Blue Moon

Chapter 5

as promised the auction! enjoy :)

and the song for this chapter is Mercy by one republic.

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The air hummed with activity. Women all around adorned themselves with their finest silks and jewels. They applied modest dark kohl, but did so as though they prepared for a war. Up by the palace Lilia had finished dressing and gracefully walked forward through the halls. Her white dress flowing open elegantly showing off her bronzed legs. Twin gold ribbons held the dress around her chest weaving in and out to tie behind her neck and edged all around the garment in intricate designs. Her kohl laced eyes searched for anyone lurking around the corridors as she passed. She reached the front entry and was greeted by her hand-maiden, Nesa.

“Princess, the queen requested I bring you this and strongly suggested that you wear it.” She said bowing forward as far as her frail body would allow, holding forward a delicate purple satin pillow on which rested an ornate silver crown encrusted with tear sapphire jewels. Lilia gently picked it up and placed it on her head knowing it would match with the silver clips scattered in her ebony hair.

“Thank-you Nesa, I must be on my way. Give my mother my regards.”  She said as she moved forward and glided down the stairs. She slowly made her way through the bustling streets that were filled with merchant carts and chattering women all discussing what they would do with their newly bought slaves. Some of their comments sickened Lilia to the pit of her stomach but set her resolve even more that she would not let anyone else get their claws on Kael. She reached the overcrowded stands and was again greeted by women murmuring amongst themselves. She looked around at the multicoloured arrangement of women’s outfits which seemed to compliment all the different arts she saw being performed around them. Fire tamers, animal whisperers, musicians and dancers moved about the area. They were all dressed in traditional garments of the arts; leather skirts dyed black with bear breasted chests decorated with necklaces and bracelets made from tusk, driftwood and brightly coloured beads. They all wore their hair loose with ribbon so it would mimic every move they made. Cheers and praises were given to them all until our attention was swiftly drawn to the stage where the auction was about to start. The auctioneer garbed in gold and black stepped up onto the platform. Her face was illuminated from the light thrown down by the sun. We all knew her well, Thenae she had been named. She had taken the auction over from her late mother and now treated it as though it was the greatest thing created in the world.  “Ladies, welcome to our divine auction today! We have many prize males on sale and one jewel which has interested all of you.” She said slowly regarding the crowd. As they led each male up the stage she would speak about their many ‘amazing’ skills and ‘precious’ talents all the while keeping the bidding fast paced and making sure the atmosphere stayed tense and fast with the cadence of her strong voice. Lilia silently watched as all the slaves were bought by overly enthusiastic women. As theses sold slaves were led away some looked so miserable and others broken or even unaffected but yet each set her mind and made the raging fire growing in her stronger.

“Now the special one you have all been waiting for, the best of the lot, our most handsome male on auction this fine day.”  Thenae said as she suggestively eyed the crowd. All the women were intently focused as they lead Kael up to the stage. Lilia’s heart twisted with raw rage as she saw his hands were bound with thick steel chains. He saw her and gave an almost invisible nod.

“The bidding begins at 2000 gold coins.”

A woman in the back raised her hand first. Then all hell broke loose; women all over the stands were standing screeching bids, losing all sense of order.  Thenae, however, took it all in her calm stride announcing who held the current bid and raising it even higher, revelling in the chaos around her. The bidding had gone up to a large sum of 10 000 coins. A record for any slave auction and it kept on rising; now reaching 15000 coins, a sum larger than any could get easily. Lilia looked to Kael who was frozen watching the scene and slowly growing paler. Her heart started to beat faster pounding against her chest as she stood up.  She squared her shoulders and took on her full height. Some women noticed her actions and quickly started to hush. Soon all questioning eyes were upon her with astounded looks. Her voice was firm but gentle as she said “I will match and double any bid made on this slave today.” She inwardly cringed at her choice of words while some women gasped, whether to her sudden interest in a slave or the lengths she was willing to go to, she did not care. Thenae laughed and gave a predatory smile, “Sold, to the house of Amazonia.” She declared.

There was reluctant applauding and some cheering for her. She moved to the edge of the stage holding her golden train above the ground. She motioned for Thenae.

“You may collect the sum at the palace as soon as the sun sets, but I want him now. Oh, and take those things off him” Lilia said motioning to the barbaric cuffs on Kael’s strong wrists.

“As you wish princess.” She said bowing.

She motioned to the handler.

“Release him.”

The man turned and released Kael from the chains. Lilia looked Kael in his eyes “come.” she said with a slight smile, turning to lead the way.