Only three chapters remain! The second to last chapter will be posted on Wednesday and the final chapter on Friday. Hope you enjoy! :-)

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With Magnus's business plans laid out I was busy through the fall. My body was fully recovered by now, well-fed and clothed to a degree I'd never dreamed of. I knew it was temporary. There was no question his trade anymore. I had pushed him towards it in hopes of affecting change before it was too late, but once he officially took on the role of "Master" to a human flock, it was only a matter of time before he realized my true place. Before I saw the truth of what Magnus really was.

I no longer took meals with my Master more than once a week, and only when he insisted. I needed the space and was grateful he seemed to accept this. Indeed his affect towards me had changed since I had vowed to willingly assist in his trade. I wondered if even he found discomfort in the presence of one who so easily betrayed her own. Or perhaps he was simply looking to distance himself from one he owned as property and was indeed already coming to see the reality I'd known all along.

To help him with the separation I made clear that, once the slave hall was completed, I understood that to be my home. Before the first frost, I had set up a bed there for myself and even convinced him that it was important for me to experience the space through the winter to ensure it was adequately insulated and comfortable for the flock that would arrive in the spring.

Magnus protested at first, of course, insisting that could I remain in his guest bedroom but I knew well enough that this was not appropriate. I worried greatly already for what his sibla employees might think of his strange devotion to me. And though Magnus had never given any indication whatsoever that he might take advantage, I could not help but fear that living in the same space as a lone sibla male could be dangerous. Already I had dwelled in his home for too long. It was improper and could only be more problematic through the winter months when the weather might keep him inside more.

When he eventually he acquiesced, Magnus insisted that I inform him of any concerns regarding my new home, reasserting that I could return to the guest room in the main house at any point if I changed my mind. I knew I would never do so. I did my work in the kitchen and then returned to my bed in the empty dorm, using the quiet of the barren space to plan for the humans that would soon join me there.

Though I had originally moved into the slave dorms to gain more separation from my new "partner" and Master, I soon realized the benefit of experiencing the space first hand for the purposes of my planning. Magnus offered me a variety of catalogs from which to select bedding, clothing, and other supplies for the humans he would take on and it was not long before I managed to make the dorms into a space that was quite comfortable, if not somewhat empty given that I was the only resident.

I chose for myself a bed in the back of the dormitory, slightly removed from the twenty-nine other beds that filled the space, awaiting their future occupants. I would reside by their side yes, but I knew I also had to make clear my position to the girls who would come. Magnus had agreed to hire no true overseer for his new slaves, but that generosity would only remain if I could play the part myself. In order to spare them the danger of a sibla master, I would have to take on the role fully.

Magnus was not quite as enthused as myself when I expressed my contentment in the slave hall, offering gratitude that he had hired a competent builder to create a cozy space and allowed me the funds to outfit it properly. He agreed with my suggestion that it made sense for me to dwell with the other humans for a period once they arrived, assuring they adjusted properly, but remained insistent that this arraignment remain temporary.

"Only until your true residence is completed," he told me. "I have already had plans drawn up for a home that will be more suitable."

I nodded, accepting his fantasy and assuring him that I had no need to see the drawings, trusting his judgment. Let him build the overseer's house, I thought to myself. When he finally realized that I was a human no different from the ones he slaughtered, his vision of me would right itself. With any luck, the sibla who would take my place in caring for my new Master's humans would be kinder if properly accommodated.

I had long suspected that the cruelty of Dulane's staff had only be exacerbated by his failure to treat even the sibla in his employ with respect. Seeing Magnus's clear generosity with both myself and all those he hired in his estate I was reassured that his new operation could never devolve into the culture of cruelty that had pervaded my former home.

——————

The spring season came, as it is apt to do once a year. The time of the wild markets. By now the only thing missing to bring my vision of "ethical human farming" was the flock my Master would purchase.

Magnus had educated me in the basics of the human industry, though I was certain he avoided the more gruesome details for my benefit. The annual spring markets, organized by sibla authorities, brought together all government-sanctioned slavers who collected tribute from the wild human settlements they maintained sovereignty over. Together with farmers looking to sell their own domesticated stock, the event was the largest gathering for sibla to deal in live human flesh.

I did not go with Magnus the first trip. The markets were attended by representatives from the biggest names in the human industry along with a variety of officials who dealt in maintaining holding facilities the likes of which I had remained confined within the previous year. My Master worried for my safety lest any recognize my face and associate me with rebellion.

"Best wait till next spring if you are truly determined to join me," he said. "By then the Dulane revolt will be little more than a passing memory and the danger will be gone."

I fought back the frustration I felt in hearing him speak so, hoping my expression did not betray the mixed emotions churning within. Were our efforts so easily swept away? The deaths of so many, both human and sibla, erased to block out our message of dissent.

Of course I didn't speak my mind on the issue. It would do no good after all. I knew I should be grateful for Magnius's efforts in ensuring my future safety. I'd already determined how I would honor the lives of my lost companions and could not allow my pride to stand in the way. Besides, I still had a debt to repay in service to my new owner. I could not threaten my ability to do so in any way.

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As soon as my Master departed I set about ensuring that I was indeed fully ready to receive the flock he would return with. Magnus planned to take on ten head of human to start with, though the dorms he'd commissioned might accommodate as many as thirty at a time. He'd allowed me ample budget to purchase suitable furniture and bedding, all of good quality. After a full winter living as his humans would live within the slave dorms, I was confident all would be content there.

As for clothing, I'd asked for two simple dresses and a pair of pants for each girl to start, as well as a long wool sweater, stockings, and boots. The weather was still chilly and I wanted all to be comfortable until we could determine what other garments we might need to acquire. I arraigned the clothing by size and set it, neatly folded, upon a table where the girls would be able to select whatever might suit them.

Magnus had provided all I asked without question, causing new worries to knaw at my thoughts as I made my final preparations. I'd never before been responsible for more than the feeding of a human flock. All other necessities had been our overseer's responsibility. I feared greatly that any mistake I made might prove my incompetence in the role Magnus wished me to take on, though he had ensured me that he would bear responsibility for any miscalculations. I resolved to work as hard as I could to make certain there was no need for him to correct a single error.

But once I had done all I might to prepare for the girls, I was left with only troubled thoughts and no specific task to keep my anxiety in check. I feared to wander around the estate too much without Magnus's protection from the crew of employees who lived on the estate to care for his holdings and other livestock. Spending too much time in my Master's home while he was away felt wrong. In the end, I remained in the dorms, sitting on my bed in an attempt at meditation, reflecting on how far I'd come.

It was impossible to keep Dreda from my mind. I'd once believed her cruel to serve so actively in the trade of human flesh. Now I would take on a position even more complicit. I only wished I could see her again. Apologize to her for my childish ignorance so many years ago. Thank her for the sacrifice she made to ensure I lived on when all hope was lost.

I vowed to her spirt in that moment that I would repay her by serving in my new role honorably. That I would, as she had, do everything in my power to lessen the suffering of those entrusted to my care. That I would put my own life on the line, should the need arise, to fight for their comfort until the end came. I prayed I would not disappoint her memory.

———————

Three days passed while Magnus remained away. Though I had received notice from one of his sibla employees that all had gone well at the markets and my Master would return by late afternoon as planned, my stomach remained so tied in knots that I was unable to eat or sleep properly throughout his absence.

Would the humans he brought be injured or sick beyond the capabilities of my healing knowing? Would any be too unruly to keep in line without the use of force? Would all see me as the enemy from the start, as I once had seen Dreda, making it impossible to bring my vision of a peaceful flock to fruition?

The questions that filled my brain as I paced by the window of the main house awaiting the sound of his vehicle returning were enough to nearly drive me to run back to my bed and hide beneath the covers, relinquishing any desire to take on the role I had set out for myself. I knew that was not an option. Somehow I managed to channel the strength I needed to remain put, keeping vigil for my new flock's arrival, mentally preparing to do whatever was necessary to acclimate them to their new home.

It was just after 2:00 pm on the fourth day of my watch that I heard the sound of tires driving along the long road that lead to the main house. A few moments later, I saw the truck, trailer attached to the rear. I was out the door in an instant, wiping any uncertainty from my affect. I would only have one chance to prove myself capable of the tasks my Master had agreed to lay upon me. To inspire the position of hard, but caring, leader among my flock. I could not be found lacking.

The concern on Magnus's face was undeniable as he climbed from his vehicle and I felt my heart beat unsteadily to see it. His eyes met mine with a desperation that sent a shiver traveling along my skin.

"They need your help, Alice," he said. "I did what I could but I was woefully underprepared."

I nodded, my heart beating faster as we went to the trailer. I could only imagine the shape these girls might be in. His clear trust that I would be able to aide the poor humans he'd purchased only strengthened my resolve to prove worthy of it.

As the trailer door opened, the terror on the faces of the ten humans huddled in the back was palpable. The moment light reached them all cowered from us.

"I was alone," Magnus explained. "I should have brought my own help. I was forced to use the workers employed by the auctions. I did my best to mitigate the damage. I was able to get them clothing but I do not think it was adequate. And their bonds...I feared to release them least they cause harm to themselves on the ride."

Looking to their wrists I saw the rope binding them. Even in the darkness of the cab it was obvious they were tied far too tightly. I felt my wrists itching, the phantom memory of my own pain in captivity tingling along the length of my skin. I could see thin linen they wore was nowhere near warm enough for weather and all were visibly shivering. My heart ached for their suffering.

"Alice, I give you full authority to do whatever you need to give them aide," my Master said, distress clear.

He was more observant than I'd thought. Indeed I had feared to take action without his command, uncertain how much power Magnus might truly grant me in spite of his previous vows that we would work as partners. But with his authorization, I didn't hesitate.

Climbing into the trailer, I ignored the reaction of terror that greeted me, projecting an air of authority and compassion.

"Come outside," I said to the girls. "We can take those ropes from your wrists and find you warm clothes. Let's get you all well again."

Confusion began to ripple through the group. All stared at me with distrust, entirely uncertain how to respond.

"Your new Master has given me full leave to take on your care," I assured them. "I know you have no reason to do so, but please trust me. I will do anything I can to help."

Still no response. I climbed from the trailer.

"Master," I said, loud enough that the other humans would hear me. "Might I have the loan of your knife?"

The sibla man's brow knitted in confusion but he nodded nonetheless, taking out the pocket knife he always carried and handing it to me without question. I went back to the girls.

"Here," I said, sitting on the ground of the trailer beside them. "I can cut your bonds. When we are safely inside I will find you food and proper clothing. I know it might seem impossible, but Magnus Kendrick is a sibla with true interest in your safety and comfort."

The girls looked at one another uncertainly but then the first held out her arms, extending them forward so I could reach out and take her hands in my own. I gave her hand a reassuring squeeze before opening the blade and slipping it carefully beneath the ropes on her wrists.

As the fibers pulled free I could see the relief in the woman's face. I ran my finger along the skin of her wrists to check for any deep abrasions and was glad when I found none.

"We will get you some cream for the irritation," I said.

The woman nodded.

"Your name?" I asked.

"Wendy."

The poor thing's voice was impossibly quiet. I estimated her to be no more than twenty years of age and, though she appeared well-fed, there were marks of abuse all over her visible skin.

"Well, Wendy," I said as cheerfully as I could manage, "welcome to the Kendrick estate."

As I offered the girl a smile she responded in kind, though her expression remained wary.

"Now who's next?" I asked. I was relieved when the girls each began to move forward towards me, allowing me to release them all from the ropes binding their hands before following me to the slave dorms.

———————

Magnus and I had prepared for the possibility of at least fifteen humans in the first flock and I was relieved that the shoes and basic clothes I'd laid out were indeed sufficient to see all covered properly. After allowing each to pick their own bed, I offered all the chance to take a shower and clean their bodies as I started a fire in the hearth to warm them. Next I asked to examine any and all injuries they might have, assuring them over and over that my only interest was in making them well.

And yet still in the back of my mind, I knew they were warranted in their distrust. The humans calmed in my presence once the sibla threat was removed, but I also knew the truth. Magnus had indeed purchased these humans for future slaughter. I'd encouraged him to do so. The rescue I offered now was temporary and at some point, there would be no denying it. I could not even say if I myself would be spared for the eventual cull. Once Magnus was able to understand how I cared or my charges surely he would find a sibla overseer to act in my stead.

Even in my doubts and concerns, however, I forced myself to remain focused. My mother had taught me to live in the present. Dreda had instilled the same lesson. I knew that was all a human could do in this life. The present was here and the future was no guarantee. I would use whatever power I had for as long as possible. I would survive.

"Now," I said once all had been properly cleaned, shod and warmed, "Shall we go and find you all somthing to eat? Your new Master has an impressive kitchen and I am the one who manages it. There are those who have praised my cooking," I added with a small smile.

"I hope I can find somthing to fill your stomachs. I can't imagine you have been offered much good food for some time. I myself have been in sibla holding cells and can't say I much miss the culinary experience."

The final comment gained me at least one half-hearted laugh and a few hesitant showings of emotion other than fear. Encouraged by the result I kept up my efforts and joviality.

As the girls followed me to the kitchens my confidence built. Already in these first few hours under Magnus's care their lives had improved considerably. There was comfort in that. And I was glad to have other humans to care for in addition to myself. This is what I had been raised to do. Human company was already improving my mood far more than I'd anticipated, regardless of the circumstances.

All took their seats at the large table I'd ordered through a catalog Magnus had given me to properly furnish my domestic sphere. It was perfectly suited to accommodate the group comfortably with room to spare. Encouraging them to relax, I began to sink into my element, asking all for their favorite dishes and trying to accommodate.

"I can not promise such a feast every night," I warned. "But to welcome you all here I think a true celebration is in order. For any who have experience in a kitchen, I would love your aid."

A few girls stood to offer their help and within a short time, the once-abandoned kitchen was filled with the smells of delicious food and even a smattering of chatter and laughter.

As we took our seats to eat, I prompted the girls to speak of their past lives. Of where they had come from. Though some were still too frightened to share, others were eager to tell their stories. I knew the more I could find out about them, the better I would be able to help rehabilitate and comfort all.

That night, when each was tucked into bed and sleeping, I took out a notebook Magnus had gifted me. Making careful notation in my mind of each's name and all I could recall of their stories I recorded as much detail as possible. I thought about the limitations of the life I had lived on Dulane's estate. These girls had been free just as Rebecca was once free. Hearing how much they had lost in sale to slavery was heartbreaking. I was only glad I would be able to play some part in ensuring they did not suffer the fate my former ally and rebel leader once had.

They would never be forced to mate or bare children for slaughter. I could command their respect without breaking their spirit. Perhaps it was even for the best that quick death would release them from bondage. I tried to hold faith that Magnus was indeed the man I had judged him to be and that this oasis I'd helped engineer for my new human charges would hold the test of time.