(A/N). Hi guys! As always, allow me to begin by saying many thanks for the reviews. I really do appreciate them.
Right then, let's continue with the story.
Christopher, Maleficent and Diaval had arrived upon the edge of the mire.. Chris was thankful that it wasn't shrouded in mist today. Although in truth...that really wasn't much help, as he still didn't know the safe way through it.
Maleficent and Diaval both landed on the ground next to Christopher and his horse Apollo, Diaval instantly transforming himself back into human form.
''Right then.'' Christopher turned around to face the two of them. ''What do we do now?''
''I take it you don't know the way through the mire, then?'' Diaval inquired.
''Sorry, no,'' Chris replied.
''Then how did you manage to make it through last time?'' Maleficent asked.
''Oloven led my through,'' Christopher responded. ''Literally and figuratively speaking, without him I'd have been sunk. ''
''Well then...I suppose we'll just have to fly over it,'' Maleficent stated.
''Hang on a minute.'' Christopher folded his arms... ''You're not thinking of leaving me behind are you?''
''No of course not,'' Maleficent assured him.
''Well...that's good.'' Chris gave a nod of his head.
''Let's go.'' Diaval prepared to turn himself back into a raven.
''Wait a minute!'' Christopher climbed down off of his horse. ''Unless you haven't noticed...I don't have wings!'' he declared in an angry tone of voice. ''I'm wingless!''
''We know that, Christopher.'' Maleficent narrowed her eyes at him.
''Well, how do you expect me to fly without wings?''
Maleficent and Diaval exchanged a knowing look...
''W-what are you going to do?'' Chris asked with worry showing on his face.
Maleficent didn't reply. She just smiled at him...before then extending her right hand in his direction.
''What?'' Christopher shot her a quizzical look...
Suddenly, a green surge of magic appeared in the palm of Maleficent's outstretched hand (it looked rather like smoke). The fairy made a slight movement of her hand...and the magical energy instantly flew towards Christopher.
''What's happening to me!?'' Christopher exclaimed in panic, as the green smoke started to surround his entire body.
''Oh, don't worry about it,'' Diaval said. ''She's just putting a small enchantment on you.''
''What does it do!?''
''It will help you to fly,'' Maleficent explained.
Just then, Christopher felt himself floating upwards. ''Oh no.. How do you stop this thing!?''
Diaval began to chuckle slightly...
''This is no laughing matter!'' Chris declared in a stern voice while kicking his legs.
''Sorry.'' Diaval forced himself to stop chuckling.
''Stop struggling!'' Maleficent demanded. ''Before you know it you'll be at the other side, I promise.''
''I-I really think that this is a bad idea.'' Christopher's eyes widened slightly in fear.
''Nonsense.'' Maleficent shook her head, dismissing this.. ''Can you think of a better way of getting to the other side?''
Christopher didn't reply (as he couldn't think of one).
''Good.'' Feeling that there was nothing more to be said, Maleficent flung her hand in the direction of the wood that was situated in the middle of the mire.
''WHOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!'' Christopher instantly began to float towards the wood at great speed... ''Ah, I don't like this!'' he exclaimed... ''OHHHHHHHH, BOYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!''
Maleficent let out a lengthy sigh... ''He's so annoying.''
''Yes,'' Diaval agreed. ''He can be a little irritating at times... But let's not forget, Mistress. If it wasn't for him...you'd be dead.. He saved your life when Vandran was going to kill you.''
''Hmm... So he claims,'' Maleficent murmured (wondering if Christopher had exaggerated his heroics). ''Anyway. We'd better hurry up and follow him. We don't want him to reach the other side before us.''
''Yes, Mistress,'' Diaval replied before transforming himself back into his raven form...
Maleficent spread out her wings and took off after Christopher, Diaval following close behind her.
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Meanwhile, Vernon and his company had momentarily stopped to ask an old vagabond if he'd seen any sign of Maleficent and Christopher (unaware that Diaval was travelling with them).
Vernon was watching Gerald speak to the elderly man. He couldn't hear what they were saying as they were too far away, but from what he could gather from the old man's body language it seemed likely that he'd spotted them, because he kept pointing to the sky, as if to indicate that he'd seen some sort of flying creature.
Gerald reached into his pocket and produced three gold coins before giving them to the old man (as thanks for the information he'd divulged). And with that, Gerald turned back around and began to walk back towards Vernon and the rest of the men...
''Well?'' Vernon raised his eyebrows.
''We're gaining on them, sir,'' Gerald replied. ''He said that he saw a large flying creature less than thirty minutes ago.''
''Is he certain that it was Maleficent?''
''No.'' Gerald shook his head. ''He didn't get a good enough look. He thought it was a large eagle.''
''Well, maybe he was right.'' Vernon gave a shrug. ''Perhaps it was just a large eagle.''
''Hardly.'' Gerald dismissed this. ''They usually keep to mountainous regions.'' Vernon's Lieutenant climbed back onto his horse... ''Besides, he said that the creature was been followed by a man riding a horse.. That's got to be the young man you spoke of.''
Vernon let out a frustrated sigh. ''Well why didn't you tell me that in the first place!?''
''You didn't ask.''
''Tsk,'' Vernon tutted in annoyance.. ''Which way were they headed?''
''Straight on.'' Gerald pointed to the road that lay before them.
''Marvelous!'' Vernon exclaimed in an excited manner.. ''ONWARD!'' he then shouted to his troops behind him, before encouraging his horse to move forward, the rest of his men following close behind him...
Pushing his horse to move faster, Gerald caught up with Vernon so that the two of them were riding side by side.
''What did you give to that old man?'' Vernon asked Gerald as he glanced to his left.
''Three gold coins.''
''Why did you do that?'' Vernon inquired with a bewildered look on his face.
''As thanks for providing information,'' Gerald responded.
Vernon shook his head in disapproval. ''I guess what they say is true.. A fool and his money are soon parted.''
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By now, Maleficent and Diaval had made it over to the other side of the mire.. As they landed on solid ground, the two of them turned around and watched Christopher floating towards them...
Raising her hand once again, Maleficent started to withdraw her magic that was keeping Christopher in the air... After a few seconds had passed, the green smoke that was surrounding Christopher vanished. And as soon as it did...he fell to the ground.
''Damn it!'' Christopher exclaimed as he hit the ground.
''Are you alright?'' Diaval (who was now back in human form) inquired.
''Do I look alright?'' Chris returned.
''No.'' Diaval smiled. ''You look terrible.''
''Oh good.. I look exactly how I feel, then.'' Christopher slowly picked himself up off the ground.
''How far to Oloven's cottage?'' Maleficent asked.
''It's not far from here.'' Chris started to head into the wood... ''Follow me.''
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Meanwhile, Vernon Drake and his men were riding past the mire.
''What's in there!?'' Vernon shouted to Gerald, as he pointed towards the wood in the middle of the mire.
''Nothing of importance, sir!'' Gerald responded...
Just then, Vernon spotted something. ''WAIT!'' he shouted to the men behind him.. ''Whoa!'' He tugged on the reins of his horse, causing the animal to slow down until it had completely stopped.
The rest of the company also pulled their horses to a stop, as they wondered what their Captain had spotted.
''What is it, Captain!?'' one of the men shouted.
''Shh.'' Vernon put his right index finger to his lips.
''Sir?'' Gerald was starting to wonder what was the matter.
''Over there,'' Vernon spoke in a quiet voice as he pointed towards Christopher's horse Apollo (who was currently munching on some grass by the side of the mire). The horse was quite a distance away from the men, but they could easily tell that he was red in colouring...
''That must be the horse that the young man was riding,'' Gerald said.
''Indeed.'' Vernon smiled before suddenly declaring to all his men. ''Dismount!''
As the men promptly followed this order, Gerald turned back around to face his Captain. ''Sir, there's only one reason I can think of as to why he'd leave his horse here.''
''And what's that?'' Vernon inquired.
''He must have ventured through the mire.''
''The mire?'' Vernon echoed.
''Yes, sir.'' Gerald pointed towards it.. ''That over there is a stretch of swampy, boggy ground. No one knows the safe way through. It's a deathtrap to all who venture through it.'' The young Lieutenant furrowed his brow. ''In fact, I don't know how he managed it.''
''Hmm?'' Vernon thought for a moment... ''Perhaps he didn't walk.''
Gerald looked at his Captain in puzzlement for a moment... Suddenly, though, it all made sense. ''You think that Maleficent helped him to get across?''
''I do.''
''Orders, Captain Drake!?'' a very large, bald headed man asked Vernon as he approached him and Gerald.
Vernon remained silent for a moment, as he pondered what to do... ''We are to remain here,'' he eventually stated. ''Split up into groups of eight and surround the mire.''
''Very good, sir,'' the man replied before heading off to inform the others.
''Sir...I hate to question your judgement,'' Gerald whispered to his Captain.
''Then don't.''
''But, I...I don't think it's wise to split up, sir.''
''Nonsense,'' Vernon replied.. ''We have to make sure that they don't escape from that wood. And we don't know from which point they will emerge.''
''Surely he will come to retrieve his horse, sir.''
''I'm sure he will,'' Vernon responded. ''But as you can clearly see, it hasn't been tethered.. Who knows how far this horse has wandered from the point he left it at.''
''You make a good point, sir.'' Gerald gave a nod of his head... ''I'll go and divide up the men.'' He started to turn his horse around.
''Lieutenant!'' Vernon called to him.
''Yes, sir?''
''Tell each group to remain no further than 500 yards away from each other,'' Vernon instructed. ''Understand?''
''Yes, sir,'' Gerald replied before heading off towards the men.
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In the wood, Christopher, Maleficent and Diaval arrived upon the spot where Oloven's cottage used to stand.. I say 'used to'...because it was no longer there.
''What in the-'' Christopher rushed towards where the fence used to stand.
''Well? Where is it?'' Maleficent inquired as she gazed around.
''It's gone!'' Christopher exclaimed.
''A cottage can't just disappear,'' Diaval said.
''Well, clearly it has.'' Chris let out a deep breath... ''Oloven must have gotten rid of it for one reason or another.''
Maleficent let out a disgruntled sigh. ''I'm starting to have doubts that this cottage ever really existed,'' she stated (practically accusing Christopher of lying).
''Are you calling me a liar?'' Chris asked her straight out.
''If the shoe fits.''
''Maleficent,'' Diaval spoke her name. ''I wouldn't lie to you, you know that.. There was a cottage. I saw it with my own eyes.''
''I'm sorry, Diaval.'' Maleficent apologised, knowing for certain that Diaval would never lie to her. ''I momentarily forgot that you'd been here before.''
Chris cleared his throat. ''I think you owe me an apology, too.''
Maleficent really wanted to hit him.. How dare he ask her for an apology? Who does he think he is? 'This chosen hero stuff has really gone to his head,' Maleficent thought to herself. She was just about to fly off the handle, when Diaval placed a hand on her shoulder.. Maleficent turned her head to face him and instantly became lost in his dark eyes... Despite the fact that no words were being spoken, Maleficent knew what he was trying to say... Now wasn't the time for petty quarrels. This is a time when solidarity is desperately needed.. And so, Maleficent turned her head back towards Christopher...
''Well?'' Chris pressed for an apology.
Maleficent took a deep breath... ''I apologise for insinuating that you were a liar.''
''Thank you.'' Christopher turned his gaze back to the spot where Oloven's home had once stood...
There was a moments silence before Diaval spoke... ''Why would Oloven get rid of his own home?''
''I don't know,'' Chris replied. ''He's very unpredictable.''
''Maybe this wasn't his own doing,'' Maleficent spoke up. ''Perhaps the enemy found him first... Personally, I think he's dead.''
''I doubt that,'' Christopher responded.. ''Although, I must admit it's a possibility.''
''We should never have come here,'' Diaval said. ''He probably wouldn't have been able to help us, anyway.''
''What other choice did we have?'' Chris turned back around to face the shape-shifter.
''Oh, we're wasting our time here!'' Maleficent declared in a frustrated tone of voice, as she turned around and started to head back the way they'd came, Diaval quickly following behind her.
''Mistress, where are we going?''
''To find Aurora.''
''I meant where are we going to look?'' Diaval rephrased his question.
''I don't know.''
''HEY!'' Christopher shouted from behind them, causing them both to stop and turn around to face him.
''What is it?'' Maleficent asked.
''Look what I found,'' Chris said as he showed them the item of clothing he was holding... It was his leather jacket.
''Where did you get that from?'' Diaval inquired.
''Don't you remember?'' he asked both of them. ''This is what I was wearing when I first arrived in this Kingdom.''
''I remember,'' Maleficent replied.
''Well, anyway. Oloven said that my clothes would make me seem too conspicuous. So he insisted that I change them into these.'' Chris gestured to the garments he was currently wearing.
''And your point would be?'' Maleficent asked.
''My point is that I hated having to leave my leather jacket behind at the cottage,'' Chris replied. ''It's my favourite item of clothing. I've owned it since I was 18.''
''Could you please hurry this up!'' Maleficent said in a stern voice.
''I just found it draped over a tree.'' Christopher motioned his hand towards said tree. ''None of the other items of clothing I left behind are there. Only my leather jacket... Now this proves two things.''
''Oloven's alive,'' Diaval deduced.
''Yes!'' Christopher smiled. ''That's the first thing it proves.''
''And the second?'' Maleficent inquired.
''That Oloven is a very perplexing fellow.''
''Well we knew that already,'' Diaval pointed out.
''Yeah, I know... But this is really strange.'' Christopher shook his head in puzzlement. ''I never told him that this jacket was my favourite item of clothing. Yet low and behold...here it is.. How did he know that?. And how did he know that I'd return here?.. It's as though he knew that we would be coming here.''
Diaval nodded his head in agreement.. ''You have to admit, Mistress. It is a bit strange.''
''This whole situation is strange, Diaval.'' Maleficent turned around and began to head back towards the mire, Diaval, as always, following close behind her. ''We will no longer look for wizards!'' the fairy declared. ''We shall find Aurora on our own.''
'I wouldn't hold your breath,' Chris thought to himself as he donned his leather jacket. ''Ah, that's much better.'' He let out a sigh of contentment. Wearing his own leather jacket made him feel more like...himself. ''Wait for me!'' he shouted, as he jogged after the two of them (knowing that he couldn't get back across the mire without Maleficent's assistance).
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Within 20 minutes, Maleficent, Diaval and Christopher had made it out of the wood and back across the mire...
Having landed gracefully next to his Mistress, Diaval transformed himself back into human form.
Raising her right hand, Maleficent guided Christopher back across the mire... As soon as the young man had cleared the boggy terrain, Maleficent withdrew her magic that was keeping him in the air.
''Hey!'' Chris shouted in alarm, as he began to descend at a very rapid rate. ''Not so fast!''
With a sigh and another wave of her hand, Maleficent slowed Christopher's descent down, so that he floated gently to the ground, the green smoke surrounding the young man instantly disappearing the moment he touched down...
''Thanks.'' Chris gave Maleficent a small smile before standing up.
''You're welcome,'' the elegant fairy responded in a disinterested tone.
Looking around for his horse, Christopher was alarmed to discover that he'd gone.. ''Where's Apollo?''
''Who?'' Diaval asked (unfamiliar with the horse's name).
''My horse,'' Christopher clarified. ''He's not here.''
Maleficent sighed. ''You should have tethered him.''
''Well if you recall I didn't get the chance,'' Chris retorted. ''You hoisted me into the air before I could do anything to secure him.''
''Look over there!'' Diaval pointed towards some tall grass.
''What is it?'' Maleficent inquired.
Christopher looked intently at the grass, suddenly noticing it too. ''It's Apollo.'' The auburn haired horse was walking nonchalantly through the tall grass... Putting his fingers to his lips, Christopher whistled very loudly in an attempt to call his horse over to him, but to no avail. Apollo didn't even acknowledge him... Chris let out a groan.. ''Stupid horse,'' he murmured under his breath, as he began to walk towards the tall grass.
''He can't even get his own horse to come to him.'' Maleficent let out a sigh... ''If he's this Kingdom's only hope then we're all doomed.''
''Oh, I don't know, Mistress.'' Diaval gave a shrug. ''He's very resourceful.''
''In what way?'' Maleficent asked as she kept her eyes on Christopher (who was by now trudging through the long grass).
''Well, he managed to escape from the castle dungeon twice.''
''I know.'' Maleficent sighed once more... ''But look for yourself, Diaval.'' Maleficent pointed to Christopher (who had now fallen over while attempting to grab Apollo's reins).
''Yeah.'' Diaval gave a nod. ''I see your point.''
''He's completely helpless.'' Maleficent turned to face Diaval.. ''I think we should tell him to return to the castle.''
Diaval sighed... ''I hate to disagree with you, Mistress, but-''
''Yes?'' Maleficent arched her eyebrows.
''I still believe that he has a pivotal role to play in all this.'' Diaval spoke his mind. ''And I'm not alone in thinking that... The prophecy agrees with me.''
''Listen to me, Diaval. He will only hinder us in our search for Aurora... And besides, I don't think he even wants to be here, anyway.''
''Yes.'' Diaval gave a nod of his head. ''I suppose you're right.''
''Aren't I always?'' Maleficent flashed a cheeky smile... ''Trust me, Diaval. He's nothing more than a liability.. We can find Aurora together... Just the two of us.'' Maleficent reached out her hand and placed it on Diaval's chest.
Diaval flinched at the unexpected contact, as her touch sent a shiver down his spine.
Maleficent began to trace her fingers along the scars that covered most of her companion's body... She knew the story behind each one in minute detail.
Diaval took a deep breath... ''Maleficent, I-'' was all he managed to say before he was interrupted. As suddenly, Christopher let out a loud yell, breaking the moment between the pair.
''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Christopher screamed.
Maleficent and Diaval both turned their heads towards the tall grass to see that Christopher was no longer in sight.
''See what I mean when I say he's a liability?'' Maleficent said before spreading out her wings and taking flight, flying towards the grassy field.
Diaval began to give chase after his Mistress on foot. ''Damn!'' he cursed (feeling frustrated that he'd been interrupted when he was just about to confess his feelings to Maleficent)...
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Maleficent flew over the top of the tall grass as she searched for Christopher.. It didn't take long before she heard a male voice cry.
''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!''
Maleficent looked in the direction that the cry had come from and immediately noticed Chris fighting with three men (Vernon's soldiers).
''YAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' One of the men charged at Chris with a sword in his hand, while another charged from the opposite side, also brandishing a sword.
Christopher waited until the very last moment before jumping out of the way.. Both men collided with each other and fell to the ground, dropping their swords in the process. Chris instantly pounced upon one of the swords and used it to block the blade that was being wielded by an onrushing third soldier.. Christopher, however, had never used a sword before (unlike his opponent), and within seconds his blade had been knocked from his hand.. Christopher fell to the ground and gazed up at the greasy looking soldier before him... Suddenly, Maleficent swooped down and kicked the soldier in his back.
''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Maleficent let out a cry of fury, as the the man was thrown forward, the soldier falling and landing on top of his own sword, instantly dying in the process.
''Are you alright?'' Maleficent dragged Christopher to his feet.
''Yeah, I think so,'' Chris replied. ''Thanks.''
''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' the two soldiers who Christopher had tricked into colliding with each other cried out in unison, as they rushed towards Chris and Maleficent.
''Get down!'' Maleficent pushed Christopher aside before blasting some green coloured magic at the two advancing men... But, curiously...it had no effect whatsoever. They just kept advancing.. Maleficent tried again, but just as before her magic bounced off them... ''Oh dear,'' the fairy murmured to herself, realising that something must be radically wrong.
''I'm getting out of here!'' Chris declared, before rushing into the tall grass.
The two men were just about to pounce on Maleficent when she jumped into the air, flapping her wings in a ferocious manner, as she used them to create a wind strong enough to throw the men backwards.. Turning around in mid air, Maleficent flew after Christopher, feeling extremely puzzled as to why her magic hadn't affected the two men.
''Come on!'' one of the soldiers exclaimed as he climbed to his feet.
''Wait!'' the other man shouted. ''Hadn't we better tell the Captain that we've found them?''
''Good idea.'' The man gave a nod. ''You tell Captain Drake and I'll follow these two.. Go!'' The soldier promptly turned around before giving chase after Christopher and Maleficent.
''Right!'' The other soldier spun around and rushed off in the opposite direction, as he headed off to inform Vernon that they'd found Christopher and Maleficent.
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Diaval, meanwhile, was rushing through the tall grass, looking for any sign of Christopher and Maleficent. The commotion he'd heard a few moments ago had worried him. A terrible thought suddenly entered his head... 'What if something's happened to Maleficent?' He quickly dismissed this thought, however, as he knew that he had to focus all his energy on searching for them.
Suddenly, Maleficent flew directly past him...
''Mistress!'' Diaval shouted up to her.
Maleficent stopped and turned around to face him.. ''Diaval!'' she cried, before beginning to fly back towards him. Before she could reach him, though...she suddenly felt something hit her right ankle, before then feeling a burning sensation.. Maleficent gazed down and noticed that an iron chain was wrapped around her right leg.. ''NO!'' she declared (as memories of the previous time a chain had been wrapped around her leg came flooding back to her).. ''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' the fairy screamed, as she was dragged downwards and into the tall grass.
''MALEFICENT!'' Diaval cried out as he watched her fall to the ground and out of sight, hidden by the enormous grass.
Maleficent tried to fly back into the air, but the four men who were tugging on the chain prevented her from doing so.. With one mighty tug, the men dragged Maleficent to the ground.
''NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!'' Screaming in terror, Diaval began to rush forward into the long grass to help his Mistress. Suddenly, though, before he knew it...he'd collided with Christopher.
''OOF!'' Christopher and Diaval both went tumbling to the ground.
''DAMN!'' Diaval exclaimed.
''Ow!'' Chris rubbed his back. ''Can't you watch where you're going!?''
''I couldn't see you because of the grass!'' Diaval snapped before then exclaiming. ''Maleficent's in trouble!'' He frantically dragged himself to his feet.
''What!?'' Chris declared. ''Where is she?''
''Somewhere over there.'' Diaval pointed forward. ''Come on, let's go!''
''Alright, alright!'' Chris quickly jumped to his feet.. The two of them had just started to move...when a voice suddenly shouted from behind them.
''HEY!''
Christopher and Diaval both turned around to see a man brandishing a sword...
''You,'' Chris said upon recognising the man he'd encountered a few minutes ago.
''Time to die!'' the soldier declared before rushing towards both of them.
''For you, yes.'' Closing his eyes and calming his mind...Diaval transformed himself into a huge, black bear.
''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' the soldier screamed, immediately stopping in his tracks.
Lunging forward, Diaval prepared to strike. And, with one swing of his paw...he lacerated the man's throat, instantly killing him.
''WHOA!'' Christopher jumped back with fear showing on his face, hoping and praying that Diaval was still in control of his mind (he didn't want to end up like the dead soldier on the ground).
Turning around, Diaval looked at Christopher and let out a roar (''Are you coming or not?'' was what he was trying to say), before rushing into the tall grass to aid his Mistress...
Christopher stood still for a moment, hesitant to follow... ''Oh, what the hell?'' Chris mumbled to himself before giving chase after Diaval.
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Maleficent was having a hard time in battling the four men who had dragged her to the ground, as her magic wasn't working on any of them. And so, she had resorted to using brute force to keep them at bay. She couldn't even use her wings to generate a gust of wind, as every time she tried to lift off, she was dragged back down again. The pain in her ankle was excruciating, as the iron chain was constantly rubbing against her skin...
''COME ON!'' one of the men shouted, as he and his comrades attempted to pull her backwards. But every time the soldiers tried to drag her towards them, Maleficent would pull back. None of the men dared to let go of the chain, as they feared that doing so could result in Maleficent escaping...
Suddenly, they all heard a loud roar, as Diaval burst through the tall grass and dived on top of one of the men.. Within in an instant the man was dead, as Diaval ripped his face off using his razor sharp teeth.
''Diaval,'' Maleficent uttered under her breath (she could recognise him in any form).
''The whip!'' one of the soldier's shouted. ''Use it on the bear!''
A small, rather weak looking guard pulled a whip out from his belt and instantly used it to hit Diaval.
Diaval let out a cry of pain, as the whip was thrown around his neck, before two of the three remaining soldiers jumped on top of him.
Seeing her chance, Maleficent dived into the air and flew towards Diaval in an attempt to aid her faithful companion.. But just before she could reach him, Maleficent felt a tug on the chain that was still wrapped around her leg. She looked down to see the largest of the soldiers pulling on the chain.. With one almighty burst of strength, Maleficent forced herself forward, lifting the enormous soldier off his feet.
Just then, Diaval used his claws to wound the weak looking soldier who was holding the whip. He broke free of the remaining soldiers grip and dived to his feet. He gazed upward, as Maleficent flew above him.. Suddenly, Diaval was kicked in the face by the large soldier (who was currently airborne). He fell back down to the ground, stunned by the unexpected blow. It didn't take long for the men to take advantage, as they dived on top of him.
Maleficent made a u-turn before swooping to the ground.. She rushed forward to help Diaval, but didn't get far, as she was punched in the stomach by the large, bald-headed soldier.
''AAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' With a cry of fury, the huge man lifted Maleficent up with her throat before throwing her back into the long grass.
Two of the men pinned Diaval down, as the wounded third soldier readied his sword to kill him. But just before he could strike him...Christopher burst through the grass and tripped over his own feet.
''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Screaming, Chris fell to the ground and hit his head on a nearby rock, instantly knocking himself out. This distracted the soldiers, as they gazed at Christopher with a look of puzzlement on their faces.
Seeing his chance, Diaval used all the strength in his body to lunge forward and kill the soldier who was holding the sword, roaring in anger as he did so.
Recovering quickly, Maleficent lifted herself to her feet before taking flight.. She didn't get far, though, as the large soldier grabbed hold of the chain once again, his heavy weight forcing her to descend.. ''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Maleficent hit the ground hard and fell forward onto her face.. The fairy quickly tried to get to her feet again, but before she could, she felt a searing pain coming from her wings... ''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' she screamed, as the large man wrapped the iron chain around her wings and then around her torso... ''AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!''
Just then, another soldier rushed over and pulled out his sword. He raised it into the air, as he attempted to vanquish the former Queen of the Moors..
With all the strength she could muster, Maleficent spun around and used her left leg to kick the man in his stomach, causing him to drop his sword onto her lap. She instantly grabbed the weapon and used the blade to run the man through.. His dead body slumped to the ground next to her.
The large soldier grabbed Maleficent's hair and pulled her all the way down to the ground.. ''You're going to regret that!'' he shouted before spitting in her face.. The man then proceeded to wrap the long chain around her arms and around her throat.
''DIAVAL!'' Maleficent cried out in agony. She had never experienced pain like this before...
Diaval looked up at the sound of his Mistress' cries for aid. He instantly forgot about the two men he was fighting, as he released them from his grip and rushed to help her.. He didn't get far, though, as within seconds he heard the crack of a whip, before then feeling it wrap around his neck once again.. He tried to pull free of its grasp, but the more he struggled the harder he found it to breath... Suddenly, one of the soldier's dived on his back, knocking Diaval to the ground.
''DIAVAL!'' Maleficent cried out once again.
Diaval couldn't bear to hear her cries of pain and fear.. The love of his life was about to be killed...and he couldn't reach her. Every time he tried to clamber to his feet, the standing soldier would kick him in his face... There was no other alternative. He had to transform into another creature.. But just as he was about to do so, the man strewn across his back hit him on the back of his head with a rock. Diaval almost passed out, as he started to become dazed and disoriented...
''DIAV-'' Was all Maleficent managed to say before the chain around her neck tightened, preventing her from saying anything else, as she struggled to breath.
''Shut it!'' the soldier barked in her face... ''No one's coming to save you now.''
Maleficent raised her left leg up and attempted to kick him, but there was hardly any power in her strike.
The demented man gabbed hold of her foot and gave a chuckle. ''Is that the best you can muster, oh great and powerful Maleficent?'' He laughed mockingly.
Maleficent pulled her right arm free of the chain before removing it from around her neck.. ''HOW DARE YOU!'' she shouted, as she tried to use her magic against him. But once again...her magic failed to work.
''YAH!'' The man responded by booting Maleficent in her side, before proceeding to pull a dagger from his belt. ''I'm gonna enjoy this.'' The grin on his face widening, the man lifted Maleficent's leg up before placing the dagger between her open legs.
For the first time in her life, Maleficent felt completely helpless.. With terror in her eyes she looked to the man, in fear of what he was about to do to her.. A small part of her wanted to beg the man not to do this... But she couldn't allow herself to do that.. She refused to give him the satisfaction.
''Aw, poor Maleficent... This is gonna hurt.'' The man flashed another sadistic grin, as he prepared to ram the dagger into a very sensitive area on Maleficent's body...
Suddenly...a familiar figure leaped through the air and collided with the man, knocking him to the ground.
''Christopher,'' Maleficent said breathlessly.
''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Quickly gaining the upper hand, Christopher pummeled the man in the face over and over again.. Eventually, though, the man lifted his right fist up and returned one of Chris' punches, knocking the young man backwards and to the ground...
After a few seconds had passed, both men clambered to their feet, whilst Maleficent begun to untangle herself from the iron chain that was wrapped around her body.
''That's two you owe me for now,'' Chris said as he turned to Maleficent (referencing the previous time he'd saved her life).
Maleficent gave him a small smile...before raising her hand and pointing towards the large solider (indicating that Christopher still had to concentrate on his large opponent).
''Oh, right.'' Christopher promptly turned back around to face the huge man.
With a deep breath, the soldier lunged forward, dagger in hand.. Christopher stepped aside before lifting his foot high into the air, as he landed a roundhouse kick on the man's temple. The soldier instantly fell onto his knees and dropped his dagger to the ground. Christoper immediately rushed behind the man and threw his right arm around his neck, as he began to choke him.. The man struggled for a few seconds, before flipping Chris over his shoulder.. Christopher picked himself up and rushed head on at the man. Both of them reached out and grabbed hold of each other.
Maleficent was just about to release the chain from around her ankle and go help Christopher...when she heard Diaval let out a loud roar. It sounded as though he was in tremendous pain. ''Diaval,'' Maleficent spoke his name in a whisper...
''Go help Diaval!'' Chris yelled, as he dodged the man's next attack.
''What about you?''
''Oh, don't you worry about me.'' Christopher kneed the large man in the groin. ''I'll be okay.''
''Good luck.'' Maleficent spread out her wings and took off in search of Diaval.
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Meanwhile, almost a mile away, the soldier who'd left to inform Vernon that they'd found Christopher and Maleficent almost collapsed at Gerald's feet (he was suffering from total exhaustion).
''Captain!'' Gerald shouted to Vernon.
Vernon began to walk towards Gerald, but upon seeing one of his men talking to him in a breathless manner, he broke out into a jog.
''W-we've found them,'' the soldier revealed to Gerald.
''Where?'' Gerald inquired.
''That way.'' The man pointed towards the tall grass in the distance. ''The tall field.''
''What's going on here!?'' Vernon bellowed.
''Sir, Maleficent and the young man have been found,'' Gerald replied.
''Where are they?''
''In the field, sir,'' Gerald responded as he pointed towards it. ''Almost a mile from here.''
''Fetch me my horse!'' Vernon shouted to any of his men who happened to be listening. ''We leave at once!''
''Quickly men!'' Gerald promptly added.
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Back in the field, Diaval was still fighting with the two soldiers.. He swung his paw around aimlessly at the one who was holding the whip, while the other man pelted him with rocks from a distance.
''Diaval!'' a female voice shouted from above.
Diaval and the two men he was combating gazed upward and noticed Maleficent flying above them.. Before any of them had time to react, Maleficent swooped down at a tremendous speed (feeling invigorated at the sight of her beloved Diaval in trouble), and kicked the soldier who was holding the whip straight in his chest. The man dropped the whip to the ground, as he was hurled through the air.
Diaval used his teeth to sever the whip in half, before then transforming himself into a mighty rhinoceros.
Both soldiers looked on in amazement at the sight before them before then crying out in terror. ''AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!'
Diaval charged at the soldier who was nearest to him, impaling him using his horn. He then trampled the man repeatedly with his feet to make sure that he was dead.
The soldier who'd been throwing the rocks rushed towards Maleficent, sword in hand.
''Diaval!'' Maleficent called for assistance as she took flight.
Diaval turned around and began to charge at the man.
The soldier jumped into the air and grabbed hold of the chain that was still attached to Maleficent's leg.
Diaval jumped as high as his rhino body would allow him to, but he couldn't quite reach the man with his horn.
Maleficent flew higher into the air, as she prepared to drop the man from a large height to his death.
Diaval looked up in confusion, as he wondered why his Mistress was flying so high. He then transformed himself back into human form... ''MISTRESS!'' the shape-shfter shouted at the top of his lungs...
Maleficent flew higher and higher into the sky.. She eventually reached a height that would be sufficient enough to certainly kill the man who was hanging onto the iron chain for dear life.. But first, she had to make him let go. Maleficent stretched her hand down in an attempt to remove the chain from her ankle, but she couldn't reach.. She then tried lifting her leg up, but the man's weight prevented her from doing so.. Maleficent gave a disgruntled sigh, as she began to swing her leg back and forth in an attempt to make the soldier lose his grip. but the stubborn man refused to let go.. Maleficent gazed behind her and noticed that the end of the field was near. A small wood was only a few hundred yards away.. Maleficent was suddenly struck with an idea. She turned around and began to fly towards the wood
On the ground, Diaval gazed up in puzzlement.. ''Oh, where's she going now?'' he asked himself, before beginning to run along the ground after her.
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Meanwhile, Christopher and the very large soldier were still fighting... However many blows they landed on each other, they both kept bouncing back.
''Why won't you just die!?'' the large man said as he swung a fist lazily in Chris' direction.
''You first,'' Chris replied as he evaded the man's blow.. He tried to kick the man in his stomach, but the soldier caught Chris' foot in his hand and promptly pushed on it, which caused the young man to fall backward and hit the ground... Christopher tried to pull himself up, but found that his weary body wouldn't allow him to get up.. Seeing the man slowly walking towards him, Chris picked up the dagger that had been dropped by his opponent a few minutes beforehand, and threw it directly at the soldier's face.
The man reached out his hand and caught the dagger with ease, before then flashing a sinister smile in Christopher's direction... ''Looks like this is the end for you.''
Christopher was too tired to reply. And so...he used all his remaining energy to pick himself up and rush towards his opponent. ''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' he cried...
The man waited until the very last moment before raising his right leg up and kneeing Christopher in his stomach.
''OOF!'' Chris fell to the ground clutching his abdomen...
Smiling, the man placed his foot on Christopher's chest, as he hovered over him with the dagger in his hand... ''Time to die.'' Leaning down, the man prepared to end Christopher's life...
Suddenly, Apollo came bursting through the tall grass, racing towards the pair of them.
The man turned around and noticed the large red horse raising up onto its hind legs... ''ARRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' the man screamed, as Apollo brought his legs down on top of him.
Reacting fast, Christopher quickly rolled out of the way (fearing that his horse might accidentally harm him)...
Having trampled the man into unconsciousness, Apollo marched over towards Christopher and nuzzled him with his nose.
''Thanks, pal.'' Chris patted Apollo.
Just then, Diaval came rushing through the tall grass.
''Diaval!'' Christopher called to him. ''Where are you going!?''
''Maleficent!'' was all Diaval said in reply, as he pointed to the sky, continuing to run after his Mistress.
Christopher looked up and noticed Maleficent flying high in the air with a man hanging onto the long chain that was attached to her ankle... ''Always on the move,'' Chris muttered to Apollo before shaking his head.. ''Suppose we better follow them, then.'' Christopher promptly climbed aboard his steed before giving chase after Maleficent and Diaval...
''Maleficent!'' Diaval called to his Mistress, as he continued to run through the long grass at great speed, not daring to stop for even a moment, as he feared that he may lose sight of his Mistress... However, upon hearing the sound of hooves behind him, Diaval halted and glanced behind him.. Seeing Christopher and Apollo moving fast in his direction, Diaval quickly stepped aside, as he watched them go zooming past.
''Why don't you transform yourself back into a raven!?'' Chris shouted over his shoulder to Diaval. ''You'd move faster!''
Diaval slapped his forehead with the palm of his hand. ''Why didn't I think of that!?'' he wondered out loud, before transforming himself back into his original form and taking flight after Christopher and his horse.
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Maleficent was flying as fast as her wings would carry her. The agony she was feeling in her leg was growing worse by the second.. Despite Maleficent's constant jolts of her leg, the last remaining soldier still refused to let go.
The man's eyes opened wide in alarm, as he noticed the fast approaching woodland...
''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' With a yell of fury, Maleficent flew just over the tops of the trees... The man hanging below her wasn't so fortunate.
''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' The soldier screamed in terror, as he crashed through the branches of the trees... After a few seconds of been dragged from tree to tree, the man finally let go of the chain.
Maleficent gave a sigh of relief, as she felt the extra weight that she'd been carrying dissipate.
The soldier fell through the trees, bouncing from branch to branch as he made his way down to terra firma... THUD! He hit the ground hard, hurting his back in the process.
Maleficent swooped down towards the injured man, carefully making her way through the trees.. As soon as she touched the ground, Maleficent removed the iron chain from around her leg before tossing it aside... ''Ah, that's better.'' She smiled.
At that moment, Christopher appeared out of the long grass riding Apollo, Diaval flying close behind him... ''Maleficent!'' Chris called out as he rode into the wood towards her..
''Over here!'' Maleficent shouted in reply, as she limped towards the soldier (her leg still hurting her due to the long time it had remained in contact with the iron chain).
Christopher slowed Apollo down to a stop and then dismounted, before then quickly hurrying over to Maleficent's side.
The soldier squirmed at the sight of Maleficent, as he reached for his sword that was tied to his belt. He quickly unsheathed it, as he prepared to take a swipe at the fairy.
Suddenly, Diaval rushed forward (now back in his human form) and punched the soldier in his face.
The man slumped backwards and gave out a cry of pain, as he dropped his blade to the ground.
''Are you alright?'' Diaval asked his Mistress.
''Yes, I'm fine,'' Maleficent assured him.
''My back.'' The man groaned with a look of pain etched into his face. ''I think it's broken.''
''Stop whining and start answering my questions...and I may be able to help you,'' Maleficent stated.
''What questions?'' the soldier inquired.
''The ones I'm about to ask you,'' the elegant fairy responded.
''Better make it quick,'' Chris butted in as he picked up the man's sword... ''There could be more men skulking around here.'' Chris gazed at the many trees surrounding them..
''Who do you work for?'' Diaval asked the injured solider.
''What?'' was all he said in reply.
''Whom do you serve?'' Maleficent inquired in a stern tone of voice.
The man hesitated for a brief moment before replying... ''I am in the service of Captain Drake.''
''Drake?'' Chris echoed him with a look of realisation on his features (as he recognised the name).
''And who does Captain Drake serve?'' Diaval questioned.
The man hesitated once again before answering.. ''He serves...Lord Vandran.''
''I knew it!'' Diaval exclaimed.. ''I knew he was behind this!''
''Shh,'' Maleficent shushed her faithful friend... ''Where is Queen Aurora?'' Maleficent then asked the man.
''I-I can't tell you that.''
''Tell us or you die!'' Diaval threatened.
''If I tell you I'm a dead man anyway!'' the man bellowed... ''Vandran will kill me for sure if I betray him.''
''Better to die later than now,'' Chris interjected.
The man thought for a moment before replying.. ''No. No I can't tell you.''
''TELL US!'' Maleficent shouted, before reaching down and grabbing hold of the man's throat...
''A-Alright, alright!'' the soldier relented.
Maleficent removed her hand from the man's throat...
''H-He's keeping her inside a mountain.''
''A mountain?'' Chris said with a quizzical look on his face.
''Yes,'' the soldier confirmed. ''A mountain.''
''Which mountain?'' Diaval asked.
The soldier let out a sigh... ''Mount Oberon.''
''Oberon?'' Maleficent echoed him under her breath.
''Right. I've told you everything that you need to know.'' The man tried to sit up.
''Wait a moment.'' Maleficent took a step forward... ''I have one more question.''
''What?''
''How is it that my power has no effect on you and the rest of Captain Drake's men?''
The soldier raised his right hand into the air and showed them all the iron ring he was wearing.. ''This ring, that's how.''
''What about it?'' Diaval said.
''Lord Vandran has placed an enchantment on it,'' the man replied.. ''As long as I wear this...I am invulnerable to the powers of a fairy.''
''Let me guess,'' Christopher butted in. ''He's given these rings to all of his men, hasn't he?''
''That is correct,'' the soldier replied as he looked back to Maleficent.
''I see,'' the fairy responded under her breath...
''Where are the rest of Drake's men?'' Diaval inquired.
''Roughly a mile away.''
''Maleficent, we can't remain here any longer,'' Chris said in a worried tone of voice (knowing what Vernon was capable of).
''I agree,'' Maleficent replied.
''Wait!'' the soldier exclaimed.. ''You said you'd help me!''
''I lied,'' Maleficent said with a smile as she turned to walk away, Diaval promptly doing the same.
The man reached down to his belt and pulled a knife from it before lunging towards Maleficent, the knife aimed straight for her.
In a rush of blood and reacting fast, Christopher used the man's own sword to run him through with.
Maleficent and Diaval spun around just in time to see the man collapse to the ground...dead.
Christopher looked down at the bloody sword in his hand, feeling numb about what he'd just done... ''H-he was going to kill you,'' Chris explained to Maleficent, his hands shaking...
''Are you alright?'' Diaval asked Chris.
''Yeah.'' Chris gave a small nod. ''It's just that...I've never killed anyone before.''
There was a brief moment of silence before Maleficent finally spoke up, saying. ''The first time is always the hardest.'' The fairy turned away...
''We better get out of here..'' Diaval tapped Chris on his shoulder. ''Come on, let's go.''
''Hang on a minute.'' Christopher bent down and started to unbuckle the dead soldier's belt.
''What are you doing?'' Maleficent inquired.
''I'm taking his belt,'' Chris replied as he finished removing the belt.
''May I ask why?''
''I've decided to keep this sword... And I reckon I'll be needing the scabbard.'' Chris tied the belt around his waist, the scabbard attached to the belt.
''I see.''
''That's a good idea, actually,'' Diaval spoke up. ''It's not as though he'll be needing it anymore, is it?'' Diaval flashed a tiny grin.
''So...where are we headed?'' Chris inquired as he placed the sword back in its sheath.
''As far away from Drake's men as possible,'' Maleficent replied as she prepared to take flight.
''Oh, by the way.'' Christopher smirked at the fairy... ''That's three times I've saved your life now.''
''Would you desist from keeping count!?'' Maleficent snapped in reply, before jumping high into the air and taking flight.
''Ooh, I've upset her now.'' Chris smiled at Diaval.
Having returned Christopher's smile, Diaval transformed himself back into a raven before flying after his Mistress..
''Come on, Apollo.'' Christopher climbed aboard his horse before promptly heading off after Maleficent and Diaval.
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Back in the field, Vernon and his men had discovered the dead bodies of the soldiers that had been posted in the field.
''What could have done this?'' one of Vernon's men said upon seeing the lacerated bodies.
''Maleficent, of course,'' another soldier said.
''No,'' Gerald spoke up with a shake of his head... ''This is not the work of Maleficent.''
''Who else could have done this?'' Vernon said.. ''Christopher could not inflict this kind of damage.''
''He must be travelling with them,'' Gerald uttered in a quiet voice.
''He?'' Vernon echoed his Lieutenant.
''Yes.'' Gerald nodded. ''I do not know his name, but-''
''But what?''
''He's a shape-shifter, sir.''
''A what?'' Vernon looked dumbfounded (unfamiliar with the term).
''A shape-shifter, sir,'' Gerald repeated.. ''You see, long ago, Maleficent had the good fortune of saving his life. He's been indebted to her ever since.. And apparently...she can change him into whatever creature that suits her,'' Gerald explained.
''Wait a moment.'' Vernon began to remember... ''In the throne room...there was a man who changed into a lion.''
''That must have been him.''
''But Maleficent wasn't conscious at the time,'' Vernon added. ''She couldn't have transformed him... He did it himself.''
''Perhaps Maleficent has granted him the power to transform at will,'' Gerald (correctly) theorized.
''Could she do that?'' Vernon inquired.
''It wouldn't surprise me, sir,'' Gerald responded. ''Her powers are nothing short of astounding.. That's why I'm thankful to have this.'' The young Lieutenant pointed to the ring on his finger.
''My sentiments exactly.'' Vernon glanced at the ring on his own hand.
Just then, one of the men came rushing through the long grass shouting. ''Captain! Captain!''
''What is it!?'' Vernon declared.
''We've found one of our men alive, sir!''
''I'll be right there!'' Vernon shouted back before hurrying towards the man, Gerald and the rest of the company following close behind him...
After a short walk, Vernon and his men arrived at the spot where the wounded large soldier who'd fought Christopher was laid...
''What happened!?'' Vernon inquired in a stern tone of voice. ''Who did this to you!?''
''A horse,'' the injured soldier spluttered. ''I-it belonged...to a man.''
''Who else was with him?''
''M-M-Maleficent,'' the man stuttered.. ''She...she was aided by a large bear.''
''Must have been the shape-shifter,'' Vernon mumbled to himself.. ''Which way did they go?''
''I...I don't know, sir.. I was unconscious.''
''Oh, what use are you!?'' Vernon exclaimed.. ''Get up!'' he then commanded.
The large soldier began to try and sit upright, letting out a groan as he did so.. Two of the soldiers went to help him.
''Let him get up himself!'' Vernon shouted at the men who were trying to aid the wounded soldier, causing both of them to step away.
The large man propelled himself up onto one knee, before letting out a cry of pain as he fell back to the ground. ''AHHHHHHHHH!''
Vernon let out a sigh... ''I've had enough of you.'' Vernon pulled out his sword.
''Sir, what are you doing!?'' Gerald exclaimed with a panicked expression on his face before taking a step forward.
''GET BACK!'' Vernon shouted at his Lieutenant.
Gerald's face expressed pure shock.. Could he stand by and let Vernon murder one of their own?.. More importantly...did he have a choice?... Eventually, Gerald backed down, as he stepped away. ''Yes, sir.''
Taking a deep breath, Vernon stood over the wounded man... ''You had them here. They were in your grasp...and yet you failed!'' Vernon barked... ''And failure is something I refuse to tolerate.''
''Please, sir,'' the injured soldier pleaded.
''Please, sir?'' Vernon echoed him in a mocking tone of voice. ''Pathetic... We do not have the time to cater to wounded men.''
''I-I will r-recover quickly, sir.''
''You won't have the chance.'' Vernon suddenly plunged the sword down into the man's abdomen...
Gerald turned away in disgust (most of the other soldiers doing the same)...
The large man took a final breath...before his eyes clouded over, as he succumbed to his injuries...
''Let this be a lesson to all of you!'' Vernon declared, as he withdrew his blade from the dead man's torso.. ''I will not permit failure!. Is that understood!?''
All of the men nodded...
''Good.'' Vernon smiled before suddenly declaring. ''We leave at once!'' He started to march back towards where he'd left his horse.. ''Saddle up!''
Gerald stared intently at Vernon as he watched him walking away, wondering if Vandran had made a tremendous error in appointing such an unstable man to command his troops...
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Christopher, Maleficent and Diaval had been making their way across the countryside for hours.. But with dusk now falling rather rapidly, Maleficent landed to ground in a small grove, Diaval promptly following behind her.
''We rest here tonight,'' Maleficent announced.
''Okay,'' Chris said as he dismounted from his horse.
Diaval transformed himself back into human form before asking Maleficent. ''Mistress...where is Mount Oberon?''
''A long way from here, Diaval,'' Maleficent replied.
''Mount Oberon?'' Christopher looked thoughtful for a moment.. ''I suppose that's named after the King of the fairies, isn't it?''
Maleficent looked astonished to hear Christopher say this. ''Well...yes it is, actually.'' The fairy looked at the young man in puzzlement. ''How did you know that?''
''I've read A Midsummer Night's Dream.'' Chris started to tether Apollo to a tree.
''You've read what?''
''A Midsummer Night's Dream,'' Chris repeated. ''It's a play written by William Shakespeare.. The character of Oberon appears in it.''
''What do you mean?'' Maleficent shook her head in confusion. ''You speak of Oberon as though he's a work of fiction.''
''Well...he is.'' Christopher finished tethering Apollo.
''Nonsense.'' Maleficent dismissed this. ''Oberon really existed. He was the King of all the fairies.''
''Was?''
''He died some 300 years ago,'' Diaval butted in.. ''At least I think it was 300 years ago.'' He looked to his Mistress for confirmation.
''That is correct, Diaval,'' Maleficent confirmed. ''He died exactly 300 years ago.''
''This is incredible.'' Christopher let out a small chuckle as he leaned against a nearby tree.. ''So...it appears Oloven was right when he said that our worlds were parallel.'' Chris smiled.. ''You see, in the world I come from...Oberon is a fictitious character. And yet here...he really existed.''
''Yes,'' Diaval agreed. ''It is rather extraordinary.''
''Why is the mountain named after him?'' Chris asked Maleficent.
''Because Oberon used to govern from there,'' Maleficent explained. ''He lived in that mountain all his life.''
''I see.'' Chris gave a nod of understanding. ''So who's the reigning monarch of the fairy realm now?''
''No one,'' Maleficent replied. ''Oberon was the last ruler.''
''Why's that?''
Maleficent sighed. ''The position of sovereign was coveted by all fairies and pixies alike. Many battles were fought for possession of the crown.. Oberon's own wife, Titania, attempted to kill her spouse on more than one occasion.''
''Why were they so desperate for the crown?''
''Because it was no ordinary crown,'' Diaval interjected (Maleficent had told him about all this many times before).
''Really?'' Chris turned to Diaval.. ''In what way was it special?''
''The crown granted ultimate power to whoever was in possession of it,'' Diaval revealed.
''It wasn't actually the crown,'' Maleficent corrected Diaval. ''It was the crystal that was embedded inside it.''
''Oh, yes, of course,'' Diaval remembered.
''So...what happened to it?'' Christopher inquired.
''When Oberon was dying, he announced that there would never again be another monarch,'' Maleficent revealed. ''He felt that enough blood had already been spilt by those who desired the crown.. So, he removed the crystal from the crown and used it to seal the entrance at the front of the mountain... No one has set foot inside that mountain since.''
''Until now,'' Diaval stated.
''Yeah. How do you suppose Vandran gained entrance?'' Christopher asked Maleficent.
''I do not know,'' she replied with honesty.
''Well, perhaps he's gotten hold of the crystal,'' Christopher wondered.
''I doubt that.'' Maleficent shook her head. ''Oberon hid the crystal before his death.. No one knows where it is.''
''Well then, maybe he found another way in,'' Diaval spoke up.
''Perhaps. But how he got inside is immaterial,'' Maleficent said.. ''All that matters is that he's holding Aurora captive inside of that place, and he isn't aware that we know of his location.. That gives us the advantage.''
''So, just how far away is Mount Oberon?'' Chris asked.
''Almost two thousand miles away from here,'' the fairy replied.
''Wow!'' Chris said with a look of shock on his face.. ''It's going to take a hell of a long time getting there, then, isn't it?''
''Yes, it will take considerable time,'' Maleficent responded. ''You are not at liberty to come with us, though, Christopher... This isn't your fight.''
''I feel like it is... Besides, I've got nothing better to do.'' Chris flashed Maleficent a slight smile.
''Two thousand miles?'' Diaval looked almost as shocked as Christopher did (as Maleficent had never told him just how far away Mount Oberon was).. ''That's a long way to fly.''
''I suspect the journey will feel even longer with this Captain Drake pursuing us.'' Maleficent let out a sigh.
''Speaking of Drake.'' Christopher cleared his throat.. ''Do you know who he is, by any chance?''
''No,'' Maleficent replied. ''Should I?''
''I suppose not.'' Christopher lowered his head. ''It's just that, well...Drake is the second name of Vernon.''
''The second name?'' Diaval echoed him.
''Remember how I told you that people from my world have two names?''
Diaval gave a nod.
''Well, Drake is Vernon's surname.''
''H-hang on a minute. You're saying that this Captain Drake...is Vernon?'' Diaval asked for clarification.
''Yes,'' Chris confirmed it.
''Wait a moment,'' Maleficent butted in.. ''Why would Vandran recruit Vernon?''
''I don't know,'' Christopher replied... ''Although..-''
''What?'' Diaval inquired.
''Well, Vernon did save Vandran's life.. By accident, of course.'' Christopher hastily added. ''Maybe he felt indebted to him.''
''Could you negotiate with him?'' Maleficent asked (not knowing that there was bad blood between Chris and the older man).
''Hardly.'' Christopher almost chuckled at the suggestion. ''We're not exactly the best of friends.''
''But you both come from the future.'' Diaval pointed this face out.
''Just because we both come from the same world doesn't mean that we have to like each other, Diaval,'' Chris replied. ''As a matter of fact...Vernon is the reason why I'm here.''
''Really?'' Maleficent sounded slightly intrigued.
''Yes.'' Chris took a deep breath. ''Vernon stole this woman's purse and I...I was pursuing him when we were both struck by lightning.''
''So that's how you ended up here,'' Diaval deduced.
''Yes.'' Christopher let out a yawn.. ''Now, if you two don't mind...I'm going to put my head down for the night. I haven't slept for what feels like an age.''
''Of course.'' Maleficent gave him a small smile. ''But you'll have to be awake at the crack of dawn.. We mustn't linger here for too long.''
''Sure,'' Chris replied, as he made his way towards a comfortable spot on the ground.. ''Goodnight you two.''
''Goodnight,'' Maleficent and Diaval replied simultaneously...
(A/N). And so ends chapter 11 (my longest chapter so far). Please don't forget to review. Don't be shy. Let me know what you think.
Thanks for reading.
Until next time, au revoir.