The Tribes, Chapter 13

The Tribes, Chapter 13

When Daniel first discovered his two friends had been taken away from the motel, he grew worried. He was considering slipping away and putting as much distance between himself and The Brotherhood as possible. Then, he heard the grumbling from other squad leaders about having to provide soldiers for additional security post details. The grumblings helped to assuage Daniel’s nerves. There was no way The Leader or anyone else could know about the switch he and the others had pulled. He began to relax again as he reminded himself that his star was on the rise now – he had command of his own squad, and it wouldn’t be long before a new platoon was formed. If he played his cards right, he’d have a whole platoon under his direction.

Daniel was just coming out of one of the pleasure suites when he found Alpha, The Leader’s right hand man, waiting for him. His stomach knotted when Alpha led him away from the crowds around the pleasure suites. Alpha seemed slightly bothered.

“Look Daniel, we seem to have a little problem,” Alpha said confidentially.

Daniel swallowed hard and forced his voice to stay even, “I don’t understand, sir.”

“The Leader has decided to stay in the area for the time being,” Alpha explained. “He’s already set up a couple of security points…”

“Yeah, yeah I’d heard something like that,” Daniel admitted.

“Well, the problem is that we need some more soldiers to establish even more checkposts,” Alpha said. “We have that pretty much covered, though. But, we will need some runners to go back and forth between the motel and the various checkpoints.”

“And, you need my squad?” Daniel offered. “Anything I can do to serve The Leader, I’m only too happy. They’re at your disposal.”

“Good, that’s one problem down,” Alpha said. Then, he became hesitant, “There is one other thing – you see, well – I hate to ask this of you – I mean, The Leader personally promised you a rest and all…”

“I don’t mind being one of the runners,” Daniel offered eagerly.

“No one would dream of asking you to reduce yourself to tasks assigned to ordinary soldiers,” Alpha protested. “The thing is, we just don’t have anyone to put in charge of receiving the reports from the runners. You’ll still have time to enjoy the pool and the pleasure suites,” Alpha explained. “But, you would need to set up an office at the reception desk and check the reports every few hours or so. Most of them, you’ll be able to handle. You know the reports that come in and say ‘Nothing to report.’”

“Sure,” Daniel nodded in understanding.

“But, there might be some that come in that require immediate attention of our Leader.”

“Like I said, anything I can do to serve The Leader and The Brotherhood,” Daniel offered, trying to contain his excitement. This assignment could only lead to faster promotion for him.

“I really appreciate your generous cooperation,” Alpha smiled in relief. He gave Daniel a friendly pat on the head as he turned to leave. Then he stopped, “Um, I don’t want to be premature, but a word to the wise – if I were you, I’d expect to be changing the color of my hair and robes soon.”

“What?”

“Well, The Leader mentioned that it might be time to add a Chief of Intelligence to the Brotherhood,” Alpha confided. “I know The Leader is pretty impressed with you already. I know this assignment doesn’t seem to be too important right now, but do a good job and I think it’s going to lead somewhere. So, you might want to start thinking about what color Intelligence should use.” He paused. “Personally, I kind of like purple. But, that’s just me.”

“I like purple, too,” Daniel said quickly. “Um, I was just thinking while we were talking.” Alpha raised an eyebrow and waited. “Instead of forwarding all the reports to The Leader – I, um, I could consolidate them into one single report and maybe even give an analysis of trends or things.”

Alpha brightened, “That would be fantastic! And, it would save The Leader a lot of time. I’m going to let you get everything set up. I’ll make sure the runners report to the reception desk in say – two hours?”

“I’ll have everything up and ready in an hour, sir, if that’s convenient for you,” Daniel promised.

“That’s just perfect,” Alpha grinned. “I think you’ll look good in purple, you know.”

Daniel watched Alpha stride away, his chest close to bursting with pride. He wondered if The Leader would approve of the Intelligence arm sporting purple Mohawks – that would really set them apart from the other divisions. He basked in the feeling for a few moments before hurrying to the reception desk to get organized.

Slipping into The Leader’s suite, Alpha’s face was triumphant. He looked around the room – every face was looking in his direction. The Leader’s face was openly curious. Harvey had an expression of interest. Beta showed no expression at all. Gull’s expression was one of feral anticipation.

“Well?” The Leader asked.

“He bought it hook, line, and sinker,” Beta laughed. “He’s already dreaming of heading Intelligence.”

“Excellent, excellent,” The Leader hissed in satisfaction. “That will keep him from growing suspicious when he doesn’t see his friends around.”

“Won’t he start to wonder about them when they don’t send reports back?” Beta asked.

“Already taken care of,” Gull answered. “My guards will write the reports – I know we can get Nathaniel to give us some little bits of personal information to make them more believable.” He chuckled devilishly, “At this point, he’ll do anything we tell him. In fact, so would the other one.”

“I’m certain neither of them is eager to experience your methods of persuasion,” The Leader chuckled dryly. “How soon before you’ll be ready to close our snare?”

Gull considered for a moment before answering, “Another week and he’ll be healed enough to cart out and use, I should think. I’ve got the guards forcing him to rinse his mouth with salt water several times a day.”

“Good, good,” The Leader said approvingly. “It’s better for our plans to wait another week. We want our disloyal friend to think he is moving up and has a great future ahead of him. That way, he’ll be totally unprepared for what will befall him.”

“You should have seen the look in his eyes when I mentioned that he might be changing his hair and robe color soon,” Beta laughed. “He’s an ambitious little shit.”

The Leader leaned forward in his overstuffed armchair with interest. “How did he react?”

“His eyes light up – he was practically drooling,” Beta laughed. “I suggested he’d better start considering how he’d look in a color other than white – I mentioned purple.”

“Nice touch,” The Leader said, running his hands over his flowing auburn locks. “But, I think perhaps just a wide red stripe down the middle of his head and some red trim on his robes.”

Alpha looked confused, “Why, Leader?”

The Leader cast a knowing smile in Alpha’s direction, “We’ll explain that in the beginning, the new Intelligence will be a part of Gull’s Enforcers. Once the Intelligence Squad is up and running smoothly and at full strength, then Daniel can go it alone.” The Leader chuckled mischievously. “At least that’s what we’ll tell the little bastard. Think it out, Alpha – with a bright red stripe running through the middle of his bleached white hair, he’ll stick out like a sore thumb in any crowd.”

“He’ll be wearing the Mark of Death and never know it,” Gull said in a low, chilling voice.

At the reception desk, Daniel had already ransacked the office behind the desk and found reams of paper, pens, carbon paper, and a ruler. He painstakingly designed Intelligence report forms to be filled in by the runners as they visited each outpost. He had twenty of the forms ready when the runners showed up. Strutting, Daniel instructed the runners to be sure to check on the availability of food and other supplies in shops in the immediate areas of the outposts. The ten runners had bowed – a little too casually, Daniel thought – and departed to carry out their assignments.

Daniel was working on a master report form when he became aware of someone leaning over the front desk to see what he was doing. Looking up, he found himself staring into the dark eyes of Gull.

“I didn’t mean to startle you,” Gull said kindly.

“No – not at all,” Daniel stammered. “It’s always a pleasure to see you, sir.”

“I’m glad you feel that way, Daniel,” Gull smiled. “I’ve just come from the staff meeting with our Leader.” Daniel lowered his eyes and bowed his head in respect at hearing The Leader’s name. “And, we’ve come to the conclusion that it just won’t do for our new Chief of Intelligence to be out of uniform.”

Gull clapped his hands sharply, as Daniel’s mouth dropped open in amazement. A naked slave appeared from around the corner carrying a new robe, which he presented respectfully to Daniel. A broad crimson stripe ran down the middle of the front and back panels from neck to hem. Smaller red stripes ran down each sleeve.

“For the time being,” Gull said, “Intelligence will fall under the umbrella of the Enforcers. That’s only until we get you up to full strength and you have everything running smoothly.” He gave Daniel a dazzlingly friendly smile and thrust out his hand. “It’s good to have you working with us.” He pumped Daniel’s hand heartily. “I’ll have the slave why dyes my hair visit you later on – for now, you’ll be wearing a red stripe down the middle of your head. Let the white robes know you’re a man to be respected from now on.”

That night as The Brotherhood lined up for dinner, Daniel, a bright crimson stripe two and a half inches wide running down the middle of his head from forehead to nape, strode to the front of the line. His new status afforded him the privilege of taking his place ahead of the other Brothers. He tried not to show his pleasure at the chorus of whispers and gasps of awe at his new position. Eventually, he’d achieve a rank that would give him the right to have his meals served to him at the head table or even in his quarters if he chose.

Daniel spent the week demonstrating that he was a model of efficiency – he dutifully created reports that he forwarded to The Leader’s suite three times a day. For the most part, the reports reported that there was nothing to report. No locals had been spotted or captured for interrogation. He was able to send The Leader accurate inventories of foodstuffs and personal supplies that were available in the stores around the security checkpoints. Every one of his orders to the soldiers manning the checkpoints stressed the importance of finding a local to take prisoner so he or she could be interrogated.

Gull entered The Leader’s suite ten days after Daniel was installed as Intelligence Chief, a demonic smile on his face. The Leader looked up from his desk expectantly.

“What news?” The Leader asked simply.

“Everything is ready,” Gull reported. “The work crews have the new chain link fencing up and everything else is ready.

“Perfect,” The Leader purred. “How much time will you need?”

“If I take him now, everything can begin this afternoon,” Gull replied.

“Do it,” The Leader ordered. “How are you going to take him?”

“I’m going to trick him into coming willingly,” Gull explained. “I’ll report that a team of Searchers has found a local and invite him to join me in interrogating the prisoner.”

“Will he take that bait, do you think?”

“Eagerly,” Gull smiled again. “He’s so ambitious he’ll jump at the chance to advance his status.”

“I like it,” The Leader’s smile was every bit as demonic as Gull’s. “Go ahead. We’ll have our sport this afternoon. Now, about the festivities that will follow?”

Alpha leaned forward to answer, “I was out there early this morning – the fire pits have been dug and filled with firewood. Everything should be ready for late this afternoon.”

“Well, let’s hope Daniel provides The Brotherhood with just the right amount of entertainment,” The Leader laughed.

Daniel had brought his breakfast to the reception desk so he could get to work early. He was sure The Leader would somehow find out how diligent he was and reward him accordingly. Hearing a commotion coming through the lobby, he looked up in time to see Gull and two green-robed Scouts headed for the main doors. Suddenly, Gull stopped and headed straight for the desk.

“Some of the Scouts have finally captured a local,” Gull said excitedly. “He’s being held in a detention center I’ve had set up in the local High School.”

“The Scouts deserve to be congratulated,” Daniel said carefully.

“They will be,” Gull assured him. “I was thinking, perhaps you’d like to join us – after all, as Chief of Intelligence, you should have a chance to find out what he knows first hand.”

“Yes! Yes, you’re right,” Daniel said eagerly. “I’ll grab a note pad so I can make some notes in case the prisoner has anything useful to tell us.”

Daniel turned away so fast that he missed the sadistic smile of satisfaction that crossed Gull’s face. This was going to be even easier than he had expected.

On the way to the High School, Daniel had the arrogance to walk side by side with Gull as if he really was on an equal footling with the Chief Enforcer. Gull chose to let the ambitious liar have one last taste of power, and chatted amiably with Daniel about what should be done with the imaginary prisoner.

Reaching the High School, two of the crimson-robed Enforcers bowed to Gull, and then, after a quick head bob from their leader, turned and bowed to Daniel. Receiving the unexpected honor of being acknowledged by Gull’s personal troops had Daniel enraptured. Daniel’s feeling of self-importance stayed with him right up to the time he entered the locker room and saw Nathaniel and Wolf.

The smile on Daniel’s face faded as the color drained from his face at seeing what had been done to his friends. Seeing Wolf’s sunken mouth, Daniel knew his teeth had been yanked out. But, seeing Wolf’s groin hit Daniel like a physical blow – not only were his balls gone, where his dick should have been was just a small stump. Huge bruises spread across Wolf’s battered body until he looked black and blue from the neck down. Daniel’s knees almost buckled and it was only through the most intense concentration that he managed to stay on his feet. It was clear that there wasn’t a local prisoner to be interrogated.

Bowing his head, Daniel’s left hand disappeared up his right sleeve to the long-bladed knife he kept strapped to his forearm. He figured he’d have a chance to make a break if he could maim – or preferably kill – Gull. Yanking the knife free, Daniel was in the process of whipping the knife towards Gull’s throat when the Enforcer Chief’s hand shot out and closed around Daniel’s wrist in a vice-like grip. The other two Enforcers grabbed Daniel, holding him immobile.

“Did you really think I didn’t know about your hideaway weapon?” Gull hissed, forcing the knife from Daniel’s hand. “You should know the sheath straps leave marks on your arm – the slave who dressed you noticed the marks and reported them.”

“I don’t know what these two have told you,” the words poured from Daniel in a rush. “But, it’s all lies.”

“The only lies are the ones coming out of you now,” Gull hissed. He turned to his assistants. “Strip him and get him strung up in the showers.”

The assistants worked quickly and efficiently, shredding Daniel’s robes and having him naked in minutes. They dragged him kicking and screaming in defiance to the useless showers to string him up spread-eagle between the dividers.

Gull strode back and forth, his face a mask of fury as he screamed, “Did you for one instant think you’d get away with making a fool of The Leader? Did you really believe The Leader and I wouldn’t eventually discover your deceit?” He spun towards Wolf and Nathaniel, his finger jabbing in their direction. “Look at the pain and suffering your lies have caused your friends! Did you really believe you could get away with leading two of the Brothers astray?”

“It wasn’t like that,” Daniel protested. “We didn’t mean any harm…”

“No harm?” Gull screamed. “Coming back without the escaped prisoner would have been no harm. Convincing two Brothers to lie so that you could gain favor with The Leader was harmful to the Brotherhood. Because of you, Nathaniel lost four fingers. Because of you, Wolf lost his cock and balls. Because of you, Wolf will spend his life as a cocksucking slave to the Brothers.”

“Wh-what’s going to happen to me?” Daniel asked, his mouth suddenly dry.

“We have a special punishment designed just for you,” Gull said smoothly. “The entire Brotherhood will witness your punishment – it should make interesting entertainment for them.” Gull’s voice became smooth and soft again. “But first, you have to be prepared.” Gull turned to his assistants. “Shave him – don’t leave a single hair on his body.”

The assistants each took a straight razor from a bench where their equipment was laid out in neat, precise rows and went to work stripping Daniel of all of his hair. Gull sat behind Wolf and began stroking the new slave’s smooth skull almost as if the slave was a pet dog. He watched as his Enforcers went to work dry shaving the traitor, starting with his feet. By the time they reached Daniel’s thicket of curly pubic hair, Gull rose and opened his robe, exposing his erect eight-inch cock.

Standing over Wolf, Gull began rubbing his erection across Wolf’s lips, both of his strong hands wrapped around Wolf’s bald skull. Tears started welling up in the slave’s eyes as Gull continued to rub his penis over the slave’s lips. Wolf shuddered when Gull ordered him to open his mouth. Shoulders shaking, Wolf opened his toothless mouth and accepted Gull’s thick dick.

Gull gasped in satisfaction when he felt Wolf’s warm, moist mouth surround his penis. The feeling of the slave’s toothless gums against his erect tool was so delightful. Gull moaned with pleasure as he started shoving his cock in and out of Wolf’s mouth face fucking the slave. He shoved his cock deep into Wolf’s mouth, ignoring the gagging coming from the slave – the sooner he learned to deep throat a dick, the better. There were others who could teach the slave the fine art of sucking a man’s cock. Gull preferred face fucking to having his cock sucked. He liked to be in charge.

Gull pistoned his hips back and forth savagely, enjoying the feel of his balls slapping against Wolf’s chin. He wondered if the slave was thinking of his own missing cock and balls. He felt his balls twist and churn, and knew he was close to shooting his load down the slave’s throat. Gull pulled Wolf’s head tightly against his belly, mashing the slave’s nose into his own thick, curling pubes as his cock began to pump his juice. Wolf’s cheeks puffed out comically – like a cartoon chipmunk’s when Gull’s seed jetted into his mouth. Eventually, he had no choice but to swallow the load that was filling his mouth.

His load finally spent, Gull pulled his cock from the slave’s mouth and disdainfully wiped it across the slave’s face. Closing his robe, Gull looked over and noticed that his Enforcers were just finishing dry shaving Daniel’s head. Clumps of bleached white and crimson hair littered Daniel’s shoulders and the shower floor around his feet. Gull waited until his assistants were finished before stepping up to Daniel and running his hands over the prisoner’s denuded body.

“Good job,” he praised his assistants. He indicated Daniel, “Get him bent over and cleaned now.”

Nathaniel watched in silence as the Enforcers forced Daniel to bend over. They bound his wrists to his knees and then left the shower for a few minutes. They returned with a bucket and rubber tubing. A metal pipe had been fitted to the bottom of the bucket. Nathaniel watched as the assistants attached one end of the rubber hose to the metal pipe on the bucket and clamp it down. The other end of the tube was unceremoniously shoved deep into Daniel’s ass. One of the assistants hung the bucket from a showerhead while the other disappeared. He returned moments later with a bucketful of water that he dumped into the hanging bucket.

Daniel immediately began groaning and squirming as his guts filled with cold water. Gull quickly motioned for his Enforcers to hold the prisoner still as the water continued to fill him up. It wasn’t long before Daniel was begging to be released, complaining of cramps and pressure. Gull ignored his pleas as he watched dispassionately. Nathaniel wondered if someone’s guts could explode from all the pressure that had to be building up.

Suddenly, the rubber hose shot out of Daniel’s ass as his intestines emptied themselves in a rush of dirty water. Daniel was sobbing in humiliation and begging for forgiveness as water continued to gush from him. Finally, the flow of foul water stopped.

“Do it again,” Gull ordered bringing a fresh round of pleas from Daniel.

The assistants quickly reinserted the hose and filled the hanging bucket. On the bench next to him, Nathaniel heard Wolf sniffing back tears as Daniel howled and begged that he couldn’t take any more water. Gull remained silent as Daniel’s belly bloated and distended. He waited like he had the first time for the intense pressure to force the hose from his prisoner’s body. At a nod from Gull, one of the assistants began pressing against Daniel’s belly forcing the water out. Nathaniel couldn’t understand how any of the Enforcers could stand the stench that filled the room.

“Clean him up,” Gull ordered curtly. “When he’s clean, bring him along.” Gull tapped Nathaniel and Wolf on the top of their shaved heads. “With me.” Without waiting, Gull strode off.

Both Nathaniel and Wolf scrambled to follow Gull, not wishing to anger or displease him in any way. Gull led the way to the trainer’s room. Nathaniel gulped when he saw the flexible plastic hoses laid out on the trainer’s table. Both he and Wolf knew only too well how much pain those hoses could inflict. Looking around the room, Nathaniel saw a series of large rings and piercing needles lying on a table. Behind the rings and needles were several large tubs covered with towels.

It wasn’t long before the Enforcers dragged Daniel into the room and over to the trainer’s table. He was bent over the table and had his ankles secured to the legs of the table. It was obvious to Nathaniel that they’d received orders on what to do long before Daniel was lured there. Daniel’s arms were forced around the table and tied together under it. Once they had their prisoner securely bound, the assistants stood and waited their orders.

“Thighs and small of the back only,” Gull said.

Both assistants grinned fiercely as they each took a plastic tube and went to work lashing Daniel’s thighs and the small of his back. Each blow was accompanied by Daniel’s howls of pain. Nathaniel felt tear running down his face as he watched Daniel’s torture and wondered how anyone could ignore the pathetic pleas and continue to beat another person. Each of the assistants had wide grins on their faces as they continued their savage work.

Gull finally called for a halt to the lashings and ordered his assistants to flip Daniel over onto his back and strap him down. Gull motioned for Wolf to join him at the table, standing over Daniel.

“Now, you get to help prepare Daniel for his punishment,” Gull said.

Nathaniel wondered what the Enforcer Chief meant – clearly Daniel was already being punished, but he the way he talked, Daniel’s punishment was yet to come. He started to imagine what other horrors Gull had devised and quickly banished those thoughts from his mind.

“All you have to do is pierce each of this scum’s nipples,” Gull explained to Wolf. “It’s very easy – you just take this needle and push it through his nipple from one side to the other. Once you have a hole going all the way through, you put one of the rings through it.”

“I — ah, I don’t think I can do it,” Wolf whined.

“Of course you can,” Gull reassured him. “You’ll either do it, or join Daniel in his punishment. And, let me promise you this – it is far, far worse than anything you’ve experienced so far.” He offered Wolf a cold smile as he stepped back. “The choice is yours.”

On the table, Daniel was shaking his head from side to side and begging Wolf not to go through with it. Sobbing openly, Wolf picked up the needle and grabbed Daniel’s left nipple. His fingers trembling, Wolf jabbed the needle into Daniel’s tender flesh and pushed. He was surprised at how easily the needle passed from one side to the other. Taking one of the rings, Wolf had some trouble passing it through the hole he had just made, making Daniel scream and squirm madly. Wolf was muttering how sorry he was to Daniel the whole time he as working the needle through Daniel’s skin. When the ring was in place, Gull smiled and patted Wolf’s bald head before ordering him to finish his job. By that point, Wolf’s shoulders were heaving as he quietly sobbed.

Wolf fumbled piercing Daniel’s right nipple several times because he was shaking so badly. Gull reassured him he didn’t have to do a good job – he just had to get the ring through the nipple. Wolf nodded, afraid to speak and finally managed to get the ring through Daniel’s nipple. Gull praised the slave, patting him on the back.

Gull stepped up to the table and laid his hand on Daniel’s seven-inch dick, “Nice piece of meat you have here.”

“Don’t cut it off,” Daniel whined. “Please don’t do that to me.”

Gull feigned surprise, “Cut this nice piece of meat off? I promise you, the thought never crossed my mind.” He patted Daniel’s dick lovingly. “No, I would never cut this impressive dick off. But, I do think it would look better with a nice shiny Prince Albert decorating it.”

Laughing at Daniel’s distress, Gull quickly ran the piercing needle through the slit in Daniel’s dick and had the chrome ring in place in no time at all. Gull ordered his assistants to pierce each of Daniel’s ears while he got the Prince Albert in place. With all five rings in place, Gull applied a drop of SuperGlue to each ring to seal it closed.

Stepping back, Gull ordered his assistants to change Daniel’s position once more. This time, he was placed onto his knees on the top of the table and forced to bend forward until his forehead was resting on the padded tabletop. It took a little ingenuity, but the assistants managed to get Daniel tied down in that position with his ass sticking up in the air.

Gull ordered his assistants to get Daniel prepared while he prepared Wolf. Nathaniel watched in mounting fear as the assistants began working handfuls of lard around and inside of Daniel’s ass, working two and three fingers at a time into the prisoner’s ass to stretch it. Daniel was reduced to gibbering in pain as they worked. Wolf wasn’t doing much better as Gull began spreading lard over his hand and forearm.

“Please don’t make me fist fuck him,” Wolf begged. “Please don’t force me to do that.”

“Don’t be silly,” Gull snapped sternly. “You know you’re going to do whatever I tell you to do.” Wolf hung his head in shame at the truth of Gull’s words. “Besides, you’re not going to really be fist fucking this piece of crap. You’re going to be stuffing him.”

Wolf and Nathaniel both looked confused. Smiling sadistically, Gull pulled the towel from the largest tub and revealed it was filled with canned dog food.

“You’re going to stuff all of that up his ass,” Gull said. “And be quick about it.” He turned to his assistants with a tilt of his head in Wolf’s direction. “Get him in place and get his hand up that ass.”

The two assistants were almost drooling in anticipation as the dragged Wolf into place and forced his right hand up against Daniel’s greased and exposed hole. Daniel’s screams of pain and humiliation were horrible to hear as his hole was forced open and stretched. Once Wolf’s hand was inside the prisoner, he was forced to twist his arm around a couple of times before being allowed to remove it. The tub of dog food was placed by his side. Sobbing at being forced to take part in Daniel’s degradation, Wolf plunged his hand into the tub and took a handful of the canned meat and began his task.

Wolf began slowly at first, reluctant to be such an active participant in Daniel’s torture. Then, he began moving faster and faster. Nathaniel couldn’t tell if Wolf was working faster simply to get the job finished sooner, or to get away from the screams coming from Daniel.

Nathaniel’s hands flew to his mouth in horror as he suddenly remembered what the scene before him reminded him of. He was reminded of his Mother stuffing a Thanksgiving turkey – her hand pushing the croutons into the bird. Watching Daniel’s belly expand as more and more of the dog food was stuffed into him, Nathaniel remembered hearing the Enforcers talking earlier about the massive quantities of wood that had been collected. A soft, helpless keening escaped Nathaniel’s lips as he imagined Daniel being roasted alive – stuffed like a holiday turkey. He pressed his hands hard against his mouth to keep from screaming out.

When Wolf had finally managed to accomplish his task, Gull shoved a large butt plug into Daniel’s stretched ass before he ordered his assistants to stand Daniel up. They were forced to hold him upright – Daniel’s muscles seemed to have lost all their tone. He hung limply between them like a rag doll, his head lolling from side to side. Gull uncovered the next tub and lifted a string of beef cubes from it. He tied one end of the string to each of the rings in Daniel’s nipples. A second string of beef was produced and tied from the Prince Albert to the string suspended between Daniel’s nipples. The second string was short enough that it forced Daniel’s dick to point straight ahead of him. Gull reached into the tub again and pulled out long, thin strips of beef that he wrapped around each of the large rings in Daniel’s ears. Then he stepped back to observe his handiwork.

“Almost finished,” Gull said. “But, there’s something I’ve forgotten.” He tapped a finger against his chin theatrically, as if trying to remember something. A knock at the door interrupted him.

Beta poked his head around the edge of the door, “Is everything ready? The Leader and Brothers have taken their places in the stands.”

“Almost,” Gull confirmed. “Just a few finishing touches.”

Beta nodded and withdrew as Gull started pacing back and forth as if he was trying to recall something. Suddenly, he flashed the knife Daniel had had strapped to his forearm and thrust his face close to his prisoner’s.

“Thought you’d use this on me, did you?” He snarled. Daniel managed a careless shrug. “Well, let’s see how you like it!” His hand flashed in a blur as he slashed at Daniel’s face, cutting the prisoner across each cheekbone. Gull stepped back, breathing heavily. “Now, we’re ready. Get him outside,” he ordered.

Instead of the giant fire and spit Nathaniel had expected to find, he found the Brotherhood sitting in the stands in the football stadium. A chain link fence about eight feet high ran around the perimeter of the playing field. Daniel was dragged through a gate at the far end of the field and forced onto the empty playing field. Gull had his Enforcers drag the prisoner to the fifty-yard line and face the Brotherhood in the stands.

“Brothers,” The Leader bellowed as he rose and addressed his assembly. “Before you is a traitor to the Brotherhood. He subverted two other Brothers into failing to accomplish a task they had been given. He convinced them to lie and produce false evidence that they had carried out their orders.” The Leader paused as Wolf and Nathaniel were brought before the crowd and put on display. “As you can see, they have been punished in accordance with the severity of their sins.”

The Leader spun and pointed down at Daniel, who was beginning to roll over onto his knees, “That one lied in order to gain advancement over the rest of you. His sin of ambition caused an enemy of The Brotherhood to escape the fate that had been chosen for him. The Tribe Chief who had been left for the dogs to devour has been permitted to escape and warn others of our Crusade.”

The stands filled with an angry murmuring. The Leader smiled – his followers understood what that could mean for their future.

“Yes – you know what that means,” The Leader shouted. “Our enemies will be prepared to resist our Cause, and that resistance could mean some of you will die.”

From somewhere in the back of the stands someone shouted ‘Kill him!’ Someone else repeated the words louder, and then it became a chant. Brothers came to their feet, stamping their feet and shaking their fists as they called for Daniel’s blood.

The Leader waved his hands to restore silence, “You are right, my followers,” The Leader assured them. “And, it is only appropriate that his manner of death be the same as the one he foiled earlier.” Turning, The Leader pointed to Gull who opened another gate at the far end of the field and waved to someone out of sight. One of the Enforcers holding Daniel up reached behind the prisoner and roughly yanked the butt plug free. Almost immediately some of the dog food that had been packed into him began to dribble down his legs. The sound of yapping and snarling dogs could be heard in the distance from the far side of the football field along with shouts urging them along. The two Enforcers released Daniel, who dropped to the ground in a heap, and dashed to the opposite end of the field where a gate was opened for them.

Nathaniel backed away from the fence in abject disgust. But, the rest of the Brotherhood charged from the stands to crowd close to the fence to get a closer look at the bloodsport that was about to play out for their entertainment.

Suddenly, a pack of feral dogs appeared at the far end of the stadium. Some charged the gate that Gull had slammed closed behind them. Others paced nervously back and forth as if they were unwilling to enter the open field. Midfield, Daniel began to stir and pull himself up to his hands and knees. Raising his head, he gasped.

“Where did you get the dogs,” The Leader asked Gull, as they both walked back to the stands.

“Had most of my men and almost all of the Searchers out hunting down feral dogs,” Gull replied. “That’s how the Searchers came across those cows we brought back and butchered for the barbecue tonight, by the way.”

“Any one bitten?”

“A couple – all minor, though,” Gull admitted. “The shame is we couldn’t get close enough to the really dominant dogs to snare them.”

“Maybe that’s for the best,” The Leader concluded. “After all, we want to give the Brothers some decent entertainment. It wouldn’t do to have a few really fearless dogs end the sport too soon.” The Leader leaned forward and pointed to the far end of the field. “Look, I think something’s about to happen.”

A couple of the dogs had stopped their nervous pacing and were sniffing the air with interest, their noses swinging back and forth like radar. Homing in on the scent of meat and blood, they turned to face Daniel. Soon, the other dogs stopped barking and pacing as they caught the scent of food in the air.

The sudden silence from the other end of the field made Daniel turn in panic. Already, a couple of the larger dogs had lowered their heads and taken the first tentative steps in his direction. Standing, Daniel gasped in pain as cramps shot through his thighs. He understood why Gull had insisted his assistants concentrate their beatings on his thighs and small of his back. His walking was reduced to a hobble. Daniel doubted he’d be able to run at all.

Straightening up, Daniel felt an uncomfortable tugging in his nipples and penis. Looking down at his chest, he realized exactly what Gull had tied to the rings in the training room. At the time, his mind had just shut down – he knew Gull had been doing something to him without realizing precisely what it was. The fog that had wrapped itself around his brain like a soggy blanket began to lift, leaving his mind clear. Reaching up, he tried to undo one of the nipple rings, only to discover it had been glued closed. He examined the butcher’s twine and decided he wouldn’t be able to break it apart. The only option he had to free himself of the bait strings was to rip each of the rings from his flesh.

Daniel tugged experimentally on the ring in his right nipple, wincing at the pain that shot through his chest. He didn’t think he’d be able to pull the rings out. He reminded himself that even if he could, that would mean a flow of fresh blood that was sure to drive the dogs into a feeding frenzy. Daniel took a deep breath and forced down the feeling of panic that threatened to overwhelm him. He needed to keep his wits if he was going to survive, he reminded himself. He glanced around.

Daniel immediately decided he had no hope of escape by trying to climb the fence in front of the Home stands. The Brothers crowded against the fence – he doubted they’d even let him climb to the top, and if they did, it would only be so they could tear him apart themselves. His best chance for climbing the fence was to make his way to the far side of the field. Of course, that plan had a few obstacles, too.

There was no way Daniel would be able to run with his thighs cramping so much, plus he was sure running would make the strings connecting his nipple rings to the Prince Albert would cause so much pain that he’d probably stumble and make a tempting target to the dogs. Easing his way towards his goal, Daniel discovered that with every movement more and more dog food dribbled down the back of his legs. He turned his attention to the dogs that had ominously fallen silent.

All of the dogs had stopped yapping and barking. A couple of the dogs had their noses raised in the air sniffing, their muzzles swinging back and forth like a radar dish. Daniel felt icy fingers of fright clutch his stomach when the dogs began to look in his direction with more than normal interest. A large shaggy, wolf-looking Alsatian began to slowly inch its way in his direction, its head low. A huge black poodle fell into place several feet to the left of the Alsatian.

Daniel checked the distance between him and the fence, wondering if he could make it to the fence before the dogs charged. Glancing back at the dogs, Daniel saw that all of them had assumed stalking positions. Some were working their way in a large circle towards Daniel’s back. He noticed that every time he turned in their direction, they froze and stopped their advance momentarily.

Turning back towards the fence, Daniel froze – robed Brothers had taken up positions along the far side of the fence blocking his line of retreat. Tears of frustration filled his eyes. The ranks of Brothers weren’t as dense as it had been on the other side of the field. Daniel decided he might have a chance to at least climb the fence and stay clear of the dogs. Maybe he could even leap from the top of the fence to the Visitor’s stands. He figured he’d face that problem if he made it to the fence. Daniel reminded himself to concentrate on one problem at a time.

Daniel managed three steps before he doubled over in pain as cramps racked his distended abdomen – he desperately tried to clench his buttocks together. Another cramp rolled through his intestines and his bowels began to empty convulsively. Helplessly, he fell to his knees.

Twisting his head to one side, Daniel discovered that the dogs had begun to charge in his direction. He scrambled to his feet shakily and waved his arms, screaming. That was enough to stop the dogs in their tracks briefly. For the first time that afternoon, Daniel grinned – maybe the dogs weren’t desperate enough to attack a human yet.

From the stands, The Leader watched the action through a set of field glasses. Below the glasses, his tongue excitedly licked his lips repeatedly. Suddenly, he lowered the glasses and examined the field.

“Look! Look there,” he pointed towards a large rough-coated Airedale that was stealthily making its way around behind Daniel. “I think the action is about to begin.”

On the field, Daniel was keeping an eye on the Alsatian and poodle – those two seemed like they were the most aggressive. From the corner of his eye, he glimpsed a sudden movement as the Airedale began its rush. Instinctively, Daniel crouched as he spun to face his attacker. The black and brown dog came at him snarling and snapping. Daniel didn’t know how he managed it, but he somehow found his hands wrapped around the dog’s throat. The animal’s growls and snaps quickly became a frenzied yelping and whining as Daniel dug his fingers deep into the dog’s throat, squeezing his fingers tight around its windpipe. Suddenly, the dog went limp, its tongue hanging loosely from its mouth.

Daniel contemptuously flung the Airedale’s body to the ground, throwing his head back in a savage cry of victory. More dog food gushed from his body as he bent over and lifted the Airedale’s limp body from the ground and lifted it over his head. He tottered across the field towards the Home stands, the dog’s body held high above his head. Nearing the fence, Daniel heaved the corpse hard against the fence.

“That’s what I’ll do to all your fucking dogs,” Daniel spat venomously up at The Leader.

He had expected to see a look of anger cross The Leader’s face, but got only a disdainful smirk. Turning to face the other dogs at the far end of the field, Daniel discovered the reason for The Leader’s smirk – the pack wasn’t at the other end of the field anymore, the shaggy Alsatian was only three feet behind him.

The dog charged without warning. Daniel’s hands shot out to block the dog, but he only managed to grab to handfuls of fur on the animal’s neck. Bending at the waist, Daniel did his best to keep the savage, snapping teeth away from his exposed crotch. His arms trembled as the Alsatian twisted in his grip, jaws snapping. Concentrating on the danger in front of him, Daniel missed the poodle slip around behind him. The poodle sank its teeth deeply into his dog food soiled lower buttocks and hung on.

Shrieking in pain and surprise, Daniel involuntarily lost his grip on the Alsatian. The large dog leapt forward and closed its jaws over the head of Daniel’s cock. Two quick snaps of the dog’s jaws and the cock head was gone. The Alsatian charged again, concentrating on Daniel’s bleeding groin. Agonized, high-pitched screams escaped Daniel’s throat as he sank helpless to the ground.

Silent tears streamed down Nathaniel’s face as he stood by the fence watching the pack of dogs close in on Daniel. All around him, the other Brothers were cheering the dogs on, laughing at the terrified shrieks coming from Daniel. He couldn’t believe the Brothers could cheer such savagery – Daniel might not have been the most loyal Brother, but no one deserved to die in such a horrible manner. The pack was all over Daniel, biting at him and each other as they ripped him apart. And still, Daniel screamed.

Die, Nathaniel thought, just die and the pain will be over. But, the screaming just got louder and more frantic. Die, die, die, Daniel thought. Suddenly he launched himself at the chain link fence, rattling it viscously.

“Die!” Nathaniel screamed. “Die you bastard, stop holding on. Let it all end and just die!”

In The Leader’s box, Alpha saw Nathaniel at the fence. Turning, he nudged The Leader and pointed him out. Above the din, The Leader could clearly hear Nathaniel’s voice rising above the others as he hysterically screamed “Die” over and over. Smiling smugly, The Leader tapped Gull on the shoulder.

“You’ve done a good job with that one,” The Leader said in satisfaction, pointing out Nathaniel’s antics. “Look at him screaming for his friend to die, cheering the dogs on. Very good work, Gull.”

“I do my best to serve, Leader,” Gull said humbly. He was surprised by Nathaniel’s reaction, though. He had been willing to bet young soldier would have curled up in a ball in horror. He reminded himself that sometimes it was just impossible to accurately predict how someone would react. Sometimes his torture methods completely broke a prisoner. And, sometimes his methods worked break down the subject’s inhibitions. He watched Nathaniel closely, smiling at the savagery with which the soldier was attacking the chain link fence.

“You know, that one might make a good Enforcer,” The Leader said, interrupting Gull’s thoughts.

“I was thinking the same thing, Leader,” Gull admitted. “With your permission, I’d like to bring him over under my command.”

“By all means,” The Leader agreed. “I’m sure you could find a use for him.”

The shrieks coming from the field finally died out. One by one, the Brothers backed away from the fence. Only Nathaniel remained staring out at the carnage on the field. The tears had stopped – he didn’t have any more tears left in him. He felt cold inside. Somehow, he’d find a way to make Gull pay for what had happened – he’d make him pay for every terrible thing he had done. Behind him, he heard a voice calling for everyone’s attention. Turning, he saw The Leader standing with arms outstretched.

“My Brothers,” The Leader bellowed, “our very excellent Seekers have provided us with a special treat today. In the course of their duties, they came across and captured some cows. The animals have been slaughtered and are now roasting over open fires down on the practice field.”

The Brotherhood interrupted The Leader with loud cheers and began chanting his name in reverence.

“The storeroom of the school here has provided us with baked beans, canned fruits, and cases of soft drinks,” The Leader shouted. “We’ve had our entertainment, so now – to the practice field and a feast!”

Nathaniel let the mass of Brothers pass him by, trailing behind at a distance. Gull came up from behind Nathaniel and dropped into step beside him.

“We could hear you up in The Leader’s box,” Gull said conversationally. “Did you hurt yourself when you were beating on the fence?”

Nathaniel looked down at his disfigured hands and saw they were indeed slightly bruised and scratched. He didn’t remember feeling anything when he had beaten and clawed at the fence. He shrugged, “’sokay, doesn’t hurt.”

“From the way you behaved in the locker room, I wouldn’t have thought you’d be so enthusiastic about Daniel’s punishment,” Gull observed.

Nathaniel regarded the Enforcer Chief coldly for several moments before speaking, “I wasn’t thinking right then,” he said carefully. “But, after hearing The Leader explain everything, I saw how much harm that traitor did.” Nathaniel held up his hands, spreading his remaining fingers wide and indicated the two stumps on each hand. “He’s the reason for this. He made me think he was my friend and used that to trick me into doing the wrong thing.”

“It’s regrettable that had to happen,” Gull said. “But, you know atonement can come only through sacrifice.”

Nathaniel nodded, “I know. But, worse than what he did to me, is the harm he did to the Brothers. I never realized that our Brothers could be hurt or even killed because of his lies. After The Leader made me see that, I realized how bad Daniel really was.” He paused, searching for words. “It’s like a bright light lit up in my head.”

Gull smiled down at Nathaniel; “You had an Awakening.” He reached out and rubbed his hand over Nathaniel’s bald scalp. “There’ll be no more shaving, you know. It won’t be long before your hair grows out again. When it does, I’d like it to be dyed crimson.”

Nathaniel stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes wide in shock.

“I’m serious,” Gull said, kindly. “Everyone is entitled to a mistake,” he held out his own hands, revealing his missing little fingers. “But, that doesn’t mean you can’t move past that mistake to a better life.”

Impulsively, Nathaniel dropped to one knee and seized Gull’s hand; “I am totally at your service.”

“Yes, I think you are,” Gull said, impressed by Nathaniel’s demonstration. “Go on to the barbecue – have a good time. We’ll arrange new living quarters and robes for you tomorrow.”

Climbing to his feet, Nathaniel bowed deeply before heading off towards the practice field. Once he was away from Gull, Nathaniel permitted himself the luxury of a cold, hate-filled smile. He’d be an Enforcer if that sadistic bastard wanted him to be one – it was the perfect cover. It meant he’d have more freedom – no one questioned the comings and goings of a red-robed Enforcer. Sooner or later there would be an opportunity to either escape and warn others about The Brotherhood or, better yet, cut out Gull’s guts.

To be continued…