Old-Time Servants

"Master!" Ozzic limped over.

"Keep it to yourself." Anfey did not know whether he should cry or smile. "You were punished with whips instead of being hit with sticks. What happened? Your legs were not broken, were they?"

Ozzic complained immediately. "No, master. Ye did not do me any favors. He whipped with full force. I can take off my shirt to show you if you do not believe me."

"I don’t care if he did you a favor or not. You do not have to worry about me blaming him for that." Anfey gave Ozzic a playful look. "I punished you to set an example for others, not to test your friendship with Ye."

"How could such a shameful thing be an example for others?" Ozzic asked bitterly.

"We will not talk about it." Anfey signaled the front door with his chin. "Are those criminals ok? Did you get a chance to see your date?"