“But one of the worst results of being a slave and being forced to do things is that when there is no one to force you any more you find you have almost lost the power of forcing yourself.” 

- C.S. Lewis, The Horse and His Boy

"Welcome to Ura! Marketplace City of Ordea!" a fisherman called out as you passed the docks and rode through the city's entrance. "Well, he was friendly," you remarked as your steed made its way through the tall gate. "Too friendly, if you ask me," Luhan grumbled, riding along next to you. "Why don't you like Ura?" you asked. He looked over at you with an intense gaze. "Bad things happen here, or so I've heard," he told you under his breath. "What do you mean-"

"Good evening! Are you travelers?" a tall, dark, young man asked, approaching the group. "Why, yes, we are! Could you kindly direct us to the stables?" Suho asked friendlily. "But, of course; I can show you where the inn is as well! Follow me," he said as he turned a corner and motioned the group to follow him. You rode after him, arriving at the city stables within minutes. "Kris!" you called out when you saw the familiar head of blond hair. The tall boy turned and waved at you.

"Where's Aeyow?" you asked curiously. "I had already put Aeyow into the dragon area of the stables before your arrival," he answered. "Oh," you said as you put your steed into an open stable. The others did the same. "Well, travelers, are you ready to head to the inn?" the dark man questioned. He smiled when he took notice of Kris. "Is this fine young man with you as well?" he asked. You all nodded your heads. "He's a built one, isn't he?" The man laughed. "Very well, follow me to the inn. And also, I know a place that I think you may enjoy. I'll bring you there once you're all settled."

"Thank you very much. Yes, we'd be happy to come," Kai replied as you all began following him down towards the inner part of the city. "Psst." You heard someone whisper just as you began walking. "Huh?" you said, turning your head and looking around. "Psst, over here," the soft voice called again. Your eyes then saw an elderly woman hiding behind one of the stable walls. She waved you over towards her. At first, you were hesitant, but you made your way over to her. "Excuse me, ma'am, were you calling me-"

"Don't go with him," she interrupted. You stopped mid-sentence and tilted your head in confusion. "Um, excuse me?" you asked, very confused. "That boy, Rujin, don't go with him after he takes you to the inn," she repeated. She stepped out of the shadows where she had been hiding. The woman was in a velvet dress with a long, earthy brown shawl wrapped around her shoulders and over her head. "Rujin... The man who is showing us where the inn is?"

"After you go to the inn, he's not going to take you and your friends somewhere nice!" she said with a raised voice. "What? Then where is he planning to take us?" you questioned. "He's taking you to the Underground!" the woman said as she began tearing. Your eyes widened. "The Underground?!?" you exclaimed. She hushed you quickly; others were eyeing you and the woman, but soon turned their heads away.

"The Underground? What is that?" you whispered to her quietly. "The Underground is a disgusting and sinful place where people watch other humans fight till the death for entertainment. They took my grandson, and Rujin may be planning to take your friends as well," the elderly lady cried silently. "They do that?!?!" You gasped upon hearing her words. She nodded her fragile head, tears streaming down her face. "Rujin is one of the leaders of the Underground. I advise you to take your friends and get out of here quickly!" she said.

​Something inside you burst into flames. You became enraged with anger. Being a slave was wrong itself, but being forced to fight other slaves to the death... that was pure evil! You grabbed the woman's hand and held it in a firm grip. "What is your grandson's name?" you asked her. She wiped the tears from her eyes and looked up at you. "T-Tao. They took him five years ago. I shouldn't have let him out late at night; if I hadn't, then he wouldn't-" she whimpered. You gave her hand a squeeze.

"And you know he's alive?" you asked. She nodded her head. "I hear from the boys on my street that he's one of the strongest in there. Even though he's still inside, at least I know he hasn't given up yet," she said. "Hm. Tao," you echoed. The name sounded grand, lovely act