Chapter Eight
Back in the real world, this revelation had left the game's players almost as stunned.
"What?!" cried Lance, "There's no way we can defeat that guy!"
Allura turned to her guardian. "Coran, I hope you haven't made this game too challenging."
"No need to worry, princess. There's a simple solution to the characters' predicament…"
"Would you mind giving us some clues?" queried Hunk, who had his arm around Pidge, "I don't know about you, but I'm getting kind of worried about our characters' baby…" Pidge looked equally anxious.
Allura's pet mice had made their way into the room not long ago and were likewise looking very concerned.
"Well, for starters, the imp was lying when he said that he was the only person who knows his own name," said Coran, "Imps aren't exactly known for their honesty!"
"Then…who else knows it?" asked Shiro.
Coran scratched his chin. "They say that only a witch can reveal the true name of an imp. Wouldn't it be useful if the characters knew a witch they could turn to…?" He looked at Hunk.
"…uh…what?"
"Hunk?" piped up Pidge, "What about the witch of Venric?"
"Oh no…please, anyone but her!"
"Remember what happened the day after our characters got married…?"
…
Block had woken up at a regular time on the morning after his wedding, but since he'd completed a particularly challenging quest the day before, decided to treat himself to a lie-in. Meklavar was also awake but seemed to have the same idea. Block turned onto his side and began spooning with her. His wife didn't seem to mind. I could get used to this, he thought. Over the years he'd shared many cuddles with his best friend, but never as intimate as this before. Whilst camping out together on their many quests, they'd always slept in separate sleeping bags. Meklavar had been prone to wearing her armour constantly, even when she was sleeping (though it always mystified him how she managed to get comfy!), so it wouldn't have been very easy to give her affection.
In actual fact, Meklavar had purchased her nightie the day before, after she'd mentioned to the dressmaker who'd made her new gown that she was intending to use it as a wedding dress. The seamstress had recommended (with a wink) purchasing some new underwear, but Meklavar hadn't been that bothered. However, the tailoress' suggestion had made her abruptly realise that she was now going to be sharing a bed with Block, prompting her to buy a nightgown. Her last one had been left at home with her parents, along with the rest of her soft clothing. Her armour alone sufficed for her quests, but she couldn't help thinking that she might need to buy a couple more outfits.
Was she going to move in with Block? Where was his home? Would his mother mind her coming to live with them? Would they buy their own house instead? While she was in the dress shop, it had only been a couple of hours ago that she'd asked her best friend to marry her, yet already her brain had become overloaded with information. Meklavar was still struggling to process it as she lay in bed with Block, but decided to let her mind rest and just enjoy his loving snuggle. They could work out what they were going to do with their new life together later. There was no need to rush…
Meanwhile, downstairs in the tavern area of the inn they were staying at, the owner of the establishment was busy setting things up for his customers, along with a servant boy, who was mopping the floor. A silhouette appeared at the door.
"We're not open yet!" he called.
However, the figure took no notice. Suddenly, the door burst open, practically flying off its hinges. In stepped a wrinkled old woman with long, tangled white hair, hunched over a staff, wearing a long brown dress and a scruffy shawl.
"Ma'am, we're NOT OPEN!" reiterated the innkeeper.
"Where is Block?" hissed the witch.
The manager wasn't fazed. "I can't disclose that. Now either leave these premises or…"
The old hag pushed him out of the way with her magic, sending him head over heels, and stormed towards the door leading to the stairs. The servant boy was so stunned he didn't have the first idea what to do. Once the witch had disappeared, he found the courage to drop his broom and go over to see if his employer was all right. The man had been flung so hard he'd knocked a table and two chairs over, landing in a very awkward position. He cried out in pain as the boy approached him.
"Get help!" he wheezed.
The boy made a dash for the door, only hoping he could find a sorcerer or a physician.
Meanwhile in Block and Meklavar's room, the pair of them had sat up now, their heads leaning against their propped-up pillows. Block had his arm around his new wife.
"So, what do you want to do today, Meklavar…uh, honey? You don't mind if I call you honey?"
"Not really."
"Man, I'm really new at this…oh, er, would you like to go visit your folks or something?"
"We might need to plan for that first. My village is a few quintants' journey away!"
"OK then. Not today."
"Maybe we shouldn't do anything today." Meklavar cuddled up closer.
"I guess not then." Block smiled. He stared into her eyes for a few moments before planting a kiss on her forehead. Meklavar rested her face on his chest and he began to embrace her.
"I can't believe how quickly I've gotten used to us being a couple," she marvelled. "A quintant ago, it had never even occurred to me that I would marry you."
"I'd say the same but…but…" He found himself struggling to get the words out.
"But what?" The dwarf woman prised her face off Block's chest, looking him in the eye.
"Meklavar, I've…" Block was feeling rather choked up. He'd known this for all too long, but never told her. He'd feared she would not return his feelings in the same way. "I always have…" Meklavar raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to go on. He could put it off no longer. "I love…"
All of a sudden, in the frustrating tradition of any romantic comedy, it was at that precise moment the witch so happened to barge through their door. The couple screamed and clung to each other, the wind-like force of the hag's entrance whipping the bedclothes right off them.
"Oh man!" cried Block, "I forgot all about her!"
"You cheated on my daughter!" shrieked the crone. Her white hair was flying around her and her eyes were glowing with volcanic fire. "You'll pay for your debauchery!"
Block dived off the bed and grabbed his staff, holding it up protectively. He gulped, hoping that his skills would be enough to shield them from any potential attacks. Meklavar considered grabbing her axe, but wasn't certain if it would be any use against the witch's magic.
"I heard from the villagers that you were sleeping with another woman," continued their foe. "You!" she cried, pointing a sharp, talon-like fingernail in Meklavar's direction. The dwarven warrior instantly felt vulnerable, as though the witch was about to cast a spell on her. "You were the one who led my son-in-law astray, you whore!"
Block and Meklavar's eyes widened in shock. Block began to burn with rage – a deep rage that a sweet guy like him hardly ever felt, except when someone had said or done something so utterly despicable there was no other way he could have reacted.
"You leave us alone," hissed Block, edging towards the hag, his staff glowing with magic, "And don't you EVER say that to Meklavar again, GOT IT?"
Block's eyes were filled with a fury that made him almost unrecognisable. It then occurred to Meklavar that in the last couple of years she'd known him, she'd never once seen him angry. Sure, she'd seen him frightened and panicked and even frustrated on the many quests they'd been on, but never once had he looked so truly livid. Being annoyed with a frog that had hopped off across a bog with the talisman of Valdarish was one thing (Block had ended up very grubby after that chase!) Looking like he could practically electrocute someone with his staff was an entirely different one.
Meanwhile in the corridor, some of the other people staying at the inn had heard the commotion and rushed to investigate, congregating behind the entrance to Block and Meklavar's room. The witch sensed their presence and swivelled round, knocking them flying with another burst of magic. The witnesses were pinned against the wall, suffering minor injuries in the process, a couple of them even blacking out. As swiftly as she had done this, the witch turned to face Block once again.
The young sorcerer felt even more out of his depth than before. This woman was one seriously powerful mage. She didn't even use a wand or a circle to send a blast of magic at others. He hadn't noticed this yesterday, but then again, the only magic he'd actually seen her use was an incantation to complete the curse, after she'd tricked him into wondering onto an enchanted circle. Was he skilled enough to keep himself – and, more importantly, his beautiful wife – safe from her power?
"I will not leave you alone until you have fulfilled the promise you made to my daughter!"
"Wait? You're saying I made a promise to your daughter?" Block was a little confused. "I hope you're not talking about how you forced me to be her fiancé, because that's not cool! You can't go around making people marry someone they don't want to."
Meklavar smiled. It was good to see Block being his usual lovable self again.
The witch scowled at him. Block knew that she did not want to admit that he was horribly right. He was calculating what her next move could possibly be, when suddenly she cast a spell. However, it was not directed at him. Block swung his staff just in time and used his own magic to stop the enchantment from hitting its target – Meklavar. His wife's eyes widened in disbelief once again as she realised what had just happened and they exchanged a horrified glance. He knew all too well that the only obstacle in the witch's plan was her. Had the wicked woman really just tried to knock her out of the picture?
The dwarf woman was still sat on their bed, unsure of how she could defend herself. Magic was Block's department, not hers! It was really strange feeling helpless. She was a warrior and she'd worked together with Block for the last two and a half years, fighting at his side. There had to be some way she could assist him. They were a team. She then realised that was why she'd taken to being his wife so quickly. Marriage was all about teamwork!
She jumped off the bed, grabbing her axe. Who cared if it was no match against the witch? She was sure as heck going to at least try fighting the old hag! She and Block had each other's backs, no matter what.
Threateningly tapping the handle against her palm, she approached her foe. Block also drew nearer, holding up his staff, causing the witch to slowly back out through the door. She had really made them mad now!
Meanwhile, the servant boy had fetched a sorcerer to treat his employer – a sorcerer none other than Alfor. He placed a hand upon the innkeeper and restored him back to health using his powerful magic. Afterward, he asked the man what had been the cause of his terrible accident.
"Some crazy old witch came in here and threw me across the room!" he explained, rubbing his head as he picked himself up off the floor.
"A witch?" Alfor froze. A look of horror crept upon his face. He then dashed for the stairs, fearing the worst.
Upstairs, Block and Meklavar were slowly but steadily advancing towards the witch, driving her out of their room. By now, there was a tinge of alarm upon her face. Even if they probably weren't as dangerous as her, they certainly looked menacing.
Just as the witch was contemplating what to try next, Alfor arrived in the corridor. He conjured a magic circle just before the crone noticed he'd arrived.
"Be gone, witch! Block freed himself from your curse, fair and square."
He had his hand positioned just in front of the circle, ready to cast a spell at any moment. The witch turned to face him, pointing a finger at Block.
"This worm CHEATED on my daughter!" she cried. "With this filthy woman here!" She gestured to Meklavar. "How can a man of your status justify such immorality?"
"I think there has been a mistake here," explained Alfor, "Meklavar is not an adulteress – she's Block's wife."
It was now the witch's turn to freeze in shock. She then slowly turned to face Meklavar and realised in horror that actually her snub nose, red markings and the oversized axe in her hands looked suspiciously familiar. In her rage, she hadn't paid close attention to her features, but now she was able to get a good look at her, a picture began to form in her mind. If that girl's slim body was encased in bulky armour and her brown pixie cut hidden underneath a horned helmet, she would look just like that young lad, possibly a servant, who'd assisted Block on his quest to defeat her…
It was in that moment it hit her. That hadn't really been a boy working with Block. It had been a short, scruffy, tomboyish young woman – and his wife! Come to think of it, weren't those dwarven markings? Perhaps their apparent age gap wasn't as vast as it appeared. She began to feel as though she had been tricked. This whole time, she had no idea that Block was already married! Hadn't her circle detected that he was a virgin? Then again, a person's level of chastity wasn't exactly a fool-proof indicator of whether or not they had a spouse…
She collapsed to the floor and wailed in despair. The people she'd thrown against the wall were now starting to pick themselves up, feeling a good deal less at risk.
"I hope you realise what this means," continued Alfor, his circle disappearing.
The witch stopped howling and nodded, scowling once again. Then, unexpectedly, she vanished into thin air!
"What just happened there?" asked Meklavar after a short while had passed, now holding her axe in only one hand.
Alfor had gone over to one of the unconscious boarders and was squatting down, administering his healing power to her. "You broke her curse by getting married. By trying to harm either of you, she only placed a curse on herself."
Block recalled something from his studies in sorcery. "Wait…doesn't that mean she's in debt to us or something?"
The woman whom Alfor had just healed woke up and he helped her get back on her feet. "The curse means you could ask any favour of her as payment," he explained, "She has disappeared to wherever she lives now, but you could quite easily summon her."
"I think I might have had enough of witches…" said Block, relaxing his staff, "Thanks for your help there. I forgot she didn't know we'd got married!"
Alfor was now tending to the other unconscious individual, who was already waking up. Once he'd figured the man no longer needed his help, he turned to face the couple. "I hope you're adjusting well. You had hardly any time to plan your union! It took me decaphoebs to pluck up the courage to propose to my wife." He chuckled, before rising to his full height.
"Yeah, I think we're getting used to it," said Meklavar, "Block and I have been close for a long time. I can't believe we didn't think of getting married before!"
Her last statement struck Alfor as very odd. She'd said she'd been best friends with Block for years and he was aware they'd gone on many quests as well. Come to think of it, he'd been very surprised the first time she'd mentioned how long they'd been friends. Had she really hung around with Block for the past couple of years, camping out, slaying monsters and retrieving artefacts together, yet not seeing any romantic attraction towards her closest friend until one day she found herself obliged to marry him? Meklavar was certainly a very interesting character. Judging from her and her husband's full attire, it wouldn't be a stretch to suppose their wedding night hadn't been particularly normal either. The pair of them just seemed to have the same relationship as they did the day before.
"I want you two to make the best of it. You're young and you've got plenty of time to plan what you want to do with your lives. You could find somewhere to settle down." And begin a family, he nearly added, but stopped himself just in time.
"We've certainly got the money to buy a house together," confirmed Block, "I could start using my sorcery skills to provide for us."
"I would go back to working in the mines, but they're so far away from here," said Meklavar, "I guess I'll be stuck as a housewife unless we move somewhere nearer the mines."
Block had a troubling vision of her working in the dark, dirty mines and vowed he would do anything to prevent her from ever working again in such conditions.
"Please, honey! You don't have to go back to your old job." He took hold of her hand. "You don't have to be a housewife either. I'm sure you could find work somewhere around here."
"I suppose I could use my fighting skills to get a job. After all, I am the best axe-wielder in three lands!" She looked proud. "Maybe I should finally start growing my hair out…" She fingered her pixie cut. "I've never minded looking like a guy, but it could be time for a change…"
"Er…you do realise people won't be able to see it under your helmet?" said Block. He'd always thought that her hairstyle rather suited her tomboy personality, but she'd mentioned more than once before that she used to have hair down to her waist, which she sometimes missed.
"You'll be able to see it though."
Block gave her hair a ruffle, making her laugh. Alfor wondered if the pair were accustomed to showing close affection towards each other, yet had never read it as romantic before. He wondered what exactly was in store for their future, especially with their relationship being so unconventional. Though he knew he would not stay in the village very long, he hoped he would meet them again sometime and see just how things had panned out for the two of them.
…
In the present time, Block was clinging onto his wife; his face was a total mess of tears and snot.
"It's all my fault!" he cried, "I'm such a terrible husband."
"Block, stop blaming yourself! The spell didn't work because he tricked us."
"It's not your fault, Block," said Jiro, "It's my fault. I shouldn't have believed that we'd find his name so easily."
Valayun picked up the items she had dropped and inserted the arrow back into her quiver, looking rather forlorn. "I can't believe what a dirty trick that imp played on us. What ever would he want with your baby?" She shook her head.
Likewise, Pike's ears were drooping. This couldn't be happening! Only a few hours before, he'd thought Jiro's tales of the imp were completely far-fetched, yet now he'd seen first-hand that not only was he real, but every bit as cruel as his description, if not more so. There had to be some way to outwit this guy. The thought of what would happen if they did not was something so awful he did not want to imagine it, but nevertheless pictures flashed through his mind. Block and Meklavar were embracing tearfully. They were stood in front of the fireplace in their home, which seemed jarringly empty. He also saw their little son or daughter growing up a slave, beaten and verbally abused by their master, perhaps not even aware who their real parents were. The images stung his mind as painfully as the vision he'd had of Valayun the night before.
"Imps are crafty creatures," Meklavar explained. "Lots of them go by pseudonyms. The elders in my village say that only a witch can reveal his real…" Suddenly, it hit her. "Oh my gosh, you won't believe what I just remembered!" She laughed with joy.
Block was taken aback by her sudden mood swing. He gently pulled away from her, placing his hands on her shoulders.
"Block, do you remember the day after we got married?" she continued.
"Uh, sure? Wasn't that the day we got attacked by that crazy old hag?"
"Didn't Alfor say something to us about her owing us a favour? What if we were to summon her now?"
Block's face lit up. "Meklavar, you're a genius!"
He excitedly grabbed her into a cuddle, almost knocking the wind out of her. "Block, be careful!" said a muffled voice.
"Oh, er, sorry." Block pulled himself away from her, looking a little sheepish. The last thing he wanted was to hurt her or the child she was carrying.
"You've lost me…" said Jiro, who'd been trying to make sense of their conversation, "What's this about a witch owing you a favour?"
Block and Meklavar recounted the story. As they did so, their team-mates faces lit up. There was a chance they could defeat this imp, just like they'd planned! After they'd finished, Jiro asked them to summon the witch of Venric immediately. One incantation from Block later and the infamous witch was stood right in front of them, looking just as spiteful as she had the moment she'd realised Block and Meklavar had cheated her curse. She glared even harder when she caught sight of Meklavar's belly. The little bitch had it all! Her daughter had struggled so much with men. They'd all been driven away from her by her bad temper, rudeness and downright ugliness. After years of struggling to find someone to marry her, she thought she'd finally snared her a husband...but then she came in the way. Noble, likeable, brave, good-hearted, beautiful Meklavar, who was everything her daughter was not. Now she was expecting a baby with Block – a baby that should have been her grandchild – and her daughter was all set to become an old maid.
"This was nearly your mother in law, Block?" said Pike, "Man, I bet her daughter's ugly!"
The crone growled at him.
"We need your help," Jiro directed, "Can you tell us the name of the imp who just tricked us?"
The witch said nothing and instead just looked him in the eye, perhaps trying to intimidate him.
"Pike?" Block piped up, "You could show her his journal?"
Pike stepped forward and showed her the diary.
"Tell us the name of the imp that book belongs to," instructed Meklavar, wording her phrase carefully. She didn't want to give the witch any chance of playing another trick on them.
The hag placed her withered hand on the volume and closed her eyes. "This journal belongs to Elmertrislin." She opened them again and withdrew her hand. Once more she turned to Block and Meklavar, a look of disgusted jealousy upon her face.
"That will be all," said Jiro, aware that her expression was making the couple look uncomfortable, "Block, can you send her away?"
"Oh…yeah…sure!" Block was distracted by the witch's disturbing fixation on him and his wife. Not wanting her to stare at them for another second, he cast an incantation and she was gone.
"Well, I'm glad that's sorted out," commented Valayun after a few seconds had passed, "Perhaps while we wait for the imp to appear again we should have some supper."
The team made their way to a nearby cave, made a campfire, sat down and ate the rest of the meat that was left over from earlier, whilst planning what their actions would be when Elmertrislin returned. Block rehearsed over and over in his mind what he was going to say. If he got one move wrong, he and Meklavar could lose their baby forever!
He gave her a massage to calm his nerves. Carrying their little one inside of her the entire journey had really caused her back to ache. She appreciated being pampered in front of a roaring fire. It was now getting very dark and the winds were getting stronger. Yet again, it had started snowing and was most likely going to turn into another storm, but the group were safe and cosy inside the cave, which thankfully wasn't big enough this time for any unexpected inhabitants to be lurking.
"That must feel so nice…" said Valayun, watching Block rub his wife's upper back, which she seemed to be enjoying very much. She was sitting on one of her pillows, her stocking-clad feet warming in front of the fire.
"You spoil me, Block," said Meklavar with a grin.
Valayun fingered her neck. "I could really do with a massage myself right now…"
"I could help you out there…" offered Pike flirtatiously, expecting her to shoot him an unamused look in response.
Her face started to twist into a glare, but then softened. However, her eventual reply took him completely by surprise. "Actually Pike, that would be lovely!"
She began removing her quiver and cloak, revealing the gold, white and blue tunic she was wearing over her jumpsuit, before giving her back to him, moving her bushy ponytail out of the way. Pike was pretty stunned and didn't know quite what she wanted him to do. He tentatively reached for her shoulders and started gently kneading them in a similar fashion to Block.
Valayun relaxed and he worked his way down her back, pressing his fingers into the muscles in a rhythmic pattern.
"You're awfully skilled, Pike! Have you done this many times before?"
"No…not really?"
Once Pike had massaged her for about ten minutes, he decided it was about time to finish, having relieved all of her tension. Jiro was stood near the cave entrance, keeping watch for their little friend's reappearance, but he'd still noticed what was going on between the others.
"Thank you, Pike!" said Valayun gratefully, circling her shoulders and giving her arms a good stretch, "I feel so much better now."
Jiro smiled. It was good to see the two of them interacting positively.
"Would you mind if I gave you a massage in return?" offered Valayun, turning to face Pike.
"Oh, sure! Go ahead." Pike took off his coat and swivelled round. He expected the elf woman to start rubbing his back, but instead she reached his head and began giving one of his ears a really good scratch. Pike looked totally euphoric! "Oh boy, that is so good…"
"I had a feeling you'd like that." Valayun chuckled.
Though Pike knew the lovely elvish maiden would never be his, it set his heart at peace to think that she was so comfortable engaging in such intimate – if platonic – affection with him. It was times like these that he began to think that his relationship with her didn't need to be any different. It was just perfect the way it was.
By this time, Meklavar had lain down on the bed that Block had now set up for her and he was stroking her feet. They were hurting a lot after the last two days of walking. She'd closed her eyes and looked like she could quite easily fall asleep again any minute.
Jiro was happy to see his team-mates looking so comfortable.
"So, have you made your decision?" said a voice out of the blue, startling him.
He turned to see where it had come from and saw that the fiendish imp had returned. In fact, he was standing right next to him!
Without having time to contemplate how he snuck up on him so easily, Jiro shouted, "Guys? He's back!"
The other paused mid-massage. Jiro shot a look at Block. Remember what we planned, he thought. Despite having no telepathic abilities, Block seemed to get the message.
He took another glance at Meklavar. She'd opened her eyes now and gave him a reassuring smile. I've got to do this right, he thought. For her and for our baby. He mirrored her smile and took hold of his staff. He left her side, walking up to where the imp was standing, looking smugly at the sorcerer.
"Yes, I actually have made my decision," Block responded confidently. "Elmertrislin."
The imp went white. For a few seconds he didn't even know what to say. His face metamorphosed from a smirk into a look of panic.
"W…w…w…wait? WHAT?!" he exploded, "How?!" He went red with rage. "Did a witch tell you?" He pointed at Block.
"I'm afraid I can't tell you, buddy." Block shook his free hand. "Something I can tell you though is…" He directed his staff right at the imp's throat. "…you're going to bring back that village and undo all that mischief you've caused or it's no more Mr Nice Guy!"
Elmertrislin raised his hands in surrender. "Please don't harm me!" he pleaded, "I'll do everything you say!"
"You better had or you're going to wish you were never born!"
The imp cursed him under his breath, before throwing an all-out tantrum. He got so worked up he vanished into a puff of smoke! Pike cheered and Jiro and Valayun congratulated him. The foe had been defeated and their mission accomplished. Block went a little bashful but thanked them anyway, all the while keeping one thing secret.
The scene actually hadn't played out quite how he'd had expected it to. He'd thought that he would merely cast an incantation similar to the first when he went up to the imp, but…something had changed. When he'd glanced back at Meklavar, he felt that her smile had empowered him with courage. He knew all too well he was a big guy and could look pretty intimidating if he wanted to, which he'd felt confident enough to use to his advantage. The imp had looked quite seriously scared of him when he'd threatened him with his staff! Of course, Elmertrislin had no idea of what he was really like.
He went back over to where Meklavar was lying. She didn't say a word, but she looked so proud of him. One of her hands was resting on her bump. He couldn't help but think that the person beneath it would be every bit as honoured.
Jiro left his post and joined the others around the fire. He removed his cloak and armour, getting ready for bedtime. Likewise, Block removed his outer cloaks and tucked himself under the blankets. Just as he was about to lie down, Meklavar sat up and gently punched his arm.
"Hey! You're not going to bed without me giving you a back scratch first." She winked.
Block certainly wasn't complaining! He turned onto his front, resting his face on the pillow, and his wife ran her nails up and down his back. It was absolute bliss!
…
Thankfully, despite Block's worries, the baby did not arrive that night. However, after they'd all woken up, the team decided to leave as soon as possible. Now that their main task had been accomplished, their priority was getting Meklavar home before she gave birth. Block helped her wash her hair using some of their water supplies (which had been topped up using her gloves' power earlier) and Valayun also gave her silky locks a good clean. Block and Jiro shaved as well, using one tiny mirror Block had brought. Pike shaved off some of his five o'clock shadow, but left a subtle goat patch. Growing some facial hair was probably a good idea in this weather.
Whilst the group were warming around the fire, Meklavar transmuted some rocks into bread for their breakfast, like she had suggested earlier. The loaves were mediocre but still better than the meal they'd had the morning before. Block patted her hair dry the best he could before plaiting it once more and covering it with her cap and cloak hood. Once everyone was wrapped up in their winter clothes once more, they headed off, guided by Jiro and the amulet. The Paladin was now being directed to Block and Meklavar's cottage, in the hope they would make it in time.
The snow was even thicker than the day before and the air was bitterly cold. Pike pulled his scarf over his nose, knowing the others probably wished they could do the same, but none of them had brought scarves. They walked all day, stopping only for meals, which consisted of some more venison (courtesy of Valayun's bow) and transmuted bread. Block expected Meklavar to go into labour any minute, but eventually the end of the day came with her having gone through nothing more than another Braxton-Hicks contraction.
They settled down for the night in another cave. Meklavar didn't sleep very well due to the baby's movement and was very tired the next morning as they resumed their journey. Still, they had to keep going. Maybe, just maybe, we can make it in time, thought Block. He wanted more than anything for his wife to give birth in their own bedroom at home, assisted by the local midwife, rather than being holed up in some cave in the middle of nowhere. The next day they continued to walk.
After a couple of hours of doing so, Valayun cried, "Wait a minute! I recognise this part of the forest."
"Me too," commented Pike, "I guess this isn't far from home."
"Block and Meklavar's house must only be a few vargas away from here," said Jiro. It was a pain that the amulet didn't tell him the walking distance to all the places it showed him, let alone roughly how long it would take to get there! He was quite tempted to suggest Pike's proposed improvement to Alfor.
They hiked on for another varga, all the while keeping a close eye out for any landmarks.
Block was holding Meklavar's hand the entire time, when at one point he'd noticed she'd stopped moving.
"Quiznack!" she cursed, squatting down, appearing to be hurting. Was it another contraction? Or was it…?
Meklavar cried out in pain, catching the attention of her friends. Block embraced her. "Guys? I think the baby's coming!"
A hand flew to Valayun's face. "We must get her to shelter immediately!"
It was at that moment Pike realised this part of the forest was looking very familiar… "Hey! I think I live somewhere near here!"
Block picked up his wife, who really looked like she was suffering. "Hang on, babe. We'll get you there in time."
He walked as fast as he could, almost breaking into a run, in the direction Pike led him and the others. It seemed like the longest time before they eventually made it to his residence. Pike dug a key out of his bag and let them in. Block charged past him, looking for somewhere to place Meklavar. Pike's home was very simple and didn't even have a proper bed. He just had a mattress with a few ragged blankets and pillows.
Instead of plonking his wife on Pike's messy bed, Block sat her on a nearby stool and set her up a bed on the floor. Pike put some wood in the fireplace and lit them. Block helped Meklavar onto the bed he'd made for her and removed her cloak, cap, gloves and shoes, trying to get her comfortable before she gave birth. Despite the agony, she tried to be tough and didn't cry out or shed a single tear. She didn't want to make it any harder on Block, who hated seeing her in any pain.
By now, the others were all inside. Valayun sat beside Meklavar and took off her own cloak and gloves. "Take a nice deep breath," she instructed her. The dwarf woman did as she was told. Block had sat her up and was massaging her lower back. "Now, breathe out." After doing this, Meklavar continued to repeat the process, helping her to feel slightly calmer.
"Pike, I need you to heat up some water on the fire," called Valayun.
Pike obeyed her orders. Once the water in the cauldron was a moderate temperature, he poured it into a bowl and set it next to Valayun. She took off her gloves and washed her hands in it using some of her soap, preparing for the impending birth. Block was holding Meklavar's hand, who was now lying down. By this time, she had broken water. There was no going back now – the baby was coming.
Valayun raised an eyebrow and looked at Pike. "Would you mind giving us some privacy?"
"Oh, sure." Pike went out through the front door with Jiro, who already had been contemplating whether or not it would be inappropriate for him to stay.
Valayun turned back to her patient. "Now…I must give you a word of warning."
"What's that?" asked Block, looking concerned.
"It's nothing terribly serious…in fact, it might not happen at all." She looked Meklavar in the eye. "Judging from the size of your belly and your appetite during pregnancy, it could be possible that you're having twins."
Block looked gobsmacked. "Oh boy…"
