Standing up for myself

The man gives a chuckle. "Is that so?" I recognize from his laugh that he was the one who was amused at Don's calling me a "Lady" when we were captured.[2041]

I think back to this morning, about how weak-willed I was when I agreed to sleep with the leader, Maris, in return for not being sold to a brothel. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but now that I've had time to think it over, I realize just how bad it would have been. Maris was just using a veiled threat to force me to consent. Now, one of his subordinates is seeking to do the same. But this time is different. I won't compromise on that, not again.

"Yes, my mind is made up. I won't allow you to blackmail me. Now, do you want a drink, or not?"

He slams his mug down on the table, hard. The landloard starts to move in my direction. "Is there a problem here?" He glares at the man, staring him down.

"No, I was just leaving." the raider says, standing up. He turns to me and hisses "This isn't over, wench. You'll regret crossing us!" He throws a couple of coins on the table and storms out of the bar.

"Troubles?" the landlord asks.

I look down nervously. He places a reassurning hand on my shoulder. "It's ok if you don't want to talk about it. I just want you to know that you're safe here. You need not worry about customers taking advantage of you. Yes, I know the uniform's a little risque, but that's all in good fun. I never let anything happen to my girls that they don't want to happen. If a patron ever gives you trouble, just let me know."

"Thanks" I say, feeling more reassured that if the raiders do come back, i won't just be handed over. "You know, I don't even know your name."

"It's Zal. The others who work here are Nadia, who's our other full time barmaid and waitress, and the old fool of a cook, Rusty. Now, you know my name, so what's yours?

"Harriet, but I usually go by Harry."

"Ok then Harry, Why don't we get you a little something to eat and then get you started?"

I eat a small yet satisfying meal of seasoned meat and bread. Then I walk out and begin my work. I try to put the image of the angry raider out of my head.

The bar quickly fills to capacity. It's a little tough to keep track of the orders, trying to make change in my head and figure out the money system, the types of drinks, and a host of other responsibilites. Zal and Nadia are a big help, but are very busy themselves, so I have to figure a lot out on my own. Several helpful patrons (regulars, maybe?) also give me tips and advice.

The bar stays open until past 1:30, when the final stragglers are herded out the door by Nadia. I sit at one of the tables, enjoying a well earned drink myself (something sweet that Zal prepared for me, as I'm not much on ale) I remove my heels and rub my aching feet. Nadia gives me a knowing smile, kicking off her own shoes as well, and tells me I'll get used to it eventually. She sits down beside me.

Zal walks over and joins us at the table. "Good job today. You catch on quick."

"Thanks"

"So, you want to tell me what that guy was after you about?"

I wonder what I should tell them, and how they will react.

1. I explain everything, to the best of my knowledge, about what's happened to me. I hope they will not dismiss out of hand the more unbeleivable (to them) parts about the void, the facility, and the airplane, among other things.
2. I try to keep it relativley simple. I explain about how I was travelling with a Laralian knight, and how we were captured by raiders to be sold as slaves, and ultimately escaped.
3. I'm feeling tired. Perhaps I can explain (something) in the morning.
4. The door bursts open with a smash. Several men enter, swords drawn. I immediatley recognize the hated Maris and his sneering associate. "I told you you would regret crossing us!" he cackles.

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