Richard Tuttle - Web of Deceit

Rejji stared at the entrance hall of the mansion. The floor was polished stone and the doors off the hall were ornate wood. There was a large wooden staircase going upstairs with archways on either side of it. Rejji had never seen such splendor. Wicado led Rejji through one of the archways and halted a man wearing a brown tunic.

“Get this boy cleaned up, feed him and show him to his quarters,” he instructed the man.

The man nodded and grabbed Rejji’s arm and led him down a corridor and into a room with several large tubs in it. The man told Rejji to remove his clothes and started dumping buckets of water into one of the tubs. As Rejji climbed into the tub, the man grabbed Rejji’s old clothes and threw them in a basket of rags. As Rejji washed up, he watched the man, who he realized was probably a slave. The man went to some shelves and picked out new clothes for Rejji, brown like his own. Rejji wondered if the others had gone through the same procedure and what would be said when they found Mistake’s hidden knives. He wondered what her duties were going to be and if he would ever see her again.

After Rejji was dressed the slave took Rejji to the kitchen and gave him a bowl of stew. He also got a bowl for himself and sat next to Rejji.

“My name is Lam,” he offered. “If you have questions you can ask me.”

“I am Rejji,” smiled Rejji. “Thanks for helping me. I may need help understanding things, I am Fakaran.”

“You will do fine,” the man smiled. “Working in the mansion is not so bad. Those that work outside have it much worse.”

Rejji's thoughts turned to Bakhai and he wondered how the animal boy would adjust. “Do all of the slaves sleep together?” he asked.

“No,” Lam replied. “Inside slaves live in the basement. Two rooms. One for boys. One for girls. The outside people live in huts. They are crowded and leak when it rains. Much better inside. Food is better in here too.”

“What will happen to our old clothes?” Rejji asked while thinking about the animal skins his two friends wore.

“Rag pile,” offered Lam. “You won’t need them anymore.”

“Does anyone ever get out slavery?” Rejji asked.

“No,” Lam stated as he shook his head. “Some have tried escaping, but their deaths are made public to discourage others from running away. Do not even think of such a thing.”

“Nobody ever leaves?” frowned Rejji.

“Oh some are sold to other estates,” offered Lam, “but other than that, this is your home for the rest of your life. You would be wise to accept that and make the best out of it. I have seen many new people in my years here and those who have suffered the most are those who refuse to accept their lot in life.”

Rejji’s thoughts immediately turned to Mistake. He knew she could not accept her life here. Not that anyone would readily give up all hope of freedom, but Mistake’s very nature would cause her to fight it until she died.”

“Is it possible to talk to other slaves?” Rejji inquired.

“Sometimes,” Lam said. “It depends on their positions. If you live in the same hut as another slave, you can talk all night if you want, or if you are working a joint task that requires talking, like preparing meals. If you are caught talking when you are supposed to be working, the watchers will beat you.”

“What about downstairs?” asked Rejji wondering if Mistake was an outside or inside slave.

“It is possible here at night,” Lam nodded. “If you sleep in the same room, then nobody cares.” Lam smiled suddenly and continued, “If you mean a girl who works inside, it is still possible. While you cannot enter the girls’ room, there is a third room down there. It is a large room with benches that we can use for hobbies, like stitching or drawing. There is always a watcher there and they do not like large groups getting together, but they do not mind a boy and girl talking unless they think you are plotting something. If you get marked as a troublemaker, they will always watch you closely and you will not be allowed to speak to anyone. Let me show you where you will stay.”

Lam led Rejji downstairs to the slave quarters. He showed Rejji the large communal room with doors to the separate sleeping quarters. As he had been used to staying up nights talking and sleeping days, Rejji was exhausted. When Lam showed him the mat he was to use, Rejji curled up and went to sleep.

The slaves returning from their day’s work did not disturb Rejji, but the commotion in the morning as everyone scurried about to prepare for a new day brought Rejji wide awake. As everyone filtered out of the room, Lam was there to show Rejji to the Bursar’s office.

Wicado’s office really consisted of three rooms. The door from the hallway entered a large sitting room, which had two doors off of it. One door went to the Bursar’s sleeping quarters and the other to his office. Wicado was in a jubilant mode and after greeting Rejji sent him down to get a morning meal for both of them. Rejji got lost and a watcher stopped him. Rejji explained he was working for the Bursar, and after a lengthy grilling, the guard pointed him in the direction of the kitchen.

Over the morning meal, Wicado questioned Rejji about Fakara. He seemed particularly interested in Rejji’s time with the Zaldoni. As they finished eating, Rejji mentioned to the Bursar that he got lost on the way to the kitchen and the guard had showed him the way after he was convinced that Rejji wasn’t running around loose. Then conversation turned to Bakhai.

“This boy you had me buy yesterday,” Wicado asked, “can he really help the flock?”

“I really believe he can, Sir,” Rejji replied. “He has a way with animals that is unique. If anyone can help, it is Bakhai.”

“The fact that he noticed the ill health of the flock is a positive indication,” nodded Wicado. “We have never been able to develop a healthy flock. If it were not for Rymaka, the nephew of our Lord, I doubt we would even have clova on the estate. He was gored by a wasooki years ago and has no sense when it comes to plants. I think our Lord purchased the clova to keep him busy, but we have never been able to turn a profit on them.”

“I am sure Bakhai will help,” assured Rejji. “Your purchase will prove to be fruitful.”

“Well I have a council meeting to attend this morning, so we can not talk longer,” frowned Wicado. “Perhaps you can straighten up in here while I am gone.”

Wicado rose and gathered some papers. As he started to leave, he abruptly returned and put his papers on the desk. He opened a drawer and took out a small pin.

“Actually, the office really doesn’t require cleaning,” he stated as he stuck the small pin on Rejji’s tunic. “This pin identifies you as my personal slave. It allows you to move about the estate without too much questioning. Do not abuse it or I will be sorely disappointed about the punishment I will be required to administer.”

“Why do you give it to me?” Rejji asked.

“Because you have accepted your life here without the normal attitude of a new slave,” Wicado stated. “I believe you will adjust well and I have something I want you to do that requires it. Rymaka is a spoiled brat and if I get him upset while trying to turn a profit on the clova, I will lose favor with our Lord. I want you to go to the flock and see how Bakhai is making out. Impress upon the boy that he must cure the clova while making it seem like Rymaka has done it. If you can accomplish this, everybody will be happy.”

“I am sure this can be done,” smiled Rejji. “I will see to it immediately.”

Wicado nodded, picked up his papers and left the office. Rejji stared at the new pin on his tunic and headed out of the mansion. The guard outside the mansion immediately turned to Rejji as he exited the doorway and appeared as if he would say something, but his eyes saw the pin and he returned to standing guard. Rejji skipped down the steps and headed towards the flock they had passed on the way in yesterday.