Page 8 of The Cursed Chalice

Just when I am about to speak to the guard again, another sees me and comes running to the gate.

“John, open the gate. That is Mr. Kallistratos.” The young man stops and waits for him to unlock it.

John’s light blue eyes meet mine. “I am not seeing his name. He may?—”

The young man grabs the key from John and opens the gate and allows me to come in.

“This way, Mr. Kallistratos,” the young man says.

I look back at the piece of trash by the gate.

“Are we the God of War or fucking mercy?”

“Which lot is it?” I ask, already angered by what I am about to see.

“Lot 72, sir.”

With my hands stuffed in my pockets, I follow the young officer, walking through towering multicolored shipping containers.

“It’s here,” the young man says.

“Leave.”

“But, sir?—”

“Now.”

The young man makes an about-turn and runs away. I sigh, looking at the black shipping container with a gold shield and spear sigil. Walking to the front of the crate, I see the doors are slightly ajar. With a heavy heart, I open the door. My heart drops as I see four girls, ages four to twelve, shackled in the crate. The tallest of the group gathers the girls behind her back.

“Don’t you dare fucking touch us. You monster!” she screams.

Monster? Right to my face…

“I won’t. What’s your name?” I raise my hands, trying to show that I come in peace.

“None of your business.”

I smile. “Okay. Anyone else want to tell me their names?”

My request is met with silence.

A little hand pushes the taller girl to the side. “Zara needs help.”

“No, stop,” the taller girl cries.

“No, Nisa. Sir, Zara is right over there.” The little Asian girl points behind a box.

I swallow as I walk into the container.

“No, sir, please leave Zara alone.”

I smell the blood before I see Zara’s broken body. She lies on a pallet covered in empty rice bags.

“Can you help her?”

I nod. “I am going to take care of all of you. Who did this?” I ask, more to myself than the kids.

“A tall bald man did. He said Zara was perfect for the taking. Then his friends…”