Tales of the Wastelander Ch. 18 - Teaser (Patreon)

“How much longer before we get there? This swamp is giving me the creeps!” one of the slavers groused as he trudged along through the muck.

“Not long. Maybe an hour or so before we get to the waystation,” Snahrk told the man, assuring him and the others who were looking a little spooked.

“Is this why we weren’t careful in hiding our trail? Because we were coming through here?” Zandyr asked, looking about the watery trail they were traversing.

“Yup! Not only does the swamp hide our tracks, but no one comes here! Many people think it’s haunted, because no one comes out of this place,” Trahl’khan laughed.

“Why is that?” another slaver questioned.

“You’ll find out soon enough!” their boss cackled as he continued to lead the way deeper into the swamp.

Maybe an hour later, is when the convoy saw the first sign they weren’t alone out here. A shrill whistle sounded, which some of the newcomers jumped at, but the veterans calmed them down, citing that it was just the sentries. After it being pointed out for them, they all saw the camouflaged men sitting in well-concealed tree stands. The sentries waved them by, allowing them to pass unhindered.

A few minutes later, they saw torches in the gloom, lighting up a solid wooden wall with a basic gate. As they approached, the gate opened, letting the slavers past the wall and into the compound that was within. Inside was dry land, unlike the swampy murk they had trudged through, which many of the men there appreciated. Trahl’khan then stepped off his Thunderer and tossed the reins to Snahrk.

“Took you long enough to get here, boy! Have some trouble with the locals?” a big and burly slaver growled as he walked forward to Trahl’khan.

“Not really. Just took issue with locating the one I was looking for, Dohlrak,” the younger Slavemaster stated.

“You did come back with a fat haul, much like you said you would! I want to have a better look at your stock here,” Dohlrak told him.

“Please, by all means! Just remember, sampling does cost,” Trahl’khan chuckled as the pair walked by the cages, inspecting the people held within. They looked over the men, which they shrugged at, but noted how fit they were, which they felt would fetch them a good price. The women and children was their interest was piqued, as they took more time to look them over.

“I must say boy, I am impressed! You’ve got some top quality merchandise here! Looking to get to D’troi, are you?” Dohlrak asked.

“Provided the Flesh Fair is still on. I’ve heard some rumors of Regulators setting up shop in the city,” Trahl’khan grumbled.

“Nah. They were just passing through, headed someplace out west. Nothing to concern yourself with,” the elder Slavemaster told him.

“Still, that they’re even passing through is cause for concern! I don’t want them getting a hold on places where we can still do business freely,” the young man groused.

“We’ll deal with them when things happen like that, if they happen like that. For now, we should enjoy ourselves and the life we live!” Dohlrak stated with a laugh.

“That we should! The fee to rest and resupply the same?” Trahl’khan queried.