That singular thought literally throws me off balance. Maybe there’s a rock that shifts my balance or a misstep on uneven ground. Whatever the cause, suddenly, I’m on the ground, the plow twisted behind me as I fall into an exhausted stupor against the damp earth. When I open my eyes, Ian is on my right side, the master on the left, both staring down at me.
“You all right?” Benjamin asks
I think a moment, feel for all the pertinent parts, check for pain. There’s no damage to report. Even when I move, there’s hardly a twinge, maybe in my left ankle, but it’s not much.
“I’m fine, sir. I’m sorry, I lost my balance.”
“You lost your concentration, slave,” the master bites off tersely. His look has gone from concern to irritation. But reaching down, he carefully pulls me to my feet, then ord
