Page 60 of Stolen Slave

“You know Mtinash well,” S’doifu acknowledged.

“Well enough,” I said. “How long have you been with Mtinash?”

“Like you, long enough to call him a friend. I only recently accepted his invitation to stay here for a while. He was hoping my presence would bring him luck.” S’doifu glanced at Vya. “Perhaps it has.”

“Vya is mine.”

S’doifu shrugged gracefully. “Vya belongs to whoever she chooses for however long she chooses. You know this.”

The access panel beeped.

“What is it?” I heard Mtinash ask.

“Khorahn brought a guest you will want to meet in your private garden.”

The door immediately opened. Vya glanced from the opening to me then poked my side.

“You tensed. Why did you tense? I don’t like it when you’re nervous. That means I’m supposed to be nervous, and I can’t, which is really frustrating, but it’s not. Do you see the problem here? Let’s not be nervous, m’kay?”

I smiled my reassurance and leaned in to kiss her temple.

She huffed a little breath but didn’t hesitate to follow me through the door. The narrow hallway led to another access door, which was already open and waiting.

Vya made a small sound as we entered a vast domed space and looked up at the pink clouds floating in the violet-blue sky. The biosphere was protected by bromin. It had been reduced enough to let in a light breeze with the weak sunlight. The air was pure and a wonder to breathe after so much time on the ship.

I watched Vya release my arm and execute a slow turn. Trees and non-aggressive veg filled the space along with small peaceful varieties of flyers and creepers.

“This is beautiful,” Vya breathed. Her attention snapped to me as she pointed up. “The sky is almost purple. The clouds are tinged pink. This is real, right?”

S’doifu chuckled. “She’s already entranced, Khorahn. I believe you might lose your female this flare.”

“I would say ‘fortune find you,’ my friend. But it appears fortune already has,” Mtinash said, emerging from the trees.

Vya turned to look at Mtinash.

“Precious female, allow me to introduce myself. I am Mtinash, the capable owner of this paradise. I see Khorahn has spared no chit on your dress, but I can give you so much more if you allow me the chance.” He formally held his hand out to her.

“She can’t understand you. That’s why we need the translator,” I said dryly.

Mtinash flashed me an annoyed glance. It was a look the ex-hunter had perfected to bring many to their knees. I simply grinned at him. My founder helped make Mtinash into who he was. I knew his secrets better than any other living soul. Just as he knew mine. He didn’t intimidate me any more than I intimidated him.

I looked down at Vya and gave her an encouraging smile when I saw her small frown.

“He’s a friend,” I said with a nod toward him. “He’s safe.”

“Safe. Chit rich. Terra and veg richer. And ready to breed strong sons to take over for me. Take my hand and be mine, pretty female.”

I chuckled. “Do you believe I would let her go so easily?”

“We’ll see once she can understand me. The mineral waste that you added to her dress is interesting. I’m assuming it was her preference?”

“Do you think I’m going to give you ideas to help you win her from me?”

S’doifu chuckled and came to take Vya’s arm.

“I think we’ve talked in front of her enough without understanding a word, don’t you? Let’s get that translator implanted.”

Vya dug her nails into my arm and looked up at me. Her eyes were filling with water.

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