shackles

Flinching with every touch, he didn't understand what was happening until the ropes were untied and he was free. As if they were holding him still, his body quivered more with fear than he already had been. If his jaw wasn't clenched tight his teeth would be chattering, rattling away in his head. He curled in even tighter on himself if it was possible after the ropes fell and his limbs folded up under himself in a way that looked borderline painful.

There was a silent pause then before he felt teeth in his nape, lifting him suddenly and causing a frightened yelp. He retained his curled position as much as he could with the gravity, softly whining as he was carried like a child with pointed teeth poking at old and fresh wounds. Although he was gently placed on the ground, much to his surprise, he refused to move from the spot he was placed and curled in on himself again. He deducted that these men weren't from the traders, but it hardly brought him any ease. Strangers were no better, a gamble that he was taught to never take.

Whatever they wanted with him, he wouldn't object. Old masters told him to stay, but if the new masters wanted otherwise then it was their call. He had no say in the matter.

"Speech."