“I find it normal, but looking at it from your point I can understand why you would say that.”

  “The best a slave can hope for is a merciful master that will feed them and keep them clothed. Can you please repeat it - just to make sure I heard it right?”

  I can’t help but smile. Even though he’s 8 years older than me he looks like a little kid. He tries to suppress the smile but it still manages to reach his eyes.

  “Fine. For the last time:

  << I, Bryce Jorn, hereby swear in the name of Eya that I will provide lodging, food and payment to Bruno Keele for as long as his status remains unchanged. I require Bruno Keele to work for me and help me in whatever capacity I see fit as long as his status remains unchanged.

  I also require him to keep hidden whatever I wish to hide for the rest of his life, regardless of his status.>>”

  “Thank you sir. I was confused about that last part when I heard it the first time, but after you told me your story I can understand. If you don’t mind me asking, how much did you pay for me?”

  “I’m glad you brought that up. I paid two gold.”

  I can see his expression unsure. He’s probably thinking that’s way too little for a human life. Especially for a skilled swordsman. I agree but won’t tell him that.

  “I want to make a deal with you. As stated in the contract, you will get paid each week. You will have a fixed salary, from which I will deduct the costs for your room, food and whatever else you need to do your job. You may spend whatever remains in any way you want. However, I will give you an opportunity: after five years of service, if you can give me one gold I will give you your freedom.

  I don’t want an answer now, and I don’t want it soon. I wanted to let you know that option is on the table.

  I know today I dumped a load of information on you, and you’re free to ask me about anything whenever we’re alone. For now I’ll go to sleep now since it’s dark outside. Wake me at midnight for the second watch. It wouldn’t do either of us any good if you’re too tired to protect me from a boar or a bandit attack tomorrow.”

  He just nodded dumbfounded. I hope I didn’t break him with my offer.

  Tomorrow hopefully we arrive at the crossroads. I wonder when It’ll be done. I still need a cook. And I need to build the damn inn.

  It seemed fairly straightforward: use the gold to buy a loyal slave that can fight and protect me from everything and everyone including the Church, build an inn using hired labour, get a cook.

  I guess it is simple, but thinking and doing are two completely different things. When I told Bruno three days ago he seemed excited at the simplicity as well. And eager to start hunting and gathering wood for the inn.

  It feels amazing being able to tell my past to someone. I never trusted anyone, not even my family with it. That contract was the best idea. I didn’t notice the heaviness of it all until it was lifted.

  I really can’t wait to be done camping outside.

  …

  “Sir, it’s past midnight”

  I grudgingly get up and after a healthy yawn nod to Bruno.

  “Ok I’m up. Go to sleep. We leave at dawn.”

  “Did you really mean what you said before going to sleep?”

  “I said many things. The 5 years thing?”

  “Yes.”

  “Look, don’t lose sleep over it. You help me get on my feet for 5 years, you save whatever you can without neglecting your responsibilities and many good things will happen. If everything goes according to my plan you won’t even want to leave. Now go to sleep.”

  “Ok. Wake me up if you hear or see anything.”

  I nod and go sit next to the fire.

  The horses seem fine. Animals are more sensitive to danger than humans after all so I learned it’s a good idea to observe the animals for signs of danger. That was an expense I hadn’t anticipated and should have. It makes sense I’d need a second horse if I get travel companions and want to get anywhere in a timely manner.

  ==Bruno POV==

  Don’t lose sleep over it, he says.

  How the hell can I do that?!

  First he tells me the craziest story I ever heard. Some of the words he used were strange and never heard before, but it wasn’t my place to ask. It’s common knowledge that many nobles treat their slaves poorly and a minor offense can end up leading to a crippling outcome.

  While the King of Auster and his family were good people, the other nobles were not as gracious. I’ve seen how they punished their slaves. An inappropriate question or suggestion and goodbye tongue. A minor offense of any kind and they got the whip. And that count in the south; I don’t even want to think about those girls.

  When he first made that contract five days ago I thought he was crazy. After today I know he’s crazy. Fortunately it’s the good kind.

  If that damn Dawn Empire didn’t invade Auster, I’d still be a free man living my own life. I hope they killed that deplorable count at least. I had come to terms that my life was over, but maybe it’s ok to hope again.

  When he told me his plans 3 days ago, I liked it. It sounded simple and to the point, just like I like my orders.

  -get a guard (done)

  -get a cook/innkeeper

  -get some daily workers

  -get materials

  -build an inn

  -run the damn thing.

  He actually said I won’t want to leave. Entitled brat.

  We still have a long way to the crossroads and I should take him up on his offer to let me sleep.

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