Alex is led by a guard to a new room where Mistress Lyrei and Master Syllen are waiting with what looks like a sled laden with trunks. At his appearance Candy rests her hand on the handle of the sled and it rises a foot into the air.

Master Syllen turns to him and commands. “Push the sled and follow, boy.”

Alex does as instructed trailing closely behind Mistress Lyrei and Master Syllen with Candy at the side of the sled as he pushes it along. As they leave the room, he furtively scans Candy and is thankful to see that she appears to have been healed as there is no sign of injury. They had spent the last five days continuing their practice with the sword and dagger and both he and Candy had received wounds. Master Syllen had been present observing their performance and providing commentaries. They had also been going over the domestic training again with Mistress Lyrei who had pressed them to improve.

Alex struggles on occasion with the sled as they traverse through a series of new corridors until they eventually emerge into a large courtyard with a pair of doors opposite. Without pausing the guard's stride forward and the doors slowly open as they draw near.

As Alex passes through the doorway, he pulls the sled to a stop and he then gazes in shock at a train standing next to a large platform. He’s so surprised to see something so familiar, just larger, that it takes him a few seconds to recover as he looks at the glittering metal cars that are over six meters tall. The top of three meters of the cars appear to be glass and have full panoramic views whilst at the ground level there are smaller windows he’s more familiar with on trains and he deduces that they must be two levels.

A guard barks at Alex. “Move the sled to the rear and unload.”

The rest of the group continues to move forward to the first car and board the train. Candy remains with the sled as Alex pushes it towards a second car which has an open hatch and a ramp that meets the platform. As they draw near an Elven man appears at the hatch and points to a space on the other side of the car. As Alex pushes the sled into the space he notices that the car is nearly eight meters wide and it already has several large containers strapped to the floor. When the elf is satisfied with the positioning of the sled Candy lowers it to the ground before removing her hand from the handle.

“Okay, let’s go.” The guard commands from outside the train.

Alex and Candy exit and follow the guard who is heading towards a train door further forward. As he approaches the door opens, a ramp extends to the platform and then he stands to the side and nods for them to enter. Alex moves into the train and he notices that the interior is primarily made of wood and this has been sensitively curved in places to detract from the angular edges of the walls. It reminds him of a period cruise ship dating from the turn of the century, he recalls the pictures he’s seen of a time when elite society parties were held on Earth for the extremely wealthy.

Alex and Candy follow a second guard up a set of stairs to the higher level and pauses at the sea of resplendent seating surrounded by full panoramic windows. He drolly notes it would be a great place for sightseeing and consequently for striking up conversations, not that he would have an opportunity to do either. He hears a light laugh and notices Mistress Lyrei and Master Syllen reclining on a large sofa and being served drinks in tall glasses by an Elven woman dressed in a blue tunic. They quickly move and kneel to the side of the sofa and bow with their head resting on the floor and wait.

Master Syllen takes a sip of his drink and casually gazes at them. “You are probably wondering what is happening. We’re on the way to present you as a gift to Lady Vaeri at her coming-of-age party. She’s having to give up her relic hunting while she has her children and is considering embarking on a mission to help define the comparative worth of different human pure-bloods. To assist her in the desire to advance the understanding of pure-bloods you will become part of her new breeding stock.”

Alex tenses as the implications of what has been said sinks in.

Mistress Lyrei interposes. “Dedicated breeders seem to have been forgotten and their skills lost in the recent quest to just create more beautiful merchandise. Lady Vaeri has decided to launch a mission for excellence and is selecting only the best breeding stock rather than journeying into an ego trip of creating status symbols. I have determined that you are both exactly what she is looking for based on your origin and after all of the hours of training you have completed. I have taken my responsibility for your proper placement seriously; this is a golden opportunity for you both to push human pure-bloods to the next level. And I’m sure that Lady Vaeri will take very good care of you, as long as you don’t cause any problems.”

Alex breathes slowly focusing on cycling his prana in an attempt to calm his mind and comprehend what this will mean to their ability to escape and get back to Earth.

After a few seconds of silence, Master Syllen speaks. “We will be travelling for a few days and then we will prepare you for your presentation. While we are travelling you will continue your domestic training and you will be expected to exercise when the opportunity presents itself.” As the silence resumes he continues sipping his drink while Mistress Lyrei looks intently at them.

Alex then senses the train move away from the platform. After a few seconds, he realizes that there is a distinct lack of any sense of acceleration, which clashes with what is visible outside the window. The acceleration initially takes his breath away. The level of acceleration was like being in a jet rather than a train. Alex clenches his jaw as he realizes the options for escape are getting smaller.

Mistress Lyrei looks at Candy. “Talia, please ensure that you retrieve my red dress for dinner tonight, we will be dining at seven.”

“Yes, Mistress.” Candy responds.

“Boy, you will attend me and ensure that suitable attire is available.” Master Syllen adds.

“Yes, Master.”

Alex raises his eyes slightly to look outside of the train and observes that they are leaving what appears to be a town surrounding the station's end. He frowns when he realizes that there has been a lack of the noises he would expect such as train whistles and the sound of them passing over dips and joins in the rails. It’s all too silent and smooth, not even the rushing of wind. He soon realizes that they have left the buildings behind and are moving through cleared land and in the distance, the forest begins. Here and there he sees fields covered with golden grain and orchards with clusters of fruit trees. As they pass through the farmland they begin to follow a river that winds through the fields.

Alex spends a long time looking out at the world they are passing. The rate the scenery passes affirms that the train is moving very fast. Occasionally they pass bulky machines floating above fields of crops. He sees what he thought were a few cattle grazing here and there and as the train passed by they run in fear and confusion. Then he realizes he had not seen any people, no farmers in their fields or tending their cattle. He is briefly distracted from the view outside when Mistress Lyrei cheers in triumph as she wins some game she is playing with Master Syllen.

As the train speeds on, it leaves the farmland behind and enters a beautiful forest. The scenery on either side of the train is picturesque with tall majestic trees. He catches sight of all sorts of beautiful birds that take flight as the train passes. In different circumstances, it would have been a pleasant journey. They begin to ascend a hill through the steep sides of a wooded valley, which meant the land was unsuitable for farming, so these trees look to have remained undisturbed for eons. Then he glimpses a decaying winding rail stretching away through the forest on which is an enormous cylindrical rail carriage stands, which looks derelict and covered in algae, infusing it with a certain apocalyptic feel. The fleeting view is hidden as they crest the hill and the forest encroaches again. Alex cycles his prana to stop his body from ceasing up as he remains kneeling for hour after hour.

A short time later an Elven woman enters the car and her appearance is accompanied by the soft tones of a gong. She bows deeply from the waist. ”Mistress Lyrei, Master Syllen, lunch is ready if you will please follow me.”

Mistress Lyrei and Master Syllen enter the dining car and another woman in a blue tunic greets them and leads them to their seats at a table. The table has white napkins and fine china, crystal glasses and silver cutlery. Alex and Candy kneel opposite the table against the wall. The woman brings a wide selection of drinks and they sample a few while they wait for the food to arrive.

Mistress lifts a tall glass and takes a sip. “This is the most relaxing and convivial way to cross the immensity of the territory of House Quinala. It has all of the luxuries, it's sleek, it’s high speed, and has attendants within each car to ensure everything you need is promptly provided day or night.”

“I agree that it’s a very good way to emphasize the vastness of House Quinala’s holdings that we must pass through during the journey to the portal. You definitely gain a sense of the vast differences between Yegella Estate’s remote province and the House Quinala much larger provinces. You can even watch the passing show from the comfort of the observation deck whilst sipping a cold drink.”

“You sound a little bitter about the province we call home.”

“I fully appreciate the gains the Baroness has secured and fully support the plans she has to build the Yegella family into a true House. I just find it maddening that we are being offered scraps while being used to protect the good name of House Quinala.”

“We all aspire for better, but there are many who wouldn’t hesitate to take over what we do if we falter.”

“True. It’s one of the main reasons I wholeheartedly approve of moving our operation to the rim and away from the hubs. The other independent families are too desperate at times that they overstep the mark.”

The server appears with the first dish that smells of grilled fish. This is followed by pan-seared fowl with a flaming glaze accompanied by a selection of cooked vegetables. Alex feels his stomach cramp at the smells of real food, the fare he’s wanted for so long. He senses Candy begin to tremble next to him and then glances across when her hands tense and press hard against the floor. The server reappears with what looks like a plate of cheese and fruit and follows this with some tall bowls with what could only be dessert.

Mistress Lyrei snickers. “I hope you’ve saved some space because this is my favorite dessert and it’s to die for.”

They return to the observation lounge after lunch and the game Mistress Lyrei and Master Syllen have been focused on resumes. Alex again cycles his prana to ease his discomfort. He senses the alien prana in the air around them and detects the different smells for everyone present. He slightly glances up and notices no one is paying any attention to him, so he progresses onto forcing his prana into his skin. He pushes his prana to be tasteless and begins to consciously breathe in the alien prana to keep his core feeling full as the prana he cycles is absorbed by his body.

His cycling of prana is interrupted when Mistress Lyrei exclaims as she wins another game. She looks briefly in their direction before goading Master Syllen to commence another game. Alex returns to looking out of the window at the never-ending forest passes and then half an hour afterwards the scenery changes as they again enter farmland. He returns to cycling his prana and forcing it into his skin.

As dusk arrives, Alex decides to change his cycling, concerned that the prana in his skin may be glowing, he decides to try to force his prana into his bones. It takes nearly an hour for him to succeed by which point night has fallen and the world outside the windows is shrouded in darkness.

Master Syllen looks up from the game. “Congratulations. That’s your third win.”

“One more?” Mistress Lyrei asks with a smile.

“I think it’s time to get ready for dinner. Maybe tomorrow.”

“Please?” Mistress pleads with a pout.

Master Syllen shakes his head and turns to Alex. “Boy. Go get my attire for dinner ready.”

“Yes, Master.”

“Talia, you go a do so as well.” Mistress Lyrei orders.

“Yes, Mistress.”

Alex and Candy stand and bow before turning and following a guard. They are lead back towards the dining area, but then take a side passage past a kitchen area where there are numerous people busy with various tasks. They eventually arrive at a door and the guard places his gauntleted hand on a glass plate next to it. The door opens into a short corridor that ends in another door and the guard repeats the same process to open it and steps through. Alex and Candy follow and find themselves back in the compartment with the luggage.

The Elven man from before moves into view. “What can I help you with?”

“They’re here to collect some attire.” The guard responds.

The Elven man frowns. “Why didn’t they take what they needed when boarding?” The guard does not reply. “More work for me.” He then turns to Candy and Alex. “You two, help me unstrap the sled.” Alex and Candy move to where the sled is strapped down. The man points at various points on the strapping. “Unclasp those and roll it up. Do you know what you require?”

“Yes, Master.” Candy replies promptly. Alex begins removing the strapping and once he has managed to pull it off Candy darts forward and removes two of the bags and then turns to the man. “These are what is required. Master.”

The elf turns to Alex. “Replace the straps.” Alex does as requested and when the final clasp is secured the man turns towards the guard. “He’s strong and learns quickly. Would he be for sale?”

“No.” The guard states with finality. The Elven man shrugs and then Candy picks up one of the bags and indicates for Alex to pick up the other. They follow the guard back past the kitchen and continue on past the stairs leading to the observation deck into another corridor. The guard walks forward and then stops at the fir door along the corridor.

“Girl. This is the room assigned to Mistress Lyrei.” He places his gauntlet onto a glass panel and the door opens.

“Yes, Master.” Candy replies. The guard then turns and continues to walk as Candy swiftly bows and enters the room. She gives Alex a quick smile as she shuts the door.

Alex follows the guard to a second door and he repeats the process. “Boy, this is Master Syllen’s room.”

Alex rapidly gives the guard a deep standing bow. “Yes, Master.”

He steps through the door into the most luxurious accommodation he has seen, even though it’s on a train. There is a massive double bed, an open door to the side with an en suite shower and lavatory, a large glass panel mounted on one wall facing the bed, a small cabinet that holds decanters, and opposite him is a large picture window. Alex places the bag he is carrying down on a low table and gapes at the sheer splendor of the room.

The sound of the door closing behind him shocks him back to attention and he glances over his shoulder and finds he’s alone. He opens the bag to reveal folded clothes and a small array of jars and bottles. Just as Alex has finished unpacking the garments from the bag the door opens and Master Syllen enters, Alex straightaway drops to a kneeling position.

Master Syllen looks at the clothes arranged on the bed. “Assist me in preparing for the evening.”

Alex stands and assists Master Syllen in disrobing, he notices there are some fine scars visible, but also that there are no weapons present. Master Syllen who is indifferent about his nudity strides into the en suite room and the door shuts as the shower begins.

Alex waits and after fifteen minutes Master Syllen emerges and Alex quickly begins to dab him dry with a towel. He then presents various articles of the toilet as they are wanted; afterwards, he presents a body-suit and at Master Syllen’s nod he assists in putting it on. Once complete Alex picks pants, shirt, and shoes, in a suitable order, all carefully brushed and polished and assists Master Syllen in dressing.

When Alex has finished, he steps back and Master Syllen moves to a wall mirror and inspects his appearance and gives a satisfied nod. Alex respectfully moves to the door and opens it for him, instantly seeing two guards waiting directly outside.

“Mistress Lyrei should be complimented on a job well done. Admittedly your performance was barely tolerable, but much better than I expected based on how little training you have received.” Master Syllen states, then as he leaves, he continues. “When you have finished putting everything in order in the dressing-room you may retire.”

Alex cleans the combs and brushes used on Master Syllen and then he absently rubs his own bare head. He brushes and folds up the clothes that have left about the room, and puts them away in the drawers. He picks up the clothes that Master Syllen was wearing and heads towards the door, which opens as he draws near. A guard is waiting outside then he turns and walks down the corridor and Alex follows.

After they pass the kitchen a man is waiting. He nods at the clothes Alex is holding. “I’ll take those. They will be laundered and returned tomorrow morning.”

Alex hands the clothes to the man and bows. “Thank you, Master.” The man grunts in reply before stepping through the door behind him.

The guard hands Alex a jar of cream and points down the corridor. “That way. Yours is the top berth in the third row. You have fifteen minutes in the facilities at the end.”

Alex takes the jar and quickly moves down the central aisle that leads to the luggage compartment. He passes the location of his berth and continues on to the shared washing facilities and shower at the end of the car. A guard stands at the end of the aisle ensuring that no one tries to get into the luggage car. Alex quickly opens the room that contains the shower and steps in. He stands and looks at the large shower head in the middle of the small cubicle and smiles. He presses his hand against a glass panel in the wall and the shower comes on.

He quickly removes his tunic and opens the jar rubbing the cream all over his body before he steps under the flowing water. He had forgotten how nice a hot shower feels on his skin. It’s a distinct difference from those quick and cold wash downs he has been doing in his cell. While he stands there in the shower, there is little that is able to mentally distract him. He suddenly remembers what he has been missing and this stirs up all of the swirling black thoughts inside to culminate in the fear that he might never escape his captivity. He shakes himself and luxuriates in the heat of the water and then he realizes that there is no time to waste. After he finishes his shower and all the other things he quickly wipes himself dry with his tunic and opens the door to leave.

The guard at the end of the aisle calls. “Leave the tunic in the basket next to the door.”

“Yes, Master.” Alex automatically responds and bows. Then he glances down at the basket and does as he is told. He finally makes it to the cramped upper berth as he climbs into the space he notices that there is a barred gate secured to the outside. The gate looks like an afterthought and has been crudely affixed. He climbs into the space and a guard appears, giving him a clean tunic and a bottle of basic. Without a word, the guard closes the gate with a loud click and pulls a curtain across on the outside to hide him from view. Alex drinks his basic and struggles to put the tunic on before he manages to fall asleep.