Mercenaries of Gor

28 Tenalion Accords Me a Favor

"Girl," I said.

She moved in pain, in the straw. She lifted herself to a half sitting, half kneeling position. There was a sound of chain. "It is you!" she said, softly. The heavy chain was on her neck. "They branded me," she said. "I am branded." "Thigh," I said.

She, wincing, turned toward me, in the straw. "An excellent brand," I said. It was the common kajira mark, as I had expected, a small, delicate, and beautiful, the cursive Kef, the stand and fronds, lyrically feminine, but unmistakable, a brand marking property, worn by most Gorean female slaves.

She looked at me. How helpless and soft she was, so perfect, now that she was enslaved.

"It is beautiful," I said, reassuring her.

"Thank you," she whispered.

"What is your name?" I asked.

"I have not been given a name," she smiled. I too, smiled.

"Do you think I would so soon forget my cuffing?" she asked.

"No," I said. "I did not think so."

"The other girl had a name, or thought she did," she said.

"I see," I said.

"So I shall answer promptly to the name given me," she smiled.

"That would be my recommendation." I said.

"I hope I am given a good name," she said.

"You are pretty," I said. "You will probably be given a pretty name." "I hope so," she said.

"But if you are not pleasing," I said, "it may be removed from you." "I know," she said.

"Some masters force a girl to serve superbly for months, before being given any name, let alone a lovely one."

"That is cruel," she protested.

"You are at the mercy, totally, of anyone who buys you," I said.

"I know," she shuddered. The chain on her neck made a small noise. Chains look well on the necks of women.

"Have you received your first taking, after your branding?" I asked.

"No," she said.

I nodded.

"I am naked, and the straw is soft and warm, Master," she said.

"You are very beautiful," I said. So beautiful are slaves!

"My Master, Tenalion, of Ar, has permitted you here," she said.

"Yes," I said, looking down at her.

"He has doubtless planned this," she whispered.

"Are you resistant?" I asked.

"No," she laughed. "I am not resistant! I am a slave! I shall do my best to be responsive, and pleasing. I wish to be pleasing to my masters."

"Perhaps you do not wish to be beaten, either," I said.

"True," she laughed. "I do not wish to be beaten, either."

I smiled.

"I think Tenalion is kind," she whispered.

"Do you think he would be slow with the whip, if you were not pleasing?" I asked.

"No," she smiled. "I do not think he would be slow with the whip." "Does your brand hurt?" I asked.

"A little," she said.

"Prepare to be taken," I said. I removed my tunic. I looked down at her. She was lovely in the straw, at my feet.

"How do you wish to be taken?"

"I am new to my chains," she said. "Gently, lovingly, please."

"Very well," I said, "this first time."