I struggled, but half-
heartedly.
The house-boys and any of Falco's retinue who could reach me, thumped me
and mauled me. I was horrified to realize all of a sudden that those who
had made most of me had always envied me in secret; that, to a man, they
hated me; that each and all would use every effort to ensure my ruin; that
I had to face perjury, unanimous perjury, gushing from an abundant well-
head of malignity, spite, and enmity. My valet alone seemed on my side,
and he could assist me not at all.
I was bound with ropes knotted till my hands and feet swelled, till the
cords cut into my flesh. I was abused, my clothing torn till I was half
naked. I was whacked and clawed till I was bleeding in a dozen places; I
was reviled, jeered at and threatened. Trussed like a fowl to be roasted,
I was half hustled half dragged, almost carried, down into the courtyard.
From there, after no long wait, I was haled off to the slaves' prison in
the Slave-Dealers' Exchange next the Slave-Market. There I was released
from my bonds, heavy shackles were riveted on my ankles and I was cast
into the lower dungeon.
I had had time to tell Dromo, my faithful valet, to inform Agathemer. I
knew he, in turn, would inform Tanno and Vedia.
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