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Prologue

Sometimes, we have to do something which is wrong because it's the right thing to do. Sometimes, we pay a high price for this. Sometimes, it's worth it.

The Sale of Joska

Usagi had a most peculiar dream during the night. He was crouching in the shadows of the Hildebron-Street near the Fiversquare. It was long after sunset, probably already after midnight. Steps came closer and he moved deeper into the shadows.

A figure passed, looking for pursuers every now and then. Usagi followed it quietly through the city. Whoever it was, he knew the city very well. A couple of times, Usagi had almost lost him and once, only being blatant saved him when the person suddenly turned on its heels and came back. He passed him with a friendly greeting. Usagi saw the face but didn't recognize it.

After an odyssey of two hours, the person went into a house. It was the house of the Slavetrader Kenga.

The weather next morning was bleak. Thick rainclouds filled the sky and so Usagi stayed in bed a bit longer. It was still some hours until the sale of Joska and so he went into the net. As good as he could, he tried to remember the face of his second slave but the computer couldn't find her. He would try again shortly after their next meeting. Then his memory would be better.

The name Kenga was a different issue: he had a lengthy dossier. Kenga seemed to be the local Hikiji. He had his hands in all kinds of dirty businesses but he was clever and until now, he had been able to avoid being prosecuted. Amongst his intimates was a person which Usagi did recognize: It was the man whom he had seen in his dream.

He was some kind of courier for special deliveries like bribes and black mail. Usagi now remembered more and more of his dream. His name was Turnak Jezko. 'But with whom had he met on the Fiversquare?'

With Mr. Lero, a servant of the city who was in charge for the city guards. And he hadn't met with him, he would meet with him tonight.

To his astonishment, Usagi noticed that the more he remembered of the dream, the more details he found in his memory. Just as if each memory would cause another. He called Käl.

"Yes?"

"I had a most peculiar dream tonight," Usagi began and reported what he had dreamed.

"Are you sure that it will happen exactly as you remember?"

Usagi hesitated with the answer. He was absolutely sure but that was impossible! 'How should I know what would happen?'

When Käl noticed his hesitation, he asked more precisely: "You are sure but you wonder how that can be?"

"Yes," Usagi admitted surprised. "How did you know?"

He saw Käl looking at him thoughtfully over the videophone. "Wait." Käl read something in the net and then came back.

"It was probably a dream which Ookaa'h has sent to you."

"To me?" Usagi asked back in surprise. But Pau had already mentioned that Ookaa'h was interested in him. 'Is that something to be happy about or should I start to worry?'

"It's pretty uncommon that she makes contact to someone who hasn't been trained, yet," Käl admitted, "but stranger things have happened. Ookaa'h seldom obeys to the image which we have from her."

"What should I do now?" Usagi asked.

"Are there many options?"

Käl was right, there weren't. Usagis Problem was how to sell this to Kaut. He sighed, thanked Käl for his help and terminated the connection.

Thoughtfully, he looked at the picture of Jezko. 'Is Kenga as important for this civilization as Hikiji has been?'

Probably not or Ookaa'h wouldn't have given him something which can be used against Kenga. 'Or should I learn to be careful with such information? Why didn't I receive some hints how to use this knowledge along with it?'

Before he returned into his puppet, he looked up Captain Kaut (only a small dossier with little interesting information in the summary) and asked Tep to send him 200 Thalers.

Shouts rang in his ear which worked again. He shot up.

"What's wrong with him?" someone called in the corridor.

"Master? Are you alright?" Karla asked hysterically.

"Yes," Usagi replied taken by surprise by the commotion, "I'm fine."

He rose and unlocked the door. Outside, he found the landlord who seemed to be very worried. "Mr. Miyamoto? Are you alright?" he asked nervously.

"Yes," Usagi replied calmly, "thanks a lot for your concern. I'm fine."

"Good," the landlord said relieved, "when your slave called for help, we were expecting the worst!"

"Ah!" Usagi laughed friendly. "I've just meditated a bit! While I do that, I don't hear anything. I should have told my slave in advance. I'm very sorry that I caused you such worries."

Smiling, the landlord swallowed the lie. "Good, very good. In that case I don't want to disturb you any longer," he said with a bow and turned to leave.

"Thanks a again for your concern," Usagi said smiling and closed the door.

"Master?" Karla was still worried.

"I'm fine," Usagi said soothingly while he picked up the key for her chain. "I've just meditated. I don't hear anything when I do that."

"Yes, master," she said but not completely convinced. Women seemed to know when he told a lie. 'Or do I also notice more easily with them than with my own gender?'

"May I help you to wash yourself?" was her next question.

Resistance was futile.

She was very skilled and even more thorough.

While she cleaned him, he asked her for her skills. Openly, she gave answer.

"I can cook and make myself useful in the household. I can shop on my own and care for money. Please don't move, master. And I've been trained in lovemaking."

'All that for 5 Thalers and brains, too,' he thought while she gave him a nice massage.

"Karla?"

"Yes, master?"

"Do you know why you have been sold together with the other slave?"

Usagi could feel how she stopped the massage for a moment. He guessed that she had flinched. "No, master," she lied.

'Should I force her? She is my property, I have the right. Or would I just torture her uselessly to satisfy my curiosity?'

He sat up and looked at her. As usual, she humbly looked to the ground but now, it was in a fearful, avoiding way.

"You are afraid of this question," he realized. She didn't reply.

"Why?" he insisted.

She broke into tears.

Wordlessly, he took a towel, put it on his shoulder and hugged her. She tried to resist but only half-hearted.

"Karla," he whispered in her ear, "trust me."

And he was rewarded even if in a different way than he had expected.

"I'm sorry, master, I've been no good slave for you," she cried.

"Until now," Usagi replied seriously, "I've not had anything to complain about."

"I was lonely. Please don't punish me," she begged. Usagi didn't reply. If this wasn't her own doing till the end, it would have little meaning to her. If she came to the conclusion that she could manipulate him, she would never be able to trust him.

"It was dark, I was afraid and he was, too. They had done so horrible things to her," she wept.

"We comforted each other."

"Kenga was very upset."

"We were in mortal fear."

"They pulled him away."

"Kenga promised me to inflict something worse on me than what he had done with Talia, should I talk about this to someone."

"Please, master, don't bring me back!" she begged weeping.

Usagi tried to make some sense from her incoherent report. It seemed that the slaves had to watch when his other slave had been whipped. In that night, she had made love with another slave because both had been very afraid and lonely. For some reason, Kenga had been upset about this and he did threaten her. There were just two small pieces of information missing to complete the picture.

"Talia is the name of the other slave?"

She nodded and the tears didn't stop.

"Why was Kenga upset that you were together with another slave?"

Again, she gave no reply. Gently, he took her head in his hands so she had to look at him.

"Karla," he promised seriously, "I promise to do whatever I can, so neither you nor Talia ever fall into the hands of Kenga again."

She nodded thankfully but didn't stop to shed tears.

"Why, Karla?" he insisted.

"Please, master, don't ...," she begged.

"Karla, trust me. Why?"

He could see that she had to take all her courage to be able to answer. "I should have been sold as a virgin," she cried out. "Please, master, don't bring me back!"

"You would have made a much better price," Usagi finally understood. 100 Thalers which Kenga had asked.

Two slaves, expensive ones at that, had had their revenge on the trader in one night. It was so hilarious, Usagi had to laugh despite her tears. That must have had really hurt Kenga.

Unfortunately, one of them had to pay an incredible price for this. Usagi decided that these would be very expensive 100 Thalers for Kenga.

"Karla," he said softly, "I will be true to my words."

Then he took her head again and kissed her brow. "Thank you for your trust."

He waited some more time for her to calm down, but slowly, he ran out of time. "Karla, please wash yourself. There is someone else we have to get out of the hands of Kenga."

She sniffed and nodded and washed the tears out of her face while Usagi put the sodden towel away and dried his wet shoulder with a new one.

Then he put on his freshly cleaned clothes and they asked the landlord to prepare them something which they could eat on the way. As Usagi had asked, a heavy pouch with 200 Thalers lay ready in his room. He fetched it while Karla waited with their lunch downstairs.

Together, they went to the slavemarket. Karla felt better but to have to return to the market was a burden for her. Usagi wondered if he should send her back but to keep her away from everything would make things worse for her, in the end. So he just payed attention that she didn't have another breakdown.

They arrived at the Freedom Square in time. It seemed that a couple of slaves were sold today which had committed various crimes.

Usagi could see Joska in the background. Since they had met last time, he hadn't changed much. Still, he looked like a walking dead. Apathetic, his gaze was locked on the ground.

His initial bid was 20 Thalers. Usagi waited until the first bidders gave up. At 33 Thalers, there was only one bidder left. Usagi lifted his hand for 34 Thalers.

Unexpectedly, Captain Kaut appeared out of the crowd. "Captain Kaut! I didn't expect you here, today," Usagi greeted him happily but Kaut was in a bad mood.

"Mr. Miyamoto," he greeted back grimly. The other bidder offered 35 Thalers and Usagi lifted his hand for 36.

"What is the total on the list?" Usagi asked.

Kaut looked surprised and laughed out. "120 Thalers, if my memory is right. 21 are already payed through the money which Joska still had on him and some more will be made by auctioning off his property next month."

Grimly, Kaut looked at the other party. "How much do you have?"

"More than enough," Usagi reassured him.

"Good." Kaut seemed to be relieved.

Usagi lifted his hand for 38 Thalers. "Who are they?"

Kaut made a face: "Members of the city guard," he replied scowling.

"Colleagues of Sergeant Trimol," Usagi guessed and Kaut gave a sigh.

Thoughtfully, Usagi looked over to them. They didn't seem very happy that he could keep up with them.

"Can you do me a favor?" Usagi asked.

"If it's not illegal," Kaut grumbled.

"Can you ask them to bid up to 100 Thalers?"

"They don't have that much," Kaut replied.

"But I do. Go," Usagi demanded and lifted his hand for 40 Thalers.

Kaut frowned but did as he was asked. In the meantime, the others had started to discuss. 40 Thalers had probably been their limit.

While the auctioneer tried to find someone for 41 Thalers, Kaut stepped next to them. Surprised and defiant, they looked at him. He said something and really, one of them lifted his hand for 41 Thalers soon after that.

The auctioneer looked in surprise from the bidder to Usagi because of course he had noticed when Kaut had went over from one to the other but he accepted the bid nonetheless.

"45 Thalers," Usagi shouted to get things into gear or this would take all day.

As being told, the others gave up at 100 Thalers and Usagi got Joska for 105 Thalers.

He passed the heavy purse to Karla and told her to pay for him and return with Joska and the rest of the money afterwards. Then he went over to his opposition.

"Good day, Captain Kaut, Gentlemen," he greeted them in a relaxed way.

"Good day," they returned the greeting reluctantly.

"My name is Usagi Miyamoto and if you don't mind, then I would like to have a few words with you."

They hesitated but agreed after looking at each other.

"I think that you will not tell me the reason for your interest in this particular slave," he guessed.

"Our reasons are our own matters," he was rejected as expected.

"Of course," he agreed immediately and they relaxed again. They probably wondered right now what he was up to.

"I'm still curious," he went on and they tensed again, "what kind of man Sergeant Trimol was. Maybe you can tell me something about him during lunch?"

Hope rose in them. Maybe they could talk him into handing Joska over even if it was only for a short time so they would still be able to execute their original plan.

"I would invite you," Usagi smiled as if nothing of this was happening, "but I'm afraid that people would get the wrong impression if a spotless citizen of the city would invite members of the city guard for lunch."

"Well," one of them said in a warmer tone, "that shouldn't be a problem. It just happens that we have some money left."

"Wonderful," Usagi said happily, "there is just one small thing which I have to take care for at Trader Kenga, then we can be on our way. Would you do us the honor, Captain Kaut?"

Kaut lifted an eyebrow but he was on the hook, now, too. He nodded curtly and he had to admit to himself that he actually was curious what Usagi was up to.

A short time later, Karla came back with Joskas chain in her hand. Joskas father accompanied her. With a face of stone, he stopped before Usagi.

"Good day, Mr. Miyamoto," he greeted him reservedly.

"Mr. Joska," Usagi greeted back.

"You know that you have bought a criminal and murderer?"

"Yes, I already know that."

"Good. In that case, all I can do is wish that this slave will not cause you any trouble."

"I do thank you," Usagi replied while he wondered why Joskas father had just said that.

"One question, Mr. Joska?"

"Yes?" Joskas father replied who had been about to walk away again.

"What are you doing here?"

Unhappily, Lamar Joska grimaced. "This is my booth," he explained. "You bought this slave from me and as with every special sale, I have a few words with the buyer."

'The poor man had to sell his own son,' Usagi realized horrified and hoped that not too much of his thoughts showed on his face.

"Mr. Joska," he said seriously, "tomorrow will be a much better day than today."

Mr. Joska stared at him. Before he could ask him once more not to do anything stupid, Usagi lifted his hands reassuringly.

"I'm just going to do what any spotless citizen of this city would do," he promised with a devious smile.

Mr. Joska frowned but didn't say anything anymore.

"Goodbye, Mr. Joska. I promise that I will take care of my new slave," Usagi said as a farewell.

"Mr. Miyamoto," Joskas father nodded and left.

A little sad, Usagi followed the man with his gaze. Then he called himself to order and together, they went to see Kenga.

"Is there something I should know?" Kaut asked reservedly while they walked.

"Yes," Usagi said, "I'd just like to tell you a bit later."

"Very well," Kaut accepted but unwillingly. He openly disliked to have to see Kenga.

"Do you want to wait here until I return?" Usagi offered.

Kaut shook his head. He didn't want to offer this satisfaction to Kenga; even not, if the trader would never know about it.

The assistant of Kenga was very surprised to see Usagi again.

"How can I help you, sir?" he asked uneasily.

"Good day. I just wanted to tell you that my healer will only be able to tell me how much the final bill will be in two more days," Usagi said friendly.

"Uh, oh, um, really? Well, that is no problem at all. Just come back after you got the bill," the assistant stammered.

Meanwhile, Usagi let his gaze sweep casually. Back there stood Mr. Jezko. He looked over to them and frowned. 'Did one of the members of the city guard just shrug?' Usagi wondered.

"Good, very good," Usagi went on in a polite tone of voice. "What I did notice, though ..."

Immediately, the assistant got more nervous. "Yes, sir?"

"What was it?" Usagi acted as if he had to remember while the assistant broke out in cold sweat.

"Ah, yes, of course, I noticed this morning that my slave here is no virgin anymore!" Usagi said as if he had just remembered.

Kauts gaze wandered from the crowd and locked on the assistant as if he was some ugly bug which was running over his breakfast. Usagi just smiled friendly.

"But I'm most positive that the auctioneer has mentioned this fact loud and clear," Usagi went on. For some reason, that didn't calm the assistant at all.

"And I just failed to notice," Usagi laughed. "Surely, you would never dream of keeping quiet about such an important information, would you now?"

"Never," the assistant stammered. He swallowed hard. "Is there anything which we could offer you as a compensation? Maybe a different slave? Of course, we would offer you to make sure yourself that she is in ... perfect condition in advance."

"Oh," Usagi made and acted as if he had to think about this. "No, actually, I'm quite happy with what I got except for the issue with my other slave but we'll see about that in two days," he threatened openly, "except ..."

"Yes?" gurgled the assistant.

"Maybe next time, you should announce these things more ... clearly. I'm sometimes a bit slow," he laughed cheerily, "but still, I was a bit surprised that I missed two so important facts during this buy." His smile was friendly as ever but the color of face of the assistant had turned into a very unhealthy shade.

"But I'm most positive that this will be the last thing which I will find, don't you think? Is something the matter? You look like you were sick?"

"No, no, I already didn't feel well when I rose in the morning," the assistant stammered. "It's our most important goal to make our customers happy. I hope we can be of service for you again, soon," he blurted out and ran away.

Kaut said nothing but the corners of his mouth twitched.

"Can I help you?" a friendly voice asked.

Usagi turned to its source. There was a male dog in his middle ages, a bit too wide for his height, who smiled at them. Mr. Jezko stood directly behind him and actually managed the feat to keep an eye on Usagi, his companions and the other people who were nearby. His gaze was hard and cold; a killer.

The man was Kenga. Usagi despised him instantly. He also did register the warning glance which Kenga shot to Karla.

"We haven't been introduced, yet?" Usagi asked reservedly.

"My apology," Kenga replied with the long experience of a bootlicker and bowed politely. "My name is Taruso Kenga and this is my booth. May I ask your name?"

"My name is Usagi Miyamoto," Usagi introduced himself, "I'm a simple traveler and I've come into the city to buy myself a slave."

"As I see, you like it more and more," Kenga smiled.

"Yes," Usagi admitted, "I noticed that I profit from this."

This didn't tell Kenga anything and he went over it without a word. "I saw that you spoke to my assistant before he ran away in a most impolite manner," Kenga frowned and looked into the direction in which the assistant had departed so quickly. "Is there something I can do for you?"

"Thanks a lot for your offer," Usagi replied, "but we had actually spoken about everything which I had in mind."

"Wonderful. I'm happy to see we could please another customer. If you are in need of anything else then please don't hesitate to ask myself or one of my assistants."

"I will," Usagi promised. "Trader Kenga, it was an honor for me to meet you in person after hearing so much about you."

"Only good things, I'm sure," Kenga smiled outwardly and without shooting a glance at Kaut. "Mr. Miyamoto, I wish you a pleasant day."

After Usagi had left and Kenga was alone with Jezko where no one could overhear them, he ordered Jezko to kill Usagi tonight.

"Before or after?"

Kenga thought about this. "After your meeting," he decided.

Joskas Punishment

Back on the street, Usagi stopped and turned to Karla. He took her hands in his and looked straight at her.

"Karla, please look at me," he asked. She complied and maybe with less fear than in the beginning.

"Karla, I do thank you. Your courage in there was outstanding and you did help me a lot," Usagi said seriously.

"Thank you, master," she replied confused but also happy to have pleased her master.

Lost in thought, Kaut went a distance next to him. "I have to admit that I seldom enjoyed myself as much as I did today."

"I know," Usagi replied. "I've got an advice for you: Never attack where they expect you. And when you are under attack, then never be where they expects you to be."

"I've heard that before," Kaut said.

"You need to see when you can apply it," Usagi went on. "You see, my attitude towards the assistant was correct all the time. It was the assistant who did crouch in his defense lines all the time waiting for an attach that never came. And the longer it took, the more nervous he got because he just knew that something was to happen."

"He just tortured himself. If someone tries to mortify you, then stay neat, friendly, polite. He will then guess that he has made a mistake and will maybe make a real one which you can then use for your own advantage."

Kaut grinned at that. "I will think about this," he promised.

"Come, I'll show you a restaurant which has a splendid view over the city," Usagi changed the topic.

The waiter was happy to see Usagi again. The slaves had their own rooms so they wouldn't irritate the other guests. Usagi did regret that but he accepted it without complaints.

Two tables were moved together and they sat down. After lunch, they sat together with a good mug of wine and willingly, the men told stories about their dead comrade. How much fun they had had with him. If they told about one mishap of him for which he should have received a punishment, Kaut didn't seem to listen.

"A toast on the city guards who risk their lives every day to protect the citizens," Usagi spoke and they clinked their mugs together.

When they left in the afternoon, the guards were already a bit tipsy and much more relaxed than they had been in the morning. That helped Usagi because what he intended to do would help them but they wouldn't like it.

Together, they visited the healer. Usagi left the relieved Karla with the others, took Joskas chain and went inside with him.

"Good day, healer," he greeted the old woman. "How is she?"

"Better. Come, I'll show you," she answered after a long look at Joska.

Her face was very relaxed, now. It looked noble and dignified with the short, black fur. Her chest was in bandages and also parts of her upper legs.

"Look at her, Joska," Usagi commanded forcefully. Apathetically, Joska looked up. "She is another result of your mindlessness."

There was no trace that he had heard at all.

"Captain Kaut, is there a place where one can have a slave whipped?" Usagi asked when he left the building again.

"Yes," Kaut answered absent-minded while he watched a group of people that had caught his attention.

"Where?"

The question had now registered itself in Kauts consciousness. He frowned and looked at Usagi. "Why?"

"You will understand when we leave this place again," Usagi promised.

"Master?" Karla asked in a worried tone.

"Karla, I'd like to ask you to be courageous once more, today," Usagi told her.

"Yes, master," she replied but wasn't really comforted.

When they arrived there, Usagi was a bit disappointed. He couldn't quite say what he had expected but the building looked like any other except that it was a bit bigger. Maybe it should have been more grimly or something like that. Also, the sign at the entrance was very inconspicuous -- at least for him. 'Slavetraining', it read.

Kaut lead them inside where a normal employee greeted them.

"How can I help you?" he asked Usagi politely after he had looked over the members of the city guard and classified them as non-customers.

Usagi introduced himself. "What exactly is this place?" he asked curiously.

"We train slaves, Mr. Miyamoto. If you own a slave and it has to know how to cook, you bring him to us and we teach him the necessary skills."

Usagi just had to laugh. Unconsciously, he had expected to be lead to a place by Kaut where thousands of slaves were chained to the walls, crying in agony and tortured by grim figures. Of course, something like that didn't exist. Slaves were valuable and to make them better made much more sense than killing them if they didn't have the necessary skills.

"I'm sorry," he said when he got himself under control once more, "I was expecting something different." He cleared his throat.

"I'd like to have this slave," he pointed at Joska, "whipped. Is that possible?"

The employee was surprised. "Well, of course we have the necessary facilities to punish a slave which doesn't behave as he should but may I suggest that we try a different approach, first?" he offered.

"I know the reasons and consequences of my wish," Usagi replied calmly. Not cold or begging. The employee should get the impression that he knew what he did and wanted.

"Well, if you explicitly demand it, Mr. Miyamoto," the employee answered much more cold, now, "we can be of service with that, too."

"Good. Is it possible to do it right now?" Usagi asked seriously.

"I will ask. Please wait here."

Karla had paled. The hand which held the chain of Joska shook and the chain rattled quietly.

"Karla, please trust me," Usagi said gently, "and give me the chain."

She didn't move but slowly shook her head. Her eyes were wide open and full of fear,

"You should get a grip on your things," one of the guards sneered.

Kaut and Usagi turned to him in the blink of an eye. Kauts gaze could have killed but it was Usagi before which the guard did step back. "How I treat my slaves," he said coldly, "is my own decision. If you don't like that, you are free to leave."

Afraid, the guard apologized and Usagi turned to Karla once more.

"Karla, you three are my property. Whatever will happen today is my responsibility. Should Joska or Talia die, then that is my responsibility. You cannot change this because you have neither the right nor the position. All you can do is trust me as you did this morning."

He didn't stretch out his hand or exerted any other pressure on her. He felt with her; Joskas state also made him feel pity for the man. But now he had to sacrifice something or even greater sorrow would follow.

She closed her eyes and offered him the chain. She couldn't watch it but she still gave in to slightest pressure. Good. Usagi took the chain and waited for her to let go.

"I ...," she started and broke off. "I don't want to have to do this, master."

"Me neither," Usagi admitted, "but it has to be done."

"Yes, master," she said unhappily and let go of the chain.

"Thank you, Karla," Usagi said earnestly. "I want you to remember that you are not responsible for whatever might happen now. It's my decision now and my responsibility and I will have to live with it. You're not to blame."

"Yes, master," she said sadly.

In the meantime, the employee had returned with another man. That man was full of muscles and his impression was intimidating. Usagi guessed that he was responsible for exerting the punishments.

His guess turned out to be correct. After they had been introduced to each other, they were lead into a room in the cellar. By Usagis request, Karla stayed with Kaut. In his tow, the guards eagerly expected what would come, now.

A thick door made the room sound-proof. Probable even very loud noises couldn't be heard outside in the corridor. A healer was offered and Usagi accepted. They all went into the room and Joska was chained to the ceiling. Apathetically, he let it happen and Usagi prayed to the gods that he stayed this way.

When all preparations had been made and the punisher selected a whip from a rack on the wall. All the guards were now grinning wide. At last, they would get their revenge for the death of their comrade.

"How many?" the punisher asked calmly. Like Usagi, he was someone who has learned to do unpleasant things without breaking his own heart. He would do well but that didn't fit into Usagi plans.

Usagi stretched out his hand. "Give me the whip," he ordered.

"Maybe ...," the punisher started but Usagi cut him short.

"I know what you want to tell me. He could die if I'm not careful. Give me the whip."

That hadn't been what the punisher would have liked to tell them. A whip is a dangerous weapon. It was easy to injure oneself badly with it. But that also was something which didn't fit into Usagis plans.

Since Usagi seemed to be serious about his request, the punisher coiled the whip up wordlessly and handed it over to Usagi.

Usagi held it up. "Who's first?" he asked calmly. The guards jeered. Joska gave no sign of life.

After a short discussion, one guard stepped forward. Grinning, he took the whip from Usagi while the others shouted their encouragement. The healer was openly uneasy how things developed, only the punisher was calm as always.

"I'd like all the others to wait outside," Usagi decided.

Disappointment spread but since he had bought Joska and they got their fun for nothing, they complied. The healer was about to protest but the punisher just took his arm and pulled him outside. Usagi would have bet his left arm that the man knew or at least suspected what he was about to do.

Joska still hung there as if this was happening to someone else.

The guard who could enjoy Joska first, readied himself.

"Just one more thing," Usagi said.

A little while later, the guard left the room with a very odd look on his face. He stepped next to the punisher and the healer and refused to answer any questions from his friends.

A bit uneasy, the next one entered the room. Joska still hung there as they had left him. He snorted. That other guy was a wimp. He would show this bloody murderer! Wordlessly, Usagi handed him the whip and waited until he was ready.

"Just one more thing," Usagi said.

The last of the five almost didn't dare to enter the room. Joska was still unhurt. The guard stared at Usagi and at the whip in the hand of the rabbit as if he would have to die if he touched it. Motionless, Usagi waited until the guard decided to give it a try, too and had taken the whip.

"Just one more thing," Usagi said.

"Yes?" the guard asked. Nothing of the former cheerfulness was left in his voice.

"Nothing to be afraid of," Usagi smiled politely but that didn't seem to help the poor guard.

"I just want you to go to Joska beforehand and look into his eyes for the duration of ten breaths," Usagi asked him. "After that, you can do whatever you like."

Like the others, he coiled the whip up untrustingly and went over to Joska. None of the guards had passed it to Usagi; all of them probably had feared that he wouldn't have given it back if they had done that. Usagi carefully avoided to be amused by this because the path he had chosen to go was treacherous and one mis-step could kill a guard or Joska.

That would even true if they were still able to leave the room on their own after he had made a mistake.

Wordlessly, the guard grabbed Joskas hairs and looked silently into the apathetic face. Saw the price which Joska had already payed for his mistake. For ten long breaths.

There was nothing left to punish; Joska already was as good as dead.

Just like the others, he came back without saying anything, handed the whip to Usagi without looking at him and left the room.

Usagi did breathe a sigh of relief. The more simple part was over, now. The guards had been saved and all he had to do now, was to save Joskas life.

Pau would probably just have had to utter a few words but that was beyond Usagis abilities. In the meantime, the punisher and the healer had returned. There was a fine smile around the lips of the punisher while the healer was openly relieved.

Undecidedly, Usagi turned the whip in his hand. He realized that the reason for his hesitation wasn't that he was unsure if he did the right thing but that he wanted to protect Karla. 'Kaut will understand but Karla? Will she survive it?'

He went back to the punisher and handed the whip back. The man didn't smile anymore. He had seen Usagis face and wordlessly, he readied himself.

"But ... I thought ...," the healer said surprised.

"Sometimes, one has to hurt someone to heal him," Usagi replied while he went over to Joska, "like when you cut an arrowhead out of someone. It's another wound but without it, he would die."

He stopped in front of Joska and looked into his face which would soon spring to life again even if for a horrible reason.

"For the dead guard," he said calmly and nodded.

The crack of the whip was very quiet compared to Joskas scream. Some blood hit Usagis head but he didn't notice. Carefully, he watched Joska and the change which the pain caused. To much and he would break. Not enough and he would not profit enough.

"For what you have inflicted on Talia," he went on and nodded.

A second wound was added to the first and Joskas scream broke just to return even louder. Still not enough and Usagi was already at his limit. Soon, he wouldn't be able to give the command again even if it should be necessary.

"For the abuse of my trust," he said and nodded.

Again, the helpless was abused in a gruesome way and it was his fault. He had broken his brazen resolution to never hurt someone who was helpless and by this, he had stepped over a boundary forever. The price which Joska was paying for this seemed little in comparison and Usagi was ashamed for this thought.

He thanked the gods when Joska gave up his self-pity and fought for his life. To nod once more would have cost more than Usagi would have been able to pay.

Joskas scream stopped when he fainted at last. Usagi swayed, he was sick. He was disgusted of himself. The fine lunch came up again and he puked. He was still choking after his stomach was long empty. Just didn't want to calm down again.

Someone held a horrible stench before his nose and his mind cleared again. The punisher held him in his arms and the healer put the small bottle of smelling salts away again.

The punisher helped him to sit down on a chair which stood nearby. Probably for people like him, who fainted during the punishment.

"Feeling better?" the punisher asked worriedly.

Usagi nodded. "Thanks. Joska?"

"He will life and remember for a long time."

"Good," Usagi said still being exhausted, "that's what I wanted."

"Thanks," he added.

The healer looked at the bloody streams which ran down the back of the slave when the punisher took him down. "You are an uncommon person, Mr. Miyamoto."

"Is that written on my brow," Usagi asked back, "or why does everybody say that?"

"Do you want us to treat his wounds?"

"No," Usagi shook his head, "I've already got someone for this. Just put something on him so we can move him to another place."

"Very well. Where should we bring him, then?"

Usagi told them the address. The healer was surprised. "Are you sure that she will accept him? Healer Lahmar usually doesn't allow slaveowners to step into her rooms."

Usagi nodded, he was sure. "Another of my slaves is already there. She has also been whipped."

"By Kenga," he added the unspoken question and gratefully accepted a scoop with water.

"I'm urged to repeat myself," the healer said, "you are a most uncommon man."

Usagi gave a sigh. "Even uncommon men suffer if they have to do something like this."

"Yes," the healer admitted, "but it is better that way."

Usagis Revenge

The guards outside were still very thoughtful and actually appalled when they saw Joska with his bleeding wounds being carried out of the room after the healer had scantily cared for him.

"Um, Mr. Usagi," the one who was most courageous spoke to him.

"Sometimes," Usagi explained to them, "we think that the whole world has betrayed us, as if everybody has become our enemy. When something has been taken from us for which we cared greatly."

"But," he went on, "we should always hesitate to offer our souls to the devil who is responsible for our suffering."

That silenced them.

Upstairs, Kaut and Karla were waiting. Muted, the guards greeted their superior and left to return to their homes. When Karla saw in which state Usagi was, she cried out and ran to him. Worried, she looked at him. Then she noticed that Joska was missing. Her worry quickly turned into terror.

"He is alive," Usagi said quickly, "he's alive. His injuries are only light and he will live."

Kaut's face darkened and he looked at the exit where his men had vanished. It was a simple matter to guess his thoughts.

"No, Kaut, I did."

"Why?" Kaut asked perplexed. Karla cried out and stepped away from him. Maybe that was the worst.

"He would have died, otherwise. Now, he's only injured but he will live," Usagi explained exhausted. "Come, let's see Lahmar. Now, she can do something."

The employee told him a price of almost five Thalers which Usagi payed without questions or better, he told Karla to pay.

Joska was put on the straw on the loading area of a carriage which was pulled by horses. Karla sat on the bench, so she wouldn't have to see the bloody bandages all the time while Usagi lay down next to Joska to recover a bit.

He actually fell asleep and Kaut woke him roughly when they had arrived. Together with the driver, they carried Joska inside.

Lahmar was busy with a poor-looking woman who was about to stand up and leave when they carried the young man inside but the healer just shot a short glance at him and told her to sit down again.

Usagi released the driver not without giving him some coins for his help. Then he asked whether they should wait outside. The decision was made for him when Lahmar handed a few herbs to the woman and gave her instructions how to use them.

The woman left and Lahmar came over to the table on which they had placed Joska who didn't stir.

"You?" she asked curt.

"Yes," Usagi nodded.

She went back to her herbs and essences and came back with a few leaves. Usagi was surprised when she did put them into his hands but he put them into his mouth without hesitation and chewed when she told him to.

They tasted a bit sweet and drove the foul taste in his mouth away, quickly.

"Why me?" he asked chewing.

"You're worst off, right now," the old woman replied dryly.

"And with you, child," she said to Karla, "you should thank your owner. What he did for you two today was more than anyone else on this world would have taken upon him for you."

"Yes, healer," Karla said humbly, again the introverted slave that Usagi had bought.

"Bloody hell!" the healer yelled and everyone in the room ducked before the angry woman which seemed to fill the room without effort all of a sudden. "Look at him! Can you really believe he would have done this to Joska if there had been another way? He saved your life and that of Joska twice today and I mean that literally!"

"And six men of the city guard," Kaut added casually.

As quickly as Lahmar had become upset, she calmed down again. "Karla, even if you choose not to trust anyone else on this whole world, trust him," she said forcefully and Karla broke into tears once more.

Sighing, Usagi took his sensible Karla in his arms and let her cry.

"I'm sorry," she sobbed, "that I'm such a bad slave. I'm so sorry."

Lahmar gave her some more of the calming tea so she didn't completely dissolve into tears.

"But you're very good Karla," Usagi whispered into her ear softly, after the tears had stopped.

And Karla, who had so little of her own, gave him a kiss which he accepted thankfully because it came from her heart.

"I will bottle some of that tea for you," the healer said resolutely. "It doesn't do her good when she washes too many pains at once from her soul."

Kaut bid his farewell. "Maybe I should not spend so much time with you," he said but smiled when he did.

"Will there be talk?"

"No," Kaut laughed, "it's no good for my nerves! It's better for me to hunt insane madmen who haunt the city during the night!"

"Then you should do that," Usagi said smiling. "Maybe tonight shortly after midnight on Fiversquare?"

Kaut frowned: "Kenga?"

Usagi shook his head. "Only Mr. Jezko and Mr. Lero."

Kauts eyes positively gleamed. "You sure?"

"Bring a witness which one will believe," Usagi evaded an answer.

"An important one?"

"Could help," Usagi grinned.

"I will get into a lot of trouble if something goes wrong," Kaut thought.

"Sometimes, one has to take a risk."

"I wish you a good day," Captain Kaut said in a much better mood.

"Same to you. And be careful with Mr. Jezko."

"Don't worry," the captain laughed when he left the room.

Lahmar looked at Usagi and again, the rabbit had the feeling that she knew more than she possible could.

"What do I do with the leaves?"

"There is a bucket. And Talia is awake."

Usagi spit the stale leaves into the bucket. "Can I see her?"

"She is your property and you know where she is," the healer retorted.

Usagi made his most innocent face. "I just wanted to make sure that Captain Kaut is not forced to arrest you tomorrow because you killed an innocent rabbit," he claimed.

Lahmar laughed and turned to Joska. "Off with you!"

Talia looked up when they stepped through the door. When she recognized Usagi, she hesitated for a moment but then she still tried to stand up and greet her owner in the proper way.

"Don't," Usagi said. The world seemed to be relaxed and at ease. 'What kind of herbs did I chew on?'

He dropped into a chair and stretched out his legs. Without being asked, Karla started to massage him and he enjoyed it while he recovered.

"How are you?" he asked Talia.

"I'm much better, master, thank you," she said calmly.

"What is your name?"

"Whatever you choose ..." He waved the words aside. "Talia."

"Good. What are your skills?"

She had to think about this. "I speak three languages and can read and write one of them. I know how to lead negotiations and people." She stopped.

'Quite uncommon for a slave to be unable to repeat her skills on her head,' he thought.

"That means you also know how to estimate other people," Usagi concluded.

She hesitated. "Yes, master."

"And, how do you estimate me?"

Again, she hesitated. Not because she had to think but because she already knew the consequences of her answer. She seldom spoke without thinking twice over her words. 'Someone, who is used to tell someone else what he wants to hear to get what she wants in return. A lord or ruler of some kind,' Usagi thought while he watched her with his eyes half-closed.

"You are of low rank. A fighter or soldier. You are older than you look. Wealth and power mean little to you. You are looking for knowledge and experience and you are used to look behind the things," she finally enumerated.

'Direct hit,' Usagi thought and nodded.

"You bought me, because you were fascinated by me. You ask yourself who I really am and why I'm a slave. You despise people like Kenga and try to find people like that caption of the city guards."

"Go on," Usagi asked her.

"My ability to read in you like in an open book fascinates you and you are not afraid. You have not yet decided what you will do with me. If I would ask you to let me go, you wouldn't reject the notion right away but ask for some time to think over this. I'm not able to tell in which way you would decide, in the end. And if the answer to the question who I really am would have an impact on your decision."

"I think," Usagi said mildly amused, "that it will be very interesting to try to hide those things from you that I don't want you to know."

"That you will be unable to achieve," she replied.

"But you would say the same if it wasn't true," Usagi started. "You are ruthless against yourself and others. If you see an advantage for yourself, you will not hesitate to hurt others."

"Violence and pain mean little to you but the humiliation to be sold into slavery did hurt you. You seek revenge but this wish doesn't consume you. As soon as the person who is responsible for this will have been punished, you will forget him and return to your normal routine."

She didn't reply but Usagi was sure that he was correct. As long as she was at his mercy, she wouldn't see any advantages to entrust to him. That wasn't pride but simple, cold calculation. She just had only few things to trade with and she would only trade them in for something which gave her a different advantage or even a greater one if possible.

"As much as I ask myself who you are, you ask yourself who I am and where I do come from. You will carefully scrutinize all knowledge that you can collect about me to find something in that which you can use against me when you see an advantage for yourself in that."

"You tried to sound Lahmar about me but she didn't tell you anything. All which you have told me right now, you have found out yourself in the few hours which we spent together."

"You don't think of yourself as my property and you will only follow my orders as long as it fits your needs. You have a goal. You want back what once was taken from you and you will do anything to achieve this."

"You are as fascinated by me as I am by you and you are wondering if you could use me to reach your goals," Usagi finished his monologue.

"Are you now willing to reveal your identity to me or do you hope that this information will sell higher tomorrow?" he asked.

She laughed quietly. "Find out yourself. I'm sure you don't need me for that."

She had him. Of course, he wanted to know and if she was more than some unimportant ruler, he would find something about her in the net of the TAURUS but he wasn't happy that she forced him to reveal some of his abilities.

Then he wondered why he cared at all. For one, it didn't make a difference for him. His stay here wouldn't be forever and whatever she would find out, it would be forgotten in a few centuries. What was more, he could always return in a different body. And on the other side, she would eventually find out, anyway, and right now, the conditions were at least a bit under control.

But the real reason was something else. She was his slave and now she had challenged him. If he gave in, he granted her some power over him. If he didn't, then she would have achieved the same: He would have to postpone his curiosity because of her. And again, she would have controlled him.

"I can't accept that like this," he said coolly.

She smiled: "You are upset that a slave forces you to do something."

"I'm bothered to be forced to do something by someone who I can't trust."

Her smile vanished. "Yes," she said thoughtfully, while she evaluated her options. ' He's more than he appears to be. Is it wise to anger him right from the start?'

"My complete name is Th'alia Sulenka Marna Tschutsdara," she gave in eventually.

"I'm," she went on and he lifted his hand. She stopped and waited for his next step.

"Karla, I will meditate again just like I did this morning. Would you please hold my head?" he said to his slave who was still massaging him but who looked openly worried, again.

"Yes, master," she said and took his head carefully.

Usagi switched into the net. The name returned a dossier immediately. Usagi read the summary and the summaries of some other dossiers which were connected to this one.

Then he returned and lifted his head from the hands of his slave. He smiled at Karla and she smiled back. Openly fascinated, Talia had watched the process.

"That looked like magic but you are no wizard," she thought aloud.

"Someone, who knows more about magic than I do, gave this ability to me," Usagi explained.

"Queen Th'alia," he addressed her with her correct title. Karla cried out in surprise.

"Your brother Kh'oon has sold you into slavery to have the throne for himself. He is surrounded by corrupt and unable advisers who govern your realm more rough than ready."

"The idea came from the adviser Sh'uleiman. I think his words were: 'Then she is at least worth something.'"

She blinked in surprise and probably in distrust. "How do you know?"

"A friend of mine is a god," Usagi said with a shrug.

This time, he had managed to take her by surprise. But of course, his triumph was only short-lived. "You really believe that. But is he really a god?"

Usagi shrugged again. "For a mere mortal like me, the only difference is that he talks to me; that is something which most deities to which I've prayed to didn't do. But when we talk about power, then discussing becomes hair-splitting, I think."

"Would he give me my kingdom back if you would ask him?"

"Probably not."

"Why?"

"Other things are more important for him. He once invited me into a very expensive restaurant just to make sure a peasant gets some money."

"What was so important about this peasant?"

"His child would fall ill and with the money, he would be able to pay for the herbs. His child did survive and now something important will happen in about 400 years."

"So he plans over large timeframes."

Usagi nodded. "If he comes to the conclusion that the damage, which your brother causes right now, will yield an advantage in the end, he won't do anything."

"Why is he your friend?"

"That, you will have to ask himself," Usagi replied, "but I can't tell you where he currently is, because I don't know myself."

"Furthermore," Usagi went on, "you should take the fact into account that he watches this world. I have the knowledge about who you are and what your fate was from this pool of information. So if you were of any importance to him, he probably already would have done something."

"How do you know he didn't send you in his place?"

Usagi thought about this for a moment. "That could be," he admitted.

"And? Will you help me?"

"Yes," Usagi replied at once.

He had managed to take her by surprise once more.

"Karla, please step to the window," he asked smilingly. Confused, she complied. He was still one step ahead of Talia.

"In the end, you are still my property and I'm responsible for you," he added and Talia went berserk.

With an unexpected swiftness, she sprang up from her bed and lunged at Usagi. The claws of her hand cut through the empty air where his head had been an instant before.

Usagi rolled over and came up, ready to fight, behind her while she still turned. Again, she lashed out. He went below her attack and rammed his fist into her stomach. Gasping for air, she collapsed while he let himself fall back into the chair.

All of that had happened so fast that Karla cried out only now. Since Usagi had used his Chi for only a few moments, there were almost no after-effects for him.

"Karla," he smiled soothingly, "please continue your massage."

Hesitantly, she came back and stepped timidly behind Usagi.

"That is the reason," Usagi said while Talia came up slowly and with a menace in her face, "why I can't help you to regain your realm. You are as bad as your brother. The people would suffer as much under your sway as under his."

"You know that I will not simply leave that insult at that," she openly threatened and Usagi laughed.

"What could you possible do?" he asked amusedly.

"I will kill you," she promised.

"What makes you believe that this is possible at all?"

"Then I will hurt Karla!" she tried and Karla winced in fright.

"You could do that," Usagi admitted, "but you won't."

"Why not?"

"There would be no advantage in this for you," Usagi replied calmly. "Since you can't kill me, everything, that you could do to hurt me, would only make me angry. You don't know yet how powerful I really am but you know that potentially, I could be very powerful. It would only be a question of time until I would have my revenge for whatever you did to me."

"You wouldn't," she said, once more in control of herself. "You are unable to be cruel."

"That's not true and I wouldn't have to be. Next-door, you can find another slave of mine which I had whipped and I wouldn't be cruel, either. I would simply kill you as I did with my son Nara who also chose not to learn to respect certain limitations."

"This cruelty has cost you dearly. You are unable to do something like that very often."

Usagi gave a sigh. "I don't have to. It just shows that I can if I have to do it. I don't have to like it to still be able to do it."

"Your hesitation is a weakness."

"One which you can't use because I only hesitate with people like Karla and Joska; with you, I won't."

Talia hissed because he had cornered her. Shaking from anger, she lay down again.

"Think over my offer," Usagi said calmly. "I can help you to learn to live with your daemon. You are no bad ruler but uncontrolled. Accept my help and you will get what you want and possibly even more."

"Come, Karla," he asked his escort and they went to see Joska.

"I'm afraid, master," Karla admitted, shivering from fear.

"She is a dangerous woman," Usagi had to admit.

"Karla, listen to me," he said and looked at her openly. If the situation hadn't been so serious, he would have smiled because she returned his gaze without having been asked to.

"Should this body die or be destroyed or something like that, then return to the Rosegarden. I will show up there again after one to three days," he promised seriously.

She was aghast but nodded nonetheless. "Don't worry," Usagi smiled, "nothing can happen to me. This body is just a puppet and just like one can't harm the puppeteer when one harms one of his puppet, I can't be harmed either."

"Yes, master," she said sadly.

"What's wrong with you, Karla?"

"You are not really here, master," she replied. It took him a moment to realize what she was up to.

"Well, maybe the picture of a puppeteer wasn't as good as I thought," Usagi tried to comfort her. "Maybe you should think of me as someone who has several bodies and not only the one which you have. I can switch between them whenever I want to or when the one which I'm currently using is killed. That's what I did, for example, when I meditated just now. I've changed into another body and read something about Talia, there."

"Then," she asked shyly, "you felt my kiss?"

Usagi laughed friendly and took her gently by her shoulder. "Yes, Karla and it meant a lot to me."

Thankfully, she smiled.

Joska hadn't awoken, yet, and maybe it was better that way. Lahmar had wrapped his back into bandages just like Talia.

"Did you do this yourself?" she asked.

"No," Usagi shook his head, "I've had him whipped so I could see in his eyes when it was enough."

"The man knows what he's doing," Lahmar said calmly, "Joska's injuries are only superficial. Should I give him something against the pain?"

"Give him something against self-pity," Usagi said with a grim sense of humor. When Lahmar didn't laugh, he specified: "I don't want him to suffer unnecessarily."

"He's not a fighter like you," the old woman replied while she went for something which would fit the description. "For him, pain doesn't mean he's still alive but something which makes him suffer."

"Then, maybe, he should learn something new."

Lahmars hand froze. She turned her head and looked at Usagi. "It's your decision."

Usagi laughed. "That doesn't mean that I would turn down a good advice. What would you do?"

"Give him more time."

"Give him something so he can bear it," Usagi decided.

Lahmar smiled briefly but Usagi only saw it because her ears moved.

"How about your other catch?"

"Each of them is a challenge for me."

"Really?"

"With Karla, I will learn to make someone trust me, with Joska how to make someone understand what is important in life and with Talia how to have respect for things which other people deem as important."

"A large venture," Lahmar said without mockery.

Kengas Strike

The landlord was more than happy when Usagi told him that he would see his money. After a very good meal with even better service and a mug of wine on the house, Usagi retired with Karla. He had to plan his next steps.

He would need another room because his room was too small for four people. And he had to come up with something to keep his slaves occupied so they wouldn't get bored. And he had to think how he could achieve his goals.

Lost in thought, he looked out of the window into the winding alleyway below.

"Master?"

"Hm?" Usagi sounded without looking up.

"May I make love to you, now?"

The question took him a bit by surprise. He looked at Karla who had undressed without him noticing it and who offered herself to him, now. She was really very beautiful and he felt his desire for her. Nonetheless, he held himself in check.

"Karla," he replied seriously, "that is something which I will never ask from you."

Disappointment spread in her face and went on quickly: "This is something which only you should decide. If you really want to love me, then I will accept this present with gratitude. But it must be your own decision. Do you understand that?"

"Yes, master," she said thoughtfully.

"Good. Then decide for yourself and then tell me your decision."

She thought about this for a moment, stepped to him and gave him a deep kiss.

Usagi accepted her decision and hoped that she didn't only do it because she was his property or because she had to endure so many horrors today but because she really wanted this herself. That she didn't simply do it so he wouldn't be hurt.

But the longer the kiss went, the more unimportant these thoughts became. Now, he just wanted to be there for her.

And she was really very good. And insatiable.

Eventually, Usagi had to say stop because he was simply completely exhausted. Her trainers had really worked miracles with her and this seemed to be the thing which she enjoyed most. Which in turn meant some more worries for Usagi.

If her enthusiasm turned out to be permanent, then he had another, serious problem. He felt more satisfied than ever before in his life but he was almost unable to rise once more after their lovemaking and to chain her for the night. Not to think of the next morning!

He was asleep in an instant and woke up again in the net of the TAURUS. An annoying buzzing showed him an incoming call. Confused, Usagi accepted. It was Tep.

"Tep? What happened?"

"A few minutes ago, the puppet has been killed, master! I'm readying a replacement for training right now. It will be available for training in about 17 minutes," Tep reported in a hurry.

'Karla,' was Usagis first thought. "What happened?"

"Apparently, you have been murdered in your sleep, master," Tep replied.

"What about Karla?" Usagi exclaimed.

"She has left the building shortly after your death and is now moving in the general direction of the slavemarket. There is someone with her; the pictures are not very good but ..."

"Pictures? Show me!" Usagi shouted. Immediately, another channel opened.

Jezko. He pulled the crying Karla through the dark streets. Damn!

"... It's probably a man names Jezko. He works for ...," Tep reported.

"Kenga," Usagi cursed. "How long before I can return?"

"At least three hours, master,"

"And if I go myself?"

"A bit longer because after such a long time in the tank, it will take you some time before your body has become accustomed to doing things on itself again."

Cursing, Usagi called Käl. Luckily, the other pupil took the call immediately.

"How can I help you?"

"Karla has been kidnapped and I can return at the earliest in three hours! What should I do?"

"Send probes, so you can keep an eye on the situation. And you should start planning what you will want to do after you have returned because during the training, you will have other things on your mind. You must find out what has happened to your old body, how you can make it vanish and which equipment you should to take along on the next trip."

"Tep?"

"Your old body has already been found by Captain Kaut. Kaut is now on his way to Kenga, too. He has 15 men along with him," Tep started his report. A map of the city appeared with a lot of symbols. Tep had sent about 20 probes into the city and some of them had already arrived at Kengas house and had begun to enter into the complex, to scan the floors to map the building and to hide somewhere so they could observe what happened inside.

On other channels, Usagi could see Kaut and Jezko. Both channels showed the estimated time of arrival at Kengas house. Jezko would still need 45 minutes and Kaut 55. Jezko might need a little bit longer because he tried to evade the city guards. Kaut, on the other hand, was slowed by his men.

And another countdown showed up: 2 hours, 54 minutes until he was ready for transport. 15 minutes until he had to concentrate completely on the training of his new body.

"Can I talk to Kaut?"

Tep nodded. A symbol with Kauts head appeared. He activated it and he could hear the sound of running feet in an alley together with the heavy breathing and cursing of Kaut.

"Kaut, this is Usagi. Can you hear me?"

Kaut gave a start and almost tripped over his own feet. He look confused into the direction from which Usagis voice had sounded but there was only the solid wall of a house.

"Usagi?" he called.

"Yes. My body has been killed and it will take three hours before a new one is ready for action."

"Three hours ...," Kaut repeated flatly. Usagi felt pity for the men. He had felt the same way when Pau had told him something which was simply impossible.

"Jezko is on his way to Kaut with Karla. They are about 10 minutes ahead of you. Please hurry!" Usagi begged.

Immediately, Kaut was in motion once more. His men followed after a slight delay but then routine set in, again. They doubled behind their leader and this bodiless voice.

"What's the plan?" Kaut asked.

"I have no plan, yet. There are two possibilities. I can try to come back as quickly as possible or I can help you from here. I've got a few helpers in Kengas house and I can lead you."

Then an idea struck him.

"Go left," he advised Kaut.

"That's a dead end," Kaut said but he still went into it.

"Yes. Tep, a transport from here to here."

Kaut went around another corner with his men and stared out of the small alleyway near Kengas house.

"A little help from me," Usagi said casually to comfort the gaping men. "Jezko will now need about half an hour to your current location, so this gives us some time to think."

Kaut laughed soundlessly and sent two of his men to the mouth of the alleyway to watch.

"I can do that from here," Usagi offered.

"Can you also stop Jezko when he runs by?"

"Well, no," Usagi admitted.

"Good," Kaut replied sarcastically, "I was already afraid we were completely useless."

"I'm ..."

"Or all those people whose relatives I have to comfort would have died for nothing," Kaut interrupted him

Usagi remained silent.

"A lot of effort for a slave," Kaut thought aloud.

"No, ...," Usagi tried but Kaut interrupted him once more.

"Look," Kaut said, "I think you gods are just too occupied to save everyone who risks his life here. And it probably would be very boring, too, if everything was neat and peaceful. So I'd like to propose a deal."

"Yes?"

"Tomorrow, Kenga is either dead or in a prison cell. In return, I'll do what you want."

"No fair!" Usagi protested slightly amused.

"Really?"

"Really! I also want to see Kenga dead! And you will have all the fun while I can only watch!"

"Life's hell."

"Yes, unbearable. What do you propose?" Usagi asked.

"Well," Kaut thought, "what crime did Jezko commit when you are still alive?"

"Malicious damage," Usagi replied dryly, "or malicious angering of an immortal."

"Stupidity is not yet a crime, here," Kaut laughed. "Is it where you now are?"

"No idea," Usagi joined him, "I also just arrived."

"Well, whatever we are going to accuse Kenga of," Kaut went on, "I have my doubts that it will change anything. At least, it didn't change anything in the past."

"One moment, please," Usagi asked his friend and opened the Kenga file again.

"I read here that the Aldermen Volmur, Takar and Tauber protect him."

"You see his crimes there, too?"

"Hmm ... some of them."

"And where we can find evidence?"

"One moment ... no, nothing."

"Well?"

"Well, I could level the whole complex from here."

"Most of the slaves wouldn't mind, I guess."

"Same for the neighbors but I don't like the idea very much."

"Why? Wouldn't it be a small sacrifice to achieve a higher goal?"

"Would you do it?"

"For me, it would be a waste of time to think about this because I can't do such things."

"Just say the word."

Kaut remained silent.

"Same problem here," Usagi admitted.

"And now?"

"Fear?" Käl proposed.

"Ah, a new voice. We haven't been introduced, yet?"

"I'm Käl and like Usagi a pupil of Philmann Dark," Käl introduced himself shortly.

"An interesting idea. Holograms?" Usagi asked.

"Yes."

"Tep?"

"I can transfer some projectors."

"Inside of the house?" Usagi asked.

"Touch," Käl thought.

"Uh, hello?" Kaut asked.

"Are you superstitious, Captain?" Usagi asked calmly.

"Why? And who is Tep?"

"Tep is a slave of Philmann Dark," Usagi explained. "And to answer the other question: Have you ever heard of haunts?"

"Revenge from the realm of the dead?" Kaut asked thoughtfully.

Kengas Fight

Once more, only his caution had saved his life. He pulled the slave along who resisted only weakly. His instincts had warned him and still, he had almost been caught in the trap of the city guards on Fiversquare.

At least this pest of a traveler Miyamoto had been dealt with. Jezko didn't know why but he had the distinct feeling that the stranger had had something to do with the trap. Well, if that was the case, his slave would tell them, soon. And the other slaves which the stranger had bought would be found as well, soon.

The man who should have bought Joska had turned out to be a well of useful information. Soon, the other two slaves would be under their control again and all traces would be erased forever.

Carefully but not conspicuously, he looked down the street. Until now, he had been able to avoid to run into a patrol. Nonetheless, he had not much time left. Should the stranger really be connected to the trap at the Fiversquare, then his body would probably be found before tomorrow morning and maybe there were already pursuers on his heels.

When he could reach the house of Kenga, he would be safe. Kenga would never allow his domain to be searched to protect himself in the first place.

It became foggy. Unusual for the time of year but he would put it to good use. Then he stopped. 'Did someone just call my name?'

Probably just his nerves. Quickly, he went on. The fog became more and more dense. 'I would have thought it's too warm for fog. Strange.'

Hollow steps announced another late-night traveler long before Jezko could make him out in the ever thickening fog. Jezko just went on. He didn't worry for the slave; she was much too afraid to try anything.

The steps of the other person resounded very loud in the alley. Involuntarily, Jezko smiled. The fog had strange effects. The other man had probably already started to be afraid of Jezkos eerie steps.

Then he could see the shape. Just like with all other persons which Jezko had met, he passed him without greeting so no one could remember his voice, later.

"Good evening, Mr. Jezko," Usagi said politely. "It warms my heart to see how much you care for my poor slave."

Jezko pushed the slave away in an instant who vanished in the fog with a sharp yelp and drew one of his long knifes. Jezko didn't hesitate a moment and lunged at his enemy.

Who simply vanished.

The fog carried sounds far. This way, it was impossible to hide and to attack unnoticed but Jezko hadn't heard it when Usagi had moved.

"Are you looking for something?" Usagi asked politely who had reappeared behind Jezko. Jezko turned around. The knife in his right hand made it for Usagis head and missed him only by a hair.

"Are you really trying to kill me again?" Usagi asked. "Once per night is not enough for you?"

Jezko didn't waste his air with useless chat. Again his knives stabbed and once more, Usagi vanished without a trace.

Searching, Jezko looked around. Again, he hadn't heard when Usagi had moved. He wondered what the reason for this was.

A symbol flickered in Usagis view. He muted the sound and picked up the call. It was Käl.

"Lahmar is in trouble. Five armed men are forcing their way into the house."

Usagi cursed. "Deal with them," he ordered Käl, "I'll deal with Jezko."

Käl accepted the order wordlessly and nodded. Thankfully, Usagi returned to his own game.

He activated the sound again. "Looking for something?" his voice sounded through the alley. Jezko looked around but couldn't see through it.

Jezko seemed to think about something, then he did put the knives away and began to search the fog for Karla. Usagi activated his hologram once more.

"Looking for something?"

Jezko didn't even turn around anymore but ignored him completely. A short time later, he had found Karla, who looked at him sullenly. Brutally, he grabbed her and pulled her up.

'Seems he has seen through the illusion,' Usagi thought. 'Time for plan B.'

"To be a ghost has its disadvantages," Usagi admitted aloud. Jezko didn't show any reaction but pulled Karla along.

Usagi made his projection appear directly in front of Jezko. "But one is fast."

Straight-faced, Jezko walked right through him. Karla wriggled in his grip but couldn't break free.

Usagi followed Jezko with his gaze. "What would you say if I would stay close to you in the next few days or weeks?"

Jezko showed no sign that this caused him any worries.

"And then report to Captain Kaut," Usagi went on undisturbed.

Jezko stopped dead in his tracks.

"Tell him to sleep with an eye open, from now on," Jezko proposed.

"Threats against a member of the city guards?"

Jezko didn't even laugh. "Do what you want." That man was stone-cold.

"He will surely enjoy when I tell him of the meetings between Kenga and Alderman Volmur and what is happening at them," Usagi told Jezkos back, who went on slowly. "Or Alderman Takar."

"Or Tauber."

Jezko stopped once again. "I wonder," the man said slowly, "what would happen if I would harm your beloved Karla ..."

"In this state, I'm a bit helpless," Usagi admitted. "But in a few hours, I can have another body. Then I would pay you a visit and show you."

"I'll just kill you again just as I did before."

Usagi laughed. "That wouldn't be a body in which I could show myself on the streets."

He grinned. "No need to cause a panic."

"What do you want?"

"Well, how about we just go on and see Kenga? I talk to him and then we'll see if we can't agree upon something," Usagi proposed.

Jezko frowned. "All this just to make me lead you to Kenga?"

"No, I already know where Kenga exactly is," Usagi smiled. "I just didn't want to scare him to death." He waved and the fog vanished without a trace.

Wordlessly, Jezko pulled Karla on. Usagi was nowhere to be seen, anymore.

At the mouth of an alleyway, a couple of city guards stood. Kaut was among them and Usagi, too. Jezko kept an eye on them but they didn't move, just watched him.

Still, he became more and more nervous. The whole situation was just too complex for his liking. He wasn't worried, yet; Kenga had survived worse crises, already. 'How could Usagi have known about the meeting between him and Lero? Who was the leak? Who knew about the connection between Kenga and Tauber?'

When he looked the next time, Usagi was gone and the guards still stood there. 'What are they up to?'

Then he saw Usagi again. He stood before one of the entrances to Kengas estate. When Jezko came closer, he simply stepped right through the wall. Jezko didn't flinch. As long as Usagi couldn't touch anything, he was only a small threat.

In the yard, the rabbit waited once more. When Jezko came closer, he calmly spoke: "The men which you sent to kidnap my other two slaves have failed."

Jezko frowned. 'What have they run into? Probably the city guard. That was irritating but still no real problem.' Usagi pointed at something and Jezko froze.

Five motionless, dark bodies lay there in the yard.

Jezko hesitated. 'What now? Examine them or straight into the house?'

But he had to know, so he approached the motionless bodies.

Carefully, he turned one of the bodies around. 'Tarl. Damn.'

"How did you ...?" he asked but Usagi was gone once more.

Jezko didn't curse but ran into the house with the slave who almost couldn't follow him. The white fur of the rabbit just vanished behind a corner when he stepped into the house. Down. Towards the catacombs.

On the stairs, he slowed. Jezko was cold-blooded but not stupid. Somehow, Usagi had taken out his men and brought them here. Therefore, he must be able to do some manipulations even if he couldn't touch anything. He didn't dare to think what might happen if the slave should trip and break her neck.

Downstairs, the rabbit waited before the door to Kengas room. A few guards tried to handle the intruder but without much success. Their weapons couldn't touch him. Usagi ignored them completely. In some morbid way, Jezko began to enjoy this game.

It seemed that Usagis options were in fact tightly limited. Jezko looked forward to the duel between the rabbit and Kenga. A guard had noticed him, now, and came running to warn him.

Jezko sent the guards away and knocked on the thick wooden door. Then he stepped inside.

Kenga was very surprised when Usagi stepped into the room instead of the expected Jezko. But his winning smile returned immediately.

"Mr. Miyamoto," he said without any betraying look at Jezko, "how unexpected."

"Karla," Usagi said calmly and pointed at a chain, "please sit down there."

Jezko thought for a moment if he should try to find out what would happen if he wouldn't release her. Then Karla was free once more. A bit uneasy, she went to the chair her master had shown her and sat down. Despite her trust for her master, her knees were still shaking.

Unhurried, Usagi had a look at the room. A few candles lit the round room inadequately. A couple of letters lay on the table at which Kenga sat and there was a bed next to the wall. Except for a few chairs, the room was bare and empty.

"Your employee here," Usagi pointed at Jezko, "has killed me about an hour ago. That made me wonder if we shouldn't have a serious talk with each other."

Kengas smile didn't falter. "Well, I'm sure that this is just an unfortunate misunderstanding ..." He trailed off when Usagi stepped right through a chair.

"As you can see," Usagi moved his hand slowly though the backrest of the chair, "certain actions are ... not that easy anymore for me, now."

"I see," Kenga replied and looked at Jezko who just shrugged.

"That won't stay that way but only for a couple of hours."

"I see," Kenga said slowly.

"Of course, the question for me is now: Should I return in this form or, say, like this ..."

Usagi replaced his projection by one of Käl. The first thing he had to do, was to pull his head out of the low ceiling. The room was much smaller, all of a sudden. Or more full; that depended on the point of view. He occupied now a very large point of view.

When he was sure that his argument had been understood, he changed back. "But I'm sure this won't be necessary. Aren't we all intelligent and grown-up and don't have to resort to violence to settle our disputes?"

"What do you have in mind?"

"Tonight, Mr. Jezko has met with Mr. Lero to hand over a bribe and has been arrested by the city guard while doing that," Usagi proposed.

"And if something would happen to your slave?"

Lost in thought, Usagi prodded a chair with a finger. Every now and then, the chair would move a tiny bit. "The safe return of Karla to the Rosegarden is out of question." He made a movement with his hand and the slave vanished along with the chair on which she sat.

"But I see that any further words are just a waste of time," Usagi said and walked towards the door.

"Wait," said Kenga still smiling but a bit hastily. "I'm sure that we can come to an agreement."

Usagi stopped and stared at the door. Diverging wounds spread on his body and blood streamed down on the ground. In a very short time, a big pool formed on the floor. Then the rabbit toppled and lay motionless in the puddle.

Surprised, Kenga and Jezko stared at the sight. 'What was Usagi up to, now?' Jezko wondered.

The next instant, someone banged at the door. The two men looked at each other. Then Kenga nodded and Jezko went to open it.

It was Kaut. He came in with a lot of men, who stepped into the room as soon as the door was opened and spread along the walls.

"What's the meaning of this?" Kenga wanted to know.

Kaut ignored him. Together with Alderman Venari, he stepped into the room and next to the motionless Usagi.

"He tried to attack me," Kenga tried to defend himself before Kaut had said anything.

Wordlessly, Kaut took a shoulder of the dead rabbit and turned him around.

His hands were tied together. The feet were tied to a ring in the floor.

Alderman Venari made a sound of disgust. "Before or after you have tied him up and tortured him?" Captain Kaut asked with restrained rage in his voice.

Jezko moved as quick as a flash. Before one of the guards on the wall could do anything, he had lunged at the rabbit. The triumph on his face quickly turned into terror when the body turned out to be no illusion anymore but resisted his touch.

There was blood on his hands, when the guards pulled him away. Kenga didn't try to resist when the guards arrested him, too.

Sadly, Kaut looked at the relaxed face of his friend. Then he noticed something.

"A carriage!" his voice boomed into the corridor, "He's still alive!"

Carefully, the heavily injured Usagi was put on a carriage and brought to the healer Lahmar. After she had started to care for his wounds, Kaut went back to the headquarter of the city guard to eliminate the last traces for Kengas innocence.

To make Usagis corpse vanish was the easy part. As Usagi had promised, the corpse vanished without a trace after Kaut had pressed the button on the small box and had put it on the body.

The next step was to look up all guards who had seen the dead Usagi and to impress the fact on them that they hadn't seen anything. The guards were unhappy but they gave in because they trusted Kaut. But Usagi had already become a legend amongst them. Worried, Kaut wondered what kinds of rumors would spread in the morning.

And lastly, he went to the Rosegarden to comfort Karla. It was already very early in the next morning and Kaut was accordingly tired and exhausted but he also would have done that even if Usagi hadn't asked him to do so.

The woman who opened the main door was surprised and even more so, when he told her that the landlord should not worry: Usagi would live and he would be able to pay his bills.

Then he went upstairs and knocked on the door to Usagis room.

"Karla? It's me, Captain Kaut," he said soothingly.

For some time, nothing happened then he heard a low voice from inside: "Captain Kaut?"

"Yes, Karla?"

"Is it really you?"

While Kaut opened his mouth to answer something which would comfort the slave, he could hear Usagis voice all of a sudden sounded through the door: "It's really him, Karla. You can open the door."

She cried out in surprise and then quickly opened the door.

Kaut looked into eyes full of fear and didn't move.

"May I enter, Karla?" he asked.

"Of course, Captain Kaut," the slave said and hastily stepped out of the way.

"Thank you very much."

Like on the street, Usagis projection stood in the room. As before, Kaut had to admire the perfect illusion.

"How did it go?" Usagi asked but Kaut was pretty sure that he already knew everything.

"Good. Alderman Venari was outraged as expected when he saw you lying there on the ground. I don't see how Kenga could wriggle out of this one."

"Very good. As soon as the guards leave, I will see to it that there really will be a ring in the floor just in case Kenga would try to prove that there never was one," Usagi replied.

"When will you return?"

"At sunset. I think that I will be available for a short talk with the aldermen around midday."

"Where?"

"I will be at Lahmars place."

"Hm," Kaut made, "that might not be to her liking."

"Why?" Usagi wondered.

"Well, I was amazed myself when she opened up so quickly for you. Usually, Lahmar is very reserved. She will not like the idea that a whole bunch of aldermen with their writers, assistants and guards invade her rooms."

"I see. I'll talk to her about this. If she doesn't want that, I'll have myself brought back into the Rosegarden and see the aldermen here."

"Yes. I guess everything has been arranged, then," Kaut said. "Good night, Mr. Miyamoto."

"Thanks a lot for everything, captain and a good night for you, too. Maybe ..."

"Yes?"

"May I transport you home?"

Kaut thought about this. The idea to be back home in a few moments really appealed to him.

"Habemen Alley," he replied.

"Good night, Captain Kaut," Usagi said goodbye. "I would like to shake your hand, but ..." He shrugged excusingly.

Kaut gave a laugh. "Good night, Karla," he said and went down to his horse. He mounted it and saw his own house between the markers which floated in the air. He drove his horse through the portal and went to bed a very short time later.

"Karla, you showed great courage, today," Usagi thanked her.

"Thank you, master," she said. "I'm so sorry that I didn't wake up in time to warn you."

"Don't worry about this," Usagi comforted her. "This way, Kenga dug his own grave. Now we have some good evidence against him and can maybe drive him out of business, forever."

"And if not?"

Usagi smiled reassuringly: "Don't worry. From now on, I will always know where Kenga and Jezko are. Should they try anything, I will know shortly after they start it. They won't be able to harm you or anyone else, anymore."

"Yes, master. Thank you."

"I do thank you, Karla. Without your help, this wouldn't have been possible," Usagi said and bowed before her.

She was openly embarrassed: Her face got all red and she looked at her feet.

"You should rest, now," Usagi said softly. "Have breakfast here in the morning and then go to Healer Lahmar. I will wait for you, there."

"Yes, master."

Usagi stayed for a while with Karla until he was sure she wouldn't stir, anymore. A few times, she had blinked and he had smiled reassuringly at her so she could find a peaceful sleep. Then he returned into his own body to close his eyes as well for a few hours.

It was strange to return into his own body in the remote control tank where he dreamed the whole story. 'Now, I'm going to sleep within a dream,' he thought amusedly before exhaustion took its toll.

Kengas Demise

With Teps help, Usagi lowered his pain perception and then changed into the new puppet which lay in Lahmars rooms. As always, it was a strange sensation when his sense of 'Up' suddenly turned. And he could suddenly feel the pressure of the bandages and the hard bed below him.

Usagi took a few deep breaths until his body-perception had calmed down again. Then he opened his eyes. Karla sat next to his bed and she looked at him with worry in her eyes. Usagi smiled when he saw her and she smiled back. But the worry didn't leave her.

Unlike with the former puppet, Usagi started with training his voice. In a very short time, he could say something recognizable again. As Tep had promised, the fine-tuning went much faster, this time.

"Good morning, Karla," he greeted his loyal slave.

"Good morning, master. How do you feel?"

"Good. Very good, in fact. Lahmar really has worked a miracle. I'm almost without pains," Usagi replied and Karla calmed down a bit more.

Then he asked her to help him up. Karla wasn't at all happy at the request but Usagi had to move. His wounds quickly broke open again and blood oozed on the floor. Again, Usagi quickly regained the control over his movements so he would be able to meet the aldermen.

Talia sat on a chair and looked out of the window. When he had risen, she had shot him a short, unintelligible glance. Joska lay on a second bed and was still sleeping.

When Usagi was satisfied, he lay down again. The bleeding of his wounds would stop, soon, and with bandages covered in blood, he would offer an even more miserable look. Karla rushed to the door and called for Lahmar.

"Lahmar! He's bleeding a lot!"

"Karla," Usagi laughed, "that's absolute nonsense."

But she was greatly worried. Of course, she was no fighter. Usagi could easily see how much Käl had injured him but for her, the many, lightly bleeding wounds must give a terrifying, awesome view.

Lahmar came in an instant. "I see, you are already trying your best to ruin my efforts," she said unfriendly.

"I have to be able to move or the aldermen will think that I'm already dead," Usagi defended himself.

"Then how about taking Karla into consideration?"

"I do as much as I can. But to keep everything away from her would harm her, too."

Lahmars shoulders sagged. "I'm sorry," she said and Usagi almost didn't trust his ears.

"When those men tried to force their way into my home and a short time later, Kaut arrived with your lifeless body, I was greatly worried."

"I'm fine even if I don't look like that," Usagi reassured her.

"Yes," the healer said, "I should have known. But only very few of my patients are immortal."

"No big business with us," Usagi grinned, "we never get sick."

"What happened, anyway?"

"Kenga sent Jezko to kill me last night."

"Your injuries don't look like Jezko. He doesn't enjoy torture."

"Käl, a friend of mine, inflicted these wounds on me."

"You talk and I listen," the old woman sighed.

"Jezko has killed me and kidnapped Karla. Kaut was on his heels but he wouldn't be able to arrest Kenga for kidnapping a slave."

"So we decided to torture another of my bodies and to foist it on Kenga. The alderman Venari accompanied Kaut when he 'found' me and now Kenga will have some trouble to talk himself out of this one."

Lahmar laughed unbelievingly. "You had yourself tortured so Kenga could be arrested?"

"No, not really," Usagi admitted. "As long as I don't switch into a body, I don't feel what happens to it and I can adjust my reception of pain so I wouldn't even notice if I still had any pains. You have really worked a miracle on me."

"Thanks," the healer said dryly. "What happens now?"

"Well, in a few hours a couple of aldermen will visit me and ask me a few questions. I will then tell them a good story how Kenga has kidnapped and then tortured me."

Lahmar froze, when he said that.

"Kaut told me that you might not like the idea that I receive the aldermen here," Usagi helped her.

"You see, there are only few people in this city who know at all that I'm still here. There have been ... misunderstandings in the past and I would prefer if we could leave it that way."

She gave a sigh. "But I also don't want to ask too much from you. If this is the price to get finally rid of Kenga, then I'm willing to pay it."

Openly, Usagi looked at her. "Why do you hate Kenga that much?"

The old woman sighed heavily. "Old stories, old wounds. I don't really want to touch them again, even more so if it all could be over at last."

"And even more so, if it shouldn't be over against all odds," she added.

When Usagi almost didn't expect an answer anymore, she went on, nonetheless: "I was a slave myself, once. Kenga owned me. I knew a lot about healing herbs and so I had to heal his other slaves. Some of them had been injured on their way to here."

"Others were injured here. Kenga has some pretty ugly figures around him and sometimes, they had ... fun with the slaves. Sometimes, he did it himself."

She made a pause. "I had to save some for whom death would have come as a release, Mr. Miyamoto."

"And out of fear, I complied," she added bitterly.

Usagi remembered his time with the Taja Ninjas. "I have experienced something similar," he said calmly and Lahmar looked at him sadly. "But I've learned something from that: You must be strong to overcome your fear. And it takes strength to survive hell."

Thoughtfully, he looked at the ceiling. "Usually, we only see the first form of strength because it is so obvious. But the second form also exists and maybe it's the one which is more important."

Lahmar chuckled. "Are you healing me, now, Mr. Miyamoto?"

Then a thought crossed his mind. "Did some important people attend these ... games?"

"Well, Tauber enjoyed himself greatly, sometimes," the old woman said who looked very tired all of a sudden.

"What?" Usagi cried out. "Lahmar! I must leave at once! I'm sure he will be amongst the aldermen who will come her! If he should see you!"

"Don't worry about an old hag," Lahmar smiled. "All this happened a long time ago. There is little chance he will recognize me."

"Lahmar, I'm not willing to take any chances," Usagi decided. "Get me a coach. Karla, take my clothes!"

"Where do you want to go?" Lahmar asked while Karla picked up the bag with Usagis clothes.

"Can you tell me a healer whom I can trust?"

"No," the woman said regretfully, "I seldom leave my four walls. Kaut is usually my only contact with the outside world. Maybe he would know but we would have to send someone to him to ask."

Usagi thanked the gods that he hadn't called back the probes, yet. Quickly, he lay down again and activated the probe which followed Kaut.

"... and where is Mr. Miyamoto now?" he could hear.

Kaut hesitated for a moment with the answer. "He's either at his healer or back in his inn, the Rosegarden."

"And which healer would that be?" asked the other voice.

'Timing is everything,' Usagi thought and pointed the audio source towards Kauts ear and reduced the power. "Say it and I will be there," he whispered into Kauts ear.

"Healer Mrakvar, Rosealley 5," Kaut answered quick-witted.

A plan appeared before Usagis minds eye. The Rosealley 5 was marked. 'Too far from my current location to get there in time with a carriage,' Usagi realized.

He selected another probe and sent it there. 'If the aldermen would start now, they would be there in about 25 minutes,' Usagi guessed.

"In that case, please send someone to find out the actual whereabouts of Mr. Miyamoto and then report to us," Kaut was ordered this instant.

"I'm on my way," he told Kaut and changed back into his body.

Lahmar was gone, only Karla was still sitting next to him. "Karla, the carriage would take too long. Please get Lahmar back!" he ordered his slave who instantly dropped the bag with his clothes and ran after the healer.

Usagi went back into the net. Next time, he would train to be in the net and in his body at the same time. The frequent switching back and forth irritated him greatly.

With his probe, he scouted the area. He entered the house through a large gap in the door. Unlike with Lahmar, there were signs which showed him the way. Unfortunately, there was no gap in the door to Mrakvars rooms which was large enough to let the probe pass. But he could send Karla into the corridor before the door. If no one stepped into the corridor at the same time, no one would take notice of her appearance out of nowhere.

Then he returned into his body. It took quite a while until Karla returned. When he started to worry, she opened the door and rushed back into the room.

"I can't find her anywhere, master!" she moaned.

"Doesn't matter," Usagi calmed her. "Talia, when Lahmar returns, tell her that I've moved to Healer Mrakvar, Rosealley 5!"

As always, Talias face didn't show what she thought but she nodded.

"Karla, leave some money behind, so Lahmar can give the driver something for his efforts," he told his slave. "I will leave my body once more to check if the coast is clear. As soon as this is the case, I'll open a gateway for you."

"You have to talk to the healer. As soon as you are alone with him, I'll follow. Then I can explain everything to him. All you have to do is to make sure you are alone with him so I can follow. Do you understand that?"

"Yes, master."

"Good." Usagi switched into the net again and prepared everything for the transport. The probe still showed an empty corridor. Immediately, Usagi activated the gateway and in the empty air, a hole formed through which one could see the room in which he lay. Quickly, Karla stepped through it and Usagi closed the gateway again.

Fainthearted, she knocked at the door. After a few moments, it opened and Usagi immediately steered the probe inside.

"My master needs your services, Healer Mrakvar," Karla said.

"Well," the healer said, "I'm currently seeing to another patient. How bad is he?"

"Very bad, master," Karla said hastily.

"Oh, I see. Hm ... in that case, I should come with you at once. Just ..."

"No!" Karla shouted. Confused, the healer stared at her. "No, he's coming," she bubbled out, "he's already on his way to here!"

"Oh, ah, I see," said the healer whose idea, why Karla was so nervous, was completely wrong.

"Calm down, please," he told Karla, who only became more upset the more he tried to comfort her.

"Please, master!" Karla begged. "It's really very important that you send your patient away!"

"But, but, dear child, surely ... oh, don't cry, now, oh, please calm down, come in ..."

He lead Karla into a large room which was both his home and where he treated his patients. A man sat there on a chair with a bare chest and looked friendly at the weeping Karla.

Immediately, he rose and offered her his chair.

"Well, um, I'm very sorry, Mr. Karuscho, but as you can see for yourself," the healer said excusingly.

"Don't mind it," the man laughed lightly and began to dress awfully slow. "I'm not mortally sick," he winked at Karla.

"Your master will be in good hands with Healer Mrakvar here," he said while he took his time to button his shirt.

While Usagi was about to cry out in frustration, Karla turned out to have found a solution. She cleaned her face with a handkerchief and sniffed.

"I usually help my master to dress in the morning, Mr. Karuscho. I would be glad if I would be allowed to help you, master, as a little thanks for your generosity."

"Oho," Karuscho laughed paternally. "Well, I would lie if I would say that I could easily turn down such an offer from such a beautiful young woman like you."

"Thank you, master," Karla bowed humbly and after an astonishingly short time, Mr. Karuscho was dressed again and out of the door.

"Well," the healer said friendly to Karla after he had walked Mr. Karuscho out of the door, "can you at least tell me who your master is?"

"Me," Usagi answered in her stead. The healer almost fainted when he appeared out of nowhere.

"What ... ? Who ... ? How ... ? You bleed ...," he stammered.

"I was under the impression that only my slave is so nervous, all the time," Usagi said dryly. "Can I lay down somewhere?"

"Uh, what? Lay down? Uh, oh, sure, here, right here, I mean ..."

He lead Usagi to a bed which was hidden behind a curtain and Usagi lay down.

The healer just stood there for a moment and Usagi began to worry what he should do if he should bolt. But in the end, his honor prevailed and he began to examine Usagi carefully.

"Hm ... yes ... good ... looks good ... here, too ... pains?"

"No," Usagi replied.

The healer frowned. "So what do you expect from me, then?"

"Do you know Captain Kaut?"

"Yes," the man answered carefully.

"He did arrest Trader Kenga tonight," Usagi reported. "He found me in Kengas house and he has brought me here. You have tended my wounds and I've slept until now and recovered."

"My wounds weren't deadly but many and probably very painful. You would guess that I've been tortured. I've lost a lot of blood but I'll live. At some time in the morning, my slave here has arrived and watched over me since then. Did you get that?"

"Yes," the man replied but he didn't sound very convincing.

"Good, because in a few moments, someone from the city guard will show up here and ask if I'm still here or already back in the Rosegarden. Tell them that I'm still here and I will have to stay for a while."

"Later, Captain Kaut will come to see me. Several aldermen will accompany him to ask me a few questions. All I ask from you is that, when you find out that Kaut is really my friend, that you tell them my version of the story should someone want to hear it."

"Certainly," Mrakvar agreed immediately but Usagi knew in his heart that he just said that so Usagi didn't kill him right now.

Usagi gave a sigh. "What do I have to do to convince you?"

"Nothing, nothing at all," the man said quickly, "I believe your every word!"

"If you lie that bad later, then Kaut might have to release Kenga and Kenga will ask himself what your role in this was," Usagi said unmoved but he felt pity with the man.

"No! No! No, I'll ...," the healer said terrified but he was interrupted by a knock on the door.

"I must ... open door," the healer managed and Usagi was almost certain that he would rip open the door and bolt when Karla stood up, passed by resolutely and opened it.

"Excuse me," an unknown voice said from the corridor, "my name is Tuna Holgar and I'm from the city guard. I'm here to ask if Mr. Miyamoto is still here or if he has already returned to his inn?"

"My master is still here," Karla answered humbly.

"Ah, good. May I enter?" Holgar asked politely.

"Of course, master." Karla stepped aside and let him enter.

"Ah, Healer Mrakvar," the guard greeted the healer by shaking his hand. "Captain Kaut sends you his best regards."

"Uh, oh, really?" the healer said surprised.

"Yes," Holgar said, "and I've been told that you, and these were his own words, "should kindly do as Usagi says!""

Usagi had to laugh. Of course Kaut had seen to everything. Even if he couldn't leave his body, could not access all the knowledge of the TAURUS, he still knew how to do his job.

"Oh, aha," the healer made.

Holgar left it at that and went over to Usagi. "How are you, sir?" he asked seriously.

"It looks much worse than it is," Usagi said reassuringly.

"Glad to hear that, sir. It ... we all were very upset when we heard what had happened," the guard said.

"Thanks," Usagi said and waited for the guard to tell him what he really wanted to say.

"Captain Kaut said that it might have been someone from the city guards who has sold you to Kenga," the guard went on embarrassed.

"Yes, I think he is right," Usagi agreed.

"Uh, oh, yes ...," the guard said. "We, uh, hope that ..." He trailed off and was at a loss for words.

"I don't accuse you or the city guard for the actions of the traitor," Usagi said seriously, "and I wish you best luck to discover him so something like that can't happen again."

"Of course, sir, certainly," Holgar said openly relieved. "I assure you, we'll make sure this won't happen again."

"I do thank you."

"Mr. Miyamoto, my colleagues and I hope you will recover, soon. Healer Mrakvar, a group of aldermen will probably want to meet with Mr. Miyamoto in the afternoon. Is that possible?"

"Well, you see," the healer said slowly, "of course his injuries are heavy and because of the loss of blood, he is pretty weak but since this is an issue of such an importance, I think, I can allow for a short visit. As long as it doesn't weaken Mr. Miyamoto too much."

"I will pass your words on," Holgar promised and said goodbye.

But Mrakvar hadn't stopped worrying, yet. Now, something else had come to his mind.

"What happens when they notice the lie?" he asked.

"Lie?" Usagi asked.

"Well, you know, what I have to say."

"Oh, it's no lie. Everything happened just like that. I've just been treated by another healer but you don't have to mention that. Just say that I've been brought in the middle of the night but not to whom. Everyone will think that I've been brought to you. Stick to the truth as long as you can. Just think in advance what you could be asked and what you want to say."

"Oh, hmm, well, ...," the healer made unhappily.

"Karla, would you please fetch us something to eat?" Usagi asked.

"At once, master," the slave said and was on her way.

"You see, Healer Mrakvar, that no one will think of it when you are nervous. It's to be expected that you worry for the lives of your patients. And no one will ask any questions when you tell them you have to think about the answer, first, because you didn't get much rest during the night and everything had been pretty hectic and things like that. Just be a bit careful what you say."

"Why me?"

"Kaut recommended you to me."

"And where have you been before?"

"With someone Kaut and I would like to protect."

"Lahmar."

"I really can't tell you," Usagi said with regret in his voice.

"She means more to Kaut than his own life," Mrakvar grinned nervously. "Nobody knows who she is, where she lives and why Kaut does that but there are rumors."

"Really?"

"There are only very few healers in this city who could have treated you so well. I hope that the aldermen will not notice because usually, I'm much too nervous to wrap them so evenly."

Usagi looked at his arms. "Maybe we should take them off and dress me again?"

"You would do that?"

"The better the illusion, the higher the chances it will be swallowed and Kenga will be sentenced."

Mrakvar thought about this, while striding back and forth. "But the new bandages wouldn't be very bloody, anymore. That might be bad. The worse you look, the harder it will be for Kenga to talk himself out of this."

"That's also true."

Mrakvar began to comb though a heap of cloth until he had found the one he was looking for. He was half out of the door when he stopped again. "I'll put that one outside to dry it. Then it will look like I've treated you on it and have just washed it." He unfolded the cloth and Usagi could see the old stains.

"That's a good idea," Usagi said and Mrakvar left.

Usagi switched into the net and steered the probe after the healer. Mrakvar seemed to be true to his words. He even remembered to wet the cloth. He had just finished to hang it on a line which was stretched over the back yard, another person who lived in the house stepped into it.

"Good morning, Healer Mrakvar!" she said.

"Uh, oh, good morning, Mrs. Holber," Mrakvar answered nervously.

"Is it already dry?"

"Uh, uh, yes, er, no, I think, mean, soon," the man stammered but Mrs. Holber seemed to be used to it.

"Well, then I'll just hang my own wash next to it, then," she laughed.

"Uh, yes."

"Bad case?" she asked the healer who stood there as if he was rooted to the spot.

"Oh, yes, very bad. Lots of blood."

"How horrible! What happened?"

"I don't know exactly," Mrakvar stammered, "he was brought by Kaut. He was found in the house of Kenga."

"Oh no! How horrible! Again one of his slaves?"

"No, no, probably a citizen, no ring, no ring."

"Oh no!" the woman lamented. "What has happened to the world! Now, even the citizens of this city are no longer safe from this horrible man! The city guards should really do something about him!"

"He has been arrested."

"Who? Your patient?" Mrs. Holber asked horrified.

"No, no, Kenga!"

"Really? Is that really true? That would be ... I hope that he at last gets the punishment he deserves!" she said enraged. "It's about time! He has brought so much misery to everyone. It's really a shame."

"Oh, yes, er, hopefully."

"How is he?"

"I have no idea," Mrakvar said. "Probably in jail. Not so good, I think. Upset and like that."

Mrs. Holber laughed. "No, no! Your patient!"

"Oh, oh, ah, yes, fine, fine, better. I think he will survive. Has lost a lot of blood, poor guy. But I think he will survive. He is strong and he wants to live."

"I pray for him," Mrs. Holber said bitterly, "it would be a pity if he died. So much misery that Kenga has brought on us."

"Yes ... yes ...," Mrakvar agreed, "so much misery."

"Well, that's it," Mrs. Holber said, "I'll hang the rest when all of this is dry. We should really add another line across the back yard."

"Yes, surely, good idea, er, I, um, return and such. Look after him again," Mrakvar said goodbye.

"Certainly! Have a good day, Healer Mrakvar and all the best for your patient!" Mrs. Holber replied cheerfully and Mrakvar fled into the safety of the house, again.

In his room, Mrakvar dropped heavily into his chair and moaned aloud.

"Anything wrong?" Usagi asked unworriedly.

"I've just ran into Mrs. Holber and she did sound me!"

"And?"

"She will now tell the whole city!"

"And?"

"Come again?"

"Why do you worry?" Usagi asked more specifically.

"Um, oh, I don't know, she always tells anyone and such."

"Good," Usagi said.

"Oh, well, now, maybe."

Usagi thought if he should compliment the healer for his good reaction but then he would know that Usagi was watching him and that would have consequences, too.

Outside, Karla had returned with their lunch and had ran into Mrs. Holber.

"Good day, madam," the slave greeted her humbly.

"Good day, child. What are you looking for?" Mrs. Holber asked friendly.

"I'm returning to Healer Mrakvar. I have the lunch for him and my master," Karla replied.

"Your master has been tortured by Kenga?" Mrs. Holber asked surprised.

"Yes," Karla replied and broke into tears again. "I had to watch everything!"

"Oh, how horrible! Child, child, please, calm down!" Immediately, the resolute woman took the weeping slave into her arms. "It's all right. Everything will be all right. Your master is in good hands with Mrakvar. Trust me, you really don't have to worry," she talked soothingly to Karla.

Usagi was very surprised when Mrs. Holber stepped into the room with the weeping Karla in her arms.

"Karla! What has happened?" he asked worriedly.

"The poor thing!" Mrs. Holber lamented. "Had to watch everything!"

She dropped the lunch which Karla had bought into the surprised hands of Mrakvar.

"How horrible!" she said after a look at the bloody bandages of Usagi. "It must have been sheer terror for her!"

"Yes," Usagi said slowly who only had a slight idea what the woman was talking about, "she is very sensitive."

"Such a monster!" Mrs. Holber shouted outraged. "Such a horrible, terrible, unscrupulous, heartless monster! How on earth can he do such a thing! I hope that we don't ever have to see him again!"

"Oh, please, calm down again, child, everything will be all right, I promise," she said astonishingly calm and caring to Karla.

"It's of course none of my business," she told Usagi with his slave in her arms, "because she is your property but you should really do something for her."

"Unfortunately," Usagi said with regret in his voice, "I'm currently unable to fulfill my duties towards her."

"Well, I could care for her a bit," Mrs. Holber offered.

"I would be in your debt," Usagi replied seriously.

"Oh, you are too kind," Mrs. Holber said embarrassed, "I just can't let her weep like that."

"Thank you, Miss?"

"Holber, Sir, Usanne Holber," she replied quickly. "I promise to care for her! Come, child, come, away from this horrible view."

"Thank you, Mrs. Holber," Usagi called after her and then, they were gone.

"A neighbor?" Usagi asked despite knowing it already.

"Oh, yes, er, she ... owns the house."

"A pleasant person."

"Oh, er, yes, yes, sure, yes."

They ate in silence.

Most of the blood, which had been shed in Kengas house, hadn't been his own, but Usagi was still exhausted. Even if it hadn't been his own body, he had not got much sleep tonight.

"I think, I will try to sleep a bit until the aldermen arrive," he decided. "And you should also try to rest."

"Yes, sure, certainly," Mrakvar agreed immediately.

Usagi smiled assuringly at him and then closed his eyes.

When he was woken up next time, he felt as if no time had passed at all but it was already late in the afternoon. Kaut was here and Alderman Venari, another alderman and some guards. Mrakvar, nervous as always, looked worriedly at him.

"Uh, how do you feel?"

"Exhausted and tired," Usagi yawned.

"Ah, er, these people here would like to ask you some questions. Well, uh, but if you don't feel well, I'll sent them away again," Mrakvar offered.

Usagi shook his head slowly. "I'm sure it must be important if two aldermen come here to see me."

"Well, sure, er, good. Well, gentlemen, but please do not strain Mr. Miyamoto too much. Yes."

"Good day, Mr. Miyamoto," Venari said, "oh, please, don't try to stand up. I'm Alderman Venari and this Alderman Volmur."

"We just wanted to ask you a few quick questions. Should you find it too exhausting, then please don't hesitate to tell us and we will return tomorrow but as you already said yourself, this is really important."

"Thank you, alderman. What can I do for you?"

"We would like to know what happened yesterday."

Usagi acted as if he had to think, first. "Yesterday in the evening, I returned to my room in the Rosegarden and then went to bed shortly after that. Sometime in the middle of the night, Mr. Jezko, probably an employee of Kenga, did bang on my door and told me that Mr. Kenga wanted to see me immediately."

"So I followed him with my slave. In the house of Kenga, we were led into a room in the cellar. At first, I thought, that we were led to where the slaves of Mr. Kenga are kept but apparently, he lived down there."

"Then Mr. Kenga began to ask me questions. It seemed that my answers were not what he wanted to hear and so they overwhelmed me and started to torture me. Eventually, I became unconscious," Usagi reported and seemed to live through this horrible memory, once more.

"When I woke the next time, I was here. Healer Mrakvar cared for me."

"Many thanks, Mr. Miyamoto. Could you also please tell us what questions Mr. Kenga did ask you?"

"He asked me what my slave had told me, what I would know about the aldermen Volmur, Takar and Tauber and if I would work for Trader Joska. He was very upset when I couldn't tell him anything because these questions made no sense for me."

"Was that all?"

Usagi strained his memory. "He also asked what I wanted in this city, where I came from. And there was something else ... hmmm ... oh, yes, if I would know the name Lero."

"Maybe he did ask something else, but that's all I can remember at the moment," he said excusingly.

"Oh, don't worry, no, really. I thank you, you did help us a lot," Venari thanked him. "Thank you. If you feel better, I would like to visit the city guards and sign a written report of what you just told us."

"What has happened?" Usagi asked. "How did I get here?"

"Unfortunately, what has happened is currently being investigated so I'm afraid that I can't answer this question," Alderman Venari regretted. "But Captain Kaut here saved your life. He found you and brought you here."

At that moment, Kaut returned from a quiet talk which he had had with Healer Mrakvar.

"Captain Kaut, I've just been told that you saved my life," Usagi thanked him.

"Mr. Miyamoto," Kaut nodded, "I was most worried that we came too late. Healer Mrakvar says that Mr. Miyamoto has in fact been tortured. All his wounds are shallow but probably very painful and he has a lot of them."

"Thank you, captain. Mr. Miyamoto, we thank you that you have shared so much of your time with us to answer our questions. To show you how serious this incident is for us, we have ordered that members of the city guard will be near you day and night until we can be sure that your life is no longer in danger."

"Thank you, Alderman Venari. That is very reassuring to hear," Usagi thanked him seemingly relieved.

"That's the least we can do," the alderman waved away the notion. "We don't want that our good city is somehow connected to this horrible incident."

"Should there be anything else that we can do for you, then please tell any member of the city guards or come directly to me, Mr. Miyamoto. I can be found in the city council."

"Thanks a lot. That is good to know," Usagi thanked.

"And you can of course claim the cost for this treatment. Please visit the city guards for that. They will be glad to help you."

"I will do that," Usagi said thankfully.

"Well, in that case, many thanks Mr. Miyamoto and we all hope that you will recover soon."

"Thank you, alderman Venari. It's very reassuring to know that this issue is treated seriously," Usagi said goodbye.

"Don't worry about that. I personally promise you, that Mr. Kenga will not be able to avoid his punishment. Mr. Miyamoto," Venari said farewell.

"Mr. Miyamoto," Volmur joined him who had not uttered a single word during their whole visit.

"Alderman Venari, Alderman Volmur."

Then they were gone. Only Kaut and two guards stayed.

"These two guards will stay until the evening with you, Mr. Miyamoto. Guards have three shifts per day so we can guarantee your safety day and night," Kaut explained.

"Thanks, captain. What will happen with Kenga, now? And with all the slaves which he owns?"

"I think that after your testimony, I will soon receive the order to search Kengas estate. Until now, there had only been a suspicion who could have turned out to be wrong. Then I will be able to take care of all these matters," Kaut promised.

"What will happen with Kenga?"

"That depends on many factors. Should he be found guilty, he will probably loose his rights as a citizen and be sold as a slave to one of the many labor camps or a mine."

"Why didn't that happen with Joska?"

"As far as I know, Alderman Volmur has intervened and made sure that he would be offered for sale in the city."

"The same Volmur as the one who has just left?"

"Yes."

"Is there another alderman with the same name?"

"No. Why do you ask?"

"Why did Kenga ask me about Volmur?" Usagi said as if he would really wonder.

"Well, I guess this is one of the many questions which the council will have to talk about when Kenga will have his trial," Kaut said dryly.

"He didn't say anything when Venari talked to me."

"He probably just wanted to be considerate of you so you wouldn't get the impression that this was an interrogation."

"Of course, you must be right."

"Mr. Miyamoto, there is still a lot of work waiting for me. May I wish you a quick recovery?"

"Of course, Captain Kaut and thanks a lot."

"Mr. Miyamoto," Kaut greeted him and left.

In the evening, Mrs. Holber came down with Karla, who had regained her composure and brought them something to eat.

Carefully, the woman sounded Usagi and every now and then, Usagi casually seemed to slip a comment.

"Volmur, you say? Alderman Volmur?" Mrs. Holber asked surprised.

"Yes, Captain Kaut told me that there is no other alderman with that name. I really wonder why Kenga did ask me about him," Usagi said seemingly lost in though.

"That is unbelievable! What might be the connection between the innocent Volmur and the dirty business of Kenga?"

"I have no idea," Usagi lied. The less he said the more the grapevine of the city would explode, tomorrow.

They talked a while longer but then, Usagi was really tired and Mrs. Holber left immediately.

Usagi stayed one more day but then, he returned to the Rosegarden. The landlord and most of the guests were horrified when they saw his bandages and Usagi had a lot of trouble to calm them down, again.

In the meantime, all kinds of rumors had spread and Usagi noticed that people were about to burst with curiosity but because of his condition, they didn't dare to pester him with questions.

He rented another room and had it prepared for his other slaves. Now, he had a lot of time on his hands and he would use it to learn more about his other slaves.

Therefore, he ordered Karla to bring the others here. Also, Lahmar would already wait for her money.

A short time later, Karla returned with the other slaves. As Usagi had already expected, Lahmar had not accepted any money for her services. Karla reported that she had said that she was in his debt instead for having Kenga arrested. Usagi decided to solve this problem, later.

As usual, it was impossible to tell what Talia thought and felt but Joska was on his feet, again.

"It's a strange feeling to return into a building as a slave which one has left a short time ago as a free man," he admitted.

"I see what you mean," Usagi said dryly.

"And I can't stop myself from noting, Karla is the only one of us who doesn't dress in bandages," Joska tried a little joke.

"Wounds of the soul can't be dressed," Usagi simply said and Joskas grin was replaced by embarrassment.

"Please sit down," Usagi told them when they arrived in his room. His slaves sat down on the bed, Karla left, Joska in the middle and Talia to the right. Usagi sat down on a chair and looked at the picture for a moment.

'Three slaves and one, who has no use for them,' he thought amusedly.

"I'm a samurai," Usagi began, "that means a warrior who follows bushido, the path of honor. Honor and honorable behavior are not only important for me but the core of my self. Without honor, I'm nothing and without it, I don't want to be, anymore."

"The master, who did train me, had once said that I should try to learn something new every day. That is the reason why I bought you. You can do things that I cannot and with you, I can learn these things."

"I will give you an example: A friend of mine gave me a slave. With him, I learned not to abuse my powers over others even when I was sure that I was right. I learned that my picture of the world is not always true and correct and that one can cause horrible misery by doing what one deems true and right."

"Absolutely certain to do the right thing, I tortured the one who had been entrusted onto me and I learned not do that, anymore."

"There will be other things which I will learn from you and if you want, then you can learn something from me."

In the next days, Usagi went regularly to Healer Mrakvar with his slaves to have the bandages changed. 'Train of the bandaged', as Usagi called the procedure with himself. Karla brought them their meals and also went on all other errands like buying clothes for the other two slaves.

Since Usagi had a lot of time, now, he completed the records about this world, which were stored on the TAURUS, with his knowledge. He also had a conversation with Käl which Käl called a review.

"When one does something, then one should have a look at it afterwards and spend some time thinking what could have been done better."

"That's a good idea," Usagi agreed, "unfortunately, I lacked the time to do that, yet."

"Now you have the time."

"Yes. What exactly should I do better next time?"

"There was this order: 'Deal with them', if I remember correctly."

"Oh," Usagi made, "I'm most sorry. I shouldn't have ordered you around."

"That's not the point," Käl rejected the excuse. "The real problem is that the situation got way out of hand. It started with that Jezko could kill you at all. That mustn't have happened. Then you tried to get a grip on things again with a lot of effort."

"Yes."

"You see, you didn't plan ahead. You never asked yourself what could go wrong and what options you have. You knew in advance how dangerous Kenga can be but you simply ignored that."

"That's true. Since my body was safe all the time, I thought that he would be unable to do anything to harm me but that did change when Karla came into play. All of a sudden, I had responsibility again but I didn't change my attitude."

"Correct. Since you don't have the psionic abilities of Pau or me, you had to resort the technology of the TAURUS to get in control, again. When you asked me to protect Lahmar, I complied but you mustn't act on the assumption that this could work again. In the future, you must either protect the people, who are important to you, on you own or you must not care when they go to the dogs."

"I see. Neither alternatives makes life more easy for me."

"It is as it is."

"I think, I should try to learn to stay in the net and in my body at the same time. To have to switch between both all the time is very exhausting. Then I would be able to keep an eye on the most important people and can be active at the same time."

"Tep can put together a training course for you."

"Any news from Pau?"

"No, he's still lost somewhere in creation."

"Maybe something has happened to him?" Both laughed.

"I would guess that he doesn't want to be found so you can learn again to do something on your own," Käl said.

"Probably. How did you help Lahmar anyway?"

"I've send a small security bot which is equipped with paralyzing guns. He paralyzed the five men and then moved them into Kengas yard with the help of a gateway."

"Simple and effective."

"As it should be."

"Thanks, Käl. It really means much to me that you helped me when I needed it."

"If you just had thought a bit more, you could have done this yourself. What I'm upset about is that I had to waste my time with something petty like that which you could have done yourself if you hadn't been panic-stricken."

"Yes," Usagi admitted crestfallen. "Of course, you are right."

"Don't let your ears hang like that," Käl laughed, "I'm a bit older than you. You will learn."

"Thanks Käl," Usagi joined in.

Usagi called Tep next to have him put together a training course. The first lesson were concentration exercises so Usagi could keep an eye on several things at once.

"When you return to you body now, you should see a few icons from the net," Tep promised.

"One moment, please." Usagi returned into his body and really, right in the middle of the air above his head, Teps image seemed to float and a few of his bookmarks.

"Yes, I can see them," Usagi said.

"Master?" Karla asked.

"Can you see them, master?" Tep asked.

"What?" Usagi asked.

"Did you say something, master?" Karla repeated.

"Oh," Usagi laughed, "I did say that aloud? Sorry for that. I'm talking to Tep. Or at least I wanted to ... whatever. No, I didn't say anything. Not to you, that is."

"Yes, master."

Usagi concentrated on the image of Tep and tried to send him his thoughts as he had trained.

'Yes, I can see them,' Usagi sent a thought to Tep.

"Good, master. Now you must try to keep an eye on the net and do something else at the same time. When you have mastered this, we can go on with the next lesson."

'Thanks, Tep.'

"Master," Tep bowed and his head vanished.

Quickly, Usagi got used to see the information from the net and his environment at the same time. In the beginning, he had feared that he would be confused when some things moved when he turned his head and others didn't. But his real problem was to navigate in the net.

It took some time before he didn't try to turn his head when he wanted to see more of some information. To manipulate the objects in the net by pure thought was much more complicated than he had expected. As soon as his concentration lessened, he again began to move his body instead of the virtual object he wanted to move. Or when an icon blocked his view, he tried to take it with his hands because it seemed to be at a certain place.

He trained with a little ball game in which he had to hit a ball with a bat. After a few days, he finally had managed the trick and could now easily distinguish between the virtual room and the reality.

Kaut visited him a few times during that time to ask about his progress and to keep Usagi posted about any news in the lawsuit against Kenga.

"Until now, Kenga has refused to say anything and Jezko also remains silent. But the strangest fact is that none of Kengas friends have made a move to help him in any way."

"Now, isn't that strange," Usagi laughed.

"Yes," Kaut joined in, "really strange. Especially after all those wild rumors who spread like wildfire."

"What happened with Kengas slaves?"

"Since Kenga hasn't been sentenced, yet, one of his deputies has taken over the business. Therefore, I fear that nothing much has changed, yet. My men and I have turned the area upside down and objected to some things but they will probably be corrected quickly. Even more so to give us no more reason for our prying."

"Any traces that the orgies which, according to rumor, should have taken place, are still going on?"

"At least none of my men who are located near the estate have noticed anything. But we also don't find any mutilated corpses in the garbage dumps of the city, anymore. For this reason, I think that at least for now, everyone keeps a low profile until the dust has settled on this incident."

"Probably. Or they take place somewhere else, now, and the corpses are disposed more carefully."

"That's possible. Have your own investigations turned anything up?"

"No, all aldermen and servants of the city which I do observe stick to the rules."

"Me, too?"

"Yes, until now, I had no reason to object," Usagi replied quick-witted.

"Glad to hear that. Your demand has been accepted, by the way."

"Demand?"

"The open bill at Healer Mrakvar."

"So? But the amount is still unknown?"

"Yes, it has been accepted just like that. As soon as the bill is completed, the correct amount will be copied but this way, you can be sure that your demand will not be dealt with after all the others."

"Should that really matter? Isn't Kenga very rich?"

"Who knows what he's up to. I'm more and more worried that he remains silent."

"That he remains silent?"

"Well, actually that he doesn't seem to worry."

"Oh. I could get someone here who can read his mind," Usagi offered.

"Hm, no," Kaut decided. "When one intends to represent the law in a proper way then he should not bend it himself."

"Not too much, at least," Usagi said more precisely.

Kaut frowned. "When did I bend the law?"

"Can't remember right now," Usagi replied dryly.

"Are you satisfied with Healer Mrakvar?" Kaut changed the subject,

"Oh, yes. Above all, Mrs. Holber took a great fancy to Karla."

"Ah, I see."

"You know how important Mrs. Holber is for the local grapevine?" Usagi asked.

"Well, yes," Kaut admitted.

"Another reason to send me to Mrakvar?"

"I would like to say yes, now, but in fact it just had been a happy coincidence," Kaut smiled.

"Lahmar told me why she hates Kenga so much," Usagi changed the topic.

"And now you would like to hear my story," Kaut guessed.

'He who wants to hear must remain silent,' Usagi thought and did just that.

Kaut rose and went over to the window. He stared out for a while before he started to tell what had happened.

"A few years ago, I've been promoted to the rank of captain. I was still quite naive ... no, let's say outright stupid. Naive, I really wasn't. For that I've already spent too much time in the darker corners of this city."

"I thought that I would be the man to stop Kenga and so I started to collect information about him. Who he met with, what he did, things like that. I hoped that someday, I would stumble over something what I could use. Of course, over time, the wrong people got nervous and someone decided to solve the problem once and for all."

"I don't know whose idea it was but the plan was perfidious. It went along the same lines as yours. A crime was committed and someone had to have it done. I had to choose between taking the blame and be sold as a slave or to ... sacrifice ... someone else."

"I decided to sacrifice someone else so I could stop Kenga."

Kaut paused and quietly added after a while: "And maybe because I feared to end up in Kengas hands."

"I had seen some of his other victims and I was simply afraid."

"So much fear." Lost in his memories, he stared out of the window and on the happy commotion on the street far below.

Kaut gave a sigh. "I never told anyone all these years and even though many years have passed, it still hurts."

Usagi said nothing and just listened.

"I had the slim hope that I would be able to save the one whom I had sacrificed in my place ... somehow ..."

"She was sold."

"Someone in Kengas services outbid me."

"I knew. I had to watch. Couldn't do anything."

Kauts laugh was bitter. "Probably, Kaut amused himself greatly."

"Two weeks later, she was found ... her mutilated corpse ..."

"I still don't know how I managed to pull though. I don't remember the following weeks at all. All became a blur."

Kaut said no more. When Usagi was sure that he was ready, he asked the question: "Who Kaut? Who was she?"

Kaut gave no sign that he had heard. Patiently, Usagi waited until he could give the answer.

Eventually, Kaut looked up. "My mother," he said with a toneless voice.

After a while, he went on. "It's strange. I don't hate him. When we found her and I saw what they had done to her, something in me just snapped. I was unable to hate. For a long time, I was unable to feel anything. Somehow, I still cannot."

"Everything was so futile all of a sudden. My work. My life. The crimes of Kenga. My friends."

He laughed without humor. "Kenga had reached his goal. He did destroy me. Without even touching me. Left me behind totally helpless. I had made this incredible sacrifice and my hands were still empty."

"How can I help?" Usagi asked.

"Help? Help," Kaut said bitterly.

"Destroy Kenga," Kaut went on, "that's all I ask. Make sure that no one else has to endure what I had to live through."

"How can I help you?" Usagi asked.

"Me? Nobody can help me anymore."

"There is a great strength in you," Usagi said seriously. "Only few people would have survived something like that."

"Really," Kaut made. "Well, unlike you I never was the man who could easily jump from a great hight onto an unfriendly ground."

"I can only offer you my help," Usagi said calmly. "If you don't accept it, then there is nothing I can do."

"Thanks," Kaut said apathetically, "it's only an old story. Just make sure that Kenga doesn't escape his punishment. That's all the help I need."

"As you wish," Usagi accepted but he was sad.

Kaut smiled a bit. "You have already done so much for me. For this city. And my men."

"I did it for myself," Usagi replied and he meant it.

Kaut had to chuckle. "Everybody else wouldn't have hesitated to pry an advantage out of this but you simply claim that you haven't even done anything."

"True greatness can only be seen when one doesn't have to do anything," Usagi smiled. "At least so I have been told."

"True," Kaut laughed.

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