Elder Cultivator

Chapter 67

If not for some particular details, Anton might have found the area quite pleasant. Fresh mountain air and a nice breeze blew away dust outside of the mine, and the mine itself was quite pleasant to look at. The structures set up in front of it were quite plain but practical, but that was something Anton liked in buildings. Things used for a purpose. The slopes of the mountain around were covered in trees and various forms of undergrowth and lively with animals.

But the mine was manned by slaves. Anton wasnt convinced that slavery was an appropirate punishment for crimes or debts, but at least he could understand the reasoning there. However, those who took others as slaves merely because they had the power to do so filled him with thoughts of what he might do with his own power. But he forced himself to calm and civil, despite the circumstances.

The taskmasters had lined up about a dozen slaves in front of Anton. They all looked relatively healthy and strong, but Anton was able to spot small scars. The way the slaves moved made it clear that some of them had been whipped- at least clear enough to Antons senses. Though they were doing their best to give off a good impression, Anton understood that was just how things worked.

There were a few he recognized among the group. If he recalled correctly the one with the square jaw was Ebbe. He recognized Oskar as well. He thought he recognized one other from Dungannon, but that still left several others missing. Was he too late? Were they sold somewhere else, or dead or did he not even recognize their faces?

Anton did his best not to focus too much on any individual. Ebbe didnt seem to have recognized him, but Oskars eyes flashed. There was a lot of anger there. At him? No. Antons insight told him the man was wound like a spring. Ready to spring for the nearest guard and strangle him, if he could. Somehow Oskar seemed to think that there would be a fight. Was he expecting Anton to? Surely he had to know that his guards were cultivators. But then Anton felt it. It was small, hidden, but Oskar and the others radiated just a tiny bit of energy. Some form of cultivation, but well hidden. It wouldnt be enough for them to matter, though.

Hmm Anton said, trying to sound indecisive. Yes, they do appear quite durable indeed. Just what I am looking for. If you could name a price, I will think on it and return on the morrow.

Of course, the taskmaster said. He gestured to the guards, Send them back to work. Ill be speaking with the Senior inside.

The taskmaster brought Anton into what he could tell was one of the few luxurious rooms in the area. At least, it was comfortable enough. The prices the man names for the slaves was high, easily three times what he had expected. Clearly theyd understood there was something valuable about them in particular, but Anton doubted they knew they were cultivating. The strongest guard was in late Body Tempering, and cultivation fed directly into the ability to sense details of others. Anton was fairly certain only his training in Insight had allowed him to notice, but then again the guards had longer. Perhaps they were merely allowing the miners to persist with cultivation because they were weak enough. Anton thanked the man and promised to return the next day. That wasnt untrue given his intentions, but it was certainly incomplete.

-----

Catarina moved along with Anton. They didnt move far, taking each step one at a time as Catarina kept them concealed. Mobile formations were difficult, so they were mostly relying on distance to make up for the deficiencies. There was a steep cliff at the rear of the encampment, and no guards watching from that side. In fact, only a single pair of guards was awake, watching the road. That was the only sensible direction for fleeing slaves to go, and they occasionally patrolled around the area. However, the unrestrained nature of their energy meant they were quite easy to pick out.

The two of them climbed up into the area when the patrolling guard was on the far side, quickly moving over to the door to the miners dormitory. Anton had easily been able to make out what it was when he visited earlier in the day, but he stopped at the door to feel more carefully for any sort of traps or alarms. It turned out to merely be locked from the outside, of little concern when he could manipulate the lock with his energy. It was only meant to keep slaves inside, after all.

He slowly opened the door, gesturing Catarina inside first. He stepped in silently after her as she used small flicks of energy to set up a small formation around Oskar. Anton kept his voice low, even inside the formation. Oskar. Wake up. The mans eyes flicked open. Anton had been ready to cover his mouth in case he was going to make an overly loud noise, but it didnt seem necessary. You can speak quietly.

Oskar nodded. Youre Anton Krantz, arent you?

Thats right. I saw you and Ebbe. What about the others who came with you?

Dead, Oskar said, Within the first week or two. They couldnt handle the pressure down there. They mainly just brought new batches of miners every fortnight.

Anton frowned. Bastards. Listen, I have enough money to buy you and Ebbe. I just wanted to make sure there werent more of you. I can buy you tomorrow and get you out of here.

No, Oskar said firmly.

What? Catarina exclaimed, You cant want to stay here?

Of course not. Its awful, Oskar shook his head, But I cant just leave everyone else. You- both of you- are strong cultivators, arent you? You feel stronger than any of the guards. Cant you just break us out of here?

Anton and Catarina exchanged looks. After a moment, Anton answered, Im quite certain that is a bad idea.

Fine. Then leave me here. Oskar took a firm stance, I wont leave without everyone else. And preferably the guards and taskmasters dead, but if we can get these men out thats secondary.

If only things were so simple, Anton said.

Why wouldnt they be? Oskar said. People from here ran into Graotan and enslaved us. If you have the strength, why cant you just kill them and free us?

Anton shook his head. The world just isnt fair, Im afraid. Anton could tell he truly meant he wouldnt leave- and forcibly taking him away wouldnt do either of them any good. But Ill try to figure something out. Keep your head down until then.

Wait, Oskar grabbed Antons arm as he turned. I dont want to force you into danger but the guards have just a few shifts. During the day a pair stand outside the mines and some watch the road Oskar gave as many details as he had to Anton. I suppose you know how they are at night well enough.

Anton nodded, We figured it out. I hope we will meet again soon.

By the time their conversation was done the guard patrolled once more- but they merely waited with their energy constrained for him to pass. Then they went back down and away until they wouldnt be noticed.

-----

Everyone was sitting around in front of Anton. That included Pete and the others as well. I have to involve everyone in this decision. Even the five of you, since you should have different perspective. Anton explained everything he knew about the situation, including possible personal danger and potential retaliation against Graotan. I doubt it would turn into a war, but obviously people will die. Even if we leave no trail Anton shrugged, So. What are your feelings? What about the taskmasters and guards? Do they deserve to die?

Honestly, Pete answered, I think they do. If theyre anything like where we were, theyre unnecessarily harsh. And if theyre working people to death, theyre worse. I cant say I really thought about the others when you freed us. There were so many and I didnt really grow close to most of them. I was just relieved to be free.

Anton looked around, waiting for others to speak. Hoyt was the next to do so. About the Order. They might not be pleased at killing people involved in what Ofrurg considers legitimate business. Not pleased, but I dont know if they could find any moral fault either. Im willing to go along with what you decide. I believe the Order will still shelter you inside Graotan no matter what, but it might not be the best political move. Ofrurg deserves to take some hits, though. We cant just let them walk all over Graotan.

Catarina? Anton asked.

Im not sure, she said. I feel like cultivators arent supposed to just take injustices lying down. Even if we might get killed, she shrugged, I feel like we should do the right thing.

If only I knew what that was, Anton said. How much of myself and others should I risk? How far is too far? Anton shook his head, I will be honest. I would not feel a moment of remorse for killing any of these slavers. But the risk might be too high.

Dont we just need a plan? James spoke up. Most of those from Dungannon besides Pete were too intimidated to say much in front of Anton, but that didnt mean they had no opinions. Unlike with D- In Khonard, we have time. We dont have to settle on anything right away. I dont really understand the cultivation world, but much of it seems to be about might makes right. Even if you personally have a real sense of morality, I dont think these people do. So put some pressure on them. Even I know the Order is strong enough to keep them out of Graotan when theyre not sneaking around. Maybe scare them. Either way, when we act it has to be decisive. James sat there awkwardly for a few moments.

You make good points, Anton said. It makes me think that I am not a good cultivator. He held up a hand to stave off protests, Oh, I understand I have the ability. But Im an old man with cultivation. What have I done? Almost gotten killed by a beast tide, fought a few bandits, spent far more money than I really deserved... Anton shook his head. I spend time cultivating, but what have I done with my cultivation?

Saving Thuston was a great deed, Catarina said. And you saved these five, and the caravan.

Ill accept the first two as significant, Anton said. But I feel like I could have done so much more if I just let myself. Even now, Im thinking to myself- Do I let people get away with evil and others suffer so that I can have an easier time helping another handful of those I know? Instead, I feel like I should just act.

Were here whatever you do, Pete said. I appreciate my new chance at life, but I would not mind risking it for others.

Everyone else concurred. Eventually, Anton was left with his own thoughts. He didnt want to be a fool who rushed into things, and he didnt think he was a coward, but some part of him was still thinking like a simple farmer. Avoiding conflict and trying to keep his little community safe and cohesive, just continuing to live life. He didnt think that and of that was bad, but it wasnt what he needed.