Finding Freedom-Part 7
The warm weather didn't hold out, and a few days later drenching rains came once again. Obi brought in the puppies and hooked them on leashes in the kitchen. It had only been two days since his Master had left for his brother's estate and already Xanatos had brought his power over the household. Cookie and the female slaves no longer hummed or chatted happily in the morning in fear they'd wake their Master. Obi was more cautious of the steps he took, how he rounded the corners, how loud his voice was. He made sure he did not fidget when his young Master's presence.
The only time he conversed with anyone was when Xanatos was gone and he and Nikos chatted quietly. It was no different this afternoon. The only sounds in the townhouse were that of heavy rains on the roof. Obi finished making the bed; clean sheets, and coverlets. Nikos was curled up in a chair, breathing deeply but not asleep.
"Obi, I'm scared."
"What for, Nikos? You said last night was not bad."
"It wasn't. He let me reach release even. But he is getting tired of me."
"Nikos don't say such things. You worry far too much. Occupy your mind with other thoughts?"
"Like what, Obi? Like what!" Nikos exploded, sitting up in the chair. "For pity's sake, I am nearly eighteen! I'm a boy toy, a rich man's nightly fuck. The only real skills that make me of any value is that I am obedient and can read and write. I'll end up chained to a desk, making copies of papers!"
"I don't want to talk about that now, please, Nikos."
"Obi, don't you want to be free?"
"Of course, doesn't every slave? But I know foolish dreams apart from realistic ones."
"And what are your realistic dreams, Obi? How can you hold on to hope when nothing ever comes true."
"Nikos, do you want to be sold?"
"No!"
"But what if someone buys you, someone who is more interested in your brain than your body? You can earn your freedom. Think of that! Think of THAT, Nikos, and your hope will hold out. Continue to please Xanatos to the best of your ability and live."
Nikos looked down at the floor, thinking fast. "Obi…"
"Listen, Nikos. Instead of sitting there moping come downstairs and help me peel some potatoes. The puppies are in the kitchen."
"But if he comes home and I'm not up here…"
"Well say that you were being useful, okay? Tell it to him logically but respectfully. Let's just see how he reacts."
"Let's try it. Those puppies are adorable…" Obi smiled, grabbed his friend's arm, and led him down the stairs.
Obi laid in bed, back aching at any slight movement. There had been little bleeding, luckily, but he felt like he had a giant scrape on his back. This second beating he'd gotten as a slave and it was not any less hurtful than the first. He had buried his head into the pillow after he'd been sent downstairs to block the sounds of Nikos screaming. Obi wondered what the neighbors could possibly think. Then again, they were slave owners as well.
Cookie was ordered not to put the cream on his back. Obi moved to his stomach and sighed, sleep had evaded him for an hour now. His thoughts drifted back to the reason of his 'punishment'.
The two slaves had laughed quietly after they were finished with the potatoes. Obi sat in the floor playing games with both puppies while Nikos watched from a chair. They both jerked as the front door opened and then slammed shut. "Obi!" Nikos whispered, "I should have gone back upstairs. I'm not even doing anything now!" Obi looked around the room. All the food, kitchen supplies were put up.
Obi strained to hear Cookie tell Xanatos where his "shit of a slave" was and what he was doing. The kitchen door swung wide open. Xanatos's dark features burned into Nikos's face. The bed slave stepped forward to kneel. "Get. Upsairs. Nikos. Now!" he yelled. Nikos scrambled past him, his steps nibble.
"You. I know this was your idea because Nikos only would get a silly idea from you." Xanatos grabbed Obi's arm. Tightly. He pulled out his belt from the belt loops, a new fashion for young, rich men. Their hidden meaning was exactly what Xanatos was using it for. He pinned Obi over the chair. One hand between his shoulders, and one grasping the belt. "Move, and I'll do more than just whip you." Obi stilled, accepting the fact that he mustn't move.
The beating was not over quickly. He lost count after ten through his tears and pleas for forgiveness. "You do beg very prettily," Xanatos said nastily, as he dropped his belt, nothing more than a fancy whip. "Yes, I may not have to splurge into my budget after I sell Nikos. I'll just use you, and no one will know."
Obi put his face into the table, breath hitching. Xanatos's sweaty palms grabbed him and pulled him upright. "Now. There will be no more influencing my property. He does nothing without my consent and I'm going to have to go remind him. Tomorrow you'll accompany me to my friend's house. I'm in need of something young and fresh so I don'ts seem cheap."
"Yes, Master," Obi said, sinking to his knees. He cursed himself, wondering what happened to his strength he'd vowed to produce.
"Stay out of my way until then, boy." Xanatos turned to retreat upstairs, but had told Cookie on the way out not to dare care for his slave's back. Obi washed his face with a cold clothe and stumbled into his bedroom. Soon after Nikos's screams had began. And continued. And continued. Finally they stopped and all that was heard in the house was the sound of more rain falling and quiet voices of the female slaves in the other room.
Yet again, Obi found himself laying in bed, body aching, and heart dreading the next day. Would it ever get better?
He dressed in clean clothes, a tunic of light blue and gold trim and black leggings, sturdy black shoes and his hair cut. Cookie smiled at him as he moved stiffly, trying to get some grace back into his awkward movements. His back was aching and making it hard to walk about normally. Obi figured if he wished to avoid other encounters his Master's belt, he'd better do well today.
Shortly before lunch Xanatos came downstairs, sporting flashy new clothes, though mostly obscured by a long black cape. "Come," he said, beckoning Obi over with a finger. Obi dropped to a knee. "Go back to your work!" Xanatos yelled at two female slaves who quickly ran into the kitchen.
"Am I dressed alright, Master? It is the only nice tunic I have."
"Yes. I'm glad I do not have to exercise my belt at this moment. Do well today and I will forgive your past faults, boy." That easy, Obi thought.
"Yes, Master."
Xanatos nodded and led the way to the awaiting carriage. "We are to visit Lord Sidious," Xanatos said, once seated inside the coach, Obi at his feet. "A stately gentleman who is a senator at the court, a great man. It's too bad he's not my Father." Xanatos went on about the Lord while Obi concentrated on breathing. He had a bad feeling…