(A/N). Hi guys! I'm back from North Wales. Sorry about the delay.
Anyway, on with the story.
Did you know that hanging a person requires a certain amount of skill? The skill of being able to position the knot so that the person being hanged breaks their neck immediately, in order to prevent them from choking to death... The guards who were hanging Christopher lacked this skill. That's why when the trapdoor opened...Christopher's neck didn't break.
That's right, Christopher was slowly choking to death.. He kicked his legs and wriggled his body in a desperate attempt to free himself, but to no avail.. His bloodshot, bulging eyes were frantically darting around for someone who could help him... But there was no help in sight. He tried listening for the sound of someone coming to his aid, but he couldn't hear any friendly voices. All he could hear was the mocking laughter coming from the nearby guards...
With death now imminent, Christopher's body started to act on its own. His legs began to move on automatic, kicking more and more ferociously, as his body desperately cried out for oxygen... 'This is it,' Chris thought (using the last of his rational thinking mind). 'This is where my life ends.'
Suddenly, Chris heard a loud roar. The same roar that he'd heard yesterday... It was Diaval.
''What the-!?'' one of the guards exclaimed, as he spun around to see the large lion charging towards him and his comrades.. ''IT'S THE LION!'' he shouted, before running to the nearby door that led back inside. He was closely followed by the short stocky guard...
Only one guard now remained. The brave man withdrew his sword and stood his ground, refusing to back down... However, the closer Diaval came towards him, the more his courage started to wane.. Just as Diaval was about to pounce on him...the guard finally lost his nerve. ''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Screaming, the man dropped his sword to the ground and bolted back inside the castle...
With all the guards now gone, Diaval quickly transformed himself back into human form and picked up the guard's discarded sword.
Christopher's legs stopped moving, as he began to slip into unconsciousness.
Knowing that time was almost up for Christopher, Diaval hurried up the gallows steps and rushed over towards the trapdoor. Diaval had never used a sword before...but hey, how hard could it be? Using all his might, he swung the sword at the rope that was slowly killing Christopher and severed it. Chris promptly fell to the stone ground below. Diaval jumped through the trapdoor to see if he was still alive... ''Hey!'' he yelled in panic, fearing that he was too late...
After a few seconds had passed, Christopher regained consciousness, as he began to cough and splutter... After another moment had passed, Chris tried to climb to his feet, but his legs wouldn't allow him to do so, as he quickly fell back down to the ground.
''Come on.'' Diaval began to pull Christopher out from underneath the gallows. ''Let's get you out of here.''
''Diaval!'' a female voice suddenly shouted from above.
Looking up, Diaval saw his Mistress flying towards them.
''What happened?'' Maleficent asked, as she landed down next to Christopher and Diaval.
''They tried to hang him,'' Diaval answered.
''Who did?''
''The guards,'' Diaval replied.
''Damn them,'' Maleficent muttered under her breath.
Christopher tried to speak but no words came out, only more coughs and wheezes.
''We better get him inside,'' Maleficent said.
''I agree.'' Diaval started to hoist Christopher to his feet.
''Here, let me help.'' Maleficent grabbed hold of the young man's right arm.
''Thanks.'' Diaval replied, as he grabbed hold of Christopher's left arm.
Working together, they both lifted Chris up and started to head slowly towards the nearby door that led back inside...
''Thanks,'' Christopher managed to say amongst the hacks and coughs his body was making.
''Anytime,'' Diaval replied with a smile.
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After a few minutes of walking through the hallways of the castle, Maleficent and Diaval eventually found a small bedroom to place Christopher in...
''I'm fine,'' Christopher stated in a hoarse voice.
''Nonsense,'' Maleficent said, as she and Diaval helped him towards the bed.
Just then, Thistlewit arrived.
''Maleficent!'' the pixie exclaimed in excitement. ''You're awake!''
''Yes... Yes I am,'' Maleficent replied, as she and Diaval lowered Chris down onto the bed.
Suddenly, Knotgrass entered the room.
''Maleficent?'' the oldest of the pixie's spoke in a rather shocked tone of voice. ''Diaval, why didn't you tell me that she was awake?''
''Well, I would have but-''
''I've only just awoken,'' Maleficent cut him off (not wanting them to know that she'd been awake for a few hours now).
''Who's that?'' Thistlewit inquired on noticing Christopher.
''This...is Christopher,'' Maleficent revealed. ''The man from another dimension.''
Knotgrass and Thistlewit gave each other a knowing look.. There was a brief moment of silence until Knotgrass broke it.
''So, this...is "The One", then?''
''Well, you know the prophecy better than I do,'' Maleficent responded. ''You tell me.''
Christopher began to stare at Knotgrass after hearing her mention "The One."... He knew that the title was somehow connected to him.
''Well, as a matter of fact...we have discovered something else about the prophecy,'' Knotgrass revealed.
''Really? What is it?'' Maleficent inquired.
''I, er...think we should talk in private.'' Knotgrass shifted her eyes to Christopher (indicating that she didn't want him to hear what she had to say).
''Alright,'' Maleficent agreed, as she began to walk towards the door...
As he always did, Diaval began to follow her... But as soon as Maleficent reached the door, she spun around to face him.
''Would you wait here for me please, Diaval?'' Maleficent said.
''Y-yes, of course.'' Diaval looked a little stunned. ''A-are you sure?''
''Yes.'' Maleficent gave a nod. ''I want you to help Thistlewit take care of Christopher.''
''As you wish, Mistress,'' Diaval replied.
Maleficent gave him a warm smile before exiting the room with Knotgrass...
''You look terrible. What happened to you?'' Thistlewit asked Christopher.
''Oh, I just got a little highly strung, that's all.''
'What a terrible pun' Diaval thought before shaking his head in disapproval.
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Maleficent, Knotgrass and Flittle were all standing in a large drawing room... Maleficent wasn't very pleased with what she'd been told by the two pixies.
''You mean to tell me there's more!?'' Maleficent exclaimed.
''Yes,'' Knotgrass confirmed. ''Much more, actually.''
''And why, pray tell, did you not inform me of this?''
''Because we didn't know about it until now,'' Flittle explained.
''Well...that's not exactly true,'' Knotgrass admitted. ''We did know of it. We just didn't...understand it.''
''What do you mean?''
''The prophecy was documented on a stone tablet hundreds, if not thousands of years ago,'' Knotgrass explained. ''It was written in an ancient language and has never been translated.''
''Then how did you know of "The One"? And how did you know that a great disaster would befall the Kingdom?'' Maleficent inquired.
''That part of it was passed down through oral tradition,'' Knotgrass replied.
''That means by word of mouth,'' Flittle added.
''I know what it means!'' Maleficent snapped...
''Look, we never really believed in any of it until that young man arrived,'' Knotgrass said (referring to Christopher).
Maleficent let out a lengthy sigh... ''This stone tablet...do you have it?''
''Yes,'' Knotgrass responded. ''We've already begun deciphering it.''
''What have you discovered?''
Flittle let out a sigh before turning away...
''What is it?'' Maleficent asked Knotgrass (picking up on Flittle's distress).
''Maleficent...we now know why Aurora has been abducted.''
Maleficent didn't say anything in response. Her eyes merely widened slightly in fear of what Knotgrass was going to say next.
''It seems that Aurora is being used as a tool,'' Knotgrass continued. ''Or as the prophecy calls her..."The Gateway".''
''What?'' Maleficent shook her head in confusion.
''Yes. The prophecy states that Aurora is the key that is required to unleash a terrible, ancient evil upon this land... She is being used as a bridge to connect two worlds, Maleficent. Hence the term, "The Gateway", you understand.''
Maleficent fell silent for a moment as she processed this information..
''Maleficent,'' Flittle spoke. ''Are you alright?''
''What is this ancient evil that the prophecy speaks of?'' Maleficent asked (ignoring Flittle's unneeded concern).
''The prophecy doesn't elaborate on that,'' Knotgrass replied.
''I see.'' Maleficent sighed... ''So evidently, the monster who kidnapped Aurora is working for this evil being.''
''That seems very likely,'' Flittle agreed...
''I have to find Aurora before any harm befalls her.'' Maleficent started to head for the door. ''I must leave at once.''
''Wait a moment!'' Knotgrass declared.
Maleficent stopped and turned around to face the pixie.
''If you are to go and find Aurora, you must take that young man with you,'' Knotgrass said.
''Christopher.'' Flittle reminded Knotgrass of his name.
''Yes, Christopher.''
''Don't be ridiculous!'' Maleficent exclaimed. ''He is powerless!. If it wasn't for Diaval he would be dead by now!''
''Maybe so, but that doesn't mean that we should disregard his importance in all this.''
Maleficent let out a sigh...
''Everything happens for a reason, Maleficent. You know that better than anyone.. His arrival in this Kingdom was not down to mere chance, you must know this... Trust me, Maleficent, as you once did,'' Knotgrass pleaded... ''Take him with you.''
After a moments silence...Maleficent relented. ''Fine... I'll have to ask him first, though.''
''Of course.''
''Perhaps we should all go and ask him together?'' Flittle suggested.
''I think that would be a very good idea,'' Knotgrass concurred.
''Alright, let's go.'' Maleficent opened the door and headed out of it...
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Meanwhile, in the middle of the forest...Vernon was fast asleep in his tent.
''Good morning!'' Vandran exclaimed as he entered the tent.
''W-w-what?'' Vernon opened his eyes.
''It's time for you to get to work, Captain Drake.'' Vandran seated himself on the nearby table.
''What time is it?'' Vernon asked with a yawn as he sat upright.
''Too late for you to still be asleep.''
''Sorry,'' Vernon murmured. ''Sir,'' he quickly added (remembering that this man was now his superior).
''I've got some new clothes for you.''
''Tsk,'' Vernon tutted.
''Trust me, they're necessary,'' Vandran said.
''Why?''
''Because they'll help you to blend in.''
Just then, the entrance to the tent swung open, as Syrena entered holding a pile of clothes in her hands.
''Ah, here they are now.'' Vandran stood up.
''Here you are, my Lord.'' Syrena handed Vernon's new attire to Vandran.
''Thank you, my dear.''
Syrena turned to leave.
''Wait a moment,'' Vandran spoke up, as he dumped the garments onto the table.. ''I've just realised that you two have never been introduced.''
Vernon sighed before climbing to his feet (he couldn't be bothered with formalities).
''Syrena, this is Vernon Drake.'' Vandran gestured towards the balding, short, middle aged man. ''Vernon, this is Syrena,'' Vandran then said, as he gestured towards the tall, red haired woman.
''Welcome aboard, Vernon.'' Syrena gave him a half-hearted smile.
''Uh-huh,'' Was all Vernon said in response before turning away from her.
''Tsk,'' Vandran tutted. ''Drake, there's no need to be so discourteous.''
''My apologies,'' Vernon said to Syrena. ''Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to get changed into my new clothes.''
''Of course.'' Vandran smiled.
''Will you be needing anything else, my Lord?'' Syrena asked.
''No thank you, Syrena.''
Syrena bowed her head before exiting the tent...
''Vernon...there's something I must tell you,'' Vandran said.
''What?''
''Myself and Syrena will be leaving shortly,'' Vandran revealed.
''Why?'' Vernon inquired.
''Because it won't be long now before a search party sets out from the castle, intent on rescuing their beloved Queen.. I have to make sure that they don't find her.''
''Where are you taking her?''
''To my domain,'' Vandran replied.
''And where is that, exactly?'' Vernon asked.
''A long way from here... A place they'll never find her.''
Vernon didn't respond. He was tempted to ask Vandran to be more specific, but he knew that he'd asked too many questions already.
''I'll be taking a large majority of my troops with me,'' Vandran added.
''What!?'' Vernon exclaimed in disbelief..
''Don't worry, I'll leave some soldiers behind for you.. I can't expect you to kill Christopher and Maleficent all on your own now, can I?'' Vandran grinned.
''Maleficent?'' Vernon echoed.
''The winged woman who I attempted to kill,'' Vandran clarified.
''I know who she is!'' Vernon barked.. ''You never said anything about me having to kill her!''
''Oh, I'm so dreadfully sorry. It must have slipped my mind.''
''Look, if you think I'm going to try and kill a winged witch-''
''Fairy,'' Vandran corrected him.
''Whatever!'' Vernon boomed.. ''If you think I'm going to try and kill her you've got another think coming!''
Vandran sighed and shook his head... ''I'm not going to have any trouble with you, am I, Vernon? Because I will not tolerate disobedience,'' Vandran spoke with a dark look behind his golden eyes... ''I've given you a great opportunity here.''
''The opportunity of getting myself killed by a fairy.'' Vernon lowered his head.
''No... The opportunity of being able to rule the world alongside me and my Master.''
Vernon lifted his head back up at the mention of world domination...
''And I'm not just talking about this world, Vernon... I speak of your world, as well.''
Vernon's eyes lit up at the thought of ruling both worlds...
''Vernon...I'm going to give you a choice. And I assure you that is something I seldom do.'' Vandran smiled... ''You can leave now if you wish,'' he said as he gestured towards the exit of the tent. ''I swear I will not harm you if you do choose to leave.. But you must realise that you are still a wanted man in this Kingdom, Vernon.. You would be all alone and totally out of your depth. You probably wouldn't even last a week.'' Vandran chuckled... ''Or, you can choose to remain in my service.. What is it to be...Captain Drake?''
Vernon remained silent...
''Well?'' Vandran pressed him for an answer...
''When do you want me to start?'' Vernon flashed a grin.
''Whenever you're ready.'' Vandran returned Vernon's grin.
''Right then!'' Vernon declared with enthusiasm in his voice. ''Just let me get changed and I'll be ready to get cracking.'' Vernon picked the clothes up off the table.
''Very good.'' Vandran turned to leave.
''Sir!'' Vernon shouted after him.
''What?'' Vandran promptly turned back around to face him.
''Exactly how many men will you be leaving behind?''
''Oh, about fifty.''
Vernon grimaced, as he wondered if that would be enough men to deal with Maleficent.
''If you're worried about not being able to vanquish Maleficent...don't be.'' Vandran resumed walking towards the front of the tent.
''Why?''
''Because I've found a way to make you and my troops invulnerable to her magic.'' Vandran smiled before exiting the tent.
Vernon cocked his head in puzzlement, as he wondered just exactly how Vandran was going to achieve this...
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Meanwhile, in the castle throne room, Christopher wasn't best pleased about the task that had been (supposedly) laid out in front of him by Fate.
''Let me see if I've got this straight.'' Chris cleared his throat... ''You think that I'm some sort of prophesied hero who's been sent here to save the Queen and the entire world?''
''Yes,'' the three pixies all said in unison.
''You're crazy.'' Christopher chuckled.
''Look, we understand your hesitance.'' Knotgrass stepped forward.. ''But you must understand that your arrival in this Kingdom was foretold long ago.''
''Why me?''
''We don't know,'' Knotgrass admitted.
''Oh, we're wasting our time!'' Maleficent declared as she turned away... ''He's obviously not interested.''
''You don't know what he's like!'' Chris snapped at Maleficent (speaking in reference to Vandran).
Maleficent turned back around to face him...
''This is but a taste of what he's capable of.'' Christopher gestured to the wrecked room that surrounded them. ''He's equally, if not more powerful than you... And yet you expect me to go up against him?''
''This isn't my idea,'' Maleficent corrected him, as she turned around and headed towards the large doors at the front of the throne room. Diaval promptly fell into step behind her.
''Where are you going?'' Knotgrass inquired.
''To find Aurora.''
''And where do you propose to start?'' Knotgrass asked.
Maleficent stopped in her tracks...as she realised that she had absolutely no idea where to begin her search.
''Mistress...is there something wrong?'' Diaval inquired.
''I don't know where to look,'' she admitted to Diaval in a hushed voice..
''Oloven,'' Chris murmured to himself.
''What?'' Thistlewit said.
''Oloven,'' Chris repeated in a louder tone of voice.
''Who?'' Flittle looked puzzled.
''T-the old man who brought me to this castle,'' Chris explained... ''The wizard.''
The three pixies didn't understand what he meant by this (as they'd never seen Oloven)... But Maleficent and Diaval knew exactly who he was speaking of.
''You think he knows where Aurora is?'' Maleficent asked.
''Possibly,'' Chris replied. ''He prides himself on knowing things that he shouldn't... I think we should pay him a visit.''
''We?'' Maleficent echoed him.
''Yes.'' Chris flashed a grin... ''I'm the only one who knows where he lives.''
''That's not exactly true.'' Diaval butted in. ''You see, I followed you to his cottage.. He lives in the woods that are surrounded by the mire.''
''Wait a minute.'' A look of realisation started creeping onto Christopher's feature.. ''The raven who was perched on the fence... That was you?''
''That's right,'' Diaval confirmed with a smile.
Christopher let out a sigh...
''Right then. You can lead me there, Diaval,'' Maleficent said to her faithful companion.
''Hang on!'' Christopher got to his feet before walking towards them.
''What is it now?'' Maleficent spoke in a irritated tone of voice.
''Oloven doesn't know you.'' Christopher smiled... ''He won't tell you anything, even if he does know where Aurora is.''
''What do you suggest?''
''Take me with you.''
''What makes you think he'll tell you what he won't tell us?'' Maleficent questioned.
''Because he owes me after abandoning me in the dungeon,'' Chris responded... ''I think he'll tell me what we need to know.''
Maleficent fell silent for a moment, as she pondered Christopher's proposal...
''Mistress, I think we should take him with us.'' Diaval gave his thoughts on the matter. ''There's more chance of the old man divulging information to Christopher than to us...''
''Alright,'' Maleficent relented. ''You can come with us, Christopher.. But you better not fall behind.''
''Don't worry, I'm a fairly decent horse rider,'' Chris assured her.
''Well you better be able to ride fast, because myself and Maleficent will be flying,'' Diaval said.
''I'm sure I'll be able to keep up.'' Christopher gave them both a cocky grin.
''Well, what are we waiting for?'' Diaval looked to Maleficent then back to Christopher. ''Let's go.'' The three of them were just about to depart, when Knotgrass suddenly shouted.
''Wait!'' the pixie exclaimed... ''Before you leave we have to tell you something.''
Maleficent sighed (feeling annoyed by the constant delays) before walking back towards the three pixies.
''Well, not exactly tell you something,'' Flittle said. ''We have to give you something.''
''Give me something?'' Maleficent looked curious.
''Yes, we want to give you this.'' Knotgrass held out a gold ruby ring.
''Why are you giving me this?'' Maleficent inquired as she accepted the ring.
''Well, while you're out searching for Aurora, we're going to remain here and continue to decipher the prophecy,'' Knotgrass explained. ''If we discover something that we think you should know, we'll be able to contact you using this ring.''
''How?'' Diaval inquired.
''We've placed a few small enchantments on them,'' Thistlewit stated.
''Them?''
''Yes. We each have one as well,'' Flittle explained.
''Ingenious!'' Diaval exclaimed.
''Works kind of like a mobile phone then,'' Christopher interjected.
''A mobile what?'' Maleficent said with a quizzical look on her face.
''Forget it.'' Chris shook his head. ''You wouldn't understand.''
Turning back to Knotgrass, Maleficent put the ring on her ring finger. ''Well, thank you for this.. Be sure to contact me if you uncover something, anything of importance.''
''Of course we will,'' Knotgrass reassured her. ''And the same applies to you, too.''
''Yes, of course.''
''Mistress, we'd better get moving,'' Diaval spoke up.
''Yeah. I'd better go to the stables and find myself a horse.'' Chris started to head towards one of the side doors that led out of the throne room.
''Don't be long!'' Maleficent shouted after him. ''Time is of the essence!''
''I won't be long,'' Chris reassured her as he exited the room...
''Oh, I hope bringing him along doesn't turn out to be a big mistake.'' Maleficent turned around and began to walk towards the main doors of the large room.
''I'll be along in a moment, Mistress!'' Diaval called after her.
''Alright,'' Maleficent replied before exiting the throne room.
Wondering why Diaval had remained behind, Thistlewit asked. ''Is there anything we can do for you, Diaval?''
''Well...yes,'' Diaval replied somewhat reluctantly (not really wanting to address this matter). ''I was, er...just wondering if Phillip's father had been informed of his son's death yet?''
''Well, word has been sent to him,'' Knotgrass revealed. ''He should probably know by nightfall... We're preparing to send his body back to his father's Kingdom.''
''I see.'' Diaval nodded, a distressed look on his face. ''I'd, er...better get going.''
''Good luck, Diaval,'' Flittle said. The two other pixies nodded their heads in agreement...
''Thanks,'' Diaval replied with a small smile, before turning around and jogging after his Mistress.
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Back in the forest, Vernon exited his tent dressed in his new clothes. It was a mostly black outfit. Black boots, black pants, black shirt and a black trench coat.. The only item of clothing that wasn't black was a vest he was wearing over his shirt, which was dark grey in colouring with a pattern woven into it..
''Now that's much better,'' Vandran said upon seeing Vernon dressed in his new garments.
''Thank you,'' Vernon replied.
''Now, it's time for me to introduce you to someone else.'' Vandran stepped aside before shouting to a youngish looking man who was seated on a nearby tree branch. ''Lieutenant!''
''Yes, sir!'' the man shouted back in response, before jumping to the ground and hurrying over towards them. He was a medium sized man of around 27 years in age with dark brown hair.
''Gerald, I'd like you to meet your new commanding officer, Captain Drake.''
''Pleased to meet you, sir.'' Gerald bowed his head to Vernon.
''Who is this?'' Vernon asked Vandran.
''This is Lieutenant Gerald,'' Vandran replied. ''Your second in command.''
''I see.'' Vernon looked the young man up and down... ''Well shut up and do as your told and I'm sure we'll get along just fine.'' Vernon flashed a grin.
''Yes, sir,'' Gerald responded with a smile.. ''Shall I introduce you to the men?''
''Not yet,'' Vandran interjected. ''Wait until we leave.''
''Very good, my Lord.'' Gerald turned around and started to leave.
''Lieutenant!'' Vandran called after him.
''Yes, my Lord?''
''Inform Syrena that we'll be leaving in just under an hour.''
''Certainly, my Lord,'' Gerald replied before rushing off to find her.
''Now if you'll excuse me, I must go and prepare for my departure.'' Vandran made to walk away from Vernon.
''Wait a moment, sir,'' Vernon spoke up. ''I have something I'd like to ask you first.''
''Make it quick,'' Vandran said in an impatient tone.
''Alright then.'' Vernon took a deep breath before asking his question... ''You mentioned earlier that you had a...'Master'... Who is he?''
''A magnificent being,'' Vandran replied. ''Someone who isn't afraid to stand up for himself...whatever the cost may be.''
''Why? What did he do?''
''He dared to rebel against the original dictatorship...and was severely punished for it.''
''What happened to him?''
''He was banished.''
''And you intend to bring him back?'' Vernon inquired.
''I intend to bring him into the world of the living.''
''But how is-''
''I will say no more!'' Vandran cut him off before walking towards his tent...
Vernon let out a disgruntled sigh.. There were still many questions that needed answers, but he knew that now wasn't the time to pursue them... And so, deciding to make some preparations of his own, Vernon turned around and made his way back into his own tent...
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Meanwhile, Christopher was being led around the stables by a young boy who worked there.
''This one is named Bess,'' the boy revealed, as he showed Chris a small, black and white horse in one of the stalls.
''I think she's a little small for me.'' Christopher moved on to the next stall... ''What about this one?'' he inquired upon seeing a large auburn haired horse.
''That one is named Apollo,'' the boy replied. ''He's the fastest horse in the whole Kingdom. He used to belong to the former King.''
''Poor Apollo.'' Chris flashed a cheeky grin. 'Having to carry a twerp like Stefan around can't have been easy,' he thought to himself..
Suddenly, a door opened and Maleficent entered through it.
''Here's trouble.'' Chris smiled at the boy.
''Have you found yourself a horse yet?'' Maleficent asked Christopher.
''Perfect timing, actually. I've just made my choice.'' Chris reached into the stall and petted the auburn haired horse.
The young boy started to look very anxious upon seeing the sight of Maleficent... It didn't help that she kept looking at him.
''Is that all you'll be needing then, sir?'' the boy asked Chris.
''Yes, thank you.''
The boy quickly turned around and fled through the open door...
''Doesn't that bother you?'' Christopher glared at Maleficent.
''What?''
''That boy was terrified of you.''
''Was he?'' Maleficent responded (pretending that she hadn't noticed).
''Yes, he was.'' Chris narrowed his eyes... ''You know, I don't know why so many people are afraid of you, Maleficent.. I don't find you menacing in the least.''
''Really?.. Well, you seemed pretty terrified when you fled into the trees.'' Maleficent smiled (referencing their first encounter).
''Yes, I...I do admit that when I first met you I was rather intimidated at first.. But that was before I got to know you... Now I know you're really just a big old softy.'' Christopher returned the fairy's smile.
Maleficent couldn't help but give a roll of her eyes. ''Chosen hero or not...one of these days you're going to push me too far,'' Maleficent warned with a sinister, yet playful look in her eyes.
''I think I'd better shut up.'' Chris looked away (realising that he'd overstepped the mark).
''Finally, we agree on something.''
Just then, Diaval entered the stables.
''Are we ready to go?'' the shape-shifter inquired.
''Almost,'' Chris replied. ''I've just got to put a saddle on this horse.''
''Well hurry up!'' Maleficent snapped.
''Okay, okay.'' Christopher bent down and picked up a nearby saddle... ''It's a good thing I took horse riding lessons when I was younger.. My aunt thought it was a waste of time.''
''Why did she think that?'' Diaval asked.
''Well, most people in the place I come from don't ride horses.''.
''Why's that?''
''Well, because they're becoming more and more obsolete, I suppose.''
''What do people use for transport, then?'' Diaval inquired.
''Most people drive cars.''
''Cars?'' Maleficent echoed him.
''Yeah, cars. They're sort of like...carriages that move on their own.'' Chris tried his best to explain.
''Without the use of any sort of magic?''
''That's right.''
''Well, it all sounds a little unbelievable to me.'' Maleficent let out a sigh.
Suddenly, a voice cried out from behind them. ''OI, YOU!''
The three of them all span around to see a short, stocky guard standing near the open door.
''Oh no. Not you again,'' Chris murmured.
''You should be dead!'' the guard shouted at Chris before advancing forward. ''And you would be, too...if it wasn't for that damn lion!''
''That was me.'' Diaval raised his hand.
''What?'' The guard froze, a puzzled look on his face.
''He's a shape-shifter,'' Christopher explained with a smile.
''Oh...now I understand.'' The guard looked at Maleficent. ''That...shape-shifter works for you, doesn't he!?''
''Well...I wouldn't exactly say that.'' Maleficent gazed at her faithful companion.
''You're coming with me!'' Lunging forward, the stocky guard grabbed hold of Christopher's left arm.
''Hey!'' Chris protested.
Raising her right hand into the air, Maleficent prepared to strike the man with a burst of magic.
''WAIT!'' Chris shouted at both the guard and Maleficent... Rather surprisingly, the guard stopped tugging on his arm and Maleficent lowered her hand... ''Maleficent, would you mind if I-?''
''Be my guest,'' Maleficent responded with a smile (knowing exactly what Christopher had in mind).
''Thank you.'' Christopher returned her smile...before promptly punching the man directly on his jaw with his right hand. The guard span around and fell to the stable floor, rendered unconscious by the blow...
''Not bad,'' Diaval noted with an approving nod of his head.
''Oh, that felt so satisfying.'' Chris grinned...
''What I don't understand is...who gave him the order to have you killed in the first place?'' Diaval wondered.
''Nobody did,'' Christopher relied. ''He just decided to take the law into his own hands.''
''Well, that sort of thing tends to happen in times of crisis.'' Maleficent folded her arms.
''Well, it won't be happening after today,'' Diaval said.
''Really?''
''Yes, there's to be an emergency meeting of the Council of Nobles tonight,'' Diaval revealed. ''They're going to elect a temporary ruler. A Steward.''
''Well, his services will not be required for long.'' Maleficent started to make her way towards the front of the stables, fully intending to rescue her precious little beastie.
''Mistress, where are you going?'' Diaval questioned.
''I'm going to leave now,'' Maleficent responded. ''I'll wait for you two down in the field just beyond the outer walls of the castle.''
''Why are you leaving now?'' Chris asked in a slightly worried tone of voice.
''Because...I have to deal with the guards.''
''Why?'' Diaval inquired.
''Because they won't let me leave the castle.'' Chris suddenly realised.
''Exactly.'' Maleficent turned to leave.
''Wait a minute!'' Chris shouted after her.
With a disgruntled sigh, Maleficent turned back around to face the two of them.
''What do you mean by, 'deal with the guards'?. You're not going to...kill them, are you?'' A worried expression spread across Christopher's face.
Maleficent didn't reply. She simply moved her eyebrows up and down whilst flashing a sinister smile.
''Mistress!'' Diaval spoke in a stern tone.
''Oh, of course I'm not going to kill them!'' the fairy declared.. ''I'm merely going to put them to sleep, that's all... Now, you two hurry up and get that horse ready,'' Maleficent ordered before leaving the stables.
Christopher shook his head in mild annoyance... ''She's a real handful, isn't she?''
''She certainly is,'' Diaval replied with a wistful look behind his eyes...
''Something wrong?'' Christopher asked, immediately noticing this...
''Of course not.'' Diaval let out a lengthy sigh... ''Right then. Let's get this horse saddled up.''
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Back at the camp...Vandran was ready to leave.
''Captain Drake!'' Vandran called out.
''Yes, sir?'' Vernon immediately headed over towards the tall, white haired man.
''I'm leaving now, Drake.. And I'll be taking the Queen with me.'' Vandran glanced over his shoulder towards the unconscious Aurora, who was being carried past on a stretcher by two soldiers.
''I see.'' Vernon watched the young Queen go past, before then noticing an unconscious Francis getting dragged along the ground by another soldier.. Pretending not to know who Francis was, Vernon inquired. ''Who's that?''
''Oh, we captured him a few days ago,'' Vandran revealed. ''We're taking him with us.''
Vernon nodded his head...
''Now, before I depart...I have something to give you.'' Vandran turned back around to face Vernon.
''What?''
''This.'' Vandran handed Vernon an iron ring.
''A ring?'' A puzzled expression spread across Vernon's features.
''Yes.'' Vandran gave a nod. ''I've placed a small enchantment on it.''
''What sort of enchantment?''
''It will make you immune to fae powers,'' Vandran explained...
''You mean that...Maleficent will not be able to harm me in any way whatsoever?'' Vernon asked with a look of amazement on his face.
''Not exactly,'' Vandran replied. ''Technically, she will be able to harm you, but only if she uses her fists or her wings.'' Vandran chuckled. ''Her magic will have no effect on you.''
''Marvelous!'' Vernon exclaimed with a grin on his face, as he put the ring on his finger.
''I've given one to all of the men who will be remaining here with you,'' Vandran revealed.
''Very good.''
Just then, a female voice cried out.
''My lord!'' Syrena exclaimed, as she approached the two men.
''Ah, Syrena.'' Vandran turned around to face her. ''Are you ready to depart?''
''Yes, my Lord,'' Syrena replied. ''In fact, I was just about to ask you the same thing.''
''Fine. Let's go.'' Vandran promptly started to walk towards the large group of soldiers who were waiting on the other side of the nearby hill, Syrena falling into step alongside him.
''I hate to question your judgment, sir,'' Vernon said cautiously as he began to follow after them. ''But won't such a large group of men be spotted once they get out into the open fields?'' Vernon pointed out.
''Oh, Vernon.'' Vandran chuckled. ''You don't understand anything at all, do you?''
''Apparently not.'' Vernon grimaced.
''We won't be travelling on foot,'' Syrena butted in.
''We'll be travelling by means of teleportation,'' Vandran added. ''One clap of my hands and this entire army will be transported to my base of operations.''
''Ah, I see... And where is that, exactly?'' Vernon asked.
''You have no right to ask such-''
''No,'' Vandran cut Syrena off... ''Oh, I suppose I might as well tell him.'' Vandran glanced towards Syrena before looking back to Vernon... ''My base of operations is inside a mountain.''
''A mountain?'' Vernon echoed him.
''Yes... Mount Oberon.''
''I see.'' Vernon raised his eyebrows... ''So, how far away is this Mount Oberon?''
''There's no need to trouble yourself with such trivial details, Drake.'' Vandran smiled. ''You shan't be paying a visit to the mountain anytime soon, so don't you worry about it.''
''Yes, sir.'' Vernon let out a sigh...
On eventually reaching the top of the hill, the three of them looked down at the many, many troops who were before them (Aurora and Francis were both laid on the ground nearby).
''Ready, men!'' Vandran shouted down to his troops.
The men all cheered in unison.
''Very good!'' Vandran started to make his way down the hill, his pale right hand holding onto Syrena's...
''What if I need to contact you!?'' Vernon shouted down to Vandran.
''Do not fear, Drake!'' Vandran shouted back. ''It won't be long before I send someone to keep an eye on your progress... If you have anything to report, you can report it to them!'' Vandran declared on reached the bottom of the hill.
Vernon nodded his head before then wiping his brow (not liking the idea of someone checking up on him).
The men down below all parted so that Vandran and Syrena could make their way through...
Vernon watched intently from the hilltop, wondering just exactly how Vandran was going to teleport so many people in the blink of an eye... Suddenly, Vernon felt a presence behind him. He turned around to see that it was Gerald. ''Oh...it's you.''
''Yes, sir.'' Gerald stepped forward, his gaze fixed on the men down below... ''I see that they're about to leave.''
''Indeed.'' Vernon folded his arms...
At the bottom of the hill, Vandran made his way towards the center of the large group of men... On coming to a stop, the white haired man raised his arms into the air. Instantly, a giant black sphere covered all the surrounding troops (as well as Aurora and Francis).
''Whoa!'' Vernon shielded his eyes from the bright, dark light that shone forth from the sphere.
After giving Vernon a farewell wave, Vandran clapped his hands together...and the sphere promptly disappeared.
''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Vernon screamed, as a shockwave ran along the ground and up the hill, knocking him off his feet.
''Captain!'' Gerald exclaimed... ''Sir, are you alright?'' Gerald reached down and pulled Vernon back to his feet.
''Yes, I'm fine...I'm fine.'' Vernon dusted himself down.. ''Where did they go!?'' he suddenly exclaimed, as he looked back to where Vandran and the men had been standing.
''They've gone, sir,'' Gerald replied.
Vernon couldn't quite believe it.. Vandran and his hundreds and hundreds of troops had all vanished, along with Syrena, Aurora and Francis. Just like that... ''Amazing,'' Vernon murmured under his breath.
''It most certainly is,'' Gerald agreed... ''Right then. I think it's about time you presented yourself to your troops.'' Gerald started to make his way back down the other side of the hill. ''Follow me, sir.''
''Sure.'' Vernon quickly followed the young Lieutenant down the hill...
''I'm sure you'll be very satisfied with them, sir,'' Gerald said as he reached the bottom of the hill.
''You think so, eh?''
''I do.'' Gerald nodded. ''These men were chosen by Lord Vandran himself.''
''So?''
''Well...Lord Vandran only selects the very best,'' Gerald replied with a smile on his face...
After a short walk through the now mostly deserted camp, Gerald and Vernon reached a band of fifty or so men who were all waiting to meet their new commander.
''Attention!'' Gerald declared.
The men instantly reacted to their Lieutenant's command, as they stood solidly to attention.
There was a moment of silence...until.
''At ease,'' Vernon stated.
The men instantly switched to a more relaxed stance...
''Allow me to introduce myself... My name is Vernon Drake. Captain Drake, if you will... Now, you're probably wondering as to why I have two names.'' Vernon smiled. ''Well, that's because as you already know...I am not of this Kingdom. Or of this world, for that matter.'' Vernon's smile widened slightly... ''I don't know why I've being given this position, but let me tell you this... I am very honored,'' Vernon spoke with a look of pride behind his eyes.. ''Lord Vandran has not only charged me with the responsibility of killing the winged beast, Maleficent...but also of disposing of a young man who comes from the same world as I do... Now, this task has not only been entrusted to me, but also to all of you! You...are chosen men! Chosen by the great Lord Vandran. And together...I believe that we can achieve anything!. Can we not!?'' Vernon asked them all in a loud voice.
The men gave an enthusiastic cheer of agreement.
''Exactly!'' Vernon exclaimed. ''This is your destiny! Your whole lives have led up to this seminal moment!.. So I ask you, all of you... Will we fail!?'' Vernon asked them in an overly excited manner.
''NO!'' Was the resounding cry from his troops.
''That's right!'' Vernon punched the air. ''We cannot fail so long as we have these!'' Vernon pointed to the ring on his finger.. ''We are now totally invulnerable to Maleficent's powers! Are we not!?''
The crowed of men once again gave a resounding cry of agreement.
''We shall show her no mercy! For we shall receive none from her!'' Vernon shouted (having heard of Maleficent's reputation from the days when she was more, shall we say...malevolent). ''Are we ready!?'' he shouted.
''YES!''
''I said are we ready!?'' he asked them again.
''YES!''
''ARE WE READY!?'' he asked them for a third time.
''YES!''
''YES!'' Vernon echoed them in an emphatic manner. ''Lieutenant Gerald!'' Vernon shouted at the man standing next to him.
''Yes, sir?''
''Ready the horses!'' Vernon declared. ''We leave immediately!''
''Yes, sir!'' Gerald replied with eagerness, as he headed off to round up the horses (suddenly feeling very inspired).
''Oh, this is going to be so much fun.'' Vernon rubbed his hands together in excitement.
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By now, Christopher and Diaval had made it out of the castle grounds. Making it past the guards had been easy for them because Maleficent had stayed true to her word and put them all to sleep... As they headed down the road that led to the field, the two of them kept an eye out for Maleficent.. Suddenly, Diaval (who was in his raven form) crowed loudly.
''What is it?'' Chris asked.
Diaval landed on the ground before transforming himself back to human form... ''Look!'' He pointed upward.
Looking up, Christopher saw Maleficent swooping down towards them.. Before he had chance to slow his horse down, Maleficent landed in front of them. ''Whoa!'' Chris exclaimed, as Apollo immediately stopped and reared up onto his hind legs. ''Oh, boy!'' Unable to hold on, Chris was thrown off the large horse.. ''OW!'' the young man yelled upon hitting the ground.
''Christopher!'' Diaval raced towards him. ''Are you alright?''
''Yeah...I think so.'' Christopher started to clamber to his feet.. ''Did you have to land so close to the horse?'' he asked Maleficent with a frown on his face.
''It's not my fault your horse got spooked out,'' the beautiful fairy retorted.
''Is anything ever your fault?'' Chris inquired in a sarcastic manner.
''No,'' she replied in a flippant tone.
''Is that so?. Well, let me tell you something.'' Christopher took a step towards her... ''You could really do with some therapy.''
''You think so?'' Maleficent replied in a humorous tone.
''Yes.'' Chris smiled. ''I'm sure you'd make a fascinating patient.''
''Oh, I'm sure I would.''
''Oh, stop it the pair of you!'' Diaval interjected... ''Now, can we please get moving?''
There was a brief silence...before Christopher and Maleficent both nodded their heads in agreement.
''Okay then. In that case...follow me!'' Diaval instantly transformed himself back into a raven before taking flight.
Letting out a long sigh, Christopher remounted Apollo...
''Is there anything wrong?'' Maleficent asked, as she noticed that the young man was just staring out into space.
''Oh, it's nothing... I was just wondering what's become of Vernon.''
''Your cellmate?'' Maleficent asked for clarification.
''Yeah.'' Chris let out another sigh... ''I do hope Vandran hasn't killed him.''
''Why?''
''I...I don't really know.'' Christopher lowered his head slightly. ''He's not a good guy, by any means.. But, for some reason...I can't help but feel a little sorry for him.''
Maleficent didn't respond, as she didn't know what to say.. She'd never been good at uttering words of comfort (especially if those words were hollow). And it seemed very likely to her that Vernon would be dead by now...
''Anyway, we better hurry up and follow Diaval.'' Christopher gazed to the sky above.
''Yes, I can tell that he's starting to get annoyed,'' Maleficent said on seeing Diaval flying around in circles and cawing very loudly.
''Okay then. Let's go!'' Christopher dug his knees into Apollo and clicked his tongue to encourage the large animal to move forward.
Maleficent spread out her wings, dived into the air and began to fly after Diaval, Christopher and Apollo following close behind the pair...
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Vernon and his men were making their way through a grove.. They'd been travelling for nearly an hour now. Vernon was at the lead, as he rode atop a white horse. He hadn't ridden a horse for some time now (when you're homeless you don't get many opportunities to ride), so he was pleased that the horse he'd chosen for himself was very docile in nature.
''Captain!'' Gerald shouted to Vernon as he rode up to him.
''What is it, Lieutenant?''
''I've just received word that Maleficent and a young fair haired man were seen leaving the Queen's castle.''
''Christopher,'' Vernon said to himself in a nearly inaudible tone of voice (assuming that he was the young man who was with her). ''When was this?''
''They left less than an hour ago, sir,'' Gerald replied.
''Which way were they headed?''
''They were headed north, Captain.''
''I see.. And, er...are we going in the right direction?'' Vernon asked (unfamiliar with the terrain of this Kingdom).
''No, sir.''
''Alright then, we'll have to reroute.''
''Very good, sir.. Shall I give the order?'' Gerald asked (knowing that Vernon wouldn't know which way to go).
''Yes, I think you'd better.''
''Very well, sir.'' Encouraging his horse to move from a trot to a canter, Gerald rode a little further in front of the pack before sharply turning his horse around to face them. ''Redeploy!'' he shouted to the men. ''We travel north!''
(A/N). And so ends chapter 10. As always, please don't forget to review.
Thanks for reading.
Until next time, arrivederci.