Chapter 20

It wasn't the first time, something like this had happened to Velona. He didn't go quietly, he didn't scream or shout but he didn't just let them take him, he fought, having nothing to lose and everything to gain. It was clear, none of them had ever been in a real fight as he gouged eyes, bashed heads, and broke bones.

At one point, it was no longer about survival but how much damage he could do. While it was clear he had more skills, he was greatly disadvantaged in numbers, it was only a matter of time before they took him down as more and more people kept joining in. Eventually there was enough of them swinging, wailing down on him that his ears rang and vision blurred with blood.

He hit the floor hard and the crowd consumed him. They beat and kicked him until he could fight no more, bloodied and broken, he succumbed to darkness. He drifted to a peaceful place and walked along a sandy beach, under an overcast sky. After some time, a figure in the distance, rushed to him. At first he thought it might be his mother that they were finally to be reunited but when the figure drew closer, he saw it was someone else.

She grasped onto him and he was reminded of Korina... His gaze shifted, for a moment Korina and this woman were one in the same and then, the woman shifted back to herself and they embraced. He held her in his arms and she felt so real.

He felt a familiar sensation, something light and full...a love...a love like no other. She smiled at him and they laughed, carefree. For a moment he...he remembered what it felt like to be happy, truly happy. They walked together...how he longed for them to walk together for all eternity and yet…

The dream shifted and he was somewhere else, with her. He saw the terror in her eyes, the betrayal. She turned away from him and ran. He reached out for her and then fell to his knees in the darkness… He...he always had choices...choices to make...things that needed to be done. She...didn't understand time and time again...only he could see, only he knew.

The dream shifted and he was on top of her, choking her, he squeezed the life out of her and watched the light fade from her. He broke her neck for good measure and then collapsed on top of her, knowing he...he wouldn't be far behind, a knife in his back.

He tangled himself around her and clutched her tightly, he breathed her in. He took comfort in the fact that they were together, that she would be the last thing he saw. He rested his head on her chest and closed his eyes, only to be awakened with a bucket of cold water.

Velonas' entire body surged with pain as he found himself tied to a chair. He could barely see, his eyes bloodshot and swollen. It took him a few minutes to realize he was awake, and in a court room. He was no longer naked but clothed in dirty garments that had no doubt belonged to a servant.

He heard people whispering and shouting as a judge was trying to compile Velonas' various crimes. The words he'd heard spoken most were, this didn't happen in Crestmoore, not in Crestmoore and… she was a man...I don't understand...How..how. He heard whispers of rape and murder but no one seemed to know he had anything to do with the Stokes. He could only imagine their whispers then.

He zoned them out after a while, further assessing his injuries. His jaw ached but it wasn't broken, one of his ears was a bit muffled and the other had a low buzzing in it. The taste of blood filled his mouth and after some probing with his tongue, he discovered some missing teeth. It wasn't the first time he'd lost one, they were easily replaced...

He moved about carefully, testing his binds and determined more then a few of his bones had been broken. He let out a small sigh after a moment, frankly, he was surprised, surprised he was still alive. When he'd gone down, he'd fully expected that was it… it was finally over, leave it to the upper class to want a trial. If it had been any other class, he'd probably would have been gutted or hanging from his neck by now.

He sat for a while drifting in and out of awareness. He vaguely listened to what was going on every now and then. It was clear they weren't really sure what to do. Up until now, most crimes and criminals had been simple. They were easy open and shut cases, a crime or two committed by a lowly peasant or servant. Most the time when someone of the elite class committed a crime, they didn't stand trial, they simply payed a price to have it forgotten.

Velona wondered for a moment if he offered to pay would they just let him go...some would perhaps but not this judge. When Velona managed to recognize him, he considered what he knew. From the information he'd gathered, this judge was fairly new and looking to make a name for himself. He wanted the appearance of being a seeker of justice and hard on crime and oh what a performance he gave.

He swung his gavel about every chance he got and didn't let a single opportunity to point out he was in charge slip by. He ordered people around and eventually had people lining up, to give testimony. The people of Crestmoore, were only too happy to tell the judge what they knew. A lot of what was said was true but most of it was false, it didn't matter to Velona at this point.

About midway through Cornett showed up. His ears perked up at her voice and he lifted his head long enough to see her. No one seemed to know they were involved. She looked at him and lied saying, she didn't know he was a man. While it was true they had gone to school together, Velona had always been shy and never undressed near the other girls. Velona would have smiled at her if he could, her cunning made him proud. She did what she could to survive, he would have done the same.

When she left the stand he zoned out, recalling his dream. The details were slowly slipping away. It had been something with Korina and his mother was there...no...she wasn't. He didn't so much care what had gone on, it was the feelings the dream had evoked within him that mattered.

He could still feel the lightness of love and happiness…the stinging of betrayal, the overwhelming rage and finally...acceptance at the end. He could almost feel her breast on his cheek, from where he had laid his head and taken his last breath...Such a dream it was…such a dream…

Several times they threw water on him, to keep him awake. They wanted him to listen, to face his accusers and answer for his charges. When they finally had a long list, the judge banged his gavel to quiet the room. He ordered some men to lift Velona to stand. The judge asked if Velona had anything to say for himself.

Velona wasn't sure he could speak, he cleared his throat and his chest rippled with pain. Blood spilled out of his mouth dripping on the floor. He coughed for a good minute and then fell silent. You could hear a pin drop as people leaned in, wanting to hear what he had to say. He mustered what little strength he had and held his head up high. He had the audacity to grin as he glared at the judge and said. "It...was...a pleasure,"

He was quickly thrown to the ground as the room exploded with protest and anger. Several men kicked Velona until he lay flat on his stomach. He thought he might pass out again but didn't. The judge banged his gavel, trying to remain in control.

It took what felt like forever for the room to quiet down. When it finally did the judge spoke. He ruled that Velona was guilty, guilty of all charges. The room cried out again, this time letting out cheers. The judge didn't bang his gavel he let it carry on for a while, enjoying the praise.

When the room grew quiet yet again, the judge stood and declared, that he sentenced Velona to hang by the neck until dead. The crowd cheered and the judge discussed having a gallows built. The rest of the details escaped Velona as he blissfully passed out again. He didn't dream this time, instead...there was nothing...nothing but darkness.

When Velona woke, he found himself on the floor of a cleared out wine cellar. His hands and feet were tied. Again he assessed his injuries and oddly, felt somewhat better. The pain had dulled and he found he could think, more clearly. He wondered how much time had passed, if it had been more then a day.

He laid on the cold cobble stone floor, recalling what he could, of the trial and assumed he was being stored here, until the gallows were ready for him. He sighed and slowly moved to sit up. It took some effort but eventually he managed to settle himself in the corner of the room.

He leaned his head against the wall, and supposed he should be upset right now, struggling to get free, screaming and shouting... whatever someone was suppose to do, when they knew they were going to be executed. Yet he found himself...calm, he didn't want to die but if it was his time, at least he'd gotten his revenge.

No matter what happened now, no matter what they took from him, including his life, they couldn't take that away from him. The sweet taste of revenge, vengeance everlasting. He would always...always have that and it brought him solace….peace and while he didn't want to die...he knew...he could now….he…

Velona wheezed breaking into a coughing fit. His lungs burned as he struggled to get air. When he finally managed to breathe again, he realized he'd passed out. He groaned and tried to recall...what was going on….right...he was waiting to be executed. He sputtered and spit up some blood. If they didn't hurry up with the gallows, he might not wait…

He adjusted himself, trying to ease his pain. Once he was comfortable at least as comfortable as he could be, he closed his eyes and let his mind drift. He found himself thinking of Korina… Korina… Korina...to think she was the reason he was in this mess...his ultimate downfall. He recalled the last time he saw her...would ever see her…He ran his hand across the mark he teeth had left, recalling the fierceness, the hatred in her eyes and still...he found her…

His chest tightened and began to ache almost unbearably, he could hear his heartbeat, in his ears. He opened his eyes and tapped his head against the wall. He...he shouldn't be thinking about her, he should be thinking about his situation...his demise…and yet she danced across his mind.

There was a rattling, Velona opened his eyes, realizing he'd passed out yet again. Groggily he looked to the door on the other side of the room. He saw the door knob slowly turn and the door opened. He took in a deep breath and supposed it was time…

Three burly men stepped into the small room. They approached Velona, hissing and taunting as they crowded around him. Velona ignored them breathing deeply, the sound of his heart beat filled his ears. They cut he rope that bound his legs and lifted him to his feet.

He considered fighting briefly, throwing his body into them but with his his injuries, it was clear there little he could do, save hurry to the grave, a little sooner. No, the time for fighting, for struggling was long over. He let out a heavy sigh and accepted his fate as they yanked him along, spitting and cursing at him.

Two of the men flanked at his sides, while the third man walked behind. They made their way out of the room and up some steps. They went thought a small door into another room and then stepped outside through a larger door. Sunlight blinded Velona and a light breeze caressed his face. From the position of the sun, it looked to be mid morning, maybe a little later. He was a little sad he wouldn't get to see another twilight, another dark night.

For a moment he paused, taking in a breath of fresh air...soon to be one of his last. His lungs stung and a coughing fit overcame him, more blood escaped his lips and drizzled down his chin and neck. The men flanking him, didn't wait for Velona to catch his breath, they took up his arms and nearly carried him forward, down a small path.

When they rounded the corner of the house, he'd been held in, he saw tables and chairs had been set up before a large gallows. Nearly every seat was filled, leave it to Crestmoore, to make a hanging, an event. Velona smiled for a second, thinking his hanging might be the highlight of the season, perhaps even the year. As he was brought over to the gallows, the crowds eyes fell upon him. Velona held himself with grace and dignity. He kept his head held high and stared forward as they carried him up some stairs.

Velona looked at the craftsmanship of the gallows, he considered the set up of table and chairs as well as the overall turn out. Clearly…it had been more then a day. How many he couldn't be certain, he supposed in the end it didn't matter. He sighed as they positioned him on a wooden trap door. He dully looked through the cracks and could see the ground. He supposed it would be the last thing he saw…

He looked up taking in the crowd closer as they stared up at him, whispering. Some of them were having tea and biscuits. He glanced at their faces, recognizing most of them but there were a few fresh faces. He continued scanning the crowd, realizing after a moment he was looking for her.

He doubted she'd be here. There were a few woman in the crowd but not many, a hanging wasn't exactly a proper thing for a lady to witness. Of course Korina... had never been proper. He could picture her wanting to watch him hang, standing with her fists clench, her heart burning and those defiant eyes of hers, staring up at him. He looked...he looked but didn't see them. He closed his eyes and resolved himself to the fact, he was never going to see her again.

He heard some loud, sharp heels as they hit the gallows steps. He opened his eyes and saw the Judge, his face was all done up and he was wearing a long extravagant wig. He was dressed in the finest Crestmoore had to offer and his jacket and heels were adorned with various jewels that sparkled in the sunlight.

He looked flustered as he approached Velona and the two men that flanked him. He threw his hands in the air and asked, "Why aren't you putting the noose around his neck?"

"Rosco, is suppose to do that, ain't he?" said the man to his left.

"Well then, where is Rosco?" asked the Judge.

"He should be along any minute," said the man on the right, "His stomach has been bothering him something fierce all morning."

"Right...this is just what I need right now." said the Judge rolling his eyes. He seemed agitated. "If he doesn't show up soon, one of you lot will just have to do it. I'd like to get started!"

The two men looked at each other and nodded. They seemed only too eager to take over. Yet it would seem neither would get the chance. Velona looked to see a man wearing a hooded mask, approaching. He couldn't help but think it was pointless. He knew it was important the executioners face remain hidden. While he was a servant of the court, of justice, murder was still murder and should anyone wish to retaliate, it was important he remain anonymous but clearly mask or not, everyone knew it was this Rosco fellow.

"Hey, there he is." said the man on Velona's left taking notice.

Velona stared forward as the hooded man ascended the stairs.

"That...that isn't Rosco." said the man on Velonas' right, "He's too tall."

Velona raised an eyebrow and slightly tilted his head. His eyes honed in on the executioners build, he found he knew it all too well. He'd shared a bed with it on many an occasion. It would seem Beckett had indeed gotten away but alas here he was ever the servant. He couldn't seem to let Velona die in peace. Velona corrected his eyebrow and kept his expression blank. He tilted his head back, looking forward once more.

Beckett stepped up to them and the Judge looked up at him asking, "Who are you?"

Beckett cleared his throat masking it, with a graveling tone, "I'm Dodds, he, uh Rosco said to tell you, he couldn't go through with it."

"What," said the man on Velona's left.

"Figures, don't know why we even bothered drawing straws, if he was just gonna chicken out last minute." said the man on Velona's right.

"He could have said something," said the man on Velona's left.

"Yeah..." said the man on Velonas' right, "He should have said something to us...given us a chance instead of you. Who'd you say you were again."

Before Beckett could respond the Judge impatiently threw his hands in the air again and said."Whatever! Do you know what to do?"

"Yes," said Beckett. "Rosco gave me the jist of it."

"Then prepare him. I shall give a speech and when I give you the signal, pull the lever...but do not pull it until I give the signal, understand," said the judge.

"Yes," said Beckett.

"Then get to it now, we don't have all day." said the judge, pulling a scroll from his fine jacket.

Beckett shuffled up to Velona and placed the noose around his neck. Velona felt a slight tug before he tightened it. The judge was preoccupied with looking over his speech and the other tow men were too busy griping to notice.

Beckett leaned in and quietly whispered, "After the fall, roll left,"

Velona stared forward and hissed back at him, even quieter, "You truly are a fool."

"I am your fool." whispered Beckett.

Velona closed his eyes wheezing as he breathed in deeply. Beckett stepped back and got into position, next to the lever. The crowd grew excited, their whispers growing louder and louder. Velona opened his eyes and looked out at the crowd. He didn't know what was going to happen but either way, he was sure they were in for a show.

The judge collected himself and stepped forward on the gallows. Velona could see him waving like a moron from the corner of his eye. The crowd went wild, cheering and clapping. After a minute the judge stomped his foot to calm the crowd. He took a big breath and shouted, "QUIET DOWN QUIET DOWN. I'M GOING TO BEGIN NOW QUIET DOWN!"

The crowd grew quiet, Velona stared forward, his heart surged with adrenaline and excitement, he wasn't sure what to expect. He kept his eyes and ears open, waiting to see what Beckett's plan was, though he doubted it would succeed, there was still the slightest chance...possibility.

The Judge loudly cleared his throat and thanked the crowd for coming. He went on about his history as a judge and what the community of Crestmoore meant to him. If Velona weren't going to be hung he might have died of boredom. The crowd began to look tired if not agitated, after a while someone yelled out for the Judge to get on with it. The judge looked upset but when the crowd all laughed, he had no choice but to laugh with them and pretend he wasn't.

The Judge began to read the list of charges, from his scroll. Velona ran his tongue across his teeth, thinking it wasn't long now. If something- A large noise shattered the sky. Velona pulled from his thoughts and looked to see, a cloud of smoke rising in the distance. The Judge stopped speaking as the crowd cried out looking all around. Beckett pulled the lever and the trap door opened. Velona quickly fell, the rope tightened around his neck for barley a second before it snapped. He hit the ground hard and then remembering what Beckett had said, Velona rolled to the left.

Back up top the gallows, Beckett stepped up behind the dumbfounded judge and slit his throat before shooting one of the men that had brought Velona out, in the head. The second man was in shock as people screamed and scrambled to get away. Beckett simply stepped up to him and gutted him. As the mans' body hit the floor, Beckett jumped down into the hole with Velona.

Another explosion, went off and Beckett cut the ropes from Velonas' hands. They crawled out from under the gallows and Beckett pulled a second gun out. He yanked Velona up and over his shoulder. He moved quickly carrying him away. If anyone dared try and stop him, he shot them before pulling out another pre-loaded gun. Velona watched in amazement as he was hauled away and the bodies began to pile up. He always knew Beckett was competent but this...this was a work of art.

Beckett carried him over to a near by shed and lit a fuse before carrying him across an open field. Some men sought after them and the shed exploded, killing several of them and filling the air with smoke. A few shots went off but it was clear they weren't prepared for such an attack.

Beckett took them to a large pile of rocks in the field and set Velona down. He pulled out several more guns, he'd stashed in a crate and finished off anyone within distance, whether they were after them or not. Velona picked up one of the guns, recognizing the crate they were in, it was from their personal stash.

Velona always liked to have a backup plans. Years ago, when they'd first moved here, they'd stashed guns and explosives throughout Crestmoore, just in case things took a turn for the worse. Things had gone so smoothly though that they hadn't ended up needing them. Velona chuckled to himself now, he'd thought they were going to go waste but it would seem they were of use after all.

His chuckle set off a coughing fit and more blood came out. He felt a little feverish. Beckett quickly pulled a handkerchief and wiped the blood from his lips. Leave it to Beckett to fore fill his every need.

More glorious explosions went off, in the distance, blackening the sky, with clouds of smoke. Before Velona could even ask, Beckett said, "Cornett."

Velona smiled, picturing her running around lighting all those fuses. Even she, it would seem would not let him go, so easily. Without a word, Beckett lifted him up once more, over his shoulder and they were off again. He moved fast and steady, soon enough Velona saw some horses tied up in the distance. They cried out and pulled at their ropes, from all the commotion.

Beckett held tight to Velona and asked, "Can you ride on your own?"

"I can manage," spat Velona as the sound of another explosion tore through the sky.

They reached the horses and Beckett helped Velona mount. He tightly wrapped his hands up in the reigns as Beckett informed him, "Cornett will meet us at the gathering spot. There is a ship departing in a few hours. If we ride like the wind, we should just make it."

Velona nodded and Beckett cut the rope, restraining his horse. It stirred and Velona quickly took control of it as Beckett cut the other rope and mounted his own steed. The two barreled across the rolling hills of Crestmoore like lightning as smoke rose up behind them. They made it to the main road and kept on going, stirring up clouds of dust behind them.

When they came to a crossroad, Beckett turned left, while Velona slowed his horse to a stop. It reared up on its hind legs before Velona turned it right. He stared out at the distance, knowing if he followed the road long enough, he'd come upon the Brays' and if she wasn't there...still farther yet the Kerr's.

Velonas' chest ached as he found himself torn. The horse took several steps forward and he held his breath. Beckett noticed Velona was not behind him and stilled his horse. He turned it round and roared out. "VELONA! THERE ISN'T TIME!"

He knew Beckett was right but still he found it hard to pull away. He looked out across the rolling hills of Crestmoore, seeing the clouds of smoke, billow into the air. He recalled the night his life had changed forever, how he had vowed vengeance with every beat of his heart. Now every beat called out her name...as he looked out knowing she was out there someone…He tightly clutched the reigns of his horse vowing once more he would return to Crestmoore this time..for her. He smiled to himself knowing by now he kept his word. He turned the horse and keeled into its sides. The horse took off and together Beckett and Velona thundered on once more...

Thank you for Reading^^