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Valley of the Hunted (Frelance & Kikora)

Teyha shrugged slightly. "I still did it." She reminded him softly, but looked startled when he announced there had been more incidents. "There have been?" She asked, eyes wide on his. "The Rebellion was meant to hide low for months after Ophelie and I were captured, to allow time to separate us from whatever they might be doing. I wasn't aware that they had anymore... Incidents planned." She told him with a slight shudder. "This is worrisome..."
 
Ross was unsettled by the news that the rebellion had changed its plans. "From the way Merth spoke to to to council it would seem like there have been quite a few incidents but as I said he is paranoid so he may be blowing things out of proportion." He paused for a moment as he thought of what to do. He tested the bond between their minds and found that it was about to break. "Wait a minute then try to contact Janek or whoever you can and inform them about me and then see if you can get any information from them." He paused again as they turned off the road and entered the clearing. "If they want proof tell them to come here and watch. It may get them to give me a chance but if they are still to suspicious make them think about why I am doing the trading out here instead of in the castle in front of the other Vampires."

Merth rode up just as they entered the clearing and after giving Teyha her bag Ross told him to let his men know that there may be locals in the forest soon but let them watch. If it were a spy from the castle bring them to him right away.
 
Teyha nodded grimly, understanding the importance of her cooperation. "Of course." She told him, riding silently until Merk approached with her bag. She ducked her head to him in thanks, and gazed out seriously at the clearing. A minute or two passed as they rode and she opened up her mind, reaching out to her superiors.

"Janek?" She called softly, waiting for the man to respond to her.

"Young one!" Came the somewhat surprised response. "I have not heard from you."

"Janek." Teyha repeated in her mind, her eyes closing as she communicated. "This is urgent, the vampire I am with is seeking to buy slaves, to assist him. This is different, Master Janek, he wants people from the rebellion..."

"He knows of the rebellion?" Janek cut in, his tone full of accusation, and Teyha winced in reply.

"Yes. He drank from me and I couldn't hide it... I'm sorry. But this is important. Ross is seeking to gain control over the valley, he wants the current rulers out, and if he succeeds he wants to aid us in restoring the valley. He even wants to bring down the walls to allow trade!"

"Do not trust him." Janek warned, and Teyha physically shook her head.

"One person, Master. One person you trust with your life, let them come and see. We're in a clearing near the front gates, just watch. Ross has to do this outside the view of the other vampires." She pleaded.

Janek was quiet for a good few seconds, before reluctantly responding. "I will watch. Give me five minutes, I will be there. But I will not be hidden. If this man wishes to gain trust I will speak to him directly, not watch from the side."

Teyha nodded, opening her eyes to turn to Ross. "Janek is coming." She told him, with some concern in her voice. "He is coming here, he wants to see you and speak with you directly, in case I am compromised I am guessing."
 
Ross rode to a large tent that had been put up and dismounted carefully so that he was not exposed to the sun. He looked at Teyha and nodded then motioned for Merk to come over. "Tell the men to let the man who is going to come through. I want you to lead him to me when he arrives." Merk nodded and went to do as he was told.

Kat walked into the clearing from the forest and walked straight to Ross with just a few quick glances at the slaves that were sitting on the ground near the wagons. "I heard and came as soon as I could." Ross smiled at her. "Just go and do your job. find everyone you think will be useful." She nodded but didn't smile back. She glared at Teyha before walking over to the slaves and started to walk among them. Everyone and a while she would crouch and talk to one.

Ross looked at Teyha and smiled. "Come inside with me. I want you by my side as I speak to the slavers." He walked into the tent and sat down cross legged on a carpet across from the three slavers.
 
Teyha moved silently behind Ross, preparing herself for the unpleasantness of the business to come. "Wait outside." She directed the servants that held the food, not wanting to offend the slavers by presenting their wares with fine frivolities. When she spotted Kat she ducked her head, her eyes falling securely onto the ground and she hurried behind Ross, trying to escape the rage pent up in the woman's eyes. As Ross instructed Teyha sat next to him, mimicking the widespread position he kept his legs in.


Janek was quick on his feet, as all Elves were. Despite behind a good ten miles away he spotted the clearing in only a few short minutes. He let himself fall from the tree then, and straightened his robes with practiced care. He had enough time to ensure his appearance was kept for this appearance, his long black hair held back with a grey ribbon that matched his attire.

He strolled forward, almost seeming to glide over the forest floor, his sharp eyes on the trees, waiting for the moment that the vampires men would lead him to the young witch. With luck she would be right in her assessment of the situation, with more luck she would be able to pull her from it altogether. She simply wasn't trained to be a hostage, and certainly not to be an ambassador of any sort.
 
The slavers looked from Ross to Teyha then back to Ross as they entered and sat down. "Teyha here is my representative from this point on. So if I am not available she is the one to talk to." He gestured to Teyha then after opening his cloak slightly as the slavers introduced themselves and sat down. "Right down to business then. I need warriors and crafts men or woman. We will separate the slaves into three groups and go from there." He paused and waited as the slavers talked among themselves. When they stopped talking and had agreed to his terms he started talking prices.

Merk quickly spread the word that Janek would be arriving shortly and instructed his men to call him over as soon as they saw anyone approach the perimeter. After that he started walking among the slaves for anyone he though might be a good enough fighter to join him and his men. After a few minutes he was called over by one of his men who pointed out the Elf in grey. Merk wasted no time as he walked to the man. "Are you Janek?" He looked the elf up and down once but made eye contact as soon as he had finished.
 
It took a great deal of reserve on Teyha's part to not tremble or show weakness before the group of slavers, trying her best to look the part of a second rather than another slave. She boldly met the eyes of the slavers, her jaw set firmly, unwavering and stubborn.


It took little time for the Vampire's men to find Janek, short enough for even the older Elf to feel impressed by their skill. The human soldier approached boldly, taking in every detail from the part of his hair down to his sandaled feet. "I am Janek." He responded evenly, dark eyes locked onto the soldiers, as if daring him to betray his words. He wasn't ill prepared for battle, after all. Tucked away in the folds of his ornate gown were several dangerous weapons, and in the back of his mind he could feel his men, placed easily across the valley, ready for whatever waited ahead.

It wasn't that he hoped for war. Janek was a peaceful enough man to hope that this meeting would end well, but he was no fool. After years of Vampire tyranny it was simply unreasonable to assume that any of their kind would willingly give up their position. All the same he gave a guarded bow, his eyes narrowed on the man before him. "I came to see Teyha."
 
Ross was winding down the conversation when he thought about the food Teyha had brought with her and what her reasoning for it had been. He looked at Teyha and smiled then looked at the slavers. "One more thing. I want slaves that have been well taken care of. So that means just as much food and water as the guards." At this the slavers glared at Ross before standing up and walking out of the back of the tent. Ross turned to Teyha and spoke in a whisper as the slavers argued out side. "What else should i make them agree to?" There was no hint of a joke in his voice. It was as if he knew they would agree.

"Good, follow me then." Merk turned and headed back towards the clearing. His body language seemed to be that he was relaxed as he was doing nothing more than showing someone to there house after they got lost. "Ross and Teyha are .... negotiating with the slavers now. " Merk had paused since he knew that Ross would not back down so it was more that he was telling the slavers what they had to do in order to get him money. He heard yelling coming from the tent Where Ross and Teyha were. His hand shot to his sword and drew it faster than most human would have been able to. After a few more steps they were in the clearing and Merk put his sword away as he saw that the Slavers were making all the noise. "See Ross is negotiating." He laughed.
 
Teyha leaned in towards Ross when he asked her opinion, frowning as she thought over what the slaves would need. Clean clothes, certainly. She could rid them of vermin and pests herself, if she could arrange some form of bath for each.... And so much more, it was difficult for her to narrow down what was essential for their health, and what simply comforted her to know they would receive. "A change of clothes." She started, "Baths, and at least ten minutes with me each, so I can check their health." She whispered, her eyes narrowing on the slavers. "Also, no more beatings. It's bad for moral of the slaves, for one... And if we release people into the village with poorly healed flogging scars they will assume we caused the."


Janek followed Merk cautiously, his eyes narrowed on the clearing before him. His sharp ears caught the arguing quickly, and he tensed, glaring down at the slavers, and more importantly where he knew that vampire and his healer were waiting. "Are all Vampire negotiations so violent?" He asked, his light tone barely hiding the edge of steel in his voice. "Or do you intend to put the little witch in such hostile environments on a regular basis?"
 
Ross watched Teyha closely as she thought. He nodded at her suggestion. "Alright I can get those I think." He thought about it for a second. "I will ask Merk where the nearest river is and we can use that for today. After that I will make sure we have hot baths for them." He glanced up at the side of the tent were the Slavers were arguing. "Clothes we can bring from the Castle as for the beating I will get them to stop those. If I can." He knew he might be able to but even for him some things were out of his reach. The slavers started to settle down but still stayed away from them as they continued talking amongst themselves.

Merk turned to look at Janek. "If you think this is a hostile environment then you have a lot to learn about Vampires my friend." He turned back around and continued walking towards the Tent. "Ross will change this Valley with or without your help Elf. His troops are more loyal to him then anyone else's." He was testing Janek to see if he would take the bait and ask why Merk thought so.

Kat saw Merk and Janek walking towards the main tent and quickly scribbled down the numbers of a few slaves at the bottom of the good sized list she had made. She quickly made her way through the slaves and up to Merk. "Have your searched him?" She knew that Janek could easily hide a weapon under the clothes he was wearing and she did not want to let him just carry a weapon to Ross. Merk groaned. "Your supposed to be the smart one Kat. If he has a weapon and I search him he will either kill me when I find it or have even less trust for us so I will let he take whatever he brought to Ross." He pushed past her and then into the tent.
 
Janek's eyes locked onto Kat's, narrowed and suspicious. "I assure you." He told the woman evenly. "I would not be the one to put that witch-child in harms way by bearing steel." He swore, drawing himself up to full height. He turned on his heel away from the woman and moved silently behind Merk, pushing the tent flap aside to get his first view of his subordinate in weeks.

Teyha had just finished nodding to Ross. "I can heat river water to at least warm, so no one get sick." She considered half to herself. "And do try with the clothes and the beating, food and baths wont get us near as far as stopping the pain and suffering will." The flap to the tent moved briefly as Merk and Janek entered. The Drow's eyes scanned the tent briefly before landing on Teyha, and he smiled almost tenderly, the soft lines of his face more apparent than usual from worry and strain.

In just a few strides he was at the girl, setting his duty with the vampire lord aside to cup the young girl's face in his hands. "You are pale." He observed, brushing the wild strands of hair from her face with fatherly attention. Teyha smiled hesitantly back and Janek lowered his hands, patting her knee affectionately before turning to Ross, all kindness gone from his face. "Teyha is reasonably unharmed." He said blankly. "Where is Ophelie?"
 
"Right, I have heard that before." Kat met his glare and stood her ground until he walked into the tent. Once Merk an Janek we inside she walked back to the slaves and continued to do her job. Merk stood silently by the door and watched the slavers closely.

Ross nodded. "I will do what I can but even I can't do everything." He watched silently as Janek entered to tent and spoke with Teyha. He glanced at Merk who just shrugged. A smile flashed across his face when Janek commented on how pale she was. "She would be worse if she was not under my protection." He didn't bother explaining this since he knew he should not have to.

"If it weren't for me she would be dead. Just like you wanted." Ross did not move to get up to greet Janek properly when he spoke to him. The slavers headed back to them as Janek asked about Ophelie. Ross looked at him with out a trace of emotion. "I said you could come and watch what happens. I did not say I would talk with you. Teyha cant tell you where she is and how she is and maybe later I will talk with you but for now I have business to attend to so please sit down and watch." He put on a pleasant face and turned back to the slavers as they sat back down. He started talking prices with them and then told them he would up the price if the beating stopped. I ignored everyone but the slavers as he tired to get them to stop the beating. Getting Teyha her time with the slaves was easy since it meant the slavers got more free food from the Castle.
 
For a moment Teyha patted her cheeks, noting with a clinical abstractness that she was cold. Ross' feeding was little over an hour ago, and with the added stress it wasn't likely that her body had fully recovered yet. All the same she sat back, waiting impatiently for the tension to ease. Fortunately both Janek and Ross seemed to trade only one cold comment before turning their attention to the slavers.

'I did not want you dead.' Janek's voice echoed in Teyha's head as the discussion started, and the little witched gave the Drow hesitant smile. 'My superiors decided it... I only had to deliver the message, and I am sorry for it.'

Slowly Teyha nodded, her eyes locked on Ross, watching his subtle body language. 'He does not kill so easily. In fact, I have not seen him kill since we arrived. He's not perfect, but he's a talented leader with a good head on his shoulders.'

Janek's huff was all too audible, and one of the slavers gave him an odd eye at the interruption, which he reflected in a long and emotionless stare until the man cleared his throat and turned his attention on Ross once more. Luckily for the vampire the noise seemed to strengthen his arguments, painting the powerful looking Elf as an ally to the vampire, who made his displeasure known when the price seemed to raise too high. Unwilling to anger two powerful being of myth the slavers sliced the price down nearly a fourth, but maintained their stance on the beatings. The Drow's eyes narrowed then, and he motioned for Teyha to keep her mouth securely closed, waiting to see how Ross would handle the setback.
 
Ross stopped himself from glancing at Janek when he heard his huff. He didn't know what he was displeased with but whatever it was it helped him. Merk had stopped watching the slavers and was now watching Janek since he was more of a threat in Merks mind than the slavers. Ross kept his poker face when the slaver lowered the price. He might be able to use that to his advantage. "Oh, I will pay you full price but I want slaves that not been beaten on. If they have scars or broken bones they are no use to me." He reached into his robes and pulled out a bag of coins. "The more skilled and healthy they are the more money you will get." He took out a few coins and arranged them so that they looked like a map of the valley and the areas around it. "If you agree to my terms not only will you get my business but you will also get a safe way to the lands around this Valley." He started naming off kingdoms that could be accessed through the valley and giving reasons as to why it would be easier for the slavers to go through the valley instead of around it.
 
'A shrewd businessman...' Janek considered for a moment, noting how easily he could turn the bargain to his favor again. He leaned slightly forward, resisting the urge to offer his aid i healing the injured slaves. In the long run it would cause more trouble for the valley, bringing in slaves for the purpose of healing for their brutal beating, which was a situation all wanted to avoid.

The slaver's lips pressed into a thin line. "Without the whip the slaves will not obey." He maintained, "They will flee and lost merchandise will fetch no gold."

It was only then that Janek cleared his throat politely, hiding the sour feeling at what he was about to propose behind a perfect mask of serenity. "My kind uses a form of anklet on children and animals to keep them away from danger." He offered. "It limits how far a creature may roam, and to an extent controls behavior. I am sure my people could offer something similar to keep your stock in line."
 
Ross had to work hard not to roll his eyes at the slaver. Of course they would run but thats why they would just have to be chained up better. He fiddled with one of the coins as he thought about how to get the slaver to agree to stop the beating. Other than the coin he was showing no emotion at all.

Merk noted the movement and frowned slightly. He had seen Ross bargain with slavers before and he had almost never shown any emotion.

Ross looked back at Janek as he cleared his throat and almost hissed at the man for interrupting. But he stopped himself and listened to what he had to say. He smiled briefly then turned back to the Slavers once Janek was finished talking. "We have a deal then?" He phrased it as a question but it was more of a statement. "You can stay at the Castle for the night or here since it will take us some time to go through all the slaves." He didn't really care where they slept except maybe he hoped they would go to the castle so that if one of them died he would be bale to keep the slaves.
 
The slaver's mouth twisted, but he looked between Ross and Janek carefully, as if weighing which of the men was more dangerous. Ross' fidgeting seemed to push the man over the edge, and he turned to Janek, "These anklets will make them follow our directions?" He demanded, sharp eyes intent on Janek's.

The Drow sat motionless, unfazed by the dark tone. "It will add a suggestion to listen, like a nagging voice. Those who wear it cannot run, but it does not remove free will."

The slaver snorted, and turned back to Ross. "We will cut back on the beatings." He bargained. "And we ave a deal. I would prefer we stay in the castle as well, lord. It's not often my men know luxury, you understand it's bad for moral to refuse."
 
Ross stayed silent and let Janek handle the situation since he had no idea how the anklets worked. He knew that if word got out about the anklets more than a few vampires would try to get there hands on them. Ross stopped fidgeting with the coin as he considered the mans proposal. "If you bring me slaves with scars or marks of beating that have happened within two weeks of bringing them here I will cut the price in half. It does not matter if they just had a single bruise or if they are black and blue from head to toe. The price will be cut in half." His tone was hard and unmoving. "If you agree then we have a deal." He motioned for Merk to come forward. "This man will escort you and your men to the castle when you are ready." He hoped more than a few of the slavers died in the night. It might instil some fear into the men and make them more cooperative.
 
The slaver looked less than pleased, his eyes narrowing on Ross. "There wont be a bruise from our beatings." He finally gave in. "But we travel a long distance, injuries occur even to me and my men." He stood all the same, the deal obviously made. "Give me a few moments to gather my men." He told Merk stiffly.

Janek watched the slaver with narrowed eyes until he disappeared out the tent once more. Once it was clear he was gone the Drow put a gentle hand under Teyha's arm and urged her to her feet. "Come." He said softly, leading her away from the Vampire and whatever mind tricks he might be playing on the naive young woman. 'Don't protest.' He told her through their linked minds. 'We have much to discuss.'
 
"Fair enough." Ross stood up and moved to the side so that Merk could take over. Merk nodded. "Fine, tell me when you are ready." He turned to Ross and whispered into his ear and pasted him a slip of paper. Ross nodded at what Merk said and watched as Teyha was led away. His eyes narrowed but he did not try to stop her.

Merk followed the slavers then when they were ready he led them out of the clearing.

Kat walked up to Ross as he left the tent and started walking through the slaves behind the servants who offered them food. He was surprised that a lot of the slaves were ready to listened to his proposal. Maybe Teyha had the right idea when she brought the food with them.
 
It did not take long for the slavers to prepare to leave, the offer of hot food and soft beds enough for them to look eagerly at the castle. The slaves would be left to the charge of their buyers, no longer their responsibility for the night. That meant they could offer all the luxuries their hosts had to offer.

Janek led Teyha away from the slaves to the edge of the clearing, barely within eyesight of Kat and Ross. "I do not trust his kind." Janek whispered, as if his soft voice could carry all the way to the vampire. "You are playing a deadly game here, little witch, and I would not wish you to be hurt in it."

"Either way it's dangerous." Teyha protested back, gesturing back to the slaves who were devouring the plated food as if afraid they would never eat again. "But look he's already offering better lives for these people, and he wishes all of us in the valley to live well."

Janek's frown only deepened, his eyes narrowing on the girl. "This could easily be a trap, child. Do not trust so easily. I have seen nothing that convinces me this man means well by us, or by you."

Teyha stiffened slightly, her cheeks growing red. "He means well." She told him firmly. Do not be so biased, he is a good man!"
 
Ross glanced over a Teyha and Janek a few times as he walked through the slaves. He and Kat would stop at one slave or another and crouch down as they spoke quietly. Ross made sure to keep his robe closed and the hood as far forward as he could. It did not take long for them to separate the slaves into three groups. Once they had decided who should go where Ross ordered a few of Merks men to escort the slaves into four groups. Group one were the slaves that had already agreed to Ross's terms. Group two was made up of people that there was a good chance of converting them. Group three was made up of all the children that had not family and the families that had been brought there. Group four were the slaves that Ross would not bother with because unless a lot of time was taken they would not agree to be loyal to him.

Ross left Kat in charge and over to Janek and Teyha. "Teyha. Its time for you to look over the slaves. I want to get this done before any of the others decides to try and get in here." From what he had seen he knew that Janek and Teyha had not been agreeing on what they were talking about. He was sure it was him that they had been talking about as well. He had not expected anything different.
 
Janek's protests silenced abruptly when Ross approached, and his eyes narrowed on the vampire, suspicious. Teyha moved away to follow the man and Janek reached out to stop her. "Wait, child, remember what I wanted." He cautioned.

Teyha smiled tenderly, and nodded. "I have work to do, I'll only be a minute." She smiled brightly at Ross, brushing lightly past him. "Try to get along?" She asked, touching his arm lightly as she disappeared into the mass of slaves. She smiled at each, moving to inspect injuries and chat softly. For the most part they were willing to let her ease their pain, and she waved the servants around, ensuring that everyone had their fill of food.

Janek watched the witch silently, eyes locked onto the curly mess of black hair to keep from losing track of her. "She means well." He said to Ross. "I know that much."
 
Ross smiled back at Teyha and nodded. "I won't bite. He will be here when you get back don't worry." He watched her as she moved among the slaves for a bit. Before he turned to Janek. "Yes, she does. I could not have hoped to find someone better fitted to help me than her." He glanced at Teyha again then back to Janek. "Do you remember when my kind took control here?" He had to get Janek to trust him if he was going to get the rebellions help.
 
Janek tore his eyes from Teyha to look at Ross, his jaw set sourly. "Help you with what." He asked sharply, his eyes narrowing at Ross' question. "I remember." Janek responded, all emotion fading from his voice. "I was younger then, but old enough to know what happened. Your kind was not satisfied with the current ways. You felt shunned or looked down upon. Your attack was swift, powerful, and you took control of the valley fast... It is hard to forget how quickly your kind assumed your current role."
 
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