Chapter 1

 

Gregor Stalen was indeed highly delighted by the two prizes he received following the fall of Orlan's 'little empire'. Julia the English woman, and Gina the Italian, had every attribute most men could desire. To have them together for the first time in the same bed was a most exhilarating experience.

In was, one might say, a no-holds-barred session, for both women were more than anxious to please their newly-acquired master to the utmost. Prolonged training and hard experience had taught them that this was the only way they could hope to achieve some measure of favour. Or, if not achieve favour, at least avoid disfavour ... and all it could involve.

Perhaps by chance, perhaps by dint of her own efforts, it was Julia who earned the 'privilege' of satisfying her master first, at the initial encounter. And, it must be said, she satisfied him completely, for her experience in such ways was great, and she gave herself to the full. If Gina felt some chagrin at the accolade Julia received, she was wise enough not to show it, and when, an hour or so later, her turn came, she was equally zealous in her efforts.

Gregor, happily slaked, was hard put to it to come to any decision as to preference. When one devours two succulent ripe peaches, one after the other, who can say which is better? Maybe the first has increased one's appetite for the second; maybe it has taken one's appetite for the second; maybe it has taken one's edge off it. In any case, one has had the sweetest satisfaction!

What he did certainly realise was that, not only had he defeated his chief commercial rival, but he had also won an additional unexpected bonus.

Julia soon discovered that life in the new harem was quite different to the old. In the first place it was much smaller. There were only half a dozen girls, three of them Negresses, and they all acted as often as household servants when they were not called upon to please their master in both ways. Moreover there was no 'chief wife', like Bala, in charge of them but only a couple of rather lazy Arab eunuchs. It was certainly a relief to escape the cruel vindictiveness of another woman ... and she also realised that in fact punishments as such were few and far between; whereas under Orlan, it had been rare to see a girl without weal-striped buttocks, now it was the reverse. Sometimes the eunuchs slapped them, but little more. It seemed that Gregor Stalen was quite content if they satisfied him as and when they were called to him.

Both she and Gina quickly gained new confidence under this regime ... and within a week the latter came to Julia and spoke her thoughts.

"Do you realise, Julia," she said, "we can get away from here? It wouldn't be too difficult at all. I've already got a plan ... "

Julia listened to this plan with mingled hope and trepidation. It seemed Gregor's small force of armed men were more often away from the headquarters than in it; yet a number of vehicles were always left behind. Why should they not kill Gregor - thus removing the nerve centre of the organisation - then steal one of the vehicles, and head back to civilisation and freedom?

Having been for so long 'brain-washed' and under control, Julia was at first nervous that such things should even be talked about. On the other hand, she could not help but be aware of the truth of them.

"How would we kill him?" she asked.

Gina's white teeth bared. "I have already purloined a long knife ... and I know how to use such a weapon. I would like to be able to make him die slowly; but it will be necessary to be quick."

"But ... but ... could we ever reach the coast. Get help?" replied Julia. She felt oddly reluctant to fall in with the plan. Perhaps the easier regime had made her less desperate. Made her softer. She had never had much courage.

"I don't know," hissed Gina, "but isn't it worth the risk? Do you want to be a slave forever? The play-thing of any pig who fancies you?"

"No ... " whispered Julia covering her face in her hands. She suddenly realised how far she had sunk in coming to accept slavery as something normal rather than out of the ordinary. Gina must have more guts than she, for the very suggestion made her feel very afraid. "Let me think about it, Gina," she said, "give me just a little while ... "

"Not long," said Gina fiercely, "otherwise I shall go without you. I can hardly bear to think of pleasing that gross German swine even once more!"

"Tomorrow," said Julia, "I will let you know. Definitely, Gina. And even if I don't go with you, I shall help you all I can." But even as she spoke the words, a mad yet incredibly exciting plan was beginning to form in her mind.

"Your slave is honoured by your summons, master," said Julia, sinking to her knees by Gregor's couch. She was be-decked with slave bangles and jewels, but otherwise quite naked; Gregor, hairy and sweating, was more than a little drunk. Not an attractive spectacle. All the same, Julia counted herself fortunate that it was she who had been summoned that night and not Gina, or any of the others.

"Ahhh ... " leered Gregor, "the English milady. Come here! I am in the mood for you ...!"

Julia, submissive and seductive, came to him at the command and soon her hands, her mouth and her whole lush body were producing the pleasure that was desired of them. Gregor grunted and gasped his satisfaction, but, through drink, was slow to full reaction. But Julia was untiring. She had a duty to perform ... and it was a night when it must be performed truly unstintingly. In a way, she thought in the back of her mind, I am about to take a risk as big as that which Gina has in mind. When a man was all-powerful, who could judge what the outcome of any plan, however clever or cunning, might be?

It was a prolonged, exhausting evening, but, in the end, she knew Gregor was fully satisfied. He lay somnolent, half-snoring, while she bathed his set body with Eau de Cologne. At last Julia summoned what courage she had.

"Master," she whispered in his ear, "may your slave address you? I ... I have important information."

"Uhh? What information, girl?" Gregor was still half drowsy, still more than a little drunk.

"Master ... it is vital to you. To ... to ... your security ... "

Gregor half sat up on the broad couch. "Eh? What is this you say? To my security, girl?"

"Yes, master ... " Julia paused. "Master ... could ... could your slave, perhaps, expect some reward for that information?"

Gregor slapped Julia's plump bottom, which was conveniently positioned at that moment. "You can expect a sound flogging if your information is of no value," he said roughly.

"M-Master ... it is ... it is. I swear it!" Julia held out her arms pleadingly. "May I tell you ... and perhaps, hope for reward?"

"Tell me," said Gregor, gripping Julia by the hair. He sensed the urgency in her voice.

"Your life is in danger, master," said Julia, "one of your slaves ... it is Gina ... intends to kill you with a dagger next time you summon her!"

"Ahhh ... so!" Gregor fell back, releasing Julia's hair. For a while he remained silent while Julia trembled. "Those bloody, stupid, lazy eunuchs," said Gregor, almost to himself. "Yes ... I have become too easy ... too careless ... of late." He looked hard at Julia. "If this is true, you will indeed be rewarded, girl. The highest reward you could wish, I imagine. Your freedom." He smiled at her. "We shall soon know. Tomorrow I shall summon this Gina ... but I shall be prepared. If you have set up a false hare, however, I shall make you suffer in such ways that even that black bastard Orlan will seem merciful by comparison."

Julia shuddered, filled equally with relief and terror. The dice had been cast. Now her whole fate rested on Gina's actions!

"Do it, Gina ... do it!" encouraged Julia, "I will help you all I can. Tell me all your plans, so I can be ready ... "

In all innocence, Gina hugged her companion of days of past misfortune and suffering. "Oh, I'm so glad, Julia," she said, "I would have been a little afraid to attempt such a desperate journey without you. Now ... look and listen. These are keys I have acquired which will let us into the area where the vehicles are kept. It will be your job to get everything ready there for a quick getaway ... while I do the carving job on Gregor."

Julia nodded. Then she listened to further details of Gina's plan. How eager she was; how hopeful, thought Julia. The fool. It was a mad plan anyway. Julia felt no compassion for her. She simply wondered what fate Gregor would decree for Gina when the time came. Certainly not a pleasant one, she was sure.

 

Chapter 2

 

Forewarned by Julia, Gregor Stalen had little difficulty in defending himself against Gina's sudden attack. At the same time he was aware that, had Julia not told him the secret she knew, he would indeed have been a dead man. The least he could do was reward her with her freedom.

Thus, when Gina had been dragged away and hung in chains to await his pleasure, he summoned Julia to him. She came as usual, humble and submissive, falling to her knees before him. "Your willing and obedient slave, master," she said.

It would be for the last time.

"There is no longer any need to kneel, Julia," said Gregor, not without a little regret, "you are no longer a slave. You are free."

Julia looked up, placing her hands over her fulsome breasts as if to check their over-heaving. These were words she had longed to hear for months ... and yet now, in a way, she was to reject them. How absurdly ironic it was.

"Since you have no means of knowing where you are," continued Gregor, "there is no harm in releasing you and returning you to civilisation ... " This was true. Julia had no more idea whether she was in the Sahara or the Arabian Desert. "Nevertheless, it would still be advisable to keep your mouth shut. Most of your old friends might think you a little odd in the head if you re-counted the story. The best thing, Julia, is to have a long rest ... try to forget all that has happened and make a new life."

Julia forced her lips to move. "But master," she said, "I ... I do not wish to leave your service ... "

"What?" Gregor surveyed the kneeling figure incredulously. Was this beautiful woman a true masochist? Did she like being made to submit? Did she even like the stinging bite of the rod and the lash? It could be. He had heard of such women, yet it did not seem as if it would have been in Julia's make-up. "You mean you wish to remain as my slave?"

"N-No ... master ... " replied Julia. the old fashion of address dies hard. "But as your servant." She held her breath momentarily. "What I ask for is not my freedom, but the position of Slave Mistress in your harem."

There! The words were out. Julia's nerves tingled at the thought of all that hung on the answer which now must come.

"Aahhh!" cried Gregor, "ahh ... so! It is like that ... " He smiled indulgently at her, nodding his head slowly. "Yes ... it is very understandable that you should wish to be revenged for all you have suffered. Very." He paused. It was a long pause. "Your wish is granted, Julia," he finally pronounced.

Julia's heart leapt exultantly. Then, to her own surprise, she burst into a flood of tears ... and then found herself clasping as slavishly at Gregor's knees as she had ever done, while she sobbed her grateful thanks.

Gregor pulled her up with unaccustomed gentleness. "Julia," he said. "I have told you there is no longer any need to call me 'Master'. 'Gregor' will suffice when we are alone, and 'Herr Gregor' before guests, other servants and slaves.

"Yes ... yes ... Gregor," sobbed Julia, "but it will t-take some time to get used to. You ... you must understand that ... "

"Of course ... " Gregor looked around and found a silk robe. "Here ... put this on, Julia," he said.

Julia looked at the robe almost wonderingly before slipping it on and covering her lush, nude body. Then, having done so, she found herself flooding with tears again. She fell down across the bed, shoulders heaving. By giving her that robe, Gregor had shown her the first mark of respect as a woman that she had known for so many long months. Up to that moment she had been a 'female thing', there to be used. Now, that gesture had restored something of her womanhood and pride. Perhaps not unnaturally her pent-up emotions burst out as they did. Gregor, understandingly, allowed the torrent to run its course. It would take some time for Julia to re-adjust ... but when she had done, he was sure she was going to prove a most valuable asset. There was another thing. He liked the idea of having her around. The idea set him wondering.

Some time later when her tears had ceased, he raised her from the bed and pressed a glass of brandy to her lips. She drank almost greedily. "Julia ... " he said, almost hesitantly. "You know I shall never force you again. But ... "

The brandy raced through Julia's veins. She smiled at Gregor provocatively. There was a very great deal of difference between being a servant and a slave! Provocatively she let the gown fall open, and even more provocatively, she moved her body. "Whenever you want me ... Gregor ... " she said, "I shall be happy." She pressed her body close to his. "And at this moment, Gregor, I want you very much. Please ... "

With a triumphant laugh, Gregor crushed her to himself. He had lost a slave ... and found a lover!

And, though it scarcely seemed possible, he found Julia in her new role, even more ravishingly and excitingly satisfying than before!

 

***

 

"Take a week's complete rest. Two weeks if you like. Get yourself completely restored. Completely re-orientated ... " Gregor was saying.

It was an hour or so later and Julia and he were still lying relaxed together. "Strange as it may seem," said Julia, "I feel amazingly restored and re-orientated already. Still perhaps a few days." She smiled at him. "Really ... I suppose ... it's because I want to get on with my job."

Gregor grinned back at her. "My God, I reckon you are going to be a real tyrant about the place. That's a good thing, because I have plans for considerably extending the harem ... and things have been far, far too slack lately, anyway. That business with Gina should never have been allowed to happen, even if it did turn out well for both of us."

"Quite so," said Julia. Already she was beginning to feel the first faint pulsings of her newly-acquired power. "And it would seem to me that Gina is the very first matter to be dealt with, even though I agree a great deal of re-organisation is required."

"Yes ... Gina ... " said Gregor musingly. Then he smiled at Julia. "Perhaps the best punishment of all would be to hand her over to you as your personal slave! How about that? Would you like her?

The pulsing of power became a pounding within Julia. "I ... certainly would ... " she replied, striving to keep her voice under control. "I'll really make her suffer for what she did to you, Gregor."

"Yes ... do that," nodded Gregor, "you have a completely free hand. Likewise, of course, throughout the rest of the harem. That includes the eunuchs who are supposed to have been organising things."

"Right," nodded Julia contentedly, "now one small point. What about clothes for myself ... and ... er ... other equipment?"

"Mmm ... a slight problem, I must admit," said Gregor, "but not insoluble. We have our own sources of supply, and our own supply routes. But it will take a little time."

Julia had a sudden idea. "Has Orlan's place been completely destroyed?" she asked. For a moment she found it difficult to speak of that black monster so casually.

"No," answered Gregor, "merely cleaned up. I may want to use it myself on some occasion."

"Good," said Julia, "because there are plenty of stores there I could make use of ... and anything special I want I can order later."

Gregor patted the lush roundness of Julia's bare flanks affectionately. "An excellent idea," he said, "I can see you are going to be a great asset to my organisation. In more ways than one!"

"I'll certainly do my best," smiled Julia.

"Now ... " said Gregor, "I'll get those two bloody old eunuchs in and inform them of the new set-up. Tomorrow you can go over with one of them in a truck and pick up whatever you want. Okay?"

"Perfect," nodded Julia. "quite perfect ... "