Deception
With Betty taken care of Farid approached Elisia. She looked like a push over, and it would be easy to get the girls away from her now that their eldest daughter was out of the way. He hated to have her abducted, but there was no other way. Being a good judge of character, he could tell in an instant that she was no meek mouse, and could cause a scene thwarting Abdullah's plans to get the girls into the house.
Honored wife of Anson: My name is Farid, and I was sent by your husband to pick up the girls. He has gone to the council to try to prevent Abdullah from taking your daughters. The council has need to question them. Your husband who so kindly did me a favor in the past, after speaking to the council saw me in town as he was looking for someone to send for your daughters, and asked me to do this favor for him.
Elisia: Honored Farid, I do not dare to let the girls go. How do I know that you aren't from Abdullah himself? Besides why wouldn't my honored spouse come here to get them himself?
Farid being most charming: I assure you ma'am, I have no love for that man. He had my family wiped out when I was young. I would be the last person who would deliver to him what he wants. I have spent my life working against the man. Your husband did not want to leave, as it would take too long to come back and get them. The council have been known to dismiss cases if the petitioner leaves before the case is resolved.
Elisia: Oh you poor man. I know how evil that man is. He tricked my honorable husband into betrothing our girls to him. He is lower than pond scum! Elisia blushed and became flustered at having expressed her inmost thoughts to a stranger and a man at that! She would never have dared to do that before, and this was a testament to how upset she was. She was ignoring all protocol. Women who talked so freely and openly about other men especially, could be punished for their insolence.
Elisia stammering: Oh uh, please most esteemed sir, I have forgotten my place. Forgive me for my uncouth behavior. My honored husband would be most appalled at my lack of restraint. I assure you, I am not normally like this.
Farid smiling at her discomfiture. What would she say if she knew he was Abdullah's right hand man? He grinned at the thought. He almost wished he could tell her. Well, she would know after Anson came back without their daughters. He wished he could be here to see her face when she realizes who she had been talking to, and that she had called Abdullah lower than pond scum to the very person who could report it and get her in very deep trouble. Women who denigrate any man could face at the least a severe whipping. Abdullah being who he was, could have her executed for this breach of custom. He decided having her know, and worrying not only about her daughters, but at worrying what Abdullah might do to her would have to be enough.
Farid: I don't mean to be rude, but your honored husband will not be pleased with your dilly dallying. If he loses the case because you refused to send the girls with me, I know it won't go well for you. You really don't want that man to have your girls do you?
Elisia was torn. She was reluctant to part with her girls. She thought they would be safe as long as they were with her. It wasn't that she didn't trust this man, but she wanted to keep her girls with her.
Elisia: I-I- don't know where they are at the moment.
Farid knew she was lying and tried one last tack.
Farid shrugging: Well, I will have to go back to report to your honorable husband that you would not let an old acquaintance repay him a kind favor done once.
Elisia still hesitated. She didn't like this, but didn't know why. Was it just because she let her mouth get away with her? Was it her being upset at this whole situation? She knew though if she continued to refuse to let this man return a favor done she would be disrespecting her husband's wishes, and leaving this man indebted to her honorable spouse. This man would consider that more than a little bit of a slight. She knew she had no choice.
Elisia: Well, I guess it will be ok.
Farid: Good. Now get the girls for me please.
Meantime:
Kent looked at Betty lying on the ground regretfully. He hadn't wanted to truss her like a stuffed bird, but had no choice as she wouldn't stop fighting him. It was a shame he thought smiling to himself. This one had spunk. He wasn't one of those men who like the meek, blah women they raised in this society. He liked a woman who had a mind of her own and this Betty had that. His thoughts turned to what she would be like as a wife. Yes, she would make him a fine wife he thought. It was a pity she was betrothed to another. He knew this because Betty had repeatedly threatened him with that fact. Not that he hadn't figured she wasn't betrothed. A girl her age would be considered unmarriageable now if she wasn't. He was just surprised she was only engaged and not married yet. Looks like daddy had been remiss. All of a sudden an idea occurred to him. Maybe instead of returning Betty he could hold her for ransom and make some money off of her betrothed and daddy. Hmmmm it was worth thinking about.
Betty: Let me go you pig! I am the soon to be honored wife of Waheed Najim. He will gut you like the spineless fish you are! Just wait until he hears of this. I will make sure he knows how you man handled me and disgraced me!
Kent calmly: I don't care what you say. Waheed Najim would not lift a finger to kill a fly. He means nothing to me. I know Waheed and know that in spite of his being held in high esteem he is a weakling who lets his wife rule the roost. I assure you that if I decide to keep you I would be doing you a favor. She would make your life worse than hell on earth. She is a sharp tongued harridan that hates everyone her husband likes. That will go double for you.
Betty: You can't scare me. You are just trying to scare me into submission. I won't let you do it. I will be most fortunate to be the wife of such a one as him.
Kent sneeringly: Oh you are a weak man robot than after all. I had mistaken you for a woman full of pride and in charge of her own destiny. How wrong I was. I had seen you from time to time in camp standing up to your father. I must admit I admired you for it. I came to even feel like you would be a worthy mate for me.
Betty near tears: I demand you let me go. I would not marry you if you were the last man on earth. I will marry Waheed and be proud to do so.
Kent mockingly: Well if being married to a fat old goat makes you proud, than by all means. He bowed mockingly. What can I get you oh great Second wife of the esteemed Waheed?
Betty angry again: How dare you mock me. I would rather be his second wife than your first any day.
Kent snarling at that insult: Don't push me girl. You are overstepping your bounds. He grabbed her hands and hauled her to her feet.
Betty startled at his anger was too stunned to respond. She didn't like the look of anger on his face. He looked like he could easily throttle her and throw her body in the bushes to rot.
Kent: I told you to shut up! It will only be a little while and you will be free to run into your dear betrothed's arms. He shoved her back and she fell to the ground again. Why did he care what this girl said or did? He wasn't raised in this society, but had lived in this village by choice for the last 2 decades fleeing from a life of crime. He had killed a man in self defense, but with his criminal past no one would believe him so he had to flee. There was no statute of limitations on murder, so he was still a wanted man. He hadn't wanted to kidnap this girl, but when Abdullah asked you to do something it was unwise to refuse. Kent knew Abdullah knew he was wanted, and would not hesitate to turn him in for refusing. Plus he was getting paid handsomely for a quick, easy job or so he thought. He needed the money anyhow. Over the years he had made some bad investments and was essentially broke. He was told to hold the girl until Farid contacted him by radio. He was then to threaten her into silence and he would be given enough money to relocate somewhere no one would ever find him.
Betty distraught wondered what this man wanted. He hadn't tried to touch her or rape her for that she was grateful. She wondered how living here he could be so pale. Maybe he was a new comer, but his words that he knew Waheed so well told her he was no newcomer. She was so frustrated and scared. Why would this stranger abduct her? Did it have something to do with Abdullah taking the girls? Probably, but why take her out of the way? She couldn't do anything or did they think she could? Oh her head hurt. She just wanted to go home. At the thought of home she shuddered. Her father finding out she left camp would not be happy. She was in for it. Well, she had faced her father's wrath before and she would have to again.
Kent turned away. What was taking so long? He wished whatever it was Farid was up to, he would hurry up. He was wishing he had never gotten involved. Turning back he saw Betty laying on her side crying. Seeing him looking at her she tried to stifle her tears. She would not give him the satisfaction to see her continue to cry.
Betty snuffling her tears back: Please Kent, let me go home. I promise if you let me go, I won't tell anyone. I don't want to get you in trouble. I just want to go home.
Kent turned away before the pity tugging at his heart took over. He had never ever been mean to a woman before and kidnapping one definitely not. This whole business was leaving a bad taste in his mouth. She was beautiful to boot and that made this whole thing even harder.
Kent get a grip on yourself! He turned back to Betty.
Kent squatted down and took out a handkerchief to wipe her tears. Betty turned away to reject his attempts to comfort her.
Kent angry at her rejection pulled back.
Kent gruffly: Stop being a child! You will get your wish. Just a little while longer and you will be rid of me.
At that he turned away. He was angry, and he didn't know why. He couldn't wait to be rid of her that was for sure. Yes, the sooner she left the better. He didn't want or need any emotional attachments especially with another man's betrothed.
Honored wife of Anson: My name is Farid, and I was sent by your husband to pick up the girls. He has gone to the council to try to prevent Abdullah from taking your daughters. The council has need to question them. Your husband who so kindly did me a favor in the past, after speaking to the council saw me in town as he was looking for someone to send for your daughters, and asked me to do this favor for him.
Elisia: Honored Farid, I do not dare to let the girls go. How do I know that you aren't from Abdullah himself? Besides why wouldn't my honored spouse come here to get them himself?
Farid being most charming: I assure you ma'am, I have no love for that man. He had my family wiped out when I was young. I would be the last person who would deliver to him what he wants. I have spent my life working against the man. Your husband did not want to leave, as it would take too long to come back and get them. The council have been known to dismiss cases if the petitioner leaves before the case is resolved.
Elisia: Oh you poor man. I know how evil that man is. He tricked my honorable husband into betrothing our girls to him. He is lower than pond scum! Elisia blushed and became flustered at having expressed her inmost thoughts to a stranger and a man at that! She would never have dared to do that before, and this was a testament to how upset she was. She was ignoring all protocol. Women who talked so freely and openly about other men especially, could be punished for their insolence.
Elisia stammering: Oh uh, please most esteemed sir, I have forgotten my place. Forgive me for my uncouth behavior. My honored husband would be most appalled at my lack of restraint. I assure you, I am not normally like this.
Farid smiling at her discomfiture. What would she say if she knew he was Abdullah's right hand man? He grinned at the thought. He almost wished he could tell her. Well, she would know after Anson came back without their daughters. He wished he could be here to see her face when she realizes who she had been talking to, and that she had called Abdullah lower than pond scum to the very person who could report it and get her in very deep trouble. Women who denigrate any man could face at the least a severe whipping. Abdullah being who he was, could have her executed for this breach of custom. He decided having her know, and worrying not only about her daughters, but at worrying what Abdullah might do to her would have to be enough.
Farid: I don't mean to be rude, but your honored husband will not be pleased with your dilly dallying. If he loses the case because you refused to send the girls with me, I know it won't go well for you. You really don't want that man to have your girls do you?
Elisia was torn. She was reluctant to part with her girls. She thought they would be safe as long as they were with her. It wasn't that she didn't trust this man, but she wanted to keep her girls with her.
Elisia: I-I- don't know where they are at the moment.
Farid knew she was lying and tried one last tack.
Farid shrugging: Well, I will have to go back to report to your honorable husband that you would not let an old acquaintance repay him a kind favor done once.
Elisia still hesitated. She didn't like this, but didn't know why. Was it just because she let her mouth get away with her? Was it her being upset at this whole situation? She knew though if she continued to refuse to let this man return a favor done she would be disrespecting her husband's wishes, and leaving this man indebted to her honorable spouse. This man would consider that more than a little bit of a slight. She knew she had no choice.
Elisia: Well, I guess it will be ok.
Farid: Good. Now get the girls for me please.
Meantime:
Kent looked at Betty lying on the ground regretfully. He hadn't wanted to truss her like a stuffed bird, but had no choice as she wouldn't stop fighting him. It was a shame he thought smiling to himself. This one had spunk. He wasn't one of those men who like the meek, blah women they raised in this society. He liked a woman who had a mind of her own and this Betty had that. His thoughts turned to what she would be like as a wife. Yes, she would make him a fine wife he thought. It was a pity she was betrothed to another. He knew this because Betty had repeatedly threatened him with that fact. Not that he hadn't figured she wasn't betrothed. A girl her age would be considered unmarriageable now if she wasn't. He was just surprised she was only engaged and not married yet. Looks like daddy had been remiss. All of a sudden an idea occurred to him. Maybe instead of returning Betty he could hold her for ransom and make some money off of her betrothed and daddy. Hmmmm it was worth thinking about.
Betty: Let me go you pig! I am the soon to be honored wife of Waheed Najim. He will gut you like the spineless fish you are! Just wait until he hears of this. I will make sure he knows how you man handled me and disgraced me!
Kent calmly: I don't care what you say. Waheed Najim would not lift a finger to kill a fly. He means nothing to me. I know Waheed and know that in spite of his being held in high esteem he is a weakling who lets his wife rule the roost. I assure you that if I decide to keep you I would be doing you a favor. She would make your life worse than hell on earth. She is a sharp tongued harridan that hates everyone her husband likes. That will go double for you.
Betty: You can't scare me. You are just trying to scare me into submission. I won't let you do it. I will be most fortunate to be the wife of such a one as him.
Kent sneeringly: Oh you are a weak man robot than after all. I had mistaken you for a woman full of pride and in charge of her own destiny. How wrong I was. I had seen you from time to time in camp standing up to your father. I must admit I admired you for it. I came to even feel like you would be a worthy mate for me.
Betty near tears: I demand you let me go. I would not marry you if you were the last man on earth. I will marry Waheed and be proud to do so.
Kent mockingly: Well if being married to a fat old goat makes you proud, than by all means. He bowed mockingly. What can I get you oh great Second wife of the esteemed Waheed?
Betty angry again: How dare you mock me. I would rather be his second wife than your first any day.
Kent snarling at that insult: Don't push me girl. You are overstepping your bounds. He grabbed her hands and hauled her to her feet.
Betty startled at his anger was too stunned to respond. She didn't like the look of anger on his face. He looked like he could easily throttle her and throw her body in the bushes to rot.
Kent: I told you to shut up! It will only be a little while and you will be free to run into your dear betrothed's arms. He shoved her back and she fell to the ground again. Why did he care what this girl said or did? He wasn't raised in this society, but had lived in this village by choice for the last 2 decades fleeing from a life of crime. He had killed a man in self defense, but with his criminal past no one would believe him so he had to flee. There was no statute of limitations on murder, so he was still a wanted man. He hadn't wanted to kidnap this girl, but when Abdullah asked you to do something it was unwise to refuse. Kent knew Abdullah knew he was wanted, and would not hesitate to turn him in for refusing. Plus he was getting paid handsomely for a quick, easy job or so he thought. He needed the money anyhow. Over the years he had made some bad investments and was essentially broke. He was told to hold the girl until Farid contacted him by radio. He was then to threaten her into silence and he would be given enough money to relocate somewhere no one would ever find him.
Betty distraught wondered what this man wanted. He hadn't tried to touch her or rape her for that she was grateful. She wondered how living here he could be so pale. Maybe he was a new comer, but his words that he knew Waheed so well told her he was no newcomer. She was so frustrated and scared. Why would this stranger abduct her? Did it have something to do with Abdullah taking the girls? Probably, but why take her out of the way? She couldn't do anything or did they think she could? Oh her head hurt. She just wanted to go home. At the thought of home she shuddered. Her father finding out she left camp would not be happy. She was in for it. Well, she had faced her father's wrath before and she would have to again.
Kent turned away. What was taking so long? He wished whatever it was Farid was up to, he would hurry up. He was wishing he had never gotten involved. Turning back he saw Betty laying on her side crying. Seeing him looking at her she tried to stifle her tears. She would not give him the satisfaction to see her continue to cry.
Betty snuffling her tears back: Please Kent, let me go home. I promise if you let me go, I won't tell anyone. I don't want to get you in trouble. I just want to go home.
Kent turned away before the pity tugging at his heart took over. He had never ever been mean to a woman before and kidnapping one definitely not. This whole business was leaving a bad taste in his mouth. She was beautiful to boot and that made this whole thing even harder.
Kent get a grip on yourself! He turned back to Betty.
Kent squatted down and took out a handkerchief to wipe her tears. Betty turned away to reject his attempts to comfort her.
Kent angry at her rejection pulled back.
Kent gruffly: Stop being a child! You will get your wish. Just a little while longer and you will be rid of me.
At that he turned away. He was angry, and he didn't know why. He couldn't wait to be rid of her that was for sure. Yes, the sooner she left the better. He didn't want or need any emotional attachments especially with another man's betrothed.