Blood of the Merciless

Chapter Eighteen

18.

Is she going to come back? Alaric thought as he sat in the alleyway. It had been way past midday as the sky was darkening. He had not seen anyone since his escape from the house. If you could call it a house. He watched as the woman turned the corner holding a loaf of bread. She broke it into two pieces and gave one half to Alaric.

"Thank you," Alaric said as he scarfed the bread down rapidly.

"Savia," The woman whispered as she bit into the bread.

Alaric gave her a questioning look.

"My name...is Savia"

Progress.

Alaric finished his bread in no time. He then turned to Savia. She was still eating her bread.

"I promised I would help you but I require you to explain your circumstances."

Savia looked indifferent.

Great, she is not going to speak.

"I...want you to...free me."

Alaric had to concentrate to hear what she said. "Free you of what?"

No response.

"I need you to cooperate if I am to help you."

"Why did you protect me earlier?" She asked.

"I just felt it was the right thing to do."

"Liar, scaev was supposed to be cruel people."

"And I said, I am not part of the scaev."

No response.

"Why are we just sitting here? I have better things to do." Alaric stood up and was ready to walk but the familiar dagger at his throat made its presence. So fast.

"First, help me, then you can do whatever you want." She said

Alaric sighed. "I am trying but you are not giving me anything."

"We wait for night," She said. Savia removed her dagger and Alaric sat back down.

Moments passed in silence.

"You have no intention of giving my pouch back."

"Can't," She whispered. "If you are not scaev....why are you to be brought to Adhu Aqua?"

"I am not certain...but Great Lord Ivo probably has something to do with it."

Savia reacted with surprise.

"It has been sixteen years since I have seen Ivo. If he is searching for me then it probably means his message got to the king." Alaric felt as if he had been talking to himself. It felt sort of...refreshing. Savia did not respond, she just sat there.

It was late when Savia finally got up. She motioned for him to follow. It had not taken them long to reach their destination. They stood in front of a large establishment. The building had not been very tall but it had been wide. It had no stand-out features, other than the two soldiers that stood guard at the large entrance. The soldiers ignored Savia instead watched him precariously. Savia walked up to the entrance and he followed. The soldiers didn't do anything but watched as they entered the building.

Alaric did not know what to expect but it certainly had not been this. The whole establishment had been lit by a series of chandeliers. The place was packed full of people. There had been a musky aroma that had been strong. Savia seemed unsurprised by the happenings around her. There had been men and women alike that seemed formally dressed, they all wore extravagant jewellery. Some had been drinking and others hadn't. This was not what surprised Alaric though. Alongside the 'noblemen' were half-naked and fully naked women and men alike. Each one had been chained by the neck. The chain in which each nobleman/woman had a tight hold. What is this place? Alaric assumed the chained individuals were mysurs. Some mysurs were dancing for their 'owners'. Some 'owners' enjoyed their slaves.