“Why is she bound in this fashion?” asked Julian.
“He bound me so!” she said.
“She broke a plate,” said the house master.
“You were clumsy, Gerune,” said Julian.
“The plate was slippery,” she pouted.
“What punishment did you intend?” inquired Julian of the house master.
“I thought five lashes would be sufficient,” he said.
“Master will never permit you to strike me!” she said.
“Why is that?” asked Julian.
“Surely Master remembers last night,” she said.
“Yes,” said Julian. “You are juicing well, learning quickly, and becoming an excellent slave.”
“Then certainly Master will have me released,” she said.
“Certainly,” he said.
“Thank you, Master!” she said, casting a glance over her shoulder at the house master.
“After you have received ten lashes,” said Julian.
“Master!” she cried.
But Julian had left the area.