Porman sat at the table inspecting the glistening butter knife he currently held. A heat rune was carved in the blade and a touch activation rune on the handle. He smiled as he placed it down with the others that sat on a velvet cloth in front of him.
“Another excellent product,” Porman said wrapping them up, “What exactly are they meant to do?”
Nathaniel took a sip from his mug, “They warm up when you hold them,” he said, “The main idea was that you’ll use them to melt butter on top of bread, but I’m sure there are spreads that taste better when warmed up.”
“Many jams taste wonderful right after they’re made,” Oden said placing a plate in front of them, “Or even that nut butter you made for Sierra’s birthday.”
“Butter from nuts?” Porman said with wide eyes, “You’re not holding out on me, are you?”
“That’s still a work in progress,” Nathaniel said, “Once I’ve perfected it, you’ll be the first to get your hands on it.”
“Good,” Porman said, “As for these, I’m thinking they should sell for about…ten gold for a set of six, but I won’t know for certain until I get them back to Rumand. Speaking of which, you should see this.”
Porman pulled out a dented copper mug from his sack. Nathaniel inspected it and noticed the mug had an iridescent teal shimmer, and a rune carved into the bottom. It was also abnormally warm to the touch.
“I found that at a Guild shop in Opren,” Nathaniel looked at him in confusion, “It’s the ducal city between Rumand and the capital.”
Nathaniel sighed and placed the cup down, “I expected the Guild to try and replicate my creations, but this is just insulting.”
“Why’s it damaged so badly?” Oden said picking it up, “Did it get damaged in transit?”
“No, it’s shoddy craftsmanship,” Nathaniel said taking a sip, “This mug only has the heat rune carved in it, while mine have an activation rune. The rune is continuously producing heat, and since they made it so thin, it’s causing the mug to warp. Not to mention it’s missing the durability rune. I give it another month or so before it finally breaks down completely.” He turned to Porman, “So what do you plan to do?”
“Nothing,” Porman said with a smile, “As you said, the Guild failed to properly reproduce your mug, but they’re trying to sell it for a similar price. This means I can charge even more since yours is the superior product. And nobles don’t mind paying extra for superior goods.”
“If you say so. After all, you’re the one with the store in Rumand,”
“Speaking of which,” Porman said, “How would you like to visit the city? My wife has been dying to meet you.”
Nathaniel scratched his chin, “I guess…”
“You’re also looking for high quality materials right?” Porman said, “I think I have a few bars of adamantium, orichalcum, and mithril stocked there.”
“It’ll be good for you,” Oden said patting Nathaniel’s shoulders, “You were pretty much cooped up for two months after Lydia died. Why not go out and see the world a bit, and who knows, you might find a cute girl too.”
Nathaniel chuckled, “Lydia did mention grandchildren in her will,” he said, “Very well Porman, I’ll take you up on your offer.”
----------------------------------------
Nathaniel wasn’t sure what Rumand would be like. He passed by it when he was traveling down to Treante after Fort Cadarn was attacked, but the guards promptly drove him away. It’s walls weren’t large, maybe ten feet tall, and made from simple stone, but they were sturdy and well maintained. The city itself wasn’t that large. Truthfully, it would make more sense to call it a town.
Porman cracked the reins and the cart slowly moved forward. The drebin, an oxen-like creature with hard leather skin that reminded him of a rhino, grunted as it walked through the gates of the city.
The main streets were packed with merchants hawking their wares and criers vying for the attention of newcomers. The main road branched off into many side streets, but those led to residential areas, and the closer they got to the castle in the center, the richer the buildings became. Two wide roads intersected the main road, and Porman drove the cart to the left. After a few minutes they pulled into the courtyard of a three-story building. Several servants came out and tended to the cart.
“Welcome back master Porman.”
Porman jumped off the cart, “Let my wife know that I’ve returned,” he said, “And that we have a guest.” A servant rushed back in. “The servants will take care of your things.”
Porman led him inside. The large foyer was lit by a chandelier that hung above them, and a staircase that led up to the second and third floors. The mansion’s opulence struck Nathaniel.
“Welcome back dear,” a beautiful woman sauntered down the stairs. Her brown hair flowed down her back, and her green eyes glistened as she looked towards Nathaniel. “And who is this…Nathaniel?”
“Yes dear, it is,” Porman met her at the stairs and gave her a deep kiss. His hands lingered on her rear, “He was kind enough to accept our invitation.”
Porman’s wife broke free from her husband, “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. I’m Cymella,” she said pressing her bosom against him, “If there is anything you need…don’t hesitate to ask.” The kiss she planted on his cheek lasted longer than was comfortable.
“I appreciate it ma’am,” Nathaniel said with an awkward smile.
Cymella tightened her grip and pulled him along, “Dinner will be ready soon. Let’s head to the dining hall.”
The dining hall had to be twenty feet long with a ten-foot table in the center. Fine dishes decorated the table with floral arrangements placed evenly every two feet.
“Why don’t you sit here next to me?” Cymella gestured to a chair. Nathaniel helped her with her chair, “Such a gentleman,” she said, “I must say, your personality is far more enjoyable than the other two, even if they were decent partners in bed.”
Nathaniel gave her a blank stare, “Excuse me?”
Cymella’s playfulness turned to sincerity, “Are you not aware?” she said, “Part of your responsibilities are to sire strong bloodlines.”
“I thought the Lady Oracle would have told you this,” Porman said, “I was hoping you’d take a particular liking to my precious Cymella.”
“You…want me to…sleep with your wife?” Nathaniel had trouble understanding.
“Yes,” Porman said with a smile, “You need not worry, I’d accept your bastard as member of my own family. He would want for nothing.”
“Is this practice…common?”
“Yes, it is,” Cymella said, “No one would turn away a child of heroes. The queen herself gave birth to twins a few months ago who were fathered by the Ranger.”
Nathaniel took a calming breath, “I see now,” he said giving Cymella polite smile, “I’m sorry ma’am, but it’s against my morals to sleep with a married woman. I hope you understand.”
Cymella gave him a sly smile, “You’re making me jealous,” she said, “The women in your life will be truly fortunate to have such a loyal man.” Nathaniel’s smile faltered.
“Enough dear,” Porman said patting Cymella’s hand, “He’s made his decision, and we should respect it.”
“I’m sorry Nathaniel,” Cymella said with a genuine smile, “I can’t help but tease you.” The door to the hall opened and a tall man with sandy hair walked in. His shirt unbuttoned to show off his toned chest. “Pomran, you’re back!”
“I am mother,” he said giving her a peck on the cheek. He slowly eyed Nathaniel, “And who is this?”
“This is Nathaniel,” Cymella said.
Pomran laughed and shook his hand, “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” he said, “So when can I expect a sibling?”
“That’s a job for your father,”
“Sit down son,” Porman said, “Nathaniel isn’t like the others.”
Dinner passed with relative ease, and Nathaniel was able to make himself comfortable. Talk about the state of the kingdom popped up every now and then, and he was surprised to hear about the raid on dungeon.
“How did the raid go?” Porman said sipping on his wine.
“Poorly,” Pomran said with a sneer, “The heroes were able to kill the dragon, but they messed up the initial attack and killed most of the dragon-hearts. I was only able to acquire one, and she was in bad shape.”
“Dragon-hearts?” Nathaniel said. I think that was one of the races I could summon.
“They’re a monster race,” Pomran said, “They often congregate around dragons. They’re extremely rare which makes them valuable.”
“Are you talking about…slavery?”
“That’s my trade,” Pomran said gesturing to himself, “I run the family's slavery branch, and I must say there are no finer slaves in the kingdom,” Nathaniel couldn’t stop the disgust coming to his face, “I take it you don’t care for my trade.”
“Slavery was outlawed back home,” Nathaniel said, “My country fought a civil war to end the practice, and since then we don’t take kindly to treating people like property.”
“We don’t treat people like property,” Pomran said with a smile, “Here, slaves are a sign of luxury, like a thoroughbred horse. To treat something so valuable as a piece of furniture is honestly wasteful. Besides, most people turn to slavery to find proper employment. It’s only the monsters and demons we capture that lack such choices.”
“Actually, you could do with a slave,” Porman said, “They're handy to have around, especially for a man living by himself.”
“I can vouch for that,” Pomran chuckled, “Can’t tell you how many times my Emary came through. We can go through my stock tomorrow. I promise you won’t be disappointed.”
“Very well,” Nathaniel said with a sigh.
----------------------------------------
“This… isn’t what I was expecting,” Nathaniel said, looking around the slave market.
Pomran’s parlor sat a few blocks down the road from the mansion, and if it wasn’t for the slaves outside marketing themselves, he would have mistaken it for a high-end boutique. The main floor reminded him of a showroom floor from a furniture store. The slaves manned their own station showing off their skills. There were blacksmiths, tailors and seamstresses, apothecaries, and even mercenaries. However, the slaves manning stations at the windows specialized in entertainment since they were scandalously dressed as they tried to usher people inside.
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
“I’m not sure what it’s like back in your world, but this is the only path for those that aren’t guild affiliated,” Pomran said, “Without their approval, you can’t open your own shop,” he gave Nathaniel a crooked smile, “You got around that by taking over someone else’s shop.”
Nathaniel nodded as he looked around, “I’ll admit, I’m pretty ignorant about this world,” he said, “But that doesn’t mean I should bend my morals in order to conform.”
“Of course not,” Pomran said, pulling Nathaniel into a friendly hug, “You just need to understand we aren’t in your world,” he pointed to a couple talking to an elderly woman, “Looks like Mama Sery is getting purchased.”
“Even the elderly are sold,”
“Of course, in fact they’re the second most expensive slaves on the market,” Pomran said, “Because they’ve mastered several skills, they’re often purchased as caretakers and tutors. I take it that couple there is buying her to be a midwife and wet nurse.”
Nathaniel couldn’t see any signs of the woman being pregnant until his [Intuition] told him so. He’s right. In fact, his talent showed him that most of the slaves speaking with buyers were mainly marketing their best skills. He noticed that the buyers and slaves were signing contracts.
“What’s with the contract?”
“It’s a simple contract,” Pomran said shrugging his shoulder, “Both parties can write down their conditions and then sign agreeing to them. It’s then bound with magic so that neither party can break it.”
“So…slaves aren’t expected to attend to certain…needs,” Nathaniel said trying to wrap his mind around it.
“Only if the contract stipulates, and most do,” Pomran smiled, “Both parties often benefit from such arrangements.”
“Aren’t slaves abused?”
“I won’t deny that some do get abused, but if so, that’s because the master is a fool,” Pomran said, “It’s expensive to buy a new slave. It’s better to take care of them since their skills benefit the master.”
“So, it comes back to skills,” Nathaniel said scratching his chin.
“Of course. After all, the higher the skill the better the quality,” Pomran chuckled, “A farmer that’s mastered farming will grow better crops than one that just started. Even if farmer can be found a stone’s throw away.”
Nathaniel’s head started hurting, “Don’t tell me there’s a Farmer’s guild,”
“No, there isn’t. That’s why you won’t see many farmers in slave markets,” Pomran said, “But enough about that. We’re here to find you the perfect slave. So, does anyone catch your eye?”
Nathaniel searched the showroom. There weren’t any that he lingered on, except for the woman dancing in the window. Her dark skin glistened in the sunlight, and her silk top was cut short to show off her midriff. Her transparent silk skirt flowed with her movements, and its dark red color paired with her beautiful dark purple hair. She noticed his gaze and responded with a smile and a wave.
“I see someone has,” Pomran said with a snicker, “Too bad, Emary’s mine. But I’m sure we can find a woman for you.”
Nathaniel cleared his throat, “I won’t deny…the companionship would be pleasant,” he said with a sigh as he opened his menu. He stared at the two martials skills that were still in the single digits, “But I think I need someone who can compensate for my lack of combat talent.”
“So, you need a slave with martial skills,” Pomran thought aloud, “Most human women don’t learn martial skills, and I don’t have any available. But… we can check out the monsters in the back.”
Pomran led Nathaniel to the back. This room was closer to his expectation. Pens sat next to each other with a simple bed and side table in them. About half of them were filled, and each of the slaves wore a glowing violet collar. Nathaniel noticed a few humans back here.
“Why are they here?” Nathaniel gestured to the humans.
“They’re criminals,” Pomran said, “Unlike the slaves up front, the ones back here are dangerous, and under Gilbrant law are required to wear special slave collars to keep them in check. The collars will induce a painful shock should they go against their owner's wishes or raise a hand against them.”
“Is that part of the contract?”
“These slaves don’t have contracts,” Pomran said, “Because they aren’t humans.”
Nathaniel nodded as he looked around. His eyes immediately fell to a cage with a human sized creature. It was clearly a female, but the long ears and rabbit-like face contrasted with her feminine beauty. Her entire body was covered in white fur with black spots, and her tail drooped when he approached.
“That’s a rabbit lycan,” Pomran said with a slight smile, “They’re agile and fast, but their disposition isn’t suited to fighting. I hear there’s a noble in Umvral who breeds rabbit lycan for hunting, so I’m planning a trip out there in a few months.” The rabbit’s ears fell as she crawled into the corner.
Nathaniel stared into her pink eyes. She may not be human, but he could tell she was more than an animal. This world really is awful.
“How about an orc,” Pomran gestured to the next cage, “They’re born with martial talents, and are second to none when it comes to bodyguards,” he let out a nervous laugh, “But they are obscenely stubborn, and have been known to kill their owner whenever they sense weakness.”
Nathaniel looked up at the seven-foot-tall woman with grey-green skin. She had all the curves of a voluptuous woman but there was no softness to them, just hard muscle. The small tusks protruding from her lower jaw made her vicious smile even more terrifying, and he finally noticed the rat bones that decorated her long braids.
“I don’t think so,” Nathaniel said, “She’s pretty, but I like living. Maybe sell her to the Champion, I’m sure he’d love to have his head crushed by those thighs.” The orc snickered as she glared at him.
“I don’t understand,” Pomran said leading him further in.
They passed another cell. This one had a woman that drew Nathaniel’s eyes. Her beauty was undeniable, and she was comfortable enough to walk around exposed save for the leather skirt at her waist. Whereas the orc was all muscle, this woman was soft and supple, and she exuded an aura that demanded to be touched. It was only her horns and tail that gave her race away. Are her pupils… hearts? The woman rose and sauntered towards the edge of the cell.
“I’d be careful with this one,” Pomran said pulling Nathaniel back, “She’s one of the demonic races from Zechriel, a succubus.” The succubus smiled, and her leather skirt opened revealing itself to be a pair of wings. It also left her completely exposed.
“How is she dangerous?”
“Demons spend too much time scheming,” the orc woman said, which caused the succubus to stick her forked tongue out.
“She’s right,” Pomran said, “Monsters value individual strength, this makes them easy to understand. Demons however, value cunning and intelligence. They’re always scheming to get to the top, and it’s only thanks to their king that they are united. If it’s in name only. Besides,” Pomran glared at her, “I think she let herself be captured.”
“And why would I do that?” the succubus smiled as the tip of her tail caressed her lower half.
“Also, succubi specialize in magic skills, not martial ones. We should keep looking.”
They moved farther in, “Ta-ta… hero.” Nathaniel’s spine quivered, but it wasn’t from excitement.
Pomran led him to a covered cell at the back of the room, “This is the last one,” he said with a smile, “But I think you’ll like this one.” Pomran pulled off the tarp.
A hand flew out from between the bars, the fingers clawing at the air violently. Dark blue eyes with long, thin pupils stared at them with fiery hatred, and blue horns peeked form thick locks of golden hair that shined from the light that came in from outside. A thick tail covered in blue scales slammed against the cell floor.
“She’s beautiful isn’t she,” Pomran said with a proud smile, “And I got her pretty cheap too. She’s a bit damaged but dragon-hearts always sell well.”
So, this is a dragon-heart. Apart from tail and horns, she looked like a normal woman. Her beautiful pale skin shone, and the tunic she wore strained against her well-endowed figure. Pomran was correct, she was beautiful. The dragon-heart growled at them, then took in a deep breath.
“Stop!” Pomran commanded and she started coughing black clouds of smoke.
“So, they can breathe fire?” Nathaniel said stepping closer, but still out of reach.
Pomran nodded, “Dragon-hearts can do almost anything a dragon can,” he said, “It’s a shame she lost her wings.”
“I didn’t lose them human,” she snarled, “They were taken from me!” she lowered her head, “As well as my mother.”
“Your mother?” Nathaniel said kneeling down to look at her.
“She’s talking about the dragon Ysa’Meera,” Pomran said, “Loyalty is a defining trait among her kind. Once you have it, it’s nearly impossible to lose.”
“As if a human is worthy of it,” she glared.
Nathaniel chuckled, “I won’t argue with that,” he said.
“Don’t mock me!” She flinched when Nathaniel stroked her head.
“I’m not,” he said, “I understand what it’s like to lose a mother. I’ve lost mine twice.”
“Two…mothers?”
Pomran clapped his hands, “So?”
Nathaniel sighed, “Fine, you win,” he said, “I’ll buy…what’s your name?”
“Ralia,”
“That’s a pretty name,” Nathaniel said with a small smile, “I’ll buy Ralia.”
“Excellent, that’ll be seven hundred-fifty gold,”
Nathaniel groaned, “I currently have four hundred,” he said, “I should have the rest once your father sells my latest shipment.”
“No, I think four hundred is fine,” Pomran said, “I’m willing to offer a discount since it’s your first purchase,” Pomran opened the cell, “You will follow me and behave.” Ralia growled but did as she was instructed.
Pomran led them to a set of stairs and entered an empty sitting room. After a few minutes a clerk came in with a tray that held a contract, quill, and small knife. Nathaniel placed four platinum coins onto the tray and signed the contract.
Pomran picked up the knife, “Blood’s needed to initiate the transfer,” he said pricking Nathaniel’s thumb, “Press it on the circular rune on the collar, and she’ll officially be yours.”
Nathaniel pressed his thumb to the collar and a new menu popped up.
[Companion acquired: Ralia – Slave (Advanced)]
“Congratulations on your first purchase,” Pomran said with large smile, “May this be the first of many. As for you my dear, you should be thrilled to have the Inventor Hero as a master.”
“Hero!” Ralia’s eyes turned bloodthirsty.
“I thought we weren’t going to talk about it,” Nathaniel said with a sigh.
“I thought she should know,” Pomran’s crooked smile grew.
He led them to another room where a tailor waited on them. The tailor pretty much tore the tunic off Ralia and started taking her measurements, but throughout the entire time her dark glare never left Nathaniel. Maybe this was a mistake. After a few hours, Ralia was outfitted in a simple blouse and a skirt with a slit for her tail. The sky was turning a dark purple by the time they were finished.
Nathaniel was exhausted by the time they stepped into the foyer of Porman’s mansion. Several servants were taking Ralia’s other outfits up to his room.
“Can you give my apologies to your parents,” Nathaniel said, “It’s been a long day, and I would like to go to bed.”
Pomran smiled as he looked to Ralia, “Of course, I’m sure they’ll understand.”
What is wrong with these people! “Thank you. Is there a place for Ralia to sleep?”
“Your room has a servant’s quarters, master Light,” a maid said.
“Thank you,”
Nathaniel headed upstairs with Ralia following closely behind. Her steps were quiet, but he could feel her staring into his back. He stepped into his common room and shut the door after Ralia entered. This is a bad idea.
“So, master,” Ralia said with a smile that made his breath stop. Her draconic eyes made him want to flee, “Should we retire to the bedroom?” [Hostile] appeared in red above her.
“We shall, but you’ll be sleeping in the servant’s quarters,” Nathaniel said trying to keep his composure, “There’s a lot we need to discuss, but it can wait until tomorrow.”
“As you wish,” she said, “But I think it would better if I attended to you tonight.”
“That sounds like a bad idea,” Nathaniel said heading to his room, “Good night Ralia, I’ll see you in the morning.”
Nathaniel released his breath as soon as the door closed. He stripped down to his nightshirt, finding the cool air refreshing, and got into bed after dowsing the lamps. Sleep was elusive. His mind raced with all that had happened, and it didn’t help that a hostile dragon-lady slept so close. He rolled onto his back and took a few deep breaths, but the air was forced from his lungs as something pressed hard against his stomach. Sharp pain flashed through his neck as he felt someone wrap their fingers around his neck.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Nathaniel croaked as he stared up at Ralia.
“Shut up!” Ralia said pressing her fingers deeper into his skin, but she grunted in pain as the collar flared purple, “If you make any noise, I’ll kill everyone in this house.” Her grip loosened.
“You’re going to kill me?”
“Yes,”
Nathaniel stared into her eyes, “Then what,”
“I’m going to kill the other heroes,” Ralia stared back at him.
“How?”
She averted his gaze, “I… don’t know. I’ll steal a weapon then kill them.”
“Look me in the eyes,” Ralia groaned as she followed the command, “You steal a weapon, then what?”
Ralia fought, but couldn’t look away, “I’ll…”
“You haven’t thought this through,” Nathaniel said with a sigh.
“They killed my mother!” Ralia spat, “They killed my family, enslaved me…They cut off my wings! Because of them I lost everything. You wouldn’t have any idea…”
“What it’s like being torn away from everything you knew?” Nathaniel said, “To know that you’ll never hear your mother’s voice again, or to apologize to your father for all the shit you put him through? I know exactly what it means to lose everything, because I’ve lost it twice already,” he smiled, “I can’t go home you know. When they summoned us, they told us that the only way we could return to our world is for them to summon us back.”
“So,”
“My world doesn’t have magic. They can’t summon us back,” Nathaniel said, he could feel the tears coming, “My parents will never know what happened to me. For all I know, they think I’m dead, or worse, think that I abandoned them. Then…after coming to this shitty world. When I finally start feeling like I belong. I lose the people most important to me again, and I find myself alone. It’s terrible… being alone, isn’t it?”
Tears leaked from Ralia’s eyes, “It is. I… want my family back,” she pressed her head into his chest.
Ralia released her grip and started crying. Nathaniel pulled her into a gentle hug and softly stroked her back, his hand brushed against the rough stumps where her wings used to be. Nathaniel brought Ralia under the covers and she pressed further into him as her crying quieted. Ralia’s breathing slowed and she was soon asleep. Nathaniel continued to comfort her, and she pulled him tighter against her. He felt Ralia’s tail press against him and wrap itself around his left leg.
At least she’s not trying to kill me now. He smiled as she snored into his chest. Maybe this wasn’t such a bad idea.