Lam led Rejji downstairs to the slave quarters. He showed Rejji the large communal room with doors to the separate sleeping quarters. As he had been used to staying up nights talking and sleeping days, Rejji was exhausted. When Lam showed him the mat he was to use, Rejji curled up and went to sleep.
The slaves returning from their day’s work did not disturb Rejji, but the commotion in the morning as everyone scurried about to prepare for a new day brought Rejji wide awake. As everyone filtered out of the room, Lam was there to show Rejji to the Bursar’s office.
Wicado’s office really consisted of three rooms. The door from the hallway entered a large sitting room, which had two doors off of it. One door went to the Bursar’s sleeping quarters and the other to his office. Wicado was in a jubilant mode and after greeting Rejji sent him down to get a morning meal for both of them. Rejji got lost and a watcher stopped him. Rejji explained he was working for the Bursar, and after a lengthy grilling, the guard pointed him in the direction of the kitchen.
Over the morning meal, Wicado questioned Rejji about Fakara. He seemed particularly interested in Rejji’s time with the Zaldoni. As they finished eating, Rejji mentioned to the Bursar that he got lost on the way to the kitchen and the guard had showed him the way after he was convinced that Rejji wasn’t running around loose. Then conversation turned to Bakhai.
“This boy you had me buy yesterday,” Wicado asked, “can he really help the flock?”
“I really believe he can, Sir,” Rejji replied. “He has a way with animals that is unique. If anyone can help, it is Bakhai.”
“The fact that he noticed the ill health of the flock is a positive indication,” nodded Wicado. “We have never been able to develop a healthy flock. If it were not for Rymaka, the nephew of our Lord, I doubt we would even have clova on the estate. He was gored by a wasooki years ago and has no sense when it comes to plants. I think our Lord purchased the clova to keep him busy, but we have never been able to turn a profit on them.”
“I am sure Bakhai will help,” assured Rejji. “Your purchase will prove to be fruitful.”
“Well I have a council meeting to attend this morning, so we can not talk longer,” frowned Wicado. “Perhaps you can straighten up in here while I am gone.”
Wicado rose and gathered some papers. As he started to leave, he abruptly returned and put his papers on the desk. He opened a drawer and took out a small pin.
“Actually, the office really doesn’t require cleaning,” he stated as he stuck the small pin on Rejji’s tunic. “This pin identifies you as my personal slave. It allows you to move about the estate without too much questioning. Do not abuse it or I will be sorely disappointed about the punishment I will be required to administer.”
“Why do you give it to me?” Rejji asked.
“Because you have accepted your life here without the normal attitude of a new slave,” Wicado stated. “I believe you will adjust well and I have something I want you to do that requires it. Rymaka is a spoiled brat and if I get him upset while trying to turn a profit on the clova, I will lose favor with our Lord. I want you to go to the flock and see how Bakhai is making out. Impress upon the boy that he must cure the clova while making it seem like Rymaka has done it. If you can accomplish this, everybody will be happy.”
“I am sure this can be done,” smiled Rejji. “I will see to it immediately.”
Wicado nodded, picked up his papers and left the office. Rejji stared at the new pin on his tunic and headed out of the mansion. The guard outside the mansion immediately turned to Rejji as he exited the doorway and appeared as if he would say something, but his eyes saw the pin and he returned to standing guard. Rejji skipped down the steps and headed towards the flock they had passed on the way in yesterday.
When Rejji reached the flock, Bakhai was leaning over a clova that was bleeding. Rejji saw a burly man over by the fence beating a clova with a large stick. He assumed it was Rymaka.
“What are you doing?” greeted Rejji.
Bakhai looked up and frowned, “Rejji. He beats the animals for no reason. I am trying to mend this one. He does not understand them. They are just trying to look for a better pasture. They are all very sick.”
“Do you know what is causing the sickness?” Rejji asked.
“I am not sure,” sighed Bakhai. “They do not like the grass, but that is normal for all clova. They always want better grass. That is why they try to get through the fence. I think it may have to do with their water though. They refuse to drink from the trough because they fear Rymaka and he is usually around here. So they drink from a small pond at the edge of the pasture. I suspect that might be the problem, but I am not sure.”
“Can’t you ask the clova?” quizzed Rejji.
“I have already done that,” frowned Bakhai. “They do not know anything.”
“What are you doing here?” scowled Rymaka as he headed towards Rejji. “You don’t belong here.”
Rejji rose and met Rymaka as the large man stormed towards him. “My apologies,” bowed Rejji. “I am Rejji, slave to Wicado. He asked me to stop by and make sure your new slave was doing what he is supposed to.”
“And what is he supposed to be doing?” Rymaka bellowed. “I did not request a slave. Does Wicado think I can’t handle my duties?”
“Certainly not,” smiled Rejji. “The Bursar says you work very hard at maintaining the flock. It was his hope that Bakhai could fill in for you a bit so that you would have time to pursue other things that you might not have time for. I think he meant it as a reward for your conscientious labors.”
“Really?” asked Rymaka. “I thought Wicado thought poorly of me and was trying to replace me.”
“No,” Rejji shook his head. “He thinks having clova on the estate was a smart idea. He is sure they will turn a large profit in the future. You will have added greatly to the estate.”
“Well they were my idea,” beamed Rymaka, “but I really don’t need help.”
“I can see that you don’t need help with the flock,” replied Rejji, “but perhaps you have other ideas that might make the estate prosper. Tending to the clova all day will not allow you time to think of those ideas and develop them.”
“I hadn’t thought of that,” Rymaka stated. “I guess I probably do have more smart ideas, I can’t just sit around all day and think of them.”
“Why not?” Rejji asked. “Is that not what the people in the mansion do? Are not their ideas more important than any labor they can do? You have a slave now to do the labor. Just one more good idea would be much more important than controlling this flock.”
“You are right,” nodded Rymaka. “It is not worth my time to keep chasing these foul beasts away from the fence. Wicado is very wise. I think I have misjudged him.”
Rejji shook his head as the oversized shepard headed towards the mansion. He turned to Bakhai and squatted next to him.
“You have to solve this problem quickly,” urged Rejji. “If he ever finds out I was toying with him, I will be in trouble. You must make it appear that the large oaf has solved the problem, Bakhai. Can you do that?”
“I do not care anything for credit,” Bakhai declared. “I just want the clova healthy. He may claim it was him for all I care. How long will he be gone?”
“I am not sure,” frowned Rejji. “He does not appear to be too smart, but if he runs into Wicado there could be trouble. I would hurry. Once people start praising him for the healthy flock, he will not cause trouble for us.”