With the face and accoutrement of a lesser noble, Ritousaey hired two sell swords for the week. He sensed that this would be a good place to observe for a while. Though he needed no protection, a lesser noble would. He needed to attempt to keep up appearances. They were the two most trustworthy body guards in the area. He could see the honor in their auras. Ritou had them outfitted in the finest armor and weapons available in this market. With the fees he was paying them on top of that, he doubted any chance of betrayal.
It was the last day of his week here, and he hadn't found anything of interest in the area. He was beginning to doubt himself when something special caught his attention at the slave pens. A boy. Around 12 years old, maybe. His aura was special. It had a nature to it that he hadn't seen in this world. He had explored his mind while he stood on the block for sale, and read his possible futures. The boy was special indeed. Nobody knew what he would be capable of.
Each moment, the world splits off into limitless possibilities, and among them all, Rit knew right where to wait for the young slave boy to arrive. He was here to buy meat at the butchers stand. There was a sale going on and the child would surely have a hard time getting through. And here came the boy now, right when expected. He already had new House Colors bound around his neck.
"E-Excuse me, masters, I must get in." Sorrel sighed as he was ignored.
Rit approached the roiling mass of body's calling out for cuts of meat quietly as to not draw attention. With only two body guards it wasn't difficult. But his goal was not meat, he was here for the slave. He placed a hand on Sorrels shoulder and turned the boy to face him.
"Hello Boy. Well I suppose you're more accustomed to Sorrel now, though that name may change soon as well. I will give you a name of my own choosing, though I will never be your master." Rit paused for a moment to asses the boy's expression and make sure he was understanding. "You haven't interrupted me", he continued, "That's good. Do not speak. I have some gifts for you today Sparrow. That name is the first, Sparrow. You may take it up if you so desire, or it can be kept between us, that is up to you. This chickadee is the second." Rit produced a small gold chickadee figurine, no bigger than his thumb, from within his coat. He blew on it and it sprang to life, growing to about the size of Sorrels fist. "His name is Lophophanes. He will always be near to watch over you. If ever you are in danger, call his name and he will fetch me. I will be there in a moment to aid you." Rit smiled at the boy as Lophophanes flew off. "It's magic", he said, winking. Then he took Sorrels hand and drew a mark with his finger in his palm. It was nearly an infinity symbol, just barely open in two places, like the letter S. After a moment it was gone. "That mark is mine. It will tell other me's that this you's future is protected by this me. The claim will slowly fade, and I will have to remark you in seven years, if I want to extend your protection from me. I know that doesn't make sense, but it has to do with time and its inability to occur in a linear fashion. Never mind that." Last he handed Sorrel a sack. "Well take a look boy."
Sorrel did as bidden, as an obedient slave often does. Inside he found fresh vegetables from the nearby stalls and three large fine cuts of meat, wrapped in the butchers parchment. Before Sorrel could thank this stranger -this noble?- he spoke again, "No need for thanks Sparrow. The amazing things this you will possibly accomplish will be thanks enough." He spoke quietly to his bodyguards and handed each a small bag of coins. "Chez and Jesiph will escort you around the market and help you get anything else you may need, and then to your new home. Here is a coin for some sweets, and this is a signet ring of my house. Give it to your master and tell them that when I return for it I will grant them a boon for keeping it. But if they sell it or use it to call for aid from my house before I arrive for it, they will owe me a small pittance for it. Try to survive the next seven years Sor, I'd be very sad if you didn't accomplish all that you could. You may be the reason I save this world."
And with that Rit walked out of the market, and out of Sorrels life. For now at least.
