This short story is an entry in the 2001 Soc.Sexuality.Spanking Summer Short Story Contest and is copyright by the author and commercial use is prohibited without permission. Personal/private copies are permitted only if complete including the copyright notice. The author would appreciate your comments
Category: Edge
This is my first ever entry for the SSC, and, as far as I can remember, the first piece of fiction I've ever submitted to this newsgroup. Because of that I almost labelled it "edge". This is a small extract from a work-in-progress.
The Runaway
By
Owen Williamson <ashthorn@yahoo.com>
"Enjoying your exploration, Princess?"
Tilla swung round. Harvid the Viking was leaning against a tree, arms folded. Even in the halflight of dawn she could see the grin on his face. She'd been sure she'd be able to get off this island before they noticed she was missing.
"Time to go home." He stepped forward and took her arm. She snatched it away. Sensing a movement behind her, she looked round. Hub towered over her, a leer on his face.
"You have a choice, Princess. Walk home with me, calmly and sensibly, or go back over Hub's shoulder."
She wasn't going to let that monster touch her.
"I'm not pleased. Princess. All sorts of unpleasant things could happen to a lovely young woman who strays outside the pale."
Tilla shrugged.
"I'm sure you weren't really trying to escape. If I thought that, I'd have to punish you in a very unpleasant manner," Harvid went on. "As it is, I'm going to be lenient, but I'll have to show you that such expeditions are not sensible."
What did he mean? She'd take any chance she could to get back to her father, he must know that.
"In you go, Princess."
Tilla snorted, before sweeping into her hut. Just inside the door, she stopped. A log stood on trestles in the middle of the room. There was a blanket over it.
"What is this?" she demanded.
"My lady," Jewel hesitated. "My lady you're to be flogged. Harvid says I must help you undress and drape yourself over the log."
"No!"
"If you are not ready when he returns, my lady, he says he'll have Hub get you ready."
The thought of those hands on her body made Tilla's flesh creep. Jewel stepped in front of her and began to unfasten her robe.
"Please, my lady?" Jewel sounded really worried.
How could she fight this? It was years since anyone had had the nerve to beat her. Tilla shook her head.
"Get on with it," she sighed.
"Yes, my lady. It won't be a bad flogging," Jewel continued, as she helped Tilla out of her clothes. "Your father's done worse to me many a time. I'll hold your head while it happens, and comfort you afterwards."
"Perhaps." Tilla walked up to the log. A swordbelt and some leather thongs hung over one end of it. "Is this what he's going to use?"
"Yes, my lady."
Tilla remembered strappings from her schoolroom. Even through her gown they stung like bees. On her skin, though... She shuddered, sighed, and stretched over the log. The blanket was prickly on her skin, and the cold air was bringing her out in goose pimples. Jewel picked up the thongs and tied her wrists and ankles to the trestles. Then she draped the belt over Tilla's rear. It felt cold, and hard. Tilla swallowed. Next time she felt that belt 'cold' would be the last thing she thought about it.
The End
© Copyright Summer, 2001
Reviews
Tami <tamishy(at)webtv(dot)net>
What's missing- 'And they lived happily ever after' Oops wrong fairy tale. Gives me a sense of familarity though. A sweet bedtime story for grownups.
Michele <mcasson(at)telus(dot)com>
As the writer explains, The Runaway is part of a larger story. While this episode isn't self-contained, it is easy to follow along.
That said, there is a sense of incompleteness to the tale, which is unavoidable. I was left wondering what had led to the heroine's plight, and wishing I knew what would happen to her next.
Small quibbles aside, Owen's story is stylish and polished, leaving me wondering if he writes historical fiction for a living.