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

“You must be tired,” he said, walking around the table to Jahl, who stood. “It’s been a big day for both of us.”


He draped an arm around Jahl’s shoulders and guided him across the atrium.


“Tonight, I’d like you to sleep with me. In the morning, after breakfast, I’ll show you your room. But for tonight, I’d like to feel you next to me.”


Brocknor’s room contained a large bed, laden with cushions and pillows, and hung with curtains of rich purples, reds, and blues. There were tall chairs and small tables, and erotic paintings of copulating men adorning the walls, with grape vines painted along the top, framing them.


Brocknor removed his belt and tunic, leaving them where they fell. “You may get in. Don’t wait for me.”


Chapter 10