Serpent Goddess: The Horse Lords Book 1 Read online

  “Oh?” Kleo’s lips curved in a salacious grin.

  “The ancient blood of the Drakon still flows strong in our veins. Sauromatian men sire many children.” A suggestive smile curved Sava’s lips. His body radiated libido.

  The women’s eyes widened. They broke into tittering laughter.

  “Hey Sava, you stop tempting my women!” Mikon smiled but shot him a serious look.

  “My apologies Mikon. The rakia has loosened my tongue.”

  “Are Sauromatian horses all like that fine stallion of yours?” Mikon asked.

  “The horse is sacred to us. A Sauromation without his horse is like a body without a soul. We are a tall people. To survive on the Sea of Grass, we need big, strong, fast horses with great endurance. Horses that breed true to type. For this reason we put our young stallions through a strict testing. We race them but that isn’t all. Our stallions must have smooth gaits and good minds. Those colts who don’t pass are gelded. We breed the best to the best and hope for the best.”

  “Makes sense.” Mikon nodded thoughtfully.

  “From your appearance it looks like the plan of improving the tribe with Amazon blood has worked,” Damara said, her eyes sweeping Sava’s lithe frame. “But what about the Royal Skythians, how did they benefit?”

  “We Sauromatae have vowed eternal friendship with Royal Skythia. We cannot forget that the Royal Skythians, in their wisdom, created our people. They sacrificed their own interests to give us the freedom to be who we were meant to be.”

  ***

  Tomorrow we reach Gelonus. Sava was almost sorry to see the journey end. Especially with the luscious Kleo hanging on his every word.

  That evening after they had gathered around the fire and supped together, Kleo walked around as usual, filling everyone’s kylix with rakia.

  “Sava will you have some drink?” She purred in his ear in that honey sweet voice. The warm skin of her arm brushed his shoulder as she leaned down to fill his kylix.

  “I want to drink honey from your lips.” He whispered in her ear.

  “I might be able to arrange that. Watch for my signal.” She whispered as she poured out his drink.

  “Sava, can I ask you a personal question?” Damara asked, her expression sly.

  “Aye?” He almost squeaked, jerked out of his reverie of sensual delights with Kleo. Damara knows what is going on between Kleo and I.

  “About the Sauromatae, is it true, those stories that your people have..ah… tails?”

  “Tails?” Sava choked a little on his rakia.

  “You know, little short tails”? Damara persisted, a wicked glint in her eye. “The last remnants of your Drakon ancestry”?

  Noting the teasing sarcasm in Damara’s voice, Sava rose to the challenge.

  “My lady, would you have me reveal all our secrets? But, if you must know...”

  Now well into his cups, Sava rose and untied his leggings. Pulling out the waistband he peered back at his ass as if trying to find his tail. Mimicking a panicked look, he shook out his pants and kept peering down at his ass. His mock shock brought whoops of laughter from the Geloni.

  “Nay my friend! Such bare-assed proof is not necessary eh?” Mikon laughed, waving his hand in dismissal.

  “To Sauromatian tails!” Damara lifted her kylix.

  “To long, thick Sauromatian tails!” Grinning broadly, Kleo lifted her drink to more whoops of laughter.

  ***

  “My son is lost! The first fruit of my womb – Alone out there in the wilds... That damn Hahq left him out there to die! I curse him!” Turning on her husband, Dragana ground out – “I knew it was a mistake sending Hahq to guard Sava. In my heart I knew that bastard would find some way, some excuse to betray him! Hahq is jealous of Sava. He has always been jealous! We will never even find Sava’s body. Never know what happened to him!” Dragana folded in on herself in a paroxysm of grief.

  A few days ago Hahq and his men had limped back to King Raymaxos’ camp. Hahq had been mentally kicking himself all the way. It was his first serious failure as a leader and he had no one but himself to blame.

  He would never get over the expression of desolation on Skopasis’ face when the voivode realized that Sava was not among those returning. Or the pain in the eyes of Feliks’ mother and father when they saw his dead body slung over his lame pony, Mitya.

  With an anguished keening Dragana sank to her knees and pressed her face to the earth. “Mata Drakaina hear me! There is nothing worse in life than losing a child! I would rather lose my own life! Goddess let it be so! Take me instead!”

  Hot tears flowing from her eyes, she kissed the ground, then struck the earth three times with her fist –

  “Mata Drakaina do you hear me?! If Sava still lives, if there is still a chance - take me - not my son! My poor Sava, truly he was a stranger among us. We always made him feel as if he did not belong...” Hot tears rolled down her cheeks.

  Skopasis knelt beside her. “Calm yourself Dragana. It is bad luck to mourn a man before his time. Even with an arrow wound in his leg, Hahq has vowed to go back to complete the mission and find Sava. He leaves tomorrow.”

  Sliding an arm around her shoulders he drew his wife close and embraced her. She laid her head on his broad chest, her tears wetting his kurta.

  “Maybe we should have sent Sava to the ennerei. They would have made him half a man and put a robe on him, but at least he would still be alive. I always knew he had the sight.”

  Skopasis grimaced. “Sava would have hated us for that.”

  “The steppes are filled with raiders and predators. Look how long Hahq’s men lasted out there – a day and a half! Sava is all alone. Those ravening wolves will seize him and tear him to pieces in a heartbeat.”

  “Shhh, have faith in our son.” Skopasis stroked her head with his large warm palm. “He is a survivor.”

  “From your lips to the Great Mother’s ears.”

  But in his heart, Skopasis felt gutted at the loss of his son. I always pushed Sava to be a warrior like me. I should have respected his true nature…I will miss his presence.

  ***

  Sitting around the campfire with his Geloni friends and exchanging increasingly raucous and lewd toasts, Sava’s mood suddenly dropped. A foreboding image appeared in his mind. He envisioned his distraught mother, locked in throes of mourning. Mentally he called out –

  Mother do not lament my passing. I still live!

  And it came to him that his life and death not only affected him but the lives of those close to him. At the next toast he raised the glass to his lips but did not drink. Rakia was the most intoxicating drink he had ever tasted. He could not afford to dull his wit and behave more recklessly than he already was.

  Mikon cleared his throat. “Sava about your stallion…”

  “Aye?”

  “Would you let me breed a few mares to him when we get to Gelonus?”

  “Oh surely my friend, I want to do more than that. On behalf of King Raymaxos of Sauromatia I want to gift you this” –

  He reached under the neckline of his tunic and undid the connecting lion head finials of a heavy gold torque. Holding it in both hands, he presented it to Mikon.

  The torque was a golden masterpiece, composed of layered rows of horses, all in different poses, cantering, bucking, rearing, grazing, rolling, trotting, all done in the graceful, lifelike `animal style’. Dangling from the center of the necklace was a coiled, winged image of Mata Drakaina.

  “This torque is US. The horse is our soul. Mata Drakaina is the key to our earthly power.”

  Mikon was delighted. “Such superb craftsmanship! This torque is fit for a king. It is too much for my small services Sava. I cannot accept it. Save this treasure for your mission,” Mikon’s dark eyes glowed as he weighed the heavy torque in his hands.

  “Please my friend, accept this gift on behalf of my people. From my heart, I want you to have it. To see you wearing this torque will inspire me when I present my case before th
e Arkhons of Gelonus.”

  Mikon beamed. “We will pass this torque down through the family. It will be our treasure. And what a story it will have to tell!”

  Chapter 15 – Honey From Your Lips

  May you be adored by nobles and princes.

  Two miles away from you,

  May your lover tremble with excitement

  One mile away may he bite his lip in anticipation

  May the warrior long to be naked beside you –

  Epic of Gilgamesh, 1500 BC

  “To the Geloni people – The best of both worlds - Skythian and Greek!” Sava raised his kylix, blue-green eyes flickering over Kleo, his expression a shimmering haze of desire.

  “To the Geloni. To the Sauromatae! Friends forever!”

  “More rakia Sava?” Kleo purred in his ear.

  Wordlessly he held out his kylix. She leaned over him, her full round breast lightly pressed against his shoulder. Sava took a deep breath, inhaling her sweet musky scent. Aroused, his `one-eyed serpent’ twitched, lifted its head.

  “I await your signal My Beauty.” He said in an undertone only she could hear.

  But everyone with eyes was aware of the vibrant attraction between the two.

  “Maybe you should go check on your horse soon?” Kleo whispered, her breath warm in his ear.

  “Oh aye it is about that time.” Sava lifted an eyebrow, blue-green eyes glinting. “Zlatna will get special attention tonight.”

  Kleo finished pouring and went back to her seat next to her mother on the other side of the fire circle. Sava found his mind only partially engaged in the conversation now. He was entranced by Kleo’s sensual lips, her sparkling eyes...

  His rampant imagination imagined her soft full lips kissing, sucking, caressing his body. He only waited for her signal `check on his horse’. Beauty you have only to crook your little finger…

  “Are you married Sava?” Kleo asked, a bold twinkle in her eyes.

  “Nay I am not married. Not yet anyway. I am fully available for any services you may need.” His blue-green eyes shone above sculpted lips.

  “Our daughter will not be needing any services from You. Will you Kleo?” Damara’s eyes flashed a warning.

  “Forgive me. I forget myself. Only a harmless flirtation my lady. This rakia has loosened my tongue and made me speak too boldly.”

  Across the flickering campfire, Sava’s long gold-streaked chestnut hair reflected the light like a lion’s mane. Eyes of sea green focused on Kleo’s translucent amber ones, the wheels of desire churning, burning within.

  Then that damned Voice in his head had to speak up – I walk a sword’s edge here - Kleo wants me, but I dare not seduce her. If her parents found out it could ruin our chances for an alliance with the Geloni.

  What about Bari?... Bari and I have no deep feelings for each other. She is just going along with our parents’ plan for marriage.

  As he sat musing, Kleo chose her moment and left the fire circle, disappearing between the parked wagons. Sava waited a decent amount of time, then rose and stretched.

  “Ahhh, it has been a long day. I will go and check on my horse now.” Am I fooling anyone?

  From the looks on Mikon and Damara’s faces he thought not. This will have to be quick. A few kisses and done.

  But the surging wave rippling through his body said otherwise. He stalked off like a prowling wolf.

  After a brief look at Zlatna, Sava strode slowly back toward the campfire. As he passed a narrow trail leading down to the river a hand grabbed his wrist and pulled him aside. He took a quick look around to make sure they were alone.

  “Kleo- what are you doing?” His voice a low, throaty chuckle.

  “Shussh, as if you don’t know…” Her soft musical laugh vibrated her lush breasts. A warm body molded itself to his. Let the dance begin!

  Leaning against a tree in the darkness, he opened his arms, giving her full access to his burgeoning self. Tender, succulent lips pressed his own. Cupping her ass cheeks between large warm palms, he slowly, deliberately ground his bulge against her secret core.

  Sava groaned. “Is this what you want Kleo? Hmmh?”

  His hoarse growl changed to a throaty laugh against her lips. This blissful sense of hilarity kept welling up from deep within. It must be the rakia. Already he felt so at ease among these half-Greek Geloni.

  Kleo opened her hot, wet mouth and their tongues met, spiraling like serpents, rubbing and sucking.

  “Ahhh…” He groaned, grinding her hips closer. The bulge between his legs hardening. Throbbing with need.

  Breathing against his skin in warm puffs, Kleo kissed down his pulsating throat. She nipped then licked the cleft at his shoulder, then worked her way back up to his ear lobe.

  “We have only a little time before my mother comes looking for me.” Her warm lips, teeth and tongue enticed the shell of his ear.

  “We had better make the best of it then.”

  Hmmmh, ahh, kiss, kiss, smack, tongue suck…

  “That makes these stolen moments all the more delicious.” He breathed against her lips, molding her round breasts with his palms, fingers lightly pinching taut nipples.

  Slowly, deliberately opening the loops of her kurta, Sava bent his head to lave a nipple, then scraped his teeth lightly across the sensitive tip.

  “Ah hmmm Sava…what you do to me…” Arching her back Kleo thrust her nipple into his mouth for more intoxicating stimulation. “I wish we had more time. Tomorrow we will reach Gelonus. But you will be staying at my house. Maybe we can find a way to meet again?”

  “Aye. I cannot get enough of you Kleo. Your soft lips, your breasts, your…” He groaned. “But we must take care.” His tongue delved deep, twining with hers, sucking out another luscious kiss. “Hmmm honey from your lips... I want you like my next breath Kleo, but I can’t break your parents’ trust. They have treated a lonely traveler with kindness and generosity.”

  He turned her so that her back was to his chest, his arms lashed around her breasts and waist.

  “Loop your arms behind my neck. Rest your head on my shoulder. Aye like that Beauty.”

  This position thrust her breasts out. Sava cupped her round breasts in his palms, his thumbs flicking her nipples as he ground his rampant erection against her soft round ass.

  “Feel that, hmm? Feel what you do to me?”

  She moaned, grinding her shapely ass against his bulge. Sava teased her nipple with his right hand as he reached into her loose trousers with the other. His hand sliding languorously up and down her silky thigh, stroking her nether lips.

  Kleo’s head drifted back on his shoulder. She angled her lips toward his mouth, pulling his head toward her. He kissed her lavishly, pushing his tongue rhythmically into her mouth in rhythm with his fingers caressing her core. She twined her tongue with his, sucking and provoking his barely restrained lust.

  “Ahh… Sava you taste so good...smell so good…” Her voice husky, libidinous.

  It had been too long since he had held a woman in his arms. His body reacted to the warm invitation radiating from Kleo with a wave of euphoric, drugging lust. His knees weakened and his back slid effortlessly down the trunk.

  The next thing he knew he was sitting against the tree with Kleo in his lap. Her back resting against his left arm, her thighs opened to his caressing fingers. Her hand curled around his nape to pull his head down for another lascivious kiss. She writhed in his arms, then turned and straddled him, rolling her hips against his bulge.

  You are risking everything – that damned Other Voice in his head said.

  Hmmm…Just a little longer…a little more… he answered it, his logical mind sinking into a rapturous haze as the pleasure cloud deepened, closing in.

  “Kleo where are you?!” Damara’s shrill voice echoed down the trail, piercing their lust-drugged consciousness.

  The tone in Damara’s voice said that Kleo’s mother knew exactly what was going on. Leaping up like a frightened doe, Kleo stra
ightened her clothes.

  “My hair is a mess!” She whispered, gazing at him with kiss swollen lips. “Ah well there is no help for it. Coming Mother! Wait here a little Sava, then come out.”

  “And you think no one will know what is going on? It’s written all over our faces.” Grinning he shook his head.

  Chapter 16 – Gelonus

  Gelonus is made of wood.

  Each side of its high outer wall is thirty stades long

  Made entirely of wood.

  All its houses and shrines are of wood too.

  They have sanctuaries dedicated to the Greek gods

  With statues, altars and buildings of wood.

  Every third year they celebrate a festival of Dionysos

  And become possessed by the god –

  Herodotus, The Histories

  “Come on - Get up all you lazy bones! If we leave before sunrise we can make it to Gelonus before nightfall!”

  It was still dark when Mikon roused them from sleep. They broke camp in the grey light of dawn. The sun had crossed the horizon and was sinking behind clouds tinged with lavender, fiery pink and gold when the Geloni wagons paused on the crest of a low hill overlooking the town.

  As Sava gazed in awe at the great ramparts of Gelonus on the banks of the Tanais river, Mikon gestured expansively -

  “There it is, Gelonus. Here, we live like Greeks. We love our polis – our city, the center of our government, the heart of our lives. In Greece they build great temples of eternal stone. Here we have trees, so we build our homes and temples of wood. We paint the wood magical colors and it is beautiful. Come my friend. You will see.”

  Descending the gentle slope, the party broke into a trot, the painted city of Gelonus beckoning before them. Accustomed to simple nomad camps, Sava’s wondering eyes gazed at towering temples painted in wondrous colors, carved and painted in the legends of Greek history.

  “There is Pallas Athene’s temple.” Mikon pointed. “And that one is dedicated to Zeus Thunderer.”

  Instead of wagons and yurts, they passed houses built of wood. Everywhere there were roads and people going about their business. People working in fields rich with grain, vineyards and fruit trees. Mikon’s wagon turned down the drive of a large house with four white columns and a welcoming verandah in front.