Since he was being sold on a practically private auction of only highly exclusive and expensive slaves, including an undefeated warrior and a princess, whereas he was nothing more than a thief, he was very much the runt of the litter.

First he was offered before all the others, and no bids were made. At all. Everybody was waiting for main event(s). Finally, after the last one was sold, he was brought on again.

If nobody bought him, he would swing at dawn...