26 comments/ 471050 views/ 16 favorites Pagan Princess By: melissa_luvsu2 It is the year 50 AD; Roman invaders had set up enclaves throughout the southern lands of Briton. They had met with fierce Pagan Kings who fought bitterly against them and also showed the same aggression toward their neighbouring counterparts. One of these Kings was Alfred who had spawned two children, a boy and a girl. His son who was every bit as fierce as his father perished at the hands of the Romans in one of the bloodiest of battles ever to have raged on the south coast of Briton. The experienced Romans quickly took control of the southern lands, sacking villages and exterminating all resistance that stood in their way. Soon many of the communities found themselves devoid of their young men who had perished at Roman hands. Alfred's grief knew no bounds as he looked upon his remaining offspring, his daughter Melissia. At this time she was just 18 years old, she was a tall slim girl with deep red chestnut hair and large brown eyes. Eyes that could melt a man from twenty paces and what is more had inherited her mother's beauty. He watched her as she hacked at a sack that she had strung from a tree. "What game are you playing daughter," he said wearily but with an amused smile. "I am killing those people that took my brothers life," she replied puffing out her chest pretending to be a warrior. "What you do Melissia is commendable but you are no match for those invaders from Rome, now put down your sword and help your mother prepare supper." "Bah! All I ever do is woman's work, I want to fight father, to kill Romans." She gave a mock frown and squared her jaw. Alfred put his hand on his daughters shoulder. "Melissia your bravery knows no bounds but you know little of these people that you hate so much. They fight differently from us, they speak a language that is unknown to us, what can you hope to do against them?" "Father I want to learn how to fight them, I want to learn their language, I want to know everything about them and most importantly of all I want to avenge your son, my brother." Alfred's eyes moistened as he gazed at the determination of his daughter. "I do not want you to become a warrior my little princess but by all means learn their language. I know of a learned man that can teach you but he lives far from here, are you prepared to go to this man for the knowledge you require?" He gazed into her doe like eyes hoping that leaving home would dissuade her. "Yes I want to learn all there is about Romans, how they think, how they fight, everything." There was an immense eagerness in her eyes that disturbed the old King. "Melissia please, first things first, I will arrange for you to go to the man Arnold who speaks Latin the Roman tongue. It is a difficult language but your mind is quick, I think you will learn fast." She hugged her father and ran off to tell the good news to her frail mother. Alfred bowed his head in thought and wondered what he had started. The man Arnold was not only a wise scholar but also an accomplished swordsman and he felt sure his daughter would flash those wondrous eyes at him to extract this skill from him. No one could resist Melissia's pleading look, she could twist a man around her little finger. Oh! Thought Alfred, what have I inflicted on poor Arnold? The old King turned and slowly walked back to his fortress bracing himself for the tongue lashing that would surely come from Melissia's mother. Nearly two years had passed and Melissia was returning to her father's fortress in South Downland, she reflected on her past years under Arnold's tuition. Arnolds home was an old monastery that was very befitting for the scholar he was. Alfred had warned him in a letter about his daughter and of her ambitions for revenge on the Romans. In it he wrote, "Teach her Latin and any other tongues she wishes to learn but please omit the sword play she will surely crave." The Kings words had a pleading note to them and Arnold resolved himself to obey them. When Melissia arrived at his door Arnold was totally smitten by her. She moved with the grace of a gazelle and had the dark soft brown eyes of a baby deer. Her body was almost fully developed and it was obvious to him that she kept herself exceedingly fit. She had strong firm breasts leading down to a flat muscular stomach; her legs were lean with a well-defined muscle structure, peculiar to those of an athlete. When she smiled she revealed a perfect set of pearly white teeth. "By the gods!" thought Arnold "I have a goddess in my house." As time passed at the monastery Melissia soaked up knowledge like a sponge, Latin became a second language to her, she also became fluent in French and German. Arnold found it increasingly difficult to keep up with her thirst for learning. Soon the dreaded question arose. "Dear Arnold, will you teach me how to use a sword?" She said it with that look that made him melt on the spot. "I...I..." Arnold stammered, taken aback by the directness of her question. "Well Arnold, will you?" She went on, cupping her delightful chin in her hands and flashing those eyes. "Oh Princess, I promised your father that I would not teach you such things." He replied with a look that said, "Please don't ask me again." Over the next few weeks, having used her charisma and charms to their maximum, Melissia had made Arnold relent and so began her training, which she took too with an even greater relish than that for language. Arnold also taught her good manners, etiquette, and civility and over the following months Melissia's hatred for the Romans began to mellow. Even so, she still managed to glean every tiny bit of Arnold's fighting knowledge from him. As the months wore on he felt deeply guilty as to what he was teaching Alfred's daughter. He had broken every promise he had made to his King and he was truly ashamed of himself. Melissia had charmed him like no other could; he could not resist the power she had over him, he was like soft clay in her hands and his love for her knew no bounds Melissia snapped herself out of her reminiscences as she neared her father's fortress. She pulled her horse up at the top of the downs and looked down into the valley. Her heart froze as she surveyed the smouldering ruins that were once her home. In a terrible frenzy she rode full gallop toward the ruined fortress, as she rode she could see many mounds of freshly dug earth. An old man was tending two of the mounds as Melissia pulled up her mount beside him. "What has happened here, tell me old man?" she screamed stricken with panic. "It was the Romans little lady, they came on yesterday's dawn and murdered everyone." He bowed his head in tearful grief, pushing at the fresh earth. "My Father my Mother what news of them?" She looked at him utter dread filling her eyes. "And who may they be?" Asked the old man wearily. "Why Alfred and Serena, the King & Queen of South Downland, I am Melissia their daughter have you forgotten me already?" He looked up at the flame haired woman who addressed him. "Melissia is it really you? May the gods be praised, you have returned." The old man was truly pleased to see her. Then his smile faded, "Melissia the news is as grave as it can be, the Romans have been systematically killing our leaders. Your Mother and Father were put to the sword, their bodies lie under these very mounds I tend." With that he bowed his head and sobbed. Melissia dismounted and flew to his side. "Dead!" My parents are Dead?" She grabbed some of the soil and held it to her chest. "Old man tell me all you know of these vile killers, I had forgiveness in my heart but now I see nothing but blood and hate. MY HATE, THEIR BLOOD!" Pagan Princess Antoninus dismounted from his horse and accompanied by three centurions walked from one hut to another. In the darkness of one of the huts they came upon a young girl cowering in the corner, she was clearly afraid of the invaders. The girl was in her early 20's and was called Meena, she was a small lean girl, with a pretty round face and light straw coloured hair. She was barefoot and wore a rough dress made of sackcloth. Antoninus who spoke the Saxon Language addressed the girl. "Come outside, we wish to ask you some questions." He grabbed her by the elbow and dragged her out of the hut. He liked it when they were afraid, the frightened ones always proved very helpful. "You can start by telling us your name girl!" Yelled the first centurion as he towered over her. "M.m.my...n.n..name..is..Meena." She stammered, hardly able to speak. The villagers looked on, they were all truly terrified by this unwelcome intrusion by so many Romans. They all knew why they had come it was only a matter of time, now here they were in terrifying numbers surrounding the village. Antoninus put his hand on the centurions shoulder and moved him to one side; he then gripped Meena's shoulders. "What can you tell me about the attacks on our patrols Meena?" His fierce eyes burned into her. "I..I...know nothing of what you ask sir." She whimpered, terrified of the large Roman. Antoninus turned to one of his centurions. "Did you bring your whip Drachius? I think Meena's memory is somewhat lacking." He continued to gaze into the girls eyes, looking for tell tale signs that she knew more then she let on. Drachius nodded and fetched a fearsome looking whip from his saddlebag, in full view of Meena and the villagers he uncoiled it. Antoninus turned to the villagers. "I have no stomach for putting young women under the lash, so if anyone would like to give me the information I seek then we can put an end to all this unpleasantness!" There was just a murmured shuffling amongst the villagers but no one spoke up. "Very well then, the lash it will be, seize her up!" Three soldiers stepped forward and dragged Meena to a nearby post. They stripped her naked and tied her hands above her head. The girl stood trembling and braced herself for the ordeal that was to come. Antoninus address the assembled villagers once more. "There is no reason for this girl to receive a single lash if I receive the information I need!" He waited for an answer but none came, the villagers just stared down at their feet. "Very well Drachius lay it on!" Antoninus stepped back Drachius was a well-muscled man with immensely powerful arms; he drew the whip back and laid the first lash squarely across Meena's shoulder blades. The blow completely knocked all breath out of the young girl and drew a shrill scream from her which was followed by loud sobs. A large red weal quickly formed on her soft skin. Antoninus addressed the villagers again. "As you can see I am not bluffing, he turned to the girl. "Meena, there is no need for you to suffer this torture, tell me what I want to know and I will have you cut down!" Meena spoke through continuous sobs. "P..P..Please s..s..sir..I cannot help you with the information you seek, d...d...don't hurt me anymore, this is so terrible for me!" She sobbed even more. Antoninus countered, "That is not the right answer, Meena, Drachius, lay it on until I tell you to stop!" He stepped away once more. Drachius drew back his mighty whip arm and struck the girl firmly across the shoulders once more, her whole body shook and another ugly weal criss-crossed the first. Meena screamed so loudly her voice became hoarse. The soldier struck again, this time the lash landed across the young girls backside, her buttocks trembled under the blow. Meena struggled wildly in a vane effort to avoid the punishing strokes; her body glistened in the sunlight as the pain from the welts burned into her skin. This was a pain like no other she had ever experienced in her young life, she hoped beyond all hope that her suffering would be worthwhile for she did not want to betray Melissia or her army. Drachius continued to lay stroke after stroke across Meena's back, buttocks and thighs. She had now lost her ability to scream, her vocal chords were damaged and she was loosing control of her bladder. Antoninus ordered the soldier to stop; he turned once more to the villagers. "I am going to ask one last time for the information I seek, if it is not forthcoming I will have this girl lashed to death!" He paused to wait for an answer that did not come. He spoke to the two soldiers that were standing each side of the suspended girl. "Very well, turn her around to face us, we will see how her breasts and stomach fare under the lash!" Meena could not believe what she had heard; having lacerated her back they were now going to do the same to her front. She squeezed her eyes shut and gritted her teeth. "Proceed!" Antoninus turned to the crowd once again. " I mean what I say, please understand she will be whipped to death!" The two flanking soldiers turned Meena's body around for her to receive lashes to the front of her body. As Drachius drew his arm back to continue his onslaught one of the village elders stepped forward. "STOP!" he shouted, "I will give you the information you require, I cannot standby and watch you murder this young girl!"" A murmur went through the assembled crowd. Antoninus immediately gave the order for Drachius to stop and had Meena cut down. He beckoned for the old man to follow him to a nearby hut. "Come old man, tell me everything about this mysterious army that is killing my compatriots, I want to know every last detail." The Tribune and his three centurions listened to the old man as he unfolded his story. They stared at the village elder with more and more incredulity as they learned about the Pagan Princess Melissia and her army of 'Warrior Women.' "Are you telling me old man that our troops are being massacred by a bunch of little girls?" Snarled Antoninus through gritted teeth. "Well, they are not so little." Replied the old man. "And they are highly trained in guerrilla fighting and blinded by revenge. They dearly want to avenge the slaughter of their men folk." The elder gave the assembled Romans a woeful look that said I am so tired of all this violence and death. Antoninus sighed. "What is your name old man?" "I go by the name of Frederick" He replied The Tribune rose from his crude wooden chair. "Well Frederick you have given us much to ponder and I thank you for your candour regarding these serious matters, you may leave us now." As soon as Frederick left the hut anger erupted from the three centurions. Antoninus held up his hand to silence them. "Gentlemen, calm down, we must approach this problem calmly and logically. An army has been constructed from the very persons we overlooked, the women. Therefore we must take steps to see that this cannot happen ever again. So centurions, instruct your men to round up all the capable women and little girls and have them ferried to the galleys. We must let this Pagan Princess know that her people are once again under our total control. Also let it be known that we are retaining a small proportion of children as hostages. She must be advised that if she does not surrender herself to me personally within the month the hostages will be put to death. So let it be written, so let it be done!" Shouts and screams came from the villagers as the Roman soldiers rounded up the women and children. They were put into crude wooden cages that had been commandeered from the village. The cages containing the captives were then loaded onto wooden carts to begin their arduous journey to the south coast of Briton. The Tribune left word that he would receive Melissia's surrender at the very town she called home, Storrings Town. Thanks to Frederick Antoninus had been furnished with all the information he needed regarding the errant Princess. He knew she would surrender herself once the plight of the hostages reached her. Already in his mind he planned her punishment. It also crossed his mind what the Consul would have to say when he heard that his troops had been dieing at the hands of a young woman and her female friends. He also remembered the Consuls last words to his General; 'I want the transgressor brought to me alive!' 'Ah yes.' Thought the Tribune. 'I will save enough of her for the Consul to set his example to the people. In the mean time I will make her scream for mercy, to beg for death, the road to Nova Magus is a long one.' He smiled to himself. 'Soon Melissia, soon your skin will be mine.' It only took a few days for the news as to what happened in Middle Hurst to reach Melissia. She was mortified at what the Roman heathens had done to the women and children. She called a meeting of her commanders. Helena was the first to speak. "NO Melissia! We cannot condone you surrendering to that man, he is a monster." She said tearfully. The other commanders suggested that they "all surrender, no one woman should receive Roman punishment on her own." Melissia however, had other ideas. Helena and Melissia had a farewell night of unbridled passion; tongues and fingers worked their magic in the most delicate of places. The two girls brought each other into the erotic world of multiple orgasm, they writhed simultaneously in each other's arms for most of the night. Their exertions caused their golden skin to glisten in the moonlight. Totally exhausted and sexually sated Helena relaxed in Melissia's arms. Helena sighed deeply and whispered to her lover, "Melissia, please change your mind about surrendering to those Roman murderers." Toying with a strand of Helena's blond hair Melissia replied, "This is the only way, my surrender will save the children." "But Melissia," Helena countered, "What if that cruel Tribune is not a man of his word?" "Then you my dear lieutenant you will have to take my stead and wipe him and his murdering soldiers from the face of this earth!" Melissia gripped Helena's shoulder and shuddered at the thought of leaving her, she whispered under her breath in Latin. "Nil illigitimus carborundum." Helena looked puzzled, "What does that mean?" Melissia laughed, "It means, don't let the bastards grind you down!" Giving Helena a hug she went on. "It will take more than one Roman Tribune and his cohorts to snuff the life out the Saxon women of this land. Come Helena, the dawn comes we must put our plans into action, do not fear, the gods are with us." With that Melissia and her lieutenant dressed and summoned the leaders of their army. Pagan Princess She walked with the grace of a young gazelle to the foreboding frame. "Please don't let them see you tremble." She had thought to herself. On her arrival at the frame two soldiers stepped forward and manhandled Melissia into position. Leather straps were tightened about her wrists and ankles. The wrist straps were attached to an overhead beam on the frame; this beam could then be raised and lowered according to how much the occupant of the frame needed to be stretched. The straps about her ankles were fastened to the upright posts either side of her body. Now in this position she formed a perfect X. The beam was raised by a winding mechanism and stretched Melissia so tightly that her joints in her arms, legs and back screamed out in protest. Drachius stepped out from the front ranks of the assembled soldiers carrying one of his many assorted whips. He was stripped to the waist and Melissia could see every detail of his well-formed muscle structure. The man was a superb athletic specimen. "At the behest of my commanding officer I am to use a light weight whip on you little girl. You see the Tribune wants to deliver you to the Consul in one piece. This situation will enable me to whip you for a very long time without killing you. I can tell you now that all this makes me very happy and of course light whips cause so much more pain and agony than the heavy ones!" Drachius cracked the whip right under Melissia's nose to gain a reaction from her. "Well," she replied, "if I can bring a little happiness into your pathetic life then so be it, I do hope it doesn't tickle, I would really hate that!" She looked straight into the centurion's cruel eyes to gauge his reaction to her remark. "Goad me all you want little girl, for you will dance for me this very day and your screams will be music to my ears!" Drachius put his hand between Melissia's legs and fingered her vagina. "Ah so you think being flogged will give you a sexual thrill do you?" Continued the centurion as he examined the moisture on his fingers. "Better your whip centurion than a ministering from your phallus!" She held his gaze and could see her remark incensed him. Drachius had enough of these verbal jousts and turned to his Tribune for the signal to commence this sharp-tongued vixens punishment. "Lay it on Drachius, I will tell you when to stop!" Antoninus waved his hand as a signal to start. Drachius looked at her superbly well-muscled back and decided to start carving a criss-cross of welts on what was to him a blank canvas. His first lash landed squarely across her shoulders and drew a sharp intake of breath from her; he felt a surge of passion as her muscles started to spasm under the shock of the impact. To Melissia the pain was more intense than she could have possibly imagined. Before she could draw breath the next blow landed in the small of her back, this produced a small stifled sob from her. After the next six she felt that her skin was on fire, the tightness of her restraints increased her agony even more. Sweat started to run down her outstretched body, she bit into her lower lip in an effort to try and not scream. Drachius was indeed a very accomplished master of the whip as after 18 strokes most of Melissia's back, buttocks and legs were covered in angry red welts. Antoninus noted that her bladder had emptied as a result of the intense pain and fear she was feeling at this dreadful moment in time. He admired her spirit; her efforts not to cry out were commendable but as the blows continued Drachius had started to extract shrill screams and sobs from her. The Tribune saw how she curled up her toes and balled her fists in a vain effort to gain some sort of control over herself. Melissia inwardly prayed for the blessed relief of unconsciousness as the incessant blows continued to flay her body. After Drachius had delivered his 30th lash a black veil drew across her eyes, Melissia fell into the arms of Morpheus. "That's enough for now Drachius, anymore will not be felt!" The Tribune stepped forward and drew a halt to the proceedings. "Take her down and return her to her cell!" he shouted to the two guards that were stationed each side of the frame. Antoninus watched as his men carried Melissia's unconscious body back to her confinement. He thought how well she had taken her punishment, Melissia never failed to amaze him. That night he decided to tend to her wounds personally. The soldiers carried Melissia's limp body back to her cell. There they placed her face down on a makeshift wooden rack, securing her arms and feet to the four corners. They examined their centurion's handy work with pride, running their hands over her back and buttocks and legs, feeling and stroking the inflamed patchwork of raised red welts on her skin. "I must give Drachius credit for his expertise." Said the first soldier. "These patterns are superb, he made her scream so much I very nearly ejaculated". "Me to," replied the second soldier. "What a superb body this girl has, do you think we could take her, right here, right now? I am so aroused." He then started to massage his swollen phallus. "I think not, she belongs to the Tribune, we would take her place on that whipping frame if he found out we had ravaged her!" Replied the first soldier. "We had best leave her untouched!" With that the two soldiers went and stood guard outside dreaming of what might have been. As dusk fell Antoninus went to Melissia's cell, he stood over her outstretched body; her breathing was laboured and slow. The welts on her back had grown less angry now but he could tell from her breathing that she was in great pain. He really did not want to torture one so beautiful but he had his orders and his loyalty to Rome superseded his own personal feelings. As he stood over her she began to stir. "Melissia it's me, Antoninus!" He could not believe how softly he was speaking to her; she truly had a remarkable affect on him. Melissia groaned, her voice cracked and broken from screaming so much. "Forgive me if I don't stand." As full consciousness returned to her she became aware of the intense pain she was feeling all over her back, buttocks and thighs. "Your centurion truly does enjoy his work Tribune, does my skin glow to your satisfaction?" Antoninus knelt down beside her and removed the lid on the jar of balm he had brought with him and replied in a whispered voice. "I have something that will sooth your pain Melissia." Melissia said nothing as she felt the first cold administration of the creamy unguent that the Tribune applied to a large welt that snaked diagonally from her right shoulder to the small of her back. The balm brought blessed relief to her suffering as Antoninus continued to apply it to her tortured body. For a big man he had a gentle touch and Melissia relished it. She felt his hand move in between her buttocks and felt his finger as it probed her petal like entrance. The balm tingled as he massaged it into her anus; the Tribune noted her audible gasp as he fingered her. "What are you doing?" She sighed unable to resist the sensation she was feeling. Melissia was totally at the mercy of the Tribune's administrations. "I am now going to give you my 'expert attention' Melissia!" He said as he released his ample phallus from his loincloth. "I will take you the Roman way!" With that he entered her anus, Melissia tried to let out a howl of protest but her voice and sexual cravings dampened her will to scream and resist this strange assault. She clenched her fists and curled her toes as she felt the Tribunes fleshy manhood slide into her most forbidden place. It was an exquisite pain she felt as he continued to ravage her. The feeling of his phallus inside her plus the incredible sensation of the magic balm brought her to an incredibly powerful orgasm. To add to her raptures the Tribune had reached under her abdomen and sort out the engorged bud at the entrance to her vagina. As soon as Melissia felt his touch on that erotically charged nub multiple orgasmic waves shot up from between her legs and exploded through her breasts, only ceasing their rippling journey at the tips of her hardened nipples. At that very moment she felt the Tribune convulse and empty his seed inside her. She found herself whispering. "Et tu Antoninus?" The next morning Melissia awoke to noise and activity outside her cell. As she slowly came round her guards came in, released her from the rack and dragged her outside. She could see columns of soldiers preparing to leave the town. Drachius approached her. "Ah I see you have recovered from our last encounter?" "Yes!" Replied Melissia, "It is very difficult to keep a good woman down!" She held her head aloof and looked down her nose at him. Drachius scoffed at her and ordered that she be tethered behind the leading cart. "You will walk to Nova Magus as naked as the day you were born little girl and if you trip and fall then we will drag you there!" He laughed as he turned to mount his horse. Just as the column was about to set off a lone rider appeared riding at great speed. Melissia watched as he dismounted and approached the Tribune. She saw Antoninus summon his centurions and after some discussion noted the growing agitation in them. Antoninus broke away from the group and came over to her. He towered over her and shouted at her. "It would appear that the women and children I sent to the galleys have disappeared along with my soldiers, would this have anything to do with your army?" Melissia glared into his blazing eyes and replied. "I am no longer in command of my army, they will have a new leader by now and it would appear they are making a very good job of it!" She flared her nostrils at him and held his gaze. The Tribune gave Melissia a heavy slap across the face that sent her sprawling on the ground. She pulled herself up onto one elbow and wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth. "I take it you are not too happy about that then?" Antoninus pulled her roughly to her feet. "I'll show you how happy I am girl!" he bellowed as he beckoned to three nearby soldiers. "Take her to the ironmongers shop now!" he continued. The soldiers dragged Melissia into an opened sided building at the end of the street. The building contained a hot ironmongers forge, she felt the heat from it as she was pushed inside. "Secure her to that beam!" Shouted the Tribune. Very quickly Melissia found herself with her hands and arms tied above her head and with her feet and ankles spread and securely bound to beams either side of her. This turn of events disturbed her very much, staring at the burning forge she knew she was in for even more serious torture. Sweat ran down her gleaming torso, more from fear than anything else. The three centurions seething with anger joined Antoninus at the forge. "I need to know what your army plans to do next Melissia? Speak now and avoid this interrogation by branding!" He pushed a long bladed knife into the hot coals and pumped the bellows several times. Trying to hide her nervousness Melissia replied. "As I said earlier, I am no longer their leader, branding me will not change anything!" "We shall see, Melissia, we shall see!" The Tribune withdrew the knife from the forge and examined the glowing blade as he approached the woman spread before him. He held the burning hot blade in front of Melissia's face; she just stared at it transfixed. She closed her eyes tightly to protect her eyes from the searing heat. Without any further hesitation Antoninus applied the glowing blade to the soft skin on the inside of her left thigh and held it there. Her soft sweat soaked skin made a sizzling sound and Melissia's piercing screams could be heard throughout the town. "Yes Melissia the pain is beyond belief is it not and I will not be done with you until you tell me what I want to know!" The Tribune put the knife back into the forge. Preparing it for the next kiss on her writhing body. The Tribune placed the red-hot blade against the inside of Melissia's right thigh producing another even shriller scream of agony from her. He held the blade against her tortured thigh for several seconds and watched her buck and writhe desperately in a futile effort to avoid the hideous burning pain between her legs. Antoninus had to shout to make himself heard above Melissia's uncontrollable sobbing. "Ah little princess this is so much more painful than the lash is it not? Please, tell me what I want to know and I will end your torment!" The Tribune noted a pleading look in the girl's eyes. "Yes you really do want to tell me something don't you?" He went on. Melissia spoke through agonised sobs. " Li....li...listen to me you Roman filth, it would not have been difficult to predict your movements once I was in your custody. My lieutenants have been trained well in Roman tactics and are correctly guessing your every move. They do not need me to tell them how to do that!" "And may I assume we may be visited by them between here and Nova Magus?" He replied quizzically. Melissia's courage returned. "You can assume what you will Tribune, I am dispensable, they will attack you when and wherever necessary, my being your prisoner will not deter them. The destruction of you and your cohort is inevitable." She held is gaze delighting in his quandary. "Then we will proceed by another route, thank you Melissia for making it so obvious to me. What a pity I had to mark those wonderful thighs. I will get the apothecary to make up a lotion for you." With that he plunged the hot blade into a nearby bucket of water, Melissia breathed a sigh of relief. The Tribune and his three centurions left Melissia with her guards and went to make alternative arrangements for their journey to Nova Magua. The guards released her from the beams and pinned her down on some nearby straw bales. They brutally spread her legs, groped her at her breasts and plunged their fingers into her vaginal folds. "You seem to have lost our Tribune's favour girl, seeing you branded like that has made me very excited indeed." Scowled the first soldier. With that he withdrew his swollen member from his tunic and started to pleasure himself. His two colleagues continued to grope Melissia's tortured body. In what seemed like seconds he emptied his semen all over her abdomen. "Thank the gods you are not my lover!" Croaked Melissia wearily. The remark earned her another slap to her face. "Oh please wash your hands before you do that again!" She continued deridingly. In a few short minutes the remaining two guards emptied their scrotal contents onto her face and breasts. "Well, you pagan whore all your skin is worthy of is to be a receptacle for our ejaculate!" Exclaimed the second guard as he slapped her face again. "I sincerely hope I will be your guard when you are dragged before the Consul!" "Yes of course." Replied Melissia. "All friends should stick together should they not? And talking about sticking I would like to wash your filth from my body!" She continued haughtily. The first guard was about to slap her again when Antoninus walked in. "That will do! Let her up and get out! He bellowed at his three soldiers as they hurriedly left the forge. The pain was so intense between Melissia's thighs she could not stand. The Tribune walked over to her prone body and stood over her. "Well now, I leave you alone for just a few minutes and as soon as my back is turned I find you titillating my men, shame on you." Antoninus' humour had returned; he felt he was in control of the situation once more. "Yes, that was some party, what a shame you missed it!" Agonised Melissia trying to get to her feet. The Tribune noted the ejaculate covering her belly and breasts. "Did they penetrate you?" He asked looking on with some concern. Melissia scoffed at him. "Huh! Why should you care? They were just playing follow my leader!" She finally managed to stand up. Antoninus examined her bruised face. "That insolent tongue of yours will be torn out one of these days believe me! Now go wash yourself and apply some of this to your burns." He handed her a small earthenware jar and pointed to a large water trough in the corner of the shop. Melissia snatched it from him and went to attend her burnt and bruised body. While Melissia attended to her wounds and washed herself another messenger arrived outside. This time it was good news for the Tribune. Two more cohorts were approaching from the north, these would swell his army to 900 men, he was jubilant. 'Let them try and rescue her now' he thought to himself. While Antoninus waited for the reinforcements to arrive new men were posted to guard Melissia. They were warned not to violate her in any way and to do so would bring swift retribution from the Tribune. The moment the reinforcements arrived Antoninus called a war council with the nine centurions who were now under his command. He informed them that he expected Melissia's warrior army to ambush them somewhere between here and Nova Magus. Therefore, he wanted the extra troops to perform a sweep to the south and north of the road all the way to the city. Antoninus was confident that with three cohorts he could repel any form of attack or rescue attempt from the pagan women. He advised his new officers how the prisoner had told him she was dispensable and how he himself thought very differently. So the advanced reconnaissance force was sent out, the remaining forces were to proceed with all speed to Nova Magus. Drachius was informed that the first stop would be short and subsequently there would be no time to put Melissia to the lash for a second time. The centurion could barely hide his anger, he felt sure his commanding officer was softening toward the girl. With that in mind he decided that the quicker she was taken before the Consul the better. Melissia hardly noticed the general noise from the gathering troops outside her cell. She busily applied the lotion that the apothecary had mixed for her. On first application it seemed to cause her even more pain but after an hour it brought here blessed relief. She silently thanked the unknown person who concocted this magical balm. The guard that was stationed at the end of her cot spoke out. "You will need a lot of that unguent when the Consul has done with you girl!" He said, laughing at his own jocularity. Melissia did not even bother to look up from her ministrations but under her breath and loud enough to be heard replied. "You will require a large vat full of this when my army is done with you, Roman pig!" The guard remembering his Tribune's warning, suppressed his urge to slap her but retorted. "Curse me all you want for now little girl but heed this. It is we who will break you and your kin and it is you who will dance to the tune of the Consul's painful torture and it is I who will be the first in line to nail you to the cross when he is done with you!" Melissia finished tending her wounds and looked up at her tormentor. "And I promise you soldier that it will be you and your kind who will dance on the end of a pagan sword, that is my solemn promise to you and the rest of your murdering kinsmen!" Before the guard could make a further reply a sentry came in and gave an order for Melissia to be taken outside. She was astounded when she saw how many Roman soldiers had arrived. Drachius appeared from one of the nearby groups, he grabbed her tightly by the arm and lead her to his horse. Melissia was intrigued. "Am I not to be dragged to Nova Magus then?" she said haughtily trying to break away from the centurions vice like grip. Drachius gave her a cuff to the head. "I have no more time for your verbal jousts woman, we are to proceed with all speed, your dalliances will not be tolerated at this time!" With that he threw her over his horse. Pagan Princess The centurion then climbed up behind her and joined the column with Melissia protesting vehemently about her exposed position across Drachius' saddle. She looked around for Antoninus but he was far away at the head of the line of troops. "Any more noise from you little girl and I will punish these resplendent buttocks that rise up so nicely before me!" Melissia's anger worsened as she heard Drachius laughing at her predicament. They rode hard all day and well into the night, finally just before midnight they made camp. Melissia's head spun from the buffeting she received whilst laying across Drachius' saddle. Her chest and ribs ached unbearably and she had no doubt that was the centurion's intention. He pulled her off his horse took out some leather twine, strapped her arms behind her back and tied her ankles together. Four soldiers were assigned to guard her while he went to see his Tribune. Antoninus saw him coming and noted the anger in the Drachius' face. "What is it Drachius?" He asked, wondering what had angered his favourite centurion and friend so much. Drachius looked at his leader squarely in the eyes. "Tell me Tribune, are you in love with her, has she managed to dazzle you with those doe eyes of hers?" He searched Antoninus' face for an answer to his question. "By the gods no Drachius, she has stirred my loins on occasion but no she has not captivated me." He went to dismiss his centurion. "Prove it!" Replied Drachius, "Prove to me that there is not more to this situation!" Still continuing to search his leaders face. "And how should I do that Drachius?" This questioning from his subordinate troubled him. "You promised I could put her under the lash each and every night on our way to the city!" The centurion held his stare. "Yes, Drachius I did but......" The centurion interrupted him. "You can prove to me there is nothing between the two of you Tribune, let me put her to the lash tonight. Then tomorrow we can present her to the Consul with a beautiful set of fresh stripes!" Drachius waited for the compromise. Antoninus did feel he was compromised and searched his thoughts for a solution that would spare Melissia this extra punishment before her arrival at Nova Magus. Drachius' argument was strong and before he could stop himself the Tribune heard himself giving the order for the girl to be lashed immediately. Melissia was lying uncomfortably on some leafy ground under a large oak tree and her four guards were staring at her nakedness. She was in too much pain to goad them this night and simply glared back at them. She had been denied the lotion given to her earlier and now the burns to her inner thighs began to cause her more distress. She heard Drachius approach and give orders for her to be strung up to a branch above her head. "What are you doing?" She protested vehemently, trying in vain to struggle against the strength of the four soldiers as they manhandled her. "The Tribune said I was not to be whipped this night!" She went on. Drachius gripped her throat. "That is where you are wrong little girl!" Tonight will be just for you, me, these four soldiers and this!" The centurion held out a whip in front of Melissia's face and laughed, as did the four guards. The branch of the tree had been pulled down to meet Melissia's outstretch arms. Each of her ankles were secured to a stake in the ground. Then the branch was released stretching her body taut. Melissia made a delightful spectacle, the sheen of her light brown body, her distended ribs topped off by her exquisite breasts. This vision had caused delirious swellings in the groins of her tormentors. The guards drew back to give Drachius space to weald his whip. Melissia's eyes flashed defiance at the whipmaster daring him to do his worst. "Tonight is your punishment for all the insults you have hurled at my men and myself these past few days you little heathen. And do not look to your Tribune to rescue you from this one, he himself ordered this!" The centurion uncoiled the whip. Melissia's mind was in turmoil, she had not expected any more whippings before the ordeal she would surely endure at Nova Magus. What had changed the Tribune's mind since yesterday? Her body was already racked with pain and now she was to suffer even more. Melissia snapped out of her thoughts as Drachius landed the first lash squarely across both her breasts catching the tip of one nipple. Breath flew out of her and she gave a stifled sob, the pain radiated down from her chest and into her abdomen. She struggled against her bonds to no avail; she was totally at the mercy of the powerful centurion who was relishing every moment of her anguish. As she was getting her breath back from the first lash another landed across her abdomen, this blow produced an even louder sob from her. The tip of the whip had snaked around her hip and raised a painful welt to the top of her left buttock joining the other marks from her previous encounter with Drachius and his dreaded whip. Melissia tried in vain to ride the torturous blows of the lash but she was suspended so tightly all her efforts were futile. Lash after lash rained down on her writhing body, producing tormented screams from Melissia, her breasts, ribs, abdomen and thighs now bore a criss-cross of painful welts, she prayed for unconsciousness. Antoninus lay on his cot trying to shut out Melissia's screams of agony. His mind was in torment, Drachius' words went round and round in his head. Was he right? Has this Pagan Princess captivated him? Again Melissia's shrill screams tortured his ears, the incessant crack of Drachius' whip as it found the girls soft flesh caused him to wince. After what seemed like an eternity Melissia's screams ceased but the whipping continued. Drachius goaded by the four guards continued to flog Melissia's unconscious body. She just hung from the tightly sprung tree branch, her body bathed in sweat and bearing a patchwork of welts from her neck down to her ankles. Her head hung to one side clearly not feeling anything now. "CEASE THIS AT ONCE!" The Tribune bellowed at his centurion, grabbing the trailing whip and pulling it from Drachius' grip. "Can you not see she is no longer feeling your blows Drachius?" The centurion was incensed by his leaders interference and replied through gritted teeth. "As I said before Tribune, we would do well to present her to the Consul with a fine set of crimson welts!" Antoninus replied angrily. "And would you care to experience the Consul's wrath if we presented him with a dead body?" The Tribune raised a quizzical eyebrow to his centurion. Drachius conceded that maybe his leader was correct and ordered for Melissia to be taken down. "Yes Tribune you a right, I think she has learned an important lesson today and that is she cannot insult my men and myself and not receive retribution!" Antoninus put his hand on his centurion's shoulder. "Drachius she will receive all the retribution Rome can offer once she is put before the Consul, mark my words well." Drachius headed his words. "Then let us proceed with all speed when day breaks Tribune, I feel her army may not be far away, we could do well without their interference!" Later that night Melissia awoke in a delirium, she drifted in and out of consciousness and her head swam as she felt constant rising nausea. This latest session under the lash had been brutal, she felt close to death. Every part of her body cried out in stinging pain, the burns to the insides of her thighs gave out agonising pulses of heat. Rivulets of perspiration ran off her skin as she thrashed about in agony. The Tribune had given orders for her to be placed inside one of his command tents and had doubled the guard on her. He was troubled by the deterioration in her health, troubled by his feelings for her and most of all, troubled that she seemed to be dieing. It did not bother him now what the Consul would think if presented with a dead prisoner, now he was bothered about Melissia. His mind was in turmoil, he felt like a traitor to Rome allowing this woman to take over his very being; he felt she had possessed him. Antoninus sent for his personal physician to attend Melissia. The physician wondered how anyone could inflict these terrible things to such a beautiful creature as the one laid out before him. Lovingly he covered her body with cold damp compresses in an effort to bring down the consuming fever that was burning within her. The physician informed the Tribune what he did not want to hear, that the girl was near death. "She is in deep shock Tribune." Said the physician, looking genuinely concerned for his patient. "I will give her a potion that will put her into a deep sleep, her body needs to recover and must not be troubled by consciousness. Her survival will rest upon her own will to live." "Thank you." Said Antoninus "I value your skill, I think this woman's will to live will surpass all our expectations, I have no doubt about that. It is a pity however, that our efforts may be in vain as the Consul has plans to torture her to death should she survive this trauma!" The Tribune watched as his physician administered his potion and then dismissed him. Antoninus mopped Melissia's fevered brow, his heart sank to see her like this and he felt he had been instrumental in destroying a thing of beauty. Even near death she brought out intense desire and lust in him. "May the gods strike me down if you die Melissia." He whispered under his breath. Melissia opened her eyes and tried to focus through the red mist. In a broken voice she said. "G..gi..give me your sword Tribune and I will spare your gods that task." With that she drifted into total unconsciousness. Antoninus' heart seemed to leap from his chest when she spoke. He replied to the sleeping enchantress before him. "You brave brave young woman, it seems nothing can dampen your spirit. If you survive this I will gladly give you my sword so that you may extinguish the life from me." His words fell on deaf ears as Melissia slid into the darkest of voids. The Tribune stayed with her the entire night, lovingly mopping her body, applying lotion to her welts and burns totally transfixed by her beauty. The next morning Antoninus awoke to loud trumpeting sounds coming from the edge of the camp. Bleary-eyed he went outside and was met by his general Honorius Plexus complete with fifty men of the Consul's personal guard. He saluted his general and took him inside the command tent to see his captive. The general gazed at the unconscious girl. "It would seem you have done the Consul's work for him Antoninus?" The Tribune shuffled uncomfortably. "She was impudent and loose tongued, she goaded my men with derisory remarks. I felt certain punishments were in order General." "Quite so Antoninus, in your position I would have done the same." Honorius looked more closely at Melissia. "She looks so innocent like this, hard to imagine this little girl leading an army of savage warrior women, why there is nothing of her." Antoninus' confidence grew. "She has been trained well Honorius, she and her army have learned our battle tactics and she speaks several tongues fluently, including our own." The general raised his eyebrows and ran his fingers over the girl's skin feeling the array of raised welts on her abdomen. Honorius salivated. "Magnificent specimen of womanhood Tribune, if she lives we must quiz her as to who her teacher was. Whomever it is they are a danger to Rome and must be brought to task as quickly as possible." Eager to please his general Antoninus replied. "Then we must hope the girl lives so that we may question her more thoroughly." "Yes indeed Tribune!" The general nodded enthusiastically. "I will arrange for her to be transferred by litter for the remainder of the journey to Nova Magus. Then whilst there she will be nursed back to health so that she can face an inquisition." Pagan Princess He fought back a sob. "How can I hand such perfection," he gestured helplessly at the body that had so exceeded his most outrageous expectations of the human form -- "over to their torturers. Unless --" Melissia cut him off. "We've had this discussion before." "But wait -- Antoninus has been working on the Proconsul. This would not be the first time a foreign foe had been turned to their use. There is opposition to be sure -- you killed many Romans. But if you give them their names; sign what they want you to sign; it could be months before they decide what to do with you. I want to pleasure you. I want to capture your form in my sculpture. I want --" "Sweet Ithicus, if I do what they want then my form is hollow. Do not disappoint me -- you of all people. I love my body too, but it is a shell. You love my will and my choices and if I choose as you say, my beauty will fade whatever use is made of that shell." He averted his eyes. He knew she was right. Was she too good for this world? He shuddered for her. He would die for her. She read his thoughts. "No, my loving little man. I will not let you sacrifice yourself for me. But now -- let's put this body to good use, while we still have it to play with". She smiled mischievously. She nudged at his phallus with her toe. It came to life instantaneously. She stared at it for a moment, then her eyes met his, her eyebrow arched suggestively. "Let's see what tricks we can teach this beast". He surrendered to her. Drachius and Honorius conferred not far from Melissia's quarters. "She is too dangerous. She belongs on the cross. I have sworn to pound in the nails myself". Drachius forgot about rank in his orgasm of hate. Honorius considered. "The Proconsul wants names. Then he wants to see how we may use this woman. She may be politically valuable." He spoke the next sentence through clenched teeth. "He thinks she may be useful in training our troops -- my troops!! Anyway, Antoninus has him convinced to crucify her conspirators but use her as a figurehead in our re-pacification". "Antoninus was once a good man -- she's bewitched him. She'll bewitch the Proconsul! I've never seen a woman stiffen so many pricks. But it's worse. She gets to them above the belt". Honorius regarded him thoughtfully. "She has got to you as well Drachius. Do you seek to punish the woman or possess her?" Drachius was momentarily speechless. He proceeded slowly, remembering that Honorius could put him on the cross next to Melissia for an ill-considered remark. "I seek to avenge your men, General. Fallen in battle. Murdered by a treacherous little girl." "So the question is this: will she cooperate?" "Not this one. I've flayed her alive and she screamed prettily enough. But I never broke her. The problem is she may break any man sent to interrogate her". "I don't trust that worm of a physician -- she looks fit enough for another session under the lash." "Hmmm -- you're lucky the Proconsul didn't crucify you for overdoing it the last time. You can understand why he would be risk-averse with this girl's life. I think I have the answer. Your whip will draw Melissia's blood again". At that, Drachius tensed. He felt his penis hardening and hoped it was not obvious to his General. Honorius was inwardly amused but pretended not to notice. "I know a woman who can supervise her interrogation. The woman, Fulvia, is cousin of Messalina who was banished to the provinces for exceeding her in beauty, cunning and ruthlessness. She is the Proconsul's lover; ambitious and sadistic. If she gets us our names --- all to the good, the Proconsul will be pleased. We will have time enough to plot Melissia's downfall with her help. If the wench is stubborn -- she will expire under your tender caresses. I will plant the idea with Fulvia and she will advance our agenda in the Proconsul's bed-chamber." "Excellent battle-plan General. What do we do about Ithicus?" "We rack him until he signs a clean bill of health for this girl. Then, my passionate friend..." (he permitted himself an ironic glance at Drachius' bulging, throbbing member) "our stubborn disobedient Melissia will be entirely yours. Except I caution you -- Fulvia is more than your match in her love of inflicting pain". "General! I look forward to the challenge...." They came for him in the early hours, Ithicus was dragged protesting vehemently all the way to the palace dungeons. They wasted no time, he was stripped naked and placed on the rack. He trembled as Drachius stood over is prone and vulnerable body. "I have just one question for you Ithicus, is the girl well enough to be put to the question?" "In my opinion she is not Centurion." Said the physician dreading what was coming next. "The last time I set eyes on her she looked well enough." Countered Drachius. "Looks can be deceiving sir, she has some way to go yet." "Ithicus, spare yourself from this unpleasantness, tell me the girl is now in full health, give me a document confirming it and you will receive just a few lashes for your deception." "I reiterate sir that in my expert opinion she is far from well." Ithicus new full well that this was not the answer they wanted and hoped he would be strong enough to withstand their tortures. "I have no time for your games Ithicus, I want you to release Melissia for questioning, I feel you and she are playing us for fools and you both will pay dearly for it." With that the Centurion nodded to the dungeon master who in turn gave the signal for his men to turn the wheel that tightened the rack chains. Ithicus quickly felt the wrist and ankle cuffs tighten. "Stop this infamy at once!" Yelled Ithicus. "You will surely answer to the proconsul for harming his physician!" The physician felt the first burning pains in his joints as the wheel continued to turn. "The proconsul will not come to your aid Ithicus, he wants information from Melissia without further delay, there is no more time for niceties." The wheel continued to click wrenching a piercing scream from the physician. The pain from his tearing cartilages plus having hot irons run up and down his body quickly broke his resolve. Having been broken he was dragged over to a nearby table and made to sign a parchment giving Melissia a clean bill of health. Drachius picked up the freshly signed parchment. "If only we could break that Pagan bitch as quickly as you physician but I fear she will lead us a merry chase." Drachius made to leave, turning to the master of the dungeon he left orders for Ithicus to be lashed for his deception towards the Empire. Petronius Arius studied the document releasing Melissia for torture. Fulvia his beautiful mistress stood by his side. She was just 25 years old and had the most perfect body which was topped off with a mane of beautiful jet black hair. Her skin bore the natural olive colour that was common in Romans. Fulvia was totally bored with this Saxon Isle, were it not for the proconsuls attentions she would have returned to Rome a long time ago. She hated its climate and its savage people. Her forte was pain and suffering followed closely by a veracious need for sex in any shape or form. She relished in the torment she inflicted on any that dared to stand up to her or resist her in any way. Now something else of interest was afoot, a new challenge, this infamous pagan girl that caused such a stir to all that came into contact with her. She looked on with interest as Petronius studied the parchment in his hands. "What is she like this girl, this Melissia?" Petronius looked up. "She is very much like you Fulvia, strong in body and spirit, she captivates all with her gaze, she can melt a man with those eyes of hers. My centurions have all denied it but I can see it in their faces. Especially Antoninus, he thinks we can turn her to our side. I cannot blame him for I have seen her since her recovery and I too have felt myself being drawn in by those eyes." Fulvia felt a pang of jealousy. "Then we had better pluck them out my lord before she can do any more harm with them." "Yes that is one answer to the problem Fulvia but I fear it will not solve what she has inflicted upon the empire. She has been trained most cleverly and has passed on this knowledge to all her subordinates. They still roam this Isle even as we speak inflicting heavy losses on our armies." Fulvia looked deep into the proconsuls eyes. "Let me have her Petronius, I will make the little wretch tell all." This is a delicate matter Fulvia, my soldiers want to see her suffering for themselves and I feel I owe it to them for what she has done to their pride." "So she is to be questioned before an assembly my lord, is that your final word on the matter?" Fulvia looked disappointed. Petronius thought for a moment then looked at Fulvia. "By all means go and see the creature and sow the seeds in her mind of what is about to happen to her, the more fear she holds in her heart at the beginning of all this the better, what do not think?" Fulvia felt her heart leap with excitement, for she truly enjoyed the suffering of fellow beings. Especially when it was she who administered it. She had been reminded many times that this was abnormal in a woman but she dismissed their ramblings. "Ah yes Petronius let me prepare her for what is to come, I will make her tremble with fear, it will make the inquisitors task a little easier." Fulvia gathered up two of her loyal bodyguards and bade them take up position outside Melissia's quarters. As she turned the key in the heavy door she turned to the guards. "Only enter if I call for you, is that understood." The two men nodded and watched the proconsul's mistress enter the pagan girls quarters. Melissia was worried for she had not heard from Ithicus for some hours. He had never left her for so long in the past, her feelings told her something was wrong. She tried to ease her fears by taking a bath in scented oils. On exiting her bath she tied a silk loincloth about her waist and covered her chest with a light halter necked top. She heard the door of her quarters open and her heart leapt with relief, as she believed her beloved Ithicus had returned at last.