Chapter 534: The Night Auction

Chapter 534: The Night Auction

Dal, Falkner said with a brief nod as the overseer brought Dallion to an antechamber further in the palace.

There were no guards present, just a small room full of expensive chairs and exotic plants. The overseer didnt set foot in the roomhe didnt have the right towalking away without a word, instead.

Ready? the noble asked.

Sure. After everything that had happened, Dallion wanted to get this over with as soon as possible. With a bit of luck, he might even manage to hear the instructions given to the rest of his team.

Falkner made his way to a doom made entirely of jade at the far side of the room and knocked. The door swung open, taking both into a large corridor.

Good evening, a tall fury greeted them. Unlike all the previous furies Dallion had seen, this one had crimson red hair and clothes. Welcome to the Night Auction.

Hes with me, Falkner said.

Thank you, Master Arlera. I have been informed. And welcome Mister Darude. Since this will be your first auction, its my duty to explain the rules. A try of sky silver with two bracelets on it floated up to Dallion. Youre to wear this at all times during the auction.

Blocker items? Dallion asked as he took one of them. The craftsmanship was exquisite, although it felt more like a shackle than anything else.

Think of them as a means to ensure that the event is kept civil, the fury replied. As a guest, during the auction, it is recommended that you keep all talking to a minimum, especially if not invited. You are free, of course, to consult with Master Falkner, since hes the one who vouched for you on this occasion.

Understood.

Once the auction starts, you are to remain at your seat until the end. Then, you are only permitted to approach the master of ceremony should you have bought an item. If not, you are to leave as quickly as possible, though without creating a stir. I trust all this is clear?

Ill try to remember all that. Dallion added a note of sarcasm to his voice. It didnt pass unnoticed, for the fury smiled in return.

Wonderful. And finally, the bidding itself. Normally, the auction observes the ensnare principle, which is to say that all funds pledged are not returned, but become property of the auction. However, as a first timer, you are exempt.

Only a noble could think of such a rule. Its only existence was to turn the event into a competition for people for whom money was no object.

What about the bidding process? Dallion asked.

A very good question. All prices are in gold coins. Of course, since carrying such amounts could be bothersome, I will collect all the funds you wish to participate with and give you auction tokens instead. Once the event is over, you will reclaim the corresponding amount of funds upon receiving the tokens. The fury paused for a few moments.

Getting the hint, Dallion took out the pouch he had received from the Archduke and poured it onto the tray in front of him. A dozen sun gold coins tell on the smooth surface. It didnt look like much, but they were the equivalent of close to five-hundred pieces of gold.

Aware that this was a pitiful amount, Dallion quickly took the pouch given to him by the general and emptied its contents as well.

Spellcraft cubes? The fury nodded his head, impressed. You must have quite a generous sponsor.

Something like that. How many tokens will that get me?

A fair amount.

After quickly counting the cubes, the fury used his skills to float several stacks of marble tiles on the tray. The design was early, similar to casino chips. If it wasnt for the material, Dallion would have sworn he had just entered Las Vegas.

Here we are. Fifty-four thousand four hundred and eighty. Would you require a container?

Thank you. Dallion nodded. There was no way that pile would fit in any of his pouches.

The third demon eye, the gorgon announced. One of a set of five, this gem went missing two decades ago, along with a number of other items, during the Mage Academys Firestone incident. Recovered a month ago, the item is now available for sale. I cannot comment on the potential properties of the item, but its rarity will definitely make it a conversation starter. Initial bidding price is twelve thousand.

Dallion felt adrenalin being pumped into his veins. This was the item the general wanted to get. Assuming the price doubled, as was the practice up to now, Dallion would be able to get another something for himself as well.

Straightening up, he made a discreet sign with his hand.

We have twelve thousand, the gorgon announced. Do we have thirteen?

Dallion waited. For several seconds, it seemed that no one had interest until someone made the offer.

We have thirteen. Is anyone willing to give me fourteen?

Damn it! Dallion cursed. In his mind, there was no doubt that someone had bid out of boredom. However, now that the action had started, others would join in just for the thrill of it. Trying to maintain his cool, he raised a finger.

Fourteen, the gorgon said. Is anyone willing to offer more?

Dallion braced. If anything was going to happen, it would be now.

Fourteen going once. Fourteen going twice.

Please, please, please stay quiet, Dallion thought.

Sold for thirteen thousand. One of the gorgons snakes stared directly at Dallion and blinked, indicating that he was the winner.

Dallion let out a sigh of relief. At least that was done. Now he didnt have the threat of the general hanging over him anymore.

Why did you buy that? Falkner whispered. Its worthless.

It came from the Academy, Dallion replied, keeping the real reason secret. Its bound to have a few surprises.

Okay. Falkner gave him a mocking smirk. Just a waste of money. Theres nothing you can do with it.

With that, the warm-up portion of the auction has come to an end, the gorgon announced. After a minute, the main event will begin. Just in case, Id like to say that tonight well have two special items for sale. The parties willing to auction them off have insisted that the items be kept secret until the main event is over, so if you really want to obtain them, better bid wisely.

Chatter filled the room. Dallion expected that most of the conversations to be speculations regarding the special items, but instead, everyone seemed to be discussing the prospects of the upcoming war. That made sense. As the empires strongest awakened, they would likely be sent to the front lines if things got serious. On the other hand, there were plenty of lesser awakened willing to take any risk in order to advance further. Dallions grandfather was a prime example of this, though at the time, the war was nothing but an internal matter.

Do you know what the items of the main event will be? Dallion asked.

Some, Falkner replied. Its difficult to get the entire list.

So, theres something specific in mind you wish to buy?

A few things. Depends on how the bidding goes.

Well, let me know, and Ill help you with what I can.

Dal, no offense, but you cant afford whats to come.

Maybe, but I might tip the balance in your favor.