Aaron goes to the gala

Chapter Twenty-One: Aaron goes to the Gala

The smells of sweet foods filled Aaron's nose. His mouth salivates as he sees merchants selling large cookies and cakes. Desiring to eat all sugary foods he had to ignore it as he faces forward. Pretending nothing of temptation exists around him. Learning quickly in Dominus Sahara to never fall for temptations. Being starved and beaten during testing, Master Isil in a cruel jest will place a wonderful meal in front of him. He would not dare touch it. Many others were tested with a few falling for it and ate. Them being severely punished by castration or losing a limb and were sold to another master.

"You are below such foods," Isil said. Those who passed like Aaron did were allowed a special benefit. But the reward was not much. They get an extra piece of fruit for dinner.

Aaron then remembered what food it was. That's right... It was a pie... I never got to know what was inside that pie... Shaking his head, he wanted the thought out. He is not in the desert; he is in a place surrounded by the greenest of meadows. With winter so close it is getting colder by the day, and he is glad for it.

Aaron walks through the bustling city; the gala is beginning. People and dragons from around the world are here to enjoy the festivities. But he is not here to party or enjoy himself. Queen Avery is in danger… Her husband King Gauthier is planning something. If Aaron succeeds in getting information to help the queen depose her husband. She will officially set him free by royal decree. A prospect he dreamed of for seven years and still counting the days. Mali purchased him and let him do what he wants, by technicality he is still a slave. Mali still holds the papers saying that he owned him. Iolene asked Mali why he did not rip and throw the contract pieces away. Aaron says if Mali loses the paperwork, Aaron's previous owner Isil can still vouch for Aaron as an asset. They are in slave territory and Mali could not risk Aaron's life and paperwork. Mali promises him that he will let Aaron be the one to rip up the papers. As the Queen will settle new paperwork for his freedom, the orange empire will be notified, and they will stamp his name. Free…

Aaron views the palace as he slowly edged forward to it, a beautiful white building with many pillars with a red and gold roof. Sitting on the highest hill. The people, dragons, and their customs are strange to him. They play their wars differently than the rest of the world. Instead of weapons and battlefields, they prefer to use words and assassins… An odd culture to be sure. Royalty and government have their military as it is still important to fight against outside forces. Aaron admitted he liked that idea… Leave the fighting to those who only care and spare the innocents from bloodshed.

Wearing a slave Tunic made of low-quality and hard fabric. He tries his hardest not to scratch as it irritates his skin. It brought back many memories of living for Master Isil… None of them are good. He would have rather wear the lovely silks Lei gave him for his birthday. While also fearing he is becoming too accustomed to the high life. I should live in the wilderness for a week or two, that'll change that…

Aaron shuffles the large sword on his back. As he kept eyes on the crowd around him. Everyone wearing their best formal wear. Him smiling as he notices some people from the Purple Empire. Easily noticeable as they wear skins and furs. Not the prettiest of outfits. Simple but practical. Best for the cold winters they must endure.

He sees a tall and muscular woman leading the group, raising her large tankard of ale in the air. Loudly laughing as her followers laughed along with her. Aaron could not help but be impressed with the woman. She was not the most conventionally attractive woman to him. Having messy curly red hair with thick braids, that have not been brushed in years. Skin white as snow with a square face full of freckles and a large nose. She smiled revealing her crooked teeth while showing oddly cute dimples. He wished Lexi should see her... She will be impressed by her. Aaron even wanted to ask her for a duel once he saw her massive battle axe, clearly used, and loved. But now is not the time...

Her aura caught his attention. She looked fun and loud with great charisma. As she joked and played rough with the men around her. Grabbing a young man, she lifts him up high as her people cheered. Everyone not from the Turquoise Empire seemed to be enjoying her presence. Even though Aaron can hear remarks from citizens that she is a manly freak and barbarian.

You are just jealous that she is likable. He thought. Aaron then hears one of the ladies say her name is Krifta, leader of clan Frozenbridge. One of the men says that the seven men surrounding her are her husbands. Aaron's eyebrows raise as he never heard of a woman having multiple husbands. It is usually men having multiple wives. Aaron smiles as he nods respect to one of the husbands.

Aaron had to keep walking and leaves the rowdy group. Seeing the palace of voices on the high hill slowly getting closer. It is a breathless sight. If anything, the main city is beautiful. The only thing that pestered people is the smell of sewage from their old catacombs. He wished Mille Voix could all be beautiful. The slave city is not far from here looking grey and ruined as the dark smoke bellow from the factories. He felt for the people and dragons living there… Only seeing glimpses of it from afar. He wished that they are being treated well, but he highly doubts that with his realistic mind. The slaves are well known for tailoring, arts, and fabrics. Working continuously for the benefit of their masters making sure they always look opulent.

He hears a band playing as people and dragons dance on the streets. Confetti falls as servants and slaves release the coloured paper from the rooftops. People and dragons from all walks of life dancing and enjoying themselves. He thought of Iolene as if she would have loved this. However, she is preparing for a long night ahead.

Before he knew it, he is at the palace entrance. The white pebble pathway leading up to the entrance is continuously cleaned as each carriage passed. Gorgeous and ornamental carriages drive past Aaron, he tips his head in kind to the driver. The dragons are all dressed in cloaks and ribbons as they stride with pride. Aaron however could not enter that way. Guests, personal stewards, and nobility only.

A Chasseur guard stops him as he lowers his spear to block him. Aaron not wanting a fight takes a few steps back. Raising his hands defensively not attempting to touch his sword.

"Slave," The Chasseur says. Aaron takes out a note that Constant has written for him.

"Slave entrance is that way!" The Chasseur shouts as he pokes the spear to his left. Aaron looks and sees a few slaves carrying loads down the road. Aaron nods to the Chasseur and makes his way following the other slaves. Aaron notices there is an underground passage. It is dark and cold as only fire torches provide the light as water drips from the ceiling making this area look like a dungeon.

Slaves having chains around their necks look presentable and clean. A line of young girls is wearing simple matching togas as they carry flower bouquets. Aaron wanted to smile and say hello, but it is best not to disturb the slaves at work. For they can be punished for being distracted, even for a moment. Aaron looks to his left as he sees the slave masters. Carrying whips and weapons. Their faces are always covered to hide their identity as part of the uniform. Aaron would not dare look for too long... Never look them in the eye... Thinking anxiously.

Walking through the dungeon corridor he reaches the first kitchen. The slaves worked hard to create all the illustrious foods. Hearing Prisshek he smiles as he understood every word, nothing of importance is said as it was only simple greetings of how each other were. He tilted his head up and sniffed the cooking meat on the stoves and in ovens, this kitchen specialising in only meat dishes. The kitchen is massive as there are at least fifty workers in this room alone.

Pacing around pretending he is doing a task, to hear anything of interest. Watching the meat cook. He tried to listen into the conversations, none of them important... Family members, simple gossip about other workers, and cooking tips. Like good workers they do not speak much, their task is at hand. Aaron then almost loses his cover and gets yelled at by the head chef. The chef wearing a fancy tunic and apron, his hair covered by a fancy scaled hat. He is clearly not a slave as he speaks upfront to his bosses. Aaron realised he is loitering far too much and sneaked away to a joined kitchen.

Kitchen after kitchen, no useful information was heard. No one is talking of rumours... It is smart for the workers though. Aaron sighs knowing it is safer for them not to speak.

He knew that this was a difficult mission. Now actually inside the palace, he feels out of his depth. Fearing that his skills will not be enough... Feeling nervous as he saw the slave masters carrying whips. His heart felt as if it skipped beats as he sees the slave masters hold the hilt of the whip. Aaron knew they are trained to take it out with such quick precision, you only need to blink and see your skin split from the impact. Agony... As his mind revised the pain of the whip. Crying as his back stung and bled. His poor back has deep scars from even before his slave days. When the kennel master whipped and beat him. Thinking of it he tried his hardest not to scratch his back, as his scars began to itch.

Moving forward he decided to go up a level. The stairs have changed design as the rocks of the poor are now beautiful marble. The palace is directly above him. Grabbing the gold-painted railing he walks gracefully up the stairs. Aaron looks down as he is distracted by his own reflection from the cleaned marble. Finally reaching the next level. The ground floor as he sees a gold plaque pointing in directions. Left to the grand ballroom, right to the throne room. Reading the plaque excitedly, having a large smile on his face. Iolene teaching him to read has finally come in useful, apart from reading erotic novels. He knew in his heart she will be proud of him.

Aaron decided to go left. The grand ballroom is hosting the main event and hopefully, he can play the game in their main arena.

Strolling through the hall, walking past room after room. Aaron thinks of how Constant's Mansion is beautiful, but it honestly could not be compared. Being constantly reminded of how rich these people are... Being leagues wealthier than anywhere else he's seen. Even remembering the palace of Macdan, only had mountain stone sculptures and wall carvings as their decoration. They are frugal as a culture. The palace of voices is the complete opposite as tapestries, carpets, vases, paintings, jeweled statues, indoor water fountains, mahogany doors, and any feasible way to show their wealth, they did. He wandered around feeling lost. The place is massive, desiring a map so he can navigate easier.

Little noise is made as people can be heard murmuring inside their rooms. A few stewards and slaves rushed past Aaron carrying chests and fabrics. They paid no heed to Aaron.

Relieved after such a long ponder, he finally sees the massive entrance doors. Aaron's heart raced as there are ten guards on each side, lined to the doors.

A slave approaches the head Chasseur and is at once yelled at and turned away. The poor slave scattered back from whence he came.

Aaron sneaks around the corner out of their sight he tried to think of a plan. Walk straight up to them and say hello. Give them the letter? Attack them? No... Too stupid. Jump to the next level! Wiping his forehead of sweat. He decides to go up a level.

He races forward, to a window. It is open ajar as he takes a sneak peek. To his left nothing... To his right nothing...Underneath though is a hedge... Sighing to calm himself he jumps out onto the hedge. It was not smooth as many of the branches broke. His leg getting stuck inside, it felt as if the hedge was trying to eat him! Aaron grunts as he forcefully pulls himself out. Falling onto his side clumsily, hoping that no one saw.

Ahead of him are the gorgeous hedge mazes, massive water fountains, and beautiful rose gardens. Admiring the scenery for a moment as he looks up at the next-floor balcony. With a large leap, he grabs onto the balcony floor. Lifting just enough to see if the room is clear. It is! Lifting himself over the balustrade with ease.

The room is stunning, he praises everything in the room. The massive bed can easily fit five people. He wished he lived here... He decides to get to work. There are fabrics folded neatly on the tables with opened chests. Someone lives here...

He looks through the drawers, finding nothing of interest. Only seeing that someone from the Red Empire occupies the room. But now he realised he has found a place to start.

Let's begin...