They proceeded towards the shanty town at a steady pace. The journey to the settlement was lengthy, and his arms began to ache from the weight of the logs. He shifted them to ease the discomfort.
“I appreciate your help. Collecting logs from way up there has been exhausting,” Varyan remarked, his smile returning.
“Why do you have to go up there for wood? There’s an entire forest down there,” he gestured towards the huts with his eyes.
“It’s a shame really,” Varyan explained. “The trees grew too tall, and now the Baron can’t see the camp.”
“The Baron?”
Varyan pointed towards the tower up the hill. They paused momentarily.
“That’s eerie,” he said.
Varyan nodded. “As a child, I used to hide in that spot whenever something bothered me. Now the Baron wants those trees gone. So we are not allowed to go to the forest for wood until that’s cleaned up.”
“I’m sorry that happened.”
“Don’t be. It’s not your decision,” Varyan’s gaze lingered on the castle for a moment. “So, what’s your name? You’ve never introduced yourself.”
“I…,” I have no idea.
Varyan turned his attention to him. “You must have a name. The Baron or some Adventurer would have given you one.”
He was even more confused. Why would they give me a name?
“I don’t remember getting a name. I don’t remember anything. I came here through a huge door.”
“A huge door? In the middle of a hill?” Varyan scoffed. “Where are you from, really?”
“I don’t know. I don’t remember anything other than the door. Then I saw you.”
“They didn’t cart you here? You didn’t get a name? You didn’t have one beforehand? Are you sure? Were you hit on the head? Does your head hurt?” Varyan laughed.
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“Who would have brought me here?”
“The Adventurers, of course! Someone must have purchased you and brought you here.”
“Why would someone buy me?” He began to feel anxious.
“You really know nothing,” Varyan calmed down, still amused. “You’re a tough nut, but we’ll crack you eventually.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Listen,” Varyan’s expression turned serious. “If—and I’m giving you the benefit of the doubt here—you truly don’t remember anything, then here’s the harsh reality: You are now property.”
“What?”
“If you’ve arrived here wearing those clothes, it means you’re now a slave.”
His heart sank. “What do you mean?”
“Exactly as I said. You, like me, are some Adventurer’s property, likely the Baron’s, and you’re expected to work in the mines at the slave camp.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about. I don’t remember anything, but I’m certainly not a slave. This is a mistake.”
“It’s unfortunate that you don’t remember, but it seems you had no say in the matter.”
He didn’t know how to respond. He still struggled to comprehend his situation. They set the logs down on the ground. This can’t be real! This all sounds like a strange dream. Exactly! A strange dream. Of course! Varyan’s thumb wasn’t cut. I’m going to wake up soon.
Varyan flicked a finger at his face. The pain was moderate but unmistakably real.
“Here’s something you should not forget: Pull your weight at work, don’t get in the way of the others, and always do what the Adventurers say. Especially the Baron.”
What is he talking about? Who even is this Baron? What does he want from me?
He needed a moment to let the shock subside. Then, after the tempest of thoughts abated, he said the first thing that came to mind:
“The Baron sounds like an asshole.”
Varyan erupted into hearty laughter. His entire body twitched with each laugh, nearly causing him to slip on the damp grass. He attempted to speak.
“Don’t let them—,” but he couldn’t finish the sentence without bursting into laughter again.
The laughter was high-pitched and uninhibited. It was infectious. He found himself laughing with Varyan, despite the seriousness of the situation. The thought of the two of them, half-naked and laughing uncontrollably over a pile of wood, just sounded too insane to take things seriously.
“No, seriously,” Varyan tried to regain his composure, “don’t let anyone catch you saying that.” Despite his efforts, an amused grunt escaped.
He also struggled to remain serious, but he managed to respond: “Thank you for the warning. I should’ve guessed that I’m not allowed to say that. I’m sorry.”
“No, don’t be,” Varyan whispered with a teary eye.
He looked towards the sky with a smile on his face.
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The sun rose steadily along the mountain line. They took a moment to absorb its warmth. It felt as if the shock from before was being washed away.
“Come on,” Varyan said, “let’s eat.”
They picked up the logs wrapped in rags once more and continued their way downhill as he contemplated what to make of his situation.