Chapter 2

Isabelle had been running for what seemed like ages. She ran all through the night, not even stopping to rest. She was escaping from murderers; they had killed her parents in cold blood. Then they had taken Isabelle to her family cottage, the one she and her family were going to be vacationing. Once she arrived she was shoved into the study, and there sitting at the desk was her uncle, William. He had a wry smile placed on his face, along with an expression of victory.

"Would you care to have a seat, Isabelle?" He asked, she hesitantly sat down.

"You are probably wondering how I came to be here," he began, " and you see, your parents have just been killed in an attack on your carriage, which now makes me your guardian. You also will be receiving your inheritance since your parents are no longer with us. However, you cannot receive your inheritance if you were to commit suicide from the grief of your loss."

At this point Isabelle had become very confused, but then she remembered an argument her parents had had. They had argued about loaning her uncle money, her mother thought it seemed unfit, but her father pitied his younger brother. Her mother believed that it would never cure the gambling problem, only feeding it. Her father believed William, when he promised he would pay his debts and stop the terrible habit. Realizing the situation Isabelle had an idea.

"If it's money you need, Uncle, I can give you however much you need," she said, hoping this idea would be successful.

Her uncle just smiled at her, and replied, "My dear; it is not just a small amount I want. I need it all, and in order for me to inherit it, without causing unwanted questions, would be if you were dead."

With that her uncle left her, for the moment, leaving her alone, and unguarded. Realizing this would be her only chance to escape Isabelle searched frantically for a way out. The study was on the second story, so she the windows were no use. Going to the door, Isabelle listened for any sounds of people in the hallways, hearing nothing she tried the handle. To her surprise the door was unlocked, slowly she creaked the door open, and edged her way out of the study. She quickly and quietly made her way down the hall to the servants staircase, which led to the kitchen. As soon as she reached the staircase, she heard a shout. Isabelle looked behind her, and saw a burly man, coming right at her. She tried to get down the stairs, but he lunged at her, and grabbed her by the ankle, forcing Isabelle to fall into the stairs. As she landed she heard a nasty crunch and felt blood pouring from her nose and her eyes watering. She wrenched her ankle away and kicked him in the face, and ran down the stairs and through the fields as fast she could.

Erik had ridden through the night, only stopping to rest the horse; he was coming to the village Antoinette told him to pass. As soon as he passed it, he had only a mile or so before he would arrive at his new home. The village was quaint, but had some nice shops and hotels; none of the people took any notice in this eccentric looking man passing through. The sun was beginning to fall as he finally made it through the village.

Becoming very restless, Erik wanted to arrive home very soon, and rest. He had riding over the hill when he heard a young feminine voice shouting for help.

Isabelle had at last reached the main road around dusk; listening and looking around frantically, she heard hooves beating by. Quickly she made her way towards the sound, and at last found a man riding his horse. Running to him when he stopped, she noticed the strange mask he wore, but took no care in it, for in her eyes, he was freedom.

When she caught up to him, breathless, she began to explain how she was kidnapped and the people were trying to kill her. He simply nodded, not realizing why she wanted his help, until he remembered the villagers talking about a family being killed on the way to their home. Remembering they had mentioned that the couples daughter had been missing.

"Please monsieur, you're my only way to get somewhere safer for the moment," she pleaded helplessly.

Erik thought quickly of somewhere to take her, but realized she would be in danger even in the village. Realizing that, Erik quickly dismounted and helped her into his saddle, she murmured a thank you as he started to lead the horse. As they were riding, Erik noticed various cuts and bruises on her face and arms, and her dress was very torn. He also noticed her eyes and nose were very bruised, and assumed her nose was broken.

"Where is your family, Mademoiselle?" He asked her, trying to find out if this was the missing girl, who was assumed dead.

"My parents were killed monsieur; my uncle killed them, and became my guardian and needed me for my inheritance. My uncle is the only living relative I have, and he wants me dead." She replied, holding back the tears that pricked her eyes.

"Do you think you're uncle will search for you, mademoiselle?" He asked.

"Please call me Isabelle, monsieur," she began, " and no I do not think so, he and others will assume me dead, and he can then have what he wanted from me."

"Do you not want your inheritance?" He carefully asked.

"No, I would much rather be assumed dead, than be dead, monsieur," she replied, "May I ask where we are going?"

"We shall be going to my new home," he began, "and since you will be staying for a while, you may call me Erik." With that they made their way silently towards their destination.

Please R/R,otherwise the chapters will takea while to be updated.