A New Companion

Valen woke up to the soft light of dawn filtering through the window. He stretched, feeling the strength in his muscles from the runes he had painstakingly engraved on his body. Today was different; he felt it in his bones. The time had come to venture beyond the confines of the estate and into the city. 

He sat up and called out to the maid, who had been his constant companion and caretaker for the past six years. "Elara, could you come here, please?"

Elara entered the room, her expression warm and attentive. "Good morning, Valen. How are you feeling today?"

"Good morning, Elara. I'm feeling strong. I want to explore the city today. Can you help me prepare?" Valen asked, his voice filled with determination.

Elara's eyes widened in surprise. "Are you sure, Valen? You've never shown interest in leaving the estate before."

Valen nodded. "Yes, I'm sure. It's time for me to see the world outside these walls."

Elara hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. I'll help you get ready."

They spent the next hour preparing. Elara helped Valen into a simple yet sturdy outfit, suitable for the city streets. She packed a small bag with essentials and ensured he had enough money for their trip. 

"Are you ready?" Elara asked as they stood by the door.

Valen took a deep breath and nodded. "Yes. Let's go."

Together, they stepped out of the side estate and into the bustling market streets of the city. The sights and sounds were a far cry from the tranquil confines of the estate. Valen, now six years old, walked through the crowd with Elara by his side, his eyes wide with wonder and curiosity. This was his first time outside the estate, and the experience filled him with a mix of excitement and trepidation.

"Stay close, Valen," Elara said, her voice gentle yet firm. "We don't want to get separated."

Valen nodded, gripping her hand tightly. "I understand. There's so much to see here."

They made their way through the market, past stalls selling everything from fresh produce to exotic trinkets. The air was filled with the scent of spices and the sound of merchants calling out their wares. Valen's eyes were drawn to a particularly crowded area up ahead.

"What's going on over there?" he asked, pointing.

Elara followed his gaze and sighed. "That's the slave market. We should avoid it."

But Valen was already moving toward it, his curiosity piqued. "I need to see it."

Elara hesitated but followed him, knowing it was better to stay close than to let him wander off alone. As they approached, the noise grew louder, and Valen could see a platform where slaves were being displayed and auctioned off.

One of the merchants, a burly man with a booming voice, was in the middle of auctioning a slave. "This one is strong and healthy! A perfect addition to your household or workforce!"

Valen's eyes scanned the slaves on display, and he noticed a young woman at the edge of the platform. She stood out from the rest, her posture defiant despite the chains that bound her. Her eyes burned with fierce determination, and her muscular frame hinted at a life of combat and hardship.

"Who is she?" Valen asked Elara, pointing at the woman.

Elara's expression grew wary. "She's a barbarian from a clan that was recently purged. They say she's a prisoner of war. Be careful, Valen. She's not like the others."

Valen approached the merchant, his gaze never leaving the woman. "Excuse me, sir. Can you tell me more about her?"

The merchant turned, his eyes narrowing as he took in the sight of Valen and Elara. "Ah, a young master and his caretaker. Interested in a slave, are we?"

Valen nodded, his expression serious. "Yes. Tell me about her."

The merchant chuckled, rubbing his hands together. "She's a feisty one, that's for sure. Comes from a barbarian clan that's been wiped out. Strong as an ox and just as stubborn. Not an easy one to handle, but if you're up for the challenge, she could be a valuable asset."

Valen looked at the woman again, her fiery eyes meeting his. "What's her name?"

The merchant shrugged. "Does it matter? She's a slave. But they called her Kaela."

Valen turned to Elara. "I want to buy her."

Elara's eyes widened in shock. "Valen, you can't be serious. She's dangerous!"

"I need her," Valen insisted. "I can't fight an army alone. I need strong allies."

The merchant smirked, sensing an opportunity. "Well, young master, she won't come cheap. But for someone like you, I'm sure we can come to an agreement."

Valen reached into his pocket, pulling out a pouch of coins. "Will this be enough?"

The merchant took the pouch, weighing it in his hand. "A bit more, perhaps. She's worth every coin."

Elara, seeing Valen's determination, added some of her own money to the pouch. "There. That should cover it."

The merchant grinned, satisfied. "Deal. She's yours."

Kaela was unchained and brought down from the platform, her eyes never leaving Valen. As she stood before him, her posture was tense, ready for a fight.

Valen looked up at her, his gaze steady. "My name is Valen Thorne. You belong to me now."

Kaela's eyes flashed with anger. "I belong to no one."

Valen smiled, unperturbed. "We'll see about that. Come with us."

The three of them left the market, Kaela walking behind Valen and Elara. The journey back to the side estate was quiet, the tension palpable. When they arrived, Valen turned to Kaela.

"I bought you because I need strong allies," he said. "But you don't have to stay a slave. Prove your loyalty, and you can earn your freedom."

Kaela crossed her arms, her expression defiant. "And why should I trust you?"

Valen met her gaze, his eyes filled with an intensity beyond his years. "Because I'm different. I know what it's like to be underestimated. Give me a chance, and I'll show you a path to power and freedom."

Kaela studied him for a long moment before nodding reluctantly. "Fine. I'll stay. But if you betray me, I won't hesitate to kill you."

Valen nodded. "Agreed. Now, let's get to work."

---

Meanwhile, at the main estate, Lord Thorne sat in his study, a letter in his hand. His expression was one of surprise and confusion as he read the news of his son's actions.

"Exploring the city? Buying a slave?" he muttered to himself, disbelief evident in his voice. "After six years of staying locked in the side estate, never leaving... why now?"

He stood up, pacing the room. "What is that boy up to?"

Lord Thorne's thoughts churned with questions and doubts. Valen's sudden decision to venture into the city and purchase a slave was unexpected, and he couldn't help but wonder what his son's motives were.

He called for his steward, a loyal man who had served the family for years. "Find out everything you can about this slave he bought. I want to know who she is and why Valen chose her."

The steward bowed. "Yes, my lord. I'll gather the information immediately."

As the steward left, Lord Thorne sat back down, his mind racing. "What are you planning, Valen?" he wondered aloud. "Why now, after all these years?"

The questions lingered in his mind, unanswered and unsettling. He couldn't shake the feeling that something significant was about to unfold, something that could change the course of their family's future.

---

Back at the side estate, Valen stood with Kaela and Elara in the training yard. He could see the skepticism in Kaela's eyes, but he was determined to prove himself.

"Let's begin your training," he said, his voice firm. "We need to be ready for anything."

Kaela raised an eyebrow. "You think you can train me, a warrior of the Barbarian Plains?"

Valen met her gaze with unwavering confidence. "Yes. And together, we'll become unstoppable."

Elara watched from the sidelines, her heart filled with a mix of pride and worry. She had seen Valen grow stronger over the years, but this new path he was embarking on was fraught with danger.