Chapter VIII:Captured
Another short one
Penelope
exchanged glances with Hornblower." So, now what?" She
asked. Hornblower did not answer and waited till everyone else
crouched down beside them.
Hornblower
softly began to speak, when abruptly, there was a clicking right next
to hid ear. His blood froze as his men, began dropping their weapons.
There were pistols, held by French men, surrounding the English
marines, aimed right at their heads. Penelope looked at Hornblower,"
Well? What is my father going to say about this one, Horatio?"
She asked. As they were ordered in French by the Frenchmen to arise.
The Marine's hand were bound tightly.
"Penelope,
I am so sorry." Hornblower said softly.
"Bloody
Frogs!" Penelope exclaimed. Catching the attention of a French
Colonel. He turned, and approached he. He chuckled, and said
something profane in French. Followed by his hand striking her hard
across the face. Hornblower took a huge step forward. However, had
soon been violently pulled back by another officer.
Penelope
looked right into the eyes of the man who had struck her, she
recognized him, faintly. She closed her eyes and saw an image of her
mother. She was still living when Penelope was barely six. She saw a
young Frenchman in her home, near her mother, with a gun. Quickly
Penelope forced her eyes open," It's you." She mouthed. The
man smiled widely and turned, ordering them to camp.
Forced
to sit on a log near a fire, Penelope's hair scattered around her
face from the impact. "Dirty scoundrels !" Her voice
boomed. Then noticed that the others were being led a different
direction, abruptly she forced herself to her feet, "No! Wait!
Where are you taking them! Horatio!" She
shouted.
"Penelope!
You lay one hand on her and I swear you'll be in the grave."
Hornblower began, struggling to attempt to get to Penelope.
"
Corporate, and she will be unharmed," Stated the
Colonel.
Penelope
watched as her comrades had been drug away. Not sure what would come
of them.