Cowards Illusion

FRAGMENT 4

Maesha watched Delmir age, filling out quite a bit by age thirteen. At seventeen, he should have too. He would be a man now. He didn't see it. Not in the yellowy skin, and not in the unmuscled form underneath.

Delmir came to see him now and then, and Maesha said little. If they were caught he would pay for it.

“Dad helped me pick out a horse today. You should see him Maesh. He's the color of ash,” Delmir went on, used to doing most of the talking.

“Some servants ride. I will have to ask dad if I can show you.”

Maesha knew that would never become of anything.

It was at that age when Delmir started looking at Maesha with more intensity.

“Maesh, look at me” he spoke, reaching over and taking the older boys face in his hand.

It was then that Maesha and Delmir had their first kiss. It was soft, and free of demand. Delmir was tentative about it, and Maesha didn't know how to respond, so he stood stock still. Delmir took hold of dirty hair and urged the slave closer to him.

“Filthy demon!” he heard suddenly, and then Delmir was pulled away roughly, and dragged back up the stairs. That was the first time Halden had ever beaten his son. What Maesha received later was much, much worse. It was a while before he saw Delmir again.