| The roads had been cruel. Dusty, long and drawn out. It was not as bad as it might have been for many others before me on such a journey. The cage that held me was rather large, though quite open to the sun and winds, at times even rain. Perhaps the simple cage hauled much on a flat bed wagon was light, not bogging down the animals in tow, yet allowing for a greater speed as well. I was muchly grateful to have the ability to stretch, stand, and even lay down when energy seemed to diminish after so many passing hands. Those that had made the initial trip were kind, made sure food and water was provided within specific times, as well waste removal.
For the most part, clean bedding was supplied, as well as a tarp to cover for shelter. No one much bothered with me. It was a task to be tended to and it was as simple as that. Fortunately, there were not many that passed during the time I was awake anyway. Most of the traveling had begun within the darker time of a day through most of the pasangs. Not much had ventured through my mind of thoughts. There was really nothing that needed to. Maramus the Slaver had many such as I. They were sooner or later taken away and placed as a gift or debt to Others. Each of us well knew each one would have their time to make travels to some unknown place, to some unknown Master. It was all very simple. I was slave. Some caught conversations allowed me to know that the place traveling to was soon in coming. The destination heading inland seemed to be coming to its end. The air and scents became interesting, not smelling the ways of the port any longer. It was of a richer ground scent, and that of animals, many collected in a retained area. It was not hard to accept, though it was certainly something that need to get used to. Standing now within the cage, looking about. The tarp folded and placed to a side of the confined area, took arms to fold across chest, fingers sliding in caress to upper arms, some to comfort in many ways, as well to brush off the laden dust that collected through the travels. She was not marked. It was not unusual for some to not be. It was A Slavers decision to do so with one or another and it wasn't something that pressed pon mind for well knowing it would be Anothers decision in a passing of trades which was now the case. A passing outrider closed to the side of the wagon, looking at me, a surly inspection to see that the delivery of goods was taking the journey well. Eyes lowered, knees bent to fold into kneel, I realized that He was not merely passing by but remaining to look upon the caged. His voice was gruff as though His throat had taken in much dust. He let it be known that soon the road would come to an end for this wagon as well its contents. A hearty laugh emerged and then gone He was to lead toward the front of the caravan. Papers were ready upon the approach to the camp. A slave named Topaz, bred from the ego of a well-known Slaver named Maramus, a dark beauty she was. she was sent forth with exotic things of a well-sized port to become an agreement to some sort of dice-playing debt from the past. Soon, the exchange was made, the debt satisfied. The slave remained and was collared to Camp of Harigga, the property of an Ubar well known as KnightStorm. |