Lament of the Slave

Briefing

Well, it was true. I didn't agree to be his student or anything else. It would be foolish to consent to that when I was completely exhausted and not thinking straight at the time. Deckard knew I needed more time to think through all the consequences of such a decision. He himself told me not to rush it, and I wasn't going to. So I just nodded, letting both Captain Rayden and Janina know Deckard was telling the truth.

The questioning stare both of them gave me was very unsettling. It made me wonder how long Deckard had been looking for this student of his.

"Ehm..." the Captain cleared her throat after realizing how inappropriate, given her position, she was acting. So, she straightened her blue jacket with its white lapels, adjusted the collar of her violet shirt, and moved the cap to its proper place. Then she placed her hands behind her back and put on her stoic expression. "It's better if we discuss this further in private. Right, Lieutenant?"

The healer standing next to her was still in shock, her eyes flickering between Deckard and me. So Rayden nudged her in the ribs with a force that made her almost fall to the ground. "Janina!"

"What the hell, San?!" she snapped as she awoke from her stupor, massaging her side.

"Check them." The Captain gestured to the slaves.

"But...," she argued, pointing at Deckard and me, reluctant to leave after what she heard.

Letting out a sigh, Rayden responded with a nod. "I know. We'll talk later. See to the slaves, check Aspen, then come to my office...and bring the others."

While the healer, muttering something about Traiana and 'about fucking time', hurried to the slaves, my eyes inevitably went to the city at the mention of Rayden's office. I was looking for the barracks. Stupid, I know. We were still outside the city walls and not on the main street that could be seen beyond the city gate, a street where the barracks didn't even stand. Yet I couldn't help wondering if it was already repaired. As far as I knew, the Captain's office and the entire floor with it had exploded.

"You two follow me," Rayden ordered me and Deckard, her tone making it clear she didn't want to hear objections. Thus, not arguing I turned back to the mare, wondering how to get on the horse. But Deckard pointed out that it would be quicker on foot, something I couldn't quite agree with when I was barefoot. So at least I said goodbye to the horse, hoping someone would take care of the animal, and followed the two.

I had hardly taken a few steps when Rayden stopped in front of the man, one of the master guards, giving him orders regarding the upcoming meeting. Then she turned to the guardswoman coordinating the city guards who were taking the slaves away and clarified her earlier orders. I noticed Janina was checking on Rutledge, but my gaze fell on Aspen lying unconscious on the ground.

She survived. Not what she wanted, though. It was hard to tell what was going to happen to her now. Ward mentioned that the punishment for falsely enslaving someone is slavery itself. An idea that made me shudder and forced her to give up on her life back there in the clearing. I certainly wouldn't want to be in her shoes when she wakes up.

It just, I felt like I owed her when de facto she was just trying to make up for what she did.

"Miss, sir." Tate, standing next to her, his hands and ankles already shackled, waved at us. A bit awkward, I waved back and couldn't help thinking that he won't end up with a collar around his neck and quite possibly not even behind bars with his luck.

"The fool will take care of himself," Deckard remarked, nudging me to follow Rayden, who was already heading into the city at a rapid pace. Giving those two one last look I walked through the gate into Castiana.