She walked up to him and after a brief pause kicked him in the buttocks. “Get on your hands and knees, dog!”

I relaxed. She was maintaining her posture. She continued to berate him for losing. Finally, she told him to crawl into the house and lock himself inside his dog kennel. Watching her man enter the house she turned to me beaming. “Damn, it worked just like you said it would! I will cane him later after dinner.”

I motioned Butler into the heel position which is on his hands and knees beside me. I balanced a drink on his back. He knew if it spilled I would punish him severely. I noticed that his arms were still trembling with effort. Janis and I sat and enjoyed the rest of the afternoon. Later, I questioned Butler about his victory and how he felt about it. I didn’t want him to feel manly. He told me that the entire afternoon frightened him. He knew I would find many ways to humble him. He knew it would soon be his turn. Being a member of a coven gives one ample opportunities.

He’s correct, of course.