Stefan nodded, got out of the water, wrapped a blanket around his waist and sat back down. Before long, the monk was beside him.
"Lay on the grass on yer stomach, lad, so I may tend yer injury. The Good Book says a lad should not be whipped when he has done nothing wrong and they well know it." But Stefan's back was not the only injury and when the monk saw the condition of his feet and his shoes, he was still more enraged. "A lad cannae walk through the gates of heaven with shoes such as these…and they well know it!"
This time Stefan did smile. Still, none of the slaves dared speak and when the monk clumsily got back on his mule and went away, they were certain the old rules would apply and they would be put back to work, wet clothing and all. But they were left to rest and for the first time in weeks, their evening meal consisted of good sized portions of meat, vegetables and bread. This time when they were told to sleep, they all slept like babies and the next morning, the guards were there but no one woke them. It was beyond belief - they were to get a full day of rest. Their miracle was not freedom, but it was the next best thing and Stefan was convinced it was because the old man asked God for help.
In the days to come, the monk returned, checked their injuries and measured all the men for warm winter clothing and new shoes which were delivered just a few days later. Each Sabbath they were allowed baths and a day of rest. More importantly, each meal was hearty enough to improve their health considerably.
As he grew stronger and the routine seemed to hold, Stefan made his plan. The next time they were to bathe in the river, he would simply submerge; swim as long as he could under water and get away. He would have to find a way to cover his nakedness once he was out of the river, he knew, but it was the least of his concerns. As though they read his mind, the guards took to tying two men together at the ankle when they bathed and he was always paired with the old man. As well, they loaded their longbows each time and the fear of being shot in the back like his father weighed heavy on Stefan's mind.
With improved health, even the work got done faster and seemed a bit easier. Still, the work was exhausting, men were lashed when they got distracted, bows were drawn by the guards when they bathed and no possibility of escape presented itself.