“Wait, wait.” Cotiso stopped the guard before he helped the girl into the wagon. “Here, keep this on you.”
He wrapped the thick blanket around the girl, who now had her hands tied in front of her with a rope.
“No, it’s okay.”
“Just keep it on.”
“Master. Thank you.”
Cotiso tried to act normal but the smell that came off the rotten cloak was so bad that he reeled back and covered his nose as soon as he made sure the blanket stayed on her body.
“By Zalmoxis! When was the last time you washed that thing? Okay, help her up.”
Once the girl was inside, Cotiso held the door open and asked. “What’s your name?”
“Alina.”
“Alina, listen, it’s going to get real dark once I close the door, so don’t be afraid.”
“That’s alright Master. I don’t mind.”
“Try to get some sleep, I’ll get you something to eat very soon when we stop.”
He had just shut the door when a thought came to him and he opened it again.
“And, try to stay away from the boxes, you hear me? Whatever happens, I don’t want my merchandise to smell. Just, um, just sleep next to the door, alright?”
“Yes, I understand. Thank you Master.”