Interrogation of an Amazon

The following totally fictitious writings of M Coolham are intended for the sole readership of those of LEGAL AGE. The ADULT ONLY material contained within is also for personal use only where local standards permit scenes of violence, torture and sex. Please do not read further if any of these subjects offend, or if you are not of legal age.

This is a work of fiction. The author does not condone violence of any sort.

The following is under Copyright and is for your sole enjoyment. Your cooperation in not using the material in any other application without the express permission of the author is requested. Thank you.

Interrogation of an Amazon

Chapter Nine

Full House

The door to Nemo's bedroom opened. Sempha stared up at the gold canopy overhanging the enormous four-poster bed. She tested the ropes for the hundredth time but she was held secure, naked, her limbs spread wide. She felt the cool sensation of the fine white cotton sheets against her back.

The King closed the door and turned the key. He walked over to the bed, his purple silk robe flowing behind him. He rubbed his hand across his chest, his palm feeling the raised coat of arms that emblazoned his garment.

Candles of all shapes and sizes burned around the room. The flames danced, casting uneven shadows against the granite walls. The torches had been extinguished, the velvet curtains drawn. He was alone with his prize.

Nemo stood by the bed and gazed down at the bound Amazon.

"Hello Princess," he said. "Allow me to say - you look ravishing".

Sempha turned away, clenching and unclenching her fists. She breathed deeply, every movement of her chest making her luscious breasts quiver. Her pink nipples stood proud.

He reached down and ran his hand along her leg, enjoying the feel of hard muscle beneath her smooth bronze skin. Nemo stroked her taut abdomen. His index finger lingered inside her navel. He played with the knot of skin. She found his touch repulsive.

"Tell me Sempha my beauty," he said. "Have you ever had a real man?"

She glared, her jaw tight with fury.

The King grabbed her hair and pulled her face around to look at him. Her eyes were cool and distant.

"Speak," he said.

"I have nothing to say to you," said the Princess. "The sight of you disgusts me".

"Then perhaps you'll enjoy this more if you can't see me," said Nemo.

He pulled a clean silk scarf from the pocket of his robe.

Sempha shook her head from side to side, tugging furiously against her bonds. Her ample breasts swayed vigorously.

The King climbed onto the bed and sat across the Amazon's throat, his shins against her shoulders, his knees either side of her head. He held her steady. She winced at the stink of his unwashed genitals, his penis erect in front of her face. He pulled away the pillows and threw them to the floor.

Nemo placed the blindfold across the top of her face. The Princess lay motionless anxious to protect her eyes. He lifted up her head, leaned forward, and tied the knot tight behind her head.

The King pulled himself off the bound beauty and stood beside the bed. He watched his victim look around as if she was trying to find a source of light. He noticed her breathing quicken, her chest rising and falling, her ribcage expanding and contracting.

No light permeated the black material. Sempha's world was in darkness.

Nemo picked up a large red candle and held it above her heaving chest. He tipped the candle. A drop of seething wax landed between her breasts.

A gasp of surprise.

He moved the candle and tipped it again. Four drops of molten wax fell to her body, encasing her left nipple.

Sempha winced. She raised her torso off the bed, her stomach muscles tightening.

"Like that do you?" he said. "Let's decorate you".

Her torturer tilted the candle for a third time. Steaming liquid wax cascaded onto her unprotected body, running off her breasts and down her side. She thrashed against the ropes trying to avoid the boiling fluid. He continued until the candle was burnt to a stub. Her body burned. Red wax coated her breasts and nipples.

The King opened a drawer in his bedside table and drew a knife. He leaned down and placed the blade underneath the hardened red scabs of dried wax. The Princess held her breath as each flick of the dagger pulled at her skin.

"Don't be concerned," he said, tracing the outline of her aureoles with the tip of the blade. "I shan't cut you. I shall leave your flesh intact for the dungeon master".

She swallowed.

He used a green candle, melting the pillar all over her body. Nemo removed the coating and repeated the exercise with white. The discomfort was mild. The sensation of helplessness was acute. The feel of cold steel against her nipples made her heart pound. She took shallow breaths; any movement might slice her flawless skin. An hour passed.

"How lovely that we have all night," he said. "Please excuse me while I attend to something".

He put on his boots and left the room.

* * *

Amphora watched the dungeon master ignite a flame beneath a pile of charcoal. The coals soon glowed red, their centres white hot. He thrust a brand into the furnace.

The Amazon looked to her right where the thick black curtain remained drawn. There was no sound from the other side.

She turned her head back to the ogre. He was staring down at her. He grinned, his yellow crooked teeth gruesome in the torchlight.

"We have a new arrival," he whispered. "And she's just as beautiful as you".

Ennuta joined him at the brazier.

"Let me do it," she said.

"Be my guest," the man replied, handing her the brand, its scythe motif glowing orange.

Ennuta grinned.

The dungeon master went over to a table in the corner and returned with two rags and small pieces of rope.

"We don't want these two talking," he said.

The huge man knelt down beside the tied warrior. Puno joined him.

"I think you might know our latest visitor," the ogre sneered. "Perhaps you'll want to chat. What a shame we can't accommodate you".

Puno grabbed Amphora's head and lifted it off the ground. The dungeon master passed his accomplice a rag and slithers of cord. Puno thrust the rag against the Amazon's mouth. She melded her lips.

"Ennuta," said the dungeon master, a tune in his voice. "You're needed over here".

The ugly woman looked across and immediately understood what was required. Ennuta withdrew the rod from the fire and walked over to stand before the helpless Amazon. The female aggressor placed the sizzling brand between Amphora's chained legs.

"Open your mouth, bitch," she hissed. "Or I'll destroy your sex".

The Amazon shook her head.

Ennuta drew the steaming brand towards the warrior and held it millimeters from her pubic bone. A rancid smell of charred hair assaulted their nostrils.

Amphora saw the look of hate in Ennuta's eyes. She had no doubt the vindictive woman would fulfill her threat. The Amazon chose to save herself and opened her mouth.

Puno thrust in the filthy rag. The foul taste made her wretch. He tightened the rope around her head, her cheeks pulled back revealing her teeth. Her head fell to the stone floor.

The five interrogators walked over to the curtain. Clen pulled back the drape and they passed through to the anteroom.

"Hello gorgeous," Amphora heard one of them say. "Welcome".

The curtain was drawn closed behind them.

The Amazon heard the sound of fist connecting with flesh. Then a muted cry. The prisoner in the chamber was putting up a fight.

A high-pitched shriek followed the unmistakable smell of burning flesh that escaped through the black velvet.

Amphora thrashed against her chains. Her muscles strained as she fought the metal but they had tied her well. She sweated.

The curtain parted and Ennuta walked back into the dungeon. She grinned at Amphora.

"Do you know this woman?" she asked, spreading her arm back towards the gap in the wall.

The men appeared, a stunning muscular woman fighting against their hold.

"Glnna!" the gagged voice of Amphora.

The sisters stared at each other, both shocked by what they saw. Neither had any notion of what the other had endured but each could tell that their sibling had visited hell. The amber-eyed twin noticed the fresh vivid wound from the brand on her sister's inner thigh.

Amphora tried to get up but the chains restrained her. Glaina wrestled against the men but they held her tight.

The dungeon master turned to Breet.

"It's your turn," he said. "Which one do you want?"

Breet inspected the women. Eyes: amber or green? Hair: straight black or curly copper? The twins were equally attractive. He weighed the decision carefully, then whispered in the dungeon master's ear. The ogre smiled.

"As you wish," he said.

"Let them sleep," said Breet. "I want them fresh for my experiment".

"Now that Amphora has illuminated us as to the Princess's whereabouts," said the dungeon master, addressing Glaina as much as anyone else, "Our task has been accomplished. But the twins' contribution to our entertainment has only just begun. On the other hand, if she lied," he looked down at Amphora, "I cannot be held responsible for the consequences that will follow for you both".

Glaina shot a look at Amphora, compassion in her emerald eyes. She knew that for her sister to break the torture must have been unspeakable. The Amazons were bursting with questions. They longed to hug. But their jailers kept them apart, the gags increasing their frustration.

Amphora turned away, tears in her eyes. She hated herself.

Glaina was taken to the other side of the dungeon. They threw her to the floor and tied her, a carbon copy of her sister on the other side of the room. Ennuta placed a chain around Glaina's throat and secured it tight against the ground. She wanted to be certain the sisters could not communicate – not even with signs or lip-read conversation.

* * *

Sempha heard the key turn in the lock. The door creaked open and the King crossed the threshold. The door closed and the key turned again. The Princess raised her head to look in his direction but could see nothing. No light penetrated the blindfold. She hated this vulnerability; available for his every whim.

Nemo's boots clattered against the flagstones as he came towards her. He purposely exaggerated the sound. He need not have bothered. The three other people who had entered the room with him – barefoot - moved towards the bed noiselessly. They were practiced in the art of silent approach.

The Princess heard the King remove his boots. She felt the mattress give way as he climbed onto the bed between her spread legs. She sensed him kneeling. She tugged against the ropes. They creaked and groaned but remained tight. The newcomers watched her muscles flex as she fought. They had worked on several of Nemo's subjects but this woman surpassed anyone that they had ever seen.

His finger tenderly massaged her labia. The pressure increased, the digit finding its way into all the crevasses and folds of her sweetest flesh. His thumb stroked her pubic bone, running through her soft hair. She fought against arousal. The Princess would not allow him to think he could give her pleasure. She diverted her senses.

A tongue ran up to her navel. She gasped and sucked in her stomach. But there was no avoiding his touch. Saliva dripped from his mouth as he bit on her nipples.

Fingers pulled at her hard nipples, tweaking, flicking, stroking. He used her nipples to tug at her breasts, drawing her tits away from her chest before letting go, her flesh falling back down quivering and jiggling as it settled.

She felt his erect member against her gate. She was dry but he persisted, stabbing gently - trying to find a way in.

Again he used her breasts, grasping at her nipples, using them as handles to pull her pendulous globes from side to side. He slapped her tits. Left right. Harder. Left right left. She winced, unable to see him – unable to anticipate the blows. He continued, her astonishing breasts a mass of wobbling reddening flesh.

For a second time his penis sought an entrance, prodding and poking. She moved her hips to frustrate his efforts.

Sempha heard his breathing, deep and laboured. She felt the mattress give and take with the weight of his knees between her tied legs.

He froze.

His cock was on the edge of her crack.

She tensed. She waited. She bashed her head back against the mattress, frustration overcoming her.

He grabbed her buttocks and pulled her towards him. His fingernails dug into her firm flesh. The ropes bit into her wrists.

With a roar he thrust into her.

Simultaneously, molten wax landed on her throat - a whip crashed against her breasts - something sharp dug into the sole of her right foot.

"Aaaaarrgghh".

A mixture of pain, surprise, anger.

He pumped - scalding wax fell onto her neck and upper chest - leather smacked against her tits.

'How many are there?'

'Men? Women?'

'Bastards!'

They worked on her defenceless body until he came.

Then they rotated positions.

For two hours they abused her, taking turns between her legs. She never knew which was Nemo. Perhaps none of them was.

Rough hands held her jaw wide open. A man unloaded into her mouth. She spat out the filthy liquid.

So they did it again. This time he drove deeper. He ejaculated against the back of her throat. They made sure she swallowed.

When it was over she was slick was sweat. Her breasts were red with whip marks. Her nipples were sore and swollen from being mauled and wrenched. Her vagina was raw, the dryness of her tract amplifying the hurt. Streaks of semen coated her face and breasts. More of the vile stuff oozed from between her legs.

The door opened and people left.

Nemo remained.

"The rape of Lumana is half done," he said. "Tomorrow you will tell me what I need to know. Then the plunder will be complete".

"Are you satisfied you pig?" she replied. "Is that what it takes for Thoranian men to have a woman? She must be tied to endure their revolting bodies?"

"I'll break your spirit," he snarled. "If it's the last thing I do".

* * *

Tolana pulled back on the reins. It was mid-afternoon. Her horse had been galloping for two hours nonstop. They had covered four hundred miles since the previous day.

A long leash ran from her saddle to the horse that followed, Haalet on its back. The captive's hands were tied behind his back, his feet bound together beneath the second animal. His muscles strained with the effort of staying upright, his inner thighs and buttocks raw.

Their Amazon escort also took the opportunity to rest.

Tolana consulted her map.

'We'll be there tonight,' she thought.

* * *

Soldiers had been sent ahead to announce the imminent arrival of the Amazon prisoners. A crowd had gathered on the battlements to witness the final stage of their journey to the fortress. It was late in the afternoon when the group came into view.

The onlookers noticed that one of the women had been kept apart, her arms tied to a beam running across her shoulders.

They also saw one of the Amazons walking with Britt, the two of them deep in conversation.

The huge outer doors were pulled apart and the captives were led through to the inner courtyard.

People emerged from doors around the square; soon there were hundreds surrounding the chained women. They paid particular attention to Cercia. That she was naked was one thing, but there was something especially attractive about her – that she was shorter and slighter than the others was strangely pleasing.

Cercia wasn't beaten yet. Her mind raced. 'This situation might turn out to our advantage,' she thought. 'At least we're inside the castle'. She stood close to the main group. With all the noise coming from the crowd she was able to speak softly to her comrades.

"Be prepared," Cercia whispered as loudly as she dared. "They'll use our bodies for sport. I fear that's something we can't prevent. But try and pick a weak man amongst those who service you. Try and make a friend – win them round. Find a gap in their defences. Let's keep in contact – somehow".

The warriors understood the message.

'Thoranian scum beware' was the tenor of their thoughts.

Tevo had been told of the women's arrival and joined the throng. Britt spotted him amongst the people and called him over.

"This is Neepa," said Britt. "She's the spy I was telling you about".

"I've heard much about you," said the Captain. "I understand your contribution to the capture of the rescue party was invaluable. You saved many Thoranian lives. The King would like to thank you personally".

"I will look forward to that," said Neepa, shaking Tevo's hand. "It has been my pleasure to serve such a noble leader".

Tevo wondered if the woman was married. Her beauty far surpassed any of the Thoranians with whom he socialized.

The Captain rubbed his hands together and looked at the sixteen prisoners.

"I think it's time we had an auction," he said. "Fine quality stock. The prices should set records. I'll make an announcement".

"Before you go," said Britt, holding the Captain's forearm, "The naked one's their leader. She's my choice. Keep her back".

"No problem," said Tevo. He walked over to the platform on which Amphora had been paraded.

"Listen up," he shouted.

People gathered round.

"There will be a slave auction three days from now".

Murmurs of agreement from the throng.

"Messages will be dispatched to our most discerning customers," he continued. "These women are the highest quality we've ever sold. Prices will reflect that. A notice will be posted tomorrow with the time and place".

The crowd applauded as he descended the steps.

"What shall we do with the prisoners?" asked Britt.

"We don't want their value reduced," the Captain replied. "But the men deserve a reward. The crew of the Lynx has had their fill. It's the army's turn. Throw the prisoners in the dungeons and let the soldiers pick and choose".

"Good idea," said Britt.

"Two things," said Tevo. "Be sure the soldiers work in gangs of at least six – no fewer. No one man can handle an Amazon alone; these women are too dangerous. Also, the men must be clear that no damage to the goods will be acceptable. They can treat them rough, but no marks – no scars".

"I'll see to it," said Britt.

"Neepa, come with me," said the Captain, smiling broadly. "Let me introduce you to the King".

"I'd like that," said Neepa, flirting with her light-brown eyes.

Neepa turned to Britt.

"What will you do with Cercia?" she asked.

"She'll be delivered to the dungeon master," he replied. "But first I'll explore her body for a while".

Neepa smiled.

"Let me know when you've finished," she said. "I have some lessons to teach her. If she's chained to a post, and a whip's available, so much the better".

The sixteen women were led away. The soldiers swarmed around them as they were taken to the cells, each man naming his favourite.

Britt opened the door to his private room. Cercia saw hooks and shackles hanging from the ceiling, restraints at each corner of the bed. He pushed her inside and slammed the door.

"Party time," he snarled.

* * *

A note was passed under the door of the dungeon. It contained few words.

'The King wants the Princess for one more night. She will be delivered first thing tomorrow'.

* * *

The sun was setting behind the castle. Tevo had ordered that the number of sentries be doubled. Although the rescue party had been successfully intercepted he remained cautious. As far as he knew, the Amazons were still unaware that their Princess had been captured. But once they found out, he knew they would act.

* * *

"You wanted to meet our spy in the Amazon camp, my Lord," said Tevo. "Allow me to present Neepa".

She bowed.

"Welcome to Thorania," said Nemo. "I know you will be happy living in this country".

"I'm sure I shall," said Neepa.

"Remind me," said the King. "Why did you choose to betray Lumana?"

"Simple," she said. "How could twenty women overcome the might of the Thoranian capital? The mission seemed doomed from the start. I have no desire to die – or be sold as a slave. It was a matter of life or death. Ride with Cercia - or save my life".

They exchanged a few pleasantries.

The King wanted to get to the point. He cleared his throat.

"Tell me," he said. "Do you know where the infamous Amazon treasure is located?"

"No," said Neepa. "I wish that I did. Only Princess Sempha has that information. It's handed down from generation to generation within the royal line. If she dies, the secret dies with her".

The King stared deep into Neepa's eyes.

"And do you know where the Princess can be found?" asked the King.

"Again, I must answer in the negative," said Neepa. "Last known, she and her bodyguard were hiding in the wilderness. There was concern that her other bodyguard, the one you hold, would break under torture. And that you would come looking for the Princess".

"You are correct in your summation," said Nemo. "But there is something you should know".

The King stepped closer to the Amazon, studying her face for every nuance.

"The Princess is here. Upstairs. Tied to my bed".

Neepa burst out laughing.

"Why, that is splendid news," she said. "How could you keep such information from me?"

The King noticed nothing untoward in her expression. She was clearly genuinely happy. He stepped back.

"What prevents you from questioning her?" asked Neepa. "Your dungeon master's reputation is legendary".

"In truth," said Nemo, "I think it's a shame to scar such supreme beauty".

He thought a moment.

"No matter," he said, dusting his hands against his tunic. "Her beauty will fade. The jewels will not. She will be interrogated until she breaks – at whatever cost to her magnificent body".

Sempha's face swam before his eyes. He thrust her image from his mind.

"If you had known the treasure's location, Neepa," he said, almost to himself, "I could have spared her the interrogation. I would have had gold and diamonds beyond my wildest dreams and the most beautiful woman imaginable as my slave".

"I am sorry I cannot help further," said Neepa.

"Do not apologise," said Nemo. "Your contribution to my kingdom has been vital. Who knows what havoc that band of women might have caused".

"My Lord," she asked, summoning up her courage. "May I ask one favour? Call it payment for my services to you".

"Name it," he said.

"Am I correct that you will be present when Sempha is interrogated?" she said. "I imagine you are anxious to learn firsthand where the treasure is to be found; to hear it for yourself when she breaks - lest anyone keep the knowledge for himself, or passes you incorrect information".

Neepa was treading carefully. Any suggestion that a servant of the King might deceive him could have serious repercussions.

"Yes, of course," said Nemo, unevenly. The thought had not occurred to him. But he knew that Neepa was right. He needed to hear it for himself.

"Then I ask if I may join you", she said. "I have no ambitions for the gold. But I would like to watch the dungeon master at work. And any discomfort written across Sempha's face would be……………a bonus for me".

"Your wish is granted," said Nemo. "We shall enter the dungeon together".

* * *

A second note appeared under the dungeon door.

Clen handed it to the dungeon master who read it out-loud.

'Lumana attempted a rescue. Thorania overcame. The leader of the group is interesting. She has been delivered. Her name is Cercia'.

The dungeon master laughed.

Glaina's heart sank.

Amphora had guessed Tolana would send help. The collapse of her morale was an almost physical sensation.

"Let's see how interesting she is," said the dungeon master. "Then I can decide which brand to use. Clen, bring a gag".

Amphora watched the five interrogators enter the anteroom once more. The curtain pulled closed behind them. Glaina was tied so tight she could not raise her head. She could only listen.

The two sisters heard someone being slapped. Then laughter. Then voices.

Ten minutes later Cercia was hauled into the room, blood dripping from her nose. She had been gagged.

Cercia looked across at Amphora. Her reaction mirrored Glaina's earlier that day. Then the shorter Amazon saw Glaina.

'nnnoooo' she cried through her gag, her face falling.

The scars on Glaina's body spoke for themselves. But did this mean the Princess had been taken? Cercia's gag prevented her from asking.

"Clen," said the dungeon master. "You were last in the draw. This new one's your toy tomorrow while Breet takes his turn with Amphora or Glaina".

Clen grinned. He liked the look of Amphora and had been eagerly anticipating his time with her. But the note had called Cercia 'interesting'. He agreed with that opinion. Bar the welts on her back, the new Amazon was unmarked.

They tied Cercia to the ground in the furthest corner of the dungeon. Ennuta repeated the exercise with a chain around her throat.

"It's going to be a busy day tomorrow," said the ogre. "Breet, you can choose between Glaina or Amphora. Ennuta and Puno, you two can fight over the one he rejects. Clen, you will have Cercia. And I'll have the Princess. One more and it would have been a full house!"

* * *

Tolana approached the castle. She had prayed for a moonless night. Her prayers had been answered. The pitch black allowed her to get close up to the castle before the sentries spotted her.

* * *

The King bent over Sempha gorging on her features. He knew this was the last time he'd see her in this condition. Once the dungeon master had broken her, this flawless beauty would be ruined forever.

The Princess had spent the day in Nemo's chambers being washed and prepared by a team of consorts ready for this second night under his control. She dreaded to think what he might have planned for the next eight hours.

TAT-TAT.

A knock at the door.

He had issued express instructions that he was not to be disturbed.

'This had better be damned important' he thought, gathering his robe around him.

He opened the door a crack.

"What is it?" he hissed.

"Forgive me my Lord," said Tevo. "Your instructions were explicit but this is very serious – and very delicate".

Nemo saw Admiral Costall standing behind the Captain.

"We need a moment of your time," said Costall.

"Surely it can wait," said the King.

"No sir. It cannot," they said in unison.

"Meet me in my antechamber in two minutes".

Ten minutes later the King had heard the full story about Haalet's capture.

He was too shocked to be angry.

"But there is one last thing," said Tevo. "There is an Amazon at the gate with five warriors as an escort. And she has Haalet. She threatens to kill him unless you free Amphora. It appears she does not know about the Princess, or Glaina, or the failure of the rescue mission".

"Take me to her," said Nemo.

The three men strode along the corridor and out onto the battlements overlooking the front of the fortress. Just as Tevo had said, there was an Amazon warrior, his son in her arms, her dagger at his throat, five swords pointed at his chest.

Now the King was angry. Very angry. Cross that his night with Sempha had been disturbed, furious at Tevo's stupidity for having allowed Haalet to travel, and livid with Haalet for having let himself be captured.

"I am King Nemo," he called down.

"I am Tolana," replied the Amazon. "You see that I have your son. I propose an exchange. Haalet for Amphora".

The King's mind raced.

'Tevo was right,' he thought. 'She obviously doesn't know we have the Princess and the others'.

"Give me a moment to consult," he called.

"If I don't have your answer within five minutes," she replied, "He looses his ears".

"Draw even a single drop of blood and I will personally tear you apart," roared Nemo.

"Five minutes," said Tolana, tightening the knife around Haalet's throat.

"Bitch", he said under his breath.

Nemo turned to Tevo.

"What do you think?" said the King. "It seems a fair swap".

"I disagree," said the Captain. "Thoranian pride is at stake here. If the men see you release the bodyguard they'll see it as failure".

"The people need not know," said Nemo.

"Word has a habit of getting out," said Costall.

"I have a plan," said Tevo. "Give me a minute".

"You have one minute," said the King. "And if your idea fails, it'll be your ears that are fed to the pigs".

Tevo ran down the stairs and into the soldiers' barracks.

The scene was mayhem. The soldiers were standing around in groups, cheering and laughing, encouraging their fellow guards. Amazons were tied to beds, tables, chairs. One was on all fours, a man at each end. Another hung from the ceiling by her wrists, men flailing her with whips. And another was chained to a wall, her arms wide apart, her ankles tied up to her wrists. Men jockeyed for position as she struggled helplessly, her defenceless body offering various opportunities for abuse.

The Captain saw Britt and motioned to him.

Britt walked over.

The Captain told the solider his plan.

"……and make it quick," Tevo finished.

"Your time is up," called Tolana. "I want my answer".

Tevo appeared on the battlements, gasping for air.

"We are preparing the bodyguard," said Tevo between breaths. "She is being brought to the gate as we speak".

"You have three more minutes," said Tolana, moving her dagger to Haalet's ear. The five Amazons kept their blades trained on his body, each of them staring at their target.

Haalet flinched.

Two minutes passed. To the King it felt like two hours. To his son it felt like ten.

"Don't test me," yelled Tolana.

"She's on her way," said Tevo. "One minute more".

BOOM. BOOM.

Two cannons fired, one at either end of the castle.

The Amazons were momentarily distracted, not knowing which way to look.

The arrows seemed to come from nowhere.

THHUUCKK.

As one they found their targets.

The five Amazons fell, three dead, two fatally wounded. Tolana screamed, an arrow protruding from her thigh.

THUCK. THUCK.

Two more arrows, one into her other leg, one her arm.

It had been too dark for Tolana to see the tiny slits that were built into the castle wall.

Haalet, though, knew of the archers' vantage points and had seen the arrowheads pointing through the slits. He guessed the plan. He knew the noise diversion tactic. The moment the cannons had fired he had felt Tolana's grip alter. Haalet had kicked back and away from her, rolling to the ground and out of danger. His ear was gashed but otherwise he was unharmed.

It was over in an instant.

The King turned to Tevo.

"Risky Captain, " he said. "Very risky. You trained your archers well".

The Captain remained silent. His fate was in the balance.

Nemo looked down at Tolana. She writhed on the ground clutching at her wounded limbs.

"Fetch her," said Nemo. "Let Haalet give the bitch some of her own medicine. Her ears will make an interesting souvenir. I have business to attend to".

Minutes later he was sitting on the bed beside the bound Princess. He chose not to tell her the story. She'd find out soon enough. He removed the blindfold.

"Now then," he said. "Where was I?"

The Princess closed her eyes.

An hour later he was snoring by her side. Semen covered her face, slid down her breasts, leaked from between her spread legs. Her wrists and ankles were red, the ropes chaffing against her skin as she had fought his advances. To block out his stench she had filled her head with thoughts of Cercia's approach. The Princess chose to save her strength for whatever lay ahead tomorrow.

* * *

Never before had there been three notes in one day. The third one read: 'Another delivery for you. This one needs special treatment. She threatened the King's son. Haalet will come tomorrow to take his revenge. Her name's Tolana. She has been delivered'.

The dungeon master's laughter echoed around the room.

"It seems we'll have a full house after all," he said. "Ennuta can have Breet's reject and Puno can instruct Haalet in the use of torture on this Tolana".

* * *

A sense of foreboding hung over the castle.

Amphora slept fitfully. Her guilt stung. She blamed herself for Glaina's kidnapping although, deep down, she knew it was a separate issue from her being broken.

Glaina couldn't shake the vision of her sister; the moment she'd first seen Amphora chained to the dungeon floor. She couldn't help but run through her mind what must have happened to Amphora for her to talk.

Cercia spent most of the night planning. Her body was sore from Britt's treatment. He had been rough. Bite marks scarred her breasts. Blood trickled from the welts on her back. Scratch marks ran up her inner thighs. Much worse was the sense of failure. As group leader, she berated herself for not having seen Neepa's deception. But what could she have done differently? She'd grown up with Neepa – they had known each other all their lives. Cercia was resourceful. Her mind worked overtime hatching an escape.

Tolana spent the night tied to the 'T'. The dungeon master had inspected her, noticed the arrow wounds, the one on her arm still bleeding, and had decided to leave her till morning. He gagged the struggling woman, simultaneously taunting her with his plans for her body.

One thought comforted the four bound warriors.

'Sempha's still safe'.

They prayed: 'By all that's sacred, let her stay that way'.

Sixteen Amazon prisoners fought against being savaged by the soldiers. The brutes took it in turns, their stunning trophies securely tied. Some were taken to the harem, others abused in their cells. The men put in fake 'offers', teasing them with the prospect of the auction – telling them how slave-masters will arrive from miles around and make their purchases. They told horrific tales of women disappearing, their bodies found weeks later, the crows having had their fill.

Neepa and Tevo talked long into the night. In the small hours Neepa retired to her quarters, much to Tevo's disappointment. 'I'll bide my time,' he thought. 'She's worth waiting for'.

Sempha lay awake her mind racing. She knew tomorrow would be the hardest day of her life. She had heard the commotion outside the castle walls earlier that night. Might it have been a diversionary tactic by Cercia? Might her rescuers arrive before dawn? 'Come quickly Cercia. Come quick'.

* * *

The dungeon master oiled the mechanism of the device.

His moment had arrived.

Although he had been pleased that Puno's ingenuity had broken the Amazon bodyguard, he had also felt a twinge of disappointment. It made a session with Amphora in the device less exciting. Experiments are one thing, but he liked to have something to aim for – a goal – a piece of information to extract.

Now an even greater opportunity presented itself.

He was to use his device on the most precious prize of all. And she had a priceless secret he needed to pry from her; treasure of inestimable value.

The ogre had no idea what the Princess looked like. No matter. If she was even half as lovely as her bodyguards, he was in for a treat.

He tried to picture her, strapped into the hideous contraption, begging for mercy.

He picked at his teeth.

'Bring on the morning'.

To be continued…

* * *