The next port came and more were sold.The next port came and more were sold. Again, Jess was passed over. A fourth port, and yet more familiar faces. Jess knelt gloomily staring at the deck. She thought of the times she had made purchases from imperial ships like this. How many times had she passed up a female with scars for a soft, untrained kitten who would bring an easier profit? Feeling melancholy, she sternly reminded herself that her job had been making a profit, not making people happy. Then the last of the slavers came through. "I want her," he said suddenly, pointing to Jess. "Sir," the captain protested, "she has battle scars." "I said I want her. I don't care about the scars." "Sir, she has only one eye, and she is in the trouble-maker spot." "I would expect nothing less of her. Now are you willing to sell her or not?" "Yes, of course. I was planning on selling her to a gladiator school, but...I'd say sixty gold would put her in your coffle. If you're sure you want her, that is." "Oh, yes, I want her. Sixty, huh? A bargain for Jessica Harveld." The young man looked down and winked at her. "Unchain her for me." Jess was unlocked and the young man put a lead on her and led her down with him into the hold. "Jess, any you want me to get? You had to have been on a run, else you wouldn't be here." "That one," she said softly, pointing to Agnes, then continuing to rub her aching wrists and jaw. The hated gag had been removed with the chains, but she could scarcely speak for the pain and it hurt to close her mouth, but she was determined not to look like the village idiot with her mouth hanging open. "She's part of my commission. Varge One-Ear has the rest." The young slaver purchased Agnes and several others. After paying his bill, he took them to the inn where he was staying, allowing Jess to massage her jaw on the way, while the others kept their hands at their sides. The rubbing felt good, and was easing away the soreness. By the time they reached the inn, her mouth was only comfortably numb. |