Led to the slaughter

The two women sat silent for a bit, contemplating. Then Azella spoke. "Somehow I hope I'm wrong about all of this." Next came the footfalls of Steiner's approaching minions. "Tell no one you know me. Most importantly, don't tell them who I really am."

Dyani smiled weakly. "Don't worry Azella. No one will know."

It was again the two men from earlier, Bert and Boffin, but they were also accompanied by two others. Bert unlocked the cell door, and he and Boffin walked in with the other two following, weapons drawn. "It's your lucky day" said Bert as he unlocked Dyani's tether chains from the wall, leaving the shackles on her wrists and ankles intact. "Steiner wants to see both of you before he decides what to do with you." He dragged the Queen to her feet and shoved her over toward the armed men. Then he unlocked Azella's tethers and dragged her to her feet, urging her next to Dyani with a shove. he and Boffin drew daggers they menaced in the faces of Azella and Dyani. "No funny stuff, or we'll stick you like pigs."

Azella knew this was just a threat to keep them both in line. If they harmed the Queen, Steiner would probably have their heads on a platter for it. He tolerated very little from his men. Those who stepped out of line were usually dispatched very quickly. "Where are you taking us?" she asked.

"Steiner's throwing a party, and you're the invited guests" Boffin smirked evilly. "We're all going to take turns dancing with you." He did a little jig for added effect.

"All right, enough chit chat" said Bert. "Let's get moving." He and Boffin led the way down the dark halls. Dyani and Azella were in the middle, followed by the two heavily armed thugs. They walked through a labyrinth of twisting grey stone corridors.

Azella tried to notice any distinguishing marks as they walked through the halls in case they had a chance sometime later to escape. They passed by various rooms along the way filled with various **** devices. Steiner was also known for training the best quality slaves money could buy. Yet he often kept those to himself, adding them to his own personal harem.

Finally they arrived at great door which Boffin unlocked and slowly swung open with some effort. There before them lay a brightly lit flight of stairs that climbed upward. The two women were herded through the door and up the steps. The landing at the top of the stairs revealed a huge stone archway that opened into a sizable antechamber. At the far end of the chamber sat Steiner in a makeshift throne. To his left sat none other than Trimon himself on his own personal makeshift throne. Steiner's men were on one side of the chamber while Trimon's were on the other. They were lined up as if forming an isle for the Queen and her procession to walk down.

The procession of thugs and women approached the two thrones. Then the thugs departed for their respective sides of the isle, leaving the two women alone before Steiner and Trimon.

"I offer you greetings, Queen Dyani" said Steiner with a wry smile. "Welcome to my humble abode." He turned his gaze toward Azella. "My apologizes for the way my men treated you. You are quite a rare beauty the likes that I have never seen before." He motioned to Boffin and Bert. "Unshackle them."

The two men stepped forward and unlocked the shackles from both women's wrists and ankles. Then they returned to their place in line.

"However, it is of little consequence your dress was ripped, since you'll be losing it any way" Steiner's tongue wagged. "Both of you take off your clothes. We can have a more amiable and agreeable conversation once you're naked."