Hero Of Slaves (Novella) by Joshua P. Simon

Author:Joshua P. Simon [Simon, Joshua P.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Joshua P. Simon
Published: 2012-11-26T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 5

“Here,” said Hag in a raspy voice. “Take it before someone sees me being nice and thinks they deserve the same.”

Cassus looked at the large bowl of stew, piled with twice the amount of meat as normal. He grabbed it. “What’s this for?”

“For taking care of Yanasi,” said the old woman.

“What do you mean? Everyone takes care of her.”

“Some. But not even Jonrell does as much for her as you. Others might not see it, but I do.”

Cassus shrugged. “I never really thought about it.”

Hag grunted. “I know. You just do what’s right because you’ve got a good heart.” She pointed to the bowl. “Make sure this stays between us.”

“Of course.”

The old woman started to waddle off when Cassus called out to her. “Hag.”

She turned.

“My heart really could go for an extra piece of bread.” Cassus grinned.

The old woman chuckled. “Don’t push it.”

* * *

The guard dropped Cassus to the floor. The jarring force should have solicited a wail of pain, but his body had grown numb from the hours of abuse. The guard didn’t even bother to chain him to the hull. Footsteps trailed away, and a door slammed shut.

Finally. I can rest.

A throat cleared. Chains shuffled toward him. Yenaz leaned into his line of sight wearing a frown. “I see that you didn’t take my advice and pretend to black out.”

Cassus didn’t have the energy to answer.

“Close your eyes and give me a few minutes. You’ll feel better when I’m done.”

Cassus tried to speak, wanting to tell Yenaz to leave him alone so he could wallow in guilt for betraying the Byzernians, but only a groan came out. Yenaz ignored him and began to work. Once the healing began, Cassus couldn’t bring himself to fight against it.

“What are you smiling for?” Cassus managed to croak.

“I finally got through to them,” he whispered. “Watching Melchizan kill that boy and seeing you stand up for us helped change the minds of my people.” He inclined his head over his shoulder. “They’re still coming to terms with their decision. But they’re ready to act now.”

Cassus noticed the other slaves murmuring off in a corner. “Why did my reaction matter so much?”

“Because. You’ve risked your life numerous times to save our people. Hundreds have a better life because of you. If harsh words from the Hero of Slaves won’t convince us to act, then nothing will.”

Cassus groaned. He calls me a hero. Yet, I gave into Melchizan.

Yenaz chuckled. “Yes, I can see how that label would cause you grief. Still, look at all the good you’ve done. And none better than today.” He paused, and his smile faded. “There is still a chance that if we’re successful and return home, that the leadership will look down upon us. It’s a rare thing to do, but they could have us banished. But, if we’re able to convince them that things need to change . . .”

Cassus winced at the excitement in Yenaz’s voice.

“What?” said Yenaz. “I thought you’d be happy.”

Cassus shook his head.

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