Hawks and Eagles

The Hawk Arisen

You hunted. They were easy prey. None of them had expected you or really anyone to come looking for the slaves. Even the slave traders in the markets had thought themselves safe. So when you approached each of them with the captain at your side, a translator to ask where the slaves were sold, they thought you were a buyer. They offered to sell you different slaves, cheaper labor that would work just as hard.

You killed each of them. You got the information you needed and perhaps out of revenge you took their lives. Or perhaps you wanted to end their business negotiations once and for all. You weren't thinking about morals, about right and wrong or black and white. You knew in time they would buy more slaves and sell them.

Your eyes swept to the captain, words stated plainly, "I warned you to be prepared. There will be many more deaths ahead of us."

His expression remained neutral, naturally unconcerned about such things. "As long as I get paid, you can kill their king for all I care." His hands lifted to the belt around his waist, tucking his fingers into the leather as he waited for the next step in the mission.

"You should be pleased that all the nobles are nearby." You pulled your hood further over your features, scarf up around your mouth so that none might recognize you. They all knew you were a stranger, every citizen that walked the streets and averted their gaze. You should have hid yourself better. All the teachings you'd learned as a child told you as much. But a part of you wanted them to know you were there. You wanted them to know that you were a predator looking for her charges.

You found the first of the nobles just outside the city walls. He was a wealthy landowner and his slaves worked tirelessly in both the fields and the home. You watched them for some time, determining exactly how things were done on the farm.

You weren't afraid to approach them. In fact, after kneeling down to the first of the slaves, you offered them your water. "I am sorry it took me so long."

She lifted her eyes to you, shaky hands taking the water and sipping upon it.

"You are safe now." Your words were hushed, a mother to a child, a protector to the protected. "I am here to take you home."

Her whole body sighed beneath those words and her eyes slid shut. Water leaked passed and slid down along her weathered cheeks. "Thank you. My entire family. I've lost them. I don't even know where they are."

"Were they slaves? Did someone sell them?"

"Yes." Her hands reached out and gathered around yours. "Please. You must help me find them. I can't leave without them."

You stated it, declared it like an oath, "I will find them. I will find all of them." You swept your gaze out to the others, their eyes trying to avert from the scene but they couldn't help their curiosity. You rose to your feet and shouted it this time, "I will find all of our people and all of them will come home with me. Return with me to al-Rahman. This captain will take us where we need to go."

"They're frightened," she muttered it, ducking her head away.

You shuddered, noting that some were indeed fearful. Others seemed indifferent. They continued their work as if you weren't standing before them. "I will kill anyone who gets in our way."

A man stood up, the bravest of them. "And those of us who wish to stay here?"

You spoke calm, a brow rising. "You want to stay here?"

He lifted his palms with a heated glower. "Here I do not know hunger. Here I do not freeze during the night. I work here and they pay me with food and clothes and shelter. You are asking me to become a beggar again."