“Sir?”
“Yes, Silk?” Any more, my questions are greeted without annoyance.
“Is it true what you said about Colonel Broc? That he treated me well only to gain my submission?”
“I’m afraid so. It’s a regular tactic of his to win the heart of his new slaves. Not always recommended, but I must admit, it works with hard-nosed cases like you.”
“I was considered hard-nosed?”
“Yes. Also, devious and cagey.”
“Broc lied to me,” I say softly.
“Of course he did. In this world, the ends justify the means.”
I knew that. After this long time, I’m surprised that I wasn’t smart enough to figure it out myself.
For several days, I lie awake at night thinking of my months in slavery. The forgotten memories drift in and out, without my seeking them. I play the conversations with Broc over in my head r
