On my way to the stables for a visit with Balthus, the morning bustle in the courtyard was split by a rattling crash, shouts, and a man's hoarse screaming.

Hurrying to the portal to investigate, I saw that the portcullis had dropped, pinning a guard's leg. One of the spikes had transfixed his thigh. A few panicked guards were fruitlessly trying to lift the enormous iron grid from his leg. The sergeant thought more quickly and ordered four soldiers to follow him to the wheel.

Looking down from his ashen face, I saw that the spike had severed the main artery, and crushed the bone as well. I knew what was about to happen. I yelled to an apprentice to fetch Master Fox, and another Journeyman with a stretcher. I shouldered the struggling guards aside and knelt by the man, using my dirk to cut a strip from the hem of his cloak. I used this and a small stick to make a cincture, then tore a larger piece to fold and use for a pressure bandage.

As the other men bega...

Our complete library is reserved for full members. To read the rest of this great bondage story, upgrade.

However, all users can read today's featured story.