I've been gone an extraordinarily long time and will not hesitate to finish posting this story. Apologies to all that are reading it!
Chapter Seven
They almost passed by the tiny city of Quaque Nocte without stopping the next afternoon.
"Wait."
Tim gently tugged the reins on his horse backward, and he trotted to a stop at Tony's word and outstretched arm that came to rest across his chest. Tim tried to swat his hand away, but Tony didn't put it down. After a moment and then a sigh of resignation, he followed Tony's gaze to city walls just visible behind a veil of trees. It wasn't Cursum Perficio; they still had at least another day. Tim shifted in the saddle, feeling the grains of time slipping between his fingers, urgency rising. They should keep going.
"What?"
"'Tis Quaque Nocte."
Tim glanced again. "Aye. Let us continue." He was about to ride forward again but Tony's arm was still up and holding him back. He sighed. "Tony, come now. Prithee."
"Just a quick drop by, Tim. I will have thee back on thy quest, and us off in no time at all. Trust me." Tony tugged the reins of his horse to the side, gave him a smile that was clearly meant to be charming and very disarming, and started trotting his horse down the path. Tim had been the receiver of that smile, and seen the administration of it on others, too many times before to be lulled into it that easily. He sighed, and not knowing what else there was to do, followed.
He caught up and matched the pace of his friend's horse. "Is this the time to be sightseeing, Tony? We have enough supplies to last another three days, so resupplying would not be thy motivation for stopping by."
"We have more than enough time. Keep thy worries for a better time, Tim."
"Why have we diverged from the path we have been traveling since we left Derech Eretz, Tony?" Tim asked bluntly this time, not receiving an answer before.
"I have a friend here, one who I have been unable to visit for a while now. I would like to see her." Tony answered after a moment, looking more relaxed and happy then he had since they had started out.
"'Her'?" Tim said innocently, a great, wide grin on his face. Tony glanced over.
"Hey, I refrained from teasing thee that much about thine affections and infatuation concerning the princess. She is only a friend."
"Of course, of course." Tim smiled beatifically at Tony when he looked over again. "Just friends. Mates. Companions."
Tony looked a bit annoyed but mostly amused.
"Oh, aye. Make jokes. Remember, I chose to go on thy quest with thee." Tony elbowed him, trying to knock him off his horse. There was a yelp as Tim almost lost his balance. Tony smiled.
o-o
"Another bar? Did thou not drink and garner enough friends a few days ago?" Tim asked as he caught sight of the dingy bar Tony was heading toward.
The bar matched the entire city, and could be described with just that word. Dingy. Though several more could do the same job. Drab. Grungy. Dark. Dark and mysterious. Fog curled around tight alleyways and sharp, calculated street corners. Cobblestones were placed in intricate patterns, with no uniform size, shape or color, they were dark and dirt-smeared, moss growing up in between. Shadowy figures in morose clothing seemingly glided down sidewalks with a sense that they absolutely knew where they were going, and they didn't care if anyone else did. It would not stop them anyway. Tim folded his arms more tightly around himself, glad for the comforting weight of his sword at his side and Ziva's dagger snug next to it.
Tony seemed to enjoy the city, now that Tim really looked at him. He walked with calm, confident purpose, eyes glinting and alert. A funny half smile played on the edge of his lips. Tim reminded himself, Tony had been a member of the city watch for a while a year or two ago when they were low on men and borrowed from Lord Vance's army. He had loved it. Though it was more than that, it seemed like he belonged there. Tony had never said what his hometown was.
"Aye. I do enjoy a good pub." Tony said, the funny half smile still stuck on his face. "It is unnatural of thou to not be inclined toward them, Tim. Art thou not a man? Or a soldier?" He added and glanced at Tim. Tim glared back.
"Mayhap I just do not like the people who are usually there, Tony." Tim responded hotly, rubbing his arms, growing even more uncomfortable. The locals were taking notice of the two-armed men now. Tim felt eyes upon him, and then a gentle, rather pleasant laugh that seemed out of place here. They entered the bar. Or rather, Tony entered the bar, and Tim slipped in after a moment of hesitation.
The bar's low murmuring didn't even pause as they walked in. Tim had expected at least a break in conversation. They were armed pretty heavily. But no, nothing.
Just like the rest of the town, it was dark and dingy, and had the worn look of the entire city. It was as if everything in Quaque Nocte, the people included, had been handed down throughout the generations and used until they no longer could be, then collected and thrown down to the youngest child. However, the enigmatic and ancient feel of the city was ingrained into the pub as well, the bar had a warm, lively feel, almost cheerful. Tim felt himself relax slightly.
Tim followed Tony as he weaved through the tables and up to the bar. Both men plunked themselves back upon two well-loved, black bar seats. Tony swept the bar and smiled as he saw the bartender. He waved a hand over, angling his head away so his features fell into shadow. Tim felt his eyebrows climb into his hair as the woman walked over.
She was quite beautiful, as much as Ziva, but the exact opposite of her. This woman was pale, almost deathly so against the dank background and black (Revealing, Tim saw, blushed and averted his eyes) clothing she wore. Her dark hair was tucked up and stuffed into a sort of messy ponytail in the back, clearly only intended to keep it out of her bright, green eyes, but it made her look gorgeous still. She looked about Tony's age, maybe a bit older. She stopped in front of them and placed her hands on her hips, looking at Tony, an eyebrow raised.
"Aye? Would you like something to drink?"
"Drink? Nay, mayhap anon. I shan't drink when there is a comely wench I must greet standing before me." Tony grinned and the shadows fell away. Her expression, which had turned from helpful, to unimpressed at the flirtation of a seeming stranger trying to pick her up, dropped away to pure delight.
"Tony!" She squealed in joy, deep voice jumping up several octaves. No one in the bar even looked twice. They clearly knew their bartender's bizarre behavior. Tim, however, flinched at the sudden screech. She gathered up her long dark skirt in her hands, rushed around the bar, and into Tony's arms with a hug of mammoth proportions. She kissed his cheek and then solidly punched him in the chest.
"Abs!" He fake wheezed and clutched his the spot she had thumped theatrically. "What was that for, pray tell?"
"No contact, no word, not even a letter, for seven months, Tony! You stopped writing to me! I have every right to hit thee." Abby drew back and punched him again. The brief anger that had flared up on her face began to fade away to hesitant happiness again after the second punch.
"I apologize, Abby. I have been…busy?" Tony concluded weakly. Tim watched with interest, he had never seen someone so able to make Tony flustered like this. Tony glanced at Tim as if realizing he was still there. "Busy. Very busy, right Tim?" Abby looked over as well. Tim got incredibly interested in the fraying cloth of his barstool.
"And thou did not even introduce me?" She punched him lightly in the arm, Tony grinned at her and she smiled. The fist unfolded and was offered to Tim. "Hi, I am Abby."
Tim was unsure if what to do. He had never had such an informal introduction, or met such a strange woman. Hesitantly, he took her hand and shook it. "Hello, um, I am Tim."
"Ooh," Abby turned to Tony and nudged him. "I like him. He has a nice voice." Tim felt his cheeks pink, but smiled.
"Hey, he is already spoken for Abs. I, however, am not." His eyebrows danced up and down, eyes glinting. She grinned seductively.
"Well, that can change very quickly." She trailed a finger softly down his chest as she said it, but then suddenly drew it away. "But not right now." Abby gave a grin. "I have a job." She returned behind the bar, Tony looked a little surprised, but content. He spun around to face her.
Abby reached underneath the bar and, after a moment, produced two large mugs of a murky brown liquid and placed them in front of Tony and Tim with a loud clack. Even after her and Tony's playful conversation Tim could see a small, sad frown emerge on her face. Tony seemed to notice as well. He weaved his fingers together.
"I am verily sorry I discontinued writing to thee, Abby." He said after a beat. She sighed and busied herself cleaning a dirty glass.
"I…I just worry. A lot, Tony."
"I know. I know very well." Tony grinned and coaxed a smile out of Abby as well. "Abs, I will make it up to thee. Anon, I can-"
"Nay." Abby said in final tone and waved a dishrag at him, as if sweeping the thought aside. "'Tis fine. But we can catch up sometime soon." Tim watched, curious, unabashedly listening. Tony didn't really speak of his past that often besides vague stories of no meaning. She turned to Tim, who attempted to look like he wasn't listening in on their conversation. "Thou has said thee has someone?" She asked him. Tim smiled at the thought of Ziva, but they still had so far to go. He rubbed the heel of his hand against his eye.
"Not yet, I do not."
A look of confusion drifted across her face.
"That is actually the other reason we have come this way, Abby." Tony started. "He is spoken for, but only if he can complete a task her father has assigned." Abby rolled her eyes at this. Clearly she thought very little of marriage being assigned or bought.
"Only?" Was the word; however, that she followed this with.
"Aye."
Abby looked Tim in the eyes. Clearly she saw something interesting there, desperation to complete the task, his love for Ziva, maybe even the deep seated fear his held close to his chest to keep Tony from seeing. Whatever she saw, it hit home. Her face softened. "What may I do to assist thee in thy quest, Tim? Tony?" She asked finally, looking between them both.
"Um, Abby…" Tim started, still a bit unsettled by this tornado of a woman. She and Ziva would get along quite nicely. A tornado and a hurricane, ripping through the status quo like it was a spider's delicate webbing. "Does thou know anything of the attack that occurred, about eight days ago, north of here near Cursum Perficio?"
Her expression changed entirely.
"Nay."
"Thou knows nothing of the attack?" Tony countered, surprised. "Abby, thou knew everything about everyone when I left so long ago, thou must-"
"I know of the attacks, but thee cannot go." Abby said a little desperately this time. She was practically scrubbing the mug now, though it sparkled.
"Abby, pray tell." Tony pleaded.
The mug slammed down onto the bar, almost shattering under her grip. "I do not want thee to die!" Abby yelped, looking incredibly upset and paler than before. Bar conversation halted. Tim swallowed, feeling the hostility level jump up and try to suffocate him. All faces were watching them now, some curious, many concerned, and most wary.
The deep baritone of a gigantic man leaning against the wall called out to them. "Art these two rogues making thee upset Abby? Should we take care of them for thee?" Half the bar (The tall, bulky half) stood, faces darkening at Tony and Tim. Both pairs of eyes widened. Abby was very clearly adored by the citizens.
Abby gave a weak smile. "Nay, nay. 'Tis fine. I am fine. Though keep the idea in mind, Nathaniel." She added. Both Tim and Tony shifted uncomfortably. The men behind them finally settled back into their seats after a moment of giving them threatening looks. The conversation slowly began again.
"Zounds, Abby." Tony said in a hushed voice. Abby gave him an irritated look. "Thou has thine own personal army."
"Stop." Abby said in the cutting tone of one attempting to protect someone who is being difficult about it. "I have spoken to someone who-witnessed the attacks. Who saw the…the thing causing them" She silenced Tony's next question with a look. "Thou would never stand a chance. Neither of thee would. And I do not want to take the slim chance that thee might be able to. Given the opportunity, thou would go and be foolish, and try to kill it. Prithee, I care about thee." Abby avoided their gazes and busied herself with serving several people who had just arrived.
"Abby, pray tell, I need to know." Tim leaned forward. "Thou does not truly know me, but prithee, I need to at least try to defeat this monster. I…I-" He swallowed, but decided he was already in far too deep to stop. "-I love this maiden. I cannot not try." Tim said with a passion that surprised even himself. Tony had raised his eyebrows as well. Abby slowed to a stop in her activities, and then returned to where they sat.
"Verily?" She asked.
"Aye."
Abby looked conflicted then seemed to reach a decision. "The man said the creature was longer than twenty feet and higher than thirty, with scales that hid it until it…until it attacked. Apparently it was over within the span of ten minutes."
"How reliable is this man?" Tony asked, eyes narrowed slightly.
Abby shifted. "He had been a regular here, quite a amiable man, but a bit of a drinker. He-" Here she paused. "-he told me he was only in the fields because he had gotten drunk the afternoon that day and fallen unconscious." Abby caught Tony's raised eyebrows. "I believe he was telling the truth. He was horribly shaken and shocked. One does not lie about the kind things he told."
"Fine."
"He said he woke up in the middle of the night, saw the attack and…and did not move to escape detection." These last words came out in a rush, Abby sounded ashamed on the man's behalf. Both Tim and Tony's eyes widened.
"He let them die." Tim said softly. There was astonishment in his voice. "He saw unarmed shepherds being slaughtered, and did nothing." Tony said nothing but his face betrayed his own distaste.
"By the sound of the swiftness of the attacks, there was nothing else he could of done. He would have died!" Abby protested, though wasn't as strong as she could have been.
"Still." Tony's fingers tapped out a beat on the wood, a disappointed look on his face.
"He said it was, a dragon." Abby concluded. "From the old fairy tales." A worried expression had settled on Abby's features. Tim and Tony stiffened and then exchanged looks.
"We thank you, Abby." Tim said after a tense pause, with a preoccupied smile.
"I know thee will ignore me, but prithee, do not go after this beast. It will only lead to death." Her eyes sparkled, but whether with tears or frustration, Tim could not tell. "Tony, prithee."
"Sorry, Abs." Tony patted her hand and then gave a bright, irritatingly irrational smile. She barely smiled. "We will be careful, and I have someone watching my back." Tim half smiled. "Even if he is barely out of the cradle." The smile was suffocated by a frown. "I will see thee, Abs. Dinner sometime?" Tony proposed with a wink.
"Mayhap, Tony. We will see when thee comes back."
Tony grinned and hopped off the seat. Abby rushed around and fiercely hugged him again. Tony motioned to Tim and then exited the bar. Tim stood.
"I thank thee, Abby. Thou has been a wonderful help." Tim said. Abby then flew to him and hugged the life out of him, the air exited his lungs in a timely fashion.
"'Twas nice to meet thee, Tim." The hug lessened slightly, allowing breathing to take place once more, and Abby looked him in the eyes. "Be careful, and take care of Tony. He can be the kingdom's largest fool if allowed to be."
"I have noticed, believe me." Tim smiled, and in that moment, they connected in mutual irritation and worry about a rather insufferable man. After a second, the moment shattered. "Um, good day, Abby. I hope we can meet again, under less…unconventional circumstances."
"As do I. See thou, Tim."
She let go of him and he left. Abby felt a tear fall and brushed it roughly away. Tears wouldn't help. Another fell, unheeding of her thoughts.
