Enslaved

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The silver edge of the blade glistens like an incandescent wave of water, caught under the harsh light from the sun. It reflects the symmetry in the room, the four corners twist into it like a many-faceted visage, the chairs and tables seem like looming brown monsters. I put my trust into this blade, clenching it tightly in my quivering fingers. My knuckles are white-cold against the hilt, ashen from the fear that runs through my veins, poisoning me like a speedy drug. 5

As the door opens, my knife swishes through the air in one fast motion, plunging easily into the woman’s soft belly. 6

Twist. Let it be done, warrior. No chances can be taken. 7

Gulping, I twist the knife all around, gutting the stomach as if she was some animal I had poached. She did not scream – there was no time. I simply heard a gasp escape her lips, and then the poison racked her body. She writhed inside my grip, head lolling, froth appearing at the corners of her mouth like pale foam. 8

Let go. There is no pity for the Forsaken. 9

I close my eyes, and loosen my grip and the body falls with splat into the accumulated pool of dark blood. 10

I steady my breathing and go into the next room, coming into the courtyard of small temple. 11

He will be here, warrior. And then – you must act. Take revenge. 12

I nod and wait, creeping into the deadly shadows of the courtyard pillars. It is a beautiful place, the pillars and walls are carved with busts of feminine figures, their bosoms plated with gold, the depths of their eyes replaced with magical looking-glass that shines and glares in the night with a light of its own. 13

Crunch. The unmistakable sound of a footstep reaches my ears. 14

An old man appears by the stairs, gently descending down the flight of steps. I feel my blood curdle with excitement, a fervor to see his blood upon my hands. 15

Patience, warrior. Like you, this man is a Magi. His magic is stronger than most. Be very careful. 16

I still my hands. A Magi. This called for subtle action. I slide the bloody, sticky dagger into my pocket and rub my hands together, watching as the man reaches the end and sat down, his back turned to me as he tends some night-flowers. 17

Take no chances, warrior. Now!18

I spring into action, raising my hands, hooking my connection to the earth beneath my feet. The man gasps as the marble underneath his frail figure turns to liquid and he slides inside, the marble quickly enveloping him to his knees. Taking the poisoned knife in my hands, I slip into the cold night air from behind the pillar.19

Yes, warrior. Finish him. Exact your revenge. 20

The man looks at me, his eyes wide with fear. 21

My mouth opens unwillingly, and a voice sounds. Not my voice. 22

“He is warrior now, old man. My warrior. My servant. There is nothing that can save this land from my wrath. Not you – not your false gods!” 23

The old narrows his eyes in anger and whips his hands forward. Out from a fountain nearby, a cold wave of water rises into the air, wrapping itself around me before I have a chance to react. The old man closes eyes, his silhouette becoming translucent and walks right through the marble enclosing his feet. 24

“This is an evil inside you! A blasphemous curse! A daemon! A demigod! Do not listen to him!” says the old man frantically, hesitating as he steps closer to me. 25

Kill the Forsaken, my warrior. And the prize shall be yours.26

“What prize?” I cry through the water that binds my body tight. 27

Freedom. 28

I feel a surge of power throughout my body. The water turns to ice, freezing quickly, the chilly tendrils like white ribbons in the nightly glare of the moon. With one surge of magical power, they shatter and skid into different directions, like a thousand shards of glass. The old man reacts quickly, raising his hands in front. One of the pillar by the sides shatters and fall directly in front of him, like a shield against the icy daggers. 29

With a jump, I climb on top and let loose a thrust of purple fire. 30

Yes, my warrior. Fight for your Lord!31

The fire takes the man by surprise, singing the front of his face and he screams in agony. It catches his arms and the fabric of his clothes melts into his skin, burning the frail, wrinkled body. 32

I watch him silently. Coldly. 33

You have done well, my warrior. 34

I clench my teeth from screaming. I hate this voice. I hate this Lord. I cannot destroy him, nor can I defeat him, nor can I defy him. 35

“Give me my freedom! Please, free me of this bond.”36

You evoked my, my warrior. You raised me from the dead. You brought me back. I am a part of you.37

I hang my head, knowing this to be true. And as I walk swiftly back, I recognize the people I have killed.38

I many years past, before I became enslaved to this daemon lord. They were my parents. 39

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