I now know that a woman's virginity has a price. Before, I had only considered the price to be personal: loss of reputation and with it, the ability to secure a worthwhile marriage. I never thought that someone might profit from it. At first, I wished that Withers and I had made love but that would have reduced me to nothing more than a piece of meat in the eyes of these men. As it was, they intended to use me and I didn't know what they were going to do.
But Withers was what worried me the most. He had not moved at all since we'd reached the camp and the dried blood and the lump on his forehead made me concerned. I didn't think he was dead but if we were to escape, I couldn't do it alone. I would need his help and it didn't look like I was going to get it. So I would have to rely on my wits to get us out of this and hope for the best ...
* * * * *
Cassia screamed as Kneeling Man left the tent and Shakey and Standing Man lifted her, placing her on a patch of grass right outside in full view of the other men. The man who was napping rode his horse over, snarling at Shakey with two black lumps of diseased teeth.
"That's not fair, Shakey."
"Everyone else did their work today. Patch and Carly brought us this fine piece; Ramer tended the fire and chopped wood and Harlen and Joff caught breakfast and dinner. What did you do, Cleatus?"
Cleatus stared at the other men who were already unzipping their pants. "I protected the camp."
"From what? Now, get the Prince and get your ass back here. You got a shitload of chores to do."