--- Best Sellers
The Canopic Way, one of the great east west roads of Alexandria, was already crowded with spectators and vendors just after dawn. Carts and pedestrians continually poured out of the side streets and alleys that lined the thoroughfare, crowding the boulevard further giving it an air of controlled chaos as merchants jockeyed for an open space on the cobblestone road. The shops and temples that lined the length of the street, built among old Egyptian obelisks and statues of long dead pharaohs and other deities, were draped in garlands and other festive decorations. Amidst the chaos, two women slowly weaved their wagon through the growing crowd toward the Canopic gate at the edge of the city.
“Do you think we’ll actually sell anything?”, a tall, fair skinned brunette asked her companion.
“Doubtful, but it gets us out of the warehouse for a few hours. I don’t know why Alexios expects these fish to sell.”, the other woman responded in a similarly dismissive tone. The short, raven haired woman strained as she pushed the cart along the cobblestones. The pair jostled among the other merchants that jammed the main street until they found an opening just before the opening of the Canopic gate. A pair of jewelers upturned their noses at the women and moved a few feet away, but the women took no notice as they set out dried cuts of tuna, mackerel and mullet on wooden pallets.
In the distance, the auxilia recruits had begun their march out of the city. The sound of beating drums, horns blaring and the marching of hundreds of feet in one direction added to the din of the place. The women watched as merchants pressed each side of the column hoping to make a quick sale from a passing recruit. Officers and centurions, dressed in shining, full sets of ceremonial scale armor, hollered and tried to press the merchants back as the column slowly snaked down the street. When the leading elements of the column came with ear shot the women began to cry out, “Freshest fish in the city! Low Prices! Meal ready to eat!”. These were not grim, stone-faced legionaries, yet even these fresh recruits didn’t dare break step in front of their officers.
The women continued to barter their wares as the recruits, struggling to keep step and burdened with their new equipment, passed by heedlessly. “I think I have an idea to boost our income.”, the short, raven haired woman said self-assuredly. The petite woman reached under her arms, one at a time, untying the cloth that covered her breasts in the style of an Egyptian woman. The crossed pieces of fabric, now unknotted, easily separated and slid down her slender torso to reveal perky olive colored breasts. Her partner blushed as the other resumed the rhythmic chant of “Freshest fish in the city! Low Prices! Meal ready to eat!”. The passing recruits instantly took notice. The column continued but the pace was noticeably slower in front of the stand as the passing soldiers enjoyed the view until their officers urged them along.
“Chaya, what are you doing?”, the tall brunette asked quizzically.
“Martina, relax. I’m just boosting business.”, Chaya responded casually, “I thought you were supposed to help me.”. Before Martina could register the implications of Chaya’s phrase, Chaya had the front of Martina’s tunic in her grasp. The cheap fabric easily yielded to a quick tug at the collar, and soon Martina’s large, pale breasts were exposed as well. The nearest recruits hollered their approval as the two topless slaves stood before them. Martina cursed and blushed in embarrassment as she tried to cover her nakedness as a single man stepped out of line.
“Ladies, can a hero of Rome get a discount on today’s special?”, the burly old soldier asked ostentatiously.
“These are just for display.”, Chaya said playfully as she gestured to her small, perky breasts.
“Pullo, back in formation!”, the deep voice of a mounted officer boomed. The soldier looked meekly up at the man, dressed in a resplendent silver breastplate, and quickly returned to his spot in the column. The imposing mounted figure wheeled his stallion around to face the two women, and sneered at them, “I thought whores weren’t supposed to be out at this hour. Head back to the brothel before I have you flogged.”
Martina cast her eyes down as the man spoke and she started to bend down to prostrate herself to beg forgiveness when she felt Chaya put her hand on her arm. Martina saw Chaya smile softly out of the corner of her eye before looking up to the officer. With faux reverence, Chaya replied, “Sir, we aren’t whores. Just humble slaves selling the wares of our master.”, she finished with a smile.
“Oh, then why are you indecent.”, the man said impatiently.
“It wasn’t our intention sir. Our master only supplies us rags to make our clothes with.”, Chaya said as she twirled the bits of loose cloth with her fingers.
Her impromptu answer caught the man off guard, and he smiled slightly. “Well I guess your master should provide you with more… suitable garments.”, the man said in a more relaxed tone as he moved his gaze between the two slaves. He sighed and sat back in a more relaxed posture before he continued, “Well what are you selling if it’s not yourselves?”.
Chaya smiled politely, and showed their spread. The officer contemplated silently then bellowed, “Marinus!”. A younger officer scurried on foot down the length of the column until he reached the side of the mounted officer. The two exchanged a quick salute, and the mounted officer said casually, “Follow these slaves back to their master, and procure a fish stock to bring back to the camp.” As soon as he finished, he rode away briskly. Chaya and Martina smiled at each other, and quickly collected their things for the trip back.