Tori's Misfits

Chapter 13

Madam Kim’s Pov

I watch Mister Toben as he leaves the warrior barracks and walks slowly towards the main buildings. I can tell that he isn’t in the right frame of mind, this pleases me greatly. I enjoy mind games and drawing out the expectations of dread my subjects feel. I pick up my phone and send a text, letting my guest know to head to the basement when they arrive.

I walk out of my office and see the child from the other evening, “You come here.” The child’s head snapped up and his bottom lip started trembling, as he looked up at me, with terror in his eyes. “Well, are you going to make me wait, child?”

“Nn…no, Ma’am,” he forces out, slowly walking toward me. When he comes to a stop in front of me, I see he is visibly shaking, and I smile down at him.

“Now, I want you to listen carefully and relay this message to Carer Faith. She is to take all children to the berry patch for the next two hours, filled baskets shall be placed on the East side of the field,” I inform him.

“Yy..es. Madam Kim.” he replies.

“Oh, and if the message is relayed incorrectly, you will be in the punishment room for the rest of the week. Now go and be quick about it. I am busy.”

I watch as he hurries to the stairwell, assured he will carry out my orders, I turn and briskly walk into the kitchen. The head cook is standing over Jayla as she pulls the next day’s bread from the oven. Seeing me enter the cook, slightly bows her head in acknowledgment, while straightening her slouched position to one of attention.

“Jayla, you are to report to the basement in thirty minutes.” I say walking to the basement door not pausing to give her a chance to respond.

Arriving at the bottom of the steps, I turn and enter the second room. I am pleased to see that my guests are waiting. As I approach, they stand and greet me, waiting for me to take my seat at the head of the table, before returning to their seats.

“Hello, my friends, I trust your journey here was uneventful?” I greet them. Each nods their heads, waiting for me to continue.

“I assume you have all introduced yourselves while waiting, but let's begin with telling your name and who if anyone you represent, before the guest of honor arrives.” I start looking at the gentleman to my right.

Clearing his throat loudly, He begins “My name is Connor, and I am representing the Valmar Group out of Canada.”

“My name is Stephanie, and I am here on my own behalf,” the only woman announces glaring at Connor.

“Well, that leaves only me,” states an older man dressed in a three piece suit. “My name is Harris and I represent the highest bidder.”

I nod and write each name in the ledger, reading through my notes on each before beginning.

“I expect all to be civil during the bidding process and follow the guidelines. Once we start the auction, no one is to talk until the end. You will be provided with a paper with a number and description of each lot. In the space beside the number, you will write the amount you bid. We have several lots and need to get through them quickly,” I pause, “any questions?”

“Is there a starting amount for each lot?” Harris asks, glancing at the notes in front of him.

“The starting bid will be listed on each lot, we will not accept anything less.”

“The Valmar’s would like to know what the rush is, some of the lots contain sensitive cargo that takes planning to transport, your people stated we would have only four days to collect and remove all purchases.”

“This is correct and let me apologize in advance but circumstances will not allow for more time. This will be the final sale from this location” I state with a frown.

Hearing a knock at the door, I stand and inform the room, “our guest of honor has arrived. Excuse me for a moment, I will get them settled and then we can continue.”

I close the door as I exit the room, wanting to keep the occupants secret for now. I see that both Mister Toben and Jayla are waiting for attention. I motion for them to follow me and open the door next to the one I exited.

My workers have done a good job preparing the punishment room. Three metal rings are attached to the wall across from the door, in the center is a wooden platform with a vertical post, attached to the top of the post is another large metal ring, and against another wall is a metal table holding silver chains in a variety of lengths, cuffs, and my tools. The wall adjoining the next room is a large window covered with curtains. Standing to the side of the platform are two of my most loyal warriors, waiting for my commands.

“We have little time and must hurry so get her prepared and contain Mister Toben for sentencing after. The auction will begin in twenty minutes.”

The warriors nod to me, one takes a set of chains and cuffs from the table and the other approaches Mister Toben. He looks at the chains and then allows the warriors to take him to the far wall, where they chain him to one of the metal rings. As I pull the door shut behind me, I can hear Jayla pleading with the warriors.

Returning to the meeting room, I pause and listen to others. They are discussing the news that this is the last sale at this location and wondering what that means for the operation. They grow silent as I enter and settle in my seat.

“Now are there any more questions, before we begin the sale? “I ask, glancing at each person.

“I would like to know what the circumstances are that you mentioned earlier,” Stephanie states.

“I am sorry, but I am not authorized to release that information at this time. If you have a problem with the terms you may leave.”

“No, I have no problems fulfilling the terms, just want to make sure there are no issues from your side” she says hastily.

I stare at her but before I can respond the adjoining door opens, and one of my warriors enters. Nodding at me he stands at attention waiting for my signal.

“If the questions are done, I believe we are ready to begin,” I state.

I pick up the information sheet and begin, “For lot one we have a young female slave. She is twenty-five years old in good health with a basic education. While her loyalty has never been questioned, she has a history of making poor decisions and not completing duties satisfactorily. It is suggested that a firm hand be applied to curve the defiance and finish her training,” my warrior begins opening the curtain as I finish describing the lot.

Jayla comes into view, dressed in a white cotton nightdress with her long wavy black hair flowing freely down her back. She is struggling to pull her wrist free from the silver cuffs and chains holding her to the post.