Chapter 26: Bed Slaves in Ancient Times

Bed slavery was a common practice in the early years of the Society. Of ten a local family would sell a daughter -- or preferably an extra son -- to a Master in the Society for use and apprenticeship. The Society was made up primarily of makers of things at the time -- black and tin smiths, weavers, tailors and potters, mainly. They often took bed slaves whose families thought their children were getting a sideways chance at apprenticeship, and since they were taken care of, the families didn't really mind.

Bed slavery was often for the year and a day term, back then, in accordance with the myth. Some signed on again, others were inducted into the mystery of the Society, after which they were rarely bed slaves any longer, and had to take a role in the house, as a master or a submissive. This isn't so odd, as those who developed relationships with their masters, or showed a sign of proclivity for our society were elevated into it.

At the time, while the actions of our group were quiet, they were often an open secret. The people of the islands where we started were loyal to Hephaestus, and considered themselves his descendants. As the Society spread across Greece, it became more silent, but always honored the local Gods, as well as having house shrines to Hephaestus and Aphrodite. There are unsubstantiated rumors that Socrates spent some time as a house bed slave, but found the work of making things less to his liking. He remained supported by the Society though, as his Master was quite fond of his technique.