To the branding room.

The small coffle of harem slaves were led across the wide central plaza of the central district. Larger buildings lined the open plaza, the headquarters of various guilds and temples to the more popular gods worshipped in Al Areth. The Akkadian gave a sour look towards the whores guild hall, perhaps the largest brothel in the civilised world. It was their ill timed sale of Minaja's contract that placed him in this collar and situation, he muttered a curse to whatever god might listen upon the guild. The slavers guild was almost opposite to that of the whores, recognisable by the large wooden platform of the **** block outside. When a pirate Captain or warlord returned from a successful expedition dozens of slaves could be sold here in a single day. Rezma led the line of girls directly to the main entrance where a guild official flanked by a pair of guards halted Rezma and asked her the purpose of her business.

"I am Rezma of Shem, **** mistress to Trimon the warlord." The Shemite announced with obvious pride. "Here to register three sluts and have them branded with the sigil of my lord."

"Ah yes, we were graced with Trimon's business on his triumphant return from raiding." The guild official observed. "Your appointment must be quite recent as I would have certainly have remembered such a fair and proud mistress if we had met on that occasion."

"Yes, very newly appointed." Rezma agreed, preening to the officials flattery. "Trimon has established a harem of some size and required a firm hand to oversee the pleasure slaves he has captured or acquired."

"Then I congratulate you mistress Rezma on your elevation." The slaver said obsequiously. "If I could trouble you for the bills of sale if these sluts were purchased?"

Rezma handed over three small vellum scrolls bound by red ribbon. The official perused each in turn briefly before giving an oily smile and small bow. He looked past the Shemite and the Akkadian saw the appraisal rather than the usual lust in his expression as he and his fellow **** girls were inspected.

"All is in order mistress Rezma. Two purchases from ship captains and one for a contract from the guild of whores." His eyes fixed on the Akkadian, his henna markings making it obvious that the assassin was the latter case. "Trimon must have parted with quite a purse of coin for this fine piece, it is rare for the guild to sell a contract into servitude."

"As you say, rare but not unknown." Rezma acknowledged. "Minaja is a fine investment."

"No doubt, no doubt indeed." The man said turning his attention back to the harem mistress. "If you would follow me to the master of brands, I shall be happy to register Trimon's acquisitions. The branding does take some time, our sigils require arcane rituals be performed. Though you no doubt are aware of the benefits of guild brands compared to mundane tattooing. I believe I can complete the registration and have deeds of ownership scribed by the time the branding is concluded."

"Excellent, I am quite curious about the guild brands." The Shemite admitted. "Is it permitted to observe the process?"

"Oh, but of course." The slaver granted, beaming a smile. "A common courtesy considering you are essentially of our trade now."

With that the slaver turned and entered the guild hall with Rezma and then the line of coffled slaves following. The Akkadian had **** but be led by the leash and collar to the chambers of the master of brands. The official halted outside a wooden door and opening it ushered the mistress and slaves inside. The room had a sturdily constructed wooden chair ominously in the centre and leather straps and cuffs were clearly designed to bind the seat's occupant in place. Armrests and legrests on the chair seemed articulated and through attached gears, wheels and levers could adjust the posture of one secured in place.