The Hesitent Master, or The Good Shepherd?

Velus stood before them, and explained. "My name is Velus. I remember you well, Princess Astra, from we were both trapped in the caves. Maria, I don't really know you. I saw you for just an instant and got your name. We are out of the caves now. We are at a little cottage out in the forest. Lord Fred was a brave, bold knight and a good man, but he was not, God bless him, careful. At least not enough. I was able to retrieve your lamps, but I did not have the courage to try them until now."

"You were the little dog?" asked Princess Astra.

"Yes, ma'am, I was."

Astra said, "Velus, what happened to Fred? And how did you regain your human form?"

Velus looked away, and down toward the floor. "Princess Astra, I am your master." His voice was weak and hesitant. He did not appear to be enjoying this power as much as he might. "As your master, I would ask you not to ask me about what happened. At least not now."

"As you wish, Master."

Velus flinched a little. Astra wanted to ask "What's wrong?" but she felt that would be violating her new master's wishes. Even if Velus was guilty of a crime that allowed him to get the lamps, she would be required to serve him. But it was also possible that Velus was a witness and not the instigator of Fred's demise. If that were the case, how far out of danger were they?

Maria then said, "Velus, I am not used to this djinn thing either. But right now, if I am not granting your wishes, then I am not happy. I have never granted a wish before. So could you cheer up a little and give me a wish to grant? I would like to see what happens."

Velus looked up. "I had not thought of it that way. I will. I rubbed the lamp, so it is only right." Maria looked him in the eye and smiled. Velus returned the smile and then looked away shyly. Maria lowered her eyes. Velus said, "Um, well, I would like steak. Enough for three people. You, me, and Princess Astra. And I would like you to cook it. The aroma of cooking is part of the pleasure. And I would like you to pick some side dishes that you would like. That would be nice. Nothing too fancy. Then all of us could just sit, and talk about where you come from. I know that seems silly. I should be wishing for something better, but ...."

Maria interrupted, "Oh, no, Velus. I think that is a great wish! There is no need to make big decisions when you are hungry and tired. And there is no need to hurry." She smiled again, and reached out to give him a reassuring touch on Velus's wrist.

1. But Velus felt nothing.
2. Velus felt modest warmth and pressure, as one would expect from anybody's touch.

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