I awoke in a cold sweat. My sleep was plagued by nightmares about Fiona and her disembodied head, pleading for me to save her. The arms on her headless body reaching for me, all the while Sharla held me in an iron grip and laughed maniacally. Turning my head I could see it was near dawn, the inside of the tent barely visible in the early morning light, filtering through the canvas sides.

I decided it would be preferable to head out to meet my patrol group early, rather than spending more time in the tent with Sharla. I quietly stood up and made my way out of the tent. Luck was with me as I slipped out without waking the woman. Time would tell if this angered her or not.

I headed through the camp towards the gathering point. I was rather early as very few people were awake, except for a couple of guard groups patrolling the perimeter. I found a quiet out of the way spot to wait.

Since nobody was around I decided to carve out a quick piece of metal, using the same set of runes I used last night but without using the knot design. I felt pretty confident that nobody would give my carving a second glance. Just a slave enjoying their free time. I wanted to see if my intuition had been correct. There were a few other theories I wanted to test if I had time.

The carving took only a few minutes, being just the three simple runic characters. When I inspected it I got my answer. My intuition the night before had been correct. It wasn't a huge improvement over what I held now but when all the pieces added up it made for about 2 more armor, and 5% resistance more than what I would have gotten without using the design.

I pulled out another piece of scrap metal, carving the three symbols again, only this time making them as small as possible. There was no change, so I filled the entire side with the tiny runes and checked again. Again there was no change. So, the size of the runes doesn't matter and repeating the runes has no noticeable effect on potency. At least in this format.

The last thing I wanted to try was the trinity knot but make it larger using more runes. I had to dig through the bucket of scraps to find a suitable piece of metal. Eventually, managing to find a piece about a foot long. It had been too long to use in my armor, so I had ignored it until now. I traced out the patterns that the runes would follow, making the tracing as large as possible without deforming the shape. I didn't know if that would affect the outcome but I wanted to rule it out for now. I ended up with a design about the size of my hand.

Looking around I saw that a few people were starting to walk by as the camp was coming to life. I figured I had about an hour before we moved out and got to work. I was cramped and my hands were sore from the delicate work but it had been completed. The piece of scrap metal sported an intricate repeating pattern of runes. I inspected the piece to see the result. It was better than the initial piece I had used in my armor but not by as much as I had hoped. Only about a third as much.

This only brought up more questions for me, was it due to the size, or the density of the runes? Was it better to make smaller runic knots or large intricate ones?

I wish I had time to experiment some more but the camp was awake now and I could see tents starting to come down. It would only be a matter of minutes until my teammates arrived. I sighed, putting away my tools and donning my new armor. I didn't have a mirror but the passing looks I got from slaves and Black Dragon members told me enough. The look on the slaves' faces yelled sell out, while the Black Dragons admired my new look.

'Whatever, if it kept the slaves from trying to be friendly with me so much the better,' I thought, not wanting to get to know people I might have to kill later.

I didn't have to wait long for the other four to arrive. They were as friendly as the day before with their captor and my pit of anger boiled a bit higher. I tamped down on my emotions, shoving the rage back in the box. If survival meant working with these four I would try my best. All I could manage today was a curt nod. I got a few surprised looks in return.

"Sweet new armor, Paul, your mistress must appreciate your contribution," William said, eyeballing my armor.

I didn't bother correcting his assumption or comment on his covetous look.

"Anyway...Let's get moving, we need to find the best way south for the caravan."

We headed along the river, towards the east for about two miles before we found the supposed crossing. The river cut through a rocky section of the ground leaving a path across. It wasn't suitable to cross with any wagons or mounts as it was, but with some work, it might be doable. That work was left to a few other groups of slaves that followed us. The new groups of slaves set about cutting and splitting wood. They had skills and classes designed to ease the process along.

We only stuck around for a couple of minutes while William wrote something in a book. Once he was done we made our way across the stony section of the river. This area was quite odd, not like any boulder patch I had ever seen. It was like something had taken massive slices out of the rocks, cutting deep furrows to allow the water to flow between them, instead of over the boulders. Looking down I couldn't see the bottom of the river despite the calm surface. It was a bit unnerving, to be honest. I decided to name this feature Dragon's Rend, thinking it was quite the fitting name.

You have earned 500 XP for naming an unknown landmark

Well how bout that, nobody thought to name the place. This also made me wonder why naming anything got me experience. It wasn't like I said the name out loud or had a map that updated with the names unless there was a skill or item that did. I may have to look into the possibility when I got free.

"Alright, hold up a minute. I need to report our crossing and which direction we are taking," William said, pulling out the small leather-bound book again.

'Linked communication device?' I thought, staring at the small item. My prolonged attention was enough to activate Identify, which was odd since it didn't usually work on items owned by others that were still alive.

Bound Book: This item allows two synced copies to communicate over a five-mile distance

I wonder if the nature of the item being bound had something to do with my ability to identify it. 'A question for another time,' I thought, surveying this side of the river.

The immediate area around the river was covered with small stones and a few scattered boulders. Beyond that was a dense thicket of trees, the likes of which I had never seen before. They had large bulbous tops that reminded me of palm trees, only these sported hanging fronds like those of a willow tree. They reminded me of angsty teens, with a slightly hunched posture and hair covering their faces.

I decided to walk up to one while Williams was reporting in. The bark was oily looking but otherwise surprisingly smooth and blemish-free, unlike most bark. It did have bands every foot or so running up the length of the trunk. On closer inspection, this was where the oil seemed to be seeping from. I tried using inspect but got nothing. My skill didn't afford me the option to identify flora yet. It might be interesting to get a sample of the "sap" but I had nothing to store it in. I also didn't want to touch it, not knowing what sort of properties an alien tree might have.

I turned to head back towards the group when something within the low bushes of the forest caught my eye. I stopped to try and determine what I saw, a small glint I thought. I waited but nothing else appeared to catch the light so I walked back to the group.

***

Clara held her breath, she had been watching the interlopers for a few minutes now. Ever since one of the Kin had spotted them the previous day a watcher had been present. So far the Kin had been able to maintain their secrecy in the homeland since being transported to this strange new planet. They had been part of the system since ages long past but preferred to remain outside of the affairs of others. Clara was more curious than many of her people.

So when the one that oozed a mild aura of anger approached the woodline she jumped at the chance to get a closer look. At first, she thought the foolish creature was going to touch the Saluik tree, she almost gasped in alarm. The oil was highly toxic to anything in the forest. That was when she had almost been spotted. She had realized her mistake almost immediately, covering the offending piece of metal before the creature stopped. She waited, unmoving while the thing surveyed the area around her to see what had caught its attention.

She was ready just in case it did discover her. Blowgun in hand with an oil tipped dart. Thinking on it now she wasn't sure how effective Saluik oil would be against the creature. She was contemplating making a run for it when the creature finally turned away and headed back towards the others, near the shore. Instead of sighing in relief, she moved to another location a little farther away, while still keeping an eye on the strangers.

***

I got an itch on the back of my neck as I walked away from the forest. It felt like something was out there watching me. Perhaps that is what I had spotted, a buckle or piece of metal. Whatever, if it wanted to stay hidden than so be it. As long as it didn't attack us I would let it be unless ordered otherwise.

"Alright, the report is finished," William said looking up and down the shore. He seemed to be mulling over a decision.

"While not ideal, I'm going to split the team into two. One will head upstream the other down. We need to find a less congested path through this forest," he said, waving at the dense growth of trees, "this will save us time and the upper brass wants results within the hour. Paul, you're with me, the others head upstream. Use your best judgment and meet back here in forty minutes."

The other three acknowledged their orders and started jogging in the opposite direction.

William turned to me, "Lead the way," he said in an oh too friendly voice.

I sighed internally. So would he try to make his play, was that it? Or was he just testing me again, or perhaps hoping a strong enough creature came by and just tore me to pieces? Nothing I could do about it as I was bound by orders and the collar. For all I knew, he could order me to just stand there while a hungry chipmunk decided I would make a good meal. 'Death by a million bites,' I thought. Although, that would be preferable to more torture under Sharla.

We moved downstream and I kept my eyes forward but occasionally out of the corner of my eye I would catch the rustle of a bush or a shadow flitting between trees. Eventually, I lost track of whatever it was as the forest seemed to get even thicker if that was possible. After ten minutes of almost flat out running, I was slightly breathing heavier than normal. William seemed to be in about the same condition so I guessed our endurance was nearly on par. This gave me a good baseline to estimate his other attributes.

With him being level 8 I knew he only had the one boost to stats. Unless he just so happened to go through a horde dungeon as I had; highly unlikely. I also knew his speed wasn't up to par with mine but it was close, even with my buff active. Knowing this and the fact that he had 25 points to distribute I took a guess at his stats.

I figured he probably spent three or four points in strength, probably little in either Intelligence or wisdom since his class didn't need the stats. Probably four in agility. I wasn't sure about perception but he seemed like the type to mix perception and agility with his combat style. So let's say five in perception, charisma was another one I figured he placed a few points in probably five.

It was the only thing that I could think of to explain how his slaves liked him so much, other than paying out credits on encounters. That would only get you so far with someone you forced into servitude.

He likely had sixteen endurance, being able to keep up with me. So six points there. That left him with two points to place in either luck or the other two assuming I was correct. Time would tell if I was way off on my assumptions or not. If I was close to being correct he would be a far stronger fighter than I would, since I spread my points across all my stats. My advantage was with my magic and healing. I could easily outlast, maybe even out damage him in the right circumstances.

I would catalog this information along with all my other observations while being a slave. I never knew when a small piece of information would become useful. This newfound ability to store information had only been possible with my high intelligence. At first, I hadn't even noticed but the more information I took in the more I realized something had changed. I didn't have perfect recall but I forgot far less and also was able to sift through data and connect seemingly disparate pieces into a whole. It wasn't that it made me smarter, just perhaps more aware of everything and how it fits together.

I stopped my musing as we got back to jogging downriver. We got to an area where the river curved to the south until it ran out of sight.

"This will work," William said surveying the shoreline.

It was a rather shallow and wide shoreline, easy for the caravan to move down at least for a dozen miles or so. To me, it spoke of frequent floods but I kept those thoughts to myself. If I got lucky maybe the entire caravan would be washed away by a flash flood. Somehow, I doubt my luck was that good, but a man could hope.

"We have ten more minutes. Let's keep going and see where it leads, when we meet up with the others we can explore the rest. There has got to be a way around or through this forest," William said to himself.

We didn't end up finding any way through in the time we had so we headed back to the rally point. The others had also been unsuccessful as the forest started to butt up against the foothills leading to the mountain range farther west. William decided that downstream was the best option. We would have to camp along the shore again but at least we were on the correct side of the river this time.

He made his report and we ran back down the river. This area was odd, not a single sighting of monsters or other intelligent races, other than my possible encounter with one earlier. I suspected that there was something odd about this particular forest that kept most creatures at bay. Once we got to our furthest explored area we slowed to a walk. I could hear occasional snippets of conversation among the group but I tuned them out as I kept a wary eye on the forest and shore.

Another twenty minutes went by as we walked along the shore, the forest was still as ever-present as it was at the beginning of our trip and the river was still heading in a southerly direction. It took another hour of scouting before we found a path leading away from the beach and through the foreboding woods. While not ideal to stop the caravan here, William chose to stake out the spot letting the caravan know it was a good place to stop. He chose to leave Gus at the stake while we again split into two teams. The Branch's went down the shore and William and I headed into the forest along the grassy path.

Immediately I got a different feeling about the river of grasses that surrounded us versus the forest. It wasn't a good feeling. I made sure to keep my eyes open for any possible threats. It didn't take long before I saw a section of grass rustling off to the right. William was the first to strike, dashing forward and impaling a bird-like animal. It was about hip height on me with a large sharp beak and razor-sharp claws on its legs. It didn't appear to have any wings or arms but it did sport a short tail covered in barbs that leaked a green substance.

The injured bird snapped at William and his spear with its deadly beak, all the while trying to swing its tail around to try and jab the barbs into his skin.

"Keep an eye out, and warn me if you spot any more," William said as he fought with the beast.

I scanned the grass, seeing three more wave trails heading our way.

"Three more coming from the left," I said, forced to comply with his orders.

"Keep them busy or deal with them until I finish here."

I wasn't sure why he was having such a hard time with a single opponent until I used Identify on it.

Venomous Rock Harpy | Level 14

It wasn't what I would picture a Harpy to look like. It didn't resemble anything from Earth literature. 'Not really important at the moment,' I thought, looking towards William. I guess that was just his luck to get an enemy six levels above his own to fight. Hopefully, I got luckier I thought, readying myself. I cast Imbue on my staff choosing Wind as the element. I then whipped out a low Stunning Gust, bisecting the path of the three incoming targets.

The Imbued strike tore up the long grass in a six-foot-wide path. I managed to even strike the last in line, carving a bloody gash across the beast. The spell effect took hold, making it slide to the ground stunned, piled in the broken grass from my attack.

The other two broke free from the tall grass, looking momentarily perplexed until they spotted me. I used Identify to see what I was dealing with.

Venomous Rock Harpy | Level 11

Venomous Rock Harpy | Level 12

The lead beast let out a deafening screech and I had to drop my staff and cover my ears to prevent them from being damaged. Then the two creatures sprinted at me. I shook off the effects of the spell. Hitting the first harpy with an Earth Fist that he ran into at full speed, due to his mad dash to rip me apart. It let out a wet croak as it tumbled head over heels from the force of the impact. I tried to Multicast another Earth First at the second one to give myself time to retrieve my weapon but the creature side-stepped the attack, jumping at me with impressive speed.

I twisted out of the way as the creature flew at me, its beak clamping down just inches from my arm with an audible snap. I turned my twist into a roll, managing to get my weapon just in time to deflect another jumping attack. This one aimed at raking me with its deadly claws. I was forced to duck under the swing from its tail as it pushed itself off my armor, flipping in the air to land back on its feet.

Six claw marks were now visible on my new armor. The fabric covering the metal plates ripped. Exposing the blank sides of my rune enchanted pieces. The armor had held though, so I could hardly complain.

The harpy clicking its beak closed as it circled me, occasional chirps coming from its mouth. I really wished I could pull Bella out and use her assistance but I wanted to keep her a secret if possible. I knew I might be in a bit of trouble when I heard an answering chirp behind me.

Without turning I dove to the side, slicing my staff through the air where I had been standing only a moment before. My intuition had been rewarded as I scored a deep slash across the Harpy's neck. It looked like the one I injured with my Earth Fist. I rolled to my feet just in time to block yet another blow from the first Harpy.

'Damn these things were persistent and cunning,' I thought.

Honestly, it was beginning to piss me off and I could feel the rage I locked down deep start to bubble up. The injured one was slow to get back up, kicking its legs out, all the while blood pumped from its wounds. I also had to keep an eye out for the third one that was shaking off the effects of my spell. A quick glance showed that William was still locked in combat with his beast. A line of blood on his leg from a gash caused by the Harpy he fought.

William was too close to allow me to use my AOE spells. I could let the man fall in battle but then I would have to fight four on one. I didn't have time to debate my choice. I choose to reveal my healing ability. I had wanted to keep it secret as long as possible but being forced into this fight I had no choice. I cast Rejuvenate on William, deciding to keep Healing Touch available for myself.

***

William felt the refreshing healing energies flow through his body. He almost made a fatal mistake and turned his head to look at Paul in shock but stopped himself. Taking his eyes off his opponent would be suicide. How was he just now realizing the man had healing abilities as well. It didn't take him long to realize the man had been holding out on him. Clever little bastard.

He could force the man to tell him all of his skills but that might anger his master and he didn't want to risk that. He decided to let the man keep his little secrets. Now that he knew he could heal as well, he would make sure to get more use out of the man. It was only fair since he didn't earn any experience from that particular slave.

William struck out at the Harpy, using his Mirror ability to multiply his strikes, scoring three deep gashes on the beast.

***

Good, William had been smart enough to keep his focus on the fight and not be distracted by my healing. It had been a calculated risk but I needed him to stay in the fight, I didn't think I could fight four of these creatures off at once without my AOE skills. Even then it would be a close fight.

All of the active effects on my staff had fizzled out when I was forced to drop it. I managed to recast, Impact, and Flurry. Imbue was down for the hour and I didn't feel the need to waste 175 mana to recast Imbue using Multicast.

The Harpies circled me, the injured one finally getting to its feet. I saw the third one manage to extricate itself and start running my way. I needed to end this fight. I looked away from the uninjured one to provoke a response and I wasn't disappointed. As soon as my head turned it leaped at me. I had been prepared for this, casting Blink Step as soon as I turned.

I bashed the jumping harpy out of the air with my staff, casting Earth Fist to produce a sharp spike of rock that impaled the beast as it crashed down. Next, I blurred towards the injured Harpy from before, taking its head off with the bladed end in one smooth cut. With three seconds left I dashed at the final harpy, lashing out with Flurry as it tried to skid to a stop and bring its clawed feet to bear. It never got the opportunity as my staff cut through it eleven times leaving a bloody hunk of meat behind. I was getting better with my accuracy but had still missed two of the strikes on the small creature.

I turned to go finish off the impaled beast. It kicked feebly to try and extricate itself from the pillar of stone that jutted through its torso. Before I arrived William appeared and stabbed it through the head, ending it. He flicked the blood from his spear and gave me a knowing grin. I just returned it with a blank stare. After the fight, he decided this path might be too dangerous to take a caravan through, but he would leave the decision up to the higher-ups.