Total pages in book: 68
Estimated words: 62128 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 311(@200wpm)___ 249(@250wpm)___ 207(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 62128 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 311(@200wpm)___ 249(@250wpm)___ 207(@300wpm)
“We have three criminals coming to receive justice today. Two are repeat offenders from the cells, and one is surrendering of his own recognizance, under the supervision of his guardians.”
“A young one?”
“Torin Rivet.”
The name puts a smirk on both our faces. The Rivet name is rather well known in Grave City. It is less a family and more of a lawless tribe. In times past, Rivets have been alphas, and they have been notorious criminals. Torin is the latest Rivet to reach the age of majority, and I am not surprised to hear that he has gotten himself into serious trouble almost immediately. It may as well be a rite of passage for the family at this point.
“That will be interesting. What is he charged with?”
Castor flips open the ledger in his hand, runs a long, clawed nail down the list, his brows rising as he reads Torin’s charges to himself. I wait for him to enlighten me, but instead of telling me, he simply sighs and rotates the ledger to allow me to see the list. It is exhaustive and takes up much of the page. Thefts, joyriding, property damage, and resisting arrest are among the uppermost of his many transgressions, all of which appear to have taken place on one evening — the evening he turned eighteen.
“Quite the birthday celebration,” I note.
“He should have been thrown in prison, but of course Thorvald intervened on his behalf, and Wrath put in a word or two as well. There are unseen strings in this city that the blighters pull, making us all dance like puppets.”
Castor has little patience for anything that denies what he considers to be proper justice. I am less concerned than he is. Torin will present himself today, and he will suffer appropriately. I am not a large believer in prison anyway. It is a waste of potential, in my opinion. Either a saurian can be rehabilitated through pain, or he would he better removed from society completely — and permanently.
“Do not worry. He will be dealt with thoroughly,” I assure Castor.
“Oh, I know,” Castor agrees.
“Who is on guard duty today? We will need sturdy saurians at the doors.”
“Barin and Vilkas.”
“Good.”
They are two very experienced guards. That’s important. Today could easily get out of hand if Torin’s rebellious lineage flows strong in his veins. One can never assume that the one to be disciplined will be penitent and obedient. That is why the dais is well stocked with restraints of various kinds. I always give the saurian to be punished the chance to hold themselves in position. I believe it indicates a proper sense of contrition. But some are unable, or unwilling, and those malcontents find themselves strapped in more ways than one.
“That is all, I think,” Castor says. “I scheduled Torin for a single session. The other two will be much later in the day.”
“Thank you. I appreciate the break.”
“It’s physical work,” Castor says, just as he has hundreds of times before.
“I’d better get ready,” I reply.
Castor nods briefly and stalks back to the rear where he will remain until the ceremony begins. I assume Barin and Vilkas are back there too. This is good. It should be a very productive day of work. If I deal with Torin effectively today, then there is every chance he will be a moderately useful member of society. Though I do take pleasure in what I do, and perhaps even enjoy a modicum of sadism, I also very much appreciate the fact that my work makes a difference in the lives of those I interact with. My strap, my lash, my cane, even my lecture can turn the course of a life around completely.
“Avel?” A small female voice comes from behind me once Castor is gone.
“Yes, Raine?”
“Are you some kind of…” She draws in a breath. “Executioner?”
Glancing around at the many bone decorations, it is not hard to see how she might come to that conclusion. I am impressed, actually. I rarely, if ever, refer to that aspect of my calling. I consider, for a moment, whether telling her the truth is a good idea. I decide the truth is the most important thing. If it frightens her, so be it.
“It is rare that I execute anybody, though that role would be mine should such an action be necessary. I enforce the law in all its forms.”
Her eyes widen again, much as they did the moment she first felt my cock spearing inside her. I wonder if that is fear or arousal. I think it might be both. I catch a light scent of need emitting from her, the chemicals of desire and need and angst all mixing together.
I am satisfied by this response.
Raine
I’ve been in some weird places in my time, but this has to be the most imposing and concerning of places I’ve ever been. I cannot stop looking around me. Every time I direct my gaze back to Avel, something new and terrible catches my peripheral vision.