Chapter 77: The Domain

“Don’t concern yourself with the labours of slaves,” says Xara.

“You allow slavery in Floren?!?” I reply, alarmed at the concept.

“Slavery is legal in Floren, and most of the city states hereabouts. Selling yourself into slavery is often the only way that the poor can survive, particularly if you are of mixedblood.”

“If those people voluntarily sold themselves into slavery, then why are they chained like that?” I ask.

“Those are probably captives taken during our last war with one of our neighbouring cities,” replies Xara.

“Is Floren currently at war?” I ask, alarmed at the possible danger.

“Not at the moment,” replies Xara. “Most captives taken during a war will be freed upon payment of a ransom, once a war ends. But not every captive has friends or relations who can pay a ransom. If the ransom isn’t paid, then the captive forfeits citizenship of his or her homeland, and becomes a slave of their captors. Some slaves try to escape, which is why they are shackled.”

I mull over Xara’s words and the barbarity of the practise. I previously thought that the mainland cities would be well established centres of civilisation. What I see around me is anything but civilised.

“Word of your arrival has been sent to the Seneschal,” says the captain. “You are to wait aboard the Falcó until she is ready to see you. Xara has been assigned to attend to your needs while you are our guest.”

By the time Tayn and I return to the deck, the laden wagons have gone. I watch the workers busy on the quayside. There are no shackled men and women at work, but I detect from their clothing and behaviour that some groups are slaves under the supervision of an overseer. One overseer takes out a whip and lays it across the back of a clumsy slave.

“Why do your leaders allow such barbarity?” I ask Xara who is standing beside me.

“The law allows the High Marshal to punish discontent in any way he sees fit,” replies Xara. “The Seneschal and her assistants ensure the people of Floren obey.”

“And where do Tayn and I fit into all this?” I query. “Are we guests or slaves?”

“I don’t know,” replies Xara. “You will find out once the Seneschal concludes her examination of you. Most likely you will simply be released into our community once she has learned what she seeks. However, without friends or money you may find that you can’t avoid selling yourself into slavery.”

“What if we want to return to Madiana?”

“Hmmm. Without money that’s not likely to be an option open to you. To be honest, I don’t know why the Seneschal sent the Falcó to capture a specimen from Madiana. We heard rumours that the former inhabitants of Madiana had returned, but we know nothing about why our mission was necessary.”

“Is that what we are to you? Specimens! “ I snap.

“Until your status here is determined, then you will find yourself referred to as a Madiana specimen,” replies Xara unapologetically. “Until your species is confirmed, our law classifies you as a specimen.”

“I know what species I am,” I reply. “On Madiana, Tayn and I are part of the Tomyris race. In the east the females of our species are known as Elf Maidens.”

“Neither of those labels means anything here,” replies Xara. “You had best wait until the Seneschal examines you. There’s no point in worrying about the various outcomes the Seneschal may decree.”

“I’ll not be a slave to anyone!” I growl.

“Floren is well accustomed to handling unwilling slaves,” replies Xara, unmoved by my outburst. “Admittedly a few slaves escape, but most get caught. There’s a heavy price for failure. But slavery is just the worst of several possible outcomes for you both.”

I’m feeling downhearted by the time we receive word that the Seneschal is ready to see us. Two sailors wait with me at the rear of the main deck. Tayn is hauled onto the deck from wherever he has been kept when we aren’t together. Unlike me, he has been treated as a prisoner. His wrists and ankles are still locked in shackles.