Saved!

In the faint light, she can see the man's grotesque, toothy smile. She shudders as he moves closer and closer. Her heart begins to race.

The man snickers as he closes the distance. Then he makes a strange noise. The smile disappears. He utters a gurgle and then collapses to the dirty alley floor, becoming just another piece of lost refuse.

A new man coolly wipes the bloody sword on the cooling body. He kicks the body to the side easily, and then offers his hand out to Gwen.

Gwen, though, is not so trusting of this mystery hero.

"Don't worry," the man says, "I'm not going to hurt you."

After a moment or two, Gwen accepts the offered hand.

"You must be new to the city, yes?" the man asked.

Gwen nodded, embarrassed.

"Come with me. Let's get you cleaned up."

Gwen follows the man and he leads her to a beautiful house. Music pours from the windows, and she can see silhouettes moving strangely from behind heavy curtains.

Two tough men guard the front door, but they immediately open the double doors when they see the man and his ward approach.

He leads Gwen through the lobby and up a flight of stairs. A woman behind the main desk flashes Gwen a smile and a wink. Gwen can only stare as she sees the woman is completely naked.

The man lets her bathe and wash up, and when she's finished she discovers a set of bed clothes have been lain out for her.

There is a knock at her door.

"Come in," Gwen says.

The man who had saved her life and, most likely her virginity, enters the room.

"I see you have cleaned up. Someone will be up with dinner in a few moments. It doesn't appear that you've eaten much in the last few days."

Gwen shakes her head no. "Thank you. You saved my life."

The man smiles. "I do what I can. My name is Lance, and you are welcome in my home."

"Your home? It's awfully big... and strange," she said, remembering the naked woman at the front desk.

Lance laughs. "Strange? I suppose I will take that as a compliment, coming from one so young. After all, people have said much worse. Now, make yourself at home. And, if you like, I can offer you... a job, if you need one. Do you?"

Gwen nodded. In the excitement, she forgot all about the coins in the alley, and she didn't have much money to begin with. "Yes, I'd like that."

Lance eyed her up and down. "Yes, yes, I think you'd be perfect. Well, enjoy your night. I will see you in the morning."

With a small bow, Lance left the room and left Gwen to her own devices.