"No! That is the incorrect etiquette required! Do it again!"

A slapping sound rang out as a stick smacked on the table making Tasid flinch and glaring up at the "tutor" he had been assigned by Fareed, the noble closed his eyes and then ground his teeth before trying again. Moving his arm with greater precision and dignity compared to what he was used to in Iuny the noble very carefully picked up the goblet and went through all the rehearsed motions one more time. Bringing it up to his nose slowly and gently breathing in the contents before taking a small sip but once more the stick smacked the table. Standing upright rapidly the stallion lurched at the tutor but was grabbed by a mercenary and pushed back down so hard his flank stung.

"We will keep doing this until you get it right boy. Fareed has left you in my capable care and before this week is out I swear you shall be the glowing example of etiquette and the civility of the nobility!"

"This is a waste of time."

The mercenary held back a small laugh, not that he agreed with him but because of what would most likely happen if Tasid displeased Fareed. His head was too thick at times and this was one of them.

"I see... Tell me Tasid, what will happen if you displease your master?"

"I am not a slave nor the property-"

"But you are, you belong to Fareed as do we all. However, I must say you did bring this upon yourself. You have forgotten all your manners and-"

"Yes, yes... Let us continue then."

Tasid went through the motions again only this time properly but there was no smile from the tutor, instead they just stared blankly before nodding and announcing they would move on to the next lesson. It had been years since he had to act so prim and proper for anyone but while part of him screamed out in anger another part knew it was wiser to listen and prepare. A mark had been left on Fareed years ago when he had acted like a pig when the sultan had visited and now Fareed was taking no chances in allowing Tasid to embarrass him in front of others.

Most of the days training had started after dinner the previous evening and rarely did Fareed allow others to dine with him save a few hand selected guests, advisors, officers and nobles. Having been invited last night he found himself being the only one in the room save the sultan and a few servants. More used to having his servants hand feed him or taking liberties while dining, and try as he might to suppress old habits they had unfortunately been born fully into the light. One quick grope of a servant had made Fareed narrow his eye's while his own had widened in sudden realization that the invitation to the sultans table had been a trap to see if he could truly control himself.

However, not a word was spoken by Fareed, not a peep, the sultan had simply watched quietly before staring at the servant, who promptly removed herself quite rapidly leaving the two alone together as the other servants departed. He was not certain which was worse, that Fareed was saying nothing nor changing his expression as he sipped at his wine, or that he was helpless as a fish held before the fishmonger. As the silence continued he had decided to err on the side of caution and remain a mute allowing his sultan to have the first word.

No words were ever spoken however, the sultan just watched quietly and after a few minutes put his goblet down before standing and then quietly leaving the room. How long had he sat there sweating? It was absolutely insulting on one hand but then again he had made a fool of himself despite the warnings. Waiting till the food had long gone cold and then for an eternity he had continued to wait as the thought of leaving the room and returning to his quarters crossed his mind. He did not however as Fareed had not given him permission to leave.

Everything had been long cleared away and he was about to fall asleep on the cushions before a servant came to get him on order of Fareed. They had a very simple message for him and after hearing it part of the weight alleviated itself but his mind screamed all the same.

"You were smart enough to remain until dismissed, your training will begin when your tutor arrives tomorrow morning."

Tasid ran that night over again in his head as the tutor moved on through the various proper methods of feeding oneself as if his audience was made up of a single idiot child who was incapable of taking care of themselves. It was pure humiliation and there was no doubt Fareed had been quite specific in what he was to be trained in no matter how embarrassing the lessons got. As he followed through with the instructions one after another his brain cried out for some kind of relief from this, but also begged that the tutor would not cover certain other things as that would be quite unbearable.

Or would it be unbearable? If Fareed ordered the tutor to teach him how to wipe his flank properly he most assuredly would and he would be forced to learn every detail. But would he? How far was this humiliation to continue? To what extent?

"You did... Well enough. You may take a break while the servants clear this away and your next lesson will begin."

"I may? A damn commoner is telling me what I can and cannot do!"

Removing himself from the room to wander the halls for an hour he felt like screaming his lungs out but held back. Everything would come to an end soon enough because the finishing touches were being made to preparations, this meant not long after the visiting dignitaries would arrive. Walking the halls his ears picked up on other tutors giving a different kind of lesson. Smiling to himself and hoping that at least watching might take the edge off Tasid followed the sounds of slapping, sobbing and long winded apologies to a door. Taking hold of the door handle another hand grabbed him by the wrist and squeezed hard enough to make him gasp in pain.

Towering over him the well built mercenary glared at him with a cold expression and continued to grasp Tasid's wrist so hard it screamed in pain. "Your master was quite specific on making certain you do not cause... Problems of a particular nature."

"Remove your hand! I am a noble not som-" Tasid gasped in pain and stopped talking as the grip tightened.

"He also said that if you protested to say: You only have two of them and one might go missing should you cause problems."

Ears splaying back Tasid loosened his grip on the handle a little as his tail tucked in and legs moved to protect himself a little as his pupils shrank. The mercenary had no expression on his face, it was a picture of professionalism and sincerity as he continued to look down on the terrified noble. Closing his eyes and gripping the handle more firmly he looked up at the mercenary and gave a short nod. Loosening his grip the stallion removed his hand alleviating the pressure and the pain began to recede from Tasid's wrist allowing the other to open the door and enter the room beyond.

A small smile sprung to his face upon entering the room as he looked at the bounty Fareed would be providing to his guests. Ever the most gracious of hosts Fareed spared to expense in keeping his visitors well entertained in every way possible, it was also no secret as to which visitors had certain appetites that they wished to sate. For some however it was a matter of at least making the offering out of good manners. Looking over the room his ears had not deceived him that this was the room the mares were being trained in, there was also no doubt as to what their jobs would be.

Things were moving swiftly on making certain they knew how to prostrate themselves properly, how to ask if someone wished to use them and on the list went. It would not take a great deal of time to train them either as the primary lesson had already sank deep into their hides on the first few days of their "visit."

One rule stood out above all else: If they dared to harm or displease their user they would in no way face execution. No, Fareed was not that kind but he on the other hand was. Drowning or executing servants who displeased him was normal but the sultan used other means because death was quick and easy, a forgiveness. Should they attempt to escape, fight or flee their user or any other host of crimes their hell would begin. Every manner of torture and nightmare would be brought forth and they would not be permitted to die until Fareed willed it.

The threat always worked to.

Tasid had only come here once before but had taken many lessons back with him after speaking with the trainers but also had the pleasure of seeing a group being trained. It warmed his body in many ways seeing the process take place one agonizing inch at a time while seeing the eyes of a slave who now knew this was just the beginning of their torment. Just as quickly what had been a rather resentful gaggle of slaves fighting back just as quickly fell in step and ceased to cause problems.

Only a week or two was all it took and they would be perfectly rehearsed in the basics of their roles and ready for advanced lessons without the worry of any trying to run away as Fareed also had a few other tricks. Walking in and sitting to watch and enjoy the view, especially when one was struck Tasid's mind floated back to another lesson learned here: threaten the family.

There was a clear preference towards taking slaves that had larger families as they could threaten the trainee with that little fact even if their family had long since fled or gone into hiding. The slave would never know how true or hollow the threat was but by dangling it over their heads it served to keep some in line not that all were perfect, some just had to be put down after all. Some would always resist so much that there was nothing that could be done and they would either be chained and used in other ways or serve as an example to the rest.

His eyes scanned the room and the gathered mares both filly and mare before a frown formed on his face. A simple side effect of the training was that their eyes became... Lifeless. The body moved as instructed but that part he took so much joy in making scream for mercy was now gone, granted he could make them scream anyway but it was not the same. Once the light had faded they could be beaten, tossed, kicked, cut or thrown off a wall and not a peep would leave their lips.

"Oh well... Which one shall I choose, if permitted... Damn him! Permitted, I am already acting like his pet!"

Tasid cursed quietly to himself as he watched taking in their bodies carefully and hoping that he would get to choose sooner than later but he also knew he had to pick wisely. Only so many would be available to him and if he broke them it would be his head or worse, he had to keep in mind the other guests would most certainly get first pick of the lot so that narrowed it down a little. His trained eyes looked them over guessing which ones would be the first to go and if he knew Fareed it would thus leave for him the chaff to pick from. Several stood out though including a few fillies that showed promise in lasting for the duration of events, a room full of treasures waiting to be utilized if only he could reach out and grasp one.

Continuing his examination his eyes fell on a zebra that was having trouble, no doubt due to deprivation but it was also clear why she had been picked. The mare was of good build and bust with wide hips but also showed signs of damage to her fur, not that a good dose of medicine could not fix the problem. She was indeed a fine take and any slaver worth their salt could see the immense value in her if they would just fatten her up a little.

Halting her motions the mare stumbled before collapsing onto her knees and hunching over vomited across the floor violently, the attempted "fattening up" not taking too well apparently he mused. This was a bad sign and could mean she was now worthless. What a pity, a true gem waiting to be sculpted but perhaps the slavers had been a little too rough or perhaps to late? One of the other mares beside her who was in slightly better shape continued to hesitate as the trainer ignored the fallen mare before attempting to speak to her. Despite her attempts there was no answer and stopping the routine to grab and shake her there was no response.

He had to commend the loyalty her friend exhibited as she spoke the slaves name over and again while shaking her because it meant a sound beating despite her poor condition, but the real question was would the trainers keep this one or throw them away? Not all were worth the effort of bringing back from the brink and as he watched one of the trainers aids give the mares friend a solid beating till they formed back up with the rest. Looking the collapsed mare over the trainers assistant looked across the room and shook their head and then called for the mare to be hauled away for disposal.

Ears perking up a bit at the prospect of a "free meal" Tasid stood and left the room to go around back and wait at the corpse wagon which would ferry her away to a dump site or any slaver willing to take on severely damaged cargo.

"Furaba..."

His mind rolled the slaves name around a bit and while it was not a very appealing name he did not care, a handout was a handout. Reaching the back entrance as the body was drug out and loaded onto a wagon Tasid called out to wait so he could check her at least once but much to his anger the ever present mercenary put a hand on his shoulder and squeezed so hard it made him grind his teeth in pain.

"Anything that would embarrass or disgrace his majesty..."

Trying to yank free did not work but the mercenary finally permitted him to be free of his grasp and stared at him calmly, daring him. Looking at the mare as she was unceremoniously dumped into the small wagon he watched her chest move up and down slightly. This slave was still alive and would be dumped at the slave market for anyone willing to take her for a small disposal fee but it also meant he was back to square one.

"It is time to return to your lessons."

"Fine!"

Storming away Tasid thought back to the room and remembered the other one who was no gem in the rough but would also be overlooked by almost everyone. She was strong, well built and would last quite a while and of that he had no doubt. Letting out a content sigh Tasid smiled a little knowing that if he could not get one then the other would suffice and by the looks of her she would, but only after the trainers had fattened her up a little. That she would offer weeks of endless joy while the political prattling continued and this prospect alleviated the stress somewhat. However, the catch remained that no one got her before he did and there were ways of guaranteeing that without angering Fareed, however it was a dainty process.

Rounding the bend quickly while dreading his lessons Tasid slammed into a servant and collapsed backwards, no attempt was made by the mercenary to catch him as the zebra stallion stepped aside allowing him to fall unceremoniously to the floor. Bounding back to his hooves and letting out a snarl Tasid settled his eyes on the terrified perpetrator who was back on his hooves and letting forth a long string of apologies. A loud crack sounded as the servant was viciously slapped across the face forcing their head to twist violently to the side and with a swift kick the noble sent them sprawling on the walkway.

Breathing hard and seething Tasid stood over them a moment before delivering a sharp kick to their side but as he tried to deliver a second his world spun. Slammed into a wall with a blade against his throat Tasid panicked as he looked into the cool and calm face of the mercenary. Sweat began to pour as the blade remained firmly in place and his stony expression never wavered for an instant. Panic now at the highest he had ever felt in his life he opened his mouth to do something unthinkable: ask politely if the mercenary would remove his blade. Words never formed though not out of pride but fear as a handful of guards walked into view and halted along with two other familiar faces.

"You were to remain a speck, a fly on the wall. Silent and a bother to no one." The mercenary general shook his head as he looked at the fallen servant.

"Xerin... I meant no offense, the servant he-"

"You will speak when ordered to."

Fear fought with indignity as Fareed looked the servant over as they tried to ignore the pain in their side and head bowed low to the sultan.

Fareed made no attempt to aid the servant for beckon for others to help them but just stared at them calmly. "You damaged my servant."

"I-I-I ap-ap-polog-i-ize-"

A glare from Xerin made Tasid go silent but his stuttering turned into a tiny whimper. "Compensation to his majesty will be required. Yes?"

"Yes!" Xerin looked at Fareed blankly but the sultan was less than interested and had already waved the servant away while bringing his attention to the mercenary holding Tasid hostage.

Waving his hand idly Fareed blinked slowly. "That will do."

"Yes sire." The mercenary gave Tasid one last cold stare before slowly standing down.

A long held breath left Tasid's lungs when the blade had removed itself and returned to its sheath. Standing aside and firmly at attention the mercenary remained a blank slate as Tasid looked at those watching him.

Fareed looked up from the servant. "Are you enjoying my hospitality?"

"What?" Tasid could not believe this, if this was hospitality...

"You, guard... How many times has this one caused trouble today?"

Standing resolute the mercenary gave a quick nod. "Five."

"I did not!" Tasid kept his mouth shut tightly but glared at the mercenary, the only one with any trouble was the tutor but those were minor.

"Hm. Name them."

Listening to his short list of infractions be repeated to Fareed was all he could do but once it was over the sultan almost shook his head but stopped.

"Quite minor and I would expect nothing less from one such as this. However... It is clear you need more training on controlling your temper and urges, you will learn quickly or those warnings will be rehearsed in the flesh many times until you understand."

Tasid bowed his head lower and looked away. "Yes your majesty."

"Now... Are you enjoying my hospitality?"

He had forgotten that but the look on Fareed's face was quite serious. "You are most gracious your majesty. I want and need for nothing."

"Good."

Fareed said nothing more as he walked away leaving him alone with Xerin who continued to look him over carefully.

"Yes... Xerin?"

"General, Xerin. I want to make a few things clearer since you seem to have a problem with following your orders."

"You can not-"

Tasid realized too late that his old habits and pride had spoken before his brain could control them and a sharp pain glanced through him as the back of Xerin's hand met with his face throwing him to the ground and head spinning.

"First. You will avoid every mare in the city be they alive, dead or nearly. Two. If anyone insults you or does you wrong be it assumed or otherwise you will grin and bear it. Should a slave slander you in your presence you may not act but tell your guard and they will handle the situation or pass it on for consideration. Three. During daylight hours you are restricted not only to palace grounds as agreed upon... But you will also go wherever your tutor tells you before returning directly to your room. You will have no contact with anyone unless ordered by Fareed, myself or your tutor. Fourth. Should you need anything ask whichever guard has been assigned to you. Do you understand?"

Crawling into a slumped sitting position with his back against a pillar Tasid nodded.

"Good. Have you a proper gift to present to your master?"

"Yes."

"What is it?"

Tasid hesitated causing Xerin to slowly form a fist making the stallion cringe and try to form himself to the pillar.

"A gold and ruby necklace bearing his mark made by the finest jewelers in Alzamard, several boxes of incense and-"

"Incense?"

"Frankincense and myrrh."

"Mm... What else?"

"Perfumes and slaves."

"How many?"

"T-Two?"

"Never answer a question with a question."

"Two."

"Two?"

"Yes."

"If that is all you are offering I will enjoy being the one who puts your worthless hide in the grave boy."

"They are of the finest quality! It all is!"

"Your other offerings had better be truly spectacular in quality and quantity or I will be visiting you on the first day."

"I would never dare to insult Fareed!"

"Yet you continue to do so."

"I have done no-"

Tasid let out a yelp as Xerin raised his fist and curled up into a ball and began shaking.

"Tasid. Boy. Allow me to illuminate you on your "position" here. You are a rat. Vermin. You continue to exist because you are useful despite how you try our patience with your foolish antics. You are the smallest of the small, worthless. A bug has more value because at least it has a greater purpose within nature. Try our patience again and you will learn just how worthless your life really is. Personally I would enjoy pulling you apart piece by piece to see what makes you tick but that will have to wait for another time."

"Understood... General."

Xerin looked him over carefully before shaking his head. "Stand up already, you are embarrassing yourself."

Standing upright but unable to meet Xerin's eyes Tasid's face was flushed with fur standing out and ears laid back burning in embarrassment while his tail twitched. The Arabian stallion looked him over one more time before walking slowly after Fareed who had long departed leaving him alone with his blank faced guard. A few servants could be seen trying to hide here and there but their snickering was what gave them away, he had not just been humiliated but also in front of the slaves and servants. Word would soon spread through the palace like wild fire about how he had been laid low like a common peasant. Hatred raged not for Xerin, but Fareed as he glared down at the stone walkway.

"If I kill Fareed they will come for me but not before the peasants lynch me, I will be dead long before Xerin ever gets the chance. The only reason they have not killed me is because they are more scared of Fareed than me. Me! Their rightful lord! Damn them all! There has to be a way! Damn-"

His vision spun for a moment before he landed on the cold stone floor with agonizing pain screaming through his body, gasping for air was nearly impossible as his lungs refused to function. Tasid's eyes bulged in their sockets while fighting desperately to not vomit and breathe as he stared up at Xerin who had a bemused look on his face.

"Does he read minds?"

"Stand him up. Again."

Hauled to his hooves violently and held between two guards his head lolled around as his tormentor shook his head and pulled a dagger from his belt. Stepping forward and moving it till the point was ready to pierce Tasid's robes between the legs Xerin began to make a forward thrust and lift before stopping and quickly pulling away. Looking down a moment he sheathed the dagger.

"Drop him."

There was a small thud as Tasid fell to the floor while the others looked down at him.

"I believe we have an understanding then. Yes?"

"Yes." Tasid nodded with whatever strength he had left and without a second look Xerin walked away leaving him alone once more.

He laid still for a while as his guard ignored him before trying to collect himself and after sitting upright his desire to torture a few of his slaves to death slowly over weeks quickly sprung to mind. That was impossible though and he would have to settle on the little zebra he had found today. Praying hard to any force that would listen he prayed and prayed they would make certain the one was saved just for him. Her life would become a hellish existence and it would last longer than she could imagine.

"There you are..." His tutor took a single look before turning and leaving. "Your lessons will resume once you have cleaned yourself up and changed. You have an hour but will stay late to get caught up on your lessons."

Watching the stallion leave Tasid tried to focus on the fun he would have once the festivities began but most of all when he got home. It would be easy to entice the mare to accept him exclusively thus allowing him to "lock her away" for the duration of events. Fareed had ways of making them compliant other than torture and the one that stood out the most was the offer of freedom.

Tokens would be given out to the visiting dignitaries and nobles for use with the slaves, if the slave was able to especially please their user they would be given a token. Once events had ended the one with the most was allowed to go free with the whole of twenty silver for being the best whore in the palace. Gender made no difference either nor age. This little act kept a few of them quite lively and eager to please while the rest either gave up or died inside but if it worked, it worked.

His own little bundle of joy would be given the same proposition but there was one more catch... Visitors could choose to take a particular slave with them if they so desired, a parting gift by Fareed but only one each just in case supplies ran out. If they did not, they could take more until they did save the "victor."

"I am going to make her life a living hell!"

Author's Notes:

Enjoy! I did, this was a fun one to write and whichever reader talked about structure for multiple characters talking at the same time, well this was my first real chance to try that out.