We stopped in front of a large inn named The Golden Swan. It looked expensive and high class, archways and pillars embellishing the building, driving home the fact that no normal person could possibly afford it. Golden flourishes decorated the establishment, giving it a glamourous aura. The entrance was huge, around 4 meters in height and 3 meters in width. It reminded me of baroque buildings from my old world, with the trashy decor and specific details to the architecture, but this had its own uniqueness. The stables stood next to the small palace, all manner of beasts calmly lazed about. Fancy carriages parked in a small courtyard.
Some wagons with cages were secured a slight distance from the courtyard. Glancing at one of the awake beasts in a cage, I almost whistled in surprise. It was large with grainy skin covered in thin yellow fur. The thing’s single eye was glaring wildly as it raged, shaking the cage. Sitting on its very furry hind legs, it clawed the cage with three sharp hooks for fingers. It was fucking intimidating. Its maw unusually long, ending with a beak, a horn protruding from its forehead. It paced around, constantly screeching and struggling. I couldn’t recognize what it was, the bestiary had only covered more common creatures. A man stood guard next to the cage, flinching slightly every time this thing clawed in his direction. I couldn’t see any contract markings on it, meaning that cage was either really enhanced or someone was underestimating it too much.
Intelligence gleamed in its eye as it noticed me staring at it. Its beak spread unnaturally into a vicious grimace as we stared at each other. Its eye turned back to the man keeping guard, unsatisfied the man stopped flinching, and it let out an extra loud sound, making me wince as it hurt my ears.
Turning my attention to the two beastmen, I saw Perry get off the carriage and stand in front of me, while Sen jogged to the noble. The six people gathered in front of the cage. A uniformed man with a decently groomed appearance appeared in a respectful manner, giving a slight bow to Patrick, “Sir Sullwa, it’s is a pleasure. If I might ask, will your slave be settled in the stables or the slave quarters?” the human asked professionally, fixing his glasses and politely waiting for a reply.
Patrick seemed to think a while before turning to me with a small smile, “Well? What will it be?” he asked me with an odd undertone, the hidden statement making me scowl. He wanted to see how I would act. Judging by the look in his eyes, he fully expected me to end up in the stables. No longer caring about his little games, I just decided to go with the option of sleeping in a damn bed.
Giving a smile that must have looked creepy, my first attempt to look civil went down the drain, “Let’s go with the quarters.” I’m really sick of this damn cage, not to mention the toll the last few days took on me. I wanted to wash and sleep in peace, get my hands on some alcohol. Thinking about having some strong liquor made me groan inwardly. I don’t give a shit if he doesn’t like it, he can shove the consequences up his fat ass.
The bastard looked surprised and made a strange expression before grinning, "I see. You've decided to cooperate. I'm glad, now we can finally make some proper introductions. My name is Patrick Sullwa. This here is my bodyguard, Clayton Barr. The mages are none of your concern. You can refer to me as master from now on." he stared at me expectantly. I picked at my claws, looking at him from the corner of my eye.
His brow twitched but didn’t loosen the smile even for a second, "Do you have a name or must I give you one?" he asked with patiently. I snorted at the question, "Atkozott." The bastard looked pleased as he nodded, “Intriguing name.” clapping his hands in a good mood, he continued, "Well then. Let me explain how this will go down, Atkozott. The sooner you lose the attitude, the better off you’ll be. I treat my assets with great care, but I will not tolerate disrespect and blatant disregard of my authority. Any attempt to do something against me will result in your immediate punishment and I will make sure it leaves a lasting impression.”
He turned to Clay and gestured. The wolf took out a menacing whip laced with barbs, “He will discipline you accordingly when I don't have the time, the collar will only add to the flair.” he said in satisfaction, “On to the situation at hand. This lovely establishment has some unique qualities. The slave quarters are only here to match the prestige of their customers. It’s not here for your convenience but mine. While you’re there do not, under any circumstance, kill anyone.” he said with severity in his voice, “Play, brawl, fuck, I don’t care, but if you dare kill someone, I will have you on the edge of death for the remainder of our journey. It is not a short one either.”
Listening to his words, I was slightly surprised to see the noble acting so serious. Noting his words, I frown with a nod. He signaled for them to unlock the cage. The mages chanted a short incantation as the door of the cage popped open and the stifling force vanished, allowing me to move. Patrick ignored me and the others, disappearing into the fancy hotel with one of the employees and the mages. Perry and Sen shared a look before leaving, talking about which place to settle down in.
As I stood on my own two feet, I couldn’t help but groan. The stiffness made my legs ache while I stretched. My joints cracked with a pleasant feeling. Clay stood at the side, whip in hand as he glared at me, “Get a move on.” he spoke for the first time. He stood with confidence, carefully observing the surroundings with sharp eyes, frowning at the raging one-eyed beast. He had removed his armor at some point and wore casual clothes. His eyes emitted a menacing, yellow glow. I was surprised when the collar slowly lost its vice grip, allowing me to breathe more easily. Taking a deep breath, I was glad at being able to inhale normally again. My fatigue disappeared gradually since the restraints weren't sucking away my energy anymore.
Even though my mood was still foul, I brightened up a bit. Spotting a few nobles leaving and entering the Golden Swan, they gave me disgusted glances and avoided me. I couldn't blame them. I looked horrible and the smell was even worse. My hair was messy and greasy. Dirt and dry blood were sticking to my face and body. My clothes were ripped and bloody. I literally looked like I had crawled out of a bloody gutter. As I walked in with Clay at my heel, some servants intercepted us, “You cannot enter like that. Sir Sullwa mentioned that you smell like a cesspit but, dear me, you even look like one. Go to the stables and wash. Come back when you look presentable." the human said with a cold voice, his rude attitude showing the difference in treatment.
I ignored the insult as Clay motioned to follow him, “Undress, there’s the bucket and a well.” he pulled out a sack, “These clothes should do for now.” Looking inside the bag, there was just a simple tunic and pants, no shoes. Shrugging, I undressed, ignoring Clay who stood like a statue. Grabbing the bucket, I made short work of pulling the water and directly turned it over my head. The cold water drenched me in seconds, making me hiss from the shock. I quickly washed up and took a rag on the side to dry. Once I looked presentable, despite the cold, I couldn’t help but sigh in bliss.
We walked back in silence, my foul mood mostly gone as I decided not to torture myself so much. I disregarded the rude doormen and walked in with Clay. Gaping in stunned silence, I stare at the pure luxury of the main hall. A huge, magnificent crystal chandelier hung on the ceiling, the intricate arches more eye-catching than the ones outside. The elegant decor and furniture gave the place a really high-class vibe. It was short-lived as Clay grunted, “Stop gawking and follow, I don’t have all day.” Lifting a brow, I said nothing and calmly went with him to the right side, passing a simple door labeled Servant Quarters. Thinking about the position, it probably led somewhere behind the stables.
The corridor was extremely plain in this part of the building, as if no one bothered to make it appealing. Clay stopped in front of a door and went in. It was a dorm. Bunkbeds were lined up, each having two chamber pots underneath, the smell of the room was very stale. The people lying on their beds ignored us as the wolf pointed at one of the empty beds, “This one is yours.” he said and left me here. I was surprised he wasn’t going to stick around and wave his whip at my face the entire night. I snicker at the joke and decide to explore, needing to move around. I had no desire to lie around after doing that for the entire day and a half.
Walking back into the empty corridor, I spotted an arrow guiding to the end of it. Curious, I walked there and found a staircase leading down. Once I descended, I was surprised at what greeted me, the bar was actually half decent. All manner of slaves and servants were having a good time, drinking and playing cards. Even some humanoid monsters hung around, howling with laughter as they spoke. I almost got sucked in by the lively atmosphere. Many different species of monsters and other minor races were present. Some kept to themselves, resting while others hung out and talked. All the different scents invaded my sensitive nose, making me flinch in discomfort.
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It was a spacious room with wooden tables, white rocks set into the walls dimly glowing, making for a pleasant atmosphere. A long bar stretched along the entire wall as employees served meals and beverages. I walked to the bar and sat down on a free stool, ignoring some strange looks. Some people were snickering and whispering to each other, their eyes set on me.
Curious at what the fuss was about, I eavesdropped.
"Oy, oy, ain't he a newbie?"
"I ain’t seen him around here before. Waddaya think he is? I ain’t nevah seen a scaly man like dat before." one of them said, his words slurred, making it clear that he was drunk.
"Ya kno, ain’t dat Raels spot?" one of them grumbled and snickered.
“Aye, dem rat scurried to the little boy’s room. Lads, we gon have sum fun tonight!” they laughed and cheered as they gulped down the large mugs of what seemed to look like beer.
I faced the bartender, not particularly caring this seat was taken. I was glad people quickly lost interest in me. I actually felt relaxed, the bar reminding me of old Sal’s place back on Earth. That dump had the cheapest beer in town. Feeling nostalgic for the only good place on Earth, I sighed and looked at the disinterested bartender, “You have anything strong to drink?”
He was an old man in his fifties with a gray mustache above his lip. His uniform was mostly an apron and the hotel’s red shirt and black pants. The man was slightly hunched, playing with the tip of his mustache while he looked around the room.
After a second, he realized I was talking to him and cleared his throat, “Your owner?”
With clear annoyance, I glared at the old man for spoiling my good mood with only two words, “Patrick Sullwa.” I growled the words with spite, the bastards name leaving a bad aftertaste.
“Let me check your allowance... Hm...” he mumbled and took a ledger, painfully slowly flipping the pages until he squinted and spoke, “Here it is, you have 20 silver at your disposal.” he shut the thing and began listing what I could afford with the amount, “Beer is 3 silvers a mug, small meal 5 silver, large meal 10 silver, strong spirit is 5 silver a glass and the mead is 4 silvers a mug. We don’t sell anything else down here.” he spoke almost mechanically, like it’s something he has said thousands of times.
I let out a long, tired sigh, too worn out to care about the amount which was surprisingly not too shabby. The prices told me that slaves usually got enough coins to just buy a meal and maybe a drink or two. “Give me a double shot of the spirit.” I grumbled, inwardly looking forward to the treat.
Accepting, he went to get me the drink. I heard a commotion behind me. This time, I didn't turn around nor care as a glass filled with clear, bluish liquid appeared in front of me. The smell of strong alcohol made me jittery as I carefully lifted the glass. I noticed someone was quickly approaching me from behind.
I heard others whisper and snicker, "Shit! The newbie's in trouble now..."
"Maybe we should have told him that was Rael's seat..."
"Nah. Too much trouble, let’s what happens! Remember lads, we gotta cheer ‘im on, Rael has a mean allowance, that means booze!"
I'll fuck him up if this Rael person picks a fight with me right now. Frowning, the glass in my hand that was inches from my mouth was suddenly slapped away. My mind froze as I watched my alcohol spill on the dirty floorboards. The sound of the glass breaking the equivalent of what happened in my head. Before anyone could comment or react, I snarled at the person behind me who opened his mouth to speak. Seeing a ratman with beastly features, I disregarded everything as I grabbed the back of his head and slammed it against the bar. Standing up with a disturbing calm, I stared at the ratman while he held his bleeding snout.
This was my first time encountering one of his kind. He looked like an overgrown rodent and reminded me of a buff Master Splinter. He had a long, narrow snout riddled with yellow, uneven teeth that stuck out of his mouth. His red eyes were spooky and he was covered with spiky, brownish fur that glistened with grease. He had earrings on his pointy ears and a pink, hairless tail. He was bigger than me, but the next knee to his crotch brought him down a notch. Quite a muscular fellow, too bad he picked me, of all people, to fuck with. Grabbing the fur on the back of his neck, I hauled the rat on the stool next to me and sat back down. Honestly, it wasn’t even a brawl. The rodent whimpered and squealed, cramped into a near fetal position, holding his crotch. Keeping his face planted on the bar, I glanced at the bartender who looked slightly startled, “Bring me another one and put it on his tab.” I said and pointed at the rat.
Making a complicated face the old man looked at the rat, “Sir?”
“Don’t ya giv ‘im nuthin!” the thing squawked as he tried to claw my hand, unsuccessfully. The skin that reached my elbows could deflect a blade, let alone his pathetic claws. Lifting him up again, I proceeded to slam his head into the bar, “Get.” *Slam* “Me.” *Slam* “My drink.” *Slam* Unsatisfied, I did it again until the only sound inside the room was the crunching of his broken teeth and bones. The bar stand got dented and completely covered in blood by the time I had finished bashing his face in.
I held back so he doesn’t die, figuring no one here was worth me getting punished to near death over. Doesn’t mean his face was better off. His snout was completely dislocated to the side. A black eye was forming on his face and a few teeth clinked as they fell from his busted mouth. Pathetically staring at the bartender, he nodded.
Keeping him pinned, I took my new glass and sipped it first. An amazingly fiery taste spread within my mouth. It had a fruity undertone making me almost groan in pleasure. The warmth felt good, making me feel a pleasant tingle. Right now, I felt grateful that I could, at the very least, enjoy a good drink. I tossed the rest of the drink back like a shot and exhaled in delight. That’s the stuff. My good mood returning in an instant, I smiled and straightened the rat before patting him roughly on the back, “Thanks for the drink man.”
He moaned and groaned as his hands waved around his snout in panic. Swaying on the stool, he looked like he wanted to say something. He whimpered and winced at the sudden movement. I smile in satisfaction, “Let me help you fix that.” his eyes widened as I grabbed his twisted snout and, with a sharp tug, straightened it back. His eyes rolled into the back of his head and he fainted. I stopped smiling as my face became indifferent and my eyes coldly scanned the rest of the bar that had grown silent. The others were looking anywhere but here. It didn’t take long for the place to go back to normal. Someone had come and dragged the rat away.
This whole day was one awful blend of fucked-up. I was fed up, “Give me another one of those.” I said to the bartender and slowly drank that glass. Honestly, I needed an outlet and that rat came at the perfect time. The Rattar received all my pent up rage in one fell swoop. He had messed with the wrong guy, on the wrong fucking day. Now that the tension was gone from my shoulders, I just felt tired of it all.
Feeling slightly depressed, I sipped my drink trying to cheer up, unfortunately, it wasn’t helping that much. I just need a damn break. Ignoring the whispers behind me, I figured this kind of thing happens often. As I was sulking in silence, I heard loud stomping coming down the stairs. I turned to look and lifted a brow in surprise.
A woman walked into the middle of the room, her rough face red in anger. The chick had braided pink hair, her face marred with a nasty burn scar. Her lips were thin and cheekbones high. She held herself proudly, but was generally unarmed. Green eyes shone with dignity and her hide armor held many scars, proving the lady was a seasoned adventurer. She looked furious, “Who did that to Rael?”
Everyone turned their gaze at me, and so did she. She furiously stomped in my direction, making inwardly groan. Am I jinxed or something? The hell does she want now?
“How dare you do that to my familiar, you bastard! How’s he supposed to do his work now!? Who is your fucking master, slave? He will compensate my losses!” she cursed with narrow eyes, her pose unbecoming of a woman. She looked like a hooligan off the street. Arms crossed on her ample bosom. I stood up and was surprised she was on my eye level, “His name is Patrick Sullwa, go bug him.” I said in annoyance, “The rat picked a fight so I gave him one. Take your little hissy fit elsewhere.”
Her face blanked for a moment before she pulled her hand back and swung a punch. Wanting to dodge, I suddenly got sidetracked by the tightening of the collar, her fist connecting with my chin. The lady had a mean punch, but it was nothing compared to the big man’s elbow. Holding my chin, I scowled at her but didn’t attack seeing as she was just huffing in anger but made no further moves, “Satisfied? Just get lost, I seriously don’t feel like dealing with you.”
Lifting a brow, she actually did calm down a bit. She glared before turning on her heel and leaving.
“Women.” I mutter in irritation, making her halt and point a finger at me with determination in her eyes, “I'll remember your face demon!” she hissed and disappeared.
Feeling exhausted from this seemingly unending day, I finished my drink and decided to leave. Finding my dorm and bed, I almost groaned as I let myself fall on my belly in the bed. It was hard yet somehow comforting when compared to my usual place of rest. This was the first bed I was sleeping in since the day I came here. The pillow was baggy, but I sunk into it anyway. My eyes closed as I drifted off into a deep, dreamless sleep.