Talon’s face revealed nothing. The four-foot serf, who was bound to Rator, was used to being seen and not heard. He pitied the poor young woman who would succumb to Rator’s sensuality. “Poor bird thinks her hero is a god. After he despoils her he will forget her .” he mused. Talon had seen this same scene play out for many years. He had been with Rator ever since he had been given as a tribute to the hero for aiding the former’s people defeat a wild ogre that had been bothered them. Back then, the sixteen-year-old Talon had been dazzled too by the strong youthful warrior who offered his help but at a price. A servant was that price. Talon had eagerly let himself be bonded to Rator. Now ten years on the small man burned with a lust that he knew was hopeless even as he watched Rator grow haughtily arrogant over his unbeatable reputation coupled with his sexual scorings. “She will be just another conquest for him and remain untouched by any man afterwards as damaged goods ,” Talon quietly thought.

“Talon, polish my armor tonight so this new enemy will see me and fear me,” Rator said as he reached out to the woman and gently took her hand. “Shall we go to my rooms?” He asked in a manner that clearly indicated it as not a query but an order.

“While she polishes your knob,” Talon whispered to himself as he walked off to do as he was bidden.