A Dragon for Aurelija

Chapter 26 Captured

It was well past noon when Relly awoke. She found a small stream of clear water nearby and washed her face. She sorely wished for a brush for her hair as it has resumed the wild faerie look Nick had said he liked. The sudden memory of Nick was both a joy and a stab to her heart. She brushed her hair using her fingers leaving it a mass of waves and then put on her now dry clothes. She still had her tessen on its lanyard around her neck. Her red cape had picked up a lot of dust from being in the ground so she spent several minutes beating the dirt off and wrapping herself in her cape. She walked to the road and resumed walking. The road was still muddy so she left her shoes in her pocket. She had always like the feel of mud in her bare feet and between her toes, Nick used to...the memories and the silent tears returned as she walked. The bittersweet memories would be with her forever, but for the present Relly had no idea where she could go or whom would take her in. Then she thought of Cloe and turned around and headed south.

Charles and his men rode north when they spotted a lone figure dressed in a red cape and barefoot walking south. Charles could not believe his eyes as they watched her from the cover of some roadside trees. "That's the little wench for sure," the bald headed man said, "how the hell did she get here?"

They left the road and circled behind her and approached from the north. Relly never saw their approach as she walked along she heard the horsed approaching from behind and moved to the side of the road to allow them to pass when she was roughly seized by two men and her hands bound. "Check her fan I think she keeps a knife hidden in it," the bald mad said. Charles opened the fan.

"It's just a fan," he said, "pat her down see what other surprised my little bride is carrying."

Relly gasped with horror and embarrassment as she was groped and fondled as they searched. She had only allowed Nick to touch her and these men were touching her everywhere. Her face was flushed and tears of shame flowed from her eyes. "Some pound notes and change, stockings and shoes, that's all we found," her searchers reported as they pocketed the money and discarded the shoes and socks.

"Well well little Aurelija," Charles said mockingly, "we find ourselves together again on the road to Gretna Green. You try another of your little stunts and I'll let these two fellows have a go with you. As much as I'm sure you'd probably like that I'd rather tame you myself. You'll give me a fine heir and perhaps he'll have some of your spirit." Relly glared at him.

"I hate you!" Relly said glaring angrily at him.

"I love a woman with spirit," Charles said, he laughed at her, "and mark my words you will marry me. You can ride with Rick." Rick reached down and pulled her up to sit sidesaddle in front of him on the horse. They turned the horses north and followed the road.