Chapter 198

We talked casually for the afternoon. I chose not to perseverate on my new duty, so the conversation was varied. When it got late enough we kept the conversation very light, in case the men came in.

"Again," I heard Basin say, "this doesn't sound like a slave that wishes to die and two who are fighting."

The dividers dropped as Fuji's men agreed. We sounded like three happy friends left to talk without interruption all afternoon.

Basin stopped in front of me and released my bonds. He told me he was my Keeper for the evening. I was also informed that if I hurt myself on his watch, he would heal me well, so I could know true pain.

"Where are my Masters?" I asked hesitantly.

"They made the General angry," he said as he wrapped my ornamentation around me. "They are being punished."

We left the Keeper's compound and I stared into the forest beside it. I knew the thick growth hid my daughter and her Sister. Quickly and discreetly, I blew two kisses