"And now, not." As simple as that. He had spoken as though he had been freed of his bonds before coming here, but it had not been a freedom he could enjoy. Hild thought then of Gwladus, of her misguided attempt to gift her own slave with unwanted, useless freedom. She wondered if Darrow made it easier, if the strangeness mingled together to something manageable.

But here was Gannicus on her couch, cut and bruised. She thought the strangeness was not so manageable at all.

"You said a little something before of having freedom back home," she said as she prepared a bowl of warm water and herbs. "You did not sound very happy with it either. Or am I wrong?"