The Greek Princess

Chapter XIV

Chapter XIV

Lycus

I was confused, but tried not to let it show on my features. Rizpah was right beside me and was giving me an odd look. I guessed her thoughts: Why was I getting involved in this? I was man who liked to keep out of things, and by sticking my foot in this, was defying my nature. Maybe I was, but I couldn't let that girl be captured, as it seemed, by this ruffian.

This ruffian is what brought me back to the present. Was this the master that she had been with before she had gotten lost? I hadn't really believed the story, but it was the only story I had. If this was indeed her master and she had run away, I couldn't say that I blamed her.
I really wanted to say more, but I was just a slave myself. What could I do? 

Suddenly, a voice spoke. "Stop!" A person elbowed his way through the crowd. He looked to be still young, only nineteen or so. He had dark curly hair, and dark eyes. He was lean, and tall, and by the way Rizpah was staring at him, handsome too.

"Why do you treat the lady in such a manner?" he demanded of the ruffian.

The ruffian was as surprised as I was at this interruption, and didn't quite know what to say. "Just taking care of my slave, young sir. Got a problem with that?" He asked, now looking annoyed.   

"I do if you treat your slave in such a manner." He replied promptly.

The ruffian looked angered at this. "Well I don't see how it's any of your business." He said indignantly. "She is mine after all." He said, giving Ariadne a shake.

The young man reached for the pouch at his waist. "Not if I buy her from you."

Pretty much everyone in the crowd looked shocked at this. One didn't just buy a slave from someone simply because he didn't like the way she was being treated. Slaves were practically inanimate objects. A master could do whatever he so desired to his slaves, and if it caused them discomfort, there was nothing they could do about it.

The ruffian was also surprised, but apparently valued money over human flesh. "How much would you pay for her?"

The young man reached inside his pouch and withdrew some coins. "I'll give you seventy-eight sesterces for her."

I couldn't believe it. I thought I had stuck my foot in by saying something in the first place, but buying her? I shook my head. I wasn't sure how this would turn out.

The ruffian considered for only a moment before grabbing at the coins the young man held out.

"First, you'll hand her over," He said, nodding towards Ariadne who was still in the clutches of the ruffian.

The ruffian shoved her towards the young man and claimed the money. I watched him disappear into the crowd before turning my attention back to Ariadne. She looked stunned. I didn't blame her after an episode like that. I half wanted to go over and make sure she was alright, but I thought better of it and decided to continue with the errands Master had sent us on.

I had just turned away and started walking when I felt a touch on my shoulder. I turned and to my surprise, it was the young man who'd bought Ariadne.

"I'd just like to say thank you, well, for saying something. Not many would." He said.

I didn't know what to say. "Well, uh, being a slave myself, I can sort of understand the tough situation Ariadne was in." I managed to say.

The man smiled, "Thank you all the same," Then, a look of confusion crossed his fine features, "But how do you know her name?"
Oh, now I'd gone and done it.

O.O ohh boy Lycus has gone and done it now! Vote if you can't wait to see what happens next :D

Lycus - GadSul