*****
I ambled down the hallway, coming back from the kitchen where I had just finished breakfast. Sebastian’s study door was open and I paused outside of it, not sure whether or not to go in.
“Come in Roric.”
How did he know it was I standing there and not someone else? The man must have the senses of a cat. I stepped into the room and Sebastian looked up at me and studied me as I came over to his desk and sat down.
“Did you enjoy yourself last night?” he asked knowingly.
My face flushed a little at his question, “Somewhat.”
Sebastian smiled warmly, “You didn’t bed her, did you?”
“No, I did not and neither have you.”
Sebastian chuckled, “How very astute of you. No, you’re quite right. I have not and to my knowledge no one else has either.”
“Why did you offer her to me?”
Sebastian looked reflective for a moment and then answered, “The two of you seem to have a connection, is that not true?”
I nodded and told him the story of our childhood experience at the slave market.
Sebastian nodded and said, “I suspected something like that. I have come to care for her a lot. I thought I could trust you to treat her right and I’m glad to see I was correct in my judgment of your character. It is no longer safe for her to stay here. And, as I see that not only do you desire her, but that you also care for her deeply, I’m giving her to you.”
He leaned forward and handed me some papers. I took them hesitantly, still dazed by his statement. He was giving me Krista! I swallowed, hardly able to believe that this was happening.
“Now, on a more serious note, here is the compilation of all the information I have gathered.” He held out a book to me. I took it and glanced at it, “Applied Math and Economics.”
Sebastian and my grandfather shared a common trait for cryptic behavior. “You need to leave by sundown. Three horses will be at the inn where you contacted my operatives.”
“My horse! I’m not leaving without him!” I said, speaking up.
“Already taken care of. He is at a corral on the south end of the city. You can pick him up on your way out of town. Krista and Rugar will meet you there at the inn. Now, I’m sure you must have much to do to prepare for your departure so I will bid you farewell and may the Creator see you safely on your journey back to our homeland.”
I took the dismissal for what it was and rose from my chair with Krista’s papers and the book in my hand. I turned to go, knowing that this was likely the last time I would see this man who had just casually given me everything I could have ever wished for.
“Roric.”
I looked back at Sebastian.
“Take good care of my girl.”
“I will sir.”
“May the Creator smile warmly down upon both of you and our nation.”
A Warrior's Redemption Page 45