Chapter One – The reality of this nightmare Part One

The sound of the slap echoed through the room. My hand went up to touch the place he slapped me, but he stopped me by grabbing my wrist roughly. He took the other one as well and held them up. He glanced at them and smiled. I did not dare to look up, but I knew it satisfied him. Yesterday, they took me out of my quarters in the middle of the night and took me to a dungeon to brand me. He actually branded me. The sign of Starkhaven, so I would always remember the leaderless shithole I came from and that I should not defy those I was with now. That's how he called it. I wished I could go back. Leaderless or not, I simply wished I was back in my room as the naïve ten year old I used to be.

I remembered so clearly the moment my life turned for the worse. It started as an ordinary day. Breakfast, a walk with father's Mabari, training. Before I knew it I was already in a good looking dress walking to the dining hall when I overheard a group of people. When I carefully took a peak, I could see the Harimann family standing there. They were talking about the family of my best friend. It was always obvious that they were jealous of them, but would they actually do something? I quickly made my way to the dining hall when I suspected they finished their conversation and met with my parents. I was an only child and I only had my friend to turn to. A friend who I loved dearly and one who I started to see as a perfect match for me. Everyone was tense when we had dinner and I quickly excused myself afterwards. I didn't trust it so I decided to find my best friend. Sebastian. The last I heard was that he had gone to Kirkwall. Even better, it was the only thing I knew. I was utterly speechless when they told me he had left. They gave no explanation, but I assumed they did not want us to get too close. It was not a choice of my parents, but the Harimann family had some influence on the parents of Sebastian as well.

I put on my armor and took my bow and quiver and something to eat and decided to leave when everyone was asleep. When the night had fallen and sleep had taken over I left my bed as silently as possible. It did squeak a little as it always did and I groaned softly in response. I took everything I had collected and made my way out. When I was far enough from the large mansion I stopped to look back. When I turned around a large group of men stood in front of me. I wondered how they could sneak up so silently without me knowing or hearing it. The leader stepped forward and grinned.

"Look here boys. Won't they be glad with this one?" he asked the men who cheered, yelled and laughed. I backed up only to be caught by men who stood behind me. They started hitting me and a blow to the head made me go unconscious. When I woke up, I was in the dungeon. They kept me on chains the first two days and I barely had anything to eat. Sometimes they would put down the food only to kick it away for their own fun. When I finally spit on one of the men he hit me and went away. Soon a tall man came in the room, alone. I could tell by the way he was dressed that he was a mage. He did not bend down to look at me so he just stood there. I was to be his slave he told me. His old slave was not here anymore so he needed replacement. I could not believe what he was saying. I am of noble blood!

"Get me my wine slave." He ordered which broke my chain of thoughts. I slightly bowed, as he wished I would do.

"Yes master." I softly said and turned around to get it for him. Maybe I could poison the wine. Would he notice that before he would take a sip? It was just a week ago since they took me, but it felt like I was here for a lifetime. I had checked every single corner of the rooms I had entered, but I could find no escape. There was always someone guarding a door and the windows were simply too small to fit in. My thoughts quickly went to Sebastian. How was I supposed to warn him now? How could I inform him that I suspected something was going on? That they might be doing something to him and his family. I heard the magister, for that is what he was, shouting from his seat that I needed to hurry. He was not known for his patience, that's for sure. I quickly filled a cup with wine and went back to him.

"It certainly took you long enough, slave!" he growled.

"My apologies." I softly said in response. He looked at me and raised an eyebrow. "Master." I quickly added. He nodded and waved his hand for me to leave. I sighed when I got back in the kitchen and another slave came walking in. He looked tired and he had cuts and bruises all over his arms and face. I felt sorry for him, despite the fact that I was in the same situation. He stood next to me and started whispering.

"Are you all right?" he whispered as silently as he could. I nodded in response.

"Are you?" I asked. The young man shook his head.

"She loves to hit me in front of her guests and then laugh at me. She even uses torture methods in the dungeons when she feels I haven't obeyed her well enough." I closed my eyes and whispered a sorry to the man. He looked at me and he grimaced when his so called Mistress called for him again. I watched him walk away and I started to fear more for my own life as well. Why would they do this? I shuddered when the Magister yelled for me again. Reluctantly I walked to the man, who still sat in his chair in front of the fire.

"Slave, I still have to think of a good name for you." He started.

"I have a good name. My own!" I fiercely said. He looked up, surprised that I would even try to say something. That I dared! He quickly stood up and forced his hand around my throat while he pushed me against the wall. I struggled to breathe as he spoke.

"Do not go against me once more you hear? If you do so I will make sure your stay will be most unpleasant. If you think it is unpleasant now, wait until I'm done with you." When he finished he threw me to the floor and I welcomed the air coming in my lungs. A mixture of adrenaline and fear raced through my veins.

"Get out!" he yelled. "I have no need of you anymore tonight!" I got up as soon as I could without giving the Magister a look or acknowledging his order. I collapsed again in the kitchen and regained my posture while I sat on the ground. It was quiet, apart from the occasional shout towards other slaves. I hated the word. I had just been here on week and I hated it. Nobody should be a slave for someone. I stood up and walked to my room. It was small and had a tiny window placed up high on the wall. It had a simple bed and a small toilet and a bowl with water. I lied down on the bed and sleep took over fast.