19 — Kidnapped!?

It was near noon by the time we were done looking around the market. It seemed the market was quite large, as the shops stretched all the way down to the lanes and alleyways by the far side of the plaza. The assortment of wares on offer was plentiful and varied—it felt like they had everything under the sun for sale. But I had a more pressing concern: I was so engrossed in perusing the vendors that it slipped my mind, but I had actually been walking all day. We’d left the villa right after breakfast. And now it was already noon. Little wonder I was just a bit tired.

It’s right around lunchtime. Nobody will mind if I ask to take a little break, right? I’d like to eat at that sidewalk cafe I saw yesterday. And I don’t think it’s that far from here either.

“Mr. Fisalis, we’ve been walking this whole time. You must be tired by now, surely? And it just so happens to be time for lunch. Why don’t we grab some food while we rest for a bit? Unless they’ve already prepared lunch for us at the villa, in which case, shouldn’t we start heading back?” I asked. He was walking alongside me. I gripped his hand harder in mine, as if to say, “You listening?”

“You’re right—look at the time. I got so absorbed in seeing the market that I totally lost track! I told them we’d eat lunch in town somewhere. Shall we see if anything catches our eye nearby?” he said, squinting up at the sky. The bright old sun had climbed to its highest point.

Mr. Fisalis’ reply delighted me. I can hit up a nice place to eat in town! And this is just your everyday, run-of-the-mill town, too. I don’t see any fancy restaurants anywhere. Commoner cuisine, here we come! “Wow! Really? In that case, how about we go to that sidewalk cafe on the corner we walked past yesterday? I’ve been wanting to check it out,” I suggested gleefully.

“Oh, that place... The one you were marveling at yesterday? It did look rather cute.”

Mr. Fisalis! You remembered! And I’d only just been talking to myself, too. “That’s the one!”

“Sounds good! Plus, it’s not far from here. Let’s go check it out.”

“Okay!!”

Mr. Fisalis had agreed so readily. Awesome! This is the best!

“Unless I’m mistaken... the cafe is that way. Let’s make our way over.”

“Yes, let’s!”

That was my husband for you—we’d merely been passing by when we’d spotted it yesterday, but it seemed he remembered exactly where it was. He had only to scan our surroundings to recall its location and start walking.

As we made for the cafe, we entered the market in front of the plaza and discovered a lovely little flower shop. It was opposite the place we’d come to earlier, so we hadn’t noticed it. At a glance, none of the flowers on display were the sorts I’d ever seen in the capital.

“Mr. Fisalis! May we go check out that flower shop?”

“Sure,” he said unhesitatingly.

Pleased, I pulled him by the hand and walked toward the flowers.

The plaza was teeming with folks out on the town, including people who were headed to the market and those who were on their way back from shopping. There was no traffic control; everyone was simply walking in whatever direction they wanted, when they wanted. We wove between the crowds so as not to bump into the people ambling toward the market, but just as we were about to exit out into the main street—

“Carriage coming through! Outta the way, or else you’ll get hurt!” Sure enough, I could hear the rattle of a wagon approach us.

I was going to move aside, but by that point it was already too late. Before I knew it, a whole mass of people (wagons and delivery people carrying goods to market, mostly) had swallowed us. To make matters worse, someone bumped into me and I ended up unclasping Mr. Fisalis’ hand.

“Ah! Mr. Fisalis!”

“Viola!”

A panicked Mr. Fisalis extended a hand, but there were people in the way! Nothing could prevent our separation as we got swept into the crowd.

“Out of the way! You’ll get hurt!”

Oh no, we’ll get separated at this rate!

Just then, another caravan passed through the gap; the distance between us only grew, until we were each pushed to opposite sides of the street. But I couldn’t just stand there; I was in the way of the people carrying their cargo. Moreover, it seemed quicker to cross the main road rather than to wait for the caravan to thin out.

“Mr. Fisalis! I’m going to head to the flower shop!”

“No, please, wait for me where you are! It’s too dangerous!”

“Okay— Ahh! I’m getting lost in the shuffle!”

I couldn’t stand in one place without getting whisked away by the succession of caravans.

“Viola!” Flustered, Mr. Fisalis struggled to reach me, visibly annoyed at the nonstop stream of wagons.

Meanwhile, we were only drifting farther and farther apart. Now that I was caught up in this caravan’s current, I realized I was headed back to the market. “I can’t stop without blocking their path, so I’ll see you there! Otherwise I’m going to get swept off to who knows where!” We were shouting at each other over the hustle and bustle.

I decided to pay the florist a visit by myself for now. That was right around when the congestion began to disperse, so I was able to cross the main street. As a result, I got to the flower shop a bit earlier than Mr. Fisalis.

At the shop, a girl who looked younger than me was selling flowers of both the cut and potted varieties.

I paused to catch my breath at the shopfront. “Phew! Made it!”

The girl smiled. “Hee hee, looks like you had a rough time, miss! You came from the other side of the road, I take it? They’re always delivering stuff to the market around this time. Just wagons and delivery folk clogging the paths from the plaza to inside the market.”

“Ah, so that’s what that was all about!” I see, I see. Well, in any case, I’m relieved I escaped that commotion. Might as well peruse the flowers on display while I wait for Mr. Fisalis.

Now that I could get a closer look, I knew for sure I’d never seen any of these flowers anywhere before. I bet they’re flowers you can only find around here. Among them was a plant with heart-shaped flowers and leaves. I didn’t know its name, but the contrast between the bright red flowers and the beguilingly deep green leaves was truly pretty.

The girl must have taken note of my appreciation for the plant, as she approached and said, “They’re called andreanums, miss. They only grow in the Le Pied area.”

“Oh, there you go! No wonder I’ve never seen these flowers before, then.” I didn’t think I’d seen any andreanums in the manor at the capitol, either. Maybe they need the exact right climate and terrain.

“Around here, andreanums are as normal as they come, but you don’t see them many other places. May I ask where you’re from, miss?”

“I’m from Rozhe.”

“Rozhe, huh? It’s a bit colder there, so I wouldn’t expect to see many andreanums for sale.”

“They don’t do well in the cold?”

“I’m afraid not. I suppose Rozhe is borderline for them, temperature-wise. If given ample sunlight, I’m sure andreanums would do fine. Of course, a greenhouse would be best.”

“That’s good to know,” I replied, peering at the flowers as she filled me in.

Then, I heard some rather boorish chatter from behind me:

“I haven’t seen you around here.”

“You’re a cute one, cupcake.”

“And those sure are some fancy clothes you got on, too. I bet you’re here with some well-to-do family, huh?”

“If you ask me, we just take her back with us and rake it in.”

Uh-oh, have I attracted some nasty customers? I mean, I definitely don’t want to get involved with people who’d literally say something like, “We just take her back with us and rake it in”!

The girl and I exchanged looks. Better put some distance between me and them.

I pretended to be too engrossed by the flowers to notice them while I attempted to flee to the back of the store.

“Don’t you ignore us.”

I felt a hand on each shoulder. Huh? Me? “What is it?” I asked. Um, could you not put your mitts on my shoulders like we’re friends? I don’t even know what hole you crawled out of, and I have zero desire to have anything to do with creeps like you!

I was about to look over my shoulder and give them a piece of my mind when suddenly, I was up in the air. What the? What am I doing up here? Wait just one darn second! I’m not a bird!!

Before I knew it, I was slammed unceremoniously against a hard surface.

Ow! Don’t handle me so rough! I’m not some piece of luggage for you to toss and carry around!!

“Mmrph!”

“Ha ha ha! You’re so light, missy! You’ll be no sweat at all to carry back.”

Before I knew it, I was staring at the back of a shabbily dressed man. Am I seriously being carried over his shoulders right now!?

I was more confused than I’d ever been. My body was jostled with each of my captor’s steps—I was being carried off to who knew where. And due to the pressure on my abdomen, I couldn’t even scream! Mr. Fisalis, help me!!

“Somebody, anybody—save her!” I heard the florist shout.

I needed to be shouting, too, but I was just in too much pain. Oh no! At this rate, I’m gonna get abducted for real!!

These people only saw me as some fair damsel (if I can call myself that) they might as well kidnap, but I was, after a fashion, a duchess. And one who belonged to a family of note! I was nobility before I got married, yes, but so destitute as to not be worth abducting. Now I was the lady of a prestigious ducal house. If I was kidnapped now, it’d be a huge hassle for everyone involved. I hated the idea of worrying the servants—but even more so, I was scared Mr. Fisalis might do something reckless. He can single-handedly wipe out a whole company of enemy soldiers! Just because of a letter from me, too! If he found out I’d been abducted... I’m white as a sheet just imagining it! I can’t just let you drag me off somewhere! I’m going to struggle like no one’s business!

I kicked my legs and thrashed as I punched desperately at his sturdy back. Why’d I have to wear flats today!? I should’ve put on stilettos, or better yet, pointy-tipped shoes!!

“If you keep struggling like that, I’m gonna end up dropping you, missy. And if I drop you, it’s gonna hurt—so stay still!”

“Hey, don’t go damaging the merchandise!”

The brawny ne’er-do-wells guffawed. Even my best efforts seemed to be completely futile against this brute. This is the worst! I don’t care if you drop me, and I don’t care if it hurts! I’ll thrash even harder!

But all my struggling simply wasn’t working, and the flower shop was getting farther and farther away. How many buildings have we passed? I have no idea where we are now. Moreover, the men were picking up their pace. Things were only getting worse; my strength was abating even as I struggled, courtesy of the shoulder blade digging into my poor stomach. Urgh, it hurts so much I might faint. But no! I can’t give in here! I’ve got to keep at it!

I mustered all of my willpower, and summoned up all the strength I’d (maybe, possibly) built up helping out with the daily chores; my whole body was flailing, and for a moment the brute seemed about to drop me.

“Whoa there, missy!” he snapped, irritated that he’d been forced to stop in his tracks.

All right, now’s my chance! Harder! Flail harder!

It was then I heard his voice: “Get your grubby hands off my wife.”

His voice was much colder than usual. Mr. Fisalis, you finally made it! Wait, that’s not what I should be thinking right now.

“Huh? Who called this lanky moron over here?”

“Wife? So she’s married, huh?”

“Well, it don’t matter to us if she’s married or a sweet young virgin. Don’t get in our way.”

“You’re in my way. Get out of my sight.”

His voice was more chilling than I’d ever heard before! He must be totally furious. He’s going to decimate them! I didn’t need to be able to see him directly for his wrath to be palpable.

“Augh!” I shouted, as the man carrying me lost his balance. His tilting to the side made him lose his grip on my body. Wait, does this mean I’m free!? I’m a bit bruised, but whatever. Gotta run now that he’s dropped me!

...or I was going to, but I was stopped by a man’s embrace. An embrace that wasn’t at all rough—instead, it was amazingly gentle and warm.

“Mr. Fisalis!!”

“I’m sorry you had to go through that,” he said, his voice reverting to his usual kindly tone. “But you’re safe now.” He hugged me tight. “I’ll tell you, it gave me quite a shock. I rushed over upon catching sight of a suspicious group of men, but I was held up by the crowd, so that’s why it took me so long. Are you all right? They didn’t do anything to you, did they?”

“I’m okay. Phew, am I ever relieved! I really thought they had me.”

The tension drained out of my body, and I gave myself over to him. What a sense of security I felt, in his arms! It couldn’t be clearer that we were both at ease now.

But that feeling only lasted so long. “Ow... that smarts, sonny boy,” said the man who’d been struck down, rubbing his back as he stood up. I hadn’t gotten a good look at the man who’d been carrying me, but now I could see he was pretty muscular, with stained clothing donned in a sloppy, disheveled manner. The men beside him could only be his cohort. “You know how to throw a punch, for a scrawny beanpole.”

“You’ve got some nice clothes on you, too, don’t you? And I haven’t seen either of your mugs around town. You a rich merchant’s little prince or something?”

“I dunno how strong you are, but we’ve got you outnumbered. Bet we could sell the missus into prostitution, and you into slavery.”

“Sounds like a plan!”

“Let’s round ’em up!”

There were five of them in total, blocking our escape. They all wore dirty clothes and their skin, glistening with sweat, was tanned by the sun. If I had to guess, I’d say they were all maybe in their late twenties. One of them was small and chubby, but the other four were big and beefy. Apart from the man who’d been carrying me, every one of them had a rusty sword, or a heavy club, or some other intimidating weapon. Anybody would figure them for ruffians and outlaws. I couldn’t help but think to myself, Who are these sleazy bastards, and why are they straight out of an illustration of two-bit thugs!? They’re seriously picking a fight with Mr. Fisalis. Talk about reckless. But in their heads, they’ve convinced themselves they’re going to capture us and sell us off. I was told Le Pied had gotten a little dangerous, but this is way more than a “little”! ...Are we going to be okay? Mr. Fisalis is unarmed, and he’s up against five men who are. Maybe this won’t be so easy after all...

I glanced at him, and found him lacking his usual smile. He was staring at the men with stern eyes. “Who are you people, anyway?” he queried, his voice just as cold as before.

He stood nonchalantly in front of me, so as to hide me from their gaze. I want to watch, though, so I hope you don’t mind if I peek my head out. Don’t worry, I’ll stay mostly hidden!

“Who, us? Can’t you see we’re just common folk who want some coin?”

“If you come quiet, we’ll only have to hurt you a little bit!”

“Yeah, we wouldn’t want to have to get all rough in front of the lady.”

The hooligans were spouting off without a care in the world. They apparently failed to pick up on the icy aura pouring off Mr. Fisalis.

Holy moly, these guys are dumb. I guess it can’t be helped—they don’t know who Mr. Fisalis is. He’s a lord, and a knight! All he needs is a sword in his hand to annihilate a whole company of soldiers!

“...Hmph. I see you’re all hopeless scum,” he said, his voice even deeper.

By the way, I was peeking out from the side, watching this unfold. Now they’ve gone and done it. They’ve made Mr. Fisalis truly incensed. I’ve never seen that expression on his face.

With his usual gentle smile absent, his face looked so different. In its place was a baleful stare that would surely pierce the heart of any enemy. The air about him was absolutely frigid, like he was shrouded in biting cold. Was this what he was like when he got serious? He looked even more dependable than usual.

It was then I realized we were now surrounded by a crowd of people. This is just like the street brawl from before, isn’t it!? It’s turned into a bit of a spectacle. How is this going to play out!?

Mr. Fisalis was a valorous knight, sure, but he had no sword... no weapon at all. Meanwhile, he had five men to contend with, most of them armed. I did think he would probably be okay, but I couldn’t be a hundred percent sure. No, I’m certain he’ll be all right!

While I was biting my proverbial nails, unable to do anything besides watch, two young women stood right behind me. I’d never seen them before, so I assumed they were residents of the town. They were probably worried I might be caught up in a street brawl; I saw Mr. Fisalis signal to them with his eyes (“just stand by and watch”), to which both of the ladies nodded (“understood”).

Gently, Mr. Fisalis pushed me toward one of the women. I surmised he was saying “stand back”—a message I heard loud and clear!

The ladies led me even farther away from him. Then, two townsmen in the prime of their youth stepped in between me and Mr. Fisalis. No way—did they get the drop on him? But I saw how the two were glaring at the hoodlums just like Mr. Fisalis was, and realized they were allies. Upstanding citizens had intervened back during the fight at the market, and ordinary people had chased down that fleeing robber, too. Perhaps now that the guards couldn’t attend to everything, a sort of community watch group had emerged.

While I was fretting over the folks around us, the tension between Mr. Fisalis and the thugs was reaching a boiling point.

“We don’t take too kindly to being called scum, sonny.”

“Looks to me like he wants a good thumping.”

“Forgive us if we end up scarring that pretty face of yours. When she sees the sorry state we put you in, she’ll dump you, no question.”

“Haw haw, this’ll be a riot!”

“Shall we, boys?”

“Let’s do it!”

Their laughter was foolish and ugly. One of their number brandished his cudgel as he stepped toward Mr. Fisalis.

Uh-oh! Here we go! The fight’s upon us!! Will Mr. Fisalis be all right!?