100 Theme Challenge #58

58. Chains

Marcus hated coming to the market. It was lousy, people kept pushing him around and tried to sell him things he didn't need or that wouldn't work. He kept on walking fast to get what he came for, his guard following him close by. No one actually knew he was paying this town a visit, but he meant to be quick and return to his father's castle at once.

"Castillo, let's go eat and leave, shall we?" He said humorously. His guard nodded, always paying attention to their surroundings.

"Let's go that way…" he muttered, for he wasn't sure of the right direction. More shouts and voices were coming from there and Marcus was wondering what the commendation was all about.

It was the open area where they sold slaves. The crowd was screaming as each of the slaves was presented. Their frail bodies were naked, displayed for all to admire, and Marcus felt repulsed by the sight. How could people felt superior by dominating their own kind? This was pure cruelty. It was hard for the slaves even to hold upright, with the chains probably being heavier than their body. Marcus cringed before walking ahead with assurance. The slaver was naming prices for the first slave, a tall man with golden skin and brown eyes.

"How much for the whole lot?" He asked loud enough to be heard. People gasped around him, and his guard made an annoyed tsk. "Marcus, are you sure this is-"

"How much are you willing to pay, good friend?" The slaver chuckled, and Marcus refrained to glare at him. They were no friends and never would be, unless the man was laying still at the bottom of the sea.

"300."

"400."

"325."

"380."

"325, dear friend. You wouldn't receive a better price if you'd sell each of them individually."

"Sold," he smirked, and Marcus noticed how the slaves looked at each other, and then at him.

"Castillo, would you go buy a caravan big enough to fit the eight of them while I exchange papers with their previous owner?"

He nodded and walked off to do so. Luckily he always kept vouchers on his person. Dealing with his went fast, Marcus having to spend a bit more coins for the slaves to be dressed properly. Once his guard came back and told him the caravan was ready, they went to meet the slaves back in the tiniest hold house Marcus had ever seen. It was the first time he was buying such a large group of slaves, in fact it was only the second time he was buying any. The first one had been a young girl marked with abuse all over her small body.

"I see you got proper outfit for the trip," he smiled at eight pairs of fearful, confused, resigned stares. "My name is Marcus, and this is Castillo, my personal guard. He shall your guard as well until we step foot at my father's castle. As I notice you have no personal effect, we shall depart immediately."

He heard a stomach growl, making him chuckle. "I believe food also awaits us."

(What is 100TC?)