A Stitch In Time – Chapter 3 – Dark Ages
Introduction:
Mark has arrived. Early 5th century England, shortly after the departure of the Roman legions. The beginning of the so-called Dark Ages
—Well done in Rome. Though the human population with immunity is small, there are reports of more cases of people immune to the virus. We thought to change the order of the trip and box delivery to avoid it being seen if you didn’t make your trip. Everyone is well here. Good luck.—-
Mark quickly wrote,
—Good news indeed. Love to my family. DO NOT send future boxes after I am on site. In emergency I could walk into its landing site. Rome went well. Much to tell. Until next time.—
Mark thought, what risk would the box’s discovery be? Various items from their own world and a note they couldn’t read. He shook his head. So many intelligent people, no common sense. He backed away from the box, waited, then watched as it disappeared. He walked down the hill to a valley that probably had a creek. He wasn’t a few miles from a major city this time. As Mark got down below the crest of the hill it was darker. He heard a sound off to his left. He paused and listened. Something was coming through the brush. Then a low growling sound. There was two or maybe three animals. Wolves he guessed. Mark slid his sword from its scabbard, turning slowly trying to locate each animal. He waited listening. The sounds were slowly getting closer. Like a flash a dark grey form leapt at him. Mark swung the sword, landing a glancing blow. The wolf cried out, but turned ready to come again. While distracted Mark was hit from behind. he twisted and turned trying to dislodge the second attacker. It held on, claws cutting his shoulder as another joined in. Mark was down, his hand feeling for the seam of his cloak. Blood ran down his arm. He could feel the warm breath of the wolves. Then a shushing sound cut the night. With a yelp one wolf fell from him. The second backed away unsure, then also went down. Looking in the shadows there appeared to be an arrow sticking from the wolf. Then a voice. And a language he could barely understand. Mark concentrated, hazy from the attack, from the unfamiliarity. Then,
“You hurt?”
“A little. Thank you.”
“I thought you might be a local. But now I see you’re Roman.”
“You speak our language well.”
“The local priest teaches me. Let me take a look.” The young man, for that’s what he seemed to Mark, pulled away Mark’s tunic to inspect his wounds. Mark did his best not to make a sound. “Not too bad. Come with me. My sister will fix you up. Just a ways over the hill. Let me tie these two up and drag them back. Food and coats.” Mark trudged along after the boy. He couldn’t have been more than 17. Still he was strong and obviously handy with a bow. He kept up a constant chatter on their journey.
“I’m called Aengus and you?”
“Marcus.”
“Not many Romans left out here. I don’t get to practice my speech.”
“You’re very good. And good with the bow.”
“Been using the bow since I was a lad. Mostly rabbits. I’ve been out lately looking for the wolf pack that’s been stealing our sheep. Some kind of lightning caught my attention, brought me over this way. Looks like you found them for me.”
“I got one with my sword. You may find it in that brush.”
“Perfect, I’ll look tomorrow. I’ll have my sister look at you. Priest doesn’t like her. Says she does witchcraft. She just follows the old ways. She’s a healer.” They walked. Aengus talked. Mark grew more weary by the minute. By thie time they’d reached the small hut Aengus was dragging the wolf carcasses and supporting Mark on his shoulder. He left the remains outside and helped Mark inside, setting him down on a rough stool. Mark looked around. The hut was little more than a stone build hearth, a rough table and two stools and some animal skins in the corner, some of which were covering a form. Aengus shook the body,
“Alis.” There was more but Mark couldn’t concentrate to make out the native tongue. Something about guest. A young woman got up from the pile of furs, her thin clothing barely concealing a supple young body. Aengus made the introductions telling his sister to speak slowly so their guest could understand. He then interpreted as needed. Alis spoke to Mark slowly as if to a child.
“Where do you hurt?” Mark looked at Aengus who waived his hand to say it was ok, so Mark let the top of his tunic fall to show the slashes on his skin from the wolves claws. “Good. No bites.” Alis told Aengus to fetch water and some rags. Mark old Aengus to heat the water. Alis looked on and shrugged. Then took some rough bowls from over the hearth and began mixing a poultice which she applied after washing his back and shoulders with hot water. Mark winced and asked Aengus what she was using.
“Don’t know. I never ask. People come from all around for her healing. It works.” Mark acknowledged him then decided that he would increase his chances of warding off infection by taking some of his own concealed medicine when he was alone. Alis continued washing his back including the parts that weren’t injured. In latin Aengus added,
“Seems she likes you. I dare say what your payment may be.” Mark looked at Aengus with a raised eyebrow. “No worries from me. She’s my sister, not my woman. She can do as she pleases. She tells me she gains strength from laying with strong men.”
Mark was feeling tired. Alis looked at her work, and instructed him to lie on the makeshift bed with his back open to the air. Mark slept through the night and most of the next day, a fever rising then falling. When he woke Alis was sitting by him wiping him down with cool water. He noted that his tunic was now gone. With a cloth she was wiping down his body, still laying on his stomach. The water felt cool and refreshing. He looked around for his clothes and his pack. Alis looked at him then followed his gaze. She stood and went to the table and lifted his tunic to show that it had been mended to some degree. Mark moved to sit up then realized his state and tried to cover himself. Alis smiled at him and shook her head. She pulled at her own shift and let it drop letting Mark take in her body. Thin, firm, young. High small breasts sat on her chest. Flat stomach, wide hips, strong legs from walking everywhere. Not knowing what to do he smiled. Seeming pleased to be found appealing by the large stranger, Alis sat beside Mark. He stretched his back and rotated his arm to convince himself he was not permanently injured, wincing as he stretched the cuts. Alis put her hand on his chest, when Mark didn’t make a move she placed his hand on her chest. Mark turned his hand to cup her breast, small upturned, he gave it a light squeeze. She smiled at him then went back to stroking Mark’s chest. She lay her head against him. Mark felt her hand moving and was only slightly surprised when she took his cock in hand. She made no comment as she stroked his cock to full hardness. Mark lifted her face to his and kissed her. Alis was gentle in her movements and kisses, careful of his injuries. Mark moved to lay down. Alis said,
“Sit.” Mark sat in place. Alis kissed him as she changed positions to straddle Mark, settling herself onto his firm cock. She put her hands behind his head and moved her hips around testing his cock within her. Finding a position that suited her, Alis kissed Mark as she moved her hips over him, using him to touch her inside. She moaned lightly into his mouth a she continued to let him reach up inside. She broke their kiss and let her head fall back, her mouth open, incomprehensible words, the more common moans, a sharp breath then leaning forward, biting at his neck as she began to move more frantically. Mark felt himself ready, holding Alis onto him as he shot multiple spurts into her. Alis made to get off, but Mark held her in place. She looked him in the eyes, wondering. He looked at her. Nodded. He searched his brain, found the words,
“Strong. Magic. Your child.” Her eyes opened wider. She thought, then let herself settle onto Mark, her head on his shoulder. When Mark’s cock fell from her, Alis got to her knees and held it. Then she put it in her mouth sucking it clean, finding each drop. When finished, she smiled at Mark. Then said,
“I help you. You give me strength of Rome.” He agreed, then had her sit on his lap, holding her. She asked, “More?”
“I must rest. I will stay more. Give more.” Satisfied Alis got up and dressed then quickly moved about the hut. Mark stood and tied the bottom of his tunic about him then went outside. He saw Aengus tending to a small group, flock would be an overstatement, of sheep. There was a small garden behind the hut and a ditch they used for natural functions. When he had finished he walked around front to find Aengus. Curious he asked Aengus about his family.
“There is only Alis and me. I am older but we are not sure how old we are. Our parents were killed by Pictish raiders years ago. Alis was taken in by an older woman who taught her the healing arts. I was taken as a servent by a Roman. I learned your language and other useful skills. I was also taught about the new god by the priest. When the Romans left I came back to the village to find my sister. We came back to this house where we had lived with out parents. I fixed it and hunted for food. Alis cared for people who came to us. I sold what we could in town to get the sheep. We are happy. Mark looked around. He had to hand it to the kid, he’d done well. He had a thought.
“What if the Picts return?”
“We’ll go to the village, I’ll fight with the other men. Alis will heal the wounded.” Mark nodded in agreement. Such was life in the early middle ages.
“What is your village?”
“Ratby.” Just over the hill there, a morning’s walk. Mark was familiar with the location of the modern city of Leicester which was a significant Roman settlement called Ratae Corieltavorum, about 10 – 15 miles from his location. I was a probable destination for Mark. Aengus saw Mark thinking. “Are you thinking maybe you’d like to go to the village.”
“Yes. Or maybe Ratae.”
“Maybe more Romans there though it is far.” Yes, people rarely traveled far from their homes. “You’ll stay longer?”
“Not long I need to move on.”
“What will you do, with no army?”
“People will need to defend themselves.”
“We can fight the Picts, Caledonians, by the time they come this far over your wall.”
“There will be others. From over the seas.” He stood there taking this in.
“My sister says you have powers. She senses something magic with you.”
“Sure, and I needed help to fight the wolves.”
“Three against one, you did well.” Alis came out to check the garden. She shook her head at us for standing around doing nothing useful.
“Can I help you here Aengus? I have some skills. Anything broken?”
“We have some tools, a wagon that was made by Romans. They break, we can’t fix them.” Mark spent the afternoon making what repairs he could. He showed Aengus how to refit the axle on the wagon. After dinner Aengus went out to hunt. Alis came to Mark and led him to bed. He sat as she dropped her shift. She stood nude before him then settled on her knees. She stuck out her tongue, then fumbled under his tunic until she had his cock in hand. Rather than climb on top, Alis took Mark’s cock into her mouth. The sudden sensation of her tongue caressing his cock caused him to moan. She smiled up at Mark as she pulled down on his cock exposing the head. She sucked at his cock taking him in then sucked back to the top. She stroked his cock, licked at the top, feeling him stiffen. When he tensed Alis sucked him into her mouth and held it as his cum shot into her throat. She swallowed and kept swallowing until Mark was spent.
Alis sat back happily and made as if she was bigger, stronger. Mark, amused by her belief in his powers pointed from his cock to her mouth and made the same motion to mean bigger. Then he pointed from his cock, to her bush, and made himself even bigger. Alis shook her head and made a motion in front of her to represent an extended stomach. Mark agreed, pointed to her stomach then made an even larger figure. Alis got up to sit with him, holding his arm with her hands.
Over the next two days Mark helped Aengus by day and enjoyed his nights with Alis. His back continued to heal, helped he was sure by the modern medicines he took discretely. Alis now allowed him to lie back as she enjoyed his body and its strength and magic giving powers. She seemed as happy to consume him orally or elsewhere, even smearing his cum as it dripped from her over her body. She danced in the hut, lit by the fire calling on her gods to accept her. Mark enjoyed watching her lithe body sway to whatever beat she was hearing. The performance always restored his need which led to another successful sharing of his seed.
On the fourth day Mark announced that he needed to continue his travels. Aengus seemed a bit saddened to lose his daytime companion. Alis, oddly seemed unconcerned. He thanked Alis for healing him, she replied,
“You have given me much. We will always be joined.” Aengus had prepared the wolf hides. Three of them as he’d been able to find the one Mark had injured. He would walk to the village with Mark and exchange the hides for items he and his sister needed. She also gave him a list of herbs to obtain from the old healer outside of the village.
They begain their walk over the hill with Aengus pulling the wagon and talking endlessly about local legends. Mark absorbed what he could, understanding that with what these people knew, these weren’t going to be “Dark” ages, maybe just years that weren’t catalogued in writing. They stopped to rest and share a drink. The water out here in the empty stream safer than what could be found running through a village. Aengus asked why a Roman wouldn’t go down to Londinum. Certainly there would be more of his kind.
“Aengus, I don’t know if I want to be with more of my kind. I like this land. And the people. I feel more at home with you. Londinium as we call it will change. I wonder how many Romans will be there in a few years. A village or larger town where I can be helpful seems more to my liking.” Aengus gave him a crooked smile in acknowledgement of Mark’s praise of the locals.
“We better get moving. Still a bit of a walk.”
“And Alis is safe, alone?”
“No one around here would dare touch her.”
“Afraid of you?” Mark said, in a lightly mocking tone. Aengus laughed in return.
“No, not me. They’re afraid Alis will turn them into a toad. Or worse.”
They walked on in silence, soon seeing smoke from cooking fires and smiths’ shops in the distance. As they got closer Mark saw that Ratby was little more than a long path with several low buildings surrounded by a dozen or so huts not much larger than Aengus’. Perhaps he would have to move on to the larger city, early Leicester. Before reaching the village proper they stopped at a small hut well separated from the others. Aengus explained,
“The people like to have the healer nearby, but are afraid to have her magic in the village. I must speak to the old woman for Alis.”
He called to the woman who came out of the hut and greeted Aengus warmly before looking over Mark with interest. Aengus began in the old tongue,
“Hello Maegaen. This is Marcus Servius. He has stayed with Alis and me for a week.” Now he seemed to blush, and hesitate. The woman tapped her stick on the ground. “Alis says he, his seed, provides great strength. She feels it already, inside. Also she has items that she would like to purchase from you.”
Mark took in the conversation, getting the gist of it. He looked more closely at Maegaen. The so called old woman was probably no more than forty. If that. Aengus was listing the various herbs and roots she needed. He also explained how Alis had healed Mark from the wolves. Maegaen listened. Then replied,
“He does look strong. Is he a good man? Not a thieving Roman?”
“He has repaid our kindness with kindness of his own, repairing items and teaching me how to fix my wagon.” Maegaen rocked on her heels, deciding in her head.
“If the Roman will share his power with me, Alis may have her roots and herbs. Fair?” Mark took in the exchange, then understanding the meaning, looked at Aengus. Aengus started to explain,
“What she is…”
“I think I understand Aengus.”
“Good, then I will leave you here while I go trade these wolfskins.” Mark’s mouth dropped open. Then he quickly closed it and bowed slightly towards Maegaen.
“As you wish.” She seemed satisfied.
“Come, let me see how Alis has healed you. She is good for one so young.” Mark nodded to show he understood. “You understand our tongue, better than most Romans.” Maegaen led Mark into her hut and pointed to the only stool. He sat as she loosened his tunic to view his back. She made small humming noises as she touched and poked at his healing cuts. “MMM, Hmm, mmm, hmmm. Yes, well done. Stand.” Mark did as instructed, then stood in place as Maegaen removed his tunic. She circled him making the same, ‘mmm, hmm’ sounds. Then with one hand on his ass she reached around and lifted his cock. “Are you as strong as Alis says? Do you provide magic, strength? Will you give some to me?”
Mark’s cock had begun to stiffen under Maegaen’s attention. “Yes, strong, powerful.” She stepped back and let her shift drop. She turned Mark to her. Mark noted various marks, possibly tattoos on her skin. She was thin, more mature than Alis, with heavier breasts hanging at her chest. Maegaen pulled Mark down to the floor, ignoring the pile of thin pelts in the corner. “Take me Roman, give me your strength.” Mark realized she was demanding a display of power. He positioned himself between her legs, placed his cock at her opening then held himself up by his arms as he plunged into her. She grunted with his thrust then lifted her legs around his hips pulling him to her. Mark began thrusting forcefully into the healer, feeling her hold him inside, her legs lifting her to him, her hands around his arms, head back, mouth open, spouting what where either Celtic curse words or urgings to her gods. She called out to someone, grimaced and moaned as Mark fucked her with all his strength, hopefully filling her needs and expectations. With a final thrust he let his cum release into Maegaen as she screamed with relief or approval, hopefully not anger. When Mark had finished he sat back on his haunches looking at the woman, perhaps old before her time. A woman who believed she could acquire his strength by coupling with him.
Maegaen seemed satisfied that she had received what she wanted and provided Aengus with what Alis requested when he came back past her hut on his way out of town. Aengus gave Mark directions to a small tavern where he could stay.
“They are expecting you. I told them you are honest. For a Roman.” Mark laughed.
“Thank you Aengus, for your hospitality. And your skill with the bow.” They parted as friends and Mark walked down the path into the village. Finding the tavern, a small building halfway down the village’s one street, Mark went inside and asked for something to eat and drink. The tavern keeper looked over Mark’s roman tunic, then sent a serving girl into the kitchen and a young boy upstairs. Mark was digging into his stew when he sensed someone standing beside the table. Looking up he saw a young man eagerly waiting for his attention. Mark stopped eating and asked,
“May I help you?”
“Are you Marcus Servius?” Mark was caught short that his name was known. Looking more carefully at the young man he sensed no danger yet sat back his hand at his side as he replied,
“Yes, I am.” The enthusiastic youth seemed overly pleased.
“I’ve found you. I am to bring you to Gaius Honorius at Ratae Corieltavorum.”
“And if I don’t want to see Gaius Honorius?”
“Then I am to offer you these silver coins.”
“I don’t want your coins.”
“He said you would say that. Even better, our leader said I could keep the coins if you refused them but came anyway.”
“Your leader?”
“Gaius. Yes. The Romans left but leader Honorius stayed and has kept his court. We defend the local villages against invaders. He wants to meet with you.” Mark was now intrigued. How could this Honorius know of him? This village didn’t have many prospects, so the larger town seemed a better option anyway. And the youth hopping from foot to foot was unlikely to let him finish his meal otherwise.
“Sit, please. Let me finish my meal. Then I will go with you.”
“The coins?”
“Keep them.” Beaming now, he sat and waited patiently for Mark to finish. Then he led him out of the village along a path leading over a hill and on to the ancient version of Leicester.
Arriving at the town Mark realized that this was more what he was looking for. The sprawling collection of shops and cottages were spread long intersecting streets. A small church rose from the eastern side. Then there was a walled section to the north enclosing a tower and other stone structures.
“This way, up to the keep.” Mark followed the youth through the busy streets until they reached the gate of the walled keep. A guard asked who they were. Mark’s companion spoke up, “I bring Marcus Servius on orders from Gaius Honorious himself.”
“Wait here.” The guard sent a messenger to the large building alongside the tower. The guard and the youth were soon looking with shocked expressions as the leader himself, Gaius Honorius walked towards them, arms outstretched. Seeing Mark he called to him,
“It’s you! Come in Mark-cus. Welcome, welcome.” Mark watched the rather youthful looking man who called himself the leader. For the benefit of the onlookers he bowed his head towards Gaius,
“Thank you. May I ask why I have been summoned.”
“Come inside, we have much to discuss.” Mark walked with Gaius towards the stone building. The youth looked at the guard who asked,
“He must be a very special person to be greeted so.” The youth looked back,
“I heard in the village that he has magic powers.”
“Hmm.”
Though the outside was plain stone, the interior of Gaius’ home was something from the Empire. Marble, wood, gold leaf, blue paint. Mark looked around in wonder that this still existed. He turned his gaze to Gaius.
“You like my home? I’ve had bits and pieces brought here from various Roman estates. They were falling into disrepair and I thought that would be such a waste.” With a clap of his hands Gaius summoned serving women with fruits and drink. Mark quickly noticed that they wore the barest of gauzy wraps, leaving much of themselves exposed. Mark turned his eyes to Gauis again and made a questioning shrug with his shoulders. Gaius asked, “You don’t approve?” I thought it would ease your mission.” Now Mark was caught short,
“My mission? What do you know of my mission?” Mark received the biggest shock when Gaius answered in perfect 24th century English,
“Enough of the charade. No one here will understand us. Yes, I know your mission.”
“How? Who are you? Where do you come from. And when?”
“All in due time. Let me start by saying you are my idol. The hero of everyone who studied science or history or ancient languages. We all read of your exploits in the history books of the 24th century. We EXISTED in the 24th century because of you.”
“So it was successful?”
“It was. But now you must be successful again. And again. I’m here to help.”
“Why now? And…”
“And who am I. I am Gerry Humber. I studied at the academy. I studied everything you did. Then life got boring. No adventures for those of us following the great Mark Severn.”
“How did you get here?”
“I managed to get myself a position near where the time machine was stored. The intent was to not let anyone else travel. For almost 100 years it sat dormant. Then things began to change. We realized that someone somewhere was trying to change the outcome of your work. I took it upon myself to be sent here. As far as we could tell everything was ok here. I rewarded myself by setting up my own mini-kingdom.”
“You realize you may have changed everything?”
“Out here in the middle of nowhere? Unlikely. But what I am doing is forewarning you. You face unknown dangers ahead. Outside of the usual chaos of being dropped into a strange location every two years.”
“And you’ll stay here forever?”
“Oh I don’t know about that. One thing they did improve since you left is the emergency escape device. I can set the day and time I’d like to jump to.”
“That could really help me.”
“I’m sorry, but you need to continue as you started. But in the meantime, you have the better part of two years here. I have many willing young woman and I’d love to hear the details of your trip so far. The history books only tell us so much.”
Mark had to admit to himself that as far as his mission went this was a gold mine. But was there more to Gaius, or Gerry, than he was saying? He was shown to a comfortable room, piles of animal pelts to soften the bed, a pitcher of water and a basin to wash off the dust of the road. He pulled aside a curtain to find a tub, partially filled with steaming water. He looked around and noticed a second entrance. It opened to a woman carring a bucket of hot water. She dumped it into the tub then looked at Mark smiling,
“I thought yuo might like a bath after your travels.”
“Thank you. Yes. It’s been a long day.” She was slim but strong from carrying water and whatever other kitchen duties she might have. Her red hair, freckles and shy smile made her attractive. The pale skin at her neck and where her arms and legs were exposed showed her to be from these northern climates. Mark waited for her to leave. She waited, then said,
“I’m Allsun, I would help you bathe.” Mark had become used to casually disrobing and as he removed his tunic Allsun took it and placed it in a basket. “Gaius has provided clean clothes.” Allsun was looking at Mark’s body, all of Mark’s body. When Mark looked back to her he saw a nicely developed young woman, smallish upturned breasts, pale nipples on pale skin, and a deep red bush covering her pink mound. “I wouldn’t want my clothes wet.” She smiled again and helped Mark into the tub. He sighed as the hot water soothed his muscles from a day of walking. Allsun took a cloth and began wiping across Mark’s back. She sucked in a breath when she sat the scars. “What happened to you?”
“Wolves. Three of them.”
“And you survived?” She had heard rumors of an expected visitor. Someone known to their leader, and known to have certain magical powers.
“I had help. A brave lad with a bow and arrow saved me from the worst.”
“You are too modest.” She actually said this as her hand with the cloth scrubbed down his chest, then his stomach, then down to Mark’s cock. She cleaned his cock and balls very well, causing Mark to rise. “Are you magic?”
“I don’t know about that but, some do say such things.” Allsun had already made her decision. She stepped into the tub. Mark sat forward to give her room. She sat facing him and let Mark position himself so that when she sat he penetrated her, letting that red pussy devour his cock.
“Mmm, Marcus, please let me have some of your magic.”
“With pleasure.” Mark sucked at her delightful tits as she rocked herself on his cock. Her arms locked around his head, red hair waving behind her head as she swayed and rocked and sighed, feeling his hardness inside her. She smiled again at him then kissed him, searching for his tongue, then kissing together, drawing more from Mark, encouraging him to lift himself up to her, to reach her depths. She gasped, cried out to a pagan god, held Mark tight, tighter, then relaxed just a bit as Mark felt his own cumming and more, into Allsun. Mark lay back on the end of the tub. Allson lay against his chest. Mark looked down at her,
“I must say, I am quite relaxed now.” Allsun giggled then got up to fetch towels. Mark noted her round ass and the way her breasts shook. He wanted more. Hopping from the tub he scooped up Allsun and tossed her on the bed. She squealed with delight,
“Do I make you happy?”
“Yes, very much so. Let me show you.” Mark knelt by the bed and pulled Allsun to him, placing a leg over each shoulder. He gazed down at the red hair between her legs. So different from what he’d seen on his journeys. Probing with his tongue, he separated her pink lips and traced a line along her slit, flicking his tongue over her clit.
“Oh, ooh, no one has..ohhh.” Sucking at her clit, then down her wet pussy, he probed and licked. Teasing her, exciting her, causing her hips to lift and bounce on the bed. Her legs were now crossed behind his head as she pushed her pussy to him. Mark sucked, licked, tasting her, going faster as she writhed, repeating some of what she’d screamed before and adding a few more. Mark continued lashing at her clit until Allsun begged him to stop. “You are magic.” Mark stood his cock hard again. Allsun noticed. “Would you? Again?”
“Of course.” Mark lifted her ankles to his shoulders, then thrust his cock into her dripping pussy. Her body still excited, responded to his cock, gripping at him as Mark pressed in deep. Allsun sighed, her head back, red hair, splayed across the bed, breasts jiggling with each thrust. Mark held her by the hips to allow each push to reach her depths, then held her ass up as he quicked his pace and soon sent another load of cum into his willing partner. With both now spent, Mark lay alongside Allsun on the bed. She looked at him.
“I hope I’m not in trouble with Gaius. He has women to do this. I’m supposed to work in the kitchen.”
“I’ll speak to him.”
“I-I don’t want to be one of those women.”
“Oh I wasn’t saying that. What would you like to do?”
“Lay here with you?” She giggled, then, “The kitchen is hot and smelly and, well, I’d like to sew and make clothes. But the better women do that.”
“Gaius will do me the favor.” Allsun clapped her hands and jumped atop Mark again. “No, not so soon Allsun.” She made a little pout.
“Will I be able to visit you again?”
“Just so you understand, I can’t reject Gaius’ hospitality.”
“Hmph, those women. They’ll dance for you in hardly nothing and ride your cock all night but there won’t be feeling.” Mark’s arms were around Allsun, caressing the pale skin of her back.
“You’re always welcome here and I’d have you sit with me at dinner.” She squealed almost as she did when she came earlier.
Mark spoke to Gaius who happily met his requests.
“Mark, I’ll have one of the women fit her for an appropriate dress for a lady. Whatever you want. I do find it amusing that with all these fine women prancing around practically naked, you want the kitchen girl.”
“I’ve found love in the strangest places, Gerry.”
“Yes, now, let’s relax, enjoy the, scenery, and tell me more about Rome.”
After going through more of his travels Mark turned the conversation back to the current situation,
“Really Gerry, what is all this?”
“This? Oh come on, you know how it is for those of us in the sciences. Tagged as smart but awkward. Never any luck with the ladies.”
“If you say so. I was married.”
“Yes, sorry for you. Maybe you were an exception. But I wasn’t. So I decided to change my lot. Use what I knew to be something I wasn’t. So here I am. I’ve helped the locals create a better situation for themselves. I have loyal men to fight for my people and they in turn accept me as the leader of the city. Sort of like the strongman, clan leaders of old.”
“And you are helping the people?”
“Without messing with history, yes. We follow modern health systems, even if they don’t know why. The river comes in from the north, all waste disposed and tanning takes place south of the city. The militia trains and has fought off incursions from the north. Nothing unusual is happening here.”
“So when do you bring out the round table?”
“Hah, yes. Maybe I should have called myself Arthur. The legends come from somewhere.”
“Be careful.”
“You could be Maerlin. You already have a reputation for magic.”
“All stories. But what about the danger you spoke of?”
“Yes that. To the best of my knowledge there will be an attempt on you.”
“To kill me?”
“Maybe just a kidnapping.”
“Why?”
“To populate a different group of people? We learned of efforts in other parts of the world, desperate to survive, to copy your time travel device. They may have succeeded. And used the histories to locate you.”
“Can you contact the future. With your emergency device? Maybe I should skip a stop to throw them off? Maybe hit the planned times but in a different order?”
“Risky. For one, it would affect what is already their reality.”
“Me dying, or being carted off somewhere else will sure as hell change their reality.”
“You have a point. Let’s think on this. They may not even be successful. Shall we dine?” Gerry led Mark down a hallway to the main public room. Tables were set up in rows with the main table on a riser looking out over the hall. The rows of tables were already full as they entered the hallway. All rose. Gerry spoke to his guests.
“Sit, sit, please. But first, let me introduce my special guest, Marcus Servius who has decided to stay in this beautiful land rather than leave with the legions.” That prompted murmurs of approval. As everyone sat Gerry, as Gaius, introduced Mark personally to other guests at the main table. City dignataries. Those who must be appeased to keep his lifestyle going. There was an empty seat next to Mark. Seeing that Gerry called out, “I almost forgot. As the request of my friend Marcus, I’d like to invite Allsun to dine here with us.” Allsun had been standing against a wall with the other servents, dressed in her new finery. She’d wondered if Mark had spoken kindly of her. Now she covered her face embarrassed to be singled out in front of everyone she knew. “Come, come young lady, Marcus can’t be dining alone.” When she took the steps up to the platform, Mark stood and escorted her to her seat. She looked at him with a mix of love and desire, whispering,
“I shan’t forget this. This is the most wonderful day of my life. I feel a noblewoman.”
“My pleasure to be dining with such a pretty lady.” That was said loud enough for others to hear. They chatted through the meal and Allsun enjoyed listening to the local leaders discussing important topics. After dinner there was entertainment, music, jokes, dancing. When Mark asked for a dance Allsun practically leaped from her seat. She held him as close as was appropriate for the tune, then spun and showed off her new dress. When the evening was done Mark asked if she had any plans. She leaned in close,
“Only the dirtiest thoughts you can imagine, if you’d have me.”
“With that promise, how could I resist?” They excused themselves from the drunken revelry and escaped to Mark’s room. They’d no sooner closed the door than Allsun dropped to her knees and found Mark’s cock under his robes. He was about to say she didn’t have to, when he gasped as she sucked his cock well into her mouth. Allsun sucked and stroked Mark who was instantly hard, his cock twitching and throbbing as she twisted and turned it with each stroke. Mark caressed Allson’s hair, letting his fingers sift through her red curls, feeling himself closer. He tried to move back. She stayed attached, holding tight with her lips around his head as he began shooting streams into her mouth. Allsun, swallowed and swallowed then sucked and licked at Mark’s spent cock, retrieving all she could.
“That’s for what you did to me earlier. Was it good for you?”
“Oh yes, yes. Now please let’s get that dress off, I need to have you with me tonight.” Allsun carefully removed the dress and laid it one a small cabinet. She laughed about all the extra undergarments fancy ladies wore. Mark was already waiting for her when she walked to the bed, letting him look over her nude body, so soft and pale. She climbed in under the covers and they were soon wrestling, touching, caressing. Mark kissed her everywhere, sucking at her small pale nipples, kissed her myriad freckles, licking along the folds of her red bushed pussy, nibbling along her legs, sending her into fits of laughter. Then when he was again hard he hovered above her and pushed his cock into her again. Into her warmth, her softness. He kissed her as he rocked in and out, letting her feel his cock as he felt her pussy hold him in her grip, moving up and in then back and in again. Slow even movements. She rose to meet him, lifting her hips arching her back, willing him to fill her again. She came in small cries, he followed with a grunt and a thrust. She milked him, drawing every bit he had. He let his body lay on her, supporting his weight with his arms. She felt warm and safe. He wouldn’t know which but from Gerry’s hints some of these pairings were successful, had passed on to future generations his immunity. He lay now alongside Allsun, cupping a breast with his hand.
“What are you thinking of Marcus?”
“It’s for another time. Not when we’re, like this.” Now she was intrigued.
“Tell me now, I demand it.”
“Aren’t you the high born sounding lady now,” he replied with just enough humor in his voice. “OK. I want you to know that at some point, I will be leaving. I’m destined not to stay in one place. Gaius knows this.”
“Can I come with you?”
“No, if only you could, but I have a mission.”
“Why are you telling me this. Couldn’t you just leave?”
“You deserve better. You deserve someone to take care of you, provide for you.” She didn’t seem satisfied with his answer, but let it go.
Over the noxt months Mark did spend time with the dancing girls in their gauzy gowns, large breasts shaking, plump asses swaying to the music. He did his part and late in his first year at Gaius’ home his friend from the future told him,
“You are the active one, fortunately for the future. I’m running out of dancing girls. They’re all pregnant!”
“Just doing my bit for humanity.”
“And your friend Allsun, she appears ready to burst.” Mark smiled. Allsun had been so happy to be carrying their child, despite his warnings.
“Gerry, I want to provide for her.”
“Anything. I’ll make sure all your children have the best of everything. My bit for the future.”
“I have an idea. Who do you use as a healer around here?”
“There are herbalists in town and those who tend to people’s injuries, such as they can these days. I of course have my own stockpile of medicines hidden.”
“I know a talented healer. She lives with her brother near Ratby.”
“I’m listening.”
“Send someone for them. Tell them Marcus must see them. I think the young man, Aengus, would be a good match for Allsun. He saved me from the wolves, Alis healed me. She also has a young baby.” Mark just looked at Gerry who understood. It was a few months later, after the cold winter when the guards sent word that a couple named Aengus and Alis wished to see Gaius and Mark.
Mark smiled in welcome as he strode across the square to greet them. Alis stood to the side, uncomfortable within the confines of the grounds. She held a baby to her breast, unconcerned with the men standing watching. Aengus greeted Mark with his usual outgoing nature,
“Marcus my friend! You look good. Why the mysterious message?”
“I have a proposal for you, and Alis.”
“Proposal?”
“You’ve heard of Gaius Honorius?”
“Yes, he is the leader of this town. Famous all around this area.”
“And a good friend of mine.” Aengus was impressed that Mark should know such a noble. “What would you think of moving here? You and Alis.”
“Here, away from the farm?”
“Gaius has need of a reliable man. Brave and true. I have recommended you. This town is also in need of a healer as skilled as Alis. You would have comfortable quarters and anything you need.”
“Me? Why me?”
“You and Alis saved my life. Gaius is most grateful and wishes to reward you.”
“This sounds too good.”
“There is one other thing.”
“Oh.”
“I have someone I’d like you to meet. A young woman with a child, much like Alis.” Aengus looked questioningly at Mark.
“You have been busy my friend?”
“Yes, but I must leave. I have been given an assignment. And I must go alone.”
“And she needs a husband, this…”
“Allsun. Her name is Allsun. She is young and pretty and would make a perfect wife for you.”
“When can I meet her?”
A smaller dinner was planned for the new guests. Though the guest list was shorter Gerry did not cut back on the food available. Alis and Aengus looked around the hall taking in the romanized styles Gaius preferred. Gaius welcomed his guests.
“Come, sit with me here.” Alis was quiet. Aengus responded,
“You honor us.”
“Oh please, friends of Marcus are friends of mine. And I believe we all owe you thanks for saving Marcus.”
“It was nothing. I shot wolves with arrows. Alis did the hard part.”
“Marcus tells me that Alis is quite skilled. We could use someone with her talents.”
“So we’ve been told.”
“Great. You may live wherever you choose. You’ll have my protection in the city and Alis will be provided whatever she needs.”
“You’re so generous.”
“What good is having things if you can’t share?” At that time Mark entered the room with Allsun on his arm. Aengus looked at her, then quickly to Mark who nodded. Aengus stood and bowed. Allsun waved him down,
“Please I’m no lady. The good leader has made me more than I am. I’m a serving girl with a child.”
“You’re very pretty.” Mark took in the exchange, both in their usual blunt ways. At the table he was sure to have Allsun sit between him and Aengus. They were soon deep in conversation. Alis was staring across at Mark. Afterwards he asked if Alis would walk outside with him. Mark held their baby. She’d named him Marcas.
“Is everything ok Alis?” She looked at him with dark eyes, seeming to weigh her response. “Are you not happy with these arrangements.”
“Men make plans and women are expected to follow along.”
“I thought you would be able to help more people here and Marcas would have more friends.”
“Friends? People don’t let their children play with to sons of women like me.”
“Really? I would think that would be different in this town with Gaius as leader.”
“Maybe, maybe not. I liked my quiet little farm.”
“You can choose anywhere you like outside the city. You will be provided whatever you need.” She just looked at Mark.
“And this woman my brother is mooning over, I suppose that is your child she is suckling?” Mark looked down and then at Alis,
“Yes.”
“You are leaving babies all over.” It was not an accusation, more a statement of fact. Mark pointed to a bench where Alis joined him.
“Alis, I can’t talk to anyone else about this. They wouldn’t understand and it could be dangerous. But I think you understand or accept things in ways other people cannot.”
“Go on.”
“I’m not from this time.” She stared at him waiting. “My people are dying from a terrible plague. For some reason I cannot catch the disease. And my children can’t. So I was sent to other times. So there will be many people who can survive.”
Alis now looked at him with wonder. “I had the feeling you were magic.”
“Not magic really. People will learn new things over the ages. But there are some things we still haven’t learned.”
“Do you have a family there?” Now Mark stared off into the distance.
“My daughter Emily. My wife died some months before I left.”
“From this disease?”
“Yes.” Alis took his hand.
“You must be very lonely, even with all of us.” Mark sniffled and squeezed her hand.
“You can’t tell anyone about this, ok.” Alis nodded in agreement. Then asked,
“Why did you match my brother with your woman Allsun?”
“I will need to be leaving soon. I was hoping to help Aengus’ future and provide a safe place for Allsun and our baby.
“Aengus is a good man. He would be a good father. I will watch over them.” Now Mark hugged Alis.
They returned to the hall to join the others. Mark updated Gerry on Alis’ needs. Gerry waved to indicate that it was no bother, easily done. Over the next weeks leading up to Mark’s next jump he and Gerry discussed options.
“You know Mark, maybe you can negotiate with them. Agree to provide samples or go with them for a period of time and do your thing?”
“I’ve been thinking of that, but if I miss my jump times I’ll be stuck. I don’t know where my emergency device will send me. I’m thinking of making this jump then sending a message asking to have them immediately send me to the next location.”
“Were are you supposed to be going next?”
“Didn’t you read the history?”
“It wouldn’t be in there if you never made it.”
“Hmm, interesting. I’m supposed to go to Caroligian France, not that it was called that at the time. 803, I believe. Don’t tell me.”
Gerry looked at Mark contemplating. Then decided. “I think the best course for me is to let you make your own decisions.”
On the day he was to leave the court of Gaius, Mark said his good byes to the close friends he’d made. Not that they would need much under Gaius’ watch, still Mark shared his coins with Aengus and Alis. Allsun and Aengus were now living together in a small comfortable house. Alis had her own place out on the fringes of the town. When Mark went back to his room to gather his things he found a pouch and a note with instructions. He shook his head and smiled, but pocketed the pouch anyway. Then he began the walk back to the field near the farm.
Mark was ready. He would make a quick decision when he appeared in 9th century Frankia. His destination was Aix-la-Chapelle where he would blend in with the court of Charlemagne. He stood on the spot where he had appeared two years ago. Then in a flash he was in a different field. He looked around quickly. The case was already there. Listening he thought he heard voices. Voices trying not to be heard. Mark went to his box, took out weapons and jotted a quick note,
—URGENT. Make next jump NOW.—
Then realizing the clothes in the box would better suit the next time period he grabbed those and closed the box. Back in his travel spot he waited. The minutes passing seemed an eternity. He should have changed. Damn it. Now his Roman style clothes would be left lying around. Still he’d be better to have changed. He began removing his tunic, being sure to hold onto his pouch. Then the box vanished. Making sure his weapons and coin bag were within his landing area, he picked up the 9th century laborers clothes. More voices, closer maybe. Then a buzz and,
Mark was standing naked in a field. In the distance he could see smoke rising from a walled city. London, 1353 he hoped. They’d done it.
