Turin walked through the dusty streets of the village, carefully observing the faces of the people passing by him. His eyes desperately searched for those specific characteristics: hair as black as night and eyes as blue as the sky. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't find anyone who fit the description.
With a heavy sigh, he headed to the Tavern, the only place where he could obtain reliable information about the village's inhabitants. Upon entering, the smell of tobacco smoke and alcohol permeated his nostrils, and the sound of lively conversations filled his ears.
Turin made his way through the crowded hall, his posture upright and his gaze determined, attracting the attention of everyone around him. He approached the counter and signaled to the bartender, who soon approached with a curious look.
"What do you want, stranger?" the bartender asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I'm looking for information," Turin said seriously. "I'm searching for two women with specific characteristics. Black hair and blue eyes. They are said to live here, in a house of the Flamehowls. Can you help me?"
"Women with those characteristics... Hmm, I don't recall any around here," the bartender replied, scratching his chin. "But about the Flamehowls, you'll probably find Blaz Flamehowl at the back table. He's always there."
Turin nodded in thanks and turned in the indicated direction, his steps determined echoing on the tavern's wooden floor. He approached the back table, where several men were seated, conversing in whispers as they drank and played cards.
Identifying the oldest man, drunk and visibly disinterested in the card game, Turin knew he had found Blaz. His eyes narrowed with determination as he approached the man.
"Blaz Flamehowl?" Turin called out, his voice firm and authoritative.
The sixty-year-old man rose with some difficulty, his breath reeking of alcohol as he eyed Turin with suspicion.
"And who wants to know?" he replied, his voice tinged with hostility.
Turin was not shaken by Blaz's challenging attitude and stepped closer.
"My name is Turin," he declared. "And I need some answers."
Blaz watched Turin with suspicion, his eyes scanning every detail of the stranger before him.
"And what do you want to know?" he asked, his voice gruff.
"I've heard that two women with the characteristics I seek live in your house," Turin explained, wasting no time in getting to the point. "Women with black hair and blue eyes. I'm here to confirm this information."
Blaz studied Turin for a moment, silently assessing him before responding.
"And what do you want with these women?" he inquired, his expression still distrustful.
"That's none of your concern," Turin replied, taking a deep breath, maintaining his firm stance. "Just tell me if they are in your house or not."
Blaz hesitated for a moment, seeming to weigh his words, before finally answering.
"It depends," he replied, his voice laced with malice. "What are you willing to offer for this information?"
Turin kept his serious expression as he stared at Blaz, pondering his words. He knew he was dealing with a cunning man whose loyalty could be bought with the right price. Taking a deep breath, Turin decided to play Blaz's game, at least for now.
"Do you want money?" Turin asked, keeping his tone calm and controlled. "How much do you want to tell me about the women?"
Blaz leaned back in his chair, a malicious smile playing on his lips.
"Well, well," he began, waving his hand towards the scattered cards on the table. "Let's make this interesting. Let's play a hand of cards. If I win, you pay me twice what you think the information is worth. If you win, I'll tell you everything for free."
Turin considered the proposal for a moment, weighing the risks and possible rewards. He knew his card skills were decent, but he couldn't help but worry about the possibility of Blaz cheating. However, he didn't have much choice; he needed the information, and this seemed to be the only way to get it.
"Very well," Turin agreed, pulling up a chair to sit at the table. "Let's play."
The cards were shuffled and dealt, and the tension in the air was palpable as Turin and Blaz faced off in an intense game. Turin was determined to win, but Blaz was not willing to give up his victory easily.
The game continued for a few minutes, with the stakes increasing with each round. Turin could feel sweat forming on his forehead as he focused on the cards in his hand, trying to decipher Blaz's moves and anticipate his next steps.
Finally, the moment of truth arrived. Turin looked at his cards, feeling a mixture of hope and anxiety as he decided his next move. With a decisive motion, he made his final bet, putting all his chips on the table.
Blaz looked at his own cards for a moment before finally smiling at Turin.
"You're a brave player," he said, revealing his own cards with a theatrical gesture. "But unfortunately for you, luck is on my side today."
Turin's heart sank as he saw Blaz's cards, realizing that his chances of winning were now just a distant dream. He resigned with a nod, knowing he had lost.
"You've won," Turin admitted, his voice firm despite the disappointment. "What's the price for the information?"
Blaz smiled triumphantly, collecting the chips from the table as he prepared to share what he knew.
"Twice what you imagined," he replied, his voice filled with malice. "But believe me, it's worth every coin."
Turin looked at the bag of coins in his hand, mentally calculating how much he was willing to pay for that clue. He knew he couldn't afford to be stingy if he wanted to find the women he was looking for.
"This should be enough," Turin said, tossing the bag of coins on the table with a metallic clang. "Now tell me, are the women in the Flamehowl house?"
Blaz picked up the bag of coins and examined it carefully, his smile widening as he counted the coins. "That seems fair," he said, satisfied. "Yes, the women you seek are in my house."
Turin felt a momentary relief upon hearing those words, knowing he was one step closer to his goal. "Where exactly can I find them?" he asked, his voice firm.
Blaz pointed in the direction of the tavern's exit. "My house is on the other side of the village," he explained. "It's the largest mansion, you can't miss it."
Turin fixed his gaze on Blaz with determination, his tone serious revealing his resolve. "That won't be enough," he stated firmly. "You'll have to take me there personally."
Blaz frowned, clearly displeased by the demand. "And why would I do that?" he questioned, defiant.
"Because if you don't, everyone here will see what your insides look like," Turin replied, his voice low but authoritative. "And I have no doubt there will be those who will be interested in finding out exactly how they look."
Blaz looked around the tavern, noticing the curious glances of the other patrons. He knew Turin wasn't bluffing; with a reluctant nod, he agreed.
"Fine," he conceded. "I'll take you there."
Turin nodded in approval, knowing he had gotten what he wanted. With Blaz as his guide, he was one step closer to finding the women he sought and fulfilling his mission for King Ulrich.
***
Turin walked alongside Blaz Flamehowl toward the latter's house. Upon arriving at Blaz's house, they were greeted by Sylvie Flamehowl, Blaz's wife. Sylvie's expression was tense, and her suspicions quickly turned to Turin.
"Who is this man?" Sylvie asked, casting a suspicious glance at Turin. "Is he some sort of collector?"
"Calm down, Sylvie," said Blaz, looking at Sylvie, trying to calm her. "Call the slaves to the room immediately."
"Why?" Sylvie frowned, not understanding.
"Just do as I'm telling you," Blaz replied, staring at her seriously.
Sylvie took a deep breath and nodded, yielding to Blaz's authority.
"I'll call Ruby," she said, turning to leave.
"And also call Phoenix," Blaz ordered.
Sylvie's eyes widened in surprise, and she hesitated for a moment.
"That's not possible," she said, her voice faltering. "Phoenix fled yesterday. If you had come home yesterday, you would know."
"What have you done?" Blaz asked, shocked by the news.
"I didn't do anything," Sylvie replied quickly. "I'll call Ruby."
Blaz watched Sylvie walk away, his mind spinning with the revelation about Phoenix. He wondered what could have led his slave to commit such an act and how it would affect his own plans.
Turin, determined to fulfill his mission, directed his attention to Blaz and asked the question that had intrigued him since he arrived.
"What is Phoenix like?" Turin inquired, his voice filled with curiosity.
Blaz stared at Turin seriously before responding.
"She's exactly as you described the women you were looking for," he said. "Black hair and blue eyes. But you don't need to worry; we still have Ruby."
At that moment, Sylvie entered the room accompanied by Ruby, whose expression showed evident signs of distress. Ruby's blue eyes contrasted with her hair already tinged with gray, indicating her advanced age.
Turin approached Ruby, determined to get answers.
"What is your origin, Ruby?" he asked, his voice firm.
Ruby, visibly nervous in the presence of the Flamehowl masters and Turin, chose her words carefully.
"I am a servant of the Flamehowls," she replied.
Ruby's evasive answer was not enough for Turin, who continued to press her.
"I want the truth, Ruby," he insisted. "Where were you born?"
Blaz intervened, sensing the growing tension in the room.
"Speak, Ruby," he ordered, his expression serious.
Feeling cornered, Ruby decided to reveal the truth.
"I was born in Black Moon Forest," she admitted, her voice trembling.
Ruby's revelation intrigued Turin, and he asked another question to the woman before him.
"Are you still fertile?" he asked directly.
Sylvie's intervention interrupted the conversation before Ruby could answer, leaving Turin and Blaz staring at her for an explanation.
"What's going on here?" Sylvie asked, confused by the situation.
Blaz took the lead and responded to Sylvie's question directly.
"If you're thinking of buying your slave, he needs to negotiate with me first," he explained.
Sylvie, feeling challenged, countered.
"He should be negotiating with me," she retorted, her voice authoritative. "I am the owner of this house."
Turin observed the exchange of words between Blaz and Sylvie, but his focus was still on Ruby. He knew he needed the truth to fulfill the mission entrusted to him.
"I will only discuss the value after getting the answer I seek," he stated again, addressing Ruby.
Ruby looked at Turin with resignation. "I am no longer fertile," she admitted, her voice a barely audible whisper.
Turin absorbed the information, frustrating his plans to find a woman for King Ulrich. With that, he decided to end the negotiations and leave.
"There is no more negotiation to be done," Turin declared, turning to Blaz and Sylvie. "If the slave is not fertile, she is not suitable for my King's purpose. I need to go."
"How much are you willing to pay?" Blaz asked, his voice sounding impatient.
Turin turned to face him, his expression serious and determined. "At least 1000 gold coins, if the slave is fertile," he replied bluntly.
Blaz, visibly upset by the turn of events, turned to Sylvie with a worried expression.
"Where did Phoenix go? We need to find her. We can negotiate with Turin to take her in her place," he suggested, hopefully.
Sylvie, in turn, looked at Blaz with uncertainty.
"I don't know," she replied, her voice faltering. "And even if I did, I'm not sure if it would be a good idea to hand her over."
Blaz looked at Sylvie impatiently.
"We need to find out where she is," he insisted. "There are a thousand gold coins at stake."
Turin observed the exchange of words between Blaz and Sylvie but showed no interest in continuing the negotiation. He was almost leaving the house when a timid voice called out to him.
Turning, Turin spotted Ruby hiding behind a tree. Intrigued, he approached her, observing her with curiosity.
"What do you want, slave?" Turin asked, his voice skeptical.
Ruby looked at Turin, tears streaming down her face, and began to speak urgently.
"What my mistress said isn't true," she said, her voice trembling. "Phoenix didn't run away. She was arrested for theft in the city center, and Sylvie told me she will be executed in public square."
The news shocked Turin, who didn't expect such a turn of events. He looked at Ruby, impressed by her courage to approach and reveal the truth.
"When will this happen?" Turin asked, his mind working fast to find a solution.
"I'm not sure," Ruby admitted. She looked at Turin with desperation in her eyes. "But please, please, save my daughter's life."
Turin pondered the situation, feeling the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. He knew he couldn't simply ignore Ruby's plea and let Phoenix face her fate alone. With a nod, he committed to act.
"I will do what I can," he promised, before walking away toward the city center, determined to save Phoenix from the terrible sentence awaiting her.
***
Phoenix nervously awaited in her cell, aware that relentless fate was about to unfold before her. The next day had arrived, bringing with it uncertainty about when her unjust execution would occur. She had spent the night in vigil, trapped in a state of anxiety and distress, trying to find some glimmer of hope amidst the encroaching darkness.
Time seemed to have lost all meaning in the dark, damp cell. She had consumed the stale bread given to her as her last meal, and now, upon being served another, presumed it was already midday. The weight of the inevitability of imminent death hung over her like an anchor, suffocating her with the cruel reality of her situation.
Then the guard appeared, breaking the somber silence of the cell. His footsteps echoed down the corridor, foretelling Phoenix's inexorable encounter with fate. She rose, her heart hammering in her chest, as the guard delivered the grim news:
"It's time."
Phoenix stared at the guard, pleading in desperation for a chance to explain, to proclaim her innocence.
"Please," she begged, her voice trembling, "let me explain. I didn't steal anything."
The guard looked at Phoenix with a mixture of sympathy and resignation. He could see the anguish in her eyes, the injustice about to unfold before his own eyes.
"I believe you," he murmured, his eyes expressing genuine compassion.
Hope began to stir in Phoenix's chest, only to be cruelly crushed by the guard's next words.
"But even if I believe, justice often favors the wealthy," he explained, his voice echoing the bitter truth of social inequality. "You're just another slave victimized by your mistress's envy."
Phoenix's heart sank in despair at the brutal truth. She was condemned not for her actions, but by the corruption and cruelty of those who held power over her. The guard seized her arm, inexorably leading her toward her final destination in the public square, where her life would be sacrificed on the altar of injustice and oppression.
As she walked alongside the guard, her thoughts drifted to her mother, Ruby, whom she had pleaded with in vain for help. She lamented the inevitability of their separation, of never again seeing her mother's loving face. But even amidst the darkness, a flame of determination burned within her.
She refused to accept her fate without a fight, even if it meant facing death with bravery and dignity. Injustice may have stolen everything from her, except her courage and her truth.
***
The public square was filled with spectators, each face turned toward the grim stage where Phoenix's execution was about to take place. Heavy silence hung over the area, interrupted only by the distant murmur of the crowd's voices.
Phoenix's heart raced within her chest as the guard led her to the execution site. Her body trembled with fear, but within her burned a flame of determination. She knew she couldn't give up, couldn't allow injustice to consume her.
When the guard positioned her before the noose, Phoenix stared at it with a mixture of despair and courage. She knew her life hung by a thread, but she refused to accept her fate without a fight.
Her eyes found the sword at the guard's waist, a last chance at resistance. With a quick and determined gesture, she lunged toward the weapon, surprising everyone present.
The guard, taken aback, tried to react, but it was too late. Phoenix managed to grab the sword, even with her hands bound, and raised it toward the guard and the surrounding others. Her defiant gesture echoed through the air, cutting through the silence of the square.
"Return the sword immediately!" the guard ordered, his voice filled with authority and indignation.
Phoenix stared at him, her eyes gleaming with fierce determination.
"No, only if you set me free," she replied, her voice echoing through the square with firmness.
The guard's eyes widened, realizing that Phoenix was not willing to surrender without a fight. Before he could react, she struck quickly and decisively, injuring him with the sword. The guard's cry of pain echoed through the air as his colleagues approached, ready to act.
"Capture her!" the guard ordered, his voice echoing through the square.
The guard's colleagues approached, ready to seize Phoenix and take her to the gallows. But she was not willing to surrender so easily. With a daring leap, she surged toward the crowd, brandishing the sword with determination.
Turin, who watched the scene from afar, was impressed by the young woman's courage and bravery. He knew he couldn't let her escape, not after witnessing her valor in the face of imminent death.
As Phoenix disappeared into the crowd, determined to escape the fate imposed upon her, Turin devised a plan in his mind. He knew he had to help her, even if it meant leading Phoenix to a place that would undoubtedly make her wish she had been hanged.
***
Phoenix's heart raced as she ran through the city streets, her hands bound and the sword firm in her grip. Each step was a battle against fear and uncertainty, but she knew she had to escape the guards at all costs.
The streets were empty, except for the echoes of her own footsteps and ragged breath. Phoenix didn't look back, focused only on moving forward, toward the freedom that seemed increasingly distant.
Finally, when she thought she was far enough from the city, Phoenix headed for the dense trees of the forest. There, among the tall trunks and shadows, she would find temporary refuge.
As she reached a clearing in the forest, Phoenix stopped to catch her breath. She approached a majestic tree and sat beneath its shade, placing the sword between her feet. With trembling hands, she began to cut the ropes binding her, silently thanking her lucky stars for having escaped imminent death.
It was then that she saw, before her, a huge gray wolf. Her eyes widened in surprise and alarm, but she kept the sword raised, ready to defend herself.
"Go away," she ordered the animal, her voice trembling with nervousness.
But the wolf did not retreat. Instead, its form began to change before Phoenix's eyes, transforming into a tall, strong man. Phoenix watched, fascinated and frightened, as the wolf metamorphosed into a human being before her. The man smiled at Phoenix, his expression serene and welcoming.
"My name is Turin," he said softly, his eyes conveying a comforting calm.
Phoenix regarded Turin with suspicion, her mind swirling with questions and suspicions.
"Who are you?" she asked, her voice wavering.
Turin took a step forward, his eyes meeting Phoenix's with understanding.
"I was sent by your mother, Ruby," he explained gently. "She's worried about you, and I've come to help."
The mention of her mother sent a shiver down Phoenix's spine. How did Turin know about her mother? Could it be true?
"How do you know my mother's name?" she inquired, raising the sword again, wary.
Turin smiled, his expression radiant with understanding. "If you lower the sword, I promise to explain everything," he offered, his voice soft and reassuring.
Phoenix hesitated for a moment, weighing her options. Finally, she relented, lowering the sword to the ground beside her.
"Alright," she agreed, her curiosity overcoming her fear. "Now tell me, who are you and why did my mother send you?"
***
Phoenix remained seated near the tree, still reeling from the avalanche of revelations Turin had brought her. Her thoughts whirled frantically as she tried to process the new reality unfolding before her.
She eyed Turin suspiciously, her brows furrowed in perplexity. "Why are you after me and my mother?" she asked, her voice laden with uncertainty.
Turin met her gaze back, his eyes reflecting a mixture of compassion and determination. "I've been tasked to locate both of you," he explained, his calm voice echoing in the forest's quietness.
"Tasked by whom?" Phoenix inquired, her mind swirling with unanswered questions.
"By the King of the Northern Vale, Ulrich," Turin responded, his expression serious as he assessed Phoenix's reaction.
"The King?" Phoenix repeated, her mind reeling with the magnitude of the revelations. "Why is the King of the Northern Vale interested in us?"
"That's a long and complicated story," Turin said, choosing his words carefully. "But for now, your safety and your mother are my priority."
Phoenix raised an eyebrow, her thoughts accelerating.
"And what do you expect me to do? Accompany you obediently to the Northern Vale and become a royal prisoner?"
"That's not how things are," Turin said, shaking his head, his tone firm. "I'm not here to imprison you. I'm here to help you."
Phoenix studied Turin's face for a moment, searching for signs of falsehood. However, all she found was determination and sincerity.
"I'm grateful for what you've done for me, but right now, I need to find my mother," she said, her determination firm despite the uncertainty consuming her.
Turin watched her for a moment before responding.
"You can't return to the Flamehowl's home," he said seriously, his voice heavy with the gravity of the situation.
"Why?" Phoenix asked, her eyes seeking Turin's for answers.
"Because, first, you're being hunted from all corners, and they'll surely come after you at Flamehowl's," Turin explained, his expression somber. "And second, because the Flamehowls sold you."
Turin's words hit Phoenix like a blow, her mind struggling to process the brutal truth he had just revealed.
"Sold me to whom?" she asked, her voice faltering with the anguish seizing her.
"To me," Turin replied bluntly, his penetrating gaze seeking hers.
Phoenix was shocked, her hands trembling with the magnitude of the revelation.
"That can't be true," she murmured, disbelief marking each word.
"Blaz Flamehowl sold you for a large sum of gold," Turin confirmed, even though he knew it wasn't true.
"I can't just leave my mother in the hands of the Flamehowls," Phoenix said, her voice wavering.
"You don't have a choice," Turin said, his voice firm and unwavering. "You're being hunted from all sides, and I'm sure the Flamehowls won't make things easy for you."
Turin's words echoed in Phoenix's mind, their meaning penetrating like an ice lance. She knew she couldn't ignore the imminent danger awaiting her at Flamehowl's. But the idea of leaving her mother behind, of abandoning her to the mercy of the Flamehowls, was unbearable.
"I can't just leave her there," Phoenix whispered, her voice filled with anguish. "My mother needs me."
"I know it's hard," Turin said gently. "But if you want to protect your mother, the best thing you can do is come with me to the Northern Vale. There, we'll have resources and allies to rescue her."
Phoenix pondered Turin's words, her heart torn between the desire to protect her mother and the fear of the unknown. She knew she couldn't turn back, that there was no other choice but to follow Turin to the Northern Vale. With a resigned sigh, she finally nodded.
"Alright," she said, rising to her feet with determination. "Let's go to the Northern Vale. I'll do whatever it takes to save my mother."