Malone and Roxtonhad been walking for about an hour when Malone brode the silence," What was it about this time?" His friend had been expecting this and had prepared a statement," She said I was overprotective. And I don't think I am considering the circumstances! She insist that I realize that she knows how to use a gun as well as any other man!" At this Malone remembered several times Marguerite had saved him from tight situations using that gun." She has managed on her own for a long time." Then realizing the face of his friend he hurridly added," But your right sometimes she doesn't realize she has limitations. But you guys shouldn't fight over it. You both want to protect each other and you are fighting over it! What since is that?" At this even Roxton had to chuckle. He hadn't realized how stupid it had been. He had no more time to think about that however because within an instant they were surounded by men," Slavers." Roxton pointed out. And at this him and Malone began to attack. They managed to kill at least six men, but they were brought down by sure numbers.
Veronica was looking over the balcony," It's getting dark Challenger. Thier not back yet." At this Marguerite walked in," Who isn't back yet?" Challenger standing up," After you two...well...came back Malone and Roxton went hunting." Marguerite went straight to the gun rack when Veronica stoped her," What are you doing? You can't go out there at night!" With this she walked back to the center of the room," Fine, but I am leaving here at daylight." They all agreed and set their plans. In the morning Veronica and Challenger awoke to find Marguerite ready to go. They set off right after having a bite to eat. Veronica spotted the tracks until they reached a disturbed area," Something happened here. Some sort of fight." Marguerite looked around as well," Look! Cartriges! There was a struggle alright. They must have taked them away." Veronica did not correct her by telling her they had actually been dragged away by a number of men. They followed the trail until twilight when they were forced to make camp.
When Roxton woke up he was tied to a steak in the ground. As he set up he saw Malone was only a yard away from him still unconcious. He had been right, they were slavers. No doubt they would be sold soon for only a few pennies. There were no other captives to be seen. Bussiness must be slow. As he thought this he saw what appeared to be the leader of the bunch aproach him," You have killed many of my men. You would be punished if it would not effect your price. But as it is my men want money and seeing you enslaved will be punishment enough. You are stronger than many we encounter and so you will be much more of a prize. Your friend however is pathetic, but none the less he is a man and can no doubt at least manage a small task." He sneered at Roxton and started to turn away," No doubt my friend could manage a lot more labor than you could." Roxton suddenly felt the mans foot deep in his stomach and he curled up in pain," Keep your mouth shut. You aren't valuable enough to speak like that to me. I won't kill you, but I will hunt down all that know you and all that are close to your heart. I know all the local tribes so it won't be hard. Just remember who you are dealing with." He walked away leaving Roxton to recover. Roxton knew he wouldn't bother hunting anyone down, but it did make his mind turn to Marguerite and how he missed her. Thank God she hadn't been with me! If she would have been cought they would have done who knows what to her! His thoughts were broken as he heard something stir beside him. Malone was now concious.
Challenger was asleep and Marguerite had thought Veronica was when she walked a little way from the camp to think," I am so sorry John." As she thought out loud in a sad almost sob Veronica answered the older woman," It's not your fault." Marguerite turned around startled and Veronica could see there were tears in her eyes," I thought you were asleep." Veronica steped closer to her friend," What is the matter Marguerite? You can't think it is your fault." Marguerite shook her head," I do, but that's not why I am so upset. I was just thinking...what if he dies out there and the last thing he heard me say was I never wanted to hear his voice again? I don't think I could live with myself." Veronica at this point knew what Challenger had tried to tell her and embraced the woman," It will be okay Marguerite. You will see," At this they went to bed. The next day they continued early. Challenger noted that Marguerite looked horrible. She must of not gotten any sleep. About noon Veronica haulted," There they are. It looks like slavers." They all knelt down and peered throught the bushes. Marguerite looked at the camp that they had set up for a few days of celebration and rest apparently," I have an idea!"
E
X
T
P
A
G
E