The Dragon Games

The Auction

Cassian spent the afternoon of the auction split between reading yelling at the grads for their irresponsibility and instructing the pledges how to best use their time at the auction.

"I can't remember hardly anything from last night," Bianca told me between trips to the privy. She and Gordo fought for control of the chamber pot, almost coming to blows at one point. "I didn't do anything embarrassing, did I?"

"Watch out for Edmond Balthasar," I said with a smirk. "He swore eternal damnation on you for dirtying his pretty blond hair."

"I'm being serious," she said.

"As am I!" But no matter what I said, she refused to believe me.

The auction was already packed when squad Tudor arrived. Some were still rubbing their eyes, shaking off the side effects of last night's celebrations, but I for one jerked wide awake at the spread before us. The servants had laid out a huge feast, sprawling halfway across the wall. As soon as one plate was finished off, a serving wench was there to replace it.

My mouth watered at the sight. When I stole an extra serving of porridge at the orphanage, the caretakers would stuff my in a cupboard for the rest of the day – longer if they forgot I was there. 

Now I had my pickings of glazed pork and roasted lamb chops, cakes and pies, thick, creamy soups, piping hot bread rolls, and plenty more dishes too fancy to recognize. As my eyes glittered from dish to dish, I felt a prick on the back of my neck.

I turned, just in time to see four Balthasar pledges heading my way. I tensed, ready for a confrontation, but they kept walking, each wearing a small grin. Before I could react, Cassian cut in front of my path.

"You're wanted up front." Cassian pointed at a table at the front of the mess hall, sitting on an elevated platform. Three of the four chairs were occupied, seated with Atlas, Edmond, and Grace. "The four favorites are expected to sit together until the auction begins."

I turned to Cassian, startled. "What does that have to do with me?"

Cassian rolled his eyes. "You beat Grace Midlands in a one-on-one duel. If you don't take the fourth chair, I don't know who can."

I stared at Edmond, frowning. "Is that a good idea?"

"It's a great honor, Black. You couldn't be happier." 

Cassian gave me a push, and I was off. After Atlas greeted me, the four of us fell into tense silence, no one looking nor speaking to each other. Atlas and Edmond sat at opposite ends, as far away from each other as they could. Grace prodded at her plate, making loud clinks every time her knife clashed against the fine china.

Edmond heaved a great sigh at the ceiling. "I am sorry, I have never had to make small talk with a raider before. Uh, murder any small children lately?"

"Funny that's where your mind goes," Atlas said. "Out of all the topics in the world, you set your sights on small children first. Or should I say, hands?"

Edmond made a great show of rolling his eyes. "I do not pretend to know what you are insinuating."

"Oh, I am entirely sure you know exactly what I am insinuating, but should you like me to come right out and say it, it would be my –"

"For the last time, there is nothing of the sort going on; she is my cousin," Edmond snapped. "We are not betrothing until she comes of age."

"Jealous?" Grace asked Atlas, arching an eyebrow.

Atlas made an incredulous face. "Of a child?"

"Of the satisfaction Edmond finds in his chosen match."