An evil destination

The march through the wasteland was brutal. Lisa was amazed that none of the party or captives died during the heat of the day. It was almost sunset when the Apache led them into a ruined adobe village.

Lisa's heart swelled when she saw a dozen men, dressed as soldiers, appear. the men were well armed. But the joy was short-lived. The soldiers greeted the Indians warmly. The remarks made toward the women were frightening.

The women and children were pushed into the ruins of a church. Sitting at a large table were the leader of the Apache and an army officer. The officer stood and walked to the children. he examined them closely and then returned to the Apache. Lisa realized they were negotiating. Finally, smiling, the two men came to an agreement. The children were led off out of the church.

Some of the women began screaming as their children were taken away. The officer stood, walked up to one woman, a tall red-head, and slammed his fist into her. the room became silent.

"I am Major Herrera. You are now the property of General Paulo Ruiz, governor of this state. The children will serve in the silver mines unless the general takes a fancy to any of them. You will be brought to the general's villa tomorrow. He will decide your fate: he may keep you for his amusement, he may give you to his officers, or he may assign you to the soldiers' bordello."

The Major calmly walked from woman to woman. Stopping at the thin, young, blond whose mind had snapped, the Major suddenly ripped the tattered rags from her body. He licked his lips. "Tonight, you will entertain me and my men."