A tall, unruly man walked in chains on his legs and arms. His hair was dirty, and he looked aggressive, but Alfred could see his eyes were dead, already having lost the will to live. "He's already useless." His voice was cold, and a deep exhale left his mouth. Charles looked at Alfred; understanding slaves was his main goal. Despite his reservations about slavery, he had already decided to follow the boy in front of him. The auction started with people erupting with bids for the man. Alfred looked at them with disgust but quickly suppressed it, understanding he wasn't any better than them.
A few more slaves were dragged out, but Alfred found none he wanted. It changed with the next slave, however. A bald back man with red dotes tattoed all over his face. Unlike other slaves, he put up a small resistance as four men dragged him out, throwing him into the centre. Alfred leant forward in excitement, seeing a fire in the man. One full of resistance and unwillingness that the other slaves lacked.
"Taken from the deserts of the east, this slave killed numerous inquisitors before finally being subdued. By their mercy, he was spared to live his reaming life as a slave in hopes of his conversion to the one true faith. The bid will begin at 70 gold pieces."
To Charles's surprise, Alfred didn't waste time and lifted his paddle, bidding on the man. Everyone in the crowd saw Alfred's bid, wondering who the man who hadn't been bidding until now was. A bidding war broke out between a couple in the crowd and other booths but quickly ended up between Alfred and the booth next to him. 150, 170, 190. The bid finally ended at 200 gold as Alfred bit his lips about spending so much for one person. Despite this, he felt that it was a worthwhile payment from the man's glare shot at his booth filled with hatred.
He could tell it would take a while to get him to join his side, but the payment was worth it for a man who had killed inquisitors, the church's strongest fighting force. Charles had less faith as he scratched his head. "I don't think I can subdue him if what the auctioneer said is true. It's a risky purchase."
Alfred leaned back in his chair and smiled. "Don't worry, Charles. He won't kill me. He'll understand he can only join us when he sees me." Charles didn't understand where his confidence came from but could only sigh as he griped his axe. The bidding continued with Alfred uninterested until two women were brought to the stage.
"These fine ladies once belonged to the Sultan as dancers. During the war against the Grand Prince of the North, they tried to escape but were swiftly caught. He had generously sold them to us to fuel his war, so everyone, I hope you can empty your pockets and help us win the war against heathens with your purchase. We will begin the bidding at 100 gold."
The men in the crowd stared at the two dancers lustfully, whilst the women only felt disgusted. It quickly erupted with bids flying from every direction for the two beautiful women. Alfred raised his paddle, surprising Charles, who looked at him in confusion. Alfred could feel his stare on his back and quickly moved to defend himself. "Don't misunderstand me, Charles. These two will be helpful for numerous reasons. One, they may know things about the Sultan that even Isra lacks. Second, Isra told me that all the dancers the Sultan keeps around are usually assassins he uses. They are valuable gifts he can give to those in his territory. Poison, swordplay and many other means, we may get lucky with these two. It's just a waste for them to become a sex doll for someone."
Despite his explanation, he could still feel Charles staring at him, and he knew it was something he couldn't just brush away with words. The bid continued, with Alfred spending 240 gold pieces for the two. His wallet hurt afterwards as the funds he was using couldn't just be thrown on slaves without proper explanation. The auction finished without Alfred finding any more worthwhile purchases.
Ten minutes later, a knock echoed in the room. Charles quickly put his hood back on and watched the door. The lanky auctioneer walked in and closed the door behind him. He quickly knelt on his knee. "Greetings, Your Highness." His voice had respect as he took one of his gloves off, revealing a black ring. Both Charles and Alfred looked at one another, surprised. The auctioneer, seeing their expressions, quickly began his explanation. "William and I have been in cahoots for numerous years. He came to me two weeks ago with a proposal. Working with the head of the Kingdom seems like it would be good for business, so I took him up on it." The man jokingly said as he reached into his pocket, took a small piece of paper, and passed it to Alfred.
Alfred unfolded it and covered his mouth, which broke into a smile. "This is."
"Our client list. These, however, are only our least important ones; those who have a room like this don't give their true identities, a mystery to even myself." He got off his knee and looked down at Alfred. "I will bring your products now, free of charge."
"No, take the money. It's fine." Alfred smiled at him, getting a nod as he put his glove back on and left. A minute later, the large black man was brought in, swords pointed at his back. "Leave us. Bring the next ones in five minutes." The guards looked worried but ultimately followed the command, throwing the keys to the man's chains at Charles. Alfred got a good look at the man and became more impressed.
He was a towering man at 6'5. His body was littered with scars but bulged with muscle, ripping through his clothes. "Charles, unchain him." Charles gave a weak nod, his free hand not leaving his axe. The chains on his legs came off, creating a thud as they fell to the ground. Putting the key into the key into the wrist chains, he turned the key. The man, hearing the clicking sound, launched himself at Alfred, grabbing his throat and pushing him into the wall.
Alfred stared into his eyes, not showing fear. "Why did you stop? You could snap my neck." He barely got his words out as the hand tightly held him in place. The man looked to his left, feeling the blade of an axe on his throat, a drop of blood falling from it.
"I could ask the same." His voice was deep and imposing. He slowly put Alfred down, seeing the boy didn't even fear him throughout the ordeal.
"I want you even more now." Alfred looked up, grabbed his neck, and rubbed it. He reached into his pocket, pulled his seal out, and threw it at the man. "Do you know what that is?" The man analysed it for a second, giving a small nod. "Work for me. Not as a slave but as a free man. Wealth, glory, honour. Whatever you want, I will give it, but become mine."
The man scoffed at Alfred's words. "You say I will be free and then say to be yours. Your lies are obvious. Just cut me down here, kid; I will not die a slave."
"That's it. That fire, unbreakable will I saw. I need it." Alfred smiled as he inched closer to the black man. "Your name, what is it?"
"Abu. Yourself."
"I am Alfred the second. King of the Ammary people." Alfred gave a polite bow. "And this is Charles."
"King. Hmm. A mere child can even call himself a king." He looked at Charles to his right, still with his hood up. Despite this, he could see Charles's eyes with a cold glint. "Yet you get a warrior like this under your command." He turned back to Alfred and stared into his eyes. He knew that if he killed Alfred, now he would never escape. He took one last look at Charles and weighed his chances if he fought him. "ha. I will see for my own eyes if you are worthy of me. But know this 'King', if you betray your words just now, I will kill you even if it means I die." Abu saw Alfred's widened smile and thought the kid before him was a little creepy.
"Then it is a pleasure." He stuck out his hand towards Abu. "I sure you won't kneel if I ask you, but one day I will get you out of pure loyalty towards me," Alfred said teasingly, causing a vein to bulge in Abu's head. Despite that, he grabbed Alfred's hand and shook it, albeit unwillingly.