Chapter 9 (Sahid)

  Being carried outside of the bunker left me with a nostalgic feeling as I saw the place where I'd been hosed down with ice cold water. Before walking around to the front of the facility my repurchaser gently set me down. He took a brief moment to retrieve a cloak from his bag, wrapping it around to cover my exposed body. I was surprised, though, by the warmth that greeted me. When I was taken, it had still been November, but now it was likely late April or early May.

  We found ourselves in a destitute area of town, often referred to as the slums. Homeless people huddled outside against buildings, their bags serving as makeshift pillows. Others staggered along the street, clearly under the influence of something. The putrid smells of my former cell were replaced by a different, pungent odor that hung in the air.

  Silently, my owner carried me through the town, his steps purposeful as I dangled over his shoulder for what felt like an eternity. He would pause briefly, readjusting me before continuing on. After what seemed like hours, we finally left the slums behind. The streets grew livelier, shedding their shadowy atmosphere. To my surprise, slaves trailed behind their masters, a common sight everywhere I looked. The market thrived here, drawing people from all corners, regardless of their origins, displaying a diverse array of faces and ethnicities. Most of the slave owners, including my own, had darker skin and either blonde or reddish hair — a race unfamiliar to me from my old world.

  Eventually, we arrived at what I initially mistook for a tavern. Its interior was lavishly furnished, bustling with patrons indulging in food and drink, engaged in lively conversations. Many of them sported varying degrees of armor, with hilts glinting at their waists, each adorned with unique designs and colors.

  It wasn't until the man guided me up the stairs inside the establishment that I realized it was an inn. Ascending the stairs led us deeper into the building, revealing a corridor lined with various rooms. The man gently placed me on my feet, opening the door and gesturing for me to enter first, his demeanor expectant.

  With cautious steps, I entered the room, my eyes widening in amazement. It was significantly larger than my tiny cell, feeling like a mansion in comparison. The man followed me in, closing and locking the door behind us. Panic surged within me, my chest tightening and breath quickening as my mind raced to the darkest possibilities. Had he purchased me for his own vile desires?

  He took my hand again, and I winced, closing my eyes in fear. In the next moment, I heard a door open and felt him guide me into the room. Cold, smooth tiles met my feet, piquing my curiosity. I cautiously opened my eyes.

  To my surprise, it was a bathroom. I glanced up at the man, confusion evident in my eyes. He smiled gently, crouching down to meet me at eye level. "Go ahead and take a shower. I've got clean clothes for you once you're all cleaned up."

  His voice, simultaneously gentle and firm, calmed my racing heart. I attempted to voice my gratitude, but words failed me. He chuckled softly, his hand gently ruffling my hair. "You're welcome."

  _____

  It was the first shower I had in six months, while it was nice, it was also painful. Trying to wash myself with so many infected wounds, bruises and such proved difficult. After I finished showering a few of them had opened back up. I was disgusted at the sight of myself.

  The man came back when I had finished though, and used A Healing stim on me. Healing stims Travel though your Arc Channels and cause your own energy to accelerate the healing process. It also helps strengthen your body and detoxify it. Although they can be draining to use is beyond anything we would've had back on earth.

  "I'm sorry this is going to hurt…" The man whispered. I Smiled as… that's what I was told to do when I was being beaten. The man's face was twist into a frown of confusion, although I was ready and awaited my beating. He'd sigh and grab my arm. I let my smile slip for a moment as I winced. after feeling around my arm for a moment in a quick motion I felt him move the bone in my arm resetting it.

  I screamed out in agony and tried to maintain a smile despite the pain. Gritting my teeth I closed my eyes and tried to keep smiling. After five minutes the stim seemed to start going into effect. I began bellowing in pain as I could. Could feel my muscle fibers, bones and flesh moving to repair itself. My cuts and bruises were healing and closing up, some of the deeper ones leaving Scars all over. It left me feeling sick. I rushed over to the toilet and regurgitated all the toxic waste I had accumulated from infections.

  If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  After about another five minutes of healing The man left. It was only then did I come to realize he'd been holding onto my hand the whole time. The pain has died down significantly, and now I was trying to catch my breath and calm down.

  It wasn't long before the man came back into the bathroom with clothes. The clothes he provided were practical and comfortable, opting for brown pants, a plain white tunic, and slightly oversized black boots instead of a dress or skirt. He left the bathroom and allowed me to get dressed in private. After I finished changing, he cleaned up himself, and he led me back downstairs for a meal.

  He ordered a hearty beef stew for me, a luxury considering I hadn't tasted any meat during my entire time in that dreadful hole. I devoured bowl after bowl as if it might be my last meal, savoring every bite. Meanwhile, he ate sparingly, his portions much smaller than mine. He watched me with a gentle smile as I ate in a frenzy.

  "Fet tua um matai?" as he spoke I looked up confused.

  "Mmm, yegasta reg ta he gar ma?" Not sure what he was saying I stopped eating. He was speaking in some completely different language I'd never heard.

  The man looked at me intently. "So you're not from Mahalo," he said discerningly. I shook my head in response. "But you do understand Osmiran." I nodded, acknowledging that I could comprehend the language. Apparently, Osmiran wasn't his primary tongue; there was a subtle accent in his speech, but it wasn't too thick.

  "So, I'll ask again," he inquired, his tone gentle yet firm. "What is your name?"

  "Kit..." I began, but before I could finish, he interrupted, his eyes filled with compassion. Tears welled up in my eyes as I realized the depth of his kindness. Humanity, so long forgotten, was now palpable.

  "No, your real name, sweetie... Do you remember?" he urged. In a quiet but emotional voice, I whispered, "Kaliah..." My voice trailed off as I added, "Kaliah Deligan."

  A warm smile touched his lips. "Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, Kaliah. My name is Yashir Sahid. And from today on, you shall be called Kaliah Sahid." His words carried a promise of safety, and in that moment, I felt a glimmer of hope.

  _____

  After we finished eating, we returned to Yashir's room, signaling the end of the day. Despite my attempts, sleep eluded me. The bed, soft and fluffy though it was, failed to offer the comfort I needed. It was only when I dropped to the floor and curled into a ball that I found solace, finally drifting into a peaceful slumber.

  The following morning, I awoke on the bed, momentarily questioning if my night on the floor had been a dream. The pitying gaze Yashir directed at me confirmed the harsh reality of my situation.

  "Do you know why I bought you?" Yashir asked, his voice gentle as he leaned closer, bridging the gap between us. Silently, I shook my head, waiting for an explanation.

  "I am the Intelligence captain of the Yugen Dynasty. My mission is to find a child capable of serving as an operative for sensitive missions."

  "He wants me to be a spy?" I mused inwardly, dry bitter chuckle escaping my lips. "Why shouldn't I run, or kill you in your sleep?"

  Kashir laughed, his tone mocking, "You can try to do whatever you want, but remember, I own you." Suddenly, the room seemed to grow heavier, gravity itself bearing down on me. My body felt like lead, immobilized under the overwhelming force. Attempting to move was futile; my throat tightened, fearing any shift might lead to its crushing.

  "You should understand, I possess more strength than I initially revealed." Yashir asserted calmly. Tears welled up in my eyes as I struggled to breathe, the pressure suffocating me. "I chose you because I know how special you are. However, you are far from capable of Killing me." Yashir's laughter resonated lightly, though my vision blurred from the lack of oxygen.

  In an instant, the oppressive weight lifted, and I collapsed to the floor, gasping for air. "And if you attempt to flee, it's futile. I can track you down easily. Besides, why run? You don't know the city, or how to survive alone. You'd only find yourself in another cage, waiting to be sold," Yashir continued, his playful smile fading. "Consider yourself fortunate. Some girls endure far worse…"

  His words struck me like a physical blow, leaving my face stricken. I felt a wave of nausea wash over me at the grim realization. Despite the discomfort, I couldn't deny that he was right; in the grand scheme of things, I had gotten off relatively easy. The haunting words of my past captors reverberated in my mind, reinforcing my sense of worthlessness and unwantedness in Yashir's presence. My heart pounded fearfully in my chest as I clutched at my neck, still trying to steady my breath.

  "Please... I'll do whatever you want... just don't hurt me," I pleaded, desperation evident in my voice. Begging for my safety was something I never thought I'd have to resort to. Painful flashbacks assaulted my thoughts, leaving me in a state of distress, while Yashir sat there seemingly unperturbed by my terror.

  With a dead serious expression, Yashir reached across and gently took hold of my hands. "But know, that as long as you are in my care, you will never have to suffer the way you have again. I will make you stronger. So strong that you will never have to be afraid again."

  Yashir's presence transformed from one of terror to comforting compassion again. As he held my hands, tears streamed down my face once again. Sighing, he pulled me into his embrace, hugging me gently. It was a sensation that brought back memories of my mother, my father – something both foreign and now tragically lost to me, something I believed I'd never experience again.

  Yashir was right about one more thing. Those traders had claimed everyone I knew and loved had abandoned me, perhaps even died. Uncertain of the truth, I had no reason to hope for any other outcome. I felt utterly hopeless, with nowhere else to turn.

  "Please... Don't ever leave me," I pleaded desperately, my voice muffled against Yashir's chest. My heart broke as I surrendered to his authority. Survival dictated my actions now. Yashir was all I had, and I couldn't afford to lose that connection, no matter the cost to my dignity or my future.

  "I will never let you go." His voice warm and gentle. his hands would cradle my head in his chest. He then held me like that until I fell asleep again.

  “To My Dear Servant Marcas Deligan,

  Osmira cries out in mourning over the loss of Kaliah. As King I have a weighty responsibility to ensure the safety of all my people young and old, Might or small. And I am ashamed that I have failed you my dear boy. The Kingdom of Gratam is full of bandits and thieves, their king being no different from those who cower behind its banner. Even now they defend those who would sneak and kidnap in the night, as if they were honorable statesmen. I grant you with full authority as my first officer to prepare my troops as you see fit. While we will not be the first to strike, we will not let even one of those roaches cross over unto these holy grounds without being punished for their defilement. Coordinate with the Counts of Braxina and Thesmond as they too defend our foremost borders. Show them this letter and my seal if they have any apprehensions towards helping

  you defend My kingdom.

  To Your Purity

  Your Humble Lord,

  King Viktor of Osmira”