Post by Ekaterina on Oct 19, 2012 21:37:10 GMT -5
Summer was coming to an end, but yet refusing to give in completely to the autumn that rested just around the corner. Life in the markets bustled as per usual during the light of day. Merchants selling their wares, nobles of all levels seeking out that once in a life-time deal, sailors and dock workers alike mingled within the milling crowd. The one place where social status from the very rich to the mud streaked street urchin walked along the same paths and roads. In the midst of this was the Norse, preparing for an upcoming trip that was to take place to the Northern Territories. Adorned in her usual wear of leather and hides that fashioned the pants and tunic adorned. Long flaxen mane fashioned into the tiny braids of heritage to drift from crown to cascade along those chiseled features, downwards past shoulders where the ends drifted at hips in length. Icy shards of crystalline blue were taking in the items on display; as she moved in a slow mosey of motion along one of the many sections that offered wares upon tables and carts.
This was his kind of place, he thought as he leaned against the side of a building, face half-obscured by the low brim of his hat. He was dressed in leathers and a dark cloak that, if pulled forward, could conceal most of his body. It was a typical day for him, casually eyeing the coming and goings of the populace. It was an easy place to find a mark and get out without trouble; best of all, there was money here. Real money, for even the wealthy had to buy food and other merchandise. That's when he saw her and was immediately impressed. She seemed like the powerful type -- leader of an army maybe, or a band of men? A dangerous mark, but a fruitful one, he figured. So as she passed he pushed off the wall and followed closely behind her, matching his stride with hers. He just had to wait for the right moment to strike...Up ahead he noticed the crowd converging from the funnel shape of the road. Soon they were in the midsts of the crowd, everyone bumping and pushing to get to where they were going. It was then, during the roughest part, he snatched her money pouch and tucked it into his shirt. If she whipped around she'd see dozens of faces. As for Zahkar, he was sliding through the people like shadow, high-tailing it to a nearby alley he was familiar with.
Having stepped aside so the crowd could move past, it's when someone struck. She felt the weight of the pouch lifted from her side, and eyes shifted in time to see the dash of movement into the crowd. Not the individual was seen, just the flash of his form when he used the cover of bodies to make good his escape. A slight smirk to form upon her lips as she slowly turned and redirected her steps. She'd not run after him, nor would she call out that he stop or point out the direction of a thief. Why was she so calm? When the individual went to open the pouch stolen, within would be found more than just coins and gems. Call it a medieval style of an alarm system. Within said pouch were a few of her prized pets. The very ones utilized in seeing some jobs to their completion. When he stuck his hand in to view his reward, he'd also find nearly half dozen black widows secured within. Their venom something she had become immune to many years prior due to self-infliction to build up such; just as she had with all her other little pets. No, she'd take her time, easing through the crowd, figuring he'd head for an area to view his prize. Alleys were the area’s most thieves converged, so the nearest one is where she'd now head; waiting for the sound of that scream of fear, shout of surprise, or the sound of a man soon to die due to multiple bites from those tiny arachnids. Soon the crowd would be passed through and the alley within view ahead.
When he got into the alley he checked to make sure he was alone, and once he was sure he leaned back, grinning smugly at how easy that was, and opened the pouch. That's when she heard the shout of surprise as she managed to close and fasten the pouch back up before any of the hairy little eight-legged monsters came out to sample his flesh. "Son of a ...." he muttered, shaking his head at the cleverness. Either she collected spiders or, more likely, had dealt with her share of thieves. Not sure what to do, he tucked the pouch back into his vest and headed for the exit of the alley, only to find the tall, imposing figure of the woman standing there, blocking his way. nuts.
She heard the sound of his surprise, which only gave more life to that smirk that had formed upon her lips. Although she was a bit disappointed it wasn't a sound of horror and pain. Seems her little babies didn't get to take a bite out of the hand that took them. Arms lifted to cross over her chest as she came to a stop at the alleys end, just in time to come face to face with the one whom took what didn't belong to him. A brow arched slightly, head tilted to the left slightly as she did a slow head to toe perusal of the man. Did he feel like a steak at the meat market the way she was weighting and measuring him? Or perhaps like a pig about to be slaughtered? For a long moment she stood there in silence, then arms unfolded and her hand was extended out. "I believe you have something that belongs to me." As was the way of those loyal to the Norse, when they see her face to face with another they'd converge around without her even having to bid for their attentions. So now, there was not only the Norse before him, but several of what could be considered her goons that now began to circle around him.
He took a few steps back, grinning crookedly in that charming rogue sort of way he does. "Good afternoon milady," he bowed dramatically. "Something of yours, you say? Why, yes, I believe you're right..." he reached into his cloak and pulled out a pouch and tossed it up and down in his hand. "Sorry we had to meet under such circumstances, but a man cannot live on air alone, can he?" Smiling, he tossed the pouch through the air to her. "So let us just chalk this up to an unfortunate turn of events for both parties and go our separate ways, neither worse off for the exchange." Sounded reasonable enough, right? But he always hedged his bets. His slid into his pockets, eyes began to dart this way and that for a possible escape route.
The pouch would be snagged in the air with a single hand. She'd not even check its contents prior to refastening it securely to her belt. "Unfortunate for you, indeed it is." Came the calm tone of voice as those icy shards of blue remained fixed upon him. "Now I have to make one of two decisions. Either to use you as a warning to others by putting your dead body on display along the docks ..." This said, the cruelest formation of a grin did touch her lips, and those eyes held a chilling stare to equal their coloration. "... Or make you pay through another means." Arms again lifted to cross over her chest as she openly regarded him. "You have one minute to convince me of which choice I should make." Like a cat toying with a mouse.
Quite the cold-hearted pregnant dog, wasn't she? He stroked his chin, as if seriously considering his options. "Well, seeing as how I like living as opposed to being dead, and seeing as how one of those options included death, it seems I'd choose whatever is behind the second door. That said, I really don't see either happening. I just don't. It's nothing personal, love, it's just I've gotten out of tighter spots than this before. You aren't my first and you won't be my last, "he grinned crookedly, taking a step back.
A soft sigh to escape past her lips, and there was almost a moment in which she looked forlorn. "Tsk, tsk. You did little in helping me to make my decision. You didn't give me a convincing argument of why I should stay my hand." A slow shake of her head. "Well, since I'm to make the choice, it seems, then a vision of warning you'll become." Arms unfolded and a motion of hand and soon he'd find two pair of strong hands gripping each arm. The strength of the men with their hold would have him almost on tip toes. "Now to decide if I should just eviscerate you and leave you display. Maybe cut off your hands and let your life slowly ebb away under the public’s watchful eyes." Head tilted to the right as a hand lifted and index would tap against her lips in though. "Should cut out your tongue too, that way you can't verbally abuse those who may wish to view your demise." Left hand moved to her side, and from there she'd collect the dagger which was settled within its sheath. Lifting it to openly inspect the double edged blade, checking it for sharpness as he watched on.
"Wait, no, please...” he said, suddenly seeming genuinely afraid. ”I don't want to die. I'd rather have anything done! Please, just give me a chance and I'll show you!" It had an air of theatrics to it, but maybe he was being genuine? After all, nobody really wanted to die really. "I have skills, lots of skills and talents. I'm quick with my wit but even quicker with my hands!" All the while he stood there, knowing he still had a card or two to play, but first he wanted to see where this road led. If he could get off with scrubbing the deck of a ship or something well then, maybe he should just swallow his pride.
Icy shards of blue would rise from the inspection of her blade, to now rest upon the man. "Could make you a eunuch and sell you off to some noble house." The way she spoke, one would think she was discussing the weather. It was then she stepped forward, that dagger extended out slightly as the tip was pressed against his chest and then slowly moved downwards. Not with enough pressure to cause damage to flesh or the clothing he wore. Blade was drawn back from his form as she now slowly circled around until she stood directly behind him. "It's your quick hands that got you into this trouble to begin with. Perhaps I should let my pets have their way with you." Pets? Did he remember what was in the pouch? It was then he'd feel her close against his back, the heat of her breath against his neck and ear as she moved close and spoke again. "Besides your skilled hands and smart mouth, what other skills could you possibly possess that would interest me?"
She'd see the color drain immediately from his face when she mused on making him a eunuch. "No, not that..." he said, clearing his throat, obviously trying to keep cool but having a real tough time of it. Then he inhaled sharply a as she moved in, pressed the blade here and there and where it didn't belong, until finally she was behind him, whispering down into his ear. It made his blood boil, the arrogance of this woman who needed the strength of men to do what she couldn't. "I'm strong. A good worker. I'm good at math too--once kept books for a merchant. Hell, I can do whatever you want me to do. I'm that talented."
"Hmm..." A soft humming noise so close to his ear. Then he'd feel her step back, no longer was the warmth of her form close to his. Again she'd circle around him until she was standing directly in front and looking at him. "As a thief you lack sorely, or you wouldn't have gotten caught to begin with." Tapping the blade of that dagger against his chest. "So your actions don't do well in singing praises of your talents." This said as the evil nature of a smirk did appear upon unpainted lips. "It would be easier for me to simply dispose of you like one does their garbage." Casually stated as she turned upon a heel and took one step away. She remained there standing with her back to him as she seemed to be looking the area over. It was then she spotted something in the distance and stood there for a long moment in silence. The blade of her dagger was slowly being tapped upon the open palm of one hand. Many minutes would pass, leaving him to ponder over her thoughts. It was then she'd turn and look back at him and study him for a moment. "Maybe there is something you could be useful for after all."
His jaw clenched and his hands opened and closed as she continued to insult his abilities. But he couldn't exactly boast, or she might realize he was in fact one of the most successful thieves of all time! At least in his own mind he was. As he watched and listened he grew quiet, serious, as he started to realize this was not a woman to f**k with. She was serious about killing him, or chopping off his balls. He had to escape. So as she turned her back to him he suddenly stomped the feet of the men he held him and jerked away. They were strong though, and it was only with a great effort he freed himself. The movement caused him to fall forward onto the ground, onto his hands and knees. Disoriented and not exactly thinking clearly, he crawled forward, like he was worried the two guys behind him were going to grab him. It all happened to fast. Suddenly his shoulders hit the backs of her thighs, as he'd literally crawled as straight and fast as to not think or realize she was still standing there, back to him, blocking his way. His neck wedged between her thighs and his shoulders pushed back against her hamstrings, as though he was getting ready to stand up and give her a shoulder ride, like she was a child or something.
Since she had turned to look at him, it was her thighs that he'd meet with his shoulders, not the backside of her. Brows would furrow as he put his head between her legs? It was then she'd press them tightly together and using the hilt of that dagger that was in hand, she'd bring it down with a hard blow between his shoulder blades and against his spine. This was meant to lay him out fully into the dirt in pain. Then if and when he went down, her booted foot would come down in a harsh manner to press against the back of his neck and push his face into the dirt. "Just when you had changed my mind on killing you, you changed it back again." Low growl of words.
It was only when she snapped her thighs shut and squeezed his neck did he realize where he was and what had happened. Crying out in alarm at the strength her muscles exerted, he reached up and grabbed the back of her knees, not only for support, but to pull and try to ease some of the pressure. That's when the blade came down between his shoulder blades. He grunted and went down, but his grip on the backs of her knees would increase, holding and pulling at the same time, causing her knees to buckle. The result would've been yes, he hit the ground belly first, but she'd be pulled down with him, landing on her knees, thighs still clenching his neck while sitting on the back of his head. He groaned and cursed and shifted painfully, slowly trying to turn his head so at least it was his cheek she'd be pressuring into the ground, and not his face.
That wouldn't be a position in which they'd remain long. He was lucky she didn't cut his spine out right there and then. "Get him and take him to the hanging chains." Growled in a low tone that showed he had done surpassed her level of tolerance. Once more her men would come forth, he'd not be so lucky to get lose this time. They'd grab his arms and clench tightly, holding him in place until she could rise. Once she was on her feet, one of the men would grab him by the hair on the back of his head, pulling it back to hyperextend his neck as they raised him to his feet. Once he was up in their grasp she'd step forward. "Now you'll beg me to kill you." Words were hissed in a cold tone of voice before she'd turn to lead the way to the pole from which chains and shackles were suspended.
Once he was down, it was clear he wasn't getting up; she was too strong. He laid there uncomfortable as she sat on the side of his face and instructed her men to get the hanging chains. He shifted miserably, then grunted as she rose, unpinning him, sure, but it didn't matter, for her men now had him firmly in hand. "Aaahh!" He cried as they jerked his head back by his hair. His eyes instantly watered from the pain and he looked around wildly, true fear having pierced his heart. "Please, I... I'm sorry! I just panicked! I was scared! I’ll do anything you want, anything! Just give me a chance!" He was talking about a rate most couldn't even keep up with to the point that it was almost babble
.
Roughly he'd be dragged to the suspension pole, and even if he put up a fight, the men would only tighten their hold. They would lead him to stand beneath it, and then jerk his arms upwards so his wrists were now over his head. "I gave you a chance, and you only get one of those." Her tone as cold as those eyes that now bore into him. She'd move behind him and soon after he'd hear the rattling of chains before feeling the cold surface of metal as she placed the shackles on each arm. Once the shackles were in place, the men would release their hold upon him and exchange it to grip the length of chain that rested on either side. "Hoist him up till only his toes barely touch the ground." The command given and soon the men were doing as she bid. His arms to extend over his head as the chains were slowly being pulled taunt. Their grunts of effort to sound as he would soon find himself barely touching the ground. The men would then move to opposite sides to secure the chains ends to the support poles. She'd move around to stand before him, but to ensure she was not within reach of swinging or kicking legs. "The days get pretty hot here, and because of it, birds of prey often flock to the docks to cool and feast along the water’s edge. I think they deserve a much more fulfilling meal." No humor in that smile to show, quite the opposite. "Maybe they'll start with your eyes!"
He offered little resistance now as the men manhandled him to her orders. A cold shiver ran down his spine as she spoke, and then he felt the metal clasping and whoosh! His arms were extended up till his toes barely grazed the ground. Already he looked hot, as beads of sweat formed on his brow. Looking at her, he groaned and pleaded, "Please...I'm sorry... I'll do anything," he looked so helpless, so completely impotent. She'd managed to ruin his life inside of 15 minutes and he could barely even believe it. Now, as she spoke, his eyes turned upwards, towards potential birds of prey. Never had he been the prey before.
Looking to one of her men. "Hear that, he'll do anything. Isn't that what he said just before he attacked me for the second time today?" The men would all chuckle as they stood off to the side to watch the show. Dagger still in hand she'd now move forward and poke its tip at his abdomen. "I still think I should just gut you like a deer." The second poke of that tip would be over his heart. "Or cut out your heart and feed it to the wolves." It was then she began to slowly walk around him, when she got to his backside she'd poke his butt with the tip of the dagger. "Or we could use you for target practice for throwing daggers." Going over her options as she moved to now stand in front of him. "Or the eunuch part could still stand. A way to gain a favor from one to be called upon at a later time."
He sighed deeply and wondered, is this the end? Now she was just trying to scare him, he thought, unnerve him. Why the big show? If she was just going to do it, then do it! He felt sorry for himself though, and looked like he wanted to cry even. "What's that old saying? Better to die on your feet than serve on your knees?" Could he gain any comfort in that? Maybe. He raised his head and stared straight ahead, trying to keep his bottom lip from quivering. "No, please...Nothing eunuch...” he shifted, pressing his legs together awkwardly as he remained suspended in air.
"Hmmm, anything but that eh?" Watch as that smirk grew and she'd step closer towards him. It was then with a flash of hand that the dagger would be used to slip up under his belt and slice through it like butter. "Maybe that will indeed be your fate." The look upon her face was one of amusement. She was like a predator toying with its prey just before lurching in for the kill.
"Kat, stop it!" Came a voice from the gathering crowd. Pushing her way through till she gained her way to the front of them all to gaze upon the man that Kat was having her fun with. A slow shake of her head as soft brown eyes shifted from the man to the Norse. "You've made your point I'm sure, but enough is enough!" Her hands to rest upon the slight swell of hips. "There's enough going on around here without such a public display!"
"No... No please, please!!" He whined, swaying helplessly as she toyed with the idea of slicing his balls off. Now he really did look ready to cry, when another woman burst through the crowd, seemingly to his defense. His brow arched as he looked down at this new face, wondering who she was. Some tender-hearted woman, no doubt, and a friend of the Norse. He held his breath and kept quiet, eager to see how this would play out.
Her head would turn upon hearing the familiar voice, eyes to then fix upon the stern looking figure of Carlotta. "Now, now Carly. Do not despair for this man. He deserves what he's getting. He's lucky I don't just allow it to be open target practice with his body being the target." A low snicker to sound as she glanced back at the man then turned to move closer to the Barrister. "And what would you have me do with the thief? Hmm? Slap his hand and send him on his merry way?" Brow to rise slightly.
"If you're going to kill him, then be done with it. There's no sense in this form of public torture." A glance towards the man in suspension, before attention was back on Kat. "Or make him pay through servitude. What better way to break a man’s spirit than to make him your slave." Just giving the Norse an idea or two.
His eyes narrowed and he growled and kicked his feet defiantly. "What?! Be her slave?" He spat at the ground, his entire body trembling. He'd rather eat dirt for every meal the rest of his life than be the slave of this cold, domineering woman who obviously delighted in humiliating him. So outraged was he at the idea that he even momentarily forgot she was planning to make him a eunuch.
A brow rose as she listened to Carly, and then a bored glance towards the man who tried to remain defiant. Slow shake of her head. "I don't need any man around me that I don't trust." A glance towards him with his outburst, then back to Carly her focus returned. Slowly a grin was spreading upon her lips. "I have the perfect solution." Turning to look at the man. "You best pray to whatever God or Goddess you worship and give thanks." Stated in a sarcastic tone. "I will spare your life for your crimes against me, as a noble of Kiel. However, you will not be let free!" Looking to Carly and then back to him. "You are now in my debt, and you will pay it by working in Carly's tavern. What she provides, will be up to her. For now your debt to me is being passed onto her." It was then she'd step forward and lift that dagger so the blade pressed against his crotch. "And if you so much as cause on iota of trouble, or try to escape, I'll have you drawn and quartered slowly in the middle of the market." Her tone held that ominous note of warning. "You will be watched, and if any of my men think for a moment you're out of line, you'll be chained and shackled here again. We'll use your body for target practice for two days before you'll be quartered." Looking over to Carly. "How's that for being merciful?" Grinning like a Cheshire cat.
She stood there listening to Kat and slowly shaking her head. "You don't trust anyone, so what's the point?" It would be the Norse's words to follow that had her staring at the woman as if she'd just grew a second head. "You put the burden of a thief on me? Are you nuts!?" A deep breath taken then forced out as she looked to the man, then back to the Norse. "I guess this is my punishment for speaking out." Stated in a sarcastic tone. Looking back towards the man. "Merciful? Have you spent any time lately in the tavern?" Looking back to Kat. "He may rather chose death. Besides, I've never had a slave before. What am I supposed to do? Whip him into submission?"
This caused him to unexpectedly laugh, a deep, full-bellied laugh, like the kind an incredulous or insane man would make. "Oh, this is rich....So now this big, bad Amazon woman is passing not only my debt, but me, off to this meek little flower in the crowd? Oh yea, this is a great idea...How do you honestly expect me to bend over backwards for someone I don't fear and respect? You're setting me up to fail. You imposing penalties on me for not doing a good job just seem hypocritical -- either you give me away or you don't. You want to be involved but not involved? This is madness. Listen to her, she doesn't even know the first thing about any of this -- she's not an Amazon like you. Why don't we all just come to our senses here... I'll pay you double what is in your pouch to 'pay the debt', you let me go, and we let this timid woman go back to running her business."
A chuckle hearing Carly, but it would be the mans' words that had her out right laughing. "Timid? Meek?" Slowly shaking her head. "Amazon? Hmmm." Looking back to Carly. "I think I'll just cut out his tongue. I grow tired of hearing his mouth." It was then she turned and marched right up to him with dagger in hand. Reaching up to grab his lower jaw between the pinch of fingers on either side to force it open. The words she spoke were a low growl. "Your luck just ran out with me!" Other hand was on the rise and the tip of that blade pressed against his cheek with such force it began to draw blood. She wasn't just going to cut out his tongue, but his entire lower jaw in the process.
She looked at the man for a long moment, and at first she didn't say anything to still Kat's hand as she began to carve on the man's face. "Kat ... wait!" Taking a few steps forward. "I will take him off your hands. He thinks I'm so meek and mild, perhaps I should teach him the error of his ways." Those brown eyes that gazed up at him no longer held their usual softness, but instead a harsh glare. "And as for you and your mouth. Open it again and you'll find my fist in it. Kat's not the only one who knows how to wield a blade around here. And though I may not be Norse..." Correcting his assessment of Kat being an Amazon. He keeps insulting the Nordic woman in such a manner, she will simply gut him. Looking back to Kat. "I think he should spend the night like this, to humble him. Tomorrow I'll start him on his sentence." Looking back to the man. "You may beg for death yet!" A low warning tone to be given to him. She did stand up to help him in the beginning, but his insults directed towards her and her friend were enough for her to lose that compassionate edge directed his way.
He did not look convinced. Was this really his luck? He went from this cold, domineering Nordic woman threatening to make him a eunuch, to getting to work at some timid little flower's tavern? Suddenly things were looking up. He tilted his head and suppressed a smile -- not even the prospect of being strung up here all night seemed to dent his mood now. "Fair enough. What is my debt, anyway? How much do I owe and how much will I earn? I'd like to calculate how long this little interlude will last."
A nod of her head in agreement with the Irish woman, then focus was back on the man when he spoke. "Indefinitely. Your crime is thievery, assault, and insulting a noble. Death or imprisonment to be the alternative to your indenturing if you step out of line, just once!" Eyes narrowed upon him. "Earn? The only think you earned was your life saved from my hand." Looking back to Carly and she'd grin. "I'm sure JD will have some fun with him upon one of her visits too." That woman made Kat look like a saint. Looking back to the man. "Don't think for one moment that you're free of me, even though Carlotta here is taking over your debt. I will be around and will make you pay in ways that would make nightmares seem like dreams of fantasy." Looking back to Carly. "Let my men know when you want him brought to the tavern." Looking to her men to ensure they heard her words. Another glance back at the man before she'd turn and disappear into the crowd.
When Kat made the comment about JD a light chuckle sounded. "Oh, I'm sure she will indeed." Listening further to the Norse, then attention was on the man until Kat made that last comment towards her. A nod of her head in understanding. Watching as Kat departed, attention returned upon the man. "Don't think for a moment that your life will be easy, or that I'm as soft as you think. The last eunuch made in this city was by my own hand." Leaving that tad-bit of information for him to mull over. Looking to Kat's men. "Hoist him higher, so his feet don't touch the ground. Let's see just how strong he is." The men instantly set into motion to release the chains and hoist the thief higher into the air. The tip of the thief's toes would be suspended at least four inches above the ground. Seeing her orders followed through before looking to the man. "Remember this one thing, it's by my voice as to whether you suffer or not. Insult me again and I'll see to it that you beg for death several days before it'll be given."
- To be continued -
This was his kind of place, he thought as he leaned against the side of a building, face half-obscured by the low brim of his hat. He was dressed in leathers and a dark cloak that, if pulled forward, could conceal most of his body. It was a typical day for him, casually eyeing the coming and goings of the populace. It was an easy place to find a mark and get out without trouble; best of all, there was money here. Real money, for even the wealthy had to buy food and other merchandise. That's when he saw her and was immediately impressed. She seemed like the powerful type -- leader of an army maybe, or a band of men? A dangerous mark, but a fruitful one, he figured. So as she passed he pushed off the wall and followed closely behind her, matching his stride with hers. He just had to wait for the right moment to strike...Up ahead he noticed the crowd converging from the funnel shape of the road. Soon they were in the midsts of the crowd, everyone bumping and pushing to get to where they were going. It was then, during the roughest part, he snatched her money pouch and tucked it into his shirt. If she whipped around she'd see dozens of faces. As for Zahkar, he was sliding through the people like shadow, high-tailing it to a nearby alley he was familiar with.
Having stepped aside so the crowd could move past, it's when someone struck. She felt the weight of the pouch lifted from her side, and eyes shifted in time to see the dash of movement into the crowd. Not the individual was seen, just the flash of his form when he used the cover of bodies to make good his escape. A slight smirk to form upon her lips as she slowly turned and redirected her steps. She'd not run after him, nor would she call out that he stop or point out the direction of a thief. Why was she so calm? When the individual went to open the pouch stolen, within would be found more than just coins and gems. Call it a medieval style of an alarm system. Within said pouch were a few of her prized pets. The very ones utilized in seeing some jobs to their completion. When he stuck his hand in to view his reward, he'd also find nearly half dozen black widows secured within. Their venom something she had become immune to many years prior due to self-infliction to build up such; just as she had with all her other little pets. No, she'd take her time, easing through the crowd, figuring he'd head for an area to view his prize. Alleys were the area’s most thieves converged, so the nearest one is where she'd now head; waiting for the sound of that scream of fear, shout of surprise, or the sound of a man soon to die due to multiple bites from those tiny arachnids. Soon the crowd would be passed through and the alley within view ahead.
When he got into the alley he checked to make sure he was alone, and once he was sure he leaned back, grinning smugly at how easy that was, and opened the pouch. That's when she heard the shout of surprise as she managed to close and fasten the pouch back up before any of the hairy little eight-legged monsters came out to sample his flesh. "Son of a ...." he muttered, shaking his head at the cleverness. Either she collected spiders or, more likely, had dealt with her share of thieves. Not sure what to do, he tucked the pouch back into his vest and headed for the exit of the alley, only to find the tall, imposing figure of the woman standing there, blocking his way. nuts.
She heard the sound of his surprise, which only gave more life to that smirk that had formed upon her lips. Although she was a bit disappointed it wasn't a sound of horror and pain. Seems her little babies didn't get to take a bite out of the hand that took them. Arms lifted to cross over her chest as she came to a stop at the alleys end, just in time to come face to face with the one whom took what didn't belong to him. A brow arched slightly, head tilted to the left slightly as she did a slow head to toe perusal of the man. Did he feel like a steak at the meat market the way she was weighting and measuring him? Or perhaps like a pig about to be slaughtered? For a long moment she stood there in silence, then arms unfolded and her hand was extended out. "I believe you have something that belongs to me." As was the way of those loyal to the Norse, when they see her face to face with another they'd converge around without her even having to bid for their attentions. So now, there was not only the Norse before him, but several of what could be considered her goons that now began to circle around him.
He took a few steps back, grinning crookedly in that charming rogue sort of way he does. "Good afternoon milady," he bowed dramatically. "Something of yours, you say? Why, yes, I believe you're right..." he reached into his cloak and pulled out a pouch and tossed it up and down in his hand. "Sorry we had to meet under such circumstances, but a man cannot live on air alone, can he?" Smiling, he tossed the pouch through the air to her. "So let us just chalk this up to an unfortunate turn of events for both parties and go our separate ways, neither worse off for the exchange." Sounded reasonable enough, right? But he always hedged his bets. His slid into his pockets, eyes began to dart this way and that for a possible escape route.
The pouch would be snagged in the air with a single hand. She'd not even check its contents prior to refastening it securely to her belt. "Unfortunate for you, indeed it is." Came the calm tone of voice as those icy shards of blue remained fixed upon him. "Now I have to make one of two decisions. Either to use you as a warning to others by putting your dead body on display along the docks ..." This said, the cruelest formation of a grin did touch her lips, and those eyes held a chilling stare to equal their coloration. "... Or make you pay through another means." Arms again lifted to cross over her chest as she openly regarded him. "You have one minute to convince me of which choice I should make." Like a cat toying with a mouse.
Quite the cold-hearted pregnant dog, wasn't she? He stroked his chin, as if seriously considering his options. "Well, seeing as how I like living as opposed to being dead, and seeing as how one of those options included death, it seems I'd choose whatever is behind the second door. That said, I really don't see either happening. I just don't. It's nothing personal, love, it's just I've gotten out of tighter spots than this before. You aren't my first and you won't be my last, "he grinned crookedly, taking a step back.
A soft sigh to escape past her lips, and there was almost a moment in which she looked forlorn. "Tsk, tsk. You did little in helping me to make my decision. You didn't give me a convincing argument of why I should stay my hand." A slow shake of her head. "Well, since I'm to make the choice, it seems, then a vision of warning you'll become." Arms unfolded and a motion of hand and soon he'd find two pair of strong hands gripping each arm. The strength of the men with their hold would have him almost on tip toes. "Now to decide if I should just eviscerate you and leave you display. Maybe cut off your hands and let your life slowly ebb away under the public’s watchful eyes." Head tilted to the right as a hand lifted and index would tap against her lips in though. "Should cut out your tongue too, that way you can't verbally abuse those who may wish to view your demise." Left hand moved to her side, and from there she'd collect the dagger which was settled within its sheath. Lifting it to openly inspect the double edged blade, checking it for sharpness as he watched on.
"Wait, no, please...” he said, suddenly seeming genuinely afraid. ”I don't want to die. I'd rather have anything done! Please, just give me a chance and I'll show you!" It had an air of theatrics to it, but maybe he was being genuine? After all, nobody really wanted to die really. "I have skills, lots of skills and talents. I'm quick with my wit but even quicker with my hands!" All the while he stood there, knowing he still had a card or two to play, but first he wanted to see where this road led. If he could get off with scrubbing the deck of a ship or something well then, maybe he should just swallow his pride.
Icy shards of blue would rise from the inspection of her blade, to now rest upon the man. "Could make you a eunuch and sell you off to some noble house." The way she spoke, one would think she was discussing the weather. It was then she stepped forward, that dagger extended out slightly as the tip was pressed against his chest and then slowly moved downwards. Not with enough pressure to cause damage to flesh or the clothing he wore. Blade was drawn back from his form as she now slowly circled around until she stood directly behind him. "It's your quick hands that got you into this trouble to begin with. Perhaps I should let my pets have their way with you." Pets? Did he remember what was in the pouch? It was then he'd feel her close against his back, the heat of her breath against his neck and ear as she moved close and spoke again. "Besides your skilled hands and smart mouth, what other skills could you possibly possess that would interest me?"
She'd see the color drain immediately from his face when she mused on making him a eunuch. "No, not that..." he said, clearing his throat, obviously trying to keep cool but having a real tough time of it. Then he inhaled sharply a as she moved in, pressed the blade here and there and where it didn't belong, until finally she was behind him, whispering down into his ear. It made his blood boil, the arrogance of this woman who needed the strength of men to do what she couldn't. "I'm strong. A good worker. I'm good at math too--once kept books for a merchant. Hell, I can do whatever you want me to do. I'm that talented."
"Hmm..." A soft humming noise so close to his ear. Then he'd feel her step back, no longer was the warmth of her form close to his. Again she'd circle around him until she was standing directly in front and looking at him. "As a thief you lack sorely, or you wouldn't have gotten caught to begin with." Tapping the blade of that dagger against his chest. "So your actions don't do well in singing praises of your talents." This said as the evil nature of a smirk did appear upon unpainted lips. "It would be easier for me to simply dispose of you like one does their garbage." Casually stated as she turned upon a heel and took one step away. She remained there standing with her back to him as she seemed to be looking the area over. It was then she spotted something in the distance and stood there for a long moment in silence. The blade of her dagger was slowly being tapped upon the open palm of one hand. Many minutes would pass, leaving him to ponder over her thoughts. It was then she'd turn and look back at him and study him for a moment. "Maybe there is something you could be useful for after all."
His jaw clenched and his hands opened and closed as she continued to insult his abilities. But he couldn't exactly boast, or she might realize he was in fact one of the most successful thieves of all time! At least in his own mind he was. As he watched and listened he grew quiet, serious, as he started to realize this was not a woman to f**k with. She was serious about killing him, or chopping off his balls. He had to escape. So as she turned her back to him he suddenly stomped the feet of the men he held him and jerked away. They were strong though, and it was only with a great effort he freed himself. The movement caused him to fall forward onto the ground, onto his hands and knees. Disoriented and not exactly thinking clearly, he crawled forward, like he was worried the two guys behind him were going to grab him. It all happened to fast. Suddenly his shoulders hit the backs of her thighs, as he'd literally crawled as straight and fast as to not think or realize she was still standing there, back to him, blocking his way. His neck wedged between her thighs and his shoulders pushed back against her hamstrings, as though he was getting ready to stand up and give her a shoulder ride, like she was a child or something.
Since she had turned to look at him, it was her thighs that he'd meet with his shoulders, not the backside of her. Brows would furrow as he put his head between her legs? It was then she'd press them tightly together and using the hilt of that dagger that was in hand, she'd bring it down with a hard blow between his shoulder blades and against his spine. This was meant to lay him out fully into the dirt in pain. Then if and when he went down, her booted foot would come down in a harsh manner to press against the back of his neck and push his face into the dirt. "Just when you had changed my mind on killing you, you changed it back again." Low growl of words.
It was only when she snapped her thighs shut and squeezed his neck did he realize where he was and what had happened. Crying out in alarm at the strength her muscles exerted, he reached up and grabbed the back of her knees, not only for support, but to pull and try to ease some of the pressure. That's when the blade came down between his shoulder blades. He grunted and went down, but his grip on the backs of her knees would increase, holding and pulling at the same time, causing her knees to buckle. The result would've been yes, he hit the ground belly first, but she'd be pulled down with him, landing on her knees, thighs still clenching his neck while sitting on the back of his head. He groaned and cursed and shifted painfully, slowly trying to turn his head so at least it was his cheek she'd be pressuring into the ground, and not his face.
That wouldn't be a position in which they'd remain long. He was lucky she didn't cut his spine out right there and then. "Get him and take him to the hanging chains." Growled in a low tone that showed he had done surpassed her level of tolerance. Once more her men would come forth, he'd not be so lucky to get lose this time. They'd grab his arms and clench tightly, holding him in place until she could rise. Once she was on her feet, one of the men would grab him by the hair on the back of his head, pulling it back to hyperextend his neck as they raised him to his feet. Once he was up in their grasp she'd step forward. "Now you'll beg me to kill you." Words were hissed in a cold tone of voice before she'd turn to lead the way to the pole from which chains and shackles were suspended.
Once he was down, it was clear he wasn't getting up; she was too strong. He laid there uncomfortable as she sat on the side of his face and instructed her men to get the hanging chains. He shifted miserably, then grunted as she rose, unpinning him, sure, but it didn't matter, for her men now had him firmly in hand. "Aaahh!" He cried as they jerked his head back by his hair. His eyes instantly watered from the pain and he looked around wildly, true fear having pierced his heart. "Please, I... I'm sorry! I just panicked! I was scared! I’ll do anything you want, anything! Just give me a chance!" He was talking about a rate most couldn't even keep up with to the point that it was almost babble
.
Roughly he'd be dragged to the suspension pole, and even if he put up a fight, the men would only tighten their hold. They would lead him to stand beneath it, and then jerk his arms upwards so his wrists were now over his head. "I gave you a chance, and you only get one of those." Her tone as cold as those eyes that now bore into him. She'd move behind him and soon after he'd hear the rattling of chains before feeling the cold surface of metal as she placed the shackles on each arm. Once the shackles were in place, the men would release their hold upon him and exchange it to grip the length of chain that rested on either side. "Hoist him up till only his toes barely touch the ground." The command given and soon the men were doing as she bid. His arms to extend over his head as the chains were slowly being pulled taunt. Their grunts of effort to sound as he would soon find himself barely touching the ground. The men would then move to opposite sides to secure the chains ends to the support poles. She'd move around to stand before him, but to ensure she was not within reach of swinging or kicking legs. "The days get pretty hot here, and because of it, birds of prey often flock to the docks to cool and feast along the water’s edge. I think they deserve a much more fulfilling meal." No humor in that smile to show, quite the opposite. "Maybe they'll start with your eyes!"
He offered little resistance now as the men manhandled him to her orders. A cold shiver ran down his spine as she spoke, and then he felt the metal clasping and whoosh! His arms were extended up till his toes barely grazed the ground. Already he looked hot, as beads of sweat formed on his brow. Looking at her, he groaned and pleaded, "Please...I'm sorry... I'll do anything," he looked so helpless, so completely impotent. She'd managed to ruin his life inside of 15 minutes and he could barely even believe it. Now, as she spoke, his eyes turned upwards, towards potential birds of prey. Never had he been the prey before.
Looking to one of her men. "Hear that, he'll do anything. Isn't that what he said just before he attacked me for the second time today?" The men would all chuckle as they stood off to the side to watch the show. Dagger still in hand she'd now move forward and poke its tip at his abdomen. "I still think I should just gut you like a deer." The second poke of that tip would be over his heart. "Or cut out your heart and feed it to the wolves." It was then she began to slowly walk around him, when she got to his backside she'd poke his butt with the tip of the dagger. "Or we could use you for target practice for throwing daggers." Going over her options as she moved to now stand in front of him. "Or the eunuch part could still stand. A way to gain a favor from one to be called upon at a later time."
He sighed deeply and wondered, is this the end? Now she was just trying to scare him, he thought, unnerve him. Why the big show? If she was just going to do it, then do it! He felt sorry for himself though, and looked like he wanted to cry even. "What's that old saying? Better to die on your feet than serve on your knees?" Could he gain any comfort in that? Maybe. He raised his head and stared straight ahead, trying to keep his bottom lip from quivering. "No, please...Nothing eunuch...” he shifted, pressing his legs together awkwardly as he remained suspended in air.
"Hmmm, anything but that eh?" Watch as that smirk grew and she'd step closer towards him. It was then with a flash of hand that the dagger would be used to slip up under his belt and slice through it like butter. "Maybe that will indeed be your fate." The look upon her face was one of amusement. She was like a predator toying with its prey just before lurching in for the kill.
"Kat, stop it!" Came a voice from the gathering crowd. Pushing her way through till she gained her way to the front of them all to gaze upon the man that Kat was having her fun with. A slow shake of her head as soft brown eyes shifted from the man to the Norse. "You've made your point I'm sure, but enough is enough!" Her hands to rest upon the slight swell of hips. "There's enough going on around here without such a public display!"
"No... No please, please!!" He whined, swaying helplessly as she toyed with the idea of slicing his balls off. Now he really did look ready to cry, when another woman burst through the crowd, seemingly to his defense. His brow arched as he looked down at this new face, wondering who she was. Some tender-hearted woman, no doubt, and a friend of the Norse. He held his breath and kept quiet, eager to see how this would play out.
Her head would turn upon hearing the familiar voice, eyes to then fix upon the stern looking figure of Carlotta. "Now, now Carly. Do not despair for this man. He deserves what he's getting. He's lucky I don't just allow it to be open target practice with his body being the target." A low snicker to sound as she glanced back at the man then turned to move closer to the Barrister. "And what would you have me do with the thief? Hmm? Slap his hand and send him on his merry way?" Brow to rise slightly.
"If you're going to kill him, then be done with it. There's no sense in this form of public torture." A glance towards the man in suspension, before attention was back on Kat. "Or make him pay through servitude. What better way to break a man’s spirit than to make him your slave." Just giving the Norse an idea or two.
His eyes narrowed and he growled and kicked his feet defiantly. "What?! Be her slave?" He spat at the ground, his entire body trembling. He'd rather eat dirt for every meal the rest of his life than be the slave of this cold, domineering woman who obviously delighted in humiliating him. So outraged was he at the idea that he even momentarily forgot she was planning to make him a eunuch.
A brow rose as she listened to Carly, and then a bored glance towards the man who tried to remain defiant. Slow shake of her head. "I don't need any man around me that I don't trust." A glance towards him with his outburst, then back to Carly her focus returned. Slowly a grin was spreading upon her lips. "I have the perfect solution." Turning to look at the man. "You best pray to whatever God or Goddess you worship and give thanks." Stated in a sarcastic tone. "I will spare your life for your crimes against me, as a noble of Kiel. However, you will not be let free!" Looking to Carly and then back to him. "You are now in my debt, and you will pay it by working in Carly's tavern. What she provides, will be up to her. For now your debt to me is being passed onto her." It was then she'd step forward and lift that dagger so the blade pressed against his crotch. "And if you so much as cause on iota of trouble, or try to escape, I'll have you drawn and quartered slowly in the middle of the market." Her tone held that ominous note of warning. "You will be watched, and if any of my men think for a moment you're out of line, you'll be chained and shackled here again. We'll use your body for target practice for two days before you'll be quartered." Looking over to Carly. "How's that for being merciful?" Grinning like a Cheshire cat.
She stood there listening to Kat and slowly shaking her head. "You don't trust anyone, so what's the point?" It would be the Norse's words to follow that had her staring at the woman as if she'd just grew a second head. "You put the burden of a thief on me? Are you nuts!?" A deep breath taken then forced out as she looked to the man, then back to the Norse. "I guess this is my punishment for speaking out." Stated in a sarcastic tone. Looking back towards the man. "Merciful? Have you spent any time lately in the tavern?" Looking back to Kat. "He may rather chose death. Besides, I've never had a slave before. What am I supposed to do? Whip him into submission?"
This caused him to unexpectedly laugh, a deep, full-bellied laugh, like the kind an incredulous or insane man would make. "Oh, this is rich....So now this big, bad Amazon woman is passing not only my debt, but me, off to this meek little flower in the crowd? Oh yea, this is a great idea...How do you honestly expect me to bend over backwards for someone I don't fear and respect? You're setting me up to fail. You imposing penalties on me for not doing a good job just seem hypocritical -- either you give me away or you don't. You want to be involved but not involved? This is madness. Listen to her, she doesn't even know the first thing about any of this -- she's not an Amazon like you. Why don't we all just come to our senses here... I'll pay you double what is in your pouch to 'pay the debt', you let me go, and we let this timid woman go back to running her business."
A chuckle hearing Carly, but it would be the mans' words that had her out right laughing. "Timid? Meek?" Slowly shaking her head. "Amazon? Hmmm." Looking back to Carly. "I think I'll just cut out his tongue. I grow tired of hearing his mouth." It was then she turned and marched right up to him with dagger in hand. Reaching up to grab his lower jaw between the pinch of fingers on either side to force it open. The words she spoke were a low growl. "Your luck just ran out with me!" Other hand was on the rise and the tip of that blade pressed against his cheek with such force it began to draw blood. She wasn't just going to cut out his tongue, but his entire lower jaw in the process.
She looked at the man for a long moment, and at first she didn't say anything to still Kat's hand as she began to carve on the man's face. "Kat ... wait!" Taking a few steps forward. "I will take him off your hands. He thinks I'm so meek and mild, perhaps I should teach him the error of his ways." Those brown eyes that gazed up at him no longer held their usual softness, but instead a harsh glare. "And as for you and your mouth. Open it again and you'll find my fist in it. Kat's not the only one who knows how to wield a blade around here. And though I may not be Norse..." Correcting his assessment of Kat being an Amazon. He keeps insulting the Nordic woman in such a manner, she will simply gut him. Looking back to Kat. "I think he should spend the night like this, to humble him. Tomorrow I'll start him on his sentence." Looking back to the man. "You may beg for death yet!" A low warning tone to be given to him. She did stand up to help him in the beginning, but his insults directed towards her and her friend were enough for her to lose that compassionate edge directed his way.
He did not look convinced. Was this really his luck? He went from this cold, domineering Nordic woman threatening to make him a eunuch, to getting to work at some timid little flower's tavern? Suddenly things were looking up. He tilted his head and suppressed a smile -- not even the prospect of being strung up here all night seemed to dent his mood now. "Fair enough. What is my debt, anyway? How much do I owe and how much will I earn? I'd like to calculate how long this little interlude will last."
A nod of her head in agreement with the Irish woman, then focus was back on the man when he spoke. "Indefinitely. Your crime is thievery, assault, and insulting a noble. Death or imprisonment to be the alternative to your indenturing if you step out of line, just once!" Eyes narrowed upon him. "Earn? The only think you earned was your life saved from my hand." Looking back to Carly and she'd grin. "I'm sure JD will have some fun with him upon one of her visits too." That woman made Kat look like a saint. Looking back to the man. "Don't think for one moment that you're free of me, even though Carlotta here is taking over your debt. I will be around and will make you pay in ways that would make nightmares seem like dreams of fantasy." Looking back to Carly. "Let my men know when you want him brought to the tavern." Looking to her men to ensure they heard her words. Another glance back at the man before she'd turn and disappear into the crowd.
When Kat made the comment about JD a light chuckle sounded. "Oh, I'm sure she will indeed." Listening further to the Norse, then attention was on the man until Kat made that last comment towards her. A nod of her head in understanding. Watching as Kat departed, attention returned upon the man. "Don't think for a moment that your life will be easy, or that I'm as soft as you think. The last eunuch made in this city was by my own hand." Leaving that tad-bit of information for him to mull over. Looking to Kat's men. "Hoist him higher, so his feet don't touch the ground. Let's see just how strong he is." The men instantly set into motion to release the chains and hoist the thief higher into the air. The tip of the thief's toes would be suspended at least four inches above the ground. Seeing her orders followed through before looking to the man. "Remember this one thing, it's by my voice as to whether you suffer or not. Insult me again and I'll see to it that you beg for death several days before it'll be given."
- To be continued -