The interviews, with a surprise!

The waiting was the worst part. Beldan had to meet with almost a dozen initiates before he could start his game with Winlay. The High Priest was traditionally responsible for assigning new initiates to fill the ever changing needs of the Church; even at his best Beldan had paid little attention to his role and allowed his staff to suggest the best assignments for each candidate. This morning, still impaired by the effects of last night, Beldan cared even less than usual. The first few meetings were quick and uneventful. He remembered nothing of who they were, or where they were assigned, the meeting with the initiates were an opportunity to make a personal connection with each and every member of the church but none of these initiates were likely to be impressed with what they saw.

By the time Jerome of Lansing entered for his assignment Beldan had regained some of the charm that had helped him succeed in church politics. He saw that his clerk had officially recommended the handsome initiate to serve the emperor’s consort, accommodating Maria’s request was easy in this case. Any position in the Imperial Palace would certainly please the young man’s father. The boy of course was another matter. His response to Beldan’s question indicated his wishes were very different from the goals of his elders.

“Your Holiness, if it meets the needs of the Church I would like to act as an envoy to the island chains, I believe that the Word of Xelta is not communicated clearly among the islands. I can help them understand how the vision of Xelta; a vibrant Church in the islands would have more impact at reducing the smuggling and pirate activities than all the emperor’s galleons.”

Beldan suppressed the inner laughter that he felt with practiced ease. The boy clearly did not understand that the very smugglers and pirates that he wished to convert served a vital function in the balance of power between the Veertor and Cryn. Beldan listened politely for a minute or two nodding his head reflexively at the appropriate points, but already wondering if Winlay would have the same charming naivete.

“I believe you have a strong case Brother Jerome, however for you to have the best chance at influencing the Islanders, I’d like you to have more experience before mingling amongst them. In a year or two I believe you will be the perfect man to send on this mission.” Jerome was experienced enough in politics to recognize his request had been denied, Beldan could see his face harden as he masked his disappointment. It did not matter, soon this oversized puppy would be lapping at Maria Glendal's crotch, and any noble ambitions he had would be swiftly forgotten. Beldan suppressed the flash of envy he felt before breaking the news to the boy.

“No Brother Jerome, the Church feels that you would best serve its needs serving in the Imperial Palace. You will be able to see firsthand the needs of Veertor and you will be closer to your family and those who wish you well.” Perhaps the added reference to Jerome’s father was indiscrete, but Beldan ended the interview smoothly and Brother Jerome of Lansing was sent on his way.

More mindless meetings with names and faces that meant nothing, each one bringing him closer to Winlay, a pocked marked youth, a plump initiate that he sent home to serve with her village Speaker – he had written a letter of recommendation for the fat girl commending her devotion. Beldan wondered briefly if Father Quinn was bopping the chubby initiate, she had big tits, but other than that Beldan saw absolutely no value in her at all. The further away she was from the Holy Palace, the better as far as Beldan was concerned as he watched her fat ass jiggle as she scurried for the doors.

“Meryl Jonson, from Norwich in the High Marches.” Announced Louis, “The Abbess of the High Marches has written a letter of recommendation for her.” Louis reminded Beldan as the tall fair haired blond with a dancer’s grace approached Beldan’s raised table. He remembered her high cheekbones and confident manner from the initial meeting as well as Louis’ warning about the Abbess. He would not enjoy this beauty, but that didn’t mean that the Abbess had won.

“I see you would like to serve in the High Marches Abbey.” Beldan said as she stood before him, “and the Abbess has spoken well of you as well.” The woman smiled broadly (her mouth would be perfect wrapped around his cock) when he praised her value to the Church. “However,” Beldan continued picking up a random parchment and pretending to reread it carefully “I have received an urgent request from the Island of Mercy.” The narrow face of the initiate paled noticeably, “The Church has decided to assign you to help these unfortunates until more replacements can be found.” The Island of Mercy was a small island dedicated to the care of the mentally impaired who were too dangerous to keep in regular hospitals, it acted as both a treatment center and a prison for citizens who had been sent there as a last resort.

The initiate tried to protest, but Beldan dismissed her with a wave. He wondered how long she'd last on the remote island among the psychotic sex-fiends, and deranged psychopaths that were banished to the Island of Mercy. They'd fight over her sweet body like street-dogs fighting for a bone.

“Go my daughter, serve Xelta with the best of your ability.” Without another word the tall initiate turned on her heel and walked swiftly to the door. Brother Louis barely reached the door in time to open it for her and then said the words that Beldan had been waiting for all morning.

“Winlay Grace.” Finally! Beldan tried not to seem too eager as she walked into his great office. He looked up barely able to conceal his eagerness, but it was not the Sister Winlay he had been waiting for all morning. The young initiate approaching his table didn't have the waves of chestnut locks, large trusting brown eyes and full round breasts that filled her grey initiate’s robes.

A wave of anger washed over him as he realized that he had been cheated of his prize, but before his temper got the upper hand he considered the pretty little initiate before him. He recognized the initiate's crown of golden curls immediately as well as the lightness of her step that reminded him of a girl much younger than what her age must be. This petite little thing had been high on his list anyways, if he played his cards right he'd get to devour Blondie for lunch today and have Winlay for dessert tomorrow.

“Who are you?” Beldan let some of his anger darken his voice as the pretty initiate approached his table modestly and bowed deeply in the "X" of Xelta. She was clearly terrified, which pleased him as much as her pretty little form.

“Your Grace, I must humbly apologize.” Her voice was clear and sweet and he looked forward to his upcoming break with more and more excitement. Oh he'd make her apologize, he'd make her beg for forgiveness before he was done with the little tease, and best of all if he played this right, she blame herself for the whole encounter.

“Get down on your knees.” Beldan snapped and was delighted to see her immediate compliance. Women looked better on their knees in general, and this pretty blonde was no exception. He climbed from his seat with a grunt and walked around the table so he could tower over her for the next part of his questioning.

“What's your name?” He used all the **** of his voice to intimidate the cowering initiate at his feet.

“My name is Mika Saunders.” She twisted her hands together nervously “I'm Winlay's friend and roommate and we must have mixed up our times?” Her voice ended in a slight upward note and she peeked up at him with her blue eyes hopefully. The combination of her clear trusting eyes and sweet girlish voice must have gotten this little minx out of punishment for all sorts of misdeeds when she was growing up. Beldan licked his fat lips as he wondered what it would be like to spank this little 'Miss Sugar and Spice.'

“Hummm, What should be done with you?” Beldan noted her slight tremble as she considered his question. The double entendre was not lost on the young woman, and Beldan wondered how much of his reputation was known to the nervous initiate.