The Song of Eloh Saga by Megg Jensen Read Free Book Online Page B

couldn’t help but jump to the window. The heavy damask curtains were drawn, leaving the room dark save for the light of three candles on the table. The fireplace looked as if it hadn’t been used in a long time. It was summer, after all, but a bit more light would have been welcome.
    I felt my nails dig into my palm as I made a fist to knock on the inner door. It hurt, but it didn’t hurt as much as the anger I felt. Before I could pull back for another go, the door creaked open. A young boy peered out at me, his bald head making him look more like an old man than a seven-year-old kid.
    “He’s waiting for you, Reychel.”
    “Thanks, Ian,” I sighed.
    He pushed the door backwards, his left leg flexing while his right stood crooked to the side. Although he’d been injured in a horse and cart incident as a toddler, Ian had managed to make himself useful as a personal servant to Kandek. Most rulers would have tossed him out to live on the street, but Kandek had kept him around. Another curious case like my own; my master was full of mysteries.
    “Reychel here to see you, m’lord,” Ian yelled as he gestured for me to follow him to the interior chamber. He shuffled ahead, leading me to an overstuffed damask chair near the window. Sweeping his arm to the side, he indicated I should sit.
    Another door across the room opened and Kandek strode into the room. I pushed myself up as Kandek waved his hands at me.
    “Sit, sit, my dear Reychel. There are no formalities here in my chambers.” He patted Ian on the head. “Out, my boy. Reychel and I have important things to discuss.”
    Ian smiled at me.
    “Did you lose another tooth?” I bent over, placing my thumb on his chin. His grin grew larger.
    “Yep, Reychel, I did,” he said.
    I smiled, feeling some of my anger abate. His youth kept him from assuming any improprieties, a big relief after what happened with Grey. I couldn’t deal with another accusing glance. Behind Kandek’s back, Ian gave me a little waggle of his fingers and hobbled out of the room.
    A scowl forced its way on to my face as I noticed Kandek’s big grin.
    “What’s wrong, Reychel? Today’s your birthday. You should be thrilled.”
    He threw himself into the chair opposite me. Behind his left shoulder was a big window with the shutters closed. It was always the same. We’d have some small talk, then he’d throw open the shutters giving me my only exposure to direct sunlight and my view of the outside world.
    But today he thought I should be thrilled? What a cruel joke. Instead of forcing a smile, I felt my eyes narrow as I glared at him.
    “Nervous about the branding ceremony, are you?” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small leather bag. “Rub this ointment on the back of your neck before coming to the great room. My herbalist tells me it numbs the pain.”
    I took the small bag, opened the drawstrings, and peered inside. A small amount of opaque cream pooled in the bottom. My thoughts drifted back to Ivy’s branding day and the pain she endured all in the name of slavery. I was so sick of being treated different from the other slaves.
    “But why me?” I asked, clutching the bag in my hands. “No one else has ever been given an ointment. They have to suffer the pain for days! I know Ivy, who would never admit it, felt unspeakable pain.”
    “Ivy, hmm?” Kandek stroked his graying goatee. It was in strong contrast to the fiery hair atop his head. “Where is your friend?”
    Cursing my stupidity for even bringing her up, I stared at him defiantly. “I don’t know.”
    “Don’t you?” He stood up from his chair and opened the shutters. My eyes squinted from the bright, direct light as I turned my head to the side.
    “No, I don’t,” I said. At least it wasn’t a lie. I didn’t know where Ivy was.
    “Honestly, I’m not worried about that right now. She’s easily replaced. Anyone can go to the market for cook. How’s the sunlight feel?”
    As my eyes grew used