Another morning that I woke up feeling actually well-rested. I couldn’t describe it, but somehow sleeping on something that isn't dirt... and well, something that couldn’t get into your nose while you slept. Somehow it made sleeping much better.

We were still on the road. From what I overheard--- we were headed towards Erast, a village close to the 'city' area, I guess that... it was something like a better village? Did that mean it was just bigger or? Stopping there I just assumed that we would either see it or that they would teach us about it if it was important.

The atmosphere of the caravan--- didn't change much, some beggars well, we were all [Slaves] now. Still argued, trying to come up with a way to name themselves differently, they didn’t seem happy with the names that they received but... having two names?

I didn't listen closely to what they were saying, as it looked like they wouldn't get further than few ideas, get into a fight, and well after all of that just go back to sitting and waiting.

One good thing was that everyone received food and water, two times a day. We got a bread roll per person and a bucket full of water per carriage. There we no disputes, as guards were near, but I could see a guy or two staring at other’s bread.

Even though the guards and the [Slaver] had separate meals, they still ate on the move. From what I saw they had the luxury of meat and a drink that didn't look like water. We were all still well-fed so no one complained. I couldn't even finish two bread rolls after the second day. But once I recalled how hungry and tired I was after that one walk... well I forced myself to finish it all. Who knew what would await me?

As we were on our way, heading towards their base--- or well our future home. I could hear sounds, of something... someone shifting. Getting closer, growling. They appeared out of nowhere, I had no idea if the [Guards] noticed them, but they didn't seem scared. Ron ordered for everyone to stop, and orders were issued. For them to take positions.

There were ten or so wolves, they were around a meter high, and maybe two meters in length, they varied between different colors... their fur looked nice, I wouldn't mind having something made of it. The only scary part was... their jaws, their long and sharp teeth, combined with the length of their jaws... if that thing got my arm in its jaw, I feel like it would pierce right through the bone... and well, just take the whole arm off, no issue whatsoever.

The way that they were growling, circling the caravan… it felt nerve-racking. But I felt safe, I was in a cage. Surrounded by guards… so I just moved farther from the bars. And watched.

Some of the [Slaves] screamed as the wolves surrounded the caravan. There was chaos, in some carts. Combined with the [Guards] being occupied, no one had time to manage them.

The whole situation was hectic. And I had my blood pumping. It was after all my first time that, I actually saw a wolf. No matter how confidant I was in the bars, and [Guards], with people screaming. Wolves growling, rearing to jump. It felt crazy.

And that's where I noticed how useful the [Guards] formation was. The fight wasn't even close, it was mostly the guards fending them off with their weapons. They were somewhat struggling to kill the wolves, they were agile. Dodging swings, trying to bite extended hands. Growling, bearing their fangs. Waiting for an opportunity to bite.

One of the guards felt cocky probably tired of the evasive wolves... he went to punch the charging wolf... even though he had a weapon in his other hand... he didn’t use it?

As his punch came close to the Wolf’s head, the wolf just adjusted its jaw and bit down hard.

Even I heard the crunch of bone through all the noise that was there, as his whole fist was removed in a single bite.

The poor guy screamed... enraged, he charged the wolf, with one hand missing. The stump where his hand was... was now squirting blood. But he didn't care, he was mad! He wanted his hand back!

He clearly wasn’t thinking straight.

As he blindly charged towards the wolf, breaking the formation, he was swinging his sword. Yelling, cursing… crying. He was only looking towards the wolf, with his hand in his jaw.

As that was going on I noticed from the corner of my eye the hooded guard move well, not exactly move he just changed position. Previously he was just sitting on the horse next to the [Slaver] chatting, easily defending against three wolves not bothering to help the rest.

But once he moved, I saw three dead wolves where he previously sat, leaving the [Slaver] and two horses stupified.

I couldn’t even believe what I was seeing… or well what I wasn’t seeing. Could a person move that fast?

Somehow I could feel that the hooded [Guard] was angry? Something changed about his demeanor. It looked like he was serious? Before I could analyze it further, he was gone. One second he was standing next to the [Slaver] and the horses. And when I blinked he was gone?

After a few seconds of looking trying to see where he disappeared to, I saw him next to the previously one-handed guard his body was still standing, facing the direction of the wolf but there was something strange.

He wasn’t moving? As I looked up I saw that... now he was missing his head too.

The wolves that survived, probably sensing danger turned tail and ran into the woods. Howling.

I didn’t even see what happened, couldn’t comprehend how he just disappeared and reappeared meters away. It sent shivers down my spine.

Don’t get me wrong, I was scared of the wolves, but we were in cages. With actual [Guards], so to me they just looked scary. Even the horses that towed the carts were calm, more so than the [Slaves], that were shouting, screaming.

But this? It was more than just fear, the hooded [Guard] defied logic. The way that he moved? Was that even human?

The hooded [Guards] voice was silent, but I was certain that everyone heard him.

"Disobedience is not allowed, being a [Slave], [Thug] or a [Guard] you have your orders. If you don't obey, you become worthless to us. And having no use... why would we bother keeping you around?"

The [Slaves], ones that still didn’t comprehend the situation. Still screaming. Went silent. No one dared to speak.

He turned, threw the head of the [Guard] in a random direction, and walked off towards Ron, they exchanged a few words. And Ron turned, facing the [Guards], he ignored their expressions. The grief, rage that was boiling under their skin.

“We are continuing, you have thirty seconds to decide what to do with the [Thug], any more than that isn’t acceptable.”

And soon we were back on the road, going at the same pace. Like nothing happened.

Not a single guard dared to protest, to try and get revenge… or decided to quit their current job. Leave, or something similar.

Some tried to carry their companion--- to give him a proper burial. But as they started to slow us down, one glance from the hooded [Guard]. Made them reconsider.

The [Guards] body was just left there, on the side of the road. They took his gear, and just followed with blank looks.

They were not happy about it, but not a single one made a sign of rebellion. They all looked scared.

Our surroundings became quiet, only some of the now [Slaves] talked about the way that the hooded [Guard] moved... killed, it was scary. Some of them looked expectant, the way that they were sitting, looking at the hooded person--- did they think that they would be taught to do things like that? The way that he moved... I couldn't see them teaching that to [Slaves], maybe once we proved that we were worth it?

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And calling him main [Guard]? It didn't suit him... calling him something that well compared to the rest of the [Guards]. Wasn’t even comparable. The difference in skill, the way that he moved. It made no sense.

_______

It was an impressive display of skill... that proved that he was high-level just like Ron expected. Even Ron couldn't follow him in that instance. Ron didn't have a combat Class... but to think that Shadow was that much higher level than him? It was rather scary... why would such a guy be assigned to protect him?

Ron was uncertain if he provoked anyone... no that couldn’t be it. Ron wasn't even that active. With the lack of [Slaves] that he had in his possession, it’s either that the top of the guild found his presence an annoyance with the lack of results, or some of them found some interest in him?

Maybe they wanted to invest, help him out so that Ron would owe them a favor? And then use him as their piece? There were too many possibilities.

As Shadow was done, he walked towards Ron annoyed.

"We have to get rid of them, they'll become a liability... if they start to spread rumors we could be discovered. And trust me, you don't wish for that to happen."

Ron could see him shiver, as he finished that sentence… and if someone could make someone like Shadow shiver? Ron wasn’t going to take the risk, to see who it was.

"Yes, we should. Do you want to do it once we get to the estate? Or before we get there?"

Shadow paused, considering.

"Now that I think about it, we should keep them in prison. Feed them, give them a training room or something. And promise them freedom if they prove themselves worthy enough. And with that, we will have decent opponents for the new [Slaves], instead of sending them into the forest under the supervision... and wasting resources which we already lack. We can just make them fight to the death. Having battle-ready [Slaves] that already killed, you will have an easier time selling them to the high-nobility... and with this war going on, them already being able to stomach killing? It'll change a lot."

Blinking, Ron looked at Shadow surprised.

"You are an [Assassin] right? Not some kind of undercover [Slaver] sent to replace me?"

Before he could stop his mouth. Ron already spoke, what was on his mind.

As their eyes met, Ron could swear that Shadow looked down on him.

Ron was mad, seeing that disdainful smirk that Shadow had. He wanted to deny it--- but Ron couldn't do it… it was too good of a plan to discard based on his rising anger... towards this damned [Assassin]. If Ron was certain that he could kill him with these five thugs left? He would have done it right there and then.

But the performance spooked him, he couldn’t risk it. His pride wasn’t worth his life. And with a call like that? His life would be on the line. So Ron grit his teeth and did what he had to.

"Fine whatever, keep your secrets. I was thinking of something similar when I offered to bring them to the estate."

"Sure"

Shadow replied with just one word, and a knowing smirk... that bastard. He was doing it on purpose.

And Ron was certain, that Shadow knew… that he knew it. And that made it even worse.

_______

It wasn't until few more hours until we reached the big house with a tall wall circling it. The only opening from where we could see the house was the main gate. With walls that were three meters tall or so, it made it impossible to look from any other side. The house itself had two floors, a balcony, and a large wooden door that looked like an entrance. I wouldn't doubt that even these carts could go inside if they wanted them to, through that door. I wondered how they could open such a massive thing.

[Slaves] around me looked happy, some even cheered. Expecting the life of the [Kings]. Which was still funny to me. While most of the guards looked uncertain, some looked like they wanted to go back after this... and pick up the body of their friend--- if there was anything left of it by now. But before they could decide Ron spoke.

"We have finally arrived, and before anything else, we shall celebrate. Everyone should join us. And after the party, you'll receive your payment for the job."

Seeing some of the guards... wanting to say no, and just leave without entering the estate. Ron frowned.

"You would reject my offer? After so many days that we spent together, at least give me the opportunity to give you a reward, of course, it will not affect your pay."

Ron looked serious... like he wouldn't accept no as an answer. And the [Guards] with just one glance towards the hooded [Guard] shrank and just nodded.

Dejectedly they followed along with the caravan as it approached the gate.

With Ron waving his hand above his head, with some sort of a wooden thing. The gate opened on its own, and the carts were brought inside.

As we were headed towards the main door, I looked around but there was nothing outside of the house. I think I could see some miniature houses? Close to the main house... maybe they had pets?

As the carts came closer to the main door, of the house. I saw Ron repeat the gesture. This time, I could see the main gate close at the same time as the main door to the house opened.

As it did, five well-dressed people, every one of them looked nice, clean, well dressed. The man at the front bowed, followed by the rest.

"Welcome back Master Ron, Master Shadow."

Ron just nodded, pointing backward.

"We will have company, prepare food for the feast."

Ron signed something with his hand, that I didn't comprehend and the leading servant just nodded and walked off.

The rest stayed where they were, still bowing waiting for commands.

"The rest of you shall help out the [Thugs] and bring the slaves to the lower rooms, organize them into groups. They'll be living there for quite some time."

As Ron finished, he just waved them off and walked towards the stairs.

They instantly obeyed, moving towards carts instructing [Guards] to release the [Slaves] in groups of four. The first group left with them shortly afterward.

As they were walking away, I noticed some kind of shining thing around their necks... was it just jewelry?

Soon came my turn, as we were seventeen I was in a group of five. My 'companions' were happy, expectant of the feast. I could see them imagining the feast worth of [Kings], probably enough meat and bread until they could no longer eat. I was just curious where they were leading us.

As we entered the house, it felt wrong for us to walk there, or even be there. Everything was clean... we didn't even have boots, leaving muddy footprints all over the comfortable carpet, and floors. It was a mess.

Right in front of us were the stairs that Ron and Hood climbed, apparently Hood’s name was Shadow? And I kind of liked the name that I picked for him... whatever.

As we walked, I looked around. On each side of the corridor, there were statues, some kind of pictures posted on the walls. With some kind of balls spread around, placed on stands that held them up few meters in the air.

As we neared one of the statues on the side, the leading servant pressed some part of it, and the floor moved. He grumbled something about them not leaving it open, knowing that they were coming?

When it came time for me to go in, I saw that there was a circular staircase leading straight down, glancing around I saw those orbs again, this time on much shabbier stands, placed around... and they were glowing? How?

Before I could continue staring in amazement, an annoyed voice came from behind me. Making me flinch.

"If you do not move, you shall be rolling all the way down. If you end up dead, it is up to you"

Quickly coming back from my stupefied state. I followed them, the longer we walked... the scarier it was. Even after five or so minutes, we were still going down.

After ten or so minutes, we arrived. As we exited the door from the stairs. We entered a long tunnel with multiple doors on each side. The tunnel itself was long, very long. The spaces between doors, were random, and well I couldn't see the end... was it due to light? Why would they need so many doors?

As we walked for a few minutes, not seeing the other groups. We ended up taking a few turns. Apparently, there were forks in the tunnels, leading different ways. The size of it all… was mind-boggling.

As we approached one of the doors a servant unlocked it and ushered our groop in, telling us to just wait and that food will come soon. As we entered, not even having time to look around--- the door was shut close, some of the [Slaves] tried opening it. But it wouldn’t budge.

And so I found myself with four unknown people in a room that well, looked worse than that carriage. There were no windows but at least it was still bright, thanks to those orbs.

Yes, there were beds, actual beds. I couldn’t help and jump on one. it was a big room enough for all five of us, though it could become a bit cramped as we grew.

But the jolly mood was still there, even with all the things that happened. And us being locked who knows how deep underground. And so my four companions went on, introducing themselves again.

And well I was stuck with Numbers: Fifteen, Eleven, Seven, and Two.

Fifteen the guy looked chill somewhat dull, like someone that would sleep through wolves killing his companions, and upon waking to find that out and just yawn it away... like a bad dream. He was a bit higher than me, but from the dirt stuck to his face, I couldn't tell much about his features.

The same went for the other three. The only thing that I could tell was their eye color, demeanor, and the way that they talked.

Eleven and Seven were similar, active... their eyes always roaming around. Looking for something interesting to do.

Two was a bit more 'grown up'... I could see that he somewhat realized that we were screwed. But kept it together.

And so we were left there, waiting... for the feast of the [Kings]!