Our people have always been wealthy. I am not sure why. My understanding is that it has to do with the land our city was built on. Though I suspect there is more to this.

And while all of us share in this fortune, Rakash is—with no doubt—the wealthiest amongst us.

Over the years that followed, we recruited many humans. And while trust was often required, in some cases it would be replaced by loyalty.

The difference being, of course, that loyalty can be bought.

Rakash was very careful in keeping track of which human fell under which category. For he would use them in different capacities.

It did not take long for corruption to run rampant within the human government itself, and this was in no small part due to our own meddling.

I find no pride in this... but I have learned to live with it.

”What is the point of all this?” once asked Rosdak, his voice filled with exasperation. “Why would our people ever need the humans for anything?”

”They have qualities,” I ventured evasively.

”I know you like them, but that’s pushing it...”

”They do rule over thousands of worlds,” I pointed out.

”And how does that help us?”

”My point is: if they can do that, does it not indicate some level of competence?”

Rosdak snorted. “All it really proves is that they are lucky. Have you not noticed how weak they are?”

I had learned a long time ago that it was pointless to argue with those of my brothers who held such strong opinions about the humans. They would not change their minds, no matter what. I suspected that even if one of the humans one day saved his life, he still would think them inferior and not worthy of his time.

The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

”Either way,” I said, “it matters not what we think. We must do as we are told.”

”I am well aware of it. But that does not mean we cannot wonder about the reasons for all this nonsense.”

”If you are so curious, why not ask Rakash?”

It was a low blow, and I regretted saying it as soon as the words came out of my mouth. But I was tired of the conversation, and just wanted it to end.

My retort had the intended effect, though Rosdak threw me a hurt look which made me feel even more guilty.

But I did not apologize.

Rakash had taught me better.

***

That night, they stopped at a hotel.

It was strange because despite being a prisoner, Michael’s captor—his name was Christopher—treated him more like a travel companion.

He wondered why he hadn’t tried to escape. Considering the circumstances, it would likely be easy. Christopher had even booked them two separate rooms.

So Michael resolved to try, that night, to run away.

He waited until he couldn’t hear any sounds outside—everyone was asleep. It was near midnight when he got out of his bed—he hadn’t even bothered to lie under the sheets—and quietly opened the door... or tried.

It just wouldn’t move, no matter how much he tapped on the release button. Had Christopher locked him in?

He went to the window and tried to open that, but it wouldn’t budge.

It was the strangest thing...

Very well then, time for some radical action.

He headed to the desk and activated the mini TriVid screen. He requested the front desk.

There was a buzz, followed by a fuzz, then silence.

Michael hit the screen out of rage.

He went into the bathroom and tried to open the window there, but it wouldn’t budge either.

It had to be magic.

There was no other way he could have been cut off so thoroughly.

It would also explain why his captor was so carefree.

He went through the brochures on the desk, which at least gave him a hint where they were.

On a completely different continent, that was where!

So even if he escaped, how the heck would he get back?

He had to admit, though, that a part of him was very curious to find out who wanted the journal so badly.

Maybe he should just let things play out.

So far, nobody had hurt him, so maybe it wasn’t so bad. Maybe he could make a deal with whoever was behind all this.

After all, he didn’t want to keep the journal. He just wanted to read it so he could find Ahuaxa.

How much time do I have left before that ultimatum ends? he wondered.

He went back to the bed. This time, he slipped under the sheets and closed his eyes. Might as well get some sleep.

In the morning, he waited for the door to open, then followed Christopher into the glider.

“You have me spellbound, don’t you?” he asked.

“I was wondering when you’d notice,” said his captor with a chuckle. “I hope you won’t hold it against me. Nothing personal. I’d just rather not take any chances.”

Michael shrugged and turned to watch the landscape as they flew through the countryside.