Chapter 4: A Daring Rescue and An Intriguing Offer

"Your future wife you say? I find that hard to believe since I am the one that she is eager to marry," Abbington replied with a smile that did not reach his eyes. Elric strode forward a few steps. Errol and William moved to flank the Baron. Elric's lips twisted in a mocking smirk.

"Then why is my ring upon her finger? I see no such bauble of yours," he sniggered, his green eyes flashing with anger. His hand strayed towards the hilt of the large sword that was belted at his hip. He did not grab it…yet, but his fingers brushed the pommel.

Abbington took an aggressive step forward. "This is my town where I am the law. What I say, is as good as if it was directly from the almighty Anros's lips above. And I declare, that this woman is my property and I will do with her as I please. A simple token of affection from her whoring with you is not enough to yield a claim. I believe a night or two in my barn here will help you see that I am in charge," he sneered. Errol and William made to grab Elric, but he took a quick step back and threw off his cloak, baring armor with the royal insignia stamped on the front.

Saffron gasped. He was a royal soldier! And he had come back? Why? Perhaps he regretted giving her his ring. She knew that soldiers did not make a large allowance and she felt rather ashamed for accepting the token. He must have followed her from the cavern. But there was only one of him against three. While Abbington usually didn't prefer to get his hands dirty he was more than capable with weapons. She felt her hope diminish.

"What is a soldier doing here in Gilramore? The whores no longer impressed by your shiny armor in Runswick?" Abbington guffawed. Elric quirked an amused eyebrow.

"My dear sir, I apologize that you do not recognize me. Perhaps my father has neglected to send out my more recent likeness to your rather remote village." Elric retorted.

"What are you going on about boy? I don't have time for this, and I don't give a horse's ass who you are," Abbington spat. Elric gave a harsh chuckle.

"Men! Shall I inform him of who I am, or shall I let the guessing game continue?" Elric called over his shoulder. Five more soldiers appeared as if from thin air from the surrounding trees. They were all dressed in the same colors, crimson and gold, but their breastplates weren't nearly as ornate as Elric's. Saffron's eyes widened as the men appeared and her hope inflated again. Please, she prayed to whatever god was listening, get me out of here.

A large soldier that had stepped up to Elric's right smiled underneath his helmet, only his mouth visible. "I say you tell him. It's obvious he has been growing too fat on the backs of the villagers. It is time to put him in his place," he replied, his voice deep and smooth.

Abbington scoffed. "Please, I will have the entire guard remove you, permanently, and only your fleas will miss you!"

"Oh, I have a feeling more than the fleas will miss a Prince of Runswick," Elric said with a smile, his green eyes still glittering with malice as he stared down the Baron. Recognition had begun to dawn on Abbington's face as he absorbed what he was hearing.

"But, but the girl was promised to me! By her guardian! You cannot waltz in here and just claim what you want!" he yelled, grasping for the upper hand.

"I believe my title ensures that I can do exactly that. And if a hair on her head has been damaged in the slightest, I will ensure that whatever you were planning to do to her, will look like a summer stroll through the meadow compared to what I shall do to you," Elric glowered at Abbington who Saffron watched, with pleasure, as he blanched slightly.

"Keep an eye on him," Elric said to the soldier. The soldier smiled wickedly at Abbington, his sword drawn. Elric walked over to Saffron and smiled down at her as he untied her wrists. Her back was screaming from her arms being stretched so high above her head. "Here," he said and pulled off his cape. She nodded her thanks as she wrapped the rough fabric around her, covering her ripped bodice. It smelled of freshly trodden grass and horse sweat, not an unpleasant scent. His hand gently guided her past the Baron and his cronies.

Elric flashed her another smile but his eyes did not leave the scene before him. She stood next to him, shaking. Abbington's pale face was reddening with anger and embarrassment. She knew that to him, an embarrassment of any kind was a grievous sin. His eyes flickered to her and in their depths, she saw his promise of revenge and pain.

"As I said, she bears my ring, and therefore, she is to be my bride. We will take our leave now. If you follow, I shall personally enjoy killing you. I should kill you anyways but, I am feeling generous today," Elric said to the Baron, his eyes boring into the other man's. He turned to Saffron.

"Let's be on our way," he offered her his arm. Baffled and dazed by everything that had happened in the past day, she took it. The soldiers flanked them as they left the Baron's land. Once they were out of the Wood and nearer the main road that led out of town, they stopped.

"Are you alright?" Elric asked her, his eyes worried as they raked over her. She nodded.

"A bit terrified and confused but none worse for wear. What do we do now?" she inquired. The soldiers had given them some privacy to speak and were currently leading a small pack of horses and a carriage from behind a small copse of trees.

"Well, if you would like, you can return to Runswick with me, as my fiancée. You are wearing my ring," he replied coyly. She looked down at the ruby on her finger and flushed.

"I was worried I would lose it otherwise," she retorted, not quite meeting his eyes. He laughed.

"What say you? Care for an adventure?" he asked, his eyes shining. Saffron only paused for a moment before answering. She had prayed every day since her grandmother had passed, that a miracle would appear and carry her away. Now that miracle stood before her.