After being dragged from the stage, the fox finds himself chained to the wall. Every protest is met with a punch, every growl with a kick… but finally the fox is left alone to await his new 'master'.

The wait isn't long. A rather old raccoon emerges, he looks like no slaver, no skinner, no brute. He is dressed in a scholar's finest, and a sketchpad with an amazingly realistic rendition of Jarik drawn upon it rests under his arm. He whispers a few pleading words to the Rhian, then sighs and offers him a copper coin. The horse nods and steps out… leaving the fox alone with the raccoon.

The raccoon walks nervously up to the fox, he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a pen knife… the kind used for sharpening pens. "You are Jarik Fireclaw, an exile I presume? Sir, I am Aski Medes… a scientist. I purchased you not for a slave… but simply for study." He holds up the small knife. "I will free your mouth if you will allow me, and the rest if you will hear me out. I have an offer to make of you, one which will grant you your freedom and me my information. Will you allow me?"

Jarik nods slightly and quits fighting against the restraints, muscles relaxing. His eyes focus in on the raccoon, waiting.

"Please do not move, I might accidentally cut you." Aski reaches out and begins sawing at the leather of the muzzle with the knife. "I have been told that you are a knight on your homeworld – a believer in honor and justice, despite the rumors I have heard to the contrary… I believe you are that still." His sawing is slow; obviously the knife was not made for leather. "What I offer you is this. Come with me to my offices. You will have your freedom to come and go as you please, but I ask that you stay with me for the paltry time of one month. I will take you at your word if you swear not to escape me, and I offer a great incentive for you to stay with me for that time… "

Jarik blinks, his amber eyes focused on the raccoon, pupils narrow and catlike. He remains motionless, waiting for his mouth the be free before responding.

"I have been told that you were in the possession of a magical sword – one which was sold at this selfsame auction house a few days hence," Aski continues, almost completely through with the muzzle. "I know the one who now owns your sword, and will return it to you at the end of the month." With a pop the muzzle is free! The raccoon stands back nervously, holding the torn muzzle in his hands. "All I ask in return is that you tell me about yourself and the land from which you come, allow me to sketch you, and perform some nominal tests."

Aski stands quietly, waiting for a reply.

Jarik's jaw opens and he stretches it, teeth glinting in the light. "From where have you heard of me?" he asks. "Also, my word is bonding, how can I be sure of yours?"

Aski smiles. "I heard of a noble fox in Himar who rescued travelers from bandits, and I have a friend in the temple, who tells me of the exiles that come and go there – such as the 'Aeolun', Envoy, whom I have also studied." He holds out his hands. "Sir, I am a withered old man… once I cut you free, you could easily overtake me. Would I risk such a thing if I did not trust you?"

"As for you trusting of me. I can offer you no further comfort than my word – That includes the word that you will not wear any chains when you leave this place. I will also provide you with a sword until your other one becomes available to me, if you would feel safer armed," Aski adds.

Jarik's ears twitch slightly. "I… " He looks at the raccoon, his expression not as angry. "Just when I don't believe there are any decent people in this world." He shakes his head slightly, "Your deal is fair. I do prefer a weapon when traveling about." He glances at his body, "I … seem to attract trouble, as you see."

Aski nods. "Do I have your word that you will not escape me? If your word is bonding, then you may also consider the promise to be null if I mistreat you in any way."

Jarik nods, "As long as you keep your agreement, I will not attempt any escape. I give my word."

Aski nods, and calls out to the Rhian, who returns. The raccoon sighs and puts four gold coins and one silver into the horse's eager hands… more money then most people see in a lifetime.

Aski mumbles a few things to the horse, who stares incredulously. Finally he just shakes his head and shoves a key into Aski's hands. The Rath'ani scholar gently unlocks the bonds that hold the fox, wincing at the wounds on his wrists. "We'll have to treat those. Mustn't let you get infected."

The raccoon seems a bit pensive when he unlocks the last shackle. Now is when he finds out which of the rumors he's heard are true.

Jarik glances at his wrists, "They're just scraps. It's nothing serious. I've had much worse." He closes his hands, the crusted blood cracking. "Why are you so interested in me?" Then he reaches out toward the raccoon…

Jarik says, "May I see your sketch of me?"

Aski flinches as Jarik reaches out, but then relaxes. He holds out a sketchpad which displays a picture of Jarik, not in chains… but in simple clothes, with detailed pictures of his face, eyes, hands, and ears. "I am a scientist, sir. There are so few exiles in Sinai… and rarely do I get a chance to study one so closely for more then a few minutes at a time. And most are a bit on the unsociable side. The last Exile I studied tore her head open right before my eyes… horrible!"

Jarik examines the sketches and hands them back. "You're a very flattering artist. I haven't looked that … decent in a long time." His ears twitch, "You'll find I'm not that interesting, I'm afraid."

Jarik smiles to himself, "Somehow, that sounds like something Envoy might do."

Aski removes his robe and hands it to the fox. "Let us be off then, the sooner I can begin my studies the happier I shall be. There is a carriage for us right outside."

Jarik takes the robe and looks at Aski, then shrugs. "After you." He follows Aski to the carriage…

Jarik sits, leaning against the backrest of the carriage seat. { Things could be worse. He seems to be a decent fellow. I wonder if he knows how to contact Vandice. I think I need to have a word with her… Plus, I need to send a message to my crew in Himar, } he thinks as he gazes out over the city. Hopefully his future won't be as rocky as his past. Only time will tell.