Princess Chapter 1 (3/6) sf violence sexless m-dom Rollond waited for what seemed like forever, but could not have been mo re than a minute, then said "This is acceptable to me. I can speak for my men- we offer our parole under your conditions." There was more, but I did not listen. I was overjoyed. Peace with the Tah! Father was horrified when word arrived of hostilities with them. The Haffeni were bad, but the Tah were known as fierce warriors and devilish seamen. I served food and black wine as two enemies began recalling past camaraderie... Then I heard a loud CRACK! followed instantly by a piercing scream. The men took no notice, but I knew instantly. I jumped involuntarily a s a second blow landed and the screaming and sobbing grew nearly hysterical. My belly was tight and hot, churning as the third, then fourth blows landed. By the fifth my vision was beginning to blur. "Princess, it is time for your beating." "M...master?" "Your beating, girl. It sounds as if Tavo has finished with Anna. You may go." "Yes, Master." It took all the strength I had to stand and walk towards the sound of t he beating. When I turned the corner I saw a large, shirtless man unbinding Anna's wrists from a tall pole set in the ground- a whipping post. Her back was bright red, she was shaking terribly, but I noted there was no broken flesh, no blood. Numb with fear, my heart hammering in my chest I knelt and waited. Anna stumbled past me, sobbing, her breathing deep and ragged. The man ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tavo, stepped up before me. "And how many for you, little flower?" "Three, Master." "Ah, so many disobedient girls today. Stand at the post and extend you r arms over your head as far as you can." I did as he ordered and he swiftly bound me, looping a leather cord abo ut my crossed wrists, then through a ring mounted in the top of the post, pulling it tight until I was on the very tips of my toes. The post was smooth and hard against my naked body as he carefully pulled my hair forward over my shoulders to expose my back. "Now understand, girl. I greatly dislike this task which is why the Captain gives it to me. We'll get this over with and send you on your way and you'll promise not to force me in to this again, eh?" "Yes, Master," I whispered. And I waited. I don't know how long it really was, but it seemed an eternity. Then t here was a whistling "CRACK!" and my entire back exploded in agony. I didn't realize I was screaming until I had to draw a breath, the pain was so hot and intense, spreading like a wave to envelope my entire body in a grip like a thousand blades splitting my flash. The second blow tore my breath from my body and my vision went from red to wavering darkness, the bonds on my wrists cruel against my skin as I hung there, unable to hold myself up, my chest heaving in spasms as I desperately sought air. The third blow did not fall, and as my senses returned, I understood. Stiffly, every nerve screaming protest I straightened myself. A third blast of rippling agony quickly followed. Before the scream had a chance to die in the air, I was being untied an d set on my feet. I gazed about me and the world seemed warped, strange. I couldn't hear, the blood thundered so in my ears, and my legs refused to work. An arm slid under mine and I saw Anna had come to help me away. "You are a fool, Princess," she whispered in my ear, "never invite the whip, never!" "I did not know ," I wept, my words feeling fuzzy and weak on my tongue , "I did not know..." The Captain: It was two days at sea before we were in what could be called safe wate rs. Normally we would have put ashore for the night, but with recent developments I felt it wiser to make a straight run for home. There was always the possibility that the Isallana would mount some kind of attack and I could not deploy my ships to best advantage when escorting the captured round ships. Two days straight sailing was only a minor hardship for seasoned men, b ut Princess did not take it well. She was one of only four slaves aboard my vessel and all of them were ill by the middle of the second day. Of course I had little time to trifle with her, but I had plans for her at first landfall and I was a little concerned that she might be too weak to perform her duties so I had the slaves' food dosed with a sleeping agent the second night. This actually pleased my men as we were all growing tired of the repeated noises of vomiting women. The next morning they were all still a bit wobbly, but color was returning to their faces and Princess actually managed to eat a bit. We arrived at the Portage Isles around mid-day and I decided to put in there. We were safe enough now and this was a common stopping point. Another day's sailing would have us home so I wanted everyone well rested and in good spirits in anticipation of a triumphant arrival. The slaves in particular seemed quite grateful to be on dry land again as we set about establishing a camp. "Tavo! Who's on your bad side today? I need three men to stand watch up at the Point." My First Officer grinned, "I know just the three. Lane! Griff! Joz! You have been chosen for a special honor!" I heard the groans from the men, but no complaints. Nobody ever argues with Tavo, probably something to do with his 6' 9" 270lb not-an-ounce-of-fat bearing. I found the slave Anna and had her set about getting the slaves bathed and prepared for the evening, though I was much more forgiving on her time limit than I had been before. I regretted the beating she had been given for I had acted out of my own anxiety over the coming confrontation with Rollond rather than from any true need of punishment. Of course, she would never hear those words from me. I did notice though that Princess made a point of being very helpful- she and Anna seemed to be getting along quite nicely. The early stop meant a good hot meal for everyone, but there would be n o feast such as we had enjoyed the night before we sailed. Still, there would be time for recreation of all sorts- aboard ship at sea there was precious little time or space for such pursuits. I made my rounds, checking in on my Captains, seeing to the needs of my crews and ships, finishing as the cooks began summoning the men for dinner. I found Princess kneeling by the low table set up for my meal. She was wearing a short tunic, really just a scrap of cloth worn poncho-style with a cord wrapped around at the waist. Without comment I settled down at the table and my slave immediately moved to my side, bowing low. "Wine, Master?" "Yes, but first strip." "Yes, Master." She stood and deftly unknotted the cord about her waist then slid the garment off and set it at my feet. Looking up I could see the same ritual being repeated by all the women now serving wine and food to my men. Princess fetched the wine and a small sipping bowl, poured carefully, then lifted the bowl to her lips, softly kissing the rim before lifting it to me, head bowed. She did it very nicely. "You've been practicing, girl. I approve." "Thank you, Master. Anna has been teaching me." "I am surprised you had the time, what with all the retching you've don e the past two days." "Anna insisted, Master, and I sought to please you." "Good attitude, Princess- it will serve you well. Now, my food." Princess sped off to fetch my meal and I took a moment to spy out the p oint and see that the watch I had ordered was properly set. I only saw two heads outlined against the sky and was about to call Tavo when I spotted young Griff lugging a large tray up the path. Of course. They did have to eat, after all. I was sure they were somewhat unhappy to be stuck on watch up the hill when there were so many pleasant diversions to be had below. Princess returned with a tray which she set on my table. She then carefully laid out my utensils before returning to her place, kneeling by my side. The fare was simple, salted beef with potatoes, gravy, and assorted fruit which I delved in to eagerly. I took a moment from time to time to cut a piece of meat and offer it to my slave, feeding her by hand, amazed at how well she behaved. Perhaps some good had come of that beating after all? When I had eaten my fill I cut up the remainder and let Princess finish it off. "Clear the table, girl, and return promptly." "Yes, Master." When Princess took the tray away I cast about and spotted Anna. With a gesture I summoned her to my side. She was quite lovely, though I am not overly fond of such slender women. Her features were finely wrought, her eyes were quite becoming and she was possessed of an impish smile that easily stirred me. "You have been working with Princess. I approve. She shows promise do se she not?" "May I speak freely, Master?" "Please do." "She still has little understanding of her place. She needs the attent ion of a professional trainer, and she needs to understand what it means to be a slave." I was pleased, and a bit surprised that Anna's opinion matched my own s o well. There was more to this girl than met the eye. "Remain here, Anna. Serve me wine." "With pleasure, Master."