went into a full-body seize. The phantoms mouths and feather-light touches devoured her.
Surrounded within a sexual frenzy, a booming voice cut through her dulled mind, “ Grant me pleasure and I will fuel your blood with Godly fire of Jihn. Those bidding me pain will suffer my wrath.”
Revived from sleep from throaty wails, her body jerked and twisted with intense orgasmic waves. With mouth agape, she dazedly realized the wails were her own.
“Ahhh…I’m…on fire! Ooohhhh—Gods be with me…pleeaase!”
Her body was blistering hot. Smelling smoke, she crashed the urn with the smoldering herbs. Sounds of battle broke through her dazed state. She rolled off the pallet but was too weak to crawl far.
Outside the tent, pained cries were undercut by another booming command, “ Gather the breeders!”
Realizing that her dream has merged with reality, she tried to sit up but collapsed. Her mind reeled from the effort. Feet suddenly entered her vision. Easily lifted from the dirt, she tried to focus as a familiar male scent surrounded her.
The last thing Asta heard was her moan, “ Grand Master of my heart.”
The massive rogue chief paused, staring at the beautiful woman in his arms. With a grunt, he hefted her over his shoulder and ducked back through the tent.
Chapter Five
The next time Asta awoke, nothing was as it should be. With eyes widening, she attempted to sit up but restraints kept her in place. An unfamiliar odor made her look down the length of her body. She wore a clean covering but it was not her style of dress. Sniffing the air brought a wave of earth and moisture.
Rope binding her hands together hampered her attempt to move. Cocooned in a cloth, she was unable to bend her legs. Memories of shouts flitted through her mind. Looking around, she surveyed the dimly lit walls of a cavern. Firelight flickered from torches but was too weak for her to see much. A faint male voice echoed and bounced off the damp rock walls. She strained to hear but could only make out a few words, enough to know that a man spoke.
…will pay…spilling…blood…evilness…barbaric…
Nearby breathing made her squirm harder. The effort exhausted her. Asta slid back into sleep. When she awoke again, she stayed very still and listened closely. Water dripping into a pool seemed to punctuate the hushed voices of men.
“The girl called Tani was seen picking the root by Nania who claims the girl was in a rush.”
Fearing Tani had been killed, Asta gasped. The noise bounced off the walls, immediately hushing the conversation. Footsteps came closer before a voice called, “Are ye ready to tell us her name, one who is called Tani?”
Asta pretended to be asleep. Her heart soared when Tani made a negative sound but dread filled her when the sage called, “She is awake. Ask the woman ye saved for yourself.”
From her place on the ground, Asta heard the footsteps approach and stop beside her. Through her lashes, she could tell that whoever it was, he was of normal stature. A toe dug into her ribs, “Woman, speak your name.”
Asta opened her eyes but, instead of answering him, asked, “Who are ye to hold me captive?”
“Ye are no captive of mine. The Vojihn Clan holds ye hostage. Answer my question so that we may know which Chief to hold negotiations with.”
Asta hid her shock as best she could. Hoping the sage would remain quiet and allow her to think, she demanded, “Where is your leader, Vojihn warrior?”
“Oh, ye will meet the Great Master Thorlak soon enough. We look forward to defeating fiery spirits. Mayhap, he will grant me the first go at ye.”
Asta glared at him, wishing her bindings were not so tight so that she could sweep his legs and crack his skull on the hard cave floor. Noting her curled lip, he lifted a shoulder and pointedly said, “Your name will fill the air before this day ends.”
The warrior