They arrived at the outpost of Yaviskas; the guards looked Lydia up and down, licking their lips as they handed her and Razir some steel soled boots. She’d been warned about the path up to Yaviskas; the winding path was full of needles that were at least four inches thick. It helped defend the city, but also, all slaves were barefoot once inside the city, and the path prevented their escape.
Lydia gulped as she took the boots, knowing she’d never leave this place. A sliver of a tear rolled down her cheek as she bent down and put the boots on. There was no point in trying to run, Razir owned her, he had the contract that said so. He’d quickly outrun her, as would the two guards.
Once her boots were on, she looked back at her master, awaiting his command.
“Hand over your blade and garter, ****,” Razir commanded. “You may only have it back in the arena now.”
Lydia looked down at her garter and the dagger sheathed in it. Aside from her collar, it was the only possession she owned, the only thing that prevented her from complete nudity. With a heavy heart, she unbuckled it, and handed it over to Razir.
“Now follow me.”
She followed up the winding path, boots walking over the sharp needles up to Yaviskas.
The path went on for a few miles; and Lydia knew it would be impossible to escape this place without the boots she currently wore.
They arrived at the black wall, and the city gates opened for them. A pair of guards stood either side of it.
“Boots off,” Razir ordered.
Lydia bent down, taking them off and handing them to the guards.
