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

“Therefore, I’d like to grant both of you permission to visit your families. I know it’s unorthodox, but I have special certificates, signed and ready at home, which you may need when travelling. However, there’s one condition and it’s not negotiable. You have to return to me after a month. Naturally, I’ll have to trust you, and if you don’t come back, you don’t come back. But please, Jahl, know this. If you don’t come back, you’ll break my heart. I love you dearly. It’s the only reason I’m doing this. I’d like to think you’ve grown fond enough of me to want to return.” He sighed, as though the effort to make this kind offer was almost more than he could cope with. “Maybe I’m a fool. Maybe I’ve been blinded by my affection for you. But when you do come back, I have something else I’d like to tell you.”


This time, Jahl sat back, refusing to be kept from looking into Brocknor’s eyes. “Tell me now, please, master. Tell me everything now.”


Chapter 21