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 merc