Blood of the Fold

Ulicia's legs were in danger of giving way. Since Jagang had begun coming into her dreams, her waking life had turned into a nightmare. There must be a way to stop this, but she could think of none. She had a vision of herself, returning to the Palace of the Prophets as one of Jagang's slaves, in one of those outfits.

Jagang glanced past her. "Have you boys been listening?"

Ulicia heard Captain Blake answer that they had. She started. She had forgotten all about the thirty sailors standing behind her at the back of the room.

Jagang gestured with two fingers for them to come closer. "In the morning you may leave. I thought, though, that for tonight you would like to have these ladies."

Each of the six went rigid.

"But — "

Her words were cut short by the way the floating shapes shifted suddenly in his mirky eyes. "From now on, if you use your magic against my wishes, even if it's to stop yourself from sneezing, you'll share Christabel's fate. In your dreams I've shown you a small taste of what I can do to you while you're alive, and you've now seen a small taste of what the Keeper will do to you if you die. You have but one path to tread. If I were you, I'd not put one foot wrong."

Jagang returned his gaze to the sailors behind them. "They're yours for the night. Knowing these six from their dreams, I know you have scores to settle. Do to them as you wish."

The sailors' voices rose in gleeful oaths.

Through the link, Ulicia could feel a hand grip Armina's breast, another pull Nicci's head back by her hair as the lace at her bodice was pulled loose, and another hand slide up the inside of her own thigh. She choked back a scream.

"There's some minor rules," Jagang said, stopping the hands on them. "If you violate them, I'll gut you all like a sack of fish."

"And what would the rules be, Emperor?" a sailor asked.

"You can't kill them. They're my slaves — they belong to me. I want them returned in the morning in good enough condition so that they can serve me. That means no broken bones and such. You'll draw lots as to which one you get. I know what'll happen if I let you choose for yourselves. I don't want any of them neglected."

The sailors all chuckled in agreement, and all spoke up that it was more than fair. They vowed the rules would be followed.

Jagang returned his attention to the six women. "I have a gigantic army of big burly soldiers, and nowhere near enough whores to go around. Puts my men in an ugly mood. Until I have other duties for you, you'll serve in that capacity for all but four hours a day. Be thankful you have my ring in your lip; it'll keep them from killing you while they're having their fun."

Sister Cecilia spread her hands. She glowed with a kindly, innocent smile. "Emperor Jagang, your men are young and strong. I'm afraid they would find no enjoyment being with an old woman such as myself. I'm sorry."

"I'm sure they'll grin with delight to have you. You'll see."

"Emperor, Sister Cecilia is right. I'm afraid I, too, am too old and fat," Tovi said in her best elderly voice. "We would bring your men no satisfaction."

"Satisfaction? ' He took a bite of the roast on the point of his knife.”Satisfaction? Are you daft? This has nothing to do with satisfaction. I assure you, my men will enjoy your warm charms — but you misunderstand."

He waggled a finger at them, the greasy rings on his fingers glinting in the firelight. "You six were Sisters of the Light, and then Sisters of the Dark. You're probably the most powerful sorceresses in the world. This is lo leach you that you're little more than dung beneath my boots. I'll do with you as I please. Those with the gift are my weapons, now.

"This is to teach you a lesson. You have no say in it. Until I decide otherwise, I give you to my men lo use. If they want to twist your fingers and take bets on who can make you scream the loudest, then they will. If they want any other sort of pleasure from you, then they'll have it. They have quite varied tastes, and as long as they don't kill you, they're free to indulge them."

He shoved the rest of the piece of meat in his mouth. "After these fellows are done with you, anyway. Enjoy my gift, boys. Do as I ask, follow my rules, and I may have use of you in the future. Emperor Jagang treats his friends well."

A cheer for the emperor went up from the sailors.

Ulicia would have fallen when her legs buckled had not an arm circled her waist to pull her back tight against an eager sailor. She could smell his foul breath.

"Well, well, well, lass. Looks like you ladies are going to come out to play after all, and after you were so nasty to us."

Ulicia could hear herself whimper. Her lip throbbed in pain, but she knew it was only the beginning. She was so stunned by what was happening that she couldn't form a clear thought.

"Oh," Jagang said, stopping everyone. He gestured with his knife to Merissa. "Except that one. You can't have her," he said to the sailors. He waggled two fingers. "Step forward, darlin."