Chapter 8 The Sale Is Finalized
Rever
If anyone had told me a week ago, or even two days ago that I would be doing this, I would have laughed in their face and ordered that they should be sent to the asylum. But here I was.
I hadn't planned this, yesterday when I saw the weals that were unmistakably from a horse whip on her arm and back (the whip had torn away what was left of her tattered clothes) I felt enraged, my immediate thought had to barge into the house, find whoever was responsible and rip them apart, then I would go to the market and rip all those bastards who had the guts to hiss at her into shreds. It only took me a few seconds to change my mind though.
That was too easy a punishment for them. They deserved death, that much was true, but not such a quick death. They deserved to suffer and beg for death, a slow death that would take their life force bit by bit. I was going to make sure they got their comeuppance, but first I had to get her out of here.
I could have used force, of course, called Lasmay who was already getting worried about my prolonged stay or barge in there as the Alpha and take her way. I had a myriad of options before me, but this was the option that appealed most to me. Perhaps this will make them realize the error of their ways. I thought. Not that I wanted them to realize the error of their ways, I wanted them to remain evil so I could punish them without any pangs in my conscience.
Steeling myself with a deep breath, I gave a quick knock on the door and waited. When she opened the door looking so vulnerable, it was all I could do not to wrap my arms around her and tell her it was going to be alright. I plastered a scowl on my face instead.
" Tell the mistress of this house I've come to see her," I demanded.
" Who do I tell her you are sure?" She asked and it was all I could do not to swoon.
Shaven be damned, even her voice was beautiful.
"Mikel Franson." I managed to say, handing her a note I had written and signed last night, identifying the fictional Mikel Franson as one of my trusted courtiers who was acting on my behalf. To complete the charade, I had gone fifteen miles to the next town where I got an auburn wig to cover my hair and some molding wax to give my face a few subtle changes.
Nodding slightly, she took the paper and went back indoors, closing the door behind her.
Barely two minutes later, the door opened again to reveal a slightly younger girl, she was quite slender, not my type of woman but I was sure a lot of men would fall over themselves to get her. She looked like the type of woman who knew she was beautiful and used it to get what she wanted.
"Mr Franson." She cooed, flipping her hair over her shoulder.
" Please come in, forgive Sharon for keeping you outside, rest assured she'll be dealt with." She continued, grabbing my arm and practically pulling me in.
Sharon. I thought to myself completely oblivious to the grip the other girl had on my arm. Sharon. Her name was Sharon, a beautiful and unique name for a beautiful and unique woman.
Still holding onto my arm, this other girl practically pushed me forward till I was standing in front of an older version of her. I recognized her instantly.
Fania Halfad-Samaf, daughter of Levan Halfad and wife of Barkin Samaf. She was currently the matriarch of the Halfad clan. It was the first time a woman would lead such a powerful clan. She had been laying the groundwork for decades and when her father died eight years ago, she had stepped into his shoes with little opposition. By the time the first three people to attempt an opposition ended up mysteriously dead, everyone else learned their lesson and let her lead. She was a ruthless leader, ruling with an iron hand, working her people extra hard and making sure that anyone who tried to challenge her authority ended up missing or dead. Her marriage to Barkin Samaf, son of the leader of one of the smaller clans had been a careful well thought plan, and after twenty years of marriage, she ruled the Samaf clan as well, her husband nothing more than a puppet who listened to her and did all she asked him to do.
I should have known. I thought to myself as she waved me to a seat. Only someone as wicked and evil as Fania would be so cruel to another wolf.
Well, no more. I was here to take her away.
"What is one of the alpha's courtiers doing so far from home?" She asked as I made myself comfortable on the chair she had indicated.
" Get him a drink Vienna," She told her daughter in the same breath.
" I'm here on a scouting mission for the Alpha," I replied.
" Really?" She asked, leaning forward.
" Yes ma'am," I replied, smiling at her daughter as she returned with a cup of what looked like freshly squeezed watermelon juice.
" And there is someone in your household whom I believe will be an excellent addition to the alpha's household," I added.
" Is that so?" Mother and daughter asked in unison. Their excitement was so palpable.
I almost laughed at the expression on their faces, they probably thought I was there to give the daughter a position in my castle. I almost told them the only part of the castle they would ever see was the dungeons. I didn't though.
I had initiated the charade, I had to go through with it. " Yes, I would like to buy your slave from you."