Book II Chapter 12: Tales of Daily Life II
Ashgrove Bay Auction House
Axl, South Dreamsong
The Auctioneer banged her gavel three times, silencing the hall as the sold lot-- a meek-looking silisk woman with big, soulful black eyes-- was led away to the back pens for pickup.
The wealthy attendants here were hardly excited for her; most sentients were run-of-the-mill auction fodder, with exceptional specimens fetching a little bit more than usual, but nothing to write home about.
No, it was this next lot everyone was eager to bid on. She grinned slightly, gesturing with gavel in hand for the guards to bring the set in for display.
At once, the crowd's excitement mounted, and she licked her lips. The commission from this would have her set for a while to come, without a doubt...
"...And here we have Lot 44958; three pieces. A trio of harpies from the lost continent of Aensdoun. Bidding starts at 500,000 krus."
The creatures-- one female, two male-- shuffled onto the stage upon great, scaly black feet, long ears and crests pressed flat behind them, eyes wide and wild with fear. Undeniably humanoid, they resembled elves with a fine coat of lustrous blue and black feathers and wicked claws.
One of the males struggled weakly in its bonds, the female glowering out over the crowd gathered beneath them before unleashing a sorrowful chirping cry.
Everyone gasped; the hall filled with flickering number cards. Confused and frightened, the harpies crowed and clicked and cawed, raising and bouncing their crests in response to the strange white feathers that seemed to signal to them.
The auctioneer grinned broadly as the bids continued to fly up.
Kelan bless Valenth's stupid, gullible upper class... always so very eager to part with their money.
Next Chapter: Book II Chapter XIII
Category: Book II | Story
