Part XXX

"What the fuck is this?!" Brian looked shocked for the first few seconds but then got furious. His loud scream could draw unwanted attention.

"Shut up. It's me, your pretty fiance. You want everyone to know you were into men?" Joel pulled the shirt on and tried his best to look unconcerned by the whole situation.

"Me? I'm not that kind of guy!" His face became even more red than before. "I thought you were a woman." He was trying to explain himself.

"Yeah sure they all say that. Your eyesight is fine so you must have noticed." Joel decided to play this card to the end. Brian was straight and will protect his masculinity to the very end. Good.

"Now Brian, if you want to hush the whole situation you'd better shut up and help me get out of here. If you do that, I will give you some extra money. If not, well we get caught and all your friends here will learn about me, your dirty little secret." Joel smiled, he was ready.

"So Brian what's gonna be? Hmm?"

Brian scratched his head, he felt cornered.

"I'll help you." He replied quietly.

Joel left the dress in the bar and went out. Brian was dragging himself behind him.

"Francine, this is Brian. He is helping us to escape." The lifeless Francine suddenly smiled a bit and corrected her hair. With that red face of hers she looked like a sister of Brian.

"Madam." Brian bowed trying to behave elegantly.

"Thank you for helping us." She responded quietly.

"We need to go." Joel decided to rush things as they didn't have much time. Brian led them to a little back door where they could sneak out of the castle. That guy was really useful. He kept his distance with Joel but was very courteous toward Francine, who was bearing him very well. He was probably trying to show he wasn't gay and she desperately needed confirmation that she was a wanted woman. Perfect for Joel. The horses were ready.

"This is for you." Joel handed him three more silver coins. "Thank you for your help." Joel smiled and was ready to mount the horse when he heard Francine saying,

"Are you really leaving us now?" She sent him a teary look. Brian looked at her, then at Joel.

"Well you have ... Joy, hmm Joel." He corrected himself.

"He's just a hired servant." She mumbled and Joel clenched his fists. That dull Francine suddenly became annoying and Joel couldn't wait to get her back home for more than one golden reason.

"We need to go now. We have no time." Joel was rushing them.

"I will go with you." Brian suddenly announced.

Joel was shocked but only for a second as Francine stunned him even more.

"I can't ride a horse well so you can go with me." Brian nodded and soon they all were on their horses.

Fuck it, thought Joel they were out and only that counted. They were riding back to Rowsbury. In a wagon it took them almost two days, so they must ride quicker. They had to ride all night long, because in the morning they will find out that three people are missing.

Joel was wondering what Michel will think about him disappearing like that. Joel didn't like to admit that deep inside he felt really bad about the duke. The man has been very kind to him and even now when he thought about what they did his body was responding to those memories. Is the duke going to look for them? Maybe he will get angry and forget about Joel's existence and soon he will find a new bed warmer? Those thoughts kept coming back and started being annoying. He has to focus on his goal. He finally had Francine, well with little addition, but that won't be his problem as soon as they reach Rowsburry. He will leave those two with Mr Headford the very moment he gets there. Joel will collect his saddle, chest of money and will go back home to show off. He will buy himself new clothes too, men's clothes to be precise.

They made two stops for the horses to rest. Joel felt anxious, he felt the urge to move as quickly as they could. Something told him that the duke won't let it slide. The moon shone brightly letting them ride quite comfortably. The morning came with light blue and pink colors. The sky was turning paler and soon the whole road became visible. They were still riding the main road. Soon after the down a cart pulled by an old horse filled with grass passed them by. Joel knew that if they are being followed the older man on this cart will be a possible witness.

"We need to get out of the way." He said loud to those behind him.

"We need a break." Brian said, holding Francine tightly who was half asleep.

"Yeah, a break would be good." Joel agreed. His head was getting heavier and it became a struggle to keep his eyes open. There was no point in riding when they all were so tired, horses included. They got off the road and stepped deeper into the woods. The ground was uneven here and they had to be careful. The three of them marched for a while pulling horses behind till they came across a small brook. The place was covered from the road so they let the horses eat and drink a bit and they all laid themselves on the ground. Brian and Francine were resting close to each other while Joel preferred to keep his distance. The sun was shining warmly, Joel was tired so he fell asleep for a moment.

When he woke up the sun was still shining, a light wind blew and Joel could hear the birds singing, however there was one thing missing. No, actually two things. Francine and Brian were gone. So was their horse.