Page 2 of 1000 of You
Kolismotioned toward the woman. “It is truethere are not many still alive, but I guarantee she is. Do not believe me? Lookfor yourself.”
The man’s tone ledMuamto believehe was telling the truth. By daring him to check her out for himself, he almostbelieved him. Still, when he knelt down beside the woman, he made sure to keepsome distance between himself andKolis. It was neverwise to turnone’sback on someone wielding a weapon.Not even a customer.
Reaching down, he took the woman’s chin and slowly made herlook up at him. Already he could tell she was young, but not a child. Fullbreasts heaved beneath the thin, dirty shift she wore. Her arms bore the marksof recent bruising. Her jet black hair was tangled and oily, and matted withdirt and burrs.
She glared back at him, yet it was obvious she was terrified.She was fighting herself not to show her fear, while at the same time she triednot to cry. Her lips were pressed together in an effort not to say somethingthat might earn her punishment, but she couldn’t stop the tremble in her chin.
Muamstared into her deep violet eyes, andthe sight of them erased all further doubt. No other tribe boasted that uniqueeye color. He glanced up atKolis. “If she is sorare, why are you willing to part with her?”
“Because she is becoming a nuisance to me. I have toconstantly keep her tied up to prevent her from running away.” He patted thesword. “I am off to join KingBaspar’sarmy, and I cannottake her with me. But she is too valuable to just give away or set free. Mybrother happened to mention that you do not have a woman to keep your house, soI am trading her for this sword. I get a goodly weapon, and you get a prizedslave. Fair deal?”
Muamlooked down at the woman, who’d bowedher head. His first thought was to turn the man down and get back the sword.But he couldn’t forget the trepidation in the woman’s unique eyes. He may haveimagined it, but he would swear he had also seen a silent plea to save her fromthis man.
However, there was also the chance that she’d make a run forit if he accepted the man’s offer. Wait until he had gone to sleep beforeslipping away. Yet, he was not the type of man who would tie her up. He hadnever owned a slave. Had never considered owning one.
For several long seconds, he waged war with himself, betweenhis need for the sale, his desire to protect her, and the voice of commonsense, which screamed for him to walk away. If he took the risk, he would alsohave to accept the possibility that, if she made her escape, he would be outall the time, effort, and materials he’d spent to make the weapon.
She peeked back up at him, as if she needed to do more thanhear his words, which would also be her fate. Staring back into those purplishdepths,Muamspoke. “I accept your offer,KolisRahn.” Swiftly getting tohis feet, he extended his arm to finalize the deal.Kolisgrinned, and they clasped arms.
“I must warn you. She is a terrible cook, but she’ll keep yourbed warm enough if you make her.” The man winked.Muamforced a smile upon his face. He had suspected the woman had been abused. Slavesoften were. In fact, it was to be expected that men such asKoliswould treat what living creatures he owned with little to no compassion. Butsuch occurrences were often kept confidential. He didn’t expect the man to beso forward about it.
“I must go. Have fun. And when others comment on my newblade’s craftsmanship, I will tell them your name,MuamKai.”Kolispointed to the woman, directing his nextremark to her. “If you bring shame upon me, I will hear about it, and I willcome back and cut out your heart, and make you eat it.”
The woman’s face paled but she didn’t respond, neitherverbally nor with a gesture.
Waving a hand atMuam,Kolisambled away with his new prized possession, and neverlooked back.
Chapter 2
Gova
It was getting dark, and he wastired. The woman remained huddled on the ground, her gaze averted, but he knewshe was waiting. Listening. Frightened.
“What do I call you?”
She glanced up at him in surprise,then quickly turned away. He waited. When she realized he was not goinganywhere until she answered him, she softly murmured, “Gova.”
He cocked his head at her. “What?Gova?”
“GovaDov.”
Bending down, he reached for her armto help her up. She caught a glimpse of his hand and immediately jerked away,scooting closer to the wall. She believed he was about to manhandle her.Sighing,Muamstraightened. “Come with me.” Turning,he grabbed the other sword and the unfinished dagger, and strode out of theshed without checking to see if she was following him. At that moment he didn’tcare if she did. He might as well count the sword he’d worked days on as a losteffort. He was dejected, drained, and hungry, and wanted nothing more at thatmoment than to wash the stickiness and grime off his body before finishing thelast of the bread and cheese.
Reaching the small hut that was hishome, he brushed aside the door flap and ducked inside. He was laying the twoweapons on a small shelf against the far wall when he was aware ofGovacoming inside. She stared at the almost sparseinterior, her expression unreadable.
“This is my home,” he told her.“It’s not much, but it’s mine. I owe no one for my board and keep.”
She sat next to the doorway, drawingher knees up to her chest and wrapping her arms around them.Muamcouldn’t help but notice how thin her arms were. Hewent over to the box where he kept his food and took out the hunk of bread andfist-size lump of cheese. Breaking both into two pieces, he offered her both ofthe larger ones. She blinked in confusion.
“I can tell you are hungry. I wouldguessKoliskept you on a near-starvation diet. Here.Take it. It’s all I have.”
She started to reach for it, thenpaused and shook her head. “I cannot.”
“Why not?” An idea came to him. “Iorder you to take it and eat.”
Her eyes widened. Before she couldreact, he bent over, grabbed one of her hands, and placed the food in it. Heimmediately released her and went over to the opposite side of the room wherehis pallet was located. Sitting, he proceeded to eat his portion. After amoment of hesitation, she proceeded to devour what he had given her.
“There is some water in the bucketon the other side of the door. Drink your fill.”
