Page 21 of Minotaurs and other Magic

“Then you know what it is.”

“No.” He shook his head and backed away. “I’m not going to run away.”

Rohan held up the collar. “It bears the red flower of the house of Calla, placing you under its protection, and will give yousome leeway should you make an error. Though I prefer that you remain within the palace walls for at least one turn of the moon.”

“I had no intention of leaving them, so I don’t need it. You can’t collar me like you own me.”

“It’s not ownership. You cannot own another person.”

Nate stared at him.

Rohan lowered his hands, a sick feeling taking over his stomach. “You can own people in your world?”

“Not anymore, but in the past… You never could here?”

“No, Nate.”

“Oh, so this place is perfect?”

Rohan shook his head. “If Tariko were perfect, there would be no wars or violence. All diseases would be curable, and no one would go hungry. But we value free will, love, and respect, and we understand that actions have consequences, the same as magic. I am troubled that you do not share the same values.”

Nate’s shoulders slumped. “We have different expectations of normality.”

“We do. And I dislike the sound of your world.” It seemed callous.

Nate nodded. “I understand. I don’t like all of it either. But I am taking your word that the collar is not ownership.”

“Yes. Is my word not good enough?”

Nate opened his mouth. “People break their word all the time.”

“Should I swear in front of an elf?”

“What would that change?”

“An elf can make the words binding, so if they are broken, it becomes painful. I am within my rights to ask you to swear your loyalty for the year. Accidents happen, Nate. Think carefully.”

The human man frowned as he fought an internal battle. Rohan didn’t like the binding words of elves or vampire compulsions, but he understood their place and their many uses.

Nate jerked his head in a nod. “I will wear it.”

“Will you attempt to uphold your words?”

“Yes. I…I think promises are more easily given and broken in my world.”

“You lack the magic for there to be consequences.” Rohan walked toward him.

Nate turned, allowing him to fit the collar. “Perhaps.”

The collar was a narrow strip of leather, with a stamped disk hanging from the center, with a simple clasp Nate would be able to undo. “I am trusting you to wear this.”

“I understand.”

Rohan turned him and tipped his chin, forcing Nate to look him in the eye. “Do you? I am offering you the protection of my family. Your behavior reflects on my family.”

Nate nodded.

“Say it.”

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