Chapter 2: Building Tension
Karela strode through the castle's labyrinthine corridors towards the throne room. Her boots echoed against the cold stone floor, the sound a stark contrast to the hushed whispers of the castle's inhabitants. They scurried out of her way, eyes cast down, fearing the fierce bandit leader. Her fiery red hair cascaded down her back, a stark contrast to the drab, muted tones of the castle's interior. She could feel their eyes on her, taking in her tall, athletic frame, decked out in her finest leather armor with silver etchings, a sword at her, and a blood-red cloak swirling behind her.
Karela normally eschewed finery but she wanted to impress Selina.
She'd heard tales of the sorceress' wealth and power, and she intended to capitalize on both. She found the throne room, a cavernous space filled with velvet drapes and ornate tapestries depicting scenes of ancient battles and mythical creatures. At the far end, a dais held a throne carved from a single piece of obsidian, black and gleaming under the flickering torchlight.
Selina was already seated, her slender figure draped in a gown of shimmering silk that seemed to change color with her every movement. Her short, jet-black hair was slicked back, accentuating her sharp features and piercing blue eyes that seemed to bore into Karela as she approached.
“You sent for me, sorceress,” Karela asked as politely as she could manage. She didn’t much care for magic users and the way Selina gaze lingered on her made the Red Hawk somewhat uncomfortable. Still, Selina was her host and it wouldn’t do to openly insult her. She couldn’t help but notice the way Selina's eyes travelled over her body, pausing at her breasts and lingering at her hips. It wasn't a look Karela was used to, at least not from women. She crossed her arms, leaning against a stone pillar. "Do you have something to say or did you just want to admire the scenery?"
Selina chuckled, a sound like distant thunder rolling through the grand space. "My apologies, Karela. I did not mean to offend," she murmured. She leaned forward in her throne, her eyes never leaving the Red Hawk. "Tell me, are you attracted to women?" Selina asked, her voice as smooth as velvet, her eyes never leaving Karela's face.
Karela's lip curled in disgust. She had expected manipulation and deceit from Selina, but this was beyond what she had anticipated. "Of course not," she spat. "And if you try to lay a hand on me, you'll pull back a stump."
A slow smile spread across Selina's face. "I'm pleased. That will make what is to come all the sweeter." The sorceress' voice was a low purr, her eyes gleaming with a hunger that made Karela's skin prickle.
The Red Hawk's hand dropped to the hilt of her sword. "I don't know what you're imagining but it's not going to happen. My men and I are leaving, immediately. If you are wise, you will not attempt to hinder our departure."
Karela pushed off the pillar, every muscle tense and made to stride towards the door but her feet wouldn't move. She looked down, confused. She could still feel her feet but wasn't able to move so much as a toe.
Her eyes snapped back to Selina, who was watching her with a smug smile. "What have you done?" Karela growled, her hand still on her sword, though it was now more for comfort than any real threat.
Selina's smile widened. "I've merely ensured that you will stay long enough for us to have a proper conversation, Karela. I wouldn't want you rushing off before we've had a chance to discuss business. Now, cast your weapon aside." Selina's voice was cool, authoritative.
Karela sneered. "Do you think me so foolish as to disarm myself-"
Her voice faltered as she heard a clink of metal on stone. She looked down to see her sword, her prized possession, lying at her feet. Her arm had cast it aside at the sorceress' order.
Karela's eyes widened in shock and anger. She was no stranger to danger, but this was something else. She felt a chill run down her spine. She was out of her depth, and she didn't like it.
Selina took a sip of wine then said, "That's better, isn't it? Now, would you care for a drink?" Selina asked, gesturing to the wine goblet in her hand. "It's from my private vineyards, quite exquisite."
Karela's fists clenched. "Fuck you," she spat. The sorceress' smile returned, wider than ever. "I do adore passion," she said, her voice low and husky. "Remove your garments, Karela."
Karela opened her mouth to curse the sorceress but her voice faltered as her slim fingers rose to the golden pin that held her scarlet cloak and undid it. The cloak slid from her shoulders to the floor. "I am the Red Hawk," she said. It was little more than a whisper, but her voice rose to a scream. "I am the Red Hawk!"
She could not stop watching with bulging eyes as her hands removed the golden breastplates from her heavy round breasts and casually dropped them, unfastened the emerald girdle that rode low on her flaring hips.
The leather clung to her curves like a second skin, and it wasn't easy to peel it off. She could feel Selina's gaze burning into her skin, making her feel naked and exposed. She could still feel a strange uneasiness from the sorceress' initial manipulation, but now she was consumed by the humiliation of being disarmed and stripped in front of Selina.
“Outside of these walls, you are the Red Hawk," the sorceress said, her gaze ravenous, "a leader of men, a warrior of rare skill. But within them, you are nothing whatever I want you to be.”
Karela felt a flush of anger mixed with a strange heat. She was no stranger to undressing in front of men, but this was different.
Selina's gaze was not one of lustful admiration, but of ownership, as if she were already claiming Karela as her prize. The Red Hawk's hands trembled slightly as she reached for the laces of her leather jerkin, her eyes never leaving Selina's face. She could see the sorceress' breath hitch as she exposed more of her skin, her eyes darkening with desire.
Karela paused, her fingers hovering over the last lace. "This is ridiculous," she growled. "I won't be your plaything, Selina. You can't force me to do this."
Selina's smile was infuriatingly confident. "I can and I am. And this is just the beginning."
Karela's heart pounded in her chest, a mixture of anger and fear coursing through her as her hands, still not under her control, finished unlacing her jerkin. It fell open, revealing the lacy undergarment beneath, a stark contrast to her usual rugged attire. She felt a flush of embarrassment, a feeling she was not accustomed to. She was the Red Hawk, fierce and fearless, yet here she was, being stripped and humiliated by a sorceress.
Selina stood from her throne, her silk gown rustling as she descended the dais. She stopped in front of Karela, her eyes never leaving the bandit leader's face. Karela could smell her perfume, an intoxicating mix of jasmine and something else, something dark and exotic.
"Keep going," Selina murmured. "Show me all of you." Selina's voice was a low command, her eyes locked onto Karela's like a predator zeroing in on its prey.
Karela's hands moved of their own accord, fumbling with the laces of her leather jerkin. She felt a pang of humiliation as she exposed herself. The jerkin fell away, leaving only the delicate lace of her undergarment covering her breasts. Selina's eyes roved over Karela's body, lingering on her curves and the hard planes of her muscles.
"Beautiful," Selina murmured, her hand reaching out to trace the line of Karela's jaw.
Karela flinched at the sorceress' touch, a shiver going down her spine but her hands continued their work without hesitation. They removed her boots and cast them aside then made their way to her bra.
"Please," Karela whispered. "Don't make me do this." She hated that she had been reduced to begging , but she couldn't help it. The humiliation was overwhelming, and she felt a strange, unwanted heat pooling in her belly. She didn't understand why her body was betraying her like this.
Selina said nothing, her eyes locked on Karela's breasts as the Red Hawk's hands finished unlacing her bra. Her breasts sprang free, her nipples hardening the cool air. The sorceress' tongue darted out to wet her lips, her eyes gleaming with hunger.
Karela tried with all her might to stop or even slow her hands as they reached for her panties but it was useless.
They unbuttoned them with a determined efficiency, sliding them down her long legs until they joined the rest of her discarded armor on the cold stone floor. She stood before Selina in nothing but her own skin, her breath coming in ragged gasps. The sorceress' eyes roved over her body like a physical touch, making her skin prickle with goosebumps.
"Selina," Karela begged again, her voice barely above a whisper. "Please. Stop this."
Selina simply smiled, her blue eyes gleaming with desire. She reached out and traced a finger along Karela's collarbone, down to her breast, circling her nipple before pinching it lightly between her fingers.
After a moment, she released her hold and returned to her throne. Karela felt an instant of relief but she knew that worse was to come.
Selina took another sip of wine then said, “Now, lie on top of your discarded clothing, spread your legs wide, and use your fingers to bring yourself to climax.” She said it nonchalantly, as if she were discussing the weather.
Karela stared at her in disbelief. “What?” she hissed, her voice shaking with anger and humiliation even as her body sank down onto her discarded armor, her legs spreading of their own accord. “You can’t be serious.”
Selina’s smile was infuriatingly calm. “Oh, but I am. I want to see you come undone, Karela. I want to watch you pleasure yourself while I watch.”
Karela’s hands clenched into fists at her sides, her body trembling with the effort to resist the sorceress’ command. But her legs spread wider, her back arching slightly, her body betraying her once again. She could feel the cool air on her most intimate parts, could feel the heat building within her despite her best efforts to resist.
“Please,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “Don’t make me do this.”
Selina said nothing her eyes locked on the Red Hawk.
Karela's fingers, still not under her control, began to move.
They traced a path down her stomach, over her hips, and finally, they reached the apex of her thighs. Karela gasped, her eyes widening in shock and humiliation. She could feel the heat building, could feel the traitorous moisture gathering between her legs. She tried to clench her thighs together, to stop this madness, but her body refused to obey her commands.
Selina watched, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. She took another sip of her wine, her gaze never leaving Karela's body. "That's it," she murmured, her voice low and husky. " I want to see it all," Selina whispered, her voice laced with anticipation.
Karela’s face flushed with shame as her fingers traced delicate circles around her sensitive flesh. She tried to resist, to fight against this humiliating display of powerlessness. But her body betrayed her. Her fingers moved of their own accord, exploring her most intimate places with a growing urgency.
"Faster," Selina commanded, her voice barely above a whisper.
Karela whimpered as she increased her pace, her fingers moving in a rhythmic dance over her slick folds. She could feel the heat building within her, could feel the tension coiling in her belly. She was close.
"Look at me," Selina ordered.
Her voice was firm, commanding, and Karela's eyes snapped up to meet hers. The sorceress's gaze was intense, her blue eyes burning with a hunger that made Karela's heart race. She couldn't look away, couldn't disobey the sorceress' commands.
"Come for me, Karela," Selina whispered, her voice like velvet. "I want to see you come undone."
Karela's breath hitched, her fingers moving faster, more urgently. She was so close.
Her breath came in ragged gasps, her body trembling with the effort to hold back. But her body was no longer her own, and with a final, desperate cry, she shattered.
Her hips bucked up off the cold stone floor, her fingers pressing down hard against her most intimate flesh as wave after wave of pleasure crashed over her. Her body convulsed, her back arching as she rode out the storm. A tideway of liquid burst from between her thighs, soaking the discarded armor beneath her. Finally, her fingers stilled, her body trembling with the intensity of her orgasm. She lay there for a moment, gasping for breath, her body slick with sweat and come.
Selina watched, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction as she set her wine goblet aside. Karela could feel the sorceress' gaze on her like a physical touch, making her skin crawl with discomfort.
"Magnificent," Selina said, her voice cool and calm. "But we're not done yet."
Selina's voice cut through Karela's post-orgasm haze like a knife. The Red Hawk's eyes snapped open, her body tensing as she looked up at the sorceress. Selina was no longer seated on her throne. Instead, she stood over Karela, her silk gown rustling as she moved closer.
"What do you mean?" Karela's voice was hoarse, her body still trembling from the intensity of her orgasm. She felt vulnerable, exposed, and she hated it. She wanted nothing more than to gather her clothes and storm out of the castle, but her body still refused to obey her commands.
Selina smiled, a slow, predatory grin that made Karela's heart race. "Now I want you to clean up the mess you made," she said, gesturing at the splatters of liquid on the floor. "Lick it up, every last drop."
Karela's eyes widened in disbelief. "What? No! That's... that's disgusting!" she spat, her face flushing with anger and humiliation.
Selina's smile didn't waver. "It's not a request, Karela. Clean it up."
The Red Hawk's body moved before she could protest, her head lowering to the cold stone floor. She could feel the sticky liquid against her tongue, the salty taste of her own release filling her mouth. She gagged, but her body continued, lapping up every drop and swallowing it down.
When she finally finished, she looked up at Selina, her eyes blazing with anger.
"That's enough," she growled, voice raw with emotion. "Release me, you fucking pervert."
Karela's voice was a low growl, her eyes flashing with anger and humiliation.
Selina chuckled, a sound that sent shivers down Karela's spine. "Oh, Karela, we've barely started."
The sorceress' voice was like silk, smooth and velvety, but Karela could feel the steel beneath it. She tried to move, to push herself up from the floor but found that she still couldn't control her body.
"Please," Karela begged again, despair clinging to her voice like a shadow. "I can't...
I can't do this anymore," she pleaded, desperation clawing at her chest like a wild beast.
Selina's smile was chilling in its calmness. "Oh, Karela," she said softly, as if Karela were a child misbehaving rather than a grown woman being humiliated and manipulated. "You are only beginning to understand what I can do. Rise to your feet and stand before me."
Selina's voice was light and casual as if the two of them were discussing trivialities over afternoon tea but Karela's body obeyed instantly.
"Remove my garments, Red Hawk," the sorceress ordered. "Every last piece."
Karela stared at Selina in disbelief, anger boiling in her veins like a volcano about to erupt. "You can't be serious," she spat.
Selina's smile was cold and calculating, her eyes gleaming with malice. "I have no intention of being taken lightly, Karela. I want everything stripped away from you—your strength, your power, your pride. I want you completely at my mercy."
The Red Hawk's muscles tensed as if preparing for battle, but she was powerless against the sorceress' command. Her hands reached behind her back to untie the laces of Selina's dress.
The dress was exquisite, made ofayers of silk and lace that shimmered in the dim light like a waterfall of stars. The laces were intricate and numerous, but Karela's hands moved with practiced ease. She had undone them many times before, first for herself and then for countless other women who had fallen under the Red Hawk's charms.
As she worked, she could feel Selina's eyes on her, heavy and intense like a physical touch. She could see the sorceress' breath growing shallower, her chest rising and falling more quickly. It was clear that Selina's control was a fragile thing, that she was only keeping herself in check with great effort.
Her eyes were hooded with desire as she watched Karela undressing her, and Karela could feel the heat radiating from Selina's body like a furnace.
As the laces came undone, the silk slid away from Selina's shoulders to pool at her feet in a shimmering puddle of starlight. Selina stepped out of the pool of fabric, standing before Karela in nothing but a thin pair of undergarments that hinted at the curves hidden beneath.
"Kneel before me," Selina commanded, and Karela, though her mind screamed in protest, found her knees bending.
She looked up at Selina, her eyes filled with a mix of humiliation and anger.
Selina stood before her like a goddess, tall and majestic in nothing but her undergarments. The fabric was sheer, leaving little to the imagination, and Karela could see the outline of Selina's body - lean and muscular, yet soft in all the right places.
Selina ran a finger possessively along Karela's cheek then removed her bra, casting it next to Karela's own garments.
Karela's breath hitched as she took in the sight of Selina's naked breasts, full and round with dark nipples that were already hard and inviting. She felt a traitorous heat pool between her legs, and she hated herself for it.
"The rest is up to you," Selina said, her voice low and husky. "Remove my panties." Selina’s voice was barely above a whisper but echoed through the grand chamber like a whipcrack.
Karela struggled against the sorceress' control, trying to maintain some semblance of dignity amidst the humiliating situation. But she was no match for Selina's will; her hands moved as if they belonged to someone else.
With trembling fingers, she hooked two fingers into the waistband of Selina's panties and slowly pulled them down over her hips and thighs until they pooled at Selina’s feet.
Karela's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she stared at the dark curls that framed Selina's most intimate place.
Selina stood before her naked and unashamed, her blue eyes locked onto Karela’s face. She could feel the sorceress’ gaze like a physical caress, making her skin tingle with a mix of shame and arousal.
"Use your tongue to please me," Selina ordered.
Karela shook her head frantically even as her body leaned forward, her mouth open, tongue extended. "No," she whimpered, her voice barely audible. "I won't."
Karela's tongue darted out, touching the soft skin of Selina's inner thigh. She could taste the sorceress' arousal, salty and sweet, and it sent a jolt of unwanted desire through her own body. She tried to pull back, to resist the command, but her body refused to obey.
Karela's tongue darted out again, this time tracing a path up Selina's thigh, closer and closer to her center. She could feel the sorceress' body trembling with anticipation, could see the way her breath hitched as Karela's tongue approached her most intimate place.
"Please," Karela whispered, her voice ragged with humiliation and desire.
Selina's response was a low chuckle, her fingers tangling in Karela's hair and pulling her closer. "You're doing just fine, Red Hawk," she murmured.
"But I want you to go deeper. I want you to feel me."
Karela's breath hitched as she felt the sorceress' hand press against the back of her head, guiding her closer. She hesitated for a moment before finally giving in, parting Selina's folds with her tongue.
Selina gasped at the touch, her hips bucking slightly as Karela's tongue explored her most intimate place. Karela could taste Selina's arousal now, sweet and musky, and it made her head spin. She felt a strange heat pooling between her own legs as she continued to lick and suck at Selina's folds.
She hated herself for it, hated that her body was betraying her like this. But she couldn't stop. She was completely under Selina's control, her body responding to the sorceress' commands even as her mind screamed in protest.
Selina's fingers tightened in her hair, guiding her movements, telling her what she liked and didn't like. Karela could feel the sorceress' body tensing, her breath coming in short gasps.
"Don't stop," Selina panted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Keep going, Karela.
I want more," Selina demanded, her voice a low growl that sent shivers down Karela's spine.
Karela felt a surge of anger at being commanded like this, but she also felt a strange heat building within her again. She hated that her body was responding to Selina's demands despite her mind's best efforts to resist.
Her tongue continued to explore Selina's folds, circling her clit before dipping inside to tease at the sensitive spot within. She heard Selina's gasps turn into moans, felt the sorceress' hips bucking against her face.
Selina's fingers were now digging into Karela's scalp, pulling at the hair and making her wince in pain.
But she couldn't stop herself; she was trapped in this twisted game that Selina was playing with her.
"More," Selina gasped, her voice thick with desire. "I want more." Her hips were now gyrating against Karela's face, grinding herself against the bandit leader's tongue.
Karela felt a sense of duty as she continued to pleasure Selina. She felt like she was caught in a web of seduction and manipulation, unable to escape from this sorceress' clutches. Her tongue darted inside Selina's wetness, tasting every inch of her.
Karela could feel the sorceress' body tensing, her muscles tightening as she neared her climax. She hated that she was the one bringing Selina to this point, hated that she was powerless to stop it.
"Don't stop," Selina panted, her voice ragged with desire. "I'm so close, Karela. Make me come."
Karela's tongue moved faster, more urgently, as she tried to ignore the heat building within her own body. She could feel Selina's thighs trembling, could hear the sorceress' breath coming in short, sharp gasps.
"Oh, yes," Selina moaned, her fingers tightening in Karela's hair. " Oh, gods, yes." Selina's voice was a low, husky growl, her body tensing as she neared the edge. Karela could feel the sorceress' thighs trembling, could see the way her breasts heaved with each ragged breath.
Karela tried to hold back, to resist the command that was forcing her to pleasure Selina, but it was no use. Her tongue moved of its own accord, circling Selina's clit with increasing speed and pressure. She could feel the sorceress' body tensing, could hear the way her breath hitched as she neared her climax. She tried to hold back, to resist the command that was forcing her to pleasure Selina, but it was no use.
Selina moaned loudly, her hips bucking against Karela's face as she neared her climax. "Oh, yes," she gasped. "That feels so good. Don't stop."
Karela could feel the heat building within her own body as she continued to pleasure Selina. She hated that her body was responding to this humiliating situation, but she couldn't help it. Her tongue moved with increasing urgency, circling Selina's clit with growing pressure.
Karela could feel Selina's body tensing, her muscles tightening as she neared her climax. Her tongue moved of its own accord, bringing the sorceress closer and closer to the edge. An instant later, Selina screamed her name, her body clenching and shaking as an orgasm tore through her. Her thighs squeezed Karela's head, her fingers clutched at her hair, and she ground herself against Karela's face, riding out the storm of her pleasure. Selina's thighs were like a vice around her head, her body still trembling with the aftershocks of her orgasm.
"Swallow it," Selina commanded, her voice hoarse with exertion. "Swallow every last drop."
Karela wanted to refuse, to spit it out and defy the sorceress, but her body refused to obey. She swallowed, feeling the thick, salty liquid slide down her throat. It was disgusting, humiliating, and yet, her body responded with a traitorous heat.
She swallowed every last drop of Selina's release as the sorceress' thighs gradually relaxed their grip on her head. Karela felt a wave of relief wash over her as she finally took a deep breath and sat back on her heels.
Selina stood before her with a satisfied smirk on her face. "Good girl," she cooed. "Now, let me see your face."
Karela lifted her head slowly, wiping away the remnants of Selina's release with the back of her hand. She could feel the sticky liquid on her cheeks and chin, the taste still lingering on her tongue.
Selina ran a finger along Karela's chin, then brought it to her lips. "I think that's enough for our first session," she said. "I'll let you return to your men, I'll even let you leave my castle...if you beg for it." Selina's voice was seductive and smooth as silk.
Karela felt the heat rise in her cheeks, but she couldn't look away from the sorceress' eyes. "Please," she whispered hoarsely. "I've done what you wanted."
Selina cocked her head. "Mm...that's good but I think you can do better. Try again." Karela took a deep breath as her pride screamed at her not to obey. "Please," she said, her voice stronger this time. "Please release me. I've given you everything you wanted," Karela said, trying to keep her voice steady despite the humiliation coursing through her veins.
Selina's smile was slow and predatory as she reached down and cupped Karela’s chin in her hand. “Everything? Not even close, darling. Which reminds me…”
The sorceress rose to her feet and stood over Karela. “Open your mouth and stick your tongue out. I want to piss in it.”
Karela's eyes widened in shock and disgust, bile rising in her throat. "That's disgusting!" she spat as her body obeyed the sorceress.
Her mouth opened, her tongue extended, and she braced herself for this new humiliation.
Selina stepped closer, straddling Karela's face, her knees pressing into the Red Hawk's shoulders. Karela could feel the heat of Selina's pussy against her lips, could smell the musky scent of her arousal.
Karela felt the first warm trickle against her tongue, and she gagged, trying to pull away. But her body remained motionless, ignoring her frantic commands.
She was trapped in this nightmare, unable to escape Selina's twisted control.
Selina began to move against Karela's face, grinding herself against the Red Hawk's tongue. Her hips rocked back and forth, her motions slow and deliberate as she forced Karela to take more and more of her piss.
The taste was revolting, acrid and bitter as it filled Karela's mouth and trickled down her throat. Faced with a choice of swallowing it or choking, she forced it down, each gulp a disgusting reminder of how completely Selina had control over her.
Tears pricked at Karela's eyes as she fought against the gag reflex and swallowed each bitter mouthful. Above her, Selina shifted her body slightly, causing the stream to go up Karela's nose, making her gasp and choke. A further alteration sent the flow into her eyes, blinding her and making them sting.
She tried to blink away the tears, but they only mixed with the piss, burning her skin. Selina's laughter echoed around the chamber, a harsh, mocking sound that made Karela's humiliation burn even brighter.
"Swallow it, you filthy little whore," Selina taunted, her voice laced with contempt. "Show me you can be a good little pet."
Karela's body obeyed, her throat working as she forced down the last of Selina's piss. She gasped for breath, her body shaking with revulsion and anger.
Finally, Selina stepped back, leaving Karela panting and humiliated on the floor. She seated herself on the throne and waved a hand. "Now get out of here," she said dismissively. "We're done for today."
Karela felt a surge of relief wash over her as she staggered to her feet, shaking from head to foot. She raised a hand and slowly wiped her face, scarcely able to believe that her body was under her command once more.
Instinctively, the Red Hawk snatched up her sword and rushed at the naked sorceress, a pantherine howl emanating from her throat. Selina didn't move, didn't so much as blink as the blade plunged toward her heart. All the same, it stopped less than an inch from her skin despite Karela's best efforts to drive it forward and murder the other woman.
"Did you really think me so foolish, Karela," Selina asked, sounding bored. "Gather your things and leave before I reconsider my generosity."
She snatched up her clothes and, after a moment's hesitation, decided dressing in front of Selina was the lesser of two evils. She pulled on her pants and shirt, her hands shaking with anger and residual humiliation.
Selina watched her, a smirk playing on her lips. "You're welcome, by the way," she said, as if Karela should be grateful for the experience.
Karela whirled on her, her eyes blazing. "I didn't ask for this. You manipulated me, used me—"
Selina held up a hand, cutting her off. "And yet, you enjoyed it. Deny it all you want, we both know it's true."
Karela snatched up her sword, pointing it at the sorceress' heart. "I'm going to kill you," she snarled. "Slowly, painfully, while you beg for the release of death."
The sorceress smiled. "No," she said. "You won't. When you leave these walls, you will remember that we discussed this or that. Regardless of the topic, you will believe it was entirely appropriate and as a chaste as a priestess. But when you and I are alone, your true memories will return...and you will be powerless to do anything about it." Selina's voice was calm, her eyes never leaving Karela's. "Now, leave my castle and know that I'm already looking forward to next encounter."
Karela's hand tightened around the hilt of her sword, her knuckles turning white. She wanted nothing more than to drive the blade through Selina's heart, to end this nightmare once and for all. But she knew the sorceress was right. She couldn't fight her, not like this. Not when Selina held all the power.
Not when she could control Karela's body like a puppet on strings. The Red Hawk turned away, her heart pounding with anger and humiliation. She stormed out of the chamber, leaving Selina's laughter echoing behind her.
The humiliation burned like acid in her belly as she stormed through the castle gates and looked around. She spotted several trails of smoke in the distance and smiled. Her hounds, the faithful men she called her hounds, had clearly set up camp.
A grin split Karela's face. A warm fire and well-cooked meat was exactly what she needed after her profitable discussion with the sorceress.
Karela approached the camp, her men turning to greet her with smiles and nods. She returned their greetings with a curt nod, her mind elsewhere.
"Red Hawk!" one of them called out, a young man with a mop of curly hair and a grin that could charm the birds from the trees. "We've been waiting for you. We've got roasted boar and fresh ale. Come, sit by the fire and tell us about your meeting."
Karela hesitated for a moment before joining them. She needed to keep up appearances, after all. She sat down on a log, accepting a plate of meat and a tankard of ale from the young man.
She took a bite of the meat, savoring the juicy tenderness before washing it down with a swig of ale. Her men chatted and laughed around her, their voices blending into a comforting hum.
“How did it go,” one of the men asked.
The Red Hawk grinned. “It went well. Whenever the fat, lazy city guards gather in sufficient numbers to trouble us, Selina will allow us to take shelter in her castle."
The men cheered and applauded. When the tumult died down, another of them said, "That's all well and good but what does the witch woman want in exchange? How much of our plunder must we give up in exchange for this?"
Karela's smile widened. "None. Not a single tarnished coin. All she wants in exchange is for us to clear the occasional animal off her lands and any one of us can do that."
Karela took another swig of ale, feeling the warmth spread through her belly. Her men seemed satisfied with this answer, their laughter and chatter filling the air once more. Karela ate and drank, laughed and chatted with them, pleased that she'd forged such a profitable deal with the sorceress.