134. Freedman.

We walked home with the newly freed man.

Ordinarily, they would have 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 slows 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 are 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 to? 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, boots, 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 enough. Bring fruits, any sweets, all you can find.. 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 was 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 them eat in peace. " Zephyr said, noticing it as well.

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 buzzing of more than 100 souls eating and whispering were heard.

" Want me to 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 doesn't know about this world. It's a miracle how easily he navigated it without a full overview.

" Once unable to repay their loan.. they are marked usually 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 freedmen now. "

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

I thought nothing of it..untiln't know how Juan himself was most likely in a similar situation and even after free.. never truly free.

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

Not him. I looked at Zeph.. 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 such carnage could be called a good thing? "

I leaned back and called over the girl from yesterday.

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

" Right away, Lord. "

Once she returned, we shared some.

" I'll say..we kill those who want us dead.. and try to be happy. Besides, you never know what the future holds..where we will be next year, or ten. "

" You're right.. the future is ever changing. I need to get back 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 are you going to force them into this.. this reunification of yours? "

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

" How is that even possible? " I asked, pouring myself another glass.

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

After we finished most of the bottle, I felt pretty relaxed. Whiskey was one of the most calming friends in this world a man can have.

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

I've 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 attempting something outrageous. Uniting two hateful half of the same religion.

Most of the freedmen are 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 quit 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 has 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 want to live their own lifes somewhere else.. you are free to do so. "

The smiles and tears blended 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. "