Lyeo strolled down the main thoroughfare towards the middle of the Floral Quarter. The streets were still lined with flower sellers stalls although where the blooms came from in these difficult times He really had no notion. Life in Drox was full of puzzles, an international city of such beauty and vibrancy that even the shadow of war couldn't darken its buoyant mood for long. The entrance to the slave market was just off the main road and as always the alleyway was bustling with the lowlife that gravitated to pray on wealthy patrons. The cheaper stock chained around the small merchants in the exterior quadrangle were not to His taste. He liked them younger and definitely prettier. The gateway to the interior was guarded by two very intimidating Saltag, large knives very apparent in their waistbands. Lyeo was known well enough in the establishment and both men nodded and grinned at Him showing the broken teeth accumulated through endless brawls.
"Good afternoon Gatherer. We haven't had the pleasure of your patronage for quite a while."
Fraka pushed the gates open as he spoke and winked suggestively. He was close to 400 pounds and as wide as he was tall.
"Been a while Fraka. Got a lot of gathering to do."
"This is the place for that Lord. Find a cheap one for me."
Lyeo laughed and nodded sagely.
"How's your family doing Nahia?"
"Much better thank you Gatherer. That new house you found us suits my wifes high flown tastes much better."
Lyeo had learned that greasing palms was the easiest way to get along in this society. Getting a larger house for Nahia was not a great feat, but the man's gratitude flowed open and hot like larva from a volcano. The interior of the market was quiet. The bidding chairs had few occupants and those were either eating or dozing. He headed for the rear buildings and was greeted by Izaz the Auctioneer.
"Why Gatherer, such a great pleasure to see you again."
"Hopefully the pleasure will be all Mine Izaz."
The auctioneer giggled in the way only eunuchs do and beckoned Lyeo to follow him into a back enclosed square.
"Far more discreet in here Gatherer. Did you have particular girls in mind?"
"Haven't really thought about it, just suddenly got the taste for some trade."
Izaz laughed very loudly then clapped his hands. The gates at the far end of the space opened and a line of chained women came through. The handlers lined them up in what Lyeo presumed was their interpretation of suitability and awaiting His consideration.
Some of the girls He had seen before. Expensive product from the deep interior of Drack, highly trained courtesans fit for a Princes bed or throne room. Calinea, a brunette with very large breasts was first in line. Lyeo had considered her purchase on several occasions and she was advertised as being a willing and experienced participant in almost any perversion. Third in line was Vagia. She was a pale skinned islander and had arrived in Drox just a few months earlier. Her specialty was being a dominatrix and Lyeo found it amusing that patrons took such women as slaves. Last in line was Mathia, Saltag and a real firebrand. She was cursed with nymphomania and would take a whole palace guard battalion and still cry for more. The twelve other girls were attractive enough but He really didn't find any of them overwhelmingly beguiling today.
"Nothing take your fancy Gatherer? Perhaps I have the very thing to stir your blood. A new girl arrived from the Cron a few days ago. No one has seen her yet, but she cost me a pretty penny. Human flesh is in high demand these days. She seems unbreakable, perhaps you might find her interesting?"
Lyeo was of course immediately challenged but preferred to seem ambivalent.
"Is she pretty enough and is she clean?"
He kept His voice purposely at a low pitch to hide any excitement.
"She has a certain charm and the apothecary says she is perfectly healthy."
"Show Me."