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Choosing his words very carefully, Lucas says, "Of course, the master is wise and kind; a genius, a philosopher. Everyone here loves him and serves him with great honor."

"Really?" Imani asks. "I don't suppose you know what he plans to do with us, do you?"

Babushka had made a move to introduce herself, but stops herself to listen to Lukas's asnwer.

Lucas bows his head slightly in a polite bow. "The master does not deem to share his plans with us lowly slaves," he says.

"Do you think he will question you about us when you return?" Babushka asks Lukas.

"I cannot say, my lady," Lucas replies. "He has never had guests before that weren't ogres. I admit, I was surprised; when I was told to report here, I assumed you would be ogres chieftains from nearby tribes."

"Thank you, Lucas," Imani says. "If it wouldn't be too much to ask, if you do hear anything about what is to be done with us, could you let us know?" she asks. "And, as to not get you into trouble, I guess we could all use a little food."

Lucas suddenly stands straight and then bows. "At once, my lady. I will retrieve you something from the kitchen." He quickly departs.

"Well," Malika says once he's gone, "he could prove useful, don't you think? We should try and learn more about him."

"He could be," Imani admits. "Once he gets back, we can get to know him better."

"Yes, we can invite him to share the meal" Babushka adds. "If we are indeed treated as honored guests, we might be given better food than he usually gets."

Lucas returns a few moments later with a basket of cheese, bread, and cold cuts. "I gathered what I could; but if you find it lacking, I can wake the other slaves so we can cook something more in the kitchen," he says.

"Thank you," Imani says once Lucas returns. "I think this will be just fine for tonight," she assures him. "You said your name was Lucas, right?" she asks. "How did you come to be here?"

"Yes, join us, and tell us about yourself" Babushka chimes in. "Thank you for your efforts."

Passing out the food to everyone, Lucas nods to Imani. "Yes, my lady. I am from Schallsea originally."

Malika nibbles at a bit of cheese. "And how long have you been a slave here?"

Lucas lowers his head a bit. "About two years now, my lady."

Locky sits on her bed, munching on a loaf of bread, spilling crumbs all over the pillow and bedspread. "Well! Slavery is wrong," she announces. She pulls out her medallion and holds it up. "I would know, being a true cleric of Paladine," she adds loftily.

Lucas stares at the medallion. "Is...is that so?" he asks weakly.

"Paladine is a very powerful god. We're very close," Locky confirms.

"Y-Yes, I know him well. I am a follower of his wife, Mishakal, myself," Lucas explains. "That is how I wound up here, actually. A small group of missionaries, including myself, were captured and brought here."

Imani sits down on the bed she picked for herself and makes herself a sandwich out of the food that was brought. "He just captured you and turned you into slaves?" she asks.