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Chapter One: Broken but hopeful

M y ears rang with the noises of the dusty clay streets as the cart my cage lay within creaked and groaned as it was pulled along said streets; claustrophobic plate iron bars formed the prison I knew so well, rusted and coarse against my skin. I couldn't see anything through the thick black cloth that was draped over the cage, but I knew I wasn't alone; there were other cages, and other carts behind me. I could already hear the slave master shouting to the crowds, ushering them to gather for today's auction. Brant was no doubt already grinning, today was payday for him, and reckoning for us.

The cart came to a lurching halt as the horses pulling it stopped just short of the long wooden stage ahead of us, I didn't need to see it to know it was there, Id been up on it many a times, too many times. If I wasn't sold today, I'd become Exotic Meat, Brant hated losing a profit, so he made them any way possible. As horrible as it would sound, I was silently begging someone would make a bid on me, of any amount. Brant was annoyed enough at me that'd he'd let me go for any profit, no matter how small.

The cloth draped over my cage was torn away, causing me to wince from the scorching blue sunlight. The slave hands were unlocking the cages and pulling the 'produce' from their feeble broken positions, myself included. I didn't fight back, that instinct had been beaten out of me years ago, I was just as broken as the rest; Brant in his frustrations had taken to belting me mercilessly in some vain attempt to correct whatever was wrong with me.

I could no longer feel the wooden stage beneath my blistered feet, but somehow I could still lift my legs even though they felt heavy and numb. We all lined up. Some of the others were hesitant, but no one ran, that folly only resulted in death. The crowd was large this time, lots of people were gathered up. I had a faint flicker of hope in my heart. Before Brant could even start to speak, a thin, twiggy man with the eyes of a vulture made the first bid, 'Five hundred for the pretty lady at the end' he called out with a crooked smile, Brants eyes went wide and his own greedy smile spread across his pudgy face, "SOLD" he bellowed, and the slave hands ushered her off stage. I shivered to think what would happen to her, I was focused only on the hope that I would be sold too.

The day wore on, the crowd lessened, and the others were sold off one by one, till only I remained. My hope was gone. Again I had no bids made on me, my fate was sealed. Brant was already counting out his coin, he was dragging the day out intentionally; he was desperate to make but a single coin off me. I gave the city one last look. Aldoran wasn't a pretty place, all its cities where crude, made of clay, sandstone and wood, built on an arid landscape dotted with dry shrubbery, and Ludos was no exception. My gaze fell back down to my feet, my palms clutching the crude iron cuffs. Dirt, blood and filth smeared across the strange tattoo on my left hand, wondering how I'd gotten it one last time as I waited. This was it, I was a dead man; tonight I'd be butchered and sold off to some unsuspecting sap.

I was on the verge of tears when I heard a soft yet demanding voice. "Hmm, you there what's your name?" I looked up surprised, but became even more so when I saw a massive Naga standing before me, seated on its own coils- a myriad of soft coral reds, blues, teals and greens, along with a pale ivory-white face and underbelly; his body adorned in fine yet simple cotton and leather tunics. I stood stunned, gazing up into his bright opal-like eyes, their onyx slits narrowed on me with curious intention. 'Well, your name?' he asked me once more.

I shook off the stunned feeling before answering, "K-kaiber s-sir..." I said, before instantly being toppled to the ground, the left side of my head now stung with pain, and flecks of blood stained my teeth from the blow as Brant stood over me.

"Ungrateful worm!" he bellowed at me, "Insolent bastard, who said you, could speak? Maggot!" he ranted, though he was effectively silenced a moment later by the naga.

"I did." he said sternly yet calm, although from the corner of my eye I could see the tip of his tail flicking in displeasure behind him.

Brant stared up at the serpent with an irritated frown, "I dunno how you lizards deal with things, but here you talk to the guy in charge, not the worthless meat on stage!" Brant spat, the Naga didn't seem pleased,

"Is that so? Then let me ask you this." he said, his voice now sombre and cold as ice, like that of a dead man's. In an instant the serpent's tail slammed into the side of Brants face, knocking him aside in similar fashion to how I'd been struck. The slaver hands quickly sprung forth, taking up spears and swords in hand, edging around the naga in caution.

"Does he write?" the Naga asked, unmoving.

Brant lay there, his lip quivering in rage, "You dare strike me, you fucking worm?" he growled as he bounced back up onto his feet and snatched up a sword of his own. The Nagas eyes narrowed, his prior amused look now fading for something colder. The life in those opal eyes seemed to simply disappear, and was replaced with the dead reptilian gaze of some common snake. It sent a shudder up my spine.

"Worm?" He asked dryly, and with a blur his huge coiled tail shot forth. Two loops were all it took, wrapped around Brant's neck, and he was lifted clear off his feet. The slaver hands moved in with swords drawn ready to strike but they faltered at the sound of growling that came from behind me. I glanced over my shoulder to see a trio of Vermian, daggers drawn, wearing some sort of skirt like attire. Obviously they were servants, Vermian were by nagan law slaves. Seeing the small lizard like humanoids in Aldoran was nothing new, you'd see them every day- on a butcher's hook at a meat stall, or a pelt shop.

Brant struggled and clawed at the Nagas coils, choked curses fleeing his mouth in spouts as he hung there. "You have the gall to call me a worm, you human filth? You sell off your own kind as livestock, and in such abhorred conditions, yet you call me a worm. You will silence your tongue or I will silence you permanently." he hissed. Brant came crashing back to the ground with a heavy thud, by now there were onlookers, unsavoury sorts peering about, circling like vultures. The Nagas gaze returned to me, now a bit warmer but obviously still displeased by Brants insult. Brant himself was still wheezing for breath on the ground. The slave hands were now helping him up as the Naga turned away, followed by his entourage of Vermian. He paused for a moment, looking back at me slightly, "Coming, my dear?" he said, his tone carrying an unmistakable air of power. With a wayward glance at the still struggling, greasy, pot-bellied man, I hurried after the massive serpent with no delay.

I fell instep just behind him, watching the almost hypnotic slither of his body along the dirt and sand that coated the streets. He was humming now, a tune familiar to me. His entourage were also a cheery bunch by first glance. "Songs of Sarrow, sir?" I said meekly, yet as politely as I could whilst I walked.

He gave a slight nod but said nothing on the matter, "That's an interesting mark you have on your hand, may I ask where you got it?" the Naga asked, turning his head a bit to gaze over his shoulder at me.

My own gaze fell back down to my left wrist. "My parents said it was a birthmark, that's all I know." I said absent minded, almost forgetting my place.

The little slip up was for some reason ignored however, and I spent the rest of the walk in silence, save the chatter of the trio of Vermian- all three of which sounded feminine. It felt odd, following someone so massive, someone who wandered down the streets of a lawless city with utter confidence. I followed this stranger around as he went about a few errands, picking up some fresh produce of sorts: oka-oka fruits, milkroots, hardtack and other such items, including spices. I was made carry some of said produce, alongside the Vermian. I was wondering all the while where I was going.

Those questions were swiftly answered as I followed the Naga to the air docks. I'd seen zeppelins before, they weren't that uncommon a sight, but never up this close before. I gazed up in awe at the massive teal balloon, which featured a golden bust of two serpents entwined with one another. I was treated to an even closer look as I was ushered aboard. The Naga stood aside, welcoming me with a politely extended arm as I forced my legs to move; they were numb, my feet were caked with scabs, sand, blood, filth; but somehow they still moved- Only to collapse out from under me once I was inside. There wasn't any pain, they simply failed on me, and I sat there on the atrium floor, ashamed.

The floors all seemed to be made of Aster, a dark insulating stone that retain heat. Perfect for reptiles. I thought to myself as the naga slithered idly past me. I felt the brush of scales over the back of my neck, the tip of his tail looping under the cruel crude iron collar that for the last seven years had been permanently welded shut around my neck. There was a pressure pushing at my neck before the iron gave out. It was handed off to one of the Vermians, a rusty red coloured one.

"Toss this... torture device, in the trash where it belongs, dear and Tahl, prepare a bath for our guest. He needs tending to." the Naga said, speaking on a soft and warm tone. With a nod the trio split up and disappeared off in different directions as I looked up at the Naga in confusion. His composure was relaxed, his coils sliding under him giving him a seat of sorts.

"G-guest? Sir...' I said, or tried to say. He simply raised a hand and smiled. I found myself confused.

"There's no need for that, you're free- free from those shackles, free to do as you please. You are no longer a slave, Kaiber." He said with an odd look of satisfied smugness.

Even though the words reached my ears, their meaning had been beaten from me long ago. Thus, I remained staring up at him with a confused look. He slithered away after one of the Vermian came back to escort me to the baths. The room was spacious, like a bath house almost, large intricate drains under a latticed wood floor, with a dozen large well made wooden tubs, and tall windows lining one wall with a gradient curve. Here I was stripped of the filth encrusted rags and helped into one of the now full and soapy tubs.

I'd forgotten what hot water felt like, I'd forgotten its touch and its comfort. The Vermian didn't waste any time snatching up a sponge stone and getting to work on me. He didn't hesitate to run that coarse instrument over every inch of my body, and I didn't stop him. My wounds were cleaned thoroughly, the dirt and grime washed from my skin in layers, it having long ago been caked in the filth of Ludos. An hour went by of constant washing before the blisters and cysts were bled via needle point.

At the end of it all, I was helped out of the bath, every inch of my body cleaned; my wounds were left pink and tender. Even the embrace of the towel I was offered was a luxury, I'd never even seen one, much less used one. I was even given clothes: a simple white cotton shirt and simple pants, but none the less I felt a great deal better. I was taken back out to the atrium after my bath. It hurt to move, but it was welcome; I no longer felt numb and heavy all over. Although I wondered as I sat there on a soft circular lounge in the middle of the atrium,. What does this naga want with me, he... freed me? But what do I do now? The thought left me feeling hollow. My family were on the other side of the country, and probably dead by now. I had no friends, no owner, nothing, I realised at that moment just how much Brant had taken from me.

By now the sun was setting, casting long shadows of the higher buildings of Ludos across the arid sandy landscape. There was nothing beautiful about Aldoran; all I had was hate for this country. After a few more moments one of the Vermian appeared, well-dressed in sharp-looking attire, and carrying a big stone platter from which tantalising scents wafted forth. I was treated to a thick loaf of seasoned bread, still warm out of the oven, some sharp smelling cheeses and an odd-looking green thing I'd never seen before. I stared longingly at the food before me as it was laid out. "Go on, dig in. It's made to be eaten, Kaiber." Came a familiar voice. I turned to see the Naga once more, now wearing a long flowing coat and formal looking shirt, he settled into the couch beside me. More so over it as his body lazily splayed out. "You must be hungry. I can only imagine they fed you mouldy scraps." He added with a distasteful look.

Cautiously I took up a knife and cut a thick slice of bread before adding some cheese to it and taking a bite. The flavours were nice... Taste; that was something else I'd near forgotten. The Naga seemed pleased to see me enjoying it, however. He himself took up the odd green fruit thing and cut a slice from it. "I shall drop you off in Mirodel's Lowlands on our way to Siricuse, a much nicer place than Aldoran. You should be able to nab a job at the stables or local tavern, make a life for yourself." He said, speaking softly, not making eye contact.

I still found myself confused. "...I thought you wanted a servant, sir. I..." I failed to string together any coherent sentencing at that point, as I nibbled away at the bread. The Naga simply smiled. "I'm sure you would make a fine servant, but that's not my decision. Here you are free to make your own choices." He said, putting the fruit thing down. His gaze finding its way to me- it still ushered a silent gasp out of me. Those opal eyes seemed to stare right through me. The slightest shift of their brows changed their intent drastically.

"... What if I wanted to stay?" I found myself saying. Freedom was enticing, but after seven years, it scared me.

The naga motioned to the nearby Vermian, who quietly darted off, claws clacking softly on the stone floor. "If it's what you want. Some people disagree with our laws and ways, but one thing is for certain: We take good care of our people." He said, trying to sound as warm and sincere as possible. The topic of slavery was obviously touchy for him. I rubbed my arm as I stared at the floor. So much had been forcibly beaten from me, and at such a young age too... I didn't know how to take care of myself.

Nervously I glanced back up at him. "Well, what would I do... if I stayed?' I asked, the naga appeared to lighten up with that question.

His smile widened and his eyes became cheerful. "Well; anything! There's plenty of jobs back In Mayoran that you could fill. You have the freedom of undergoing the educational training required to fill almost any job or role our communities have." He said warmly, with a pleased smile.

Education was something that few people ever got the chance to have in this world. "In fact, my cousin Lyris runs a weaver's mill near Kyos; it's a small Vermian-Nagan town; but the work is good. My cousin is always looking for good workers." He added as he looked up at the ceiling in thought. It sounded nice, in all honesty. I was picturing someplace with colour and liveliness, but my thoughts couldn't match the real thing, as I'd only ever known sand, dirt and all shades of brown and yellow. I'd seen the green of plant life a few times, but my colour palette was limited. "What if I wanted to work here... on the airship?' I asked casually, still feeling uncomfortable and unused to freedom. I had to force myself not to use words like 'sir' or 'master'; words I had been mercilessly beaten to accept.

The naga simply looked me over with an intense stare. 'Well, in all honesty I was intending to buy you back there in the market. I'm working on a song for a significant other... but none of my cherished crew aboard took art lessons at the academy in Eriden. I myself struggle with it; I thought you looked like the sort who would be able to offer some help or insight into the matter. But that filthy human wore my nerves quickly." He said, spitting the last few words as he looked away, adding a curse or two in some foreign language.

I knew racial tensions between humans and advent were getting high, badly so, and I couldn't blame him for that statement either. Brant was filth, one of many. There was a silence for a moment. "During the auctions, there was always a woman across the street who sang songs from far and wide. I... suppose I might be able to help." I said, again having to force myself not to say sir at the end. The naga sighed; his coiled body slumping visibly. "I would appreciate any assistance. I don't make many populated stops during my travels, and this one wasn't planned most certainly. But the onboard water tanks needed refilling, and repairs, so..." He trailed off after that leaving another awkward silence.

The last few rays of sunshine faded away over the mountains in the distance. "If I stayed, would I be turned into one of them...?" I asked as night claimed the view.

The naga stood, or more accurately rose, from his lounged seat, his body uncoiling as he stretched and yawned. Those jaws stretched wide enough to swallow a melon whole. Before he looked at me, his eyes were sleepy yet warm. "That's up to you, Kaiber. I'm sure you'd make a wonderful Ezala khal- but again, you're free now. Free to do as you wish. I've had Logan prepare a bunk for you, sleep well." He said softly, slithering up and over the couch, and then disappearing up a central flight of stairs with a hum. I sat there, however. Deep in thought, wondering, until sleep claimed me by force."