FicWad

Pervikar 02





(Pervikar, now 18, is forced into slave labor)







Pervikar- Chapter 2 Cedric

The next eighteen years passed swiftly, but not without problems. Tenan, Karina, Rolph and Dagmar taught Per what they knew- woodcraft, the farm, plants and medicine. Tenan taught Per to speak in ogre, troll and orc. Per grew like a weed and at eight years old, he was almost five feet tall. It was at this time, during one of his trips to the village, that two fifteen year old bullies decided to pick a fight with him. Luckily for Per, several of the villagers saw them start the fight as he sent one boy home with a broken nose and the other home with two cracked ribs. After the fight, Tenan started teaching Per about combat. He taught him how to fight with sword and dagger and how to shoot a crossbow. Dagmar saw them practicing and taught Per how to fight with a halberd. At age thirteen, Per was the same height as Tenan. The boy had developed a wanderlust and often took long trips around the neighboring countryside. Karina, overriding the objections from Rolph, Dagmar and Tenan, tore down the old farmhouse and built a new one, which had ten foot high ceilings and eight foot tall doors. The men stopped complaining when Per topped out at 7'6" and about 375 pounds on his eighteenth birthday.

Of course, Per was under no illusion of who he was. Any mirror showed him his skin with the yellowish tinge, the green hair and violet eyes. His face was broad with a large, flat nose and sort of triangular ears. When he added in the oversized incisors that jutted up from his lower jaw, the best description Per could come up with for his looks was ‘unique’.

The old baron, who controlled Dosser and the surrounding countryside, had died when Per was eleven. The baron's son, Cedric, took over the barony. Cedric was vain, impulsive and shrewd enough to realize that he had to make money to spend money. Cedric had found an old law that required all the people in the barony to serve one year for the baron upon reaching the age of eighteen. The law had been enacted when the land was first being settled to give the baron a much needed work force. The practice had fallen into disuse, but Cedric could see the possibilities of having workers that he did not have to pay, only feed and house. Cedric reinstituted the law and used the workers in his fields and castle for his own profits.

Per, the day after his eighteenth birthday, packed his clothes and went to serve Baron Cedric. Cedric, awed and scared of Per's size, almost dismissed him at first, but changed his mind and sent Per to work in the fields. Because of his ogre ancestry, Per could perform feats of strength that would normally take two or three men to do. Per was assigned most of the hard, strong-arm work both in the fields and around the castle. He did it all quietly, counting the days until his servitude ended. Cedric was delighted at the work Per did. Cedric would tell his friends that he may have to feed Per twice as much as any other man, but he got five times the work out of him.

One day, with only about two months remaining on his year, Per was told to report to Cedric in his audience chamber. Per went to the room only to find it empty. Light streamed into the chamber from two large windows illuminating the tapestries on the walls. A gallery, which led to the north wing of the castle, looked down on the room. A huge circular oak table was in the center of the room which had aporcelain vase resting on it. Per, waiting for Cedric, walked around the room looking at the tapestries. Suddenly, his foot pushed down on a tile in the floor. Before he could move, Per saw the vase topple over and crash to the floor, breaking into hundreds of pieces.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING?” shouted someone from behind Per.

Per spun around to see that Cedric had entered the room from a door underneath the gallery.

"The tile was loose and it must have moved the table,” Per replied.

“I don't believe that!" said Cedric, hotly. “There are no loose tiles in this room. Do you know that vase was priceless? It is irreplaceable. How do you expect to pay for that?"

“But the tile was loose!” exclaimed Per.

“Which tile?" asked Cedric sarcastically.

“This one,” said Per, pointing at the tile.

Cedric walked over to the tile and stepped on it. It did not move. Cedric then stamped his foot on it. It remained rock solid.

“So you are also a liar. How are you going to pay for the vase?" smirked Cedric.

“I don't have any money,” said Per, confused about what was happening.

“Because of your clumsiness, I'm going to add another year to your service to pay for that vase. Get out of here!" yelled Cedric.

Per ran out, bewildered and confused. Later that day Georg, Baron Cedric's steward, told Per that his service to the baron would be extended one year unless he could pay 1,000 gold saurers for the loss of the vase. Per knew he did not have that amount of money and he did not want to involve his mother or Tenan into this mess. Per accepted the extended service, but resolved to get the answer to what had happened.

A week later, Georg had Per carry several heavy trunks up to rooms in the north wing. Baron Cedric had invited several guests to stay at his castle.

“The guests are in the ballroom and dining room,” said Georg. “I don't want you in their way. Take the trunks up through the gallery in the audience chamber.”

Per heaved up one of the trunks and started on the roundabout route to the north wing. As Per carried the trunk across the unlit gallery, he looked down into the room and stopped, amazed at what he saw.

On the round oak table was a vase, exactly like the one he was supposed to have broken. The room was empty, but Per was certain that it would not stay that way for long. As fast as he could, Per rushed back and forth carrying the trunks up to the north wing. He took time on each trip, however, to enter and pass through the gallery quietly. When he was finished and released by Georg, Per started back towards his room, but as soon as he was out of sight, he raced up to the gallery. The light from the windows did not reach the gallery, so Per secreted himself in the shadows by a column where he could see the entire room.

Per waited only a short time, before the door leading to the main corridor opened and a girl, who Per had not seen before, stepped into the room. She was about 5'-8" tall, with straight honey-brown hair, which was pulled behind her falling down to her waist. Her face was pretty and her dress did not hide her lush figure.

Per watched as she walked around the room. He held his breath as she stepped on the tile he had stepped on and he saw it move. The vase once again toppled over and crashed to the floor.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" Per heard Cedric shout.

The girl spun around and fell to her knees facing the door which opened underneath the gallery. Per, from his vantage point, could not see Cedric, but could hear him perfectly.

“What are you doing?" demanded Cedric again. “Do you know that vase was priceless?"

“Milord, I don't know what happened,” stammered the girl.

“The vase was worth 1,000 saurers. How are you going to pay for it?" shouted Cedric.

The girl looked up stunned. “Milord. I...I can't....I don't have 1,000 saurers.”

“Then you'll have to work it off in service, won't you?" asked Cedric. Getting no reply, he shouted, “Won't You!?”

The girl hung her head. “Yes, Milord,” she said weakly.

“I'm sorry, girl. I didn't mean to yell. I suppose I could tax your parent's farm for the gold,” said Cedric, walking into the room to look at the broken vase. Another well-dressed man followed him.“Don't you think so, Felinor?"

“Of course, Milord,” answered Felinor, with a smile.

“No, Milord!" cried the girl, spinning around. “They would lose the farm. I'll do anything. Tell me what I need to do.”

“There is a broom in the cupboard over there. Clean up the broken vase and then I will tell you what to do.”

Per watched as the girl swept up the pieces of the vase. Cedric and Felinor walked over to two chairs and sat down. The girl finished cleaning up and then walked over to stand in front of Cedric.

“What is your name?" asked Cedric.

“Melinar," was the reply.

“Melinar, my guest here is going to stay awhile. Your service will be to dance for us for a week,” said Cedric. “Behind that screen is acostume. Change into it and then you will dance for us.”

Melinar went behind the screen where she stayed for only a couple of moments before coming back out.

“Milord, I can't wear that in front of you,” she cried.

“I see. You won't fulfill your service,” sighed Cedric, standing up. “I will inform your parents.”

“No, Milord! Don't do that.”

“Melinar, you broke a priceless vase. You have to pay for it. The decision is yours. Taxation or dancing?" asked Cedric.

“I'll dance for you,” was the subdued reply.

“Good, but you have insulted me in front of my guest. Your service is now two weeks and I will extend the time and punishment if you insult me again. Do you understand?"

“Yes, Milord.”

With that reply, Melinar went behind the screen and Per could hear the rustle of clothing. Shortly, Melinar stepped from behind the screen and Per could see why she did not want to wear the costume.

The costume was a halter top and bikini bottom, with gauze and silk pieces attached. The halter top barely contained her large breasts. Per, even from the gallery, saw her hard nipples poking out the silk that was covering them. Per realized that the metal in the top and bottom were just frames that held the gauze and silk in place to cover her body. Silk pieces covered her breasts and ass while streamers of gauze flowed off the halter top and bikini bottom, which barely concealed the rest of her body.

Cedric and Felinor, meanwhile, had moved their chairs close to the oak table. Cedric pulled a lute out of the cupboard and gave it to Felinor. He then pulled out a small hand drum for himself. As Melinar stepped out from behind the screen, Cedric offered her his hand.

“Step up on the chair and then up to the table,” he commanded. “You will dance for us on top of it.”

After Melinar was standing on the table, Cedric took his seat and said, “ This is the tune you will dance to.”

Cedric began to beat out a rhythm on the drum and Felinor joined in with the lute. The tune had a heavy sensuous beat.

“Begin.”

Melinar began to dance, awkwardly at first because of her embarrassment, but soon was caught up in the heavy beat of the music. Her dance became more seductive and her body swayed to the rhythm. Cedric nodded to Felinor and they increased the pace of their playing. Melinar's dance became more erotic and she closed her eyes, her body moving instinctively to the music. At this point, Cedric, without missing abeat, reached up with one hand and plucked one strip of gauze off her bikini bottom. Melinar's eyes flew open and she slapped one hand to her hip where the gauze had been before.

“Milord!" she cried out staring at Cedric.

“You have interrupted the dance,” snarled Cedric, staring back at her angrily. “For this when you dance again, you will remove all the gauze off the halter top. Tomorrow, you will remove the gauze off the bottom while you dance. Or do you wish to be sent home?"

“I will do as you ask,” she said looking down.

“Begin.”

Melinar was now jerky and clumsy as she danced removing strips of gauze off the halter top. Cedric continued the music even after all the gauze had been removed from the top and only the two pieces of silk in the frame remained to barely cover her jiggling breasts, After a time, Cedric stopped the dance.

“That was inadequate,” he told the panting Melinar. “Tomorrow, the gauze will be reattached to the halter top and we will see if you can do a better job of removing it. Get dressed now and return to your room. Come back here tomorrow at the start of the third watch. Felinor and I will join you here after that. Your punishment will be increased if you discuss this with anyone.”

Melinar climbed off the table, changed clothes behind the screen and left the room. After she left, Per saw Cedric and Felinor both break into laughter.

“I was wondering why you sent me that song to learn before I came here,” laughed Felinor.

“Rank does have its privilege,” replied Cedric.

“Why did you stop so soon? We could have had her do anything!" asked Felinor with a smirk.

“She might have balked,” replied Cedric. “Slowly does it best. Her service was extended because of the mistakes she made and she knows that she has to dance better to work off this extra service. Besides, I have another reason to take it slow.”

“And this other reason is....?"

“Another girl reported to the castle today for her year of service. A half-elf named Nyrandurril. Where Melinar is pretty and lush, Nyrandurril is lithe and heart-stopping beautiful. The trouble is Nyrandurril is very intelligent and won't fall for the vase trick.”

“The vase trick?" asked Felinor.

Cedric looked slyly at Felinor and said, “You don't think that vase fell on its own, do you? Or that Melinar really broke it? There is atrick tile in the floor. A person steps on it and the vase falls off the table. When the tile is released, it locks back into place until I set it again. The switch for setting it is beside the door we came in. I've used this trick for a couple of years to get extra service out of the strong or pretty ones.”

“But it won't work on this half-elf?"

“No, she'll see right through the ruse and her parents could pay for the vase. I want to get both her and Melinar in here to dance for us and eventually do other things. Something will come up to force Nyrandurril into extra service. It always does. Come! Let's see if there is a flagon of wine waiting somewhere for us.”

Cedric and Felinor left and, after waiting a few moments, Per climbed over the gallery railing and dropped quietly to the floor. Quickly, he crossed over to the wastebasket, took out three large pieces of the broken vase and left the room. Walking back to his room, Per knew that even with the shards, he did not have any proof showing that Cedric was forcing people into slavery. He needed to find out where the vases came from and to get witnesses. As he went to bed, Per decided that the first person he needed to see tomorrow was the half-elf, Nyrandurril.

Unfortunately, Per got his wish early the next morning. Just as the sun was rising, Per walked around a corner in the courtyard and literally ran into Nyrandurril. Per caught the girl before she fell and got the impression of wide hazel eyes, delicately pointed ears and bright blond hair. Nyrandurril saw a seven and a half foot tall creature with green hair and violet eyes reaching for her and reacted normally.

She screamed and hit him with the water pitcher she was carrying. The pitcher hit Per's elbow, broke and sliced part of his forearm. Nyrandurril ran off as Per yelled and clutched his bleeding arm.

Shortly, Per, with his arm bandaged, found himself and Nyrandurril standing in the audience chamber facing Cedric.

“From all reports," Cedric said looking at a sheaf of papers, “you, Nyrandurril, attacked Per and injured him. I will not tolerate fights or violence here. As punishment, your service is extended and you will have to work with Per. You are dismissed. Per, you stay.”

Nyrandurril's mouth opened once as if to protest, but she curtsied and left.

“Per, I want you to do something for me,” explained Cedric.“Concentrate and understand. I want you to scare Nyrandurril. Leer at her. Lick your lips while staring at her. Grab your cock and rub it in front of her. I will take a month off your extra year for this. Do you understand?"

“He thinks I'm as stupid as a post,” thought Per. “Big and stupid. No need to dissuade him now.”

“Uh...Yes, sir,” Per answered slack-jawed and left the room.

Per met Nyrandurril out in the courtyard.

“I am sorry I injured you, but you scared me,” she said, approaching him. “Please forgive me. I did not mean to hurt you.”

Per noticed that one or two guards were lounging nearby and felt that Cedric was probably watching them now. He reached down and grabbed his crotch.

“Pretty girl. Fun time,” he growled, smiling to show off his extra large incisors and leering down at the lithe five foot-six inch body.

Nyrandurril's face took on a frightened expression as she backed away from him apprehensively. Not wanting to scare her completely away, Per turned and walked out the front gates, motioning Nyrandurril to follow him. He looked back to see one of the guards motion her to follow him.

Out in the fields, Per and Nyrandurril worked side by side with the foreman standing right over them. Per did nothing more to frighten her and waited, knowing that the foreman would be called away. Ashout soon came from the far side of the fields and the foreman left to see what had happened. As soon as the foreman was out of earshot, Per turned to Nyrandurril, who was looking at him with large, frightened eyes.

“Don't be afraid. I had to scare you back there because we were being watched,” he said. Per then quickly told her about the trick Cedric had done to him and what he saw about Melinar. Understanding flooded her eyes as Per told her what Cedric wanted him to do to her.

“He is trying to scare me so that I would do anything to get away from you. And his plan would have worked. I was that scared of you. He figured that you must have gotten your brains from the ogre side of your family," Nyrandurril said out loud, her mind lost in thought. “The Baron must keep extra vases somewhere. All potters mark the bottom of their work to identify it as theirs. He would not keep them in the treasury. Is there a storeroom which is always kept locked and that no one enters?"

“Yes," said Per, remembering the layout of the castle. “There is asmall storeroom in the back of the basement. As far as I know the only people who have entered it are the Baron and the steward.”

We need to get in there and hopefully find out who the potter is,” Nyrandurril stated. “I think we should also tell Melinar. We may need help. The biggest problem is we need someone outside the castle to find the potter and get help. We three could run away, but that would leave the Baron in charge to enslave others and take retribution on our relatives.”

“Tenan is coming to see me in two days,” said Per.

“Who is Tenan?"

“Tenan is the man who helped my mother and me. He is almost like a father to me,” said Per. A thought suddenly came to Per's mind, but he set it aside to think about it later. “He is a ranger working in the forest. He can help us, but, as I said, won't be here for two days.”

Nyrandurril took a deep breath and said, “We will have to keep up this subterfuge. I would not put it past the Baron to kill us and cover it all up to save himself. We are going to have to do everything he asks of us until your father can come with help. Where is Melinar today?"

“She is waiting on the Baron's guests,” Per replied.

“I will meet with her. I am going to have to go to the Baron and pretend to be frightened of you. I do not know if I will be able to meet you later. If you can, go to the gallery and I will try to meet you there. Remember - every time you see me at the castle you are supposed to try to scare me.”

Nyrandurril moved away from Per and kept working. After awhile, Per looked up and saw the foreman coming towards them. Nyrandurril saw him also, scrambled up and ran towards him.

“Please, sir. Take me to the castle,” she cried out in a frightened voice. “I can not stay with him!" gesturing at Per.

“Get back t’ work. You'll go in wit’ der rest o’ dem.”

They continued to work the rest of the day in the fields and went back to the castle at day's end. Nyrandurril immediately went to the foreman.




“Sir, please! I need to see the Baron immediately,” she asked in atimid voice.

“He's wait'n fer you at der audience chamber. G'wan," the foreman replied.

Per put his tools away, washed up and went to supper. After dinner, Per finished up his duties and then sneaked down to the basement. He found the storeroom that he had told Nyrandurril about. A heavy wood door reinforced by steel bands closed it off. Per left the basement and carefully made his way up to the gallery. The gallery was unoccupied as Per again hide in the shadows.

As the guards changed for the third watch, Per saw the door to the corridor open and watched Melinar enter the room. Melinar paced around the room and the waiting seemed interminable. Finally, Per heard a door latch click and saw Cedric, Felinor and Nyrandurril enter the room for the corridor. Melinar turned to face them and sank to her knees.

“You are not dressed,” exclaimed Cedric exasperated. “Another week is added on. Change at once.”

Melinar got up and went behind the screen to change. Cedric and Felinor pulled out the lute and drum. They then moved their chairs to the table. Cedric motioned to Nyrandurril to stand in the corner.

Melinar soon came out wearing the complete costume and Per heard a gasp for Nyrandurril as she saw what Melinar was wearing. Melinar climbed up onto the table and Cedric started the music. Melinar danced for them, her movements much more fluid as she peeled the strips of gauze off her halter top. Per's cock hardened as he watched her dance. She continued to dance as she pulled the last piece of gauze away, leaving only the halter frame with its two patches of silk to cover her bouncing breasts. Melinar danced until Cedric stopped the music.

“You have forgotten that you are supposed to remove the gauze off the bottom,” he said looking at Melinar intently. “Another week is added for your forgetfulness. Tomorrow, you will start removing pieces of silk in addition to the gauze. Yes?"

“Yes, milord,” Melinar replied with downcast eyes.

“Dance and remove the gauze from the bottom.”

The music started again and Melinar danced, stripping the gauze off her bikini bottoms until all she was dressed in was the silk patches held in place by the top and bottom. Per saw that the bikini bottoms were also only a frame, which held three bright pieces of silk, which covered her ass and pubic area. As the last piece of gauze was pulled away, Cedric stopped the music.

“Get dressed and come here tomorrow at the same time,” he ordered.

Melinar climbed off the table and went behind the screen to change her clothes. She soon came out from behind the screen, curtsied to Cedric and left the room.

“Well, my dear,” said Cedric turning to Nyrandurril. “Do you think that you can dance like her?"

“Milord, please do not make me dance like her,” Nyrandurril asked.

“I suppose I will have to send you and the ogre out into the forest to look for lost sheep. You won't need any guards or foreman because you will be perfectly safe with him.”

“Milord!He will attack me!" she cried.

“You attacked him first. Make your decision.”

“I will dance.”

“Good. In the cupboard is another costume. Take it behind the screen and change,” commanded Cedric.

Nyrandurril got the costume and went behind the screen to change. Per tensed as one of the doors to the gallery opened. Per, thanks to his ogre heritage, retained the ability to see in the dark by seeing the different heat levels between objects. Looking at the dark doorway, Per saw the image of Melinar as she tiptoed onto the gallery. Per signaled her to come over to him as he carefully watched Cedric and Felinor, hoping that they would not catch them up there. Melinar came over to him and Per raised a finger to his lips, cautioning her to remain silent. Melinar nodded her head and stood still in the shadows up against him.

Nyrandurril came out from behind the screen wearing an identical costume as what Melinar had worn. The difference being that Nyrandurril's small, pert breasts barely filled the cups of the halter top where as Melinar's cups overflowed and Nyrandurril's hips were slimmer.

Nyrandurril got up onto the table and the music started to play. Per saw that Nyrandurril's dancing was different than Melinar's. Melinar danced to the beat of the music while Nyrandurril danced to the melody. Her movements flowed as she stripped pieces of gauze off her halter top and bikini bottom. The dance was erotic and Per felt his hard cock twitch. He heard Melinar's breath quicken as Nyrandurril stripped. Again as the last piece of gauze came off, Cedric stopped the music.

“Get dressed,” he ordered. “For your reluctance today, you will dance tomorrow and remove both gauze and silk from your costume. Come back here at the start of the third watch.”

Nyrandurril bowed her head and went behind the screen. She changed clothes and then left, leaving the two men alone.

“By Gods! I almost burst as she danced!" exclaimed Felinor. “We take them tomorrow night, right?"

“No. It's too early. Wait - it will be worth it,” replied Cedric.“Tomorrow, Nyrandurril will dance first and leave, then Melinar will dance. Sort of a competition. For the next two nights after that, the girls will dance at the same time stripping the gauze off each other. On the fourth night, the girls will dance together and begin to caress each other. On the fifth night, I will have them make love to each other. On the sixth night, I have something special for they to do, and on the seventh night...”

Cedric stopped talking to make a sweeping motion to the gallery with his hand. Melinar, with a slight gasp, pressed back against Per.

“...they will perform before all twenty of my guests. At the end of the performance, you and I will take them. As my guest, you can have first choice.”

“I want Melinar with her sweet lips wrapped around my cock,” said Felinor with a smile.

“Good choice. I will take Nyrandurril and watch her squirm with delight as I sink my shaft into her pussy. Of course, after we are finished, Iwill have to let my guests enjoy these pleasures. It's the duty of ahost to give freely, is it not?" laughed Cedric.

“Of course it's your duty, but why are you sure they will comply?" asked Felinor.

“The wine I gave them before we came here is drugged. The drug slowly, but effectively removes their inhibitions. That is why I can't rush things. The drug will build up in the ladies until, by the seventh night, they will be willing to do anything.”

Per listened intently to their plan. Melinar shifted a little bit and he wished she would stand still. Suddenly, just barely stifling his gasp, Per felt Melinar's hand brush up and down his raging hard-on. While Per's intelligence and wisdom came from his mother, his size and cock definitely came from his father. His hard prick was twelve inches long and two and a half inches in diameter. Per tried not to move as Melinar continued to rub his cock through his pants.

“Well," he heard Cedric say. “Tomorrow is another busy day and tomorrow night should be entertaining. Let's be off.”

Per stood stock-still as Cedric and Felinor left the room. After they left, Per grasped Melinar's arms and moved her out of reach of him.

“I knew you were a big fella," Melinar said with a smile. “I just didn't know how big. Did Nyran's dancing turn you on that much?"

“I...um...you see...errr...uh...the both of you...I mean..,” stammered Per, thankful that the dark hid his blushing.

“Both of us?" she asked questioningly. “Have you been with agirl?"

“NO!" he shot back, hoping to close the subject. Per was interested in sex, I mean really interested, but while growing up, the local girls fought shy of him because of his huge size.

“I'm sorry,” said Melinar. “The drug must be affecting me. Let's go find Nyran.”

“You mean Nyrandurril?" he asked.

“Of course. I call her Nyran for short.”

They left the gallery and met Nyrandurril in a secluded area of the castle. Per told her of Cedric's conversation with Felinor.

“Did you drink the wine?" asked Per. “You two did not drink any when you were in the audience chamber.”

“I drank some earlier today,” stated Melinar, thinking back. “I have to bring a flagon of wine and a chalice to the Baron every day at midday. He makes me test the wine from a small cup, but the wine is poured by the steward out of a cask, which is also served to the Baron's guests."

“I also have to bring him wine, but just before dinnertime,” stated Nyrandurril. “He pulled out a small cup and had me test the wine. He then poured himself some wine and drank it, so the wine could not be drugged. Melinar, did you test the wine out of a small silver cup that he took out of a case from behind his desk?"

“Yes.”

“The wine is not drugged. The drug must be in the silver cup,” Nyrandurril stated. “Melinar, we must not drink anymore of the wine. Tomorrow, when you test the wine, hold it in your mouth until you can get away and spit it out. Per, we need to get the key to the storeroom. Your father will be here the day after tomorrow, correct?"

“His father!" exclaimed Melinar. “The Baron will never allow an ogre into the castle.”

“Step-father to be,” said Per with a smile. “Yes, day after tomorrow.”

“I'm sorry. I'll get the key,” Melinar said. “The captain of the guard has a complete set of keys. I'll steal it from him. Don't worry. I'll be careful.”

“Alright,” said Nyrandurril. “We only have tomorrow to get into the storeroom. Melinar, you and I are going to have to act like we are still drugged and do what the Baron says until Per's stepfather can come with help. Per, as long as it is safe, hide in the gallery at night. I am hoping you can get more information from the Baron and Felinor after Melinar and I leave them. Do not interfere with anything Melinar and I do in the audience chamber. We should be safe until the seventh night. If we raise the Baron's suspicions, we could all disappear or have fatal accidents. Let us meet here tomorrow after we are finished in the audience chamber.”

The three young people parted. The next day, Per was assigned to the forge. Although he was not a blacksmith, Per could do the hard labor of preparation and could work the bellows with ease. He did not see Melinar or Nyrandurril until the late afternoon when Melinar walked by the forge. She smiled and winked. Per hoped that it meant that she did not drink the wine and that she had gotten the key. He continued to work until supper. Neither Melinar nor Nyrandurril were at the common tables. After dinner, Per went searching for them. They were not in their rooms or with the guests. Per even went to the audience chamber and was almost caught by a guard. Luckily, the guard was tired and not overly ambitious. Per was just about ready to give up when he found them in a small, rarely used room.

They were both sitting on a small sofa. Melinar had her arms wrapped around Nyrandurril and was rocking her softly. Nyrandurril's shoulders were shaking and Per could hear her crying.

“What happened?" he asked, squeezing through the doorway and then closing the door. “Are you hurt?"

“I am alright,” replied Nyrandurril, pushing herself away from Melinar and wiping off her tears. “It is just nerves. I had to drink two cups of wine this evening. I held the first wine in my mouth, but the Baron pulled out another cup and filled it for me, so I had to swallow. Then he started talking to me, so I had to swallow the second cup also. I think the Baron is trying to bring the amount of drug in my body up to the same level as Melinar's, since she has been here longer and has probably had more of it.”

“We can leave and hide in the forest,” said Per.

“No, we can't," stated Melinar, matter-of-factly. “Nyran and Ihave to dance for the Baron and Felinor very soon. If we aren't there, he'll start a search for us. We have to keep to the plan. We'll meet afterwards. Oh, by the way, I've got the key to the storeroom.”

“Great!" stated Per. “How did you get it?"

“I let the captain of the guard pin me against a wall in an empty corridor and grope me while I lifted the keys out of his pocket,” Melinar stated with a grimace. “I like sex. I just hate being manhandled. Come on, it's time for you to get to your lookout post and for Nyran and I to go to the audience chamber.”

Per got up and went to the gallery. His mind seethed with anger. Hiding in the shadows, he saw Melinar and Nyrandurril enter the chamber, hug one another and go behind the screen to get changed. All three waited in silence for Cedric and Felinor.

Shortly, Cedric and Felinor arrived. They immediately pulled up their chairs to the table and got out their musical instruments. Melinar moved towards the table, but was stopped by Cedric.

“My dear,” said Cedric in a sickening sweet voice. “You should have seen Nyrandurril dance last night. Exquisite! You will watch her dance first to see if you can dance as well as she does.”

Melinar bowed her head and stepped back as Nyrandurril ascended to the top of the table. As the music started to play, Nyrandurril danced. She again danced to the melody, her movements fluid and light. Strip after strip of gauze seemed to float away from her costume until she was only dressed in the halter top and bikini bottoms with the silk pieces still affixed. Per, watching, had to shift around to a better position to ease his rapidly expanding cock.

Nyrandurril standing in front of Cedric, her body swaying, reached up and grasped a corner of the silk piece covering her right breast. Slowly, she pulled down on the bright silk, sliding it out of the halter frame, exposing her small, firm tit. Still dancing, Nyrandurril pulled out the silk covering her left breast. She released both pieces of silk, which floated slowly to the floor.

Nyrandurril danced for a few more moments before reaching down and pulling the first, then the second, and finally the third piece of silk from her bikini bottom frame. Per saw that Nyrandurril's skin was pale and smooth. Her breasts were small and firm. Her blond pubic hair poked out from between the frame. Nyrandurril continued to dance now only clad in the topless and bottomless frames. After a few moments, Cedric stopped the music.

“Very good, my dear,” he said. “You can get dressed. Be here tomorrow evening at the same time.”

Nyrandurril climbed off the table, got dressed and left the room. After she was gone, Melinar got on top of the table. The music started again and Melinar began to dance. She moved in time to the heavy beat and, while Nyrandurril's dance was move fluid, Melinar's dance was more elemental. Stripping the gauze off quickly, Melinar's dance took on an erotic theme. Her movements were suggestive and her hands roamed and caressed her body. Per had to concentrate to control his breathing and his hard cock was uncomfortably binding against his pants.

Melinar teasingly pulled the pieces of silk out of the frames until she was as naked as Nyrandurril had been. Per could see her large breasts straining against the halter frame. The bikini frame enhanced her well rounded ass. Again, after a few moments, Cedric stopped the music.

“Much better, my dear,” he said. “Tomorrow, you will show Nyrandurril how to dance. Get dressed and come back tomorrow at the same time.”

Melinar dressed and left. Per listened carefully, hoping to find out some more information, but the two men got up and left the room after putting their instruments away. Per, after easing his cock around to a better position, quietly left the gallery and went to find Nyrandurril and Melinar. He found them waiting for him at their rendezvous point.

“Are you two alright?" Per asked concerned.

“We're fine," answered Melinar. “Let's get down to the storeroom so I can replace the keys before they are missed. Did they say anything?"

“No. They left right after you did,” replied Per.

“Did you enjoy the show?"

“MELINAR!" cried Per, embarrassed.

“Forget it. It is necessary,” Melinar said, with a smile.

As they headed for the basement, Per asked Melinar how she was going to return the keys.

“Easily. I'll just leave them in the guardroom or bathhouse. Someplace where the captain frequents where he could accidentally have dropped or left them,” she replied.

Not many people went to the basement after supper. The workers tried to catch up on sleep and the nobility had their own amusements upstairs. Nevertheless, the trio proceeded cautiously to the storeroom. Once there, Melinar pulled out a small ring of keys and began trying them in the lock. Per and Nyrandurril kept lookout until they heard a loud click as Melinar unlocked the door. As they entered the room, Per took an oil lamp off the wall and took it into the dark room.

The three of them barely fit into the small room. Boxes and odd knick-knacks lined the shelves. Nyrandurril got a shock as she opened one case and found it contained an assortment of various size and shaped dildos.

“Hhmmm. Ivory, jade....," said Melinar, looking over Nyrandurril's shoulder. “Probably worth a fortune, but not the kind of thing you'd leave in the treasure room.”

Per looked up and on the shelf, he saw three vases just like the ones he and Melinar were supposed to have broken. He gingerly took one down and handed it to the girls. Nyrandurril turned the vase over and looked at the potter's mark.

“Zyren. He's the potter at my village, but I've never seen him carry work like this,” he said.

“The Baron doesn't want this work to get out of the castle,” said Per. “It is probably special ordered just for him and delivered without anyone else knowing about it.”

“You are right,” stated Nyrandurril, handing the vase back to him.“Be careful putting it back. Tell your stepfather everything. We will meet tomorrow night.”

With that, they parted. Melinar locked the door and went to get rid of the keys. Per and Nyrandurril left separately to their rooms. Per hardly slept the entire night, both excited and scared.

In the morning, Per arose early and went to work on his duties, barely able to concentrate while waiting for Tenan. Just before midday, Tenan strode into the castle courtyard and greeted Per. At the warm, familiar handshake, Per felt his troubles slide away and realized how tense he had been.

(We must talk. Alone,)he told Tenan in ogre.

Tenan did not even bat an eye. He smiled and led Per out of the castle to astand of trees a half a mile away.

(What happened?)asked Tenan, also in ogre.

Per switched back to the Common Tongue and told Tenan everything that had occurred. Tenan's scowl deepened and his face grew dark with each word Per spoke. After Per finished, Tenan sat still, his face menacing. Tenan inhaled sharply and then exhaled slowly, forcing the anger out of him.

“I've heard of kids having their service extended for committing various infractions, but it never occurred to me to be out-and-out slavery. Can you and the girls keep up this charade? I will get help, but it will take time. Stay as long as possible. If you have to leave, hide in the woods east of here. I'll find you there.”

“Thank you,” said Per. “I knew we could count on you.”

“Let's head back,” said Tenan, standing up. “I'm going to have to leave immediately if we want this done in time. Oh, by the way, your mother sends her love.”

Per and Tenan walked back to the castle. After saying goodbye to one another, per watched Tenan stroll down the road before going back to his chores. Per knew that once Tenan was out of sight of the castle, he would move like the wind.

“You have to decide what to show people and what to hide,” Tenan had always told him. “What you show them affects what they think and how they react. What you hide from people will surprise them later if and when you need that advantage.”




Night was falling and Per went off to supper. Both girls were there and Nyrandurril looked slightly dazed. Per caught Melinar's eye. Melinar pointed to herself and shook her head no, then she pointed at Nyrandurril and nodded yes.

“She had to take the drug again," thought Per. “We'll have to come up with some plan that will prevent her from drinking the drug.”

After dinner, Per quickly finished his chores and snuck up to the gallery. Nyrandurril and Melinar were in the chamber and had already changed into their costumes. Per barely managed to get to his hiding spot before Cedric and Felinor walked in. They got out their instruments and sat down.

“Tonight you will dance together. You, Nyrandurril, will remove pieces from Melinar's costume and Melinar will remove pieces from yours.”

“Yes, milord,” they replied in unison.

“Then let us begin.”

The dance went badly. The girls fumbled trying to pick pieces off each other's costume. Melinar stumbled into Nyrandurril and almost knocked her off the table. Nyrandurril pinched Melinar's nipple painfully when she tried to pull one of the silk patches from Melinar's halter top. Finally, both women were stripped down to the frames.

“This was a new low. You two dance like sluts,” berated Cedric, angrily. “For such a poor performance, your service is extended one month. You two will do this again tomorrow and there had better be improvement. Now, get out!"

“Milord?" asked Melinar, timidly.

“Yes?"

“We would do better if we could practice. Would you please allow us to practice tomorrow during the day? All we need is someone to beat out the rhythm for us.”

Cedric walked around the room, apparently thinking about it. The girls stood still on the table, staring at the floor.

“I agree, but first you and Nyrandurril will move into the same room,” stated Cedric. “You will do this tonight. Come here tomorrow after breakfast. You can practice then.”

Nyrandurril and Melinar got dressed and left. Per watched Cedric walk over to the bellpull and summoned a guard.

“Go get Per, the ogre,” he told the guard.

Per almost panicked. He quickly and quietly slipped through the door and raced down the corridor to his room. He barely had time to strip and muss the bed before the guard knocked on the door. At the summons, Per redressed and followed the guard to the audience chamber.

“Per, can you do this?" asked Cedric, as Per entered the room. Cedric then began to beat out the rhythm of the music that they had been playing earlier.

“Uh-huh,” Per grunted affirmatively.

“Do so.”

Per took the drum and beat out the time to the music. He made one or two mistakes, which Cedric corrected, but soon he had it down pat.

“Good,” stated Cedric. “Come here. Tomorrow. After breakfast. Play for two girls. No touch girls. Understand?"

“Uh-huh.”

“Good. After breakfast. Only play drum.”

“He still thinks I'm an idiot,” thought Per after leaving Cedric.“That's it! He wants me to play because I'm too stupid to tell anyone and if I did, they would not believe me.”

The next morning, after breakfast, Per went to the audience chamber as ordered. The two girls showed up shortly after he did. Per shot them a warning glance before they could say anything. Melinar and Nyrandurril stayed quiet and moved to the other side of the room. Cedric then walked into the room, followed by a servant carrying atray, which held a stirrup cup and a pewter pitcher. He was dressed for hunting.

“Ah, we're all here," he said pouring red wine into the cup. “You girls will practice today and Per will play for you. Melinar, since Iwon't be here at midday, you won't have to bring me my wine. However, I would be remiss if I didn't let you taste it first.”

With that, Cedric pulled a small silver cup out of his pocket. Per felt his anger rise and quickly damped it down. Cedric poured the wine into the small cup and handed it to Melinar. Melinar took the cup and drank it in one swig.

“Not so fast, my dear. Wine should be sipped, not guzzled,” admonished Cedric. “I think this is a perfect vintage. Don't you think so?"

After a second's delay, Melinar replied, “Yes, milord. The best I've tasted.”

“Good,” he stated. “Nyrandurril, I want my wine before dinner as usual. Don't worry about Per, he is only here to help you practice.”

Cedric then spun around and left with the servant. Per walked over to the windows, which looked out over the courtyard. There he saw Cedric enter the courtyard, mount his horse and leave with Felinor and most of his guests.

“He's gone,” Per said, turning away from the window. “And he has taken Felinor with him. Are you okay, Melinar?"

“Don't worry. I couldn't be helped,” she replied. “I think I'm still a cup or two behind Nyran.”

“He keeps talking to me,” stated Nyrandurril. “I cannot talk with my mouth full. I do not know what to do.”

“Nyrandurril, try taking his wine when he is busy,” said Per after a couple of seconds of thought. “Try to catch him when he changing clothes, meeting guests, anything that will make him want to get rid of you as fast as possible. Try bringing the wine at the very last second before dinner.” Per snapped his fingers. “Wait aminute. What if you two didn't dance well? That could buy us a couple of day’s time. He would postpone the dance for the guests.”

“No, Per.” said Nyrandurril. “The dance is starting to become secondary. If we dance poorly, the Baron will cover the flaws with some other barbarity. We have to practice.”

The girls went behind the screen, but soon came out without wearing the costumes. It seemed that the Baron did not leave the costumes lying around. Melinar shrugged, kicked off her shoes and got up on the table, soon to be followed by Nyrandurril. Per sat on the floor with the drum and began to play the beat. Melinar began to sway to the beat, but Nyrandurril stood still. Per stopped playing.

“What is wrong?" he asked.

“I was taught to dance by my mother. She is an elf and taught me to dance to the melody, not the beat. I...I am not sure how to dance to the beat,” Nyrandurril replied.

“Per, start again,” directed Melinar. “Nyran, close your eyes. The beat of the music is like the beat of your heart. You have been moving in time to it for years.”

Per played while Melinar taught Nyrandurril to dance. Soon both girls were moving together with the beat. Melinar expanded upon their movements, telling Nyrandurril that they have to pretend that they are wearing the costumes. Per could see that they were dancing better, but then Nyrandurril brushed Melinar's breast with her hand while pretending to reach for a silk piece. Nyrandurril, blushing furiously, snatched her hand back and almost fell off the table.

“What happened?" asked Melinar, confused by Nyrandurril's sudden stop.

“I am sorry,” replied Nyrandurril, ashamedly. “I have never touched another woman there. I am afraid that I am a bit naive in these matters.”

“You're a virgin?" asked Melinar.

“Yes, but not by choice,” she replied. “Per, do remember what the Baron called my face. Heart-stopping beautiful. I have gone out with boys, but they were so tongue-tied and mesmerized by my face that all they could do was stare at me. No boy asked for a second date. One told me he would rather date a real girl. He told me I was and ice princess.”

Melinar walked over to Nyrandurril and hugged her.

“I'm sorry to hear that,” Melinar said softly, moving them over to sit on the edge of the table. “I found out early that all people are sexual by nature. I didn't suppress it with one or two boys and got the name of slut…Willing to sleep with anyone. That part was not true. Once tagged with a name, it almost never goes away. Oh, by the way, Per is also a virgin and he really likes your dancing.”

“MELINAR!" shouted Per, jumping to his feet.

“Oh, quiet down,” she said. “We're sharing secrets here and there is no reason to hide yours. Besides you did like her dancing, didn't you?"

“Yes and yours, too,” He answered, huffily.

“He's such a sweet boy,” said Melinar, smiling. “I believe that all people are sexual beings. There is nothing wrong with sex as long as everyone is willing and no one gets hurt. I had a married man pursue me, but I wouldn't make love to him because it would hurt his wife. Of course, if his wife was going to join in....”

“MELINAR!" cried a shocked Nyrandurril.

“Relax. I wouldn't have anyway. He was bald, fat and had chronic bad breath. Alright, you two novices, let's get back to work.”

Saying that, Melinar slid off the table pulling Nyrandurril after her.

“Okay. Per, pay attention. This is as much for you as it is for Nyran. When you are making love to someone, use all five of your senses, sight, sound, smell, taste and touch. Look at your partner and see their reaction to what you are doing. Listen to them. Listen for breathing, moans, sighs and other sounds that tell you what they feel. Smell, this applies to both you and your lover. If you smell bad, take abath! You will be able to smell when your lover gets aroused. Taste. I think that is self-explanatory. Touch. Most people don't know how to touch or caress. Nyran, you're afraid to touch me because it's new and you were probably taught that it was taboo. Here, take my arm. I want you to touch it and rub your hands up and down it. Per, come here. I want you to do the same to my other arm.”

Melinar taught them how to touch, the gentle touch on the knee, the stroke over the upper arm, the caress of fingertips against a cheek. They switched off, touching each other, feeling the difference between their skins. Melinar then moved over to Nyrandurril.

“Give me your hands,” she requested.

Nyrandurril brought her hands up and Melinar turned them so that Nyrandurril's palms were facing her. Melinar then pulled both hands to her large breasts. Per could only stare open-mouthed as Nyrandurril froze.

“Nyran, we won't be able to get the silk pieces out of the frames without touching each other,” said Melinar, matter-of-factly. “We might as well get it out of the way now. Don't be afraid of your body. I want you to feel them, the weight, the softness, so you won't freeze tonight. Per? PER! Stick your eyes back in your head and please get us some lunch.”

Per left the room in a daze, a multitude of emotions playing within him. He was shocked at what Melinar did. Excited to be sure, hurt because she sent him away and in a rush to get back. Per hurried to the kitchens and got their lunch. When he came back to the chamber, Per knocked on the door.

“Come in,” he heard Melinar say.

Per entered the room. Both girls were seated at the table. Melinar was composed, but Nyrandurril was blushing and could not meet his eyes. Both girls were smiling, though. They quickly ate lunch. Melinar and Nyrandurril got back up onto the table and continued to practice their dance. Per beat out the rhythm on the drum and saw that the girls’ dance now complimented each other. Nyrandurril and Melinar brushed against each other's breasts and ass two or three times, but except for the fact that Nyrandurril blushed each time, neither one froze. They practiced for an additional two hours and then stopped.

“We need to wash up and get ready for tonight,” said Melinar. “I'm feeling a little woozy right now."

“Are you okay doing this?" asked Per. “We can leave if you aren't and hide in the woods.”

“No, Per. We can not,” stated Nyrandurril, sadly. “We still have time and must give Tenan every chance. If we leave, we will become fugitives under the law. The Baron will send people out to hunt us down. If we do not stop him, he will continue to do this to others.”

“I'm afraid of what the drug is doing to you,” Per said.

“It is not affecting us yet.”

Per stood up and walked to the windows. Turning sharply, he commanded,“Undress!"

Melinar immediately reached for her blouse buttons and undid two of them before she stopped. Nyrandurril started unlacing her skirt before she too stopped.

“The drug is affecting you,” Per stated. “If you had drunk it every time, I think both of you would have been stark naked by now.”

“Per, we can't stop now,” said Melinar, rebuttoning her buttons.

The three of them left the audience chamber to get ready for supper. Cedric and his guests came back shortly before dinner, loaded with game they had killed. After supper, Georg, the steward, stopped Per.

“You've had a pretty easy day," Georg said, with a bite to his words.“Too bad you're going to have a bad night. One of the merchant's wagons came in late because of a lame horse. Since you have had the day off, you are going to unload it before you go to bed. See to it.”

Per spent the next couple of hours unloading the wagon and putting the supplies away. By the time he had finished, he knew it was too late to go to the gallery. He hoped the girls were alright as he reluctantly trudged off to bed.

The next morning, Per saw Nyrandurril and Melinar at breakfast.

“I did not have to drink,” stated Nyrandurril. “The Baron was in such a rush to get ready for dinner that he dismissed me right away. Do you think the dance went well? I think...”

Nyrandurril feel silent as other people came over and sat at their table. The rest of the meal was eaten in silence. Per left the table when he had finished and went to the audience chamber. Without knocking, he opened the door and walked in on Cedric and two men he had not seen before.

“Business is going good, but we need fresh blood if..,” stated one of the men before he broke off to stare at Per.

“What are you doing here?" asked Cedric, angrily.

“Uhh, practice,” answered Per stupidly.

“There is no practice today. Go to the fields! Go!" yelled Cedric.

Per left the audience chamber and went to work in the fields. He came back with the others for supper. At a lone table sat Nyrandurril and Melinar. Per went over and joined them.

“It is good to see you, Per,” said Nyrandurril. “Neither of us drank any of the wine today. We talked it over and decided that we are going through with tonight. I know what tonight is. We agree that if Tenan is not here in the morning, we will run away to the woods. Do you think that is right?"

“No, I don't. I think we should leave now.”

“Per, if we leave now, the Baron will brand us as fugitives,” replied Melinar. “We will be painted as runaway servants fleeing the lawful duty to their lord. At that point, our battle will become impossible to win. We, not the Baron, will spend months in a prison until it comes to trial. No local judge will go against the Baron, but will find us guilty. We are going to give your stepfather twelve more hours.”

Nyrandurril reached over and took Per's hand.

“Per, you are a good friend,” she said. “I am scared, but I can go through with tonight as long as I know you will be in the gallery to protect us, just as you have been every night. I want you to be there for us tonight, but you have to promise not to come down unless the Baron or Felinor try something.”

“I promise,” said Per, looking at her pleading eyes to ashamed to tell her of the one night he was not there.

Per left the girls and went to the forge. Scavenging around, he found afour foot iron rod.

“Not the best weapon, but at least it is something. I can use this to protect the girls if I have to,” he thought.

Per went to the gallery and hid in the shadows. Melinar and Nyrandurril came into the room and went behind the screen to change. They presently came out in costume and climbed up onto the table. Cedric and Felinor soon entered the room, laughing and joking. Without aglance at the girls, they brought out the lute and drum and took their seats. Without a word, they began to play.

Per watched the girls dance. No fumbling or bumping this time, their movements were fluid and graceful. Melinar and Nyrandurril slowly peeled each other's gauze off, draping the gauze across arms, legs, breasts and faces. The dance became more erotic and Per's cock twitched to life in his pants. The girls rarely touched one another except with the gauze strips. Finally, they removed the silk pieces, leaving them naked except for the halter and bottom frames.

Cedric stopped playing and said, “Excellent. I want you two to remove the other's garments, then kneel facing each other.”

When the girls had complied, he said, “Now I want you to touch and caress each other all over.”

The silence was heavy in the room until Nyrandurril reached out to stroke Melinar's cheek. Per heard Cedric and Felinor hiss in a breath before letting it out in a sigh. Melinar reached out and started stroking up and down Nyrandurril's arms. Per watched as the girls touched and caressed each other's face, arms and shoulders.

“I said touch all over,” stated Cedric, his eyes riveted on the girls.

Melinar grasped both of Nyrandurril's hands and bring them up to her face. Bowing her head, Melinar plants a soft kiss on the palm of both hands and then places them on each of her tits. Nyrandurril, staring at her hands, begins to move them in small circles, plying the soft flesh underneath them. Melinar's breathing increases as Nyrandurril rubbed her fingertips over Melinar's hard nipples and caresses the underside of those large breasts.

Melinar extended her hands to Nyrandurril's tits. After squeezing the small globes, Melinar tweaks both of Nyrandurril's nipples between her fingers and thumbs and begins to pinch and roll the nipples, extracting a moan from Nyrandurril. Per then saw Melinar scoot closer to Nyrandurril. Soon the girls are caressing each other all over, touching backs and buttocks, stroking breasts and shoulders. Their breathing has gotten heavier as has Cedric's and Felinor's.

Melinar reached for Nyrandurril's right hand. She then pressed the hand against her stomach and pushed it down between her legs. Melinar then placed her hand over Nyrandurril's.

“Yes. Follow my hand,” she whispered huskily. “You feel that....uh....nub? Oh, yes! Stroke it just like.... that. OH....mmmhhhh....yes, right there. Little circles. Gods, I'm so wet!"

Melinar took her free hand and guided it right between Nyrandurril's legs. Nyrandurril stiffened like she had been hit with lightning. Per could see Melinar's hand moving back and forth over Nyrandurril's swollen pussy. Nyrandurril was soon gasping for breath and her body shook every now and then as if she was getting little electric shocks. Per's cock was so hard it was actually painful for him.

“Milord, she is a virgin,” gasped Melinar.

“Don't break her maidenhead. It's your death if you do," warned Cedric, half rising out of his chair.

Per smelled the heavy, musty scent of the girls’ sex in the air. Melinar and Nyrandurril are writhing and moaning as each one fingered the other's pussy. Nyrandurril had to use her free hand for support, but Melinar reached out with her free hand to pinch and squeeze Nyrandurril's nipples and breasts. At one point, Melinar stuck her index finger in her mouth, sucked it in and out a couple of times, and then placed it in Nyrandurril's mouth. Nyrandurril, her eyes closed, clamped her lips down on the digit and sucked on it as Melinar moved it in and out of her mouth.

Melinar, removing her hand from Nyrandurril's mouth, reached down with her hand to cover Nyrandurril's hand over her pussy. Per watched as Melinar bent two of Nyrandurril's fingers up and then shoved those two fingers deep into her pussy. Melinar then pulled and pushed Nyrandurril's hand up and down, sliding those slick, shiny fingers in and out until Nyrandurril started finger-fucking Melinar on her own. Melinar changed hands at Nyrandurril's pussy. She brought her shiny fingers, slick with Nyrandurril's juices up to Nyrandurril's face and then let Nyrandurril suck them one by one.

Nyrandurril's breathing became heavier and faster. Her thighs trembled and, with aloud shout, She spasmed, shoving her fingers deep into Melinar's cunt. Melinar arched backwards, her mouth open, her body quivering as she also orgasmed. As their climax subsided, both women collapsed on the table, their thighs shiny with their cum.




Cedric, Felinor and Per stared at the girls fascinated. Felinor started to rise, but Cedric looked over, shook his head and held up a warning hand. Felinor eased back into his seat.

“Is her maidenhead intact?" Cedric asked Melinar. “Is it?"

“Melinar rolled over to Nyrandurril, who was lying half-comatose on her back, her legs spread wide apart. Melinar reached between Nyrandurril's thighs and parted her pussy lips with her fingers.

“Yes, milord. It's still intact,” she replied shakily.

“Very good. Please help Nyrandurril up and get dressed.”

“WHAT!" screamed Felinor, jumping to his feet.

“Be quiet and sit down,” Cedric said icily. The two men locked stares before Felinor sat down fuming. Turning back to the girls, Cedric waved them towards the screen.

Melinar helped a shaky Nyrandurril off the table and took her behind the screen. The two girls reappeared fully clothed. Cedric got up and went over to pull the bell cord. A guard soon appeared.

“Please escort these women to their room,” Cedric told the guard.“Please pass word to the captain that they are to be protected at all times. They are relieved of all other duties, but have them brought here at the start of the third watch.”

“Yes, milord,” replied the guard as he escorted Melinar and Nyrandurril out.

“Why did you do that?" demanded Felinor as soon as everyone had left.“They were ready. We could have been fucking them bow-legged, but instead I'm standing here with a painful hard-on.”

“I know the way the drug works,” said Cedric, as if explaining to a small child. “There was still some resistance to my commands. Tomorrow night will be the deciding factor. The girls have to take two more doses. Then they will do anything we say. Melinar is ready now, but I'm not sure about Nyrandurril. Besides, since Nyrandurril is a virgin, I don't want to deflower her until all my guests can see me do it. Come, my friend, go to your room. I'll send an agreeable girl up to take care of your problem. She may not be in the same class as Melinar and Nyrandurril, but she should be.... suitable. Or do you want to wait two more days?"

“Let's go get drunk,” laughed Felinor. “I can wait two more days. It should be fun performing before an audience.”

They left and Per went back to his room. The next morning, Per went to breakfast trying to figure out some way to see Nyrandurril and Melinar. As he ate his breakfast, Per saw a serving girl stagger out of the kitchen carrying a heavy tray loaded with food. Per jumped up quickly and caught the tray before it fell to the floor.

“Thank you,” panted the girl. “They added two extra breakfasts to my load and it was too heavy for me to carry.”

“I'll help you if the cook allows it," replied Per.

The girl asked the cook who agreed, but stated that Georg, the steward, must also agree. The cook sent a message and soon received a reply. It stated that Per could help, but must report to the forge right afterward. Per, now carrying the tray, followed the girl to the guest quarters. The first two guests were served without a problem, but the third guest took one look at Per and her eyes lit up on her pudgy face.

“Well, well, well, well, well!!!” the guest simpered. “Where has poor Cedric been hiding you?"

The woman heaved her fat body off the sofa where she had been lying and walked over to Per. He stood still, holding the tray, while the serving girl set the table and laid out the dishes.

“Ooooh, you are a big one," the guest cooed, feeling Per's arm. “And such big muscles. What say we let the girl carry on and you stay awhile?"

Per looked down at her lank hair, pug nose and her triple chins. He then locked his violet eyes onto her lack-luster brown ones and stared. After a moment, he grinned widely, showing off his over-large canine teeth.

The lady gulped, gasped, turned white as a sheet, and stumbled backwards from that smile. The serving girl, biting her lips desperately to keep from laughing, hurried Per out of the room.

“By the Gods, that was priceless!" she said, bursting into laughter as soon as they were away from the room. “I've been waiting days for that old battleaxe to get her comeuppance. I'm Helga, by the way.”

“Per,” Per replied, looking at Helga. Helga was about 5'-7" tall with avery nice shape, long brown hair, and a pretty, pixie-like face with bright brown eyes.

“I know that,” she said. “Everyone knows you or knows of you. You can't be the only giant in the castle without everyone talking about you. Now. Don't try that smile on the next guest, Lady Trearii. She'll take it as a challenge and then eat you for breakfast.”

Helga knocked on the next door and was told to enter. Per entered and saw Lady Trearii sitting at a desk writing. “Breeding was the first thought that hit him when he saw her. She sat straight, her hands delicately writing on the parchment. She unhurriedly finished her letter, folded it and gracefully rose to her feet. Her black hair and deep blue eyes offset her pale face.

“Thank you, Helga,” she said. “I see you have a helper. Your new boyfriend, perhaps?"

Per tensed. He actually felt scared of this woman as if she was a danger to him. He did not know why, but he knew he had to stay away from her.

“No, milady,” answered Helga, timidly. “Per is not my boyfriend. He is just helping me serve this morning.”

“Shame. I think you two would be a good pair. Helga, I am always the last person you serve in the mornings, but there is still food on the tray,” stated Lady Trearii, questioningly.

“Yes, milady. There are two servants who are sick and I have to take them their breakfasts.”

“Let...Per?...do it. I need your help with something,” stated Lady Trearii.

Helga turned to Per and told him to take the tray to Melinar's room.

Before the door closed behind Per, he heard Lady Trearii say, “Come here, Helga. Now tell me about Per and ...”

Per went to Melinar's room. There was a man-at-arms standing in front of the door. The guard looked over the tray that Per was carrying and then opened the door. Melinar and Nyrandurril jumped up from where they were sitting by the window.

“I don't have much time,” stated Per, making sure the door was closed. “The baron doesn't think you are tractable enough, but will be after you take the drug today and tomorrow. Why did you tell him that Nyrandurril was a virgin?"

“It was a calculated risk,” stated Melinar. “He might have raped her then and there, but I was hoping that he would wait to do it publicly.”

“You're right," Per agreed. “It did make him wait and Felinor is going to wait also. I should have gotten you out of here two days ago. I am going to steal weapons and supplies today. I should have done it earlier. As soon as I have them, I'll come back, knock out the guard and then we'll escape.”

“No, Per,” said Nyrandurril, sadly. “There are guards in the hallway and at the gates who know we are being guarded. We will be captured before we even get outside the walls. The only time we can escape is in the morning when the field crews go out. We can disguise ourselves and go out with them.”

“What about tonight?" Per asked, jabbing his finger on the table.

“Per, will you be there tonight?" asked Nyrandurril, looking down at the floor.

“Yes, unless you don't want me to be there," he answered.

“Please be there,” she said quickly, looking up with tears in her eyes.“I need to know that you will be there to protect us if Cedric or Felinor try anything.”

“I'll be there no matter what.”

Nyrandurril got up and went to the window, her back to Per. Her arms were clasped around her as if she was cold.

“Per, thank you,” said Melinar, softly. “She gets a lot of strength and courage from you. So do I. Someday, we'll repay you. You'd better go.”

Per got up and picked up the empty tray. Just as he was about to call for the guard, Melinar came around the table, reached up and pulled his head down to plant a soft kiss on his right cheek. Before he could move, Nyrandurril came over and kissed him on the left cheek. With alump in his throat, Per had to call out twice for the guard.

Per went to the kitchen to return the tray. Everyone there was busy trying to clean up from breakfast and prepare for lunch. Grabbing an empty sack, Per managed to sneak bread, meat and a butcher knife into the sack without being seen. Per hid the sack and went to the forge to work.

Per and the blacksmith worked until lunch, at which time, Per was able to steal some more food. It was not a lot, but it would help tie them over. Per went back to work. In the early afternoon, Helga stopped by the forge and asked for Per. Per came out wondering what she wanted.

“This is for you from Lady Trearii,” she said, handing him anote.

Per opened the note, which was upside down, turned it over and looked at it. It was a command to come to Lady Trearii's apartments at the start of the third watch. Per shook his head, looked at Helga shrugging his shoulders, and tossed the note into the fire.

Per quit work at suppertime and ate dinner alone. He quickly finished his chores afterwards and hurried up to the gallery. Now, besides the iron rod, Per also carried the butcher knife. Per entered the gallery and moved to his hiding position. He saw that Melinar and Nyrandurril were below him and had changed clothes. Both of them looked dazed as they stood on the table.

Cedric and Felinor soon entered, but this time they did not get out any musical instruments. They simply pulled up their chairs to the table and sat down.

“Melinar, Nyrandurril, you are not going to dance tonight,” said Cedric.“Remove your clothing.”

Melinar and Nyrandurril both unhooked their tops, freeing one large pair and one small pair of breasts. Throwing the halter tops to the floor with the gauze fluttering behind them, both girls pulled down and stepped out of their bikini bottoms, which followed the tops to the floor.

“Melinar, I want you to be very careful of Nyrandurril's maidenhead," warned Cedric. “I don't want it broken.”

“Yesh, milord,” she answered in a slurred voice.

“Touch and caress each other,” ordered Cedric.

The two girls turned to face each other. Melinar reached out to cover one of Nyrandurril's breasts with her hand while the other rose up to caress her face. Nyrandurril brought both of her hands up to cup under Melinar's large breasts and began sliding her thumbs back and forth over Melinar's hard nipples.

Per's cock hardened at the sight and he was forced to shift it around to ease its growing stiffness. The girls continued to stroke and caress each other. Nyrandurril slid her hand down from Melinar's face, between her breasts, over her stomach and cupped it right over Melinar's pussy. This entices a gasp of delight from Melinar and her hand quickly reached for Nyrandurril's pussy.

Per watches as Nyrandurril spread her legs wider in order for Melinar to have better access. Per can soon smell their musky scent as each girl's fingers plied with the other's cunt. The girls were soon breathing heavier and moans of passion emitted from their mouths.

“Nyrandurril, suck Melinar's tits," commanded Cedric breathlessly, his eyes riveted on them.

Nyrandurril bent over at the waist, forcing Melinar's hand away from her pussy, until her face was level with Melinar's breasts. Licking her lips and leaning forward, Nyrandurril took one hard nipple between her lips. Per saw Nyrandurril's cheeks deflate inward as she started sucking on the tit in her mouth.

“Oh, yes!" cried Melinar, cradling Nyrandurril's head closer to her chest. “Suck it. Flick your tongue across the nipple.”

“Nyrandurril, kneel down and lick Melinar's pussy," ordered Cedric.

Nyrandurril dropped to her knees in front of Melinar. She pulled Melinar forward, spreading her legs farther apart and dipped her head straight down to Melinar's pussy. Melinar reached down and grasped two handfuls of Nyrandurril's hair. She pulled Nyrandurril's head closer while arching her hips to bring her pussy up so Nyrandurril can lick it better.

“Oh...Ummm...yes. Yes! Stick that tongue deep in me. OH! YES! Lick that clit. Faster. Yes!" cried Melinar, her whole body shaking as Nyrandurril ate her out.

“Lie down on the table, Nyrandurril,” commanded Cedric.

Nyrandurril pulled her face away from Melinar's pussy, her mouth and cheeks shiny with cunt juice. Per watched as she lied down on her back with Melinar gasping for breath standing over her.

“Melinar," said Cedric. “I want you to lick every inch of Nyrandurril's body.”

Melinar fell to her knees with a groan of ecstasy and plastered her mouth right onto Nyrandurril's for an open mouth kiss. Melinar broke the kiss to lick Nyrandurril's cheeks before going back to duel her tongue with Nyrandurril's.

Melinar then licked down Nyrandurril's chin and throat. At the base of the throat, Melinar clamped her mouth on it and started sucking. Nyrandurril moaned and reached up with one hand to play with Melinar's hanging breasts. Melinar broke her lip-lock and continued to lick down Nyrandurril's shoulders. Even from his hiding spot, Per could see the bright red hickie on Nyrandurril's throat.

Melinar licked her way down to Nyrandurril's breasts. Sucking voraciously on one hard nipple, Melinar reached up to roll and pinch the other between her thumb and forefinger. Nyrandurril moaned and writhed in passion. She pinched one of Melinar's nipples hard, enticing amuffled moan from the mouth clamped onto her tit.

Melinar moved further down Nyrandurril's body, licking every inch. Melinar stopped long enough at Nyrandurril's stomach to stick her tongue into the bellybutton, causing Nyrandurril to giggle. Melinar then sat up, smiling.

Reaching down, Melinar spread Nyrandurril's legs apart and brought her knees up. Melinar then moved around until she was kneeling between Nyrandurril's legs. Leaning forward, Melinar gently pulled Nyrandurril's pussy lips apart, exposing the moist, red flesh inside. With a moan of delight, Melinar dove right for that pussy as a hawk does for its prey. Nyrandurril stiffened and began to writhe as Melinar slurped hungrily at her cunt.

Nyrandurril's breathing became heavier as her cries of delight rang out. She reached up and began tweaking her nipples as Melinar's tongue flicked back and forth across her clit.

“Melinar, spin around and straddle Nyrandurril's face," ordered Cedric, licking his lips, his eyes staring with lustful glee.

Without taking her face from Nyrandurril's pussy, Melinar slowly moved her body around until she was lying on top with her knees on either side of Nyrandurril's head. Nyrandurril, with Melinar's cunt inches away from her face, reached around Melinar's hips, grabbed her ass and buried her face into Melinar's cunt. Soon both girls are moaning and groaning as they lick and slurp at each other's pussy.

Per watched as Melinar flicked her tongue rapidly over Nyrandurril's clitoris. Nyrandurril writhed under the tongue-lashing. She took Melinar's clit into her mouth to gently suck on it as her hand came around Melinar's leg to shove two fingers into that wet, hot cunt. Melinar moaned and redoubled her efforts at Nyrandurril's pussy. Nyrandurril shoved her fingers into Melinar's hole and her body bounced uncontrollably as she climaxed. Melinar held on tight as Nyrandurril orgasmed three or four times. Nyrandurril collapsed on the table, her legs splayed apart, her slick fingers slowly sliding out of Melinar's pussy. Melinar gently lifted herself off the dazed Nyrandurril and looked at Cedric. Cedric, his eyes filled with lust, quickly motioned both girls to leave. A guard was summoned to take them back to their room.

“Tomorrow will be special,” promised Cedric to Felinor after the two girls had left. “Come, let's be off.”

Per left after they did and returned to his room. He hoped to see Nyrandurril and Melinar in the morning.

Per was stopped the next day before he even got to the dining room by the steward. Assigned to the fields for the day, Per had just enough time to grab some food before being sent out. Per spent the day working outside the castle and returned at dusk. Washing quickly, he ran to the dining room for supper, but Helga had already left with the trays of food.

Per, dejected, sat and ate his own dinner. He then headed up to the gallery to watch over the girls. Melinar and Nyrandurril were soon escorted in and left alone. They both went behind the screen and changed into their costumes. They climbed up on the table and waited for Cedric and Felinor.

Cedric and Felinor entered the room and pulled out their musical instruments.

“Tonight, you will dance,” stated Cedric. “Melinar, be very careful of her maidenhead.”

Cedric and Felinor began to play. Melinar and Nyrandurril moved in time to the music and slowly pulled each other's gauze and silk off the costumes. Melinar danced around behind Nyrandurril and unclasped her halter top. She then pulled down the bikini bottom for Nyrandurril to step out of. Melinar turned around, still swaying to the music. Nyrandurril undid Melinar's halter top and pulled off the bottoms. Nyrandurril, throwing the bottoms off the table, slid her hands up the outside of Melinar's legs. Nyrandurril placed her hands on Melinar's hips and gyrated her hips in synch to Melinar's. Pressing her body against Melinar's back, Nyrandurril slid her hands over Melinar's stomach and up to cup each large breast.

Melinar moaned, her head arched back, and reached backward to slide her hands over Nyrandurril's hips. The girls still moved to the beat of the music. Nyrandurril dropped one hand down and rubbed it over Melinar's bush. Going lower, Nyrandurril's fingers slipped over Melinar's pussy and parted those lips to play with Melinar's clit. Melinar's breathing became heavier as Nyrandurril fingered her pussy and caressed her breast. Nyrandurril kissed the back of Melinar's neck and her shoulders.

Melinar, with a sharp intake of air, spun around to face Nyrandurril. Melinar hugged Nyrandurril, mashing their tits together, and kissed Nyrandurril passionately. Per saw their tongues duel with each other as their hands roamed over each other's body. The music was forgotten as they kissed. Cedric and Felinor both stopped playing and absently put their instruments down.

Both girls kneeled down together on the table. Melinar pulled Nyrandurril slightly to make her lay down. She then kissed her on the lips and worked her way down to Nyrandurril's pussy. Nyrandurril writhed and grasped Melinar's head as Melinar's tongue flicked out to lick at Nyrandurril's clit. After a few moments, Nyrandurril pulled Melinar up and kissed her, tasting her own juices on Melinar's lips and tongue. Nyrandurril continued to pull Melinar up and slid under herself under she was looking direct at Melinar's pussy. She tentatively stuck out her tongue and began licking at Melinar's cunt. Melinar, still on all fours, shook as Nyrandurril's tongue penetrated her. Melinar forced herself up so that she was sitting on Nyrandurril's face.

Melinar smiled down at Nyrandurril. Her breathing became faster and she gripped and twisted her breasts as Nyrandurril continued to eat her out. Melinar suddenly swung off Nyrandurril, turned around and put her leg back over Nyrandurril's head. Lying on top of Nyrandurril, Melinar parted Nyrandurril's legs and dove right in to her pussy. Nyrandurril stiffened and then went back to licking Melinar's cunt.

Per's cock felt like it was going to burst. He then saw Cedric move, bending under then table. Per tensed, tightening his grip on the knife. Cedric reached underneath and pulled out a rectangular wood box. Cedric then moved around until he was standing in front of Melinar and he then opened the box on the table.

“Melinar, look up,” he said and Melinar raised her face from the pussy she was licking to look stupefied at the box.




“Which one do you want?" asked Cedric.

Per looked down and saw that the box was the one that they had opened in the storeroom. The assorted dildos lay in their nooks, arranged by size. Per watched as Melinar reached out to touch a six inch ivory prick before lowering her head back to Nyrandurril's pussy.

Cedric picked up the box and walked around to the opposite side of the table. He set the box on the table and pulled out a dildo. Per saw that he did not take out the one Melinar indicated, but one that is two sizes bigger.

“Nyrandurril, take this and suck on it,” ordered Cedric handing the dildo to her.

Nyrandurril quit licking Melinar's cunt and took the dildo in both hands. She brought the ivory shaft up to her face and slid a couple of inches in between her parted lips. Cedric moved back to his chair and sat down. Per let go the breath he had been holding and relaxed. From his perch, Per heard Nyrandurril nosily sucking on the dildo and Melinar lapping at Nyrandurril's pussy.

“Nyrandurril, rub it's length on Melinar's cunt," Cedric told her. “Get it covered with her juices and then push it into her.”

Nyrandurril took the dildo out of her mouth and began rubbing it up and down Melinar's slit, rotating it every so often until it was coated with her saliva and Melinar's pussy juice. Nyrandurril then turned it and poised its tip at the entrance to Melinar's cunt.

Nyrandurril slowly pushed the dildo deep into Melinar. Per could see Melinar's cunt stretch wide to take it in. When Nyrandurril had the dildo halfway shoved in, Melinar's moans changed to grunts and groans, but she never raised her face from Nyrandurril's pussy. Finally, Nyrandurril pushed the entire length, except for about an inch or two, into Melinar. Melinar's body was tense and sweating. Her fingernails were dug into Nyrandurril's asscheeks and her thighs were quivering.

“Fuck her with it,” orders Cedric.

Nyrandurril eased out the ivory prick. Melinar visibly relaxed as the shaft left her and then tensed again as Nyrandurril shoved it back in. Melinar grunted with the strain of having her pussy stretched with each stroke. She kept her head lowered and concentrated on licking Nyrandurril's cunt.

Melinar's grunts soon became moans of passion as the dildo slid in and out of her and she became use to it. Nyrandurril's moans and breathing became heavier and she increased the tempo of fucking Melinar with the dildo. Faster and faster, Nyrandurril pumped the dildo in and out until finally, she shoved it in, gripped the base and orgasmed. Nyrandurril's hips arched off the table as she screamed out her pleasure. Her entire body spasmed with the intensity of her climax. Her hand, gripping the dildo, shook uncontrollably which vibrated the dildo within Melinar.

Melinar's head suddenly snapped up and her body arched as she hits her climax. Per watched as Melinar's juices rolled down the dildo to drip on Nyrandurril's face. Melinar had a series of orgasms, like electric shocks, before rolling off Nyrandurril to lie on the table. The dildo, still clenched in Nyrandurril's hand, slid out of Melinar's cunt with a wet, sucking sound.

Nyrandurril, her eyes unfocused, brought the dildo up to her face to stare at it. She lowered it and proceeded to lick it clean before she collapsed.

Cedric sat back in his chair and waited a few minutes before telling the girls to get dressed. As soon as the girls are clothed, he rang for the guard who arrived shortly and took the girls back to their room.

“My apologies, Milord,” said Felinor as soon as the girls were gone. “I can see now that it will be worth the wait until tomorrow.”

“No need to apologize,” replied Cedric, urbanely. “I am often misunderstood. Let's go find some wine and then to bed. Tomorrow is the performance and we don't want to be tired.”

Cedric and Felinor left. Per waited a few moments and then lowered himself down to the chamber floor. After a minute or two, Per left the chamber and went to his own room.

Per awoke early the next morning and packed the supplies he had. He wanted to get to breakfast early so he could help Helga serve Melinar and Nyrandurril. He was going to attack the guard at that time and get the girls out into the courtyard so they could leave with the other field workers. Just before he entered the dining room, two guards stopped him.

“Baron Cedric wants to see you now,” stated one guard.

Per gritted his teeth in frustration, but was unable to do anything as he followed the two guards to the audience chamber. As he entered the room, he saw Cedric sitting at the table. Standing nearby was Lady Trearii, Helga and the blacksmith. Per, unsure of what was going on, kept his mouth shut.

“I've been told that you disobeyed one of my guest's instructions, Per," stated Cedric. “Is that correct?"

“Me no get instructions,” replied Per, lapsing into his stupid act.

“Are you saying that you did not get a note from Lady Trearii yesterday?" asked Cedric. “Helga told us she gave it to you at the forge and the blacksmith told us you threw it in the fire.”

“What's a note?" asked Per.

“The paper Helga gave you,” stated Cedric starting to get angry.“You read it, disregarded it and burned it.”

“Me no read,” stated Per simply.

Cedric stared at him in astonishment and the burst out laughing. Lady Trearii straightened up, her eyes blazing.

“No wonder he didn't do as you asked. He can't read," laughed Cedric, clutching his sides. “Tell me, Helga, did you read the note to him?"

“No, milord.”

“Blacksmith?"

“No, milord,” answered the blacksmith. “In fact, he turned it over a couple of times as if trying to figure it out.”

“He can't read," said Cedric, wiping the tears of mirth away from his face. “Unfortunately, I can't have my guests' orders disobeyed. Per, you are sentenced to one day in the stocks. Guards!"

“Milord," said Helga. “It was my fault. I should have read the note to him. I should be the one to be punished.”

“No. It was Per's duty to find out what the note said. You and the blacksmith are dismissed.”

Helga looked at Per in sorrow as they left and the guards entered. Per turned towards Cedric.

“No punish. Work in fields,” he said.

“That is two days in the stocks for talking back,” said Cedric coldly.

Before Per could protest again, he felt two spear points poke him in the back. Without another word, he was marched down to the courtyard and placed in the stocks. After the guards left, Per strained and pulled at the stocks, but could not escape. Dread overtook him as he realized that he could not rescue Melinar and Nyrandurril. He shouted, cursed and pleaded to anyone within earshot to free him. No one did.

At midday, fatigued from trying to break free, Per slumped in the stocks defeated. Suddenly, he was looking down at a bucket of water and askirt.

“I'm sorry, Per. If I could get you out of there, I would,” he heard Helga say. “Here. Drink this.”

She lifted the ladles of water up for him to drink. Per was at the point where he was going to ask Helga to take a message to Melinar and Nyrandurril when a guard came by and chased Helga back to the kitchen.

Per's morale sank as the day wore on. All too soon, he noticed that the third watch was being changed and he knew the girls were in serious trouble.

Sunk low in his misery, Per did not at first hear the commotion at the front gate. When it finally registered, Per looked up to see Tenan and twenty armed men ride into the courtyard.

“Tenan!Over here!" bellowed Per.

Tenan looked around to see who was shouting his name. Spotting Per in the stocks, he slowly rode his horse over to him.

“Boy, I can't leave you alone for a moment, can I?" stated Tenan.

“Dammit, Tenan. Let me out of here.”

“You'd better curb that temper," said Tenan, getting down off his horse and unlocking the stocks. “This thing could turn on us quickly and we could find ourselves on the headsman's block. Come with me. I'll introduce you to the Overlord. If he talks to you, refer to him as Your Majesty.”

“The Overlord?" asked Per in astonishment.

“You didn't think I worked for the Baron, did you?" said Tenan, slyly.

Tenan and Per walked over to the castle steps. Standing on the steps was alarge man in gleaming armor giving orders to the men who came with Tenan.

“Your Majesty, this is Per who I told you about,” said Tenan. “I found him in the stocks.”

“Pleased," replied the Overlord abruptly and turned to the other men. “You two go secure the gatehouse. You four secure the guards who are off-duty. One-two-three-four-five-six, you six replace the guards on the walls. Disarm them and send them to the barracks. You four split into two groups and look for guards inside. You last four are with me.”

“Your Majesty," said Per stepping forward. “We have to hurry. We need to get to the audience chamber now!"

The Overlord looked down at Per from the top of the steps. Per felt his commanding presence and took a step back.

“Lad, we aren't going anywhere until the castle is secured. I have no desire to fight my way in or out of this place.”

“But, Your Majesty..,” Per started to complain.

“Enough!Or you'll find yourself back in those stocks," commanded the Overlord. “Tenan, take this boy to his room and keep him there.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” replied Tenan, with a bow. “C'mon, Per.”

Per stared at the Overlord for a second before stomping off to his room with Tenan following behind. Once there, Per paced up and down, worrying about what was happening in the castle. Tenan, an old campaigner, leaned against the wall closest to the door and closed his eyes.

The night dragged on for Per. His imagination took hold as he thought about rescues and tragedies, each playing against the other. Just when he was about at his wit's end, there was a knock at the door.

“Who is it?" asked Tenan, his eyes snapping open, his stance alert.

“A message from the Overlord," was the reply.

Tenan opened the door to find one of the Overlord's men standing there.

“His Majesty states that the castle is secure and that the girls are safe. When we went into the audience chamber, they were standing on a table dressed in gauze outfits. The Overlord has placed them under guard. Tenan, he wants to see you. Per? You are ordered to remain in this room and not leave it. If you do, I'll be forced to put a guard at your door or lock you in the dungeon. Will you stay here until summoned?"

“Yes, I'll stay here," replied Per, relieved that the girls were safe.

The man and Tenan left. Per knowing that there was nothing else he could do, settled down in his bed and slept.