Date: Mon, 4 Dec 2023 16:57:01 -0700 From: tarzan Subject: Tarzan and the Dance of Dominance - Chapter 15 Disclaimer: I do not own Tarzan or related characters and am not making a profit from sharing this story here. The character was created by Edgar Rice Burroughs and is now in the public domain. Any similarity between the characters in this story and real people is entirely coincidental and incredibly hot. I always appreciate your feedback and would love to hear your ideas. Please support Nifty with donations of any size to help them provide a platform for so many fascinating stories. Please use this link to donate: http://donate.nifty.org/. Chapter 15: The Spoils of Victory -------------------------------- (c) tarzanstud1@gmail.com * * * * * Chapter 15 -- The Spoils of Victory The market square buzzed with jubilation as Lord Hastings, flanked by his retinue, departed from the auction venue. The crowd, a mix of onlookers and bidders, erupted into a chorus of congratulatory cheers. Lord Hastings, an aura of satisfaction enveloping him, acknowledged the crowd with a nod, his expression a blend of triumph and reserved delight. Mr. Blackwood and Worthington, the other bidders, stood among the gathering, discussing the turn of events animatedly. Their expressions varied -- Worthington appeared resigned but amiable, while Blackwood seemed disappointed yet determined. As Lord Hastings made his way through the throng, some market-goers caught glimpses of Tarzan, now property bound to the victor. Excitement rippled through the crowd at the sight of the fabled Tarzan, now seemingly destined for a new chapter under Lord Hastings' ownership. The atmosphere crackled with curiosity and anticipation. "The jungle's king is headed to Lord Hastings' estate," marveled one in the crowd. "Seems the jungle's mightiest will be serving the lord now," laughed a villager. "What madness! The king bowing to a lord?" Meanwhile, various individuals traded speculations and comments about the auction, the high-stakes bidding, and the potential implications of Tarzan's new status. They whispered in hushed tones about the Lord's intentions, while others expressed admiration for his successful bid. "Hastings will rule the wilds through the jungle's own champion," one ventured. "They say Lord Hastings will have him plow his fields, just like a common laborer!" "I reckon it's a show of grandeur. A king as a servant--quite the spectacle, I'd say," said a third from the crowd. "It's like a tale out of the ancient scrolls, seeing the jungle's sovereign at the beck and call of a lord." The whispers grew louder and bolder as the villagers speculated on Tarzan's newfound destiny. In the midst of this vibrant scene, the triumphant Lord Hastings maintained a composed and dignified demeanor, his gaze fixed ahead as he navigated through the bustling market, flanked by his entourage, signaling a consequential turning point that would shape Tarzan's future. * * * * * Soon enough, the sun set, casting a golden glow over the jungle as the crowd dispersed from the auction clearing. The air was alive with chatter and celebration, the victorious bidders reveling in their success. Among them, Lord Hastings stood tall, a triumphant glint in his eyes as he accepted congratulations from fellow attendees. As the festivities commenced, drums echoed through the night, beckoning villagers and attendees to join in the jubilation. Fires crackled, casting dancing shadows across the makeshift gathering. Villagers and bidders alike shared stories and toasted to their fortunes. Tarzan's fate was the topic of every conversation. Whispers of speculation mingled with laughter and music. The villagers marveled at the extraordinary auction, their voices a symphony of excitement. Lord Hastings, the proud victor, hosted an impromptu feast in the midst of the festivities. Tables overflowed with fruits, meats, and exotic dishes brought from distant lands. His guests toasted to his successful bid and speculated about the future of the mysterious captive. Amidst the revelry, a sense of anticipation lingered in the air. Tarzan's destiny had become the talk of the region, and whispers of the jungle's king being under the command of Lord Hastings stirred imaginations, attracting more and more crowds to the village to see if the whispers were true. Lord Hastings sneered at his new slave as the chains that bound Tarzan clinked with every step, echoing the uncertain path that now lay before him. "Tarzan," Lord Hastings addressed him, his voice tinged with an air of authority, "You are now under my employ. You shall serve me faithfully, and in return, you shall be granted certain privileges." Tarzan's gaze, fierce and unwavering, met Lord Harrington's with a silent acknowledgment of their newfound arrangement. He understood the precarious nature of his situation, and though bound, his spirit remained untamed. Meanwhile, the disappointed club owner, Mr. Blackwood, observed from a distance, his dissatisfaction evident in the lines etched on his face. He approached Lord Harrington, a cunning gleam in his eyes. "Lord Hastings, I see the potential in this... acquisition," Mr. Blackwood began, choosing his words with calculated precision. "Perhaps we can strike a mutually beneficial arrangement. Tarzan's strength could serve my club well, providing a unique spectacle for my patrons." Lord Hastings listened to Blackwood and considered the proposal, his mind working through the possibilities. "You speak wisely, Mr. Blackwood," said the measured and calculating Lord Hastings. "Tarzan's abilities are indeed extraordinary, and it would be a shame to confine them to one domain." After a moment of contemplation, Hastings invited Blackwood to meet him at his estate to discuss the details of a mutually beneficial deal. By day, Tarzan would labor in Lord Harrington's fields and mines, his strength harnessed for the benefit of his estate. By night, he would be transported to Mr. Blackwood's club, where he would be displayed as a living marvel, captivating the audience with his untamed prowess. As the arrangement took shape, Tarzan found himself at the intersection of two disparate worlds, his destiny now intertwined with the ambitions of Lord Harrington and Mr. Blackwood. As the night wore on, the celebration reached its peak. Drums throbbed, fires blazed, and laughter filled the jungle. Lord Hastings looked on, the weight of his victory settling upon him as he anticipated the dawn that would bring the beginning of a new chapter in his estate's history. The celebration, a tapestry of joy and excitement, continued long into the night, marking the end of an auction that had set Tarzan's destiny on a new and uncertain path. * * * * * As the festivities raged on, preparations were swiftly made for Lord Hastings' departure with his new asset. Tarzan, now seemingly resigned to his temporary fate, found himself physically restrained for the journey to Lord Hastings' estate. Lord Hastings, draped in an elegant coat, stepped out of the bustling market and away from the festivities, his demeanor exuding an air of superiority that filled him after his triumph. His men followed, with Tarzan, now bound by an unspoken contract, walking with an unyielding posture, his gaze fixed ahead. As they ventured through the lingering crowds, whispers and murmurs followed their path like a wake. Merchants glanced up from their stalls, exchanging knowing nods, while villagers' murmured conversations added to the buzz that followed the departing duo. "Did you see that? Tarzan, of all people, bought as a mere servant." "The great jungle king, serving a lord? Unbelievable!" Lord Hastings remained unruffled by the chatter, his stride purposeful as he moved toward the grand carriage awaiting them at the edge of the market. His attendants, clad in rich attire, stood ready, casting curious glances at Tarzan. The auctioneer, still overseeing the dispersing crowd, approached with a final flourish. "Congratulations once more, Lord Hastings" he said. "A most fortuitous acquisition, I must say." Lord Hastings nodded in acknowledgment. "Indeed, a fitting addition to my estate." Tarzan remained stoic, his eyes scanning the surroundings, while the auctioneer continued. "May your purchase bring great prosperity, my lord." "Thank you," Lord Hastings replied, his voice resonating with authority. The onlookers, sensing the conclusion of the spectacle, began dispersing, whispers of Tarzan's fate and Lord Hastings' sudden elevation through his acquisition echoing in their wake. Upon Lord Hastings' instructions, Tarzan was harnessed to the carriage. Strong ropes wrapped around his torso and chest were secured to the rear of the carriage. This arrangement was intended to force Tarzan to trot along with the carriage, a physical display of his subservience to his new master. Mr. Blackwood watched with satisfaction as the savage stud was put in his proper place, tied like a beast to the carriage of his superior. He licked his lips at the sight, nodding to Lord Hastings until they would meet again at the end of tarzan's first day spent laboring in the fields. As the carriage door closed, Tarzan glanced once more at Lord Hastings from outside of the carriage, a hint of determination glinting in his eyes. Despite the unsettling situation, a resolve simmered within him--his ultimate quest to save the captive slaves and reclaim their freedom still burning bright. With a flick of the reins, the carriage rolled away, leaving the market behind and venturing toward Lord Hastings' estate, Tarzan's fate tethered to the man who had claimed ownership over his strength. With each step, Tarzan felt the constriction of the harness, a constant reminder of his newfound captivity. He glanced around, the bustling market gradually fading behind them. The curious stares and whispers of the crowd had become distant echoes as the carriage moved forward, leaving the market square behind. Lord Hastings, seated comfortably inside the carriage, observed Tarzan's plight through the window. The satisfaction in his eyes was evident, a silent declaration of his dominion over the jungle king. Tarzan, despite his strength, felt the weight of the situation. The harness held him captive, and the rhythm of the carriage's movement became a disheartening symbol of his loss of freedom. Yet, within him stirred a determination, a fire fueled by a hope that this was all part of a plan, a journey leading to liberation rather than servitude. As the landscape changed and the estate drew closer, Tarzan couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty. He awaited the moment when his true purpose in this captivity would reveal itself, hoping for an opportunity to claim his rightful place in the jungle. * * * * * END OF CHAPTER FIFTEEN------------------------------------- Thanks for the emails! I always appreciate hearing your reactions. If you have any feedback or input, please contact me at tarzanstud1@gmail.com .