Demetrius' Story, Step 27

Step 27

Demetrius seethed. The day started well enough, for a slave. Demetrius enjoyed the colder weather. Being a shepherd provided easy access to wool. He, and Alter, were able to trade raw wool for thicker cloaks, making the cool nights much more bearable. Then, late in the morning, Enosh arrived with a new slave. The new slave was a mere youth. His name was Timur, and Enosh planned on leaving him to help with the growing flock. It was evident that Enosh liked Timur. He gave him the best portions at mealtime and talked to him as if he were a favorite son. Demetrius resented the preferential treatment. He’d worked well for Enosh and believed that he deserved consideration instead of this new…interloper. Enosh’s presence put Demetrius in an awkward position.

He had been giving serious consideration to running away. He felt sure that he could join himself to a passing caravan and work his way back to his home. What he would do once he returned, he did not know, but he did want to try. Enosh’s arrival threw his plans into disarray. Soon, fewer caravans would pass through, making an escape problematic. Though their frequency would grow again in the spring. The more he thought, the greater his anger and frustration. He focused all of his stored up rage at Enosh. If he could just get rid of Enosh, he might just get away. He would have to act quickly.

Demetrius gently shook Alter, whispering, “Alter, wake up.”

Alter grunted and slowly sat up.

“Shhss, don’t wake Enosh,” Demetrius whispered, “We need to talk.”

Waking quickly, Alter asked, “What is it?”

Without preamble or explanation, Demetrius whispered, “I’m running away. Come with me. Two are better than one.”

Alter paused, “No, I cannot. I owe my master.”

“Enosh?! He’s a jerk,” alleged Demetrius.

“No, not Him. My real master,” replied Alter.

“Not more of that savior, great shepherd, talk. Now is not the time,” whispered Demetrius fiercely.

“Now is exactly the time,” said Alter, “This will determine what kind of man you will be for the rest of your life.” Suddenly, without any noise, Enosh loomed out of the darkness and grabbed at Demetrius. Dodging to the right, Demetrius stuck out his foot and tripped Enosh. Stumbling forward into the low stone wall with a thud, Enosh fell to the ground stunned. Demetrius raised his hardened cudgel to finish his tormentor off.

“Demetrius don’t,” shouted Alter!

Demetrius paused, club raised and chest heaving from exertion and excitement.