Kahina found herself alone with her new mistress in the guest house of a rather successful merchant. She sat on the edge of the lone bed frame while the doctor applied medicinal ointment onto her old scars. As it turned out the priests accompanying the merchants were, in actuality, part of her party and would be joining them to on their travels across the dry Savannah. The local nobles, impressed by how they handled Abdalah, had kindly offered them their spare rooms in the hopes of trading for some of the foreign goods, on similarly favorable terms.

The translator did find it peculiar how the group divided themselves between three rooms, with Leo and Arthur sharing a room while the four clerics shared another, leaving the two women with their own private room. She had asked Leo about his feelings on being separated from his wife when being shown to their rooms, only to get corrected though suppressed laughter. “We ain't married. I suppose you can think of me as a bodyguard and, well... you will see soon enough.”

In the privacy of their darkened room, Victoria had removed much of the heavy clothing which had previously covered her and quickly changed into a much lighter dress. “Due to the timing, we did not discuss our agreement in any detail” her new mistress advised, her attention still focused on treating the ingrained marks on her back. “So there are many things we are to discuss.” Kahina was about to thank her patron again for her freedom when two women materialized out of the shadows, with the larger one placing a finger on her mouth to indicate silence. “I am what you would call an adze* or vampire. You will not be harmed without consent, so you need not worry.”

The smaller familiar handed her a cup of strong alcoholic liquid that had been sourced from the more secure chest containing Victoria's more valuable items. “Our group is here on a research mission. I am providing my knowledge of the supernatural to the clergy, while they record various elements of the land. The potential uptick in trade from the Portuguese has gotten a few holy men from England worried about unknown mystic threats entering their lands. You will notice there are some... religious conflicts in the party, you may involve yourself at your own discretion.” With the initial shock of her new master's identity wearing off and the alcoholic lull of sweet beverage offered, the translator felt confidence build up with-in her. An emotion not felt since she was taken from her hometown.

“So, you needed someone trustworthy who could translate for you?” she asked, starting to think through her predicament. “Effectively yes.” the vampire concurred. “The current plan is to visit the gold mines to the southeast and return to the ports via Timbuktu and Niani. On our return, the priests will depart on a ship bound to England and my group will attempt to join a caravan crossing the desert. While you are free to join us on our passage across the dunes, any obligation on your behalf will be removed.”

“There is one other recurring task I would request of you, but this one you are free to decline.” Victoria said, placing a rather unique ornate knife onto the table. “As you likely gathered, I sustain myself by consuming blood. All I ask for is a small incision every few days to draw a small amount of blood, Leo already permits this so you would not be my sole supplier. I will not drink directly, sparing you from any side effects of my bite.”

Khana, either due to the alcohol or the emotional release of being freed from her previous master, was growing to favorably accept her new situation. This adze had treated her far more fairly and with more respect than any of her previous experiences with her former master's circles. The simple desire for consent when drawing blood for consumption felt considerably warmer than Abdalah's lecherous advances. It was devoid of anger, treating her as an equal in most circumstances and except when warranted by the situation.

The only questions the translator had regarding the situation related to the rather extravagant price paid for a single slave. Given the valuable nature of the items provided, Victoria likely could've bought a dozen slaves for the same level of investment. “I think I can come to terms with everything you have stated...” she began as the larger familiar refilled her cup, whilst sampling some of the high quality liquor herself with a content look. “I still don't understand the extraordinary price you paid. Not that I am not grateful, it all just seems too much.”

“I can see how many would see the transaction as Wambui getting various goods which are worth far more than a single individual,” Victoria explained as she tidied up her medical supplies. “The hiring price of a translator usually goes up based on the number of languages they speak and their respective skill. You have already shown the ability to speak four languages, and likely known additional ones. It is extremely valuable when travelling in foreign countries.” While Kahina could see the potential value of such a talented position, she still had doubts as to the worth of her own expertise.

The adze was likely a shrewd merchant, so parting ways with multiple goods without knowing the value of what she was getting would be questionable at best. Unless, she tipsily mused with slurred speech, the transaction had other motives behind it. Given how Wambui was subtly guided and prodded by the conversation to propose the trade, was the larger fee part of that manipulation? Now Kahina reviewed their dealings, the trade was such that her former mistress felt the prideful desire to flaunt her new purchases to the foreign dignitaries. Assuming that was indeed the case, the rather generous terms had forced Abdalah into accepting the deal in the presence of others, in part due to the praise of the other merchants.

Had Victoria foreseen the flow on effects she caused based on only brief interactions she had observed around the harbor? Assuming there was an ulterior motive behind the specific wares offered in exchange, there was likely more she had missed on her initial review. In her alcoholic induced lucidity Kahina expanded her mind to not only those involved in the deal, but to the people observing her performance.

At a cursory glance, the carefully refined fur pelts and jewels had elevated the status of the visiting delegation, future highlighting the wealth possible from future dealings with the northern countries. The local officials also gained a sense of prestige as the monetary value of their people was seen to be high, meaning that their own supply of slaves might earn similar exchanges in the future. Most secretly knew of her heightened value, keeping it secret as to not hurt Abdalah's pride, which to bore the marks of political posturing. Abdalah's interest in her was well known, so many of the larger figureheads of the community had seen Kahina's sale as an endorsement of the delegation. Their current accommodation would surely be part of gaining favor with potentially skilled dignitaries and following the lead of the Harbour Master. The temporary inflation of cost would likely revert to normal levels in future transactions.

“You seem a little overwhelmed” Victoria commented, moving from the bed. “I suggest you turn in for the night. The town's officials have provided our accommodation and have agreed to watch our cargo, you can take the bed. I will make do with the chair.” Despite her protests, the two familiars guided her a bed far more comfortable than her previous lodgings. As the effects of the alcoholic mead and emotional release of the day's events quickly sent the translator to sleep.

-

During breakfast, proper introductions and planning occurred. Victoria had returned to the heavy cloth garments while the rest of the group had removed much of their clothing in the already warm morning weather. The priests, exhausted from their night of 'diplomatic' endeavors, opted to return to their room whilst Leo and Arthur accompanied Victoria on her various tasks around town. Although Arthur's presence was more out of childish wonder and excitement, than any obligation to protect his travelling partner.

The adze had done her research before arriving to their shore, much to the surprise of the priests who lacked much in the way of background material on the region. The tales of large and dangerous animals had sparked a desire for a skilled mercenary guard. Familiarity of the region's fauna was deemed an essential requirement when travelling without an accompanying caravan of traders, as the more typical warning signs were unknown to the travelers.

The other tasks Victoria mostly related to trade, focusing exchanging many of their goods for the local currency, as well as wares which could be more readily traded in smaller villages. She also sought travelling wagons and horses accustomed to the dry heat, her former wagon had been built for freezing cold temperatures that were absent in the region. Losing their primary means of travel due to heat stroke or ill-fitted wagon wheels could prove fatal in most circumstances.

What was unknown to Kahina at the time of the purchase was that Victoria's collection of jewelry could not be openly traded with-in her own country. They had been sourced from a werewolf subjugation, a creature that she described as a being akin to a were-hyena**, and were difficult to sell to anyone suspect their origin. The process would not be instantaneous, but as she had mentioned to Wambui, they could be slowly converted into other forms of wealth in various larger towns.

Thanks to her knowledge of the local townsfolk, Kahina brought her client to the current residency of Jaali. Jaali was the leader of a team well-mannered mercenary guards and, while not the cheapest troop available in town, were of a higher cut than most. Kahina had only met Jaali in passing, but his strong physique and mannerisms left a strong impression on her. Scars from numerous battles adorned is muscular black chest, with similar wounds appearing on his balding head. His imposing stare greeted them as they filed into the room, eyes never deviating from them as the mercenary ran a stone along the spear tip.

The room itself was lit only by the window, covered by a rug to provide some reprieve from the incoming heat. Leaning against the window and peaking at the streets below was a similarly muscular man named Amne. Although he wore a more conservative vest and hat, as opposed to the shirtless leader, he shared the same aura of patient observance. The last member in the room was a charm covered woman named Marka, making use of her free time to repair one of their various satchels. There was a certain tempered feeling of restrained violence hanging in the room, as each member of the group tested the resolve of their potential clients.

“Ah if it isn't Abdalah's prized slave. What brings you to our door?” Jaali said, mockery lacing his words. “I serve a new master now” she responded, regaining her composure. “They wish to hire an escort and your reputation proceeds you.” Kahina didn't feel the need to translate the conversation, as the tone conveyed much of the underlying message. “So you want us to watch some foreign tourists like a young mother to her baby, has the sun finally gotten to you? Take those pale skins elsewhere we don't want your business.” “The mercenaries aren't interested, mistress.” Kahina translated with a sigh.

Most of the room had been fixated on the two more muscular, white-skinned men in the room, so the presence of the cloth draped woman went unnoticed until the translator mentioned her. Marka was the only one to react upon recognizing her existence, raising her spear at the prospective client. “Why did you bring an adze here? Did you not know, or have you gone mad?” the woman asked. “Adze?” questioned Amne, reaching for his own weapon. “They brought an adze here?” Victoria simply raised her arms to her colleagues, advising them to stand down before any serious fight could take place. Only Leo fully stood down, as Arthur contemplated instigating a 'friendly spar' with the mercenaries.

“Translate this without alternation,” she said throwing jewelry and a bag of gold dust onto the table. “You have supernatural sight, so this will make our journey slightly easier. My proposal is rather simple: your group escorts us around the lands as we document the various mystical beings of the land, primarily keeping us safe from the local fauna. Payment is for your protection, nothing more. Our agreement extends purely to the road, there is no requirement for you to watch over us with-in cities or towns.” Her conveyed words and generous payment were enough to lower their weapons and consider the proposal.

“What kind of creatures are you trying to meet?” Marka suspiciously asked, caution hanging on her words. “We have no intention of intentionally hunting down larger creatures such as the Ninki Nanka***, but would not turn down the opportunity to observe one. We primarily will be meeting with local deities and sprites, as well as whatever creatures cross our paths.” Silence fell, except for Arthur asking some questions about what precisely a Ninki Nanka and feeling disappointment set in as they would not be actively pursuing one.

“Amne, what is your take?” Jaali asked, eyeing the payment on the table. “If she was able to buy Kahina from Abdalah and face no consequences, she must have something going for her.” Amne replied, shrugging of any lingering doubt. “Marka, any objections?” “I don't trust her, but the gold is good. If she so much as touches us in our sleep...” the seer said, spitting onto the ground between them. “Tell the bloodsucker we accept her job,” declared Jaali. “But we want additional payment as we go.” Paraphrasing Kahina translated “They are happy to accept the job, however they want more gold.” Victoria placed a map on the table, procured from the trading halls earlier. “That is fine, this is our planned route. We will meet in three days at the eastern gate.”