Golden Bird

Sara thought this was taking things a little far, but since these people were working against their Prince's wishes, she supposed it was necessary to be cautious. So she endured the bumpy ride, made all the worse for her cramped position.

Finally the car came to a stop, and Sara was lifted out of the car, slung over a broad shoulder, and carried, until she was deposited on a soft fur blanket. The hood and cloak were removed, and she blinked until her eyes focused on a short, fat man dressed in a dark gray robe and headdress. His eyes were glazed with lust, and Sara gasped as she recognized the man as Abdulah.

"Yes, my pretty, we meet again. Unfortunately, our fun will have to be postponed for a while yet. I have a ... a business meeting tonight that cannot be avoided, but never fear, I will return soon."

Sara shrunk back as he reached for her. "But, ... I don't understand ... how? Fatima?"

Abdulah laughed. "She did think she was helping you, but in reality, as you can see, she was only a pawn, and has led you right into my hands. The stupid girl never knew she was being manipulated." He grabbed her chin and held it in his chubby little hand. "My only regret is that Rashid has tasted of your sweetness before I."

Sara jerked her head out of his grasp and spat at him. "Rashid has never touched me!"

"Oh, ho! Then my nephew is a bigger fool than I thought, and now he will never get the chance." Abdulah's wicked laugh sent a chill up Sara's spine.

"He has the decency not to force a woman."

Abdulah's eyes narrowed, "Perhaps, but I suspect he must care for you. Hah! That makes it even sweeter, knowing I will have you, and he never will." His high pitched, evil laughter followed him as he left the room.

Once alone, Sara searched the room for some means of escape. What had she done? She should have asked more questions of Fatima, ... no, she should have trusted that Rashid would release her when the time was right. But it was no good to think of what she should have done. She pounded the soft red pillow with her fist. Damn! She should have stayed right where she was; safe from that disgusting Abdulah.

She wiped at the tears on her cheeks and stood up, determined not to let panic overtake her. She went to the door, knowing beforehand that it wouldn't open, but she tried it anyway, and when it failed to move, she pounded the smooth surface until her hands hurt. In desperation, she searched the room for another door or window. There was only a closet, and she rushed over to it and threw the doors open, hoping for a place to hide, but she let out a gasp as she stared in horror at the contents: whips, chains, masks, and hoods. With a shudder of revulsion, she slammed the closet shut and sank to the floor in despair.