Ignorance

3

I couldn't tell how much time had passed between the time I ran away and now. It could of been hours or days. But it didn't matter as I kept running. The only sounds I heard were wisps of air, the gushing water as it ran through the creeks and the insects calling out to one another. But lately I've been feeling dizzy, and nausea. I wasn't sure what was wrong with me. It could be anything. 

Coming upon a creek, I kneel beside it drinking the nourishing water. It lubricated my throat as well as quench my thirst. The sound of my stomach rumbling made me realize how hungry I was. But alas I was blind so I couldn't hunt or gather for myself. Standing I cross the creak, the sound of a river filling my ears. taking off the potato sack careful of my back, I slip a foot into the river, realizing it was shallow, I take another step before I submerge myself in the cooling waters, flinching as it hits my scars. 

I could tell that my scars were still raw, from Master stomping on my back this morning. Throughout the day I could feel fluid leaking down my back. The substance was slippery, sticky, and slimy reminding me of blood. Cupping the water in my hands I do my best to wash the dirt and grime off me. I could feel my feet touching the ground but then I heard it. The soft singing almost like a lullaby. It was enticing, like it was calling for me. My feet guided me towards the sound completely forgetting my bath. I didn't notice the current pushing me forward, or the beings that seemed to swim by my legs. 

I stopped just down river of where I was bathing when suddenly webbed hands seemed to coil themselves around my throat. The soft lullaby now turning to horrid screaming. It shook my body holding me underneath the water as it screamed in my face. Soon they let me go my body floating with the current, washing up on the riverbank. My mind was empty, my spirit seemed to leave my body as the past two decades flashed before my eyes.

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"Nyx! Kino! It will be alright child! Be strong for your mother! Take care of your sister Kino!" Mother cried out as I was snatched from her arms. I remember crying for her as they loaded me and several others onto a cart to take to auction.

"Get your ass in the house bitch! Your bastards are finally going to be made useful." Master Woolard screamed at my mother tugging her hair. Her crying rivaling the thunder that boomed in the sky.

***

The auctioneers forced us off the cart, myself face planting in the dirt. Kino helped me to stand once more as the auctioneers led us into a different room. we were forced to be stripped out of our clothes. Standing naked as day we were born.

They hosed us down, the smell of urine and vomit distinct in the room. They put chains around of necks, wrist, and ankles connecting us to one another. Soon we led to the auctioning stage the sound of jeers and insult being thrown our way. 

The auction started. My brother and I were sold for less than five shillings.

***

"He raped me Uncle! He threatened that if I didn't do as he said. He would kill you in your sleep." Mistress Lucy cried out as my brother was tied in the corner. I could hear Master Glendale comforting his niece even though she had lied.

In fact Kino was forced to bed Mistress Lucy. In that same moment Master Glendale had declared Kino a rapist. Dragging us both to the village square, the searing flesh of the last victim still fresh in the air. With help Master tied Kino on top his gravesite, lighting a fire under his feet. The smell of his body burning and his screams of pain.

***

I had only knocked over a bottle of ale before his hand came across my cheek. Turning my dirty skin a feverish red. I flinched as he stood in front of me, his breath rank. His hands ripped off the rags I wore then. "Stand in the corner!" He yelled spittle landing on my cheek. 

Moving to the corner of the room I stood with my back turned to him. I heard him unbuckling his belt. One swing was all it took for me to falter. He kept hitting me the buckle itself ripping at my flesh. Suddenly he threw the belt down stomping over to me. he rubbed salt into my wounds making me again cry out in pain.

Forcefully bending me over, spreading my legs. He pushed himself into me. Taking the only thing I had left. I was only fifteen.

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"Is she up yet?" I hear a deep voice question. His voice booming through the room with power. Hushed whispers answered him before he told them to leave. "Come on. Open those pretty eyes for me." The words are repeated embracing me like a warm hug. The side of the bed dipped, under this man weight

Waking up, I look in the direction of the voice. I wasn't entirely sure what was going on. If I had been captured again I couldn't tell. I didn't have chains around my wrist or ankles. My hands flew to my neck feeling my skin instead of that putrid collar.

Sensing someone around me watching me carefully, I bow my head hiding my face. The thought of being captured again ran through my mind, made tears rush to my eyes.

Feeling a finger lift my chin, probably scrutinizing my face I try to pull away but guttural growl followed. Flinching instinctively away from him. Finally feeling what I was on, I felt the texture of almost silk. But it wasn't it as this was incredibly soft but textured.

I ran my hands on the fabric, knowing it had to be a expensive quality. But my hands bumped into something hard and what can only be described as scaly.