Chapter 216: Would you trade slaves? (1/2)

Remembering a particular memory, while Aiden was caught completely off-guard, he was hoping to not have to get into this question as it would raise several unwanted complications. Still, since they were spotted, he could only roll with it.

”They?” Acting as cool as he could, Aiden spoke in a nonchalant manner. ”They are my two human servants. They are healthy and good fighters whose duty is to serve as my guard. Why?”

”Oh, really?” The grey, old orc shaman raised his eyebrows and tilted his head, looking at Aiden in surprise. ”Not often do I hear about a goblin who has human slaves or slaves of any kind for that matter…” Grabbing the base of his long beard with his left hand he started caressing it, as he looked at the lush-haired goblin with increased interest.

”Aren't your race mostly cowardly and weak? How did you acquire those two?”

Knowing that the old orc was once again testing the waters a bit, Aiden revealed a slightly offended grimace, frowning at the aged shaman with a contemptuous look.

”What is that supposed to mean?! Are you this rude to all the other envoys? Can your attitude be considered the official stance of your tribe? You mud-dwelling bipedal pigs are getting more and more absurd with each year, I swear…” He sighed, looking at the orc with disdain.

The corners of the old orc's lips twitched when he heard the taunt from the small goblin. He gripped the hold of his stick tighter. Taking several, long seconds to collect himself and regain his almost lost composure, the friendly smile returned to his face. He gave an apologetic bow towards the goblin as he spoke in a much more respectful tone.

”Please, excuse me for my language. I'm just an old fool, barely a member of the tribe anymore. My words carry no weight, it's just the ramblings of a senile elder.”

Keeping his bowing posture, the old shaman waved towards a pathway that went behind his rundown shack towards the distance.

”My lord, you should not mind my rambling any longer. Go and meet with the rest of the leaders. They have already started gathering in preparation for the next phase.”

Raising his head, he revealed the friendliest, most inviting smile the old orc could muster as he continued.

”However, let me remind you of two things, young lord. First, you will have to take your slaves with you and leave them with the others in their designated building. Don't worry, they won't be abused but they can't be allowed to listen in on important matters. Second, and I am sure you are already aware of this, but due to the fact the majority of the leaders are from Orcish Tribes, the meeting will be held in Orcish, and not in the young lord's otherwise rich tongue.”

The new information caused Aiden to frown. Turning around he looked at the spot where he came from, as he raised a question.

”Can I leave my guards outside? I don't want conflict between the slaves, you know both of them are quite… feisty. They should be fine to wait for me where they are now.”

The old orc shook his head upon Aiden's question.

”Not possible, sorry young lord. You have to bring them to the designated holding area, you can't keep your pets wandering around aimlessly.”

”I see.” Aiden sighed in defeat. This complicated things by a great deal. Looking at the orc shaman, he raised his shoulders and continued.

”And where can I find this holding area? Is it further inside the tribe's land?”

Chuckling, the old orc shook his head once more.