The Journey Part Two

Fen Hua felt much better after cleaning herself. She joined the others by the fire. Soon a bowl of soup was given to her and she ate it eagerly along with the others.

Fei Ling catching himself watching her again felt an odd feeling of relief at seeing her eat. She had been asleep for at least two days, and hadn't eaten since she woke up. He watched as she ate her food with little dignity, a part of him surprised such a beautiful and delicate woman could eat like that, the other part completely understanding and wishing she had more.

"Here," Gui Ren said scooting next to her. He poured some of his soup into her bowl. "They always give me more then the others, because I'm so big I guess."

She looked up at him, his eyes were soft, but there was still a hint of his teasing ways in the way he was smirking. She wondered if she could trust him.

"Go ahead," Mei Xiu said. "He's is a rude buffoon, but he wouldn't hurt you."

Gui Ren glared at her. "What makes you think she thinks I would hurt her?" Gui Ren huffed. He glanced towards Fen Hua who was still studying him. "Look kid, I was just teasing you before. I'm not a bad guy."

"Then thank you," Fen Hua said thankful for the food.

Fei Ling watched the interaction between the two feeling a itching frustration come over him. He turned away so he didn't have to face the group anymore. He ate his food and forced himself to push that feeling down. He had no reason to care for her, and he didn't have time for that either.

"Listen up ladies," the smaller man said setting his bowl down and standing up. "Two of you lucky ladies will be able to escape the humiliation of a slave. You will be allowed to work for your freedom and live in a comfortable way."

The women looked at one another including Fen Hua. Of course that sounded like a good deal. The only question seemed to be which of them would be lucky enough to go?

"Stand up all of you," he said to the women. The girls all put down their bowls and stood up. The sound of rattling chains followed. "This Uncle will pick out the two best girls." He began to walk around the circle, the larger man following behind with his big knife. He stopped in front of each girl and ran his eyes over every part of them. He stopped at Mei Xiu, "You are too old. Sit down."

Mei Xiu looked around the group, a feeling of helplessness covering her as she sat. Just as he was about to approach her Fen Hua felt a strong yank on the chain that was binding her to the pole. She jerked forward and fell roughly on the ground. Her forehead hit the metal of the chain and blood began to pull from the wound it caused. Her face was covered in dirt and her lip began to swell. She glanced around trying to figure out who had done it. Jun Jie, Li Xiang and Fei Ling were the only people on that side of the pole.

She fixed her eyes on Li Xiang seeing a small smirk on her lips.

"You would have been perfect," the "Uncle" said passing by her. "I can't hand off damaged goods though. Plus I can probably get a good price for you later anyways." He turned his gaze to Li Xiang and a cruel smile spread over his lips. He believed it had been her who yanked the chain as well. "You are a beautiful girl," he said to her softly. "You deserve to have this chance." He stepped closer to her and leaned his head near her neck taking in a deep breath. "Absolutely deserving." He pulled away and turned back to Li Qin and Yang Jie. Of the two Yang Jie was the more attractive, but she was also very small.

He walked to the two placing his body behind them. He a hand on each of their backs. Fen Hua couldn't actually see it happen, but it was easily visible when he had reached their butt's by the discomfort that washed over both of them. He breathed in each of their scents becoming more and more lecherous with each moment that passed.

The sound of a carriage approaching dragged him out of his stupor. He stepped back and cleared his throat. He glanced at Yang Jie, "You," he said. "Sit back down." His mouth was dry and lustful as he said that and it sent shivers down Fen Hua's back.

Yang Jie sat down, and began to quietly sob while Li Qin smiled broadly.

It took at least ten minutes before the carriage arrived. During the time that they waited the two chosen women were unchained and given water to clean their hands and faces. The joy of knowing they were not going to be sold as slaves gave both of them a nice rosy color to their faces making them look vibrant.

Before the carriage was in sight Fei Ling stood up without warning. His actiont startled the bigger slaver and he pulled up his knife.

Fei Ling didn't speak. He just moved to the other side of the fire, coincidentally blocking Fen Hua from the view of the oncoming carriage.

'Uncle' was relieved that Fei Ling was not causing trouble and nodded his head "Yes good idea, you move over there with the others," he said pointing at Jun Jie.

Fen Hua couldn't see what has happening past Fei Ling. His broad shoulders blocked her view. She side stepped to get a better look, but infuriatingly enough Fei Ling also decided to move at that moment. Fen Hua sat down instead. It really didn't matter anyways. She wouldn't be going with them anyways.

"Are these them?" One of the two men in the carriage asked.

"Pretty aren't they?" Uncle answered.

"I've seen prettier," the second replied.

"I can get a good price for them on the market. I won't lower my price. Take it or leave it." Uncle replied with finality.

"Give him the bag." The clinking sounds of a coin purse being tossed followed. After a few moments of small chatter. The two girls were led by the men to the luxurious carriage. Both of them fearful but relieved that their lives were going to change for the better. Li Xiang glanced back at Fei Ling believing that he had helped her be chosen. A rosy blush covered her face as she forced herself to look away.

"Get them back in the cart," Uncle said to the bigger slaver.

He gave a nod and began to unchain the remaining six slaves leading them to the cart. Fen Hua noticed that Fei Ling kept glancing towards the men from the carriage.

Before their camp was put away the other carriage had already left.

Fei Ling let out a breath. His taught muscles beginning to relax, and his cold dark eyes closed frustration. Why had he done that? Why had he pulled her chain making her fall? He turned and looked at her. The blood was drying at the wound, her lip was plump and swollen. He closed his eyes again. The thought of her being sold to a brothel had caused his heart to race and he had acted without thinking. The girls that were chosen had no idea what type of horror they were headed to.

Right before they pulled away Fen Hua heard a desperate cry coming from the way the carriage had went.