The Breeders

Nicholi 7

Nicholi made it back to his dwelling, feeling a little lighter now that he told someone of his woes. Alexi had listened patiently and understood what a perdiciment all of it was. Nicholi rubbed his temples and sat down in his chair. He didn't know what to do and unfortunately Alexi had nothing helpful to say on the matter. Instead of getting to work, Nicholi stood up and decided to go for a ride. Unlike his uncle, he enjoyed the process of saddling his horse instead of making the stable boy do it, so he snuck out of the mansion and headed towards the stables. Minutes after, and with great agility, Nicholi effortlessly hiked up onto the horse and headed towards the small village he was in charge of. As he passed the humble homes of his peasant folk, his mind raced with thoughts of young maidens and his future child. The horse glided through the dusty countryside and the fresh air were refreshing, as opposed to the city he had just come back from. As he rode, he watched the people. Children running around the town's well, women cleaning garments, men working in the fields. There was an advertisement post in the middle square and Nicholi could see his piece of parchment was posted. Before he could get any closer, there was a yelp from his left. As he was riding, it seemed a young maiden had gotten herself into trouble by a man and was being pulled through a field by her hair. Nicholi hopped off his horse and ran over to the scene, yelling for them to stop. " And who might you be to tell me what I can and can't do?!" The man yelled back at Nicholi. " I'm Nicholi Winthrop, your Lord." He man practically fell down in shock and let go of the poor girls hair. " What are you doing to this poor woman that she may deserve it?" He demanded and the old man fumbled over his words as well as his feet. " Sire, this is my step daughter and she's been up to no good! She conveins with nature and speaks to herself in dark corners at night." Nicholi looked down at the poor thing and thought how could she be a witch with such beauty. " How say you, girl?" She shivered and sniffled, wiping snot on her tattered sleeve. " I just like nature, my lord. I don't create spells or trick people, I'm just a lowley girl." She sniffled out. Just then the old man spoke again. " Sire, is there any way she could work for you in your house? My wife and I can no longer keep her. She's a menace." Nicholi wasn't sure if he believed the girl when she said she wasn't a witch, but the offer of such a beautiful young maiden did peek his interest. " How much are you wanting for her?" He asked in a stern tone. " N-nothing my lord! We just want her gone from our good christian household." Without another thought, Nicholi grabbed the girls arm and started towards his horse. "Please, my lord!" She begged and resisted. "What?! You think you'll do better by yourself!?" He yanked her arm and gruffly pushed her up onto the horse. "Be still woman or I'll have every right to throttle you." His voice shook ever so slightly, but none would be the wiser for it. As she struggled, Nicholi smacked at he rear and cuased quite a scene. "Please sir! I'll be fine on my own, just leave me be!" The girl wailed. Nicholi seemed unshaken by the young woman's sorrows , bu in fact he had no idea what he was doing. He had never kidnapped anyone before, especially not in broad daylight and in front of the captives family. As they were riding back to his mansion, Nicholi noticed the townspeople whispering and gossiping among themselves. He could feel the girl weeping in his arms and his heart pounded out of his chest. This was such a a terrible idea.