Back In Enemy Hands

"Once Sara's safe, I'll tell her the whole truth. The children will be recognized nobles and raised as my own. Assuming that the Marquess dosen't disown me, Sara will become their step-mother." Don assures.

I nod and thank him. We make our way down the cobblestone streets of Theras, heading towards Gustav's estate. I never did get a new dress, but Don has given me his cloak, and a pair of Sara's shoes, which while tight are better than nothing. Eventually we reach the meeting place, an alley not far from Gustav's house. Several men await us there, hidden in the shadows. One of them steps forward.

"I see you've arrived, Sir De Freydair." Gustav says. "And, you've brought what I asked."

I remain silent. "Where are my wife and brother-in-law, scoundrel?" Don demands.

"Ah, so impatient, young knight." Gustav says, gesturing to one of his cronies. Moments later, a blindfolded John and Sara are pushed forward. John looks badly beaten. Sara appears unharmed, but her dress is in tatters. She cries when she hears Don's voice.

"Let them go first. Be warned, I've left a note with my guards. If we don't get back to them in an hour, they'll go straight to the King." Don threatens.

Gustav smirks. "I'm a man of my word. You and your family will be free to go. Of course I don't need to tell you what will happen to Harry here if ever you decide to tell anyone of my...activities." I stiffen with fear as Gustav bites out his response.

John and Sara stagger forward. At the same time I leave Don's side and walk over towards Gustav. Sara falls into Don's arms, crying uncontrollably. John, once the blindfold is off and he realizes what's going on, makes a fumbling effort to grab Don's sword and attempt to rescue me. I hold up my hand to stop him.

"No, John. You've done enough for me. My babies are safe thanks to you and Teran. Go back with your family, they need you now." John curses in frustration, but relents. I take a last, longing glance at my friends as they limp out of the alleyway. Then I turn to face my hated tormentor.

"What do you want with me? Why go through the trouble of taking me alive?" I ask defiantly. I'm almost past the point of fear now, and in fact relieved that for the moment, everyone I care about is safe.

1. Gustav explains why he kept me alive and what he has in store for me.
2. Gustav says nothing and turns away. His men grab me, bind my hands, and blindfold me. I am then put in a carriage. They won't say where I'm being taken
3. Gustav says nothing and turns away. I see my chance. From out of the folds of Don's cloak, I produce a hidden knife, which he gave me before the meeting. I move before Gustav's men can grab me and plunge the knife into his back!

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