David awoke to a noise…a scream. eh probably my dream, but he always listened for a second just to make sure. Just as he was about to turn over and go back to sleep, he heard it again, albeit muffled. Odd, how could he hear a muffled – he shook himself – time to stop analyzing and start acting. Ok, call the police and tell them you heard – wait. He realized where he was. It was musty, yet clean, and the wooden shutters to the window were open. "Ohhhh…" he groaned as he realized the situation. He got up rapid fire, went over to his bag and grabbed his hunting knife, as well as his pistol with silencer. There was no one that he knew of more qualified to intervene than he at the moment, seeing that he hadn't heard any shouts from honorable people like law enforcement.

Knock Knock. "David, waa that you screaming?" A female voice asked. It was that lady from downstairs…Anna?

"No, I'm going outside to check on it," he responded as he opened the door. He still had his hunting garb on, so he was well fitted to go outside.

"Oh no you don't." She stood in front of him like a mother. "You just got kidnapped, and God knows how long it's been since you ate or drank."

"I'm fine." He brushed past her quickly, taking the stairs three at a time. Being 6 foot helps with that.

"But…" she shook her head as she heard the front door open and slam shut. "Some men never grow out of being boys."

David was jogging toward the center of town, which he assumed to be around a large fountain. He stopped and listened for any movement. He hoped he wasn't too late. The run-in with Anju may have-

"AHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Screamed a woman.

"Shut up you whore! Gag her again Vren! Make sure she doesn't-OW! YOU WENCH!" **SLAP**

David made his way toward the voices.

"Marin what was that about? You didn't have to hit her. Plus, we don't want anyone hearing us," Said Vren as he re-gagged their quarry.

"The crazy wench bit me on my hand!"

"Grmmphrrrmpppruuum," said a female voice.

**SLAP** "Shut up. You'd think you'd have sense to shut up while-"

"Ahhhh, Marin help! I-Aghghghgh…" Blood spilt to the cobblestone pavement as the owner of the voice went silent. David retreated with his kill back around the building.

"Vren! Vren!" Marin looked around for his friend, but could only make out the silhouettes of the buildings, barely.

"If you'd like to escape his fate, I suggest you leave. Now." A new voice was heard in the dark, silent alleyway.

"Ok…Ok…" he whimpered. The Clang of metal was heard and swift footsteps leading away from the scene. David peered around the corner and saw no one except the girl. He came around the corner and approached slowly, hands in front of him. "Ma'am, I'm here to help. I heard your screams. Come, let us be going somewhere safe." The woman sat there and looked at him, remaining still. David then saw two ropes around her waist and feet, and came to the conclusion she was tied up. Made sense, she was being kidnapped. He reached down and picked her up bridal style and headed back to the inn.

Anju was waiting at the door and opened when David came up to the porch. "Oh, bring her in! Poor thing…was it you screaming dear?" She asked as she caressed the young girl's forehead. The girl nodded, and proceeded to bawl, the shock of the situation coming to bear. David set her down on the couch in the lobby and untied her gag, then cut her bounds. He was about to remove them when he was drawn close to the girl in a tight embrace. He felt wetness on his cheek as she sobbed uncontrollably. "Oh, poor thing…" whispered Anju. David heard water splashing behind him, then dripping, like something was dipped in water. He then felt cool water and the embrace was relented.

When he stood, he saw Anju was wiping her face clear of dirt and blood. She looked at David gratefully, then to Anju. "What's your name, miss?" Said Anju in a gentle, motherly tone. "F-F-Fara…" was the quiet reply.

"Oh, it's a pleasure, Fara. I am Anju, the innkeeper, and this is David. He's one of my guests now, but it looks like I might want him to stick around, seeing that he can do more than just sleep, apparently." She smiled at him when she spoke, a knowing smile. She was stating and asking a question at the same time. David nodded and chuckled, followed by a small smile. He was still serious and keeping an eye out for the other offender, in case he followed them. "I'd love to," was his response.

Anju ensured Fara was comfortable and waited with her until she fell asleep. David insisted on sleeping on the floor, in case the other kidnapper came back. "No, no no, David, and for the last time, no. I will lock all the windows and doors on the first floor. It would take a knight to get through to it."

"Alright, but if I hear so much as a peep, I'm flying down these stairs."

Anju chuckled. "As you should. Now, rest my new employee. We have a busy first day of work tomorrow."

"May I rest and look around, Miss Anju, and start the day after?"

"Oh! I am so sorry, I nearly forgot your plight. Oh, please do forgive me. Yes, yes, you can stay as long as you like after your first three days. In fact, we will not start until your three days are up. Fair?"

"Fair. Thank you, Miss Anju."

"Please, just Anju."

"Old habit, I'm sorry."

"Oh, well, good night mister David." She had a smirk on as she closed the door to her quarters.

He shook his head and chuckled. "Women."

"I heard that!"

He nearly roared in laughter but caught himself, careful to not be too loud.