The Clockwork Veil

"North, come down here! We are going out!" 

"Mum, I am coming!" 

A five-year-old boy named North bounced down the stairs. He wore a fun steampunk outfit inspired by Victorian fashion. His outfit included a snug brown leather vest with shiny gears and buttons on a high-collared gray shirt. This look gave him an adventurous style. He also had a collection of steampunk accessories like brooches and decorative pieces, adding to his charming appearance. The colors of his outfit—browns, beiges, and grays—fit perfectly with the industrial theme. If I were to model, I would be a great fit for a baby advertisement!

"Look at you, all dressed up and excited to go for a walk with your mother!" 

"Yes, Mother, but don't forget you promised to stop at the skyport on the way back." 

"Yes, yes, Northon. Mother will take you to see the sky train." 

In this world, the "sky train" means the large airships that float in the sky. These impressive zepplins are unlike the ordinary planes or UFOs I knew before. They capture the magic of this steampunk world and are truly stunning.

As we stepped into the sunlight, the colorful world around us came to life. Even though this place is my home, I always enjoy seeing the wonderful sights. Dwarves hurried by, their short, sturdy bodies filled with energy, and their eyes shining with mischief and kindness. Beastmen walked next to them, tall and strong, their wild fur blown by the wind, each face showing many emotions without needing words.

Before we headed to the peaceful park, we stopped at the butcher's shop. The air was filled with the rich smell of fresh meat, arranged beautifully. Then we visited a farm stall, where bright vegetables sparkled under the sun, each one fresh and inviting us to enjoy nature's gifts.

As we walked toward the park, we noticed a lively crowd of people around an ornate wooden podium that shone in the sun. Suddenly, a small figure appeared, wearing bright, flashy clothes that didn't seem very elegant.

He stepped onto the podium and smiled at the crowd. "Welcome, everyone!" he shouted enthusiastically. "There is a great energy in the air today, and you should be excited! Today, and only today, we reveal something amazing—direct from the Backbone of the World!"

His voice filled with pride as he said, "Look at the last batch of 'defeated'! These amazing creations can handle any weather—whether it rains or shines, you don't have to worry about them breaking. They are also very strong, ready to help with your daily tasks or even to build new homes!" The crowd buzzed with curiosity and excitement, imagining the unique products.

A group of ten people stepped onto the stage. Their clothes were torn and dirty, showing signs of hard times. The three men in the front looked tired, and their sunburned faces showed both sadness and determination. Behind them were four boys whose small bodies were almost lost in their oversized clothes. They looked youthful, which made their tough situation even more striking. Two women walked slowly behind them, their heads down and hair messy, leaving dust in their wake. At the end, a small girl held tightly to her friends. Her sweet face was dirtied by their struggles. They were all tied together with rough ropes that pressed into their skin, and each wore a harsh metal collar, a reminder of their captivity and the challenges they had faced.

He spoke clearly so everyone could hear him and said, "For the men, we will pay 1,000 Pir each. The young boys, full of energy, are worth 1,200 Pir. The women, strong and graceful, are priced at 1,100 Pir. And that young lady over there, shining and confident, is valued at 1,400 Pir."

As I walked through the busy streets, I realized something shocking: they are really selling people here. I felt disbelief as my dream of a perfect world shattered. Dark exploitation lurked in the corners of this lively city, where bright lights could not hide the grim reality. A question troubled me: What is the Backbone of the World? I decided to find answers and hoped my mom could help me understand this unsettling mystery later.

I was ready to leave when my mother took my hand and pulled me closer to the stage. "2,000 Pir for the young girl there," she said.

"Mom, what are you doing?" I asked, shocked. It was one thing to accept slavery as a norm, but I didn't think my angelic mother would support it. I thought it was more of a niche thing, but I realized I was deeply wrong about the moral values of this world. When I get home, I should read those cultural and history books in the library that I saw.

"Ah ha! We have a lady with fine eyes here—2,000 Pir for the young lady! You are in luck, m'lady; she is just six years old and hasn't received her awakening," the short man said. Then he went to the young girl, cut the rope binding her hands, and took her by a chain attached to her choker, handing her over to my mother. She gave him a small pouch of money, and after counting it, he pulled out a taser-like device. He first pressed it against the back of the girl's neck, then on my mother's hand. "Pleasure to do business with you, m'lady," he said hurriedly before darting back to the stage.

"What was that, Mother?" I asked.

"That was a bonding device. It connects the ether of a person with another, so that person can't do harm to the buyer," she explained.

"But why did you buy her?"

"Well, North, as you've seen at home, we don't have a maid yet. The house was bought when you were born, and until now, I have managed alone. But now, I definitely need help with cleaning and cooking for everyone."

Well, yes, even if I wasn't entirely fine with the idea of slavery, it was true that my mother was getting busier managing the household alone. 

I looked at the girl closely. She was a little taller than I was, with long black hair falling over her shoulders. Her brown eyes had a deep, haunting look, like a forest at twilight, full of wildness. There was something unpredictable about her, as if she was a creature shaped by nature. When I stared at her, she noticed and met my gaze. In that moment, her eyes showed weariness and caution, filled with a deep sadness that hinted at many untold stories. I couldn't understand all the struggles she faced—her resilience and the burden of her past were clear.

"What is your name?" I asked.

She tilted her head, clearly not understanding me.

"That scoundrel! He didn't say she doesn't know Imperial. We need to teach her the language now. I can see why she was so cheap, even at six years old," my mother said, fuming.

"Well, North, now that we have a new guest, I don't think we can go to the park or the sky-port. Can you forgive me, Nor?"

"Yes, Mother, don't worry. Let's go find some clothes for her. The merchant said they don't suffer from the weather like we do, but I can see her shivering."

"Oh yes, let's go buy some clothes for her. She's probably hungry too," my mother replied.

well at least it seams that my mother still see her as an human at least and not like those mans there, i turned my head to a man with a tall hat buyng the remaining slaves and dragging them by their chian on the strett even making them strip naked.

After walking through the busy streets, we found a small saw shop with a wooden sign that creaked in the wind. My mother decided to shop for some simple but nice clothes, including a crisp maid uniform with delicate stitching on the cuffs.

As we continued our outing, we smelled delicious street food in the air. This drew us to a colorful stall filled with tasty options. My mother treated herself to a pastry stuffed with a savory mix of egg and a rich sauce that spilled out with each bite. As she enjoyed her meal, a look of happiness appeared on her face, and the warmth of the food matched the lively atmosphere around us.

With her hunger satisfied, we headed back home, feeling happy and uplifted by the simple joys of the day.

My father waited by the iron gate, his silhouette visible in the fading light. 

"Murvin, why are you standing out here instead of coming inside?" he called out, sounding worried.

"I left the key behind," I replied, feeling a bit frustrated. My mother quietly fussed, a mix of annoyance and impatience, while my father stepped aside and motioned for her to approach the gate.

"And who is this girl?" he asked, looking at the girl beside me.

"We found her on the streets," my mother said firmly. "She comes from the tribes on the Backbone that were expelled last month. She looked lost, and I need a new maid. She doesn't speak Imperial and needs training. You will think about it," she insisted, her tone leaving no room for debate.

"But, dear, I…" my father started, surprised and worried.

"No, Murvin Visarti! If you want to stay on this side of the gate, you will do what I say," she replied firmly.

Wow, Mum can be intense when she's upset. 

"Aye aye, Captain. I will do as you say," he said, smiling a bit, half joking, half resigned.

Now, it seemed I was about to meet new people. Calling a girl brought home as a slave a friend felt wrong. So maybe I could think of her as my first reluctant companion.