Aaron: Chapter Twenty-Seven
The past few days after coming to Mille Voix. Gave me culture shock… But it was beautiful. It has been a very long time since I have seen such a rainstorm. So all of the gardens in the city and forests outside the city are the brightest green they can be. Dominus Sahara has had problems with very little rain in the past few years. Much of the water is processed from the underground water system. Regardless though it is nice to see greenery again. And I am still getting used to eating solid food even after all these weeks. Even harder since much of the food here is very heavy and sits in my gut. Apparently butter is very much a fashion food at the moment. Even though I don't really know what that means. Since when is food fashionable? You just eat it.
My master and I have spent most of the time at Constant's mansion. So I have only met the servants here who say they love working for Constant. But I do hear that nobles outside of these mansion gates can be very judgmental people who endorse their slaves like accessories. And I have seen it Dominus Sahara… They can be the vainest people you can come across. I overhear in conversations with Constant and my master. And obviously their vanity is even worse in their home country. The way they talk they can't stand anything else here.
Since Constant said a week to prepare for the Macdan trip. He has been planning food supplies and allocating his personal guards and dragons. I started training every day to make sure my skills and strength are intact. It has been a few weeks since I've used combat skills. So today I am quickly practising with Constants hired guard with Master Mali and him watching me.
The guard lifts up his daggers and he lunges at me. He uses his fast agility and tries to stab me in the back. He is a master of extreme close combat. So in my best effort, I have to try and be as good as or better than him in speed. I dodge his advances multiple times. I won't lie he is very good half the time I'm using my sword as a kind of shield against his quick attacks. I am fighting with my greatsword so I have to be careful with my swings. As we fought I quickly notice his patterns he performs the same movements all the time and that I notice this is his weakness. In short notice I change my footing instead and as he tries to swing to my right. I grab my sword and swing it towards him. He immediately dodged as he tries to go at me again. However this time I calculated his next step and I managed hit my great sword against his dagger. He let go of his first dagger which went flying. As he turned to retrieve it I blocked him as I ran around him using my sword since it's huge. He tries to attack me again with his one dagger. But it was too late I managed to finally wrestle him down with me aiming my sword to his neck.
"I yield" He finally says and I hear clapping from the people behind me. Master Mali being ever-cheerful with Constant clapping along with him.
"You did well Matisse. You were very close many times during that match." He pats him on the back and gives him a drink.
"Ah! Zank you Zer! Not every day you get to go against an Iqosha zoldier. It makez for a nize change of pace"
I walk to Master Mati and bow to him.
"You can stop bowing… But you didn't show off your strength boy. Why didn't you use it? Could have won the fight much earlier."
"I didn't want to hurt him, master. We were only duelling…" Which is true… I try to refrain from using my unnatural abilities as much as I can when they are not needed. The last thing I wanted was to severely hurt someone. We are trained to fight and when our adrenaline gets pumping we use all the strengths we have to oppose our rivals. Also, I mainly like using my strength against dragons.
Master Mali hands me a cup and I take a sip. It is the weirdest drink I have ever had. I never had anything like it…
"Master… What drink is this?"
"Lemonade. It is a refreshing drink consisted of lemons, honey, water and sugar. You like it?"
"It's really good." And like that, I drink the whole cup of it. He smiles at me in delight. He then asks me to freshen up and prepare for dinner. Constant and Matisse are already making their way to the mansion. I notice that it is starting to rain again. So master Mali and I quickly follow them. As we reach back to his mansion master then asks me to freshen up and be ready for afternoon tea.
I quickly abide by his request and go into the bathroom and prepare my bath. I pull a large special lever that connects to a special water source. I collect wood that is specially stored next to the bathroom and place them in the heater. The heater is connected to bath and you can easily control how hot you want it. It is very unique… To me having a hot bath is such a luxury. In the stadium, we have an old small bucket as we used the special well to get the water to wash ourselves with. And even then it was only once a week or when we have visitors who want to hire or purchase us.
I sit in the bath as I relax in the warm water. It is such a delight. But as I sat in the bath I begin to think about Iolene. I need to gain the courage to ask my master… I need to go see her. She must still be in the old temple she felt trapped in… Visit Aquarius City. I have never been there before. But I have always wondered what it is like…
After the nice bath we had a wonderful dinner spread of different kinds of fruits, loaves of bread and a whole selection of different kinds of butters. I will not lie the slices of bread were so crispy and delicious many of them tasted different other than what I'm used to. Which is normally stale bread. After the quick dinner, I farewelled my master before bed who is in a large master bedroom next to mine which is the servant bedroom. I lied down staring up at the roof and I slowly closed my eyes.
"Now bastard! The royal family is coming here tomorrow! You are to stay in the kennel when they arrive. Do not try to speak or get near anyone in the royal family! As usual, keep out of sight. You are here because you are the bastard child of your father. Make one move and you will regret it! Do you remember when your father sentenced you to be whipped after you for showing up your older half-brother. You know how much Lord Caspian hates you!"
"Yes sir…" I can easily remember the stinging sensation of the pain inflicted by the whip on my back. And like that the old kennel master leaves. Good thing I barely see that old fart! I turn around and look at the hound who is sitting behind me in her large cage. Sweet apple my favourite dog. Who is large carrying puppies. She had scaled skin and had the usual body of a drag hound. They were special hounds, not your normal furry dogs. They are the bravest and most dangerous breed. Incredibly loyal… Command them and they will rip dragons to shred.
"Hello, girl! I got some good meat for ya!" I hand over raw pig meat that cooks usually give that are not needed. I hand every single dog their good meat for the day. So they are all happy and eating. As I saw them eating I felt hungry myself for I only had a piece of bread for dinner. Usually, the castle cooks sneak me some extra dinner when they can. But since they are preparing for a large royal banquet they didn't want to give out food and barely had time to talk to me.
Once all the dogs were fed and happy I walked into Sweet Apples cage and sleep with her for the night. I know that the kennel and dragon master wouldn't be around. He is a close friend of my father so he will be helping to prepare for the royals.
As I slept I heard Sweet Apple whimpering in the night. She was in so much pain… I didn't realise what was fully happening. As I have never seen a birth before. But it was a scary experience… It only made me wonder how human women do it. It was so gross and messy! But after all the fuss during the night Sweet Apple gave birth to three puppies. I haven't been so excited in such a long time! Sweet Apple even let me pet her puppies. I named the three Roll, Nugget and Sneezy. It took a long time to sleep again but I couldn't handle the cuteness of the puppies. They were so snuggly and making cute noises.
The sun rose once more and I hear a huge hustle bustle around the castle. All of the people here in Watersgate are preparing for the arrivals. Cleaning and making everything spotless. The castle dragons are being groomed with all the guards polishing their armour. I was lucky to have porridge today so I made sure all of the dog cages are full of new hay and washed the floors before the visit. I highly doubt a royal will visit the kennel but it's better to be safe than sorry. I don't even want to think of the punishment if it wasn't cleaned and they walked around here.
Before I knew it I hear the trumpets sound. They are arriving! I remained inside the kennel however I try to look out the window. Trying to keep discreet. I can just barely see the procession. My curiosity gets the better of me and I run behind the kennel. I climbed onto an old wooden cart that is slowly rotting due to the weather. It has empty barrels so with them I managed to climb onto the roof, lying flat I can see the ceremony much better now.
I see flags with the light-blue wave sigil with regal dragons trotting into the courtyard before the castle. I felt so much excitement they were knights! Wearing special draconium armour that is apparently magic. Only given to those who deserve it! To think there was a time when I dreamed of becoming a knight. But only those from noble families with perfect status can become one. I looked at complete envy at their shiny armour. Light blue with special patterns with a helmet that is in the shape of a wave. Each of their armour had unique details such as different shaped gauntlets and boots.
As I admired them I see two large carriages enter the courtyard. They were huge and as they stopped everyone bowed including the dragons. I can just hear a booming voice of a man shouting. But I struggled to hear him clearly. A man with blue hair that looks greying walks out. It must be the king. As he looked around I see his golden crown glimmering from the sun. And behind him comes out his queen like him her hair is greying but looked very happy to be here. They wore matching robes which made them stand out from everyone else. And like the king, she also had a golden crown on her head.
Soon after a very tall woman left the carriage. Her hair was tied up in a bun with her small crown that looked like a miniature copy of the king. She must be the heir, who is named the grand princess. And soon after she was joined by other members of the family. A young man with another man who had tattoos and a Mohawk haircut. Then a bald woman with tattoos appeared alongside them. I notice two kids that seem to be around my age. Walk in front of the very tall princess. I notice the king open his arms and I notice everyone standing up again. Then soon after the king and his family leave the courtyard and enter the small castle of Watersgate.
I climb down as everyone quickly goes back around their business. I sat down inside the kennel once again dreaming of a knighthood. It was until nightfall when I can hear loud noises and music. The whole castle is lit up. The party even extended to the courtyard. It was going to be an impossible feat to sleep. The hounds are so well trained they remained quiet. So I didn't have to worry about them. But I stared out the window and since the courtyard isn't fully packed, it was so much easier to see what was happening. People and dragons dancing around while having fun. It really did look like fun… I wanted to join them.
Then I had an idea. It was dangerous… Extremely dangerous… But I wanted to sneak into that party. To at least… Get a look and have some food. I had no dinner because I was not allowed to be near the castle… But was it really worth the risk? I get the tingling feeling from my back reminding me of my last punishment. I am tattooed a bastard but they would have to check my shoulder (placed there so they cannot cut it out). As a small tattoo of a B sits there as required for all bastards in this world. But not only does that haunt me… I look exactly like my father… Only scrawnier and thinner. I have his tanned skin, black hair and striking blue eyes. To only add more pain to his wife I look like my father more than what I do my half-brothers. With them being fairer skinned, with dark green eyes and brown hair like hers.
But hearing everything happening over there I really wanted to see it. I decided to go and sneak into the party. I walk out of the kennel and I look at my advantage points. This is going to be so much harder than I thought. I can't sneak through the front door… I can't sneak through the kitchens… Too many dragons at their stable entrance…. Cannot sneak through the backway… I looked to see if I can climb the windows. But the smooth castle walls make that impossible. The idea quickly started to fade from my mind. There was no way….
I walk back into the kennels where I see a young girl staring at the dogs. I had a mini heart attack and snuck behind her. I didn't even notice her come in. She was being so cheery to Sweet Apple and her puppies. I hide behind a kennel wall on the other side. I looked at her I don't remember her being at the royal ceremony. But what she is wearing is different from everyone else here.
"Aw! You are all so cute! You must be a proud mummy!" She sweetly says and silly like that she tried to put her hand into the cage. I my eyes went wide open. As I notice Sweet Apple was not acting so sweet.
"STOP!"
I reached to pull her arm out of the cage. She immediately turned to me in anger.
"Hey! Don't touch me!"
"You want Sweet Apple touching your hand with her teeth!? She will bite your arm off!" And I forcefully pushed her hand away.
"I've read that they are friendly!" She shouts at me in retaliation.
"Um! Not these ones! They are trained to attack dragons and PEOPLE! Even I had to learn the hard way!" I show her the bite on my leg I received from Rascal when I first came here. Many of them were vicious, it took them quite a few months to get used to me. My father commanded me to remain at the kennels. Probably hoping they would succeed in ripping me apart. I wouldn't put it past him… To think I was hoping he would be kind to me… I was such an idiot but he is all I have.
She looked at my leg as if I was an infected monster. The way she was looking at me I felt the same way about her. I could tell she's a petite, privileged priss. I notice she is wearing a simple blue dress with long sleeves and a white shoal covering her hair. She must be one of the members of the royal family. And like that I just realised… I TOUCHED AND SPOKE TO A MEMBER OF THE ROYAL FAMILY! My heart skipped many beats. She is so going to tell them about me and my life will be over… At the age of eleven.
"You're weird…" She says to me in a spiteful tone. I must have been standing there quiet for a while as she remains annoyed at me. However, she quickly turns around and looks at the puppies.
"Well, you're stupid…" I whispered. As I really started to dig my own hole. I've already done the mistake might as well go for the ride before the inevitable.
"Excuse me! I heard that!" She turned around and faced close to me. Looking directly into my eyes. I looked directly into her eyes. They weren't normal… Something about them as she looked at me… The colour is like molten gold with a light gold rim around the iris. They are unique and beautiful eyes.
"Of course you heard it! A thank you would be nice!" I folded my arms as we both had a staredown that I could have sworn lasted many minutes. But eventually, the stare down had to end. It's obvious that she isn't going to thank me for being an idiot.
"Maybe you should just leave! Go back to the fancy-ass party!" She shouldn't even bloody be here. She should be in the castle where the privileged snobs are. I can tell she fits right in! "Or do I have to get someone's attention to drag you away!" I know very well this is an empty threat. But I want her to go away… Now I wanted nothing more than to fall asleep and be alone.
She looks down at her feet and plays with her hands. Her demeanour has changed. Her anger has suddenly turned into a kind of fear. "I… Can't go to the party… Too many people and strangers around. They didn't realise they were going to host a massive party with many out of country guests." She softly says. She looks almost she's about to cry. "Please don't tell anyone… I beg of you… This is the only time I get to be away from my home."
I look at her in complete relief… I was hoping not to beg her to tell anyone. She must be a bastard like me. This sort of thing usually happens to kids like us.
"Um… Well if it makes you feel any better… I can't go to the party either…" I rub the back of my neck in nervousness. Usually, anything like this makes people immediately think of my bastard status. It's very obvious since all the workers except for me are inside the castle working, having fun and enjoying the royals.
"Why can't you go to the party?" She asked.
"None of your business." I quickly said in a snarky fashion.
"Oh…" She says as if she was in defeat.
There was silence between us once more. We haven't even told our names yet. With the way she's acting, she's like the rest of any noble I've met. Stupid and rude. Yelling at me, because of her own stupid actions and now wondering every little bit of business about me.
She then turns around and faces Sweet Apple once more with her puppies. She was licking her litter and is at ease. I sighed quickly realizing the girl is not going to leave anytime soon and I sit next to her. This time she did not stick her hand near the cage.
"Her name is Sweet Apple. Her puppies are named Roll, Sneezy and Nugget. Well until they are re-homed. Kennel master said when they're older they will be given to Lord Caspians' children." Even though I am one of his children… I know for a fact I will never own one of them. My older half-brothers Alberto who is fourteen and Hugo who is twelve will get them.
"Those are very cute names… Very fitting. Roll is very chubby! Nugget is a nice pretty yellow and white. And sneezy has a big nose." She then looks at me smiling in small delight. And in response, I smiled at her back. It actually felt nice… I haven't felt anything like this since before my mother died a few months ago. I rarely get to speak to anyone normally. We both sat there for a while as we stared at the puppies.
"I was stupid…" She finally admitted.
"Yes, you were! See I can see you're not letting your hand near the cage." I happily mention to her.
She blushes in embarrassment I had no idea how a blushing noble can make someone feel so good. But I decided to make it easier on her and I just be happy that she admitted she did something stupid.
"I'm Sabrael." No way was I going to give my real name… Once my real name is said she will never talk to me again… I am sure she must have met my brothers. They will say nasty things about me… They are a huge reason why I don't have any friends.
"I'm Iolene… Iolene Summers."
And so with that, my bastard suspicions about her are confirmed. Summers, Winters, Autumn and Springs. Names of bastards of noble birth who are accepted. If my father accepted me I would be Aaron Summers. Since I was born in the summer. But since I am an unwanted bastard I have no name title. I was not allowed to use my mothers…
"So… Sabrael. You're named after a famous knight. I take it you're the kennel hand?" She says shyly. I turn away from the puppies facing her.
"How did you guess?" I say in anger. It's really a no brainer… Is she going to mock me like the rest?
"Why are you being so rude? I admitted I was stupid. Isn't that enough? Or are you just a bully!?" She says in annoyance. She folds her arms and faces me in turn.
Me a bully? She started this! Then she asks me basic questions that are obvious! I hear enough from everyone around me that I'm a stupid little kennel bastard. But yet I cannot talk back to them… Talk to people I get punished. Even when I try to talk to the guardian priest who always says he is welcome to talk to people. I can't talk to him. If I touch people I get punished, if I'm in the palace that is not the kitchens I get punished. My older brother Hugo with a few of his noble friends chased me down, making sure that I know my place. I am not to be in the presence of anyone unless they want to talk to me. I am my father's shame… So I live a shameful life. But it's the only life I have now after my mothers' passing a few months ago… I looked down as I feel so angry… But I don't know what to do with the anger… But with this, I was being angry at the wrong person. She has been the first person who probably doesn't know and is actually talking to me like a normal person. I shouldn't even be talking to her now…
"Okay, I didn't mean to get that mad. I'm sorry!"
"You have problems. Maybe if you're nicer you can make a friend!" She says to me. Oh, I do have problems… I have many of them. As for friends? Who would want to be friends with me? Most are rooted in the fact that the world has a problem with me. And the people around here will never make me forget it…
"Just… Go away… I want to sleep for the night. Let the dogs rest." For a moment I was excited to hopefully see the party. But now I just want to hide in a hole and never come out.
"You sleep here?"
"Of course I do, you see I'm a kennel hand as you pointed out? What did you expect? Some wonderful place of noble beauty for kennel hands?"
"Um… Not really. Just something I guess… Your family? Or guardian? I've never met a kennel hand before."
Seriously? This girl is with the royal family? She has never met a kennel hand before? Is she from another world? She gets weirder by the second.
"You have never met a kennel hand before? Like ever? Where do you come from?"
"I'm from the priesthood."
This does not explain much there are many priests who walk around talking to people. They are not stupid… They know about the world more than most. Well as far as I know with our resident priest.
"You see I wasn't even supposed to leave my room. My cousin Murray snuck me out, I have always dreamed of seeing the world. But the Black, Green and Orange ambassadors came here by surprise. They didn't want me to be free until they were gone. I know it's a huge risk but I really wanted to see…" She continued to play with her hands.
As we stared at each other for another long pause. I have no idea what to do… If she wasn't allowed to leave her room she should have stayed there. Like I could talk though… I was planning to sneak out myself. We both want to be rule breakers. Even though she technically already has…
I sigh as Iolene walks through the kennel looking at the other dogs. The kennel is rather small so there isn't really much to look at. There are only ten cages with fifteen dogs. I decided to introduce her to each one of the dogs. She was very excited about that. However, the night is getting on… And with a sudden realization, she had to leave. Problem is… Is that there are still many people around.
"How did you escape?"
"Sneaking out of my room when my guard went to get a drink. I was lucky to find the find kitchens. I snuck under those trolleys that carry the large food platters. They had a cloth over them so I couldn't be seen. Went on a little adventure around the party. Seeing through a little opening of the cloth. The party is huge they delivered food to every point of the castle! For a small castle it has many rooms! People and dragons talking and dancing. Eventually, they took it outside when the servant left it… There were people eating food from the table. They were busy stuffing their mouths so I managed to sneak out without noticing. I looked around and heard hounds. So I went to look."
The food carts… Why did I not think of that? But then I am a bit taller than her. She could easily squeeze into them. I try to look at her that she has not impressed me. But the obvious flaw in her plan, she would have to get back inside the castle. She clearly did not think it this through. I sighed once more as I think of what to do… There isn't really much I can do. I am where I'm supposed to be… She is the one making restless and stupid decisions.
I look at her as she begins to panic about her situation. She then looks outside the door. The party is still going.
"Ugh! Come on! Let's get you back" I grab her hand and drag her out of her kennel. As we walked through the courtyard every few steps we behind barrels and carriages. I led her to a nearby entrance where the dragon stables are. I notice that many of the dragons are beginning to go to sleep. However, Iolene quickly grabs my arm and tells me we can't go in. Some of royal guard dragons are still there awake. I see these beautiful light blue dolphin looking dragons talking to black draconium dragons like how people would. I have never seen such dragons before… Long, thin as sticks. But yet have large rectangular heads. Their black and purple scales that glowed. Large eye-shaped marking on their foreheads that glowed. As I looked at them trying to think of something I see a rope hanging from one of the dragon stalls. It looked really long, this could be useful for me.
"Stay here." As I pushed her behind an old dragon trough just outside of the stable.
"What are you-"
I didn't hear the rest of her sentence as I was already in the stable sneaking to get the rope. The dragons were so preoccupied in their conversation sneaking was easier than I thought it would. I grabbed the rope of the hook and managed to wrap it around me. It's much heavier than I thought. Thinking I got away with it I accidentally tripped over near the door hitting multiple dragon gears that are sitting on wooden stools fell over making a loud CRASH. I took a loud breath in and just jump dived into my right. I hoped they did not see me! Oh please, magna draconis make sure none of the dragons saw me! I hid behind the trough with Iolene. But as she looked at me in bewilderment I heard dragon footsteps and I push Iolene under the trough. As for me, I hid behind a pile of barrels trying to meld myself into the back wall. One of the dragons is looking and sniffing the air. It was a black draconium dragon. I hope for Iolenes sake she does not move a MUSCLE! I can barely see the dragon through the small holes. But as I tried to focus my breathing I hear the dragon roar. My heart stopped! We have been caught! A tear fell out of my eye. WHY DID I DECIDE TO HELP THE GIRL? But I hear nothing more I was terrified. When I hear.
"It's okay the dragon has walked back into the stable."
I breathe a large sigh of relief. We weren't caught… I smile at her trying to show I wasn't scared. I notice that she looked incredibly pale. She is frightened herself. I bet she is kicking herself for doing this…
I see anger in her voice as she tried to whisper yell. "WHY DID YOU DO THAT? WE WERE SO CLOSE TO BEING CAUGHT!"
"Because unlike you! I have to make a plan to get out myself! You see I try to think things through!"
She blushes and huffs at me. I chuckle to relieve the tension. She really does not like me… I just hope that she knows what I risking to help her out.
I then quickly sneak her over to another entrance which is the kitchens. The cooks are now cleaning up and are preparing food for tomorrow's royal breakfast. It was too risky. I would ask the cooks to see if they would let us in. But Lord Caspian made it very clear for his workers, not to let me in the castle apart from the kitchen to eat. I had a quick look at Iolene and notice she is very worried… Even scared. We did a tour around the front of the castle. The castle is connected to a large wall that divides the town. If we tried climbing the wall we fall into the river and drown. We looked around near the dragon stables once more when there is an open window.
I look at her encouragingly and she shows a nervous smile. I quickly look into the room I quickly realizes that it's my kennel masters room. It looks like he has had a long night as he is passed out on his bed with alcohol spilt all over the floor. I grab Iolenes waist and lifted her up so she could reach the windowsill since she is too short to reach. She managed to climb inside the room. I had a quick look around the surroundings making sure no one saw us and jump inside soon after her. We were in the kennel masters room, I had to tiptoe as Iolene opened the door ajar to peek outside. Holding in everything I had to not show fear and cry. This is the very man who whips me on my fathers' command. In reality, I am deathly terrified of him… Oh don't cry and freak out… If he awakes he will snap my limbs for sure… Be brave… I was going to sneak to the party earlier. Bring up my bravery from earlier in the night.
"Coast is clear" She sneaks out and I follow suit. Even though I have no idea where I'm going. I don't have to follow her anymore. But I had that feeling to make sure she gets to her room okay without harm. I don't like abandoning people, I don't like it when people did it to me. My breathing started to go faster and I began to sweat profusely. I should not be here. I should not be here. I SHOULD NOT BE HERE. I immediately felt like I was going to piss my pants.
We used the servant staircase as it is clear. We were walking through hallways which are clear. But remained scared and aware. The noise from downstairs is still loud which made sneaking a bit easier. Most people must be either still be downstairs at the party or settling into their rooms to sleep. We reached the third floor of the castle. When we walked into a hallway we see a man just standing there!
My heart felt like it was going to heave itself out my chest with Iolene gasping in complete fear trying not to scream. But as we looked it was a knight statue… Iolene laughs in relief as I notice she was hugging me. I tap her hand and she quickly lets go of me blushing.
We walked to the right. It felt like a never-ending place of hallways. Does it actually end? Iolene had to try and remember which way she took. I don't blame a bit of her confusion many of the hallways look eerily the same. The way she found is the paintings was they were the only items that were different in each hallway. There is a detailed dragon tapestry in front of her door she mentioned. We had a few close calls with servants carrying ruined bedding. Presumably from drunk adults making a mess.
We turned a corner as Iolene was about to walk into view of a drunk nobleman trying to find his own room. I drag her quickly out of sight and held her close to me. She was going to be mad at me when she realised what she was about to be in front of. It was the ambassador from the Green Empire. Large and burly man. He can punch a dragon and that would kill them. I have never seen such huge muscles. He was yelling and waving as he was swaying everywhere. Iolene and I waited patiently until I see a young servant man in green attire come for his master.
"Please Ambassador Blasius! Your room is not this part of the castle! It's in the west wing!"
And all of sudden the large man cries in hysterics. Crying out that he is lost like a baby. Iolene and I couldn't help but chuckle. Trying to hold our laughter. Eventually, they both leave the hall leaving in the opposite direction. With the servant kindly rubbing his back and consoling him.
We followed them but as they turned left we turned right. A small servant woman hurried across full of sheets she must have been blind because she didn't notice us. We hid behind a small statue and without realizing it I was hugging her we crouched behind it. As I noticed I pushed her away gently. This time I bet I am the blushing one… I haven't had any human interaction like that since mother. Iolene, however, didn't even seem to register it she is more concentrating the area around her. Which is not a bad thing, saved us.
We finally reached the hall where her door is the guard is still there. My heart sinks. I forgot there was a guard… But he looked bored shitless and annoyed I can hear him grunting. I don't blame him there is a huge party downstairs and he is doing guard duty… We are stuck… The guard thinks Iolene is in her bed asleep. We looked around when Iolene opens up a nearby window. She looks down and there is a ledge that we could shuffle on. I looked at her in surprise, I looked down the ledge and it is quite a fall. Not to kill you but certainly, cause massive harm. Iolene points to her window. I decided to go first I am facing towards the open sky with my back against the wall.
Don't look down, don't look down, and don't look down. I close my eyes and breathed in.
"Sabrael, don't close your eyes," Iolene whispered next to me. I quickly opened them I notice she has also climbed out. Her back towards the wall. The sky looked beautiful and I can see beyond the town. All the little lights surrounding this whole fort. The forest beyond it. I had to stop admiring the scenery and start shuffling on the ledge to get into Iolenes room. Thank goodness it wasn't too far. And we finally made it to her room, the window was ajar so we could easily climb in.
We both climb onto her bed which lies underneath the window. We both breathe a large sigh of relief. It was quiet for a few moments. I notice as I looked down pillows were made to look like she was sleeping on them.
"Thank you Sabrael… Thank you for the hound. Thank you for not leaving me…" As she rubs her eyes. She couldn't contain it anymore. "I was so stupid! I never should have left the temple. Because the first thing I do when I leave is that I break the rules! Priests don't break rules. I should have told Murray I wanted to stay. But…"
As she tried to stop sobbing. I felt the exact same. I would have done the same thing if I didn't come across her. Although there is a difference I always check my limits. She never has broken rules before and it is scary. It seems like she is very sheltered inside this temple that she lives in.
"You just wanted to see what life is like. I have no idea what a temple life is like. But I know how it feels… I'm trapped by… The judgment of others. I like you wanted to go to the party. I have never seen anything like that before either."
She smiles softly at me. "So you were planning to do it yourself?"
"Yes, I was… But I was thinking of how to do it all the way through not go in it blindly and hope for the best. I just wanted to see how the other side has it. "
Iolene grabs my hand and I look up at her again. Her eyes are teary but the gold in them are glowing. Just what is she? I smile back at her and she smiles.
"How long are you here for?" I whispered eagerly.
"A few weeks I think. The King is checking the golden gate. To make sure it's still functioning as it should. Apparently he doesn't come down here often. Every few years. Many people love him for this. I have read stories about negligent leaders and he isn't one of them."
As we tried to talk to each other we both hear shuffling at the door. I hide under the bed while she moves her pillow set as it should be. Pretending to be asleep. It silence downstairs now the party must have officially ended. I hear whispering, it's muffled but I can just hear it.
"We shouldn't have taken her with us. It's too dangerous. She could have been exposed and everything would have been ruined."
"Father we didn't expect those ambassadors to be here… As they have said they will leave in a few days. It should be much easier when they're gone. Iolene is only eight. You expect her to live her life forever in that old, mouldy temple. It's not fair on her, let her live life a little."
The door opens and I see the king and one of his sons peering through it. They then shut the door as quietly as they can and leave. I presume the guard is still there as I can still see the shadow creeping underneath the door. I get up and meet Iolene on the bed. She is so drowsy, even though she was faking it. She certainly is on the way to actual sleep. It's time for me to go.
I pull the rope off my shoulder and start unwrapping it. Iolene looks at me in curiosity. I pass her the rope end.
"Tie this up to the bedpost. The bed is thick and heavy and hopefully, it won't pull on my weight. Just make sure it's tied uptight."
Iolene ties the end on the post and makes so many knots in it I actually laughed. It's just a huge mountain of rope knots. I check the surrounding area to make sure no one is going to see me. I grab the rest of the rope and throw it out.
"You're going to climb down?"
"Uh… Yer. My master will be meeting me in the morning as usual. If he sees I'm not there. I'm dead meat…"
"Be careful Sabrael!" She whispered. I keep on forgetting that I lied about my name. "Sabrael."
"Yer?" I look up at her as I begin to slowly climb down. Trying my best not to slide down.
"Do you… Want to meet up again?"
My heart leapt many beats. I have never had anyone ask me that before. And without I hesitation I nodded yes. I'm pretty sure I looked like an idiot doing it. "Yer. I would actually really like that… I'm always at the kennels. Just be very careful though. I can't be seen talking to people like you okay…" She gave me a weird look but nods in agreement. I climbed down, however, I slipped causing bad rope burn marks on my hands. It stung. I would need to get some water on it. I look up again and I see she is looking at me from the window. I signal her to let the rope loose and drop it. It took her a while considering how big that knot was she finally let it free fall to the ground. I grab it and I look up and she waves goodbye to me and I wave back as she closes her window.
It felt so long ago… I have lived such a different life since then… I was eleven and she was eight. I open my eyes as I notice dawn is breaking. Another day begins as I train in Constant's small arena. He never uses it himself but I see many of guards waking up and using all of the equipment. I do multiple laps and use the practice dummies with my great sword. After practising for many hours, the sun is fully up and I decide to go back to the mansion to meet up with my master. I notice that he is eating breakfast on a small table in his room.
"I had a remarkable sleep! And it looks like the weather has improved so we should be right on schedule! Or better yet leave tomorrow. Constants only child Eidith will look after the mansion. She usually lives on his farm and she is already on her way here." He announces to me as I walk to him as he is eating breakfast.
"Eat up boy!" And he hands me fresh cooked toast from the fire and butter. Like I need more of it. But I am so glad it's this and not the mush I used to eat with my face mask with a straw in Dominus Sahara. Seeing Master happy is really good. It felt genuine this time… He must be really excited to meet this old friend of his. Since he was in a happy mood. I decided to pluck up the courage to ask him. It is a huge rule-breaker to ask your master of anything… Even asking for another serving of food can get you whipped.
I clear out my throat. "Master?"
"Yes, boy?" As he stops in the middle of drinking his wine.
"May I ask something?" I felt so nervous asking this question. I know the last serious chat we had was back in Dominus Sahara. But he was completely drunk. I don't even know if he remembered anything of it. He did pass out soon after that conversation.
"Well, of course, ask away! No need to be afraid of asking me questions! How many times do I have to tell you!"
"After when we visit Macdan. Can we- Can we go to Aquarius City?" There I said it! Took me a while but I finally get there! But as I asked I notice the change in his expression. It wasn't the happiness like before. He must really be thinking about this…
"Well, my old friend used to be close to the royal family over there. I never met them except for well…" Master didn't even finish that sentence but continued on. "I have never been there myself. Never got the opportunity to, not after everything that happened. But I don't really see the harm. Is this what has been in your mind all this time when going quiet when I let you relax?"
"Yes." I nod to him as well in response.
"Are you originally from there?" He took another drink of his wine. "You know throughout this whole journey. We have spoken about many things. Cultures, people, dragons, food, me learning Prisshek, constellations and some history. But yet we don't really know each other personally… I believe that is mainly my fault. I always tell you that it is okay to talk… I assume that you are a bastard of a whore. But yet I have never really opened up to you..."
"I did speak to Kazaar…" But when we spoke he only insulted me by saying that I am weak from not trying to escape Dominus Sahara… And I admittedly just wanted to know more about my new master. I thought he was in a similar situation like me as a mercenary… But he wasn't. I always find it more comfortable to talk to other distinguished slaves. Because they were the only other people that could relate.
"Who hasn't spoken to that man? I hope he is having an alright time in his travels. Dangerous being a lone man in this world. I won't lie though you are much better company to keep me sober. Kazaar liked encouraging me to drink… But we knew we would part eventually. I could not keep him for much longer… I didn't trust him enough. He was good for protection. But you can never trust a mercenary. But I shall repeat are you from Aquarius City?"
"No... I'm from Watersgate. I know someone who lives there. I would like to see them again…"
"Watersgate? The river border between Light Blue and Orange. Interesting place to be brought up in. I hear the large gates that guard the Light Blue border is beautiful and made up of very beautiful magic. Gold draconium I heard… Wards off all darkness."
"I don't know… I've never seen it."
Master then gives me a weird look. "You are from there and you have never SEEN it?" He almost spills his wine everywhere that I used my quick reflexes to balance the cup.
"Well, you see the large gates are inside the castle… The castle itself is joined to the massive wall that divides the town and river. I was never allowed inside the castle. The castle is a fortress as it is meant to protect the Empire from invasions from the river. I never saw it because I was never allowed to be in the castle…"
"Oh… Alright then. Who is it you want to meet? You know who I want to meet. Fair is fair…" He grabs a few grapes and lies back as if he wants to hear a story.
"A girl named Iolene Summers."
"Oh yes… How did I not see this? A girl…" Master then mocks me by flittering his eyes as if he is a lovesick puppy. "Please tell me more about this girl."
"Um… Well, it's been years. Her family travelled over to Watersgate for a few weeks. She's the only friend I have… I never got to say goodbye to her before…"
"Before?" As my master wanted me to elaborate. But it will never stop being painful… I still feel like my heart is being pulled out from my chest whenever I think about it.
"My father sold me to underground slavers. They dragged me out of the kennel in the dark of night and he gave the orange dragons one gold to be rid of me…" Thinking back on it now, I was sold less than the corpse of a dead slave. That was how desperate he wanted to get rid of me… I still remember the moment the dragons looked me in the eye and scoped my physique. Since I have learned prisshek since then I remember what they said. Small and scrawny will not last long… Will go for cheap.
"Oh… I am sorry to hear that… Knowing the very person you count on fails you. Nothing can really fix it. All you can do is live on and fight it and you DID!" Master then grabs my hand and looks me in the eyes. "Once I see my friend. We will go to Aquarius City and we will find your friend Iolene!"
"Thank you, Mali."
And like that he had the sweetest smile on his face. And pours a glass of wine and passes it to me.
"Well now! Here is to us! Not as slave and master. But as friends!" We both clink our glasses and I talk a large gulp of the delicious wine. He then gives me a large share of the food. After a long time, real happiness went through me. Not the lingering cheerful upbeat feeling of getting a good meal. But the feeling that one day I will be meeting Iolene again.
The whole day flew by and before we knew it. It was time to leave. Eidith has arrived with her entourage of socialite friends. With her father's glowering disapproval. Eidith, unlike her father, loves to dress to impress. The large dress that she said is designed by a woman named Antoinette. It looks more regal and wears a large white wig.
"I zwere fazer that I will keep ziz place in check! It beatz being in that farm. I can actually talk to different peoplez."
I looked at them and notice that they are truly father-daughter. However, I do notice that Constant does not have as thick of an accent as anyone else in the city.
"Thank you, my child. But I don't want any parties understood?"
"Ugh… Yez fazer. We will not have any partiez. But I will be happy to zpeak to the Queen about this new kind of drezz I'm wearing. My friend made it and it iz beautiful! But I alzo have matterz to zpeak to ze zenate. I wish to be a zenate member."
"Really Eidith? You want to be a part of the senate under the King and Queen? You will make a terrific senate member. But it's dangerous you are only twenty. Many assassination threats loom for many members right at this moment. Even mine… Be aware of the game alright…"
"Oh, I know fazer. I am used you going on random tripz. But I am not afraid of zem! I will carry on your mizzion whilez your gone fazer!" And she kisses him on both cheeks.
Mali and I look on as Constant farewells his daughter. Standing at the front of his large mansion. I had to think that it will be a while to have proper hospitality. Mali said it could take two to three weeks to reach Macdan. Depending on the rough terrain of the mountains.
Constant walks down the steps and we all enter his carriage and we are on our way. In the carriage, Mali takes out his communicator. Presses multiple buttons on it. But nothing happens, but he holds it to his heart.
"Don't worry Stein we are coming!"