Finding Yourself

Disclaimer: No I do not own the story of Hidalgo.

Chapter Ten: Kidnapped!

Kaitlin was sound asleep when the raiders came and attacked the camp. She hadn't noticed them until they came into her tent. Or at least one of them did. She felt the edge of a blade against her throat and her eyes flew up and all thoughts of sleep fled her mind. The person holding the blade was dressed in full Arab garb and had a menacing look in his eyes. It was definitely not her father.

"Get up," said the intruder. "And don't try anything stupid."

Kaitlin got up as the blade moved and slipped her boots on and grabbed her hat, shoving it on her head. Then the intruder motioned towards the tent flap and Kaitlin gulped as a dagger was held across her throat.

"Keep moving," hissed the harsh voice from behind her.

Kaitlin nodded slightly and kept walking. She even walked past her father, who was fighting furiously.

"Hey!" cried Frank, running after them. "Hey get back here!"

"Stay back or I'll slice her throat open," warned the Arab holding Kaitlin hostage.

"What?" asked Frank confused and concerned.

"Come any closer and I'll kill her."

"Why? She's nothing to you!"

"That's none of your business," said the Arab while shoving Kaitlin on the back of his horse and climbing on. "Hyah!"

And before Frank could do anything, they were gone.

Jazira was going to kill him. She was seriously going to kill him now. Not only had he allowed Kaitlin to race, but he'd allowed her to get kidnapped! Of all the stupid things to do! But how had the Arab known that Kaitlin was a girl? And why pick her? It was clear that Frank had a new enemy but who? And what did they want with his daughter?

Frank ran to the Sheikh's tent. The Sheikh was inside, pacing. The Sheikh looked towards Frank when he entered.

"Sheikh? We have a problem."

"What is it Frank?" The Sheikh asked, concerned.

"Kaitlin's been kidnapped."

"What? When?"

"Just now by the raiders. And they knew that she's a girl. Someone found out that she was racing but who would care?"

The Sheikh muttered something under his breath before turning again to face Frank who had a puzzled look on his face.

"Aziz…" said the Sheikh softly.

"What? Isn't Aziz dead?" asked Frank, remembering the man who had once worked for the Sheikh and had been partially responsible for Jazira's kidnapping.

"Yes he is, but he had a son. And his son blames you for his father's death."

"But I didn't kill Aziz!" protested Frank.

"Yes, but his son believes that you did. If he found out that she was your daughter, then he would have taken her."

"But why would he take her if he doesn't know that I am here?"

"There is nothing to say whether or not he knows that you are here. But it is well known that Jazira married you. And so maybe he intends to ransom her to me."

"Or maybe he just plans on killing her!" exclaimed Frank heading towards the tent opening.

"Frank, think! He would not plan on killing her without having tried something. He wants something and we must wait for word of it."

"I can't sit here and wait Sheikh! I can't wait for word of my daughter's life! I have to go find her!"

"Wait, just a few minutes."

"I will go saddle Hidalgo and then return. If no word is heard by the time I come back, I'm heading out after her," said Frank and the Sheikh nodded.

Kaitlin was terrified. She'd been kidnapped and was scared. She didn't know how the person had figured out her identity, but he had. He knew that she was a girl.

"Stop fighting!" ordered the Arab.

"Why?" shot back Kaitlin.

"If you don't stop, I'll cut your throat before your father comes."

"What do you know about my father?" asked Kaitlin, wondering how Frank fit into this crazy mess.

"He killed my father, so now he must pay for it. He must pay for Aziz's death with his own or you will be paying for him!"

"What?" Kaitlin exclaimed in disbelief.

"Aziz was my father. The cowboy killed him."

"No he didn't! Jaffa killed him after Aziz shot him! My father had nothing to do with it! Yes my father was there but he didn't kill him!" protested Kaitlin, knowing that Frank hadn't killed Aziz. He'd told her all about it.

"It was your father's fault and he must pay for it," hissed the Arab.

"My father isn't coming. My father is still in the States."

"No he is not, girl. I saw him at the campsite. He is in disguise. He will come for you, just like he came for Jazira. Except this time, he will die!"

"No!" cried Kaitlin.

Author's Notes:

Here's the chapter I promised! The next one is due Tuesday, November 16th.

Reviewers!

Soccer-Bitch – Glad you like it!