Lauren and Sharin urged me to speak with the slave merchant.
We were led to one of the several tents set up in the back, away from the main square. Several carriages were parked there, suggesting they did business while traveling.
The inside was cluttered, with items scattered everywhere.
“Sorry about the mess. Please, have a seat there.”
I sat on a chair pulled up to a small table by the man.
“So, can you tell me about him? I’ve never seen anything like it before. Honestly, I was surprised.”
The man smiled with satisfaction, seeing my surprised reaction.
“You should be! It was quite a challenge, you see. We searched this vast desert for over two months before finally finding him. Then, we waited for the right moment to snatch him up.”
Searching the vast desert meant he was originally from around here. And his family too. If so, they might still be nearby.
“Wow, that must have been tough. When did you capture him? About a week ago?”
“No, no, just two or three days ago.”
That made it even more likely. It was probably an operation to sell him quickly before his family could arrive.
“If you don’t mind, can I see him up close?”
“Yes, of course. Come this way.”
The man led us to one of the carriages. He stepped up on the platform, unlocked the door, and beckoned us in.
In the darkness, the boy was curled up at the edge of the cage. When he saw me, he clutched his blanket as if frightened. The cage was, of course, locked.
“He’s wonderful, but has he been like this in the cage the whole time?”
“He doesn’t move even when we try to let him out.”
With that, the man shrugged, the keys in his hand jingling as he closed the door. It was likely one of those keys. He put the key ring in his pocket and started walking again.
“Well? Do you like him?”
“Ah, yes, he’s very good. You’re quite skilled. Please let me think about it for a bit. I’ll go check if we have space to accept a new slave.”
I thanked him casually and left the spot.
When I returned to the camp, everyone was already preparing.
“Hey, you’re late getting back. I already ate breakfast.”
“Haha, sorry. I got distracted.”
As I brushed Nina off nonchalantly, Lauren sidled up to me.
“So, how was it? Did you get any information?”
I told her what had happened.
“I see, so the key is with the man in his pocket now, huh? Well, maybe finding his parents would be faster. They might still be lurking around here?”
What she said might be the best course of action. But would we be able to escape safely even if we found his parents?
“What are you two whispering about? Is there something you can’t tell me?”
Nina literally stuck her neck between me and Lauren.
