John Norman - Explorers of Gor

The man from the tavern of Filimbi, to which she had been sold after I had been taken from Schendi, some months ago, was but a few feet behind her. He had unleashed her that she might run to me. She still wore a brief work tunic from the tavern, with the sign of the tavern, a flute, on its back. Filimbi was the name of the proprietor, but it is also an inland word for flute. In the morning tavern girls sometimes wear work tunics, as certain labors, such as laundering and scrubbing, may be set them. In the afternoon and evening, of course, they are dressed, if they are dressed at all, for the pleasure of the proprietor’s customers. Sometimes, particularly in low paga taverns, the girl will be permitted to wear, besides her brand and collar, only perfume, or, if the proprietor wishes, perfume and chains. Like Evelyn I had bought Sasi yesterday, without her knowledge, for delivery to the wharf this morning. She cost me two and five, two silver tarsks and five of copper.

“You did not forget me!” she cried.

“You are too pretty to forget,” I told her.

The man from the tavern of Filimbi removed the bracelets from her wrists. Then, as she looked down, shyly, an unexpected modesty in a slave, he unsashed, parted and drew away the work tunic she wore. It was, after all, the property of the tavern.

She was exquisite.

“Kneel and submit, Slave,” I said.

Swiftly then did she kneel and submit herself, totally, as a slave to me. Swiftly then were her wrists bound and her throat encircled in my collar.

“It is time to board!” called Ulafi.

“Greetings, Turgus,” I said, as he came up to me. “It was nice of you to come to see me off.”

“Who is this marvelous little slave who kneels at your feet?” he asked, looking down at Sasi.

“Surely you recognize your former accomplice of Port Kar?” I asked.

“She?” he asked. Then he said, “Lift your head, Girl.”

Sasi lifted her head. “Yes, Master,” she said.

“Is it you, Sasi?” he asked.

“Yes, Master,” she said.

“Marvelous!” he said.

“Your own slave, Fina,” I said, referring to the dark-haired girl kneeling behind him and to his left, “has also shown considerable improvement in beauty.” She put down her head, happily. She was in a brief tunic. She was collared. Once, I recalled, she had been second in command among the talunas. Turgus had picked her out from among them, some forty girls, to be his personal slave. His choice had been excellent, Once a cold and arrogant taluna the girl knelt now, happily at his heels. She had been taught submission, and love.

From my sea bag I handed Turgus a letter. “In this letter, I said, “I have inscribed a petition that you be pardoned for your offenses in Port Kar. It is addressed to the council of captains, that body sovereign in Port Kar, of which I am a member. With this letter you may, if you wish, return to the city. It is my expectation that the council will rule favorably on the pardon. If they do not you will, at least, have ten days in which to take your departure from the city.”

He took the letter. “I am grateful,” he said. “But why would the council rule favorably?” he asked.

“We have fought together,” I said.

“That is true,” he said.

“Will you return to Port Kar?” I asked.

“I have moneys here in Schendi,” he said, “notes which I have drawn upon my return from the Ua, moneys connected with my fees for accompanying Shaba’s expedition. They will last me many months.”

“It is less dangerous now for an outlander to remain in Schendi,” I said. “since Ayari became wazir to Bila Huruma.”

“Yes,” he grinned. No longer now did Bila Huruma demand men from Schendi for the canal. This alteration in policy in itself had inaugurated a new era and climate in the relations between Schendi and the empire of Bila Huruma. I had little doubt but what Ayari had clarified to Bila Huruma the value of the friendship and facilities of the men of Schendi.

“With this letter,” I said, indicating the document, “you may return when you wish. I would advise you, however, should the ruling, as I would expect, be in your favor, to consider the adoption of an honest occupation. If the magistrates do not apprehend you you might, in Port Kar, run afoul of the caste of thieves. They are sometimes jealous of their prerogatives.”

He smiled. “I think I may go to a new city,” he said. “I think I may make a new beginning somewhere. Perhaps I will go to Turia or Ar.”

‘They are great cities,” I said, “rich in opportunities for the shrewd and ambitious.” I looked at him. “Do you regret,” I asked, “what has occurred to you in these past months?”

“No,” he said, “I have had the honor of serving with Shaba, and with yourself. I have traveled the Ua. I have witnessed her source. These things are grand.” He then looked back and down at the girl kneeling near him. “And, too,” he said, “I have found a wondrous slave.” She put down her head, smiling, joyful that her master had spoken highly of her, though she was only a slave. Then again he looked at me. He smiled. “I have no regrets,” he said. “I am not dissatisfied. I am well pleased.”

We clasped hands.

“I wish you well,” I said.

“I wish you well,” he said.

“It is time to board!” called Ulafi.

I lifted Sasi to her feet and then threw her over my shoulder. I reached down with my free hand and picked up my sea bag. I then ascended the gangplank and boarded the Palms of Schendi.