Straight from Heaven (Fallen Kingdoms I.)

Chapter 4- Den of wolves

Abigail

The sound of the lock seemed unfamiliar and, also the voices of those who intended to enter to our house. I wasn't quick enough to realize the danger, only after they entered. I covered Eunice's mouth with my hand and her big brown eyes looked at me with fear. I was afraid as well. My knees trembled and I wanted dad to miraculously appear, but I had to be strong. I pushed Eunice under the bed and grabbed mom's old umbrella. They rushed into the room like stray dogs. Their eyes widened while they saw me. Probably none of them expected company.

- Look at the little bug. - a giant man with long, disgusting beard said and his companion laughed. Although the bearded one looked more savage, his friend's smile sent a shiver down my spine and made me grab the umbrella even harder. He had a decent face, one that could've been my mother's colleague or friend if he wanted. The sensation, and the sparks of insanity in his eyes were the reasons why I wished to be swallowed by the ground instead of this. I swung the umbrella against the nicer looking guy, hoping to leave a scar on him. Unfortunately my eight years old body wasn't match against two adults. The bearded one grabbed the umbrella and the other one slapped me. I collapsed on the ground. I was laying on my belly and my eyes met with Eunice's. I mouthed to her "Don't be afraid!" just before I was grabbed by my hair and pulled out of the room. I kicked, screamed from the top of my lungs and fought with all my miserable strength. As expected, my efforts weren't enough. A quick hit on my head and I lost consciousness. When I opened my eyes the next time I was in a large cave. Tied with ropes and put in the corner. The two men didn't notice that I was conscious.

- Today's catch wasn't as good as I expected. - said the bearded one with disappointment.

- Stop complaining Bart! At least we have the girl! - the charming one added and I felt my stomach clench.

- How could we sell a little girl? Don't be stupid Walt! We should release her...

- She saw our faces Bart! Also, the world is filled with weird people and weirder desires. She might look useless to us, but who knows? Maybe she is a perfect slave of a bored aristocrat? Or the lover of a degenerate... - the man called Bart growled at his friend and stood up. He grabbed Walt and hissed.

- I might be rotten and a thief, but I won't sell a little girl to be a slave or slut! - Walt only laughed which made him even more terrifying. In a situation where his life was threatened, he was able to laugh. There was no doubt that Brat could smash his skull without any problems. Maybe there is some hope for me... Suddenly both of them jumped up as someone else walked comfortably into the cave.

- Who walks there!? - Brat shouted.

- Calm down men, it's just your fella Fabian. - the man who entered looked really different from my kidnappers. He was dressed elegantly, his small beard was shaved with care. Fabian as he called himself took a seat next to the fire. I moved a little and his attention was at me already. His grey eyes almost flashed with joy. Bart released Walt and turned into my direction.

- Hey. - he said and walked to me with a bowl of water and a piece of bread. I've decided to try and take advantage of his compassion and the fact that he found me cute. My eyes were filled with tears without any intentions.

- Please... Let me go home... - I cried and he groaned.

- Eat and drink.- Bart said and turned his back to me. I grabbed his pants and pulled it a little. He looked down at me and I begged for my freedom.

- Please, I won't say anything I swear. Let me go home and I'll forget everything! - Bart cursed and turned to Walt.

- Let her go man! She is just a child! - Walt looked at me and clapped his hands together, slowly and wickedly.

- Beautiful performance, dear! You might have a future in the world of aristocrats or in the theaters! Those crocodile tears and the mumbling "Please", truly talented! - he mocked at my fear. Bart walked to Walt and threatened him again but without any help.

- If I go down, I will pull you with myself Bart! - Walt said and this phrase ended their argument about my future.

- Gentlemen! Let's discuss this later. I'd love to meet the little lady. - Fabian said and he held my face in his hands. His touch was soft but he stared at me like a hungry wolf looking at a sheep.

- What's your name angel? - he asked and I was too afraid to think properly. This man although looked the most sophisticated of the three of them, was the worse. At least I already realized what Walt and Bart wants, but I didn't want to find out what his plan is.

- Abigail... - I mumbled softly and he held a piece of my hair in his hand. He sniffed it and smiled at me.

- Gorgeous name. - he stood up and said something to Walt before his brief visit ended. Days passed by while Walt tried to find someone who was interested at buying me, Bart guarded me. From time to time Fabian appeared and creeped the hell out of me. Luckily, I was never left alone with him and in these situations I was even grateful for Bart's company. To be honest, Bart wasn't that bad. I tried to make him release me but Walt had something against him that made this dream impossible. Eight days later Walt waltzed into the cave with a satisfied grin on his face. He walked to me and pulled me up from the ground.

- Let's go to the river dear! - I resisted but I was already starving and exhausted. I couldn't eat or sleep properly due to fear.

- Why are we taking her to the river? - Bart asked while Walt pulled me after him.

- To wash her up! Tomorrow she'll be sold to a Duke who fancies the idea of having a companion for his son!

- How old is the son? - Bart asked while we approached the river.

- Around sixteen, what does it matter? - I saw Bart clenching his fists.

- What does a sixteen years old want from a little girl? - Walt shrugged.

- Don't know, don't care. What I care about is the generous price they are willing to pay for her. - Walt threw me into the river with my hands still tied together. He paid attention and used a longer cord as a leash, to prevent my escape.

- Wash yourself dear! We need you to look ravishing! - I looked at Bart and he shook his head in disbelief. I started washing myself while carefully looking around for a way to escape. In the meantime Fabian also appeared. Walt told him the "good news" that was when the den of wolves started to bite each other's throats. Fabian looked at me and punched Walt so hard that he almost released the cord.

- WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU?! - Walt shouted at Fabian and grabbed his neck. Fabian hit Walt's hand and said.

-I told you, I give you two my share, but I want the girl! And you are telling me that you already made a deal with someone else?! - Walt shook his head.

- The money we get from selling her worth more than her! - they started to fight and my cord was handed to Bart. Our eyes met for a brief moment. The drift of the river was quiet potent and I didn't even know if I would survive, but I had to try. I grabbed a sharp stone and started to cut the cord. Bart noticed it but he just nodded. The two others noticed what was going on. Just in the moment I managed to cut the cord Fabian pulled out a pistol and shot Bart in his head. I screamed in fear and ducked under the water letting the drift to take me far away from them.