The ribs turned out fantastic, and all of us woke up still feeling full. I even remembered Leyla asking Shy if they really had to ‘sell the gourmet human’. Shy’s explanation did give further illumination. Apparently, it was well established that no matter how well you treated a captured person, aka a slave, they would hold animosity towards their captors. She further explained that while I had established myself as having skills and talent that could benefit her, she couldn't even send me to her house. It was not a side effect of her exile either. There was a guild of slavers, and they would sell the collars at cost, but they came with heavy stipulations. You always had to sell, and the guild always got its cut. Gorn was even able to add his experience, knowing that slaves had several ‘grades’, and while most were common garbage and treated as such, those with talent that could serve in a household were treated well. He also added that it wasn't unheard of for a master to take out revenge on behalf of a favored slave. He looked over at me with a look that said he hoped that I had forgotten his earlier treatment of me.

  I had not.

  Our morning progressed at a leisurely pace as me, and the rhino made another breakfast plus some campfire bread for the road. It was with some wistfulness that I tied my belongings, meager as they were, to Nelly one last time.

  Shy was right. I was not prepared for the majesty of the walls of Avonsil. I visited the Hoover Dam as a kid, and the wall struck me with the same sense of size. This time, though, I had an adult’s knowledge of everything that went into that marvel of engineering. The walls here were of so much larger scope and size. I looked as we approached the gate that dwarfed the doors in Mord’s dungeon. The wall extended as far as I could see in both directions, with only the slightest sense of a curve. If it were a circle, it was miles across; it had to be.

  “Mistress, if it’s not too crass a question. How big is this place?”

  “Ahh. I remember my first visit from my family’s estates, as big as they were, I was as prepared as you are. I believe the city is four miles across in all directions and is home to half a million beastkin, not counting slaves, of course.”

  To me, that meant that this city was the size of New York. I’d never been to New York, but I imagine what it was like as we progressed through the gate. I was, as to be expected, a cause of concern for many of the guards in the hundred-plus-yard voyage through the entrance. A few half-hearted shocks from Gorn, and my overzealous acting was enough to set them at ease. I long stopped trying to tell the Awakened and Ascended from Mortals, but I could see the deference in the eyes of the guards. The Monster Hunters were their heroes. The standard to which they aspired. A few guards, who appeared to be of higher rank, seemed to have an ability or two, but even they showed deference to the group.

  Without much fanfare, we entered the city on the other side of the wall. It was magical to say the least. No amount of fantasy reading prepared me for twenty-story buildings without the constant roar of car engines. This city was loud but far quieter than the big cities I seemed to remember. Having never been to such an area, I gawked like a lost tourist. Thankfully, Nelly was quite adept at following the others’ horses by now, or I would have been completely lost. I almost missed the pivotal splitting of the party, I was so engrossed in the sights.

  “Leyla, go with Rogan and Gorn and find us rooms in the fifth district, on second thought, Leyla with me. Pete goes with those two and gets us decent accommodations. Us girls will secure the slave.”

  There was some confusion on Leyla’s part as the party split, and she voiced it once we were a street or so away.

  “Why am I coming with you? Normally, you would have me persuade the owner to lower his rates in the off chance of looking under my tail.”

  “Because I feel that your tail is better used teasing the Emir’s guards. I hope that is not a problem.”

  “I hear he has a bunch of Minotaurs. It’s no problem at all.” She even purred as she said it.

  It would appear that our resident sex kitten was OK with being a sex kitten as long as there was some girth involved. If true minotaurs were the evolved versions of Bulkin, like Gorn, I was sure girth was not an issue. I was also certain that the cat-girl had seduction powers.

  Shy was in her element in the city, though. It took her less than twenty minutes to confirm that the Emir was indeed here and where he was taking prospective purchases.

  “Step right up, miss, and let me see whatcha got.”

  “I have one human for sale. He has knowledge of the genteel way and would be of interest for a high sale.”

  “Does he now?”

  I was pretty sure that this was the first time Shy didn't refer to me as something other than an it. My perverse sense of humor encouraged me not to let her down. I will admit that there was a part of me that was a spiteful dick that wanted to see if I could shit myself on command. Needless to say, the genteel side prevailed, and I greeted the human attendant with grace.

  “It is indeed true, my good sir. M’lady has impressed that I make a good impression with thou noble sort. She is seeking a fine fare for my hide, and I seek not to let her down. If it would please your genteel heart, I am certain I am a kind fellow worth careful consideration.”

  “Perhaps you are good, sir. Or are you but a parrot who hast learned a script?”

  “You wound me, sir. These words are the truth of my heart, and as tethered as we both might be, it would never do to not serve in the best of our capacity. Surely you do agree?”

  “Not a parrot then, and I do apologize. Though I would hope you would take no offense to my inquiry, as it tis only my duty to filter rabel and ravel.”

  “No offense at all, my good man. Though I pity such a fool as would pass falsehood for the mere increase in price. I would suspect your kind lord’s wrath to be quite wroth.”

  “Indeed. And yes, madame, we will take him for special consideration. If you would kindly return at the…yes, sixth bell, the Emir will entertain you personally. Your attendant need not attend.”

  The Cat girl went from looking confused by the exchange to outraged at her exclusion. I caught the slightest hint of a purr as I assumed she had activated her ability.

  “Are you suwre i can’t cowme mister?” Leyla went straight anime uwu with that. For all her efforts, the attendant was unfazed.

  Stolen novel; please report.

  “Alas, cats and their tricks. I assure you, my fair feline, you lack the equipment I seek. That said, I know your type and, fine, you are invited. As a word of advice, the one called ‘Kratos’ has a thing for your type. And Lady Apaste, if you would please surrender the control for his collar, I will see you at sixth.”

  Shy handed the familiar object off to the man and left without even a look back, Layla in tow. For his part, the gentleman looked back over at me.

  “I kind of sort of we are, but you can drop the act. The elevated language is for the guests of the Emir and this eminence himself. Please speak normally when you are out of their earshot. You can call me Aurthur.”

  “Hello, Aurthur. You can call me Aris. What am I in for?”

  “Depends on how long you can maintain the act. And how much you want to escape? The more of the first and less of the second, the better.”

  “Ahh. Are you treated well? Will I be?”

  “I’m seen as the second head of staff. So I’m treated quite well. You will depend on how the Emir sees you. Do you have any skills besides speaking like a stuffed peacock?”

  “I can cook fairly well and seem to remember a few things that seemed strange to my captors.”

  “Remember?”

  “I was found in a dungeon with no memory. I was captured shortly after leaving.”

  “Great. We will have to see if there is a bounty or reward for you.”

  “Bounty?”

  “Its an all too common thing in the human lands. They will take a problem child, heir, or blow-by and leave them in a dungeon to die. It’s also possible that you were being carried and someone used a sacrificial skill to protect you. Amnesia is a known side-effect. Regardless, your command of diction will please the master to no end. Now, if you do not mind, there are some other potential purchases that I need to evaluate. An attendant will take you to get cleaned up.” He punctuated his statement by picking up and ringing a small bell on the table next to him. A frail-looking girl, all of sixteen, came out in a nice but plain blue dress and motioned me away.

  I followed the girl through a small maze of crates and wagons until we were back out on the street. She was silent the entire way, her small stature making it easy for her to navigate all the obstacles. After a few blocks, she stopped at a doorway and motioned me inside.

  “Another one, eh?” the voice came from the absolute definition of ‘stern teacher’, gray overall style dress, and everything.

  “Ok, I got him, girl, go on back to Aurthur and all that.” The slip of a girl disappeared back into the crowd of the street, leaving me with the matron.

  “Ye be the first that he sent me this day. You must be worth sommthin.”

  “Indeed, Matron I do hope to be.” I hoped I hit her title well. He smiled and said I was at least close to the money.

  “Oh, his Eminence is going to be liking you. How much time do I have?”

  “I believe my captors are going to return for a meeting at the sixth bell.”

  “Time enough then. I’m thinking I have a uniform that will fit ye. If Aurthur sent you to me, you might as well get used to it. Sixth means I have time for a full scrub down and a shave. Plus some. Ye be wanting a girl?”

  I was shocked into silence at the end of her statement. Did she ask what I think she asked? My hesitation caused her to move on.

  “A boy, then? I’m not one to judge what happens behind closed doors is fine wit me as long as it stays behind closed doors. Love is love and you can be who you want to be, love who you….” I had to cut her off

  “No boys for me, thanks. I’m definitely a ladies’ man. But…I…what?”

  “Ahh…want me to call that little slip back for ye? She just barely this side of proper. Ninth cycle just a bit ago. If you like them young, that is. Me? I prefer a little experience in me men though I ain’t afraid to welcome a boy to his manhood if’n you catch my drift.” She winked at me.

  I was confused. Did she just offer the girl up for sex and then offer herself? I had to intervene. I had to be diplomatic. I had to not cock-block myself.

  “I’m sure a slip with that slip of a girl would be fun, but her first should be with someone not old enough to be her father. As for you, my dear, I am far from being a young boy, and I would say a round of flirting is in order first before I twixt your nethers. Or at least a round of drinks.”

  “Ha, if you think I’d offer her before the Emir got a taste. As for me, you are damn right you’re courting me if you know what’s what.” She placed her hand on her wide hips. She had me by at least a decade, but she knew she had at least a piece of me. As for the Emir, he just slipped down another notch in the scum and villainy rating.

  “I think it would be rude of me to impose on the eminence’s staff before being accepted upon it, though the offers are appreciated.” I made a mock tip of my non-existent hat.

  “None the worse and right you be. However, the Emir would not consider it imposing, nor would I, for that matter. Just so nothing comes of it. You be being on the tonic ya?”

  “Not sure what that is. Sounds pricey, so I doubt that the Fox would have paid for it anyway.”

  “Not knowing the tonic? Boy, they did a number on ye, didn’t they? The tonic, me boy, you drink it on the regular so that you and any filly that you get to more than flirtin’ with doesn’t come down in a family way. We will get you some right away. Get you cleaned up, too. Plain yellow to start. General Staff. Cleaning and whatnot until we see your talents.”

  “I’m surprised the Emir would both be generous and conservative. Wouldn’t he want to increase his stock?”

  She recoiled a good deal in shock at my words. It seemed that I was missing several important pieces of information, some of which were probably key to my fate. She looked like she was about to lecture, so I adjusted my position to receive.

  “Them some mighty gaps in your knowledge. Must have botched the spell right fierce. So babies be very important here in the south. In the north, too, but much more here. So no child can be born into slavery. Nor can a child be sold until they reach adulthood. Now plenty are indentured off, but that is a different thing. But if a slave comes up pregnant, she has to get paid as indentured until the child is born and weaned. Now it’s up to the owner what happens next, but the mother and child are either freed and let go, or the child is sent to an orphanage. The mom will have a good say, but it’s still the owner’s permission. Many, it be sad to say, will give up the babe. A slave ain’t a bad life if you can manage it. Do what you are told and have your needs met. Seems a fair bargain. If you fight it, it can get nasty. Slave catchers are all about that bounty. Now this is for a good, kind owner like the Emir. It can get worse with others.”

  “Like forcing a freshly bloomed girl into his bed?”

  “Ha! Oh boy, you are new, aren’t you? He could if he wanted to, but yon girly would gladly grace his bed, hoping he likes what he tastes. She would be a concubine, and that is the lavish life. Hell, my drawers would drop so fast they’d leave a crater if he took an interest.”

  It still didn’t sit well with me. I could feel the ‘but’ coming, and she must have seen the rage building on my face. She tried a diplomatic approach.

  “Now it says a lot about you that you would take offense to such things. And yeah, I’ve seen the girls who live that horror. But your reaction is what keeps most owners’ pants on. Word gets out that someone is truly forcing girls, and people tend to turn on them. If you got the coin for slaves, you got enough for ears to have grown on your walls. Word’ get out, trust you, me. Now I can see that you've forgotten about the gods. Some of the women gods can be right spiteful and won’t suffer such things to happen to a child. Hell, if a man gets overly so, they might just answer a girl’s prayer. You do not want the goddess of death showing up because you couldn’t take a ‘no’. Though they look less on us but you never know.”

  My interest was piqued when she mentioned the goddess of death. I wondered what Vex thought of my charade. I was hoping she was laughing her ass off. Either that or she was disappointed that I didn’t ferry some souls her way already. I still didn’t know her plans for me. Also, while the slip of a girl was too young for me, even if it was socially acceptable, she did get that part of my mind spinning. I was surprised that the cat-girl and fox hadn’t done it earlier.

  Great! Now I was horny and stuck in this role until I could figure my way out. I wanted a better picture of this Emir. While still property, his slaves seemed well-treated and even happy. That was a far shift from what I was expecting. Perhaps he was the raft in stormy seas for humans in the south. If the gods allowed slavery, I would be hard-pressed to fix it at the moment. I still had much to learn about this place.

  “Good! Now off to the baths with you. The Emir has rented the entire inn, so the baths should be free. Kitsken! Take him to get cleaned up and have Pasha deal with his hair.” She didn't quite yell, but raised her voice enough to be heard in the hallway.

  The frail girl with the black hair returned to take me away.