Page 85 of The Toymaker
“I don’t want things to go back to the way they were!” Riju practically shouted. “I don’t want to stay here or marry you. I don’t want to be treated like I’m still not good enough or right in your eyes. I want my own life, damn it, and I’m not going to be abused because I stand my ground. I’m not going to let you manipulate another slave either. Now move, or I swear to Elira, I will hit you!”
Trig’s expression darkened so much, Riju was sure he’d do worse than sprain his wrist if he was close enough. All his words about talking were just that: words. His promises had been hollow too. Riju shifted his right hand a little.
Trig finally moved out of the way, and Kit tugged on his cloak. Cautiously, they moved toward the stairs. Riju grabbed the tail to reel it in so the whip wouldn’t be dragging behind him.
Trig watched them. Riju ushered Kit to go ahead of him, and they started to run. Riju was halfway up the narrow staircase when Trig came thundering up.
Riju didn’t catch what he said. His cloak suddenly tightened around his neck, and he lost his footing as Trig tried to yank him back. Kit shouted. The edge of a step dug into Riju’s shin, and the next one hit his waist as Trig’s weight was suddenly on him. He couldn’t use the whip in the narrow space or get himself positioned.
“Duck!”
Riju ducked his head, and Kit’s foot suddenly flew out. Trig roared in pain, and his weight lessened. Riju jabbed behind him with an elbow as he scrambled to get up and out from under him.
“Fuck!” yelled Trig. “You little shit!”
Kit pulled on his arm. Riju dropped the whip and kicked Trig who had grabbed his nose with one hand. Riju was sure he saw blood. He managed to get up and follow Kit into the shop.
“Don’t you dare! You’re not leaving.”
Kit’s hands shook as he fumbled to unlock the door. They made it out into the chilly air as Trig’s feet pounded behind him.
“Get back here!”
Riju grabbed Kit’s arm and raced down the street. His pack bounced on his back as he held onto Kit’s and tried to breathe through his tight chest. If Trig caught them and managed to drag them both in somehow…He’d likely lock them both in the basement.
The streets were empty, and all of the shops were closed for the night. If they shouted, any who had quarters attached to their shop might not hear. Or they might not want to come out and see what was going on since it didn’t involve them. A fewcrystal lanterns on posts gave off light, and he didn’t see a single person walking home late. Kit managed to keep up with Riju practically dragging him.
Trig’s bare feet slapped the cobblestones behind. What the fuck? Was he really going to chase them so far?
“Riju! I swear to Elira if you don’t get back here!”
Riju had the sudden thought that the guards wouldn’t be near the gate for some reason, and they’d have to make it through the city with Trig chasing them. The buildings toward the front of the grounds were dark, and they darted past a few. Several lanterns by the open gate seemed like a guiding light, and Kit let out a scream.
A head poked out of the guardhouse. “Who’s there?” A man stepped out. “Stop!”
“He’s chasing us-we had to get away-” Kit babbled as they reached the small structure by the gate.
“What the fuck is going on?” asked another guard.
“He’s chasing us!” gasped Kit
The first held up his hands. “Whoa! Who’s chasing you?”
“Stop them!” shouted Trig. “Don’t let them out.”
Riju pulled Kit behind the first guard as his chest heaved, and he forced himself to speak. “He tried to keep us from leaving and-”
“Stop!” shouted the second guard as Trig’s dark shape grew closer.
“I need to get him back inside.” Trig’s breathless voice sounded funny, and in the light of a lantern on the floor, the blood dribbling down his face looked nearly black.
“What the fuck are you doing chasing these two through the streets in your drawers?”
“You know me. Trig? I own…Pleasure and Play, the sex toy shop. I’m not a vagrant chasing people around…”
“Oh.” The first glanced back at Riju and Kit. “Wait, isn’t he your apprentice?”
“Yes. That’s Riju, and Kit’s our pleasure slave. We had a little issue-”
