Into the Devil's Eye

by Akularz-Shati

DON'T KNOW THE LORE? NO PROBLEM! (see note in chapter 1 for details) Drukhari invade our reality and capture a young woman. She uses her vast knowledge about the Dark Eldar and her sharp mind to stay alive. Will she be interesting enough to be more than just a torture slave? It seems as if fate is smiling upon her... or is someone smiling in particular...? Image by Dmitry Brushray.

10. Chapter 10 - The usual Business

I am sorry that I made you guys wait for so long for this, but my life is REALLY busy right now!

Witness the work of my wonderful husband again in this chapter! He, again, wrote the fighting scene.

Many thanks to BIBOTOT, Kondoru and OnyxIdol for their reviews.

The first two I'd like to thank for their kind words and I am happy that you enjoy my story as it is.

Of course I too want to thank OnyxIdol for his kind words concerining my use of language and his best wishes for the continuance of the story, but I'd also like to say some things in mitigation here, though most of his negative points were already discussed with him per PM, but I feel that I have to set some things straight here officially:

1. "My" Dark Eldar are too human.
Regarding their furniture:
Well, there are some things their and our race share, like a metabolism. Though they may not need it that often, they still need things like showers and toilets. I know that their bodies work in a quite different way and that e.g. their excretions are just crystalline, still, they too breathe, bleed, sweat... and shit. Maybe my imagination is too limited to think up a new kind of device for that. But that is the best I can do.
Regarding their behaviour:
a) Yes, this is my interpretation of Vect. Some love it, some hate it. I stand by it and I just imagine him that way.
It is strange that he is impressed by a young human? Yes, it is, I agree. Do you really think he MEANS all those things? *evil chuckle* I have a greater scheme in mind here, which will be revealed only in the very far back of the story.
b) "Dark Eldar would not define their actions as cruel." Yes, I believe they would, but in their language this word is connoted differently. Cruelty is part of their everyday life, it is something completely normal, good and necessary to them. And if a Dark Eldar describes the actions of another as cruel, it could be seen as some sort of compliment or, in the way Vect uses it here, to say that it is surprising that the main character has survived as unscathed as she has.

2. Too many compliments towards the main character.
I've gone through the story again and weakened some choruses of praise, especially from Vect himself. Ok, I might have overdone it there.
Why is Vlokarion impressed with her?
Seriously, he is a Haemonculus. Their tastes and favours to discern is a task impossible to most. Who knows what his twisted reasons are for that? *wink*
Why is the rest impressed?
Firstly, not all are impressed by her and I think the context these compliments stand in mostly suggest that they are meant in a mocking or contemptuous way. I think it is true to say that Sythac, Zuol, Sarnak, Alactel and Tahril either don't give a damn about her or outright despise her. In case of Varys we can't be sure.
Secondly, maybe this is because she is something special and is not their average human prisoner/slave, being not scared stiff and a lot more open-minded than the humans of the Imperium. I know that my main character may seem too calm in some situations or handles them too well. Still, there is a reason for her calmness, which will unfold itself in the penultimate chapter or so. But all in all, I think this is a minor issue. After all, she knows what's up and that being afraid or desperate won't change a single thing for her. This can be much of a motivator and can push you very far, believe me, I know that from self-experience.

3. Too many "nothing compared to what Dark Eldar usually do". Thanks, I revised that.

And now to the point that outright - and I admit this, I am a human being with feelings - pissed me off, the more I think about it:

4. Mary-Sue-ish? No, just no. I am allergic to that term, in general, and especially concerning my story and I will not have it that my main character is called that, sorry, this just is a bête noire for me. I think we all can agree upon the fact that if she was a Mary-Sue character, she would have seduced everybody she has found until now and would have gone on a rampage through the whole Dark City, killing Lelith Hesperax in the process, being utterly fearless. THAT would be a Mary Sue. I despise Mary-Sue stories and I do everything in my power that this does not turn into one.

I know that this enormous wall of text could be interpreted in the way that I am not able to take bad reviews; I am aware of that; but I feel that some of OnxyIdol's points were not well-founded and this I will not leave unanswered.
Then again, before you think, "What an arrogant bitch!" - I'd like to point out that I have also looked into some points OnyxIdol noted, therefore, I still appreciate his input.

Sorry, I won't keep you guys any longer with this.

Enjoy!

PS: When the Archons talk about slaves, I use "slaves" in conjuction with "which" on purpose.

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Chapter 10

The usual Business

"Let them resist. It will make my inevitable victory even sweeter,
their screams of fear and agony all the more whole. Let them resist..."
— Archon Kh'err'akh'an of the Kabal of Shadow,
besieging an Imperial Fortress.

I AWOKE QUITE smoothly, although I rose from a mixture of unconsciousness and sleep. I was engulfed in pleasant warmth and I felt utterly relaxed, I had almost forgotten this feeling. Something gently stroked my flank, I cherished the feeling. I had not forgotten what had transpired and I was surprised to find that it had not shaken me at all. The reason for this was definitely that my master had been absolutely gentle with me and the intercourse had taken my pain away, both things, which had been quite pleasant, though still it had been mind-blowing and I had fainted in the end. However, I was grateful for that.

Again my master confused me, because the day before yesterday he had still held a tremendous grudge against me, and though I had somewhat redeemed myself by saving his Hierarch, his gentleness had caught me off-guard. Why was he like that? Did I do so well, though I had pissed him off? Was he that cautious when taking critical steps with me to not break me in the process?

A tender kiss on my forehead flashed me out of my pondering.

I slowly opened my eyes, my senses fully awakening with that and I found that I lay on my left, clinging to my master, my head on his shoulder, my right arm on his chest, my right leg over his. Somehow feeling awkward, I wanted to move away, however, he pushed me back against him, gently, but determined. I got the hint and obeyed. Vect's low-pitched and now soothing voice reached my ears, "Relax, child. You slept so peacefully like this the whole night; let me hold you a bit longer like this. I somehow like the feeling." I obeyed and let myself be caressed and held by him. While he did this, he continued, "I indeed enjoyed our game yesterday, especially because you were not frozen in horror. This is something I have not seen so far and I must say it makes the whole experience even more enticing."

I replied, "I am glad you enjoyed it so much, my lord. Then again, I don't see why this should be perceived as horrible as you just described. It is a matter of openness and acceptance, as I see it."

My master nodded and agreed, "Exactly. Your mindset is, as I think we have pondered enough, completely different from the humans in this era. Imperial women cannot stand this, I know, I have tried often enough. Still, I wonder how far your open-mindedness will go and when you will start to struggle and dread what I do to you. Let me tell you in advance: next month, I will play a bit longer with you before I sleep with you. Prepare yourself for that."

I smiled at him timidly and responded, "I will, as well as I can, my lord. But may I ask something, my lord?"

"Go ahead," he said, his inflexion amicable.

"Why were you so gentle with me, when you were so displeased with me the day before? It is not that I want to complain, but I'm dying to understand it," I wanted to know.

Vect smiled at me mysteriously, and then he said, in a soft, yet somehow dangerous tone, "Never again ask me why I do something. It is neither your concern nor is it within in your reach of understanding. Are we clear on that, my pet?"

There I was given another rather sweet new nickname by him. I was not sure whether I liked where this was going or not.

Or was it even going anywhere?

Without showing my concerns, I replied dutifully and carefully, afraid to have awoken his wrath once again, "Perfectly clear, my lord. Please forgive my insolence."

I sighed in relief as he tenderly kissed my forehead. "Good girl. I will forget that you asked since you are doing so nice otherwise." I could not help shivering. Vect smiled amused, gently stroked over my cheek and continued, "Do not be afraid, child. There is nothing to fear for you, I will not punish you."

"Thank you, my lord." I truly was grateful for that.

My master laughed darkly as I said that, hugged me tightly for a second, stroking my hair, then said, his hand still upon my cheek, "However, now the time for cuddling is over. We have a long day ahead of us, and, to be honest, a hard one for you too."

"May I inquire why?"

"Today, I will meet with the Archons of the other significant Kabals. It is an annual meeting, where I present to them new goals and rules around here and where I take a look at them and make sure nobody of them is up to something. Of course, I have them monitored all the time, but nothing can tell one's intentions better than a hard stare into someone's eyes."

"I see. They will be even less nice to me than your Circle and you will be especially harsh with me."

"Indeed. No need to explain this to you. What happens between the two of us in these quarters stays in here, but I do not need to remind you of that. However, I will also have you especially styled and dressed; I will send slaves skilled in those arts to you when you are done showering. I want you to look at your very best, but you will also have to endure more chains today and I want to see you on your very best behaviour. Is that clear?"

"Of course, my lord, my actions reflect on you, and naturally nobody should think that your personal slave is badly trained. I take it that I am not to speak True Eldar tongue?"

"Yes. Well, then. Let us get up and have breakfast. It will take some time to have you prepared properly."

As the master dictated, so we did.

While we were eating, I asked, "May I inquire which Archons from which Kabals will be present?"

Vect nodded and told me:

Kabal of the Flayed Skull: Archon Vraesque Malidrach
Kabal of the Blackened Tear: Archon Yaelindra
Kabal of the Baleful Gaze: Archon Llanthei
Kabal of the Black Myriad: Archon Vhane Kyhrac
Kabal of the Bloodied Claw: Archon Akhara'Keth
Kabal of the Broken Sigil: Archon Xerathis
Kabal of the Last Hatred: Archon Thyndrak
Kabal of the Lords of the Iron Thorn: Archon Marquis Vaulkhere

He also added, "Usually, Vorl-Xoelanth of the Dying Sun and Y'polleon of the Falling Moon would attend, but those two are engrossed in a senseless squabble over some insignificant system, ever-quarrelling about how to destroy it. Their Kabals are ancient and significant in power, but if they continue like this, they will lose their ground soon. Additionally, Archon Vaenix of the Sundered Eye was in this meeting until recently, but since his Kabal did nothing of notice the last few thousand years and is waning in power, I decided to no longer invite him. Also, the Obsidian Rose, which controls the finest weapon shops, has fallen from grace as I found out that Khromys has conspired with Malys. It is high time to put Khromys in her place; she has annoyed me long enough with her monopoly on high-quality weapons."

I knew that the first two Archons were twin brothers and they were as different as they could be, quarrelling right now whether they should destroy all the moons in the system and wreak havoc on the planets or simply destroy the sun, annihilating the whole system in one enormous blast.

Of Archon Anas Vaenix I knew nothing more than his name and the name of his Kabal.

Archon Aestra Khromys, leading the Kabal of the Obsidian Rose, was a weapon specialist herself and made sure that her Kabal produced the finest weapons and controlled the best and most weapon shops in Commorragh. To conspire with Malys apparently had been her last mistake, because my master obviously was severely pissed off by her treason. I figured that soon there would be one Kabal less in Commorragh and the Black Heart would grow again in size and influence.

I sincerely did not get why people still tried to cross Vect, since such a deed always ended in the same manner, which was their utter destruction and everybody who supported them.

My heart sank as he had told me the names of the attending Archons. I knew them all and knew what they had done so far, what they loved, what they hated. All of them were infamous and some were even mythical. I did not hide my discouragement.

Vect eyed me from the side as he was taking a sip of his cup and said, after he put it down again, "Am I correct in assuming that you know enough about them to picture how this day will go for you?"

I nodded and replied with a sigh, "Yes, you are, my lord. And am I correct in assuming that I am to be extra-nice to Archon Yaelindra, considering she is a great asset to you, for her unique connection to the Lhamaeans? And that I have to keep an especially close eye on Archon Malidrach and Archon Vaulkhere, which is why I am not allowed to speak in your tongue?"

Archon Yaelindra had gotten her right to take one of the highest spires for her Kabal from Vect himself, five thousand years ago, after she had poisoned the entire Hive world of Tybor III in the most gruesome fashion, by turning its inhabitants slowly into desiccated husks. The Overlord had been impressed by this deed, making Yaelindra one of the most powerful Archons in the Dark City and one of his best allies. She also thereafter founded the Cult of Lhamaea, a sisterhood of highly skilled lovers and poisoners, who drew their knowledge from Shaimesh, the Dark Muse of Poisons. The Dark Muses were kind-of lesser Eldar gods, often symbolising dark arts. It was theorised that they once had been of the old Eldar race and the worship and praise they got made them gods. History was very vague on that. An Archon with at least one Lhamaean in his court was to be sure to have the finest poisons at their disposal.

The two I had mentioned last were most likely to try something. Archon Malidrach was head of the second-biggest Kabal in Commorragh, especially in military strength, ever-thriving to dethrone Vect.

Archon Vaulkhere hailed from an ancient noble house, the Lords of the Iron Thorn. Their former head had been Archon Qu, who had dared – three thousand years ago – to declare his realm, Pandaimon, independent from Commorragh. His military strength had been able to match Vect's back then, but Qu had been betrayed by his own daughter, who had been one of Vect's courtesans. Naturally, the Lords of Iron Thorn were cautious now, but still held this grudge against the Overlord and it was all too likely that they would try and stage a coup against Vect.

My master frowned and replied, "I am not sure whether I should cherish your knowledge or start feeling threatened by it."

I laughed shortly and responded, "As if I was a threat to you and stupid enough to betray you in the first place. I am not fond of dying a creative death."

Vect let out a low and evil chuckle. "Loyalty is nothing I am used to around here, therefore yours is a bit… suspicious."

"I just love my hide, this is it. Please just look at my knowledge as an asset, not a threat! I would never dare to defy you!" I was afraid that he meant what he said.

Luckily, he did not, because right now he burst out into a roar of mocking laughter. My master took a while until he calmed down again and then he said, still breathing heavily, "Child, relax! I am just pulling your leg." He took a deep breath and then continued, now in a sincere manner (as always I was impressed how quickly he could change from roaring laughter to deadly sobriety), "Again, keep this to yourself, no matter what."

"I am aware that this promise is not that easy to keep, since 'no matter what' covers a lot of ground around here. However, I swear, my loyalty will be to you and you alone." I winced and continued, "Oh dear, this sounded like some twisted love confession."

Again, my lord chuckled.

I was so glad that he had a decent sense of humour.

Chu'uk would have killed me by now.

"Love… a concept rarely truly grasped in this galaxy at this time, and around here even less so, considering that having someone or something to love is just another weakness to be exploited. I know that you will have a hard time understanding this notion, since you are so young, but it is the best advice I can give you for a successful life in Commorragh." I knew he was right and I possibly understood his words better than he could ever imagine. I was stopped in mid-thought as he asked me a question I had not expected at all, "Have you ever been truly in love, child?"

I could just look at him, caught totally off-guard. It was not only his question that had put me off, but also his inflexion, there was a sobriety and sombreness to it that made me wonder. Was there something more to this question?

I gathered myself and replied, "Yes, I have been, once, some years ago. But the douchebag just dumped me for another stupid bitch." I was not able to hide the pain in my voice; the end of this relationship had utterly destroyed me back then.

"Such agony… you truly had to be hurt back then, I have never heard you swear that blatantly," he stated, his head tilted.

"Why are we having this conversation?" I asked him, bewildered. I did not like this at all.

There was a strange calmness about him now. Vect looked at me with an unfathomable gaze; then said, "Honestly, I am not sure myself; however, it has been a long time since I talked about love and now I find that I never did with a human." He shook his head. "Never mind, child, we are living in two different worlds to really reach an understanding of each other in this case."

My bewilderment just had to be apparent on my face. I truly did not get why he acted so strange all of a sudden. Then again, he did act in a puzzling manner quite often, why not now? I guessed I found it so hard to grasp hearing him talking about love, because it was something that did not fit him at all and it was a thing he never truly experienced and let happen, as far as I knew. The only one that had come close to being a lover to him had been Lady Malys, but it was suggested that only she had truly loved him, he had just played his usual game and dumped her at some point.

What if there was more to it?

I possibly would never find out, therefore, I chased the thought away and concentrated on eating. My master also fell into a somewhat sullen silence now; he seemed to ponder something intensely.

When we had finished breakfast and I was about to get to the bathroom to get showered and styled, Vect said, almost as a sideline, "Oh, I almost forgot. You will be coordinating the slaves today. It is high time you did."

I froze in mid-movement and then slowly turned my head to look at him. In a thin voice, I said, "I what now?"

I sucked at commanding.

"I think you understood me quite well," my master said and I noticed the dangerous undertone in his voice all too well.

"Yes, my lord, I did. I take it that I still am to serve the Archons myself whilst doing that?" I asked cautiously.

"Indeed. Now, go! We have a tight schedule today." This I did.

In the bathroom, whilst brushing my teeth and under the shower, I processed what I was to do today. I really, really was bad at commanding and I had the queasy feeling that somehow the other slaves despised me; my greatest weakness was that if I truly knew something better, I tended to appear as a know-it-all, simply because I knew it better and did not hide my opinion about that. Here, I indeed knew most and best about how to behave around Archons. I would try and educate my staff even further, because I was sure that I was to be punished if they made mistakes. It was time for me to tend to those that had ignored my advice in the first place. Somehow I had the queer feeling that I would get my means to punish them in a painful way. I was not sure if I was able to do that, for I had never hurt someone before just for punishment. I only had done it out of self-defence until now. However, did trying to avert a punishment for myself not count as self-defence around here?

I pondered that for a moment.

Then, I decided that this would be the only notion for me that would make me hurt another one of the slaves.

By now I was done showering and stepped out of the shower, wrapping myself in a pleasantly large and pre-warmed towel. As I looked up, I saw that I had company. Two human, female slaves waited for me; one of them was not entirely youthful anymore, the other was quite young. I was surprised that again I only interacted with human slaves; I had half-expected to see at least one Dark Eldar slave here, since they possibly knew best what their own kind preferred in terms of style. I gave them a short nod and said in a greeting manner, "Ladies." They returned the greeting with a nod. While I dried myself, I asked them, "I take it that you are here for me?"

The older one answered, "Yes, my lady."

I frowned and froze in mid-movement. Turning my head towards her, I asked, "Come again?"

"I said: yes, my lady."

My frown deepened, I crossed my arms and said, "Whoa, hold it right there! What merits me the title 'lady'?"

She seemed to be truly confused, because she said, hesitantly, "Well, since you are the Coordinator now, I have to…"

I cut her off, "Are you trying to tell me that we truly have ranks amongst ourselves?"

She just nodded, still apparently confused.

I shook my head. "Please, stop this nonsense! We are all slaves, what sense does it make that we have ranks? Here I am, knowing fucking everything about Dark Eldar ranks, but nothing about the ranks of the slaves. Oh, the irony."

Obviously dismayed, the slave said, "Please, my lady, we have to start working, our time is short and we would not want to keep the Overlord waiting."

I snorted, then nodded. "Alright, since I can't convince you to stop this ridiculous addressing, let's just move on. You are right, keeping the Overlord waiting is a stupid and dangerous mistake."

Therefore, I sat on the chair they had prepared for me and they started their work.

In the process, I found out that apparently the older one of the two slaves was commanding the younger one. The latter seemed to be her apprentice. While they worked, I asked them blatantly why they were styling me and not some Dark Eldar slaves, considering their advanced knowledge of the tastes of their race. The older slave explained that these kinds of slaves were here for generations and that the first one of them had truly been trained by Dark Eldar women. Since then, the knowledge had been passed down; they only occasionally got new information on what was the newest thing concerning fashion in the Dark City.

When they were done and I had a look at myself in the mirror, I truly was taken aback.

My – by now again long – hair had been braided into a complex style on the back of my head, which looked like a flower; they had done an exceptional job with my make-up. Also, a tiara that consisted of silvery chains had been worked into my hair, and an arrow-shaped ruby now lay on my forehead. Red and silver had always suited me. My make-up was a subtle one. It underlined my features perfectly, highlights and shades were very well made and I looked sincerer and more mature with it.

I complimented their work; they just receipted the compliment with humble compliance. By now I was quite sure that they had been scared into respecting me that much.

I still found it ridiculous that someone older than me referred to me as 'my lady'. However, deep down I also liked the respect I was given, since in the last months I had been the one forced to give respect to everybody else.

Then they helped me with donning my clothing for today. I drew a face as I saw what I had to wear. The Overlord had not been exaggerating when he had said that I had to bear more chains than usually. Basically, the clothes consisted of bra, hot pants, collar and heavy, metal cuffs around my wrists and ankles. The latter did of course not bind my limbs together, but they were attached to the collar with delicate chains, which would hinder too much movement on my part. Also, the bra was attached to the collar, making it some kind of mocking neck-holder. The collar itself was a lot more ornated today, on one hand, the chains that led to it were attached with skilfully chased eyelets; on the other, itself was ornated with chasings, relievos and rubies. Also, bra and pants were attached to each other through two uttermost delicate chains – one on the front, one on the back – and each link was ornated with tiniest rubies. The clothes were made out of the Lycra-like cloth again, but again were ornated with silver on the outside and the metal was also decorated with vertiginous patterns. Also, the usual pieces of red, silken cloths fell down between my legs and over my bottom. Altogether, this attire was gorgeous, but wearing it would be uncomfortable. It clearly showed how fine the hands of Dark Eldar could be, concerning artistic tasks, and that I would be Vect's pretty pet for showing around for today.

As they were done fitting me into the clothes, the two slaves left with a slight bow.

I had a look at me again in the mirror after they were gone and had to find again that the attire suited me perfectly and underlined my charms. What I found unnerving were the many chains I had to wear today. On one hand, they jangled delicately with every move I made; on the other, they hindered me somewhat and though they were attached to the collar on the backside, I knew that I would have to be on my toes not to get entangled with them somewhere and knock something over. I sighed. Since I had no choice, I went to leave the bathroom and to go back to my master.

I did not hide my resentment concerning my clothes as I came back to him. The Overlord took a very close look at me and then started smiling. "Why the long face? You look absolutely stunning. Good to see that I still employ the best of the best." His every word trickled with scorn.

I snorted and replied, "Yes, it is a beautiful attire. Who does not love to jangle with every movement? I feel like a windbell."

The Overlord frowned. "Windbell?" he asked.

I sighed, seated myself again beside him and explained, "One of the most useless inventions of humankind ever. Basically, it is an arrangement of metal tubes, which are loosely attached to each other. Then this thing gets hanged in front of a window or outside, so if the wind blows, the device chimes. Utterly. Useless."

My master chuckled. "Seems as if the comparison fits, then. Believe me, this will be the least of your problems today." With this, he went to the bathroom himself.

I sighed as he was gone. There was no need for him discouraging me time and again. I knew that I was doomed anyways.

Therefore, I waited until he came back, sulking and pondering my strategy with the slaves. I had an idea, but everything depended on whether my master would let me leave before the Archons arrived.

I did not ask him yet, as he came back, I thought it was best to take him by surprise. He also did not pay much attention to me as he donned his armour. Therefore, our way to the throne room was quick and silent this time.

In front of it, I decided to take the shot and asked, with pounding heart, "My lord, may I leave now to instruct the slaves further? I will make haste and see to it that I am back before the Archons arrive."

The Overlord halted in his pace, so did his lifeguard, then he turned to me and looked at me for a moment, eyes narrowed. I could almost see his mind processing a million thoughts in this time, possibly pondering whether I was trying something or if I just truly tried to do my job as well as I could. There was always doubt in this mind, no utter trust could be found. After all, this was what had made him so successful. I had to hold my relieved sigh back as he finally slightly nodded and said, "Very well. However, do not dare to be late!" I held still as he removed the chain from my collar.

I bowed to him after this was done and said, "Thank you, my lord, I swear, I will be punctual!" With this, I was dismissed.

Vect and his lifeguard made their way to the throne room and I hurried down to the kitchen.

My heart still pounded with great nervousness as I entered it. I wanted to scurry to the section where I knew my new staff would be found, but I was halted in my pace by one of the Dark Eldar Overseers around here.

I acknowledged him with a nod and asked, "What do you need?" Somehow, I felt a bit too proud to give him the title 'lord'.

He chuckled. "I need nothing. You, on the other hand, are lacking something." My heart jumped a second at his words and my mind started raging what I could have forgotten. However, he did not leave me to stew and rather continued, "You will need some kind of emphasis if the slaves don't obey you as you wish it, agreed?"

I nodded, but dreaded what was now to come.

"Good. I was instructed to give you something fitting, so, here you are!" he said and produced a pair of silvery rings.

I took them, but had to ask in confusion, "Nice, but what are these?" I feared the answer.

The Overseer flashed his pointed teeth with the relishing smile he now gave me. "Agonisers; the tiniest and mildest form of them, since we can't expect you to know how to use them correctly; those two little toys are just designed to harm, not to kill. I guess I don't have to tell you that it is easy to snuff lives out with the more advanced versions of them. Oh, and they just work on humans, so don't even think about using them on one of us." He then additionally explained to me how to activate and deactivate them. It was simply done by brushing them against each other. Their appearance did not change with that, so I would be extra-careful not to do it accidently. I decided to put them on my middle fingers. As it was to be expected, they fitted me perfectly and were completely inconspicuous.

I swallowed. I was not comfortable at all with the thought that I was to hurt my fellow slaves. Commanding them was one thing – truly making them do what I wanted a completely different one.

Of course, the Overseer saw my dismay and he relished it. With a mocking bow, he said, "Regards from the Overlord. It was his idea."

So this was another test. I should have known, actually.

I, therefore, chose to ignore the Overseer's mockery, bowed slightly and said, "Thank you. I will use your… gifts wisely."

He flashed a lopsided smile. "I am sure you will."

Then, I hurried onwards, to 'my' slaves.

Apparently, they had been informed that I was their new Coordinator, because they were waiting for me, looking at me with anticipation.

I took a deep breath – I hated giving speeches – and then started, "Ladies and gents, as you might know, I am to coordinate you today. I'd like to show you some things before we start and I advise you to keep them in mind, since it will make your service a lot easier and give the Archons fewer reasons to punish you. After that, I'd like to speak with the most experienced, to make sure that I have some seeing eyes down here while I am up in the throne room; then, with the least experienced, to instruct them a bit more closely. I'll try to do my best in this position, though I have to admit that I do something like this for the first time, and I hope that you try too. I won't lie to you – I won't take kindly to people that do not heed my commands and advice. I hate making threats here, but I want you to understand that in the first place it will be my hide on the line if some of you blow it. Is that understandable?"

That said, the slaves nodded or made approving sounds. I then told them some basics I had already witnessed they lacked and also introduced them to some general things they had to mind. The reactions to that were mixed – some were shocked about their mistakes, some seemed to be grateful, others, on the other hand, were openly annoyed by my advice; I kept the faces of the latter in mind, just so I knew whom I had to look out for. I had a bad feeling that I would use those Agonisers today.

After that, the groups I mentioned came to me. There were three experienced slaves (who were not older than me and once again let me wonder about whether I would survive any longer around here) and also three new ones. The latter seemed not to be much younger than the former. All were human, as it was usual, and there were four females and two males, equally distributed among veterans and newcomers.

First, I spoke to the veterans, "I want you to keep things steady and running down here, since I can't be here myself. I am expected in the throne room, for my usual service. Besides, I think the three of you know way better how things should run down here than me, since I have just gotten a glimpse of it in my time here. Also, take some protégés; see to it that there is always someone here who knows what's up." I was relieved that they agreed with me. They then went away to do as I asked.

Now I turned my attention to the newbies, "I advise you to heed the basics I have told earlier; Dark Eldar despise disrespectful mistakes. Also, there is one great rule you have to heed if you want your life not to be too unpleasant right now: no matter what they do to you, keep calm! The more you show them your fear or pain, the more they will enjoy hurting you. This is the best advice I can give you. Heed it, and you will see that you will suffer less than those that don't act this way!" Additionally, I instructed them about some basic serving rules, which they might not yet have known. I wanted everybody to know what they were to do. The newcomers nodded and thanked me for my wisdom.

So far, so good. I checked with the veterans that I was leaving again and after I was sure that everything down here would be just fine, I went back to the throne room.

On the way there I halted, as I was alone in the secret hallway. Though I did not like it, I had to try something. I needed to know how strong the pain the Agonisers brought was, so I could measure the rate of punishment I was inflicting on somebody else. I took a deep breath and brushed the two rings against each other. There was really no sign of knowing that they were turned on; I figured that this was yet another facet of the test. I gulped, gritted my teeth, and inhaled deeply. Then, I laid my right hand on my right thigh. I exhaled sharply and drew my hand back as the Agoniser had connected. It truly was a nasty kind of pain, piercing marrow and bone. The spot I had laid it upon still throbbed a few seconds afterwards; my nerves apparently had been stimulated directly. The last thing was not new to me; I knew how those terrible devices worked: they connected directly with the nervous system, guaranteeing the purest and worst kind of pain. The sting had not been that bad, I had already felt worse; however, what really made my stomach turn was the fact that these two rings were just mild Agonisers. I never wanted to find out how a severe one felt. It had to be a maddening experience.

Therefore, I carefully turned them off again and decided to only use them on those that completely ignored my advice and would not care about whether I got punished for their misdeeds. For milder mistakes, I would either resort to a spoken rebuke or a good old slap. Then, I hurried onwards.

Stepping through the great portal all alone made me feel somewhat awkward, especially because it was just me and the Overlord for now in the throne room. The guards and the two barkeeper-slaves did not count for me.

As I entered the throne room, I saw that a similar table as at the meetings of the Circle was now here; shining in white, apparently again made out of bone. The difference was that it was formed like a horseshoe, therefore leaving the Overlord sitting on his throne, above the others. It made clear that they had to respect him and that he stood above them, in every sense of the meaning.

I scurried to him, bowed before the throne and then took my place at his left side. He chained me to the throne. To break the silence, I said, "The slaves are instructed, my lord, everything should be set."

"Good," he just said in a cold manner.

With this I knew that from now on I was not to babble about anymore; I would have loved to ask him why he wanted me to do the punishing today – but then I remembered our conversation in the morning and decided that it was best if I did not ask. One more question about his motives could carry some serious disciplining for me.

Besides, Vect would need his concentration for the Archons now, for he had to be ever-wary of a traitor among them. Also, he now again showed his side of the utter relentless Supreme Overlord, no time for a playful attitude or the slightest glimpse of kindness and I had to be at the peak of my manners and submission. Therefore, I waited silently at his side until the Archons arrived.

As I stared into thin air, I saw that the symbols of the Kabals were engraved into the seats at the table, so every Archon found their place immediately. I figured that the position of the seats also connoted the hierarchy in the way it did with the circle. This is what I figured it had to be, considering the symbols:

Archon Vraesque Malidrach of the Flayed Skull
Archon Yaelindra of the Blackened Tear
Archon Llanthei of the Baleful Gaze
Archon Akhara'Keth of the Bloodied Claw
Archon Thyndrak of the Last Hatred
Archon Xerathis of the Broken Sigil
Archon Vhane Kyhrac of the Black Myriad
Archon Marquis Vaulkhere of the Lords of the Iron Thorn

The hierarchy did not surprise me. It was only logical that Malidrach lead it, having the second strongest military power in Commorragh and that Vaulkhere was the lowest around here, still a tiny, yet well-placed humiliation from Vect's side. This reminded me closely to never truly awaken his wrath, for he seemed to be highly resentful, even after this long time. Three thousand years were no short thing, even in Commorrite time.

Finally, the Archons arrived, one by one, and with each of them I learnt that there were many different facets of beauty and ugliness to behold, both on the in- and outside.

First to arrive was Archon Vaulkhere. He was clad in charcoal grey armour, highlighted with cerulean gems and an equally coloured tuft of hair graced his helmet. Each of his sheets of armour was lined with white gold, and his wrap and decorative loincloth were made of utterly fine chainmail, which shone magnificently in the blood-red twilight of Commorragh, because those chains were made out of white gold too. His face still showed youth, after all, he could only have reigned for about three thousand years, not much of an age for Dark Eldar, and his features were finely sculpted, haughty, and showed that he was proud of himself. He took his helmet off after the great portal had closed itself behind him, neared the throne, halted in front of the dais on which it stood and graced the Overlord with a bow of his head and falling onto one knee in front of him. He said, "Hail, Supreme Overlord!"

Vect graced him with an icy smile and replied, "Archon Vaulkhere, how decent of you to be over-punctual."

"I would never dare to make you wait," the young Archon replied. Though his tone was submissive, I imagined hearing a slight inflexion of annoyance in it.

"Of course, you would not. Please, take your seat!" the Overlord said. The mocking nature of his words was unmistakable; yet, Vaulkhere was clever enough to let the taunting go without notice, stood up again and took his seat at the table.

Next to arrive was Archon Akhara'Keth. He was the sharp contrast to Vaulkhere. Adorned with his cadmium red armour and broken white decorations, he was a terrible sight to behold. It was easily visible that he was ancient. Deep scars and wrinkles tore his face apart and many black veins pierced its possible former beauty. His stance and gait were a bit stooped and it seemed as if falling onto one knee strained him. Akhara'Keth was known for having an excellent lifeguard and many cunning devices in his throne room to keep off would-be assassins and him safe from them. Why was now apparent. He seemed to be too ancient to meet the physical requirements of defending himself any longer. Yet, his mind was sharp enough to keep him on top of his Kabal.

Seeing this old Dark Eldar shook me, because his abhorrent shape reminded me closely that something was utterly wrong with Vect. I did not know how old Akhara'Keth was, but he had to be younger than Vect, since it was known that the latter was the oldest of his race, Haemonculi left aside. What the hell had the Overlord done to himself to keep his youthful shape, while this old, but still younger Archon withered like an old tree?

I shivered and regretted it in the same moment, because it made my chains jangle.

The greeting between Akhara'Keth and Vect was more respectful than the first one. As the Archon got up to take his seat, his ancient gaze brushed over me and I could see in his eyes that within this withered body lay an utterly awake and sharp spirit. I would not dare to underestimate him, for I had the queasy feeling that he sized me up quite perfectly with this short stare.

Shortly after Akhara'Keth, Archon Llanthei arrived. She was clad in olive green armour, which was highlighted with vermillion gems and an equally coloured tuft of hair on her helmet. Wrap and loincloth of her armour were also vermillion-coloured, but had some gold inwrought in them too. Llanthei was a stunning sight; it was not surprising considering that she and her Kabal valued aesthetics over everything else, knowing exactly how easily physical perfection could fail, since she and all her flock had once been the lowest of the low in Commorragh. She was young, which was apparent, her facial features were graceful, perfectly shaped and an unfathomable expression lied in her pitch-black eyes. Her movements were snake-like, as she took off her helmet and graced the Overlord with a greeting equal to the other Archons, though her movements were soothing to behold, because they were so fluid.

At this point, I had no idea that I would change my view on perfect movements twice today.

Vect and Llanthei greeted each other with cold respect.

Next was Archon Xerathis. He was clad in dark cyan armour with titanium white highlights. His gaze revealed some kind of hidden cruelty, which did not surprise me, for I knew that he favoured terror-tactics. Some Archons thought him to be predictable because of that, but it was just jealous talk, because Xerathis proved time and again that he was an excellent tactician. The greeting between him and the Overlord was aloof, yet courteous.

Then, Archon Thyndrak entered the throne room. This Dark Eldar woman apparently also was ancient. Her face showed deep lines, yet her features were sharp and hawk-like. For a human eye, she was not a beautiful woman, her face was simply too clear-cut for that, underlining her alien origin. Pure madness shone in her eyes; I knew that Thyndrak counted to the sickest and cruellest Dark Eldar that were. Her Kabal specialised in prolonging life and suffering as long as possible; they were on the brink of developing a technique that could drag a soul back into its dying body, blurring the line between life and death in the process.

Thyndrak smiled viciously and somewhat mad at the Overlord as she knelt before him and though she had to be as equally old as Akhara'Keth, she showed no sign of physical weakness. Yet, her mind had to be wrecked and she did not hide the fact. Somehow, the dark violet armour with the blue highlights gave her something utterly mysterious.

The next Archon that arrived was a feast for one's eyes, for it was Archon Yaelindra, the mistress of the Lhamaeans. She moved like the most graceful cat, lascivious, beckoning to touch her, but yet her demeanour showed the fangs of a poisonous snake. Words simply could not describe such flowing movement, she downright floated in front of the throne; and the bending of her knee to the Overlord was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen in my whole life. Yaelindra possessed a captivating beauty, with soft, perfectly sculpted features, lascivious, full lips and shining eyes. Her hair was crimson; a rare thing amongst Dark Eldar and it was perfectly complemented by her indigo armour with the black ornaments.

With a voice that could seduce the most strong-minded man with its allure, she said, "Greetings, Supreme Overlord." Damn it, simply her voice turned me on, her concupiscent movements left aside. She truly was the queen of the Lhamaeans.

However, (and of course) Vect was not moved by her beauty – if he was, he hid it perfectly; I figured that he had dealt with her often enough to be resistant to her charms – and he replied, "Archon Yaelindra, as always, it is my genuine pleasure to greet you in my halls." This was quite the amicable greeting, but it was no secret that her and his Kabal were allies.

She chuckled – a pleasurable shiver ran down my spine as she did, because it was so beautiful – and she replied, "Oh, the pleasure is all mine, Overlord. After all, it is, as always, an honour to be graced with your presence." To my surprise, Yaelindra sounded as if she truly meant these words.

Vect left the compliment unanswered and just dismissed her with a slight nod. She floated to her seat.

Then, Archon Kyhrac entered the throne room. Arrogance and narcissism were so apparent on his face, it made me sick; he was stunningly handsome, every bit of his face was perfect; I was sure that he had some surgical modifications done and wore a tad bit of makeup, to underline his painfully perfect features. I knew that Kyhrac was a narcissist at his finest. He forced the Trueborns of his Kabal to have their faces surgically altered, so they looked like him. On the official side, he had stated that this tactic should confuse would-be assassins, but it was known that he loved the look of his own face the most. He also had eradicated the population on Phlogiston VI by inducing a doppelgänger virus into the air, which turned the face of every inhabitant of the planet into his likeness; of course, this process was lethal. This had just shown his vanity and narcissism once more. Kyhrac's armour was slate blue, adorned with crimson ornaments and perfectly, yet subtly, placed gold lines and dots. The tuft of hair that was on his helmet, as well as his wrap and loincloth, was also a mixture of crimson and gold. The attire suited him magnificently.

Kyhrac almost reluctantly paid his respects; the Overlord did not seem to care, but his tone suggested that he was not very fond of this pompous prick either.

Last to come and as expected, was Archon Malidrach. He proverbially stormed the throne room, his steps and stance showing pride and self-awareness. Malidrach was no youngster, age showed slightly on his features. I knew that he had started out as a Reaver and his armour, which shone in deep red with ornaments and his helmet decoration in pitch-black, was adjusted to just this profession. His stature suggested a lot of muscles; his features could best be described as hard and fierce, as were his cold, determined eyes. Malidrach was a military man, the way he moved and bowed to Vect made that clear. The greeting between the two Archons that commanded the biggest Kabals of them all was more than aloof. It was apparent that they did not have any amicable feelings towards each other.

With Malidrach's arrival, the circle was complete and the Overlord started the meeting.

What I found out while it lasted, was that on one hand, the Overlord explained to them the general direction he wanted the future raids to go and which systems he reserved for his Kabal. He also set bounties for specific individuals of other races or the destruction of some planets that were a thorn in his side and with which he did not want to deal himself. It seemed as if there was a lot more tactic to their raids than it looked to the outside, because after Vect had declared which planetary systems were his to have, the other Archons discussed their claims on different systems. It seemed as if they seemed to be very careful not to cross each other with the raids, for this would only result in unnecessary fights between the Kabals outside of Commorragh. Of course, they would not heed those plans entirely, after all, they were Dark Eldar and tried to get the best out of everything, but I was quite sure that they were not stupid enough to cross Vect in his plans.

After this had been discussed, the Archons had to present their general plans of machinations and expansion of their Kabals within Commorragh, so that they could sort out differences in that way and Vect distributed the space of the city as he saw fit.

Only after this meeting I understood what Vect's position truly meant. He indeed commanded all of Commorragh; if anything was to change in the city, his permission was to be obtained beforehand. Of course, he did not intervene if two Kabals fought over territory and weakened each other with that, but if it was a political move, it seemed as if he had the last say in it. I only began to understand in the course of the meeting how sublime and sovereign his position truly was.

The title 'Supreme Overlord' indeed was the only one that fitted his echelon correctly.

As they started discussing, my master unchained me without any acknowledgement and I immediately got up, bowed to him though he did not look at me – I damn well better paid my respects – and started with my task.

Without any hesitation, I went to Archon Malidrach. I bowed to him and calmly said (using English/Low Gothic seemed so strange to me again), "Greetings, Archon! May I inquire what your wishes would be for today?"

The greeting I got from him was a painful slash across my left cheek from one of the thorns on his armour. The movement had been so quick that I had not been able to see it. This just underlined how Malidrach had started his career; he had been an utterly successful Reaver and had been able to establish a Kabal with the riches he had earned this way. Since then, he had always honed his skills regarding his speciality and therefore, his reflexes were mostly unmatched – at least by the members of his Kabal, for Malidrach commanded the Flayed Skull for quite the while now. The Archon replied, his inflexion as sharp as the thorn that had just pierced me, "Start with talking only when talked to, slave! Bring me the best, dry wine this court has to offer."

Though I hated what he had done, I bowed obediently and scurried away without saying a single word.

As I was walking towards the bar, I let my hand glide over my cheek and I was not surprised as I saw blood on my fingers. With this, I was made aware that this day would be a hell lot more painful than the meetings I was used to. Even Malidrach had shown me that the Circle meetings had been nothing compared to what I was to experience now. I had to be extra-careful, for they did not know me and did not know of my skills. To them, I was another stupid, human slave, and – to make matters worse – the personal one of the person they hated and envied most in this city.

At the bar, I thanked the slaves for giving me a damp towel to clean myself from my blood. I told them which wine I needed. They provided almost instantly and I hurried back to Malidrach, glass and wine bottle in my hands.

Again without opening my mouth I poured the tasting sip into the glass. Impatiently Malidrach grabbed it, inhaled the bouquet of the wine and I was surprised as he actually took the sip. I had half-expected him to toss the wine back into my face.

I was even more surprised as he nodded approvingly and I was allowed to pour the rest of the wine. After I was done dealing with him, I went to the other side of the table, to Archon Yaelindra.

I noticed with a small smile that surprised gazes followed me on my path. Apparently, they had not expected that I knew how their hierarchy worked.

I bowed to the allied Archon and said in a greeting manner, "My lady."

She turned to me and I had to shiver as she took me at my chin and lifted my head so that I looked into her eyes. Yaelindra looked at me for a while, then let go of me and she said, "You must be Vect's new slave. I have heard so many things about you and yet you are different from what I had imagined."

I smiled shyly and replied sarcastically, "Only bad things, I hope?"

She chuckled – this produced pleasant goose-bumps on my skin – and she responded, "Oh, I have to disappoint you; I have heard only good things. Tahvyn keeps rambling on about you; he can't wait to purchase you."

I needed a second to process who 'Tahvyn' was. Then I remembered that this was Ea'nash's first name. So they were romantically involved. Interesting. Maybe this knowledge would prove useful to me one day.

I remembered my professionality and asked, "What can I get for you, my lady?"

She made a relished sound and said, "Give me something sweet. I love those meetings and Malidrach's caustic stares make them oh-so-much sweeter." She waved jokingly in Malidrach's direction; his gaze darkened. Apparently, they were hateful rivals.

I bowed slightly to her and scurried to the bar. I had just the thing for her.

I came back to Yaelindra with a sweet wine made of a variation of berries. She took the tasting sip and let out a relished sound. She said, "Mmh, you sure know what a girl likes." Yaelindra caressed my uninjured cheek, so expertly and tenderly that I could not help but feel aroused. "Thank you, my little one. Go on, I am sure that the rest are in need of your services too."

As I scurried to Archon Llanthei on the other side of the table, it occurred to me that Yaelindra was exceptionally nice for an Archon. Either Ea'nash had truly showered me with praise or she treasured her connection to Vect too much to be mean to me.

Archon Llanthei eyed me attentively as I bowed to her and greeted her. She tilted her head after I was done and said, "You are strangely confident, slave. Usually, the Overlord's slaves are only shades of their former selves."

"There is nothing to it, my lady, I just have been taught well," I assured her submissively.

"Too bad that you are not a True Eldar; you could have made it far in my Kabal," she stated pensively.

I kept my gaze lowered and replied, "Thank you, my lady, alas, I am not. May I inquire what refreshments I shall bring you?"

She told me. Though Llanthei was not entirely amicable towards me, she showed me cold respect and kept me at a distance at the same time. I was sure she had her reasons for it, so I let her be.

Next, I was with Akhara'Keth. I dreaded what was to come for me from his hand.

As it was custom, I bowed to him and greeted him appreciatively.

I winced as he laid his hand upon my chin and lifted my head, to make me look into his ancient, yet incredibly far-seeing eyes. He narrowed his as he prolonged this hard stare. I kept as calm as possible as he drew a painful cut down my left side with his other hand, while still eyeing me critically. I felt the warm blood run down my hip.

After twisting the thorn of his gauntlet in my wound and making me gasp and wince a bit with pain, he said, pensively, "Such a well-trained, little bird. I'd love to know who instructed you, but I am quite sure that you are not allowed to tell me anyways. Therefore, never mind that, child. So… any strong spirits on the menu?" His voice sounded as ancient as he looked; cackling, throaty and experienced. He had not taken his hand off my chin.

Somewhat restrained I answered, "Yes, my lord. What would you prefer?"

He smiled – this smile had no joy in it; just pure viciousness – and replied, "Let's test your skills even further. Bring me what you think I might like. If you pass, I will let you go unscathed. If you fail, I will punish you." Now, Akhara'Keth let go of me. I bowed and hurried away.

I shivered as I was at the bar. Something about Akhara'Keth creeped me out, I just could not say what it was. I chose a bitter, yet pleasantly strong spirit for him, since it somehow fitted what little I had seen of his personality.

I served the nicely ornated glass to him, palms sweaty with fear this time, for I was not fond of feeling a punishment from his hand. Akhara'Keth took the glass and the tiniest of sips. As soon as the liquid had touched his lips he put it down again, turned to me and grabbed me by my collar with his left hand (I was standing at his right side). He drew me pretty close to him – I felt nauseated at the thought that these scarred lips could touch me – and whispered into my ear, "Almost, but not quite; looks like someone is due for some punishment." He laughed into my ear as I let out a small cry of pain. The Archon was with one of his pointed fingertips of his gauntlets in my wound again; I did not know what he did, but it hurt like hell and he made me whimper and tears well up in my eyes. Somehow, my gathering and breathing techniques did not work here. I fought against his grip, but he was simply too strong for me. He went on and on; I bit my tongue and dug my fingernails into the armrest of his chair to not cry out too loud; all I wanted was for him to stop. A desperate side-look into his eyes told me that he had no intention of doing so soon.

However, help came from a side I had not expected it from.

"Archon Akhara'Keth, do you mind to stop torturing my personal slave?" the sharp voice of the Overlord boomed through the hall. His phrasing suggested a politeness that simply was not there.

Akhara'Keth let go of me in an instant, as if I was searing hot. I could not help but to retreat a few steps, cringing and breathing heavily, sight blurred with tears. I had never been put off that much in public, not even by Vect.

The Archon of the Bloodied Claw replied, "Forgive me, Overlord, I got carried away by her beautiful reactions."

Vect snarled, "Better find your restraint again! The task you have given her was one for a truly experienced slave, which she is not, she is still quite new. If you want her punished at length, let me know; she is mine to discipline in this manner." Again I was impressed by how sharp his senses had to be and how wide his attention apparently could spread. Seconds ago, the Overlord had just answered some questions, but it seemed as if he had heard every single word I had exchanged with the Archons so far. Seemingly, he kept a close eye on them and me.

Somehow, this made me feel honoured.

Now Akhara'Keth smiled viciously and retorted, "One might think that you are somewhat fond of her, Overlord."

Vect's gaze darkened. "I have expected more wisdom of you, Akhara'Keth. I am not 'fond' of a single one of my slaves. She just was quite expensive and arduous to get and I will not see her wasted by your amateur hand. I think it is best for you if you keep your thoughts to yourself."

Though I was still gasping in pain – somehow the wound only slowly stopped its intense throbbing – I smiled to myself. This just had been one of the biggest insults and roughest tones I ever had been graced to hear from the Overlord when talking to another Archon. The affront in his words was apparent, yet Akhara'Keth did not dare to note it. The Archon did the only wise thing that was left for him to do and said, "Forgive me, Overlord, it was not my place."

"Indeed it was not!" Vect growled. His wrath seemed to be sincere.

With this, the discussion was concluded and I had time to retreat for a second to gather myself.

The slaves at the bar shot me some sympathetic gazes and again provided me with warm and damp towels to clean myself. I looked at the wound and found with horror that it looked jagged. He had torn it in a way I had not yet seen; it looked like it would never heal again properly.

Well, I would see about that.

What puzzled me was why the Overlord kept bailing me out of truly unpleasant situations. What did he get out of that? He had to have some kind advantage from this; Asdrubael Vect never did something out of the goodness of his heart.

The thought almost made me laugh.

After I had made sure that I was no longer bleeding like a pig brought to the slaughter, I continued with my work.

Therefore, I went back to Archon Akhara'Keth and let him give me instructions on what he truly desired. I had not been far off indeed, for the beverage he now longed for was similar in taste to the one I had suggested for him. I shivered. I did not want to know what he would have done to me if I had failed his taste completely. For now, I had no longer to deal with him and went to the next Archon.

I dreaded what would await me from the hand of Archon Thyndrak. She was not known for her kindness and mental stability. As respectful as ever, I bowed to her – great, now doing that hurt like hell – and greeted her respectfully.

I winced as I felt her cold gauntlet at my injured side. She made an annoyed sound as she examined the wound and stated, "Such a crude injury! He has no taste for fine arts, this Akhara'Keth!" She flashed a terrible smile with her pointed teeth at me and said in a malicious tone as she caressed my also injured cheek in a cruel fashion, "If I had punished you, your injuries would have been aesthetic, yet even more painful. You would have begged me to stop before your master had intervened. Don't mind what that blunt brute over there does to you – he is nothing compared to me. Oh, what a beautiful torture slave you would make! I would love to rip your soul out of your body and swallow it bit by bit, so that you would know exactly what is happening to you. Mmh, and what a treat you would be! So… delicious!" She enjoyed every single word.

I simply could not handle her.

Thyndrak's atrocious words combined with her almost tender caress put me off severely and I replied with a weak and trembling voice, "I… I am sure of that, my lady." I flinched as she let the sharp tip on her thumb glide over the injury in my face, so tender that she did not injure me any further, but her caresses drove me insane. I continued thinly, barely able not to back away from her, "How may I serve you, my lady?"

I felt just like the very first time I had served in this court, though I had some experience and had felt some things by now. Yet somehow, those completely different facets of madness were almost more than I could handle. I stared fearfully into her black eyes and I could see how much she enjoyed my horror. She was a true monster; I could see it clearly.

Why, oh why, did they all put me off so severely? Why was I able to handle Vect that much calmer, though he had done similar and worse things to me? Somehow, the Archons touched me so deeply though they did nothing off the charts. Yet, they seemed to push my buttons perfectly. This showed me how well Archons were versed in tormenting others.

I almost sighed in relief as she told me what she desired and dismissed me. I fought the tears down as I went to the bar and back. I was lucky that Thyndrak seemed to have scared me enough into submission, because she did not take note of me as I served her drink.

Archon Xerathis was next. I tried to brace my mind against the assault it would surely have to deal with in a second, since I knew that he loved terror-tactics. Nevertheless, I showed him the same courtesy as any other Archon.

Xerathis looked at me and said, "Such a pretty attire. Yet, you would hate to wear it in my court."

I looked at him, bewildered, then asked, "My lord?"

He chuckled and explained, "Well, when one of my slaves gets to wear this ceremonial clothing, I have the chains coated with a toxin and a hallucinogen. The toxin assures that the chains feel searing hot if they touch the slave's skin, the hallucinogen makes them believe that they sustain burns from it. It is always most entertaining to watch how they try to avoid touching the chains. Just try to imagine it, child! It is just impossible to avoid them."

I looked at him in horror, though I should have expected such mental torture from him. And though I tried not to with all my might, I somehow had to imagine it. Blatantly cursing my vivid imagination in my mind, I could just stand there and visualise what this would be like, my whole body cringing on the inside, for I knew how little I could stand burning sensations. I stared into his black eyes while I did and I hated that he knew what I was going through, for slowly a vicious smile started to grace his features.

At some point, Xerathis chuckled and said, "Very good, my dear! Ah, the fun I could have with you! As usual, the Overlord has the perfect eye for those slaves which are best to torment. And yet…" I let out a purely afraid gasp as he grabbed me by my collar and drew me close to him. "…yet, you are strangely calm, though you are scared and in pain." He made a musing sound, then took a deep breath. "What a balance. Strange for a human." Chuckling, he let go of my collar again and said, "Ah, well! Enough of this! I'll let you do what you are here for, little one." With this, he allowed me to do my job.

I fled him. Again, I did not know why he put me off so severely, since he had done nothing special to me.

By now I was utterly grateful that Vect treated me as good as he did. I figured that the Archons of the Kabal of the Black Heart treated their personals slaves in general better than Archons of other Kabals, though I had only met the Archons of the Circle and their slaves. Maybe this came from the fact that it was the Overlord's Kabal and that he had also been a slave once and possibly knew what it was like to be abused day in and out and that it was sometimes wise to keep slaves at least healthy and without pain. Somewhat satisfied slaves could be an asset in some situations.

At least I thought so.

Whatever the true reason, I was really glad that I was where I was.

I served Archon Xerathis his drink in silence and then went on to the next, who was Archon Kyhrac.

For once I had some kind of strategy. Kyhrac was known to be a terrible narcissist, and I would exploit this fact. I greeted him with the usual bow, then I stayed at his side and let a dumbstruck expression show on my face.

I had to keep myself from smiling confidently as he took the bait, "What's wrong, slave? Can't handle my perfection?" Oh, he was so full of himself, it worked.

I hemmed and hawed a bit, then said, in a shy manner, "A bit, my lord. Still, I am grateful that you allow me to witness your perfect beauty and that you grace me with your words."

Kyhrac chuckled. "What a courteous, little dove you are! However, I have no time for chatting. I desire the finest, semi-sweet red wine you can bring me and a cup of Tár'yenna tea."

I bowed and replied, "Of course, my lord."

I flashed a small smile as I went to the bar and instructed the slaves on tea, wine and glass. The tea he had requested was the one with the high caffeine content and which heightened their senses. Fittingly, Tár'yenna meant something like 'heightening'. I was actually puzzled that he was the first one to ask about it.

I had a good idea how I could kindle his narcissism even more. I decided to serve the wine in a glass, but the tea I would bring him in a perfectly polished, lined metal cup. It was so well-polished, that it was like a mirror. I was sure that he would love that, since he loved looking at his face the most.

I brought the glass, cup and bottle to him and served tea and tasting sip with a bow. After I had brought the bottle back to the bar, paid my respects to him and was about to move on to the next Archon, Kyhrac commanded, "Slave, come back here for a second!"

I scurried back to his side and said with a bow, "Is something amiss, Archon?"

His left hand, which grabbed me lightning-fast at my throat and started to choke me, gave me the answer. Nevertheless, he snarled, while he opened the cut on my face again, "Did you really think I would fall for your blunt attempts of flattery? Did you think I'd even care? In fact, you insult me with that; I don't care about the appreciation of such lowly beasts like yourself. How dare you presume that you are the equal of any True Eldar by admiring me?!"

Now, his true narcissism and madness showed. It was in these seconds – while he smothered me – that I remembered something I had once been told about narcissists. With that, I realised my critical mistake. True narcissists longed for the admiration of people they thought important; anybody who stood below them and adored them only made them angry, because for them it meant that others, who were more worthy of appreciating them, should admire them even more so. Therefore, what I had done had possibly been the worst way I could have acted.

Thus, I did the only thing that was left for me to do and I said in a thin voice, "Please… forgive me… my lord. I… forgot my… place."

Only as my sight grew dim he let go of me. I fell to my knees and fought for air. With this, Kyhrac no longer took notice of me. I needed a bit to regain my breath, then I struggled to get back on my feet and with a kind of sloppy bow, since I was dizzy, I left his side.

I shortly retreated to calm myself and make sure that my face was not drenched in blood, then I went to the last of the round, to Archon Vaulkhere.

I knew that the Thornlords were proud beyond measure; therefore, I decided to be even more careful with him than with the rest. I bowed to him and said, "Greetings, Archon of the Lords of the Iron Thorn! How may this lowly one serve you?"

I barely kept from spitting blood as he backhanded me across the face. Of course, he had hit me on my injured cheek, which made the blood flow again and the pain in my face explode. I drew a step back with a pain-wrecked grunt, hands on my face, because it hurt so badly. Vaulkhere snarled at me, "For one, with not opening your filthy mouth in my presence and pestering me with your stinking breath. You don't have to talk to serve, just await orders, you mannerless bitch!"

I took my hands off my face and bowed to him in acknowledgement. I already saw the blood on my palms. It was quite bad. While I remained bent down, he gave me his order. I nodded, rose again and went to get it and gather myself.

At the bar, I said to the girls, "Do you, by any chance, have a mirror somewhere? I have to see how devastated I look." They gave me what I asked with pitiful looks, it was a small hand-mirror, and again some towels to clean myself. As I looked into the mirror I was startled in both bad and wondrous ways. The wound in my face had made blood run over the left half of it, making it a bloody and terrible grimace. Also, my cheek was slightly swollen, no wonder after a hit with a metal gauntlet. That I was in pain was apparent in my facial expression. However, I was also utterly surprised to find that my makeup was still perfectly holding. Neither blood nor sweat nor water had smudged it; and after I had cleaned my face from the blood and had made the wound stop bleeding, I looked almost as good as new.

I sighed, took the refreshments Vaulkhere had asked for and served them with a bow but without a sound. Luckily, he let me be. Maybe he was too careful to prolong my punishment after what had transpired between Akhara'Keth and Vect. Considering that the Thornlords had to be utterly careful with what they were doing after their faux pas three thousand years ago, this was a likely option.

After all the Archons had been served, I took a short break a bit drawn back and tried to gather myself as well as possible.

It barely worked.

I had only made my first round so far and I was hurting all over. My cheek and side throbbed, my throat was still raw and breathing was still unpleasant. If they continued like this, I was sure that I would not make it through this day without fainting. However, since I now knew how I had to act with each one of them, I figured that this would become a bit easier for me. Also, Vect had made clear that torturing me at length was only his privilege.

And I was so angry inside.

I deserved better than this. I did not mean with this the life I had had before I became a slave – strangely enough, I had hated this life so much that nothing was lost for me in that regard – but I was thinking about the way I was treated by these Archons. I knew I was good at what I was doing, otherwise, Vect would have ended me quite some time ago; however, that these Archons treated me like the most regular, idiotic slave shook me quite badly and made me so furious.

Nevertheless, I was not allowed to show this anger and I feared that it would let me make some more mistakes. I had the feeling that something strange and dangerous would happen to or with me today. I had no idea what it could be, but I had the feeling that something was different.

I took some deep breaths, calmed down as well as I could and then returned to my place at the side of the Overlord. There, they all could see me and I could also keep my eye on them, not only regarding my service to them but also if someone acted suspiciously. By now, I was quite adept at reading in Dark Eldar faces and after all, the Overlord had instructed me to keep an especially close eye on Malidrach and Vaulkhere.

I would make sure as hell that at least my master was satisfied with me today.

---

This day was the most arduous I had ever experienced in Commorragh. Of course, the cruelties against me did not stop, though I did better than in the beginning. However, I did not sustain more wounds, just the two slashes were those I had to bear, but that did not matter. They knew exactly how to use those injuries to make me almost go insane with pain. It was not so that the pain was so intense – no, it was the permanency of it that made it so unbearable. I needed all of my willpower and my best breathing techniques to not be reduced to a whimpering mess.

However, this was not the worst of it.

At some point, the meeting took a break and lunch was to be served. With this, I had to scurry to the kitchen and instruct the cooks and slaves there on their work. I again repeated to the waiter-slaves what they were not to do under any circumstances, arranged the waiters in groups for cutlery, appetisers, main courses and dessert, and I also chose only the most experienced slaves that were to bring up a separate table for my master and serve him. Then I had to leave again to continue my service in the throne room.

I changed drinks into those fitting to the meals we would serve – of course not without more atrocities towards me – and after I was done I returned to the side of my master and kept a close and watchful eye on my staff.

It did not take long until I burrowed my face in my palms, then got up again and started to bark them around. Either I had been given completely new staff – for I could not remember that they had been that bad before and I thought Vect perfectly capable of setting such a trap for me – or I really sucked at commanding.

Therefore, I pushed the slaves around a bit to make them do their work correctly and better than before, but I had not yet found a reason to use the tools I had been given. After a while, everything ran a lot more smoothly and as I was satisfied to some extent, I returned to the side of my master. I kept eyeing my staff critically and still I noticed some mistakes, but nothing too bad, therefore, I decided to be not so hard on them.

However, after a while, I made out a single slave that did everything wrong that one could possibly do wrong. She could not have listened to my advice which I had given twice this day. There was no excuse for the mistakes she produced and she had already sustained some wounds, undoubtedly because of that, though the Archons did not hold back with administering punishment in general.

How could one care so little for one's skin?

The tasks were not that hard, though I admitted that the rules in court were tough to remember. However, I had told them the most important ones; apparently, she also did not care whether I got punished for the things she did, she could not possibly be that stupid, to not remember the tips I had given. I felt ridiculed, disrespected and betrayed. I really had tried hard to make this as easy as possible to them all and this was how I got repaid?

Anger flared up in me, searing hot, turning into blind rage.

This was the final straw.

I so had it for today and she was the perfect target for my built-up fury.

I stood up, turned to Vect, bowed to him and said, "My lord, may I be excused for a second? I have to discipline one of the slaves." I barely managed to say this in a calm tone, since I was so pissed off.

"Granted. Don't hesitate to do it here," he approved with a nod.

His words let me halt in my blind rage for a second. I had no problem with beating the crap out of that stupid bitch, but to do it under well-versed, torture-experienced eyes made me queasy again.

Then the thought of just having been ridiculed by one of the slaves I had tried to protect in the first place hit me again and my rage took the upper hand again.

Therefore, eyes glistening with wrath, I rushed the bow and said, "Yes, my lord. I'll be right back." Then, I stormed off, after this stupid imbecile that was just about to leave the throne room. She would not go unscathed, oh no.

"You woke the wrong dog," I thought.

I caught her, turned her around at her shoulder and before she could do or say anything, I backhanded her hard across the face. She stumbled a step backwards – I had hit her with quite the force – but I pursued her and spat at her, as I gave her a hard push that let her stumble even more backwards and collide with the wall, "Do I look like a bitch?!"

Barely recovering from the concussion, she stammered, "W… what?"

I slapped her again, harder this time, and snarled again, "I said: do I look like a bitch?!"

She still looked at me, confused and afraid, and – oh! – I enjoyed this look. That little slut had it coming all the time, for I now remembered her face. She had been one of those that had not listened to my advice and who had rolled their eyes at my speech and she had been the only one so far who had fucked up constantly.

I would not have this. My hide was too precious to me.

Hesitantly and meekly, she said, "N… no, you certainly don't."

I brushed the rings against each other, ready to use them.

For a split-second, I recoiled at the thought that I was about to torture somebody…

…but then the anger drowned everything again, washing my doubts away. I grabbed her by her hair and collar and pushed her with my whole body against the wall so she could not escape me, and as she started crying and screaming as the Agonisers connected, I boomed at her, "Then why are you trying to fuck me like one?!"

I felt a lot of gazes upon me as I held her there and let her squirm and scream in my grip. There were those of the Archons and the Overlord, I did not have to look at them to know that they enjoyed what transpired; but also the other slaves stared at me in horror. Again, I could not let this happen; so while I still punished the girl, I turned my head towards them and hissed, "What are you looking at? Do your pathetically executed jobs or you are next!"

They did not have to be told twice, they fled the throne room and apparently me too.

Then, I turned my attention back to the slave I was hurting. She struggled harder against me the longer I punished her; however, my position was too sublime for her to get away. Besides, I was a lot more muscular than her; she was one of those skinny, arrogant bitches I hated the most. Just because she thought her body was perfect, she believed she could do anything she wanted.

I only stopped as I felt her getting weaker; I did not want her to faint. Still pushing her against the wall with my body, I turned the rings off and then had her at her throat again, making her look into my still with anger flaring eyes. Then I snarled at her, "So, have we learnt our lesson?" She trembled beneath my grip, oh, it delighted me; I enjoyed it too much. She nodded intimidated in my grip, but this was not enough for me. I slapped her again and spat at her, "Have you forgotten how to speak?"

She whimpered and wagged her head, hyperventilating for a few breaths, then she replied with a tearful voice, "I… I have learnt m… my lesson."

I hit her in the face again and hissed, "That's 'my lady' for you, you useless imbecile!"

She started sobbing uncontrollably and I saw that I would not be able to beat another word out of her. Therefore, I drew away from her, but grabbed her hair again and dragged her to the portal. With a powerful shove I threw her out, she fell quite hard, and I spat at her, "Now, get out of my sight! If I see you fuck up only once more, this will be nothing to what I will do to you then!" I stood there, still panting with rage, until the portal closed. Then, I turned around, swiftly checking my hairstyle, bowed and said, again calmly, "Please forgive the interruption and strong language, Supreme Overlord and Archons! I just can't stand incompetence and stupidity."

Vect said in a cold tone, "I applaud your handling of slaves which overstep their borders, but now it is time that you do not forget about yours. You have kept us long enough, though this while was – and I think I speak for all of us here – quite entertaining to behold."

I bowed again and replied, "Of course, my lord. I await my punishment for my impudent behaviour."

"We shall see about that later on. Right now, I have more important matters to attend to." I was not entirely sure if he truly was going to punish me or if he only said this to again cement the picture of the utterly relentless Overlord.

I hoped that the latter was the case. His punishments were harsh.

Therefore, I kept my mouth shut, bowed once again and then came back to my place at the left side of his throne.

Vect kept me there for quite the time, since there was nothing to do for me. This gave me time to process what I just had done.

Apparently, I started to go insane.

Was I truly only doing this solely out of self-protection?

The painful answer was no. I had not forgotten how much I had liked hurting the slave girl. She had tried to cross me, yes, but I should not have enjoyed this as much as I did. Only now I realised how much I had relished her squirms and screams. The thought made me feel cold and sick. It seemed as if my human feelings had been maimed so constantly and for such a long time, that I started to think and feel like a Dark Eldar. Everything in me should have recoiled at the thought, yet, it felt normal for me.

Had I already been brainwashed that hard?

I would never know, yet, I knew something was wrong with me. Although… was it so strange? When being exposed for so long to such a cruel society in the position I was in and having cruel behaviour encouraged, was it not normal that the human mind tried to adjust to that just to keep the body from harm?

I no longer could grasp a clear thought on that.

I just had to go with it and face the fact that my own kind now feared and hated me around here, possibly more than they hated the Dark Eldar. I was human; I should not act this way, in their eyes. And although I was aware that I was treated much better than most of the other slaves, I somehow had the feeling that my position would destroy me even more than them in a psychological way. I had accepted my fate and now did everything in my power to please my master; hell, I even longed for his praise; every single word from him in that direction made me utterly happy.

As it seems, I had become Vect's pet, eager to please him, without noticing.

However, if this was the thing that would let me lead a quite pleasant life here, I would do it; there was no sense in struggling.

Hell, I would do everything for this.

Everything.

---

As the end of the dining was conceivable, I decided to clear away the cutlery and plates only with a skeleton crew of the most adept slaves. With this, I knew that what I had done to the girl had on one hand been the worst and on the other the best thing I could have done.

It was the best thing, because they followed my orders and advice much more precisely than beforehand and they went to great lengths to keep each other from mistakes. This was how I wanted this to go.

On the other hand, it was the worst thing, because it was apparent that they now feared me and were disgusted by my behaviour, for they kept the conversations with me professional and concise, no friendly talk was in for me. However, I had expected as much.

The meeting also decided to take a break while we did our jobs and since there was nothing for me to do directly, I only watched the slaves from afar, at the entrance of the throne room. Some of the Archons had left the throne room, some stayed; I saw that Yaelindra talked to Vect and from what I saw from my position, it seemed to be an amicable conversation.

I now looked out for the two Archons I was to spy on. I decided that it was futile to waste my attention on Malidrach, since he had decided to stay at his place, engulfed in sullen pondering, as it seems. I would not get much out of him, considering how much he despised me.

The other one, Vaulkhere, was a different thing. He had stormed out of the throne room as soon as the break had been announced and he now paced like a tiger in a circle in the corridor in front of the throne room, hissing something to himself. I could not make his words out, but somehow I got the feeling that it was wise that I did.

My mind raced. If I came too close to him, he surely would notice. It was impossible for me that I hid from him, because he would hear my heartbeat anyways. I had to think something up.

And I had an idea.

I snatched one of the slaves that had done exceptionally well and went off to the side a bit with her, in Vaulkhere's direction.

I smiled on the inside. Now I could understand some bits he said, but it was still tough, since he used some kind of strange dialect, which distorted some words severely.

The slave girl looked at me with fearfully widened eyes and I smiled at her. With horror, I realised that I enjoyed this power I now had over the other slaves and that I liked the fear in her eyes.

I said, in a calm tone, "Don't be afraid, I just wanted to tell you that you did exceptionally well today. Though I punish disobedience and constant mistakes quite harshly, I also know when someone did her job quite nicely. And you did. I just did not want to tell you this in front of the others, since they might be jealous, ok?"

She nodded, bowed her head to me and thanked me in the correct manner.

I then let her go again and stayed at where I was for a minute, looking of course away from Vaulkhere and pretending to concentrate on my staff.

I was lucky. He did not take notice of me and I was able to decipher more of his hissed words. What I heard, I did not like at all. I gathered things like "…the bitch of the Strife is the key to this… need to kill her off… Malidrach can shove his arrogance up his arse when I am on top… he'll see his fault… oh yes… I'll show them ALL…"

It was quite clear to me what he seemed to be up to. This was definitely something the Overlord should be informed about. Apparently, Vaulkhere planned to kill off Lelith Hesperax and it seemed as if he had tried to get Malidrach into this.

I barely kept myself from shaking my head. By now the arrogance and idiocy of most schemes around here seemed ridiculous to me. Why would anybody want to kill Hesperax off? She was one of the best means of rejuvenation in the Dark City, killing her would be utterly stupid, since one would make a tonne of enemies in the process; she was a freaking legend.

Besides, I was sure that Vect would take this personally. And I did not want to know what he did to people whose acts he took personal. It had to be magnificently atrocious.

Therefore, I carefully drew away from Vaulkhere, who seemed to be completely emerged in his thoughts; he never even took a look at me. Well, he never could have guessed that I understood his words. I went back into the throne room, since the slaves were done with clearing up and I had to be there again to serve in my usual manner. I, therefore, waited at the side of my master until all the Archons had come back and the meeting was continued. It still lasted some time.

Only quite at the end of the meeting the Overlord called me to him and said to me, "Say your farewells to your staff and then come back here. We are leaving for the slave markets shortly."

I bowed and left.

Outside the throne room, I paused for a moment. Then I started to grin. Slave markets? Did that mean that I would see some more of Commorragh? I fancied this thought, but in the same second, I was sure that I did not want to see the slave markets, since this would shake my mind anew. I am sure that my lord took me there to show me what I would have gone through if I had not been pre-selected for him.

I really had to be insane to fancy seeing some more of the Dark City, views, which shattered human minds on a regular basis.

Determined I walked into the kitchen. Apparently, the word of my deeds had spread beyond the humans here, because now almost all the human slaves beheld me with horror, the few Eldar here seemed either not to care or punished me with contemptuous looks, the Dark Eldar smiled at me and the Overseer chuckled evilly to himself. The slave I had punished sat in a corner, still crying, and she started trembling and sobbing loudly as she saw me. Another one was with her and tried to comfort her; she shot an accusatory look at me; I did no longer care.

They were no longer worthy of my pity. All in all, they had not truly heeded my advice and made a lot of mistakes.

Therefore, I had no kind words for them, "Seriously, your performance was overall mediocre today. Each time I have to work with you, I will hold short lessons before each day from now on, to make sure that you remember the basics. I advise you to listen to me and do better than today. Some of you did well today, but by far not enough for me to be satisfied. Also, your colleague over there has served as a warning. Don't dare to cross me or not take me seriously, lest you will end up like her! Now, go about your business, we are done for today."

I left them, but the Overseer followed me. I noticed it, halted as we were at the exit of the kitchen and I said, "I take it you want your 'gifts' back?"

He laughed. "No, my dear, I actually don't. These are yours now, and as it seems, you will need them. I have already heard what you have done and all I can say is: nicely executed. They will follow you more precise in the future." The Overseer grinned widely. "I had not expected that you had it in you."

I shook my head and replied truthfully, "Me neither, in the first place. But it seems as if I get the hang of it."

He made a musing sound. "Hmm, there is more to you than meets the eye. Well, I won't keep you any longer. I have some slaves to discipline myself." With this, he left. So did I.

I came back to the throne room only to find to my surprise that the Archons were already gone. Only Vect was still there, sitting a lot more relaxed on his throne and he started to applaud slowly and mockingly as I came to him. He said with a malicious smile, "I have never seen a slave punish another so thoroughly."

"I really was pissed off, my lord, and I can't stand ignorant and insolent idiots," I replied.

"Hmm, that was easily visible. Still, now I have to see to it that you are not snatched by a Haemonculus – I think, Vlokarion would have liked that performance too; as I have seen it, he cherishes natural-born torturers," Vect said, his inflexion almost jokingly, a strange thing.

I shook my head and said, "I assure you, my lord, I was only that fierce because I was so angry. Otherwise, I would not have been able to do this, I think."

The Overlord chuckled. "Oh, really? I have caught a different scent back there. Never mind that now. We best get going."

So we did.

He chained me to his belt again, then we went out of the throne room, into the high-speed elevator and downwards. I somehow figured we did not go down to the bottom of the stairs and as we got off the elevator, my suspicions were confirmed in that regard. We had halted somewhere in between and then went through one of the numerous hidden doors that led deeper into the Black Fortress. Our path led us through some winding corridors and loads of junctions, so that I quickly had no idea where we were and how it was possible to navigate around here without going crazy.

So much again for running away.

There was more than one reason why it was not necessary for Dark Eldar to lock their slaves up.

At some point, after walking quite the time and with quite the pace – I really got enough of cardio training around here – we reached the personal hangar of the Overlord.

A flyer was already waiting for us here; the hangar seemed to be built for this certain flyer. Though I only had seen some flyers from afar when I had found the time to watch the ado from the window in Vect's quarters, I was sure that this flyer was not a normal one. It did not surprise me at all, since Vect always had to be extra-sure that no one was able to get him. It certainly possessed more weapons and more armour than a normal flyer and was also a lot bigger. After all, the Overlord had to show that he was more important and more influential than all of the other Archons; and he made no secret out of it. However, this was the way it worked in Commorragh; sometimes it was more necessary to show how strong one was, not hide one's strength, especially if one's position was so sublime.

We boarded the flyer without hesitation. Inside I had to trust my master in leading the way, because on the short corridor with the three doors – a glimpse which I had caught as long as the entrance had been open – no artificial light was to be found and I was blind in an instant. Luckily, this was only for a second or so, because after that we entered the cabin and it possessed a window with mirrored and darkened glass, which at least let in some light, barely enough for me to see anything. After the door had closed behind us with a hiss and a heavy thud, my master unchained me and bid me to sit down opposite to him. I should mention at this point that the cabin contained two rows of unbelievably comfortable benches, facing each other and between them, in front of the window, a small table and underneath it some kind of mini-bar.

An icy shiver ran down my spine as I saw that I still could clearly see the eyes of my master in this almost-darkness, because they were glowing demonically and with a ghostly, pale sheen. The stare of these frightening, relentless eyes reminded me very closely that I had no idea what truly differentiated my master from all the other Dark Eldar. Also, it once again let me wonder what he had done to himself to be still so youthful, so much more intelligent, so incredibly far-seeing and so ever-ahead of his enemies. By now I was sure that his body had undergone some kind of modification.

I swallowed. Somehow, I suddenly felt a lot less safe than before with him.

I actually jumped a little as he said to me, "So, I figure you have learnt some vital lessons today?"

I nodded and replied, with my gaze dropped, "Yes, my lord, I certainly did. I will never again open my mouth in court if not asked to. I made some mistakes and I got what I deserved."

He took me at my chin and I winced. My lord made me lift my head again and look into his demonic eyes. His voice filled the room, velvety, yet dangerous, "Look at me when I am talking to you. If I want you to drop your gaze, I will tell you and you will know when it is wise to do so." His eyes narrowed. "Or are you afraid of me all of a sudden? That would be most… disappointing."

Now alarmed on the inside, I wagged my head in his grip. I realised what I was to do now. I returned the stare of his horrifying eyes as calmly as I could and replied, "I just again realised that I know a hell lot less about you than I thought I did and that notion put me somewhat off. However, I can assure you, my lord, this small slip will be the last one and it will not affect my performance whatsoever."

Vect still had his eyes narrowed and kept them this way for a while. He eyed me critically in this while, never taking his cold, metal gauntlet off my chin. I somehow felt as if he was looking directly into my skull, this terrible gaze piercing my very thoughts.

I had to keep myself from sighing in relief as he finally slowly said, "Alright, child, I will overlook this misstep of yours; but I have to warn you: do not try to find my secrets. Do not make this stupid mistake, for if I find out, I will get creative on you. I would be terribly disappointed with you, since you have been so promising until now. You will get to know what you have to know about me, nothing more. Are we clear on that, my little one?"

"Yes, my lord. Crystal clear."

I barely saw it, but rather felt his evil smile, a thing, that made me cringe on the inside. He gently patted my cheek, then drew his hand back and said, "Good girl." He shifted his position a bit, then asked, "So, anything on Malidrach or Vaulkhere?"

I smiled and replied, "On Malidrach I fear I have nothing, since he kept me on distance quite good, as you undoubtedly have noticed yourself. However, I overheard some interesting things from Vaulkhere. Apparently, he plans on assassinating Lady Hesperax and as it seems, he has asked Malidrach for assistance in the matter, who seems to have turned him down. I guess, in the long run he thinks he can get to you in this way."

Vect made a contemplating sound. "A plan to assassinate the Queen of Commorragh is an insult of the highest level and it strikes me as odd that Vaulkhere is that bold and stupid to mumble about it in my very palace. I will look into this; Vaulkhere generally appears to be too cautious and intelligent to pull off such an idiocy. Maybe he was trying to thwart someone else's scheme with that, without showing that he was the one whispering it into my ear. Still, if I should find out that he truly is so impudent as to stage an assassination of Lelith Hesperax, heavy penalties will incur for that. I would count that as a personal insult." His stare turned hard again. "Tell me exactly what happened and what you have heard."

I, therefore, told him and also mentioned Vaulkhere's strange dialect.

I also had not missed how appreciative Vect had talked about Hesperax. I knew it! There was something going on between the two of them; I had never heard my master speaking so highly and respectfully of someone.

After I had finished, he said, "Hmm, this sounds so obviously idiotic to me that I think he tries to expose someone else with this. However, I really have to find out how he caught wind of you speaking our language."

"Maybe he just took a shot with it or hoped that another one of your spies hears it?" I interjected cautiously.

"I will have to look into that, no matter the answer. I have to think now, child, so be silent," Vect demanded.

I nodded and obeyed.

This gave me some time to look out of the window; I did it with great curiosity and interest.

From up here, the city again revealed its twisted beauty. Though blood was flowing practically everywhere, and the architecture needed some intense getting-used-to, by now, I understood that Commorragh possessed a strange and insane beauty. Maybe it only was just so different and alien to anything the human mind was used to that it frightened the beholder intensely. It was just so hard to… understand, those strange angles, sickening curves and absolutely lack of upside and downside most of the time. Spires not only were on top, literally, every structure possessed many spikes and spires that protruded from the bellies of the buildings; sometimes it looked as if the towers were fighting each other. It was magnificent and sickening at the same time.

I then let my gaze wander to the horizon and for the first time, I really understood how vast the city had to be. The endless swarm of buildings never stopped, only very far ahead I saw that the colour of the city turned from black to white; apparently, this part was made out of pure bone.

I again was surprised as I turned my head to the very right and there I saw an immense gathering of pipes and tubes, a true labyrinth, so to say, which seemed to reach from the deepest depths to the highest spires. The top of those pipes was immersed in thick, greenish-blackish smoke, so it could not be seen. I was quite sure that this was the Poison Crown, the seat of the Kabal of the Flayed Skull, Malidrach's Kabal. It could only be reached by flight and those pipes truly led down to the deepest depths of Commorragh, all the way down to the Haemonculi Covens.

I shivered and slowly backed away from the window again. The smell up there had to be nauseating at best.

I winced as my master said to me, "Beautiful, is it not?"

I smiled timidly and replied, "Well, not quite the word I would have used to describe it, but yes, I can see where the beauty of it lies. It is a twisted, deadly kind of beauty, but still, if one looks closely enough, it is."

"Interesting words from a human. The Imperials just find it disgusting and nauseating." Vect truly seemed to be contemplating my words here.

I decided to try to change subjects and asked, "My lord, I have a question, if I may?"

He deigned to indulge me there and replied, "Go ahead."

"Is there anything new on the assassin I stopped the other day?" I asked.

Vect huffed and replied, "Not yet, child. You have to understand that such machinations work quite slowly in Commorragh. It might take a month or two until I can be sure about that. However, I have to say that I am content with the work you have done today. You did well with the Archons and you certainly did nicely for hearing Vaulkhere's words. Though I am not sure whether this plan has any substance, I might as well tell Lelith when I see her today."

"Thank you, my lord. I am glad that my service is satisfactory to you. May I ask what you have planned further for today?" I asked, still cautious, though his benevolent words made me happy. God, I had become such a pet to him. Nevertheless, somehow I liked it and still was sure that I was in the best and yet worst position around here.

"As I said earlier, I now want to visit the slave markets, because I am expecting a special delivery for me. Of course, I will also have an eye on other slaves there, but this is my primary objective there. Then I will make sure that my gift reaches the Crucibael and finally, I will treat myself with a performance of the Queen of Commorragh; it has been too long since the last time. Afterwards, I will personally pay my respects to her. Then I am done for today."

I swallowed. This was still quite the schedule also for me.

My master continued, "I want you to remember closely what you will see at the slave markets. Never forget that if you stop to please me, you will end up down there if I do not find you worthy of dealing with you myself."

"Yes, my lord. I already figured that out. And I am very aware who will buy me if you deign to sell me."

For once, my lord truly seemed to be puzzled, "Oh, do you now?"

"Yes. Archon Ea'nash had told Archon Yaelindra such a thing. He really seems to be into me, though I dread what my life will be like if he ever gets me," I explained.

An evil chuckle. "Good. Then you will do your very best to keep your position, right?"

I nodded. "Yes, of course, my lord."

"Very well. Also, I need you on your best behaviour when we meet Lelith."

"I will do as you ask, my lord," I said dutifully.

I felt the flyer descending by now. I was surprised how smoothly the movement of the aircraft was; I already had noticed that whilst ascending. Considering the velocities all the crafts of the Dark Eldar used, it was stunning; considering their technology, it was not.

As we got off the flyer, I learnt that I had not yet seen all the horrors of the Dark City and that I was about to experience one of the worst of them.

The screams that were nothing but a subtle, yet gruesome background noise in the spires of Commorragh, were here painfully omnipresent. It was audible even for human ears how pain-wrecked they sounded and what unimaginable tortures and agony the beings that uttered them had to suffer. My stomach turned cold in an instant and I realised that my happiness concerning seeing more of the Dark City had been terribly premature.

Now I did not want to see where those screams came from.

But I would.

We had halted in another hangar, again apparently built for this special flyer. The lifeguard surrounded us the moment we got off and we went through a well-ornated and big portal in the usual, fierce pace. With a sour face, I noticed that the floor around here was nothing more but a metal grid, utterly displeasing for bare feet.

A long and vast corridor, whose floor consisted of a metal walkway, was to be found behind the door. As I looked down between my feet, I saw that another corridor was under this one, but it was scurrying with activity, not empty as the one we were currently standing in; countless masses of Dark Eldar and slaves of all different races bustled about. It seemed as if this upper corridor was reserved for the Overlord. The left and right walls were made of glass, embedded in the black stone that formed the ceiling; those walls were about forty-five degrees tilted away from the walkway. In regular distances, doors were embedded in the wall; it was visible that behind those doors stairs led down to the lower level.

And on the lower level, in countless halls, which were lit with the blood-red twilight of Commorragh, which shone into the rooms through big windows, slaves were sold.

This was also where the screams came from, because the slaves got tortured, undoubtedly to determine the beauty of their screams and the taste of their souls. This was done on elevated pedestals, where mostly one torturer tortured the slaves and a second Dark Eldar apparently led the auctions for the slaves.

My stomach turned.

Until now, I never had been forced to watch when someone was tortured; I just had had to listen. I had used to think that my own imagination was worse to what I would actually see. Now I saw that I had been so wrong. I learnt that my imagination was not even capable of thinking up the things I was seeing right now. And right now I only saw two of the numerous halls that indubitably were placed alongside this pretty long corridor.

The Overlord was greeted by another Dark Eldar in lavishly decorated robes; from what I heard, he seemed to be the owner of this particular slave market. He was so incredibly obsequious, it was ridiculous. Then again, if he loved his hide, he damn well better paid that much respect to the Overlord.

After he was done with his overly respectful greeting, Vect said, "I take it you have the merchandise I demanded?"

"Of course, Overlord. If the Overlord was so kind as to come along…," the trader said. While he did, he looked at me from the corner of his eyes, since he was bent down and it felt like he seized me up like a pet on an auction. It was neither pleasant nor appreciative.

Therefore, I tried to close my eyes to all the torturing that went on beneath us, but it was not always possible for me, because some screams were so piercing. I still felt terribly sick and was not sure whether I would be able to keep the contents of my stomach. I now cursed the fact that I had grabbed a bite to eat in the kitchen earlier on. The Dark Eldar hardly made a difference of the race of the slaves – all of them got tortured.

But there was one thing I noticed: Eldar seemed to be more valuable than other races.

I thought so because not all of the halls were the same – the farther we went, the more exclusive and exquisite they seemed. The first rooms had been a mess of people standing around, aggressively bargaining for the slaves, while the latter got mostly whipped or cut; the last rooms, however, were a completely different category. The bidders there were seated and the auctions were civilised; the slaves got tortured in a much more methodical and yet gruesome manner.

Eldar were only to be found in the last rooms.

My heart skipped a beat as I saw a pregnant human woman in one of the halls and my nausea rose again. I did not want to imagine what horrors she would have to bear in the very near future. The methodical precision of the Dark Eldar showed clearly in her case, for she had sustained some bruises and cuts, but her belly was left untouched. I dreaded what that meant. She would give birth in this terrible place and they would make sure that it would be the most agonising and maddening experience in her whole life; they possibly would keep her child alive, just to torture her by making her watch when they hurt the child.

I tore my gaze away from the woman and tried also to do the same with my thoughts. I failed miserably; my imagination went its own way there. I closed my eyes as I felt hot tears welling up in them. If I started to cry now, I was sure that my master would think up something extremely vile for me. I was not allowed to cry. The cruelty of the Dark Eldar hit me once again, and it hit me terribly hard. I shivered, suddenly feeling very cold and again nauseous, the direness of my situation being again very clear to me. I had to muster all my mental strength to not just freeze in place with horror and I swallowed down the tears with all my might.

I prayed that I would never end up down here.

I won against my roiling stomach just so as we reached the end of the corridor and stepped through another door.

The room we now entered was barely lit and a lot cooler than the outside. The trader led our small group just a bit forward and we halted in front of a huge cube; the sides were about fifty metres; the cube was made out of dark glass.

The trader asked us to halt about twenty meters in front of the cube; he, on the other hand, went to it and said, "Here is what my Overlord asked for…" Then he pushed a button, which was installed on the cube. "…the Alpha-Trytor."

Blue lights came to life inside the cube and I could not hold back a small shriek as I saw the terrible creature that jumped at us with a deadly roar. It did not actually jump, it phased out of the visible spectrum and back into it, only millimetres away from the glass. It possessed a snake-like body, yet four strong legs were right now not in use and tucked up beside its body; apparently it could choose whether to use its tail or legs for locomotion. Also, it had two big scything talons, which protruded from its back on some double-jointed limbs and a set of smaller 'arms', that slashed the air with razor-sharp blades, which were located at the sides of its thorax. Its head was vaguely reptilian, its jaws lined with countless, needle-like teeth and it possessed six eyes; two on its front head, two on its side, two on the back of its head, giving it perfect 360° vision; the latter I saw because it slithered wildly about in its cage. It teleported time and again and hissed and growled at us.

Never before had I seen such an alien and terrible creature; yet I knew that this had to be a Tyranid.

However, I never had heard of a 'Trytor'.

Vect slapped me carelessly and casually in the face for my shriek, but did not deign to snarl at me. It was a very mild reprimand, since he did not even deem it necessary to hit me on my injured cheek.

My master said, "Ah yes, and a splendid specimen indeed. From all the races of this galaxy, the Tyranids never seize to amaze me, since their creations are by far the most creative and deadly. A Trytor, the combination of Trygon and Lictor… Who would have thought about such a fantastic challenge?"

"I take it that the Overlord is satisfied with his purchase?" the trader interjected cautiously.

"Yes, I think the Succubus of the Cult of Strife will like this challenge. Make sure it is delivered timely," Vect replied.

Now I had to keep my jaw from dropping. Hesperax was to fight this thing? This could prove interesting, even for her, for the movements of the Trytor seemed to be lightning-fast; at least my eyes were not quick enough to follow and they had already been trained a bit in following extremely fast movements. Since Vect had mentioned that he would watch her performance, I took it that I would too. Now, that really excited me. Hesperax was said to have a maddening beauty and grace about her and watching her performances was not only almost priceless, but also an honour.

"Very well, Overlord. If he doesn't mind, I shall escort my Overlord back to his flyer?" the trader asked.

My lord nodded in approval and we again left the room and went back through the gruesome corridor.

As we were almost at the end of it, I halted for the slightest second in my pace as I looked into another auction hall and saw something or rather someone there that caught me totally off-guard.

A young woman, approximately as old as me, was to be sold there. She looked good, was slender, tall and long-limbed; her hair was red and her eyes watery-blue.

The thing was: I knew her.

She was my best friend.

I closed my eyes in utter horror as she turned her head towards the window the moment we passed by and she cried out my name, "Temira!"

Hearing my name called in such a pleading manner and especially out of the throat of my best friend, made me halt in my place.

This. Was. No. Good.

I sighed resignedly as my master also halted in his pace and his sharp voice cut my ears, "I take it you know this one, child?"

Feeling hot tears burning in my eyes again, I nodded.

I heard the malicious sound he made and felt him leaning down towards me. He took me at my collar and hissed into my ear, "And what is she to you? Do not dare to lie; I would sense the lie anyways."

I swallowed and trembling, I answered, "She is my best friend. Her name is Lisbeth."

We always had been fellows in misery, different and loners; we had been mocked because of our unordinary names and had held each other's hands when one of us had a horrid time at home. How deep this misery would go now, none of us could have fathomed. As I thought about it, it was no surprise that she was here too. Her home had not been that far away from the house I had been watching back then. It seemed so unreal to me now, like a faint memory. Since I had been here, I had been glad that I had had no lover back in my time; I was sure that being separated from him would have torn me apart in no time. However, I had never imagined that I would find someone I knew so well and held so dear like Lisbeth, around here.

It was deadly.

I opened my eyes; the mental pain had to be apparent on my face. Vect let go of me, evilly chuckling, and called the trader to him. Ever-bootlicking, the latter scurried to the side of the Overlord and said, with false courtesy, "Yes, Overlord? How may I serve?"

"I would like to purchase this particular slave," the Overlord replied, pointing at Lisbeth.

The trader frowned and said with a bow, "Certainly, Overlord, but I have to admit that she might not be to my Overlord's liking. I had a hard time selling her until now, since she is so skinny and… unresponsive."

Vect made a pensive sound. "I have my reasons. Now, shall we start haggling or not? If she is really so hard to sell, you might want to make me a good offer."

Yes, Lisbeth was a tough one; she knew what it was like to be beaten up. Her mostly drunken father had taught her that cruel lesson quite well.

I looked at her again and saw with great pain that she had been severely mistreated. Bruises and cuts covered her body and I did not dare imagine what she must have gone through, being only down here, while I was with the Overlord all this time. We looked into each other's eyes and reached a silent understanding. We both knew that we were doomed and I could see the apology in her eyes, because she had realised like me that recognising each other had been a terrible mistake. Lisbeth did not know as much as me about the Dark Eldar, but enough to picture what an amicable connection between two humans meant for them in Commorragh. I portended her that it was okay. After all, her reaction had been… human.

I dropped my gaze in shame, realising in this moment that I was a lot less human than she remembered me. I would not let her see me like this. Never.

Then again, I was quite sure I would not be given a choice in that matter.

With a pained look, I gazed at my master and the trader, who were currently discussing Lisbeth's price. Never before had anything disgusted me so much like this conversation. I guessed it was because she meant something to me and hearing others talk about her like she was a piece of furniture to be bought, made me sick.

It was the first time I outright despised my master. Until now, he had fascinated me so much in a strange and enticing way that I could somehow justify and overlook what he had done to me and others. I had figured him to be somewhat different than the rest of his kin, which he was, in a way, but there was a thing all of them shared: this utter disrespect of all the other races and the notion that especially humans were nothing but cattle – things – to be there for short entertainment and then to be discarded. Lives did not matter and yet, in the same notion, they mattered most in the Dark City.

I took a deep breath. If I wanted to survive any longer around here, I would have to live with it, as with everything else.

After a short while, an agreement was reached between Overlord and trader. The trader commanded his staff to take Lisbeth away and to the Black Fortress. I watched with a pained gaze – knowing that my master would have made me watch anyways if I had dared to divert my eyes – as they took her away. They were not gentle, to say the least. As I knew Lisbeth, she likely had struggled a lot, as the fighter she was. Her biggest weakness was that she did not know when to stop struggling and now she paid the price for her resistance. It was no wonder though, because the only way she had been able to make her father finally stop beating her up was to stand up to him. This was the way she handled such situations.

Around here, this was fatal.

As Lisbeth was dragged out of my sight, I also was led away, my master continuing his path back to his flyer in the usual, stern pace. I followed, feeling empty, hollow and somehow utterly betrayed. I had thought that I had earned at least some favours, but now I clearly saw again that I truly was nothing more than a regular slave to the Overlord, a plaything, just there for his amusement and as such, I was to be subjected to every torment he could think up for me.

Apparently, I had judged my situation completely wrong.

At this point, I asked myself whether all the things he had said to me concerning me being different and intriguing really had been true or if he just had played me incredibly nicely. Right now, I wondered if he only had just toyed with me all the time, making me think that I was something special, lulling me into this false sense of security and then take this privilege away again, just to show me clearly that I should not think highly of myself in any way. It would fit into what I had read about him; Vect was the most mischievous being around here.

How could I have been so blind?

Maybe I was more desperate than I wanted to admit.

Back in the flyer and again on the bench whilst facing the Overlord, I asked, with a weak and emotionless voice, "What have I done to deserve this punishment? What was my mistake?"

Vect uttered a completely vile chuckle and replied, "Punishment? Hardly, my child. If I wanted to punish you, I would have had your friend tortured and made you watch, whilst I would have savoured your pain."

I sighed heavily and helpless and continued, "Let me guess – now that you have her and know what she is to me, you will punish both of us if I fail in any way."

I felt the evil smile of my master. He said mockingly, "Very good, child. You are learning pretty fast. Then again, you humans make it so easy for us. You care about each other so much and utterly expose yourselves with this obtuse and naïve notion."

I could no longer look into his cruel eyes; this demonic soul which possessed this body was simply too much for me at this point. I burrowed my face in my palms and just gasped, my voice showing my desperation, "Why are you doing this?"

He gave me the most unsatisfying answer to this question, again showing how little he actually cared, "Why not?"

Then, and apparently in the same moment as me, he remembered our conversation from the morning. I looked at him, my eyes grew wide in horror as I realised in this moment that I had questioned him again. Therefore, I did not struggle as his right hand closed around my neck, choking me easily in the process.

"Well, my little slave, it seems as if you have truly broken the rules this time," he said, speaking quite slowly and letting me smother in his vice-like grip. "Disappointing, but predictable. At some point, if pressured hard enough, you humans always seem to fail."

He choked me for a while, up to the point where everything turned black around me; only then he let go of me. Vect had pulled me off the bench and I now fell to my knees, my head and arms hit the other bench, though. I fought for air, the darkness only slowly lifting from my mind and with the first breath I somehow found, I gasped, "I know that a simple 'forgive me' will not make this right. Therefore, all I can do is to await my punishment."

My master made a pensive sound. "Hmm, still, you are somewhat considerate when you make a mistake and you realise them quite quickly. Shall I overlook this? No, this time, I think I will not. However, here is the twist in the story, my little one: I will not tell you when you are due for your punishment. Let this thought linger on your mind and gnaw at you. Yes, I think this is a fitting foreplay for your actual and undoubtedly physical punishment."

Though I knew that he was right, I replied, "Of course, my lord."

Without acknowledging my submission, he said, "Get up, child! Gather yourself; I want you to look good when I lead you into the Crucibael. No tears!"

I obeyed and tried to calm myself down as well as I could, afraid, that I could fail him again. Still, I had to ask one thing, and I was only able to do it with a trembling voice, "Will you punish Lisbeth too?" The thought almost tore me apart.

The Overlord made a contemplative sound, then said slowly, "That depends on how you behave until the end of the day. Fail me again and she will suffer. If you do nicely, she will go unscathed."

I nodded and said cautiously, "May I ask whether you have already decided what to do with her in the meantime?"

My master chuckled. "Is this not obvious? Nevermind, I will explain it to you, child: for now, I will keep her close by, locked up in a cell. Should you do well for the next time, her situation will get better as well and she will be a regular maid or waiter. If you should misbehave again anytime soon, I will have her moved to my torture chamber and locked up there in a cage. Her fate is now tied to yours. If you want her to live somewhat pain-free, you better not fail me again in such a dim-witted way."

"Yes, my lord. I understand," I replied obediently. At the same time, something died in me. I could handle getting punished for my own stupidity, even though I knew that he would make me scream anytime soon. What I could not stand was the thought that my mistakes would be reflected on somebody else, who was completely innocent and dear to me. I hated Vect so much right now and yet it was a helpless rage, because I knew all too well that there was nothing I could do.

Play the game.

That was all that I could truly do here.

"Still, there was an interesting development today: now I know your name," my master contemplated.

I sighed and replied, "You could have asked me."

He frowned and replied, "Of course I could have, but, to be honest, it never occurred to me. Usually, I do not know the names of my slaves; it is completely irrelevant to me. Still, in your case, I like the notion. Temira…"

I shivered as he spoke my name. It put me off, more than any nickname he had given me until now. This was because on one hand something in me cringed and recoiled at the thought that he now knew my name; somehow I felt that this gave him even more power over me, though it was hardly possible at this point. On the other hand, he spoke it pretty contemplative, rolling the word like a fine wine on his tongue and throat. This made it sound somewhat eerie.

"It has a nice ring to it. I like it," my master stated.

Somewhat bewildered I said, "I'm glad to hear that, my lord?" I just was not able to follow his moods. Moments before, it had seemed as if he continued his malicious streak forever, now he again seemed to be content and gentle. By now I was sure that I would never figure him out.

We spent the next time in silence. I looked out of the window again, just because I did not want to meet the gaze of my master any longer. It felt like he was impaling me with his stare. As I looked down on the twisted city, I let my mind wander. Right now I was puzzled that I never had actually thought about the people I had left back in my time. I no longer had had any connection to my family; therefore, not much was lost for me in that regard. I also had not had a relationship, so therefore, I had not lost a loved one. And though I had some friends who sure would miss me, I never had thought about Lisbeth, who would have gone to great lengths to find me. She was my only true friend and the thought that she also was here now, sharing my bleak fate, tore me apart. Back in our time, she would have been able to move on, but around here only death would await her at some point.

And it all depended on me what this death would look like.

I figured that I had not thought about her, because there had been so much for me to take in and adjust to. It was not surprising considering my position, but still, I felt guilty for not giving a damn about anybody else than me. Then again, how should I have known that I was not alone around here?

Suddenly a cruel thought crossed my mind and I barely kept from flinching. With Lisbeth here, I was no longer unique around here. She had quite the same mindset as me and knew also a bit about the Dark Eldar society. If Vect ever should tire of me for any reason and decided to shape another being into his personal slave, Lisbeth was his next best choice, since he seemed to like the mindset of the humans of my time. I would have to be a lot more careful in the future to keep my position, for I now had some competition.

Thinking this way about her tore me apart. Though Lisbeth had my utter trust, my position forced me to consider that if I wanted to live, I might have to sacrifice her in the end.

How I should manage that, I did not know.

With these thoughts, I felt that the flyer descended and we came to a halt at some point. Without saying a single word, my master chained me again and led me outside.

The moment we left the flyer, my jaw dropped in amazement and I whispered, "Awesome."

We stood in front of one of the most magnificent buildings I had seen so far in Commorragh. I knew that it had to be the Crucibael. The literature I had read on it had not been lying when it stated that this arena was the vastest in the Dark City and also the most resplendent one. The enormous arena, which apparently had the shape of an old-fashioned amphitheatre, but a full circle, like the Colosseum of Rome, was made out of polished, black stone – which looked like obsidian – but also out of sheer bone. It was adorned with barbs and spikes, like everything in the Dark City, but it had a certain sense of symmetry and aesthetics to it, which were hard to describe, because again like everything else around here, the angles that had been used were mind-bending and nauseating. The ornaments were lined with gold, which shone like lava in the blood-red twilight, and gigantic green and red gemstones adorned the building, making it shine like a bloodied diamond in the light.

Sadly, I was not given time to admire the building any further, because my master seemed to be in a bit of a hurry now. I had to jog along with quite a fierce pace to match his; otherwise, I was sure that he would just drag me along if I fell. This was unfortunately all too likely, because my attire made it hard for me to run properly, since the chains hindered me in moving smoothly. It took a lot of my concentration not to fall. As I followed, I looked around me and realised that the arena was placed on one of the highest spires in Commorragh, again underlining the sublime position of Lelith Hesperax. To our left, I could see the spires of Corespur and again I was hardly surprised; the close association of the Kabal of the Black Heart and the Cult of Strife was evident in so many facets. Also the colours they used matched each other. Vect and Hesperax certainly did not make a secret out of their affiliation.

The vast place in front of the Crucibael was empty, yet roars of excitement and the applause of thousands were to be heard; apparently this night's program was already in progress and the arena was open-air. As it sounded, it was filled to the brim. We went into the building through a gigantic portal, which looked a bit like a maw. Inside, the floor was covered with a red, soft carpet, for which I was incredibly grateful, though I had the eerie feeling that it was made out of skin. For once I could enjoy the floor beneath my feet… somehow. Or, at least, I would have if I had the concentration for it.

We scurried along the richly decorated corridor, which was almost empty but for some Dark Eldar valets, who courteously greeted us. It only made sense, everybody else was already seated and watching tonight's performance. The Overlord did not even take notice of them but rather stormed along. The corridor we were following was arched and I figured that we circuited half the arena until we went through another, smaller portal. Behind it, we again went along in a narrow and steep corridor, at its end up some stairs and then we seemed to reach our destination.

We stepped out into the open, onto a balcony made of black glass, which was placed so that a perfect view of the arena was to be had. I noticed that there had to be a force field around it, because the air was slightly shimmering at the open parts of the balcony.

In the arena, two Wyches were currently fighting a bunch of smaller Tyranids on white sands (so that the spilt blood was easily visible), but from what I saw, it seemed as if the fight was about to end.

A throne was placed on the balcony, also lavishly decorated. My master unchained me, but gave the chain to one of the Incubus-Hierarchs, who then took off my chain and nudged me to a bar at the back of the lounge, where I was handed a goblet and a wine jug by a slave that tended the bar there. I took the jug and goblet and saw to it that I went back to the side of the throne, already filling the goblet and readying it for my master. Vect himself stepped to the balustrade and I heard that the crowd cheered louder as it beheld its Overlord.

He waited until the fight ended, which was only after one minute or so, then he greeted the crowd through a vox-caster, which seemed to be integrated somewhere in the balcony, and he announced the performance of Lelith Hesperax himself today, as it seemed. As he was done with his announcement, he waved shortly to the crowd and then sat down on the throne in a slow and dignified manner. I handed him the goblet with a bow and looked at the arena again.

The arena looked exactly like one of the old amphitheatres of the Roman Empire; only the materials that had been used to build it and the fashion of the architecture distinguished it from the classical build. The ranks were filled to the brim with people and the noise the audience made was almost deafening. They all were cheering for her Excellency. The balcony we were on was definitely the place of honour, no surprises here.

The cheering of the crowd crescendoed once more as a portal opened at the other side of the arena and through it stepped the one and only Lelith Hesperax, Queen of Commorragh.

Even from this enormous distance, I saw her impressive shape, as well as the circumstances allowed. She was a radiant beauty and every inch a fighter, obviously, no matter from how far one gazed upon her. Her harness was revealing, to euphemise, covering only very vaguely the features of her body and only one side at that; almost her entire left side was uncovered, only a thin strip of fabric covering her left breast and a second one holding the suit in place around the left hip, making the front rows go insane with desire. She made a spectacle out of it, as to be expected by a seasoned gladiator, flourishing her braided, blood-red hair – along with thousands of braided-in barbs and blades – and clashing her heel blades while somersaulting, producing numerous sparks in the process. The white sand she disturbed and cast into the air made her seem like a ghastly dervish, a malevolent spirit from the tales of old, and the crowd liked it, loved it, demanded more and never got quite enough.

At this point I realised that she was as capable a storyteller and spinner of illusions as Vect himself, only the medium was different – while he wrote his story with people, manipulated actions and desires, she wrote her story in viscera, blood and other, more worldly desires. I could not figure out for the life of me, who, in their respective way, was better.

And then suddenly the absence of roaring – piercing screams and false promises were as noticeable as a thunderclap in the dead silence of midnight.

A glass cube was slowly raised by the central elevator, not tarnished, but crystal clear this time, for everybody to see its content. Even from this distance the creature was horrid, otherworldly and always seemed to be… misshapen somehow. I heard the faint humming of generators powering up – a Shadow Field locking down the arena without hampering anyone's vision or experience, to ensure the creature would not escape – which soon subsided after they reached their peak performance. The elevator came to a creaking halt, smashing into its final position, the creature within its cargo thrashed about, moving the cage several inches. The arena was dead silent; I believed I could even hear the crunching of the sand under the Queen's tender feet.

Vect rose, he stepped up to the balustrade and all eyes turned on him. His eyes were transfixed upon Hesperax for a moment. Then, he toasted to her and she bowed in return.

This apparently was the sign for the beginning of the fight, because the crowd roared its approval, Vect chugged the wine and returned to his seat in the lounge; he flashed a smile and turned his eyes again on Hesperax, while he raised his goblet with his right hand. I quickly refilled it; spoiling his mood and leaving him wanting in any way in public was probably among the fastest ways to die one of the slowest and most horrific deaths in this city. Besides, I had already fucked up badly today and I did not want to give him any reason to punish Lisbeth too.

"Watch and learn, child…" he whispered, while the energy field of the cage was turned off and two sides of it slammed open. "It is starting. Try to keep up," he continued smilingly.

The creature vanished and reappeared over the head of Hesperax and swooped down onto the Queen of Commorragh, like a reptilian bird of prey, leaving behind only a faint trail of smoke between its current location and its point of origin. But the creature had not ever matched up with this kind of adversary, apparently. It let out a victorious scream, slamming down its enormous scything arms while the two smaller pairs of arms flailed away with razor sharp claws at its enemy, and even its front pair of legs clawed and scythed into the direction of its opponent. It evidently was more mobile than anticipated. These motions alone produced a small sandstorm and vision was heavily obstructed for a few seconds, while all that could be heard were the screams and the snarling breath of the Trytor. Soon, it was only the breath and after a few seconds which seemed like ages, the sand cleared and I could see. The creature was looking for its prey and I was amazed to find Lelith Hesperax standing just behind its scything talon, hiding in plain sight from her enemy, slowly drawing her vicious Wych Blades. The creature foraged for her with its head and limbs and just as it raised the talon behind which the Queen of Commorragh was hiding, she struck. Even though both had a superhuman reaction time, she hit the Trytor right on the head, dealing a gashing wound on its temple, while I just realised in amazement that she just hid from a creature with literal all-around vision.

The wound was oozing greenish-white blood, but I figured that no vital organ had been struck. I assumed she was trying to negate her enemy's greatest strength – its perception – via destroying its eyes, yet her first attempt had failed. However, she still had dealt damage to her adversary, dancing away immediately after her own attack, gracefully dodging her opponent's counterattacks by sidestepping, rolling and jumping out of harm's way, while the Trytor kept flailing at her, slithering after her and using all its available limbs in the attempt to dismember its enemy.

And then it just vanished.

Hesperax flourished her weapons and…

…closed her eyes.

I could feel my heart beating so hard that my chest hurt, I almost cried out loud, along with hundreds of thousands of Dark Eldar spectators, as the creature manifested right on top of the Succubus, its tail coiled and its fangs bared, prepared to deal the lethal blow. It dropped down onto her, its flailing tail trying to knock her off her feet, while it kept biting, clawing and hacking at her with its limbs, trying to restrict her movements, cutting off her paths wherever she kept evading. The sand was flung meters into the air by the creature's thrashing movements, yet to its own demise, as the Queen of Commorragh spun around and used the bad vision to her advantage. Seemingly unhindered by it, she whirled into action, diving deeper under her enemy, jumping, rolling around and recovering her stance right beside it.

A flash of light – a mere reflection of two immaculately wielded blades – took one of the creature's front legs.

The creature screamed and vanished, Hesperax smilingly guarded for its next attack. But this time, the creature revealed its true intellect, not reproducing its last manoeuvres, but reappearing in the same spot as it vanished, facing its enemy head on, its tail whirling around Hesperax, its hind legs scything at her and generally locking her movement this time. The strikes came inevitably. Already trapped by the creature's tail and hind legs, the Queen of Commorragh had nowhere to go.

Or so I thought.

She vaulted over the mess of talons and claws and struck out, in her usual, blindingly fast demeanour, crippling her opponent's head, only this time, she took out one of its front and hind eyes. The Trytor recoiled and vanished, escaping right under a devastating series of attacks of Hesperax that would have sealed its fate for good, only to reappear about thirty meters away. Its head bloated up, the soft skin of its head flashed neon blue and orange and suddenly it released a devastating barrage of bio-plasma, obliterating several hundred square metres of the arena.

I remembered for the first time in the fight that there was a whole arena full of spectators witnessing the spectacle, hearing their frightful shouts and screams, fearing for their Queen. I was so drawn into this fight, that I had forgotten everything around me, even the circumstance of my captivity.

I suddenly understood why she was the Queen of Commorragh.

The arena fell silent, the creature breathed heavily and yet there was no sign of the Succubus of the Cult of Strife and I believed to see despair within the faces of the crowd that was close enough to me, upon witnessing this event.

"Look closely now! The real fight has just started; predator against predator, both realising one is dying here tonight," Vect chuckled.

I pondered what he meant, witnessing the despaired outrage of the crowd, while the creature slithered carefully through the obliterated arena, seemingly seeking its opponent. The first spectators were about to leave in disappointment and pained anger, when the creature vanished with a scream, seemingly struck by something. I focused on its last location only to find two daggers standing out of the sand. Even before the creature could rematerialize, a singed – and definitely in high spirits – Hesperax dug out of the burned sand of the arena, back on her feet, now eyes open again. The roar of the crowd was deafening, even in the Overlord's lounge. The creature returned to its physical form, this time no more than ten metres away and I could see parts of its head swell again, showing bright colours as before.

However, this time, Lelith Hesperax knew what was about to come.

A precisely thrown dagger hit the creature in its chest, which was a more or less thick section of its snake-like body, and as the creature screamed and buckled over, another dagger hit it right under the chin, pinning its maw shut. While the creature was busy digging out the vicious, curved and barbed Wych Blade, the Queen charged, jumping right behind her enemy, while her singed, yet amazingly well armed, braided hair was dragged over her enemy's head. Hundreds of barbs and blades destroyed the creature's eyes, ripped off its scales and flensed its head. Trying to escape the pain, the creature tried to follow the trajectory of least resistance, leaning back, while the Succubus used her hair like a rope to wrangle the creature down. As soon as it hit the ground, she spun her left arm into her braid, bridging the distance between her and her enemy while not letting go.

The Trytor flailed in panic, trying to tear or cut through the braid, but Hesperax was too fast, dragging her hair away from the creature's attacks, without giving it an inch of space. After only a few seconds, she reached the creature, mounted its chest, twisted and pulled down the dagger stuck in its ribcage while she put a foot to the neck of the Trytor.

The creature screamed, flailed uncoordinated, and bled out, its toxic blood soaked up by the sands of the arena.

The crowd roared while the Queen reclaimed her second dagger. She smiled, turned to each side, arms outstretched, head tilted back in a both gracious and haughty pose, confirming who the champion in these walls was. And then she left, as fast and surprising as her victory had been, breathing deeply from the fanatic screams following her triumph.

The soft and amused chuckle of my master snapped me back into reality. Hesperax's performance had been so enchanting that I now caught myself staring blatantly at the door through which she had left.

The Overlord mocked me, "Interesting to see that even the dull senses of a human are utterly captivated by her. I take it you liked it, my child?"

Pulling myself together with all my might and tearing my gaze away from the door with all my will, to face my master again, I nodded and replied, "Yes, my lord, I surely did."

He chuckled and chugged down the last remains of wine in his goblet and then waved it at me in a demanding way. I took it from him with a bow and gave it and the jug, which I had been holding all the time, back to the slave behind the bar.

Then I came back to my master, he chained me to his belt, and we left the balcony again, to meet the Queen of Commorragh in person.

Still somewhat light-headed from the performance I just had been allowed to watch, I followed my master into the bowels of the Crucibael. I was surprised by the vastness of the halls and hallways of the arena and also that the Overlord was allowed inside without anybody asking, since Wych Cults tended to be quite secretive about their inner structure and usually did not take part in the political games of the Kabals.

Then again, the ties between the Kabal of the Black Heart and the Wych Cult of Strife were quite deep and there was no telling how deep the personal connection between Vect and Hesperax was. I had the strange feeling that I was about to find out.

The deeper we went into the building, the more ornated the hallways got, well, the decoration was mostly made of blades and gruesome trophies, possibly remnants of the most interesting foes the members of the Cult had fought and annihilated in the arena and on the battlefield.

As we reached an even-more-so arrayed corridor, I had the feeling that we were at the end of our journey, because this hallway found its end at a lavishly adorned door, which was even more magnificent than the rest.

We halted in front of it and my jaw almost dropped as my master took off his helmet. I had never imagined that he would do this outside his quarters or the training hall. I looked at him in utter bewilderment as he handed his helmet to one of his bodyguards and I simply had to ask, "Why… why are you doing this, my lord?"

Vect flashed a mysterious smile at me and said, while taking off his gauntlets too, "You will see in a minute." I had to keep myself from rolling my eyes and sighing in annoyance. Was he never going to drop this enigmatic attitude of his?

Apparently not.

Another one of the guards was handed his gauntlets and sceptre, I got unchained and then we stepped through the door.

As we entered the room, I was unable to take a closer look at it, because my gaze was immediately allured by the woman that waited for us in here.

Though I had just seen Lelith Hesperax fighting, I only now up close was able to see her true beauty.

She was so painfully perfect that my eyes and head started to hurt, but by the same token I was unable to look away, because her appearance could only be described as… captivating.

Absolutely everything about her was perfect – from her flowing, silky, blood-red hair, over her picture-perfect sculpted face, to her immaculate breasts, down to her flawlessly curved hips and supple, lithe legs… words were not enough to describe this absolute beauteousness. I felt waves of vertigo washing over me, because her perfection was simply too much for my mind to grasp.

Gods, I knew I was staring at her blatantly, but I was unable to snap out of it.

I was aware that she noticed my stare, but she did not seem to mind, because she chuckled softly, her voice high and clear – yes, gods, even her voice was like honey to one's ears – and got up from the divan she just had lain on, in one swift and so ever-flowing movement. Even a cat seemed clumsy compared to her.

I wanted to cry because the movement was so graceful.

With two fluent steps she was within arm's reach of Vect and this time, my jaw dropped indeed as the two greeted each other in one of the most intimate ways possible for Dark Eldar.

To an outsider it might have looked unspectacular, since all they did was laying the backs of their right hands onto the other's right cheek and slightly bowing their heads to each other, their foreheads almost touching, but I knew what this greeting meant.

They might just as well have kissed.

This form of greeting indicated a level of respect and trust that was nearly unique in the Dark City. It was highly unusual that touches were exchanged whilst a greeting, let alone a touch with bare hands and even more so laying them onto each other's face. Both were utterly vulnerable in those seconds and knowing what seasoned killers they were, it would have been easy for them to eliminate the opposite.

This was a fight I would have loved to see, because I was not sure who would win it.

Yet, the greeting was over in a few seconds, by far not enough time for me to recover. I still felt light-headed and had not been able to tear my gaze away from this utter beauty I was allowed to behold.

As they had drawn away from each other, Hesperax's gaze fell upon me and she said, again completely engulfing me in a stupor with her melodious voice, "What's it with your little helper here, Asdrubael?"

Asdrubael?

Asdrubael?!

Did she just really…?

This did not help at all with my bedazzlement.

Before the Overlord could answer her question, I managed to say, my voice highly strained, "Someone… please… slap me out… of this."

My master had not to be told twice, he backhanded me, but I was able to feel that this was rather a gentle push than a hit. I was grateful that I had to close my eyes as he hit me and the pain snapped me out of my stupor.

My eyes still closed, I heard Hesperax say, "Why have you brought her here? Don't get me wrong – she is a sweet enough thing, but you know that I am not into such young slaves." I now opened my eyes, looked at her again and almost gasped as I saw that a sneer graced her features. It made her even more beautiful, as impossible as it sounded. She continued, "Or are you getting too old and need a slave to help you around?"

To my surprise, Vect receipted her cheeky remark with a short laugh, then he retorted, "As if you were any younger, my dear Lelith. No, this child has nothing to do with my age or the need for assistance. This one has a special talent, which I wanted to show you. Child, be so kind as to tell Lelith what you know about her." Hesperax chuckled at his remark. The wonders did not stop here for me. I knew that Hesperax also had to be incredibly old, but as old as him… damn, she looked so stunningly young!

I did not let this shake me too much, but rather did as he had bidden me.

It took a while, since there was so much to tell about Lelith Hesperax. I not only told the plain lore, but also added my own thoughts, but without showing that it was my own theories.

I was quite sure that an utterly surprised look on Hesperax's face was not often to be seen. I now was lucky to count myself amongst those that had seen such an expression from her. I did not need to mention that also this expression made her look utterly stunning.

"That is… something else," she now said, shaking her head slightly in disbelief. Her flowing hair underlined the smooth movement even more. Then Hesperax turned to me and asked, "You knew all this before you came here?"

I bowed slightly and answered, "Yes, my lady."

The Succubus turned back to Vect and said, "Just when I thought you held all the aces around here, you still manage to find one more to hold, you ancient bastard."

The Overlord flashed a confident smile and replied, "Exactly. There is a reason behind my unique position in this back-stabbing and traitorous society."

"And what a reason indeed," Hesperax added and her inflexion, as well as her smile, were highly suggestive. There was something between them, I just could not say what it was, but they seemed to share a bond that was either extremely deep for Dark Eldar or utterly ancient… or both.

Somehow, they reminded me a bit of an old, human couple, but such a thing was unthinkable for Dark Eldar. If there was something more about this relationship – and right now I was sure as hell that there was – they had hidden it perfectly from the public for millennia.

Vect shrugged, seemingly unmoved by her gamy behaviour, went to the richly laid table and seated himself, casually reaching for a glass and a flask, pouring himself a glass of wine. I jumped as I realised that this was my task and that I just had neglected my duties severely. My master, of course, noticed my fright and said, "Relax, child, the rules are a bit loosened up around here. Take a seat and just hold your tongue while the grown-ups talk."

I nodded and said, "As you wish, my lord."

I began seating myself at his feet as I usually did, but before I could, Hesperax's soft voice came from behind, "Honey, you don't have to sit on the floor, why don't you just take a seat at the table?"

Still not sure whether they were playing a cruel game with me and tried to lure me into making a mistake, I replied hesitantly, "My lady, I'm not sure, if I…"

She cut me off, "Girl, these are my halls and here only my rules count. When I say you sit at the table, you do, are we clear?" Her sharp inflexion made clear that it was best not to tangle with her.

I, therefore, bowed my head and said, "Of course, my lady, please forgive my ignorance." I did as she bid me and seated myself to the left of my master.

While I moved, Hesperax said to Vect, "Oh dear, what have you done to this poor thing that she is so utterly submissive?"

He answered, "Actually, not much, since she did quite nicely until now. She is just careful, which is only wise of her; besides, Vlokarion trained her and I guess that he was not too gentle with her."

"You've got to be kidding me! Vlokarion? Of all the teachers she could possibly have…?" Hesperax burst out. She shook her head, her gorgeous hair followed the movement like a silken ribbon, and then she said to me, "I don't know what you did that you gained his favour, but apparently you must be good at charming people. Then again, Vlokarion's motives are so erratic that I think even he himself is sometimes not sure why he is doing something."

I replied, "It is also a mystery to me, my lady, but in the first place he needed me as a spy against Chu'uk and it seems as one thing lead to the other. Why he has trained me so exceptionally well I don't know, but I also have the strange feeling that he is somewhat fond of me. I can assure you that I was not in the state of mind to charm him in any way."

The Succubus shook her head and seated herself to the right of Vect. Then, she turned to me once more and said, "Curious. Nevertheless, you had to do something exceptionally right, because Haemonculi usually only choose extraordinary individuals as their apprentices. So, lighten up, child! I know that you are used to serving in the toughest courts of them all, where only perfect behaviour and submission let you survive, but around here rules are loosened. So do yourself a favour and relax a bit, I personally can't stand over-submissive slaves."

I nodded, smiled and replied, "Alright."

Hesperax chuckled. "You are quite the quick, little adapter, aren't you?" she said jokingly.

Vect grinned, baring his fangs and added, "If she was not, she would not have survived in such a barely scathed state until now." Without altering his wolfish smile, he added, "How did you like your challenge today?"

She smiled. "It was interesting, for a change. I liked its reflexes and unusual physiology. Took me quite the time to figure out where its soft spots were. Where did you dig up this particular specimen?"

Now the Overlord showed one of his legendary mysterious smiles. "I have my sources."

The Succubus laughed. "Typical," she just added.

He also shortly chimed in the laughter – it was the strangest thing I had heard until now, since both of their laughs were sincere – but then made one of his legendary mood changes and said, now completely sincere again, "Enough of this. There are some things you should be informed about, Lelith."

The Succubus now also dropped her playful attitude, sat up straight and replied, "Very well. What is going on?"

"It seems as if someone is trying to kill you – again."

Hesperax shook her head, graceful as ever, sighed heavily and said, "They never learn. Who is it this time?"

"That is the right question. My little slave here has picked up the words from Vaulkhere, but I sincerely doubt that he is as careless and stupid, as to whisper about it in my very halls," Vect explained.

"Huh. I see your point there. Vaulkhere may be an arrogant bastard, but he is not a fool and definitely not careless. Any ideas on who is truly behind this?"

The Overlord shook his head. "Not yet. However, I can assure you, I will find out."

Hesperax smiled again. "He is always so protective of me, my dear Asdrubael. You know, I am a big girl; I can look out for myself. They want to kill me? Fine. Let them come."

To my surprise, Vect chuckled. "I know. Nevertheless, I would not be much of a leader if I let one of the most favourite figures of my people die in a stupid assassination assault."

Hesperax chuckled too. "You need to relax," she said. Then her inflexion changed and in a seductive, yet gaming manner, she added, "Come along, after all, this is what you are here for, right?" She got up in one, so ever-flowing movement, then her eyes found mine. "What about her?"

Vect smiled shortly, then shook his head lightly and said, "She is far from being ready for something like this." To me, he said, "Come, child, I will instruct someone to bring you back to my quarters, where you will wait for me."

As he got up, so did I. The Succubus chuckled, gently ran her fingers over Vect's cheek and whispered softly to him, "I'll be waiting in bed for you." Then she left with swaying hips and cat-like steps.

That confirmed my assumptions.

I was not sure if their relationship could truly be described as romantic, but it definitely was something else than most around here had. At least they slept with each other, as many sources had already suggested.

My master led me out of the room, then shortly talked to one of his guards, ordering him to take me back to the flyer and to the Black Fortress. Then we said our goodbyes for now.

The journey back to the fortress and to the quarters of the Overlord was uneventful.

After this long day, I enjoyed being alone for a change. His presence was somewhat strangling and today I was really glad that I had my break from him.

Still, as I sat at the table, eating with great delight, since I had been starving by now, my stomach felt queasy. I had not forgotten that I was still due for a punishment. My only faint hope was that he would be too relaxed after his time with Hesperax to even bother punishing me. That, or he would do it to round off this day for himself with some screams and pain. Then again, I hoped that he would finally get it over with, so my mind could be taken off this terrible dreading again.

Whatever the case, I was sure that he would take his time, knowing all too well how it ate me up.

It took hours for him to come back and though I tried to relax in those hours and though I was exhausted, barely keeping awake, since I was not sure whether I was allowed to sleep, I was uneasy and could not truly wind down.

As he finally came back, I could see from his stance that he had to be utterly relaxed, for I had never seen him move so chilled out.

I smiled at him from the couch, where I was lying with a book to kill time and said, "I take it that the last hours were enjoyable for you, my lord?"

To my surprise, he returned my smile and replied, "Quite." With this, he just took off his helmet and laid aside his sceptre and then went to the table to eat.

As it was expected of me, I brought back the book and followed him to the table.

While he ate, he said to me, "Keep your mouth shut about what you got to know back in the Crucibael."

I nodded and replied, "I never intended to do anything else but that, my lord."

"Good. I like your understanding of these things. There is no need to remind you about such matters any longer," he said.

I sincerely thanked him, hoping inside that he might let go of my punishment at this point, since my qualities outweighed my mistakes. Nevertheless, he was not in the mood for talking, because he ate silently; from his gaze, I could guess that he was far away with his mind. I kept very quiet not to disturb him in his pondering and in moments like this, his true age seemed to show. I just was not sure why I felt that way. There was just such a deep-going reflectiveness about him, which somehow added a certain sheen to his eyes, that made him look incredibly old.

So we spent this while in silence; I had to keep myself from shifting uneasy in my chair, for I was sure I would just have annoyed him with that. After this strange while, which he had spent staring into thin air and eating absently, he seemed to come back into the present and finished his meal.

After he did, he said to me, somewhat unexpectedly, "Child, I want you to take a shower and remove your make-up. Leave your hairstyle as it is. Then come back, without dressing yourself."

I bowed and went to do as he bid me. I was relieved that I was finally allowed to take the clothes and the chains with it off. The attire had just annoyed the hell out of me the whole day.

In the shower, the thought of still having a punishment before me again gnawed at me. I just wanted to know when he would finally do it!

Still, I felt better and less filthy after showering, my head a bit clearer now, though I was still exhausted, since this day had been incredibly long. After drying myself and again checking my hairstyle, since it seemed as if my master had taken a particular liking in it, I came back to him.

I was surprised to find that my master had finally rid himself of his armour and was sitting at the footboard of the bed in a wingchair, facing the bed. Beside him was a small table, which was laid with a crimson padding and some things on it I could not quite see from my point of view. I really wondered where he had gotten the wing chair and the small table all of a sudden. Then again, he had enough servants at his disposal that followed his every whim. He had rested his elbows on the arms of the chair and his slightly fanned-out fingers were touching each other's tips. His head was slightly tilted forward and he looked at me with a certain sheen in his eyes from under his brow, that bode ill for me.

If I had not known what this look he now gave me meant and how dire things were to become for me in a minute, I would have laughed my ass off, because the pose he was holding right now was exactly the one every villain in just like every film ever used.

However, in this situation, I just swallowed heavily, my heart strongly pounding in my chest and I asked, afraid of the answer and with a slight bow, "My lord?"

Vect gestured to the bed and demanded, "Sit down on the bed, on your heels, facing me!"

"Yes, my lord." I did as he bid me.

I was so scared.

My master got up in one, flowing movement and started chaining me to the bed with metal cuffs, which were fixated with long, delicate chains to the two bedposts left and right of me. He took his time, adjusting the length of the chains time and again, until my arm muscles and joints were almost hyperextended and the bindings held me quite perfectly in place. By the point he was done – he had not said a single word to me – I trembled with fear, for I was sure that he was about to punish me.

As he went to the table – distressingly slowly, as it seemed to me – and poured himself a glass of wine, I shot a quick and panicked look at the small, cushioned table that stood beside the wing chair in front of me.

I was sure that I paled and my eyes widened as I saw what was on it.

I knew those rings and I was quite sure that the whip with the leathery and metallic lash and the golden handle was not an ordinary one. In fact, I was sure as hell that all these things were indeed Agonisers.

I looked at my master in pure horror as he came back and when he saw in my eyes that I knew what was about to come for me, a slow, vicious, yet slight smile showed on his face. He sat down again in the wing chair – I only now realised that he was close enough to touch me without any effort – and put the glass down on the small table, beside the torture instruments.

Vect stared at me for a while, still punishing me with silence, then he slightly shook his head and said calmly, "Just look at you. Scared out of your mind just by the thought of what I might do to you. At some point, you humans are all the same. Such a shame."

I lowered my gaze, no longer able to meet his, as I felt ridiculed and ashamed. I flinched heavily as his right hand touched my chin and lifted my head again, making me look into his eyes once again. He narrowed them and he growled at me, "Look. At. Me. What is it with you today that you look away without permission?"

I started shaking harder and replied, "I… I am sorry, my lord. I… I… can't seem to find the strength to meet your gaze today."

I yelped as he slapped me in the face quite hard. With my eyes closed and my cheek burning and bleeding again, I heard him say, "I thought you knew better than to answer a rhetorical question. Though you have done quite well today in some points, you keep disappointing me at other occasions. I cannot and will not have that with you. You should know by now what you are to do and what you should leave."

I only recovered slowly from the hit; the dire truth was that my pain acceptance for today was exhausted. The meeting today had taken a lot of my strength and though I had had quite some pain-free time, my mind and body were still feeble. The notion of soon having to feel the pain Agonisers brought, sickened me.

"Still, I enjoyed watching you punishing the other slave quite a lot. I found it entertaining how much you enjoyed it, funnelling all your rage and pain, releasing it upon her. I am curious to see how far I can push you in this matter. Then again…" He let go of my chin and I watched with a pained look as he slipped the Agoniser-rings on. That he did it utterly slowly did not make this any better for me. I winced again as he laid his right hand against my bleeding cheek, the cold metal of the ring touching my face, but not yet giving me pain. "…I figured that I should show you on which points you should use them, to produce the best results. Why not do it whilst punishing you? I am quite sure that you will remember it quite well like this, am I not right, my little slave?"

I just nodded slightly, never able to say a single word, trembling harder.

He shot me a scrutinising look. "I have never seen you so severely unsettled. Why is that, my child?"

I swallowed heavily and replied, "Because I know what the pain these things bring feels like."

"Do you now? Has Chu'uk punished you in this manner? Or did Vlokarion use them to educate you?" he asked.

I wagged my head. "Neither. I tried them on myself earlier today, to know how severe this punishment would be and I figured that I should know what I inflict upon others. And seeing the whip over there, I am not sure if I will not snap."

Vect now laughed one of his totally uncalled-for laughs. "And what sense would that make? Breaking you, after I finally have you where I want you, seems to be a very unwise notion to me. No, child, I will mainly use the rings on you, you will only have to feel a few hits from that whip, for each severe mistake you made today. Also, do not forget one thing: those two types of Agonisers still do not count to the worst of those devices. The needle-gauntlets we sometimes use are the real menace and those can cripple nerves permanently, if not used correctly. But I do not wish to maim you; I want you to fully recover again. I will have Vlokarion come around tomorrow to check on you." He paused for a moment, apparently pondering something, then continued, "Still, I find it commendable that you are so thorough with your tasks. It is highly unusual that slaves try Agonisers on themselves to use them correctly. An odd thing indeed." Again, he seemed to contemplate a thought, then said, "Very well. For this highly laudable behaviour, you will have to feel one hit less from the whip. After all, dutiful deeds should be encouraged."

Though I was relieved to hear that, his reassurance and praise now did not help at all. I tried to speak and thank him for his consideration, but I could not.

I started trembling all over and barely kept from crying as I watched him brushing the rings against each other, activating them with this simple movement.

My master flashed a gloating and vile smile at me and said with a tone of utter mockery and viciousness in his voice, "Now… shall we begin?"

---

Somewhere in the highest spires of Commorragh, a servant talked to his mistress, telling about what had transpired in the throne room of the Overlord the other day, as an assassin was barely kept from killing the Overlord's Hierarch.

"It might surprise you to hear that the slave-girl was actually the one to foil the attempt."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. Our spies were absolutely clear and sure about that."

Black eyes narrowed, a beautiful face was drawn into a frown and for a while, this angel-like face stayed like that. Then, a smile curled on lascivious lips, yet not lighting this face up, rather giving it a vicious touch.

"Then we have to eliminate Vect's little helper," a melodious, yet cruel voice said.

"As you say, my lady," the servant answered.

---

I know I took a long time with finishing this chapter and I am happy for everyone that stayed with me on this and is able to take my long posting times. ;-) However, I try to keep a high quality of this story, so it not only takes a lot of time to find the right words, but also a tremendous amount of time to proof-read this stuff properly, so it is not full of mistakes (since I am not a native speaker) and refined to be utterly enjoyable to read.

As always, reviews and opinons are highly appreciated.

Stay with me on this story, I will finish it, though it might take me years to do so.