Ashes

Arch III. The Longest Road. Entry 4. Meet the Darkness

One year has passed since things began to change. The girl had already recovered from the events of that night and completely recovered. She had enough strength to do work in the fortress, although it was not that easy. Basically, the guys carried heavy things, and the girls simply cleaned up the mess.

But not Number Nine. She was not allowed to leave the fortress, and spent all her days inside. And because she became Ritsu's favorite, she spent a lot of time near him. When he needed something important and very secret, he always asked her about it, because she was silent most of the time, not daring to even speak without his permission. She was afraid, but she knew for sure: she had to do everything possible to stay in the living world as long as possible.

So, one rainy evening, when there was no work left, a letter reached Ritsu. It was a message from Xentaron from Mayor Ahriman.

"I hope you can read, little girl," Ahriman looked at Nine, who was silently staring into the void. "Of all the slaves I have, only Number One can. What about you?"

"Yes, Your Grace. I am trained to read," she answered as one should speak to those who dare not even dream of power. "Is there anything you wish to know?"

"As strange and stupid as it may sound," he sighed. "My parents didn't bother to hire a teacher or teach me themselves. Let's say... They didn't have time. Here," he handed her the scroll. "Read it."

The girl took the parchment and, breaking the seal, began to read. On the parchment were various symbols that did not look like letters. Somewhere deep in her thoughts, she knew: this is the language of Darkness. She understood it perfectly, although she did not remember why

"Hello, old friend,

This is Ahriman. I wanted to know how things are going in your little fortress? Are you planning a little trip here to Xentaron? There is something we need to discuss in person. You can bring your favorite toy with you. I think it will be glad to get out of its chest and get some fresh air.
I look forward to your reply.

Ahriman"

Ahriman. This name was very familiar to her. The girl had seen him many times within the walls of this place. And there was always a young boy with this man. Slaves were not allowed to appear when there were guests. They had only to obediently greet them and lead them to their rooms, and then return to their basement. And the Nine always volunteered to do it.

"What do you think, Number Nine?" Ritsu looked at her.

"If he wants to see you, you must go," she answered calmly.

"That's not what I mean. Would you like to go to Xentaron with me?" He stood up from his chair and, leaning her against the cold wall, came closer to her face. "I heard you're from there."

"I..." the girl tried to avoid eye contact. She felt uncomfortable, and her breathing quickened. "I... I'd be honored."

"Even so. There is no honor in this. A usual meeting of the ruler with his followers. We leave in the evening."

"Do you want me to answer the letter?"

"No. My answer is my arrival on Xentaron. Let's go and find you something more decent than these rags. After all, we are going to the Capital, not to the market."

The girl nodded and obediently followed her Lord. There were no longer any thoughts in her head about breaking his neck when he wasn't looking or stabbing him in the back. After all, she had experienced too much bad that year - constant beatings and punishments with or without reason. Often, she got it for someone else entirely. The young Lord never figured out who was guilty and who wasn't. And very often, everyone was punished. It all depended on the boy's mood.