Chapter 033:

The people of the inner side of Maxill seemed to be the exact same condition and extravagance as they had before. Their buildings seemed to be a little more ornate, but the people still lounged outside doing nothing in their Victorian style clothing. They looked and giggled as they moved past but did not have the courage to continue when he looked straight at them. When he did they looked away or pretended to be discussing something else, none of it very convincing.

It dawned upon Anton that the Duchess was probably not the only source of extortion activities and oppression. These people needed to get money somehow to keep up their lavish lifestyle. They probably owned quite a number of the bondsmen themselves and were just as responsible for the oppression that was present. Potentially getting away with it by passing any blame up to the social ladder to her.

However it was not an excuse, just an interesting thought about the situation.

When they started up the gravel path towards the mansion the thugs stopped, not taking a step further. Instead they grunted something and moved back towards the inner gate. Even though there were no guardsmen to escort them they still seemed to be expected to continue. Anton was confident that nothing would happen back with Raston and the others, the Duchess knew that he was a mage and of apparently some skill and power.

As they continued Kal started to look a little distressed under her cloak and cloth wrappings. She moved with less confidence and her hands started to fidget. He moved closer so he could whisper.

“Everything alright?” he asked, Dana seemed to have noticed as well and looked over concerned.

The mansion was very close. Some maids had started to file out and form a row either side of the main entrance, standing on the lowest step of the marble stairs. They were not looking in their direction, probably a part of their training. Anton took the opportunity to slow down to Kal's speed.

“This mansion,” she began, “It reminds me of a very, very bad place. I wasn't expecting to go into something like that again. I...I haven't told you, but I guess that you figured out that I was a slave?”

Anton nodded.

“I worked every day in a building like that. I was beaten a lot too, even when I had done nothing wrong. And worse.”

She took a deep breath.

“Even though it's been nearly twenty winters since I've been there, I still see...and feel it happening again.”

She folded her arms and began to scratch at her elbows.

“If you don't want to keep going, you don't have to. We'll be going inside-” Anton started.

Kal grunted and cut him off.

“I know it's not the same place....I'm still going in. I'll do my best to keep calm.”

“We'll be right there with you. Just take some deep breaths and leave all the talking to me. Just try and keep calm. You're a tough girl and you'll be fine.”

He did not know if it was the right thing to say, and it probably was not, but she seemed to appreciate it. She took a deep breath and started walking faster again. She was not going to let this beat her back down.

Dana did not look worried, but rather in awe of the splendor of the mansion. Living in Atros all her life she would had never seen anything like it. She looked like she was seeing a city for the first time. In a sense she was.

She saw him looking and reigned in her gawking, mumbling something like an apology underneath her breath. In fact she looked a little embarrassed. Anton said nothing, receiving a smile in return.

As they neared the entrance, just as they passed the last of the hedgerows, Alfred, the Duchess's loyal butler, emerged.

Did you time that? I think you may have.

Kal began to tense up once again. Dana looked rather odd at him. The immaculately maintained butlers uniform was completely alien to her, but not to Kal.

“Do you know him?” he asked.

“Nope.” came Kal's quick reply.

So someone that looks like him, or at least had the attire of a butler, beat you or was involved? I hope you can hold it together.

Kal quickly recovered and resumed her normal posture.

“Hello Alfred.” Anton said as they reached the base of the marble stairs.

“Hello Anton,” Alfred replied, a frown forming on his elderly face. “I do not see Verona with you.”

“She's not here this time,” Anton answered, “In her place I have brought my friends, Kal and Dana.”

Alfred glanced at Kal, clear on his face that he did not know what to make of her. She seemed like she was holding under his gaze, but he could feel it starting to crack. His attention merely flickered over to Dana as it rested back on Kal.

“Your...friend, Kal, is not exactly...dressed for this meeting.”

“Neither were myself and Verona the first time, but you saw us all the same.”

Alfred raised an eyebrow but gave no further objection.

“Very well.” he said, straightening himself and waving towards the other maids who started to move inside. “The Duchess is currently waiting in the gardens, accessible through the mansion. If you would like to follow me.”

It was more of an order than a request, one that Anton would have followed regardless. Taking one final look at Kal, who seemed to be still okay, they headed into the mansion.

The inside was even more elaborately decorated than before. As before the maids scurried about, this time taking an occasional glance at them before continuing on with their work. There were even more soldiers this time, in full metal plate green and white armor, standing infront of all the doors. He felt like they were looking at him underneath their covered visors but they kept their heads forward.

Dana even let out a stifled laugh at seeing all the wealth on display. She ran her shoes over the white marble floor, as if to absorb some of its wealth.

Kal stopped walking beside him and moved right behind him. He could feel her breath she was so close. She was breathing so hard that it was coming through her face cloth, tiny flecks of moisture darkening the cloth around her mouth.

Four armed guards moved behind them as Alfred led them behind the fountain and through a large double door. It was obscured by the fountain the first time he had been here. He wondered how many doors and rooms the mansion held, the thought of whether or not it even extended underground crossed his mind.

He felt a tug on his shirt, turning to find that Kal was clutching at the bottom of his shirt for dear life. She was close enough that the guards behind could not see her holding on. Dana had noticed and made sure she blocked as much as she could, remaining quiet.

They entered the corridor and Kal's breathing became increasingly erratic. He turned back and saw tiny marks over her mouth, wet from breathing so hard. On the side of the corridor there was an open door, a maid emerged from the side carrying some sort of folded cloth. Kal nearly jumped at the sight but kept her calm, muttering 'you can do this' underneath her breath.

Thirty meters later they arrived at another set of doors. These were made of glass and showed a lush and vibrant garden outside, hidden by the front and the sides of the mansion. There were any types of small and flowering plants, types he had never seen before on Earth or even on this world. It looked quite beautiful in an odd way. In the center of the garden was a large and open white stone pavilion where he could see the back of Duchess Belinda sitting next to a table, seemingly just enjoying the outdoors.

Alfred opened the door, the only sound coming from the gentle breeze outside rustling the leaves of the small trees and shrubs. The guards stopped at the door, as they exited and followed a marble path, immaculately maintained grass and small flowers either side. They must have presumed that there was not going to be any trouble.

Kal quickly calmed down now that she was outside of the mansion, letting go of Anton's shirt as took a few steps back.

Duchess Belinda sat in a white outdoor chair, sipping some sort of tea at a small round table with two more chairs on the other side. The chairs looked to be immaculately made from some sort of white wood weaved together. It was probably worth more than most of their village. They seemed to be set out for himself and Verona. He wondered if they would get another chair when they saw the three of them.

Alfred led them to the pavilion, two maids appeared from the sides, hidden behind the white pillars, and pulled out the chairs for them as Alfred took his position beside Duchess Belinda.

She looked a little more conservatively dressed, but not by much. It appeared that the change in Maxill had affected her as well, just slightly less.

Anton smiled as he passed the Duchess to a seat. It was returned as she continued to drink her tea, her face turning to a frown as she saw Kal. She seemed to barely notice Dana.

She did not know, hopefully, that she was a Beast-kin, only that she was expecting to see Verona. Kal did not look like she was worried that there was only two seats, standing behind Anton, while Dana shrugged and took the other chair.

Duchess Belinda turned to Alfred and motioned for him to whisper into her ear, presumably why Kal and Dana were present and not Verona. He could not hear them properly but heard Verona's and Kal's name, no mention of Dana. It was over before he could think to chant a prayer in his head.

Alfred stood upright and took up a perfect standing posture to the side of the Duchess. The two maids pushed in their chairs as they sat, bowed slightly and left. Kal looked a little uncomfortable but she remained still, keeping her hands clasped tightly infront of her so as to not give away any of her thoughts through her movements.

“It is good to see you again, Anton,” Duchess Belinda began, “And...Kal? And Dana? It is interesting to see the different sorts of people that you take company with. I don't understand the full coverings your friend Kal has, but I'm sure there's a reason.”

“It is a pleasure to see you again too,” Anton replied, deliberately avoiding bringing Kal up as a topic, “I trust things are going well in your lands?”

The Duchess smiled and nodded.

Anton continued. “Things have changed. I've been here a short time and I've already seen a rapid increase in wealth and activity in your city. When I first arrived I thought I was going to be attacked for the clothes I wore, but now I feel...more safe now.”

Duchess Belinda shuffled slightly as she placed her cup onto the saucer infront of her, the liquid appeared to be light purple in color. He realized there were none prepared, or even an empty cup, for any of them.

“You are indeed correct. Things have indeed changed, and thanks to Alfred, the better.” she replied.

Anton looked up at Alfred, who remained motionless. He turned his attention back to the Duchess.

“After your departure, I consulted with Alfred about some of the things that you suggested,” a smile graced her face, it seemed to be very warm as she took a glance back at Alfred, “I was initially only going to start with a few of your ideas, but Alfred had been talking about these things for a number of winters.”

She picked up the cup and began to sip slowly.

“So...he finally got his wish and is now running my territories. I have very little to do with it now. And it's making quite a profit too, far more than it used to. They're doing very well and becoming the envy of the southern merchant lords already.”

Anton was quite surprised.

“Forgive me for sounding rude, but why not do it before?”

Belinda looked a little awkward and a little ashamed, using the cup to hide some of her embarrassment on her face.

“I...I was not concerned with the economy. I allowed it run itself, those people on the inner ring could do what they want so long as they paid their taxes. Alfred was always telling me to take more of an interest, but I felt it got so annoying that I threatened to exile him if he mentioned it again. That was six or seven winters ago.”

She put down the cup.

“I was wrong. I've never had to say that before in my life.”

She looked up at Alfred, who smiled warmly back.

“He took it rather well. If it were me I would have chastised him. I am lucky to have him at my side.”

“I'm glad that things are working out for the both of you.” Anton said, the Duchess turning her attention back to him.

“I know that you did not come from your little fortress city to congratulate me on realizing my mistake.” she said, a smug look forming on her face.

A slight feeling of apprehension overcame him. For someone that seemed so proud and dignified to openly admit she was wrong, she still had something to play to look at him like that.

Alfred rummaged through his uniform and pulled out a sheet of paper. Anton expected her to not use such a poor quality piece of paper, it looked like it was covered in charcoal markings and had been exposed to the weather and water frequently.

He laid it down on the middle of the table. Anton's heart sunk.

On the piece of paper was a map of Atros. Nearly every major building was roughly detailed on it; the main hall, the storage barns, the smithy, crop fields and even another drawing for the stone and iron mines at the base of the mountain. It was quite a detailed map, though Anton had to shake off his admiration for the work.

He looked up at the Duchess and waited for her to respond.

“I was not going to engage in business with someone without knowing anything about them. More than what I thought you would have.”

Anton glanced at Dana, who was starting to look a little concerned.

“It seems that you have been busy,” she continued, “The scout said that when they arrived your village was under attack by a horde of Kobolds. Not exactly the creatures the creatures of teeth, fire and hatred that you spoke of.”

“No. No they are not,” Anton replied, “But we dealt with the attackers, and their camp, with no losses.”

Belinda and Alfred looked quite surprised.

“Killing them all, without a dedicated army, and not a single loss?” Alfred asked, seemingly not believing that it could be done.

“We did fight off several thousand Yellow Goblins with only a few losses, I think I may have told you that last time.”

They both looked to Dana, now looking a bit awkward for being placed on the spot.

“It...It was not that difficult as that fight.” she replied.

Belinda smiled and looked back to Anton.

“I was just curious as to what sort of stronghold you are building, that is still to be determined. The rest of the scouts report details that there is rapid construction occurring at every level of the village. Farming, mining as well. What I do know from this is that I know now you aren't a slaver, and it seems like your committed to your cause. Although I had that suspicion before about not being a slaver. For what you paid it would not be profitable to travel and sell them to Seocuria. That's one of the reasons I let you buy some of my bondsmen. I've heard that the ones you bought previously are back in the city and are looking quite well.”

She smiled and leant back into the chair. He could feel Kal getting angry at the mention of slavery, Alfred's eye twitched down to Kal's tightly gripped hand, but remained quiet.

“And that's why you've come once again?” she asked.

“Indeed.” Anton replied, “With the Kobold attack, the Yellow Goblins before that, and who knows what may come in the future, we have little choice but to accelerate our plans before the true enemy emerges. Which means more people and resources, that you can provide.”

Belinda raised a brow.

“For a reasonable price.” Anton added.

“How many people do you want this time?”

“As many as you can spare, as well as some more specialized workers. People like stonemasons, woodworkers and smiths would be appreciated.”

Belinda waved Alfred to bend down to her ear and speak, breaking a little while later.

“Alfred tells me that, in this city of eight thousand, we can safely sell three hundred good bondsmen this time.” Belinda said.

“We can also sell four smiths, and their apprentices, and three stone masons and their apprentices. We need all all of the woodworkers here to work and train others.” Alfred added, “We are dangerously low on people with their skills, perhaps next time you visit we will have enough reasonably trained in order for you to purchase.”

“I would also like to have the families, the young and elderly, of those bondsmen. As well as the families of the bondsmen I purchased previously.”

Belinda looked baffled while Alfred remained unmoving.

“I spoke to some of the bondsmen that we purchased last time, and that was one of their main concerns. They were quite concerned with how their families were doing back here, and I think that they would work better with them there. We can feed them, they would no longer be a drain on your resources, and they could continue to work in some form.”

“If you are willing to pay for them, then I don't see a problem.” Belinda said, looking to Alfred.

He nodded lightly in response.

“It's now just a matter of payment,” Belinda said, as she picked up her tea cup. “Last time I believe it was twenty silver per person. Alfred, how many additional people would that be for their families?”

“Almost another four hundred people,” Alfred replied, “That would take away quite a large portion of Maxill's population.”

“It would. It would.” Belinda mused, “Although, with the money we're making now, it might not be a problem.”

“It will have to be more than the twenty silver per person it was before.” Alfred began, “Since we are selling so many.”

“How much do you want this time?”

“Fifty gold for all of them.” Alfred said defiantly.

Twenty silver a person, roughly seven hundred people makes that fourteen thousand silver. A gold coin is worth a thousand of the silver coins. So that's fourteen gold...She's getting a really good deal out of this.

“Fifty gold?” Anton asked.

There was a shuffle behind him as Kal leaned forward and tapped him hard, and repeatedly, on the shoulder. He turned around and she was almost digging into his skin. The cloth obscured her features but he could feel her anger.

“Could you please excuse me a moment.” he said, already moving out his chair and making it clear that he would regardless of any opposition.

Belinda nodded curtly while Alfred frowned lightly at Kal. Anton walked with Kal outside the pavilion and onto the grass, far enough away that they could not be heard if they whispered.

“Are they asking to much?” Anton asked, his back to the others while Kal stood infront of him, “You could-”

She clenched her fist and punched him hard in the gut, hard enough to make him splutter. With her other hand she grabbed his shirt and pulled him close.

Christ, that hurt! Duchess Belinda and Alfred definitely saw that.

He chanted a quick healing prayer so he would not cough again.

She raised her fist to his face, and pointed an accusatory finger. Her whole body trembled in fury, fury directed at him.

“What do you think you're doing?” she demanded angrily. The cloth on her face obscured her features but he knew that she was barring her teeth at him like a wild animal.

“I thought you were going to tell me that we were getting a bad deal.”

Kal 's hand tightened into a fist to strike his face.

“You're talking about buying people...like they're slaves.”

Anton tilted his head.

“I thought...you know that Raston and the other people from Maxill are bondsmen? That we bought them from here?” he asked.

Her head jerked back in surprise.

“N-No! All I knew was that they came from here. That's all I ever heard about them.” She loosened her grip but kept it relatively tight on his chest. “They've only just started to talk to me.”

“Why didn't you tell me?” she hissed at him.

“I'm sorry, I thought you knew. We bought them from Duchess Belinda and now they live in Atros.”

“How can you talk about buying people so easily?” Her clawed hand gripped tighter, the tips of her claws dug lightly into his skin, even through the cloth wraps and his shirt. “Is that why you brought me? So you could get a good price for slaves? Even though you knew...”

He got the feeling that if he said yes, even jokingly, she would tear out his throat. Slavery, and everything to do with it, was a serious trigger for her rage.

Did I actually tell you that Raston and the others were bondsmen? I don't think I did, and I don't think anyone else did either.

“Kal,” Anton began, taking her hand and prying it loose, “The people that we are buying will end up like Raston. Free people, that live and work in Atros. I didn't tell them on the way to Atros that they would be, but when we reached the gate I told them that they were free. They could choose to live and work in Atros, and help us fight back what's coming for all of us.”

“That seems rather...manipulative.” she mused, still angry, “Bringing them through that forest and then telling them that they actually have a choice of where they could live.”

“Well...”

He could not argue with that point.

“I suppose it is.” Anton replied. “But we need everyone we can get. They were living pretty terribly before, and you've seen how we treat them in Atros. What you see now is nothing compared to how they used to live.”

Kal grunted something.

“I'm sorry that I did not check that you knew. When you said that you were a slave I should have just stopped you at the mansion's entrance. Anyway, while I think that slavery, or bondsmen or whatever this current system they have here, is terrible, this is what we have to work with. We cannot just charge in and 'free' them all without serious repercussion.”

She lowered her head, Anton patted it. Her hair was soft underneath her hood.

“One day, when Atros is stronger, I think we'll head north through the Grataeris Empire and reach the Seocuria Empire. If the rest of the Beast-kin there are slaves and they can be bought we'll do just that. If we can, I would see them all freed and living in Atros. I would like to see that.”

Kal's head jerked up and she grabbed his shirt again. Not out of fear, but of desperation.

“You mean that?” she asked, “Many of them do not look anything like a human. Very few of them do.”

There was almost a whimper in her voice. “Would you set them free too?”

“Yes.” Anton replied flatly.

Kal looked up at him, taking a deep breath. She tapped him hard on the chest.

“I will hold you to what you said. It was one of the things Tethra told me I would find in Atros. If you do...actually keep your promise....I will follow you to the depths of hell.”

Such a profession of loyalty was totally unexpected. He felt his face heat up in a strange mixture of happiness, that she would be willing to go that far, and embarrassment, as she had actually said it aloud.

He smiled and was sure Kal was as well.

It had been quite a bit of time since they left the pavilion. Anton glanced back.

Belinda was continuing to drink her tea while pointedly not looking at them. Dana was looking around the garden, enjoying the bright and colorful scenery. Alfred, on the other hand, was watching them intently. Anton got the feeling that there was quite a bit going on in that head of his as he watched and studied their every movement.

We've been here far too long, and they're going to be very suspicious as Kal hit me. We'd better get back soon.

“So, Kal. We need as many people as we can.” he said in a warm tone, trying to get over his previous flush of embarrassment. “I know this will be hard to talk about, but how much would someone like Raston go for in Seocuria?”

Kal clenched her fists as she took a deep breath.

“'kay. Some like Raston, a human male in healthy condition, one that can work....about twenty to thirty silver coins.”

That's about what Belinda asked for the first lot of Bondsmen. They were asking for a very good deal for them.

“What about the others, children and the elderly?”

Kal shuffled a little.

“Elderly, ones like Bertram and Sybil, would have been killed long ago.” She seemed quite sure of that. “But if someone really wanted them, about five or so silver each. They require food and care, so it's easier just to have younger ones. Children....”

She gripped her elbows hard.

“It depends what they want to do with them....”

He easily guessed what that meant.

“But if it was just for working, should be about ten to fifteen silver. Beast-kin are less, though.”

“That's...good to know.”

“They're asking far too much.” Kal said dryly.

“I don't mind having to pay a bit more than necessary right now, but we need to bring it down. We'll see about bringing it down to about thirty if we can.”

Anton glanced back to the pavilion.

“Guess we should head back.” He turned back to Kal. “And I meant what I said about Seocuria. It will happen, though I can't say when.”

Kal nodded and started moving towards the pavilion, Anton following.

When they retook their seats, Belinda and Alfred were looking at them quite dubiously.

“Was that a...lover's quarrel?” Belinda asked, possibly to shake his line of thought.

“No.” Anton replied flatly. “My friend says that fifty gold is an extremely high price for seven hundred hundred people. If my mathematics is correct, it should be only fourteen gold for the regular bondsmen and, if the same rate is applied to their families. I understand that the ones with specialized skills, like smiths and stonemasons cost more, but that would still be quite a bit less than what you're asking for.”

Belinda frowned and almost let out a chuckle, Alfred seemed unmoved until Anton saw something on his face. He was not sure what it was. It was gone in an instant, but it looked like it was the tiniest hint of respect.

“With that in mind, I think that a more reasonable price would be twenty five gold.” Anton said, leaning back in his chair.

He did not know much about haggling, but he did know that he should not start at his final price. If he worked it right he may be able to bring it down to his goal.

Alfred leant down to Belinda and whispered something in her ear. She glanced up and nodded.

“Forty five.”

“Twenty five.”

“Thirty.” Belinda said with almost a sigh.

“Thirty gold coins it is.” Anton agreed.

Belinda and Alfred looked on flatly, but nodded in agreement. It was the number they were expecting to arrive at.

Anton did not have that much on him but there was enough in their cart. He realized how cheap human life was considered in this Kingdom, compared to the equipment he had just bought. If it was this cheap out near the border of the kingdom, how much would life be worth in the, presumably densely and overpopulated, capital and larger cities. Not to mention how cheap life in the Seocuria Empire was compared to here. Especially the poor Beast-kin.

“I do not have that much money on me right now, but I do have enough back with the others.” Anton explained.

“That's fine.” Belinda replied, “Alfred, can you write up a bill of sale for them and get the bondsmen and their families ready by the east gate. Do you have enough soldiers to get them back safely?”

“We have enough, and we're getting more weapons and armor so it shouldn't be a problem.”

“That's good to hear.” Belinda said, she glanced down at her tea cup. Her face jolted back in surprise.

“I just realized that I have been a awful host, I have not gotten you three anything to drink while I have just been sitting here.”

I doubt you are just realizing, but you might be.

“I will get the servants to prepare some while I write the bill of sale.” Alfred said as he started to walk away back to the mansion.

He waved his hand. A maid appeared out of nowhere and silently ran towards him, keeping her head slightly down. Something was whispered into her ear and she scurried off into the mansion, followed by Alfred. He re-emerged a few seconds later with a roll of paper and a quill to write with.

Alfred laid down the paper to the side of the Duchess and began writing. There were blank sections detailing names, signatures and if payment had been received. He had no idea if this was a very common thing to happen in their kingdom.

There was a section at the bottom that Alfred left blank when he was done. It was probably the final section that would be signed off when they received payment.

A maid emerged carrying a large white tea pot and three empty tea cups. She placed them in front of them and filled them with the purple liquid.

Anton chanted a quick prayer in his head to make him immune to poisons for the next hour, repeating the chant as he touched Dana and Kal. They looked a little surprised at the sensation of foreign mana entering their body but held their composure.

He, on the other hand, felt something odd. It was like the mana bounced off of him, not that that had happened before.

I've used healing recently and there hasn't been a problem. Wait, I used a prayer to make myself immune to poison when Kal prepared that mushroom soup. And I didn't set a time when it was meant to expire. Could that be it?

Internally, he chanted a prayer to get rid of the poison immunity, just to make sure it was that.

This time the prayer worked, judging by the fact it used mana.

I guess that I can have one of those permanent things just running in the background. I didn't notice it using any magic, maybe it doesn't or it uses so little that I didn't realize.

When we get back to Atros I'll experiment a bit more.

He chanted the same prayer that he used for Dana and Kal. It seemed to work this time.

“It would be rude of me to send you away the moment we have dealt with this purchase.” Belinda said, motioning for them to drink the tea. “You mentioned that you need to do things much more quickly. Are the monsters you speak of close to emerging?”

“I would like to know how much more time I had, but I do not know when they will attack yet.”

Belinda and Alfred looked a little disappointed.

The news about the Orcs and the Deweth Clans working together is something that would get their attention. I doubt it would be well circulated news, especially as the Orcs civil war has just been concluded.

“While I do not know when they will arrive, there are matters that that will affect you in the immediate future.” Anton began. Belinda and Alfred perked up.

He took a sip of the tea, rather fruity in its flavor, and continued.

“On the journey we met a group of travelers on the road.”

“The road through the Accursed Forest?” Alfred asked, “Nobody has come through Maxill to head in that direction. ”

I guess that's it's name.

“I never said they were heading that way,” Anton countered, “They were heading south.”

Belinda held her gaze while Alfred frowned.

“They were in a bad way, but they told me of some very recent political changes to the north. Particularly to do with a group calling themselves the Deweth Clans.”

The mention of the clans made them both frown. Alfred grunted something but waited for Anton to continue.

“They told me that they are a very violent group of people that are at war with just about everyone that surrounds them.”

Belinda nodded.

“The clans are a constant threat our kingdom.” she began to explain, “They try every spring to attack our northern territories, beyond my personal control.”

Alfred chimed in.

“Over the hundreds of winters these attacks have persisted, many forts have been constructed along their approach. They have not breached the outermost forts in over ten winters. It is commendable that those barbarians try with such regularity and enthusiasm.”

“Before I continue, have they attacked this spring?”

Belinda looked up to Alfred who shook his head.

“Actually, no. They have been quite late.”

“This might explain why they're quiet.”

Anton placed down the cup of tea. Dana had taken a sip and looked like she enjoyed it, Kal made no move as it could reveal her Beast-kin heritage.

“Orcs.” Anton added.

Belinda looked confused.

“There was a civil war raging between the Orc clans. Well, there was. And now its over. The new faction, called the Wrath of Doom, has thrown itself in with the Deweth Clans. From what I understand this Orc faction owe the Deweth Clans a significant debt and are going to have to follow their orders for quite some time. I suspect that they need the Deweth Clans to keep them in line.”

“How...How many Orcs?” Alfred asked, his face had turned a lighter shade of white and his right hand began to twitch. He seemed not to care about who the travelers were, telling him they were Orcs may have sent them on an unproductive tangent.

“I'm not sure.” Anton replied truthfully. “But quite a few. At their peak they had almost a million warriors. I doubt it's that many now after the civil war and the Deweth Clans involvement.”

Anton shifted and straightened out his legs. “They said the war was brutal. If I had to guess, it would be over a hundred thousand. Maybe two hundred. Maybe more, maybe less. I really don't know. It depends on how brutal the war was, they didn't tell me. They did not seem to know the numbers of surviving or fighting ready Orcs.”

Alfred looked like he was about to faint. Belinda looked concerned at him as well.

“How many Orcs have you had to fight?” she asked him.

“Many, my lady. I never wish to do so again.” He looked at Anton. “They wield their weapons with such brutal strength and they do not stumble even when half of their body has been hacked to pieces. No real skill, but they don't need it. Terrifying opponents. But they were never the sort to ally without great reason.”

“The current leader poisoned his predecessor and took the leadership. He had to ally with the Deweth Clans or he would have been killed.” Anton added.

“This is troubling, to say the least.” Alfred rested his hand on his chin, his confidence beginning to return.

“Would this new army be enough to break through the northern fortresses?” Belinda asked.

Why go through when you could go around?

Alfred shook his head.

“Even with that many more forces, they could take a few. But the fortresses are designed to have large open areas between them. The Knight Orders in that region are very strong. They would be cut down by armored cavalry before they could get through into the unprotected regions.”

Like the Maginot Line. Just go around.

If the Orcs held the mountain territory to the north of Atros, and used to be hostile to the Deweth Clans, it would have forced them through the same region. To where the fortresses were built. But now with all the Black Fist clans either dead or fleeing or subdued, a new pathway has just opened up.

“What's stopping the Deweth Clans from attacking through the south now, or the north of those forts?” Anton asked.

They both looked at him in surprise.

“This is just speculation, but the Orc territories are now friendly to the Deweth Clans and will allow them passage. If I were them, I would attack somewhere you were not expecting. Heading through the forest and behind the fortresses would be a good idea. Right through a soft target, like Maxill. And the rest of your cities.”

Alfred opened his mouth to speak but paused and headed back into the mansion. Belinda glanced at him before looking back towards Anton. There was an odd look of confusion on her face but she shrugged lightly and returned to drinking her tea.

Almost a minute passed before Alfred emerged. In his hands was a large scroll of paper.

He politely moved the cups of tea off the table, snapping his fingers to which a maid appeared and took them away.

As he rolled out the piece of paper it became clear that it was a map. A map of the entire Qaiviel Kingdom and beyond.

(Map at the bottom of the chapter along with an explanation.)

The map was almost certainly not made to scale, but showed most of the cities.

He could see the small mark that was Maxill, it having been underlined for easy reference. There were many marks for cities to the west, most of them unnamed on the map.

His attention was brought to the north of the Qaiviel Kingdom, where there were many small squares near the border of many triangles showing a mountain range. That area was labelled as the Deweth Clans.

Alfred studied the map, his face contorting into a frown. His finger traced the mountain ranges north of Atros. There was a slight change in color over the mountain that did not seem to correspond to any change in the type of mountain shown.

“The darker areas are the territory once controlled by the Black Fist.” Alfred explained. “As you can see, it covers most of the southern section of the mountains. That's probably why you weren't attacked by the Deweth Clans.”

His finger tapped on the small word that said 'Atros'. Compared to some of the other cities marked in the former Kar Kingdom it really did look like it was just a tiny village.

“If they now have control of the Orc territories there is no need for them to be funneled through to the fortresses.”

Alfred stood back up and looked at Belinda.

“It is possible for them to attack through this area now. While there is no way to tell if they will, I believe that it would be a good idea to at least prepare. Get word out to the other cities and Knight Orders and tell them of what may be coming for them.”

Belinda nodded, liking the idea.

“At the very least it will help suppress bandit activity.” Alfred added.

“That sounds like an excellent idea.” Belinda said. “Can you get those messages sent? I think time will be of the essence.”

“As soon as we are done with the sale of the bondsmen.”

“Can we afford to sell them now?” Belinda asked.

That was something Anton had not thought about.

“We can, my lady. The money that we will receive will pay for a large increase in our armed forces, production and our overall economy. Far more than they would be able to provide in the short term.”

Belinda seemed to agree.

“They were also the ones to alert us of this changing situation. While it will take some time to validate, if it is true, we may hurt relations with someone who voluntarily gave such important information.”

With that, Belinda smiled and nodded.

“Anton, thank you for the information. If it is true it will be troubling, but now we can take actions to fight this.”

I don't know what you could possibly do against several thousand Orcs, let alone tens or hundreds of thousands backed up by who knows how many clansmen. I guess knowing is better than nothing. You might be able to slow them down at least.

“Alfred, once you have received payment, get the guards to organize the bondsmen. Once they have been seen to I need to discuss with you better ways to protect this city and my territory.”

Alfred bowed his head politely, rolled up the map and bill of sale.

Belinda stood up, Anton and Dana doing the same.

“I hope that when we meet next things will be going much better. For all of us.” Belinda said with a smile.

Anton smiled and bowed slightly, Dana and Kal doing the same.

“See you next time, Duchess Belinda.” Anton said.

Belinda nodded and returned to looking at the map.

Alfred led them out of the gardens and back into the mansion. Belinda leant back into her seat with a serious expression on her face, she was taking his words seriously. He just hoped that he was wrong.

---[]---

They were escorted by the guards out of the mansion. When they started walking down the marble stair case to the gravel path outside, Alfred stopped as so did the guards.

“Forgive me, I still require some of the additional pieces of documentation.” he explained.

Anton looked at the signed bill of sale in his hand.

“This is only part of the requirements for such a large purchase. If you will wait here a moment I will get the remaining pieces.”

Alfred did not wait for a response and turned back towards the mansion. The guards filed out and stood at attention either side of the main doors.

Anton continued down to the gravel pathway.

As his feet touched the pathway, Kal moved infront of him and placed her hand on his chest. For a moment he thought she was going to punch him again, but she pulled back and grasped her medallion tightly.

“I...I'm sorry. About before.” Kal said with a hint of a sniffle, “I tried my best to keep calm but when you started to talk about buying people so casually, I...”

“It's fine.” Anton replied, “But you did very well, keeping your head. Mostly. Considering what horrors of slavery you've seen, ones that I will never understand. I'm not going to put you in that sort of situation again.”

He rubbed her head underneath her hood. She let out a cute whimper as her ears perked up underneath her hood.

“When I first called you over I was just going to ask what you were doing...Then you asked if it was a good price, I...saw you like a slave master. Someone that could buy and sell people like they were nothing. Seeing that...all my feelings came out.” Kal further explained. “I'm sorry I grabbed you, and hit you like that. Please don't tell anyone about that.”

Kal said it almost with a whimper, looking towards Dana as well. She nodded and turned to him.

“It's fine.” he answered. “I'm not going to tell anyone.”

He could not see through the cloth on her face but he was sure that she was smiling.

Kal brought her arms to her side, looking back towards the mansion's door. Her ears were twitching and the base of her tail seemed to be moving.

“You are a rather expressive person. You know that, right?”

Kal shrugged, not knowing how to answer. Not being able to see her face made it harder to gauge her reactions, ignoring her covered ears and tail, which were a dead give away. She seemed extremely happy though.

Dana coughed and nodded her head towards the mansion.

Alfred had just left from the side of a guard standing closest to the door , it being obvious as it was a few paces to the side of the main door, and made his way down. He held a few more rolls of paper in his hand.

As he made it down to the bottom Kal realised her ears and tails were still moving, ever so slightly. She pulled her hood down and moved a hand to stop her tail from moving.

I am getting ever more curious to actually have a look at that.

Alfred quickly walked down the stairs and joined them. He glanced at Kal and Dana but rested his attention on Anton.

“My apologies about that,” he said with a slight bow, “We just need the payment to make this official. After that we will organize the bondsmen for your departure.”

“The rest of our people are, hopefully, at a place on the east side that's run by a woman called Isobell. She runs an Inn and I told them to head there to get something to eat.”

Alfred nodded and waved to the guards. They started following as they walked down the gravel pathway.

As they walked they said nothing to each-other. Alfred was far to quiet for Anton's liking. They said nothing since they left the mansion, and they had already reached the inner section's gate.

There was something in the way he walked, keeping himself a few paces ahead of Anton, that bugged him. He did not think it was a hostile act but if they wanted to continue growing their relationship it needed to be sorted out, even if it was something small and silly.

“Alfred?” Anton asked, hoping his question would not ruin their budding relations.

“Yes?” Alfred replied in a professional manner. Their was no warmth to his voice, completely and utterly changed from before. He glanced back, to him and Kal.

“Why did the Duchess change?”

Alfred seemed a little uncomfortable as he slowed down. His face contorted slightly.

“After you left she asked if it would be beneficial to enact a few of the things you suggested. I said yes. The day after that, after I had sent the message to get the scouts to investigate your city, she came to me early in the morning and asked about what you were talking about.”

He let out a sigh.

“Actually having an interest in running her territory...it was a shock to me. After so many winters of not caring. She sat down and actually listened to what I had to say about running the economy. It was stunning. I had been telling her these things for many winters, to the point of being about to be removed from her service.”

He almost glared at Anton.

“And then you come along and convinced her to listen...did you use your magic on her?”

Alfred seemed quite angry at the possibility.

I don't even know if that's possible. Maybe with the prayer power, but I would need to touch her in order for that to work. I think you would have seen mages before, but Belinda mentioned something about 'chants' when I first showed off the lightning magic. Does he think I'm hiding other types of magic?

“You give me far too much responsibility for the change,” Anton began, “If you had not been on her back constantly all these y-winters, I highly doubt she would have given what I said any serious thought. If I was anything, it would have been the tiniest breeze in the wind. It's all been because of you.”

“Well, perhaps.” Alfred replied, slowly stroking his chin. He seemed a little happier.

“How long has she been like she was?”

Alfred looked up at the sky for a second before back at Anton. His posture seemed to relax, like he had delved in a pleasant memory.

“After her father died, almost twenty winters ago. She took it very hard and I think she's still recovering. She barely talks about him and had all his paintings removed and put into storage. He died badly.”

Not really an excuse, if it's true. But I suppose that everyone has their coping methods.

“Are you sure you that you want to be telling me these sort of things?” Anton asked.

“It doesn't matter. You could find this information from anyone if you asked them.”

They passed through the gate, Alfred lead them towards Isobell's Inn. The people worked around them with the occasional laugh and smile on their faces. When they saw Alfred and the guards they bowed their heads and made great efforts to not get in their way. Their fear of Alfred, and the established order, was still great despite their improving conditions.

The air became silent again in their group. It was Dana that broke it.

“The Duchess mentioned that she had a scout sent to look at our village.” Dana said.

Alfred turned to her, not knowing what to say.

“Where you a soldier or mercenary before? Nobody here seems like they would have those sort of skills to ride out hidden through that forest and make such a detailed drawing.”

Alfred nodded as he looked at Dana.

“I was, for many years. I finally came into service of Duchess Belinda's father about thirty winters ago. After a particularly devastating battle against the Deweth Clans, my legs were severely wounded. I could barely walk.”

Anton looked down and could not see that he walked with any difficulty. Alfred saw him looking.

“I have healed since then.” he said with a smile. “It was not easy at first, but I have become very good at my work. I dealt with making sure supplies made it to the front-lines as part of my many duties. Organization. It has made my new line of work very easy.”

This could be a good time to find out abut other foes in this region. They might be present around Atros and we should know everything we can about them.

“Have you only fought Orcs and Clansmen?” Anton asked. “What about the other beasts and monsters?”

Alfred nodded.

“I have fought many of the creatures that plague the north eastern region of the Qaiviel Kingdom. Goblins; yellow, green, black and blue. All very nasty creatures. Among others, most not worth mentioning.”

“We've only seen the yellow and green varieties. What are the other two like?”

Alfred turned and smiled.

“The blue varieties are very smart, able to actually make plans, though nothing more complex than a child’s capability. They're weaker than even the green ones so they're usually the leaders. It's the black ones you need to be careful with.”

His face contorted oddly.

“They move quickly and are so much more stronger than they look. They're a bit bigger than a yellow goblin, but a lot of people have died by thinking they're just as weak. Even smarter than the blue ones, probably even smarter than some people.”

“Why haven't they taken over the countryside if they're so strong?” Anton asked, Dana looked very interested in that as well.

“They breed very slowly, taking about a whole season to come to maturity. The others can take four to five days.” Alfred replied. “That's probably the only reason.”

“Good to know.” Dana answered, her face quickly flashed a scowl but it was gone.

“They have this habit of controlling the other breeds though.” Alfred lamented. “If you let them grow too large in number they can start a horde. Very nasty.”

“When was the last one?” Anton asked.

“About ten winters ago, in the north.” Alfred replied, looking rather grim. “It took three Knight Orders and the royal army to put them down. Many good people died and entire cities were ruined. After that the armies started working much more closely together.”

Anton did not like the sound of that. The goblins at the capital ruins were probably in the tens of thousands. It made him feel queasy knowing they were sitting there; breeding and waiting. Waiting for something. Perhaps a human to wander too close and set them off.

“Did you ever see one that looked like it was covered in giant sores and pustules?” Anton asked, “Like they were rotting and sick, being held together by their armor?”

Alfred shook his head.

“But, when we started to dissect it, one of the villagers saw something in the base of its neck. Something that glittered in the light.”

Alfred looked honestly interested.

Anton sighed.

“But when we tried to remove it, whatever it was, it shattered. Next thing the body, which had been dead for nearly a day, thrashed about and ripped itself to pieces and threw it's organs and puss everywhere. It's ribs turning inside out...Heard of anything like that?”

“No.” Alfred replied. “And why would you want to do such a thing as cut apart a puss covered Goblin?”

Dana looked at him oddly as well, she probably just wanted them dead and not used for some experiment.

“A curiosity.” Anton replied. “I wanted to see if there was anything different about them.”

“Interesting. The Church disapproves of interfering with bodies, even ones like Goblins.”

Alfred turned back to them.

“Anyway, back to what you asked before. It's not just been Goblins, Orcs and Clansmen, that I've fought and killed. Obviously bandits, a few roving centaur warlords in the west, they weren't fun to deal with. And Beast-kin.”

Kal almost tripped at the mention. She ungracefully steadied herself as she coughed to try and calm herself and cover her stumble.

“Beast-kin?” Anton asked. “I've heard of them in Atros. Never actually seen one.”

“But you know what a centaur is?” Alfred asked, throwing him a quizzical brow.

“Half man, half horse. The bottom half is a horse.” Anton replied.

He hoped that what he knew as centaurs were the same here.

Alfred glanced between the three.

“They are. But they are a lot more hairy than even the most rugged human.”

“You...you said you fought Beast-kin?” Kal asked, her voice wobbling ever so slightly. “How? They're all enslaved in Seocuria?”

Alfred stared at her as they walked. Kal made no extra movement as she tried to remain calm.

“They are.” Alfred said with a smile. “But about a winter or two before I became injured, there was a break-out. Quite a large one.”

Oh?

Kal's head snapped to him while Dana looked worriedly at Anton.

“They didn't have anywhere to go so they just wandered about, raping and pillaging their way through the Grataeris Empire, finally making their way here.”

“They-” Kal began to angrily splutter out.

“That sounds terrible.” Anton said, cutting Kal off. She looked towards him and kept her head down.

“It was.” Alfred had a hint of a wistful smile. Anton hoped he would not pursue questioning Kal. If pressed, he hoped that he could pass Kal off as an eccentric. Her full body cloth wrappings already contributed to that.

“There weren't that many left when we fought them.” Alfred explained. “I think they went through the Deweth Clan territory then to the north of Qaiviel.”

He looked forward as they walked past another junction. Isobell's inn was not far away.

Kal moved forward and tugged at his sleeves, leaning into his ear and whispering.

“Every Beast-kin knows that the Clansmen are just as bad as the Seocurian's. They would never head that way.”

So it might have been a test, one that we probably failed. He's probably had decades of practice with this sort of stuff. And we've had a few minutes. We might need to remind him of what the Duchess was like before, and the Clansmen and Orcs working together, if he tries to pressure us.

Anton smiled, nodded, and patted her hand. She withdrew her hand and gripped the medallion on her chest. She whispered something to herself, so light he could not hear it.

“That was the first and last time I saw any Beast-kin. Rather odd looking creatures, animal and humans forced together. Really though, it was only a tired few.” Alfred finished.

Anton hummed in agreement.

They remained silent as they approached the Inn.

---[]---

Isobell's Inn looked far better than it had before, a new running theme of the city. Even the rat symbol hanging over the front had been repainted.

Outside of the front was a cart, villagers mulling around it. Some were sitting on the back of the cart, drinking something out of large wooden mugs. Judging by their faces it looked to be alcohol and they were starting to feel its effect. In their laps and other hands were cooked pieces of meat skewered on sticks, that looked like kebabs. They also had a large piece of bread that they were slowly picking at.

Raston and a few other villagers waited near the entrance to the Inn. Isobell, and one of her sons, stood nearby, food in their hands as well. Raston yelled something into the Inn as soon as he saw them approach. The villagers waiting on the carts perked up and downed their drinks.

Many villagers, and quite a few of the Maxill bondsmen and citizens exited the Inn. It seemed to be quite a popular place now.

The villagers gathered around the cart while Raston and Isobell made their way to them.

Isobell looked several years younger, the lines of worry and stress had faded away. She still looked like someone who worked hard nearly every day of her life, but now the stress from harassment was gone.

When she saw Alfred and the guards her body tensed for a second, but relaxed a moment later. She smiled when she saw Anton.

“Ah, Anton. You're alive.” Raston said with a slight slur.

“Are you drunk?” Anton asked.

“I haven't drunk that much...only a few mugs.” Raston replied.

Isobell chuckled lightly.

“They've all been at my supply of alcohol for some time.” Isobell began. “I never thought I would see you again.”

“I've been hearing that a lot.”

Isobell laughed.

“I bet you have. You want another shot of the Blue Devil?” she asked. The special blue liquor that she kept for special occasions burned even when he had just a few sips. It was good, but a decent mouthful would have made him very drunk.

“That stuff was very strong, I think we'll have to pass on that one.” Anton replied. “We're basically off once we get payment to Alfred and get the goods from Lester.”

“More bondsmen?” she asked, looking at Raston. “They're so much more fun now they're living on the other side of the forest.”

She gave Raston a slap on the behind, Raston flushing in response. Anton felt a quite intense source of anger coming from his side. Dana looked like she was quite angry, even though she did a good job of hiding it behind her usual cold demeanor.

You aren't an item yet? Are you?

Anton decided it was a question for another time. He turned his attention to Alfred, who was watching everything unfold with a passive expression. Alfred was not someone they should keep waiting unnecessarily, especially considering his closeness to Duchess Belinda.

“So, Alfred. It was thirty gold?” Anton asked for confirmation.

Alfred nodded, ignoring the scene of Dana giving Raston a death stare for getting hit on infront of her, Isobell pretending to look innocent. It was probably the most fun she's had in quite a while.

He rolled out one of the sheets, the bill of sale, and read over it again.

“Indeed. However that only covers the purchase of the people and their families...for a reduced price.”

Alfred glanced over at Kal. Kal shifted but remained standing firm. He glanced her up and down, frowning but saying nothing. Anton hoped that he was annoyed that he got less than they initially intended to get for them.

“You will need to pay for the food and water supplies, for moving such a large number of people, yourself.”

“That won't be a problem.” Anton replied, turning to Raston. “How much gold did you manage guys manage to spend?”

Raston turned away from Dana, looking a little tankful to no longer bearing the brunt of her gaze. He looked a little sheepish.

“We...We spent a bit. Only one gold coin worth though. Lester gave us the change and we put it in the strong box.” Raston explained.

“Kal, could you please get the gold?”

Kal nodded and jogged over to the cart. Alfred watched her but said nothing. Anton saw his eyes train to her feet but only for a second. He turned towards Anton, nothing on his face to show that she had been found out. Yet.

“Alfred,” Anton began, “I really hope that you guys take the news about the Orcs and Clans working together seriously. This is going to sound selfish, but if Maxill was to be destroyed and you guys were to be killed, it would make things very difficult for us. I don't what you could actually do to try and fight off a full war-host...”

Anton did not know how to continue, not knowing how to tell them not to get killed.

“If you had said that you genuinely cared about us, I might be dubious about your intentions.” There was almost a smirk underneath his somewhat stern face.

“So you trust what I have to say?”

“For now, until we get proper scout reports, yes. If the full might of the Deweth Clans tried to come through here, there is very little that we could do.” Alfred replied.

Kal opened the box and started pulling out gold coins.

“Although, give us a few seasons, and this city will be a tough nut to crack.” Alfred said it somewhat proudly.

He obviously had quite a few ideas and thoughts on the subject. Spending a good portion of his life as a mercenary certainly would have taught him a thing about siege warfare, if he actually had been involved in one. Anton did not know the politics between the local rulers. Warfare may have been a natural part of life deeper into the Kingdom.

“I fear you may not have that long.” Anton lamented. Alfred remained quiet, probably thinking the same thing.

If you have mercenary scouts that you could get so quickly, I wonder how many soldiers you could get? Not enough, probably.

Kal returned with the gold in her hands in stacks of ten. She tried to hand them to Alfred but he moved away and let one of the guards take it. The guard quickly counted them and nodded in approval to Alfred. They knew how to count, but he doubted if they could read.

I wonder if Verona has been keeping up on her studies on trying to read. When we were fighting the Yellow Goblins, there were more important things to worry about. I'll need to check up on that. We'll also need to start getting some sort of education system established. If the general people of Atros can read and become decently educated, it opens up all sort of interesting possibilities.

Alfred smiled and brought out a cloth wrapped fine tipped piece of charcoal to write with. He signed something on each of the pieces of paper and handed them to Anton.

“Everything seems to be in good order.” Alfred began. “I wish you luck in your travels and trials.”

“You too.” Anton said, holding out his hand for Alfred's hand to shake, “It seems like you will have quite a few of your own.”

Alfred seemed to understand the meaning of the action and shook his hand lightly.

“The guards will have the bondsmen gathered at the east gate shortly.”

“Did the families of the previously purchased bondsmen included in the deal?” Anton asked.

Alfred nodded.

“Already done. I have those included in this purchase.”

He led up another large sheet of paper, there were many names written in extremely small writing, and handed it to the guards.

Alfred waved to the guards and all, bar the one holding the gold, saluted and ran off.

“Farewell, Anton.”

He gave one last polite nod and headed back towards the mansion, Anton hoped to begin planning the defense of the cities.

“Looks like our time is over here.” Anton said to the villagers, turning to Raston. “Did you guys manage to find your families?”

Raston nodded.

“We did, they're doing a little better now. Though when I mentioned what life was like in Atros they were willing to just run away.”

“Let's hope they don't. What I need you guys to do is get everything that we bought from Lester and load it up onto the carts, presuming he's got it ready. We'll also need food and water for the trip.”

Anton turned to Isobell.

“Can you sell some of that for us?”

Isobell shrugged dismissively.

“I don't have that much. Not enough for six hundred people. Maybe if you bought from everyone that would be willing to sell you might have enough.”

“That'll have to do.” Anton replied. “We leave as soon as we are able. We've stayed long enough.”

---[]---

Anton was amazed at the speed at which the bondsmen, and their families, could be organized. It was clear from the looks on their faces that they were equally frightened and excited. News must have traveled fast in the formerly beaten and abused populace.

Lester, once again, had been shocked when Anton told him how many people he had managed to acquire this time. He said that it would probably be the largest purchase for some time, Anton agreed. The Duchess, and now Alfred, could not afford to sell every bondsmen and worker in their cities to him and expect to survive. There were other cities beyond Maxill that she controlled but he did not want to have to travel deeper into the kingdom if they could help it. If there was a next time the bondsmen from other cities would have to be bought and delivered through Maxill, as long as Duchess Belinda was willing.

Lester had been true to his word. They had an extra twenty carts, all puled by some rather hungry looking Ix, but no horses. Those creatures would like the better feed they would receive in Atros. He did not say where he got them, but assured him that the previous owners were well compensated.

The weapons and armor had been loaded in small and slim containers, packed rightly with straw. They did not look as grand as the armor that Duchess Belinda's personal guards wore but they would certainly keep the villagers safe.

Lester had taken him aside and showed him the explosive powder. It was light blue, extremely fine powder. He took a tiny piece out and brought a flame to it on the end of a long stick. The powder ignited in a bright white and blue flash, producing quite a bit of smoke and heat. Anton did not know much about gunpowder, but it would have to be their starting point. He hoped that Jonathan had quite a few of the hand cannons to experiment with. Nonetheless, he was very impressed and had them loaded onto the carts. He made a very important mention to everyone to not let any fire get near the barrels.

Those that could steer the beasts had been put in charge of the carts, and the spare space had been used for the young and elderly. Boxes of preserved food and barrels of water nearly overflowed from the carts. They would have to hunt in the forest to help boost supplies and gather water at the lake. It would be a good chance to see if anything happened to the Orcs there.

The logistics of moving such a large group of people and keeping them fed was quite an ordeal.

While it was not a long physical distance to Atros, the rugged terrain and unused paths made travel so much more slower. Now with so many more people it would slow them down even more. They would have to push them hard to get them through. Anton was not looking forward to testing out his magical capacity again, remembering the awful feeling of depletion that he had after the Yellow Goblin siege.

When Atros became larger and more powerful they would need to invest in making a path through the forest. It would speed up trade and open the possibility of helping one another quickly in times of distress. If the demons the gods spoke of were that dangerous, they would need everyone they could get.

Raston stood on top of the cart that Anton and Kal were sitting on. He was telling the, soon to be be former, bondsmen what life was like for him in Atros and what was expected of them. He, thankfully, had glossed over the Yellow Goblins and Kobolds, saying that while there were threats, they had the strength to deal with them.

Raston was quickly becoming quite a valuable person for relations with Maxill and the Qaiviel Kingdom at large. Being a former bondsmen granted him a certain respectability amongst them. He still wore the same clothes that he used to in Maxill.

Kal's identity as a half breed Beast-kin had also been omitted. There were a few odd looks from the bondsmen towards her, a mysterious person completely shrouded in cloth that barely spoke. Anton had heard quite a few mumbles directed towards her. Thankfully it came down to it being a strange religious decision or the result of a terrible burn.

Raston sounded like he was finishing up the remaining questions that the bondsmen had. It was good that they were hearing it from him, someone who grew up and lived here.

Anton's mind wandered back to Atros. He was glad that he had not seen Verona running towards them but he was anxious to return and feel her warmth in his arms.

I wonder what Verona will think of the gifts I have gotten her? I think she'll like them.

He smiled on the inside, wondering what her actual face would look like. Hopefully surprise and excitement. The moment they were done with getting everyone settled in he would make good on his promise and take her to bed.

Movement to his side broke his concentration.

Kal moved to place her hand over the small locked money box. She seemed to have taken it as a mission to protect it.

There was the other gift that he had in the small bag at his feet. While everyone's attention was still on Raston, he decided that it would be a good time.

“Kal?” Anton asked, Kal's head immediately snapping towards his own.

“What's wrong?” she asked, moving her hand over the box as if to tell him it was still safe.

“Nothing's wrong Kal,” Anton answered, rummaging around the small bag. “You really didn't get much of a chance to look around Lester's shop and see if you wanted anything.”

“I-”

“I also know you probably would not have bought anything for yourself, I decided to get you something. Something that I think you'll like.”

“I really don't need anything.” Kal said, almost flustered that she was receiving another gift. Her hand clutched at her chest, where her medallion lay. “I really don't need-”

Anton brought out the brush and handed it to Kal. It was cheap, compared to Verona's gifts, but he hoped she would like it.

“This...”

“When I was checking out your feet the other day I noticed that your...um...hair, was knotted and gnarled in quite a few places. It seems to be a real shame to leave it like that, and it might even be causing you some discomfort you're not even aware of, so I got you this. I realize that you can't exactly use it on our trip back, but when we're back at Atros I would like for you to use it. Our first...well, you know, anyway, I don't want our first one to look like a scruff bag when you're out and about. Plus the hair on your head looks like you've never taken a day to care how it looks. I'm sure it would look good if you took some care with it.”

He swore that Kal was slightly offended underneath her face cloth. She might have cared quite a bit, but never had a chance to do anything about it. Soon her body relaxed and she held the brush tight in her hands. She tucked in on the inside of her waist underneath her cloak, he could see the spoon, that he created through magic, alongside the daggers.

“Thank-you Anton. You're right, I wouldn't have bought something like this myself. I'll use it when I get back.”

“Over time, once we get to Seocuria, I would like it if the rest of you could walk around freely, actually able to show your hands and feet without worry.”

Anton leaned in.

“And tails.”

Kal chuckled.

“I would like that. It does get quite uncomfortable after a while.”

Anton was curious about it. When she was extremely happy the base of the tail that came from her spine wiggled, he had no idea how long it actually was or what it looked like.

She looked out at the bondsmen. They seemed to be almost done as Raston took his seat next to them and the convoy started to move out at the sound of the gate rumbling open.

“They're not going to accept me, are they?. Not right away. I'll have to keep wearing this, I did like the sun on my face.” Kal lamented quietly. “It took a Kobold attack for any sort of...tolerance without you, and Verona. These people have seen nothing of that. Will I have to wait for another attack?”

“I...I don't know.” Anton replied truthfully. Kal brought her feet up, hugging her legs and resting her head on her knees.

“But, if it's any consolation, it won't be foreigners telling them. Raston and the other bondsmen seem quite okay with your presence, even talking to you like a normal villager. Now, it'll be their own people telling the others about you, so it should be easier. There won't be any serious issues, not if I have anything to say about it.”

Anton reached out and patted her shoulder. She recoiled for an instant but relaxed after taking another glance to make sure it was his hand.

“I hope so.” she replied, sounding a little hopeful.

The number of people that you could actually rely on, you could probably count on one hand. Let's hope we can change that.

“What do you think has happened back at Atros?” Kal asked. There was some nervousness in her voice. “I like sleeping in a proper bed, not on the ground. Somewhere warm and where there was food.”

“Getting used to the luxuries of life?” Anton asked teasingly.

He could tell that she was embarrassed, her body flinched at the thought of it.

“No. But I am curious.”

“Me too. Another fourteen or so days and we'll have this lot back at Atros. Hopefully Verona's been able to keep the peace.”

He smiled, was almost certain that Kal was too, as they entered the forest again. Home would be a welcome thing, now with seven hundred new citizens.

---[]---

Alfred watched the large procession of bondsmen leaving Maxill from the highest room on the eastern side of the mansion.

He took down the optical spyglass from his eye, a recent invention from the Grataeris Empire. It was a long cylinder of thin metal with several discs of strangely fashioned glass. Looking through it he could see things far away like they were much closer. He did not understand how it really worked, but he was enjoying it.

However, if the church were to find out he had it, he would be in serious trouble. They disapproved of anything new, and especially something made by a rival Empire. He despised how much power they seemed to exert of the kingdom, though as far as they were away from the capital their power was virtually negligible.

A clink of glass being placed on wood brought him back to reality.

Duchess Belinda had just finished her glass of scotch and was pouring herself another one. Since she had started listening to him more, her drinking had subsided, although she seemed to enjoy a few glasses after something went well.

“Is something bothering you?” she asked, bringing the full glass to her lips, “Usually you are drinking with me.”

“Not today, My lady,” he replied, “I am just making sure they go away safely. So strange.”

There was a pause before she spoke again.

“Do you think it was wrong to sell so many bondsmen?” she asked.

“It is not my position to judge.”

She raised a quizzical eyebrow.

“That's not why I started listening to you.” she said slyly.

“No. I suppose it's not.”

Alfred walked away from the window and took the large, plush leather seat opposite. He took a glass that she had poured for him, far too much of the drink for him.

“Perhaps, but the amount of gold that we received in return will greatly accelerate construction...and preparing our defenses.”

Duchess Belinda frowned as she looked deeply at the drink.

“Do you think they were honestly telling us the truth?”

“I think they were.” Alfred replied. “They didn't have a reason to lie, and their reasons for us to live are entirely based on self interest.”

“I guess that means that they can be trusted.”

Alfred smiled and leant back into the chair. While he was not sure if Anton, and the city of Atros, could be entirely trusted, it was good to know that Duchess Belinda might actually have an ally after all those winters, alone and isolated.

She looked up and frowned.

“But, there's something else.” she began. “I know that look very well. There's something else you want to say.”

There was, and he was not sure if he should even pursue it.

“The girl.”

“Which one? The cloth wrapped girl or the one with the deep stare. She was a little strange, that one. Didn't say anything when those two left and just kept looking straight at me....”

“Kal, the one wrapped in cloth.”

“What about her?” she asked, leaning back.

“...I think she's a Beast-kin.”

Duchess Belinda raised a red eyebrow as she took another sip.

“What makes you say that? Anyone could choose to wear something like that.”

“It was her reaction-”

“To Anton buying the bondsmen?” She shrugged. “She may have not liked the idea of the system of the bondsmen. I know many of them don't. That doesn't make her one of those creatures.”

“It was after they exited the mansion, while I waited inside for a moment. Her hood....moved, near her backside moved as well.”

She was silent, waiting for him to continue.

“A tail and long ears. On the way over to collect the gold, we talked about the types of monsters and beasts present in the Kingdom. She seemed quite disinterested, until I mentioned killing some escaped Beast-Kin from Seocuria. That other one was very interested in the Goblins.”

“But, there haven't been any Beast-Kin this far west.”

Alfred nodded.

“True, but she did not know that. She became quite angry and flustered, despite her face and body being hidden. Anton stepped in to make sure she did not say anything more.”

Duchess Belinda looked down in deep thought.

“I think that's enough to suspect her...race.” Alfred finished.

Neither said anything for some time.

“How many people know of this?” she asked.

“Only the both of us. Some of the guards may have seen it but they wouldn't know what to look for. The Church is deliberately vague about descriptions of Beast-kin.”

“Please....Please keep it that way. I don't want anything to happen to them.”

“Are you caring for them?” he genuinely wanted to know.

She shrugged.

“Not particularly, but I don't want to loose such an important source of money. Now...”

She leant forward, placing the glass onto the wooden table infront of them.

“I know that you actually fought Beast-Kin during the last suppression in Seocuria before coming into our families service, but I think we need to let this one go. I don't want the Church and the rest of the royals poking around out here while they look for one Beast-Kin. Do you actually believe what the Church has to say about them?”

“About them being abominations and the product of sin? No. I think that they look quite strange but I don't think they are evil....I would not say that outside of this room.”

Duchess Belinda grunted. Despite her change she still did not like being controlled or restrained.

“Good. We'll keep this a secret then, for a continued positive relation with Atros.”

Alfred was liking the more positive steps she was taking, even if it too was out of self interest.

“Besides, it was....sort of....because of them that I actually listened to you. I think that gives them enough leeway this time.”

Alfred nodded, Duchess Belinda rising out of her chair. That signaled that the conversation was over.

“Now, let us prepare for this supposed Orc and Clan attack.” she said, turning away and walking to the door.

Such willingness to become involved in actual affairs was still new to Alfred. He downed the remains of the scotch and followed.

His heart was troubled. He knew how terrifying a horde of Clansmen, yelling and swinging their weapons, could be. And now there were tens of thousands of them, backed up by untold number of Orcs, that may try and flood through their region.

There was little they could do, but prepare and warn everyone as best they could. He hoped they would survive to see the next winter.

------------------------

Hello.

This is probably the largest chapter I've done at 14,000 ish words. One of the reasons why it took so long.

First, the map. Probably best to see it in a new tab. I'm about to try a new software that might allow me to properly draw things like mountains and forests. I'm also on very slow internet so it'll take some time to get and experiment. So, I'm very sorry that I'm not able to show those sort of things like that. However I did say that i would release one. This has the general outline and has Atros and Maxill on it, not to scale...despite the size of the file.

I started just drawing the two Kingdoms and then decided to just draw the entire Shattered Kingdoms. Eventually I'll have better terrain and most of the cities and landmarks put onto the map, I'll make a note with each update and make a more permanent post or something.

It details the six kingdoms and empires that make up the Shattered Kingdoms, all surrounding the Deweth Clan territory at the center. The one to the south of Atros, the Oranthas Kingdom, is an elven kingdom. However, it's not the one the other heroes landed at. That one is much further away to the west, beyond the monster territories and other human and other creatures kingdoms and Empires. There are also islands but I still need to put those in.

Anyway, the Chapter itself.

My parallel of the Maginot line and the potential invasion would be best shown if the map was better. Suffice it to say that they are simply going around through formerly impassable territory, traveling very close to the mountain north of Atros.

The Duchess has solved her problem of mismanagement by simply giving control to Alfred. This is also to show how she deals with her problems, in so far as getting someone skilled to do it for her. It works for her. She is also starting to try and think about the larger picture too.

Also her reason for being previous attitude....It was the best i could come up with without it being completely stupid. Think more of a depressive spiral that got out of control. I also had Alfred say it, who lied about meeting Beast-kin to try and lure Kal into giving away her identity, so it might not be true. (A way to get out of it being too silly). Also she doesn't really care that Kal could be a Beast-kin, especially as Anton has quite a bit of money on him.

The chapter was getting too large to deal with the explosive powder properly, however it would have just been as i described. Just having the powder and then having it explode into heat and smoke and then load it up. Next few chapters will go into more detail with it as they will have the prototype hand cannons and a bit more safe and private areas to experiment.

The last bit was to show the stifling hold the Qaiviel Kingdom (Maxill) is under, in that the church disapproves of anything new. They will be expanded upon and how they operate later, their hatred for the Beast-kin is not unexpected to try and keep unity with a common enemy.

Also the spyglass is to show that the Grataeris Empire (to the North-East of Atros) is far more liberal and advanced. They're already at that level of development, but all the industries of this world are a mixture of normal and magic based.

So, long rant at the end, but i hope i covered everything.

Thanks for reading!