ForevaXena's FanFic . . .

The Swan And The Scorpion

by Ellianora

Disclaimer: The characters are of my own creation, and as such are my property though the two primary female character do somewhat resemble a pair we all know and love.

Gen/alt/uber

Violence: Yes there is violence and it can be quite graphic. There are also complex moral issues here and there are a few rather adult themes.

Sex: Only a little kissing and genuine expressions of love between two people who care for each other deeply and happen to be of the same sex.

Parts 1 and 2 of this story take place before the current novel ("Turn Of The Wheel") . Parts 3 & 4 take place after. I am still working on the current chapter of the novel, but I just felt the need to write this. Once again, thanks to my ever loyal editors Trish and Lesley.

Part 2: And The Sting

A hard kick from a thick leather boot forced Venom back into consciousness. "She looks dead," she heard a male voice state sounding as if it was in some vast echoing valley. The man boot her again a little harder this time.

" A pity she was looker too," another man remarked. "Oh well, that fancy cloak of hers will fetch a good price." She heard several more men mumble in agreement and the shuffling of large nonhuman feet. Venom estimated there were five maybe more and most if not all were mounted. Still, she couldn't let them take her cloak; it was bad enough Blackheart had taken her sword, if the fool even realized what it was.

" Well don't just stand there gawking at her, " a man ordered, " get the cloak and boots and anything else we can fence." Venom could sense the man lowering down to perform the task. Her muscles ached from the ordeal however she wasn't about to let these men rob her without a fight. She would not allow this one indignity.

Tensing her throbbing legs, she flung them out catching the man, sending him crashing to the soft sand with a startled yelp. Staggering to he feet she grasped the dagger in her trembling hands. " You want my things you scavengers," she rasped in a parched voice, " then you'll need to fight me." In the midst of her threat, Venom dropped to her knees exhausted from the effort.

Standing briefly she had noticed she was surrounded by at least fifteen men all mounted upon Nagala's, a large bipedal bird common to the plains of Mazaroc. Normally used by the savage orcs they were also prized by a few of caravan raiders for their ferocity and heavy damaging beaks. " Great, " Venom thought, trying desperately to regain her feet, " I get rescued by a band of murdering thieves."

" She still has fight in her who would have thought it, the one who was the apparent leader remarked. " We would take you back to camp but I fear you would not endure the walk and a Nagala only permits one rider at a time."

" If you are feeling so generous," Venom remarked between cracked lips, " why not leave me some water and food."

" Alas my dear," the man continued in mock sympathy, "I only have enough provisions for each of my men, nothing to spare."

One of the brigands took pity on the wretched woman dismounting to help her back to her feet. " I see Venom, " replied grimly accepting the man's assistance. In a sudden burst of speed, she buried the dagger into the man's heart. " Now you have one less man, " Venom announced managing to stand fully erect as the corpse dropped to the ground.

The remaining men readied their weapons to bring down this impudent woman. " "Wait," the leader ordered, " we can use a warrior like her provided she lives long enough to get to the camp."

" Where is his Nagala?" Venom asked whiled stripping the dead man of his sword and provisions." One of the men pointed wordlessly to the barebacked bird. She nodded an acknowledgement of thanks to the man making her way to her new mount. It took great effort on her part, but she finally managed to mount the beast, holding tightly onto the thick-corded neck.

" The one you murdered was only a boy," one of the men said glaring at her.

" Then he was young and stupid," Venom, corrected him. " I take it this thing will follow you all home."

" It will, " the leader, replied, " I don't believe I got your name woman?"

" I didn't say it," she answered as the birds started on their journey. " I go by the name of Venom." This caused the raiders to begin whispering among themselves most had heard of the pirate called Venom and her loathsome reputation. " And who might you be?"

" I am called Scythe," the man answered with a note of pride, " the caravans fall before me like shafts of wheat."

" Whatever, "she said in a drowsy voice as she drifted to sleep hugging the neck of the large bird.

Upon reaching the camp, Venom slid off the bird stumbling into the closest tent. Scythe order a few of the camp followers to attend to the young woman, nursing her back to health. If she did survive, Scythe imagined the woman would make an excellent addition to his band.

Venom did recover from her ordeal even faster then those tending her thought possible. In a scant few days, she was sitting upright asking questions about the band of brigands. The band was known as the Reavers, a small group consisting of fifteen men.

Gaining her strength Venom began to ride with the raiders whose assaults became more frequent, more daring and more profitable. Men started to flock to their banner as word of the successes of the raiders began to spread. The raiders numbers swelled in size. Scythe promoted the dark-skinned woman to his second in command as he became more aware of her keen tactical mind.

The increased size allowed them to become even daring in the scope of raiding the rich dwarven caravans and even assaulting a few of the hamlets on the southern borders of Weston, making off with precious grain and slaves for the block. Meanwhile, Venom continued to receive reports concerning Blackheart. Using her ship as well as his own he had managed to become quite successful as well, amassing a great deal of wealth. Blackheart had even established a small seaside town, for fencing goods, legitimizing himself as sort of independent Baron.

The Reavers on the other hand became even bolder in their criminal activity, becoming ever richer as their ranks increased to rival those of a small army. Even the patrolling Archeon forces hesitated in confronting the raiders. Still, Venom remembered that one night she was tossed ignominiously off her own ship, thus nursing the seething hatred and desire for revenge with in her.

After many plantings, Venom found herself lounging upon a silken pillow draped in jewels from the latest take. " I think it is time we raided Blackheart's keep," Venom said casually to Scythe sitting opposite of her enjoying a fine glass of wine. " It is said he has riches there beyond measure from scores of other raids by pirates."

" It is also defended like a fortress," Scythe countered, " besides to attack him would make us hated among every pirate and brigand on this coast."

" Who gives a dragperg what others think," Venom spat. " We are the strongest band of raiders upon the plains. No one even comes close to us. We should take what we want."

" I understand your desire for revenge Venom, " Scythe replied laughing slightly, " but there is no need to draw any attention to ourselves. Perhaps now that we have so much wealth, we should follow his lead and establish our own small keep."

" And I say we don't need to sit back in some cozy little cottage and rot." Venom argued. " We've got power and strength, almost enough to take a small city."

" I am the leader here," Scythe stated sternly, " though I value your advice I have the final say as to what our band does."

" Get out." Venom demanded taking a swig of ale from her crafted tankard.

" I understand your anger my dear," Scythe replied rising from his seat and will leave your tent. Hopefully, you will be in a better mood."

" I am sure I will be," Venom replied with a grin, "though I doubt you will, when I said get out I meant out of the camp."

" You dare," Scythe raged, " guards, "he shouted," take this impudent woman." The guards at the door stood unmoving.

" They wont listen to you," Venom remarked with a smirk, " they listen to me. To emphasize her point, she ordered the guards to leave them alone. The men obeyed. "Did you think those men joined us because of you?" Venom laughed cruelly at the frustrated man.

" I still have those loyal to me," Scythe countered. "They wont stand for this."

" True," Venom agreed, " that's why I ordered my men to slit their throats while they slept. I imagined you would not have the backbone for what I proposed and took steps to take care of any obstacles."

" You bitch!"

" That's sea-bitch," she corrected him.

" After I took you in," he stammered, " I could have left you to rot on that beach and this is how you repay me."

" Nothing personal," Venom stated rising from the pillows," but I am grateful, that is why I am letting you walk out of here alive." With those words, Venom stood up and strolled out of the tent.

The enraged man drew his sword dashing out of the tent, rushing towards Venom. Several men grabbed Scythe, throwing him to the ground before he could reach her. One of the men raised his blade to strike down the would- be attacker.

" No," Venom ordered spinning around. " Never kill or attack someone who dares to confront me from behind or otherwise." Venom stood in front of the once proud bandit leader now held captive before her. " Hold out his hands." She demanded.

Despite his struggling the men managed to thrust his hands out before Venom who grasped them in her vice-like grip. He could hear the sickening crunch of the bones as she closed her fist upon them. " Release him." Venom said with an evil laugh as Scythe fell to the ground wreathing in the pain and shock of his mangled hands.

" There is a village five miles from here," Venom continued," if you remain conscious they might save your hands providing you don't pass out before you get there." The man had stumbled out of the camp blinded from the pain and savagery of the attack."

Venom turned back to her tent ignoring the retreating man " All those who were chosen as my lieutenants, " she stated." I want you in my tent in five minutes we have a raid to plan."

****

The man once called Blackheart, now going by the name of Sebastian; which was his given Camoran name relaxed in front of his desk, studying the recent papers that had arrived needing his attention. His once unruly hair was now washed and pulled back in a neat ponytail. He was clothed in fabric adorned with fine brocade that one of his current station was expected to wear.

Instinctively, his piercing eyes were drawn to a large forbidding sword mounted upon the far wall of his study. It had once belonged to the female pirate known as Venom till he had managed to capture her ship and send the black fiend to meet Malice. He imagined the two might even now be battling for control of her dark kingdom. Today, though Sebastian seemed drawn to the blade known as 'Havoc's Tears as if it was issuing some silent sirens call. Straightening his vest, he rose from his chair to stand in front of the fearsome sword feeling the desire to view the weapon even closer.

" I've often wondered why you never carried that weapon yourself?" He heard a soft female voice ask behind him. Sebastian turned his head slightly acknowledging the dark Archeon woman known a Janeela who had entered with his son's pet Wernain padding along faithfully beside her. After that faithful night he had captured Venom's vessel he had every intention of selling the woman to the slavers for a good profit but the more he talked to her the more drawn he was to her. Seeing has how his own wife had recently departed leaving him with a young son, he had offered the woman the position of governess, a task that she had proven to be more then capable of doing.

"You might find it odd," Sebastian admitted, " but I always got this feeling I was not worthy to carry the thing."

" Not odd at all," she replied with slight smile, " the weapon is meant for the hands of a warrior and you are not a true warrior. You have more a of merchant and trader's soul."

" I managed to defeat Venom, " he countered.

" Only through guile," Janeela reminded him, " and the fact she was distracted. Otherwise, I doubt you would have been victorious. Janeela lowered her head remembering the beautiful dark woman and the pleasant times they had shared together.

" Not to long ago I would have killed you were you stood for that comment," Sebastian stated, " but now with all of this and the chance to see my son grow into a fine young man. I feel I admit you are right. At least I did eliminate the vile being from this world. I fear I may never fully understand why you feel remorse for one such as her.

" Your son's pet Wernain is a very loyal and good-natured beast," she said petting the beast affectionately on the head. " Yet I have seen some who have been beaten and tortured mercilessly by their owners. The poor creatures turn vicious, attacking any poor being that happens to cross their path."

" You truly are an amazing lady," Sebastian said with more then a little admiration. " You almost make me feel sorry for the woman myself. Still even though it is not the poor beasts fault the creature must eventually be put out of its misery. One might even look upon it as an act of mercy."

" I only pray to Mitra that for you and your son's sake you are correct and Venom is truly dead." Janeela said staring at the blade.

" She was tied to a plank and tossed in the ocean," Sebastian said with just a twinge of fear in his voice. " There is no way that anyone could survive such an ordeal."

" Venom has a strength of will rarely seen," Janeela said deliberately. " The only way to be sure one such as her is truly dead is to see the body in person."

" You overestimate the woman," Sebastian laughed nervously.

" And you underestimate," she informed him, " or more likely are trying convince your own self there is nothing to fear. Be assured if she is alive she will come."

Before he could respond, a young bright-eyed boy rushed into the study, his youthful green eyes dancing with joy and innocence. " Father, Janeela," the boy shouted excitedly, " Ragul said he would start to train me with a sword tomorrow."

" I am not sure that is wise," Janeela said with a note of motherly concern. In her long and chaotic life, she had never felt such joy and fulfillment like she had taking care of Jaren, Sebastian's young son. The day she had been taken by the pirate called Blackheart she had resigned herself to be yet another pawn or plaything till she found a way to escape. Even though the apparent grisly demise of the female pirate saddened her, it brought her into the life of this boy and his father whom she had grown quite fond of. Perhaps Sebastian was correct it was for the best. She just hoped he was right and Venom was truly dead for his sake.

" He must learn to defend himself if he is to be leader," Sebastian said rubbing his son's head proudly. " Still," he emphasized kneeling down to look into his son's eyes, " the use of weapons should never be taken lightly. Killing is serious business and taking a life is not a cause for celebration."

" Yes father," Jaren replied dutifully."

" You both have learned well," Janeela said with a note of approval.

" We have had a good teacher," Sebastian replied as the father and son hugged the young woman.

Just then, his second in command rushed into the room not bothering to knock. " Sorry for the intrusion sir," he said hurriedly, " but there are raiders approaching fast from the north."

" Who would dare to attack us," Sebastian boomed rushing to get his battle mail and weapons. " Most raiders and pirate companies leave us alone for fear of reprisal."

" They are flying the banner of Ice Fang," the man replied.

" Only that empty headed northern savage would attempt this," Sebastian growled. Ready the militia," he ordered, " and get the sailors from both ships. Another stupid move to attack while both ships are in port."

" Isn't there rumored to be a dark skinned woman riding with a group of raiders?" Janeela asked as she pulled the boy closer to her, his eyes widening sensing the tension."

" That's just a rumor," Sebastian remarked, " besides those with be the bird riders under Scythe and they are far north. " Also Scythe as much more sense than to attempt anything like this. Only a stupid barbarian from the Ten Thousand Kingdoms would try this. Stay here with the boy; " he commanded Janeela," we should be able to deal with them."

" A stupid barbarian, " Janeela repeated escorting the frightened boy out of the room as his father rushed off to defend their home," or rabid Wernain."

Venom observed the settlements defenders taking to the field as she set astride her Nagala in the tall plains grass like a cat ready to pounce. A cruel smile played on her lips watching them launch their assault upon her secondary forces. She had instructed the men to design a banner resembling the savage Ice Fang's raiders realizing Blackheart would believe it easy to defeat the savage and his uncomplicated combat tactics of full charge into the fray. Not to mention, with both ships in the harbor he would easily outnumber those raiders. Blackheart had always been a cautious one he wouldn't launch such a major offensive unless he was certain of victory. Venom glanced about at the score of raiders astride their own Nagalas. It would be the fools' last blunder.

Of course, Venom had been aware the ships were in port, the extra manpower would give him the confidence he needed and she wanted to make this a decisive and final confrontation.

She watched as the two forces clashed in the open. The next part of the plan was tricky, the forces below needed to slowly retreat as the battle continued pulling the defenders back further and further till they came in range of Venom's own contingent. She was not disappointed by their performance. Venom could feel her blood race as Blackheart's forces fell into her trap. The tall dark woman had fantasized of this moment ever since she had been cast adrift on the plank, which should have been her deathbed.

Taking one final deep breath Venom motioned her forces to rise out of their places of concealment and unfurl her own banner she had created, that of a coiled serpent ready to strike. Giving out a savage battle cry, she led her men screaming down onto the surprised forces.

They slammed into the defenders exposed rear flank, ripping into them before they could react. " Give no quarter," she bellowed as she slashed through any in her path. Those who had been retreating suddenly launched their own vicous attack from the front.

Venom wheeled around her mighty war-bird as the heavy beak battered her foes. The tall dark woman's eye's danced with an insane light as she slashed down severing one man's arm at the shoulder then spinning her blade driving the point in to the chest of another. The woman seemed to draw some kind of mythic energy from the carnage around her, becoming even stronger and increasing the tempo of her strikes.

" Venom," she heard a strangulated scream as Blackheart finally caught sight of his antagonist.

" That's right," she confirmed his worst fear, " I made you a vow Blackheart and I've been saving a bottle of ale for the occasion." The woman's ice blue eyes seemed to burn straight through to his soul as his own widened with terror. In that instant, he knew he was going to die.

Sebastian turned his horse around heading back to the settlement at full gallop. Upon seeing their commander, retreating the remaining men began a full rout. " Cut them down," Venom ordered slashing at the exposed back of a fleeing victim, leave not a single one alive."

Waving swords over their heads Venom's victorious band rode into the town as women and men scattered about in panic. " Burn the buildings," she commanded, " kill everyone in sight." She next spotted a building standing away from the rest. By the sturdy construction and simple but elegant design she knew it could only belong to Blackheart.

Jumping off her Nagala Venom rushed to the door kicking it open. She could hear Havoc's Tear's calling her name leading her to the small study where she found her beloved weapon mounted upon the wall like some mere trophy. Venom lovingly removed the blade from the plaque. The sword almost seemed to sing with delight as she gripped the hilt once again. Suddenly she heard the sound of feet scampering for the back door. Venom rushed in the direction of the sound following the echo of the running steps.

The lovely young statuesque dark woman rushed out of the house into the tall plains grass. She could see her quarry, a small shadowy figure trying in vain to escape the massacre. Then in the darkness, the figure stumbled tumbling to the ground. Catching up to him, she could now see it was a small boy glancing up at her like a trapped animal observing a predator ready to pounce.

" You are Jaren, Blackheart's boy aren't you," Venom stated coldly, " bad luck for you."

" No," Janeela shouted interposing herself between Venom and the boy. " I wont let you hurt him."

" Janeela," Venom exclaimed barely able to contain her glee that she was alive. Then she noted the grim determination in the woman's eyes as she raised her own sword in defiance of the pirate. " Don't do this," Venom pleaded, " that's Blackheart's son."

" I know," Janeela, confirmed, " what Blackheart did was wrong and I wont ask you to spare him but you must spare his son."

" I can't."

" Yes you can," Janeela argued. " It is all up to you. The choice is yours. If our time meant anything to you at all I beg you to spare his life."

Venom stood awkwardly facing the young woman unsure of what to do as the bloodlust departed her, before she could move an arrow pierced Janeela's side followed by another and another.

" No," Venom cried as Janeela fell lifeless to the ground. The tall dark woman glanced about madly to see who had been fired the arrows. She discovered the culprit to be one of her own men, no doubt trying to defend her.

Giving a primal yell, she flung her sword piercing the culprit's heart. He barely had enough time to cry out. " I said nobody attacks an opponent of mine, " Venom announced, as Venom grasped the hilt of her returning sword, " and I never repeat myself."

Forcing back the tears welling up inside her, Venom spun back around glaring at the small boy still frozen with fear in the tall grass. " Get up," she whispered between clenched teeth. "Start running and don't stop till you are so tired you collapse face down on the ground." The boy complied as Venom turned around to head back to the town.

" The town is ours," one of the men cried out jubilantly, " what do you want done with the women and children?"

" Kill them all, " Venom stated her voice and look hardening with each long stride. " Everyone except Blackheart, I want him brought to me alive or swear I'll personally gut the man who kills him."

Presently amidst the burning remains, Blackheart was dragged before the fearsome woman towering over him. His once fine clothes and armor were now filthy and spattered with blood. His eyes were still wide and his mouth hung open unable to utter a single word.

"Don't worry," she said, in mock sympathy. Placing her hand under his chin and lifting his head up, forcing him to gaze into her piercing blue eyes, "I wont break your precious code and kill another captain." With that she let is head drop. " Unless of course you want me too. Tie him up in the center of his precious town," she ordered her men. " Gather up the few that remain and impale them in circle around their generous benefactor." Venom then headed back to the fields. " I want all this done prior to my return or will know the reason why."

" Beg your pardon miss," one of the raiders asked hesitantly, " where will ye be?"

She turned around glaring at the man who had spoken with those hard cold eyes. " That's my business," she stated. "Unless you think you have the right to question me. I do what I please when I please. Understand?" The man nodded fearfully hurrying off to begin the gory task she had set for them.

Returning back to the fields the tall dark woman tenderly lifted the body of the petite woman off the ground where she had fallen carrying her as far away from the devastation as she could. Using her sword, she started to dig a small hole in the plains, finishing the task with her bare hands. She then lowered the Janeela's corpse into the shallow grave. She allowed a few tears to trickle down her cheek as she covered lifeless husk. Next, she scoured the area searching for stones to pile upon the grave to prevent any beasts from digging up the corpse. As a final gesture, she thrust the sword the woman had raised against her into the ground to mark the site.

" Not the most suitable marker for you," Venom said, her voice cracking slightly, " but the best I can do given the circumstances. She kneeled before the grave saying a few prayers to deities she felt never listened anyway. " Goodbye my swan," Venom said returning to her feet. " It's only too bad you had to run into a scorpion."

Wiping her face on her sleeve, Venom began the trek back to the red orange glow in the darkening sky that had once been the settlement. There was work to be done.

Part 3:  Swan

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