The Dark Amulet Collection

Chapter 10

At dinner that evening, the new stable boy was the main topic of conversation. Sheldrake, Maud, Eloquin and Jayhan were seated around a long mahogany table, being served with discreet efficiency by Clive.

Maud tore off a piece of bread and dunked it into her seafood chowder. “It was a little highhanded of Beth to employ someone without your approval, Sheldrake, don’t you think?”

Sheldrake glanced at Clive, Beth’s husband, whose face remained impassive, then back at his wife. “I believe the circumstance were unusual. The boy demonstrated quick reactions, intelligence and a remarkable affinity with horses. He acted without hesitation and with some courage to save Beth from that cart horse’s hooves.”

“And then his master beat him around the head so hard, he could hardly stand up again, just for talking to Beth,” interrupted Jayhan hotly. “Of course Beth had to rescue him.”

As Clive passed behind him, he felt the weight of something being slipped into his pocket. When he surreptitiously felt in his pocket, his fingers closed around two metal disks. His silver florins had been returned.

“No ‘of course’ about it. We cannot rescue every well-deserving battered child. We do not have the resources,” responded his mother. She shrugged. “However, I understand Beth was prepared to pay for him with her own money.”

“She was, although I have naturally reimbursed her, since he will be working for us,” said Sheldrake.

“Why did she have to pay for him?” asked Jayhan. “Sasha said he wasn’t a slave…but is he free to walk away from here?”

“Our society does not have slaves, Jayhan.” Sheldrake’s voice developed its didactic tone. “But we do have indentured apprentices, whose masters pay their parents for them in return for their labour. The apprentices can be given a small wage, especially towards the end of their training, but generally they work in exchange for training and board, so that they may eventually become tradesmen in their own right. Bryson would have paid the orphanage for this boy and raised the price because he had given the lad experience, even if carting is not an actual trade.”

“But is he free to walk away?” he persisted.

Sheldrake gave a little cough. “Not exactly. His absconding would be broadcast and no one would take him in or give him work. An apprenticeship is a contract of trust, you see.” Seeing Jayhan about to raise an objection, he added. “If the boy fled far away, he might be able to start again but he would have no money, no credentials and his chances of survival on the road alone would be vexed. A young lad is easy prey.”

“Easy prey for what?”

Sheldrake glanced at him before taking a spoonful of chowder to his mouth. He swallowed unhurriedly before replying, “Other societies trade in slaves. And a child on his own is not safe. There are those among us who would use and a***e a child with no connections.”

“Hmph. Like that Bryson, you mean.” Aware of his mother’s eyes on him, Jayhan scooped a couple of spoonsful of soup into his mouth, careful not to spill it down his chin. When she looked satisfied and returned her attention to her own meal, he added, “Bryson didn’t even pay him, you know, and the boy said he should have.”

His mother asked for more wine and waited while Clive poured it before replying, “We will house him and feed him and Beth will teach him.” As she saw a frown gathering on her son’s face, she added hurriedly, “And I suppose we will give him a small wage. After all, a boy needs a bit of spending money, doesn’t he, for his days off.”

Jayhan let out a breath. “Of course he does.”

Sheldrake smiled. “You seem to have taken this child’s cause to heart.”

“Dad, he saved Beth and I love Beth…and then that carter was so mean to him and…” his voice hitched… “I’ve never seen anyone be hurt like that before. It was so unfair.” He suppressed a sob. “It was awful.”

Sheldrake met Maud’s eyes across the table as he put his arm around his son’s shoulder. “The world is an unkind place for many people, Jayhan. We can’t help everyone, but don’t worry. We will look after your waif for you.”

The boy leaned his head against his father’s shoulder. “Thanks.”