Foreword

 

The slaves were not shackled but there was the ever-present man with the rifle at ground level and another armed man on the roof; other guards carried whips.

The first girl to be branded was dragged over to the brazier and held fast by two men. When the hot iron was placed on her left buttock, Saskia heard it hiss against her cool flesh, saw smoke rise, the girl writhe in agony, before screams reverberated round the walls of the courtyard.

Saskia wondered why the numbing drink that had been given to her when her vagina was pierced wasn't dispensed before the slaves were branded but there was nothing to help them deal with the pain.

When it was her turn, Saskia bit her lip and tensed her body.

She knew she would scream.

When the hot iron kissed her cheek she leapt in the air involuntarily and nearly escaped the clutches of the guards though that was not her intention. She heard her cry as though it came from someone else's mouth.

Aghhhhhh! It was humiliating to scream so loudly but she could not suppress it.

Shamefacedly, she staggered back to her place.

Chapter 1

 

Saskia Norris joined the line feeling very nervous despite the encouraging looks from her parents. Her mother kept waving to her with little flutters of her hand at waist level; imagining no-one else could see the signals.

The very pretty eighteen year old girl was queuing to receive the key to her room having chosen to be in Halls for her first year.

Saskia had enjoyed a cosseted life up to this point and felt she wasn't quite ready to share a flat with other students. Her father, who could easily afford it, had offered to buy her a place in town but she felt that would make her too detached from campus life.

When Saskia got her key and they found the room, her dad's verdict was, 'Adequate, I guess.' His expression suggested he held the opposite opinion. He'd lugged her cello up the stairs and looked relieved to set it down next to the desk.

'Look at the view from this window,' said her mother, trying to find the positives as ever.

And when they looked they saw a perfectly manicured lawn with short white posts and black metal chains around it and ivy growing on the ancient walls on the opposite side of the quad and students bustling about. It was exactly how Saskia had imagined the college would look even before she first visited at the time of her interview.

'I won't be spending much time in my room. I can always work in the Library.'

The room had the basics in the way of mass produced furniture: bed, wardrobe, chest of drawers with a mirror on top, desk and chair, reading lamp, but no en suite facility. Saskia imagined a rush to get in the shower in the morning but as she never found it difficult to get herself out of bed she'd try to be first.

'Should I ask if they have something more spacious, honey?' asked her father. 'You can hardly swing a cat in here what with your cello taking up so much space.'

'Don't you dare,' said Saskia. 'There's nothing wrong with this room.'

'Don't fuss Huntley,' said mum. 'It's all part of the adventure.'

'Do you want a little look round and find something to eat before you go?' asked Saskia.

'She can't wait to get rid of us,' said mum. 'She's feeling perfectly fine.'

***

When her parents finally left her, Saskia went back to her room feeling a little tearful. She didn't feel fine. Her mother knew that but it was part of jollying her along. It was a new experience being entirely on her own and she didn't know if she'd cope. She knew most people put her in the rich kid, spoilt brat category and had no idea she was inherently shy and often lacked confidence. Others saw her as the girl who had everything, school friends said as much, because not only was her family wealthy and powerful, but Saskia herself was a strikingly pretty girl. She was used to people asking why she didn't try modelling or going into movies. In her own mind she accepted she was good looking but her attractive appearance was a mixed blessing, it gave another reason for people to be jealous of her, and often she was dismissed as an airhead.

She knew it was partly the price of being a natural strawberry blonde.

Everyone said her hair was a beautiful colour, but...

Saskia was very careful not to allow the sun to get to her skin and it remained porcelain white and flawless apart from a sprinkling of tiny moles on her left shoulder and one between her breasts.

She turned the key in the door and undressed.

'A figure to die for,' her school friends said. She was lucky in her genetic inheritance, her parents were tall and slim, and she didn't need to diet and exercise as obsessively as many of her friends. Despite being slim she was full breasted.

Saskia took a vibrator from her case and lay on the bed naked.

She began to tease and caress the nipple of her right breast; at the same time she eased the two longest fingers of her left hand between the lips of her pussy and began to masturbate gently.

Saskia thought she must masturbate more than most girls and imagined it was a sign of her loneliness. When she felt vulnerable as she did now she found sexual gratification soothed and comforted her. Yet she felt ashamed that the first thing she did the minute she was on her own was to get out her vibrator. No doubt the other Freshers would be getting to know each other; she imagined the hum of conversation in the common room getting louder as people relaxed with each other, no doubt helped by drinks from the bar.

She was a virgin with little experience of boys.

Her father's over-protectiveness annoyed her at times; at other moments she felt reassured and safe because of it.

Her breathing deepened as her pussy got wetter.

She applied some lubricant and nuzzled her vibrator against her clit. The instrument was flesh coloured, made in the shape of a lusty cock and the head rotated. Saskia started at a low speed and hoped no-one would be able to hear the buzz. The walls that partitioned the rooms were probably thin but not that thin, surely.

But she'd just dismissed the thought from her mind and surrendered herself to the blissful feelings the vibrator was pulsing through her pussy when she heard a rap on the door.

Saskia hurriedly wrapped a towel round her middle and went to answer the knock. She opened a small gap and peered out into the corridor cautiously.

'Hi, I'm Natalie. I'm your next door neighbour. I thought I should say hello.'

An attractive girl with short dark hair and green eyes was standing there with a friendly smile. She had a fuller figure than Saskia but she wasn't fat. There was a gap between her vest top and her jeans and Saskia could see Natalie had a stud in her navel.

'Oh, hi,' said Saskia, trying to sound warm. 'I'm Saskia. Come in. Sorry the place is a tip. I haven't unpacked yet.'

It was then that Saskia remembered she hadn't hidden the vibrator and there it was on the bed looking very conspicuous. It couldn't have been more obvious if it had had a neon light flashing on the end. She stood between Natalie and the bed, shifting her weight awkwardly. 'I haven't even got myself a kettle so I can't offer you a coffee.'

'I've got some wine, only a cheap Chardonnay I'm afraid; shall I fetch it?'

'That'd be nice.'

By the time Natalie returned, Saskia had packed away the vibrator and had pushed her cases out of the way. She didn't have time to dress.

Natalie filled two glasses and handed one to Saskia.

'Here's to next door neighbours,' she said and clinked her glass against Saskia's. 'I seem to have hit the jackpot,' she said.

'Yes,' said Saskia unsure of what Natalie meant precisely.

'You're absolutely gorgeous,' Natalie said.

'Thanks.' Saskia blushed deeply.

'Oh, I'm sorry; I didn't mean to scare you. Trust me with my big mouth. I mean you just have to be the prettiest girl in the whole place. You should be on Television or something. And you're talented too,' she pointed to the cello. 'I'd love to be able to play a musical instrument.'

'I'm very flattered, really,' said Saskia, realising she sounded a little prim.

She reached across for her glass which she'd left on top of the chest of drawers. Her towel unravelled and flopped round her thighs. Saskia covered herself as quickly as she could.

She was aware that Natalie was looking directly at her breasts with an expression of approval. Saskia had come across plenty of lesbians at her private boarding school and thought she recognised Natalie as one of the sisterhood.

Saskia wondered sometimes if she should have succumbed to overtures from some of the nicer girls but she never had.

'It's going to be good having you next door, Saskia,' said Natalie as she re-filled Saskia's glass. 'I'm quite nervous about being on my own.'

'Are you really? You seem so bouncy and confident.'

'That's this stuff,' she held up the bottle. 'Dutch courage.'

'I'm quite nervous myself. I've never been away from home before.'

'That's funny; you look as if you'd take everything in your stride.'

Natalie sat down next to Saskia and put her arm round her bare shoulder.

'We'll stick together, kid,' she said.

Saskia swallowed her third glass of the cloying sweet wine.

'Your skin is unbelievably soft,' said Natalie, stroking her shoulder and the area of her chest just above where the towel covered her breasts.

'Stop going on about me,' Saskia said. 'You're very attractive yourself.'

'You're kind, Sass, but I'm not in your class. Elephantine for a start.'

'You're not overweight. I like your kind of looks and you've got lovely green eyes.'

'Do you need that towel, Sass?'

'No, I don't suppose I do,' said Saskia emboldened by the wine. She let it slide down to her lap then threw it into a corner of the room.

'God, you're beautiful,' said Natalie as if in awe of her body.

Natalie touched Saskia's breasts lightly. 'I saw your vibrator on the bed when I came in,' she said. 'Naughty girl!'

They laughed and hugged each other, both a little drunk.

'Do I get to see you in the nude?' asked Saskia.

'In a minute,' said Natalie. She pushed Saskia gently but firmly onto her back and, lying on top of her, began to kiss her mouth, caressing her breasts with both hands. Her kisses were strong and deep and urgent as if she'd grown impatient with the flirtation that had preceded their physical contact. Saskia was surprised by the passion of the kisses but acquiesced easily enough, felt her nipples harden under Natalie's fingers.

Natalie tasted of the sweet wine.

When the kissing stopped for a moment, Saskia whispered, 'take you clothes off. I want to feel your skin next to mine.'

Natalie stood up and unbuttoned her shirt rapidly. Saskia saw heavy round tits released from her bra; jeans and thong sliding down together to reveal Natalie's dark bush. Her skin colouring was darker than Saskia's; she almost looked mixed race. Her nipples were brown rather than pink, lacking the wide aureoles round Saskia's own, more like pointy stalks.

'Sit up,' said Natalie.

They sat on the bed facing each other with legs intertwined. It was an intimacy that Saskia might have resisted but felt relaxed enough to accept.

They reached across to feel each other's breasts, squeezing, lifting, and kneading. Natalie's were bigger and heavier, Saskia's more pert and perfectly formed but on a smaller scale.

Saskia was content for Natalie to take the lead, bending forward to kiss her lips. Bending forward to kiss Saskia's nipples, biting them gently on occasions.

Happy to obey her when she told her to lie on her back again on the very edge of the bed. Happy when Natalie knelt on the floor and lifted her legs over her shoulders so she could nuzzle her face into Saskia's vagina. Saskia was trembling with anticipation of new sensations. No-one, male or female, had used their tongue on her before.

Natalie began by licking the outer lips of her snatch and Saskia, already wet there, felt her juices flow.

'Nat....' she moaned. 'That's wonderful...beautiful.'

Saskia rubbed her feet down Natalie's bare back as the girl pushed her tongue between her pussy lips to enter her.

'Natalie! Nat...a...lie!' she groaned. 'Don't stop! Oh please!'

Natalie used her fingers to peel back Saskia's outer lips like opening some fleshy exotic fruit to find the kernel; the tip of her tongue discovering her clitoris and sucking on it as though it was the delectable heart of the fruit.

Saskia's heels rubbed Natalie's back as she squirmed in ecstasy, feeling more aroused than ever before. She regarded herself as quite an expert in pleasuring herself but all that paled alongside the intense feelings Natalie's fingers and tongue were producing.

Perhaps that was the answer to her repressed sexuality.

She had discovered by accident that she responded to her own sex.

Was she a lesbian after all?

She thought of all the missed opportunities at school.

***

As things turned out Saskia was soon questioning herself once again.

The following day was an opportunity for the Freshers to discover what kind of clubs and societies were available to them. The other year groups had not yet returned and the newcomers had the campus to themselves. The main hall was filled with various exhibitions and stalls so the Freshers could wander round and sample what was on offer.

Saskia was intrigued by an exhibition advertising Student Promotion of Holistic Health (SPHH). She was examining the written material and photographs carefully when a young man of about her own age appeared by her side. The fine autumn weather was continuing and the boy was wearing a T-shirt, shorts and trainers all in pristine white, looking as though he might have just walked off the tennis courts, except there were no signs of exertion.

Not everyone has the legs for shorts but Saskia thought this boy looked wonderful; it was likely he worked out with weights because his biceps bulged and his tight T-shirt suggested a muscular torso, pecs well defined, perfect six pack no doubt.

'Are you interested?' he asked Saskia. 'I can thoroughly recommend the club.'

She turned to meet his blue eyes and thought how handsome he looked with his thick brown hair and tanned complexion. The overwhelming impression he gave was of health and wholesomeness which no doubt was why he'd been chosen to represent SPHH.

'What's involved?' she asked.

'It's about developing your full potential, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.'

'Wow, that's a tall order!' said Saskia.

'But it works. Improves your concentration massively which helps with academic performance.'

'Really?' Saskia smiled a little doubtfully but the boy didn't look the slightest bit put out.

'That's a proven fact. We've done research.'

He spoke earnestly but smiled in a relaxed way, showing sparkling white teeth.

If they all look as good as this, thought Saskia.

'I'm Ben, by the way,' he said offering his hand.

'Saskia.' She shook hands with him and felt his palm was warm and dry, no stickiness though the temperature in the hall was high and the atmosphere stuffy. She was conscious her own hand was sweaty.

'We're very open about our sexuality and our bodies. We try to get rid of inhibitions and release the natural impulses and instincts that are latent in every human being.'

'Do you mean you're naturists?'

'Naturism plays a part, Saskia, but there's much more involved?'

'I'm a bit self-conscious about stripping off.'

'But you have the most perfect figure...sorry; I didn't mean to be personal. It's just that I caught sight of you from the other side of the hall...'

'Don't apologise,' said Saskia.

'It takes time. I quite understand your reservations.' He smiled very reassuringly. 'Believe me the whole SPHH experience is incredibly liberating though it sounds a little strange at first. Trust me; we're not a set of weirdoes. There's a very well thought-out philosophy underpinning the whole approach. Our Supreme Leader, Louis V Lederman, has written lots of books.'

'I'm not knocking it,' said Saskia. 'Do you use organic foods and herbal remedies, that sort of thing?'

'That's a big part of it. Look, Saskia, we have an Open Weekend coming up. Why don't I drive you down and let you see for yourself?'

'Oh, I thought you'd be on campus,' she said a little warily.

'We have access to this wonderful country house called Rimside Hall, practically a stately home. It's the most perfect setting. You get a psychological lift from just visiting the house and grounds. You'll love it.'

'It sounds idyllic,' she said.

'Please say you'll come. I'd love to show you round.'

'Do I have to pay?'

'You don't pay anything for an introductory weekend. It's just a taster.'

'In that case...'

'You'll come?'

'If you look after me Ben.'

'I certainly will. I'll give you one of Lederman's books to read in the meantime.'

Ben handed her one of the books piled on the table and Saskia read the title: Towards Self-Realisation, True Health and Happiness.

Back in her room, Saskia sat on her bed and flicked through the pages.

But her thoughts were filled with images of Ben in his shorts and T-shirt looking so fit and healthy- and so appealing. Only the day before she'd thought she was a lesbian because of the powerful feelings Natalie had released in her.

They'd slept all night in Saskia's bed. Natalie never went back to her room. They woke up starving hungry and were first down for breakfast.

Now she wondered if she'd responded to Natalie simply because she'd felt lonely and vulnerable being away from home for the first time. It was so comforting and reassuring to have someone taking an interest in her, telling her she was beautiful, and wanting to have sex with her. She wondered if she would have accepted Natalie's advances in different circumstances. Yet there was no denying that Natalie had aroused her in a way she'd never been aroused before. She didn't know how she'd be with a boy. A boy like Ben. Perhaps he'd engender even more passionate feelings.

She tried to imagine him naked.