aThere must be something we can do,a she whispered.

aWell, I canat think of anything, short of storming his castle. He has ears around town, so Iam not even going to think about that. Iam sorry, Sister.a aSo am I. If you hear anything else, will you tell me?a aYes, but I better go. You know where to find me.a He gave her a bow and faded back into the shadows and was gone.

Amber picked up the wet robes. She hung them up, wracking her brains to come up with some way to get into the castle. Toma was working with evil, she felt that much, so going to him with a plea was out of the question. She thought about going to him with threats, but how could she back them up? Even if Governor Stazor did send his knights, they would arrive long after Tayan was gone. Sneaking in was out of the question, unless she went as one of those harlots. What kind of penance could ever make up for such a shameless act?

A mental image of Odif, walking along the riverbank as nude as the day she was born, came to her. Amber had been ashamed for her, but Odif had thought nothing of it. Odif was bold, she was brazen and she had the reputation for bedding many men. It was Odif who should have come, not her. Despite herself, she was once again feeling jealous of the druid woman. She knew Odif still cared for Tayan on a deep level. The druid would have no problem with ripping off her clothes and doing whatever it took to get inside.

Her eyes clouding with tears, Amber sat in the dirt of the churchyard and cried.

aDear Leighna, help me!a she sobbed as she held her face in her hands. She was not fit to deal with these kinds of things. Mother Frieda should be here; she would know what to do. Frieda had such a commanding presence that this Toma would probably drop to his knees before her and beg forgiveness. Pynlee, with her talking sword, would be able to creep in unseen and spirit him away. Glier, with his strength, would rip the gates from the castle walls. Jo-Jo, Entaurus or any of the wizards would make them cower in fear before powerful magic. She felt as helpless as a baby. Why did Zodiac choose her to come?

aWhy me?a she asked the night. aOf all people, why me?a aWhy you what?a asked a voice.

She turned to see the hunched shape of a beggar woman. Embarrassed, she got up and brushed herself off. aIam sorry...is there something I can do for you?a The woman shuffled closer. aTell me why a lovely child is crying in the dirt in the middle of the night.a Amber shook her head and tried to smile. In her grief, she had forgotten that the homeless came here to find whatever food and shelter they could.

aItas nothing. Do you need shelter?a Tipping her head, the woman asked, aYou are young and strong and have the blessings of Leighna. What troubles you so?a Amber shook her head. aI am here to serve, not to be a burden.a There was sympathy in the womanas voice. aYou burden yourself, child. I see you are a priestess--have faith and let Leighna guide you. Father Wright tells us to look to the scriptures for answers. Perhaps you might find what you need there.a Amber felt a pang of shame. The woman was absolutely right. In her self-pity, she had not thought of going to the one place where she might truly find help. aThank you. Would you like to come inside?a The woman patted her hand. aI'm fine--go seek your answers.a She then wandered towards one of the sheds for the homeless.

Amber had a direction, one she should have thought of herself. She went to the rectory and sat down with Leighnaas bible. Lighting two candles to make reading easier, she began thumbing through the pages. How scriptures would help her at a time like this, she had no idea. Her mind kept drifting to thoughts of harem women in their scandalous outfits. Nothing in Leighnaas words allowed for that kind of behavior.

She came to one of her favorite parts, the writings of the prophet Maria. Maria hadnat been pretty either--from some passages, Amber got the idea that she was a homely Slavonic woman. Maria had used her unwavering faith to sway thousands to Leighnaas wisdom. Every time she read of Mariaas deeds, she felt better and came away with a bit more knowledge.

The place she stopped to read was when Maria had confronted the council of knights for the sake of several prostitutes who were to be sentenced.

She read: The Prophet Maria stood before the gathering of knights and asked, aAnd how do you find that these women cowering before you are evil?a The head knight, Sir Palance, said, aEach of these women practices fornication, selling herself for mere coppers. They seduce and corrupt--in this way they are spreading evil.a The Prophet Maria waved a hand at the women awaiting their fate. aThese women have no skills to trade. The husbands who should be caring for them and their children have been killed or have gone away. They sell themselves not for greed or gain, but to put food in their childrenas mouths. I say this to you, sad is the world where women are forced to bed strangers to feed their own, and cursed are those who can judge without mercy the acts of desperate mothers.a The head knight asked our Prophet, aAnd how are we to judge whether a woman is practicing evil or surviving with the only coin she can offer?a Holding her head high, the Prophet Maria said, aThis I say to all. As the Goddess of Light, holy Leighna, said unto me, though mortals may hold the deed in contempt, no evil shall come of any act done for the sake of love. It is for the love of their children that these women do what they must, and it is for the love of Leighna that I stand before you in their behalf.a Amber stopped and read one phrase over again aloud. aNo evil shall come of any act done for the sake of love.a She had read this passage many times, each time coming away with the message of forgiveness. She admired Maria for standing up to a council of knights. Maria had braved powerful men, armed only with faith and Leighnaas blessings, and had emerged victorious. Again her attention was drawn to that single phrase: No evil shall come of any act done for the sake of love.

Amber read it twice more then read the entire passage. Was it saying what she thought it was saying? Was Maria telling her that she was free to do whatever she needed to? In a strict sense, Maria was talking about prostitutes, but the message was more universal than that single incident.

Yet despite the clarity of that one phrase, she didnat believe that Leighna would allow her to go traipsing about all but naked.

She kept reading, not really comprehending the words. The phrase stuck with her. Her fingers flipped the pages, yet her mind was on why she really wanted to free Tayan. Lord Zodiac wasnat the reason; neither was Tayanas mission. She wanted Tayan with her. She wanted to break the shell he had formed around himself and have him love her as much as she loved him. Was it only selfishness that drove her? Selfishness was a sign of evil, not holiness. Father Ross had warned her that evil might try to trick her into doing something to weaken herself. Was Tayanas capture designed to make her break her vows, therefore weakening her in Leighnaas eyes?

Amber closed the bible and put it away. The questions she was asking herself should have simple, clear-cut answers. They were nothing of the kind. She had vowed to live a life of service and humility. Service was to help others, to give guidance and faith to lost souls. Humility was to do so while giving credit where it belonged, to Leighna. The brown robes she wore outwardly spoke of humility, of not drawing attention to herself with flashy clothes or by parading about in alluring attire. To cast off her robes was to cast off her humility--Leighna was sure to punish her for such a transgression. She knew this, yet the words of Maria came back to her.

No evil shall come of any act done for the sake of love.

She wanted to weep at the frustration of it. Wandering to the chapel, she knelt in front of the altar in prayer. Clasping her talisman tightly between her hands, she prayed with all her soul for guidance. Clearing her head of colliding thoughts, she concentrated on her prayers for Leighna to give her humble servant direction.

Her knees began to get sore. That she noticed told her that her concentration was wavering. Clasping her talisman tighter, she tried to ignore her hurting knees.

aSister?a She looked up to see Father Wright.

aAre you troubled over those men you struck?a he asked with a frown.

She shook her head--if it were only that simple! aFather, I have a very difficult problem. I hesitate to even speak of it.a The priest sat down on the steps beside her. aFor a woman of your strength to be so troubled, it must be difficult. Will you discuss it with me? Perhaps we may come to a solution together.a She hesitated to tell him, but if she could not trust the head of the church, who could she trust?

aFather, it has to do with a man. He is a good man beset by evil. If I do what I believe I must to free him I may be shunned by Leighna, yet I cannot stand by and let evil take him away.a aThat is a problem,a he agreed. aWhat evil besets him?a aMartin Toma.a Father Wright chuckled. aYou donat mean our duke, do you? He openly supports the church and is very generous with his gifts to the poor. How can you think he is evil?a Warning bells went off in her head, but she ignored them. aFather, he is holding Lord Tayan and plans to send him north, where evil will have him.a aWhat makes you think that?a aThat is what I know,a she stated. aDark things have been following us--in Paladnia one tried to enter the church to get at him. Lord Zodiac sent me to guard Tayan, and now heas being held in Martin Tomaas castle.a aLord Zodiac sent you to guard him?a he asked in disbelief. aSister, I think the devil has your senses! Duke Toma is a good man. He is not the one who lives in the woods and consorts with heathen druids!a They both rose to their feet at the same time. Out of instinct, Amber cocked her body into a defensive pose, her right shoulder pointing at the priest.

aFather, Lord Zodiac has found the source of evil, and he needs us to spread word and gather support for an attack on the plains.a The priestas face flushed. aYou are working for a Longforest lord? Where are your loyalties child--to druids or to Leighna?a aTo both!a she said firmly. aDruids do not believe as we do, but they are decent people. Lord Zodiac is trying to rid our lands of evil. The druid Odif is by no means pure, but she commands power to help us remove evil forever!a aYou hold allegiance with the likes of Odif the Druid?a he asked, raising his voice to a roar and pointing a finger at her. She slapped it away with the back of her hand. Flustered and enraged, he backed a safe distance away from her. aI should have known you were not a real Sister when you attacked those men!a aThey pulled a knife on me! What was I suppose to do, pray they would not kill me?a she asked with acid in her voice. aAnd I am a real Sister, just not one who will stand for being assaulted!a aNeither will I stand for you accusing Duke Toma of siding with evil!a he shot back. aRenounce your accusation, renounce the druids this minute or I shall have your robes!a Forgetting where she was, Amber glared at him. aThe only way you will get my robes is to pull them from my dead body!a Right after she said it, she knew she had just made a horrid mistake. No matter how angry she was she had no right to talk to him that way. Her face softened. aFather, Iam sorry...a aYou will be sorry!a he yelled, shaking all over. aAt the first light of dawn, we will hold a hearing on your...blasphemous behavior! At that time you will hand over your robes, or they will be stripped from you! You will leave this church with lash marks on your flesh to show others what happens when common wenches masquerade as Sisters of the cloth!a Her life was over. Amber knew she would no longer be associated with the church. Messengers spread news quickly these days--within a few weeks, Father Wright would notify every church and parsonage for a hundred miles around. Word would get back to Capetown that she had been cast out. Her head swam; she would be humiliated. She had failed Tayan, Lord Zodiac, her own parish and, worst of all, Leighna.

aFather, please,a she begged. aI said I was sorry.a Stabbing a finger at the door, he boomed, aGet out! Do not return until first light!a It was all she could do to hold herself up and walk out of the chapel. How had their words gotten so out of control? One minute she was praying for guidance, and the next she was being banished from the church. It didnat seem real. She worshiped Leighna, she was faithful--how could this happen to her?

She had no more than crossed the threshold when her legs would no longer hold her up. Collapsing on the chapel steps, she hugged herself and cried in wracking sobs. In the morning her way of life, her very identity, was going to be taken from her. Her reason for being would cease to exist. She had feared that evil would weaken her. It didnat have the chance to--she had done it herself.

Yet even as she wallowed in her misery, that one phrase stayed in her mind. No evil shall come of any act done for the sake of love.

How sorely she wanted to believe it.

Only Father Wright, Sir Arlan and the scribe were present when she returned to the chapel at dawn. She walked down the aisle in a plain brown blouse and skirt she had gotten from the homeless shelter, holding her beloved robes folded neatly in her left hand. As she approached the men gathered in the first row of pews, she noted that only Father Wright was watching her. Sir Arlan seemed to be interested in the stained glass windows to his right, and the scribe was intent on his parchments.

Amber had thought much about what had happened here the previous night. Father Wright was either blinded by Tomaas gifts, or he was in league with Toma. Either way, it didnat matter. She had asked Leighna for guidance, and her Goddess had taken away her robes. There had to be a reason behind it; she refused to believe that Leighna would cast her aside. Without her robes, she was just like any other person on the street. Also, without her robes, she could do what she had to in order to free Tayan. Although this was not what she had expected, Leighna had answered her prayers.

In the sleepless night she had endured, she came to a decision. What happened to her didnat matter. She would go into that castle and allow herself to be humiliated and let them do as they wished with her. When she had the chance, she would get Tayan out and on his way. She knew it was going to work, for no evil could come from any act done for the sake of love.

Fixing her eyes on the altar, she walked past the men to gently lay her robes between the offering plates and the gold candlesticks. Kneeling, she clasped her talisman in her hands and prayed, aDear Leighna, thank you for your blessings. Please give me the strength to cope with the humiliation that is brought to me. You are my light and life, in your name I pray, Amen.a She rose and turned around to see Father Wright looking at her intricately carved talisman. The torch of the tiny green goddess was even painted yellow.

aYoung lady, I believe that also belongs to the church,a he said evenly.

She knew he had left out her title as a final insult.

aThis was a gift from Father Bennet. You have my robes as you insisted, but hear this--when my mission is complete, I will be back for them.a The priestas face reddened. aYou will never again wear holy robes!a Amber knew that might very well be true. It was hard to step down and walk away from her beloved robes, but what happened to her was not the most important issue. She had her path; and if Leighna led her away from robes forever, she had to accept it. Passing Father Wright, she stopped. There was one last thing she had to say.

Looking at him defiantly, she said, aYou may take my robes, but it is more than cloth that makes a Sister, or a priest. I have my faith, and that is something that can never be taken away.a aJust get out,a he grated.

Suddenly, Sir Arlan blurted out, aSister, why has this happened to you?a aShe is no longer a Sister!a hissed the priest.

Amber answered the knight as if Father Wright werenat even there. aSir Arlan, I have been defrocked because I consort with Lord Zodiac, and I know that Tayan is being held by Duke Toma. Would you be kind enough to inform Governor Stazor of our situation? I will send word if I am able to free Lord Tayan.a aEnough talk, get out of my church!a the priest barked, taking a step towards her.

Sir Arlan blocked his path. aIs this true?a Pointing an accusing finger at Amber, he said, aShe consorts with druids and spreads lies about good and decent men!a aAnd when is her trial?a The priest smirked. aShe has foregone a trial--didnat you see?a aI saw a Sister have her robes removed for no good reason. If she believes that Duke Toma is not the man you think, it should be investigated! How dare you take such action by yourself!a The angry finger came up at Sir Arlan. aYou are a knight! Do not meddle in the affairs of the church!a Sir Arlan swayed in place as if restraining himself from beating the priest. aI am reporting this to Governor Stazor and High Father Ross. Your word is questionable, good Father.a Wright was beside himself. aYou...find me questionable? I shall inform your superiors!a aPlease do so,a Sir Arlan grated. aAs for Sister Amber,a he continued, stressing asister,a ashe shall be allowed to keep her robes until a proper trial is held by no less than two Fathers and three Mothers, as the law decrees.a aYou cannot tell me what to do!a Sir Arlan swelled his chest up, glaring at the priest. aAs you said, I am a knight. That means I am the law. Return Sister Amberas robes or be held in contempt of the laws set by Odin himself!a Without waiting for Father Wright to reply, he turned to tell Amber to pick up her robes.

She had already gone.

Chapter 8.

At the Paradise Inn, Nathaniel sat across the table from Amber, considering her request. In normal clothing, she did have a nice figure. Despite the pits in her face, her large breasts and slim waist would be enough to get her into the castle.

aYou understand that I will have to offer you as a virgin. You do know what that means?a Amber nodded stiffly. She was doing this for Tayan and their mission, but it felt as if she was selling her soul to the devil.

"Whoever...gets me, I need to be inside as soon as possible.a Eyeing her figure, he said, aAll right. Madam Lisa has makeup that should smooth out your face. Sheas taking a group of dancing girls to the castle--can you dance?a aYes.a She had seen the type of dancing these women did. Alter a few fighting moves and exercises, and that was basically all it was.

Nathaniel sighed. aItas settled then. If you dance well enough, custom has it you can pick the man to...deflower you. Whatever you do, be back here no later than noon tomorrow. The coach will not wait any longer, and if you do have Tayan no place in town will be safe. Not even the church.a aI understand.a aAnd now, my payment?a he asked, making motions of opening his shirt.

Amber swallowed hard. All she had done so far was to think about it and plan. The tavern was empty except for the barkeep, who was watching intently as he washed a few mugs. This was the first time she would show her body to anyone, and the idea was horrifying her.

aIf you canat do it here, there is no way you will do it in a room full of sex-crazed noblemen,a Nathaniel pointed out.

Feeling as if she were exposing her soul, she unfastened her blouse and slowly opened it wide. Nathaniel gave a low whistle, and the barkeep dropped his mug.

aNow those are very nice.a Seeing the flush in her face as she looked off at nothing, he asked, aAre you sure you can do this?a Fighting the urge to clap her blouse shut and run from the place in shame, she lowered her gaze to stare him in the eye. aI have to.a Shaking his head slightly, he gave her a grin. aSister, I would not want to have you mad at me.a She closed her blouse, much to the dismay of the barkeep. aI have no reason to be, unless the coach is not here.a Nathaniel got up, shoving his chair back. aIt will be. Letas get you to Madam Lisa; she has a ton of work to do on your face.a For the next few hours, Amber went through the most humiliating experiences of her life. Madam Lisa was a tall woman with short pale hair. Her low-cut dress fit her snugly. Although she was very sweet to a few men who had drifted into the house, she was a taskmaster with Amber.

The first thing she had her do was strip naked. She made her turn this way and that, made her bend over then raise her arms over her head. As Amber performed these maneuvers, the madam studied her body, every once in a while grabbing a pinch of skin. The last inspection was the worst--she did not take anyoneas word that Amber was a virgin. Amber had to clench her teeth and suffer through Madam Lisa poking a finger up into her to verify she did, indeed, have her maidenhead. After that, she made Amber dance naked as she watched with a critical eye.

After Lisa decided she would be aserviceable,a she allowed Amber to don a wrapper then took her to a room that stank of powder and perfume. When she was done, Amber noted her face did look smooth for once. What she felt was that her face was pasted thick with mud. She sneezed at the powder and wrinkled her nose at the amount of perfume sprayed over her. In short, she looked and felt like a common whore.

The only thing she was allowed to pick was the color of the minute patches of cloth that would go over her groin and breasts. Her top resembled more of a double-pocketed sling than it did clothing. The bottoms were just big enough to hide her crotch and expose a good portion of her behind. What worried her most, though, was that there was no place to hide the bag she planned on stuffing Tayan into. Talking as sweetly as she could, she finally convinced Lisa that the bag, folded and strapped to her chest, would give the men a bit more to visualize. Folded in half, the bag only went halfway around. She used silver clips to attach long cords to the bottom corners, which she then wrapped around to her back, twisted and drew over her shoulders. Slipping the ends into her cleavage and back up, she slightly pleated the center of the bag and cinched them in place. Light-colored silks were tucked into her thong and top for effect, which Lisa explained would have to be flung away as she danced. Finally ready, she boarded with the others into a coach that took them to the castle.

Tayan pressed against the wall beside the door of his windowless room. He had heard a male voice outside--maybe they were replacing his guards with men again. Listening closely, he heard the man whispering to the women. The door suddenly swung open and spilled one of his guards, a young woman wearing nothing but sheer silks, into the room. Just as quickly, it slammed shut and the bolt was thrown.

She backed away from him. aPlease donat kill me, I only bring a message.a aIam not going to kill you.a Even without his weapons he had broken the necks of three guards and killed two others by driving their noses into their brains. During his capture, they had taken pains and the loss of men to wrestle him to the ground. He killed every man he had the chance to, but he couldnat harm women.

Lifting a hand to brush the light-brown strands of hair from her face, the woman said, aThe duke wants to talk to you. Will you give your promise not to hurt him?a aLet him come ask,a he replied flatly.

Giving him a forced smile, she glanced at the mattress on the floor. aPerhaps I could convince you?a The woman was so thin her ribs showed clearly. She looked sad, standing there offering to lie with him to extract a promise. That anyone could convince women to give themselves so freely made his stomach turn.

aNo, not that way.a Biting her lip, she glanced at the door. aPlease, there must be something I can do.a He knew she was afraid of some kind of punishment if she didnat get him to cooperate. aWhat will he do to you if I donat?a In a tiny voice, she said, aPlease, I have been very good. Not once have I been whipped. Agree not to hurt him, just this once.a It figured. If she failed to get his promise, she would be beaten. He motioned toward his meager bed.

aSit down.a Quickly, she did so and began pulling off her few clothes. As she did, he went to the door and announced, aAll right, whoever wants to talk, come in. I wonat hurt you.a aYou swear?a a male voice asked.

aI swear,a he sighed. He stepped back as the door opened. Two women preceded a short, dark-haired, goateed man in tailored leathers.

aBrave, arenat you?a Tayan sneered.

The man shrugged. aI have been ordered not to hurt you. If it were otherwise, youad be on the rack for all the men of mine youave killed. I am Duke Toma.a aWho do you work for?a Toma waved a hand to dismiss the subject. aYou will see them soon enough. In the morning, Iam having you sent north to meet my Master.a Pausing, he regarded his prisoner for a moment then said, aDespite the fact we are enemies, I have respect for you, Lord Tayan. When you are taken away tomorrow I think you shall not live much longer.a Brushing the women aside, Toma walked up to him. aI offer you one last night as a man. Give me your word you will not attempt to escape, and you will be able to join us in real food and drink. I am having dancers brought in--any you desire will be yours. You will also have better...accommodations.a Tayanas first impulse was to flatly refuse, but then he thought for a second. If he was allowed to roam, he could get an idea of where he was--and how to escape later.

aAll I have to do is agree not to try and escape during your party?a Toma grinned. aI note how you put that; but, yes, that is correct. Your guards will still accompany you, of course, but the dinner, drink and...whatever...are yours for the night.a aWhy are you doing this?a aUnlike some of our associates, I follow old customs. You will not get such fair treatment in the north. I urge you to take advantage of it while you can.a aSo, youare a man of honor.a Tayan snorted.

Toma straightened and glared back at him. aI am, indeed. You may think I am on the wrong side, if you like, but do not question my honor!a aIs that why you have women guard me?a Toma stabbed a finger at him. aThat is exactly why. I would never kill a defenseless woman, and I know, as a man of honor, neither would you.a Tayan saw he was telling the truth. He didnat know whom this man was working for, but the duke wasnat lying. He also might be able to wring some information out of him, if he was lucky. If he did escape, he needed to know what was going on here in Spring Valley.

aVery well, I accept your hospitality. I swear to you I will not attempt escape while I am in your presence. Does this satisfy you?a aIt does. I shall send servants to attend you.a Toma turned and strode out. The women left shoulder to shoulder so Tayan could not slip by them.

He thought he was alone until he turned back to the bed. There was the light-haired woman, lying naked with his blanket covering her to her waist. She smiled at him and extended her hand in invitation. He shook his head.

aLeave.a In the next few hours, serving girls came in a stream. A pair of green-skinned Slavonic women had him sit in a reclined chair. These two washed his hair and shaved him while others showed him suits of clothes to pick from. Another slave trimmed his fingernails and toenails then had him strip to his drawers and gave him a sponge bath. They insisted on helping him into the crisp white shirt and black pants he had picked. He noted that the whole time female guards clogged the doorway, moving only to let others in or out. Roughly half of them were greenish Slavonic women. The Slavonic race was often called the slave people--no one had records or knowledge of any Slavonic tribe roaming free. They were a strange people, eager to please to the point of suicide, which made them very valuable in the slave market.

He talked to the women as they worked on him. Smiling pleasantly, he asked seeming pointless questions of where they came from and how they were being treated. The Slavonic women were eager to tell him about how close their quarters were to the kitchen and storerooms, and where those places were. He began to get a feel for how the castle was laid out.

Duke Toma arrived, dressed in a bright red shirt and blue pants. He seemed pleased with Tayanas garb. Clearing the slave women out of the cell, he had them stay behind Tayan as they went to the dining room.

Tayan paid close attention to his surroundings as they walked down the hall. He noted every turn and every window, slowly mapping the place in his head. There was a balcony on his left just before they reached the stairs. Seeing this, he asked Toma if he could take a look outside.

Toma bowed slightly. aOf course. Perhaps you will see how fruitless an escape attempt will be.a Stepping out onto the balcony, Tayan surveyed the scene before him. Below was the inner courtyard. It was an unusual shape--the curtain walls narrowed as they went away from the castle, meeting the wall with the main gate with about half their original width like a hemi-hexagon. In the center of the large courtyard was a square, flat-topped building with a pair of guards on the roof and another set at each corner that he could see. A huge, pedestal-mounted crossbow adorned the middle of the roof. Beside it he noted the outline of a trapdoor set into the roof. A lower outer defense wall surrounded the castle.

Looking at the battlements, he observed that in three places on the side walls and at each side of the gate the walks widened and held the same crossbows with man-sized spring arms. The last time he had seen crossbows that size was when King Alderlanas caravan was attacked.

aWere you part of an ambush about halfway to Old Castle two years ago?a he asked Toma.

aIf you mean the one on King Alderlan, no. I show more quarter than that. Once an enemy is beaten, it is pointless to keep slaughtering the survivors.a The look on Tomaas face was grim. Tayan could see he detested what had happened.

aThen how can you side with those who do things like that?a Toma sighed. aThat is the price of doing business. One of my main sources of income is the slave trade. Governor Stazor has been trying to ban slavery, and very few in Capetown will trade with me. Their actions force my choice of allies.a Tayan watched as a wagon leaving the courtyard was searched. Getting out was not going to be easy. Glancing at Toma, he mused aloud, aI often wonder how a man such as yourself would like having chains clapped on him.a aI would not like it,a Toma admitted. aI am not in that position, however.a Tayan looked him in the eye. aFor any person to own another is wrong.a Arching an eyebrow, Toma said, aOh, really? When a man takes a wife, she is his. Should we outlaw marriage?a aThat is not the same, and you know it.a aaTil death do us part is a very binding form of slavery, even though both parties agree. The Slavonic people live to serve; I know of none who do not belong to someone. They take pride in the fact that they serve well.a aIf that is all they know, how can they do otherwise?a Tayan countered.

Looking at him thoughtfully, Toma asked, aYou think you can change someone who was born and bred to be a slave?a Zodiac had two Slavonic women at his castle; and although they insisted on staying, Tayan knew they could leave whenever they wished.

aI donat believe anyone wants to be a slave.a Toma grinned. aVery well. Ellie, come here.a A greenish girl with long jet-black hair rushed over to Toma from the cluster standing nearby and curtsied. aWhat is your desire, Master?a aEllie, you are no longer mine. I am giving you to Lord Tayan here. He is now your master.a Ellie turned to Tayan and repeated the bow. aWhat is your desire, Master?a He had no intention of playing whatever game Toma had in mind. aI do not want one of your slaves.a aEllie is not mine. She is now yours to do with as you please.a Toma smirked.

aGet back with the others,a Tayan told her.

aAs you wish, Master.a She sank down again and obeyed.

aShall we go to dinner?a Toma asked, waving a hand at the door.

As they continued to the dining hall, Tayan saw a male servant come out from under the stairs with a sack of flour, which meant the storerooms were there. He now had a grasp of where the kitchen lay. Down one hall he noted guards coming out of a room buckling their armor. There was no way he was getting out through the main gate, and even the side gate was probably guarded. To slip away, head have to find the escape tunnel. Every castle had one--he just had to know where to look.

The dining hall was set up much differently that any other he had seen. What first got his attention was the seating arrangement. The center of the room, where he was used to seeing long tables and chairs, was empty. Instead, men sat near the wall, facing in. Small individual tables sat to their sides, as if to not get in the way. The only other entrance was a curtained arch across the room. By the multicolored curtain a tall, pale-haired woman watched them come in. Slaves moved about, filling cups and serving food.

Tomaas throne sat directly ahead of them and, like every other chair, faced the empty center of the room. A pair of Slavonic men in gray slave clothes knelt to each side awaiting the dukeas commands.

Tayan had his own chair and small table to Tomaas left. Their escort stood behind him except for one slave--Ellie knelt beside him, crouched on her heels. He had no more than sat down when a plate of roasted meat and fruit appeared beside him then a cup and pitcher of ale. He picked up the pitcher--and flinched as Ellie shot to her feet and grabbed it from him. Her face was stricken as she filled his cup.

aI am sorry, Master, I should have been quicker. Please forgive me.a aThere is nothing to forgive.a She flashed him a forced smile. aThank you, Master.a He glanced at Toma, who was holding out his own cup for a slave to fill. Toma had told the girl she was his, but he didnat want a slave. aYour name is Ellie, right?a aYes, Master.a aWould you do something for me?a aYes, Master.a aStop calling me amaster.aa She frowned at him, tipping her head slightly. aI do not understand.a aMy name is Tayan, not 'master.'a She gazed at him for a few seconds. aYes, Tayan.a He nodded. aThatas better.a aMay I get you anything else, Tayan?a He shook his head, so she squatted back down on her heels at his side. Seeing this, he told her, aYou can get a little more comfortable.a She smiled at him. aThank you, Tayan,a and she sat cross-legged. Even though she didnat say amaster,a he heard it in her voice. He was about to tell her he wasnat her master when Tomaas voice boomed out.

aBring on the dancers!a Against the left wall, minstrels began playing flutes, drums and lyres at a frenzied pace. Across the room, the curtains were pulled aside and a line of scantily clad women spilled into the room dancing and twirling. As they formed a circle in their flowing gossamer costumes, Tayan scanned the watchers.

Most looked to be merchants, although a few wore mail shirts that told him they were warriors. The only weapons he saw were the thin, broad-headed spears of the guards bracketing the entrance the dancers had used. Such weapons were mostly for show. Pressed into combat, they would break easily. By the rate the guests were drinking and their hooting and hollering, any response from them would be slow, at best. Despite his promise, it was tempting to toss one of his female guards into Toma and make a break for the storerooms. Toma seemed to take pride in old traditions. Storerooms were in the lowest levels of the castle and had the best chance of having an emergency tunnel.

His eyes fell on Ellie as he pondered these things. Slaves, especially Slavonics, were not thought of in terms of what they knew. People like Toma paid as much attention to them as they did the furniture. Quietly, he asked, aEllie, have you been down to the storerooms?a aYes...Tayan,a she replied, keeping his order in mind.

aHave you noticed any doors other than the one under the stairs?a She nodded. aYes, Tayan. There is a locked door that leads to the courtyard, for the wagons to use.a aHow about in the floor?a She frowned at him. aA door in the floor? No, Tayan.a aYou donat need to use my name every time you speak,a He sighed.

aYes, Master.a aDonat call me master!a Ellieas mouth worked up and down as she stared at him. aI...am confused...a aJust talk to me,a he coaxed.

Screwing her face up, she bit her lip. aI must show respect.a aThen look at me when you talk to me.a Shifting nervously, she dropped her eyes then looked back up at him as if she had no idea what to do.

A roaring laugh from Toma got their attention. Tayan glared at him as he waved his cup in their direction.

aEllie!a he laughed, aYour master is new. As a new slave needs to be taught, so does a new master.a Ellie glanced at him; then a smile came to her face as she looked at Tayan.

aI understand! You do not know how to be a master.a aI am not your master,a he grated.

aOh, yes, you are!a She nodded brightly. aI am yours. I will teach you--I am a very good slave.a Tayan dropped his head and groaned.