The True Colours of an Empire_Ch: 1_Dragonborn 14

The slave sister comes up to Iriel and holds something in front of her, "I believe you wanted this."

It is the doll from the bunker. It’s slightly burnt from all the lighting and fighting.

"We need to ask you guys some questions,” Iriel says, looking at the two slaves. “We want to know your names to address you."

The male points at his mouth brace. Meadow backs away a bit from them as Iriel removes the mechanism. The powerful jaws widen. Looking at the two people before him he says, "I am Kaladras. And this is my sister, Nempak."

Seeing a frightened Meadow standing further and further away he fixes himself and tries to look as less scary as possible.

"How did you get free from the factories? They have no non-magical entry or exit. It must have been a rather genius plan. How did you do it?" Meadow asks them.

"I want to make a request." Kaladras says as the two investigators listen to his words, "All I wish for is the safety of my sister. She does not deserve all this. If you can guarantee her safety, I shall tell you everything I know. Just keep her out of all this."

Iriel looks at Meadow. "You have the word of Iriel Lomamantle from the House Lomamantle of the Khecashian Empire, that your sister will leave Khecasha safe and sound." Meadow looks at the door to ensure that no one is eavesdropping on them.

With hesitation in his voice, "You remind me of a man I met once Miss Iriel. That man spoke of an elven group by the house's name same as your house’s name…We escaped two months ago," Kaladras thinks carefully before choosing each word he lets out of his mouth.

“But the reports said that they escaped a month ago." Iriel and Meadow think in their minds as they look at each other.

"And do you remember this man's name?"

Kaladras looks into Iriel's eyes, "His name is Navarre."

Iriel's eyes widen. She stands up in shock. Meadow walks over to Iriel only to hear her start tearing up.

Iriel looks Kaladras in the eyes, "Are you sure that's the name?" she asks in a shaking voice as she forces her mouth to speak.

Kaladras, looking at Iriel’s shocked and teary eyes, responds, "He helped us learn the common tongue so that we can blend in with the commoners better. But the situation seems not to have been so easy. We escaped with my magic and Navarre's knowledge of the factories. I owe him my life."

Iriel covers her weak side again as she wipes off her tears.

Meadow speaks for the first time in this conversation, "So, this person is helping the slaves escape? This might not be the only factory this person has hit. And since Khecasha relies on its production, we nee…” Iriel's sharp glares shoot Meadow straight in the eyes, refraining him from finishing whatever he was going to say.

T.B.C.

Writer: Alejandro Faverzani.

Artist: Nayeli Zelaya.

Co-writer & art editor: adifferentway.