Passing through the portal, Teela's eyes adjusted to the new scenery. Adam looked around to get his bearings.
"The Sorceress put us on the edge of the Whispering Woods." He pointed off to his left. "We should head that way into the woods. The Rebellion's camp is in the heart of it."
Adam, Teela, and Cringer began walking in the direction that the blonde Prince had indicated.
"How do these woods keep the Horde out Adam? Why doesn't he bring a strong force into it?"
"He can't. These woods are mystical. It is as if they know a person's intentions. Those who are not true of purpose find that the path becomes blocked off. The trees and bushes move and confound whoever is trying to gain access. And it seems that strong magic doesn't affect it either, or if it does it does not last long. Hordak has tried to gain entrance through various methods, but has not been able to. It is one of the reasons the Rebellion has growing numbers. They are able to retreat into the woods for safety. More come and join because of the small successes the Rebellion has."
"Why don't more people come here? Why not live where you would be safe?"
"I guess for many reasons. I would say some are too afraid to go anywhere. They believe if they do not rock the boat, then they will stay off of the Horde's radar. Some have built homes, and have strong ties to them. Why should they have to leave?"
"They shouldn't, but it makes sense to go where the Horde couldn't follow."
"Even at the cost of your happiness?"
"You can't be happy if you aren't alive."
Adam stopped and smiled at Teela. "You think you could be happy in the woods?"
Teela returned the smile. "Maybe. But I have a feeling that I would miss my bed back home."
"ADAM!"
The pair turned their heads to see a man approaching them.
"Bow!" Adam greeted the man.
"Adam, welcome back to Etheria. And who is your lovely friend?"
"Bow, this is Teela. Bow is a member of the Great Rebellion."
Bow extended his hand. "A pleasure to be sure, but I can't stay and chat. I am headed to Thaymor. Rumors are a small Horde force is headed that way. I guess tax season is upon us again."
Teela lit up. "Want some help?"
Bow looked at Teela. "You a fighter?"
"Take us to Thaymor and find out."
Bow grinned, "Excellent. Let's go. It'll just be us though. Adora and Glimmer left this morning for Brightmoon."
Teela felt her jealousy prick up. "Who is Glimmer?"
"She is one of the leaders of the Rebellion. She took Adora to speak to her mother, Queen Angella." Then Bow suddenly smiled. He leaned over to Adam, "She's also my girlfriend."
Teela instantly felt foolish. Adam chuckled and congratulated Bow. "She's quite the catch. But were you really going to Thaymor alone?"
"No. I am meeting some friends there in the tavern. You remember where the tavern is?"
The blonde Prince nodded. It was where he had first met Bow. "Definitely. Let's head out."
The trio arrived at the edge of town. There were approximately 10 Horde troopers in the center of time, next to one of Hordak's attack tanks.
Adam surveyed the scene. "Wonder if this is all of them?"
Teela looked around the town. "Seems to be. Why? You want more to fight?"
"Not especially. I am just wondering if they are alone, or is someone is leading them."
Bow nodded his head. "If they have come to Thaymor for tax collection, then we should be seeing one of Hordak's lieutenants."
Teela pointed towards the tavern. "How about that thing?"
"That is Leech," Bow started, "He gets a hold of you and sucks your energy dry. Glad you guys came with me. What's the plan?"
Adam looked at Teela. "Well, what do you think?"
Teela considered the situation for a moment. "I think you and Bow should come from the flank."
"And where will you be?"
"Walking straight up the middle and offering tax advice."
Bow cautioned, "That is a bit brash don't you think?"
Adam chuckled, "That is Teela's style." He leaned over to the redhead and whispered quietly, "Be careful. You get a scratch and my sister will kick my ass."
Teela shook her head in amusement. "We really need to talk later about your apparent fear of women. Just get my back. And Adam, please try and take this seriously." She winked at the Prince.
"Okay. Just this once."
Teela stood up and walked away. Bow waited a moment and crept off to the left of their current position. Adam took the opportunity to put some distance between them, heading off to the right, and finding a secluded spot.
"Adora, welcome to Brightmoon. Glimmer, my sweet girl, I have missed you!" Queen Angella crossed the throne room and quickly embraced her daughter. She gave her a quick hug, and then pulled back slightly, keeping her at arm's length. "You look well. How is Bow?"
Glimmer blushed, "Not now mother."
Queen Angella winked at her daughter. "Perhaps a mother doesn't want certain details anyway. Not that I mind good company, but what brings you here today?"
Adora stepped forward, "Queen Angella, I have been contemplating a new strategy for dealing with the Horde."
"Go on."
"I think it is time to go on the offensive. We need to unit the kingdoms and rid Etheria of Hordak once and for all."
"How would this be achieved? Hordak is strong and I am not sure he can be defeated in an all-out engagement. Frankly, to outright attack him like that would be suicide. And say for a moment we managed to beat him. What about Horde Prime? Reinforcements would be sent."
"So what is your answer then Angella? Sit around and wait for him to attack?"
The Queen was slightly taken back from the tone she got from the blonde Princess.
Adora continued, "We cannot afford to have Brightmoon get complacent within these walls."
"Adora!" Glimmer interjected.
Adora railed. "This is exactly why he is still here. Because you sit and wait."
Angella began to burn white. "I am not doing anything? For years, we have fought to bring peace to this planet. As I recall, for a while, we were fighting you."
Adora recoiled. The Queen was right, and she knew she had offended her ally. Glimmer intervened in between the two women. "Mother, Adora, please. We are on the same side.
Angella's face softened. "I am sorry Adora. I shouldn't have said that. You have proven yourself loyal to our cause more than once. I know you only served the Horde because of a spell. Please, tell me what you have been planning."
Adora looked into the Queen's eyes. "I-I wish I could take it all back. I wish I had been strong enough to resist Weaver's spell sooner." Adora dropped her head. "I am ashamed of that part of my life."
"Sweet child," Angella lifted the Princess' chin, "it was not your fault. You fight so hard to make it up. You have nothing to be ashamed of." Queen Angella gestured to a nearby table. "Let's sit. I would like to hear you out."
Teela waited for Adam and Bow to take their positions. She looked at the town center. People were filed in a line, handing money one by one to the Horde troopers. The green thing named Leech was lazily leaning against the tank. He would sometimes look up, but mostly kept putting his suction cup hands together and then pulling them apart. Teela took a deep breath and began walking towards the troopers with her staff in hand.
One of the robots noticed her approach. His metallic eyes glowed red. "Halt woman. Drop your taxes and pay proper tribute to the Horde."
Teela grinned, and kept her gait steady.
The trooper raised his stun baton. "Halt!"
Teela stopped within striking distance. "You should be careful with that thing. You could put someone's eye out."
Another trooper walked over. "You need to learn your place. We'll be taking you to the slave mines!"
Teela rocked back on her heels. "You know, I think I'll pass. In fact, the only place anyone is going is to the junkyard."
With her last words Teela used her staff to dislodge the stunner from the closest trooper's hand. She immediately followed up with a strike to his head. Her staff found its' target with deadly accuracy. It landed right between his eyes. Instantly, the other troopers in the area reacted. As they swarmed to their fallen comrade, a quick succession of arrows came soaring through the air dropping two of them before they had taken five steps.
Off to the side, Adam watched the action begin. "Here we go." He lifted his sword high into the air and repeated the familiar words he had spoken several times before. "By the power of Greyskull..." He felt the raw energy begin to surge through his body. "I have the power!" The moment his transformation was complete, He-Man entered the fray. He smashed three Horde troopers sending them flying. And while He-Man and Bow dealt with the remaining soldiers, Leech confronted Teela.
The green monster slobbered and lisped, "You rebels will pay for this!"
Teela snorted. "Really? Listen, I am going to warn you right now. I am in an ass-kicking mood. So, it's going to suck to be you."
"You think you are funny? Let's see you laugh when I drain you dry."
"Promises, promises."
Leech took three steps towards Teela, and the Captain readied herself for an attack. It never came. Suddenly his expression went blank. He fell forward on his face, knocked out cold. Standing directly behind his spot stood He-Man. His fist had connected to the back of the green thing's head.
The tan muscle man grinned at Teela. "You alright?"
"Of course He-Man. Not a scratch!" She winked at her friend.
Bow joined the two in the center of the town. "He-Man! Welcome. Where is Adam?"
Teela covered quickly. "I am pretty sure I saw him take off after a couple of troopers that were trying to escape."
He-Man grinned, and then surveyed his surroundings. There were several people in the square staring at the trio. "Come back and take what is yours. Don't be afraid. We are with the Rebellion."
Slowly the villagers approached and began picking up small satchels filled with coins for tribute. Some uttered thanks as they passed by. One older man stopped and looked at the heroes. "These people thank you. But will you be here when the Horde comes back with more numbers to punish us for what you just did? Because that is what they will do. Half of these men will end up as slaves in the mines. The rest will be beaten and left behind. So was this worth it? Will you be here when they come back? What of our village?"
Teela stepped forward placing her hands on the old man's. "What is your name sir?"
"Athelius."
"Athelius, I am Teela. We only want to help the people of Etheria. We have traveled a long way to get here. And yes, we will be here if the Horde returns. I would ask that if they do, please consider joining us. The only way to defeat them is to band together. Please Athelius."
"You are a kind girl. Brave too. But you are naive. I pray we will not be mourning your loss soon." Athelius let Teela's hands go and walked away.
Bow sighed. "Not everyone will stand and fight with us."
"He is just scared. Fear can be an overwhelming feeling."
"C'mon Teela. Let's find Adam and head back to Whispering Woods."
He-Man interjected, "You two go ahead. I will find Adam."
"Wait, what about the villagers?"
Bow replied, "Don't worry. If Hordak moves on Thaymor again, we will know. Our spies will warn us. Let's start walking. Maybe Adora and Glimmer will be back by now. And I want to learn more about you. It was incredibly brave to just walk up the center of town."
He-Man left the pair, and Teela and Bow started on the path back to the Woods.
"So, Teela, tell me about yourself. What is your life like on Eternia?"
"I am Captain of the Guard for His Majesty King Randor's Royal Forces."
"Wow!"
"I have also been in charge of training Prince Adam in combat techniques."
"That's quite the undertaking considering Adam is not always the most agile man."
Teela's temper flared slightly, "I'll have you know that there is a lot more to Adam. He is a fine fighter, and I would match him with anyone."
"Whoa! Easy, I didn't mean to sound like I was criticizing Adam. It was meant to be a compliment to you. Glimmer tells me that I speak without thinking sometimes."
Teela's face softened. "It's okay. I am told that sometimes my temper is a little quick to ignite."
"Sometimes?" Bow teased.
Teela smirked. "Yes, only sometimes."
"What about your family? Do you have one?"
"My mother is definitely in control of her emotions. She is cold-hearted as far as I am concerned. Others may not agree, but she has chosen duty over family. My father is a scientist, machinist, and, well, a jack of all trades really. He serves as an advisor to the king as well as serving on the council of the Masters."
"Masters?"
"It is a name that was given to the King's strongest allies. They are warriors who answer the king's call to fight Skeletor and to protect Greyskull."
"Skeletor? Greyskull?"
"Skeletor is an evil wizard who desperately wants to rule Eternia. He is sort of the equivalent of Hordak, except that Skeletor does not have the army behind him. He has a few evil minions, but mostly he has been confined mostly to his realm in Snake Mountain. His goal has always been to become the ruler of Castle Greyskull. If he was ever successful, he would learn the secrets of the ancient magics, and probably become unstoppable."
"So Greyskull has an army to defend it?"
"If necessary, but mostly, He-Man does."
"But he is here now."
"It is not undefended. The Sorceress, my mother, lives there. She is very powerful as long as she stays within the stone walls. If the need arises, she could call He-Man back to Eternia."
"So she has allies within it's walls too?"
"No. She lives there alone."
"That seems sad. I can't imagine living in a castle by myself with no family or friends to keep me company."
"She chose her existence."
"Yes, but it seems that protecting Greyskull, if it is that powerful, comes at a high price."
"I guess. Listen, would you mind if we change the subject?"
"Sure. What would you like to talk about?"
Teela smiled. "How about Adora? Since she was kidnapped from Eternia, very little is known about her."
"Well, she is incredibly brave. She has risked herself more times than I can count to help people in need. And she is a loyal friend."
"What else?"
"She is very kind. And although we know she is a Princess, she does not put on airs. She treats everyone as her equal. I wish she was a happier person though."
"She isn't happy?"
"No. It is hard to explain. She is sometimes, and other times she isn't. Adora longs to go home to her family, but she stays here instead. She feels as if she owes us, and that if she left, she would be abandoning us."
"I see."
"I told her that it was a silly notion. Now that we have She-Ra, we are more protected than we ever have been. She should go home to her family."
Teela's stomach dropped. Poor Adora and Adam. Their secrets cost them so much.
Bow continued, "But she insists on staying until the Horde is no more. I had hoped that her recent journey to Eternia would have lifted her spirits, but it doesn't seem to have worked out that way."
"Why would you say that?"
Bow became silent. Teela turned and faced him. "Bow?"
"I am not sure that I should say."
Teela reached out and touched Bow's arm. "Adora is very special to me. I want her...to be happy."
"Of course, it's just, well, she came back in tears. And she wouldn't talk to Glimmer about it. We're worried for her. She cried all night in her tent alone."
Teela's eyes began to moisten. "She did?"
"Yes. Let me ask you...did someone die on Eternia?"
"W-What?"
"Did she lose someone?"
Teela struggled to keep her tears in check. "No, Bow. She didn't. It's...complicated. But it is why Adam and I came. We need to talk to her, and we will help her defeat Hordak. I want, I mean, we, want to take her home."
"Do you think she could be happy on Eternia?"
"I think so. There are people there who love her very much."
"Then you should convince her to leave with you. Take her back to her real home."
Teela suddenly giggled, "Should I hit her over the head and drag her? Perhaps I should hog tie her and..." The thought of Adora bound in something less abrasive than ropes came to mind. Teela immediately blushed.
Bow looked at the redhead's face with confusion. "Teela?"
Snapped back into reality, the captain shook the thought out of her mind. "Sorry Bow. Not sure where I went just then."
"Right, well anyways, I was just saying that you and Adam are bound to cheer her up."
"Bound to." Teela smiled inwardly at the little joke she had made.
A/N: Next chapter will have the Teela/Adora reunion. Feel free to toss out what you would like to see. The chapter is about half written, so there's room to add something. Thanks for the reviews on this story. Given the small audience I thought might read it, I am grateful that some have taken the time to let me know what they think.
