I dedicate this chapter to
@DragonGirl_97
Who was the first and only person to comment
And who helped me improve my writing
Thank you

Serena stood next to Cornelius who was examining a stand in the Diamond City's market, filled with exotic fruit Serena had only seen in pictures. He picked up a purple, pear-shaped fruit with tiny spikes and examined it thoughtfully. "My, my Edward," Cornelius said to a man standing to his left, "Since when have your traders been going as far south as the jungles of the Emerald province?"
         The man, who was tall and handsome, with sleek black hair and a pointed chin, answered excitedly, "Not since very recently. Turns out my sister was right about how much we would gain by trading with them." He plucked the fruit out of Cornelius's hand and set it back down in the stand. "Now come, " he continued, steering the Emperor away from the stand, "You must see the slave markets. All the natives in the southern isles are very strong and healthy, ready for a hard day's work." Serena followed the two men through the thick crowd, which parted before them. The trio, surrounded by half a dozen guards soon arrived at the slave markets, as a muscular man with dark skin, was being auctioned off.
        "Here we have a fine specimen," the auctioneer announced to the gathering crowd, "Big and muscular. I'd say he'd do well in the fields. Going for 175, no 250. I'd say, 325. Any last offers? Going once..... going twice..... And sold to the man in the fine velvet suit." A man swaggered up to the podium and handed the auctioneer a big bag which jingled with coins.
        Serena sighed and gazed around, looking for something else to watch. Slave auctions made her feel sick, people being sold as if they were cattle. But, they are useful, she thought, thinking about how different her luxurious castle life would be without slaves. Just as she was turning back to watch more of the auction, something caught her eye. A cloaked man leaned against the corner of a building, staring directly at her. His face was cloaked by shadow, and a gleaming dagger hung from his belt. He stood up and walked into a nearby alleyway. Serena thought, now where's he off to?
        "Will you excuse me," she muttered to Cornelius. He nodded and continued to stare  at the slaves. Serena squeezed through the crowd, and headed off towards they alley where the man had disappeared.  She turned down it and saw man's black cloak vanish around the corner. She hurried after him, breaking into a run. Skidding around the corner, Serena yelped when she saw the man standing, his back facing the dead end wall, with a huge sword drawn. It glinted in the light drifting into the alley. He rushed at her and vaulted over her head, rushing into the open street. Serena followed him, her satin dress almost tripping her every five seconds.
Gah! Serena thought furiously as her dress made her stumble for the millionth time. Why were dresses made so impractical?
      The man disappeared into a second alleyway as Serena rounded the corner of a tavern. She slowed and, as she caught  her breath, she lit her hand. A small inferno blazed as she cautiously approached the alley. When the alley came into view, the man was not there. Serena walked to the end of the alley, which was a dead end. How could he have escaped?
     A loud whistle echoed through the alley. Serena whirled around. Right behind her stood the man, still with a heavy sword. Serena stared at him. She shouted, "I don't know who and what you are, but all I know is that I will use this," she lifted her left hand, which contained the small flame, "If I have too." The man was silent for a moment before letting out a small chuckle. He flicked his hand slightly and two more men armed with bows melted out of the shadows.
     Serena backed up against the alley wall. Three men? How was this possible? She might be able to take on one, but three? That was more than she could handle. She watched in horror as the man closest to her pulled out a long tube. He put it up to his mouth and blew. A silver blur shot out of the end and hit Serena in the neck. All of a sudden, she felt dizzy. She staggered, and fell to her knees. Her surroundings became a blur as she fell to the ground and lost all consciousness.