Slave To Savage

Chapter Three

Alphea's eyes fluttered open as sunshine streamed in through the large windows, basking her in light. She rolled over onto her back and stretched her stiff body.

"Good, you're awake." A deep voice came from her left. She shot up at the sight of Silas standing by the dresser, getting dressed. He pulled on a vest and was tying the laces. His long hair that was tied up yesterday hung loose over his shoulders messily. She struggled to keep her eyes open, they blinked rapidly as she tried to process what was going on. Then yesterday's events rushed back to her and she immediately sprung up from the floor.

"The ladies said you should head down and get cleaned up and put on new clothes." He combed his hair with his fingers and tied it up again. Alphea gulped, suddenly feeling embarrassed and nervous. "Yes, I'll leave immediately. I am sorry, master."
she managed, her voice hoarse and creaky, which made her blush, adding to her embarrassment.
"Nothing to be sorry about. Come, I'll walk you down."

Alphea wanted to say something, but couldn't manage the words. He opened the door and waited for her, but she remained in her spot, pulling on the shirt she had on. "Oh, of course, sorry, I forgot about that. I'll wait outside while you put on what you wore yesterday." He did as he promised and stepped out, closing the door. She quickly scrambled and pulled off the shirt, neatly folding it and placing it on his dresser, then pulling on yesterday's clothes.

She joined her master and they made their way down to the servants' quarters. The walk there was silent and awkward.

"Good morning, commander. Is there anything I can do for you?" the older lady that bathed Alphea when she arrived greeted them with a smile. "Ah, no thanks, I just helped Alphea get here, since she doesn't know her way around yet. After she's done cleaning up, can you please have her brought to me in the training area outside?"

"Of course, commander. Is there anything else?" she asked eagerly. Alphea could tell by the look on the lady's face that she was itching to ask what had happened yesterday and why this man was so involved with his slave, and Alphea dreaded to explain it to her.
"No, that's all. I'll be off then. Good day, ladies." He turned on his heel and disappeared into the hallway. The woman turned to Alphea, eyes wide. "What in the bloody hell was that?"

Alphea took in a deep breath, trying to think of what to say. "I'm not sure..."
The woman shrugged, brushing it off for now, then turned around and grabbed a bucket.
"Grab a bucket and help me, will ya?"

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"I never asked your name, ma'am." Alphea stated as the woman scrubbed her back. "Well, last time we saw each other, you weren't in your right mind. So, it's alright. I'm Martha." she said and flashed her a warm smile.
When they finished, Alphea got out, dried off and got dressed. A guard came to escort her to the commander. He led her outside into a garden, overflowing with beautiful flowers. The sun bathing everything in warmth and light, birds chirping and the breeze brushing past her skin.

The man led her to a secluded area where Silas was busy practising. He swung his sword swiftly, shifting from one position to another. He seemed very skilled, that was to be expected from a commander. When the man noticed Alphea and the guard approaching, he stopped his training and lowered his sword back into its scabbard.

"Thank you for bringing her, you may leave us." Silas ordered, sounding a bit out of breath. The guard bowed his head and left the pair on their own. He turned to Alphea, "I thought you might want to get some fresh air." She remained silent, her eyes roaming the beautiful botanical area.

"Sit, make yourself comfortable." he said then turned around, pulling out his sword and continuing his training. She sat down under the shade on the grass. It felt refreshing and cool. She watched as the man went back to his swift movements and swinging his sword. She wondered what he looked like on a battlefield, in her mind she imagined he'd be terrifying.

Just the thought of encountering him on the field, his cold and fierce eyes staring you down, his emotionless face being the last thing you see before he coldly slaughters you, it sent chills down her spine, making her shudder.

"Alphea." he said, not looking in her direction. Her eyes shot to him. "Yes, commander?"
"Have you ever fought before?" he asked. She was confused, because it was quite obvious the girl didn't have a violent bone on her body, and judging by her situation, it should have been clear to him.
"No." she replied, her gaze following him.

"Do you want me to teach you?" The question took Alphea by surprise. She had never heard of a slave learning how to fight, it wasn't a common occurrence. Slaves didn't have the time nor were they allowed, because who would want a servant that can fight back? "Sir, I'm not sure that's-" she got cut off by him suddenly turning and swinging his sword in her direction, the point nearly gashing her nose in half. "I told you already, I decide what's allowed and what isn't. Answer my question."

She sat there, trembling in fear. She had just had a taste of how intimidating he would be in a battle, and it wasn't a welcoming sight. "I-I don't know if I can... I'm just a slave, I don't have any talents."
Her constant excuses and belittling was getting on the commander's nerves. "You wouldn't know, now would you? Have you ever even tried?"

"Well... No." He pulled back his sword and gestured for her to come to him. She did so obediently.
He grabbed her, pulling her closer. "Listen, if there is something you want, you have to take it. There won't be people that will be as kind as I am, so whatever I offer, take it." He whispered in her ear.
She nodded. "Alright. We'll start tomorrow. Be here every morning at six. Don't be late. Also, I recommend wearing pants, fighting and dresses don't really mix well." He released her and she slowly backed away. He continued with his training and she watched silently.

Will I really be able to do this? Me? Fighting? It's not like I have much of a choice, he's really scary... Maybe this will be good, if I could learn how to fight, then maybe I won't be a slave anymore. Is that really possible?

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