Mistress Lyrei walks through the formal garden followed by Master Ardreth, who is absently patting his side, at the location where his baton had been secured. Before being allowed to approach Sir Folliun, he had to surrender his baton. He had then been searched very carefully by the personal guards, ensuring that there were no concealed weapons.

Mistress Lyrei was always filled with all-encompassing anxiety whenever she encountered Sir Folliun despite him being tall, blond, and ruggedly handsome. The man’s cruelty and his total lack of honor were well known. He boasted amongst his friends of the way he cheated the House of its rightful share of his gains, and of the entertainments he arranged with House merchandise. She had always been fortunate to only be accosted by him at formal events and had never been caught alone with him.

As she approaches the podium Master Jokalyn, strides forward. He kneels, removing his helmet and sword, then placing them on the ground, and bows in front of Sir Folliun, who sits looking at the large formal garden. Sir Folliun looks weary from his travels and appears impatient, she is not certain that he has even bathed or changed before ordering that she be brought before him. His haste makes her feel extremely nervous, wondering what has occurred to cause this.

Sir Folliun turns as they approach and looks at Master Ardreth, in obvious distaste. “Why are you here? I only requested Mistress Lyrei to attend me.”

Master Ardreth removes his helmet, gives a slight bow whilst standing, and then answers. “I have been instructed to provide full assistance to Mistress Lyrei whilst she carries out her duties, by order of Baroness Yegella.”

Master Jokalyn suddenly snatches up his sword and jumps to his feet, then spins to face Master Ardreth. His face flushes with anger and he draws his sword and steps forward, the naked blade glowing scarlet. “You will show Sir Folliun all due respect.” Master Ardreth makes no move to defend himself and gazes steadily at Sir Folliun.

The moment stretches as everyone else watches Master Jokalyn, but he does not strike. He takes a deep breath as he comes to his senses and unsteadily sheathes the sword as its glow fades. He quickly kneels and bows his head abjectly touching the floor. “Your pardon, Sir Folliun, I could not bear the shame of having you disrespected by an inferior. I will accept any punishment you deem necessary as a consequence of my action.”

Sir Folliun looks away from Master Ardreth to Mistress Lyrei. “A pleasure to meet you again Mistress Lyrei. You will have to forgive my squire, he’s new to his position and insists on defending me against every perceived slight to my honor. He will be suitably punished for drawing his sword in your presence.”

Mistress Lyrei pauses before replying. “I, of course, accept your apology. It is a surprise to see you here Sir Folliun. What circumstance do we owe the pleasure of your presence to?”

“An inspection of these facilities has been requested. I am merely here to supervise.”

“Oh, has anything particular prompted the inspection?”

“Nothing explicit, just a few rumors that I need to look into.” He turns as a guard approaches dragging a weeping human woman across the garden. “Ah, you will have to forgive me Lady Lyrei, I have been requested to witness the punishment of one of the merchandise from Terra. I asked that it be brought to the garden along with a whip so I was not inconvenienced. Tiresome I know, but I must do my duty for the House. Overseer Eilcyne has been so kind as to arrange everything after my exhausting trip. He even managed to get a post set up at such short notice.”

Lady Lyrei watches as Overseer Elicyne steps up and bows. He puffs-up with self-importance, “Sir Folliun is too kind. I am merely doing my duty in ensuring that this abhorrent task is completed to your satisfaction.”

Overseer Elicyne then begins his performance of supervising whilst the woman is shackled to the post that’s situated ten meters in front of the podium. The guards stretch her arms so high that she needs to stand on tiptoe. All the time, the woman is whimpering and weeping. Sir Folliun does not say anything, but his orders have been specific and he watches to ensure they are being followed diligently. The guards step back once the woman is secured to the post. The last guard grabs her tunic and rips it off her, leaving her naked. An elven man stands with a whip next to the post and watches Sir Folliun, who nods and declares. “Commence the punishment.”

The elven man swings the whip over his head and bending his body to give it full force, bringing it down on the woman's back with a resounding crack. As it hits her shrinking flesh, it cuts the skin, raising great welts, and causing warm blood to trickle down. She arches her back and her manacled limbs writhe in inexpressible torture, while her screams are mixed with piteous cries for help, which ring out unanswered. The woman continues to shout and rave, as she tries to break free of her shackles as each blow lands, but she is firmly secured. Then comes more weeping, fainting, waking, and shrieking in panic before the pain reduces her to a whimpering wretch.

Mistress Lyrei has never been keen on physical torture as there is no dignity for either the sufferer or the torturer. Glad for the opportunity to at last know the truth, having never seen it done to this extent before, that it removes all dignity from everyone involved. And without that dignity, what is the ultimate point of life?

Master Ardreth whispers anxiously at her side. “Try not to be too disturbed, the screams will stop soon. And tomorrow, Sir Folliun will go back to where he came from. So, please be patient.” But Mistress Lyrei knows that he will be here for a while and that the torture of merchandise will continue.

She could clearly see Sir Folliun who watches in rapt attention. She tries to read the strange expression on his face and realizes it is a look of pure bliss. She witnesses the slack jaw, the slight dribbling from his lips, the intent gaze, and the soft sigh every time the woman screams. The sixth lash of the whip hits the woman who finally slumps unconscious. The man with the whip calmly walks over and pokes the shredded flesh of the woman’s back, with the handle of the whip, to ensure she’s insensible.

Master Elicyne turns to face Mistress Lyrei. “She’ll come around again soon. It’s disappointing for Sir Folliun how little time she’s lasted. I don’t think they’re as resilient as other humans. But it’s still all very interesting, isn’t it?” Master Elicyne then nods to a guard who lifts a bucket and throws water over the woman. “The water is salted to ensure that there is no relief from the pain.” He says with pride.

She continues to watch Sir Folliun as the woman is revived and four more lashes are given. Mistress Lyrei deliberately tries to relax her body with an effort of will, but her mind is sharp and she watches him intently. After the spectacle is over Sir Folliun leans back and wipes his mouth as he looks strangely animated. He smiles and says, “Overseer Elicyne, when I have finished with Mistress Lyrei please attend me.”

The Overseer immediately kneels bowing. “It will be my pleasure.” Sir Folliun then waves his hand in dismissal and Overseer Elicyne stands, then rapidly heads to the whipping post to supervise the removal of the woman.

Sir Folliun turns and smiles. “Mistress Lyrei, I must thank you for your prompt attendance. I was pleased to hear that your family managed to find you a suitable position. So, how are you adapting to the training of merchandise?”

Mistress Lyrei keeps her face neutral and inclines her head. “Very well, I think. Thank you for your interest.”

“Do you know why I summoned you here?”

“I'd hoped it might be for the pleasure of my company.”

Sir Folliun gives an insincere smile. “I have something of the utmost importance to discuss with you before I must attend to my duties. I understand that you are using your exceptional skills to train two merchandise from Terra. I am interested in acquiring this merchandise as I wish to add something exotic to my stables. I would not be so crass to expect you to divulge any information regarding the potential buyers, however, I am interested in your views of their value.”

“I’m indeed training merchandise for sale, even so, I do not have the authority to discuss any details related to any of my activities here.”

“I’m not asking you to be indiscreet just to share your professional view of merchandise I may be interested in purchasing.”

“I believe it would be more appropriate for you to ask Baroness Yegella for the information you seek. After all, if you are interested in any merchandise it is her you will have to agree on a price with.”

Sir Folliun’s face turns stony. “You may wish to reconsider your stance regarding my request once you hear my offer. I suspect you have heard that I have this atrocious reputation, which I assure you is completely unwarranted.”

“Yes, I have been warned about you.”

“You have? Who would be so brave?”

“An acquaintance.”

“I think there's something undignified about training merchandise for a man who does not appreciate the end product. Especially for someone like you where it will be humiliating if you fail, and so ordinary if you succeed. Don’t you agree?”

“We must all do what is necessary to support and promote House Quinala.”

“What did you think of the punishment of the merchandise from Terra?”

“You know I can't condone any form of damage to merchandise.”

“Even for merchandise that will only be used to grow cores?”

“I do not get any pleasure seeing merchandise so cruelly abused. I do understand that some believe that it is useful in the training of merchandise, however, I do not share that view.”

“Now I must treat with skepticism anything you may have to say about the merchandise.” Sir Folliun lets the moment drag awkwardly.

“I am not intending to share any of my views with you about the merchandise.”

“Well, we must see what else we can devise for your amusement.” Sir Folliun pauses. “Has anyone ever complimented you on your beautiful eyes?”

“I don’t recollect receiving any such compliments.”

“They have inspired me to consider that a suitable punishment for the next merchandise could be blinding. I would consider that perpetually waking in blackness, and feeling the warmth of the sun on their face, but not being able to see would be terrifying. Then there is the shame of being dependent on others for the rest of their very short life.”

“I see your true colors are now showing through.”

“I seem to have offended you, I assure you that is not my intent.” Sir Folliun’s insincere smile fades. “Do you know that I very rarely attend balls? One of the reasons I never attend, despite a perplexing range of invitations, is the determination never to be ordered around.” He then continues indignantly, “However, I have now been ordered to attend Lady Vaeri’s ball with a suitable gift.” Taking a deep breath he continues in a honeyed voice. “I was going to ask you to assist in finding something appropriate for which you would have my eternal gratitude.”

“I don’t think that would be appropriate.”

Sir Folliun sneers, “Why, because you are already sourcing an appropriate gift for Master Syllen? You, of course, know that he wants to be favored by Lady Vaeri and hopes to be one of her consorts. Regrettably, he’ll never be successful. You see, the other suitors already despise and fear him, and they will neutralize him by any means necessary.” He leans forward and studies Mistress Lyrei intently. “It would be better for you to serve me.”

Master Ardreth steps forward “I do not think this is the appropriate time to discuss this. Mistress Lyrei has duties to attend to.”

Sir Folliun snarls, “I was not talking to you. I would appreciate you not interfering in my affairs.”

Master Ardreth responds calmly. “You must be aware that Baroness Yegella is sponsoring Master Syllen. You are probably correct that he will be isolated and others will attempt to discredit him. Nevertheless, I believe that he will achieve his goal and raise his position above both yours and your father’s.”

Sir Folliun flushes with anger. “You are to leave my presence this instant or I will make you wish that you had not come here today. I do intend to eliminate you from my dominion once and for all, so please give me an excuse to act.”

Master Ardreth inclines his head but maintains eye contact. “I will, of course, only be too pleased to leave and escort Mistress Lyrei back to her duties. I will advise Baroness Yegella of your attendance at this facility. Mistress Lyrei, if you please.”

Sir Folliun watches as they leave, once out of sight, he notices Oversser Elicyne's approach. As soon as he arrives, he prostrates himself on the ground. “Sir Folliun, how may I be of assistance?”

He looks at the prostrate man. “Overseer Elicyne, I wish to satisfy my curiosity as to how well a human from Terra would fare when exposed to differing levels of pain. There is so much merchandise here from Terra, that I can try so many different tests, to determine the best way their agony can please me. What is the current situation with merchandise from Terra?”

“There is much merchandise from Terra here and they have a tendency to be disobedient, which necessitates punishment. I am sure that you may have suggestions as to how best this punishment is to be meted out. I will only be too pleased to take any guidance you can offer.”

“You are the overseer responsible for all human merchandise, does that include all of the merchandise from Terra?”

“It is true I am responsible for all human merchandise, except the merchandise Mistress Lyrei is training. They are kept separate from the rest and Overseer Brypeiros has been given the responsibility of assisting Mistress Lyrei.”

“Doesn’t Overseer Brypeiros control the human goblin cross breeds?”

“Yes, he does. However, Master Syllen requested that he be responsible for the boy from Terra. Overseer Bypeiros has not even collared the boy.”

“That’s disgraceful. What about the girl?”

“She has been assigned to Mistress Lyrei for training as a personal maid. Overseer Brypeiros has no involvement with the girl. But she’s also not been collared.”

“As part of my inspection of these facilities, I find it scandalous that Master Syllen can change the agreed practices. I hereby order you to collar the boy and place him with the rest of the merchandise.”

“I will only be too glad to do as you order, Sir Folliun. All I request is that you provide the written authority to ensure that Overseer Brypeiros complies.”