Seducer of Souls - Chapter Two

Fortunately, their two week long journey was uneventful.  By the time they reached the valley, Han's ribs had much improved and Serge had managed to resist any primitive urges to run wild in the plains.
At the top of the valley, Serge saw for the first time the beauty of the place.
"Its breath taking," he said.
"Yes. The valley also touched Ann's heart," said Han.
Precariously they made their way down the overgrown, path.  Serge led the way, enabling Han to support himself on his strong back.  On arriving at the valley base Han had to rest.  Breathing heavily and sweating profusely, he perched on a rock to rest his tired body.
"I really am getting to old for this kind of thing," said Han.
Sitting on the floor beside him, Serge scanned the nearby fields looking for the women.
"You're the fittest old bid I have ever known.  You will probably outlive me," he jested.

A strong breeze picked up making the trees around them sway and creak.  A faint tone washed over them. Han did not feel any ill affect from the sound, but   as the pitch increased, Serge experienced sharp pains that vibrated in his head.

"What is that sound?" he gasped.
"Its what the women use to map out their surroundings," said Han.
Serge doubled over with pain.  Han jumped up looking around for the women in the hopes of stopping the sound. 
Serge's groans of pain alarmed him.  He sat down beside him and tried to weave a healing spell.  However, before he could start it, silence settled around them.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Han stood up when the Solace women glided into view.  He walked over to Cull, who gently took his hands in hers.
"We stopped the sound on recognising your presence.  Where is Ann?"
Han gently squeezed her hands wishing he could give her better news.
"I am sorry Cull.  She gave up her freedom to allow us to escape."
Her daughters appeared on either side of Cull when she sagged in despair. 

On hearing Serge grunt Han looked down at his younger companion.
"Sorry.  I forgot about you for a moment.  Are you alright?"
Serge slowly rose; the sound the women had emitted had left him with a headache and fuzzy hearing.
Before Serge could respond, Cena caught Han's attention.
"Why have you returned and who is this you have brought with you?"
Han looked into a strong face hoping to find some concern for Ann mirrored there.
"My companion is Serge.  The man Ann wanted to free from Draken."
Cena's manner darkened. "And what is your reason's for being here?"
Han felt uncomfortable under her angry stare. "I am hoping that your mother will help us free Ann."
Cull sadly shook her head. "I am sorry Han.  I cannot leave my daughters."
"You could if another child was due," said Han.

On feeling all their white eyes upon him, his mouth dried up.  Now that the subject had come to the fore, he felt embarrassed about being so blunt about his plan.
Everyone looked at Serge as he laughed at Han's obviously discomfort. The time had come and the suggestion of breeding had become a difficult issue.

"Han as brought me along to act as breeding stock to one of your daughters Cull," said Serge.