Sleepwalker

Chapter Thirteen: Varick Varian and the Valiant Villains

If my hands had not been bound and I had not been pretending not understand, I would’ve slapped him. By now, it hurt to keep my face straight and unaware of their conversation. My wrists were chaffed with my small struggle.

“I am not one to wish to prove myself to a band of crooks, but yes, she does. Anyone might’ve guessed that. If you truly do not believe me, you can check for a large brown freckle high up, on her left thigh, it will be easy enough to see,” he attested.

The coolness of the dawn as they lifted my skirts chilled my legs with the breeze.

At this, I could not help thrashing about. Even someone who didn’t speak Caligerian would have the sense to put up a fuss when someone lifted her dress.

“Well, the boy doesn’t lie. Why are you so willingly giving us your consent if you are enamored with the girl?” He asked warily. “Don’t lie to me, boy.”

“Her uncle would give just about anything to get her back. Now, he would not accuse me of kidnapping her because he trusts me. Simply, I want a cut of the ransom.”

Another laugh, “I like your style, Felix. So what is her name?”

“Natalie Bonaparte,” He sighed wistfully. “Beautiful, is it not? Like she was named by all of the powers in the universe.” His voice took off in some babbling noise.

I giggled, thinking it appropriate as he spoke what he called Lieuvi. I was very impressed with his ability to forge a story so quickly; my only wish was to have played a part other than the wealthy Lieuvenirian orphan. Furrowing my brow, I reasoned why he did not want me to speak, maybe he did not want to have conflicting stories or let my emotions get the better of me as it already had. I did not act on it due to my bindings.

“Young love, kill me now. Er, Varick, what did you want with these boots?”

“We’ve got a long walk to Dunver tonight, don’t we? It’d be a shame to ruin those soft little feet of hers. Untie Mr. Arthur and take off her blindfold.” A man with a smooth voice ordered. His tone held authority, the leader. Varick, I assumed.

Once one of the men removed my blindfold, light flooded my eyes. I blinked hard several times trying to adjust them. I wriggled my arms, accounting for each person there.

There was the one with the dark beard displaying his hulking frame without a shirt. He grinned at me lustfully. “I have always liked light eyes. I like them short too.”

“And I have never cared for sharing,” Dill growled at him, sending an apologetic look to me. “I am sure she does not care for that stare. She was raised as a lady, however rogue she has gone for me.” He looked to me and gargled as if translating.

My nod satisfied him. Then I chattered back to him, gesturing toward them with a cock of my head. When no one looked, I mouthed, a bit panicky, ‘Who are they?’

Dill nodded, “Ah, yes, Natalie would like a proper introduction.”

“Well, we are Varick Varian and the Valiant Villains, a band of thieves based out of Dunver. I, sweet lady, am Sir Varick Varian, lover of hunting and alliteration.” He brushed my hair back behind my ear. His hair was an ashy blonde and it fell in waves past his shoulders. His eyes were a piercing amber color as he stared at me. “She’s fair.” He grinned at me with blackened teeth, the ones that were still there anyway.

After Armadillo pretended to translate, the bald one with the thick beard acquainted himself to me simply, “Ace.” Once I nodded, he shuffled elsewhere.

The next one was quite quiet. His eyes held a hint of remorse as he softly whispered, “Tristan.” He seemed to be young too, my age, maybe younger.