Regaining consciousness, Roxton groaned as his senses slowly returned to him. He thought he heard a commotion going on around him before he realized it was the painful thumping of the blood pounding in his head. The pressure was intense and it was difficult for him to clear the cobwebs and focus on his surroundings.
As his eyes adjusted to the light, he realized he was in the same hall he was in where he had been punched into oblivion. He had no way of knowing how much time had passed, but once again his mind was focused on escape. Whoever had captured him didn�t seem worried about him escaping because he wasn�t restrained and there were no guards on duty.
Reaching out his arms to the nearby wall for balance, Roxton stood shakily on his feet and took a moment to gain his equilibrium before attempting to walk. His two knocks to the head had given him a massive headache and he figured the accompanying dizziness and nausea meant he most likely had a concussion. However, he couldn�t worry about that now. The first thing he had to do was to find a way back to Avalon and get help for Marguerite.
Very slowly, Roxton made his way to the doors that led out of the hall. Hearing footsteps, he found himself in the same situation as he did several hours ago. Only this time, the man who had previously attacked with an amazing agility did not strike, but smiled.
�Lord Roxton, you are finally awake. You must forgive me for hurting you previously, but I could not have you leaving before we had any fun. Not a very gracious attitude on your part, I might add. After all the trouble I went through to get you here. Such a shame.� The man shook his head in disappointment and sighed.
Roxton narrowed his eyes at the man he recognized from the alley and couldn�t help the feeling of revulsion that came over him. He knew this man was responsible for the attack and if he played his cards right, he might be able to find out what happened to Marguerite.
Seeing no way to escape at the moment, Roxton made his way to the long table and took a seat at one of the many chairs. The man smiled and took a seat opposite him. While he did this, Roxton�s eyes were constantly studying his enemy trying to learn anything about his character that might help him in the future. This was the second time this man had snuck up on Roxton and it surprised him. Usually his hunter�s instincts were sharp and allowed him to feel when he was in danger or being followed. Roxton couldn�t put his finger on it, but there was something about this man sitting across the table from him that made him wary. His dark hair and fair complexion didn�t make him look particularly menacing or dangerous, but it was as if the atmosphere surrounding him was dark and reached out to smother all those around him.
Roxton prepared himself and decided he was going to get to the bottom of the situation. �Who are you? And what have you done with Marguerite?�
The man�s eyes narrowed as he looked at Roxton. �You mean to say you have not heard of me? Abigail must have planned to tell you about me later. Unfortunate for her that her poor health caught up with her.� His sincerity was not convincing and only caused Roxton to be more on his guard. This man knew about Abigail�s failing health and insinuated he knew that she had slipped into a coma. Somehow he could easily pass in and out of the city as well as the palace. He was more dangerous than he looked and his manners and mock sincerity would not cause Roxton to underestimate his opponent.
�You didn�t answer either of my questions.�
�So I did not.� A look of surprise flitted across his features before it disappeared to be replaced by a smirk directed at Roxton. He gave a hearty chuckle and leaned back to relax in his chair. �You will have to blame yourself for being late to the party when I introduced myself to the lovely Miss Krux. For someone who was sworn to protect others, you have been lacking in your duty lately. Your two lady friends were not only attacked by a raptor but also captured and you were not able to do a single thing to help them. It was merely luck that their captors were on your side. And my comrades and I were able to separate you from your lady love quite easily.� The man seemed to find this exceedingly humorous because he started to chuckle again. He leaned across the table towards Roxton and began speaking in a hushed tone. �You do not even know if Miss Krux is still alive, do you? Blind hope is all you have at the moment.�
It was apparent to both of them that Roxton did not have the upper hand and the man was in no hurry to reveal his hand or his strategy. By keeping Roxton in the dark as long as possible, it served to throw him off his balance. Luckily for Roxton, he recognized the beginnings of a psychological game and was able to keep himself restrained.
�Your nose seems to be broken. Marguerite has a nasty uppercut, doesn�t she?� It was Roxton�s turn to smirk as he saw the man�s cool mask fade away into a brief expression of anger. �Listen�What do I call you? My thoughts were running along the lines of �smug bastard� but if you have a name you prefer, I could use that instead.�
The man�s calm exterior quickly slipped back into place, �My name is Dren.�
Roxton nodded his head. �Well, Dren, may I be perfectly frank with you?�
Dren nodded and waved one of his arms in front of him. �By all means.�
The intricate game had already begun and the pretense of pleasantries was just one of the pieces. �Thank you,� Roxton began, �I cannot begin to guess as to what your plans are for capturing me, but if you have captured Marguerite as well, you have gone out of your way to keep me separated from her. If she was dead, I would assume you would tell me if only to gain another psychological advantage over me. So at this point, I believe that Marguerite is alive and hopefully well. You also have made a point to make me aware that you know of Abigail and the inter workings of Avalon, so I assume that Marguerite and myself are only small details in relation to a larger plan. You have had several chances to kill me and you have not done so. Am I on the right track, Dren?�
Dren was disconcerted that Roxton had managed to glean as much as he could without having been told anything. It was obvious to him that Roxton was very observant and intelligent, but he didn�t have to worry about him for long.
Dren looked at the smirking face of Roxton and grinned thinking about what lay ahead. �Perhaps you are, Lord Roxton. The tales told on the plateau do not do justice to your intelligence. However, as much as you think you know, you are still ignorant as to your purpose in this situation. Indeed, Miss Krux is alive and well. I will go so far as to tell you that she is not even a prisoner here. She is safely in Avalon with the rest of your friends.�
Roxton was confused. �But you attacked Marguerite in the city. Why take me and not her?�
Dren placed both his hands on the table and leaned across and came face to face with Roxton. �My plan was never to capture Marguerite, Lord Roxton. I was always after you! And now that I have you, the next part of my plan can be set into action.�
�What are you talking about?�
�You, my dear Lord Roxton, are going to be the cause of the demise of your beloved Miss Krux!�