Silver Skeletons: Book 3 The Rose Tree Chronicles

Chapter Seven: The Annual Slave Arena

"Slaves may not look into the eyes of Royalty or Nobility, however their eyes must be visible. If this law is at all violated, the Slave will undergo severe physical punishment and then it will either be executed or assigned in to the following Annual Slave Arena. The owner may or may not be informed and will not be reimbursed for the Slave's value."

The next day, Nadia was thought to be well enough to return to work. She was silent throughout her chores and avoided eye-contact with most everyone. Almost half of the residents of Aimonbay Estate had been involved in the construction in some way at some point, so almost half of the residents of Aimonbay were upset with Nadia for her apparent wanton debauchery of two nights ago, and felt that her punishment hadn't been harsh enough to deliver justice. Her actions had made it necessary for everyone to repeat their back-breaking labor from the very beginning so to help restore the construction, and now the completion date had been significantly delayed into the distant future. The situation was upsetting enough for some of the slaves to even say something about it to Nadia; for instance, while she scrubbed the floors of the foyer early that morning.

"You do realize that Master was easy on you with that whipping, right?" Nadia pretended not to hear her fellow slave. "And that being the master's favorite makes you the enemy of everyone else at Aimonbay? Better not get too close to Garnet and Mauro 'cause they're gonna drop you like a basket of rotten apples when they finally gain some sense."

The slave tossed a dirty rag into Nadia's bucket of soapy water and then stormed off. Nadia sneered at her as she turned a corner, then left the opposite direction to fetch a new bucket. How could these people think that she was the evil when they were the ones helping to build a cage for seapeople? This thought infuriated her possibly more than her actions infuriated them.

Nadia was relieved to finally complete her work early that evening, despite numerous attempts from her fellow slaves to slow her down, and she decided that the best way to spend the rest of her day was to find her golden ball like Rein had suggested. On her way to the coast, she trekked on foot through the streets of Helvetica with a crimson scarf covering her face, just as the Slave Law mandated. She was alone with only her thoughts and dreams as she ignored the jumbled voices and boisterous daily activity around her. Eventually, there was one declaration that she couldn't help but overhear.

"His Royal Majesty, King Darren of the Kingdom of Noelle has declared war upon the Kingdom of Saíd! All able-bodied men are to sign up to defend their country!"

Nadia had only lived in Noelle for a little over half a month and suddenly they were going to war? She scanned the area about her and failed to find anyone who appeared surprised, curious, or concerned. Was this common? She listened for a reason as to why there would be a war, but she didn't get one. The man simply repeated his announcement several times in different words. Nadia proceeded to walk in thought and attempted to come up with possible motives for why the king would feel a need to go to war at that time, but she failed to come up with anything that made sense to her. At some point, Nadia's speculations were interrupted once more as she passed a pastry shop where her eye caught sight of a piece of parchment posted on the wall.

"Reward! Three Dawns! Nadia!"

It continued further with a description of Nadia and instructions to turn her in to law enforcement if and when she was found. Nadia glanced about nervously, afraid that someone may have either recognized her or felt suspicious of her possibly visible reaction to the poster. In an effort to remain unnoticed, Nadia pulled her scarf closer to her face and hurried away from the shop. From here on, she endeavored to avoid any large crowds as she power-walked the rest of the way to the coast. She didn't want to be taken to law enforcement; she most certainly didn't want to be taken to the palace.

All that Nadia truly desired at that time was to return to the ocean. That's where she felt she belonged, though she understood why she couldn't go back. Yet, she remembered that the miracle worker had explained she could take on her mermaid form for three days before she would perish. Maybe Nadia could go for a little swim, and then reluctantly return to Aimonbay with her golden ball afterward. Of course, she wouldn't be able to spend three whole days in the ocean. She would simply swim about for an hour or so. Nadia could find no reason against having a tiny dash of some much-needed fun.

Nadia finally arrived at the cave where she had been dropped off over a month ago, and she looked to make sure that her ball was where she had left it. So it was. Then, Nadia removed her scarf, stripped off her matching harem pants, and dove into the ocean. At first, the saltwater aggravated the wounds on her back and the burn only intensified the longer she remained submerged. But soon enough, the pain numbed and after a minute, her legs morphed into her iridescent green and blue fish's tail. Once she regained familiarity with the mechanics of her fin, Nadia swam joyously through the current of the Aquamarine Ocean.

For a few hours, Nadia performed flips over the waves, she danced about thick kelp forests, and decorated her flowing hair with the vibrant ocean flowers. Then, she played hide-and-seek with a pod of dolphins and she teased the fish with the silky frills at the end of her tail. She couldn't remember having ever been so happy or having had so much fun! She found that her evening would only improve after the Northern sun had set and the full, green moon began to rise above the horizon. She had never realized how stunning moonrises were until that moment. As it rose, various shades of green, blue, and yellow shot across the sky, weaved in and out of the clouds, and bounced off the ocean waves so to fashion a picturesque scene of soft, reflected light that bore a mind of its own. Nadia noticed that the rays also shone through the water and danced along the ocean floor, and she couldn't resist as she twirled around the beams herself as they created a type of ballroom made of pillars of light. She felt as though she was part of the light show and that all was right in the world. Her problems vanished into the saltwater breeze and her curse had never existed.

Nadia felt disappointed when the moon had finally reached its peak high in the night sky and her fun came to an end. But it had to end sometime and she had to return to Aimonbay Estate at some point. She sat on a rock near to the shore and waited for her fin to dry into a pair of legs again. During this time, while she pondered the heavy feeling in her heart, Nadia decided that the end was far too depressing for her to ever turn back into a mermaid again in the near, or even distant future. She would rather miss out on the fun than to have to suffer its passing like she had to then.

Eventually, Nadia bore legs once more and it was time to return to home. She redressed, put her golden orb into the satchel she had brought with her, and took one final gander out to the ocean. This was the second time that she had to leave it and it was just as painful as the first. Fortunately, she would never have to suffer such pain again so long as she avoided the beach for the rest of her life. Nadia swallowed her sobs as she forced herself to turn aside and tears streamed down her cheeks with every painful step she took away from the ocean.

Nadia was unable to handle the thought of leaving the sea forever. As a way to lift her spirits even slightly, she thought about someday having a place of her own by the ocean where she could go swimming whenever she desired. It would be a simple cottage and she would have a horse, a small porch, a garden where she would grow fresh fruits and vegetables, and she would have no family. No husband to answer to like a master and no children demanding all her time and attention. She would be alone and away from civilization. Just her, the Aquamarine Ocean, and the happy creatures which inhabit it.

Unfortunately, this daydream had the opposite effect that Nadia had hoped for. She quickly forced these thoughts to come to an end since they were only upsetting her more. They were unrealistic dreams and she had been fighting for the past several weeks to accept her fate as permanent. The best thing for her to do was to come to terms with reality. After all, these dreams could only come true if she were to be freed from slavery, and there were only two ways that could happen. Wait... she had never learned of the second way! Her master had told her that the law required for her to be informed of this second possibility as well! Upon this realization, Nadia ran back to Aimonbay and hoped that Garnet or Mauro had finished their chores so that she may speak to one of them privately and without interruptions. This was a highly important matter, after all.

Once she had returned to the estate, Nadia slowed to a casual stroll so not to bring attention to herself and alert anybody. Any interruptions, even quick questions, were unwelcome at that time. She immediately scanned around the castle for her friends the moment she stepped over the threshold, and finally found Garnet in their bedroom trying on a new bedleh outfit she had received from the napaeaes. Garnet beamed when Nadia entered.

"Look at this, Lila," she said as she held the skirt out for Nadia to get an eye-full of the dark green sparkles.

Nadia felt envious of Garnet's cheerful personality. She could be happy in the saddest of situations. If only Nadia could manage the same.

"It's lovely, Garnet," Nadia answered. "I'm very jealous."

"Oh, don't be silly! It is nice though. I'm so excited it's finally finished! It was a lot of a material to buy, of course, but I regret not even a star."

"As you shouldn't. But listen, I have a question."

"Oh? What is it?"

Nadia sat on the edge of her bed. "Master mentioned something about a Slave Arena being one of the two ways a slave can gain freedom, but he never explained to me what it is. He told me to ask someone else about it."

"Oh, Lila," said Garnet softly. Clearly she didn't have much faith in this topic. "The Slave Arena is not something you should put your hopes in."

"Either way," Nadia replied. "Aren't I supposed to know about it?"

"Yes, I suppose." Garnet sat beside Nadia. It seemed there was much to explain "The Annual Slave Arena is two really big fights combined into one large event, mainly meant to entertain the nobles and give false hope to slaves. The first fight is between a slave and a beast. If the slave wins the first fight, which they rarely do, they go on to fight their master or, if the master can afford it, someone hired to fight for them (which is usually the case). If one of us were to fight in the arena and make it to the second round, not only can our master afford to hire a well-trained knight, but he was a great knight himself once. So honestly we're doomed either way. However, if the slave somehow wins both fights, the slave wins freedom. And there you have it. Oh, and just in case you haven't figured it out yet, these are fights to the death. Also, you can still be sold back into slavery if you have nowhere to go besides the streets after winning the arena fights. So, there you have it: a slave's most noble and entertaining suicide."

"You don't win some amount of monetary compensation on the side?" Nadia asked.

"Some what?"

"Some money. As a side-token."

"Of course not; they feel that your freedom should be enough."

Nadia pursed her lips to express her disapproval with the entire structure. It all had such potential in her mind.

"How many slaves have won their freedom in these arenas?" she asked.

"I think only one since I've been alive. I'm thirteen. There's one fight a year and usually at the very least five slaves fighting in them. They usually sign up to die; it's like a noble suicide to slaves. Nobody really intends to win, but they want to go out fighting against the kingdom."

"What are the rules?"

"Lila, there's really no –"

"I'm just curious, Garnet," Nadia assured. "Just tell me, I want to know."

Garnet rolled her eyes. "You're allowed all the weapons and armor you can carry. Then, it's the general, honorable sword-fighting rules. Except when you're fighting the beast, of course. It's all about survival during that round."

"Really? Where do slaves get this training?"

"Most don't train. Otherwise, I'm not sure. From someone they know? They save up their stipend and buy lessons? It's all a mystery to me."

"Ah. So how would I sign up, say, if I ever got lessons and decided to give it a shot?"

Garnet was hesitant to answer but sighed heavily in surrender. "You just tell Master that you wish to fight for your freedom. By law, he can't deny you and if he does, you can go report him to the ASO. But where would you get lessons, Lila?"

Nadia shrugged. "Maybe I'll save up my money for sword-fighting lessons."

"Oh, Lila! Don't be foolish. Even with sword-fighting lessons you can't fight off a wild beast!"

"Maybe I can find someone to teach me."

"Who on Xyntriav can teach someone how to fight a wild beast?"

"I'm sure there's someone," Nadia insisted. "You said so yourself that since you've been alive, one slave beat the entire arena. He must've learned how to fight beasts from someone. Besides, I have to save up for lessons that are sure to be expensive, so I have time to find out who. Now help me find a place to hide this."

Garnet looked at the satchel Nadia had with her. "Is that the ball?"

"The one and only."

Garnet scanned their bedroom. "Well, there aren't very many places in here to hide it."

"I don't know where else to hide it, except the forest. But that's just as safe as the cave and Rein didn't like it there."

"Check under your bed," Garnet said.

They both got on the hardwood floor and peered under Nadia's bed, but they found nothing promising. They sat back up and took a moment to think.

"I feel like the safest places in here are my dresser drawers or underneath my pillow," Nadia said. "Which isn't much."

"Well, let's put it in one of your drawers for now and then ask Rein about it next time we see her," Garnet suggested.

Nadia shrugged. "I can't come up with a better thought."

Nadia put the satchel in her second drawer with the ball still inside, covered it with some of the clothes she borrowed from Garnet, and left it at that.

                                                                ***

The next Market Day, which was the first Newday of Dêldia, Nadia, Garnet, and Mauro were just as excited as they were the previous Market Day. Count Rallian required two servants to accompany the children and Miss Mirriot to the Market Place just as before. It was their duty to watch over the slaves and make sure they didn't get kidnapped or try to run off at any point in the day. Miss Mirriot was placed in the back of the stand with her loom and wheel chair as she was only there for help and advice when either were needed. The set-up was rushed so to be ready for business just in time for Market Day to begin and the children didn't hesitate the moment the first customers came along.

"The Count of Helvetica's treasures for sale!" the three slaves shouted. "Come buy what used to belong to the countess!"

As always, Market Day was very hectic, extremely crowded, and obnoxiously loud. Polaris rode into town right in the middle of the frenzy during its peak hours. He had left Drake behind as most Noellites were still not entirely used to seeing native letmonians walking around – bones sticking out of tunics and harem pants, and skulls wrapped in turbans. Such ethnicities were foreign to this land and those who rarely met with Polaris most likely knew nothing of their existence.

Polaris made sure to wear the crest of Noelle over his vest and on his midnight-black horse so that even though the streets were crowded, the townsfolk did their best to make way for him, but there were just too many people to do so quickly. Fortunately, he desired to travel at somewhat of a slow pace anyway so to get a good look at every market stand without missing Count Rallian's slaves. He searched for the family crest as it would be easier than looking for how he may expect Nadia to appear with her new hair color. To make things especially difficult, she'd be wearing a veil over her nose since she was a slave in public. Indeed, the crest of Count Rallian's family would be much easier to recognize.

Polaris made no progress in his search and began to wonder if he had missed the market stand until Rein finally showed up and hid her light in the golden mane of Polaris's Roshirian horse. Such a prized and noble horse was the Roshirian breed, which could be easily spotted due to the fact that they were born donning some sort of precious jewel, metal, or both. In Polaris's case, Borealis had a gold mane and tail, and grew an oval-shaped garnet on his forehead. He was one of Polaris's most prized possessions.

"I found her," Rein announced. "But we can't take her to palace."

Polaris looked at Rein, perplexed. "Why ever not?"

"Can you imagine what Queen Ariana will do to her?"

"I can protect her from Queen Ariana. In either case, this will prevent a war, Rein."

"You don't know this for certain."

"I'm not following..."

"We should discuss this elsewhere," Rein said. "You look ridiculous talking to yourself in public."

Polaris yanked his horse out of the road and into a dark and empty alleyway where Rein emerged to be level with the royal advisor's eyes.

"What's the meaning of this, Rein?" Polaris hissed. "Why the sudden change of heart?"

"I was so caught up in rescuing Nadia from her misfortune that I failed to recognize the realistic consequences of bringing her to the palace."

"If this is still about the queen, I assure you I can handle her," Polaris insisted. "As can the king."

"He hasn't thus far. You can't be around Nadia constantly and you surely haven't as many resources as Ariana," Rein argued. "Nadia will never be perfectly safe in the palace so long as Queen Ariana is alive and has loyal followers."

"And what about this war?" Polaris asked. "If we introduced Nadia to the kingdom as evidence that Saíd doesn't have her, there is no war to be had."

"Unless Ariana convinces the people that she isn't Nadia. Let's not be too hasty about this, Polaris. Clearly there are more pieces to this puzzle that we've overlooked and we need to consider them before we make any drastic moves. In either case, Nadia isn't ready. She prefers her current situation to living in the same household as Queen Ariana."

"You mean she wishes to remain a slave?" Polaris asked.

"No, she just wishes to avoid the palace at all costs. She wants to be freed more than anything."

Polaris paused. How was it that he was receiving such a logical lecture from a pixie? Could it be that he was so caught up in proving his prophecy true that he had overlooked such obvious flaws himself? The more he thought about it, the more he realized its truth. Indeed, it appeared necessary for him to take another step back and review his methods.

"Let me speak to her at least," he finally said.

It was Rein's turn to pause. "Very well. She's just a short distance down this way."

Rein tucked herself in the locks of the horse's mane as Polaris rode down the street and waited for Rein to tell him at which stand Nadia was located. Finally, she pointed her out.

"There. She's the one in the purple." Then Rein flew off to avoid being spotted by a random citizen.

Nadia had finished helping an elderly customer and turned to Mauro who handled the cashbox.

"This is wonderful!" Nadia said. "Look at how much money we're making!"

"I know!" Mauro replied with matched enthusiasm. "I think we'll make more than we did last time!"

"The Count of Helvetica's possessions for sale! Come buy what used to belong to the countess!"

Polaris approached the stand and looked directly at Nadia. "Young lady, you're a wonderful saleswoman. Tell me your name."

"Lila, sir," Nadia replied shyly.

Since it was clear to Nadia that Polaris was of noble status, she strived to avoid eye-contact. Of course, since Nadia was both shy and nervous, this wasn't too difficult to accomplish.

"Is that what it says on your cuff there?" Polaris questioned further.

"Yes, sir." Nadia angled her arm so to give Polaris an easier view of the writing engraved into the gold.

"I see. How long have you been serving the count?"

"Over a month, sir."

"And you're how old?"

Nadia hesitated only a moment since her birthday had recently passed and it was necessary to provide a new fake age. "Eleven, sir," she answered, though truly she had turned thirteen.

"Hm." Polaris thought for a moment. "I'd like you to come with me, please."

Nadia's eyes widened and darted straight to Nazar, who stood to her left. What should she do?

"Your Honor," Nazar intervened. He stepped in front of Polaris's horse and peered up at the royal advisor with his glowing blue leshy eyes. "What should I tell the count? He expects Lila to return immediately after Market Day ends."

"I will send him a message from the palace. It will reach him before you do, you have my word."

"Nazar!" came Miss Mirriot's voice. "She doesn't know the Slave Law when it concerns royalty and nobility!"

"Your Honor," said Nazar to Polaris. "Will you allow the miss to inform Lila of the law?"

"Of course," Polaris said as he dismounted.

Nadia rushed to Miss Mirriot, trembling as if she were freezing despite the humid spring weather.

"What do I do, Miss Mirriot? What if Master gets upset? What if I break one of the laws?"

"Calm down, my dear," Miss Mirriot replied. "This man is noble not just by social status, you needn't worry so much. And Master won't be upset with you, I promise. However, you must still obey the law as much as you possibly can. So whatever you do, don't make eye contact with anyone, but you must make sure they can see your eyes at all times. Do everything you're told and do not speak unless your response is requested. When you do speak, be sure it's the honest truth. Should someone witness you disobey any of these rules, it could mean your head. The law sees no age limit, my dear, and the royal advisor can only protect you so much. Now go on. Everything will be fine."

Nadia nodded and approached the royal advisor, who lifted her and set her on his horse. Then, he turned to the slaves and servants.

"Thank you very much. If I don't have her back by the end of the day, I'll be sure to let your master know."

The entire trip through Helvetica was a nerve-racking one for Nadia, especially since she had no idea where to they were headed. She so badly wanted to ask this man who he was and where she was being taken to as she did not understand any part of his conversation with Nazar. However, she remembered the, "don't speak unless your response is requested," law. Nadia knew that whatever was to happen next would be nothing good. If only she knew what it was so that she could prepare.