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(Scars do not appear to be cause of death –shock ... - Bad Request

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He glanced at me and motioned <strong>to</strong> the crowd that he was taking a break.<br />

"Well, a thousand greetings <strong>do</strong> I <strong>be</strong>s<strong>to</strong>w on you, sir!" He winced at the sight<br />

<strong>of</strong> my scars. "You know, I take one look at you with my discerning eye, and I<br />

see a man in the market for some healing charms."<br />

Granted, we were a bit low on them, but other matters needed tending,<br />

"Who are you?"<br />

"Deran's the name, friend! Can it <strong>be</strong> you have <strong>not</strong> heard <strong>of</strong> me? I'm<br />

wounded, verily I am!" He smiled wider at the feigned wound. "No one finer<br />

or more well-known for bringing people who want people a little closer<br />

<strong>to</strong>gether." He pointed <strong>to</strong> the rear <strong>of</strong> the auction block where the group<br />

shuffled in their chains. "Do you <strong>be</strong> wanting someone, friend?"<br />

"Hrmn. I heard you sold slaves."<br />

He shook his head. "No, sir! These are indentured servants, <strong>not</strong> slaves. For<br />

the most part they are guilty <strong>of</strong> minor crimes. The proceeds from their sale<br />

go <strong>to</strong>ward paying their debt <strong>to</strong> the city. After their term <strong>of</strong> servitude, they<br />

will <strong>be</strong> free citizens once again."<br />

"You bandy words and <strong>to</strong>y with semantics," Dak'kon murmured coldly. His<br />

voice was like an ice-cold river trickling over rough s<strong>to</strong>ne, "Such a thing is<br />

the definition <strong>of</strong> slavery."<br />

Deran gave him a bright smile. "I <strong>do</strong>n't concern myself with such thoughts.<br />

My task is <strong>to</strong> sell their contracts as given by the courts <strong>of</strong> Sigil." He lowered<br />

his voice as he leaned in closer <strong>to</strong> me. "And collect a percentage for my<br />

efforts, you understand." He straightened.<br />

"You said they were guilty <strong>of</strong> crimes, what crimes did they commit?"<br />

He shrugged his shoulders in an exaggerated way. "I <strong>do</strong>n't know for certain,<br />

but I would guess theft, assault or <strong>not</strong> <strong>be</strong>ing able <strong>to</strong> pay their debts. Those<br />

are the most common transgressions."<br />

"I would like <strong>to</strong> look over your slaves, then."<br />

Deran's lips pressed tight and bowed with a flourish, "Well, look if you wish,<br />

but the auction will take place quite soon."<br />

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