Anger…

Fear…

Rage…

Hopelessness…

Despair…

There weren’t many words that could describe how they felt, how they all felt. Human had been in chains for as long as they could remember, born into servitude. Some had better lives than others, being the assistant to a student, or a maid for a kinder master. And yet, those feeling still find their way into their souls.

They were forced to break they’re back for them, they’re masters. That what they called them, the ponies, masters. Ironic, those who’s entire nation is built on peace and harmony, would so easily keep an entire species enslaved. And yet, the ponies claimed that what they did what for the good of all peoples, humans couldn’t be trusted, you see. They were a violent race, one that would burn the world to the ground, given the chance. The only way to ensure peace, was to make sure that every human was bound in shackles.

So many knew the feeling of the whip, most had grown accustomed to it, accepted that it was simply a part of their lives. Wethers it was an act of defiance, or for no other reason than entertainment, many had been scarred by the lash. Yes, many knew it’s feeling, and how they longed for the day they’d have to feel it no longer. But, for many others, that day would never come.

There had been rebellions, yes. Many of them in fact, hundreds of armed attempted to gain their peoples freedom through force. They happened ever few years, with the space between growing wider each time. Yet every rebellion, no matter how many flocked to fight for it, no matter how charismatic or brilliant the leader, they all ended the same way. Surrounded, and Slaughtered, with the leaders being hung in Canterlot square, right in front of the royal palace. And every time, Celestia would use it as an example that human had to stay in chains, that they could not be trusted with freedom.

All humans would kneel at the hooves of their equestrian masters. They would listen and obey. They would build they’re cities, till they’re fields, and stay listen to they’re betters. And the humans, the people who lived in servitude, they simple accept their fate, in this grim reality.

But that would all change, with one man…

“Come on, pick your feet up, you lousy primates.” A voice yelled out, in and annoyed tone. It come from the cart in front of them, he raised his head a little to glance at young, red furred stallion, standing on the edge of the wooden cart.

Wethers his words had any affect or not, was unclear. They still moved at the same pace they had been a second ago. Then again, he was close to the front of the line, with no clear view of the back, so he couldn’t say. But the sneer on the stallion's face persisted, even as he turned away to move to the front of the cart.

There were 6 of them, organised in a single file line, walking behind the cart. They were all bound together by long a chain, which connected to the shackles on their wrists. They had been walking for an hour since they’d left town and hadn’t stopped since. He had the endurance for the trip, a life lived as a slave had let him build up quite a bit of stamina. But even he was feeling the fatigue of the journey, his legs ached terribly, he wanted nothing more than to sit down and rest. Worse yet, they hadn’t been allowed any food or drink, whether the ponies didn’t have any with them, or just didn’t want to share with they’re slaves, he couldn’t tell. He suspected the latter.

The only thing they had given them were cloaks, to protect the, from the cold. They couldn’t have their newly acquired slaves catching a cold, now could they. The cloaks didn’t do much good for them, they barley reached down to their knees. They simply wrapped it around themselves in a desperate attempt to keep warm. They didn’t have much more clothing than that, he himself only wore a dirty brown shirt, with some dark pants. As well as a pair of tattered shows.

But right now, the cold was the least of his concerns. no, the thing that drew his immediate attention, however, was the slave in front of him. The poor man was starting to show signs of serious exhaustion. He tripped every so often and was barely able to lift his feet off the ground. And from he could hear of the man’s ragged breaths, it was clear he wouldn’t last much longer. He was going to drop; he was sure of it. But as much as he wanted to, he couldn’t help him. The stallions in charge had made it clear that they didn’t want any of them talking, or stepping out of line, lest they all face severe punishment.

There was only four of them, each of them stallions. Currently, two of them sat at the front of the cart, the leaders, he suspected. The young red one, had the task of watching the slaves. Though he was still at the front, discussing something with the other two. And the last stallion, the biggest among they’re group, was currently engaged with pulling the cart along the road. He was quite thankful that they didn’t want them to pull the cart. A small mercy, but one he appreciated.

He was drawn from his musing’s when the man in front of him let out a small yelp and fell to the ground. His wrist was pulled a bit, the chains that connected them pulled at his shackles, making him miss a step. The man at the front stopped as well, looking back at his fellow.

He quickly glanced up at the cart, the ponies hadn’t noticed yet, but they would soon. The man who had fallen still hadn’t stood yet; he was too weak to pick himself up. He moved to the man’s side and grabbing a hold of his forearm. He helped the man to his feet, both grunting as they stood back up.

“Thank you.” The man said, as he found his footing.

“Don’t let them see you like that.” He whispered to the man, “if they suspect that your too weak to work, they’ll sell you off again. Or worse yet, kill you.”

The man gave a grim nod as he turned to continue walking. He was still tired, but he tried to pick his feet up more, determined not to trip again.

The young stallion made his way to the back of the cart again, standing sentinel over the marching slaves. And thankfully, he, along with his fellow, didn’t seem to notice what happened only moments ago. They continued to walk down the dirt road for another twenty minutes, before the tree lines stopped and spread to the sides, indicating they had entered a large clearing. The cart also begun to slow down as wooden fences came into view.

“Alright, we’re here!” The grey stallion at the front of the cart yelled. They continued to walk along as fields it came to a full stop only moments later. There were people in the field, men mostly. They were using tills and hoe, going along the field, getting it ready for planting. And armed ponies watching them, making sure they were doing what they were supposed to.

They moved a bit further down the path, passing more of the fields, he could see a large house come into few. It wasn’t an estate, or a mansion, it was too small, and rugged looking to be either. It was more likely that it was just a renovated farmhouse, and probably where the ponies slept.

He was more surprised at the lack of walls or towers. Aside from the guards, who few and far in between, the wooden fences surrounding the fields were the only other thing meant to keep them in. Either these ponies didn’t have the money to build and maintain those types of defences, or they were too confident in themselves.

And as his body walked, his mind began to work. From what he had gathered so far, this was a work farm. And an independent one, judging from the lack of royal uniforms. That was good, he didn’t have to worry about heavy armour. From the ponies on the cart, and the few in the field, he guessed that their numbers didn’t go past twenty. With the fields so close to the forest, it would be easy for him to run. Then he could lose the ponies in the forest. But then came his greatest obstacle, nature.

More specifically, the cold. He didn’t know whether it was because they were entering winter, or they're vicinity to the borders of the crystal empire, but the temperate was low, too low. He would need better clothing if he wanted to survive, and a weapon as well. Neither of which he was capable of getting, not without fighting the guards.

And then there came a thought that gave him pause, the other humans. He didn’t know these ponies, what type of masters they were, but from what he’d witnessed so far from his own treatment, they were not kind.

He suspected that if he escaped, the other slaves on this farm would suffer the punishment in his stead. As much as he wanted to run, he couldn’t. He wouldn’t allow others to be harmed by his actions, especially not his fellow man. So, he would do what the ponies wanted him to do and wait for a better solution to present itself. It was the only thing he could do now.

The cart pulled up to the front of the farmhouse, the slaves stopping right behind them. The ponies hopped out of the cart, one of them helping the stallion who pulled the cart. The red stallion got out of the back and watched the humans, making sure they weren’t trying anything. And the grey one, the leader he guessed, seemingly admiring his haul.

“Okay, Bulky and Dare, I want you two to offload the cart and get the supplies into the store house.” the grey stallion commanded. The ponies nodded before turning to unload the cart of its contents, before he turned to the stallion behind them, “Hazy blow, keep those humans in line.”

“You got it, duke.” Hazy blow said complied. And so, they stood silently as the ponies pulled the bags and crates from the cart and placed it on the ground beside them. The ponies were draw from their work, however, when a teal earth pony mare march out from the farmhouse, and towards the cart. From the reaction of ‘Duke,’ this was not something these ponies were looking forward to.

He managed to get a better look at the mare as she approached, and looked her over. Her fur was a light teal, with her her mane and tail being various shades of purple. Unlike the ponies on the cart, who each wore a rugged uniforms, she was wearing more formal attire.

“Silver duke!” the mare yelled as she walked up to them, “what in Celestia’s name is this. I asked you to go into town and buy farming equipment and seeds, and then you come back with half a cart full of tools and 6 slaves!”

“And I did. Diamond quill, listen, candy rose was selling the seeds for less than usual, so a had a few bits left. And then they were selling slaves at the market, and I thought that, since we had a bad season, a few extra workers couldn’t hurt.” Silver duke explained, trying his best to quell the pony’s anger.

“That wasn’t your decision to make, duke.” diamond quill said, frustration visible through her movements. She sighed and brought a hand to her face as he continued, “did you at least manage to get the beet seeds.”

“And the corn, and the carrots. We got everything on the list.” sliver duke confirmed, pointing to the cart.

“Good.” diamond look over sliver duke’s shoulder and scanned the bound humans. “And where exactly did you get them from.”

“There was a merchant passing through town, he was offing them at really low prices. I just bought the strongest looking ones there.” Silver duke said, diamond quill began walking over to her new property, silver duke following close behind.

Diamond quill look them over, eyes squinting, looking for any imperfections that could be found on the chained men. After a moment she spoke, “are you sure these slaves are healthy, half of them look like they’re about to drop dead.”

“They told me they were healthy. And they look pretty healthy to me.” Silver duke replied.

He watched Diamond quill continued to inspect them. He saw the mares eyes land on him for a moment, looking him over. She was most likely trying to see if he was labour worthy, which she probably would. He was tall, well built, not to bulky, but his muscles were visible from under his clothing. A long life as slave, as well as being forced to do many different tasks that need manual labour, had allowed him to build up an impressive physique.

She walked over, and stood in front of him for a moment before addressing sliver duke, “what about this one.”

“What about him?”

“Didn’t you ask the merchant where they got these humans from, or what type of labour they did before.” Diamond quill asked, anger rising from her again. And it only increased as sliver duke shook his head, “I can’t believe this.”

She turned back to them for a moment, and gave the slaves one final look over before turning away.

“Take these 6 to the barn, with the rest of the humans. Give them food and water, as well as a change of clothes.” She ordered as she walked back to the farmhouse, “they can start working in the morning.”

“Sure.” Silver duke said as she walked past him. He then turned back to them, a stern look on his face. Quite different from the expression on fear when the mare yelled at him.

“Alright, you miserable primates, this way!” He yelled as he walked in front of them, leading them away from the road and unto the farm proper, and they hey trudged along behind him. He led them past the farmhouse and one of the fields, and towards a large wooden structure. the ‘barn’ that diamond quill had mentioned if he had to guess.

It was a big building, not as big as the farmhouse, but big enough to fit the slaves on this farm. It was more akin to a lodge than a barn, as its roof sat too low for an attic or roof compartment of any kind. It was longer than it was wide, and it had no windows to be opened or closed. And it was most likely locked from the outside, rather than inside.

He saw that the other humans around the field had started to make their way over to the 'barn’ as well, escorted by their pony guards. The glanced up to see the sun was starting to set over the horizon, signalling to all that the day was coming to an end.

The group stopped at the front of the ‘barn,’ the other humans watching them as they walked up. Silver duke walked up to each of them, and removed their shackles, as well as taking back the cloaks they gave them. He couldn’t help but rub his wrists when the shackles came off, his skin sore from the feeling of the heavy metal.

“Alright, everybody in the barn.” silver duke commanded the crowd of human. He turned and joined the small crowd as they entered the building.

The smell was what hit him first. It wasn’t as bad as other places he’s slept, but he it was still clear that this place wasn’t washed much, if at all.

He looked around as he stepped through the door and moved to the side. It was a lightly crowded, he guessed that there were maybe 40 people inside the building. Men, women, and even a few children, each varying in age. The only piece of furniture they had been given were wooden bunk beds, which were quickly being filled up.

He was shaken from his thoughts when he heard someone call to him.

“Hey,” a man walked up to him, a small, yet grateful smile on his face as he approached, “I wanted to thank you for helping me earlier.”

Earlier? The man who fell, one who he’d helped to his feet, “you don’t need to thank me, I was doing what anyone would have done in the same situation.”

He looked the man over, now that he could see him. He was about six feet tall, only an inch off from reaching his own height. He had light blonde hair adorning his head, cut in a short fashion. He was wearing the same ragged shirt and pants he was. He wasn’t old, maybe in his early 30’s, late 20’s perhaps. He had a disheveled look to him, and he didn’t look like a labourer, which was certainly bad for him.

“Well, I doubt most would have helped me, sure know I wouldn’t have.” the man said sombrely, his smile falling for a moment.

“I just remembered that I never asked your name.” The man’s smile returned as he offered his hand to him, “I’m Levin.”

“Hayden.” He Answered. Hayden scanned the room, looking for an empty bed. Levin noticed this and looked with him. Hayden’s eyes landed on two unclaimed beds, close to the back. “Follow me.”

They moved through the room towards the beds, doing their best to squeeze through a small crowd of people. Hayden sat down on the bed, letting his body rest from hour of standing and walking without brake. Levin sat next to him, and he could see a similar look of relief on his face. The sound of clattering metal drew his attention back towards the door.

Standing there was a large, bulky man. He held 2 bowls in his hands as he walked into the barn.

“Alright, dinner time.” He announced in a thick southern accent as he handed out the bowls. Looking past the door, Hayden could see a cart full of bowls outside. The bowls were past along as they came, going to the children first. Then the women, and finally the men. Once all the bowls had been passed out, the ponies shut the doors, locking them inside.

Hayden passed his bowl to levin, telling him to eat. He needed it more than him after all.

The man from earlier walk over to Hayden, carrying two bowls in his hands as he approached. One for Hayden, and the other for himself presumably. He was a tall man, bulky as well. Hayden had a good amount of muscle, but the man in front of him was completely different. He was older than him, most likely in his 40’s. And if his accent was anything to go by, he was most likely from the south.

“Here, it’s vegetable soup. It filling, healthy, and it don’t taste half bad.” He said, offering the food to Hayden. Grabbing the bowl, he could see that it was indeed a soup with vegetables. It was rare that he would get a meal like this, most of the time ponies would throw him a loaf of bread and leave. So to get an actual meal was, surprising to say the least. And it was good too if Levin’s behaviour was anything to go by.

“So, you boys are new, right?” The man asked, taking a seat on the bed to Hayden’s left.

“Yes. We were bought today, from the town nearby.” Hayden confirmed, as he began to eat.

“Yeah, well, let me be the first to welcome you to the new stone farm. That it’s official name, but everyone prefer to call it the farm.” The man said, moving the bowl to his left hand, he extended his right to Hayden, “names Bronn.”

“I’m Hayden, and the man beside me is Levin.” Hayden introduced the two. Bronn took a moment looked over to Levin, only to see the man devouring the soup like a wolf would a lamb. A chuckle escaped from his lips as he spoke again.

“Guess they didn’t bother to feed ya til now, huh?” He asked them. His once amused face turned grim as he look at them, “Yeah, that’s how these ponies work. They’ll work you to the bone. Whip or beat you when you do something. But then they give ya a half-assed soup at the end of the day, and expect you to be happy.”

He spoke in a hushed tone, but many people around them took notice of his words, and his rising anger. Silent nods of agreement rang out around the barn. Hayden looked at the others, before turning back to Bronn.

“What type of work do you do here?” He asked.

Bronn look to him, Hayden could see that he was still anger, but he was calmer than before. “Farmin’ mostly. We dig and till, plant the seeds, and load up the carts after harvest. They also make us chop down trees from time to time, for firewood. Not that they’d let us start a fire to keep warm.” He stirred the spoon around in his bowl as he spoke, “that’s what the men do. The women keep the house clean for ‘em, as well as some of the cookin.’ And the children, well they're just waiting for the kids to grow before sellin’ them off.”

Many of the other peoples faces grew somber from Bronn’s words. Hayden wasn’t surprised, it was a common occurrence in fact. And yet, it never go easier to hear. He watched as some of the women pulled their children closer to them, in a desperate attempt to stop their fate. Most of the children were 6 or 8, with the oldest child there looking no more than 14 years old.

The doors opened suddenly, and for a moment, Hayden prepared himself. Put instead of a pony, a human walked through the door. A disgruntled man made his way through the barn, towards an empty bed across from Bronn’s. The door slammed shut behind him, and Hayden could hear something sliding into place on the other side. The lock most likely. The man looked tired, with a small scowl written into his face. Bronn began to speak as he reached his bed.

“Gale,” Bronn addressed him, “you hungry.”

“No, I've... I've already eaten today.” Gale spoke in an exhausted voice. His scowl dropping a bit, before he laid eyes on Hayden and Levin.

“Who are they?”

“They are the new slaves that got bought today.” Bronn answered, “this is Hayden, and that’s Levin. Hayden and Levin, meet Gale the grump.”

“Ugh, you’re a child.” Gale rolled his eyes at Bonn’s jest. He sat down on his bed, rubbing his tired eyes. Bronn laughed a bit as he continued to eat.

Hayden looked at Gale for a moment, before deciding to speak, “Gale, was it? If I may ask, where were you.”

“Huh, what are you talking about.” Gale asked in a questioning tone, eyes narrowing at him.

“I did not see you in the fields when I arrived, and you’ve been brought back separately from the rest. So, where were you.”

“Ah, the ponies keep Gale here in the main house most the time.” Bronn answered for him.

“They keep you in the main house, why?” He inquired, growing more interested by the second.

“Well, I would assume they keep me there for my skills as a doctor, and not for my comedic personality.” He said, sarcasm lacing his voice. Though, what he said did intrigue Hayden. It was rare of any human to have medical skills beyond anything that the basics. But for a man like this, all the way out here, claiming to be a doctor, it was very unusual.

“Your a physician?” He asked.

“No, I’m a doctor, and a tired one at that. So I kindly ask for you to stop pestering me with questions, and let me sleep.” Gale turned, and laid down on the bed, turning his back to the rest of them and facing the wall.

Bronn shifted closer to Hayden as he whispered, “don’t mind him, he’s always like that. But trust me, he cares more than you’d think.”

“But he is right about sleep, though. I recommend that you boys get some shut eye, gonna be a long day tomorrow, and everyday after that.” Bronn set his empty bowl down on the ground, and turned to lay on his bed. Many around the barn were beginning to do the same, finishing their meals and turning in for bed.

Hayden turn to Levin, who looked just about ready to fall asleep. The events of the day catching up with the man.

“Sleep, my friend. You need to save your energy for the days ahead.” He said. Levin gave him a simple nod, before turning into his bed.

Hayden slowly slid himself back into the bed. It wasn’t much, only a small mattress on a wooden bed. It was small, and stiff, but it would work. He’s had to sleep in worse places.

He lied there, letting the events of the day catch up to him. His purchase, the terrible walk, reaching the farm. He thought of the other people he had met today. His eyes became heavier as he drifted into thought, and the feeling of his satisfied stomach only served to let him sink deeper into his new bed. Eventually, he closed his eyes, and and drifted into a quiet, dreamless sleep

Author's Note

So, that is my first chapter, of my first story. I got a good feeling about this.

Anyways, hi, hello, great to see you. I’m the Hazy king, and you watching the Disney channel. This is my first thing on this sight, but I am no stranger to fimfiction or writing.

So, I’ve noticed that a lot of human slave stories on this sight always have some anime thing. Like, the protagonist will be pulled from another world, be given all manner of overpowered weapons and abilities, and then starts going around, kicking pony ass. That or it’s just a story about slavery.

I don’t really like that isekai stuff, idk, it just doesn’t tickle my fancy. And the slave stuff, while good, only gives you worldbuilding and human mistreatment. And I need action damn it, true action. Not that isekai, overpowered protagonists crap. I need stakes, I need to know that the hero can lose fights, I need real consequences to their actions.

So, I’ve set out to make my first story about this. With a main character that actually comes from the world, and not another dimension. Where their not overpowered, and can lose fights against someone other than Celestia.

I mean come on guys. When the only person who can threaten your protagonist is literally a god, you have to know your doing something wrong there.

Okay so, few things. One, yes the ponies are anthro. It’s just easier to write that.

Two, I know this was a bit of a slow start, the beginning is gonna be like that with things picking up speed as the story goes on.

And three, please give me feed back in the comments, I want to see if people think this is good or not.

So, tell me in the comment. Thank you and good day.

Ps. I don’t really like the cover art for my story, if anyone could give me suggestions for a better one. Something that just fits better, that would be greatly appreciated.