Another Opens
The Governor's House was a great deal larger than Silas', but no finer.
Cub had taken in the layout of the grounds and buildings. The grounds backed up to the sprawling wilderness of Caltronia. Forested hills rolled seemingly forever into the distance.
He noted with some interest that just beyond the nearest ridge was the location Catkin had bade him hide if their plan had succeeded. Cub shook off the thought. He couldn't afford to face his new 'employer' with her ghost and its burden of guilt on his mind.
"In here.", his burly escort rumbled. He gestured to a large double door. "No need to knock. He is expecting you."
Cub grasped the handle and entered.
The Governor looked up in suprise. "Ah. We'll have to teach you proper knocking etiquette, then."
Cub heard the man who had brought him snort in laughter as the door closed.
The Governor was unfazed by Cub's breach of ettiquette and continued talking.
"Cub, I was most pleased to see your valiance on display at dinner last night. Has Silas told you anything about our arrangement?"
Cub was unsure how to address the man, and rather than risk making things worse, he opted to shake his head.
"Ah, he's left the pleasure to me, then! Well, I have purchased your papers of indenture and would like you to join my House."
Cub already knew that much, but the next part piqued his interest.
"You'll recieve a modest wage in exchange for your services."
Cub took the risk and interjected. "Excuse me, Uncle--er, Governor. I don't understand."
"Oh, I suppose I glossed over a few details.", he said thoughtfully. "My personal preference is that the people that work within my House be paid fairly. It boosts loyalty. Can't trust slaves, or whatever we call it here, you see. I won't have them near me or the inner workings of my house." The Governor puffed up his chest a bit in importance. "You'll see now why I'm so interested in you, I'm sure. Such meritorious service deserves economic compensation and status!"
The Governor paused here and seemed to be waiting for something.
Cub was surprised, but not so dumbstruck as to not pick up the common vein in the Governor's character. The man valued loyalty.
"Thank you, Governor. I hope to repay your generosity and vision with my life.", Cub simpered.
The Governor's smile nearly split his face. "Splendid! Wonderful! Yes! You'll do well here. You were a caretaker of children in the House of Drag. One of some skill, I'm told. Your responsibilities will be similar here, but a bit early in the process."
He huffed in amusement at a joke Cub was not a part of. When Cub didn't join him, he deflated a bit.
"Pregnant slaves, or Nieces, if you prefer. When a mare in my stable is with child she is treated just as any other woman of my house; with the utmost care in my maternity cottage. Pampered in every way to ensure optimal results in labor and the child. It will be your responsibility to care for these women as though they were your family. Anything they need, you will provide. You will, though, always remeber the difference between a slave and the women of my house. The difference between you and a slave for that matter."
Cub was not gifted with a deep understanding of divining hidden meaning, but the Governor's threat was clear. Remember the difference or be one again.
"Yes, Governor."
"Excellent. Johan will see you to the cottage and your quarters. He will also explain your new responsibilities."
On cue, Johan reappeared through the door and beckoned Cub through it.
They walked in silence until they had left the main house and were out on the grounds.
Johan turned to face him, but erupted into a long snort that became and wheezing laugh. "He said it! 'Ah, we'll have to teach you to knock'", he said in imitation of the Governor's flutish voice. "Every time I almost die laughing in the hall. I tell every newly freed man, and the Governor genuinely believes that none of us know how to knock."
He thrust out his hand then and wiped at the tears in the creases of his still smiling eyes. "Just a bit of harmless fun, friend. My name is Johan, fellow freed man. I am the errand boy of the House and I will be showing you around.
Cub took the massive paw in his and was shocked by its size and roughness. 'What kind of errands', Cub thought. Aloud he said, "Hello."
Shortly after, Cub's mind caught up to Johan's words and blurted, "You were a slave?"
Johan released his hand and deepened his smile. He looked down at himself and then peered exageratedly at Cub. "Oh, did you think only native Caltronians were slaves."
It was true that native Caltronians were easily identifiable, even without their particular dress or style, by their prominent brow ridge and uniformly caramel skin color. By contrast, the invaders came in every color and lacked the strong brow ridge.
"My father was from another Empire world. He incurred a debt he could not pay and was indentured. I was born here some years later." Johan waved off the conversation then.
They began walking again.
"Alright. You're newly freed and employed by the Governor. Let's cover some ground rules. First, the Governor isn't a cruel sort, but he is very much an Empire-man, if you catch my meaning. Resolve yourself now to steadfast support of the Empire and Governor both."
Cub had figured that much out already and nodded.
"Next, take your job seriously. It will take you a great deal of time each day, but you will be comfortably appointed and surrounded by beautiful glowing women at the maternity cottage."
Had Silas been wrong when he said Cub would have free time?
"Bonus tip: You may be thinking that being surrounded by beautiful women is a good thing for a young man, if that is your proclivity. DO. NOT. TOUCH. THEM." This was said without any hint of humor.
He fixed Cub with a heavy look until Cub nodded his understanding.
"Finally, this cottage contains a mix of women in full standing within the House as well as breeding slaves." He paused then and added, "Caltronian breeding slaves, Cub. Former warriors all."
Cub's eyes hardened but he said nothing. He was long accustomed to the reality of his people.
Johan sighed. "The dynamics in the cottage are fierce. The Caltronians will not accept the ministrations of anyone that is not Caltronian and many of the House women resent being in close quarters with the slaves and refuse to be tended by one."
Cub began to realize why he was chosen for this 'honor'.
Seeing his realization, Johan said, "Exactly. Only a native Caltronian esteemed enought to win the favor of the Governor himself could do this job. Every one of your predecessors, four since the cottage was created, has failed to last a full year. Two are now dead. One is a slave. The last was castrated."
They walked up to a large home built on the rear of the grounds. He looked at the dense forest beyond the tall fence and breathed in the scent of the shaded earth beneath its bows.
Johan slapped the timber of the house and said, "Welcome home, kid."