The Arena

Chapter 4 The Judge and the Warden

The pouch felt heavy once again in Isabella's soft stained hand, barracks payment for the last delivery was more than normal but it still felt heavier than it should. Isabella knew if she gave the pouch over to Edmund it would either go straight to gambling or to James for that loan he had taken out. She had begged and pleaded him not to take out another loan but he did not listen as he signed the parchment and took the coin. In a huff she had left, ignoring her father's words of encouragement, saying it would be the last time he took a loan. He had said that many times and she knew it was not the last. Isabella only hated the loans because it gave James a reason to bother her, a reason to get close and touch her. Every time she saw him she cringed and hid away to no prevail. Trying her hardest to not let the coin make a noise, or to alert her father to her presence, Isabella snuck around as she unpacked, making as little noise as possible. Another month had past, Isabella had trekked up the hill and back down again. Her conversation with Michael was kept to strictly business, she did not want to bring up her future once again, especially with marriage proposals from James every time she turned around. Each trade was quick, no words shared as most knew of her circumstance and each had they own opinion on the matter. Not wanting to know their opinions, Isabella made a fast trading day and now regretted getting home so soon. Looking at the pouch Isabella could only think of how much trouble she would be in if she did not give it to her father, and how much trouble they would both be in if she did. Walking out into the smith shop, pouch behind her back and steps silent, Isabella was filled with regret.

"Father." She said fiddling with the rope that held the pouch closed.

"The pouch, Isabella." Edmund said with a stern voice, pushing his hand out to her.

"Please be smart with it father." Isabella said as she handed the pouch over and sighed.

"I am always smart with coin." He said as he felt the weight of the pouch. An unfortunate and familiar smell wafted around Isabella causing a sigh to once again escape her lips. They did not make a sound as they entered the shop, like sneaky black cats at night he snuck up on her until he was mere inches from her. Isabella had begun to hate how she never knew James was there until his cologne filled her nose.

"Isabella, darling." James said leaning down close to her ear. He straightened as she turned to him, annoyance clear on her face. Annoyance from how he stood too close, causing her to crane her neck to look up at him and from his build that framed her every time he got close. A man who handed out loans should not have a build like this, he should be balding and overweight. Not looking like a man from the army who could swing a sword or a hammer if needed.

"James." Edmund said, turning to the man in his shop. Today James had brought two of his goons with him but Isabella paid them no attention as James kept his attention on her.

"How are you today, my love?" James made sure he kept the distance between himself and Isabella short.

"Great until you showed up." Isabella replied. Laughing softly, James gently brushed her hair from the side of her face before kissing her cheek, she hated when he touched her, the feel of his lips on her cheek made her cringe.

"You should get used to seeing me around." He whispered before moving past to Edmund. "I saw Isabella leaving the barracks this morning." His words directed to the blacksmith now as he took the pouch from his hand. "By the weight I guess you still owe me quite a bit, but of course we could settle this dept." Bouncing the pouch in his hand, James turned to Isabella with a smirk.

"Just take the coin and leave." Isabella responded, placing her hands on her hips.

"Wait a moment, girl." Edmund said scratching his chin. Shocked Isabella stepped back and into the table behind her.