Chapter 4

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Tough choices made,

Destiny now unknown,

A slave to become,

A life to live.

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Tap. Tap. Tap. Each time three of his fingers made contact with the rough wooden crate, Lord Vilden felt his core resonate. It was a trick he had taught himself as a boy, a means to cultivate while working in the city warehouses. A rhythm could be created with almost any stanza from those three motions and if carefully (or repetitively) utilized, a core could become naturally attuned to the essence generated.

So he cultivated while moving, and in doing so became that much faster at collecting raw essence. Now, he used it as a means of distraction while considering the future. The city of Serodan was less than a days march away. If his plan concerning adopting the girl (Julia, as she called herself) was to succeed, he needed to get rid of the boy immediately. Any questions that might arise if he was noticed would be too difficult to set aside without further suspicion.

Lord Vilden hated the thought of killing the boy, but the alternative was equally distasteful. Regardless, with his options limited as they were, he truly had few other choices. Decision made, he rose swiftly and began a brisk walk to the area of camp where the beast cage sat. It had been brought along in case of emergencies and was a rather large and obnoxious sight, useful though it might be. The forest was always teeming with life, and many of the animals that dwelt within could be captured and sold at high prices in the local markets. Thus, a proper means to convey living creatures was required, and a script-fortified cage was one of the cheaper if effective options.

As he walked towards the cage, Lord Vilden nodded at one of the guards lounging nearby.

“Go find my aide Oldar, and tell him I require his attention at the beast cage. Do so quickly.”

The soldier stood upright, and with a quick bow, moved to do as commanded. Lord Vilden paid him no more attention but instead continued walking to the cage itself. Within lay the boy. He looked pale and weak still, caused by the lingering effects of whatever spell transported them here.

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Regardless of his physical condition, his flashing blue eyes were dark and attentive; observing all events within the camp with the steady focus of a hawk. Clearly intelligent, he had been the cause of some ruckus the past few days as he loudly and incessantly demanded something. These outbursts had finally stopped as it became apparent no one understood a word he spoke.

Now, his gaze locked onto Lord Vilden, who felt a chill run down his spine at the silent rage building there. Clearing his slightly dry throat, Vilden placed his hands behind his back forcefully and began his prepared speech.

“I know it is unlikely that you understand what I am about to tell you, but it must be done regardless. If for no other reason than my peace of mind.” Here he paused, meeting the eyes of the boy directly.

“I truly wish you no ill will, but I am afraid that you can no longer be allowed to travel with us. There are several reasons for this, not the least of which is the protection of my people. If there are Body ranked cultivators tracking you and the girl, they will be able to easily defeat my men… and myself. I plan to hide the girl, to teach her at the very least a basic technique so that she might survive whatever devastation occurred to her family. But you are a liability.”

Lord Vilden looked closely at the face of the boy, hoping for any semblance of understanding, but was met with only confusion. Sighing, he continued regardless.

“I have decided not to end your life, but rather to sell you as a slave. I know an honorable farmer near the city we are close too. He treats his servants and slaves well and will see you put into a job that suits you. Many less fortunate people would be envious. Perhaps there you can live peacefully, hidden away from whatever devastation you might have recently escaped. I know your core is virtually useless, but all who strive for purpose can find their path in destiny. I do hope your future at least peaceful.”

He nodded briskly, speech finished. He was aware of the futility his words contained, but at least he had cleared his own conscious. His dao heart was still pure.

Turning away from the cage, he waited as his servant Oldar approached. Being an older man with a brutish appearance and heavyset eyes, Oldar was often thought of as little more than a bodyguard. In truth, he had a sharp mind and a quiet voice; and most importantly, he was loyal to a fault. Lord Vilden had supported his rise to the Formation stage, and that was a debt not easily paid in these lands.

Few leaders could ask for a better right hand. In this case, Lord Vilden trusted him to carry out his orders without question and to do so alone. The fewer people that knew about this task, the better. Without mincing words, he explained exactly what was expected of Oldar, who nodded in understanding. Once his commands were completed, Vilden motioned for several drivers to re-hitch the two pack kamora to the wagon. He then handed Oldar a small pouch of coins, drits, and beast cores to sell in town.

Finally, he stepped back and observed as Oldar took the reins up and began the slow ride into Serodan. He still felt overly strange about the whole affair and so started a slow tap against his right leg, breathing softly as his core began to settle. Meeting the sharp gaze of the boy one last time, he nodded and whispered solemnly, “To your future. I hope your next life is better than this one.” Then, slowly, he turned and walked back to the crate.