The Coin Conundrum ~ Swift Justice on Gor by Arealius the Sailor
This Gorean fiction and illustrations were created or edited with AI.
The Coin Conundrum
In the busy Port Olni, the Captain, a well-regarded community member, smiled warmly at the Lady Slaver, the kennel mistress known for her efficiency and fairness. "Tal Lady!" he greeted, using the traditional honorific.
The Lady Slaver, dressed in her practical leather tunic, turned from the chore chart and approached the Captain. Her expression was serious. "Tal the Captain. May I have a word, please?" She motioned toward the kennels, where the sounds of laughter and activity filled the air.
the Captain nodded, and together they walked to The Lady Slaver's office, a cozy space nestled among the kennels. Once inside, The Lady Slaver leaned against her desk, her eyes locked on the Captain's. "There's an issue with one of our kennel girls, the new Pani slave. She tried to drop coins into our northern girl's lap, claiming she found them on the floor. But the amount..." The Lady Slaver's voice trailed off as she produced two silver coins and fifty copper pieces from her pouch.
the Captain's eyebrows shot up as he took in the substantial sum. "This is no mere chance finding," he said, his voice laced with concern. "Stolen, surely. And attempting to incriminate our northern girl? This is trouble indeed."
The Lady Slaver nodded in agreement. "The Pani slave's story makes no sense. She claimed she picked up the coins at the inn, thinking our northern girl, as a kennel supervisor, would turn them over to the slaver. But we pay for meals like everyone else. I suspect jealousy, given the Pani slave's history with our northern girl, but the coin is the greater concern."
The Captain's expression turned thoughtful. "Have you questioned the Pani slave further?"
The Lady Slaver shook her head. "Not yet. Two freemen witnessed the incident. I'll need to speak with them, but I wanted your counsel first. As a slave, Pani slave's punishment would differ from a free person's. I'm unsure how to proceed."
The Captain's eyes narrowed. Investigation is necessary.
The Lady Slaver nodded, relief etched on her face. "Thank you, the Captain. Your guidance is invaluable."
After the Captain left, The Lady Slaver focused on solving the mystery of the stolen coins. And resolving tensions between the Pani slave and our northern girl. The kennels, once a haven of order and discipline, now seemed vulnerable to the whispers of deceit and thievery.
The Captain's eyes narrowed as Pani slave recounted her tale, her words laced with humility and submission. He exchanged a skeptical glance with The Lady Slaver, who stood by the desk, sipping her fruit water.
"Quite a coincidence, don't you think?" the Captain asked, his voice tinged with doubt. "A substantial sum, simply scattered on the tavern floor?"
Pani slave's gaze remained downcast, her voice steady. "Master, this one speaks only the truth. The coins were scattered, and this one did what was right, collecting them to turn them in."
The Lady Slaver stepped forward, setting her goblet aside. "The slaves may serve throughout the city, except private residences, unless arranged with the Ubar, himself, or kennel staff."
The Captain's attention returned to Pani slave. "And you don't serve in the tavern regularly?"
"No, Master," the Pani slave replied softly. "This one follows the Mistress Slaver's commands in all things. If this one erred, she begs forgiveness."
The Captain's expression remained unreadable, his thoughts hidden behind a mask of calm. He turned to the Lady Slaver. "What's your take on this, the Lady Slaver? Do you believe her story?"
The Captain nodded. "Agreed. Pani slave, you'll remain confined to the kennels until this matter is resolved. No duties, no privileges. You'll reflect on your actions and prepare to answer more questions."
Pani slave's head bowed lower, her shoulders trembling. "Yes, Master. This one understands."
With a subtle nod, the Captain dismissed the Pani slave, his mind already turning to the next steps in the investigation.
The Captain's anger boiled over as he dragged the Pani slave along, her feet stumbling to keep pace. "You'll face my wrath for this," he growled, his grip on her hair unyielding.
Pani slave's eyes streamed with tears, her body battered and bruised. "Please, Master, mercy," she begged, her voice barely audible.
The Lady Slaver watched her expression a mix of sadness and resignation. She opened the gate, allowing the Captain to drag Pani slave out into the night.
As they disappeared into the darkness, the Lady Slaver's thoughts turned to the potential consequences. "This could mean exile or worse, for the Pani slave," she whispered to herself.
The city's laws were strict, and theft was castigated. The Lady Slaver understood that the Captain now held the Pani slave's destiny.
The sound of Pani slave's cries faded into the distance, leaving The Lady Slaver to ponder the events that had unfolded.
As the Pani slave's splashes grew weaker, the Captain returned to the Lady Slaver. "My regrets to the Ubar Lady Slaver," he said, his expression stoic.
The Lady Slaver's gaze lingered on the distant water, her thoughts on the lost profit. "And what of the coin? What shall be done with it?" she asked.
The Lady Slaver nodded, tucking the coins into a pouch. "I'll store it in my office, under the silks. If no one claims it, we'll deposit it into the kennel coffers."
As they stood there, the Lady Slaver's gaze drifted back to the water, her mind on the girl who had met such a tragic end. "I always have high hopes for the girls and the profit they might bring."
The Captain nodded sympathetically.
A thought occurred to The Lady Slaver. "We could have removed her collar before... but perhaps it will wash up someday."
The Captain shrugged. "We have plenty of collars."
The Lady Slaver turned to him. "Thank you for handling this unpleasantness. I wouldn't have bothered you, but with so much coin involved, I felt it necessary to involve the warriors. I never believed her story."
As they walked away from the river, the Poet of Port Olni appeared, with a bottle in hand. "If you need a drink after that, I have a fresh batch at the Inn."
The Lady Slaver smiled wistfully. "Tal Poet. Blood in the water, indeed. I'll stick to my fruit drink, but thank you."
The Captain nodded at the poet and drinking companion. "Perhaps later, my friend."
The three parted ways, each lost in their thoughts, as the river flowed quietly, its secrets swallowed by the darkness.
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