Chapter 72: Human Trade

Chapter 72: Human Trade The night was alive on the busy market street of Swamp Creek; torches and lanterns were lit, and carriages and people were moving around. Peddlers and buyers’ voices echoed in the night as they claimed to sell lucky charms and other goods for their targeted audience. Abrielle’s blue eyes fell on the boy with golden-tanned skin and sharp silver eyes. Indigenous to a tribe of wandering peddlers and magic users, predominantly witches, but they were not diabolical and only focused on selling their goods and scamming unknown individuals with their gift of foresight. But in every ten words, they say, there was an atom of truth it was built on. The boy’s words puzzled her, and she was curious to hear what he had to say, knowing fully well this might be a trap. "I will take the mask," she said. The boy smiled at her, grinning his teeth. "That’s an excellent choice. It will cost 2 gold coins, and I advise you to buy a second one for your companion." The boy suggested. Abrielle’s jaw almost dropped at the exploitation. 4 gold coins, whatever he had to say better worth 4 gold coins. Abrielle’s eyes fell on a dagger buried under the pile. "Can I also have that?" she requested, it was a portable size dagger. The boy’s eyes dulled, reluctant to part with the dagger, and Abrielle’s eyes narrowed. It must be a treasure, "it’s not for sale." The boy said, making Abrielle pout. "Even for a good price," she suggested. The boy sighed his eyes darting to other onlookers equally browsing through his goods. "It is not about the goods, but this dagger is dangerous; just a slight cut is very poisonous. It is claimed to be cursed and I was meant to get rid of it." The boy explained and Abrielle’s eyes sparkled with excitement. "A cut is poisonous, how poisonous can it be?" She enquired. "It depends; the purer the person’s magic is, the more it can contaminate their core, leading to corruption and ultimately death." The boy explained this might not kill Cedric, but she was sure it would be helpful in the future. She recognized the signs on it; demonic powers lay in it that could corrupt the pure, holy magic. "How much will it cost?" She asked; the boy frowned at her, but he had the intention of getting rid of the blade. "Ten gold coins, it is made from dragon scale. All together that’s 14 coins." He informed Abrielle. Abrielle did not waste much time making the transaction. After acquiring the mask, the boy relayed his instruction. "Imagine the person you want to seem like before putting on the mask. There is a place you need to go where you might find what you seek." The boy explained. "Is the place dangerous?" Abrielle inquired further in hushed tones. The boy nodded. "It is dangerous, but your stars show you will be fine. Just go with your maid and hidden guard, dear creator, holy lady Abrielle." The boy said with a mischievous smile that left Abrielle dumbfounded. "Go ahead before time runs out. Make sure the blade is always protected." The boy urged her, he read her fate. ***** The carriage continued on the streets of Swamp Creek, this was a less crowded street occupied by opulent figures. Evelyn had no idea what was going through her lady’s head, but she had a bad idea about trusting a peddler. Especially those foreign ones known for scamming their targets, but Abrielle was adamant about going. Prince Cedric would be mad if something happened to the princess. Her original instructions were to make sure the princess was safe at the hotel, but here they were, going to an auction event close to midnight. The carriage stopped in front of a beautiful building that stood out. A perfect place for an auction event if your goal was to attract the rich and influential. Abrielle got rid of her black hoodie revealing her green dress. She put on the mask, and her features changed immediately, her hair turning snow white and her eyes turning a brighter shade of blue. She had envisioned herself to look like the female lead. Evelyn did the same, her chestnut hair turned blonde with her eyes now silver. Seeing the mask was working she was more optimistic about this auction. She nodded at Evelyn who beckoned the knights outside to open the door. They were stunned to see strangers in the carriage but soon understood it was a disguise. The two distinguished ladies with black masks made their way into the venue. Seeing their expensive clothes no one stopped them as they were led to the main venue. The hall was filled with individuals wearing masks. Since Abrielle used an anonymous lower status she was given a seat in the regular area with Evelyn. They made it just in time because the event was about to start. Somewhere up in the VIP area, a man with dusty brown hair frowned. Immediately, he spotted the supposedly noble ladies. He had a wine glass twirling in his hands as his eyes darted around with a smirk wondering about the number of people who might meet their end tonight. "Do you know who they are?" He asked his aide despite having a good idea. His aide nodded affirming his answer. "I guess tonight will be more interesting than anticipated." He chimed. His gaze didn’t linger much on the newcomer, then went to the stage. The surrounding lights dimmed with all the attention on the stage. The host made his way to the stage to welcome the guests. Soon, the ’ goods ’ were brought to the stage. They were 7 cages, and in them were none other than actual humans... This was a human trafficking chain. Abrielle’s eyes narrowed on the cages. She was expecting that maybe a guest at the event would be a clue she never expected it might be one of the goods. She was a bit excited and nervous knowing how dangerous getting involved in a human trafficking operation might be. "This time around, our goods come outside Darconia. Unfortunately, we lost one precious good, a stunning lady ginger head, but this will do." The host, who also had a mask on, announced, and Abrielle’s mood turned sour.The shadow claw guide.