Unwanted

The cool sea air blew through the market, the smell of fish, bread, and other scents sent wafting through the wind. Many people where gathered in the square, a few mingling around. A large group stood in front of a wooden stage. Ladies fanned themselves as they gossiped amongst each other. The men talked loudly of their purchases, and how much more they had to spend on the day’s auction. Today wasn’t normal wares. This was a special auction. Slaves.

A large portly man walked up the three wooden steps leading to the platform, stopping in front of a podium. He wore a suit that was worn and frayed, and chewed a cigar. The man reached for a small gavel, tapping it onto a podium to get people’s attention. When he achieved it, he finally spoke. “Good morning folks! Its time for the annual Grandee county auction. Today we have a nice selection of slaves for your choosing. Healthy males, females, and a few young en’s” He turned and beckoned for a guard to bring them forward. The guard gave a tug and started walking towards the stage. There were females with simple dresses, men, and one boy and one girl at the end. All were clothed nicely and seemed to be healthy. The females wore shackles on their wrists, the kids plain rope, and the men both wrist and ankle shackles. They shuffled onto the stage, their chains clacking as they walked. The guard reached out, grabbing the first woman he could reach, and pulled her up to the front.

“Here you go ladies and gentlemen. A nice young woman to do your cooking, cleaning or whatever you can think up. Very young and obedient.” He looked out at the crowd, scanning for anyone that looked interested. The woman was only around 20 years of age, with pale white skin. Her light brown hair was tied up into a messy bun though it was very loose. She wore only a simple red and brown dress that went down to her ankles. “Lets start the bidding at $20! Do I hear $20?” The auctioneer scanned the crowd. A hand went up into the air, and the auctioneer banged the gavel lightly, calling out “I hear $20! Do I hear $25? $25 for this fine wench!” The bidding continued until the auctioneer cried, “Sold! Sold for $45 to Mr. John Melby.” One of the guards came up to take her down the steps. The auctioneer looked behind him, grabbing a man next. The man glared at him, but allowed himself to be propelled forward.

“Here folks is a nice strong fellow. Spent his whole life on a ship, just look at those muscles! Used to the sea air, you can’t go wrong with him. Use him for your ship, or just take him home for the fields. Why don’t we start the bid at $75 dollars?” The man stared out past the crowd, ignoring the commotion. His blue eyes remained fix on the sea in the distance. The only home he had ever had. The man was tall, a little over 6 feet, but he carried himself gracefully. The white shirt he wore was open, displaying his broad shoulders and muscular arms. His sandy brown hair was to his chin, and a little curly. His blues eyes matched the color of the sea.

In the crowd, men were talking hurriedly, looking up at the man. He would be of use in the fields. But one person in particular seem to be very interested. A female of around 20 years of age. Her sharp eyes scanned his entire body, searching for something. Finally she spoke. “Daddy, you said you would be me a slave. I want that one.” She turned to him, batting her eyes. Her father looked up at the man, then back to her. “He looks like trouble. One second of having those shackles off, and he will be gone. Not worth it. Besides, I told you I would buy you a female slave. You don’t need him.” She crossed her arms underneath her umbrella, looking back up at the man. “But I wan’t that one. He will be useful with Black too. He definitely looks strong enough to handle him. Please Daddy?” She pleaded, smiling up at him. Her father paused for a moment, then nodded. “Fine.”

Her father put his hand up, waiting for the auctioneers attention. “$120 if you end this now.” The other men in the crowd grumbled, shaking their heads. The man wasn’t worth it. And they would be outbid by the girls father anyway. The auctioneer waited for a moment before nodding, bringing down the gavel. “Sold for $120 to Mr. Wiles Tyne.” The girl went on her tiptoes, kissing his cheek. “Thank you Daddy. I will go look him over.” Wiles shook his head, looking at her. “Your mother will never forgive me. Go on, and make sure that for the price we paid for him, we get to keep the shackles.” The woman handed her father her umbrella, and walked towards the stage. She stood at about 5’5, taller than most of the women in town. Her light brown hair cascaded down in her back in large curls. Only about 19, she knew what she wanted, and knew how to get it. The man was already at the bottom of the platform, staring out at the sea again. His stance was rigid, broad shoulders set widely apart. When the women walked up, her merely cast her a glance before looking back.

The auctioneer glanced down at her in surprise. “Rachel! I didn’t even see you. How is your mother?”

“My mother is doing just fine John. What is this mans name here?” The auctioneer glanced at the papers. “Says his name is Chris. Your father best watch this one. He has connections, and one slip and he will be out a lot of money. I would honestly keep him away from the shipyard.” Rachel nodded, looking Chris up and down. “I think we will be just fine. I will need the papers. You know where to send the bill.” The auctioneer shook his head, but signed the papers. “Hope he knows what he is getting himself into. Did you want the shackles on him?” Rachel nodded. “Yes, Daddy told me to have them kept on.” The auctioneer nodded, and held out the papers. Rachel took them, carefully folding them up and putting them into the pocket of her dress with one hand. Rachel walked slowly over the Chris, eyes wandering over his body. Her red dress swished around her ankles as she slowly inched forward. His eyes flickered towards her once, but stayed still. Rachel reached him, and stood in front of him, just letting her eyes travel down his body. She suddenly reached out, pushing his shirt off of his shoulders a little more. Chris flinched, but didn’t even glance at her. Rachel seemed a bit disappointed, but let her hand slowly travel down his broad chest, lingering on his stomach for a moment before starting to go lower. This got his attention. He turned his head to look at her, eyes cold. She continued to go lower, watching his reaction.