The Treatment of the Lower Orders

The Treatment of the Lower Orders 24

Disclaimer: I wish I did own it, but I don't. (sulk)

Summary: Vaisey had them both at his mercy...

Loving my Beta: Jen is the most patient of women and she indulges me, what more can you ask for? Ans on a postcard.

The Treatment of the Lower Orders 24

The bowels of Leicester Castle.

Elias clutched the coarse woolen cloak about her and bowed her head, dejected. But in truth she disguised her true occupation, the careful manipulation of the long darning needle in the lock of her chains.

Guy sat, his forearms resting on his knees, watching the guards as they settled at their posts. They paid little attention to the prisoners. As Elias was now covered, there was little to look at. The men hunched back against the walls and gained what comfort they could there, as they stood their watch, unworried.

His brow furrowed deeper, questioningly at her, what now? Much had to have had a plan, was this it? That they release themselves?

Ah, he thought, ‘twas one of Hood’s!

Elias’s cold fingers were cramped and stiff; the tiny movements needed to trip the mechanism seemed beyond her. Desperation caught her, she bit her lip hard and small tears slid down her cheeks. She sniffed angrily and wiped at her nose with the back of her hand. She would not submit to Vaisey, they would not die in this place.

The click, as the lock disengaged, was loud enough for Guy to hear, but not, it would seem, the guards.

A commotion outside brought the men to attention, Vaisey descended the staircase once more. He turned abruptly to his guards.

“You, out, no one comes in here till I say so. Is that clear?” he barked. Only the two jailers remained. They enjoyed and understood their craft as much as their master, and assisted him in his pleasures.’ “I do apologise, my dear friends, but there seems some devilry is afoot. An attempt to divert my guards. I suppose you have no knowledge of this?” He kicked viscously at Guy’s leg, and was rewarded with a pained grunt. “Ah, my patient guests, did you miss me? No? Oh, you do disappoint. Old friends such as we, have so much to reminisce about. Treachery, betrayal, misplaced loyalties and…” He leaned close, so close to Elias’s face that she felt his damp and sour breath on her cheek. “The temptations of flesh…especially pink, creamy, plump flesh.” The words were enunciated in an exaggerated, lascivious manner.

She recoiled, turning her body from him.

“Oh and take that off her!” He sneered and flicked at Much’s cloak. Elias tried to cover herself as the only protection she had was snatched from her. But holding the manacles closed and maintaining what dignity she had left, was proving beyond her.

“What, loveday? No caress for me? No kisses?” His mouth pantomimed the mockery of a kiss. He grinned, straightened and turned to Guy, who watched him, the cold gleam of murder in his eyes.

“My materiel flageller, if you please.” Vaisey lifted his hand to his shoulder and waited as a skulking jailer hurried forward with an open hide-bound casket. “Ah, my favourites.” He lifted out a whip, its handle woven with scarlet silks. Stroking it lovingly, almost gently. “I have them made in Paris, I have man there, who, shall we say, specializes. It takes him so long to find just the right willow sapling.” He frowned as he warmed to his subject. “If the wood dries out too quickly, you see, it becomes brittle. ‘Tis ruined.” He sighed regretfully, stroking the object of his affection.

Elias shivered; she held the manacles closed, awaiting the right time to free herself.

Guy gritted his teeth and jerked at his chains.