The laughter and joyful conversation flowed towards my ears from the large dance hall, the Empire's so-called “upper castes” loving their gossip and verbal games to see who could outwit the other. Drinks and food were carried by platters and quickly brought to the guests, none of the servants or slaves even being noticed. Except for the ones like me, who were similar and yet so different in appearance to these humans. I felt completely disgusted as they looked at me as either a curious animal or with utter contempt. If I could, I would’ve killed every single one of them long ago.
While my body was thinner and more lithe than an average human warrior, many hours of extensive training had made it incredibly sturdy and contained a toned strength. My skin was darker than most people at the party, taking on more similarities to stone or obsidian. I had long, straight black hair tied back to show off the long pointed ears that were the primary feature of my people, something I wanted to sneer at whenever a human compared them to a bat’s. I wore the typical equipment of the House’s guard, basic iron armor fitted over my chest and legs, and a long spear held in hand.
“Look, dear. It’s one of those cloud dancers I’ve heard so much about.”
I instinctively wanted to grimace at the derogatory term, but a burning heat coming from my chest forced me to remain visibly passive. Glancing over, I saw a couple approaching me with amused curiosity. The man was taller than his wife, or more likely a mistress as her skin was much lighter than his, but I still stood taller than him. I didn’t recognize either of them, but the high-quality enchanted clothing signified them as Vanhandae. A family that had created a permanent noble House that could be passed on to their children.
The human woman looked me over as if she was appraising me, looking unimpressed and disdainful. “Honestly, I don't understand your fascination with this. They are just slaves like any other.”
“But they aren't just any other slaves, dear. A Mavoran’s capability to use and control Vitae is greater than a human's. Even the ones with a newly-formed Foundation Stage Core can evenly compete with an Initiate of the Iron Stage. The Patriarch of this House was truly lucky to buy an entire squad of them at the auction.”
I tightened my grip on my spear as the man continued speaking. I wanted to scream at them, to shout and bash their head until it was nothing but a bloody smear. Each one of those thoughts caused the burning pain in my chest to grow worse. I was not allowed to attack anyone unless they were an active threat to the House, and I wasn't allowed to speak unless spoken to first.
The woman scoffed at her paramour’s answer, the man tightening his hold at her side in response. The man turned to address me directly.
“Mavoran, I'm curious about a few things. How did House Shah acquire the funds to buy you and the others? It’s no secret that your masters are wealthy, but there are a few inconsistencies on who their patrons are.”
This was something I had never experienced before. The usual reaction to seeing me was either mockery or complete disregard for my existence. The question itself was something I knew but wasn't allowed to answer truthfully, but there was already an order for that.
“My generous masters have many sources of wealth that they can call for at any time. The exact patrons and partners they have dealings with is something I wouldn't know of,” my voice was calm and respectful, but inside my mind was racing to break free and strangle the person in front of me.
The Vanhandae nodded his head as if this was the expected answer. I saw no trace of empathy or consideration in him, just like every other human.
“As I've heard. For only being on the lower half of Vanatridae status, House Shah certainly has large economic power. Now, I want to know something else, something about you specifically. Do you have a Core, Mavoran?”
I tried to prevent myself from answering. This damned worm didn't deserve the honor of asking that. My chest felt like it was igniting into flames, forcing the words out of my mouth.
“Y-yes, sir,” I strained out.
His eyes widened in interest like he had found something important.
“Marvelous! You have to show me sometime. Of course, we would have to gain your master's permission.”
The shame and indignant rage surged through me, but I was helpless against it. Remembering that day, remembering the torment and disgrace I constantly went through. This man knew very well that all slaves with a Vitae Core had it sealed away, he was enjoying the show he was forcing me through.
Before the infuriatingly despicable Vanhandae could utter another word, another finely dressed man intervened and gave a deep bow. The newcomer was someone I was very familiar with, the very source of my rage. Nariman was the Patriarch of House Shah, a middle-aged man of average height and weight. His facial features were sharp and only a shade lighter than other Rahimki. He had a toned physique and brown hair covered by a light blue cap, and excessive amounts of jewelry were adorned on his fingers and ears.
The man rose from his bow and looked the Vanhandae directly in the eye. The detestable Vanhandae remained calm at the interruption, but I could see the frustration they were hiding.
“Vanhandae Sadegh, it is a pleasure to see you attend my daughter's coming-of-age celebration. House Jad honors my family for sending you.”
I immediately recognized the name of this man’s House. House Jad was one of the more notorious Vanhandae Houses, as well as having a long history. They were mainly known to be somewhat neutral, but that neutrality only extended as far as maintaining the Empire’s order and stability. I didn’t know who Sadegh was specifically, but my enslaver’s reaction suggested they were a high-standing member.
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Jad motions with their hand for my “Patriarch” to rise, not even waiting before starting to speak again. “Yes, it is indeed a very nice gathering, Patriarch. You have been a kind and gracious host to all of us so far,” The practiced smile he formed suggested he wanted to say something different.
Nariman seemed to react with a slight twitch to his posture, but it was subdued in an instant. “Thank you for your kind commentary, Vanhandae. The coming formation of my wondrous and beautiful daughter’s Foundation will be a great addition to our nation’s power. But I don’t need to speak further of that, you’ve no doubt witnessed many similar celebrations. I initially came over to greet you and your absolutely lovely companion, though I noticed your interest in one of my guards.”
Jad gave a light cough and straightened out his clothing, an obvious attempt to regain both his composure and advantage, “Forgive me for ignoring proper decorum, Patriarch. I’ve taken a close interest in the Mavoran race recently, and so I couldn’t help but ask a few questions. All out of innocent curiosity.”
Nariman waved it away dismissively, trying to appear to not be bothered by it. “No offense was taken. Mavorans such as this one are wanted by many of the upper castes. I can’t fault someone for taking a passing interest in them. Now, I have other guests to greet. We can talk a bit more later, but I hope you have a pleasant time enjoying the rest of the festivities.”
A mask of carefully manicured emotion was worn by the Vanhandae, something I had seen hundreds of times throughout the years of my enslavement. Still holding on to their mistress, they gave a slight nod before leaving for the main gathering. Once out of sight, Nariman released the tension in his body before quickly whirling to face me.
The scorn and fury he emitted was equally met with my own. Even though I couldn’t do anything to harm my warden and torturer, I have never let him break me. One day, I will break free of these chains and address the proper justice.
Seconds passed, and Nariman regained a grip on his emotions. I could see that it wasn’t an admittance of defeat, but rather the man had slightly cleared his mind. He reached for an inscribed runic bracelet on his wrist, and instinct forced me to wince and try to run away even though I could not move from my spot. A faint pulse of Vitae activated the control bracelet, creating an instant connection to the brand marked on my chest. As was set to default by the man, pain sprouted in my chest but I wasn’t allowed to show it.
“Imbecile,” Nariman furiously whispered, “Can’t you ever follow any simple directions? I will have a word with your Handler after this is over.”
Another pulse of Vitae, and the pain increased to become overbearing. It was only for a few brief moments, but it was something I had become familiar with over the past six years. Whenever any of Nariman’s slaves would perform even the slightest insult in his eyes, he would make us feel this pain to “have us learn”. In some instances, it went on for hours, and more than a few slaves almost died because of it.
After the pain was lessened back to normal, my breath came out very heavy and I was sweating profusely. Nariman looked at me with disgust, but the fire in my eyes didn’t dwindle. He gave a light scoff and let off another pulse into the bracelet, this one set to create a new command.
“In ten minutes, you will switch out with one of the reserve guards. You are to go directly to your quarters and remain there until I send one of my servants to call for you. The same restrictions on speaking are applied to this order.”
I nodded in understanding, for that was the commanded response. Nariman walked away without saying anything more, leaving me with the constant spiking of magically-induced pain. Those ten minutes simultaneously went by quickly and slowly, and I barely even remembered the journey to my housing.
It was a pitiful place, barely even big enough to hold the bed containing threadbare sheets. A very dim Vitae-powered light on the ceiling was my only source of illumination, but everything else was currently being ignored. Regaining control of my body for the first time in hours, I relentlessly punched the wall and gave a bloodcurdling scream of rage.
My emotions were, as usual, in turmoil. The injustice, indignity, and sorrow coursing throughout my body. It may have been a common occurrence, but it was no less horrible. If it weren’t for the promise I made all those years ago, then I would have…
I shut my eyes at the passing thought and fell to my bed. My knuckles were bleeding and broken, but I didn’t pay them any mind. Laying listlessly, I focused on the last words I heard from my mother.
‘“Wenceslas, my shining bright star.” My mother spoke while giving me a deep hug, the sounds of fighting and screaming starting to come to an end, “No matter what happens, no matter where they take us, the will of our people will forever guide us to the proper future. I want you to always remember that.” I looked up at her, my innocent silver eyes having a hint of fear.
“Mother, what are you saying? The humans aren’t winning, they never win. Your predictions always show that.” Her hand brushed my long hair, and I felt the love and sadness from the gesture.
“The stars only give us a possible path to take, but they do not show everything. I’m afraid I might have missed a few of their warnings this time.”
Before I could continue my questions, my mother rose up and walked over to her desk. She opened a secret compartment I had never noticed before and removed something from it. Coming back to me, she opened her palms to reveal some form of totem necklace. It looked to be made from some type of dark wood, but I briefly felt a faint but concentrated amount of Vitae emanating from it. It was carved in the shape of the Night Wolf, my favorite animal and one of the four guardians of our clan. Inscriptions covered the entirety of it, and I recognized a few for obscuring Vitae and guidance.
“Take this with you and never lose it. I’ve inscribed enough sigils so that only someone at the Nascent Soul Stage can discern any information about it. At the time when you need it most, it will show you the path you need to tread.”
I received the gift, amazed by the treasured Artifact that was this small item. This was something exceedingly rare, even among other Mavoran. I didn’t know what the full effects were, but I could make a few guesses. I came out of my trance as my mother kissed me on the forehead, the sad and guilty smile she had sent a piercing pain to my heart.
“Wenceslas, whatever you do, never give up the hope and teachings I instilled in you. Don’t let the light within you be extinguished. Protect it, and you’ll find your way through the darkness.”
Before I could respond, my mother lifted me in her arms. I tried to struggle and break free, insisting that she put me down. She was too strong for me, and before I realized she placed me in a closet and locked me inside. I pounded against the door, begging and screaming for her to come back and stay with me. Streams of tears ran down my face, as I heard her step out of our home and into the battle taking place.’
The memories faded away, but nothing around me had changed. I reached under the mattress for the totem, still as pristine as the day my mother gifted it to me. Even though I had been able to keep it, the totem had never responded since then. It has remained inert, not giving away any overt indication that it was special.
Gripping it into a fist, I pounded it into my mattress. Tears threatened to come, but I held them back. I would not give these monsters the satisfaction of my weakness. I will endure, I will be patient, and I will keep the final words of my mother alive within me.