“Don’t worry”- Brian whispered into Joel’s ear, making him almost lose his shit from how creepy it felt -“I’ll make it as comfortable for you as possible.”

“You’re so kind and attentive. Thank you.” Joel responded making the idiot beam with pride and happiness at such praise.

Whatever, Brian was useful, he will only become a burden if he starts to expect something in return for his care.

They were given a piece of bread, some cheese and water as dinner. After few days at Mr.Herford’s house this felt really shitty.

“Not good enough for such a fine lady ha?” A stinky man noticed Joel’s frown about the food.

“But this is all you get here. So better get used to it Missy.” He smiled showing yellow teeth.

Joel made no comment and moved to the side. Becky sat next to him and they ate in silence. Accept of Becky there were only men here. Most of them were eyeing two women. That was bad. Joel didn’t fear for his chastity rather for the fact he could be exposed before he even gets to the castle. Becky was a different story.

“Ladies I found a good spot for you.” – Brian showed them to a barn with separate room that could be closed from inside.

“You are a life saver!” - Joel smiled and went in along with blushed Becky who managed to murmur “Thank you.”

That was perfect, Joel could sleep without worries. Yep, red faced Brian was useful.

Joel almost instantly felt asleep. In the middle of the night he woke up to take a piss. He opened the door and stepped out quietly and moved along sleeping bodies.

He was mining his business when he heard some funny noises and hushed voices.

“Ssshh, it’s Ok. I’ll make you feel good you will see. Spread you legs. You’ve got such a plump fine ass..”

And than, there was someone sobbing and quiet “No, please.” Joel peeped and saw a familiar figure, it was Sam with some other man behind him with his pants on his ankles. The bigger man was groping Sam’s buttock’s.

Joel moved making a circle to place himself behind the man who was assaulting the spotted pushover. With full force Joel kicked the man between his legs making him drop on his knees and wine from pain. Next he grabbed Sam’s hand and pulled him behind while the young boy stumbled grabbing his pants and pulling them up. In an instant they were back at the barn where they were sleeping. Sam’s face was full of tears and snot.

“Stay close to Brian and don’t walk around.” Joel advised him going inside to catch some sleep before the down.

“Thank you Miss.” He whispered.

“It’s OK.” Joel said and went back to his and Becky’s room. He closed the door and made himself comfortable, all in vain. He couldn’t fall back to sleep. The former scene was repeating in a loop in his head. The morning inevitably came forcing Joel to face the hardship of checking his twisted breast construction and smoothing his clothes. In a few minutes time they were ready to leave. The cart was prepared but someone was missing. The red haired Josh was about to join the farm workers, as he had experience in field work. So much for the guard dream. Joel was untouched by Josh’s drama, moreover he was happy to get rid of that noisy guy. Back on track he could see the poor Sam who was sitting with dropped head and avoiding Joel’s gaze at any cost. Brian was sitting with wide spread legs and mysterious smile on his face staring straight at Joel. Becky was back to sobbing every now and than and Mat’s face remained enigmatic. The cart was rolling at a full speed and they were passing through forest. Joel ate an apple that was given to them as breakfast. The sun reached the highest point in the sky when they left the shadow of the wood and in the distance some castle towers could be seen. Joel’s stomach tighten. The real show was about to begin soon.