“You did well. All will be alright with him. You did well.” I repeated to Andal. “Go home now.”
Dante had returned to the training grounds sparring and laughing with the other men who trained under him when I came to the clearing. The men around him slowed and stopped as they saw me approaching.
Dante dared to have a wide smile on his face, boiling my anger. “My lady,” He said with dripping sarcasm. “What a pleasure—”
“What do you have to say for yourself?”
He rose his arms wide as if he was confused. “Whatever do you mean?”
“I had warned you, Dante. You openly defied me.”
The man’s smile stayed steady on his face as he spoke. “You asked me to train your slave to defend himself. You have seen the man. He has no skill in defense. He had no training prior to coming here. You knew this when you took him as your own. Should I be punished if the training is too much for him? He has little balance and he bruises easily.” He shrugged. “It was not abuse. The marks he carries is from his own lack of skill.”
“Liar!” Andal’s voice came from behind me. I froze not realizing he had not turned back. Why hadn’t he gone home? “I saw it! You were angry because Lady Kiatra’s slave got a good hit on you. You were embarrassed and unleashed your full wrath on him. You have been brutalizing him for months now! Not one day have you been giving him proper training like the other men! You have not even trained him to properly hold a staff!”
“Andal, enough. Go home.” My voice was sharp, and the boy looked surprised. Certainly, he thought he was helping me, but bearing witness against a man with a temper such as Dante would not serve the boy well. The boy nodded and left with a hurt look on his face, but I remained focused on Dante. His eyes had looked at Andal with calculated coldness. His jaw was set and the smile that was once on his lips was now a tight line.
“I stand by what I said. Andal is only a babe. He wishes to speak to earn your favor. His words are false.”
“I have had enough of your lies, Dante.” I stepped forward without hesitation and ripped his staff from his hand.
“What do you think you are doing?” The man raged his face almost turning to the color of his hair.
“You will not train anyone anymore. I do not want our people to learn to brutalize. Men under you are meant to learn how to protect and defend our province. You have proven you serve your own interests and not the interests of our people. You will move to the camp of the elderly and help them protect their lands and their livestock.”
Dante’s face maintained its unnatural color as he sputtered for words. The elderly needed support as we had many who had no children or grandchildren to help them with their daily needs, but it was an insult to send a skilled warrior such as Dante on such an errand.
I held firm. “Leave here. I do not wish to see you again.” Dante took a commanding step toward me, but my guards and some of the other men stepped forward and blocked his path.
“Lady Kiatra has given you a command. Bow to our Chieftess and leave here to your new position.” Dante eyed the men coolly and then gave a curt bow before plowing through his comrades and disappearing.
“My lady, forgive us—” Some of the men started.
“Now you are bold? You watched him do this day after day and yet it took the courage of a twelve-year-old boy for this to come to my attention.” To the men’s benefit, they all looked at me guiltily. Many dropping their gaze from mine altogether. I hadn’t had time to think of a proper punishment for the rest of them, but I kept my expression stern. “I want you to remember this time. To the next person who defies me, I will not be so kind.”
~~~~~~
The sun had set by the time I returned to my chambers where Mara was kneeling by my bed over Isaac. After I had sentenced Dante, I reported the encounter to my father.
Sebastian was the first to speak. “My lady, this punishment is harsh. Losing a man like Dante—”
“Any man who is not in control of his temper, is a threat to us. Does he look as if he has any respect for me or my father? No. I am not blind to his skill. That is why I wished for him to train my slave, but I forgot about his unruly pride.”
Sebastian only nodded as my father spoke. “Your ruling is fair but be prepared for its unpopularity. Hold steadfast onto it. You have already spoken the words. You cannot cower now.”
I had no intention of cowering though I knew my ruling would be unpopular to my people as word got out. I knew it would appear that I was choosing Isaac over one of my own people, but Dante’s behavior was inexcusable.
Mara turned and stood as I returned to my chambers.
“Is he sleeping or unconscious?”
“Perhaps a mix of both, but he is well. Most of the injuries proved superficial. I called the physician to ensure it. Nothing broken, nothing beyond repair. Any lacerations are not deep enough that they need to be sewn. Though he will be in some pain for a while, he will survive.” She smiled down at Isaac before giving me a cold stare. “And Dante?”
“I stripped him of his position. His temper will burn against me for a long time. Perhaps for the rest of his days, but if he crosses me again, I’ll ensure those days are short.”
“Good. It’s still less than he deserves.”
“He is unlikely to think so.” I needed to find a new trainer for Isaac. I had tried someone with great skill but little patience. There was one person I knew who had more patience than anyone. “Will you send word to Titus? I wish for him to take over Isaac’s training.” Titus was the son of my father’s sister. He worked with the young men and children 15 and younger in training. I didn’t want Isaac, a man grown, to be training amongst babes, but it was necessary now. Titus would be stern and work him hard, but he was more equipped to deal with those with little skill. The training would be slow, not at the pace I hoped Isaac would progress under Dante, but he would be treated fairly.
“Yes, my lady, I will find him and tell him. He is a good choice.”
“He should have been my first choice.” I sat at the edge of the bed, by Isaac’s feet. “Did you know that Sabrina was pursuing Isaac?”
Mara shifted uncomfortably. “I wouldn’t say she was pursuing him, but he did mention to me the woman was showing keen interest in him.”
I sighed. Mara had told me when Sabrina had appeared at the stables when Isaac first came. She told me she had warned Isaac to stay away from her. Just one week ago, I had asked Isaac if he had seen her. He denied it and I had reiterated to him to keep his distance and report to me. He didn’t.
“You shouldn’t have kept it from me.”
“I know, my lady but—”
“What do you think she wants with him?”
“You know your sister, Kiatra. The most obvious reason is she wishes to be close to those who are close to you. Perhaps she wishes to seduce the man in hopes to gain his trust and to hear your secrets.” Yes, it was the most obvious reason, but I knew my sister. She had more planned. “Don’t be so hard on him—"
“Has the physician been paid?”
“Not yet, my lady.”
“Find out what she wants and double it.”
“As you wish.”
“Thank you for watching him. I will summon you if I need anything else.” Mara said nothing else but extended a hand to brush a strand of copper hair away from Isaac’s eyes before bowing and departing.
I pulled the sheet away to study Isaac’s wounds. I put slight pressure down on a wound on Isaac’s chest, testing the pain. He squirmed slightly before settling. His one eye opened for a moment, not processing me before shutting it again.
I knelt by his side, lifting the cover over him again. His arm rose slightly as his palm covered my hand that rested on his chest. Since he came to me, his nights have been fitful. As if he was plagued by some demon he could not escape. The man didn't deserve his fate here. He didn’t deserve a life of slavery. That much I could say with confidence. He seemed to be an unwilling participant in
the whole endeavor that his father led, forced to bear the entirety of his people's foolishness. I wished to make his life bearable here. As comfortable as I could manage for a slave. As long as he remained obedient to me, I could make it possible for him. I could show favor to an obedient slave but if he defied my trust or if he quarreled with my people, it would be more difficult to justify. It was difficult as it was since he seemingly offered little to me and my people.
"Kiatra." A voice said softly behind me. "You need to come quickly. Dante is causing quite a stir. He is using a club and knocking down tents and stands in the market. You must come now.” Natalie's voice drifted as her green eyes focused on Isaac. "It seems he needs a more physical message on obedience."
I always knew Dante was a fool but the fact that he would continue to reveal that fact so blatantly was baffling. "Stay with Isaac until I return."
Natalie said nothing staring at Isaac. "You should have kept him in the slave house. You should have kept him in my care. I would have watched over him. He would have found his place soon enough. He would learn to live a simple life and soon be forgotten by anyone of importance. Yet,” She sighed heavily. “You’ve made him a spectacle putting him in your service. This is only the beginning. He will be scrutinized.” She brushed her hand over the bruise on his right jaw. “Punished for your favor.” There was an edge in Natalie’s voice as she accused me. Natalie was my most trusted comrade, which is why I had given her the position of supervising the work of our slaves. It was an honored position but endless work. Natalie rose to the challenge. Under her leadership, we were able to get more work out of the slaves than ever before. Yet, they didn’t live in misery. Somehow, they seemed content with their work. Somehow, they seemed content with their lives. I knew Natalie would have ensured Isaac was well taken care of in the slave house, yet leaving Isaac to that fate was unsettling. I wanted something more for him, though I hesitated to reveal the reason why. I feared the ridicule I would receive if I revealed it. Even those who cared for me and I trusted the most, it was uncertain whether they could truly understand.
"I already made my choice Natalie. It would be worse for him if I cast him out of my presence now.”
“Then I suppose we shall see his fate.”
“We shall.” I said firmly, casting a warning look toward her, not to push the conversation further.
All I could do now was ensure that Dante would never lay a hand on Isaac again and to find out my sister’s intentions for him. What would come tomorrow, what would come the day after, I could not promise but I would do what I must to protect him.
Chapter 7
My one unswollen eye opened as wide as I could manage as a groan left my mouth. The pain from Dante’s assault had not diminished. My head pounded as I tried to make sense of the new vision that came to me while I slept. As I attempted to shift into a more comfortable position my arm brushed against someone lying next to me.
Kiatra’s eyes shot open as I sat up in alarm, causing pain to shoot through my body. “What is it? What’s wrong?” She said in concern. “Are your wounds festering?” She raised a hand to my face, but I leaned back, until I was trapped between her and the wall of her chamber. The sheet fell from my chest and I grabbed it with one hand at my waist, realizing my only other covering were my bandages. I tried yanking it around me more securely but Kiatra laid on top of the coverings, restricting their movements.
“You shouldn’t—we shouldn’t---Why are you lying next to me?” I stammered. Did people here have no sense of modesty? Did she think nothing of her reputation?
She looked at me slightly amused, propping her head up with her elbow. “It is my bed.”
“You should have awoken me!”
Her demeanor changed slightly at my words. “It seemed cruel to wake you after what you had endured.”
“Cruel? Why should you fear being cruel to your slave? This is improper!” Something in her expression made me feel as if my words didn’t register. What did I know of what was proper in the Fortress? “Isn’t it?” I questioned.
She squinted her eyes then nodded slowly in understanding. “Ah. You fear people will think I’ve taken liberties with you? You fear for your reputation?”
“My reputation?”
“My reputation then?” She raised an eyebrow and smiled. “That’s kind of you but be at ease. I didn’t mean to fall asleep by your side. It won’t happen again. I assure you I have no interest in seducing my slave.”
It was ridiculous that somehow her words offended me. I should feel at ease yet all I felt was her dismissal. I was reminded of what I was to her and what my place would always be here. I was not a man. I was property. “I didn’t mean to imply—” I started in embarrassment before noticing a dark mark by her jaw. "What happened to you?” I raised a palm to the purpling bruise on her face and retracted quickly, thinking better of it.
"I had to straighten out a matter last night."
"With your face?"
She laughed gently. "Someone was causing a ruckus at the market and started speaking out against me. He will now spend the rest of his days regretting what was done." She sat up and turned away from me, placing her feet on the floor as she started to braid her hair. “I have done wrong. Dante was a poor choice to train you. I should have known he would not do a proper job. You are not considered as one of our own people here and he took advantage of you. Why did you not tell me he was brutalizing you?”
“I-I wasn’t sure what was considered proper training. I thought it was what you had asked of him—” She turned back toward me. Her face marked surprise. “I thought perhaps I was just proving to be a deficient student.”
“A deficient student?” She exclaimed grasping both of my hands into hers. “I should have had someone monitor the training. I should have done it myself. I am sorry. The fault is on my head. I ask for your forgiveness for what was done to you.”
I didn’t understand this woman. Kiatra had a fierceness about her that was unnerving. I was warned time and time again, not to displease her. In truth I feared to voice a complaint to her. I knew that for whatever reason Kiatra had honored me with a position that I was ill equipped for. And as harsh as my trainings were, I should consider it a privilege to be in her service. I didn’t want to appear ungrateful. As Dante was striking me down, I feared that if I wasn’t getting up, Kiatra would be displeased. I feared that she would throw me out of her presence and leave me to whatever fate bestowed most slaves. Yet here she was, wide eyed, and penitent saying that she had wronged me. What master would ask forgiveness from her slave?
“I—of course, mistress. There is no need to apologize.” An expression of relief came to her face as if she had feared I would withhold forgiveness from her.
“Good.” Her expression changed subtly as her grip on my hands tightened causing my palms to ache. “Now tell me. What is your relationship with my sister?”
I shifted uncomfortably but her grasp on my hands stayed locked. Kiatra raised one eyebrow again and her mouth dipped slightly. It was true her sister was giving me attention. Often, she would cut into my path when I left to the training grounds and walk with me. Many days she would linger and watch the training. Other days she would appear at the stables. She would try to frame my face with her hands as she did the first time we met. I avoided her touch and kept my words short with her as she would pry into my day and ask how her sister was treating me. It is none of your concern. I would say mostly. I had already received warning from Mara and more recently, Kiatra herself, to stay away from Sabrina. Though no one explicitly told me why. She brings trouble with her. Is the most Mara ever said, and I knew better than to question Kiatra.
But I didn’t ask for the woman’s attention. There seemed to be no way to avoid it. I was not foolish enough to believe Sabrina’s affections for me were genuine. She knew her sister would not be pleased with it. I was only a part in whatever game she was playing.
“I don’t know what your sister’s interest is of m
e, mistress. I swear it! But I assure you I have done nothing to encourage it.”
She looked at me squarely in the eyes. I wanted to avert mine but feared she would think I was lying if I did so. “Tell me exactly what she has said to you?”
I knew a hesitation in my response would indicate I was hiding something, so I started to ramble everything that came to my head. Sabrina’s first sight of me with the cattle. How she seemed to want me to give her information about Kiatra’s whereabouts. How she was inappropriately affectionate, grazing her hands down my arms and sometimes down my chest as she spoke. How she would continue to ensure that anything that was between us would stay between us. “But there is nothing between us, mistress. I know you do not wish for me to have contact with your sister, but she appears everywhere that I am. And—” I stopped suddenly, hesitating on sharing what else I knew. There was something about Sabrina that wasn’t right. Perhaps my suspicion was only raised based on the vision I had seen months ago, but there was a darkness about her. I was certain of it, though I had no proof and I wasn’t about to tell Kiatra that I had a feeling her sister was a dark woman. I could only speak on what I knew as truth.
“Go on.” Kiatra said sternly with her hands still gripping mine.
“I believe she wished to entice Dante against me. Much of her affection was in the man’s presence and Dante was significantly crueler to me after such a display. I suspect for whatever reason she wished to use me to evoke his jealousy. I believe Dante and your sister are lovers and he did not take kindly to the attention she was showing me.” It was a serious accusation. Sabrina may not be in a position of honor, but she was Kiatra’s sister and I was putting her virtue into question. Though it wasn’t an assumption on my part. Outside of what I had observed, I had seen in a vision Sabrina in Dante’s arms. Whether it was a moment that had now passed or was in the future, the two had an intimate relationship.
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