Marilys, covered only by a large green cape, knelt before the Master of The Crimson Manor, Lord Archas. Lord Archas stood in the middle of the large chamber that was lit only by candelabras lined up to both sides of Archas and Marilys, keeping the corners of the chamber dark and furtive.
Archas was dressed in a ceremonial doublet which flared out from his hips. His velvet tights conformed to his taut buttocks and thighs down to his knee high leather boots. A wide belt was wrapped around his waist and attached to the right side was a flogger, the leather tendrils flicking about his knees. Stiff and powerful, a riding crop hung on his left side.
"It has come to my attention that you've completed your first level of training, initiate Marilys," Archas intoned as Marilys kept her eyes focused on the ground.
"As you are well aware, you have come here voluntarily and you remain here through your own efforts and by continuing to meet our expectations. You also should recall that if you choose to end your training here, you will retain the status you've earned but will not be able to come back to train further. As with your lessons, once you beg for mercy, the lesson ends and you are left with rank you've earned. Do you understand this, initiate?"
Marilys spoke with a quiet voice, "Yes, Master, this initiate understands the laws of The Crimson Manor."
"Then tell me, initiate Marilys, do you wish to continue your training?"
"Yes, Master, this initiate desires to continue training."
Archas looked over the prostrated woman. Her long hair, which hung to her lower back, was the shade of golden honey, though the dim candle light and the hood of her cape hid most of it. Archas was well aware of every feature on her body, every curve and line. He knew Marilys endurance, her ability to withstand amazing punishment without crying out for mercy. Archas was also well aware that Marilys initial year of training had given her prowess and experience in sexual acts few women in the world will ever possess. The second stage of training would push her harder and further. Few made it through the second stage; those that did were prized companions and comprised the honored Crimson Circle.
"That will not do, initiate. If you wish to continue your training you must prove yourself worthy."
"Yes, Master, this initiate will do whatever is necessary to prove worthiness," Marilys responded brightly and quickly.
With a stern swiftness, Archas put his booted foot on Marilys's shoulder and pushed her over, off her knees so she sprawled onto the ground. The cape that covered her nude body flew open, revealing her warm soft flesh beneath. Red rings circled her thighs, signs of recent rope use and a few purple splotches marred her otherwise full healthy breasts.
"I did not ask a question, initiate, and I have not given you permission to speak freely. Do not forget your position in this place. You are a rung higher than the gnats and your continued training rests upon my good graces," Archas spoke slowly and coldly. "Do you understand me, initiate?"
Marilys made no attempt to cover herself or to right herself. She lay on the floor breathing rapidly. "Yes, Master, this initiate does understand."
"Now apologize to me."
"Yes, Master. This initiate apologizes. This initiate is fully aware of the laws of The Crimson Manor and violated these laws by being disrespectful to a Master. This initiate humbly gives herself to you, Master, for whatever punishment you see fit in giving this initiate."
Archas nodded approval. "Stand up, initiate."
As Marilys stood, Archas took a candle from a nearby stand, the flame flickering wildly in an attempt to stay lit.
"Pull your cape open and clasp your hands behind your back," Archas commanded as he brought the candle up to her chest. He inclined the candle and let the hot was cover her left nipple before moving it above her right nipple. Marilys only reaction was an initial deep inhalation and a flushing of the skin around her neck and up her cheeks. When both nipples had been encased in wax, Archas replaced the candle and told Marilys to kneel.
She returned to her knees, head lowered, nipples still coated in cooling wax. "Initiate, your behavior disturbs me. Here I am saying that merely wanting to continue training isn't enough that you must prove yourself and then you have a lapse like this. Despicable."
Archas stepped back and looked down at Marilys. "You need to prove yourself worthy of additional training. Are you prepared?"
"Yes, Master, this initiate is prepared to prove worthiness," Marilys said in her soft voice.
"Good," Lord Archas gestured to the darkened corners of the room. Two forms emerged dressed in dark brown robes, faces covered with hoods. The only identifying trait they carried was the crest of the Crimson Manor. They carried harnesses in their gloved hands.