Concierge

Dom pondered the question that Crassus had asked, who was he taking with him to the Auction. He thought it would be a players auction, however the fact they could take world characters with them meant it would be a much more interesting spectacle. He wondered if he would meet other Lord players and see what Heroes they had gathered so far.

"Let's find Lucius and come up with a plan." Dom replied, as he and Crassus headed towards the Town Centre where Lucius had set himself up to support Xun Yu with the influx of new members of Riverside that Crassus had either purchased or hired from his visit to the nearby trading city to the north. 

...

They soon arrived at the Town Centre, followed closely by a guard escort that Meritamen had explained was necessary as a lot of the new members hadn't been through the same journey as the other people that had merged with Riverside. Dom had relented and when he walked through Riverside in his black armour, escorted by his guards, he looked a might sight.

"Lucius." Dom said as he finally found his Mayor who was seated in the Great Hall. "The Lords and Leaders Auction is starting in one hour, I can take two members of Riverside with me. I'm just not sure who."

Dom quickly took a seat opposite Lucius, whilst Crassus sat beside him. The Hall was full of people as they were given food from the kitchen staff and registered by Xun Yu and the small administrative team he had put together. Dom was impressed to see that some of the people that Crassus had hired were helping as well, directing people to different areas where some of the Family Heads had been gathered to give the new people inductions and a tour of Riverside.

"I didn't realise you would be taking anyone." Lucius commented, "You will need to take a guard, so take Chen Lu."

"I've been told I can't take any weapons and that we won't need protection." Dom replied.

"I'm not sure I am happy about that." Lucius said, "But if that's the case then you will need to take someone with a Military background at least so they can support you if needed."

"You will also need an advisor who can help point out potential purchases and look at available goods that may not be needed now, but could be in the future." Crassus added, "so one Military and one Civilian."

"I agree with Crassus." Lucius agreed, as he stroked his clean shaven chin in thought. "Ideally you would take Subutai, but there is no way he will make it here in time if ordered."

"You could take Tomyris or Gan Ning." Crassus added, "They both have excellent Military knowledge."

"Both good options." Dom agreed, "And both are available within the Timeframe if requested."

"Gan Ning is busy setting up the Galatea and the new Bireme's, so may not be the ideal person today." Lucius interjected, "Also, you and him together often get carried away and you need a level head with you. Tomyris is a good option, but she is blood thirsty and if there are other leaders there, you want someone calm who won't bring Riverside any long term enemies."

"She definitely doesn't need to take weapons with her to be a danger." Crassus agreed.

"Who do you recommend then?" Dom asked.

"Not Tomoe?" Crassus laughed.

"No." Lucius replied with a smile. "Tomoe is fantastic, but she is not the right person for this. I think you should go, Crassus."

"I've just got back from one trip and now you want me to go on another." Crassus grumbled. "It does make sense though, I am an accomplished General in my own right and other than Subutai, I doubt there are many who could beat me."

Dom rolled his eyes at the the narcissistic comment but did agree, Crassus brought both Military and Civilian support, and had experience at the top table in his own history. Crassus was also the Head of Finance in Riverside and would have a much better management of the budget's that they could spend.

"Crassus, you are coming." Dom stated, "It makes sense, so are you also coming Lucius?"

"Definitely not." Lucius stated, "I am reluctant enough to be the Mayor, I am not the ideal person for this."

"So that leaves Meritamen, Shang Yang and Xun Yu." Dom stated, counting of the lead heroes on his fingers.

"Not Meritamen." Crassus stated, "She is the leader when you are not around. It is too risky to have both our leader and deputy unavailable at the same time."

"I'm not sure who made her the deputy?" Dom replied pathetically with a raised eyebrow. 

"You did when you married her." Lucius laughed.

"We aren't married." Dom argued back weakly, before moving the conversation on. "Fine not Meritamen then, so I assume Shang Yang then as Xun Yu is busy."

"No, I think you should take Xun Yu." Lucius said, "I can reluctantly take over here, he will be a better help than Shang Yang. Both have Military and Civilian skills, but Shang Yang has other priorities."

"I'm looking forward to working with him." Crassus agreed.

"Fine, so Crassus and Xun Yu it is then. I'll let you inform him whilst I go and get ready." Dom stated.

[Auction Portal will open in forty five minutes]

...

Dom quickly left and headed back to his room on the top floor, where he took of his armour and put on an immaculate black toga with a purple trim that had been made by Alejandro the Lead Weaver in Riverside. He also had a black leather belt with a golden engraved Sabre Tooth Tiger as the buckle, that had been made by the Blacksmiths. 

He took a quick look at his mission rewards again, to take in to consideration what he already had before he attempted to purchase anything similar at the auction. Once he had done this, he headed back down the stairs to the Great Hall where Meritamen, Lucius, Crassus and Xun Yu were waiting for him.

Crassus wore a white toga with a red trim, both his arms had a golden bangle around them with a small sabre tooth tiger face on them, his hair had been washed and styled. Xun Yu wore a silken white Taoist robe with a red trim that had golden embroidered Sabre Tooth Tigers on it.

Dom looked at them both and was impressed at the sight, he felt that the Riverside contingent that was heading to the Auction looked worthy of the first place that they had received. He made a mental note that he should thank Alejandro when he returned for his hard work in creating such exquisite pieces of formal wear for the Heroes.

"I have got these for you." Meritamen said, before handing over three porcelain masks that she had the Potters manufacture with the help of Gu Kaizhi that designed them. They had then passed them to the painter Flavio who had painted them in stunning colours.

Dom took the first mask that was handed out, and was impressed to see that it looked like a masquerade mask, in the shape of the top half of a Sabre Tooth Tigers face. The lower jaw was missing so that Dom's mouth could be seen, and the place for the eyes was empty so that Dom could see. 

"Impressive!" Xun Yu exclaimed as he took his, looking at the strap that was around the back that they could use to tie it.

"I thought it would be good to keep your identities hidden on such a big stage for now." Meritamen commented proudly as she saw the impressed looks on their faces.

"I think that is a great idea." Dom agreed wholeheartedly. 

[Auction Portal will open in one minute]

"Ready to go?" Dom asked Crassus and Xun Yu as he smiled.

"Let's go!" Crassus replied with a grin, whilst Xun Yu nodded his head in agreement, still amazed by everything he had seen in the short time he had been in Riverside. Meritamen and Lucius helped them place their masks on their faces as the group prepared to leave.

At the rear of the great hall, a small golden ring appeared, which grew until it was large enough for the three men to walk through. Dom lead the way, followed closely by his two followers.

.....

As they exited the portal, they arrived inside the extravagant and large entrance hallway of an impressive theatre. The walls were painted in a rich red, with golden gilding. There were engravings of a variety of animals and warriors from throughout history on different panels that were placed across the walls. The ceiling was very high and Dom could see candle laden chandeliers that lit up the room brightly. The floor was of a white marble, and Dom felt it was one of the most impressive thing he had seen in World Conquest Online so far.

Around them were some other people, who were all being greeted by a smartly dressed Concierge from the Auction House. Most of the other people were alone as more portals appeared and disappeared as they came through. Dom wanted to look more, but was quickly pulled back by his own Concierge. 

"Welcome to the Lords and Leaders Auction, Lord Lazarus." The Concierge said. He wore a black suit and had short brown hair and dark brown eyes. "My name is Johannes and I will be your contact whilst the Auction takes place. As the current Number One Lord, you will be situated in our top penthouse suite for the entirety of the auction. We will make sure to cater to any of your needs throughout your stay, and can advice and update you on upcoming lots."

"Thank you Johannes." Dom replied, as his eyes wandered to another group that had just appeared through a portal. This group also had three people, and Dom realised that this must be another Top Ten competitor. The person in the centre was a short looking male, with light blonde hair, however beside him were two very tall and wide men who Dom assumed were either his Heroes or his Guards.

"If you would like to follow me Lord Lazarus." Johannes said, as he turned and walked towards a staircase that was situated at the back of the entrance hall.

As Dom walked, he could feel many eyes following his steps, which made him feel uncomfortable. He did however feel some confidence as he had Crassus and Xun Yu walking behind him at his left and right.

"Is that the Number One Lord?" Dom heard one of the Sole Players whisper to another.

"Are they his Heroes?" Another said, "They look amazing, I can't wait for my Town to be at that level."

"Imagine how far they will be when you reach that stage." Another shouted back. 

Dom continued walking and kept looking ahead, his Sabre Tooth Tiger mask covering any of the emotions that almost betrayed him as he walked, however after hearing what was being said, his main emotion was starting to become confidence. 

As they reached the bottom step, another group of three appeared by their side, led by a female Concierge with blonde hair. 

"After you sir." The female Concierge said to Johannes who led the way, as he did so however, he was interrupted by the leader of the three.

"Lazarus I presume?" The leader said.

Dom turned and looked at the imposing figure, he stood at least six foot five. He had pitch black hair that was long and tied in to a bun on the top of his head. He wore similar robes to Xun Yu, but had a more militaristic feel to him.

"I am." Dom politely replied, "and you are?"

"I am Prince Dong Cheng." The man replied, "It was interesting to see that I was only second place, I'm happy to be able to meet my competitor."

"It's a pleasure to meet you your highness." Dom kindly replied as he looked at the two heroes beside Dong Cheng. The first was a tall slim woman with dark glowing tanned skin and long black hair, she wore an Egyptian style headdress and walked with a mature confidence. The second was a muscular man in an animal skin vest that was multiple sizes to small for him. 

"This is World Conquest Online, not home, just call me by my name here." Dong Cheng stated seriously, "You are an interesting one, I will keep my eye on you."

Before Dom could reply, Johannes interrupted and stated that they should move on and that there would be time to talk at a mid stage in the auction. Dong Cheng bid goodbye and Dom and his party headed up the stairs towards the best penthouse suite.