Hawkes of the Sea: a pirate fantasy

[MtnAngelWV]

Amanda Lancaster

Sneaking out of the Captain's quarters is not an easy task but I have succeeded in my task. I run through the shadows so as not to be discovered. I have only one goal to achieve and I vow that I will see it to fruition. I think only of Jeremiah as I am searching out Antonio. I feel Jeremiah's hands upon my body and his heart inside of my soul. If my task were not so daunting, I could have revelled in my memories of Jeremiah's sweet love making.

Finally I reach my destination, the last place I had last seen Antonio. He is no longer there but I feel that he is near. I search madly for him, needing desparately to speak to him regarding Elizabeth.

 

[wildxfire]

antonio

With our bathing and dressing finished, I put away my feelings of a man, and take those of what I have been trained for since the age of puberty.

With a final saddened gaze at my love, Maria, I forewarn her. "Be not afraid of what is to come, there will be no harm to you, or of anyone faithful to our cause"

I sink to my knees, and begin to chant the same chant my ancesters have used since the taming of the beast of Seth. About me a mist begins to form, quickly becoming a dense cloud that hides my form within it. In the bay, next to where our ship is moored, the water begins to boil, as if on fire from hades below it.

Slowly the head of a mammoth reptile rises from the boiling water, rising silently, its evil eyes blinking independantly of each other.
Nearby, in the fronds of a fruit tree a large sloth reaches for the fruit nestled in it. Almost faster then the mortal eye the reptilian beast strikes, its huge mouth opening, revealing a double row of razor sharp teeth, and encompasses the unsuspecting beast in its jaws.
With a shake of its scaled, ridged head the reptile consumes the sloth, and without a sound consumes the quadruped, then slowly lowers itself once again into the water. As the scaly head sinks beneath the sea, the water slowly cools, the violent boiling surface calms, leaving only the bodies of dead fish floating in it.

Emerging from the mist I warn Maria of an approaching female form, and we conceal ourselves in the dense foliage, as she walks slowly onto the beach.

Stepping from the heavy plant cover I place my hand on her shoulder, and spin her about. With a startled gasp from her lips, she cries my name, and I recognize our lady Amanda.....

"AHH, my Lady, you grace our presence with your beautiful face" I greet her, as Maria emerges beside me, knife drawn. Not taking my eyes from Amanda's face I speak to Maria. "You need not your knife for her lovely throat, at least not yet, for this is our ally I have spoke to you of.
"She has come to tell us of Captain Hawke, and the fortifiments of his great castle. What she does not wish us to know, is her growing love for the same man, and her weakening loyalty to our cause." I continue
My eyes note Amanda's startled face, as I speak of her thoughts, and I chide her. "Forget you so soon, my sweet flower, I am a magician, A Great Lord of the Seth, if you will recall, and with but a touch I can recall all that you have lived"

Turning to Maria, I speak in a teasing banter of Amanda "Perhaps we should see if she is of the taste of our large water ally, my Maria, for she has strayed greatly from our cause"
At Maria's smile of malice, I turn and once again face Amanda, her face now white, and trembling.

 

[MtnAngelWV]

Amanda Lancaster

As Antonio speaks of feeding my body to his beast, my blood runs cold and my skin turns ashen in color. Aye, I do fear death but I fear being parted from by beloved more, unable to explore the true depth and breadth of my love for Jeremiah. I attempt to regain my composure as I speak to the man who is able to see into my soul.

"Sir, you speak of loyalty yet you know not its meaning. For if you knew the true definition you would not have subjected to me to such pain. Aye, if it not for your actions against my body, I would not have turned to another. You spake of your love for me and yet you love another. I shall not be betrayed again. If you doth threaten me with death then so be it, but I refuse to betray a man who has been nothing but kind and generous to me. A man, who unlike you, hath not betrayed me."

"My intentions are honorable for I have not confessed your plans to the Captain. I have come to offer myself so that Elizabeth may be set free. You professed your love for me just last eve. If you were true in your words, allow me to take the Lady Captain's place." After I have pleaded my case to the magician, I kneel at his feet awaiting his reply to my request.

 

[BLACK BART]

I eat as if it were my last meal, not of hunger, but for the reserves needed for a battle. Wathching Clarrissa, I note her meager partakement of the fare provided, and the worries within her eyes.

At her statement of concern of her Lady Captain, I reply to her, addressing my statement to both her and Mark....

"Aye, my thoughts have turned toward her also, I beleive she is safe, but in the hands of a man I once called friend"

At their startled faces, I continue "If my thoughts are true, I will further tell you of my past, when Captain Jeremiah has spoken"

At the growing concern on their faces, I speak again, trying to alleve some of their worry. "Fear not, for on this isle lays hidden allies, loyal to Jeremiah, I have seen greater power here than in the steel of my fathers great sword"

Pulling my right broadsword from its scabbard, I hold it for them to see, and begin to share with for the first time, the tale of my boyhood past.

" As a young child, barely in the first stages of manhood, my parents were cruely killed, by the father of the man I called my best friend.....Before my own eyes, my mother was used in the ways of a common roadside harlot, and then forced to watch the death of her husband, my father. They were both slaughtered, because of their refusal to give me to the followers of seth. As my mothers head joined my fathers on that bloody floor, the vile man who had ended her life handed me this sword"

Holding the large, curved sword in my hands, I began to slowly spin it over head, until the blade hummed, as if having a life of its own. I increase the power of my voice, to be heard over the swords, as I spin it faster and faster.

"He laughed at me, joking of the great price my parents had paid, for my soul. As he handed me this sword, he told me had given it a special gift, in return for their souls."

The sword is now a blur, it's own voice nearly drowning out my own, as it roars over my head. Turning I step over to a large table, formed of the same rock that supports much of the Hawke's great hall, and bring the sword down onto it. The noise created is deafening, as if all 20 guns on the deck of a ship were discharged at once, in one great broadside. As the rock dust cleared, I walk back to Clarrissa and Mark, offering them the sword to see with their own eyes.The swords edge is still intact, and its sharpened edge shows not a single scratch. The entire sword is of the same apperance as the day it was drawn from the fire, at my fathers hand.

"This is the gift he gave me, for the lives of my parents" I told them, as I returned the sword to its scabbard. "I have shown my fathers sword to the same shaman who has so recently healed our Monique, and he has only shaken his head, telling me to remove it from his village, claiming it is of a great and powerful evil"

Sitting at the table, from which we have supped, I face my friends and finish my tale. "I have carried this sword, and the memories of my parents death, in hope someday I can return it to the one responsible for their deaths......"

 

[Inkubus]

Carlos

As she awkens I hold her gently and whisper to her, "Mi amor, before you, I thought there was nothing I prized more than my freedom, then I tasted your heart, If I tried to leave my heart and soul would rend in twain. I am yours , I do not know how this will end but I am yours if you will have me. I will stay on the island although I cannot assure you I will stay with the Hawkes I will lend you my strength as you lend me bliss. Someone is coming we will talk of this later, let us see what the gods have in store for us."

 

[THEBRAT]

The Black Raven

I sit in my luxurious room and think back to when I was very Young and the daily beatings.That were my daily bread and water.I made a vow unto myself then to make Spain fear what
they themselves have created.

Hawke has not experienced the true meaning of the Catolic Churches viciousness & meaness as I have my whole life.

 

[wildxfire]

antonio

Looking down at Amanda, I reply to her in a voice that begins quietly, then gains volume and strength...

"I took from you, no more than you offered, and I twice questioned, telling you of the gift you gave me could not be given to another. And the pleasure I received from you was twice returned. You speak of disloyalty and betrayal as if foreign things to you, but I have seen your past, and your actions, before you began this jouney"

Placing my hands on her shoulders, I touch the velvet skin of her graceful neck.

"What would your beloved Jeremiah say, to the words of your actions, in the betrayal and destruction of his sweet sister Elizabeth"

"What would he do, when provided such proofs as letters in which you conspired your actions to steal young Richard, after he had lain with Elizabeth on their wedding bed, and then cast her out, taking with him her dowry and pride?"

"What suppose you, would his actions be, to the person responsible for his sisters greatest pain, the loss of her husband and first lover?"

"You wish to replace young Elizabeth, perhaps to escape the wrath of Jeremiah, and his pirates,and to absolve yourself of all blame in the matter of his sisters torment."

I lift her gently to her feet, tilting her head back, so her eyes must meet mine and tell her.
"Nay, your escape of the truth will not be so easy, but I will make a bargain with you. For my silence of these most tender and important matters, you will serve me one last time, in the place and way I choose"

At my words, the arms of Amanda rise and cross her full, trembling breasts, as if to protect them, and I scoff at her.

"That is not the way I would have you serve me, though the suckling of such sweet breasts gave you as much pleasure as me. Rather, you will return to the hall, and Jeremiah's bed, and aid me in his defeat. The choice is yours, remain here, and return to Spain, with the knowledge Jeremiah will know the truth, or return to him and insure his safety, and release of all Spanish prisoners"

I stare at her trembling, pale visage, so sweet a picture, and await her answer........

 

[SexyChele]

Maria Elena

I watch as the great leviathan erupts from the boiling sea and snatches its prey. I know that I am protected by my beloved....that no harm will come to me because of him.

Sheathing my dagger, and stepping forward I listen to all that Antonio declares. I look at the lady Amanda and see the troubled and torn look on her face.

Reaching out, I gently stroke the soft cheek of her face, grown pale with fear and confusion.

"Senorita, do not allow Hawke and the evil hearted one to lead you to a place of comfort. They are not as they would have you think of them. They each have a dark side, sinister and evil. You must decide which side you choose to place your loyalties with. At least, with us, your freedom will be secured. Has Hawke given you the same assurance? Certainly he will destroy you if he should learn about his beloved sister. And the evil one that is closest to him would gladly mete out any such punishment to you as entertainment for all who are here."

I smile at her in the moonlight....

"Choose wisely, my sister, for your life hangs in the balance."

 

[MtnAngelWV]

Amanda Lancaster

The magician's hands, that had once brought me such pleasure, are burning my skin where he touches me. No longer burning from passion but from scorn. His words that were once loving are now cruel and vengeful. The Spanish dancer, his true love, tries to convince me to betray my beloved.

My mind reels at the difficult choices I must make. If Jeremiah knew about my schemes in the past, would he forgive me or shun me ...or worse? I know that he is a man determined to seek justice against those who have wronged the Hawkes. Does he love me enough to forgive me? I want so much to trust our love but I am unable. This is one man that I cannot bear to lose. I know that I can stay here and fight against the Hawkes or go back and try to protect my love.

"I will do your bidding as you request. I shall return to Jeremiah if only to protect him. I ask only one thing in return. I wish to see the Lady Captain and speak with her before I go."

 

[wildxfire]

antonio

I look deep into her eyes, her thoughts becoming mine as I grasp her shoulders, her conflicting emotions flashing within my mind.

"Your loyalties are mixed, My Lady, your heart be with the handsome young Captain, your mind doth tell you to stand the side of your father, yet neither side has taken the stronger stand"

The question of her loyalty, and her request has forced me to a decision, one of necessity, and reason.

I will grant your request, but on my own terms, terms that will guarntee the safety of all, and ensure the betrayal of Elizabeth's location does not occur.

"You will enter the place of Elizabeth's holding, in the guise of a prisoner, and will be treated as such. In all manners that a lowly peasant would be exposed to, you shall be. What say you?"

Amanda's face becomes ghostly pale, as I state the terms of her visitation, but her eyes show little fear as she answers to me.

"I will do as you wish, in all matters" She bravely replies.

"You will remove your outer clothing" I command of her "No peasant would be dressed in such finery, on this isle"

Amanda's eyes remain resolute, as she stands and obeys me, her dress sliding from her curvaceous body, revealing the haste she dressed in upon leaving the Hawke's lair. and her charms beneath it. She turn's her head to me, a question in her eyes, which I answer.

"You will be bound, and depraved of your senses, so you know not where we take you" I inform her, as Maria sensing what we need to do, tears Amanda's fine dress into strips. "Bind her securely, about the arms and face" I request of Maria, and she complies with a smirk on her face.

Pulling Amanda's wrists behind her waist, Maria binds them securely, then places another strip of fabric around her elbows, and binds them likewise.

"To guarntee our safety" she states seriously, the fire in Maria's eyes showing the pleasure of binding the noble woman. Taking another strip of the fine silken fabric, she blindfolds Amanda, the cloth covering her eyes securely, blinding her from our world.

As she brings another cloth to Amanda's mouth, I stop her, with gentle warning "She needs not to be gagged, unless she attempts to betray our presence with her voice" I tell her, amusedly.

Amanda's visage presents an erotic apperance, her bindings of her arms arching her body backwards, displaying her firm breasts beneath the immodest shift.

"Let us make haste" I speak to Maria and Amanda "We must honor our guests request, and still be ready for her lover"

Intoning a chant, the rock wall before us begins to shimmer, and then dissapate. A deep winding tunnel is revealed, and we pass into it, leading our prisoner. The wall shimmers behind us, becoming solid, barring the entrance, and we walk in the near darkness towards a small light.

We step into a large natural cavern, formed by the volcanoes long ago, and I greet Lady Hawke cheerfully.

"We have brought you a servant, sweet Elizabeth, to help prepare you for your return to your beloved brother." I say mockingly,
"She is of lowly birth, having little intelligence, or ability to speak, but she will be able to tend to your chamber pots, perhaps"

Maria pushes Amanda to her knees, and drawing her dagger, cuts the bindings from her body.

"We will wait, and make sure she attends to your needs" I tell Elizabeth "Lest she turns truculent, and needs discipline. I hope your stay has been comfortable."

 

[MtnAngelWV]

Amanda Lancaster

I am exhilerated as Antonio grants my request to see Elizabeth. I want so much to promise my love and faithfulness to her beloved brother. I also want to return to him with the knowledge that the Lady Captain is safe. If Antonio had asked me to walk through fire I think I would have obeyed his request.

As Maria binds me with the fabric, I am scared but refuse to display my fear. "I must remain strong for my love," I chant over and over again to myself. I have never been treated as anything less than my station in life demands.

Elizabeth is being told that I am to be her servant. I scream out his name, "Jeremiah! Help me now! Please! I am with your sister." The words are only audile inside my own head. I am forced to kneel at Elizabeth's feet where I await her demands.

I wince behind my blindfold as my ears detect the the shrill sound of Maria's knife on the bindings. I know that in one single slash, she can end my life before it ever truly began. I have so much to look forward to yet. And still I have much to regret.

 

[Guest]

character

OOC: will take any Male character assigned to me. Sounds like a very interesting plot.

 

[sojournerwolf]

Jeremiah Hawke

OOC: Unregistered. Would be happy to have you with us. Mostly we've been developing our own characters, but if you would like some help, just holler over at the "OOC: Hawkes of the Sea Thread" It's an additional thread we use to put ooc comments.

IC: Kneeling beside Monique's bed, I take her hand and ask: "Do you think you could use a sedan chair to come to the great Hall, or would it be best for us to meet here?"

 

[BadForm]

Monique Papin: The Strength of Two

I pull myself upright in bed, not caring that this exposes my body to the captain. He has need of me and, although I am weak, I must attend. I smile a grim smile which is intended to show strength I do not posses.

"Mon capitain, I..." My eyes cast over to Carlos' form, seeking assurance on what I am about to say. "WE will attend. Our garments, s'il vous plait."

As the captain passes me my clothes, I can sense the objection he has. The Spaniard is not someone to trust, at least from where Captain Hawke stands, but I have no option. I am bound to him now. I say so.

"Mon capitain, this man, he is of me. I of him. How do you say? Bound. Soul-bound. You give him freedom. If he will, I bring him with me."

 

[sojournerwolf]

Jeremiah Hawke

As Monique dresses, I consider her request. I am not comfortable with having de la Vega attend our meeting. I know too little about him. Yet, this is Monique making the request, one whom I trust as I do few others save my sister, Black Bart, Clarrissa, Mark, and Amanda.

"Monique," I say at last, "what we have to discuss is going to be very dangerous. It involves a threat to all of us personally, perhaps to the whole island. I would prefer not to bring too many people in on this.

"However," I continue, raising my hand to stave off her protest, "I will allow this under two conditions."

"Spaniard," I say to de la Vega, "you are to be freed. There is no question of that no matter what other decisions you come to, save if you choose to oppose me either on your own or in alliance with my enemies. Periodically, we do trade with other ports of call. You will be given your choice of which to go to, and provided with suffieicnt resources to make your way to your ultimate destination should you wish to leave. I owe you that, at the very least, for the help you have provided Monique.

"Yet, this meeting, what will be happening here, is another matter. If you do attend this meeting as Monique desires, you must vow upon your honor as a man and soldier not to reveal what will be discussed to anyone save those who will be present. I do not ask you join with us, though truth be, if you should desire to do so, I would not be opposed to that. I only ask you not give aid nor comfort to our enemies.

"If you do not feel you can make this vow, then I would ask you remain here until Monique or I return. What I have said of your freedom and the arrangements for it, will not be affected by whether you give your oath or not."

I turn to Monique. "Monique, If he does make the vow to keep our counsels secret, to be able to accompany you to the meeting, you will be responsible for seeing to it that he keeps that vow."

I look at them both. "What say you?"

 

[Inkubus]

Captain Carlos De La Vega

I swallow a hot ball of lead in my chest, I am fine vowing my life to Monique, but to swear to look the other way..to swear to never assist the enemies of a man whose crew killed most of mine and tortured me. To swear to not get involved as he seduces nuns and tortures priests, masacres ships and takes what he wishes. I look with pain filled eyes at Monique but she has spoken true, I am hers just as honestly as she is mine...I have endured much for those I did not know just becuse the cause was just. Now I will endure this for her, I promised her I would stay wih her and at least learn of the hawkes ways. If she is right perhaps I will see my error and come to trust this man as she does, If I am right then I will cross that bridge when I come to that even if it ends in my death. I chose a precarious life with her rather than a safe solitude without her. "Captain I swear on the soul of my father Rodolfo de la Vega I will not lie to you, nor will I use your trust against you. I do not swear to take your side...but I will not take arms against the brethren of my soul mate" I sigh as cradle Monique and help to get her ready.

 

[sojournerwolf]

Jeremiah Hawke

I nod. "Very wll." I make arrangements with the guards to provide a sedan chair for Monique.

"Bring her, gently mind you, to the Great Hall," I tell them and leave with a quick squeeze of Monique' shoulder.

I stride out, heading towards the Hall. Entering, I see Black Bart, Clarrissa and Mark there. I smile, seeing they have eaten. Yet, I notice that a rock carved table there has been hewn in twain, and Black Bart holds his sword in hand.

"Greetings, my friends," I say. "I do appreciate your patience while awaiting me."

Walking around the shattered stone, I study it. "What's this?"

 

[BLACK BART]

"Twas me, my Captain" I step forward and reply "Telling of the power of this sword, and how I came of it"

As I step forward, I see the figure in the standing in the room from which Jeremiah has just left. He is bent over, holding a weak and whitened form that somehow resembles Monique, as the door closes. My impulse is to make remark of it, but knowing Jeremiah's instincts, and trusting his judgement, I nod in the direction of the door and quote. "War doth make strange bed fellows", Aye Captain?

I sheath the broadsword, and turn my attentions to my predicament, and the reason Captain Hawke has called us here.

"Tis not my attention to destroy your hall, or to make light of the matters at hand" I continue, once again finding myself in a witches brew of my own making "But to tell of my past, and where this sword doth come from"

My concern for the figure being held in the room, if it indeed were Monique, is great. Lowering my voice, I ask the Captain "The health of Monique, is it failing so, that she doth require help to dress?"

 

[sojournerwolf]

Jeremiah Hawke

I follow Black Bart's gaze to Monique and de la Vega.

"Aye," say I after a moment, "that it does."

As Monique is helped to a chair and made comfortable, I look about me. There are many questions in the eyes of these loyal followers, but trust as well. I trust I hold dear and return with the same whole heart.

A smile plays upon my lips at Black Bart's comment. How hard it is to find any bit of humor in what I believe we face, but still, there it is. The bravest of souls betimes must find even faint rills by which to remind themselves that life is not mere walking the razor's edge.

"Well, I was not overfond of that table anyway. And," I say looking into his eyes, "I know you do nothing without reason."

His words of concern for Monique I answer soberly. "Yes, she is that ill. My foster father has seen to her, and I've no doubt she will make full recovery. Yet, she is greatly weakened. She has given countenance to the one with her, and I have reason to hold his oath of the same to be true, for on his own life, he rescued her."

I step towards the front of the table. "My friends, I bid you be seated. We've much to discuss, circumstances which touch upon the very safety of our island and those dear to all of us here.

"You may have noted--," I begin, when my eye catches sight of a piece of parchment tucked beneath the goblet at my place.

It is with great trepidation that I take up the paper, for I am nigh sure I know what is writ there...

 

[BadForm]

Monique Papin: Gratitude and Assurance

As I am carried to the hall, I lay my hand upon the cheek of my love and smile softly. "Merci, mon amour. I know you do not wish this, but it is necessary. Important, oui. Monsieur... Carlos... Aime, I wish you to see what is wrong. You will see we are une famile, a brotherhood you say. What is wrong? Je ne sais quoi! Mais... c'est important. Oui, c'est important."

I draw a breath as we are led into the meeting and I see the eyes of the Hawke clan upon me. The looks I receive are concern, not sympathy. And that is the way I would have it. It is right to feel concern for one who is injured, for without them the family is weaker. Yet sympathy achieves nothing. I also note the puzzlement over my companion, and the fear and revulsion Carlos feels.

"Je te promets, Carlos, as I say to Hawke, I say more to you. I will die for you, mon chere. None here will hurt you. I will protect you."

With a slight kiss in the hope of reassuring him, I direct his attention to the captain.

 

[sojournerwolf]

Jeremiah Hawke

As I read the note, a knot of rage ties my guts. It is a cold, vibrant thing to which my emotions are giving birth. Especially when I read the threat to Elizabeth contained within it.

The parchment crumbles in my hand as I stare without seeing...nay, this is not true. I did see. I saw fire and blood, death riding upon the winds.

 

[BLACK BART]

As Captain Hawke reads, his face turns ashen then livid, his eyes becoming that of a man ill, or possessed of demons. As the note crumbles beneath his fierce grip I step forward, alarmed at what is over coming the man I have followed into countless bloody battles. Laying my hand gently on his shoulder, so as not to alarm him, or waken his lightning reflexes, I break tradition and rank.

"Jeremiah...Jeremiah?" I repeat softly, concern in my voice "What manner of man or beast was in that parchment, that would dare strike a blow at your heart?"

At his lack of response, I gently increase the pressure of my grip, and turn him to face only me, my form blocking the others lest they see what he doth not want them to view.

"Tell me of this demon, and I will rid this isle of it, at your request" I intone, "Let your friends here share what has gripped your heart so strongly, lest it destroy you, and all that we have built together"

I stand looking down at the man who has meant so much to all of us, wondering what evil lay within the crushed parchment at his feet, my hand resting on his shoulder, as I stare into his burning eyes.

 

[sojournerwolf]

Jeremiah Hawke

With stern control of my voice, I read them the note from the 'wizard of seth'...that Elizabeth has been kidnapped and will be returned if we release all of the Spanish prisoners, including the one they call their leader. If not...she is to be handed over to the Inquisition.

Silence reigns the room. I take a deep breath, looking at them each in turn.

"It is true," I say at last. "Elizabeth is missing. And as Mark has told me, there appears to be signs of a struggle where last I knew she was.

"Their leader, it seems to me, is a woman who claims your acquaintance, Bart. She calls herself "the Black Raven". Ere I send for her, what can you tell me of her or of any of this, my friend?"

 

[Kimberly]

I sit in my holding room waiting to see what my vile captors are going to do with me. I see the burns on my wrists and ankles, noting that I was bound and taken here. I swear to myself that the one that did this will pay, and pay in full. My eyes flare red as I hear footsteps and voices approaching. I move away from the door and watch as a man I haven't seen and Maria, bring another women that is bound to my holdings. The man says that she is to be my "slave" and that I am to do anything I wish with her. Then I see Maria weild a knife and cut the bounding from the woman. The man knows my name but I do not know his. I do sense something evil from him but I am not afraid. He then asks if my stay has been comfortable. I just smirk and laugh at him.

"Indeed it has been. Now leave me with the woman." A small smile spreads across my lips

 

[BadForm]

Monique Papin: The Response To Kidnap

As soon as I hear of my captain's kidnap I am on my feet. Had I thought, I could imagine how my Carlos would respond to my feelings, but I am a woman of Oya, a being of vengeance. There is only one response I can make.

"Mon capitain! The head! Oui, send the head of they're leader. Et un message. Say to them, twice a day, le matin et le soir, they will get a head of a captive if the do not return ma capitaine!"

My fist is balled. My anger overpowers the weakness. It takes a moment for me to feel the mixture of shock, fear and revulsion from Carlos. Suddenly, I realise such an action goes against everything he believes. I turn to him and try to smile.

"L'innocent, we will not kill, mon cher. Mais, the leader, he is one of the kidnappers! He is guilty! J il accuse. Et... all they would need is his head. They would believe us. They would not dare think we would not kill the others."