Chapter Four

                                    

                                          
Elijah and Paul arrived on the front lawn just in time to witness, Simon and a brown-skinned woman in the midst of a struggle. She was of a diminutive height with waist-length black curls but she was lithe and effective with her attacks. 
                          
Simon was a much larger and stronger combatant, so the clever girl ensured that each of her strikes landed with enough force to rattle him to his core. He was reeling, struggling to stay in the fight. Elijah watched for a moment longer simply fascinated by the commanding presence of this woman. He knew seasoned military men without half her skills.
                          
Simon finally started using his head when realized he was losing. He tried to overpower her. His pale white arms came around her waist and he swung her body to the ground in hopes of pinning her there, no doubt to deal the finishing blows. Simon, however, did not anticipate her retaliation; the girl elbowed him at his temple unbalancing him. He released her to tend the injury. She spun around with lightning-quick reflexes kicked the back of his knees forcing him to the ground, then grabbed his jugular from behind and squeezed. Strength was not required for this particular maneuver. With proper hand placement, she could effectively halt air passage in or out of his body. Simon's thin frame began to wilt. His pale green eyes rolled to the back of his head. He would die in a matter of minutes without intervention.
                          
Elijah was amazed. A woman no more than five feet four inches at best, of slender yet solid build, overpowered and out-maneuverer a man nearly twice her size. There would be time to be riveted by her unusual charms later. He needed to intervene or Simon would surely die, if not from the shame of defeat alone. 
                          
He took a few quick strides to reach her. From behind, Elijah grabbed her free wrist, jerking her back quickly, forcing her to release her hold. Simon slumped to the ground in an unconscious heap.
                          
"You there," Elijah called to some onlookers, "See to it that he is taken care of." He ordered.
                          
With Elijah still holding her wrist, she daintily spun behind his back. Forcing his arm to turn awkwardly in the socket, up and behind him. Finally, causing his hand to open and release her. He turned to look at her. She stood but a few feet away from him now; he could see her clearly. Her jet black hair fell in great thick shinning waves. It was mangled and blew uncontrollably in the wind surrounding her like a black cloud. The sun had evidently kissed her deep russet skin; her cheeks flared with color. What caught his stare the longest was her eyes; deep blue-green like the sea after the storm; wide and wild but...gorgeous.
                          
Elijah cleared his throat, regaining his composure, "Girl, I demand that you cease this violence, at once." He ordered. She stared back unflinching and unresponsive, even somewhat haughty.
                          
"Paul does she not speak English?" He asked.
                          
"I don' believe so Sah." He responded meekly.
                          
"Damnation! I suppose I will have to do this the hard way." He turned to her and motioned for her to come to him. Again, there was no response just a smug look of self-importance. She was trying egging him on. 
                          
When he drew closer, she took a step back. She clenched her fists and widened her stance. Apparently, she was prepared to fight him as well. He lunged for her hand and caught her forearms. When she tried to pull away, he hauled her against his body wrapping his arms tightly around her arms and upper body in a vicelike grip. He could not ignore the softness that pressed against him as she conformed to his body.
                          
For a moment, she stared at him awestruck, her full lips barely open, beaconing to him. Distracting him from his task. He shook the thought. Without further warning, he hoisted her over his shoulder. She fought him, beating him over his back and shoulders but it was useless, she was overcome. He carried her inside the house, up the hall and into his chambers where he promptly locked the door upon his exit. He would straighten her out yet but he needed to speak to his father first.