Chapter 8

Vanyel and Stefen had long since giving up on busting any holes through the door. They lay side by side on the bed, not speaking. They were tired, they were hungry, and they were half asleep.

So it was understandable, when the door opened, they were not quite as speedy on the pick up as they would have liked to be.

"Stef," Van murmured.

"Mmmmmm," Stefen replied eloquently.

"Stef," Van said again. "I believe the door has opened."

"That's interesting," Stef agreed.

The two lay in silence for a moment, then as one sat up and stared at the door.

Standing in the doorframe was a slight, brown haired man with unremarkable features and a short neck. Vanyel and Stefen gaped at him. He stared back with wide eyes, but was other wise seemingly emotionless.

All three stared for a minute until the newcomer broke the connection by bending down and setting a tray that had gone previously unnoticed by Van and Stef on the ground. Straightening up, he cleared his throat.

"He'll be here soon," he said flatly, before turning around and leaving, shutting the door behind him. A clicking sound a moment later heralded the locking of the door.

Van and Stef sat in shock for a moment before bounding up off of the bed simultaneously and rushing to the door, pounding at it and turning the handle futilely.

"Oi!" shouted Van, slamming his fist into the ungiving wood. "Come back! What do you mean, 'he'll be here soon?' For that matter, who's he? Come back, damn it!" Stefen added in a few shouts of his own.

But it was no use; the strange man did not return, and the door remained as locked as it ever was. Van sank to the ground beside the tray, and prodded at the food left for them.

"May as well eat this, eh, Stef? At least we'll get some strength back," said Van gloomily. Stefen agreed and the two transferred the tray to the lone table. They perched awkwardly around the food, as there were no chairs: Van had broken the only one earlier.

"Look," said Van, munching on a cracker, "I suppose this is good news, isn't it? I mean, we do have confirmation that at least somebody will be here within the next day or two. That's got to be soon."

"Yes," Stef agreed, "but for that matter, who's he? We know someone's coming, ashke, but we've got no indication as to whom, and that could be quite a large problem."

Van shook his head tiredly and sighed. "I don't know, Stef, I just don't know. I suppose the only thing we can do now is to wait for whoever 'he' is to come. And honestly, 'Fandes has got to be looking for us by now, and I don't doubt she's worried as hell. But honestly, Stef, I don't see how she's going to find us without a lot of help, and that may take awhile. So I think we're going to have to fend for ourselves for the moment here."

There was a knock on the door as Van finished speaking, and then the handle turned and it swung open.

A man stepped in, different from the last time, clad in a white tunic and breeches, almost a parody of the Heralds' dress. Shaggy blond hair drooped in his eyes, which peered intently out from beneath the strands. Looking into the orbs, Van was surprised at the hate that his saw there – he hadn't seen such revulsion towards himself since his own lifetime, when he would fight monsters and villains bent against the destruction of himself, his countrymen, or Valdemar.

He hadn't known people could hate in the Havens; it was one of the things he had loved about it.

The man spoke. Van shook himself out of his reverie and listened.

"So," he said in an oily tone. "You're here. I'm here. Don't you wonder what's going to happen now?"

Stef, always the impulsive one, burst out, "Who are you?"

The stranger shook his head. "No one of consequence, nobody either of you two would know."

Van's voice was level. "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying you've got no idea who I am, Herald, and that's the thing – you should." His face was turning red and his eyes narrowed angrily.

"And why would that be?"

"Because," the man exploded. "You two idiots never see what's in front of you! Always laughing, talking, fooling around, in your perfect little sphere world of happiness, with your pretty white horse and your love bond that ensures your eternal tranquility – why are you two so damn lucky? Your lives are perfect, you realize that, you know – every day is a happy one, every morning a fresh slate, with nothing to worry about, no concerns, nothing bothering you!" He drew in a deep breath, eyes wild and eyebrow twitching madly. "Well, GUESS WHAT? Not everything is perfect for everybody else! Lord and Lady know why you two live such blessed existences while the rest of us are left to suffer in the dark! Why is it, Herald? WHY IS IT?"

He ended his rant, breathing hard, glaring with brightly burning eyes that seemed to bore holes straight through Van and Stef. The lifebonded pair backed away a bit, staying away from the obviously fanatically enraged stranger.

"This," started the man again, "is why I've done this to you. I've decided to give you – the pair of you – a taste of your own medicine! That's right," he said to Van and Stef's enlightened faces. "I brought you here, I kidnapped you, I paid the mage to lock you in here, in this room, away from your damned white witch horse! Now you'll feel how we feel, how we normal people live, in the shadows of your joyful existence!

"How does it feel, eh? How does it feel to be separated from your witch horse? Are you missing your little bard friend? Are you suffering without your instant access to magical powers the like of which nobody else has seen in their lives? I should kill you now," he snarled, his features twisting, "just to wipe the contented smirks off your faces – but I won't." Stefen breathed an unconscious sigh of relief and felt Van do the same beside him. "Oh, I wouldn't relax so soon," their captor sneered. "I won't kill you yet. But I've got better things to do. I'd say it's about time to go find the little white witch horse." He turned his back and stalked to the door. "I think red will look good against her coat, don't you?" And amidst Stefen's strangled yelp, and Van's futile lunge toward him, he exited, leaving Van to crash furiously into the wall.

The Herald, normally strong, collapsed into hot, angry tears. Stefen crawled down to the floor beside him to put his arms around him and comfort him.

"Ashke, Ashke, it's okay, he's bluffing, he's got to be bluffing. He couldn't touch 'Fandes with a ten foot pole if she didn't let him, you know that. 'Fandes is tougher than you sometimes. Van, come on, stop crying. We've got to find a way out of this."

Van sniffled a bit, but the tears halted. "Stef, this is ridiculous," he said wetly. "We're here – separated from 'Fandes, I may add, who's about to be attacked by a crazed madman – just because we were happy and somebody else wasn't. How is that even fair?" he exclaimed, punching the ground with his fists. "For once, just once in my life, I'm enjoying myself. I don't have to worry about anything but myself. I've got you, I've got 'Fandes, I've got friends. I've got a nice house! I'm throwing parties, pulling pranks – in short, all the things I never got to do in Valdemar. Essentially, I've been having fun without the weight of the world on my shoulders.

"And some bastard has to step in and mess it all up for me. What do you want to bet he had a good life, eh, Stef? He probably had a family. He probably had friends. He was probably happy. But no. He has to be jealous of me for the happiness I've only finally been granted! And I deserve happiness, Stef!" he shouted suddenly. He quieted. "I deserve it," he repeated in a softer tone. He put his head in his hands.

Stef stepped in. "Look, Van, ashke, you're right. You do deserve it – more than anybody else I've ever known." He flashed a quick smile at his lifebonded before continuing. "Don't believe anything that vile tongue says, Van. But you know, in a way, that man is right about one thing. You're special. You know that, Van? You're special, because you're the purest, most valiant person I've ever known." Van looked up. "Honestly, Van, haven't you ever noticed? You've got a saving people thing, for sure – everybody else's life comes long before yours does. You die in an instant if it meant you could save the life of an innocent, and if you were starving and locked in chains, and saw somebody happy, you wouldn't feel an ounce of jealousy or misgiving towards them – you'd only be happy for their contentedness. Don't you realize how rare that is, Van, to find a person who cares more for the happiness of others, of strangers, than their own?"

Van shook his head and pounded halfheartedly on the door again. "It doesn't matter, Stef. Look where it's got me." He gestured around their cramped prison. "It's got me nowhere."

xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

Medren left, leaving Yfandes behind, to get the final information on the location of Vanyel and Stefen's kidnapper. 'Fandes protested bitterly when he announced his intentions to go alone, but she settled back down when Medren explained that he was the only person his informant would talk to. Still, 'Fandes reflected, sitting alone and worrying was remarkably boring and stressful.

She jumped as the door opened and turned eagerly. Medren wore a grin and Yfandes soon sported one as well when she saw his face.

"You've got news?"

"Yep," Medren assured her. "They're being kept in a townhouse not far from here. From what I can gather, it belongs to one of the townspeople. Callum Krishner. I've got no idea why he'd want to kidnap Van and Stef, but then, I guess we'll have to go and find out." He shook his head. "This entire thing is ridiculous, you know that? This is the Havens! As in, no kidnapping! All is well! Nobody should have to worry about criminals, because the criminals aren't allowed in the first place!"

'Fandes seemed introverted, and Medren remained quiet until she spoke up. "I've been thinking," she said, and Medren glanced up hopefully. "Greatness inspires envy, and envy engenders spite, right?" Medren started to agree, but she continued. "I don't think any of these people had to be criminals in their past lives to just be jealous. And as we've just established, jealous people do stupid things. Sometimes they're so jealous that they are blinded – they can't even see past their own large noses to realize that what they're doing is amazingly stupid. If they could just think straight – if they weren't wearing blinders constructed of greed – they'd never do something like this. They'd never kidnap two innocent men, whose only crimes were to be happy."

Her voice shook, but she continued. "It's still not an excuse, though, Medren. He's still got no reason to do this. He's still gonna get his ass kicked." She turned watery eyes toward Medren and grinned. "Come on, we've gotta go. Someone's got a beating coming, and I've got no sympathy left for him. He made his choice."

Medren extended his hand to 'Fandes and the two made their way out the door.

xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

"Oi – get your elbow out of my side!" Yfandes hissed angrily.

"Sorry!" Medren whispered frantically in the bushes. "Now be quiet – they're gonna hear us if you don't shut up!"

"I don't care," 'Fandes said angrily. "Let them come, I'll take them all –"

"Shut up!"

'Fandes obediently closed her mouth as two townspeople strolled by in the warm summer night. She and Medren lay on their stomach in a patch of bushes across the way from Krishner's home. A lone light burned in the upstairs window, and 'Fandes couldn't help but wonder if Van and Stef were there, or if they were perhaps below ground.

"All right," Medren said in a hushed tone, "Look, here's our plan of action. Um. Honestly, I'm not very good at all this action. Ideas?"

'Fandes snorted and stood, dragging Medren by the collar along with her. "Come on, bard. If you don't have a plan, then we're doing this my way. Companion style, if you will."

Medren gulped. "I'm really not so sure I trust you anymore. I've known far too many crazy Companions, to be honest."

"Oh, don't be silly!" Yfandes laughed a little too boisterously. "If you can't trust a Companion, you can't trust anybody!"

"…Right," Medren replied. "Look, 'Fandes, how about we just go home now and figure out a plan. We can come back once we actually know what we're going to do!"

"Pssh," 'Fandes said scornfully. "Plans are for wussy bards.

"Besides, I already know what we're doing."

xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

With Medren trailing reluctantly behind, Yfandes knocked violently on the door.

"'Fandes, are you sure you know what you're doing?"

"Quiet bard. Let the Companion wok her magic."

The door opened. A man appeared in the doorway. "Can I help you?"

"Yes," said 'Fandes, and delivered quite a nice right hook to the man's temple.

Medren stood openmouthed and stared down at the newly unconscious form of the door-answerer. "Where'd you learn to do that?"

"Haven't you heard? Never attempt to mess with a Companion. We bite."

"Or punch," noted Medren.

"Whatever the situation requires. Now come on. We've got to find them. Next time I see somebody, kindly remind me not to knock them unconscious. We need some information."

"Uh, Yfandes –" Medren interjected as they slipped into the house and began to navigate the dimly lit hallways. Pausing at an intersection, 'Fandes opened a door and glanced down the revealed corridor.

"Not now, Medren."

"No, 'Fandes, seriously. Listen! I know where they're being kept! We do not need to look randomly!"

'Fandes turned to stare at Medren. "Oh, now you tell me? Nice one, Medren. Seriously. Where are they?!"

Medren shook his head. "They're in the basement! As far as I know, they're in a locked room which's been sealed magically, which is why Van hasn't blown up the place getting out by now."

'Fandes nodded once, but she seemed deep in thought. "Right. Which way to the basement?"

"No idea."

"Well, you're sure helpful. All right. To the stairs."

They bumped around the house, miraculously not waking anybody up, and Medren began to wonder if anybody was home at all. Eventually they came upon a narrow flight of stairs. Though the first few steps were clearly lit by a wall sconce mounted outside the door, the steps gradually darkened so that one finally descended into darkness.

"Right," said Medren nervously. "You go first."

'Fandes snorted, managing to sound quite a bit like a horse. "I was already planning to," she said, and then mumbled something that sounded like "wussy bard" under her breath.

She took the first step and winced as the stair creaked, but she continued, with Medren following hesitantly behind. The lights vanished, and Medren squinted in an attempt to see through the inky darkness. He reached out and touched the wall for support, as he surely would have fallen if he had not.

They continued, bypassing the stairs and tiptoeing down another dark corridor. There weren't any wall sconces down here.

And then – Medren squinted again – surely not…?

But it was. "Is that a light?" Yfandes murmured in a sleepy sort of way.

"Yes, I think," Medren agreed. The darkness had a sort of calming effect, but the approaching illumination did nothing to comfort. For it was approaching, Medren realized; coming closer, bobbing up and down, and now he could see, it was a candle, and a candle would have to be held –

By a man.

'Fandes pressed herself against the wall of the corridor and Medren followed suit. The small ball of light bobbed closer in the darkness, revealing a man strolling slowly down the corridor, looking deeply immersed in his own thoughts. He came nearer and nearer, and Medren was sure he was going to spy them in a moment when Yfandes acted.

She stepped out in front of the man in a smooth sort of motion and intoned, "Good evening."

The man let out a strangled yelp. Three things happened. The man threw his candle in the air. The light danced on the ceiling for a moment, darting across stone and wood and splattering patterns on Medren's face, before succumbing to gravity and descending downwards. As it fell, Medren became responsible for the second thing. He punched the man in the face. Yfandes, in the meantime, completed the third thing and caught the candle.

"Ah," said Yfandes. "I think that's better, don't you?" She held the candle aloft on one hand.

"You –" gasped out the man. He was pale, with an overgrown blonde mop and a white tunic that stood out handily in the dark. As soon as he spoke, he clutched his head and groaned. Medren's punch seemed to have done the trick.

"Me," said Yfandes. "I suppose you are Callum?"

And then Medren recognized him from the description his informant had provided. This was indeed Callum Krishner, and judging from the half-illuminated expression on his face, he was terrified. Medren wondered how anybody who was such a coward could manage to kidnap Van and Stef. As Yfandes turned her head slightly for confirmation, Medren looked her in the eye and nodded. She turned back to face the criminal. Her unoccupied arm shot out and snatched his collar, pulling his face close to hers.

Callum gasped sharply; his breaths came in little puffs and his eyes bulged slightly, like a frog's. "You've got one chance," she snarled. "Where are they?" Her harsh tone startled Medren. He hardly recognized Yfandes like this. She wasn't just tough, she was mean, and as he thought this he caught a glimpse of the shine in her eye and knew she was serious.

She shook Callum again, brought him closer, looking at him like a lion to a wounded zebra. Medren knew what he had to do.

"Stop," he interjected, pulling Yfandes from the man. "'Fandes, stop. You're going to kill him if you keep this up." Callum collapsed in a heap on the ground, whimpering. So much for a tough opponent. One right hook and he's out for the count.

The Companion blazed with fury. "I don't care if I kill him, Medren, can't you see! He took Van and Stef! It's his fault! They – they could be dead by now, or maimed, or –" she burst into tears.

"Calm down!" Medren exclaimed. "You need to get control!" He rushed to Yfandes and hugged her awkwardly, his spindly bard arms around her sobbing form. "'Fandes, I know you're worried, and you're stressed, and you're on your last straw, but you can't let it get to you." They both knew what went unsaid. You nearly killed somebody, just because you got caught in the moment! But neither acknowledged it, and Yfandes nodded, wiping her eyes. "We've got to stay strong for Van and Stef, okay?"

Medren turned to the cowardly kidnapper. "This time, you've got to answer," he said, nudging the man with his foot. "Where are they?"

Callum pointed down the corridor the way he had come. Medren glanced down the path and then back at Callum, nodding. "Fair enough. You're coming with us, hear? And you will assist us if we need assistance, and you will not speak unless spoken to. Now get up." Medren hauled at the criminal's shirt, and managed to get him standing with a little help from Yfandes.

The corridor was straightforward; there weren't any paths on which to get lost on and in a moment they had arrived at a plain wooden door.

Medren reached out and tried the knob. "It's locked," he murmured to 'Fandes, and then turned to Callum. "Open it."

The gibbering man pulled a key from his pocket and turned it in the lock. To Yfandes' Companion senses, the door went through a thorough stripping as several enchantments faded. To Medren, however, the lock clicked, and that meant the door was open. He reached forward and turned the knob, and this time there was an answering squeak as the door swung open.

Yfandes pushed past Callum and Medren and barreled into the room.

"VAN! STEF! WE'RE HERE TO RESCUE YOU!"

The lifebonded pair sat on the floor, and the looks on their faces as they caught sight of the joyous Companion was enough reward for Medren. Not to mention he had his uncle and best friend back.

xXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

A/N: Soooo… Probably a bunch of you are bemoaning the fact that I added plot, cause honestly the story's not as funny anymore, but too bad. It needs to end somewhere and I refuse to leave it as a plotless unfinished story that is, admittedly, funny, but still lacks any sort of structure at all. Also – wooo! This is probably the quickest I've updated since the very very beginning. Which is rather sad, when you think about it. It takes me this long to write 3500 words. Actually it doesn't take me very long at all. I just lose interest and then come back two weeks later all "Hmm. Maybe I should write my fanfic!" And then I always finish it in like, one night. Anyway. I had something I was gonna say down here but I've completely forgotten about it. Oh! Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! Eh? Eh? It was great, wasn't it? I loved it. Anyway, I've already written a great deal of the epilogue already, and that's all we've got left, so hopefully I'll be able to update pretty soon-ish. Don't get your hopes up, though. Chances are a giant mongoose of distraction will attack me on the way to swim practice and I'll forget about this thing for a year.

Anyway, as always, go to my fictionpress! Penname Yabberli. And if you have any interest at all in the Arthur legend go read my King Arthur fic. Especially if you're a fan of the Mists of Avalon. I think you'll enjoy it.

It is now 1:08 in the morning. Signing off now.

-Natalie