"Let it go, Cassel," the curly-haired man, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke. "Since the wine is sold out, there's no point arguing further. I've had plenty of red wine before; missing out this time won't kill me. If you're determined to buy some, come back tomorrow."

  The curly-haired man tried pulling him away from the stall, but the bald man stood rooted like a stone pillar. "Oh?" Cassel stared at the coins still scattered on the table. "Seems like you had a good day."

  "Yes, it has," Elisa replied, regretting not having stashed the coins in her pouch. "If there's nothing else, we'll be leaving now." She reached for the scattered glens.

  But the man was faster. His large, rough hand covered the pile of coins, engulfing them entirely. "Then this money should be ours, as compensation," He scooped up all the coins and began counting. "Only two hundred glens? What good is that?" he sneered. "Might as well get a whore, Dom. I hear 'Little Red Sparrow' Carola at the capital's brothel is pretty good. Don't know if this is enough for a night with her, though. If not, I'll cover it--I'm the one who made you come out drinking."

  The curly-haired man glanced from Cassel to Elisa, his face troubled.

  "Please return my money."

  "Let it go, Cassel. We can find a tavern, have some drinks, play some cards," Dom urged. "Too much of that other business isn't good for you."

  "Please give me back my money, sir."

  "You're joking, right?" Cassel continued, ignoring her. "You used to chase women more than I did, and now you're going soft? If one woman's not enough, I'll get you another. I'll take care of you..."

  "Please—"

  "Damn it, you filthy woman!" The bald man suddenly roared. "Can't you see we're talking?!" He yanked Elisa by the collar, pulling her forward and slamming her against the wooden table. Before Lucas could even speak, a steel sword's blade pressed against his nose. The other two guards watched as if enjoying a spectacle. "Not bad tits, bitch." Cassel peered down her blouse, tossing a one-glen coin between her breasts. "That enough for you? Hmm?"

  "Leave her alone, Cassel!" the curly-haired man intervened. The maid stared at him blankly. (I can't show fear.) Her chest heaved. "Please return my money, sir. I'm begging you."

  The bald man hurled her to the ground. "That's not how you beg." He kicked the table aside and straddled Elisa. "Here's a choice, you filthy whore," Cassel growled, yanking her hair. "Give me all the money, or sleep with both of us."

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  The bard Lucas's fists clenched, veins bulging. The sword edge crept closer.

  "Gods above!" Dom turned away. "There are plenty of women, Cassel. Why pick on her...?"

  "Enough, Dom!" Cassel bellowed. "Show some respect and stay out of this!"

  The curly-haired man fell silent. Pain from her scalp brought tears to the maid's eyes. (What should I do?) Her mind filled with Daisy Clawyn's face. (Tell me, my lady, what should I do?)

  "Speak!" The bald man shook Elisa's head. "Cat got your tongue? If you don't answer, I'll have my guards rape you before taking your money."

  "That would be perfect, my lord!" One guard eagerly interjected. "This girl is just my type. Let me go first. She might even be a virgin."

  "Better pray to the Three Goddesses for that, Voken," his companion mocked. "Virgins don't exactly wander the streets."

  Elisa looked at the man and whispered through cracked lips. "Then please... let me sleep with you." She'd made her decision.

  Cassel Ancard's smile vanished, as if he'd misheard. "Say that again," he demanded.

  "Please let me sleep with you, sir." She sniffled, swallowing her tears. "I'm just a maid, but if you want, I'll do anything. Just give me back my money."

  "You think this is funny?" the bald man snapped. "Are you mocking us?"

  (You're the one mocking me.) She didn't voice this thought, only shook her head.

  "Fine, fine. You've pissed me off, you worthless slut." He dragged Elisa to the guards' feet. "Have your way with her."

  "About time!" Voken dropped his pants with alarming speed, his swollen member springing free. The curly-haired man had already turned away. Lucas stared with bloodshot eyes, tears clinging to his lashes. Something primal stirred within him—his heart pounding, blood pressure rising, threatening to burst through his flesh. "I won't hurt you if you cooperate, little girl. I'm a gentleman," the guard said, gesturing crudely. "Make me feel good. You know how, don't you?"

  She shook her head.

  "What?" the guard snapped impatiently. "Move faster, or I'll show you real pain. Unless... you truly don't know?"

  She nodded.

  "Stop playing innocent, whore." Cassel grabbed her hair. "I'm giving you a chance to do what your kind loves most."

  "I don't know," she whimpered, tears streaming. (Please guide me, my lady.) "What should I do...?"

  "For heaven's sake. Don't tell me you're a virgin," Voken stared incredulously.

  She nodded.

  "Damn it all!" The bald man shoved Elisa roughly aside, pacing and cursing. Voken nudged his companion. "My mother would claim she's a virgin too," the companion sneered, "in her midnight dreams."

  "We should verify that claim," Cassel stormed back, unbuckling his belt. "If you're lying, you'll regret it. I'll tear out your tongue and shove it into your so-called virgin cunt. Filthy whore—"

  "ENOUGH! Cassel Ancard!" Dom's thunderous roar stopped Cassel mid-stride. "If you want women so bad, I'll join you." He strode over, lifting Elisa to her feet. "Put your cock away," he ordered Voken, who obeyed immediately. "This girl is mine now," he told Cassel. "I'll bed her. I'll fuck her good enough for both of us. Or," he lifted his chin, "call Carola, and we'll spend the night enjoying both these fillies. How does that sound?"