Private Tales Dark Discipline

[Cinder]

"If I may ask; how did you end up under the cruel yoke of slavery? If you'll tell me your story. I know yours has been a rocky road to walk."

“I was a leatherworker’s daughter in a solitary tribe up north. The legions came when I was twenty, two years ago now. The legions came and slaughtered our warriors, and took the rest as slaves, I was sold to that woman a few days after we arrived in the city. From there it’s fairly simple, I served in her inn, and was often rented out to guests for late night entertainment. You were by far the most considerate of them.”

"Not the finest of abodes, but an ideal place to hide. They can turn over every house in Nurum; but they won't ever find you hear. After a week or two, they'll give up their search, no doubt."

“While you underestimate how persistent the Nurumans are, you are definitely correct in the fact that they won’t check here. Besides, a runaway slave is low priority.” She said, “and I’m used to sleeping in places like this. Thank you.”

Cinder was at Rathu’s shoulder, invisible but there. In his ear was whispered “you bring another? I sense in her a difference of circumstance, she has suffered, this I know. What have you brought her here for?”

 

[Rathu Belzad]

“I was a leatherworker’s daughter in a solitary tribe up north. The legions came when I was twenty, two years ago now. The legions came and slaughtered our warriors, and took the rest as slaves, I was sold to that woman a few days after we arrived in the city. From there it’s fairly simple, I served in her inn, and was often rented out to guests for late night entertainment. You were by far the most considerate of them.”

"A cozy road turned tragic. The legions believe might comes from numbers; well I suppose you can't argue with results, though you can certainly take issue with them. Doesn't always take an army, or even a large group to seize it. I can tell this city hardly knows that..." He chuckled softly with a look to her as they continued through the streets. "Such a tragedy of two years. And a waste, from leatherworker to tavern trash. I think them foolish for not seeing any true value in you, Iris, you know. They just want to put everyone in their place, no matter how improper.."

Cinder was at Rathu’s shoulder, invisible but there. In his ear was whispered “you bring another? I sense in her a difference of circumstance, she has suffered, this I know. What have you brought her here for?”

"I sense use in this one, my dark lord. A troubled past, a fire in her soul. I suspect a thirst for vengeance too. I'd never think for a moment that a tavern prostitute would make fine sacrifice for a lord such as you, Cinder – yet... she might serve useful wielding the scythe that yield such precious souls unto you.

Such is my belief, such I state. Ultimate authority to you, oh great lord! I yield to your judgment."

 

[Cinder]

"A cozy road turned tragic. The legions believe might comes from numbers; well I suppose you can't argue with results, though you can certainly take issue with them. Doesn't always take an army, or even a large group to seize it. I can tell this city hardly knows that..." He chuckled softly with a look to her as they continued through the streets. "Such a tragedy of two years. And a waste, from leatherworker to tavern trash. I think them foolish for not seeing any true value in you, Iris, you know. They just want to put everyone in their place, no matter how improper.."

“It wasn’t just numbers. They had superior training, for longer, better coordination, better equipment. They aren’t warriors, they’re soldiers. I don’t think you fully understand how vastly superior their military is to most others I know of.” She said. “I appreciate your sympathy.”

"I sense use in this one, my dark lord. A troubled past, a fire in her soul. I suspect a thirst for vengeance too. I'd never think for a moment that a tavern prostitute would make fine sacrifice for a lord such as you, Cinder – yet... she might serve useful wielding the scythe that yield such precious souls unto you.

Such is my belief, such I state. Ultimate authority to you, oh great lord! I yield to your judgment."

Iris looked up at him with curiosity. “Who’s Cinder?”

As if on cue he appeared just beside her, she’d shrieked in fear and fell back. Cinder chuckled. “Interesting. Not the absolute worst, definitely salvageable is she.”

He held his hand down for her to take, Iris looked to Rathu, who being calm around him, allowed her just enough thought to take the hand, it did not burn. She was helped to her feet.

“Tell me child, do you desire vengeance?”

She thought for a moment, “yes.”

“Then you shall have it.” He said to her. Then to Rathu he said, “teach her. Help her, and so to will she help you. Guide her as I have guided you. A fellow now do you have.”

 

[Rathu Belzad]

“It wasn’t just numbers. They had superior training, for longer, better coordination, better equipment. They aren’t warriors, they’re soldiers. I don’t think you fully understand how vastly superior their military is to most others I know of.” She said. “I appreciate your sympathy.”

He simply let a chuckle out that. "Power through numbers and obedience. Ever see what happens when a general gets killed in battle? One man dies; and utter chaos follows....maybe you'd like to see a general killed?"

Iris looked up at him with curiosity. “Who’s Cinder?”

Rathu watched pensively as Cinder made himself known before Iris, causing her to rightfully shriek. He shot her another look at her, returning her glance with an encouraging nod. It was followed by a subdued smile as she reached for Cinder's hand, widening further as she declared her thirst for vengeance. Entertained grin became a plain expression of subordination the moment Cinder turned his words towards Rathu. "I will do so, my dark lord! I shall nurture this seed of hate; may pain and suffering be the fruits of our labour"

 

[Cinder]

He simply let a chuckle out that. "Power through numbers and obedience. Ever see what happens when a general gets killed in battle? One man dies; and utter chaos follows....maybe you'd like to see a general killed?"

“I would.” She said honestly. “I very much would. I am assuming that that’s is your purpose in asking about the Legatus.”

Rathu watched pensively as Cinder made himself known before Iris, causing her to rightfully shriek. He shot her another look at her, returning her glance with an encouraging nod. It was followed by a subdued smile as she reached for Cinder's hand, widening further as she declared her thirst for vengeance. Entertained grin became a plain expression of subordination the moment Cinder turned his words towards Rathu. "I will do so, my dark lord! I shall nurture this seed of hate; may pain and suffering be the fruits of our labour"

“Good. Help her bring her first sacrifice to me, and steady her hand should it ever falter.” He said before vanishing as he often did, leaving Iris and Rathu alone.

Iris looked at Rathu, “So who and what exactly was that? A god? A demon?”

 

[Rathu Belzad]

“I would.” She said honestly. “I very much would. I am assuming that that’s is your purpose in asking about the Legatus.”

He gave a nod and a smile, one less beginning than his last charming displays. Here in the catacombs he could do with her as he wished; he could speak without consequences now that he had her hidden away. The thirst of vengeance within her was wonderful to behold, an observation the warlock's smile reflected.

"Well now, that it is. When I mentioned I wanted a job, well I told you a lie. Have to do that sometimes, you know. But...when I told you I saw usefulness within you - that was truth."

Iris looked at Rathu, “So who and what exactly was that? A god? A demon?”

"Oh, he's no god to these people, that's for sure. Iris-" He paused for effect, giving her look of seriousness now that their plans were laid before them. "What he desires is suffering and cruelty. To bring the rich and wealthy who live their lives of comfort to know his cruel and undying flame. The higher their position in society, the greater their fall when we bring them here. And oh, it is music so sweet. Cinder is an ally of vengeance...one I simply had to introduce you to."

 

[Cinder]

"Oh, he's no god to these people, that's for sure. Iris-" He paused for effect, giving her look of seriousness now that their plans were laid before them. "What he desires is suffering and cruelty. To bring the rich and wealthy who live their lives of comfort to know his cruel and undying flame. The higher their position in society, the greater their fall when we bring them here. And oh, it is music so sweet. Cinder is an ally of vengeance...one I simply had to introduce you to."

She nodded in understanding. “Sounds like someone I couldn’t follow. Before the legions came, I might not have agreed with the idea of causing suffering, but now I cannot deny my desire for vengeance. So what did he mean by ‘my sacrifice’? Do I need to lure someone in or bring a goat down and disembowel it? And what can I do to help you in your endeavor?”

 

[Rathu Belzad]

"Iris, I see the wisdom grow in your heart. The world is what it is; but an indifferent force of cruelty. Kings who give preference to the rich. Priests who give preference to those who can pay. Why shouldn't we strike back, after all?"

"Is it really so bad, if the world has offered you no alternative but to be victim?" He almost sang the words of his rhetorical question, such was his warm and happy tone; a stark contrast to the content of his speech.

"Oh no. A goat simply will not do. Someone, but not just anyone. Cinder loves to pluck those from the seat of comfort and wealth. As I mentioned, their fall is so much sweeter. Why, they live their lives of comfort on the back of your own suffering, and that of other slaves! Iris, I see promise in you, I truly do. I can hardly wait to see the smile on your face when you have the knife in your hand, and a deserving noble beneath it." He chuckled again, his look utterly devious.

"We shall see that they pay, no? Cinder is happy to collect..."

 

[Cinder]

She listened, and a lust for vengeance grew in her heart. Those who live in comfort? Those who live on the suffering of others? She knew many in this city who did just that. And she found herself anticipating their screams. She spoke, “I know many. Tell me, would my former owner be sufficient? I do not know his standards and I do not wish to disappoint him, and I certainly do not wish to do so so early.”

She had no more fear in her gaze, while she was subservient to her new lord and his first disciple. Her thirst for vengeance being the only thing that she could think of now.

 

[Rathu Belzad]

His devious grin grew ever wider; he'd seen her disposition, he knew that sort. The exact sort to howl when their cruel fate is revealed, and to scream when the knife does it's work. Those who know no cruelty find their sudden introduction so delightfully harsh.

"Oh, my dear - I think she would be perfect"

It would be a detour from his original plan; but a fun one at that. And in helping Iris prove herself to Cinder he'd gain useful help for the big plans. Suffering was but a gift after all, and a wonderful one to share.

 

[Cinder]

Iris smiled, and she pulled her hood back up. “Then let’s go get her.”

She wasn’t the most talented involving magic or physical combat, but she had a great capacity to learn, and she was gifted in remaining unseen. It was time for them to kidnap someone. She and him crept back through the streets. Until at last they were back to the inn, where her once owner rested.

 

[Rathu Belzad]

"Let us be off!" He spoke with glee as the duo departed back to the tavern the came from beneath the dark shroud of the late night. Soon enough they were back, the inn dark and empty as the barkeeper slept soundly, oblivious to the fate that would soon befall her.

"In which room should we find her? I wonder if she even locks her door..." he spoke softly to Iris, though it might not even matter. They could simply be able to wait outside the door until the bar owner woke up and unlocked it herself; she was more than likely to rise early to prepare for waking hours... But oh so much the better if they could get to her now.

 

[Cinder]

"In which room should we find her? I wonder if she even locks her door..." he spoke softly to Iris, though it might not even matter. They could simply be able to wait outside the door until the bar owner woke up and unlocked it herself; she was more than likely to rise early to prepare for waking hours... But oh so much the better if they could get to her now.

“She’ll be in her room, in the back. All her slaves know where it is, if we aren’t rented out for the night, we’re in there. There will be plenty of resources in there we can use to keep her under control, of you get my meaning.” She said with hateful delight. It was time for her owner to be put in her place.

She walked into the back through the storeroom, and there was another door back there, where they would need to pick up a spare key from somewhere or disable the lock somehow. Once that was taken care of, Iris shoved one of her former mistress’s many gags in her mouth as she’d slept, and she awoke. With Rathu’s assistance she’d be subdued and bound, to be taken to the catacombs for sacrifice.

 

[Rathu Belzad]

"Mhmm, and I get that you've just been waiting for this day, haven't you?" He posed the needless question with a grin, little doubt that this was a moment she'd been long hoping for. He followed along quietly, ready to act should anything go awry, but ultimately content to supervise as his new prodigy took initiative to enact her own vengeance.

The door was locked, as expected; it was an obstacle they would have to overcome. The lock, while solid, hardly looked to be of the best construction. He was no locksmith, but a prybar close by looked to be a promising solution. Wedging the bar between the door and frame he exerted slow and careful leverage, stressing the wood with a creak until the deadlock slipped free from it and the door swung open.

Oh, she works quick too! Rathu was right behind, happy to help Iris bind the bar owner as she kept her silent with a gag. As she awoke, he gave her a devious grin.

"We can ransom you, or we can kill you. Do bear that in mind if you're thinking of resisting." He spoke; it was another bold faced lie; there was but one and only one fate in store for the woman. He had even give Iris's foot a tap as he spoke the word 'kill'; both a request to play along and reinforcement of what was to come.

 

[Cinder]

"Mhmm, and I get that you've just been waiting for this day, haven't you?" He posed the needless question with a grin, little doubt that this was a moment she'd been long hoping for. He followed along quietly, ready to act should anything go awry, but ultimately content to supervise as his new prodigy took initiative to enact her own vengeance.

“I have been waiting for a chance to run. I never imagined an opportunity for vengeance would ever present itself. I hoped for something I thought to be more realistic. But yes, I have been waiting for something like this to happen. Thank you again, for all of it.”

"We can ransom you, or we can kill you. Do bear that in mind if you're thinking of resisting." He spoke; it was another bold faced lie; there was but one and only one fate in store for the woman. He had even give Iris's foot a tap as he spoke the word 'kill'; both a request to play along and reinforcement of what was to come.

Iris understood his meaning, and she looked hatefully in the bar owners face, “much as I’d prefer to do the latter.”

She pulled the bound woman to her feet and cast her cloak over her to hide the bindings. She intended to make herself some new clothing from the woman’s skin, this itchy slave’s garb was getting old, and she started contemplating the idea of just not wearing anything just so she could take it off.

But that was yet unimportant. What was important was that she had her, and vengeance was soon to arrive.

 

[Rathu Belzad]

“I have been waiting for a chance to run. I never imagined an opportunity for vengeance would ever present itself. I hoped for something I thought to be more realistic. But yes, I have been waiting for something like this to happen. Thank you again, for all of it.”

"Most welcome; and I'll take much pleasure in seeing and hearing your work with her."

Iris understood his meaning, and she looked hatefully in the bar owners face, “much as I’d prefer to do the latter.”

He let the owner have a sinister grin at that as he pulled his knife, pressing it into her side in a painful warning before Iris pulled the cloak over her. With the hood pulled down, it did a fine job of concealing her bindings and status as forcefully kidnapped; the darkness of night was helpful towards this end too. Rathu followed in behind, his hand and knife concealed between himself and their upcoming victim as they all moved carefully along the city streets and alleys, yet again to returning to their infernal lair hidden within the catacombs.

 

[Cinder]

"Most welcome; and I'll take much pleasure in seeing and hearing your work with her."

She smiled at him.

He let the owner have a sinister grin at that as he pulled his knife, pressing it into her side in a painful warning before Iris pulled the cloak over her. With the hood pulled down, it did a fine job of concealing her bindings and status as forcefully kidnapped; the darkness of night was helpful towards this end too. Rathu followed in behind, his hand and knife concealed between himself and their upcoming victim as they all moved carefully along the city streets and alleys, yet again to returning to their infernal lair hidden within the catacombs.

Iris's former owner was shoved harshly into the catacombs by a very angry Iris. She turned to Rathu as the woman wiggled, trying to stand up. "I don't know how to do this properly, I'll need your guidance."

She said this in a whisper to hide it from the bar owner. Returning to the woman she yanked her to her feet, and as directed by Rathu, followed the same procedure he did, and received what he did. A book, gruesome and cruel, and the searing touch of her new Lord's knowledge, along with something more befitting her new place in life.

A less than modest leotard, of black leather, bracers and thigh high boots. She took the book and garments gratefully. And readied herself to aid Rathu.

 

[Rathu Belzad]

Iris's former owner was shoved harshly into the catacombs by a very angry Iris. She turned to Rathu as the woman wiggled, trying to stand up. "I don't know how to do this properly, I'll need your guidance."

"Oh, I'd be happy to share my experience. Set her up on the altar, I'll show you where to start and a good sequence to prolong her suffering..." he looked to his victim with a grin, drinking in her horror as he handed Iris the knife, guiding her through the process until she held the same book too; a fine achievement.

"Nice new finery.." he remarked with a cackle. "This was but a start, we've a true test before us. Ever glad I have your aid, we have some fun ahead of us.." He spoke with an impressed smile as the walked back out of the dark catacombs into the breaking morning light over the city.

 

[Cinder]

"Oh, I'd be happy to share my experience. Set her up on the altar, I'll show you where to start and a good sequence to prolong her suffering..." he looked to his victim with a grin, drinking in her horror as he handed Iris the knife, guiding her through the process until she held the same book too; a fine achievement.

She thanked him again, and with his instruction she drew agonized screams from her former owner's lips. She kept the woman alive as long as possible, she was stillness breathing even after her lungs were exposed to the air, Andy her blood was not spilled actively until she was close to death. Iris was ecstatic to give her mistress her comeuppance, and she savored the woman’s suffering. When her final breath’s were drawn she whispered in her ear, “May no one remember your name, and may you find judgement in the Abyss.”

"Nice new finery.." he remarked with a cackle. "This was but a start, we've a true test before us. Ever glad I have your aid, we have some fun ahead of us.." He spoke with an impressed smile as the walked back out of the dark catacombs into the breaking morning light over the city.

“Thank you.” She said to him. “And thank you Lord Cinder for giving me such a gift.”

“It will require some proper planning, and I will need to be legally accounted for if I wish to help you more openly. We must return to the inn, take her funds, and when the landlord auctions me off you will need to purchase me. That way I am both legally handled, and I have an excuse to speak with you regularly.” She said looking down, she didn’t like playing along as a slave still, but it was the most practical plan. “Sound like a plan?”

 

[Rathu Belzad]

“Thank you.” She said to him. “And thank you Lord Cinder for giving me such a gift.”

“It will require some proper planning, and I will need to be legally accounted for if I wish to help you more openly. We must return to the inn, take her funds, and when the landlord auctions me off you will need to purchase me. That way I am both legally handled, and I have an excuse to speak with you regularly.” She said looking down, she didn’t like playing along as a slave still, but it was the most practical plan. “Sound like a plan?”

"Yes, doubtful we'll be able to barge right in. Oh, but we've time to plot..." He replied, giving her a welcoming grin and a nod at her words of gratitude. His smile widened even further as he cupped in chin at hearing her plan. "That is a fine solution to your current status. Well, legal status. Once we get you back to your quarters in bindings none'll suspect you, and likewise none'd suspect a meagre tailor either. They'll likely lay the blame of her murder on one of her enemies. With an attitude like that, I'd be surprised if she hasn't made a few over the years."

"It sounds like an excellent plan" he agreed, sensing the mild disappointment in her expression. "They see no value in you. But Cinder and I most ceartainly do. Soon.... They call you slave now. Just wait, anticipate, the moment the call you 'terror'" He shot the words at her with a smile, a modest attempt at encouragement.

"So, let's get back shall we? I believe this is yours for the trip..." he concluded, tossing her the blue cloak yet again as they departed from the catacombs to enact her plan..

 

[Cinder]

"Yes, doubtful we'll be able to barge right in. Oh, but we've time to plot..." He replied, giving her a welcoming grin and a nod at her words of gratitude. His smile widened even further as he cupped in chin at hearing her plan. "That is a fine solution to your current status. Well, legal status. Once we get you back to your quarters in bindings none'll suspect you, and likewise none'd suspect a meagre tailor either. They'll likely lay the blame of her murder on one of her enemies. With an attitude like that, I'd be surprised if she hasn't made a few over the years."

"It sounds like an excellent plan" he agreed, sensing the mild disappointment in her expression. "They see no value in you. But Cinder and I most ceartainly do. Soon.... They call you slave now. Just wait, anticipate, the moment the call you 'terror'" He shot the words at her with a smile, a modest attempt at encouragement.

Iris gave him a grateful look. While she was in no hurry to get back in bindings, it was only for a short while yet. She would wait. "I truly am loosing count of the things I must thank you for. I will have to thank you for far more in the coming days, I know it."

"So, let's get back shall we? I believe this is yours for the trip..." he concluded, tossing her the blue cloak yet again as they departed from the catacombs to enact her plan..

She dinner the cloak again and they returned to the inn. She, having technically been rented for the night, stayed in his room. She gave him space and slept on the carpeted floor. The following morning, it was slow for people to realize where the bar owner had gone, since she had gone out early in the morning before. But eventually she was declared missing.

 

[Rathu Belzad]

"I truly am loosing count of the things I must thank you for. I will have to thank you for far more in the coming days, I know it."

"Oh, I've no doubt. Most welcome and most happy to have such a diabolical new ally..." he replied, well impressed with her work at the alter. Why, he'd been doing this for some time already, long taking delight in the torment of others. For one so freshly introduced she had done extremely well indeed. Rathu could only wonder at what she'd be further capable of in time...

They returned to the in with feigned innocence before he set her bindings again. He was quite content to have the bed to himself; hardly having enough actual, genuine empathy to offer up a space. He was comfortable, and she didn't seem to mind. There was little time for sleep, given how busy they had been throughout the night. In a few hours he woke up and departed, leaving Iris to sleep on her spot on the floor.

As he'd depart, a curious patron would grab his attention with an inquiry:
"Hey, you seen the owner? I've been here an hour."
"I've no clue; I just woke."
"Think she'll be back soon?"
"I'm just a customer; I really have no idea."

Rathu simply continued on; the patron was well dissuaded from asking anything further. In the meantime, he took up upon himself to scout this Legatus's neighbourhood; seeing what he could learn until the inevitable slave sale would be organized for the tavern's now owner-less sentient property.

 

[Cinder]

Iris, thoroughly bummed about having to be bound again, woke up when he walked by her, but she couldn’t really go anywhere until she was released. Probably a good thing, if she were bound so thoroughly there’s was no way she could be suspected. So she had to wait for her new compatriot to release her.

When this was done she would go downstairs to do her usual work. It wasn’t until midday that the woman was declared missing, and men came to secure her slaves for selling off later. She looked into Rathu’s face, she was trusting him.

 

[Rathu Belzad]

Gave her a look back; he could speak nothing but he told all he could with a glance back towards her.

The small crowd of hopeful patrons dispersed at the declaration of the owner's disappearance - Rathu would have to bide his time until the sale was on. He took the long route home, making that detour to pass by the target residence before he made it back to his abode.

There was barely time for the man to make himself comfortable, rather he gathered up tailored clothing and the tools of his trade. He couldn't know when Iris would be up for sale, but it would no doubt be at the marketplace. So, with what he needed in hand he made his way straight there; if he was quick he could get a location near the slave market and keep observation on it throughout the day. Maybe even make a bit of extra coin while he was at it.

Once he arrived he paid the needed dues, handing over the coin to a familiar guard before setting up his shop. Hopefully, for Iris, the sales would be prompt.

 

[Cinder]

It was understood. She knew she could trust him. She was brought to the slave markets, and put into the pens. She wouldn’t be documented and put out on the posts the following day. But for now she was stuck in a cramped cage. She never let her glare leave the guards alone.

He set up his stall outside of Nurum’s slave market. Which was army-run market, so auctions weren’t held, but rather slaves were rated based on strength, appearance and attitude, and set out in an array of woodenly posts, where they would be bound, and they were organized by price. The following day she was set out, and her price was roughly three hundred Denalii.