11
The thirty days were ticking down as Jakira waited for Kalal to collect his dinner leftovers.
“Are you in love with Kalal?” Medi asked as he came to stand by her, out of earshot of Jally Cook.
“No! Why do you say that?”
“Because you always want to serve him and talk to him and keep secrets with him.”
“Oh Medi, I do have a secret with him. And I do not tell you it because I do not want any harm to come to you. Please trust me. I will tell you another time. I will.”
He chewed at his fingernails and then walked away from her and went to help Jally Cook. Kalal arrived and she gave him his plate and pulled him to one side. “I helped you once, I must ask you to help me now.”
“Go on,” said the burly slave, through mouthfuls of his food.
“In five days, I must go back to the Holy
