I wake up with a throbbing headache.

Placing my hand to my head, I rub my temple then pinch the bridge of my nose between my thumb and forefinger. Opening my eyes, I wince as the pain doubles with the sensation of light.

The pain hits like rapid strikes of an enraged wolverine.

It takes a few moments before, I notice I am under the linen covers. That I am resting on a bed of an inn room at the Regretful Goblin.

"You’re awake." Gareth says then lets out a long yawn.

He sits in a wooden chair one taken from the downstair main hall of the inn. Next to the bed facing me.

"Did you spend the night here?" I ask.

"Yes, the other two are sleeping in your room. Give the two some privacy, you know." He responds with a small smile. He continues to look at me his eyebrows furrowing with worry.

"How are they?" I ask out of politeness and a trickle of concern.

"Well enough given the circumstances. I got their chains off. They are heavier than they look. I bought some clothes for them. Cheap plain wear but enough to cover their bits if you get what I mean." He says flushing red as he stammers off.

"I do." I concede with a blush.

"When they were clothed I took them to a doctor I asked Grecis about. I bought some medicine… Well, a down payment of the prescription. The doctor said no sex for them until the infection has passed. But they will get better with a mix of the augmentations and the medicine by week's end they will be fine."

"Good."

"They seem withdrawn. Like they are hiding. I haven’t seen anything like it since the wars up north. You know how sometimes some of the warriors would just sit in their tent unmoving and sobbing. They are like that but different."

I stay silent for a moment gathering my thoughts on how to answer. Rubbing my chin out of the habit. I feel a few hairs growing since I last shaved.

"Too much pain can hurt the body in many ways. It can make people strange. We have taken up quite the challenge." I explain.

"They need time and rest. Gentle encouragement to push them." He encourages.

"When they are ready. Indeed." I agree.

A sharp pain hits as my headache persists causing me to wince again.

"Here." Gareth says as he casts a health augmentation a glow of green light appearing as an effect of drawing mana into our current space.

"Thanks." I say flashing a grin in appreciation as the pain lessens.

"I’m going out the back and practice forms. Call me if you need me and make sure to get some breakfast." He says getting up from the chair with a smile on his face.

"Check on them." I say as he walks to the door sighing in relief now that my headache is gone.

"I plan to, I will tell them you are up. Maybe greet them when you head downstairs?"

"Of course."

"See you later." He says waving as he closes the door behind him.

With Gareth away, it is quiet.

The room is far colder as I am left with my thoughts.

"Poor, with dependents whose names I don’t even know and no secure employment to pay for food or shelter. Fuck." I mutter to myself aloud.

I want to stay in bed forever.

I pull the covers over my head submerging myself in comforting darkness. I snuggle into the bed.

Do I beg Rina for money? Nobility gives out alms to old friends, right? Their leftovers feed the starving orphans of the city well I am one too.

"Ha."

Perhaps when Gareth complains then I will do it. I would rather starve than ask for help for myself.

Birdsong sounds through the open window and a gentle breeze ruffles the blanket.

"Shut up." I groan. "Any other day but today." I complain as my bladder feels ready to burst and my stomach rumbles loudly.

I suppose I should get up.

Wearing robes as dark as the night sky, I leave the room to perform my daily necessities. I peek into Gareth’s room where the girls are resting. It is dark as the curtain pulled over blocking the rays of the sun but the absence of light does not impair my sight. The two are on the bed under the covers holding hands.

"Who is there." A quiet voice says from under the covers.

"Good morning." I say. "I am August of Killie. We met yesterday. I’m technically your new owner with Gareth. But don’t mind that …"

"Why should we not mind it." Says one of them.

"Because. Give me a second." I step into the room proper and close the door. "Because while Gareth and I haven’t discussed it, yet we didn’t buy the two of you to use you. If that makes sense. When you are fit and well the two of you are free."

"Free. Just like that." One of them speaks.

"Yes, fortune favours you."

They are silent at that comment. I clear my throat wondering what to say next to a nagging sense that I should run away creeps into my thoughts.

"Well, I am heading downstairs to eat. Do you want me to bring anything up?" I ask.

"No, thanks. Your friend has already done that." One of them replies.

"Okay, we will talk later. I know this is a big change but for the better, I hope." I respond as I take a step towards the door and open it again.

"Thank you, for saving my sister."

"Thank you." The other says as well.

I smile. "Rest well." I say and close the door.

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I sigh my back pressing against the door.

That went okay.

I bounce down the stairs a creak with each footfall the wooden panels groan as I drop the last step and a few eyes cast over me from the tables but flicker away in a heartbeat’s span.

Once again Grecis and her slaves run the inn. The slaves are neither friendly as a trained Noble’s servant nor mean as a worker making a pittance.

They are like dolls smiling without warmth, eyes staring into space they look into your eyes but there is no recognition for they do not see themselves; empty like an artist has tried to make them lifelike based on a motif while being dumb to nature and in doing so tore passion and then their reason out of them.

A cold sweat pouring down my back and a sense of painful discomfort in the base of my stomach I walk over to Grecis.

The thick-armed innkeeper, her grey hairs contrast the black locks that are pulled back into a ponytail out of the way of her beady, brown eyes that peer at me with a mix of greed and openness.

"What is your order today, Rabbit Mage?" she asks with a smile.

"Just a breakfast for me." I say forcing a smile.

"Five copper." She replies and I dig into my money pouch and she scoops the coins from my palm.

"How are the slaves? Any regrets?" she asks bluntly but with a polite tone. In a knowing way of an experienced slave master.

The consequences are the same. Aren't they? We both deal in the exchange of bodies of living people. However, our intentions could not be more polarised. How different do our thoughts make us?

"A surprise, an impulse buy by my friend. I have high expectations once they are healthy again. A worthwhile investment, I’m sure." I respond with near equal courtesy.

Does that sound merchant like? Will she believe I am like her?

I blush.

"Good, good. I was worried when I saw you come in yesterday but never underestimate Mages I said. They always a trick and are never short of coin."

"Indeed."

"When is drink coming." complains another customer an older man with a shock of white hair.

"Your pisswater will be right over." She bites back. "Your food will be right over Magi, we can trade stories later." She says to me and walks away back to business.

The place has a few patrons occupying tables.

An old man drinking alone. Another two men one with balding hair and the other greying and both with the rough skin and bent back of labourers, drink and gossip complaining about the lack of work.

A fresh-faced young man buzzes between patrons asking for money for a carriage ride when he comes over, I glare at him and he backs off.

A trio of dwarves mutter to themselves in the corner. Five women talk among themselves discussing an investment into one of the banks to the west in the city of Floren.

"Hello, there August." Interrupts a familiar voice.

"Jerrick." I answer my voice catching in my throat in surprise. I stand up turning to look at him.

He is longer wearing golden robes with a pink floral pattern of roses and lilies with green stems and silver lining. He is as refined and beautifully dressed as usual. Black hair cut short with his fingers covered with many gold rings inlaid with emeralds but my attention sticks to his green eyes reminiscent of summer grass.

He offers a hand that I shake, but he pulls me into a hug. I suppress a groan in discomfort and remember after a few seconds to reciprocate. We pull apart and I try to smile.

I forgot he liked to hug. If we were closer, I might feel more comfortable with it.

"How are you?" I ask curious what would bring him to an inn below his estate.

"Making ends meet, got few jobs lined up."

"Oh, you’re working."

Things not working out with the parents. Squabble among nobility? He went from the third daughter to the second son.

"Yes, a friend offered an opportunity."

"That is good but what brings you here?"

"Work. But at the moment you and your friend. Will Gareth be joining?"

"I’m not sure, he is out practising sword forms."

"No, bother."

"Please sit." I point at one of the seats at the table.

"Thank you." He says with a smile and takes a seat as his stomach rumbles.

"A drink and plate for my friend here." I call out.

One of the slaves bows. "As you command." And walks off behind the counter to the kitchen.

Jerrick glances around looking noticeably uncomfortable with the number of slaves and their automaton-like behaviour.

"I imagine, in the noble house the servants are better dressed and happier."

"Yes, they are. They are slaves nonetheless. Chattel. As the philosopher Sene describes them. I agree something should change. But the politics of the issue is beyond my expertise. Are we not living in the best of governments after all?"

"I share your confusion. Best left to the philosophers to debate and nobles to keep our walls secure."

"Is treating our fellows as chattel just? Is this not what Sene argued?" interrupts a soft musical voice.

Standing next to our table wearing a long white cloak caked with mud at the bottom. Pulling their hood down reveals intense grey eyes and long locks of blonde hair framing a lovely face of sculpted beauty.

"Yes, it was." Responds Jerrick raising an eyebrow.

"Well, Atticus’ interpretation of Sene." I add.

"Catherine." She says introducing herself. "I’ve never met a demon before."

"Nor I an angel."

"Jerrick." Says Jerrick pointing to himself. "Your dress is lovely." He says gesturing to her floral white dress with woven sunflowers on the skirt.

"You too, most colourful. Apologies but I will be leaving first. Sorry for interrupting. I hope we can meet again." She says with a half-smile and a flush of scarlet then rushes out of the inn.

"Odd."

He nods. "Indeed."

"Rabbit stew and water." Interrupts one of the slaves handing over my breakfast another slave brings over Jerrick’s seconds later.

It is a poorly favoured dish, far too watery with some chopped onion and mushroom to flavour the rabbit joints. But it is a warm and cooked wand that is more than I can say for stale bread.

"I have a job, and I’m willing to go half the payment with you." He says as we eat.

I nod and chew on the meat.

"It is a bounty." He explains.

I look into his eyes.

Is this how desperate we must become?

"I never took you as the type. I always thought you would go into research and lose your job due to scandal." I pause and take a sip of water. "Jerrick the bounty hunter."

"You’ve killed. I know the truth behind the rumours. And now so have I."

My hands tremble.

"How much?"

"A gold for the job. But they are right scum and money in the safe is the real payment. The client just wants them gone."

I stare at him my eyes creasing with tension.

He rolled his eyes, "If the ethics bother you. Magi Moralis demands we care for mundanes. Sorry, Marti. Protecting them from each other counts."

"Why me?"

"Because you know them, and I trust you to have my back if things turn south."

I know them?

He nods towards the innkeeper Grecis.

"The husband as well."

"Both. Why?"

"I don’t know the details, but her name is known among a certain circle of nobility and magi with let’s say exotic interests that require specially trained slaves. None are ever seen again."

"And the husband?"

"Deep connections to the underworld that one. Takes desperate free folk, and offers a loan. You know the story; they can’t pay back. Here is the twisted part he enslaves them, gets a binding to ensure submission then cuts off a limb then places them around the city. Obedient homeless agents among the unseen people. Information and coin flow into his pockets like bears to honey."

"You serious?"

"Deadly."

"You don’t have a backing, do you?"

He smiles and says nothing.

"The plan?"

"Kill them with magic."

"Fuck, in their own place you say this, you arrogant …" I cut myself off and rub my temples with my thumb and forefinger.

"I know what I am good at and stick to."

What does he know about their routines? Should I bring Gareth into this? The paragon is righteous to slay monsters but devoted to Galen’s virtues.

The girls are hostages if things go wrong.

What friends do they have? Will their allies seek retribution? Should I walk away? Jerrick can do it without me, he sought me out for reassurance. No, because he needs someone to sort the unknowns so he can do the simple part. Kill.

"What do you know about their allies?"

"I know they have slaves here, I know the group Fool’s Dance work for the Titar the husband. That my client is from this group. They have a powerful friend in the nobility and underworld people whose attention we don’t to attract."

"I don’t know, Jerrick. I am an adventurer now. I hunt rabbits, I make an honest living and no one get hurts. I’ve already had one life or death fight I am looking forward to a quiet week."

"It’s alright I understand."

"Hey, if you are in any trouble we will help out. Hear me?"

"Alright, I will. Be seeing you." He says and we clasp hands and he leaves.

I finish off my meal and clear my throat with the last of the water.

I watch the place for a while, looking at the patrons and listening to their conversations. Taking the time to try and collect my thoughts on meeting Jerrick and on the confrontation with Lord M. Le Fey and the Nurdang yesterday. The girls. The cat beast-skin twins who are now our slaves.

I have no idea who they are? Or how they came to be in such a state. Having lived in the North and then the academy I never got how the people of this city treated Beast-skins. The cruelty.

Not really.

I can see how their ears are different from humans or even their tails of which humans have none. Different from my tail. But how does having different ears or tails make you inferior how does it justify enslaving an entire people? How does a Beast-skin having those attributes become a relationship of submission to humans? How does it become acceptable, usual, normal?

In every meeting of slaves and masters, the former are denied personhood.

They are property or about to become property.

I should go check on Gareth.