A little while later, they stopped, but only long enough for Red to throw another blanket into the cage and make sure the cage was covered completely.
Bree unfolded the blanket and making sure the child had most of it, she said, “Two blankets are better than one.”
Bree spent the night arguing silently with herself, dozing, and arguing again about whether to take the child or not. By morning, she was exhausted.
The wagon stopped as daylight peeked over the mountains to the east.
Big Red opened the cage door and Small tied ropes around Bree and the child’s wrists.
“If you try to run, they’ll tie your ankles too,” the driver said from behind.
Bree was thankful at least one of the men spoke English. Maybe she could get him to see reason.
Small held out his hands to the child.
She stood up, letting the blanket fall to the floor of the cage. Under her red coat, she wore a dress with blousy long sleeves and soft leather shoes.
Bree quickly slid her feet to the ground before anyone decided to help her too and walked up to the driver.
“Where are you taking us?”
“Across the border.”
“Why?”
“To sell you, of course.”
“Why not just sell us here?”
He growled. “King Pradwick has banned all slavery, and that means no selling or buying. We can’t make a living in this kingdom.”
Bree could have whooped with delight at hearing King Pradwick’s name, but she contained herself and narrowed her eyes at the driver. “But you can steal the kingdom’s citizens?”
He pulled at his ear. “It’s hard pickings but we do what we can. Now go sit by the fire.”
Bree glanced at the fire and smelling whatever was in the pot had her stomach growling, but before she could eat, she had something else to take care of.
“Ah, we’ll need to go for a walk to ah, you know.”
He chuckled and said something to Red and Small in Cornish. They walked off into the forest that still bordered the road. Bree questioned the driver with raised brows.
“They’ll find somewhere for you.”
Looking around, Bree found the leader of the group sitting on the ground, resting his back against a tree. He glanced up and seemingly uninterested in what was happening, took out what looked like a toothpick and began picking at his teeth. Bree’s heart flipped. If she could get the toothpick or one like it, she could pick the lock.
Red and Small returned and with the driver in tow, showed Bree and the girl into the forest. They spread out and the driver said, “You won’t get past us, so do your business and get back to the fire.”
While Bree wasn’t comfortable, she had no choice but to hope they kept their distance.
Once back at the fire, the driver handed Bree and the girl plates of something. It smelled heavenly, but at that point anything even half edible would have had her stomach juices boiling. Not knowing what it was, Bree wondered if sheshould go without. The little girl took hers and spooned the lumpy liquid into her mouth with gusto. All the men did the same and Bree’s grumbling stomach coerced her into trying some. It was a meaty broth and while she decided not to ask what the meat was, it was deliciously spiced and warmed her insides. The small loaves of bread helped sate her appetite, but fearing how long it might be before they would eat again, she hid some in the pockets of her dress for another time.
The men all pulled toothpicks out and began working away with them. Bree caught the driver’s eye. “Could I have one of those, please?”
He pulled his out of his mouth and looked at it, tipped his head and threw it to her.
She nearly shrank back from it, but caught herself in time and smiled, scooping it up from the ground. He grinned and waved his hand indicating she should use it.
Her stomach convulsed at the thought but if she didn’t, he would become suspicious. She wiped it as hard as she could on the hem of her skirt and, holding her breath, pretended to use the pick on her teeth.
