Chapter 30 - Silk and Slaves

Bright morning sun poured through the windows of the hotel as Luke, Eloise and Azee sat around a small, white table on the balcony just outside their room. On the table in front of them was a cheery breakfast of fruit, bacon, toast, and multicoloured jams all served in a quaint basket. Luke sat across from Eloise, reading a newspaper, an advertisement for the championship match of the iron games splashed across the front cover.

Luke's eyes widened as he lowered his newspaper and stared at Eloise. "You want to go where?"

"I said, I want to go and see the Iron Games match this evening."

Azee's toast fell out of her mouth and clattered to her plate as she stared wide-eyed at Eloise. "Th-the Iron games? Why?"

"There is something I need to check up on. It should be busy enough tonight that I can poke around without being noticed."

"Something you 'need to check up on'?" Luke raised an eyebrow and frowned. "And what, pray tell, could you possibly be snooping around for, witch?"

"Something more important than you could understand, Windhill."

Luke scoffed and went back to his paper.

"If Eloise is going, then I'm going too," Azee said, trying her best to sound brave.

"Thank you. In fact, I need both of you to come."

Again Luke's paper rustled as he glanced up. "And you need me to come for what reason exactly?"

"Legitimacy."

"Legitimacy?"

Eloise raised her eyebrows. "Someone like you should be able to get a private viewing box. I'd be surprised if you didn't have a section named for your family."

Luke shook his head with a derisive chuckle. "You know what, it doesn't matter, there is no way, on this plane or any other, that either I, or Azee, will set foot in that awful place. The iron games are nothing but pointless bloodshed and cruelty."

"Coming from the slaver," Azee grumbled.

"Azee... please, just drop it."

"But you have killed before." Azee's eyes narrowed. "You've even killed slaves."

"As have you! And anyway, I don't kill for fun." Luke snapped back, the anger in his voice startling both Azee and Eloise. "And before you get all high and mighty, Azee, you'll recall that at least one of those deaths was for you! So drop it!"

Azee shrunk back a little, it wasn't simple frustration in Luke's voice, but genuine anger.

With a grumble, Luke snapped open his newspaper again. "I'm not going, and that's final. You want to look around, then go yourself. I, on the other hand, intend to get another night or two of sleep before we move on."

"I'm not sure you have much of a choice in the matter, Windhill," Eloise smirked, taking a delicate bite of her own toast. "The choice isn't yours."

"You'll have to force me."

"That can be arranged."

"Good luck with that, witch.."

Eloise turned to Azee. "It's up to you."

Azee tilted her head a little. "M-me?"

"It's your orders he's bound to follow, not mine." She glanced first at Azee and then at Luke. "You're the one in charge here, not him."

The paper in Luke's hand crinkled as he shot a hateful glare at Eloise. "Leave Azee out of this."

Ignoring Luke, Eloise nodded at Azee. "Well?"

For a moment, Azee was torn. Despite his attempts to hide it, Luke was clearly deeply disturbed at the idea of attending the games. There was, of course, a part of her that relished the idea of forcing Luke to do something he didn't want to do, but there was something she found deeply repellent about that instinct.

"Luke... if Eloise says it's important..."

"Let her go by herself then."

"But what if you could help?" What if it's dangerous?"

"I don't believe the witch, and neither should you."

"Stop calling her that!" Azee snapped. "And if she says this is important, then we should help her."

"It's not going to happen Azee."

Azee's ears pressed against the side of her head as she scowled. "You know I can command you, right?"

"I know."

"So you're going to force me to give you an order?"

Luke glanced at Azee. "Certainly looks like it, doesn't it?"

Luke could feel the pull of the curse on his mind, he knew he would lose this fight in the end, but if Ellmer was right, and resisting the curse would eventually burn it out, he had to take every opportunity he could.

Azee's scowl deepened. "Luke... please don't..."

"You wanted to be a master, you got what you wanted. So you have to take responsibility."

"I never wanted to be a master!"

"Well thanks to Eloise, you are one, so make your choice."

Azee glanced at Eloise for a moment, before screwing up her courage and speaking in a loud, clear voice. "We're going to the Iron Games, and that's final. I command it."

"If that's your command, then fine," Luke grumbled after a few moments, setting aside his newspaper as he got to his feet. "I'll see about getting us tickets. In the meantime, if we're going to mingle with the elite, you two are going to need to do some work as well."

Azee tilted her head slightly. "Work?"

***

A woman of almost eighty years, Matilda Ashburne was a fixture of New Burleigh. She was a true gentlewoman if ever there was one, with high standards, excellent taste, and a famously no-nonsense attitude. Her shop, Ashburne Fashions, had existed nearly as long as New Burleigh itself, having been opened by her great, great, great grandmother. In fact, the Ashburne family had been one of the first to settle in what would become known as Burleigh County, though at the time the area was called Haven's Valley, long before Halcyon had even existed.

As for Matilda, she'd seen it all. War, hunger, disease, triumph, and defeat, she'd shaken hands with men and women who had gone on to lives of fame, fortune, and infamy. She'd witnessed Halcyon in its heyday, and in its time of decline. So, when Matilda Asburne said the words, "Well... this is certainly new," it was a truly strange occasion.

Luke fought the urge to sigh and pinch the bridge of his nose. "I know it is unorthodox, but I am afraid we don't have time for a more... traditional method."

Matilda paused for a moment, glancing at Azee, who smiled nervously and bowed, and at Eloise, who looked on with mild amusement.

"Making a dress for your lady friend should be no issue at all," Matilda said at last, her eyes sweeping over Eloise's form and making a flurry of quick calculations. "She has a plain figure, nothing too complex."

Eloise raised an eyebrow, "Plain?"

"But the pelt... that may be more difficult."

"Yes, I understand that."

"And it's very short notice."

"I am aware."

"You are, of course, also aware of the law? Making clothing for pelts is tricky. She's only allowed to wear one colour, and the types of fabric I am allowed to use are... rather limited."

"I'll pay you whatever you want, just bill it to my account at the hotel." Luke waved his hand dismissively. "Just see to it that they are both presentable. That's all I am asking."

Matilda stroked her chin for a few moments, studying Azee, before nodding slowly. "I think that can be arranged."

"Good, then if you will excuse me, I have some tickets to procure."

"And what style and colour were you lookin' for Mister Windhill?"

Luke paused for a moment. "I... Whatever you think is best."

"And what about your suit, sir?"

"You still have my measurements from last time, yes?"

"I believe so."

"They shouldn't be any different. Now, if you will excuse me."

No sooner than Luke had left the room, a trio of identical pure white feline pelts arrived, each carrying a large basket of multicoloured cloth and a variety of tools. A larger male feline stepped through the door a few moments later, carrying a pedal operated sewing machine.

"Just over there," Matilda commanded the large feline, gesturing to a spot near one of the windows.

"As you command master."

"Silk, Sheer, you two attend to the lady." Matilda nodded at Azee. "I'll see to this one."

Two of the feline's nodded and turned to Eloise. "Glad to serve you, miss."

"Right, well-" Eloise paused as the two felines started bustling her towards the master bedroom. "H-hey, what are you-"

"Start with the Benington or the Barryworth," Matilda called out.

"Yes master!" One of the felines replied cheerily, before closing the bedroom door behind her.

Turning back to Azee, Matilda put her hand on her hips. "Well, I suppose I ought to have your name."

Azee bowed her head. "It's Azee, ma'am."

"Hmm, strange name. Now, what did you want?"

"Well..." Azee shifted from foot to foot before pulling out the piece of fabric Xia had given to her. "Could you... make something that matches this?"

"Let me see..." Matilda straightened her glasses and gently took the fabric from Azee's hands. "Hmmm... this looks like Allenvale silk..." She ran her fingers over the fabric. "The colour is very rich, the quality is exquisite.." She glanced up at Azee. "Where did you get this?"

"I... found it."

"You found it?"

Azee squirmed a little as Matilda looked at her with a deeply incredulous gaze. "Y-yes ma'am."

"Uh huh... Well, the good news is, since Allenvale silk was invented after the canon was written, technically it is legal for a pelt to wear, though it is rather expensive."

"I'd like that... please."

Matilda peered down at the silk for a few moments, before turning to the remaining feline slave, handing her the piece of fabric. "Satin, go and see if we have anything that matches this in the carriage. If not, head back to the store and fetch some, would you."

"As you wish, mistress." Satin bowed and swiftly retreated from the room.

"You need'nt worry." Matilda said, noting the look on Azee's face as Satin left with her scarf. "You'll get it back in a moment."

Pulling a cloth measuring tape from one of the baskets, Matilda turned back to Azee. "Now... let's see what we can do here."

Azee shifted nervously as Matilda set about measuring her, the tape almost a blur as the old woman muttered to herself.

"Hmm... shorter than most canines... Good figure... Bust is rather small..."

Though she stayed quiet, Azee's face turned a little red. 'Didn't have to say it out loud...'

Before long the feline named Satin returned with an armful of deep purple fabric.

"It's not Allenvale master, but it is Sherwest. Do you think they'll notice?"

Matilda stepped away from Azee to examine and feel the fabric. "Hmmm... no.." She looked up at Azee. "Should be alright, so long as you keep yer mouth shut."

Azee nodded. "I can do that."

"Good... in that case, I think we'll go with a Charington style."

Satin's face brightened as she looked at Azee. "It'll be perfect for her master."

"Glad you agree, now, let's get to work."

***

Azee held as still as she was able as Matilda draped a nearly complete dress over her shoulders.

"Good girl, just stay like that," Matilda muttered, her mouth full of pins.

As Azee stood, the door to the master bedroom opened and Eloise stepped out, flanked on either side by two of the felines who had hustled her away. She wore a stunning dress of rich blue fabric, with a row of bone white bows down the front, gleaming gold buttons and trim, and flamboyant lace sleeves. Her hands were covered by a pair of elegant white gloves.

Despite the beauty of her dress, Eloise looked distinctly uncomfortable.

"The dress is done master." The first feline said with a grin.

"Yes... yes indeed." Matilda smiled. "Well done Sheer."

"We can do your hair if you like as well." The second feline offered, gently poking at Eloise's bun. "Something nice, with ribbons!"

"Silk, don't poke!" Matilda shook her head and turned her attention to Eloise. "Do you like it?"

"It's... not what I would usually wear," Eloise admitted after a pause.

"Oh nonsense dear, it looks lovely on you." Matilda crossed her arms and frowned a little. "Hmm... the bows may be a bit much."

"What about some ribbon lacing?" Silk asked excitedly.

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

"Or some more buttons?" Sheer added.

"Or a lace bodice? Maybe a jabot?"

"Or a light cover jacket?"

"Would you two be quiet!" Matilda scolded. "Let us get a word in edgewise."

Immediately Sheer and Silk fell silent, but both still vibrated with excitement, their tails thrashing back and forth as they pranced from foot to foot.

"I think a shawl of that same blue and lace. What do you think?" she asked Eloise.

"It's... fine." Eloise replied. "Just... make sure I can move about in this thing. I don't want to trip over-" she gestured at her elaborate gown "-all this."

"We'll make certain of that. Now, girls, if you will."

"You're looking wonderful," Eloise called out to Azee as she was hustled back into the other room by Sheer and Silk.

Matilda sighed, glancing at the large male Feline, who was still standing by. "Those daughters of yours..."

"My apologies master, I'll speak with them if you desire."

"Oh it's alright." Matilda stuck the pins back in her mouth and returned to work on Azee. "May as well let them have their fun."

"So... they're your slaves?" Azee asked.

"Well they certainly aren't volunteers." Matilda replied, pulling a pin from her mouth and sliding it through a seam at Azee's waist. "They've worked with me since they were born, their father, Cade," she gestured at the large feline, "worked with me before that, and his father worked with my mine, and his grandfather with my grandmother."

Matilda smoothed down the fabric with a single motion of her hand. "Still, I don't mind admitting that I am fond of them. Maybe I let them get away with too much... it'll only make it harder for them to adjust when I am gone."

Azee tilted her head. "May I ask a question?"

"If you really feel you must."

"Do you have children?"

"Mhmm, three." Matilda glanced over her shoulder at Satin. "We're going to take the length down another two inches."

"As you command, ma'am."

"But yes. My oldest boy is in the militia, my daughter ran off with some foppish old fool, and my youngest passed into the embrace of the Lord 'bout twenty years back."

"I'm sorry."

"It's alright, long time ago. Still, Garrak, my youngest, was the only one who really had any interest in tailoring. So, when it's my time, my shop goes with me."

"But... what about your slaves?"

"They'll be sold."

"Together?"

Matilda shrugged."Maybe someone will want to buy three felines at the same time, but most likely they'll end up separated."

Azee felt a powerful twisting in her stomach. "But... they're sisters."

"And they've all had sixteen years together, with their father no less. I have no intention of going into the ground anytime soon, but once I am gone, well, it really isn't my concern."

Azee didn't know what to say. She turned to see if either Satin or Cade had had any reaction, but the only thing she saw on their faces was resignation.

"Try an' stay still would you, this part is tricky..."

"How... how can you do that to them?" Azee whispered, her arms twitching slightly. "It's cruel."

"We live in a cruel world." Matilda nodded her head at Azee's collar. "Life isn't fair girl, you should know this by now, or you should get to learnin' it right quick."

"Then why not try and make it less cruel?"

"It's a lovely idea, but a naïve one." Matilda shook her head. "Must say, you're awfully opinionated for a slave."

Azee wanted to reply, but no words seemed to come to her.

"It's not as if I don't understand what you are sayin'," Matilda continued after a time. "Sheer, Satin, Silk, and Cade have all been loyal to me, I couldn't run my business without them. Without Cade I couldn't even get up the stairs to bed at night, so I do feel a measure of responsibility for them. But what am I supposed to do? They are slaves, and there is not a thing I can do to change that."

"But-"

"Even if I could help them, it would cost my family everything."

"That's just being selfish." Azee's tail curled between her legs and her ears pressed flat as she stepped down from the stool and backed away from Matilda. "Selfish and cruel!"

"Now you get back here and stop being so lippy." Matilda commanded, pointing at the stool. "Your master might spoil you, but I won't. If I need to give you a good thrashing to get you to behave, then by the Lord I will do it."

A flash of anger ran through Azee like an electric current and her hands bunched into fists. But just as she was preparing to fire back with a threat of her own, Cade stepped forward, placing himself between Azee and his master.

"I cannot allow you to disrespect Miss Ashburne."

Azee wanted to scream at him, to tell him to get out of the way, but the terrified, pleading look in Cade's eyes stopped her. He had no choice.

Her shoulder's slumping in defeat, Azee looked at the floor.

"I'm sorry... please... forgive my disrespect."

"Just get back onto the stool, now."

With a resigned sigh, Azee stepped back up onto the stool.

After taking a moment for a calming breath, Matilda stepped forward and resumed her work. "Good, now hold still."

Azee started to speak, but Matilda raised a hand. 'Please, be silent. I have to concentrate if I am going to finish this on time."

The silence hung heavy in the air as Azee swallowed her anger and indignation, staying silent as the seamstress returned to her work.

***

Throughout the æons, many have commented on the rapid proliferation of bad news. It seems an ill rumour or report of bad fortune is always two steps ahead of any attempt to stem it. No matter how fleet of foot or hound, or quick of wing a messenger bird, bad news will spread far faster.

However, as it is with bad news, so it is with good news. So it was that, within an hour, every last slave on the Windhill Ranch was aware of the news that Thomas Comb had been fired. Of course they couldn't openly celebrate, but when the overseers weren't looking, there were many quiet moments of joy and exhilaration.

Keeli let out another pleased sigh as she took a moment to look up into the blue sky and smile.

"It's nice to see you in a good mood," Fray chuckled, gently patting Keeli on the back.

"Comb's gone! He's finally, finally gone." She sighed happily, clutching her sack of cotton close to her chest. "I thought I'd have to wait until his miserable old heart gave out."

"They say that taking joy in someone else's pain is bad for you, but you've never looked better."

"I still don't know why Windhill didn't fire him years ago."

Fray shrugged as she went back to picking over the nearest cotton plant. "Comb knew Luke's father, they were... well perhaps not friends, but they had been together even before I came here."

"Huh..." Keeli glanced around for a moment before leaning close to Fray. "I can see why they liked each other, they were both bastards."

"Make sure no one hears you talking like that." Fray grinned, playfully pushing Keeli's face away. "Anyone catches you and we'll be having rabbit stew."

"Blah..." Keeli stuck out her tongue. "I hate it when they do that... I mean, I get it, we're different kinds, but rabbits always looked a little too much like us for me to... enjoy..." She tilted her head as she noticed Fray had gone silent, her eyes locked on something in the distance.

"Sorry, would you watch my bag?" Without waiting for Keeli to answer, Fray let go of her sack and began creeping down the row.

Keeli couldn't help but shiver, Fray's demeanour had changed, and the way she was walking... in that moment, she was a predator.

As she reached the end of the row, Fray waited until she was certain none of the fores or overseers were watching, before slipping silently into the long grass on the other side of the fence.

"That idiot," she snarled under her breath as she made her way towards the river.

***

"I must admit, Miss Ashburn, I am impressed." Luke nodded approvingly as he straightened his jacket, admiring himself in the mirror. "Excellent work."

"Thank you, Master Windhill. And I think you will be equally impressed with your companions." Clapping her hands she called out. "Sheer, Silk, bring her in."

The door to the master bedroom swung open, revealing Eloise. She had a look on her face that made it clear she was unhappy being paraded about, but with some gentle prodding from Silk and Sheer, Eloise stepped out into the main room.

"Well?" She asked, gesturing at her elaborately done hair and dress.

"You surprise me," Luke said with a wry smile. "Seems even you can clean up rather nicely."

Eloise replied with an expression sour enough to curdle milk.

"Is it not to your liking, Mister Windhill?" Matilda asked, glancing back and forth between the two of them.

Luke nodded at Matilda "Forgive me, that was merely... banter, I don't mean to be rude." With a restrained sigh, he turned back to Eloise. "To be honest... you do, in fact, look very fetching."

Eloise gave only a terse nod in reply.

"And now, for your canine... companion." Matilda clapped her hands. "Satin, if you would."

Luke turned as the door to the second bedroom opened, revealing Azee. His breath caught in his throat, his heart skipping a beat, as he saw her, her hands folded in front of her and a visible pinkness to her nose.

The dress was made from a single length of deep purple silk that flowed like water across Azee's tan fur. Despite being of a rather simple design, every drape in the fabric, every curve and seam, accentuated Azee's form, she looked both wild and refined at the same time in a way that Luke could not explain. Her hair had been brushed to a perfect sheen, and tied into a series of small braids with lengths of matching purple ribbon.

"Azee..." Luke's mouth felt dry as he took a step forward, staring wide-eyed at her, everyone and everything else in the world utterly forgotten. "You look... you are... you're beautiful."

Azee's nose turned redder. "Thank you... Master Windhill."

At the word 'Master' reality swiftly returned. Clearing his throat, Luke turned back to Matilda. "Yes, this will do nicely."

"I am glad to hear it, sir."

"Well..." Luke cleared his throat again. "Our carriage is waiting for us downstairs. Azee, Miss Eloise, if you would follow me. Again, Miss Ashburne, thank you for your efforts."

"No trouble at all sir," Matilda replied as Luke and Eloise left the room. As she too turned to leave, Azee paused at the door and glanced back at Matilda. For a moment, the two stared at one another.

Eventually, Azee broke the silence. "Thank you... for the dress."

"You're welcome. Now, go on," Matilda said with a nod. "Go with your master."

With a heavy sigh, Azee once more turned to leave, gently closing the door behind her.

With Luke, Azee and Eloise gone, Matilda and her slaves began packing up their supplies.

***

Azee followed along behind Eloise and Luke as they made their way down the central staircase and through the front lobby of the hotel. She could feel the eyes of other patrons upon her, her ears picking up their whispered comments.

"Is that a pelt with Windhill?"

"Goodness, she does make a pretty picture."

"Maybe the rumours are true... Windhill is a deviant."

"What a fetching canine, wonder where he got her."

"A dress like that on a beast, what a waste..."

Despite the unpleasant words, Azee raised her chin defiantly, making certain to stay close to Eloise and Luke.

The trio stepped out of the hotel towards a waiting carriage.

With a chivalrous nod, Luke opened the door for Eloise. "After you, Miss Eloise."

"Thank you." She replied, rolling her eyes a little as she climbed into the cab.

Azee was looking around the back of the carriage for her seat when she heard Luke call out to her.

"Well, aren't you going to get in?"

Azee blinked in surprise as Luke gestured for her to step into the cab of the carriage.

"But... I'm not allowed."

"Yes you are, now come on." Luke offered a hand. "Just watch your step."

Hesitantly, Azee stepped forward and climbed up into the cab with Luke's help, being careful not to catch her dress on anything.

Eloise patted the cushion beside her. "You can sit with me if you like."

Azee sat down slowly on the velvet cushions, as if afraid that the moment she relaxed, the fabric would open and swallow her whole.

The carriage shook a little as Luke climbed inside and rapped his knuckles on the roof. "Driver, if you would." Moments later, there was the sound of a whip cracking, and the carriage began to move.

***

"You all did good work today." Matilda commented as she set about clearing up her tools. Behind her, Cade packed up the sewing machine and the girls worked to collect the various lengths of cloth and place them in baskets.

"Thank you, master." Satin replied quietly. "I... I quite liked the dress you made for the canine woman."

"The dress was nice, but did you see the way Windhill looked at her?" Silk purred dreamily as she worked.

Satin sighed as she placed an armful of folded fabric back in a basket. "I hope someday someone looks at me like that..."

"Like a prince from one of those old stories," Sheer said softly, watching from the window as the carriage bearing Azee, Luke and Eloise pulled away from the front of the hotel.

"Mmmm, he can come and take me away any time he likes." Satin draped a length of cloth over herself and pretended to dance.

"You three, stop tittering like schoolgirls and get about your jobs," Matilda commanded. "And don't you dare tell anyone a thing about today, understood? If you go about starting rumours you'll all end up as rugs."

"Yes master, sorry master." All three replied in unison, bowing their heads.

Matilda couldn't help but smile."Honestly, what am I going to do with the three of you." Her smile slowly faded as she watched the sisters return to their tasks. She looked back at the stool Azee had been standing on, suppressing a small sigh. "What... am I going to do with the three of you?"

***

"It shouldn't take us long to get there," Luke commented, relaxing in his seat and straightening his jacket as the carriage turned onto one of the main roads. "The arena is less than a mile from here."

Azee was too busy staring out of the window to even notice Luke was talking. She'd never seen things from the inside of such a fancy carriage before. The constant stream of life and movement outside of her window was mesmerising.

Azee jumped a little as Eloise tapped her on the shoulder.

"A bit of an upgrade from a bench on the back, isn't it?"

"It is but..." Azee looked at Eloise, then back out of the window. "I don't understand. I thought it was against the law for pelts to be inside a carriage."

"That only applies if you are sitting with the driver," Luke replied, adjusting his gloves and top hat. "You aren't allowed to sit anywhere where you could interact with the one navigating 'plotting the course' as it were. But since the driver is on the outside, and you're in here, it doesn't count."

Azee blinked a few times and tilted her head. "B-but that's... that's just incredibly stupid!"

"Not gonna argue that."

"Why bother having the canon at all if all you're gonna do is try and find ways around it?!"

"You're asking me?" Luke raised an eyebrow. "Azee, when have you ever known me to follow the canon word for word? For the Lord's sake, when it comes to you, I..." Luke's words caught in his throat. "When... it comes to you, I... Well I certainly don't follow the canon."

"No..." Azee muttered, crossing her arms and looking out the window. "You just follow the parts that suit you, just like everyone else."

With a sharp intake of breath, Luke prepared to snap back at Azee, but thought better of it.

"I'm not interested in a fight." He grumbled, turning to look out of the window. "The sooner we can get this over with, the sooner we can get back on the road and find your damned sister."

***

"So you failed."

Syn shifted from foot to foot as she looked away from Wale, unable to meet his gaze. The two of them stood waist deep in the river, the water swirling around them muffling their voices.

Syn's hands bunched into fists as her voice turned to a low growl. "I told them about the rebellion... but the tigress got them all terrified."

"The tigress? The one you said was not going to be a problem?"

"She told them that it was all hopeless. If they had something, anything, to hold onto, to prove her wrong, they'd join you."

With a muttered curse, Wale pinched the bridge of his nose. "Dammit all... we'll have to look elsewhere."

"No!" Syn stepped forward. "Please, please don't leave. I can still convince them!"

"It's too risky for me to keep coming back here." Wale grumbled, crossing his arms. "There is something in the swamp, hunting us, and the servants of the Tyrant are everywhere."

"If... if you can prove to them that you have the weapons you told me about, it will convince them."

This time it was Wale who paused in uncertainty. "Well... it's not that simple."

"Why not?"

"Because carrying around a weapon like a rifle is dangerous and would make it easier to track me."

"Please listen, I- I can help your group! I know how to read, how to write, how to do arithmetic! Take me with you, I can help you!"

Wale looked at Syn for a moment, before sighing heavily. "I'm sorry... but we don't have a way of removing your collar right now. They'd track you right back to us."

Gritting her teeth, Syn took a step forward. "Please... please I'm begging you... I can't do this anymore... I can't be a slave anymore."

"I... listen, just be patient, we're still planning to fight, we just-" Wale paused as Syn reached out and took one of his hands.

"If you're not going to take me with you... then kill me." She placed Wale's hand on her throat. "I won't do this anymore... I can't. I'd rather be dead."

"Syn..."

"That's not my name." She shook her head. "The tiger thinks I'm a coward... that I don't mean it when I say I'd rather be dead... but she doesn't know a damn thing."

Syn took a shuddering breath. "But I refuse to die at the hands of someone who is happy being a slave... I will die free, at the hands of someone else who's free."

From her hiding place behind a nearby tree, Fray's breath caught in her throat at Syn's words.

Syn stared directly into Wale's eyes. "If you're going to leave and not come back, then kill me, right here and now, please."

"I-"

"I'm begging you... don't leave me here."

Wale was silent for a time, staring at Syn. There was fear in her eyes certainly, but no sign of any regret. With a heavy sigh he lowered his arm from Syn's neck.

"I'll... come back sometime soon," he said at last. "We'll talk more then."

Syn breathed a heavy sigh of relief. "Thank you..."

"In the meantime, keep trying to convince the others. We need more fighters."

"I will, I promise."

"Here, in case you need this." Wale reached to his belt and withdrew a small folding knife.

"I know it's not much... but it's something. I recommend hiding it in your hair, or at the back of your collar if you can."

Syn nodded, "Thank you."

"Be careful, if they catch you with it, they'll burn you alive."

"I know, I've seen it."

"You've seen a lot, haven't you..."

Syn could do nothing but nod.

"Alright, I'll return when I can. Watch for a piece of red fabric in one of the trees, that will be my signal that I am close by."

Without another word, Wale turned and dove back into the river. In a flash he was gone, vanishing amongst the reeds.

With a shuddering breath, Syn turned back towards the ranch. She'd barely taken a step before Fray emerged from behind a nearby tree. Syn froze as she stared at the tigress, her heart skipping several beats.

"Cane made it clear, you knew we were supposed to tell the rebel not to come back."

Syn's whole body shook with rage and fear as she glared at Fray.

"But you just won't stop, will you." Fray shook her head. "You're going to keep going until you get yourself killed. And removing a collar... it's not an easy thing."

With a flick of her wrist Syn snapped the knife's blade into position. A cry of rage and frustration burst from Syn as she charged at Fray, light glinting off the deadly point of her blade as she tore through the water.

"Foolish girl."

Fray moved with unexpected swiftness, stepping to the side of Syn's attack, seizing hold of Syn's wrists with one hand and lifting her off the ground.

Terror flashed through Syn as Fray hauled her up and out of the water. Despite herself she let out a quiet whimper of terror as Fray reached out and easily pulled the knife from her hand. Her eyes squeezed shut as she prepared to feel Fray's free hand grip her throat.

"You poor, foolish girl."

Syn's eyes flew open as, instead of grabbing her neck, Fray pulled with the thrashing woman into a tight embrace.

"I'm sorry..."

Syn's eyes widened. "S-sorry?"

"I'm sorry you're in so much pain... I'm sorry this all happened to you... and I'm sorry I hurt you."

"Y-you're not going to..."

"No... no I'm not going to hurt you." Fray released her grip on Syn's wrists and held her with both arms, gently stroking her back. "I'm not going to hurt you sweetheart."

Syn's arms fell to her sides as she relaxed in Fray's embrace. "I can't... I can't be a slave anymore... I can't take it... I just want to go home..."

"I know sweetie."

"I just can't do it... I can..." Syn whimpered. "I'm scared... But I can't... I... I'm a coward."

"No," Fray shushed, "you're not a coward... I know you aren't a coward. You're very brave."

Tears ran down Syn's face as she buried her face in Fray's fur. "Mama..."

Fray's breath shuddered a little as she held the crying woman tightly. "You poor, poor girl..."

As Syn wept, she felt one of Fray's arms move, and then a sudden pressure at the back of her neck.

"F-Fray?"

Fray smiled sadly down at Syn, holding her tight. "Shhhh... don't be afraid, mama's here and everything is going to be alright."

Syn's eyes widened for a moment, then slowly slid closed. Her body jerked once as the pressure on the back of her neck suddenly increased, before she went completely limp. She let out a single, shuddering gasp as her life ended.

With a shuddering breath, Fray lowered Syn's body to the surface of the river, gently sliding her eyelids shut as she withdrew the blade from the back of her neck.

"I'm so sorry sweetheart..."

Fray stepped back as she released Syn's body to the current.

Fray watched as Syn's body drifted away before vanishing around a bend in the river. "I'm so sorry I couldn't save you... But you're free now."

"Fray? Fray are you okay?" Keeli called, pushing reeds aside as she made her way towards the river.

Catching sight of Fray, she sighed in relief. "There you are... I was so worried." When Fray didn't respond, Keeli paused. "I-is everything okay?"

"Yes... everything is fine." Fray turned back towards Keeli and managed a smile. "The rebel was here... but I told him to leave and not come back." She sighed as she looked back in the direction Wale had gone. "It's over..."

"W-what about that knife?"

"This?" Fray looked down at the knife in her grasp. "Just... an attempt to bribe us."

Keeli was quiet for a moment, before nodding. "O-okay. Well... we should probably get back."

"Yes." Fray waded out of the river and placed a hand on top of Keeli's head. "We should."

As Fray and Keeli departed, from her hiding place in a patch bullrushes, Nori silently wept.

***

END OF CHAPTER 30