It was a gorgeous sight, the sun rising just over the walls and houses of Willowdale. The way it reflected off the lake’s surface, I was at The Green’s western edge.

  I was leaning against one of the walls lining the lake, they were only ever just above stomach level. In my hands, I was twirling the knife I was given. Just enjoying the view while mulling things over.

  Why was Jolis kind to me, wasn’t she a slaver? I couldn’t get the thought out of my head. I suppose I’ll never get the real answer to my questions.

  Pushing myself off of the wall, I shook my head. I was so fed up over this.

  I moved forward, making my way to the main eastern road. The town changed a lot as you traveled. Changing from hurriedly constructed buildings, to nicely refined, and unkempt buildings. I used the sights around me to distract myself, I knew that, but I didn’t pay it much heed.

  Eventually, I passed by The Green’s Bridge and continued on. There were a lot of people on the streets, it was the morning so I assumed most people were starting their days.

  Seeing all the energy in the street around me I noticed how tired I was. Chasing after Jolis the other day was tiring. I only slept for a few hours and I still haven’t recovered from the conditioning.

  As these things crossed my mind I came up to the main square once again. The stalls had many people populating or setting up, while some others passed through, sightseeing along the way. I saw children running around, being scolded by their mothers, and teenagers walking with their groups.

  What a peaceful city, well if you ignored the assassins, slavery, nobles, and heavily armored adventurers.

  Then I heard something, a sermon being preached to a crowd, “Bless Dai, The Mighty North. We dare not enter or touch his lands, as we pay respects to him for our lands.” Feeling a smile creep onto my face, I stopped and started to pay attention to it.

  “Without his brave battle against Golonia, a devil in our world, we never would’ve had the freedom in our lands. Bless our frozen god for sending that evil running to the south.” Even though it didn’t come from her voice I still listened, “We ever await our Lord’s return to our prosperous lands.” The preacher stopped her sermon there, she was probably just wrapping it up.

  Watching the crowd disperse, I walked up to her. “Preacher, I have a question; where might I find a temple of Old Dai?” I asked. “I’ve just come to Willowdale and would like to pay my respects.” I heard the preachers the other day, but I never had the chance to do this.

  “I’m on my way to one now if you would like to join me.” She responded, “I’m heading to that Cathedral there,” She pointed towards one of the large Cathedrals with a bell on top.

  “I’d be overjoyed, thank you for indulging my request.” She always taught me to be respectful towards people of the church.

  The preacher started to lead us off, and I followed, “Where are your parents young one?” I suppose a young teenager saying that he just came to Willowdale would bring up questions.

  “My parents are no longer with me, I’ve been forced to travel without them for a while,” I responded.

  “I’m certain they would’ve been proud of their son for being so devout at a young age.” Her tone was quieter, almost as quiet as a whisper.

  “I don’t think devout is the right word preacher.” I wasn’t here for Dai, not in the slightest.

  “No? You came into the crowd during the end of my sermon and were able to tell that I was preaching about Old Dai, instead of that new denomination.” She said, still guiding me through the streets.

  “You spoke of Golonia, and how he was in the south. Would it not be obvious you were speaking from an Old Dai perspective?” I asked, another thing she always made sure that I knew, the differences between all the religions.

  “I suppose it would be obvious to myself, but people just hear Dai and assume it’s the same no matter where they go.” She stated.

  After a few moments of silence I said, “I’m very sorry for that Preacher.”

  “It was never your fault, you have nothing to be sorry for.” She said, “We are almost there.”

  When we finally made it to the Cathedral I was amazed. It was a beautifully constructed building, built with very cut and fine stone. Large windows, both stained and normal with spires covering the building.

  “Impressed?” The Preacher asked while leading me up the steps.

  “Very, I’ve never seen a building like it before,” I admitted.

  “Will you need anything from me inside?” The preacher asked.

  “No, Preacher. Thank you for the offer.” I said.

  She opened the main door and ushered me in, “Well, if you change your mind or you need somewhere to stay, ask for Preacher Selena.” She finished.

  Seeing me nod to her she turned off and headed into the temple. It was an amazing building, with pillars of stone, high ceilings, and giant windows. It was awe-inspiring.

  There was a large carpet, leading up with rows and pews. It led to a preacher’s stand, and most of it was unpopulated.

  I made my way forward, sitting down on one of the pews, and leaned my head on my hands. It reminded me of both of them, and I suppose it was the only reason I came here.

  What would you say to me now, sitting here in this massive Cathedral? Mom, Lenora. What would you say? I tried to remember all our conversations, but one question came to my mind.

  Looking up I stared at the roof. “Are you real?” I waited, staring up. “Did you really ‘clear these lands’ Dai?”

  After hearing nothing I asked once more in a hushed whisper, “Well?” I tapped my foot against the ground impatiently. “I’ve been tortured, used, and traded as a slave. Dai, I don’t care about whatever you’ve done. The only respect I might have is an extension from two people. I don’t care about any of the so-called gods anymore, I’m just here to remember them.”

  Pushing off the pew I left the Cathedral, and as far as I was concerned, I left any attachment or respect for the gods there as well. I had to go somewhere, to actually help someone who needed it.

  Eventually, I made my way to the South-Eastern gate and waved to a guard on duty. I kept going, past the manors and made it to Ingratus’ manor.

  I moved through the gardens, and the door, making my way to the underground floors. I passed by slaves, aristocrats, nobles, assassins, knights, and anyone in between.

  I came up to a door and paused. Taking a shaky breath I steeled myself, then knocked.

  “Come in.” A voice said, opening the door I walked into Aliana’s room. “Oh, you’re back, I assume Jolis is dead?”

  “If the poison I was given worked, then yes, she is dead,” I said, tossing the folder I was given onto her desk. “Now where is she?”

  “Straight to the point? Well, she is safe and owned by me. As soon as your mission is confirmed and you are an official member of Ingrtus, she will be yours.” She answered.

  “When will that be, Aliana?” I pressured.

  “Later today, at the latest. Now fall asleep kid, you look like you are going to fall over.” She said, waving me off to the bed at the side of the room.

  “I swear Aliana, if I’m not woken up when it’s confirmed…” I started.

  She sighed and slowly stood up, “Kid I swear,” In the next second she seemed to just appear in front of me. Kissing me she seemed to put a liquid of a kind in my mouth.

  Pushing her off of me I spit most of it out. “You yourself put me through the conditioning, that doesn’t work anymore,”

  She shrugged, “You’re right, but I had to test. Sometimes, the effects don’t last long. Sleep good, kid.” She waved her hand while turning back to my desk.

  I wasn’t ready to deal with her. Heading over to the bed I laid down and fell asleep almost instantly.

  “Do you think that you are worthy, Arthur?” Someone said.

  Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  “What?” I was in darkness, nothing and no one was around me.

  “Do you think you are worthy? It’s a simple question” It continued.

  “Worthy of what?” I began to stumble around in the dark. I could only see my hands chest and arms, anything below that was covered in shadows.

  “Worthy of that dagger,” A woman said, I could tell she was in front of me. “Wasn’t it given in honesty and trust? Wasn’t it a gift?”

  “What do you want?” I yelled into the shadows, walking towards the voice.

  Then a familiar woman appeared before me, sitting on a bed like I first talked to her. “The truth, just like I wanted when I met you.”

  “Of course, just when I thought I’d be done being plagued by those I’ve killed,” I sighed, “Hello Jolis. What do you want tonight?” Making my way over to her I sat down beside her.

  “To talk to an honest soul, hopefully, more honest than you were last night.” She said, putting her arm around me.

  “I’d be happy just to talk, as long as it’s civil,” I muttered.

  “You ready?” She asked. Seeing as how I was just dreaming, I figured she knew what I was thinking.

  “No, but then again, I don’t have the opportunity to get ready,” I said.

  “I suppose you’re right. Are you doing good?” She asked which caused me to laugh. “Why are you laughing?”

  She took her arm off of me and leaned back. “Well, never really thought that someone I’ve killed would try to comfort me. To be honest, you feel different compared to the other two.” I mentioned, anytime the other two would show up, they would always curse me out. Screaming at me, blaming me for their death, and overall condemning me to the hells.

  “If you say so, I’m your dream after all,” Jolis said, waving me off.

  “Any advice for me? I’d trust my own dreams over whatever anyone would say outside.” I stated.

  “Well, speaking as your soul and conscious. I think you can trust Nalith, at least a little.” She said as a matter of fact.

  Sighing I said, “You know that’s not what I’m worried about.”

  Hearing her laugh a little, she said, “I know, just trying to lighten your mood. Besides, what can I say that you haven’t already thought of? Just talk to her, you deserve it after what you’ve been through.”

  Pushing off my knees I stood up, “I don’t want to agree with that. Goodbye Jolis, I’ll probably end up seeing you again.” I ended up walking off into the darkness, leaving her behind.

  Even though I tried to deny them, her words affected me. Did I really think that? Is that what I believed?

  While thinking these things everything around me started to get brighter. Opening my eyes I woke up in the bed and stayed there for a moment. Why did I remember my dreams so vividly? Even if they aren’t long, I still feel that I went through them.

  Propping myself up to the side of the bed I looked around to see Aliana flipping through some documents. “How you feeling? Hopefully less snappy than before your nap,” She said, chomping her teeth to punctuate the point.

  “I feel fine, any news on that mission confirmation?” I asked, rubbing my eyes.

  “It should be done in an hour or so.” Looking down, she went through some of the folders on her desk. Some good news: You now have a room in the base.” After some searching, she grabbed a folder and stood up. Shall we be off?”

  Standing up I made my way to the door. “Nothing else I can do right now,” I remarked.

  Patting me on the shoulder she passed me and led me off through the halls. After going up a floor, we came up to a room. “Well this is yours for now, I know you are a bit far from your favorite handler and boss, but if you need me I fully believe you can walk. How are your muscles? Are they recovering fine?” Aliana asked

  “They’re fine, now the room?” I asked.

  Pushing the door open she said, “Alright, alright, pushy much.”

  Walking into it, I noticed the same design from her office had continued: stone walls, smooth stone floors, and a wooden ceiling. The only furnishings in the room were a bed, a closet, and a weapon rack on the wall.

  “It’s better than sleeping in your office,” I mentioned, walking to the closet.

  “If you ever get bored of your new toy just come see me. She should be here in a bit, and make sure you get used to that new dagger of yours.” Aliana said, waving her hand and leaving the room.

  “New toy?” I mumbled, opening the closet hanging up the coat, and putting the dagger inside. I found some clothes inside, mostly just matching the ones I was already wearing. That’s what she was? Just a toy?

  Sitting on the bed I tried to organize my thoughts until I heard a knock. My breath caught, and my heart started racing in my chest. I tried to say come in, but I couldn’t.

  Seeing the door creep open felt like the longest seconds of my life, and then I saw strands of grey hair. She walked in the door in a white kirtle and brown apron and her blue eyes were dulled as if someone had taken the life out of them. Her head was glued down towards the floor.

  “Greetings Master, Mistress Harfield informed me I was to serve you from now on.” She said, looking at the floor, still not bothering to look up. Her voice was formal, though meager, and dull.

  “It’s been a while, Rana,” I said, standing up and making my way over to her. I saw her stiffen up, and as I got closer I noticed that her hands started to shake. “Hey, hey, hey,” I hushed, “It’s me, it’s Arthur.”

  Her breathing stopped as she heard that, and she was still. Nothing happened for a moment, not a breath or a sound besides a set of footsteps echoing from outside the hall. Her head was still angled towards the ground.

  Moving forward, I embraced her and held her head close. “Remember the wagon? It was me, you, and Ghezin.” Rana started to tremble. “Meeting at Vari, traveling through the forest.” I could feel her body convulse accompanied by heavy breaths. “Learning with Ghezin, all of it. It’s okay now. I swear that you’ll be okay.”

  Feeling her try to push me back I stepped away. “Don’t say that to me,” She whispered, looking at her face I could see tears streaming down it. Her eyes looked like a frightened animal, worried about something.

  What happened to her? “Rana, what’s wrong?” I asked, but as soon as I spoke she backed up farther away from me.

  As I stepped forward again, Rana tripped on her kirtle stepping backward. Lunging forward I grabbed onto her before she hit the ground. “Get off of me, get away!” She screamed, squirming and trying to wrestle out of my grip.

  “Rana!” I yelled, and as I did she stopped fighting. I let her down slowly, keeping it as gentle as possible. After I did I backed up and mirrored her, sitting on the floor. She didn’t speak, but she did move, huddling up against the wall behind her.

  When she leaned against the wall I noticed her labored breaths and trembling body. I recognized it, and I would’ve acted the same way without imbuement. It mirrored the way killing used to affect me, and later how that valley did. Hells, just thinking about it still made my stomach feel like a pit. So what caused this?

  Eventually, her breathing started to even out, and I could barely see her shake. “Rana?” I asked, trying to see if she was listening to me. She nodded, but nothing else. “Have you eaten?” She still looked so thin to me. Even during the wagon from Vari onward, she was never this thin.

  “No.” She whispered, still clutching onto her knees, hugging them tight to her chest.

  “Would you like me to get you some food?” Seeing her nod I got up from the floor and headed moved to the door beside her. “If you want, you can stay here. I’ll be back in a few minutes. If the floor ever gets cold or uncomfortable please use the bed.” I said, making sure to keep a little distance between us.

  On the way, I tried to think about what could have caused that kind of pain. I knew what caused mine, but what caused her as much anguish as killing someone or years of torture?

  The mess hall didn’t have too many people, so I ended up grabbing two loaves of bread, one under my right arm, and the other in my hand. I wasn’t sure if she could handle much more.

  “Arthur.” I heard a woman shout, turning around I noticed Nalith following me out of the mess hall. “Where are you off to? I haven’t seen you since what, yesterday morning?”

  “Yeah, finding Jolis took a bit. I finally got a room so I’m heading over there.” I mentioned, watching her walk up beside me I noticed her two daggers. “Actually, I got a dagger during it, I don’t know much about fighting with a dagger though. Could you follow me up there?” I asked. I needed help with it, but I was really hoping she could help with Rana.

  “Sure kid, but won’t you be busy with that new slave of yours?” Nalith asked. Wait, no, there was no way that was true… I was wrong right?

  “Nalith I’d still appreciate it if you could follow me, just don’t come in right away. I just realized something.” I said before running down the hall almost as fast as I could, and I heard Nalith shout behind me.

  How many times did I miss that? The fear Rana felt when she started to tremble, where that fear came from, and every time Aliana seemed to bring it up. How? I felt my heartbeat, throbbing against my chest. I felt as if I was going to throw up, my stomach revolting against me.

  Calling her a toy, the fact that she was a slave, and probably one with a slave mark. I kept pleading under my breath to be wrong.

  Coming up to my room I was scared for a moment, and my hand was uneasy as it approached the handle. Grasping the cool metal I turned it and slowly opened the door. I kept my gaze on the floor while walking in, then closed it behind me. On the floor, all of my fears were confirmed. The stained white kirtle and brown apron, lying on there.

  “Rana, I’m so sorry,” Looking up I saw her almost in tears. She was in my bed under the sheets, her shoulders peaking out showing bruises and marks. She was on there as I had told her to do. A plea was just as good as a command from the owner.

  “Please don’t… not again.” She whimpered, her blue eyes looking down at the floor, tears falling off of her face. I saw what I couldn’t last time, the marks her clothing hid from me. The bruises, the scars, everything.

  “Rana, dismiss all commands I’ve said before this moment,” I stated, keeping my voice as even as I possibly could. While walking over to the closet I continued, “Now if you want to eat this bread, you can.” Grabbing the dagger and clasping it behind my back, I then went to the bed. It hurt me to watch her cower as I got closer. Even flinching as I placed the bread down beside her on the bed.

  “If you want to, you can call for me. I’ll be right outside.” I said walking towards the door and opening it. “And Rana, I’m sorry,” I whispered as I closed the door.

  As soon as it was closed I fell back against it and fell to the ground. Looking up I watched Nalith who was leaning against the opposite wall. “Did you know that that slave is someone I consider to be a friend?” I asked. “And I only now realize what she went through. I knew I was missing something. Why am I so stupid!” I screamed.

  She waited a little, and let me cool off before confirming, “So you saw the marks?”

  “Yeah, I was stupid enough to say something before I left that was technically a command if the conditions were filled,” I mumbled. “Rana... how did I forget about the slave marks? Rana… gods Nalith, is that normal?” How many people made her suffer?

  “Welcome to Ingratus kid, it’s at least one of the hells,” Nalith said leaning against the wall and looking at the ceiling.