The ride was mostly quiet.

Thankfully.

It gave me time to fearfully eye my captor. Looking for any trace of weakness.

An old battle wound I could market upon? A weak knee I could kick?

But as he'd walked to the cart I had noted his gait had been even and graceful.

No sign of weakness.

He'd agilely leapt atop the cart and caught the reins in capable hands. Expertly guiding the two horses along the old dirt trail.

Where were we going?

The further we got from the village the more nervous I became.

He looked over his shoulder at my face and chuckled. "Worried, no one will hear your screams?"

Yes. It seems a valid fear.

***

I blinked doe eyes at him.

"Why don't you attempt to ease and enjoy the trip. I've not touched ye and have no plan to until we've reached my hut."

"Why such a reprieve?" I asked scathingly, suspicion that he'd attack as soon as I relaxed making me overly agitated.

"Momentary kindness. Enjoy it while it lasts."

Not a chance.

What am I going to do? I tested the chain as I had for days aboard that ship.

But it's too solid. I tugged the shackle but couldn't escape it. I wondered if breaking my hand might help me get loose.

I eyed the ground, over the edge of the cart. Watching it going by far too quickly for me to get off without him noticing and running me down.

I was certain that his stride would be equal to several of mine. He'd gain on me in no time.

He glanced over his shoulder again and chuckled as if sensing my tormented thoughts. "Just be docile."

I'll never be anyone's docile captive! I vowed.

***

"So..." He tossed the rein along the back of the two brown horses. "Would ye like to know what I'm going to do to ye?"

Please, no. I swallowed.

I could imagine nothing I wanted to know less. "Nay. It matters not. You'll not have the chance."

He tossed back his head and laughed. "I'm intrigued to see if tha' venomous tongue of yers will still lash when I'm balls deep in ye."

"You won't ever be." I crossed my arms over my chest as much as possible in the shackles.

He snorted. "I absolutely will." He tilted his head as he looked back over at me. "Might as well get used to the thought now. I'm taking it ye haven't had a man afore."

I gave him a quick look. How'd he know?

He answered the question I hadn't asked. "No woman is tha' tight after she's had a man. That's why I bought ye. I intend to be yer first. And thought it best not to let another have one as small as you for her first."

***

"So, it should be one as large as you!" I stood up in the cart and leaned back. Yanking on the chain. Trying to escape.

"I'll take that as a yes." He laughed. Giving the chain a hard tug that sent me sprawling on my belly in the cart.

He glanced back at my buttocks exposed by the flared-up tunic. "Like that'd do."

I sat up on my knees. Looking at him hatefully. "Do for what?"

"Do for the first time I plant seed in ye."

"No!" I shrieked like a wild banshee.

He chuckled "I think first. I'll rip that tunic off ye and have ye walk about me hut in the skin ye were born in. Get used to how ye should be." He nodded thoughtfully. "Then I can have ye when I wish."

He stroked his pants as he felt himself hardening at the thought.

"Name's Mardichi by the by." He tossed over his shoulder.

I know. I heard you and the tradesman speaking. He clearly knew you.

I glared heatedly at his back. Trying to work a way out of this.

"Slave trader said yer name was Raven." Mardichi remarked. Giving me a questioning look.

I didn't answer.

"Raven 'tis."