Blinded by the Sun (Erythleh Chronicles Book 4) by Catherine Johnson Page A

With a nod of the head and a smile, Shinu obeyed the invitation.
     
    "I think I can guess why you're here," Kavrazel said.
     
    "Indeed. Lathriss is to be married this moon. If you have a favoured choice for her replacement, I can ensure that they are given the proper instruction. If not, I shall need to visit the markets."
     
    Kavrazel relaxed back into his chair and considered his options. He was not knowledgeable about all the blood slaves that serviced the residents of the castle, but he was aware of the ones that were considered of a suitable temperament and intelligence to service the king. The number of such souls was not large. Specific qualities were required to be the standing blood slave to the monarch of the realm. The chosen person might well be present at diplomatic events; they had to have, or be capable of learning, the proper etiquette and manners. There were also occasions when the blood slave might be present at private meetings and be privy to sensitive information; they had to be able to keep the king's secrets.
     
    "I think that some new blood might be in order," Kavrazel eventually replied. "I can think of one or two that might do, but they might find such a drastic change in their circumstances difficult to adjust to. Life is about to become harsh and dangerous, particularly for anyone associated so closely with me. I need my confidences kept more than ever."
     
    Shinu nodded. He well understood that the requirements for any kind of consort for the king had recently become more specific. "There is an auction tomorrow. Several merchants are rumoured to be bringing a quantity of new goods."
     
    Kavrazel made a sound of scoffing impatience. "Bruised and broken, no doubt."
     
    "They believe themselves untouchable, since they are so often beyond your authority."
     
    It was a topic that Shinu and Kavrazel had discussed before. As Blood Father, Shinu was responsible for the training of new blood slaves, but his first task was usually to repair the damage that the traders had wrought on their goods. New slaves were traumatised and afraid, and often rightly so. Their only experience of Vuthroans, prior to arriving in the country, was usually brutality and horror. Kavrazel had no power over the activities of the traders while they were on foreign soil. By the time they arrived within his sphere of influence, it was often too late.
     
    There were few rules about how blood slaves were treated once they became the property of their new owners, except that Kavrazel had outlawed the practice of children being used for blood. The decision, in his opinion, had been long overdue. Children rarely bore the burden well, although their blood was considered to be sweeter. The ordeal of capture and relocation, plus the demands of their duties, often proved to be more than their sanity could endure.
     
    The mixing of sex and blood was not synonymous, it certainly wasn't for Kavrazel, although that was not always the personal preference of each owner. Some did demand extra services from their slaves; some kept them as pampered pets. More often, the slaves became a something of a member of the household, helping with chores and childcare. The blood slaves resident in the castle at Vulc generally assisted with the lighter housekeeping duties, if only to stave off boredom and resentment.
     
    "I will attend the auction with you tomorrow," Kavrazel said.
     
    Shinu smiled, and his blue eyes twinkled with understanding. "If their king shows his displeasure at the state of the raw product, they might rethink their ways?"
     
    "Perhaps I can identify the worst offenders. I will do what I can. It isn't good for Vuthron to have so many residents who have good reason to hate it, especially at present. I trust your judgement." Shinu nodded in acknowledgement of the credit. "But I need the utmost discretion and intelligence. I should like to see the offerings for myself."
     
    "A wise decision, Sire," Shinu agreed.
     
    "Tomorrow