Urielle cursed under her breath as she tried covering her exposed cleavage. Lady Taela and mistress Charolette enjoyed every minute spent dolling her up, but the results left her too stunned for words. Her ivory hair rolled down her back and shoulders in thick waves, and her face felt heavy from the rouge. Her icy blue dress clung to her body, outlining her curves, with a wide slit exposing her left leg. The mantle around her shoulders matched it but it was too short to cover herself. She felt hot despite sitting next to the foggy window.
They hadn’t had time to return to the cathedral, a matter that Urielle thanked Shecoga for. She didn’t want to explain this to the others. From the window, the streetlamps slowly moved by. Something pressed against her hand, and she turned to stare into Taela’s smiling face.
“You have no reason to be embarrassed.” Taela’s eyes slowly took her in. Heat radiated from her cheeks, and she couldn’t understand how Taela sat there so confidently. The woman wore a dress far more revealing than her own and it looked truly sinful with the dark red silk. “You look truly stunning. Right, Sir Halligan?”
“Yes.” Halligan chuckled nervously. “You look beautiful, my lady.”
Urielle’s eyes widened in embarrassment as she turned to the man. He wore a simple black suit with a white ascot. It wasn’t anything special, unlike Baron’s tailored suit, yet she considered him to be the most handsome of the two.
“Thank you.” Urielle stammered, hiding behind her hair. “And you look handsome as well.” Halligan gave her a small smile.
“I think we should have taken a separate carriage.” Baron laughed, but his mirth was cut short when Taela stomped on his foot.
“Behave, or Charolette and I will punish you tonight.” Taela’s sweet smile didn’t match her threatening tone.
Urielle gasped in horror, but Halligan thankfully interrupted them. “How do these auctions work?” He said, straightening his tie. “Is this anything like the black-market auction at the theater?”
“No, this is completely different.” Baron smirked sarcastically. “This is a whole different beast. We’ll have an hour before the auction starts, but for a price, we’ll be able to see the merchandise before its starts.”
“Those are people!” Urielle barked in disgust.
“Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean much. There are thousands, maybe millions of people throughout the world, and I’m to believe all are precious?”
“Yes.” Urielle’s anger tinged her words. “That’s why the Virtues bestow their gifts onto us.”
“Then what about those that worship the Dead Gods?” Baron’s smile grew more wicked.
A deep frown came to her lips. “They are a sad people who trade a meaningful life for one of debase pleasure.”
Baron shook his head with a light chuckle. “I hate to tell you this Lady Saint, but there are people out there chasing debauchery without serving the Dead Gods. You’re about to see quite a few of them.” The carriage rocked to a halt as Baron adorned his masquerade mask. “I hope you’re ready.”
The door opened, and they were assaulted by the bright lights coming from the arena. Baron helped Taela to the street, and they sauntered over to the building. Urielle adjusted her mask as she stared at the other people.
The men wore exquisite suits that showed off their great wealth, and the women wore dresses that would make anyone blush. The patrons laughed and jested with each other as they spoke about their desires for the night. She felt grateful for the mask. Being new to the city would make it difficult for others to recognize her.
“My lady.” Halligan held out his hand. Urielle gingerly took it and stepped to the street. She wrapped her arm around his and they followed Baron to inside.
Urielle didn’t like how some of the men looked at her. Their eyes shined with lust, and she desperately wished for a cloak. Of course, it wasn’t just her. The men also leered at Taela.
The woman smiled seductively at each man, charming her way through the crowd. The men smiled back, enjoying her attention, and they gave Baron a warm greeting when they approached. Something about the exchanges reminded her of the balls she attended when she was anointed as a saint.
Baron approached a richly dressed zymarrian. “An excellent turnout I see.” He snickered as he shook the zymarrian’s hand.
“Indeed, I’m looking forward to this auction.” The zymarrian glanced over to Urielle and Halligan. “Are these friends of yours?”
“You could say that,” Baron replied, “They were desperate to come.”
“That makes me happy to hear.” The zymarrian laughed gesturing to a set of stairs leading down. “Please, go inspect my merchandise. I’m certain you’ll find someone that appeals to your tastes.”
“We’ll hold you to it.” Halligan replied which made the zymarrian laugh.
Halligan led Urielle towards the staircase, when another couple stepped in front of them. The couple flashed them a smug smile, but the guard at the stairs stopped them.
“There’s a fee to preview the merchandise.” The guard replied, holding out a hand. “Twenty gold, please.”
Urielle went pale. “I don’t have any coins on me,” She whispered. She turned to Halligan. His eyes stared at the ground with a conflicted sneer. “Are you alright?”
“I can pay it.” Halligan said through gritted teeth. The pain in his eyes made her stomach twist in guild, and she placed a comforting hand on his.
“Thank you. I’ll see to it the Church reimburses you.” Halligan gave her a small smile as they approached the stairs.
“There’s a fee to preview the merchandise. Twenty gold, please.”
Halligan’s hands shook as he pulled out the purse from his coat pocket. Urielle saw the pain in his eyes as he pulled out the coins. Each coin landed into the guard’s hand with an awful clack until twenty golden coins glistened in the torch light.
The guard calmly poured them into a sack at his side. “Thank you, sir. Please enjoy yourself.” Halligan smiled politely as he led Urielle downstairs.
The well-lit tunnel had guards lined up at evenly spaced intervals, and they guided the two of them to a large circular room. Various booths lined the perimeter of the room with the slaves standing ready for inspection. They were all cleaned and properly groomed despite the chains around their wrists and ankles. The two navigated through the crowds, slowly inspecting each slave.
They stopped at a zymarrian man. His silver scales glistened from fresh oil, and their sheen rippled across his muscular body. Several of the women swooned as he gave them a charming smile. Urielle shivered when the zymarrian turned his ivory gaze to her. Despite his physical attraction, the wink he threw her made her stomach turn. Halligan pulled Urielle away when her grip tightened around his arm.
“Zymarrians are such crass creatures.” Urielle whispered in disgust. “To allow oneself to indulge in such lustful manner is to give ones life to the Harlot.” Her other hand rested against her heart as she tried to ignore the stares. “I hate this dress, and I hate their stares.”
“I think you look beautiful.”
Urielle turned to Halligan in shock. Unlike the others who leered after her body, his eyes remained fixed onto hers. Staring into his blue eyes made her face burn, and she had to look away.
“Thank you.” She muttered as she hid behind her hair. “But we should focus on the slaves.”
“Dammit!” Urielle yelped as Halligan pulled her into the crowd staring at a dark skinned levian woman.
“What’s wrong?” Urielle looked around in worry until she saw a couple approached them.
The rotund man prowled through the room with an imperious grin and his eyes lingered on the exposed flesh of every woman. At his side was a beautiful woman with golden-red hair. Her sheer dress openly revealed the slave crest branded on her bosom, but she clung to her master with a firm embrace. Urielle turned to Halligan, but he tried to keep his face hidden.
“Quite the selection they have,” The obese man stared greedily at a zymarrian woman playing a harp. “Hopefully, I’ll be able to steal myself a proper zymarrian.”
“It’ll be difficult master.” The woman sighed. “Your funds are limited, unlike everyone else here.”
Urielle watched as the two of them left the room, then she turned towards Halligan. “Do you know them?”
“That’s the woman I love.” Halligan whispered as he watched the woman. “I’m trying to free her, but the only way I can is to buy her. However, that noble asked for a sum that is beyond my means.”
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Sudden realization dawned on her. The guilt of making him pay for their entry redoubled, and she tightly grabbed his hand.
“I promise, I’ll do everything in my power to help you free her.” Urielle said in a hushed voice.
“Thank you, my lady.” Urielle’s heart fluttered at the bright smile he gave her, and she quickly turned her gaze to the slave in front of them.
The woman in front of them glistened in the lantern light, and a veil covered the lower half of her face. However, her dark eyes were dull and lifeless, and her movements were lethargic. Despite her suffering, everyone around her eyed her like a head of cattle.
Urielle glanced around at the other slaves around them. The levians were acting much like the woman in front of her, but the zymarrians were flaunting themselves. Seeing a people that openly sought to sell themselves into slavery made her realize how much she didn’t know of the world. She truly was just a small village priestess. Her contemplation was interrupted by Halligan’s pained groan.
“What’s wrong?”
“My gauntlet’s acting up.” Urielle stared in horror.
A bell rang through the room, and everyone turned to a group standing by the doorway. A lithe woman with sun-like hair held the bell, and her sky-blue mask matched her dress. Beside her was a woman with fiery hair and a black and red dress. Her black mask inspired an ominous feeling. However, it was the tall, cloaked figure behind them that drew her eyes.
“Notice the woman behind the cloaked figure.”
Urielle pulled her eyes away from the figure to the small woman hiding behind him. Her black hair shimmered like the night sky, and her ivory dress clung to her body. Her short stature made her curves stand out the most. There was something familiar about her even though a mask covered her face.
“Thank you everyone for coming,” The sun-haired woman said, “The King of Jericho appreciates your patronage, and he hopes that you all enjoy the auction.” The crowd applauded politely with a few cheering. “As of right now, we are closing the preview since the auctions is about to start. Our Sire prays that each of you come away victorious.”
Urielle kept her eyes trained on the cloaked figure, but magic kept her from seeing under the hood. Halligan lightly pulled her away, so that they blended into the crowd. The crowd dispersed on the ground floor.
Urielle and Halligan stepped to the side, waiting for the crowd to pass. They spotted Baron and Taela conversing with a group of nobles. They waved the hero and priestess over with a charismatic smile, and they finished their conversation with a laugh.
“So, what’d you think of the preview?” Baron smirked at them.
“It’s terrible.” Urielle remarked with a sneer. “How can they treat them in such a way?”
Baron gave her a indifferent shrug. “Such is the way of the world, but how are you going to get them out?”
“I don’t know.” She muttered hiding her face. “Maybe we can try sneaking them out.”
Baron cackled which caused Urielle to shrink away. He reached into his pocket, producing a key.
“There is a gate down below that leads to the sewers. Taela and I will cause a scene allowing you to sneak downstairs. After that, it’s all on you.”
“Thank you both.” Urielle sighed deeply as Halligan took the key.
Taela took Urielle’s hands and smiled sweetly at her. “Good luck.” She then leaned forward and whispered. “You should enjoy yourself more, especially with a handsome young man.” Urielle gasped in shock as Taela gave Halligan a peck on the cheek. “Take care of her. Women are delicate creatures.”
“Yes ma’am.” Halligan replied stiffly.
Taela wrapped an arm around Baron and pulled him away. They approached the stairs leading to the second floor, when Taela spun around smacking Baron hard.
“You pig!” Taela screamed in horror, drawing everyone’s attention. “Guards! Help, I’m being assaulted!” She screamed louder as Baron violently grabbed her.
“You damned whore! I paid you for the entire night. I own you!” Baron shouted back while groping her chest. Their struggle drew the attention of the guards, and Halligan pulled Urielle back to the stairs when the guard left.
The underground tunnels were quieter now that everyone had left. The two of them crept through, listening for any guards. They could hear voices coming from the entrance to the circular room.
“All right, master Khasimir wishes to start this auction off strong.” Halligan peeked around the corner to see seven guards standing in the center of the room. “We’ll be starting off with you.” The Head Guard pointed to a beautiful zymarrian woman who was tuning her harp. “I and another guard will be escorting the slaves upstairs, you two will guard the vault, and the rest of you will remain here. Make sure you perform your patrols though. We don’t want anyone sneaking in here that shouldn’t be here.”
The guards acknowledged the order as the Head Guard unchained the Harpist and led her through the opposite doorway. Two more guards followed suit, but they turned the opposite way. The three remaining guards stood huddled together until one groaned in frustration.
“Better get it over with.” The Guard sighed as he headed towards them.
Halligan pushed Urielle back. “A guard’s coming.”
“What do we do?” Urielle’s eyes darted back and forth. “There’s nowhere to hide.”
Halligan’s mind raced as he looked around. She was right, there was nowhere to hide since the corridor behind them led back upstairs, and the one in front of them passed by the opening. There would be no way to explain their presence here.
His eyes landed back on the beautiful Saint, and an idea came to mind. “Please forgive me.”
“For wha-”
Halligan cut her off with a passionate kiss. Urielle moaned in confusion and surprise as he pressed her against the wall, and he allowed his hands to run along her body. Halligan felt Urielle claw at his arms and shoulders. He pulled away so she could take a breath, but he kissed her again before she could say anything. Guilt gnawed at him, but he was thankful that Urielle seemed to understand since she was pulling him into a tighter embrace.
“Oy, you two can’t be here!” Halligan’s left hand clenched into a fist when he heard the Guard. He steeled himself as the Guard approached. “Didn’t you hear me? If you two are going to paw at each other then take it to a brothel.”
The Guard violently pulled Halligan’s shoulder, and he used the movement to punch the Guard in the face. Before the Guard could shout, Halligan pulled him into a headlock and tightened his grip around the neck. The Guard groaned as he struggled against Halligan’s grasped and slammed the young man against the wall. Through sheer will, the Guard started prying Halligan’s arms away. Urielle stared in horror as the Guard took a deep breath, and without thinking she ran up and kicked him hard between the legs. The Guard violently released his breath, and his strength vanished allowing Halligan to tighten his hold again. The Guard eventually ceased his struggle and went limp in Halligan’s grasp.
“Thanks.” Halligan panted as he gently laid the Guard down and stripped him of his weapon.
“Of course.” Urielle replied, twirling her hair. “About that kiss?”
“I’m sorry, but it was the only thing that came to mind.”
“You have nothing to apologize for. It was a brilliant idea, truth be told.” She turned away running a finger along her lips.
“We’d best hurry.” Halligan crept back to the doorway. “There’s two guards left. If I rush them, then I may be able to dispatch them quickly.”
“I can help.” Urielle placed her hands on his back. Divine mana infused itself into Halligan’s body. “You’ve been blessed with Graceful Aura.” He gave her a thankful smile before sprinting into the room.
The Guards stared at him in shock as Halligan charged into the room. Both went for their swords, but Halligan was faster. With a single strike, Halligan’s blade slid across the neck of the first guard, but the second was able to block his next attack. Halligan cursed under his breath as the second guard stepped back. I need to finish this quick! If only I could slip past his guard. An image of Sir Kogna came to mind which brought a smile to his lips.
The guard inhaled, ready to call for help, but Halligan stabbed towards his face. The Guard tried blocking the attack, but Halligan swung the blade downward and around. With a quick thrust, Halligan’s blade pierced through the Guard’s neck. The Guard fell to the ground as blood bubbled from the hole in his throat.
“It’s clear.” Halligan sighed as he wiped the sweat from his brow. He leaned down and procured a set of keys around the guards belt.
“Quick, we need to free them!”
Halligan went around unlocking the chains on all the slaves. The levians cried happily as they took his hands, and a few of the women kissed his cheek. The zymarrians on the other hand scowled deeply at him.
“We need to find that sewer gate.” Urielle smiled as the freed slaves gathered close. “Then we can get them back to the cathedral.”
Halligan peeked around the doorway and gestured for them to follow. “I think I remember where it is.”
“Who says we want to be freed?”
Urielle simply eyed the zymarrians in confusion as they pulled away. The hateful glares made them look like snakes ready to strike.
“You’re human, it’s your right to be free.” She replied. She couldn’t understand why they were acting this way.
“What good is being free if we have to struggle to survive.” The muscular zymarrian man snapped. “I’d rather have a comfortable life serving a noble than barely survive each day.”
“Agreed,” another zymarrian woman said, “Besides, there’s worse ways to live than serving a wealthy man food or sharing his bed.”
“But-”
“Lady Urielle, we don’t have time.” Halligan’s words rushed out. “The guards will be returning soon.”
Urielle tightly gripped the front of her dress. “Everyone who wants to be free needs to come with us. Those that don’t, can stay here.” The slaves separated into two groups with those wishing to flee approaching the door. “Then let’s go.”
Halligan looked over everyone and with a small smile, he took the lead down the hall. Their footsteps echoed through the curved corridor. It didn’t take long for them to reach the metal door to the sewers, and it opened with a loud shriek.
Halligan ushered everyone inside. “Quickly everyone!”
Urielle stopped by his side, staring into the dark with a worried gaze. “Do you think it’ll be safe?”
“We won’t be down there long.” Halligan said with a reassuring smile. “We simply need to find the next gate. After that, we can take them to the cathedral.” The tension in Urielle’s shoulders lessened at his smile and she followed him closely into the darkness.
----------------------------------------
“Do you think they made it?” Taela lovingly held onto Baron’s arm as they ascended the stairs.
“We’ll know shortly.” Baron chuckled as he rubbed his cheek. “Did you have to slap me that hard?”
“You’re one to talk.” Taela huffed as she massaged her left breast. Red fingermarks were still visible on her skin. “You’re getting punished we get home.” She smiled seductively at him.
Baron snickered at her, and he knocked on the ornate wooden door. The voluptuous Mina opened the door. Even though he couldn’t see her lovely face, he still could admire her beautiful form.
“There seems to be a commotion.” Reviled’s grinding voice drew him out of his leering. “What happened?”
Baron tried finding the words, but all he could do was loosen his tie. It felt too much like a rope around his neck.
“The Saint and Sir Hero found out about the auction.” Taela said, placing a comforting hand on his arm. “They came to us wanting assistance to free the slaves.”
“Is that so,” Reviled said staring down at the field. Baron released a sigh of relief when a muscular zymarrian man was brought out. “It seems they weren’t able to convince all the slaves to escape.”
“How did they get out undetected?” Meridith said, turning to Baron. He could feel her stern gaze from beneath her mask.
“The sewers.” Reviled cut Baron off. “They’re escaping through the sewers.”
“That’s correct master.” Baron said. “Seeing as how they came to us, I thought it would be better to remain in their good graces.”
The faint shouts from the bidders were the only thing filled the air. Sweat started pouring down Baron’s back for each moment the monster was quiet.
“Excellent call.” Baron’s heart stopped throbbing in his ears. “Inform Khasimir that we’ll compensate him for the slaves that escaped.”
“Of course, sir.” Baron chuckled nervously.
Reviled gingerly stroked Oria’s hair making her purr softly. “Pay the Patron a visit tomorrow Oria. Let him know we are displeased with this outcome.”
“As you wish master.” Oria vicious chuckle made Baron to feel pity towards the old man.