Here we go.

*/First/ thing in the morning WJ is taken in, his wounds cleaned and bandaged, and then taken to the master's office.*

WJ: *unresponsive*

Master: Look at me, Jack.

WJ: ............... *does so - if /anything/ flickers in his eyes, it's a hint of anger and defiance*

Master: *sees that.......nodnodnod* Good, you haven't completely lost yourself. My daughter, Corland, and Keldin have told me that you were kidnapped from your home. Is this true?

WJ: ............... *doesn't answer - this man /purchased/ another's life because he can't be fragged to make the time to take care of his own child . . . he's not really ready to trust this man for /anything/* *a little more life /does/ come to his eyes, though*

Master: Corland said you were taken from your son. *watching WJ closely. The life coming back to his eyes? That tells him a lot without WJ saying anything. So he's watching for such reactions* My children are my world, I can only imagine that your son is yours. If it is possible to reach your home, then I will see you returned there. Returned to your son.

WJ: ................. *at that, the shield comes down and there's /anger/ in his eyes*  Is that the /only/ reason?  /Master/? *so much /hate/ for that word, like it's a /curse/*

Master: *now that WJ is really looking at him, he looks like a worn and weary leader...has that /tired/-but-can't-rest-yet look about him that Prime tries so hard to hide* *he answers without hesitation* There are many reasons, Jack.

WJ: *isn't looking that close, doesn't actually see it, just sees a man "having" to deal with his newest, troubling slave too early in the morning*  Slavery is /wrong/.  Even /criminals/ deserve better.  /No/ livin' being has the right ta lay a claim of /ownership/ on another just because he can afford some opportunistic /fragger's/ arbitrary price.

Master: *He doesn't get mad, doesn't seem offended.  He just nods* It is sick.  And while legally there are a number here that I "own", I will not ever own anyone.  Not truly.  *pulls a breath and lets it out in a tired sigh* *he writes something, signs it, adds his seal, picks up the paper, and comes around his desk, offering it to WJ* Clearly, you have no reason to tell me where your home is.  This will get you so far, legally, though not all will honor it.  Be careful, Jack; as you've learned, the caravans in these parts are not known for their integrity, and you'll be traveling alone. *if WJ views the letter, it's something short and sweat saying WJ is on an errand for his master and is not to be hindered.*