Page 52 of Steel & Thunder
“Okay.” I follow out into the kitchen. I see two small, wrapped packages on the table.
“I got dinner while I was out. Have a seat.” He gestures at the table.
“Wait, like, at the table?” My question is entirely genuine.
“Yes.” A wry smile crosses his face when we take our seats.
I tear open the paper wrapping on what turns out to be a sandwich. A big one. I eagerly take a bite. It’s some kind of bird. Tastes like the soup we had the other day. I see green hands opening the other sandwich, but no bite is taken.
“First, I want to apologize.” I slow my chewing when he starts talking again.
“Why are you being so nice all of a sudden?” I blurt out, unable to help feeling a little paranoid that this might be a trick.
“Because I think it is possible that over the past few days, I have been taking a little more glee in your distress than necessary. Especially given that the circumstances surrounding the ritual challenge seem murky.” He sets his uneaten sandwich down. “I would like to make you an offer.”
“An offer?” I put mine down too.
“Stay with me for two months until your friends have completed their sentences and are released.”
“So, be your slave for the next two months, and if I behave myself enough you—”
“No.” He shakes his head, cutting me off. “It is not a test. There are no conditions. You stay with me for two months, and then I will release you.”
“I... Why not just release me now?” It sounds like a nice offer, but I’m not sure I understand.
“I could, but you would most likely be deported immediately afterward,” he admits somewhat sheepishly.
“What! Why?” That seems harsh!
“Because in the eyes of the city you are a criminal.” Okay, that’s fair. “One from a foreign country with no identification and no money. Every other person you know here is in jail. It is only your tether to me that overrides all of that.”
“So I’m pretty much stuck here then.” Just another thing I don’t really have a choice in.
“It would be in name only.” His voice sounds reassuring. “You would sleep in the guest room. There would be no more cuffs, no more leashes, no more eating from my lap or the floor. You would not have to make any public appearances with me or go out at all. Just live here until you and your friends are able to leave together.”
It sounds like a great offer, really, but... “Why?”
“Because it is the right thing to do,” he answers somberly. “The events that led to our current situation were already troubling, but to find out the extent in which you were misled... As a result, I have hurt you in ways I could not possibly begin to make up for, and for that I am truly, truly sorry. Letting you stay here is the least I can do.”
“I... Thank you.” Oh boy, that got heavy. My words earlier really got to him. I’m not sure what else to say.
“Does that sound agreeable to you?” He sounds less somber now.
“Yes. I accept.” I guess he needs to hear it. I reach across the table to shake his hand.
“Excellent.” With a smile, he shakes my hand before he finally picks up his sandwich and takes a bite.
The two of us eat in silence, both of our minds too occupied with processing all the information to talk. I’m happy. Right? This is a good thing. I can hang out here, and when the guys get out in two months, we’ll be on our way. It’ll be like none of this ever happened. Still a long time to be stuck in jail but at least they’ll be earning some money while they’re in there. Actually...
“What am I gonna do all day?” I’m about three-quarters done with my sandwich when I ask.
“It may be possible to find you a job in town.” Then I could earn some money of my own. “The language barrier might make things difficult, but I could ask around if anyone is looking for some help.”
“Thank you. I’d appreciate that.” He’s really serious about letting me go, isn’t he?
With a smile and a nod, he tucks back into his food and the two of us finish in the next few minutes. After standing and throwing away our trash, Ironstorm washes his hands before turning to me.
“I know we did not do too much today, but I am still feeling rather drained, so if you will excuse me, I will be heading to bed.” He crooks his fingers at me. “Just one last thing.”
