Town square - part II

City guards tied Shane up to the whipping post. The Owner ordered "Let the show begin". The city guard unwrapped a long bullwhip. He won against his friend a chance to whip muscular back.

<See Part I>

Shane was not prepared for what came next. The whip cracked against his skin like a lightning bolt. The pain was much worse than anything he ever could have imagined.

Shane tried to hide his reaction. He heard the whoosh of the whip as it whistled through the air and he tried to brace for the impact. He suppressed the scream that was building in his chest, but everyone could see he was suffering.

All bravery vanished as the bullwhip bit into his naked flesh a second time. He groaned in pain. The next cut wrapped around and landed on his tender lats. His body convulsed.

One after another, dark red stripes criss-crossed his back and sides.

The whip again lashed into Shane’s back with a meaty THWACK and for a brief moment the only other sound was the air being expelled from man’s lungs. Then he screamed. It was a frightening scream, loud and piercing, and it conveyed the awful depths of his agony. Another long red line appeared across his shoulders. The Owner encouraged the city guards to whip Shane even harder.

Shane couldn't endure more lashes. The pain was so great he could only scream. He shouted to stop the flogging. Surprisingly, the Owner raised his hand. The whipping stopped. Shane was breathing deeply and greedily, consuming pain from the last hits.

Shane asked to end his punishment. The Owner was furious:

"How dare you speak without my permission! I will decide when your punishment is over! Guards! 50 more lashes! Full force!"

50 lashes was a lie. City guards beat him without mercy, and kept beating him, until the Owner decided to stop. He enjoyed having this muscular hunk in misery.

The whipping continued. Shane suffered a lot. Nothing left of his pride. He screamed like mad embracing the pole. City guards beat him without mercy, and kept beating him, until the Owner decided that Shane’s body could take no more.

Jake couldn't sympathize with Shane, blaming him for his incoming punishment. He was frightened seeing Shane's back covered with dark red marks hoping his punishment won't be so harsh.

When the whipping finished, Shane was barely conscious, completely exhausted, and hanging on his hands. They left him tied up to the post until dusk.