Amanda let out a small, husky sigh of anticipation as the Ambassador's glistening hand reached between her thighs. Behind her, another slave played with her nipples, keeping her sex moist. As soon as Norlan's fingers touched the seal, her pussy tingled with pins-and-needles. She squirmed until the seal dissolved and his fingers sank into aroused flesh.

Amanda let out a moan and closed her eyes. She panted softly as the Ambassador's fingers massaged her womanhood with quick, firm strokes. The other slave snuggled against her back and bestowed tiny kisses along her neck and ear.

"I would make your pleasure longer to match your service to me this morning," said the Ambassador. "But there is much to do now that the final draft of the treaty is nearly ready."

Amanda did not care. She needed the relief, and she already knew the significance of that morning. She did not hold herself back. She let her pussy rise and crest naturally, throbbing against fingers that lay partially inside her tunnel.

Norlan withdrew. He gestured to the other slave, who immediately brought a towel to him. "It is quite the shame that you are not part of that treaty, slave."

Amanda opened her eyes. She did not say a word, but she did not try to disguise her relief.

Norlan smiled tightly. "You know, I would consider keeping you for myself if I had the opportunity. But I have a feeling that you would fetch such a high price on the market that the temptation to sell you for profit would be too great to resist."

Amanda tried not to shudder. At least with Roquan, she was owned once and simply "contracted" to others. She was not bought or sold like some commodity. She could not imagine anyone considering the Urisi system anything but barbaric.

Norlan wiped his hands clean and handed the towel back to the slave. "You are dismissed." The slave bowed and left. He looked to Amanda. "And you are released from my service, as I had agreed once the treaty was completed."

A tiny smile tugged at Amanda's lips. She remembered her place, however, and bowed her head respectively. "Thank you, Master. May I go now?"

Norlan paused, then nodded once. Amanda spun around and fled.

The Ambassador let out a sigh. He was indeed disappointed that he could not obtain Amanda. But his assessment had been right. He would have sold her eventually. Getting her properly trained would have cost him more money that he was willing to spend, as tight as his finances were.

What disappointed him more was Jollis. The main reason he had stalled for so long on the final agreement was in hopes that Jollis would contact him. He was no longer holding out much hope. And without that contact and something else to bring back to His Majesty, he felt this may be his last task as a Urisi Ambassador.

Roquan frowned when Doran swept into his quarters, still in his robe. "Doran, did not your own Healer recommend you avoid rising so early until you ..."

"The Emperor's army is on the march again," said Doran, his eyes dark.

"To the north as Duric expected?"

"Yes, to the north, but not as expected. Doran turned to Roquan's desk, where several maps lat atop one another. He pulled away several maps, letting each one crumple to the floor beside the desk Before Roquan could protest, Doran found the one he wanted and planted a finger on the parchment.

"Here is where he was expected to go," said Doran. He traced a finger up the northeast coast. "Here is where he is actually going." He shifted his finger to the west, to the other side of the mountains. He slid his finger north from the Imperial territories to Talrad Pass.

Roquan raised an eyebrow and leaned closer. "That makes no sense."

"And why is that?"

Roquan frowned. "Is this some sort of test, Doran? I may not be a military person, but it is obvious that there are no points of strategic interest along that route. All the major centers for commerce and trade are along the coast. What possible objective could the Emperor want?"

Doran shifted his finger northward, following the road that traversed the pass. It came to rest at a landmark labeled "D'yoran Manor."

Roquan stared. "Why?"

"You ask me of all people to know the mind of the Emperor? Ha!" Doran lifted his finger from the map and turned fully towards Roquan. "But there is nothing else along that road of any interest."

"Perhaps there is something past it," said Roquan. "Surely the Imperial legions intend to bypass the Manor and head further north. What else is there further on?"

"To the north, another Overlord Manor. Trennan's I believe. And along the road that branches to the west, Freya's Manor."

"This is ridiculous. You are suggesting that the Emperor is attacking the Overlords directly. Even he would not be so stupid."

"I only know that the other Overlords consider it enough of a possibility that they are giving Duric no end of grief about it, gods damn them!" Doran thundered. "They were set to allow Duric to transport several small regiments to the north to bolster their defense once the campaign began, and now they are balking at that."

"They are cutting their own throats. If the Overlord Manors are to be attacked, then those regiments are even more vitally needed at the Manors."

Doran frowned. "But realize where they are attacking first, Roquan! Do you seriously believe the other Overlords will lift a finger to assist Gronnus of all people? Especially now that his finances are on the mend?"

Roquan paused. "I had not heard that."

"Oh yes! He has suddenly managed to pay off all his outstanding debts from the Conclave and most of his long-standing loans from other Overlords. With interest! None of the other Overlords wants to see Gronnus reenter the market. They had hoped he would quietly fall into bankruptcy, and they would claim the spoils when his Manor was dissolved."

Roquan's eyes became ice. "I need to speak with Lord Duric."

He started to turn. Doran caught his arm. "No, you most certainly do not!"

"Doran, stop it. I need to ..."

"You need to focus on this treaty. It is not done yet until it bears both your signature and seal and the Ambassador's as well. If you get distracted, it will allow him to attempt to sneak in additional clauses!"

"But Duric may need my counsel. He may need me to speak for him to the Overlords ..."

"Roquan, you do not have that sort of influence anymore. Do you understand me?"

Doran looked earnestly at his friend and jerked his head once towards the place where Roquan kept his Farviewing pearls. Roquan's eyes flicked in that direction as well. He let out a resigned sigh. "Yes, I understand. But what I wish to know is where Gronnus is getting his platinum," said Roquan.

Doran let go of his arm. "Perhaps he was granted a windfall from the Emperor."

"It was my understanding that Z'haas had no further use for him."

"For all we know, Roquan, he could be in collusion with the Emperor. Perhaps there is something else to this choice of invasion route that we do not know."

"I highly doubt that. There is little an Overlord Manor can offer the Imperial legions. And considering the Emperor's attitude towards the slave trade, it is unlikely that he would send them merely to partake in pleasure from the slaves. No, Doran, whatever is happening, it is coming exclusively from the mind of the Emperor."

Doran frowned. "In that case, lots of luck trying to figure out what that is!"

A smiling Vanlo picked up the flask, its contents crystal clear and nearly glowing in the sunlight that shafted down from the milky skylights. "I have good news for you this morning, Amanda."

"The potion is ready?" Amanda asked excitedly.

"Indeed. And his Lordship has consented to allow it to be used on Sirinna."

"Oh, that's wonderful, Master Vanlo! Should I go fetch her now?"

In the background, Lanno smiled in response to Amanda's delight.

"In a moment." Vanlo set the flask down. "Amanda, I wish to convey to you how important my oath as a Healer is."

Amanda tilted her head questioningly, but she nodded just the same.

"And that means I would much prefer to have some sort of informed consent before I use something experimental. It is one thing to use something in a time of emergency when a patient may die without prompt treatment, but this is something altogether different."

"Yes, I understand, you mentioned something like this to me before, Master."

"Ah, good, you remember even if I did not. Do you know what this means in this context?"

"Yes, Master. You want Sirinna to consent to it and not just do this because she's being ordered to do it."

"Exactly."

Lanno stepped forward, "Wait a minute, Vanlo. You want Sirinna to actually agree to this? Of her own will?"

"Yes, Lanno, that is indeed what I want."

Lanno smirked. "Aren't we sort of running in a circle here? You want to use this to boost her intelligence, but you need that intelligence for her to agree to take it."

"It's okay, Master Lanno," said Amanda with a small smile. "Sirinna is actually already intelligent. In fact, it seems like she's gotten more so since I've known her. I think I can make her understand enough."

Vanlo stroked his beard thoughtfully.

Lanno shrugged. "Well, all right. So is the Overlord going to show up for this?"

"We will conduct this at midday, after his Lordship has concluded his business with the Urisi Ambassador. He should be available by then."

"What of Overlord Rennis? I heard he was coming to the Manor as well."

Amanda looked surprised but then smiled. She knew how much Rennis still adored Sirinna. This was sure to make him happy.

"His Lordship informed me he will be arriving early tomorrow," said Vanlo. "Which will allow me to perform a thorough examination of Sirinna and insure that she is suffering no ill effects from the potion."

Amanda's smile widened. Finally she would be able to talk to Sirinna on a more intellectual level. Maybe she could get Sirinna to read her history scrolls. Then Sirinna could actually understand the history behind her own enslavement. Then maybe Sirinna, too, will want something beyond her own little world.

Vanlo turned to Amanda. "I will release you from duty a little early today, so that you may speak with Sirinna."

"Yes, Master Vanlo, of course," said Amanda, nodding quickly.

"Very good. Now, I have other matters to attend to, so I will leave you to your morning tasks."

Amanda watched Vanlo leave. She was so caught up in her own hopes that she did not notice Lanno had stepped up to her until he had slipped an arm around her waist. Amanda gave a start and flinched.

"Oh, sorry," Lanno said sheepishly, and started to withdraw his arm.

Amanda grabbed it and tugged. She smiled. "I know what you're going to ask."

Lanno grinned. "Am I that obvious?"

"Yes."

He laughed. "Well, I did notice that you were no longer sealed."

"No, I'm done with that, thankfully."

"Then shall we take advantage of that soon?"

Amanda delicately placed a hand to his chest. "Soon. Just ... not tonight."

Lanno did look disappointed at first, but he nodded in understanding. "Sirinna gets you first. Lucky girl."

Amanda hugged Lanno. Her lips curled into a mischievous smile near his ear. "If it helps any, I really missed feeling your manhood inside my wet tunnel," she whispered in a sultry voice.

She felt Lanno shudder and heard him let out a husky sigh. His arms tightened around her.

"Should I mention how much I missed feeling you cum inside me?"

Lanno did not reply, but Amanda felt a growing pressure against her from from his crotch. She giggled softly.

Lanno broke off the embrace. "Now, stop that."

"Am I being naughty again?"

He grinned. "Oh yes, I'd say you were."

"I guess I'll get that spanking after all, then."

Lanno smiled. He was delighted to see Amanda happy again. "I'd say you will, all right," he said in an affectionate voice.

Amanda gave him a brief kiss on the lips. "We better get to work."

"I am contacting you, Doran, in hopes that I will still find the same reasonable and even-tempered statesman that I remember from the Conclave."

Doran regarded the Farview image of Overlord Trennan with a calm but distant air. He said nothing in response to this backhanded compliment and chose to let the elder Overlord continue to state his case.

"I am aware of your close relationship with Overlord Roquan," said Trennan. "But surely you must realize what a travesty his actions are to the long-standing traditions of the Overlords. This is especially heinous considering that he is destroying the very platform on which he stood at the Conclave to make his case."

"With all due respect, Overlord Trennan, it was the platinum that exchanged hands and the trail of blood in the sand from Roquan's slave that ultimately made his case for him," Doran declared.

Trennan paused and frowned. "That was uncalled for."

"On the contrary, it is about time that it was pointed out!" Doran waggled a finger at the Farview image. "You cannot conceivably deny that much of what swayed the Overlords at first was the fact that Roquan could deliver more on the deals that he made against Gronnus' offerings."

"Yes, and by using a slave as a spy."

"And had he not done so, Gronnus would have swayed the Conclave, and ..."

"And we would not have this war," said Trennan flatly. "The fact of the matter is that this war is quickly becoming very unpopular with the other Overlords. They are starting to call it 'Roquan's war' now. They see no reason to continue to support it."

"There is no cause to support it any longer," said Doran. "It is for the Noble Lords to wage."

"Meanwhile, the slave trade suffers."

"Which Roquan is about to solve. He signs the treaty with the Urisi in no more than another day."

Trennan paused. "I had not heard that. This is ... good news indeed."

Oh, had not your precious lackey Freya informed you? Doran thought venomously.

Trennan sighed. "It seems that my assessment of you was in error. You appear to be firmly in Roquan's camp."

"This is not about taking sides, Trennan! It is about looking at the entire picture. You condemn Roquan without taking the time to see it in the bigger scheme of things."

"His transgressions cannot be overlooked."

"Fine! Don't overlook them! Bring them out into the light of day if you must! But do not for a moment think that Roquan will accept condemnation quietly. Do not for a moment think he does not have allies. Do not for a moment think that he is diminished in any way in the eyes of the Noble Lords, who are still our primary clients despite this treaty."

Trennan frowned. He recognized the veiled threat for what it was: don't push Roquan too hard or his satisfied customers may push back for him. "Something must be done."

"Oh, I am sure something will. I am not a fool, Trennan, and neither is Roquan. We know that there will be fallout. We are not expecting this to be overlooked. But there are degrees of punishment and censure." Doran narrowed his eyes and stepped closer to the Farview. He raised a finger and waved it in admonishment. "And I would watch very carefully who you associate with, Trennan. Very carefully. Because if you insist on bringing to light one Overlord's indiscretions, I will personally insure that all transgressions by any Overlord are uncovered."

Trennan narrowed his eyes. "Very well. So you know where I have obtained my information."

"Yes, and I have some idea of how she did it as well!" Doran boomed.

Trennan paused for a long moment. He let out a slow sigh of resignation. "I am not at all happy with the means by which Overlord Freya did so."

Doran counted that as a small victory. He knew he was tipping Roquan's hand by revealing that they knew of the eavesdropping spell on the pearl. But he had gambled that Trennan's integrity was such that he would view Freya's actions with disgust, and he had won. Now he gambled that Trennan would keep that bit of knowledge to himself.

"Yes, but I see you use it to your own advantage," said Doran.

"Only because I weighed the two matters and found Roquan's indiscretions the heavier of the two."

"And you do not consider anything else that Freya has done to be 'weighty' enough?"

Trennan frowned. "No allegations against Freya concerning her treatment of her slaves has been proven."

"Yes, but I do note that this is what immediately leapt into your mind."

"Stop it. I do not play these games."

"Tell me, Trennan, have you been contacted by the Healer Guild?"

Trennan hesitated. "Yes."

"About Freya?"

"And about Roquan and his Healer!" Trennan added.

Doran waved a hand in dismissal. "Do not change the subject! What would you say if I told you that we have learned what Freya is actually doing?"

Trennan's face became stone. "And what would this allegedly be?"

"Altering the Draught to eliminate the need for Portal-shock as a prerequisite, and then using it on Narlassi peasants."

Trennan was shocked into silence.

"So now, my dear Trennan, is that weighty enough for you?"

"You misinterpret my reaction," said Trennan in measured tones. "I was more surprised that you would take such leave of your senses as to accuse a fellow Overlord of such a monumental crime. If I did not know you better, I would say you are attempting to divert attention away from Roquan."

"Blazing hellfire, of course I am!" shouted Doran. "Freya has a longer list of indiscretions than any Overlord in recent history. If you want to clean house, Trennan, you need to see how truly filthy that house has become!"

Trennan's eyes blazed, and he initially remained silent. Doran could claim a small victory. Present Trennan with a clear case of logic, and it forced him to stop and reassess.

"This is assuming your allegations are true," said Trennan in a low voice.

"And if they are, Trennan? Entertain that possibility for a moment. What would be your response?"

"She must be stopped. At once."

"Then you will support any action that Roquan and I may choose to take?"

"I did not say that."

"Then what would you propose? Take it before the other Overlords? Summon a formal Conclave like I am sure you are considering for Roquan? How long before Freya gets wind of people moving against her? Perhaps then she will decide to use more illicit tactics. Perhaps she will use them against you this time."

Some of Trennan's composure slipped, his voice rising. "Do not think that the matter with Roquan will be buried, or that he can claim himself a hero in any action he takes against Freya! And to be honest, Doran, I still find that accusation incredibly difficult to believe. So if he does take action, and it was unwarranted, he will have buried himself in the process! He will be deposed and his Manor dissolved! Do I make myself clear on this, Doran?"

Doran frowned. "As crystal, Trennan."

"Good day to you," said Trennan curly.

"Good day to you as well."

The Farview image faded.

Doran sighed and placed a hand against his chest, pain squeezing his heart like a vise.

"Master?" said his slave with concern.

Doran pointed a shaking finger towards the table near his bed, where several vials lay filled with the same greenish potion that Vanlo had administered earlier. The slave dashed to the table and fetched a vial. Doran sank into a chair as she handed it to him. He popped the cork and downed the contents in one go.

The pressure eased, and he let out a rattling breath. He stared at the empty vial in his hand.

I definitely need to retire after all this is over, he lamented silently.

Sirinna looked perplexed. "Love, I'm not sure I understand ..."

Amanda tried hard not to be impatient, but she was too excited. She felt like a little kid on Christmas morning. "What is it that's confusing you, Sirinna?"

"You said this is supposed to fix my intelligence?

"Well, something like that," Amanda said. "I think I worded it wrong. It's more like it will boost it. Set it to what it should have been."

Sirinna considered, then shook her head. "I'm sorry, Amanda, I'm still not getting it. Master Roquan always praised me for my intelligence. What's wrong with it now?"

Amanda was trying to find the right words. She did not want to make it sound like she thought Sirinna was deficient (even though she was), or, worse, that Amanda thought her inadequate (which she did not).

"There's nothing wrong with it, really. It's just that it could be more."

Sirinna nodded slowly. "But ... do I really need it?"

Amanda was a bit surprised by the question. "Huh?"

"I mean, will this make me a better slave? Will I please Master Roquan if I ..."

Amanda waved her hands and shook her head. "Look, forget Master Roquan for a moment, okay? This is not for him, this is for you."

Sirinna smiled softly. "It's always about him, Amanda. He is the one that I need to please."

"But that doesn't mean you can't do things for yourself. Like ... like us!"

Sirinna tilted her head, as if listening to a far-off sound. Sensing a glimmer of understanding, Amanda plunged ahead. "Yes, like us. That's not really something for him, is it? Master Roquan was actually upset at you over it."

"Well ... yes ... but he's not anymore."

"But you're still not doing it for him. You're doing it for you. For us."

Sirinna finally nodded. "Yes, I am doing this for us. I care very much for you, Amanda, so of course I do this for us. Is that what you want me to do? You want me to take this potion for us?"

Amanda sighed in exasperation. "No. For you."

Sirinna sighed. "I'm sorry, I guess I'm not seeing it like you do." She paused. "Wait ... is that why I can't? Because I need this ... what did you call it? ... a 'boost' to my intelligence?"

Amanda smiled. "Yes, that's it! That's why you have trouble with concepts like this!"

Very slowly, Sirinna nodded. "I think I see ..."

"That's what I mean, Sirinna. If you take this potion, you'll be able to understand things like that. You'll be able to understand me a little better when I talk about things outside of my slave duties."

Sirinna's face lit up. "I will? Love, I so want to know what you mean when you talk of such things. I guess I do feel like some part of your life is closed off to me."

"Then this will help you. So will you do it?"

"Just one more thing, Amanda. Will this change what I feel about my slave duties? I mean, I'll still want to do them?"

"Yes, I'm sure you will. You've done it all your life. I don't think you would want to change that."

The reality was that Amanda was not sure. Vanlo had not mentioned anything about it. In fact, there had not been much discussion of the aftermath. In the back of her mind she wondered if perhaps they should have discussed it, but it was too late to deal with that now.

Amanda did hope that Sirinna would find interests outside of slave duties anyway.

When Sirinna still looked unsure, Amanda added desperately, "Master Roquan already gave permission. I don't think he would have done that if he thought it would hurt you in any way."

Sirinna relaxed and smiled. "All right, in that case, let's go."

Amanda beamed and took Sirinna's hand and led her out of their shared quarters.

In her mind, Amanda had accomplished what she had set out to do. She had managed to get Sirinna to agree of her own will to undergo this treatment. She had no way of knowing -- or more likely simply did not notice in her excitement -- that just the opposite had happened.

Sirinna was still nervous. The tiny glimmer of understanding that she had mustered over the past moon told her that the Draught had been partially responsible for her success as a slave. She wanted nothing to interfere with her continued loyalty and desire to please. She still could not reconcile what she wanted with what others wanted of her.

So when Amanda had said "Master Roquan already gave permission," what she heard was "Master Roquan wants you to do it," which made it an order and thus well within her comfort zone. Now she was doing it to please Roquan, as was proper. Certainly her Overlord would know what was best for her.

"This paragraph would be better opened this way ..." A quill pen scratched across parchment as the Ambassador applied his correction.

Roquan nodded. "Very well. But clarify this clause here." He pointed. "Make sure it states more clearly that any representative ..."

"Ah, yes. That was actually the intent. Good catch." More scratching, then a pause. "Hmm. This word is inadequate here. How about ..." He crossed out the offending word and wrote in a new one.

"That works better, yes."

Norlan smiled and put the quill pen down. "And that, Overlord, is that." He picked up the parchment. "Both our versions reconciled and edited. This needs only to be transcribed to a fresh parchment and will be ready for signature and seal."

"It has been a very long road indeed."

"Yes, but we came to agreement in the end, that is what matters."

The Overlord still believed that the Urisi were getting too much, but he was anxious to move on. He was tired of the wrangling over the details and having to play the statesman. And he was, frankly, tired of the Ambassador.

"I assume you would not mind if I perform the final transcription?" asked Norlan.

Before Roquan could respond, there was a loud, insist knock at the door. "Hold," he declared. "I would prefer it, actually, as I have critical Manor business I must attend to today that I would rather not put off."

The Ambassador nodded. "In that case, we should have this done within two or three days at the most."

"That long?"

"I wish to review this with His Excellency, the High Minister of State back in the Urisi Nation. Since this treaty took a great deal of time to hammer out, he would like a preliminary look at it. I do not expect him to object to any of the terms, rest assured."

Roquan paused, then nodded once.

Norlan was stalling a bit more. He held out hope that Jollis might yet contact him, and wanted to make sure he was still in Oceanus when that happened. He realized by that time that it was a long shot, but his career depended on it. And he did not want to give Mandas the satisfaction of one-upsmanship on him.

"I do admit that I wish you would allow me use of Amanda again before I ..."

The knock came again.

Roquan frowned. "Hold and be patient," he called out. "My apologies. I would give Amanda to you only if you would not use the seal upon her. While I have conceded the point in the treaty, within my own Manor, I feel I ..."

The door burst open. "Roquan, I will not wait! I must speak with you now!"

Roquan looked taken aback. "Good gods, Rennis, what are you doing here now? You are not expected until ..."

A haggard-faced and harried Rennis rushed up to Roquan. "Roquan, please tell me you have not used it yet! Please tell me you did not apply it to Sirinna!"

"Rennis, this is not the time. Please wait outside for one moment longer and ..."

"Damn you, tell me! Did you let Vanlo use his potion yet, the one that counters the Draught's ..."

"Ambassador Norlan," Roquan said loudly. "From the Urisi Nation, I present Overlord Rennis D'glounaas."

Rennis blinked and stared at Roquan as if to dare him for attempting to steer the subject away from Sirinna. Finally, the words registered, and he drew back. "Yes, my apologies, Roquan," he said in a more subdued voice, but with a lingering edge of tension. He turned stiffly to the Ambassador and bowed his head. "Good day and well met, Ambassador."

Norlan smiled congenially and bowed his head in return.

"The short answer to your question, Rennis, is 'no,'" said Roquan.

Rennis let out his breath as a relieved sigh. "I must speak with you before you do."

"Very well. I will do so when I am finished with the Ambassador."

"Actually, we have concluded for the morning," said Norlan, stepping forward. "I will get on the transcription immediately after the midday meal. I will let you attend to your business with the Manor and your friend."

"Good day to you, then, Ambassador," said Roquan.

"Good day to the both of you," said Norlan as he made his exit.

Rennis watched the Ambassador leave before turning back to Roquan. "Doran had contacted me the other day, to tell me about what Freya was doing with ..."

"Stop."

Rennis scowled. "I will not be silenced on this matter! Sirinna may be yours, but I still care for her enough to ..."

"Enough. Rennis, please, wait one moment. Please."

Rennis let out an exasperated sigh. "Very well."

Roquan found a blank parchment and picked it up carefully so that it did not rustle. He took it and the quill to a far corner of the room and scratched out a message, using as light a touch as possible so the noise of the quill would not carry.

Rennis looked on in confusion as he was handed the parchment. He opened his mouth to speak, but Roquan waved him silent and pointed urgently to the document. Rennis looked down and read: Our speech is being monitored in these chambers by Freya via illicit magic.

Rennis' jaw dropped. Roquan gave him a grave look in return and nodded once. Then in a clear voice he said. "Now that you have calmed down somewhat, Rennis, I insist that I show you to your quarters so you may freshen yourself. Your rush to get here has covered you in dust from the road."

"Yes. Yes, of course. That would be well and good."

"This way, then ..." Roquan and Rennis quickly left the building.

"Great gods, Roquan, are you sure of this?" Rennis cried after they were away, brandishing the parchment.

"It is how she has learned of my indiscretions. I am surprised Doran did not tell you."

Rennis' fingers curled and crumpled the parchment. "That ... that woman ... blazing hellfire ..."

Some way down the road, Roquan stopped and turned towards his companion. "We will talk about this in due time. What is this you wish to speak to me about?"

"Doran told me what Vanlo has been doing. What he's been really doing."

Roquan held up a hand. "When I spoke to you that last time over Farview, I was under the impression he could do nothing against extant slaves. This is a new development."

"And Vanlo kept it from you!"

"No more accusations. I have had more than my fill of them. Get to the point."

"The point, Roquan, is that you cannot use that potion on her. Not in its present form, if it will unlock any of her memories."

Roquan sighed. "Rennis, I believe the risk is small. She will not revert from a lifetime of loyalty and duty to ..."

"That is not what I mean! You release her memories, even a little bit, and it might destroy her."

Roquan stared. Rennis was not known for hyperbole. "What possible memories could do such a thing?"

Rennis told him.

Roquan's lips parted in shock. "Are you sure of this?"

"Roquan, I recruited her myself. I saw it first hand. You cannot subject her to that. Why do you think I dote on her so much even after I sold her to you? Why do you think I fret over any little thing you convey that suggests something is out of place? I am always worried that this will come back to haunt her someday. It's the real reason I regretted selling her."

"Wait."

Rennis fell silent. Roquan gave Rennis a measured look. Rennis' eyes were unapologetic.

Roquan frowned. "You knew."

Rennis looked uncertain. "Knew what?"

"About the Draught. About how it suppresses memories rather than eradicates them. You knew."

"Now who is making accusations, Roquan?" snapped Rennis. "Look, you can call me to task for that later. Right now, I need you to put a stop to using this potion on Sirinna."

"Your arrival, in that case, was fortuitous. It was to happen today at midday."

Rennis looked stricken. "You have to stop it!"

"It will not happen until I arrive. I will stop it for now."

"For now?"

"I need to think this through. You have handed me a revelation about Sirinna that you should have told me years ago. I promise you that I will do nothing without informing you first."

Rennis sighed and nodded. "Thank you."

"I will insist you explain this to Vanlo. I want him to know. He should know everything that could ever affect his treatment of a potential patient."

"Just do not tell Sirinna. It could trigger the memory to come out on its own."

"Agreed. Let's go now and take care of this."

"Now, my dear," Vanlo began. Sirinna looked up from where she sat on the examination table, giving the Healer her undivided attention. "I should let you know that while you generally should not feel anything when you drink this, it is possible you may become a bit lightheaded. But rest assured, if you do, Lanno and I will be right here."

Sirinna nodded and smiled. "Yes, Master, I trust you."

Amanda's gaze kept flicking from the two of them to the flask that sat on the nearby table, her anxiety rising in equal measure to her impatience. It was only now that she was growing concerned that the potion might affect her lover adversely. While she had faith in Vanlo, they were, in effect, experimenting on Sirinna.

But, ultimately, she wanted to see this done. She could think only of the possibilities were she able to hold a truly intellectual conversation with Sirinna. It would at least help quell any doubts she may have had about their relationship.

"I've double-checked everything, Vanlo," said Lanno. "We have everything at the ready should an emergency come up."

"We probably won't need it, I would think," said Amanda, mostly to reassure herself more than anyone else.

"It always pays to be pragmatic about these things," said Vanlo gently.

Amanda nodded. "All right. Um ... do you want me to bring you the flask now, Master Vanlo?"

"We are to await his Lordship's arrival. He wished to oversee this. I do not believe we will need to wait for long. He seemed most enthusiastic himself."

Amanda smiled. It helped further her hope that Roquan was beginning to see the merits of giving his slaves more leeway to decide things for themselves.

Lanno craned his neck. "Actually, I think he's here, but ... wait, he has someone with ..."

Sirinna's eyes went wide, and she gasped in surprise and delight. "Master Rennis!"

Amanda's head whipped around in time to see both Overlords Roquan and Rennis walk into the room. Before Amanda could say a word, Rennis crossed the room, ignoring everyone else, and stood beside Sirinna.

"Master, I'm so glad to see you again!" Sirinna gushed.

Rennis gave her a weak smile and caressed her cheek lovingly. "Same here, Sirinna," he said in a relieved voice.

"Master, are you here to see me have my intelligence boosted?" Sirinna asked excitedly.

"Not exactly, Sirinna. In fact ..."

"I regret to inform you all that this test of the potion on Sirinna is suspended indefinitely," Roquan announced.

Amanda stared, the shock having robbed her of her voice.

"Is there a problem, your Lordship?" Vanlo asked in earnest. Lanno stepped forward as well, confusion creasing his brow.

"I will need to speak with you and Lanno privately," said Roquan. "Rennis needs to inform you of something critically important. If you would please ..."

"Wait a minute!" Amanda suddenly blurted. "What's going on?"

"Amanda, I will inform you in due time. But right now I ..."

"No, wait, I want to know right now!"

"Amanda!" Sirinna hissed.

Amanda ignored her. "What are you talking about? Why can't Vanlo give her the potion?"

Rennis looked at Roquan. "Hellfire, Roquan, she is as defiant as ever," he said with no trace of amusement.

"This is not the time," Roquan said.

"You already agreed to it!" Amanda cried shrilly, her eyes tearing. "You already said yes! This isn't fair!"

"Amanda, I have good reason to stop this, now if you would ..."

"Then tell me what in the hells it is!"

Sirinna leapt off the examination table and grabbed Amanda's arm. "Amanda, stop it! You are being very rude and disobedient! You ..."

"I'm being rude? Master Roquan is being unfair, both to you and me!"

"AMANDA!" Roquan thundered.

Amanda struggled to say something else, but her throat closed up. Tears trickled down her cheeks. Sirinna tried to gather her into her arms, but Amanda pulled away, sobbing once.

Roquan's eyes flicked over the others. Rennis stared at him as if wondering what got into him, allowing such obvious disobedience to go on for so long. Vanlo simply stood placidly to the side, his hands folded. Lanno looked somewhere between sympathy for Amanda and intense curiosity.

Roquan took a deep breath and let it go. "Sirinna, return to your quarters, I will speak with you later."

Sirinna slipped off the table. "What about Amanda, Master? Do you wish me to punish her?"

"No."

Rennis raised an eyebrow.

"Amanda will stay here. I will speak with all of you concerning this matter."

Rennis looked aghast. "Oh, come on, Roquan! I know you're letting up on Amanda because of her Draughtless status, but I do not care for her to ..."

"That is my decision, Rennis," said Roquan. "Sirinna, go."

Sirinna glanced from Amanda to the others and nodded. "Yes, Master."

Rennis watched her go. Once she was gone, Roquan stepped up to him. "If you wish Amanda to be kept to secrecy, she will abide by that. I trust her implicitly. She has never once violated a confidence of mine."

"Why can't Sirinna hear this, Master?" Amanda said in a more calm voice.

"That will be made clear when Rennis explains himself."

Rennis looked at Amanda and sighed in resignation. Amanda looked up at him. "I apologize, Master Rennis, for being upset," said Amanda in a contrite voice. "I'll accept whatever punishment Master Roquan wishes to give me. And I will not tell anyone what I hear if Master Roquan does not wish me to."

Rennis' jaw tightened. He gave Roquan an imploring look.

"Please, Rennis, tell them," said Roquan.

Rennis turned reluctantly to the others. He paused, as if trying to collect his thoughts. "This is going to be a little difficult for me. Despite how long its been, the memories ... the memories still hurt."

Amanda's lips parted. She felt something clench inside her.

"I don't think I've told anyone this before today. Not even Roquan. He learned of it just before we came in here.

"I recruited Sirinna personally. That means I went offworld myself, scouted her, and took her through the Portal to Narlass. Well, I was not the one that actually discovered her. One of my Trainers did, and wrote her off initially. But when I heard about her, I had to go look myself. When I did ... I realized I had to take her to Narlass."

Rennis paused. There had been a catch in his voice. Vanlo looked on with quiet interest. Lanno looked both fascinated and concerned. Amanda trembled slightly, as if she had already anticipated what he was going to say.

"Sirinna is not her real name. I gave her a new name to prevent any chance of anything accidentally triggering her old memories. That's the thing, you see. That's what this is all about. You can't let her experience those old memories."

"Your Lordship, if I may ask a question," said Vanlo. When Rennis nodded, he continued. "Your words imply that you knew that memories were only suppressed rather than erased."

"Yes. But I don't want to go into how I know right now."

Vanlo nodded and subsided. Amanda's head was spinning. He knew all along? Even when he was dosing new slaves with the Draught?

"Sirinna's life on her homeworld ... there was nothing conceivably happy about it. She wasn't just abused, she was battered. There wasn't ... there wasn't a single limb that didn't have multiple bruises. Bones that had been broken and didn't mend straight. They didn't just try to hurt her, they tried to beat the spirit out of her."

Amanda uttered a small gasp. Her eyes misted.

"Hellfire ..." Lanno breathed, utterly revolted.

Rennis' throat tightened. "It also looked like they had used her for sex. Unwillingly. I don't mean ordering her like a slave. I mean forcibly doing it to her. You could just tell from looking at her ... in that area ..."

Amanda's vision blurred. Tears ran silently down her cheeks.

Vanlo gave Rennis a solemn look. "Your Lordship, I must say this. Whoever was your Healer at the time you brought Sirinna to Narlass, I am utterly in awe at his prowess."

Lanno stared incredulously at Vanlo. To hear someone of his skill give such praise to another Healer was astounding. With as high an opinion as Lanno already had of Vanlo's skills, Rennis' Healer must have been godlike.

A ghost of a smile tugged at Rennis' lips even if his face still held pain. "There was one thing about her that they had not managed to damage. Her eyes. I could see the girl that she should have been in those eyes. The first time I got her alone, I got to see the real her. She was not as frightened of me as I thought she would be. It was as if anyone else had to be safe. Or she simply didn't have anything else to lose.

"And the real her was beautiful. Not ... not just her looks. Just everything about her. You know, they say the Draught just instills that sort of happiness into a slave, but not Sirinna. She had that from the start. But I had to get rid of her past to get it to come out. The Healer had to keep her in a Healing Trance for half a moon."

"Indeed?" Vanlo said. "That is very risky, your Lordship."

"Yes, it was. But you cannot imagine how I felt when she finally opened her eyes, looked up at me, and smiled. Gods, that was the most beautiful smile I ever saw. Now she could be the girl she was meant to be. Now she could ..."

"Amanda?" Lanno suddenly called out.

Amanda's face had screwed up in anguish. Tears ran freely, dripping to the floor. Her mind was in torment. Self-accusations and recriminations flew through her head, beating at her as well as any physical implement might. She turned towards one of the examination table and collapsed against it. Her knees buckled and nearly sent her to the floor.

Roquan rushed forward, but Lanno was there first. He flung an arm around her waist and kept her from falling. "Amanda? What is it? What's wrong?"

Amanda collapsed into Lanno and wailed into his chest. "I a-almost ruined it! I almost r-ruined Sirinna! I'm s-sorry, I should have listened!"

Roquan's chest tightened. He was not sure what to do. He wanted to offer comfort, but was not sure how it would be taken. And it appeared that she had already found someone in which to seek solace. He actually felt a small twinge of jealousy.

Vanlo placed a hand gently on Amanda's shoulder. "Amanda, you only wanted what you thought was best for Sirinna," he said softly. "You cannot be faulted for that."

Amanda violently shook her head, whipping her hair about Lanno's chest and splashing tears on his tunic. "N-no, not that ... n-not ... she ... sh-she told me ... about the a-abuse ..."

Rennis frowned. "But ... she couldn't have known! We never ..."

Amanda forced herself to look up. She sniffled and wiped at her face. "Sh-she overheard something. No details, just that she had been abused ... b-but ... but I should have realized, I should have asked, I should have said something! E-especially with her having those bad dreams ..."

"What dreams?" Rennis demanded.

Haltingly, Amanda told them.

"Ah, and that is where your insight came from concerning my research," said Vanlo.

"And you didn't think for a moment that they might be important?" Rennis shouted. "You of all people, Amanda, I expected you to be smarter than that!"

"Rennis, that's quite enough," said Roquan.

"I'm sorry!" Amanda screamed. "I didn't mean ... I d-didn't ..."

Amanda broke down again and sobbed into Lanno's chest. Lanno wrapped her arms around her and whispered soothingly into her ear.

Rennis sighed and turned away. "So do you see, Vanlo? You understand why we can't let those memories come back?"

Vanlo considered. "Yes, indeed, I do. But I fear the process may have already started on its own. As well as, I suspect, the reversal of her intelligence degradation."

Amanda looked up.

"I beg your pardon, Vanlo?" Roquan said.

"As I look back on it, your Lordship, it makes sense. Sirinna has always impressed me with her intelligence as compared to the other slaves. Ever since Amanda arrived, it seems to have increased. She appears better able to grasp more complex concepts than other slaves might."

Amanda wiped her eyes. "But then ... th-then maybe she doesn't even need the potion. Maybe she can just get it back on her own over time."

Rennis looked stricken. "You can't let this go on! If her memories come back, it will tear her up. I do not want to lose that wonderful girl that I helped bring out, I don't care if I no longer own her. Vanlo, you said the Draught can be given outside of Portal-shock now. What if you gave it to Sirinna again, so that ..."

"No!" Amanda cried, fighting out of Lanno's arms. "No, you can't!"

"And you would have her remember what I just described?"

"I-I didn't mean that! I just ... I don't want to see her intelligence go down again!"

"Enough," declared Roquan. He turned to Vanlo. "Would it be possible to design something that would suppress her memories again, but not affect intelligence? You did state that with time you might separate the two."

"Yes, I imagine I could, eventually. But there is an inherent problem, your Lordship. Memory suppression works backwards from the present. If I were to give her the Draught again, it would wipe all her memories up to the present. She would remember nothing of what happened since she came to Narlass."

Amanda looked sick. "Y-you can't ... you can't do that to her ..." she moaned.

"With all due respect, I agree," Lanno said. "Come on, you're talking about taking away nearly twenty years of her life. I can't abide by that. Vanlo, come on, tell them. You can't do that!"

Vanlo remained silent for a long moment, all eyes upon him. He folded his hands behind his back. "I would wish for an alternative solution, yes," he said cautiously.

Rennis stared at the Healer. He finally turned away and went over to another examination table. With a loud curse he slammed his fist into it.

"I have to concur with the others, Rennis," Roquan said quietly. "I am sorry. I cannot in good conscience wipe away a life like that."

"I know," said Rennis softly. "Gods-dammit, I know."

Roquan turned to Amanda. "I hope you see why you cannot divulge this to Sirinna?"

Amanda nodded, having managed to calm herself down in wake of the Overlord's decision. "Yes, I understand. I-I don't want her remembering any of that stuff either." Her voice caught. "I never knew it was that bad. I'm sorry. And I never meant to trigger it myself! I just ..."

"Amanda, there is nothing for you to take blame for here," said Roquan.

"I quite concur," said Vanlo. "There is no conceivable way you could have known the implications."

"But what do I do now? I can't just stop talking to her. That's all I ever did! I just wanted her to understand me better, so I tried to explain things to her. I can't stop her from thinking!"

Rennis turned to face the others, some of the anger draining from his face. "We have to do something. We can't let her recall those memories, not by a potion and not on her own."

"This is going to be extraordinarily difficult," Vanlo said. "I am not even sure there is any sort of treatment that would help here. But I do not believe we are in any danger of her complete past being revealed to her overnight. So long as Amanda does not dwell on matters with Sirinna that might make her think about her lost past, she should be safe."

Amanda nodded. "I can do that, Master."

Rennis looked at Amanda, then back to Roquan.

"You can trust Amanda, Rennis," said Roquan. "She has not failed me yet."

Rennis looked back to Amanda. His gaze softened. "You really do care a great deal for her, don't you?"

"As much as you do, Master Rennis."

Rennis sighed. "All right. I guess that's all we can do. I don't particularly like the idea of wiping her life away, either. I just don't want her to suffer for something that happened so long ago in another world."

Roquan clasped his shoulder. "Neither do it, my friend."

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