100 Theme Challenge #59

Sequel of #58.

59. Rainbow

The trip back was calm, for the slaves were too scared to say anything, and Marcus let them take in their new life, even if he had not said much about what they would do from now on. His father always complained they didn't have enough servants, and so Marcus was bringing some to him. They would be paid, and once they grew more comfortable, he had the intention of giving them freedom, with the choice to stay to continue working for them. They feared him even if they had no reason to do so. Their attitude had been long beaten into them for their parents were probably also slaves, and so on. They never tasted free life. Marcus intended to change that, but it'd take long, tedious steps.

But there was one of them who kept glancing at him, which Marcus found particular. All the others' head were remaining low, but not his. His brown eyes stared at the scenery of the valleys they were traversing, curiosity painted all over his pretty face. Marcus smiled at him at some point, and the slave promptly looked away.

They reached the castle after a few hours. The clouds were low and broke over them as they were hurrying inside.

"Sir, welcome back," the stable boy greeted him, giving the slaves a curious look.

"Hello Ethras. Could you go ask the servants to ready up baths for our newcomers?"

"Sure can."

"Now, come with me, I'll show you to your quarters."

Marcus felt a pang inside him as he watched the disbelief on their face. It was heartbreaking.

"We will live here, Master?"

"Yes, you will, but I'm not your Master. You have no Master anymore; I want you to understand this. From now on, you will be paid for your services, with three meals a day, a bed to sleep in and a bath as many times as you desire. You may choose a bunk here or one in the room next door, and then I'll make you visit your new home."

He was a bit stressed out this wouldn't work out, but when they began to chat eagerly and smile, he relaxed. The curious man didn't seem at ease though; he didn't take part of any discussion and simply sat on his bed, deep in thoughts and looking sad.

"Tell me, what is your name?"

He looked up, startled. "Chale, Mas- Sir."

"Chale," Marcus smiled. "Do you know any of the others?"

"No, we simply… were put together before the sale."

"Is that why you look sad, because you know no one?"

Chale shook his head. "No, sir. I am really grateful for what you are offering us, it's just that I…" He looked down, tightened his lips together for a second. "I lost my sister not long ago. She was my only family."

"Oh." Marcus didn't know what to say. He already lost family members, but he always had other anchors in his life, including his father. To lose the last person you could count on, he couldn't even begin to imagine what it must feel like. "I'm sorry for your loss."

"Thank you, sir, but no need to. I should be the one apologizing. I'm not fit to the gold you wasted on me." He fidgeted a bit, and the noble frowned. He didn't know him very well, but already he could tell the young man had great qualities. A slave wasn't supposed to be curious, of all things, yet he seemed to want to embrace the world.

Marcus gently squeezed his thin shoulder. "That's where you're wrong. In fact, I'm in dire need of an assistant of some sort, a right hand per say. My guard Castillo already fulfills some tasks, but that was only temporary. Would you be interested?"

Chale was gaping at him. "Sir, I never did anything of that sort before, I was mostly delivering or cleaning, I'm not sure I'd-"

"Then I'll teach you, do not fret. For now, simply answer me with a yes or a no." Marcus was smiling, and hesitantly, Chale did too.

"Then it's a yes, sir."

(What is 100TC?)