There were three men in the group that surrounded Lisa and Ianto. Lisa wasn't troubled by the singular man, but by the one bearing a large crossbow, the other with a staff and a third yet that was hiding something in his breeches. Only Ianto was focused on the man standing center, his legs apart in a heroic pose, hands on his impatient hips, staring down at Ianto in amusement.
"If this is your way of pleading for your lives..."
"Don't worry. It's not."
"Oh, our fair new Queen has a backbone to her. Sure you don't care to plead for mercy or sanctuary?"
"And why should I? I've done nothing wrong."
Ianto eyes moved from the stranger to Lisa, pleading with her to play the part of the damsel in distress for just a bit longer.
"To live in such an age where men cower." The leader rolled his eyes toward heaven.
"I don't cower."
"Your eyes say more in pleading then her lips would."
"She doesn't realize how much of a danger you are. I do. We work for Torchwood."
His eyes went pale. "That's impossible."
"You should know better than that, alien." Ianto's nostrils were flaring, his eyebrows furrowed and teeth bared. He watched Lisa from the corner of his eye, noticing the way her throat contracted a bit.
"Of course I am an alien to these parts. Fair men, give us leave. Obviously these are Welsh countrymen by stance and they shall be taught the error of their ways. Innocent blood shall not be spilt like those we fight." There was a general rumble of consent and the men, which included the horsemen, drifted back into the woods and the silence the surrounded the trio.
"I guess I should untie your ropes then."
"How did you get here?"
"What is his name, Ianto?"
"Captain Jack Harkness is the record on file."
"Number three?! Here?! Now?!"
"First field mission I'm guessing." Ianto felt the pressure of hemp rope give way and he stood, massaging his wrists as Lisa joined him in standing.
"It's true."
"Hands above your head! We're taking jurisdiction here. However you activated the Rift, you are taking us home now and turning yourself over."
Jack looked from Lisa to Ianto with his arms outstretched and then burst into laughter, leaving a very confused Ianto and Lisa watching Jack Harkness doing laughter somersaults all over an ancient forest in olden day Cardiff.
"You're blaming me for your predicament? God, you people are thick."
"You must have activated the Rift."
"Lady, do you think I would choose to stick myself out here and play the hero?"
"Good place to hide from universal authorities, I'd wager."
"Cute, but you're awfully suspicious, aren't you?"
"Lisa, you might as well put your weapon away. What good does it do for us to arrest him here?"
"Your partner's got a level head. Gotta love that about you Welsh."
"He's my boyfriend."
"Oh, perfect."
To be continued...