The piercing sound of the blast of light shimmered around her as she reappeared , family pictures on the wall, purple pillows with embroidered flowers on the bed on top of the duvet cover, her mom made as her Thanks giving gift , on the bed she was back home.
Struggling to swallow down, tears streaming in her eyes,gasping unsteady breaths ,still in a full panic but she was relieved to be back in putting her hands over mouth ,she wasn't dreaming her wrist were swollen and bruised from the knots tied by the four men her skin a reflection of red bands around her hands.
"The man who saved her where was that place?" her mind was plagued by bizarre experience to what was happening to here.
The ring glowed in golden circle on the symbolic characters on it, before vanishing after trying to remove earlier howevershe would not give up, going to the doctor to get it removed probably was an idea,(Explaining to the doctor some ring she saw in a dream was now physically on her finger and she wanted it removed would be a suspected mental patient on sight) how was she going to get rid of it, something was unusual about this talisman ring?
Resuming sleep was no longer an ideal since it was close to dawn ,the light of hallway lighting up the dark room ,opening the door she proceeded to get coffee to bring herself back to the world.
Massachusetts university
" Chloe what happened to you ? you seem as if a ton bricks were laid on your back" her face told a tale ;her friend questioning gaze spoke volumes.
"Bricks…really Amber ? l am fine… just tired" getting her books for their first class, in the lecture studio , students buzzing in their own conversation on their desks.
"Okay ... okay just checking up on you"
"l know ... your weekend ?"
" Shopping wasn't much of a drag …...bought a new dress,ate at the mall food court afterwards.
My grandmother was the best part ,she kept scolding my mom when they were preparing dinner of her famous tiramisu recipe " Margert Gray l taught you better than this! "
"Hysterical your grandmother is always amusing "
"Miss her already that's why , l am not ready to leave home yet"
"There is no rush ,you can move out when you want to"
Lunch break
The students bustling each other on the way for recess at the cafeteria ,the cafeteria itself was a display of four cooks dishing out order requests of meals , an array of fruits ,vegetables and vast number of snacks. Students in line for something on the menu.
"The campus food system is well in order, but why do the pudding?"
"Today is "PudRun" Monday not eating that dry pudding....mm. No thank you"
"Don't know why Hale keeps it on the menu" Hale the head cook ex-army cook who had voluntarily retired a well-built man.
" It's probably low cost budget …...Amber you guys are too much , just talk to him already?"
"What ….who are you talking about" glancing upwards in the celling of the hall to where direction her eyes led avoiding the group of boys across them seated on their table.
"Andrew is also staring at you , l have enough of you guy's mythic atmosphere" referring to the guy in conversation with his peers his striking blue eyes distracted glancing the red haired across him.
Running long fingers in his short wavy brown hair which shifted back into the place had gone past
" Andrew are you listening ,because Coach... ?
"Yes ,for sure"
Amber glancing down in thought "Chloe l don't know what if he ...doesn't ? "
"Amber you haven't even tried , if he was interested in another girl ,he would have been dating but he is not …"
"Alright l am going to try …"
"Don't miss a chance to meet someone great, Now let me get some more salad on the menu go off …... now"
"Wish me luck" letting nervous squeak in her voice as she stood up, walking in direction across.
"Always"
Chloe was happy for her friend , Amber was always supportive her after what happened to her family and high school glad she was left unscathed.
The wouldn't leave her alone ,constantly making her feel non-existent ,Whispers that followed her as she walked by rumors , students in the hallamong themselves staring at her ,her ears hummed with rhythm of soft voices, straining to grasp any word and only caught the familiar her father's name
"that's that murders daughter", keeping her head down, eyes on the floor if she could make it to homeroom without any trouble, it would be a relief.
" Watch it freak , don't get it in my way !"shoving her out of his way with a group of boys beside him.
" Oh, it's her right …...Carter? " Sam a dark haired ,tall boy tugging the other boy beside him.
"Sorry"
" So, we can speak, now ?" unkept and wild curled haired boy named Jake inserted in conversation staring at her.
Evading the group of boys in front of her who had surrounded her creating a trap ,in an awkward semi- circle.
"Carter's dad, l am sure would be alive right now ,if it weren't for your old man" in a hostile tone, Sam chiseled jar , the average tall height, ocean eyes glaring through the girl in front of him in loathing.
"You're not going off free ….don't you think ?" the dark-haired boy spoke in a bemused humor in a frigid expression.
A heavy weight sank in chest all her instincts told her to flee, stepping backward, turning swiftly breaking into a run outside leaving the halls to the field destination in mind but they caught to her before she took off to the football field.
" Stop it ! put me down" shirking in outrage kicking and wriggling against the boy who had thrown her on his shoulder.
"Let's have some fun "
"Jake get the ropes"...…...
Tied to a tree
As one of them was restraining her hands after tying the knot before stepping away , hands behind her back, something was on her index finger.
A ring where did it come from ? What was happening? Shining in a faint glow, before squeezing her finger
" Owww" painfully squinting her eyes trying to see clearly, shaking her head .
"What happening to her ?"
"l haven't done anything wrong to you !,Why are you punishing me , for something l didn't do ?"she was terrified ,but she had to defend herself. Blinking her eyes her vision getting blurry.
" Your old man did quite a number on Carter and his family'
"Yes, retribution is only fair don't think "
Open sign tab on the glass door swinging from the recent entry ,DVD posters, library of rows of Actress and actors ,movie sequels and sale signs , the store , a scene came in hervision.
" Sam don't do it ,leave him alone! We got the money let's go !"kicking the man who in fright was lying on the floor hands over his head.
" l am coming now" spoke covered in a mask , clothed in black clothing and same with his friend Sam.
Wailing of the faint sirens from the street were getting loud now from the where the store was
'Whoop...whiiiiiiiii…whoop"
"The cops ! they are coming man!" hurriedly pacing, checking the streets outside.
The scene disappearing right in front of her instantly, the ring stopped glowing , wriggling in struggle in awareness to where she was noticing the eyes questioning themselves glancing back at her.
" Your …...unbelievable Sam after stealing from the DVD rental shop and beating Mr. Field's up to a pulp wearing disfigured masks" deducing the scene she saw.
" Jake you were also there , telling him go because the cops were coming funny isn't it ?"
" What a funny joke your sprouting ! Jake and Sam went to beat Mr. Field's up after stealing from him"
Carter looked at their faces going still from that assessment looking at each other.
Sam grabbed Jake's T-shirt "Jake how does she know that ? Did ….you tell" ...
"Are you kidding me ? She wasn't there that day !" Jake rebuffed off.
"We have a little physic freak ...otherwise how did she know that ?" stepping toward her mouth twisted into a snarl.
"Sam you went …. after l told you, that was a bad idea!"Carter didn't need to hear their answers, he knew what they had done and their faces void of guilt.
"Untie her now ! l told you Sam not to do it , l don't even know how your romped in Jake in your vendetta against that man. The cops don't joke"
"What if she rats us out now "Jake gulped regarding to Sam
"Let me go now, l will not tell the police the men who robbed Mr. Field's and stole from him was no other than Jake Mills football team captain and
Sam Jeffery" the town was affected by the incident since he was admired man in the neighborhood.
"No man we deal with this little freak now" bringing out his pocketknife ,Sam voice spoke of promise on that act.
Mr. Sullivan the P.E fortunately materialized along the school field path, halting after observing at the scene. Straight away walked towards the group of boys surrounding a girl in the center.
"Hey what are you doing ! Over there not in Class"
"Shit it's coach if he sees me here l am done" tugging each other, their feet pounding on the dusty ground.
"Let's go !"
"Sam this is all your fault" voice echoing as they ran off.
"It's this fault freak Carter , let's go we will deal with her later"
"If you dare, you already made enough of a mess , l will handle it myself".
Running off
"Hey are you okay ? Did they try to hurt you ? l don't know what's wrong with teenagers !" in front of her, tugging and unplaiting the ties around the tree.
"l am alright thanks to you sir" ...
The atmosphere got worse after that incident with Carter's so-called friends , they didn't stop creating rumors, she was mental freak on the loose who needed to take meds who required to be locked up and to be avoided .
Alienated from her peers excluded from social invites ,school activities ,clubs and barely making friends boys avoided her like a plague.Reason being not wanting to spoil their so-called good reputation among peers.
She didn't blame nor resented them ,after her father did, part of her felt guilt even though , it wasn't her fault.
No one knew besides the police who had pieced together the crime scene tapped the building in yellow tape at the studio entrance ,witnessing painfully vision from the window ,visiting her father that day for her piano lessons dropping her music sheet on the floor after viewing, a spine-chilling scene that changed her life. …
" Steven sounds excellent, the music notes perfectly completefor the broadcast station and just wrapping the album Covers " recording studio which was space filled with music instruments, speakers, music amplifiers two main chairs on the tables on the monitors across the room beige couches with a wooden snack table.
" After getting all the attention, credit even though we both worked hard on the last album success, seeming too becoming deliberate and unfair Eric "
"We share the same stage ,it should be enough for you ,weboth know between us who is the best composer" indignant loathing tone in his voice,
Eric man of average height, a strand of golden hair over his brow in white shirt and jeans sated on the piano seat.
"It's not enough for me ,l intend to the best writer too ! This album will be a stepping point to me" towering at the other man voice, Steven expressed his frustration.
"You're crazy, all credit to yourself heard some funny rumorsthat Nate was injured by you, when you worked together in New York and you took over his concert ,l guess it's true !.....your truly fully of greed" Steven raised his suspicions ,his eyes blazed at the man in front of him.
" Who do you think will believe you even if told them ? No one will believe a dead unknown piano artist" pinched face , in a rage filled voice.
" What your insane man" quirking a bark of laugher , as he couldn't grasp the identity of the man before him.
"Get out of here now ! Steven before l call the cops"
"Are you jesting , l am not going anywhere without my copy of the original Album cover" stepping towards the man.
" You're not getting it nothing you con artist !" Reaching for the copy on the side table beside the piano.
"Give it to me now" clashing now struggling to snatch the copy from Eric's possession.
"Stop it Steven !" wriggling shoving him off.
" NO with your busy mouth l am not letting you off !" hands around the man's throat restricting him to air.
"l can't breathe ! let go ....l can't ...bb-bb-b..."hands reaching his chest the man heaving.
"No ! DAD don't do it ….! What are you doing ...!!DAD !!!! NO!!" she screamed out her voice wasn't loud enough for him, to hear from where she stood.
The man unintended was dead, gone still hands shaking at the sight of the man who had gone pale, grabbing off the copy, Steven fled the sight.
Tears weren't even in sight not knowing how to cry, stiff posture as she stood on scene minutes passed, unable to move blinking she managed to walk away from where the window was back to street.
Nightmares constantly plagued her every time she closed her eyes. The police investigated the case of Carter's father who was found dead in a music studio on the floor pale and not breathing.
Two years passed their family finally moved out the home,they grew up after trying to make amends, after what happened but there was no relief from that, her mother was exhausted after what her family went through decided a new start is what they deserved and it was time to move on..
Amber was there by her side in those days, blinking away those years. Focusing her eyes to where her friend was, happy. Amber was putting herself out there ,she was ready for something better in her life too, maybe somewhere faraway was good too.
Chloe done eating ,exited from the cafeteria ,taking a stroll outside the campus grounds, a perfect place to listen to her playlist pulling her iPod out her pocket in peace before her other classes ,on the lawn near benches were installed spread out the block.
Machasseuts was a dream come true, enormous popularity of students from various nationalities and backgrounds, no one knew her identity ,she made great friends too. Passing by a group of tennis players in the tennis court paired by the basketball court beside practicing.
"Jake , what do you think of the party last night, those girls were all over you" hearing some familiar voices that she never thought she would cross paths with again.
"Sam stop dragging me, this is not even my campus" forehead furrowed, a strain in his face, in a scull head dark t-shirt and shorts those familiar hazel eyes.
" Wait , are my eyes deceiving me… Who do we have here ?"eyebrows waggled , pupils slowing flaring , eyes burning the dark haired, averaged height male staring at her.
"The little physic who ratted us out" grinning at her Jake looked across his friend.
"How ?What are …..." nose crinkling ,her eyes widening at the sight of them ,observing their scowled expressions.
"Well…... , this place has great parties" in a dull voice tone.
"However, because of you , we were arrested by the Feds for Mr. Fields shop" the scowling transforming into a blank look.
"Jake she still owes us big time" confiding in his friend who agreed with the opinion.
"Definitely word has it someone reported us claiming to have evidence of that small incident, we got arrested and spent some time in juvenile detention center"
"I never said anything ...."she paled as her contorted having no concept of having the information they conveyed she never went to report after them, she stayed out of sight, it wasn't the first time they cornered her after that incident any chance to harass her, was entertainment for them.
"I thought you would say that ...!" jaw set, gritting his teeth as spat out, Sam faked a smile, giving her a once-over.
" We finish this…. today" the atmosphere was becoming eerie, disturbing glances she received.
Sam stepping forward jerking out, a mahogany handle curved dual blade, pocketknife flashing in light ,having an upper hand as the tension became dire, her eyes betraying her fear as her head drew back in a shaky nod, advancing in step with Jake in participation as well.
Students around weren't able to identify the scene as they were engrossed in playing their club activities or eyes down looking their mobile phones.
Retracing her steps backwards and darting leaving the tenniscourt pathway ,in the direction of primeval earthy green woodland spread out with pine species trees , the soft susurration of the branches spiking into the sky ,the dusty floor of the ground covered in root tresses and twigs.
The perspective of the two devil figures fathomed fear, twisted snarl expressions in a grin, Sam blade in hand ready to strike when he got close , she could hear jeering sounds of laughter, mentioning when they captured her, she would die.Since high school they took twisted delight in harassing her in front of her peers and other students as well abusing their influence in wealth and Sam as son of the owner of the institution.
Face frantically attempting to verify her concern, it never was going to end…... was it ? Will she ever be free ? "I' ve seen enough darkness... Just ..let me.. live"
A chance to live was everything she wished for her future ,her thoughts cried aloud in her mind, her legs felt numb muscles pushed beyond what exercise she ever did in her life, her backpack straps on her shoulder tugging heavy weight of the books and extra essentials she carried daily for her classes ,a navy standard large size pack ,tossing behind her back not offering enough her an advantage she needed to outrun them in a great distance.
Fact of inner exhaustion of counting hours of dawn each night was her reality she thought. Now the clutches of terrible fate had brought her back to the people who harassed repeatedly.
Flash of light shone appearing in front her as she limped in flight, heavy footsteps pounding leaves were now close in approach scrunching under their boots, behind her pursuersthe sound loud in her ears.
Missing her step slipping tumblingover a tress of roots of jarring pain shooting from her ankle, heart beating frantically in attempt to stand up she fell her pursuers were gaining on her desperately clutching the trunk of the tree from beneath she limped her way up.
Heaving gulps of air in her lungs, backpack swinging across her back, flapping hair bellowing in the air cloaking on her shoulders as she ran ,the ring again was glistening in a golden radiance ,an opening of appeared in front of here circle of light " Jump!" a high voice spoke .
No time and thought to debate what was happening she leapt for her life, panic trembling in her exhausted limbs.
Following in a distance from her as she vanished lost to view in a blank white wall of light, slowing their pace down into a halt no longer having a glimpse of her to pursue.
Jake and Sam stood in shock traumatized they searched every side they thought she ran from not finding a logical explanation.
Faces gawking mouth opened, wide in alarm overtaking them as they stood paralyzed trembling. Shrilling sounds came from their mouths an ear-spitting "AAAAH! AHHHH!".
Shrinking away stumbling from the woods off, frantically hands in the air and hazardously weaving out from the woodsback to the way they came frightened to what they witnessed.
Leaping through a gap
Distance was all that mattered ,Chloe wasn't stopping winding away from her pursuers noticing , a maze of Cedar trees ,dark wide tree trunks roots along the pathway ,clumps of bushes , the wind slipping through the leaves the rich earth rotting leaves on the ground, mountains and castles the scene hardly ever similar to her campus.
"Here…... again ?" she muttered under her breath came in small spurts, hot at her sides fingers sweaty, stopping to catch a breath , face flushed in pink wiping off a forehead beaded in sweat from running.
Dusting off dirt ,twigs from her spring sweater, rubbing off her feet which was bruised when she fell previously examining the world before her.
Warbling wrens in the primitive forest , buttercup pop up on the moss grass, leaves crinkling under her feet due to the heat ,knotted arms upwards as far as her head would lift in majesty of the trees.
A hoary fortresses light streaking through the bough of the shadowy oak brown trees, wood sorrel flecked the blanket of grass venturing further the more mystical and spell binding, it enchanted her into contemplating she was fantasizing reality however the briars, brambles and berry trees flanked in another trail were real.
Jake and Sam were not insight, she gave out a sigh of relief, moving forward in aimless direction her feet leading pace,after fleeing from those boys.
Jake and Sam were going to be at her campus now last she heard of them was they left town after the police arrested them and found out it was Carter who reported his friends.
Amber her source after hearing it from his classmate's rumors spread around those days, it seems it was true ?. After the incident she avoided running in them and Carter at the school.
The forest clearing, to reveal a grass landscape of stone cottages, towers ,Castles and cobbled pathways in the midst distance, the places seemed grand. Heedful steer clear ofbeing seen, resting on bushy boulder that hid her identity, peering her eyes, hands creating an opening of the bush, two women waking along the way women neatly dressed in wool white long flounce chemise frocks length to their ankles , in formal speech.
"Lord Dux and the Cole family will be in attendance at the ball" carrying bundles of wildflowers in a weaved straw basket.
Astonishment widening in the young woman's eyes , braided her on her back " Say, it would be an honor to see the young masters, even from a far" excitement in the lady's eyesresponding.
"Serving ladies, have ...they …been?" adjusting her load of a fruit basket, clutched by her hand on her side.
"Chosen already , that was the best chance to view the ball"
"Another ball ,l assume if we get favored in the next selection" the sparkle fading in the woman's expression the smile on her mouth receding to a firm line.
"The palace selections are also proliferating, with vassal official having sent out the King's audit epistle in the land ofGalois for ladies to serve in the palace" voices fading off as they went further forward along their path.
The women's clothes looked very historic gathers embroideryon their hem they seemed like common people. Resuming her from where she was walking, she was feeling parched seeking for water, explored the land ahead of her limping, the pain in her ankle was now a distant ache.
Forest her guise avoiding bumping into who ever lived in thegrey stone Castle in front of her towering size of mills ,wandering about to what appeared to be garden flowers white and yellow in delicate bloom ,petals curling at the edges from the humid heat
Heirloom orchard run through with trees centering the garden ,casting a lake of shadows on the grass. Varying skins of red, green, yellow in pattern blends apples , oranges ,pears. Rosyabundant glowing fruits in the day shine, the branches of each tree spread out so proud of the bounty with glossy sweetness,pleasing to the eye and drinking in the aromas wafting the air.
Taking in the sight into memory ,to an artistic eye it was marvelous ,rewarding herself after walking a long way from the forest.
Surely the owner wouldn't mind dropping off her backpack on a tree beside her, starting off with green apple tree closest to her, strong branches looming over her head, the bark firm, soft easy on her reaching out hands.
The toes of her sneakers making crumbling sounds as they dragged against the sturdy trunk, her arms pulling upwards to the closest section of the fruit, the crunch of the juice spreading over her tongue, pulling the fruit to her lips, her eyes catching the white flesh.
The ground only a foot away ,she ate briefly before she went to get another one escalating peeling of the outer layer dividing the circle of layer, the burst of flavors in her mouth was heavenly.
Performing the same justice to the other trees she descendedeating some of the pieces of the oranges, glancing at a peaches tree across letting go of getting backpack in a thud.
Sauntering seventeen paces to the next tree quickly climbing the tree the orchid was empty seemed there as no one there she heard no sound in no saw one insight, the trees weren't difficult to up, seemed well kept.
The peaches finest in this garden golden orange crisp heart red on the end of the fruit it was a sight for sore eyes, not waiting for permission she went for it and settled herself down on the grass below the tree.
"l bet a princess lives here for sure ?" her lips in a bow smiling pure untamed happiness swell in her as she ate ,a sense of ease occurred from deep with her, any place was a retreat from the hostage of Jake and Sam were not a pleasant thought.
"This is so good; more mouthwatering than the ones at home ?" she mumbled through the mouthful of the bites she ate.
After getting two more tangerine oranges ,she sat down retrieving her backpack from the tree finding a place to sit further away from where the trees were it seemed to be lawn of grass near a stone bench in the castle residence she had seen a while when she was walking.
Settling down she continued getting more bites closing her eyes in enjoyment "l don't mind staying in this place for a little while anything is better than Jake and Sam". Finishing the peach , she went to retrieve the other her lap.
"Quite a treat? Finer…... with the pears too "
"MMMM....maybe l should try that.... too full now?"
Gravelly calm charming voice, obscure from her voice stated in remark, opening her eyes staring tall a figure shading her from the sun.
Neil descended posthaste down the staircase stairs , previously he stood biding time for the private bath to be drawn up, following fencing session.
A bizarre scene andshuffling quavering of the branches from thee orchard drew his attention from the arched window of his chamber ,a female figure climbing in the private orchid servants were banded from entering at such hours , into the passage way of the great hall servant greeting him as they went about to perform duties.
Chills and goose bumps crept on her neck in alert of the presence of another individual.
She twisted around to the see who the voice unfamiliar to her and definitely not her, gazing upwards to the most admirable piercing green eyes, that widened coming in contact with her own.
Face was defined, soft curls fell in cinnamon swirls of silver ,his features a tall length ,slim young man dressed in linen ivory shirt with ties tucked in breeches with knee length black boots.Neil grew still, taking a few steps before he regained his composure,dark eye brows,sloped downwards in a serious expression.
Gaping openly as she observed his sharp jaw, chin, and cheekbones resisting to let out a shaky sigh.
"Your quite bold from the local burglars , l have come across " , eyes brows raised looking at the thief he witnessed from his chamber window pilfering from their family tree with none of the servants paying attention busy in their duties., causing him to succumb down the stairs of the house to seize the thief.
Rendered speechless dropping the fruit in a thud as it fell on the ground , getting a hold of herself standing up from where she was crouched down sitting, dusting out the grass from her pants and she spoke out the first unsought words that came in her brain
"What burglary? How is eating a fruit burglary, it looked delicious so l had to try it" in a defensive
tone, arms crossed and shrugging off.
"Really? …..since it is such a case..." his observed her and without hesitance strapped from his hip unsheathing of his sword ,sleek steel silver thin blade glittering under rays of day light , its long sharp swipe end tip thrust underneath her nape, pressing skin to draw blood.
Where did those words come from , after running a way from Jake and Sam she was tired of being harassed because they felt like it and the heated tone broke out something in her.The sword took her off guard ,she didn't calculate he would take it that far this man wasn't playing about what happened.
" Okay , okay ...l am sorry ….l didn't mean too ,l was just hungry and before l knew it …l was in the tree .. now could please take away the sword" she held up her hands in surrender as she gulped in nervous swallow, glancing down at the blade before looking upwards to those eyes.
"Do you make habit of stealing of other people's trees"
"Your h-hair .... it's s-silver ...." she never met anyone who had silver hair besides bleaching that color out however that color darker shades from the roots to lighter strands was very peculiar.
" l am aware..? What of it now ?" He cocked his head, look of puzzlement on his face.
"Nothing ,I am not a thief my life is too busy to off stealing from other people's trees, Now could you kindly let me off since .... l am hungry girl who lost her way around?
Releasing a fraction of space drawing the sword from her throat slightly.
" Without compensation? I don't think so ?" Referring to the state of the garden looking behind her at the leaves shodden from the trees on grounds and the fruits haphazardly on the grass remnants of what looked like a play of enjoyment with the little thief who shrugged off.
" Please ... can y-you"
"What are you adorning ... your dress form is very strange for a female?" Glancing down at the tight fitting pants ,in once over upwards to her neckline to flattering lines of her neck.
"Strange? what is strange about wearing jeans and light-long sleeved sweater in spring"
"J-jeans ?mouthing the words ... Spring ?, bizarre stooping in thought. Before continuing."Now ...about the fruits you pilfered from our garden".
"You could let me go ... l swear l never attempt this again !" Firmly nodding her head, in assurance.
"Okay, that's… an… idea.But here's another idea? How about… we don't do that. It's more appropriate if you first clean up the mess you created in the garden then you can go off as you wish."
Yes of course, l can do that " letting out a sigh as the blade was withdrawn form her throat and restored in its strap ,her mouth curved into a smile for one wrong moment that would gotten ugly.
"Now follow me l will assign you to Tudor for cleaning brushes, to clear up" turning back leading the way to the main front entrance.
"Okay" Retrieving her bag from the tree, retreating backwards in the direction she came from, much as she wanted to stay and clear up the mess she made.
Fleeing from this strange place, than getting more involvement of whatever world this was wise, she wanted to go back home looking down at the ring that attached itself to her fingers.She wasn't falling for whatever traps it set her up of when it wouldn't come off.
Neil hearing no response or footsteps behind him, in hindsight saw the lady fleeing off escaping
"Hey ! Stop ... stop, run as far as you want l will still catch you" loudly informing her ,apparently this little thief was a trickster, he moved forward in sprint when he caught her, she would be seeing his mercy.
The orchid was wide darting amount the trees heavy steps thudding on the green grass ,she didn't get very far in distance before he gained on her, hands clutching her satchel, firm hands dragging her backwards in direction of the castle before, he grabbed her wrist in from grip.
" Now where do you think you were going off too! Tricking is your specialty isn't!" he gave mirthless laugh,raking his fingers through his hair.
" Let go! ... hey ... aah ..ooow .. your grip is too ...aah" she flinched in pain ,jerking away from the firm shackle of his hand.
"So you can run off again, l don't think so ? Attempt to flee again, l promise you ! leniency won't be an option hear me?"he let out a harsh breath.
"Alright !"dragging her feet, she was tugged forward walking.
Leading her away from the trees of the orchard to the stone path, in the several paths to the main castle driveway entrance before stopping at the sight of movement. The thundering of hooves split the silence.
The driveway a manicured lawn where stones were patched to create a path of entrance and to north side of the outside keep.
Horses driven by two coachmen made an appearance with seated front of a four wheeled carriage, with silver and red linings the flag emblems of the house of Grey in the land of Xenia on top of the coach.
The horses pranced as they stopped at the main brown large door of the entrance central of the castle manor.
The passengers revealed as the door gently open , a stoop of stair placed by the coach men for getting out. In sequence tall man walked out in dark golden patterned aristocratic jacket in dark breeches ,a matured man, well defined, with a sharp jaw and angular cheekbones.
The complexion of his fair skin going in tune with his green eyes golden flecked that looked back at the figure behind him, mouth in firm expression, full chestnut brown hair neatly combed.
In official regalia Long white cape coat stiff with on his padded shoulders, buttoning the gemstones buttons that contrasted the yellow yokes on front of the vestments of the cape ,adjusting embroidered cuffs before slowly striding further moving forward.
The man was taller than the one came previously before him similar green eyes but the wrinkles betrayed his age.
"Finally we found a location now ,my men a doing a stakeout tonight will be going to make an arrest when everything is confirmed..." the man in the jacket spoke in conversation.
"Great news ...now, l have another thing to discuss ..."
Felix walking to enter the inside before halting midway,stilling as recognition dawned on his face ,as he glanced at his grandson who had beside him a lady...
"Young lady ...?" astonished seeing the sight of the girl he saved now in front of eyes...
The man who saved her from being kidnapped? What was he doing here ?
"UUUUUUmmmm...Long story?" she smiled nervously …...