2 Chapter 2 The Slave Marke (2/2)

The stall he was referring to stretched for the entire length of the block. Slaves were cooking and serving the food to the people who sat at the bar that ran the length.

They waited for a man to get up, before sitting in front of a young man who smiled big when he saw his dad.

”Master William! It's so good to see you again!”

”How are you doing, Sean? Are they still treating you well?”

”I love it here! Thank you so much for finding me this place!”

”I'm very glad you're still happy, do you remember my favorite dish?”

”Of course! I'll whip it up right away. Do you want two helpings?” He motioned at Joseph, and his dad nodded.

Sean turned and began cooking with gusto.

”Sean used to be one of my slaves. I noticed his love of cooking when he was very young, and helped him cultivate it. The person who owns him now, lets him cook to his hearts content. Everyone was happy with the arrangement I believe.”

Sean laughed and finally placed two plates in front of them. The smell that wafted up to his nose had Joseph drooling. This smelled better than anything he had ever had. As he started eating, it wasn't long before he had eaten it all. He just stared at his bowl, confused as to how he could have eaten it all.

His father laughed and paid Sean, then they were off again, allowing the next people to take their seats.

”I have to check on a client of mine, but the area isn't as nice as where we've been so far. Are you up to going with me?” There was a twinkle in his eye. He was testing him to see if he was serious about wanting to explore the world.

Joseph nodded. There was no way he wasn't going to go with his dad wherever he went. He wanted to see everything.

His father headed off with him trailing after. The clean halls turned progressively dirtier as they walked. Soon they were walking through a section that was obviously slum territory. Everyone was dirty. There was trash littered everywhere. The slaves here were dirty, and they carried wounds and scars. Their clothes were torn or worn thin. His mother had told him about places like this. They were to be avoided at all costs, because thieves and murderers lived here. The people who lived in places like this were to be pitied and avoided.

Joseph drew closer to his dad, as they approached a bordello. There was no way his father was taking him to a place like that, could he?

<script>