Caitlin's Chronicles
 

(Part 1 - First Sight) --

I lay in my bed, tucked in on this chilly night, restless and lonely. I have never felt more loved and cared for, here in my home at the Lodge. I have grown to truly cherish my family, and my fondness is growing swiftly for each of our newer Kindred. It is hard for me to believe that I could ever again truly achieve a deep sense of home, once my other homes were lost to me. But it has happened. I belong somewhere. I belong here. A hint of a smile comes to me, and I nuzzle down deeper into the quilts that cover me.

I lay here, curled up inside of myself, staring at the fire as it slowly burns down. My thoughts go to her again this night, as they have over and over recently. I thought I had put out that often intense fire I carried inside for her, yet, it never died. And lately, with everything that has happened to me, she seems to be calling to me, calling to my spirit. She was my healer. She was so many things.

Caitlin.

My first Warrior. My first true love. My first heartbreak. Why do you call me?

As I stared into the fire, I could feel my body ignite to the sound of her name. I could see her face, and smell her scent as if it clung to me now. My body ached for her, and I found myself responding as if she were exploring me yet again. Her fingers were weathered and callused from the sword, and the rough use her life demanded of them. But on me, on my skin, they were like feathers. A hand slid against my cheek, and I fell into her once again.

Caitlin. I closed my eyes, and while her hands found me again, I went back to that day. The day she entered my world, six years ago.

********************

"Stop it, Hildy. You know I am the fastest runner in the tribe. I'll just beat you again if you push me."

"HA!" Hildy laughed. "You just got lucky that last time cause I had a twisted ankle. You aren't fastest Killian, you aren't anything. You aren't even an Amazon yet. So I wouldn't go bragging about anything if I were you!"

I pushed Hildy down, and pounced on her.

"I will be an Amazon soon, you just wait." I tried to punch her, but she rolled out of my grasp.

"You'll NEVER be an Amazon, Killian! Nobody wants you. Even the raiders didn't want you after they got through torching your family."

Punch.

This time I connected.

"Shit!" Merris shouted, pulling me off of Hildy.

"Will you two stop it, there gonna kill us if they catch us fighting."

I shook myself out of Merris's grip.

"I may not be an Amazon yet, but I can beat your ass in any race you set!"

"Fine, bitch!" Hildy spat from a bloody mouth. "I will bury you."

"Ok, to the boundary then!" I stared at her with all the anger I held deep in my heart.

"NO! NO!" Merris was practically hysterical. "You know we aren't allowed to go that far! It's dangerous. That is out of bounds!"

"I don't care! I am going. How about you Hildy? Chicken?"

Hildy took off like a shot. I was right on her tail. Merris came running after us, hoping to keep us from going through with this dangerous plan.

Off we went, running for our lives, not caring about anything other than beating each other. I was not gonna let that little Amazon bitch beat me. Never. I blew by her and just ran and ran.

Maybe nobody did want me. Maybe the Amazons didn't either. But I was gonna make them want me, make them see me as more than the cast-off orphan most of them took me for. Hildy and Merris were born Amazons. They didn't know what it felt like to be all alone. To be nothing. To be hardly noticed, and just taken in because that was the thing to do. the Amazon way. Oh I was grateful that it was the Amazons who found me, and not some rotten villagers. But they still treated me like the unwanted orphan. Well, most of them did. I felt like most of them just didn't notice me at all.

So I ran. And I cried. The only time I cried at all was when I was alone. I learned quickly not to show weakness. But I cried now. I couldn't stop the tears. I wanted so to belong. I wanted to be wanted, and to be needed. It was like an ache I couldn't ease. I couldn't see where I was going, as the tears streamed down my face, but I didn't care.

Still I ran. Finally, I came to our boundary mark. I crossed it with glee. I felt invincible. I had survived death already when my family was killed. I believed I had a protector up there watching over me. I believed she loved me, and cared for me. But she was the only one. I knew they would kill me if they caught me, but they wouldn’t.

I ran on until I came to a beautiful small lake. Wildflowers covered this side of the shore. Boulders, and rough rocks surrounded the other three sides of the water. I sat in the middle of the wildflowers, feeling very satisfied with myself.

Race me will you! Bitch, I thought.

I sat for a long time wondering if I had lost them, until finally, Hildy and Merris came puffing up to meet me.

"You cheated! Whore!"

Hildy jumped on me, and we rolled around for a bit, fighting. I kicked her off of me, and ran at her. We both ended up in the water, splashing and kicking about.

Merris jumped in and pulled Hildy off of me.

"Look!" Merris said. "Killian beat you fair and square. Now we better get back home before they find out we aren't decorating for the Festival.

"I'm staying here for a while." I stated flatly.

"This is a pretty place, and I am not afraid. I think I will even go skinny dipping."

I began shedding my wet things, dripping out of the water long enough to drape them on some rocks.

"Fine! I am staying too then!" Hildy snorted, shedding her clothes and draping them as I had.

"This sucks, you two. You know we are gonna get killed when they find us." Merris sighed, but began slowly stripping off her clothes as well.

"We might as well set our clothes out to dry before heading back, or we will really be in trouble."

I was content to splash around and revel in my newfound freedom. After some time the three of us forgot our anger and just played like kids in the water, splashing, and jumping from boulders, making huge splashes in the crystal clear water.

Suddenly the water got very still. I looked up at Hildy, who was looking at the shore with terror in her eyes. There on the shore were several scruffy looking men. Boys, really. They smiled at us through broken teeth, as they picked up our clothing and sniffed at them. Then they shredded them.

"You girls having fun?" One of the older ones sang out with a smug voice.

Merris screamed at the top of her lungs. The boys just laughed. I went over and hugged Merris, and Hildy joined us as we moved as far away from the shore as we could.

"You girls are a little out of your place, aren't you? I bet them Amazons of yours ain't gonna be happy to find you out here, are they?"

We stayed silent.

"Hey!" The older one stated. "They don't know you are out here, do they?"

Merris squeaked. I shoved my hand over her mouth to keep it shut.

"Well, well boys, looks like we got us some runaways. Ain't that just the luck? Now, if you all will just come on outta there, we won't make this too rough on ya."

"Bite me!" I said

"What she said!" Hildy stated boldly.

"AWKA!" Merris squeaked from behind my hand.

"Well, that's too bad. I didn't feel like getting wet, but if you insist."

The arrow came from nowhere, pinning the oldest one's sleeve to a tree. Then a second arrow nailed another boy through the pant leg, to another tree. A fierce cry sounded somewhere near, and all hell broke loose. The boys suddenly looked very much like boys, and grabbed at the arrows as fast as they could, trying to break free. A third arrow came sailing in and embedded in a tree just above their heads, causing the boys to rip their clothes free, and run like hell in the opposite direction.

Another cry came, this time much closer, and the boys vanished just as quickly as they had appeared.

The three of us stood, frozen in place deep in the lake. We clung to each other as a horse and rider made their way into the clearing. The figure wore a dusty brown long coat, with a full billed hat on his head. Many pelts hug from the side of the richly black hued horse. I noticed two white stockings, and a white slash of color across the bridge of the horse's nose.

I stood with my friends, paralyzed with fear, but somehow drawn to this figure. I saw the sword, and the longbow, and new we were in the company of a Warrior. I only hoped he was not going to take from us what the boys were trying for earlier.

My breath caught as the Warrior took off her hat, and steeled her gaze upon us. A woman. A beautiful woman. Black hair hung just below her collar. Her eyes, the boldest blue I had ever seen, pierced me right through the heart. She stood tall in her long coat, as she gazed fiercely upon us. I was taken, right then and there. My heart, no matter what happened next, was hopelessly linked to hers. I knew this. I knew I would be a part of her.

I shuddered in fear and anticipation.

The Warrior flung off her coat with a flourish. She kept her uncompromising gaze fixed on us as she hooked her coat on her horse's saddle, and turned her loose to graze. My mouth went dry, and my knees got shaky. I didn't know what was happening to me. Her build was muscular, and sleek. She wore deerskin leather pants tucked into knee high leather brown boots. Her Breasts was ample, and covered with a tan leather vest filled out by the most amazing setting sun, sky blue puff sleeves, bound by fine darker brown leather gloves. She wore two braids with leather and some shiny things framing her weathered but youthful face. A face that was very focused on us with displeasure at the moment.

"Up here, in front of me. NOW!"

She spoke with an authority that made us move under no control of our own. In seconds we three found ourselves standing naked and wet in front of this Warrior, side by side, awaiting further instructions.

"You," She pointed at Hildy, who was our oldest. "What are you three doing off of Amazon land? Don't you know how dangerous that is, girl?"

"It was her fault!" Hildy sputtered. "She ran out here, and we........just came to make sure......she was.....um....ok......."

"THAT'S A LIE!" I shouted.

SLAP.

It came quick and sharp. More meant to shock than to hurt.

"Did I tell you to speak, girl?" Her eyes fixed on me, and I swore my body shrunk into the sand where I stood.

"No, but I um....."

"Then don't. When I want to hear from you, I will tell you."

She raised an eyebrow tempting me to open my mouth. I took this moment to become smart, and bit down on my tongue to keep it obedient.

The Warrior turned her steely gaze upon Hildy.

"And If you choose to lie to me again lass, you will feel my belt directly. Now tell me your story."

Hildy thought better of lying this time, and told the warrior everything, from our reason for racing, down to recalling the history of her twisted ankle. She was afraid to leave anything out.

The warrior was silent for long minutes after Hildy finished. She looked right through us, as she seemed to be considering many things. None of us even dared to breathe.

Finally, she spoke. "You knew what you were doing, and still you left the safety of your land. I am sure your leaders will want to deal with you when I return you to them. But since I am a woman who takes care of my own business, and you are my business now - I'll deal with you myself, first. I think you need a good lesson taught to you to make you think twice before going where you don't belong again.

We breathed, sucking in air with fear and trepidation. I was mesmerized by her voice, and knew I would do whatever she bid me too. I was afraid of her, yes, but somehow very calm in the safety of her presence.

"You."

She was looking directly at me. She took a step closer to me, and pulled her knife from its sheath. I felt myself go still, wondering if she might cut me as punishment. She held the knife close to me for a minute, staring darkly into my eyes.

"What is your name, girl?"

She turned the knife around and used the handle to tip my face up to look at her. I was shaking so bad I forgot my name. I just stared at her with my mouth open.

"Killian. I am sorry to speak," Merris stammered. "Her name is, Killian."

"Killian is it?" Her eyes seemed to momentarily twinkle. It broke the spell.

"yes Ma'am, my name is, Killian"

"Well then, Killian, take this knife into that stand of trees, and cut me two switches."

I took a shaky step back, and she had to reach out and grab hold of my arm to steady me. She did not miss a beat.

"I want each of them this big." She held up her pinkie. "And I want them as smooth as your delicate cheek."

She ran a finger down my cheek in a fluid motion.

"I want the only marks on that beautiful behind of yours to be my doing, and not from a nick in the switch. Do you understand me, Killian."

This last part was said as her hand grasped my chin.

"Yes, M'lady... Um...Ma'am.. Um...." I close my eyes as visions of swallowing my tongue danced before me.

"Caitlin. You will call me, Caitlin, girl."

"Yes, Caitlin." I wanted to fall into her name, but knew I better do as I was told instead.

"Go. Now."

I went quickly into the nearby trees, not even noticing that I was stark naked. I just wanted to please her, and I would do anything to accomplish that. I had never wanted to please anyone before, or wanted to do what they told me. I always resisted doing what I was told before, usually with a lot of attitude. But this was different. I didn't have time to figure it out, but I knew I felt kind of sick to my stomach, and doing what she wanted made me feel better.

I found the branches, and made switches as quickly as I could. I felt this ache in my center as I thought of her using them on us, and it confused me. But mostly I thought I better make them smooth, or else.

In no time I was back with the group, holding two smooth long switches, and handing them shakily over to a very serious, Caitlin, who had positioned the other girls by a pelt covered boulder that stood about waist high. I took a look at the boulder, and back up at Caitlin. She gave me an eyebrow raise,

"Killian, you will hold this for me."

"Yes, Caitlin." I quickly replied, as I took the spare switch into my shaking hand.

"Alright girls, let's do this."

____****____

February 24th, 2001
Part 2  First Discipline - by killian

____****____

{Killian’s Perspective}

Caitlin took one switch, and left the other in my hand. I was afraid to do anything, like slide my hands down its smooth sides, as I had done back in the woods, when I was getting the switches. I was confused by the strong ache I had in my groin, and my growing wetness.

Back in the woods, when I was alone, I had just instinctively touched myself, and found that I was very swollen, and dripping wet. I almost shrieked at the feeling. I wanted more. I wanted her to touch me there. I had slipped my fingers around and slid them in and out a few times, back there, until I felt my knees might give out. I just didn’t know what had come over me. I had seen sex before, when we peeked into watch Darlia and Fennel, but I had never felt THIS before.

Caitlin’s sharp commands brought me back into focus, and back into the present.

"All right."

She tapped the switch hard a couple of times against her now bare palm, making us gulp.

"As I understand it, you three willfully left Amazon Land, putting yourselves in grave risk. Is that not correct?"

"Um, yeah, well....." We mumbled.

"But -- " Hildy started.

"SILENCE!!"

Caitlin had been pacing, but stopped and shot us all a glare, pointing the switch directly at each one of us.

"Listen up, and listen good. When I speak to you, I expect the truth in return, and I expect it to out of you clearly and without self pity, or whining of any sort. Do you hear me?"

"Yes, Caitlin!" Came the clear answer from three chastened girls.

We were still so scared we were unaware of our naked forms in front of this Warrior. She seemed not to notice either as she carried on with our discipline. I have never responded to being chastised by a superior before, yet I was compelled to behave exactly as this warrior wanted me to.

"You!"

Caitlin pointed at Hildy.

"You are the oldest, so I hold you responsible for allowing this to happen."

"B..But...she..." Hildy protested.

"Being the oldest is hard sometimes, girl. These two are your responsibility. The sooner you learn to accept that fact the better off you and your tribe will be. Do you hear me?"

Hildy bowed her head at this truth, and flushed with shame. I saw the blush as it covered Hildy’s chest and neck.

"Yes, Caitlin. I hear you."

"Good, then this lesson will not be wasted. Ok, lass, bend over there."

The Warrior pointed to the fur covered boulder.

As I watched Hildy bending over to take her switching, I thought how kind it was of Caitlin to put down the fur for us to bend over. Perhaps she is not as scary as all that.

THWAP!

Hildy shrieked and jumped up, hopping around in obvious pain.

"Girl!" Caitlin barked, bringing Hildy to an abrupt stop.

"I have cuffs in my bags over there. If you move a muscle again, I will get them, and I will double your punishment. Your choice."

"I..um..."

Caitlin took a step towards her bags.

"NO! I will... I can....... Please, I will stay, I can stay on my own. Please."

"Your choice, girl. But no more warnings, and that goes for the lot of you."

She made eye contact with me, and I found myself standing a little taller, wanting to please her. Wanting to show her that I would take what she knew I deserved.

Caitlin gave Hildy quite a thrashing. 10 strong strokes. The tall Warrior mercifully put her arm down on Hildy’s back to hold her down for the last five. The Warrior did not draw blood, but each welt was raised, red, and looked like it hurt like Hades.

I could not believe I was almost looking forward to this. I must be losing my mind. I have never wanted to be punished by anyone before. I fought it, always. Which always made matters worse, but I didn’t care. I thought, they aren’t going to get me down, not me, not ever! And now, I was practically ready to crawl over Merris to get closer to this warrior. I was so wet and throbbing I could barely stand it. I was definitely losing my mind.

"KILLIAN!"

I jumped.

"Yes?" I managed to squeak out.

"I called your name three times, lass. Have you suddenly taken deaf?!"

"No! Um... I...."

Damn, I thought. I so did not want to disappoint her any further. I looked up to see Merris
standing next to Hildy, her bottom covered in hot red welts. How did I miss that?

"Never mind, lass. I am fairly certain you will not be daydreaming through this. Bend over. Now."

"I..I’m sorry Caitlin," I said as she grabbed hold of my arm and pulled me towards the boulder.

She raised an eyebrow at me, and her lip twitched ever so slightly. I could have sworn later that she had almost smiled at me.

"I am sure you are, but sorry ain’t gonna make this hurt any less."

Suddenly, she was gripping my chin and looking deeply into my eyes.

"You brought this on yourself, Killian. You know that, don’t you."

I tilted my chin up, squared my shoulders, and looked this amazing apparition directly in her deep blue, now nearly black, eyes.

"Yes, Caitlin." I whispered. "I did this, and I deserve what’s coming to me. Thank you for being here to help us. I am ready."

Another lip twitch. I was so happy that I had pleased her, I forgot what was happening.

A strong hand on my back shoving me hard across the furred boulder reminded me.

THWAP!

I cried out, and clung to the boulder, willing myself to stay in place.

THWAP!

The pain was searing. Tears sprung to my eyes, but I did not move. The throbbing in my center was so intense I swore I might explode right here.

Again, and again her strong arm brought the switch down on my bottom. At some point I noticed a firm gloved hand pressed into my back, and I thanked Artemis, because I was just about to jump out of my skin from the pain of it. I wanted that hand inside of me, stroking me, touching me. I closed my eyes and focused my shaking legs to keep me upright for just a little longer. What was this warrior doing to me. I had never felt this way before. It was overwhelming.

THWAP!!

THWAP!

THWAP!

15 strikes, and it was all over.

The Warrior grabbed a hold of my arm and jerked me erect, to stand beside my sisters. Hildy looked chastened. Merris looked stricken, and grabbed for my hand . For my part, I was crying hard, but trying to be quiet about it.

"Killian, here, got the most because it was her foolishness in the first place that started all of this. I’ll give you this. You all took your whippings well, and I will be sure to say that to your Queen when I get you back there."

I smiled inside, hearing her praise. I did not care what the Queen was going to do to us. All I cared about at this moment was that I had pleased this Warrior in front of me. Nothing else in the world mattered.

She caught my eye briefly, and I swore I could see that twinkle again.

Caitlin walked over to her horse and returned with more skins. She threw one to each of us, along with a piece of twine.

"I expect your Tribe will be happier to find you girls clothed when I bring you in. I don’t want to get an arrow in my gut, even before I have a chance to explain.

Since you’ve nothing to cover your feet, you will all ride."

"But we can’t, I mean we.....," Hildy trailed off as she grabbed her sore backside.

"I won’t have your feet cut up just to spare your sore backsides. Up. Now."

Caitlin had laid furs down across her mare’s back for us to sit on. It still hurt like blazes, and I cried as hard as the others all the way back. Yet also I found the sensation to be most incredible as I sat, bare assed, rocking back and forth on this giant horse. Her horse.

As I watched the tall back of this Warrior walking her horse the several miles back to our homeland, I knew my young life had changed forever.

I was hers.

Now I would just have to convince her of this.

____****____

April 1st 2001
Part 3 - Dilemma

____****____

Caitlin walked, strode really, at the head of her horse, Dancer. The tall warrior found herself in a bind, and not pleased with what her heart was trying to make her do.

Look, she said to herself, roughly. I get in; I turn these girls over, I’m done with it, then I get on to my business. The upcoming festival is what I need to sell these pelts. Three, four days most. I get provisions, do my business, check in with Queen Marga, and then I am out of here. End of story. Period. The Queen will be enough to deal with, let alone dealing with anything or anyone else.

The last time these two women had met, the Queen’s gratitude for Caitlin’s aid moved rapidly into enjoying the pleasures of the flesh. It was to Marga’s credit that when the warrior had to go, she knew enough to let it happen without protest. Warriors were warriors, and Caitlin was one of the best she’d ever seen. Yet she was a loner, and not interested in living the Amazon life.

"Too cramped, and too many people in my business," Caitlin had said, their last day together." Yes, thought the warrior, In and out.

Caitlin sighed as she found herself inexplicably turning back again to check on the girls. The young women. Killian. Damnit. Caitlin caught those clear, intense brown eyes locking with hers. The tough warrior’s heart jumped a few beats. You are in trouble, warrior, Caitlin chided herself. You are in deep trouble.

Caitlin slowed the horse as they crossed into Amazon land. She wanted to live to turn these girls over, and knew any sudden movements would be met with a quick arrow in a very uncomfortable place. Sure enough, the warrior heard a whistle.

Hildy started to jump down when she saw they were spotted.

"Stay put." Caitlin commanded.

"But . . ." Hildy started to protest.

Caitlin did not look at the girl. "I said stay put, and I meant it. You are in my care, and I am not through with you yet. Do you hear me?"

"Yes, Caitlin," chorused the three subdued voices.

Caitlin knew she should turn the girls over to the search party, but for the life of her, she just could not bring herself to leave it at that. She gathered that Killian was treated differently by this tribe than the other two girls, and she wanted to see for herself just what the story was. It was probably foolish to care about this girl, knowing she was going to be leaving in three or four days anyway.

Caitlin eased herself into a pose of nonchalance as four Amazons dropped down from the trees, forming a circle around them. She thought, I will take them to the Queen, make sure she knows what happened, and be done with it. Period.

Killian struggled with all the complicated sensations she was feeling as their party made its way into the main village. Caitlin had ordered them to remain silent when the front guards tried to question them. The short version was that Caitlin had saved their lives. When looked to for confirmation, the girls nodded mutely. The Amazons did not seem entirely convinced, but one of them seemed to know Caitlin, and took her word for it.

Now they were being led through the main part of the village, which was in the process of being decorated for the upcoming Festival. Decoration's Killian and her comrades had been supposed to help with. Platforms were being erected, drummers practiced their routines, and colorful cloth seemed to be draping off of everything.

The small party headed for the Queen’s quarters, with all the Nation’s eyes on them. Suddenly Killian felt very self-conscious in her fur pelt wrap, knowing that everything showed from the sides. Her bottom, sore and aching as it was would soon be on full display.

Had Caitlin turned them over to the search party, Killian knew she would be on the receiving end of several harsh beatings when they heard what she’d done. She would have kicked and spit and fought her way out of each of them, only to have the next one be worse than the last, until finally she would be left exhausted and aching, squarely at the foot of the Queen, awaiting her majesty’s personal choice of punishment.

It was probably just wishful thinking, but Killian couldn’t help but wonder if Caitlin was protecting her, by taking her directly to the Queen. Perhaps the warrior just wanted to be proper about it. Still, for the first time in Killian’s young life, she felt protected by someone. It felt good.

The entourage stopped in front of the Queen’s royal hut. Queen Marga stood waiting for them. The Queen was shorter than Caitlin, and had a shock of red hair that was dazzling. She was the tribe’s best warrior, and was a well respected, no-nonsense Queen.

At the sight of Caitlin, Marga quietly remembered their history. Several seasons ago, Caitlin came to the aid of her small, hunting party, when the Amazons had been about to be ambushed by slavers. The two warriors now clasped arms. Caitlin had almost forgotten how stunning the Tribal leader was, especially decked out in full regalia, like she was now. Caitlin lifted an eyebrow in acknowledgement of her former lover’s majesty. Marga nodded slightly in return, then spoke:

"Thank you, Caitlin, for rescuing my unruly girls. I can assure you, they will pay dearly for their foolishness. Did any of them give you any trouble?"

It was not lost on Caitlin that the Queen looked directly at Killian when she said this. "No, Queen Marga. I found them swimming in the lake due east of your land. They were being seriously hassled by a pack of boys, who tore up their clothing, and were advancing on them in the water."

"I see," said the Queen, with a slight smile. "I wondered how they came to be adorned in your finest furs."

"Yes, well, It was the best I could do under the circumstances," Caitlin stated coolly, raising one eyebrow. "Anyway, I dispatched the boys, and took it upon myself to teach these three a lesson, since they had become my responsibility."

"I see. Very well. YOU THREE. DOWN HERE. AT ONCE!"

Before Caitlin could say anything, the three girls were standing in front of the angry Queen. Caitlin wanted to say more, to do something, but it appeared that the Queen was taking charge of the situation now. She ought to let it go, Caitlin thought. Let it go.

Queen Marga looked the girls' over sternly. "Turn around, all of you, and lift the fur covering your bottoms."

Caitlin worked her jaw to keep from saying any more. Hildy and Merris complied immediately. Killian just stood there, with her chin lifted in defiance.

SLAP!

It came hard and fast. Killian went down like a sack of flour.

Caitlin hadn’t had time to react, and now stood with her hand on her dagger. Ready, for what, she did not know. Caitlin was surprised by this overwhelming need to protect this girl.

Get it together Warrior, Caitlin jabbed at herself.

Slowly Caitlin took her hand off the dagger as she saw the Amazons around her doing the same. Damnit Caitlin, the warrior cursed, you are gonna get yourself killed if you don’t watch it.

Queen Marga reached down and grabbed a handful of killian’s hair, then jerked her up. "I said to turn your butt around, and let me see it. NOW."

As killian turned around, she caught a glance of Caitlin’s profile. She could see the muscles in her face working overtime, as she touched the knife in her belt. Killian wondered if what the Queen was doing to her bothered the warrior.

Wishful thinking, she told herself. Just do what the queen tells you, and let the fun begin. Killian bent over with her sisters, and lifted the fur.

A murmur came up from the crowd at the sight of the nearly naked young disobedient girls, and their well-striped asses. Many in the Tribe had spent an afternoon combing the countryside looking for these girls, frantic that they had been kidnapped. Now the growing mob was angry, and wanting some action taken. Seeing that Caitlin had already given them a good whipping did little to please many in the crowd, especially where Killian was concerned.

Queen Marga felt the energy of the growing mob as she studied Caitlin’s handiwork. The Queen took the other woman’s arm in thanks.

"Nice job, Caitlin, you punished them well."

"Thank you, Marga. When someone makes themselves my business, as these three did, they will always answer first to me, directly."

"Yes, I understand that, Caitlin. These young women were very lucky you came along when you did. Especially since we were having no luck in finding them. They could easily have been raped, or worse. You have my word that you can name your reward."

"But now . . . "

The Queen grabbed Killian’s arm and smacked her fiercely on the behind, causing her to yelp in pain.

"They will answer directly to ME!"

The crowd nearly cheered, with a few hoots rising from the barely controlled women. Many in the crowd were from other tribes, and Marga’s tribe wanted to show that they knew how to handle disobedience.

"Face me. Now!"

The three young women turned hastily around, jostling each other as they tried to comply with their Queen’s orders.

"All right, since you are underage, and not yet full Amazons, your custodians will decide your punishment. Will the custodians of these girls please come forward?"

Merris’ mother stepped forward, glancing angrily at her daughter.

"What say you, Gerta?" The Queen asked.

"I say it is my right, and my duty, to punish my daughter, if it pleases her Majesty."

Gerta had seen how harshly the Queen punished unclaimed girls, and she would not subject Merris to that. Merris would be paddled and restricted to camp. Sufficient for Gerta, and far kinder than what the Queen would have her endure.

Second to step up was Annka. She was four years Hildy’s senior and half-sister by birth. She had taken to raising Hildy when their mother was killed in the spring attack a season ago.

"What say you, Annka?" The Queen asked. "Do you think you are mature enough to handle something such as this?"

"I do, my Queen," Annka stated with confidence. "Our mother was strict with us, and taught me well how to discipline. I can promise you that tomorrow I will give Hildy a whipping she will never forget, and she will be restricted through the next season to chores and studies. I know, my Queen, that it has been hard for us since our mother passed, but I can handle my sister. And I assure you, I WILL."

Marga had considered punishing Hildy herself, not trusting Annka’s maturity. However, a queen tried to build confidence in her warriors, and Annka was turning out to be one of her best. She would give her a chance.

"Alright Annka, so be it."

Finally, all eyes rested on young Killian. Everyone knew that no one claimed the lass. And no one would be claiming her anytime soon. Just too much trouble.

Killian had lived in the large dormer off in a bunk by herself, since she first came to them as a small child. She was quick tempered even then, and intense. She was about 7 summers old, or so they guessed. The girl made quick work of the few adults who tried to take her in, in the beginning. If Killian’s verbal assaults didn’t stop them from caring, her intense brooding did. So over the years, this young woman, who could be as playful and light as the wind one minute, only to become a tornado the next, had learned to stay mostly to herself, and raise hell to get attention. Any kind of attention was better than the desperate loneliness she felt most of the time.

Queen Marga waited, longer than was necessary. The crowd began to jostle around for a better view. The Queen waited long enough to see the embarrassed blush creep up Killian’s face. Marga knew that blush well, and exploited it, for her own satisfaction.

The Queen loved the girl in front of her, but knew she would make a lousy Amazon. Not because Killian wasn’t brave enough, or skilled enough; On the staff alone, she was competing at a master level. Marga had seen Killian defend other girls, when an older girl was bullying them. The Queen saw much in the young woman that was admirable.

Yet Killian was trouble, and had trouble following her. She didn’t take orders, and hated the people giving them. She was a loner, not a team player. So Marga had resigned herself to discouraging the girl at every turn from taking the Amazon right of passage. She had managed to scuttle Killian’s attempts to participate in the challenge in each of the past two Festivals, yet had not figured out a way to keep her out of it this year.

"Killian. It is apparent no one is going to step forward and claim you. Therefore, your punishment will be left to me."

Queen Marga took hold of the young woman’s chin. The queen had warmth in her eyes for this girl, but her voice was hard.

"I know you are to blame for this foolish and dangerous excursion, and I assure you, you WILL soon regret it. And," The Queen whispered quietly, so only Killian, Caitlin and those close could hear. "If you think I am going to let you compete in the right of passage this round, young lass, you better think again."

The Queen let go of killian’s chin, gave the crowd a stern look, and struck her again, Hard, knocking her to the ground. Killian gasped, from the pain, but more from the shock of the Queen’s hurtful words.

"No, Please, My Queen!" Killian begged.

"PASHA!! The whipping bench, restraints, and the leather strap. NOW!"

The crowd surged, and shouts of encouragement could be heard. The Village loved to watch Killian soundly punished, and they were about to get their wish.

Caitlin was about to become unglued. She’d left her significant mark on Killian this day, thinking the Queen would wait until at least tomorrow to punish her further. Now it appeared that that was not the case. It seemed that her friend, the Queen, was going to make an example of this young woman, with a punishment far harsher than her misbehavior warranted.

Caitlin’s jaw worked as she saw the implements the Queen requested brought into view. She watched as the girl was dragged, kicking and screaming, towards the bench. In the process the pelt was ripped away to reveal a heated, beautiful, curvaceous body, covered in a fine sheen of fear sweat.

The fighting and writhing lass, sputtering every expletive known to the free world, caused the crowd to grow more restless. They wanted a show.

As Killian was being forcibly restrained, Caitlin took a breath, settled her shoulders, and came to a decision. She stepped forward.

"Queen Marga," Caitlin began, and the noisy crowd surrounding them grew silent.

The Queen was feeling the leather strap, checking how supple it was, thinking of how much she was going to dread using it on this recalcitrant whirlwind of a girl. She looked up, clearly not interested in being interrupted.

"Caitlin. While I thank you for your interest, perhaps what you need can be addressed after I am finished here?" The Queen stepped into place, preparing for the first strike.

Caitlin stepped between Queen Marga and Killian’s shackled body. The look on Caitlin’s face made those standing near take a step back.

Queen Marga’s brows furrowed in consternation. "Caitlin, step aside. We will deal with your reward, after Killian is punished. Now, if you don’t mind . . ."

"But you see, my friend." Caitlin stood her ground. "The fact of the matter is, I DO mind. I mind very much."

____****____

April 22nd, 2001
Part 4 - Protection

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{"Caitlin, I have had about enough of this. Punishing this disobedient girl is my duty, and I will honor it!  Now step aside, or I will have you removed."

Caitlin got very still, dropping her voice to almost a growl.

"Marga, you don’t want to be doing that."}

Killian couldn’t believe what was happening. From her disadvantageous position, she could make out several Amazons reaching for their weapons, with a few stepping forward a little, awaiting the Queen’s call for help. Killian was about to call out to warn Caitlin, when the girl noticed Caitlin moving into a more defensive position. Killian was beside herself with confusion. Why would this woman put herself in harm’s way for her?

The ankle bonds held the lass spread out and feeling very vulnerable in the face of all this attention. Queen Marga had punished her before, so Killian had been prepared for what was about to happen, even though she was definitely not looking forward to it.

Killian thought the Queen was generally not too cruel in dealing with her, considering her penchant for disobeying every rule the overworked Queen set before her. But, having someone, anyone, standing up for her, this made Killian feel uncomfortable.

The girl tried to keep her breathing steady as she watched her Amazon sisters getting angrier and angrier. Killian knew that the minute this warrior left the territory, these women would come after her, and exact their punishment, however they saw fit. Killian was aware that she was thought of as disobedient, and disrespectful. She didn’t mean to misbehave, it just happened sometimes as a result of rules she thought unfair to her.

Killian fought with her feelings. How could she be upset with this warrior for protecting her? Since it had never happened before, the girl just did not know what to make of it. What Killian mostly believed was that this woman was a bit crazy to stand up to the Queen like this, in this crowd.

Killian pulled at her bonds, wanting desperately to cover herself, or to be anywhere but where she was. Sweat glistened on the young woman’s body and dampness moistened her swollen clit. Killian felt ashamed at how aroused she was, and confused. This had never happened before Caitlin’s punishment by the lake. And now Caitlin was touching her hip as she semi-crouched in a defensive posture, while the tall warrior argued with the Queen. The girl wondered, could Caitlin could feel their connection too?

The Queen sighed. In knowing Caitlin as well as she did, Marga knew this warrior not to be frivolous in any behavior. The girl had obviously gotten under Caitlin’s skin, and now she was going to have to deal with it. Marga ran a hand through her gorgeous hair, as a feeling of resigned bemusement took her over.

"Caitlin, Caitlin. What am I going to do with you?"

The Queen backed off a step from the warrior, looking to ease the tense standoff. The crowd started to rustle around in confusion. The Queen knew her tribe well, and also did not want any bloodshed. The next few minutes would be a test of her leadership.

The Queen carefully handed the strap to one of her lieutenants.

Caitlin narrowed her eyes at the gesture, but kept her posture ready for a fight.

Killian gasped, not being able to stop herself.

A sharp slap descended upon her bottom from somewhere in the front of the crowd. Everybody jumped as Caitlin’s hand was at the perpetrator's throat, even as Killian screamed in pain. Caitlin lifted the offending Amazon off of the ground, her eyes pinning the culprit with a searing glare. Weapons came out of sheaths. Bodies shifted. Still, Caitlin held her prey about a foot off the ground, with the hapless Amazon turning blue under the choking location of Caitlin’s fingers.

Queen Marga came forward and silently placed a hand on Caitlin’s arm. The Queen could feel the muscles bunch under her touch, but after a long breath, Caitlin let the woman down. The Amazon choked and coughed, falling to one knee. Caitlin stepped back, ready for all takers to come at her. The restless crowd surged.

"STOP!" Queen Marga shouted.

Everyone stopped.

"I will not have this! Amazons, you will stand down this instant. Now! Renna, that means you, STAND DOWN."

The Queen’s voice got very quiet, so everyone had to be still to hear her.

"I am perfectly capable of handling this situation, without having the entire Nation go berserk. Now, let me handle this. That is not a request."

The crowd settled down and Queen Marga turned her focus back to the stubborn Caitlin.

"What is this about, Caitlin?"

The Queen knew what it was about. She had seen the look in Caitlin’s eyes when she looked at the teenager. She was smitten. It was as clear as the pain the Queen felt in her heart, when she acknowledged that she missed this difficult warrior.

"My reward."

To any one else, Caitlin appeared emotionless as she said this. But the insightful Queen noted the flare of Caitlin’s nostrils, and the clenching and unclenching of her fists. Caitlin was unsure why she felt as she did, but Marga could see that this warrior’s heart was gone.

"Your reward. Ok, you have most certainly earned it, Caitlin. Can you elaborate for me?"

The Queen put her hands up to quiet the crowd.

"I want my reward in two parts. I will tell you part one now, and the second part in private."

Caitlin’s jaw was clenched as she warily listened to the renewed unruliness of the crowd.

The Queen again hushed the crowd and turned to catch Killian’s eye as she once again faced Caitlin. Killian had the same look in her eye that Caitlin did, but the Queen was sure the lass had no idea what she was feeling. Killian blushed when she noticed the Queen watching her watch Caitlin.

Oh, you do attract trouble lass, Marga thought as she again ran a hand through her thick red tresses.

"All right, Caitlin, tell me the first part."

Caitlin stepped back until she felt herself making some more contact with the girl. Caitlin didn’t want to look at Killian for fear of losing her composure, but she needed to be near her, and let the lass know that she was there. Killian flinched at the deeper connection, not expecting it on her hip. Then she realized what Caitlin was doing, and leaned into the touch. It took enormous control for Killian to not cry at this moment.

"I want my reward to be that I get to punish this lass myself. Tomorrow."

The Queen already knew this was coming, so she had decided not to escalate things in public by taking issue with Caitlin for questioning her Queenly dictates. But when they got into private, this warrior was going to getting a dressing down that she would never forget. The Queen put up her hands to quiet the rumblings of her tribe.

"How do you plan to punish her?"

Caitlin hadn’t expected the Queen to be so agreeable. She suspected Marga was biding her time until she got her alone, then she would let her have it.

"I plan to use my belt on her for a sound whipping, while she is bent over… that table on the Festival stage. If she resists my punishment in any way, I will have her bound as she is now, and administer the whipping there." Caitlin stopped, then thought again, and in deference to the Queen spoke, "If it pleases the Queen, this would be part of my reward."

The Queen paused, putting her hand to her mouth in thought. The crowd of Amazons grew quiet, while Marga assessed the size of Caitlin’s long and wide belt.

Killian held her breath, and fought with the sensations the contact had stirred in her, and the distinct jolt her center got when Caitlin announced her intentions. Killian found herself wanting this, wanting Caitlin, not the Queen, to punish her. And if it helped, which she knew it wouldn’t, she would have begged the Queen to make it so.

"That table is the Queen’s ceremonial table. It is only used for special events."

"Oh," Caitlin looked fiercely at her friend, "I can assure you I will make this punishment special."

She added a nearly arrogant eyebrow raise, and deferential nod.

"Your Majesty."

The Queen and the warrior stared each other down for long minutes.

Finally, the Queen shook her head and spoke.

"All right. I will allow it."

The Queen’s words were greeted with gasps and something close to rage from her Tribe. Shouts of disapproval filled the edgy air. A few of the Tribeswomen could be heard saying it was not right for the Queen to allow this outsider to meddle in Tribe business.

Killian began crying, unable to stop the tears from flowing in her state of overwhelm. Even Caitlin felt her legs almost give out on her, shaking her legendary poise, if only briefly. The proud warrior had never felt feelings this intense for another before, and it was taking its toll on her.

The Queen let the rumbling go on for a few minutes, knowing it was best to let some of the tension out now. This decision was not going to be received well by anyone, and Marga knew that there would be trouble keeping Killian in one piece for some time to come. The Queen did love this girl deeply, but she swore the girl was cursed with trouble.

Nala, from the Tribe spoke up, "Your Majesty, it is not our way to let a youngster who flaunts our laws to not be punished within the Tribe."

The Queen knew Caitlin better than anyone present, and from what she was seeing, telling her friend "No" would have caused a mini war to erupt, and Killian may not have lived through it. This was the only decision. Now it was time to regain control.

"QUIET! QUIET! NOW!"

Caitlin wondered if the rule among Queens was that you must have a healthy set of lungs on you. This Queen certainly did.

The crowd got grudgingly quiet. Killian could feel the tension and actual hate being directed at Caitlin, and at her. Two outsiders, Killian thought. I will never belong to them. Caitlin already feels more like family than most of these women I have spent some 10 years with. Killian sobbed at the realization of this. The girl wanted so much to belong. All her life, it was all she had ever wanted, and no matter what she did, it just never happened.

Caitlin felt Killian crying through her connection, and wanted nothing more than to scoop the girl up into her arms and ride out of here, making this girl free, and doing anything to take away the pain. Caitlin’s heart ached as she reached up and put a hand on Killian’s back, attempting to soothe her.

"All right, this is how it is going to be. Killian will be unbound and taken to the lockup, where she will stay until I call for her to be brought to the square tomorrow to receive her punishment from Caitlin. She is to be guarded, and left alone by the Tribe."

"IS THAT CLEAR?" The Queen’s hazel eyes were piercing as she looked over her people.

A perfunctory assent rose from the gathered Tribeswomen. Most did not like this choice, but believed in the Queen’s authority. Some on the other hand barely tried to shield their disappointment in the Queen, thinking her soft on her former lover, Caitlin.

"Betta, Brigid. You will undo young Killian and take her straight to lockup. She is to be left there unshackled, and unharmed. See to it."

The two Royal guards saluted, and began the work of unbinding Killian. Caitlin started to help, not wanting to let Killian out of her sight for even an instant.

The Queen had other plans though. She touched Caitlin on the arm. When she had the warriors’ full attention, she spoke.

"Caitlin, you will come with me." The Queen put up a hand as Caitlin started to protest. "We have much to discuss my young friend, and I would consider it a favor if you would assent to my wishes in this regard."

The Queen could read Caitlin’s hesitation about leaving Killian to the Tribe even without the stolid warrior voicing it.

"Caitlin, I have put my two best Royal Guards on taking Killian to lockup. Surely you can spare a few minutes to settle things with me."

Caitlin took a long look at Killian, who was upright now and fully naked. Caitlin was momentarily taken aback by the beauty of this girl. The lass had true fear in her eyes when it became clear she was going to be taken away from Caitlin. The warrior was torn by her loyalty to the Queen, understandably, her duty to explain herself, and the very real knowledge that the girl might not be safe until she herself was by her side.

The warrior walked over and cupped the girl’s cheek.

"I will be right behind you, Killian. I will explain things quickly to the Queen, and then I will come see you. Alright?"

Killian was choking back tears now, trying to look brave, but failing miserably. All this girl wanted was to throw herself in this strong warrior’s arms, and have her make it all better.

"I will be waiting for you, Caitlin. Please don’t be long."

"I won’t, lass. Stay strong."

Caitlin would later say she didn’t know what got into her, but she leaned down and kissed the girl on the cheek, causing another stir through the Amazon Nation, and nearly making Killian faint. She would have dropped to the ground, if not held up by the guards.

The weary Queen just shook her head. This was going to be a fine mess to sort out for Killian’s good, and for the good of the Nation.

____****____

Continued in Parts 5 thru 8, 'Caitlin's Chronicles'

Killian's Index