Erasmus was not wrong, not by the laws and customs of Akielos.

But it was not the way of things in Vere, not entirely at least. And it was certainly not the way of things in this strange city. Damen need only make that clear.

'Yes,' he replied because Damen had never felt anything like a slave even when he'd been one. 'I am and now so are you.' Carefully, he reached over then to rest his hand on Erasmus's shoulder as they walked. 'It is difficult to comprehend, I know that. But you are more than simply a slave, Erasmus. You always have been.'