"Please, lady, give them to me. I will clean and dry them for you."
"There’s no need. I can do it."
A faint expression of distress showed on his face. "You are my mistress’s guest, lady, and as such I must see to your comfort."
With a sigh, she handed over her boots. "Very well. What’s your name?"
"Jarret, lady."
"How old are you, Jarret?"
"Fourteen, lady."
He was so young, face still smooth and hairless. At the mercy of a harsh mistress.
"Lady, are you ill?"
Sick to my stomach, she wanted to say, but shook her head instead and walked up the corridor, leaving him to watch her in puzzlement.
Entering the sanctuary of her room, she closed the door behind her.
"About time!" Garret swung away from the closed window to scowl at her. "What the hell were you thinking, going out in this storm? Have you no sense?" His gaze took in her bare legs and feet. "Where are your boots?"
"They got muddy." Dana tossed the bundle of clothes and boots onto the sofa.
Seeing her abstract expression, he frowned. "What’s wrong?"
Sitting on the sofa, she stretched her legs before her and crossed her ankles. Contemplating her bare feet, she murmured, "I saw Rominac in the cells."
"Oh." He sat down beside her. "Is he all right?"
"Seems to be. I told him that I plan to get him away, so no doubt he’ll keep silent."
Garret wondered how she was taking it. From her expressionless features, it was impossible to tell. "Did he recognize you?"
"As a Reeka, yes."
Entering the room, Jase’s eyes lit up upon seeing the clothes. "At last! Decent clothes!" Rushing over, he gathered up his clothes then noted his friends’ frowns. "What happened?"
"Dana found Rominac."
"That’s good."
"Now I have to figure out how to get him out of here," Dana said. "I’ll ask Zar about him at dinner."
"Isn’t that risky?" Garret asked. "Showing interest in him?"
Jase shrugged. "She can inquire if he’s for sale."
"Sale?" Dana glanced up quickly.
"You own two slaves. Who’s going to wonder at your interest in purchasing another? Or your interest in his background?"
Distaste showed on her face. "No one, I guess."
~ * ~
Jarret led them to the dining room.
Reya noted that it was large, the walls decorated with tapestries and yet more paintings of landscapes. Zar obviously had a fondness for such things.
Dana’s brows rose when she saw the table. Round in shape, it was low to the floor. Large, soft cushions were scattered around it.
"I take it that you’ve never dined in such a setting?" Zar looked up from where she reclined on a cushion on the far side of the table.
"Correct."
Sitting to the right of the table, Gera eyed her narrowly. "Where, exactly, do you come from?"
"Here and there. Does it matter?"
The challenge was in her voice, the resentment of the question plain to hear. Garret groaned mentally and Jase chewed his bottom lip worriedly.
"No, it doesn’t." Zar gestured to the cushions opposite her. "Come, sit down. I trust you found your quarters comfortable?"
"Very. Thank you. Where do my slaves sit?"
"Usually behind their mistress, ready to serve when needed. However, you may do things differently so..." She raised one brow curiously. "What do you normally do?"
Shrugging, Dana dropped gracefully down onto the cushions, curling one long leg beneath her and bending the other to rest her wrist atop her knee. "Depends on what I wish to have... for a meal." She smiled slightly, suggestively. "If you know what I mean."
Amused, Zar laughed. "I do indeed, Dana. Some dishes are more tempting than others, yes?"
"Yes." She glanced up at the traders with seeming indifference. "Sit behind me as is the Southlanders’ custom. I wouldn’t wish to offend them."
Faces impassive, they obeyed.
Gera toyed with the glass of wine she held, her hard eyes drifting over the giant slaves. "I see you have dressed them again... Dana." The pause was noticeable. "Such a shame to keep such magnificent physiques from view."
"Their bodies I prefer to keep for my sight alone. Besides, I think enough is viewed for the pleasure of others."
It took all Garret’s willpower to prevent the blush from stealing into his cheeks as two pairs of eyes turned to him and Jase, seeming to visually tear the clothes from his body and inspect him with undisguised lust.
Many wenches had looked at him longingly, and he’d never minded a bit, but the scrutiny of the Southlanders turned his stomach. Mayhaps it was because he was regarded as a slave, or because they dissected him like an insect for their perverted pleasure. Whatever it was, the feeling conjured up was revulsion.
Zar returned her attention to her guest. "You wouldn’t consider selling one of them? I’ll give you a good price."
"I’m not finished with them." Dana took a sip of water. "No, for now they’re not for sale."
Gera leaned back on one hand. "They are fine specimens. Surely you can buy more?"
The slaver was fishing for information, curse her. "Not with their abilities."
Gera’s mouth tightened. "Everyone has a price."
The entrance of four male slaves bearing dishes of food halted the conversation. Steaming plates of vegetables and meat were placed upon the table, and an older slave served Zar. A younger slave filled Gera’s plate, suffering her careless caress on his buttocks with an impassive face.
Before any slave could make a move to serve Dana, Garret swiftly got to his feet and knelt beside her. "Mistress, allow me."
With ease he spooned the food onto a plate and placed it before her, returning to his place behind her before the other slaves had finished serving the Southlanders.
Dana was grateful that he’d acted quickly, for to serve herself would have been too suspicious. To allow another slave but her own to attend her... Well, she didn’t know the protocol on that, but at least the Southlanders would see how ‘devoted’ her two slaves were.
The food smelled delicious, the aroma filling the room. A low rumble came from behind her, that of a hungry man’s belly complaining. There was no way she could continue eating with the Daamens so obviously suffering.
"I don’t know your customs, Zar. When are the slaves fed?"
"Hmm? Oh, they eat our leftovers if there’s any, otherwise they have bread and fruit. Why?"
Bitches. Just like many slave-owners, their ‘merchandise’ was worthless. "I fear my slaves have not eaten for a good, long while. Would it possible for them to have some bread now?"
"Certainly, though it’s most unusual."
"It’s of no great concern to me." Picking up a fork, Dana speared a piece of meat. "But appease their hunger and they’ll appease mine--quite nicely!" She winked.
Zar roared with laughter and leaned forward. "Your ideas are strange but there is something to be learned there! Jarret, bring some food for my guest’s love machines!"
Gera chewed and swallowed before saying, "It seems you are indeed in control of them. Tell me, do you chain them to your bed for your pleasure? Exactly how do you make them appease your appetites? Do they do everything and anything you tell them to in the bedroom?"
Two can play at being downright vulgar. Aware that Zar was listening with interest, Dana answered coolly, "They do it any way I tell them to, on top, beneath, standing up and sitting down, and not only in the bedroom." Raising her glass, she saluted Gera mockingly. "Any time, any where, any how." The glass was drained of its contents with a flick of the wrist.
"Then why not share some of this marvelous sexual prowess they have?"
The air in the room was thick with tension. Garret watched stiffly, wondering if Dana’s explosive temper would finally blow. However, under dangerous conditions she was a warrior and mercenary through and through.
Her training enabled her to remain in control.
She raised her eyebrows disdainfully. "Are you really so desperate for a screw that you would nag me to loan you a man for the act?"
In shock, the slaver’s mouth fell open, then fury made her face go red. "Why, you--"
Firmly Zar clapped a hand on her arm. "Enough. Dana is my guest and the slaves are hers to do with as she pleases. I will hear no more about it."
Glowering, Gera sank back on the cushions, but remained silent.
Mentally the traders relaxed. The tension fraught moment was over for now. Jarret handed them half a loaf of bread each, his eyes carefully blank.
Pride almost made Garret thrust the bread back but he forced himself to eat it submissively, all the while his mind rebelling. But what could they do? For now they had to play the part of slaves, like it or not.
Dana chose a ripe peach from a nearby bowl. "How are the obedience collars removed, Zar? I tried earlier without success."
Unperturbed by her slaver’s brooding silence, Zar replied lightly, "The pain activation button on the obedience box must be pressed down fully and quickly to release the lock on the collars."
"It’s the only way?"
"An ingenious method devised by Gera. A little reminder. She is full of ideas like that." Her cold gaze fixed onto Dana. "I have been informed that you were speaking to one of the male slaves in the cells."
The Southlanders missed nothing, it seemed. "I noticed him while waiting for the return of my slaves’ clothes. Quite a handsome specimen."
"That he is."
Gera cut in quickly. "A price has not been set for him yet."
"I see. Do you have any idea of his worth?"
"No."
Zar looked at her in surprise. "We have discussed it."
"Don’t you want to sell him to me?" Dana raised one brow in mild query.
"I don’t like nor trust you, stranger."
Dana grinned. "Tell someone who cares, slaver. That attitude is not good for your business."
Zar frowned at Gera. "What’s your problem? You have sold slaves to people you don’t like before."
"The Northlander should be sold to a Southlander."
Slowly she sighed and nodded. "You are correct under the circumstances. I am sorry, Dana, he isn’t for sale."
"What are the unusual circumstances?"
"He is the son of Diago, the Northlander leader."
"Ah. Now I understand."
The conversation turned to other matters and the rest of the evening passed pleasantly enough.
~ * ~
Closing the door to their room, Garret growled, "Now what? That vicious wench will not part with Rominac."
Dana picked up the obedience box. "I’ll go out when I’m sure everyone is asleep and scout out the slave quarters, see if there is a way to release him."
"Not by yourself. I’m going with you."
"It’s easier to hide by myself."
The square jaw tightened. "I’m no fool and I am going."
Opening her mouth to argue, she caught sight of the steely determination in his eyes.
"With or without you," he added.
It was useless to argue. "Then you’d better keep up."
His reply was smooth and slick. "Oh, I will--any time, any where and any how."
A snort of laughter exploded from Jase.
"Damn it, don’t start repeating everything I had to say! I’m warning you--"
"I have no idea what you’re so upset about," he said blandly. "I’m talking about in the rain... Outside... Tonight."
The buffoon was making fun of her. "Gera would be happy to have your company tonight, trader!"
"Really, lass, try to stay with me on this, or has the conversation with the slaver disturbed you?"
"Nothing disturbs me." Holding up the box, she said nastily, "I think you can have your collar removed first!"
Jase stopped laughing and all signs of teasing faded from Garret’s eyes. His gaze went to the box. Silence filled the room.
The anger left Dana as the implications of the deactivation of the locks came into focus. "I’m sorry. I didn’t mean--"
"Press it."
Hesitating, she lowered the box. "I’m not sure about this, Garret. The pain--"
"Press it."
"There must be another way. Let me look at the collars again--"
"We’ve all studied them countless times already. It’s the only way. Now do it."
Damn it! Biting her lip, she held the box up, thumb hovering above the button. "Garret..."
A large hand closed over hers, engulfing the box and forcing her thumb down on the button, pushing it all the way in.
She’d never forget the roars of agony the two men emitted, falling to their knees on the floor. Eyes shut, sweat scouring their faces, they took great, shuddering breaths.
The collars fell open on the floor, metal gleaming dully.
"Garret!" Dana crouched before him, one hand on his shoulder. "Are you all right?"
Glazed eyes peered at her painfully. "Aye... lass. Just give... me... a few... minutes."
Damn Gera and her twisted ideas!
Briefly she touched his cheek, the softest, gentlest of caresses of which she was unaware, before moving across to the other trader.
"Jase, how fare you?"
Eyes closed, he nodded wordlessly.
Standing up, she scowled at the box still clutched in her hand. Right this minute, she’d like to put one of those cursed collars around the slaver’s neck and press the deactivation button many times over!
Tossing the collars and obedience box onto the table, she turned to see Garret start to get to his feet and immediately she went to him. Wedging her shoulder into his armpit, she curled one supporting arm about his waist and pulled his other arm over her shoulder. Bracing herself, she supported him until he could stand straight, though swaying slightly. Carefully they made their way to the sofa, where she eased him down before returning to assist Jase.
Once they were seated, she stood back and studied them. Both were pale, although color was slowly seeping back into their faces.
"Now that hurt." Gingerly Jase touched his throat.
Noticing his trembling hands, Dana’s eyes narrowed. "Gera’s full of lovely ideas, isn’t she?"
"We have to get Rominac and leave." Garret pushed slowly to his feet.
Jase nodded. "Aye, let’s go."
"Oh, no. Not two of you. One is bad enough but two of you hulking brutes are sure to be seen."
"You forget, lass, that we Daamens are not weaklings or morons."
"I know you think you can do better alone," Garret said. "But you forget that we’re all in this together and when we manage to get Rominac out, we can leave immediately without returning for the one left behind."
It made sense. "Very well, but ensure you keep to the shadows."
"Good. Let’s turn these lights off, wait half an hour, and then start off."
Bloody men! Already he was taking over!
Walking over to the light switch beside the door, Jase reached out to turn it off when sharp raps sounded at the door.
"Dana, it is Zar."
Zar? Garret, Jase and Dana looked at each other.
"Dana?"
Taking a deep breath, Dana strode over to the door and opened it to find herself looking down at not only Zar, but Gera and two armed women.
A sense of foreboding filled her, but only a mild expression of curiosity showed on her face. "A bit late for a group visit, isn’t it?"
Displeasure was plain on Zar’s face. "Gera has come to me with information that concerns you and your two slaves."
"Really? What’s that?"
Gera smiled coldly. "Step back and raise your arms."
This did not bode well. With an inward curse, Dana remembered that her laser was on the table along with the sword. However, it wasn’t such a big problem. There were only four women at the door, a few well-aimed kicks...
; "Don’t try anything." The slaver raised her laser. "If you turn around, you’ll find that one wrong move on your part will mean death to your friends."
By the malicious sneer of victory on her face, Dana had no doubt she spoke the truth. Stepping back, she turned and saw three Southlanders with lasers keeping guard over the silent traders. One wrong move and they’d die. The Southlanders had the upper hand--for now.
Zar and Gera entered while the two guards stayed watchfully by the door.
"Mayhaps you’d care to explain?" Dana asked.
"You are a Reeka warrior," Zar replied coldly. "Do you deny this?"
"What of it?"
"You lied to me. To us. These males are not your slaves but Daamen traders, friends of your race."
Garret and Jase exchanged glances, wondering what would happen now.
Nonchalantly Dana folded her arms. "And how did you come to this conclusion?"
"I did some research on our computers, warrior," Gera replied harshly. "It wasn’t too hard to get. There are not many races in the galaxy who are so tall." Her gaze flicked to the men, lust creeping into her eyes. "Nor so strong."
Squashing down the urge to jump the lecherous slaver and beat her to a pulp, Dana repeated, "What of it?"
"Don’t you really know?" She started to laugh, a sound that was anything but cheerful.
"I’m sure you’ll inform us soon, if you can stop cackling long enough."
The laughter froze. "You--"
"Enough!" Zar snapped angrily. "These men are not your slaves, warrior, therefore they are to be sold to the highest bidder tomorrow."
"Like hell!" Garret roared, starting forward.
"Hold!" one of the guards yelled, the sound of the laser trigger being drawn back loud in the room.
He stopped but his gaze burned into the Southland leader. "We are free men!"
"Not on our side. No man who sets foot in Southland is free."
"We’re not from your planet!"
"No difference. Tomorrow you and your friend will be sold." She looked at Dana. "Reconcile yourself, warrior."
Hazel eyes sparked furiously. "I reconcile myself to nothing. My friends are not slaves and certainly not for sale. You can reconcile yourself to that!"
Nervously the guards shifted. The blonde warrior was openly angry now, along with the two giants. If either of the three decided to fight, the other two would join them. There was no telling who would get hurt in the process. There was no doubt that some of the Southlanders would be amongst the injured--or dead, if the dangerous look in the Reeka’s eyes was anything to go by.
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