Mertha turned from her with tears in her eyes and ran off into the house.  That was a strange thing for her to do with her superior attitude and all.  Daniel saw her run off.  Perhaps it was now dawning on her of what her true station in life was.  He ushered the others into the house and to the main room where dinner would be served.  Mertha was there eyes a bit red from crying.  She sat and ate quietly not saying a word.  Even Beth and Lillith noticed and looked concerned.  They had never seen her like that before.  Daniel just watched everyone and he noticed William looking at her a small smile on his lips.  He knew as Daniel the reason she was upset and quiet.<br/><br/>Daniel also had another surprise for the night.  Once the evening meal was over,  he went outside and brought in something he had brought from the Tarn Tower.  "William Stand."  he told William.  William stood and then Daniel told him, "Remove your slave garment."  he looked at Daniel with a shocked look but did as he was ordered.  Daniel picked up something from the outer room and tossed it to him.  "Put this on."  William caught it and looked at the tunic he had been given and his eyes went wide.  It was the Scarlet Tunic of a warrior.  He donned it and he seemed to straighten his posture as his hands ran over the material.  Then Daniel picked up something else, and moved to William and buckled on a sword and sheath .  Willimas chest seemed to swell and as Daniel brought in a shield and slung it over his back and a helmet he handed him, William seemed to grow a few inches as his shoulders squared and he stood proudly.  "You are a free man William.  I reinstate you as a Warrior.<br/><br/>William looked at Daniel, Pride in his eyes once more.  Daniel chuckled and smiled.  "You are free William.  Free to return to Ar if you so desire."<br/><br/>William looked at Daniel and shook his head.  "I think I will stay here for a while at least.  What are your commands, Commander."  William looked as if he was on top of the world.<br/><br/>"Mertha!"  Daniel called her.  She leaped to her feet and came and knelt before them.  "Look upon your new master, Mertha."  he told her and pointed to William.  "William, I give the slave Mertha to you ."  He chuckled and grinned.<br/><br/>Oh the look in Williams eyes was priceless, and the look of fear and uncerntainty in Mertha's eyes was just as priceless.  Beth and Lillith looked on with wide and disbelieving eyes.   William looked down at Mertha and a broad smile appeared on his lips.  "Go to the the first bed chamber on the left Upstairs and await me."  he commanded her.  She hesitated looking between him and Daniel.  Both Daniel and William gave her a stern look and she leaped to her feet and ran out of the room and up the stairs.<br/><br/>Then William looked at Daniel again, "Why?"  he asked.<br/><br/>"As you said, a Warrior should never be made a slave.  Besides if you are willing, Sadar needs good warriors.  Also I have something else in mind.  You will see in the  morning."  Daniel told him.  "Now go and enjoy your new slave."  he chuckled, and William left the room.