World of Cypheria - Terindra's Story - Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Terindra was bored. She found that traveling around the countryside was less adventure and more discomfort than she liked. They had left Delrinda far behind, along with apparently all true civilization. The river journey to Whiletta had been tolerable, drifting along sipping chilled drinks beneath an awning with Nadora. They had amused themselves commenting on this strong back or that well turned thigh as the strong barge slaves fended them off the bank while the oxen drew them slowly up the lazy river.

They had guested at various estates along the way, meeting other noblewomen on their way to the notorious party of the foreign merchant, Ser Stollerin. His attempts to provide appropriate entertainment for the noblewomen of Arbigahl had become a peculiarly fashionable sort of a joke among the noble houses, and sending some member to attend was now a yearly tradition. One never knew what the fool man would do next to impress his guests.

This year he had outdone himself. Trained animals abounded. He must have collected them all the preceding year. He had large dogs with trays on their backs delivering food; more stable animals like sheep delivering drinks. Big cats snarled from gilded cages in the corners, birds screeched above. Animals were everywhere. Terindra admitted to herself that it had been amusing, especially when one of the dogs decided to go after a monkey and Nadora landed in the pond! The merchant would be apologizing for years to come.

But now she was bored. She had left the river and her sister behind to travel north and a little east toward one of her holdings, a timber farm where teak and other fine hardwoods were harvested. The roads were well maintained, but sitting on horseback all day had left her incredibly tired and sore. She was still glad she had refused a carriage. She couldn't stand the thought of being cooped up in such a small dusty space all day long. Even her aching seat was better than that. Her temper wasn't helped by the impression that she got that Andinel was impatient with their progress. Did the nomad expect a princess to cripple herself with riding too long at a time? Surely a few breaks were not too much to ask. It was her journey, after all, to order as she would.

The woman had a point, though, Terindra admitted to herself. The towns they spent their nights in would not get closer for her, princess or no. The beasts that roamed the night would not distinguish between her and the others, either. Sleeping in the jungle was not recommended, for anybody. Terindra sighed and shifted her seat in the saddle once more, her horse sighing as well at the movement on her back. Milanda had tried to distract her with descriptions of the local flora and fauna, until the princess had snapped at her to stop her incessant chattering. Since then they had left her alone.

Even her obsession left her alone this day. She couldn't bring her mind to focus on her plans and the web of information she was building. A few more tidbits had fallen to her ears and eyes at the merchant's party, but nothing too significant. Hardil had taken notes of all manner of shipping in each town they had passed through, and the talk with the various stewards, farriers, carters and such they had traveled with was dutifully added to her store of knowledge. But it was all a stew in her mind today as her aching hips intruded themselves in her thoughts. They had been long days on the road, these past few since leaving Whiletta, longer for her stops. But tonight they were to arrive at Lirengana, her estate. She hoped they at least had a decent bath available. Listani's massages had helped, but she really needed a long soak with no thought of another day's riding ahead. It was close to evening, surely they were close to the estate!

One of the guards fell from his horse. She didn't realize at first what was happening, as anger brushed through her at his sloppy behavior. Then a wasp buzzed close by her head and Listani was falling with her as he dove over their horses, taking her to the ground. She landed hard with him on top of her and only realized what was happening when the shouting penetrated the ringing in her ears. Attack! They were under attack! Listani stood over her, a sword in his hand. She pushed herself to her feet, pulling her own sword from its scabbard, looking around and trying to make sense of the milling horses and people.

Andinel's training had the guards in a circle around her, horses and servants milling within, providing cover for the princess. She had to step back as a turning horse almost ran himself up her sword. There was a clash of metal behind her and she spun to see figures in the green of the forest crossing blades with the guards, then her vision was obscured as an inner circle formed close about her. There was shouting and a few screams amid the clang of blades, then sudden quiet again. Andinel's voice called out to leave off pursuit, and suddenly the tension left the air. Whatever it had been, it was over.

A figure with Andinel's rangy stride approached and bowed to her and Andinel's face resolved in Terindra's vision, a haze she hadn't realized was there clearing as the world made some sense again. "My lady, they have gone. It was a two fold attempt, and may have succeeded but for your Listani. The crossbowmen went after you directly and tried to force a hole in the perimeter guard at the same time. When you were no longer a target, they tried to spear through the gap in the defensive ring, but didn't stay around when it didn't work. We are searching the bodies now for clues, but I doubt we will find very much.

"We lost three guards, and two are lightly injured but can ride. I do not think they will be back, but I suggest we press on for the estate as quickly as we may." Her eyes seemed to question Terindra.

She nodded, not trusting herself to speak quite yet. So fast, it had happened so fast. She dimly realized that she still held her sword. She looked down at it in her hand for a moment before smoothly sheathing it. A dull surprise filled her that she hadn't sliced her hand open doing that.

Listani steadied her as she remounted and then they were riding, quicker than before. She made no complaint, and determined to make none in the future. Her route had been no secret, could not be really, given the nature of her tour. Therefore they should move quickly and smoothly, as Andinel had desired. She would adjust, and would again pay more attention to the training the woman tried to give her. She herself had demanded such after the last attempt.

She had believed herself in possession of a better grounding in swordplay then it appeared she had any right to claim. Andinel told her that her early fencing instructors, it appeared, had been more interested in form than substance. Terindra had resisted this idea. Surely her mother had hired the best. Perhaps the best reputation as a teacher of young noblewomen did not mean the best teacher of true sword work. Terindra resigned herself inwardly to hours of actual work. It had to be better than the daze she had just felt herself in.

The horse was pounding into Terindra's spine by the time they reached the estate. Lady Gurmbester met her at the door with warm moist cloth to wipe her face and hands and a cool drink to wash the dust from her throat. She left the others to tend the horses and gear, taking Milanda and Listani with her to follow the woman into the house. It was quite a large building, and impressive as estate houses went. Built in a broad rectangle, there was a central courtyard and many breezeways and windows to catch any coolness the air might carry.

Lady Gurmbester herself was rather impressive. She was large. Not fat by any means, just large. She looked as though she might fell the trees that were in her care all by herself. She dressed in loose flowing pants and blouse that appeared very cool and comfortable here in the jungle where she made her home. Her arms showed great curves of muscle and scars here and there. This woman worked hard. Terindra smiled to herself. It was no wonder this estate showed better profit than most others she had managed to compare it to. Work always showed.

They shared the required meaningless small talk, and Lady Gurmbester showed herself to be an understanding hostess, as well. She put Terindra at ease with the right mix of deference due a princess and landlady without the fawning of one uncertain of their place, or desiring of another. She showed them directly to a suite of rooms without delay and offered to have food sent up to allow her guests to rest this first evening and leave business for the morrow. Terindra gratefully accepted and found herself looking forward to speaking with this woman in earnest.

---

The next morning found her much improved in temperament, probably owing much to the improvement in her body's condition, and the fact that she did not have a saddle waiting for her. Listani and Milanda's attentions last night might have helped, bathing and massaging her until she slept. She felt a slight tingle between her legs at the thought of their hands on her, and decided that tonight she would feel well enough for that, as well. She realized with a bit of surprise that it had been some days since she had felt an interest in sex. She had been more tired than even she had realized!

"You have a lovely place here, Lady Gurmbester, truly, and I feel much better for a night under your roof." She could hear the sincerity in her own voice and smiled at the woman, relaxed in a comfortable chair at breakfast. The screened porch was bright with the light shining on the yard beyond, firebirds strutting on the trimmed grass. Their tails were spread to dry the morning dew from them and the display was magnificent, false eyes seemingly ringed with flame in the sunlight.

"It is your house, my Lady, I merely keep it for you." Pride managed to find its way into the humble words. "If it please you, Highness, call me Rendella. Lady Gurmbester is such a mouthful!" She sipped from the tea that remained once the morning dishes had been cleared away. "What would you like to see today? I'm unsure of just what you intended in your inspection, although of course everything is open for you. Did you wish to look through the books, or see the actual operations?"

Terindra smiled back, hearing the uncertainty in Rendella's voice. The poor woman must have been worried about the meaning of this tour. Terindra had deliberately left that point open, thinking that some uncertainty among her tenants could be very revealing as the tour progressed. "I wish to see everything, Rendella. I have no doubts of your capabilities, and no immediate intention of interfering in your management, I simply wish to learn about my holdings. I have found that a thorough understanding of a thing is rarely wasted. But for today, I do appreciate the chance to rest a bit. Perhaps my secretary, Hardil, could look through the books while you and I look about the grounds here nearby and talk for today. Tomorrow I would like to ride out to a harvest area and see how the work actually progresses. I am not so foolish as to think I can learn the timber industry in a few short days, but perhaps a basic grounding in how things work might be possible? Think of me as your student for a time. You may call me Terindra during this short tutorial, so long as we are here amongst our own people. I feel as though I shall enjoy this portion of my tour very much."

The powerfully built woman actually blushed at this sign of favor and looked down for a moment. "I thank you, my...Terindra. I shall try to make your stay as comfortable and informative as possible. I appreciate your confidence in me." She looked up, straight at the princess. "I do believe you shall have my confidence as well, if I may be so bold, my Lady."

Terindra felt a rush of pleasure at this, rather surprised at herself. She smiled back, and suggested that Rendella have Hardil shown to the account books and then share a walk with her, to start.

The day passed pleasantly enough, Terindra absorbing a surprising amount of information about timber, its processing, shipping, and sales. There were problems with insects and disease, drought and fire, flood, equipment, and labor that made it so much more than cutting down trees and securing buyers. She found an eager and knowledgeable teacher in Rendella. She knew her business well and ran it with a close eye. Once she was sure it wasn't about to be taken from her, she appreciated a landlady who wanted to understand her problems and help her manage them.

By the end of the day they were approaching friendship. Rendella's consort joined them for dinner, riding in from a harvest site he had been working at. He was a large man, suitable for Rendella's size, and seemed to act much as her partner rather than her concubine. Terindra found herself watching their easy camaraderie. She had never seen a man act quite so, so, equal with a woman. She wasn't sure how she felt about it, but they certainly seemed happy with their arrangement. He showed her perfect deference, so she had no reason to feel offended. She almost felt she should be, on behalf of this woman for whom she felt a budding friendship. She shook her head. Silliness. Surely how Rendella chose to treat her people was her own business, so long as she took care of Terindra's business.

Still, she found it strangely fascinating. Milanda had found a servant that had caught her eye, and after gaining permission from her hosts and her mistress had taken the evening off. Terindra found herself looking forward to being alone with Listani. She fed him tidbits from her plate, local delicacies that Rendella's cook had concocted. "Listani, remind me to request the recipe for this baked lira fish for Cook. It is delicious!"

"With a will, my Lady!" His eyes twinkled at her as he stole another bite from her plate. She swatted at him playfully. He read her moods so well, but still would never presume to disagree with her as Rendella's Orvel was doing. Something about managing the work team at some site or other. They came to an agreement as Terindra turned back to them.

"You must find it very useful to have so knowledgeable a consort, Rendella. Wherever did you find him?" She smiled at Orvel, and was startled to catch the barest glint of what might be resentment in his eyes. She could have imagined it, she supposed. Why would he resent such an innocent question, phrased with his praises?

"He is my right hand, and indeed I doubt I could manage the place without him. He is the son of a neighbor, and we grew up together on the tree farms. There was never any doubt between our families that he would come to me when the time came, and no more doubt between us." She smiled at him, something warm lighting her eyes. He smiled back, and there was certainly no coldness when he looked upon her. Surely she had imagined it.

Listani drew his hand along Terindra's thigh, distracting her. Suddenly she was no longer interested in Rendella and her place. She rose, and the others rose as well. "I thank you for a very nice day and your excellent cooperation, Rendella. It was a delicious meal, and I shall wish to impose upon your cook for some recipes before I leave! But I believe I will retire now. I look forward to seeing you in the morning."

"Of course, my Lady! Sleep well. Shall I have somebody show you to your rooms?" Rendella gestured to a servant standing ready near the door.

"No, I believe I can find my way. Good evening to you." Terindra waved the man back and took Listani's arm to stroll around the courtyard in the moonlight on the way to her suite.

She had bathed before dinner, after their walks this day in the heat of the jungle, so she felt no need to do so again. Upon arriving in the suite, she opened the belt on the loose robe she had worn over matching pants and turned to Listani. "Undress me, then strip. I wish to see you."

He obeyed, saying nothing.

Gently he removed her robe and untied the pants, barely touching her as the fabric slipped away. Then he stood before her and opened his own clothing, eyes cast down as he slowly bared his body. Truly he was a fine specimen, and she silently congratulated herself on finding him in the slave market. His smooth skin and muscle were mildly toned and much more to her taste then that overly muscled rugged man of Rendella's. She had no idea why the thought of him was even in her mind. He was not at all attractive to her, but there was something about the way he and Rendella looked at each other. She shook it out of her mind. Listani was standing patiently, his cock already erect, ready for whatever she wished.

"Bring me those other pillows and pile them here behind me, yes, like that." She lay back against the pillows, head propped up so she could watch him. "Come and kiss me, sweet, then you will pleasure me with your tongue."

He dutifully kissed her, his lips as sweet as ever, skilled on hers. Her hands cupped her breasts and squeezed the nipples as she parted her thighs. He moved between her legs, lightly kissing her thigh. She sighed as his lips found her fleshy nether lips, and his tongue parted them. He lapped at her warmth a moment before letting his tongue move up to press against her clit.

She watched his dark head move as he stroked her with his tongue, bringing a familiar burning to her body and her thoughts. Her eyes traveled along the strong back to the lovely curve of his buttocks, unconsciously flexing now and then as he bent and his head moved over her pussy. She found herself wanting to kiss him there, and shook her head at her foolishness. No, he was doing just what she wanted. "Harder, Listani." She lifted her hips a bit to him, willing the feelings to take her over as his skilled tongue drove into her. He moved his tongue hard around her clit, his hands gripping her hips to hold her still as she rocked with him. He was so good, she felt herself swell under his touch and she pushed for her climax. He didn't stop, worrying at her until finally she jumped under him, orgasm washing over her in a quick rush.

It was singularly unsatisfying. He'd done everything she wanted, but it wasn't enough. She needed to be filled, that was it. "Turn over, Listani. I want to ride you." He lifted himself from between her thighs and laid on his back, smiling his willingness at her. His shaft lay on his rippled belly like a challenge, and she smiled as she straddled him. She moved her hips up and pressed herself along his length, spreading her lower lips to smear his shaft with her wetness. She watched his eyes go dim a moment at the sensation, then he was smiling up at her again. How did he do that, she wondered, store those feelings away so that he was always ready, never climaxing until permitted. What kind of training would teach such control? She had a feeling she didn't really want to know.

She leaned down and kissed his chest, inhaling his scent and taste, playing with his tiny nipples for a bit, still sliding back and forth on his shaft. Finally she felt herself begin to glow as her arousal began again. She tilted her hips a bit farther and drew his hands to her breasts, enjoying their warmth in the cooler air of evening. She reached down and lifted his cock to meet her entrance and lowered herself over him, filling herself with his warm hardness. He seemed to fit so well. His fingers lightly pinched and rolled her nipples as she raised herself along his shaft and then sat down on him again. She began fucking herself on him, setting a steady rhythm that matched her need. She felt herself building on his ready member and was grateful to have him with her.

She slid up and down along him, leaning far forward to grind her clit down hard on him when she sat down, rocking her hips back to catch her favorite spot as she rose. She was quickly gasping as she drove herself toward her climax. He moved with her, perfectly matching her to avoid disrupting her balance or her pace. So good, he was so good, it felt so good, then it was there and she felt orgasm again. The fire washed through her as her body pulsed around his length.

She almost screamed her frustration as she lay atop him. Again the climax was quick and left her wanting. She still felt a need, and she found herself suddenly crying though she couldn't say why. She beat her fists on his chest and screamed at him. "Why isn't it good enough!" She sobbed and beat at him until he gathered her in his arms and held her sobbing and crying in his shoulder, weakly struggling against him. He made quiet shushing noises that made her want to scream some more, and rolled the both of them over. He remained inside her and she clapsed her ankles around his legs, holding him tight to her.

He smoothed her damp hair back from her face and kissed her cheeks, whispering nothing and holding her tight with the other arm while she wept. Wiping the tears from her cheeks, he moved in her once more, so gently she didn't realize it at first. He kissed her and talked to her and soothed her and filled her and slowly she quieted, burying her face in his shoulder, silent tears still running from her eyes as she lay under him, arms folded tight to herself. He cradled her against his chest and slowly, slowly moved in and out, in and out. His lips never stopped moving over her, his voice telling her it was okay, he would take care of it. She ever so slowly relaxed against him, letting go, letting him take her.

He moved in her more firmly, giving her some strength to hold against her. She moved her hips to meet him, and he whispered encouragement to her. Her arms finally relaxed and went around him and then she was clinging to him as he held her tight, filling her fully with each stroke. This time the heat of arousal returned hot and strong, and she bit him, arms clenching him hard against her. His muscled arms were tight around her, holding her at shoulder and hip, lifting her to meet his thrusts.

She gave herself to the sensation of him filling her, his body claiming hers. Her orgasm burst fully, and she screamed into his shoulder, clawing at him. Her hips rotated and her ankles moved up, clutching his lower back as she pulled him in deeper. After a few more thrusts, she screamed at him, "Cum, damn you! Cum in me!"

With permission from his mistress, as he was trained, he thrust into her two more times and then his hips went rigid. He pulsed within, filling her with his seed, and driving her over one last time. She moaned into hs shoulder as she collapsed under him. Her feet fell from his hips and she felt relaxed and fulfilled finally.

She was asleep before she could think. Listani pulled away from her carefully and brushed her damp hair back from her reddened face. He stared down at her for some time. Then he smiled. There might have been a certain gleam of triumph in it, had anybody been there to see.

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Terindra woke feeling both well and rather drained. She threw open the windows for some fresh air and stood there looking out. The jungle encroached on the lawns, a strict line dividing them. The gardeners even now worked to keep that line, pulling every stray sprout. She turned away and called for Milanda to bathe and dress her. She was suddenly anxious to finish her tour of this place and move on.

Hardil joined her for breakfast on the small balcony attached to her rooms and summarized the holding's financial status. It was moderately but consistently profitable. There was nothing here to hold her attention beyond today's planned ride. Good.

She found swinging astride her horse a much more comfortable experience than it had been when she started this journey. A day off had let her thighs catch up with their healing, and she actually enjoyed the ride. A wide track lead off into the forest, apparently kept open by constant traffic and occasional care. It was a long ride, and they stopped for a bit at a nearer patch of forest. The trees here were young, but still well grown.

"Lovely, aren't they?" Rendella gestured at the young forest around them. "This planting was done by my grandmother. It will be ready to harvest by my granddaughter. The trees take such time to reach maturity. I am harvesting plantings put in place by my ancestors, six generations back. Each generation adds new harvest to the area, and always we replant. It is a huge circle, with the estate in the middle, the whole valley, with the river running down the center to carry the logs down to the mill."

She turned to Terindra. "What do you think of our work, my Lady? You have observed us, and surely your man has reported on the books. Have you formed a plan yet?" Her eyes were very direct, a ghost of fear there, and determination. It occurred to Terindra that if she did have any ideas about replacing this woman, it would not be an easy task.

"No plan, Rendella. I am quite satisfied with the way things are. You know your work well, and it would be foolish of me to interfere." Terindra looked away. "I am curious, though, about a different matter." Terindra wasn't quite sure where this question had come from, or what it could possibly have to do with her, but she was going to ask anyway. "You allow your consort to act almost as your equal. Do you not find that this makes him difficult to manage?" Terindra tried to bring it back to business at Rendella's measuring look. "More than that, do you not find that others of your crews take advantage of this laxness? I would think it would cause you management problems."

"No, my Lady. The men here work well, as do the women. My consort is my equal, in all but law. He was raised nearby, and knows the business as well as I. I think you will find, out here beyond capital society, that there are two schools of thought on that." She began stripping a piece of grass absently between her fingers. "There are those who believe that only the strictest discipline can hold us safe in these remote holdings. They hold their people in the tightest control they can devise, investing in security forces and replacements for the ones that are killed or die of poor conditions. It is abominable what is done to those people. The rest of us find it easier to just be people, together, each with our jobs to do. My consort supports me completely, and is free to tell me when I make an ongru of myself. It does happen occasionally. He is a very good manager, and keeps operations at an optimum level. Our workers, for the most part, have been here for generations along side us. It is a good life."

Terindra stared at her for a few moments. "Are we ready to proceed?" She found herself angry, and was unsure why. Her servants were hers to do with as she would, and always had been. This woman's plebeian attitudes had nothing to do with her. It was time to ride on from this tree farm. She found she had no interest in farming, anyway.

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Back on the water the next day, they took a barge out of the valley down a slow tributary of the Farish River. If they stayed on it long enough, it would take them into Ormilla, but they would not stay afloat so long. Still, it was nice, relaxing again, traveling without effort. Terindra lay back on the cushions, enjoying the feel of the sun on her skin. A light breeze kept if from becoming too hot, and caressed her.

After a while, they went around a broad curve in the river and she found that the sun was shining directly on her sex, the thin cloth of her lounging clothes growing hot where it rested between her legs. She shifted a bit, opening her knees farther, and Milanda brushed her hair back from her face. Terindra turned her head and kissed the soft thigh beside her. Milanda ran her hand down Terindra's neck and over her breast, and the nipple hardened rapidly in response.

The princess looked up at the black-haired beauty bending over her. Milanda smiled at her and bent to kiss her softly. The hand slipped to her other breast, and she felt herself growing wet. The heat of the sun on her pussy was almost a physical pressure, and she reached down to touch herself through the cloth.

A cough sounded from her left, and Milanda lifted away as she turned to look. Ah, yes, the bargemen. Well, she supposed it was her own fault, they really had no where else to look. "Milanda, drop the curtains, would you?" She hated to cut off the delicious sunlight, but it wouldn't be enough for much longer anyway. The man studiously turned away, and she saw the others also finding other things to fascinate them as Milanda dropped the sheer curtains around her little pavilion on the deck. They didn't hide much, but an illusion of privacy was all Terindra had ever really had. "Come here now. I want your touch where the sun was so warm."

Milanda knelt between her knees and bent forward to send her hot breath through the thin cloth covering Terindra's groin, and it flared through the princess' body, spreading up to her breasts. Terindra lifted her own hands to her breasts as Milanda worked the cloth off of her before softly biting and licking her way back up. Terindra groaned as Milanda's warm lips moved up and finally her tongue parted the wet lips of Terindra's sex. She realized she hadn't been so aroused by one of her women in some time, and relaxed into the sensations Milanda's expert tongue was causing her. Almost as warm as the sun, and most definitely more agile, it swirled around her clit, making her lift her hips from the pillows in pleasure. Her hands drifted to her breasts and she played with her nipples as Milanda's tongue slid over her, long slow strokes up and down her pussy, from her canal to her center of pleasure and back. Terindra sighed as the heat the sun had left seemed to soak in and burn inside her, swelling through her belly.

She licked her lips as her breath quickened, small moans escaping her, her hips thrusting up at Milanda. The woman concentrated more on her clit, working in hard circles over it, and Terindra knew it wouldn't be long. It felt so good, so very good. She reached down and ran her fingers into Milanda's hair, holding her tight to her sex. As her climax neared, her hips rose from the cushions as she reached for it. She moaned and her head rocked from side to side as she felt the first slight pulse that signaled she was there. Then it crashed through her and she cried out a little, her legs locking around Milanda's head as her maid took her over the edge.

She moaned and turned her head again, eyes opening randomly as she arched her body again. Her head rolled back, then what she had seen penetrated the colors swirling in her head. Her eyes widened in shock as she yanked her head back to see the bargeman with his engorged cock in his hand, staring avidly at her through the veils.

Terindra shrieked with anger, and was on her feet. "Andinel! Guards! Seize that man! How dare he! Nobody uses an imperial princess like that! Nobody!"

She barely noticed the man's face as she shook with rage. These people had no respect for her authority! These men no longer knew their place! Never would a male in the Imperial City have dared such a thing! "I want him whipped!" She glared around at the rest of the men who ran this filthy excuse for a barge, fastening the foreman with her gaze.

The man actually strode toward her as though to confront her! His scraggly beard bristled as he approached, jaw clenched. This man had the effrontery to be angry, with her! What had these people come to? It was perverted, the way these men behaved!

Listani was suddenly there, stepping in front of her as her guards closed around her. Andinel gestured two of them to hold the foreman. He struggled a second then looked around and seemed to sag as the reality of her small army of well armed guards in the Imperial livery sank in.

"Andinel, these men must be taught a lesson. Lady Grumbester and her kind have been far too lax in these parts. That man actually thought he could satisfy his base desires gazing upon the Imperial presence. They seem to have forgotten what Imperial power is. Teach them."

She stood rigid before her small pavilion and watched as the bargeman was stripped and tied to a pole in the stern. Andinel ordered the barge halted so that all could observe the punishment.

She observed with them as the guard's arm swung the lash. She watched as first red welts, then red blood ran down his flesh. She watched as he screamed until he fainted, and she watched until the blood pooled under his feet. Finally Andinel had him cut down and his body thrown over the side. The overseer was strung in his place, feet slipping in the blood as he tried to hold himself up, arms pulled far over his head. The lash struck and he grunted. A few more strokes and he screamed as his man had. Then he was cut down, and his men released to tend him.

Terindra turned and entered her pavilion, ordering the heavier curtains dropped, and sending everybody out. Then she lay and stared at the ceiling while the barge moved slowly down the river.

The End

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