Chapter 57

“No, Master Damien,” I said.

“Were the nine lashes you took to your back difficult?” he asked looking at me pointedly.

I didn’t have to think about that at all, “Yes, Master Damien.”

“Next time I tell you to come to me, I suggest you just take the steps toward me and not the lash. Do you understand?” he asked.

“Yes, Master Damien.”

I knew I’d take the lashing again, I’d do it for my friend. There was absolutely no way I was going to tell Master Damien that though.

Master Evan laid my kneeling place down and I sank back into it. Master Kein put a jug of water to my lips and I drank. Other warriors wandered over and stood talking to my owners. I stayed silent and tried to steady my breathing.

Someone commented it had taken six throws for me to start screaming. Several of the warriors had laid money on when I would start making noise. A lot of them had lost their bets. After watching me at the posts they thought I would have cried out sooner. I