Maestros y Esclavos (A story of DeAnn)

As I look around at the onlookers staring at me, I see a familiar face in the crowd, Jennifer. Surely she'll reason with the maestros and save me from the cruel fate that's about to be pronounced upon me. Surely the maestros will figure out that it wasn't me... I. am not. a thief. I don't care whom you may ask but I am not a thief. At least I won't die the diviner's death. My mother enters into the arena to stand next to Jennifer. They exchange whisper after whisper until a the loud booming voice of the zodiac priest. "Ladies and gentlemen of Majority 5. Today I've called you here to show you what happens to thieves, unfortunately today, as you know is the day where the group decides the fate of the prisoner. If I could have you gather your polling cards please mark what you think is the appropriate punishment for Miss Deann Wolfe, who is accused of robbing the deli of 8th street. Please fill out your cards and send them down." 

I cringe thinking about how many of my friends are out there and how many more enemies that are going to choose to kill me because they've always hated me. 

I put my head down in shame and stare at my shackles.They've left my ankles weak and bloodied. I can't let them see tears. 'no tears' I tell myself. No. Tears. I feel horrible that I've disgraced my family and my masters. I'll have to face what they think is right. 

- 

"The results are in!" says a cool disembodied female voice. I cannot tell where she is at the moment. I've heard her before when I came as a kid. 

"At 67 percent lies the result..... move of assignment thank you for attending today." 

Everyone leaves, some grumbling, some cheering. 

My new maestro walks over, she's beautiful, her long flowing coat and her walk is beautiful. She then grunts out in human words, "So- I see you are now in my assignment?" 

"Yes maestro," I say as I make a low bow, my eyes meeting her knee. 

She thrashes her head around summoning me toward her. 

She and I walk in silence to the portals and she pauses, "I assume you kno-" 

"Yes, I know how to use the portals." 

"Very Good." 

We step into the massive black hole and are immediately sucked into it. I come out with a wrench in the stomach and fall to the ground. After 5 years I'm still getting used to it.Yuck. 

"Come," she grunts as she leads me to a large building. "By the way, I'm Kamion, You'll be staying here for your assignment." 

She points a large furry paw up at a giant mansion-like building with accents in marble and large pillars of granite and marble. She walks past me and brushes her long roan colored tail against my face. 

This might no be so bad after all I think to myself. 

She turns back towards me and looks at me like I'm stupid. 

"Sorry Maestro" I utter as we walk up some stairs to the hallway labeled 'Esclavos.' There I see well dressed males and females that must be at least twice my age. They look so calm and stress free compared to my other assignment at the boot factory. 

I'm immediately led by a silent ginger headed boy to a room where I'm greeted by a brunette thats taller than me and is wearing glasses, "Hello, I'm Carol." 

She says with a large bright smile. The ginger walks out in silence. "Is he always that quiet?" 

"He can't talk. Punishment. Don't wanna says any more." 

"Oh, well what should I do here then?" 

Carol points a welcoming arm to a bed with a clean comforter and a pillow. A PILLOW??? there were never ever pillows where i used to live. I can see the poorly kept one directly next to it. "Really? That's mine?" 

"Yeah, and in that dresser is your clothes" 

"Really?" I ask, wondering if she can tell that I'm excited. 

"I can tell your pretty excited." 

"You. Read. My Mind." I say. 

She just laughs and plops on her bed which bounces up. 

"Well, it is bed time. You better get some sleep so you can work tomorrow." She says with a sweet hearted smile as she lays her bed on her pillow. I copy cat and fall asleep in comfort and bliss, dreaming happy dreams. 

I wake up to a strange repetitive noise sounding like an annoying crow at dawn.