An Encounter at the Auction – 3B-HH

Chapter 3 – Getting Underway (continued)

Kaylen’s group moved all throughout the marketplace, stopping at stalls, and shops, and booths, along the way. They picked up a map of the surrounding countryside, and purchased rations consisting of a mix of hard bread, dried fruit, smoked and salted jerky, and cheese. A few of them needed to pick up some extra gear and tools, either to replace things that had worn out, or to supplement their roles in Kaylen’s party. They made sure everyone had a tent and sleeping roll, and even made certain everyone but Ursa had a mount of some form – there simply wasn’t anything big enough for the half-giant – but by that point they were near an unusually noisy section of the market, and that was saying something since the whole place was crowded and boisterous. Kaylen found himself pausing at the edge of a crowd gathered in front of a stage where a pair of teenage boys in drab but clean clothing stood, bound at the wrists. One of them had a small bandage visible on his cheek.

He heard Lyria’s armor clinking as she approached, “You don’t want anything here.” His sister was quick to point out when she noticed him watching the proceedings.

“What do you mean?” Kaylen asked, “This is…”

“A **** auction.” The brown-haired girl confirmed.

“I see.” Kaylen was of course aware of the **** trade, but had not directly encountered it. Perhaps this was the chance to see it for himself.

Lyria sighed, glancing back towards where the rest of their party was browsing a nearby stall before asking, as if reading his mind, “Do you want a closer look? Do you need to see it for yourself?”

“Yes, I do.” He stated.

“Then go ahead, I’ll let the others know where you’ve gone.” Lyria offered, turning to head back to the eclectic group still shopping at a handful of nearby stalls.

“That sounds good.” Kaylen agreed, and then made his way closer through the assembled crowd, towards where the people actually bidding on the auction were standing.

Kaylen tried to understand how the proceedings in the auction were going, and after a few minutes, he was startled by Alayni’s voice close behind him, “I never liked this place.” She said, as he turned to see the curly-haired halfling alongside Vesili, the half-elf’s face still shadowed by her hood. The black-haired girl looked uncomfortable and out of place, and it was the first time he’d seen the brown-eyed halfling without some kind of a smile on her dimpled face.

The violet-eyed half-elf looked like she wanted to say something, but she stayed silent as Kaylen reassured them. “Don’t worry, we’ll be fine.” He beckoned them to come closer so they could watch together.

The three of them turned to face the stage. Shortly one of the young men was led away, and the hawker began extolling the ‘selling points’ of the remaining ****. “He’s the son of a tanner, so he’s used to hard work, and can craft or repair high quality leather goods from tack to boots. Is there none here who could make use of such a valuable skill?”

Then the man pointed towards Kaylen, “You there, you look like the mercenary type, maybe you could use an armorer on the road, this **** is fresh and untrained, so the price is low, and if he’s stuck in the wilderness with you, you won’t have to worry about him trying to steal from you or run away while you’re teaching him.”

The dark-haired boy with a dirt-smudged nose and a bandage on his cheek looked frightened, and Kaylen glanced at his companions. He didn’t think they would approve of him buying a ****. But then Vesili suggested, “You could spare him from being purchased by someone cruel.” And he met her violet gaze.

Kaylen glanced at Alayni, who pointed her chin towards the stage in approval, her brown eyes filled with compassion, and Vesili’s expressive violet eyes seemed to plead with him, so he turned back to the hawker and raised his hand in acknowledgement.

“Why don’t you come up here, and inspect the merchandise for yourself, young master?” The hawker was waving towards him, gesturing him to come up on the stage, and so he climbed up and approached the teenage boy.

Kaylen gave the blue-eyed boy a careful examination, though he wasn’t sure what he was looking for aside from him looking healthy and fit, his skin fair beneath the grime and bruising, with a light tan. “So, you are skilled with leatherwork?” He asked after a moment.

“Um, I am. Though I’m still learning.” Came the reply, the boy’s eyes downcast.

Kaylen nodded, and turned to the hawker. “I’m willing to by this ****, what’s his price?”

“If you’re satisfied with your inspection of the merchandise, you can discuss the transaction with our resident guild master.” The hawker motioned for a pair of slavers who escorted the boy off the stage, with Kaylen following. Alayni and Vesili caught up with him on the way to a low warehouse style building that contained cages with at least a dozen other slaves, one of which was being brought out towards the stage as they passed.

Kaylen’s group was led into a small room where a large man wearing expensive jewelry all over his body waited behind a desk. “Ah, an adventurer. We don’t sell many slaves to your type.” He stood up, taking in Kaylen and the two women following him. He was a little overweight, but his arms showed strength, even if his clothing spoke of luxuries, as did his well-maintained blonde hair. “So you want to buy the tanner boy?”

“Your hawker said he could repair armor, tack, and other kit.” Kaylen explained. “He also said I could get a good deal due to him being untrained, so I’m here to discuss price.” A quick glance showed that the blue-eyed boy was despondent, resigned to his fate, it seemed. But another glance at the stocky halfling and lithe half-elf behind Kaylen remined him what they had said before he’d gone up on stage, and he resolved that if he was going to own a ****, he’d at least treat the boy well.

The richly adorned **** master sorted through a stack of papers, then stepped forward with a single scroll in hand, and offered his free hand to Kaylen. “Garion Tilk.” He said, introducing himself. “The listed price is six doubloons to take ownership of this boy’s debt.”

Kaylen shook the blond man’s hand, “Adept Kaylen Gallowglass, I’m pleased to do business with you.”

“Oh, a mage adventurer.” Garion grinned widely, flashing a gold tooth.

“A mage?!” The **** boy’s blue eyes widened in alarm.

But before Kaylen could respond, the door to the room burst open and a dark-haired young woman stumbled in followed immediately after by a burly slaver trying to grab her.

“Master adventurer, please!” The woman beseeched Kaylen, as the slaver who’d chased her into the room finally caught ahold of her arm. “I’m a much more skilled artisan than my brother, let me pay his debt!”

“Danny, don’t, he’s a mage!” The **** boy warned.

The woman’s eyes widened, but she did not back down. She had the same blue eyes as her brother, Kaylen noticed, and her tan was a shade darker.

“You can let her go, Barnus.” Master Tilk said. “I don’t think we’re in any danger from this girl, Danny is it?”

The slaver, Barnus, released the girl’s arm. She huffed, and stepped right in front of Kaylen. “Master mage. I wish to serve in my brother’s place to repay his debt. I promise I will serve you better, and… I’m sure you’d find my company more pleasing.” She looked down at her plain attire, consisting of a somewhat stained brown tunic over a green dress and mud-spattered black shoes, but still attempted a pose to show off her figure.

“Damn, Kaylen.” Alayni interjected, “You’re either the luckiest mage alive, or far more cunning than I gave you credit for.”

Startled, Kaylen turned to the curly-haired halfling. “Excuse me?”

“Oh come on, big guy; this is one heck of a coincidence considering your party composition. If I didn’t know better I’d say you somehow planned this.” She gestured from him to the blue-eyed girl and back.

Kaylen sighed, “That’s enough of that. Don’t tease the poor girl.” He then turned to face the girl, Danny, and asked, “You mentioned repaying your brother’s debt?”

“Yes. My brother was sentenced to indentured servitude in order to repay a debt of five doubloons for stealing from a noble.”

“So he would only be a **** until he can repay the debt in full?” Kaylen turned back to Master Tilk.

“That’s how indenturing usually works.” Tilk confirmed. “If you bought him, his remaining debt would transfer to you.”

“Can she sell herself to take on his debt?” Kaylen asked next.

Tilk sighed, “I’m sure it might be possible, but we’re not equipped here to make such a complicated transaction. It would increase the price substantially.”

“That’s a lie!” Danny growled at Tilk.

“Listen girl, I won’t be lectured on how to conduct my own business by the likes of…”

“That’s enough!” Kaylen interjected as the two looked on the verge of an argument. Both Alayni and Vesili seemed about ready to draw weapons if things got any more heated. “We’re all friends here, so let’s act like it.” Kaylen wove a group of arcane syllables into his words, casting a subtle yet effective charm on the **** master.

Everyone in the room seemed contrite, including his halfling and half-elf companions, but Master Tilk immediately turned to Kaylen. “My apologies, Kaylen.” The **** master said softly. “I may have let my love of haggling get the better of me, but you are right, there’s no need to tack on unnecessary fees. An extra doubloon or even a few extra royals would be a fair price to transfer the contract.”

“I’ll pay you seven doubloons, and five silver royals. Sound fair?”

“That’s very generous, my friend.” Tilk confirmed, and a quick glance around showed Danny looked embarrassed, and even her brother looked less miserable.

“That might be a little too generous.” Alayni observed.

“It’s still less than they would have likely charged under normal circumstances.” Kaylen countered.

“If it bothers your friend, I would accept a few less royals.” The **** master offered.

“No, I’ve already made my offer, I will stick to it.”

“Not even one?” Vesili interjected.

Kaylen sighed, “Fine, seven doubloons, and four silver royals. But that’s my final offer.”

Neither the outrider or rogue made any further objection, so Tilk moved behind his desk and began writing out a contract, while Kaylen approached the two brown-haired siblings after giving his companions a chastising look. “What is your name?” He asked.

“Dinnae Thatcher.” “Gregory Thatcher.” They answered together, then glanced at each other and chuckled awkwardly.

“I wish we had met under more auspicious circumstances.” He replied.

Vesili moved forward next to the two siblings, “Hey, if you end up with us, I promise we’ll take care of you, Kaylen will be a good master.” She assured Dinnae, who nodded and offered a smile to the dark-skinned half-elf and to Kaylen standing behind her.

“You’ll like Kaylen.” Alayni added. “He’s quite handsome and adorable.” She said the latter part with a cheeky grin towards Kaylen himself.

Kaylen raised an eyebrow at the halfling as Vesili hid a chuckle behind her hand. He wondered if both the halfling and the half-elf had been affected by his charm spell as well. It was targeted primarily towards Tilk, but his teammates and both the Thatchers seemed to be acting more friendly to him than he’d expected.

“Here’s the contract.” Tilk came back around the desk and presented the sheets of parchment for Kaylen to review, complete with their agreed price at the bottom. “We have a branding wand we can use to transfer the **** mark, or if you are familiar with the marking spell, we can let you place your own mark on the girl.”

“I know the spell.” Kaylen replied, as everyone present readied themselves for what was about to occur.

Once they had moved close, Tilk handed Dinnae a quill, “Miss Thatcher, please sign here to indicate you are taking on your brother’s debt, and agreeing to servitude in his place.”

“Alright.” She gave Kaylen a shy smile before signing her name in a tidy scrawl.

“And Kaylen, you just need to sign here, after paying the agreed amount.” Tilk indicated the spot in the contract, and Kaylen counted out the coin and gave it to the **** master before accepting a quill that was handed to him. He signed where he was prompted on every copy of the form, then rolled up one set and slipped it into his scroll case before turning back to face his new ****.

Tilk brandished his wand over Gregory’s arm, causing a mark that had been magically imprinted on his skin to slowly fade. Then he stepped away as Dinnae stood forward, facing Kaylen with a brave and shy smile.

“Any preferences where you would like me to place the mark?” Kaylen asked.

“Oh, um…” Dinnae clearly hadn’t given any thought to the subject, but then she finally answered, “Maybe… somewhere nobody will see it?”

Kaylen raised an eyebrow, and Dinnae blushed, glancing around at the people in the room. “I will have to see it to place the mark.” He informed her, stepping closer and thinking about her request. “I’ll put it on your lower back. That should keep it hidden the majority of the time.”

Dinnae blushed even more heatedly as she glanced behind her, as if she could see the spot on her back under her tunic he had indicated. “If that is your wish, Master.”

Kaylen nodded as he drew his wand. “Adept is fine, or if you must at least use my name. I’ll need you to raise up your tunic in back.”

“I’m sorry, Master Kaylen.” Dinnae lowered her blue-eyed gaze, “I’m wearing a dress under my tunic, not just a skirt, and I have a long shift under that, do I… must I get the mark placed here in front of all these people?”

“We are generally required to observe to ensure the mark is actually placed.” Tilk offered.

Vesili frowned, looking up at the **** master, “I’m pretty sure that’s not a requirement.” She said.

Tilk blinked at her, and seemed to take in her features for the first time, looking between her and Kaylen, “Is she your…?”

“I’m not Kaylen’s ****, but I’ve been in this position before.” She gestured to Dinnae.

Tilk sighed, and blushed apologetically, “It’s not always a requirement.” He insisted. “Usually for new slaves. But I suppose we can make an exception. If you like you could move into the storage closet. There should be enough space in there.” He pointed to a closed door in one corner of the room.

“I guess that will work.” Dinnae said, glancing hopefully up at Kaylen, who nodded his agreement.

At that point, Kaylen turned to his chocolate and violet-eyed companions, “Perhaps one or both of you would wish to observe to ensure I don’t do anything untoward?”

Alayni chuckled, “I’ll keep an eye on you, certainly.”

Kaylen’s black-haired half-elf companion gave Alayni a frustrated look, then suggested, “Maybe I should be the one to accompany you.”

“What? You worried I won’t do a good job watching him?” The curly-haired halfling feigned offense.

“I’m worried you’ll be the one doing something untoward.” Vesili countered.

The brown-eyed halfling’s laugh shook nearly her entire frame. “Well, I guess you’ve got me there, but I promise I’ll behave.”

“Why don’t you both come, if there’s not room for the four of us, then Alayni you can stand by the door.” Kaylen suggested.

The four of them moved into the storage closet, which was only large enough for them all to fit due to how small Kaylen’s rogue and slinger companions were. Once inside, Dinnae looked around the cramped space, then back at the three of them, her face flushed. “I guess, I’ll just face away from you.” She turned away from them and unbuckled her belt around her waist. She set that aside and then pulled her tunic up over her head.

“Oh, that’s cute.” Alayni spoke up. “I like the way your shift collar peaks out from the neckline of your dress. Hey, both your shift and dress lace in the back.”

“Yeah they do.” Vesili concurred. “Couldn’t you loosen them to expose some skin without removing them completely?”

“Now that you mention it, that could work.” Blue eyes met violet eyes over her shoulder, then Dinnae stood still so the two women could start loosening her laces.

“You get those knots.” Alayni suggested to Vesili, who untied the bows at the top of both garments, then worked with the halfling to loosen the laces all up and down the back until they could hold open a space in the back, just above the waistband of her trousers, revealing a pale diamond of smooth skin.

“How’s this?” The grey-skinned half-elf asked, looking up at Kaylen.

“Maybe an inch lower.” He directed.

“Here.” They loosened the laces a little lower, and Kaylen nodded and moved close. Then he very carefully chanted the incantation for the personal mark spell while tracing patterns in the air with his wand, and after a moment of this, his personal sigil appeared on the girl’s back right in the middle of the opening.

“There, it is done.” Kaylen told her, straightening as the pair began tightened up the laces for Dinnae.

“It is a good looking mark.” Vesili pointed out.

“It looks cute on you.” Alayni added with a chuckle. “Should be hidden from everyone but Kaylen when you’re getting intimate with him.” She added in a teasing tone, causing Dinnae to blush and lower her gaze.

“Is it supposed to burn a little?” Kaylen’s new **** girl asked, glancing at him over her shoulder as the halfling stepped back while Vesili finished up the laces at the top, and tied them back into a pair of bows before stepping back, rubbing a spot on her own arm covered by her sleeve.

“I’m afraid so, but that should fade soon enough.” He assured her.

She pulled her tunic back on over her head and then Alayni opened the door stepping partway out to give them a little more room as the blue-eyed girl buckled her belt back into place.

“Did it go alright?” Gregory asked when the four of them emerged back into the main chamber.

“Yes, it was less embarrassing than I’d feared.” Dinnae assured her brother.

Gregory gave Kaylen a grateful smile, though there was some frustration there as well. It was clear he felt a desire to help his sister avoid losing her freedom, but there was nothing much he could do at this point.

“Don’t worry, we’ll look after your sister.” Alayni assured the blue-eyed boy, and he gave a similar smile to the curvy halfling.

“Well, if there’s nothing else you require.” Kaylen nodded to Tilk and Barnus, and then gestured for both siblings to follow him as the five of them made their way outside.

Once they were out of earshot of the two slavers, Alayni addressed Dinnae and her brother. “You’re going to enjoy traveling with us, everyone in the group is going to adore you, and we’ll treat you far better than anyone else who might have bought you, right Kaylen?”

“I will certainly strive to be generous and fair.” He said, hoping to reassure any misgivings the blue-eyed **** girl might have had. “That being said, is there anything you must do before we leave? Who will look after your brother while you are traveling with me?”

“Our aunt and uncle are supposed to be looking after us since our parents passed. I’m sure Gregory has learned his lesson, and won’t run off to mess around with those hoodlums again. Right, Gregory?” She gave her brother a pointed look.

“That’s right, I’m done with them.” He agreed. “I’ll turn over a new leaf.”

“You’ve been given a second chance most people don’t get, don’t waste it.” Vesili told the blue-eyed boy.

“I won’t.” He promised, giving the short half-elf a shy smile.

Suddenly, Vesili groaned audibly, then her violet eyes met Kaylen’s gaze accusingly. Alayni swayed, and put a hand on Kaylen’s side to steady herself, her own brown eyes clouded momentarily. Gregory and Dinnae had similar expressions, though they didn’t appear quite as strongly affected. It appeared that Vesili recognized his charm spell had just worn off, even though it was rare for people who were charmed to be able to perceive what had happened to them.

“Don’t worry.” Kaylen said, speaking to all of them, though his eyes remained on Vesili. “I sometimes put a little too much behind my spells when things get emotional, but you are perfectly safe.”

Vesili seemed to relax a little, while Kaylen’s words mostly went over the halfling and humans’ heads.

“Anyways, allow me introduce you to the rest of my party. Then we’ll see your brother gets to his uncle, and purchase you some gear before departing on our journey.” He addressed the last to his new ****.

“Um, yeah… Of course, Master Kaylen.” She replied, still a little dazed.

“Shall we get going?” He gestured towards the market square ahead of them where he could see Ursa standing near the fountain, the half-giant looking bored.