A Scribe's Tale ~ The Lady from the River, by Arealius the Scribe
This Gorean Fan Fiction was generated using MetaAI.
Please note that the Gorean Saga is a fictional series, and its world,
customs, and values may not align with modern societal standards or moral principles.
Gor is Copyrighted by John Norman
I slowly opened my eyes, groggily taking in my surroundings. The feeling of dirt beneath me and the pounding in my head made me wince. I tried to sit up, but everything hurt. A gentle breeze carried the scent of the river and distant forests, and the sound of water lapping against the shore filled the air. I was disoriented, unsure where I was or how I got there.
As I struggled to focus, I saw a pair of boots standing before me. My heart racing, I tried to pull away, but my body wasn't responding as it should. A soothing voice calmed me, "Easy there, lady. You've been through quite an ordeal." The owner of the voice was a tall warrior, knelt beside me, his expression filled with concern.
I tried to speak, but my voice was hoarse. I gestured to the document capsule on my hip, hoping he'd understand. The warrior carefully retrieved it and examined its contents.
"Lady Ailleantsian of Clan Nightfire," he whispered, eyes widening slightly. "You're a free woman of Sais." He secured the documents and helped me stand, offering his arm for support.
Each step was agonizing, but the warrior's calm presence and reassuring words kept me moving. We reached the outpost gates, where guards recognized him and assisted us. The warrior guided me to a nearby bench, ensuring I was seated securely before stepping back.
A physician arrived from Port Olni, assessing my condition with practiced ease. "What's your name?" she asked. Panic set in, but the warrior's presence reassured me. "I think the man knows from what was on my hip," I thought. The physician continued questioning me, but my memories were hazy. I knew I was on Gor, that I was a free woman, but everything else was cloudy.
The physician finished her assessment, stating, "It appears nothing is broken, just bruised, and you had a knock to the head." The warrior handed her the sealed document capsule, which she secured for later examination.
As the physician tended to me, the warrior remained nearby, offering words of encouragement. "You're safe here, Lady Ailleantsian. We'll make sure you have everything you need." He signaled for water and a clean cloth, which I gratefully accepted.
Eventually, the warrior helped me to a more comfortable area within the outpost, ensuring I had everything I needed for recovery. As I lay on the bed, surrounded by warmth and softness, exhaustion took over.
The warrior softly spoke, "This room will provide the privacy and warmth you need. Rest here, and the physician will check on you regularly." He turned to the innkeeper and the physician, "Make sure she has everything she needs. I'll be just outside if you need me." The physician nodded and began arranging the surrounding blankets, ensuring I was comfortable.
As the tall warrior stepped outside, I heard him instruct the guards, "Keep watch and make sure Lady Ailleantsian is not disturbed. Her recovery is our priority." His vigilant presence outside my door brought me comfort.
With a last glance, the warrior left to report his findings to the captain, leaving me to rest. I felt a sense of gratitude toward this stranger who had found me and brought me to safety. His kindness and reassurance had been a beacon in the chaos of my shattered memories.
As I drifted off to sleep, I knew I was in expert hands. Tomorrow would bring more clarity, and perhaps, a chance to reclaim my past.
The next morning, I woke to the gentle warmth of sunlight filtering through the window. My body still ached, but the pain was more manageable. I sat up slowly, taking stock of my surroundings. The room was simple, yet cozy, with a small fireplace crackling in the corner. A tray of steaming food and a pitcher of water sat on a nearby table.
As I swung my legs over the side of the bed, a knock at the door broke the silence. "Enter," I called out, my voice still hoarse but stronger than yesterday.
The physician entered, carrying a small satchel. "Good morning, Lady Ailleantsian. How are you feeling today?" She examined me with a practiced eye, checking the bandages and bruises.
"I'm better, thank you," I replied, taking a sip of water.
The physician nodded. "Excellent. Your memories still unclear?"
I hesitated. Fragments of images and emotions swirled in my mind, but nothing concrete. "No...not really."
"Don't worry; it's normal after a head injury. They'll return in time." She smiled reassuringly. "The warrior who brought you here wants to speak with you when you're ready."
I nodded, curiosity piqued. Who was this stranger who had saved me?
As the physician left, the warrior entered, his expression solemn. "Lady Ailleantsian, I'm of the warrior caste of Port Olni. I've spoken to our captain, and we've arranged for you to meet with him later today."
"Thank you, warrior," I said, my voice filled with gratitude.
The tall warrior's eyes softened. "You're safe now. We'll help you uncover your past and ensure your freedom remains intact."
With those words, he handed me a small, intricately carved wooden box. "This was found near you. We think it might belong to you."
I took the box, running my fingers over the intricate geometric patterns. A faint memory stirred, like a whispered promise. My heart racing, I opened the box, revealing a small, gleaming silver pendant.
A rush of emotions flooded me, but the memories remained elusive. I looked up at the warrior, determination burning within. "I want to remember."
The tall warrior nodded. "We'll help you."
Later that day, warrior escorted me to the captain's office, in the outpost's heart. The captain, a stern-looking man with wild raven hair, and a kind gaze, greeted me warmly.
"Lady Ailleantsian, I'm the Captain of the Warrior Caste of Port Olni. We've reviewed your documents, and it appears you're a member of the Nightfire clan, known for their skill in diplomacy and mathematics, specifically geometry. The men of your clan are well respected scribes in the cities of Sais, Sulport and Jasmine on the Vosk River."
My ears perked up at the mention of my clan. A glimmer of recognition sparked within.
The captain continued, “But I must tell you, this season has been a deadly one. The region of the Vosk River you appear to be from is under strict quarantine because of a severe outbreak of the Da Kosis, the Holy Disease at Sulport. You are lucky that we found you.”
A mix of emotions swirled within me: dread, fear, and anticipation. What would my clan's response be? Are my clansmen even still alive? Would they help me regain my memories?
As the meeting concluded, warrior walked me back to my quarters. "You're one step closer to reclaiming your past, Lady Ailleantsian."
I smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude toward warrior and the outpost. "Thank you, captain. I owe you a debt of gratitude."
The warrior's expression softened. "You owe me nothing, Lady Ailleantsian. You're under our protection now. Our Ubar has ordered that all freewomen be treated with honor and respect, regardless of caste."
As I settled back into my quarters, the silver pendant weighed heavily around my neck, a tangible connection to my mysterious past. Tomorrow would bring more answers, and perhaps, a chance to reunite with my clan.
But for now, I closed my eyes, letting the warmth of the fire and the safety of the outpost envelop me, and drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, I woke feeling more refreshed than I had in days. The pain had subsided, replaced by a newfound sense of determination.
As I dressed, warrior arrived with a gentle knock. "Lady Ailleantsian, the captain requests your presence.”
As I entered the captain's office at the outpost, flanked by the tall warrior. Just as we began discussing my past and the clan's involvement, a commotion outside interrupted us. A harried messenger burst into the room.
"Pardon, Commander," the messenger exclaimed. "Urgent news from a field scribe who's just arrived from downriver, from beyond Ar Station."
The captain nodded, and the messenger continued, "The field scribe brings grave tidings. Sais, the great port city, has completely fallen."
Gasps filled the room. The captain's expression darkened. "What of the evacuation?"
The messenger's voice trembled. "It's said the city was besieged without warning. Many were trapped. The scribe speaks of horrific scenes–people fleeing in panic, ships overwhelmed, and the sea littered with bodies."
I felt a shiver run down my spine. Sais, a city I'd heard of but never visited, was now a scene of unspeakable tragedy. But, they have told me my clan lived there.
The captain's face set in a determined expression. "We must hear more. Bring the scribe to me."
The messenger nodded and hastened out.
The tall warrior's eyes locked onto mine. "This news may be connected to your past, Lady Ailleantsian."
I nodded, a sense of foreboding settling within.
The scribe, whom I learned was known as the Sailor, was a grizzled field scribe with a weathered bearded face and unruly black hair, arrived shortly. He had spent more time with merchants and river boatmen than with members of his own caste, or so I was told by the warrior. His blue eyes, red-rimmed from fatigue, spoke of the horrors he'd witnessed.
"I saw it with my own eyes," the Sailor said, his voice cracking. "Sais was ablaze, its people screaming as they fled. I escaped on my draft tarn, but...the sights, the sounds...they haunt me still."
The captain's jaw clenched. "Did you see anything unusual? Any signs of who might have orchestrated this?"
The Sailor hesitated. "There were rumors of a dark fleet, tarn ships on the Vosk west if Turmus with no banners or markings. Some said they flew the flag of the Cos."
The captain's face darkened. "We'll investigate these claims. The Port Olni will not stand idly by."
As the meeting concluded, I felt the weight of the world shifting. The fall of Sais, the horrors of the evacuation–all seemed to be connected to my own mysterious past.
The warrior's reassuring presence beside me reminded me I wasn't alone. Together, we would unravel the truth and bring justice to those responsible.
But for now, the shadows of Sais's downfall loomed, casting a dark and foreboding shadow over our gathering.
"What does this mean for me?" I asked the captain, my voice barely above a whisper.
The captain's eyes locked onto mine. "We'll find out, Lady Ailleantsian. Together, we'll uncover the secrets of your past and bring light to the darkness that's consumed Sais."
Hands had passed since my rescue and rehabilitation at the outpost. I'd found a new sense of purpose in Port Olni, working as a seamstress at the local station. The gentle rhythm of needles and threads soothed my mind, helping to fill the gaps in my memories.
On a crisp morning, I ventured to the dock offices to buy coth–a rare, fine fabric–and other tailoring supplies. As I entered the bustling office, the scent of muddy river water and parchment filled my senses.
A familiar face caught my attention: the Sailor, the field scribe who'd brought news of Sais's falland the wars in the west. He sat at a cluttered desk, scribbling notes on a parchment.
"Lady Ailleantsian," he said, looking up and smiling. "I never expected to see you again, especially not here."
"I've made Port Olni my home," I replied, taking a seat beside him. "Working as a seamstress helps me...find myself."
The Sailor nodded sympathetically. "I'm glad to see you've found some peace. I've been meaning to visit you, actually."
He rummaged through his satchel, producing a worn leather journal. "I found this among my notes from Sais. A passage mentions a woman with your name, Lady Ailleantsian Nightfire."
My heart skipped a beat. "What does it say?"
The Sailor's eyes locked onto mine. "It speaks of a meeting between you and a certain... Marlen, a merchant from Sais. He was seeking information on Island of Cos."
“Cos?” The name sent shivers down my spine.
"Do you remember anything?" the Sailor asked gently.
I closed my eyes, focusing on the fragments of memories. A fleeting image of a man with piercing green eyes and chiseled features flashed through my mind.
"Marlen," I whispered, my voice trembling.
The Sailor's expression turned grave. "I fear Marlen may have been involved in the fall of Sais. His name is whispered among the merchant circles, linked to dark dealings."
A chill ran down my spine. What had I been involved in?
As I left the dock office with my supplies, the Sailor's words echoed in my mind. The past was slowly unraveling, revealing threads of intrigue and danger.
I returned to my small seamstress shop, lost in thought. The needle and thread seemed to move of their own accord as I worked, my mind consumed by the mystery of Marlen and the Cosans.
As night fell, casting a golden glow over Port Olni, I realized my memories were no longer the only puzzle I needed to solve. The truth about Sais, Marlen, and the Cosans had become an all-consuming quest.
And I knew exactly where to begin. I headed toward the Scribe’s Tower to seek help from my former caste.
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