Free Mercenaries of Gor by John Norman Page B

Feiqa," I said.
    "Yes, Master," she said.
    The men cried out with approval, and smote their left shoulders with pleasure. In a moment Feiqa, vital and sensuous, liberated now from the fear of the free woman, and having felt the whip, in that perhaps being reminded of what might be the consequences of failing to please free persons, addressed herself once more, eagerly and joyously, marvelously and subserviently, to the pleasures of masters. I was so (pg. 63) aroused I was in pain. I could hardly wait to get her back to the camp of the wagoners. From time to time I glanced at Boabissia. She was on her side, trussed, watching Feiqa. In her eyes there was awe, understanding what a woman could be.
    After some Ahn, in the neighborhood of dawn, I returned to the camp of the wagoners. Feiqa walked behind me, slowly, weary, healing me, her body sore, her tiny tunic held over her left shoulder. Near the wagoners' camp I turned to face her. "Before you retire," I said, "I have business for you in my blankets. After that I will tether you for the night."
    "Yes, Master," she smiled.
    In a few moments we had come to the wagon of the fellow who had given us a ride earlier. Near the wagon, naked, chained by the neck to the back, right wheel, was the peasant girl, Tula. In the moonlight I examined her. Under her neck chain was a slave collar. (pg. 64)
    5       We Are on the Genesian Road
    "What are you doing here?" I asked Hurtha.
    "I am coming with you," he said. "I am interested in seeing the world, and will seek my fortune."
    "You have no mount," I observed.
    "Nor do you," he observed.
    "That is true," I smiled.
    "I sold it in the camp," he said, "for some coins. It did not seem practical to bring it. There seem to be few such mounts with the wagons. Too, I do now know where we are going, nor what we will do."
    "The road I project is a difficult one," I said, "and it may be dangerous."
    "Splendid," he said.
    I looked at him.
    "I am easily bored," he explained.
    "Oh," I said.
    "You do not mind if I accompany you, do you?" he asked.
    "No," I said.
    "The matter is then fully settled," he announced.
    "But you must feel free to part company from me at any time," I said. I had no wish to bring him into danger.
    "If you insist," he said.
    "I fear I must," I said.
    "I accept your condition," he said.
    "Good," I said.
    "You drive a fierce bargain," he observed.
    "Thank you," I said.
    (pg. 65) "Half of my coins are yours," he said. "You are welcome to them."
    "That is very generous," I said.
    "Just as half of yours are mine," he said.
    "What?" I asked.
    "As we will be traveling together," he said.
    "How many coins do you have?" I asked.
    "About seventeen copper tarsks," he said, "and two tarsk bits."
    "That is all?" I inquired.
    "Yes," he said.
    "But you sold your tharlarion," I said, "and last night Genserix gave you, as he did me, a silver tarsk."
    "True," he said, "but I used most of that to pay off a few debts. You would not wish for me to have left the wagons owing debts, would you?"
    "Of course not," I said.
    "Too," he said. "I purchased this splendid sword," He unsheathed it and swung it about. He handled it lightly. It nearly decapitated a passing wagoner. It was a long, cutting sword, of the sort called a spatha among the wagons. It is more useful than the gladius, from the back of a tharlarion, because of its reach. He also carried among his things the short, stabbing sword, similar to gladius, and doubtless related to it, called by his people the sacramasax. It is much more useful on foot, particularly in close combat. "Accordingly," he said, sheathing the sword, "I have with me only some seventeen, two. How much do you have?"
    "Somewhat more than that," I said.
    "Splendid," he said. "We may need every tarsk bit."
    "What?" I asked.
    "I have expensive tastes," he explained. "Further, I am an Alar, and we Alars are generous, noble folk."
    "That is a known fact," I granted him.
    "We have a reputation to uphold," he said.
    "Doubtless," I