Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ To Freedom ❯ Chapter 11 ( Chapter 11 )

I looked around the auction house with mild interest. There wasn't much here I hadn't seen before - most of the other things in this room were the other possessions Master Tyril hadn't been able to sell off before he had gone broke and fled. After a few days I had finally overheard the manager mention what had happened; his wife had left, and taken most of the household money with her (I still had the bruises from that, though I'm sure Tyril was more upset at losing the money than her) so when the debt collectors came, he fled. Not that I could blame him for that one; he'd be reduced to a servant or even a slave himself if he couldn't pay his taxes. Personally, I hoped they caught him and he got to feel even a little of the humiliation and pain I had gone through. Human slaves were treated better than non-human (they had certain rights; like they couldn't be killed without reason) but they were still property, and I couldn't help the grin at the thought of Tyril being whipped.

I shifted my wings irritably; I was annoyed that they had trussed me up the way they had; the single chain and collar had held me the last decade; they weren't going anywhere anytime soon. There was still a cage, and more importantly, an entire city between myself and freedom. What was more disappointing that nothing here was going for a high price; even though I couldn't see the sign in front of me, I knew that I wasn't going to be going for much more, which honestly scared me quite a bit. The day dragged on, with occasionally someone coming over to look me over, and even fewer dropping a bid in the box in front of me. I had counted half a dozen in total. With this sort of attention I knew whoever I went home with wouldn't be pleasant. The couple times I had been able to sleep I had woken up from nightmares. And I had yet to figure out what happened to `pets' after they outlived their usefulness.

I ended up stuck in that stifling cage barely able to twitch for three days. At one point I guess one of the workers realized that I was a living creature and came over with a bowl of water, which I finished off quickly. They didn't waste their money feeding me however; which was fine with me as there was nowhere in the cage for me to use as a toilet anyway. At the end of the third day, I saw labourers come in and start moving everything out, off to their new homes. Eventually, someone came over to my cage, and let me out, clipping a leash to my collar. I didn't bother to resist, and I was led outside to another coach, this one slightly nicer than the one I had come to the auction house in, but not even close to being as fancy as Tyril's. I climbed in and immediately curled on the floor as I had been taught. The ride wasn't long, and that confirmed my fears that I had been purchased by some middle class citizen trying to look impressive with a nonhuman pet.

The sight that greeted me, however, was even worse - the building we were parked in front of was a brothel. I had never visited one, or particularly wanted to visit one; but that didn't mean I didn't know what they looked like. For the first time since I had been a teenager in Maeslin's household, I seriously contemplated running. I had retained most of my youthful appearance, but I was still no longer young, and it showed. There was also the scarring to consider. I would only have a few years use in a brothel, and then I'd be done. At least in a household I was a symbol of status; in a brothel they had no use for people who didn't bring in money, and I didn't have the skills to do anything other than service clients. If I was human, there was a chance they'd free me and assign me as a bodyguard or bouncer, but I wasn't trustworthy enough for that just due to what I was. If I was even capable of crying anymore, I might have. I was tugged forward, and with the leash shortened, I had no choice but to get up onto my feet to follow.

It had been so long since I stood normally that I fell forward and nearly pulled my caretaker down with me. He impatiently pulled me back up, and I unsteadily made my way forward. My lower legs were pathetically weak, and the muscles were burning even standing still. Even in the few feet to the door I stumbled and fell several times, earning me several glares and smacks from the man leading me.

The man who had collected me was speaking to someone, but I wasn't paying attention, too lost in my own dismal thoughts. I would run; I knew I had no chance of getting away, but at least a runaway slave with no worth would probably just be killed outright. It was a better fate than anything else I could imagine. I had been hoping for death for years; it appeared I wouldn't have to wait too much longer. I just had to wait until they weren't watching me - at least here I'd be one among many, and I had a better chance of note being missed until I was free or dead. My leash was tugged again, and I realized the person was talking to me. It wasn't something that happened often, so it took me a second to realize it. The man who had picked me up from the auction had disappeared and now there was a woman holding my leash. She gave it a tug and I followed her unsteadily into the building.

We had gone in a small room on the side of the building, clearly not the main door where the customers would enter. There was a small hallway with a couple obviously armed guards, and then we entered another, larger, room.

“This is the common room. You are allowed in here when you're not working. There is a washroom and a dining room connected to it. You of course have use of all of those whenever you need them as well. The washroom especially; it's expected that you clean yourself up after each client.”

I was in shock. I could come here whenever I wanted? I was always trapped in my cage, or Master's room, and unless with the Master or one of my caretakers, not allowed to leave those places. Looking around, it actually looked - decent. There were a few worn couches, where I saw people lounging around in random states of undress, some chatting, some eating, and some even reading. I didn't know if I even remembered how to read. We went through into another hallway, this one obviously not meant for the clients to go through. It was all wood panelling, boring but functional. The woman came to a stop before one door with the number `27' carved in it.

“This will be your room. I trust you can find your way back to the common areas? Remember; stay in there or in this hallway. We discourage slaves visiting each other in their rooms, but it's not strictly against the rules. It is against the rules to leave this area though; trust me when I say you won't like the punishment you'll get if you break this rule. Other than that, the only rule is to obey the customers to the best of your ability. You'll be given today to settle in, and tomorrow you'll get your first clients. Each day you'll get your schedule for the evening, along with the man or woman's likes and dislikes. If you see something you can't do, or feel uncomfortable doing, tell someone right away. We'd rather rearrange schedules than have a customer unhappy with the level of service they receive. You weren't listed with a name, so we'll be listing you as Drake unless you want to go by your own name. In addition to servicing the clients, you are expected to keep both yourself and your room clean. Do you understand?”

I nodded, amazed at what I was hearing. This actually didn't seem like too bad a place to live out the last years of my life. I rethought my idea of running away; I trusted the woman when she said the punishment for running would be severe; if my attempt failed and I was caught, I wanted to be killed, not punished. So for now, I would stay here and run when my time here was up. If I was going to get regular meals (which it sounded like) I'd have a better chance anyway, once I was strong enough again.

“Well, answer me. Do you understand?” I nodded again, more obviously this time, thinking she hadn't seen me. In response, she grabbed my chin and stared at me for a minute. Pursing her lips, she unclipped the leash from my collar. I immediately dropped back down to my proper position.

She sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose; clearly annoyed. “You were a pet, weren't you?” I nodded; hesitantly this time. I had been here not even five minutes and I had already pissed off my new owner. Fucking wonderful - and I didn't even know what I had done. She dragged me back up and looked me in the eyes. I diverted my gaze, but she grabbed my chin again, forcing me to look down at her. I hadn't looked down at anyone since - hell, I couldn't even remember. “You are not a pet anymore. You're expected to walk like a normal person, and talk like one as well. You'll be suspended from working until you've gotten used to this again. I expect you to spend the time you're awake in the common room getting used to regular interactions. For now, though, I think some clothes, some food, and definitely a bath. After that, get some sleep and I'll send someone for you in the morning.” I nodded, shocked at what I was hearing. It had been so long since someone talked to me like I was a thinking person that I couldn't think of anything to say. She gave me a small nod, and pushed open the door. I took a few steps inside and stopped in surprise.

When she had said room, I expected what I had lived in when I was captured; a stone cell with possibly a cot in it if I was lucky. This was actually a room; nearly as big as my second Master's. There was a huge bed, covered with pillows and looking amazingly comfortable, and at that moment there was nothing I wanted more than to curl up and sleep in comfort without having to worry about being randomly woken up and raped. But my curiosity got the better of me and I continued to investigate. There was a large dresser, with a washing basin on top of it. It was empty, and I realized, given the fact that there was a communal bathing room, that this was for customers to wash up in before they left. There were two other doors, and I went through the one to my left first. This led into a huge walk in closet that was surprisingly filled. I spent a few minutes looking through what was there. Most things were very risqué, quite a few were kinky, and there was no more than a handful that were appropriate for lounging in. I chose a pair of soft leather pants, spending a few minutes to appreciate the soft fabric. There were a few times I had dressed up for my previous masters, although I hadn't stayed dressed for long, and I had always enjoyed the softness and flexibility of real leather. I slipped them on, and walked around, appreciating being covered up of my own choice. The pants even had space for my tail, so they had either been bought with me in mind, or at least another nonhuman that had a tail. Eventually I checked out the other door, and was greeted with an elegantly decorated hallway. It was done in various shades of purple and silver, with candle holders spaced frequently down the walls. I heard a door opening someone in the hallway, and with a jolt, I shut and bolted the door. That was obviously the hallway the `clients' would be coming from.

I stood there for a minute, still trying to take it in. This was something I could get used to, easily. The bed was still calling me, but I figured I would go get food first. I grinned to myself. This was my first decision in well over a decade, and it was a wonderful feeling. I went to the door, and with a deep breath, opened it up. No one appeared to shove me back in, so I tentatively took a few steps down the hallway. The door shut behind me and I unconsciously flinched. I grabbed the handle again, and it opened up without a problem. Grinning again, I went back down the hallway in the direction of the common room. I got to the door and stopped. A few people looked up at me, and I had to restrain myself from dropping down to my knees. I felt exposed, and like one of my masters or caretakers was about to jump out and start beating me for daring to walk like a human. I walked quickly across the room, keeping my eyes down to avoid eye contact with anyone. I got to the dining room, and saw there were only a few others in here, which made me feel a little more relaxed. One of the others in the room saw me standing in the doorway and smiled at me.

“Hey, you must be new! “ The man stood, and walked towards me. I tried to keep from cringing away, but he obviously noticed if the slight frown was any indication. “Everyone calls me Griff, what's your name? Here, I guess you came in here to get food? I'll show you how it works.”

I stared at him a minute. My name? It had been so long since I had even thought of it. In the end, I just used the name the woman had `given' me; it seemed the safest thing to do. “Drake.” It came out as a hoarse whisper, and it took a few tries to get it out. I felt ridiculous calling myself that, since it had to be obvious it wasn't my real name. But from the way he had said it, I doubted `Griff' was his real name either, so I didn't feel too bad about not giving my real name. Just that one word sent me into a coughing fit, and Griff disappeared just to come back with a glass of water. I took it gratefully, and the coughing subsided. There was a strange look in his eyes. It took me a minute to realize it was sympathy.

“Ex-pet too huh? Don't worry about it, a lot of us are. We'll help you out. The Mistress is actually a pretty decent owner - you would have met her already? She's strict yea, but at least she treats us like people, even if it's people she owns.”

I nodded, not wanting to try talking again quite so soon. He walked towards the other side of the room, and after he had turned around and waved me after, I followed. There were several tables along the wall, and a few cupboards.

“When there's hot food, it'll be on these tables. That's just at dinner though; we get whatever they're making the guests, and it's just leftovers, but it's still damn good. I'm sure you know how rich folk are - they always have far more than they need, but at least it means we get plenty too. You'll want to try and get in here between clients to grab a bit. Most of our food is in the cupboards. Bottom left is all fruit, and such, whatever happens to be in season of course. She wants to keep us healthy, but she's not going to spoil us.” He winked, although I wasn't sure what the joke was. I occasionally had gotten a piece of fruit when I ate with my master; the thought of any of it being available to me whenever I wanted seemed like a gift. “Breads and rolls are above that, dried meats in the top cabinet, and the cabinet to the right is chilled and the fresh meats and cheeses are kept in there.” I was surprised at the variety, and decided to just go for a roll with a bit of cheese and a piece of fruit. I saw apples, and immediately went for one of those. Griff grabbed another roll out and ripped off a piece while I was deciding. After grabbing my stash, he closed up the cabinets and I trailed him back to the table.

It turned out Griff was a talker; he `filled me in' on everyone else who worked here - it turned out that the place was called the Dancing Dryad, and it was well known for its exotic non-humans. Griff proudly stated he was a Were-Gryfon, and that he had actually had clients who wanted to be with him in his full Gryfon form. I only raised an eyebrow at that; I couldn't imagine that would be comfortable no matter how it worked. He just laughed and said the wealthier someone was the kinkier they got. Unfortunately, I knew for a fact that was true. I didn't particularly think it was funny - but since Griff would be bigger than any of his clients like that, it couldn't have been too bad for him.

I finished off my small meal, wondering if it was okay to take more. I guess Griff noticed my eyes wandering to the cupboards, because he just winked at me and wandered back over. “Take as much as you want - no one here will stop you. You just need to make sure you don't get all fat and gross, but that hasn't really been a problem for any of us.” I nodded and took a second helping. I still wasn't going to eat too much; my body just wasn't used to it.

“Hey, you think you'll be okay by yourself? I've gotta go get ready now. You'll probably have these rooms to yourself if you want to stay in here. Oh, um, most of the people are okay, but there's a few of the fairy chicks that think they're so much better than the rest of us that you should probably stay away from.”

I started to nod again, but I knew I needed to start talking again. “I'll be fine.” I forced a small smile, that Griff returned, and then he was gone. I finished the rest of the food, and decided to grab another apple in case I got hungry later. I know I had been told we could come in here at any time and take what we wanted, but I was conditioned to taking food when I could get it.

I made my way back to my room, surprised that even though I knew what had to be going on inside the other rooms, I couldn't hear anything. I got back to the safety of my own personal space, and stripping out of the pants, crawled into the huge bed. It was as comfortable as it looked, and I rolled around a bit, luxuriating in the feel. I knew that eventually I would have to start having people fuck me in this bed, but for now it was a safe place to sleep. I had seen the bolts on both doors, and gratefully thrown them. The one on the `public' door had a chain, but the one on the back door had a lock that looked like it could be done from both sides. I had no doubt the Mistress could get in here if she wanted, and it was probably also there to lock me in, if necessary, but it at least gave me the illusion of safety and privacy, and after so long deprived of both, I would take what I could get.

The next few days passed with me either curled up in bed or curled up in the common room reading. No one had mentioned being able to take the books out of that room, so I wasn't going to risk it. I found out I was one of the few there that could read - most of the others having been taken when they were much younger. Griff, I found out, knew how to read a bit, but was grateful when I offered to teach him more. Mistress, apparently noticing the Were's friendliness with me, had assigned him to `recondition' me on how to act normally once more. He spoke much more than I did, but he still had me talking, and as the days went on I managed to get through conversations without coughing.

I found out he had come from Catonia as well, but a lot closer to the capital. His family hadn't had a problem escaping though, as they just took to their falcon forms and took off. They couldn't bring anything with them that way, but then again, we had taken some of our things and they had just ended up at the bottom of the ocean anyway. I wanted to ask him what happened that he got caught, but I was afraid of sounding rude. It had been so long since I had been able to talk to someone, much less someone my equal, that I found myself stumbling through conversations.

Walking was harder; once I had gotten over my insomnia and forced myself to sleep in the wonderfully soft (and more importantly, safe) bed, I still found myself wanting to drop down onto my knees each morning. However, I had no way of getting out of the room, or getting food while kneeling, and Griff wouldn't let me once I was out of the room regardless. Thankfully I didn't have to do much walking, since my muscles were still weak; and only time and exercise would change that.

Finally, however, my `holiday' was up, and I heard a knock on my door shortly after noon. There was a small boy outside, who I later learned was the Mistress' nephew, and she had him run errands around the place. I noticed with surprise and relief I only had one `client' that night, and his request was simply that I was submissive and needy. I could do that - it was what my second master had preferred, so I wasn't worried at all. I headed to the common room, deciding I would eat and then bathe; if I could find Griff I would ask him about clothing. He wasn't in the dining room, but I found him in the baths half asleep in the hot water. A lid fluttered open when I came over, and he gave me a lazy smile.

“First day nerves?”

I shrugged; it's not like I was a virgin or inexperienced, but this would be my first time with someone who was a paying customer. It was different; not consensual by any means since I still didn't have a choice, but at the same time not quite forced either. Griff patted the seat next to him and I sank down gratefully after shedding my clothes. He had joked good naturedly at my need to be fully dressed all the time, but knew why I preferred it. He asked who I had gotten, and he nodded.

“Ah, Yajyo needs to be in control, but he's not violent or cruel. Just act like he's the greatest thing you've ever seen, etcetera and so forth, and beg him to fuck you and he'll go away happy. If your throat starts hurting if it's too much talking, just act like he's doing such a good job you can't speak.”

I nodded; it really didn't seem too bad for my first night. I knew they wouldn't all be that easy, but I had an idea that Mistress wanted to make sure I didn't screw anything up. Yet another example of how she combined kindness to us and good business sense. I had quickly realized that was her goal with everything that happened in the brothel; which was only smart being as women were seen as inferior creatures as well. Still superior to nonhumans, but not close to men either.

Out of politeness I asked about Griff's clients for the night, and he grimaced. “Phagion - he loves to tie me up when I'm in my half form. It's not painful, just uncomfortable. But at least he's really good in bed, which makes up for the discomfort.”

I blinked a few times at the Were's last statement, but quickly shrugged it off. I wondered if Yajyo was, and what that even meant for me. It had been a while since I had been taken last; even before my last Master had lost everything he hadn't been home because he was trying to salvage his businesses, so he had no time to spare on his pet. I had gotten used to having Tyril take me without bleeding, but after a long stint without it, I knew it would be more painful than usual. I enjoyed the water a bit more, before remembering I still needed Griff to help me pick out an outfit. Sighing regretfully, I realized that I could come back after the customer left to soothe any injuries I might have. That was something to look forward to at least.

Griff gladly agreed to help, and picked a slinky pair of blue harem pants that accentuated my scales and wings. He dusted makeup over my face, and pronounced me good enough. I wasn't quite `pretty' anymore, but with a bit of a touch up I could probably be taken for a teenager at least. All of the piercings I had received from my first Master were still in place, so that added to my `exotic' look as well.

Finally the other man was off to get himself ready, and all I had to do was wait for my `customer'. I wanted to make sure the customers stayed happy with me, so the Mistress was happy with me. I didn't want any attention - especially negative attention - on me, so that I could look for ways to get escape. The time went fast, since I was so nervous, and just on time I heard a sharp knock on the door. Forcing my nerves down, I walked to the door, took a breath, and opened it for my very first customer.

Yajyo was a tall, skinny man, not ugly by any means, but not what anyone would ever call attractive either. But for all his physical appearance was weak, he had a forceful presence. I bowed, and greeted him with a murmured, “Milord” as I had been told to do. He walked into the room and took his outer coat off, with the familiarity of someone who visited frequently. Once more comfortable, he turned to look me over. He grinned, and I was surprised to note it wasn't malicious in the least, although there was still lust in his gaze. “So, you are the newest addition to the Dryad. I hear I am your first customer?”

I nodded, “Yes, milord.”

He nodded. “But not a virgin with men, correct? I meant to ask that before I made my appointment.”

The extended conversation shocked me, but as he was paying, and pretty room or not, I was still a slave, I went along with it. “No, milord. I am sorry if that upsets you.”

He actually laughed at this. “No, no, not at all. I don't want to deal with virgin nerves, actually. Lots of men prefer `deflowering' virgins. Me, if I'm paying for a professional, I want a professional. So, now, let's see what we've got here.”

Obligingly, I slipped the pants off my hips, letting them pool by my feet. His hands trailed over my body, following the lines where scales met skin for the most part. I remembered what Griff and the note had said about him, and forced my body to react and a moan to escape. He seemed pleased by this, and soon his other hand joined in, stroking me all over. I gave it some thought, and figured I would go with my gut from his reactions. “Please milord, may I touch you as well?”

It seemed the right thing to say, as he chuckled and pulled my hands up to his chest. I really had no desire to touch him, and it felt weird to be such an active participant, but it was something I would have to get used to. It didn't take long for him to get impatient and get undressed. I stepped out of the discarded harem pants, and he slowly eased me backwards to the bed. He leaned over me, hands still busy. I continued my low litany of moans and compliments, and I could tell by his heavy erection that I was affecting him. Which is why I was surprised when he suddenly stopped. I glanced at him, but he was reaching into the bedside cabinet for something. I couldn't tell from the angle I was at what he was getting, but I couldn't help feeling nervous. Griff hadn't said anything about Yajyo liking toys or bondage, but I figured there wasn't anything he could pull out that I hadn't dealt with before. I regretted not looking through the drawers before this, but it was too late to do anything about that now. However, I'd definitely be looking through everything as soon as I had a chance after this. It was only a few seconds before he was back, reaching between my legs. I parted them obligingly, and he stroked up my inner thighs. I was unused to all the soft touches, and I couldn't help relaxing a bit, which is probably why he was doing it in the first place. But then I felt his fingers at my entrance, and I had to force my body to relax for the intrusion. They were slick with something, and they slid in with little resistance. He took several minutes before sliding a third slicked finger in; and the feeling of them inside me was actually only uncomfortable and full, rather than painful. I had continued to moan, but I figured this was the time I should start begging.

I had never had to talk dirty, due to not being allowed to talk, but I had heard it, and I suppose I did a decent job begging him to fill me, and his grin got downright predatory as he removed his fingers from my body. I forced myself to breath as I had learned from experience it helped, glad for the preparation, but I knew it was still going to hurt. I breathed out, bearing down to accept him into me. It still burned, and I could feel myself stretching, but whatever that was that he had used on me did an amazing job and it was probably the least painful intrusion I had ever experienced. A few moments passed, and I realized he was looking at me expectantly. I gathered he was waiting for me to ask him to fuck me, and I didn't disappoint him. I moaned and writhed underneath him, used to the position, but unused to the actions or the words. This time however, I interspersed my moans with cries of “more” and “harder” which he, unfortunately, listened to. He was thrusting with more strength than I thought his frail looking body had in it, but he still managed to keep it from being painful. I figured this was what Griff had meant when he said `good in bed'. If all of my clients could manage to fuck me like this, without hurting me that would make me one happy Darcan.

He had stamina though; I'll give him that. Even with the relatively painless sex, I knew I'd be having issues walking the next day. Finally though, I could feel him losing the rhythm, and I knew he was close. I surreptitiously reached down to stroke myself off, figuring from what I had seen that he was the type who would want to think he was good enough to bring me off too. I managed to find my own release shortly before his own, and I felt him come inside me. I restrained my grimace of distaste from long experience. Even after all this time, the feel of another man's seed inside me still made me feel dirty. But I managed to smile at him and I told him how amazing he was and how good it felt.

Luckily, he didn't seem to want to continue conversing after sex, so with a few last caresses, he got cleaned up, dressed and left. I went to put the harem pants back on when I noticed something on the dresser. Next to the washing basin were a few copper pieces. I frowned, but left them where they were. I would let Mistress know so that someone could return them to Lord Yajyo.

I went down to the washroom, sinking into the hot water with a sigh of relief. It felt so good, and I thought that perhaps I wouldn't be that sore tomorrow. That would certainly be a good thing if I was expected to work again. While I was lounging, several of the others came in, and they chatted amongst themselves about their clients for the night. I didn't really want to take part in the conversation, but eventually Griff came in and immediately zeroed in on me.

“Drake! How'd your first client go?”

Great - now every pair of eyes was focused on me. “It...went well.”

I heard a few giggles, and I scowled. Really, these people came in here talking casually about how they had been violated - I just couldn't do it.

Obviously Griff realized that, as he cleaned off quickly and then dragged me out of the room.

“Alright, really, how did it go?”

I sighed; obviously the other man wasn't about to drop this. “It went fine. He was just as you said. A bit of begging and he was thrilled. It didn't even hurt. “

Griff frowned at this; I wondered if Yajyo had hurt him when he had serviced the man. “But I also need to get in touch with Mistress - he left some of his money in the room.”

The other man stopped and stared at me a minute before bursting out laughing. I had no idea what was so funny about that; I didn't even want to think about what would happen if I was found with that - they'd probably think I stole it or something.

“Sorry, I'm sorry, it's just...Drake, didn't you know? We technically can't get paid since nonhumans aren't considered citizens, or even people, but anything they leave us - that's ours. Whatever you want to call it - your tip, your pay, your fee - it's ours to keep. The clients have the money; they humour Mistress with her `excessive kindnesses' to us. Most don't leave anything, but some of them find it amusing to leave trinkets for the `animals'. Keep it safe; at the end of the month Mistress sends her nephew to the market to pick us up whatever we want.”

My mouth worked a few minutes before I remembered how to talk. “Mine? She - we - we're allowed money? We're allowed possessions? But...we're possessions!”

The Were just shrugged. “Yea, technically, we are. But Mistress doesn't treat us that way. You've seen this already, you've even said that. There's not much she can do, but she does try to give us the best life she can. As she would say, if we're happy, we'll make the clients happy. She makes tons of money anyway, since she doesn't give us a cut, so it's not like she's being that generous.” It was true, as I had found out quickly - she owned the building outright, so all she had to pay were taxes and the salaries for the guards, and since there were only two at any time, she brought in quite a nice profit. Everything else she or her nephew did.

It wasn't a difficult decision to make. I took the silver pieces that Yajyo had left, hid them in one of the drawers, and every single coin I earned after that was hidden away as well. I wondered if any of the others realized that anything they purchased, or any money they had would be left behind when they were finally sold. At least now I could figure out where the books and games in the common room came from. For me, I would save everything, and when I had my chance, I'd use it if I succeeded in escaping. If I didn't succeed, I wouldn't be able to care about money or possessions anymore anyway.