Ashes

Arch III. The Longest Road. Entry 2. Brand New Life

Abby slowly opened her eyes. It took her a moment to realize where she was, but the sobbing coming from next to her told her this wasn't home. There were still a few people around, each begging to be released. The clanking of chains was becoming louder as the prisoners tried to free themselves. "Where am I? What is this place? Why can't I move?" Various thoughts filled her head as she lay there silently, looking at the others.

The creaking of the doors made everyone fall silent. It was Agas. He silently went inside and looked at everyone. The prisoners looked at the merchant in fear. He simply looked at everyone and, having made sure that everyone was awake, hurried to leave them alone again. He madly enjoyed listening to this crying and begging for freedom.

After a while, the merchant came down to them again. He ordered them to get up from the floor. Everyone except Abby obeyed. Agas approached the girl and sat down opposite her. He caught her angry look. In an instant, she pounced on him and began to strangle him. The merchant foresaw this and at one point hit her hard in the stomach with his fist. After the blow, she recoiled and fell to the floor, trying to breathe.

"Get up. We're leaving." Agas leaned down and took the chain that led to the collar, helping the girl to her feet. "And don't you dare try anything like that. Otherwise, I swear," he pulled the chain towards himself so that he could see her face. "You won't live to see the new home. Do you understand me?"

Abby nodded silently. Realizing that any thoughtless action could lead to something bad, she obediently followed him.

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One of the regions of the Arishta continent, was a boundless expanse of golden sand that shimmered in the sun, creating the illusion of a living ocean. High sand dunes rose and fell like waves. From time to time, among this monotonous beauty, there were oases - rare corners of life with green palms and clear reservoirs, where travelers could rest for a short time and collect water for the journey.

When Agas led his captives to the local market, the air was thick with tension and anticipation. Other slavers, dressed in rich fabrics, discussed deals, their voices above the drums that set the rhythm for the people to walk to. The newcomers, urged on by the trader, looked around warily, trying to figure out what was coming.

The sun was mercilessly beating down, and every step on the hot sand with bare feet was a test. Many slaves were in cages, some were tied to posts, awaiting their time. And some were chained to special platforms. With each click of the locks, they felt their hopes melt away. In the distance, on the horizon, the silhouettes of trading stalls were visible, where a real auction battle for human destinies was taking place. This was not just a market. This was a slave traders' market.

Agas, with a cold gaze and a determined step, slowly moved through the market, leading a string of newly arrived goods. He knew that for him it was just business, but there was no room for pity in his heart. The desert of the continent, with its endless expanses and merciless climate, was an ideal place for trade, where human life meant nothing.

The merchant ordered his slaves to stand on the platforms. These platforms were made of metal and equipped with special fastenings to which chains were locked, holding the legs and arms. Closer to the edge of the platform, something resembling a perch for parrots was constructed from two small beams. A chain from a collar was attached to it with great tension. In this way, the newly arrived slaves could only look forward, deprived of the opportunity to look around.

"That's it. Welcome, my dears," Agas said, as if mocking them. "From today on, your new life will begin. Oh, don't worry, I will do everything possible so that you do not die before your time."