They landed at the Docks a short flight later. Beyond the straight streets and large houses of the merchants \u2013 a section of the city which Rehs called the Rows \u2013 the stone streets gave way to hard ground, which was packed with low buildings. These were made out of the earth itself, sod walls giving way to wooden slats which formed the support for more sod, which formed the roof. Sparse grass grew over the sod, so that each building looked like a large, uniformly shaped, mossy boulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAre these\u2026 houses?\u201d Taelord asked as they landed amongst them. They each had a wooden door, but no windows that Taelord could see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cStorehouses,\u201d Rehs said. \u201cEvery merchant has one \u2013 some have more. The merchants are constantly trading and buying \u2013 they need somewhere to put everything they have, so they put it here, close to the Rows and the boats. This way,\u201d he said, \u201cthere will be more action by the docks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He led the way through the storehouses. A few were open, allowing Taelord to see sacks and barrels crammed into them, kyrie going in and out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They emerged from the storehouses a few moments later, the ground giving way to wooden planks. A sudden cool breeze struck Taelord, along with an upswing in noise as a throng of kyrie came into view. Beyond the kyrie were great wooden things, which Taelord guessed were the boats. And below and beyond them, there was\u2026 water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Taelord had of course seen water before. The Toxic River which divided the Volcarren from Kinsland was plenty wide. But it was also covered in steam, its shores encrusted with white and yellow. It had been something to avoid, a sight to fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The river Taelord now saw was the opposite. Its waters were blue \u2013 bluer than he had expected. The color alone made them look clean and inviting \u2013 a stark contrast to the fetid yellow of the Toxic River. The water lapped gently against the edge of the docks and the sides of the boats, and birds flew overhead, calling shrilly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Taelord paused, trying to take it all in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat do you think?\u201d Rehs said, turning to him and grinning. \u201cI bet they didn\u2019t have anything like this in the Volcarren.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Taelord shook his head, his eyes still drawn to the blueness of the water. It was a moment until he noticed again the mass of kyrie before them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The dock was alive with them. They were streaming on and off the boats, carrying sacks, crates, barrels\u2026 carts were waiting near the boats, being loaded or unloaded, and everywhere Taelord turned, people seemed to be doing something. Many of the kyrie \u2013 particularly those overseeing things \u2013 were Northern kyrie. They had bluish or pale skin, fair hair, and seemed to be slightly taller than others. Those who were unloading the carts were clearly Southern \u2013 they had orangish-brown skin, dark hair and eyes, and seemed to walk with a stoop, their wings folded tightly to their backs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Among them however were many Volcarrens, and they stood out. Their red skin and black leathery wings were hard to miss, and they seemed just as tall as the Imperials. Most of them were standing on the docks, staring at the water and the boats just as Taelord had been.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
None of them were alone. Each seemed to have a small entourage of kyrie \u2013 all Southern \u2013 who were laughing and talking, pointing to the boats and carts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As Taelord watched, several Volcarrens were approached and pressed with gifts of food, all of which they accepted easily. Taelord wasn\u2019t surprised \u2013 you learned to take food when you could get it in the Volcarren.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He glanced to the side, and saw an elderly Volcarren sitting on a barrel, surrounded by a group of children \u2013 surely none older than five \u2013 all of whom were listening with rapt attention as he told them tales of survival in the Wasteland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A few Volcarrens even ran through the crowd, chasing girls, all of whom seemed to be shrieking with laughter as they wove between the carts and workers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not all of the Volcarrens seemed to be enjoying themselves, however. There were quite a few Imperial soldiers on the docks, watching over the goods being transported to and from the ships, and very nearly every last one of them was eying the Volcarrens with frowns. The Volcarrens, in turn, were watching them intently, as if they were sizing up their target, considering when and where to strike. Their hands were on their axes, and with them, several Southern kyrie were watching the guards as well, similar expressions on their faces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rehs didn\u2019t seem to notice. He led Taelord through the crowds, to the very edge of the docks, where some smaller boats were moored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These looked much less grand than the larger boats Taelord had noticed. They were flatter, with only a single deck, and a hold below. Most of the deck seemed to be devoted to a massive system of pulleys and lines, the ropes as thick as Taelord\u2019s arm. Resting on the back of the deck, a large net was lying in folds, and on top of it, there was a massive piece of canvas which Taelord guessed must be a sail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here too, kyrie were pulling barrels out of the hold, rolling them down a plank to the dock, and loading them into carts. But these kyrie were different. They were all Southern, judging by their skin color, but they looked\u2026 bigger. Tougher. Somehow more weathered. Nearly all of them had beards – uncommon here in Kinsland \u2013 and they wore strange, stiff trousers, and either a simple leather vest, or no shirt at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rehs seemed to know them. \u201cYesen!\u201d he called, approaching them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A burly kyrie, with an untamed mass of reddish-black hair, looked up. \u201cRehs!\u201d he bellowed, throwing aside the net he had been carrying and pulling Rehs into what Taelord thought looked like a rather painful hug. \u201cAre you joining us again this season?\u201d He released Rehs and looked him up and down, grinning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot this time,\u201d Rehs said. \u201cThings are happening here in Helsng, and I want to be here when they do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yesen shook his head, his smile fading. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t,\u201d he said darkly, scanning the docks. Taelord saw his gaze lingering on the Volcarrens. \u201cOnce we cast off, I\u2019m getting as far away as I can.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou\u2019re leaving?\u201d Rehs said. \u201cWhy? We could use you, Yesen. I know you have no love for the Empire.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m surprised anyone does,\u201d Yesen said, \u201cwith the taxes they levy. But no, Rehs, I\u2019m not staying. I\u2019m a fisher, not a warrior. Business can only be good if you\u2019re alive to run it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is important though,\u201d Rehs said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo is your life,\u201d Yesen said, glancing sharply at him. He put a hand on Rehs\u2019 shoulder. \u201cYou should come with us. Your whole family. It won\u2019t be safe here much longer \u2013 the rebels are getting bolder \u2013 they\u2019re already in Taeleron, and I\u2019m sure Helsng is next.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThey\u2019re in Taeleron?\u201d Rehs echoed. \u201cBut that can only be good. I\u2019ll be here when they reach Helsng, if they aren\u2019t here already.\u201d A gleam entered his eye. \u201cThink of it, Yesen: freedom from the Empire. I want to be a part of that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yesen nodded grimy. \u201cYou always did want to be where the action was.\u201d He picked up his net. \u201cWell,\u201d he said, \u201cwe\u2019re staying here for a few days at least \u2013 need some new crew, and we\u2019re supposed to take on some shipments for Erianor. There\u2019s always room for you and your family. Just think about it,\u201d he added, when Rehs frowned. \u201cLet your father know. We could take you all \u2013 you\u2019d be safe in Erianor \u2013 word is that they\u2019re staying neutral in whatever happens.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He turned as one of the sailors behind him shouted something, and Rehs turned away, rejoining Taelord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHow do you know them?\u201d Taelord asked as Rehs began leading him past some of the other ships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ve always been bored with farming,\u201d Rehs said, glancing back at the sailors. \u201cSo last season, once the crop was in, I spent a few months with them, sailing on the Windchaser<\/em> \u2013 that\u2019s their fishing boat \u2013 helping with the fishing and the sails \u2013 to see how I liked it, you know?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd did you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI loved it,\u201d Rehs said fervently. \u201cThey\u2019re always sailing. They ride the winds and the currents around Valhalla, either going around the coast, or taking the big inland rivers. They catch fish, and then trade it where they stop for other things. They get to see things and go places I had only heard stories about. There\u2019s always something happening. I was sorry to leave when it came time to plant again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n They passed a group of silent Volcarrens, who were watching some nearby soldiers with dark looks, arms folded. Taelord watched them for a moment, before turning away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSo go,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rehs glanced at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYesen was right, Rehs,\u201d Taelord said. \u201cYou should take your family and go. This is the perfect opportunity. I know you want to be here when the rebels arrive, but trust me, you don\u2019t. I\u2019ve been in the middle of battles and rebellions \u2013 you don\u2019t want any part of it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rehs waved his hand, as if Taelord\u2019s words were a cloud of annoying insects. \u201cThis is important,\u201d he said. \u201cBut more than that, it\u2019s my duty. This is my home, my life. I have to fight for it. If I don\u2019t, how could I expect anyone else to?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Taelord fell silent. He wasn\u2019t surprised by Rehs\u2019 attitude; he had met several like him in the Volcarren, amongst the soldiers that Ahnvad used. Many had been young, eager for confrontation with the Volcarrens. Few had survived their first encounter. Taelor didn\u2019t want that for Rehs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But it wasn\u2019t just him. G\u2019shar, Syafa, Aiiva, everyone who had taken the Volcarrens in\u2026 in a rebellion, it was invariably the common people who suffered the most. Taelord shook his head. What could he do? If Rehs\u2019 own father couldn\u2019t convince him to avoid conflict with the Empire, Taelord doubted that he stood much chance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They wandered about the dock for some time. The activity never seemed to lessen. Small boats came and went, taking on passengers or unloading nets of fish. The larger boats continued to take on supplies, and everywhere Taelord looked, carts seemed to be moving, delivering goods to different storehouses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not all of the carts came from boats though. Most of them came from a narrow dirt road which seemed to run along the edge of the Rows, leading back to the area of Helsng Rehs lived in \u2013 which Taelord learned was called the Maze. He could understand where the name had come from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Neary all of the carts seemed to contain sacks of grain. They were piled high, but the carts just kept coming. One after another, they stopped at a storehouse, several Southern kyrie unloading the sacks and lodging them inside, then the cart would turn around and go back the way it had come, making way for yet another cart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhere\u2019s it all going?\u201d Taelord finally asked Rehs, after watching the tenth cart in a row deliver its cargo. He couldn\u2019t see how the storehouse could hold it all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rehs shrugged. \u201cIt\u2019s up to the merchants,\u201d he said. \u201cMost will be sold in the Rows. Some will be shipped off to other cities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe merchants buy the grain?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rehs glanced at him. \u201cBuy it?\u201d he repeated. \u201cThey own it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBut\u2026\u201d Taelord glanced back at the road. \u201cThe farmers\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThey own the farmers too.\u201d Rehs frowned at him. \u201cHow did they run things in the Volcarren?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo one ran anything,\u201d Taelord said. \u201cWe all just tried to survive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI suppose that makes sense\u2026\u201d Rehs shook his head. \u201cWell, the merchants \u2013 most of whom are Northern Imperials \u2013 own everything, including the workers. The workers have to give whichever merchant owns them everything they produce. All of it. The merchant then returns enough for the workers to keep working and sells the rest. They have to send some of the money they make to the workers too, so they can buy things they need, but it isn\u2019t much. Most of the workers here are farmers, so most of the merchants deal with grain.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd you,\u201d Taelord said. \u201cYou\u2019re farmers? You\u2019re\u2026 owned by a merchant?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rehs scowled. \u201cWe\u2019re freemen,\u201d he said. \u201cThat\u2019s the only way I could leave with the fishers for a season. Workers aren\u2019t allowed to leave the city unless they have permission from their merchant. Freemen can come and go as they please.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd what does that mean? Freemen?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFreemen are workers who\u2019ve managed to buy themselves from the merchants,\u201d Rehs said. \u201cFather scraped together enough to buy his freedom, and mother\u2019s too, before me and Aiiva were born. It means we\u2019re technically merchants, free to go anywhere we please.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBut in reality we\u2019re almost just as bad off. Merchants have to pay huge taxes to the Empire. The Imperials \u2013 the ones with workers \u2013 they can afford it. But the freemen, like us, we need to pay for it all ourselves. Technically we own everything we produce, but we have to give nearly all of it to the Empire anyway, just to keep them from taking everything we own.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThey could do that?\u201d Taelord said. \u201cCome and take\u2026 what?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOur freedom,\u201d Rehs said darkly. \u201cIf we can\u2019t pay the taxes, then whoever we owe money to can claim us as workers. We\u2019d stop being freemen, and become their property, working their land, giving everything we make to them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHow is that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cRight?\u201d Rehs supplied. \u201cIt isn\u2019t. But it\u2019s been that way since forever. Workers have been rebelling since forever too, which is one of the reasons why this rebellion is going to be different \u2013 the Empire is taking it seriously. That means it\u2019s not just a few villages banding together \u2013 there\u2019s an army out there, in the south somewhere, and the Empire is worried.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n They were interrupted by a commotion near one of the boats. A small craft had docked \u2013 small enough that all it seemed to carry was a handful of people. A knot of Southern kyrie had already formed in front of it, standing right at the water\u2019s edge, and it was their murmuring which Taelord had heard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He and Rehs joined the crowd, trying to see what was happening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The boat seemed to contain four people. Two were soldiers, wearing the same partial plate most of the guards in Helsng did. They each carried a sword, both of which were out, though their points were lowered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The other two kyrie were Southern, though their similarities ended at their skin color. One wore close-fitting leathers, the kind of outfit Taelord now recognized as being designed for long flights. He too carried a sword, which was currently sheathed, and had a length of rope slung across his chest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The end of the rope ended in a knot, tied around the final kyrie\u2019s wrists. This kyrie wore simple clothing \u2013 a wool shirt and pants \u2013 but both were dirty and torn. The kyrie himself had several bruises on his face, and one of his wings seemed slightly bent, the feathers broken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOut of the way,\u201d one of the soldiers said, stepping from the boat. He moved his sword back and forth before him, keeping the point down, forcing the crowd back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d Taelord whispered to Rehs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBounty hunter,\u201d Rehs whispered back, glaring at the soldiers. He nodded to the Southern kyrie holding the rope. \u201cHe\u2019s a freeman. A lot of freemen become bounty hunters, getting paid to track down runaway workers. Traitors.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n He nodded to the bounty hunter. \u201cHe\u2019s Geren,\u201d he said. \u201cHe lives right here in the city, along with his family. They\u2019re all freemen bounty hunters. They\u2019ve brought back over a dozen workers for punishment in the last five years.\u201d He glared at Geren. \u201cThey\u2019re worse than the Imperials.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rehs\u2019 sentiments seemed to be shared by the crowd. More kyrie had joined them now, and as the four left the boat, an angry murmur ran through those who had assembled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The prisoner stumbled as he left the boat, and the bounty hunter \u2013 Geren \u2013 yanked him upright by the rope, jerking his arms up and causing him to stagger to his feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou there!\u201d A Volcarren shoved his way through the crowd. He was a giant of a kyrie, taller than most Imperials, with muscles to match. He wore no shirt \u2013 Taelord guessed he perhaps hadn\u2019t been able to find one which fit. In his wake moved a kyrie woman, middle-aged, her face streaked with worry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhy do you mistreat this man?\u201d the Volcarren said, moving to the front of the crowd and barring the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMove,\u201d one of the soldiers said. \u201cThis doesn\u2019t concern you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnswer my question first.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The soldiers eyed him. \u201cWhat is your name, Volcarren?\u201d one of them asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cKran,\u201d the Volcarren said. \u201cLieutenant of Vraen.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019ll be sure to mention you to my superior, Kran,\u201d the soldier said. \u201cHe in turn may see fit to go to Utgar, and tell him that you\u2019ve been interfering with Imperial business. Unless you get out of the way.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kran ignored his words, and stepped closer. \u201cBy what right do you bring this man here, bound in ropes and beaten?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBy the right of the Empire,\u201d the soldier said, standing his ground despite Kran\u2019s size. \u201cNow move aside! This is no concern of yours.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt is my concern,\u201d the woman who had come with Kran said, stepping forwards. She looked at the prisoner, and there were tears in her eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He held her gaze, but shook his head. \u201cGo back, Nya,\u201d he whispered. \u201cDon\u2019t interfere\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nya made to move forwards, but the guard barred her way. \u201cYour husband knew what he was doing,\u201d he said. \u201cHe didn\u2019t have permission to leave, but he did so anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOnly because your laws forced him to!\u201d Nya said, turning on the soldier, tears in her eyes. She turned to face the crowd. \u201cDo you know why my husband ran? What the Empire asked of him? They said he had kept back part of the crop, that he had denied the Emperor what was \u2018rightfully his\u2019. And they were right. We kept part of what we harvested, and hid it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBut only because we have six children to feed. But does the Empire give us more, knowing our family is larger than most? No. They give everyone the same.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The crowd murmured at her words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She turned back to the guard. \u201cSo yes, we kept some of our crop for ourselves. We committed the heinous crime of trying to feed our children<\/em>. And you \u2013 your Empire \u2013 they knocked down our door, demanded payment, and took the food from my children\u2019s bowls. When it wasn\u2019t enough, they said my husband would need to make up the difference, working in the Kor mines. Everyone here knows that\u2019s a death sentence. So yes, my husband fled. He took a chance at life, and being able to provide for his family, rather than letting the Empire kill him. And for this you punish him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The crowd had begun to shuffle restlessly as Nya spoke, and now they pressed in tighter, forcing the soldiers back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Their swords went up. \u201cBe gone!\u201d One of them cried pointing his sword \u2013 which was shaking \u2013 at those closest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kran folded his arms, scowling, and regarded the soldiers. \u201cYou aren\u2019t leaving this place with that man,\u201d he said. \u201cRelease him to us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou\u2019re mad,\u201d the soldier whispered. \u201cThis is an Imperial affair. I have my orders. This man is to be punished for the crimes he has committed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCrimes,\u201d Kran echoed. \u201cWe\u2019ve all heard the \u2018crimes\u2019. Would you do any different, were it your family?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI would never deny the Empire what belongs to it,\u201d the soldier said stiffly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo?\u201d Kran said. \u201cDo you have children, soldier?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI \u2013 That\u2019s irrelevant!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIs it? Maybe we\u2019ll take everything you own, take the food from your children\u2019s mouths, and then see what you think.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDisperse!\u201d a new voice shouted over the crowd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Taelord turned \u2013 with difficulty due to the tightness of the crowd \u2013 and saw that more soldiers had arrived. These wore full armor and carried spears. One, his helmet under his arm, stood at their head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDisperse!\u201d he repeated. \u201cLet these men through, or you\u2019ll all be held for interfering with Imperial business.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAll of us?\u201d Kran said, easily towering over the heads of the crowd to speak to the commander. \u201cI think you\u2019ll find that difficult, Imperial.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Those in the crowd murmured and nodded. They outnumbered the soldiers several times over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The commander didn\u2019t seem fazed. \u201cWall!\u201d he barked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With a single fluid motion, the soldiers who had come with him \u2013 six in all \u2013 formed a line in front of him, shoulder to shoulder, armored wings held in front of them like shields, leaving only a small gap for their spears, which they held like lances, pointing directly at the crowd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Silence fell over the Docks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThose people,\u201d the commander said, gesturing to Geren, the prisoner, and the two guards, \u201care coming with me to the keep. Unless you wish to go for a visit to the prisons, you will let them pass, and then you will disperse, and go about your business.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking down, Taelord saw Kran make a motion, as if to draw an axe from his belt. However, he had no axe. He had probably removed it the previous night, and not thought he would need it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The soldiers stepped forward, and the crowd was forced to part before their spears. Geren shoved his prisoner forwards, and the two guards brought up the rear, keeping their swords up. The six soldiers enveloped them, raised their spears, and then escorted them across the Docks, away from the crowd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Noise slowly returned to the Docks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Everyone who had assembled seemed deflated. Kran scowled after the soldiers, and he wasn\u2019t the only one. Taelord saw several other Volcarrens in the crowd, watching the soldiers go as if they were seriously considering chasing after them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWho was he?\u201d someone asked. \u201cThe prisoner?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLeran,\u201d Kran said. \u201cA farmer like many of you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThey\u2019ll kill him,\u201d Nya said from beside Kran, watching the soldiers lead her husband away. There were tears in her eyes, and a fearful tremble to her voice. \u201cEither they\u2019ll send him to the mines, or they\u2019ll execute him right here for fleeing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThey\u2019ll do neither,\u201d Kran said, putting a massive arm around her. \u201cYou\u2019ve shown me kindness, Nya. I won\u2019t let the Empire do this. I\u2019ll stop it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHow?\u201d a dockworker said. \u201cThis is wrong, but what can we do? We\u2019re laborers, not soldiers. If we try to interfere, we\u2019ll just end up like Leran, or worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The crowd murmured in agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSomething must be done,\u201d another kyrie said. He had light brown hair, and his skin was a lighter shade of tan than most of those around him. His clothes were also somewhat cleaner \u2013 Taelord wondered if he was a freeman, like G\u2019shar and Rehs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI agree this must be stopped,\u201d he said. \u201cBut we have to be careful. Kran, if you and Nya will come to my home tonight, after sundown, we will consider what can be done. Any of you who wish to do something are welcome to join.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The crowd rumbled at his words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe\u2019ll be there, Jer,\u201d one said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAs will I,\u201d added another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jer nodded, and slowly, the crowd began to disperse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rehs turned to Taelord, his eyes alight. \u201cI\u2019m going,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Taelord wanted to say something, to try and talk him out of it, but the words wouldn\u2019t come. How many times had he decided to fight back against Ahnvad, even knowing what might happen? This was no different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDon\u2019t tell father,\u201d Rehs added. \u201cTonight, after dinner, you and I can sneak out. Jer\u2019s house isn\u2019t too far from our own.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Taelord hesitated, then nodded. Who knew? Maybe the farmers would be able to find a solution to Leran\u2019s plight which didn\u2019t involve violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At least, Taelord hoped they did.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" They landed at the Docks a short flight later. Beyond the straight streets and large houses of the merchants \u2013 a section of the city which Rehs called the Rows \u2013 the stone streets gave way to hard ground, which was packed with low buildings. These were made out of the earth itself, sod walls … Continue reading Chapter Nine<\/span>