"It must be done," he said to his subordinates, whos faces were an array of shock and confusion.

"But why,sir?" the taller one asked. "What has she done to deserve this sort of punishment?"

"What hasn't she done," he grumbled. "Let’s start with the fact that at every turn she has been a thorn in our side, causing all sorts of mishief and mayhem. Making us all look like fools and what’s worse, she is gaining the support of the people. Secondly, she knows too much of our real objective, and that in itself is cause for her to be caught and disciplined. If she revealed any of our plan to the rebels, we are all in deep shit. Thirdly, she has bewitched my son with her femininely wiles and turned that cowardly disgrace against me. Shall I go on or are you getting the point of what i am trying to say?"

"Yes sir, I understand now."

"Good. Now," he said as he rubbed his hands. "I want that irritant of a woman caught before the summer solstice. That’s a week from today. Can you handle that Captain?"

"Yes, M'Lord," the Captain stammered. "It will be done." The Captain turned to leave.

"Oh Captain," the Nobleman said, a smile contorting his face. The Captian turned.

"Yes?"

"Do make sure to bring the Hunters with you. I wouldn’t want them to mis out on their revenge."

"Of course, M'Lord."

"Good. Now go. Go and fetch me the head of that little wretch. Bring me the head of Ambergine Skylark, by any means necessary.”