Alex groggily regains his awareness as two slaves are locking him into place then he feels his tunic being ripped off. He gazes around in a daze and spots the woman he saw earlier with the whip stepping forward.

“Whip him at an irregular cadence, so he can’t anticipate the strike. He needs to savor the sting of pain. Be careful that it’s not too slow to start with as it will actually numb the skin surface a little and reduce the pain.” Sir Folliun declares.

Before Alex can gather his wits searing pain and ripping sensations repeatedly descend as the flesh on his back is near torn free. He feels sharp slashes hit and these are carefully placed so that they strike in different places, each blow is followed by a cold burning sensation. Each blow is jarring and sends his body colliding with the ridged post. He’s able to keep his footing as he attempts to curl into a ball to protect his head. He braces his abs, hands and mind for the next strike, all the while clenching his teeth and trying not to cry out or sob. As he waits for the next blow a chill and shivers set in, as the adrenaline wears away and numbness swells over his mind, wishing and hoping for cold silence rather than the crack of the whip.

In the lull, he pushes the prana from his core towards his back and tries to envision it thickening and hardening his skin. While he struggles to control his prana the emotions he dwells on include resentment at Sir Folliun, disgust at his weakness causing him to cry out, intense anger at the woman, and fury and bitterness at the others present who are reveling in his pain.

As the prana flows it moves towards his head and he realizes his teeth have bitten his cheek drawing blood. He feels the swelling on the side with his tongue constantly nursing his own self-inflicted wound. He raises his eyes and stares at the nail marks from bracing his fists in a ball so firmly as to cut deep half-moons in his palms. He forces prana to target all of his injuries as he becomes aware of each.

The rush of prana to his head causes images and replays to happen that cause him to lose touch with the situation. He is back with the priest who is preaching that the government is a den of evil that they are justified in fighting all evil wherever it is found. He hears the priest's voice clearly. "If you don't kill the evildoers, they will continue to attack the weak, it is the duty of the righteous to strike back. You must do your duty and fight." Then he blacks out due to the pain of the prana crashing back into his core.

Alex snaps back to consciousness when he feels alien prana enter his body and flow into his head forcing him awake.

“He’s back with us now.” A woman’s voice advises.

“Good. He’s lasted longer than I expected based on how fragile the other humans from Terra have been. It’ll be more entertaining to watch his life slowly ebb away as we party.” Sir Folliun states.

The blows of the whip have stopped but he feels the lingering pain on his back, but Alex can channel his prana again. He feels hot and cold flashes sweeping over healing wounds on his cheek and palms. However, his back becomes a sea of pain and he can’t discern any effect from the prana. He concentrates on his breathing, sucking air in through his nose, keeping his mouth closed. He tries to muster enough saliva to spit but fails, sweat runs freely down his face. If not for the bowing of his forehead against the post, he would have been blinded by his own salty fluids. As it is, enough of his body's moisture to still able to collect on his forehead and send intermittent beads of sweat down to sting his eyes.

He hears the wild party continuing and as he cautiously looks around, he observes a large group wearing masks all taking everything to excess. There are slaves holding bottles of wine or spirits that are determined to get everyone present drunk. The elves are still having fun doing what they want while he’s slowly whipped to death secured to the post. He then hears the woman move behind him and the slap of the whip, still covered in his blood, cracking against the floor.

Abruptly the room is flooded with bright lights and a multitude of armored combatants rushes through the doors around the room shouting. “Don’t move. Yegella Security. Everyone down on the ground now.”

Alex stares around the room in surprise and notices that there are six heavily armored troops in what looks like battle armor from a video game, each holding a thick short lance glowing red, blocking the exits. They are flanked by lighter armored troops, all carrying what looks like carbines with their weapon’s muzzle up. They begin to move to each of the corners of the room leaving space for more troops to enter who make straight towards the nearest guards pointing their weapons as they approach.

He notes that the heavily armored troops are in a position of domination that will allow for overlapping fire covering the entire room. In under a minute the troops have secured the room and are pointing weapons at the party-goers. The whole operation is a clear demonstration of an overwhelming and dominating force.

The party-goers rapidly fall into two groups. There is the first group who instantly gets down on the ground and gaze around in a combination of both surprise and shock. And then there is the second group who tries to escape. He hears the fizz of weapon discharges around him as the fleeing people fall to the ground insensible. After a few minutes there is no one left moving and amongst all this mayhem stands Sir Folliun. Who has not moved and is now surrounded by four troopers pointing their weapons at him.

“Do you know who I am?” Sir Folliun barks.

“Who do you think you are?” A woman’s voice asked from the main entrance.

Alex twists to look over his shoulder and witnesses a tall, striking elven woman that appears to be in her thirties. She’s flanked by more of the heavily armored troops with a small crowd of people standing behind her. He recognizes Mistress Lyrei, Master Ardreth and Overseer Brypeiros in the crowd. Two sleekly armored sentinels, each carrying swords and with side arms ready, scan the room while moving forward. They stand in front and to the side of the heavily armored troops, obviously for the protection of the woman.

Sir Folliun turns towards the woman and answers in a jovial voice. “Ahh, Baroness Yegella. I was not expecting to see you so soon.”

A tall elven man, also in sleek armor, stands a meter behind the Baronesses left shoulder and growls. “The Baroness asked you a question. Boy.”

A muffled voice from behind Sir Folliun shouts out. “He is Sir Folliun the eldest son of Baron Deydor of the Arasys Estate.”

“Surely you mean Baronet Deydor? I’m not aware of any Baron Deydor.” The tall elven man retorts.

“Do we have to discuss the lineage of everyone in the room?” Sir Folliun interjects. “As the Baroness is aware I’m not here as a representative of the Arasys Estate, but as a steward of Revenue and Taxation for House Quinala.”

“So, you are here as a servant of house Quinala, is that correct?” The tall elven man continues.

“It is true that I’m in the service of House Quinala. I’m authorized to verify that its enterprises are being well managed with the appropriate amount of levy paid. I was sent to inspect the Yegella Estate operations and revenue accounts, ensuring that everything is as it should be and all dues have been paid. And who are you, pray tell?”

“You know very well that I’m Sir Vamen Head Steward of the Yegella Estate. Now, where is the man who’s supposed to be in charge here? Where is Overseer Elicyne?”

“You will not ignore me. You’re to explain why we are all being held at gunpoint!” Sir Folliun exclaims.

“You’re not in a position to make demands. Boy. All will be clarified in due time. Now again Overseer Elicyne can you please make your presence known?” When Sir Folliun opened his mouth to protest the two sleekly armored sentinels point their weapons at him. He decides to shut his mouth and glares at the Head Steward instead. One of the troops who is pointing his weapon at Sir Folliun steps back, his weapon switching to the figure of the overseer as he stands. “I understand you are presently supervising this celebration. I have a few questions for you.” Sir Vamen states in a level tone.

Overseer Elicyne performs a deep bow while standing. “Of course Head Steward. How can I assist you?”

“Can you please enlighten us as to what is occurring here?”

“It’s a celebration that Sir Folliun is hosting for his retinue to rejoice after the review of the Yegalla Estate.”

“Can you explain why this celebration is occurring here?”

“Sir Folliun requested it.”

“Under whose authority?”

“Sir Folliun was the ranking member of House Quinala present and he required that the celebration be prepared with the finest that the estate had to offer.”

“I see that there are some of the estate staff attending as well, yourself included.” Baroness Yegella observes.

Overseer Elicyne performs a deep bow while turning to face the Baroness. “A pleasure to see you as always Baroness. I was requested to attend the celebration as a representative of the Yegella Estate amongst others. Sir Folliun was extremely pleased with the results of his review and felt that certain staff should share in the celebration.”

“Overseer Elicyne. Can you explain what has occurred that meant the review went so well?” The Baroness turns to face Sir Folliun and probes softly.

Sir Folliun exclaims. “I mu-“

“Silence,” roars Sir Vamen spinning to face Sir Folliun as the weapons the two sentinels are holding begin to glow scarlet. Sir Folliun clenches his fists and there is an impulsive upheaval by several of his guards, which is followed by the fizz as prana weapons discharge.

Baroness Yegella speaks in the stillness that follows looking directly at the Overseer. “It would be a shame if due to some excitable commotion one of the house guards accidentally discharged their weapon. It would potentially be catastrophic for those involved.”

Sir Vamen turns back to Overseer Elicyne. “Now, your Baroness has asked you a question. What’s your answer?”

Overseer Elicyne glances over to Sir Folliun and visibly swallows. “I understand that there has been an investigation and there are several charges that will be leveled against the estate. There will be a penalty levied for poor performance due to excessive damage suffered by merchandise and also there is a suspected fraud relating to some of the costs.” He looks nervously at Baroness Yegella and then hastily continues. “I appreciate that these should have been raised with you immediately, but Sir Folliun asserted this needed to be raised with his seniors first.”

“We will address these allegations at a later date. What we want to understand now relates to the first point raised and why we have experienced such a dramatic increase in damage to the merchandise recently?”

“It is indeed regrettable that there has been such an increase. For instance, this merchandise is responsible for the destruction of two promising half-goblin’s on the same day, which is why he’s being punished.” Overseer Elicyne states while indicating to Alex.

“And what of the damage to other Terra merchandise?” Sir Vamen asks.

“Quite a few Terra females were disciplined recently for transgressions. Regrettably, due to their weak nature, a few did not survive their punishment. It is lamentable; even so, it’s a regular occurrence.”

Sir Vamen turns to Sir Folliun. “And on that basis, you thought it acceptable for the estate to fund your celebration?”

“It is merely a modest party with my associates. It’s what’s expected to be provided for someone of my status." Sir Folliun answers haughtily.

“This is hardly modest and far in excess of what a servant of House Quinala is entitled to; you evidently expected to be indulged when you requested the best the estate had to offer.”

“I deemed it within my powers to request the celebration of a job well done.”

“We will be continuing this discussion. However, I still have a few points to wish to conclude with the Overseer.” Sir Vamen returns his gaze to Overseer Elicyne. “Overseer let me recap what you have just advised us. Two half-goblin merchandise were destroyed as well as ‘a few’ Terra females. Is that correct?”

“Yes it is.”

“What about the merchandise in front of you?”

“As I have advised it’s been out of control and is responsible for the destruction of other merchandise, so it’s being made an example of.”

“So, you admit that you are wantonly damaging premium merchandise that is allegedly a berserk? One already sold to a customer? That would earn a considerable bonus for the Yegella Estate if proven to be a berserk? One if damaged or destroyed would incur a significant compensation payment?”

“I take great offense at being accused of wantonly damaging merchandise. I take great pride in providing customer’s the best merchandise possible and I would absolutely not present merchandise that was destructive or unable to be controlled.”

“Is that your professional judgment of this merchandise?”

“It is.”

“That’s interesting. You see Mistress Lyrei reported that the merchandise was making good progress until the guards removed him by your order. When she requested an explanation from you none was provided. In addition, the two half-goblins destroyed were as a consequence of you staging a sparring match against the explicit instructions of Overseer Brypeiros.”

“I was not aware he had given any such instruction! He was not even present on the estate at the time.” Overseer Elicyne refutes.

“I also understand that each of these instances was witnessed by the steward of Revenue and Taxation.”

“It was and he can attest that there was nothing untoward about any of the proceedings.” Overseer Elicyne blustered as he looked over to Sir Folliun for support.

“You must be aware that the large half-goblin destroyed was an Orc cross, which had been enhanced by new technology and was expensive to acquire. We had hopes of being able to breed him. He was, however totally unable to control his strength and had already killed another merchandise in sparring. His record shows clear instructions that he was not to be allowed to spar or access a female. The other was an elven cross and had also been sold, He was due to be transported to his new owners at the end of this tenday and consequently, we will have to now pay compensation.”

“As I said I was not aware.”

“Have you managed to determine the origin of the rune weapon that killed the elven cross?”

“No, I haven’t. We are unable to determine anything relating to the blade or how it came into his possession.”

“That’s unfortunate. Now, let’s discuss the issue of the destroyed and damaged Terra females. I’ve been notified that there have been three destroyed and four seriously damaged. The one destroyed tonight was a premium pleasure merchandise and listed in the next Yegella Estate auction. And the damaged merchandise is expected to take a full quarter to again be saleable. We will have to determine if the merchandise is worth the cost of treating. As a result of your negligence, the entire estate will lose a full quarters profit. We will of course discuss how you will be making good on this loss.”

Overseer Elicyne fell to the floor and bowed to the Baroness pleading. “I was only following orders. You can’t hold me responsible for the losses.”

“Care to share more detail on what those orders were and who from?” Baroness Yegella asked.

“Sir Folliun issued the orders. After his request to acquire the Terra male was prohibited.”

“Cease your drivel. I did not give any such order.” Bellowed Sir Folliun.

“You did, citing the fact that as you were the highest-ranking member of the House Quinala present. As such it was within your right to make those orders. I have the evidence.” Overseer Elicyne continued to implore.

“You clearly misconstrued my expressions of interest as orders. There was no intent by me to cause any loss to the estate, and any loss is due to your incompetence.” Sir Folliun countered.

“Are you sure that is what has occurred here?” Baroness Yegella asked.

“It is.” Sir Folliun responded indignantly.

“What is your view of what has occurred here Magistrate Pamen?” The Baroness asked turning to a man who stood behind her.

The man moved to stand next to the Baroness and locked gazes with Sir Folliun. “Based on the evidence you have presented and the statements I have just heard I have grave concerns about the conduct of the steward of Revenue and Taxation. My role as magistrate does not allow me to adjudicate in this clear dereliction of duty and so I will report my findings to the presiding Justice. However, I fully support your claim for recompense as a result of blatant criminal damage to Yegella Estate merchandise.”

“Thank you Magistrate Pamen.” She then frowned at Sir Folliun. “Viscountess Arasys will be informed of your behavior and presented with the bill for your excesses whilst here. I am also requesting that you are publically censured.”

Sir Folliun sneered. “What do you want me to say? That I'm supposed to feel remorse because I act the way I do? The truth is I don't.”

Baroness Yegella scowls. “I don’t like your little games and I don’t like you. You are hereby forbidden to enter the Yegella properties. Any breach of this will result in criminal charges being pressed. You have two hours to vacate my property.“