Grouche rode in silence, observing

the men around him, seeking any avenue  of

escape.  The men were obviously professional

men-at-arms, well trained and disciplined.

They kept close watch upon Grouche and

Lady Sweet, and took no chances.  The

penalty for their escape would very well be

the exchange of places with the condemned

man.  Magistrate Unka was not known to

tolerate failure.
 

                  The Lady Sweet was absorbed in

her own thoughts..........what could Grouche

have done to deserve this fate?  She glanced

over at Grouche, noting the stony visage, and

the constant movement of his eyes.  She still

did not understand this strange man, but she

could not distrust him.  Whatever crime he

had committed, she would not abandon him

to this horrible end.
 

            Grouche finally spoke, "M’lady, thou

must leave me,.........you have no sentence

upon you."  His face was expressionless,

giving no hint to his thoughts.  The Lady

Sweet was shaken, it had never occurred to

her that he might send her away.  "Nay,

M’Lord,...that I cannot do......thou needs me

near." she said, terrified that she was

abandoned.
 

                     Grouche lowered his voice, and

spoke soothingly, "My Sweet Lady...........I

shall greatly miss thee, but thou must go to

Marividnum, and there find a certain Inn, an

inn called Vixens Den."  Grouche saw that his

escorts were listening closely.  He smiled

grimly to himself and continued, "once there

ask for the innkeeper……T'Jae, she is named,

but most call her Brat."
 

                   "And then, M’Lord?" asked the

Lady, knowing that he  must have found hope

in this plan.  "Tell her all, and listen to her

counsel.........she has lived long by her wits,"

Grouche paused, not sure how much to

speak.  "Brat will assist thee, and thee will

be safe."
 

             "But, M’Lord,” what of the

Magistrate?"  asked the Lady, "Will he allow

me to pass?"  The Lady doubted her freedom

in this matter, but Grouche seemed confident.

"Whatever else the Magistrate may be,"

replied Grouche, glaring hotly a Unka's back,

"He is still one of noble birth, and is bound by

rules of conduct."   Grouche smiled, "he will

not prevent thee......."
 

                   "Lord Unka!", Grouche shouted,

startling the entire band.  "The Lady Sweet,

Noble of Rainier, wishes safe passage from

this place....."  Magistrate  Unka, in the midst

of calming his horse after Grouche's outburst,

shouted,  "Silence, Fool … none of thy tricks

this time......"
 

                Grouche merely grinned, "Nay,

M’Lord Magistrate, no tricks.......the Lady

simply relies upon your honor as  one born

of noble blood."  He shook his head sadly,

"Wouldst thou besmirch the honor of a Lady,

also of noble blood, and treat her as a

common criminal, even as she hath done

naught wrong?"  Grouche held the Magistrate

in a steady stare, daring him to  deny that

which he held dearest, his place among the

elite, and the conduct expected of them.
 

            Magistrate Unka returned the

Wanderers stare........The impudence of the

devil he shall pay dearly for that!  Revenge

burned hot in Lord Unka heart...........yes, he

shall swing, but first he shall amuse me …

aye.  The thoughts soothed him, making the

necessity of moment less distasteful.
 

                  Magistrate Unka turned his

attention to the Lady.  Obviously, she was no

common wench.  Comely, she was, and her

demeanor marked her as one of refinement.

The Magistrate scowled with bewilderment

............how could such a one be accompanied

by  this gallows-meat Grouche?  No matter

.....he thought....her venomous  consort would

corrupt no more.......Much heartened by this

thought.  Magistrate Unka became

magnanimous.
 

                  "By all means, my dear Lady, thou

art surely free to go as thy will......and I shall

ensure thy safety.........two of my men shall

ride with thee, to the city gates."  The

Magistrate was once again broadly smiling,

"thee shall have the pack-horse also

...........methinks yon Grouche to have no

further need of it."  Lord Unka was positively

beaming.  "Say thee thy farewells, Lady

......this soul must prepare to meet

eternity.....after  I have inflicted an eternity

upon him."
 

    Grouche shuddered, possessing a quick

mind, he could imagine the horrors that

awaited him.  But, naught is done, until it is

done.......so Grouche did not despair.
 

              Lady Sweet was in despair, not

wishing to leave,  but knowing not to do so

was certain death for her Lord Grouche.  She

longed to lash out and punish this cruel man,

but her breeding would not brook it, so she

summoned all the dignity her noble lineage

carried and spoke in icy tones.
 

                "I thank thee, Lord Magistrate Unka,

for safe passage....................I am, after all, a

blameless person."  The Lady fell silent for a

moment, seemingly collecting her thoughts.

"As for farewells, Sir, I see no need......and I

will choose the time and place of farewells for

myself."  She turned to Grouche, who sat

bemused, pleased at the show of mettle.  "To

thee , M’Lord, I say be of good heart, thee

knows I will be near......"
 

                  With that, the Lady rode forward

from the group, not allowing Grouche to see

the apprehension on her face.  Her escorts,

caught off guard, rushed to catch up with her.

The men remaining closed ranks around

Grouche, assuring his continuing captivity.
 

              And they proceeded on to their

destiny.................