words he'd spoken. His voice had dropped, and he had said the words halfheartedly.
"What is that, Master?" I asked.
"Some night perhaps I'll take you with me. I'll ask permission . . ." His voice trailed off.
"For what, Master? When have you ever needed anyone's permission for anything?"
I had meant this to be simple and candid, but I knew now it had an impertinent sound.
"It's all right, Amadeo," he said. "I ask permission now and then from my Elders, that's all. Who else?" He looked weary. He sat beside me and leaned down next to me and kissed my lips.
"Elders, Sir? You mean Those Who Must Be Kept - these are creatures like you?"
"You be kind to Riccardo and the others. They worship you," he said. "They wept for you the whole time you were away. They didn't quite believe me when I told them you were coming home. Then Riccardo spied you with your English lord and was terrified I'd break you in little pieces, yet afraid the Englishman would kill you. He has quite the reputation, your English lord, slamming down his knife on the board in any tavern he chooses. Do you have to consort with common murderers? You have a nonpareil here when it comes to those who take life. When you went to Bianca, they didn't dare to tell me, but made fancy pictures in their minds so I couldn't read their thoughts. How docile they are with my powers."
"They love you, my Lord," I said. "Thank God that you forgive me for the places I went. I'll do whatever you wish."
"Good night then." He rose to go.
"Master, how many nights?"
"Three at most," he said over his shoulder. He made for the door, a tall gallant figure in his cloak.
"Master."
"Yes."
"I'll be very good, a saint," I said. "But if I'm not will you whip me again, please?"
The moment I saw the anger in his face I regretted this. What made me say such things!
"Don't tell me you didn't mean it!" he said, reading my mind and hearing the words before I could get them out.
"No. It's just I hate it when you go. I thought maybe if I taunted you, you wouldn't."
"Well, I will. And don't taunt me. As a matter of policy, don't taunt me."
He was out the door before he changed his mind and returned. He came towards the bed. I expected the worst. He was going to slap me and then not be around to kiss the bruise.
But he didn't.
"Amadeo, while I'm gone, think on it" he said.
I was sobered, looking at him. His very manner made me reflect before I uttered a word.
"On everything, Sir?" I asked.
"Yes," he said. Then he came again to kiss me. "Will you be this forever?" he asked. "This man, this young man, that you are now?"
"Yes, Master! Forever, and with you!" I wanted to tell him that there was nothing I couldn't do that a man could do, but this seemed most unwise, and also it would not seem true to him.
He laid his hand fondly on my head, pushing my hair back.
"For two years, I've watched you grow," he said. "You've reached your full height, but you're small, and your face is a baby's face, and for all your good health, you're slight and not the robust man yet that you are surely meant to be."
I was too enthralled to interrupt him. When he paused, I waited.
He sighed. He looked off as if he couldn't find words.
"When you were gone, your English lord drew his dagger on you, but you weren't afraid. Do you remember? It wasn't two days ago."
"Yes, Sir, it was stupid."
"You could easily have died then," he said with a raise of his eyebrow. "Easily."
"Sir, please open up these mysteries to me," I said. "Tell me how you came to your powers. Entrust these secrets to me. Lord, make it so that I can be with you forever. I don't care anything for my own judgment of such things. I yield to yours."
"Ah, yes, you yield if I fulfill your request."
"Well, Sir, that is a form of yielding, to give myself up to you, your will and your power, and yes, I would have it and be like you. Is that what you promise, Master, is that what you hint at, that you can make me like you? You can fill me with this blood of yours that makes a slave out of me, and it will be accomplished? It seems at