Aala had nodded her ascent to Palto's demand. She dared not protest. She followed the bounty hunter meekly, doing her best to ignore the jeers and taunts. When she finally arrived in Tor'al's chambers she didn't know what to do. The man's helmet was implacable. She could not read his facial expressions. She had not seen his surprise in the courtroom due to her downcast eyes.

Though obscured by the paltry covering that was the netting of stone beads she found herself uncomfortable She withered beneath his gaze, moving to cover herself and then very consciously lowered her arms. What did he expect of her? Finally she lowered herself to her knees and straightened her back with her arms outstretched.

"What would you have of me oh master," she managed, her voice breaking in mid-sentence.