Finding Freedom-Part 3
By Shai Ryder
The Master's brother's arrival was a big event in the Jinn house. Xanatos still had not returned a week later when his uncle arrived. It wasn't as though anyone missed him, although Nikos's quiet persona was missed.
Obi was sitting in the foyer's carpet. He had been told to guard the front of the house for when the carriage should pull up. The puppies played in the floor around him, nipping at each other's ears. Master Jinn had named them Wilka, the tiny female pup who had different sized ears, and Farci, the male puppy who, in fact, was actually intimidated by Wilka's pitiful growls.
Obi turned his head to see his Master descending the staircase, his movements stiff. No wonder—he hadn't left upstairs since his coming home. "Master." Obi said in acknowledgment, getting to his feet.
"Morning to you, Obi. I assume you are watching for my brother?"
"Aye, Master." Wilka nipped at Obi's bare toe, making him yelp and jump away, thus stepping on Farci's tail. Both puppies ran towards the kitchen. Obi kept his head down, trying very hard not to laugh. Master Jinn chuckled heartily and stuck his head into the kitchen.
"Cookie!"
"Master Jinn! How come your sticking your head in this stuffy kitchen, sir? Have the boy go get you a drink and sit in the parlor!"
"Yes, ma'am." Qui-Gon chuckled again. "But first I'd like you to have one of the girls take those pups outside. No need for them to get underfoot after you've worked so hard getting this house clean!"
"Aye!" Cookie laughed, sending one of the females to take the troublesome puppies out.
"He's here!" Obi exclaimed, looking out the foyer window.
"Great. Obi run, fast, upstairs and grab my cloak. Get some shoes on and get out there."
"Yes, Master," Obi said, running up the stairs. He rarely got the chance to meet new people, there were so few visitors in the Jinn household. He had been told many great things of his Master's brother.
After he did what he was told, Obi followed a respectful three steps behind his Master. His brother was paying the carriage driver while a boy, younger than Obi, struggled with heavy luggage. Obi glanced up at Master and he nodded towards the luggage rack.
Once his brother saw the slave he spun around to embrace his Master. "Malaki!" Qui-Gon exclaimed, excited from the warm hug.
"Qui-Gon, big brother. It has been such a long time!"
"Yes, and I figure a long trip, so let us get out of the damp air."
"I fear I brought much luggage with me, I cannot be cruel to my boy. Grab a bag if you will."
"Of course not," Qui-Gon easily swung a bag over his shoulder and took a smaller one. Obi was already at the door, loaded down but managing to open the door. The little slaveboy stood behind him, looking absolutely exhausted. Obi swung the door open and stepped aside, allowing his Master and Master's brother inside first as was fitting. He gestured with his head to the little slaveboy and followed in.
"Obi, you and the little one there take up the luggage to the room you've prepared."
Obi nodded, "Aye, Master. May I know your name?" he turned to the little slave boy.
The boy shot his eyes to his Master's, hesitant. "Oh, please! His name is Anakin. He is new, very shy and unsure of himself. Go on, boy. Please me by obeying my brother!" Anakin nodded hastily and followed Obi up the stairs.
"Nice one you got there." Malaki commented.
"Obi is a blessing."
"Where is Xanatos?" Qui-Gon's face clouded. "Oh." Malaki put his arm around his much taller brother. "It's alright, Qui-Gon."
"Aye, I expect him back within a few days. Meanwhile we'll enjoy ourselves!"
Obi smiled at the blond boy who shyly followed him. "This way, Anakin. By the way, I'm Obi."
"Hi." Was a whispered answer.
"How old are you?"
"Nearly eight."
"Wow! You look at least ten."
"Thanks…" Anakin looked down, eyes blinking with sleepiness. Obi took another bag from him and showed him the room.
"The bath is in through the there. There is a pallet for you downstairs if you wish to sleep with me. Or I can bring it up here. I guess it's up to Master Malaki." Obi said, rambling.
"I think he'll want me nearby. He does not yet trust me."
"How long have you been with him?"
"He bought me," Anakin's soft voice broke sharply. "He bought me two months ago. I have tried to be good!"
"Aye, I believe you. Keep being good, and things will get better." Obi tousled the little boy's blonde hair. "C'mon, let's get this luggage up here. You are tired!"
"Yes!" Anakin piped up, following Obi back down the stairs.
Obi tucked the eight year old in, and quietly pulled the door shut. Cookie had cooked a great meal and the dining room was fixed up formally to accommodate both nobles. Obi quietly slipped into the dining room where both brothers were busily engaged in random conversation. Obi moved up to behind his Master's chair and kneeled. He did not go unnoticed though.
"Obi, come here." Obi stood up, joints cracking loudly.
"Master?"
"Is all the luggage upstairs?"
"Aye, Master."
Malaki spoke up, "And my boy?"
"Asleep on a pallet in your room, My Lord," Obi spoke, hesitantly.
"Did you close the door behind you?" Malaki asked almost rudely.
"As you instructed, My Lord."
"Good." Malaki turned to his brother, eyebrows raised. "I don't trust the little snot yet. He seems very good right now because he is so tired. He can be a demon though. Rude, insubordinate, you name it."
"Then why spend money on him?" Qui-Gon asked.
"Because it was a good deal, and my friend needed money. I'm sure with a little discipline and time he'll come around."
Obi watched his Master's hand, signaling him to kneel down next to the chair. He did so quickly. This was not a time to argue or make his Master look bad. "Obi here is a good boy, I'm sure spending some time with your boy may help."
"He looks tame."
"Aye, he is."
"How many beatings did that take?" Obi found his cheeks flaming hot and ducked his head further, thinking of a few days past when Xanatos had strapped him.
"Please, don't venture down that lane."
"Alright. How is…?" Malaki went into another endless conversation.
By the end of the meal, Obi was exhausted. Qui-Gon and Malaki retired, and Obi stuck around to help clean up but was picked out by Cookie.
"You crazy boy, you go to sleep! Kneeling there for two hours! Bah! Go! Shoo!" Obi smiled and ran from the kind cook. "Oh, bring those puppies in first. Take them to your bed, don't want them catching cold. Sweet little things they are."
Obi did what he was told, and fell asleep immediately, both puppies dozing next to his head.