Chapter 5 The Master and His Dog
The morning sun was just starting to rise over the hills, casting a pale yellow light onto the dirty courtyard of the Border Town Mansion. The air was still cold, and a light mist hung over the dead grass. Captain Boros walked out of the main guardhouse, stretching his large arms and yawning loudly. His dirty uniform was unbuttoned at the top, and his heavy metal sword banged against his thigh as he walked. Behind him followed four of his loudest soldiers, all of them holding cups of cheap beer and laughing.
"I am telling you, he did not last until midnight," Boros said, wiping his mouth. "The men Cedric hired do not miss. By now, that weak prince is cold on his floor."
"Should we go drag him out, Captain?" a soldier asked with a nasty smile.
"Let his fancy new wife find him first," Boros scoffed, spitting onto the dirt. "Come on, let us go look through the window."
But before they could reach the room, the heavy front door of the mansion slowly swung open. The laughter from the soldiers died down instantly.
Out came the plain wheelchair.
Kaelen sat comfortably in the seat. His pale face looked fresh, and his dark clothes were perfectly clean. He rested his thin hands on his cheap cane, looking out at the morning sun with a calm smile.
Walking quietly right behind the wheelchair, holding the handles and pushing Kaelen with care, was the lead assassin. His mask was gone, revealing a plain face with dull, empty eyes.
"What the... what is this?" Boros muttered, his face turning red with confusion. "You... how are you alive?"
Kaelen turned his head slightly. "Good morning, Captain Boros. It is a beautiful day, isn't it?"
Boros drew his heavy metal sword with a loud ring, pointing it directly at the lead assassin.
"You bastard!" Boros roared. "Cedric paid your group a fortune to finish this job! Why are you pushing his chair? Did you betray the master?"
The lead assassin did not blink. He remained perfectly silent.
"Captain, please do not be angry," Kaelen said, making his voice sound soft and timid. "This gentleman had a change of heart last night. He decided to stay and help me instead."
"Shut your mouth, you little trash!" Boros yelled, stepping forward. "I will kill this traitor myself, and then I will dump you in the river!"
Boros lifted his heavy sword, ready to rush forward.
"Captain Boros," Kaelen said.
His voice was no longer timid. It was regular, smooth, and completely steady.
Boros paused, caught off guard by the sudden change in the prince's tone. He looked down, and his eyes met Kaelen’s. Kaelen sat perfectly still, staring straight into the captain's face.
One second passed. Boros felt a sudden, heavy weight press down on his chest. He tried to take a step, but his boots felt like they were glued to the dirt.
Two seconds passed. A cold numbness rushed up Boros’s spine. The courtyard around him seemed to grow dark, and the only thing he could see were Kaelen’s deep, unblinking eyes.
Three seconds passed.
Deep inside Kaelen’s mind, a clear sound echoed.
[Target Subjugated. One year of lifespan deducted.]
At that exact moment, the sword slipped from Boros’s hand, thudding softly into the dirt.
Boros’s eyes went completely blank. Slowly, his big legs trembled, and he dropped heavily onto his knees right in front of the wheelchair. Tears began to pour down his scarred cheeks, and he pressed his forehead against the ground.
"I am sorry," Boros wept loudly. "I am so sorry, Master. I am a dog. I am a piece of garbage."
The soldiers stared in absolute horror. "Captain! Are you mad? Stand up!"
"Do not touch me!" Boros screamed, turning to glare at his men with terrified eyes. "Kneel! All of you, kneel before Prince Kaelen!"
The soldiers stepped back, their faces pale. Kaelen was just sitting there, leaning his chin on his hand, watching the captain cry with a bored, relaxed expression.
"Captain Boros," Kaelen said softly.
"Yes, Master! Please command me!" Boros cried, crawling forward on his hands and knees. He moved until he reached the side of the wheelchair, leaning down to kiss the dirty wooden wheel. "Your dog is listening!"
"Tell your men to leave us," Kaelen ordered. "We need to have a private chat."
Boros immediately turned around, glaring at his soldiers. "Get out! Get out of the courtyard before I flay you alive! If anyone speaks a word about this morning, I will cut your tongues out!"
The soldiers did not need to be told twice. Terrified, they turned around and ran back toward the guardhouse as fast as they could.
Once the courtyard was quiet again, Kaelen looked down at the large man kneeling by his wheels.
"Listen to me carefully, Boros," Kaelen said, his voice low.
"I am listening, Master," Boros whispered.
"To the outside world, nothing has changed," Kaelen said. "When my vixen wife is around, or when visitors come from the Capital, you will still act like a brute. You will treat me like a weak, useless prince. Do you understand?"
Boros trembled. "But... but Master, it hurts my soul to disrespect you."
"It is an order," Kaelen said coldly. "You will do it perfectly. But behind closed doors, every single thing in this town belongs to me. You will report every coin, every guard, and every letter to this room."
"Yes, Master," Boros said, his voice instantly becoming steady and obedient. "Your will is my law."
"Good," Kaelen smiled, a slow, dark expression that never reached his eyes. "Now, stand up, wipe your face, and go find some fresh food for our breakfast. My wife will be waking up soon."
"Right away, Master," Boros said. He stood up quickly, picked up his sword, and hurried away to fulfill the order.
Kaelen leaned back in his wheelchair, looking up at the clear morning sky. He patted the hand of the assassin standing behind
him. The first big fly had just been caught.
