Aelryk and Mi’tal approached the docks casually, trying not to give anyone cause for suspicion. Aelryk’s plan was to free the elves from their bondage and send a message with them back to their clans. He did not intend for his father to find out exactly what he was up to. His command would not be questioned by the dockmaster, but he did not intend to reveal his true reason for freeing the slaves. Should his father find out the truth, the prince feared his reaction. King Domren was not above punishing his own son, especially if he felt betrayed.
“Good day, dockmaster,” the prince said as the man came into view. He was short and deeply tanned from many years of labor under the sun.
Bowing slightly before his prince, the man replied, “Good day, Your Highness. How may I be of service to you?”
“I have need of your elven slaves for a project of my own. I trust it won’t cause you too much inconvenience.”
“Of course not, my lord,” the dockmaster replied, not hiding the displeased look in his eyes.
“For your trouble,” the prince said, handing the man a purse full of coins.
Opening the purse, the man’s eyes widened. Inside were dozens of gold coins, more than three times the worth of ten elven slaves. “You are a generous and kind lord, Your Highness,” the man said, bowing again.
“I would appreciate it if you would keep this matter silent. If anyone inquires where the slaves have gone, simply tell them they were sold to a wealthy noble who does not wish his name to be revealed.”
“As you request, my lord,” the man replied. Right away he began chaining the elves together. One elf, a tall blonde woman, tried to resist by spitting in his face. He immediately swung the chain, striking her on her cheek. A large red gash appeared on the surface of her skin.
Aelryk took a step forward, but Mi’tal placed a hand on his chest to hold him back. “Not now, my lord,” he said quietly. “We don’t want him to grow suspicious.”
Aelryk stared at the dockmaster, his eyes filled with hatred. Witnessing such cruel treatment without being able to intervene was almost too much to bear. He vowed to himself to find a suitable punishment for the dockmaster at a later time.
After the elves were chained, the dockmaster led them to their new master. Handing off the lead chain to Mi’tal, he said, “They’ll probably resist for a while, but a good beating will soon set them right.”
Mi’tal nodded and accepted the chain. Aelryk bit his tongue to prevent himself from screaming. It was appalling to meet someone with so little regard for another living being. They were at war with these people, but prisoners deserve to be treated with some respect. If one of Aelryk’s men were taken captive, he hoped the elves would treat him well. Even in war, honor can be found.
“Gather around, all of you,” Aelryk said, as Mi’tal ushered them together. “I am Prince Aelryk, heir to this kingdom. I’m going to free you, but first we must get you safely to our borders. You will have to remain chained for the next two days to avoid suspicion. If I unchain you, most of you will probably run and be captured. I won’t be able to offer much help in that situation. You will be at the mercy of whoever has managed to catch you.”
The elf men and women looked suspiciously at the prince and glanced at each other in silent communication. No one spoke a word, and Mi’tal wondered if they were planning something despite the chains. “I will be escorting you,” he said. “You have my sincere vow that none of you will be harmed. We are going against the king’s wishes by doing this. The prince wishes to negotiate a peace agreement with your clans and would like you to convey that message to your kinsmen.”
The elves stared at him, still refusing to speak. They had no idea if this was a trick. Their previous treatment at the hands of the Na’zorans would suggest this man was dishonest. However, being chained together did not leave them much choice. Whether they wished to or not, they would be forced to follow this man to their fate.
“I apologize for the way you have been treated during your stay in my kingdom,” the prince said. “I have had no part in it, but I can assure you that any other prisoners taken during this war will be treated better. You have my word on it. Please inform your clan leaders of my desire to make peace. The attacks will continue and many lives will be lost on both sides until we have reached an agreement. Convincing my father will be difficult but not impossible. I am willing to do whatever is necessary to secure peace.”
Turning to face Mi’tal, he said, “The carriages should be waiting for you at the stables. Make sure the drivers remember to stay silent about all of this.”