Track of the Beast: A Brock Stone Adventure

Interlude 8

If the usual pattern held, there would be another beating within the hour. He needed to act fast.

He stripped off his clothing and tossed it in the corner where he usually slept. He set the full cup of coffee there, too, and covered it with the overturned bucket that served as his latrine. The coffee aroma needed to be faint. Like coffee breath. Last, he rinsed the smelliest parts of his body using the cup of water provided for his meal.

He selected a spot a few feet away from where his clothing and coffee lay. Close enough that his body odor would be masked by the rich aroma of the drink, but far enough away to temporarily avoid detection.

He waited.

Finally, he heard something. It wasn’t much, only the most minuscule intake of breath. He didn’t hesitate. He struck with all his might in the direction of the sound.

His fist struck flesh and bone with a satisfying crunch. He had been longing to get back at Gideon for the long hours of abuse. It felt good to even the score a little.

There was a smacking sound like wet meat as Gideon hit the floor. Stone knew at once he had done serious damage.

“Oh, my Lord, Gideon! Did I kill you?”

His hands found the fallen body, and he frowned. His fingers touch soft, smooth flesh. This wasn’t Gideon. This person was young and small.

“Cover your eyes, Brock Stone. The light will be blinding.”

Stone did as instructed. Even with his hands protecting his shuttered eyelids, he saw a faint red light. Relief flowed through him. Gideon had told him he wasn’t blind, but still, it was a comfort to be able to see again.

When he finally opened his eyes, a single candle burned like a sun from a ledge high above. A rope dangled from the ceiling.

Gideon knelt over a young woman with long, black hair and big brown eyes. She sat rubbing her chin and staring balefully at Stone.

“I thought it was you,” he said to Gideon.

“This is Dalha. Her name means Moon Goddess. It was her all along.”

“You’re telling me I’ve been getting my tail whipped by a teenage girl?”

“I am twenty years old. Well, nearly twenty.” Dalha smirked. “At least I am old enough to dress myself.”

Stone had forgotten he was naked. He let out a yelp, covered himself, and hurriedly tugged on his filthy clothing.

Dalha laughed. Gideon shook his head.

“Congratulations, Brock Stone,” Gideon said. “You have found the first treasure and your new birth is completed. Now you may begin to learn the world anew.

“That’s wonderful. Think we could manage my next lesson with a bit less corporal punishment.

“That depends on you.” Gideon’s eyes twinkled. “Now, you must come with us. Your new life lies on the other side of that door.”