Aaron: Chapter Fifteen
After leaving my old "home" we settled at a large inn where humans have a special sanctuary for travelling visitors from the different empires. Dragons own the place of course. But under legal grounds of the Black and Turquoise Empire treaties, random human and dragon enslavement is not permitted. I am sure they would have had some attempts of kidnapping patrons in the past. As many of their slaves came from abducting humans in the first place. My father sold me into slavery even though it is illegal in the Light Blue Empire. So I know very well that underground slave trafficking is very much a thing. But I do hear from the dragons that the Orange Emperor heavily relies on the other Empires for food, weapon and material trades. So they cannot keep risking their relations as I have seen that Black Empire soldiers and weapons are more powerful than theirs. They are not to be fucked with…
As I looked up at the second floor I see the dragon owners looking down on all of us. They are mates by looking at them but they are smiling as I see them talk to their slaves. Not mean or demeaning just having a normal conversation. They must not be so bad, as human slaves actually enjoy their jobs. I can see it on their faces as they serve the drinks and food. The food smelled amazing and I admit I am actually jealous that I was not enslaved here. I cannot imagine these slaves being forced to do horrible things like living in the desert outside of the city for two weeks. I would love to take this kind of job any day…
It has been years since I have seen a human establishment in such a clean condition. People having fun and enjoying themselves… Such a warm atmosphere. It actually made me feel a bit happy. I haven't felt anything like this in years… I may still be a slave but I feel a bit of some kind of freedom.
"Well, I have just booked our rooms. We will stay here for a few nights to fully rest up and then we head off to Inclementia. So let's make love to the land before we spend a few months on the sea. It is going to be a long journey so enjoy your beds while you can." Master Mali then sits next to me carrying four tankers with his arms and hands.
I looked at him and nodded since I understood. I hoped that Master Mali would give me one of his tankards but I quickly realised that three of them were for him. As he chugged them down so quickly I thought he was going to vomit it all back up. The other tankard was given to his friend the mercenary. I still don't know what my new master does for a living but I hope that he is kinder than my old master. I have only just learned the name of the cutthroat who also works for Master Mali. Kazaar is unique and looking at the two they really enjoy each other's company as friends.
Watching everyone eat and drink normally made me feel even more jealous. As if I couldn't feel any more jealous when I first walked in here. I still have this stupid brace on… Hearing my belly rumble as I have noticed I have not eaten since this morning before the demonstration. I am starving…
I had no choice but to poke Master Mali. After all, it is his responsibility to feed his new "pet". I had to signal by rubbing my belly to make sure he gets the message clear. He smiles at me.
"That's right… We need to do something about this horrible contraption… Come, boy. Time to get that thing off!" Mali then stumbles off his chair and clumsily guides us to our room. It is a nice room that has six single beds in it. By the looks of it, due to demand people have to share rooms. The beds are neatly made and there are chested drawers next to each bed. There is a desk located at the far end of the room just under the small window.
"Sit boy, sit!" As Mali pointed me to get on the bed.
Kazaar grabbed my head to his side so he can have a closer look. He pulled and prodded, I was trying my hardest not to punch him in the face. It was painful… As Master Mali grabbed his bag he was shuffling through to find the key. After a while, he finally managed to find it.
"HERE IT IS! Kazaar gets some powerful alcohol for the boy. While you are also there please get a bucket. He is going to need it." Master Mali then shuffles to me as he gives me this weird creepy grin. I admit I was unnerved because the man has just drunk three tankards of ale… By looking at him he is completely drunk. I really did not want him to rip my jaw apart.
"Oh don't worry boy I am not drunk… Even if I am, I am used to it… I also highly suggest that you get used to me drinking a lot." Master Mali then gives me another cheeky grin. As Master Mali grabs my mask I raise my hands in a gesture for him not to touch.
"Boy… You are hungry. If you want to eat we are going to have to get it off. It must have been stupid with you eating mush for breakfast and dinner". He then forcefully grabs my mask and looks at the keyholes. On my left side, he begins unscrewing the mask. It looks a lot of effort on my new masters' part and pain. But after a while, one side was finally clicked release. Kazaar comes back with a few tankards and bucket. He places the bucket beneath my feet.
Mali then moves to my other side and does the same thing. It was getting excruciating every time he unscrews the mask. Since the screws are becoming looser the sharp spikes in my mouth that has started to become loose and begin to fall out. Since they have been fixed in my mouth for so long now I fear that my gums healed around it. As Mali finally really released the other screw he quickly pulled off the mask. I screamed in complete agony, blood rushed into my mouth.
"FUCK!" I screamed out.
Mali then grabs a tankard of alcohol and demanded me to drink and spit. The alcohol burned inside of my mouth as if I had been stabbed. Blood still dripping from my mouth.
"I know that must sting. But the alcohol with help with you not getting an infection. Here take this clean rag and put it in your mouth. Hopefully, it will help stop the bleeding."
I put the rag into my mouth. Master Mali chuckles as it makes me look like an idiot. But if it stops the bleeding, I have no choice. After a few hours and multiple rag changes later the bleeding has stopped. After all of the pain, I did not feel hungry anymore. I felt my face… It felt like I haven't touched it in forever. So much so a pure black beard has grown. It was so soft... I hope to have a shave soon enough. But after a moment I realised that I just wanted to sleep…
"May I rest master?"
Master Mali then smiled at me and nodded. He then quickly takes Kazaar downstairs to drink some more. I collapsed on the bed and snuggled into the blankets. I haven't slept in a bed since before my mother died at the age of seven. It was so warm and cosy. I never want to leave this bed…
But when my eyes closed I began to have my nightmares… Seeing humans being tortured. Me killing other soldiers on command… My best friend… All alone in the darkness with no one or anything to help me. The black draconium experiments as they injected pure black draconium liquid into my veins. Oh, how it burned… It burned everything in me… I thought I was going to die. I screamed and screamed as I realized that I was being woken up by my master. I thought I was screaming in my dream. I didn't realize I screamed as I slept.
"You certainly know how to scream as if you are dying while you are sleeping. See you woke everyone up." He looks at me as I have noticed that I woke everyone in the room up. They all looked at me and then they tried to fall asleep again. By looking at the moon from the window it is the middle of the night. I didn't mean to wake everyone up… While looking down I realised I have sweat all over my body. My dreams felt like I was back there… Master Mali looked at me and didn't say anything. If anything he had a look of sympathy… As he looked at me and gave me a few mint leaves to clean my teeth and tongue. It still stung but it felt refreshing.
"Let's go downstairs… Have you eat and drink something. It won't cure what ails you, but it is something". He then grabs his candle holder and leads me downstairs. The owners and most of the people have gone to bed. But there are few just having casual drinks and food is still being served. There is always cooks and bartenders on call day and night.
"It has been a long time since you have had anything solid. What would you like?"
I looked at him weirdly. I have no idea… I have lived by porridge, fruits as a special treat and indescribable brown meat mush… My mouth is still sore after having my stupid mask removed. I have no idea what I want…
"You are still silent even after when your mask is removed… I will order for you then."
"Wait…" I stopped him before he leaves. "I want cake…"
He looks at me surprisingly. He really did not expect that answer.
"Cake? Really?"
"… Yes…" I said meekly. I have always wanted a cake. A poor boy bastard like me could never afford or have the luxury of such a dessert. Iolene my old childhood friend once snuck me a cake from one of my fathers' grand parties when the royal family visited Watersgate. She could have gotten into so much trouble for it. But she did it anyway… I loved it so much… So moist, sweet and delicious. It was the first and last time when I had cake. Now after remembering I won't be able to stop thinking about her… Master Mali then smiled and walked to the bar and is speaking to the bartender and cook.
After a while, Master Mali comes back. But he did not have cake in hand… It looked like a nice slab of meat on it with vegetables.
"Sorry boy, they had no cake. But the cook managed to cook a nice warm meal of steak and vegetables."
I will not lie that I felt disappointed. I would give anything for something sweet. But soon as Mali gave my knife and fork, I delved into the food straight away. I had no idea I could miss chewing this much! Meat is tender and juicy with the Vegetables having an actual taste. I am no longer disappointed. After finishing my meal. I quickly realised how living on a liquid and mush diet has affected me… I had a stomach ache soon after. It was heavy and started to make me feel ill.
Master Mali chuckled at me... I was sure he was trying to say something while I was eating. But I was too busy stuffing my mouth that I didn't listen.
"What is your name boy? It is certainly not 142." As a bar wench brings a tankard to Master Mali and fills it up.
"My real name is Aaron."
"No last name? A peasant bastard then?" Master Mali then drinks his whole ale in one go. "I bet that your mum is a whore. Am I correct? That is usually where most bastards come from". I looked at him… I always hate it when they say whore in a demeaning term.
"I'm sorry if I offended you boy. I guess she was… "
"My mother may have been a whore, but it never mattered to me. But for some reason, it always mattered to everyone else of what she was. Mother was more than that… She was very kind and loving to me as a mother should be. She would play games with me, made sure I was fed and tell me stories. I could never have asked for a better mother. I wish she is still alive today. If she was... My life would have been very different."
Master Mali smiled at me sweetly and then drunk another full tankard of ale as the bar wench filled it up again. He then burps which stank like a pure drunkard… I couldn't help but chuckle.
"You cannot change the past boy… I would change mine if I could." Master Mali slurred and started to sway from his drunkenness. All of a sudden as I tried to ask him a question of who he is. He vomited on the floor in a spectacular fashion. It smelt of bile and alcohol. I quickly apologized to the maids as they began cleaning it up. I then picked up my master and gave him a quick clean up with a wet rag. Then placing him on his bed. He was disoriented but was very close to passing out. After placing him to bed I decided to go back on my onto my bed and try to get some rest again. I hoped that our conversation would last longer. It was something I sorely needed. The only other person who I know truly cared about me after my mother was Iolene… I wonder how she is after all these years. I must one day see her again.
Before I knew it I can see the sun rising from the window. I managed to get a bit of sleep even though it was restless. At least this time I was not screaming waking everyone up. The people in the room got up and started to get ready for the day. Kazaar and I are all up and ready as I saw my master lie on his bed snoring his hangover away. I poked him on the cheek to make sure that he was still alive. I really hope he was still alive because if he died. By law, I have to go back to my previous master and I am not going back there alive. I guess this is why he wanted to postpone our journey until tomorrow. Drink all of the alcohol before we had to leave.
Kazaar then patted my back and said we should relax downstairs. He quickly asked my name and I told him. I actually began to have some hope in my new master and the company he keeps. They have been nice to me so far… But I must always remember to keep my mental guard up. Situations can change so quickly when you are a slave. One moment you are treasured and the next minute you are disposable.
"So Kazaar how did you meet Master Mali?"
"We met in Aidrack at the pub before we made our journey here to Dominus Sahara. He managed to out drink me, the little shit. He is small but he can hold his drinks… But when he realised who I was he immediately wanted to pay for my services. I trained in the Purple regiment. I was one of the best swordsmen."
"The purple regiment?" I have never heard anything like that before. All I can guess is that the name purple means he is from the purple Empire. An empire I have no knowledge of. The only empires I know is Light Blue, Black and Orange.
"Of course you would know nothing about it. It is very far away from here and I am so glad because this place is horrible. I don't know how you managed to stand this place."
"Well… I didn't have a choice… I just had to be miserable and bear it. If I tried to escape and get captured that means being in the torture dungeon as long as they think it's funny."
"You always had a choice, Aaron. You just bent over to your dragon overlords and let them do anything to you. You could have done more."
I looked at him completely repulsed. He had no idea what I had gone through. Escaping this city is not as easy as looks. The walls are high and so smooth it is impossible to climb. I learned this very early on when I DID try to escape! When I was first bought by Master Isil at the age of twelve I tried to escape in the middle of the night in a tiny passage that I was just able to crawl through. They found me quickly enough and scratched me so hard that those scars are still on my back.
"If it was easy to escape this slave fate… We all would have done it by now. Working as a mercenary is nothing like being trained as an Iqosha soldier. Not only do they beat you physically, but they also break your mind as well."
He scoffs at me. It became quiet between us as we stood outside of the inn watching everyone living their lives. All slaves wearing chains around their necks and most looking injured and miserable.
"I have wondered Kazaar, what does my new Master do for a living? He dresses well and pays a lot of money for drinks."
"He is usually secretive about what he really does and his past, so I warn you don't ask too much about it. Because you will not get your answer. But as far as I have seen, he talks to people and dragons. I can only guess he must be a spy of some kind. He bought you to protect him, to protect him. It doesn't matter what he does."
A spy? I have heard tales of assassins and spies. I overheard from my master on multiple occasions to be wary of spies. As they are trained to assassinate and steal important documents which can destroy someone's life. But I hear they are stealthy and can blend in with the other people. Dragons can even be spies as it is definitely not a human only occupation. The dragon spies will be useful in this Empire since it is ruled by dragons. However, the open brain of an orange two-legged dragon is very different to the thin and sleek black four-legged dragon. Dragon breeds from each empire are different from each other. I know full well that many orange dragons don't seem to trust those who are not like them. Some even take in dragon slaves if they are from another empire. They make sure that no spies can infiltrate their government, just by not trusting others. Even their "friendship" with the Black Draconium Empire is strange.
After a while of looking at people and dragons walking past. Kazaar pats my back and says it is time to check on my master. As we walked back into the bedroom I notice that most of the people have gone and now my master is still lying in bed. I gently nudge him to make sure he was still breathing. I had no idea how much he has drunken all night. He drank when I was with him, drank some more when I went to rest and drunk more when he had our small talk. My new master is definitely someone different compared to others that I served.
Eventually, Master Mali wakes up and looks up at us. He smiles his cheeky grin.
"Good Morning Kazaar and boy!"
"It's afternoon Master". I quickly replied.
He laughs and his breathe smelt of vomit and alcohol. I had to take a step back to get away from the smell. But afterwards, I had to get him up and wash him down with a wet cloth. Even though I am a slave trained to fight, I still have to do other menial tasks.
"Please make sure I don't drink before we leave at sunrise. I need to be sober". So that was what I did for the rest of the day and night. I had to make sure he didn't drink. Kazaar is allowed to go off and have fun, but I had to stay by my master side at all times. As we ate dinner I hoped to continue the conversation we had last night. However, all of a sudden a weird noise happened! I have never heard of such a noise. It was high pitched and it made a rhythm in a simple tune. My master looked around in complete urgency and it looked as if he wanted no one to hear this noise. Then in such a hurry, he ran upstairs into the room. I quickly followed him as I should since I am supposed to protect him. But to my surprise, he is hiding under the bed. Good thing he is small… I sat on the bed and as I sat there I can hear him whispering… WHISPERING? Is he talking to someone? If so then who? I could not make out what he was saying. I waited there until my master climbed out. I have seen awful behaviour but this is weird… Maybe my new master is mad…
He looks at me with such a stern look.
"You must not tell anyone about this! Not even Kazaar. I will not tell you what came to pass as I don't trust you enough."
I looked at him and then I had to stupidly ask the question. "What was that weird noise? What were you speaking too?"
"Enough! We speak no more of this… Please… The less you know the better. And that's an order boy! All I can say is… I bought you to protect me. So protect me to the best of your abilities."
An order is an order… So I did not push the subject any further. Master Mali then sat on top of the bed. He looked up to the ceiling and rubbed his eyes. It looked like was crying or trying his hardest to prevent it.
"Is there anything I can do for you master?"
He nodded me a no and said I should sleep for tomorrow. After another rough sleep, it is time to join the travelling caravan. Waking up at the crack of dawn we travel to the large front gates of the city. I have never felt so excited for so long. Quickly forgetting what happened last night with the weird noise. Seeing these gates up close once again and us leaving for me to never return. I looked back at the massive pyramids behind me. I will never lie they are majestic marvels. Encasing another city inside of them and having large levels deep underground. But they were built by the cost of hundreds and thousands of human lives. Dragons never helped in the construction of the pyramids they only watched. They did love telling us that on the occasional speech. As I looked up at them my Master came over to me and looked up with me.
"Amazing aren't they? I have been to many places around the world. The natural volcanic palace of Vulkania, Macdan a city built inside of a mountain, the seashell palace of Aquarius City, the Canyon palace of Ventus and the original golden palace of Dragon City before it was destroyed in the purge. But they all have something in common. All of those places have a massive price for their magnificence. I will warn you. Always keep your guard up… The world is still a dark place outside of those gates."
"I know master… I was not always here… I know the rest of the world can be a dark place… I learned that from my father."
He gave me a concerning look and then walks in front of me. I had to look down at him. He seemed surprised that I know my father… He sighed and then proceeds to give me more information. By looking at me, it must be obvious that I mentioning my father made this awkward.
"We are no longer going to Inclementia. We are travelling to Macdan. We will travel with lord Asrilis. The representative of this Empire. But we will part ways at the Mille Voix fork and since we are entering south of the brown country. We will not have to worry about their war. Last I heard the war is north of the country nowhere near the city of Macdan."
Macdan? Well, that was unexpected… I have never been to such a place… I guess this new adventure is certainly already changing. A place that doesn't have slavery which will be refreshing.
All of a sudden Kazaar comes over as he had heard everything. "We are not going to Macdan? You said Mali that we are heading to Inclementia! I have no desire to go to Macdan! Unless you are going to pay up! We had our fun adventure getting to this desert city to see the sights and obvious dangers. But I am not fond of going to that shithole."
Master Mali looked at him and was thinking. He then puts out his hand for a shake. "It has been good travelling with you Kazaar… May your journey to Inclementia be safe."
Kazaar then shakes his hand in return. "Well, this certainly means you have spent most of your gold on the boy… Such a weird choice you could have still paid me… You were only meant to meet a dragon noble and then get out of this city. But no you wanted to see the Iqosha soldiers and decided to waste your money on him… I thought we were going to travel the world. In a way, I thought of you as a friend."
Master Mali just smiled at him. "If we were true friends I should not have to keep buying your loyalty. But I will definitely miss your company. You are a great drinking buddy. I have a feeling the boy is not much of a drinker… So I will definitely miss you".
Kazaar smiles in return. "Well since we are parting ways I am going by ship to Inclementia. Who knows we might meet each other again".
Mali chuckles and nods. "I hope we will… Maybe then I can hopefully be wealthy and pay for sword skills once again."
With that quick goodbye, Kazaar then turns around and heads over to the docks. I looked down at my master with a frown. He used his money to purchase me, even though this meant he could not pay for Kazaar anymore… In my point of view, for someone to let go of someone else's services for another is problematic. The previous person who served is not good enough… It is great for the newcomer but for the worker who is let go. It means they have failed at their duty… And who knows… Will the same thing happen to me when the time comes? Will another slave or mercenary replace me? If that is the case what will I do then? My master can send Orange dragon envoys and take me back here for "re-training". I had to try and stop thinking of this I could just be over thinking it…
My master then directs me towards a huge carriage. It was being pulled by four massive bull class dragons. All wearing chains and chokers around their heads and backs. Looking at them made me sad… I may despise dragons, but this is horrible. I see the scars all over their bodies due to scratches and whips. Like me, they have masks covering over their faces preventing them from roaring… As Master Mali spoke with the orange dragon guards and their slaves. Without thinking I walked over and stroked them gently on the back. They shook at my touch and I can hear small moans from their mask. On closer inspection, I noticed a black chest piece. It was sharp and decorated with purple markings and in the middle of it there was a sphere of green draconium. I then noticed that this is absorption gear. This gear absorbs mag energy that the dragon tries to use… This makes dragons vulnerable as they can no longer use mag energy as defence or a weapon. As I stroked them a dragon soldier came running at me in full force. I had to dodge fast as he tried to mag me away. I grabbed out my great sword and aimed it at him.
"Stand down boy! That is an order!" I have never heard of him shout like this. I have disappointed my master… I dropped my sword and got down onto my knees in subjugation. The dragon guard scoffs and stands next to the carriage. Master Mali walks over to me and grabs my arm. What punishment will my master give me? A whipping? Putting the mask back on? Burning me with an iron poker?
"By the Magna Draconis I pay you to protect me… Now stand by me! Don't wander off! You think an Iqosha soldier would know better… you're kind is known to be disciplined! Please don't make me regret buying you! Focus on me and only me. Don't talk or go near anyone and that is an order!"
"I am so sorry master… I will not get distracted again. How will I be punished?"
He gave me a hand signal to stand back up. I pick up my greatsword and placed it back in its sheath.
"I am not going to punish you boy… I know you were wondering about those carriage dragons. You shouldn't have pet them though…"
"I know master I am sorry master… I should have known better… I…" I am starting to stammer. I have also started to fear that I petting those dragons will get them punished in some way… I did not think of this… I was too excited to leave this city and now I have managed to ruin the day for others. I have already tried helping others in the past but it only got worse… I just hope one day that I am nice to someone else and will not get punished for it.
"I hate it when you call me master…" Master Mali sighed and I followed him to Master Asrilis. He had finally arrived with the representatives of the black draconium empire. I notice one of the people who is amongst this group is noble from my presentation. Her long slender body and long white hair is unmistakable. But instead of a slimming gown, she is now wearing sleek armour. It looks like she is going off to a battle… She is carrying her helmet in her underarm. Black draconium armour that is magically fitted onto her. Her breast plates and metal parts are all black draconium since you can see them glow. It is so potent I can feel its power resonating in my blood. It feels like it is calling to me… But next her a dragon who is sleek and beautiful. Pure black power resonated from her bones and bonemark. I can feel her power and like her partner, I feel stronger in their presence. Her body is covered with swirl patterns that glowed with dark purple eyes with a light purple Iris. She had no chin fin since she is female, but had fins on her ankles and tail. Her facial structure looked like it is based on a cat. She has long ears that looked like her fins. But what amazed me was her size… She is larger than other dragons that I have seen. I have heard rumours that there are much larger orange dragons that can stand taller with buildings. But I have never seen them…
"Well, well, well… Look who successfully purchased you. Your mask is now finally off and now I can see that handsome face. Maybe I should have been more assertive in my bartering. Mister Mali what are you doing here are you a friend of Asrilis?" She smiled at me. I noticed that she has an Iqosha soldier with her. He is not from my barracks so I don't know him. But looking at him I presume he is one of the older soldiers. I am glad she still thinks highly off me… Good thing she just missed out on the petting the dragon debacle.
"We are travelling to Mille Voix." Master Mali lied… We were not going to Mille Voix anymore. We are going to Macdan. He gives me a shifty look. I must play along. I nodded in a quick yes. She looks at us and smiles. "I am heading back home to Inclementia. I need to see my husband and I miss my mansion. It is too hot for me here, I miss the cold of the north."
"I saw you the other day my lady. But you never gave your name. What is your name?"
"Oh, I am sorry do forgive me for my rudeness mister Mali. My name is Odessa Sombra and this is my dragon Farlig." Master Odessa shake my master hand in respect.
"You know it is quite refreshing for someone from your Empire to speak politely to someone like me… Thank you for that."
She scoffs at my master. "You have your free token. You are a nobleman by the looks and how you speak. Of course, I will show you respect. If you were a slave or a servant then yes I will speak to you differently".
"I have wondered my lady, why aren't you travelling by sea? I thought travelling by sea is the fastest way to get to Inclementia?" I looked at my master in curiosity. It is a weird a question… But then I have no knowledge about the world apart from the Light Blue and Orange Empires.
"Well, truth be told. Sea travel from the Black Empire and Orange Empire has become annoying as of late. Since we sail through Aquarius City waters. They have been scouting our ships for a while now… It has become clear that they hold the ocean. It'll be easier to travel on land."
Master had a small cheeky grin. This means Kazaar is going to have a hell of a trip to get to Inclemntia. However, Master Odessa is far from impressed. She must be frustrated that she has to take the long route home. Their conversation had to end as Master Odessa's advisor runs to her and needs her attention. When she is out of our view presenting herself to Master Asrilis. My master taps my leg for me to go down to his level. "That woman there boy is Odessa Sombra… I know she has already told you. But she is one of the most important people in the Black Draconium Empire. I have never met a Sombra before. They are the wardens of the west of the nation. Very well off with their own army and rule the city of Ozul. I do have a hint do not piss her off as I heard they practice dark draconium magic. But also to let you know I will try to speak to her throughout this trip until we reach Mille Voix. To protect me…"
I nodded to my master in response as an agreement. We then quickly greet and meet Master Asrilis. I go down to my hands and knees as I should do as a slave. He is like every other orange dragon I have met… His brain is visible for everyone to see. Orange scales with a blue underbelly. The only thing that makes him stand out is that he is missing a claw on his front claws. His human slave like many others is wearing the control gear. In a similar situation to Master Isil this human is a translator for the dragon. Problem is that this human and dragon does not speak the Draconis tongue. They only speak and understand Prisshek. Master Mali does not understand Prisshek at all so he is very glad since I can translate for him.
Master Asrilis quickly dismisses us and we join the train of the caravan. I am actually surprised as to how many are coming with us. Although I understand more than anyone. It is always the safest and easiest to travel in a large group with plenty of resources. It is a long trek through the "Sand Sea" and it is a scary place to get lost with a huge chance of any human or dragon dying. I spent two weeks of my training just trying to survive in the desert. I almost died from Exhaustion and dehydration but I made it back to the city. This was before my experimentation days so I had none of the enhancements to help. I managed to survive but many perished as they made mistakes such as travelling in the day. I was lucky to find sun lizards and scorpions which sated my hunger… But the water was the biggest challenge. Where I was there were shrubs so I dug to get water. It was filthy but it is water, it was that or die… It was the slowest two weeks of my life… This assured Master Isil that those who survived have the will to survive in extreme heat conditions.
I grabbed our bags as it is time to leave. The massive gates opened and in front of us, there is nothing but desert. All yellow sand as far as the eyes can see. There is a pathway that was made from here to the smaller city of Trodep. The sands though had plans and covered those paths up. We have only our desert guides to show us the way. I took a deep breath as we all walk out of the city. I am finally leaving this awful place and hopefully, I can ease my memory of this place. It will always haunt me but I hope all the suffering and pain is not for nothing.
I walked behind my master as I should be. After walking for a few hours I turned and looked at the city behind me. The large city pyramids are now out of my view. I could cry out of happiness. But I am not out of this country yet! I will only feel real happiness until that happens.
It was a long day of walking as it began to sunset. It is beautiful to look at. The desert maybe harsh and dangerous but it does have breathtaking beauty. I have an appreciation of the desert for that. I always told Iolene I would one day show her a desert sunrise or sunset. I knew that would never happen due to circumstances but I know she would love it. Maybe… If I ask my master nicely we can go to Aquarius city so I can hopefully meet her again.
Master Asrilis demanded that we stop for the night to rest. For the whole day, he remained inside his carriage with Master Odessa. Since her dragon is so huge she could not ride inside it. She had to walk with the rest of us. She did not like anyone around her as she ignored everyone throughout the trip. The dragons pulling the carriage are struggling badly with exhaustion and heat… I felt so bad for them. They are damaged emotionally and physically. Master Mali is exhausted himself as he collapses on the sand… At least he only had to walk and carry large bags of his things. He looks at me as he lies there breathing heavily.
"Are you not exhausted?"
I look down at him and smiled. "No master." He smiles back at me. He had no idea what they have done to me… Normal people and dragons get exhausted so easy. However, I have super strength, speed and endurance. So this trek is easier for me than others. I dropped our items and I did a stretch. My mouth is still sore from my brace being removed. But I am so glad it is gone, my thick beard is irritating me though. We usually have to shave to keep up hairless appearances due to lice. My hair has started to grow back as well. I was bald for a few years during training and finally, it is starting to grow back. So having hair grow back normally on me feels strange now.
The human slaves of Asrilis, Odessa and other nobles have set up their luxurious tables of the food spread. But for my master and others, we only get a small pot of stew. My master complained a little, but I didn't I'm just happy to finally get some food in my belly after such a long day. The weather that was once extreme heat has now become extremely cold. My master was freezing, I had to give him my extra clothes to make sure he was kept warm. He was hesitant but I insisted, I can handle the environment better than what he can. It is going to be a long journey…
For the past week, it feels like we were not going anywhere. Master Mali is so exhausted through the journey I ended up having to carry him and our items. The sand sea really has its title. It has been nothing but sand… No cactuses, no shrubs and most dangerous fact no living animals. Our guide told us this part of the desert is nicknamed the death zone… One of many death zones in the world they are classed as places that are unlivable. This death zone is full of quicksand and no sources to survive. Skeletons of all kinds of creatures from humans to dragons lay wasting here. I know this is the place where Emperor Asotele the third sends his old human slaves to die. It is a well-known fact that Asotele hates humans and does everything to make our lives a misery. We can never die peacefully in a bed… He demands they be dropped off into the desert death zone to rot…
Eventually, night comes to us again and it once again freezing. It is a clear night in the sky where all the stars can be seen. It has become a nightly activity with me and my master. He points to the night sky and shows me a thing called constellations. Images that are formed in the night sky… I had no idea something existed. I just thought they were stars… In the sky that looked pretty.
"You know of the history of our two moons boy?"
"No master… I know nothing about this."
"Well, I will start at the beginning… Four thousand years ago a Golden prince named Adrianus Ovideus was sent to banishment after conspiring to murder his family. He tried to kill them all so he could rule… He apparently was crazy which is why he was only banished and not sentenced to death. The records said he had visions in his head that drove him mad. But with his prophesized visions some came true and he started to gain a following. Both dragons and humans loved him and his visions. Little did the gold family know he had taken his followers with him to these barren lands. They eventually formed a settlement north of the continent. A small settlement that eventually becomes one of the most powerful cities on the planet Inclementia. What became of Adrianus is unknown but Inclementia has begun communication with Dragon City after years of isolation. However, their communication quickly became sour as Inclementia wanted to compete to become the world's strongest city."
"So this is how Black and Golds rivalry really began?"
"Indeed and it got nasty very quickly. Gold technology, draconium and magical energies are unbeatable and incredible. The power of life it brought and peace to the other energies. Communication technology of which you can communicate with someone who lives at a far distance. They perfected the art of teleportation gates of which you can in one temple and can just walk into another with little effort. Gold draconuim armour that is known to be invincible with magical powers imbedded into it. There is even a rumour that the gold energy is a living being itself… Inclementia, however, was the opposite. They were once gold draconium however something happened and their energy changed drastically. It became black. Gold is pure and beautiful that bought life. Black is toxic and is addictive like a drug… It kills life in price for its power. They quickly became just as powerful technology wise… And with their arrogance decided to go full war against the Gold Empire. Inclementia's Emperor Drakkus and his ruling dragon partner Abandonn have become a weapon of mass destruction to destroy Dragon City. It is never clear how they did it. But I bet they left that information out to prevent anything like that to happen again. But with quick thinking by the Empress Ethelene, her family and her dragon Empress partner Tarsha with her family. Joined together with their ancient powers they sealed both Drakkus and Abandonn into the moons. Which is why they are both called Drakkus and Abandonn… The white moon is Drakkus and the one that is purple is Abandonn. The war quickly ended and Dragon City gave Inclementia their own state… Even though they banished the leaders their armies are still powerful and are in full force. It was the best result of both parties and life got back to normal."
"I really know nothing of this world…" How does my master know all of this stuff? I can have a large bet that Iolene knew all of this since she loves to read so much.
"Master Mali?"
"Yes, boy?"
"Kazaar never told me to ask. But what do you do? Where did you come from?"
"Well boy… I will tell you one day. But today is not the day. I don't want to ruin the mood and I want to drink when I do tell you… I am exhausted so I am going to turn in for the night." My master then gets into his sheets and falls asleep.
Everyone else has turned in for the night. But I could not sleep as the haunting dreams have come back to haunt me.
I looked around this place all of a sudden a dragon screams in fear! I quickly ran over and realised it was Farlig! She is caught in a quicksand pit. She tries to crawl out in a complete panic. But as she tries to crawl out she sinks in deeper. This is a cruel way to die… I ran over to see the edge of the pit. I had to make sure that I would not sink in. I ran back to the camp trying to wake everyone up. Some were slowly waking up… I had no idea what time it is. But I did not care a dragon needed saving. I saw one of the slaves who are under mind control and since they were under mind control. They cannot understand fully what is happening around them… They only do what their master tells them to do. I stole his whip and ran back to her. I may hate dragons… But I cannot condemn every single dragon I meet. I ran back to Farlig and she has sunk even more into the pit. I got the whip and threw the end at her.
"Grab it Farlig!"
She grabbed the whip with her teeth and with all my strength I started to pull her out. She helped me by trying to jump out of the pit. "We can do it Farlig!" As I screamed encouragement at her I notice everyone at the camp waking and running to my aid. But by the time they could help Farlig managed to jump out. She is exhausted she collapses next to me as I tried to make sure she is okay. Master Odessa shows up in her nightgown and demanded what is going on. I go into my hands and knees bowing position. Farlig gently roars at her and it looks like Farlig is explaining to her what is going on. Even though Farlig is speaking dragon to her it looks like she is perfectly understanding what she is saying.
"Well, now slave… You have done very well. You have my gratitude! You and you master shall join me and Lord Asrilis in the carriage. Follow me…"
My master has finally woken and is wondering what is happening around him. He was asleep throughout the entire ordeal.
"What has my boy done now?" As he slowly realizes he is in the carriage and Master Odessa is smiling at us.
"Your slave saved my dragons life Mister Mali. He has done more than what any of my servants and slaves have done. I wish to buy him off you. I failed at bartering last time. That was my mistake but this time I want him and I want him for good." She brings out an ownership slave contract. "He is most definitely worthy of the five thousand gold and I will pay it". She smiles and my master. I saved her dragons life… I am grateful with just a thank you. But to buy me… I feel like I will never escape this slave fate. I am out of the city but I am still treated as a possession. Master Mali looks at me. Is he really going to sell me off already? I know I have only known him for a few days. But they were one of the better days that I have had in years. Can I just be free to make my own choices of how my life goes for once?
"He is not for sale my lady… He is mine now. No amount of money can buy him". Master Mali then tears up the new contract. I looked at him and smiled. Master Odessa then lies back in frustration. "Well, that is unfortunate… He could have lived a great slave life in Ozul. He could be made a guard for me and my husband."
"I am sure he will be honoured. But I admit I like the boy. He is a slave but I believe he belongs with me."
I wanted to say something so bad… I wish I can say it for myself. But they are masters who are talking. You must never interrupt them in conversation. Even if it is a good deed since our place in the world as a slave never changes… As this example of her gratefulness, she tries to buy me. To live a life as a slave somewhere else and to live in a mansion with new owners that I barely know… But I am grateful for my master not selling me to her… I did not want to go to Inclementia. If I was sold to her. I know for a fact that I will never go to Aquarius City. My chances to meet Iolene again will completely diminish. At least with Master Mali, I still have that chance!
Master Odessa sighs again in a disappointment. "Oh well… But as a thank you anyway. Mister Mali you and your servant are welcome to be in this carriage for the rest of the trip. So enjoy it while it lasts…"