She's not wrong. I have a lot of learning to do.
I am not awkward by nature, but I have never encountered people or a group as fierce as this. I wondered how long I could keep this up. I have to, atleast until I find her.
"So, this is northport"
"Yeah..Unfortunately, my home"
Northport is the complete opposite of the South. Instead of seeing vibrant colors, textures and dress. The north favours more traditional darker tones like brown, burgundy, black.
As we travel within It seems as though the city becomes more dark. Many pathways are hidden due to the vast cramped shadows casted by buildings and homes alike. The crazy part is Northports essentially a straight line, the closer you get to the docks the more corrupt.
"Where is it we are going again?"
"Oh right! It's coming up on the left, but I'm going to need you to stay with the cart."
We pulled up next to an alleyway, I didn't like it, but then again In a dark city such as this what did I expect. With all that being said no one seemed to care we were there. I would have thought we would draw alot of attention having this cart, I haven't seen another since we entered the port.
"Not very welcoming are they?
"People in Northport mind their business, If it doesn't concern them they pay it no mind."
I wanted to say that's a bit cold out loud but decided not to for Aldis' sake.
"Like I was saying earlier, Im gonna need you to stay with he cart. Wouldn't want someone to steal it now would we?"
"Didn't you just say people mind their business?
"Yeah, and?"
"If that's true why would they take..."
"Well, We did didnt we?"
"I..I mean your right but its also practically empty"
"So what, it's our ride?"
"Yeah but.."
"Khatar someone has to do it"
"I see your point but let me.."
"Besides you dont know your way around here"
"I know that! But you can show.."
"What's your deal?"
"I...Just, make sure you come back okay?"
She let out a chuckle
"As you wish master, dont worry about me I'll be fine. Trust me"
She flashed me a reassuring smile, I almost believed her, but again with this trust me. The statement itself isnt much cause for alarm, it's the frequency. It makes me feel like she's winging it, all for me.
Does she know what she's doing? How dangerous is it? Can we even pull it off? All of these questions, need answers. With that being said she still made her way through the alley, walking as she normally does, bold and fearless.
"Sold!"
!!!
I know that voice, it's high pitch is hard to forget.
"Last but not least, you will not want to pass up on this public servant. He is strong and durable just like the blades he once produced. Skilled in battle and full of tenacity like the armour he has made for all of us. Your very own, Blacksmith Clayton!"
Just as out of a page from your favorite drama, a carriage pulls from around the corner, perfectly timed.
A man, slowly, maliciously, stepping out of a carriage. He has the walk of a guilty man. As his chains rattled back and forth the crowd seemed shocked, almost sad. This individual must be beloved around here. What was his crime?
A huge wave of dejavu occupied my mind as I pushed through the crowd. We make eye contact as he ascended the stairs to the platform.
"This is your very last chance to save this one. Any takers?"
Concern fell upon everyone's face yet still no one made an offer nor raised a hand. After a time I notice a lady attempt to raise her hand but he shot her a look and simply shook his head signaling her to put her hand down.
I dont get it? Why is he stopping people? Does he not want to be bought?
"It seems we have not even one buyer for this poor soul. In any case thank you ladies and gentlemen for your purchases, as always your business is very much appreciated."
Wait so if he didnt get bought, then that means?
!!!
I've seen this before. There going to kill him or try to. Despite his starved state he still looked capable enough to take care of himself. With that in mind he should be fine right? Well he is in chains, but he is also a formor soldier He can take care of himself. But will he have a chance? It's really none of my business but this nagging thought wont let me go.
...
Ahh dammit fine!
The driver brought the carriage to the front of the platform prompting his men to throw him in. As they left I followed, this time keeping much more distance between us.
I really should've learned my lesson, but here I am.
"Boss what do we do? He keeps scaring off the buyer's"
"I know." He took a long look at clayton, squating down to his level
"I'm not sure what you have in mind clayton, but you still have one day on the block. For your sake you'd better hope someone makes a purchase by then. Henry! Jero! lock him up even tighter than before, this is the consequence of your actions."
"Yes, boss"
One of the men walked over punching him in the gut, attempting to extract all of his air out of him. Soon after they fed him multiple blows before beginning to slowly tighten his chains one by one. I could tell it was painful by his sudden movements and low grumbles. Before they tightened the last chain, he made a sudden stout look in my direction, starring directly into my eyes. Hold on? He can see me?
Once they finished they threw him back into the carriage. His facial expression was rather perplexing, almost like he's asking me for help?
No theres no way, he can't even see me. I've hidden myself convincingly behind a building almost 2 blocks away. He couldn't have, but he's starring like he knows I'm here.
Well no matter, Im sure he'll be fine, he still has one more day on the block and I'm sure someone will buy him by then. Besides, I have to get back to the cart before Aldis comes back. She'll kill me.
...
For the love of..
"Ancestors guide me"
I cant believe I'm doing this. Again.
I headed toward their direction making my steps as audible as I could, making sure they knew I was approaching.
"You again!?"
"It would seem your having trouble with him"
"You know, acting like a kaya doesn't make you one."