Wonderful narrative ... the Goth Girl's torment is so comprehensive that I have never known any of Barb's incarnations be so silently submissive!It was early to be out and about. Though the summer day promised oppressive heat later, the pre-dawn air was fresh and cool, allowing the Quaestor to hurry on his way.
Lucius Piso had received a peremptory summons ad Villa Praesidis (to the Governor’s palace). He was sure that it was to discuss his note of the prior evening. He hurried up the Via Lata (Broadway) to its junction with Via Hercules (the name for the Via Domitia within Narbo. When the Romans laid out this first paved road in Gaul, they followed an even more ancient pathway that claimed to be the mythic route of Hercules). At the intersection, he spotted Marcus Claudius, headed the same way.
“Ave, Marce, my esteemed friend,” Lucius said in greeting. “Are you headed my way?”
“Ad Villa Praesidis?” responded the aristocrat in a dignified voice. Piso nodded. “Yes.”
“Let us go together then.”
“Do you know the pleasure that his excellency desires of our company so early in the morning?”
“I’m afraid I might.” replied the Quaestor. As they walked together, Piso explained the note he’s sent the Governor the prior evening.
“I see,” said Marcus. “As we are two of his Consigliarii Seniores (senior advisors), he is asking our counsel on that matter.”
"Indeed," agreed Lucius as the two came up to the grand entrance of the Villa. They hesitated for a moment and then Lucius grabbed the large iron ring in the lion's mouth and knocked.
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The men untied and raised Barb to sitting on the bench. Her shoulders, arms, and legs screamed with pain from the many hours of enforced stretching. With some difficulty, she raised her hands to take the offered bowl of water. Greedily she sucked down the cool liquid to ease her parched mouth and throat. They offered several refills, and the girl drank her fill.
Her terrible ordeals of the last twenty hours had subdued much of the Goth’s natural rebelliousness. Now, surrounded by six strong soldiers who’d show a readiness to hurt her, she kept her resentment and hatred in check. Submissively, she looked up and whispered, “Cibus (food)?”
Several of the men laughed at her mournful request. Another, the one who doubted the justice of her treatment, said sadly, “No food this morning, parvula (little one). Before you could get nourishment from it, you would vomeres (vomit) it from the flagellando (whipping).”
The reference to future pain drove the girl’s ravenous hunger away, at least for the moment.
Thankful for a brief respite from torment and bondage, Barbara gingerly stretched her arms and legs to loosen her cramped joints and restore circulation. She noted that the rods' welts and the scratches from the animals had receded noticeably over the night. However, the deep bruises from the Optio's staff still pained her every move. She sat quietly and sipped on the last bowl of water she'd been given. Meanwhile, the guards stood around nervously, wise-cracking to relieve their tension. They all stole frequent glances at her full, erotic body. Despite having had unlimited opportunity last night to enjoy her charms, Barbara still captivated them.
Hang in there. We may see some feistiness reappear.Wonderful narrative ... the Goth Girl's torment is so comprehensive that I have never known any of Barb's incarnations be so silently submissive!
Another cliffhanger.....lol.The "Court of Appeal"
“Intrate, mei amici (Enter, my friends)!” said Gaius as he rose to greet his counselors. Strictly speaking, as Praeses, he was entitled to remain reclining when these lesser officers entered the room. But Gaius was always anxious to show respect to others. This behavior, in turn, earned him the respect of the powerful in Narbo, despite the embarrassing antics of his son.
“Marce, mi care amice (my dear friend), please recumbe (recline) up here by me. Galerie, respectfully yield your place of honor to the Quaestor.”
The youth grudgingly arose to give his couch to Piso. After both aristocrats had been settled comfortably and been urged to partake of the fare, the Praeses broached the subject of the conclave.
“Quaestor, you must know that your note of last night is the reason for our gathering. But I fear that Marcus is not aware of the situation.”
“But, I am, Praeses," said the elder. Lucius and I met on the way, and he explained it thoroughly."
“Excellent,” replied the Governor. “Then we can get right down to the issue. I trust it will be acceptable to you if meus filius remains since he was so directly involved in this affair.”
Both gentlemen politely nodded agreement.
“Now then. It seems that question facing us, well, really me, (Gaius said the last with an accusatory glance at his son), is whether we should go ahead with the sentence of crucifixio for the Goth girl, this Barbaria, or show clemency?”
“You have summarized the issue perfectly, Praeses,” said Piso.
"That is precisely what must be decided," agreed Claudius.
“Fine,” said the Governor, “Let us start by laying out the arguments pro et con for showing clemency.”
“All the argument that you need,” burst out Galerius, sounding like a petulant child, “is that the German bitch tried to murder me! If I hadn’t been so adept at defending myself, she might...”
A withering stare and a raised hand from his father silenced the lad.
My apologies, amici, I have animum affectiōnis (a sentimental weakness) for my son, and I spoil him, as you can see. He talks when he should listen. Galerius, you will only speak here if spoken to."
"That is quite alright, Gaius," said Piso in an understanding tone. "The boy has a point. This slave girl was seen to attack her master in public violently. Such behavior by a slave must be dealt with most severely if we are to maintain our safety."
"I agree," added Marcus. "However, subjecting the young woman to a partial Poena Cullei, an overnight gang rape by our soldiers, and a full flogging today- is not a ‘light’ punishment.”
“Excellently stated, consiliari.” agreed the Governor.
"Also," continued Claudius, "if I may point out to your excellency, it is a terrible waste to cut off the life of such a young and valuable slave if not necessary. Have you met the young woman?”
“No, though my money bought her.” Another look of annoyance at his son.
“You really should see her, especially if she is going to die. She is a beautiful young woman. There is a certain defiant air to her that is haunting. I bid far more than I intended for her. She possesses a depth of sensuality so often lacking in most slavegirls.”
“Or most women of any status, for that matter!" added Piso, with a chuckle. I, also, was captivated by her charms and offered an extravagant amount."
"I see," said the Praeses. He glanced at his son. If these mature men with sound judgment got carried away bidding for the Goth beauty, he could appreciate somewhat his boy's fervor.
"That reminds me," Lucius continued, "This morning, I received a missive from the Mercator, offering to repurchase her after her scourging for the remainder of the purchase price."
“That is most generous of him,” said Gaius, thinking of how this would save him from any loss on the affair. The opportunity to retrieve the money wasted away by his son was tempting.
"That is a generous and tempting offer," agreed Claudius. The three sat in silence for a moment, considering the arguments already advanced. These men were all cautious and conservative. They did not rush to a judgment.
After a minute, Marcus spoke again, "We must also consider one other, critical factor."
Just when we thought the Goth slut was possibly going to get away with a thorough scourging (is there any other kind?), this happens ... "After a minute, Marcus spoke again, "We must also consider one other, critical factor." - so what now?The "Court of Appeal"
“Intrate, mei amici (Enter, my friends)!” said Gaius as he rose to greet his counselors. Strictly speaking, as Praeses, he was entitled to remain reclining when these lesser officers entered the room. But Gaius was always anxious to show respect to others. This behavior, in turn, earned him the respect of the powerful in Narbo, despite the embarrassing antics of his son.
“Marce, mi care amice (my dear friend), please recumbe (recline) up here by me. Galerie, respectfully yield your place of honor to the Quaestor.”
The youth grudgingly arose to give his couch to Piso. After both aristocrats had been settled comfortably and been urged to partake of the fare, the Praeses broached the subject of the conclave.
“Quaestor, you must know that your note of last night is the reason for our gathering. But I fear that Marcus is not aware of the situation.”
“But, I am, Praeses," said the elder. Lucius and I met on the way, and he explained it thoroughly."
“Excellent,” replied the Governor. “Then we can get right down to the issue. I trust it will be acceptable to you if meus filius remains since he was so directly involved in this affair.”
Both gentlemen politely nodded agreement.
“Now then. It seems that question facing us, well, really me, (Gaius said the last with an accusatory glance at his son), is whether we should go ahead with the sentence of crucifixio for the Goth girl, this Barbaria, or show clemency?”
“You have summarized the issue perfectly, Praeses,” said Piso.
"That is precisely what must be decided," agreed Claudius.
“Fine,” said the Governor, “Let us start by laying out the arguments pro et con for showing clemency.”
“All the argument that you need,” burst out Galerius, sounding like a petulant child, “is that the German bitch tried to murder me! If I hadn’t been so adept at defending myself, she might...”
A withering stare and a raised hand from his father silenced the lad.
My apologies, amici, I have animum affectiōnis (a sentimental weakness) for my son, and I spoil him, as you can see. He talks when he should listen. Galerius, you will only speak here if spoken to."
"That is quite alright, Gaius," said Piso in an understanding tone. "The boy has a point. This slave girl was seen to attack her master in public violently. Such behavior by a slave must be dealt with most severely if we are to maintain our safety."
"I agree," added Marcus. "However, subjecting the young woman to a partial Poena Cullei, an overnight gang rape by our soldiers, and a full flogging today- is not a ‘light’ punishment.”
“Excellently stated, consiliarie.” agreed the Governor.
"Also," continued Claudius, "if I may point out to your excellency, it is a terrible waste to cut off the life of such a young and valuable slave if not necessary. Have you met the young woman?”
“No, though my money bought her.” Another look of annoyance at his son.
“You really should see her, especially if she is going to die. She is a beautiful young woman. There is a certain defiant air to her that is haunting. I bid far more than I intended for her. She possesses a depth of sensuality so often lacking in most slavegirls.”
“Or most women of any status, for that matter!" added Piso, with a chuckle. I, also, was captivated by her charms and offered an extravagant amount."
"I see," said the Praeses. He glanced at his son. If these mature men with sound judgment got carried away bidding for the Goth beauty, he could appreciate somewhat his boy's fervor.
"That reminds me," Lucius continued, "This morning, I received a missive from the Mercator, offering to repurchase her after her scourging for the remainder of the purchase price."
“That is most generous of him,” said Gaius, thinking of how this would save him from any loss on the affair. The opportunity to retrieve the money wasted away by his son was tempting.
"That is a generous and tempting offer," agreed Claudius. The three sat in silence for a moment, considering the arguments already advanced. These men were all cautious and conservative. They did not rush to a judgment.
After a minute, Marcus spoke again, "We must also consider one other, critical factor."
Of course, those who have read Singapore III know Barbara's track record with appeals courts.The "Court of Appeal"
That's our Barb.if I may point out to your excellency, it is a terrible waste to cut off the life of such a young and valuable slave if not necessary. You really should see her, especially if she is going to die. She is a beautiful young woman. There is a certain defiant air to her that is haunting. I bid far more than I intended for her. She possesses a depth of sensuality so often lacking in most slavegirls.
Loin, no one, and I mean no one has ever accused me of writing too quickly!Is someone finally listening to my reasons why slow torture is more enticing than a “quick” crucifixion?
Don't jump to conclusions. Let's see what Marcus Claudius has to say.Just when we thought the Goth slut was possibly going to get away with a thorough scourging
Loin, no one, and I mean no one has ever accused me of writing too quickly!
What a way to celebrate International Flog-a-Visigoth week Great storytelling PraetorioLooking around the atrium, Corvus asked, “Quaestor. I thought the entire garrison was to flog the bitch. Are there even thirty men here?”
“I was thinking the same,” said Piso. “Calixtus, is this a complete muster?”
“All of those present in the praesidio, Quaestor. Thirty men were sent out very early this morning toward the Goth village north of here. I was informed of a possible disturbance there. Given the lawlessness of the barbarians, I was reluctant to risk a smaller group.”
“Outrageous!” cried Galerius in a high voice. “how dare…”
“A moment, domine (lord),” interrupted Piso, holding his hand up to the iuventutem. “I shall handle this. Centurio, how many does that leave?”
“Including myself and my Optio, thirty-four. We are but an understaffed praesidio, you do understand.”
“You cannot let this happen!” shouted Galerius. “It is seditio (insubordination)! The Centurio is defying your sentence!”
“Mi domine (my lord)," Lucius spoke softly through gritted teeth. "I cannot fault our military leadership for taking action to keep us safe. Not will I second guess his judgment as to the safest number to use. As far as concerns the girl's sentence, there was no number specified, simply that the entire garrison would flog her.”
Galerius started to object again, but Calixtus cut him off. "Perhaps, Quaestor, we could allow the civilians present to have a stroke each if they wish, and that brings it up to forty, a good sound beating.”
“Excellent suggestion, Centurio! Forty stokes it will be – and that’s the end of it.”
Galerius gave a hummph and pouted.
“If I may, Quaestor, there is another consideration," Calixtus asked.
“Yes.”
“Several of my men have expressed reluctance about beating a tied and helpless girl. They might deliver half-blows. And lining up over thirty men will be time-consuming. Besides, I know at least one of the civilians (he gave a surreptitious tilt of his head at Aemilius), who may be too weak or soft-hearted to strike a full blow. Given the reduced total number, this might seem an unjust reduction of the total sentence.” He bowed slightly to Antonious, who grunted agreement.
“I see what you mean, Centurio. What do you suggest?”
“Let me pick two strong men from my company to administer all thirty-four strokes for the militibus. And you pick one of yours to deliver your six for the civibus (citizens).”
“Excellent suggestion, Calixtus!” crowed the Quaestor. He turned to Galerius. “Antonious. Since you are so concerned about the girl getting proper punishment, I give you all six...no wait; I give you ten strokes to chastise her.” Piso smiled as he thought how this would play out.
The lad came out of his funk, smiled, and rubbed his hands in sadist joy. He then called for another goblet of Mulsum.
A moment later, there was movement at the other end of the atrium, and all turned to see the Goth girl emerge. All other thoughts were erased as her desirable body captivated one and all.
I can think of a more worthy candidate for a flogging and crucifixion....and it isn't the lovely Barbara...Looking around the atrium, Corvus asked, “Quaestor. I thought the entire garrison was to flog the bitch. Are there even thirty men here?”
“I was thinking the same,” said Piso. “Calixtus, is this a complete muster?”
“All of those present in the praesidio, Quaestor. Thirty men were sent out very early this morning toward the Goth village north of here. I was informed of a possible disturbance there. Given the lawlessness of the barbarians, I was reluctant to risk a smaller group.”
“Outrageous!” cried Galerius in a high voice. “how dare…”
“A moment, domine (lord),” interrupted Piso, holding his hand up to the iuventutem. “I shall handle this. Centurio, how many does that leave?”
“Including myself and my Optio, thirty-four. We are but an understaffed praesidio, you do understand.”
“You cannot let this happen!” shouted Galerius. “It is seditio (insubordination)! The Centurio is defying your sentence!”
“Mi domine (my lord)," Lucius spoke softly through gritted teeth. "I cannot fault our military leadership for taking action to keep us safe. Not will I second guess his judgment as to the safest number to use. As far as concerns the girl's sentence, there was no number specified, simply that the entire garrison would flog her.”
Galerius started to object again, but Calixtus cut him off. "Perhaps, Quaestor, we could allow the civilians present to have a stroke each if they wish, and that brings it up to forty, a good sound beating.”
“Excellent suggestion, Centurio! Forty stokes it will be – and that’s the end of it.”
Galerius gave a hummph and pouted.
“If I may, Quaestor, there is another consideration," Calixtus asked.
“Yes.”
“Several of my men have expressed reluctance about beating a tied and helpless girl. They might deliver half-blows. And lining up over thirty men will be time-consuming. Besides, I know at least one of the civilians (he gave a surreptitious tilt of his head at Aemilius), who may be too weak or soft-hearted to strike a full blow. Given the reduced total number, this might seem an unjust reduction of the total sentence.” He bowed slightly to Antonious, who grunted agreement.
“I see what you mean, Centurio. What do you suggest?”
“Let me pick two strong men from my company to administer all thirty-four strokes for the militibus. And you pick one of yours to deliver your six for the civibus (citizens).”
“Excellent suggestion, Calixtus!” crowed the Quaestor. He turned to Galerius. “Antonious. Since you are so concerned about the girl getting proper punishment, I give you all six...no wait; I give you ten strokes to chastise her.” Piso smiled as he thought how this would play out.
The lad came out of his funk, smiled, and rubbed his hands in sadist joy. He then called for another goblet of Mulsum.
A moment later, there was movement at the other end of the atrium, and all turned to see the Goth girl emerge. All other thoughts were erased as her desirable body captivated one and all.
After a moment, an idea occurred to the Centurion. He turned to his desk and wrote a short order on a wax tablet. He summoned the soldier on duty outside his quarters and told him to take it to the Optio.
Calixtus lay down on his thinly-padded crabato (pallet). He wondered how Galerius would take the news in the morning. Not well, he thought. Then Gaius smiled broadly, rolled onto his side, and swiftly fell into a deep sleep
Clever little move on Gaius Calixtus' part wasn't it?“All of those present in the praesidio, Quaestor. Thirty men were sent out very early this morning toward the Goth village north of here. I was informed of a possible disturbance there. Given the lawlessness of the barbarians, I was reluctant to risk a smaller group.”
“Outrageous!” cried Galerius in a high voice. “how dare…”
“Including myself and my Optio, thirty-four. We are but an understaffed praesidio, you do understand.”
“You cannot let this happen!” shouted Galerius. “It is seditio (insubordination)! The Centurio is defying your sentence!”
Let me pick two strong men
another goblet of Mulsum
We don't want to hurt Barb, do we?No fair! Goth Girl will get no more than the tickle of a feather!
Six of the best from each of the 30 on a full muster, and we would have had a flogging to rival that of Laura Berkeley around the fleet - But I guess we need to remain cognisant of the fact that the Goth slut has an impending crucifixion! Lucky for her that she does, otherwise I sense the whipping would have been a lot more severe!Looking around the atrium, Corvus asked, “Quaestor. I thought the entire garrison was to flog the bitch. Are there even thirty men here?”
“I was thinking the same,” said Piso. “Calixtus, is this a complete muster?”
“All of those present in the praesidio, Quaestor. Thirty men were sent out very early this morning toward the Goth village north of here. I was informed of a possible disturbance there. Given the lawlessness of the barbarians, I was reluctant to risk a smaller group.”
“Outrageous!” cried Galerius in a high voice. “how dare…”
“A moment, domine (lord),” interrupted Piso, holding his hand up to the iuventutem. “I shall handle this. Centurio, how many does that leave?”
“Including myself and my Optio, thirty-four. We are but an understaffed praesidio, you do understand.”
“You cannot let this happen!” shouted Galerius. “It is seditio (insubordination)! The Centurio is defying your sentence!”
“Mi domine (my lord)," Lucius spoke softly through gritted teeth. "I cannot fault our military leadership for taking action to keep us safe. Not will I second guess his judgment as to the safest number to use. As far as concerns the girl's sentence, there was no number specified, simply that the entire garrison would flog her.”
Galerius started to object again, but Calixtus cut him off. "Perhaps, Quaestor, we could allow the civilians present to have a stroke each if they wish, and that brings it up to forty, a good sound beating.”
“Excellent suggestion, Centurio! Forty stokes it will be – and that’s the end of it.”
Galerius gave a hummph and pouted.
“If I may, Quaestor, there is another consideration," Calixtus asked.
“Yes.”
“Several of my men have expressed reluctance about beating a tied and helpless girl. They might deliver half-blows. And lining up over thirty men will be time-consuming. Besides, I know at least one of the civilians (he gave a surreptitious tilt of his head at Aemilius), who may be too weak or soft-hearted to strike a full blow. Given the reduced total number, this might seem an unjust reduction of the total sentence.” He bowed slightly to Antonious, who grunted agreement.
“I see what you mean, Centurio. What do you suggest?”
“Let me pick two strong men from my company to administer all thirty-four strokes for the militibus. And you pick one of yours to deliver your six for the civibus (citizens).”
“Excellent suggestion, Calixtus!” crowed the Quaestor. He turned to Galerius. “Antonious. Since you are so concerned about the girl getting proper punishment, I give you all six...no wait; I give you ten strokes to chastise her.” Piso smiled as he thought how this would play out.
The lad came out of his funk, smiled, and rubbed his hands in sadist joy. He then called for another goblet of Mulsum.
A moment later, there was movement at the other end of the atrium, and all turned to see the Goth girl emerge. All other thoughts were erased as her desirable body captivated one and all.