Days and nights passed by through deep swamps of the marshlands passed before Yoshida and the other men arrived at a villa compound. The area was heavily manned with armed guards and sealed off by a fortified mortar gate. Once inside, haggardly men dressed in sackcloth shirt and pants stood in clusters as Lesser House guerrilla berated them at gunpoint. Yoshida observed that each man wore shackles from the neck down. Most of them cowered together like frightened children receiving punishment for an unimaginable offense. Exhaustion, misery, and terror permeated through their ranks.

A powerful wave of anxiety and panic washed over Yoshida. It was the first time he felt such grief since he lost his beloved childhood playmate and sister Hinna. Though he drifted in and out of a haze, the fresh memory of helplessly witnessing his best friend’s death during the catastrophic massacre in Heddison singed deep in his heart. Then there was also the mystery of what may have come of Savoi to consider. Not knowing whether she was dead or alive, both crippled and strengthened him. He was determined to find her. No Lesser House agent or hell itself could keep him from the woman he loved.

With full composure, Yoshida quelled his anguish in time to witness the sectioning off of the men in his group. Only he and five others received instructions to follow a curious-looking man with the word Finlay inscribed on his name badge. His soft cap revealed thin strands of hair, and his mustache styled in an upside-down chevron. Finlay seemed completely indifferent to the men or directing them. Without a word, he simply motioned with his right hand for everyone to line up behind him and keep up.

Several miles away from the gate led to a bustling city. This scenery was a stark contrast from the internment camp. The stench of booze and sex provided a hint of familiarity in Yoshida. He quickly realized they had entered what could only be assumed to be the Pleasure District. The cobblestone walkways hosted dozens of stalls set up for gambling, alcohol, food, and trading.

Finlay ushered his team inside a some-what lavish tavern and guided them up three flights of stairs. Each team member received a key and told to use it to enter their living quarters. The innkeeper, a small and bald old woman, greeted them. She had missing teeth, and it was clear heavy drinking and smoking were a part of her daily routine. With an aggressively lustful purr, she handed Yoshida his key. Finlay shooed her away by tossing a coin purse down the flight of stairs.

Inside every room was a bathtub filled with soapy, boiling hot water and a fresh change of clothes spread on a bed. Yoshida quickly bathed and put on the Lesser House uniform. He cringed at the thought of being mistaken for one of them, but had no other options if he was going to find Savoi. Once the men reassembled, Finlay led them back out into the city streets. There, they joined in formation over fifty other men and waited for orders.

Yoshida recognized the leader from the morgue when he walked by. His name badge, inscribed Eisen, was more visible. Eisen’s silver teeth glowed in the streetlight as he climbed up onto a makeshift platform to speak.

 “You are here today because we have deemed you worthy to stand in the ranks of the Lesser House. We only select the best crops, so consider yourselves fortunate.” His eyes glazed over the crowd. “Don’t get too comfortable yet. We will need to weed out the weakest among you. There will be games of challenge. Only the strongest can truly be on our side.”

The men discontentedly murmured among themselves, so Eisen continued.

“Fear not! We aren’t without reason, unlike those scoundrels of the so-called Greater House. We always reward our winners accordingly.”

Suddenly, four flesh-traders rolled a large metal cage into the middle of the platform. Once the cage was unlocked, a sea of people sauntered out. Yoshida scanned across many faces of young men and women put on display. Some faces were unknown to him, but others were captives from Heddison. Eisen scoffed at each of them until one of the flesh-traders whispered in his ear.

“Well, now. It appears we have a pleasant surprise,” Eisen cackled, then pushed to sift through the crowd. “Let me see her! Bring her to me!” he demanded.

Before long, they brought a girl in a yellow sundress front and center. The men all gasped in astonishment and delight. Yoshida’s heart dropped and stomach sank at the sight of none other than Savoi standing among the women and men meant to be traded.

~The Waring Robins~