Stolen from the Harem (Tales of the Thasali Harem Book 2) by Astor Jade

Author:Astor, Jade [Astor, Jade]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Tulabella Ruby Press
Published: 2015-05-25T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 6

“There it is,” Zav said, pointing past the plodding xoxobeasts that pulled the wagon. “Daphek, City of Entertainments.”

The two had been riding at the front of the wagon for most of the day, having pulled out of the forest that morning, as soon as Zav’s brothers had bothered to rouse themselves and dress. Their wagon followed Zav’s at a small distance, since he and Charis had both started a bit earlier and made better progress.

As they rolled through the massive city gates, which were flung open to allow travelers from all directions to enter, Charis stared around him with great interest. This city was much different than the one he had left. Fashions were different here—more utilitarian and less colorful, for one thing—and the crowds seemed smaller but more diverse. A few uniformed soldiers strolled about to keep order, but their pace was less crisp and there were nowhere near as many troops as Charis was used to seeing about the palace and harem. Perhaps no royals lived here, and therefore the atmosphere remained more relaxed.

In the center of the city, directly ahead of them, stood an amazing domed building that shimmered white and silver in the afternoon sunlight.

“That’s the bazaar,” Zav said. “We’ll be selling there, indoors. My brothers and I never miss a chance to set up our wares for a few days when we pass this way. People come from all over to buy goods here. The crowds are eager for fabrics of all sorts, and best of all, they’re prepared to pay for quality.”

“People sell things inside the dome?” Charis could hardly believe it. His experiences with marketplaces were admittedly limited, but every one he had attended had been located out in the open air. That made sense, given the variety of smells—some decidedly unpleasant—that rose into the warm air as so many people, animals, and items for sale congregated in one area. “But doesn’t it get too hot—and hard to breathe?”

“The dome is ventilated, and it lets the sun in but keeps rain out too. You’ll be surprised how comfortable it is.” He winced. “Keep your guard up, though. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that the dome attracts the same number of thieves as any outdoor market.”

“Thieves are everywhere,” Charis acknowledged. After all, who knew that better than he? He had been stolen at the outdoor market place himself.

Presently Zav’s brothers drew up alongside them in the other wagon. Zav and Rohin leaned across the open space and consulted with one another for a few moments. Charis wasn’t listening, as he was too busy gazing at the city. Then the two wagons moved on, with Zav’s leading the way. To Charis’ amazement, Zav steered them right into a side entrance of the domed building. There they detached the wagons in a sort of camping area where many similar vehicles also stood. A few men whose attire suggested that they were also merchants greeted Zav and his brothers by name. They examined Charis with blatant curiosity.

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