Free Kingdom's Hope by Chuck Black Page B

from the slave market. It was as beneficial as the taxes he collected, and his wealthy citizens loved to participate. Slaves were an integral part of the Kessons’ economic, social, and labor structure. Of course Kergon reserved first choice for himself, and he chose Leinad, among others, to serve in the palace.
    Leinad wondered if he would ever see Tess or Audric again.
    T HE DAYS BECAME WEEKS , the weeks became months, and the months became a year. Though the bondage for theKing’s people was much more bearable than what they had experienced under Fairos in Nyland, they longed to be free and return to Chessington. Leinad knew that the King was aware of their predicament, and so he encouraged the people whenever he could.
    Leinad’s service to Kergon changed over the months. At first he was kept under close supervision and performed hard manual labor. But as he proved himself trustworthy, Kergon’s captain gave him more and more responsibility and freedom. One of his duties included organizing the purchases required to maintain palace operations. Through these contacts, Leinad learned that Tess had been sold to a wealthy widow who was sympathetic to young ladies up for sale in a city that was less than scrupulous in its treatment of slaves. Though he hadn’t seen Tess since their arrival in the city, he was relieved that she was in a moderately safe environment.
    One day, Leinad was inspecting a number of carts loaded with produce that was to be delivered to the palace. Two other palace servants accompanied him. The shop owner bragged incessantly about the quality of his produce, and Leinad was becoming annoyed with the man.
    â€œYou will not find produce as fine as this in all of Daydelon,” the shop owner said with a smile as he followed Leinad through the inspection. A contract to sell goods to the palace was envied by most merchants.
    â€œI’m sure your goods are top quality,” Leinad said. “But I must inspect them thoroughly anyway.”
    The shop was in the central part of Daydelon called the Market, where the gentle sound of the river mixed with the daily routine of market activity. By night, the river’s flow wasa gentle, soothing lullaby to those near enough to hear it. Large trees and shrubs lined the streets and walkways. The Market was clean and neat and a delightful place to conduct business. On a day like today, with the sun shining bright in the blue sky, the streets were teeming with activity.
    Leinad stepped around the shop owner to advance to the next cart and bumped into a finely dressed woman inspecting an intricate dining plate. The plate fell to the ground and shattered into a hundred pieces.
    â€œOh, I am so sorry, my lady,” Leinad said as he knelt down to gather the broken pieces. He hoped that she was not a lady of importance in the city, for such an incident with a slave could be disastrous.
    â€œYou’re going to pay for that!” the shop owner screamed as he exited the shop.
    Leinad continued to work at gathering the pieces. “The expense is mine,” he said. The shop owner arrived at the scene red-faced and angry.
    â€œHow much was the dish?” Leinad asked.
    The shop owner stated a price that Leinad knew was probably twice its value, but he reached for the palace money bag and hoped he could explain himself to Kergon’s treasury officer.
    â€œThank you, Lady Weldon,” Leinad heard the shop owner say politely as he fumbled to open the bag.
    The woman paid the shop owner, and he disappeared back into his shop.
    Hardly daring to look the woman in the eye, Leinad thanked her. He knew she must be a prominent woman by the shop owner’s response.
    â€œPlease forgive me, my lady,” Leinad said and bowed.
    â€œIt’s quite all right, young man,” she said. “Just be a little more careful when you’re about your business.” Her speech was refined and dignified. “Tess, come along,” she