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Patricia Reding
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Science Fiction & Fantasy
Author Insight
Daughters for Sale
Readers learn here that it is not quite the case that CHILDREN are sold in Chiran. Rather, it is DAUGHTERS who are sometimes sold. Such was the case for Chaya. Before she gets to telling of the particulars, however, she settles into a discussion with Marshall (who is here, going by the name "Mansur"). Chaya's life is one of deep seclusion, as her husband, Cark, keeps her locked away--and we know from prior reading, that he beats her. Lest anyone think she is easy prey, however, she shows another side here. In some ways, the fact that she would challenge Cark seems odd given how he treats her. Still, as she told Marshall earlier, she's already determined that her behavior doesn't change his treatment. Either way, he beats her. So perhaps she gets a bit of satisfaction when she suggests to him that she may get her revenge one day. For my part, I agree with Marshall. She is either incredibly brave, or shockingly foolish to do this. Which do you think it is?
Book Excerpt
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“Sold you!”
Her eyes narrowed. “Now I’m sure of it. You’re not even a Chiranian, are you?”
He raised a brow. “Why do you say that?”
“Because if you were, you’d not be surprised. It’s common practice here.”
“For people to sell their children?”
“Not their children, Mansur. Their daughters.” She shivered as a cool breeze passed. “They’ll likely be a while. That’ll give me time to explain things. Maybe next time you can tell me how you—a non-Chiranian—ended up here . . . and in Zarek’s guard.”
“Next time?”
She grinned. “Occasionally, I need to get out. That’s when I remind him,” she gestured her husband’s way, “that everyone has to sleep sometime.”
“Ma’am?”
“Chaya.”
“Yes. Sorry. Chaya. What does that mean?”
“It’s simple, really. Cark doesn’t fear me for my size, but there are other ways to . . . take a life. It would be easiest for me to do so when he’s unaware of his surroundings. So, I remind him from time to time, that even he requires sleep.”
The Oathtaker grinned. The woman was either incredibly brave, or shockingly foolish. “You were saying?”
“Oh yes, about my parents selling me.” She sucked in a long, deep breath.
Moments later, Marshall lost himself in the sound of her voice.
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