kris? What do you think is going to happen that would make me come North?”

Kris once again realized the complexities of Agbeko and the endless intrigues. Adam was astute and obviously not in complete agreement with Madu.

Madu became angry, “Adam, I am done playing games. I need to concentrate on my upcoming battle. I do not want to worry about enemies coming from behind. We are running out of time. You need to make your escape with Allison now, the Queen cannot see her unharmed or we will both be doubted. Now go, Allison is already dressed and packed. She is waiting for you in the stable. Also, make sure you swing by Rachel’s and take her to Kim as well.” Madu must have noticed Adam’s reaction to his request and added, “It is not prudent to have the Queen and heir in the same location.”

Adam turned to Kris, “Go with Madu and keep yourself safe. I love you-“

Madu interrupted, “Now Adam!”

Kris kissed Adam and reluctantly let him go. Adam looked at Kris one last time and left the room. Madu turned to Kris, “Thank you. If you hadn’t forgiven him you would not have been a very useful pawn.”

Kris froze and then felt disgusted, “This is still a game?”

“It is always a game but the stakes are higher than ever. In fact, I think this may be the game that ends all games. Now, don’t fret too much you did the right thing by Adam. He is much safer in the South. Now, we too must be off. The invaders are close and we need to be on the Northern shores before they arrive. Luckily, the reef is shallow so they must wait for the winds to die down. We have a few days at most. Go to Neyou’s room, after giving Adam enough of a head start, I am going to alert the Queen that Allison has disappeared.”

“Did you really keep your hands off her?”

“I told the truth about not hurting her.”

Kris got the sense Madu was being evasive, “So you didn’t touch her at all?”

Madu stiffened, “You are becoming dangerously impertinent. What happens between Allison and me is really none of your business. However, in an effort to keep you from being difficult, I will tell you that I did not punish her for trying to kill my Uncle or force her to do anything against her will.”

Kris knew he had no right to keep questioning Madu but the more he spoke the longer Adam had to get away. “Do you think your Uncle the one that raped Allison?”

“She didn’t say but I think that might be the case. I wouldn’t be surprised because Rachel told me he had gotten a bit inappropriate with her in the past. My Uncle is a pig and few people will mourn his passing. I am not sure how he ever got your mother to like him. It is just lucky for her she left. Now, go to Neyou.”

Kris went to Neyou’s room. He was sharpening his knives. Kris asked about the children and was told most of them had been given to families and Rachel was seeing to the rest. Not having anything else to say, he just waited in silence. An hour later, everyone seemed awake and the Queen was furious. Kris went to breakfast with Neyou and found Madu there with the Queen.

“…Your son never respects Agbekian ways so what did you expect?”

“I expected him to be grateful that we had been so lenient with his wayward wife and respect a royal order. This is just further proof my son is not fit to rule.”

Madu nodded, “Your son will never be the King you want and Rachel is not as strong as you. She won’t be able to control him as well as you control King Roland.”

The Queen nodded, “I know. I am worried what will become of Agbeko after I die. Madu, I think you may be our only hope.”

Kris stifled his anger and just ate his breakfast hoping to leave quickly. Unfortunately, the Queen asked him to stay. Kris had no choice and had to endure an hour of being interrogated. Kris tried being very vague with his answers and was almost glad he was as clueless as he really was. He still worried that he may have given secrets away. Kris found Neyou and Madu in the stables.

Kris was scared. He was not only scared of going into battle but feared he had somehow betrayed Adam. They headed out. Kris was surprised when they appeared at Mari’s house. Mari came out wearing men’s attire and placed enough skins around her to shield her face. She yelled something. Madu nodded, “Kris, get down and you will ride with me.”

Kris did not really want to ride with Madu but at least he would be able to nap. Mari took Kris’ place on the horse as he joined Madu. Kris must have dozed because when he awoke it was dark and the rest of the army had joined them. The land looked eerily peaceful and beautiful under the full moon. The snow reflected the light and it was almost as bright as an overcast day. In his sleep Kris, must have relaxed enough that he was reclined back against Madu’s chest and cocooned in the furs. It reminded him of the times he rode with Adam. Kris shifted to sit more upright.

Madu noticed Kris wake, “You’ve been out for hours. If you’re hungry, I have some dried meat. We are going to make camp in a few hours and the men will prepare a hot meal.”

Kris decided to wait for the hot meal and just sleep again. A few hours later, he was shaken awake, “We are breaking for camp. Report to Kendin to assist with the camp set-up. You will be sharing my skins again.”

Kris just did as he was told and helped the men setting up all the skins while others prepared food. Kris noticed Brad was not around and became curious. Well, more nervous because he had a feeling there would be a ritual that night. Kris asked Andrew about it and he told him Brad decided to stay in Agbeko. Brad was going to serve Madu’s wife rather than go on what he claimed was a suicide mission. Kris would have laughed except now who was going to play the goddess?

Kris noticed several strangers riding into camp and meeting with Neyou and Madu. They seemed to be of some import. Kris also noticed a rider come in with Adam’s crest on it. Madu went over to the horse and helped the rider down. The rider looked small and was wearing furs from head to toe. Madu pointed over to Kris and the rider started making his way over. Halfway along he tripped on his furs and decided to just abandon the offending garments. Kris was happy to see blonde hair and a familiar face. Tommy.

Tommy came over and hugged Kris, “Hey, Adam sent me to be your guardian angel. Plus, I heard Madu was in need of a new goddess. That bitch, Brad, decided to hide out in Agbeko. More the fool, since the goddess often punishes cowards. They usually develop nervous ticks and then their heart just stops.”

Kris tried not to laugh at Tommy’s statement, “Don’t you tend to avoid the brunt of the fighting.”

Tommy shrugged, “That is different. I show up at the battle and then position myself strategically. Anyway, I am supposed to keep you out of harm’s way. Adam, must really like you to go to these lengths. I also think he worries you might be sleeping with Madu. You aren’t sleeping with him, are you?”

“Not in the sexual way.”

“Are you sharing his skins?”

“Yes.”

“More the merrier. I don’t really know these warriors so well and I get on Neyou’s nerves. Is it ok if I sleep with you guys too?”

“Madu might not like it.”

“Madu likes me. He won’t mind besides warriors can get insatiable before a big battle. Better I am there in case Madu wants a little something, you know.”

Kris wasn’t sure Tommy had things right but he just shrugged, “Er…ok, whatever.”

Everyone in camp ate a big lunch and went to rest until nightfall. That night there was to a big celebration to prepare for the upcoming battle. After eating, Tommy followed Kris to Madu’s skins. Kris hoped Madu didn’t get too angry or blame him for the extra guest. Luckily, Madu was still pre-occupied with Neyou. Kris noticed Tommy stripped down completely. Kris left on a thin fabric and stiffened when he felt Tommy press himself against Kris’ back.

“Tommy, what are you doing?”

“Trying to get warm but you do not produce enough heat. Adam and Madu have special blood that…”

Kris was not in the mood for fairy tales so he just tuned Tommy out. He felt the skins shift, “Tommy, what are you doing in my skins?”

“It is nap time and Kris didn’t want to be alone.” Kris forgot what a liar Tommy could be and decided it wasn’t worth correcting. Madu seemed to just accept the response. Kris felt Tommy shift a bit away from him to get closer to Madu.

“Tommy, I haven’t slept in two days. If you keep me awake I will kill you.”

“I was going to help you relax.”

“No need. Stop moving and shut up.”

Kris wasn’t that sleepy since he had slept most of the ride over. Still, it was good to be warm and just relax. Kris must have ended up dozing because Tommy woke him up. “I have to get ready for the celebration. Will you help me dress like a goddess?”

“Sure.”

Kris was no expert on woman’s clothing but he did his best. He was grateful Tommy was there and he wasn’t being forced to play the role. Kris was curious, “Are you spying for Adam now?”

“Well, I am technically watching out for you but I guess if he asked me questions I would try to answer them. I don’t think Adam and Madu are really enemies so I don’t see it as spying.”

Kris was curious, “Why don’t you think they are enemies? Doesn’t Madu want the throne?”

“I don’t think so. He doesn’t seem like the type to sit through ceremonies and act as a figure head. Granted the King rules the armies but Madu likes to be on the battle field. As King he would have to stay back and just oversee strategy. Adam is good on the battlefield but he would be even better as a King.”

“Madu might not see it that way.”

Tommy shrugged, “Doesn’t matter that is how the Goddess sees it. I have seen the future and Madu isn’t King.”

Kris rolled his eyes. “Where did you see this vision?”

Tommy looked at Kris like he was a slow child, “Duh…I dreamt it during our nap. Everyone knows visions only happen during sleep. Anyway, how do I look?”

Tommy was prettier than Brad and Raja. His elfin features made him look like an ethereal being, like a goddess. “Perfect.”

“Almost forgot.” Kris was caught off guard when Tommy grabbed a small box and unabashedly starting prepping himself for sex. Kris also found himself getting a little turned on which was even more disturbing. Kris kept to himself during the festivities. He did, however, watch as Madu and Tommy performed the ritual conquest of the goddess. Unlike when he had taken Brad, Madu seemed to be more gentle with Tommy. It still had a savage feel but it was not cruel. Having had passionate sex himself, he recognized the difference. He could tell Madu paused after first breaching Tommy to give him time to adjust and his thrusts seemed controlled. When Madu had taken Brad, it had seemed much more violent and hurtful. Afterwards, Madu helped Tommy up before going to bathe himself.

Kris had sat next to Neyou and his mother throughout the ceremony. Kris assumed out of respect, Neyou was refraining from sex. Everyone else in the camp seemed to have partnered up which made Kris feel lonely and start drinking more than he should.

Madu came over and joined the conversation with Neyou and his mother. They were speaking in a tongue Kris couldn’t understand so he just tuned them out. Tommy came over and sat down by Kris, “How was it? I never played the Goddess before. It is a big responsibility.”

Kris laughed, “Well, it seemed like Madu did most of the work.”

“Not too much work, he didn’t even have the courtesy of a reach around. Still, he is not a bad ride once he gets going. Adam’s a better.”

Kris felt his jealousy spiking and turned to Tommy, “Really? And just how many times have you been with Adam?”

“Easy now, Kris, I have known Adam all my life. It wasn’t recently, OK?”

Kris felt bad, “Sorry, I guess I get a bit jealous.”

“Sex before a battle doesn’t count anyway. Aren’t you going to engage in any sex? It is going to be a big battle, you should get as much strength as you can.”

Kris laughed, “I don’t believe in that so I’ll just pass. Anyway, I thought the plan was we stay out of harm’s way.”

“Yeah, that’s the plan but you never know. Battles get hectic. Maybe you should give me a blowjob just in case.”

Kris laughed again, “In that case, I don’t think you have all that much strength to give. Perhaps, I’ll just hold out for a better offer.”

Tommy shrugged, “Suit yourself but it is kind of selfish of you not to help a brother out.”
Tommy grabbed two ales and gave one to Kris. Kris accepted and continued to get drunk. A few ales later, Kris was feeling no pain. He was also getting very hot and bothered by all the sex around him. Tommy looked over, “Hey Kris, you OK? Do you want to go lay down in our skins?”

“Yeah, OK.” Kris followed Tommy to Madu’s skins. Madu was already sleeping and didn’t even rally as they climbed in. Kris was still sporting a raging hard-on. Tommy noticed, “I can help.” Kris had a feeling he should be saying no but in his present state all that came out was, “OK.”

Kris watched as Tommy started kissing him down his stomach. Tommy looked up and smiled wickedly just before engulfing all of Kris with his lips. Kris moaned as Tommy began sucking him in earnest. Kris was in his own world of pleasure until he was interrupted by an unwelcome voice.

“Are you fucking kidding me? You both had all night to get off and now you are having sex? You better not spill a drop Tommy because so help me if I roll over to a wet spot you won’t be leaving the battle field.” Madu turned back over angrily.

Kris was mortified and looked at Tommy. Tommy looked a bit frazzled too but then shrugged and went to continue. Kris however, was not feeling so randy anymore and was quickly sobering up. He stopped Tommy, “I don’t think this is a good idea and Madu seemed quite upset.”

“I don’t see why he got to come. Well, if you don’t want me to finish, can you just return the favor?”

“Er…I don’t think that is such a good idea.”

“I am surrounded by the most selfish lovers! Madu?” Tommy shook Madu, “Hey, can you help me out?”

Madu turned over, “Tommy, if you want to have sex get your ass out of my skins and go back to the festivities. I am sure there is some horny warrior willing to service you.”

Tommy pouted, “I don’t want to get up.” Madu grabbed a fabric and box of oil, “Here knock yourself out just don’t make a mess.” Madu turned back over. Tommy dipped his fingers in the oil and started rubbing it on his cock. Kris wanted to look away, knew he should look away but then didn’t. He could feel himself getting hard again. He loved Adam why was he even reacting to someone else?

Kris knew it was dirty and wrong. It went against every taboo in the Southern religion. He was watching a man masturbate in bed with two other men. Tommy turned to his side and pulled Kris closer, “Move your fabric and I will get us both off.”

Still buzzing from the Ale, Kris could not remember why he should say no. Unable to formulate a clear argument, he removed his fabric and let Tommy position him so their cocks were side by side. He then started jerking them both off. Kris bit his lip to stay quiet. He didn’t last long. Unfortunately, Tommy didn’t stay as quiet and moaned loudly when he came. Tommy giggled uncontrollably which earned him a hard smack to the back of his head from Madu, “You wake me up one more time and I am beating you both. Clean up your mess and I don’t want to hear a sound from either one of you until tomorrow.”

Oh God, what had he done! He had cheated on Adam and worse yet, Madu knew. He could blackmail Kris into anything. Tommy seemed obliviously happy and cleaned them up with the fabric. Afterward, he fell right to sleep like a baby. Kris tossed and turned hating himself for being untrue. In the morning, Tommy was the first to rise and went off to bathe before the others. Madu turned over and looked at Kris. Kris felt horrible, “What have I done?”

Madu shrugged, “Kris, sometimes sex is just sex. I wouldn’t read too much into it. You were drunk, Tommy is a huge slut and you messed around. The sun still rose.”

“What about Adam? He will hate me for letting someone touch me. Are you going to tell Adam?”

“Kris, relax there is a warrior’s code that says what happens on the battlefield stays on the battlefield. Adam doesn’t tell you what he does so you aren’t required to say either. I am a warrior and I never break the code. Besides, look on the bright side, I am pretty sure this proves you really are a lover of men.”

“I am going to hell. Do you think Tommy will respect the code and keep quiet?”

“No, probably not but nobody ever listens to him anyway. Instead, of feeling bad why don’t you consider really forgiving Adam for his transgression. Consider yourselves even and move on.”

“Do you think I should tell him?”

“No. I think that would be unnecessary and stupid. Now get up, we have an enemy to defeat.”

Kris sat up and felt the world spin and then felt like a knife was piercing his skull. Madu noticed his grimace and rolled his eyes, “Are sick from the ale?”

Kris suddenly felt his stomach wretch and quickly stuck his head out of the skins and began vomiting violently. He wasn’t going to survive standing up much less going into a battle. Madu shook his head, “We are riding in an hour so you better finish emptying your insides by then.”

Kris did indeed spend the better part of the hour vomiting. Tommy tried to bring him food and water but Kris could not keep anything down. Mari came over and gave him some kind of tonic which settled his stomach. She shook her head, “You should not drink so much before a battle. You are in no shape to fight off an attack. With these stupid Agbekian customs I am amazed they survived this long. Wait a few minutes and start drinking water. You need to try and hydrate.”

Kris just nodded. Madu came over, “You are still looking pretty green, but it is time. You will ride with me today.”

“Don’t you need to lead the battle?”

“Yes but I can’t risk you getting lost in the chaos especially since you are barely up to the task of breathing.”

Kris felt bad, “Madu, I don’t want to be the cause of your death.”

Madu laughed, “You’re a riot, Kris. Only you would worry about me instead of yourself. You forget I need you to survive. It will be fine.”

Kris could feel the excitement in the air. The men were all suiting up and preparing for battle. Madu was inspecting his men and gave them a last minute speech. After, he and Neyou met with all the officers in private. Kris and Tommy were not included. Tommy seemed worried, “You are lucky you are riding with Madu. I wish I could see a battle from the horse of the Commander. I heard the men talking and they said there were thousands of ships out there and that these invaders can create fire out of thin air.”

Kris looked at Tommy, “Are they demons too?”

“Maybe or they could be the warriors of the underworld. The Goddess spurned a lover into the underworld and they say one day he will come to our world to reclaim her. Maybe this is his army.”

Kris just rolled his eyes. Madu returned, “Tommy, I want you to ride with Mari.”

“Me? I can’t defend her very well. Hell, I can barely lift my stupid sword.”

Madu laughed, “I know what a pathetic warrior you are which is why I am putting you with Mari. She is a Nubian princess and can protect you.”

“Shouldn’t I protect her here away from the fighting?”

“Mari, is the King’s wife. She is not going to hide from the enemy. However, she is smart enough not to engage in actual battle.”

Kris always thought Agbekian customs odd but letting a woman near a battle was just crazy. Kris climbed on Madu horse. He sat behind Madu rather than in front so Madu could better control the horse and maneuver on the battle field. Kris noticed Tommy sat behind Mari so she could control the horse which made him smile. They rode about an hour before coming upon hundreds of men from Northern tribes positioned along the shore. Madu greeted the other warlords. Kris looked out toward the sea and gasped at seeing what looked to be about 50 large ships stopped just shy of arrow range of the shore.

Kris’ heart was racing, “How many men are in each ship?”

“Probably at least two hundred.” Neyou pulled along-side of Madu and was speaking in his native tongue. Madu was nodding and surveying the other warriors. Madu took out what looked like a mirror and was shining it toward the sea. Neyou called out some order to his men. Kris watched as the ships began to move. Madu raised his sword and suddenly chaos broke out. Kris heard Tommy scream, “They are fighting the wrong people! Madu!”

Kris looked and saw Madu’s army slaughtering the other Northern tribes. Tommy cried out again, “Madu, what have you done? You betrayed Agbeko!”

Mari laughed, “Agbeko betrayed itself long ago.”

Kris watched in horror as the ships drew near and smaller vessels were launched with hundreds of men. Kris felt even sicker than he had in the morning, “Why? You have betrayed not only Agbeko but the whole continent. They are going to destroy everyone.” Kris worried not only for Adam but his whole family and the whole continent for that matter.

Madu climbed down as did Neyou and Mari. Kris looked around and saw broken bodies and death everywhere he looked. Madu’s army was stripping the fallen Northern tribesmen of their furs and boots. Kris lost it and vomited what little water he had managed to ingest. Madu had betrayed everyone. Not ony had he allowed the enemy to come ashore but he had helped them. This was the end of the world and he would never see Adam again.