Stolen by the Crown

and,

a satisfied smile. And Salem lunged with fists swinging towards Falmouth . The servants snatched him and hauled him back. The disdainful man waved to tell him to approach once more. This time the servants held onto him"Listen to me, boy." You are nothing. Empty nothing. My bastard is a foreigner and your dirty feet would never stain the flooring of my house had I had another son. But God in His infinite wisdom gifted me with nothing from this marriage but daughters. He hated the females, so brilliantly dressed, so charming in their innocence. Five daughters. You will live here until you are fit to be sent to school. And never again will you treat your betters in such an arrogant way. Salem shrugged, shook his head, and motioned helplessly. "Don't fool me, boy ." English was spoken by your mother. Every servant sent from your nation speaks English. So do you. Though he spoke Erudian when he declared, "English is for the ignorant," Salem snapped his head sideways and his ear rang even though he never even saw the blow approaching. Never let me hear you speak that barbarian language once more. Salem brought his chin up. He said, "I hate you." with startling accuracy, "I hate you, sir." Salem had contempt in his eyes. Say it here. Falmouth 's cold green eyes held nothing: no spark, no passion, no emotion. Salem turned to look at the sophisticated, sneering woman. She stood horrified, staring at her husband the way a mouse views a snake. Salem turned to check the girls. Four of them had their heads down. When their eyes locked, the middle girl-who was skinny-stood with her hands clenched at her thin chest and stared at him, then her lips moved in appeal: Please. He turned to return to Falmouth . This man, his father, terrified him; he had no fear at all. Still, he refused to give in. Not exactly. "I hate you, sir," he said, straightening his shoulders. "My grandfather told me I had to come to this damp, cold island and go to your brutal schools and learn everything I could about mathematics and languages and statesmanship so I could go back to Erudian and free my people from cruel Gallum oppression." The eldest girl moved forward as though he would be interested in her. " If you wish to free your people, shouldn't you learn how to fight??" He cast her a disdainful glance. "I already know how to fight." You'll want an army. Are you qualified to command an army? Not particularly impressed with his boldness, she stared him straight in the eyes. "I know how to lead," he shot back; th