The next two days were a blur, with someone waking her up, making her eat something then she fell back to sleep again. Finally after a week, Adora was able to stay awake for several hours at a time and sat up on her mat. The room was empty. The slaves had already left for their chores. She heard a key unlocking the only door to the slave’s quarters and she tried to stand up, but the room tilted sharply and she decided to stay seated. Lord Nicholas walked in and the guard outside the door closed it behind him. Adora tried once more to stand, but was forced onto her butt again. “Relax, Adora. I won’t be here long. Since a slave is not worth much if they are not in good health, you will stay here to heal until I say, then you will be sold.” He paused to let his words sink in, then frowned, apparently disappointed his words didn’t have an effect on her. “You will be sold as a common slave…”
Adora interrupted, “Now just a minute…” Adora was slammed against the wall and pinned there. She didn’t notice the stone in his hand when he came in. He placed his hand on her neck and squeezed just enough to get her attention. “You don’t deserve to be sold as a trained slave. You attacked me and now you can’t cast magic - not that you could cast very well to begin with.” He paused a moment, “The only thing you have going for you now is your ability to shift. Hmm, maybe I’ll sell you as a pet.” Adora jerked but her father squeezed his hand which stilled her again. “You will be sold at the international market so I won’t have to see you for some time.” He waved his hand and she fell to the floor, then struggled to get on her knees.
“Father, may I ask a question?”
He let the silence extended while he considered. Finally he answered, “Go ahead.”
“Thank you, Father. How long will you sell me for?”
“A year for starters, then we will see after that.” He started to turn away, then stopped. “Oh, and I’m sure I don’t have to tell you not to mention that I took your magic away?”
“No, Father.”
“Good. I’ll be back to check on you later this week.” He left. Adora sighed and sat down on her mat, looking at her hands. No magic. Well, I guess that’s not so bad. Like he said, I couldn’t cast worth a flip anyway. She still felt loss. How did I do that magical blast? Adora shook her head and fell back to sleep.
The key in the lock woke her a while later and Adora sat up while the slaves were coming back for the night. They were talking amongst themselves and so didn’t notice Adora right away, but when they did, word got around quickly and the talking stopped. The girls spread out and surrounded Adora while an older women, Hanna, walked up to Adora with a sneer. “Well, well. Look who’s finally awake. It’s the mighty Adora. What are you doing here? Did daddy feel you needed to spend time with us poor slaves? To see what it’s like?” Hanna had her balled fists on her hips as she looked down at Adora.
Adora slowly stood, only weaving a little when she was fully upright. She returned Hanna’s cold stare, “I’ve told you before, Hanna, I am as much a slave as you. And contrary to what you want to believe, my father Lord Nicholas, hates me.”
Hanna narrowed her eyes, “You are nothing like us,” she said. “You are highly trained and you get to come and go as you please. I’ve seen you when I am working and I’ve caught glimpses of you in the training room. Don’t tell me you are a slave. That’s a lie.” Hanna shoved Adora who lost her balance and fell. Adora launched herself at Hanna and punched her in the nose before getting dizzy and falling to her knees. Blood poured from Hanna’s nose and she backed up, screaming. Shit. {Father you’ll want to send a healer here. Quickly please.} Adora stood and walked over to Hanna saying, “Here. Let me help you.” Hanna shot her a hateful look and swatted her hands away. Adora shook her head and sat back down.
Just a moment later, the door unlocked and Lord Nicholas stormed in with a healer close behind him. “What happened?” He bellowed and looked at Adora. Adora was already on her knees and bowed her head. She guessed the healer just finished with Hanna, because the woman stopped crying and everyone fell silent. “Now then,” Lord Nicholas said again, “Adora, what happened?”
Adora stood and didn’t look at Hanna. “Hanna started a fight with me and…”
“That’s not true, master! She…” Hanna began, but Lord Nicholas shut her up with a look, then returned his attention to Adora. “I’ll remind you to not start fights with my slaves, Adora. You are only here a short time, so I suggest you make the most of it. Without your magic, you should fit in with them quite nicely,” he said. Adora clenched her jaw repeatedly and balled her fists when her father turned and left the room. The healer followed him out the door.
Hanna gave Adora a smug look then went to her own mat. Adora sighed and laid down, trying to ignore the girls talking together softly. Thankfully, she fell asleep pretty quickly. Sometime during the night Adora opened her eyes and, unable to fall back to sleep, listened. Her heart sank when she heard some of the slaves still talking. This late, there is only one thing they could still be talking about. Father would know if I tried to ignore them. He would know if I warned them. I have no choice. Her stomach knotted, but she listened and soon recognized the voices and sure enough they were talking of escape. Adora listened to their whole plan until they concluded and finally went to sleep. Adora closed her eyes and felt her tears falling on her pillow. Damn you father. I will see you in hell. She fell into a fitful sleep and woke up in the morning unrested.
Adora stood next to her mat with the other slaves when the door was again unlocked. Nicholas came in to inspect them and stopped in front of her. Looking her over he asked her, “I will expect a full days work from you if you leave this room with them. Understand?” She nodded, “Yes, father.” He nodded in return and told them all the rooms they would be responsible for, then he turned to leave. I have to tell him, but Hanna will know I listened last night. She will blame me. Adora bowed her head and clenched her hands. Father will do worse than take my magic away if I don’t tell him. Nicholas was 10 steps away from the door. Tell him. No. You have no choice. Tell him. Five steps. Adora opened to mouth but no words came out. Now his hand was on the door. “Father,” Adora said and he stopped but didn’t turn around.
“It’s about time,” he said. “It was almost too late, my dear.”
Adora stared at him. “Wait, so you already know?”
He turned and grinned at her surprise, “Of course, but why don’t you tell me anyway.”
“I don’t see why I should since you already know…” she began, then dropped screaming in pain. The pain stopped and she struggled to her feet. I really need to stop doing that.
“Why don’t you humor me, my dear.”
Adora couldn’t bring herself to condemn them, but when her father’s hand started twitching around his stone, she dropped her head and forced the words. “Hanna and some others were talking of escape last night.”
“You bitch!” Hanna yelled and launched herself at Adora. Adora easily avoided her, tripping her as she moved past. The woman jumped up again, but then Lord Nicholas said, “Stop!” Hanna and Adora froze.
“Adora, bring them all here in front of me.”
Adora gaped at her father. {Father, couldn’t I just tell you their names?}
“Now,” he answered.
Adora nodded, stood straighter and walked up to each girl involved, Hanna last, bringing them before her father. Some cried, others begged, but all of them wished Adora the fires of Hell with their eyes. Adora pushed down and buried her feelings, ignoring the girls as best as she could then moved back to her own mat. The 5 girls knelt in front of Lord Nicholas who smiled and turned to speak to the door guard quietly. The guard left and a moment later, Flagg entered the room and the 5 girls moaned. Nicholas chuckled, “I see you remember my slave trainer. Good. Then I’m sure you will understand when I tell you he hates to re-train slaves.” Lord Nicholas looked from one girl to the next and they slowly lowered their foreheads to the floor. The girls soft cries could be easily heard. Lord Nicholas continued, “And I refuse to have my reputation as a man who has extremely obedient slaves be ruined by 5 children grasping for what they cannot have. This is your last chance. You try this again, and I won’t punish you. I won’t sell you.” He paused until their crying lessened and he was sure they could hear him. “I will kill you. Now, get out of my sight.” A few guards approached and escorted the women out of the room, following Flagg. Then he dismissed the rest of us to our chores.
Adora stood to the side until the others had left and it was just the two of them. She knelt, “Father, may I ask a question?”
“About the Shifter?”
“Yes, Father. May I see her before I am sold?”
He again let the silence hang there, but Adora was used to his games so she waited. “No. You will not. I am training her myself and…” he stopped and chuckled at Adora’s sudden look of dismay.
“You’re training her, father?” Adora said and she found she couldn’t breathe.
Lord Nicholas affected an innocent look, “Is that a problem, my dear?”
Adora lowered her eyes again, “No father. It’s just that,” she paused, looking for the appropriate words. “I feel sorry for her.”
Lord Nicholas laughed, thoroughly pleased and walked out of the room. Adora followed after him and found the other slaves.
*******
Thursday, May 10, 2018
Nicholas' New Purchase
Adora turned and made her way to the auction block. The crowd in front of her was thick and the auction was just about to start. Adora maneuvered through the crowd until she was in the middle and closer to the stage. “It’s about time you got here,” an all too familiar voice said. Adora sighed and turned around. Lord Nicholas stood there, frowning at her as usual. “Good afternoon, father,” Adora said. He only dipped his head in greeting then returned his attention to the stage. Since he is here, he will likely take over. Sure enough, when the auctioneer started, her father began bidding. Adora stood next to him, suddenly bored. She began looking around at the other bidders in the crowd. There were several that she recognized, having been temporarily sold to them in the past. Others in the crowd she only knew from them visiting her father about various business. Then she saw a face that made her smile. Michael was a few feet behind her, and when he saw her, he smiled a little and winked. The bidding seemed to last forever, but Adora noticed her father didn’t bid too often. He must be looking for something specific this time.
{Adora, you might want to pay more attention to the stage.} Lord Nicholas said and chuckled in her mind. Adora rolled her eyes at looked at who was on stage. She gasped and stared.
“We have something extra special for all of you this afternoon,” the auctioneer said. Standing near him was a jaguar in a cage. It was crouched and hissing, with it’s ears flat against it’s head. The auctioneer laughed, “She is a spirited one.” He looked out over the crowd. “I know what you are thinking. When did we begin selling animals?” He laughed again, “Not to worry, my friends, there is a reason this cat is up here and she is for sale.” The auctioneer nodded to a man standing a little behind him who pulled out a ruby and pointed to the jaguar. Within moments, the jaguar seemed to shrink a little, her fur disappeared and her muzzle shorted until a young woman was on her hands and knees, fully clothed, in the cage. The crowd gasped. He forced her to shift, Adora realized. “That’s right, gentlemen,” the auctioneer said. “She is a shifter. She was the only one the Harvesters could capture and I know I’ve never seen or heard of anything like her around here before.” The woman stood and glared at the crowd.
Lord Nicholas immediately began bidding and Adora looked at him, whispering, “No.” Her father stared hard at her and she swallowed, looking away, but she couldn’t let it go. {Please father. Don’t do this. You can’t.}
{I will do anything I please, Adora. You forget your place and will be punished when we get home. But I will have her. After all, you are the only other one for miles around.} He laughed out loud and continued the bidding. The bidding continued, but competitors quickly dropped out as the amounts went to unheard of levels. Finally, there were only two still in the running. Adora looked around for whomever could compete with Lord Nicholas. Her heart lifted when she saw it was Michael. Oh please let him win, she prayed to no one. Eventually, the time came and Michael shook his head, dropping out of the auction. “Congratulations, Lord Nicholas! Well done!” The auctioneer said and bowed to him.
*******
After the auction, Nicholas stood by the Shifter’s cage and just watched her. The spell cast on her earlier had worn off so she was a jaguar again. The cat had her ears back and her haunches were up and she was having a staring contest with Lord Nicholas. Adora stood several feet behind her father and watched the shifter. Her heart ached to free her, but she knew there was no way she could. Michael came up next to her and whispered, “I’m sorry Adora. I tried to win her.” She simply nodded. She had to admit, though, she was curious about this shifter. I have never met another shifter like me.
“Adora,” her father suddenly spoke up. “Come here.”
She swallowed and went to stand next to him. He motioned to the shifter, “Go near her cage. I want to see what happens.” She stared at him, unbelieving. He swung his hand at her head, but she ducked just in time, and quickly made her way to the cage. With each footstep, the jaguar crouched lower and hissed softly. A breeze blew from behind her and suddenly the jaguar stopped hissing and her ears began twitching, as if she was confused. Adora stopped just out of paw reach should the jaguar choose to attack and they just looked at each other. {Move forward, girl,} Father mentally commanded her. Adora’s heart was pounding and she certainly didn’t want to, but fear of extra punishment spurred her on. She took a small step inside the jaguar’s threat area, but the woman didn’t react. Another breeze stirred Adora’s hair and the jaguar sat up and both her ears were forward. She took another step and Adora was now close enough for the jaguar to bite her. The jaguar seemed to relax a little.
Then the jaguar looked past Adora and instantly, she crouched and snarled. Adora turned around and her father had begun to slowly step forward. He stopped and smiled. “Just as I thought. Adora, come here.” Once again, Adora stood by his side. “She recognizes you by your smell and therefore was not threatened.” He chuckled, “But when I approached…” He let his thought hang in the air, and there was something wrong with what he said, but before Adora could figure out what it was, his guards approached. They were driving a flat-bed wagon. They hopped off the wagon and bowed to Lord Nicholas.
“Excellent,” Lord Nicholas said, “I see my messenger didn’t waste any time. Use those poles to put this cage on the wagon. And be very careful with its contents. She bites.” The guards carefully put the poles through the holders attached to the cage without getting too close to the jaguar, lifted her up and set her in the back of the wagon. In moments they were gone and Adora was once again alone with her father. Her stomach knotted as she looked at him. A slow smile spread across his face as he reached into a pouch and pulled out his diamond. Adora’s heart beat faster and she took a step backwards before she could stop herself. He lashed out and grabbed her arm in a vice grip. “I believe, my dear, you have some punishment coming to you,” he whispered and his eyes sparkled. “What kind of pain should it be this time? Throbbing? Searing?” He paused, “Or maybe something else altogether?” He probed her mind, then laughed out loud. “Oh! That is perfect! What a great idea, Adora. Let’s go home.” He pocketed his gem, turned and walked away.
Extremely puzzled, Adora followed him to his awaiting carriage, climbed inside and they were quickly on their way. What the hell did he find in my mind? What is he going to do? She remembered him telling her once, ‘The anticipation of an act is worse than the act itself.’ And he was right. At least so far. She felt fidgety the short trip home and it didn’t help that every time he looked at her, he chuckled. As soon as they got home, he dismissed her. She went to her room, but couldn’t rest. She just kept pacing the floor. Finally, Adora decided to go to the training room.
Her heart lifted as she entered it, her only favorite room in this hell of a manor. She didn’t know how he created it but anything she could imagine became reality. She closed her eyes and imagined an obstacle course with enough activity to keep her mind off my father and perhaps even the poor Shifter. She ran through the course several times, trying again from the beginning each time she fell, until she could finally reach the end in one pass. Adora was bruised and exhausted, but she felt good. But her stomach quickly knotted again once she left the room. She took a bath and went to bed.
*******
{Adora, you might want to pay more attention to the stage.} Lord Nicholas said and chuckled in her mind. Adora rolled her eyes at looked at who was on stage. She gasped and stared.
“We have something extra special for all of you this afternoon,” the auctioneer said. Standing near him was a jaguar in a cage. It was crouched and hissing, with it’s ears flat against it’s head. The auctioneer laughed, “She is a spirited one.” He looked out over the crowd. “I know what you are thinking. When did we begin selling animals?” He laughed again, “Not to worry, my friends, there is a reason this cat is up here and she is for sale.” The auctioneer nodded to a man standing a little behind him who pulled out a ruby and pointed to the jaguar. Within moments, the jaguar seemed to shrink a little, her fur disappeared and her muzzle shorted until a young woman was on her hands and knees, fully clothed, in the cage. The crowd gasped. He forced her to shift, Adora realized. “That’s right, gentlemen,” the auctioneer said. “She is a shifter. She was the only one the Harvesters could capture and I know I’ve never seen or heard of anything like her around here before.” The woman stood and glared at the crowd.
Lord Nicholas immediately began bidding and Adora looked at him, whispering, “No.” Her father stared hard at her and she swallowed, looking away, but she couldn’t let it go. {Please father. Don’t do this. You can’t.}
{I will do anything I please, Adora. You forget your place and will be punished when we get home. But I will have her. After all, you are the only other one for miles around.} He laughed out loud and continued the bidding. The bidding continued, but competitors quickly dropped out as the amounts went to unheard of levels. Finally, there were only two still in the running. Adora looked around for whomever could compete with Lord Nicholas. Her heart lifted when she saw it was Michael. Oh please let him win, she prayed to no one. Eventually, the time came and Michael shook his head, dropping out of the auction. “Congratulations, Lord Nicholas! Well done!” The auctioneer said and bowed to him.
*******
After the auction, Nicholas stood by the Shifter’s cage and just watched her. The spell cast on her earlier had worn off so she was a jaguar again. The cat had her ears back and her haunches were up and she was having a staring contest with Lord Nicholas. Adora stood several feet behind her father and watched the shifter. Her heart ached to free her, but she knew there was no way she could. Michael came up next to her and whispered, “I’m sorry Adora. I tried to win her.” She simply nodded. She had to admit, though, she was curious about this shifter. I have never met another shifter like me.
“Adora,” her father suddenly spoke up. “Come here.”
She swallowed and went to stand next to him. He motioned to the shifter, “Go near her cage. I want to see what happens.” She stared at him, unbelieving. He swung his hand at her head, but she ducked just in time, and quickly made her way to the cage. With each footstep, the jaguar crouched lower and hissed softly. A breeze blew from behind her and suddenly the jaguar stopped hissing and her ears began twitching, as if she was confused. Adora stopped just out of paw reach should the jaguar choose to attack and they just looked at each other. {Move forward, girl,} Father mentally commanded her. Adora’s heart was pounding and she certainly didn’t want to, but fear of extra punishment spurred her on. She took a small step inside the jaguar’s threat area, but the woman didn’t react. Another breeze stirred Adora’s hair and the jaguar sat up and both her ears were forward. She took another step and Adora was now close enough for the jaguar to bite her. The jaguar seemed to relax a little.
Then the jaguar looked past Adora and instantly, she crouched and snarled. Adora turned around and her father had begun to slowly step forward. He stopped and smiled. “Just as I thought. Adora, come here.” Once again, Adora stood by his side. “She recognizes you by your smell and therefore was not threatened.” He chuckled, “But when I approached…” He let his thought hang in the air, and there was something wrong with what he said, but before Adora could figure out what it was, his guards approached. They were driving a flat-bed wagon. They hopped off the wagon and bowed to Lord Nicholas.
“Excellent,” Lord Nicholas said, “I see my messenger didn’t waste any time. Use those poles to put this cage on the wagon. And be very careful with its contents. She bites.” The guards carefully put the poles through the holders attached to the cage without getting too close to the jaguar, lifted her up and set her in the back of the wagon. In moments they were gone and Adora was once again alone with her father. Her stomach knotted as she looked at him. A slow smile spread across his face as he reached into a pouch and pulled out his diamond. Adora’s heart beat faster and she took a step backwards before she could stop herself. He lashed out and grabbed her arm in a vice grip. “I believe, my dear, you have some punishment coming to you,” he whispered and his eyes sparkled. “What kind of pain should it be this time? Throbbing? Searing?” He paused, “Or maybe something else altogether?” He probed her mind, then laughed out loud. “Oh! That is perfect! What a great idea, Adora. Let’s go home.” He pocketed his gem, turned and walked away.
Extremely puzzled, Adora followed him to his awaiting carriage, climbed inside and they were quickly on their way. What the hell did he find in my mind? What is he going to do? She remembered him telling her once, ‘The anticipation of an act is worse than the act itself.’ And he was right. At least so far. She felt fidgety the short trip home and it didn’t help that every time he looked at her, he chuckled. As soon as they got home, he dismissed her. She went to her room, but couldn’t rest. She just kept pacing the floor. Finally, Adora decided to go to the training room.
Her heart lifted as she entered it, her only favorite room in this hell of a manor. She didn’t know how he created it but anything she could imagine became reality. She closed her eyes and imagined an obstacle course with enough activity to keep her mind off my father and perhaps even the poor Shifter. She ran through the course several times, trying again from the beginning each time she fell, until she could finally reach the end in one pass. Adora was bruised and exhausted, but she felt good. But her stomach quickly knotted again once she left the room. She took a bath and went to bed.
*******
Adora before The Council
Adora tested her bonds once more, but it was the same. The rope was biting into her wrists. The guards certainly know how to tie a knot. She rolled her shoulders, trying to ease the throbbing. How long are they going to keep me kneeling here? Even her legs were starting to tingle.
“Well, Adora? Are you going to answer us?”
Adora looked up into the woman’s face and sighed, “No.”
The woman shook her head and turned to the other Council members. As they softly talked amongst themselves, Adora studied the woman. It’s hard to believe we’re related. The woman had the slightly pointed ears and thin build of the half-elves. Finally they turned back to face Adora, each one leaning forward to look down from their raised dais. The woman spoke again, her soft voice full of authority. “Adora, you have some very serious charges against you today. Do you understand?”
Adora rolled her eyes then stared at the marble floor. I’m not a fucking three year old. One of the guards prodded her with his staff and Adora grunted as low electricity ran through her. Yes, let’s play this idiotic game. “Yes, Alia, I…” Adora began but finished off screaming in pain as the guard hit her with a stronger bolt of lightening from his staff.
Alia’s jaw flexed, and she took a deep breath before speaking with exaggerated patience. “Every time you come before us, Adora, we must remind you to show the proper respect. You will call me Councilwoman Alia.” She paused to let Adora consider the consequences. “Now, since you said you understand why you are here yet again, would you please repeat the charges against you.”
Adora stared at a spot on the floor while her heartbeat slowed. Without looking up, she said, “I am accused of using an unregistered diamond, breaking into Lord Banos’ home by magical means, killing at least one guard with magic and stealing a jeweled necklace.”
“Which she hasn’t returned yet!” Lord Banos said, his arms crossed.
Adora chuckled and was granted another dose of the electric staff. I will kill that damned guard the next time I see him alone.
Alia’s lips tightened as she stood and leaned on her fingertips. “Adora, I don’t believe you understand the seriousness of this crime. The reason you used magic to commit this crime is the reason you are before us and not at a common court.”
Adora raised her eyes to her half-sister and waited. Let’s get this over with.
“Therefore, I will ask you again,” Alia continued, “Did you act under someone’s orders or did you decide to do this crime alone?”
Adora looked at the lit candles in front of her and knew she had two more behind her, creating a Truth Spell around her. Adora remained silent.
“Let’s try a different tactic, Adora. Where did you get the unregistered diamond?”
Adora raised her eyes again and calmly returned her half-sister’s gaze, her mouth closed.
“You understand, Adora, if you do not answer our questions, we have no choice but to scan your mind.”
Adora nodded, “I understand, Councilwoman Alia.” Kind of a puffed-up title for someone who is only 10 years older than me.
“Normally, one of us would scan you, but since you are a slave, we will call in your current owner and ask him who will do it. Who is it this time?”
Adora said in a deadpan voice, “Lord Nicholas, Councilwoman Alia.”
She smiled, “Ah, good. He can scan you himself.” She frowned at Adora, “And at least he will tell us the truth.”
Adora snorted, but said nothing.
Alia sighed and waved her head, “Guards, take her back to her cell.”
***
Adora paced in the small cell and rubbed her wrists. At least they untied me. She chuckled, remembering their fear. Five guards pointing their staffs at her while a sixth undid the ropes. I suppose I should feel flattered.
“What now, Adora?”
Adora turned to the speaker and smiled, “Now, Charlie, I wait until Lord Nicholas arrives.”
“You almost look glad to see him.” His eyes danced with amusement as he watched her.
She frowned, “No, but he will get me out of here. I am too valuable to stay tucked away like this.” Charlie only nodded and silence again fell around them. Charlie was leaning up against the wall, waiting for his time in front of The Council. “What’re you in for, Charlie?”
Charlie shrugged, “They think I know something about the rash of unregistered gems in town.”
Adora’s eyebrows lifted, “And do you?”
Charlie gave her a half-grin, “No.” He chuckled at her obvious disappointment. “But I know who does.”
Adora opened her mouth to ask, but just then they heard footsteps and saw 5 guards approaching their cell. “Stand against the wall,” one said. They obeyed and soon the guards had the cell door open and their staffs ready. “Adora, come with us.”
“Looks like they won’t let me stay with you Charlie.” She chuckled, “Oh well, it’s been fun.”
“Tell Michael I said hello,” Charlie responded.
Adora turned to look at him, but he only stared back, his face blank.
“Come on, move it Adora,” the guard said, raising his staff to motivate her.
Adora quickly stepped out of the cell and was escorted to a side room just off the main courtroom. They opened the door and motioned her inside. Stepping inside, she saw Alia sitting in a plush chair across from the door, but when she turned to take in the rest of the room, she fell to her knees. Lord Nicholas sat just outside of direct view from the doorway. She touched her forehead to the floor and waited. The door close and silence fell.
“Well,” my sister said, breaking the silence, “at least she is respectful to you.”
Oh shit.
“She wasn’t to you?” Lord Nicholas asked her.
“It wasn’t that she wasn’t respectful, but she was uncooperative. She didn’t answer any questions and so has forced my hand in bringing you here. I know you are busy. I apologize for disturbing you.”
“Think nothing of it. Adora has always been…a problem, and now this.” He sighed, “I am just going to have to use a firmer hand with her.”
Adora’s stomach knotted and she felt sick. That doesn’t sound good for me at all.
“Of course, you must do what you feel you have to,” Alia said. “But I need you to scan her mind so we can at least find out where she got her unregistered gem and if she was under orders to commit the theft.”
Adora heard them stand and she tensed, expecting Nicholas to grab her at any moment, but they only walked to the door.
“I should be finished in about 2 hours,” Lord Nicholas said. “In the meantime, go relax. You are working yourself too hard, my dear.”
Alia said, “I wish I could father, but duty calls. Please notify me as soon as you learn anything.”
The door opened then closed again. Adora started to tremble, knowing she was now alone with him. Nicholas slowly walked back to his chair and sat down. Her heart was being furiously. The silence between them deepened then he said, “Lift your head, Adora.” She sat up and saw he had cast a silence spell around them. His eyes bored into her and he kept rubbing his Emerald in his hand. “Will there ever be a time,” he growled, “when I send you on a mission and you don’t FUCK IT UP?!” He stood and backhanded her. She screamed as her head was snapped around, followed by her body then the floor broke her fall. Tears blinded her and as she tried to get back on her knees, he grabbed her neck with both hands and hoisted her up to her feet. Adora stared at him for a moment before realizing his hands were tightening. She let out a terrified noise and began to claw at his hands. Just as her vision was about to go completely black, he let go and she dropped to the floor, coughing and gasping. “What am I going to do with you?” He paced while he scolded, “I told you to do something that I thought was so simple even you could do it. Looks like I was wrong.” He stopped pacing and faced her. “Get up.”
She struggled to rise and he place his hand on her neck again. She tensed and grabbed his arm, but he never tightened it. “Now to see what happened during your mission. Look me in the eyes, Adora.”
She lowered her hands and lifted her eyes to meet his. At first they just stared at each other, then his eyes seemed to get closer and everything faded to black. Her body felt heavy and she couldn’t see anything but she could feel his oily presence in her mind. He had free access to her memories and he asked about that night. She had no choice but to watch the memories play out before her. She saw the ease and care she had getting into Lord Banos’ home and going through the house quietly and undetected. Then the mistake happened. A child was walking about the house and walked in on her. They stared at each other, dumbfounded. Then the child screamed and the guards came running. Unfortunately, they were in a room with no windows and the door was quickly blocked by the guards. Adora rushed past the child and fought the guards, hoping to knock them out before they could alert the rest of the house, but it was too late - she heard the rest of the house stirring and feet running down the hall. She threw a short bit of rope at one guard while saying the trigger word and then grabbed her gem to take care of the other. The rope quickly wrapped around the guards neck and strangled him. The second guard already had his sword out and they danced for a few steps before she got her own sword out.
Now feeling more at ease with her blade in her hand, she used magic to bathe her sword with fire. After just a few more parries and thrusts, she stabbed him through his chest, killing him quickly. When she looked up, there were more guards at the doorway and the family behind them with Lord Banos already casting a spell. He pointed at her and she quickly froze. The guards unarmed her and had her tied before the spell wore off. They searched her, but didn’t find what she had already stolen.
The memory faded and the light around her brightened as he slid out of her mind. She felt very weak and dropped to the floor once he released her. Lord Nicholas looked down at her, and asked, “Why didn’t you kill the child? Or at least knock her out? Was that too difficult for you?” She didn't answer so he grabbed a handful of her hair and hauled her to her feet. She cried out and withered under his glare. “Answer me, you worthless slave. Why didn’t you kill that child when you had the chance?”
She swallowed and opened her mouth, but no words came. After another try, she said, “Father, she was only 6. Gods above, you can’t expect me…”
He shook her head again, “I can and I do. This will not happen again.” He released her, and she collapsed, her tears falling freely.
*******
“Well, Adora? Are you going to answer us?”
Adora looked up into the woman’s face and sighed, “No.”
The woman shook her head and turned to the other Council members. As they softly talked amongst themselves, Adora studied the woman. It’s hard to believe we’re related. The woman had the slightly pointed ears and thin build of the half-elves. Finally they turned back to face Adora, each one leaning forward to look down from their raised dais. The woman spoke again, her soft voice full of authority. “Adora, you have some very serious charges against you today. Do you understand?”
Adora rolled her eyes then stared at the marble floor. I’m not a fucking three year old. One of the guards prodded her with his staff and Adora grunted as low electricity ran through her. Yes, let’s play this idiotic game. “Yes, Alia, I…” Adora began but finished off screaming in pain as the guard hit her with a stronger bolt of lightening from his staff.
Alia’s jaw flexed, and she took a deep breath before speaking with exaggerated patience. “Every time you come before us, Adora, we must remind you to show the proper respect. You will call me Councilwoman Alia.” She paused to let Adora consider the consequences. “Now, since you said you understand why you are here yet again, would you please repeat the charges against you.”
Adora stared at a spot on the floor while her heartbeat slowed. Without looking up, she said, “I am accused of using an unregistered diamond, breaking into Lord Banos’ home by magical means, killing at least one guard with magic and stealing a jeweled necklace.”
“Which she hasn’t returned yet!” Lord Banos said, his arms crossed.
Adora chuckled and was granted another dose of the electric staff. I will kill that damned guard the next time I see him alone.
Alia’s lips tightened as she stood and leaned on her fingertips. “Adora, I don’t believe you understand the seriousness of this crime. The reason you used magic to commit this crime is the reason you are before us and not at a common court.”
Adora raised her eyes to her half-sister and waited. Let’s get this over with.
“Therefore, I will ask you again,” Alia continued, “Did you act under someone’s orders or did you decide to do this crime alone?”
Adora looked at the lit candles in front of her and knew she had two more behind her, creating a Truth Spell around her. Adora remained silent.
“Let’s try a different tactic, Adora. Where did you get the unregistered diamond?”
Adora raised her eyes again and calmly returned her half-sister’s gaze, her mouth closed.
“You understand, Adora, if you do not answer our questions, we have no choice but to scan your mind.”
Adora nodded, “I understand, Councilwoman Alia.” Kind of a puffed-up title for someone who is only 10 years older than me.
“Normally, one of us would scan you, but since you are a slave, we will call in your current owner and ask him who will do it. Who is it this time?”
Adora said in a deadpan voice, “Lord Nicholas, Councilwoman Alia.”
She smiled, “Ah, good. He can scan you himself.” She frowned at Adora, “And at least he will tell us the truth.”
Adora snorted, but said nothing.
Alia sighed and waved her head, “Guards, take her back to her cell.”
***
Adora paced in the small cell and rubbed her wrists. At least they untied me. She chuckled, remembering their fear. Five guards pointing their staffs at her while a sixth undid the ropes. I suppose I should feel flattered.
“What now, Adora?”
Adora turned to the speaker and smiled, “Now, Charlie, I wait until Lord Nicholas arrives.”
“You almost look glad to see him.” His eyes danced with amusement as he watched her.
She frowned, “No, but he will get me out of here. I am too valuable to stay tucked away like this.” Charlie only nodded and silence again fell around them. Charlie was leaning up against the wall, waiting for his time in front of The Council. “What’re you in for, Charlie?”
Charlie shrugged, “They think I know something about the rash of unregistered gems in town.”
Adora’s eyebrows lifted, “And do you?”
Charlie gave her a half-grin, “No.” He chuckled at her obvious disappointment. “But I know who does.”
Adora opened her mouth to ask, but just then they heard footsteps and saw 5 guards approaching their cell. “Stand against the wall,” one said. They obeyed and soon the guards had the cell door open and their staffs ready. “Adora, come with us.”
“Looks like they won’t let me stay with you Charlie.” She chuckled, “Oh well, it’s been fun.”
“Tell Michael I said hello,” Charlie responded.
Adora turned to look at him, but he only stared back, his face blank.
“Come on, move it Adora,” the guard said, raising his staff to motivate her.
Adora quickly stepped out of the cell and was escorted to a side room just off the main courtroom. They opened the door and motioned her inside. Stepping inside, she saw Alia sitting in a plush chair across from the door, but when she turned to take in the rest of the room, she fell to her knees. Lord Nicholas sat just outside of direct view from the doorway. She touched her forehead to the floor and waited. The door close and silence fell.
“Well,” my sister said, breaking the silence, “at least she is respectful to you.”
Oh shit.
“She wasn’t to you?” Lord Nicholas asked her.
“It wasn’t that she wasn’t respectful, but she was uncooperative. She didn’t answer any questions and so has forced my hand in bringing you here. I know you are busy. I apologize for disturbing you.”
“Think nothing of it. Adora has always been…a problem, and now this.” He sighed, “I am just going to have to use a firmer hand with her.”
Adora’s stomach knotted and she felt sick. That doesn’t sound good for me at all.
“Of course, you must do what you feel you have to,” Alia said. “But I need you to scan her mind so we can at least find out where she got her unregistered gem and if she was under orders to commit the theft.”
Adora heard them stand and she tensed, expecting Nicholas to grab her at any moment, but they only walked to the door.
“I should be finished in about 2 hours,” Lord Nicholas said. “In the meantime, go relax. You are working yourself too hard, my dear.”
Alia said, “I wish I could father, but duty calls. Please notify me as soon as you learn anything.”
The door opened then closed again. Adora started to tremble, knowing she was now alone with him. Nicholas slowly walked back to his chair and sat down. Her heart was being furiously. The silence between them deepened then he said, “Lift your head, Adora.” She sat up and saw he had cast a silence spell around them. His eyes bored into her and he kept rubbing his Emerald in his hand. “Will there ever be a time,” he growled, “when I send you on a mission and you don’t FUCK IT UP?!” He stood and backhanded her. She screamed as her head was snapped around, followed by her body then the floor broke her fall. Tears blinded her and as she tried to get back on her knees, he grabbed her neck with both hands and hoisted her up to her feet. Adora stared at him for a moment before realizing his hands were tightening. She let out a terrified noise and began to claw at his hands. Just as her vision was about to go completely black, he let go and she dropped to the floor, coughing and gasping. “What am I going to do with you?” He paced while he scolded, “I told you to do something that I thought was so simple even you could do it. Looks like I was wrong.” He stopped pacing and faced her. “Get up.”
She struggled to rise and he place his hand on her neck again. She tensed and grabbed his arm, but he never tightened it. “Now to see what happened during your mission. Look me in the eyes, Adora.”
She lowered her hands and lifted her eyes to meet his. At first they just stared at each other, then his eyes seemed to get closer and everything faded to black. Her body felt heavy and she couldn’t see anything but she could feel his oily presence in her mind. He had free access to her memories and he asked about that night. She had no choice but to watch the memories play out before her. She saw the ease and care she had getting into Lord Banos’ home and going through the house quietly and undetected. Then the mistake happened. A child was walking about the house and walked in on her. They stared at each other, dumbfounded. Then the child screamed and the guards came running. Unfortunately, they were in a room with no windows and the door was quickly blocked by the guards. Adora rushed past the child and fought the guards, hoping to knock them out before they could alert the rest of the house, but it was too late - she heard the rest of the house stirring and feet running down the hall. She threw a short bit of rope at one guard while saying the trigger word and then grabbed her gem to take care of the other. The rope quickly wrapped around the guards neck and strangled him. The second guard already had his sword out and they danced for a few steps before she got her own sword out.
Now feeling more at ease with her blade in her hand, she used magic to bathe her sword with fire. After just a few more parries and thrusts, she stabbed him through his chest, killing him quickly. When she looked up, there were more guards at the doorway and the family behind them with Lord Banos already casting a spell. He pointed at her and she quickly froze. The guards unarmed her and had her tied before the spell wore off. They searched her, but didn’t find what she had already stolen.
The memory faded and the light around her brightened as he slid out of her mind. She felt very weak and dropped to the floor once he released her. Lord Nicholas looked down at her, and asked, “Why didn’t you kill the child? Or at least knock her out? Was that too difficult for you?” She didn't answer so he grabbed a handful of her hair and hauled her to her feet. She cried out and withered under his glare. “Answer me, you worthless slave. Why didn’t you kill that child when you had the chance?”
She swallowed and opened her mouth, but no words came. After another try, she said, “Father, she was only 6. Gods above, you can’t expect me…”
He shook her head again, “I can and I do. This will not happen again.” He released her, and she collapsed, her tears falling freely.
*******
Adora in a tight spot
Mille opened the door and let the air slam it against the wall. She stood in the doorway, the evening sun outlining her perfectly. The bartender growled, "You gonna pay for damages woman!" Mille stepped further inside the Flaming Phoenix and frowned. She didn't bother shutting the door. Now that she was out of the glaring outside light, the bartender cleared his throat, "Sorry Mille, I didn't mean any offense. I didn’t recognize you. You looking to compete in the arena?"
Mille shook her head, "You know I never do, Carl." She glared at each person as her eyes slowly traveled around the room. Finally she found whom she was looking for. Taking a few steps toward the person, Mille called to her from across the room. "You know why I'm here, Adora.” The room fell silent and all eyes turn to watch the newcomer. “Come with me quietly and we'll see you are treated to a fair trial."
Adora stared back at her from the table and took a sip of her blackberry cordial. "Well, well, well. If it isn't Mille herself. I am flattered.” There were low chuckles around the room. “You plan on taking me in all by your little lonesome, eh?" She sipped her drink again and placed it down. Mille just stood there, watching. "Why don't you sit down, Mille, and we can discuss this. I'm sure we can come to an amicable agreement."
"There is nothing to discuss, Adora. You are coming in with me now. You will not slip my grasp this time." She gripped the handle of her mace, but didn't draw it yet. Those closest to Mille scooted away from her.
Adora scowled, "I think you will not find it so easy, Mille. I will not be going with you, but I will be leaving here. You have spoiled my appetite. " Mille takes two steps closer to Adora.
"Stop!" Adora held up her hand. "Don't make me do this Mille. I admire your tenacity, but I suggest you turn and leave now."
Mille shook her head, "Not a chance, Adora. You have gotten away with too many murders and thefts for me to leave. I am bringing you in." She draws her mace. "Now."
Adora shrugged, "So be it." She tugs on her ear lobe and a man sitting at a table nearest to Mille suddenly stands and swings at Mille's head. She ducks, but that momentary distraction was enough. Adora hopped over the bar, through the kitchen and down into the cellars. There she went to a large cask, twisted the spigot and the entire front of the barrel opened to reveal a tunnel. Getting inside, she closed the door and re-set the lock. Reaching the end, she climbed the ladder and slowly opened the door in the fake tree stump. Not seeing anyone in the woods around her, she stepped out of the hiding place. Stupid woman. Her stubbornness will get her killed…or worse. A twig snapped and Adora froze. She scanned the woods around her, and strained her ears, but could not detect any other movement. Just has her hand touched the hilt of her sword, a net came sailing from the darkness and wrapped around Adora before her sword was half of the scabbard.
The net tightened around her, forcing her sword away. “Who the hell..??” Adora hollered. She struggled, knowing it was useless. Finally, she fell back on the ground. That’s when she saw several men coming out of the woods. They were dressed for living in the woods and most of them had some kind of injury - this one was wearing an eye patch, another had a scar, and all had a gleam in their eyes Adora did not like. “How dare you! Let me go now!” They kept approaching her and the net finally tightened enough to keep Adora from moving.
Eye-patch pointed to a couple of the other men, “Pick her up.” Then he turned and melted into the woods. Adora was silently hauled up and thrown over a muscular shoulder. Now what? {Father, I’ve got a problem.} Silence. {Father?!} Sill no answer. Well, it looks like I’m on my own. Adora forced herself to calm down so she could think clearly. She was powerless now anyway without being able to draw her sword or reach her Gem. They walked for a while and Adora was quickly disoriented without being able to see around her. Finally she heard more voices, like at a camp, then one man’s voice broke through. “Well, well. Our fishers are back. Let’s see what they have caught.” I was grabbed and thrown to the ground, knocking the air from me. “Damn it!” I said and struggled more.
The speaker got up and walked over to me and I glared at him from the ground. His eyes widened, “It can’t be.” He stared at me a little longer, “Well, gentlemen, it looks like we have a dangerous catch here.”
“Who is she?”
The man reached through the net and took my sword and my Gem. “This, men, is Adora. She works for Lord Nicholas,” There were several gasps around us and the men began to talk at once.
“We can’t keep her.”
“He’ll have us all as slaves.”
“Let’s kill her.”
“Let’s let her go.”
“Fool, she has already seen our faces.”
“No.” The leader said, “We will sell her, but not at the market. Too many would know her.” He nods, having come to a decision, “We’ll take her to The Slaver.”
My eyes widen, “No! Not the slaver!” {Father! Answer me!} Still no response. What they hell? Maybe they blocked my link? How?
The leader chuckled, “You know of The Slaver?” He pointed to others around them, “Put her in the wagon. There is no time to wait.” Two men got in the wagon with me and The Leader and another rode up front. The Leader snapped the horses and we were off.
“You will pay for this. Lord Nicholas will find out and will kill you all.”
The Leader chuckled, “I don’t think so, but The Slaver will certainly pay for you.” The other men also laughed.
I fell silent and remembered my first experience with The Slaver. I was a common slave (for punishment) when one day I was called out to Nicholas’ throne room. With my stomach in knots I stood before him. Another man approached me and looked me over thoroughly. Never taking his eyes from me, he asked Nicholas all about me - my skills, faults, and who else had owned me. Since I was fairly young, my faults were more numerous than my skills. The Slaver then grabbed my chin and looked into my eyes with a greedy smile, “Yes. I will get a good amount of coin for you.” There was something about him that made my skin crawl.
I came back to the present and looked around. I could only see the tall trees above me. We’re still in the woods. Where are we going? The sun had almost set when we stopped. The men climbed out of the wagon, dragging me with them. One hauled me on his shoulder again and another knocked at a door. Someone answered and I instantly recognized The Slaver’s voice. “Gentlemen. I see you have a new catch for me. Excellent. Bring her inside.”
“Wait until you see who it is. I have a feeling you know her.”
I was once again taken off the man’s shoulder but this time I was set on my feet with 2 men holding me up.
The Slaver’s jaw dropped, then he smiled, “I don’t believe it. Adora is it really you?”
I glared at him, “My father will make you pay unless you return me right now.”
The Slaver laughed, his foul breath in my face. “Oh yes, it is you. Gentlemen,” he said to the others but never taking his eyes from me, “be glad you used this net I gave you. If you hadn’t, or if you had released her from it, you would all be facing Lord Nicholas’ guards right now.” I gasped and he chuckled, “That’s right my lovely. This net keeps any psychic powers - magical or natural - from working.” He turned and spoke to the Leader and they discussed prices. My jaw dropped along with the others when I heard the amount. The Leader agreed, the coin was doled out and they left, leaving me sitting in a chair. He went into another room, but I could still hear him talking, “Since you can’t be useful in the net, I have also created a special collar that will perform the same as the net.” He came out of the room holding a plain metal collar with runes carved into it.
“No!” I again tried fighting the net. “Don’t do this! What about my poison?” I was getting frantic and I fell onto the floor with a thump.
The Slaver grabbed the net and lifted me to my feet. “Relax. When did you last take your antidote?”
“This morning.”
“Well, what are you worried about? We still have 2 days to figure out that solution.” He laid me down on a mattress and worked the collar around my neck, finally clicking it in place. Then he canceled the spell on the net and it loosened around me.
{Father? Please!} Silence. I quickly threw off the net and looked at him. “Well, now what?”
“Now,” he stood up and headed for another room, “we feed you and get you ready for your trip tomorrow.” Once he was out of eye sight, I bolted for the door, threw it open, and ran outside. I didn’t get 5 steps when I suddenly couldn’t breathe. I dropped to the ground and clawed at the collar. The slaver was standing in the doorway and called out, “Come back and you’ll be able to breathe.” Forcing myself to concentrate, I crawled as fast as I was able back to the house while I was still conscious. When I was close enough, the spell stopped and I lay there, breathing deeply. The Slaver knelt by me and showed me his hand. He wore a plain metal ring with runes etched in it. “You always have to learn things the hard way?” He sighed, “You get too far from this ring and that’ll happen. Now shall we go inside?”
I scowled but walked back inside the house. He sat me at the table and placed a large bowl of stew in front of me and some crusty rolls. I must admit, I was hungry and not seeing any other choice, I ate. Between mouthfuls, we talked. “Who are you selling me to?”
He smiled, “Someone very special. Yes, he will pay a great deal for you.”
*******
Mille shook her head, "You know I never do, Carl." She glared at each person as her eyes slowly traveled around the room. Finally she found whom she was looking for. Taking a few steps toward the person, Mille called to her from across the room. "You know why I'm here, Adora.” The room fell silent and all eyes turn to watch the newcomer. “Come with me quietly and we'll see you are treated to a fair trial."
Adora stared back at her from the table and took a sip of her blackberry cordial. "Well, well, well. If it isn't Mille herself. I am flattered.” There were low chuckles around the room. “You plan on taking me in all by your little lonesome, eh?" She sipped her drink again and placed it down. Mille just stood there, watching. "Why don't you sit down, Mille, and we can discuss this. I'm sure we can come to an amicable agreement."
"There is nothing to discuss, Adora. You are coming in with me now. You will not slip my grasp this time." She gripped the handle of her mace, but didn't draw it yet. Those closest to Mille scooted away from her.
Adora scowled, "I think you will not find it so easy, Mille. I will not be going with you, but I will be leaving here. You have spoiled my appetite. " Mille takes two steps closer to Adora.
"Stop!" Adora held up her hand. "Don't make me do this Mille. I admire your tenacity, but I suggest you turn and leave now."
Mille shook her head, "Not a chance, Adora. You have gotten away with too many murders and thefts for me to leave. I am bringing you in." She draws her mace. "Now."
Adora shrugged, "So be it." She tugs on her ear lobe and a man sitting at a table nearest to Mille suddenly stands and swings at Mille's head. She ducks, but that momentary distraction was enough. Adora hopped over the bar, through the kitchen and down into the cellars. There she went to a large cask, twisted the spigot and the entire front of the barrel opened to reveal a tunnel. Getting inside, she closed the door and re-set the lock. Reaching the end, she climbed the ladder and slowly opened the door in the fake tree stump. Not seeing anyone in the woods around her, she stepped out of the hiding place. Stupid woman. Her stubbornness will get her killed…or worse. A twig snapped and Adora froze. She scanned the woods around her, and strained her ears, but could not detect any other movement. Just has her hand touched the hilt of her sword, a net came sailing from the darkness and wrapped around Adora before her sword was half of the scabbard.
The net tightened around her, forcing her sword away. “Who the hell..??” Adora hollered. She struggled, knowing it was useless. Finally, she fell back on the ground. That’s when she saw several men coming out of the woods. They were dressed for living in the woods and most of them had some kind of injury - this one was wearing an eye patch, another had a scar, and all had a gleam in their eyes Adora did not like. “How dare you! Let me go now!” They kept approaching her and the net finally tightened enough to keep Adora from moving.
Eye-patch pointed to a couple of the other men, “Pick her up.” Then he turned and melted into the woods. Adora was silently hauled up and thrown over a muscular shoulder. Now what? {Father, I’ve got a problem.} Silence. {Father?!} Sill no answer. Well, it looks like I’m on my own. Adora forced herself to calm down so she could think clearly. She was powerless now anyway without being able to draw her sword or reach her Gem. They walked for a while and Adora was quickly disoriented without being able to see around her. Finally she heard more voices, like at a camp, then one man’s voice broke through. “Well, well. Our fishers are back. Let’s see what they have caught.” I was grabbed and thrown to the ground, knocking the air from me. “Damn it!” I said and struggled more.
The speaker got up and walked over to me and I glared at him from the ground. His eyes widened, “It can’t be.” He stared at me a little longer, “Well, gentlemen, it looks like we have a dangerous catch here.”
“Who is she?”
The man reached through the net and took my sword and my Gem. “This, men, is Adora. She works for Lord Nicholas,” There were several gasps around us and the men began to talk at once.
“We can’t keep her.”
“He’ll have us all as slaves.”
“Let’s kill her.”
“Let’s let her go.”
“Fool, she has already seen our faces.”
“No.” The leader said, “We will sell her, but not at the market. Too many would know her.” He nods, having come to a decision, “We’ll take her to The Slaver.”
My eyes widen, “No! Not the slaver!” {Father! Answer me!} Still no response. What they hell? Maybe they blocked my link? How?
The leader chuckled, “You know of The Slaver?” He pointed to others around them, “Put her in the wagon. There is no time to wait.” Two men got in the wagon with me and The Leader and another rode up front. The Leader snapped the horses and we were off.
“You will pay for this. Lord Nicholas will find out and will kill you all.”
The Leader chuckled, “I don’t think so, but The Slaver will certainly pay for you.” The other men also laughed.
I fell silent and remembered my first experience with The Slaver. I was a common slave (for punishment) when one day I was called out to Nicholas’ throne room. With my stomach in knots I stood before him. Another man approached me and looked me over thoroughly. Never taking his eyes from me, he asked Nicholas all about me - my skills, faults, and who else had owned me. Since I was fairly young, my faults were more numerous than my skills. The Slaver then grabbed my chin and looked into my eyes with a greedy smile, “Yes. I will get a good amount of coin for you.” There was something about him that made my skin crawl.
I came back to the present and looked around. I could only see the tall trees above me. We’re still in the woods. Where are we going? The sun had almost set when we stopped. The men climbed out of the wagon, dragging me with them. One hauled me on his shoulder again and another knocked at a door. Someone answered and I instantly recognized The Slaver’s voice. “Gentlemen. I see you have a new catch for me. Excellent. Bring her inside.”
“Wait until you see who it is. I have a feeling you know her.”
I was once again taken off the man’s shoulder but this time I was set on my feet with 2 men holding me up.
The Slaver’s jaw dropped, then he smiled, “I don’t believe it. Adora is it really you?”
I glared at him, “My father will make you pay unless you return me right now.”
The Slaver laughed, his foul breath in my face. “Oh yes, it is you. Gentlemen,” he said to the others but never taking his eyes from me, “be glad you used this net I gave you. If you hadn’t, or if you had released her from it, you would all be facing Lord Nicholas’ guards right now.” I gasped and he chuckled, “That’s right my lovely. This net keeps any psychic powers - magical or natural - from working.” He turned and spoke to the Leader and they discussed prices. My jaw dropped along with the others when I heard the amount. The Leader agreed, the coin was doled out and they left, leaving me sitting in a chair. He went into another room, but I could still hear him talking, “Since you can’t be useful in the net, I have also created a special collar that will perform the same as the net.” He came out of the room holding a plain metal collar with runes carved into it.
“No!” I again tried fighting the net. “Don’t do this! What about my poison?” I was getting frantic and I fell onto the floor with a thump.
The Slaver grabbed the net and lifted me to my feet. “Relax. When did you last take your antidote?”
“This morning.”
“Well, what are you worried about? We still have 2 days to figure out that solution.” He laid me down on a mattress and worked the collar around my neck, finally clicking it in place. Then he canceled the spell on the net and it loosened around me.
{Father? Please!} Silence. I quickly threw off the net and looked at him. “Well, now what?”
“Now,” he stood up and headed for another room, “we feed you and get you ready for your trip tomorrow.” Once he was out of eye sight, I bolted for the door, threw it open, and ran outside. I didn’t get 5 steps when I suddenly couldn’t breathe. I dropped to the ground and clawed at the collar. The slaver was standing in the doorway and called out, “Come back and you’ll be able to breathe.” Forcing myself to concentrate, I crawled as fast as I was able back to the house while I was still conscious. When I was close enough, the spell stopped and I lay there, breathing deeply. The Slaver knelt by me and showed me his hand. He wore a plain metal ring with runes etched in it. “You always have to learn things the hard way?” He sighed, “You get too far from this ring and that’ll happen. Now shall we go inside?”
I scowled but walked back inside the house. He sat me at the table and placed a large bowl of stew in front of me and some crusty rolls. I must admit, I was hungry and not seeing any other choice, I ate. Between mouthfuls, we talked. “Who are you selling me to?”
He smiled, “Someone very special. Yes, he will pay a great deal for you.”
*******
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