Attack of the Amazons by Gilbert L. Morris

badly.” He knew none of the slaves in the household of Marden and Ettore escaped punishment.
    â€œQuiet!”
    But Josh did not obey. “Haven’t you looked around?” he asked. “Those people who treat their servants nicely get loyalty out of them. All you get is hatred, because that’s all you ever show. It’s no way to live.”
    Ettore cracked him across the cheek with an open hand. The blow made an ugly splat, and her fingers were outlined on his cheek. “I told you to be silent,” she said. “You’re mine, and I’ll do with you as I please. I may even decide to have you as my mate.”
    â€œI’d rather have a snake for a mate,” Josh said. He knew at once that he had made a mistake.
    Rage flickered in Ettore’s dark eyes. She whirled and ran through the house yelling, “Where’s my cane?”
    She found it, came back, and began to beat Josh about the head. Helplessly he stood there, covering his head with his hands. Then the cane burned like fire as it lashed across his back and sides. He was wearing only a thin shirt, and he heard it tear. He tried to ignore the pain, keeping his lips tightly shut and his eyes closed.
    â€œStop that!”
    Josh opened his eyes to see that Sarah had come into the room and had stepped between him and Ettore.
    â€œGet out of my way, Sarah.”
    â€œI won’t do it. If you have to whip somebody, start in on me.”
    â€œI could do that, you know!”
    â€œWhy don’t you?” Sarah said. “But I warn you, I won’t take it like Josh does.” She seized a broom and said, “Go ahead. We’ll see who gives up first—you with your cane or me with my broom.”
    Suddenly Ettore laughed. She held the cane in one hand, tapping her other palm with it, and she smiled cruelly. “I like that! You’ve got fire. You may make a warrior maid after all.” She scrutinized the girl and said, “You like him, don’t you?”
    Sarah flushed. “We’ve been friends a long time.”
    â€œFriends? A woman doesn’t need a man for afriend—just for a mate and then to take care of the house and the children. A woman has more important things to do.”
    â€œI don’t think so,” Sarah said. “I don’t think there’s anything more important than a husband and children.”
    Ettore laughed harshly. “You’ll change your mind, and don’t get your heart set on this one. He’s a little skinny right now, but when we fatten him up he may be just what we need.” She grabbed Josh by the hair and pulled his head back. “He’s not as tough as Dave, but he might do.” She gave Josh’s hair a cruel twist, laughed at the pain in his eyes, then turned and swaggered out of the room.
    Sarah turned to Josh. “I’m sorry. She’s an awful person.”
    â€œThat’s putting it mildly.” Josh flexed his arm carefully, and a grimace crossed his lips.
    â€œLet me see your back,” Sarah said.
    â€œNo.”
    â€œDon’t be foolish, Josh. Let me see. Take off your shirt.”
    Sarah drew a sharp breath at the welts that crisscrossed his back and sides. “Let me put some ointment on that. It’ll take some of the soreness out.”
    She ran quickly and got her kit. She had some medical supplies—they had allowed her to keep everything except her weapons—and with a hand that trembled slightly she began to anoint the ugly welts.
    Josh stood perfectly still. The ointment brought coolness to the burning wounds, and her hands were soft and gentle. When she had finished, he slipped his shirt on, saying with a faint smile, “Thanks, Sarah.”
    â€œWe’ve got to do something, Josh,” she said almost desperately.
    â€œDo what? We’re guarded night and day—even you. They pretend they’re going to make a warrior maid out of you, but just try to get