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Fates of the Unicorns - Chapter 36 - Choices

_ SPOILER WARNING : If you are new to the story, this chapter contains plot and character development spoilers for the over all story. This is an onging story, and this chapter assumes you know the story and characters._

Rahmor stared at the dark brown dragon standing in his private office. Rahmor had never gotten along with him, and they had had many struggles in the past over private ventures and unintended, and intended insults and jabs. The current argument had started almost a year ago at an exclusive gathering and had been simmering ever since.

"So you once more refuse my offer?" said Jakat.

Rahmor snorted, "If you came all this way just to demand the same unreasonable apology and compensation, you are dumber than I thought. Of course I refuse."

Jakat said, "As I expected. It was my final offer as you well know. If neither of us are willing to back down it must come to ritual combat. We must work together after all, and can not do so as long as this feud stands."

Rahmor agreed, although the timing was not good. He had retired his last slave champion after she had been injured and her replacement, Tamira had not yet accepted her place as his replacement. But perhaps the timing WAS good. This could fit very nicely into his plans. He smiled, knowing Jakat was aware he had no current champion. "I accept then. Why don't we make it more interesting... the winner gets a slave of his choice from the loser. General stock, NOT my harem or slaves that have already been put to work."

Jakat looked surprised. He was well off, but not near Rahmor's level. Rahmor must be confident indeed of his chances to risk one of his prized slaves. Or was it a bluff? Dragons rarely lied, but they were experts at intrigue and misdirection. He grinned a feral smile, "I agree."

Rahmor stood and said, "In fact, why don't you pick out one right now? I assume you will want to look at my unicorn stock..."

...

"Get on your knees, whores!" shouted Nella. She swished her feline tail as she called the unicorn slaves to order. Master was coming, with a guest, and those uppity mares better be on their BEST behaviour.

Tamira knelt on the floor in her usual spot, hands clasped behind her back, head bowed. She suppressed a snort that she even HAD a usual spot in a line of slaves. She was one of thirteen unicorn mares all kneeling and facing the doors to their prison. The dragon... her Master had been visiting often, and training them harshly. She already felt the urge to DO something for him in the hopes of avoiding punishment. She knew he was training them, dominating them... but it did no good to know and understand what was happening. Just like being stalked by a large predator, all it did was make you aware of your impending doom. It had been several days since Master Rahmor had punished her and Sabeth, with Sabeth getting the worst of it by far. Sabeth had recovered, but was unusually silent since then. Maybe she'd finally learned her lesson and wouldn't be such a bitch to all the other mares.

Dana knelt beside Tamira, keeping by her side as much as possible. She simply felt safer next to the big mare. She wished she could get Tamira to see that it was NOT her fault they had all been captured. Most of them were nowhere near the area Tamira's patrol was assigned, but Tamira felt responsible because she was defeated so easily. Dana felt that killing two dragons in hand-to-hand was not by FAR an easy loss. She glanced up as the door open and frowned. Rahmor was leading in a brownish scaled dragon. The last time he brought in another guest it had been that horrible white dragon that tried to convince Rahmor he was too lenient with his slaves. She shuddered at some of the things he had suggested, and hoped this one wasn't another like him.

Rahmor said, "This is my current collection of unassigned mares. That one," he pointed off to Tamira," is off limits, as she was not bought at auction."

Tamira saw Rahmor pointing at her and wondered, off limits for what?

Rahmor pointed at one of the mares at the far end of the line up, "She and others are all available." He stood in front of Dana and put on a bored expression.

Jakat hrmped at Tamira, "Tits are smaller than the others, she's too tall. Wouldn't want that one anyway." He looked up and down the row, seeing them all flinch away at his gaze. Afraid of him. They should be, he was a dragon after all. He snarled at one and saw her shrink back. How fun.

Rahmor snorted, "No teasing MY slaves, Jakat. If you want to scare that one, you will have to choose her... and then of course, win the combat."

Jakat swished his tail and turned away from the frightened mare, "Boring." He suddenly turned and frowned, realising Rahmor has been pointing out mares on this end, while standing in front of one. "Who is that?"

Rahmor blinked and turned to look at Dana, "Her? Just another slave... nothing special about her at all. Others are far more interesting."

Jakat glanced at one with pendants... but doubted the decorations would come with her and moved to examine the one Rahmor had been hiding. He was sure of it now, he could see Rahmor flicking his tail nervously. And this one WAS a beauty. Curvy, sexy... and looking quite nervous and afraid. "I like her..." he said to test Rahmor's reaction...

Rahmor said, "Of course you do... you should like ALL my slaves, I have good taste. That one down there, wearing the pendants on her nipples... she was royalty. I saw you looking at her. It's very humiliating for her to wear her family seal as nipple weights... perhaps they could go with her."

Sabeth kept a still as she could as she was looked over like a choice cut of meat. Her pussy STILL hurt from sitting on that cruel wooden THING. It had been so terrible... staying there for hours and hours, the pain and pressure on her poor sex. She hated Rahmor and Tamira and blamed both for her suffering. She wanted to hurt them back so bad, but she was helpless to do anything. She just knew if she even LOOKED at that evil blue dragon right now, he would throw her back on it. It was still here... a reminder of what he could do to her. Now he was offering her to another dragon? Would he applicate her? If he picked her... it meant he valued her... didn't it?

Jakat looked back greedily, then paused... why would Rahmor make such an offer. Again the distractions. He smirked, "No... I think I'll choose... this one."

Dana looked up in alarm as the finger pointed at her. Choose her? Own her? Was she being sold? She glanced at Tamira who was looking just as worried, but neither of them were willing to speak up. They both knew what would happen to them.

Rahmor said, "Are you very sure... you don't get to make a second choice." He shifted from foot to foot in a slightly nervous gesture.

Jakat said, "Yes, yes, I'm sure. I want this one."

Rahmor sighed and said, "Very well... but you still have to win."

Jakat said, "You don't even have a champion anymore, your last one got beaten badly."

Rahmor said, "Simple bad luck on her part. It wasn't her fault that she was given a faulty staff with a crack in it."

Jakat said, "If you would at least put a MALE into the ring you would have a better chance. Your obsession with females is what caused her to lose. Not some silly staff breaking. My bull is going to tear whoever you send against him apart, and this little thing will be mine. AND you will have to apologise for your insults."

Rahmor snarled softly, "Careful now... if you lose I'll make you eat your words. I have plenty of guards who are quite capable fighters. She is, for instance." He pointed at Nella who stood straighter as she noticed the attention.

Jakat laughed, "Her? My champion is three times her weight, at least. A mere slave guard? You ARE hopeless, Rahmor." He walked to the group of guards at the exit and looked Nella up and down with a snort.

Nella always deferred to dragons. She knew it was what her Master expected of her, but she could see his annoyance so she didn't back down or cower, but stood her ground with a defiant look. She was no mere slave, she was one of Master Rahmor's guards! She was one of his favorites! She could take on some stupid bull. He may have horns, but she had claws!

Rahmor joined Jakat at the doors and opened them, "We are done here. Time for you to go. We will settle our feud once and for all in the arena."

Tamira watched the doors close with dismay. She had fought all kinds of furries, had trained with and helped train new recruits. Tamira had seen enough of Nella to know she knew how to fight, but wasn't as good as she thought she was. Certainly she's not as good as I am! The size difference between a male bull and a female cat like Nella would be a huge advantage. If he got a good grip on her it would be all over. And Dana would be gone! She turned to her friend who was starting to tear up.

Dana was afraid to say anything. She knew Tamira could win, but also knew the warrior didn't want to fight other furries for sport. Didn't want to become one of Rahmor's guards. If she asked her to fight and she said no... what would she do then? Was she being selfish, wanting Tamira to break her oath for her? Dana wasn't sure what to think, but she didn't like the look of that dragon. She didn't want to be taken away from everyone she knew, let alone Tamira who was her only real friend. The only real friend she ever had. Back home she was considered tainted because of those stupid rumors about her family bloodline. Untrue! But it was just enough to make everyone stay a bit distant from her. She quivered at the thought of being brought into another dragons lair. Would there be other unicorns? Would the other slaves ever accept her? Would her new Master do... things to her? Like the white dragon said dragons enjoy? She let out a sob.

Tamira saw Dana's look and her heart melted. She curled her fingers into fists behind her back in anger at the whole of dragon kind. Dana might get taken away because of some... what... a bet? Some sort of fight? He thought Nella was going to be able to fight off a bull? Tamira knew that Rahmor wanted herself to fight for him. Was this his way of forcing her to choose? Would he risk giving away one of his slaves just to trap her? She didn't think he would. One well known fact about dragons was their desire to horde. They never gave anything up that they valued. She realised that it didn't really matter if he planned it or not. Dragons don't back down from a challenge. This fight would happen, and Dana WOULD go away if it was lost. She sighed deeply, knowing she was beaten. She would have to renounce her oath, and that would destroy her. Tamira pulled Dana into a hug, ignoring the other unicorns slowly getting up and watching silently. They were all concerned and looking worried except for Sabeth who strangely looked disappointed and hurt. Tamira dismissed the useless mare and said, "I won't let that dragon take you away, Dana. I'll figure out... something.

Dana nodded with relief, "I know you will. Thank you." She hugged her back tightly, pressing her body to the strong warrior that she just KNEW would protect her.

Tamira eventually pried herself away from Dana, feeling a bit of a hot flush from the tight hug. She fought down some inappropriate feelings as she broke off from the hug. Why did that dragon have to pick Dana instead of say, Sabeth? She hated the idea that it was all being done to manipulate her, but dragons didn't outright lie or go back on their word. Whatever trickery her Master had planned, the fight and stakes were very real. Of that she had no doubt. It was time to figure a way out of this. And for that, she needed to talk to Rahmor. She stood, then walked up to the group of three guards and said, "Take me to the Master."

Nella stepped forward, giving the other two guards a look and said, "You forget your place, SLAVE... we are here to tell YOU what to do, not take your orders!"

Tamira took a step forward and said, "Take me to him NOW." Even with her back to the rest of the cave she could feel the eyes of all the other unicorns on her. Nobody was saying a word.

Nella let out a soft hiss at the unicorn and said, "I know what you are thinking, bitch. You want to fight for your little girl-toy. Master has plenty of other slaves who can do that. You want to see him? Fight me for it."

Tamira snorted, "Fight you?"

Nella said, "Yes! If you can't beat me, then there is no point in wasting Masters time with you! You want to fight for his Honor? You prove you can do it. Right now."

Tamira took several steps back and brought up her fists, "Fine. Make your move, cunt."

Nella ignored the insult with a smirk. She wasn't some hothead who could be goaded into rushing in all angry. She removed her various weapons, all blunt and designed to hurt a disobedient slave but not kill them, and faced the unicorn. She was big all right, and had training, but that was just play compared to a life fighting for ones position in the slave pits. Nella let out a long, angry hiss. She was a predator, and this girl was just a horse. It was time to show her that she was prey. She extended her claws and slashed at the unicorn in long, sweeping motions. She wasn't going to disfigure Master's property, but all prey would back away from the claws and fangs of a predator. All she needed was one mistake, and she would take that horse bitch down and pounce. She had to be careful not to harm the horse. Her Master would not be happy if he broke one of her new toys.

Tamira backed up, ducking the swings and knowing immediately what Nella was doing. Learning the moves of a predatory species was basic training for her unit. Most slavers and thieves were predatory races. Cats, wolves, bears. So she performed as Nella expected, backing away and after a particularly close swipe, feigned a stumble.

Nella saw Tamira misstep with a hoof and snarled, kicking out with her leg in a spin, aiming to sweep Tamira's legs out from under her. But her leg only hit air as Tamira did some sort of hop over her leg. Nella spun completely around as a strong hand shoved on her leg, using her own momentum against her until she was facing away from the unicorn. Before she could recover a hard fist smashed into the small of her back. She screamed in pain, back arching. Pain alone wasn't enough to stop her, she suffered much worse in other fights and she kicked back with her leg, toe claws extended and lashing out.

Tamira didn't expect the foot, but her reflexes were up to the job and she hopped back, feeling the air from the foot as it swiped up dangerously close. It gave Nella time to turn around, face angry and pained but even more defiant and focused. Tamira blocked another kick with her palm, then swung at the cat. Her fist was deflected by a well timed block and so was the follow up. Tamira saw the counterattack coming and moved just enough to take in on the shoulder, the blow painful, but she turned with it to lessen the force.

Nella felt the impact and let out a yowling cat cry of pleasure, her other arm lifting to punch the unicorn right in the nose. She had only a moment to realise something was wrong as Tamira kept turning from the hit, and her other arm came swinging around to slam a fist right into Nella's chest. It was a perfectly aimed blow to her solar plexus, hitting right below and between her breasts. She couldn't even gasp as her lungs locked up and she staggered back, eyes tearing up.

Tamira was surprised to see the cat still standing. She didn't waste time though and quickly stepped around behind the cat to get her into a headlock. Tamira tightened her grip, he felines neck fitting nearly into the crook of her elbow. She tightened strong muscles and pulled Nella back, off balance.

Nella struggled, her feet scrambling at the ground to try and keep upright. The pressure around her neck was intense and her vision began to darken immediately as the blood to her brain was choked off. She grabbed at the air in front of her, unable to focus her oxygen starved mind before her vision became a dark tunnel and she slumped.

Tamira let go as she felt Nella start to lose consciousness, throwing her down onto the floor, watching the cat hit the stone with a painful sounding thud. She waited for Nella to start pushing herself back up, then planted a steel-hard hoof on her back and shoved her down again. Hard. She said, "I'll put you out cold if I have to, but I need you awake to take me to our Master. Do I need to kick your fucking head into the floor?"

Nella gasped in slow breaths, her chest still partially stunned from the punch, her head swimming. She slumped to the floor, knowing she was beat. She let out a soft mrrrow and said, "I'll take you, damnit..."

It wasn't a long walk to Rahmor's private office, but it was long enough for Nella to compose herself. She had to admit that the unicorn was better than she had expected. It had been a long time she she had been beaten so badly. Nella wondered if she was loosing her edge or getting lazy. She felt ashamed at being beaten so badly by a prey animal. She had hardly gotten one good hit in, and even that ended badly when it left her open to a counterattack. She straightened up even with the pain in her front and back and knocked, ignoring the guards at his door. They knew who she was.

"Enter" said Rahmor. He knew exactly who was there, having been alerted to the fight and it's results. He stood on the center of the room and motioned for the door to be closed behind the two slaves as they came into his presence.

Nella made sure to push Tamira down to her knees before lowing herself as well. "Master... I brought you this slave. She wished to speak with you." Nella bowed her head in shame at being made to be a messenger after her own defeat.

Rahmor moved on heavy feet to stand before the two slaves. He reached down and hooked a claw under Nella's chin and pulled, bringing her to her feet and then her toes. "You fought her, slave?"

Nella nodded, "Yes Sir."

Rahmor said, "You lost?"

Nella gulped and squirmed, "Yes Master."

Rahmor said, "She defeated you... made you surrender to her."

Nella managed a nod, knowing it was true. She lost to the damn unicorn. She had been too confident, too careless, too concerned with not damaging her Masters property. Then she felt a strong hand slide between her legs, two fingers spreading her nether lips so a third taloned finger could probe her sex. She groaned, instantly wet and knees quivering. Master?

Rahmor licked Nella's nose and smiled, "There is no shame in losing a battle when it was fought with the best of intentions. Everyone has their place, and you had to make sure Tamira knew hers. You are still my loyal, devoted servant are you not?"

Nella groaned at the fingering and said huskily, "Oh YES Master! I am!"

Rahmor pumped his finger slowly, then withdrew it, "Good... you never fail to please me with your obedience and devotion. Present yourself to my bedchmabers tonight, slave. I'll show you how pleasurable it can be to surrender to a TRUE superior. Now, back to your post, pet."

Nella trembled and nodded happily, "I will Master!" She purred loudly at the thought of a night with her beloved Master and owner. She was so relieved that he was not disappointed in her defeat. She shuddered in pleasure, tail swishing behind her in excitement, her pain forgotten as she left the kneeling unicorn to whatever fate her Master would decide. Whatever he decided, she hoped it would be painful! If it included getting her lesbian cunt pounded, even better!

Rahmor watched his slave go, licking his lips as he anticipated all the things he would do to his obedient little slave. He looked down at Tamira and said, "She understands her place very well. She has devoted her entire being to my service. I am pleased to see you did not hurt her too badly. It speaks well of your skills."

Tamira said nothing, just staring down at the floor between the blue dragons feet. The excitement of the fight was fading to be replaced by a dull ache in her chest and her head. She had stressed over this moment ever since her Master had first made his offer to her. Fight for him. Fight other furies. Be a guard. Hurt her friends. How could she do that? Even if she hadn't taken an oath it went against everything she believed in. She hated the dragon for forcing her into this position. For making her choose her honor, or her friend.

Rahmor closely watched the warrior unicorn at his feet, seeing her will and spirit on the verge of breaking. Sometimes a tool had to be taken apart so it could be rebuilt stronger. He could see that she was finally ready to listen to his offer, and to accept her new role. She would require careful handling right now... he wanted to bend her will, not break it. Harness her spirit, not snuff it out. Handle her badly and she would crack. Handle her right... and she would become what he wanted. What he needed. He looked at her thoughtfully and said, "Do you have something to say, slave Tamira?"

Tamira winced and slowly nodded. She had come all this way, there was no turning back now. Dana needed her... no matter what the cost. She said, "Master... I would like to fight for her."

Rahmor just watched quietly and said, "You can't fight for her."

Tamira jerked her head up in alarm, surprised and dismayed. "What?" she said. She felt a crushing disappointment at her chance to help Dana being taken away from her. She wanted to fight for her, dammit!

Rahmor said, "To help her, you must fight for ME. Your Master. You must be my champion, and that will mean much more than just fighting a single bull for your friend."

Tamira slumped down in relief, letting out a breath. She nodded, and had expected no less. She said, "I misspoke, Master... I mean I want to fight for you... so you can keep Dana as your..." She choked a bit and finished, "...slave."

Rahmor ran his claws along the side of Tamira's horn, watching her flinch but not move away. "You would need to swear your loyalty to me, slave. To fight this battle, and any others I send you to. You would be required to uphold the laws of my lair, and even punish those that break them."

Tamira shuddered, thinking of being forced to fight some poor furry who had done nothing other than have the misfortune to be picked as some other dragons champion. She shook her head. Punish a slave? She knew what Rahmor thought deserved punishments. Forgetting to kneel or say Master or a hundred other minor things. She would have to break her oath to do that. She looked up into the piercing eyes of her Master and quailed... he would know if she lied now. If she said she would do it, knowing she couldn't.

Rahmor led the mare carefully and said, "Tell me, slave... why do you hesitate? What keeps you from doing what I want, and saving your friend?"

Tamira quietly said, "My oath to protect, Master. You want me to break it. I... I don't know if I can." She winced as she realised that wasn't entirely true. She knew that he indeed COULD make her break it... there was no way she could resist forever, with all the things he could do to her. What she knew she could not do was to willingly forsake it. If he MADE her break her oath, it would destroy her. Whatever was left wouldn't be her anymore.

Rahmor nodded, "You are wrong. I do not want you to break it."

Tamira shook her head... dragons don't think like unicorns, or any furry. He just didn't understand! "Master. I swore to protect furries. Find slavers and stop them from taking unicorns, or anyone back to... well... to you. You are asking me to HURT others for your pleasure. I gave my oath to do the opposite!"

Rahmor said, "If you caught slavers trying to sneak a slave out... and they fought back, you would hurt them. Even kill them."

Tamira frowned, "Yes... it was our job. But slavers... criminals... it's not wrong to hurt THEM to protect others. They chose to prey on others."

Rahmor said, "You would hurt furries if it was required to save others. Even if they were unicorns."

Tamira said, "No, I'd never need to. Unicorns wouldn't do that to our own kind!"

Rahmor said, "Some do. Sabeth is my slave because a unicorn named Rickie turned her and other in. Willingly. He now helps to torture and enslave others. Revels in it. If you could have been there, wouldn't you have stopped him from sending all those unicorns into slavery? Even if it meant hurting him?"

Tamira remembered Sabeth telling of the little male who had turned traitor. She had to admit he wasn't the only one. She just didn't like to think about it.

Rahmor said, "It's not that you can't hurt furries... clearly you CAN. You did it before to help others, and you can do it again now, for me. You didn't swear an oath to do or not do specific things... you swore to help others whenever and wherever you could. However you could. To make things better. Even if you had to hurt others to do it."

Tamira said, "But slaves are not criminals! They did nothing wrong!" She gulped and added, "Master!"

Rahmor shook his head, "No, Tamira. It doesn't matter what they did or did not do. What matters is very simple. You can HELP these slaves. Starting with Dana." He crouched down, not going to eye level with the kneeling mare, but closer than standing at his full height over her. He said, "If I ordered a unicorn to be spanked, who do you think they would want to do it. You? My guard Nella who you just fought? Sabeth? That traitor Rickie?"

Tamira knew the answer, Dana already made that argument. She sighed and said, "Me, Master. They would want me to do it."

Rahmor said, "Thats right. Because you would do what needed to be done, but no more. You wouldn't take pleasure in it and hit extra hard or more than was needed. And if you fight for me... you have the skill and the control to drop them without killing them." He let Tamira think on that for a moment, then added the sucker punch. "Even without your oath, don't you think it's your duty to do whatever you can to help others? It would be a sacrifice... hard. But I think you can do it."

Tamira felt a little jolt run through her at the idea. Duty. It's what drove her all her life. She joined the military because she felt she DID need to use her skills to help others. She never diverted from that. The training, the long patrols. The fighting. Seeing the evil furries could do to others. And stopping it. Could the dragon be right? Was she really following her oath by refusing to fight... or... was she running away from her duty to help others in any way she could? She never shied from her duty before. Even when it meant pain and suffering, from fighting to sleeping in the dirt to ambush slavers she never complained because it was expected of her.

Rahmor rumbled soothingly, the sound not entirely reassuring to an equine, but clearly not a growl. "I won't make you break your oath, Tamira. I will work with it. It will be hard for you, I won't say otherwise... but you are strong. I would not have taken you if I didn't see that." He watched her carefully. He saw how she reacted when he mentioned her duty. It was the key. Everything she had done in her life was because she felt the need to serve. To serve her people, to serve furries. To help them. It drove her, and now... it would drive her to serve him. He knew duty. All dragons did. They were equally driven to dominate, and protect the weak. He was equally happy in dominating those dragons under him as he was serving those above him. At his level there were not a lot directly above him, but he enjoyed following the orders of those that knew better than him. As did Tamira. She would learn that he knew best here. They were in his world, and needed to learn the rules.

Tamira fought conflicting emotions. As a slave there was nothing she could do to help Dana, or any of them. Nothing! But if she became Rahmor's champion, his guard... she could help them. She couldn't help them much... but could she turn down the chance to do that? It was her duty to help, wasn't it? Thats what her oath boiled down to. She thought of a small band of robbers they broke up a year ago. Some of them were hard cases, but one was not much more than a boy. She did what she could to help him... knowing he could turn his life around. But in the end it was her that caught him, got him punished. She thought about talking to her commander about it. Her commander. What would he think of her, kneeling before a dragon... she let out a sudden sob of humiliation and shame.

Rahmor leaned in, putting an arm around the unicorn and said, "It's all right, Tamira... you have been strong for them all this time. You will not be punished if you say no... it must be your decision."

Tamira sniffed, crying softly as she leaned into the dragon. She had never shown any weakness, not to the other unicorns in her squad, not to any of the captured slaves she was now penned with. She tried to be a good role model. Somehow it was... easier to show weakness to the dragon. Perhaps it was because he WAS so clearly stronger than her, and he knew it. She pushed away after only a few moments, those few enough to wash away all the pain of her enslavement, all the hurt from what had been done for her. He resolve firmed. She DID take an oath to help wherever it was needed, wherever she could. It would not be easy, or fun... but it was her duty. She couldn't say no just because she found it distasteful, or... because what others might think about her. She knew some unicorns wouldn't understand. But it was ok. This would be her burden.

Rahmor could feel Tamira breaking... her scent... her trembles and twitches... soft gasps and moans... her face flushed as emotions raged underneath. Then her stillness, her muscles tensing as if she were ready to leap up and attack something. He smiled, knowing she was now his. She didn't crack or crumble, but bent into the role he wished for her. She was strong indeed, just as he had hoped.

Tamira rubbed at her eyes and looked up at the dragon crouched over her, "I'll do it, Master." She was surprised how easy it was to say, and she knew that she meant it. She had sworn she would make things better here. In any way she could.

Rahmor took Tamira's head in his hands, holding it firmly, forcing her to look up, her neck bent back as he looked straight down on her. "Slave Tamira... swear your loyalty to your Master. Swear to serve and obey me. To fight for me. To protect me, and all I own. To keep my slaves safe from any others that wish to harm or take them."

Tamira shuddered at the feel of being grabbed and held, the dragons strength and power over her so clearly displayed. She would keep Dana safe. She WOULD protect her. She promised. She licked her lips and said, "I swear, Master." She looked up not with defiance, but with determination.

Rahmor stared back, looking into her eyes... and nodded. "I accept." He stood back up, his tail curling around Tamira's neck to pull her down to all fours, dragging her muzzle down to his foot. "I'll be expecting more from you than the other mares, slave. You will be held to a higher standard."

Tamira nodded, her nose brushing the dragons foot. She knew exactly what he wanted, even without him saying a word and she began to lick in long, firm strokes. She didn't hesitate or skimp but licked like she knew he wanted. She hated it, but it was like being made to do push ups or crawl in the mud during her military training. She wasn't doing this for the dragon... she was doing it because it was her duty... something she had to do so she could protect Dana and her friends. Now that her goals were clear she found it easier to serve. It was almost a relief. She still had no idea what was in store for her... but she no longer wondered what the future would hold for her. She knew. She would keep her friends as safe as she was allowed. She could DO her DUTY. She felt... not happy... no... but like a weight had been lifted from her soul. She could DO this. The dragon was right when he said she was strong. She was! She was strong enough to do what needed to be done.

Rahmor watched with increasing pleasure, reading the emotions in the slave... almost feeling her will harden into it's new shape. She would never be a Nella. Never enjoy enslaving others. Never enjoy punishing or be eager to hurt. But she now accepted his domination of her. Grudgingly and with reservations, but it was a first step. In time, she would take more. His tail pulled her back up to a kneel, and slid off her neck. "Stand, slave Tamira."

Tamira resisted the urge to spit or make a face and simply closed her mouth, her tongue still tasting the dragons foot. She slowly got up onto her hooves, standing at attention as if he were her commanding officer. As tall as she was, she still stared straight into his chest as he stood proudly before her. She swallowed a lump in her throat, feeling oddly relieved and nervous and remorseful at the same time.

Rahmor said, "I still expect you to kneel as a sign of respect, slave. But if I give you an order, or you have duties to perform, you may stand to do them without asking my permission first. So come, walk with me... we have much to do to prepare you for the battle."

Tamira nodded and said, "Yes Master." She opened her mouth to speak, then closed it again, unsure of what exactly her new status entailed.

Rahmor led Tamira out the door and into the long halls of his lair. "You have much more discretion to act than when you were a mere unplaced slave. If you wish to speak, simply ask 'Master?' and use your judgment. If I look like I don't want to hear you, then be quiet. If it is an emergency, you will speak at any time."

Tamira agreed softly and said, "Master?"

Rahmor nodded, and cocked his head in an 'I'm listening' pose.

Tamira guessed that meant she could talk and said, "How long before I must fight?"

Rahmor said, "Several days. You will have plenty of time to prepare." He led Tamira out into the bright daylight, to where his mount Tahet waited.

Tamira froze as she rounded the corner to see the great beast. She remembered being hit by another like it, and they were so large... and so CLEARLY wanted to eat her. She shivered, not used to being so close to it. The ledge it rested on was below the slave cave she had spent so much time in, but she never got close enough to that dangerously curved edge to look at the beast. She saw Rahmor fearlessly striding up to pat the creature, and then saw Chakal kneeling at it's side. She brightened and lifted a hand a bit to wave at her, getting a happy grin in return.

Rahmor snorted and motioned at Chakal, "Bring your sister slave over and get her secured. We are going on a little trip. Tell her not to worry, and go ahead and say hello."

Chakal nodded and said, "Yes Master!" She got up and rushed to Tamira, giving her a quick hug. "It's good to see you... I've meant to visit but have to wait for a good reason."

Tamira nodded and said, "You... you are ok?"

Chakal led Tamira over to the drake who was bust being petted by it's Master and she said, "Yes... I'm good, actually. That... that thing that invaded her body and mind didn't seem to do any permanent damage, and Masters drake... it's just amazing. I always loved exotic animals you know and you don't get much more exotic than this!"

Tamira had ridden it before and was far less than happy to do so again, but Chakal seemed to genuinely like the beast. "I'm glad. We were all worried when he took you away... then even more scared when we found out where he took you. We thought you were going to get eaten."

Chakal laughed and patted the side of the drake which gave an approving rumble. "No, he wouldn't do that. He likes me." She started to work one of the large saddle bags open, gesturing Tamira to get in.

Tamira reluctantly stepped inside, watching as Chakal expertly closed it up and secured Tamira within, only her head sticking out. She said, "So... you are ok then, being here?"

Chakal nodded, then shrugged. "Yes... I mean... I wish I was back home of course. I'd miss Tahet... a lot... but I'd rather be free than a slave. But as long as I am here... I'm glad I'm with him. It's like my old job really... except I'm appreciated!" She shivered a bit... and of course... being raped by her Master. She was surprised how calmly she thought of it. It didn't seem like rape, not anymore. It was like... she was married? No. Certainly not like that! Rahmor didn't love her. He cared for her... that she was certain of, but it was not an equal relationship by any means. Maybe... maybe like one of those marriages of convenience that royalty often do. Where sex was expected, but not looked forward to. Just another job. Something like that. She blushed and thought of her... sessions with Tahet as well. She didn't even know WHAT to call that. The drake was just responding to his instincts on the nights he got randy, wasn't he? She eeeped as the drake started to rise, realising she wasn't paying attention to what was going on around her. She backed up and gave Tahet PLENTY of room, and waved bye to Tamira. She realised she never asked where she was going. She hoped it was something good, but with Rahmor... that wasn't always the safe bet.

Tamira closed her eyes when the drake started to move. She was glad Chakal was ok, but also glad to see her go. She didn't want to tell her what she had done, become one of her Masters pet guards. She hoped Chakal would understand. She kept her eyes closed the whole flight, letting out a yell of surprise when the beast landed with a heavy jolt. Soon she was led out and into a disturbing cavern full of machines and scared slaves.

Rahmor said, "You need a new collar, slave... and a new cap for your horn."

Tamira let herself be led from machine to machine as her collar was removed and replaced. It was an intimidating process, with the massive cutters and clamps that removed her old collar, and the giant pair of c-shaped vices that pressed the two halves of her new collar around her neck, the pressure and noxious coating on the specially shaped ends of the collar making it seamless and impossible to remove without heavy equipment or weeks of sawing at it. Dragons were serious about their bondage equipment! She had heard about how the other unicorns had been put into machines that took the tips off their horns, and others that ground the ends down against each other until they were round and harmless. She snorted. Not harmless, but certainly less deadly than the supernaturally sharp tips they started with. She whined a bit as she was forced to her knees, her head bent forward and horn clamped in a huge vice. A muscular dragon approached with some sort of wrench. The damn thing must be five feet long. She couldn't see well but knew it was being fit to the cap on her horn. The dragon grunted and strained, hitting the end of the wrench with hammer at one point until the cap on her horn gave way with a screech of stressed metal. Her head had turned a bit during the process, the force required having caused her horn to move even in the tight grip of the iron vice. A new cap was put on, the inside threaded to match the spiral of her horn and she was released.

Rahmor led her out, explaining, "This one can be taken off by hand, slave. You will NEVER remove it unless commanded to in preparation for a battle or in defense of my or another dragon's life. Is that understood?"

Tamira nodded, "Yes Master." She felt her new collar. It was much prettier, but more importantly it was lighter and smaller. It was still metal, still seamless and nothing that could be taken off without heavy equipment... but it was much less a burden than the one she had worn before. The red rubies were kind of nice she had to admit.

Rahmor said, "You gave me your promise, you swore your loyalty... I do not fear your trying to kill me. The cap is to prevent accidents. It would be a shame if you, Dana and the other unicorns had to be put to a slow, agonizing death because you accidentally ran me through."

Tamira shook her head, "I'll keep it on Master... I... would they really all die?" She knew if she killed a dragon that she would suffer a terrible fate, but the others too?

Rahmor said, "Of course, slave. Some times slaves are willing to sacrifice themselves to get revenge... but adding the threat of their friends and others suffering for it? That keeps them in line." He led her into the slave auction district as he said, "You are a very rare breed, Tamira. You killed dragons and lived. It was in battle of course, not as a slave... that makes all the difference. Now... here we are."

Tamira didn't even notice she had been brought into a building, too concerned with thoughts of her friends dying on her behalf. Killing Rahmor... she had thought about it of course. A lot. But she knew it would do no good. She would die, and her friends would just become another dragons property. Maybe even a worse one. She was sure it would be a worse one after seeing that terrible white dragon with his ideas on how slaves should be treated. No... they were better off with Rahmor. Like it was better off only having ONE leg bitten off rather than both. She blinked as she saw a large bull before her. Was the fight now? She spread her hooves automatically, tilting her horn a bit at the bull.

The bull flinched back, eyeing the dragon and unicorn warily, then dropped to his knees with a bowed head, hands resting on his knees. They were shaking.

Rahmor snorted a bit, "Tamira... I thought you might want to get familiar with the species of your opponent. This one comes from the same stock as who you will be fighting. You... bull... stand up..."

The bull got up, visibly quivering. He was clearly cowed by the dragon, and even seemed frightened by Tamira, "Y...yes sir..." he stammered. He kept his gaze low, not meeting either of their eyes.

Tamira stepped forward, holding out a hand, "I'm not going to hurt you." She could see his spirit had been broken and looked over the strong creature sadly. This could have been her easily enough. If that white had bought her... would she even have this much left, or would she be a quivering wreck? She didn't want to frighten him any further, but also realised her Master brought her here to learn and wouldn't be pleased if she just left. She smiled at an idea and said, "My... you bulls are big."

The bull nodded and said, "Not as big as dragons..." as he looked back to Rahmor, his tail between his legs. He had been told to wait here for a dragon. He didn't need to be told that he had better do as he was told. He learned that lesson long ago. Obey! Always!

Tamira said... "Would you like to have a little dance with me?"

Rahmor leaned back against the door and watched with interest, wondering what his slave was up to. He had made a mistake here it seemed. He didn't request any specifics on what kind of bull he wanted, so of course they sent the most obedient, and therefore, the most beaten and timid one they had. He wasn't going to have them fight anyway, but Tamira clearly felt bad for the big, broken brute.

The bull looked at the mare in surprised, "Dance? I... it's been a long time... you don't want to hurt me?" He glanced at the dragon again, nervously.

Tamira moved close and took one of the bulls arms, feeling it... pulling him forward. Damn he was heavy, and was well balanced. It took effort to move this one, and he wasn't even resisting. She led him in a series of moves... only vaguely resembling dancing as she pushed him around, tugged here and there... felt his strength and reach and flexibility.

The bull let the unicorn move him about, relaxing as the dragon stayed away. He could do this... it was better than being beaten or... or other things he had been made to do.

Tamira guided the bulls hands to her hips and said, "Pick me up and spin around once... can you do that for me?"

The bull nodded, gripping her waist and lifting, turning around a single time. He was good at following instructions.

Tamira erked a bit at the grip and whooshed as she was set down again. Crap. Not as strong as a dragon, but far stronger than she was. If this bull she was to fight ever got a good grip on her, she would be forced to use her horn or it would all be over. She could hit hard, and knew where to hit, how to toss and throw... but none of that would matter if the bull could pin her down and start hitting her. She was going to have to be very careful, and very good. She patted the bull on his arm and said, "Thank you."

Rahmor watched Tamira leave the bull and return o his side, "Is that all you need?"

Tamira nodded, "Yeah... I can take one of those." She looked back at the bull, "Will... I mean... Master... will you say he was good?"

Rahmor nodded, "Of course. He was." He led Tamira out of the building, handing a few coins to a dragon waiting outside and said, "Very well behaved, I am pleased." He took Tamira back in the direction of his waiting drake and said, "Not all dragons are as... skilled at dealing with furries as I am. That one clearly was broken by a dragon who didn't know how to properly train a furry. He, or she, probably treated him like another dragon... and he suffered for it."

Tamira was quiet as she followed. She again thought of the contrast between the white dragon and her dragon. No. Not her dragon. Her Master. If she was to help Dana, and all the others she better get used to thinking of him as Master. Not that it would be hard, especially after the long sessions he put them through training them to answer, and of course calling him Master. But she couldn't give him any reason at all to doubt her loyalty, so Master he was, and Master she would think of him. Was it a bad sign that she was able to accept this so well? Master. It should be a dirty, foul word... but it didn't seem so bad anymore. It was just... life here. It was how things were. It was still wrong, still terribly wrong to be owned... but the idea of it just didn't have the horror it used to. It was almost... normal.

Rahmor said, "Now... when we get back to my lair I'll explain all the rules of a dragon duel. But there are only two major ones. The first is, I expect you to win. The second, I expect you to win without killing your opponent. The fights CAN go to the death, but a win is considered much more impressive if you can do it without causing death or other serious injuries."

Tamira nodded, "So I can kill him if I am going to lose, but otherwise let him live. Good... I don't want to kill anyone." She wondered if she could actually kill her opponent if it came down to it. To save Dana? TO save all the other unicorns? She was going to have to think about this VERY carefully.

Rahmor could see her hesitation, "If you lose, Dana will be his. You will also be presented to the bull and his owner to be raped on the spot, then taken to be used and abused for a full day. I will have no say in what they do to you during that time. Sometimes... warriors don't survive it. They will try to get you to fight back... and if you draw blood or harm a slave... they will have the right to execute you. If you harm a DRAGON... it will be far, far worse."

Tamira gritted her teeth, "I wouldn't give them the pleasure."

Rahmor said quietly, "They will have Dana there too... are you sure?"

Tamira clenched her firsts, not waiting to even imagine what they could do to her, and Dana. They might indeed get her to strike back. Maybe even get her to do it on purpose to let Dana off easy. She shuddered. Dragons. Who knew what they could come up with.

Rahmor brought Tamira back to his mount, helping her into the saddlebag. "We have much to do in he next few days, slave..."