Night had long since fallen on the Alba Rupes, so the return of Jawaad and his entourage to his estate, with a sizeable escort, did not go much more unnoticed than the news, spread throughout the city, of what had kept him at the Elegio palace.
The trot of the horses pulling the stagecoach, itself escorted by three mounted guards, clattered on the cobblestones, attracting the attention of the men and watchmen posted at the entrances to the estates making up the upper part of the district. Just about everyone was aware of the news, which was circulating throughout most of Armanth; the previous tragedy caused by a Singer of Loss was three years old and still being talked about. So the interest in this new story, whose content was swelling as new, sordid and formidable details emerged, was only going to increase still further; and the master merchant's return under escort would add further epic flourishes to the tale.
In the coach, Abba held back his anger. It was for his sake that Jawaad had accepted the offer of an escort. He'd been able to see a doctor, while his boss talked to the captain of the Elegio palace guard, but the man of science had been unable to do much except ease the pain and provide the colossus with an elixir that would boost his symbiont's regenerative powers for a few days. However, it was strictly impossible for him to walk other than on one foot; and, given his mass, it would have taken four strong men to carry his stretcher. That left the stagecoach, which had lengthened the journey, even at a trot. Armanth was a city of islands and islets linked by bridges and terraces climbing towards the cliffs. As a result, apart from a few main arteries, there were few lanes wide and high enough for stagecoaches and carriages, which made getting around difficult.
Supported by Jawaad on one side and Damas on the other, followed by Azur, Abba struggled out of the coach. From the villa, a good part of the master-merchant's household rushed to meet them; but the one running fastest was Joran. She sped towards the slave-driver, tearful with panic, having eyes only for her master. Letting go of Jawaad's shoulder, Abba grabbed the tiny girl compared to his titanic mass, who let out an exclamation:
"My master!"
Abba returned her welcome with a brief kiss, taking her lips, before putting her down again, growling in pain.
"I'm fine, I'm fine. Go make us something to eat, mine."
The little slave girl pouted in protest, taking on a pleading tone:
"But I want to take care of you, my master... Please!"
Abba stretched out a smile which, in its gentleness, contrasted with his brutal face, made even more hostile by the pain.
"Obey. Run!"
Joran didn't insist, and even took it in stride, despite his pout, as the inhabitants of the estate all arrived at the entrance. Among them was Airain, also distressed, who approached Jawaad to check on her master. A small crowd gathered, including Janisse and Hembar, the pair of grooms and, looking relieved, Alterma, who had not been the least worried of the household. The master merchant, after a ruffle in the wild fleece of Airain's hair, turned to Azur.
"Go with Joran, have the slaves help him prepare a generous meal for everyone. You'll eat with us."
Azur nodded and headed for the villa, following Joran. Airain stayed behind, lending a hand, as did everyone else, to help the black giant hobble along. The paved garden path sloped gently, but it was no mean feat to hobble along.
Azur was a member of the household, the head of Jawaad's slaves, respectfully referred to as the "eldest" by all. As for Airain, she was her educator and the only slave who didn't obey Azur's every word. Azur was responsible for all the girls in the house. Although appreciated for her kindness and generosity, she was also feared. You couldn't lie to a psyke or hide anything from her, and even Airain, who often took his ease with the discipline of the place, had regretted it once or twice, for Jawaad's favorite also had the duty to punish. In the absence of the masters, she didn't hesitate to do so.
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The Songs of Loss, book one : Armanth
FantasíaJawaad the merchant-master is known as the white wolf, for his solitary, misanthropic nature, his secrets, his adventurous life and his strange friends. And for his wealth, the benefits of which he seems to disdain. Which is surely his most shocking...
