Chapter 2,

Pfeifer

Pfeifer struggled to keep herself upright on the Piper's tall horse. The animal had a horrible bumpy gait, so much unlike Black Jack, Pfeifer's horse.

"Stay put back there, would you?" the Piper snapped, his voice strained. If it weren't for the gag in her mouth, Pfeifer would have stuck her tongue out at him and snap a retort. But instead, she bowed her head and wrestled the urge to knock him unconscious. She knew very well that he had a soft spot for her, and that it was wearing off every time she knocked him off his horse. As the animal picked up it's dreadful trot, Pfeifer felt herself slipping. In a panic, she flung herself at the Piper, resting her chin on his shoulder to keep herself upright. It was very difficult for her to stay astride the thing when its gait was so uneven and her hands were tied behind her back.

"Slipping again?" the Piper's voice was almost sympathetic. But there was still a ways to go before it reached that level. Pfeifer straightened herself up and nodded slowly. The Piper's brown eye brows shot up, perhaps with Pfeifer's openness. He didn't know how to react, so he just slowed his horse down. Pfeifer was grateful. She nodded her head to show her appreciation.

"Don't get used to it, sweetheart" he whispered, his grey eyes searching her face. Pfeifer rolled her eyes and tossed her hair out of her face.

Pfeifer had lost track of how long she's been atop the Piper's horse. Perhaps 4 days? In that time she'd learned that she really strongly disliked his company. But she felt different with Firefox. As hard as she tried to not let her heart fall for him, she failed most of the time. He was a handsome fellow, and he often brought her up some food to eat and give her extra blankets…but that was only when she was instructed to sleep in his room. Their bond was more so a game then an amity. Pfeifer didn't particularly enjoy these games, but she put up with them, not wanting to be thrown into the Wayless wood, left to be eaten by wolves and nightmares. Pfeifer was scared of ghosts. And even more terrified of wolves. So, she put up with the flirting and the sweet talking from the men. At least they didn't try to go any further… thought Pfeifer, straightening her position. Her lower back hurt. She looked over her shoulder at Firefox, who was half asleep atop his horse. Pfeifer rolled her eyes. The Adderhead's men knew her secret, and they were going to hang her for it. She knew that the Adderhead would take pleasure in her, giver her to her men so they could take pleasure in her, then they'd hang her. The thought made her livid and scared. So, she went back to looking over the Piper's shoulder, as she had done for days and days. As a matter of fact, the Piper's brown hair had become so familiar to Pfeifer, it scared her.

"Where are we going?" she asked, but it sounded more like: "whe ow ee goi?"

"Hmm?" The Piper looked over his shoulder at Pfeifer and frowned. So, she just went back to thinking. About Firefox.

Enough, Pfeifer! She scolded herself. But it was much to fun to be thinking about the sexy young red head to stop. See, Pfeifer!? Here we go again! You don't even love him, so why are you thinking about him? You know damn well that he's bringing you to the Adderhead's castle to be hanged, so why do you keep thinking about him!?

Uh…..

Pfeifer didn't know the answer to her own question.

He's pretty good to you.

No. no he's not.

But…but, but he let's me share his bed…

Do you think it's an issue for him?

No, but

No buts, he's not the man for you!

But he hasn't tried to touch me! He hasn't even tried to kiss me! Not even when he's drunk!

So…..?

So, he may be decent!

So perhaps he doesn't love you either!

Nonsense!

Nonsense?

Well….what if I

BAD PFEIFER!

I know, I know….but he's just so….

STOP!

This kind of turmoil was what usually passed through Pfeifer's mind everyday. It gave her headaches.

She was usually a talkative person, and having the dreaded gag in her mouth made her frustrated.

'We're going to the castle…" He said slowly.

"Having a nice conversation?" shot Firefox, jealously clearly audible in his voice. The Piper cleared his throat and blushed, but Pfeifer narrowed her eyes at him. She was so damn bored!

"Sorry, sweetheart, did I upset you?" Firefox's voice was teasing; Pfeiffer didn't know if it was friendly or not. She could never tell with Firefox… it was frustrating. When the freckled faced man opened his mouth to speak again, Pfeifer narrowed her eyes and shot him the classic glare of death. This silenced the man. She closed her eyes, and began to day dream…