The package (Part 2)

Soon, he got to the lock of the carriage which required its special key.

The coachman searched for a moment, taking his time before he found it. Meanwhile, the butler did not move an inch, remaining patient with the coachman.

The click clack was heard, and the doors swung open. In the darkness of the carriage, were some rays of light that permitted any set of eyes to see the hidden package.

The butler walked up to the entrance, and there was the whimpering package.

There were girls in the carriage, each connected by a chain on the wrists.

"There you hav'em," the cruel rusty voice of the coachman uttered.

"The seven virgins you requested for."

The butler looked from the silent girls to the coachman.

"Now, where's my money? I don't see my seven-hundred pieces of 'geold'."

One of the girls gasped mistakingly to the hearing of the men.

"You'll get your money when the witch confirms that they are truly virgins."

The butler stated firmly.

Some of the girls sniffed and sobbed lightly as they listened to the two argue over them.

The coachman fumed with anger.

"But the King promised . . ." he trailed off in a raised voice, before the butler cut him off.

"You dare raise your voice at me!"

At his words, the guards who were stationed close by near the fountain, approached with their spears pointed against the coachman.

"The King is a man of his word. You will get your money once the package is confirmed valid according to the requirements. Other than that, you will not get a penny."

The butler threatened.

The coachman looked around realizing that the butler had the power to have him arrested or even reject him and the package, which would mean no money.

He grunted first, looking around seeing that he was truly outnumbered. Besides, it would be unwise and shameful to be rejected by the King's butler, not even the King himself.

The coachman swallowed his pride, and lowered himself in reluctant humility.

"I am sorry. I give my word to you and the King. These girls are all virgins. My men and other spies have been monitoring them for months and have confirmed with whores along with some of my personal spies in town, and other neighboring towns and kingdoms. These girls from little have never been outside their homes except to the market and back. None are from the wealthy, only the helpless."

The butler signalled for the guards to lower thier weapons.

"Give me all the details. I want it in black and white. The King complies not with stories, but evidence."

The butler wanted to confirm the girls fitted the requirements.

The coachman nodded and brought out an envelope that contained a document about their identities.

The butler opened it before the coachman, holding up his circle shaped, one eyed glasses that was pinned to the chest of his uniform.

Reading in accuracy and speed, he confirmed that the coachman was being truthful, yet he still was not falling into that easily.

"You there!" he summoned two guards.

"Get these girls into a straight line."