Xinatta
A day like any other, Xinatta thought. Her mother left their tiny house earlier to serve the Phoenix Sect's master, Sebastian. He is the current master, owner and dictator of this huge place she's staying in. Connected houses fenced by high old brick walls hidden in a foggy misty forest. She have lived here for years with her older and younger brother but she still haven't fully explored the place. That's because servants like her aren't allowed to enter the main house except for lead maids like her mother.
Xinatta came near it several times though and through a quick glance she saw the hall. It is decorated by fancy red flowers, potted and spread within it's corners. There's also the elegant tiles. The thing that caught her attention was the red straight rug layered on it, from the outside door to the main room where meetings and gatherings of officials occur, including the master ofcourse.
She wonders how those money-grabbing creatures and mortal feel when walking on it. Do they feel high and mighty? Do they feel special? Is that why they like small-talking and stomping on them, what they call "lowly servants"?
"Xinatta!" A loud call from her older brother brought her back to reality.
"What is it?" she answered in a flat, almost octave voice.
"Mother said we're going to serve the master's meal after the meeting and its almost done. Go check on the cook."
Xinatta went and didn't bother answering. What good did that master do? He never cared, he has always put his people in constant suffering. Useless, over the top laws, not wanting to hear other's opinion, killing, torturing, minimum pay.
But she has also known that there's nothing she could do. What is the worth of a mere rat when faced with a roaring lion?
"Cenon, meeting's almost over." He immediately understood what Xinatta meant, she didn't have to explain further.
Yes, Cenon might be as young as her but he is also capable of understanding something so simple yet complex. Simple because it's not hard to guess what she meant considering he is the assigned cook for the master. Complex because it might cause him his life if he didn't get it.
A while later, Cenon handed Xinatta a freshly baked bread, hot steamy pancit with shrimp and cold juice.
She immediately passed it to her mother who's waiting outside the kitchen. After receiving the meal, mother flicked her hand and ordered her to go home and do the left chores.
"Okay." The only word she replied.
Inches away from Xinatta's destination and she suddenly hears a wail. A child like her? She followed the noise and found a boy being bullied by other kids.
Pathetic. But nonetheless, she still helped the wounded boy.
"I shooed them away, you should learn how to protect yourself next time" She said to him uninterested.
The boy thanked Xinatta and later told her his name.
"Zekie, my name's Zekie."
Okay but I do not remember asking. She thought in her mind, not bothering to say it out loud. She has done enough and proceeded to walk back home.
Zekie observed the girl that had just saved him, laying his very eyes on her steps until she reached her slightly broken, unfashionable old rag house.
"So the unsociable girl lives in there." He muttered to the empty air.
The day after, Sebastian the Phoenix master called Xinatta in to the main room. She could see her mother breathing unevenly, sweating and fidgeting, standing behind master Sebastian's red-laced throne.
She understood the reason for her mother's nervousness. Even she herself does not know why the master had called her. And why the kid she saved who introduced himself as "Zekie" is standing beside his throne.
"I heard about your heroism, servant. Therefore, this generous master will reward you."
After hearing the word "reward", Xinatta finally figured out the reason for a sudden summon. The kid Zekie is the Phoenix Sect's master's son, Zekerie, the second heir after her sister, Crystal.
Master Sebastian would never bother with a reward if it wasn't his own son that she saved.
"From now on, you will be promoted and known as the lead maid of Phoenix Sect's second heir and only prince" The master continued that left her confused for a second.
Xinatta is only a kid herself, as young as Zekerie. How can he expect her to handle that position?
I shouldn't be surprise anymore. Without much thinking, she accepted the offer. Besides, maybe it'll earn her family more money for food and substantial needs.
As expected, after she came home Xinatta was greeted by her mother's concerned scolding.
"Why did you decide to oblige? Have you seen those meaningful jealous stares of other servants? You're going to have a hard time working!"
"For money, for us." She answered briefly.
Suddenly, a hand bruised her face. It's warm and rough, full of calluses. Her mother had slapped her.
"Is my earnings not enough for you? We have food, we have shelter and we're living." Rage can be heard from every corner of their unpolished house.
"Surviving, not living." Xinatta said as she trailed off her eyes. She does not dare to look into her mother's glare.
Finally giving up, her mother quietly sat. "You do you. Though I won't always be there to defend you."
Xinatta nodded and left to get a good break. She needed a breathe of fresh air.
Now sitting down at their roof, she watched as the sunset took place. It's very beautiful, especially the glow and yellow rays. The sun overshadowed the clouds. Even the flying birds are incomparable to it.
"It's pretty isn't it?" A voice Xinatta once heard came from her side.
Zekerie is also sitting, observing the scenery.
"Why are you here? Dont think I won't implicate you if my roof breaks just because you're the son of the master."
He laughed, "I can buy you new roof for as many as you like. I can even buy you a new house, more decent than this one you have."
As much as Xinatta hated it, she cannot deny that he is telling the truth. Their family is very wealthy, nothing like a humble slave.
"The sun's almost gone, it's going to get dark. We should head home." Zekerie stated, referring to Xinatta.
She knew that, even if he wasn't there to remind her. So she stood up and proceeded to leave... But a hand stopped her from continuing her tracks, gripping her right wrist.
"What's your name? I can't keep calling you servant, that would be disrespectful." His eyes locked with hers.
"I rather you keep calling me servant before the others start tearing me apart because of your said favor."
Zekerie
Zekerie is dismayed by this. He wants to know her name but didn't complicate it anyway. He knows she wasn't lying when she mentioned the other servants' jealousy. Whether for money or favor.
After the girl was out of his sight, he started to depart as well, unaware. While thinking.
"Im home?" Zekerie questioned himself, just noticing that he's already in the main room where his father's throne lies. Distracted by his own thoughts earlier, he realized.
The lead maids cleaning each inch of the corners bowed as they saw him. Then one lady approached, "Young master, your father went to his room early, he wishes to rest." Zekerie recognised her, she is the girl from the rooftop's mother.
He nodded as a response. Satisfied, the lady went back to her business.
Xinatta
Xinatta awakened from the sounds of the roosters, it gets louder and louder each time. She is irritated, but is used to it. She went outside and saw that the sun has rose from its sleep, the same as her.
Not on guard, Xinatta did not notice that an armed servant is walking towards her. Baring a sword, clearly oiled and cleaned just minutes ago. It has a symbol carved to its hilt. The symbol of V'bon, Phoenix Master's forces.
"Servant, I have come to take you under the master's orders. He has ordered you to start serving the Young Master Zekerie. You are to go to the main house after changing to this dress." The V'bon handed her a red silky loose sleeve dress along with a brown belt.
Xinatta took it and after examining she turned to the V'bon. "I think you gave me the wrong dress, my mother is also a lead maid and her dress is far simpler from this." The cost of it seems to exceed all her clothes combined.
"Its custom designed by young master himself. Im sure of it." The V'bon said as he shook his head indicating that he did not gave her the wrong dress.
Xinatta doesn't prefer its style but didn't argue anyway, she knows the V'bon is just doing his job and clothes aren't really a big deal for her as long as it covers. After changing, she arrived at the main hall where Zekerie waited.
Xinatta bowed with no sincerity. Its more for show than respect. She doesn't acknowledge Zekerie or Sebastian as her leader. Because for her, what they do harms the people more than actually helping. Not like the former leader, Sevio's work. She wasn't there long but she witnessed his glory. The people were happy during his term, lots of festivals and they didn't have to work as servants to gain enough money for their daily living.
It didn't end well for him though, he was poisoned by his own wife, Niuly. She was afraid that the people won't let him retire and her son wouldn't be able to claim the throne so she ended him, not brutally but still horrible. Then she was caught, executed by officials. In the end, she still succeeded, Sebastian did ascend the throne. He isn't as great as his father, he's the opposite. He likes gloating and putting his own sake before his people. He doesn't care if we were happy or sad, alive or dead.
"Rise" ordered Zekerie as he pulled her to a flower-decorated table with white clothing. There were two chairs and he seated her beside him.
"I presumed you haven't eaten yet so I let them prepare this meal. Eat with me."
Although hungry, Xinatta shook her head, denying the meal before her eyes. "I already ate, young master."
Zekerie
Zekerie knew she hadn't, she was just afraid it would create disasters like mumblings and rumours. So he sent away all the other servants eyeing them.
"Go now, I have what I needed." The servants hesitated for a while, "Young master, the Phoenix Master ordered us to accompany you."
More like spy on me.
"I said go. Don't make me repeat it twice." He said in a commanding tone of voice. At this point the servants had no choice but to obey.
Now there were only the two of them. "You made their jobs hard." Xinatta said in her calm, yet cold sounding voice.
"You wouldn't eat if I didn't." He answered, justifying his actions.
Xinatta tasted the food, only to find it delicious. More and more, she increased her serving finishing it a little while later.
"You sounded dignified when you sent them away, you could have done that before when you were bullied."
That reminded him of yesterday when he met her. "Well, even if I did they wouldn't listen. Those kids were my sister's people under her protection. She's the heir to the throne, ofcourse they aren't afraid of me."
"How come I managed to shoo them away so easily when I came to rescue you?" She asked curiously but more investigative.
"They already stole all my belongings with me and they've beat me to a pulp. What else is there worth for a trouble with some commoner?"
Xinatta agreed, "They didn't want to waste their time arguing with a slave for measly nothing."
The hall fell silent. After a few seconds, it soon broke when he asked "Does the dress fit you well?"
"It did but you didn't have to design this, I could have worn the traditional clothing and it would work just as well. Its a waste of resources, you know?"
Zekerie expected this but he also expected atleast a little bit of gratitude. "No thank you?" he faced her while asking.
"Thank you." She said simply.
Zekerie wasn't sure if it was sincere or sarcastic because he can't read her face but he also didn't dive in it too deeply. Atleast she said thank you. It meant a lot to him.
Xinatta
They didn't dwell further in the hall. Zekerie had drag Xinatta in his own workroom. Several papers flew as he closed the thick wood door. Xinatta picked it all up one by one while lecturing him "You should have use clips or even a rock will do. Anything that keeps the papers intact."
Zekerie shrugged, "Next time." After fixing the papers onto his table, Xinatta observed his workroom. Huge wooden table right in front of the door, placed on it were papers, some opened books obviously unfinished, and a single lamp. Then she noticed the big shelf just behind it filled with books. She stared at it for a few more seconds, examining the would-be contents. Moving on, the walls are also made of wood, decorated by well-crafted patterns. The tiles however, are plain but not less valuable.
Zekerie then proceeded to explain "this papers are sent by my father, possible problems involving internal and external affairs of our town, Vibonia."
Aren't you too young to be studying that? A clueless thought of Xinatta came to mind.
"This books guide me in answering the problems, you can study with me if you like."
A light glinted in her eyes. She have never touched a book her whole life. She learned only by watching the children of the officials being taught in a fancy house. The children call it their "Jheran". It made her excited.
Zekerie noticed it and smiled, continuing "Use the books as you see fit. There's a lot of genres and a lot of stuff to learn. Sometimes, a Rhun-Ur will visit me and guide me to things I do not know. You can listen too."
Xinatta nodded and listened carefully, expecting more because Zekerie only mentioned the privileges she can do here, not her actual job.
"You will grind ink for me, for I will use it when I write and starting from today, there won't be any servant except you that is acceptable to enter my workroom. I expect you to clean it everyday."
"Okay." She responded briefly. She doesn't mind that at all, its not that hard grinding ink and cleaning one room or so she thought.
Her normal days finally ended there after she discovered that Zekerie studies from early morning, along with the rising of the sun until it sets. Thats about 10 hours of ink grinding. And if that wasn't enough, everytime Zekerie finishes his writing, a lot of crumpled wronged papers scatter on the floor. Its a nightmare picking it all up everyday, repeatedly.
She laid reasons of why she shouldn't quit. "Its worth it, alright. I managed to borrow Zekerie's ununsed books and bring it home. I can read it after working, storing knowledge in my once clueless mind. Though my younger brother occasionally disrupt me, its better than nothing. And sometimes, when the Rhun-Ur visits, I get to learn and listen with Zekerie. Lastly, my pay. Its not very high but atleast not like before, the minimum."
Xinatta sighed. Talking to oneself does help, doesn't it? She thought to herself.
"What? Are you giving up already?" Zekerie's voice startled her. She wonders how long he had been there and how much he heard.
"I never said I would." She turned to face him.
"Fine" He grabbed her wrist and pulled her towards the outside. "A day of break, just this once."
Finally when the two of them reached the grasses, Xinatta inhaled. Seeming to miss the breeze after working for hours inside the main house.
"Let me guess, you haven't tried lurking outside of your house right?" Zekerie asked her with a grin, a wide one.
"I have, in here." She pointed to the main house.
"No, except that." Brimming with excitement, he didn't care about explaining what's going to happen and just bolted out.
Reaching the heart of the town, Zekerie finally spoke. "Its a hustle in here but its also quite interesting."
Xinatta frowned. A hustle? Its a whole lot more in here. She'd spent her whole life stuck in her house serving masters and officials and never actually saw the other side of the town. The busy streets were full of mortals. Some selling goods, some in carriages and the others just passing by. There's also the mortals in the dark alleyways. The big muscled one's have tattoos, she'd seen it in Zekerie's books referring to mortals who have them as Holos. Protector of the weak, it says. But here, she can see they're bullying the weak, robbing and stripping them of their money and belongings.
She marched, forcing herself towards them. Zekerie on the other hand is busy finding a good restaurant and didn't notice that Xinatta ran off.
"What are you doing, aren't you guys holos protector of the weak?" She said to them as they stopped robbing an old woman and instead, shifted their attention to her.
One guy chuckled, he seems to be their leader. "Are you living under a rock? Holos have long since quit that job. Our ancestors figured out that this is better-paying!"
"Using ancestors as an excuse to bully the weak, you are a disgrace." Xinatta's voice wasn't aggressive but its menacing. Menacingly cold.
She's only doing this to buy time for the old woman to get away.
"Well what do you know, little girl? What will you do? Cry to your mom?"
The other holos stated that made all three of them laugh.
By this time, she noticed that the old woman is gone faraway and now safe with her belongings. Time for her to do the same.
"You're right. I know nothing, goodbye." She ran, as fast as she could. That's the only thing she can do. She knew nothing of martial arts nor can she transfrom into a phoenix. Only Sebastian, Zekerie and Crystal can do that or anyone with the same bloodline as them but not her. She could only hope that she'll run into a V'bon to atleast defend her but she saw none.
The holos chase after her, darting from the alleyway. Xinatta thought of anything that can slow them down but nothing came to mind. Then she thought of hiding so she went right, where there were more mortals to distract the holos. She thought it'll buy her time to hide. Well, unlucky her, she came into a public market corner with nowhere to hide. What to do? She asks her mentally unstable brain, tired from all the running.