Live Another Day by Baileigh Higgins (reading in the dark .txt) 📗

Women moved among the diners carrying food and drink while more pretty young girls hovered in the background. A cloud of tobacco smoke overhung it all and shrouded the figures of the participants.

Michael’s stomach cramped at the sight of so much food being wasted, and saliva flooded his mouth. He ignored it, though, and edged closer until he was inside Ke Tau’s field of vision before he paused and lowered his head as a sign of respect. It was an emotion he didn’t possess for the ruthless leader but was willing to fake for the sake of the mission. Nothing was more important than the mission. Nothing.

Hiran moved to the seat on Ke Tau’s right-hand side and sat down. There he took a sip from a glass brimming with amber liquid, his cold eyes still fixed upon Michael.

“Ah, Michael,” Ke Tau said waving him closer. “Come sit. Eat. You must be hungry.”

Michael bobbed his head and endeavored to look grateful as he chose an empty spot right on the end of the table closest to the door. “Thank you, Ke Tau. Indeed I am.”

Ke Tau’s single right eye glittered. “You’re not unhappy with my hospitality, I hope?”

“Of course not, Great Leader. I'm most thankful.”

Ke Tau smirked, the jagged scar across his face twisting like a live snake. “Good.”

Michael cautiously reached for a cup and waited while a woman scurried over to pour an opaque liquid in it. The smell of fermented beer reached his nose, and he fought to keep his expression neutral as he took a sip. The thick, creamy brew had a sour taste to it that he didn’t enjoy but dared not refuse. She placed a plate of food in front of him, meat and bread, before hurrying away once more.

“So, I hear you wish for a more prominent role in my…” Ke Tau paused for effect, “...Kingdom.”

“I live to serve, and I would like nothing more than to prove my loyalty to you.”

“Your loyalty, yes.” Ke Tau regarded him before turning to Hiran. “What do you think, my esteemed friend?”

Hiran shrugged. “It’s your decision, but perhaps he could be given a chance to prove himself.”

“Perhaps.” Ke Tau played with his knife before snapping his fingers in the air. “A companion for our guest.”

From the bank of young girls who hovered in the background, one broke free and hurried over. She bowed her head, eyes downcast as she made her way to Michael’s side.

Michael ran his eyes over her body, noting the thin shoulders and hollow cheeks. In his estimate, she couldn’t have been more than eighteen. His stomach roiled at the thought of what he might have to do to her to prove himself, but he kept a straight face.

“Like what you see?” Ke Tau asked. “She’s yours for the night.”

Sensing it was a test, Michael played the part. He looped an arm around her middle and pulled her onto his lap. She didn’t resist as he ran a finger up her sleeve and over her threadbare shirt, sitting still while he fondled her small breasts.

Around him, the men roared in appreciation while Ke Tau offered a small smile. “I’m glad you like her. Enjoy the rest of the night.”

“Thank you.” Michael smiled and reached for the food on his plate, anything to give him an excuse not to touch the girl further. He gripped a piece of the meat and placed it in his mouth. It had a strong taste, rich and fatty, and he had the immediate suspicion it wasn’t beef or pork or mutton.

With care, he chewed and swallowed, going back for more. All while keeping an expression of enjoyment fixed on his face. He interchanged big bites with swallows of the rancid beer and made sure to pay the proper attention to the girl on his lap. All while Ke Tau watched him with hawk-eyed attention.

After what seemed an eternity, the plate was empty at last. He burped his loud approval and bellowed for another cup of beer. During this time, the party had grown rowdy as the men got drunk. More and more of the girls fell prey to groping hands while the food was removed in favor of more liquor.

At last, Ke Tau raised a hand for silence, and the effect was immediate. He stood up and pinned each man in turn to his seat with that baleful white eye before saying, “Tomorrow, I’m going on a hunt. Who, I wonder, will go with me?”

Cheers of approval did the rounds, and eagerness shone on the men’s faces. Michael sat up straight, his gaze trained on the leader. After a suitable pause, Ke Tau continued. “I have chosen the ever faithful Hiran, the brave Boipelo, clever Carlito, strong Mosi...and the newest addition to our ranks, Michael, to join me.”

Those chosen beamed around the table, chests puffed out with pride while the rest drank to their health. Once the noise died down, Ke Tau took his leave, dragging a girl behind him with each hand.

“Be ready at dawn,” was his parting words. Words Michael took to heart as he finished his drink and turned to the girl on his lap.

“Where do I sleep?”

“I will show you,” she answered in a soft voice.

She slipped off his legs and led the way on tip-toe, her shoulders hunched against the jeers of those who watched them go. A hand on his shoulders brought him to a halt, however, and he turned to find himself face to face with Hiran.

“Yes?”

“I wanted to wish you a good night.” The man’s eyes flickered from him to the girl and back. “I hope you make full use of your master’s gift.”

“I will be sure to,” Michael replied. “But is he not also your master?”

Something dangerous flickered in Hiran’s eyes. Something cold and treacherous. “Be careful on the morrow, Michael. It’s a dangerous world out there.”

“I’ll be sure to watch my back.”

Hiran offered a half-smile before he turned and disappeared into the crowd. No doubt