Chapter 1A: The Tiger and the Hawk

"Well anyway, I do have work to get back to," Regent Tormanin said, "So you go see Toraq and have fun. I'll join you if I can. Now good evening to you, Warden."

"Good night, your excellency," Court Warden Arlin returned. He executed a graceful bow, then padded down a side corridor to the dungeons to fetch Master Toraq, while the Regent made his way to his study to attend to his business.

The Tiger swiped his access card through the reader slot by the door to the dungeon. With a soft whoosh, it slid open, revealing a stone, spiral staircase that led into the depths of the palace. Instead of the usual electric lighting, this area was illuminated by old-fashioned torches set at regular intervals in sconces on the walls. Despite this world's modern high tech society, Master Toraq preferred to maintain his domain in the style of old, as the castle was in the days when people traveled about by carriage, horseback, or on foot. He claims that keeping a traditional dungeon instead of modernizing has an indescribable psychological effect on his charges, leaving no doubt in their minds that they are here for punishment for their crimes. Arlin could not argue with the Hawk's logic. The gloomy ambiance of the entire dungeon level gave even him a subtle feeling of foreboding and despair. But, he also found this area rather comfortable in its old school rusticness. Of course, he would feel differently if he was here as one of Toraq's tenants instead of as a friend and guest.

He reached the bottom of the stairs and stepped into the reception area. It was a small chamber with stone walls of course, and a floor of unfinished wood. There was a large wooden door in the far wall, and to its left was a large wood desk with a soft, leather-bound chair. The desk and chair were unoccupied; apparently Toraq had sent Trish home already. The walls were adorned with numerous paintings depicting prisoners of various species, male and female undergoing a wide array of punishments. All of the scenes, despite being rather macabre also emanated not so subtle erotic overtones. This also enhanced the ambiance of the dungeon, which showed new arrivals that for their crimes, they would not only be subjected to intense punishments, but also that their bodies and lives now belonged to Wardens Toraq and Skara-Bree and their aides.

Since the day shift receptionist was not there to admit him, the Tiger reached into his pocket and extracted an old-fashioned copper key, one of the palace's original master keys. He inserted it into the keyhole in the door and gave it a quarter turn. There was a soft click, then he took a grip on the large iron ring above the keyhole, pulled the door open, stepped into a narrow, dimly lit, stone corridor.

Arlin closed the door behind him and padded down the corridor. The stone floor felt cool beneath his unshod feet, and the air was pleasantly warm, its heat provided by the flickering, sputtering torches that lined the walls. In the distance, he could hear the frequent crack of a whip, followed by a pained yelp and moan from its unfortunate target. It sounded like Master Toraq was still on duty and working late tonight. Then again, the Dungeon Warden was in love with his work and was known to put in a lot of overtime. From the sounds of the victims, Arlin had an idea who Toraq was playing with this evening. As he rounded a bend in the corridor, which opened out into a large chamber, considerably bigger than the reception area, the Tiger's guess proved to be correct. The main chamber, which palace personnel liked to call the playroom was furnished with several large, wooden tables, fitted with iron shackles at the corners. All of the thick wooden floor to ceiling support beams had cast iron rings attached to them. Additionally, there were wooden chairs lining the walls to the left and right. These were also fitted with shackles, and their seats were covered in a loosely woven copper mesh. The far wall had three dark, narrow passages leading back into the depths of the dungeon where the prisoners were housed. Another passage in the far right corner had a sign above it that read 'AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY'. Between the entrances to the cell blocks, shelves and display cases housed an impressive collection of tools crucial for administering the Regent's justice on the miscreants unfortunate to find themselves as guests down here. None of the tools were lethal, or designed to cause serious permanent injury or disfigurement, but they were all obviously quite fearsome, and very effective at administering pain and humiliation on and in a deserving prisoner's intimate areas. That was, of course, Master Toraq's favorite place to focus his energies when giving his charges their workouts, at least those charges who had the assets to get the Dungeon Warden aroused, such as the pair receiving Toraq's loving touch in the center of the playroom.

Suspended from heavy chains hanging from the ceiling, their yellow, taloned feet just barely touching the floor, were two Ornith Crows, the father/daughter team of Beryl and Darlene, whom Denali had arrested earlier that evening for armed robbery. The two birds were bound together face to face with a wide leather belt around their waists. Attending to the Crows was a handsome Ornith Hawk, dressed in nothing but a black leather X-harness. He was circling the shackled up prisoners as he enthusiastically wielded a long braided four-tail whip, landing it with expert precision across their backs, bottoms, and thighs, not hard enough to draw blood, but definitely enough to punish. The powerful wings protruding from his back were spread wide to help him maintain his balance and control, and with each stroke of the whip, his ruddy tail feathers fanned out and lifted upwards to expose his own muscular and shapely down-covered rear.

As he paced around the Crows, Arlin could see that he was thoroughly enjoying his task, as the pink shaft of his cock was fully erect from its sheath. The Crows cried out and moaned delightfully each time the whip caressed their backsides with its kiss of fire. To those not familiar with the eccentric ways of Master Toraq, both prisoners moaning and squirming when one was struck would seem odd. But Arlin was quite well aware of the Hawk's unique methods of administering punishment. Judging by the way Beryl and Darlene's lower halves flexed and thrusted against each other, the Tiger was fairly certain that they were actually coupled together, and Toraq had inserted a stimulator probe into the area between Beryl's sex and ass in order to keep him hard inside his daughter throughout the whipping.

Finally, the Hawk noticed Arlin's presence. He paused in his task, giving the Crows a brief respite from their ordeal, cocked his feathery head to one side, and waved to his visitor.

"Ah, good evening, Court Warden," he said. His voice was gentle and soothing, "Forgive me for not noticing you standing there earlier. As you can see, I was rather wrapped up in my work. I hope that Otter lass who delivered these two fine pieces of tail to me tonight might make a visit down here soon. Beryl and Darlene are proving to be a wonderful treat, and I would like to give her a personal thanking."

Arlin glanced down at the Hawk's erection and smiled, "Aye, I had a feeling you would enjoy prepping your new toys. It appears that I was right."

"Indeed," Toraq agreed, "You know me all too well, Arlin. I am truly looking forward to beginning their training after their trial tomorrow. They are going to make for a fine pair of slaves."

"Hopefully, they will end up with the same owner. It would be a pity to see them taken away from each other."

"Wait a moment," Beryl interrupted, his voice a raspy moan, "Are you implying that all we've been through since we arrived down here has not been a part of slave training? I mean, the whippings, that needle-sharp probe between my intimates, and being forced to engage in incestuous pleasures with my daughter?"

Master Toraq laughed melodiously and gave the Crow a playful slap on his feathery butt, "Ah, no, sweet tail, this has been nothing more than your initial disciplining for your crime. The real training will begin tomorrow after you are brought before Regent Tormanin for judgment and sentencing. And son, I can't even begin to describe the activities that my crew and I have in store for you."

Arlin smirked at the bound birds, "Some of them you may even learn to enjoy and crave over time."

Darlene glared at the Tiger and snapped back, "Like fuck we will! We are not going to become slaves. I just know that our counsel will come through for us and spring us early."

Arlin took a few steps forward and glared back menacingly at the impudent Ornith girl. In one smooth motion, his lightning crop was in his hand and fully extended. The rod hissed in a graceful upward arc and landed squarely under Darlene's tail feathers, striking dead center across her sit spot. With the impact, there was a loud snap, and the girl gave out a pained scream as an intense electric charge rippled through her bottom. This had a side effect of causing her to tense and flex, which caused her father to moan helplessly as her sex clenched tight around his cock; which in turn, caused him to finally unload his hot seed inside her.

Master Toraq's liquid gold eyes were wide as an Owl's, and his beak was half opened in amazement as the two Crows orgasmed together, "I am truly impressed," he said in mock awe, "You, my dear friend have the magic touch. You really should come work with me down here, you know. We would make a legendary team."

Arlin smiled and shrugged, "Well, you got them primed for me, Toraq. I could tell when I arrived that they were both close to the brink already. And as tempting as your suggestion sounds, my place is up top. From each according to his abilities, and all that, you know."

Toraq nodded and patted the Tiger on the shoulder, "Yes, as it has always been and always shall be. Still, you are always welcome down here any time if you are bored and need some entertainment."

The Tiger idly caressed and kneaded Darlene's sore, abused rump and nodded thoughtfully, "I will keep your invitation in mind. And by the way, why are you working alone tonight? Where's the rest of your crew?"

"Ah, I sent them home shortly after these two were checked in. It was a pretty slow night, and I figured that they could all knock off early." He coiled up his whip and hung it on his belt, reached up to unlock the overhead shackles, and unbuckled the strap binding Beryl and Darlene to each other, "As long as you're down here, would you mind helping me finish their initial punishment?"

"But of course," Arlin replied. He stood behind Darlene, wrapped his arms around her waist, and pulled. The girl gave a soft gasp and moan as her father's cock exited from her depths, still hard and dripping a trickle of his seed onto the stone floor, "Where do you want her?"

Toraq gestured to one of the work tables, "Over there is fine. Shackle her down in the invite position." He grabbed Beryl by the shoulder and guided him to a table facing the one he had directed Arlin to. "Get up there, turn around, and kneel" he ordered.

The Crow obediently climbed up onto the table, turned and faced the Dungeon Warden, and dropped to his knees.

"Now, lay down with your arms out, legs spread, and ass in the air."

"Like your daughter, Beryl," Arlin said. Darlene was securely trussed up on the table facing her father. Her breasts were pressed against the hard wood; her tail feathers were spread and raised, and her bottom was thrust tantalizingly high in the air, providing easy access to both her sex and aft channel.

Beryl nodded his head and followed his daughter's lead, presenting his plush butt for Toraq's administrations. The Hawk strutted around behind the Crow, reached between his legs, and yanked out the stimulator probe that had kept him erect throughout the whipping, causing him to gasp and squawk loudly. He gasped again when he felt a taloned finger playfully probe past his southern star and wiggle around inside his nether depths.

"Ah yes," Toraq cooed, "you two are indeed going to be a pleasure to train. It was most kind of you to commit your armed robbery in my jurisdiction. I have been needing a good challenge for quite some time, you know." He removed his finger from the Crow's ass, and stuck it in his beak, tasting his prisoner's intimate flavor.

"Mmmm, you are quite delicious, you know. Now, I have a special treat for you and Darlene. Since we are going to become intimately familiar with your asses, inside and out, we need to get them properly conditioned and receptive."

Arlin chuckled, "Let me guess, the porcupine shaft?"

Toraq winked and nodded his head, "But of course. Only the best for a couple hot pieces of tail like these." He sashayed over to one of the storage shelves and picked up a small glass jar and a pair of rather long and thick butt plugs.

"Ooh, I'm so fucking scared," Darlene taunted, "The big bad dungeon warden is armed with a butt plug. Oh fear, oh dread." The girl's tail feathers fanned out and flirted upward as if she was daring Toraq to use his toy on her.

"Darlene," Beryl interjected, "mind your place, young lady. Remember, we are Master Toraq's prisoners. And considering our current positions, 'tis unwise to mouth off to our master like that."

"Oh get real, daddy," she shot back, "It's not as if neither of us have ever had our bottoms stuffed before. Granted, that shaft is a bit longer and thicker than I'm used to, but fuckity-fuck! Anal play is a major Ornith pastime."

Arlin patted Darlene's rump, chuckled, and cast a knowing glance at the Hawk, "Heh. That's a most grave understatement if ever I heard one. Anal is a major pastime for many Furling species as well. But for you feathertails, your bottom fixation seems more like a major religion."

"Yes yes," Toraq laughed. He spread his wings and flirted his ruddy tail plumage up, "On behalf of all our feathered brethren; Ornith, non-Ornith, and those in between, I plead guilty as charged. Our downy aft ends are our pride, made to be used and abused."

"And the more intense the abuse," Arlin added, "the happier you are."

"Indeed and correct," the Redtail affirmed. On cue, he touched a taloned finger to a red button set in the base of the plug. "You are still young and naive, dear child. For sure you have already known many of the pleasures beneath the tail feathers which our kind hold dear."

He turned his gaze to Beryl, "Am I correct?"

The elder Crow nodded his head, "Aye, master. My daughter is a sexy young Ornith lass who has completed nearly sixteen trips around the sun. Your question is rhetorical."

Toraq gave Beryl a playful swat on the rump, then turned his attention back to the ever defiant Darlene, "But, my tender slaves, I can tell by the look in your eyes and the sweet scent of your fear that neither of you have yet fully embraced our most highly beloved and most intimate passion."

He held the shaft up for the Crows to see. The once smooth surface was now bristling with long, needlelike spikes, like porcupine quills, "Pain beneath our tails is the sweetest pleasure that we can know, whether it is the kiss of the paddle or crop or whip upon our lovely bottoms, or the ecstasy of agonizing punishment coursing through your nether passage."

"No... fucking... way," Darlene protested. Her eyes were wide with pure terror, and her tail feathers dropped to protectively cover her vulnerably exposed southern star. "You are NOT going to shove that up my ass."

"Yes fucking way," Arlin growled, forcibly lifting her tail feathers back up and taking a firm grip on her bottom. His claws dug into her rump, not deep enough to pierce her flesh and draw blood, but still enough to cause the girl to yelp and whimper. "It is not as if you have a choice in this matter. You belong to Master Toraq now, and if he decrees that your rectal chamber is to be pin cushioned, then it will be pin cushioned Slaves do not negotiate their punishments."

"But master," Beryl interrupted, "Won't that thing, you know, kill us? As far as I know, bank robbery is not a capital crime."

"You must trust your master," Toraq advised his slaves, "We will take measures to keep this activity from causing lethal harm or even permanent damage. I have tested the porcupine shaft on myself and my crew, and we are all still alive, healthy, and yiffy as ever."

Arlin released his grip on Darlene's butt and picked up the small jar that the Hawk had taken from the shelf. "This is what will keep you undamaged." He handed the jar to the Hawk.

Toraq untwisted the lid and dipped his fingers into the clear gel inside. "This is what is known as Unicorn Salve. As you are most likely aware, a Unicorn's horn is capable of healing even the most grevious of wounds. And according to legends, Lady Inanna; the Mink herself, discovered that the horn can heal even while it harms."