Aaron: Chapter Twenty-One
"Look at that boy! It is the orange draconium city outpost of Almahata!" As he quickly interferes his Prisshek speaking lessons. I have been teaching him since we have the privilege of travelling with the nobles. He knows how to speak the very basics. Like introducing himself and asking basic questions. However, he really needs to practice his pronunciations for some of the words.
Master Mali points at it gleefully. He must be so happy now that we are finally out of the desert. It took us two weeks to get through the sand sea and another week to travel to outskirts of the Orange Empire country. At least we spent most of this journey inside Master Asrilis and Master Odessa carriage. As a humble thank you from Master Odessa after me saving Farlig. The long and high-class carriage that can only be afforded by the wealthier nobles. Originating from Master Odessa home from the Black Draconium Empire. The outside wood carved and painted in black and purple. Dragon elaborate designs reigned all over it. I spent much of my time just looking at all the tiny details of these carvings. The inside also has the same dark motif with purple and black furniture. The carriage still being pulled by the large enslaved bull class dragons. Over the past weeks, they pulled this massive carriage with all their might through the sand. However, with this carriage, it is specially designed to become a sledge so it can be easier without the wheels getting stuck.
Master Asrilis looked down at us the whole entire time. He was not happy that we have permission to stay here for a while. Even though my master is a free man he is judged by what kind of person he is. A rodent as master Asrilis slipped a few times during their conversation. I hear it from many people and dragons. As a man who's ancestry is from the city of Suravi in the small country of the Light Green Empire. Which is now the enslaved nation of the Black Draconium Empire. The dragons and people are known to be smaller with larger ears and noses. Hence the rodent name connections. Even though Master Asrilis only likes making his humans speak prisshek I still translate for Master Mali and tell him the truth of what he says. But he never lets it get to him. He tells me it just comes with his charm.
But Master Mali seems to get along with Master Odessa. Even though there was that argument when we had dinner the first night in the carriage. With Master Odessa not wanting me to eat any of the food that was prepared for them. Even though Master Odessa thanks me for saving Farlig she would not have me at the table. Master Mali is more than welcome since he is a master and a free man himself. As for me, I'm a slave and that is weird for high masters such as them to break bread with me. That seems to be equal footing of a slave. They cannot have that no matter the circumstances.
The argument lasted for ten minutes between Master Odessa and Master Mali. The altercation annoyed Master Odessa so much that she was going to kick us out. Eventually, Master Mali and I spoke outside and I said that it's okay… I can just eat outside with everyone else (The servants, guides, random dragons and explorer tag alongs). I know how this goes… I would have been a massive idiot to think I was going to get equal treatment. He sighed and enjoyed the rest of his dinner.
So the main privilege I get is sleeping on the floor of the massive carriage and sit on their fancier chairs. At least master Mali gets one of their basic spare beds. It has made the journey so much easier for him. Even better when he gets alcohol privileges. But since he is in high company he tries his best not to drink himself stupid.
But throughout the journey they seemed to have made a friendship, I think… He made her laugh on multiple occasions. They played chess as I sat behind my master and watched. I have never played it but Master Mali says she is brilliant at it.
I say hello to Farlig on the odd occasion but she acts as nothing happened. So I stopped saying hello to her. It seemed to annoy her. I can only presume it is an embarrassment. Which I don't blame her. Being saved by a human slave of all things is something a dragon should not be proud of. Even worse that she got into trouble because she wanted to relieve herself. I do hear Master Asrilis make fun of her on the odd occasion in their tongue. You can tell that she uses everything that she has not to hurt him. She can easily do that since she is double his size. However, I see Master Odessa (her owner) treat Farlig with the utmost kindness. Even though it is embarrassing she always made sure that she is always well-nourished and kept in the best health. Since it is extremely hot in the desert and Farlig is too large to fit in the carriage. Master Odessa makes her wear light blue gear that sites on the side of her face. That stores cool water so she can drink whenever she needs it.
"Ugh… Finally… Some form of greenery." As Master Odessa waved her fan close to her face to keep herself cool.
"Wave that fan any faster my lady and your hand will fall off". Master Mali joked to her.
"Is that really the best you have to today Mali? I thought you could do better…" And she waved her fan even faster.
I can see as to why she is so hot. All she wears is dark coloured thick robes. That can make anyone die of heatstroke if they wear it too long.
I looked out the window and see the jungle in full view now. I admit I have no idea where we are now. But I feel such an immense of both dread and excitement. I am really out of my depth once again in this world.
My master turns to me and seems to notice my reactions as I look out the window.
"It will be another few weeks before we reach Mille Voix. So before you know it. You will be out of the Orange Draconium Empire entirely!"
I felt a different arrange of emotions once I heard that from him. I always thought I would forever remain there… Just forever thinking of leaving this country. Now it is actually happening. Although anything can happen from here to Mille Voix. But I got to try and think positively. I saw Master Mali smiling at me in a sweet way.
"Why are you looking at me like that master?" I ask sincerely.
"When I said that we are leaving the Orange Empire. Your face just lit up. I can see now you are almost about to cry."
"Thank you for buying me, master. I will try my hardest not to cry I can't afford to embarrass you anymore. " I am extremely grateful. He may be an outspoken drunk but he has been very kind to me.
"You never embarrass me, boy. And I keep telling you I don't like being called master…"
I sigh to him. "I know I'm sorry master… But calling you by your name is the greatest disrespect any slave can do."
"I know boy… There will be a time when you are ready. You can be yourself once more..."
To be myself once more… To be honest I am not really sure who myself is… When I was young when my mother was still alive and lived with her, I was a whore's bastard outcast by everyone. When my mother died and travelled to Watersgate to meet my father for his help. I was an unwanted bastard who lived in the kennels as an outcast. Then my father sold me to illegal slave traders when he had enough of my presence. From there I am a slave… And through our training and conditioning. Identity is something that we aren't allowed to have. All I have been thinking about for years that my name is Aaron… I am Aaron… Not 142. Trying my hardest to never forget the good moments I have had in my life. My mother tucking me into bed and kissing me on the forehead. Iolene reading to me and playing hide and seek around the stables.
I am eighteen years old… But I can't really remember when my nameday is… As I was deep in my own thoughts. Master Mali remarks that we are in town… At long last.
We have a brief stop at an orange draconium Empire town of Almahata. A small town full of human slaves and their masters. But it is one of the few town stops to re-stock supplies. Here you see many more different dragons and people from the different Empires. Planning their journeys across the sand sea.
Of course Master Mali's first plan of action is go to a pub and have quite a few cheap beers. As part of my job now I got to make sure he does not drink himself stupid. We will not be here for long and me carrying him to the carriage. Will not only repulse the nobles but they will probably take away the carriage privilege.
Once we got all of the supplies some groups have parted since they are now able to go anywhere. We only grouped together to go through the treacherous desert. But we still remain in the company of Master Asrilis and Master Odessa. We rested for the night at Almahata then at dawn we set off again. It took us a day and a half to reach the Orange draconium Empire country border. Seeing the land markers of the country made me feel so excited.
I stared out the window and we passed the markers. I breathed a huge sigh of relief and happiness. I admit I had a tear in my eye. I never thought I would leave this country… Master Mali as quietly gesture as we went past he snuck me a glass of wine. The very first time I have drunk alcohol. Even though I wanted to savor the drink. My master told me to skull it quickly before anyone notices.
The journey dragged on for another two weeks. It felt like it was never going to end and we are only halfway through our journey. Master Odessa and Master Asrilis discuss their politics and families as usual. I would be curious to try and have a listen. But even then I still have no idea of what they speak of.
Master Mali looked bored as we always stared out of the window. But I couldn't help but be excited at everything I was seeing. All I have seen in my life is desert or tropics. Now it is all green grass meadows and hills as far as the eye can see.
"Do you know anything about the Turquoise Empire boy?"
"A little bit. All I know is that they are home to the Mordeca."
"Ah… So you know the Turquoise people are full of secrets."
"Yes, master… They are the world's most dangerous assassin company. We had to learn about them so we can protect our masters who buy or hire us." Even though the nobles wish to keep slaves in miserable ignorance. They had no choice to teach us due to way to many instances of assassinations in high ranking nobles and generals.
"The Turquoise Empire is a very interesting place. Being an Emperor or an Empress there is not the most stable job in the world."
"But isn't any leader role not a stable job?" I admit I was confused as he meant by this. World leaders fight all the time. I overheard Master Odessa and Master Asrilis talking about a war that was caused by an Emperor death over the far west between Red, Brown and Green that been going on for quite a while now.
"They have had fifteen different rulers in the past twenty years… I cannot even remember how many have died since their nation was founded."
"Ok, I did not know that… A rather large number… How does this empire function then?"
"You see even though they have spies and assassins in the country. They are not so secretive of their existence. But the knowledge they tend to get on everyone is highly valuable. I have only heard rumors of how they train their spies. But it is their knowledge that Empires seek to go against another nation. But contrary to that, the Mordeca does not choose sides… You will probably find they have assassins and spies from Mordeca working on both sides of the war."
"So I guess they just follow where the money takes them?" Money… Always the world motivator. To climb the ladder to ultimate power, money is needed and needs to be spent to get there.
"Yup… Definitely not the most trusting bunch. They are the reason why many wars go for much longer than necessary. But to add to that it's really their buyer who makes the decisions."
I looked out the window as I see the city of Mille Voix in the distance. You can see the class divide amongst the citizens. The slaves and peasants with dark grey rundown buildings and tents. Outside of the pearl white walls with elegant looking black gates. The surrounding city walls are tiny compared to Dominus Sahara. You can see all the noble high buildings behind the wall.
"Do you know what is in those large grey buildings?" They take up most of the poorer side. I have never seen anything like it. Usually most slaves like me live on the masters' property. I cannot imagine a noble living in there…
"They are factories boy. They have slaves making fabrics and outfits almost nonstop in those factories. While they love their turbulent politics they also love their fashion. They are the best traders of fabrics, tailoring and art. They themselves have turquoise draconium factories to make gear. But it is nothing like any of the other empires"
"Okay then…"
I feel for those slaves who will work nonstop to appease their masters for the best outfit. But I hope they get some form of treatment better than the Orange Empire slaves.
The carriage stops in front of the fancier part of the city. Walking out of the carriage I can see the different pathway that lead to the different Empires. To help with navigation I can see posts of colours that shows which country the pathway leads to. Although I looked even though it is called a fork it has too many roads in different directions to be called it. But they call it that anyway.
It is time to make our farewells to Master Odessa and Master Asrilis. I grabbed master Malis' bag and made sure that we had everything.
"Thank you for the kind hospitality for all this time my lady. I hope you have a safe journey home." As Master Mali bows as he thanks her.
"Thank you for being good company. Now I'm stuck with a miserable human-hating dragon for the rest of the trip. I'll miss our games of chess. My husband is terrible at it." As she kindly gestured back to him. "And thank you for saving Farlig again slave." I bow to her in respect. I will not lie she is one of the nicer nobles that I have met.
I remained in bowing position as they entered their carriage and began their journey once again. Mali waved as they all left.
"Well… Now it's just us two…" Mali then stroked his light blue beard that he has grown over the past few weeks. He looks up at me and I look down at him. I had no idea what he wanted me to say…
"Before we start travelling again. I really would love to have a bath and rest for a while."
I did admit that we were filthy… I can see all of his once clean finery and even his change of clothes are all dirty. My clothes are riddled with dirt. My basic armour needs a good polish. Not to mention my great sword which still sits in its hilt unused. But I think that's a good thing. But I do need to exercise more. I have managed to train a bit on our journey. But not as much as I should of.
Master then looks in his pouch and quickly notices that he barely has any money left… I guess he can thank me for that… He sighs.
"I have a special friend who lives here. Who I know will let us rest a little and prepare for the next leg of our journey."
"Yes master"
I followed him to the main city of Mille Voix. With Master Malis' token, he shows it to gate guards and they let us through. The fancy part of the city. I would not lie that this place is immensely beautiful. It is nothing like I have ever seen. The buildings are of cream or white bricks and have beautiful plants that have different coloured flowers growing on them. The roads are not dirt it is red brick with white curbs. And with every ten feet, there are trees planted with fences around them.
But with all the elegant mansions with beautiful small gardens. I look at all the people and dragons around me. All wearing elaborate clothing… I saw what they wear when some travel to Dominus Sahara. But I thought they just dress because they wanted to stand out… I had no idea that this is how they normally dress. A man walked past and he was wearing shoes that must be a foot high. Tall and slender with his hair done up in tight curls. With long dumbbell pants and a shirt that showed a bit of his chest with long sleeves. He walked so gracefully that it confused me… How does he walk in those shoes with such ease?
A woman walks past and had the largest round shoulder pads. With a skirt that looks like she is wearing a ball covered in bows. I swear if you push her she will bounce like a ball or you can roll her around. It is quite an amusing dress. With a ball-shaped matching wig on top with a pretty pink bow. No way is that real hair…
As I looked around I even see dragons wearing elaborate hats with brightly coloured feathers and robes. I even saw one wearing shoes… Why would a dragon want to wear shoes? I just shrugged it off and continued looking at the sights.
Eventually, after walking through the city for an hour we finally reach a beautiful manor. Like many of the mansions they have elaborate gardens and I notice the more central of the city you go the larger mansions and gardens become. This one has a beautiful garden with a white pebble road that reaches to the mansion.
Like before Master Mali shows his token to the guards. They let us inside. It didn't take us long to reach the mansion. But what caught my attention is the beautiful peacocks and flamingos that are parading around the garden. I have seen them in the Orange Empire when I was hired for a few days for Countess Bertille Bibi. She had a whole flock of these birds and presented them as gifts to many dragon nobles. They loved them and I can see why they are amazing birds.
I also could not help but admire the hedge designs of dragons and animals. We walked past them as if it is a guard of honour.
We walked up to the mansion and I look up it's only two-story high. But the building is long. Master Mali took out his token once again and showed them to the guards and they let us through once again. Looking inside the mansion it was beautiful as the rest of the city. White marble floors with white walls with gold rims. The furniture made out of dark polished wood and couches made of silk. While walking behind Master Mali I looked at all the paintings and tapestries that covered the hallways. One painting of a knight on his dragon, another just a portrait of a man sitting. I presume many of these are the family members of the owner.
When finally reached two large wooden doors with gold handles. Master announced himself and the guards opened the doors and we saw a man sitting at his large wooden desk. That is designed similar to all his other furniture. It is obvious that he is busy with paperwork.
He looked up at us. He had a sharp face with a pointed chin. Short pink hair with a long slender neck. He wore a simple turquoise vest with basic pants that suited him. He stands out that he does not dress or have make-up that it isn't outlandish. Everyone else including the dragons have something crazy that makes them stand out.
The doors close behind us and it became quiet. I have no idea who this person is? I have no idea what to anticipate…
The man immediately stands up and looks down at Master Mali. And with sudden surprise, he gives him a hug!
"It has been a long while Mali!" The man excitedly said.
But then with that suddenly became a burst of anger.
"You're an idiot!" And then retreats back to his desk. Mali sighed and sat on the chair across his desk.
"Well, now that was quite an emotional change! How rude!"
"Rude? Rude is when I give you my help and my money then you disappear. To come back. To leave again. To then once again come back!"
"But I come back don't I?" Mali sneeringly jests to him.
"To travel… And now to hear that you went to DOMINUS SAHARA!? Are you crazy?"
"I am older than you Constant. Don't lecture me like a parent." Mali tone suddenly got serious. It is the first time I hear him being this serious since the weird noise incident.
"I know it was extremely dangerous… But I had to see how the world has changed for myself… I could not just sit by any longer."
The man leans back into his silk padded chair as he feels frustrated at Mali.
"What if you were captured?"
"I wasn't and you know that wouldn't be easy…"
The man then straightens himself out again and leans on his desk.
"Ugh… Yes, it would not be easy. But I am sure it will certainly bring a lot of unwanted attention. But regardless of what done is done. I got your letters but they were short and sweet. So what did you and Kazaar see then?"
Mali then quickly looks back at me. Forgetting that I have no idea who this man is or what the hell is happening.
"Oh, this is not Kazaar… This is Aaron! He is an Iqosha soldier from there."
Mali gestures to me as he is going to introduce me to this man. "Aaron this is Constant Mercer. Ex-politician and a nobleman who owns the Golden Valley winery. One of the finest wines in the world. He also owns a strawberry and potato farm."
He walks over to me and gets a closer look around me. I remain perfectly still. The only time he touches me is to lift up my wrists. He sees the chain-link tattoos with 142 just underneath.
"You bought a slave? An Iqosha slave? With the money I gave you… Really Mali? You know I don't support the slave trade. I work hard to try and abolish the practice! So much so, that I do have attempted assassinations on me!"
"I know Constant. I don't support it either! I mean look at what I am… But I wanted to see what they are like and Aaron here… He is a good lad. I have yet to see him in full combat though. His skill presentation was excellent. But I also wanted to save a young slave from eternal torture and servitude… But I prefer him under me than anyone else… Even Odessa Sombra."
"Still doesn't excuse you for using my money to buy slaves! Whatever what's done is done… Just make sure you don't tell anyone you bought him with my money… But you mentioned Odessa Sombra? And you travelled with her?"
"Yes, but no point asking me any unique details. She kept anything like that close to the chest. Nothing about Inclementia's affairs or her family. They really only talked about the Red and Green war that is happening."
"Oh… Bummer… Would have been an excellent time to get info on her homeland."
"We played plenty of chess. But she is very polite for most of it. She did not judge for what I am. She knew I was equal in class. I decided to remain kind and not complicate matters. We were lucky to get that kind of privilege because of Aaron saving Farlig her dragon."
"Alright then… Fair enough… She has her cards and you have yours… Even though you have a shit hand."
"Rub it in Constant. I had to live with my shitty cards for years now."
Constant then goes to a side table and fills three tankards full of wine. Giving one to each of us. I was surprised. He did it himself and handed me one without question. Mali drank so fast that Constant is still there he refills his cup back up.
"But there is something… We need to get Macdan and I could use some financial support." He smiles gleefully at Constant. Constant just looks at him dumbfounded.
"By the magna draconis why?"
"I have heard things about the war and I need to go there."
"Like what?"
"I hear that the war is escalating and there are some factors that I am curious about."
"That really does not answer my question… I know you Mali… But you are a little man of secrets."
I was looking down at Master Mali as I stood behind his seat. He has never explained to me as to why we are going to Macdan. Something weird happened… He hid under a bed talking to himself. The only explanation that he said that he did not trust me to know anything. So I never pushed it. As a slave, it is not my place to do so… But I could imagine Constant reaction when Master Mali decided to visit Inclementia. Which was his original plan with Kazaar before this happened. Constant probably would get even madder…
"Like you can talk about secrets old friend… You have many of your own I can imagine." Mali takes another large gulp of wine.
"We all have secrets… But it depends on how important those secrets are." Constant in reply sips his wine.
"But your people always trade secrets from one person to another until it becomes a secret no more." Mali finishes his drink and places it on the table.
"You know I will not. I have kept your secret for a very long time now Mali. Don't ever think I'm a gossip shark like the rest. I could have very easily have betrayed you and never had… Give me more credit than how you are treating me right now… Let me help you. You are not alone anymore…"
Master Mali looks at him. What he said must have been true because Master Mali went silent for a short while. He is clearly contemplating his options of what to do. By looking at him he does not have much money left.
"I know, and I will be forever grateful… It has just been me and my secrets for a very long time. Until you helped me."
"And I will be happy to do it again… But I will repeat … Why do you want to travel to Macdan?"
"Is there a place where we can talk without prying ears?"
Constant without hesitation led us through the mansion. Into the kitchen and with a secret lever located behind a statue. And the large middle counter shifted to reveal a trap door. With a quick flick of his hand, he created a floating turquoise draconium bubble above his head. It created light to guide us into the trap door. It is pitch black down there. Constant demanded all his servants leave the area. We climbed down the steps until we reached a place that looks like catacombs. It's a secret escape route!
It smelt so horrible due to the sewage. Yet it felt strangely homely because it smelt so much like my old home in the arena. Rats ran around us with Constant almost falling into sewage water. I grabbed his tunic before and thanked me graciously.
He asked Mali if it was right if I followed them. I didn't even think of it… I'm just used to following my master whenever they need me to be.
"No, it is better for him to know now… I need him to come with me. I may be able to handle myself. But I do need the extra help. I have come to realise that I cannot be alone anymore."
"Well, you said you wanted to be away from prying ears… Well, here we are… Why do you want to go to Macdan?"
Mali then started to look nervous. But he really needed the help. What kind of secret is he keeping? He really trusts little of both people and dragons.
"I have… I have received word from an old friend… I thought he was dead… He managed to travel back his native home to Macdan."
"Who is this old friend?" Constant folds his arms and looks at him eager for an answer.
"Oh… It's a doozy…" As Mali rubs his hands together.
"Stein Prudens"
Constant stood in shock and silence for five whole minutes. He is trying to process the information.
I have no idea who this Stein Prudens is. But whoever he is… He must be a big deal. If Master is trying to keep it a secret for so long and trusting no one.
"That's impossible… I heard he died… When the Gold Emperor and Empress died. Dying by trying to protect them."
"No, he is alive… I heard him… And I know it is… It was his voice… Just older and frail. But his communicator is not working all that well… So I managed to piece together what he is saying."
Master started to get very emotional… Mali then reaches into his coat and takes out a small blue and gold box. It was just the size of his hands. I have never seen anything like it. But what got my attention is a five-pointed star on the top. It must be gold draconium!
"By the magna draconis! It's a communicator! You managed to keep this? After all this time?" Constant quickly picks it up and takes a closer look.
I have never seen a communicator before… Not in Light Blue or Orange Empires… But Master has mentioned them in previous conversations. Not all Empires have them as some draconium doesn't seem to work for it. If I remember right he did mention Gold and Black Empires mainly had them. And they are expensive and are only given to those who are important. So it is still not an overly common used piece of gear.
"Yes… Remember… I have been hiding alone in an old and abandoned temple for many years. It has been only recently since I have decided to come back to civilization. But that communicator has always been on… In case if… Anyone I know is still out there… As you can imagine… It only turned on a few times and one of those times is Stein. I would not be surprised if the Black Empire destroyed them all or used them for their own evil plans."
"Don't get your hopes up Mali… It could be a trap. But since you think it is Stein and he told you to go to Macdan. I will go with you… Stein is a good man. If he is alive I would love to see him again."
Master smiled and graciously thanked Constant. He held the communicator on his chest to his heart. He was trying his hardest not to cry. I rubbed him on the back with empathy. By looking at Master he is absorbed by his loneliness… He held that communicator as if it is a part of him.
"We will head to Macdan in a week. I will prepare everything for our journey there. And I need to make sure we need to take paths that will not be anywhere near the war" Constant then reopens the door with a lever located behind a secret brick.
I gently rubbed my master back still. He looks like he has been frozen by his emotions.
"Master?"
He quickly snaps back into reality.
"Oh…Um… Yes… Oh… Sorry. I had a little moment there. Yes, let's go back up! I could use a nice bath and a very heavy drink. And Aaron this time you don't have to stop me."
I nodded yes in reply and followed both Master and Constant up the ladder. Once we were all up Constant made sure the door has been re-hidden so it cannot be accessed easier again.
Master then smelt himself as we all really smelt from the sewers… Constant then shows us himself of which rooms we are staying in. We all walked through the long corridors once again and I admired all the art. He showed Masters room which is large and beautiful. The theme colour is red so much of the furniture, carpet and sheets are all red. With decorated gold tips. A bowl of strawberries and glass of wine sitting next to it.
"Now Mali. Don't do what you did last time and DON'T vomit on my carpet. It was a nightmare for my servants to clean up… They had to stay up late and I had to pay them extra."
"Okay…I won't…" Sarcastically as he fills his wine cup to the brim. I chuckled as he gave the funniest look when he said it. Constant then shuts the door and leads me to the room next to his.
It's a small servant room. But it is very nice and like master they had set out a bowl of Strawberries and a large bottle of wine with a glass. I pressed my hand on the bed to feel how soft it is. It felt so amazing.
Then I turn around and Constant is smiling at me.
"Aaron if there is anything you require just ask my servants. I will get you new clothes and a bath will be prepared for you. And don't say no… You sorely need it."
"Thank you… Sir" As Constant shut the door behind me. I notice that to my left I see a door and I realise that it opens up into my masters room. It was now peace and quiet. I sat at the chair and ate a few strawberries. I never had them before and they tasted delicious. They couldn't help but put a smile on my face. I felt so lucky that this has happened to me… Since my master has bought me people and dragons have been kinder to me… I hope that once this matter with this Stein is over. I hope to ask Master to go to Aquarius City with me and try and find Iolene…
But as I stared at the window that looks out to the front garden of the mansion. I notice that there is a storm brewing. I could not help but wonder. What is in store for us?