This choice: She is to handle the mundane tasks of cooking, cleaning, and other duties. • Go Back...Chapter #6She is to handle the mundane tasks of cooking,... by: dcmurph   Already she feels the tug of the collar, forcing her to look at him and listen. She hates this, this forced control. He could tell her to kill herself or do any number of shameful things and she could not disobey.
She can feel in addition to see his eyes bore into her, there is a fierce nobility in his eyes and almost instinctively her back straightens.
"You are a mage, or you were one. You are useful in many ways, and I can recognize talent when I see it. Your duties are simple, you will make potions of various kinds for the my use and the use of the people I am in charge of. I can also assume that you are knowledgeable about various parts of elven history and culture. You will be instructing the children of my retainers and my immediate family in these customs."
Malaina nodded, the first part was understandable and even expected, her skills as a mage included alchemy and there were numerous potions to enhance a person's abilities temporarily that would aid soldiers in the field and workers in their craft. But the second part confused her, why would he want her to teach about the history and culture of her people? Humans had been trying to negotiate better with the elven lands, especially the Empire. It made sense that learning their history and customs would help them work better with elven diplomats.
But elves had a natural distrust of humans, after all who wouldn't distrust a species that tended to sell it's own into slavery. Elves hated slavery and it was firmly outlawed in their lands.
Either way she was doomed to making potions and teaching for the rest of her life. So lost was she in her misery she almost missed his next words.
"However, as a noble of the Empire and governor of Caesia it would not look well for me to have a slave in they eyes of the Emperor. So, your slavery will last as long as it takes for you to work off your debt." He said crisply.
Was, was he really telling her that she wouldn't be a slave forever? She only had to work off her debt, but how much was that, how long would it take? She couldn't remember how much she'd been sold for, though she knew it was extraordinarily high.
"I bought you for 200 gold coins, an incredible amount, but a mage is an incredibly rare catch for slavers. So I imagine it'll take several years for you to work off such a debt."
All hope of a quick and easy sentence flew away, 200 gold coins was enough to buy a minor estate and still have enough money to furnish it, hire servants and still have enough to live comfortably. She'd be working for 5 to 6 years at the least. But she was immortal, it would work out. She'd deal these six years and be free. After that she swore to never be caught again, she would become so strong that no one would dare try.
"When we arrive in the city you will be handed off to Sela. She will explain everything else you need to know." He closed his eyes and leaned back in his seat, obviously done saying anything.
She closed her own eyes, deciding she'd get as much sleep as she could. You have the following choice: 1. Continue |
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