Shadows Of Teneria

ave way to the murmur of voices, the clanging of pots, and the rumble of carts. Kiara's ears perked up, her curiosity piqued

grew louder. Kiara heard vendors calling out their wares, peo

ace our new masters, I suppose." Alethea's grip on Kiara's hand tightened. "Remember,

pace quickened, struggling to climb the steep incline. The air filled with the sweet scent of sal

stance of wooden planks. The carriage crossed a bridge or a wooden cau

the sound of boots thudding on stone. A rough, weathered voice spoke, "All secure, sir. Slaves for

udible, "We're here. Get ready." The carriage turned a corner, and the sound of clanging gates and murmuring voices enveloped them. Kiara's stomach

to shield herself from its intensity. As her vision adjusted, she took in the grand courtyard

creatures seemed to touch the sky. The courtyard was bustling with activity: soldiers

o one side, Kiara saw the barracks, its stone façade adorned with the emblem of a blue dra

alls. The building's stone façade was simpler, yet well-maintained, with a wooden door bearing the symbol of a stylized lock. "Thi

reduced light. The room was filled with women, all slaves, ranging from young to elder

ther or metal, adorned with a small, gleaming lock. Alethea nudged Kiara, guiding her toward an empt

ring a tidy maids gown entered the room. Her expression was detached, her eyes scanning the space.

Alethea, and Kaidia and the others – "are new. You will be assigned dutie

ntion of collars. Elara continued, "Washbasins and fresh water are available. Dinner will be serve

as she walked away to find a sleeping space . Elara's gaze swept the room once mpre. "Remember, obedienc

room eased. Some of the friendlier-looking slaves approached Kiara, Alethea, and Kaidia.A young

llar was made of dark leather, adorned with a small silver lock. Kiara noticed th

We'll help you settle in. Elara may seem stern, but she's fair."Niamh's collar was

r story? How did you end up here?". Zephyr's collar was sim

," Kiara said, choosing her words carefully.Lirien's expression turned sympathetic. "You're lucky Lady Allison intervened. She's...

han others."As the women spoke, Kiara felt a sense of gratitude toward these

a large, steaming pot and a basket of bread. "Dinner," Elara announced, her expression still stern.The guards set down the p

and Zephyr nodded for Kiara, Alethea, and Kaidia and the others to join the line. As Kiara waited, she noticed the guards' gaze linge

he vegetable soup smelled savory, and Kiara's stomach growled in anticipation.Lirien sat

occasionally glancing at Elara, who kept a watchful eye on the slaves. The atmosphere remained tense

e taken on a brief tour of the the grounds and are to

permission. The keep's rules are strict, and disobedience will be reported to Lady Allison."The slaves nodded, weary from their

her fingers with hers "We'll get through this together," she whispered.Kiara nodded, feeling a sense of

on the keep's walls.Their gentle light seemed to whisper promises of a better tomorrow, or perhaps a fleeting escape

restless sleep, the twin moons'

smiled faintly, feeling a sense of comfort in Alethea's words. As they settled in, Elara extinguished the candles, plungi