Chapter 254

Eventually the men retired to the crowded sitting area. I knelt on the floor somewhat leaning on Evan. The conversation paused and Damien asked Basin what the entertainment was.

Basin laughed and told Damien he had the very same entertainment in his house. Perhaps we would like a sample of what was most lately amusing to his family?

Basin stood and pulled Rose up. He stood her in front of the fire. She looked at the floor until he lifted her chin with his finger.

“Our slave,” he said suddenly serious, “has been here many moons. We have listened to many stories the slave made up to amuse us…The truth has been far more entertaining.”

Rose spoke then at Basin’s prodding. The big man stood looking calmly down at her. She talked about the women and the mountains. She said Nu-reeh’s name and described her in detail to the gathering. With tears falling down her face, she explained how the men were owned. I felt Evan stiffen as she talked.

The story wasn’t long