Part 35
Liz was feeling too restless to be still. She paced back and forth across her bedroom floor, battling with silent agony. Her thoughts were filled of Max. The haggard way he looked, the fire that had dimmed in his eyes. The words he spoke, that struck fear into her heart.
The man she had met with that fateful day was not Max. Indeed, she could recall when he stood tall and strong, radiating with absolute power and strength on his ship's deck, warming her with the very look in his golden eyes. He seemed so invinsible then, undefeatable.
And now it was proven that he was merely human afer all.
Liz sighed deeply and walked towards the window to stare out into the night sky. There was no moon tonight and the stars were scarce. Nothing but a dark void. She closed her eyes against the dark, dark night, unable to bear it.
"Liz!"
Liz's eyes snapped open and she jumped away from the window in fear. He name was called again in a loud whisper, from what could only be below. Her eyes darted apprehesively downwards.
"Liz"
There it was again, urgent, demanding. Liz turned frnatically around her room, searching for some kind of weapon to use. Her fingers tangled through her belongings before her hands landed on a large brass candlestick. She blew it out, plunging herself into faint darkness and removed the candle. Gripping the stick with both hands to steady herself she cautiously approached the window.
Rustling came from below, making her swallow a sudden lump in her throat. She was breifly relieved that she was on the second floor and whoever it was could not get to her. However that was before there was a loud thump and more rustling.
When Liz was close enough to see, her eyes widened in shock. A ladder, which she supposed could be their gardener's had been placed against the wall, making it ver possible for the intruder to reach her. Liz gripped the stick more tightly, her knuckles turning white at the effort.
Her head bent over the sill and she stifled a gasp when she saw a dark figure struggle unceremoniously up the ladder, and straight to her. She raised the candle stick over her head and back away so the shadow won't see her.
Anxiously she waited, trying to still her erratic heart, hoping that the hard pounding could not be heard.
Liz stifled a frightened gasp when a hand suddenly appeared to grip the window sill. It was so white and pale against the dark stone. She heard a few mutterings and a few curses drifted up to assualt her ears. And before she was ready, another hand joined the other and both were hauling up the body. Whoever it was appeared to be struggling Liz couldn't help but think with satisfaction.
When the stranger fell onto the floor in a heap Liz pounced, her stick held high abover her head, ready to strike.
"Stop where you are or I shall hit you. I have a weapon!" She threatened, albeit with a telling waver in her voice that she wished she could suppress.
The stranger froze. Liz feared he'd attack her anyway. And then..
"Liz? Is that you?"
The stick dropped from her fingers to clatter onto the ground.
"Maria!"
"I do not understand. How did you find out where I live?" Liz inquired where she sat on her bed. Maria sat beside her. She gave her a slight smile.
" All I had to do was ask Liz. You're not exactly unknown here..my lady."
Liz flushed and lowered her eyes guiltily.
"Hey, hey. None of that..." Maria chided urging Liz to look at her once more. Her gaze was direct but with no accusation. Liz gave a little sigh.
"I do not know what to say Maria. I have lied to you. After you have been such a wonderful friend and companion to me during my time on the ship...I lied to you." Liz was full of remorse. "Oh please forgive me." She clutched at Maria's hand in a gesture of friendship and appeal.
She was startled when Maria smiled and chuckled. She patted her hand. " Oh don't worry yourself so much Liz. I'm not angry. A little annoyed that you chose to keep that little tidbit to yourself but not angry." She threw an arm around her. " In fact i certainly understand the need to keep your identity secret. You weren't in the most ideal of circumstances after all."
Liz couldn't help but blush at that. The tone and pointed look in her eyes reminded of things that made her heart ache.
"May i inquire though now how it all came about?"
Liz sighed and began her story, feeling a great weight lift of her chest.
"Absolutely not! That's insane!"
"Really Liz, it's a perfectly sound idea and an equally sound plan. What are you fussing about?"
Liz stopped her furious pacing to glare at Maria, who was still sitting on the bed, looking as if she hadn't a care in the world. She pointed an accusing finger at her.
"You know exactly what i am fussing about! it can't possibly work." she replied, exasperated. It was positively ludicrous, what she was suggesting. They wouldn't be able to pull it off, that is if she were inclined to do it in the first place! After Liz had poured her heart out and Maria had listened adn wiped her tears she had finally revealed her actual reason for seeking her out.
Maria sighed and pushed off the bed to face her squarely. " Yes it can work Liz. You're just afraid."
"You're damned right i am!" she said, incaring that she was cursing.
"Well ok, maybe i am too." she conceded. "And i admit, it is a little dangerous but-"
"A little!" Liz hurrumphed with a roll of her eyes.
Maria glared. "BUT...you don't want to see them died anymore than i do."
Max.
Silence stretched after her words. No.She didn't want to see them die. Didn't want to see Max die. Her fists clenched her robe inconciously at the thought.
When no more words passed between them, Maria decided to break the silence, for the first time, hesitant, unsure. " You do care for him don't you Lizzie? I wasn't wrong in interpreting what was in your eyes that night?" she asked gently.
Liz stared at her for a moment that seemed to stretch on for forever. "No you weren't. I love him."
Liz stared at herself in the mirror, awed and horrified. Was this creature truly her. Maria had done an amazing job. She could hardly even recognise herself. Her reflection gazed back at her. White painted face and red rouged cheeks,tacky blond hair piled haphazardly on her head, lips that looked like over ripe plums, eyes contoured by black paint..and finally..the dress.
Liz swallowed. It was so daring. A velvet red, a plunging neckline that exposed half her breasts, and a fitting to tight, it practically molded against her body. It was a prostitute's dress that Maria had managed to acquire from a brothel. Liz refrained from asking how.
Liz looked through the mirror at Maria as she came to stand beside her, putting the finishing touches on her face. She was much the same way, except she had a green dress.
"Maria...are you uh..um sure about this?" she asked worriedly. She wasn't too comfortable with this. To go out in the middle of the night, and be at the mercy of drunken men on the streets, to have them look at her...Liz shuddered. It was not a pleasant thought.
Maria understood the concern in Liz's eyes and gave her an encouraging smile. " Don't worrie Lizzie. We'll be safe." While she spoke she dipped her hand into her skirt pocket and produced two shiny blades. Liz gasped and finally comprehended when she handed one to her. Her hand gripped it fiercely.
"Come. We must leave now." They made their way back to the door. Maria decided it would be safer to climb back down instead trying to sneak out the front door and getting caught. But Liz reasoned that it would be safer to go through the door and get caught, rather than risk a broken neck. Maria conceded.
Cautiously they tip-toed down the servant's starcase, taking care to listen for any suspicious sound or telling movement. When they reached the kitchen all was quiet. Liz's eyes looked around the dark place in a certain amount of wonderment. It was the first time she had managed to truely see where all her breakfasts, adn lunches and dinners came from. Amazing...
Maria suddenly gripped her hand and propelled her along. " What on earth are you doing? You look as if you've never seen a kitchen before, or know what it even is." she hissed.
And then the backdoor clicked as it opened silently, and they both hastily crept out, breathing an audible sigh of relief at their successful escape.
The darkness shrouded them, disturbed only by the flashes of moonlight from behind drifting clouds. Footsteps and drunken laughter echoed against the walls they plastered themselves to, fearful of anyone discovering them.
Liz followed closely behind Maria, infact she was so close that she ran straight into her hen she stopped abruptly.
"Ooof!" Liz exclaimed , raising protective hands to clutch at Maria's dress lest she tumble backward.
Maria whirled around to face her quickly. " Are you alright?"
Liz nodded her assent. " Why have we stopped?"
Fear and excitement lit Maria's eyes as she announced, " We've arrived."
Liz swallowed a sudden lump in her throat and nodded her understanding.
Maria grabbed her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. " Just follow the plan. Everything will be alright." And with that they both stepped out of the shadows, fluttering lashes and seductive smiles plastered on their faces.
The men chatting by the gates stopped and stared at the two young women as they approached. When the lamlights highleted their attractive features and enticing bodies encased in brazen dresses, their eyes darkened with sudden desire.
It had beewn a lonely and boring night for them so far, pehaps a little excitement is over due. And it looked like they just might get it.
Maria and Liz sideled up close and gave them coy glances from beneath their lashes.
"Hello boys," Maria greeted huskily. Liz wiggled her fingers at them in her own greeting.
The men straightened. One man, the one Liz recognised as being the one she had had the misfortune to associate with to see Max, smiled ferraly. His hands moved over his rumpled, dirty clothes, to try and straighten them in vain. "'Evenin' ladies. What brings you over to this side of town tonight?"
Maria's seductive laugh tinkled across to them in the night air. " What can we say, gentlemen. We had a need for some...excitement." she emphized the last word with a telling look .
The ,men certainly looked eager. Liz felt a moment of panic. What if they decided to take matters into their own hands and ruin their plans. She somehow managed to convey to Maria her worries because she turned to give her a conspiritual wink, which the men thankfully did not interpret- though it was not beyond them to think it meant that Liz and Maria thought they had captured some great men for the night. Liz want to snort a their largerly inflated sense of worth.
"Well then, you've come to the right place." He grinned to show missing teeth. " What're yer names pretty gals?"
Liz giggled. " My names Lola, an' this here's Daisy." She approached him, the wrinkle of her nose the only possible way she could convery her distate. She clutched at his arm and sidled up until she was pressed closely against him.
Liz gazed up at him seductively, and her voice was husky when she said, " What say you boys buy us some drinks..." she paused for effect, sharing a glance with Maria, and moving her hand up and down his chest, " we'll make it worth your while." SHe licked her lips.
It seemed to do the trick, and though Liz hated herself for doing this, she coldn't help but a feel a small frisson of satisfaction at her female power. Maria gave her a knowing smile from her place on 'George's' lap. She knew exactly how she felt.
The men had wasted no time in aquiring the drinks and they were all passed around. Liz and Maria both produced a small bottle filled with powder. They gazed suspiciously at it. "What the 'ell is that?" 'Richard' demanded, wiping remains of beer off his lips with the back of hand.
"Oh don't look at us like that boys," Maria chided teasingly. " This here's called an aphrodisiac." When they all just look puzzled she asked, " don'tcha know what that is?"
"hell no Daisy, we don't know no fancy words. Why dontcha jest tell us." George complained.
Liz looked around the room, amd made sure they were hanging on her every word. " Well then we'll tell you. An aphrodisiac makes your body hot and hard, and you'll be able to satisfy us for hours and hours." She had to swallow the bile in her throat to get the words out, especially when she felt a certain something grow beneath her where she herself sat on 'Clarence's' lap.
They all hastilly agreed to take it. Liz and Maria eagerly poured the powder into their drinks. When Clarence finished his drink he reached for Liz and started to awkwardly grope her. Liz tried to still him but he seemed adamant.
"C'mon sweetheart, let me pleasure you aall night like you want.." Wet smacking Liz threateningly approached her face and Liz shrieked. She pulled away too frocefully and they both tumbled to the floor. Liz started to beat at his back and yelling for him to get off her. He lay heavy over her, not moving an inch. then suddenly he was heaved aside and Maria stood over her, extending a hand. Liz took it greatfully.
It was only when she was standing fully that she realized they had all passed out. Maria grinned at her. " They're dead to the world hun." and started laughing. Liz couldn't help a few chuckles herself. She felt both relief and pity.
" I cannot believe they though the powder would turn them into virile men of the night." Liz said.
Maria shrugged. "Some men would believe anything, as long as it guarantees their pleasure."
Without further ado, they snatched the key off the guards and made their way into the compound. They only hoped they could sneak past the ones inside aswell.
As it turned out however it was no trouble, especially since most of htem were drunk, and half of them did not see the stick flying toward their heads.
"Do you remember the way?" Maria whispered as they carefully walked through the dank halls that Liz was familiar with.
"Yes. But i only know where Max is. I would not know where the rest are." SHe said worriedly.
"Don't worry, when we get Max out, perhaps he will know." Maria said as she followed Liz's lead.
"Max"
A whisper.
"Max."
Her sweet voice called to him in his dreams. She came to him as she always did in his day dreams, all warm and loving. Telling him that she loved him, he would hold her in his arms and kiss her until the passion between grew hot and they made love...He was delirious, that was for sure. She just wouldn't leave his head. And since her last visit to him, she wouldn't leave his heart.
He was going to die tomorrow and all he had left of her was a whisper.
"Max."
There is was again.
"Max!"
His eyes snapped open and he immediately sat up. And stared. Stared, and stared.
She was like an avenging angel, standing in the doorway, calling to him.
" Liz!" he choked out. He struggled to stand. She came towards him, her eyes bright...
"Liz?" he frowned. No it wasn't. This woman was blond, with too much rouge and a gaudy dress that would make a prostitute blush. Who was this? A gift from the guards so he can slake his lust for the last time?
Max's eyes blazed with anger. He was about to open his mouth and coldly order her out of his cell when her hand reached up and removed her blond hair. Silky brown hair tumbled down her shoulders.
"It's me again Max." she spoke, looking at him directly. " I know you said you did not wish to see me again, but i could not stay away." she visibly swallowed. " I had to save you."
Slowly he approached her, taking her in. He couldn't believe this was Liz. Yet his eyes would not betray, he just knew it was her. And she had come to rescue him. After all he had done, she came back.
When he was inches from her, he stared deeply into her doe eyes. His hand reached out to sweep away a few tendrils away from her face.
" Come on boys and girls. You can stare into each other's eyes later. We must find the others and get the hell out of her." Maria's voice intruded and they both snapped their heads towards her. Max regained his composure then.
" What the hell were you two thinking in coming here? Something could have happened to you. You could have been hurt!"
Maria crossed her arms across her chest and glared at him. " Watch what you say captain or we'll push you right back in that cell. " she threatened. Max turned to Liz to see her reaction. She was staring furiously at him too. He believed they would do it.
"Women." he muttered as he made his way out.
"Don't you take that tone Maxwell. We're saving you from a terrible fate. Is that all the thanks we get?" Liz demanded.
Max stopped and glared at her, a second before he brought her crushingly to him, his forehead against hers. " I cannot believe you came." he murmured. There was fire in his eyes. " Why have you risked your life for me? I should be putting you over my knee for what you'v done you foolish woman."
Fire met equally with fire. " Is it do hard to say 'thank you' captain?" she challenged.
Max gave a bark of laughter before turning to Maria. " I do not know what demon has seemed to possess you, but i cannot say i am not grateful for it. I've got to get to get to Michael and my crew, then make sure you both get to safety. There is no time to waste."
Maria stood in Michael's arms. They were kissing each other, murmuring words that Liz couldn't make out.
She stood to the side of a deserted part of town, watching Max giving orders and preparing for a swift getaway. She stared hungrily at him, taking everything about him in. Would he leave now, never to be seen again? Would it be worse to know now that he would be alive somewhere out of her reach forever, rather than dead?
She hoped they would all be safe. It would not be long before he would be reported missing, and heaven forbid what would happen if he was captured again. Liz shivered at the thought.
Michael finally pulled away from Maria and made his way to where Max stood. They talked for a few minutes before Michael motioned to the men and they all started to make their way into the night.
Max remained, and he turned, and slowly made his way toward her. Her heart beat irratically, her pulse raced. Her breath left her when he came to stand so close to her. For the longest time they simply stared at each other. Max then leaned down and feathered a light kiss on her lips, as if he just couldn't help himself.
Liz responded immediately, and before either of them knew it he was crushing her to him, his hands roving her body, his tongue delving deep into her mouth. It was a while before Max managed to pull away. His eys were blank and Liz agonized about what he was thinking, feeling.
His hands cupped her face. " Thank you Liz." he finally said huskily.
Liz swallowed hard.
His fingers trailed caressingly down her cheeks, his eyes moved over her, as if branding her to his memory.
" I do not deserve you." he said gruffly. " Take care, my beautiful, couragous sprite."
And with no more words spoken between them, he followed his crew, and disappeared into the night.
Liz stood watching him go, wanting to call out to him, not knowing what to say. Knowing she had to let him go, praying he would return to her alive.