Feist, Raymond E. - Riftwar 1 by Feist Raymond E

Author:Feist, Raymond E. [Feist, Raymond E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2011-06-11T13:58:19+00:00

file:///F|/rah/Raymond%20E.%20Feist/Riftwar%201%20-%20Magician.txt heal, but there will be a loss of movement and little strength for gripping.

He most likely will be fit for only light duty.”

The soldier nodded, a peculiar expression on his face: a mixture of disgust and impatience. “Very well. Dress the wounds and leave US.,

The physician set about cleaning the wounds. He took a score of stitches in the hand, bandaged it, admonished Pug to keep it clean, and left. Pug ignored the pain, easing his mind with an old mental exercise.

After the physician was gone, the soldier studied the two slaves before him. “By law, I should have you hanged for killing the slave master.”

They said nothing. They would remain silent until commanded to speak.

“But as I hanged the slave master, I am free to keep you alive, should it suit my purpose. I can simply have you punished for wounding him.”

He paused. “Consider yourselves punished.”

With a wave of his hand he said, “Leave me, but return here at daybreak. I have to decide what to do with you.”

They left, feeling fortunate, for under most circumstances they would now be hanging next to the former slave master. As they crossed the compound, Laurie said, “I wonder what that was about.”

Pug responded, “I hurt too much to wonder why. I’m just thankful that we will see tomorrow.”

Laurie said nothing until they reached the slave hut. “I think the young lord has something up his sleeve.”

“Whatever. I have long since given up trying to understand our masters.

That’s why I’ve stayed alive so long, Laurie. I just do what I’m told to, and I endure.” Pug pointed to the tree where the former overseer’s body could be seen in the pale moonlight~only the small moon was out tonight. “It’s much too easy to end up like that.”

Laurie nodded. “Perhaps you’re right. I still think about escape.”

Pug laughed, a short, bitter sound. “where, singer? Where could you run? Toward the rift and ten thousand Tsurani?”

Laurie said nothing. They returned to their pallets and tried to sleep in the humid heat.

THE YOUNG OFFICER sat upon a pile of cushions, cross-legged in Tsurani fashion. He sent away the guard who had accompanied Pug and Laurie, then motioned for the two slaves to sit. They did so hesitantly, for a slave was not usually permitted to sit in a master’s presence.

“I am Hokanu, of the Shinzawai. My father owns this camp,” he said without preamble. “He is deeply dissatisfied with the harvest this year.

He has sent me to see what can be done. Now I have no overseer to manage the work, because a foolish man blamed you for his own stupidity.

What am I to do?”

They said nothing. He asked, “You have been here, how long?”

‘Four years, Master.’

‘One year, master,’

Pug and Laurie answered in turn. He considered the answers, then said, “You”-pointing at Laurie-“are nothing unusual, save you speak our tongue better than most barbarians, all things considered. But you”

pointing at Pug-“have stayed alive longer than most of your stiff -necked countrymen and also speak our language well.

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