The following story is fiction. It is intended for consenting adults. It may contain any and all sexual perversions. If you are offended by sex stories, you don't belong here. All characters are fictitious and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead is purely coincidental. This work is copyrighted 2004 by Rod Ramsey. License is given for end user to make one copy for personal use, without modification. No website or publisher that charges a fee for access or distribution or that imbeds hyperlinks into the text, shall use this work without prior written consent of the author. Free archives may store and distribute this work, provided this disclaimer and copyright notice remains attached. If you like the story or have constructive criticism please feel free to let me know at rod_ramsey@yahoo.com. Part Two - Sold Like a Trinket in the Market How long she was left there she had no idea. Other than an occasional moan or groan from Shawna, she could believe the world had ended. She sank into a half sleep state, thinking of her past life of freedom. Hating her father for selling her into this existence. The clank of the chamber's door brought her back to the present. Brother Lazaro, Meurte, the guard and an opulently robed man in white stood before her. "A biter? She looks lovely though," the man in white said. "You can guarantee she is a virgin?" "See for yourself, my Lord Mayor," Lazaro said, raising the platform. The man stepped forward to slide his finger into Julia's vagina. She tried to beg for him not to touch her, the only sounds grunts from her gagged mouth as he fondled her sex. His hand ran up her torso, pain flashing through her as it crossed the still painful welts raised by the whipping. "A beautiful child," he said. "I'll give you two gold pieces." "Five, my Lord Mayor," Brother Lazaro responded. "Three and I'll have my police officers look the other way when you bring in that contraband on the Mary Celest next Friday." "We have a deal then, my Lord," Lazaro said a knowing smile crossing his lips. "My Lord Mayor," Meurte broke in, "she's not trained. She needs much more training and has earned a severe beating." "I think not," the Mayor replied. "My son's birthday party is tonight and I think she would make a lovely gift." He turned to Julia and lifted her head to look into her eyes, "My son can be a gentle master. Or a harsh one like his father." Lazaro released the clip holding Julia's arms to the platform. The Mayor helped her off and steadied her as she tried to regain her balance. He removed the collar that Meurte had placed on her, replacing it with one of his own in the city's livery of white and green. A tug on the leash and Julia trailed behind the two men, leaving a sputtering Meurte in the chamber. The mayor pulled Julia onto his lap after entering the carriage that seemed to be Lazaro's favorite form of transport. His hands gently massaged her nipples as the two men talked of business. The carriage stopped and the platform began to rise. It took Julia a few seconds to realize that they were on a giant elevator that was raising them up. She looked around as best she could as the elevator passed several levels before coming to rest at the top. The carriage exited the Temple though a large door and entered a courtyard filled with fountains, trees and flowers. Not even the city's grand plaza was this nice. A more traditional conveyance awaited them near the far gate, the Mayor pulled Julia into the backseat of a large white auto. "What a waste of energy," Julia thought to herself, seeing that she and the Mayor were the only passengers in the auto. The Mayor shoved Julia to the floor as he unfastened the trousers beneath his robe. "If I take off the gag will you be good and suck my cock like the slave you are?" he asked. "I can always return you to Brother Meurte's tender care if you'd like," he said when Julia made no answer. Julia nodded her head, willing at this point to do anything if it meant not returning to that hateful chamber. The Mayor unhooked the gag and pulled it from her mouth. Julia moved her jaw about to ease the tension. "You should thank me, slave." "Thank you, um, Master?" she replied. "Master Lars," he replied. "My son, Elias, will be your true master when we arrive." "Thank you Master Lars," she said as his hand gripped her hair and brought her head forward. Julia didn't resist as his penis slipped into her mouth. After the vile taste of Meurte's, Master Lars' was clean and odorless. She followed his instructions as he taught her to suck cock. The sound of Meurte's laugh echoing in her mind whenever she thought to resist. After he had ejaculated into her mouth, he pulled her back onto the seat letting her rest against the edge as the auto made it's way through the city and up the hill to the Mayor's home. With a start Julia woke. Master Lars was tugging her leash and pulling her from the auto. A naked woman of indeterminate age stood next to the auto. Without a word she took Julia's leash and led her into the huge white house. Down a set of stairs, Julia began to fear a dungeon as they passed from the area lit by electric lights and into a chamber lit by candles alone. Instead of a torture chamber, Julia found herself in a bath, steam rising from the water. The older slave silenced her with a finger to her lips when she started to ask questions. She quickly stripped off all of Julia's chains, leaving only the collar marking her as property of the Mayor's house. The older slave helped Julia step into and settle in the bath before beginning to wash her hair. She decided to enjoy it while it lasted, a soothing relaxed state taking over her mind as the slave washed her body. The only time she resisted was when the slave washed her labia. A stearn look from the older slave made her relent. The slave's finger slid inside her coming to rest against her hymen. For the first time the slave spoke. "My son will be gentle when he takes this," she said. Again Julia's attempts to ask questions were met with a finger to the lips. The older slave helped Julia to stand, then rinsed the soapy water from her body before helping her out of the bath. A huge soft towel was employed to dry her and she was led into a small room vacant of anything save a small cot and a toilet. A window high on the outside wall giving the room it's only illumination. Julia heard the lock turn in the door even before she realized it had been closed. Looking around the small room she could see no exit except the now locked door. She sat on the cot, finding it soft and comfortable. After failing to reach the window to look out, Julia gave up and laid on the cot. Her only entertainment came from watching the sunlight as it made it's way up the wall. As the sunlight faded to dusk, Julia slipped into a light slumber. A scream caught in her throat as she sat upright on the cot. The nightmare fading slowly in the dark room. She instinctively reached for the bedside lamp, only to have her hand fall on air where the night stand should have been. In the dim light she could just make out the small cell, a fresh feeling of despair washing over her as realization that this wasn't a nightmare. She tugged on the collar around her throat, wondering how this could be. Just this morning she had been free, the daughter of a seemingly successful businessman, and now a slave to be bartered. She sat back on the cot her shoulders slumped against the wall, unable, unwilling to go back to sleep. Julia must have fallen asleep anyway, for the next thing she knew the older slave was shaking her awake. She blinked in the light streaming in from the open doorway as the slave clipped a leash to her collar and pulled her upright. "Do I need to secure your wrists and ankles?" the slave asked. "No," she replied. She knew that even if she were to escape she had nowhere to run to. Her father would just return her to the Red Temple and anywhere else she would be treated as bad or worse. She was led up several flights of stairs ending in the alcove of a large, well lit room. From a space in the curtain she could see Master Lars and a rather handsome young man, maybe a couple of years older, saying goodbye to the last of their guests. "Elias, I have one last birthday gift," Master Lars said signaling to the alcove. "A fresh young virgin." The older slave pulled Julia from the alcove and toward the two men. She kneeled as they arrived, tugging Julia's leash until she also kneeled. "Mother, Father, you shouldn't have," Elias said even as he took the leash from his mother's offered hand as she kneeled before him. "Nonsense," Master Lars replied. "You're eighteen now. You should have a personal slave." Elias motioned for Julia to stand, his hands brushing lightly over the contours of her face and down over her shoulders. Julia winced as he touched one of the welts still painfully evident on her breasts. "The Red's should take lessons on how to properly train a slave," Master Lars said. "If not properly cared for those may leave scars. Such a risk to take on so lovely a body." "You do realize I'll be quite selfish with her?" Elias said to his father with a smile. "Yes, of course," Lars replied. "I should warn you the Red's say she's a biter, though I didn't find that to be the case. "I'll take care," he said. "Father, Mother, once again thank you for a wonderful party and all the nice gifts." As he said 'nice gifts' his hand cupped Julia's ass making her jump. "Come along, slave. I'll introduce you to your new home." Elias picked up a candle on the way out of the room, leading her down a darkened corridor and up another flight of steps. He opened a door and motioned Julia inside. She watched him as he pulled a heavy curtain across the room's large french doors, then turned on a set of overhead lights. He sat on the bed and motioned Julia to join him. After taking off the leash he indicated that she should lie down. Her limbs trembled as she climbed onto the bed and lay down on her back. "My father was right about these," he said as his finger traced just below one of the welts. He turned to the bedside table and removed a jar of something from the drawer. With a smile he began to apply the cool, soothing cream to her welts. "What's your name?" he asked. "Julia." "A lovely name, Julia, I like it," he said. "You know that a master chooses his slave's name? I think I'll let you keep it though." "Thank you, Master," she replied, relaxing as he massaged the cream into her body with a light touch. "Tell me, Julia, how did you get these welts?" "I bit the priest that took me from my father." "Ah, so that's how they came to the conclusion that you're a biter," he said. "I take it your father fell into one of their traps and couldn't pay back a debt?" "How did you know?" she asked, even as his hands massaged below the lowest welt. "The Red's a well known for that," he explained. "Offer a loan that they know cannot be paid back, then take the debtor's daughter as payment. Quite profitable I understand." Tears welled in her eyes. "I can't believe my father was such a fool." Shame, loathing and despair washed over her as the depths of her father's stupidity came crashing down around her. "Just do it." "Do what, Julia?" "Take me, take my virginity," she spat out, anger at her father growing. Elias kept his voice soft and gentle, "If I trust you with a secret will you trust me with your virginity?" "What?" "I'll not take that what is not given freely," he answered bending forward to kiss her on the forehead. "I don't understand," Julia replied confused. "I'll not take your virginity," he said. "I'll hold it safe for the time being, in return I'll give you knowledge of a secret to hold over me." "You're not," she started. "You're not going to take my virginity. But why?" Elias smiled and gave a small laugh before replying, "I'm a member of the Society of Pyrm." Now it was Julia's turn to laugh, "Surely you jest? The Society of Pyrm is a boogeyman tale to frighten children. Free men striving to free the slaves. It's a dream, or are you going to start a revolt to end the Temples' domination of the government." "That's the fear of the priests and why the Temples are so frightened of us that they have made being a member of the Society a death sentence." Julia rolled over, resting her chin on her hand. "Master, if all the slaves are freed then who will do the work? You find very few freemen willing to work the fields and at other hard labor." "Ah my sweet slave, Taelegard is a free country. They have no slaves, yet are just as prosperous as we," he replied. "Another fantasy land. They say even to poorest household has electric lights and that the middles can even afford their own autos," Julia retorted, relaxing more and forgetting that she was a naked slave girl. "I've been there and seen it," Elias informed her. "Only the streets aren't paved with gold and the public fountains spray water not wine. Elias climbed off the bed and turned out the lights, he then opened the curtains to let in the moonlight before returning to the bed. Julia slid away from him as he stripped off his clothes, convinced that he had just been teasing her and was now going to rape her of her virginity. She was somewhat surprised when he leaned over and kissed her forehead once more before laying down and closing his eyes. "Goodnight, my slave," he said laughing softly. Julia lay on the edge of the soft bed, watching Elias in the light from the full moon. His breathing quickly became regular and she knew he was asleep. She thought again about what he had said, was it true that he would leave her virginity intact? What was it he had said, that he wouldn't take something that wasn't freely given? She tried to compare that to her own upbringing, true her family had never owned slaves yet they were around. As she felt sleep overtaking her once more she scooted away from the edge and pulled the blanket over her body. Julia woke with a scream caught in her throat. It took a moment to remember where she was and that at least part of the nightmare was true. Light filtered in through the windows and she wasn't sure if it was early morning or just the last light of the moon. When she moved she found Elias had draped his arm over her body, she froze not sure if waking him would be a good idea. The pressure in her bladder finally forced her to slip out from his grasp and search for a toilet. She was relieved to find a full bath through a door in his suite and that she didn't have to leave it in search of one. When she had finished it was considerably brighter in the room and she was sure now that the sun would be rising soon. She crawled back into the bed, awake now and not able to go back to sleep. She laid there watching Elias as he slept. His handsome face seeming innocent in the morning light. So easy she had found it last night to talk with him, so easy going and gentle. The blanket had slipped off during the warm night and Julia couldn't help but peek at his naked body. After all he had seen her in all her naked glory. She couldn't resist reaching out to touch his soft penis, so far the only ones she had seen were hard and demanding that she suck them. She pulled her hand back after the first touch caused it to jump and swell slightly. Elias moaned and turned onto his back, his penis laying off to the side. Again she reached out to touch it when Elias didn't wake. His penis swelled more and started to rise. Julia watched fascinated by the spectacle. With a glance toward Elias she let her fingers wrap around his manhood. Her hand moved up and down over the hard yet soft flesh, drawing her closer. A drop of moisture appeared at the tip and she wondered if it would taste any different than that of the ones she had been forced to suck. She let her hand slip up the shaft and used her finger to wipe away the drop, bringing her now wet finger to her mouth. The taste was not that different, yet was subtly different. She saw another drop form as her hand returned to rubbing him and felt her body moving of it's own accord closer. "What the heck am I doing?" Julia thought to herself, even as her tongue snaked out to lick the drop from him. The priests and Master Lars had made it clear that this would be expected of a slave and even though Elias had promised not to force her she decided that this was something she could do for him. On hands and knees she took his penis into her mouth, slowly sliding the rigid pole to the back of her throat. When the gag reflex tried to kick in she pulled back up, setting up a rhythm and getting lost in the feel. His penis pulsed a couple of times and she realized that his breathing had changed. Looking up from where she was kneeling she could see his eyes watching her as she once more took his penis down her throat. A light knocking on the door caused Julia to pull away. Elias gently pulled her head back down and she took his penis in her mouth even as he said, "Come in." "Master Elias," she heard a woman's voice say, "I was directed to take your slave to the kitchen and teach her how to prepare your breakfast." "Wait outside," he said. "I'll send her out in a few minutes." "Yes, Master." After the other slave had closed the door he lifted her head from his crotch. "You started it, do you wish to finish sucking my cock?" he asked. "Yes, Master, if it pleases you, Master," she replied. "It would please me very much," he said letting her mouth drop onto his cock. Julia sucked and licked his cock, taking her cues from his moans and whispered instructions. His voice rose in volume and pitch as he announced that he was close, ever so close to cumming. His hands gripped her hair holding her mouth just over the tip of his cock, her tongue flicking over the tiny hole as he moaned and stiffened. Hot jets of semen splashed into her mouth. She sucked it in, trying to keep from spilling any. Elias let go of her hair and dropped back on the bed, his breath ragged. "Oh, my goodness you're good," he said, gently drawing her up to rest her head on his chest. "But why did you do it? I told you I won't demand such from you." "That's why," she replied sitting up. "I gave it to you freely as you said you would accept it no other way." "Thank you my sweet slave," he said. "Now however before I send you off to learn your household tasks we must talk." "Yes, Master," she replied. "You're going to tell me that as far as the household is concerned I am a slave and I had best act like it." "Yes, primarily you will take care of my suite of rooms and serve me at meals and bathtime. However you will need to help in the kitchen and laundry, that can be quite tedious and labor intensive," he explained. "Don't get bossy with the other slaves, my father is very much into discipline and will not hesitate to whip your ass if I'm not around. He won't take advantage of your charms without my direct approval but still you'd rather not risk his wrath." "I understand Master." "Good. Now go fix my breakfast," he said swatting her rump. "Yes, Master." A golden skinned slave kneeled outside the door, she looked to be in her late twenties if Julia guessed right. A knowing smile played across her lips as she stood and led Julia down the back stairs to the kitchen. "Did you enjoy Master Elias last night?" she asked. "Somewhat, it wasn't at all like I expected," Julia answered honestly yet vaguely enough to be misunderstood. "He has a lovely cock," she said. "I'm Renata, has Master Elias given you a name yet?" "He said Julia was a lovely name for a slave," she replied. "It is. I'm jealous," Renata said. "I had always hoped that Master Elias would let me into his bedchamber. I always thought a slave was beneath him." "What do you mean?" Julia asked as Renata showed her where the trays, plates and utensils were stored. "He's never taken a slave to bed, occasionally one of the daughters of a city clerk but never a slave," Renata explained, giving Julia more insight into her master than she realized. "How odd, he sure seemed to like my attention," Julia replied. "Maybe he has a reason to avoid his father's slaves," she said trying to get Renata to say more. Instead Renata showed her how Elias liked his breakfast, loading the tray with more food that three people could eat. She sent Julia on her way up the stairs with a word to return to the kitchen when he had finished and help clean up. She knocked on the door and heard Elias call for her to come in. He explained that she never need knock when entering his suite, that he had nothing to hide from her. She set the tray down and dished up a portion for him. Elias pulled a second chair over to the small table and shared his breakfast with her as they talked, going over more rules she should know and how he liked his bedchamber and clothes taken care of. After breakfast Julia helped Elias bathe and dress. She once more took his penis in her mouth when he started to get hard while she washed him. He leaned back against the edged of the large tub as Julia's head repeatedly dipped below the water. The water level dropped and she realized that he had pulled the drain as she eagerly pleased him with her mouth. "Yeah. Suck it. Suck my cock," he moaned. Julia pulled her mouth from his cock long enough to smile at him and say, "Yes, Master." She felt his cock pulse in her mouth and sucked it all the way in as he came. There was less semen this time and Julia had no trouble swallowing the load as Elias moaned loudly. He quickly dried Julia then let her take her time to dry him. Julia found herself mildly disappointed when his cock didn't respond to her occasional kiss or lick. "Go down to the kitchen and do a Renata or my mother says," Elias told her as he picked up a satchel. "I'll be home in the early afternoon and will want to enjoy the company of my slave." He quickly kissed her lips, leaving Julia wanting more and wondering what it was about him that made her not care that she was his slave. She descended the stairs to the kitchen level and was quickly put to work washing an ungodly number of dishes, pots and pans. Renata would appear for a few minutes to check on her progress and instruct her on where the dried dishes would go, then disappear again into another part of the kitchen. Just as she was finishing the last of the dishes and starting to put them away Elias' mother walked in. "Good morning little one," she said. "I see my son was gentle and didn't leave any new welts." "Yes," she replied, "he was very gentle." She paused her face scrunching up in confusion, "Um, Mistress?" "No. Not Mistress," she replied picking up some dishes and helping to put them away. "I'm Vanda, a slave. Master Lars favorite and chief slave. When I give you an order you shall respond with 'Yes Ma'am'." "You're Elias' mother though?" she asked. "Master Elias," Vanda replied. "Don't forget that or you'll be punished. I'm quite pleased that you've taken to being a slave so well. Most new girls would have already tried to escape." "I'm not stupid. Where would I go, back to the Red Temple or worse?" Julia said more of a statement than a question. "True," Vanda replied as the last of the dishes were put away. "Come with me, you have some training to do." Vanda led Julia out of the kitchen and up yet another flight of stairs. Then through a large bedchamber and out onto a balcony facing the East. Vanda pulled her to the rail letting her look out over the gardens of the estate, a maze cut into the hedge work it's dominant feature. "Wow," was Julia's only reaction. "Yes, it's lovely," Vanda replied, her hand slipping down Julia's back. "Soon enough Master Elias will allow you out of the house. Until then you have some things to learn." Vanda pulled Julia away from the rail and to the middle of the balcony. There she made Julia kneel and spread her legs. Julia looked up and noticed for the first time that Vanda's pubic region was also shaved clean. Her prominent clitoris peeking from the folds of her labia. Over the next what seemed to Julia's straining muscles, Vanda placed her in different poses and postures. She explained that a slave must show proper respect for her Master and display her body to it's full advantage. As the morning wore on Vanda finally ended their session and took Julia by the hand, leading her down into the basement where the laundry was. She picked out a set of fine linens for Elias' bed and ordered Julia to go make up his room then once it was clean to bring the dirty linens back down to the laundry. Julia found a cleaning caddy waiting for her outside the door to the bedchamber, a note explaining where to find the closet where it should be stored. She entered the chamber and went about changing the linens and dusting the furniture. The room was already spotless and making sure it stayed that way wasn't going to take long. She made short work of it and soon had the entire suite finished, even the bath and toilet was spotless as she returned the caddy to it's closet and headed down to the laundry with her load. A large, loud woman met her at the door. "Don't tell me you're finished with Master Elias' bedchamber already," the woman almost roared. "Give me those and go do a proper job or you'll be punished." A chagrined Julia returned to the bedchamber, she once more wiped down every surface with a rag and swept the floor. Not knowing what else to do she went out on the small balcony, sat in one of the chairs and watched the clouds go by. "A slave shouldn't sit on the furniture without permission," Elias said from behind her. Julia quickly jumped out of the chair and kneeled before him in the posture that Vanda had said was the proper position to show obedience. Elias was smiling down at her when she dared glance up. "I see my mother has started your training," he said. "I'll not punish you for this infraction, but you should know that if I had someone with me or one of the other slaves saw you, you would be punished." "I'm sorry, Master," Julia said softly. "Apology accepted," he replied just as softly. "Now head down to the kitchen and help get my dinner ready." Julia returned his smile with one of her own and accepted a kiss on the lips as she headed downstairs. Renata first showed her the dining room, where Master Elias would sit and where she should stand as she served his needs. She was amazed at the amount of and variety of foods the kitchen made ready and briefly wondered how many would be present for dinner. She soon found that in addition to Elias and Master Lars, another son of Lars was present. Ten year old Damien, proved to be as loud and obnoxious as his older brother was quiet and polite. Julia immediately took a dislike to the boy and was relieved when Master Elias made it clear to him that he was not to touch her in any way, shape or form. A routine was established and Julia found herself wondering if Elias would really honor his promise or would he get bored of her and sell her off to a less caring master. She went about her duties as Master Elias' favorite, keeping his bedchamber and bath clean, serving him at dinner and accompanying him in his bed. After six or seven months he announced that he had found his own house and would be moving soon. Julia helped the other slaves and some hired men pack Elias' belongings and cart them down the hill to a much smaller if just as lovely house. Not so incredibly as most of his peers believed the only slave he took with him to his new home was Julia. She spent the next few days toiling beside him setting up the house and putting away his massive collection of books. The first night in their new bedchamber Elias asked Julia if she knew what day it was. She answered with the date and then giggled as the realization hit her. "Oh my God," she replied. "Yes," he answered softly with a kiss. "Happy Birthday my sweet slave." "Master, you did not buy this house as a birthday present for me," she said rather awed that he even knew it was her birthday. "Well, no. But it was such perfect timing," he answered, "that I couldn't resist. I have one more gift for you." "What?" she asked eager to see what he might have gotten her. Elias pulled her onto his lap and unlocked the collar that she had worn since the first day. It felt strange to not have it's weight on her neck. The gift he pulled from behind was elegantly wrapped and Julia tore it open with little regard for the expensive paper. "Oh my God," she stammered. "It's beautiful. Put it on me, my Master." Elias kissed the pale band of skin where the collar had rested, then lifted the new one to her throat. The green and blue stones making it more a piece of jewelry than a slave's collar. He kissed her cheek as she turned to straddle his waist. "Thank you, thank you, thank you," she said kissing his lips between each word. "You're quite welcome my dear," he replied. He laid back on the bed as Julia slipped from his lap to kneel on the floor. She knew the perfect way to thank him and did so, his penis slipping into her now talented mouth. She took her time, working him oh so close then teasing him back down a little, postponing his orgasm. When he came, Julia swallowed his cum and licked his penis clean as he hummed happily. "Thank you, my love," he said as Julia turned out the light and crawled into bed, snuggling her body against his. "You're welcome my master," Julia replied. Spring turned to Summer and Summer to Fall. The Harvest Festival was set to begin when Julia noticed that Elias' mannerisms seemed to change. She worried, not for the first time, that he would get bored with her yet couldn't coax any more than vague comments on what was wrong. One night he came home late and very agitated, she knew something was dreadfully wrong when he chose to sleep on a settee in the main room. Still she could get no answers to her questions. A few days latter he had calmed somewhat and things once more returned to normal. As Winter once more started giving way to Spring, Elias began giving Julia more attention than at any other time save for the first few weeks of his ownership. As her birthday approached he became quite secretive and hinted at a big surprise that awaited her. Julia could only wonder, her attempts to gather information from his mother when she saw her at market proved hopeless. Either Vanda didn't know or was able to keep the secret. The morning of her birthday arrived and Julia was quite surprised when Elias insisted she stay in bed while he fixed her breakfast for once. Julia enjoyed the fruit and cereal he brought, though a hot meal would have suited her better. After she had bathed him, he gave her the first of what he hinted was many presents. The first nothing more than a pair of fine white leather sandals. They spent the morning just lounging about and talking, much like they had when they first met. Present number two came just after they had finished lunch, a fine white gown made of silk. Julia was flabbergasted, sure she had worn clothing during many events she had attended as decorum dictated. But so fine a gown for a slave was really beyond her comprehension. It was even finer than the best gown she'd had as a free girl. Elias didn't give her much time to argue the point, insisting that she put it on. She learned why a moment later when a expensive horse drawn coach pulled up to the house. "Oh, my God," Julia stammered as Elias held her hand as she climbed into the coach. "What in the world is this, Master?" "It's just one more birthday gift," he replied with a secretive smile. Elias pulled Julia to snuggle against him as the coach made it's way through the bustle of early afternoon traffic. The Coach carried them through the many town gardens just starting to come into bloom with the Spring. The first part of the ride ended at the City's main administration building. "Come," Elias said as he lifted Julia from the coach. At least now she knew why she was dressed, even a slave must wear proper attire when entering a government building. A old wizened clerk met them as they entered. "This way My Lord," he said bowing to Elias and giving Julia a wink. Hand in hand they followed the clerk up one flight of stairs and down a corridor. Several twists and turns later and Julia was hopelessly lost in the maze of the huge building. The trip ended at the office of the High Magistrate of the City. "Ah. Elias so good to see you," the portly Judge said. "This must be your slave, Julia." There was something about the way he said 'slave' that sent shivers up her spine. "Good to see you as well Thom," Elias replied. Turning to Julia he said, "Julia, this is my friend The Honorable Judge Thom Sanger, High Magistrate of our fair city." "A pleasure to meet you, Your Honor," Julia replied. "As well for me. I've heard so much about you, it's a joy to finally meet you in person." "Surely Master Elias hasn't gone on about me," Julia said. "She doesn't know, does she?" Thom asked Elias. "It's a surprise for her birthday," he replied. "Yes, of course. Happy Birthday Julia," Thom replied bowing to her. Julia almost laughed, imagine a Judge, any Judge bowing to a slave. After a moments pause he continued, "Julia, I have the documents that were signed by your father selling all rights to your body to the Red Temple." Julia's heart skipped a beat. "I also have the documents transferring those same said rights to Elias." Another pause before continuing, "A final set of documents that I signed just this morning. At the request of Elias Mancebo, the slave Julia is hereby emancipated and all rights restored to her." Elias and the clerk who had been standing by her caught Julia as her legs gave out in near faint. A chair was quickly brought to her by the Judge. Elias kissed her lips and kneeled before her, a huge smile on his face. "Free? You're freeing me?" she asked totally confused. "Yes. It's your Eighteenth Birthday, you're now a free woman," he replied. "But, but, where will I go?" she asked, tears streaming down her face. "Where ever you like my dear," Elias explained, not at all sure why she was so confused. "But I want to stay with you, Master," she exclaimed. Elias smiled at her, lifting her chin. "It's Elias now, not Master," he said gently. "You can stay with me if you want, or you can still honor your pledge to the House of Prometheus." "I'll stay with you, Elias," Julia said wiping her tears away. "There is one condition," Elias informed her. "What?" she asked as he reached into his pocket. "I'll not have a concubine in my house," he said somberly bringing out a small box. "Julia? Will you marry me?" he said opening the box to reveal a large diamond ring. New tears formed in her eyes and she found herself unable to speak. Instead she mouthed the word, yes, repeatedly as she nodded her head. Elias took her hand and placed the ring on it, then gently pulled her to his shoulder as she cried with double joy. "Ah-hemm, there is one final task," Thom said. Julia and Elias both looked up at him. "You must remove her slave collar," he said pointing to the symbol of her slavery. Julia sat up straight as Elias pulled the collar from her neck. He handed the Judge the collar and received a rolled up parchment in return. The clerk also produced a present for the young woman, a soft pink and lavender scarf to cover the pale band of flesh left by the collar. After tying the scarf around her neck, Elias helped Julia to her feet. Holding hands they faced the Judge, a somber look once more on his face. "You're sure?" he asked them. Both Elias and Julia nodded in consent. The clerk produced one more parchment, already filled out and waiting their signatures. After signing the document they once more faced the Judge. "Julia, do you accept Elias as your husband?" he asked. "Yes," she replied. "Very good," he said. "Elias do you accept Julia as your wife?" "Yes, I do," he replied. "Then by the powers vested in me by our fair city I declare you husband and wife," he said, a smile breaking out on his face. "You may kiss the bride." While they kissed Thom shed his Judges robe and came around the bench. He placed one hand on each of their shoulders and waited for them to stop kissing. And waited. Finally they broke their kiss and Thom kissed Julia before turning to shake Elias' hand. "Congratulations," he said. "Now I must be off. I would suggest you avoid the Red Temple tonight, not that I think for a moment either of you would set foot in the place." Before Julia could as why, Thom and the clerk had ushered them out of the chamber and headed off down the corridor. Elias kissed her quickly on the cheek then led her back out of the building to the waiting coach. Instead of taking her home, the coach took them to the shopping district where they spent the better part of the afternoon buying Julia a plethora of fine clothing. It took Julia until late afternoon to realize that none of the shops they visited had employed even one slave. Elias just smiled and kissed her when she enquired about this. Dinner was at a quiet little restaurant near their home. For once Julia enjoyed the food sitting at the table instead of kneeling at her master's side. Several men came by the booth to congratulate them, some she knew and others were strangers to her. One man's cloak came open as he bent to kiss her hand, revealing a strange military looking uniform. Once more Elias' response to her questions were met with a kiss. They returned to the house a bit later and enjoyed a quiet evening on the patio watching the sun set. ---- Julia shivered as the bath water cooled. It was time now and she was as ready as she ever would be. After drying and powdering her body she stepped into the main bedroom to find Elias sitting in a chair. The room was lit only by a flickering red glow. Julia went to his side and kneeled before him, her head up looking into his eyes. "My Master, My Husband," she said. "Yes, My beautiful bride?" "The night we met, you made a promise," she said softly. "At the time I didn't believe you would honor it. Now I know better." "I loved you the second I saw you," he said. "You have no idea how hard it was at times to honor that promise. Yet I'm glad I did. You're now a free woman." "Not totally free," she replied kissing the wedding band they had picked out for him during their shopping. "Will you take your wife to bed now and make love to her?" "It would be my pleasure," he said taking her hand as he stood. Elias scooped her up in his arms and carried her to their bed. He gently laid her on the bed sheets and kissed her breasts. Julia moaned as he kissed his way up to nuzzle at her neck while he positioned himself between her spread legs. He placed his penis at the moist opening of her sex, as gently and lovingly as he could entered her body. Julia gasped slightly as her hymen tore the pain much less than she had expected. Elias paused above her watching her eyes until she gave him a slight nod. She felt the contours of his penis as he slid it in, the hard hot flesh filling her. "Yes," she sighed as he paused once he had entered her completely. "Fuck me, please fuck me." Elias started slow, building Julia to a climax before allowing himself to cum. Julia kissed his lips after he had collapsed next to her following his orgasm. They lay together kissing and talking as they faded to sleep. Julia woke in the night to find Elias standing at the window. The red light had faded some, yet still lit the room with it's flickering glow. She climbed out of bed to stand beside him, her hand instinctively finding his. Together at the window they passed the rest of the night, watching as the fire that had once been the cities grand Red Temple burned. As the morning light replaced the red glow a hush fell over the city. Julia paused before heading off to prepare Elias' bath. Yesterday had been filled with surprises and gifts beyond what she had expected. Her eighteenth birthday marked her freedom, her marriage to her soul mate and the start of the rebellion to free all slaves. Elias had confided in her as they lay in bed that he would no doubt be invited by his father to join the council in replacement for those coucilmembers who had been slain in the first attacks. A similar attack had been thwarted by an alert constable, saving his father from that fate. Or so the elder Mayor Mancebo believed. Yes. Today was going to be a good day. The constables were having no luck in finding most of the escaped and freed slaves. Many small businesses had already hung out signs stating that they held no slaves. Julia joined the crowd that gathered to walk past the burned out remains of the Red Temple. From the plaza in front the heads of several Red Temple priests could be seen planted on stakes as a warning. She recognized the angry countenance of Brother Muerte and knew that she would have no more nightmares. -- The End -- Or is it just the beginning?