To his house

"I have nowhere to go." The pain and emptiness in this maid's soft voice tore at his heart. Master Werner was used to seeing wretched unfortunates both within the city walls and seeking refuge in the king's forest, but this is no common maiden. This is a young woman who until a few days ago had every opportunity in life. The Verderer spoke without hesitation.

"For now, you must come to my house, you can stay until we find a better solution."

"You can't, Master Werner." Christine demurred, torn between her desire to stay under his protection and her understanding of the situation. "The Black Prince's men are looking for us. If they find either of us in your home, you and your family will be hanged ... or worse."

"Then we must make sure that you are not discovered." the Verderer's tone was somber but firm. He turned to Erik, "I imagine this lad is hungry, if he is anything like my boys. My wife will have stew on the fire by now and fresh rolls too if we're lucky." The way her brother's face lit up at the mention of food was almost too much for Christine to contend with. She tried again to explain that the risk was too great even as she felt her stomach lurch in her belly at the thought of warm food. It had been almost two days since either she or her brother had dined. The Verderer was already guiding her out into the alley when he added a tempting incentive.

"First though, milady, you'll need to bathe, and we have to find you a decent dress." Once again, Christine became acutely embarrassed by the condition of her clothing. The worn linen rag that she had been given not only barely covered her private parts, but it reeked of urine and sweat. Her hair was knotted in a tangled bird's nest, and her hands and face were smeared with grime.

Christine could feel her face redden as she realized what she must look and smell like, it is a wonder that Bishop Anthryl would even want any woman after she had been chained in that dark hole. Conceding defeat, she allowed the Verderer to cover her with his cloak. The heavy garment was much too big for her, reaching all the way to the ground but it was thick and warm and carried the musky scent of the Verderer.

Wrapped in the woolen cloak, Christine followed the man through the busy streets up towards where the Oldchester castle loomed. She had been in that very castle on a few different occasions, and not once had she given any thought about the townsfolk that inhabited the streets huddled under its walls. But this time as they made their way into the better neighborhoods she listened attentively as her guide pointed out the various guild-streets.

The Verderer tried not to think too much about his motives for bringing these refugees into his home. Until this day he had never even considered inviting strays to share his food and certainly not to bathe. This pair however were no common waifs, this was the daughter of Baron Gerard! Until her family's sudden fall, this was one of the most desired brides in the entire duchy if not the whole kingdom. Not only was this petite maiden beautiful and chaste but her father had been well respected and part of the old king's inner council. She walked quietly at his side almost completely covered by his cloak, but he could not wipe from his mind the sight of her perfect breasts peeking from the loose tunic when he first released her from Bishop Anthryl's gruesome pit. She needed a bath and decent clothes ...

The unexpected image of Lady Christine's young body half submerged in the wooden tub they used to wash, sent a jolt of need to his cock. He could picture steaming water flowing between her firm breasts as she lathered soap down between her submerged thighs and the erotic vision made him moan and stumble on the smooth cobblestones of the street. His misstep must have clearly alarmed the young woman because in spite of her diminutive stature she stepped to his side and wrapped her arm around him.

"Are you well, good forester?" Christine asked, "Are you hurt?" She was still trying to come to grip with the turmoil of the past day. Somehow, once again this man appeared out of nowhere to save her from a fate worse than ****. She was suddenly aware of how close she was to the Verderer and how strong and warm his torso felt. She wanted nothing more than to cling to the Verderer; his solid frame was the only constant in the tempest that her life had become.

"Easy, Lass." She felt Master Werner stiffen in her arms. "We're almost there."

It took all her strength to let the Verderer pull free of her grasp. Thankfully, in the quiet moments of the early afternoon, the people thronging the streets were more interested in making their way home than they were in the odd little scene. Lady Christine was right about the risk he was running taking this young woman and her brother under his roof; the last thing he wanted was to bring trouble to his household.

It was only now as they approached his three-story thatched townhouse that he finally allowed himself to consider what his wife might think of his decision to bring this beautiful young woman and her silent brother home with him.