Read Human Rights for Free Online Page B

my weakness.
    Sir Jiat spread some of the oil into my hair, and then dragged a comb through it. Oh, if only I could purr, but instead, I moaned. It was as close to purring as I could manage, and the comb pulling gently through my oiled hair was just heavenly. All I wanted to do by the time Sir Jiat set the comb aside was collapse in a puddle of wobbly pleasure. Sir Jiat wiped his hands, chuckling as he watched me sway on my feet. I felt my cheeks heat lightly. "It's pleasant," I said, grinning as I defended myself.
    "Yes, it is. You look ready for a nap, not an afternoon of play." Sir Jiat shook his head, smiling as he padded out of the bathroom. "Come along, Ewan. Our guests will arrive, and it is up to you to take the pets back to the room where you can all play. Remember to keep your voices down as we are indoors."
    I chased after my master, the heaviness leaving my limbs as responsibility was foisted upon them. "I promise to keep everyone quiet."
    "Not quiet, just no screaming or loud bursts of laughter. I'd rather we not draw attention to us."
    Before I could hold my tongue, I blurted out, "Because you are all part of the Human Rights Movement."
    Sir Jiat stopped in his tracks and turned to face me. His face was so fierce, I found myself cowering. "Do not speak so easily those words in this city," he warned. "There are eyes and ears everywhere, my sweet Ewan, and they would have your life and my hide should they know a Guard supports the Movement."
    "Yes, Master," I whispered, tears stinging my eyes. I was so stupid, taking liberties I shouldn't. It was so easy to venture down that path, though. First the ability to give truthful answers, and then the right to ask questions. But I had never been given the privilege of speaking out of turn. "I'm sorry."
    "Ewan." Sir Jiat sighed, his tailing twitching in a way that spoke of his uncertainty. "I just want you to be aware of the consequences. Within these walls, some questions can be asked without fear, but others... even those must be carefully worded."
    I looked up at him. "I don't understand." That was a common state for me, quite honestly. I might pay attention to my surroundings, catch on to what those around me were talking about, but the ramifications... those were beyond me most times. "Why can't we talk about it freely?"
    "Because speech comes at a price." Sir Jiat cupped my cheek. "I don't want you to become a casualty to my crusade."
    That didn't help me understand, but it did make heat move through me. I was important to him. I wasn't just a pet. I meant enough for him to want nothing bad to happen to me because of his own actions. A smile curved my lips. "I trust you."
    Sir Jiat's ears twitched, his tail stilling. "I hope I don't make you regret trusting me," he murmured, and I was about to ask how he could possibly make me regret that when the door chime rang. "Our friends arrive. Let us greet them, Ewan."
    "Yes, Master." I followed closely, the earlier excitement returning as the door opened to reveal Lord Shal and Marc. While Sir Jiat and Lord Shal greeted each other, spoke in soft voices, I took Marc by the hand and led him deeper into the house, toward the cleared room. "Welcome to Sir Jiat's home," I said, grinning from ear to ear.
    Marc looked around the large, mostly empty room. "Very nice. Shal's home is in the wealthy district, but it's small."
    I flushed brightly. "You use your master's name so casually."
    "He told me to." Marc laughed, flopping back onto the soft rug in the center of the room. "Hasn't Sir Jiat given you the same permission?"
    "No." I sat down on the floor, legs folded under me. "But he allows me freedom to speak, to ask questions."
    Marc smiled at me. "And how many questions have you asked?"
    I stared at my feet. "Not many. I still don't feel it's my place to question my master."
    "If he told you it was all right, you should take him at his word." Marc nudged me with a toe. "Don't you trust your master?"
    "I do—" The door chime rang