A bright sun began to push its way through the light hues of blues and purples that fell through the sky. Its rays of light glimmered off of the morning dew which lay delicately on the exotic flowers of the region. During the beginning of this beautiful day, a young, five year old boy by the name of Tiko, walked merrily with his parents on their way to the local marketplace.
As always, when the family arrived, the small pathway was bustling with business. Men and women of all ages pushed pass each other in hopes of finding a decent deal before another large inflation of prices occurred. The young boy’s eyes widened at such a site, for it never failed to amaze him. As if on command, his father swooped his small frame into strong arms before flinging him over his head, only to land on the shoulders of his hero. After all, dads were always the greatest.
At this time, his mother turned towards the pair, her beautiful smile causing two small fangs to push over her thin bottom lip. If one were to look close enough, they would notice the thin layer of beige fur that covered her slim figure and how her facial features resembled that of a cat’s, including her button-like nose. “Now, boys, the marketplace is a dangerous area. You know this is no place to be goofing off.” Her tone was firm, but still as sweet as ever.
Her husband returned the smile and nodded ever-so-slightly. “Yes, dear.” Although he was a pure human, their appearances did not keep them from loving each other anymore-so than a same species marriage would. A quick giggle escaped Tiko’s mouth before he flung his paw-like hands over his face; for he had inherited his mother’s looks more than his father’s.
The trio continued into the center of the marketplace, where the crowd grew thicker and more intense. By Tiko’s understanding, his father was in search of an item known as Summoning Tome. He believed it was his fascination with dragons that lead them on their search.
Within minutes they found themselves at an opened merchant, whose table was made of broken boards. His long gray beard gave him a peasant-like appearance, but it was clear by the items he offered, he was no poor soul.
“Ah yes.” The man’s voice cracked with what Tiko thought of as excitement. “What can I interest you in today, sir?”
Tiko’s father lifted him from his shoulders, gently sitting him back on the dirt path, but before he could speak a word, the man began once more. “Perhaps a lovely lamp?” At this he held up a golden bottle, but before the three could even catch a glimpse, he threw it back on the table. “No, no! You look more like a…” But before he could finish, Tiko’s father interrupted ever-so kindly.
“I’m sorry, sir, but I’m actually after one specific thing, and one thing only.”
The merchant’s eyebrow rose, giving him a curious feature. “And that would be?”
“A Summoning Tome.”
For a moment, the small group went silent, but the elderly man quickly ducked behind his table, and popped back up within seconds. “You mean, this?” His frail and bony hands then slid forth a white book. It’s exterior was nothing short of beautiful, with gold trip, and white wings adorning it’s edges.
His father’s eyes widen with happiness. “That’s it! How much?”
The merchant’s dark eyes shifted between the book and the group. “I’ll give it to you for 16,000 gold. That’s my flat rate price.”
As if on cue, Tiko’s father shook his head. “That’s a thousand more than yesterday’s market price. It’s a ridiculous number.”
“Nothing less.”
Slowly, his voice grew louder. “I’m not paying that price. I brought 15,000 with me. It’s all I have!” As he spoke, the merchant lifted a sickly thing arm into the air for the briefest moment, before retracting it to his side.
Within seconds the entire market silenced, Tiko’s father following in suit. But the blissfulness didn’t last for long. From the crowd emerged two large figures, their skin a deep grey and cratered in randomly with bright yellow eyes and bald heads. The thicker one spoke first. “Are these two giving you problems?” His voice was a deep growl as he referred to Tiko’s parents.
The merchant gave a slight nod, scared just as much as the others.
Tiko’s father quickly shook his head at the two creatures. “No, sir, I just found it hard to believe that prices jumped up one-thousand gold over night.”
The same creature spoke. “You know the rules. Never question market inflation.”
“But, sir…”
“And never talk back to Market Police!” Before giving the couple a chance to explain themselves, the brute thugs of the market place, grabbed his mother’s arm, squeezing it tightly.
Her eyes widened his slight horror. “What do you think you’re doing?” At this, she tried to pull back, but the creature’s grip only grew tighter.
“Our master is sick of complaints brought forth by petty citizens. You now belong to him.”
She continued pulling back. “What are you talking about? Slaves are not allowed here!”
“A new rule has been made. Due to your questions and outrage towards market prices, you will be sold for gold.”
At this, Tiko’s father lunged forward, his fist smashing into the side of the creature’s face, only to be grabbed by the other. The fight began.
His father turned quickly, slamming a foot into the brute’s chest, causing him to stutter backwards as his mother dropped to the ground, sweeping her feet under the thicker one, causing him to lose his balance. They continued on with all their might, but the Market Police used their strength against the couple’s wit and speed, resolving the fight in their submission.
Tiko watched in horror as his beloved parents were drug against their will into the crowd, disappearing in a sea of people.
Reply
