Lycian Prince 47

The terrified but brave Sura did not break. He just closed his eyes and waited for the knife to complete its work. However, the torturer’s task was delayed by the opening of the chamber’s door. Diocletian entered with a couple of Praetorian guards. Casperius and the torturer bowed. “Has the eunuch said who it was yet?” asked the Emperor. “No, Your Majesty,” replied the major domo, “I regret to advise that the gelding is being stubborn.” “How were you proposing to extract the information from him?” queried Diocletian. “We thought that we’d start by removing what remains of his genitalia,” declared Casperius. “Hmm,” the Emperor retorted, “isn’t that dangerous? We Romans don’t seem to be very successful at nullification as most of those we unman in that way tend to die, and quickly. Only the Nubians seem to have the knack guaranteeing the victim’s survival after performing the deed and I don’t want the brat dying on me. After appropriately severe punishment, I want him returned to his former demeaning life. Overall, much better chastisement than a speedy death, I think!”

“Whatever you wish, Your Majesty,” responded Casperius, deeply disappointed at the Imperial intervention, “we can use some of the other implements on his body instead.” Diocletian, after some thought, replied “No, I believe that I have a better idea. Bring Sebastian here!” The major domo nodded to the torturer who went to collect the disgraced and imprisoned Praetorian captain, gathering two dungeon guards on the way to help him. The shackled young man, naked with his body showing clear signs of heavy torture, was soon dragged by the guards before the Emperor. The captain was shocked to see that Sura, now gagged by Casperius, was also present. The boy’s reaction to Sebastian’s appearance, particularly in his present state, was similar.

“Well Sebastian,” announced Diocletian, “we were just asking the young eunuch here for the identity of the person who helped him desert my service. He declines to enlighten us, presumably to protect the culprit. The major domo was just about to sever the insubordinate boy’s useless cock to try to encourage him not to be so naughty but, before he did so, I thought that you might like to enter the conversation. Do you have any idea for whom the lad is prepared to sacrifice his penis?” Sura was frantically nodding ‘no’ in an effort to persuade Sebastian to keep their secret but the captain knew that he could not allow the boy to be harmed on his account, even if he had not already known that his life was forfeit, and confessed to his role.

Diocletian advised “We thought so, especially after your effort to remove Anthonius’ mother and sister from Imperial protection. It is obvious that you have become infatuated by my former boy companion, enough to risk your life to save him from his current plight. However, you first had to secure the hostages I retain to persuade Anthonius to continue submitting to my will, who included his young friend here as well as his kin, before you could obtain your lover’s co-operation. Well, you’ve failed and will now die. However, in return for your past services, which included once saving my life, I shall be compassionate as to the method of your death. My mercy will permit your end to be inflicted by a company of Praetorian archers. Your execution will take place this very afternoon.” The Emperor then ordered the guards to return the traitor to his cell.

“What would you like doing with the young eunuch, Your Majesty?” enquired a now smiling Casperius. “Have him whipped severely all over but without causing permanent damage,” answered Diocletian, “and, after he has recovered from his wounds, have it done again and then again. Once he has recovered a third time, return him to my service in his former role but make sure that he is then permanently shackled. I don’t want him tempted to try his own escape. Meanwhile, I shall make enquiries as to whether there is anyone in Rome who can safely perform his nullification. Thinking about it, I fancy having a young white eunuch, with genitals completely shaved off his body, to add to my collection of similarly altered Nubians!” The Emperor also now fondled the appalled and crying Sura’s unfortunate and seriously endangered soft penis, before turning on his heel and departing from the chamber with his own guards, leaving the boy to receive the first attentions of the whip, which Casperius happily went to select from the many on offer.

(To be continued in Chapter 48 – ‘Saints’)