Title:	The Hart and the Lion (Chapters 20 - 39)
Author:	Cita Powers (© 2000-2002)
Author's Website:	none
Fandom:	Sports Night AU
Pairing:	Daniel el-Rydal / Casey Mackall
Rating:	NC-17 (m/m sex, violence)
Author's Disclaimer:	None. I'm like that.
Author's Notes:	This began as a little morsel to cheer up Em when she wasn't feeling well. I had no idea that it would take on a life if its own and actually develop a plot. <gasp> Thanks to Em and n for beta-reading, and pushing for more. Any errors and inconsistencies are, however, no reflection on them; I take full responsibility. Comments and criticisms are always welcome.

Daniel awoke slowly, his limbs heavy, his cock firmly nestled against something soft and warm. He moved his hips experimentally, smiling as the movement was greeted with a soft groan and more pressure. Tightening his arms around Casey's chest, he rubbed slowly against Casey's crease, gently teasing.

"Mmmmmm..." Casey breathed, still half-asleep, rocking his hips in time to Daniel's rhythm. He suddenly hissed when Daniel pressed against him firmly, and froze.

"What is the matter?" Daniel murmured, stilling his own hips in response.

"Nothing."

"Nothing?" Daniel slid his hand along Casey's flanks and down to his ass.

"I'm sore," Casey groaned, twisting away from Daniel's fingers.

Daniel smoothed the smile from his lips. "I'm not surprised," he said, moving his hand to Casey's thigh, instead. "I remember telling you last night that three times was too much-"

Casey turned his head away, but Daniel could still see the blush that warmed his face. "I know," he muttered. "But," he turned to Daniel, eyes dancing, a slow smile turning up the corners of his mouth, "it was worth it..."

Nodding, his throat suddenly too tight to speak, Daniel leaned forward and captured his mouth in a gentle kiss. He rolled onto his back, carrying Casey with him, urging Casey's legs apart to rest on either side of his hips. He slid his hands down Casey's long back, along his flanks and pulled his knees wider, so that their cocks were pressing against each other, hard flesh to hard flesh.

"That's better," Casey whispered, and he began to thrust shallowly, rubbing his rigid cock against Daniel's cock and quivering stomach.

"You," Daniel said, "will be the death of me one day."

Hips stilling, Casey pulled back enough to search Daniel's eyes, his hands cupping his face. "Don't say that," he replied, his voice suddenly harsh. "Not even in jest."

"No." Daniel gripped Casey's strong, lean thighs, delighting in the play of muscles beneath his fingers. "Oh, Casey..." He angled his hips up and pushed against him, encouraging Casey to move again.

Casey only grunted in response and resumed his rhythm, Daniel urging him on, his hands sliding around to the backs of Casey's thighs and then higher still.

"Ow!" With a yelp, Casey pulled away, still panting, his glistening cock bobbing heavily. He winced as he sat back on Daniel's shins, raising his ass enough to rub it gingerly.

"I'm sorry!" Daniel sat up and rested his hands lightly on Casey's shoulders. "I didn't mean to hurt you."

Casey chuffed a small, dry chuckle. "I know." He winced and scrambled over Daniel's legs, dropping onto his side and giving Daniel a rueful look. "I can still-" he continued, lifting an eyebrow and reaching for Daniel's cock.

"No, wait."

Daniel slid off the bed and tossed the jar of salve into the bed, then grabbed a cloth, wetting it in the cool water in the washbasin. "This will help. Turn over onto your stomach," he instructed, "put a pillow under your hips and spread your legs."

Casey shot him a questioning look, but did as he was told, shifting his hips until he was comfortable. He raised himself on his elbows, looking back over his shoulder, as Daniel gently spread his cheeks and winced guiltily at the sight of Casey's swollen, reddened flesh. Of course three penetrations would be painful. He would have to curb his appetite for Casey a little, or else be far more creative in bringing them both pleasure - he would not hurt Casey like this again.

"Be still," he said, placing the cool cloth along Casey's crease and pressing it gently against his hole. Casey shivered, his eyes dark and enormous, and Daniel gave in to temptation and leaned forward, placing soft kisses full of promise over Casey's cheeks.

"Oh..." Casey dropped his head and moaned into the sheets. "Better..."

After a few minutes, Daniel removed the cloth and spread Casey's cheeks as wide as he could without hurting him. The redness had eased, and although the flesh was still swollen, there were no tears or abrasions. His fingers caressed Casey's cheeks, and he slowly and carefully pressed his lips just above his puffy hole.

Casey moaned and ground his hips into the pillow.

Opening the jar, Daniel scooped out a large dollop of salve, then lightly rested his finger against Casey's hole.

Another moan encouraged him to gently rub the salve over the swollen flesh, dipping the tip of his finger inside to coat the passage.

"Oh, Master, please... Inside me!" Casey pleaded, his hips shifting in small circles.

"No, not today," Daniel said, sliding a little more of his finger inside.

"Yes!" Casey thrust his hips back, trying to get more inside.

"No." Daniel's voice was stern, and he pulled out his finger, letting it press lightly on Casey's hole. Casey wriggled his hips impatiently and tried to push back again. "I don't want to hurt you," he continued, placing his forearm across Casey's ass, just above the crease, and pressing down firmly.

"I don't care," Casey rasped, "take me, fill me up, make me forget-"

"Forget what?" Daniel asked, barely moving his finger and holding him immobile.

"What?" Casey sounded dazed.

"What do you need to forget?" Daniel coated his finger with more salve and continued rubbing gently, poking his finger in and then withdrawing it quickly.

"Forget?" Casey shivered and tried to move, but Daniel simply pressed his arm down harder and slipped more and more of his finger into Casey. "I want- I- Ahhhh... Oh, Master..."

Daniel pushed his finger in completely, still careful not to cause further injury, and twisted it. "Forget what, Casey?"

"Forget-" Casey gasped and tried to rise on his elbows, but his arms collapsed when Daniel slid a second finger inside. "The fighting- All those bodies... my-" He sobbed once, then struggled frantically to move. "Being bought, being a slave-"

Daniel crooked his fingers and rubbed hard. With a shuddering wail, Casey froze for a moment, then pumped his hips against the pillow, his ass quivering, the muscle wildly clutching Daniel's fingers.

His breath coming in harsh gasps, Casey turned on his side, his back to Daniel. Placing a kiss in the middle of Casey's shoulders, Daniel slid his fingers out and wiped them on the cloth. Ignoring his own erection, he curled up around Casey as best as he could, his hands moving lightly over his damp skin, soothing, comforting.

After a few minutes, Daniel lifted the thick fall of Casey's hair and mouthed sloppy kisses on the back of his neck. Casey took a deep, quavery breath, and relaxed back into Daniel's arms.

"Are you feeling better?" he finally asked.

Pause. "Yes."

"Well enough to go riding?"

A sudden shifting tangle of arms and legs resolved itself into Casey's eyes, staring at him, hope and caution warring in their depths.

"Riding?"

"I must travel to see my cousin Zaeve this morning, and if you are well enough, I would like for you to accompany me."

"Truly?" Casey's fingers dug into Daniel's shoulders.

"Yes, truly." Daniel nodded and smiled at Casey's eager look.

"No lessons? No chores? No-" Casey suddenly squeezed his eyes shut. His lips moved, but Daniel could not hear the words.

"What did you say?" Daniel asked, his fingers ghosting over Casey's temple, cheek and jaw.

Opening his eyes, Casey blushed, and his mouth twisted into a wry grin. "It doesn't matter."

Letting the matter go, Daniel leaned over and kissed Casey's nose. "So, do you think you'll be able to ride today?"

"Yes!" Casey laughed, suddenly sounding young and carefree. "Even if I must stand in the saddle."

"I hope you won't have to do that," Daniel chuckled at Casey's enthusiasm, his voice muffled as Casey hugged him tightly. "Now, we must leave soon-" He broke off and groaned as Casey's hand snaked down and wrapped around Daniel's cock, pumping gently.

"Soon enough," Casey murmured, speeding up his hand. "You cannot ride with this in the saddle."

With a moan, Daniel rolled onto his back, his hips shifting restlessly as Casey continued to stroke his cock and murmur encouragement.

"Come for me, my Master," he said, bending down to press a kiss to the head of his cock. "Come hard for me..."

Daniel obliged, groaning out Casey's name as he jerked and spurted over his chest and belly, dribbling over Casey's fingers.

"Good boy," Casey grinned, giving his exhausted cock a gentle squeeze before releasing it and capturing his mouth in a quick kiss. "Now we can leave."

Daniel blinked and lifted his head as Casey bounced off the bed and headed toward the privy. He let his head fall back and panted softly.

Casey might be the death of him, but what a way to go.

An hour later they were riding Zeina and Salimeh along a dusty path that followed the cliffs, Casey wearing a borrowed shirt, trousers and pair of boots. Daniel had watched, intrigued, as Casey put them on, his very stance altering as he donned each garment. He seemed more assured, more in command, his back straighter, his shoulders squared. It was fascinating, but unsettling, as well.

As Casey had gone to fetch their breakfast and a waterskin for their journey, Daniel quickly stowed several articles in a bag and put it with the rest of their supplies. He hoped that they would have sufficient time on their way back to stop at a particular place he wished to show Casey, and it would do no harm to be prepared for any eventuality.

Casey had winced as he had mounted Salimeh, but he did not complain, even when the route grew rocky and they had to sit well back on the saddle to keep their balance. Once they were back on level ground, Daniel grinned at Casey.

"Race you to that rock." He pointed to a large outcropping in the distance.

"But Master-" Casey began, shrugging helplessly. He startled Daniel by suddenly flashing him a wicked grin and taking off on Salimeh.

"I'll get you, you..." Daniel muttered, spurring Zeina into a gallop.

Casey rode well, despite the fact that Salimeh was not a horse built for speed. Daniel suspected that, given a higher-quality horse, Casey would have been impossible to beat. But Salimeh was no match for Zeina, and Casey was soon outpaced.

Daniel passed him with a whoop and holler, grinning at him over his shoulder as Casey waved his crop and slowed Salimeh to a more responsible pace. Reaching the rock, he waited patiently for Casey to catch up.

He trotted up, smiling broadly, pushing away tendrils of hair that had escaped their bonds. "If I had a fine horse like her," he nodded toward Zeina, "I would have won." He leaned forward and stroked Salimeh's neck. "This one is steady - good for teaching children or for women carrying a baby."

Daniel nodded. "You rode her well, however."

Casey shrugged, then shaded his eyes with his hand and looked ahead. "How much farther?"

"We ride until we meet the river, and then it's only a couple of miles along the banks."

With a nod, Casey urged Salimeh forward. They rode in silence for a while, and Daniel noticed that Casey was looking with interest at the surrounding countryside.

"Is this so different from the northern lands?" he asked.

Casey looked up at the cloudless blue sky, then his gaze moved to the dusty path that drove through the tumbled piles of smooth, weathered stone and low mounds of gray-green scrub brush. He sighed.

"Very different," he replied shortly.

Daniel looked around, trying to see the land he knew so well through new eyes. "One day," he said slowly, "perhaps you will tell me about the land of your birth."

Shooting Daniel a glance, Casey turned to the path ahead. "Perhaps."

Daniel opened his mouth to respond, but closed it again. Certainly he was curious about Casey's homeland, but it was too early to rekindle those memories. He should not even have mentioned the subject. He glanced at Casey, but it did not seem to have caused any harm. Still, he might as well introduce Casey to his new land now.

"If you follow these cliffs," he said, pointing to the high wall of stone on their left, "they will lead you to the river. The water bisects my father's lands, and there are fields on either side."

Casey looked around doubtfully. "How can you grow crops in such a place? It's so arid."

"It's not all like this," he said. "But for the areas that are, we use irrigation. The soil is very fertile, you see..."

"But what about..."

The time passed quickly as they talked, and Daniel was surprised when they arrived at cousin Zaeve's home.

They dismounted, and Daniel handed Casey Zeina's reins. "Take the horses around to the stable," he said as he strode toward Zaeve, waiting at the doorway. "And then come inside."

Daniel greeted Zaeve, who, although not strictly a cousin, was given the honors of that title. He accepted the proffered hospitality and sipped the cup of strong, sweet coffee that Zaeve's wife placed before him as Zaeve wound his way through the ritual of greeting. Their seven children sat quiet and still in the background.

Nodding and responding automatically, Daniel turned and beckoned when Casey appeared in the doorway. He pointed to a pillow by his feet and watched Casey's shoulders stiffen and his expression go carefully blank. He sat obediently, however, his eyes on the floor and his hands clasped tightly in his lap.

Zaeve finished the greeting and began his list of complaints and excuses: why his fields, although some of the most fertile in the land, would not yield as much as other, less desirable ones; how his neighbors were trying to cheat him; and why Yakob should forgive him certain loans and favors. It was all familiar to Daniel, tempting him to rest his eyes on the parts of Casey's neck and cheek that were visible. The long tendons of his neck stretched to meet the strong, square line of his jaw, the sun-reddened skin curving over his throat and up to that soft, vulnerable place above his Adam's apple that Daniel loved to kiss.

"Cousin Daniel?"

"Yes?" he said, abruptly tearing his eyes away from Casey and meeting Zaeve's knowing gaze.

"Don't you agree?"

Daniel held his eyes for a moment, then shrugged. "I will discuss it with my father, Cousin. You will receive word of his decision soon."

Zaeve pursed his lips and bowed his head. "Of course." His voice was tight, his offense plain.

"I wish to see your fields, now," said Daniel, standing. "You mentioned several improvements you have made..."

Zaeve proudly showed them around his crops and fruit trees, and after they were finished, his wife brought them a simple, but satisfying, lunch of bread, yogurt and fruit. Zaeve urged Daniel to stay and rest, but he politely refused.

"My father is expecting me back soon," he said, mounting Zeina after thanking Zaeve for his hospitality. "He is anxious to hear of you."

Zaeve stepped closer. "You won't forget to ask him about-" He looked up at Daniel expectantly.

"Of course not." Daniel glanced at Casey, who was gingerly mounting Salimeh. "Farewell, Cousin. Come, Casey."

They were well out of Zaeve's earshot when Daniel turned to Casey.

"What did I promise to talk to my father about?" he asked with a sigh.

Casey looked at him blankly for a moment, then his face creased in a grin. "If you thought your cousin's eldest daughter was beautiful."

"Oh, damn..." Daniel murmured, shaking his head. "Zaeve wants me to marry her."

Casey laughed. "But you cannot have two wives."

"Why not?" Daniel asked, curious. "A man may have up to four wives, if he can afford to keep them in comfort."

Frowning, Casey stared at him. "You're joking."

"Not at all."

Casey's frown deepened. "Will you marry her?"

"No," said Daniel shortly.

"Oh." They rode in silence along the river bank for several minutes. "Why not?"

Daniel stared out over the rippling water, his eyes suddenly burning. "She was promised to my brother Samuel. When he died, that contract was broken."

"I see," said Casey quietly. "I did not know you had a brother."

Daniel shrugged. "I did, and now I don't."

"How did he die?"

Conscious of Casey's eyes on him, Daniel kept his gaze fixed on the river, squinting in the glare of the sun. "He had a riding accident." His eyes watered, and he wiped them angrily. "He was young and foolish, and paid for his foolishness with his life."

Casey's fingers touched his knee. "I'm sorry."

"There is no need. It is not spoken of."

The fingers withdrew, and they continued on, the only sound the crunch of the horses' hooves on the stony ground and an occasional nicker and snort from Salimeh. They reached the place where the cliff path joined the river but Daniel did not turn.

"Master? Isn't this the right way?" Casey reined in Salimeh and looked at Daniel, confused.

"I wish to show you something first," Daniel replied. "This way."

He led them further up the river, along a narrow, treacherous path that bordered the steep bank to the fast-moving waters. The horses carefully picked their way until the bank flattened out and the river split, a small tributary joining the main branch. Daniel directed Zeina to the left, up the stream that tumbled along the bottom of a high-walled canyon. The horses splashed through the shallow water and around a rocky bend. A sandbar rose from the stream bed, and beside it, sheltered by a sheer-faced cliff and series of stony shelves, was a small pool.

Riding onto the sandbar, Daniel slid off Zeina and draped her reins over a piece of wood caught in a tumble of stones. He unfastened a rolled up blanket strapped behind his saddle, and hoisted it under his arm.

"What are you waiting for? Come on." Leaping to the lowest shelf, he carefully unrolled the blanket and took out the bag stowed in the middle.

Casey looked around. The air was cool, the rocks warm from the sun, and he suddenly grinned and clambered off Salimeh. Tying her reins to Zeina's saddle, he walked stiffly to the edge of the sandbank and dipped his fingers in the water.

"This is cold!" he yelled, shading his eyes and peering upstream. "Where does it come from?"

"The mountains," said Daniel, and Casey joined him on the shelf, where Daniel was sitting and pulling off his boots.

"I'm not swimming in that." Casey said, crossing his arms and shaking his head. "It's too cold."

"Don't be a coward." Daniel unbuttoned his shirt and shrugged it over his shoulders, pleased that Casey's gaze was fixed on his chest.

"I'm not a coward." Casey's face turned pink.

"Yes, you are." He stood and pulled off his trousers, stretching his arms over his head just to see Casey's eyes go dark.

"No, I'm not."

"Then prove it - come in with me." Daniel sat at the edge of the shelf and dangled his legs in the water.

"I don't need to prove it."

Daniel slid into the water and paddled to the other side of the pool. "If you come in, I will show you something you will enjoy."

Chewing on his lip, Casey glanced over at the horses, then back at Daniel. "I am still too sore," he admitted quietly.

"Not that." Daniel smiled. "Something else you will enjoy."

Shifting on his feet, Casey finally nodded. "All right." He stripped and sat carefully on the edge of the shelf, then touched his foot to the water. "It's warm!"

Laughing, Daniel motioned to him. "It's even warmer over here." Casey slid into the pool, the water reaching to the middle of his chest.

"How is it possible?" he asked as he slowly made his way across.

"There is a warm spring that enters it here," Daniel said, taking Casey's hand and moving it toward the back wall of the cliff, about two feet below the surface. Casey grinned as the stream of hot water hit his hand.

"How did you discover this?"

"I was about eleven, and wished to explore. My older cousins were traveling up the river, and they would not allow me to accompany them, so I decided to come up the stream on my own. I found the pool then."

"Does anyone else know about it?" Casey moved until he was directly in front of the jet of hot water.

"I don't think so." Daniel slid his hand up Casey's arm and cupped his neck. "But I thought you could use a soak in warm water," he continued, his other arm wrapping around Casey's shoulders. "So I brought you here."

He leaned forward and caught Casey's mouth in a light, teasing kiss, turning Casey so that his back was to the wall.

"Spread your legs," he murmured, pulling Casey's shoulders toward him. Slipping his hand from Casey's neck, he stroked down his back, angling him so that the hot water was aimed directly at his ass.

"Oh!" Casey clung to him, his face buried in the crook of Daniel's neck.

"Feel good?"

Casey nodded, shivering.

Brushing his lips over Casey's thick hair, Daniel slowly slid his other hand down to Casey's ass. Grasping both cheeks with his hands, he pulled them apart, exposing Casey's hole to the full force of the water.

Casey moaned and muttered a string of unintelligible words, his shoulders and hands moving reflexively. After several minutes, Casey raised his head and blinked, his eyes glazed.

"Enough?"

Nodding slowly, Casey straightened, swaying a little. "Thank you," he said softly.

"I though it would help." Daniel led him across the pool and reached into the bag he had brought. "And now, you could use a wash," he said, lathering his hands with a piece of soap and rubbing them over Casey's chest and arms.

"And you as well," Casey replied, grabbing the soap and sliding it slowly across Daniel's shoulders, gasping as Daniel rolled his nipple gently between his fingers. "Don't forget," he continued, his voice husky, his eyes hot, "to wash your face..."

Suddenly he grinned and splashed a handful of water right in Daniel's face.

"Casey!" Spluttering, Daniel wiped his eyes and stared at him.

So Casey splashed him again.

With a whoop, Daniel pounced, dragging Casey under the water, and for the next several minutes only the sounds of half-choked yells and splashing water filled the canyon.

"Pax," Casey finally said as he hauled himself onto the stone shelf, coughing and laughing.

"Agreed," Daniel choked, brushing his dripping hair from his eyes and resting his arms on the stone beside Casey's legs.

With a sigh, Casey folded his hands behind his head and lay back on the blanket, poking his toes at Daniel's arm. "We still aren't very clean."

"Come back in and we can try again." Daniel ran his hand gently up Casey's leg.

Casey stilled and looked at him, suddenly solemn. "Is that an order for your slave, Master?"

Daniel's fingers tightened on Casey's thigh, then released. "No." He turned his head, looking at the horses. "A request to my bed-mate."

Gentle fingers cupped his chin and turned him to face warm brown eyes. "Your bed-mate accepts." Soft lips brushed his, and he tugged Casey forward, back into the water.

Soapy hands slid over skin, teasing, smoothing, slipping under arms and between legs. Kisses were exchanged, turning from playful to heated to frantic as their bodies responded to the demands of fingers and tongues and hard, heavy cocks.

"Out, out," muttered Daniel, sluicing water over his soapy hair, rinsing it clean.

"Why?" Casey's hands plucked at his shoulders as he clambered out of the water.

"Because I want to taste you, and I can't without drowning!" Daniel said, exasperated.

"Oh." Blinking owlishly, Casey suddenly ducked under the water and emerged, dripping. He crawled up onto the ledge and onto the blanket, stretching out beside Daniel and leaning over for a kiss.

Moving slowly down Casey's body, Daniel anointed lips, throat, nipples, navel and cock with tiny nibbles and licks. Casey moaned, his hips shifting restlessly, as Daniel lowered his mouth over his cock.

"Master! Hurry!"

His Master did.

An hour later, sated and sunburnt, they mounted their horses and started home.

"Master?"

"Yes?" Daniel looked at him curiously.

"Today was... good."

"It was good day for me, too." Daniel leaned forward and touched his cheek gently. "Thank you."

Casey kissed Daniel's fingers and smiled.

There was a knock, and Daniel stirred reluctantly.

Another.

"Yes?" he called out, twisting his head toward the noise.

"Master Daniel?" Guord appeared in the doorway, his eyes widening for a second before gazing fixedly at the floor.

"Well, what is it?" Daniel unwrapped himself from around Casey and turned over.

"I beg your pardon, Master. I thought-" Guord's voice cut off abruptly as Casey murmured and shifted, snaking a hand over Daniel's chest.

Suddenly impatient for him to deliver his message and leave, Daniel twined his fingers in Casey's and looked coolly at Guord. "Your thoughts are not important. Do you have a reason to be here?"

Guord's head jerked up, as if he'd been struck, and his face darkened. "Yes... Master. My Mistress wishes to know if you will permit Casey to show her more of the northern writing today."

"I see..." Daniel yawned and tried to think, a process that was becoming increasingly difficult as Casey gently rubbed himself against Daniel's back and ass. "Well, we must see Rebekah this morning..." He pulled Casey's fingers away from his nipple, which they had been teasing with little pinches. "Tell my wife that Casey will come to her this afternoon. If he has left any chores unfinished, you can complete them."

"Yes, Master Daniel," Guord murmured.

Daniel turned to Casey, whose caresses were becoming more demanding. "That is all," he said, not waiting for Guord leave before capturing Casey's mouth in a kiss.

"That's not all," said Casey, his eyes still closed, as he slid his hands down to clasp Daniel's erection. "There's so much more."

"True," Daniel groaned, as Casey stroked him possessively. Somewhere, in the back of his mind, he heard the door close.

"More of this," Casey murmured, kissing his way down Daniel's chest. "More of that," he continued, dropping heavy, wet kisses on the crown of Daniel's cock.

Daniel shivered and moaned as Casey slowly tormented him, bringing him to the edge of orgasm and then keeping him there, balancing on the knife-edge of desire.

"Please, Casey," he finally begged, his fingers tangled in Casey's long hair.

He groaned at the feel of the cool air as Casey slid his mouth from his dripping cock for a moment, and groaned again when the heat returned. A tickle, an insistent rubbing on his ass made him shiver and cry out - "Yes..." - and spread his legs.

A wet finger circled his hole as his cock throbbed and his balls drew up. When he realized what was happening, he gasped and closed his legs, trapping Casey's hand between his thighs.

"No!" He raised his head, his hands tugging on Casey's hair.

Casey's lips released his cock, but his finger still gently rubbed Daniel's hole. Daniel's cock twitched as warmth spread across his ass and between his thighs. Oh, it felt so good...

"Yes," Casey said, smiling as he worked the tip of his finger into Daniel.

"No..." Daniel shifted his hips, his thighs parting slightly as Casey slid his finger in a little deeper. Warmth across his ass blossomed into heat. His hands, still tangled in Casey's hair, pushed his head toward his cock. "No..." he moaned.

"Yes."

He could hear the triumph in Casey's voice as the finger slid deeper still, sending hot liquid pulses along his nerves. He could feel Casey's knuckles pressed against his ass, and the thought that Casey was doing this made his cock jerk and ache.

Casey leaned forward and gently kissed the tip of his cock, then slowly twisted his finger inside Daniel. Gasping, sure that he would ignite with pleasure at any moment if Casey continued, Daniel let his head fall back onto the pillows.

"Yes?" Casey asked, his voice dark and predatory.

Daniel swallowed hard and loosened his grip on Casey's skull.

"Yes," he whispered, closing his eyes and tightening his muscles, squeezing Casey's finger.

Casey exhaled, a long, shaky sigh. "Mine."

With a wail, Daniel orgasmed.

An hour later, washed and breakfasted, Daniel led Casey to the women's quarters in search of Rebekah. They found her in her rooms, engrossed in a book. Her face lit up when she saw Daniel at the door, and she beckoned them inside.

"Mother Rebekah," Daniel said in greeting, kissing her lightly on the cheek. "I have come to ask if you are able to take on another pupil."

"And who might that be?" she replied with a smile, carefully marking her place and setting the book aside. "You are too old for such things, Son Daniel." She patted the cushion beside her.

"Not for me," he said, sitting down close to her, but not too close. "For Casey."

"Your slave?" Rebekah looked at Casey, standing by the door. "He is too old to learn to read, I'm afraid."

"I can read, Mistress," Casey broke in before Daniel could speak. "But not your language."

"Is this true?" Rebekah turned to Daniel. "Yes, it is."

"I thought you were grooming Aloise's principal slave to keep your records and accounts."

"I was, but I changed my mind. Guord has enough to keep him busy running Aloise's household."

"Well..." She looked at Casey again, frowning. "I will do it, but only if he works hard and does what I ask him."

"I will ensure that he does," Daniel said, taking her hand and pressing a kiss to her fingers. "Thank you."

She colored and stared at her hand, still held firmly in Daniel's. "It is the least I can do," she murmured, slowly pulling her hand away and hiding it beneath a fold in her robe. "When shall we begin? This afternoon?"

"No." Daniel turned to Casey at his sound of disappointment. "I must leave tomorrow for the western settlements, Casey, and there is much to be done in the meantime. There will be time for lessons when we return."

Casey's eyes widened, and then darted over his face, searching. "We?" he ventured.

"Yes. You will accompany me." Daniel smiled at Casey's stunned expression. "I will have need of your services while I am traveling."

Casey lowered his eyes, but he could not hide the slow flush of color that spread across his face. "Thank you, Master."

"How long will you be gone, Daniel?" Rebekah asked, her voice sharp.

"About seven days, unless there is unrest in the settlements or a problem with the watchers on the Negil Cliffs."

"Will I- we see you at dinner tonight?"

"Of course." Daniel turned back to her, surprised to see two spots of color high on her cheeks. "Are you well?"

She brushed the back of her hand over her cheek and nodded. "Yes, of course. It is a little... stuffy in here." She moved to stand, and Daniel held her arm, helping her to her feet. "I shall go to the courtyard."

Casey carried her abacus, ledgers and books to the courtyard, as Daniel settled her in her favorite chair. "We shall begin the lessons when you return," she said, holding out her hand for the abacus. Casey's fingers lingered on the beads for a moment before giving it to her.

"Thank you, Mistress," he murmured, giving the books one last caress before clasping his hands behind him and stepping back.

"Until this evening," said Daniel, brushing her cheek with another kiss. "And I add my thanks to Casey's."

She nodded, looking at the two of them, her eyebrows drawn together, her forehead puckered. "This evening, then." And she picked up her book.

Casey practically vibrated with excitement as they walked back to Daniel's rooms, questions about their journey tumbling headlong over each other, hardly giving Daniel time to answer before asking another.

"Enough, Casey," he said when they reached his rooms, holding up his hand to stem the flow of questions. "I will tell you what you need to prepare and pack. You will go to Aloise later and show her more of your writing, and then I will take dinner with my father. After dinner we will talk about the journey, and," his voice darkened as he drew Casey close, his hand sliding down to cup Casey's ass, "you will pay for your presumption in bed this morning."

Casey grinned and leaned forward for a kiss. When they parted, panting, he nuzzled Daniel's neck and placed tiny kisses right behind his ear. "You cannot deny that you enjoyed it."

Daniel shivered, goosebumps traveling over his achingly sensitive flesh. The brush of his clothing, the heat from Casey's fingers on his arms, the whisper of air as Casey breathed on his neck threatened to overwhelm him, to drag him beneath the dark wave poised to crash.

"I did," he murmured, his voice cracking. With a shake, he pulled himself back from the brink, stepping out of Casey's arms, and took a deep breath.

"But now is not the time." He turned on rubbery knees, thankful that he did not stumble, and pointed to the clothes chest. "We must get started. Open that and find my traveling robe..."

Some time later, Casey asked, "Master?"

Daniel looked up from the papers he was organizing. "Yes?"

Casey held two books that Daniel had selected to take with them. He slowly drew his fingers down the tooled leather and across the embossed lettering, as if he were mapping a lover's body. "Will you have time to begin my lessons while we are away?"

"Perhaps. Although it would probably be best for you to begin your lessons with Reb- Mother Rebekah."

Kneeling and placing the books in the pack, Casey glanced at him briefly. "She is very beautiful."

"Yes."

"She seems... fond of you. And you of her."

Daniel's head jerked up. "Of course I am fond of her. She is my father's wife," he said sharply.

Shaking his head, Casey picked up a shirt and folded it carefully. "I did not mean it that way."

"Then what did you mean?" Daniel stood abruptly. The room was suddenly close and airless, and he felt sweat dampening his armpits.

Letting the shirt fall to his side, Casey looked up at him, his brows drawn together in concern. "Only what I said. I did not mean to upset you."

Daniel whirled around and strode to the open door, stopping at the threshold, his back to Casey. He clasped the doorjamb, his fingers pale against the dark wood, and consciously willed his muscles to relax. "It is not a topic I wish to discuss."

Cool hands slid up his back and rested lightly on his shoulders. "I'm sorry." The hands tugged at him, pulling him back against Casey's warm body. "You love her, don't you?"

"It is no concern to you."

"Perhaps not, but I do not like to see you unhappy."

"I am perfectly happy."

Casey did not answer.

"I am."

Silence.

Daniel pulled himself from Casey's arms and turned, his arms crossed tightly over his chest. He boldly met Casey's eyes, but the pity he saw there almost undid him. With a lift of his chin, he pushed past Casey and fell to his knees, rooting blindly in the pack, shoving aside the carefully folded clothing.

"Master, I did not mean-"

Waving his hand dismissively, Daniel sat back on his heels. "I know," he sighed, scrubbing his hand over his face. "It is a subject-" He swallowed hard. "I loved and was to marry Rebekah. Samuel was promised to Aloise, and when he died, my father decided that I should marry her."

A gentle hand rested on his back. "But you can take more than one wife."

"Not when I am just starting a household." He laughed without humor. "Rebekah's family insisted that we honor our contract. I had to ask her-" His voice cut off, his throat burning, mirroring the burning in his eyes. "I had to ask her who, among my family, she would be willing to marry, and she chose my father. She said-" He set his jaw and forced himself to continue. "She said she would rather not marry a young man, like myself..."

The hand on his back slid forward, an arm wrapped around his chest, and a cheek was pressed between his shoulder blades.

"I am sorry. It is... difficult to lose the woman you love."

"It would have been easier if she were dead," Daniel said roughly, allowing himself to sink into his sorrow. "Then I would not have to see her every day."

Casey's hand trembled on his chest. "Perhaps," he murmured, his voice catching. "But you tempt ill fortune by your words."

With a sigh, Daniel shook his head. "No, I do not wish her dead. For a while, however, I wished death for myself." Daniel bowed his head and pressed his hand over Casey's. "I am glad the gods did not listen to my wishes."

Casey murmured something that sounded suspiciously like "As am I," and then he continued. "It must have been a lonely time."

Daniel shrugged. "I had my new bride to play with and teach every day."

"And what did you do every night?" Casey's voice was dark and soft.

"There are always a few willing women who are happy to share a Master's bed. I did not coerce them," he added stiffly.

"I cannot imagine anyone who would deny you."

"Flatterer," Daniel said sharply, but Casey's words warmed his heart.

"And did you... did you take any men to your bed?"

"No. Not until you."

"Oh." Casey shifted against his back, pressing himself closer. "I thought you might have bedded someone... perhaps Guord."

"Guord?" Daniel threw his head back and laughed. "That thing? Even if he were whole, I would rather take a scorpion to my bed."

"Whole?"

"He is not a man any more. Aloise's step-father had him gelded before he sent him here as part of her household."

Casey shivered against him. "Gelded? Is that a... common practice?"

"Not unless the slave is intractable or as punishment for a grievous offense. I understand that Guord was originally a high-ranking member of the king's household. He was discovered committing an... indiscretion with one of the king's concubines, for which indiscretion he was enslaved, maimed and sent here with Aloise. But I have no complaints about him - he has proved an efficient principal slave, and Aloise is quite attached to him."

Daniel pressed his hand over Casey's, stroking it gently. "We are almost finished packing, and it is time for you to go to my wife," he said, keeping his voice steady with an effort. "I must consult with my cousins before our journey, and then I must dine with my father. When you return, set out one of my best robes, and ensure there is warm water for me to bathe. Prepare yourself as well," he drew Casey's fingers to his lips and kissed them softly, "for I would have you there with me."

Warmth blossomed on his back where Casey kissed him, and Daniel reluctantly released his fingers. Casey left, closing the door carefully behind him, but Daniel did not turn around. He continued to kneel, staring at his hands lying limply in his lap. Talking about Rebekah had pained him, as it always had, but he was shocked to realize that it hadn't hurt quite as much as before, that speaking of his sorrow to Casey had somehow drawn off a portion of the agony.

That was monstrous - a betrayal of his love for Rebekah. And yet, it was true. He pressed his hand over the place on his chest where Casey's fingers had rested, his shirt still warm from his touch. Ah, what was he to do?

Dropping his hand as if it burned, he scrambled to his feet and almost ran to his cousin Dauid's rooms.

Shadows were long over the ground as Daniel returned to his rooms. He would be late for dinner if he did not hurry. Throwing open the door with a bang, he called for Casey as he dashed into the bedroom.

Casey looked up as he poured water into the basin, his brows drawn together, his face pale in the lamplight. "You must hurry," he said, setting down the ewer and helping Daniel strip.

Daniel was pleased to see that he had already washed and dressed in a clean robe, and he permitted Casey to quickly scrub him down, and then help him into his clothing.

"Your hair," Casey muttered, grabbing the brush and smoothing it, then tying it back.

Daniel glanced at him, surprised that he was still frowning. Catching Casey's chin with his fingers, he let a smile lift the corners of his mouth. "Do not worry if we are a little late. My father understands that I have much to do before our journey." He leaned forward and pressed a quick kiss to his lips, resisting the temptation to linger. "Did Aloise enjoy your demonstration of northern writing?"

His eyes slid to the left of Daniel, and he stared fixedly at a spot on the wall. "Yes, Master," he said, his voice carefully neutral.

"Casey," Daniel said gently, "I would have the truth. Did you have a problem with my wife?"

"Your wife?" He glanced at Daniel, worry plain on his face. "No."

"Who, then?"

Casey's eyes dropped and a wash of color tinted his cheeks. "I shouldn't..."

"Was it Guord?"

"How did-" Casey blurted before he pressed his lips together tightly and stepped back.

"This happens whenever a new slave arrives," Daniel reassured him with a gentle squeeze of his shoulder. "Guord is used to having a certain amount of authority, and he is resentful that he must now share it with you. Put your fears aside - if he continues to harass you, I will speak with him."

"Thank you, Master." Casey stepped closer, his hands creeping around Daniel's waist.

"Casey, we must go now." Pulling away gently, he let the back of his hand brush Casey's cheek. "We are late."

Casey bit his lip and nodded, following Daniel as he strode from the room.

Everyone was seated at the table when they arrived, and Yakob accepted Daniel's apologies without comment. Salaeh glanced at him from beneath heavy lids and took the pitcher of wine from the slave, pouring Yakob a cup. Rebekah looked at him intently, her eyes darting from Daniel to Casey, sitting behind him, a questioning look on her face that Daniel did not understand.

"How are you feeling, my dear?" Yakob asked Rebekah, once the flurry of serving was over and their plates were filled.

"Very well, thank you, my husband." She smiled and her hand lightly caressed her swollen stomach.

"And the child?"

She chuckled. "If the force of his kicking is an indication, your son is very healthy."

"Good."

She colored prettily and lowered her eyes, but not before darting a glance at Daniel. He shifted in his seat, wondering why her words did not bring their customary pain to his heart, and reached for another piece of bread.

The meal was almost over and they were deep in a discussion of Daniel's journey when there was a disturbance at the door. A messenger, still covered in the dust from the road, walked in and, with a low bow, handed Salaeh a folded piece of paper. He turned on his heel and left at the wave of her hand, and she held up the paper and smiled sleekly at Yakob.

"From Ibrahim, my brother."

"What does he say, my dear? Allow Daniel to read it to us."

Daniel took the paper and carefully unfolded it. Ibrahim must have written in a great hurry to use cheap, brittle paper, rather than parchment, for his letter.

"My dearest sister," he read. "I am writing in haste, for there are rumors that the king might close the borders, and perhaps even the city gates..." He looked up at his father. Yakob's expression was carefully blank, a sure sign that he was worried.

At his nod, Daniel continued. "The northerners, led by one known as the Hammer, are attacking the border without pause, and General Bourgoulla seems to be incapable of mounting an effective defense. This is also rumor, for the king's men and the guards imprison those who speak openly of the conflict.

"It is also said that the northerners are butchering the captive men, and raping the women and children-" Daniel broke off as a small sound of protest, quickly stifled, came from behind him. "...children, and babies, still at the mother's breast, they impale on pikes-"

"Never!" The word was whispered, but it rang through the room like a clarion call.

"Silence!" Daniel barked, his eyes remaining fixed on the letter. He could feel the shocked gazes of his family burning into him, and his face was hot with shame. "Go back to my rooms, and I will deal with you later."

There was a rustle behind him as Casey stood, and Daniel continued. "Many now suspect there are spies planted in our midst, who are sending information to the enemy by various means. Otherwise, how could our valiant troops be constantly overwhelmed and defeated? There is even talk of dark spells being used..."

"Stop," Shaul said quietly. Daniel looked up, surprised to see every face turned toward Casey, standing uncertainly in the doorway.

"Casey, I gave you an order."

"And I would ask that he stay, my nephew."

Daniel turned to Shaul. "Why? I will punish him appropriately when I have finished here."

"And I would wish him to stay until we have finished discussing Ibrahim's letter."

With a shrug, Daniel gestured to Casey to resume his seat and returned to the letter.

"There is even talk of dark spells being used by enslaved soldiers to weaken the vigor of our people." Daniel heard a small snort from Casey and a sour taste suddenly painted the back of his throat. He did not have to look to know that Shaul's sharp eyes were fixed on Casey. "And I have heard, my sister, from a very reliable source, that the northerners have hidden magicians," he paused briefly, his eyes flickering over the still faces around the table, a small, tight knot growing in his belly, "in with the soldiers, hoping that they will be able to spread their malevolence among the people.

"Take good care of yourself and your family, and commend me to your husband, el-Rydal Effendi. I would wish for his wisdom and sage advice now. Your devoted, etcetera..."

The room was silent for a moment, and then Shaul's words broke the stillness.

"Your new slave comes from the north, does he not?"

A drop of sweat trickled down his ribs and Daniel nodded. "Yes. You know he does."

"Have I your permission to question him about this news?"

Daniel glanced at his father, who was looking at him with an impassive gaze. He nodded, a quick jerk of the head. "Yes." Turning, he could feel the tension radiating from Casey and met his wary eyes. "You will answer my uncle's questions truthfully and completely," he said, shifting in his seat so that he could see both Casey and Shaul. Casey bowed his head.

"What position did you hold when you were captured?"

Hands flexing, Casey stared at a spot on the floor. "I was a scribe, charged with dispatching orders and writing reports."

"But a scribe is always stationed in the back lines. How were you captured?"

"The unit to which I was assigned was surrounded," he said quietly. "I was taken with the cooks and washer women."

"You speak our language well. And I hear that you are to begin lessons in reading and writing soon - is this true?"

"Yes."

"He speaks several of the northern tongues," Daniel added. "On our journey, we met with some travelers who were able to converse with him."

Daniel regretted his words as soon as he spoke. Shaul sat up straighter and there was a subtle shifting around the table, a pattern of movement that reminded Daniel of hunting dogs scenting their prey.

"Travelers?"

"Yes. A harmless old trader and his slave."

An unspoken message passed between his father and Shaul, and Daniel's heart beat quickly. Yakob turned to Casey.

"What did they say to you?" Yakob asked mildly.

Casey's shoulders slumped. "Only what my Master asked them to. They explained what my duties would be," he said, blushing.

"I see." Again the flicker of understanding between Yakob and Shaul, again Daniel's worry increased. "And what do you know of magic?"

"Nothing," Casey said, his voice flat.

"Nothing? You would have us believe that?"

"Believe what you will..."

A gasp raced around the table, followed by furtive murmurs. Daniel opened his mouth, but Yakob held up his hand as Casey continued.

"...I know nothing of magic."

"And what of spying?"

Casey laughed humorlessly. "I am a slave - how could I possibly be a spy?"

"Do not be insolent!" Shaul snapped.

Taking a deep breath, Casey lifted his chin, and Daniel's heart sank. "Since it appears I am already judged guilty in your minds of both absurd charges, it does not-"

"Casey! Silence!" Daniel bellowed desperately.

"-does not matter in the least if I try to defend myself," he plowed ahead.

With a fury born of fear, Daniel whirled around, his hand raised, and struck Casey in the mouth, knocking him to the floor.

"You will be silent!" he rasped, his voice shaking.

Casey lay on his back, staring at him slack-jawed and wide-eyed. A thin trickle of blood from his split lip trailed down his chin, and he raised his hand and absently wiped it away, his eyes never leaving Daniel.

"I cannot believe your insolence," Daniel barked, wiping his damp hands over and over in the folds of his robe. "Father," he continued, turning to Yakob, "it is patently absurd that this hot-headed slave could have the skill and knowledge of a magician, or the craft of a spy." He stood and walked over to Casey, reaching down and hauling him to his feet. "He has some little learning, which might be valuable to us, and," Daniel's hand roughly cupped Casey's lax genitals through his robe, causing Casey's back to stiffen, "he is pleasing in my bed. I ask leave to publicly punish him now for his insolence." Hardly able to draw breath, unable to meet Casey's eyes, Daniel waited as his father considered the matter.

Casey shifted in his grasp and he dug his fingers into the quivering muscles, holding him firm. "I will gag you if you speak again," Daniel muttered, swallowing convulsively.

Finally, Yakob nodded. "My son Daniel is correct. These rumors of magicians and spies may be true, but here we are safe from all save disrespectful slaves." He waved his hand. "Punish him as necessary, and prove your skill as a Master."

"Thank you, Father." Daniel tugged Casey toward the door. "Come, slave," he snapped. With only a murmur of protest, Casey stumbled after him.

Daniel led him to the side of the slave quarters, where a large wooden framework stood. It was seldom used - the threat of punishment was sufficient for most slaves. At Daniel's shout, El'yt appeared and handed him the leather collar and bindings that Casey had worn when he was newly purchased. Waving away El'yt's assistance, Daniel lifted Casey's robe over his head, shuddering as his hand brushed the soft skin of his ass and back. As he fastened the collar around Casey's throat, he risked speaking.

"You fool," he whispered into Casey's ear as his trembling fingers fumbled with the buckle. "You idiotic fool!"

"I thought-"

"It doesn't matter what you thought," he said, fastening the binding on Casey's wrist. "You are a slave here."

Casey's hand jerked in his. "I know that."

"Then think of it again!" He shook Casey's arm. "Don't you understand? They would kill you if they truly thought you harbored magic or spied upon us."

"Kill me?"

"Yes, kill you, you idiot! I can only hope I allayed their suspicions-" He pressed his lips tightly together, suddenly aware that his father and the entire household had come to watch. He knelt and fastened the bindings to Casey's ankles, then bound him spread-eagled to the framework.

Daniel checked that the chain attached to Casey's collar would not strangle him, his fingers brushing lightly over the thin skin on Casey's throat. He could feel Casey's pulse racing, but Casey stood still, eyes closed, his breath coming in little hitching gasps.

"Master?" his voice broke and he trembled beneath Daniel's touch. "I am sorry..."

"I, also," Daniel replied, allowing a single finger to trail down his chest before stepping back.

He held out his hand and El'yt placed a heavy whip in his palm.

"No," he said, dropping the whip. "I would have him learn his lesson, not scar him for life. I will use the crop."

The surprise on El'yt's face was quickly smoothed over, and he handed Daniel the thin, flexible, leather-wrapped rod. Daniel smacked it against his leg twice, getting the feel of the crop. It stung, and he welcomed the sharp pain as payment for his part in this monstrous charade.

Stepping close to Casey again, he ran his hands over the bindings on Casey's wrists, as if checking them. "This must be seen to be a punishment," he whispered quickly. "I will try to temper my blows, but you must make it sound as if I am merciless. Cry out, scream, anything but silence. Do you understand?"

"Yes..." It was almost a sob.

Daniel stepped back and placed the tip of the crop against the back of Casey's bare thigh. He could see the muscles quivering in the torchlight. "You will receive twenty lashes," he said, loud enough that all watching would hear. "And you will be confined to the slave quarters until I return. I will decide if you require further punishment then, depending on the reports of your behavior." He drew the tip of the crop over Casey's smooth ass and up his spine. "Do you understand?"

Casey's head dropped forward, but his voice was clear and strong. "Yes, Master."

Daniel reached out and gathered Casey's thick hair in his hand, pushing it over his left shoulder. A thin, almost noiseless sigh wrapped itself around his heart, and he jerked his hand away as if it were scalded.

Turning to survey the crowd, Daniel felt the sharp agony of ice running in his veins. They all had vulture eyes, ravenous for blood... He looked from his father to Shaul, standing at the front of the crowd, their arms crossed, judges of him, as well as of Casey. Over their shoulders, Salaeh's cat face and sloe eyes watched him avidly. He spotted Rebekah's pale countenance among the women and shuddered at her predatory expression and the way her upper lip lifted, exposing her gleaming teeth. Even the slaves had come to watch, standing in an awkward group to one side. A shadow at the corner of the building caught his eye - a dark bulk stood there, the breadth of shoulders revealing Guord's presence, even if his face remained hidden.

Daniel set his jaw and whirled, his first blow catching Casey and the crowd unawares. Casey bit back a yelp as the crop laid a strip across his back, but the crowd murmured hungrily.

"One."

Sweat sprang from his brow and dampened his chest and back as Daniel lifted the crop again, letting it land on Casey's ass.

"Two."

Casey's body gleamed in the torchlight, the marks dark bands across his skin. Daniel focused on the shifting play of light and shadows across his shoulders as he let fly the next blow.

"Three."

He swallowed the bile that rose in his throat, willing his rebellious stomach to settle.

"Four."

By the tenth blow, Casey was crying out and twisting in his bonds, his back and ass cross-hatched with the livid marks of his punishment. By the eighteenth, he was screaming continuously, but Daniel would not allow him to be gagged.

It seemed forever before, drenched with sweat, his arm leaden and his heart more so, Daniel let land the final blow.

"Twenty."

He dropped the crop and staggered to the back of the slave quarters as Casey's screams subsided into sobs. He bent over and retched painfully, sweat dripping into his eyes, added to stinging tears. His stomach empty and his throat raw, he finally straightened an untold time later, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

"Master Daniel..." El'yt stood beside him and handed him a cup. Daniel rinsed his mouth, then drained the cup thirstily.

"Casey?" he asked, his voice hoarse.

"I have taken him to the slave quarters. He is in bed now, resting." El'yt hesitated, eyeing Daniel. "Shall I have a healer attend him?"

Daniel nodded wearily. "He is to have only light duties until I return."

"Is he to be bound?"

Daniel paused, then nodded again. "Bindings, but no chains. He must..." Daniel looked around, but they were alone. He lowered his voice. "He must be seen to be punished, but I would not have him injured more than he already is."

"Of course, Master."

Flexing his sore arm gingerly, Daniel started back to his rooms. "Have Yehah prepare to leave with me tomorrow morning. I am already packed, and will ride out at first light."

"Yes, Master Daniel."

"And bring me some water to wash," he called over his shoulder, not bothering to wait for El'yt's reply.

Daniel mounted Zeina at first light, Yehah beside him on Salimeh. His entire body ached, his eyes were gritty from lack of sleep, but he sat tall in the saddle as they rode out of the compound. He did not allow his eyes to swing to the slave quarters, as they wished to. But every step that Zeina took away from Casey felt like a knife in his chest, until he looked down, surprised to see his flesh untouched.

"Come," he growled to Yehah as he spurred Zeina into a gallop. The wind whipped back his hair and cloak, and dried the moisture on his cheeks.

Daniel dismounted stiffly, throwing Zeina's reins to the startled stableboy. He was half-way across the yard when he glanced over his shoulder, tossing a command to Yehah to take his bags to his rooms. Without even stopping to wash away the dust of his journey, he made his way to the slave quarters.

"Casey!" he called, striding quickly through the dim, deserted building, the sound of his voice echoing hollowly off the thick, whitewashed, mud walls. "Casey!" Stepping out back by the privies, he shielded his eyes from the glare of the sun and sighed impatiently. Of course Casey would be working. El'yt had probably assigned him to help the washerwomen, which would keep him busy, but wasn't too taxing.

A brown head peered around the corner, bright eyes regarding him steadily. "Master Daniel," piped a thin voice as a young girl sidled around the building and bowed low.

"Rasheeda, have you seen my slave, Casey?" She shook her head. "Then fetch El'yt for me," he said. "I will be by the washing rocks."

He had gone no more than a dozen paces when he heard El'yt calling him.

"Master Daniel! Oh, Master Daniel - thank the gods! Wait!"

Turning, he waited as El'yt puffed up to him, his face red and sweaty.

"What is the matter?" Daniel grabbed his arm. "Is it my father? Has something happened to my father?"

"No, Master," he panted, wiping his face with his sleeve. "Your father is well. We were not expecting you so soon..." His voice trailed off and his face crumpled.

"I was able to complete my business sooner than expected," Daniel snapped, giving El'yt's arm a little shake. "Tell me what has happened!"

"Your slave has disappeared, escaped, Master." El'yt rubbed his forehead and he trembled.

Daniel pulled his hand away and stared at him. He felt chilled to the bone, despite the burning sun. "Casey? Escaped?"

"Yes, Master."

"Escaped?" It couldn't be. Casey would never try such a thing.

"Escaped, Master Daniel. This morning I put him to work sorting the laundry, and when I went to check on him, he was nowhere to be found," El'yt gabbled, one hand plucking at the front of his robe. "We searched, but cannot find him - he must have slipped away and hidden himself in the scrub, Master, but it never occurred to me that he would do such a thing! He has been quiet and tractable since you left, and I did not suspect he planned such an act, else I would have-"

"I do not blame you," Daniel interrupted, holding up his hand. He took a deep breath, and felt the hot prickle of anger beginning beneath his flesh. "How long has he been gone?"

"I noticed him missing before mid-day, Master, so he was only gone perhaps an hour or two before we began to search."

"Where did you search?"

"The main buildings and outbuildings, Master. Along the path to the river and the road. Master Shaul has sent some armed men to the fields to look for his trail."

Daniel slowly turned in a circle, regarding the landscape thoughtfully. His heart was beating wildly beneath his aching ribs, and he wanted to squat in the sand and howl. Instead he looked at El'yt and asked calmly, "Was he bound?"

El'yt nodded. "With long, light chains, Master, so that he could work. We have checked that all the horses are accounted for, so he must be on foot."

"In that case," Daniel said, nursing the heat flaring in his belly, "we should find him soon, and then-" He snapped his jaw shut and turned on his heel. "He cannot have gone far. I will take a few men and look for a trail along the cliff side."

On a fresh mount, with two of his father's most seasoned warriors accompanying him, Daniel rode out of the compound the way he had entered. Once they were beyond the usual paths, he turned his horse and headed into the scrub, the men following.

"He is wearing chains," Daniel said, "and may find walking awkward. But he is intelligent and clever, and will no doubt try to hide his tracks. He has only been gone about four or five hours, and is not familiar with the countryside. Keep your eyes open."

They rode quietly, Yafez or Iban occasionally pointing to a promising mark on the ground, but which came to nothing when followed. As the afternoon progressed, Daniel found himself looking over his shoulder, waiting for a messenger to ride up, telling him that Casey had been found hiding in the fields, or by the river... He could see himself returning to the compound at the news, his horse flying over the ground, to confront a filthy and defiant Casey. His hands itched to hold him, his lips burned to kiss him into submission, his cock filled with the thought of taking him again and again until he cried out his surrender and acknowledge the truth: that Daniel owned him, heart and soul...

"Master," Iban whispered, putting his finger to his lips, and then pointing to a small shack in the distance. It was a shepherd's hut, only used occasionally, when the usual grazing grounds were flooded in the spring. Daniel could see faint marks on the dusty ground leading to the hut, marks that could have been made by chains dragging in the dirt.

They slid from their horses, tethering them to a gnarled branch out of sight of the hut. Slowly, silently, taking cover when they could, Daniel and the men approached. Wiping the sweat from his eyes, Daniel rehearsed the words he would use when he found Casey - hard, angry words, which, if Casey proved repentant, would turn into words of forgiveness and absolution. But not too soon.

There were two doors in the hut, and Daniel gestured for Yafez to circle around and prevent Casey from fleeing in that direction. He and Iban crept closer. A sound drifted from the hut.

"Do you hear that?" he whispered, the skin on the back of his neck crawling with atavistic horror, and received a sharp nod in response. It sounded like...

"Now!" he said, and they dashed to the door, Daniel hitting it with his shoulder and bursting into the hut.

Daniel staggered and clutched the door frame, trying to see in the dimness. Candlelight twisted and rippled over the shapes before him as a candle guttered in the breeze, and then the stench hit him, the iron-heavy reek of fresh blood.

And the screaming began again.

"Yafez!" Daniel bellowed, and the other door opened, sunlight spilling in, illuminating the inside of the hut in gut-wrenching clarity as Yafez stepped inside.

There were two people already in the hut, Daniel saw, although they... Bile rose in his throat and he struggled to swallow it, ignoring the acid bitterness. No...

The figure sprawled over the table writhed and gave a muffled scream, but it could not move far, because... Daniel squeezed his eyes shut for a second, then opened them, staring at the arm buried deep inside the shaking body.

Casey.

No.

Another scream galvanized Daniel into action. He sprang forward, his hand and dagger at the throat of the standing figure.

"Do not move," he barked, pressing the tip of the dagger into the soft flesh under his jaw, his hand forcing up his head, "except for your arm, Guord. Take it out carefully, or I will have Yafez cut it off at the elbow." His fingers tightened and a red bead trembled at the tip of the dagger, breaking loose to trickle down Guord's throat.

He watched, his stomach heaving, as Guord pulled out his bloody arm. Casey's screams echoed in the tiny room, despite being muffled by the gag. As soon as Guord's hand came free with a disgusting wet noise, Daniel tightened his grip on his throat.

"Take him out of here," he ordered the men, releasing his hold only when they had a firm grip on Guord's arms. "For I will kill him myself in another second," he rasped, moving to untie the gag at the back of Casey's head. "And he doesn't deserve such a quick death."

Despite his shaking hands, he worked carefully to remove the cloth gag - it had bitten into the corners of Casey's mouth and the blood had dried. By the time he wadded up the cloth and threw it into the darkest corner, the wounds had re-opened and blood smeared Casey's lips and mouth as he moaned softly.

"By the Prophet's wounds," he shouted as he reached around the rough wooden table, fumbling with the ropes that bound Casey's arms to the table. Guord had left on the leather wrist bindings and chain and it had tangled with the rope. "I shall flay him slowly and rub salt on his body! The gods will curse him, and his soul will rot in hell!" Casey's breath hitched in a sob as Daniel jerked at the bonds, and Daniel closed his eyes for a moment, willing himself to calmness.

When Casey's arms were free, Daniel bent and untied his ankles, resolutely turning his attention to the tight knots. When he finished, however, his eyes strayed to Casey's gaping, blood-smeared hole and it was all he could do not to charge from the room and slit Guord's throat, leaving his body for the jackals.

"Casey," he murmured, sliding his arm beneath his shoulders and lifting him slightly. Bruises were beginning to darken on his face and shoulders, spreading along his ribs and back and down his flanks. "Oh, Casey..."

"Master." It was a hoarse whisper. His head lolled onto Daniel's shoulder and his hands scrabbled at the table, the chain stretched between his bound wrists clinking softly. "Please..."

"You're safe, now," Daniel soothed, helping Casey to straighten up. "He cannot harm you any more-" His voice cut off. "Gods, what did he do!"

"Master Daniel?" Yafez appeared at the door.

"Come, help me get him onto the table," Daniel said, his voice shaking like that of an old man. "Quickly!"

"One moment, Master." Yafez unfolded the blanket he carried and tossed it over the tabletop. Then he and Daniel lifted Casey carefully onto the table. Casey shook and cried out, his hands fumbling at his crotch.

"Hold his hands," Daniel ordered, unsheathing his dagger. "That... that son of a jackal has tied his..." His throat so dry he could no longer speak or swallow, Daniel shook his head and bent over Casey, moaning and squirming on the table.

He gently lifted Casey's lax penis to one side and felt his skin grow cold and clammy as he forced himself to study Guord's handiwork. A strong, thin, waxed string, generally used for mending tents, was wrapped cruelly around the top of Casey's scrotum and between his balls, trapping them and cutting off the circulation. Daniel gently touched the swollen, empurpled flesh, searching for a knot. He eventually found it, but it was iron-tight.

"Casey," he said, trying to keep his voice steady, "I will have to cut off the string. You must not move. Do you understand me?"

"Yes," he whispered, his hands held firmly by Yafez, his legs shifting on the table.

Daniel leaned over the table, trapping Casey's legs beneath him. He took his dagger and, holding his breath, nicked one of the strings and, accidentally, part of Casey's scrotum. Casey screamed and tensed beneath him.

"Don't let him move!" he barked to Yafez, who released Casey's hands and covered Casey's torso with his own, his hands firmly holding Casey's hips.

"It will be off in a moment," he said, wiping the sweat from his eyes and rubbing his damp hands on his robe before picking up the dagger again. This time he managed to cut through one of the strings without touching Casey, and, with fumbling fingers, quickly unwrapped the bindings.

With a wail of pain, Casey fought them as the blood began to flow, reaching over Yafez's back, trying to cradle his crotch and raise his knees. Daniel watched as the abused flesh gradually changed to an angry red - a healthier color, but Daniel feared that the damage was already done. If Guord succeeded in gelding Casey, Daniel would ensure that it took him years to die and that every second of his life was filled with agony.

Once Casey had calmed somewhat, Daniel lifted himself off of Casey's legs, and signaled Yafez to do the same.

"I have water, Master," he offered, reaching down for the watersack. "I thought it might help."

"You did well." Daniel took the sack and carefully slid his arm beneath Casey's head, raising it slightly. "Drink, Casey." He dribbled a few drops into Casey's mouth, adding more when Casey swallowed and opened his mouth again. "Not too much," he said finally. He dampened the corner of his tunic and wiped Casey's mouth and face gently, noticing the ranks of small, finger-tip bruises marching up Casey's long neck. He ruthlessly suppressed his unexpected impulse to weep at the sight, and instead cursed Guord under his breath.

"Take off his bindings," Daniel ordered, reluctant to give up the sweet burden of Casey's head and shoulders pressed warmly into his arm. Yafez quickly undid the heavy leather cuffs around his wrists and ankles and slung them over his shoulder by the chains.

"Casey, we must get you home now. Yafez and I will help you to my horse."

Casey nodded slowly. "Home," he whispered.

Sliding his arm out from beneath Casey, Daniel suddenly felt bereft. He quickly slipped off his outer cloak - Casey would need protection from the sun, as well as from prying eyes - and Daniel had no idea what Guord had done with Casey's tunic.

Between the two of them, they managed to get Casey to his feet, although he shook like a candle flame in a breeze. Daniel held him up at the doorway, while Yafez went to fetch the horses. It was not easy to get Casey up onto the saddle with him, sitting sideways practically in Daniel's lap, but they managed. Wrapping his cloak and his arms around Casey, Daniel flicked the reins and his horse walked sedately back along their trail, Yafez at his side.

Casey's head lolled against his shoulder as they traveled, and Daniel wondered if he had fainted, or if exhaustion had sent him to sleep. Then his hand emerged from the folds of the cloak and clutched the front of Daniel's tunic in a death grip.

In the distance, he could see Iban on his horse, Guord stumbling along behind him, the rope binding Guord to the saddle stretched taut. As he watched, Guord stumbled and fell in a cloud of dust. He could hear Iban's curse as he jerked the rope, waiting impatiently for Guord to rise. His arms tightened around Casey, and he turned his head away from the scene. Right now he had to get Casey home safely, make him comfortable, and have the healer see to his injuries.

Justice and revenge would simply have to wait.

There was a flurry of activity as they approached the compound, and Daniel urged his horse through the knot of curious soldiers and slaves, holding a shaking Casey closer to his chest. He spotted El'yt in the crowd and reined in.

"He did not escape," Daniel said before El'yt could speak. "Guord beat him, and..." He stopped abruptly when Casey's grip on his tunic tightened. "Send the healer to my rooms, and tell my father to call off the search." They moved off, Yafez close behind.

Outside Daniel's rooms, Yafez dismounted first. He stepped beside them and raised his arms. "I shall take him inside, Master," he said.

Daniel nodded, suddenly reluctant to release his burden. "Place him on my bed." He loosened his grip around Casey's shoulders and shifted so that he could slide into Yafez's arms, but Casey murmured uneasily, his fingers holding Daniel's tunic firmly.

"Casey, you are safe now," Daniel said softly. "But you must trust me and let go. Yafez will help you into bed, and I will be there in a moment."

Casey lifted his head from Daniel's shoulder, and pain-filled brown eyes searched his. "Don't leave," he whispered wearily. "Please, Master."

"I'm not going to leave you," Daniel replied fiercely. "But you must get down now so that the healer can come and tend to you."

"You will stay?"

"I have said so. Now, go with Yafez..."

Slowly Casey's fingers uncurled from Daniel's tunic, and he slid, biting back a cry, into Yafez's strong arms. Daniel quickly dismounted and followed Yafez and Casey into his rooms.

Yafez paused before Daniel's clean bed. "Here, Master?" he asked, glancing uncertainly at the pallet Casey had used.

"Yes," Daniel replied, pulling the blanket down. "On my bed."

With a brief nod, Yafez gently laid Casey on the soft linen and stepped back, waiting.

"See that Iban has brought Guord in safely," Daniel said, running his hands gently over Casey, "and then wait outside. I may need you later."

Yafez bowed and left as Daniel began to slowly unwrap Casey from his cloak.

"No," Casey moaned, his hands feebly clutching at the edges.

"Hush." Daniel smoothed back the hair that had fallen into Casey's face, his fingers lingering on Casey's bruised cheek. "The healer is coming, and I want to clean you up a little."

Casey turned toward Daniel's hand and bit back a cry. "Hurts," he panted.

"I know." Daniel kept his voice soft, struggling against the rage that whipped through him at the thought of what Guord had done. "She will give you something to take away the pain, and you'll feel better soon."

"Like-" Casey broke off and swallowed hard. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. "Like she did after the beating?"

"Yes." Daniel looked away, remembering the sound of the crop, of Casey's screams, the sight of the marks he left on Casey's flesh. In some ways he was no better than Guord.

"Forgive me," Casey breathed, reaching out slowly and letting his hand rest on Daniel's arm.

"For what?"

"For speaking out of turn and making you punish me, for not enduring this trial as foretold..." He closed his eyes and took a shuddering breath.

"There is nothing to forgive," he replied. He did not understand what Casey meant by a trial, but now was not the time to question him. Gently opening the cloak, he forced himself to observe Casey's wounds dispassionately. By the Prophets, there was so much blood... His hands shook.

There was a sharp knock, and then El'yt's voice. "Master Daniel? I brought water and the healer."

"Good. In here." He covered Casey with a sheet as El'yt and a slave entered. El'yt held a covered bowl and a small, lumpy bag, and the slave carried a ewer of warm water. They were followed by a cloaked and hooded form, which stood quietly in the corner until El'yt and the slave set down their burdens and left.

Daniel looked over at the figure. "I beg for your assistance. My slave was assaulted and-" His voice stopped. He could not say the words to describe what had happened.

"I will help you." There was a touch of amusement in the words. "Again."

Lifting his chin, he spoke harshly. "I had nothing to do with this. It was another slave."

"I know." Her voice was suddenly kind. With a sigh, she threw back the hood and let the cloak drop from her shoulders, shaking her long hair loose and stepping toward them. "Everyone knows."

"What did Yafez and Iban say?" Daniel snapped.

"Only that Guord beat and tortured Casey." She smiled kindly at him. "Do not worry. Guord is bound and gagged. He will not speak of what he has done. Now," her smile faded. "Show me."

"He is in pain." Daniel's hand rested on Casey's shoulder, rubbing it gently. "Give him the herbs to ease his pain."

"Not yet." She stepped up to Daniel and met his eyes. "I must examine him first. There are times when it is dangerous to dismiss the pain too soon."

He bowed his head in acknowledgement. "Very well." Turning, he leaned over Casey, speaking softly. "Casey, she must examine you, and then she will take away your pain."

Casey nodded, two tight jerks of his head. "Don't leave me," he whispered as Daniel drew back the sheet.

Her face paled as she leaned forward, her eyes raking over Casey's body. Daniel watched her - he could not bring himself to look at Casey too closely - but the faint expressions that crossed her face told him what she saw. Finally, she straightened and glanced at Daniel, her eyes filled with understanding and pity.

"Fetch me the bowl," she said simply. "He must be calm before I can proceed."

Between them, they raised Casey enough to drink the infusion in the bowl, although some of it dribbled down the sides, wetting Casey's chin and chest. Daniel wiped it up, ignoring the blood that stained the white linen. She poured water into the basin and brought it over to the bed, along with a thick towel.

"Casey," she said, dipping a corner of the towel in the water, "I must clean your wounds before I tend to them. It will hurt at first, but by the time I have finished, the pain will be gone, and you will sleep."

His eyes sought Daniel before he nodded his understanding, and his hand lifted slightly. Taking it in his own, Daniel smiled at him reassuringly.

She cleaned his face and neck first, wiping away the dirt, sweat and blood that hid additional bruises. Working down his arms and chest, every swipe of the towel revealed new marks and more swollen skin. Daniel sat heavily on the bed by Casey's shoulders and turned his head away, willing his rebellious stomach to settle.

A knock at the door startled Daniel, and Casey's hand jerked in his. "What is it?" Daniel barked.

El'yt appeared in the doorway. "I apologize for disturbing you," he said quietly, his eyes straying to the figure in the bed. Daniel could see him grow pale, and then his eyes snapped up to stare at the far wall. "Your father has asked for you, Master Daniel. He wishes to receive your report as soon as possible."

"Tell him I will be with him soon," Daniel replied, giving Casey's hand a gentle squeeze. "When this is finished and Casey is settled, I shall come to him."

"But Master said-" El'yt quickly bit off his protest.

"I must see to my obligations, first, as he has taught me. Then and only then will I give him my report." Daniel's voice was cold. "Tell him that."

"Yes, Master Daniel," he murmured, his round face turning pink. With a bow, he left, Daniel's eyes following him out the door.

Casey suddenly moaned and shifted, and Daniel knew that she was wiping his swollen crotch. He stroked Casey's head with trembling fingers until he settled with a sigh.

After a few minutes more, she spoke. "Casey, you must turn over so that I can clean your back."

"No."

She darted a glance at Daniel and he raised his hand as she opened her mouth. "Casey," he said, leaning forward and whispering into his ear, "you are safe. No one is going to harm you while I am here."

"Please. Don't make me," he rasped.

"You must, Casey. You must endure this, so your wounds will heal."

He groaned at Daniel's words, but nodded once, and obediently turned on his side.

"Wait," Daniel said, grabbing a pillow and placing it under Casey's stomach.

She nodded in approval. Casey eased over, his body shaking, and Daniel reached down and carefully moved his cock and bruised balls out from under him. Casey made a muffled noise and buried his face in the mattress. Daniel could only see his cheek - it was scarlet. He leaned forward and wrapped his arm across Casey's shoulders, murmuring gentle nonsense and words of encouragement.

"I am finished," she finally said, dropping the soiled towel beside the basin, whose water was now red. Pushing the hair from her face, she picked up the bag that El'yt had carried in earlier and opened it. Daniel sat up.

"Master?" Casey's voice quavered, and his fists were clenched. "May I turn over now?"

Daniel looked at her questioningly, and she shook her head as she delved in the bag.

"Not yet," he replied, stroking Casey's quivering back and shoulders. "Soon, though."

"Casey," she said, pulling a small vial from the bag, "has your pain lessened?"

There was a pause.

"Yes." He sounded surprised.

"Good. I must apply some salve where you are torn-"

"No!" Shaking his head over and over, Casey raised himself to his hands and knees and tried to crawl off the bed. "Nononono..."

"Casey!" Daniel grabbed him by the shoulders and held him tightly. "Casey, she must do this."

"No," he moaned, trying to twist from Daniel's grasp. "Don't touch me, please, Master, don't let her..."

"Casey." He ducked his head and met Casey's frightened eyes. "Would you rather I apply the salve? Or would you like me to hold you?"

He shook beneath Daniel's hands, and his rasping breaths sounded loud in the room. "Hold me, please..." he whispered.

"Of course," he murmured, sliding down until he lay flat on his back. He pulled Casey over him, knees on either side of his hips, his ass raised. Casey slipped his arms around Daniel and buried his face in Daniel's neck, as he firmly held Casey's legs open behind the knee.

Her face appeared over Casey's shoulder and she gave him an approving nod. "Hold him tight," she mouthed, and Daniel nodded.

By the time it was over, Casey was moaning and sweating, and Daniel was having trouble holding his legs open - his fingers kept slipping.

Finally she heaved a sigh. "That's enough for now, Casey. You can lie on your back."

Daniel helped him over and stood up slowly, stretching his cramped muscles. She began applying a pungent salve to Casey's crotch as he dozed quietly, and Daniel moved beside her.

"Will he be permanently damaged?" he whispered.

"It's too early to tell." She shrugged, smearing more salve around his torn wrists and ankles. "But I think..." she continued, glancing at him, "I think all will be well."

Daniel let out a sigh of relief and covered Casey with a clean sheet. "Thank you," he said, brushing a kiss over her forehead.

"I will make up another infusion for when he wakes, and will tend to him in the morning."

Daniel picked up her cloak and settled it over her shoulders. "I am in your debt, Babbe."

"Yes. I know." She disappeared out the door.

Daniel stood beside the bed for a moment, staring down at Casey's sleeping face. The bruises and cuts darkened his fair skin, but the drugs had smoothed out the lines of pain between his brows and at the corners of his mouth. Daniel allowed himself one gentle touch to the back of Casey's hand before turning and leaving his rooms.

Yafez was waiting outside, as he had ordered, and turned to him with a bow.

"He has been dealt with?" Daniel did not bother to conceal his revulsion.

With a nod, Yafez gestured toward an outbuilding. "He is there, Master, and two soldiers guard him. He tried..." Yafez glanced at Daniel. "He showed his arm to those who escorted him, and began to describe what he had done, so Iban quickly gagged him."

Daniel struggled against rage for a moment and nodded. "You both did well. I will tell Iban so, and inform my father, as well." Taking a deep breath, he brushed ineffectually at the front of his dusty and bloodstained shirt. "I must speak with my father and my wife, but I do not want to leave Casey alone. The healer has given him herbs to sleep, but he may wake. I want you to stay with him until I return, and if he wakens, assure him I will not be gone long."

Bowing, Yafez entered the door as Daniel turned on his heel and strode to his father's rooms. His report from the north was not encouraging, but he did not know if his father would find that, or Daniel's insistence on caring for his wounded slave, the more disturbing. And then to break the news to Aloise... She would take it hard, but even without knowing the details, there was no way to hide the fact of Guord's brutality, especially not with Salaeh in the household. She would probably dine off the story for a month. With a shrug to himself he opened the door to his father's rooms and entered.

He was surprised to see his father and brothers sitting in the receiving room, along with many of his cousins. They turned to him, and although there were smiles on a few faces, Daniel could feel the tension and disapproval in the air.

"Well, Son Daniel, we are all waiting for your report." His father's voice was frosty.

Daniel bowed and crossed the room. "I beg your forgiveness for appearing late and in my traveling clothes, but I had a pressing matter to attend to." He sat beside his father, resting his hands on his knees and willing them not to shake.

"And what was this 'pressing matter,'" his Uncle Shaul asked, his eyes hooded.

"My slave, who had been unjustly accused of escaping, had been injured, and required the healer. As my father has often impressed upon me, I am responsible for my slave's welfare, and I could not leave until I was assured that everything that could be done had been done."

Shaul snorted, but his father nodded gravely. "Your concern is understandable, if excessive. However, we shall not speak of that now, for have been awaiting your report from the north."

"Of course, Father." Daniel took a drink from the wine placed before him and quickly gathered his thoughts. "There are no overt signs of unrest or of a possible attack," he began, "and I was hopeful that my journey was for naught. But I was able to speak with a few farmers privately, and their tales concerned me enough to hasten my visit and return to you with news."

All of the men were quiet as Daniel described his conversations with the farmers and their reports of sighting movements of unknown men in the northern hills.

"They could be scouting parties for the Hammer," said his cousin Kris, and the others nodded.

"Or they could be tales told by men who wish to alarm us," said Shaul, "and who hope to decrease their obligation to you, my brother."

"Both are possibilities we must admit," replied Yakob. "What else did you learn, my son?"

Daniel took another drink of wine and tried not to yawn. This would not be over soon. "The drought has affected the farmers in the north, as well..."

It was dusk by the time Daniel left his father's rooms, and he paused for a moment just outside the door to take a deep breath and rub his hand over his face. He was exhausted, and it seemed that this day would never end. Before he could return to Casey, however, he had to speak with his wife and then see... him.

He still hadn't decided on a punishment for Guord. A quick death seemed inadequate, and yet, now that his rage had calmed and was tempered by fatigue, Daniel could not find it within himself to employ the cruelties he had seen or heard of. With a tired shrug, he dismissed that thought and slowly walked to his wife's chambers.

Her door stood open, and he entered her rooms slowly, so as not to startle her. He needn't have worried. She was sitting, very upright, on a cushion facing the door. N'tale was there as well, and she looked over at Daniel with a worried frown as he stepped inside. When Aloise saw him, she scrambled to her feet with a cry.

"Husband!" She ran across the room and flung herself into his arms, her entire body shaking. He wrapped his arms around her tightly and lifted her easily, moving across the room to the low seat. There he sat down and cradled her in his lap, rocking gently and crooning softly, even though he knew she could not hear him.

N'tale rose to leave, but he quietly asked her to remain and she sank back down onto the cushion. "She has been so worried," N'tale murmured. "Guord disappeared, and then there were terrible rumors..." She pushed back the dark hair from her pale face and took a deep breath. "I thought I might be of some use."

"Thank you," he whispered. "Please stay with her tonight. I cannot."

N'tale nodded and her frown deepened.

Aloise's thin arms clung to him, her hands kneaded his shoulders as she sobbed. He allowed her to cry herself out, and when she raised her face, he gently wiped the tears from her cheeks.

"I was so frightened," she said, blinking to clear her eyes. "What has happened? Where is Guord? No one will tell me anything..." She swallowed noisily and sniffled.

"There is no need to be frightened," Daniel said, stroking her back lightly. "I am here, and I will tell you everything. But now you must be brave. Can you be courageous, my wife?" He smiled down at her as she bit her lip and nodded.

"Tell me."

"Very well." He paused for a moment, collecting his thoughts. "For some reason Guord has taken a dislike to Casey. Today he..." Daniel paused and cleared his throat. "He attacked Casey, and hurt him badly. I have-"

"No! He would never-"

Daniel placed a finger over her lips. "It is true, Aloise. I saw him."

"It must be a mistake," she insisted. "N'tale, tell him! Guord is kind and gentle. Perhaps Casey attacked him first, or-"

"No, my dear." He shook his head. "It is as I have said. Now he must be punished for what he has done."

"Punished?" The color drained from her face. Her lips quivered and she covered her mouth with her hand for a moment. "How long will his punishment take?"

Daniel hesitated. "It is not a matter of time..."

"Not a matter of..." Her eyes widened. "You are going to..." Her face crumpled and she struck him on the arm. "No!" He pulled back in surprise, and she hit him again. "No!" He grabbed her wrists and she struggled briefly, shaking her head and chanting "Nonononono..." before burying her face in his shoulder and holding him tightly. "I hate you," she whispered, as he gathered her close and kissed the top of her head.

"I know."

Dusk had deepened into darkness before he could leave her, still sobbing, in N'tale's care. Before he left, he had a moment for a brief word with N'tale at the door.

"The rumors are true?" she asked. "They said your slave was badly injured, and you had to call the healer."

"Yes."

"Will he recover?"

"The healer believes so."

"Then the Goddess was merciful."

He smiled at her. "Thank you."

"Shall I..." She glanced back at Aloise. "When is the execution? I wish to ensure that she will be indoors until it is finished and his remains have been cleared away. Unless..." her eyes widened. "Unless you will leave his body as a warning..."

"No," he hastened to reassure her. "No, there will be nothing left for her to see. I do not know exactly which punishment I shall choose, but I will get word to you." He bowed. "I appreciate your concern, Mother N'tale."

She smiled. "She is a good child, Son Daniel. This has been difficult for her. If you could visit in the morning, that would give her something to look forward to."

"I shall. Good night."

The moon was bright as he wearily made his way across the compound to the outbuilding where Guord was being kept. There was only this final task to finish tonight, and then he could return to his rooms, and to Casey. He opened the heavy door and froze, staring stupidly inside.

It was empty.

For a moment he thought he might have mistaken the building in his exhaustion, but no, Guord had been held here. Guord...

He whirled around. "Captain Naroun! Captain Naroun!" he yelled, haring across the compound to the guardhouse, his earlier fatigue forgotten. Flinging open the door, he stood panting for a moment as the guards quickly abandoned their noisy games of dice and cards and stood respectfully. A tall, weather-beaten man with gray hair stepped forward and bowed.

"Master Daniel. What may I-"

"The prisoner," he interrupted. "What have you done with the slave you were guarding?"

The captain frowned. "We took him to the top of the cliff and left him there, staked to the ground for the animals and tomorrow's sun to find."

"I did not-" Daniel calmed himself with an effort. "Who ordered this?"

"Master Yakob," he replied, looking worried. "He sent word that his decree was to be carried out tonight-"

Daniel held up his hand. "Never mind. I am certain that you carried out his orders fully. I have been comforting my wife, and did not receive word of my father's intentions." With that he turned on his heel and strode down the path.

He was livid. How dare his father usurp his prerogative to punish Guord. The implied lack of confidence stung, as well as the secrecy with which it had been carried out. It was a public insult, and could not be ignored.

Despite the late hour, Daniel turned abruptly toward his father's rooms. He was a man with a wife and household, not some child who could not be trusted to assume his responsibilities. Guord's fate was his decision, not Yakob's, and he would tell his father so...

He paused at his father's door, his hand on the weathered wood. His father would be in bed now, and would not take being disturbed lightly. Daniel let his hand fall and took a deep breath, allowing some of his anger to bleed away. No, nothing would be achieved by waking Yakob at this hour. It would serve his purpose better if he voiced a calm protest in the morning. And if Guord were alive in the morning, then he could be retrieved and Daniel would still have the opportunity to mete out justice.

Satisfied with his decision, he returned to his rooms. Yafez was squatting by his bedroom door, and Daniel was relieved to hear Casey's quiet, regular breathing.

"Has he wakened?"

"No, Master Daniel." Yafez stood stiffly. "He has only murmured in his sleep."

"Good. You have done well." He stifled a yawn. "Now go to the kitchen and tell Rashid to give you some dinner."

Yafez bowed and left, and Daniel slowly walked into his room and over to his bed. He rubbed his burning eyes and felt as if every joint in his body ached. It had been a hellish day after a hellish week. Too little rest, too many people to see, too far to travel, and always the question flowing beneath it all: who can be trusted and who might try to betray them?

A small sound from the bed startled him and his face grew warm. How childish. His complaints were nothing, compared to what Casey had endured...

He stared down at the man sleeping quietly in his bed and his chest tightened painfully. "Ah, Casey," he whispered, stroking Casey's cheek lightly and then closing his eyes against the burning.

"Master?" The word was barely a breath.

His eyes flew open and he placed a hand on Casey's shoulder when he tried to move. "Shhh. Be still."

Casey winced and lay back obediently. "What time is it?"

"Late. Go back to sleep."

Rolling to his side, Casey's hand crept from beneath the blanket and tentatively stroked Daniel's thigh. "Will you come to bed?"

"Yes, of course." Daniel lifted Casey's hand a pressed a quick kiss to the strong fingers. "First, you must drink the medicine that the healer left. It will help you sleep."

He fetched the infusion from the chest and helped Casey sit up enough to drink. By the time he had finished it all, Casey was pale and shaking, and he collapsed onto the pillows with a sigh. "Master?"

"A moment." Daniel quickly stripped off his dusty, blood-stained clothes and gave his body a cursory rinse before climbing into the bed with a groan.

Casey slowly rolled to face him. "I was anxious for you to return," he murmured. "I missed you."

"And I missed you," replied Daniel, reaching out to gently touch the side of Casey's face.

"I wanted you to..." Casey colored and took a deep breath, his eyes flickering over Daniel's body. "I wanted you," he admitted hoarsely.

The hard knot in Daniel's chest grew, and he felt as if he were choking. "Ah, Casey..."

Then he was holding Casey in his shaking arms, carefully cradling him against his chest, blinking back the tears that had threatened for so long.

"Don't cry, Master," Casey crooned softly. "Don't cry. Sleep, and you'll feel better in the morning."

Daniel closed his eyes and sniffled once, feeling vaguely ashamed that Casey was comforting him, rather than the reverse. Then there was a gentle kiss on his cheek, and Casey shifted in his arms for a moment, then stilled. Daniel sighed and relaxed.

They slept.

A finger gently pressed against his lips and he smiled a little, then kissed it. His eyes flew open at the sound of a chuckle.

"Babbe!"

She leaned over him, her eyes sparkling with humor. "So surprised? Ah, I'm heartbroken. Surely you remember my touch?"

He glared at her and his arm reflexively tightened around Casey. "I thought we had agreed that we would say nothing publicly, Healer."

"This is hardly public." Her smile broadened. "And I have said nothing that could not be taken innocently enough. Unlike you."

With a sigh, he rubbed the sleep from his eyes and nodded. "What do you want?"

Her smile faded. "It is just after sun-up, and I must look at your slave's wounds. I am concerned that they heal well."

Daniel's face grew warm. Of course. Casey was stirring sluggishly in his arms, and he leaned over and brushed a kiss on his forehead.

"Casey," he murmured, trying not to stare at the dark stains of bruises along Casey's cheek and jaw. "Casey, you must wake now."

Groaning, Casey turned and began to stretch. With a yelp, his eyes opened and he froze, grimacing and muttering something in an unfamiliar tongue. He suddenly turned horrified eyes to Daniel.

"I must..." he scrabbled at the covers. "Oh, quickly..."

Daniel leapt from the bed and half-dragged, half-carried Casey to the privy, where he sat, shivering, as he relieved himself. Daniel's stomach churned at the sight of Casey's bruised and battered body, and he spun around on his heel and stared toward the mountains until Casey grunted and tried to stand.

Casey was steadier on his feet as Daniel helped him back to the bed, but his face was pale by the time he lay back against the pillow. Daniel covered him again, then shrugged on a robe and sat beside him on the bed. His arm crept around Casey's shoulders, and Casey settled against him with a sigh.

Daniel looked up. The Healer was watching them intently, and she nodded once.

"Very good," she said to Casey with a smile, but Daniel could see that her eyes remained guarded and cautious. "I have instructed the cook to prepare broth and yoghurt for you to eat the next few days, and Sifara will wash you and apply the unguents as necessary. I will return every day to ensure that you are healing well."

Wrinkling his nose, Casey nodded. "More damn broth," he muttered to Daniel, who stifled a chuckle. Casey's small complaint did more to ease his mind than anything the Healer could have said, but he hushed Casey nonetheless.

"Sifara is not required. I will be responsible for Casey's care," he said firmly. "Please show me what I must do."

"I would not recommend that," she replied gravely. "Sifara is trained and alert for certain signs of infection that would require additional care. You do not know-"

"Then you can show me what to look for." He met her gaze steadily and held up his hand when she opened her mouth. "Do not argue with me about this, Healer, for I will brook no dissention."

"Master, you do not need to-" Casey twisted around slightly to look up at him.

"Yes, I do." He pressed his lips tightly together, afraid that they might tremble. "It is not a matter open for debate." He slid his arm out from beneath Casey's shoulders and turned to the Healer, raising his chin. "Show me."

Her face was expressionless for a moment, then she nodded. "Very well." She pointed to a small leather pouch on a chest. "Bring that to me."

Daniel bristled. "I am not some serving wench, bound to do your bidding-"

"At the moment, you are my student." Her voice was cold. "If you wish to remain my student, you will do as I say."

Damn her! Rage blazed through him. Daniel narrowed his eyes and opened his mouth, then shut it again with a snap. It was like her to take advantage of the situation, to enjoy ordering him about like a novice slave.

Tamping down his anger, he nodded stiffly and retrieved the pouch, handing it to her with a brittle bow. She accepted it with a grin.

"We might make an apprentice of you yet."

Contenting himself with glaring at her briefly, he folded his hands and waited.

"Well, well, well," she murmured. "The lion has been tamed..."

Daniel quickly looked up at the gasp from the bed. Casey's eyes were wide and he was muttering something under his breath. His hand moved restlessly beneath the blanket, as if he were drawing on the bed linens.

"Are you in pain?" the Healer inquired softly.

Casey shook his head, paused, and nodded once. "Yes," he admitted reluctantly.

She moved around the bed to sit beside Casey. "I must speak of your injuries to him," she said to Casey, raising her shoulder to indicate Daniel, "and show him how to tend them. If what we do pains you, or if you have a question, please speak freely." The fine lines at the corners of her eyes crinkled as she smiled. "A Healer does not stand on ceremony. To us, both great and small are equal in their needs."

Daniel snorted behind her, but did not speak. She rose and looked at Daniel, gesturing toward the table. Two steaming ewers and a basin stood on it. Daniel was startled to see them. Had he been so deeply asleep that he was unaware when servants approached? The Healer caught his worried glance and seemed to enjoy his discomfort.

"First, you will wash him carefully."

Daniel nodded and picked up the ewer, pouring an unsteady stream of water into the basin. His hands shook.

She raised her eyebrows and gave him an impatient nod as Daniel hesitated. "Go ahead. Or are you reluctant to keep your promise?"

Daniel shot her a glare before he grabbed the basin and the thick cloth beside it, walking carefully over to the bed. His mouth was as dry as the desert floor, and he willed his hands not to shake as he set the basin down on the floor and dipped the cloth into the warm water. He was not a coward. No son of Yakob el-Rydal could be a coward. For a moment, however, he regretted his offer. After all, Sifara was experienced in these matters, and she had a pleasant, comforting manner. Unlike her mistress, he thought darkly.

Daniel started when Casey's hand brushed his knee. "Master?" Casey said softly. "It is not necessary..."

"Yes, it is," he snapped. "Do not argue with me."

A furrow appeared between Casey's eyebrows, and he turned his head, facing the far wall. Casey's mouth settled into a familiar stubborn line, but it did not fool Daniel, and he damned himself for an idiot.

With a sigh of regret, he leaned forward and brushed his lips over Casey's damp temple. "Forgive me," he murmured. "I wish to do this, but it is difficult for me to look at your injuries..."

Casey slowly turned his head and Daniel could see the hurt deep in his eyes.

"You should feel them," Casey bit off the words, his voice unexpectedly bitter. "Perhaps looking at them would be easier, then."

Anger warmed Daniel's gut. How dare he! A slave, his slave, speaking to him so...

"Shall I call for Sifara?" the Healer asked, her voice mocking.

Silently he wrung out the cloth, ignoring her question. He had said he would do this, and a son of Yakob el-Rydal was a man of his word, no matter how distasteful the task.

Casey had shifted onto his side, facing away from Daniel. Feeling unexpectedly shy - after all, he had seen his slave's naked body many times before - he reluctantly drew down the linen sheet. Casey shivered once, then stilled, only the sound of his short, fast breaths breaking the silence in the room.

Something hot and unexpectedly heavy had lodged in his chest. Daniel found it difficult to breathe as he reached out and gently wiped Casey's discolored shoulder. Prophets, he could see the imprint of fingers, hands - marks caused by restraining pressure - as well as those blooms of color from wild blows.

And the man who had done this had been taken from him, as if he were a woman or a child, unable to protect his own property or mete out justice. His own father had done this...

Control, control.

Between clenched teeth he sucked air deep into his lungs, then expelled it with a silent curse. When he had finished here, he would go to his father and protest his actions. He was not some green youth, inexperienced and callow, whose opinion was passed over in council-

Casey moaned, and Daniel jerked the cloth away. His face warmed when he realized that he had been too caught up in his own thoughts, and was rubbing Casey's back too firmly. He dropped the cloth into the basin and clenched his fist, the nails digging into his palm painfully.

By the Sacred Wells, could he not do this simple task?

A hand rested on his shoulder. "Do not buy trouble, Danni." A gentle squeeze, a pat, and it was gone. "Concentrate on the task at hand."

He nodded, surprised at the kindness and understanding in her words, as well as the use of his childhood name, and wrung out the cloth again. Turning back to Casey, he carefully wiped his bruised ass and legs, then silently helped him onto his back.

Casey stared mutely at the ceiling, only the rigidity of his body and his rapid breathing hinting at how difficult this was for him. Almost unthinkingly, Daniel began to murmur small words of comfort as he ran the cloth down the long arms, across the heaving ribs, and over the quivering belly.

"Gently, now," said the Healer as he began to wipe Casey's swollen groin.

Daniel shot her a look of exasperation and carefully continued. He did not need her warning. It pleased him to see that Casey's testicles, although almost black from bruising, were warm and moved easily within the scrotum. Casey's cock was also bruised around the base, but the shaft looked healthy enough. Daniel cautiously pulled back the foreskin to clean the tip, as he had seen Casey do, and was rewarded with a stifled moan from Casey - a moan of pleasure, not of pain - as well as an encouraging twitch from his cock.

His own cock jerked in response, and there was a chuckle from behind him, which he ignored.

After a few more moments, he dropped the cloth into the basin for the final time, and carefully moved the basin back to the table.

The Healer nodded and handed him a small jar. "Now you will apply this salve to his bruises. It will help them to heal faster, and prevent the open wounds from becoming infected."

Daniel opened the jar and sniffed the contents cautiously. It smelled strong but pleasant enough, and he scooped up a small amount of the ointment with his finger. Casey would not meet his eyes as Daniel smoothed the salve over the bruises on his face, dabbing carefully at the raw places on the corners of his mouth where the gag had cut him so cruelly.

He continued down Casey's body, paying particular attention to all the creases and folds of his groin, and smiled to himself when Casey's cock again showed an interest in the proceedings.

Urging Casey onto his side, Daniel anointed his back and legs, leaving Casey's ass alone at the Healer's silent gesture.

"Well done," she replied when he handed her the jar. Daniel wiped his hand, unaccountably pleased by her mild praise. Capping that jar and placing it on the table, she dug around in the pouch and emerged with another. It was a tiny, ivory jar, and she presented it to him gravely. "We must use the strongest medicine for the most serious injuries."

"Oh, please no," Casey suddenly said, his voice half-choked. He rubbed his eyes quickly and shook his head. "Please, do not touch me. Not anymore. Not there..."

"Casey, we must," she said softly, gliding over to sit beside him on the bed. She lifted his hand and patted it. "We must do this now, else you will become very ill, and the pain will grow worse." Daniel was startled at how gently she spoke, how much comfort there was in her words and her voice. It hardly sounded like the same woman who had scolded him earlier.

With a tight nod, Casey pulled his hand away and slowly rolled onto his stomach, raising his ass with a grunt. Daniel almost wept at the sight, blinking his eyes rapidly until he had regained mastery of himself.

The Healer stroked Casey's damp hair and shot Daniel an unreadable look before rising. She reached into the pouch and handed him a thin, polished wooden rod. A hand-span long, it had a slightly spatulate end, and was rubbed as smooth as silk.

"Use this to apply the salve," she instructed.

He frowned at it. It was small, yes, and smooth, but unyielding and... cold. Not something he could use on his... Daniel shied away from the word that had insinuated itself in his mind.

Lover.

No.

Slave.

Without comment, he handed the rod back to her and turned to Casey. He could see the muscles in his back, thighs and ass quivering and twitching, like a nervous horse, hear his near-panicked breaths. No. Casey had endured enough. He would not add to that.

Besides, he knew how to make this as pleasurable as possible for him.

Without touching him, Daniel leaned down to whisper in his ear. "I promised that I would always make it good for you, and I will keep that promise. Turn onto your back."

The breaths stopped abruptly, and a brown eye peered at him suspiciously from beneath a tangle of heavy, sun-bleached hair.

"Please," he murmured. "I will not hurt you."

The eye blinked, and then, with a whoosh of air, the body slowly relaxed. He helped Casey roll over onto his back, lifting Casey's legs so that he could grab them behind the knee, and tucking a pillow under his hips to raise his ass.

He could feel Casey's eyes on him as he opened the tiny jar and anointed his finger. He rubbed the back of Casey's thigh and met his eyes, feeling almost shy. Casey's eyes narrowed, and he briefly managed a small, crooked grin.

The sight of that flash of smile almost undid Daniel's carefully maintained calm, and he lowered his gaze to Casey's abused ass, flinching at the sight of the swollen flesh.

Gently, so gently, he slid his finger over Casey's puffy hole, his other hand caressing Casey's thigh when the muscles tightened. "Let me in," he crooned, "let me in. Don't try to keep me out."

Gathering more ointment, he continued that smooth glide over Casey's ass, over and over, each time sliding nearer and nearer the opening. "Let me in," he repeated, chanting it softly, like those who prayed to the Goddess. "Let me in."

He could tell the moment that Casey relaxed, and his surrender, his trust, warmed that chilly place in Daniel's chest. Taking advantage of the lax muscles, he eased his finger inside, spreading the ointment over torn and bruised tissues. He was prepared for the sight of blood on his finger when he removed it, but still the taste of bile soured his throat. The Healer handed him a clean cloth and he thanked her with a nod before wiping his finger and dipping it again into the jar.

He spread it twice more, pushing ointment deep into Casey's trusting body, until the Healer rested a hand on his shoulder.

"Enough," she said, and there was something, some thickness perhaps, in her voice that made him glance at her sharply. Her lips twisted into the semblance of a smile and she nodded to him, as if in answer to a question he had not asked. "You will do well."

He capped the jar and removed the pillow beneath Casey, then helped him ease his legs down and covered him again.

"I shall return in the morning," she said as she pulled the hood over her head and tied the pouch to the thick belt around her waist. Turning to Casey, she continued. "Rest today, and heal. He-who-loves-you will apply the unguents again tonight, and you will regain your strength soon."

Casey raised his right hand and solemnly intoned an unintelligible phrase, then let his hand fall, ducked his head shyly, and murmured his thanks as she left the room.

Daniel stared after her for a moment, stunned.

"Master?"

Shaking off his surprise at her words, Daniel pulled the robe over his head and washed quickly with the now-tepid water. "Yes?"

"What was the name she used for you? 'He-who-loves-you...'" He pronounced the word carefully.

Daniel shrugged and padded naked over to a chest, pulling out trousers and a tunic. "An affectionate diminutive," he finally replied as he tugged on his trousers. "The Healer retains her... peculiar sense of humor, despite her important position among the people."

Casey made a noncommittal sound, and Daniel silently finished dressing, tying back his hair and sitting down to pull on his boots. "I must speak with my father on business this morning, and I may not return until later this afternoon. I will have Yafez remain with you today, and you may ask him to help you in any way that is necessary."

"Thank you," Casey said softly. He hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath. "Are you discussing... him?"

Daniel kept his eyes on the scuffed toe of his boot and licked his suddenly parched lips. "He will not harm you again. I promise that."

Daniel paused for a moment before the door to his father's rooms. He had come directly from his own, stopping briefly only to give El'yt instructions regarding Casey's care, and to ensure the Yafez would remain with Casey while he was out. Yafez's presence was necessary for Casey's peace of mind. It had nothing to do with the almost-painful tightening in his chest that occurred as he left his slave. He was exhausted, that was all.

Tugging down his tunic and smoothing back a strand of hair that had escaped from the thong, he pursed his lips, uncomfortably aware that he was stalling. Raising his chin, he pushed open the heavy, carved door and walked in.

As Daniel had hoped, Yakob sat alone in his study, reading, surrounded by the remains of his breakfast.

"Father," he said, bowing deeply, waiting for Yakob to look up from the papers he was studying intently. Possibilities crowded his mind; hopes to which he had not dared give thought. Perhaps his father would volunteer a reason for assuming Daniel's responsibility in dealing with Guord. Perhaps he would tender an apology for treating Daniel as a child. Perhaps he regretted his precipitate actions. Perhaps... Daniel impatiently thrust aside those thoughts.

With a nod, Yakob finally acknowledged his presence, and gestured for Daniel to sit. A slave appeared at the door. "My son will stay for breakfast," Yakob said as Daniel sat. Bowing, the man disappeared. Yakob frowned at the papers in his hand. "I am glad you appeared; I was about to send for you," he said. Against his will, Daniel's hopes rose. "I am deeply concerned about your report from the north, as well as the news I have received-"

A spark of anger raced through him, and he closed his eyes for a moment, willing himself to remain calm. How could he have been so naïve? Of course his father would not apologize. Especially not to him, of all people. The spark grew, however, licking its way through his chest and up his back until it loosened Daniel's tongue. "Before we discuss my report," he blurted, interrupting Yakob, "why did you think it necessary to humiliate me so?"

Breaking off with a startled look, Yakob narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"

His mouth suddenly dust dry, Daniel stared at the low table that separated them. A small cup of chai, a half-finished piece of bread, and the torn remains of an orange were mixed in with the papers. He licked his parched lips nervously, aware of what he had done, what he was doing. "You took it upon yourself to punish the slave who had assaulted mine-"

"Ah, that. Yes." Yakob's voice was brusque.

"Why?" Daniel raised his eyes to meet his father's level gaze.

"It was a difficult decision, and it needed to be handled properly."

"Handled properly? But it was my decision!"

"Yes, it was," his father agreed quietly, a hint of regret in his voice. "However, it was imperative that this slave be punished quickly and without mercy. Any other alternative would be viewed as weakness, by both our friends and our enemies." Yakob hesitated, as if he wished to continue, then reached out for the cup and drank.

"And you," Daniel began, his voice cracking. "You could not trust me in this."

The cup clinked as Yakob placed it carefully on the table and raised his eyes. "No, my son," he replied quietly. "I could not."

"It was long ago and I was a child." His throat felt as if he had swallowed ground glass. "A man in body, perhaps, but a child in my heart and mind. I never meant-"

"No!" Yakob slammed his hand on the table, the sound echoing in the small room. Daniel jerked back, hardly breathing, and watched the dregs from the overturned cup of chai stream across the table top, staining the papers strewn there. "You will not speak of it again. Ever," his father continued, hoarsely. "Do you understand?"

Daniel nodded once. He could not drag his gaze from the man before him, the stranger who had suddenly taken his father's form. Yakob's face was scarlet, and he panted harshly.

"Do you understand?" he repeated.

Daniel's chest ached as if it had been split open and his heart torn from his body. "I understand," he whispered.

Yakob closed his eyes and ran a shaking hand over his face. The slave appeared at the door holding Daniel's breakfast tray, his reluctance to interrupt apparent. Daniel numbly gestured for the slave to place the tray beside him, although his throat was so tight he would not be able to swallow. "Fetch a cloth and clean this mess," he said, mildly surprised that his voice was calm.

They remained silent as the slave cleared the table, neither man looking at the other. Yakob's complexion gradually returned to its usual olive color, and his hands were steady as he carefully wiped the chai from the stained papers.

When the slave withdrew, Daniel could feel Yakob's gaze rake across him. "We cannot afford weakness, my son. We cannot allow even one small chink in our armor, else the enemy will take advantage, and we shall lose all that we have."

Daniel nodded and then hesitated, screwing up his courage. "I must go see him."

His father did not ask who 'he' was; he merely shrugged. "When we have finished here, Naroun will send a man with you to show you where he was left." Yakob spread a piece of paper on the table, his broad, square hands holding it flat. "In your report, you mentioned..."

Daniel forced himself to listen, to think, to reply coherently to his father's questions about what he had seen in the north. They consulted a map and he marked the locations where the unknown troops had been seen, but the fingers holding the pen, the hand moving over the paper, belonged to another. He opened his mouth, but the voice that emerged was the voice of a stranger.

His uncles arrived, along with a few of his cousins, and they adjourned to the larger room to continue their discussion. Daniel sat at his father's right and spoke of what he had learned and what he thought, and they accepted his reports, heeded his words, and valued his opinions.

And yet.

And yet his father didn't trust him. His father would never trust him, never forgive him.

The sun was high and silent slaves removed the remains of a hasty lunch by the time Daniel was able to slip away. He walked quickly to the courtyard and was pleased to see that Rebekah was sitting there in the shade, reading, a small book balanced on her swollen belly.

She glanced up as he strode across the sunsoaked stones that paved the center of the courtyard. "Son Daniel." She smiled and held out her hand to him. "I am pleased that you have returned safely."

He took her hand and bowed. Her small, cool fingers, so different from Casey's long, warm ones, rested easily in his. A flash of memory tightened his gut - Casey's hot fingers stroking him, entering him, coaxing him toward completion - and he looked away, afraid that Rebekah would be able to guess his thoughts.

"I came to pay my respects," he finally replied, releasing her hand. "And to ask if you are still willing to tutor my slave."

She looked at him solemnly, her head tilted to one side. "Then the rumor that your slave was assaulted yesterday is false?"

"No," he said, his throat tightening as he tried to swallow. "He was injured and requires rest. I thought that a distraction..." His face burned fever-hot.

"I see." She paused, as if considering. "It would not be proper for me to tutor your slave in your quarters."

"Of course not," he replied thinly. "You are quite correct."

"However, if you were there..." She looked at him, one eyebrow arched questioningly.

"I must ride up onto the cliff to witness the perpetrator's punishment," Daniel replied, then glanced at her hopefully. "I have left one of my father's most trusted guards to watch over my slave. There would be no dishonor if he were there during the lesson."

"True." Her mouth settled into a thin line, and, with a sinking heart, he waited for her refusal. "I shall do this as a favor to you, Daniel," she suddenly whispered, her hand creeping out to cover his, "and not for your slave."

"Thank you," he said, raising her hand to his lips and ghosting a kiss over her soft fingers. "I shall not forget your kindness."

"It is not kindness," she murmured, her fingers quickly trailing over his lips and cheek, brief brushes of heat that set his heart racing. She had touched him so when they were betrothed, touches full of promise. Startled, Daniel looked at her face, her eyes dark and heavy-lidded, her pink mouth slightly open, her swollen breasts rising and falling quickly as she breathed deeply. "I have dreamed of your touch," she confided, pulling his unresisting hand against her breasts, cradling it to her. "Night after night, as I have felt your father's hands upon me..."

Daniel jerked his hand away and rose, stumbling against the bench. "Do not-" he rasped, his throat tightening, choking off his words. He squeezed his eyes shut and felt the stale, sickly tang of his old despair coat his tongue and taint his spit. "Do not tempt me so," he ground out, opening his eyes to glare at her.

"I thought it would fade," she said softly, misery plain on her face. "I thought your father's kindness would allow me to love him as I..." She looked up at him with pain-filled eyes. "As I love you, Daniel. But it does not, and," she rubbed her swollen belly, "and I pray to the Goddess nightly that this could be yours..."

"Enough." His hands shook and he clenched them tightly. Someone - a servant - appeared in the doorway for a moment, then disappeared. "I am sorry I broached the topic. I must go."

He turned, and it took all his self-possession not to run from the courtyard. Her words followed him, however, ringing in his ears, mocking him with impossibilities as he walked quickly to his wife's chambers.

He stepped inside her dark room and looked around, expecting to see Aloise huddled in a corner. N'tale slipped out from behind a wall tapestry and held her finger to her lips.

"How is she?" he asked, shoving aside all thoughts of Rebekah.

N'tale's face was pale and the thin skin beneath her eyes looked bruised. "She could not sleep all night, and finally drifted off a few moments ago."

Sighing deeply, Daniel nodded. "I will not disturb her, then."

"What has happened?" she asked, sinking down onto a low couch with a small grunt. "Have you decided on his punishment?"

Daniel rubbed his hand over his face, and shrugged. "He is staked out on the cliffs. I am going there now."

She nodded.

Impulsively he stepped over to her and bowed low. "Thank you, Mother N'tale, for caring for my wife as your own child."

Her dark eyes sparkled as she looked up at him, despite her exhaustion. "Do not worry about her, Son Daniel. She still loves you."

"Thank you," he said, smiling as he left.

Stopping by his rooms to change, Daniel spoke quietly with Yafez, and was pleased to hear that Casey had slept all morning. After he pulled on his boots and started out the door, Daniel paused, then turned back to the darkened bedroom.

Casey was sleeping on his side, his cheek resting on his hand, the lines of pain smoothed from his face. He looked all of fourteen, barely old enough to shave, and Daniel's chest ached at the sight.

He took a step forward, tempted to steal over and drop a kiss on Casey's cheek, but he suddenly remembered the unpleasant task before him. No. He shook his head and stepped back. He would finish with Guord before waking Casey.

Daniel walked to the stables, where Iban and two other guards were waiting. They would show him where Guord had been staked out the night before.

Mounting Zeina, Daniel straightened his back and set his mouth. The punishment was just, and, if his father had not interfered, would have been his choice. Being staked out was painful, but death was relatively swift. Daniel knew of a few men who had survived for three or four days, but most were killed by predators the first night, their disemboweled, gnawed bodies a testament to the pack's hunger.

Iban led the way up the steep, rocky path to the top of the cliff. They followed a barely discernable trail along the edge for a while, then turned west. The horses were restive, and Daniel peered at the red, dusty soil. There were paw-prints crossing their trail - jackals and wolves.

"I doubt if we will find him alive," Iban said, following Daniel's gaze. "It was dark when we left him there, and I could hear wolves in the distance."

"It is as God wills," Daniel replied, touching his heart, lips, and forehead in honor of the One. The sounds of Casey's cries as he was assaulted rang in his ears, a ghostly tinnitus. "But for myself, it would be good to hear him scream."

Iban nodded. "If he is still living, he will beg for mercy, Master."

"Or a swift death," added another guard.

"I would oblige him with that," said Daniel, touching the dagger in his belt. "It would give me great pleasure to cut his throat." The men nodded in understanding.

"We are almost there," Iban said as they rounded a group of boulders and picked their way down a dry gully. "He is-"

Daniel drew alongside Iban and reined in Zeina. He stared dumbly at the barren stretch of ground before them and felt the world shift.

No. It could not be.

There were four stakes driven deeply into the red soil, each knotted with a piece of coarse rope. But there was no body, and the pieces of rope left behind had been cut.

"Are you certain this is the place?" he asked Iban quietly.

"Absolutely, Master," Iban replied firmly.

Rage slammed through him, scalding him, burning his flesh and searing his heart.

"By the Prophet's sword!" he screamed as jerked on the reins and wheeled around to face the others. Drawing his dagger, he raised it over his head. "He has escaped! Find him!" He pointed to the faint tracks that led out of the clearing. "Find him!"

Iban and the other guards bowed quickly and urged their horses into the brush, following the tracks. Daniel lowered his arm and looked at his dagger, narrow-eyed. Guord could not have cut his bonds himself. Someone had helped him escape.

It was up to him to find them both and kill them both. Pricking the skin at the base of his thumb, he smeared his blood on the blade and held it up to dry in the sun.

"I swear this for you, Casey," he muttered. "By the Holy Five, I swear it."

Daniel slid his dagger back in his belt and followed the others.

A filthy hand offered a limp watersack. "If you do not drink soon, they will have to carry you across your horse like a bundle of dirty laundry."

Daniel sat up in the saddle with a groan and peered into the dusk. "Dauid? Cousin? What are you doing here?" he rasped, wondering when he had swallowed enough sand to make his mouth feel as gritty as the bottom of a firepit. He took the proffered watersack and drank deeply, the cool water easing the burning in his throat.

"I've been here since the guard brought news that the slave had escaped his punishment." Dauid shook his head, his heavy ropes of hair swinging freely. They were covered with a fine coating of the red dust endemic to the plateau, as were his robe and the usually glossy coat of his horse. Daniel looked down at his breeches and tunic and was startled to find them as filthy as Dauid's.

"Ah." Daniel rotated his shoulders and stretched his arms, trying to ease the growing stiffness in his neck and back. "I hadn't noticed."

Dauid snorted. "I would have been surprised if you had. You've had your head down searching for tracks since I arrived." He twisted in his saddle, looking around the bleak landscape. "He and his accomplice had all night and half the day to travel and hide themselves. It's dusk now, and even if you could find their tracks again, you cannot see in the dark like an owl."

"I will call for torches," Daniel began, but Dauid raised his hand.

"The men are exhausted, cousin. They will search as long as you require them, but would it not be better to return home, eat, rest, and then resume the search in the morning?"

"Has his accomplice been identified?"

Dauid sighed. "No. It was not another slave - they are all accounted for."

"Did Naroun explain why a guard was not on watch?" He was grasping at straws, and he could see Dauid's expression darken.

"You know the answer to that question as well as I do. It is not done."

With a nod and a last, dissatisfied look around the plateau, Daniel suddenly wheeled Zeina and whistled loudly to the searchers. They paused, their shapes insubstantial in the dusk, like djinn or afreets roaming the windswept wadis. "Home," he called, and heard echoes of whistles and calls as the word was passed.

"It is for the best," Dauid said softly.

Daniel met his eyes and held them until Dauid looked away. "I will forget that you said such a thing," he replied, just as softly. "The honor of the el-Rydal's has been stained, and unless we can... unless I can redeem it, its loss will haunt us all." Not waiting for Dauid's response, Daniel spurred Zeina toward home.

By the time he had stabled Zeina and ensured that she was well-tended, Daniel was dropping with exhaustion. He stumbled on the way to his rooms, too tired to eat, too tired to report to his father. All he wanted to do was to strip off his filthy clothes, wash the dust from his body, and tumble into bed.

He took two shambling steps into the room and stopped. The lamps had been lit, and their wavering, guttering light illuminated Casey, sprawled across the cushions, fast asleep. The table before him was strewn with scraps of paper, pens, and an inkpot. Casey's bruised cheek rested on his arm and his thick, heavy hair had pulled free from its binding and flowed like honey down his back and over his shoulders. His fingers were curled around a small, leather-bound book, and the bandage around his wrist peeked out from beneath the sleeve of his dark robe.

Indignant, Daniel rubbed the sudden dampness from his eyes. He was a man, by the prophets, not some sniveling girl. He should be... He was pleased that Rebekah had honored her promise, and that Casey had felt well enough to rise and have his lesson in the main room. But...

"Casey." His voice sounded loud in the still room. "Where is Yafez?"

A grunt and a snort, a thud as the book slipped from his fingers, and Casey levered himself up onto one hip. "Master," he mumbled, blinking owlishly. "You are back."

Despite his fatigue, Daniel smiled and felt some of the day's tension bleed away. "I am back," he agreed, looking around. "Where is Yafez?"

"I sent him to fetch dinner..."

"You did what?"

Casey suddenly jerked back and stared, wide-eyed, at Daniel. "Did you find him?" he whispered.

"Not yet. We will continue our search tomorrow." Daniel took a deep breath and rubbed his forehead, fighting the exhaustion that made thinking an effort and movement almost impossible. "Yafez was given orders not to leave you."

"I know," said Casey thinly. "He told me that at some length."

"Did he also mention that he would be punished for disobeying my orders?"

"He did not have to tell me that. But I told him that I am your primary slave, and that, in your absence, I speak on your behalf. He could not argue with that. So, since I was responsible for sending him away, any punishment should rightly be mine." Casey looked at Daniel calmly.

Daniel sighed. He was too tired for this; his temple throbbed and his very bones ached. "Why did you do it, then?"

Casey's eyes fell as he shifted on the cushions, wincing as he moved. "I wanted... I needed a few minutes alone, to study, to pretend..." His voice trailed off.

What could he say to that? After what Casey had endured for the past fortnight, it was no wonder he wanted to have a moment to himself, to pretend, for even a short while, that he was not a slave.

However, it was his duty to punish Casey for his presumption, for clinging on to vain hopes and countermanding his order. His duty as Master, as Daniel, son of Yakob, as an el-Rydal.

He looked down on the man before him, and none of that mattered.

"Is there any hot water?" he asked as he stretched.

"Hot water?"

"Yes. Is there any hot water, or will I have to send for it?"

"There is hot water."

"Good." He rubbed his back, suddenly feeling twice his age. "And now I will wash, eat, and sleep, for we continue searching at first light tomorrow."

"Do you... Do you think you will find him?"

"Yes," Daniel replied, trying to color his voice with certainty. He was not deceived by Casey's attempt at nonchalance. "There is nothing to be afraid of, Casey," he said, heading for the bedroom.

"I'm not afraid."

"I never said you were." Daniel began to strip off his clothes.

"He took me by surprise when I was bound," Casey said, and Daniel looked up, startled to see him standing, leaning heavily against the doorframe. "He hit me on the head, then nearly choked me. Otherwise, he never would have-" His voice cut off abruptly and he turned his head to stare fiercely at the corner.

"No, he wouldn't." Daniel ached to reach out and fold Casey in his arms, but he did not move.

"I was taught to fight by some of the best warriors in the kingdom." Casey wrapped his arms tightly around himself. "And although I'm not a warrior myself, I have proven my skill in fair combat." He glanced sharply at Daniel, as if daring him to disagree.

Daniel could see him shivering from across the room and gestured to the bed. "You are still recovering from your injuries. You need to rest."

"I have done nothing but rest all day," he mumbled, but he moved obediently to the bed and slowly stretched out.

"Tell me about your lesson," Daniel said, removing the last of his clothes and washing his arms and chest.

"My lesson..." Casey's voice was suddenly husky. "The lesson was interesting, and Mistress Rebekah is a patient teacher." When Daniel bent over to wash his legs, Casey made a low, hungry sound.

Ignoring him, Daniel finished washing and shrugged on a clean robe. He felt better now that he was clean, and his stomach rumbled loudly. Casey laughed, an unexpectedly carefree sound that renewed the ache in Daniel's chest.

"Your dinner should be here soon."

"How did you know when I would return?"

Casey snorted. "Because it was growing dark, and you would not be foolish enough to try to search in the blackness."

"Of course," Daniel replied, turning away as his face warmed at the memory of his argument with Dauid. He caught sight of the small jars the Healer had left and a small tendril of heat lodged in his belly. "After dinner, I will apply the medicine again."

"That is not necessary. When it was obvious that you would not return until late, I asked Sifara to do so."

"I see," he nodded, hiding his disappointment. He heard the outer door open and practically staggered at the sudden, overwhelming smell of food. "Ah, dinner..."

As Casey's papers were cleared and the food was set out on the table, Daniel commended Yafez while ignoring his nervousness, and then dismissed him. He ordered Casey to eat his broth and yoghurt in bed, and ensured that his wine was well-watered.

Daniel sat and ate quickly, appeasing the sharp edge of his hunger. His eyes caught the small pile of paper scraps that had been fanned out over the table, and he picked them up, curious.

They were practice sheets, like Aloise's. The alphabet, a few words, crudely rendered: horse, book, wine, bread. Obviously Casey's first attempts. He turned over the last one and frowned at it. The letters were carefully formed, despite the occasional blotch and wavery line, and the effort Casey had taken was clear.

Master.

He downed the rest of his wine and slowly stood, exhaustion slamming into him. The slave began to clear the table as he walked stiffly to the bedroom. Casey had finished his broth and yoghurt and was dozing on the bed. His eyes fluttered open as Daniel yawned and then stretched, groaning.

"Good night," he murmured, his eyes closing again. His robe lay on the floor, and he tugged the blanket over his bruise-mottled shoulder.

Daniel pulled off his own robe and tumbled into bed. With a hasty kiss to the back of Casey's neck, he curled close behind him and slept.

The warm mass beside him shifted and he tightened his grip on it. His eyes flew open at the hiss of pain and he jerked his arm away. It was still dark outside, and the small lamp Daniel had left burning threw monstrous, wavering shadows across the walls.

"I'm sorry," Daniel whispered, his words almost inaudible under Casey's rapid panting. He raised his hand and gently ran his fingers down the side of Casey's damp face. "I didn't mean to hurt you..."

Casey nodded, his eyes squeezed shut and lips pressed together. "I know."

Daniel's hand hovered uncertainly over Casey's chest for a moment. He suddenly rolled over and scrambled out of bed. "Let me apply the salve. That will ease the pain."

"Do you have the time? You are to begin searching at first light..." Casey's voice was tight with pain.

"I will make the time," Daniel replied briefly. He collected the jars and returned, slowly drawing back the sheet from Casey's body before sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Tell me when it pains you," he said, resting his hand on Casey's shoulder and kneading it gently. Casey nodded and rolled to his side away from Daniel. Working swiftly and carefully, Daniel anointed Casey's back and legs, then helped him roll onto his back. He applied more ointment to Casey's face, neck and chest, lingering a little longer than strictly necessary on Casey's flat stomach as he surveyed his bruised groin.

The flesh, although dark and still swollen, looked healthy enough. When he began to apply the salve in long, lingering strokes over Casey's cock, Casey groaned and his cock jerked in Daniel's hand.

"I am glad to see your response," Daniel said softly, continuing his stroking and moving his other hand to gently cup and finger Casey's balls. "It is a good sign."

Casey's eyes fluttered shut and he shifted restlessly under Daniel's ministrations. "So good," he murmured. "Your hands feel so good."

"Shall I continue?" Daniel asked, keeping his grip light and his strokes even.

"Please." Casey's breath hitched, and he moaned as Daniel tightened his fingers slightly. "Oh..." Suddenly he opened his eyes and wriggled on the bed. "Wait, wait, please..."

Daniel stilled his hands. "Does this pain you?"

"No!" Casey grimaced and drew his legs up, forcing Daniel to release him. He clasped his hands behind his knees and spread his legs wide. "Put the medicine in me, please," he begged.

Daniel looked dubiously at Casey's ass, still puffy and red. "Are you certain?"

"Damn you!" he said harshly, shifting his hips, making his cock sway heavily. "Don't leave me like this!"

Daniel opened the small jar and scooped up some ointment with one hand. He wrapped his fingers around Casey's cock again, but hesitated before touching Casey's ass. "I will not hurt you."

Casey glared at him. "I know that. You promised to make it good for me - keep your promise! I want to remember pleasure, not pain..."

His voice trailed off into a moan as Daniel brushed his finger against Casey's ass. Gently, ever so carefully, Daniel slid his ointment-slick finger inside Casey. His own cock was hard and twitched in his lap, but he simply shifted on the bed and continued to stroke him both inside and outside.

It did not take long before Casey suddenly threw back his head and orgasmed in long, shuddering spurts, his moan of completion muffled as he turned his face into a pillow.

Daniel's hands stilled as he watched Casey slowly relax beneath him. A small, sweet smile blossomed on Casey's face. "You were right. It was good." He took a deep breath, releasing it with a groan as Daniel slid his finger out. "Thank you."

Daniel felt his face grow warm and he quickly rose, wiping his hands on the cloth beside the basin. His swollen cock hung heavily between his legs and he glanced at it, frowning.

"Master," Casey said softly, yet firmly. "Come here."

Daniel looked at him for a moment and then obeyed.

The walls were faintly stained with the pearly gray light of early morning by the time Daniel clutched the sheets in his damp hands, arched his back, and cried out in release. He closed his eyes and drew in a long, shuddering breath, too exhausted for the moment to do anything else.

A soft chuckle from the bottom of his bed roused him sufficiently to open his eyes and attempt a glare at the grinning man kneeling between his wide-spread legs.

"I could have you punished for that," he croaked, his throat as dry as the dusty soil of the plateau. He tried to remain solemn, but the corners of his mouth drew up in the face of Casey's unrepentant smile.

"For what?" Casey replied, cocking his head and narrowing his eyes. "For this?" he asked, gently squeezing Daniel's softening cock. "Or this?" He twisted the fingers deep inside Daniel, sending a sharp jolt of pleasure up Daniel's back and down his shaking thighs.

"For tormenting your Master," Daniel gasped, shifting restlessly under Casey's teasing hands.

"Then I must stop."

Daniel shuddered as Casey released his cock and slowly pulled his fingers free. By the Holy Five, he wanted more of Casey inside him than a few fingers. The force of his desire for this worried him briefly, but he set aside that thought and held open his arms.

Immediately growing solemn, Casey crawled up the bed and lay beside Daniel, resting his head on Daniel's shoulder.

"When will you leave?" he asked, his free hand ghosting over Daniel's shoulder and chest, creating warm trails over his sensitive skin.

"Soon."

"Let me go with you."

Daniel dropped a kiss on his forehead. "You are not well enough to ride yet."

"I will manage."

"You can barely walk," he said softly. When Casey did not reply, he continued. "We might be searching until sunset again. You do not have the strength-"

"Strength?" His laugh was as bitter as gall. "What do you know of my strength? I survived capture and endured-" He broke off suddenly.

"I know some of what you have endured." Daniel's arms tightened, and he could feel the tremors passing through the body of the man beside him. "And I've seen the depth of your strength-"

"You know nothing," he whispered. "You've seen nothing."

Daniel continued adamantly. "But even the strongest man must rest after injuries such as yours. Casey, please." He pulled away and peered into Casey's angry eyes. "I could not search effectively if I were concerned about your welfare."

Casey returned his gaze, holding it for a long moment, then his eyes flickered and fell. He nodded.

"I will send word as soon as we find him. And you will rest and regain your strength." He pressed himself shamelessly against Casey's body until the raw hunger of wanting him gnawed at his gut. With a frustrated, stifled sigh, he pulled away and rolled out of bed.

"Ilmarinen protect you, Daniel el-Rydal," Casey whispered, naming one of his strange gods. "And bring you back safely."

Something hot and heavy lodged itself in Daniel's chest, something that wound itself tightly around his ribs and lungs and heart. He suddenly realized it was now a part of him, and he would not be able to tear it from his flesh.

Nor did he wish to.

With a brusque nod, he quickly dressed and left. He stopped by the kitchen for some bread and joined the others at the stable. Zeina was already saddled for him, and he was pleased to see Kris and Guill and Dauid there, waiting.

They had searched a large area of the plateau the day before, following faint trails that faded out infuriatingly. Daniel leaned over Zeina's neck and contemplated a partial hoof-print at the edge of a path through the underbrush. Whoever had helped Guord escape was no stranger to the area, or no stranger to that sort of rescue. Straightening, Daniel surveyed the broken landscape and stifled a sigh. There were too many places for a man to hide... But far fewer for two men with a horse.

He turned to Dauid and jerked his head toward the north. "They must have headed for the wadis. There is no trace of them to the west or south."

Dauid nodded slowly. "Then they are either very brave or very foolish."

"Or both." Shooting him a sharp glance, Daniel wheeled Zeina around and shouted out his new instructions. One or two of the men paused and looked at him, their faces carefully blank, but as a body the searchers began to make their way to the north.

They spent hours picking their way carefully through the tumbled rocks and crumbling soil along the steep cliff sides, peering into shadowed clefts and culverts, searching. Two horses were lamed by careless steps on the shifting rubble, and young Hussif was thrown from his stumbling mount and was only saved from tumbling to his death by Guill's quick reflexes and strong arm. Unfortunately, Hussif's horse broke its leg and had to be killed on the spot.

Daniel looked down on the steaming body of the horse, the blood from its slit neck pooling briefly on the rust-colored soil before soaking into the dry earth, leaving only a dark stain. More blood, more pain that he could blame on Guord.

Daniel looked forward to killing him when they found him.

A shout rang out through the barren cliffs early in the afternoon, when the sun bore down on them mercilessly and the shadows had retreated to thin slivers of black. Daniel wiped the sweat from his forehead and urged Zeina northwards, toward the broken edge of the cliff. That was the most treacherous area, crumbling earth crossed with deep defiles, where every step must be accurately judged.

A small knot of searchers had already collected at the edge of the cliff by the time Daniel arrived. He quickly dismounted and made his way to where Kris stood, the men parting to let him through.

Kris looked at him for a moment, then nodded in answer to his unspoken question. "They are here. Or rather, there." And he gestured beyond the crumbling cliff edge.

Daniel carefully took one step and craned his neck. There, sprawled at the base of the steep precipice, was the broken body of a horse, and beneath it...

He straightened quickly.

"Is there a way down?"

"No, cousin." Kris frowned and shrugged. "It is a blind wadi, and the cliffs are too fragile for a man to descend."

"It is obvious that the jackals have been at them," he replied. "There must be some passage."

"None large enough for a man."

"What if we used a rope and lowered him down?"

Kris shook his head. "He would still bring the earth down upon him."

Daniel returned to the edge and shaded his eyes, squinting into the shaded canyon. "They are dead, then," he said, strangely calm. "Allah has administered justice, and they must remain where they fell, eaten by the beasts of the night." He turned to Dauid. "Send the men home. We must discover the identity of his accomplice in some other way."

He had remounted Zeina and had turned toward home before he breathed a sigh of relief. True, he had not been the instrument of Guord's death, but Allah's will could not be denied or forestalled.

And Casey was safe.

Daniel breathed a shaky sigh of relief and scowled.

Casey was sitting at Rebekah's feet in a shaded corner of the women's courtyard, his head buried in a book, his finger slowly tracing the words as he sounded them out. Yafez hovered nearby, looking extremely bored. Daniel stepped into the courtyard.

Rebekah nodded and looked up, her expression rapidly changing from grudging approval to startled delight. "Dani-- Son Daniel!"

He smiled at her, but his eyes were on Casey, who blinked owlishly at him from where he knelt, the book in his hand forgotten. Daniel strode across the sunlit stones to them.

"Master," Casey said quietly as he slowly got to his feet, wincing, and holding on to the bench for support. "Did you-"

"He is dead."

Casey squeezed his eyes shut for a moment and mumbled something Daniel could not quite hear. His right hand moved, his fingers drawing a brief but complex pattern in the air. His face was pale, but his eyes were hard when he opened them and looked at Daniel.

"Did you kill him?"

"No." Daniel shook his head. "Allah exacted justice and retribution. I did not have to interfere."

Casey's expression softened, and he nodded. "Good. Allah is kinder than Ilmarinen."

Daniel shrugged. "Perhaps. Now I must bathe and report to my father-"

"And have you no words for me?" Rebekah frowned up at him.

"Of course," Daniel replied, trying to smile and finding it strangely difficult. "I am deeply obliged to you for the kindness you have shown to Casey-"

"That is not what I meant, and you know it," she said softly, and turned to Casey. "Your lesson is finished for today. Take the books back to my room, and return to your Master's quarters." She turned back to Daniel and smiled.

Casey hesitated and looked at Daniel. He nodded and gave Casey a gentle smile, wondering briefly why it should be so easy to do so. "Do as Mother Rebekah says, Casey. I must wash before I report to my father, and I will require your assistance."

Without a word, Casey carefully gathered up the books and slipped out of the courtyard, Yafez at his heels.

"How is Casey doing?" he asked quickly.

"Well. He is intelligent and quick to learn, as you said." Rebekah patted the bench next to her and tilted her head, her lips curving in a knowing smile. "Come and sit beside me, Daniel, and let us speak of other matters."

"Forgive me, Mother," he replied, ignoring her inviting look and making little effort to hide the impatience in his voice. "My father awaits my report. I hope that I will see you at dinner." He bowed his head and turned, and was half-way across the courtyard before she could reply.

"Daniel!"

He faced her, surprised at the sight of her pale face and compressed lips. She did not continue, however, and after a moment, he left.

Casey was waiting for him in his bedroom, along with two steaming ewers and a clean thobe.

Yafez hovered by the doorway, and Daniel nodded to him.

"You may return to Captain Naroun, now. You have discharged your duties faithfully and well, and I shall commend you to him."

"Thank you, Master Daniel." He bowed and was gone.

As he stripped out of his sweaty clothing, Daniel watched Casey carefully. He moved gingerly, but already the swelling on his face was subsiding, and the bruises were entering their most colorful phase. But there was a liveliness and sparkle in his eyes that had been absent since the attack, an expression that Daniel had, unknowingly, missed. A tight band in his chest loosened, and he took a deep, shuddering breath.

"Are you well, Master?" Casey asked quietly as he spread out the towel for Daniel to stand on and gathered up his dirty clothing.

"Yes, of course." Daniel's voice was brusque, and Casey's head snapped up, his face pinched. Regretting his abrupt tone, Daniel smiled a little, and Casey relaxed again. "I am tired and not looking forward to speaking with my father, that is all."

Casey nodded and wet the cloth, smiling shyly as he looked at Daniel, standing naked before him.

"I will wash myself," Daniel said, holding out his hand for the cloth. "Go rest on the bed."

Lips tightening, Casey handed him the cloth and limped to the bed, stretching out with a muffled groan.

"Mother Rebekah says that she is pleased with your progress." Daniel scrubbed himself quickly, feeling more comfortable as the grime and sweat of the day disappeared. "As am I."

Casey mumbled something and Daniel glanced at him, surprised to see color wash over his face. "What did you say?"

Rolling onto his back, Casey stared at the ceiling. "I said that it was easy for me. Once Mistress Aloise and Mistress Rebekah showed me the way the letters are formed, I was able to puzzle out the words." He paused. "I have done this sort of work before," he added quietly.

Daniel nodded, half to himself, remembering el-Yafe's remark that Casey spoke several of the northern tongues. Daniel hesitated to call them proper languages, but conceded that it was a difficult enough task regardless. El-Yafe had also asked if Daniel wished to know about Casey's life before his capture.

He certainly did.

Bending over, he rinsed his hair and stood, wringing it out into the basin. "Tell me about it."

"About what?"

"About when you have puzzled out other tongues."

Casey was quiet, and Daniel was about to ask again when he sighed and folded his handed behind his head.

"There is nothing to tell. I was interested in learning Pohrussky and Gaulish, and taught myself to speak and read them."

Daniel rubbed the towel over his hair. "You were a scholar, then?"

Casey snorted. "Oh, yes. I was the Qu-- I was a scholar."

"What other-" Daniel began, breaking off suddenly. The time. He must hurry. Pulling on his thobe, he grabbed his brush from the table and tossed it to the bed. "Help me with my hair, Casey. I must dine with my father, and he will not be pleased to be kept waiting." He glanced at Casey as he slowly stood. "Are you well enough to attend me?"

"Yes." Casey's fingers were warm on his neck as he gently smoothed Daniel's hair and bound it back.

"Are you certain?"

"I'm certain."

"You are not too tired or sore?"

Chuffing out a small laugh, Casey shrugged. "I am both tired and sore, but most of all, I am bored." His eyes darted to Daniel, then to the floor. "And I will keep my mouth shut. I have learned my lesson," he continued, softly.

Daniel tied on his sandals and gave Casey an assessing look. "Come here." He pointed to a spot immediately before him.

Startled, Casey checked his thobe and patted his hair, then stood where Daniel had ordered. "Yes?"

"Yes, Master," Daniel replied solemnly.

"Yes, Master." A small crease formed between Casey's brows.

Daniel rested his hands on Casey's shoulders and leaned forward, kissing him gently. Casey stiffened, but when Daniel ran his tongue over his lips, begging entrance, he suddenly groaned and grabbed Daniel, pulling their bodies together. Casey's mouth opened and their tongues touched, gliding together.

Daniel's fingers tightened and he rubbed his throbbing cock against Casey's stomach. By the Prophets, there was nothing in the world as good as this, unless it was being buried deep inside Casey's writhing body...

With a strangled chuckle he pulled away. "Enough."

Casey narrowed his eyes and licked his wet lips. "Never enough," he said, his voice husky, his hands tracing warm patterns over Daniel's back and hips.

"I must not be late," Daniel replied, stepping back reluctantly, "and if we continue this, I shall be."

Casey tilted his head inquiringly. "When shall we continue this?" His hand brushed over Daniel's swollen cock.

Giving Casey a rueful grin, Daniel pressed his hand harder against his crotch, and then pulled it away. "Later," he said, kissing Casey's fingers. "But first I must survive dinner..."

Daniel walked into his father's rooms, Casey at his heels, just as Yakob, Shaul, Benyamin, and several of his cousins gathered around the table. Servants were setting out platters and bowls of food, Yakob was smiling at Benyamin's words, and Guill and Dauid wore solemn faces as they talked in the corner. Several principle slaves stood respectfully by the door, their hands folded and eyes downcast. None of the women were there. So, it was to be business only. That suited Daniel.

For a moment, all eyes turned to them and there was a brief silence. Daniel crossed the room, not looking to the right or left, until he stood before Yakob. He could feel the heat pouring from Casey, could picture in his mind the flush that darkened Casey's fair skin, but he did not pause.

"Father," he said with a bow.

His father's eyes flickered over his shoulder and his face was carefully blank. He was looking at Casey, taking in Casey's battered face. Daniel was surprised - Yakob was never unnecessarily cruel with slaves, but neither did he particularly concern himself with them.

"The slave being punished is dead," Daniel said, "along with his rescuer."

Yakob turned brusquely to Daniel. "Who dared to ignore my sentence?"

"I do not know, yet. They are at the bottom of a wadi along the north face, and we cannot descend to identify him, even if the jackals left us enough to do so."

Yakob's eyes narrowed, but he nodded. "Then there is nothing else to do, except discover who this rescuer was. I will tell Naroun to have his men identify all who were traveling through our land and send back word of any missing men in the farms and villages." He turned to the table and settled himself at the head. The others spread themselves around the table, in order of rank, the principle slaves sitting silently behind their masters.

Daniel hazarded a quick look at Casey. Yes, his bruised face was pink, probably from embarrassment and humiliation combined, and yet he sat quietly on his cushion, the very picture of a dutiful slave. Then he raised his eyes to Daniel, and for one earth-shattering moment all his passion and want poured out, slamming into Daniel, overpowering his defenses, until Casey lowered his eyes again. Daniel turned away, dizzy with possibilities, his heart racing, and stared at a platter of stew being held before him.

He was lost. Completely and totally lost.

He struggled to focus on the conversation, knowing that his opinion would be sought, his comments valued. By all, save the man whose approval he most desired.

No, that was not fair. His father would listen to him and judge his opinions on their merits. But he would never approve of Daniel, never forget Daniel's one, thoughtless lapse...

Shoving the old, familiar pain aside, he forced himself to listen to Shaul.

"We ought to station more troops to the north, and have them investigate Nephew Daniel's reports of strangers in the hills." Shaul's brown eyes flickered over Daniel, and he turned in his seat, giving Casey an assessing look. "We don't want more surprises from the north," he continued drily. "I have had my fill of their barbaric ways and attempts to conquer that which is not theirs."

No one spoke, and the figures around the table seemed frozen, hands with food half-way to mouths, eyes wary, breaths stilled.

"I agree with Uncle Shaul," Daniel replied at last, his words sounding loud in the awful silence. "We should send a small company of soldiers to investigate these reports. And as for being barbarians," he said slowly, his eyes locked on Shaul's, "it appears to me that the northerners are not the only ones who can claim the name barbarian."

Shaul returned his stare, hardly blinking, and Daniel wondered fleetingly if he would interpret his words as a challenge. Then, with a grim chuckle, Shaul nodded. "Point taken, nephew. We have all heard of the way your slave was... mistreated. And by one who was trusted." He shook his head, lips pursed, and looked over his shoulder, eyes lingering on Casey. "And to think that this one was suspected of spying..." he continued with a snort of disbelief. "Well, now we know better, eh?"

Daniel's hands clenched, one on the table, one at his side, nails biting into palms. His knuckles were pale from the tension, and any further words were drowned by the thick pounding in his ears. A hard, hot pain lodged in the middle of his chest. He wanted to lash out at his uncle, smash a fist into his heavy, smirking face, pin him to the floor and...

He willed his fingers to loosen and glanced dismissively at Shaul. "The truth was there for those who wished to see it." His voice was cold, clipped, and Shaul's face darkened in response.

Before he could answer, Yakob held up his hand. "Enough." Shaul sat back and glowered, but remained silent. "There are far more important issues to discuss than an injury to a slave," Yakob said, and a murmur of assent circled the table. "My son and my brother agree that troops should be sent to the northern villages..."

Daniel listened and nodded and spoke when required, but he was painfully aware of Casey sitting quietly behind him. He could hear every breath Casey took, every soft brush of fabric, every small groan as he shifted on the cushion. He could feel the heat of Casey's body radiate across his shoulders and down his back, as well as the strength of his stare on the back of his skull.

With an effort, he turned his attention back to his father.

"The men will leave tomorrow," Yakob said with a nod, turning to Daniel. "You will brief them tonight, so that they can leave at first light."

"Yes, Father."

"It would save possible confusion and misunderstandings if Daniel accompanied them," suggested Shaul quietly. "He is the only one who has spoken to the farmers, and who-"

"No!" Daniel unclenched his hands and sat back, as startled as the others were at his outburst. "I understand the reasons for your suggestion, Uncle," he continued, trying to speak calmly despite his racing heart, "but there is no need for me to go. I can give the men the names of all the farmers they must speak with, and an excellent description of the places for them to investigate." He looked around the table at the wary and confused expressions on the faces of his cousins, glancing briefly at his father and uncles. Yakob and Benyamin looked more startled than disturbed, but Shaul's face had darkened, and his eyes were narrowed in anger. Daniel had seen that expression on his uncle's face only a few times before, and his mouth was suddenly as dry as the desert floor.

"I do not wish for my son to leave." Yakob spoke quietly, but the tension that had filled the room quickly evaporated at his words. Daniel lowered his eyes and bowed his head in acknowledgement and thanks at his father's support. "He has duties that suffer from neglect, and his time would best be spent here, rather than retracing his recent journey."

"Of course, brother." Shaul shrugged easily. "It was merely a suggestion."

Shaul did not look at him or speak to him through the remainder of dinner, and Daniel did not know whether to be comforted or disturbed by that fact. When his father dismissed them at the end of the meal, he sent Casey back to his rooms to rest. The evening, though involving nothing more strenuous for Casey than sitting and eating, had still tired him to the point where he was pale and shaky.

"Go," Daniel said, as they stood together on the path to his quarters. "I will not be long. Get into bed, and when I return, I will examine your injuries," he added in a whisper, his hand sliding slowly down Casey's arm.

"I will look forward to that," Casey murmured, leaning forward and brushing his lips over Daniel's. "Should I be naked?"

Daniel groaned and pulled away. "Go, now," he said with a strangled chuckle. "Or I will take you here, on the ground, in public."

Casey took a deep breath. "In public?" His voice shook, but it was not from fear.

"Go!" Daniel turned and fled.

It did not take him long to brief the soldiers, simply repeating what he had told his father two days ago and ensuring that they had memorized names and locations accurately. He also made a point of commending Yafez to the Captain.

He sighed as he entered his rooms. It had been a long day, but now... Now he would have the night to enjoy Casey, or as much as was possible, given his healing injuries. Still, Daniel smiled to himself, creativity was a gift, and he could be very creative where Casey was concerned.

Very creative, indeed.

He quietly entered the bedroom. Casey was curled up on the bed, his thick hair spilling over his shoulders, one hand tucked beneath his cheek, the other clutching Daniel's pillow. He was fast asleep.

Daniel sighed, resigned to simply pressing himself against Casey's warmth, when he saw the jars of ointment sitting on the table - both were open, and several clean cloths lay beside them. His cock hardened and he snorted ruefully. It would be a fine thing if he grew aroused every time he saw medicines...

Still, it was an invitation, one that Daniel would not decline.

He stripped quickly and settled on the bed beside Casey. Rolling him onto his back, he dipped a finger in the ointment and slowly anointed each bruise and cut. By the time he reached Casey's cock, it was hard and glistening with moisture, and although Casey's eyes were still closed, he was panting and obviously trying not to squirm. Daniel quickly applied the ointment to his bruised balls and the base of his cock and then, ignoring Casey's disappointed groan, urged him over onto his stomach. Casey settled in with a sigh and shifted his hips, raising his ass enough that Daniel could slid a pillow beneath him.

Daniel kept his touch light and impersonal as he finished his ministrations, and then, with a swift flash of heat in his gut, he wiped his hands and gently parted Casey's cheeks.

The swelling was still apparent, although the flesh had a better color than even that morning. Daniel closed his eyes and murmured a small prayer of thanks, although his cock ached at the thought of another day passing without being buried deep inside Casey. He picked up a damp, clean cloth and carefully wiped the puffy flesh, smiling at Casey's deep-throated groan and the way his legs stretched further, silently asking for what he wanted.

Leaning forward and spreading Casey wider, Daniel kissed him, his tongue sliding gently over his abused flesh, poking into folds and darting deep inside. Casey bucked and gave a muffled shout, and Daniel's fingers tightened, holding him steady as his tongue and lips moved busily. He sat back only when he felt Casey's muscles tighten and his breaths grow fitful and raspy.

"No!" Casey wailed, trying to grind his heavy cock into the pillow beneath him. Daniel held him still with an effort.

"Wait," he murmured, dropping a kiss on the top of Casey's ass. Grabbing the small jar of ointment, he coated his finger and held the tip to Casey's hole, wiggling it slightly in invitation. With a grunt of frustration, Casey lunged back, swallowing Daniel's finger whole. Daniel hardly had time to twist the finger inside him before Casey's back arched and his head jerked back and he came in long, thick spurts.

Leaving his finger inside Casey as he collapsed onto the bed, Daniel continued to twist and turn it, spreading the ointment deep into Casey's gut. Twice he pulled his finger out and applied more ointment, burying his finger to the third knuckle, while Casey shivered and panted at his touch. Finally, he wiped his hand and lay on the bed beside Casey, his cock painfully hard and throbbing.

A brown eye gleamed at him, and Casey snorted when Daniel wrapped his own fingers around his cock, desperate for relief.

"No," he said, and gently but firmly pulled Daniel's hand away.

"You are exhausted," Daniel murmured, but he hissed and arched his back as Casey slipped his hand around Daniel's cock and squeezed it gently.

"Not too exhausted to enjoy you," Casey answered, baring his teeth as Daniel helplessly thrust into his fist. He leaned over and licked Daniel's right nipple, then bit it gently.

Daniel groaned and closed his eyes. It was good, so good, to have Casey stroking him, teasing him... His skin was as cold as a stream running down from the mountains, then hotter than the desert sands, and sensitive enough to feel the slight stirring in the air as Casey moved on the bed. He spread his legs at Casey's urgent touch, gasping at the cool finger that suddenly nudged at his ass.

He raised his knees and shivered as the finger slowly entered him. By the Five, there was nothing as good as this...

The finger moved, sliding in and out, circling tightly, sending sparks along his nerves, across his ass, up his spine, down his thighs. The finger suddenly disappeared and he raised his chin and breathed his question without words.

"Patience." Casey sounded amused, but Daniel did not care. He caught the backs of his knees and pulled his legs apart. Casey gasped as he did so, and Daniel clenched his teeth in a rictus of a grin.

"More," he said hoarsely.

Warm lips touched the back of his thigh and the fingers around his cock tightened. "Yes."

The finger returned, joined by another, and he wriggled his hips, pushing them deeper. His ass burned, flames licking over his cheeks and up his thighs, shooting up his cock and across his stomach.

He was burning up. Soon there would be nothing left in his bed but ashes.

The hand on his cock stilled, and this time when the fingers left, he cried out his frustration. Prying his eyes open, he focused blearily on Casey, who was kneeling between his spread thighs, his hand sliding quickly over his glistening cock.

"Almost..." he said, releasing Daniel's cock and grabbing his hips, lifting him, moving himself, positioning himself...

Casey's cock - Casey's cock - twitched and jerked, and he shifted his hips closer, bringing them together, brushing the tip of his cock against Daniel's ass, against Daniel's flesh, against Daniel...

"No!" Daniel shouted, releasing his legs and scrambling away, across the bed, onto the floor, anywhere save there, on his back, waiting for Casey's cock.

"Master?" Casey's hand was still on his cock, stroking gently. He reached for Daniel, and he backed away a step. "What is-"

"Get out," Daniel said, heart pounding wildly. His voice shook, and he wrapped his arms around his chest, holding himself tightly. His erection was gone, his ass ached. He was so cold. "Get out of my bed."

"Master, there is no need to be frightened," Casey replied soothingly. He had released his cock, and it bobbed ridiculously between his legs. Daniel shivered.

"I am not frightened," he said, teeth chattering. "You have presumed too much, slave. Go sleep on the floor." It was not difficult to make his voice as cold as his body.

Casey's mouth opened, but his brows drew together and he closed it without speaking. His face grew pink, then the color drained away, leaving his cheeks as pale as ivory, his bruises standing out lividly. "I thought you-" he began, and pinched together his chalky lips. "I thought we-"

"Your thoughts are not important," Daniel interrupted brusquely. "You are the slave. I take you. No," he said, holding up his hand as Casey opened his mouth again, "do not speak. Just get out of my bed."

He waited, head lowered, until Casey slowly slid off the bed. He did not look at him as he slipped beneath the blankets, pulling them close, trying to hoard his remaining body heat.

Casey stood beside the bed for a few moments, then slowly crossed the room to his pallet.

"Master?" It was barely a whisper, and Daniel winced at the raw pain contained in that one word.

He did not speak, however, and after a moment, Casey lowered himself to the pallet, biting back his groans until he settled.

Daniel closed his eyes, but he did not sleep. The hollow ache in his chest made it difficult to breathe, difficult to swallow, and the longer he lay there, the more it hurt.

What had he done?

He slept little and rose before dawn, slipping out of his cold bed. Casey moved restlessly on his pallet, still asleep, and Daniel's eyes were continually drawn to him as he dressed silently. Finally, with a shake of his head, he almost ran from the room.

The soldiers were assembled outside the stables as Daniel arrived, the bustle of their leave-taking surprisingly quiet. He was tempted, for a moment, to saddle Zeina and ride with them. To leave his father, his home, his responsibilities - he could almost taste the heady warmth of freedom, of being his own man and not Daniel el-Rydal, son of Yakob. To leave Casey...

He shivered.

Casey...

Memories tumbled through him, unchecked. Casey's soft sounds of pleasure. Casey's warm flesh and pliant body. Casey's quick wit and fierce intelligence. Casey's deft touch. Casey's face, etched with surprise and pain. Pain he had caused.

Daniel squeezed his eyes shut, trying to banish the images.

Casey had presumed too much. He must learn his place. It was Daniel's responsibility to ensure that Casey did not overstep certain boundaries.

His father's words, his father's voice. They hammered against his heart.

"Master Daniel?"

"Yes, Captain?" He pushed away his thoughts and nodded to Naroun.

"Thank you for seeing the men off. Do you have any further instructions for them?"

"No. I wanted to send them with the Prophets' blessings, as well as my father's." He lifted his hand and drew the sign of the One God in the air, murmuring the blessing. The men bowed their heads and, when he finished, thanked him severally.

After watching the men leave, Daniel took two steps toward his rooms, then turned and walked directly to his wife's, instead.

Aloise was still in bed, and he made it very clear to her slaves that she was not to be woken early on his account. He settled himself on the low seat and sipped the coffee a servant had provided. His father was right - he had responsibilities that had been neglected of late. In his concern for Casey, he had not tended to his wife's needs.

Well, that would change.

"You wished to speak with me, Master?" Eleeza stood in the doorway, and Daniel motioned her forward.

"I have not had time to-" He broke off. He did not need to explain his absence to a slave. "Tell me how your mistress fares."

Eleeza's lips pressed together and her lowered eyes flickered. "She sleeps, Master."

He sighed and reined in his flash of anger. "Yes, I know that. When did Mother N'tale leave her?"

"Last night, Master."

"Has she heard the news?"

Brown eyes met his for a moment, then were lowered again. "News?"

"About Gu- About her slave."

She nodded, her face pale. "Yes, Master. Word came after my Mistress took supper."

"How did she react?" Eleeza paused, and Daniel spoke softly. "You have no need to fear. Tell me all."

"She cried, Master, but quietly. Mistress N'tale comforted her, and gave my Mistress a mixture to make her sleep. After she was abed, Mistress N'tale charged me to watch over her. She has slept peacefully through the night."

"Good." Daniel gave her an encouraging smile, and she blushed prettily. "You have done well. Have my breakfast brought; I will wait for her to arise."

Daniel had almost finished when Aloise flew into the room, her eyes puffy and her hair pulling free of her long plait, curling softly around her face.

"Husband!" She stopped short and blinked at him. "I apologize for not receiving you properly," she began, but he smiled and opened his arms and she came to him.

She was warm and soft, filling his lap completely, and he tenderly kissed her disheveled hair, stubbornly not comparing her to any other. Her arms crept around him, stroking him gently, and he pulled her close to his chest.

Ah, Aloise.

She wept a little, her thin back vibrating as she tried to contain her sobs. He ran his hand down her back, rubbing comforting circles across her ribs and shoulders and spine.

Eventually she took a deep breath and looked up at him, her lashes thick with tears.

"I have disappointed you." She sniffled. "I have not been brave."

Daniel laid a finger on her lips. They quivered. "Hush. I am not disappointed in you at all, and you have been very brave." He tilted her head and dropped a kiss on her forehead. "I am sorry I could not come to you earlier," he continued. "I had many-"

"Do not apologize," she interrupted, impatiently wiping the tears from her cheeks. "I know you have been busy." She settled herself more comfortably on his lap and folded her hands primly. "How is your slave? I-" Her face grew red. "I was so selfishly involved in my own sorrow that I did not think to ask about him."

"He is much better," Daniel replied smoothly, ignoring the tight knot that suddenly appeared in his chest. "And you were not being selfish, my dear. Your distress was understandable." He quickly wiped away a tear that had formed at the corner of her eye and kissed the top of her head. "Now you must have some breakfast and tell me what you did while I was away. Have you anything new to show me?"

The morning was half gone by the time he left her and made his way to the women's quarters. N'tale was sitting in the courtyard, a length of embroidered cloth lying forgotten on her lap, talking quietly with her servants. She looked up as Daniel entered and gave him a warm smile.

"Mother N'tale," he said as he bowed. "I wanted to express my thanks to you for your kindness to my wife."

She nodded slowly and held out her hand. "Your thanks are not necessary, Son Daniel," she replied formally as he took her fingers gently in his. "I was glad to help the poor child. How is she doing this morning?" She indicated the bench beside her and he released her hand and sat.

"Much better, thanks to you."

Dimpling at him, she shook her head. "No. I think the attention of her husband was of more benefit than anything I could do."

Daniel's face grew warm, but he simply shrugged. "Whatever the reason, I am pleased."

"She adores you, you know," N'tale said softly, her black eyes searching his face. "Both for marrying her in the first place, and for your continuing kindness to her."

"She is a good wife," he replied as quietly. He rose and gave her a smile and a little bow. "And now I must-"

"Daniel! I did not expect to see you here this morning." Rebecca walked slowly toward them.

His smile suddenly felt stiff and crooked. "I merely came by to thank Mother N'tale for taking care of my wife during the past few days," he said, wishing he had left a moment earlier.

Her eyes darted between them as he helped her to sit. "I am sure N'tale didn't mind, since she has no other responsibilities." Her hands caressed her rounded belly and she looked up at Daniel, eyes soft. "Won't you stay for a while longer? We have hardly had a chance to speak these past few days."

"I look forward to doing that soon," he said, trying to inject some warmth into his voice. "My father has already commented on how I have neglected my duties, however, and I must not tarry." He bowed again and she held up her hand. Keeping his expression blank, he took her fingers and kissed the air above them, then dropped them quickly. "Excuse me."

He made good his escape.

The remainder of the day passed quickly, and Daniel only returned to his rooms as the sun was dropping behind the fields in the west. He hurried in, surprised to find his rooms immaculate, yet with a far from immaculate Casey sitting at the low table. Casey's clothing was rumpled and smudged, and black ink stained his fingers and face. His eyes were red and puffy, and his face, beneath the black smears, was pale. Scraps of paper covered the table, and he held a small book in one hand.

"Master!" He put down the book and scrambled to his feet, glancing at Daniel once before bowing his head. His hands nervously plucked at the front of his robe. "I did not know when to expect you."

Daniel stood still and silent for a long moment. He wanted to gather Casey in his arms and wipe away that forlorn expression with kisses. He wanted to drag him into bed and replace that pale stranger with his warm, laughing lover. He wanted to watch and touch and hear and taste and scent him until he was such a part of Daniel that they could never be divided...

But he would not. He was his father's son, an el-Rydal, with a wife and responsibilities. Those was facts he could not afford to forget.

"Did you have your lesson with Mistress Rebekah?" he asked finally, keeping his voice cool and even.

"No, Master." Casey's shoulders drooped, and his hands continued to move. "She said that she did not have the time today."

"I see. So you took it upon yourself to continue, despite the lack of a tutor?"

Casey's hands stilled and his eyes met Daniel's. "I know enough now to teach myself the rest." His chin lifted. "I have done it before, with other languages, and this is no different."

Daniel looked away, taking in the tidy room. "I finished my chores first, of course," continued Casey, his voice growing harsh. "And I am only doing this according to your orders, so that I might become a more useful slave to you."

"Good. As long as that is the only reason." Daniel turned toward the bedroom, ignoring Casey's startled gasp. "Help me wash and dress for dinner."

Daniel paused in the middle of the room, but when Casey approached to undress him, he tightened his lips and shook his head. No. It would be better if Casey did not touch him. He stripped off his clothes and held out his hand for the cloth.

"You will accompany me to my father's for dinner. Set out my clothes and then make yourself presentable." He washed and dressed quickly, and, as Casey was struggling to clean the ink from his face, he went into the receiving room and sat in front of the table.

He examined a handful of papers, surprised and pleased at how much Casey's mastery of writing had improved. His letters were flowing more easily and the connections were smoother than in his earlier efforts. Sorting through the pages filled with lists of words and snatches of phrases, he came across a small scrap of paper unlike the others.

Northern writing. He recognized the separate stick figures that served as letters. Barbaric. Daniel looked at it carefully. There were only two sets of characters, it appeared, repeated over and over. He shook his head, and then dropped the paper.

"Are you ready yet?"

Casey appeared in the doorway, dressed in a clean robe, his hair brushed and tied back neatly. Daniel eyed him critically. There were still dark shadows on his face and hands from the ink, but he was a slave. They would not be noticed.

He jerked his head in a nod. "You'll do. Come." He turned and led the way to his father's.

The women joined them, and the meal was both more formal and more relaxed than when only the men attended. Daniel strove to make himself pleasant to everyone, including Salaeh, and he was pleased when he earned a grudging smile from his father and a startled look from his primary wife when he complimented Salaeh on her choice of menu.

He tried to draw out N'tale, publicly praising her kindness to Aloise in front of his father, and teasing her gently about her sweet tooth. She responded slowly, but Daniel could see glimpses of a sharp wit and keen intelligence behind the demure exterior, and wondered how long it would be before there was a power struggle between Salaeh and her. Still, the meal was going well, and he had another drink of wine.

Indicating Rebekah with a small wave of his hand, he turned to his father. "I am also grateful for Mother Rebekah's kindness, Father. She is tutoring my principle slave, teaching him to write and cipher."

Yakob smiled at Rebekah, who blushed and lowered her eyes. "I am pleased, my wife. I know these last weeks are difficult to bear with patience. An occupation such as this is useful both to you and my son."

"I am always willing to help my husband's son in any way I can," she replied softly, glancing at Daniel. "It is one of my duties as your loving wife."

Leaning over to rest his hand on hers, Yakob murmured a few words. She blushed and suddenly looked sleek and pleased.

Daniel turned away, only to catch Salaeh looking at him, her lips curved into a tiny smile. Her eyes were cold and bright, like those of a stalking cat, and he shivered.

With a snort, he straightened his back and met her gaze. Her eyes widened a fraction, and her smile grew. Their eyes continued to hold for a moment longer, until she suddenly turned and joined in the conversation between Yakob and Rebekah.

Daniel swallowed hard and shifted his shoulders. He and Salaeh had never enjoyed each other's company, but he could not say why her gaze had so unnerved him this time. He took another drink of wine.

It was late when he and Casey returned to his rooms. Daniel had had more to drink than usual, and he collapsed on the bed with a sigh of relief. Casey stepped forward and gently lifted his thobe, his hands brushing over Daniel's calves and thighs, leaving a burning trail in their wake.

"Stop!" he cried out, batting away Casey's hands. He struggled up to his elbows. "Don't touch me." He turned away from Casey's stricken face and closed his eyes. "Go to bed. I will take care of myself."

There was no response, only the soft sound of Casey padding across the room. Daniel flopped back onto the bed and groaned. Responsibilities. So many responsibilities. To his father, his family, his wife, his slave...

He twisted on the bed, trying to find a comfortable position, the thobe bunching around his hips. He shifted, tugging at the material impatiently. His hand brushed his cock and it stirred. He stroked it idly, eyes closed. It felt good. Warm and tight. But not as warm and tight as Casey's ass.

There was a soft grunt from the corner of the room, and the sound of Casey moving on his pallet. Damn. The ointments. He had forgotten them, and now Casey would have to apply them himself. All that skin, all that smooth skin... Daniel's cock twitched at the thought of spreading the ointment over Casey's body, of pushing it deep into his ass. His hand moved faster, and with a luxuriant sigh, he spurted over his fingers and gown. He dozed for a moment, then slipped into sleep, his hand still wrapped around his sticky cock.

He awoke with a groan, squinting at the bright sunlight painting the room's whitewashed walls. With an oath, he pulled the blanket over his face and squeezed his eyes shut. Damn. His head hurt.

He scratched his belly and grimaced when his fingers encountered the flaking remains of his orgasm. Yes... He had thought of Casey last night, as he had touched himself. Daniel's face grew warm at the memory, and he cast aside the blanket and struggled to sit up. He rubbed his face and blinked hard, his eyes finally adjusting to the light.

By the Five, it was late morning.

Glancing at Casey's empty pallet, he slowly slid out of bed and stood, his head throbbing. He staggered to the washbasin, pleased to find the water warm, and clean towels set out for him. He pulled off his rumpled thobe and washed quickly, but thoroughly; he was drying himself when Casey appeared in the doorway, carrying clean clothes.

Casey did not speak as he placed the clothes on the bed and turned to leave. His head was bowed, and Daniel could not see his face, curtained by the fall of his unbound hair, but his slumped shoulders and hesitant step were all too eloquent.

Daniel found himself reaching out to touch Casey before he even realized what he was doing, and quickly drew back his hand. An ache in his chest had joined the pain in his head, and he closed his eyes and sighed, cradling his hands to his chest.

"Master? Are you well?" There was concern in the soft voice, and Daniel almost burst into surprised laughter at the question. Was he well? That was an excellent question, an excellent question indeed. But it was not the question that almost undid his thin veneer of control, but the worry evident in Casey's voice. Worry that even his master's coldness could not kill...

"Yes," he replied brusquely, choking back his laugh. "Have my breakfast brought. I will eat here." He did not look at Casey as he spoke, but dressed quickly and went to his receiving room. He would have time to answer a few letters before breakfast arrived. When he opened his correspondence case, however, he was startled to see how long he had neglected this area, and resigned himself to spending the day catching up.

Casey had cleared the table and Daniel spread the pile of letters, notes, receipts and bills over the surface. He sighed and began to sort them. He had almost finished when his breakfast appeared, and he pushed them to one side as Casey placed the tray on the table before him and stood to one side.

Daniel was half-way through his coffee and bread when he glanced up. Casey's face was a careful blank, his eyes fixed on the wall opposite, but his face was pale and his hands trembled.

"Have you eaten?" he snapped, angry with himself, with Casey, with the world. Casey's eyes did not leave the wall. "No, Master."

"Well, then, sit down and eat something."

"I'm not hungry, Master."

"You're not hungry?" His eyes narrowed and he looked more carefully at Casey. "I don't care. You can't serve me if you faint away. Now, sit down." He pointed at the cushions beside the table.

Casey sat down stiffly and folded his hands in his lap.

Daniel glared at him. "Eat something. Bread, yoghurt, an orange. Something."

Casey looked at the food, but did not move.

"Go on." Daniel gestured at the food.

"No, Master."

"What?"

"No."

Daniel stared at him for a moment, dumbstruck. Then his anger returned, flooding through him, and he slapped his palm on the table. "You will eat!"

For the first time that morning, Casey's eyes met his. "No." He looked at Daniel calmly, implacably, and lifted his chin in a familiar, stubborn gesture.

Daniel's hands clenched and he sucked in a lungful of air. "No?"

"No."

"Perhaps a few days chained up, without food or water, would make you appreciate my offer."

Casey's throat moved convulsively as he swallowed, but he continued to look at Daniel calmly. "It's not a matter of appreciation."

Daniel looked at him suspiciously. "No? Then why do you refuse to eat?"

Casey gave him a startled look, then scowled. "Why should I eat?" he rasped, leaning forward suddenly, his eyes flashing. "Why should I wish to continue this way? You have made it very clear that you don't want me in your bed, that I am only useful to you as a servant, not a lo-" His face crumpled in misery. "I'm sorry if I did something to anger or offend you. I'm sorry! Whatever I did, it was inadvertent, and now you have taken from me the only thing that has made my life bearable..." He pulled his hands back into his lap and looked away, his expression calm again. Only his heaving chest and the lines of despair at the corners of his mouth betrayed him.

Daniel frowned, opening his mouth and then closing it again. The raw ache in his chest spread to his throat, almost throttling him.

What had he done?

More importantly, could it be undone?

And yet...

His father's voice whispered in his ear. Kindness was essential when dealing with slaves, as long as the master remained in control and defined the limits of the relationship. Daniel took a shaky breath. He could do that. He could treat Casey with kindness and still maintain control of himself, as well as the strange connection between them.

"Have some breakfast," he said quietly, holding up his hand before Casey could speak. "And afterward, you can help me with my correspondence." He smiled at Casey, only slightly unsettled at how right it felt to speak to him kindly.

Casey looked at him suspiciously for a moment, and Daniel reached out, resting his fingers lightly on Casey's knee. "I need you, Casey," he said.

With a sigh, Casey lowered his eyes to Daniel's hand and muttered a few words in a tongue Daniel did not understand. Then he met Daniel's gaze, but instead of answering Daniel's smile, he frowned.

"Damn you, Master," he whispered, his voice breaking. His hand crept over Daniel's and he squeezed his fingers hard. "Damn you to hell."

Daniel returned the pressure, then released Casey's hand and shoved the plate of food toward him. "You can curse me all you wish," he said lightly, unwilling to acknowledge how much Casey's words disturbed him, "as long as you eat."

Casey still looked unhappy as he picked up an orange and slowly peeled it, but he did not object when Daniel dug out his pile of letters and began to discuss how Casey could help him.

They worked through the morning, and Daniel was pleased to see Casey slowly relaxing, regaining some of his old sparkle and interest in the world around him. Once or twice he had stepped close to the line that Daniel had drawn and Daniel had firmly put him in his place, but he appeared to accept those limits without more than a frown and puzzled look.

Daniel was ready to send Casey for some food when El'yt appeared at the door.

"Master Daniel, a visitor has arrived who wishes to speak with you. He gives his name as Ysak el-Yafe, as says you have met."

"El-Yafe?" Daniel smiled and motioned for Casey to begin collecting the papers strewn across the table. "Yes, we spent a pleasant evening together when I last returned from town. Bring him here and send food. He will dine with me."

El'yt bowed and left. Daniel rose and glanced at Casey. "Do you remember el-Yafe Effendi?"

Casey looked at him blankly. "No, Master. Should I?"

"He and his slave spoke with you at Mustafa's, where we broke our journey after I bou-- After I chose you. They know some of the northern tongues."

"I remember," he replied thoughtfully. "They explained my duties and-" He broke off abruptly, his face coloring.

"Yes." Daniel remembered Casey's admission of how much he wanted Daniel clearly, but he would not remind him of that. He glanced at Casey's flushed cheeks. He did not think a reminder was necessary.

Within a few moments, el-Yafe appeared at the door.

"Welcome, Effendi!" Daniel bowed and gestured him inside. "You are most welcome to the home of my family."

El-Yafe smiled and returned the greeting, his eyes moving quickly around the room, stopping when they lit upon Casey. Daniel was startled to see a look of something very like relief rapidly cross his features, only to be quickly replaced by polite interest. His dark-haired slave stood quietly by the door as they spoke the prescribed formulas of welcome.

"It is good to see you again, el-Rydal Effendi, and a blessing to receive your hospitality." El-Yafe seated himself at Daniel's invitation and beckoned to his slave, who sat quietly at his master's feet. "There are rumors of further conflicts with the north, and," he lowered his voice, "we encountered unease and concern about the possibility of full-scale fighting throughout the countryside."

Daniel nodded, and sat. "I was afraid of such." He turned to Casey. "You will stay," he said, his voice gentle, and indicated the cushion at his feet. Casey sat obediently, his hands folded in his lap, and looked at the newcomers.

El-Yafe glanced at Casey and cocked his head to one side. "Isn't this the... slave you had just purchased when we last met?"

"Yes." Daniel rested his hand on Casey's shoulder. "I must thank you again for your help then."

"It was our pleasure," he said absently, peering at Casey's face and frowning. "Jarem and I enjoyed the challenge. What has he done to deserve such a beating?"

Daniel felt his face grow warm, and his hand tightened on Casey's shoulder. "He did not deserve it, nor did I countenance it. Casey was attacked by another slave, but he is healing now."

El-Yafe's eyes remained fixed on Casey. He spoke a few words that Daniel could not understand and Casey nodded once, replying as briefly.

"What have you said?" Daniel demanded. "What have you-"

"It was nothing," el-Yafe replied soothingly. "Simply a greeting in his native language."

Daniel glared at him and turned to Casey, releasing his grip on his shoulder and leaning to see his face. "Is that true, Casey?"

Casey's mouth quirked and his lowered his head. "No."

Battling his sudden anger, Daniel spoke quietly. "What did he ask you?"

"If you were speaking the truth about the attack."

"And what did you say in response?"

"That you spoke the truth."

Daniel lifted his head and looked at el-Yafe coldly. He was pleased to see el-Yafe look disconcerted. "I will not disgrace the name of el-Rydal by refusing hospitality to a visitor, even one who has called my honor into question. But be aware that you tread on dangerous ground by not being straightforward with me, Effendi."

"My apologies, el-Rydal Effendi." El-Yafe bowed his head. "My curiosity got the better of me. After our earlier meeting, I feel a certain... interest in your slave. I see that he now understands our language," he continued, reaching out to run a hand through the thick hair of his own slave. "Have you questioned him about his past?"

"No, not yet." Daniel looked at el-Yafe uneasily. This was the second time he had brought up the topic of Casey's past. Why would a merchant be interested in the previous life of a slave? It did not make sense. "And although I appreciate your interest in Casey, I would prefer to hear more of these rumors you mentioned earlier."

"Yes, yes, of course." Servants appeared with food, and there was the usual bustle as the table was laid, and Daniel continued in his role as host. Once el-Yafe and he had filled their plates, Daniel signaled Casey and Jarem to do the same, and they ate in silence.

"I have heard that the Prince is stocking the janissaries with fresh blood," el-Yafe remarked, handing his empty plate to Jarem. "He is exacting additional tribute from the infidel villages and taking younger children than before."

"What do janissaries have to do with children?" Casey asked quietly.

"They are the Prince's handpicked troops," explained Daniel, pleased at Casey's interest, as well as the amount of food he had eaten. "Every year, each infidel village must provide as tribute a certain number of children, who will be educated and trained as soldiers. At what age are they taking them now?" he asked el-Yafe.

"Seven."

Daniel frowned. "Too young. They should be with their mothers for another year or two." He looked at Casey, who had set aside his plate. His face was pale. "Are you well?"

"Yes." His voice shook and he bowed his head.

"Casey?" Daniel rested his hand against Casey's cheek. "You have grown over-tired. Go and rest."

Casey closed his eyes, pain etched on his features. "No," he whispered. "No, I am well."

Daniel allowed his thumb to trail lightly over Casey's lips. Surely there could be no harm in that gentle touch. Casey's breath warmed his fingers, and he pulled his hand away quickly. A chill traveled from his empty hand up his arm, straight into his chest, and he turned back to el-Yafe.

"I wonder how long the Prince will wait before demanding children from all villages," he said quietly.

El-Yafe pursed his lips and shrugged, his eyes lingering on Casey. "That eventuality might be postponed for a while. The Prince has recently decreed that all male children captured during battle will be offered to the janissaries, rather than sold as slaves."

"Surely there can't be that many captured." Daniel took a drink of wine.

"There are enough." El-Yafe continued to look at Casey. "In fact, I heard that in the past few months, several dozen children from the north have been taken alive and brought under the janissaries' wing."

"And will the Prince accept them?"

"Yes, he will. He must."

Casey suddenly leaned forward, eyes wide. "Children from the north?"

Before Daniel could reply, el-Yafe nodded.

"Yes. Some were taken after the fighting at Dar El Salla - wagon boys, scullery boys, the children of the officers..."

Casey's face grew pale, and he swallowed hard. "Tell me more," he said hoarsely.

"I have heard," el-Yafe continued, his eyes not leaving Casey's face, "that they are especially pleased with a particular child, the son of a minor official, who is well-versed in the scholarly arts."

"Can you describe him?" Casey clasped the table so tightly that Daniel half-expected his fingers to leave marks in the polished wood.

"He is said to be a well-favored child with hair as gold as the sun and fair skin. They have given him the name Haleeh, but he will only answer to his barbaric northern name - Olle."

The color drained from Casey's face, and he squeezed his eyes shut for a moment. A tear trailed slowly down his cheek. When he opened his eyes again, Daniel was stunned at the joy evident in their brown depths.

"He is alive," Casey whispered, relief, hope and delight present in every word. "My son is alive..."

"Your son..." It was not a question. Daniel stared at Casey, at the pain and joy written on his face, and he knew. Casey's son. Of course.

Casey had thought him dead.

Daniel squared his shoulders and took a slow, deep breath, calming himself. Before he could open his mouth, el-Yafe spoke briefly, a quick fusillade in an uncouth tongue.

Casey shook his head. "No." El-Yafe looked stunned as Casey continued. "I had no idea. I saw my wife's body..." His face crumpled for a moment, then calmed. "There were several bodies... women and children, heaped together, covered with blood. I saw Lisse, her throat... I thought I saw Olle with his belly ripped open..." He squeezed his eyes shut and trembled.

"He is safe," el-Yafe murmured. "Safe and well, Herra Kyösti."

"Who are you?" Daniel glared at el-Yafe. When the other hesitated, Daniel leaned forward. "Answer me, or I shall call the guards." His voice was harsh.

Jarem turned worried eyes toward his master, and placed a hand on el-Yafe's knee. El-Yafe smiled at him briefly and ruffled his thick, dark hair. "Do not worry, boy." He continued to stroke Jarem's hair as he met Daniel's eyes. "I am a merchant, it is true," he said softly. "However, my family is indebted to the House of Ville-Veikko and Queen Daana. When I learned that her... that a group of her subjects was captured at Dar Es Sallah, it was my duty to discover their whereabouts. She has often offered generous ransoms for her subjects." He returned Daniel's stare, a half-smile on his face, but his dark eyes were wary.

Daniel nodded slowly. He had heard similar stories about the House of Ville-Veikko, where the royal family's loyalty to their subjects was as ardent as that of their subjects toward them. He had suspected that el-Yafe was a spy - most merchants augmented their coffers by trading information as well as goods - but this explained el-Yafe's extraordinary interest in Casey, as well as his familiarity with northern tongues. Still...

"I ought to have you beaten, or at least detained, for interfering with my property." Daniel placed his hand on Casey's shoulder.

El-Yafe's eyes widened and he spread his hands before him. "Ah, el-Rydal Effendi, there is no need. I have done no harm to you or your... property. I have merely passed on a little news. Surely that is innocent enough?" His hand stilled on his slave's head. "Or do the wild suspicions of the court also exist here, in defiance of hospitality and custom?"

Daniel's eyes strayed to Casey and he remembered the beating - the sound of the crop and the pallid, hungry faces of the onlookers. Casey shivered beneath his fingers, and Daniel stroked his shoulder soothingly. "The honor and hospitality of my family has never been questioned, but have a care, Effendi," he said quietly, glancing at el-Yafe. "See that your news continues to be innocent."

"Of course." El-Yafe bowed his head, but Daniel could see the corners of his mouth twitch.

"We would be pleased if you would honor our humble home by resting here during the heat of the afternoon and then dining with my father this evening. He will enjoy your company." Daniel spoke the formal words by rote, his mind more on the tension in Casey's muscles than the guest before him. "What Allah has provided, we are pleased to share with you and yours."

El-Yafe replied politely, and El'yt was summoned to show their guest and his slave to their quarters.

Only then did Daniel release his hold on Casey's shoulder and place his finger beneath Casey's chin, lifting his face gently.

"Tell me of your son."

Casey's eyes met his and for the first time since el-Yafe had revealed the news, Daniel felt that Casey actually saw him. Casey blinked, his dark eyes glistening.

"He is..." Casey cleared his throat. "He is ten summers old."

"Is he a scholar, like his father?"

Casey's lips trembled, but he managed a small smile. "He is a quick learner and very conscientious."

"Then he is very like his father." Daniel's fingers burned where they touched Casey's face, and he moved his hand to cup the strong jaw. He wanted to kiss Casey, to make Casey surrender himself again and again. Instead, he pulled his hand away and sat back amongst the cushions. "Although it is not common, there have been cases when a child given to the janissaries has been sold off. I cannot promise, but it may be possible for me to buy your son-"

"No!"

He looked up, startled. Casey stared at him, wide-eyed.

"Do not do this, Master." His voice was raw. "Do not hold out hope to me again. Not in this way..." He covered his face with his hands and his shoulders shook.

Without thinking, Daniel dropped to the floor and gathered Casey in his arms, holding him tightly. He crooned comforting nonsense into Casey's soft hair, and made a vow.

Casey would have his son again.

Daniel insisted that Casey rest during the afternoon, and Casey obediently padded over to his pallet. For a moment, Daniel almost called him over to his own bed, but quickly stifled the impulse. After a brusque "Rest well," he left his rooms.

The afternoon passed quickly as he dealt with the duties he had neglected of late. When he returned to his rooms to prepare for dinner, he found Casey sitting up and stretching. Daniel was pleased to see that his pallor and the bruising beneath his eyes had lessened, and felt a surge of tenderness as Casey blinked at him sleepily. Greeting him with a nod, Daniel pulled off his dusty robes.

"I have requested warm water - it will arrive soon. You will help me prepare for dinner, and then ready yourself. Be quick - we have a guest, and I will not disgrace the name of el-Rydal by being late."

The sky was growing dark as they walked down the path to his father's rooms. When he reached the door, Daniel adjusted his red thobe and waited for Casey to move behind him. They entered, and Daniel was pleased to see that his father's hospitality was not affected by the threats from the north. There was food and drink in abundance, laid out on low tables. Yakob, Shaul and Benyamin were already there, as well as most of his cousins. Daniel crossed the room to his father and bowed.

"There you are, Son Daniel." Yakob nodded to him. "What did Habib el-Afnati say when you-"

Daniel turned toward the door as Yakob broke off. El-Yafe was standing in the threshold, looking resplendent in white robes. Behind him, Jarem hovered, clad in a clean brown tunic, his hair still damp from a hasty wash.

"Ah, el-Yafe Effendi!" Yakob's arms stretched wide in the ritual of welcome. "Enter, and partake of our humble offerings..."

Daniel stepped back as his father greeted el-Yafe, glancing over his shoulder to ensure that Casey still stood beside him. Casey was staring at el-Yafe, his expression calm, but with an unexpected wariness in his eyes.

Yakob was introducing el-Yafe to all of the men, and Daniel nodded graciously when it was his turn.

"El-Yafe Effendi and I are already acquainted. He was able to render me a service, and I am in his debt."

"Not at all," el-Yafe protested. "It was my joy to be of what little use I could, el-Rydal Effendi."

After the introductions were made, they sat and ate, while el-Yafe passed on the most recent news and gossip.

"The conflict with the north is spreading and increasing," he said solemnly, pausing with a laden piece of bread in his hand. "The rumor is that the prince is considering reinstituting the old levy system, and demanding conscripts from every family."

Daniel glanced at his father, startled by this news. Yakob frowned, his eyes narrowing.

"I hope it does not come to that," Yakob replied slowly, as if choosing his words with care. "It would not be a popular decision."

That was certainly an understatement, Daniel thought. While the smaller families might grumble, they would comply. But the larger, older families, those who bloodlines ran longer and truer than those even of the prince, would never submit willingly to such an insult. And if the prince were considering such a thing, the conflict must be larger and more dangerous than they had suspected...

El-Yafe raised his glass in agreement. "No, it would not be a popular decision."

Yakob turned the conversation to less serious topics, and the remainder of their dinner passed peacefully. When the men had finished eating, Daniel was pleased to see Yakob's wives appear to greet their guest.

Salaeh swept in, regal in black and gold, and greeted el-Yafe graciously and with immense dignity. El-Yafe glanced at him as he bent over Salaeh's slender hand, a twinkle in his eye, and Daniel coughed to hide his smile. Behind el-Yafe, Jarem looked terrified.

After Salaeh, Rebekah looked demure and as refreshing as a soft spring shower. She glowed, and there was no attempt to hide her swollen belly, swathed in the delicate blue of the morning sky. They spoke for a moment, smiling shyly at each other, and Daniel was startled to see the wistfulness on el-Yafe's face when he turned toward his slave. His eyebrows drawn together, Jarem gazed up at his master and brushed his fingertips gently over el-Yafe's arm.

When Yakob presented N'tale, el-Yafe bowed low and spoke to her gravely, as one would to a child who is allowed to stay up late with the adults. She answered him quietly and solemnly, and he gave her a penetrating glance before relaxing a little and responding. Jarem was staring at her with a glazed expression, his mouth slightly agape.

Turning to Casey, Daniel was concerned at his increasing pallor, which made the remnants of bruises on his face appear like dark clouds fleeing across the sun. The corners of his mouth drooped with exhaustion, and Daniel breathed deeply, trying to suck in air past the sudden constriction in his chest.

"Go to the door," he said to Casey. "Now that the women are here, we can leave without appearing rude. I must speak with el-Yafe first..."

As Casey obeyed, Daniel made his excuses to his father, who accepted them more graciously than expected. Then he pulled el-Yafe to one side and they conversed quietly for a moment.

"Tomorrow, then." El-Yafe bowed and glanced at Jarem. He smiled and shook his head as he watched N'tale speak intently with his slave, who answered her solemnly, ears red, but with bright eyes. "I must attend-" He broke off and grimaced briefly. "I shall look forward to seeing you again, Effendi."

"As will I."

Casey was waiting for him by the door, and followed Daniel silently. When they reached his rooms, Daniel ordered Casey to bed. Bowing, Casey disappeared into the bedroom as Daniel picked up a book and curled up on the sofa.

A little later, he threw down the book and cursed softly. It was no use. He could not concentrate on the words before him when he kept straining to hear a sound - any sound - from the bedroom. But all had been silent.

Picking up the lamp, he entered the bedroom, half-expecting to find Casey standing frozen like a statue in the center of the room. But he was not. Instead, he lay on his pallet in the corner, facing the wall, and Daniel frowned at his ridiculous fancies.

He quickly prepared for bed, crawling under the covers and extinguishing the lamp. In the dark stillness, Casey's soft breathing was barely audible. Daniel turned irritably in the bed, striving for a comfortable position in the too large, too cold mattress.

Settling on his back, he heard a soft hitch in Casey's breathing, and the sound grated on his raw nerves.

"Casey!" His voice sounded unnaturally loud in the dark room.

There was an almost inaudible gasp, and then a whispered "Yes?"

The quiet desperation in that one word evaporated his anger and pierced his heart. He sat up.

"Come to bed, Casey."

He waited, breathless. Then Casey's voice floated out of the darkness. "Master?" It was colored by confusion and anger and... yes, hope.

"I need you beside me, Casey." He allowed a little of his desire and yearning to show. "Will you come to me?"

A shuddering sigh answered him.

There was the rustle of bedclothes and soft grunts, and Daniel lifted the blankets high in invitation. A cool body slid into the bed beside him, and he let out a gusty breath of air he hadn't realized he'd been holding. He reached out and ran his hand down Casey's arm, smiling when he was unexpectedly rewarded with a shiver.

"Let me hold you."

The long body was pliant in his arms, but his gentle touches were not returned. He rested his cheek against the back of Casey's head, nuzzling his ear.

"This is better," he breathed. "Much better. You belong here, in my arms."

Casey's chest jerked in his arms, and he raised his hands to stroke Casey's face. His fingers came away wet.

It was suddenly impossible to breathe or swallow, and he gasped as he caressed the man in his arms, turning him. His wild kisses landed haphazardly over hair and temple, then damp cheeks and brow, until their lips met. Daniel held him tightly and his heart sang when Casey's hands clutched him in return. He felt as if he had sighted home after a long, dangerous journey.

Waking slowly, Daniel sighed and stretched, then turned to the warm body beside him. Casey was already awake, his dark eyes watching Daniel with an unreadable expression. With a smile, Daniel reached up and stroked Casey's tear-stained cheek. Casey regarded him calmly for a moment, but when Daniel's fingers strayed over his lips, he squeezed his eyes shut and shivered. A warm shadow ghosted over Daniel's thigh, where Casey's growing erection barely touched his skin.

Gently, he reached out and clasped the hard flesh, stroking it. Casey's arms trembled as they moved over Daniel, urging him forward, until they lay wrapped tightly together. Withdrawing his hand, Daniel rocked his hips, pushing his own cock against Casey's. A light sweat broke out over his back and ass as they moved, the soft skin of their bellies rubbing smoothly against their damp cocks, the springy hair of their groins a harsh counterpoint. Casey's stifled groans excited him, and he captured Casey's mouth, opening it with his tongue and lips so the sounds could pour into him.

They moved together as their skin grew slick with sweat, legs and tongues tangled, the heat and pressure between them growing. Daniel's hand slid down Casey's side to rest on his ass, and Casey's movements grew more frantic. When Daniel's finger lightly circled his hole, still slick with ointment, Casey bucked and moaned. Chuckling to himself, Daniel continued his caresses, passing repeatedly over the entrance, but never dipping inside. Casey's hips wiggled as he tried to push back onto the finger, but Daniel simply moved his hand a little lower and pressed into the tender skin below his balls.

With a gasp and a galvanic shudder, Casey orgasmed, his body jerking convulsively as he pumped onto their bellies. Daniel grunted and grasped Casey's hip, holding him steady as he thrust again and again, suddenly throwing back his head with a strangled cry and adding his semen to Casey's.

They lay quietly for a few moments, hands idly tracing damp limbs and lips murmuring soft words of pleasure.

Sighing, Daniel dropped a kiss on Casey's forehead. "It is time to rise. I am expecting el-Yafe for breakfast."

"Yes, Master," Casey replied, in a voice that still quavered. He stood and pulled on his tunic, then disappeared out the door.

Daniel waited for a moment, enjoying his heavy lassitude and the warmth of the rumpled sheets. When he heard the outer door open, he threw back the sheets and rose. Casey led the slave with the ewer of warm water into the bedroom, and closed the door after him when he left.

Daniel waved him away when he turned to help him bathe. "Wash yourself, and then I will help you apply the ointment." He looked critically at Casey after he had pulled off the tunic and dampened a cloth to scrub at the drying mess on his belly. "You are healing well. How do you feel?"

Casey had bent over and was wiping his legs. He raised his head and looked warily at Daniel. "Better, Master."

"Good." Daniel dried himself off and pulled on his trousers before turning to Casey, who had his towel wrapped around his waist. "Come here," he beckoned, opening the larger jar of ointment. Casey dropped the towel and stood patiently as he applied the ointment to the healing cuts and fading bruises. At Daniel's direction, he bent over the bed and spread his legs. Daniel examined him carefully, pleased that the swelling was almost gone, and even more pleased when Casey moaned and panted as he pushed the ointment deep inside.

"Soon," he whispered into the small of Casey's back as he dropped a row of kisses onto the soft flesh. "Very soon."

When Daniel finished Casey stood, his face flushed, but he did not look up as he dressed, and he silently set about his morning chores.

The rooms were tidy when breakfast and el-Yafe arrived at the same time, and Jarem helped Casey serve.

After they had eaten in silence for a few minutes, el-Yafe turned to Daniel with an expectant look. "What may I do to be of assistance to you, Effendi?"

Surprised at his haste in broaching the topic of interest, Daniel set down the bread he held and leaned forward, his hands clasped over his knee.

"I wish to purchase Casey's son from the janissaries," he began, ignoring Casey's gasp. "I need information, such as the name of one to whom I can present my offer, and any other such help you can provide, in order that this task can be completely quickly."

"Master?" Casey sounded stunned.

El-Yafe raised his brows and pursed his lips. "A commendable action, but I do not know if it will be possible." At Daniel's questioning look he continued. "From all I have heard, the child is being groomed for a place of importance at the court, and I doubt if Mohammed ibn el-Rasad would be willing to part with him, even at a considerable price."

"El-Rasad would be the one to approach?" Daniel asked, unwilling to abandon his idea so soon. Beside him, Casey's head dropped and he sighed.

"Yes, but he is a practical, unsentimental man. If he believes that a particular child will be of value to the prince, then he will keep the child and train him."

Acutely aware of Casey's still form beside him, Daniel tried to speak optimistically. "It will do no harm to inquire, and even if the child cannot be purchased, perhaps we could visit him where he is being schooled."

El-Yafe nodded, and Daniel could see Casey's head rise, his expression a little more hopeful than before.

"I can provide directions for your messenger," he said, glancing at Casey. "And, if you wish, could assist you with your suit."

Daniel thanked him, and, after el-Yafe provided detailed directions to the janissary compound in Zaheira, they began to compose the letter, with Jarem acting as scribe. Casey cleared the breakfast things, his step firmer and his eyes brighter than before. Daniel smiled as he watched him moving about the room.

"Effendi?" el-Yafe said softly, breaking into Daniel's reverie.

"Forgive me." Daniel felt his face grow warm and he turned to Jarem. "What was the last sentence?"

They were in the middle of discussing a price to offer for the child when a voice came from the open door.

"Ah, here you are."

"Mother N'tale!" Daniel scrambled to his feet as Casey darted to the door and bowed her into the room. She was smiling brightly, and held a large book clutched to her chest.

"Honored Sitt," murmured el-Yafe, his arm sweeping before him as he bowed.

"I looked for you in the guest quarters," she said, sinking onto the sofa and balancing the book on her knees. "Please, be comfortable." She gestured, and they obeyed. "I thought I might find you here."

"It is an honor to have you visit, Mother N'tale." Daniel did not mention that it was also extremely unusual. He just hoped that Salaeh did not learn of this breach of manners - she would be the first to carry the news to Yakob, and would no doubt present it in the worst possible light.

"El-Yafe Effendi and Ja-" She suddenly blushed and dropped her eyes. "We were discussing the eastern travels of Osippius last night, and I mentioned the copy of the Chronicles I was reading. Ja- They were curious to see it, so I thought..." Her voice trailed off and she looked at the men uncertainly.

"You are too kind," el-Yafe said quickly, holding out his hands for the book. "I have been looking forward to seeing the Chronicles since you told me about it last night." He looked up at Daniel. "If this is inconvenient for you, Effendi, we can postpone our researches until after we have finished."

"No, no." Daniel waved his hand. "Please, continue. The Chronicles have always been a favorite of mine. Casey, you may find this interesting." He turned to where Casey and Jarem sat, and bit back his exclamation of surprise. Casey looked interested, yes, but el-Yafe's slave... He was staring, not at the book, but at N'tale, leaning forward anxiously, hunger and longing in his eyes, his ink-stained fingers tightly gripping his knees.

Daniel's head swung around. N'tale was looking at the slave, her cheeks pink, her mouth slightly open as she breathed heavily. Their eyes... It was as if no one else was in the room.

The Five Prophets preserve us.

"Casey, Jarem, you must see this." El-Yafe spoke quietly, and the two men moved to where he gestured beside him. "See the illustration of his encounter with the dragons of the east..."

Daniel watched, stunned, as el-Yafe continued to point out various interesting facets in the book. Only Casey paid attention to the words and pictures before him, however. Jarem and N'tale would dutifully glance at the paper, but after a moment their eyes would lift and meet, and expressions of befuddled joy would light their faces.

This had to stop, Daniel decided. N'tale would disgrace herself and his father, and Jarem... He would be fortunate to live, even after the mutilation. No, he could not permit-

"Husband?"

He looked up. Aloise stood in the door, her slave Eleeza behind her. She took a tentative step forward, and then hesitated, clasping her hands tightly. "N'tale?"

N'tale started and blushed, ducking her head. Daniel quickly rose and went to his wife.

"This is an unexpected pleasure, my dear," he said with a smile and held out his hands to her. "Come and meet my guest." He drew her forward as the men stood, el-Yafe still holding the book. "This is Ysak el-Yafe, a merchant with whom I am acquainted. El-Yafe Effendi, this is Aloise, my wife."

A stifled word and a sudden movement drew Daniel's attention, but it was only Jarem, standing behind el-Yafe, his face hidden.

Aloise acknowledged el-Yafe's bow with a gracious nod and then turned to Daniel. "I was looking for N'tale, and El'yt said he saw her enter your rooms, so I came after her."

"Mother N'tale was showing el-Yafe Effendi the Chronicles. Would you like to see?"

She smiled and he settled her beside him.

"I did not know you were married, Effendi," said el-Yafe as they leafed through the book. "You are a fortunate man." His gaze traveled thoughtfully from Aloise to Casey.

"Yes, indeed I am." Daniel gently caressed Aloise's cheek. Another sudden movement drew his attention.

"Forgive me, but Jarem appears ill." El-Yafe had turned to his slave and was gripping his shoulder. Jarem's face was pasty, and he swayed slightly in his clasp. "Will you excuse us while I see that his needs are attended to?"

"Of course."

They left, el-Yafe shepherding the young man before him. N'tale stared after them forlornly, concern in her eyes.

"His illness appeared suddenly," she said quietly, half to herself. "Perhaps I should send the Healer..."

"I'm sure it is nothing serious." Daniel tried to quash his sympathy for her - to look at a slave that way! - and then his eyes lit on Casey. He spoke more gently. "I will check on them, and ensure they have all that is needed."

She looked at him, startled, and the blood rose in a tide over her fair skin. "I must go," she murmured, rising. Casey was holding the book, his fingers tracing the designs on the heavy cover. N'tale held out her hands, and Casey slowly returned the book to her. "Aloise, say goodbye to your husband and come with me."

With a shy smile, Aloise gave Daniel her hand and he kissed it gently. N'tale paused at the doorway, her face solemn. She turned her head away from Aloise before speaking.

"Thank you for receiving me so kindly, Son Daniel. I am indebted to you."

He bowed as she left.

"Master?" Casey was holding the notes Jarem had been taking before they were interrupted. "Do you think they will let my son come to me?" he asked, his voice harsh.

Daniel sighed and sat. "I don't know. We shall have to inquire-"

With a raw bark of laughter, Casey buried his face in his hands, his shoulders shaking. "Inquire?" he said at last, his voice muffled. "Inquire?" He raised his blotched face and scowled at Daniel. His eyes were dry, blazing with a fire that Daniel had not seen in weeks. "What good will that do? They have ripped him from my side once before. I cannot allow them to do it again."

"Calm yourself, Casey." Daniel reached out to caress his knee, but Casey abruptly pulled away. "First, we must consider all of the options-"

"No!" Pain - raw, undiluted agony - blasted through that one whispered word. "I must go to my son - now. I must find him and see with my own eyes that he is unharmed." He rose to his knees and leaned forward, eye to eye with Daniel. "I could not bear to wait while letters were sent and negotiations took place regarding the value of my son, my child, as if he were no better than an animal in the field-" His voice cut off, and he stared intently at Daniel for a moment, before scrambling to his feet and moving blindly toward the door.

"Casey, stop!"

He paused at the threshold, swaying slightly, but he did not turn his head or otherwise acknowledge Daniel's command.

Rising slowly, Daniel contemplated the man standing before him. What would he do for him? What would he be willing to risk? Casey's pain was like a living creature inside them both, tearing at his own heart as well. His arms ached to reach for Casey, to enfold him tightly against him and, by their closeness, to draw off some of his pain.

Daniel hesitated, his options starkly clear before him. He could command Casey to return to his side, to resume his duties and never speak of his son again. He could have the body, but he would lose the soul. His other option, however, was infinitely more dangerous, and might lose him both. With the sensation of stepping off the edge of a cliff, Daniel moved forward and wrapped his arms around Casey.

"You will see your son," he murmured into the soft hollow below Casey's left ear. "And we will bring him back with us, if we have to buy him... or take him by stealth." Casey gasped and pressed back against him. "Be patient for a few more days, and then we will go."

"Do you promise?" Casey's voice cracked as he panted and struggled to calm himself.

"Yes." Daniel closed his eyes and brushed his lips over the smooth skin at the back of Casey's neck. "I promise this to you... on my life."

Casey whirled and grasped his shoulders in a painful grip. "Your life, Master?" The corner of his mouth raised in an almost-sneer - a curiously hard look Daniel had never seen on his face before.

Daniel met his gaze solemnly. "Yes. My life."

Casey held his eyes for a moment, searching them deeply. With a nod and a sigh, he finally lowered his head and let his hands fall from Daniel's shoulders.

"I believe you, although..." His voice trailed off and he turned back to look out the doorway.

"Patience, my-" Daniel took a deep breath and willed the strange quivering in his belly to cease. "Do not be hasty, Casey. Care and caution will ensure that we succeed in reuniting you with your son."

Casey nodded once, but he did not answer.

"Now," Daniel said brusquely, "I must ask el-Yafe if he needs any assistance for his slave. Then we will eat, and finish working on the letter to el-Rasad Effendi. I will send it with a messenger today."

Sending El'yt to el-Yafe, Daniel insisted that Casey copy the incomplete letter while they waited for their food. "To practice," he said, "and to familiarize yourself with other hands." Casey gathered his supplies and was making a creditable effort when two slaves arrived with food on platters, along with El'yt, who reported that el-Yafe had thanked Daniel for his kind inquiry, but that his slave was much recovered and he did not need any help.

After they were settled and had eaten in silence for a moment, Casey raised his head. "How far is Zeheira? And in which direction?"

Daniel smiled, pleased at Casey's interest. "It will be simplest if I show you on the map. It is in that chest, in large, flat book with the blue cover." He pointed to the large chest in the corner of the room, where he kept his books.

Slowly returning his smile, Casey found the book and brought it over to where Daniel sat.

"Zaheira is in the far west," Daniel said, carefully opening the book and gesturing Casey to sit beside him. "It is close to our border with the Kingdom of Zhoordan, and has been the training ground for the janissaries for over a hundred years." He pointed to an area at the edge of the page. A thin line snaked across it, and rough triangles were drawn in a large clump on the left. "These are my father's lands, from here," he indicated a spot in the middle of the triangles, "to here." Daniel's finger rested on a blank area. "That is the Great Desert," he continued, rubbing the blank area lightly, "and the only way to cross it is with the guidance of the desert folk. And they do not often choose to allow strangers into their lands."

Casey was squinting in concentration. "And Zaheira is..." His own finger hovered over the page as he tried to read the names of the cities and towns, written in a crabbed hand. "There." His finger landed at a spot almost on the opposite side of the page.

"Very good."

Casey pursed his lips and didn't seem to hear Daniel's comment. "If it took us over a day to travel from here to here, then..." He looked at Daniel with a stricken expression. "It must take over a week to reach Zaheira from here."

"Yes, if you only stop at night and can afford fresh horses." Daniel's voice was gentle.

With a frown, Casey lowered his eyes to the map. "Here is Dar es Sallah," he murmured. "And Ashtok is..." He leaned over the map.

"Ashtok?" Daniel said the unfamiliar name carefully. "Oh! You must mean Ay Astokha. It is here." Daniel pointed to a small place far to the north. "Why did you want to know?"

Casey shrugged. "It is a place I have heard of," he replied shortly.

They returned to their meal, Casey's attention fixed on the map as he absently raised the food to his lips. Daniel was preparing to call the slaves to remove their plates when El'yt appeared in the doorway.

"Master Daniel," he said, bowing quickly. "A messenger to see you."

"Messenger? Who from?" Daniel rose, a small prickle of apprehension tickling his spine.

"From Ahmet ibn Ali Hassan, Master."

"Show him in."

A boy of no more than fifteen entered. He was covered in dust and sweat, and his shoulders slumped wearily as he rose from his bow.

"I bear a message from my Master, Ahmet ibn Ali Hassan."

Daniel nodded for him to continue.

The boy glanced around, his wary eyes lighting on Casey for a moment, and lowered his voice. "He asks to speak with you and you alone, Master Daniel. He has," his voice dropped to a whisper as he rapidly spoke the words he had obviously memorized, "discovered evidence of treachery in certain persons, and will trust only you with what he has found. He asks that you come to him today, as soon as possible, so that he may shed his burden of knowledge on one who can punish the traitors for their acts of betrayal."

Daniel was stunned. Treachery? Betrayal? "Whose treachery?" His throat was dry, and he quickly took a drink.

"I do not know, Master Daniel." The messenger swallowed noisily and eyed the cup.

"You will be given food and can rest as soon as you have answered my questions." Daniel crossed the room and then turned back to the boy. His mind raced. "Has your master traveled lately?"

The boy nodded. "Yes, he was gone for two nights, and returned today. But I do not know where he went."

"Has he met with anyone recently?"

"No, Master Daniel."

Daniel frowned. Then why... He looked up at the tired boy and nodded. "Very well. I will go to your master now. You may eat and rest, and return to him tomorrow."

Bowing, the boy left. El'yt looked at Daniel, his worry obvious. "I shall have your horse ready for you, Master Daniel," he murmured before he turned and followed the boy from the room.

"Shall I go with you?"

Daniel looked over a Casey, startled. He had forgotten he was in the room. "No," he said slowly. "It is not too far. I will return tonight. You must still conserve your strength." He walked over to Casey and brushed a kiss on his cheek. "Practice your writing and rest. And be prepared for my return - I will be hungry for you."

He enjoyed the way Casey's cheeks grew pink and the fire that was suddenly kindled in his dark eyes.

"Safe journey, Master." Casey's voice was soft. He raised his hand in a strangely compelling gesture and murmured a few unintelligible words.

"What did you say?"

Casey looked at him solemnly. "I asked the gods to keep you safe from harm, and to bring you back to me whole... and hungry." His mouth quirked on the final word, and the flush on his face deepened.

"May the Five Prophets preserve me..." Daniel enfolded him in his arms and kissed him roughly, demandingly. Casey's hands slid up his back and curled around Daniel's shoulders, his fingers digging into Daniel's flesh as he held him close.

With a gasp, he released Casey and stepped back, his head swimming. He panted as he snatched up his cloak and dashed from the room to the stables.

The moon was a crisp half-circle, high in the black sky, and it provided sufficient light for Daniel to see the path before him. The river chuckled to his right, ripples catching the moonlight and tossing it his way in silvery flashes. Zeina moved at a steady pace, her smooth, rhythmic gait rocking Daniel gently.

He let her choose the pace. He had other, far more important issues to concern him.

Urging Zeina to a gallop, he had arrived at Ahmet ibn Ali Hassan's house in the late afternoon. The old man had greeted him eagerly, and insisted that Daniel share a meal with his entire family. Shadows were long when he had finally led Daniel to an isolated corner of the garden and seated them both on a stone bench, still warm from the afternoon's rays.

"What have you to tell me, Ahmet?" Daniel kept the impatience from his voice with difficulty.

"Ah, Cousin Daniel, I have heard such news." Ahmet shook his head sadly, but his eyes were narrow with calculation.

"Tell me, then, and I shall assume your burden."

"But what a burden!"

Ahmet continued in this vein for quite some time, until Daniel was ready to throttle the man.

"Enough!" he said, springing from the bench. "Tell me your news Ahmet, or I will tell my father-"

"No!" Ahmet held up his hand and shot Daniel a terrified look. "No, there is no need to say aught to my honored Cousin Yakob. I was visiting my brother, Faisal," he continued, placing his finger along the side of his nose, his voice a hoarse whisper, "who lives near that complaining dog Zaeve ibn Habib. Faisal was out in the fields that border his land one day when he saw a number of men arrive at Zaeve's house.

"Now, it is possible that that procurer of goats," he sat back and spat thoughtfully onto the path, "was merely auctioning off his ripe plum of a daughter, the one that he would wish to marry off to you, Cousin Daniel." He winked and his face creased in a lewd grin. "But Faisal recognized one of the men, and he knew this man was not in the market for a new wife.

"So Faisal decided to visit this man the next day. He is very curious, is Faisal," Ahmet said with a series of bobbing nods, "and very clever. He traps this man into admitting that Zaeve is spreading rumors that you and your father are estranged, and that my honored Cousin Yakob is sinking into madness while you prepare to take his place."

He looked at Daniel expectantly.

"Is that it? That's the treachery?" Daniel could hardly hide his disgust and disappointment.

"Of course! That son of a camel's turd is tarnishing your good name and casting doubts on your father's sanity."

"Which is exactly what others have said and will continue to say. My father does not pay credence to these pitiful rumors, and neither do I."

Ahmet clutched at his cloak as he rose to leave. "Cousin Daniel, I implore you! They may be merely speaking evil now, but words can lead to actions, and you and your father should be prepared for any move they might make."

With a sigh, Daniel sat down again. "Very well. Tell me the names of the men who were at Zaeve's house, and I will have them watched and investigated."

Ahmet smiled and, after more coaxing, gave Daniel a list of eight names.

It was this list of names that Daniel now considered as he rode in the darkness. They were all good men, responsible men who did not fear to disagree with Yakob, but who could be counted on in an emergency.

Why would they listen to these rumors? And why would Zaeve be spreading them? Daniel acknowledged ruefully that he knew the answer to the second question. Finding that he could not marry off his daughter to Daniel, he now proceeded to speak ill of him, in the hopes of...

Of what?

What could Zaeve gain from this except the short-lived satisfaction of speaking ill of another?

Daniel looked up, surprised to see the looming bulk of the cliffs before him. He glanced at the moon - it was very late - and he hoped that Casey had fallen asleep by now. By the time he returned home, he would be too exhausted to-

A dark shape moved in front of him. "Master?" The word was barely audible.

He started. "What the-"

"Quiet!" The word was an urgent whisper.

"Casey?" His voice matched the hushed tone of the other.

"Yes."

He heard the soft sounds of a horse picking its way over the rocky path, and Zeina snorted and nickered. Stroking her neck, Daniel leaned toward the figure now barely visible beside him.

"What is it? What has happened?"

"I'm not sure." Casey sounded exhausted and frightened, but he spoke with a frantic urgency. Daniel reached out and touched his thigh, surprised at the heavy lump suddenly lodged in his gullet. "It was quiet for a while after you left, and then around sunset shouting and screaming broke out. I went to see what was the matter, but the guards ordered me back to your rooms."

His cold fingers rested lightly on Daniel's hand. When Daniel turned his hand over, Casey gripped his fingers tightly. "A little later, Master Dauid slipped in through the bedroom door and told me to pack up what we would need for the night and to find you and hide in the wadis. He said that the guards were searching for you, and that you were in terrible danger. He, or someone you trusted, would meet you at the Afreet rocks at sunrise."

Daniel sucked in a huge lungful of air. His thoughts whirled, but he urged Zeina forward.

"Then we must hide," he said, pleased that his voice remained calm. "I know just the place."

They rode along the edge of the stream, the horses moving noisily through the water, despite Casey's objection.

"We will not do this for long," Daniel assured him. "But it will confuse any trackers."

Casey snorted and murmured "who needs trackers, all they have to do is listen," but he followed Daniel obediently.

Daniel quickly led them up the stream and to the side channel, moving carefully, and keeping to the shadowed side of the canyon - the moonlight was not strong, but it was certainly sufficient to reveal their movements to any watchers. He stopped several times, stroking Zeina's neck and listening for any sounds of pursuit, but all was quiet, with only the occasional mournful call of a jackal to disturb the stillness.

They finally arrived at the small pool where they had bathed together, and the moon was still high. Daniel closed his eyes for a moment, allowing some of the tension to fall from his shoulders. Too fast, all this was happening too fast. He had no idea what had occurred, and why he was running...

"Master?" Casey's soft query sounded loud in the stillness.

"We will hide here tonight," Daniel said brusquely, directing Zeina to the sandbank. He had seen a small amount of vegetation growing near the cliff wall when they had visited earlier, and it would provide sufficient feed for the horses for the night.

After they tended to the horses, Daniel turned to Casey. "What supplies did you bring?"

"Blankets, food and water, some clothing..." Casey sounded exhausted.

"Good. We cannot afford a fire - it might be seen - but there is a protected place where we can sleep. Help me stow our supplies, and then you must rest."

It only took a few minutes to go through their pitiful cache, and Daniel settled back on his haunches, repacking everything carefully into the saddlebags. If they were discovered, they might have enough time to saddle the horses and run, and he did not want to have to leave any of their supplies behind. Casey was already rolled up in a blanket, snoring softly. When he finished, Daniel lay down beside Casey and gathered him close. The warmth and nearness of his slave gave him comfort, and although he certainly would not be able to sleep, he must rest. Only Allah and the prophets knew what trials lay before them...

His mind whirled with unanswerable questions and futile speculations, and he marked the passing of the long hours by the shifting shadows on the cliff walls. He woke Casey as the sky was beginning to lighten toward dawn, and they saddled up the horses in silence. Daniel led them further up the stream as the inky blackness transformed into dusky gray, finally leaving the canyon and urging the horses up a steep, little-used trail, which led to the top of the cliff. He paused at the top and waiting for Casey. Pointing out a nearby outcropping of weathered rocks, he leaned over and whispered, "Those are the Afreet rocks. Demons are said to live in them, although I have never seen one. But most people avoid them, so we should be undisturbed."

They approached the rocks quickly, and Daniel led them to a small cave, where they dismounted and sat side-by-side in the entrance, waiting.

"I don't understand what happened," Daniel murmured, slinging his arm over Casey's hunched shoulders. "Can you remember anything that was said or done which would explain this?"

Casey paused, then shook his head slowly. "No. I heard screams and shouts, but when I went to ask what had happened, no one knew - everyone was asking the same questions." He leaned against Daniel and closed his eyes.

The sound of the approaching horse was loud in the morning stillness, and Daniel had slipped away from Casey and was waiting, knife drawn, when Dauid came from around the rocks.

"Ah! You received my message!" Dauid's dark face split into a smile of relief as he slid from his horse. "I was worried that Casey would not find you." He opened his arms and clasped Daniel to him so tightly that Daniel had trouble drawing breath.

"He found me," Daniel nodded, looking into Dauid's face. "What has happened? Why did you send Casey to warn me?"

Dauid's expression clouded over, and he reached into a saddlebag. "I brought you bread - eat, and I will tell all I know."

They settled at the mouth of the cave and bit into the still-warm bread. Dauid frowned and sighed.

"So much has happened... I still cannot believe it all." He looked at Daniel and shook his head. "After you left for Ahmet's, el-Yafe and his slave rode out, heading toward the town. It was not until later that my honored Aunt N'tale's slaves went to her rooms and discovered that she had fled." Daniel could not suppress his gasp of surprise, but he quickly motioned for Dauid to continue. "She was gone and took only a few garments and the jewels she brought to the marriage. Everything that your father had given her was still in her rooms."

"Have they-" Daniel began, but Dauid raised a hand and he fell silent. Dauid's eyes fell, and he shifted as if he were uncomfortable.

"She was not the only one who fled, my cousin." Dauid's voice was very gentle, and Daniel felt Casey's hand rest on his shoulder. He shivered. "Your wife is also gone-"

"Aloise?" A chill rushed through his veins. "Where? How?" he choked out, scrambling to his feet and shaking his head as if he could deny the event.

Dauid caught his hand and urged him to sit. "You must hear me out, cousin. We believe that they are traveling with el-Yafe. Guards have been sent out to find them, but so far they have eluded their pursuers."

"I cannot believe it," said Daniel, turning numbly to Casey. "I must return. I must find-"

"No, you cannot!"

Daniel's head whipped around. "Then tell me why! Surely my father would want me there, to lead the searches, to-"

"I have not yet told you everything." Dauid's voice was flat. He glanced at Daniel and quickly looked away.

"Speak, then." With an effort, Daniel took a deep breath and prepared to listen.

"Before then..." Dauid licked his lips and swallowed hard. "Before their disappearance was noticed..." He raised his head and met Daniel's eyes. "We were in your father's rooms, discussing the northern threat, when Uncle Shaul arrived and interrupted us. He said... He said that he had proof that the child Sitt Rebekah carries is not your father's."

Daniel stared at Dauid. His body felt as cold as ice. "Not..." he whispered. "In the names of the Five, whose child is-" He took a shaky breath and saw the answer in Dauid's eyes. "No. No, it cannot be, it isn't true! I have never-" He grabbed Dauid's arm. "You believe me, cousin, do you not? I would never dishonor my father so, nor humiliate my wife-" He turned to Casey and grabbed his shoulders. "I would not do that!"

"Cousin." Dauid's voice was soft, and Daniel released Casey and bowed his head. "She is a beautiful woman, and your attachment to her was common knowledge. I would never believe that you were capable of such dishonor, but-" he raised his hand as Daniel moved to speak, "the proof is damning. A letter to her that speaks of your lovemaking, written in your own hand, an... intimate token of hers in your rooms, and the word of two slaves that you were seen with her in a compromising position."

Daniel stared at him, dumbfounded. It was inconceivable, impossible...

"Mistress Salaeh is responsible for this in some way, Master Dauid." Casey's voice was quiet, but the dry, academic tone was unlike any that Daniel had ever heard him use. "She is jealous of Mistress Rebekah's pregnancy, and hates my Master. I have seen her speaking with Master Shaul several times in a secretive manner, and it would not surprise me if they had planned this together."

Dauid glanced at Casey and shrugged. "There is no love lost between them, it is true, but why would my Uncle wish to harm Daniel?"

"Master Yakob's holdings are a source of wealth and honor," Casey replied, his eyes hard and remote. "It would not be the first time that a son's rightful position was usurped through treachery and deceit."

"But what about the proof?" Dauid sounded skeptical.

"Your 'damning proof' could be easily manufactured. It is possible to imitate the hand of another - I have seen it done - and objects may be placed in a room without the owner's knowledge."

"And the witnesses?"

Casey snorted. "Slaves. Who were either ordered or coerced into giving false testimony."

Dauid looked at him thoughtfully. "I could more easily believe in her guilt than my cousin's, it is true."

"And I must return and defend myself!" Daniel shook his head as if waking from a dream, leapt to his feet and started for the horses. Dauid and Casey followed him. "And Rebekah - by the Five, what they will do with her..." He turned a horror-struck face to the two men. "The proof... They will cut out the child, leave her to die..."

Casey muttered something that sounded suspiciously like a curse, and Dauid frowned and turned away.

"Your father is not an impatient man, cousin. He has confined her to her rooms for the moment."

"For the moment, yes," Daniel said bleakly. "The proof, though. He will be convinced, and then..." His throat ached as he swallowed, and he grabbed his saddle, slipping one foot into the stirrup.

Dauid reached out and clasped Daniel's shoulder. "You cannot go back, cousin."

"But I must!" He pulled roughly from Dauid's hand and mounted Zeina. "I can't leave her to face this alone!"

"How can you help her?" Dauid grabbed Zeina's reins and stroked her nose as she whinnied and tossed her head. "You will be confined as soon as you go back - how can you help her then?"

"I will talk to my father, convince him-"

"Master."

Casey's soft voice brought him up short, and he shifted impatiently in the saddle.

"I did not ask for your opinion, slave."

With a gasp, Casey jerked back as if he'd been struck. Then he set his jaw and stepped forward, eyes hard, and snatched the reins from Dauid.

"You did not ask for it, but you will listen," he snapped. "You have a choice. Return and hope that your father will listen to you before he orders your death, or leave and allow others the chance to clear your name."

"You coward!" Daniel tried to jerk the reins from Casey's hand. "Only a heathen northerner could suggest such a dishonorable course!"

"What good will your blind honor do either of you when you are dead from their treachery?" Casey stubbornly held on.

"At least I will have my honor, unlike one who would allow himself to be captured and sold as a slave."

The color drained from Casey's face as he released the reins and took a shaky step back. Daniel turned his head away from the sight and gathered the reins, urging Zeina to circle around.

"Release him," he said to Dauid, jerking his head toward Casey. His throat felt raw. "Let him take the horse and supplies. If you brought any money, give it to him. You are my witness - I give him his freedom. Write out his manumission and let him go."

"Cousin, wait!" Dauid grabbed the reins quickly. "He is right. You cannot return! Your father would not believe you, not after-" He stopped abruptly, but did not release the reins.

"I said, let. Me. Go." The pain and sorrow in Dauid's eyes almost undid him, but he rubbed his temples and took a deep, shuddering breath. He must be calm. "Cousin, despite the past, I cannot-"

"You can. You must. Think, Daniel, please! I will prove that you did not do this, and then you can return safely. Go, find N'tale and your wife, and send word to me when you have found them. I will discover if Salaeh and our uncle have plotted treachery, and I will write to you when it is safe for you to return."

He ached to pull away, to ride back to his father, to prove his innocence, and yet Dauid was right - would his father believe him, after...

His shoulders slumped and his head bowed. Allah, he was so tired.

"Trust me," Dauid said gently.

Daniel nodded and reached down, clasping Dauid's hand. "Allah and the Five bless you, my cousin. I will find them and send word, and wait to hear from you." He looked over at Casey, standing pale and silent by the cave. "Will you come with me?"

Casey blinked at him in surprise. "Will I..."

"I have given you your freedom," explained Daniel impatiently. "You may ride with me, if you wish. Or go your own way. The choice is yours."

"The choice is mine?" Casey laughed, a harsh, brittle sound. "What choice? Of course I will accompany you, Master."

"Then hurry."

Daniel leaned down and wrapped his arms around Dauid. "Thank you." He released him and settled himself in the saddle, glancing at Casey. "It's time to go."

Casey carefully mounted and nodded his thanks to Dauid, who handed him a small bag that jingled faintly. With a glance at Daniel, Casey tucked it into his saddlebag. They were on their way.