A splash of cold water woke him up.

"Again? Can’t you sorry lot wake me up like normal beings?”

High Mountain and Lumis stood before him.

"We're here to bathe you. The Lord wants to talk to you," stated the gnome.

"I can do it myself you kno—"

Lumis doused him with another bucket of ice-cold water. The sentient creatures enjoyed their task, taking out their daily frustrations on the elf.

"Strip off those rags. Here's soap and fresh clothes," said High Mountain.

"At least you brought clean clothes. Not bad," spoked the elf.

He undressed, with Lumis scrutinizing every detail, causing her fur to slightly change color.

“Prrrren’t you ashamed of miaaoww seeing you?”

The elf chuckled, "Ashamed of a pet? No."

He got another bucket of water.

“Grrrmpfff! Meooww job here is miaawone,” she stormed out, still blushing.

"Wait! Lumis," called out High Mountain, but she was already gone.

“Gotta walk on eggshells here. Everyone’s on their period or what the—”

Another bucket of water soaked him.

After washing up, he donned the clean clothes left by High Mountain. Not long after, Lord Derreick arrived to the dungeon.

"We meet again... sire... Lord," the elf greeted him.

Lord Derreick remained silent, observing the frail lesser being with a pale complexion and slender frame, sitting on the cell’s floor. A mesh of cloth concealed the unsightly half of his face, leaving the other half, with a graceful appearance tarnished by an emaciated, demon-gods-given condition, exposed. His messy crimson hair, mixed with golden strands, topped off his unique character. Yet, underneath it all, a crooked mind resided.

"I assume Head Slave-Butler Gnome explained what was decided while you were unconscious in the auction house," spoke the Lord.

The redheaded elf’s fiery amber eyes gleamed through the darkness of his cell as he recalled High Mountain speaking to him as he tended to his wounds. "Yeah... he said something about it."

"Just to be clear, the duel is in six days. It can't be sooner, this season's busy for adventurers."

"Must suck for them."

"It must."

"Can't compete with free housing and food... My back's better, by the way."

"Are you done?"

"I'm moved."

"I'm sure you are," Lord Derreick replied and focused on the important issues at hand. "Your death is near, but until then, you'll fulfill your slave duties."

"As you say, Lord... sire."

"Is there something you want to tell me?"

The elf pondered for a second before smiling, “Fate is all-deciding.”

A serious Lord spoke, "It is. I see you have regained your stamina. Proceed with your duties immediately and do not entertain any foolish thoughts. All eyes will be upon you, although I doubt you will achieve much in your condition." The Lord had expected more, having overestimated the elf's confidence from the previous day. He sighed and decided to return to his own duties, leaving the elf alone.

As he walked out of the dungeon, he heard a voice ask, "What's a dead Mitchell worth to you? Think before you answer, sire. Then we talk again."

Once outside, Lord Derreick sat on a bench near the central fountain in the garden and contemplated if the elf had a way to defeat the adventurer, and more important, if he should help the slave.

Head Slave-Butler Gnome came into the dungeon to fetch him. He found the slave-elf sitting against the cold stone-wall, staining his clean set of clothes. However, the elf had no time to lose in useless considerations other than plotting his next move, one of many from a mental list of the bare minimum he should do if he hoped for even a small chance to survive.

"Hey, High Mountain! Where's everyone?" asked the redheaded elf.

“It’s Head Slave-Butler Gnome to you, and as always, everyone’s working unlike... others.” The gnome breathed deeply, then continued. “The Lord told me you’ll continue with your duties.”

“Seems like it.”

“And don’t sit on the dirt with your clean clothes! Ferrallia, I implore you, patience!” Head Slave-Butler Gnome unlocked his cell and brought him upstairs. "In any case, today your duties include room cleaning. The family’s out, except for the young Lord... Don’t get any ideas, there are always eyes watching, especially human ones. Rooms are on the second floor, left hall and center one. The service room is on the first floor. When you are finished, come look for me.”

The redheaded elf nodded, pretending to follow through with his duties, but he had never harbored the slightest intention to work for anyone other than himself, in this life or any other. He rushed upstairs and went door to door on the second floor until a young voice inside one of the rooms asked, "Who is it?"

“House cleaning,” replied the crimson-haired elf, using his most persuasive tone.

“Come in.”

A room with spacious elegance welcomed him. Yesterday, when the elf first encountered the young Lord, he observed tired eyes, uneven posture, and pale skin, much like his own. The teen's room confirmed his observations. It had a strong scent of medicine, and medical equipment lay neglected in a corner among other items whose purpose he couldn't determine. On a table, an array of bottled liquids and organic matter, scrawled-on planks, sharp metals, rocks, and haphazardly stacked books, all bathed in the sunlight filtering through the large window. Many of these objects glowed with varying colors and brightness.

"Oh... you're the elf from yesterday," remarked the boy.

“I am, young Lord...?”

"Leandro."

"A good, strong name."

“Hah... are you mocking me too?”

“It depends. Are you weak?”

“Can you not see?”

“I see a frail body. Do you have a frail spirit too?”

Young Lord Leandro searched for an answer he didn’t have. After clearing his throat, he resumed the conversation. “Why are you here?”

“House cleaning.”

“No, I mean...”

"Fate, luck... or a lack of those, it really doesn't matter."

The young human scrutinized the slave. "You're different from the other slaves. Odd, and..."

The elf scanned the room before replying, "It's a beautiful day outside. Shouldn't you be out there?"

"I wish I could," sighed Leandro.

“And?”

"Doctor's orders. I'm not allowed to do strenuous activities or much else for that matter."

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

"Mhmm... I’m going to need a copy of those orders.”

Leandro smiled.

"Say... help me, and I'll help you,” said the redheaded elf, with a serious expression on his face.

“What do you mean?”

“Looking at you, sitting in here, all alone in a beautiful day like this... doesn't sit well with me. Let’s talk, like kindred spirits. Help me forget about my condition, at least for a while.”

"You want to talk?"

“I’m new. I don't know anyone here, and after what happened at the auction house... the other slaves and I aren't exactly on speaking terms."

"I can understand why," said Leandro, "but it was your fault."

"It's all a matter of perspective. So, what do you say?"

"Sure, I don't mind," replied the teen, smiling.

"I knew you wouldn't,” the elf returned the smile. “And to be honest, I've been puzzled since yesterday when I saw you act kindly towards me, a slave. I just can't understand it, and I’ve thought about it."

"I believe... you slaves are just as unfortunate as I am. I was born into wealth and power, but with my frail body, it doesn't make much of a difference. It's unfair," reflected the young Lord.

"Is it an illness?"

“A disease from my mother’s side of the family. Bad luck. I was born under the wrong stars... the Gods are laughing at me.”

“I don’t trust them, and I don’t think they’re really gods... Demons in disguise, that’s what they are.”

"Ha! I agree. And I mean it. At fifteen, I should have enrolled in an academy. But instead, here I am... My older sister attends one. She's studying to become a high Duchess or something equally revolting. She resides at the academy and is now on break... and I hate it when she’s here. She only speaks to me to boast about her life there—friends, parties, and everything I cannot... And she's not even a good student, right now she’s having supplementary lessons.”

"Going to school seems to be a foregone conclusion for you."

“It is. And I try not to think about it, but...” Leandro shrugged.

“Then let’s not dwell much longer on these... ominous themes.” The elf paused their conversation to glare at the teen’s state, then proceeded. “I’ve thought about how I ended up here... but I can’t seem to recall much. What is this city called?"

“Oh!” Leandro chuckled. "Welcome to Saint Jaulea, one of the fastest-growing cities in the Human United Front. Be it commerce, slaves, or entertainment, you’ll find it here. We have established trade routes, an advantageous geographical location and— Hey, don’t look at me like that, it’s what my books say I must tell guests. Although, those books fail to mention the constant skirmishes, bloodshed, and slave treatment. And being a border city doesn't help."

“You’re doing your city proud, not that I can invest in it. Speaking of which, I’ve noticed humans rule this city. What about the other creatures...?”

“Non-humans?”

“Yes, it looks to me you’re not in good terms.”

Leandro stared at him, momentarily at a loss for words. “The humans and non-humans used to be allied, but treason in the midst of succession made peace impossible. It is written you elves killed one of our greatest kings and everything unraveled since then. The non-human races, the kinn’hayas, allied among themselves while we humans stand alone.”

“Sounds like humans pack some serious power if we— you can stand against all the non-humans.”

"I'm don’t know a lot about military matters, much to my father's disappointment, but elves pose the biggest threat to us. Your northern kingdom, which borders us, is the heart of the kinn'hayas alliance. My history books recount many battles before I was born, but now... only the occasional skirmish occur. Banditry is the real blight these days.”

"It's no wonder that you own and hate slaves. I arrived at the worst possible time... all planned beforehand, I should add."

"But all is not lost. My father told me that peace accord talks are stronger than ever, and one of its provisions is to free slaves. Many are against it, especially in cities like this where their labor is widely used. He also mentioned that some nobles and military officials are discussing seceding from the HUF if the treaty is signed, although speaking of secession is considered treason. Isn’t that good news? You might soon be free!”

“Of course, it merely depends on what ‘soon’ means to you.”

"Several months... or years?"

"Not soon enough for me."

Leandro chuckled nervously. "You're right. You'll have to put up with us a little longer, and then there's the duel... and..." He fell silent.

Other slaves might have rejoiced at the news, but none of the redheaded elf’s schemes included waiting, and time worked against him. After these small snippets of information, their talked veered into technical topics, with the elf asking Leandro about magic.

The young Lord shared knowledge about magic and how it worked. He explained that only about one in four humans could do magic, while every elf was born with the ability. For other non-human races, magic potential varied in power and frequency. Humans ranked low in magic ability but came second in combat arts.

"Rituals of power form the foundation of magic, enchantments that summon the elements, conspire with the thick aether pervading everything, and embody the principles of life and magic." Leandro read from one of his books.

It was all gibberish to the elf. "Interesting words... might make sense to some people."

"I'm sure elves have a deeper understanding of magic. I felt ashamed reading this to you."

"Don't be," the elf fixed his gaze on Leandro. "A question has been bugging me for some time. Why did you purchase an elf who can't perform magic?"

"You really can’t?"

"Apparently not. Such a shame, I’d love to play with it.”

“Isn’t it a disgrace for an elf to lack the ability of magic? To us, it’s a curiosity.”

"Is that why your family bought me?"

“I’m not sure. What I understand is that it was more of a whim of my mother and sister. Who knows what goes through their heads.”

“Hmm. I’m fated to a non-magical slave life. And a short lived one at that.”

"If it brings any comfort, I am the only one in the family with an inclination for magic, but this cursed disease hinders me from developing it. Fate is a strange thing.” Leandro sulked, his thoughts burying him alive. “I use magical enchantments of all sorts to slowdown my disease. To slowdown fate. But there is no cure."

“Demon-god’s playthings aren’t supposed to change fate. If you think it unjust, who cares? Not them, and you shouldn’t either. I don’t anymore.” The elf hid his devilish smile. "Are all those things in your table... magical items?"

"Not all of them. And maybe elves don’t need them, but for those without magical abilities or the lazy, there are enchantment services available. We can have enchanted weapons, armor, and more. Scrolls, engraved tools, omens, and such magic-infused items can also be purchased. Magic for those who lack the slightest talent for it. It's a thriving industry. I mainly buy healing items." Leandro’s eyes shined while the words easily slid off his tongue. His family rarely engaged in conversations with him, so he indulged in answering the elf's questions. An hour flew by in no time at all.

"Do you think I'm missing out by not attending the academy?" asked Leandro.

“Nah... Unwanted pregnancies and broken teeth... Who’d want any of that?”

Leandro giggled. "Even that would be..."

“You lost something. Accept that. Now gain something else.”

"What do you mean?"

The elf's mind worked overtime. "Is it truly impossible for you to do any type of magic?"

"Only the most straining schools of magic, which are most of them. The doctor did mention that I could engrave magical items and perform other such farcical kinds of magic.”

"Then?"

“Banal and classless... not suitable for a Lord's son like myself."

“Those don’t even sound like your own words. Give it a try sometime, if there’s one thing you have, it’s time.”

"Gain something else, huh?"

“Or don’t. Keep rotting away, that’s also a choice.”

"You truly are strange."

A sharp rap at the door interrupted their conversation.

“Young Master...,” a male voice said from outside the room.

“Come in, Head Slave-Butler,” spoke Leandro.

High Mountain stepped inside, his face painted with fury. “I've finally tracked you down! Pardon my harshness, young Lord, but this elf... Not one room has been cleaned! Not even this one!”

“I...” the redheaded elf barely managed to say.

“I asked him to keep me company, Head Slave-Butler Gnome. It’s my fault,” spoke the young Lord before the elf could form a sentence in his own defense.

“Oh no, young Lord, the fault is not yours. Not at all. We'll take care of our duties. Come, elf,” barked High Mountain, directing his contained anger at the elf. “Let's go clean the rooms and allow Lord Leandro to return to his studies.”

The redheaded elf strolled to the door and before stepping out he faced the young Lord. “Have a nice day, Leandro.”

“Mind your manners, you insol—”

Leandro raised his hand, interrupting the gnome. “It's alright... What's your name, elf?”

The elf stopped to think about it. What’s a name? In another world, another life, another possibility. Nothing but a brand. A mark for those that must remember, to remember.

“X”

“Ekk's?”

“I am X the elf.”

“Pleased to meet you, Ekk's.”

X smiled back.

“Work calls, but I'll expect your doctor's reference someday,” said X, winking.

Leandro laughed. “I'll deliver it.”

As the slaves departed from his room, Leandro posed a question to X.

“Will we speak again?”

“Of course, when I'm free from work... if that ever happens... but sure, someday perhaps. I'd enjoy speaking with you again. Although, the dead don't say much.”

“Oh...” The young Lord remembered his situation. “I'll speak to my father.”

“As I said, you have a good, strong name.”

Leandro smiled and nodded. X left the young Lord’s chambers with a grin spread across his face.

[Back to the old ways, I see.]

I'm simply being myself. Always have, always will.

[If you'd had chosen differently, you'd be a swell guy.]

But I didn't. Life didn't.