"I think it's time we put him with the others, James. Let him go in the stable for a bit. I'm sure you'll see him again ... so long as he chooses to stay with us, that is."

He gave me a knowing smirk.

"Will do," said James. "Come on, little slave." And he took my arm and began to steer me away across the courtyard.

James led me to a small archway in one of the walls. Stepping inside, I found myself in a softly lit space with an assortment of couches and beds spread around it, some against the stone walls and some standing free. There were a...