So, I know I have other stories to finish/update, but honestly, what's one more?

We have a bit of a historical AU here, though the countries are fictional. What's more, it's a master/slave fic.

I mainly equate this fic to my current obsession/frustration with the reboot of the anime Heroic Legend of Arslan, and I'm losing my shit in between Sundays. This is why I never watch brand new animes, this one episode a week thing is killing me.

If I remember my AP World History class correctly, I'm guessing that this would be around 250 A.C.E.

Enjoy and let me know what you think!

Salute,

TBF101

Star of Shimal

By TBF101

Chapter 1

The great imperial capital of Carthier was draped in black, and every man, woman, and child stood in the dusty streets as the funeral procession slowly marched by. Faces were somber and heads were bowed as the people of Taphrenion prayed for the spirit of Khar Yukina, a great lord and general who had passed to the netherworld. He had died last night after an illness claimed his aged body, but according to the rumors, did not suffer.

The family of Yukina headed the procession behind a brigade of soldiers and standard-bearers, with a young man at their front. He was Lord Khar's nephew and closest living relative, Kou Yukina. Although his gaze was usually bright and dignified, today it was shrouded with mourning. His golden head as bright as the sun was covered with the hood of his black cloak, and his eyes stared down at his hands that loosely gripped his horse's reigns. The other noble families were saddened that such a handsome face harbored such darkness. It was indeed a grim day.

"My lord," said a servant from outside the chamber door. Kou turned from the view of the sunlit city beyond the balcony as she came in. After the funeral this morning, he had retreated to his private quarters to ponder his uncle's death, and the household had reverently kept their distance.

"Yes?" he said quietly.

"I'm sorry to disturb you, my lord, but Lord Reiva has arrived," the girl said with a bow.

"Send him in."

Moments later, she returned with a man just a few years older than her master, who put his forearm against his chest and nodded respectfully.

A flicker of a smile crossed Kou's melancholy face. "So formal today, Reiva? Aren't you the same man who beat me so embarrassingly at lots last week?"

Reiva Maroh smiled as well. He was a lesser nobleman who had pursued law in his studies. Despite the social gap between them, two had known each other since they were boys and had always been on friendly terms. He was here today primarily on business matters, but also wished to see how Kou was taking the recent loss.

"Circumstances compel me to be formal, Kou. But please note that I am happy to beat you in any game we partake in. However for the time being, we should discuss the matter of Lord Khar's estate that he bequeathed you."

Kou sighed. "Isn't it a little soon for that?"

"I know it seems that way. But if we don't take care of this quickly, you'll have the other noble families barking at your doorstep spewing pleasantries and subtly inquiring what you did with your uncle's gold."

Kou turned back to the balcony, his brow creasing. "I'm almost inclined to let them have it."

Reiva's eyes were sympathetic as he laid a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Your uncle left everything to you. Do him a favor and accept it for the time being. Once we've gone through everything you can get rid of what you don't want."

This did not seem to sway Kou, so Reiva decided to switch tactics. "Need I remind you of your uncle's skill with a brush as well as a sword? Would you leave his glorious paintings to rot in that mansion?"

Kou looked over his shoulder, his expression both warm and irritated. "I'm starting to think you know me too well, Reiva. You get shrewder with every passing day. But you're right, I owe it to my uncle to at least oversee the remnants of his estate."

"Shall we go then?"

Kou agreed and the two men left the property on horseback, riding to the far eastern hills where Lord Khar's palace lay. It was nothing less than magnificent to behold, with lavish courtyards and polished marble buildings inlaid with gold. Even though Kou and his uncle had been close, it had been quite a while since he'd been here, as Lord Khar had preferred his work and luxurious parties to be held in the city.

An old man with a rich, embroidered cloak was waiting for them in the front garden, and Kou recognized him as Jareth, his uncle's steward. He had been at the funeral this morning, but they had not had a chance to greet each other.

"Lord Kou," Jareth announced with his hands spread in greeting. "Allow me to offer my deepest condolences for the passing of Lord Khar. There are few in the world who could have hoped to rival his greatness."

"Thank you," Kou replied.

Jareth gestured to several plush couches nearby and the men sat down as servants brought forth platters of fruit, wine, and other delicacies. Once they were adequately refreshed from their ride, Jareth produced several documents from inside his robe and set them on the table.

"Lord Khar was rather adamant that his estate be in order for you, my lord. Here you will find the total amounts of his bequeathment: gold, silver, works of art, and other material possessions."

Reiva took the papers in his hand and looked them over before giving Kou a nod.

"And here," Jareth added. "Is the document of live goods such as horses, cattle, and slaves."

Kou's expression shifted a bit, as the enormity of legal issues was far too great for his weary mind. Reiva saw this and turned to the steward.

"If Lord Kou did not desire to keep the bulk of the live goods, might they be put up for auction?"

"Of course," Jareth said. "I would oversee it myself and be sure they were sold for a fair price. Lord Khar kept everything in impeccable condition. However, there are a few particular stock which I would recommend keeping in your possession."

"Such as?" Kou inquired.

"Theus, for one, your uncle's prized warhorse. It would be quite a shame to auction him, considering he bore Lord Khar in many victorious campaigns."

Kou nodded in agreement and listened as Jareth mentioned several other animals and artisans of note. The flawless organization of it all clawed at the wound on his heart made by his uncle's passing. Khar had been a meticulous man, sparing no detail in anything he did, and it grieved Kou to remember how much he had loved that quality.

"And finally," Jareth said. "It was specifically stated in Lord Khar's will that his personal slave go to you."

"Personal slave?" Kou said. "I don't recall my uncle having one."

"Few people knew about him, as Lord Khar did value his own privacy. The slave is of great worth, considering he was trained in many areas which my lord would find useful. He can also read and write as well."

"An educated slave?" Reiva chuckled. "Most people consider that a great folly, as it has led to more than a handful of uprisings."

"That may be," Jareth said. "But I can assure you that Kisa is not a typical slave. He learned his place early and quickly in life and his obedience was so great that Lord Khar never raised a hand to him. In fact, it's worth mentioning that Kisa was the first one at Lord Khar's side when he took ill. Your uncle was quite fond of him."

"Kisa," Reiva said. "A literal translation of beauty. That's a lofty name."

Jareth smiled. "Yes, and quite literal I assure you. Lord Khar gave him that name when he acquired him."

Reiva gave his friend a knowing smile. "I'd like to see the slave who could win over your uncle so easily."

"Would you like for me to send for him?" Jareth asked Kou.

"That's fine," Kou replied. "But I'm more interested in seeing my uncle's private gallery. I don't want anything to happen to his paintings."

"Of course, my lord," Jareth said. "As they are treasures in themselves. Let me take you to the gallery and I will have Kisa meet us there."