Book 3: Chapter 42
Garrett had been aware that the city had a thriving black market, and even during his days in the palace, word of the dark deals cut in the underbelly had reached his ears. Seeing it with his own eyes, however, was a completely different thing. The main area of the so-called underground was a multi story spiral with suspended platforms that extended from the ascending ramp, causing the shops on each platform to look like a set of stairs that rose from the sewer floor up six stories to the domed ceiling. As the group made their way up toward the top, they passed all sorts of shops, each nicer than the last. All sorts of things were displayed for sale, though for most of the stores, it took Garrett a moment or two to figure out what they sold.
That was especially true for the shops selling slaves. Each had a number of good looking men and women lounging on couches scattered around their shop, with heavily armored guards standing nearby. Though highly illegal, slavery wasnt completely unheard of, and here in the underground, where practically anything could be bought, the only law was the amount of coin a person had. Garrett could tell which of the men and women were slaves from the blank look in their eyes and the way Ryn bristled when they got close, and with an impulse born of mild curiosity, he sent a dream seed floating toward one of them.
The ethereal seed, invisible to everyone but Garrett, drifted across the distance to a young man sitting blankly on the end of a couch and sank into his head, settling into the slaves mind. There was already a strong mental energy brand in the slaves mind, which explained the lack of collar or chains, as well as the faintly hollow look in the young mans eyes. Rather than have the dream seed bloom right away, Garrett let it stay dormant as they passed by, continuing to climb up toward the top of the underground market. He wasnt sure what he would do with the dormant dream seed, but before he could decide, his attention was drawn away.
They had just arrived at the next level, which was comprised of a wide circle of shops, all of which were connected, making a large ring. These shops were much more ornate than anything he had seen before, but what was most eye-catching were the twelve foot tall monsters chained up in the center of the platform on either side of the stairs that led to the top level. Humanoid, with limbs thick with muscle, they glared at everyone who came close from a single bloodshot eye in the center of their foreheads. Broken teeth gnashed behind rubbery lips that dribbled drool as they gnawed on the bones of a large creature. Each of their hands had three thick fingers with heavy nails and as Garrett watched, one of them casually snapped a bone that was as thick as a warriors arm so it could suck the marrow out.
Are those
Trolls? Ryn said quietly, finishing Garretts question. Yes.
Arent they quite dangerous? Why are they chained here?
Before Ryn could answer, Garrett noticed a well dressed man walking over. A haughty look on his face made him instantly unlikeable, and the words that came out of his mouth did nothing to assuage the feeling.
You are Cynen? Of the Grave Walker gang? Youre late. The council is waiting for you.
Stopping, Cynen turned her head toward the haughty man, but didnt say anything. Instead, it was Gale who spoke up, stepping up to fix him with a hard glare.
Fix your tone when talking to my boss or Ill have your tongue.
Unimpressed by the threat, the man just sneered and gestured to the stairs.
If you even think about touching me, youll be ripped limb from limb. Just crawl upstairs and hope that the council doesnt feel like feeding you to the trolls.
Garrett was watching it with a detached curiosity, as if examining a bug that had been pinned in place. Even as the other troll had attacked, he had sensed that this troll had gotten the same command, but as soon as it locked gazes with him, its survival instinct had caused it to abandon any thought of such a thing, and now it was desperately trying to escape as the weight of the Dreamers Throne pressed down on its small mind.
Down.
Keeping the command focused on the troll, rather than broadcasting it widely, Garrett was amused when the monster dropped to the ground as if slapped down. It desperately wanted to look away, but Garretts mental energy was simply too strong and kept the troll locked in place even as it attempted to press its body into the ground. The other troll was still burning, and the silence that had shrouded the space was broken by the haughty man hurrying over, a faintly horrified expression on his face.
What are you doing! Unhand the Moonlight Councils guards! If you harm them
He didnt manage to finish his threat before Cynens hand closed around his throat, choking him off. The faint horror turned into full blown terror, but Cynens grip was too tight and he couldnt get any words out as she turned and began to walk up the stairs, dragging him along. About half way up, she stopped and turned her head, as if looking around at the watching gang members. Though her eyes were covered by a black cloth, every single person there felt as if they could see ghostly flames dancing behind her mask.
You should let him go.
The woman speaking managed to keep her voice calm on the surface, but the tremble in her hands couldnt be hidden from Garretts sharp gaze. Cynen, who was still looking over the gangs gathered below, slowly turned her gaze to the top of the stairs, where the well dressed young woman stood. Based on the look of relief in the haughty mans eyes, it was obvious that he thought her words would be enough to grant him his freedom, but Cynens response dashed any hope he had.
Youve had your fun, am I not allowed to have mine?
No sooner had her words finished than flames appeared from her fingers that were wrapped around the mans throat and his skin began to blacken, causing his face to twist in an agonized expression.
Do not make a foolish choice, Cynen, one of the other young men who had been watching, his tone sharp.
With a low chuckle, Cynen continued to walk forward, forcing the men and women at the top of the stairs to fall back. In her hand, the man she held continued to burn, his body spasming as Lesraks Flames stole his life. By the time she reached the top of the stairs, his life had long since ended, and she casually tossed the charred remains of his body to the floor. The tension could have been cut with a knife, but her lips curved up in a smile as she looked at the young nobleman who had spoken.
I have not given you permission to use my name, whelp. If your father was here, he could speak to me as you have, and I wouldnt complain, but if you open your mouth again, youll follow in your lackeys footsteps.
Opening his mouth to retort, the young nobleman lost his courage as the green flames on Cynens hand flared, casting green shadows across his pale face. Letting out a low chuckle, Cynen looked at the table that stood beyond the crowd of nobles. Eight others were already sitting there, every single one of them staring at Cynen in something approaching horror. She had always been one of the stronger awakened, but now it was abundantly evident that her strength had risen explosively. Walking forward, she paid no more attention to the nobles who fell back, leaving her a clear path to the table. When she stopped behind her seat, her smile fled and she spoke with a coldness that chilled everyone who heard it to the bone.
It seems that much has been forgotten since our last meeting, including the respect due to one of the seats. Do I need to repeat my performance from earlier to remind you all?
