Tale of Teary Isles: Beauty in the Shattered

Part 1

Behold, we count them happy which endure.

Ye have heard of the patience of Job….’

JAMES 5:11

Chapter

1

D ella Metsula had known the life of a slave since the young age of ten. When she was just four years-old a terrible plague swept through her home village in the kingdom of Millet. This plague wiped out over half the population of the kingdom, including Della’s parents.

This plague was significantly hard on Millet because of its economical position in Vararmor. Millet was in the desert region near the Forest of the Unknown and offered little for land to grow crops, because it was arid and hot most of the year.

Due to this, the kingdom of Millet’s economy was based on fishing and relied heavily upon the trade of slavery for survival and with the plague the kingdom struggled to bounce back from the tragedy.

Shortly after their passing, Della was sent to live with her grandmother in a neighboring village. Her grandmother was a cold, cruel callous lady who was only concerned with her own personal interest and saw Della as only a burden on her.

Being the mother of Della’s father, she made it known that she never approved of the marriage of Della’s parents. In fact, she blamed Della’s mother for her son dying from the plague and was angry for them dropping their child in her lap.

Adding to her grandmother’s resentment towards her, was the fact that Della so closely resembled her mother and for it, her grandmother despised her. Della had her mother’s complexion of dark brown and a shapely narrow face and wavy thick black hair and gentle fawn-eyes.

Her grandmother was a very lazy woman who never worked and spent much of her time at the tavern down the road drinking. She would loan Della out to the other villagers around them. Della had to do tasks such as helping clean houses, cook, wash, and watch over other children while their parents were away at work.

Whatever Della earned from completing these tasks, her grandmother would take and spend on ale at the tavern. She left nothing for Della to buy food or clothes for herself. A few of the families that Della worked for would send her home with a little food and some of the village women made her clothes when she needed them.

When her grandmother was at home, Della didn’t know a moment of peace because she was worked constantly and often beaten. Things carried on like this for Della for the next six years, until the coin grew short and tasks for Della were fewer.

Desperate for drinking coin, her grandmother dragged Della to the market square to the slaver’s market and sold her. With twenty-six coppers in hand, her grandmother walked away from the pleading sobbing child and left her in the hands of her new masters, never looking back.

Della had been purchased by the head-cook of the noble family of Millet to be a kitchen maid along with a handful of other girls. Della and the other girls had the tasks of clearing the table of the royal family, washing dishes, going to the market to collect goods, and cleaning the kitchen every evening after mealtimes.

The Head Maid was Brunella, a stiff, icy old woman, with a hard face and a firm hand that she used freely on the kitchen girls. If Brunella did not like a certain kitchen girl she made it known by being brutally cruel to her, working her harder than the others and beating her for no reason.

Della learned early on to do her tasks quickly and efficiently, but most of all she learned to keep her mouth shut. A kitchen girl who spoke too much or got smart with anyone in authority; would certainly feel the wrath of Brunella.

Della would get up before dawn every morning and worked very late into the night, her only meal was table scraps from the noble family, though, Della got whatever all the other kitchen staff didn’t eat. Which usually wasn’t enough.

She had no room to go to or a bed to sleep on, but would curl up on the flour sacks beside one of the large stoves and slept there. She did her tasks well enough that Brunella would send her out to the market to gathered goods for the kitchen, which provided Della with a glimpse of the outside world.

Della got to see the world and life that she would never be a part of. She loved being allowed to get out of the kitchen, but it was torture to see how happy and free everyone else was.

She would often marvel at how carefree the other women were as they passed through the streets, either with a handsome gentlemen or maidens as they went around buying goods. The women had neatly comb hair adorned with all manners of jewelry, ivory combs, and chains. Some of their hair was half pinned up on their heads, while others wore their hair loose and wavy.

Some slaves belonging to a wealthy family or one of the noblemen’s house servants wore golden or silver rings in their ears to demonstrate that they belonged to a family of high-born people.

Most of these well-dressed people were allowed to come and go as they pleased, they never seemed to be worried or in a rush. Della knew that if Brunella assumed the young girl was absent for too long she would most certainly be beaten, therefore, she could not linger too long in the market.

Della had been too young to remember what it was like to be free to do as you chose, because she had been so young when her parents died. But, she felt that it must have been good, something special.

Della was able to carry on with her daily duties for the next four years. Over time, due to the lack of food and long exhausting hours, she became too thin and weakly to keep up with her workload.

Brunella soon became unhappy with the results of her work and she sent the young woman to the slaver’s market during the kingdom festival. Here, hundreds of young men, women, and children were placed on a crate in the center of the market square and sold off one by one, like they were nothing more than cattle.

Della and a group of other young women were bought by a man of a shifty countenance.

He was tall and thin, appearing to be in his later thirties with a dark complexion, black hair and a thin moustache. His dark eyes were narrow and reflected an untrustworthiness about them. His voice was soft and slightly accented; he was sure to overexaggerate his movements and use eloquent words when he spoke to others.

When he paid for the girls, he used golden coinage which suggested that either he himself was wealthy or that he was from a titled household. Either way, it garnered him respect and stares of awe from the nearby spectators He brought them to a great white house on the outskirts of the main city. The house had a thatched roof and the shutters of the windows were painted a bright red.

A beautiful woman with a delicate build, honey-yellow curly hair, and baby blue-eyes stood in the doorway of the house ready to greet the newcomers. Though her hair was finely combed, and her face a soft as the coat of a newborn lamb, her hands were rough and lined from years of hard labor. Warmly, she welcomed each new girl to their new home, with a gentle smile and a kind word.

There was an expression of sorrow deep in her eyes as she watched each girl file past her into the great house.

These girls are your responsibility, Mauda. Do what you are able with them. he ordered in a dismal tone as he frowned at the girls. Some are in such a terrible state…what a pity.

Mauda only nodded, giving a tight smile.

Well, you have six months to make a difference. the Master said pulling a large pouch from his belt and held it out to her. This should cover any expenses they may incur.

Without another word, the nameless man turned on his heels and briskly strode out of the house slamming the door behind him.

Mauda was sweet and kindly towards the women. She gave them each gentle words of encouragement as she bathed and dressed them in their new clothes and fed them. She was certain to give each girl individual attention, teaching them good table manners, proper etiquette, and how to conduct themselves as ladies.

Within four months, Della was able to gain a healthy weight, her skin complexion darkened, and she matured into a full beautiful young woman of fifteen-years-old. She refined her speaking skills, how to behave at the table during mealtimes, and how to curtsey before those of higher social standing.

None of the girls knew why they were brought to the great house or what purpose their master had bought them for. They were mystified as to why they were being treated so well; being fed the finest delicacies, wearing excellent quality clothing, and allowed to attend some of the social engagements in the village. Della was slowly growing suspicious as to why so much care and attention was put toward their personal beauty and manners.

She had befriended Mauda and felt comfortable enough with the older woman, that she felt she could trust her. Often, Della would question her about what their master’s true intentions were for them. Mauda would always dodge around her repeated inquires, but Della noted that the older woman would become somber and fearful whenever she was asked at what their master wanted with them.

Della, aren’t you ready? Mauda asked coming into the bathing room carrying fresh linens.

Della was finishing dressing after her bath when Mauda walked in.

Mauda announced to the girls that there was going to be a high-society party that evening, and they were invited. Since that afternoon Mauda had each girl bathe, dress their hair, and outfitted them in the finest clothing.

Della purposely waited to be the last girl to bathe and dress up, in reality, she wasn’t at all interested in going to another engagement. She was tired of countless men looking her up and down, poking her and touching her hair. She knew there was something very unnatural about their behavior.

No, Della sighed deeply as she patted her hair dry.

Why not, dear? Mauda sweetly inquired.

The older woman set her basket aside and came over to Della and sat down on the edge of the wash tub beside her.

I don’t wish to go. Della confessed.

Oh? Mauda gave her full attention.

I don’t like these engagements. The way the men look at us, touch our hair, poking at us, or wanting us alone at their tables. Della explained frowning in distaste.

But it is a great honor to be a guest at a noble gentlemen’s table. Mauda reasoned.

It does not feel so,

Della, being a well-mannered lady is very important to your future. If you are able to catch the fancy of any one of these men, they could ask for your hand in marriage or perhaps you might serve in their house, the older woman pressed earnestly. You should not look unfavorably upon these opportunities.

Opportunities? What opportunity is there in serving as a maid? Della felt defiance rise in her chest. I have been a servant all my life and there is no opportunity there.

Della, Mauda’s tone became sweet. You must not look upon the positions offered by these men unfavorably. It would provide you with a sure place in society instead of what the master has in mind for you.

And what does the master have in mind? Della was quick to counter.

Mauda seemed to realize her folly, her cheeks went flush, and eyes widened with fear.

Mauda, tell me. What does the master have in mind for us?

Look, Mauda dismissively shook her head. Why don’t you get dressed and I’ll help you with your hair before the party. Ok?

Della noticed that the older woman had become anxious and all out of sorts at Della’s inquiry. Della knew that Mauda was hiding something, it was enough to strike terror into the poor woman.

But Mauda, Della pleaded looking into the other woman’s face searching for understanding.

You can tell me what the master wants with us. We are friends, be reassured that I will tell no one.

No, Mauda stated firmly as she stood.

Mauda—

No, Della, no! the older woman snapped shortly.

Now that is enough! Dress quickly, we are expected to be there in an hour.

Without so much as a look, Mauda turned her back to Della, the older woman brought a hand to her face and rushed from the room. Della felt a stab of guilt, she knew that she hurt and upset Mauda with her repeated inquiries.

Despite this, she wanted to know what awaited them at the end of the six months and why it had such a terrible effect on poor Mauda.

As the end of the six months was drawing near; Mauda’s mood was clouded over with a deep graveness. Della couldn’t fathom how anyone could be unhappy when they were allowed free access to all the food, clothing, and social parties as they were.

Mauda was put in such a depressed frame of mind that some days she refused to emerge from her room, leaving the girls to look after themselves. Out of curiosity on one of these days, Della decided to try the front door and see if they could go out freely.

It was locked.

This was the second sign to Della that something wasn’t right about them being here. Many of the girls had come to rely heavily on Mauda’s special care that they did not know how do perform general tasks for themselves.

Cooking, cleaning, and mending were some of the things that Mauda neglected to teach the girls. Therefore, Della took up these tasks because of her experience. Clothes were brought to her to be mended, she cooked meals for the girls, and tidied the house.

The girls began to look to her like a tutor and trusted confidant. Even with Mauda around, Della began to help out by assisting the other girls with their baths, helping them dress and even took a little time to teach them to read.

After some of the social engagements, girls would come to her that had been cruelly mistreated or made public mockery of by the men and women at these parties. They would pour out to her their sorrows, disappointments, fear, and hopes. Della comforted them and tried to give what little encouragement she could to them.

One fateful day, the girls discovered the master’s intentions for them.

The master showed up at the end of the six months, only he didn’t come alone. He was accompanied by four Crimson Knights of the kingdom of Aclestis. These knights wore bright silver chest plates, with the engraving of a snarling wolf’s head on them. Under their chest plates they wore chainmail, heavy gauntlets, long blood-red cloaks, at their sides hung broad swords, and tucked under one arm was a silver visor helmet shaped as a snarling wolf head.

To Della they were utterly terrifying. She knew the other girls were filled with the same terror at the sight of the men, but she masked her fear and appeared confident before them. She knew that if she appeared calm and collected, that it would help the other girls.

When they arrived at the great house, the master ordered that all the girls be brought out into the large center room and line up before the knight’s for inspection.

Trembling in fear, most of the girls gathered near Della for protection as the knights began to look them over. The young women’s hair was pulled, they were roughly poked, prodded, and their teeth were checked. As this was done the girls began breaking into tears understanding fully what was happening to them.

The knights handled each girl like they were livestock.

Very well, the burly lead knight announced when they were finished. We’ll take them all.

Good, good, the master said greedily rubbing his hands together. The price?

Two hundred pieces—in gold. the leader replied.

G—gold? the master stammered his eyes widening for a moment.

They are fine, beautiful girls and my men tend to grow restless on the campaign trail, the knight explained with a cruel grin. They need excitement and entertainment. Which these fine creatures will provide.

Agreed! the master declared eagerly.

The exchange of coin passed between the men and to seal the deal they struck each other’s hand roughly before bowing their heads. Moments later, three of the knights came for the girls. They whimpered and sobbed in fright as they were pulled and shoved toward the door of the great house.

All Della’s trust and hopes were shattered at that very instance; and the woman she called friend only stood by and watched as the girls were sold off. Mauda had a chance to save herself and all the girls at any time in those past six months, but she never took it.

Della knew that she and the other women were bound for the worst kind of enslavement in existence. They were to be camp wenches—entertainment for lonely horrid soldiers.

My life is over, Della resignedly told herself as she and the other women were shuffled out of the great house and into an enclosed wagon to be carted off to their new masters.

To their doom.

Della was shuffle around in the army camp like a common piece of waste. She never gave into the advances of the men and fought against them like a wild cat. Quickly, the soldiers grew tired of how difficult she was and eventually gave up trying to bed her.

Instead, they decided to make sport of Della by shoving her around between groups of soldiers. They beat and abusively tossed her around from man to man; to them she had no value, but to be continuously punished.

Della was fair game for any amount of abuse a soldier wished to inflict on her, and she suffered this way for the next three and a half brutally long years. In those years, she saw other girls, friends and strangers alike come and go.

She did her best to care for them, but there was little she could do when the soldiers came for them nearly every night. She bore witness to the torment and cruelty inflicted on these girls until she thought she could bear it no more.

She promised herself that if ever she got the chance to lay hands on a weapon, she would defend these girls against the soldiers and knights vicious attacks or die trying.

Chapter

2

"V ictory never felt so good," a young soldier remarked.

Looking over his shoulder he caught sight of the knight standing behind him and added sheepishly.

If you don’t mind my saying so, Sir.

Couldn’t agree more. the knight said with a pleasant grin.

Where should we start on the spoils, Sir? the soldier inquired sounding overwhelmed.

Anywhere. the knight said letting out a sighing breath.

The remains of the Varamorean army was a mess of strewn about belongings and bodies. There were a few stragglers from the assaulting army from the kingdom that were fleeing on their way back to Vararmor after being soundly beat by the army of Oak Land. It would take a few days to go through all of the remnants of the battle ground where all the valuables would be collected, and the bodies would be piled up to be burned.

We should start with the dead, the soldier announced decidedly. They will begin to rot and smell soon.

Good choice. the knight complimented before he turned in a semi-circle to survey the ruins of the enemy encampment.

The injury that