Arine's Sanctuary by KateMarie Collins Page A

to get things ready for after you leave. There’s an expectation of hosting during a celebration of this magnitude that I can’t hide from.” She walked briskly over to a tall gate to the right of the house. Unlocking it, she spoke quietly, “Stay close while we’re in the market. You can look around, but I can’t guarantee your safety if you wander too far. This is one of the better ones, but it can be rough some days.”
                  Logan glanced over at Cavon, puzzled. “Rough?”
                  Sabine turned to face them as she pulled the gate open. “Let’s just say that the women around here appreciate boys and aren’t shy about expressing it.” She walked through the portal, not bothering to look back to make sure they followed.
                  Unlike when they’d arrived the day before, the market was in full swing. Dozens of stalls crowded next to each other, doing their best to tempt customers to come buy their wares. Vibrant bolts of cloth were displayed alongside exotic fruits that Logan couldn’t put a name to.
                  “Hey, it’s a chandler. You should go talk shop.” Cavon pointed to a stall not far down the row. Freshly poured candles hung from lines of hemp. The woman in the stall, clearly the shop owner, was watching a small boy intently as he carefully placed tapers for sale.
                  “Something tells me she wouldn’t want to talk to me unless I was buying.” Logan turned, taking in the market as a whole.
                  “If I had something that nice, I’d never let you out in public.” A female voice called out, followed by a long whistle.
                  Logan whipped his head around, trying to pinpoint the speaker. She leaned against a wall, leering at him.
                  “I can give you whatever your momma won’t, sweetie.” She winked at him.
                  Someone tugged at his arm. Cavon whispered, “Ignore them, Logan. They’re only trying to get you to react.” He pulled him forward.
                  “Aww, baby. Don’t be leaving so soon! Smile and decorate the world a bit longer.” The woman called out again.
                  Another woman stopped in front of them. “Running away already? What’s wrong, little boys? Too good for the likes of us?” She stood with her hands on her hips. Thrusting her chin forward , she sneered, “Ain’t no one around here that’s gonna do anything you don’t want. We just gotta warm you up to the idea.”
                  A black arm, decorated with gold bangles, dropped between Logan and the woman in front of him. Martine’s voice, still full of disdain, was low. “Back off, Dawn. These two are mine already. I’m talking with Sabine. So, unless you want to come to terms with me…”
                  Dawn backed away, her hands raised. “Didn’t mean no harm, Martine. Woman sees something fine come down the road, she has to express her appreciation.” The woman made an obvious show of looking the boys over from head to toe. Logan repressed a shiver as she leered at him.
                  “Martine, I told you. They’re with me. Not for sale.” Sabine appeared out of nowhere, shoving packages at Logan and Cavon.
                  Hurriedly, Logan reached out to grab the items before they fell to the ground. His hands shook, his stomach churned. Fear threatened to take hold.
                  “I know that, Sabine. I’m thinking of leaving earlier than planned. Maybe even sailing tonight. Are you sure I can’t get you to give me a good price on these two? The Far Lands are always looking for healthy boys.”
                  “No, Martine. They’re not mine to sell. Maybe you should look at the market by the East Gate. I hear they’re letting just about anyone in for the