Her deep brown eyes echoed that smile, giving assurance that it was genuine. Modestly dressed in soft, tanned leather, she radiated a self-assurance, ...and a strength, that was confident, yet not overbearing.“I am Jona.” Three words, simply spoken, yet saying all that was needed to be said about the one who spoke them. “And I welcome you, Seth, and your family. You have no need to fear any harm from me or our people.”She smiled at Seth’s reaction, and indicated the beautiful, ebony-skinned young. When she rose to follow, he paused and stared at her. Guljana was confused. What was she supposed to do? Surely not...He watched Guljana's puzzled expression turn to shock as she sank back to her knees and put her hands down to the marble floor. She kept her head bowed and crawled like an animal on all fours behind him. Alexa was left behind. "G-good luck, my sister" she breathed softly, "I-I love you, Guljana!" But the door had closed and the frightened new slave had not heard.Alexa could not. "The Torturer, at Kija's signal, cast a ball of fire at Gareth. The magical fire rolled around the brave warrior, burning every inch of his body, especially his hands, although it cause a lot more pain than actual damage.Gareth figured it was to make the event last longer. He chuckled resolutely."Finding this funny?" Kija sprang to his feet, dashing his goblet against the wall angrily."Actually," Gareth replied calmly, although through clenched teeth, "I was thinking how nicely your eyebrows. " I went over to Suenee when she finished talking to Noon."What happened?" I asked her."Noon took him to meet her parents. They were very unhappy with her, and told her that she couldn't go out with a 'foreign devil' as they called him. Noon told them that the Amulets had chosen him for her. They were even more upset by that, and told her that they had contracted for her to marry a nice local boy. Noon told them that she wouldn't marry him, as she knew who he was, and he would treat her badly..