To a tiny hidden room

Part of Winlay's subconscience knew exactly what type of establishment the Hook Line and Sinker was. Still, standing in the perfectly manicured gardens listening to the music of the string quartet that drifted through the open doors and windows she was able to deny the truth. When Wanda Breaudine led her through one of the open doors that provided convenient access to the terrace and gardens from inside Winlay could no longer pretend.

Inside was a large open hallway with groups of men seated on comfortable couches and gathered around gaming tables, a glittering chandelier with hundreds of tiny flames sparkled overhead and paintings in gilded frames and tapestries were hung on every wall. It looked like some of the finest halls of the Holy Palace that she had seen on her tour except for one critical difference. Everywhere she looked she saw evidence of the establishment's true purpose; the marble statuary depicted men and women engaged in acts of coupling and the paintings were just as sensual in their themes. Even more damning, were the dozens of beautiful young women dressed in sheer dressing robes that barely covered their bodies or provocative gowns cut far too low on the top and much too high on the legs who mingled shamelessly with the guests serving tiny pastries and drinks. Many of these beauties were sharing the comfortable leather seats with the gentlemen, some even draped sensuously over the laps and shoulders of the guests.

"This is a whore-house." The quiet words escaped before she realized what she was saying, she hadn't meant to offend her hostess but the gentlewoman heard her all the same. Winlay didn't even know how to begin to apologize for her rudeness but as she turned to Lady Breaudine she saw the woman's broad smile.

"Not just any whore-house," The grey-haired lady chuckled. "In my humble opinion, the finest whore-house in Telnon." The laughing woman gave no sign of being irritated by Winlay's tactless remark, she took Winlay's hand in hers and added almost as an afterthought. "Although we prefer to call it a Cultural Salon, it sits better with many of our clientele's wives." Winlay could not believe a place like this was operating so blatantly in the streets of the Holy City. She had always imagined that brothels would be squalid places hidden in dark shadows and frequented by furtive clients embarrassed to be seen sneaking in and out.

"I'm sorry Lady Breaudine." Winlay tried again to apologize, but her hostess stopped her with good natured laughter before she could continue.

"Oh no dear, I'm no lady." She smiled comfortingly "In this house, my girls and their guests call me Madam Wanda, out on the streets I'm sure they aren't that polite."

A willowy blonde woman in a diaphanous night-gown of pale blue led a nervous teen-aged boy wearing a white canvas jersey common among seamen up the broad staircase on the far side of the room. The young man's broad shoulders and thick legs looked even larger next to the lithe figure of the woman; they were going to a private room to have sex - for money - somehow Winlay found that added thought particularly disturbing. Winlay blushed and she looked away trying to find somewhere to fix her gaze that would allow her to regain some composure.

"It looks like Rosalind has found herself a shy one." Wanda observed calmly when she saw the cause of Winlay's discomfort. "I imagine he'll be eager enough once he has her alone in her room." Winlay could feel her cheeks burning even hotter than before. Ahead of them on the landing a trio of scantily dressed women not much older than her were giggling happily as they surveyed the men assembled below. When they saw Madam Wanda their mirth vanished and the three of them moved quickly as they headed down the steps to the common area. Wanda waited until they were well passed and then shook her head in disgust.

"Those three know better than that." She informed Winlay as she guided her to a smaller staircase that led up even higher in the great house. "They'd better not let me catch them loitering up here while they wait for their favorites or I'll have them spend a week in the dungeon rooms and see if that doesn't fix their pretty little asses."

The further she climbed the less ostentatious the house became, by the time Winlay reached the top of the third flight of stairs the narrow hallway was plainly painted and poorly lit. The cramped rooms in this part of the house had sloping ceilings, small windows and rough wooden floors. Winlay's guide stopped to light a candle before she moved down the dimly-lit hall to open a plain door to a large linen closet. It looked so ordinary and mundane that she truly expected to be put to work carrying bedding, or folding linens. To Winlay's astonishment, Madam Wanda swung open the back self of the closet revealing a much smaller door hidden behind the stacks of sheets and towels.

"This will be your room." Madam Wanda told Winlay as she unlocked the tiny door to a room that looked even more cramped than the linen closet they were standing in. Winlay had to step carefully through the small opening turning sideways and pulling in her breasts to slip into the hidden chamber. The windowless room was totally dark, and Madam Wanda lit a second candle pressing the bee's wax stick into a pewter saucer before passing it to Winlay. A small bed sat against the wall, and a crude wooden shelf held a earthenware pitcher and several books but the room was empty other than the chamber pot on the floor in the far corner. In many ways it looked like a prison cell, but the narrow bed covered with an old patchwork quilt looked wonderful after the horror of the past day's events. Madam Wanda pressed a heavy brass key into her hand and showed her the locking mechanism set into the wall.

"I want you to lock this door as soon as I leave." Madam Wanda told her. "Don't open it for anyone." The normally soft-spoken woman took her by her shoulders and squeezed them tightly shaking her a little to make sure Winlay was listening to her. "No one, do you hear me?" She asked fiercely and Winlay nodded obediently. "Good girl. The only people who I want to see you will have a key, other than that don't make a sound or open this door for anyone."