“What’s your name, boy?”
In a voice strangled and soft, Nick managed to whisper, “Nick, sir.”
As quickly as it had ignited, the heat was gone when Shaffer’s fingertips withdrew, leaving Nick cold and trembling.
“Well, Nick, have you read your welcome packet?” Somehow when Shaffer said his name, it sounded vile and filthy, something to be ashamed of. Shaffer flicked one finger at the leather bands around Nick’s wrists and asked, “You belonged to a shaman?”
“Yes, sir.”
“I understand life, rules, were different for you there. Things have changed, so I suggest you read and reread the rules printed out for you until you get them right, boy. If not…” Shaffer snickered. “Well, you had better work on it.”
“Yes, sir.”
Chancellor Shaffer moved off, and Nick wilted in on himself. He pulled one
