The next few days were to be Lia's last at the depot. Belle had visited her cell to tell her that the auction would take place the following week and that she was due to be transported out the day before. Eva visited her often, rubbing a sweet smelling ointment onto her and sitting at her feet while she slept, always there if she woke.
She would bathe Lia daily, soaping her lean body, never speaking but transmitting her thoughts by her actions. At night she would remain staring down at her, as if fascinated by her body, the breasts so firm, the sex so prominent.
The days passed quickly. Those passing the cell would linger to stare at the lovely naked captive until they were hurried on by a wave of Eva's hand.
On her last night Eva knelt down and put her mouth close to Lia's ear. "I'm coming with you tomorrow," she whispered.
Lia's heart leapt. It was the first time she had heard the girl speak. Until then she had not been sure Eva was capable of speech. Now this message filled her with anxiety.
"Not to be sold?" she asked.
Eva shook her head, smiling. "As keeper," she said, and was gone, running down the corridor, leaving Lia to ponder the news. She was glad Eva was to come with her. She had grown to love the young girl and had been dreading their separation. Now at least they had a few more days together. She drifted off to sleep with a serene smile on her face.
The next morning there was a scurry of activity throughout the accommodation block. As well as Lia, a number of other indentured workers were to go to auction and the preparations began at an early hour. Lia was woken by Eva at daybreak, bathed and fed, then left to wait in her cell until she was required. At last Eva came to her, handcuffing her and leading her out to the waiting transport. Lia had been half hoping she would have been given clothes for the journey, but clearly this was not to be the case.
They stepped out of the building into the sunlight and Lia saw a pair of open-backed trucks waiting in the parking lot. One was already almost full with indentured workers, nearly all male, chained to rings bolted to the sides and floor of the truck. It was to this one that Eva led her, helping her up onto the platform and shackling her so that she stood at the rear, facing backwards. Lia pondered on the decision to put her there. It would leave her exposed to any other motorists on the road. She suspected that Perce was responsible for placing her there and was not surprised to see him watching as she was chained in place.
She looked about at her fellow passengers. They were a motley crew, mostly in rags, their faces downcast. Two of them she recognised; Olga and Stefan were chained side by side, the grey overalls of privilege replaced by the rags of common workers. So they had not escaped punishment for their part in Lia's downfall, but she found it hard to rejoice in their misfortune. Apart from any other considerations she did not wish to make any enemies, and judging from the way the two of them were glaring at her, they were none too pleased with how things had turned out.
The engine started, throbbing, rattling and vibrating. She looked about for Eva but couldn't see her. She guessed she would be following behind. There was a grinding of gears and the truck began to move. Lia clung to the bar that spanned the tailgate. They reached the gate and the truck stopped while its cargo was checked, the gateman ticking off each captive on a clipboard, lingering in front of her for a good look. Then they were out on the open road and heading for the auction, the engine roaring as they sped along.
The journey was a long one, the truck rumbling down the highway for some hours. Lia sat, her feet dangling over the tailboard, enjoying the fresh air and the scenery. She tried to follow where they were but soon lost track among the sameness of the highways. Occasionally she would see a road sign, but the names meant nothing to her. The others sat mainly in silence, but Lia didn't care. She was happy with her own thoughts, and eventually, despite the roar of the engine and the bumping motion, she fell asleep.
She was woken by the sensation that the vehicle was slowing. She opened her eyes and gazed blearily about. They were indeed slowing. The truck swung to the left and they were off the main road and heading up a dirt track. It was rough and the truck bounced about, so they were forced to hang on tight. Lia clung to the bar that ran across the tailboard as they lurched along into some woods. They went on for some miles, the forest becoming denser as they progressed. As they penetrated deeper they passed the occasional group of Bikers, clearly there to police the road and to keep out the unwanted.
At last the truck pulled into a vast clearing. The area was a hive of activity. All about there were tents, surrounded by bikes. In the centre was an arena with a large marquee behind. One area had been set aside for trucks to park and already more than a dozen had pulled up there, all like theirs with open backs and anchor points for shackles. The truck lurched across the grass and came to a halt beside them.
The sudden silence was like music to Lia after the clamour of the motor. She sat patiently with the others, awaiting the next move.
Two Bikers emerged from the front of the truck and were joined by two captives in grey overalls, who had evidently been awaiting their arrival. One of the Bikers came round and stood by the tailgate.
"Right you lot," he shouted, "you're all here for your indentures to be sold. Now I don't want you getting any ideas about escaping just because you're out of the depot, so we'll be taking a few precautions. Just wait your turn now."
The men in overalls vaulted up onto the truck and began releasing them one by one. Lia was one of the first, jumping lightly to the ground in front of the first Biker, and they were marched off to their campsite.
Lia realised the clearing was divided into a number of separate campsites, one for each Biker group, of which there were many. Lia calculated that at least thirty separate sites had been set up, each one flying its own distinctive pennant. The Biker gangs had long since stopped the wars that had so bloodily punctuated the early years of their existence, and now lived in peaceful, if slightly strained, harmony, each with its own territory and its own share of the trucking operations.
The indenture auctions, held about three times every year, were witness to the more stable relationships between the gangs, an opportunity for them to meet and trade on neutral territory. In addition, business would be transacted in the tents and deals done involving all aspects of their business. So the atmosphere at the site was more that of a twentieth century rock festival than anything else, with Bikers listening to music and swigging beer while workers looked after those whose indentures were to be sold.
The camp in which Lia and her companions were headed was almost in the centre of the clearing. Half a dozen tents had been erected, along with an area enclosed by a wall of canvas, in which they were to be kept. They were marched through a gap in the enclosure and halted inside. The grass was uncovered, and virtually the only furnishing consisted of a sort of sturdy fence that ran the length of the area. It was made of pine logs held together by steel bolts and concreted into the earth; a permanent fixture even when no auction was taking place.
Lia was placed at the far end of the fence, where she settled on the grass, glad of an opportunity of solitude. She lay back in the warm sun, her eyes closed, enjoying the peace. Before long she sensed a shadow falling on her and looked up to see Eva's serious face gazing down at her.
Eva was clearly unhappy with Lia's appearance, the dust and the wind of the journey having taken their toll. It was evident to Lia that Eva had been brought along to keep her looking her best for the sale, and she now set about her duties conscientiously. She fetched a large bowl of warm water and Lia was made to stand up in it while she was washed. She glowed red with embarrassment as Eva soaped her body in the presence of the others, rubbing the lather into her most private places then rinsing her down with more buckets of warm water. After that she knelt in the sunshine while Eva ran a comb through her long dark hair. Even her pubic hair was attended to, trimmed into a neat triangle and cut short to leave her sex lips more clearly visible.
No sooner had Eva finished Lia's ablutions than prospective buyers began to enter the enclosure. They came in their twos and threes at irregular intervals, some giving each one no more than a cursory glance, others lingering longer, asking questions, feeling muscles and inspecting teeth. Few of them showed much interest in Lia, though comments of the most intimate kind were made from time to time. Lia guessed it was workers they were interested in and whilst a young naked beauty might be an object of curiosity, she played no part in their business plans.
The visits went on for the rest of the day, the Bikers coming and going, with Eva fussing round her constantly, removing a fleck of grass here, replacing a stray hair there.
At last the sky began to redden and the visits became less and less. Outside the sound of revelry carried to them, with music, singing and drunken chants. A meal was brought, with Lia being served personally by Eva who sat and watched her eat, wiping her mouth afterwards and carrying off her plate. Then as it grew dark she took her leave, kissing Lia gently on the lips.
It was only after she left that Lia began to feel uneasy. The others had gathered at the far end of the compound and she realised they were whispering together and pointing in her direction. She turned away, pretending to ignore them. She wanted to sleep, but the bright security lights made it difficult. She surveyed the group covertly. They called over the man who'd been placed on guard and were talking to him in low voices, occasionally glancing at her. She strained to catch snatches of the conversation.
"...Bloody privileges, waited on hand and foot."
"...Got us into trouble in the first place..."
"...If you turn a blind eye... let you fuck her afterwards."
"...Five minutes, that's all we need..."
She turned away, frightened, and for once she would have welcomed the presence of one of the Bikers. She sat huddled against the post, wondering what would happen.
By the time she heard a movement behind her it was too late. As she turned someone grasped her arms, pinning back her elbows and a hand was placed firmly over her mouth. She struggled, lashing out with her legs and causing more than one of her attackers to curse in pain before more hands grabbed her ankles and she was subdued. Her head was pulled back, forcing her to look up, and she found herself gazing into Olga's face. The woman smiled at her without humour.
"So, where's your little lackey gone?"
Lia closed her eyes, refusing to meet Olga's.
"Proper little madam, aren't we, with a servant to fetch and carry? Look guys, she's got a hair out of place." She took hold of Lia's hair and yanked, causing tears of pain to spring to her eyes.
"And what's this, a bit of grass on her tit?" She grabbed Lia's nipple and pinched so that the girl squealed with pain through the hand that was gagging her. She took hold of Lia's hair again, dragging her face to within an inch of her own. "Why the hell should you get it so bloody easy? It's your fault we're here in the first place, Stefan and me. Now we've lost our rank and you're getting treated like a queen. Well I don't reckon you'll be worth much to anyone with half your teeth missing and your nose broken. Pull her up guys."
A chain was wrapped around Lia's throat and pulled so she could scarcely breathe. The men dragged her to her feet, holding her arms. Stefan stepped forward. He reached out and ran a hand over her cheek. "Very pretty," he said. "It won't look half as pretty with the jaw broken though. Hold her steady."
He began wrapping a length of chain round his fingers. He closed his fist, so that it formed a heavy gauntlet. Hands took hold of her head, holding it steady while he pulled back his fist. Lia closed her eyes.
Crunch! The force of the blow was tremendous, the crack of the breaking jawbone sickeningly loud. But it wasn't Lia's. She opened her eyes to see Stefan, his face covered in blood, staring stupidly at her before he slumped to the ground and lay still. A fist flashed past her head, felling one of the men that held her. The other let go at once, leaving her staggering, weak-kneed with shock. She tried to speak, but the earth seemed to be turning about her and she lost her balance, just aware of the strong hands that broke her fall as she slumped into unconsciousness.
She had no idea how long she was out, but guessed it was no more than a few minutes. She awoke to feel an arm about her, a hand stroking her hair. She opened her eyes, but at first they were blurred and she was unable to make out the face close to hers. Then slowly it came into focus.
Thorkil! It was Thorkil!
She gasped, unable to believe her eyes. It was him! Her prince! He smiled down at her.
"Looks like I came along just in time. You seem to have a habit of getting into trouble."
"They... they were going to..."
"Shh. Don't even think about it." He glanced across at the rest of them cowering at the far end of the fence. "I doubt he'll ever be able to eat properly again, and that captive in charge will wish he was dead once Vargo hears of this."
"I... thank you," she said quietly.
"It was my pleasure. I'm just glad I chose to come when I did. Your face is far too pretty to be damaged like that."
She blushed, unable to think of how to reply. "Why are you here?" she asked at last.
"The same reason as everyone else. We need some mechanics and manual workers, so I'm here to buy their indentures."
"Oh." Her heart felt heavy. He was just like all the others.
"Mind you," he continued, "I did have it in mind to do a little personal shopping as well."
"You mean...?"
"Well, a man's entitled to a few luxuries, and I've got a bit of spare cash put by."
Her eyes widened. "You mean, you want me?"
"That was the general idea. Why, don't you approve?"
"Oh yes! Yes! Oh please do. Would it be for your very own?"
"My very own. You don't think I'd want to share you, do you?"
She wanted to fling her arms round him, but ended up blushing. He laughed, clutching her about the waist and pulling her to him.
"My own little pet," he whispered. "Should I keep you naked and chained?"
"If you wish," she replied. "I'll be all yours."
"Funny little thing," he said, and kissed her on the mouth, his tongue delving between her lips as she pressed herself closer to him.
They embraced for some time, she curled in his arms, enjoying his touch on her skin. His hands felt for her breasts, kneading them gently, teasing the nipples into life. She lay back from him slightly to give him better access. He smiled.
"You are a lovely young woman," he whispered.
She wriggled under his caresses. "And tomorrow I'll be yours."
"Yes. As long as Helda doesn't get you first."
"Helda?"
"The woman who runs the Black Cat."
She started, staring at him in alarm. "What do you mean?"
"Well, she's bound to be interested. Has she sent for you yet?"
"No."
"Well she will. Helda doesn't do the rounds like the rest of us. Her requirements are rather more specialist."
She wanted to ask him what the Black Cat was, but something made her hesitate. Then he was climbing to his feet.
"You're not going?"
"I have to. I've got more things to do. I'll see you tomorrow at the auction."
"But I thought we could..." She let the sentence trail away, embarrassed by her own lasciviousness.
He crouched down and ran his hand up her thigh, fingers gently probing her sex. "There'll be lots of time," he said. "Meanwhile you get some sleep. Don't forget that Helda is bound to send for you tomorrow."
"What will she do?"
"Inspect you," he said, and with that he was gone, leaving her with her thoughts. As she curled up on the grass something warm descended and she looked up to see Eva draping a blanket over her. She managed a smile, then dropped into a deep sleep.
She awoke with a start to find Eva fussing around her, a bowl of hot gruel in her hand. She was in a state of some agitation and Lia guessed at once that the summons from the mysterious Helda had arrived. She ate the gruel and allowed herself to be washed and groomed as before. This time Eva seemed to be taking particular care, and it was some time before she was satisfied.
At last Eva fitted Lia with cuffs and led her from the enclosure. Outside five or six others were already waiting to be chained together. Like Lia they had their hands fastened behind their backs with cuffs, and had chains hanging from their collars. A worker in grey overalls took the chain from Eva.
Lia expected to be led away but was shocked to feel her legs being forced apart and the chain pulled between them. It was arranged so that it dropped straight down between her breasts and under, the worker parting her sex lips and running it between her sex lips and up the valley of her arse, attaching it to the cuffs at her wrists. Lia tested the chain. She wished it had been attached more conventionally. There was something overtly sexual about the bondage. Every time she moved her hands the metal would rub against her clitoris. She tried to shut it from her mind, turning to watch as the others were similarly bound.
Surprisingly they were all male. She had expected to see mainly women, judging by what she had heard about Helda. She wondered about the discomfort the chain would cause them, squashing their genitals, but at least they had the protection of clothing.
Once all were bound they were attached together in a train, each linked to the other by a chain from their wrists to the collar of the one behind. In front of Lia was a stocky bearded man of about thirty who craned round to look at her, his eyes feasting hungrily on her bare breasts. He winked at her, then licked his lips and blew her a kiss. She felt him press closer to her, his hands feeling for her flesh. She tried to back away, but with the lead that attached her to him and the man behind there was nowhere to go. His wrists were pinned behind him at just the level of her sex, and she felt his fingers probing her unprotected sex, already moist with the action of the chain. She tried to hold her legs closed, to shut him out, but he persisted, worming his hands between her thighs. He slid his fingers over the chain, then worked them underneath it, folding the lips of her sex apart and feeling for her love bud.
As his actions became more bold they began to spark a reaction in her, a warmth beginning to fill her belly. He began teasing her clitoris. Lia felt her defences slipping under his caresses. Unable to control herself she leaned against him, widening her stance and rubbing her breasts on his back. He tilted his head back, his mouth close to her ear.
"I'd like to fuck you right now," he whispered. "I'd like to drape you over that fallen tree there and stuff my cock into that pretty little cunt you're so fond of flashing about."
Lia moaned quietly, stimulated by his coarse talk and the motion of his fingers on her sex.
"Then," he continued, "I'd suck those lovely tits of yours, and fill you with my spunk. Would you fancy that?"
"I... I..." Lia was at a loss for words. The thought of having sex there and then, of being brutally fucked on the tree in the open air thrilled her. She closed her eyes, thrusting against his fingers.
"What the hell are you playing at?" It was the man behind her, and she realised that every motion of her hips tugged on his collar. She straightened and tried to pull away, but the man had three fingers inside her now and she was unable to release herself.
"Please," she whimpered, but he paid no attention and again she felt her control slip.
Just at that moment the order was given to move off, and the man at the front stepped forward. The rest were pulled after him, many of them stumbling. Lia too was caught unawares and staggered a few paces before regaining her balance. Despite the motion the man in front of her retained his grip on her sex, his fingers deeply embedded, forcing Lia to walk with an awkward gait, her legs forced apart.
So they were marched across the camp, a rugged crew, heads down, chains rattling, the lovely girl in the centre making a strange contrast to her shabby neighbours. And as she walked she was being stimulated, trapped on the hand that manipulated her sex, trying her best to keep her hips from gyrating too much as the waves of passion spread through her.
They continued until they came to a group of tents on the far side of the clearing. There they were ordered to halt and await orders. The man went to work on Lia with renewed vigour, rubbing her swollen clitoris, making her juices flow more freely, his fingers making a squidgy noise as they worked back and forth.
"Keep still can't you? What's the matter?" It was the man behind again, once more disturbed as the thrusting of Lia's hips became more urgent. "Is he frigging you?"
Lia's answer was a moan as he raised her to new heights of lust.
"You filthy bitch." He turned to the man behind him. "Look at this. Bloody Lomax has got his fingers in her cunt and he's giving her a good frigging."
"Where?" Necks were craning round in front and behind, all trying to see what was happening. Lia tried half-heartedly to release herself again, but she knew she was too far gone, the manipulation too masterful for her to resist.
The line began bending round as those at the front and back tried to see what was happening. All eyes were on her and the prospect of being watched spurred her on still more. She was totally absorbed, her knees bent as she thrust herself on the hand, the lewd motions of her hips blatant as she felt her climax approaching. Her head was thrown back, eyes closed, her lips emitting short gasps, her breasts spasming as she shamelessly took her pleasure.
She could restrain herself no longer. The chains, her nakedness, the hand that held her so intimately and the eyes of the other captives upon her all combined to bring her to the peak, then push her over.
With a shout of passion she flung herself against the man, her orgasm filling her and overflowing in a wanton display of lust. "Yes, oh yes!" she cried as her juices flowed and the fervour of her climax overcame her. Oblivious to the sight she presented she continued to force her open sex against his fingers, her backside pumping back and forth as she milked every ounce of sensation from his rough hand. The sinews in her neck standing out, her mouth open and gasping for air, she spent herself against him, her motions slowing as she gradually came down from the heights, leaning against the man in front, gasping for breath, completely spent. She blushed as she realised the sight she must have made in front of the others.
"Yes, very nice. Well done Lomax. It seems all we've heard about this young lady is true."
A woman had emerged from the tent by which they had been standing. For a moment Lia could only stare. She was about thirty years old, tall and slim, her long hair dyed platinum blond under a black cap. She wore a leather jacket, covered in studs and superficially like those of the male Bikers, though it was beautifully cut and hugged her torso, her magnificent breasts swelling proudly from its low collar. Her skirt was leather too, and very short above the tops of her sheer black stockings. She wore high-heeled black boots, the toes tapering to a point. In her right hand was a cruel looking horse whip, which she slapped against her thigh. But it was her eyes that captivated Lia. Bright green they seemed to flash from beneath long curling eyelashes as she smiled a cruel smile, her lips painted with purple lipstick.
Helda! This could only be Helda. Lia shrank back in fear as she realised in whose presence she was. She glanced round at her fellow captives, but far from showing fear they were laughing. She turned back to Helda, who was still smiling.
"I'm sorry, my dear. Just a little subterfuge to test your appetites. You'll be pleased to hear you came through with flying colours. I'm sure you'll be a most valuable addition to the Black Cat's staff." She turned to the man who had been escorting them. "All right, you can release them now."
Lia was flabbergasted. So the whole thing had been a set-up. No doubt Helda had been watching her all along. If only she had more control of her lusts!
The escort undid a catch on her collar, releasing Lomax. Helda ruffled his hair. "Good work. I'll see to it that you get your turn once she's ours." There was no doubting the implications of the statement.
The rest of the group was released and Lia stood alone, her head down. Helda walked around her, poking her with the whip, forcing her legs apart and lifting her breasts with it, her eyes all the time roving up and down Lia's body.
"Oh yes," she said. "Very nice. When were you last fucked?"
The question took Lia by surprise. She stared at the woman.
"Answer me!"
"Last week," Lia mumbled.
"Who by? What was his name?"
"I... I don't know his name. There were two of them."
"Two? And both of them fucked you? Where?"
"Only one. The other... I sucked the other."
"Where?"
"In the cab of their truck."
"This gets better and better. You took on two strangers in the cab of a truck. Then you let Lomax here frig you in front of everyone, then of course there's those videos in the storeroom. And don't look so surprised; there's not a lot goes on that doesn't come to my notice." She turned and shouted over her shoulder. "Fetch the table."
The flap of the tent was pulled aside and two men hurried out carrying a heavy wooden table between them. They placed it on the ground in front of Helda, then retreated.
"Lie on it."
Before she knew what was happening Lia was lifted and laid on her back, her arms trapped beneath her. Hands held her shoulders, pinning her down like some exotic biological specimen.
"Open your legs."
Lia obeyed, as wide as the chain between her ankles would allow. The shackle was undone and her legs were pulled wider apart towards the corners of the table. A second set of leg irons was produced and attached, the other ends fastened to the table legs so she was trapped, her sex open and available.
"That's better. Now, my dear, I want to see that active little cunt of yours properly. Offer it to me."
Lia's mind was a whirl. Offer it to her? What could she mean? She pushed her hips up uncertainly.
"Offer it to me, I said. As if you mean it."
Lia thrust up, pressing down with her ankles and lifting her backside clear of the table.
"That's better. Now hold it like that."
Lia remained as she was, watching Helda anxiously. The woman reversed the whip, revealing the gnarled bone handle, extending it towards Lia's sex. She held it for a moment against her lips, then pushed it inside, the rough surface sliding easily over the moist walls of her vagina. Lia gasped as she felt her juices flow round the object.
"Now grip it. Hard as you can."
Lia tensed the muscles of her sex, clamping the handle, its irregular surface stimulating her sensitive inner flesh as she enclosed it.
"That's it. Keep your legs open. Now grip tight. Go on."
Helda began pulling the whip, trying to remove it. Lia strained to keep it inserted, partly to please Helda and partly because of the delicious sensation its thick stem was arousing in her. Harder the woman pulled and harder she strained to hold it where it was, making a delightfully lewd display for the onlookers. Only her shoulders and heels resting on the table-top as she strained to win the erotic tug of war with the tall blonde.
Finally she could hold on no longer, and with a wet sound the whip handle came free, the juices from within the girl leaking out onto her open thighs.
"Very good. Very good indeed. I can see you'll be a real asset to my little organisation."
Lia said nothing, though in her heart she knew there would be another bidder for her that afternoon. She smiled inwardly as she thought how disappointed Helda would be when she saw her prize slip from her grasp.
It was to be another half hour before Lia was allowed to return to her enclosure. Helda had inspected every part of her body in the most intimate manner possible, probing and commenting on her assets to the captives who stood and watched. At last she appeared satisfied and released Lia from her confinement into the hands of Eva, who was clearly briefed to collect her.
As she stood in the enclosure while Eva gave her a final grooming before the auction, her heart was full of doubts. Supposing Thorkil failed to turn up? Or was unable to afford the price? She knew Helda was intent on procuring her and the testing inspection left her in little doubt as to the kind of duties she would be expected to carry out. Altogether it was a very anxious Lia who was led to the auction area by her silent little friend.
By the time they reached the arena the auction was in full swing. Dozens of Bikers and their privileged workers surrounded the rostrum on which the sale was taking place. One by one the forlorn lots were presented to the crowd and the bidding would begin, the climax of each sale being marked by the banging of a wooden gavel by the Biker conducting the transactions. Eva led Lia to the enclosure where she was to wait her turn.
Lia looked about anxiously. From where she was she could not see the whole crowd. She prayed Thorkil would be there waiting for her. She was struck by doubts. What had seemed a straightforward process the day before now seemed less certain amid the bustle and noise of the auction. She felt conspicuous, knowing she would be sold naked and thus attract extra attention.
One by one those ahead of her were leaving the enclosure and stepping up onto the rostrum, and Lia's turn was fast approaching. Only about a dozen remained, among them Olga, who appeared to be deep in conversation with a bearded man in grey overalls. It was Lomax. She watched as the two of them huddled together, occasionally glancing in her direction. The discussion went on for some time, then Lomax left and hurried away. Lia wondered what they could have been talking about. Certainly Lomax looked concerned when he left, and now Olga had a smug grin on her face as she stared defiantly across at Lia.
The sale continued and before long Olga was taken up to the dais. Soon Lia was the only one left, her heart beating hard as she awaited her turn. Then the sound of the gavel rang out and she was led forward.
Outside the sun shone brightly and Lia blinked as she was led up the steps. Despite the fact that the sale was nearly at an end the crowd had remained, anxious for a glimpse of her and curious to see how the bidding would go. She reached the platform and Eva led her to the box on which she was to stand while the bidding ensued. She climbed up and stood surveying the crowd, searching for her prince.
The auctioneer began his sales patter. "Here, ladies and gentlemen, you have our last item for sale today, and as you can see this one comes with no hidden extras." The crowd laughed but the remark scarcely registered with Lia, who was still searching for Thorkil.
The auctioneer came to the end of his introduction and the bidding began. At first the bids were small, a few hopefuls trying their luck, but as the stakes grew higher so they dropped out until only a few remained, and still Lia had heard nothing from Thorkil.
"Fifteen thousand." The bid came from a Biker who stood on the edge of the crowd, squinting at the girl on the rostrum. For a moment her heart leapt, but he was nothing like Thorkil.
The crowd went quiet, the auctioneer scanning the faces for a counter bid. Lia's heart stood still. She hadn't expected this at all. Where was Thorkil?
"Sixteen." A chill went down Lia's spine as she recognised Helda's voice.
"Seventeen thousand."
The bidding continued. Eighteen, nineteen, twenty, twenty-five. Still it went up. Only the Biker and Helda were in the race now, the rest of the crowd silent as they watched the duel. Lia just stood where she was, unable to believe what was happening - that she had been deserted.
The price rose; thirty thousand, forty thousand. Helda was becoming visibly agitated as the man continued to outbid her. The price reached fifty-three thousand, and Helda hesitated for the first time.
The auctioneer waited for a moment. "Fifty-three," he intoned. "Fifty-three thousand. Any advance?" Still there was no response from Helda.
Lia held her breath, waiting for the hammer to drop. "Fifty-three. Going once at fifty-three thousand. Going twice."
"Fifty-four," said Helda, in a voice just loud enough for the auctioneer to hear.
Lia turned expectantly towards the Biker. Even he would be better than Helda. But she recognised the look of defeat in his eyes as he turned away.
"Going once for fifty-four thousand." The auctioneer paused. "Going twice... gone!" He brought down the gavel with a bang that resounded around Lia's head. Her shoulders slumped. She belonged to Helda!