physical danger, even killed to get me out alive. Now, it seems, you've got therecords of my holdings, most of which you've managed. You could be a wealthyman-if I were dead. Why risk it all in an attempt to pluck a wounded man fromthe midst of his enemies?"

Saliman got up and wandered to the doorway. He leaned against the rough woodframe and stared at the sky before he answered. "When we met-when you hired meyou saved me from the slave block by letting me buy my freedom with my promises.You wouldn't have me as a slave, you said, because slaves were untrustworthy.You wanted me as a freeman, earning a decent living for services rendered-andwith the choice to leave if I felt my fortunes might be better somewhere else."

He turned to face Jubal directly. "I pledged that I would serve you with all mytalents and that if I ever should leave I would face you first with my reasonsfor leaving. I said that until then you need never doubt my intentions orloyalties...

"You laughed at the time, but I was serious. I promised my mind and life to theperson who allowed me to regain my freedom on his trust alone. At the time ofthe raid I had not spoken to you about resigning, and while I usually contentmyself with protecting your interests and leave the protecting of your life toyourself and others, I would have been remiss to my oath if I had not at leasttried to rescue you. And, as it turned out, I was able to rescue you."

The slaver studied his aide's face. The limbs were softer and the belly fullerthan the angry slave's who had once struggled wildly with the guards whileshouting his promises-but the face was as gaunt as it ever had been and the eyeswere still bright with intelligence.

"And why was that resignation never offered, Saliman?" Jubal asked softly. "Iknow you had other offers. I often waited for you to ask me for more money-but