Back to Trimon's hold.

The Shemite mistress took a careful look around at the fallen youths, beside some weak movement and moaning they appeared no further threat. She gave a satisfied nod and resheathed her bronze truncheon, before approaching the slaves by the hitching rail.

"On your feet slaves." Rezma commanded. "As enjoyable as this sparring was I would have you safely back in Trimon's hold without further adventure."

The Akkadian and his two coffle sisters got off their knees as their guardian retrieved a hessian sack she must have dropped just before intervening. The assassin heard the faint clink of metal from within the sack and idly wondered what purchases had been so important that the mistress had delayed their return to the harem. As the lead girl in the chain it was the Akkadian's collar that received Rezma's leash.

"You gave warning." Rezma observed over her shoulder once she had led the slaves away from the area of her skirmish.

"I did mistress." The Akkadian replied cautiously, careful to use the respectful tone of a **** girl. "To attack from behind with killing intention as he did when it was clear you struck only to stun was dishonourable."

"A whore with notions of honour!" Rezma sounded incredulous. "I have been visiting the wrong brothels. I would have expected you to have lifted my coin pouch while distracted. Was your father a warrior to have given you such respect of honour?"

"He was mistress. As was his father and every man of my family." The Akkadian answered honestly.

"Huh, he must have been disappointed when you grew to a ripe breasted wench more fitted to spreading her legs than a tall sturdy shield maiden." Rezma suggested to the assassin's chagrin, he held his tongue from reply.

"How did those youths come to the bold but foolish decision to **** Trimon's property?" The Shemite questioned after a short pause. The Akkadian knew Visha a few steps behind him could hear every word.

"They saw three **** girls, near naked and unguarded for a moment mistress." The Akkadian said choosing his words carefully to omit how Visha had goaded the youths to action. "They could not be dissuaded from taking liberties when informed we were the possessions of Trimon. We could do nothing to resist."

"No, as you say you were weak and chained besides." Rezma agreed. "No fault or punishment is due for this incident."

The rest of the walk to Trimon's hold was in silence and without further serious delay. It was almost with relief the Akkadian saw the familiar shape of the warlord's keep come into view.