1: A Rude Awakening
Garrison was restless in the rain. My cloak sagged over each side of his saddle and coated the sides of his abdomen. He whinnied and snorted his displeasure.
"That's all right, boy. Just a little longer." I patted his neck and righted myself in the saddle.
The dim light of Larkville was close now. Maybe a mile or so.
I blew warmth into my hands and felt the calluses there. The rain beat on them, running between their cracks. Left behind by years of hard labor. It had not been so long ago, after all.
Something moved in the trees. As I turned to investigate, Garrison reared up.
"Whoa! Whoa, boy!"
He came down but continued to dance.
"Shhh shhh."
I came down from the saddle and took another look into the woods and muttered, "What in hell was that?"
Just then Garrison bolted into the night. Off down the road he went into the dark of the woods.
"Damn beast."
I saw a flash of something. And stood a while longer, then made my way on foot.
The door to the "Barbow Inn" swung open before me and I was greeted first with the smell of mince pies, then the acrid odor of men. Their heads turned to look me over.
Silence fell.
"A freeman." Someone muttered.
"Looks like trouble." Said another.
Raised both of my arms in a kind gesture and pulled the collar of my shirt down. There, branded by my former master Matthias, was a freedom mark. A circle crest with the signet of the master and a letter that represented the reason for release. My mark bore the letter "N" for "Noble discharge."
This resulted in a wild cheer, and much merry was made before I was offered a bath and a bed. Both I accepted, heartily.
Two serving wenches led me to the bath and undressed me clumsily. Feigning shame when one of their hands grazed the edge of my manhood, or the curve of my buttocks.
"You certainly kept yourself healthy." The older one said, clearly admiring my body.
"Did you get in a fight with an armory?" Said the younger, referring to my many scars.
"I've seen my fair share of trouble. Much in the time of my service." I replied.
They eyed me as I stepped into the bath.
"What'd I'd give for bigger baths." The younger said.
"Hush now!" Started the older. "You'll embarrass our guest."
The younger bowed in acknowledgement and began to soap my chest from behind with a large sponge. The other began washing my feet. The younger took great care to not miss a thing as she soaped me. I felt her breasts against my neck, and the hard nubs of her nipples poked aggressively through her blouse, drawing small shapes on my back. Her hands moved slowly, climbing down my abs as if counting the rungs on a ladder. Her touch was soft, and when her supervisor wasn't looking, playful. Before long she was running the tips of her nails along my navel.
I blushed, as I felt myself swell below a small layer of foam.
The younger didn't notice, but the older did. She looked shocked at first, then she gave the younger a frustrated glance and smiled down at me.
"Noble discharge?" The older asked as she massaged my thigh.
"I saved my master's daughter from a troll." I said, not without an air of pride.
"Surely you are fibbing." Said the younger, who had just about reached the base of me.
"I mayn't lie." I laughed. "My oath forbids it."
"My, my a strong lad." The older teased.
"Not so much a lad anymore, I'm afraid."
"Nonsense."