From Slave To Ruler

"Crap!" Whispered Aaron swiftly when he saw the second Branch of the mine being impossible to pass due to the damage caused by the "Earth Slapper" as dust blew all over his face when he walked to close towards the collapse, declaring that the Collapse happened perhaps a few seconds later compared to the third branch's collapse. This made Aaron hate his luck furthermore, but the source of the Collapse was no doubt obvious.

This wasn't part of his plan no doubt, this only makes his escape harder. It would just extend his time spent in the mines, time which would ultimately lead to him being captured, the Slavers won't just clear the way for him to run and cheer him on along the way. They would throw every bit of force they have against Aaron, he would be their main focus considering that he is able to run freely, showing that he doesn't have the 25kg Iron Ball attached to his leg.

He turned around and saw that the second branch goes further down compared to the third one, since the second one is older. This will only mean that it will take him even longer to escape, but at least now he has such option! Branches in mines are common so more area can be covered at once and it is a smart move if the Mines have enough Miners. Why put all of them in one branch where most will likely stand around, due to the working limitations one Branch would bring.

Spreading them in Branches and even in the other mines of Hawk Kingdom is a better idea. It would be considered proper use of human resources, bringing more income to the employer or anyone above the employer, in this case though, slaver since the former miners are converted into Patrol Guards mostly and some into Soldiers. The reason why they made most of them Patrol Guards, is because they needed all of the old but skillful Patrol Guards as soldiers. A rather smart move. The King couldn't really bother if the new Patrol Guards do a good job, that's why they turned Miners into them.

Aaron ran downwards the second branch as fast as he could while being barefooted, it wasn't a breeze. His feet kept getting hurt due to the sharp shattered rocks on the ground. But what other choice did he have but to run and ignore the pain and possible blood lightly breaking out from his feet? It is either run or die! And now that he offered himself a chance, he doesn't want to taste death.

It didn't take long for him to find a path leading towards the first branch, like that support beam enhanced doorway he found as he entered the Second Branch just a moment ago. But in this mine which seems new compared to other longer bigger mines who have several or tens of branches, the first branch is the last one he can turn to if he wished to escape this place, there is no fourth or any branch before the first, and the other branches are useless for escaping due to the explained reasons. If the first branch is covered with Patrol Guards and Whippers, he is screwed.

There were already enough Patrol Guards and Whippers in the first branch before Aaron started his escape, they were "hosting" the slaves after all. Now that the collapse was likely heard by many, and parts of the second and third branches are inaccessible, the first branch would be their first thought and only option, making this swiftly thought out plan seem even dumber. Now he isn't even armed, he dropped his pickaxe when he hit the Whipper at the beginning.

Aaron even passed by a few slaves when he was at the second branch who don't seem to be supervised. The Whippers either became victims of the collapse or were prevented from entering further down. Because their ways of supervising, included watching from a distance, yelling orders and approaching only when neglection of duty or any slight disobedience was done by the Slaves. The Patrol Guards were outside, standing in front of the Mine entrances because they couldn't stand the "stench" the slaves unleashed. At least that was their excuse. They just didn't want to be down the mines. So the second Tunnel was clear of danger, but it doesn't mean the first one will be similar.

He could of stopped along his way and break other Slaves from their Chains and shackles. But who can guarantee that those slaves would stand and fight against the opponents instead of fleeing or giving up right away, begging for mercy. Their courage and self dependance was gone long ago ever since they fled their motherland. So at this point, it is every man for himself. You can't trust anyone and no one can trust you.

But indeed he didn't think this plan through too well. He took too long. If he had any chance of escaping, he blew it when the second Branch accidentally collapsed.

The second he walked in the first branch, he faced the opposers defenceless. To make it worse, in a flash he got tackled by a Patrol Guard and several others joined, holding Aaron down, making it impossible to escape their grip, nevertheless the Mine.

"Kill him. Slaves escaping is punishable by death. If we don't kill him, the King will host a beheading ceremony for all of us because we were in charge." Yelled a Whipper, obviously valuing his life more than that of a slave. You can't expect much from rapists really.

"You are right. Cut his throat!" Yelled another Whipper standing a few feet away with his Whip on his hand, showing to the rest of the Slaves who still has authority throughout this madness. Authority of which doesn't seem official though.

"Wait! Don't kill him." Yelled another Whipper as he was running downwards the first branch. Just in time even. Because a Patrol Guard already put his Iron Sword near Aaron's neck.

"I saw it all happen. He caused the Earthquake!" Explained the Whipper under his breath when he reached the group of Whippers and Patrol Guards.

"Well i be damned. We found another one. Lift him off of the ground and don't let his feet touch it either. He is defenceless that way. The King will make a good fortune out of you, Bear Blooded Slave." Ordered a Whipper who feels like he is in charge of the Mine, with a l.u.s.t for Coins in his tone. The claimed supervisor of the Slaves gets a reward if any person with Powers is to be found, a reward based on his Salary. The Whipper's salary being 10 Silver Coins a month, he will get a 20 Silver Coin reward from the King, thanking his "contribution" towards Hawk Kingdom. It was a good system for the King to enslave any person with power and earn coins from them. The way of him earning coins isn't based on selling these powerful slaves to the Zamerians (Religious organization) if that's what you were thinking. No, his plans are more complex.

Two Patrol Guards lifted Aaron James off of the ground and made their way out of the mine and towards the very Castle of Hawk Kingdom, to see the actual King, following the Whipper's clear orders which they received. To insure safety, the two Patrol Guards were accompanied by 4 Patrol Guards in front and 5 at the back. Aaron's abilities are made clear after all. He is a Earthquaker, he can cause Havoc if one let his "Guard" down.

But this rather unusual scene caught the attention of a foe. A foe to Aaron James and even a foe to Aaron James' foes, a foe to the whole Iron Boot Alliance. But no she didn't attack. That's not what she is here for, and it wouldn't promise good results if she single handedly attacked a 18,000 people Kingdom. Not a good idea at all unless suicide was her wish.

Working at a shop with a man she barely knew, her secondary objective since she entered Hawk Kingdom was to spy. To provide information for a superior authority. The primary intend is rather more complex.

Witnessing the scene that just passed in front of the shop, she grabbed a parchment which were for sale in the shop without being noticed by the shop owner, grabbed ink and a quill as well, in aims to instantly write a message to the superior authority supporting her work.

"I need to go to the restroom. I will be very quick i promise." She told the shop owner who looked at her with clear l.u.s.t, agreeing to everything she asked in hopes to get his hands on her one day.

"Don't make me miss you too much!" Sounds nice, right? Well it could be if he wasn't already married.

"Haha i won't!" She laughed with internal disgust. This man is married goddamn it. Once her task in Hawk Kingdom is finished, this man will be the first person she kills before she escapes back to her home Kingdom.

"Sir. There wasn't anything worth reporting happening before the Slaves arrived today. So i hope you remained patient as much as I did.(You have no idea). An Earthquake is rumoured. An Earthquake happening in the mines. I didn't see it for myself, but i just saw a man being carried by Patrol Guards. I am surprised to see that they didn't kill him on the spot which raises theories in my mind, seeing other men being carried the same way a while ago makes it a bit more confusing. These slaves are said to come from the Borders, so the man they were carrying has high possibilities of being responsible of this Earthquake. I am confused about why this slave is still alive even if he was a earthquaker, if you have a more solid theory, please let me know soon so i can investigate further. Rumors are sure to come by at the shop sooner or later. Next week I will write everything I hear, and deliver it to you. Thank you for your patience.

-Z