Emmett had barely slipped out of eyeshot when he was cut of by Vincent on a horse. Emmett froze. The man jumped from his horse and held out the reigns to Emmett. Emmett looked behind him, he could still hear the clatter of the slavers moving inside the walls. He looked at Vincent again, staring into his deep brown eyes. Was it a trap? If it was, it was better to try it. Emmett took the reigns from Vincent. "Thank You." He said softly. Gracefully he hoisted himself into the saddle and urged the mare into a trot. Looking back he saw the rather handsome slaver watching him go.
Emmett kept his head low as he walked the horse against the flow of people entering the fortress. It would appear that today was salve day as many slavers and their catch were coming in. Emmett avoided the eyes of everyone he could, particularly those which were armed and acting like guards. One man seemed to take interest in Emmett as he went by, watching him carefully until he had passed. As soon as he was out of the main flow he picked up the pace.
As the fortress grew smaller behind him Emmett began to feel like he could breath for the first time in a while. Glancing behind him he saw no one was following. He urged the first horse faster. If he could put a decent distance between them and him, then when they noticed his vacancy he would be well ahead. From there he could make it back to the capital in a week.
Feeling ansy Emmett checked behind him again. His heart dropped. a dust trail was rising up and Emmett could make out the figures of three horsemen. Emmett cursed and urged the mare faster. She picked up the pace. They must have seen him leaving! or, it had been a trap. The mare started limping. She slowed. "No! Come on!" Emmet yelled. Frustrated he pushed the horse. He could hear the pressures closing in, the hooves growing closer.
Soon enough the three had him surrounded. Two of them Emmett didn't recognize, the third was from the slaver party. The smaller man, his skin dark, spoke. "Well little rabbit, your escape did not go as planed. " "I am not escaping." Emmett replied. "I am only traveling through the area and my horse has gone lame." The big man laughed. "You are funny." He rode over, leaning down into Emmett. Although only slightly taller them Emmett, he was impressive in the way he presented himself. This was a man one did not say no to, someone who was used to getting his way. "You see, I watch, and today is Market day." His partner laughed. "And if you were invited to attend, then you wouldn't be leaving now would you? If you had something to sell, like this gentleman." He gestured to the slaver. "Then I reckon you wouldn't be leaving either. Now, if you were, say a guard, protecting the market, you most certainly be leaving either. They only person who would want to leave on a fine day like this, is one who didn't want to be here. Someone like you." He smiled, then unexpectedly he shoved at Emmett, who taken off guard wobbled. As he wobbled, the partner yanked him down from the horse brutishly forcing him hands behind him to tie them. "It also helps." The dark man said. "That I was told of your escape. Eyes are everywhere." Emmett knew then that he had been tricked.
The party walked back into the the fortress, most of the other slavers already in. Once they were in, the fortress guards left, leaving Emmett with the salver. "Boss will be glad to see you." He said as he shoved Emmett along the way. They went into a side room. There were all the people he had run from. Emmett was brought over to where The boss was. Emmett caught the eyes of Vincent, and glared at him. He knew what had happened.
Lucas sat back watching as slavers brought their ware into the large hall. Each slaver brought in women first, then men, all of them naked. Lucas's men inspected the salves, picking the ones that were needed to run the place, which meant strong fit men to work in the mines and perhaps be able to recruit for the army. Fewer women were needed, a few for the kitchen, or cleaning and pleasure. The rest of the slaves were shipped off to his allies, sold for profit. Lucas felt comfortable sitting back and allowing
Saverio, his assistant do the choosing.