Chapter 214 - Goblin Auction (2/2)
Although greatly tempted, Rowan didn't know whether to take up Grok Gringotts on his offer. She didn't have to as Grok turned to one of his aides and said, ”Wrap it up for Miss Prince to take home.”
”You don't have to really,” Rowan weakly said as she watched the attendant take it away.
”I have a much better piece to put it in its place,” Grok dismissively said as he gestured to her to have a seat.
Rowan rather stunned took her seat unable to believe she'd suddenly become the owner of an original, Van Goh. But more importantly of one of her favorite pieces, the Starry Sky or in this case, the original, Starry Sky with Witches. Clearing her throat, Rowan says in Gobbledegook, ”Thank you for the gift, clan head. And how do you fare on this day? I hope that gold will soon be pouring into your vaults.”
Grok flashes her a pleased pointed toothed smile as he replies in English, ”I am well, child, your accent has much improved.”
Rowan makes a wry face and says, ”I should certainly hope so.”
”Now, then I have come with a proposal,” Grok said causing Rowan to warily glance over at him.
”I have prepared a private box for yourself to participate in the auction,” Grok paused as he pointed to an attendant who stepped forth with an enchanted glass ball. ”Or you may view the auction from this safety of these chambers. Your choice.”
”May I see the auction catalog,” Rowan coolly said back causing Grok to flash her another pleased smile. Almost rolling her eyes, she withholds from doing so given the identity of who was before her.
An attendant scurried forward with a thin catalog with moving pictures of the items inside. Rowan flips through the catalog and spots a few items of interest several times, but nothing that would make her participate in the auction. After a few minutes, she closes the catalog and says, ”There is nothing that is of real interest to me.”
Grok flashes her another sharp-toothed smile as he says, ”You would be amazed by how many greedy wizards fall into that trap.” Rowan's lips turn into a thin line at the response as the attendant takes the catalog from before her.
”We've prepared beverage and drinks,” Grok said as he stood up, while several attendants rushed in with platters of food and drink. ”For you to watch from the comfort and privacy of this room. There will be guards to be posted at all times outside of these doors. And have been instructed to wait outside of the door at all times nor to allow no passage into the chamber, no matter who it was until the auction is over. And should you need usage of the facilities the door at the other side of the room holds one.”
”Your manners are impeccable, Grok Gringotts,” Rowan flattered him. Grok Gringotts merely flashes her a grin as if to say, ”But of course I am.” Turning away, he departs from the room leaving Rowan alone and waiting for the auction to start.