Cowards Illusion

FRAGMENT 6

Delmir became more careful about his visits, especially after particularly harsh punishments.

The boy snuck down late, pulling Maesha into his lap. This wasn't the first time. He would come in and stroke the pale skin or he would bring a napkin of food. Sometimes he would kiss Maesha, and the slave eagerly started to accept the one gentle touch he felt.

“I don't like this Maesh,” Delmir spoke, running a hand through thin strands of dark, dirty hair. Delmir was fifteen now.

“Maesh, you are nineteen, though you hardly look it. I am nearly a man, and when that happens, things will change.”

A noise at the top of the stairs and Delmir scurried quickly into hiding.

Halden made his way down, fuming about something. Maesha had no idea what he did, and little time to think about it before blow after blow rained down on him.

Delmir could not see very much, but he could ascertain what was going on by the noise. He told himself that he remained in hiding because he didn't want to further anger his father for fear of what he would do to Maesha. It was not a cowardice on his part.