134. Freedman. *

We walked home with the newly freed man.

Ordinarily they would been transported surrounded by priest or mercenaries with a whip and dark intentions in their hearts.

Now it was only us two walking ahead of them calmly as if we were on a summer stroll. Our pace slow to accommodate the sick and malnourished, children and women.

" What if they run? " - I turned around asking the obvious.

" It means they have somewhere or someone to run too..that's a good thing. "

His words simple but, never false.

I looked behind the slowly marching crowd full of fearful expressions and looked at the Em estate ahead.

No one ran..it was a little sad remembering his words. None of these people have a home or family to return too? Maybe just afraid to run?

We walked inside the main house where my family who left with horse drawn carriage were all there with most of our own slaves holding simple clothing and a few tables were filled with food.

The hall got filled pretty quickly. For once this pointlessly enormous house was good for something other than frivolous parties.

" Please.."

Zephyr looked at the servants nervously standing around and they slowly gave out coats pants, scars etc..

They put on the warms layers on quickly as if afraid they disappear. They looked ..more scared than ever.

Standing inside a lavish castle not being beaten, abused or put to work immediately frightened them.

Except the children who enjoyed the warmth and made hungry eyes toward the tables filled with food. I walked towards the chefs also standing near them.

" Start handing out soup and bread...make more this won't be nearly enough. Bring fruits, any sweets you can found..go now. "

Zephyr talked to my mother and Mary.

"..once it's done. Please don't hold yourself back dear Julia. Go now you must have plenty to do before tonight celebration. Carlos will help me with them. "

" Alright then..good luck with them.." - mother couldn't fully hide her revulsion but at least happy to leave my sister close to heel.

We shared a look and took a seat while the others served the people who got a little more noisy once the food was handed out.

Each were handed a plate found a quiet corner and devoured the soup and bread with little dignity.

The soliders stayed ..just four but, it was enough for these people who lost their will to fight long ago to constantly cheking for the weapons and their hands.

" Send them away..let then eat in peace. "

I shooed the guard away as the others brought more and more food. It was an endless line and in 20 min they were mostly seated on the floor and only the the buzzing of more than 100 souls eating and whispering were heard.

" Want me send some people to buy wagons and supplies? " - I turned to the strangely silent man.

" Once we know how many of them stay..although..

" Yeah.." - I nodded along with his thoughts. " they probably all wish a new life. Nothing left for them here but the stigma of freedman. "

" Is that supposed to mean something bad? "

So much he still don't know about this world..its a miracle how easily he navigated it without a full overview.

" Once unable to repay their loan..they are marked on their legs mostly. " - I pointed at some of them, " See that word? "

" What's it say? "

" It's the mark of the church. Even if freed unless willing to part with their own flesh, they won't get work, or education..they freedman now. "

It was hard to explain to someone how normal this sickening situation was to everyone else.

Myself thought nothing of it..until heard how Juan himself was most likely in similar situation and even after free.. never truly free.

It's incredibly easy to care, once it's one your own.

Not him..he cares even for those others disregarded.

" The more, I know about this world..the more, I'm convinced it needs to change. But, how many must die for such a change, hmm? " - he turned to me with genuine sadness. " A million? More? How's, change achieved by carnage could be called good? "

I leaned back and called over the girl from yesterday.

" Welma, be a dear and bring us some whisky.."

" Right away, Lord. "

Once returned we shared some. " I'll say..we kill those who wants us dead..and try to be happy. Besides you never know what the future holds..where we all be next year, or ten. "

" You're right..the future is ever changing. I need get back to home...to finesse things."

As everyone was still eating and some even shed their fearful eyes and enjoyed the food and warmth it might be a good time to talk about tonight.

" What is your plan? HOW you going to force them into this.. this reunification of yours? "

" There's no forcing anyone Em..I just need too make sure each of them thinks it was their idea in the first place. "

" How is that even possible? "

He smiled and raised his leftover glass. " I'll figure something out. "

After we finished the glass, I felt pretty relaxed. Whiskey was one of the most calming friend on this world.

He says he will handle all of it..I mean, even if wanted to help, I don't know the Pope all that well and never even talked to acolyte Levian.

Been working for that snake Lord for a long while and couldn't achieve really anything.

Every time he went to Malai and told us it's training, I thought he just went immediately to barracks and once done returned home with gifts.

Turns out he was much more active with his time building connections and soon attempt something outrageous. Uniting two hateful half of the same religion.

Most of the freedman now done and their interest in the two us increased. " I think it's time..go on now, leader. "

" Shut up.."

We walked forward a little and waited until they quitted down.

" Welcome all..my name is Zephyr Astoria and I'm here to tell you all that you are free."

The murmurs like several beehives but once he raised his arms they slowly became silent again.

" Each of you have free will to choose. Either leave the world you know and come with us..our home Emet village will welcome all of you. Those who still have ties here or..just wants to live their own lifes somewhere else..you are free to do so. "

The smiles and tears bleneded together in harmony the feeling of..euphoria they experienced now must've been overwhelming.

They hugged each other and thanked him none up close, but their cheers and applause were genuine.

He smiled with them then continued.

" Those who come, will be provided along the road..it's a treacherous journey all told take a few weeks. But every comfort, wagons, food, warm clothes and most importantly protection will accompany you. "

The eyes of those who will come lighted up but he wanted to be fair.

" Those who wish to stay for whatever reason..will be given the same, you will have to exchange protection for coin. That's all I can do..but even so don't be afraid to make your own choices, but you must also, live with them.. Good luck. "