Standing Outside The Fire

By Summer

Beta Read by Mother2012 and Slip

Class: Slash

Ratings: NC-17 (contains rape, bondage. Not a Tender sweet story. This is a dark tale.)

Disclaimer: Don’t own them, nope. Not true, never happened.

Pairings: Sean/Billy, Sean/Elijah, Dom/Billy, Viggo/Orlando, Viggo/Elijah?, Aia/Liv

2/25 ?

He stood silently just outside the auction block. He had watched the bidding war with some
amusement and a great deal of annoyance. He had also placed several bids on the lovely slave
Dominic, and the mysterious blue-eyed boy. Both would have made great pleasure hosts. Once
taught by his hand. Now, they were bought and were off to new homes and new owners.

The other slave - what was his name? - he had been a possibility, though he was a bit young.
Daniel, yes that was his name. Pity. Daniel's life would not be a happy one with his new master.
He had heard about Lord Liam. None of which was good. The other however probably would
find some happiness in time - Viggo was not happy to lose the blue-eyed doll with no name. But
having lost to Lord Solomon Sean Wade, he was dealing with it.

He always had known Sean would amount to something, far beyond even what he was born to as
a child slave. Viggo Mortensen sighed and vaguely remembered his long ago life, a life that was
barely a whisper now. No, he was no longer a nobleman, nor a loving brother to a lonely sister.
No longer a pirate seeking treasure, no now he was - Viggo of the Thirteen Pleasure Islands. He
listed them to himself with a proud smile: Adonia - The Main Island, Deminta, Estardor, Itaea,
Florina, Sparia, Nerva, Caspa, Etheria, Romicas, Lardica, Termius and the newest
island, Atlanta!

For a moment, Viggo imagined the joy it would have been buying the blue-eyed doll. He would
have swept the boy at once to his islands and taken him into his bed.

He would have been gentle of course, firm, but gentle. The boy would have had to get used to the
life of a pleasure host. In time, Viggo would have taught him all the ways to give and receive
pleasure.

In return, Viggo would have seen to the boy's happiness, sheltered him from the difficulties and
uncertainties of these days. In a way, Viggo had wanted the boy all to himself. A part of his
reasoning was the fact that the boy had been taken from Atlanta. The Island that was one of the
twelve - thirteen, islands he owned. His property returned.

In truth, he had not known about the island then. It had been hidden behind Deminta, an island
that was almost completely covered by a mountain. When Viggo had seen the pirate ships and
had taken his own vessel to investigate, he had been shocked to discover the hidden island, and
the hidden islanders.

The council had used his lack of knowledge to worm their way out of a lawsuit. The island was
not on Viggo's contract and therefore not his property. Nor were it's people. Eventually, he had
bought the remaining island legally. It was now his. But, the people that had been taken away fell
into an obscure legality unbound to any known law. If the island did not belong to him before,
technically the people taken away as slaves were not his property to be returned.

Viggo had sent a ship to inform any further pirates belonging to Eastern Iceland that this was his
property and never again were they to plunder his lands. The remaining survivors buried their
dead and mourned the taken captives. Viggo, in his compassion had come to Eastern Iceland to
try his best to buy a few of them back. Some he would have returned, but others, like the
blue-eyed doll he would have taken to his main island, Adonia, as his own.

He was not a cruel man. He knew he wasn't. Well, he could be harsh sometimes, but never to the
point where there was any real harm to his slaves.

Oh, how his member had tightened and hardened at the blue eyes. It would have been exquisite
shoving his cock deep into the boy's tight ass. The young one would probably have fought him.
Naturally. The initial free person turned slave always fought in the beginning.

Viggo would have had to tie the boy to the bed. It would have taken a few days, perhaps a month,
but the boy would eventually break. Ah, but then he would have slowly repaired him. Remodeled
him, designing him in his minds eye. The boy would have eventually come to love his touch.
Desire his touch. Need his touch.

He closed his eyes and let out a breath. The boy had been so beautiful. It was no wonder he
fetched such a high price. He was worth every gold coin expended and more.

Opening his eyes, Viggo turned his attention back to the auction block and the auctioneer. They
had brought out two young women. They were of some Asian or oriental background and looked
like twins.

"Shee and Miko, they were household servants to Lord and Lady Prill. They are well versed in
reading and writing and are not only good cooks and housecleaners but they can sew and stitch
clothing, as well as sweet singing voices. The reason for their sale, The Lady Prill has decided to
downsize her home and in doing so decided to sell off two of her seven slaves. As you can see
they are twin sisters. Born and raised in the Asian quadrant in The West Ward shore. The bidding
begins at 500 gold coins."

Viggo looked them over and thought they just might make a lovely host pairing. But when he
looked closer he could see the girls did not look frail or even frightened. If anything they looked
like they could be fierce fighters. He would have to watch his back with these two if they came to
his home. No, he would not bid on them, and consequently they were snapped up by the balding
owner of a clothing store. He would probably work them into the ground. While enjoying the
taste of their flesh from time to time.

Two more women came up on the block. A dark Spanish beauty with ample breasts and a fair
amount of flesh that would impress any man, she was named Marta and Viggo bought her for
under 300 gold coins. She would make a lovely pleasure host. Not as great as the blue-eyed doll
would have been but, ah well...

The second woman had been matronly and older. Viggo bought her as well. She was beyond the
years of being sexually pleasing to any of his visitors and tourists; however she had a
grandmotherly appeal and would make a good head of housekeeping. She could also look after
the new ones. Make certain they were properly fed and not roughly treated.

Viggo had his rules. Yes, his slaves were to please his guests and vacationing high dignitaries,
but they were not to be mistreated at will. The slaves had to know their place and yet he also
wanted them to feel cared for and respected.

They were not whore slaves or sex slaves. They were Viggo's property and that meant a great
deal to him.

The memory of the blue-eyed doll flashed in his mind. His body tightened and Viggo once again
felt the urge to find a private place, so he could finish out his fantasy. He sighed and waited as
another slave was brought out to be auctioned.

Viggo's attention was caught. Somewhat older than the blue-eyed doll, but with some
possibilities; dark chocolate hair and matching eyes, golden skin, nice nose, and smooth lips; all
appealing to the eyes. Well, if he couldn't have the blue-eyed doll, this one would do, for now.

He bought him at 1,000 gold coins. It seemed the boy's history was already made as a bed
warmer having lived in the house of Zema in the North woods for the past two years. As Viggo
paid for his slaves, he tried to remember their names. Marta was the Spanish beauty. She would
make a lovely female Pleasure Host - Heidi was the Matron and oh yes, Orlando. His soon-to-
be Male Pleasure slave host.

He hurried his purchases quickly towards his ship. He was still hard and he knew he needed to
try one of them out. As they followed him quietly, he went over in his mind which he should try
out first. Not Heidi, ah, no she was far too old for such - physical needs. Besides, he would feel
more like he was making love to his mother. ick!

Marta, she seemed to follow him with her eyes. She even had a small smile on her lips. She
seemed to not be too adverse to the idea of being the bed slave of Viggo. As they walked, Viggo
informed them of their new stations in life. Marta and Heidi seemed to take it well. Orlando
however was unreadable, his handsome face uncertain and head lowered.

He would be first then. As Viggo boarded his ship and had Max take the women to their quarters,
he took Orlando firmly by the shoulders, and led him down the stairs and to his sleeping quarters.
He opened the door and shoved the boy inside, locking the door behind him. Turning to him, he
saw that Orlando was now staring down at his own hands.

Was the boy scared? No need, as long as he didn't struggle. He hated when they fought too hard.
Viggo did not really like using the chains, but if this one had some fight in him he would be
forced to use them. And if he had to he would also take the strap to him, not enough to mar the
beautiful skin, though, just enough to encourage submission.

"Take your clothes off!" Viggo ordered in a low, but firm voice.

The boy looked up then and met his eyes, his handsome features frozen in place. Viggo felt
himself almost drowning. He hadn't realized how beautiful the boy was until he locked eyes with
him.

Viggo had only given Orlando a brief look. Now, he wished had taken a much longer second
glance. This boy was not a breakable and enchanting beauty as was the blue-eyed doll. This
young man was simply ravishing.

Viggo removed the chains from Orlando's wrists and neck. Watching as the boy stared at him as
confusion faded and there was a dawning of what was to come. Then the boy seemed to fall into
a melancholy, as if he knew this submission was all he could ever expect from his slavery.

Viggo disregarded the boy's fears for now, his needs were more important and he was already
undoing his belt and dropping his pants. His cock was hard and throbbing with need. He felt his
mind order him to be gentle with the boy, but Viggo had not had any pleasure for two days and
he was not one to abstain for such a long period of time. He threw his cloak and shirt aside.

Seeing the growing fear in Orlando's eyes, Viggo added softly. "I won't hurt you. But you will
obey my will. Do as I order and no harm will come to you. Disobey me and you will be punished.
I am your master now. Do you understand - Orlando?"

The beautiful slave swallowed and slowly went to his knees in front of his master. For a brief
moment Viggo cringed as he thought the boy was about to beg and plead for his freedom. Or
break down and cry. It would not stop Viggo in having his pleasure, but neither did it delight him
to hear his slaves sobbing.

Orlando however did not beg, instead he gently raised his hands and cupped his new master's
cock and tilted his head forward. Opening his mouth, he swept out a long wet tongue and licked
just the tip of the hard member. Viggo held his breath as the boy proceeded to blow air on to the
wet spot he made.

The boy was good! He knew this game.

But, Viggo was not in the mood for a slow blowjob. He needed release quickly. Taking the boy's
head firmly in his hands he plunged his cock into the hot orifice.

He could hear the boy sucking and doing his best to accommodate the large engorged member of
his new master. Viggo was elated in the pleasure that flowed from his sensitive cock to the rest of
his body.

He almost came, but somehow he reined in his desires and forced the boy to open his mouth.

With a shiver, Viggo released his cock from that pleasing wet and hot mouth. Then he roughly
turned the boy, ripping the rags from the slender supple body and slamming him up against a
nearby table.

He pushed the boy's hands onto the flat of the table, while adjusting his legs, spreading them
open with his knees. He lifted Orlando up slightly, causing Orlando to balance on his toes to keep
from falling.

Viggo snatched up the vial from the table where he had left it hours ago. Unlatching it, he
quickly smoothed his member with the lotion and then proceeded quickly to the boy's anus,
hurriedly coating him as well.

"Have you -" Viggo began unable to say more, as his needs were becoming more basic. In
response, he got a short nod from the splayed boy.

Viggo damned himself softly, knowing this was not what he planned. No. Usually he liked to be
slower, more romantic. He preferred candles, and tender caresses and sweet petting to lather over
the flesh before devouring his meal in kisses. Hours later, his slave would be so hard they would
literally be pleading for their release. Then and only then would Viggo finally break down and do
what he enjoyed most. Hard and fast fucking.

The blue-eyed doll had done this to him, putting him in this painfully aroused state. Made him
hungry and no more than an animal, a rutting beast in need of relief. Untamed lust. He could not
wait. He would make it up to the slave later.

He pushed his cock in firmly, but not too abruptly. He was not yet past the point of willing to tear
a slave's flesh for his own release. No, not yet, but he soon would be if he were not satisfied
quickly.

He flung his head back as the pleasure of the boy's tightness and warmth enveloped him.
Grabbing the slender hips, Viggo slowly began to thrust into the tight body. After a brief time he
began to move just a bit faster and then even faster. Harder.

The table trembled from the assault and he could hear the slap of flesh against flesh. The smell of
sweat, a man smell filled his nostrils. He made a quick adjustment and pushed Orlando upwards
and then pressed him down hard, right on his member. Completely impaled, the boy emitted
several loud groans, but whether they were of pleasure or discomfort Viggo didn't know. Nor did
he care. All that mattered now was his release.

In his mind's eye, Viggo could still 'see' the blue-eyed doll. Still 'see' that skin, the face, the hair.
Oh, what a lovely bed warmer he would have made. He would not have shared the blue-eyed
doll, not for a very long time; not for months, perhaps, or not for a few years. He would have
come to that boy every night and every day. Fucked that boy senseless, made him his and had
him purring under his hands.

But, the blue-eyed doll was no longer in his reach. He was not to be his. And suddenly Viggo felt
an unexpected wave of anger flood his veins and with a sudden vengeance he slammed his full
weight down even harder into Orlando.

He fucked demandingly now, hard and angry. When he heard a loud painful cry wrenched from
Orlando's throat, Viggo reined back his anger and realized that the pleasure was all one sided.
That would not do.

Viggo's hands moved to the boys' member. It was supple. With his hands still lathered in the
lotion, Viggo quickly stroked Orlando's cock and felt it harden quickly under his expert hand.

The boy was soon moving in time with his thrusts. Moaning deep in his throat. The sounds were
from pleasure now.

Viggo smiled, in relief or perhaps ecstasy he wasn't sure, but he smiled. Perhaps both. He
enjoyed his pleasure, and enjoyed it more when his slaves found equal enjoyment. The pleasure's
of the flesh. Lesson one. Both parties must have joy at the coupling. Both must reach orgasm.

It didn't take Viggo long to come, and Orlando followed shortly.

Gasping for breath, Viggo somehow managed to get the exhausted boy muscled into their bed.
Viggo lay down, taking the boy with him, tucking Orlando comfortably into his side.

Viggo covered them with the blankets and then held Orlando consolingly in his arms. His fingers
now gently soothing over the young one's shoulders, back and neck, soft tracing and tender kisses
on Orlando's neck. Viggo's body was still whirling from the abrupt and quick orgasm. He felt
guilty, taking the boy so soon, so quickly and with little finesse and no romantic interludes. It
was a cheap, fast fuck. It pleased Viggo's body, but not his pride.

Though the boy was unmoving, Viggo knew he was still awake.

"In front of my guests you will call me Master. In privacy you may call me Viggo. What do you
prefer I call you?"

For a moment, there was silence, then softly the boy spoke. "Orli."

"Orli, that is nice. I like that. I apologize for taking you so soon and so roughly. It was not my
intent. But, I am a man with needs and when I am aroused I seek my pleasure. I will not willingly
cause you harm and Orli this is what you can expect from me; that no one will cause you harm
on my property anywhere on the Islands. I will not permit you to be harmed. But this is your
place: in my bed and in the bed of my guests. I know you were taken from a brothel, but I will
teach you myself how to pleasure me and pleasure my guests properly. And day, or night, you
will do as I order."

He could feel the boy tense. He sighed and then added more softly. "In return, you will be granted
two days of the week to rest. You may journey as you wish anywhere on the island. You will also
be given one gold piece a month. Clothing will be provided for you. You will be fed three meals
a day. For the time being you will reside in my home where you will have a personal room of
your own. When the time comes, and I am certain you shall not try to escape or run away, I will
allow you to have a private home somewhere on the island. Tomorrow, just before we arrive on
Adonia, as is the law, I must brand you."

Viggo stared at the boy's arm and could see a brand had been placed already on him. It looked to
have the insignia of a Z with a red circle around it. Funny, it was darker and deeper than most
property brands. As if… son of a bitch…the bastard who owned him must have branded the boy
repeatedly in the same spot as torture.

The Mark would have to be marked out with a brand of an X and then somewhere else on the
arm, Viggo would have to put his brand V upon the boy. Orlando was cringing in his arms, trying
to fold himself up. He was frightened.

"Shh, you will be asleep when it is done. You will feel only a slight discomfort when you wake,
I promise." The boy turned to him then, a confused expression on his face; and then he turned
away as if he was unsure what to believe.

Viggo nodded, he knew that when it came to branding, all masters were not gentle. Some of them
branded their slaves three or four times on different parts of the body. It was accepted custom to
only brand the arm or the shoulder and not to disfigure, but not everyone abided by the custom.
The multiple brandings in unaccepted places was sometimes used as a form of humiliation and
domination. To Viggo it was cruel torture and a disgusting practice.

"I will also have some herbs placed on your arm that will numb the sensations for a few days.
You will feel no pain. I promise."

Orlando relaxed, but still seemed uncertain.

"Speak."

"How long before - before I am to be sold again?" Used pleasure slaves did not have a long
expectancy.

Viggo closed his eyes and then when he opened them, he smiled. This he could answer. "You
will serve me 10 years. Each year, your service will pay the 100 gold pieces I paid for you. On
the tenth year you will be made free. I have an island named Atlanta, many of my freed slaves
live there. It is beautiful and peaceful, villages of kind people that co-exist. When you are free,
you will be allowed to either go there to live, or a small ship will be made available to take you
where you wish to start your own life with your savings."

Orlando was silent for a few moments and then again spoke. "You mean ten years? Just ten
years?"

"Ten years. Counting from this day of service. I give you my word."

The boy turned again in his master's arms this time to look into his eyes, the soft chocolate eyes
softened and misted over. Viggo touched the boy's beautiful face and nodded.

"I am a man of honor. As long as you do not try to escape, harm my guests or me, ten years
from now, you will be made free."

Tears fell from the boy's eyes and Viggo waited for the explanation to come, all the while
holding Orlando close to his chest.

"I was found on the Southern shore of North Westward two years ago. I was taken and sold to
Zema. He was not very kind. I did not get fed very often." It was only then Viggo realized
that the boy indeed was more than under weight. He would have to remedy that.

"I was punished often. But I didn't do anything to harm my master or escape." Orlando added
hastily. "There was no place to escape to anyway. I - I have no memory of before I was found.
I could never please him no matter what I did, it did not seem to please him. I was punished."

The boy looked sadly at his wrists as his quiet voice drifted away to silence. He had been chained
so tightly there were permanent marks on his golden skin. But the boy didn't have any lash or
burn marks to mar his legs and torso, Viggo observed, but there are other ways to punish a slave.

The boy closed his eyes, seeming to remember his days of confinement. His darkness and cold
isolation broken only by the rough men who would use him, enjoying the ripping of his flesh
with their only easing being his own blood, a much more exciting lubricant. His sobs and pleas
only spurred them to increased brutality. Not long ago he almost died under the desires of one of
Zema's balding business associates. The fat pig had fucked him throughout the night. Barely
taking a breather before climbing on for another ride.

Then, in the middle of a relentlessly hard rut, Orlando felt a piece of cloth wound around his
neck. He had fought then, for breath, for his life as the man rode him like a stallion. When the
painful struggle had gone on too long, Orlando had passed out.

The next he remembered was cold water thrown on him. He was again in the basement. And
again Zema was not pleased. The man had chained him to a wall and beaten him with his bare
fists. For three days he had been left there hanging. Every day Zema came to add another series
of bruises. A couple of times he would fuck Orlando slamming his body against the wall and
pounding into him shouting curses, but mostly he would just hit him. Spit on him. Torture him
with a cattle prod until Orlando could remember no more.

Orlando closed his eyes. It had been a relief when Zema's foreman came and took him down
from the wall. Throwing some water on him to rouse him, the man had informed him he was to
be sold. Orlando had wept in relief.

The trip to Eastern Iceland had been a long one. It gave his body the time to mend and the bruises
to fade, but never the memories.

Off the ship and herded to the sale, Orlando remembered waiting his turn. He had seen the
children being auctioned. He had seen the women, and he had seen the blue-eyed doll. Orlando
had been intrigued at the bidding war over his ownership.

When it was his own turn, Orlando held out hope he would be bought by some fair maiden, a
lonely matron or perhaps a plantation owner needing field hands. He would rather work the fields
then endure another day of being someone's sex toy.

His hopes had vanished when he was bought by the ruggedly handsome, but stern older man. The
hard looking man was not unattractive. In fact, this Master Viggo was rather striking in looks.
Zema had been loud and overbearing, intimidating at over 300 pounds, he sported and bragged
over earning his many scars. In contrast sparce-spoken Viggo had a mysterious aura about him as
he had conducted his business buying Orlando at the auction, a centered-ness to him which
Orlando found most interesting.

But, when Orlando was told where he was going - to the islands and what he was to do - his
heart had sunk low. He was despondent.

When he was taken to Viggo's room, he knew what was to come. He had done this too many
times.

But then - freedom and in ten years - ten years, only ten years he had to endure. And two days of
the week he could rest, a time to call his own when no one would touch him and a wage, a gold
coin a month? No more punishments. No one would hit him. He would be fed. Clothed. Was it
true? Dare he hope?

Maybe he had died. Maybe he had died and gone to Annexus? It did sound like paradise to him.

Orlando finally opened his eyes and before he realized what he was doing he reached up and
kissed Viggo on the lips and sobbed happily. "Thank you."

Then Orlando froze. Had he gone too far? He had just taken a liberty unheard of, one that most
masters would not have found a slave should take. His heart sank. Orlando waited for the
punishment to come.

Instead, Viggo smiled gently and kissed him back. "You're welcome, Orli. Now, sleep.
Tomorrow will be a new beginning for you."

As Orlando closed his eyes he sighed happily. Yes, tomorrow was a new beginning, and he had a
new life filled with possibilities. His new Master was lustful and rough in bed but generous, and
perhaps in time - he might just grow to like him. Maybe he can teach his master something too.

***

The ship was under sail. In two days they would arrive at North Westward Beatnick Shores, from
there they would hire a carriage and by late afternoon they would be home. Sean stared off from
the ship at Eastern Iceland fading from sight. He sighed in relief, vowing once again that he
would not return. This time he meant to keep that vow.

William stood by his side watching quietly for Sean to speak. The slaves had already been placed
below in the required rooms. Soon he would be alone with his precious new advisor. Dominic
Caligula. Oh, he couldn't wait to match wits with the proud man.

Sean finally faced him with a look of pure confusion and even a bit of fear. "Now what do I do?"

William was startled out of his own concerns, and clapped Sean on the back. "You go down and
talk to the little one. Shall I write my speech down so you can remember it - word for word?"

Sean frowned in annoyance and shrugged. "This is different Billy. He was once free and now he
is a slave. Owned. His whole life was stolen from him. He must be hopeless and terrified."

"As is my new head advisor, although he won't admit it. But I am sure they will both come
around. They all do. Just keep your voice soft and don't get too close to him. Oh, - " As William
made for the stairs that would lead him to his quarters and where Dominic awaited his arrival, he
turned his head and added softly. "Lock the door. Just in case. I wouldn't want to have to launch
one of the life rafts to save your precious new slave from drowning." Billy then added sadly and
far too serious tone of voice. "I would rather that never happen again."

Sean cringed at the memory. How a year ago, that was exactly what had happened to Billy.
William had picked up a young teenage slave at auction. Blond hair, pretty brown eyes with nice
even white teeth. His name had been David and when Billy had gone below to give him 'the
speech' the boy had bolted. Knocking Billy over, he had escaped to the deck. Billy had tried to
catch the boy, but David was quicker and leaped off the ship - to his death. It was such a waste
and it took Billy a long time to get over what had happened. Never again. Billy now kept his
newly procured slaves under lock and key until they were safely on the plantation.

Once they were there and realized the ideal situation they were in, his slaves calmed down and
accepted their new lives. Which were not that bad. Billy, like Sean, gave his workers not only
two days off a week, but also two weeks vacation a year. They could not leave the plantation, but
they were free to do whatever they wanted. Billy also provided plenty of leisure activities to do
on the plantation when his servants were off from work. They could go swimming in the
nearby ponds, or play in the recreation halls, or just take quiet walks along the hills and fields.

Billy had over 500 acres of land. On the north part of the estate the slaves quarters had been
created, small but lovely homes built for each family unit. They were not huts or tents or even
holes in the ground like some slave owners had for their slaves. No, Billy and Sean both had
good quality, sturdy wood homes with insulation and furniture; plenty of heat for winter and air
conditioning for the hot summer days (and when the temperature got above 90 degrees his and
Sean's slaves were not to work in the fields).

They were also only to work no more than nine hours a day including an hour lunch break and
two twenty minute breaks. Last, but not least, it was forbidden to have anyone under the age of
eighteen working in the fields. Depending on the family unit, most homes (which were painted
all in green) had three to four bedrooms.

On the upper north were the freed slaves and paid handlers or workers that stayed on at Billy's
plantation whether by choice or hired help. These homes were about the same, the only real
difference were they were painted red to define the status. The colors were a mandated law by the
council. If Billy had his way, everyone would have the same home. Nice and equal.

The Fields and gardens were set to the south part of the plantation with Billy's main house called
'The Willows Cottage Estate', centered in front of the main gates.

Billy's home was no small cottage however. The house once belonged to Billy's now deceased
mother and her parents before her with twenty bedrooms in all. Billy's house servants dwelt here
in private quarters at the north end of the house. The staff included maids, cooks, errand boys,
and of course his soon to be new Head adviser.

The Old Head advisor had been quickly thrown out of his position and was never to return to the
Willow estates. It was rather a long story to explain - the short of it, Billy had just given Madric
his freedom and offered him a position. He had thought the man, who had been in his keep for
the past three years and had been a loyal and hard working slave, would make a great Head
Adviser, until it went to his head.

Madric had whipped an elderly slave for 'stealing' an apple, one apple from Sean's orchards and
then two days later Madric raped one of the young women in his kitchens.

Yes, stealing was not permitted, but to be whipped over an apple? It hadn't even been on one of
the trees. As for raping a fellow slave, that was not just against the rules, but something that Billy
made certain everyone knew was forbidden. No one, but NO ONE in his estate was to be
sexually assaulted, a fellow slave or servant, rape was not tolerated under any circumstances.

Madric had been horsewhipped, beaten nearly to death by the kitchen girls' family members and
then thrown out of the household and off the estate. Where he was now, Billy didn't care. Hence,
the reason for this trip, Billy needed a new advisor. Not to mention a new cook to assist Nadia.

Nadia Manning had been so much more than his cook all these years. He had grown up with her
in his house. She was like a grandmother to him. However the years had taken their toll, she was
getting old now and was forgetting things more and more. It was time for her to rest. She had
earned that. Miranda would fit the bill, but he would not throw Nadia out. She would be
pensioned. She would always have a home in Willow's Cottage. However, now she could semi-
retire and act more in a supervisory way, everyone benefiting from her years of experience. And
it would leave her more time to spend with her family.

Billy's estate was not just for wheat crops, but also used for animal breeding: horses, cows,
chickens, rabbits, pigs. With the production of both wheat and cattle, the plantation's produce
was in great demand to feed the cities and nearby villages. Quite profitable. He was a wealthy
man, and though he would not admit it, he was a man of some power and prestige in high places.
He was honorable and he had a good reputation.

To date, Billy had 894 slaves. Of that number, 125 were freed former slaves who stayed on to
work for wages from the man they had come to respect and adore. And he was adored by his
slaves; respected, honored and even loved. Billy was not so much proud of that accomplishment
as it was that he had labored long to gain their trust. A trust he vowed never to lose.

Well, actually he now had 896 slaves. Not including, Carrie, Betty and Simone who were all
expecting bairns this spring which would bring the total of people on the estate to nearly 900.

Sean's plantation was slightly different from Billy's. Yes, he did have some cattle and did do
some breeding, although Sean preferred to specialize in horse breeding. His crops were in
vegetables and orchards covering the 450 acres of land. Fresh vegetables and fruit were in high
demand in the city and Sean made certain his orchards and gardens were always well maintained
in high yield. He often worked in those fields side by side with his workers.

He also had some acreage in cotton and grew wheat on the side. Like Billy, he had homes built
for his slaves and for his freed workers. His home on the plantation had been built by his own
hands and by his own design. Fifteen rooms in all, it was designed to look like a simple country
house, rather than a high dignitary's estate like Lord Liam or Chancellor Troy's houses were.

It was comfortable and welcoming and everyone who came to visit remarked upon how relaxed
they felt within its walls. Sean had many overstuffed chairs draped with lap blankets and soft
pillows were thrown about. Under soft lights the walls were hung with rich tapestries and the
floors were covered in lush carpet. Everything about the home spoke of luxurious comfort.

Sean also had just over seven hundred workers and more than half of them were freed slaves.
With so many prospering family units and even more children than Billy had on his plantation,
Sean had decided a year ago to create a private school for the children, as well as a library for
them and a playground.

Not long after it's inception, Billy and even Sir Ian, had started sending their own slave children
to the school. There they were not just taught a trade, but actually how to read, write and do
math. Abilities that were completely unheard of - for slave children.

Sean also, like Billy, had several recreational halls, and of course many swimming areas for his
slaves to rest or enjoy a day off. In winter, when otherwise not employed, they would all sit
happily in their warm homes, safe and well fed and clothed, enjoying the peace Sean had created.
In some ways, it was how so many outside wished the world could be. How it used to be - before
the Great War. Like Billy, Sean had earned not only respect and loyalty from his slaves, but true
adulation.

To this day, no slave, freed or not, had ever fled Billy or Sean's estates. Only a few ever left when
freed, and it wouldn't be long that they would return, begging to be let back in, even as a slave.
Of course, Sean and Billy never turned them away and they were welcomed home as new hired
help, never to leave again.

Sean came back to the present to see Billy heading downstairs. He knew once he got his new -
slave back home, the boy would settle. But, in the meantime, right now, he could just imagine the
terror, uncertainty and fear going through his new slave's mind. It had been the same for him.

"Billy!" Sean called after him. Billy paused, and smiled back at the man he thought so much
more of than 'just a friend'.

"Just keep your voice soft and keep your hands open. He will come around. Oh, - " Billy paused
again and nodded at Sean. "And do learn his name will ya, or give him one. I am tired of calling
him 'Blue-eyes'."

Sean shook his head and watched Billy vanish below. He remained by the stairs for some time,
then with a sigh he turned and headed down the stairs. Might as well get this over with.

***

"I will kill him when he comes through the door. One good hit in the back of the head and then I
can jump ship."

Dominic stood calmly by the door and waited. Finally he heard the footsteps coming and raised
the only item he could find to use as a weapon, a bottle of wine. Aiming high. The door unlocked
and opened. Down went the wine bottle.

The hand caught it and took it from his hands.

"Ah, exactly what I was thinking before we start our talk. Do fetch two glasses would you,
Dominic?"

Startled by the man's strength and his obvious ignorance to the attempt made on his life, Dominic
narrowed his eyes in confusion. Billy headed into the room and made his way to the two chairs,
choosing a lounger to sit down on, and put up his feet.

"On the shelf to the left."

Dom found himself complying, as he tried to figure out what to do next. He brought the two
glasses over as Billy popped open the wine and poured out two filled-to-the-rim glasses. Corking
it, Billy raised his wine glass to Dom and gestured to the empty chair opposite him.

"To our new adventure and your new life."

Dominic continued to stare and refused to move to the empty chair. The man was mad. He had to
be.

Billy finished the glass and smiled. "Do sit down. We have much to discuss." Reaching over the
chair, Billy picked up a notebook and pen and threw it at him. Dom caught it and stared at the
objects in obvious puzzlement still refusing to sit down.

"Now, do write this all out so you can keep it straight. You do know how to write don't you?"

Dominic nodded numbly and Billy smiled wildly.

"Excellent. You will be taking up the position of my new Head Advisor. As said advisor your job
will be to keep a day-to-day schedule of my appointments. You will keep them logged for each
month. I will take appointments with my fellow servants, ah that which you call my slaves,
throughout the course of the day. Please, do not schedule anything before ten am. I am a late
sleeper. I also like to enjoy a lengthy breakfast. I will take my lunch at 2 pm and will accept no
appointments until 3:30. I will continue to take appointments until 6:30 Pm. After that, unless it
is priority or an emergency they will just have to keep until the next day. Oh, and keep my
weekends free. I really don't like to be disturbed on weekends unless it is, as I said, a priority and
or emergency."

"What kind of appointments do you mean?" Asked Dominic, wondering if they were sex
appointments with his slaves. One by one, coming to his office like cattle.

"Oh, the usual. Grudges, maintenance, field or stable problems. Budget, production account
updates, economy growth, nearby farmers wanting to sell or buy stuff. The usual. Oh, and if there
are any messages sent to me by my fellow plantation owners or party invitations leave them on
my desk. I will get to them and let you know which ones I will attend or skip. Incidentally, any
invites from Lord Liam or Chancellor Troy please be cordial and inform them of my inability to
visit or attend any of their functions."

Dominic felt rather pale. This was not normal. Slave Master's don't act this way to slaves…
fellow slaves. Like, slaves are workers. Like he was a friend?

"What kind of priorities and emergencies do you wish me to keep in mind."

Billy yawned. 'Hmm, it has been a long day.' He glanced at Dominic and wondered what would
he do if he asked him to get into his bed. Probably grab for the wine bottle again to defend
himself.

"Medical, or criminal. To be specific, anyone that feels they have been done wrong, or anyone
who is very ill. I do have a clinic on the property, but the doctor is not always available and may
be visiting other nearby plantations. I do keep a few trained servants as nurses, however if the
doctor is required, I will have to have him sent for. Crime is if anyone has broken the rules - ."

"What are the rules?" Asked Dominic. He waited. Knowing full well that everyone would have
to take a turn in his master's bed. Probably enjoys spending his days chalking up how many
slaves he has fucked in a given hour.

Billy shrugged and opening the bottle re-filled his glass. "No stealing, no fighting, no killing and
no forcing oneself on another. Male or female. And if I even catch anyone raping or molesting
any of the children under my care the person will not be horsewhipped and sent out of my
estate. Like my last head advisor when he raped a woman. Let me make this clear. If I catch wind
of anyone laying a finger on any child in my estate, I will simply take out a gun and shoot the
individual in the head. Right after I disembowel him." Billy said this last part, eye to eye with
Dominic. Then downed his second glass of wine.

Looking at Dominic, Billy's head swam slightly, the slave had the most beautiful green-blue eyes.
One could certainly get lost in them.

Dominic swallowed, not sure if this guy was for real. Was he just putting on a show or what?

"That will be about it, Dominic. You will take your place, living in one of my rooms at the main
house. I have three available and you can take your pick. You will have two days off a week, and
you will work no more than nine hours a day. I usually take my meals in the main house,
however there is an open cafeteria at the recreation halls and you are free to eat with your fellow
servants if you wish. You will receive one gold coin each week."

Dominic was still waiting for the ball to drop. "Anything else?"

"Yes, by law you must be branded. Tomorrow, you will be given a tranquilizer and marked. I
know you will not be very comfortable for a few days and will give you three days in which to
recover. Oh, and if there is any sign of infection please let me know at once. I keep some
antibiotics in the main house just in case. When you feel up to it, I will assign Candy to show you
around the estate."

'Damn it,' thought Dominic 'Why isn't the ball dropping? Where is the gimmick, surely this
bastard wants something from me. I know he wants to fuck me. I can see the lust in his eyes.
What game is he playing at?'

'Oh, you beautiful little thing you, how I would love to fuck you into the mattress, or perhaps nail
you into the nearest wall, watch you tremble with my cock in your ass! By the Gods you are
gorgeous.' Thought Billy. He then got to his feet and moved to his bunk bed.

"For now, you may sleep on the couch, I am afraid the other rooms are all full (A little lie, Billy
did have an extra room or two but he did not want this one left alone without someone to keep
him from harming himself or jumping ship. He even had a guard outside his door just in case.).
As for me, I am off to bed. Enjoy your glass of wine. Good night, Dominic."

As Billy undressed, he threw a blanket and pillow at the very stunned Dominic.

"Oh, and one last thing. Please, do not try to deck me with any more wine bottles. I have a
distinct wine collection given to me by a beautiful lady friend and they are quite valuable and
would be wasted slammed over my thick head. Besides that, I have over thirty-two servants and a
dear friend on this boat, who would string your hide up on the nearest pole if anything should
happen to me. I expect that you would like to keep your neck from being stretched, so let us
forgo any more violent acts. Hmm?"

Billy got into bed and without waiting for an answer, threw the blankets over himself and rolled
away from his new head advisor.

For a moment Dominic remained where he was, finally after what seemed a very long time, he
moved to the glass of wine and picking it up took a look slow sip from it. Hmm, it was good.

Finishing the wine, Dom got onto the couch and with his blanket over him, rolled over burying
his head in the pillow. It had been a very long day. And he was still sure that the ball would drop,
any minute now.

Billy waited and listened. He was glad when he heard Dominic's low snores and evened out
breathing. He hadn't won Dominic over yet, not completely, but he would. Then, he hoped
someday soon, Dominic might just be persuaded to do so much more than be his head advisor.

***

He was almost drunk, and he liked the high feeling of it. He was still most put out losing the
blue-eyed baby. The beautiful boy was almost his prize and then that Sean Wade just came in and
snapped him from his hand.

A fucking slave! Ex-slave, but still a slave!

Lord Liam threw the empty bottle of rum against the wall. It smashed to the floor.

"Liam, will you calm down. It is not a total loss, my main man. We have several new beautiful
slaves that we can indulge in. What has possessed you to be so ga-ga over that one creature?"

"Did you not even look at him? Did you not see the Medallion!" Demanded Liam who seemed
more and more agitated by the minute. Moving to the nearby cabin window, Liam could see his
new slaves tied up near the bow end of the ship. They would remain there until they arrived at the
harbor.

In the distance, Liam could see several boats heading out to sea. He spotted one further away
than the others. The markings on that ship were quite clear and he knew at once whose ship it
was.

"Yes I looked, and I admit he was quite attractive but he is gone now. Sean Wade is not one
willing to sell any of his slaves, certainly not to us, after he takes them to his estate. It is a damn
loss, but not the end of the world. There are others."

"Not like him! Not like that boy," slamming his fist on the table, Liam faced James Troy and
shook his head. "I have to have that boy, James. I want him. I don't care the cost it will take. I
want him."

"Very well, I will see what I can do. In the meantime, perhaps you and I can work off some of
that steam?" A knowing smile came to his lips and he moved to the window. Spotting one of the
nearby servants James called to him.

"Bring in one of the slaves. Your masters are in need of some sport."

On deck the slaves cowered together as one of the large ship sailors approached. The one called
Daniel cringed back even further. All of them knew what was to come and the fear had magnified
ten fold as the big man approached.

The sailor, in the end chose a young blond female. The others watched, fear mingling with relief
as she was dragged away kicking and screaming.

When they saw her again hours later, she was no more than a husk, a vegetable. Lost in her own
catatonic world never to find her way back from the dark shores of her torment. Crouched against
the wall in the daylight, Daniel lowered his head into his hands and wept for her and for himself.
For soon, he knew, his time would come.

***

When Sean opened the door and entered the small cabin, he had expected to see the boy in the
small bunk bed asleep. But, that was not what he found, instead he found the boy hiding
unsuccessfully in the dark shadows of the room curled up in a tight ball.

Hearing the door open, the face came up and Sean could see many emotions run across the
mobile face and reflect in the young man's eyes, fear, grief and most of all the dying of hope.
Closing the door behind him and making sure to lock it, Sean turned back to the boy and tried to
figure out the best way to approach him.

The boy had seen him lock the door and a wave of new fear filled his eyes. He cringed and tried
to make himself even smaller crawling further into the corner.

Sean sighed and decided the best course was not to approach. Leaning against the door, Sean
folded his arms around himself and did his best to look passive and non-threatening.

"Well, why don't we start with an introduction? My name is Sean Solomon Wade. And your
name is?"

The boy continued to look at him silently. Several tears spilled down his face and dropped onto
the floor and Sean was sure his heart was going to break at the pitiful sight. He wanted nothing
more than to gather the boy into his arms and comfort him - but Sean had learned long ago that
such a move would not calm the already frightened slave. Slaves never expected kindness from
their masters, so Sean knew not to approach the boy. He would not be welcome, at least not yet.

"Well, I suppose I could come up with a name for you instead. Let's see, I have always been
rather fond of Angler, or perhaps Sigmund?" Seeing the boy's rather shocked and horrid thoughts
at being called these unfortunate names, Sean couldn't resist adding. "Or how about Mary, I knew
a man named Mary and - "

"Elijah." The boy suddenly called out and realizing he had spoken out loud at once clamped his
hand over his mouth, staring in fear of what would be done to him for speaking without
permission.

Sean smiled. "Elijah - that is a name I haven't heard in many years. I like that. Elijah. Very well,
you can keep your name."

Sean then finally made a move towards the boy, but when he saw Elijah's eyes widen and saw the
boy impulsively looking for a way to escape, Sean stepped back to the doorway.

"In public, or rather if there are company at the estate or even to go outside the plantation, I am
afraid you will have to address me as Master, but in my own home, in private you can call me by
my name. My name is Sean. Okay Elijah?"

Elijah only stared at his hands.

"I know this is all new to you. I know that you're frightened and not sure what is expected but I
promise, I swear that no one is going to hurt you."

Elijah finally met his eyes and shook his head. "Please, please I want to go home. My father…he's

all alone and he needs me - "

Sean sadly shook his head. "Elijah, I would love to turn this ship around and take you home.
Nothing would please me more than to do that for you. But, I cannot. You know that I can't." At
these words, Elijah dropped his gaze and leaned against the wall allowing the tears to fall bitterly
from his eyes.

"Try to understand, I can eventually give you your freedom. I can. And I will. But to give you
immediate freedom is not accepted in North Westward. You would only be taken prisoner again
and put back on the block. You may not find this second time as lucky."

"Lucky?" Elijah whispered in absolute sadness. "How can this be lucky? I am still
grieving for my mother's death…my father and I, we were fishing and ¦then, then th-they came and
d-dragged me away from him!" Elijah dropped his head into his hands as the horrifying
memories returned.

They had stripped him of all his clothes, and had enjoyed teasing and making fun of him. Poking
him and touching his private parts, taunting him and looking at him as if he were an animal and
not a human being.

Some of them had even expressed a desire to take the boy then and use him. Elijah had tried to
fight, to run, only to be slapped and thrown back onto the ground. Later, he was locked in a cell,
away from the ones who would use him and decrease his value on the block. But always he could
feel their eyes upon him, lusting after him and filled with dark desires.

He remembered seeing the other slaves, also in cages. He remembered seeing the same ragged
fear and hopeless sadness in their eyes, and knowing the same fear and sadness was there in his
own. He remembered how the guards would come in at night and take a few of them away. He
remembered the screams, the smell of blood and sweat and of course the sounds of pleasure
coming from the other rooms.

One time, Elijah had been nearly asleep when they had come. He heard the cage door opening
and he feared that it was his turn. Instead, his fellow cellmate, a man perhaps in his early twenties
was taken. Sunk deep in his own misery, Elijah had never learned his name. They did not bother
taking the young prisoner from the room. Three of the guards took their pleasure with the slave in
front of Elijah. His fear, the crying and the pleading seemed to turn the guards on more, making
them more brutal, increasing their pleasure.

For hours they had great fun in tormenting the young man, whipping him and then abusing him
sexually in the most horrific ways, unimaginable to Elijah until that moment. All the while, they
would drink liquor and then continue the onslaught, taunting Elijah every now and then as if to
say he would be next.

Elijah remembered the screams and the blood. So much blood and then only whimpers and then
there was silence.

When the man had been finally thrown back inside the cage, the guards had gone off to have a
few more drinks, leaving Elijah to try to comfort the abused slave. The man however just lay
where he was, his eyes cold and unmoving. Shivering from more than the cold.

Elijah tried to call for help, tried to provide the man with some warmth from his own body.
Elijah had even tried to stop the flow of blood, but to no avail. The man died a few hours later in
Elijah's arms.

When the guards returned they had only laughed and decided to leave the body where it lay. To
remind all the other slaves that this was all that they were - pieces of meat. To be used for others'
pleasure and when it was over, they were nothing, nothing but an empty stinking carcass. For
three days, Elijah stared at the dead man, the realization burning into him that he was indeed in
hell.

Sean slowly bent down on his knees and looked at the boy in sadness and pity.

"I'm sorry Elijah. I am sorry that you were hurt and that you lost your home and father. I'm sorry
for the pain you endured. I will do what I can to try to make you comfortable and maybe -
someday - I can give you your freedom and return you to your home. But until then, I would
very much like to be a friend to you? I want you to learn that you can look to me for help and
protection. Please - will you at least give me that chance?"

Elijah stared back at him in confusion. Friend?

"Four years is the standard time minimum. I can give you your freedom legally then. And once
you are freed no one can enslave you by law. Four years and I promise I will take you home to
your father myself."

Elijah sadly looked at his feet and shrugged his shoulders.

"My father is dead. They t-took me from him and they beat him. Th-they killed him."

Sean sighed. "He could still be alive?"

Elijah closed his eyes and remembered just as he was being put on the ship he could hear his
father's cries. Then he remembered hearing the sound of something being hit. Then silence.

Staring up at Sean, Elijah shook his head slowly. "He's dead. I know it in my heart." The boy's
hand clutched at his chest and a shudder passed through his slender form. "Nothing matters
now," he said dully. "Do with me as you will. Kill me, if you wish. Nothing matters to me now,
nothing ever will again."

Sean reached out his hand, but the boy only cringed away from him and, folding in on himself
even closer, Elijah allowed himself to weep, to fully grieve at what he had known in his heart all
along. His father and mother were dead. His young life was over and nothing would ever be the
same again. He was truly alone.

The crying slowly faded to occasional sobs and after Elijah cried himself to sleep, huddled into
the dark corner, Sean had carried the boy onto the bunk bed. Covering him with several blankets,
Sean sat at the edge of the bed and allowed his own tears to fall.

Throughout the rest of the night, Sean stayed in the cabin watching over Elijah and remembering
his own past and his own pain as a slave. It was a pain that never healed and never mended, no
matter how many people he had saved from cruel masters. And Sean sat, keeping watch over the
beautiful boy and grieved for the ones he had not rescued.

***

TBC