There was a half-circular hole in each of the box halves,open to the padded platform. Instead of shackles, this one had a woodenstockade for his ankle..., and two smaller stockades that closed over hiswrists. All these restraints, and the head-box had clasps for padlocks.And the padlocks were hanging open on all the clasps. Even the belt strapbuckles had padlocks on them. bahvna handed me a plastic shopping bag and said, “Putyour clothes and stuff in this bag. You’ll get it back when you go.”. I know what you’re like when you come off the court.”“Ditto,” she said.“Um ... did I miss something?” Wendy asked as she came up with fresh drinks for all of us.“Oh, no,” I said. “You didn’t miss it. You came in right in the middle of it. You’re welcome to join.” I slid over on the bench and Wendy sat next to me.“You all looked like you were sort of far-away,” she said.“Those three,” I said pointing across the table at Amy, Melody, and Kate, “were lost in a daydream. We two decided not to dream. Everything in her body wants to flee. She has to get away, now, but she can't budge. He is sitting on top of her, holding her down and glaring at her with those stark, blank orbs. She doesn't know what he is capable of. She believes he could do anything. If his mind is as blank as his eyes, then he could end her right here and not even wince. He wouldn't feel a thing. She has no energy left to fight and is completely at his mercy. There is only one course of action open to her. Acceptance. To. But rather than the smile of happiness on her face I detect a note of worry on her brow."Yes Alys, what is it?" I ask as she stops out of breath next to me. "Have you been treated well?" I wonder if she has been exposed to any xenophobic, narrow-minded, attitude by the Kindred. I would hope not, but I would not put it past some people to try and push out a defenselessly little girl. "I'm fine. Nosis. I even get to live with Godiva 'n Melville again." She is still breathless but I can hear her.