William looked up at the ceiling and sighed. Another day at the bloody old store. Maybe if I pretend to sleep, no one will get me up. He sighed and swung his legs over the old, wooden bed. Nope, remember last time Will? Old man came after you with his switch and his belt. Rather not experience that again; if you bloody well don't mind.

William walked over to the little wooden crate he had and searched through it for a pair of pants and a shirt. He put these on hastily and ran his hands through his hair. He checked how he looked in the tiny mirror that his sister had bought him. "Well, Will old chap, you look rather---well, to tell you the truth, you look incredibly pathetic and should move out of your parents bloody house in a week." William laughed grimly and ran downstairs. He gasped in amused amazement when he saw Elizabeth, his younger sister, all dressed up and putting on a bonnet.
"Lizzy, pet, you look like an angel from heaven itself." Elizabeth giggled happily and gave William a kiss on the cheek.
"You look rather handsome yourself, Will. I wish that you could come to town with me. I'm scared of the men there, they laugh and-" Elizabeth stopped and looked down before explaining further. William grabbed Elizabeth's shoulders and pulled her close for a fierce hug.
"Of course I'll come with you. I'd rather do that then go to work today."
Elizabeth looked up at him in half amazement and half worry.
"Would you do that, Will? Even if Papa comes after you with a switch, oh no, you shouldn't. He may hurt you badly this time!" William picked Elizabeth up by her waist and swung her in the air.
"I'm going to town with you, Lizzy, and there's not one bloody thing you can say that will stop me." Elizabeth laughed happily and tied the bonnet strings together in a bow. She took William's arm and nodded to the door.
"Well, off we go! Mother gave me enough money to buy myself a new dress for the ball on Friday. She wants me to look my best. I bet, though, that it is so that she can ship me off to some Lord or, well, anyone who will pay enough. How I hate these ways, Will! A lady ought to be able to choose any husband she wants! Not the other way around!"
William smiled as Elizabeth went on talking and he kept on smiling during Elizabeth's incessant talking to town.

"William! Look! That dress, don't you think that it is lovely?" Elizabeth squealed in delight as she pointed to a dress on a rack in the window. It was lavender with white ribbons woven through the bottom hem. It also had a scooped neck that was a bit too large for William's tastes. However, he nodded and took Elizabeth inside the store so she could take a closer look at the dress.
"It's absolutely splendid! Don't you think, Will?"
"It is quite beautiful, Lizzy, but I bet that it would look even more stunning on you." Elizabeth blushed, then looked at what the dress was priced.
"I can just afford it! And I'll even have a few pounds left over for a lavender ribbon for my hair! Will you stay near-by while I try it on, Will?"
William nodded and chuckled as the old woman who owned the shop bustled Elizabeth over to the changing room. He then walked out of the shop and across the street to the jewelers. When he walked inside the store, he immediately pointed to a gold necklace with a sapphire pendant.
"I'd like to buy that. If you have a nice pouch for it in lavender I'd be even happier." He said with his blue eyes twinkling.
The young women giggled and blushed and took the necklace out of its case. She put it in a pouch and handed it to William, who then proceeded to hand the young woman the specified amount. Then, he hurried out the door to meet Elizabeth who was walking out of the dress shop.
"Where did you go, Will? Did you meet a girl? Hmmm?" Elizabeth laughed softly as she took her brother's arm.
"No, pet, I went to buy a very special sister of mine a present for the ball. But, if she keeps on teasing me, then I think that I'll just have to find some other beautiful young lady to wear it instead of her." William laughed as Elizabeth's face held a beautiful, curious expression.
"Can I have it now, Will? Please? I promise to be the best sister a brother named William Jonathon ever had!"
William laughed again and handed Elizabeth the pouch. She, in turn, handed William the box that held the dress and took the pouch. Her face changed from curiosity to pure joy and happiness when she took out the necklace.
"Oh Will! It's beautiful! Put it on me, please! How could you afford this? I know how little father pays you! Did you save up for a long time? How did you know I needed a necklace? You picked the perfect one Will! It's perfect! But how did you pay for-"
William shushed Elizabeth with a finger on her lips.
"I want my sister to be talked about for years after this ball about how beautiful and charming she was. You'll look absolutely splendid, Lizzy. I promise you that you will."
William reached around Elizabeth's neck and put the necklace on for her. It shone in the sunlight as the two walked along the path to get home. All of a sudden, William felt Elizabeth cringe and pull on his arm.
"Let's run Will, let's run home. Now, just race." William would have, except he felt that Elizabeth was running from something. The tone in her voice, it was much too anxious and pleading for just a regular race. He looked back around and saw 5 men leering and whistling at them. At Elizabeth.
"Please, Will. They are just being men, acting like that. Please, let us go home!" But even as she spoke those words, she knew that William was going to fight for her. She felt a sense of pride, but most of all; she wanted William to arrive home without a scratch or bruise.
"I don't think so, Lizzy. No one acts toward a woman that way. And no one acts toward my sister that way and gets away with it." His voice had turned harsh and cold. Letting go of her arm, William walked toward the group and smiled kindly.
"Is that the lady that you gents are speaking to?" William put extra sarcasm on the "speaking" but kept the friendly smile on his face. "Yeah, it is. She's a mighty pretty thing don't you think? Have you snagged her already, before any of us could get to her?" The bloke with bright red hair spoke up for the group while the others continued to laugh and whistle. Apparently, they don't know that I'm her brother. Poor, young, innocent fools.
William punched the man who said that, making him fall to the ground. He blocked a punch from the man closest to the fallen and tripped him. William grabbed the third man and threw him into the fourth while the fifth and quietest man ran away. Suddenly, someone hit William over the head from behind with a heavy wooden board. William lanced out with his foot, causing the man to fall. As the four men scrambled up and began to back away, William called out, "Next time, treat the ladies with respect."
William walked up to Elizabeth and took her arm. Together they walked up the short path to their house, neither speaking a word until Elizabeth looked up at William and gasped.
"You're hurt! They hurt you! We need to bandage that up before it gets worse! Are you all right?" William nodded slightly and leaned against the door frame. It's bloody good that we don't live further away. I might pass out. I think that I am going to. I should tell Lizzy.
"Liz, I think that I'm going to pass out. The man who hit me-he hit me with a board or something. I think that there was a nail in it. I should lie down, or you're going to have a bloody hard time getting me up to my room."
Elizabeth wordlessly took William's arm and led him up the stairs to his room. There, she helped him lay down, got a cloth and drenched it with water, and inspected his wound. It was a nasty gash that cut the top of his forehead, near his eye. She wiped it gently. When William gasped with pain, tears began to run down her cheeks.
"I'm so sorry Will. I should have ignored them, or tried to help you, or something. I'm so sorry." William reached up and squeezed Elizabeth's forearm gently.
"There's nothing that you could do that would have helped. If I hadn't come, they might have bothered you to the point that you were in tears, if you had helped, then you could have gotten hurt, and sooner of later, I would have gotten to them anyway. Don't worry about it Lizzy." With that, William drifted off into something between sleep and unconsciousness.

"William Jonathon! Get your bloody arse down here before I come up there and get you!"
William cringed as he heard his father yell. Softly, to himself,"You knew that this was coming, Will. Maybe it won't be that bad this time."
William walked down the stairs and nodded with pain when he saw his father. "I know, Father. I wasn't at work. I know." His father nodded and gave a brief, vicious smile.
"Well, come then, Willie me boy. We're going to see just how red your arse can get. Could be rather fun."
William bent down, holding his knees. If he hadn't already been weak, he would have fought back, done something. Gritting his teeth and closing his eyes, he just waited through the beating, then crawled upstairs to the comfort and safety of his room.

William crushed his head into his pillow as another surge of pain hit him. Someday. You just wait Pop. I'm going to show you how it feels to be whipped every other day for no reason, and how much more it hurts when there is a reason. I'll make you feel bloody pain that you never knew bloody existed. You just wait.
He felt gentle hands massage his back and he smiled slightly.
"Lizzy, you should be getting ready for the ball. It's tonight, isn't it?"
William spoke unusually soft, managing to hide the extent of his pain from his voice.
He heard a soft, but sad, laugh.
"Will, do you think that I'd go to some wretched ball when my one and only brother-dear was upstairs in his room, writing in pain every minute?"
William turned around on his back, but stopped as tears came to his eyes. He let out a forceful chuckle and replied, "It hasn't been every minute."
Elizabeth's eyes filled with tears as she saw her brother on his side, cringing as he lay there in silent pain. She threw herself over him and broke into deep, mournful sobs.
"Lizzy, pet, you're becoming quite sensitive. You shouldn't be crying. None of this is your fault. Shhhhh. I'm fine. Go get ready for the ball, now. You'll enjoy it and will be miserable if you stay with me. Go on now."
Elizabeth looked at William and upon seeing the stubbornness in his eyes, gave him another hug. "I'll go to the ball for you, sweet brother of mine. But stay awake, I want to show you how I look in my dress."
William smiled as Elizabeth ran downstairs to put on her dress. His smile grew even bigger when she reappeared, decked out with her dress, ribbon, and necklace.
"I don't know of anyone else who looks more beautiful then you. Are you're shoes comfortable, Liz?"
Elizabeth gave William a strange look and said, "Why, yes, Will. Why do you ask?"
William kept a straight face on as he replied, "Because, Lizzy, you'll be dancing all night. All the Lords and Dukes and men with fancy titles will be asking you to dance with them. Constantly."
Elizabeth gave a huge smile to William and hugged him once more.
"I must go now. My escort is here. He is a Lord from a castle south of us."
"What's his name, Lizzy? So I know who to go after if you aren't home on time."
"He is Lord Angelus."

Chapter 2

William let out a laugh and looked at Elizabeth again. "Lord Angelus? As in Angel? What kind of sissy bloke would keep that name? Your reputation's going to be ruined Lizzy, pet!"
Elizabeth sighed, but let out a chuckle or two. "Yes, I suppose you're right. But he is such a sweet, kind gentleman. He'll protect me, I'm sure of it."
William sat up slowly and reached for Elizabeth and wrapped his arms around her, whispering, "If he does anything that scares you or hurts you, tell me right away. Be careful too, there are many awful creatures in the night. I want you to be home in one piece, okay Elizabeth?"
Elizabeth was about to laugh, but noticed the seriousness in her brother's voice. She returned his hug fiercely and whispered back, "Brother dearest, I'll watch out for myself. And I'll come back in one piece, I promise. Now, you rest and get better so that you and I can go to town or the country tomorrow. It's Sunday tomorrow." William laughed and nodded. He let Elizabeth go and watched her hurry down the stairs. With a smile, he lay down again, barely noticing the pain from his father's whip and cane.

There's crying. Mother's crying. What did Father do to make Mother cry? I must go and help her. William opened his eyes and leapt out of bed, ignoring the lancing pain from his head and backside. He ran down the stairs, two by two, but was confronted with his mother weeping in his father's arms. He then looked over to the table and saw a wooden coffin upon it. His breath started to come out in rasps as he inched closer to the table. Soon he reached it and began to move his eyes over the open top.
"Elizabeth!" The cry was heard throughout the house and through part of the village. What was ne'er heard or seen were the tears of pure anguish and fury that William wept. He picked Elizabeth out of the coffin and fell to the ground with her, rocking back and forth with her still, and lifeless body.
"Elizabeth, come back to me, this isn't a pleasant game at all. Oh, Lizzy, don't leave me here by myself. Come back sweet Liz, come back. Oh, Liz. Liz, Liz, Liz." The tears were flowing even harder now, and the words that William spoke were barely heard. He wrapped his arms around his dear, sweet Elizabeth, cradling her as a mother would a new born infant. This pain was something he had never felt before. Such anguish, such misery. All he wanted was for it to be a mistake. Maybe a cousin, or a distant relative, possibly a neighbor. But as he opened his eyes once more and saw the gold and sapphire necklace around her delicate neck, he knew that what he wished could not be.
Slowly, William stopped rocking. Instead, he stood up, lifting Elizabeth with him. He looked over to his still-weeping mother and his silent father.
"Lizzy wanted to see the countryside today. I'm going to take her, so that she can see. Then, she'll know that no matter what, we would have seen it together. Before she leaves. Is that okay with you mother?"
His mother nodded and smiled slightly. William returned the sad, small smile and walked out the door with his sister in his arms.
"There, Liz, is the river. Remember that? We swam, fished, oh, but how we swam. I remember when you were so little, just five or six, and you wanted to learn how to swim. I couldn't help but teach you. You were so cute, with your dark, curly hair, and you flopped, that's right Liz, flopped in the water. But you learned. I won't be able to teach you anymore though, will I." William sat down on the cliff that overlooked the river and held his sister close.
"I promise you," he whispered to her ear, "I promise you that I will find out who killed you, and I'll make them wish that they had never been bloody born. I'll make them pay and make them hurt. Oh, the pain will be awful. But they'll deserve it. You were the one thing in our wretched town that was so perfect, Liz. You didn't deserve to die. They'll pay. I promise."
William wiped his eyes and gave a little smile to his now-still sister.
"I was crying, Lizzy! I didn't even know it. God, how I miss you. How I'll always miss you."
William picked Elizabeth up, so gently, and kindly, and carried her back to the house. Every now and then he'd point something out, something that represented what he and Elizabeth had done together.
William opened his eyes and sighed. Maybe it was all a dream. He sat up in his bed, but then saw the black suit lain over his box. I guess it wasn't. Lord Angelus will have some bloody explaining to do. He let out a strained, bitter laugh and got up to put on the suit. He walked down the stairs with a grin on his face, a grin that was hiding the sorrow that he felt. He saw his mother, all in black silk, and his father, wearing an identical suit to his, but holding a bottle of whiskey in his hand. William walked over to his mother, the grin disappearing, and placed his hand on her shoulder.
"Mother, will you be all right?"
His mother weakly nodded, her lips in a grim, straight line, not uttering a word. His father glared at William, as if Elizabeth had died because of him. William glared back, releasing a little bit of the anger that he felt.
"Why you uppity little wanker! Don't you dare look at me like that! Do you want me to whip you again? Wouldn't that be a nice little story, brother of dead sister is whipped because of his insolence. Now, you start behaving, or I will disregard the fact that your sister died yesterday. Do you understand?"
William stood straight and proud when he replied, "I understand, but that doesn't mean that I'm going to do as you say. I swear upon Liz, that if you disrespect the day of her death and week of mourning that I will kill you while you sleep. Most likely, it would be best for us all if you do die."
William's father jumped up and began to take his belt out of the loops when William's mother stood in between them.
"William, you're just hurt now. You didn't mean any of what you said, right?" The pleading look she had in her eyes made William feel even worse, but he didn't respond. Instead, he went outside for a walk. A walk that took the whole day.

His walk led him around town, as he sought out 'Lord Angelus', but from the low-spoken words of the people he met, the Lord had disappeared last night. The night of the ball.

When William returned home, he found his mother waiting for him. "William, your father is out at the tavern, drinking himself to a stupor again. But when he gets back, I think that he may try to kill you for what you said to him. Take this, " she said, giving William a pouch that must have contained a couple hundred pounds, "and some other belongings and run. I can't stand to lose you too. Not now and not ever. Write to me by and by. Now run." William nodded and ran upstairs, gathering the few clothes he had, and shoving them into a bag. He also took a small portrait picture of his sister and mother. With that, he opened the window in his room and climbed out.
Once a mile or so away, he turned back and waved to the place he once called home.

Chapter 3

Slowly, William opened his eyes and sighed. Around him were various types of people, scattered around the floor. He got up, stretched, and walked out of the room, ignoring the cries of those he stepped on. He went up to the manager of the inn and gave him a sliver piece.
"This is what I owed you for last night. I'm leaving now. Good luck with the business." The manager nodded sleepily and waved good bye to William.
William walked out of the doors of the inn and then looked up to the second floor. I wonder if I should tell Lily farewell. I believe that she might have actually liked me. Poor thing. I'll let her wonder. With a bitter chuckle, William walked on, past the inn, and through the town until he reached the stables where he got his horse, Lizzy, and rode out of town.

Two years had past since William had left his home. Now, he was nineteen, alone, and with little, if any, money. He had changed greatly in this time. His heart had grown bitter and lonelier. He had also become extremely handsome. His cheekbones stood out and gave his face character. He had been known to make girls in various towns swoon with his bright, blue, sometimes green-looking eyes. His hair was brown and wavy, having grown rather long; it was now held back by a black ribbon. The muscles in his arms and stomach had become more defined. But the biggest change about William was that he had looked at life with an arrogant air. Ever since the death of his sister, William had become cold and almost heartless. This Lily was one of the girls that had stayed around him ever since he got to town. Maybe she thought that one day he would propose and they would live happily ever after. Snorting, William shook his head. She thought wrong.

"Well, hello young man! Would you like a bit o' something to drink?" William laughed softly and nodded. The woman that stood before him was a perfect resemblance of his long-dead grandmother.
"Yes, ma'am. Some whisky would be rather nice." The old woman smiled sweetly and got the drink that William had asked for. Sipping the drink, William turned around and surveyed the people in this tavern. There were many men in the tavern, gathered together talking about the latest mishap with the wife or some other problem. William then spotted a new sight. There was a woman sitting in the corner, shawl pulled tightly around her, drinking slowly from a mug that looked to contain only warm water. The sight of her, alone and cold, made William stop and cringe.
"Ma'am, who is that young lady over there?" The woman looked over and her facial expression changed into a sad smile.
"She, sir, is the only daughter of an aging Lord. She comes here now and again to get a drink and get away from the cold." William nodded and took out some silver pieces.
"I'd like for you to make me up a meal that you have never made the likes of before. Include everything you can think of, wine, cheese, and potatoes. Whatever you have in that kitchen of yours, make it." Then he stood up and walked over to the girl.
Kneeling down, he said softly, "Would you like to join me for a meal, Miss? You look awfully cold and hungry in this corner." The woman looked up and smiled, nodding. She reached out and took his hand. William's eyes grew wide as she stood up. She had let her shawl fall more naturally, and he could tell that she was an amazing beauty. He could see her beautiful hair, her angel-like face, and her eyes- those were what struck him the most. They were dark green with violet around the pupils.
"Such a beauty." He whispered under his breath. He led her over to his table where the cook had set out a meal.
"Your name, Miss? If I may know it, it would make me a much happier man." William felt the coldness in his heart seem to melt away. The woman's face became pale, seeming almost...scared.
"I won't hurt you, Miss. My name is William. I'm visiting this town for awhile, and yours is the first beautiful face I have seen." The woman smiled slightly as her face turned from pale to a light blush.
"Thank you, kind Sir. I'm Lady Elizabeth. Well, that's what poppa calls me. I will be, one day, after I'm married." William's heart became still. Married? "Elizabeth, Lady Elizabeth, are you to be married soon?" William's breath drew in quick rasps as Elizabeth drew her breath in.
"Father is talking to a prospective suitor this night. I don't wish to be married, at least not yet. But if I were to be, it would bring me great comfort to know the man and to be in love with him. To marry him for love, not money. Oh, but Sir William, I must be boring you. Let us continue with our meal and you can tell me of yourself. Traveling, you said. Are you with your family? Or perhaps with a brother or sister?"
William's eyes grew wet as he whispered, "Sister. Elizabeth." He blinked quickly, and the hard look that he had in his eye before he entered the tavern returned. It had been so long since he thought of her; he had somehow managed to put the memories into some far-away corner in his mind. Now, a woman asked about those memories: a woman with the same name as his dear sister. It was all too much for him to bare. Without responding, William cut the meat before him and ate. Lady Elizabeth looked downward quickly, thinking that she had offended this gentleman. She stood up as tears flew to her eyes and muttered, "I'm sorry that I have offended you, kind Sir. Please excuse me. I must take my leave of your company." She walked out the door quickly and William sighed unhappily, but then yelped in muted anger when he felt a hand hit the back of his head.
"You complete and utter fool! Can't you see how she was taken with you? And you let her go like that. Not only is that rude, but you two would make such nice companions for each other. Now go and talk to her, apologize for what you did." William looked up at the old woman and smiled. He nodded and went out the tavern.
Outside the door, he looked down both streets. One way led to the forest. The other way led further into the town. He began walking in the way of the town when he heard a loud and shrill scream. He ran the opposite way into the forest where the scream came from. He ran and ran, but soon found himself lost.
William slowed down and listened for some noises. A soft, muffled cry reached his ears. He walked in the direction of the cries. After 10 minutes, he came upon the sobbing figure of Lady Elizabeth, in a pile of torn clothes.
He gasped and went on his knees to her. "What happen-" He stopped, seeing how she crouched in a self-protection-like position. Her bag was gone, her shawl ripped, and her dress in bits. William took off his long over-coat and wrapped it around Elizabeth's shoulders.
"Come here, pet. Come here." He wrapped his arms around her and rocked slowly, letting Elizabeth cry.
This is what would have happened to Lizzy if I hadn't been there for her. Now, I could have stopped it, but I didn't. Like I hurt Lizzy again. Again and again I fail her. William felt tears running down his cheeks and looked at Elizabeth.
"Come now, pet. You're making me cry, too. It'll be alright. I'll make sure the bloody idiots who did this will pay. I'll watch over you. Everything will be alright."
Elizabeth melted into his comforting and strong, protective hold. Somehow, she felt that this man, William, would avenge her. She felt safe around him. She felt safe in his arms.

Chapter 4

William swung Elizabeth in his arms and thrilled in the happy, cheerful laugh that she let out. It had been two weeks since the day that he had met her, and he had never felt so happy in his life. Yet, there was something missing; the empty void in his heart stayed empty. However, he did enjoy being around Elizabeth greatly, she was a wonderful friend and companion. Many of his days were spent with her; the nights were spent looking for the men that had hurt her.
"William, where you come from, do you have a...mistress, or a wife, or anything of the sorts?"
Elizabeth asked this cautiously, since William had never spoken about his past. She let out a relieved sigh as he gave out a boyish laugh.
"No, pet. There's absolutely no woman in my life...that is, except you."
Elizabeth blushed and flung her arms around William's neck. Slowly, tears began to fall down her cheeks, and then sobs were wrenched from her. Heartbreaking sobs.
"Shhhhh. Shhhhh. What's wrong Elizabeth? I couldn't have made you that upset, could I?" He patted her gently on her back and rocked her back and forth. "Tell me what's wrong, Elizabeth. Tell me."
Elizabeth drew in a breath and then let out the news. "Father is taking me to America with him. To some wretched colony. We leave in one week. But, William, I don't wish to go. My home is here in England." She muttered something else under her breath. William could not make it out. After a period of silence, William whispered, "Come with me, pet. Run away with me. I'll take care of you." With a slight pause and a little gulp, he added, "We can be married. Come with me, Liz my sweet." Elizabeth's eyes grew wide in wonder.
"Leave father? But he's so old, and so feeble. He won't manage without me. Oh, William, I can't. I don't think I can. I have to think about this." William smiled sadly as he replied, "If you have to think about it, luv, the answer must be no. We are great friends, and I think that is the way that it should stay." William stood up slowly, leaving a gaping Elizabeth on the ground.
"I'm leaving this town...most likely tomorrow or the day after. Maybe I'll see you again. Good luck." William then began walking away from Elizabeth. It was nice knowing someone who cared about me, but it's time to move on. Go off to some other city; see what happens there. I guess I'm not as cold as I was before. It's a nice feeling.

William got on his horse early Tuesday morning and rode off. He hadn't said good-bye to anyone except for that old maid who owned the inn. Otherwise, no one knew that he had left. Probably for the best.

"Well, now. London. Never expected to visit this grand ol' city. At least not yet. You tired, Liz? Best if we stop for a rest." William fondly patted his horse, Lizzy and rode into the city of London. She was named after his sister and was a wonderful listener during the long talks he'd have with her. The streets were infested with people, some nobility, but mostly beggars. Now and again, a woman would catch his eye, but most often then not, he was disgusted by the way they (the women) carried themselves and acted, throwing themselves at passer-biers of the opposite sex.
You'd think they respected themselves a bit more. Maybe could get a job helpin' out at an inn or something. Though that one at the corner looks rather fetching...
William smiled at the blonde headed woman--a girl, most likely no older then 16. She smiled back, scared but determined, and sauntered towards him. William stopped Liz and smiled as the 'girl' approached him.
"How are you doing, Sir, this fine morn?" she asked in a soft and shaking voice. William smiled sweetly back as he replied, "Probably a lot better then you. Warmer too, though anyone would be, with the amount of clothes you have on. It's a crime to parade like that around...at least it should be." The 'girl' gasped and pulled her shawl, which had been on her arms instead of her shoulder, around her and retorted, "You don't know what it's like, having to take care of a brother and sister 'cause your father ran out on you and your mother died when you were 10. You don't know, so if you aren't going to help with...business...then leave." In a lower voice she muttered, "Arrogant, shallow, idiot."
William couldn't help but laugh at the wild-tempered, determined, and rather interesting 'girl'. As she began to walk away, he yelled out, "Hey, girl! Why don't you come with me, I'll buy us some lunch, and give you some food to take home to the young ones." The 'girl' looked back, thought about the offer, then walked towards William.
"First of all, my name's Irianna. At least that's what people call me. Second of all, I'm only taking you up on your offer 'cause I'm starved and haven't been able to bring home a decent meal in weeks."
William laughed again and got off Liz.
"Why don't you show me a good place to get food, and we'll bring a whole feast back home to your brother and sister." William took Irianna's arm as she led him and Liz off in the way of some great smelling food.

Chapter 5

William had to laugh as he approached a shack that was literally in shambles. A roach wouldn't find a decent crumb in there! Then, Irianna opened the door and the most appetizing, wonderful aroma caught William. He was in a puddle of his own drool by the time he was inside. Irianna led him to the counter and held out her hand. "Money. For food. Your treat. Remember?" William fished in his money pouch for some coins and came out with four silver pieces and one gold piece. He gave it all to Irianna who smiled happily and said softly, "Mary and Thomas...they'll be so happy! A meal...a large meal!" She ran into the kitchen and before long came out with three buckets filled to the brim with foods wrapped in paper, cloth, or not wrapped at all. She motioned for William to follow and happily led the way to her home.

Kicking the door open with her foot, Irianna yelled out, "Mary-o! Thomas, dearest boy! Come on, it is time for some dinner!" A young boy, looking about eight, bounded out from some other room into what William guessed was the living room. He let out a huge smile, showing two missing teeth, but also showing tremendous gratitude and pleasure at seeing all the food.
"Where's Mary, dearest? Hmmmm?" Irianna ruffled up Thomas's hair as he answered, "Miss is brushing her hair. She brought Mary a new dress, and me a new pair of trousers. They're awful nice, sis. She brought you a new dress and a scarf. You'll like 'em. They be pretty."
"They are pretty, you scalawag. You can tell Miss that she is invited for dinner. It's the least we can do." Then aside to William, she said softly, "Miss is the young lady that comes and plays with Mary and Thomas every now and then. She and Mary get along so well...Miss keeps them company when I'm...away."
A cherubic faced girl, looking about five, came into the room. "IRIANNANANANA!" she screamed, and leapt into Irianna's arms. It was all Irianna could do to put down the food and catch Mary without spilling or dropping either. Soon, William heard a ruffle of fabrics and turned his head away from Mary to see who it was. His jaw nearly dropped to the floor when he saw 'Miss'. She was the most beautiful woman that he had ever seen. She had long, almost black hair that cascaded down her back, being held back with a simple, pearly white ribbon. She was wearing a brownish dress...chocolate brown he decided. It wasn't fancy, but yet she made it look like something fit for the queen. William walked forward and knelt down on his knee. "Pleased to meet you, miss. My name is William." He took her hand and kissed it softly, waiting a moment before he let go. So soft, what beautiful skin! Like a china doll. That's what she is, a doll. The woman laughed softly and then curtsied. "My name is Drusilla. The pleasure is all mine, William." William took her hand and led her over to the table where Irianna, Thomas, and Mary were sitting. Irianna seemed to be turning red, holding in her laughter. Thomas was oblivious to everything else except for the chop that was on his plate, and Mary got up and walked to where William was sitting. Suddenly, she pulled herself up and sat on his lap. Showing him a sweet smile, she pointed to the bowl of carrots and said, "Those are tasty. I'm Mary. You seem nice. You should try the carrots."

William had gone over to Irianna's house repeatedly for the past two weeks. Mainly to see Drusilla, but he did get a kick out of the fact that Mary had "adopted" him as her long lost older brother. He enjoyed the attention. Thomas and he got along, but they didn't talk a whole bunch. William had been forced to get a job since he was out of money, never a good thing. He joined a group of fish-farm people. His job was to help clean the fish, take the horses out, and, well, it was mainly taking care of the horses. William didn't mind the job a bit, especially since Lizzy got her own stall and a bucket of darn good feed every day. He was paid quite well, too. The pay wasn't actually great; but, compared to what he was doing to get paid, it was decent. Tonight, William was going to ask Drusilla to walk with him...or if she would let him walk with her. She was like an angel to him...so heavenly, so beautiful, so bloody perfect. He was positive he was falling in love with her. He just hoped that maybe she liked him.

William walked into Irianna's house and smiled. Drusilla was here. He then proceeded to walk slowly up behind her, as if he was about to announce something big. Instead, he dropped to one knee and said, "Drusilla, pet, my spirits have just been lifted by your very presence." Drusilla turned around, let out a laugh, then blushed as William kissed her hand. Suddenly, he was bombarded by a little canon ball...which was actually Mary.
"WIILLLIIIAAAMMMMMIAMIAMIAM! " She yelled at the top of her little-child lungs. He grabbed her, tossed her in the air, and then swung her around the room a couple times.
"You, Miss Mary, have made my day complete!" He said, swinging Mary around. Soon, he found that he was swinging someone else around, too, only this person had grabbed a hold of his back and neck. He laughed and kept on swinging. No way in my bloody right mind will I stop. I don't think Dru's ever done that before. Drusilla hugged his shoulders as he swung her and Mary. Suddenly, he placed Mary gently, but swiftly, on the ground and swung Drusilla into his arms. He continued twirling around, never once slowing his pace. Then, he fell back on a wooden chair with Drusilla, still in his arms. Both were red in the face and breathing heavily as much from exhaustion as well as joy and happiness. William leaned his head down and kissed Drusilla on the cheek and whispered into her ear, "I think that you've made me the happiest man on ol' England. What would you say about a walk down the street tonight, a stroll in the park tomorrow morning, tea together at lunch, then meeting back here for supper?"
Drusilla smiled, then gave William a hug. She whispered back, "That sounds splendid, Will. Perfectly splendid!" She gave him a kiss on the cheek, then got off his lap. She gathered Mary in her arms and together they danced in the main room. William sat back in the chair. He smiled. He laughed.

Chapter 6

William took Drusilla's arm as they left Irianna's house. "Bye now, Mary! You take care of Thomas and Irianna...I'll stop by tomorrow!" called William over his shoulder. Soon, the house was out of sight and out of mind. All William could do was look at Drusilla. He barely watched where he was going, but then started paying a bit more attention when he nearly ran into a tree. He was upset that Drusilla had seen him, but then smiled as she laughed. Even if she is laughing at me.... I love to hear her. Drusilla stopped laughing and blushed, hoping that William would not get upset at her. She smiled again when his face showed no anger, instead, exhilaration.
"Is something wrong, Will?" Drusilla asked suddenly, stopping in the middle of the road.
"No, Dru, why?" William's confusion shown in his voice, thinking that he, in some way, had upset Drusilla.
"Well," she began, "You keep glancing over at me, watching me as we walk. I mean, earlier, you almost ran into that tree!" William broke into laughter before he explained. "Drusilla," he said, "I keep staring at you and watching you because you are the most beautiful thing that God has ever created and can ever create. I can't keep my eyes or my mind off you." Drusilla blushed deeply and drew in a breath. William pulled Drusilla closer to him and brought his mouth gently over hers. Before, their kisses had been rushed, hasty, and almost friendly. This one was the exact opposite of everything before. William kept the kiss slow and gentle, but with meaning that went far and beyond that of friendship. In this kiss, he poured his soul out to Drusilla, so that she could see all his faults, but also, the pure and great love he held in his heart for her. Drusilla wrapped her arms around William's neck, keeping herself close to him. Soon, both parted, needing air. William gazed into Drusilla's eyes and smiled, joyous in seeing his love reflected in the two beautiful pools. He brought Drusilla over to a bench nearby, overlooking a small creek. Pulling her close to him, they sat, saying nothing, but yet speaking intimate volumes to each other.

Drusilla came down from her room, hearing knocking at her door. She thought of a couple things she could say to this person who was banging away like the world would soon end. Sighing, she opened it and raised her eyebrows in surprise. Thomas stood before her, with his wind-swept hair and dirty clothes. But what struck her the most was the panic, sadness, and fear that filled his young-child eyes.
"Miss Drusilla, Irianna, Irianna's gone! She hasn't been home all night. After you and William left, she remembered that we needed some milk, so she went out to the inn to see if she could buy a pitcherful. That was minutes after you were gone. She isn't home! I don't know where...I searched around the house, but I'm afraid to go too far, for Mary's sake! Please, help, Miss Drusilla!"
Then, Thomas collapsed in her arms, crying and sobbing. She brought him inside and lay him down on the sofa. "Mother, Father! There's an emergency at Caslons! I'll be gone...most of the day. Don't worry about me, I need to go." Drusilla heard various phrases and words drift back down the stairs, but she was happy to hear, "Go on, dearest. Be careful and give them our best!" Grabbing her shawl, she ran with Thomas to the home where William was staying.
William disliked waking up. Usually, he slept like a log, but sometimes, just a sound would disturb him. It was a sure thing that the handfuls of rocks hitting the wall by his window would wake him. And they did.
He poked his head out the window and was surprised to see Drusilla throwing them. Once she saw him, she yelled in a very, unladylike fashion, "William! Hurry! Irianna's gone!" William nodded and quickly dressed. He put on his coat and grabbed a coat for Thomas, who had been clutching his arms and looked half-blue. He ran down the stairs and met Drusilla at the door. Together with Thomas, all ran to get Mary, then to go on a search.
The search lasted till that night. Mary and Thomas had gone with Drusilla to her home. William had continued to search. He came to an inn, this one on the other side of town, and gasped when he saw a red shawl in a pile of garbage. Irianna's shawl, wasn't it a red one? No, it can't be. She might have had her gray one. She doesn't have a red one. William went closer and looked carefully at the shawl. It was gray on the ends, but then, it looked as if it had been dyed...
"With blood! Irianna!" William flew onto his hands and knees searching through the trash until his hands came upon the arm of a person. He pulled the arm out...it was attached to the body of Irianna. Her throat had been ripped brutally out and there were bruises all over her face. But the blood...there wasn't much. Just a bit had 'dyed' the shawl...where was the rest? He didn't worry, instead he gathered the girl, for that was what she was now, and picked her up. Tears running down his face, he returned to Drusilla's home.

The funeral had been quite nice. Drusilla's parents, the innkeeper, William, and the owners of the stables had all given money to make Irianna's going quite beautiful. She had made many friends in the town, and all showed. Mary didn't quite understand what had happened; just that she wouldn't see sister Irianna any more. Thomas understood, and it greatly affected him. He barely slept now, blacks and grays of many shades were painted under his eyes. His eyes themselves were blood red from tears that had been shed, and those that would not come. Drusilla felt terrible grief, but distracted herself by taking care of Mary and Thomas. Drusilla's parents had agreed to take them in with her. William felt the pain from when Elizabeth died once again. He and Irianna had grown close, like brother and sister. He never thought that he'd be able to feel this pain again. But something about her death reminded him of how Elizabeth had died...both were quite different, but they each had some similarities. He just couldn't find them.

William had spent the past two nights drunk in some tavern on the outskirts of the city. He had gotten into a few fights, won all, and had cheated the tavern keeper out of two bottles of scotch. He just had to remember to leave before the owner figured it out. He didn't know how to deal with the recent death. There was an added anger inside him now, one that he couldn't understand. As he walked back to London, he thought he might know what would make this wretched pain go away.

"You're leaving me?" was all Drusilla could force out, tears threatening to flow from her eyes. William drew her close and whispered, "Only for a little while, pet. I have some business I have to do at home. Loose ends, you could call them. I'll be back for you. I promise that." Drusilla sniffled, then said softly, "What if you find some girl you like back home?" She waited cautiously, then let out the breath she had (unbeknownst to her) held in as William replied, "There is no one else for me. Just you, Dru. I love you more than life itself. I'll be back." He handed to her a small, emerald ring set in silver and put it on her ring finger. She smiled, gave him a kiss, then waved good-bye as he rode off on Lizzy. Rode back home.

Chapter 7

"Mother dearest, I'm home!" William gaily swung his bag onto the chair in the living room, and laughed aloud as an elderly woman came literally jumping down the stairs. He grabbed her in his arms and swung her around the room for what had to be hours.
"William! I thought that you might never come home! Thought that you disappeared forever...but you're back! How are you? Did you eat well? Step back, son! Let me have a look at you!"
William let go of his mother and stepped back, even spun around once or twice. William's mother took a deep breathe in and smiled. The young wretch, though handsome when he left, and become gorgeous overnight. Or, over a couple years...
"William, dearest, when did you leave? It feels like days ago, but I'm sure it was longer."
William hugged his mother close and whispered in a solemn voice, "It's been three years. Three long years. But I've come back for a reason." William's mother looked up with sad, sad eyes. It was as if she knew the reason, though William doubted it. His opinion changed when she said, "Wait awhile. Your father might have missed you. Everything may be okay." William let out a laugh and said: "If you say so. A few days. We'll see what happens."
William was sitting at the table with his mother, telling of his adventures far from his home. All of a sudden, a loud noise was heard and William's father came staggering in, bottle in hand. His father threw the bottle at William and pushed his sleeves up. "You bloody wanker! You think you can come back into our bloody home and do the bloody-hell ever you want? Is that what you think? Get your arse out of this house! Stupid wench!" William paled at the insults. Though he and his father truly did seem to hate each other, he didn't expect such a harsh welcome. He stood up slowly, ignoring the glass on the floor and walked with open arms to his father. "Pa, aren't you going to even say hello? It's been three years!" William's father looked around rashly, grabbed a hunting knife from the table by the kitchen door, and slashed William's face. William reached up and knocked the knife away before any serious damage occurred, but he couldn't avoid the blade completely. It made a neat cut through his left eyebrow. William heard his father say, "Three years hasn't made me forget what a bloody ungrateful son you are and were" as he saw his father's fist come in contact with his eye.

William opened his eyes slowly, and moved his head just as slow. From the blinding pain, he guessed that it wasn't slow enough. Lowering his head down, he felt his surroundings with his fingers. He was on a bed...soft, down-filled mattress. Next to the bed on his left was a wall, and on the right, by his head, was a wash-basin. He guessed that he was in his old room, but he wasn't quite sure. Moving his hands underneath the comforter, he decided to wait awhile before doing any actual movement. Soon, he was fast asleep.

He felt a warm cloth on his head. Opening his eyes, he noticed that he wasn't at home as he had thought, but at an inn that was a block away from the house. He also saw his mother above him, washing his face like she did so many years past. She smiled, happy to see him awake, but there was a tinge of sadness. Focusing a bit more, he noticed the faint blues and purples near her eye.
Growling softly, he reached up and felt the bruise gingerly, noticing how his mother winced at the touch. He sat up in the bed, and put his hands on his mother's arms. "He hurt you. Was it because of me?" William's mother said naught a word, but he knew the truth all the same. William hugged his mother, and soon, rubbed her back soothingly as heart-wrenching sobs escaped her lips. The tears flew down her face onto his back. He whispered words of comfort, while thinking thoughts of revenge. Soon, sobs were no longer heard and William drew away from his mother. "Mother dear, I'm going to tell you what you will do tonight. You will follow them, for if you stay in this wretched town, you will be hurt. In my coat pocket there is a pouch. Inside is enough money for you to travel to Ireland. Find Aunt Annie. You will be safe with her. Take Lizzy, some clothes, and my musket. You will be gone by tonight. Tell no one. Understand?" William's mother was about to object when she saw pure hatred mixed with pure love in his eyes. "You'd drag me to Annie's if I said no, so I'll go to save you the trouble. I'll be gone within the hour, dear boy." She wrapped her arms around him, and then whispered into his ear, "Make the ol' bastard pay. He was...evil." William's eyebrows went up, for he had never heard his mother utter such words. Both knew them to be true, and William, in reply, gave the most confident and dangerous grin possible.
"I shall make him pay 100 times over."

His mother had left two days ago, and his father; well, he was at home, surrounded by bottles of scotch and gin. William smiled slightly as he passed by some railroad tracks that were by the house. He reached down and picked up railroad spikes as his mind thought of some delightful games he could play. William's father had just downed down another bottle of whiskey, when he heard a voice say, "I see you. Shall we have some fun, Father?" He looked up and saw William leaning against the door post, tossing up a railroad spike in the air, then catching it again. This caught his attention, but what made him shiver in fear was the look of hatred and want of revenge in the young man's eyes. The eyes of his son.
The eyes of his executioner.

Chapter 8

"So, what have you been up to lately? It has been awhile since we last had a good, heart to heart, father to son chat. Excluding the time you tried to kill me with a hunting knife, of course." William threw the spike, purposely missing his father's head. His father jumped, then looked at the spike imbedded into the wall a bare inch or two from his head.
"You miserable excuse for a son! I thought that you would have taken your arse and left this town the night I gave you that fine-lookin' bruise. You couldn't stand up to me years ago, and I bet you can't now." His father sneered, hiding his fear amazingly well. William laughed and then looked at his father's hand. "Shaking? From over-exertion, I'm sure. You wouldn't shake from fear, now would you pa? That's most unbecoming of you, I must say." Yawning, William continued, "But enough of this. Let's play a game...of lambs and demons. You play like this." William threw another spike at his father's stomach, hitting it precisely. His father buckled, clutching the railroad spike that now protruded from his gut. He was unaware of William sauntering over to him, but once slammed up against the wall rather violently, he understood that William meant to have fun while killing him, a prospect that the father strongly disliked.
"You see, I'll be the demon. You'll be the lamb. From what I remember, demons like to eat lambs. I really don't want to eat you, but I will kill you. I think you realized that already. You aren't that daft. Now, you can make all the little noises you want, even screaming is permissible, but I will get what I want..." He paused for a moment in silent thought, then went on. "Yes, please scream. It will make things for me oh-so much more fun." William's father blacked out from pain and fear.
"Bloody hell! That was NOT part of the plan. If you're unconscious while I have my fun, well, then it's just not fun. Snap to, father dear. Come now, are you going to make me beg?" William got a glass of water from the bucket outside and threw it onto his father's face. Slowly the eyelids fluttered and his father came too. William smiled grimly and looked at his remaining spikes. Five...what shall I do, instead, where should I put them. Here, there, oh, I'll give it to him there last, make him wait. At this point, William burst out laughing, being unable to contain himself. William's father, on the other hand, was having trouble finding the situation funny.
William walked over to the kitchen and looked in the cupboards. There were some crackers and bread. Looking in the ice box, he discovered some cheese and a bottle of whiskey. With a smile, he got out the cheese, whiskey, and crackers. Then, bringing them over to the table in front of his father, he sat down to eat.
About an hour or so had gone by. The sky outside showed that the darkness would soon come. William finished the whiskey and reached over for a spike. Looking at his father, he muttered, "You're not even putting up a good fight. So ho-hum, aren't you. Humph." William grabbed his father's hand and pinned it against the wall. Pulling his father up so that he was standing, William let out an evil laugh. Suddenly, he slammed the spike through his father's wrist, the blood pouring out like a miniature waterfall. His father screamed, his face showing horrific pain and something else...cowardliness. He wouldn't fight back, afraid that his death would come sooner. Unfortunately for him, if he had fought back like he chose not to, he might have lived till the next morn. William whispered into his father's ear, "Let's have ourselves a lil' crucifixion. What do you say, father dear?" Reaching for his father's right hand, he repeated the procedure as he had before, this time, however, the blood didn't come out in the quantity he would have preferred. Kneeling, William reached for his third and fourth spikes, slamming each one into his father's ankles, the bones making their breaking quite clear through the snaps and cracks and splintering. William reached for his fifth spike and tossed it into the air three times. He smiled at his barely-conscious father and asked in a sing-song voice, "Where shall we put this little one? Should we put it here?" he asked, jabbing his father in the forehead, "Or shall we put it here?" he asked, nudging his father's throat. "Let's put it," he paused dramatically, his father barely able to watch him as he made the decision. He threw the spike with amazing speed between his father's legs. The last and final scream that was ripped from his father showed that he had, once again, hit his mark. Laughing to himself, he was about to throw away the whiskey bottle when he heard four or five distinct claps coming from the entrance. He spun around, looking at a cloaked figure who was shaking with laughter himself.
"That was a wonderful show you just put on, William. William...the Bloody. I think that's a good name for you. But really, it was marvelous."
"Thank you kindly, sir. There shall be some more showings...next week prehaps. Cost is a shilling, though I bet I could charge more." William bowed as he said this, keeping a cocky tone, but staying near the spikes that were inhabiting the corpse of his father.
"I'd love to see them. But alas, I'm due back in London. I have to watch over Drusilla. She misses you, dear boy. The pain after you were gone...whips and chains are so nice. Here's a present from her to you."
William ran towards the cloaked figure, ready to battle to the death with him. Did he hurt Dru? My Drusilla? The figure laughed softly and was gone before William could even blink. Instead, the silver and emerald ring was in his place. William picked it up, feeling it gently between his fingers. The cold metal and the delicate size. It belonged to Drusilla.
His Drusilla.