Why does my father even need me to watch the herd this late? The nights are always peaceful in these parts. It's a land of rolling hills, farmers mostly. I am missing the story my mother tells me every night for this.
From atop a rocky outcropping on a wind-swept hill, I watch the herd below, each sheep safe within sight. My heart, for the moment, is at ease. A rustling from the nearby forest snaps my attention. I leap to my feet and sprint toward the treeline, instincts sharp, searching for the source. To get a better view of the forest I climb up the closest tall tree. But then—glowing eyes, just above me. I gasp, and lose my grip. Branches claw at my skin as I fall. Thud. Pain explodes in my side, but I don't stop to think. I run. "Qirox help me!" I mutter to myself as I flee the forest.
"HUP, HUP!" I shout at the herd, forcing my voice to stay firm. If they sense my fear, they'll freeze—and that would be the end of us. One lost sheep, and my father's rod will find my back as it does my brothers'. I stay behind the flock, staff clutched tight. The wood—cut from the blessed tree—could break bone in the hands of a stronger man. But I am only fifteen. The eyes in the dark are gone now, swallowed by the forest. I dare not call for help; the herd would scatter. My gaze sweeps the land once more.
SILENCE.
The herd is almost in their pens, I just need to wake my father, though he was an aged man he is still the strongest among this tribe, he would still be able to kill a beast of the night. I enter his tent at the head of the camp. "Yaquvos, Father, wake up!" I whisper to him as to not wake my mother sleeping next to him. "Seppe, what are you doing back already, I told you to have the herd…" "Father this can't wait, a beast is at the forest's edge hunting the herd!" I quietly state with urgency. My father quietly yet swiftly grabs his club and like a gust of wind is at the herd.
Yaqu with no hesitation or fear, sprinted toward the beast. I could see him slow and realize that the club was too much weight to be able to reach the beast in time. He tossed it aside. Now at full speed. Like a cat he pounced on the beast, instantly reaching for the neck. The beast struggled scraping whatever it could. I struggled to see all of what was happening with only the light of the stars. I heard a loud, KRAK!
SILENCE.
The dust settled from where my father was wrestling the beast–a form arose in the starlight. I saw the beast hung limp over the shoulders of my father, he is exhausted but carries it nonetheless. As he got closer to me I realized there was a great scratch across his face from the beast's claws. His left eye was not in its socket, dangling by its cord.
My father walks into the butcher's tent belonging to my older brother, "Silean, get out your knives, I have tomorrow's dinner for you to cut." "Father, what does Vargulith taste like?" I ask having only heard tales in my younger years of what a night beast tastes like. "You will find out tomorrow Seppe, now stop asking questions and go to bed, you need to start training your eastern wülf pup at dawn!"
My mother comes out of her and my fathers tent, "Seppe, are you okay? I hear a lot going on out there."
"Yes mother, I am fine. Can you save some of your honey bread for me in the morning before I go to train my pup?"
"Sure thing Kiddo! Now get to bed so you're rested!"
"Yes mother!"
I lay in bed finally able to rest. I wonder if the beast will be savory, or maybe even sweet like the dark berries of the forest. That's if I can even grab a piece before Rabadon, Silean, Ilve, Zaphon, and Ishaukon get to it. They always get everything before me, it's not fair. One day I'll ... yawwnnnn.
The new day begins. I stretch and pry my eyes open. I finally get to start training my eastern wülf. I have been waiting for this day for so long. Finally something that will be younger than me in this family. I'll have someone that I can talk to since no one listens to me around here.
"Seppe! Wake up!"
"I'm up father, don't worry I'm ready for this"
"It's time you learn how we stay away from all of the evil of Tynesus. Then I will show you the pup you will be training."
"What do you mean father?"
"Follow me boy."
I nod. He starts a walk, facing toward the mountain just south of our encampment. What could he be showing me on the mountain? There seems to be a trail we're following. We arrived at the peak of the mountain.
"Now you see that?"
Pointing to the perfectly shaped mountain in the distance. It looks unnatural. As if it was built. I couldn't tell though, it was so far away. At least a week's journey south.
"That is Tynesus, the capital of a great empire we live next to. They have tried to come north but have been stopped by all of the creatures in the wilds. They also are not good enough climbers to make it over the mountains to get to us."
"Do they even know we're here?"
"They do not. We're hoping it stays that way."
So we've just been hiding from others this whole time?
"Now Seppe, if you go to Tynesus or even past the mountain we could be discovered and soon find our end. Heed my warning son… Now let's go get you your pup."
"I promise—I will never go to the city father. Now can we please go get my pup!"
"Yes we can ba ha ha! Follow me back down and I'll show you where I've been hiding it."
We hike down the mountain. Dusk is soon to approach. My father goes behind his tent. Holding the pup by its scruff. They both smile at me. I rush to grab the pup.
It is so cute. The pup is such a beautiful brown, almost black. With the most intense green eyes.
"Time to learn how to train your pup!"
"Let's get started!"
…
2 years have passed.
…
"Come Temus!"
"Wrouff!"
We return from our bird hunt successfully with two common field birds. I have Temus, my now full grown eastern wülf fully trained.
Now that I've proven my ability in the woods and the fields, as Temus hunts and herds with me, my father finally accepts me into the pack as a man, but all of them seem to be bothered by my presence. They all think I'm spoiled by my mother.
I walk by my brothers' tents and hear them all gathered and talking in low voices.
What do they need to be so secretive about?
I hear Silean whisper, "…we need to do it. We'll make so many ruby's." "No Silean, we shouldn't father would kill us all if he found out, he already knows of our jealousy."
What are they talking about?
"Tynesus is full of riches, I've been there before, as long as we keep it a secret father will never know. We just need to come up with something to cover it up."
Cover what up? What are they plotting?
"Everyone think about it and we'll meet again, at the same place and time as we have been!"
Damn, I need to get out of here.
I make for the watering trough for the wolves. Before anyone leaves the tent I make it in time, standing by Temus. I try desperately to look as normal as possible. They think nothing of me. Some glare but that is just normal.
Later in the day Ilve asks me, "Seppe, Do you want to come with me and the rest of our brothers for a night hunt?"
"Yeah!"
Why are we hunting at night? Eh it'll be fine, at least I'm being included in whatever they do.
The day passes. Sol sets over the horizon. The sky, a beautiful color; almost red. The family gathers to have our meal for the day. We go off to our tents to sleep.
SILENCE.
How long am I supposed to wait for them?
"Seppe, come out, we're leaving now."
I'll leave Temus behind to sleep in the tent. He worked hard today and deserves some rest.
I come out of the tent. Ready to hunt. I feel something is wrong; Bloodlust. A hand suddenly is on my mouth. Everything goes black…
Time passes, I don't know how much. Maybe a couple hours.
…My head. It hurts to move.
I hear noises from above me.
Where am I?
I feel around me, my hand only feels soft moist soil as far up as I can reach. Feels recently dug with a crisp exterior. Must've been dug only days ago. I reach up for escape. Dirt just crumbles in my hand and I fall back down.
"Let me out! Rabadon! Silean! Ilve! Zaphon! Ishaukon! I hear you up there! This game isn't any fun!"
THUD.
A rope hits my head. Finally they're going to pull me up.
"Brothers if you're going to pull something on me, at least have it be actually funny. This type of thing is no…"
A man standing there in purple garbs with gold plated wristlets and shin plates. Each plate has a symbol of a T on the center. He was towering above my brothers. His legs sturdy, like stumps in the ground, his arms scarred, as if he had seen endless battle. His face is broad, cleanly shaved, bald. Across his head ran a long scar, likely from a sword long ago. His eyes are piercing, yet with a strangely calm demeanor.
He must be a man from Tynesus. Why do my brothers know him?
He is chatting with Silean and Ilve, Zaphon and Rabadon are holding me steady.
I whisper, "Zaphon, what is happening? You have always had compassion for me when the others have not, please tell me what is going on!"
"I cannot tell you now, Silean will tell you in just a moment. I am sorry brother, be safe!"
"Bring Seppe here!"
I see the man from Tynesus slip Silean a small bag full of what sounds like gem stones.
"Silean what are you doing?"
" I am letting you go brother. Your mother spoils you and we can not bear seeing it anymore."
"You're jealous. that is it?"
"Seppe you don't understand. You have been given everything."
"All of this for what–so you can have more gems?"
"Rubies, not just any gems Seppe, do you know the women I could buy for this?"
I muster up the biggest wad of saliva I can.
"You disgust me Silean."
I spit on him. His face turns red with rage and he gives me a blow to the gut. Bent over from pain, I cough up blood. It all hurts so bad. My head throbs. Again everything goes black.
Sol is high, it must be midday now. The air is dry. Thump. Thump. Thump. I look around to realize that I am on a horse, smaller than the ones from home. I see the man in the purple on another horse beside me. I look north to see the mountain my father brought me to only years ago in the distance. Sand is everywhere around me. Desolate. Dunes left and right. The wind was blowing with no sound of trees. No birds chirping. No life was to be found in the dry place.
"I hear your name is Seppe boy?"
"Yes, what of it?"
"No need to be hostile–Seppe is it–I know I took you from your home but this is only normal."
"NORMAL?"
Will I ever even see my mother again? My Father? Temus? Zaphon? Rabadon? Ilve? Ishaukon? Silean I wouldn't mind not seeing again. He can go burn in the eternal flame.
"Where are you even taking me? You haven't told me anything!"
"Well then, let me tell you where we are going. We are on our way to Tynesus, your brothers said you were a very hard worker and will sell well in the slave markets there."
"Slave markets? You're telling me you're bringing me to Tynesus to sell me?"
"Now you've got it! Ha ha ha"
"You've got to be kidding right?"
"Nope, you're going to be one of the many slaves of Tynesus now. Just hope you have a good owner boy. I've heard some stories about owners killing, raping, even the males, and violating their slaves in all sorts of ways."
Qirox please help me! I have no one. Be my protector O great tree of the old forest give me the seed of hope. Bless me with a master to serve who knows little of the wickedness of Belial, the enemy.
"How much more time until we get to Tynesus?"
"About a three days journey from here."
"Can I have some of your water? The air is so dry out here."
"Go find your own water boy!"
"Where from, there is nothing out here?"
"You're starting to understand it, I am not here to coddle you like a baby. Just to bring you to the market and sell you. Now be quiet, before I give you another bruise on your head!"
The winds howl. Horses Gallop. Every moment is another away from home. The pain of my throbbing head is nothing compared to the pain in my heart. My own brothers have forsaken me. My father likely will never know what happened to me. My mother will mourn for me as if I have died–and Temus–he will think I have abandoned him.
Temus, My beloved friend, the one who always listened to my groanings. Know that I have not abandoned you, and please protect my mother.
…
Two days pass. Constant Galloping. Stopping only at night to rest the horses. No water. No food. My stomach howls every second. My mouth feels as dry as the desert that surrounds me. No words have been exchanged between me and this man I had no care to ask the name of. My hatred for my brothers was growing with every step the horses took us further away from home. I have never been more than 10 miles from our encampment. There was never a need to be. We had everything we needed there.
The night was soon approaching. I could see green in the distance and that same perfectly shaped mountain my father had shown me.
…
Weary, feeling like I had no strength left, "How much longer?"
"Only a day's journey, to the edge of the forest up there and we'll be at the market. Then I can finally get something for you."
"I realized I never asked your name sir. In case I see you in the city again, what shall I call you?"
"I go by Qenna Barbasus. But I'll allow you to call me Q, since I did take you. I will grant you that one privilege."
"Okay well then Q—if I am not sold what will happen to me then?"
"You will be sold."
"How can you be so certain of that?"
"Everyone who has money wants as many slaves as they can get their rich grubby hands on."
I nod with understanding and worry in my heart.
…
The night is long.
…
Upon waking up I hear, "Seppe, get up, it's time we get you sold!"
This might be the worst day of my life. How has it come to this?
I climb on the horse for the last time. Secure myself and off we go. The last day of the desolate land that I hated so much. The lushness of the forest was before us. Trees of which I've never seen. So many vines and dense bushes and trees. It's a surprise anyone can walk through here. There was only a green veil between us and the city now. I could see the tops of built things all the way out in the desert and now it feels like only a moment and I am surrounded by buildings, made of what looked like sand colored stone.
People lived like this? It smells so filthy. It's like they're all living on top of each other like a newborn litter of pups smearing waste around all on each other. This is nothing like home.
"We're here! Time to make a sign for your pricing. What do you think you're worth? Ba ha ha!"
Qirox please protect me!
Qenna crafted a sign out of some wood he found for fire from the forest. He used a small blade of iron to write an inscription on the sign. It was in a language I did not understand but it looked familiar. I think this was the language the mother of my older brothers had taught me in my younger years. I could not read out what the sign said.
We began walking to what sounded like a bustling city market. I see they have all the slaves up for sale on top of a large stone pedestal that keeps them seen by the whole crowd. All the buyers fill the entire area around it. They were all arguing. They seem like such despicable people.
These people are just creatures of their own desire. I hope there is a master here who will not abuse me.
Now most of the buyers had with them large brawny men capable of violence. There was one man who appeared in the crowd, wearing white robes with a light blue cloak adorned in the most beautiful of golden flowers. He was without an accompanying enforcer. Alone he arrived at this hell hole of a market. Walking with a grace of which I have not seen, like that of a bird gliding effortlessly on the wind.
"Qenna!"
"What do you want now boy?"
"Who is that man?" as I point to the graceful man.
"He is the Captain of the Guard of King Sete. His name is—Osari"
Suddenly a hand appeared on Qenna's back, out of nowhere appeared Osari.
"Qenna, It has been some time, what are you doing here?"
There is no way these two men know each other, such opposites.
"Osari, I've not seen you in too long, friend."
It looks like both of them knew each other from long ago; as if they were brothers. It looked like they were both catching up with each other.
Just watching their movements and mannerisms I could tell that Osari was a noble man, kind of heart, however; it was quite clear that though kind, he knew when justice was to be wrought. I have a deep seeded desire to see this man in a duel, as I have speculation without any knowledge other than the way he walks to say that he may be one of the best I have ever seen.
I wonder what men like this even have to catch up to? Their lives move so fast here, people are in and out of just this foul place, I can't imagine what other crevices of sin they have around any given corner. Oh Qirox, they are pointing at me now, give me protection.
After all of their conversation, I stood there for a few minutes with fierce anxiety, just waiting to be brought down to them, every second feeling like hours. Finally, I heard Qenna,
"Come down Seppe, I want you to meet him."
"Guards! Deliver my slave to me!"
After Qenna had yelled at the guards I saw a quake of fear in their eyes, as much as they attempted to hide it.
"At once!"
When I arrived at Qenna, he grabbed me with his brutish and strong hands, though I tried to resist out of fear, there was nothing I could do. In the blink of an eye I was kneeling before Osari. Qenna whispers in a harsh tone to me, "Say "My Lord, great peace be with you.""
"My Lord, great peace be with you!"
"Now young man, Qenna tells me you are a refined young man of a calm demeanor for one who has just been taken from his home."
"Yes my Lord, I have been sold to Qenna by my own brothers so as much as they are my family I do have a certain hatred for them now."
"I see, well Seppe, I would like to buy you to come work in my home, I have some things I want done. I only am in need of one more slave for all of the tasks I am undertaking."
"I would love to help you sir."
I knew this was the man that Qirox had brought to me, he has protected me.
"Then let us leave behind Qenna, I can bring you to my house."
"I will see you again sometime Osari, peace be with you!"
"And peace be with you Qenna!"
Soon after leaving the slave market arena, the city got quite silent. No more voices, just the winds whistling eerie tunes. There were no fields like home, just slender paths between buildings, wide enough for 2 horses to ride side by side. There was little to be said between me and Osari. I knew he was a man of few words outside his inner circle, which Qenna was clearly an infrequent part of.
"We are here Seppe, lay your eyes upon my home, hidden among the commoners."
"It looks beautiful nonetheless sir."
"No need for pleasantries Seppe, I will accept no lies in my house."
"I will lie no more."
"Good."
His house looked only like the rest of the houses on this path. It had a face of sandstone. A simple brow over the worn down, what used to be gold, door. It was too close to the other houses to tell how long it was but it looked as common as the others. Osari reached for the handle and then slowly opened the door.
"Welcome to your new home, Seppe."
As I walk through the door it feels like something ominous is watching.