So let's take a trip back into the past again. Wondering how Alice and Magnus first met? Wonder no more!

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~30 years earlier~

Chapter 12: Magnus

Cedric Dulane's estate was impressive. Even larger than that of the Kendrick family , Dulane's holdings were more than twice the size of the farm Magnus himself had established. It was hard to imagine such a man might want anything to do with his small business, but Dulane was welcoming from the moment he arrived. After he had parked his vehicle and been escorted to the man's office by an obedient house slaves, Dulane ushered him straight to his private study, offering fine brandy, and insisting they discuss Magnus's holdings and his plans for expansion.

Magnus had little to add to the conversation in the end. It appeared that Torvald had highly exaggerated Magnus's possible desire to change his business model to include the human trade, and his host was eager to encourage a future partnership between them. The man seemed to be certain the deal was all but assured. Instead of making comment, Magnus simply allowed Dulane to outline what he himself had envisioned as their potential working relationship. Overall, it was hard to not be tempted by the offer he proposed.

As Torvald had explained, the man simply wished to invest in a smaller farm to expand his holdings even further. Dulane would ask Magnus to take on the feeding of around twenty head of human in preparation for fall slaughter, offering him a percentage of the animal's worth taken from the live weight he managed to obtain while the creatures were in his care. He would, in addition, grant Magnus the loan of a few breeding females for the length of the season with confirmation of pregnancy. 

 In exchange for taking on their care, Magnus would be permitted to keep any children that came from the animals while they resided on his farm. If Magnus did indeed hope to expand into the salve trade there was no question agreeing to Dulane's terms would create some promising prospects.

"But enough talk," Dulane said after they had each had a few drinks and he had clearly outlined his proposal. "Let me show you around my estate. I know I would never do business with a man before I had had the chance to fully vet his operation and learn more about him. I would not expect you to do so either. " He gave Magnus a warm smile as he escorted him out to the grounds.

It was a beautiful day, the sun raising down upon the brisk early spring landscape, and Dulane's large estate shone with promise. Magnus was introduced to the man's wife and four charming children, and shown around the property like an honored guest and not a potential low-level employee of the Dulane estate, which is what he realized he would essentially be.

"I imagine great things for you Magnus Kendrick," the man said when Magnus expressed his gratitude for such kind treatment. "Your brother has made quite a name for himself since he acquired your family's holdings. I know you chose not to take on the Kendrick business at first, but I have spoken to your brother at length, and have done my own research into the industry you have made for yourself since establishing your own farm. It is impressive. 

"Though I know the market for sheep and pigs is indeed struggling, your financial troubles now seem to have little to do with your handling of your animals. I could aid you in learning better business acumen, but I am certain I might benefit greatly from the skill in animal husbandry you might offer."

Magnus was pleased to see the animals on the Duane estate all appeared to be healthy. Though he did note that the humans they encountered were a bit skittish, he realized it was not uncommon. He had often noticed that the humans on his father's estate became nervous in the presence of new sibla men and it was likely his own presence that was causing their anxiety. It was ultimately unsurprising. 

Sibla visitors often heralded the news that one or more animals would soon be sold, and he could not fault them feeling fear at the prospect. Human's were creatures of habit and far more self-aware than any other livestock. It was said that even under the cruelest of masters, humans would often resit their sale, preferring instead to remain in the home they knew, not matter how horrible.

Still, Magnus was more unnerved when they came to the area of the estate specifically used to house the humans Dulane kept. The majority of his domestics and breeding slaves lived in four large halls filled with beds to accommodate them. A well outside provided clean water, but otherwise there were very few amenities. Magnus's own family's estate had had similar accommodations for their human stock and the set up was familiar, though perhaps a bit more bare than what his father had offered their slaves growing up. The building seemed to provide adequate  shelter, though not much more. What was slightly more disturbing was his visit to the man's holding facilities for the younger animals he maintained. The vealers.

The insulated barn was packed with rows and rows of cages, each filled with multiple young humans likely aging in range between two and 7 years. There were some older humans behind bars as well. "Used up breeding stock," Dulane explained. "Confinement helps soften muscles and encourages greater fat coverage."

Though the cages were not overly confining, Magnus had never been able to shake the idea that cage feeding humans was inherently cruel. As he looked into the eyes of the creatures staring at him from behind the bars, an immense sadness overtook him. On the Kendrick estate his father had generally allowed his humans to roam free. Still, as Torvald had expanded his holdings and flock Magnus knew he too he had been using the cage method more and more for his younger animals, keeping them in small spaces for the later portion of their lives in hopes of achieving market weights faster.

Perhaps it was indeed the only way one might finish such a large volume of the humans, but Magnus couldn't help but believe it to be wrong. He vowed that, should he indeed begin to trade in human flesh, he would commit to raising his animals more freely. In fact, taking in Dulane's estate, he began to wonder if he might in fact feel best accepting the man's offer with the knowledge that any animals he took under his care would be raised ethically until their final days. It was as Torvald had said, avoiding the trade while still consuming human flesh would be hypocritical, but so too was judging human farming practices without taking on the task himself first to prove the viability of kinder methods.

"Come," Dulane said when they had concluded the tour of his holdings. "Let us enjoy one more drink before you must be on your way. I wish to toast our future dealings."

Magnus smiled and happily accepted the man's invitation. It was still earlier enough that he might return home before nightfall and Magnus knew his farm hands would be able to care for the animals in his absence. He seldom had the time for enjoyment since he'd begun his business venture. Besides, in the short time they had been together Magnus found himself warming to Cedric Dulane considerably and he very much wished to spend more time in his company.

As they walked to Dulane's study the man had even listen to Magnus's plans for potential slave quarters on his estate, and his desire to raise all without the use of bars. Although the man did maintain that cage feeding was the only method that might work for himself in dealing with younger and more troublesome humans, he nonetheless expressed interest in Magnus's theories on alternative approaches. He even speculated on the potential benefits to the meat he might achieve from more free roaming stock.

"The proof will come in the form of the poundage you achieve on the animals I give you," he'd said with a friendly banter of a laugh. "If you prove to me your methods yield superior results, I will have no choice but to attempt to emulate them on a larger scale."

Back in the main house the man rang for one of his slaves and ordered refreshment be brought up from the kitchens to serve as a snack. "Perhaps on another occasion you might join me for a meal," he said as the young slave girl set off to fill his command.

Magnus nodded. "I would be happy to accept such a generous offer I assure you," he answered.

Dulane smiled and clapped him on the back showing him the way back to his study.

They had not spent much time laughing and talking before there was a knock at the door.

"Enter," Dulane said.

Magnus looked to the human that appeared in the doorway. Her appearance was not particularly noteworthy. With mousey brown hair, grey eyes, and a rather plain face, she was not beautiful, nor was there anything interesting in her expression. In fact, she kept her eyes determinedly cast downward at her feet as she carried in the tray containing their refreshments. 

Yet in spite of all that, Magnus found he could not take his eyes off of the woman, his attention inexplicably drawn to her. Something in her energy perhaps? He'd always harbored the belief that every single animal, from chicken to cow, to pig to human all contained a bit of unique personality that one could see if they looked hard enough. With this woman the feeling was extreme. She was special. He was entirely uncertain how he knew it, but he knew instinctively that his assessment was correct.

Uncovering the tray the woman set between them, she revealed a lovely arrangement of finger sandwiches and two glasses.

"Fetch us some wine Alice," Cedric ordered.

Alice. So that was the human's name. There was something about it that suited her.

"Yes, Master," the woman answered before she retrieved a bottle from the liquor cabinet Dulane kept in his study. Walking back to the table she expertly poured two glasses. But when she went to serve her master the man frowned at her.

"Serve our guest first," Dulane commanded. "Where are your manors girl?"

The woman looked visibly shaken by the change in his tone and demeanor. Magnus was somewhat surprised by it. The animal's baring did not suggest a nervous creature, but the indication of her master's displeasure put her visibly on edge. Alice immediately brought a glass of the red liquid to Magnus.

"Thank you," Magnus said, his eyes catching hers. For a moment he was lost in the intensity of her grey-eyed stare, but the animal quickly looked away.

"You needn't thank her," Dulane scoffed. "She is happy to serve. Are you not Alice?"

"Yes, Master," the woman answered, her eyes now remaining even more determinedly downcast.

Magnus watched as Dulane frowned deeply.

"Come, slave," his host said, tone hard. Magnus could see the poor human hesitate, no doubt well aware of her master's anger, though he himself could not imagine the cause. Nonetheless, Alice went quickly to Dulane's side setting the second glass of wine on the table beside him, but as she tried to step away, the man grabbed her wrist tightly.

"I will ask again," Dulane said. "Are you not grateful to serve Alice?" His tone was deadly. Magnus could not help but feel fear for the unfortunate human in hearing it.

"Yes, Master," she answered quietly.

Magnus cringed as the back of Dulane's hand slammed against the animal's cheek.

"I expect more gratitude than that," he spat at her.

"Forgive me, Master," she answered quickly. "I am forever grateful for my servitude and readily obey your orders."

Magnus braced himself as the man raised his hand again. Had the poor woman still not managed to please him?

Thankfully, Dulane let his arm fall without striking.

"Alice has had to relearn her place recently," he said with a small laugh. "But I am glad to see she seems to be improving. You see Mr. Kendrick, humans need a firm hand to lead them. Like all livestock, they must be kept in line and understand who their master is. It is something you must keep in mind with your new flock."

Magnus nodded, but he could not help but feel a simmering anger for the way Dulane seemed to treat his slaves. The creature had done nothing wrong. Perhaps she had been unruly before, but it seemed petty to punish her for past mistakes when she was acting with nothing less than complete dedicated obedience now. He knew well however that he had no right to comment on another's slave rearing methods.

"Leave us, Alice," Dulane said, his affect towards her no kinder. "We will discuss proper edict around my guests later."

Magnus himself shuddered at the man's tone. It was odd. He should feel no particular attachment to this animal, and yet he found himself concerned for Alice. He certainly hoped she would not suffer greatly for any minor discourtesy towards him. He had perceived none himself, but it was clear enough her master was displeased with her actions.

"She is a fine looking creature," Magnus commented once the human had left, hoping his praise might somehow mitigate Dulane's anger towards her. The man only laughed and shook his head as his sipped from his cup.

"That old thing?" he asked."Perhaps you do not know human's as well as I thought. She is nearly used up. Alice was not unattractive in her younger days, and a successful breeder, but I suspect she is coming to the end of her usefulness. Moreover, her tongue has always been less than attractive. She was born and bred here on this estate and I have kept Alice nearly twenty-six years now. Long by my standards. She has been a relatively effective domestic, but I cannot say I will be sad to cull that wayward creature when the time comes.

"She has already been bred multiple times in the past few months and there is no sign of pregnancy. If she cannot conceive by the end of this season her days are numbered. It is a shame however," he concluded. "Given how old and tough she, is I do not have much hope that her flesh will be any different. Likely dry and tasteless like the animal herself. Perhaps she will make a decent enough stew," he laughed.

Magus sipped his wine, remaining quiet. He did not wish to press the man when he had just made it clear the female was a poor investment, but Magnus could not help but wonder if Dulane's displeasure with Alice might make him more apt to sell her at a low price. She was clearly an experienced domestic and though somewhat on the older side, she could still have many years of service left if he did not care to breed her. It seemed ideal to find one like her who had the expertise to help properly establish his new venture and knew the value of a well-trained house slave to care for his others. Dulane had offered to give him a good price on a domestic. Perhaps Alice was just what he needed.

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Well there you have it. Another glimpse into the past...This scene might not have answered a ton of questions about Magnus and Alice's relationship now, but that is coming I promise. At least now you know how they met;-)

 How are these chapters in the past working for you? Do they feel disruptive to the main story? Are they intriguing? I'm kinda experimenting by haveing the two timelines so I'd love feedback on that format. Hope you are continuing to enjoy the story and if you liked the chapter, don't forget to vote! :-) Next week Rachel wakes up and confronts her first full day on Magnus's estate. Wonder how that will go...