Decima Rising

by Jennifer Campbell

  Decima’s mind tried to get a grip on the concept. I was just marveling about how they all had sex as equals, but women as Masters? I’m not sure, how would that be?

  Marcus’ voice spoke anxiously, exhorting Drusilla to get to the final part. “The rest, tell her what happens to the males.”

  Drusilla looked reluctant to speak of it, but Tacita soothed her. “You know it to be the truth, Drusilla, so do not be afraid. You’re just telling the story, not writing it.”

  “Well, the vast majority of the males are work slaves, and they are more docile and easier to handle after castration, so all work slaves are castrated. Then there are the household servants, it is considered decorative for them to have cocks, but they are not allowed sex so they wear metal chastity sheaths that allow them to be touched, and start to get erect, but then there is terrible pain when they become as large as the sheath. Only breeder slaves, a select few, are allowed to have sex, but they too are leashed by their cock and balls and perform only as their Mistress’ desire them to.”

  “So what do you think, Decima, is it possible, can her story be true.” Marcus Flavius was clearly on the fence as far as the truth of Drusilla’s story, but Decima was simply stunned.

  “This slave is not sure what to say, Master. It seems too incredible to be real.”

  Now Tacita added what was the strongest evidence of the story’s truth. “She had no slave training when the fishermen rescued her, and she believes it to be true. I sense no deception in her.”

  “Well, maybe so, but such a society would be inherently weak, and she says it’s many suns away by this strange ship apparently powered by the wind. Now the ship might be the key, if we could get our hands on one of those if they do exist. Marcus laughed, dismissing the thought as if it could not be more than a fantasy.

  However, as if to end the uncomfortable converse, the Emperor changed the subject. ”Decima, you say Allus has slaves serving as living candles in this hall of flesh you describe. Did you ever do this, for I would be interested in hearing what the experience was like?”

  “No, Master, this slave never served as a candelabra, but she can say that when the common slaves were taken down they looked completely exhausted, and some had to be carried off.”

  “Interesting, and he keeps his pleasure slaves bound inside cages over moons so they cannot touch themselves. Did the old bastard allow his slaves any freedoms?”

  “We were granted periods of play, Master, when we were free to enjoy each others bodies. This slave developed her feeling for a sister during those times.”

  “You mentioned that you were forced to succeed by Allus, in what way were you forced?”

  “Claretta, the sister this slave loved was taken prisoner and tortured, and would continue being tortured until word came to Abundacium of my success. This slave still does not know for sure if she has been released, despite a message being sent.”

  Now Marcus’ deep chocolate eyes looked sadly at Decima, and she sensed he wished to help her. Why, why would he be concerned about me, a mere slave?

  Decima Rising

  Chapter Eight

  “So you are naturally worried, about this Claretta. Is she still alive at the Governor’s mansion? I will make and imperial inquiry, if it will ease your mind.”

  Decima wasn’t quite sure what to say to the generous offer, for she wondered if it came with strings attached. “Thank you, Master. It would be most kind of you. How may this humble slave return the favor?

  “Talk to me, of Allus the man, what is he like? Is he decisive with an answer to all situations, or do events catch him by surprise? I know you were but a slave in his service, but often slaves know more than they think about their Masters.”

  Focusing on the questions, Decima thought about what kind of man her former Master had been, still not understanding why the Emperor was so interested. “He always seemed to be in control, as punishment was swift and severe when slaves disobeyed, but there were time, like they play when he seemed to try to raise our spirits. I remember on my last suns there he walked me, arm in arm, from the Hall of Flesh to the training room.” Decima paused, realizing she had slipped from proper slave speech.

  “This slave apologizes for her poor speech.”

  “I don’t require those in my inner circle to use the common slave speech, Decima, so use it if you are comfortable with it, but don’t worry about slipping, at least not here.”

  What is this inner circle of his? All these rules I have been trained all my life in simply don’t seem to matter to him, but he is the Emperor. How can the Emperor live in a different world than his empire?

  “You attended Allus regularly, spending the whole day with him I assume, so did you ever hear conversations between him and other imperial officials?”

  The question turned on a light in Decima’s head as she remembered the odd conversation she had overheard as she sucked on Kellmar’s cock on those last suns in Abundacium. “Yes, a Master named Kellmar came and he spoke to Allus of work on a wall, a wall far to the east, but there was something else, something about a general, troops, and you.”

  “Ahhh, the Inspector General and my most powerful Governor chatting about the biggest project we’ve ever undertaken. This should be interesting. Think carefully, Decima, what exactly did they say?” Marcus leaned forward, casting a glance at Tacita as he did.

  “They spoke of a general, Victrannius, I think was the name, and how he needed more troops.”

  “For the construction of the wall?” Marcus offered.

  “No, Master, it sounded as if a battle was to be fought, and Victrannius was saying he didn’t have enough troops to assure victory.”

  “And what did Allus respond?” Marcus’ voice betrayed excitement growing inside him.

  Decima paused trying to recall this conversation which she had not really been interested in. “Now I remember, militia, my Master said it had to be militia, as you would never give Victrannius more imperial troops. It was then that Kellmar seemed shocked, as if my Master had said something forbidden, but Allus told him everything would be alright, and he made a crude comment about you.”

  “Oh, whatever did he say?”

  Decima paused, not really wanting to get between these two powerful Masters, but she knew she had to speak. “He said you were not your father, far from it.”

  Marcus nodded, but he immediately pressed for more specific information. “Now with regards to the militia, did you actually hear Allus say he was physically sending militia troops east to Victrannius?”

  Decima could see the Emperor was on the edge of his seat with anticipation, but she had no idea why. “Oh, yes, from Abundacium and from the two other men. Governors, perhaps, I don’t know, Master.”

  A smile as wide as the suns themselves came over Marcus Flavius’s face. “I finally have him.” He touched Decima’s face. “The names, my lovely, loyal slave, and when they marched if you heard that.”

  Decima paused; it had been more than a dozen suns ago and she tried to recall the names she had heard. “Kaldu was one, and . . . yes, Nebeon was the other. Master said they would march three suns from then.”

  Twelve days march to the East. They must be nearly there. Which means he’s about to spring his trap, but I will spring first. Marcus Flavius, Emperor of the Ranexxian Empire was out the door on a dead run, as there was no time to lose.

  * * * *

  Moments later Marcus Flavius had assembled a meeting on some officers whose loyalty was unquestioned. The source of his certainty of their fealty was kneeling beside him, as the insightful Tacita had chosen every one of these men for him. This group had never been seen together before, as their assemblage might have been reported back to Allus by his numerous spies in the imperial court. Initially, Marcus had thought Decima to be another spy, if a lovely one, but now both he and Tacita were now convinced of her innocent loyalty.

  “Gaius, you are to take command of your guard plus three legions. Take them first to Abundac
ium, burn and kill all state offices and officials, but bring me back two souls. Allus, in chains, and a slave named Claretta. Be sure to treat her better than Allus. Once finished with Abundacium, go to Darcia, and Gemmalus, and seize the governors there. Bring all three governors to me in chains.”

  Marcus gripped his best friends shoulder, letting him know the assignment was deadly serious. “There is treachery afoot, Gaius, and you will seize the ringleaders, as they have weakened their defenses by sending militia east. I go with the rest of our main army to the east to met Victrannius in battle. My crown hangs on this battle so I will command.”

  Gaius could be forgiven for being shocked, as the violation one of the oldest and most sacred laws of Ranexx was not to be taken lightly. The moment Decima had linked militia being moved out of province, Allus’ plot had been revealed. For centuries to preserve the central authority of the Emperor and keep the peace of the Empire, no militia army had been allowed to set foot outside its provincial borders. A provincial governor could send troops to the Emperor, but as soon as the crossed his border they belonged to the Emperor. Now Marcus Flavius was certain Allus had not only violated this sacred law, but had encourage two other governors to conspire with him.

  “But, sire, no governor would dare.” Gaius looked at his Emperor certain he must be wrong.

  “None but one, Gaius, the one my father always said it would be. The one he warned us both about those many seasons ago.” Holding his finger to his mouth in the sign of silence, Marcus hushed his most trusted officer. “Go now; there is no time for questions, actions rule now. If you get word I am defeated by Victrannius, I am dead my old friend, so kill the traitors and follow your best course of action from there. I will take Leonus as my second in command, but I need you to strike at their hearts.”

  “How did you know, Marcus? What revealed his treachery?”

  The Emperor smiled, and spoke thoughtfully. “It was as father said, Gaius, a new friend warned me. Be sure to treat the slave Claretta well.”

  “She shall be brought untouched to you.” Gaius promised as he saluted and marched from the room.

  * * * *

  Decima was not allowed to return to Janus, as what she was thought to know was deemed to important to be leaked to a keeper. Instead she joined Tacita and Drusilla as the Emperor’s personal imperials, kept by Tamor, in his quarters. Decima yearned to see Janus, but all she received from him was more of the bitter medicine that was supposed to end her biological imprinting on him.

  Of course in their isolation the three imperials knew nothing of the massive battles and sweeping game of power that was being played out on the fields to the East and West of them. To Decima, Tacita, and Drusilla, these were boring dull times during which Marcus and Gaius were away and the palace seemed to running on a skeleton staff with the chamberlain, Marinus, in charge.

  With the Emperor gone, the three imperials had an easy time on satisfying the keeper Tamor, who seemed to think nothing of allowing them to enjoy their own bodies as they desired. Once again Decima marveled at how different the imperial household was from the rules she had grown up with. If Claretta were here now, we could make love as often as we chose to.

  One morning, eight suns after Marcus had left the palace, Tacita woke up with a start, grabbing Decima and raising her.

  “It is done, Decima, Master’s empire is safe. I saw a vast plain littered with dead Masters, and Marcus stood looking over it. Then a procession of six chained men was lead before him, Victrannius amongst them.” Tacita’s eyes seemed to glow as she spoke, and Decima could not doubt the truth of her visions.

  “Any visions of Gaius?” Decima asked because she believed that she would still be his marked slave when things returned to normalcy.

  “No, no visions other than this one.” Both girls turned as Drusilla awoke, and looked at them.

  “What is there news of Master?” Drusilla seemed to be hanging on this news, perhaps even more than her two sister slaves.

  “Not news in the official sense, but Tacita has had a vision, of victory in a great battle for our Master.”

  Drusilla sighed, making Decima wonder where her loyalties lie. Does she want Allus and Victrannius to win? How would that benefit us?

  “Do you wish Master to lose, Drusilla?”

  Drusilla’s eyes flashed at Decima, and she let loose her hand to slap Decima’s face, but Tacita easily intercepted the blow, and put Drusilla in her place.

  “Don’t think you’re what you aren’t, Drusilla. There it will only get you killed. We are not in your homeland, and you are a slave.”

  Drusilla gave them both a look of unbridled hatred, but then pulled her hand from Tacita’s grasp and walked away, hurling an insult at them as she sashayed away. “Yes, pathetic slaves, follow me, the only person with the courage to lead you out of your chains.”

  Decima looked at Tacita as she walked away, and Decima couldn’t help thinking, Master is considering his rebellious thing to be his consort?

  “How can she expect to ever be consort with an attitude like that, Tacita?”

  “You truly are a trained innocent, Decima. Drusilla doesn’t want to be consort; in fact she retches at the idea. Drusilla imagines herself Empress.”

  For a few moments, Decima’s mouth was wide open in shock until she took in the concept mentally. “Why does Master allow it? This slave would think he would have her executed.”

  “Keep your friends close, Decima, but keep your enemies closer.”

  Decima Rising

  Chapter Nine

  It took six suns for riders to arrive with dispatches announcing Marcus Flavius’ resounding victory on the Devallian Plain, but when they did the palace was a place of rejoicing. Marcus himself arrived three suns later, and Gaius on the next moons. The suns following Gaius’ arrival the entire victorious army was drawn up in black and red dress tunics on the imperial grounds and all 400 naked imperial pleasure slaves were paraded out in their nipple leashes to join the celebration. As was customary pennants were flying and the Emperor’s three personal slaves got an excellent view, if from their knees of the raised wooden platform were the celebration, and the executions would take place. Decima spied Gaius, resplendent in his red and black uniform, standing at the Emperor’s side. With the two men side by side, she mused for a moment on which she wanted more. Gaius is younger, perhaps more handsome, but I am lured by how Marcus treats his personal slaves differently, allowing then so many freedoms.

  In the kneeling, back arched, knees spread position Decima and her sisters occupied; they were directing parallel with the soldiers of the Imperial Guard. To a casual observer it might have looked like the naked beauties were drawn up in battle line with the Emperor’s finest, but the only attacking the soldiers were doing was their eyes, feasting on the nubile bodies. However, it was an interesting display of the force that kept Marcus Flavius in power, beside the delectable flesh that was indeed the spoils of that power.

  The yute horn blew, and Marcus Flavius himself, clad in the purple robes of his imperial office walked up a short stairway to a throne erected at the end on the stage. When the horn ended, the Emperor addressed the assembled crowd. “Friends, officers, loyal subjects, a plot against your Emperor has been put down, at a high price. We gather here today, in accordance with our laws and customs, to celebrate and execute the conspirators in the required Old Way .”

  A gasp of surprise rippled through the crowd of mostly Masters, but truthfully, Decima had no idea what ‘the Old Way ’ meant, so she did not fathom what the fuss was about.

  “It has been many seasons since any citizen died in this manner, but it is prescribed specifically for traitors, and will be carried out as I have ordered. Bring forth the prisoners.”

  Decima watched in rapt fascination as several dozen naked Master’s were herded up onto the stage. They were all chained and showed signs of having been beaten and tortured. Having never seen a Master treated as a slave, Decima’s mind was having a hard
time accepting the image her eyes were seeing. These are Masters being treated as slaves; for them it must be the ultimate humiliation.

  Then Decima gasped as she recognized the prisoner she had once served. Allus looked gaunt and old as he was lead to an upturned log in a line across the stage. His position was closest to the Emperor of all the prisoners, Decima reasoned because that was the position he had occupied before his treason. To her, he looked horrible, beaten worse than he had ever beaten her, and for a moment, her heart went out to him, but she could offer no comfort from his suffering. Walking like a ghost, his thin frame struggled to support the weight if the chains that bond his hands arms and hobbled his feet, and as he turned to face Decima, she saw there was no light of life in his eyes. Tears ran down Decima’s cheeks, and she wondered why, but still kept crying for the man who had enslaved her and trained her ruthlessly. She couldn’t help feeling a slave’s pity for her former Master, Governor Doleman Allus.

  As Gaius stepped forward to read the execution orders, Marcus Flavius took his throne, but kept his eye on the bloody pulp that once was his most powerful Governor.

  Gaius received polite applause as he unrolled a scroll passed to him, reading it with an unforgiving and stern voice. “You who are condemned, for threatening the throne of Ranexx, we do not wish to hear from you ever again. We sentence you to death by beheading, but beyond that, we do not recognize you any longer as men, and Masters of your fate. Therefore, you will die as slaves, chained and without the organs of your masculinity. As dead slaves, you may not enter the Feast of the Four as Masters, only as castrated slaves to serve as best you can.” Captain Gaius tossed the scroll at the feet on Allus and as he did, troop of black hooded men ascended the stage.

  In all there were seven prisoners, and each one had an executioner now standing beside him as he knelt with his cock and balls spread out over the upturned stump in front of him. The Emperor spoke decreeing the order of execution. “Do Allus first, then the two Governors, Victrannius and then the rest. Fire a blade to sear Allus’ crotch so he can suffer through the deaths of those he led astray.”