Title: Forever Yours
Author: Noelwing
Email:
Summary: The tale of an English Lady, an Elfin Prince and the events between them that led to Nuada's decision to awaken the Golden Army. Nuada/OC. Pre HB2 universe.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters of the HB2 universe. Any other characters are creations of the author and belong to her.
Rating: PG-13
Warnings include domestic violence and some adult situations in later chapters.
Author's Notes: This story takes place in England during the 1800's/Victorian era. Please enjoy ^_^
**********************************
Chapter one: Uninvited
Nuala hummed quietly as she worked on her embroidery. She sat by a small fountain in the court yard of her father's underground sanctuary. The happy trickling of the water complemented her beautiful tune. Sitting with her were two of her favorite handmaidens. They too worked on the embroidery with their princess designing the threads into a lovely vine like pattern.
Nuala felt at peace but a brooding presence in her mind continued to grow. She did not recoil from the ever encroaching presence. She let her mind be open to it. She had accepted long ago that, for him, she was a sanctuary away from his pain and anguish. But all the same, she braced herself for whatever new burdens were carried by the other half of her soul.
Her ladies maids became aware that something was different with their princess. She continued to embroider but her demeanor was anything but relaxed. Her shoulders tensed and her usually, soft, bright amber eyes were fixed and filled with foreboding. Their princess suddenly shifted her gaze towards the archway. The maids looked as well, what they saw took their breath away.
"Nuada," Nuala said in a tone she reserved only for her brother.
Nuada stood in the archway, his eyes, similar to hers only in color, gazed back at her. His eyes were so heavy with rage and bitterness. It was difficult for even her, his sister, to remember a time when those eyes were not so tainted.
Nuala never lost her brother's gaze nor did she allow herself to be intimidated by his imposing presence. But the same could not be said for her two maids. They stood and bowed for their prince but dared not look at him. Nuala addressed her nervous ladies.
"It is alright," She said sounding both comforting and commanding at the same time. "Take the fabric to my chambers. I wish to be alone with my brother."
One of the maids immediately protested. "My lady, is this wise?"
Nuala swiftly silenced her maid. "There is nothing to fear." Nuala insisted. "But I also must command that you tell no one of this. Is that understood?"
"Yes my lady," Said the two maids. They gathered up the fabric and their tools together. They bowed one last time to their lieges and exited the courtyard with the trains of their red gowns following behind them.
Nuala remained sitting and regarded her wayward brother with stern but welcoming eyes. It had been centuries since she had last seen him. As twins, the two of them had been linked since birth. Nuada was always with her, and she with him, no matter how long or how far apart they were. Yet now, even though Nuada was right in front, he had never felt so distant.
"Does father know you are here?"
"If he does, he is doing nothing to intervene." Nuada closed the distance between them and sat down next to his sister. Nuada had long been in exile and Nuala often relocated with her their father's court. But no matter where she moved, Nuada had always been able to find the court again, to find her again.
His soul was always a wash of cold and negative emotions stemming from his years in battle and his journeys through a now, human dominated world. He feared for the earth and man's endless assault upon it. It was only when he visited with her that he gained a small measure of much needed peace.
His mind was always open to her and she psychically plunged into the swell of her brother's heart. Anger and confusion were always present and she worked to try and alleviate such emotions and get Nuada to open up to her. She progressed further and found feelings she had not yet before encountered. There were feelings of longing, regret and a deep sense of loss which he was desperately trying to drown but could not.
"Why do you want so much to eliminate these feelings? Tell me."
Nuada looked into his sister's eyes and, as always, he looked into the gaze of the only person who he could talk to, no matter how confused he was by even his own emotions. His eyes told her how grateful he was, for he needed her understanding more than anything.
Nuada's face was soft but his voice hardened. "Humans are so enamored of love. Or, so they claim. They profess a willingness to fight and die in the name of love. Yet, they insist on persecuting those who truly find and live by such principals."
Nuala reached out and took her brother's hand, strengthening their link. A face began to form in her brother's mind; a human, woman's face. Nuala could not conceal her surprise. How had a human woman managed to find her way into Nuada's heart?
"Brother, who is she?" Nuala asked in rapt fascination.
"Sophia," Nuada said in acknowledgement of his sister's curiosity.
"Sophia…Sophia."
*********
"Sophia, Lady Sophia?"
Sophia turned away from the mirror towards her Irish maid. "Yes, Mary." Sophia asked; her voice heavy with fatigue.
Mary gripped the front of her white apron. Her lady's health had been poor for some years now. Her husband had seen to it that Sophia had the best care but none of the physicians had ever really been able to cure her.
Sadly, Sophia's illness seemed to peak whenever her husband returned from his business in London to their house in the country. Mary wished that Sophia's husband, Lord Richard Kanner, would just stay away forever. It was only in his absence that Sophia, seemed to recover, if only a little.
"Mary, do you have question for me or not?" Sophia insisted.
Mary blushed at being pulled out of her musings. "Oh, I was just wondering if you wanted anymore help with your hair."
"No, my hair is fine." Sophia returned to her reflection and went back to completing her beauty regiment. She had touched her delicate, ice blue eyes with only the slightest hints of make-up. Her black locks of hair were pulled back into a bun which she secured to her head using a fine, tortoise shell comb. Now came the most arduous part of dressing: putting on her corset.
Sophia's feet padded over the wood floor boards to her four-poster bed and placed her hands on one of the posts. When Mary saw that her mistress had 'assumed the position' as she called it, she fetched the corset.
And so the torture began.
Sophia's finger nails clawed deeper into the oak wood of the bed post as Mary pulled the strings of the corset tighter and tighter. Sophia's fingers were white at the knuckles and her finger nails began to burn under the pressure.
Of all her tasks, Mary loathed this one the most. Her mistress was forever under the scrutiny and pressure of Lord Richard to play her role as a wealthy wife to perfection. Mary sometimes wondered if the rules and expectations Sophia worked to personify were tighter than the strings of the corset that she worked to lace.
With the corset secure, it was now time to dawn her gown. Sophia decided to wear a simple green gown accented by light embroidery and trained with a silk-velvet bustle. Putting on the gown took another twenty minutes, but finally, Sophia was dressed and ready to welcome her husband home.
"Is everything ready?" Sophia asked putting on her leather gloves.
"Yes ma'am." Mary answered. All the preparations were made, Lord Richard would return and find everything the way he liked them, including his wife.
"Very well, tell everyone to gather outside, Richard will be home very soon."
Mary curtsied and headed out of the room ahead of her mistress. Sophia sighed, or sighed as much as she could. The corset barely allowed her to draw full breath and she did not savor the idea of climbing down stairs to the main courtyard. Stairs always left her breathless; even made her faint from time to time.
"No, none of that today." Sophia commanded herself. She would not let Richard see her for the invalid that he always claimed her to be. Gathering her wits and what breath she could, Sophia collected the train of her dress and proceeded out of her bedroom to join the rest of the servants already waiting outside.
Her home was located in the English countryside. Richard had purchased the estate shortly after their marriage. It was intended to be a retreat for the both of them from the hustle and bustle of London. Despite the grandeur of the manor, Richard had purchased it for far less than one might think.
The land upon which it was built had a dark reputation. Many believed the woods that surrounded the property to be haunted. Sophia did not know much about the local legends, only what she heard here and there. Most stories spoke of the forest as being home to a dark terror of some kind. Others claimed that the forest was a sanctuary for ghosts and demons.
Richard had merely scoffed at such stories and Sophia dismissed them as well. Believing in fairytales certainly would do her no good. Especially since she had been sent to the estate to rest and recover from her illness. But she wondered sometimes if she would ever recover. Of the seven years she and Richard had been married, she had lived in this manor for five. Even after all that time, neither her husband, nor her Doctor saw any improvement in her condition.
Though the English winter had passed it did not feel like spring. The month of April was well under way yet chilly and wet weather continued to hold the land captive. Dark clouds formed on the horizon signaling an encroaching storm. Sophia's eyes were drawn away from the gathering clouds by an object moving ever closer. It was the carriage carrying her husband.
Sophia could feel the corset tightening as the carriage drew ever nearer to the house. Already her chest began to hurt from the pressure of the cinch and her lungs cried just for one deep breath. Sweat began to gather on her brow as she tried to maintain her composure. She did not want to have to suffer the humiliation of Richard having to carry her up the stairs to bed as soon as he returned home.
But Sophia willed her body to be strong. Richard's business was the dealing of artifacts from ancient cultures. This trip he returned from was one his latest ventures in acquisition. What would he return with now; artifacts from Egypt, China or perhaps Japan? She was excited to see these items and would not have it ruined by a fainting spell.
Furthermore, Richard was planning a huge exhibition of his collection at this house. She had known about it for some time and (much to her humiliation) had begged Richard to be able to attend. Richard denied her at first, expressing concerns that she was not yet well enough for such an event. But Sophia persisted until the two of them reached a compromise. If she was well enough by the time he returned home from this latest venture, she could attend.
That was a month ago and now he returned. Sophia was determined to show Richard she could indeed handle attending the exhibition. It was the first thing to happen in this house in a long time. Living in the country was very lonely and without many activities for a woman to indulge in.
Her interest in art such as drawing and painting had waned long ago. Her love of horseback riding had diluted as well, due to the physical weakness caused by her illness. If anything, this party was chance for her to escape the monotony of the prescriptions for rest or medications that consumed her life.
The carriage finally pulled up to the house and Richard stepped out. He was dressed in his usual, gray suite and wore his favorite coat that was touched with beaver fur that formed the lapels of the coat. Richard was a tall but full figured man with thick black hair. He was five years senior to her age of twenty seven. However, his stern appearance made appear much older.
"Sophia," He said warmly as he approached her. He held out his hand and she, in turn, held out her own for him to take. He brought her hand to his lips and placed a kiss upon it. Sophia's skin tingled as her hand came more into contact with Richard's bushy, black mustache. "How have you been my darling?"
Sophia managed a smile. "Quite well Richard, I believe my holiday out here in the country has finally begun to do me well. As you intended it."
Richard smiled and clasped her hand tightly. "Yes, but standing out hear in the cold can't be good for you. Let's go inside and have some tea." Richard signaled to his valet to take care of the unpacking of his luggage. Having done this many times before, the servants set to the task of unloading the valuable artifacts acquired by their lord. In the mean time, Sophia followed Richard into the house determined to show that she was indeed well.
********
Richard's homecoming had not gone over as bad as she had feared. On the contrary, Richard was in a good and generous mood when he returned. Not only did he give his approval to attend the exhibition, he had also purchased a lovely, new gown for her to wear. Judging by his good mood, all Sophia could figure was that Richard must have had a very successful time in London.
The week following Richard's return passed in a flurry of preparations for the exhibition. Guests, mostly colleagues of Richard and their wives had been arriving for the last two days. Sophia found herself lifted by all of the excitement and could not be more grateful that she was going to have the chance to socialize and do something more than just 'rest'.
There were still several more hours before the party officially started but Sophia wanted to sneak a peek at the artifacts that would be displayed tonight. The library also served as a ball room and had been cleared of all unnecessary furniture. Candles were being put in appropriate places and pedestals for the artifacts were being placed around the floor.
Sophia went directly over to the crates that contained the artifacts. But to her disappointment, they had not yet been opened. I guess I will have to wait till tonight she thought glumly to herself.
"Mistress, is there a problem?" Mary asked, her Irish accent even more pronounced when she was nervous.
Sophia smiled in reassurance. "No, there is no problem Mary but I would like to ask how much longer it will be before you will be able to assist me in my dressing for tonight?"
"Not too much longer, I just need to see to it that everything is in place here and in the kitchen and then I will be right up."
"Very well, carry on. But before you go, have you seen Richard?"
Mary readjusted the basket of cushioning materials and pointed, with her elbow, towards the office at the end opposite them of the library. Sophia nodded and let Mary go on her way.
The doorway to Richard's office was sealed by two, massive, oak doors. Richard had spared no expense when he renovated this house. The oak doors, embellished with angels and other Christian symbols, was a testament to the wealth he had spent his life accumulating. A portion of that wealth had come as a result of his marriage with Sophia for her family's business had been in the dealings of antiquities as well.
Sophia stepped inside the office, the creaking of the heavy doors announcing her entry. Richard looked up from his desk. "Darling, why are you not ready? Don't tell me that you are not well enough to attend when you practically begged to go in the first place?"
Sophia's pursed her lips and swallowed back the bitterness Richard's question left in her mouth. Why did he have to tease her so?
"No, Richard, I am simply waiting for Mary to help me prepare. She is not yet free from her chores."
"Do you like the gown I brought for you?"
Sophia nodded; it was indeed a beautiful gown. The fabric was burgundy embossed with black velvet patterns that traveled the whole of the gown like vines. The bustle was gathered in the back and formed a wonderful train. The buttons that fastened the bodice were finished with ruby colored, crystal cabochons. Truly, it was a piece of art.
"Yes, I do like it very much. It is a fabulous gift you have given me." Sophia meant it but there was only one aspect she did not dare to mention. The bodice was tinier than usual which meant that Mary would have to tighten the stays on her corset in order for dress to fit properly. Sophia was not looking forward to that at all.
"But, that is not why I am here. I was wondering if I might be able to see any of the new artifacts." Her tone was child-like and pleading, she dared not put any insistence in her voice out of fear of rousing Richard's temper.
Richard mused for a moment but then invited Sophia to stand by his side. "This is the only one I have opened at the moment." He indicated to a wooden crate on the floor by his desk.
Sophia watched as Richard shuffled his hands into the wood shavings that protected the artifact inside. Her mind was already racing with ideas about what could possibly be buried in the packing material. Richard finally pulled forth a long, black box. The material of the box was not wood for it shone like burnished stone.
The box was jet black like obsidian. Sophia guessed that the box was about three feet in length and ten inches wide but she still could not fathom what the box contained. More curious still was the symbol imprinted on the surface. Sophia could tell it was a picture of a tree and a very intricate one at that. The symbol was fashioned out of gold and stood out strikingly against the black that surrounded it.
In the meantime, Richard was droning on and on about how he had fought tooth and nail at the London auction to win this item. For him, the fighting for and winning of items was the best part of the business. He was mostly a private collector and hoarded his prizes in one estate or another. The items he grew tired of (which always happened sooner or later) he would sell and replace them with something else.
By the time he was finally finished, Sophia was bursting with curiosity-just open the box, she wanted to say.
Richard had teased her long enough, no matter what he tried he had never been able to suppress her curiosity. So without further adieu, he opened the box and revealed the treasure inside.
Sophia's breath was taken away. Inside the box was a weapon unlike any other she had ever seen. The weapon appeared to be a cross between a sword and a spear. The blade shone so brightly and looked so pure and sharp. So sharp that Sophia swore she could feel the sting of the blade by just looking at it. The hilt was equally exquisite with busy gold patterns rushing all over it. Truly, this was a great find.
"Where did this come from, what is known of it?" Sophia said, unable contain her curiosity in the presence of such a magnificent thing.
"Oh, it is old, beautiful and valuable, that's all I need to know," Richard said teasingly.
Why had she even bothered to ask? As long as an item was valuable it was alright to be ignorant of everything else about it. That is how Richard regarded many of the treasures in his collection.
But this spear was truly something and Sophia felt inspired by it. Perhaps later on she would break out her art supplies and do a sketch of the designs. She tried feverishly to take in as many details as possible but like always, her time for observation was all too brief. Richard shut the box and placed it in a safe across the room, locking it shut.
Richard's frame tensed as he returned to Sophia. "Tonight at the party, I want you to behave yourself and not get too excited over anything. Is that understood?"
Sophia's heart clenched. Why did he have to do this to her? "Richard please, I just want to have a good time tonight. What harm is there in that?"
"Have you forgotten Dr. Mason's advice, too much excitement or stimulation could tire you; do you want to have a relapse?" His voice grew colder with every word.
"Of course I don't. Is it so wrong for me to want to be among people other than my servants?"
"How dare you argue with me?" Richard raked his hand through his hair. "Perhaps this is not a good idea. I can tell your condition is acting up."
"No Richard, please. I want to go very much, I will be calm I promise." Sophia hated having to humiliate herself this way but she had nothing to gain by standing up for herself only ever made things worse.
Richard did not repeat his threat but neither did he relent in his disapproval. He turned his back to her and waved his hand, a signal to her dismissal. She would still be allowed to attend but it was clear that it was against his better judgment.
Sophia made a hasty retreat back to her room. Once there she shut the door and gave into her tears. Tonight she would have to be on her guard as well as her best behavior. Having a good time be dammed.
*********
Night had fallen, and with it, came a most furious storm. No moonlight penetrated the clouds. The only light that could be seen was the soft glow coming from the lights within the manor.
Two figures stood just beyond the walls of the estate and eyed it most critically. One was a hulking, monstrous figure while the other was small but lithe. The home may have been secure by human standards but was no fortress. Getting in and getting out would not be that difficult.
The taller figure turned to the smaller one and began to speak. The speech would have sounded like a series of grumbles and growls to human ears or to those who did not know any better. But to the one whom the voice was directed, the words were a clear as glass.
"Is it here, are you sure of it my lord?" The question was complimented by an ominous rumble of distant thunder.
"Without a doubt my friend. The humans may have kept it from me for a time but tonight, I reclaim it."
Nuada, elf prince of Bethmoora, needed only to wait for the right opportunity to strike. His companion, the troll known as Wink had gladly come with him, eager to help his lord and friend meet this challenge. But they had to be careful. Both of them of them knew that when it came to protecting material items, humans could be especially dangerous.
Even so, they felt no pressing need to be too worried. All they really needed to do was wait for the food, drink (the drink especially) and festivities to dull the senses of the humans. Once that had happened, storming the manor and taking back the royal spear of Bethmoora should be a simple task.
********
The stormed raged outside but those gathered in the library did not let their spirits be dampened by the deplorable weather. Men in their finest suits chatted, played cards and took in the beauty around them. That beauty included the many artifacts, mostly statues of Oriental origin, as well as the women in attendance. The women were the wives and daughters of Richard's partners in business.
Sophia knew that she was possibly in the presence of Richard's mistress, or just one of his many. She believed beyond doubt that Richard, as a husband, was faithless. Just like the other married men around her. But Sophia pushed that aside and tried to have a good time.
She occupied herself by wandering from pedestal to pedestal taking in the details of the various statues and pieces of pottery. To her disappointment, Richard did not have the enchanting spear on display. But she was not surprised either. Richard was always most paranoid about the items he had fought particularly hard for. Most likely he would keep the spear under lock and key for several months until he felt it was safe to display it openly.
A small crowd of women, and a few men, had gathered around one statue in particular. Sophia recognized the statue; it was one she was very familiar with and very dear to her heart.
"It is so lovely," Commented one of the women.
"Yes, the Chinese are most adept at capturing beauty," Said one of the men in addition to the woman's compliment. "But I wonder who she is?"
"She is Kuan Yin, a goddess of motherhood and compassion."
All the people assembled turned their attention to Sophia. Her face was alight at the chance to express her knowledge. And, dressed in the gown, she was truly a vision.
Sophia approached the statue and took in its detail. The pose and colors were typical of those chosen for Kuan Yin but this one was different in that it was very detailed. The robes that surrounded the goddess were painted in a way that made them look embroidered with flora and fauna. The very sculpting of the statue itself made her look as though she were really flying on the lotus upon which she stood. Clearly, a lot of love had gone into this statue.
Sophia began to talk about all that she knew of Kuan Yin while the guests around her listened politely. This was a Goddess with various qualities and people such as children, sailors and women called upon her for strength, protection and for self love. Though Kuan Yin was able to enter Nirvana, according to Buddhist telling, she decided to remain on earth until all suffering had ended. She would be the guide to all those seeking enlightenment.
"Tell me," a man in the crowd suddenly asked. "From what deity does this female God take her orders from?"
Sophia cringed at the man's condescending tone. "Kuan Yin has no master other than herself. Her will and desires are commanded only by her own heart. Goddesses are just as capable of independence as their male counterparts"
"Yes but such beliefs show just how primitive other cultures can be. Why do they even have such ideas?" Sophia recognized the voice, even slurred by too much wine. He was Mr. Conroy, one of Richard's business partners.
"Oh whatever do you mean by that Mr. Conroy? Different cultures have different faiths and ideas. Personally I believe that Goddesses such as Kuan Yin exist to show women just how much more they are capable of." Sophia already felt like she was wasting her breath. Mr. Conroy was well educated and had been to so many places in the world, yet he was so close minded.
"Dear woman you are sweet but you need to understand how toxic and harmful such ideas are. Any woman who acts outside of her God given role of matrimony and motherhood will only end up miserable. Women really should only worry about keeping the peace at home and leave all other things in the capable minds and hands of men."
Sophia snorted. "Look all I know is that many women work themselves to madness trying to be the best mothers and wives and they are still miserable. Perhaps there is something astray with our own culture."
Mr. Conroy did not even attempt to respond to her. He simply returned to his wine and walked away. Sophia could not help but to feel a since of victory. Mr. Conroy could not begin to deal with a person, much less a woman, who challenged him. No doubt he would be drowning that defeat in another glass of wine.
Sophia's lecture had garnered much attention, including that of Richard's. The man excused himself and went to Sophia. "Will you come with me?" It may have come in the form of a request but Sophia knew by his tone that this was a command.
She followed Richard into his office. Without the light of day, the office was very dark, even scary. Kerosene lamps filled the room with only a soft glow. But the real darkness came from Richard's mood and Sophia knew this encounter was to be anything but pleasant.
"What was that?" He asked curtly, "Speaking of all that nonsense with Mr. Conroy."
"Whatever do you mean? I was simply trying to educate our guest that is all."
"No, it was that 'Goddess' foolishness I am referring to. It is enough that people think my wife is ill, must they now think she is a heretic?"
"I meant nothing of the sort; I was simply trying to educate Mr. Conroy. Honestly, you and people like him have seen so much but seem to know so little-"
Richard struck Sophia so hard the tortoise shell comb came out of her hair and clacked on the floor. He grabbed her arm and shoved her against the wall just as quickly.
"How dare you speak to me this way?" He tightened his grip on her arm extracting an agony filled cry from her.
"This is not the way for a proper, healthy woman to behave. There is something gravely wrong with you. In the morning I am sending for Dr. Mason."
"No, please don't, not him, not him…" Sophia began to cry at the thought of having to endure that insufferable man and his barbaric tortures he called treatments.
"But it is necessary, can't you see how unwell you are." Richard released his hold on her and cupped her face, almost as if trying to comfort her.
Sophia could not hold on anymore. The pain of her extra tight corset was too much and her body desperately craved air. Her legs gave out and she sank to the floor. She had not completely fainted but nor was she in any condition to make it to her room.
Richard bent down and cradled Sophia to him. She could feel him begin to gather her up; intending to carry her, to her room most likely. "No, please, just let me rest in here." No, she did not want to be humiliated further by having Richard carry her in this miserable state for everyone to see.
Richard sighed and agreed. He carried her over to a chaise lounge by the fireplace and lay her down. Sophia said nothing in response to Richard's kiss on her forehead or to his wish that she feel better. She just wanted him to leave.
Once she was alone, she began to sob uncontrollably. The only thing she had to calm herself was the soft glow and shadows created by the kerosene lamps. She concentrated on them until her fatigue overwhelmed her at last.
Her rest was short lived. She was shaken awake by a tremendous crash. Everything in the room shook and those still in the library wailed. At first, Sophia thought it to be nothing more than a fright caused by a crash of thunder. But the screaming from inside the library continued.
It took some effort, but Sophia hauled herself off the chaise lounge and went to the office doors. They were opened just enough to leave a crack for her to peek through. She saw the guests screaming and running. From what they ran from, she could not see. But whatever it was, it attacked with a vengeance. The smashing of wood rang loudly and permeated her hearing. In the middle of it all, she heard a roar that chilled her blood.
She saw that Mr. Conroy had become separated from the group. He was completely terrified and held his shaking hands in front of him. His back was to the wall and he shook like a leaf. "N…no, don't," He said quivering all over.
Then, in an instant, a large, metallic object came out of nowhere and pummeled his body into the wall. The sound of wall crashing was overpowered by the sickening sound of bones breaking and the gurgling of the man's last, blood choked breath.
Sophia covered her mouth to stifle her scream. She looked through the crack to see that the surviving guests had all fled. Sophia however, could not escape, whatever had attacked was still in the room; she was trapped.
The metallic object was still visible and now she saw that it had a chain attached to it. Was it a giant mace of some kind? The slack on the chain began to be retracted and the chain rose in the air as it became taut. Then with a mighty yank, it came out of the wall. With it came dust, pieces of broken wood and the gooey remains of poor Mr. Conroy's body.
Sophia came within an inch of vomiting at the grotesque sight. Her instincts told her to retreat and hide herself in the office but her body was fixed to the spot. She continued to observe the events taking place beyond the doors. The clanking sound of the chain being retracted mingled with what sounded like hooves, very huge hooves, stomping on the floor. The blunt end of the metal object that had killed the man began to move and Sophia could see its shape; it's hand like shape.
Something like an arm, a grotesque and obviously inhuman arm came into view and the last length of chain was retracted into the arm reuniting the huge, metallic hand with it. The rest of that body came into view and the blood in Sophia's veins ran cold. There was no other name for what she beheld but 'monster'.
The monster bellowed menacingly and stomped around the room. It appeared to be looking for something. As it searched, Sophia was able to see more and more of what the creature looked like. It must have been seven or eight feet tall at least and was incredibly bulky. Yet it moved, not gracefully but not awkwardly either. Spiny hairs started at the top of the creatures head and grew longer as they proceeded down its back. The creature turned and she could see its face. It had tiny, beady eyes and its mouth was, literally, all tusks.
Fear still pulsed through her but fascination began to mingle with that fear. The creature stopped its searching and began to bellow. The sounds were not continuous but came in series of long and short bursts; almost like it was speaking.
"I do not see it either but I know it is here!" A voice, determined yet controlled responded to the creature's grunts.
Sophia scanned the room intensely, desperate to catch a glimpse of the one whom had spoken. She was so preoccupied with scanning the room that she did not realize how much she was leaning on the doors. The creaking sound made by the hinges echoed loudly in her ears. She pulled herself away from the doors and hoped the creature had not heard. But the sudden stomping of hooves heading her direction proved otherwise.
The stomping came to an abrupt end and any light that shone from in the other side of the doors was blocked by the creature's massive form. The doors swung open, gone was the only barrier of safety that Sophia had. Before her stood the massive creature but it was not alone. With it was a man, or what she thought was a man.
Wink had been the one to attack first. Nuada would not have had it any other way for Wink had a talent for 'clearing' crowds. The moment the troll burst into the house, the humans had scattered like crazed insects. A flurry of men shouting, women screaming and scurrying off to safety ensued. Nuada did not care where they went just so long as they stayed out of his way.
It did not take long for Wink to clear the room and kill any remaining humans who had missed their chance to escape. Nuada began to search the many display cases for the royal Spear of Bethmoora; it had to be here somewhere.
Wink was trying to suggest searching another area of the house when the sound of creaking door hinges alerted Nuada's senses; someone was still here. Both he and Wink followed the sound to its source, a pair of oak doors. The doors opened to an office where a woman had been trying to hide.
Sophia shrank back from the man. But for every step she took back, he took a step forward. There was no readable expression on his face but his eyes; she had never seen such eyes. They were amber colored, piercing and bright, not human at all. She felt as though those eyes could see right into her soul.
In the dim light she could see the flesh of his face, white flesh touched by tribal like lines. The most prominent line ran horizontally across his face and ended at each cheek. The skin around his eyes were touched black; make-up perhaps. His lips were black as well and his face was surrounded by damp locks of snow-white hair.
"It is impolite to stare my lady." He spoke in the controlled tone that had captured her moments before.
Sophia was still too shocked for words and worse still, she began to feel dizzy. Her corset prevented her from drawing the necessary breath to stay alert and the fear caused by the man's encroaching presence did not help. The creature taking its first tentative step into the room shattered any last shred of self control Sophia had and she tried to run.
Her attempt was foiled by the man grabbing her by the arm and spinning her around to face him. She made a feeble attempt to struggle and squirmed against him. He was clearly not amused.
Nuada tightened his grip on the woman, "It is your own grave you dig by fighting." The woman whimpered pitifully but ceased her struggling. Nuada did not mind if he had to tear this whole house down to find what he had come for. But perhaps he would not have to.
"I have come seeking the Spear of Bethmoora. Do you know where it is?" He said maintaining his grip on the woman.
Sophia was on the verge of fainting, she could feel it. Her knees began to give out and her body buckled but she did not fall. To her amazement, the man readjusted his arm to support her rather than restrain her. In doing so, he had pulled her almost flush against his body.
"I ask again, where is the spear?" His question held little patience and even less chivalry.
In her cloudy mind, she could only think of one thing that he might be referring to. "A…spear?" She tried to turn her head towards the safe where Richard had stored it earlier. But the man's grip prevented her from doing so.
"It's…its here," She finally managed to say though her voice was merely a whisper.
"Where?" The man insisted.
Sophia tried to turn in the direction of the safe again but the man still held her. Oblivious to the fact that she was trying to help him rather then escape, Sophia tried jerking her head over her right shoulder indicating the safe's direction. This time, he understood and loosened his grip on her.
"There… in the safe." She told him.
The man's brow furrowed and sneered at the metal contraption that contained his goal. Though he had loosened his grip, he had not yet released Sophia. The second she tried to move away, he squeezed her upper arm to remind her that he still had control.
Sophia tried to keep in step with the man as he marched over to the safe. The bronze colored safe was the size of a casket and locked with a combination lock. She expected him to tell her to open it. But that was not the case.
"Mr. Wink, if you please."
At the man's request, the massive creature stepped forward. Sophia did not know whether to be more surprised that the creature had a name or that it was asked to smash the safe open. Her mouth was agape as the creature lifted its metal hand, still covered in blood, and slammed it into the front of the safe.
The sound of metal pounding against metal was deafening. Sophia covered her ears with her hands to try and lessen the sound. Already, her ears began to ring and add to the agony she was already in. By this time she was willing herself to faint, hoping to fall into darkness only to wake and find all of this a bad dream.
With every progressive blow, Wink aided Nuada in approaching his goal. Even entombed in the huge, metal box, Nuada could smell the ancient magic on the blade. But he was not too focused on his goal to forget about his human hostage. The woman squealed pathetically and her face was drenched with sweat and tears.
"Control your self," He said to her, "This will be over soon."
One last blow from Wink's mechanical hand buckled the safe's door enough for Wink to rip it off and plunder its contents. Small statues, books and miscellaneous trinkets lay scattered on the floor. Among the items was the black box with the royal emblem on it.
"Finally," Said the white haired man with much satisfaction.
He unexpectedly released her and Sophia had to cling to the desk to remain standing. Ignoring the pain it caused, Sophia sucked in breath after breath. She was still unable to take in the breath necessary to fully restore herself, but she regained some of her senses. She observed the man, now kneeling before the black box that contained the spear.
Time was of the essence, Nuada knew that but he could not help but to spare a moment. Before him was the royal spear of Bethmoora, an enchanted blade used by warrior and king alike. Long had the humans kept it from him, but now he would take it back.
He reached his hand to lift the spear from the box and was met with a most shocking setback. Nuada muttered and elfin curse before laughing bitterly.
"I do not see what is so amusing?" Muttered Wink in his harsh, troll tongue. His Lord's prize lay right there in front of him yet Nuada did not grasp it.
"Well done father, well done!" Nuada spat as he slammed his fists on the floor and cursed once more.
Nuada grunted. This mission had turned into a complete fiasco. He came only to reclaim what never should have been taken from him to begin with. He had no intention of causing this much mayhem (although he was not bothered by the fact that he had) but that it was all for nothing was especially vexing.
His sharp elfin ears picked up the sound of footsteps. The men were returning. Wink's sensitive troll nose began to twitch at the detection of the smell of gun powder. The men were coming to defend their keep.
Sure enough, a gang of men all armed with rifles burst into the room. Not needing to be told, Wink bellowed loudly causing several of the men to fire their weapons. Those that didn't fire stood with their mouths agape at the massive creature that stood before them.
Despite Wink's attempt to defend his master, a bullet grazed Nuada's right cheek and blood seeped fourth. Not crimson like human blood, but amber, nearly brown in color.
'What is he?' Sophia thought as she saw the amber blood drip down the side of the man's face.
Richard stood in the middle of the crowd brandishing a Samuel Colt. "Sophia, Sophia are you alright?" He called to her.
"Richard," A mere whisper was all she could manage in her weakened state.
Nuada dashed over to the woman and pulled her to him. His rough action caused her to cry out but he received no excessive resistance from her. This was not the course of action he would have preferred. But he could see no other way to accomplish his goal.
"I am Nuada, the true owner of the royal spear," He exclaimed. "Return to me what is mine and this woman goes free." To press his point, Nuada unsheathed his blade and held it to the woman's neck.
Richard stood firm. "I'll be damned before I give into the likes of murderous scum like you. Now release my wife." Richard fired a warning shot to prove how serious he was.
Nuada smirked-humans only ever felt strong when they had weapons in their hands. And just as well, Nuada was not intimidated but it appeared that he would have to take more drastic measures.
"Then you must decide between your damnation or her death."
With that, Wink bellowed once more, turned and rammed right hand through one of the arch windows that lined the office wall. Stone and glass went everywhere as the troll's massive form cleared an exit for his master and their hostage.
Sophia cried pitifully and she was thrown over the shoulder of the strange man. The action forced whatever last breath she had in her body causing her to hang limp on the shoulder of her captor. She hoped that when she woke this would all have been a bad dream.
The men fired their guns without success. Having no ammunition left, they could only watch as the bizarre intruders escaped into the night taking Sophia with them.
TBC: Please review ^_^