Cold dread has settled in Colin's stomach. Now he knows what Athessa means by dominus. It's a noble, and talking to nobles is another of those dangerous things his parents told him never, ever to do. Nobles beat common children, consider them dirty vermin who spread disease. They're worse to elves, certainly, but anyone willing to hurt an elven child is willing to hurt a human child. It just might take a little more provocation from Colin than it has taken from Athessa.

Colin has backed all the way against the wall, one arm raised to protect his face. It's finally sinking in that the life he's lived till now is over, and this man holds his life in his hands, along with the life of his only friend.

"Please, milord," he says timidly. "I'll work to pay for the potion and the smoke bomb."