We finally began our journey from Tangier to Sous, the landscape around us shifting from the coastal city's bustling streets to vast, open stretches of rugged terrain. Nabeel rode alongside us, his sharp eyes always scanning the horizon, as he began explaining the intricacies of the place we were heading toward.
"Sous is a tribal city, unlike anything you've experienced before," he said, his voice steady. "It's not ruled by a single leader but by ten dominant clans, each with its own customs, territories, and influence. One of the most powerful among them is the Asad clan. They're a demihuman clan, much like myself, but their traits are distinctly feline—cat ears, sharp reflexes, keen senses. They hold a great deal of respect in Sous, and outsiders often have to be careful not to offend them."
I listened closely, intrigued by the thought of a place governed by such different rules. "And what kind of trades go on in Sous?" I asked, trying to prepare for what to expect.
Nabeel's expression grew more serious. "Sous is known for many trades—spices, weapons, exotic goods—but its most infamous trade is in kobold slaves."
"Kobold slaves?" I echoed, unfamiliar with the term.
Nabeel glanced at me, his expression neutral but with a hint of caution in his tone. "Kobolds are a form of demihuman, but unlike people like me, they have much stronger beast-like traits. They resemble animals in form—sometimes like wolves, sometimes lizards—but they walk on two legs, speak, and think like humans. They're often treated as laborers or slaves in Sous, prized for their strength and durability. It's a common practice in regions not under the influence of kingdoms like Granada."
I frowned. "I've never seen them in Granada."
"That's because they're forbidden there," Nabeel explained. "The Holy Kingdom and the Papal State see kobolds—and, to an extent, even demihumans like me—as bad omens. They fear and despise us, considering our traits a curse or a sign of dark magic. In lands under the influence of the Holy Kingdom or the Papal State, kobolds are not allowed, and even demihumans face persecution."
His explanation made sense, but it still made me uneasy. The thought of a place where slavery was openly practiced, especially one involving sentient beings with beast-like traits, was unsettling. Yet, this was where we were heading—a world far removed from the structured society of Granada, where new rules and harsh realities awaited us. I looked over at Elara and Lily, wondering how we would navigate this unfamiliar world, but I knew one thing: we had no choice but to adapt and survive.