A/N: this chapter and others might upset some of the readers since there is going to be some sex. Remember Theik-Lekal has no memories from before he arrived. As most of you have guessed he is in a way Jim but not quite. He did die at the end of the last book and it was permanent.
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Theik-Lekal had finally made it to the city and he had to admit it was rather impressive. He was standing off to one side on the top of a small hill looking at the city. The walls looked to be a good thirty feet tall if not more and from the looks of it a good ten feet thick. The gates were massive and heavily guarded. The city itself was huge and he had to guess contained at least one hundred thousand people if not more.
After watching it for a while he finally moved back over to the road and headed towards the gates. People were moving in and out with minimal interference as far as he could tell. Most didn't have weapons though and that might be a problem for him. Since he had picked up a decent sized knife he had put the heavy dagger away though he still had the axe over his shoulders. As he moved closer to the gate the heavier the traffic.
From what he could tell most of the people had trade goods of some sort and they ranged from farm produce to material. He could smell carts of spices and possibly scented woods and incense as well. Those were heavily guarded by some very mean looking caravan guards. Most of them carried a variety of weapons though few actually carried an axe of any sort. That made him wonder if it was some sort of symbol indicating an Imperial guard of some sort. It might cause him some trouble when he tried to enter the city though he hoped not.
When he finally did approach the gate several hours later as he rather expected he was pulled off to one side. "Why you carry an axe? How do you deserve it and what is that small thing for?" The guard was similar to the ones he had killed the first day.
Theik-Lekal met the guard's eyes and gave him an open yet slightly stupid smile. "I's be a wood cutters sur. I's here to checks on some matters for ma master sur. He's be wantin current prices froms his factors." God he hoped that they wouldn't look past the ignorant speech.
The guard turned to another and discussed it for several minutes. As they were Theik was trying his best not to sweat or look nervous. What he was going for was a country hick that was slightly on the simple side.
The guard turned back to him and gave him a good look. "So why be your master havin and simpleton doing his work for him?" Depending on the answer they might have a bit of fun with him.
Theik scratched his sweaty and dirty hair before scratching at an armpit. "I's just be pickin up soems scrolls for hims. He's bint busy with some ting back homes. His youngin is being mated soon and he's workin on hers", he frowned slightly, "Oh, dowerys for some wood cuttin place." He gave him a simple smile. "Hes not ables to come here so's he sent me."
Well crap that ruined the guards fun. "Fine, git your papers and be gone soon's as possible peon." He did give Theik a shove back into the crowd and laughed when he almost knocked some woman off her feet.
Theik managed not to knock her over and gave a nod to the guard. "Has a good one sur." He turned and trudged back into the crowd and once away from the gate house stood tall again. The pull was dragging him off towards the left so he followed it. As he was walking he eventually made it to what looked like a central market.
He moved off to one side and while sipping on some water from a skin he looked around the open area. It was large and seemed to be organized though some aspects bothered him. Immediately to his left was what looked like a slave area since there were a number of people chained up or in cages. That made him want to scream but instead his gray eyes traveled around the rest of the area. As he was looking his eyes were drawn to what was a procession of some lord.
The man appeared to be young yet obviously carried himself with a confidence that others didn't have. He appeared to have five or maybe six guards and what might be a tutor or advisor. All the clothing and armor was in very good shape and had gold and silver emblems. Theik started following them for some reason and as he did he noticed the crowd was parting for the young man or the guards. There wasn't quite the fear he had seen before though there was some.
~~~
Zephara had finally gathered his personal guards and the tutor after lunch and headed towards the main market. Since it was a distance away the used some riding beats to get to the location. Once there they had dismounted and handed the beasts over to one of the Imperial approved stables.
Once they were off the beasts they started looking through the markets. He was simply looking to see what might catch his eye while the tutor had a few specific items. "Your Highness based on your studies there are some items I would like to gather. If you wish to come with I can introduce you to some of my suppliers. Since you are looking into alchemy at the moment there are some suppliers with special chemicals we can use. Also there are two mechanical Magisters that you might want to meet as well. They are very good with gears and some of the fine machines you find interesting."
Zephara nodded. "That sounds very good but I would like to take a look at some of the book sellers as well. I heard rumor about a new seller who has some old books that might be of value in my studies." The male he was talking about appeared to deal with scientific books on the surface. Much deeper he had a reputation for having books about religions and auguries. Those he wanted as well though where he was going to keep them he didn't know. It was something he might have to talk to his tutor about.
"Well your Highness shall we head to the other end of the plaza where most of the book sellers are." It wasn't the best of sections but with the guards they would be safe. There were other book sellers in better sections but most of them were only there for the popular books. Granted the books the sellers he was thinking about did charge a great deal for some of their inventory.
Zephara nodded at the tutor and he wished he had some time to talk to him without worrying about stray ears. "Sounds like a good idea. We have gone through most of the books in the library that deal with that type of information. I am sure my father won't mind my expanding the library somewhat." He looked at the guards. "Ensure we are not bothered. I know the section and it is not properly patrolled and I don't want any incidents."
The senior guard nodded at the boy, no young man. "Most definitely your Highness. I will ensure that you aren't bothered or accosted." He had originally disliked being detailed working for the boy but he was starting to prove himself. If he kept going the Captain was going to consider doing a bit of clearing the path for him.
One of the guards mentally smiled though. He had been paid a handsome fee to look the other way by one of the idiot's brothers. All he had to do was be somewhat out of place at the right time and allow some 'ruffians' to get to him. Half the money had been given to him and he had passed it on to his family. The rest would be given once it was over with. Little did he know he wasn't expected to survive long enough to receive the balance.
~~~
As they moved towards that end of the Market Theik-Lekal was casually checking out the slave cages. He had to frown since he could feel something in the back of his mind grumble at him. It was a good growl as he was walking down the cages. As he was moving around he was checking out what was being offered and frankly he wanted to kill someone. The section he was in had both young males and females. They had what he would call barely there clothing so it showed off their bodies. He knew why they would do that and it revolted him.
In the back of his mind the grumble was trying to placate him and Theik guessed that this might change somewhat. When or how he didn't know but he accepted the grumble but kept wandering. When he walked past one cage he had to move back and look inside it. Inside was a young female who he guessed was around fifty five or so turns old. Though he didn't have any desire for that type of thing he was feeling drawn to her. Theik squatted down in front of the cage though not to close. "Hello youngling, my name is Theik-Lekal. What is your name and if'n you don't mind my asking how did you end up here?"
She cowered back slightly when the large male returned to her and squatted down. When he spoke his gray eyes were steady and his face didn't show any of the unwanted attention. As far as he could tell other than a very brief look at her body his eyes settled on hers and stayed there. She finally moved a bit forward and looked at him. In a scared voice she answered him. "Why are you named Voice of Sorrows?" She blanches the moment she asked that. "Forgive master, I forgot myself. I came here when my family perished during a fight against the rebellion." Her voice was so quiet it was hard to hear.
Theik-Lekal simply sighed. "Girl don't feel bad about what you asked. As to why I can't really tell you since I don't know. I will tell you a secret, I lost my memory not very long ago and someone gave me that name." After a glance around he reached between the bars of the cage and touched her cheek before withdrawing it. "I am sorry to hear that youngling. If you are willing I am going to purchase you. I have no ill intent towards you or sick desire for your body. Is this acceptable?"
She almost flinched from his touch but it was gentle and so brief she had to wonder if she imagined it. When he asked her if she minded his purchasing her she was forced to stare at him in shock. Once she had been captured she had never expected to be asked what she might want again. To be asked was enough to almost break the shell she had tried to create around her mind. "If that is your wish master then I will say yes."
