Alex wakes to the sound of a loud bell ringing, and then the door to his cell slams open with a clang. He’s groggy due to not sleeping properly as a result of the persistent pain in his throat.

A deep voice booms. “Alright, you scum. You have five minutes to get out front.”

He rubs his throat as he feels the pain fade and tentatively tries speaking, “That was unpleasant.” His voice comes out a rasp as if he has a sore throat.

He hears steps approach and the sound of movement outside of his cell and then Hordric pops his head into Alex’s cell and catches his eye. “You had better get out of here quick. If Kracc or one of his crew see you they’ll rough you up.”

Alex listens to the men exit their cells and shuffle down towards the front doors. He sees one of the other humans pass behind Hordric and glance into Alex's cell. He jumps to his feet and declares, “Yeah, your right. Let’s get moving.” He then follows Hordric out into the central atrium. As he moves forward, he notices the guard standing on the opposite wall next to the large rooms used for training.

Hodric slows and moves next to Alex. “Keep your head down. There are more guards than usual, which usually means that we’ll have visitors later.”

“What visitors?”

“They arrange sparring matches to show off particular thralls if they have an interested buyer. Usually, there are a few matches first to entertain the buyer. Then they set-up a match with the thrall they want to sell and a weak opponent to make them look good.”

“So, why do I need to keep my head down?”

“Who do you think they would consider as the weakest here?”

“Got you.”

“They’ll do a three-hour run and then let us recover before any sparring. Try to pace yourself and conserve as much energy as you can. With you being the overseer's new favorite you can guarantee you’ll be sparring. If you can look eager and hyped up at the start you’ll probably not be used as the punch bag for the one they want to look good.”

“What about you?”

“I’m too valuable to risk, as is the elf over there,” Hordric states as he nods over at the elven slave.

Alex turns to face Hodric and then nods towards the water fountains on the wall. He walks over and Hordric follows. He takes a few mouthfuls of water and then watches whilst Hordrc does the same. He then begins his warm-up routine by stretching his legs and arms, holding each stretch before relaxing his muscles.

Some of the others turn to watch and it’s not long before the jeers begin.

“Oh, honey, that’s such a fine butt.”

“He looks so cute. I could just eat him up.”

The jeers continue and someone laughs derisively before the whistles start. “Alright, that’s enough.” A guard roars. “I thought you ladies would have learned your lesson by now. Get outside now.” Alex quickly takes a few more mouthfuls of water before he turns and follows Hordric through the front door.

A few hours later, Hordric is beginning to flag. He gazes at Alex, who is running a short distance in front of him, and calls out, “This is a pain, I wish they would just stop for a few minutes.”

Alex glances over his shoulder and watches as Hordric struggles on. He knows that it’s due to the guards setting a fast pace, which has limited Hordrics ability to respond to how his body is feeling. Hordric, grimaces as the pain in his legs, hips, and lower back flares and he hobbles forward. It would be nice to ease up a bit during a bad patch, then accelerate when he feels better, but he has to keep going at the pace set or he’ll get zapped.

Hordric suddenly yells, “I can’t do this!”

Alex reduces his pace so that Hordric can catch up. “Don’t quit. You know they’ll only switch the pain on if you stop. Anyway, you’re only feeling exhausted because you want to quit, just concentrate on running for the next five minutes. Look in front and focus on keeping up with Kracc, so he can’t lord it over you later.”

“That’s easy for you to say with your long legs.”

“Remember the body achieves what the mind believes. Just be certain of finishing.” Alex states and Hordric grunts as he stumbles on.

They continue running for a further hour until they return to their starting point. Alex gazes around as everyone heads over to the water troughs located to the side of the building. He notices Kracc and Drosz being given some small bottles, which they open and promptly drink.

“So, that’s who they hope to sell,” Holdric says as he moves to stand next to Alex.

“What have they been given?”

“It’s a recovery potion. In about an hour they will be fully rested and in peak condition. It’s so they can impress before any deals are agreed. I’m surprised that they are trying to sell Drosz. He is one of the new experiments and under the personal supervision of Overseer Brypeiros. I can’t see them letting him spar either.”

“New experiments? What’s that?”

“There are rumors that they have discovered some new technology that allows them to enhance slaves without the need for a long breeding strategy.”

“They breed slaves?”

“Yes, of course, they do. It’s one of the things House Quinala is famous for. Why do you think I’m so valuable? And what do you think they intended to do with you?”

“What do you mean?”

“What do you think that you and that pretty girl were being prepared for in the special wing? There’s probably some spoilt Elven scion who wanted to start their own stable and needed some breeding stock. Humans are quite resilient, easy to replace if things go wrong, and better looking than gobs. Plus you Terra humans have a distinct look that definitely appeals.”

Alex pauses whilst he thinks before asking. “And why won’t they let him spar? I would expect him to be good at that.”

“He’s an idiot, solid bone and muscle with the intelligence of a five-year-old who can’t control his strength. His last spar was a disaster and he killed one of his fellow gobs. There was hell to pay as the gob was expected to fetch a high price due to his prana abilities.”

“Alright, you scum can rest. We’ll be doing sparring next and I want your best performance.” A guard roars.

***

Mistress Lyrei approaches the platform Sir Folliun is sat on. She notices Master Jokalyn is watching her approach and Overseer Elicyne is walking away in the distance towards a low building. She swallows and tightly clasps her hands together as she becomes more nervous the closer she gets.

Master Ardreth who is walking next to her whispers, “Don’t let him pressure you. You can decline anything he proposes. Remember, you are sponsored by Baroness Yegella and Sir Folliun is unable to do anything to you whilst you are under her protection. I have notified the Baroness that he is here and I’m awaiting a response.”

“Thank you, Master Ardreth. I will keep your advice in mind.”

Master Jokalyn quickly strides forward and stands to block their path, resting his hand on his sword. “Stop there. Mistress Lyrei ‘s free to approach, but you, Master Ardreth, have not been invited.”

Master Ardreth stops and stares for a few tense seconds before turning to Mistress Lyrei. “I would recommend that you decline this meeting. We can arrange a more suitable time and place where I can ensure your safety.”

Master Jokalyn looks angry. “Sir Folliun is a man of honor and will not harm Mistress Lyrei.” He then bows to Mistress Lyrei. “Sir Folliun, only wishes to apologize for his behavior yesterday and to make amends.”

She briefly stares at Master Ardreth and then gives a forced smile before turning back to Master Jokalyn. “I’ll only be too glad to hear Sir Folliun’s apology.”

Master Joklyn gives a bow. “Mistress Lyrei, please continue over to Sir Folliun and I’ll ensure that you are not disturbed.”

She walks past and focuses on Sir Folliun who is watching Overseer Elicyne in the distance. As she draws closer he glances in her direction. “Ah, a pleasure to see you again Mistress Lyrei. I trust you slept well.”

“I did thank you.”

“I wish I could say the same. I was racked by guilt at how I misbehaved yesterday. I was not certain you would come when I invited you to meet me again today. The least I could hope for was that you would attend and listen to what I have to offer.”

Mistress Lyrei glared. “I thought you made your position perfectly clear yesterday. I have something that you desperately want me to give to you. You obviously don’t respect me or you wouldn’t have tried to pressure me.”

“You must allow me the opportunity to defend myself. I was tired from my trip and although I was aware of your beauty I failed to recall that you also possess a sharp intellect. I can’t forget the way you conducted yourself despite my insensitive behavior. You showed great fortitude and I’ve decided that I want you as my ally.”

“And if I don’t wish to?”

“You needn't worry, I have no ill intentions towards you. However, I do know what you want and frankly, I’ve got what you need.”

“What is it that I need that you can supply?”

“How are doing with your undertaking to find suitable consorts? I understand you have spent the last five years trying to determine who you want to father your two children. The children you need to gain access to the golden apple.”

“That’s none of your concern.”

“I certainly believe one should constantly strive to improve oneself. So, if you can bear the child of someone with high standing it would raise your status. However, with your lack of family connections and ill-fated complexion you are finding that difficult. Hence, your association with Baroness Yegella and Master Syllen.”

“It would not be difficult to apply the same reasoning to many young women.”

“I’m not sure what they have offered you. I suspect that you are gambling on Master Syllen’s ascendency and that he will agree to father one of your children out of gratitude. Now I can offer to sire one of those children you desire. I wouldn’t hide that the child is mine. I would of course take you with me and introduce you to society until the happy event occurred. On the other hand, I won’t be able to formally recognize the child as it would then become my heir. I do have my reputation to think of.”

“You make a generous offer.”

“I’m glad you recognize the prospect I can offer. What could perchance be more prestigious than bearing my child?”

”To remove any doubt, what would you expect in return?”

“I thought that was apparent. I want the two pieces of merchandise from Terra you have trained.”

“I must say, you devalue your generous offer if all you want to use it for is as a bargaining point to gain merchandise. Unless this concerns the person the merchandise is intended for.”

“I can see I'm going to have to tell you everything. I have been counseled that I need to romance and win the favor of Lady Vaeri to sire an heir. And although I don’t expect to succeed, I think there's something demeaning about having a slave trader for a rival.”

“How do I know you will fulfill your part of the arrangement?”

“I’m a man of my word. I would not sully my reputation by reneging on my agreement.”

“But, as you delicately pointed out I have a lack of family connections and I suffer an ill-fated complexion. If it was just your word against mine, I would not be able to refute anything you say and be believed.”

“You don’t trust me? I find that deeply insulting.”

“I would not dream of insulting you. Nonetheless, I have been strongly advised that I must not take you at your word. Would you agree to this before reputable witnesses?”

“I would consider notifying my father. But, if I did do that, I think it would only be fair for you to let me know, which of your acquaintances has blackened my name.”

“lf any acquaintance of mine has warned me against you, I could hardly reward them with betrayal.”

“I would welcome the chance to prove to you that what lies behind your acquaintance's advice is hatred and resentment.“

“That may be so. I will need time to consider your proposal.”

“I expected that you would, so I’ve arranged a little distraction whilst you ponder whether you accept my generous offer.”