More Than Chains To Bind by Stevie Woods Read Free Book Online

until I noticed another pair nearby helping to fasten each other's tunic along the side seams. I dropped the tunic over my head and then struggled one-handed to fasten the right side by shoving the short bars into the loops.
    Suddenly, I felt fingers fiddling with the other seam and looked over to find Fortil had edged closer to me and was now trying to slide one of the bars into the loop. I quickly pulled away as his fingers brushed my skin causing me to shiver in revulsion at the contact.
    Giving me a grin I could only interpret as lewd, he said, "Merely trying to help. I could see how much of a struggle it was for you."
    "Thanks," I said snidely, "but I'd rather struggle."
    He let out of a bark of laughter. "Oh, yeah, I'd rather watch you struggle, too!"
    Bastard! I was faced with spending the night attempting to sleep alongside this Neanderthal. Lords, I hoped they'd leave a couple of guards inside with us; he might just behave then...maybe. Otherwise, I thought I might have to spend the night protecting my "virtue"--oh joy!

    * * * *
    I spent an awful night trying not to worry about Liander and trying to get some sleep, only I didn't get much sleep for worrying about Liander... If he knew he'd probably be furious with me, telling me he was fine. Fine! That must be the most used word in my prince's vocabulary, which was saying quite a lot. Point is, Liander has never liked it when I get concerned about him, but I can't help the fact that I love him. I so wished I could show him.
    I prayed to the Lords of Creation that bastard Fortil hadn't tried to show Liander what he wanted to do to him.
    It looked as if I would soon get to find out as the guards were herding us outside after our so-called breakfast. It had consisted of some kind of sweet bread with a strip of dried meat and a bowl of thick oatmeal-like stuff which tasted remarkably like burnt toast, all washed down with a drink of what I assumed was some type of fruit juice. I forced the lot down because it was important to keep my strength up. One never knew when an opportunity to escape might present itself.
    I had noticed Ledo looking askance at the rather unappetizing food. "Eat up, Ledo. You need to keep up your strength."
    He scowled, but began to eat somewhat grudgingly. After a minute or so, he said, "I'm not really keen on helping Cor'lyn turn me into a fighter."
    "I understand, but it's wise to keep yourself in the best possible condition. One never knows what the future might hold." I didn't go as far as mentioning my hopes of escape.
    He smiled at me and gave a slight bow. "I'd forgotten for a time you're a Guardian."
    Before I realized it, we were back in the arena under the hot sun, and the guards made us get into a line again. I maneuvered it so Ledo and I were on the end of the line nearest the centre of the arena so I would be as near to Liander as I could get. The gate to his hall hadn't opened yet, and I waited with growing impatience for him to be brought out. Just as I was getting worried something must be wrong to cause the delay--something maybe involving Liander and the slimy bastard, Fortil--the gate swung open and out they came.
    Relief washed through me to see Liander looking fine, striding out like he owned the place. Then I had to squash the desire to laugh out loud as I noticed the distinctly awkward gait of Fortil. Obviously, I need not have worried at all. Clearly, Liander knew precisely how to look after himself. I had done my job well. I caught his eye, cocked my head at Fortil's obvious delicate condition and grinned. He raised an eyebrow and then bit his lower lip in an effort not to laugh.
    His group was pushed into line alongside ours, and Liander made sure he was at the end of his line so he was only standing a few feet away from me.
    In the confusion as the guards shoved the rest of his group into place, I quietly called over to him. "Everything okay then?"
    "Eventually, when he learned his lesson." He grinned.
    "Oh, I'm so