“A boy…” the sergeant murmured again.  “Beggars can’t be picky I guess.” “I’m out,” one of the other guards muttered.  “I’ll stand guard if you want, but I ain’t that kind.” Kre’s chin was released and the sergeant spun around, “What kind, exactly?” he demanded.  “Exactly what kind are you referring to?” The guard shrank...Read More

One of the guards stepped forward and gestured for Virryn to look up at him.  She did so and, when the guard impatiently waved his hand in a circle to indicate she should continue, Virryn quickly responded with, “The Master asked that his prize goods be cleaned before they are presented at the halftime auction.”...Read More

They waited in a side room until after the bouts began, knowing that they would have a little more freedom in their movements with the Master and all of his cronies fully occupied instead of running around trying to finish a last detail here or there.  The other Ylveryans delivered food and drink during that...Read More

It should not have been a surprise to the nervous young man that Virryn and Grivallt already had things well in hand without requiring any input from him.  Shortly after Talimar departed for his own task, Virryn dressed Kre up in similar servant’s garb and led him down to the main Ylveryan quarters.  There, Kre...Read More

Beleg was given the task of staying close to the Master, something he had already been working towards, so it was an easy thing for him, and he was greatly relieved by that.  Kre’s task was much more difficult.  Talimar directed him to find ways to arm the Dweorvkin and ensure they knew the path...Read More

The shock and surprise had made Kre try to jump to his feet, but his chair didn’t slide as he intended, his legs smashed against the table edge, and he ended up writhing on the floor muttering, “How?  How?” though it sounded more like, “Ow!  Ow!” As for Beleg, the large man had been far...Read More

Kre wasn’t sure how to share his news with Beleg.  Did he start with the seemingly good part, where Kersath wasn’t near death and seemed to be capable of escape entirely on his own?  Perhaps he should start with the potentially scary news that the entire deal that Beleg had likely made with the Master...Read More

“If you’re talking about the Master and him offering some sort of deal,” Kre replied, “then that’s already ongoing.  They kicked us out of the room so they could finalize the terms.  I think Beleg is hoping to become a partner in the slave business so he can get close enough to free everyone.” Kersath...Read More

Kre nodded and did as he was directed.  He grabbed what he needed from the closet and entered the Master’s suite with the bright white linens.  He was immediately struck by the smell of blood and iron, thick in the air.  He shook his head to try and clear the smell, but it seemed to...Read More

There was no cake.  Not for Kre anyway.  Virryn swept them through the makeshift kitchens of the cavern facility, where a half score of Ylveryan slaves were putting together snack trays and platters full of brightly colored drinks.  She paused only to have a very hushed conversation with the apparent head of the kitchen.  Kre...Read More