Chapter Seven
Kathryn

As I was was pulled from the stage, I heard a pitiful wail ring out behind me. It seemed the next girl on the block had taken my place among the butcher's purchases. I swallowed back the choking guilt that overwhelmed me. I'd deserved death no less than any of the others. The butcher had claimed my flesh. I should already be condemned. Then again, I had no idea if my new owner had spared me. Even through my disorientation I wondered what fate I might face with this sibla man who'd purchased my life. Him and his... What was Alice to him? She didn't act the part of a slave. Now that my future was potentially in the strange woman's hands I would could not help but think of the other's assessment of her.

Greyskin. A traitor to humanity

Why else would Alice's Master permit her such freedom and power? But still, I couldn't quite believe it. Though woman's stoic face and manner had been hard as she'd eyed me like a piece of meat, I was sure I'd seen kindness in her expression as well. Had that been an illusion? A wishful hope? I couldn't help but wonder if working so closely with a sibla master had changed the woman into something not human herself, more like the cold cruel creature who owned her. Her age and demeanor suggested she had been with Kendrick a very long time after all. This jumble of thoughts continued to swirl in my brain as the slavers herded me and an assortment of other terrified women down a long hall and into a holding cell, locking the door behind.

The holding pen was not very crowded and relatively unguarded with only one sibla man standing outside the entry, but none of the other captives were daring enough to talk. After all, what was there to say? Most sat huddled in on themselves trying to shut out the world. Or maybe they were just trying to stay warm. With each step on the concrete floor I felt icy shivers attacking my naked body. It was as if rather than protect from the elements, the hard walls only served to trap the cold around us. Seeing no other option, I copied the others' example, lowering myself to the ground and hugging my legs tight as best I could with bound hands, hoping to gain a bit of body heat to revive my frozen limbs. As exhausted as I was, I'd nearly managed to doze off when the rattle of keys at the door of my cage grabbed my attention.

"We'll have your animals for you in just a moment, Sir," I heard a voice say. "We just have to find the brand on their arms and—-"

"That wont be necessary," another answered. "My slave can find our purchases without bothering the rest."

My sleepy eyes opened and focused on the door.

Alice

I could see the small human figure moving decisively through the cell, gently waking a few of the women near me and helping them to their feet. Five it seemed. Alice herded them towards the door.

I didn't move, watching the proceedings with confusion. Was the woman coming for me too? But then the Alice's head turned and her  cold grey eyes fell directly upon me. My heart skipped unevenly in my chest.

"Coming, Kathryn?"  Alice asked, that same blank expression on her face as before.

"Yes, Ma'am," I answered, quickly scrambling to my feet. I certainly didn't want to be left behind and imagined anything would be have to be better than this trading post....Besides, I knew I didn't have much choice. I'd heard the sum her Master paid for me. I belonged to him entirely, whether I liked it or not.

But as the thoughts swirled and jumbled in my mind, Alice had already turned away. It seemed she simply expected me to follow and had not even bothered to ensure I did so. Of course it was better than being manhandled but I noticed that even my jailer was confused by the behavior of my new Master and his slave. The burly slaver took hold of my arm when I reached the door, checking my brand before letting me go. I increased my pace to catch up to the others who were nearly out of sight by now, the small group already making their way outside through the door at the end of the long hallway of the holding facility.

—-
Just outside the building my new Master stood beside his truck and trailer, Alice by his side. He watched as each of the girls emerged, taking count. I noticed a clear frown on the sibla man's face as he caught sight of me among the rest. I looked the ground, avoiding his gaze. Had I somehow displeased him already? It was not a promising sign. I joined the group of girls huddled together, shivering in the late day chill.

"Will you ride with them, Alice?" I heard him ask the older human by his side.

Alice nodded. "They all need care," she answered. "I can't imagine why these men would keep them without clothing for so long. It is freezing. Surely none of their customers wish the animals they acquire to be ill before they even arrive on their estates?"

Kendrick shook his head. "I can't account for it myself," he replied, "but there are blankets and shifts enough for all. We will find them adequate clothing when we arrive home. The trailer should be warm enough.

Alice nodded again.

"And I know you packed enough food to feed at least ten so none should go hungry," the sibla man continued. Again he cast a displeased look in my direction, his eyes specifically focusing on me where I stood among the others, failing to hide myself.  But if Alice and noticed the pointed comment and stare, she didn't seem to pay it any heed. Instead, she only smiled at his words.

"Indeed," Alice replied, "how lucky for us then. We will have plenty for the journey back.  Let's finish up here so we can get these girls inside, Magnus. The heat will do them a world of good."

Incredulity that filled me watching the interaction. Had Alice just dismissed our Master? Clearly he was annoyed that they were only returning with six girls and I knew it was my fault. The rest he'd bought so cheaply. Why had he been willing to pay more for me? And had Alice really just referred to her Master by his first name? If the woman had erred in doing so the sibla man didn't appear to care in the least, only nodding in response before directing his attention back to us fully.

"Line up," Kendrick ordered, though his tone was soft, making the command sound far more like a request than a demand. "Hold out your hands and I will cut your bonds."

I blinked in surprise and saw the confusion in the face of the other humans by my side as well. He was releasing our restraints? Why? Of course I would not question such a thing, but it certainly was not what I'd expected.

Every girl beside me in the line we quickly formed looked decidedly nervous as our new Master pulled a knife from his pocket. But fear quickly faded to relief as he moved from one to the next, cutting away the tight ropes on our wrists with speed and care. When he did so on the girl before me however, the man frowned.

"Alice," he called out. "Come here."

The human woman was instantly at his side, her eyes focused on the girl's wrists. I could see now why they were staring. Her hands had been bound far too tightly. The skin around the site was pale with a blueish tinge, and the red grooves cut into her wrists were raw and deep. I felt a sick feeling bubbling in my stomach, knowing that the scars might mean her death. Clearly Kendrick was concerned by them.

The girl must have sensed the danger too. As soon as the sibla released his hold, the poor thing pulled her arms towards her body quickly, as if in a futile attempt to hide the injury. But neither Alice nor Kendrick grabbed them back. Instead, Alice's expression softened considerably. She reached a hand out to rest lightly on the girl's shoulder.

"May I see your wrists, child?" she asked gently. "I wish to help you but those wounds look bad. I need to inspect them."

Tears dripped down the girl's cheeks, clearly terrifed of what they would do too her if she was too damaged to be of use, but she nodded in response nonetheless, shakily bringing her arms forward again. Alice smiled and carefully took hold of the girl's hands, focusing intently on the wounds.

"Well?" The sibla man asked. I couldn't quite tell if he sounded annoyed or concerned. Maybe he was only impatient to be on his way.

"Please don't send me back there," the girl whimpered. "I can still work hard. I swear it. Please."

I watched a sorrowful frown appeared on Alice's face as she patted the back of the injured girl's hands.

"You have no reason to worry," she said. "Our Master merely wishes for you to be well. You have done nothing wrong and will not suffer for the mistakes of your captors."

The girl's tears did not cease, but she stopped her protests of fear, comforted by Alice's words.

"I brought some salve and bandages with me," Alice said, giving the girl one more small reassuring smile before turning back to our Master. "After I tend to her she should be fine.I have certainly seen worse. I'll keep an eye out for infection in any case."

The man nodded.

"Go on," Alice said to him, "finish the last one. I'm sure your new humans are eager to abandon this place of suffering. I know I certainly am."

Kendrick sighed and nodded again.

I froze with fear as he reached out to grab my wrists with no particular care and slipped the knife beneath my restraints to cut them, freeing my hands with barley a glance. I was only grateful he was skilled enough to sever the ropes without much thought and still manage to avoid cutting my skin. It was already clear enough he didn't like me. I still couldn't understand why he purchased me at all. Of course I could hardly ask such questions. Without a moment of eye contact, the sibla man had already re-pocketed his knife and opened the heavy trailer door.

"Come," Alice said, addressing us. "Let's get you all inside."

We were quick to comply. Alice was right. I was only too happy to leave the auction site and I imagined the others must feel the same. Whatever might come next, it seemed Alice and Magnus certainly cared more for our comfort than any we'd met thus far in the sibla world and that was enough to motivate us to follow without hesitation.

"I'll stop in a few hours," Kendrick said as the older human woman climbed into the truck with us. "I will see you then, Alice."

Alice nodded and the man closed the door to the trailer, locking us all inside. It was not long before the engine came to life beneath our feet.

——
The trailer was nothing like the one that took me from my home to market. Free of cages or chains, the walls were lined on one side with seats beside a window through which the world sped by, and on the floor were mattresses with fluffy pillows and quilts laid out. The compartment was clearly heated as was the floor. I felt sensation coming back to my feet almost immediately as warmth traveled along my bare skin. I couldn't imagine why our new Master was willing to offer humans such luxury.

"Please, make yourselves comfortable," Alice said as she passed each of us a soft cotton shift to cover ourselves. She came back around with warm blankets which she draped over our shoulders. "Let me know if you grow too hot," she added. "It is just so cold out there. I want to make sure you all have a chance to revive yourselves. I do have the ability to adjust the temperature in the cab however."

On one dared answer her but Alice didn't seem to care. We all watched in silence as the human woman moved about the trailer, pulling white cloth and a jar from one of her bags.

"Sit," she said, seeing us all still standing awkwardly, trying to keep balance in the moving vehical. "Relax."

As the rest of us uneasily settled onto the mats along the floor, Alice went to the girl with the injured wrists. I watched as the old woman opened the jar and carefully applied a green salve within to the reddened skin, wrapping the wounds tightly in cloth.

"Would any of you care for something to eat?" Alice asked when she'd finished. "I've brought fresh bread, cheese, and apples. It will be quite a long ride before we reach our Master's home. Once we are there, there will be something warm and more filling, but for now I wanted to make sure you had something to tide you over. I know slavers don't make a habit of feeding their wares the day before market. You all must be quite hungry."

Alice went to a large cooler and removed four fresh looking loaves of bread as well as a sizable round of cheese and a knife, laying all out on a clean cloth with plates beside. When we still remained silent, the woman only shrugged.

"Any of you are free to take what you wish," she said. "I have warm tea as well." Reaching into the cooler again she took out a stack of paper cups and handed us each our own before retrieving a thermos from which she poured steaming brown liquid. The smell wafting from the warm brew was delicious.

"It is regenerative," she said, watching as we all hesitated to actually drink the liquid. The woman smiled and poured a cup for herself as well, drinking deeply, as if to prove that the tea was nothing to be feared. "There is ample fresh water as well if you'd prefer," she added, gesturing to a large metal container with a spout. She set the excess cups beside it.

Cautiously sipping my tea I watched as a few did the same, some even nodding in response to Alice's words. Still, all kept their eyes down cast, clearly fearing to look at her directly.  But somehow I couldn't help but keep my focus on this fascinating woman. Nothing about her or Magnus made any sense.

"I know you are all frightened," Alice continued. "You have every right to be. But let me be the first to congratulate you on your good fortune today. Of all the masters you might have come under here, you have been granted the kindest and most generous."

The others did not comment at the strange assertion, but the older woman must have seen the questioning look that crossed my face.

"Skeptical are you?" Alice asked. My heart thudded in my chest as she focused directly on me. Her tone sounded harder now somehow, though I hadn't meant to show any sign of questioning.

"No Ma'am," I answered, somehow forcing the denial from my mouth quickly. I looked to the cup in my hand to avoid her gaze, worried I'd offended her, but Alice only let out a small snort in response.

"No need to deny," she said. "The man just haggled for your flesh. You had freedom not long ago and now you are slaves. I can appreciate you doubting my statement. But I'm  also certain you realize the other bidders who might have acquired your lives today would not be releasing your bonds so quickly?" she said, addressing the question to all of us.

"They would not be feeding you wholesome food, nor offering warmth and comfort. In fact some of you might be dead already were it not for Magnus's intervention."

Alice's again eyes fell directly upon me again at the final comment. But though I expected to see anger on her face for the ingratitude I'd shown in questioning our master's goodness, when I raised my gaze I saw the old woman was smiling slightly as if amused.

"At any rate," Alice continued. "I hope you will all find happiness under Magnus's roof. You may notice that there are no whips here in this trailer, no batons or chains. Magnus does not believe in such punishments in general. It is for this reason that he allows me to act as overseer to all of his humans."

I blinked in surprise, feeling my mouth drop open slightly. In fact all of the other girls raised their eyes as well now, staring in awe. Or perhaps it was fear? I thought about the warnings the girl in my cage had offered about Alice.

She must have done some horrible things to make it this long

As if in response to my thoughts I watched as the old woman's eyes narrowed following her first assertion.

"Do not believe for a moment that my place as overseer means you can take advantage of my position," Alice continued, her tone sharper than before. "Though I do not favor physical punishment, I assure you I know how to met it out if necessary." Her hard gaze traveled to each of us, cementing her point. "As long as you do as you are told, you will find that both Magnus and I are exceedingly understanding and lenient, but your obedience is not negotiable. Is that clear?"

"Yes Ma'am," I chanted quickly in unison with the others. There was no other answer to such a clear threat.

Alice's hard expression relaxed again and she smiled warmly in response.

A chill ran through me at the rapid change. It was as if two creatures dwelled in the body of one woman. Alice was both comforting and terrifying at the same time and it was impossible to tell which of these beings might be the facade and which the truth of her inner mind. I wondered what the others thought of this strange human woman who had somehow managed to become the overseer to a sibla's slaves. But with Alice watching closely I didn't dare attempt even catch their eyes let alone speak to them.

"You must all be exhausted," Alice said, pulling me from my thoughts. "I suggest you get some rest."

The recommendation seemed a reasonable one. I was exhausted. As the others began to claim their mattresses I followed suit. Still, with all the questions swirling in my mind, I could hardly imagine sleep of any sort would come easily. I sipped my tea along with the others, watching Alice cut slices of cheese and apple and leave them on plates so we might take what we wished before selecting her own apple to munch as she took a seat in a corner of the trailer.

My stomach rumbled at the scent of sharp cheese and the tea had only served to intensify my appetite, reminding me how empty my stomach really was. I stood and walked to the array of food, taking  piece of bread and cheese before reclaiming my seat and eating my snack. The bread was remarkably fresh. A perfectly crisped outer shell, a soft, flavorful white center. One of the other girls soon copied my example, then another.

As my eyes flitted to the older human woman where she sat, she gave me an approving smile and a small nod but I looked away quickly, feeling a slight squirming in my stomach. I still couldn't figure out the Alice's intentions. She was to be my overseer and I wasn't certain it was a positive that she might take such notice of me.

——

Kathryn is officially one of Magnus's stock! He doesn't seem super happy about it though. From the beginning however I hope you can see that Kathryn was a curious mind. More interested in unraveling the mystery of Alice than judging her... Last chapter I have ready will be up on wed!