Cleo screamed until she was dragged from the room. The only thing that stopped her from turning her horror and anger on the man responsible was the other soldiers had a firm grip on her. The only reason she was giving it to him was to make him stop hurting her family. She considered not saying a word until he stopped the torture and pain. At this point it was not as if he could do more than he was already threatening to do so. Besides she was the only one who could access the treasure now. It didnt matter if her mother guessed or if her father told him what village to look, he would not find it without her there. Without her cooperation he would loose his cahnce to get his hands on the treasure.
"Make the torture stop before we go..... They will be dead by the time we get it and get back..... Something happens to them and there is nothing you can do to me that will make me tell you where the treasure is.... "
A soft scream escaped her lips as she felt the whip come down on her back. She was unuse to pain like this. Cleo was not sure if she was strong enough to go through with her threat but she was deteremined. No one else was going to be able to save her family. This was her only bargining chip. She tried to console her mind and the guilt with the fact that this was going to happen no matter her actions or words. Going on bfore his anger had a chance to cut off her words.
"I dont know exactly where it is... I am to got to the village and wait, the soldiers in charge will find me.... father said it would be safer that way.... " Cleo's voice was a little shaky. Fearing he would think that she was lying or simply not care. "If I am naked and chained they will not approach..... There only responsiblity is the safety of the treasure until I arrive ready to go to my fathers allies.....If I am already captured their orders were to wait till my escape....."
Cleo was not sure if it sounded as stupid to him as it did to her own ears. The plan had been a good one at the time but now in the face of torture and death, she was doubting the wisdom. Staring at him with tears still in her eyes she knew she was testing his patiance now. The whip came down on her again so she did not push the issue. Leading them back to where she was going, the travelling was faster since they could use the main roads instead of trying to stay hidden.
They were approaching the village when she felt something land on her head. Pulling it in front of her face it was aware it was some kind of materail. Afraid to look at him, she simply pulled it over her head, finding it was probably a soldiers shirt. At least it covered her body. Cleo held no illusion she probably would not be allowed to keep it any longer than he deemed necessary. Lightly touching the chain she looked at him for the first time since leaving the castle.
"If your not going to trust me enough to take off the chain it might be wise to walk closer with me so the chain is not so noticable.... "