“There are opportunities to improve my physical prowess. I could become strong enough to guarantee a living by fighting.”

Soon, the caravan stopped in front of a colossal structure. The day was almost over, but the city became more agitated as the hours passed.

Lady Isolde and the Chief told everyone to come down from the caravan and walk with them inside. As they came down, Bryn realized what his mother and father were afraid of.

Many of the “market” stores displayed their best items. Merchants were singing prices out of their lungs. Whips screaming in the background. In every “store”, people from different parts of the continent were side by side; held by chains in their feet, hands, and neck.

Bryn had a strong mind after being reborn. Still, torture for an entire year can break anyone. He stepped back in the direction of the caravan without realizing it.

“Moom, what; what is this?” his trembling voice asked.

“Valenhaven is also known as the biggest black market city to the west, Bryn…” She answered.

“Nobles also come here to exchange servants or slaves. They can even find armies to fight against other nobles.” said Sylas.

Bryn imagined himself in the medieval age. Up until this point, the lack of technology was all he thought about when interpreting the world. When he and his family got lashes, he realized it was much closer in other regards as well. But a gigantic open slave market was too much for him.

“THAT WITCH!! What is she thinking!”

The guards made all servants move inward in the direction Lady Isolde was moving. Soon, they arrived at one of the bigger stores. The owner ran in their direction, screaming.

“Lady Isolde, long time no see! Tell me, can we be of service today?” said the man.

“Long time no see, Lorenzo. Yes, I’m here to exchange a few goods. I’m looking for a good farmer with a proven skill of at least 8.” Isolde answered.

“Hmm, that is hard to find. But for the right price, you came to the best place! I got a few deliveries this month; one of them is a good farmer, but the level is 7, I’m told.” said Lorenzo.

“Is he human?” Isolde said, looking at the slaves behind him.

“But of course! As I'm sure you know, the demi-humans are dealt with on the other side of the market.”

“Good. How much for him?”

“He is a package deal, him and his wife for ten gold.” said Lorenzo, with a smile on his face.

“Many years on the business and you’ve gone mad. Ten gold for a servant? Do you think you are dealing with nobles from the capital? 3 gold, no more.” said Isolde.

“Lady Isolde, with a level 7 farming skill, you’ll get your money back in two years. By then, he will reach level 8, and you will have pure profit from your fields. Also, he has the skill of Livestock Raising level 2. That will improve your cattle as w-”

“We both know 10 gold is too much. Four gold and we have a deal.” said Isolde, looking the man back in the eyes.

“Hmm.. Six, and you must give me a family in compensation! That is My final offer!” Said Lorenzo, extending his open hand to close the deal.

She looked at his hand and said, “I’m fine with that price. Chief, choose one of our servants; they will stay with Mr. Lorenzo from now on.”

“Yes, my Lady.” said the chief.

Bryn couldn’t hear Lady Isolde from that far, but it was an exchange. One group of servants went to the merchant's side, and a couple got unchained and joined their ranks.

Lady Isolde talked with the man for a few more minutes and then kept walking towards another big store. Again, a few servants from the caravan got chained and delivered to the store. Others came from the store and joined in.

After 2 more stops, they started to walk to the back of the market. On the way, Bryn could see demi-humans beginning to appear on display. There were cat people like the hunters at the farm and many other human-style demi-humans. Some looked more like beasts than anything else, werewolves-like creatures.

Arriving at one of the stores, Isolde stroked a conversation with its owner.

Bryn, Freya, and Sylas were holding hands. Freya couldn’t keep her tiers, but she said nothing.

As Isolde and the owner were talking, a stranger interrupted them.

The man was wearing strange clothes that covered him from the neck down. They were loose and highly colorful. His hat complemented the color and pattern of his clothes.

“Good evening, mam. Good evening, sir. I’m sorry for interrupting, but I have to ask. Are those fauns for sale?” The man asked, pointing at Freya, Bryn, and Sylas.

A machiavellian smile appeared on Isolde’s face. “They could be; it will depend on your offer.” said Isolde.

“Good, good. I’m doing experiments with fauns, but it has been difficult to find a male and female the same age... How about I give you 20 silver each?” said the man.

His proposal intrigued Lady Isolde, but she was a negotiator at heart. The first offer was never the last. Also, the man was too fast in his approach; something smelled funny.

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Considering her counteroffer, the chief whispered something in her ear.

“I was not able to appraise him, my Lady. This man is at least stronger than Darragh. Probably close to Gareth’s level. Please be careful.” he said.

Laughing as if the chief had made a joke, Isolde conversed with the man.

“May I know your name?” she asked.

“But of course. My name is Kwame Nkosi. Could I have the pleasure of knowing yours?” asked Kwame.

“You can call me Lady Isolde.” he said, placing her right hand on her covered chest.

“Lady Isolde, such a beautiful name. Almost as beautiful as you.” He said, extending his hand and slightly bowing towards her.

“I can see you are not from here. It is an insult to a husband when you compliment his wife.”

Kwame looked at the Chief of Guards and said, “I’m sorry, sir! I meant no disrespect!”

So red that he could feel his face burning; the chief was fast.

“I’m her guard's chief. Lord Aric is not present.”

“My mistake, you look so strong, I thought… I’m sorry-”

“Mister Kwame, why are you interested in fauns?” asked Isolde.

“I was told they could make good help. I’m creating a big production of clothes. I’ll call it a factory! I’m also looking for a pair so they can breed.” answered Kwame.

“Neither of them have skills related to tailoring or blacksmithing... But they are expensive nonetheless. I’ll tell you right now… 3 gold for each.”

Kwame Nkosi: “What, three gold?! You have a strong heart, I can tell. But that would be 9 gold for all of them… I’m willing to pay 1 gold for the young one, but the other two are too old. 70 silver for each of them.”

At that moment, Lady Isolde's eyes lit up and sparkled as if she had regained her youth.

“I found it! The way to break that little faun spirit! How could I not think of that before? It was right in my face!” Isolde thought.

“How about this… I know you can appraise the boy. He has potential, as you know. I’ll sell him to you for 2 gold, but you cannot buy the parents…” She said, looking at Bryn at the back of the group.

“Why break him apart from such a lovely family? Let’s keep them together, my Lady. I give up; I’ll give you 5 gold for all three! That’s half of what you asked for…”

As the negotiation started to get heated, people could not help but notice.

Bryn, Freya, and Sylas were looking at Lady Isolde and the gentleman wearing extremely colorful clothes. Bryn could tell that something was happening as both kept looking in his direction. His suspicions were confirmed!

“Bryn, Freya, and Sylas. Come here, right now!” said the chief.

Step by step, the anticipation grew. In a way, Bryn got excited about the possibility of them being sold. The 8 years in hell, paired with the torture, had changed his perspective on what was good, bad, or even average.

“There is no place worse than the Wycliffes. What that woman and her son made us go through is already the breaking point for anyone. In the worst case scenario, we change who, but the “what” stays the same. Best case, our situation will improve.” he thought.

Freya’s mind was much different than her son's. She worried about how they would live. Her husband specialized in farming, but the man in front of them didn’t look like a farmer. On the contrary, his looks were beautiful, and his clothes and accessories were well-made. Not even Lord Aric, a noble, wears such nice things.

Sylas was the only one sad. Despite the tragic past year, he felt a connection to Lord Aric. There was no reason to leave; now, their son was happy after long suffering. Freya was still shaken from their punishment, but she was improving daily. They never had so much meat to eat as well. Lord Aric showed his appreciation, and in a way, he also regretted the severe punishments. At least, that was what Sylas believed.

When they arrived next to the Lady, Bryn’s mind as a former executive exploded with warnings. Her face had traces of the same sadistic look Rowan had on that day. One eye was a bit more open than the other. Her lips curved upwards as they approached.

“Bryn, it has been a long time. I told Mr. Kwame about the time you spent enjoying and playing with my sons Eamon and Rowan. He would like to meet you. Freya, Sylas.” She said as she walked behind Bryn and placed both hands on Bryn’s shoulders.

“My Lady. Mr. Kwame, it is my pleasure.” said Bryn.

“Wow, you are very polite for a faun. Well-educated and well-behaved. Very nice work. I imagine you two are his parents?” asked Kwame.

“Yes, sir. I’m Sylas, his father, and this is my wife Freya.”

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Kwame.” Both answered, lowering their heads.

“After a long discussion, I have great news!!” Said Lady Isolde to the three of them.

Bryn’s senses were tingling, but he could do nothing about it. His mind kept telling him to intervene, but nothing had happened yet.

“Mr. Kwane is looking for fauns, young as yourselves, for his big project. On top of that, he wishes to pay for their upkeep, food, and even children!! Isn’t it amazing? All you have to do is learn tailoring and blacksmith skills.” said Isolde.

“It sounds like a great opportunity, but we are happy at the farm, Lady Isolde.” Sylas retorted.

“Stop being so modest, Sylas. Opportunities like this don’t come too often. One must take them and hold tight when they present themselves.”

“If you say so, my Lady…” said Sylas.

“Yes, I’m sure!! Bryn will love it!”

Right there. Her eyes focused on Bryn as if a fox was looking at the chickens she was about to eat for breakfast. Her face was a mixture of a cruel, triumphant smile with hints of satisfaction in her eyes.

Sylas and Freya were still in the dark, but from Bryn’s experience, he understood her last words. His emotions surged within him, and his expression started to change. She felt thrills of delight.

Her eyes, cold and calculating, now gleamed with an evil light as she savored the moment. Her mouth tilts upward in a smug and devious manner as if she relishes the pain she had caused.

Still comprehending the situation, he was afraid to confirm his fears.

“Mr… Mr. Kwame, are we all going with you?” asked Bryn.

“Good question, young Bryn. Lady Isolde and I had a difficult negotiation, and she drives too much of a hard bargain. Today, only you will come with me.” he said, taking his hat from his small curled hair and into his hand.

Memories of all his time with Sylas and Freya rolled into Bryn’s mind. After he lost his parents on earth, he made a promise to do things differently. As Sylas and Bryn were still shocked, Freya’s maternal instinct fired up like never before.

They had been through enough. The hard dedication to a Lord that believed that was the bare minimum. A Lady who discriminates against them for their origin. Her crazy and sociopathic son got a high from torturing her own. Pulling Bryn backward and positioning herself between them and him, she roared.

“The only way you’ll take my son away is over my dead body!!”

As she moved, Sylas realized what was going on and complimented her.

“You are not alone, my love. They won’t take our Bryn.”

“Heavens, why are you doing this to me again? What have I done to deserve this?” Bryn asked himself.

“How dare you talk to Lady Isolde and Mr. Kwame like that!! Your wishes will come true-” As the chief stepped forward with his hand on the hilt of his sword, Mr. Kwame intervened.

“I understand a mother and father’s desire to protect their son…” Looking to Lady Isolde, he continued. “As you see, my Lady, they do not wish to part ways as well… How about you consider my last offer and provide me with them as well? The price is more than fair.”

“I’ve never been more insulted in my life. Now, I make it a point to separate such disgusting creatures from each other! You will finally comprehend the pain I felt when Eamon left us!! I get monthly letters alone!! How do you expect me as a mother to feel?” said Isolde.

“Young Lord Eamon was the only person we respected in your house. You witch! He treated us with respect. You are the one that sent him away, not us. Sending our son away won’t bring yours back.” said Freya.

“It sure won't, but it will make me smile daily knowing you feel the same way!! Ha HA ha Ha…” Her eyes and posture showed where Rowan got his genes.

Kwame could tell the situation was getting out of hand. The lady in front of him was a bit insane. She had every intention of separating the family. The faun woman was also not backing down in the slightest. Knowing how the world worked, the fauns have a small chance of leaving here alive if this continues.

“Lady Isolde, I’ll make my final offer: 9 gold coins for all three. That is what you originally asked, so let's go with that!”

“It is too late for that. You either take the kid or no one!!” she said.

“Freya, Sylas. I promise Bryn won't be harmed and I’ll offer him more opportunities in the future.” said Kwame, looking at the family of fauns in front of him.

With tears running from her eyes, she held him tighter.

“No way, even if I believed you… I won’t leave my son’s side!!” Freya said, holding Bryn in her arms.

“There is nothing you can do to protect him better than what I’m doing. I’ll prove to you that I’m a trustworthy guardian! By the power of my blessings, I, Kwame Nkosi, promise to be the best master I can be. I’ll guard the young faun from danger until he is over 16. That he will have every opportunity to grow as a faun.”

As the vow was spoken, mystical swirling particles enveloped Kwame and Bryn simultaneously.

Scared out of her mind, Freya and Sylas screamed together, overlapping their voices.

“DON’T HURT HIM!! HE DID NOTHING WRONG!!!”

“I did no such thing. You can check him with an appraisal. From your status, I know you have been part of the ritual…”

Different voices said the word at the same time. “APPRAISAL”