Laria
The night air was dry and chill. Laria shivered and tried to pull her robes tighter, but the fabric was too thin to offer much warmth in the cool desert night. The camel plodded along as if unaffected by the breeze, led by Roderick who traveled beside it on foot.
“Please, Master Roderick,” she said, embarrassed. “You should be the one riding.”
“Nonsense, girl,” he said brusquely. “We’ll make better time this way. You wouldn’t last five miles without becoming exhausted.”
“Then why don’t we both ride? Please, Master–“
“I’m not your master,” he snapped at her. “Don’t call me that. And if both of us ride, we’ll tire the camel. He’s already had a long and exhausting day.”
Laria bit her lip. She knew his temper was short, but compared to her last few masters, it felt like he was being soft on her. It was strange to think of him as anything other than her master. Now that she was free, she didn’t know what else to do, how else to define herself.
They traveled in silence for a few minutes before Roderick spoke again. “Are you cold, girl?”
She nodded, grateful for the change in subject.
Roderick took off his cloak. “Here,” he said, holding it out to her.
Laria hesitated, not sure if she should accept it. “Thank you, Master Roderick,” she said at last, slipping the cloak over her shoulders.
“I told you not to call me that,” he muttered under his breath.
Laria ignored the comment and wrapped the cloak tighter around her small frame. She felt a strange sense of comfort wearing his cloak, as if she was enveloped in his protection. She wondered what it would be like to be wrapped up in his arms, instead of just his cloak.
“That was some damned fool business in that town back there,” Roderick muttered, as much to himself as to her. “Bunch of no-good ruffians and bandits, looking to run off and kidnap you. Can you believe that?”
Yes, Laria thought, remembering how one of her previous masters had done exactly that, throwing her over his horse and galloping off while her previous master’s estate burned behind them. Thankfully, after the thrill of the raid had worn off, he hadn’t found her alluring enough to keep her, and had traded her with a passing slave caravan. He had been a particularly cruel and bloodthirsty master.
“My father didn’t believe in keeping slaves,” Roderick continued, the camel swaying gently as they plodded on through the desert night. “He believed that every manservant and maidservant should be paid for honest work. But when the coin of Xulthar came to the realm, our family’s wealth began to evaporate. That was how he learned that the coin was cursed.”
As Roderick continued to speak, Laria found herself becoming increasingly engaged in his story. He spoke passionately about the lost city of Xulthar and his desire to restore his family’s honor.
“My family’s honor has been tarnished,” he said slowly. “My father was accused of a crime he did not commit, and we lost everything. Our home, our lands, our wealth. Everything.”
“And Xulthar will restore it all?” Laria asked, already knowing the answer.
“Yes,” Roderick said, his voice barely more than a whisper. “Xulthar is said to contain treasures beyond imagining. Enough to restore my family’s honor and wealth.”
She could tell that he had been deeply affected by the wrongs his family had suffered, and she felt a sense of admiration for him as he talked about how he wanted to make things right again.
“After I defeat the evil that lurks in the heart of Xulthar,” he said, his voice quivering with emotion, “I will seize the riches that lie therein and use them to restore what was taken from us.”
Laria nodded in agreement, her heart stirring with admiration for Roderick and his cause. “You have done a lot to keep your family’s legacy alive,” she said warmly. He smiled gratefully, then continued speaking passionately about his plans to rebuild the once-great city.
He paused, looking off into the horizon with a far away look in his eyes. “My father always said that the best way to heal a wound is to confront the source of it,” he said quietly.
Laria nodded, understanding that Roderick was determined to face the evil forces behind Xulthar’s destruction. With newfound respect, she reached out her hand and placed it on top of his own as if offering him a silent gesture of support.
Roderick turned and looked at her with surprise before quickly glancing away again with a shy smile on his face. Laria felt her cheeks burn at the intensity of their gaze, but then she realized that this was something new—this was something different than what she experienced with her other masters. She suddenly knew why he had been so kind to her today; he saw her not just as a possession but as someone worthy of respect and admiration.
And for the first time in many years, Laria began to feel seen—not just by Roderick but by herself too.
As he finished his story, he turned to look at her, his eyes meeting hers in the dim light of the desert night. Laria felt her heart skip a beat and wondered if he could feel her pulse quickening beneath the cloak.
“You know,” he said, breaking the silence, “I’ve been thinking.”
Laria swallowed, suddenly nervous. “Yes, Master Roderick?”
“I know that you didn’t want to be liberated, Laria,” he said, his expression softening. “But now that you are, I hope that you understand what it means to be free.”
Laria nodded, her eyes still fixed on his. For the first time since she met Roderick, she was beginning to see him in a different light. A light that made her heart race and her palms sweat.
“I do, Master Roderick,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Roderick leaned closer to her, and Laria could feel his warm breath on her face. “You don’t have to call me ‘Master’ anymore, Laria,” he told her. “You’re a free woman, now. Do you truly understand that? Because I don’t think that you do.”
“What makes you say that?” Laria asked, catching herself before calling him Master Roderick again.
“Because as a free woman, you don’t have to come with me to Xulthar. The way through the deep desert is dangerous, and the lost city itself is filled with evil sorcery. No, it would be safer for you to turn around and go back.”
Laria’s eyes widened. “But where would I go? I don’t have anywhere to go.”
Roderick brushed a strand of hair from her face. “You could go anywhere you want, Laria. With your freedom, you have the power to make your own choices and carve your own path in this world.”
Laria felt a surge of emotion welling up inside her. She had never felt so liberated before. Being a slave for so long had made her believe that she was nothing more than property to be owned and used by others. But now, with Roderick’s words ringing in her ears, she felt like anything was possible.
“Then I choose to go with you to Xulthar,” she said firmly. “I want to help you find this lost city, and claim its treasure for your own.”
Roderick frowned. “I figured you would say that,” he muttered, starting to brood again. “But be warned, Laria. Xulthar is not a place for the faint of heart. We will face many dangers on the way, and even more within the city’s walls.”
Laria nodded her head firmly. “I’m not scared,” she told him. “I may not have had many opportunities to explore the world, but I’m not unfamiliar with danger. And, I believe in you, Roderick.”
Roderick turned and looked at her with the strangest expression, somewhere between pity and sadness. With a start, Laria realized that the sadness wasn’t for her, but for himself.
“I have to be honest with you, Laria,” he said at length, breaking the uneasy silence that had fallen between them. “I do not expect to return from Xulthar alive.”
Laria’s heart skipped a beat at Roderick’s words. She had known that the journey to the lost city would be dangerous, but she had not expected this. She looked at Roderick, searching for some kind of reassurance, but his face was grim.
“Why?” she asked. “Don’t you want to restore your family’s honor?”
“I do,” he said softly, “but to tell you the truth, I don’t think I can anymore. I don’t think it’s possible.”
Laria was taken aback by Roderick’s defeatist attitude. This wasn’t the man she had come to know over the past few days. He had always been brave and determined to set things right, no matter the cost. She couldn’t bear to see him like this.
“Roderick,” she said, her voice low and urgent. “What’s going on? Why do you think you can’t restore your family’s honor?”
Roderick sighed heavily and looked away. “It’s hard to explain,” he told her. “I am just one man, and…”
His voice trailed off until all she heard was the plodding of the camel’s hooves and the whistling of the desert wind. Knowing that it sometimes took time for men to work through and understand their feelings, she waited silently for him to continue.
He took a deep breath and clenched his fists. “Some people say that the only difference between a slave and a free man is that a slave knows he is a slave.”
Laria frowned. “I don’t understand. What does that have to do with anything?”
Roderick turned to her, his eyes burning with intensity. “It has everything to do with it. You see, Laria, I’ve never felt truly free. Even before my family was disgraced, I felt trapped by expectations and obligations. I thought that if I could restore my family’s honor, I would finally be able to live my life on my own terms. But now…now I’m not so sure.”
Laria could see the pain etched on Roderick’s face. She reached out and took his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.
“Is there anything I can do to help?” she asked softly.
Roderick turned to her and gave her a small smile. “Just being here with me, right now, helps more than you know.”
Laria watched as Roderick gazed out across the desert, lost in his thoughts. She could feel his struggle inside her own heart; she wanted to do something to ease his burden, but she wasn’t sure what. As they rode on in silence, she thought of all the things she had learned about him.
He was a proud man with a strong moral code and a fierce loyalty to those he cared for. He was willing to put himself in danger if it meant protecting his honor or helping someone else, even if it cost him everything. Despite all this, he seemed so lonely and isolated at times that it almost broke her heart.
Finally, she decided to take a chance. Reaching out, she gently touched his arm and said softly, “Roderick…you don’t have to do this alone.”
He turned to look at her with surprise, then gave her a sad smile. “Thank you,” he said quietly. “But I don’t want you to die for my sake. The demons that I face, I must face alone.”
“No,” Laria said quickly. “I’m here for you, Roderick. I’ll stand by your side and face those demons with you. You don’t have to face everything alone.”
A strange new warmth spread inside her chest as she spoke. She was surprised at how much she cared for this man, despite only knowing him for a short amount of time.
But Roderick shook his head. “Laria, you don’t know what you’re saying. Xulthar is not a place to be trifled with. If you stay by my side, you’re putting your life in danger.”
Laria’s eyes flashed with determination. “I know the risks, Roderick. But I also know that I can’t just stand by and watch you suffer alone. Let me help you.”
“No,” he said firmly. “I cannot allow you to come with me. It’s too dangerous.”
His words exasperated her. “What makes you think I can’t handle danger?” she retorted. “I’ve been a slave my whole life, Roderick. I’ve faced danger every day just trying to survive.”
“This isn’t like that,” he told her. “This is a different kind of danger than living as a slave. The dark sorcery of Xulthar has consumed everyone who goes there. It’s not just danger, it’s death.”
Laria shook her head, refusing to back down. “I don’t care, Roderick. I want to help you. You don’t have to face this alone.”
Roderick looked at her with a mixture of fear and admiration that sent a shiver down her spine. “Laria,” he said, his voice softening. “I appreciate your kindness. But this is not a battle you want to be a part of. The creatures of Xulthar are beyond anything you can imagine. I wouldn’t want to see any harm come to you.”
Roderick opened his mouth to protest, but Laria quickly cut him off. “I understand your caution, Roderick,” she said resolutely. “But I’ve seen too much evil in my life to simply stand by and do nothing. Though I may not be a warrior like you, I won’t be cowed by fear.”
The man’s expression softened, admiration shining from his eyes. “Your courage is unquestioned, Laria. But there is a difference between bravery and foolishness – make sure you recognize the distinction.”
Laria squared her shoulders and nodded determinedly. “That’s why I’m here,” she said defiantly. “You said that I’m now free. That means I can choose where I go – and I choose to go with you, Roderick. To Xulthar.”
Roderick studied her face for a moment, then gave a small sigh. “Very well,” he finally said. “But you must understand, there may come a time when you regret this decision.”
Laria shook her head. “I won’t regret it, Roderick. Not if it means I can be there for you.”
The night was alive with menace as they plodded deeper into the desert. Insidious dangers hid in the shadows, yet Laria felt a glimmer of courage – for she was not alone. Roderick rode alongside her, offering both security and companionship, two feelings entirely new to Laria’s experience. And hope burned within her heart like a beacon as they pushed onward through the starry night.
Laria
The desert somehow seemed softer and more inviting in the early light of dawn. Laria stole from the tent that she and Roderick chastely shared and walked barefoot across the dusty sandstone to the ridge in whose shadow they had camped. The hills were not as high here as the dunes of the deep desert, but was still slightly out of breath when she crested the top.
The desert seemed so vast, so empty. She could understand why some travelers would be driven mad by its solitude. But for Laria, this was a welcome respite from all of her worries and troubles. Here, there were no expectations or demands on her time and energy; just peace and reflection—a space she desperately needed after the tumult of recent events.
She marveled at the sheer beauty of it all: the rugged mountain peaks that loomed in the distance; the sandy plane that stretched out before her; the cloudless sky speckled with a million stars that seemed to linger just above her head in silent anticipation of dawn; and most of all, she was awestruck by its serene stillness—the gentle whisper of wind rustling through clusters of dried grasses like blessed reminders that life goes on even in times of great upheaval.
She sat on the bare earth at the top of the ridge and hugged her knees to her chest as she pondered the recent upheavals in her own life. It had all happened so quickly, being freed from the life of slavery which was all she had ever known. Even now, she was torn between the desire to embrace her newfound freedom and the fear of a life she didn’t know. She missed the comfort of her old life, the predictability of it all. But she couldn’t deny the sense of adventure and possibility that came with the uncertainty of her future.
Her thoughts turned to Roderick. Laria found herself drawn to him in a way she couldn’t quite explain. He was strong, reliable, and had a fierce determination that she found admirable. In many ways, he reminded her of the masters she had come to know and respect during her time as a slave.
But there was something different about Roderick. Something that set him apart from the others. It was the way he treated her, with kindness and respect, as if she were a person and not just a piece of property. It was a foreign concept to her, but one that she found herself yearning for more and more with each passing day.
She knew now that he would never willingly be her master. He wanted her to embrace her freedom, to create a new life for herself as something more than a slave. But the thought of being under his protection and care was something she couldn’t shake. Maybe he would come around eventually, or maybe she would have to learn to live without him. It was a difficult thought, and Laria sighed heavily, feeling the weight of it in her chest.
As she sat in the quiet of the night, her thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a rustling in the grass. It was too heavy to be the wind, and her hand instinctively moved towards the dagger that Roderick had given her–though if she was forced to use it, she didn’t think that she could. Her heart pounded in her chest, her eyes searching the darkness.
Suddenly, a massive figure emerged from the shadows, its form hulking and powerful. It was a creature she had never seen before, with the head of a lion and the body of a man. It carried what looked like a golden scepter in its hand, and its eyes bore down on her majestically. Laria froze, her mind racing. She knew she stood no chance against such a creature alone.
But before she could act, the creature spoke. Its voice was deep and guttural, but surprisingly human.
“Fear not, little one,” it rumbled. “I am Zonthar, one of the old gods of Xulthar, from before the city’s fall. What brings you to this place?”
Laria hesitated, unsure of how to proceed. But something in the creature’s voice spoke to her, and she found herself answering. “I am Laria,” she replied, her voice steady but soft. “I am…a traveler. I was resting here for the night.”
The lion-man regarded her for a moment, as if searching for something. “You seem like a slave,” it said finally, and Laria felt her heart sink.
“Yes,” she admitted. “I have been a slave my entire life.”
“I too was a slave, once,” it said, its voice heavy with sadness. “It is a hard life, one I would not wish on anyone.”
“You, a god, were once a slave?” Laria asked incredulously.
“Yes,” said Zonthar. “Xulthar was once the seat of a mighty and benevolent empire, and as one of its patron gods, the fame of my cult spread far and wide. But my priests and worshippers exalted themselves, and sought to chain me with their strict and unrelenting dogma. Alas, too late I realized that even a god can be a slave.”
“How can that be?” Laria asked.
“Power does not always equate to freedom,” Zonthar replied. “For even the powerful can become trapped by their own desires and the expectations of those below them. As a patron god of Xulthar, I was blinded by my own pride. But in my years of captivity, I discovered the true meaning of freedom. It is not just about being able to come and go as you please, but also about the freedom of thought and spirit. And that is something that no one can take away from you.”
Laria listened intently to the wisdom of the old god. She had never thought of freedom in that way before.
“But why are you here, Zonthar?” she asked. “If you are a patron god of Xulthar, what brings you here, so far from the lost city?”
The lion-man eyed her sadly and sat down on the ground next to her. “When the people of Xulthar turned to evil, I threw off the shackles of my freedom and abandoned my followers to their own destruction. They cursed my name and cast me out of their pantheon. I have wandered the deserts ever since, watching over the ruins of my exiled home.”
As stars began to flee from the rays of dawn, the image of Zonthar began to fade as well. Laria sensed that he was not a being of flesh and bone, but of spirit–if indeed he was even that. Perhaps he was only a figment of her imagination, an ethereal mirage haunting the edges of the desert. Even so, she didn’t want him to leave.
“Why have you come to me?” she asked, looking into his lion face.
His deep yellow eyes regarded her gravely. “My power now is feeble compared with the evil that haunts the ruins of my former home. But with the last of my waning power, I look over the souls of those who seek the city of Xulthar.”
Laria stared at the fading figure of Zonthar, uncertain of what to say. He had given her so much information, yet she was still confused.
“But why did you come to me, and not Roderick?” she asked, referring to her friend who had also been on the quest to find Xulthar.
“Because you have a much more important role to play,” he said simply. “The dark powers that inhabit the lost city are seeking you for an evil end. To defeat them, you must embrace your newfound freedom and accept my gift.”
He reached into the folds of his lion skin cloak and withdrew an ancient gold coin. Its surface glinted in the predawn light, but Laria could feel a strange power emanating from it that made her uneasy.
“This coin is free from the curse of Xulthar,” he said softly. “Its value is priceless, for it was minted in the age of Xulthar’s greatness, before the city’s descent into dark sorcery. Use it to start a new life for yourself, as a free woman. It is my parting gift.”
Laria stood still, rooted to the spot as Zonthar’s form slowly dissipated into the dry desert air. He was gone, and yet his presence still lingered in the air. Or did it? Had she truly seen and spoken to a god, or had she merely dreamed it, in the dark witching hour before the first light of dawn? She felt the chill of the night air against her skin, even as the first rays of dawn lighted the tops of the distant mountains. Surely it had only been a dream.
And yet, as she stared at the empty space where the apparition of the god had been, a glint of gold caught her eye. Sure enough, a gold coin lay forgotten in the sand. She knelt down and scooped it up, holding it in her trembling hands.
Laria felt the weight of the coin in her hand, and for a moment she was in awe of its strange beauty. She had never allowed herself to own or accept money before, yet here she was holding something that was of such great value. How could she possibly accept this ancient coin as a gift? The thoughts raced through her mind as she debated what to do.
She stared at the glittering trinket in her hands, offered by the god like a spark of hope. If she accepted it and used it as instructed, she would be liberated from her chains of subjugation forever; but what cost would come with that freedom, she wondered? Her world as she knew it would be upended–but if she gave it to Roderick, he would demand an explanation. What would she tell him then? He would never believe that a god had appeared to her–indeed, the very thought of it seemed almost ridiculous to her now. It was easier to believe that she had merely dreamed it up in the haze of the night.
Laria stood there, lost in thought for a few moments longer, weighing the options in her mind. Finally, she made her decision.
“No,” she said softly, and flung the coin with all her strength back into the desert sands. Then, rising to her feet, she returned to the camp, ignoring the forlorn howling of the desert wind around her.
