I did not have the standard Marine body modifications. What had tipped this kid off? “How did you know that I was from the Confederacy?”“Your te...th. You have movie star teeth,” he shook his head, “But you’re not handsome enough to be a movie star. Maybe with those teeth you’re a used car or an insurance salesman, but I’m a kid, I don’t have the money to get the attention of any of those kinds of salesmen.” He looked up again, “We’ve never met, yet you’re using my first name. Your clothes fit. Without a word, he pushes me onto the bed, and puts his hand on my back to hold me still. He tells me to turn around and look at him. He starts to remove his belt from his pants. He asks if I am ready for phase two of my punishment. My heart is pounding, my breathing is rapid, and I am so wet and turned on, I want him to take me now. In order to continue to keep up with the game, I tell him that I am so sorry. He still wants to know why and I can’t answer him. This upsets him even more and he. At last the door loomed over the spiral’s crest. Eldrian stopped before it, set down the girl’s breakfast, and withdrew the key from his pocket. He pressed it into the lock and fumbled with the right way to turn. A dull thunk marked the lock’s acceptance and he picked up the tray before pushing inside. Gloom, of course, greeted Eldrian’s eyes. He stood in the threshold for nearly a minute as he waited for his eyes to adjust. No girl in sight. Not yet, at least. With a deep breath, he strode. I pledge myself to YOU, my Lady. If ... if you accept me."The girl drew herself up, bearing becoming royal. She reached her small right hand out, leaning forward and placing it on Heather's bowed head."I accept you into my service, Sir Knight." No, no. Straighten that arm! That's it! Yes! Just like in the picture!"Heather held her pose, sword held out before her. It was a heavy sword, like all of them tended to be. Not the largest they had, no, but the biggest she could comfortably smuggle back.