The Land behind the Forest 9

Lioba frowned when she looked at the road in front of them, for it seemed familiar to her. She wondered why they hadn’t been blindfolded, and she also wasn’t sure whether that was a good thing or not.

She felt Eileen’s body at her right, the girl still slightly trembling. Like her, she resisted the urge to reach up, pull the tape from her mouth and spit out the panties. Their bondage, with their hands tied in front of their bodies, would have allowed that, but on the passenger seat was the black-haired woman, and though Lioba didn’t share Eileen’s memories at Sabrina, she sensed that this villainess wouldn’t hesitate to punish them if they did so.

Lioba had also thought of trying to open the door and try to jump out of the car, but with her right ankle tied to Eileen’s left, this would have required a coordination they could neither plan nor realize. So, despite the rather light bondage, both girls remained quiet and waited for things to come.

The car now slowed down to some 10 km/h, and Lioba’s eyes widened. They were approaching the »castle«, the old watchtower where she had left Vlad behind. Now, two more emotions were haunting her – a glimpse of hope that they would be rescued, and the fear that Vlad would get killed or hurt when trying to do so.

***

»If you’re lucky and you know it clap your hands!«

The song came up in Vlad’s mind, and he symbolically brought his palms together once; he knew that he had been lucky, though it didn’t feel that way.

After a zigzag hunt through the forest, he had been able to shake off the man with the shotgun and his companion who had also joined the manhunt. The one with the gun hadn’t fired a second shot, and now, with some time to think, Vlad could imagine why: obviously, he didn’t have spare ammunition with him, and he didn’t want to risk wasting his last shot. The other guy, though he had been more experienced and twice nearly gotten him, had been armed with a sledgehammer that was a terrible weapon, but lacked in range.

After what seemed hours to his aching lungs and feeling as if he had crawled through barbed wire, Vlad had finally no longer heard the men behind him, and then, another grace from God, he had even found a small brook, allowing him to quench his thirst. Now, lying in the shadow of a tree hanging over the brook, he inspected his wounds.

The shot had ripped the sleeve of his jacket and grazed his upper arm, but it was a superficial wound, not worse than the scratches from the thorns. So, in the wider sense of the word, he could be called unharmed.

»When this is all over, I will never again skip the stamina exercises in the gym!«, he vowed, still panting from the race. He would have called himself more or less athletic, but obviously, going to the gym twice a week wasn’t enough to keep a 37 year old man fit for combat.

His thoughts wandered to Lioba – Lioba who had been at the factory, together with the mysterious German woman and her henchman that had attacked Vlad earlier. He wasn’t sure whether his pursuers were on their payroll, too, for he thought that less amateurish guards would have caught him – or finished him off.

»Now, before I try to find out where I am, let’s see what we have got to improve the situation!«

Methodically, he searched his pockets. There was his wallet, but neither his credit card nor the cash money was of much use now. His phone had survived him falling down the hill, but currently he had no line. Maybe, a call to the Police would still be possible, but what should he tell them? That he was somewhere in the woods, hunted by unknowns, whilst Lioba was maybe in danger because of other unknowns who also were foreigners?

Deep inside, there was also another problem with that: Vlad just hated the idea of him sitting at some Police Department, drinking lousy coffee whilst waiting for others to rescue Lioba. That wasn’t a hero’s journey for Prince Vlad IV.!

He found his old pocketknife, the only blade no longer the sharpest, but it could be useful, as could his lighter. He grinned when he felt into his other pocket and touched something smooth. It was Lioba’s black and orange tiger thong, the garment he had never found the opportunity to give back to her without her knowing he had had it.

»Well, in earlier times, the fair damsels tied silk bands to the lances of their knights!«

Vlad got to his feet and grabbed a stick lying around. He thought that following the brook would lead him at least somewhere when he heard steps from afar. He hid behind a tree and waited if he could see their source.

***

Andrina knew that reading cards was most of the time just connecting the facts with a good story, and keeping the predictions so vague that they had almost no other chance than to come true. However, sometimes, the cards had told her some more, given her a glimpse of the future. Like they had done some hours before, and though the prediction had not been pleasant, she could not blame her Tarot cards of having lied.

The main predictions had been danger, death (or change?) and love. Well, there was no love in sight, if one didn’t want to count the caresses of her kidnapper who still was playing with her hair. Death maybe wasn’t an imminent threat, but she definitely was in great danger, being bound and gagged in the clutches of these two villainesses.

»Mph! Mph!«

They were approaching a crossing, and Andrina signalled where to go. Soon, she would have to make them stop the car – and then, she would have to lead them towards Salome. She gulped – regretting it immediately, as she swallowed some saliva, filtered by Aurica’s panties.

Between her legs, Aurica could sense the change of direction as centrifugal force pressed her head and shoulder against Andrina’s left inner thigh. She was grateful it wasn’t a full break, for then, her face would have been pressed against the other’s pubic mound, and the scent of Andrina was just enough for her to bear.

She squirmed to get further away, as long as the ropes allowed, when she felt her nose get tickled by Andrina’s pubic hair. Like the others, Aurica had made jokes about the lack of hygiene of Gypsies in general, and of Andrina in particular. The girl wasn’t dirty, but she obviously didn’t have intimate spray in her caravan, and she also didn’t have the chance to change her panties every day. Aurica retched from her gag, and she had to fight down the urge to panic, for this would have only made things worse for her.

The car stopped, but luckily, the speed had been so slow that Aurica could fight sliding closer against the other’s private parts. When the lid was opened, she mewed, hoping that the ordeal would be over now, though she knew that their destination would not be a place of happiness.

Milena loosened Andrina’s ankles and the waist rope tying her to Aurica and then aided her in climbing out of the car, still gagged and with her arms bound. Meanwhile, Ligeia bent down to Aurica, who was still tied to a ball and whimpered when the blonde’s fingers brushed through her hair and over her mutilated auricle.

»Don’t worry, we are back soon! And until then, nobody shall be able to look at your little – optical flaw!«

A tight black hood was pulled over Aurica’s head, and then, the lid was closed. Meanwhile, Milena had slung Andrina’s waist rope between her legs and through the rope belt. Now, holding the ends and standing behind the girl, she could use the crotch rope like a leash, directing the girl and keeping her from running away. Andrina quickly realized that there would be an irritating touch if she behaved – and a painful pull if she didn’t.

As if she was a tracker dog on a leash, the girl now led her captors through the woods, following the brook to the little rock formation. Andrina hoped that Salome had left in the meantime. However, the girl was stark naked, except for the blanket, and so, there was a good chance she was still there.

Beside the rock, Ligeia took over the control over the crotch rope. She pulled Andrina so close that she could feel the other’s body, and with her free hand, she started to fondle the girl’s breast. Andrina, however, was occupied by Milena climbing the rock.

»Run, Salome!«, she thought, but she could only whimper as Milena disappeared from view whilst Ligeia gently squeezed her breast.

***

Still feeling dirty, Salome had washed a second time, and then, allowing the sun to dry her body, exhaustion had taken its toll, and she had dozed off. So, since Milena managed to climb without making noise, she was still sleeping when the blonde henchwoman stood beside her, looking down on the nude Black who had only her towel loosely draped over her middle.

Milena squatted beside her, her gun in her right. With her left, she pulled something from her pocket: Salome’s torn panties she had been gagged with previously, still damp. These, Milena held close to the sleeping girl’s nose, watching with a sardonic smile how the Black cringed her nostrils at the smell of her own fragrance.

When Salome’s eyelids fluttered, Milena placed her right knee on her throat. With a croak, Salome opened both her eyes and mouth, but now, the panties were wedged deeply into her mouth. She stared at the barrel directly aiming at her left eye, and the pressure on her knee made her feel as if she would choke.

»Don’t panic, Sweetie, it’s just me! And if you behave, you will almost not get hurt!«

»Gllgg!«

Milena considered this a »Yes« and rose, still aiming at Salome who stared at her, with the panties protruding from her mouth. Milena tossed her a roll of duct tape.

»Get them all the way in, then tape your lips, three strips at least!«

Looking around whether there was any escape or rescue, Salome obeyed. Milena carefully took the tape back before she directed the girl to climb up the rock. Once she had reached the top, Salome thought of jumping down and try to run between the trees, but she spotted Ligeia standing behind Andrina, her hand cupping the girl’s breast.

»Your friend was so kind to lead us here!«

Andrina looked apologetically, and now, Salome could see the transparent tape sealing her lips, and the unnatural way her breasts were thrust out, indicating that her elbows were tied. Ligeia let her eyes wander over Salome’s nude forms before she added:

»Your other friend, Eileen, is waiting for you – just be a good girl, and we will get you two back together asap!«

Salome felt her arms being grabbed from behind, and Milena tied her wrists with tape, followed by her elbows. Then, she was pushed forward, and she staggered against Ligeia who laughed as she stopped her by grabbing her boobs.

»Calm down, Dear, we will all the time in the world soon! However, maybe, you are too exhausted to walk properly!«

She went to Milena and whispered something into the girl’s ear. Her henchwoman smiled sardonically; then, she ordered Andrina to kneel.

»Now, sit on her shoulders, Salome!«

Reluctantly, Salome approached the other’s back, but Milena stopped her:

»From the front!«

Andrina mewed, and Salome shook her head, causing Ligeia to draw her cell phone.

»Maybe, I should call Sabrina and tell her that you are reluctant! Maybe, she will be pleased to have more time to play with Eileen!«

Salome panted. These thugs had Eileen, and if she was defiant, her friend had to pay. So, she exchanged a look with Andrina, trying to say »Sorry« with her eyes. The girl sat motionless, and Salome placed one leg over her shoulders.

To really sit on them, she had to push forward, forcing Andrina to lean back, and she could feel the girl’s cheek press against her pubic mound as she did so. Milena tied her knees, leaving some rope between them, so Andrina’s head was loosely trapped between Salome’s thighs. Then, she stepped behind Salome, grabbed her shoulders and lowered her to the ground. Andrina sighed with relief when this brought some distance between her face and Salome’s crotch, with the Black’s knees now resting on her shoulders.

»It’s just a few hundred yards to the car! I think the two of you will be able to carry her!«, Ligeia said, taking the gun from Milena. Her henchwoman once again grabbed Salome’s shoulders and lifted her, and Andrina had to get to her feet, with Salome’s legs on her shoulders, and her crotch bouncing a few inches before her face.

On the way, Milena repeatedly poked Salome’s armpits, causing the girl to twitch, and to helplessly kick her heels against Andrina’s back. Both captives were exhausted when they reached the car, and they almost considered it a relief when they were stowed in the load.

Vlad had watched the little group from his hideout, frowning with disbelief. Two of the women were bound and gagged, and the black girl carried by two others was stark naked. He had of course thought of intervening, but the blonde woman with the gun had seemed alert, and even if she wasn’t a trained shootist, a gun against a pocketknife wasn’t an even fight. Cursing, he decided trying to follow the tyre tracks.

***

Lioba couldn’t believe it: the man and the woman had indeed brought them to the watchtower, the »castle«. For the second time within a few hours, she staggered through the scrubs, this time swaying and trying not to slip, as her ankle was still tied to Eileen’s. Only when they were standing in front of the tower, Sabrina cut the zip tie connecting their feet and also freed their wrists whilst Marvin watched them at gunpoint.

»Don’t touch your gags! Instead, you may make yourselves a bit more comfortable!«

She drew a knife and from the car, she got a backpack. Then, she pointed at Lioba with her blade.

»Eileen looks a bit scared, but you seem to be a cold fish! So, will you please do the favour of helping Eileen out of her clothes?«

Lioba could imagine a few things she would have preferred, but with a gun aiming at them, and no help in sight, she just brushed over Eileen’s arm, and the tall girl nodded slightly. Then, she started by taking off her sneakers. Sabrina intervened:

»I think it’s quite inconvenient to squat in such a tight skirt! Eileen, please raise your legs, so Lioba can remove your socks whilst she’s standing straight!«

Whilst it was a slight relief for Lioba, it sure wasn’t for Eileen. Not only was it embarrassing to stand with a raised leg whilst wearing a miniskirt and no panties, it also required that Lioba grabbed her ankle and touched her feet, and when she pulled the sock from her feet, she twitched and mewed when Lioba involuntarily tickled her soles.

Sabrina made Lioba step behind the girl to unbutton her shirt, so Lioba had to brush over Eileen’s boobs when doing so. When it came off, revealing a plain white bra, Sabrina ordered:

»Now, once you have removed the bra, find a way to tell us Eileen’s bra size without removing your gag! I know already, but Marvin sure wants to know, too!«

Lioba unclasped the bra, brushing over Eileen’s bare shoulders as a mute excuse before she pulled the straps down. She could read the label, but what should she do, dance a pantomime?

She grabbed a stick and, scratching the ground, wrote »36 D« into the earth. Sabrina seemed a bit disappointed, having expected some more embarrassment. She ordered Lioba to remove Eileen’s skirt, rendering her naked.

»Now, if the size is right, do ten jumping jacks!«

It was a humiliating exercise, but Eileen obeyed, fearing what would be the alternative. Sabrina mockingly applauded; then, it was her turn to strip Lioba.

She was ordered to remove the pencil skirt before the bootees, followed by the blouse and camisole, and since Lioba wasn’t ticklish, it could have been an easy task. However, since she wore a transparent pantyhose and no panties, her strip of reddish pubic hair was clearly visible, as was another detail. Sabrina told Eileen to stop, and both girls had to fold their hands behind their heads as she approached, inspecting Lioba’s pubic mound.

»Eww, is this a tattoo? Let me see!«

Lioba felt her cheeks redden as the villainess looked closely at the tattoo, a stick figure with a lawnmower beside her landing strip of pubic hair. It had been a kinky idea that had sounded good when Lioba had been 18 and drunk.

»Marvin, come here, and give me the pistol! You really should have a look at this, whilst Eileen removes her bra!«

It cost Lioba all her self-control not to make a sound when the man now stared at her middle whilst Eileen took off her bra. She let out a fluttering breath when she felt his finger brush over the stick figure, and he pondered:

»Maybe, it’s a fake tattoo?«

»There’s only one way to find out, Marvin!«, Sabrina purred, and the man licked his index finger, pushed his hand into Lioba’s pantyhose and rubbed over the tattoo. Now, Lioba stared daggers at him, and her cheeks’ colour matched that of her hair.

Obviously loving the sight, they left her the pantyhose, and once Eileen had scratched »34 C« into the ground and Lioba had done her 10 jumping jacks, Marvin tied both girls’ arms at wrists and elbows, using tape and zip ties. Then, they were allowed to sit down, leaning against the wall of the hut. Marvin watched them whilst Sabrina gathered their clothes and threw them over the wall.

»We have different plans with you – but no matter what it is, none of them require that you are wearing clothes!«

***

They didn’t have to wait for too long, though minutes felt like hours to the trussed up girls. Eileen had shifted closer to Lioba, so their shoulders touched, and she got some consolation from the touch of the older and calmer woman she hardly knew. Lioba’s curls brushed over her skin, and she looked over, realizing that the redhead’s eyes were blue, too, though Eileen’s were of a bit darker tone.

There was the sound of an approaching car, and Eileen felt a glimpse of hope that vanished before the car showed up when she saw Sabrina lower her gun, indicating that it was someone she knew. Moments later, an old Lada Niva was parked beside the SUV, and Milena and Ligeia got out.

»Seems we are complete now! End of the trip – so far!«

The lid was opened, and they could hear some mewing and grunting before Salome was led towards them. She was stark naked, and a few strips of silver duct tape kept some packing in her mouth. According how her boobs thrust out, her elbows were tied, too.

Sabrina reinforced her bonds with zip ties, too, and then, she had to write down her bra size, using her toe to write »36 D« into the sand. She was allowed to sit down beside Eileen, and the two girls tried to signal to each other that they were okay, according to the circumstances.

Next, Andrina was lifted out of the car, got released of her bonds, but was forced to keep her gag in place. Then, with surprising gentleness, Sabrina put her hand on the Gypsy’s shoulder and pointed at Eileen, Salome and Lioba.

»Choose one of them! Don’t worry, it’s just a harmless little game, no one is going to get hurt – physically!«

None of the girls liked the implication of the last word, but Andrina had little choice in the matter. So, just because she was the only one she knew, she stepped towards Salome. Sabrina nodded, and she also approached the group.

»Good choice! Now, as you can see, you are a little overdressed, compared to them! Salome, will you please help Andrina out of her clothes?«

Andrina gasped, and Salome just looked puzzled. How should she do so, with her hands bound? Reluctantly, she wanted to get to her feet, but Sabrina stopped her.

»You may remain seated! After all, you sure have nimble toes!«

Now, Salome groaned, and Andrina’s eyes widened. Then, however, she gathered her hair, and, baring her nape, sat close to Salome. The Black now could see the knots of the cloth holding back Andrina’s hair, and she stretched her legs to pick on these knots with her toes, though she knew what show she was offering.

The cloth fell, and just to humiliate Salome a little more, Sabrina forced her to hand it to her, stepping aside, so the girl had to spread her legs when having the cloth dangle from her toes.

Salome knew the girl was wearing no bra, and so, trying to signal an apology via her eyes, she fumbled on the laces at Andrina’s cleavage. Then, she grabbed both sides of the hem with her toes, and Andrina raised her arms, allowing Salome to pull the garment over her head.

Her skirt was also not a technical problem, as it was held by a simple lace, and when Salome had undone the knots, it just fell, revealing that the girl wore no panties. Salome had the suspicion that this hadn’t been Andrina’s choice, and that either she or her fellow captive was chewing on them.

Like the others, the now naked girl got her wrists and elbows tied with tape and cable binders, and then, she simply pointed at the »34 C« written by Lioba with her toe to give her bra size. Sabrina approached her, and with a gentle gesture, she brushed Andrina’s long black hair over her shoulders, baring her breasts, before she told her to wait whilst Milena and Ligeia brought Aurica, also releasing her from her bonds.

»Now, Andrina – Aurica needs some help! However, to make things a little different, you may use your fingers to remove her clothes!«

»Uuuhhmmph! Nnngggg!«

Aurica vigorously shook her head and tried to shy back, but now, Ligeia and Milena grabbed her arms and forced her to bend over the Lada’s motorhead. Sabrina raised her gun and ordered the other captives:

»Now, look closely! Whoever dares to look away will be next!«

Marvin stepped behind the squirming and mewing Aurica and raised her skirt, exposing her butt that was covered by a beige pantyhose, but no panties. Then, he spanked his victim, slapping her 20 times. He waited a few seconds between the hits, so the pain could stray through her buttocks, and when he was finished, Aurica whimpered, and her buttocks were reddened. Marvin adjusted her skirt, and Milena roughly pushed the Romanian back towards Andrina.

»Now, hold still when she strips you – or Marvin will use his belt!«

Aurica still sobbed and mewed when Andrina approached her, but she did no longer dare to resist. Andrina started by raising her bound arms as high as she could, grabbing the lapel of Aurica’s jacket. The trembling Romanian allowed her to take it off, and Andrina decided to do her shoes next.

Since her job required walking around in the factory a lot, she wore pumps with moderate heels, and even with her bound hands, Andrina could take them off quite easily. However, now, things would get more physical and intimate.

She could hear Aurica’s panting when she opened the zipper of her skirt and then had to crouch to pull the tight garment over the blonde’s hips. Now, trying to orientate by looking over her shoulder, and not to touch Aurica more than necessary, she started unbuttoning her shirt. Here, she had to fumble around, for the buttons were very small, and Aurica didn’t dare to resist, but also didn’t try to help in any way. Andrina also felt exhausted when she could finally remove the shirt from Aurica, leaving her in just her bra and pantyhose.

»If you remove your bra in a sensual way, you may keep the pantyhose!«, Ligeia announced. Aurica stared at her. Her pantyhose, beige and transparent, left little to imagination – not the fact that the thatch of light brown hair between her legs was neatly trimmed, nor her still reddened buttocks. However, it was an, albeit very thin, layer between her and being totally nude. So, when Sabrina played some music, she began to sway her hips and danced to the rhythm, letting her hands wander over her breasts before she reached for the clasps. In her face, her widened, flickering eyes contrasted with her tight lips, compressed by the transparent tape.

Aurica managed to let the bra slide down her body, and she even threw it at Ligeia who caught it with a smile. Then, as the tune ended, she arched back, so her breasts pointed into the air. She remained in that position until Milena had tied her wrists and elbows with tape and zip ties. Before she could withdraw to her fellow captives, Ligeia stopped her.

»Haven’t you forgotten about something?«

She pointed at the numbers and letters scratched into the ground. With a groan, Aurica stepped to Andrina’s »34 C«, wiped away the letter with her heel and then drew a »B« with her toe. Ligeia approached her and placed a kiss on her forehead. Then, she brushed through her hair, so Aurica’s mutilated ear got exposed. Aurica whimpered, but Ligeia just sent her to her fellow captives.

Whilst Sabrina and Milena threw the discarded clothes over the wall, Aurica sat there, tears running down her cheeks, when suddenly something touched her right shoulder.

»Mhm?«

It was Andrina, and to Aurica’s dismay, she leaned forward, so her breasts touched the other’s side. Aurica wanted to withdraw when she felt Andrina’s nose at her ear. Since she was wedged between the wall at her back and Salome on her other side, she had to endure whatever Andrina was up to. She protested, but Andrina brushed over her ear again.

With her nose, the girl managed to loosen Aurica’s hair from behind her ear, and some tresses fell over it, covering her mutilated auricle. When she looked at Andrina, the girl blinked at her, with a friendly and warm expression.

Aurica felt a warm shudder stray through her body. Here, in the biggest plight of her life, a fellow captive showed her a little gesture of compassion and tenderness. Andrina, the girl she had blamed for flirting with Radu, though, deep in her heart, she had to admit that the handsome man was flirting with every girl. She leaned over to Andrina, and for a moment, their cheeks touched.

The moment, however, was rudely interrupted by Ligeia clapping her hands. She waited until all captive looked at her before she spoke:

»Now that you are all comfortable, we have to make a few decisions concerning your future! Let’s start with the easiest! Andrina! Come here!«

The girl obeyed, reluctantly approaching Ligeia who brushed over her cheek before placing her hand on her bare shoulders. She then pointed at the tower.

»Andrina, you have just been at the wrong place at the wrong time, and in addition, I didn’t forget that you led us to Salome!«

She paused and looked at the Black. Salome tried not to stare too much at Andrina, but the girl nevertheless lowered her head, feeling guilty. Ligeia continued:

»So, all we will do is to make sure that you will be out of our way until we have left the country! So, you will just have to stay here for a day or so!«

Marvin now opened the lid of the tower’s cellar room. Andrina instinctively wanted to step back. Since her childhood, she was afraid of dark, narrow rooms, and this cellar hole looked very dark and very narrow. She shook her head and whimpered.

»Seems she doesn’t like it!«, Sabrina commented, »Perhaps, we should blindfold her, so she doesn’t see the dark!«

The other thugs chuckled, and Ligeia stated:

»I know something better! The direst place is less terrible if you can share it with a friend! Aurica, what do you say – do you want to stay in the hut, nicely trussed up of course, or do you want to join her in the cellar? Since Lioba owns your property, I see no point in bothering you too much and will also leave you behind!«

Aurica looked at the woman in her business jacket that spoke so calmly. Obviously, she was very confident about the fact that Aurica would not be able to do anything against her once she would be free again. However, now, she could just see the light at the end of the tunnel she was currently trapped inside. Whatever they had in mind, they did not intend to kill or abduct her! She let out a fluttering breath of relief.

The tunnel metaphor made her think of the dark cellar, and she could see Andrina tremble even over the distance. In comparison, the hut was like a palace, since it had a window and a door. However, there was also another thought; she could still feel the touch of Andrina’s nose, how she had brushed her hair over her ear, to spare her some humiliation.

Andrina’s eyes widened when the blonde Romanian got to her feet and, slowly but steady, walked over to her. This gesture of friendship from a former enemy made her even forget her fear of the cellar for a moment. The »Death« card could also mean »change« – and if this wasn’t a remarkable change, she had never witnessed one!

Ligeia made them stand closely together; then, she stepped forward, so all five captives could see her. With a sardonic smile, she said:

»Before we continue, allow me to play the role of the evil mastermind and let me explain my devious plan! Or, rather, my two devious plans, for this is not only about business, but also about my own, private pleasure!«

***

The plan of following the tyre tracks had worked well – until Vlad had reached a part of the road where the asphalt was still intact, so, there had been less tracks, and they were mixed with those of other cars. Little later, he had been forced to withdraw into the woods, when there had been again a group of two men carrying a shotgun and an axe.

Vlad had considered revealing himself to them, but he was a stranger – a stranger with blood stains on his T-Shirt, and a ragged jacket. In addition, the last time he had met one of this posse, he had shot at him. So, he just walked over the next hill, and now, he could see an even bigger hill right in front of him. On top, he spotted the tower of the »castle«.

»At least, I now know where I am!«

From the castle, he could reach the factory. Though he doubted that any of the thugs were still there. He had recognized the woman in the forest, where she and another blonde had carried the naked and trussed up black girl. So, there was also the man out there. Three opponents, with at least two of them armed, against him and his pocketknife. Vlad Tepes would have called it an even fight.

He climbed up the castle’s hill that was steeper than the last, and when he saw the tower above him, he suddenly frowned as he spotted what he considered a pile of trash. However, as he approached, he saw it was some clothes, and also a single shoe. He stepped closer, and now, he could recognize the item lying beside it.

It was a grey skirt, and Vlad recognized it as a skirt so out of fashion his ex-wife had left it behind – allowing him to borrow it to Lioba!

***