Warning: This story is a work of fiction. It contains graphic descriptions of punishments, non consensual homo_s_e_x_ual activity (including _s_e_x_ with characters who would be regarded as minors should this material contain any matters of fact) and other matters which are unsuitable for minors. DO NOT READ if such material is considered offensive or unpalatable or if it is illegal to do so in your jurisdiction. The original story was typed in 1984 and is extremely loosely based on German texts of the early 20th century.
Chapter 1: Alex's trial and imprisonment.
The prisoners climbed the stairs, which led from the holding cells to the court room, their hands shackled. Alex was fifth in the line and was visibly shaken by the experience of his arrest and now his judgement.
Upon arrival in the dock, each of the prisoners shuffled into position so that the last of the eleven who were to face the judge this day could fit in.
Some distance away, the judge sat behind his raised desk and glared at the prisoners. The cases before him this day would be quickly dispensed with.
Alex shuddered at the sight of the judge and all the officials and guards. He knew that he would be sentenced to corporal punishment - a public caning - for stealing a loaf of bread from the local bakery, but the guards below who had stripped and searched him most intimately upon his arrest suggested that this might not be the end of the matter.
The public gallery was somewhat overcrowded because, rumour had it, the notorious alleyway bandit was to be brought for justice this day. This creature was reviled by the community for he preyed upon women, girls and boys in the alleys of the city - stealing their belongings and occasionally making them feel his swollen genitals. The papers were full of the details of his crimes and public anger was at fever pitch.
The first prisoner was called to account for his response to the charge of affray. The handsome, dark haired man in his early twenties named Hans pleaded guilty. There was no advocate to provide him assistance for such luxuries were only afforded those who had the means to pay. He begged for the court's mercy and promised no to reoffend, but the judge simply scowled.
Alex paid little attention to the proceedings as he contemplated his fate but the sentence of fifteen strokes of the birch and five years imprisonment caught his attention. Alex had not thought of the possibility of a birching. He shivered as if someone had walked upon his grave.
The judge dismissed the hapless prisoner with instructions that he be incarcerated in the remote forest prison camp where he might be able to work off some of his debt to society.
As the second prisoner was brought forward, a chubby boy not older than Alex's seventeen years, a hush fell over the crowded gallery as each ear strained to hear whether this was the alleyway bandit. The charge of indecency brought against the boy indicated that this was not the prisoner whom they had all come to see.
A lawyer stepped forward and eloquently pleaded the boy's case. A hoard of witnesses was called to testify to the boy's good character and his father's elevated station as a town official was mentioned.
Alex noted that the judge looked with disdain upon the boy and dismissed the charge with a caution that if there was a repetition, no mercy could be expected.
The third prisoner was somewhat bedraggled and haggard - a man of perhaps forty or so - who was charged with vagrancy and theft. No one spoke in his defense and the judge quickly dispensed with him with instructions that he be flogged and then should serve two years in the prison known as the castle - a place from which few men, so it was said, ever emerged alive.
Alex started to pay attention as the prisoner next to him was called to answer charges of fighting in public, apparently whilst intoxicated. To Alex, the matter seemed trivial and the sentence given to the lad whose name was Peter and who Alex thought looked rather handsome, of a public caning of twenty strokes and four years in the forest prison rather startled Alex. The boy sobbed as the sentence was announced.
"Alexander Klaus Patig," announced the bailiff and Alex stepped to the bar at the front of the dock.
The crowd in the gallery was again silent as they watched the fair faired, handsome youth look around him as the charges were read out. At first Alex thought they had the wrong person for the charges were for assault, theft, public indecency, on no less than twelve occasions. The hisses and booing from the public gallery caused Alex to realise that he was indeed being prosecuted for being the alleyway bandit.
When the last of the charges was read out, the judge asked Alex: "How do you plead to these terrible charges?"
"Not guilty," declared Alex. "I did steal a loaf of bread from behind the bakery but I have done none of these other things."
The judge stared at the boy as the crowd called and bayed for justice. A prosecutor rose and outlined the evidence which had been collected upon Alex's arrest - a dirty handkerchief of the same type as that used by the bandit, a gold coin which clearly a youth could not have possibly earned and a physique which fitted the descriptions from the victims right down to the golden colour of his hair and the alleged over-developed size of his privates.
"What do you have to say in reply to these charges?" demanded the judge.
"Sir," said Alex, "the coin was given me by my father and about the other matters there is nothing that I can say except that I have not lain in wait for victims in alleyways nor have I ever exposed myself to anyone".
"So you know about the assaults upon innocent people in the alleyways of this city, do you? Well, in my opinion you have condemned yourself for I do not believe for one moment that you could read a news sheet and therefore could not possibly know what the modus opperandi of the bandit was unless you were the bandit. I find you guilty as charged.
"In sentencing you, I must take into account the serious nature of your crimes and the need for society to ensure that you reform your ways. You are a sturdy lad who no doubt will benefit from severe treatment. You shall therefore be taken from this place and, at the appointed hour, be given twenty strokes of the birch in the public square. You shall then be taken to the forest prison where you shall work in repentance of your crimes against the good citizens of this city. To remind you of the need for reform, upon the anniversary of your confinement, I am ordering that you receive a caning of one stroke for each year of your miserable and wicked life. You shall spend eight years in prison."
"No, you can't. All I did was steal a discarded loaf of bread" screamed Alex at the judge. "I didn't do any of the other things, I swear."
"Be quiet," directed the judge and, with an evil grin advised the hapless youth: "I had overlooked you admission of theft from the bakery. For that, prior to your birching, you shall receive ten strokes of the strap. Now be quiet or I shall double your punishment."
Alex slumped backwards against the wall as the hopelessness of his situation began to sink in and was so lost in his thoughts and misery that he did not notice the remainder of the proceedings.
When the judge was finished, the prisoners were led below to the holding cells. Some were released but most had an appointment with the cane, strap or birch and most were also to become guests of one of the two prisons which served the city's needs.
Alex found himself seated in a cell with four other boys, Peter, Hans, Christian and Karl who were all about his own age and all of whom were destined for the same journey as himself. Opposite was another cell in which another group of prisoners was already confined. Like Christian and Karl most had been held here since their court appearance the previous day. They were all frightened but somehow took comfort from the fact that they were not alone. A bond developed between the boys in Alex's cell as they waited although the others seemed a little reluctant to make Alex's acquaintance .because of the reviled nature of his crimes.
Alex finally struck up a conversation with the boy named Christian and related the events which brought him to this situation as a means of demonstrating his innocence.
"I left home," Alex told Christian (and anyone who was interested in the details) "because my father was becoming abusive towards me. I didn't know what to do and he was becoming more and more violent towards me because of his inability to secure a job. So I simply left. I walked to the city with barely more than the clothes on my back and some money which I had saved. I slept in barns and under bridges when I was tired and after three days arrived here.
"I bought some fruit for sustenance on the way and was left with just one gold crown. I bathed in the river and sought out employment but none of the shopkeepers would hire me.
"I was sitting in the town square, trying to work out what to do next, when this policeman grabbed me without explanation and took me to the police station. The next thing I knew, I was being taken before the judge. I didn't do any of those things they said. I swear it."
The other boys warmed to Alex as he related his tale for each considered that he had been unjustly dealt with as well and had received a sentence which was most certainly disproportionate to the offence.
The trial had taken place relatively early in the day and, as was the custom, public punishments would take place at noon. Prior to their punishment, the boys were taken to a huge shower room where, one at a time, they had to disrobe and have their bowels cleaned out with a large container of water to which was attached a length of hose which was duly inserted into each boy's anus. Each cried out at the pain as the water rushed into their bowels and their insides cramped. Expelling the contents brought a great relief, but the process was repeated time and again until the guards were convinced that nothing remained. They were then showered and allowed to dress.
When the boys returned to the holding cell their wrists were immediately placed in irons that allowed little movement and thus little opportunity for resistance.
Shortly thereafter, the guards removed the boys from the cell and lined them up and escorted them towards the entrance to the public square. Through the iron grill door, each could see the vast number of people who were there to witness justice being done and the platform upon which they would soon appear. The smell of fear hung heavy in the air within the holding cell.
One of the other prisoners was taken out with his hands tied behind his back and it was not until the priest offered prayers and the noose was put around the man's neck did Alex realise that he had been totally unaware that a man had been condemned to death. Alex hid his face as the man dropped and the crowd cheered at his demise.
With the capital punishment done and the dead man's body removed, a slow procession of prisoners walked to the platform to receive the prescribed punishment. The older men went first and the boys had to endure the sounds of the screams of pain and either the lash or the birch was applied. Each tried to avoid looking up at the platform and the damage being done to each of the men and buttocks clenched and unclenched involuntarily as each boy imagined the pain which was his due.
Karl was the first of the four taken to his fate. He walked as bravely as possible along the path and ignored the jeers of the crowd. He climbed the thirteen steps to the platform and willed his legs not to give was as the birching block came into view. Karl offered no resistance as his pants were lowered and his privates were exposed to those who could see and lay down upon the block when instructed.
Once Karl's arms and legs had been secured, the executioner took up a four foot length of cane and delivered the first of the eighteen blows to which Karl had been sentenced. The crowd called out at each stroke and jeered as Karl began to cry and then to howl from the pain. The figure which returned to the prison was that of a sobbing disheveled boy who could barely walk. He was shaking from the pain as he entered the holding area and, as Christian was led out, Alex took the crying boy in his arms to comfort him. Karl's sobbing had subsided as the birch was raised into the air and crashed down into Christian's waiting backside.
The birch was far more effective in inflicting pain than the cane which Karl had endured and by the third of twelve strokes, the three remaining boys could hear Christian's pleas for mercy above the raucous noise of the crowd. Each additional stroke of the birch brought a seemingly greater roar from the crowd and an even higher pitched howl from the victim. By the end, Christian was silent, his breathing too fast to allow any sound to escape his lips. He was dragged back to the others and left to be comforted by Alex and Karl and Peter as Hans was taken forth for his birching.
As the birch rod began its work, Hans displayed remarkable resilience and withheld any cries of pain. The execution took up the challenge after five strokes had failed to bring forth any cry from the young man and lowered his aim. The sixth stroke brought immediate satisfaction to the executioner as the birch crashed into the tender spot at the top of Han's thighs. The executioner smiles slightly as Hans' resolve collapsed and he gave the first whimper of pain. By the tenth stroke, Hans has bellowing out his agony as his mind registered the ever-increasing build up of pain in his posterior and by the fifteenth and final stroke, Hans was weeping uncontrollably.
Hans stumbled awkwardly as he retrieved his clothes and was led back to the holding cell as Peter was taken to the platform for his caning.
Peter's beating worked the crowd into a frenzy for they knew that the so-called alleyway bandit was the next to be punished and when Peter was returned with slight traces of blood oozing through his trousers, Alex steeled himself for the ordeal to come. Rough hands dragged Alex from the room into the glare of the day and the roar of the crowd. Men and women screamed for revenge upon the boy who trembled slightly as he was led up the stairs.
Alex saw the strap which would be applied first, resting beside the birch. As he was stripped of his trousers and exposed to the crowd, Alex saw from high above the scene the slim figure of the judge who had sentenced him. Alex was sure he was licking his lips as he gazed upon Alex's naked backside.
Hands pushed Alex onto the block and his hands were tied in front of him. His legs were bound together but were not secured to the block - this would allow a far better exhibition of the boy's pain and suffering. Finally, a strap was secured around Alex's middle to ensure that his reactions to the strap and birch did not dislodge him from the block.
The first stroke of the strap met Alex's backside with a resounding 'crack' and Alex gritted his teeth as the pain flowed rapidly to his brain. The second was targeted with even more evil intent, concentrating on Alex's left buttock and the end of the strap tearing at the cleft between the two inviting mounds. Alex remained silent but could feel the swelling in his posterior as each new blow brought more and more pain. Alex relaxed slightly as the tenth and final stroke of the strap scorched both cheeks.
The executioner looked upon his handiwork with a degree of satisfaction. Alex's arse was covered totally with a crimson hue and the pronounced buttocks were swelling nicely; the birch would be most effective.
Alex thought his life was about to end as the 'swish' of the first stroke of the birch was followed by a resounding 'splat' as it tore into his backside. A thousand bees seemed to be stinging him at once. Bloody spots appeared on his arse as Alex let go the first cry which brought forth a massive roar from the crowd.
By the fifth stroke, Alex was bucking against his restraints, much to the delight of the crowd. His cries of 'Oww' simply served to excite the crowd and to encourage the executioner in his duties.
By ten strokes, Alex buttocks were a mass of bloody spots but the beating continued. Alex let out a cry as each stroke descended and bucked with all his might against his restraints but by the final stroke was simply too exhausted to react. Unfastened, Alex lay on the block and was helped to stand. To his shame, the beating had caused blood to flow into his youthful penis and, although not erect, its pronounced size was sufficient to confirm in the crowd's mind that this was indeed the alleyway bandit. Blood dripped down Alex's legs as his trousers were pulled up and fastened and he had to be assisted in his journey back to the holding cell.
The five lads were taken to an infirmary for treatment as the next group of prisoners was brought forward to wait and then receive their allotted punishment.
In the infirmary, each bruised and bloodied body was rubbed with a stinging antiseptic solution to assist the healing process and then they were herded into a wagon to await transportation to the prison in the forest.
The five boys huddled together as best they could and were duly joined by nineteen other young men and boys who were to be their cell mates for quite some time to come.
The journey took them through winding roads and into the forest which was a natural barrier for the prison. Through fences they went, four in all, and then down the hillside towards the wide open plain upon which the grim walled fortress stood.
The prison was an enormous series of buildings all enveloped within a high outer wall. The walls were so thick and high that even from the hillside, no one could see inside.
Once inside the main courtyard, the prisoners were let out and ordered to form three ranks. Alex trembled slightly at the grim grey surroundings and the row upon row of barred windows which looked upon the scene. He noticed that the courtyard contained rows of benches around the perimeter which, correctly, he assumed were for viewing activities but the benches were empty at this time. Given his recent experience at the end of a strap and birch rod, Alex could not help but shudder as he looked into the centre of the courtyard and saw a platform similar to that in the town square. He knew precisely its purpose.
Guards were everywhere and the one in charge immediately ordered all of the prisoners to remove their clothes. For most, this was a painful process for each had been flogged or beaten within the last day or so. The sight of heavy canes and straps held by the surrounding guards encouraged them to apply themselves diligently to the task.
Two dozen naked prisoners were soon on display for the guards and whoever might be watching from the surrounding battery of windows. Self consciously, each tried to cover his genitals with his hands but were quickly ordered to stand at attention. Modesty was not a consideration here.
From a door on the far side of the compound, an officer appeared, carrying a set of papers. When he reached the centre he climbed the few steps to the top of the platform and glared at the prisoners.
"You are here to be punished." he declared. "You will be informed of the rules and regulation now. If you break any of them, you shall be punished. Now, these are the rules. You will address all guards as Sir. You will do whatever you are told. You will not speak unless spoken to. You will not move unless ordered to.
"This is a humane institution. None of you may receive more than forty strokes of the cane on any one day. You will be well fed and receive medical attention when necessary. But you are here to obey, and obey you shall. You are assigned to Block A. You shall be taken there after you have washed. Your work assignments will be set in due course. Dismissed!"
As the order to dismiss was given, the guards moved in to escort the prisoners to the washroom and then their cells. Alex, Peter, Hans, Christian and Karl remained together as the pathetic group was led into one of the stone buildings. Down a corridor they went and into a large open shower room which smelled of disinfectant. Here they were ordered to soap themselves thoroughly and then rinse themselves off.
As they showered, one of the young men in the group, a tall, well built blond said something to his neighbour. Immediately he was set upon by the guards who asked him his name.
"Dieter" he replied in answer to the question.
"Dieter, Sir to you boy" yelled one of the guards. You are on report for talking and also for improperly addressing a guard. You will be caned tonight at Punishment Parade. Now rinse yourself off."
Dieter returned to the shower and finished washing. Alex noted that Dieter already had a swollen backside which was clearly the work of the strap. The caning would do to Deiter almost as much damage Alex thought as the birch had done to his own backside just a short while before. Alex caught Deiter's eye and gave him a look of sympathy as the shaken lad finished his shower.
When all the prisoners were dried, they were escorted down a long corridor into their cellblock. Each was shown into a cell which was barred on three sides. Each cell was narrow and contained only a bunk, a toilet and a basin. The cell doors were slammed shut as each prisoner entered and then the guards left. A deafening silence ensued as each prisoner contemplated his new home and the stale smell which seemed to be a part of the furnishings and which had come from years of occupation.
Alex went to the side of the cell which adjoined Chirstian's and put his hand through the bars. Quietly he whispered to Christian: "Don't worry."
From way above a plaintive voice called: "Don't talk, or we will all be beaten."
The cry echoed throughout the building and Alex moved to the door to see where it came from. Looking up, Alex could see four more tiers of cells climbing the walls of the building. How many were occupied was impossible to determine but quickly Alex worked out that the building could house at least 100 prisoners - twenty four on each level.
Shortly, sounds of keys opening doors and a trolley being wheeled in reverberated through the building. As the trolley came into view, the still naked prisoners could see that it was piled high with clothes, towels and other items for the prisoners.
Alex and his friends occupied cells almost in the centre of the lower floor and it was almost directly in front of them that the large trolley was brought to a stop. From the end nearest the entry, they could see the first prisoner being brought forward.
A doctor of some kind, accompanied by the ever present guards, proceeded to inspect the prisoner - a handsome, dark-haired youth of perhaps nineteen or twenty. He winced as the doctor examined his mouth and genitals and gave a gasp as rough hands spread his lacerated buttocks. He had clearly received a caning that morning. When he was bent over, the youth grimaced as a finger was thrust into his rectum but clearly he had gotten the message that no sound should escape his lips.
When the physical examination was completed and notes made, a measure was passed over the youth to assess his height and his waist measurement. He was then ordered to put on a pair of thin trousers which were clearly one or two sizes too small.
"Please Sir," said the youth, "could I have a larger pair?"
"Can you do them up?" asked one of the guards.
The youth adjusted his genitals and pulled the trousers as high as possible and then secured the button.
"Yes Sir, I can do them up," he replied "but they are far too tight and uncomfortable."
The guard passed his hand down over the lad's bulge and then over his backside which was clearly being separated into two inviting mounds by the seam of the pants.
"They're fine," announced the guard and slapped the boy on his tender backside and ordered him back to his cell.
The process was repeated cell by cell until Alex's turn arrived. As he stepped out of his cell, his unusually large organ attracted immediate attention and he blushed in embarrassment. Alex winced as the hands probed his body for the agony of his punishment had yet to subside and it was with great effort and pain that he bent over for the inspection of his anal cavity.
As the finger of the doctor entered, Alex found himself becoming aroused and was mortified at the unwilling response of his body to the probing.
"This one obviously likes it" said one of the guards, laughing.
"They all like it." said the doctor, "It's just that they don't know it."
Both guard and doctor laughed at this joke as Alex was measured for his trousers.
Alex was handed trousers which fitted easily around his trim waist but which were clearly too small for his pronounced buttocks and left nothing to the imagination where his genitals were concerned. Having seen some eight prisoners similarly garbed before him, Alex knew that this was quite intentional and said nothing. A slap on his tender rump and Alex was sent back to his cell where the door was again locked.
It took over an hour for the doctor to examine each prisoner, make his notes and for each to be given trouser, a shirt, towel and some soap and paper for their ablutions.
Silence again descended on the cellblock as the guards, doctor and trolley departed. The only sound to be heard was the restless adjusting of the uncomfortable, tight fitting trousers by each of the two dozen newly outfitted prisoners.