“You sure you won't be coming with us Rose?”
At her father's question, Rose looked up and shook her head. “No, it's been a long day and I'm very tired,” she replied, giving her father a quick smile. “I'll close up the stall and head home. I've still that dress to mend before bed. Unless you'd like to do it,” she says teasingly.
“I … no,” Tallandan replied with a deep chuckle. “I'd be about as good at that as I would be baking one of your mom's pies,” and Rose joined in the laughter as she finished counting the day's sales. “Your mother and I, we'll not be long. Talleine will be pleased to show off her new grandbaby.” He leaned over and kissed the top of his daughter's head, before looking around for his wife. “I'd best go find your mother, before she comes looking for me. You sure ...”
“Yes, father, I'm sure. The two of you go, enjoy the evening.” Rose all but pushed Tallandan away from the table and picked up the sales box. “Tell everyone I said hello, and give Sleth's baby a kiss for me.”
“I'll let your mother do that.” Tallandan nodded. “Alright, be careful getting yourself home then.” he turned and headed across the square in the direction Rosabella had gone.
Once her father was out of sight, Rose turned and took a last look at their stall, before heading up the road towards home.
As Rose crossed one of the small bridges over the stream, she paused and leaned against the rail to enjoy the breeze. After the hot, muggy days they'd had, the breeze off of the water felt good and she gave a small sigh of relief as she watched the sun's rays dance along the surface. Briefly, she thought about grabbing her father's fishing rod and returning to see if she'd have any luck but discarded the notion. The mending won't do itself. But perhaps after the market tomorrow … A fish splashed beneath the surface of the water, as if luring her to try and catch it, and Rose made a mental note to bring the rod tomorrow.
Her mind planning what she'd need for the post-market outing the next day, Rose continued up the road. I'll need to get up early to dig up crawlers. She crinkled her nose at the thought for, while fish certainly seemed to prefer the small wigging creatures, she didn't care for the feel of them. And I'll see if father has any new hooks in his fishing box before I start the sewing. And …
Her thoughts were interrupted by the growling of her stomach and she placed a hand over it as she tried to recall when she last ate. “Well, first things first,” she said aloud, startling a nearby squirrel who paused from its digging to stare with beady eyes at the passing girl, before scampering off into the copse of trees.
Distracted by her various thoughts, Rose didn't hear the man come behind her until she felt a large hand fall heavily on her shoulder, causing her to jump and drop the box in her hand. “What ye' be doin' walkin' home alone girl,” a rough voice said.
“I've walked home plenty on my own, thank you sir,” Rose replied, as she turned to see who was behind her. The voice sounded vaguely familiar, and a sense of unease crept along her spine.
The hand on her shoulder squeezed, keeping her from turning fully, though she caught a glimpse of a tall man. “'ere, let me get that fer ye',” he said, as he started to reach down for the box she had dropped.
“I am quite capable of … oww!” she exclaimed, as the man's fingers dug into her shoulder. “Careful you big lout! That ...” Rose tried to pull away from the stinging pain, and kicked back with her foot, only to have the man easily block the move.
“Not ag'in ye' don't,” she heard him growl as he straightened up.
“Again? When ...” Rose froze, her anger at the situation slowly giving away to fear. “You! You're the man that … that ...” She struggled harder to get free, the voice finally registering in her head. “Let me go!”
“Don't think so girl,” he replied with a dark chuckle, as he reached around and pinned her arms against her side, his other hand moving over her nose and mouth. “Now ye' jus' be a good girl an' go t' sleep.”
Rose tried to bite the gloved hand covering her face, as she valiantly fought to escape and catch her breath. The man behind her grunted as she managed to get a kick, swearing as he tightened his grip over her face.
Escape … must tell ... not Gillis ...
As the world slowly faded to black, Rose heard the man mutter, “Damn, th' boss's not goin' t' like this ...” before she grew limp and heard nothing.
The man looked at the girl in his arms and shook his head, then reached down and grabbed the box. With a surreptitious glance around to make sure no one was watching,he lifted Rose over his shoulder and slipping back into the trees.
