'I do not understand,' I said.
'You are a strong fellow, Jason,' said Tenalion. 'I have heard of you. You once defeated the fighting slave, Krondar. I could use a man like you in my service. Remain with me in the camp. I pay well, and the use of most of these women would be yours for the asking.'
'Tenalion is generous,' I said. 'I am truly grateful. But I wish to depart as soon as possible for the city of Ar.'
'Are you truly so anxious to have this woman naked and chained at the foot of your couch?' asked Tenalion.
I smiled. It seemed to me absurd to think of Miss Henderson in such terms. Yet she was attractive. I did not think she would look bad chained at the foot of a man's couch.
'I must be on my way,' I said.
'There is a tarnsman in camp, Andar,' he said, 'who is leaving for Ar shortly. He is a greedy fellow. Doubtless he could be convinced, for a silver tarsk, to grant you passage.'
'My thanks, Tenalion,' I said.
'In three days,' he said, 'you will be in Ar.'
'I am grateful,' I said.
We heard then the scream of a woman being branded.
'Is it the Lady Florence?' I asked.
'Not yet,' said he. 'There are several before her. Here she must wait her turn. Here she is only another girl.' He looked at me. 'Do you wish to wait,' he asked, 'to see her branded and collared?'
'No,' I said, 'she is only another girl.'
