Chapter 27

“Rum?” Thor asked.

“Yes, rum for the pain,” Jaheim said matter of factly.

“I do not need rum,” Thor said.

Ezekiel and Jaheim laughed.

Iakob said, “Thor, you are a brave man, but even you have your limits.”

“No,” Thor insisted. “I will not need it.”

Jaheim shrugged his shoulders. “As you wish. Come, take off clothes and lay here. We start on your back.” He indicated a long table. Thor did as he was told.

Jaheim lit several torches. Thor waited, lying on his stomach, his head resting on his hands which were folded under one cheek.

“You beautiful mon, Captain,” Jaheim said as he washed Thor with a cloth and ran his hands over Thor’s muscular back. “You be more beautiful soon.”

Thor felt Jaheim dry him off then heard the man rummaging around, making preparations. “We begin now,” the old man finally said.

Thor felt the first needle pierce his skin on his right shoulder. “Ahhh!” he exclaimed as a pain, sharper than any he could remember, shot through him.