Jahl lives with his people, the Hamica, in the jungles of a nameless world. They live at one with nature. It’s a simple existence, centred around family and community. One day all this is snatched away when Jahl is captured by slavers. But he’s a proud man from a proud people, and he never shows his fright or anxiety, despite what he feels inside. They take him through the jungle, through swampland and farmland, to a town that has seen many like him come before. In a strange, wooden building in the middle of the town square, Jahl is put into a harness, naked and spread-eagle for all who have gathered there to see. It’s humiliating and degrading, especially when the bidding starts. For the first time, Jahl is truly frightened. Who will purchase him? And for what purpose?

Goodbye to the Jungle

“We’re gonna get a good price for ya,” snarled Garth, his voice low so the others wouldn’t hear. “A specimen like you will go for at least two bags of gold.”


They spoke a language similar to Jahl’s, although there were certain words and phrases whose meaning he didn’t understand. He comprehended enough, however, and the information had an unsettling effect. They’d sell me to whom? What for? Surely not to be eaten. Surely not even these men would stoop to such depths.


He recalled the wise ones saying that knowledge was power. But knowledge, he was beginning to realise, could also be terrifying.


“Why?” he asked. He didn’t turn his head, and asked the question fully expecting it to be left unanswered.


Garth laughed. “Ta make money, of course. Even a dumb savage like you should understand that.”


Jahl tensed his jaw. He balled his hands into fists. “I meant, what will happen to me after you sell me?”


Chapter 3