I forgot to mention there might be some writing mistakes. English is a language I was not born with. I hope you guys enjoy the story so far. Let me know if you do!


It was almost complete sundown when, in the distance and once out of the forest, they noticed a small town. Emeline's legs weren't used to walk long distances so they were hurting. However, she ignored the stinging pain and tried to keep up with Flynn as she was ordered to do. She shivered softly. It was getting colder by the second. They walked on a sandy wide road on an open landscape where carriages passed them now and then. It came up in her mind, since her own home was just a half days walk away, that someone in or around this town might recognize her. And would save her from these ruthless men. Hope filled her heart. But, unfortunately they did not come across such a person as far as she knew. Neither in the inn. Once inside the building Flynn walked over to the innkeeper with Emeline close behind. It was only when Emeline scanned the room that she realized Flynn's men had spread out and acted like they were not with them. She wondered why they did that. Maybe Flynn didn't want to get unnecessary attention. Her chance of being saved in the next hours was now very little. The place was not so crowded but not completely empty too, she noticed. She locked eyes with one of Flynn's men for a second. They still were keeping an eye on her. Presumably they would stop her from escaping if she would try it.

"A chamber for two please." She heard Flynn say. So, it seemed she was going to be alone with him for the night. What was he planning in that brain of his? Maybe he wasn't any better than the men he had saved her from. Maybe he was going to do the same thing to her like they had been about to do. The more she thought about him the less she liked him. Did she even like him at all?

"Ladies first." He had turned around and was facing her. The look in his eyes told her that she should do what he said or else there would be consequences. She presumed their chamber was upstairs so she walked towards and then on the stairs. She could feel he was close behind. It made her anxious so she sped up a little bit.

"We have the one at the far end on the left." Flynn told her once upstairs when they stood into a short gloomy hallway. Without hesitating she made her way forward. When they were at the right door he unlocked it with a key the innkeeper had given him. Once it was opened he gently urged her forward into the room while he had a hand on her back. Inside he closed the door behind him. Emeline was feeling her legs were almost going to give up. They were shaking softly. It was only visible if you would look well at them so he probably was not about to notice. Although that she was in pain she did not sit down but immediately opened her mouth to protest.

"I don't know what you are planning but if you will do the same to me as those men were going to you're no better."

Flynn smirked a bit like he was mocking her for thinking something like that about him. "Regardless of what you might think of me, Lady Lawton, I am not such a man." No, maybe you are even worse.

"Then who are you? You know my name but I don't know yours." A silence followed. He seemed to consider to tell her and when he did she was surprised about it.

"It's Flynn, milady." Maybe the name is just set up, she thought. Although she couldn't be sure of that.

Flynn continued to speak. "Now, you will stay in here and freshen up. A maid will come to bring you some hot water and clean clothes. And some food as well. You will not leave this room unless I say so, do you understand?" She nodded quick and short. Lips pressed together as she was trying to hold in words she wanted to throw out at him so badly. "And don't give yourself any ideas of trying to escape. As you might have noticed my men keep a watchful eye on you."

With that said he turned around and left the room. When the door was closed again Emeline walked over to the nearest chair and let herself fall down into it. She finally could let her legs rest. And now that she was alone she could arrange her thoughts as well. Unfortunate as she was she could only think about the trouble she had been forced into. Than an idea crossed her mind. She could tell the maid about what was going on. Maybe Emeline could ask her to give a letter to her father. A letter she was going to sign with her own name so he would know it came from her. If that was a success than all this would be over. Life would be normal again. Her heart raised in her chest as she waited for the maid. She concentrated on any sound that could tell her someone was coming. The waiting felt to long. At last she heard footfalls in the hallway and the door opened slowly. A dark skinned female which seemed to be just a few years younger than Emeline was holding a tray with food in one hand and a bucket of water in the other. It was remarkable she hadn't dropped any of it. With her shoulder she pushed the door wider open and walked in.

"Good evening, milady."

The dark skinned maid avoided meeting Emeline's gaze. Was it because Emeline was a lady and she was just a maid? Carefully she put the food tray on the table and walked with the bucket of water towards a beautiful designed folding screen. She disappeared behind it. In her anxiousness Emeline hadn't taken the time to observe the room yet, but now she did. There was a double bed like she had expected and like the folding screen everything was beautifully designed. This was an expensive room. Where did Flynn got the money from? Was he a rich man in disguise? She heard the maid fill the round wooden bathing tub. When Emeline had stood up to walk over, the maid had appeared from behind the folding screen again.

"I will get some more water, milady. I'll be back very soon." And before Emeline could mention her idea or even say hello, the maid had left the room. She went over to the table to the tray of food. She sat down once again and began to eat. It was a well prepared meal. Though she did not eat all of it. She was so worried right now that she wasn't in the mood to finish it. The maid returned a few minutes later. This was the moment.

"May I ask you something?"

The maid stopped in her tracks with the full bucket in both of her hands. Still avoiding Emeline's gaze. "Yes. Anything, milady."

"Could you bring a letter from me to Captain Galfrid Lawton?" That was her father. "It's urgent you see because a man is holding me as his prisoner. He's tall and has dark hair and green eyes. Make sure he won't suspect you of anything if he crosses your path." The maid had lifted up her head in the meantime and had gazed shortly at the lady before she looked down again and shook her head.

"I'm very sorry, milady, but you must understand I would be risking my life if I would do what you ask."

"I do understand." Emeline said patiently although she actually wasn't feeling patient at all. Her fingernails dug into her own skin on her hand. "Please? You will be rewarded greatly. You will become a free woman. I promise you that." The maid had presumably noticed how distressed Emeline looked because she gave in with a nod.

"Thank you!" Emeline stood up to hug her. The maid had a shocked look on her face but hugged her back anyway. "Can you tell me where I can find some paper and a quill?" Emeline said when she pulled away.

"In the upper drawer of the desk, milady." While Emeline rushed over to the desk, the maid filled the tub with more water. The pain in Emeline's legs wasn't yet gone but she was to busy to think about it. She found what she was looking for and immediately began to write down what came up in her mind. While writing she made sure she mentioned that the maid who would deliver this letter to her father should be rewarded for the service she had shown. When finished she folded it up and handed it over to the maid. Her hand was trembling softly when she did. The nerves were becoming a master of her. Quickly she told her in which town Captain Lawton could be found. The maid took her trembling hand then and gently squeezed it.

"It will be alright, milady. I will make sure he will get this letter." Emeline sighed and closed her eyes, trying to calm down. The maid continued speaking as she put the letter away between her breasts. A place where no one likely would find it.

"Would you like to take your bath now, milady?"

Emeline nodded.