A Dragon for Aurelija

Chapter 22 The Hogshead

Nick's head hurt. That was the only thing he could think about as he opened his eyes and looked around. He quickly closed his eyes again because the very limited light in the room he was occupying hurt his head even more. "Well you finally came around," Jeremy said and even the sound of Jeremy's voice hurt Nick's head.

"My head hurts," Nick said.

"It's had a lot of abuse lately good thing its as hard as a rock."

"Where are we," Nick said as he slowly stood and surveyed the room they were in. The room was large and along the walls were stacked barrels of various sizes. Against one wall two huge barrels (hogsheads) appeared to be sticking out partially through the wall.

"This is in back of 'The Devil's Den'," Jeremy said. "The other side of that wall," he pointed to the hogsheads, "is the bar and above stairs the brothel. They didn't take us very far."

"How do you where we are?"

"Been here before, I scouted out this place when we started to look into DeVoissier. I helped put in that hogshead over there. It's got brandy and was offered a pint for my labor."

"How come I don't get invited to such interesting places," Nick said in jest.

"You be a gentry cove," Jeremy said, "you couldn't pull it off, you walk wrong."

"What do you mean walk wrong?"

"I can't explain it, you just walk like you own the place...like a colonel or a lord. You just walk wrong."

"How long have we been here?"

"More than a day, I saved you some food it's over there. At least we have plenty of ale." Nick sat on the dirt floor and ate the cold bean stew and stale bread. Jeremy handed him a cup of ale to wash it down. "They brought the food here about mid day but they had three men with guns when the brought the food. I was told to help myself to the ale." Nick reached to his boot to pull out his boot knife. "They took your boot knife and that little one you wear around you neck. They were quite thorough."

"Did they say what they plan to do with us?"

"We are to be sent to France when they can arrange it. They will trade me for someone they want back," Jeremy said, "they have other plans for you."

"I bet I can guess those plans. So nothing to do but wait I guess." Nick sat on the floor thinking about Relly. At least she was safe as they were married and had witnesses. That would give her special status and protection from Charles. Charles would not dare harm a widow. Even grandmother would have to bend a little because of her status. She would inherit his house in London and the income from his annuity. Relly would be okay. I did not relish the thought of dieing however.

They made a thorough search of the room they were imprisoned in and found not a single tool or device that they could use as a tool or a weapon. They had been there six days and both men had given up on escape. DeVoissier and Charles made their appearance. "I thought I'd come by and tell you we have arranged transportation to France for you both," DeVoissier said. "Things have been pretty much locked down and even the smugglers are having a difficult time.

"You leave here Sunday night," Charles said, "by the I'll be home and given little Aurelija the sad news. I'll do my best to console her."

"She's my wife you bastard," Nick said, "I wish to leave her a will."

"DeVoissier will handle the details, goodbye Nick I hope you rot in hell." Charles then walked away waving dismissively at his brother.

"Tell me Nick," DeVoissier said, "your final wishes. As a gentleman I will do my best to deliver the message." DeVoissier had obtained a pen and paper.

"Thank you," Nick said. "Aurelija and I were married almost a fortnight ago in Scotland." Nick gave the date, location and the names of the witnesses.

"Scottish marriage laws are so different," DeVoissier said, "but they are the laws. How do you want your properties disposed of ?"

"I have a townhouse in London. Right now it is being rented. I want that property and its income to go to Aurelija."

"I will pass that on, but since she is your wife that may be possible."

"I have an annuity from the estate and I want that to go to her too." Nick gave the name and address of the family lawyer to DeVoissier. "Why are you doing this?" Nick asked.

"Because you would do the same for me." DeVoissier said, "we are enemies but we are still men. I don't like Charles but Aurelija...she is remarkable. So I'm simply helping her."

"I do appreciate this," Nick said. Then DeVoissier had him sigh the paper and he and Jeremy acted as witnesses.

After DeVoissier departed Jeremy asked, "Do you believe the Frenchman?"

"Yes but we have got to escape and I think I know how."

"We leave in two nights, we are going through that hogshead," Nick said pointing."