The Mists of Sorrow_ Book Seven of the Morcyth Saga - Brian S. Pratt [203]
James decides to call it a night too and accompanies him upstairs. The others remain in the common room for a little while longer.
Back in the room they find Aleya and the boy asleep on the bed. The way she’s holding him protectively gives Jiron a warm feeling inside. He stands there with James a moment just staring at them before she cracks an eye open and waves him inside.
“I’ll take her room,” James says. “You two can stay here with Aku.”
“Thanks,” Jiron says appreciatively as he enters the room.
James closes the door and grins. They’re not even married yet and already it looks like they may have an addition to the family. The thought of Jiron as a father figure to the boy makes him chuckle. He reaches the room that was supposed to be hers and opens the door.
“Excuse me,” a voice says behind him, practically making him jump in startlement.
Turning around, he sees a young man wearing slave cloth. He’s standing not more than three feet away. “You speak my language?” James asks him.
Nodding, the slave says, “Oh yes. My master has many dealings with your people and found it useful for me and others to be able to understand what they are talking about when he’s not around.”
James could definitely see the benefit in that. “What can I do for you?” he asks.
The slave moves closer and says quietly with head bowed in respect, “I wish to know how the boy fares?”
“You mean Aku?” James asks.
“Yes sir,” he replies.
“Why?” James looks more closely at the young man before him. Couldn’t be more than seventeen or eighteen, he wonders what interest a small boy could hold for him.
“He’s my brother,” the slave admits.
James glances down the hallway and sees another slave at the head of the stairs watching them. He opens his door and says, “Why don’t we talk inside.”
Nodding, the slave moves to follow him into the room. “Is he okay?” he asks.
Once the door closes, James lights the candle on the table with magic. Either the slave didn’t notice or he chose not to comment on it. Sitting down, he indicates for the young man to take the seat across from him. Almost without pause, the young man moves and takes the seat.
“He’s fine,” James tells him. He can almost see the young man visibly relax. “He was hurt pretty bad but we got him cleaned up.”
The slave lifts his face to meet his eyes, something he’s rarely seen a slave do to a free person. “What are you going to do with him, if I may ask?” he asks.
“We had planned on taking him with us,” James explains. “I didn’t want to save him only to have him become a slave again. Also, one of us has taken a liking to him.”
“I’m glad,” the young man says.
James leans back in his chair and stares at him a moment. “I don’t know if you heard but his last owner, the one that practically beat him to death, was murdered.”
The young man doesn’t even flinch at the news.
“I take it you know something about it then?” James asks. When he fails to respond, James says, “He deserved what he got if you ask me.” Still unresponsive, he asks, “You killed him didn’t you?”
“Yes!” exclaims the young man. “He was a swine who treated poor Aku terribly.”
“Good for you,” James tells him. At that the young man lifts his head and gives him a slight grin. “Now, what do you intend to do? Are you here to get your brother back?”
Shaking his head, he says, “Hardly. Leaving with you would be the best thing that could happen to him. You and your friends seem a decent enough sort.” He then meets James’ gaze again and says, “If there’s anyway that I can be of service to you, don’t hesitate to ask. For all that you’ve done and hopefully will do for Aku.”
James considers his offer. He sits there for a minute or two before saying, “Perhaps there is a way you can be of help.”
“Anything,” he says.
“Can you help us get into the temple here in Zixtyn?” he asks.
The young man blinks twice but otherwise