Don's Solemn Promise

"You can't win, Don." I say. "I know you're a good fighter, but there's too many. I won't let you throw away your life to protect me."

"These Artazians, what they do to thier slaves... It isn't pleasant. Especially for women."

"And how will you getting yourself killed change any of that? I'll still get captured. Please, Don. I don't think I could go on if I have watch you die here!" Don stares deeply into my eyes, his expression turning to one of determination.

He suddenly pulls me close into his arms. He whispers into my ear "Stay alive, Harry. Don't let them break you. I don't know how yet, but I'll escape somehow. I promise I will come for you. On my oath as a knight, I swear it." I nod and raise my hand to his cheek, giving him the best smile I am able to muster under the circumstances.

The leader is unamused by our display of affection. "Enough with the lover's secrets! The time to choose is now, sir knight."

"Very well. I have your word that no harm will come to her while she is under your care. That... will be acceptable." He throws down his sword.

"Bind them!" the leader says. Quickly our hands are bound at the wrists with rough cord. In addition to his sword, they also take Don's sheild and most of his well worn armor, Leaving him with his leather pants, boots, and a ragged cotton shirt.

We are led several miles to a small encampment where several other horses are tied. (Likely stolen form the trading post, as their coloring is different from the Artazian ones) Don is mounted on one horse, and they make a move to put me on another.

"I can't ride." I say. "Then you shall ride with me." the leader says. He helps me onto his mount, with Don glaring at him the entire time. Then we set off. The next few hours are a blur. Only the jarring motion of the horse keeps me awake. As dawn breaks on the horizon, I see a large city before us.

"Artazed, the capital of the Artazian Empire. It will be your new home." The leader says to me. We enter the city outskirts, dismounting at a stable just outside the main gate.

"Take the knight to the Askabad St. slave market." the leader instructs his men. "He should fetch a good price from one of the local warlords." Don and I share one last glance before he is ushered away. I wonder if I will ever see him again.

With Don gone, the veneer of bravery I had put up in order to reassure him begins to crack. My hands are shaking, my palms are sweating, I am starting to panic. What's going to happen to me?

1. I am taken to the slave auction to be sold
2. With Don and his men out of the way, the leader attempts to take advantage of me
3. There is shouting and commotion outside. Has Don managed to escape already?

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