Oh how did things end up like this? Bovil's eyes slowly opened only to see that he was locked up in some kind of cage. First, he ran out of coin to buy himself some water. Then, he missed a shot that would have gotten him some food. And now, Bovil was in a cage. Today just wasn't the centaur's day.
Trying to get up, Bovil found himself too weak to do anything. There was something in his system, but he had no clue what. His vision was still blurry, his hearing was clogged, and there was a sharp sting in his flank. In a matter of seconds, Bovil went back to an unconscious state. He still had no idea where he was, and chances were that he wouldn't find out anytime soon.
While the beast slumbered, a lanky man with bright blue hair carefully adjusted the top-hat that sat proudly on his head. Before him, numerous cages that contained many different exotic creatures and humanoids. All were quickly pushed behind a large curtain where they would be brought out one by one. Today, the man would strike rich. So many exotic slaves that would go on sale today, and so many wealthy nobles that'd be more than happy to purchase at least one seeing as how they were repeat customers and had been invited to many of these "functions".
As the small hall before him soon began to fill with noblemen and women, the man was quick the initiate small talk with them. He promised that none would leave today disappointed and that there were many rare specimen to go around. Once the hall was mostly filled, maybe one or two invitees running late or not showing up at all, the man went onto the stage and stood behind a simple wooden podium. Surveying the entire crowd, the man cleared his throat somewhat and straightened his spine to give himself a bit more of a professional appearance before shouting out to a now silent crowd,"Welcome to tonight's auctions. We have a wide variety of creatures that were personally captured by us and will be sold to you. You all know the rules of the auction, so let's bring out our first specimen."
Immediately after his little introduction, the first specimen was brought forward. It was a simple griffin that much like Bovil, was unconscious in a cage. "This specimen is very special." Began the slaver as he left the podium and waltzed over to the cage. "This wonderful combination of eagle of lion is sure to serve as an obedient little pet. Don't let it's look fool you though, these creatures are extremely clever. Why, it may be smarter than some of you in this very room." He continued while pointing to parts of the creature and looking to the crowd. Some had a look of awe on their faces while others had their hands at the ready when the bidding commenced.
Then it started, multiple hands shot up screaming out amounts of gold many would only dream of having. "Two thousand!" A man shouted. "Three thousand!" Shouted a woman as the man sitting next to her stared in disbelief. It went on like this for quite some time until the poor griffin was sold to a burly looking man and his much more delicate looking wife.
The griffin was shoved backstage once again and out came a minotaur in a cage. The bidding continued, and ultimately went over to a green haired woman who waved her fan almost tauntingly at the participants. Multiple other creatures were then put up for auction and the bidding continued. It seemed like tonight had been a complete success for the man. But now, it was time for the main event.
"This is our final and greatest specimen yet!" Announced the man as Bovil was brought out from behind the curtain. "The mighty centaur!" He shouted as the walked over to the cage that contained Bovil. "Look at those powerful hooves, they look like they could carry his owner fall." He said while pointing to the appendage. "Fast and strong as a horse this one is," The man said while returning to his podium "But also smart as a human, maybe even smarter." he remarked in a somewhat joking manner as he reached down under the podium and took out a large satchel, a bow, and a quiver full of arrows. "Look at this bow." The man said while running his finger over the designs made in the yew wood. "I believe this creature was an excellent marksman, could make a pretty good guard with the proper training. Either that, or he could make an excellent mount, probably knowing all the little back-routes through the forest and mountains." The man said while motioning over to the still unconscious Bovil.
Now, the fun was about to begin. "Let's start the bidding at say....two thousand gold? Do I hear three thousand?" The man told his audience. Almost immediately, a woman shot her hand up and shouted,"Three thousand!" and was soon met with a man who raised his hand and responded,"Four thousand!"while smirking at the lady. Who would win the centaur? Who knew at this point, the bidding was still slowly rising with person after person raising up their hand to top the last. The man had simply hyped up Bovil as the best slave ever, and look at the result he got! So many people were bidding on the centaur, the man was going to be rich! He hoped that the climbing of the price would never stop, this was one of the single greatest turnouts he had ever had. Unfortunately, the bidding had slowed ever so slightly, but the man knew that any minute now he'd have to award the winner with their new prized centaur. Who would it be? That, was yet to be seen.
