1/25

He hated this place. By all that is holy, he did hate this place.

The dark brown haired, green eyed male sighed, and leaned closer to the slightly taller blond man
at his side. It was already too crowded for his liking.

What else does one expect from a slave market? They sold everything from fruits and seeds to
machinery and clothing, and a lot of things that were not supposed to be sold in an open market.
They had witnessed weapons being haggled over only minutes ago. But of course, the most
prized commodity to sell on Eastern Iceland was slaves.

It wasn't even ten in the morning and the Pirates were already out shilling the merits of their
prizes.

Sean 'Solomon' Ward had a particular reason why he hated this place. He had been brought here
when he was ten years old, captured by the pirates on the island of New West.

Or what used to be called New West; now it was called simply 'The Islands'. It was now a lovely resort

bought and paid for by some mysterious ex-pirate, who went only by the enigmatic name 'Viggo'.

William, the man at his side, had wanted Sean to join him there for a retreat, but Sean had refused.

The very thought of returning to what used to be his homeland brought back too many painful memories.

As did this place.

Ten years old. He had been so lost and alone; confused and scared. His mother had died in front
of him. 'No - no I can't think of that.' Sean sighed again and felt a hard shove from behind.

He quickly moved aside to allow several pompous looking men to pass him. High ranking officers,
they wore the insignia of North Westward, but Sean did not recognize them. They might be from
the Southern region - at least they looked it with the darker skin and black eyes.

"Looks like this place will most certainly never go out of style."

Sean ignored the glib humor from his friend. Oh yes, he remembered standing in the center like
the other slaves. He had started crying and the slave auctioneer had hit him in the back of his
neck with a stick, ordering him to be silent. But he was a child, and cried even more. When the
auction began it seemed like a whirlwind of shouts and numbers. The next thing he knew he was
picked up suddenly and handed over to a young man in his twenties, who appeared from his dress
to be a nobleman. Too tired and frightened to fight, Sean could only hope death would claim him
quickly, as it did his mother. A few hours later, Sean found himself brought to an Inn, the place
that would become his home for the next few years.

That life had been much kinder. The man, called Mortensen, had been compassionate and gentle
with him and Sean soon realized he was to be a gift to the man's sister, whom everyone called
Aunt Judy. A year later, Mortensen had joined a sailing ship to look for riches and treasure. He
never returned. Aunt Judy, though she missed her brother, turned all her love and attention on
Sean. She treated Sean as an adopted son until the day she died. Bereft and only just seventeen,
Sean had dreaded to be sold, yet again, on the auction block.

Thankfully, Aunt Judy had taken thought for Sean's future.

When she realized she was dying, she'd created a written slave contract for Sean to be given over to

the Anthony household in North Westward, close friends of many years. His new master, Bernard Hill Anthony had come
to claim Sean a week later, but being long in years, he decided to give the new slave over to his youngest son, William.

Sean's world had once again been tossed by the wind, but fortunately William had been not only
benevolent to his new slave, but treated Sean with the utmost affection and respect. They had
since become the dearest of friends. They shared everything and were seldom apart. It only took
four years before William had given Sean his freedom. Now they stood on equal ground as
plantation owners. And not just any plantation owners; they were the most sought after as their
food and materials were of the highest quality in all of North Westward. Because of this, even the
highest politicians sought them out.

Sean was, to all appearances; a wealthy, free Lord. There were, though, a few that would call
him names behind his back. Those who knew of his past.

Sean tended to not only be compassionate of spirit, but he was also smart and he knew how to
speak in such a way that charmed nearly everyone he met.

He was also strikingly handsome (though he would disagree; cute maybe, but not handsome). His
good looks had many women and a few men pining for him. As of yet, Sean hadn't chosen a wife
or a permanent lover. He was only twenty five and felt he had time. He was still enjoying his
freedom, and of course, he had Billy to keep him warm on certain cold nights.

William turned from examining a piece of cloth he had picked up from a vendor, to see Sean
looking at him with eyes that set William on fire. "Geez Sean, don't do that or damn it I swear
we'll go back to the hotel and I'll make you regret that look."

Sean only smiled more, "I don't think I could ever regret what you would offer me."

William blushed scarlet and then put the cloth down. "Look here Sean, I know you didn't want to
come to the slave market, but damn it I need a new cook, and a head adviser for my harvest
fields and household, and I mean to get me two prime slaves at auction. Afterwards - well, perhaps, will see
what I can do to accommodate your - needs."

Sean laughed and, taking William by the arm, made for the main center of the village of Malaise.
"Very well, let's get going."

Four days before, Sean had been finishing the harvest in the southern wheat fields, when William
had arrived pleading for him to come to Eastern Iceland with him. Sean had not wanted to go and
had suggested that Billy take his own head advisor, Bean with him instead. Often when Sean
needed a new slave or slaves, he would send Bean to pick them up. Sean had never wanted to
return to this island - not ever. He had flatly turned William down, however, after a lot of
harassing along with some rather persuasive sex, Sean had relented and agreed to come for the
trip. After all, he had promised Emma a new dress, and he did want to get Mamere something
nice since her fifty ninth birthday was coming up.

His thoughts turned suddenly to the main center where the auction had always taken place. The
auctions had already begun. There were many in the crowds vying to buy a new slave. Sean noted
several sharply dressed women holding spears standing off to the far right side of the center,
staring at the auction block.

Sean was not surprised to see them. West World leaders. A man beside him spit in their direction.

Sean ignored the man, and stared at the very attractive women nearby. Eastern Iceland was a
place of neutral territory. Even though North Westward and West world were at war with each
other, the law was explicit that they could not kill or fight on this island. The City of Malaise was
mostly where the men from North Westward would come for their slaves. The City of David was
where the West world women would linger.

However, once in awhile, the higher royal houses of both continents would go to the other city to
market, always in search for the perfect slave. To date they had never openly battled on this
island, but the hostility for one another was clear.

Sean wondered what would bring the Royal house of Umber to Malaise. They were of the royal
blood line, wearing the insignia of a Bear on their sleeves, silver and golden gowns adorned each
towering, six foot, dark blond woman. Yes, these were royals of the House of Umber. Sean
wondered if that meant Aia was around.

Aia was the queen and leader in the house of Umber on West world. She had to be here
somewhere if her royals and their guards were present.

Sean scanned the crowd, but did not see her. He had seen Aia only once before, on a fateful day
two years ago. The last time he had been forced to return to this horrible place. He had sworn
then he would never come back.

Two years ago he had come here by need. He had grown close to Mamere, his matronly
housekeeper, whom he had bought earlier the year before from a smaller plantation owner who
had decided to sell off his lands and move inland to become a hotel keeper. Sean, unlike her
owner at the time, had recognized her immediately. He knew the prize he bought. He knew it
well. Among other reasons, he wanted to give her a safe place to live out her remaining years,.

Mamere was even then growing old in her years, and she was not as nimble as she once had been.
Now, at the time of her purchase, she had fallen into a deep depression. Sean had decided to try
to rally her by getting her an assistant. His adviser Bean was good at picking out new laborers,
and house servants, but Sean felt this was beyond Bean's skill. And besides, he wanted to choose
someone for Mamere personally.

Sean had arrived in the city and had gone through the motions despite his ill feelings. He had
waited, and waited, and waited, and it had been near the end of the day when the last slave had
been presented. A young girl about sixteen years old, fair skin and blue eyes had made the
thinning crowd gasp, stopping in their tracks. Her blue eyes were not the only thing that
captivated Sean. It was the fact that he recognized who she was.

He had only once remembered seeing blue eyes. Two pair of blue eyes; two small children that
had been his sworn charge in his youth. And those two children had been ripped away from him
long ago.

He had no doubt. With her coloring, her age and the remarkable eyes, this had to be one of his
childhood playmates. This must be Emma, little Em. That she had survived all these years
shocked him. And Sean also knew that Mamere would be brought to such joy and happiness, if
he could bring home the long lost child.

The problem was in the bidding. It went high. Blue eyes were a rarity nowadays, very rare. One
out of a million.

Sean did not waiver. He had plenty of money. But his rival was most put out. James Troy, the
high Chancellor was also a plantation owner in the Southern region of North Westward.
Charming on the surface, Sean knew the bastard that resided under the table.

Sean hated him. The man mistreated his slaves, and apparently he thought he was some Sex
God. But beyond that, the guy was a total asshole. And now James had seen the blue eyed slave
and obviously wanted her, and Sean was sure the chancellor didn't want to give her a good home.

Sean refused to stop bidding and James increasingly grew annoyed. He was not used to being
thwarted. If he thought he would win this blue eyed rarity cheaply, Sean swore Troy could just
think again. It was in the middle of the bidding war that a commanding woman stepped into
view.

Sean had paused to look at the woman. His mouth had dropped open. There was no mistaking
Aia, the Queen and head warrior of her people. She had stared at him appraisingly for a
moment before turning to look upon James Troy. Neutral in regarding Sean, her eyes changed to
absolute hatred, causing James to falter in his bidding, and allowing Sean the time he needed to
bid and win the auction.

But when he turned again to look for her, Aia was gone.

James had glowered at him, while Sean had gone to pay the auctioneer and claim his new slave.
"Once a slave, always a slave, you really don't think that you are of equal standing do you?"

Sean had paused to take the shaking, teary eyed girl by the hand and confronted Troy with a glare
of his own.

"As a matter of fact, Chancellor Troy, it doesn't take much, slave or not, to be above your
standing," Sean asserted calmly, then turned his back.

He had taken the girl with him as quickly as he could from the island, vowing never to return.

The happy reunion of Mamere and the slave girl, Emma, had even brought him to tears. It was a
rare treat to see families that had been torn apart by war brought back together, especially when
they are grandmother and grandchild. The overjoyed little fox, as Sean called her brought joy to
the household.

Sean sighed, and returned rudely to the present once again as he opened his eyes and saw the
current slave standing on the block. An old woman, who looked ready to collapse to the floor.
She looked tired and defeated and he couldn't help but feel sorry for her, and the others like her,
the humiliation of the chains around their necks and hands. Barely clad in any type of clothing, it
was obvious that many were brutalized.

The pirates had to get some pleasure amongst their goods, and despoiling the lesser prizes was
their wont as gold coins did not satisfy all their needs. Of course, the more valuable the slaves,
those that were special enough to bring the extra price, were fairly treated. They weren't touched,
or treated roughly. After all, a beautiful creature with bruises and whip marks didn't get as much
on the block. Certain customers preferred to get an untouched, unmarked virgin to take home
from the market and those auctions went high.

The old woman was sold for 50 gold coins to another old woman, with silver hair tightly rolled
into a bun. Sean was happy when he saw the women walking away and overheard the owner
whisper to the chained slave that she would have a lovely home with her as her new companion
as she had been quite lonely these days since her sister passed away. The slave responded with a
shy smile of relief when her new master patted her hand and gently led her away to a new life.

Still, Sean felt disgusted by it all and sighed once more and began to fidget in his seat. Billy turned to
him and seeing the disgust on Sean's face, he nodded.

"I know how you feel, Sean. I hate it too, though I haven't had your experience. Just a little
longer. But remember that we will be providing a good home for at least two of these."

Sean only snorted, and glanced around the crowd, hoping to distract himself from the
auction.

Sean knew that the slaves were for the most part treated well, they were valuable property after
all, and a necessary part of the economy. There were really only a few of the richest slave owners
that were careless and cruel to the slaves. And his enemy, James Troy, was one of them. Sean
angrily looked away, when he spotted the Chancellor in the crowd. Of course, Troy wouldn't
miss an opportunity to buy a new toy. His appetites always sent him in search of something new
to ride.

Sean had seen the sickening orgies at Troy's home estate first hand. When Sean had been still a
slave to the House of Anthony, Troy had invited William to come to a party at his plantation and
requested that he bring one of his slaves.

William had naturally chosen Sean to join him. Having never been to one of Troy's parties,
though he had heard interesting and conflicting rumors, William found he just couldn't refuse the
high chancellor's invitation. But he soon wished he had.

The event had been a nightmare. James had youngsters of both sexes everywhere on display,
naked and joining in various sexual acts for the delectation of his guests. Many of Troy's slaves
hadn't been used gently and, horrified at the sight of one particularly beastly scene of abuse, Sean
had had thrown up all over Troy's carpet.

Billy tried to get Sean safely away, but Troy had witnessed the disruption. James surprised Billy
by not responding in fury, but rather approached Sean lustfully. Sean at once turned down the
powerful man's advances, but James was most insistent and William had been left unaided and
desperate as he tried to think of a politic way to get them both out of his clutches. After all,
James had many friends in high places, and William did not want to add him to a list of enemies
to himself or to his family.

Sean remembered being trapped against the wall, feeling Troy's unwelcome hands on his ass and
genitals, his sickening fish breath against his neck and lips. And most disgusting of all, Sean
could feel James hardening member against his thigh.

Oh, how Sean wanted to jam his fist into James face. He would have, if he hadn't been chained.
By law, any slave accompanying his master outside of his home, must be chained wrist to wrist
and adorned with a metal collar bearing his owners property brand.

Branding, that was another horror many slaves endured. The hot coals, the metal rod with an
insignia, the stink of burning flesh, a forever reminder even when freed that they were once
enslaved. He still carried his two brands on his upper shoulders. Troy hadn't to say those words to
remind Sean that he was once a slave.

Thankfully, the impending rape was aborted when James's father made an abrupt appearance at
the party. The anger and wrath of Norwood was something even James did not dare overrule.
Ian's anger had not just been fueled by the unsavory conditions of the slaves, or the obvious
mistreatment of the valuable property. Lord Ian had been set off when he approached the gates to
find a young boy not yet eight years of age, being raped by several of James's guards.

Sir Ian Norwood, Troy's father, was an advisor to the Council, a plantation owner (a few miles
from Billy's plantation) and was also one of the most influential and powerful political men in
North Westward. He was also one of the gentlest souls Sean had ever encountered. How such a
kind man could have fathered such a vile son was beyond him.

The little boy was rescued by Ian's own hands and given over to his personal slave, Hugo, who
took him to Ian's estate, never to be returned to his son. The party was summarily ended. All of
James' friends, colleagues, and other guests, many of whom Ian knew to be good people, had
hurried away from the scene.

So long as Ian was present, James reined in his behavior, behaving like a good school boy. This
act was reserved for only his father's presence.

Sean remembered Ian's angered voice.

"What the hell do you think you were doing! Turning your mother's home into the chambers of
hell! She would be rolling in her grave. Is this how I taught you to treat your slaves? Have you
forgotten that your mother was once a slave? Who the hell do you think you are! You spoiled,
vile, abomination of my loins! You are a disgrace to me and my House!"

Ian had added a few hard slaps across his sons face during his tirade and Sean couldn't hide the
grin on his face. He and William had never been so happy to get back home, and Billy never
again accepted James's invitations. Sir Ian of Norwood however was often a guest in Billy's home
thereafter.

Sean had grown fond of the elderly gentlemen, who always had inspiring and adventurous stories
to tell. Ian had two children other than James, but Sean only heard Ian speak of his daughter Liv.
The old man showed the greatest love and affection for his daughter.

Sean did not know much of Ian's history, though he was informed Ian had taken a wife, a former
slave, that had died some years ago. Currently, he did have a male lover. Hugo was headmaster
of Ian's household servants. About the same age as his master, he was Ian's bed mate of six years.
It was only rarely that Ian went anywhere without the company of his favorite.

Sean had recognized at once that Hugo was not just any slave. Even the chains Hugo was forced
to wear by law were not in the accustomed base metal, but rather made of the purest gold Sean
had ever seen. Dainty even. If Hugo willed, he could have snapped the fine workmanship in a
heart beat. But he never would, for Hugo was a very happy servant, who loved his Master dearly
and completely.

Even after Sean had been granted his freedom, Ian and Hugo would come at least once a month
to the newly built Solomon Estate for a visit. Sean always made sure Hugo had a place at the
table beside Ian. In Sean's home, all slaves were treated with respect. Over time Ian's affection for
Sean grew to that of another son.

As much as Sean loved Ian, Sean hated his son James. Sean's hope was that someday a wronged
slave or freeman would slip a knife into James and let him die a slow and very painful death. No
one would miss him.

Turning to his left, Sean spotted another familiar figure standing near the auction block. Lord
Liam Gray. What the hell was he doing here?

Sean knew of Lord Liam as well. Lord Liam was often seen in the company of James Troy. The
rumors spread that they were not only partners in their vast business operations, but that they
often shared particularly choice slaves with each other. There was also another distasteful rumor
spreading that Liam liked to bed young men and women. Very, very young. While James
watched and sometimes even participated in the secret abuse.

The high council did not allow the raping of under age slaves. The penalty wasn't as harsh as it
should be for Sean's belief. It didn't mean of course that all slavers up held this law, it just meant,
don't get caught.

If any slave owner is caught in the abuse, the under aged slave is to be removed from the
offending household, the owner will lose all the slaves in his possession and must pay the State a
fine of 300,000 gold pieces.

It was harsh; not nearly harsh enough, but at least it was something.

Sean clenched his jaw angrily and grimly hoped they were only rumors about the under aged
slaves, but somehow he doubted it. He would not put anything past the beasts that were Troy and
Lord Liam.

Thinking of the Lord of Norwood, Sean remembered visiting Ian's home last summer. It was a
lovely plantation, full of gardens, lakes, and falls. Flowers everywhere, it was a magical place.
Ian of course didn't have many slaves nowadays, though once it was said he had nearly five
hundred, all of whom were extremely loyal to him. His once large estate was smaller now. He
had sold much of it off to Billy and a good portion to Sean. He had only a few acres in which he
maintained the character of the plantation with its beautiful orchards and a meadow of wheat.

When Sir Ian had downsized, he had given most of his slaves their freedom. The select few Ian
feared would not be able to survive on their own, he had sold to Billy or to Sean, confident that
his slaves would find a safe home on their estate.

At present, Ian had less than fifty slaves as field laborers and twenty house servants. Well, twenty
one; the boy he had rescued, called Frod'o, had become one of his stable workers and errand
runner. The boy, a beauty with dark chocolate curls and blue eyes, had recovered from his
wounds and was often seen walking hand in hand with Hugo, in whom he had found an adoptive
father. Hugo had no children, and had been enraptured by the beautiful child from the moment he
was placed into his arms. Hugo had taken it upon himself to be the child's protective guardian
and parent.

Sean cringed when he saw two young children, with red hair, raised to the block, a boy of perhaps five and a
girl about seven. They were hugging each other close and were obviously frightened. Who
wouldn't be? Sean blinked away a tear and lowered his eyes.

William noticed and shrugged. "I only need a cook and advisor - perhaps you could find a place
for them?"

Sean shrugged in reply. He wanted to, he wanted to snap them up, but he didn't know what he
could do with them. He could not save every slave from the block as much as he wished. All of
his slaves already had their own families, children ran everywhere on the estate. Mamere had her
hands full with her granddaughter and the other two servant girls he acquired from an Inn keeper
months ago. The girls, Lynn and Carrie were not yet 12 and were still being tutored in the
household arts as housekeepers.

Bean couldn't be made to take them on, he had already taken in a stray two months ago. A little
girl just barely four years old, rescued from the block just like these two.

Sean could just imagine from Bean's description the small toddler standing all alone on the block
in rags, with chains on her wrists as the auctioneer prodded her to quit crying. The thought turned
Sean's stomach as he was sure the sight had affected many of the crowd. Before the bidding
could even begin, Bean had marched up to the stage, glared at the auctioneer with great contempt
and then punched him in the mouth. Then Bean picked up the child, threw down a wallet of gold
and carried her off without a word.

No one stopped him. No one dared.

He had brought her into his home, not as a slave but as his newly adopted daughter. Bean named
her Kitty and she soon became the light of the plantation with her golden curls, button nose and
sea green eyes. The little girl was not only adorably cute but smart too, she knew she had
everyone wrapped around her finger. Bean never had to go looking for a sitter, they all found
Kitty a pleasure to watch and the servants vied eagerly to look after her, but Emma took care of
her the most. They all agreed that as Kitty grew up, she was going to be quite the handful.

She knew she was cute.

Sean looked up and saw that the bidding had begun, James had placed a bid. Bloody bastard!
Sean thought. His eyes flashed in rage, and when he made eye contact with James, Sean's eyes
read loud and clear. 'You touch them and I swear to god I'll kill you.'

Not the least bit intimidated, James continued the bid.

William suddenly shouted a bid and seeing Sean's face, he waved his hand at him. "Well, I can't
let them wind up with that monster now can I? I won't be able to sleep at night."

"You don't know if those rumors are true, Billy." Sean replied dryly.

William only batted his eyes. "And if they are?"

Sean sighed.

Three bodies had been found in the Anuria river, one girl, and two boys, all under the age of
twelve. They had been badly used, mutilated, and their lives violently ended. The brands that
should have been on the children were also obscured making it impossible to determine who they
had belonged to. The Anuria river was very close to James estate. The authorities had
investigated.. James denied any responsibility, of course, but the rumors were out. Rumors that
had many people looking at James Troy with a lot of suspicion. Without any hard evidence, the
authorities had no way to convict or punish James and had to let him go.

Ian had paid his son a visit shortly after. Servants reported the shouted confrontation between
them which eventually came to Sean's attention.

"You mark my words, if I hear or find out you had anything to do with the death of those children
James, by all the Gods, I will kill you with my bare hands!"

Strangely enough, no more bodies were found floating down the river.

A loud voice called out into the crowd and everyone stopped speaking and moving, including
Troy. Everyone's eyes were on the woman dressed in royal clothes with the markings of
Norwood. Time seemed to have stopped.

Sean smiled, while James scowled his discontent. Although Sean had never seen her before, he
knew who she was; but why had she come? Her father would be furious! Yet there she stood,
tall and proud, her dark eyes staring hard at James. Her brother.

Liv. Lady Liv of Norwood, of the house of Lord Ian's Woodland estates. It was said that she was
a rare jewel, beautiful, among even the most women. Her beauty was said to not be towering, but a

gentle beauty of a kind unseen in a long time in this world, not since before the war.

Sean thought that, from what he could see, her figure was certainly as fetching as her reported
beauty. Tall and yet dainty. Soft unblemished skin, sultry eyes and a well proportioned bosom.
She lived in North Westward near Drendan, a small community near the Western Sea Shores.
She was said to live in a Castle of great elegance, guarded by no less then three hundred men
who vowed to give their lives to keeping her and her home safe from all intruders.

"500 gold pieces!"

James quickly bowed his head in submission.

William caught Liv's eye and smiled. He could end his own bids. She returned the smile and
then made her way to the auction platform, handing a bag of coins into the auctioneer's eager
hand.

William was one of the few who'd had the privilege of actually meeting Liv. William didn't speak
much about the encounter, except to say that she was as beautiful in her mind as she was in her
body.

The bidding ended, and Liv took the little girl by the hand and lifted the small boy into her arms.
With her head held as high as if they were her own, and not newly bought slaves, she passed
through he crowd moved aside to let her. Many dared not look at her, while others looked on in
admiration or envy. Sean could hear Liv speaking softly to the children, her voice gentle like a
wisp of a spring breeze as she left with the two children, promising them chocolates and ice
cream when they boarded her ship.

Sean couldn't help feeling a wave of relief sweep over him. While it was likely the two children
would never see their parents again, they would be safe in her keeping. One could see it in Liv's
eyes that she had much love to give; in her home they would be well cared for and truly loved.
Sean wondered wistfully if such a beautiful woman had found her one true love and if so, whether
it be with a male or a fellow female.

Sean's attention was drawn back now to Aia. She was standing near a small Inn called ‘The Pony’.

Cloaked in a golden cape with her hair hidden under a hood, she clutched a sword in her hand and

looked to be severely schooling herself to an outward calm.

Rage. It was obvious she had been seething with rage. Sean had no doubt it had been clearly
directed at James Troy as she had him fixed in her flinty gaze. Many of the buyers and customers
did not agree with the selling of children. It happened, naturally, as more and more children were
being found orphaned in life due to the war and the state mandate. It was still not something that
most found enjoyable to witness.

Aia felt eyes upon her and turned to meet Sean's. Once again she stared, with an almost
unreadable expression. Then for a moment, he thought he saw the faintest smile reach her lips.
Then it was gone, and so was she.

Looking back at William, Sean saw the bidding had begun with a new slave on the block. A
female with long blond hair and green eyes, beginning to blossom into womanhood. Billy smiled
upon hearing the woman's stats as an expert cook and he quickly placed his bid. He won her for
under a thousand coins.

When William confronted her he smiled, and spoke in a soft and accented voice. "Your name my
dear?"

"Miranda--" A tear fell from her eye, and Billy quickly wiped it away with his thumb.

"Hello Miranda. My name is William Anthony."

"Yes Master." She replied and lowered her eyes. It was obvious she had already been trained for
submission, thought Sean.

William, gently, brought her head back up with his hand and gestured behind him where a young
dark skinned woman stood with long raven hair, tied up in many pretty braids.

"Just call me William, or Billy if you so wish. This is Candy, she will take you to the ship. In my
home you will take the place of Nadia - she was my main cook. As long as you live in my home
you will be treated fairly and kindly. No one will touch you unless you wish it. If anyone lays a
hand upon you, you will inform me at once and I will deal with this person. Your duties will be
taught to you by Nadia. Give her respect, for she has been in my house since before my birth. If
you have any questions or need to speak to me, simply ask Nadia. She will set up an appointment
and we will talk. And if you have any health issues please inform Candy and she will make
certain you see the house nurse on the estate..."

Sean nodded his head absently as William continued his - well, his usual introduction. The
speech that Billy recited to each of his new household was delivered with warmth and kindness
and too much information; designed to try to ease the stress level of the new slave. Servants, as
William called them. William never treated anyone like a slave in his home.

Sean lingered over this Miranda's beauty, wondering for a moment would be the one; the one that
would finally lay claim to Billy's heart, become free, and eventually Billy's chosen wife. She was
beautiful and Billy seemed to be watching her reactions with more intent than normal. The
master was laying a comforting hand on her arm.

Surprised by Billy's tone and lulled by his words and careful manner, Miranda allowed Candy to
lead her from the market, comforted by William's own cloak wrapped covering her tattered rags.

"Bored?" William asked Sean, returning to his seated chair, positioned by the auction block.

His friend smiled at him. "No, just I know your speech by heart, Billy. You prattle it every time
you get a new slave."

"It is not prattle. They are scared and frightened. They need reassurances. And besides it's the
first time they meet their new master and first impressions are the most important."

Sean laughed. "She likes your voice and your face. Perhaps she has what it takes to be a wife for
you?"

Billy snorted, but did not dispute the suggestion. He couldn't hide the glint of attraction he felt
towards the beautiful, slender, young woman. Eventually, he turned his gaze from the retreating
figure of his new cook, and returned to look again at the auction platform "Well, I have my cook,
all I need now is my adviser."

A young man, perhaps seventeen or eighteen, was thrown onto the stage and naturally Billy and
Sean's heart went out to the poor lad. He had dark, almost black hair and matching eyes. He
appeared tired and looked fearfully at the crowd.

When the bidding began, Sean glanced at his friend and sometime lover in deep concern. Billy
shook his head sadly. "He is far too young to be an advisor--maybe you can find a place for
him?"

Sighing again and rolling his eyes, Sean wondered, when did he became the rescuer of every
damn slave on the planet? Raising his hand, he placed a bid.

Liam countered and raised it. Another man in the crowd, an obvious Nobleman placed a higher
bid.

Billy at once nudged Sean in the shoulder. "Oh come on, he might make a nice playmate for your
'Little fox'?"

Sean scowled, but raised his hand and placed another bid. In the crowd, James Troy watched the
events with amusement and offered a bid.

Moving in his seat, and looking nervous, Sean placed another bid.

That was when Liam placed his. "10,000 gold pieces," he announced to the shocked crowd. In
the silence, Sean lowered his hand. Even Billy gasped.

Shit! No slave had ever gotten further than 5,000 gold pieces. The crowd buzzed with surprise.
Sean lowered his eyes, feeling sorry for the boy. Sean had only brought 9,000 with him, he had
not intended to buy any slaves today. He had intended only to shop for some materials for the
plantation and clothing for his sla ... servants.

"Sold--- For 10,000 gold pieces."

Sean watched as Liam proudly paid the auctioneer and then had one of his guards drag the boy
away to his harboring ship. The auctioneer was glad to inform the audience that the slave, was of
age, barely.

"I don't give a damn about his name," Liam laughed, slapping the auctioneer in the back. "Just as
long as I am his first - ah - 'master'!"

"Poor bastard. Would be better if he has a dreadful accident and dies instead of winding up in
Liam's keep."

Sean only shook his head at Billy's curse, unable to deal with this. He had to go and soon. The
slave auction was getting to him.

"Just a bit longer, Sean," Billy pleaded. "Please?"

Sean looked at his feet.

The next one up was another male, and Billy felt his mouth begin to water. He was gorgeous,
blond hair and green eyes and the skin, the muscle ... Billy counted his money and licked his lips.
Sean noted this with wry amusement.

"What we have here is a real different prize. An ex-guard to Lord Liam Gray. Look at those
muscles and that skin - all so golden."

The slave only held his head high, with his hands balled into fists. He would not bend; he would
never bend.

"He has other skills I am sure you will be able to put to use - the bidding begins at 100 gold
coins."

Lord William Anthony was the first to bid. "Two hundred."

Several men in the crowd called out counter offers, one of them snickered that the young man
would make a great fighter in the North Westwards Epitillian Arena.

Billy upped his bid to a thousand and the bidding soon came down to him and the man who
wanted to throw the blond slave into the arena.

"Damn prick, if he thinks he is throwing my new adviser to the Nephie Lions he can think
again!" Billy snarled. "1100 gold coins."

"1700."

"1800"

"1900"

"2,000"

The man surrendered, and Billy whooped in triumph.

"I hope you know what you're doing, because he must have done something to lose Lord Gray's
favor."

"If that is the fact, then he will be more than worth the price, Sean. All mine. And just look at
those eyes. Green? Or are they blue? A bit of both perhaps. Have you ever seen such a man? I bet
he would be very good in bed."

"Provided your new slave doesn't snap your neck or slam a knife in your back -- sure."

Billy made a 'tisk, tisk' at Sean and went to claim his prize.

"My name is Lord William Anthony, but you can call me Billy."

The blond only spit at Billy's feet. The auctioneer went to strike the arrogant slave, but Billy held
his hand back.

"This one is mine, and I'll be the only one that punishes him." He turned to face the blond and
waited.

"My name is Dominic Caligula."

"Hello Dominic. You will be coming home with me." All thoughts of using his welcoming
speech on this one fled. This Dominic was not going to be so easily won over by charming
promises.

Taking Dom's chains in hand, his mission to the auction accomplished, Billy hurried to leave.
And stopped, realizing that Sean was still sitting in the seats. Scowling, he turned to the auction
platform to see that a new slave had been pulled out to the block. One glance explained why
Sean, formerly impatient to leave the market, had not moved from his seat.

Liam had moved closer to the stage, his eyes almost falling out of his head. The crowd oooo'ed
falling silent at the beauty before them.

"This next slave was captured just a month ago, a mysterious island that has recently been
discovered. I am afraid this is the only one from that capture that is going on the block today. He
will not speak, so no information is known other than what you can see. He is young; we will call
him of age." The auctioneer winked knowingly at the crowd.

"Dark hair all over. And note the milky white skin - silky to the touch and completely
unblemished." Then the man jerked the boy's head back and the crowd gasped. "The greatest
tribute he possesses! Eyes blue like the sky above us."

The Pirate auctioneer then showed off a beautiful amulet around the boy's neck. A gold chain
with a blue stone in the crown of its setting. "Oh and this! Whatever this is, it has almost equal
value. Our Pirate Mistress had much difficulty in deciding whether to sell these two separately or
keep them all for herself. The two seem to go together and so she decided in the end they will be
sold as a matched set. The bidding will begin with 1,000 gold coins!"

And the bidding commenced. Pushing through the crowd to rejoin Sean, Billy had to tug hard to
pull Dominic with him, who defiantly refused to be rushed and continued to walk with more
grace and pride than one would expect of a slave.

Reaching Sean finally, Billy took his seat, carefully, keeping Dominic to his left side. Billy didn't
even blink when he saw Sean was placing bids one right after the other. James Troy was also
calling out bids, as well as Liam. Billy speculated that this auction might make bidding history
thoughout Eastern Iceland.

"5,000 Gold coins."

"5,500"

"6,000"

"6,500"

The boy stood on the stage and even with his head lowered, the crowd could see his eyes fill with
tears. One by one, they slipped past his cheek and dropped to the ground.

He no longer held any hope he would ever see his father again or his home, but this sale was the
final humiliation. Shaking, his knees buckled. He couldn't take anymore and fell to his knees
weeping helplessly.

"7,000"

"7,500"

"8,000"

"9,000" Sean yelled, his heart nearly in his throat.

The bidders had thinned, unable to compete, and now Sean found himself pitted against Liam.
He had already lost once to that bastard, he would not lose again. However Liam raised the bid
again without pause and Sean's heart sank.

"10,000"

Billy touched Sean's shoulder. "I have three thousand coins on me left - go ahead - bid!" Sean
glanced at Billy in confusion, who smiled. "You can pay me back when we get home. Go on,
before you lose him!"

Sean shouted his bid. "12,000 pieces of gold!"

Liam paused, he seemed to be in debate, or perhaps counting how much money he had brought
with him. Sean crossed his fingers. Then Liam saw James holding his a finger up towards him,
with that Liam shouted out another bid.

"13,000"

Sean closed his eyes tightly and groaned. He had lost. Damn it, he had lost! He couldn't believe
it. Fate would surely not be so perverse as to bring him to this auction, to this slave, and deny
him the victory! His heart was crushed in his chest and he could barely draw a ragged breath to
cry, "No!"

A nudge from behind and Sean turned to see a familiar woman, who dropped a heavy bag into
his hands. "8,000 gold coins - they are all I have with me - use them well." She hissed and then
turned on her heel and left.

Sean took a breath in surprise. Now why the hell did Aia do that? But not really caring for the
why of the gift and shaking his head to clear it, he turned back to the stage and stood, yelling at
the top of his lungs.

"20,000 gold coins!"

Liam, who had been making his way in triumph to the auction platform, came to a dead halt and
then turned to confront Sean. James Troy did the same.

Sean ignored the four blazing eyes of hatred and held fast hoping, as the crowd fell silent for
three beats. The bidding was closed. The auctioneer patted the sobbing boy and said with a with a
pleased smile, "20,000 gold coins. You did me proud boy - you have just become the first slave
to ever be sold at 20,000 gold coins. Stand up and show your worth."

The boy continued to sob.

Sean made his way to the stage with the payment. The handsome young man was still on his
knees, sobbing bitterly in his terror and grief, his body shaking. Sean consoled himself with the
thought that the boy would calm down once he was on the ship home. Soon, he would know that
things were not quite so bad as they seemed to be. Well at least, Sean hoped the boy would come
around to thinking so.

Sean took hold of the metal chain and cringed at the coldness of it. He pulled gently, but when
the boy didn't respond, Sean reached over to touch the boys shoulder. The reaction he got was
unexpected. The boy recoiled with complete terror on his face.

Turning on the auctioneer, Sean glared in barely suppressed rage. "I trust he hasn't been
damaged? I paid too much for him to have spoiled goods."

The auctioneer raised his hands in innocence. "The boy has not been touched. I swear! I can strip
him and you can examine him here. He is a virgin, untried and unmolested!"

"If you are not happy with your new slave, I would be glad to take him off your hands for the
price I stated. 15,000. Why then, it will only be a 5,000 loss!"

Sean refused to face Liam and moved towards the boy instead with his hands palms up. "Come
now, we cannot stay here. It is not safe. Come with me. Trust me. Everything will be all right."

Blue eyes met the green ones, and for a moment the beautiful boy seemed to be weighing his
options. But there truly were none to weigh, and he rose wearily to his feet. With his head
bowed, he allowed Sean to lead him away.

Once they were a few feet away, Sean covered the boy's rags with his cloak, much to the slave's
bewilderment and surprise. With a quickened pace, Sean hurried to join Billy and his new slave
Dominic, heading for the docks where Billy's ship waited. They would leave at once. Sean was
eager to be away from the hated market.

Their disappearance was watched with angry sneers.

"Oh, relax Liam, my man. After all, you did win one out of two. That's not so bad."

Liam turned to James and for a moment looked as if he was going to punch the Chancellor.
Instead, he growled in anger, spun on his heals and walked away. Smiling, the Chancellor
followed after Liam.

TBC