CHAPTER 1 - The Assignment

Janice Malvern slammed the door behind her and stormed out of the office of the editor of The Daily Bugle, one of the sleazier tabloids of the day. The incandescence of her rage was matched only by the deep auburn of her hair. Her green eyes glinted dangerously; she would show him, the nasty little creep.

It had all started amicably enough, she had been called in to the office by JD as he liked to be known; it was a nickname he had acquired through his love of a certain alcoholic drink. His real name, lost in the depths of time, was Quentin Roberts. He had called her in for a 'chat', which, as I said, began quite amicably. She had done very well in digging the dirt on the government minister and the showgirl and him a proponent of the family values movement. She also had done well unearthing the sex secrets of the vicar and his wife. Where the 'chat' started to go wrong was when he questioned her loyalty and commitment to The Daily Bugle. He thought that she could, and should, have gone for the jugular in both those stories and he felt that the parties had been let off the hook. This was red rag to a bull as far as Janice Malvern was concerned. She told him where he could stick his job and flounced out.

Janice had cooled down by the time she had reached her flat and was working out ways to show JD he was wrong about her. She thought about the story he wanted her to do about this middle-European country, Murchoria, there was rumour of goings on which would embarrass the government if published, seeing that they were hoping for a big arms deal among others things. She had not been enthusiastic about it as it could mean several months away from home and she had things she wanted to pursue at home, but the more she thought about it the more she was determined to do it in order to show him. Of course he wouldn't give it to her now but she would be able to get the name of the Murchorian informant from Abigail, JD's personal assistant. Abigail was 5 feet 4 inches tall with dark hair cut short, very pale blue eyes and with what used to be called an hourglass figure. She was nicely tanned and had an easy outgoing personality and plenty of boyfriends, although no one special at present. What wasn't generally known, in fact Janice was the only other person who did know, was that Abigail was bisexual, and it was with Janice that she had her lesbian relationship.

JD was smiling broadly when Janice stormed out of his office. He knew her better than she knew herself and he knew that she would be looking to show him she could be a top class reporter. He knew that she almost certainly would be looking to show him that she could do the big job; she could go for the jugular. He called in Abigail and told her that she would probably be getting a call from Janice Malvern and that when she did she was to agree to do whatever she was asked.

By the time she had arrived home, Janice had calmed down completely. She set about making her plans, first she invited Abigail over for dinner, which was agreed to. Janice got all the ingredients for the meal prepared and then ran herself a leisurely bath, soaking luxuriously in scented bath oil, removing the light stubble of her pubic hair so that she was all soft and smooth. She lightly sprinkled some 'Charlie' perfume on her breasts, wrists and neck, finishing off with a dusting of talcum powder. She dressed very carefully, getting out her black lacy underwear consisting of suspender belt, thong and half-cup brassiere, the latter allowing the tips of her nipples to show just above the cup. Having put these on she went to her tallboy and took out a pair of nearly black, sheer, 10 denier nylon stockings, revelling in the way they caressed her legs and thighs as she pulled them on. She attached the clasps from her suspender belt, making sure that the stockings weren't wrinkled or twisted. Next she went to her wardrobe and took out her little black dress, this was one of her favourite dresses; she had had more sex through wearing this than with any of her others. It was short, reaching just above her knees and low cut, which allowed her to show a large amount of cleavage. Her long auburn hair she arranged in a tight ponytail starting at the top of her head and allowing the hair to flow naturally down her back. A little light make up and she was ready. The meal wouldn't take long to cook, so she had time to get the ambience right for her seduction of Abigail in order to wheedle out of her the information that she needed.

Abigail arrived at seven o'clock with flowers and a bottle of wine. They kissed each other, on the lips, not cheek to cheek as most women do. There was still a spark there even though they had not slept together for the best part of a year. The meal over and the dishes stacked in the dishwasher, they settled down on the sofa with their wine. Abigail looked quizzically at Janice, and said "well?"

"Well, what?" replied Janice and they both fell about laughing. Suddenly the laughter died and they were in each other's arms kissing and caressing. When they finally stopped for air Janice took Abigail by the hand and led her into the bedroom. There they undressed each other and explored each other's bodies as though they had never made love before. It was difficult to know who was seducing whom but it wasn't difficult to know that neither of them wanted to stop. They were kissing each other's lips, ears, eyes, necks and breasts until eventually they were in the sixty-nine position kissing, licking and sucking each other's vaginas and clitorises. They both experienced numerous orgasms and when eventually they were sated they lay in each other's arms and dozed. After they had rested Abigail once again came back to the question why had Janice invited her for dinner after all this time? And what did she want?

"Of course, stupid of me to make it that obvious. You will know of the row that I had with JD this morning"

Abigail nodded, "I should think the whole paper knows that."

"Well, I got to thinking, that job in Murchoria that I said I didn't want, I've decided to do it. Unfortunately JD won't give me it now, so I thought, if I can get hold of the name of the contact . . ."

"Hold on a minute," interrupted Abigail, "you want me to go into JD's private safe and get you this information? What if he finds out? I'll get the sack for sure."

"Yeah, selfish me, thinking of myself again, you're right, sorry I shouldn't have asked, forget it. Let's make love."

Later, while they were lounging naked in the garden having drinks, the subject came up again. This time it was Abigail who broached it. "I don't know what is going on, but after you had stormed out of the office JD called me in and said I was to give you whatever you asked for. Knowing what a devious bastard he is I'm wondering what he has up his sleeve."

"Well, thinking about it", began Janice, "I think it's probably because he knows I will want to show him that I can be the reporter he wants me to be. But enough talking about him. Come here . . ." An hour later they were both exhausted once more.

Abigail returned to work on Monday and reported to JD that Janice wanted the name of the contact for the job in Murchoria. "Good, good," smiled JD, "I hoped my ruse would get her interested. I'll get you the name of my contact and where she can meet her."

For the next week Janice kept busy with checking travel arrangements. By Friday she was relaxing at home, listening to the radio, when Abigail arrived; she had the information the Janice wanted. "Look," she said, "I have a couple of weeks holiday due to me, why don't I come with you as your photographer? I was pretty good before I took the PA's job."

"I'm not sure, this could be pretty dodgy, . . ."

"Don't worry about me, I can look after myself. Besides you will want someone to watch your back."

Janice thought about it and came to a decision. "OK, but the first hint of trouble and you are out of it, besides you can call up the cavalry if I need it."

JD was all sweetness and light during the following week, his plan was going along swimmingly. Abigail decided that the time was right to take advantage of his good mood. "By the way JD, while you're in a good mood, I'd like to take two weeks holiday from the end of the week. My aunt's arriving from Australia and I'd like to spend some time with her, is that OK?"

"That's fine, just get Jean to fill in, she knows the ropes." JD went to his safe and removed a folder with the information that was required. "Here we are, the contact's name is Elena Sukova and she can be found at the Hotel Excelsior in Borg. It is only a mile or so from the border with Murchoria and she says that she can smuggle anyone into the country".

Meanwhile, Janice was making all the arrangements for the trip, there was just the final adjustment to where they would be staying at the end of the line. Once Abigail came up with the contact name and where to meet she would wrap everything up. Abigail arrived straight from work that evening with the information and Janice got through to the Hotel Excelsior via the Internet and booked them in for ten days, with an option for longer if required.

CHAPTER 2 - Arrest

The girls arrived in Borg and found the Hotel Excelsior. They had dinner and decided to stroll around the town before seeking out Elena on the next day. The town itself was very quaint, with narrow streets and picturesque houses, a bit like something out of 'Hansel and Gretel'. There were all types of shops from delicatessen and confectionery through to the larger department store. They had a very enjoyable evening window-shopping and just plain old-fashioned sightseeing.

The following morning just as they were about to embark on the mission of finding Elena, she found them. They were in the lobby of the hotel when they saw a girl approach the receptionist and say, "excuse me, but do you know if Janice Malvern is staying here?"

Janice stepped forward, "I'm Janice Malvern, and this is my colleague Abigail Simpson, you must be Elena Sukova."

There was a stunned silence before Elena said, "colleague, I wasn't told about a colleague", she shook her head and said "never mind, it is all the same to me, come, I will take you to my house and I will tell you what is to happen". She led them through numerous winding streets which all seemed to be going uphill.

Eventually they reached a charming little cottage set in a small wood. Elena said, "welcome to my home" as she showed them into the front room and pulled the curtains. "We cannot be too careful, you never know who is watching," she added. She explained that she had met JD some years ago when she was in London and that they had become friends and then lovers, so when he asked for her help in this expose she had only been too pleased to help.

Janice and Abigail looked at each other when the word lovers was mentioned and shuddered. The thought of anyone wanting that fat oily slob pawing them was too horrible to contemplate; still there was no accounting for taste. Janice remembered when he had tried it on with her and she had laughed out loud, telling all and sundry what he had said, he had pretended that it was a joke but she knew that he had been humiliated by her rejection.

Elena had laid a map of the local area on the table and was showing them where she would meet them later that evening. The border guards were predictable in their movements and they had three minutes to get across the border and into the scrub on the other side. Once over Elena would take them to a safe house and they could rest for the night. Later during the following day her friend Milo would accompany them around and show them where they can take photographs. He would also get some people to give them information they could print, provided that the informants were not named, as the authorities would find them and arrest them. Attempts by Janice and Abigail to find out what it was they would be seeing were carefully ignored by Elena with the words you must see for yourselves.

They spent the rest of the day making sure that they knew exactly where they were to meet Elena that evening and trying to envisage what the route would be like in the dark; there weren't any street lights in Borg. At nine o'clock they left the hotel and casually made their way to the crossing point. As they approached they saw a figure outlined against the darkening sky, it was Elena. She drew them quickly into the shelter of the trees and signalling for silence led them to a small clearing. She whispered quietly that this was the point of entry into Murchoria, and that when the guards had passed they were to go on her signal. Five minutes later they were on Murchorian soil.

Elena, keeping her finger to her lips for quiet, signalled them to follow her. She led them along a well-beaten track for about a mile. The track ran up to a small lane. Elena turned left along this lane for another mile and there in front of them was a large house, a sort of mansion. She knocked gently on the door and it was opened immediately. This was Milo's home. He welcomed them and said he would get some drinks before they got down to business and would Elena be kind enough to help him, which she agreed.

Just as Janice and Abigail made themselves comfortable, there was a loud banging on the door and shouts of "police, open up". This was followed by a loud crash and about half-a-dozen policemen crowded into the room. They demanded to know who they were and to see their papers. They, of course, had no papers, but they had agreed that if a problem like this occurred they would say that they must have strayed over the border by mistake.

They were placed in handcuffs and taken to the local police station where they were informed they would be before the court in the morning. Questions as to what the charge was and demands to see the British Consul were totally ignored. They were taken back to their cells, which were adjacent to one another. Once they removed all their clothes, they were given hospital style gowns to wear. These they did up by tying three sets of strings at the back. They fell into a fitful sleep holding each other's hands through the bars of their cells.

The following morning, still in the gowns they were given, both were taken into court. There were three judges, a presiding judge and two subsidiaries. The charges levelled against them were read out and absolutely appalled them. The first charge was that they did on the night of 22 June break and enter the home of the Governor of the Prahesh area in Murchoria. The second was that on a date or dates unknown they entered Murchoria illegally. And the third that they were spies employed by a foreign power. They were separately asked how they pleaded to the charges and both replied not guilty, Janice adding that these were all trumped up charges for which she received a stern rebuke from the presiding judge.

Evidence was called for and the police inspector said that on the night of 22 June they had been advised that lights were shining in the home of Governor Lucca and knowing that the Governor was away with his complete household the claim was investigated. On arrival they found that the front door had been smashed in to gain entry, . . .

"That just isn't true" blurted Janice, as she could stand the lies no longer, "we were invited in . . ."

"Be silent, this is doing your case no good whatsoever," this from the presiding judge. "Carry on inspector."

"Thank you your honour, that is just what the defendants claimed last evening, that they had been invited in, but there wasn't anyone to corroborate their claim. They also claimed that they accidentally crossed into Murchoria but they were found two miles inside the border. Further enquiries ascertained that they are journalists working for a British newspaper called 'The Daily Bugle'.

There was a whispered consultation between the three judges and the presiding judge spoke saying that the defendants were found guilty on the all charges. There was a stunned silence before both girls shouted out they were not guilty they were all trumped up charges and that they had not been given a chance to defend themselves.

A loud roar came from the presiding judge telling the girls to be quiet and that the sentence passed on them would be one of life imprisonment. Further, because of the constant interruptions, they would both be given 24 strokes of the cane at the next public punishment session.

It wasn't until later when they were in their cells that the enormity of what had happened came home to them. Their gaoler explained to them that there were no prisons in Murchoria, all prisoners were sold at public auction and it would depend who bought them what would happen. In the mean time she had to get them ready for their public punishment. This entailed removal of their gowns, placing a collar round their necks and fastening their hands behind their backs.

They were allowed to wear nothing but moccasins on their feet. When this had been done they were taken to a room where there were others similarly restrained. Once the names were all checked off, the prisoners were attached to one another by means of chains fixed to the collars round their necks. A leash was attached to the first prisoner and they were led out into the yard. There a drummer boy started beating a drum for them to keep in step with and they were marched through the town, to the square where a platform had been erected.

All through the half a mile or so to the town square people hardly gave the eight naked women a second glance. It was a slightly different story once they arrived at the punishment area. There were groups of people sitting in the seats provided in order to witness the proceedings; most of them were with young children. The parents of these children were heard to say that this is what will happen to you if you don't behave.

One by one the prisoners received their strokes, ranging from six to 15 except for Janice and Abigail who were to receive 24 strokes each. When it came to their turn it was decided that they should receive the strokes simultaneously so they were fastened at each end of the punishment bench. They were bent over the bench and their ankles were locked to the legs of the bench. A strap around their waists was also used to fasten their hands to their sides. One final strap around the neck and they were incapable of movement; they were ready for punishment.

Janice was determined to take a many strokes as she could without uttering a sound. Abigail, on the other hand was praying for all she was worth for the strength to endure it. At the first stroke there was one almighty scream, this from Abigail. And as the strokes rained down her screams got louder and were interspersed with pleas for mercy. At the other end of the bench, Janice got to the third stroke before a whimper left her lips. By the seventh she too was screaming and by the eighteenth begging for mercy. Neither got any mercy.

CHAPTER 3 - For Sale

The following day, still with the marks of the cane on their buttocks and legs, Janice and Abigail were taken, separately, to bathe, with a gaoler in attendance. The luxury of bathing in warm scented water relaxed them somewhat although it was very embarrassing with someone watching all the time. Nevertheless they were allowed a good hour each to wallow and they were also allowed make up.

Although both knew what was in store it still came as a shock when they were gagged, collared and had their hands bound behind them. The moccasins were again put on their feet. Leashes were attached to the collars and with a gaoler each they were led across a courtyard and into the auction rooms. Normally they would have been on display for potential buyers to view, but they were late being brought over. Already a number of potential buyers had gathered to view the merchandise and with the arrival of the new stock many made their way over to inspect. The humiliation of being prodded, poked and fondled was too much for Abigail and she broke down in tears.

It was while she was being comforted that the auctioneer began the proceedings. The first lot was a young girl who was apparently being sold by her family, for a period of five years. She fetched about 10,000 crowns. A man being sold by owner fetched 25,000 crowns.

Now it was Abigail's turn. "Ladies and gentlemen," began the auctioneer, "it is with pride and not a little pleasure that we offer the next lot. This young female is being sold by order of the court, she is a freehold property and as you can see has fine long legs, a narrow waist and very firm breasts. "Trot her round, Rochand, let the people see her in motion." Abigail was pulled along and had no option but to follow at a trot. Her breasts were indeed very firm. The auctioneer was back to the sale, "you will notice also the smooth, firm skin and tight haunches, so come along ladies and gents, what am I offered for this prime piece of flesh."

Abigail just wanted the floor to open up and swallow her. The bidding was brisk, 50,000, 55,000 65,000 and finally 85,000 crowns. "Are you all done? Sold to number 384. Thank you."

As Abigail was led away, she looked back at Janice, tears in her eyes, thinking that she would never see her friend again. There was no reproach in her for the fact that she wouldn't have been in this situation had it not been for Janice, just deep sorrow.

It was now the turn of Janice to be auctioned. "Now ladies and gentlemen, the last animal was a rare beauty but I have to say in all my years selling stock I have not come across anything like this next animal. She is absolutely exquisite. You will note the fiery red of the hair, the radiance of the green eyes, the sculptured nose and chin, the slender neck, the firm breasts and as with the last one, the long legs. Who will start me off at 30,000? Thank you sir, 40,000 thank you madam." The bidding went rapidly along until it reached 120,000 crowns. There was a pause and a voice said clearly, 130,000 crowns. That was it, Janice had been sold and she too was led from the auction room.

Abigail was led along a corridor to a reception area where her handler said, 384 and was told, holding room 3. With that she was put into a small side room, tied to a ring fixed to the wall, and left. She was sobbing quietly to herself when the door opened some 10 minutes later and Janice was led in, she too being tied to the ring next to Abigail. Unfortunately there was not enough give in their restraints for them to touch but both were hopeful that they were being kept together. The next time the door opened there was a young woman dressed in a black riding jacket, white blouse, beige jodhpurs, black riding boots and black riding hat. She had a leash in her hand attached to which was a male who had been in the auction. "Hello, I'm Hannah and I shall be looking after you and taking you to your new home." With that she untied them from the rings, picked up their leashes and led them out to the yard.

Out in the yard stood three horse-drawn wagonettes, all of them without horses. Hannah led them to one, a very ornate carriage with a gold awning on the top and a motif of a lion rampant and crossed sword with a crown over on the sides. The carriage was painted purple. There was a ramp up which they were taken, inside there were rows of plush velvet seats in burgundy. Hannah sat them down and strapped them in place and secured the straps with padlocks. She patted them fondly, got down and placed the ramp under the carriage and then disappeared into a side building.

When she reappeared the girls were so astounded that even had they not been gagged they wouldn't have been able to speak. Hannah was leading six humans, three male and three female. Each one was completely naked except for leather straps around their bodies and heads. Their arms were fastened behind them and they wore bits in their mouths. They were also wearing thigh-length boots. What was different with these boots was the fact that they were heel-less and there appeared to be blocks on the bottom. What was even more sensational was the fact they all had tails sprouting from their rear. There was some sort of mark on each of their buttocks, it looked like a tattoo, but Janice couldn't see clearly.

So this was what JD wanted Janice to uncover, this was the big story. In her mind she was composing the copy. She knew she had to escape; it would be easier without Abigail because she could travel faster on her own. She would make sure that Abigail was rescued as soon as she was able. But this was a great scoop. All the while these thoughts were going round in her mind she was watching what was happening. The six men and women were being hitched to the carriage in twos; male on the left and female on the right, in front of them it was female on the left and male on the right and the reverse again right at the front. The amazing thing was that all were quite docile and moved to where they were put without any fuss. Once all were in place Hannah climbed on to the driving seat, cracked her whip in the air and called, walk on.

The wagon moved slowly and without jerking until they were moving at a steady pace through the streets of the town, powered vehicular traffic always giving way to them. As they left the main part of town Hannah flicked the reins and called, trot. Immediately the pace was picked up and they were trundling along at some speed, probably around 5-6 miles per hour. After about an hour, Hannah turned the wagon into a field and stopped. She jumped down quickly unhitching the ponies and giving them a drink and some fruit, pieces of apple or pear mostly. Once they had been fed and watered they lay down in whatever shade they could find and rested.

Hannah climbed back on to the wagon gave the male prisoner a drink and some fruit before turning to the girls. "I am going to remove your gags so that you can eat and drink. You are not to speak unless I say you can, is that understood?" They both nodded acquiescence. With the gags removed there was a stretching and relaxing of the jaws until they were able to exercise enough control over their muscles to eat and drink. When they too had been fed and watered Hannah told them that they could ask questions, although she would not necessarily give them answers.

The questions came thick and fast. Where were they being taken? What was going to happen to them? Why were they not allowed any defence? Why could they not speak to the British Consul? "Whoa! Whoa! One at a time," she said, laughing. "First, you are being taken to the Contessa du Brioch's stables. You are going to be trained as ponies for the Contessa and your assessment during training will determine where you will be put. As for your other questions I can't answer them as they are legal ones."

Abigail cried out in horror, "ponies, we're to be turned into animals, that's inhuman." Janice was even more determined to escape. She decided that she would play the little miss docile in the hope that they would relax the security.

Hannah was making soothing noises saying that they would soon get used to the situation and come to accept it. "You are very lucky," she said, "the Contessa is considered to be one of the top five trainers in the world and her establishment is certainly the best in Europe. And she fell in love with you both as soon as she saw you and just had to buy you." Tears were rolling down Abigail's cheeks at the enormity of the situation and even Janice was hard put not to sob. Hannah broke in on the thoughts, "I have got to hitch the ponies up and get underway again, if you promise not to scream I'll leave your gags off." They both nodded agreement. "One other thing, there are several species of pony. They are, in order of preference: 1) Racing and Show, 2); Carriage, 3); Brood Mares, 4); Milkers, 5); Transport and 6); Draft. You two are expected to be in the racing or show group."