The Songs of Loss, book one : Armanth

Chapter 8- The Linci

"Making any progress?"

Sonia was kneeling before Priscius, proud and arrogant as ever, but looking down with respect. As for him, dressed in a simple loincloth loosely tied at the hips, he slouched contentedly in a wide armchair. To his right, curled up against his legs, looking blissful and a little shaken, was one of the most educated slaves in the house, whom he'd just taken a long moment to recover from the recent loss of Magenta. Despite the anger and frustration that for two days had thundered steadily through the estate, the slave owner was taking the incident pragmatically.

He had lost an asset. A precious and treasured possession, but one that was no different from his dogs, horses or precious vases and would have to be replaced. In all this logic there wasn't an ounce of thought akin to mourning, even if in fact his two days of black anger came close. As for Magenta's body, it had been thrown in the garbage near a tosh pit that would leave nothing behind. He wasn't the type to organize a funeral for a slave, even if it was sometimes done.

Sonia shuddered with desire and twinged at the barely discernible scent of lust still wafting through the soft office air.

"Yes, master, they're beginning to understand their place. The oldest of the three is proving to be very wise. She's stopped rebelling in vain, she's a quick learner and her body was made for dancing."

"Is she beginning to speak?"

"A few words, but she understands most of my commands. The other two help her."

Priscius bent over the slave at his feet, patting her on the head:

"Fetch me a drink."

Then he turned his attention to Sonia, who purposely hinted at the desire the scene had awakened in her, without words or pleading, just in a longing, burning gaze:

"Wise, you say? Wise, a dancer and beautiful. If she's beginning to learn, it's time to give her a name. Athenae would suit her, I think."

Sonia cocked her head to one side for a moment, surprised by the choice, without commenting, of course. A slave could be named anything, no matter how ridiculous or prestigious; the only limit was a custom respected out of politeness never to give her a name resembling that of a free person in her entourage. Not respecting this custom had led to a few dramas and sometimes to the death of the slave, who hadn't asked for anything. But Athenae was the name of an ancient goddess. If her cult was publicly repudiated, it was common for her to be invoked and prayed to, and if you looked hard enough in the city-states around Terancha, you'd find altars and no doubt a few temples dedicated to her and the other gods of the pantheon that spread before the Long Winter.

Sonia quickly came to the conclusion that her master's choice had been made in order to attach the prestige of this name to the girl from whom he hoped to derive not only great price, but above all fame. She was brought out of her reflections by Priscius' thunderous voice:

"It's decided, it's Athenae. Tomorrow evening, she will receive her linci; I want all three of them prepared, Sonia. I'll do it properly."

The educator nodded deferentially, as the girl at her service returned to the slaver, carrying a tray of drinks and snacks. She gracefully displayed all the sensuality of a gait and bearing she had learned by force. It wasn't certain whether she was aware that she would soon be sold on the luxury stands of the Cages Market. This was information she didn't need to know; more often than not, anguish gripped the slaves who learned of it.

Here, in the relative peace and quiet of Priscius' slave garden, women like her came to feel safe. The hardest part of training - and the last three captives hadn't seen the last of it - left its mark on every educated slave. They were weakened by it and, when the pressure finally stopped, they did everything to ensure that their docility and obedience to whatever order was given ensured that they didn't lose the comfort offered to them. They could sleep comfortably and adequately, were dressed in finery, jewels and soft fabrics, had access to baths and toilets, and were massaged and cared for with attention. In a calm and serene environment, they were taught the culture, techniques and arts they would later have to demonstrate in the service of their new owner. Sex played an important role here, both in their docility and loss of inhibitions, and as a reward for their efforts.