The Bailiff bowed humbly, "Surely my Lord appreciates that that is a matter for him to discuss with the Judge?" the Bailiff replied. Kane nodded, a tight grimace crossing his face -- it seemed that some haggling might be required. With a wave of one hand, the gladiator trainer sent the assistant slaver back off down the hall to summon the Night Court's presiding judge -- who arrived, draped in long black ministerial robes that matched the deep shadows that lined his face in the torchlight. Together they followed in his wake to a wood-furnished room adjoining off the main reviewing chamber, the girl in tow.
Kane nodded but did not bow as the slave magistrate seat himself at a tall hair, looking down at them with hooded eyes, a gavel in one hand -- Sharon was not sure if this somber man was a true arbiter of the law or merely a thematic covering for the slave auctioneers, having no understanding of the laws of this land outside that of the master's lash. Her own master let the Bailiff do the talking: "Your Honour, my Lord Petitioner wishes to see sentence passed upon this girl," - the assistant gave a sweeping gesture towards the pale farm girl, who flinched but recovered herself by locking eyes with Sharon's gaze. "Lot 271, Defendant 'Angela'... will it please Your Honour to hear the case?"
In a deep death-kneel voice, the Judge nodded. "I shall. My Lord Petitioner, what sentence do you seek for this girl before us?"
Kane stepped forward, and answered in clipped tones. "Servitude to the House of K'Ral, tenure indefinite, duties to be assigned by the head of household as is seen fit. For rendering swift justice I shall see that court and processing fees of thirty gold pieces are paid."
"It is so ruled." tolled the voice.
The transaction followed swiftly, and as Sharon watched at her master's side, she saw the Bailiff working over the bill of sale. Here seemed to be the place where haggling took place, as she saw charges and fees added and deducted swiftly as the two went back and forth, Kane impatient and clearly in no mood to dicker. That fact resolved things fast, with the end result being a payment of 38 gold pieces after a few supplementary items were successfully tacked on. The Bailiff seemed a bit put off by Kane's refusal to haggle more but managed to maintain a professional air about it -- the Judge appear to have dozed off in his tall chair.
Kane gave a curt nod and a flourish of his dusty traveler's robes. Turning, he moved to the exit, Sharon hurrying to follow after him, with only a chance for one swift glance back at the pale young farm girl, Angela, as they departed for other slave markets before the night was done.
Mon Jul 14 19:07:19 2003