The Prophecy -On Hold-

Chapter 10.2

For all who might not see the last part of chapter 10 (Zoe POV)

Zoe POV

In the room in which I have been led by Steven are some shelves on the wall, and opposite me is a big old desk made of polished dark wood. Behind said desk sits a tall, rather slender man with long straight red hair and green eyes staring transfixed at me.

He has his booted feet placed casually on the table and beckons us with a gesture to come closer. Steven gives me a little push in the back and I walk down slowly in motion. Two feet in front of his desk, I stop and ask >> So Mr. Boss. You let me get dragged here, but what exactly do you want from me? I do not have any valuables with me or in my room that I rented. <<

He smiles and his eyes sparkle mischievously >> Well Zoe ... as much as I like to be approached with "Boss", I want to introduce myself first of all. My name is Benjamin and I am the leader of a gang with the name 'Starving Wolfs'. <<

Eager, he seems to hope for a reaction from me, but I have to disappoint him. I shrug my shoulders and briefly cross my arms under my chest. >> I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I do not know of a Benjamin nor the 'Starving Wolfs' <<.

That seems to surprise him, because he pulls his eyebrows far upwards. >> Hmm ... << he rubs his chin. >> If you can not do anything with that name, I first need to explain you what we are doing. We are a band of men, women, boys and girls that perform certain services for money. If you, for example, give us a piece of gold, we will give you anything you want.

Whether it is the nightcap of a Baron, or the jewel necklace of the Duchess, we get it for you. Now you might ask yourself what we want from you. Now thats quiet easy. My sources have told me that youb are a very close friend of the Crown Prince and the Commander. If we let them know that you are with us, they will certainly be ready to pay a certain sum to get you back unharmed. Do not you think? <<

I sigh and rub my temples as I start to get a headache. >> Look here please. I'm a pretty poor peasant girl, you really think they pay a ransom for me? They would probably be willing, but where do they take the gold from?

I'm sure Edward has placed a few coins to the side, which probably is not sufficient. And Jon ?! He probably gets something like pocket money, if at all. That means they would have to get the money from the treasury.

That means that they have go to the king or the queen and have to explain the whole thing. I think I am indeed important to the two men, but the king and queen? They are surely determined to pay no gold for some peasant girl they do not even know. <<

He does not necessarily have to know that if Jon and Ed tell the rulers that I am the chosen one, that they would pay indeed. Benjamin then wrinkles his forehead. >> I have planned the kidnapping to the smallest detail, but I must admit that your remarks are not wrong. I have not thought that the prince receives no pay yet they probably have to get it out of the treasury. So what will they do if I tell them how much gold I want for you? <<

When it dawns on him his eyes widen and he begins to curse wildly. I nod approvingly >> Exactly. They will not come with gold but with swords and with so many guards as they can muster. What probably would not be beneficial for your business. So what are you doing now? <<

Some rant triads later he seems to have calmed down again. He looks at me with slightly despairing eyes and whispers >> I do not know ... << A little throat clearing sounds behind me and I turn around. Steven scratching his nose with a finger >> So I would perhaps have an idea, Ben. <<

He looks at him with interest and nods encouragingly. >> So if the alternative for the Gold is the City Guard, we are, excuse my lady, up our throad in shit. The only thing I can think of is that when we let her go, they might just let the case go too. <<

Startled Benjamin looks at him. >> You know that will weaken my authority within the gang, if I just let her go after all the trouble we've run though to get her. We also need the gold to ... << A small glance at me >>...You know. << Now I am the one who frowns >> What do you need the gold for? <<

The two men look at each other undecided. Ultimately the Boss shrugs and finally says >> In order to feed the children. You have to know that almost everyone in the gang are orphans. That is why so many of my members are relatively young. I am one of the oldest and I was elected as the leader.

Thus, the task falls to me to provide enough food. But at the moment we do not have any lucrative contracts and we need gold. Then you came into play. I thought if you're so obviously important to the two men, they will also be willing to pay a lot of gold for you. But farther than that I have not thought of. <<

>> Leave the food out. What would be so bad about weakening your authority? << Sighing, he looks at me >> Then it is quite possible that I'm considered unsuitable for a leader and will be deselected. This in itself is not so bad, but the alternative to me is the Baldy which has brought you forth.

He is ruthless and really dangerous. If he is elected leader, there is no relative friendly atmosphere here anymore. Then he will compel all to be violent and they even might have to commit murder. This I can not and will not allow to happen. The little ones have it bad enough, as that they have to soil their little hands with blood. <<