Valencio's Story, Part One

by Veronice

Most wizards consider Medjkind (muggles) vastly inferior humans, and many use them as they choose. This is the story of Valencio Durano, taken by the Khatabi Family when he was twelve.

21. Chapter 21

Chapter 21:

Three days later, Nusa'pei respectfully asked if Narzu-Han wished to discuss the future of his slave. "I would like you to look at him, and make some serious suggestions."

Narzu-Han said, "He's still alive then?"

"He started recovering this morning, but is extremely weak."

Narzu-Han said dismissively, "In an hour."

Nusa'pei took a half step back, and inclined his head. In an hour. He turned to leave, and then asked, "May we restrain him?"

"Certainly."

It was late morning when Nusa'pei returned to the enclosure. Valencio was being supported by Gloria and Hilde, making his way back to his room after a shower. A dozen guards were scattered about. Nusa'pei waited until the women helped Valencio onto his bed.

Valencio said faintly, "Thank you," and closed his eyes. As Nusa'pei had said, he was extremely weak.

Nusa'pei spoke firmly, "Gloria, Hilde, I want you in your bedrooms. Every woman in their bedrooms, and the doors will be locked for a little."

Gloria looked at him, dropped her eyes, and walked quickly to her bedroom. The door was locked with magic. Hilde tried to argue, but Nusa'pei was tolerating no argument. Then the others, a wand raised in grim threat now and then, but no real trouble from any of the women. They were a lot wiser than Valencio.

Nineteen women and girls were out of the way, and Nusa'pei turned to Valencio. A Twilight Spell was inflicted even as he lay asleep, and then his clothes were stripped from him, and he was restrained to the bed by wrists and ankles. Nusa'pei said in an authoritative tone, "Go back to sleep, now, Valencio."

Valencio squinted a moment, confused, but then closed his eyes and went to sleep. He was too tired, and the punishment would take its course.

Abensur was still in the dining-room, and met Narzu-Han with polite respect, not indicating by word or gesture that they might have a closer relationship than that of Khatabi and servant, even though there had been many times now when they had enjoyed Valencio together. Narzu-Han was short of the hour he'd stated, now wanting very much to see Valencio. His anger had died, and he wanted his boy back.

The presence of Narzu-Han penetrated the dreams of Valencio, and he opened dazed eyes, and smiled at his owner. "You came for me."

Narzu-Han stroked his face, and asked Nusa'pei, "Is this what you wanted me to see?"

"His face and his body. I know you see him, but sometimes, we see and don't see."

He touched the lean, strong body. "He's sexually mature, has obviously been shaving regularly, though we haven't worked out how, and is prone to sudden attacks of violence, the attack on Iyad, and whatever the act was you punished him for. I strongly recommend that if you still wish to keep him, he be castrated, now, while he's weak, and might accept it better."

"Do you have any alternative suggestions?"

"I can only put him down on your direct orders now, as there are other Khatabi wanting him as their own. But that would be my own preference."

Valencio's mind was moving very slowly. Narzu-Han was here, and would look after him. Put me down, he thought, Better to put me down.

Narzu-Han sat on the edge of the bed, and stroked his cheek. "You'd best get him a shaver," he commented. His hand caressed, face, chest, flanks, and lingered on the genitals, no longer that of a boy. Castrate him? Never again feel that cascading escalation of excitement that was so extraordinarily powerful? He said, "You are absolutely forbidden to castrate him. However, as further punishment for his insolence to me, he must be hobbled, and have his right wrist also restrained by a strap connecting it to his right ankle cuff. Cripple him for a little while." He touched the right wrist cuff that was coloured still, green and yellow. "He remains my Favourite, and you can tell him I'll come for him when he's a little more recovered."

Nusa'pei inclined his head. "No castration, and he will be hobbled as you command. While he is in this state, I would request that I be allowed to change his wrist and ankle cuffs. He fought last time, and he's in no state to fight now."

Surprisingly, a clear thought came from Valencio, resentful, I could fight if I wanted to! Just don't feel like it right now!

Narzu-Han smiled fondly. Under a Twilight Spell. Of course he was in no mood to fight right now.

Narzu-Han said, "I will stay. I can make sure he doesn't become upset."

Abensur did the ankle cuffs first, one by one, finding them quite a lot too tight. He said, "I wonder why he didn't complain."

Narzu-Han said, "Trying to grow up without you noticing, I suspect."

There was a vague thought of agreement from Valencio, Nearly a man.

Cautiously, Abensur only freed one limb at a time. When the cuff fell off Valencio's right wrist, he raised it to look at it, and then sighed, very sadly, and murmured, "Still a slave."

Without comment, Abensur took his wrist, and adjusted the new cuff.

Narzu-Han felt the boy's sadness. A slave.

The other one, and then Abensur asked, "When do you want the hobbles on?"

Narzu-Han hesitated, and then said, "I suggest you get Hilde here, so she can see he's untouched. Otherwise they may give trouble. Then dress him, and hobble him."

Hilde was brought in, and saw for himself he was still intact, to her surprise and relief. She'd been sure it was what Nusa'pei intended. She took over a little, helping him dress, when he seemed quite unable to help himself. He was lowered back to the bed, and then Abensur took a strap, and clipped it to the new ankle restraints. He'd still be able to walk, but awkwardly, and looking foolish.

Narzu-Han stroked his cheek. His boy hated to look foolish, but his crime was severe, and he had to be punished. Then his right wrist, also to the ankle restraint, carefully measured. He would not be able to raise his right hand above his waist without also raising his foot. Valencio just lay there and dreamed, unresisting.

Hilde asked, "How long is he to stay like this?"

Narzu-Han said casually, "As long as I choose. Maybe as long as he lives. Tell him that."

"Have you got a spell on him at the moment?"

"Just a Twilight Spell. It wears off after a while."

Valencio was still vaguely aware of those around him, and Narzu-Han had his eyes on him, feeling his mind. Valencio could feel the presence of Narzu-Han, and to his surprise, Narzu-Han felt a wish that he could cuddle up next to him, and sleep. Silly, silly boy. Quite deliberately made him angry enough to punish extremely severely, and now he sought comfort from him.

He stroked his forehead, and Valencio opened dazed eyes, and smiled at his owner. "Date scones? I'm hungry."

Hilde shook her head. It was the oddest relationship.

Narzu-Han spoke sternly. "You're in disgrace, Valencio, and still under punishment." He smiled tenderly, "No date scones."

"I forgot." His mind was moving so slowly, confused. Was he to be killed? He didn't mind being killed, but he didn't like the Spell of Pain.

Narzu-Han distracted him. "Belinda still enjoying her piano?"

"It makes her sad and happy. Kaede says it's alright, and I shouldn't worry."

Narzu-Han said, "Go to sleep, now, and in a while, maybe Hilde will bring you some lunch."

His owner told him to go to sleep. Valencio was very obedient now, and went to sleep.

Even an hour later, when Hilde brought him a meal, he was not clear-headed, repeatedly trying to raise his right hand, and being pulled up short, until he frowned, and jerked at it impatiently. Hilde caught his hand, and tried to explain he'd only hurt himself that way.

He was more alert in the afternoon, and pulled a piece of glass from a hiding place, and tested, but the leather straps were like the wrist and ankle cuffs, apparently impervious to interference. The clips, of course, were locked. He hadn't expected to free himself so easily, but one had to try.

At dinner time, Gloria and Hilde helping, Valencio walked short-stepped to the dining-room, thinking it was a good thing he'd given Clarence back his shaver.

Nusa'pei hadn't given him one yet, planning to leave him a few more days, suspecting that some of the guards could do with a reminder that Valencio was no longer a child. He'd been almost oblivious himself, not that it would have made much difference to his advice to Narzu-Han. If the boy was to be done, he'd always thought about the age of fifteen or sixteen probably best.

As soon as he appeared, Fudo and Diethard approached, while Rafu held a drawn wand. "Special chair for you, Valencio." The restraining chair, but just one ankle secured. There was also a pair of new floor to ceiling bars in the room, the same as they'd twice conjured in order to restrain him. It appeared these might be permanent.

Fudo moved back, and stated, "We're to punish any insolence with a Silencing Spell."

Valencio ignored him, and looked at the servery. Emma, a little tearfully, said, "I'll get your dinner for you, Valencio."

Valencio smiled at her, and said, "Thank you, Emma. I'm very hungry."

This time, he made sure not to betray the inconvenience, but only used his left hand, and didn't touch anything that required cutting up. He hated the thought of having someone cut up his food like he was a tiny child.

He sat afterwards, stubbornly, refusing to speak to a wizard long enough to ask to be freed. Gloria asked Fudo, in the end, and Fudo did it casually, remarking to Valencio, "All you have to do is ask."

Valencio ignored him, only making his way out as soon as he could.

There were practical difficulties. Valencio could not undress properly, and showered the following morning, the best he could, with his clothes on.

It was not all bad, as Gloria came to him, kissed him, and said, "Need help?" and Valencio stared transfixed at Gloria's bare body as she soaped him thoroughly, under his shirt, under his shorts, discovering that he quite definitely had not been turned into a eunuch. His breath came shorter, and he groaned, as she fondled with knowing deliberation. He put his left arm around her, and tried to move, almost falling, as he was pulled up short by the hobbles. He was as tall as she was now, and he kissed her afterwards, and said that everyone should try being hobbled - a much better feeling than he could have imagined!

He needed a drying and cleaning spell on his clothes, but Gloria asked Rafu, who did it casually, scarcely paying attention to the boy. Would his wife miss him if he asked for Gloria tonight?

Valencio didn't expect he'd be used for a while. They'd have to at least wait until he didn't feel so horridly weak and ill. That day, he made it to meals, sat until one of the wizards chose to release him, and then either went back to his room, or went to the sitting room, taking a book, and reading for a few minutes before going to sleep instead.

There were always women around him, making sure he didn't need help, giving him companionship. They assumed he must have tried to kill Narzu-Han, but when Gloria asked, he said, "Of course not! If I wanted to kill Narzu-Han, I would have succeeded. He gives me opportunities enough!"

Gloria didn't ask any more questions, instead he asked her whether she was going to help him shower again.

Gloria said casually, "We've decided to take it in turns, a different woman every morning."

Valencio beamed. What a punishment!

It was another couple of days before he made it back to school, and that afternoon, he sat on the side of the swimming pool, dangling his feet in the inviting water, and wondering if he'd just drown if he tried it. There was no shallow end, and no easy steps, just a couple of ladders. He was looking quite rumpled, in the same clothing he'd been wearing since he was hobbled, though washed with water in the shower, and with a cleaning spell afterwards by whatever wizard happened to see him, and chose to do it. He still refused to ask.

It had been Didi that morning, and though she hadn't done what Gloria had done, it had been undeniably pleasant. Tasha, too, the previous evening, after dark, and discreetly outside. He was clumsy, but she only laughed at him, pushed him onto his back, and took the active role. Valencio was not fretting about his handicaps nearly as much as Narzu-Han thought he would be.

Quite suddenly, strength and energy came surging back, and the hobbles irritated him more. He needed to run, and couldn't even walk fast. He discovered he could swim though, without drowning, and didn't have a great deal of trouble climbing the ladder to get out. That evening, the guards agreed among themselves they would make Valencio, himself, ask. They were sick of his insolence, though they hadn't had an excuse yet to use a silencing spell. He could stay in the restraining chair after dinner until he politely asked to be freed.

At nine o'clock, Fahad arrived for Didi, his own particular favourite. It was her second appointment, and she was a touch late, still showering after Aminadi. He noticed Valencio slumped casually in a chair at the table, eyes half closed, as if dozing. Fahad leaned against the table, and said, "And how are you going these days?"

Valencio opened his eyes more fully, looked at the head of the Security Forces, and yawned.

Fahad was frowning. Hands were stuck in pockets, but there was no disguising the straps that clipped onto wrist and ankle cuffs. Fahad raised his voice. "Fudo, explain this."

Fudo respectfully reported to his superior. "The hobbles are by order of Narzu-Han, who still owns him. Securing him to the chair for meals is also by his order. He has authorised us to punish insolence by restraints if we choose, and by silencing spells if we choose. Valencio has not yet asked to be freed from the restraining chair, and he remains until he asks."

Fahad said briskly, "Nonsense, release him."

Without comment, Fudo used his wand to unlock the clip, undid it, and Valencio pulled his right foot away from the chair leg that had held him. He rose, turned his back on the wizards, and left.

Fahad smiled after him, and said to Fudo, "He's the same boy who plotted to kill wizards, and once succeeded. The only thing likely to result from keeping him restrained too long could be the need for a cleaning spell!"

Fudo inclined his head and thanked him for the benefit of his wisdom, trying very hard not to let any hint of irony enter his voice.

Fahad said, "Any discipline by order of Narzu-Han obviously applies. But for a healthy and active boy to be hobbled like that - it's already severe. Please do not take it upon yourself to punish further, or I will be seriously displeased."

Fudo inclined his head.

Fahad still frowned. "How long are the hobbles to remain?"

"Narzu-Han hasn't said."

Valencio had also been thinking that if they kept him too much longer, there would be a need for a cleaning spell. He wasn't grateful to Fahad, he was only a bloody wizard, like all the other bloody wizards. He took his cutlass, found an area of clear ground, and started playing with it, using his left hand instead of his right, and trying to learn to move quickly, and with as much agility as possible in spite of his hobbles. He had no serious intention of killing wizards at the time, but liked to think he could if he wanted.

Once he knew his limits as if second nature, he'd practise raising his right foot with his right hand, except his left foot would have to come up as well. Then he'd fall. But if he fell in a controlled way, and rolled, ready to fight, maybe it could be done. It was something to work on. He was pleased with himself. It would be very effective to kill someone with the hand they thought tied down.

The following morning, it was Maliwan who helped him with his shower. He was sure he could do perfectly well by himself, but said not a word to discourage the women from helping him deal with his terrible punishment. The small Thai woman was beautiful, and so was Tatiana the day after, and Georgia the day after that, and Kaliska. The older women. He turned bright red when Helene came to help, and she retreated. Tasha did it instead.

xxValencio's Storyxx

Three weeks after the hobbling, in the early afternoon, Narzu-Han asked Nusa'pei about Valencio. "Is he fretting much?"

"It's hard to tell. He seems cheerful with the women, but never talks to us, not even Abensur."

"I'd like to go find him."

Nusa'pei inclined his head. A Khatabi asked. He ordered, "Thuli, Diethard." The routine guards.

The usual few in the pool, a grouping of women at the tables and seats where Kaede had her school. Nusa'pei nodded toward them. "It's what they call their Committee. It appears they're having a meeting." They passed them by.

A vivid image came into Narzu-Han's head, a man's face, but wearing pig-tusks, and a snout. Bastard Deutsch-Rafik.

Narzu-Han touched Nusa'pei's arm, and put a finger to his lips. Quietly, Nusa'pei followed as Narzu-Han led the way to a place where there was a small area of soft grass, hidden behind flowering bushes.

Left-handed, Valencio wielded his cutlass, occasionally growling at 'Deutsch-Rafik.' His steps were short, in his hobbles, but he skipped, sometimes jumped, and dodged to the side.

Narzu-Han was fascinated, as he saw the vivid picture in Valencio's mind. 'Deutsch-Rafik' wielded a cutlass, too, but was not hobbled. 'Deutsch-Rafik' was fierce and determined, and Valencio was hard-pressed. Gradually, the imaginary enemy retreated a little, and Valencio pressed forward, the heavy cutlass darting and weaving, distracting attention from his right hand.

Without warning, Valencio leapt, both feet, right hand, and cutlass in his left, trying to balance him. He slashed at the neck with his right hand, but apparently failed, as he fell, rolled quickly, but was unable to come to his feet, throwing himself to one side, then another as the enemy cutlass lashed down at him.

Nusa'pei glanced at Narzu-Han, who actually flinched, seeing the imaginary cutlass slice at what appeared to be his own face.

Valencio was cursing, in German, with the worst curses that Adelbert had been able to teach him. They sounded impressive, but the watchers didn't know German, and didn't know how very mild they actually were. Valencio still lay on his back, rolling to the side, barely avoiding the blows of the enraged 'Deutsch-Rafik.'

Without warning, his cutlass swept up from the side, and 'Deutsch-Rafik' fell on top of him, bleeding profusely.

Narzu-Han could see it, feel it, the heavy body on top of him, bleeding hideously all over him.

With jerks of his body, Valencio pulled himself away from under his fallen foe, glanced at his clothing, dripping with blood, and wrinkled his nose. Looking lithe and nimble, in spite of his hobbles, he rose easily to his feet, and carefully wiped the blood off his cutlass. He glanced at his blood-covered clothes. He'd need a shower.

Narzu-Han said, "Valencio..."

Valencio jumped, and looked at the men, bringing the cutlass up for a moment as if it actually was a weapon. His eyes went to those of Narzu-Han, and he took a hesitant step forward.

Nusa'pei glanced at Narzu-Han, and then to the boy. It wasn't one-sided. The boy wanted the man as much as the man wanted the boy.

Narzu-Han said, "Come with me, Valencio."

The boy lay down his cutlass, and went with him. He could only go slowly, unless he skipped, or something of the sort. Narzu-Han patiently slowed his steps to his.

Valencio said, "I'll need a shower."

Narzu-Han was amused. "It's not real blood."

Valencio grinned sheepishly, and said, "Yes, but I would prefer a shower before..."

"I haven't said I want you."

Valencio glanced at him, surprised. Of course Narzu-Han wanted him.

Narzu-Han laughed. "Of course I want you, and I'll even help you shower."

"I can do it myself."

But Narzu-Han watched as he casually stepped into the shower, and soaped himself under his rumpled clothing. A couple of the women looked in, and quickly retreated. They'd use the other toilet block.

"A drying spell?" Valencio suggested, when he emerged, his clothing streaming water.

Narzu-Han did as requested, and said, slightly hoarsely, "We go now." He thought there was a betraying outline under Valencio's shorts.

A few minutes later, Fudo and Marko took up station outside the door of the end room. Valencio stared at Narzu-Han, quivering, half with desire, half with fear. Narzu-Han looked at the Brieke-tei, and the boy, still clothed, still hobbled. He touched his wand, and the clothing vanished. He took a step forward, and embraced his boy, seeing and feeling that he'd been right. The boy was undoubtedly excited. His hand wandered, over his back and shoulders, and inevitably, to his bottom.

Valencio shuddered. It was a horrible thing they did to him, and he suddenly pulled himself away, backed up, even started to raise his fists, though his right was pulled up short. His mind was a scream, No, he didn't want it really, not ever again. He was afraid.

Narzu-Han's voice was a whip. "Valencio, behave yourself!"

Narzu-Han blamed himself. He should have taken him before, instead of allowing the fear and resentment to build up again. He took a lot of looking after, this boy of his. The Compulsion Spell? Valencio might never forgive him. Physical force would be forgiven more easily.

The boy's excitement was gone, as if it had never been. Narzu-Han left him hobbled, going to the drawer, and removing the restraints. The boy didn't move, didn't fight, as Narzu-Han adjusted the additional restraints, so familiar to him now. And as always, his own excitement increased with each additional restraint.

Now was the tricky part, and Narzu-Han wondered if he'd need the help of the guards. He embraced his boy, holding him close, and instructed, "Close your eyes, Valencio."

Valencio quivered a moment, then closed his eyes, and allowed Narzu-Han to place his right foot on the Brieke-tei, and then his left foot, now freed. Narzu-Han physically leaned his own body over him, so that Valencio yielded, leaning forward, and putting his left arm into position. One gentle hand pressed down on his back, as the first clips were done, and then his right hand was drawn up into position, and clipped.

Valencio sighed and relaxed. What happened, happened.

Narzu-Han drew a breath of relief. He suspected he might not prevail in a straight physical fight against what was now a young man.

Narzu-Han wanted what he'd had before, but it took a long time of massaging and caressing, and then suddenly, he felt the boy's excitement taking over, making his own breath come short. Valencio always seemed to be so intense in what he felt, whether it was fear or anger, or sexual desire. Narzu-Han shared.

Afterwards, Valencio sat on the edge of the bed, looking at the floor. He hadn't actually done anything, he thought, but he was very tired. Hungry, too, and he glanced at the clock. Still a long time until dinner.

Narzu-Han opened the door, and spoke to the guards. Valencio was relieved. Maybe he wouldn't have to walk back, naked. While he was free - he stood, and asked politely if he could go to the bathroom.

Narzu-Han nodded, casually, and Valencio filled his mind with thoughts of his dinner, and tried not to think of his weapon, as he ducked under the wash basin to make the quick check. Still there, and he just cleaned himself a little. It was a pity there was no shower. It would be nice to have a shower without his clothes on for a change. The straps dangling from right wrist and ankle were a fairly good indication that the hobbles would be going straight back on.

He was right, and once dressed, thankfully in fresh clothes, Narzu-Han, without comment, put the hobbles back on. Valencio didn't say anything, but instead smiled at his owner in delight when he was taken to the sitting room, and found iced donuts and date scones waiting for him.

The guards were surprised to see him hobbled again. They'd been sure that Narzu-Han would relent now, and the women were surprised as well. Even the punishment of being restrained at meals was still in place, so that someone else, usually Emma, had to get him his meal, trying to select things he wouldn't need to cut.

Narzu-Han was no longer punishing so much as curious. He'd expected the boy to have been thoroughly humbled by his punishment, but he seemed to have adapted perfectly cheerfully.

Shirley said to Amreeta, "He doesn't really need help to shower. He seemed to be managing alright when Narzu-Han came for him."

Amreeta giggled. "It's my turn next, and I've always been fond of him."

Shirley said, and she was giggling as well, "Poor boy. He can't swim properly, and he can't run, and he can't climb the fence into Enclosure 2. We have to help him every way we can." And when Amreeta waited in the showers for Valencio, he only beamed at her and agreed that he couldn't possibly manage without someone to help him.

He'd adopted an odd gait now, as he moved about, like a skip, but without alternating feet. Walking short-stepped was just too slow. He didn't like doing it in front of the wizards, sure they were enjoying watching him looking foolish.

Narzu-Han used him again for the next two nights, to his satisfaction, if without the soaring excitement that he sometimes shared. But then he left his boy in the hands of Abensur for three weeks, while he joined the rest of the Elders in Japan to talk about certain business interests. The Khatabi wealth was enormous, but there were times when a little magical influence, and sometimes some intimidation, or even assassination, was needed to keep it so. It was routine. A decision was made that a President of a South American country would have a heart attack, and his successor would be magically influenced in a way that would favour the Khatabi business interests.

Meantime, Valencio noted that Arikiyo was to have him that night. Somehow, he didn't want a woman to shower him before or after use, and did it discreetly, by himself, then presented himself in the dining-room, still wet. If the wizards wanted him in dry, clean clothes, they'd have to remove the hobbles.

Fudo saw him arrive, and indicated. Valencio moved to the bars, but was at least only secured by one wrist, clipped, then locked with magic so he couldn't just reach around and undo it. It was by Narzu-Han's orders, he was told.

He was uncomfortable, in wet clothes, but had no intention of asking. After ten minutes, though, Fudo casually waved his wand, and at least he was dry. Arikiyo arrived, and Valencio waited. He was obedient, of course he was obedient. It was just that now and then, it was impossible to be obedient. Arikiyo knew about the hobbles, but he hadn't thought very much about the practical difficulties of using a boy still hobbled and clothed. He did not have the authority to remove the hobbles. He looked at him in the end room afterwards, baffled, and then scratched his head.

Valencio's mouth quivered, and then he frankly laughed, "Maybe you should just go and read a book instead."

Arikiyo went to him, hugging him, warmly, "We'll think of a way."

His mood changing, Valencio shrugged, impatiently. No doubt he would. Afterwards, tenderly, Arikiyo pulled his shorts up again, and drew him back into his arms. Valencio didn't snuggle up and go to sleep, just lying there, waiting for Arikiyo to decide what he wanted to do with him next.

Curiously, Arikiyo asked, "What did you actually do to annoy Narzu-Han?"

Valencio looked away. That was between Narzu-Han and himself. He didn't plan on referring to it again. Maybe one day Narzu-Han would think about what he'd conveyed. Saying anything more would not influence him, only get himself punished again.

Arikiyo kissed him, and asked instead how long he'd been shaving. Again Valencio was silent.

Arikiyo just caressed instead, suddenly thinking of something that might interest him. "Chung Quoc is dead, killed fighting."

Valencio beamed, "Painfully, I hope." He rose, "Must tell Thierry. Can I go now?"

"No, you cannot, and Thierry already knows."

Valencio lay down again, and asked, "Did you know it was happening?"

"I didn't know, and wouldn't have been able to stop it if I did."

Valencio rose on one elbow, and asked curiously, "Why do you allow yourself to be part of it? Surely you could just leave, and live as a decent man somewhere."

Arikiyo looked at him very coldly, and said, "Get up!"

Valencio rose. What now?

Fudo was pleased. The boy had been insolent, and they had authorisation from Narzu-Han to use a Silencing Spell if he was insolent. He took pleasure in doing it, and also in making him try and walk too fast, so that he stumbled and fell in the corridor.

Nusa'pei nodded with satisfaction when Fudo reported that Valencio's client had complained of insolence. They'd leave the Silencing Spell on for a few days. Maybe that would humble him.

The women were sorry for him, and in the morning, Valencio found both Maliwan and Gloria, naked breasts brushing against him, as they helped him shower. Gloria asked teasingly, "Is this helping you cope with your punishment?"

He nodded vigorously, and put up his left hand to touch.

Gloria swung herself away from him. "No touching," and then proceeded to touch him very intimately, as Maliwan watched, grinning.

The Committee had another meeting. Bitter. "They've put a Silencing Spell on him now, and whatever he did, it can't have been that bad."

"He told me he didn't attack anyone."

"Should we make a complaint?"

"Will they take any notice?"

"Probably not."

The complaint was made. Nusa'pei took no notice.

xxValencio's Storyxx

Valencio practised writing with his left hand, critical of the illegible results, but was pleased with himself when he managed to coordinate hobbled feet and right fist, as he lunged at his imaginary opponent, and then went into a quick, controlled roll, and was back on his feet.

He started to be worried, though, when it began to be almost a month, and Narzu-Han wasn't back. Was it going to be a repeat of Brahim? And there had been a conversation that he'd heard while half in a dream. It was only Narzu-Han that said Nusa'pei was not allowed to castrate.

Abensur was using him every two or three days, and Arikiyo again, as he lay obedient, still silenced. Arikiyo was repentant, and requested that the Silencing Spell be lifted, but he only asked afterward, and maybe only because he'd seen evidence of the boy's excitement, though it never became acute while in bed.

Nusa'pei agreed and lifted the spell. It hadn't made the slightest difference to Valencio's behaviour, though surely no other prisoner had ever been silenced for nearly three weeks straight.

Twenty-eight days, and Narzu-Han returned. This time, when Narzu-Han and Nusa'pei went to find Valencio, they found him in the pool, using an awkward and slow side stroke. This time, Valencio sensed the presence of his owner, and turned, though finding it difficult to keep himself afloat as he tried to tread water with hobbled feet.

A few of the women were also there, naked and tempting, though Valencio knew to keep his hands to himself unless specifically invited. They were as relieved as Valencio. Narzu-Han may not have been the kindest of owners, but it was not only Valencio that felt that the one they knew was better than a new one who might easily be worse.

Valencio took himself to the side of the pool, climbing the ladder with care. He was not nearly as clumsy as he'd been in hobbled feet, but he did not want to fall ignominiously back into the pool, as he'd done a few times when he'd been impatient.

Narzu-Han looked at his boy, standing in front of him in dripping clothes, the same clothes he'd presumably worn since the last time he'd used the boy. He knew that Abensur had used him the previous night, even knew it had been on the bed, and that Valencio had shown no signs of disobedience, but no signs of excitement, either. He wouldn't have been on the Brieke-tei since he'd left, not with the hobbles. It was likely he would resist again. He guessed he should have allowed Abensur to take off the hobbles for use, but he'd wanted to retain that power himself.

Valencio stood, accepting. No doubt his owner would tell him what he wanted to do with him when he'd made up his mind.

Narzu-Han finally said, "This evening. I will come for you, usual time, this evening."

Valencio nodded, forgetting he was no longer silenced. He was out of the way of speaking.

The evening, and Valencio again waited, secured to the bar, but using it as a leaning post, one hand in his pocket, but the other behind him held too tight to the bar. Fudo made a drying spell on his clothes.

Gloria came in, avoiding the wet footprints, but when Marko smiled at her, and went toward her, he skidded on the wet, tiled floor, and fell, to Valencio's mocking laughter. Marko picked himself up, and drew his wand, threateningly, facing the slave. Valencio continued smiling, and gave the impression of looking down at him, although Marko was still taller than the fifteen-year-old.

Abensur said mildly, "Narzu-Han will be here any moment."

Marko pocketed his wand, abruptly, and turned to Gloria, who no longer looked as welcoming. She didn't let it affect her actions afterward, though. The wizards could punish terribly. Marko was given a good time, and never knew that Gloria hated.

It had been a month, and although Valencio was obedient up until the point where he stood in the end room, the Brieke-tei again looked terrifying. He started trembling, and his hands went into fists. He was going to fight, and he couldn't help it, and he didn't want to be punished again so soon. His voice was a plea, "Narzu-Han?"

Narzu-Han had already decided on a course of action if this happened. "Shut your eyes, Valencio."

Valencio shut his eyes, and Narzu-Han stunned him.

Diethard and Fudo helped secure him, large Diethard having little trouble lifting him. For the first time, the two guards saw him naked and ready for use. The sharp scent of their arousal rose in the room. They were wanting.

Narzu-Han briefly wondered if he should let them use the boy, in order to make them more likely to treat him kindly. He'd heard about the silencing spell. But he decided not to - even stunned, he suspected that Valencio would somehow know. He thanked them, and they had to leave, consoling themselves with the thought that maybe one day he would be in general use again.

It took usually about half an hour to revive from a stun spell, when it's not lifted. This time, Narzu-Han lifted it, and started massaging, even as Valencio jerked uselessly against the restraints. There was the gentle massage, and the voice Valencio told himself he could not trust. And yet it was familiar. He sighed and relaxed. What happened, happened.

It only took ten minutes, before Valencio's excitement took hold of him, and took hold of Narzu-Han. It was one of those earth shattering times, and Narzu-Han sat on the bed afterwards, almost shaking in reaction. Never, never could he leave this boy to the attentions of someone else. Only someone like himself, who could feel his mind, could ever fully appreciate him.

Valencio still lay in his perfectly comfortable position on the Brieke-tei, half asleep. It occurred to Narzu-Han that times like this occurred more often when he'd been particularly angry, or upset, or frightened. Narzu-Han was not immune from the cruel streak of his family, and wondered how he might deliberately induce such a feeling - with a little pain, maybe. But then he shook his head. Just now and then was enough. It would be too much if it was every time.

xxValencio's Storyxx

Two days later, Valencio waited again for Narzu-Han, still hobbled, secured to the vertical bar in the dining-room. He was on display, which he resented. There were men come just to look at the notorious boy. He stared past them, not acknowledging their presence.

They knew not to touch, not to taunt, but they looked. One day. For a long time, it had been known that talk of irreversible damage was untrue, just a ruse by a boy who'd looked at the time not capable of thinking. Aminadi and several others were very regretful at missing opportunities. At the same time, the boy was fit and healthy again, no longer vacant-eyed, no longer pathetically thin. Maybe one day, again.

This time, Valencio walked with Narzu-Han, only looked a touch askance at the Brieke-tei, and was perfectly obedient. Proof of his excitement was pooled in the dip, but Narzu-Han was almost relieved that it was a more ordinary experience.

Things settled down. Usually every few days with Narzu-Han, sometimes Abensur, sometimes Arikiyo. Valencio played with his cutlass, developing strength and agility with his left hand, practised with his blade, learning to pass it from one hand to the other and into the pocket close to the restrained right wrist. His left-handed handwriting improved - at least legible. And still, the older women helped him shower, to his great pleasure. Not the younger ones, who only made him embarrassed. Tasha, nearly every night, discreetly, never in the bedroom.

Narzu-Han wondered if he'd ask to be freed, but he never did. He seemed to assume he had no control over the punishment, and only accommodated to the handicap.

Some casual talk at dinner. There was to be an important meeting that evening. Yiko and several other Khatabis were over from Japan, especially. Valencio hoped very much that this time it really was an important meeting. He had no appointment, and crossed his fingers that it would remain that way. Usually now, when it was noticed he was finished, one of the guards would stroll over, and release him from the chair. This time, he was left.

Gloria asked, and was told, "Orders. He's to stay here for the time being."

Emma sat up close next to him, and asked if he'd like her to read a story to him. He smiled at her, and suggested she could just get a book from his room if she wouldn't mind.

"I'll get mine, too, and keep you company."

He said firmly, "Just while I have to wait. Afterwards you go right away, won't you?"

Emma nodded obediently. She was accustomed to the older ones trying to look after her, and she didn't like seeing bad things happen to Valencio.

In the Khatabi dining-room, there was talk and laughter. It was seldom so many Khatabi men were gathered together, eighteen of them if one included Haru, all there were, aside from ancient Musawi, in Japan.

Hicham said casually to Narzu-Han, "So, if you're killed in the fighting, is it my turn at Valencio next?"

Narzu-Han smiled, "Only if you don't get killed."

Kamaruddin said, "I can't wait. It's time we asserted our authority in Egypt."

Narzu-Han raised his voice. "How many now in line for the boy?"

There were a few replies. Hicham said, "I'd have him castrated though. Make him more docile. I have no wish to end up bleeding on the floor." There was laughter. A slave wasn't really going to be able to do such a thing, and anyway, he was supposed to be tame now.

Narzu-Han raised his voice. "I have him waiting, if anyone wants a look. He can be tricky to handle, and I'd be happy to give advice to anyone interested."

"Advice?" said Niaz. "Since when does a Khatabi need advice on how to use a dirt-boy?"

Again, there was a chorus of laughter. They were in high spirits, anticipating the fighting to come.

Narzu-Han laughed as well, but said, "This one's special. He can give a unique experience, an extraordinary experience. But poor handling will destroy him in no time."

Yiko asked, "Will I come, or should I stay away?"

Narzu-Han said, but quietly, "If you didn't panic him, he could give you an experience."

Yiko stood. "I'll come and see."

Others stood as well, interested in inspecting the notorious slave. A servant was spoken to, and hurried away to pass the message. Adil would be in the group, and Valencio was to be fully restrained.

At the stir at the door, and the words of Japanese, Valencio said, "Emma, go away now, and don't come back tonight."

Emma looked down, and suddenly squeezed his hand, very hard. Valencio's eyes flicked to Hilde, who was close, and Hilde rose, and said firmly, "Emma..."

Fudo and Diethard waited, Abensur also close, wand in his hand. They did nothing until Hilde and Emma were outside the door, then made the usual routine check with the Akriktia, missing, as they always did, the piece of quite sharp glass between fingers of left hand.

Valencio stared away, as wrists and ankles were secured, using both bars this time. There would be no opportunity of attacking anyone, and he took refuge in pretending he wasn't actually there, as he still did sometimes.

The elaborately robed wizards entered the room, and a couple of Khatabi-Richi quickly stepped back, and inclined their heads. Abensur hustled them off with their women, as Nusa'pei waited respectfully to hear the wishes of Khatabi.

Narzu-Han wanted to reassure his boy, but couldn't without the risk of loss of face in front of his peers.

Ahjmed saw the boy for the first time, and strode straight over, to inspect.

Valencio looked away from him. Ahjmed, who raped little girls. But there was no good thinking of trying to kill him, even if there was a small bit of glass still in his hand.

"No. 143," commented Ahjmed. "I've heard of you."

Narzu-Han looked for his boy's reaction, but could feel nothing. He was doing it again.

Yiko glanced at Narzu-Han, and made a telepathic communication. The boy is learning skills.

Tasha and Sheri arrived for appointments, glanced at the thirteen very powerful wizards surrounding Valencio, and shivered. Khatabi-Richi were better than Khatabi, less awe-inspiring, less fearsome. They were both to meet Khatabi-Richi. They sidled to the back of the room. They had to be there, but preferred not to be noticed. The men who were to collect them were warned, and waited in the guards' sitting room until the Khatabi were finished.

Ahjmed said, casually, but an order, "I'd like to see him naked." It was Narzu-Han's slave, but Ahjmed had been known to kill another in order to have his Favourite before - in a fair duel, of course.

Narzu-Han said, "Of course. Vanish his clothing if you like, but leave on the hobbles. They please me."

Even with those provocative words, he felt nothing from Valencio, who merely stood, waiting, wondering just how bad it would be this time. Valencio suspected that Narzu-Han could sometimes know what he was thinking, and wanted to protect his privacy. He didn't know that he was succeeding, and didn't know his success was only as long as Narzu-Han chose not to force the issue.

Yiko commanded, "Speak Japanese, from now on."

Yiko! was a sudden thought that both Yiko and Narzu-Han picked up, with a wave of increased fear. The comments switched from Arabic to Japanese.

Valencio's clothes were vanished. His gaze went through and past them, but counting them off all the same.

Ahjmed asked, "May I touch?"

Narzu-Han said politely, "Of course." He wondered if he could defeat Ahjmed in a duel, but Hicham was almost as senior, and Hicham, too, was a fierce and an expert duellist. Even if Ahjmed was tempted by Valencio, he might not challenge Hicham for his place next in line.

Ahjmed caressed, a touch to the cheek, an assessing feel to muscles of shoulders and arms, and a gathering up of genitals, with a jocular word to Hicham.

Valencio wondered if being sick all over Ahjmed would put him off, but visualised his punishment, and tried to control his wave of nausea.

Both Yiko and Narzu-Han caught that one, and Yiko said casually, "Leave him alone, Ahjmed. He's sick with fear, and it could be all over you."

Ahjmed laughed, and stepped back. Tasha and Sheri held hands, fearful for the boy they all cared for.

More Khatabi looked and touched, but left genitals alone.

Narzu-Han said casually to Hicham, but in Japanese still, "I'll give you a go tomorrow night, Hicham, if you like. You can see for yourself then, that he's far more rewarding intact than he ever could be as a eunuch."

Valencio tried to work it out, but failed. Too many words he didn't know.

Jamel and Adil strolled around behind him, and Valencio could not repress a shudder as Adil caressed his bottom.

Yiko said, "I understand that Riza said you could never have him again, Adil."

Valencio thought he understood that, and hoped that what he thought was right. But even without Adil, so many. He was going to be badly damaged tonight.

Narzu-Han said casually, in Arabic, "I'll never share him again with more than one at a time. It upsets him, and then he's not as rewarding."

Jamel said, also casual, but a touch critical, "Surely one should not spoil a slave."

Yiko said, and in Arabic, "Narzu-Han's right. A slave is more rewarding if given some consideration."

Adil shrugged, and then said, "Anyway, surely we have more important things to talk about than No. 143."

There were nods, and a drifting away toward the door.

Hicham still looked speculatively, but Narzu-Han said casually, "You will not be required tonight, Valencio. I'll let you know about tomorrow."

He was last out the door, and spoke over his shoulder to the guards. "You can release him now."

Valencio was released, tried to walk fast toward the door, forgetting his hobbles for almost the first time, stumbled and fell, and was very sick. White and sweating, he pulled himself away from the mess, and apologised to Fudo, who was pointing his wand to clean up. "Sorry, didn't mean to, couldn't help it."

Sheri knelt beside him, holding his shoulders, Tasha also close. He was shuddering, trembling, very pale.

Fudo glanced at him, and said, "One of you go and bring him some fresh clothes."

Valencio didn't look at the guard, but said, "Thank you."

Fudo didn't take off hobbles to dress him, instead using magic to cut through clothing so that it could be draped on by Sheri, and then repaired with magic by Fudo.

Fudo said, "Did you hear Narzu-Han? He said he'd share with only one at a time. There was never going to be all of them!"

Valencio, still pale, gave a bitter glance at Fudo, and said, "He does exactly as he chooses, like any other bloody wizard!" And without any further word of thanks, walked short-stepped to the door.

Fudo shrugged, and made a deodorising spell, not, for a change, deeming the words insolence warranting punishment.

Sheri looked after him, worried, but Tasha said, "I saw Hilde and told her. She'll look after him."

Amani tapped Sheri on the shoulder, and said, "Time to go."

Sheri left with him, and then Tasha with Abimael. They were there to do a job.

Hilde found Valencio sitting leaning against the back fence. He hadn't done that in a long time. She took it as a sign of his distress, and she was right. She sat down, quietly, next to him. He said nothing, only leaned back his head.

Hilde said, "I told Emma you were perfectly alright. They just wanted to meet you."

Valencio was still white-faced, but gave her a half-smile, "Good!" There was a surge of severe pain from the fence, familiar, understandable, predictable. There was a lesser pain in his left palm. Slowly, he opened his hand, and looked at it. A small piece of broken glass, held too tight in a clenched fist. He slipped it into a pocket.

Hilde rose, and commanded, "Come with me. Not many are working tonight, and we're all in the large sitting room. Gloria knows what's going on. And Shirley found out a bit too."

Valencio rose, and went with her, in his awkward looking, but quite speedy, skipping gait. It had been over five months now, and no hint that the hobbles might be removed.

After a quick, assessing glance at Valencio, Gloria said, "They're all here for a fight. Marko was talking to me. They're going to Egypt to take on a family there."

"Wizards?"

"I asked that. He said, of course, wizards. They take no notice of the dirt-people usually."

"Hope the others win."

Shirley said, "Zeeko's back, and told me all about it. He and a group saw a fight like it when they were children. He said it was wonderful. The Khatabis in the forefront, and they're legends, according to Zeeko. Known all over Arabia, and Asia as well. Adil, Hicham, Usman, Yiko, and especially Ahjmed. There'll be seventeen of them this time. All in their best robes, mostly green and grey - the Khatabi colours, but not necessarily. All different, all covered with jewels. They're the powerful Khatabis, and their very names strike fear into wizards everywhere. According to Zeeko. Then behind them the Khatabi-Richi Fighters, led by Fahad, uniform grey and green, without jewels, and Zeeko says they're nearly as feared. The numbers are agreed upon with the other side, and are the same. And then they duel with magic. There're always deaths, Zeeko says."

She laughed, and said scathingly, "Bloody stupid wizards! He said it was an honourable death, and he would have been so proud to be a part of it, but was never good enough. But their sort of fighting is why there's always three times as many adult women as there are adult men!"

Gloria said, "Twenty-two boys of between ten and seventeen will be watching from the Khatabi side, and probably a similar number from the other side."

"Maybe they'll wipe each other out!"

Valencio asked, "When is it to be?"

"They leave the day after tomorrow."

Belinda asked, "Is Brahim to be in it?"

"The only Khatabi who doesn't fight is Haru. Even Yiko, who's over a hundred."

Belinda's voice died to a whisper. "There are deaths?"

Gloria said casually, "Almost certainly not Brahim. He's been around a long time, and survived many a fight."

Valencio said hopefully, "I wonder if Iyad's in it."

"Probably too young. He might be among the audience, though, and I guess one day he'll be doing it."

Valencio grinned. "He's even more stupid than I am. What are the odds I outlive him?"

Emma sat down next to him on the couch, and said, "I was so frightened today."

Valencio put his free arm around her, squeezed her, and said, "They're just a lot of ridiculous peacocks with not a brain between them. Just a bit unfortunate they have magic and high fences. Otherwise you and me, we could just kick them to left and right as we stroll off to Elbarada."

Emma giggled.