Sincerely, he told her, aEllie, what you did was very brave. I can say that you have, indeed, done your part to save not only Elrad, but quite possibly the world as we know it. To say you did very well is an understatement.a aThank you, Master!a she beamed.

He smiled back at her. aAnd for how well you served, I am going to give you anything you want. Donat tell me now what it is--I want you to think about it. Take the night and come up with the one thing you want more that anything else in the world.a Ellieas face was pure rapture. aAnything at all?a aAnything.a With a squeal of delight, she dove into him, wrapping her arms tightly around him. Half a heartbeat later, she released him and stepped back, hand over her mouth trying to hide her grin. aIam sorry, I just...a aI know, youare happy.a She nodded vigorously. aI knew that if I was a good slave I would be rewarded! I have done my very best to serve well.a To see her smiling so broadly made him feel good. He had the idea that, on her own, she would do very well.

aAnd you have served very well. Now, run back to your room. Relax and think about it. I donat want to see you for the rest of the day.a Bouncing in place, she gave him a departing aYes, Master.a She ran back through his room, leaping over a footstool with a shout of glee on her way out.

Pleased with himself, he turned back to watch a pair of elves charging the dummy. One lance went wide and tripped the horse of the elf beside him. The other elf jerked back, trying to keep from being rolled on by his horse and barely missed impaling the first one as he went down. Tayan winced as they crashed to the ground in a jumble of hooves and broken pieces of lance. This was no longer funny; someone was going to get killed. Tayan decided to go down and talk to the knight in charge.

On the back terrace, he found Lord Parnal watching the display, looking quite vexed. Lord Parnal covered his face with one hand as another elf lost his lance before he got to his target.

aNot doing very well, are they?a Tayan commented as he stepped up beside him.

Lord Parnal turned to scowl at him, his face quickly melting into surprise. aLord Tayan!a he gasped. Recovering, he composed himself and said more formally, aWe have been expecting you, Malord. As you can see, we have been...attempting to train an army to help you save Elrad.a aI have always wondered why Elradian cavalry use bows and spears,a Tayan mussed. aNow I know. Lances are too long for them to control properly.a The elf lord quickly picked up on his hint. aExcuse me for a moment, Malord,a Signaling a nearby squire, he told him to have the practice stopped, and all knights and regiment captains gather. Once the boy had gone off on his mission, Lord Parnal returned to Tayan.

aMalord, it would be a great honor if you would explain to our men how to form an effective cavalry force.a Tayan gave him a brief bow. aIt would be my pleasure. I understand that Lord Tolham is also training men at his estate.a aYes, Malord. He is in charge of the infantry. With the thousand horsemen here, and the forty-seven-hundred foot soldiers Elder Lord Tolham has, we should prove to be of some help to King Alderlan,a he said proudly.

Tayan nodded absently as he looked over the elves, gathering in bunches that were supposed to be ranks. aThe enemy weall be facing has new, horrible weapons. We will need to develop new tactics to deal with them.a Shifting his gaze to the elf lord, he said, aThey have long-range spears that detonate on impact. The explosion has a kill diameter of about thirty feet. Beyond that, men may survive but will be badly wounded.a Lord Parnalas face opened up in shock. aDear Odin! As if vlaks were not enough!a aYou can be assured weall be facing those, as well as dragons, hoarcs and anything else their evil minds can come up with. Before these boys are led into the abyss of battle, they need to know what theyall be up against.a Straightening up, Lord Parnal spoke with conviction. aWe will stand firm against whatever horrors await us.a Although it had been two years ago, Tayan could still see the large balls of fire ripping apart the caravan as men tried to flee. He hadnat stood firm. He had grabbed Lucinthia and run for his life. aEvery man who goes must know he will probably die. Whoever decides not to join our army will not have it held against them or be thought less of.a aUnderstood, Malord.a aAnd every man who does go must follow his orders to the letter. Any who do not will be sent back.a Lord Parnal shifted in place. aYes, Malord. You do know that your order may reduce the size of our army.a aI know. When I crossed the fields south of Krundle with Lord Zodiacas Company, we were only sixty-two. Working together, we drove back the entire hoarc army. It was not self-sacrifice, gallantry or the desire to become heroes that let us win. It was teamwork, each one knowing the job and watching out for their comrades. We helped each other survive the day. That is how we won then...a He waved an arm at the men on the fields. a...and that is the only way they will win now.a aForgive me for doubting you, Malord,a Lord Parnal said quietly. aWe will ensure only those suited will join us in battle.a aGood, letas get started.a Tayan gave the first speech to the assembled leaders, stressing they each pass the word on to their men. As he expected, a few had families and asked to be relieved. He had them first go to their regiments and explain the situation before they returned to their lives. By late afternoon, the numbers on the fields had dwindled to just under six hundred.

Gathering the remaining men together, Tayan reformed them into six regiments then started running them through formation and attack drills. Not one was armed--he concentrated on group horse handling. It was dark by the time they led tired horses to the stables. They werenat cavalry yet, but the regiment captains now had a place to start.

Heading for dinner, Tayan was beset by a mob. The first gauntlet was a group of noblemen greeting him, eager for him to know they were doing their part to help Elrad. He thanked each one, promising that King Alderlan would know their names. He had no more than gotten through them when he was faced with a dozen more, offering him aides and messengers. Making his way through this group, he now had a pack following him, eager to do his bidding. Then came Jeni and Lady Salinthia. Harried by all these people, he barely had time to digest what Jeni was telling him. He held his baby half-sister and promised he would talk to her later on about General Cooperas wagons.

Lady Salinthia did have important news. It seemed that Duke Jordan had already asked King Gunthar about the war in Elrad. The king had refused any assistance for the beleaguered elves. Duke Jordan, knowing a large section of his population was elven, followed the Kingas decree that no official help would come but added that anyone avisitinga Elrad could not leave the city unless they were heavily armed and traveled in large groups. Jeni had tried to talk to Duke Jordan about sending people to the plains, but he specifically banned anyone from going north.

Slowly, the crowd around Tayan grew. Lady Salinthia set aside the large study for his use and posted guards at the doors to help constrict the flow. By the time head settled behind the desk, he was already passing out stacks of reports to his aides to help him absorb the details of his army. He pored over figures of fighting men, nurses, priests, craftsmen, wagons and supplies. As the night wore on, he sent his aides away after he noticed their heads bobbing as they fell asleep sitting up.

Finally alone, he slid back in the chair and rubbed his eyes. The masses were gone for now, but as soon as the sun rose he would be plunged back into the fray. The time of rest was over; all he would have now would be a few hours of semi-peaceful sleep.

Hearing the door open, he groaned. aIt can wait until morning!a aNo, Master, it canat,a Ellie said as she brought in a tray of food. Walking over, she set it down in front of him and arranged the silverware. aI know you didnat want to see me until tomorrow, but I had to bring you your dinner.a He was too tired to argue. aThanks,a he said with a small grin.

aThat is my job,a she told him briskly. aI remembered you do not know how to be a good Master. I watched you outside earlier--I think I know why Duke Toma wanted to stop you,a As he opened his mouth, she raised a finger at him. aBefore you speak! I must tell you a few things. First, such a powerful man as yourself must have enemies. Do not eat or drink anything unless I tell you it is safe. Second, keep me near you at all times--you never know when someone might try to assassinate you. Lastly, I thank you for rewarding me. It is not often a slave hears such kind words from a Master. I enjoyed being in my own room, but I can no longer ignore my duties.a She took a breath and gave him a nod. aEnjoy your meal, Master.a aPlease, donat call me Master.a Lowering her head, she replied, aForgive me, Tayan.a aWill you just sit down? In the chair,a he quickly added.

She did, taking her stiff pose. aYou should not treat me so kindly all the time. I might become spoiled.a If her definition of aspoileda was to be able to sit in a chair, head make sure she was spoiled rotten. The food smelled wonderful. Picking up his fork, he asked, aHave you thought about what you want?a She smiled sheepishly. aYes, but it may be too much to ask.a aBelieve me, it wonat be,a he told her. He started to rip a chunk off the baked chicken leg then noticed a small bite had been taken out of it. One of the carrots also had a nibble missing, as did the sweet potato. Looking at her, he asked, aAre you hungry?a aNo, Tayan, a servant brought me dinner hours ago,a Seeing he was looking at the plate funny, she added, aDonat worry, I tasted everything, itas safe to eat.a aThatas how you test for poison?a If there were poison, she would be killed.

aThat is the only way to be sure. If I let you die then I am disgraced,a she explained.

aAt least youall be alive.a She shook her head. aI could not live. I would have to die with you.a aEllie...a He wanted to tell her that was ridiculous. Whoever had brainwashed her into being a slave had done a thorough job. Instead of trying to convince her she didnat have to ensure his safety, he got to the point. aSo, what is it you want?a Shrugging slightly, her cheeks turning a slightly darker green, she blushed. aYou did tell me anything, but very few slaves actually earn...a She let her voice fall off, glancing away from him. By the way she acted, she was afraid to ask for her freedom.

aI said anything, and I mean anything,a he told her in a soothing tone.

Squirming in place, she asked, aReally?a aYes, I give my word.a Smiling brightly, she said tentatively, aWell, it is actually two things.a He started eating, figuring shead get to the point sooner or later. He ate a few mouthfuls then decided to prod her along. aI canat give it to you unless you ask,a he told her.

aWell, I like having my own room, when you donat need me...a He was tempted to tell her shead have her own life, but just nodded and let her finish.

She was bouncing slightly in excitement. aAnd I want a tattoo, nice and big.a He swallowed the meat he was chewing and stared at her. aA tattoo?a aYes!a Slipping her left arm from her sleeve, she brought it out the bottom of her shirt then shoved her shirt up over her shoulder. Pointing to the top of her left breast, she said, aRight here--your coat of arms, or whatever symbol you have. That marks me as yours for life. It means I am too valuable to be sold, itas what every slave wishes for.a He sat back in his seat with a groan. aEllie! Isnat there something you want more than that?a aWhat else is there?a Her face dimmed as he frowned at her. aI understand--it is too much to ask for.a All she knew was how to be a slave, so she only asked for things a slave could get. He would have to guide her into thinking differently. He put the plate to one side and clasped his hands.

aYou deserve better. What you did shows you can be your own master. You can go and do as you like; you do not have to answer to anyone any longer. Ellie, I am giving you your freedom.a Her mouth hung open as her face paled. aWhat?a aDonat you want to be free?a She fidgeted, wringing her fingers as she gazed around the room at nothing. Roughly, she pulled her shirt down, leaving her arm hanging out the bottom. Tears brimmed in her eyes as she finally looked at him.

aNo,a she said in a small voice.

aWhy not?a Her lip quivered. aNo,a she said a little louder.

aEllie, you donat understand...a aYou donat understand!a she said, pounding her thigh. Her words became shouts. aI am a slave...I am a good slave!a Her whole body was quaking now, shaking the tears from her eyes. aAnd...I am a good slave!a Tayan hadnat expected this. The poor girl wanted to be tattooed as property but not freed. This was insanity at its finest.

aI am not...garbage...to be thrown away!a she shouted between her tears. aI am a good slave!a Looking at her kindly, he tried to explain. aIam not throwing you away. I want...a aYou tricked me!a she wailed. Shoving a fist in her mouth, she slipped to the floor and cried.

Tayan got up and went around the table to help her up. At his touch, she slapped his hands away.

aEllie, will you please listen!a Hugging herself, she said to the floor, aKill me.a Irritated at her behavior, he planted his hands on his hips. aIam not going to kill you.a aThen give me away!a she cried. aI am not garbage!a aI never said you were.a Quieter, she choked out, aI...am...a...good slave!a He tried to get her attention again. Not succeeding, he became angry. It was too late, and he was too tired for this nonsense. Grabbing her arm, he hauled her up to face him.

aStop it!a he barked.

She gave him a pleading look. aPlease, donat throw me away. I have seen slaves who were. I do not want to starve to death in some alley, and I deserve better than to be hunted for sport. Please, I am a good slave!a It suddenly dawned on him that she was terrified. She had been raised as a slave; and to her, a Master meant security no matter how badly she was treated. He didnat want to know the specifics of what she was talking about but realized she equated freedom with a slow, tortured death. Cupping her face in his hands, he said gently, aNothing like that will happen to you.a aBut I have seen it happen!a she cried.

aCome on.a He put an arm around her and led her towards the doors. aWeall talk in the morning. Go to your room and get some rest.a aYou arenat going to throw me away?a she sniffed.

He shook his head. aNo, you are safe. Now go get some sleep, we have a lot to do tomorrow.a She started out then stopped in the doorway. Looking at him quizzically, she asked, aYou thought I want to be...free?a He gave a slight shrug. aI thought everyone wanted that.a Stepping up to him, she wiped the tears off her face and gazed at him. aIf you want to be good to me, really make me feel special then give me what I have asked for. I will serve you well.a He felt sad that she could even think that life as a slave was acceptable. aI donat believe in slavery.a A grin came to her face. aThatas all right, I believe in you, even if you do make me very confused,a She started out the door, pausing to let out a heavy sigh. aPlease donat scare me like that again.a He returned her grin. aGet some rest.a He shut the door behind her and went back to his meal. No stranger to problems, he knew how to sort out things as they came up. What he was going to do with Ellie, he had no idea. She wasnat going to let him free her, yet he knew that slavery was wrong.

Unfortunately, she was the least of his worries. Zodiac was counting on him to bring an army to the plains. Odif apparently had come here just to insist on it. The elven lords wanted only to save Elrad, and the duke forbade travel north, probably fearing reprisal from the plains. King Alderlan was going to need all the help he could get.

It seemed he might be riding onto the plains by himself. Although he had gone through many hard spots with Odif he knew her word was true. If she said he had to be there, she had a good reason. He just wished he knew what that reason was.

Sitting down to eat, he began to plot out his strategy. Spring Valley was going to be trouble; and he knew a long, open road awaited them, with many chances for ambush. Those damn spears could be shot without them knowing until it was too late. Old Castle was not going to be much of any help, and Paladnia was too far away. His best hope was to get help from the duke somehow.

Plans started forming in his head. Once he finished eating, he spread out a parchment and began listing the things he needed to do before leaving the city. That led to plans for how to spread out the scouting parties, and the best route for the army to take. He searched through the piles of reports on the other desks, looking for men who had been in battle before, or at least had proper training.

Morning had come when the door opened. He looked up from the stacks of parchment on his desk to see Jeni wearing a very becoming light-blue gown. Before she could start prattling on about his father, he waved her over to sit down.

aCome in, I want to talk to you about these steam wagons. You told me you saw one?a aYes, General Cooper showed us one of the smaller ones. It was not a battlewagon, but it was impressive,a Sitting down across from him, she folded her hands in her lap formally. aI cannot pay the fee he wants to use his machines. I was hoping you would help finance my effort.a aHow much does he want?a aTwelve thousand gold up front. Five hundred more each month we use his wagons.a aThese must be some wagons,a he snorted. aHow can you afford even part of that?a aI have a few thousand in our vaults; and if I sell the quarries, I should be able to come up with a few thousand more. Our credit is good--I can borrow against the earnings of Redman Coachline. I can scrape together nine...maybe ten thousand.a He raised an eyebrow. aYou own Redman Coachline?a aEric owns it. I only run it until Odif brings him back.a To expect her not to talk about Eric was asking too much, but he didnat have to keep going on about him. He grabbed a pen and his notes. aTwelve thousand is a steep price. Did General Cooper say just what these things can do for that kind of money?a aHe claims they are fast. I have seen the armor on them--no bow will penetrate the steel coverings. He has these things called steam cannons and claims they shoot rocks at high velocities.a If these things worked like she said, they would be worth taking. It also sounded to him like this General Cooper was engaging in profiteering. Then again, with the only mobile fortress in the land, he could set his own price.

aHow soon can I meet this general and his wagons?a aHe is planning a demonstration for us in two days.a Looking at him seriously, she added, aRight now I can give you seven thousand. That will pay for half his fee and four months of use. I will arrange transfer as soon as you decide, but do not tell anyone.a Trying to keep this meeting short, he refrained from asking her why she didnat want anyone to know.

aI will make sure King Alderlan knows of your contribution.a Frowning, she tipped her head. aYou are going to the plains to help Odif, arenat you?a Pausing, he shook his head. aI have to go to Elrad. Thatas why these men are here, not to get lost out on the plains.a Leaning towards him, she stressed, aOdif needs you to be there! What if she canat free Eric by herself?a aThey need no help from me,a he said heavily.

Jenias face melted in disbelief. aThey are the only family you have!a aThey?a he asked. aWhat are you talking about?a Standing to jab a finger at the table, she said, aYour father and your sister are out there facing this...horrid thing. You are telling me you refuse to help them?a aOdif is not my sister.a Angered, she glared harshly at him. aOh, yes, she is. She is Ericas daughter, that makes her your sister. She found the thing that made him a slave, and she has gone after it. You have to go help them!a His mind whirled. Odif was his sister? That was impossible! He remembered their talk in Longforest, when it had seemed like she was trying to tell him something. She had called him abrother.a Head told her if that was true theyad been bad. They had, indeed, been very bad. Gripping the sides of his head, he planted his elbows on the table.

aDear Odin,a he breathed. He felt sick.

Jeni had brought him the most terrible news he had ever heard. First, the fine knowledge that his murdering father still lived, and now this. aGet out.a Jeni stood immobile for a few seconds. When he didnat look back up at her, she said, aIf it was Eric here, he would not hesitate to rip down the gates of the abyss to free you.a Tayanas voice was a heavy growl. aIam nothing like my father.a Tears welled in Jenias eyes. Her lip quivered as she held back from crying in disappointment.

aThatas right,a she choked. aEric submitted to torture and slavery to keep us from harm. You are nothing like your father.a Stiffly, she walked out, stopping long enough to spit her final words at him. aGo back to Elrad where you belong!a The slam of the door echoed in his ears. Suddenly, he was very tired. He could not sit through a day of noblemen and smiling faces. Too much had happened at once, and this had been the deathblow.

aTayan?a Ellie asked, sticking her head in.

He waved her away. aLock the door, keep everyone out.a aEven me?a she asked cautiously.

aEspecially you.a He didnat hear the soft click of the latch as Ellie did as he asked. His mind was on Lucinthia. What would she have thought of him if she knew that the woman he had a flaming-hot affair with was his own sister? He could still see Odif by the light of many campfires, the way she used to look so softly at him, how smooth her tight skin felt...

Slamming his hands on the desk, he pushed himself up and began to pace. She was his sister! He was not going to have fond memories of how they made love! How dare she do that to him!

aShe had to know,a he hissed. aShe knew all the time!a Running out of room, he turned and paced the other way. She probably thought it was funny, knowing her. When he caught up with her, he was going to hold her down and sew that damn thing shut!

He started to puzzle out when she had first known. When he left her at the end of the Great War, she had been angry. Then again, so was he. No matter how much he loved her, he was not going to share her with Zit. Did she know during the time he was married to Lucinthia? No, she still eyed Lucinthia with hate then. He remembered well the aprivate talka they had--Lucinthia had come back with a reddened ring around her neck, tears in her eyes and was very upset. Neither would speak of what happened, but he gathered Odif had threatened her somehow. He warned Odif to stay away from her; and except for meetings with the Company, he didnat see the druid for years after that.

Lost in thought, he ran into the wall. Stumbling back, he raised a fist to hit it then decided to give it a kick instead. Then he gave it another. Turning away, he balled his fists and let out a scream. Why did it have to be him!

Motion got his attention. Amber had slipped in and was standing by the door, watching him impassively.

aOh, great!a he spat, flinging an arm at her. aI suppose you want to be the first to lecture me! Iam beyond prayers right now, so just go ahead and give it to me.a Amber frowned at him. aWhat are you talking about?a aJeni didnat tell you?a he asked with a sarcastic laugh. aYou know, Shilo is going to love this, Mother Frieda will never even look at me again and Zit--heall make a damn ballad out of it! I can try to plead innocence, but I donat think anyone will listen.a aTayan, if you would just--a aI have to lead these people in battle. How well do you think theyall listen once they know what I did?a he asked.

aAnd what crime have you committed?a she asked quickly before he could interrupt.

aIncest, my dear Amber!a He put a hand on her shoulder as her jaw dropped. aYou know Odif, the woman I spent quite a bit of time with before I married Lucinthia? Well, it turns out that my dear, loving Odif, is also my dear sister Odif. Thatas right, we share the same father.a Amber gaped at him. aYouare not serious.a aOh, yes!a he cackled. aAnd my dear sister is looking for our father as we speak! Who knows, maybe theyall come to dinner some time. My fine slave can serve us!a Amber cringed away from him. aYouare scaring me--get hold of yourself.a He flung his arms to the sides. aYouave nothing to fear from me--weare not related!a Amber slapped him in the face hard. When he turned back, he just gaped at her. The slap brought him back to reality. Amber didnat deserve being screamed at.

Drawing herself up, she said, aIam sorry, you were starting to rave.a His shoulders sagged in defeat. Quietly, he asked, aAm I damned?a Hooking her arm through his, she led him to the couch. aI hardly think so, though Odif may well be. You look exhausted.a He was bone-tired. The thought of dealing with the nobles and the endless stream of people made him want to flop down on the floor and die. Amber help him sit on the couch then made him lie down. aI will see to it no one bothers you until this afternoon.a aI have a duty.a aSo do I,a she stated. aI have nothing to bash your head with; but I will sing to you, if thatas what it takes.a He didnat move as she got up and started for the door. Before she reached it, he asked, aWas there something you wanted to see me about?a She turned and gave him a gentle smile. aItas not important, you have enough on your mind right now.a aI will help you if I can,a he told her. It was then he noticed she was back in her robes. aYou got your robes back.a She gave him a gentle smile. aGet some rest.a She reached for the door handle and shivered in disgust at the thought of what he had told her.

aAmber, are you sure it can wait?a Turning back to him, she saw a pleading look on his face. aYes, it can,a she assured him.

To his relief, she came back to the couch. Moving his head up, she slipped under him so her leg was a pillow for him.

aNow, get some sleep before I do find something to hit you with,a she said sternly.

He wanted to tell her she was the best thing that had happened to him in a long time. He settled on aThanks.a Reaching down, she stroked his hair. aYouare welcome. Sleep.a

Chapter 17.

Tayan awoke and sat up, stretching out the kink in his neck. From the floor in front of the couch, Ellie shot to her feet and waited for him to focus on her. He looked for Amber, but she was gone. She had managed to slip a pillow under his head without waking him. He didnat feel refreshed, but the weariness was no longer so deep.

aHow late is it?a Ellie shrugged. aAbout halfway between lunch and dinner, I think. The sun will be going down soon.a aWhy didnat someone wake me up?a he asked a little too harshly.

Tying her fingers together, Ellie explained. aI am sorry, Tayan, but Sister Amber said you gave strict orders not to let anyone disturb you.a It figured. He rubbed his face with his hands, knowing the nobles would not be pleased about being kept out for so long. aWho wants to see me?a aThe hall outside is full of people. Six claim to be assistants and messengers. Then thereas Lord Tall Ham, a messenger from Lord Parnal, and one from Lady Sal-in-thea,a she finished, sounding out each syllable.

aLord Tall Ham?a he repeated with a grin.

She shrugged and scrunched her fingers even more tightly together. aIam sorry, Tayan, these names make my tongue go numb.a He stood and headed for his desk. aSend in Lord Tolham first then my assistants.a aYes, Tayan.a She nodded and went for the door.

aJust ayesa will be fine,a he called to her. aAnd don't sit on the floor.a aYes,a she said, looking a little confused.

A young elf lord dressed in all his finery came striding in. Having expected an older man, Tayan watched him sit down as straight and formal as anyone he had ever seen.

Giving a curt nod, he said, aI am Lord Belenaris Tolham. My father is leading the infantry.a Tayan returned the nod. aI'm pleased to see you're doing what you can to help.a He picked up a stack of scrolls he had made. aIn these are the plans I made for the marching route and--a aI did not come here for my father.a Tayan put the scrolls down. aThen why are you here?a aI came to discuss the Lady Jenesalinthia. As you may be aware, I am to be her consort, as soon as the council meets,a Belenaris announced.

Holding back a cruder response, Tayan asked, aWhy should I be concerned with that?a Belenaris squared his shoulders. aI have heard rumors about Lady Jenesalinthia's being willing to give exhorbitant amounts of money for you to hire this General Cooper and his follies. I wanted to let you know that any large purchases she may wish to make must go through me first.a By the look of him, the only thing Belenaris knew was how to twist the laws to his own advantage. Tayan dropped his formality. Leaning forward on his arms, he said, aIf you want to commit suicide, thatas your problem. Stop wasting my time.a Taken aback, Belinaris stared at him. aWhat do you mean by that?a aNever been in combat, have you?a Belenaris scoffed at the idea. aI am not a peasant.a aRight,a Tayan snorted, aAnd youave never had to kill anyone either, correct?a Belenaris shifted his eyes away from Tayanas hard gaze. aI fail to see how that has anything to do with the matter.a aThat youare dumber than you look. Do you have any idea what her husband will do to you when he finds out youave taken his wife and his money?a Flushing at the insult, Belenaris eyed him along the length of his nose. aIf that man ever returns, I shall ensure he knows I kept her safe and--a He stopped as Tayan laughed.

aThe manas a killer! He will rip your guts out and hang you by them,a he stated. aGet out of here, I have work to do,a Ignoring the young lord, he looked over to Ellie, who was standing by the door. aSend in the messenger from Lord Parnal.a aYes...a Ellie paused, as if she were dying to say aTayana but was afraid to. She finally spun around and got the messenger.

aIt seems your slave needs to be taught manners,a Belenaris said in a caustic tone as he got up. He pretended not to see the evil looks Tayan and everyone else in the room were giving him as he left. When he passed Ellie, she only stared at the floor as her cheeks turned dark green.

The rest of the afternoon went well. Lord Parnalas messenger let him know that all the supply wagons had arrived and there was now enough armor to go around. Duke Jordan's messenger informed him of a dinner that night at his palace, with all the nobles present. The next messenger was from General Cooper, wanting to know if they could meet. Tayan eagerly agreed and set it for the next day. He sent a messenger after Amber to ask her to join him at the dinner. Ellie was even behaving herself. She went about her tasks, without once calling him Master and even sat down in chairs like he told her to.

Although he had started late, he did get a decent amount of work done by the time he had to get ready for the dinner. Ellie shadowed him; and although he managed to ban her from his bath, she was right there to help him finish dressing.

She walked around him for the tenth time, scrutinizing his clothes. She stopped to pick a piece of thread off then patted the pocket of his jacket shut.

aI look fine,a he protested.

She glanced up at him before searching his pants for any flaws.

aHow well you look shows how well I take care of you. Iave been embarrassed enough today. When we get to the Dukeas palace, you must make me follow you to the side and just behind you. When you sit, I will be right by your chair, and I will call you Master with all those important people present.a He was surprised to hear such a stern tone from her. He never thought that any slave could get angry.

aYou arenat going,a he told her.

She frowned at him. aI have to go!a He was beginning to understand she took her station in life very seriously. Unless he came up with something for her to do she would be running after his coach. As he thought about it, something did come to mind, a task he had been hoping to avoid. The army did need money in case he decided to try out General Cooperas wagons, but he didnat want to face Jeni again. He laid his hands on Ellieas shoulders and spoke in a grave tone.

aEllie, I trust you more than anyone else in the world, do you believe that?a Her face opened up with pride. aYes, Master,a she breathed.

aYour task is to go see Jeni Redman--you know who she is, right?a She nodded, so he continued. aYou are to get what she has for me and wait in my study until I return. Do not leave until I get back, and tell no one else about this. This is very important.a aMore important than you?a she asked nervously.

aPossibly.a Pondering the gravity of her task, she nodded slowly. aI will not let you down, Master.a He gave her shoulders a gentle squeeze. aI know you wonat. Donat call me Master. Now get going.a As Ellie left on her mission, he started down the hall to find Amber coming towards him. She met him with a warm greeting and hooked her arm through his.

aYou got Ellie to stay here?a she asked.

He glanced back to make sure Ellie was out of earshot. aI told her to get a donation for the army and made it sound like the world depended on it. Otherwise, shead be clinging to my leg.a He grinned.

aHave you figured out what to do with her yet?a He gave a sigh. aI tried to free her and it was a disaster.a aWell, if you cannot free her, the only honorable thing to do is marry her,a she said in a thoughtful tone.

He turned to glare at her and saw the twisted grin on her face. aIall think of something.a Hugging his arm, she mused, aMaybe if you made other things sound vital, like keeping her own room and taking money for her service, she wouldnat be so frightened.a He caught on to what she was suggesting. aShe would free herself without knowing it.a Clasping his hand over hers, he said, aYouare pretty smart.a aYou arenat so bad yourself,a she replied with a warm smile.

They walked arm-in-arm to the courtyard where servants were following Lady Salinthia and Lord Parnal to their coach. Many of the higher-ranking officers were by the gates with their ladies, ready to go. A group of Sisters were talking off to the side across from the guardhouse. Seeing Amber, one red-haired Sister waved frantically at her.

aSister Amber! A word, please!a she cried excitedly. Two other sisters took up the call, eager to talk to her. A trio of Brothers with them also looked pleased to see her.

Tayan gave her a nudge. aLooks like youare becoming popular.a aFor what?a Amber asked, befuddled by her Sisteras behavior.

He leaned close to her ear. aIsnat it obvious? Youare their hero.a Her eyes widened in surprise. aMe?a she squeaked.

He nodded with a wide grin. aThe Sister who battled her way through Longforest with man-eating halshaken, not to mention saving me from the clutches of evil.a She gaped at him. aI was scared spitless in Longforest, and you know I couldnat leave you there with Duke Toma.a He shrugged. aWe do what we must; and right now, I think you better go talk to them before one of them faints.a She shook her head in disbelief that anyone could possibly think of her as a hero. aHow do things like this get started?a aItas their way of saying theyare proud of you, and so am I. Donat be too long, we donat want to be late,a he said as he gave her a gentle push towards the pack of holy people.

Leaving Amber to her adoring fans, he walked out the gates to his coach. The footmen guided him to the one at the head. He was happy to find out that he and Amber would be the only passengers, and more so that the vehicle was all black and didnat say aRedmana anywhere on it.

The second he stepped inside he sensed something was wrong. There were no windows, and he felt the hair on the back of his head grow stiff in warning. Before he could react, the door behind him was pushed shut and a dozen pairs of hands grabbed him and thrust him onto the seat. Heart in his throat, he punched and kicked where the people holding him should have been. He met only air. More hands grabbed him, forcing him facedown onto the seat. He heard a low chant begin.

He was being attacked with magic. There couldnat possibly be this many people in here. He tried to struggle and let out a yell for help. Two more hands clapped over his mouth. He began to feel disoriented as the chant filled his head. Despite the adrenalin coursing through his veins, his arms and legs grew heavy. Just keeping his eyes open to try to identify his assailants was a major task. He passed out, very glad Amber had stopped to talk to her friends.