Miria found it mildly interesting that the jinni clarified so quickly and firmly that he wasn't a runaway. She believed that part of the story only because he said it in such a candid way that she could not believe it acted. This was a slave with pride, someone that couldn't possibly have done something terrible enough to need to run away. If she chose to let him go, she would know that she at least hadn't allowed a thief or murderer to go free.

Until he mentioned that his master died. At once, Miria thought of that gruesome scene: blood everywhere, her family dead, their jinni clearly in shock and mourning their loss, assuring her that he hadn't killed them.... Miria had to breathe, to remind herself that this jinni's master died with a task for him to do. Surely, if he had killed his master, he wouldn't have been so clear about not being a runaway, would he?

Miria wasn't sure about the rest of this jinni's story. If he wasn't a runaway, then what was so important that he needed to do in the wake of his master's death that warranted being hunted by the guards? She racked her mind for anything her former jinni lover had said regarding their customs and culture but could not come up with any reason that would lead to this slave's current situation. 

He continued with his story. Miria could understand his fear for being caught and he seemed to hold at least a little respect for his dead master if he wanted to complete her last task for him so adamantly. Still, there were too many holes in the story, too much that didn't make sense. She knew this jinni wasn't telling him everything. Perhaps he had done something horrible and all of these gaps in the story were red flags to that fact. Perhaps she needed to do the right thing and alert the guards. However, there was still that risk that they would associate her with whatever crime he committed anyway, and whatever the gaps in his story were, he did not come across as someone who would kill. This jinni's mannerisms didn't reek of that sort of desperation, she did not feel like she was in any danger, nor did this jinni's behavior mesh with the unsettling calmness of a sociopath.

Miria sighed, feeling drained and exhausted. The only thing she was sure about was that he wasn't a thief. Anything she had of value was currently with her; there was nothing in the cart that was worth stealing or making a fuss over. Frankly, she had a long day, she was hungry and tired, and in no mood to spend hours dealing with the guards' interrogations once they had apprehended the jinni. She had heard enough of this jinni's story to be convinced to let him go. Besides, she had not the energy or the patience to involve herself in his affairs, whatever they would be.

Cautiously, Miria looked around before whispering, "I have no time to deal with you, and frankly I don't care. There is one guard in the alley to your right. If you leave quickly and quietly, he may not notice you. I would rather you not get caught in my vicinity, so go now while you still can. I would like to never see you again."