Hero Wars
Issaries, Inc. |
The Travels of Biturian VaroshPimper's Block
Pimper's Block is the name of a thriving slave market on
the border between Dragon Pass and Prax. Here triumphant warriors come to
send their conquered foes into exile for a profit, and here the defeated
come to ransom kin or cult mate. Buyers from the Holy Country and the Lunar
Empire also are here to purchase whatever exotic specimens their masters
require or desire.
The Lunar Etyries cult now runs and protects the market and, in turn, claims the first choice of the slaves, choosing as they want, paying below normal prices, then leaving the rest to the mercies of the market. Morokanth are not allowed here by tradition, for even the cruelest captor will not send his winnings to become herd meat for those animal humans of Prax. I sought a guide and useful companion, and was attracted to a woman named Norayeep whose intelligence, wit, and vivacious allure recommended her to me. She was a Bison woman, experienced as an animal handler. She'd been taken captive in the incessant plains warfare and had been sold rather than kept. Her purchaser said he'd take ten percent off her price if I'd also buy her brother. The boy was skinny, too young to be of much use. Norayeep whispered of Uleria's arts, and begged me to buy him. I still refused, and then the owner said he would not sell the girl without him! I was about to turn down the deal but the owner relented and said he'd be willing to bargain further. I tried again, and this time he offered to sell me a mule load of copper armor if I'd take the boy for half his original price. I accepted the generous terms, introduced myself to my slaves, received invoice, and set to the warehouses to prepare my caravan. |
