How he lied. These were the worst months of my life. We were starved to death. Forced to learn to read and write like humans. They were taught to serve people as butlers and waiters. They checked our talents. I didnt have any special ones. They beat me constantly, for any offense, so I became friends with the dwarf. Hes kind. I helped as much as I could. But Chief Diogenes is a beast. He fed a hundred dark elves to the dogs in my presence. I still dont understand why. Just for fun. Its very ingrained on me. The eyes are painfully cheeky, he says. But he doesnt want to kill. You need to be retrained. There are many races in captivity here. All of them are wearing collars. There are no friends among the slaves, only rivals. Food was stolen, fights, violence. But I saved myself. It wasnt easy, though. Here, after a hard day of training, I sit with others under a tree.
We need to get out of here. You cant live like this. Lucas, we need to get out of here.
Said my cellmate beastman Kesh with cat ears and a nice baby face. Even though hes twenty-three. Were not friends. But we look out for each other. You cant survive here alone. We have a group of five slaves here.
And how do you see it, Cash? Ill just walk up to the iron gate and tell you. Open up the Lord. And so they let me in. And then what? Theres nowhere to go.
You shouldnt be talking about Kesha like that. Hes got a point.
The cheetah-faced man Ignat said. He cant be more than forty. An experienced hunter. He sees it at night.
Theres a slave show tonight. I heard from the guards, Cash said.
Slave viewing was what they called the following. Rich ladies and gentlemen came and chose their own servants. They didnt let us get to the status of applicants as violent ones.
We have to kill those five, and theyll let us in, because there arent enough slaves. The collection is going badly. Everyone began to resist. People are being squeezed.
I can, but you dont mind.
The vampire Gerard said, grinning. Hes the strongest of us all. He alone does not need food, unlike us. He was protecting us. He was our main driving force. And we, in turn, fed it with our own blood.
Go ahead. I said. I dont know, but I became the leader of our group. I was consulted. Maybe they think that because Im a dark elf, I live a long time. To my objections, they said that I was lying in order to appear younger. Even the vampire recognized me as a leader. Although the scrolls in the village said that they didnt respect anyone. So the scrolls are lying.
I dont mind either, even though I wasnt asked.
Said our youngest goblin Nose. Green skin and a wart on his face. Height of one meter twenty. We keep him instead of a pet cat. It can crawl wherever it wants. He steals food for us. Useful, but stupid. Previously, he was a toy in the group of the big Gregorian Draconis. Local authority, prepare for the role of a gladiator. I wanted to make my local wife. But we recaptured the boy. Now were in trouble with his gang.
Having decided on this, the vampire went to the guys under another tree. Drunk, all their life force. I realized that I had had enough and came back to us.
I did everything, when they are called to the review, they will not be able to get up. Its done, boss.
As soon as we get out, Ill reward everyone.
I said, as I always do. Everyone always liked it.
You shafki are sitting here again. Make plans, creatures.
Our enemy said. Wardrobe. A mountain of muscle. Gregorian. Three of his six werewolves were with him.
None of your business.
Into battle.
He shouted. There was no point in talking to them. A fight broke out. We were hopelessly losing. Although Ive hit the ringleader in the face many times. It wasnt served. Only having a vampire kept us from losing outright.
Youre fighting again, my students.
A voice familiar to all of us said. We gave up the fight and lined up. Cash prayed. The werewolves whined. Everyone knew the punishment would be cruel.
Its good that you remember me. I thought you were forgetting about the fight here. I love you my kids. Like these guys with me. The truth is my pets.
This mans ugly face is the most disgusting thing Ive ever seen. Our boss Diogenes, of course, with his dogs. One and a half meter long black dogs from the darkness itself. Always hungry with bloody mouths. And there are five of them. He got them for half a soul from the court magician Radius Magnus. Although I think he gave his whole soul. It was painfully small, and half of it wasnt enough. But I wouldnt argue with him. Otherwise, youll end up in their stomachs. According to the rumors that went around the camp, once you get there with your family, you will not meet after death. All lies. Death is always one. I know that. I was there.
Why did you even come here? I asked Gregorian very quietly. We were enemies, but we could talk. Hes not a bad conversationalist.
We want to run away. So I wanted to negotiate. But youre as sharp as ever.
Keep quiet. A scream pierced our ears. The magic in him burned, as did the rage. Im the only one who can talk here. Take the stop lying down. One hundred push-ups. We fell down and did push-ups. Well done. And my boys will cheer you up. The dogs started walking around us and barking, spraying us with their drool and blood that burned like acid. What a nice smell. Wet students. You guys are scared. Theyll buy you something, and youll remember me with a kind word. I know our aristocrats. Theyre a bit of an entertainer. His ugly smile said he wasnt joking.
After an hour of humiliation and insults from him, he let us continue to sit under the tree. Then he left, whistling a merry song. And thats a good thing. At least no one was eaten.
Then tell me what you want right away. I said to my enemy. We wont take you with us.
Lets discuss the options. He pulled out a piece of sausage and a round loaf of bread. A bottle of dark kvass and lemonade. Its an advance. Ill give you more on the outside.
We need to discuss it.
I gathered everyone in a circle. We didnt talk for long. Two minutes. Everyone wanted to eat.
Agreed. But only you. I said, taking the gifts and dividing them equally.
Theyre still spoiled. Theyll find me later. Really, guys. His gang nodded. He values no one but himself. Maybe its right. But I cant do that. So whats the plan?
We must be bought as servants. On the way to the new house, our kid steals the keys, and we scurry into town. Its still better there than here. We spent months teaching our goblin how to pick his pockets. The cache taught you. Hes smart. I said, seeing the joy on the draconians face. He seemed to like the plan.
The plan is simple. But it might work. How do I enter my favorites?
Vampire, solve the question. That kids probably going to the review, too. Correct. I said as menacingly as possible. It is necessary to create a view in front of the enemy. Then he gave him a small wink. We need to drop it on the way. I dont like him, thats all.
The job was done, and we waited for the evening.
Here they are. Ladies and gentlemen of this world. The rich creatures that keep us here like cattle. They need obedient slaves. To whom for work, to whom for pleasure. Just the sight of them makes me sick. Ladies in puffy expensive dresses lick their lips in anticipation. They have a mess in their heads. Men arent any better, even though we only have men in our camp. Some people need it. Ugh. Vile world, vile people. I will punish everyone for the death of my beloved.
But then time passes, and the boss convulsively passes by us.
If you have any problems, we will help you. I said in the most affectionate voice possible. For some reason, when I say that, he doesnt hit me.
But heres the trouble with me, the best sick slaves have become quite a friend. There is no one to put up, but it is necessary. The number is needed. The appearance that in their rich world everything is the same as before. Although this is not the case. As you see, there are fewer slaves every day. And its really hard to find good ones. He even looked sad. The dogs next to him began to whine, sensing their masters sadness. If only he wasnt worried that my clansmen were gone. I might feel sorry for him. The fact that there are fewer slaves means that there is no one left. Genocide of people works perfectly.
So we can stand on the sidelines. Well be good. Chief forgive us. Youre kind. I was disgusted with myself.
It might work. Diogenes came to life. The dogs barked happily. Look punks. If you screw up, it will be the last straw. He looked around. So youre a dragon here, too. I made friends with them. Okay. Everyone quickly wash their face, brush their teeth and go to the square. Just keep quiet. Get your clothes from the barracks.
A strong fist hovered close to my face. The threat is not simple. Theres only one chance. You cant live like this. I smiled my nastiest smile, and we went to the barracks where we lived.
Half an hour later, sirens wailed all over the camp. That meant only one thing. Those who are not sold should stay in barracks, and we should run to the square.
It made me laugh. Six complete scumbags, except maybe a goblin, in nice white shirts and clean white pants.
I havent seen faces like that in a long time. Cash said. Id buy us myself.
Id buy you a house to guard, Ignat said, laughing.
Id take it for food. I would have eaten them all. Gerard said, licking his lips. Sometimes it gives me the creeps.
And Id take a nose to be my wife. Gregorian, as always, ruined the moment. I covered the boy who was shaking in fear. His psyche can no longer be restored. I dont say anything. I didnt want to. Were escape buddies now. I wont leave you. I didnt believe what he said.
We ran up and stood in the rad, with the same poor devils as us. More than a hundred hungry souls. Many people greeted me and let me pass. Im still a local authority, although I didnt think so of myself. The square was the cleanest place in the camp. A window to the world. The vile world of humans. A world of enemies. The world of murderers. The area is about two hundred meters.
Dear guests of our humble abode. Ladies and gentlemen. Said my friend the dwarf healer Rolek. He has a good clear voice, so he became a crier. Our camp has the best merchandise. He bowed. His face twisted into a tight smile. He likes it less than I do. But I have to run. I wont last another month. The psyche is already cracking. In this wonderful Slave Re-education Camp.
Chapter 3. Escape
Ten people were standing on a raised platform in the center. All dressed up and worried. They laughed as they surveyed us from afar, while guards in armor and armor with rapiers stood in front of them. I didnt feel like throwing myself at them. But there were precedents in the past.
So whats the plan for us to be chosen " said the draconian, stroking his red wings.
Our handsome man will charm everyone. Cheetah man Ignat said, pointing at the smiling goblin.
Sweet boy. Gregoriana licked his lips, exposing his fangs. But noticing my menacing look, he said: Good plan.
Our nose came forward. He started dancing funny. Even we had fun looking at it. Hes so funny. Everyones attention was on him. A sickly-looking young man in his late twenties walked up to Diogenes ' boss and said something in his ear. He, in turn, snarled at the nearest guard. He spat savorily and went after the baby. Coming up, he took him by the scruff of the neck and led him to the pedestal. There the boy immediately hugged him and began to kiss him. My hands clenched, but there was nothing I could do. Then the two of them left.
First lot. The boys Nose went for three silvers. Ladies and gentlemen, be generous with your choice of slaves.
In the hour we waited for the baby, we bought a dozen slaves. Then he came out, the kid who bought the Nose. All disheveled.
And our boy knows his business. No wonder I liked him. The draconian said. I really wanted to punch him in the face, but Im afraid my hand wont break through the scales and cut itself on the spikes.
Meanwhile, the boy was having a lively argument with Diogenes. Then he nodded and barked at the same soldier. He didnt spit, just smiled nastily. Apparently he liked what he heard. He came over.
This fellow, our prince, has taken a fancy to you lovebirds. I dont know how you did it. But you will have the honor of working in his castle. He is the son of the King of Eastern Tone. Then he spat. Youll be all over the place. Although maybe you are his. Its all disgusting, men. But theres nothing to do. I dont feel sorry for you as a fool. Then he looked at me sympathetically. But the dark elf doesnt work well. We almost killed all of you as it is. So now it is. Forgive us humans. He led us to the landing.