The Chronicles of the Young Claude Frollo

~8~

Frollo, Maria and a group of soliders marched towards the abondened church. The walls were covered in ivy and the old stained glass windows were now ugly and covered in dirt. Frollo glanced over at Maria, who seemed to have something on her mind.

"Here we are men" said Frollo, getting the solider's attentions "We got a tip that Gypsies are using this church as a lair. Now search the place, arrest anyone you find. If they attempt attack, kill them".

The guards split up and headed down a corridor, leaving Maria and Frollo all alone. Maria jumped off her horse and walked to the door, before pausing and turning to him.

"Aren't you coming?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Of course" replied Frollo, drawing his sword and following her inside.

There were clear indications that people had been staying in the building- rugs over the floor, pieces of food and muddy footprints. Frollo mentally noted that there was a strong smell of sweat.

"I can't see a thing" whispered Maria, who was ahead of him.

The darkness was intense, the only light source was from the doorway far behind them and soon that had gone. When the area around them finally became visible, they could see that they were at the foot of a flight of stairs.

"It must be leading up to the belltower" said Frollo, gazing upwards.

"Shall we?" Maria said as she beckoned him to go up first.

Frollo crept upwards, trying his best not to make any noise on the creaking wooden steps. At last they reached the belltower. The bell itself was very old, with several cracks running up the side.

"I don't think their up here" said Maria, looking around "Let's go back do..."

The floor undereath Maria gave way and she was sent plummenting through the floorboards screaming. Frollo dived onto the floor to grab her hand but was just a second too late. He watched in horror as she vanished into the darkness. There was a loud thud and silence.

"Maria?!" yelled Frollo.

"Frollo...I'm okay...ouch...my leg is trapped undereath some wood...I'm not sure...I can't get out!" cried Maria.

"Don't worry...we'll help your friend"

Frollo glanced upwards and the last thing he saw was the Gypsy who struck him in the face with a club and knocked him unconcious. As he became unconcious, he could just make out the figures of the Gypsies as they reached towards him...

Next Chapter: Capture