Sabbanath - Book 1 of The Elements of Destiny

Chapter 15

Thomas felt for the young lady. That she had been through a terrible ordeal was clear and he shuddered to think of the details. First her family murdered and then being put in the hands of those miscreants. For the first time he felt an urge to make them feel pain for their actions.

"Let's put a pin in this for a while" the Captain was saying, obviously conscious of the emotional effect this was having on the young lady. "We can continue later when we make camp." He paused for a moment before continuing "Ms. Pardy, are you willing to ride with us for a while until we can decide how to get you to safety?"

Thomas couldn't decide if the look she gave the Captain was one of hope or resignation. She looked very vulnerable in her current state...and very beautiful he had to admit. With her tear-streaked, dust-stained face and wind blown hair there was something heroic about her that he couldn't but help to notice. She would have needed every part of it. "Most gladly General, most assuredly." she had answered.

This brought a flash of colour to Captain Taylor's cheeks, something that Thomas believed he would never see. "Captain, Ms. Pardy. Not General. Just Captain." He even looked around as if he was hoping to see a smile on any of the other's faces so he could take his embarrassment out on them. Whatever grins there were, were quickly swallowed.

"My apologies Captain." Ms. Pardy answered and this time it was her turn to blush "I will be most grateful for your protection." Thomas wasn't sure but he thought there had been an emphasis on the word "your". Obviously, the Captain had caught that as well because he turned to John Rabbit and Sergeant Friar with still a touch of crimson on his cheeks.

"We need to make a plan of action. Any ideas?"

"I think Captain," said John Rabbit "We first need to know where the gang are holding up and what their plans are."

"Yes, of course," replied the Captain, who to Thomas's internal amusement still seemed a little flustered. He turned back to Ms. Pardy hoping, it seemed, that she would answer the question without him having to repeat it. Ms. Pardy, seeing the expectant looks on their faces, obliged them.

"The camp is about three hours ride further on, across the river."

"Across the river" John Rabbit shook his head as he said these words. "I never thought about that."

"Makes sense that people would find a way to get across." said the Captain, "We were naïve really to think that they wouldn't." he addressed that to John Rabbit and the Sergeant.

"Out of sight, out of mind" was John Rabbit's cryptic response. He then turned his attention back to Olive "Is there a bridge there?"

"Yes...and no." she answered and seeing their confused looks she went on. "It is more like a barge on ropes that can be pulled across from either side. The river can get quite strong and high at different times of the year and so can't be used all the time but right now the river is OK"

"When are they expecting you back?" asked Thomas, who was taken aback by the sudden looks in his direction. It was as if they had forgotten that Val and himself were still there.

Thankfully, Ms. Pardy replied and so those almost unwelcoming looks were turned away from him.

"Not until before dark this evening. With the long evenings we have now, even taking into account the laziness of Sco....of those two at the ranch, I would be expected back."

Thomas guessed that she must have been about to say the name of one of the outlaws they had encountered at the ranch.

"So we have until then before they get suspicious." offered the Sergeant.