WAP 53
After this post I am going into hiding from Gorlyn's fan club.
His teeth thoroughly brushed and wearing only his night shirt Gorlyn knocked on Johar-ashe’s door. It would be the last morning he would do so and he kept telling himself he only had to make it through one more day. His mantra was only partially reassuring. On one hand he looked forward to spending time with his master again. Just the thought of being in his master’s presence made the world seem full of light and happiness. On the other hand once Johar-ashe was gone all of Johar-ashe’s duties would fall to him and he very much doubted his ability to fill the older man’s shoes.
“Come in.” Johar-ashe’s voice came through the door and Gorlyn turned the knob and entered.
Johar-ashe was sitting at the window desk fully dressed with small wooden table holding an empty plate of what must have been his breakfast. Gorlyn looked over at the desk and found that the paddles had not been laid out. He felt his palms tingle with anticipation of the pain to come and he realized humiliation would be added to the mix. With his head down he walked over to where Johar-ashe sat and dropped down to his knees.
“Would it please you ashe, for me to fetch and prepare the paddles?” Gorlyn asked.
“The paddles?” Johar-ashes sounded confused. “Oh.” The was a very slight chuckle. “So you are telling me your answer before I have even asked any questions?”
“Please forgive me ashe, but it will always be my answer.” Gorlyn wished his words weren’t true that he had the option of turning down the pain and giving Johar-ashe what he wanted, but he would never betray his master. It would only be one more beating and then Johar-ashe would leave. But just in case this was a lie and Johar-ashe would be his trainer for a longer time he wanted to make himself clear.
“Good phrasing. Next time however do not ask for forgiveness. Instead perhaps say ‘with all due respect’. You should never apologize for obeying your Lord’s will.” Johar-ashe’s response changed for the first time in the five weeks. “Now we have a lot to do before his Lordship wakes. Come with me.”
Johar-ashe got up from his chair and headed towards his bathing room. Gorlyn got up and followed throughly confused. Why would they be going to the bathing room. It was obvious Johar-ashe was already dressed. He didn’t seem to need Gorlyn to bath him.
“Come stand here and face me.” Johar-ashe ordered once they were inside. Johar-ashe then reached down and pulled Gorlyn’s nightshirt up and over his head. Gorlyn instinctively raised his arms so Johar-ashe could remove the garment.
Feeling extremely vulnerable and exposed Gorlyn stood with his arms at his side trying not to shake while he waited for the next order.
Johar-ashe held up his arm and pointed to somewhere behind Gorlyn. “Get in the bath basin.” Turning Gorlyn noticed Johar-ashe’s bathing basin had been filled with lightly steaming water.
Gorlyn had been using the hot showers in the servants wing and had gotten used to rinsing in warm water instead of ice cold. However he did not trust the basin of water before him. Instead of the paddle he would have to now sit in scalding hot water until his skin started to blister.
Slowly he put in one foot and then the other. The temperature was shocking enough that he almost jumped out. Instead of being near boiling it was the perfect bathing temperature. Just like he made every morning for Johar-ashe. Unsure what any of this meant he looked over to Johar-ashe for further instruction.
“Sit down.” Johar-ashe ordered approaching with a bar of soap and a sponge.
“I don’t understand ashe.” Gorlyn spoke as he sat down in the gloriously soothing warm water.
“It is tradition that when a man passes his final test to become a valet he is groomed in proper noble fashion by his mentor. You have just passed and I am your mentor so I am going to bathe you.” Johar-ashe explained in his lecture voice as he applied soap to the sponge.
Gorlyn wanted to relax into the gentle rubbing of the sponge but he didn’t dare until Johar-ashe spoke. “Relax Gorlyn, you will enjoy it more if you do.”
It was enough of an order that his muscles obeyed without thought and he found himself melting into feeling of being pampered. The soapy sponge felt so good as it gently caressed his arms, shoulders, back and chest. His legs and buttocks were equally glad of the attention. For a moment he regretted not having his manhood when Johar-ashe cleaned the area that was left behind. He rather thought he would have enjoyed that twice as much. But then earning a beating for having an erection wasn’t really worth it, better that he didn’t have his manhood.
Once his body was completely clean he leaned his neck against the swooping edge of the basin and Johar-ashe gently massaged soap and oil into his hair and scalp. This time he was certain his manhood would have gotten him in a whole bunch of trouble. He didn’t want to think of the beating he would have gotten for soiling the bath water.
Once out Johar-ashe continued the ritual by drying Gorlyn’s body and hair. The shortness of his hair made that part go quicker then when he normally dried Johar-ashe’s. Wrapped in a towel Johar-ashe ordered him into Johar-ashe’s bedroom. Standing in the middle of the room was a dress uniform a smaller version of Johar-ashe’s uniform.
There was a coat of dark blue coat with white trim around the edge and on the outer flap of the pockets with white brocade on the shoulders. The buttons were silver with a picture of a stag embossed on them. Underneath the coat was the waistcoat in the same shade of blue with white trim and roses embroidered on the vest in a slightly darker shade of blue. Beneath the waistcoat was a crisp white shirt, white cravat and white gloves. Instead of long pants there was a pair of dark black breeches that went ended just below the knee. The breeches would be worn with bright white stockings that had blue roses embroidered in a scrolling pattern along the outside from heel to knee. And finally perfectly polished shiny black shoes. Gorlyn reached out and ran his hand along the outside it was a very high quality fabric.
“This is your new uniform. I got your measurements from his lordship’s tailor and sent them to the Academy. This one was rushed but you will have replacements coming in within a few months. I do not know what his lordship will keep you dressed in since it seems to be some sort of scandal to have you dressed, but no matter what you will have to wear this for any formal Yndisan event you attend with him.” Johar-ashe’s explained.
“This is for me, ashe?” Gorlyn was stunned.
“Well it certainly won’t fit me. You are I have to say still too thin for your own good. Which reminds me in the left pocket is the address of the Academy’s tailor. Should you fill out more and you really should, when your measurements change send word to him and he will have new uniforms sent.” Johar-ashe responded.
“But I don’t have any money, ashe. I can’t order clothing for myself.” Gorlyn protested.
“It will be billed to the estate of the Northern realm and you can and will order clothing for yourself. Lord Neisk is a busy man he doesn’t need to waste time ordering his valet’s clothing. In fact you will also be ordering clothing for him in the future as well and setting up appointments with tailors to pick out the cut, color and style of fabric. We went over this in your lessons remember.” Johar-ashe chided.
“Of course, ashe forgive me.” Gorlyn ducked his head.
“I know you’ve had to take in the same amount of knowledge in five weeks that everyone else gets four years to learn. And you have done admirably. Now if you will allow me to dress you.” Johar-ashe didn’t really wait for approval he simply removed Gorlyn’s towel and started to dress him.
It was a strange feeling having someone else put clothing on him but Gorlyn soon lost the feeling as he was swept up in the most pleasant feeling of what had to be the softest fabric in the world covering his skin. Apparently he got new undergarments with his new uniform. The uniform itself was far less comfortable as it was very tight and very stiff. It forced him to have perfect posture and stand up straight. There would be no more hunching his shoulders to try and appear small and inconspicuous. Not that he could blend into anything wearing such a bright white color.
Once completely dressed Johar-ashe clipped a pin with a dangling charm onto the left lapel of Gorlyn’s coat. “The pin marks you as trained Valet from the Academy and the charm hanging from it marks you as being in service to Lord Neisk. Of course the crest in the middle of that gold thing around your neck will also help.” Johar-ashe commented.
It was then that Gorlyn noticed one difference between his uniform and Johar-ashe’s. His shirt had a low collar and the way Johar-ashe tied his cravat allowed for his kaspern to show clearly. It made him wonder what people would think when they saw him like that. Would his kaspern offend the Yndisans as much as the uniform would offend the Ghuryni?
“Now one more thing we need to go over and then I have something personal to discuss with you.” Johar-ashe’s voice brought him out of his thoughts. “You are in a different position then I was when I became Lord Neisk’s valet. You are the same age as him and have not had the responsibility of his upbringing. You are a true valet and the bond between you and Lord Neisk will be quite different. You will be more than just his servant. You will be his companion, his confident and at times his advisor. It is already obvious he enjoys your company and you have proven by not telling me that secret that you make a good confidant. Now about advice. Remember all the things I made you read about proper behavior for a Lord and Yndsian customs and culture when he comes to you for advice.” Johar-ashe paused for a moment and rubbed his eyes. “I have complete confidence in you and your ability to be the best valet Lord Neisk has ever had. I know you will do what is right by him and serve him loyally. I am honored to now call you my equal. Welcome Gorlyn to the brotherhood of the Valet.”
The little speech was too much for Gorlyn to take in. The responsibility he was going to be taking on had never really sunk into his brain. It was a million times more than what his dev'sleuv training taught him and had taken far less time. He couldn’t bring himself as Johar-ashe’s equal. His kaspern would surely punish him for such thoughts. But he would try to perform the tasks assigned him with equal skill. He wasn’t sure what to say so he simply waited for a cue from Johar-ashe.
“Now that we are equals there is something I have to confess to you. That day when I found you in his lordship’s bed. I was very angry. Not at you but at Lord Neisk. I couldn’t beat him so I beat you. I took all my anger out on you. It was wrong and I apologize and I hope you can help me complete my penance.” Johar-ashe’s voice had emotion for the first time Gorlyn had heard him speak. Except for the day Johar-ashe spoke of in which Gorlyn recognized anger in his voice.
But how could it be wrong to beat me? Gorlyn wondered. Just because Johar-ashe was angry? He had been beaten by someone who was angry, sad, happy, bored, irritated and sometimes just for the pleasure of the person beating him. How could Johar-ashe possibly think himself in the wrong?
“Have you any knowledge of the Ghuryni religious sect known as the Halwin?” Johar-ashe asked again his voice breaking Gorlyn out of his inner thoughts. He looked over to find Johar-ashe holding a cane.
“No, ashe.” Gorlyn answered after a nervous swallow.
“They have a saying that ‘The punishment should mirror the crime’. They also apply this philosophy to penance. They believe you should serve your penance to the person you sinned against. Now I don’t practice the worship of Feltnharad but I do think they are right about that particular practice. So as penance for giving you a severe caning I should be given the same treatment by you.” Johar-ashe sounded nervous now as he held the cane out toward Gorlyn.
It took a moment for what Johar-ashe was asking to sink in and when it did Gorlyn thought for sure the whole world had suddenly gone crazy. Johar-ashe wanted Gorlyn to cane him? Just like he had caned Gorlyn? There was no way his kaspern would let him do that. Even considering it would be painful.
“I am sorry, ashe but I can not do as you ask. Please forgive me and punish me as you see fit.” Gorlyn bowed his head as much as he could in the new uniform. He wanted to fall to his knees but was afraid of getting his white stockings dirty.
“Come on Gorlyn, don’t you want to? Wouldn’t you enjoy having me bent over my own desk, begging for mercy. The same mercy I failed to show you? I will not lie I have been caned before and I have no tolerance for it.” Johar-ashe argued.
Gorlyn couldn’t help but see in his mind the picture Johar-ashe described and as soon as he put himself there holding the cane, the kaspern unleashed its full power and he was writhing on the floor in pain.
“Gorlyn, what’s wrong?” Johar-ashe was kneeling beside him and slipped an arm under his head. Gorlyn was grateful for the arm as his head was knocking hard against the floor and the arm stopped it. “What is hurting?” Johar-ashe asked he tried to find the source of Gorlyn’s pain.
“E..e....v...ery t...t...thing, a....s....he.” Gorlyn stuttered. “P....pl....plea...please....for...for...forg....give.....me.” Gorlyn knew if Johar-ashe didn’t forgive him the pain wouldn’t stop and his kaspern wouldn’t let him pass out to avoid the pain either.
“I forgive you, but you have to tell me what’s wrong!?” Real fear pulsed through Johar-ashe’s voice. As soon as he spoke the words the pain stopped.
“Thank you ashe.” Gorlyn coughed he quickly sat up so he wasn’t using Johar-ashe for support.
“What just happened?” Johar-ashe half asked half demanded.
“A dev’sleuv is forbidden to take anything that can be used as a weapon with the intent of causing harm to a free person. Even the thought of such is worthy of punishment.” Gorlyn recited.
“So you were being punished for thinking of caning me?” Johar-ashe asked sounding as if the notion was absurd.
“Yes, ashe.” Gorlyn answered.
“But who was punishing you? There is no one here but us and I didn’t do it....” There was a bit of doubt in Johar-ashe’s voice. “Did I?”
“No, ashe. It was my kaspern, ashe.” Gorlyn answered.
“Your what?” Johar-ashe answered. Gorlyn pointed to his neck. “Oh that thing around your neck? So it is magical....I didn’t believe it and it punishes you?”
“Yes, ashe.” Gorlyn answered.
“Does it always do it like that?” Johar-ashe was very inquisitive.
“It only punishes me for my thoughts unless I confess them to my master. Or if my master does not punish me himself, ashe.” Gorlyn answered.
“That is one evil piece of gold.” Johar-ashe commented and then stood up. Leaning over he offered Gorlyn his hand. “Come on let’s get you off the floor and dusted off. When you are recovered we will go present you to his Lordship as a fully graduated valet.”
Gorlyn got up without assistance and dusted himself off. “I don’t need to recover, ashe.”
“Let me have a good look at you first.” Johar-ashe insisted, taking off one of his gloves and pressing his hand against Gorlyn’s forehead and cheeks. It was then that Gorlyn noticed the scars on Johar-ashe’s hand. It was criss-cross pattern that went from his palms all the way to the tips of his fingers.
“Ashe, your hand!” Gorlyn blurted without thinking and immediately ducked his head. “Forgive me it is none of my concern.”
“What?” Johar-ashe looked down at his hand. “Oh yes.” He chuckled softly. “You remember I caned your hands when your penmanship was bad?”
“Yes, ashe.” Gorlyn would always remember.
“When I first came to the Academy I could read well but I could barely write my name. It took me three years to get as good as you started out and that was with lessons. I had small palms so they had to extend the strokes out to my fingers and then they started criss-crossing after that.” Johar-ashe explained. “I was careful not to scar you. I didn’t want you to have to wear gloves at all times like I do. Not mention your hands are one of the few places you don’t have scars. I couldn’t bring myself to change that.”
Gorlyn thought back to his first day of training. Johar-ashe had said the he wouldn’t do anything to Gorlyn that hadn’t been done to him. Gorlyn hadn’t believed him. Now he knew he was wrong. Johar-ashe’s talk of penance made more sense now. Johar-ashe had done the one thing he promised not to. Gorlyn did not think any of Johar-ashe’s teachers had beaten him in anger only to correct mistakes.
“I am glad you called me in anger, ashe.” Gorlyn told the older man.
“You’re what?” Johar-ashe looked at Gorlyn as if he were insane.
“I know it not part of valet training but it is part of my dev’sleuv training. I am glad I was there for you to get rid of your anger on so you did not get angry with my master. It is part of what I am here for, ashe.” Gorlyn explained.
“All the same Gorlyn I think I will pay the priestess of Halwin a visit before I leave today.” Johar-ashe put a hand on Gorlyn’s shoulder. “Come I will teach you all the tricks to waking up his Lordship”
His teeth thoroughly brushed and wearing only his night shirt Gorlyn knocked on Johar-ashe’s door. It would be the last morning he would do so and he kept telling himself he only had to make it through one more day. His mantra was only partially reassuring. On one hand he looked forward to spending time with his master again. Just the thought of being in his master’s presence made the world seem full of light and happiness. On the other hand once Johar-ashe was gone all of Johar-ashe’s duties would fall to him and he very much doubted his ability to fill the older man’s shoes.
“Come in.” Johar-ashe’s voice came through the door and Gorlyn turned the knob and entered.
Johar-ashe was sitting at the window desk fully dressed with small wooden table holding an empty plate of what must have been his breakfast. Gorlyn looked over at the desk and found that the paddles had not been laid out. He felt his palms tingle with anticipation of the pain to come and he realized humiliation would be added to the mix. With his head down he walked over to where Johar-ashe sat and dropped down to his knees.
“Would it please you ashe, for me to fetch and prepare the paddles?” Gorlyn asked.
“The paddles?” Johar-ashes sounded confused. “Oh.” The was a very slight chuckle. “So you are telling me your answer before I have even asked any questions?”
“Please forgive me ashe, but it will always be my answer.” Gorlyn wished his words weren’t true that he had the option of turning down the pain and giving Johar-ashe what he wanted, but he would never betray his master. It would only be one more beating and then Johar-ashe would leave. But just in case this was a lie and Johar-ashe would be his trainer for a longer time he wanted to make himself clear.
“Good phrasing. Next time however do not ask for forgiveness. Instead perhaps say ‘with all due respect’. You should never apologize for obeying your Lord’s will.” Johar-ashe’s response changed for the first time in the five weeks. “Now we have a lot to do before his Lordship wakes. Come with me.”
Johar-ashe got up from his chair and headed towards his bathing room. Gorlyn got up and followed throughly confused. Why would they be going to the bathing room. It was obvious Johar-ashe was already dressed. He didn’t seem to need Gorlyn to bath him.
“Come stand here and face me.” Johar-ashe ordered once they were inside. Johar-ashe then reached down and pulled Gorlyn’s nightshirt up and over his head. Gorlyn instinctively raised his arms so Johar-ashe could remove the garment.
Feeling extremely vulnerable and exposed Gorlyn stood with his arms at his side trying not to shake while he waited for the next order.
Johar-ashe held up his arm and pointed to somewhere behind Gorlyn. “Get in the bath basin.” Turning Gorlyn noticed Johar-ashe’s bathing basin had been filled with lightly steaming water.
Gorlyn had been using the hot showers in the servants wing and had gotten used to rinsing in warm water instead of ice cold. However he did not trust the basin of water before him. Instead of the paddle he would have to now sit in scalding hot water until his skin started to blister.
Slowly he put in one foot and then the other. The temperature was shocking enough that he almost jumped out. Instead of being near boiling it was the perfect bathing temperature. Just like he made every morning for Johar-ashe. Unsure what any of this meant he looked over to Johar-ashe for further instruction.
“Sit down.” Johar-ashe ordered approaching with a bar of soap and a sponge.
“I don’t understand ashe.” Gorlyn spoke as he sat down in the gloriously soothing warm water.
“It is tradition that when a man passes his final test to become a valet he is groomed in proper noble fashion by his mentor. You have just passed and I am your mentor so I am going to bathe you.” Johar-ashe explained in his lecture voice as he applied soap to the sponge.
Gorlyn wanted to relax into the gentle rubbing of the sponge but he didn’t dare until Johar-ashe spoke. “Relax Gorlyn, you will enjoy it more if you do.”
It was enough of an order that his muscles obeyed without thought and he found himself melting into feeling of being pampered. The soapy sponge felt so good as it gently caressed his arms, shoulders, back and chest. His legs and buttocks were equally glad of the attention. For a moment he regretted not having his manhood when Johar-ashe cleaned the area that was left behind. He rather thought he would have enjoyed that twice as much. But then earning a beating for having an erection wasn’t really worth it, better that he didn’t have his manhood.
Once his body was completely clean he leaned his neck against the swooping edge of the basin and Johar-ashe gently massaged soap and oil into his hair and scalp. This time he was certain his manhood would have gotten him in a whole bunch of trouble. He didn’t want to think of the beating he would have gotten for soiling the bath water.
Once out Johar-ashe continued the ritual by drying Gorlyn’s body and hair. The shortness of his hair made that part go quicker then when he normally dried Johar-ashe’s. Wrapped in a towel Johar-ashe ordered him into Johar-ashe’s bedroom. Standing in the middle of the room was a dress uniform a smaller version of Johar-ashe’s uniform.
There was a coat of dark blue coat with white trim around the edge and on the outer flap of the pockets with white brocade on the shoulders. The buttons were silver with a picture of a stag embossed on them. Underneath the coat was the waistcoat in the same shade of blue with white trim and roses embroidered on the vest in a slightly darker shade of blue. Beneath the waistcoat was a crisp white shirt, white cravat and white gloves. Instead of long pants there was a pair of dark black breeches that went ended just below the knee. The breeches would be worn with bright white stockings that had blue roses embroidered in a scrolling pattern along the outside from heel to knee. And finally perfectly polished shiny black shoes. Gorlyn reached out and ran his hand along the outside it was a very high quality fabric.
“This is your new uniform. I got your measurements from his lordship’s tailor and sent them to the Academy. This one was rushed but you will have replacements coming in within a few months. I do not know what his lordship will keep you dressed in since it seems to be some sort of scandal to have you dressed, but no matter what you will have to wear this for any formal Yndisan event you attend with him.” Johar-ashe’s explained.
“This is for me, ashe?” Gorlyn was stunned.
“Well it certainly won’t fit me. You are I have to say still too thin for your own good. Which reminds me in the left pocket is the address of the Academy’s tailor. Should you fill out more and you really should, when your measurements change send word to him and he will have new uniforms sent.” Johar-ashe responded.
“But I don’t have any money, ashe. I can’t order clothing for myself.” Gorlyn protested.
“It will be billed to the estate of the Northern realm and you can and will order clothing for yourself. Lord Neisk is a busy man he doesn’t need to waste time ordering his valet’s clothing. In fact you will also be ordering clothing for him in the future as well and setting up appointments with tailors to pick out the cut, color and style of fabric. We went over this in your lessons remember.” Johar-ashe chided.
“Of course, ashe forgive me.” Gorlyn ducked his head.
“I know you’ve had to take in the same amount of knowledge in five weeks that everyone else gets four years to learn. And you have done admirably. Now if you will allow me to dress you.” Johar-ashe didn’t really wait for approval he simply removed Gorlyn’s towel and started to dress him.
It was a strange feeling having someone else put clothing on him but Gorlyn soon lost the feeling as he was swept up in the most pleasant feeling of what had to be the softest fabric in the world covering his skin. Apparently he got new undergarments with his new uniform. The uniform itself was far less comfortable as it was very tight and very stiff. It forced him to have perfect posture and stand up straight. There would be no more hunching his shoulders to try and appear small and inconspicuous. Not that he could blend into anything wearing such a bright white color.
Once completely dressed Johar-ashe clipped a pin with a dangling charm onto the left lapel of Gorlyn’s coat. “The pin marks you as trained Valet from the Academy and the charm hanging from it marks you as being in service to Lord Neisk. Of course the crest in the middle of that gold thing around your neck will also help.” Johar-ashe commented.
It was then that Gorlyn noticed one difference between his uniform and Johar-ashe’s. His shirt had a low collar and the way Johar-ashe tied his cravat allowed for his kaspern to show clearly. It made him wonder what people would think when they saw him like that. Would his kaspern offend the Yndisans as much as the uniform would offend the Ghuryni?
“Now one more thing we need to go over and then I have something personal to discuss with you.” Johar-ashe’s voice brought him out of his thoughts. “You are in a different position then I was when I became Lord Neisk’s valet. You are the same age as him and have not had the responsibility of his upbringing. You are a true valet and the bond between you and Lord Neisk will be quite different. You will be more than just his servant. You will be his companion, his confident and at times his advisor. It is already obvious he enjoys your company and you have proven by not telling me that secret that you make a good confidant. Now about advice. Remember all the things I made you read about proper behavior for a Lord and Yndsian customs and culture when he comes to you for advice.” Johar-ashe paused for a moment and rubbed his eyes. “I have complete confidence in you and your ability to be the best valet Lord Neisk has ever had. I know you will do what is right by him and serve him loyally. I am honored to now call you my equal. Welcome Gorlyn to the brotherhood of the Valet.”
The little speech was too much for Gorlyn to take in. The responsibility he was going to be taking on had never really sunk into his brain. It was a million times more than what his dev'sleuv training taught him and had taken far less time. He couldn’t bring himself as Johar-ashe’s equal. His kaspern would surely punish him for such thoughts. But he would try to perform the tasks assigned him with equal skill. He wasn’t sure what to say so he simply waited for a cue from Johar-ashe.
“Now that we are equals there is something I have to confess to you. That day when I found you in his lordship’s bed. I was very angry. Not at you but at Lord Neisk. I couldn’t beat him so I beat you. I took all my anger out on you. It was wrong and I apologize and I hope you can help me complete my penance.” Johar-ashe’s voice had emotion for the first time Gorlyn had heard him speak. Except for the day Johar-ashe spoke of in which Gorlyn recognized anger in his voice.
But how could it be wrong to beat me? Gorlyn wondered. Just because Johar-ashe was angry? He had been beaten by someone who was angry, sad, happy, bored, irritated and sometimes just for the pleasure of the person beating him. How could Johar-ashe possibly think himself in the wrong?
“Have you any knowledge of the Ghuryni religious sect known as the Halwin?” Johar-ashe asked again his voice breaking Gorlyn out of his inner thoughts. He looked over to find Johar-ashe holding a cane.
“No, ashe.” Gorlyn answered after a nervous swallow.
“They have a saying that ‘The punishment should mirror the crime’. They also apply this philosophy to penance. They believe you should serve your penance to the person you sinned against. Now I don’t practice the worship of Feltnharad but I do think they are right about that particular practice. So as penance for giving you a severe caning I should be given the same treatment by you.” Johar-ashe sounded nervous now as he held the cane out toward Gorlyn.
It took a moment for what Johar-ashe was asking to sink in and when it did Gorlyn thought for sure the whole world had suddenly gone crazy. Johar-ashe wanted Gorlyn to cane him? Just like he had caned Gorlyn? There was no way his kaspern would let him do that. Even considering it would be painful.
“I am sorry, ashe but I can not do as you ask. Please forgive me and punish me as you see fit.” Gorlyn bowed his head as much as he could in the new uniform. He wanted to fall to his knees but was afraid of getting his white stockings dirty.
“Come on Gorlyn, don’t you want to? Wouldn’t you enjoy having me bent over my own desk, begging for mercy. The same mercy I failed to show you? I will not lie I have been caned before and I have no tolerance for it.” Johar-ashe argued.
Gorlyn couldn’t help but see in his mind the picture Johar-ashe described and as soon as he put himself there holding the cane, the kaspern unleashed its full power and he was writhing on the floor in pain.
“Gorlyn, what’s wrong?” Johar-ashe was kneeling beside him and slipped an arm under his head. Gorlyn was grateful for the arm as his head was knocking hard against the floor and the arm stopped it. “What is hurting?” Johar-ashe asked he tried to find the source of Gorlyn’s pain.
“E..e....v...ery t...t...thing, a....s....he.” Gorlyn stuttered. “P....pl....plea...please....for...for...forg....give.....me.” Gorlyn knew if Johar-ashe didn’t forgive him the pain wouldn’t stop and his kaspern wouldn’t let him pass out to avoid the pain either.
“I forgive you, but you have to tell me what’s wrong!?” Real fear pulsed through Johar-ashe’s voice. As soon as he spoke the words the pain stopped.
“Thank you ashe.” Gorlyn coughed he quickly sat up so he wasn’t using Johar-ashe for support.
“What just happened?” Johar-ashe half asked half demanded.
“A dev’sleuv is forbidden to take anything that can be used as a weapon with the intent of causing harm to a free person. Even the thought of such is worthy of punishment.” Gorlyn recited.
“So you were being punished for thinking of caning me?” Johar-ashe asked sounding as if the notion was absurd.
“Yes, ashe.” Gorlyn answered.
“But who was punishing you? There is no one here but us and I didn’t do it....” There was a bit of doubt in Johar-ashe’s voice. “Did I?”
“No, ashe. It was my kaspern, ashe.” Gorlyn answered.
“Your what?” Johar-ashe answered. Gorlyn pointed to his neck. “Oh that thing around your neck? So it is magical....I didn’t believe it and it punishes you?”
“Yes, ashe.” Gorlyn answered.
“Does it always do it like that?” Johar-ashe was very inquisitive.
“It only punishes me for my thoughts unless I confess them to my master. Or if my master does not punish me himself, ashe.” Gorlyn answered.
“That is one evil piece of gold.” Johar-ashe commented and then stood up. Leaning over he offered Gorlyn his hand. “Come on let’s get you off the floor and dusted off. When you are recovered we will go present you to his Lordship as a fully graduated valet.”
Gorlyn got up without assistance and dusted himself off. “I don’t need to recover, ashe.”
“Let me have a good look at you first.” Johar-ashe insisted, taking off one of his gloves and pressing his hand against Gorlyn’s forehead and cheeks. It was then that Gorlyn noticed the scars on Johar-ashe’s hand. It was criss-cross pattern that went from his palms all the way to the tips of his fingers.
“Ashe, your hand!” Gorlyn blurted without thinking and immediately ducked his head. “Forgive me it is none of my concern.”
“What?” Johar-ashe looked down at his hand. “Oh yes.” He chuckled softly. “You remember I caned your hands when your penmanship was bad?”
“Yes, ashe.” Gorlyn would always remember.
“When I first came to the Academy I could read well but I could barely write my name. It took me three years to get as good as you started out and that was with lessons. I had small palms so they had to extend the strokes out to my fingers and then they started criss-crossing after that.” Johar-ashe explained. “I was careful not to scar you. I didn’t want you to have to wear gloves at all times like I do. Not mention your hands are one of the few places you don’t have scars. I couldn’t bring myself to change that.”
Gorlyn thought back to his first day of training. Johar-ashe had said the he wouldn’t do anything to Gorlyn that hadn’t been done to him. Gorlyn hadn’t believed him. Now he knew he was wrong. Johar-ashe’s talk of penance made more sense now. Johar-ashe had done the one thing he promised not to. Gorlyn did not think any of Johar-ashe’s teachers had beaten him in anger only to correct mistakes.
“I am glad you called me in anger, ashe.” Gorlyn told the older man.
“You’re what?” Johar-ashe looked at Gorlyn as if he were insane.
“I know it not part of valet training but it is part of my dev’sleuv training. I am glad I was there for you to get rid of your anger on so you did not get angry with my master. It is part of what I am here for, ashe.” Gorlyn explained.
“All the same Gorlyn I think I will pay the priestess of Halwin a visit before I leave today.” Johar-ashe put a hand on Gorlyn’s shoulder. “Come I will teach you all the tricks to waking up his Lordship”