Procrastinating at my desk, my body hangs over my desk. I don’t have the stomach to work; I don’t know if I can. It has been four days since the murders, but I can’t get it out of my mind. How easy it is for the Dogs to kill my people, all of them hoping they would return home. It was barbaric! A crime so horrendous that it shouldn’t even happen. Yet Alex allowed it; he made them think they were safe and outside of the mine. Only to be executed.

  Not just that, but news has gone out that the dodads have arrived, and they will be here soon. So I have to deal with that mess…

  No! I need to go on a walk, I can’t stay there. I need to confront him, I need to speak my mind. People warned me about this, how the Dogs will take every opportunity to kill our people if given a chance. That is the only solution to the problem they can think of is using our blood. They are right! So far, nothing is being done, and I see zero progress in any positive change. Except, he dances around the issues of my people and sits on his ass if things get too difficult. The Dogs are a violent and harsh people. Conditioned to bare their teeth at the slightest of difficulties.

  It was the argument in support of slavery that they were incapable of civility. I thought they were wrong, by the Gods, I argued to death on why I thought they were wrong. But after what Alex did. They are so right! I suppose it is inherent to a Dog’s nature.

  A few Cinari stand in the throne room, negotiating with Alex. I wonder why they are here? To work as slaves, perhaps. If things go badly, I should overlook what is going on and note it down. Best to keep an eye on the mutts than let them speak freely without consequence.

  ‘Why should we work with you? Can’t your Dogs fish for themselves?’ One sailor says sarcastically.

  ‘No,’ Alex replies. ‘None of my people know how to, and I need them to be trained. That is where you come in, you’ll be in charge of your ships, granted with some oversight.’

  The fishermen look at each other, checking each other’s vibes on the situation. ‘Doesn’t mean we should work with you. It just shows you’re desperate. Good! Get bent for all we care, we don’t want to help your kind.’

  A fair response if I say so myself.

  ‘I am asking for your help first because I want you all to be in charge of my fishing fleet. I have no desire to force you to work or subjugate you to my whims. What I want is your cooperation and your aid to help all of us.’ The sailors cross their arms, unconvinced by what Alex said to them. ‘I think we are all aware of the food situation. The fish you harvest will help a lot of people not go hungry. We can prevent a crisis. By refusing, you are allowing everyone to go hungry, and when we run out of food, your people will be the first to not be given anything. In a few days, when everything is gone, we will all grow hungry, and unlike your kind. My people can feast on your flesh to hold the hunger back.’

  They reluctantly mumble among themselves, though they agree with Alex’s point. ‘So, you want us to be the captains of our own ships? Even man our own crews?’

  ‘Yes, the Dogs you will train will be under your command. You will have one person per-ship that will supervise you, but only to make sure you don’t escape or cause problems.’

  ‘That’s awfully little in a way to control us. What if we do decide to escape?’

  ‘Are you willing to leave your friends and family behind while they starve?’ The fishermen shake their heads in response. ‘I thought so. Look, we don’t see eye-to-eye. But that doesn’t mean we have to be bitter rivals till the end. What I am asking for is your help. It may not seem like a choice, given the consequences. But compared to the alternative, it is preferable for everyone.’

  ‘Aye, I can agree to that.’

  Alex steps down from his throne and offers his hand to the man. ‘Then let’s settle the deal.’

  The sailor looks at it, he spits on his own hand and shakes Alex’s, sealing the deal. ‘It’s a deal.’

  The fishermen leave once everything is finalised. Being calmly escorted out by the palace’s guards without causing a commotion.

  Alex notices me, he forms a smile, but it quickly dies down. Either the beast is finally feeling guilty or they don’t want to see me.

  ‘I’m glad you’re here,’ he says as he sits back down on his ugly throne. ‘I have something for you to do.’

  ‘And what will that be?’ I reply.

  In all honesty, I don’t intend to help him at all. The only thing I am interested in doing is making sure the other nations don’t invade this land. In regard to this war, I just hope their kind loses.

  ‘I need you to survey the city on how the Cinari are doing. I’m planning to make some reforms to improve their way of living.’

  I frown skeptically, ‘why now? Did something change?’

  ‘Let’s just say an opportunity has come up. I don’t understand the Cinari situation, and I don’t think any of your people will provide me with an accurate painting of their struggles.’

  ‘So you think they will lie to you?’

  ‘More or less, I don’t think they want to tell me anything for fear of facing some sort of consequence. That is where you come in, since I think they will trust you enough to tell you everything wrong. We’ll be getting a food shipment soon, and I want to provide the food to those who need it the most first.’

  Ah, so he wants to help my people. Fine, I’ll help out only because I can use it to get some kind of aid. But I doubt anything good will come to it, for all I know, Alex will just ignore every flaw I point out. Though in the end, it will be better than doing nothing, I suppose. I can even use my findings as evidence against their species once this is all over.

  ‘Okay, what do you want me to do?’ I ask.

  ‘Just write down how the Cinari are doing and what you think they might need. Go everywhere in the city that isn’t the Red Light District. I’ll make sure you have full authority to do what you need so you don’t have to worry about my guards.’

  Good, I don’t have to deal with those muts if given a chance. I form a false smile before making my way to the exit. ‘In that case, I’ll get moving.’

  The moment I make my way outside the throne room, Max waits for me. Waving her finger for me to come to her. She wears a black and green mermaid cut dress. Sweetie, those colours don’t even match your fur.

  ‘What’s the rush?’ Max lightly comments with a sultry voice. ‘Going somewhere?’

  ‘What do you want?’

  She rolls her eyes, ‘nothing much. I overheard Alex telling you to check on the Cinari.’

  ‘He did, what about it?’

  ‘Well, you know, I just want to warn you that the city is pretty dangerous for your kind. Just make sure to not go outside of your designated places, okay.’

  What is that woman planning? She despises my kind, and from what I can gather, she will gladly kill my people at random. This isn’t a friendly warning; it’s a threat. If I want to show my people the treatment of my kind under the Dogs. I need to have a clear picture of what is going on over there. Though it is best I do that later.

  ‘You're hiding something?’ I question her.

  She grins at me, her fangs white and clean. Max seems thirsty for some action. ‘I hate to see our favourite Cinari walk into places they are not meant to be in. Just know that I will have some people keep an eye on you and keep you safe.’

  ‘Is that a threat?’

  Max chuckles before heading into the throne room to talk to Alex. ‘Not at all. Just a friendly reminder, that is all.’

  Something is going on; that wicked cow has to be planning something. I just need to know what it is. However, I can at least walk away laughing at that basic bitch. That dress is horrendous on her.

  The first place I need to begin my report needs to be about the refugee centre at Ranger’s Park in the eastern part of the city. Tents made of blankets, rugs, and carpet populate the once luxurious park. The ground that was once a calm green, even in the coldest of winters, is now a brown sludge of mud. People cannibalised their own homes just to add fuel to the fire, well, that is if they are allowed to return to them. What strikes me first is the smell, the rich, pungent odour of sewage and food scraps. The people here are living in filth.

  Most who live here are general labourers, the children, and the elderly. All living closely together in inhumane conditions. Some shiver in silence, their teeth rattle as the winter cold chills their bones. Others wait for the day to go by, counting the seconds of their occupation under Dog rule.

  Yet through all of this, there is a small glimpse of hope. None can fight back, but they believe that our brothers and sisters up north are giving the Dogs a hard time. They must’ve, because there is no word of their victory.

  ‘Oi, you from the palace?’ A young man approaches me.

  ‘Yes, I am. How can you tell?’ I respond as I put my pencil and journey in my pocket.

  ‘You don’t look like shit like the rest of us, and we heard rumours of a Cinari living in the palace that represents us. Glad to know that is true, even if it might not do much. Names Domanic,’ he shakes my hand. ‘So, do you have any news?’

  ‘No, sorry. The best I can tell you is our army is led by a good man. I think we will win this war. I’m Simon by the way.’

  He frowns, but his expression reforms into a hopeful smile. ‘Some news is better than no news. So, what brought you here? Surely the palace of the Crystal Kingdom smells a lot better than here.’

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  I chuckle, despite their position. They seem to have some spirit in them. ‘It is, but I’m writing up a report. The Regent wants to see what sort of supplies to give to our people when the ship of food arrives.’

  ‘Really?’ He scoffs, ‘I know some care, but I never expect the regent to care about us. That is some good news indeed.’

  ‘What do you mean by some care?’

  The man points towards the centre of the park with his thumb. ‘Rations have been low as of late, hell, the rations dedicated for a single family are barely enough to feed one person. But some folks figured out that putting rations meant for two can feed a third person, though it does require a fair amount of water. We even have to make the communal kitchen so we don't starve, but some Dogs have gone by to make sure we get some extra stuff to eat. Come, I’ll show you.’

  We head towards the middle of the park, walking through alleyways of tents and badly built sheds. The “thieves not welcomed” sign is the first thing to welcome me. Followed by a few Dogs of different breeds patrolling the area with a crossbow at hand or a spear and shield. Their armour has a green outline over the right shoulder. Cinari kids play around them, the Dog unbothered except smiling at their presence.

  Though what surprises me is that the paint on the Dogs' shields and the banners near the communal kitchen is the typical green and red of the International Peacekeeper Corps. That branch was disbanded eighty years ago because no nation wants to use them during a crisis. Perhaps them using their colours is some sort of coincidence.

  I point at the Dogs. ‘What are they doing here?’

  Dom raises a brow, ‘you know, they keep the peace. They guard our food supplies from anyone, even other Dogs.’

  ‘Why, from other Dogs?’

  ‘I dunno, some just want to take what little we have. I appreciate those Dogs, they make this place safer.’

  ‘Do they cause problems?’

  ‘Only if you want to be an issue to them. They usually leave us alone, but as you can see. Kids like to play on their feet; it makes them feel safe.’

  I find this difficult to believe. I think they are only there because it is pragmatic to protect the food supplies. It seems the Dogs are apathetic to our situation, keeping quiet as they look around for any troublemakers.

  A young white-mane Dog pushes a cart to the food area, in it are stacks of wooden toys. The children notice and immediately rush towards her in glee, giving the guards a break. As they swarm her, she gives them what looks to be newly crafted and painted toys. Ah, that is who she is.

  I pardon myself to Domanic as I approach her. ‘Syndy? What are you doing here?’

  ‘I’m on break, that is why I’m here.’ She reluctantly answers once the kids are dispersed.

  Wanting to lighten the mood and to figure this place out, I ask her something simple. ‘So, you’ve organised this?’

  ‘Actually, Thorgan did. To the dismay of Max, however.’ She shakes her head. ‘Look, what are you doing here?’

  ‘Do we need the hostilities? I’m only here to note down how my people are being treated.’

  Before she responds, she steps away from the toy box with her arms crossed. ‘I know your type, Simon. You’ll always be on your moral high-horse, but when things go wrong for you. You’ll jump off and abandon what you stood for.’

  Fine, if you want to act like a bitch so be it. ‘Look, I’m only here to help my people out.’

  ‘I know, Alex told me of his idea to help your people. But you're not here because of that, are you?’

  I frown, ‘you Dogs sure do love to jump to conclusions.’

  ‘And you Cinari love to wear a facade. The only reason you got here in the first place is so you can protect your precious Empire.’

  ‘That’s war, we have to do anything to survive. Your kind are just taking it too far.’

  She growls, ‘the only thing you want to survive is my people in chains.’

  I try to argue back but she talks over me.

  ‘Don’t try to defend yourself.’ Syndy continues. ‘I know you were part of a group against my people’s slavery, and how easy it fell apart when we took matters into our own hands.’

  ‘There’s more to that!’ I argue.

  ‘No, there isn’t. If there is anything about this blasted war, it shows someone’s true colours. Your disbandment proves that none of you truly cares. That our struggle is just an issue that you can talk about to feel good about yourselves.’

  ‘You don’t know anything about my group.’

  ‘I do, I remember when a group of your protesters rocked up at the front gate of the plantation and demanded our freedom. You know what my owner did? He pulled one of my sisters to the side, stripped her naked and tied her to the pole. For an hour, they whipped her till the skin on her back fell off like it was tender meat. Your people did nothing but watch in silence. And while she bled and died, you all walked back to your homes.’

  ‘There is nothing we could legally do.’

  ‘So, it’s all about the law?’ She huffs, rewarding my response with a sneer. ‘Our rebellion isn’t legal…’

  ‘Civil War,’ I correct.

  ‘Whatever, that doesn’t matter. What is true is our fight isn’t legal in the eyes of your Empire. If legality is all you are concerned about, how can you expect the people who keep us in chains to change?’

  ‘So you’re fighting by putting my people in chains. You are no different to your enslavers.’

  Syndy pauses, looking around the refugee camp grounds. ‘No, this is different. The only thing we can agree on is that no one should be enslaved, not Dog, nor Cinari. But your kind never knew what it is like to be a tool, never knew what it is truly like to be expendable, a rag to be thrown to the side when you are too dirty to reuse. Every adult Dog has numbers seared on our skin from a branding iron. Others have more than one set of numbers. You never knew what it is like to have your identity be nothing more than a commodity which can be sold and played around with, nor will you ever feel the humiliation to be told that your enslaver’s Gods are just and fair and made the Cinari the rightful rulers and defenders of the world.’

  ‘So why bother? What is the purpose of making toys?’

  ‘Because I am better than you! I am making an effort to make their world a little brighter, to make sure they have some food and wood to keep warm. Your kind never gave us that generosity.’

  ‘Ah, yes, give us small things to burn overnight, and while we’re at it, let’s also cause further tensions between our species! You can’t keep my people enslaved and expect bridges to be built.’

  ‘That is because your kind deserved it!’ Syndy hisses. ‘As horrible as this all is, you all deserved it. Marak is right. All of you benefited from our suffering, and are only crying for mercy because you are getting a taste of what we have to deal with for generations.’

  ‘That is strange, coming from someone who is with Alex. The man who is constantly arguing that slavery should end.’ I lie, I don’t believe he is true to his word.

  ‘I love him, by all means I do.’ Syndy takes a breath before replying. ‘But he is overly na?ve. Deep down, he is optimistic about our kind unifying, that we will one day put down our differences and be all happy. But I don’t believe him, no matter how hard he tries or explains his vision of the future. Or at least, I won’t be alive to see it happening. That is if we win this war.’ She pauses for a moment, making her words sink in. ‘If there is anything, it is the horrors you brought onto my kind that will forever be remembered, and we will never give you the benefit of mercy. Your kind never did, not since you put us in chains. This war will be eternal, physically or spiritually.’

  ‘That is awfully nihilistic of you. So you are going to do nothing because you believe nothing will change?’

  She takes a step towards me. By the Gods, I want to kick her stomach, but I have to stop the temptation. ‘I know nothing will,’ she continues. ‘And you know why, after what happened in Letharus. Do you?’

  I keep my silence, eyeing her. Waiting for her to make her damn point.

  ‘And so you respond with silence.’ She whispers. ‘You won’t say it, but I will! This war will never end. Dog, Cinari, both of us. We remember pain more than we remember acts of kindness. We gravitate towards misery like moths to a flame. That is why your protest group disbanded when news came out about our retaliation, and it is why you will do the same thing and throw my people into the fire if your kind wins this war as a final act of revenge.’

  ‘What makes you think I will do that?’

  ‘Because I would do it in your shoes.’ She leaves the camp with her cart.

  I look around to notice a few people witnessing our conversation. Some are heartbroken with what she said. As bitter and heartbreaking it may seem, she has a point that I can agree with. We all remember pain.