Elizabeth POV

The walk towards Red Claw wasn't silent as Liz thought it would be. After Declan planted a kiss on her lips before they packed everything to start their journey, Michael suddenly appeared out of nowhere and started to talk about Clenna.

She wasn't really in the mood to listen to him. Liz had hoped to use the walk to get her mind clear but hearing the despair in his voice about the girl he loved, Elizabeth couldn't help but listen anyway. But to her surprise, it was Sokanon who gave Michael advice about Clenna.

The cold settled into her bones again, even the furry coat couldn't keep away the chill and a shiver ran across her spine while following silently behind Sokanon and Michael. And her feet were killing her, making Liz walk like she had a limp to spare one foot at a time.

"You're in pain," Declan's voice came from behind, making Liz look over her shoulder.

"It isn't something to worry about," she murmured when she picked up her pace again.

His hand caressed her back for only a second before Declan increased his pace and passed her by. Liz couldn't help the smile that appeared around her lips.

Only two hours later they made a quick stop, and everyone came standing closer to each other. Sokanon holding two pieces of rope and dangled it before Michael and Liz' faces.

"You're slaves from now until we leave the Red Claw," Declan said while staring through the trees. The camp of Red Claw was seen through the bushes and it was bursting with commotion.

While Sokanon tied Michael his hands, Liz stood on her tip toes, so she was able to see how some of the natives were celebrating a big catch. Four men carried a male deer, hanging from a large pole and already dead. Thank the Lord it was already dead, the last thing Liz was interested in was seeing the slaughter of an animal. Even if it was for food.

"Your turn," the voice of Sokanon made her turn around and Liz offered her wrists without a word.

But a hiss escaped her when the rope was wound up too tight around her wrists and hands.

"Need to make it look real," Sokanon grinned but there was a playful twinkle in her eyes that Liz didn't notice before. "Don't worry," the native's woman voice was soft to her ears, "we'll untie you as soon as possible. Signal me when the ropes really start to hurt you."

A small nod was given from Liz to Sokanon before turning to Declan. They locked eyes and Liz stretched out her hands to him, offering him the piece of rope that was dangling lose from the knot.

"Are you sure?" He asked, his voice doubtful.

"Yes," was all she said, determined that this was what needed to be done if they would have any chance for the Red Claw to side with them. Deep down Liz knew she would do anything in her possibilities to take down Lord Benton and his Captain. They were simply vicious in her eyes, especially after she'd seen first hand how Lord Benton treated the natives when a young boy who got caught stealing was whipped on marketplace.

She didn't stay to watch it. Liz ran home crying and feeling helpless, buried herself into the blankets into her bed. Only later Elizabeth heard the boy was still alive, but it took Grace several days to make sure he'd survive the beating. The woman had hidden the boy away from Chesterfield and Lord Benton and made sure he got home when he was well enough to travel.

Only now she realized it was probably Declan who had made sure the boy got back to his family and Elizabeth scanned his features while he looked towards the camp again. Ice was forming in his beard and he kept his lips tight together.

"You're worried?"

It wasn't really a question, Liz could see the lines around his lips and eyes although they softened a bit when he turned his head towards her.

"Yes," a sigh escaped his lips before turning towards Michael and Sokanon. "Let's go."

He hesitated only a second before grabbing the rope and gently pulled her closer to him.

"Stay close. The Red Claw are easily triggered by..."

"White people," Liz offered when Declan hesitated.

He just nodded before brushing the branches out of the way and before Liz was fully aware, they were surrounded by the tribe.

At first, she wasn't aware of the stares but when Declan escorted her further into the camp, Liz slowly looked around while keeping her head down. Hoping Michael was doing the same.

She saw the looks and the balled fists as soon as the people saw her. Faces angry and women hid their children behind their backs when they passed. No doubt scared and ready to defend their elder and youngsters against Michael and her. And Elizabeth knew then that one wrong move or word could end her life right here.

And suddenly Liz knew why Declan was nervous for this plan.

"Declan, haʼátʼíísh biniinaa kóneʼé sínídá?" (Why are you here?)

Liz frowned while she stared at the frozen grass at her feet. She didn't know the native's language and didn't understand one word. The elder man standing before Declan was most likely the Chief and held his arms crossed over his chest.

That was all she dared to see because Liz noticed the group of Indian's closing in on them from all sides and within minutes their group was surrounded. She could see spears drawing circles in the snow and bows resting at people's feet.

Suddenly her throat went dry when the discussion between the Chief and Declan got heated. She tried to swallow away the dryness but had to cough before she was able to.

"Dare to take a white woman into here?"

The broken English was directed at her and for the first time since they entered, Liz looked up to meet the Chief of the Red Claw. He was tall, almost as tall as Declan and she was forced to stare up at him when he walked in a circle around her.

"And man," he added when seeing Michael, losing interest in Liz for a moment and she locked eyes with Declan.

She's sure he can see the fear in her eyes, but he doesn't do anything to make her feel at ease. Instead Declan pulled the rope hard which made her bump into him and Liz hissed when the burn of the ropes settled into her skin.

She felt anger rise but soon Liz was pushed behind Declan's back when two natives quickly move towards them.

"Dooda shaʼshin (I don't think so)," Declan growled underneath his breath.

What followed went to fast for Elizabeth to really follow because she was behind Declan, but it wasn't Declan that yelled. It was Sokanon who suddenly strode forward and hit one of the men on the head with the back of her bow.

She yelled something in the native language and when Liz looked at the faces around her, she saw some frowning and some taking a step back. Loud murmurs rose up from the group and soon it was deafening to her ears although they weren't shouting but it was as if they were deciding if they were going to kill the 'slaves' or spare their lives.

It was the Chief who intervened and with one loud thumb from his wooden staff, Liz could hear the birds around them again. Silence settled in the camp and she could hear the heavy footsteps of the tall chieftain closing in.

"At dawn, you will be out of Red Claw's camp," the man spoke.

Declan only nodded, and the group separated around them, leaving the four of them alone and Liz glared from behind Declan's back.

"So, that didn't go well?"

Michael's voice wasn't loud, but she could hear it anyway.

"No," Declan huffed, softly pulled the rope to signal she could come out again.

"We stay here for the night," Sokanon said irritated while glaring around her. "We've got two tents. Choose one," she stared at Declan and pulled Michael behind her towards the edge of the camp.

"Sokanon knew they wouldn't help," Declan said while he pointed at one of the old tents. "She's angry with them."

Liz followed him in silence. She could still feel the eyes of the Red Claw on her and didn't dare to look up before the tent closed behind them.