AN: I am really, truly sorry for the long wait. I haven't had much time lately as I've been dealing with many personal issues involving my family and friends. I owe all of you a big apology for taking such a long time. I'll try and update sooner this time. Thank you for all the reviews. They're all greatly appreciated. Please keep them up and I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Chapter Twelve: Attack
Butler and the two guards made it to the cave where the mirror was by noon. On horseback, the trip was much quicker then it had been when Butler had made the trip on foot. When they arrived at the cave, the two guards went to retrieve the mirror while Butler walked around outside a bit. He was surprised to find the same sets of foot prints as before only newer and quite recent.
He discovered that the cave was just one of many. There were about a total of six fairly large caves in the area that all looked unused. Butler stored away that piece of information in case it should prove useful later. He had learned early on that it was wise to know your surroundings and always be prepared for any type of situation. It was something he had made sure to teach Artemis at a young age. You never knew when the smallest detail could prove useful later on.
He walked back to the main cave to find the two guards loading the mirror carefully onto the horse. It seemed they had shut the mirror off because instead of the blurry image of New York, it now gave the impression it was nothing more then a normal mirror that reflects normally.
Butler moved over there to help the guard, Daniel, lift it up to the other guard, Thomas who positioned the mirror so he was firmly grasping it. Butler and Daniel mounted their horses and the three set off back to the road.
They were still a little ways off when they began to hear screaming and shouting from the nearby village. Exchanging worried glances, they urged their horses forward. When the village came into sight, Daniel curse and growled, "Rebels."
The southern part of the village was completely immersed in flames. Villagers were running every which way. Some were attempting to put out the fires, and many men were now attempting to fight the Rebels who were swarming through the village like a plague, all dressed in dark and brown colors, destroying what they could and attacking anyone who got in their way.
Butler could see people of all ages falling while others froze with fear. The three all turned when a chorus of howls was heard just behind them. Thirty or so large wolves (at least larger then what Butler was used to) ran passed them to the village, lead by an even larger black wolf who was shouting instructions to the others. Butler watched, amazed, as they all charged into the village, immediately going after the Rebels.
Deciding they couldn't just stand there, Butler took charge right away. "Thomas, you get the mirror to the castle and keep it safe. Then you need to go and inform King Wendell. Daniel, I think you should head off right away to get more soldiers. While those wolves hold them off for now, I'm going to try and get as many of the villagers to safety."
The two guards didn't waste any time in doing as he said. Thomas paused only long enough to give Butler his sword. "I shouldn't need it but you will."
Butler nodded solemnly and took it. "Thank you."
"Good luck." And with that, Thomas was off. Butler swung the sword expertly. He knew how to use a sword; he had learned back when he had been training with Madame Ko and he had even been forced to use it in a few situations years ago. It seemed he hadn't lost his touch either.
He snapped the reins, urging the horse into a gallop. The village was still in chaos. The wolves were sorely outnumbered by the Rebels but now, a lot of the village men were joining the fight. They had managed to push the Rebels back some but Butler wasn't sure how long they'd be able to keep it up. He fingered his Sig Sauer, tempted to use it, but he knew he couldn't. They didn't have guns here and he didn't want to be the one to introduce them.
So when a Rebel charged him, he abandoned the gun and used the sword. The two circled each other, waiting for the other to make the first move. Butler had no time for this and struck forward faster than lightening. The Rebel barely managed to block his sword in time only to have to block the next blow immediately. Several other Rebels joined in and so it was Butler against two. He managed to strike one down but another filled his place. This continued until finally a wolf joined Butler, each covering each other's back, eventually defeating the twenty Rebels. The yells continued throughout the village, letting Butler know that the battle carried on and was no where near to being over.
Sweating, and panting slightly, Butler turned to thank the wolf, surprised to see it was the black one he had seen leading the others. "Thank you for the help. I wouldn't have been able to get them all myself."
The wolf nodded it's magnificent head. "It was not a problem. Anyone who is an enemy to the Rebels is an ally to me. My name is Orion."
"Butler," he introduced himself. The wolf, Orion, nodded once again. "One of King Wendell's guards left to get soldiers. There should be reinforcements shortly." Butler informed him.
"Good, I'm not sure how much longer we'd be able to hold out against them."
As if on cue, three more Rebels came towards them. All conversation was stilled as the two began fighting once again. Butler eventually lost track of Orion, who was launching himself onto Rebels and attacking them that way. Butler headed in the opposite direction of the fighting hoping to gather all the women and children. With the help of one lady and her teenage son, they were able to gather a good amount of people. However there were still many more who were trapped near the main fighting. Butler tuned to the teenager.
"To the South of here, there's a series of caves. Do you know them?" He demanded.
The boy nodded, trying not to show any fear and Butler had to give him some credit for that. "I used to play there as a kid."
"Good. Lead all these people there. You're in charge for now. I'll be sending more people there shortly."
The boy nodded solemnly, before leading the large group out of the village through back ways. Butler followed from a safe distance, taking care of any Rebels who tried to attack them. Once seeing they were safely out of the village and into the woods, Butler headed back to where the most fighting was occurring.
The wolves were currently trying to push the Rebels away from the village and were doing an adequate job of it. Butler caught sight of two burning houses where screams were drifting from. He broke down the door to one, covering his nose and mouth from the smoke, and entered the home. There was a small group of children and one lady huddled in a corner, trapped by a burning piece of wood that had fallen from the ceiling. Butler kicked it out of the way, enabling them to escape. He ushered them ahead of him and out the door and was just about to follow when another burning piece of wood fell right in front of him causing him to jump backwards to avoid being hit.
He was starting to cough now and it was getting harder to see through all the smoke. He pulled out his handkerchief and used it to cover his nose and mouth instead of using his shirt like he had been and trying to ignore the smoke and ashes, he carefully made his way around the wood and finally made it outside. He took a few deep breaths of the fresh air and then turned and prepared to enter the other house but found it wasn't necessary.
He watched as Orion flew out of the already broken window with a kid firmly holding onto his back. A middle aged lady and an elderly lady scrambled out after him just as the house began to collapse. Butler quickly checked to make sure both families were alright.
"Thank you both so much." One woman said, throwing her arms around Butler and then Orion, both of which looked uncomfortable, before then rushing over and hugging both the ladies that Orion had rescued. It seemed they were close to each other because all three women broke into tears of relief, taking turns hugging each other and their kids.
Butler turned to Orion. "I just got a group of people out of here safely. They're hiding in caves not far from here but I know there's a lot more people here yet."
"There is a whole bunch of people hiding in an alley over there. I have two wolves guarding them right now. But it would be safer for them away from here." The wolf informed him. Butler nodded.
"I'll get them then." And he set off, fighting any Rebels who got in his way.
A little over two hours later, it was dark now and Butler was returning from another trip of leading more villagers to safety. He had just entered the village again when he heard the sound of many hooves hitting the ground. Turning, he saw a large amount of soldiers all charging into the village. Minutes before, more Rebels had come and Butler feared the wolves wouldn't last much longer. Now, the sight of the hundreds of soldiers coming to their aid gave him hope.
He could hear the wolves' welcoming howls and the cheers of the village's men who had all heard. It seemed just knowing that the soldiers were there gave them new strength. Within the hour what was left of the Rebels retreated.
Butler found an empty bench not far from where the General of the solders shouted instructions to his men, and sat down. He was exhausted and frankly, he was surprised he had lasted so long, between making the numerous trips to the woods leading women and children and fighting the Rebels. He needed to get back up though. There were many casualties and he had some experience in basic first aid. He had to help with what he could.
Reluctantly, he stood up again, trying not to wince as his whole body protested. He spent the next hour wrapping and cleaning wounds and doing anything he could to help. It was now well into the night and Butler was fighting the fatigue threatening to creep in. He was eventually approached by a soldier and informed that the General wanted to see him.
Butler nodded and finished cleaning a teenager's stab wound to the leg before making his way over to the center of the village where the General was currently at. Daniel and Orion were also there. Orion seemed to have a few cuts and scratches from the battle but overall was relatively uninjured. Butler himself had acquired a small gash at the side of his left arm. It stung but Butler had experienced far worse before.
"You must be Butler. I've heard all about you. You're traveling with the King?" Butler nodded and the General continued. "Orion was also telling me about your contributions to this battle. Your help is greatly appreciated, both of you." He said to Butler and Orion. "I'll be sure to inform King Wendell. Were it not for your efforts, the whole village might have been slaughtered. You have our thanks and I'm sure the King will want to reward you."
Butler and Orion shook their heads. "We all fought willingly. Us wolves owe Wendell a lot and it is our pleasure to fight for him. Ask any of them and they will say the same." Orion stated.
The General smiled. "That is why we're all so grateful. You didn't do it for the reward and Butler here isn't even from here nor any of the Kingdoms for that matter and he too saved many lives."
Both manservant and wolf fell silent, deciding their efforts were futile. All Butler wanted right then was a bed and then to return to Artemis and Juliet.
"Everyone get some rest tonight. Tomorrow afternoon we'll leave. I'll have you two escorted to the village King Wendell is at."
All Butler could do was nod, before allowing himself to be led to a large tent where cots had been set up. His last thought before drifting off was that he needed a long vacation after this.
The next day was awkward for both Artemis and Holly. Artemis, after the incident, had walked around the village and found a place where he could sit and meditate. He had tried everything to get his mind off Holly and the kiss but no amount of plans to get money would work. He had returned to the inn after midnight sometime to find Wendell talking to a soldier and holding a letter with news of the battle.
Wendell had turned to see Artemis and gave him a reassuring smile when Artemis's concern for Butler became evident on his face. "Don't worry, your friend is safe. According to my General, he's also quite the hero." Wendell had gone on to read the part of the letter concerning Butler and his actions. Artemis sank into a chair with a relieved sigh.
He had been overwhelmed the past few hours and he was glad that at least now a lot of his worry for his old friend was gone. When he had regained his composure, Wendell had told him everything he knew about the battle.
By the time he had gotten to Juliet's room to inform her of her brother's safety, it was nearing sunrise and he hadn't had a wink of sleep. But Artemis had no intention of doing so yet. After telling Juliet to inform the others, he went back out to the room Wendell had set up as a temporary command post. There was a long table surrounded by many chairs, with a smaller table off to the side where snacks and tea were set up for everyone.
Wendell had spent most of the night conversing with advisors and heads of his army. Tony had come back down shortly after the letter from Wendell's General came, so both Artemis and he helped however they could whether it be sharing opinions or writing letters.
Now, as Artemis made his way back into the room, he wearily noticed that Wendell was reading a new letter; his face a mixture of anger and disbelief. Artemis made his way over to Tony who was pouring himself a cup of coffee.
"What is that letter about?" Artemis asked while pouring himself some tea and fighting back a yawn.
"Apparently it's from the Rebels. Just arrived a minute ago."
Artemis turned to see Wendell. "From the look on his face, it can't be good." Artemis observed and Tony nodded. They waited semi-patiently for Wendell to finish. More like Artemis was patient but Tony wasn't, nor was he in the best mood either; having only gotten a few hours of sleep. Artemis had to refrain himself from pointing out that Tony's few hours of sleep was more than what Artemis got.
Wendell finally finished and passed the letter to Tony and Artemis just as Virginia, Wolf, Juliet and Holly came in. Wendell explained to them everything that had happened so far.
"And now, we've just received a letter from the Rebels. The leader claims that he had no prior knowledge of the attack. He claims that they acted without his consent and those who escaped us will be punished. He also said that those we captured, we can do with them what we will and he makes no demands as far as wanting them back, which I wholly disapprove of. While I'm not saying I'm going to let them go, a good leader in my opinion should care about his men, even if they did disobey him. But that's beside the current point. He also wants to go ahead with the meeting. Does he really expect me to be that…stupid?"
By now, Wendell was starting to rant. The lack of sleep and stress had started getting to him and while the situation wasn't supposed to be amusing, Wolf and Virginia were both watching him, fighting back laughter as he paced back and forth. Tony and Artemis finished the letter, Artemis was also looking amused.
"It certainly seems they do underestimate you." Artemis said before taking a sip of his tea. Wendell sank into his chair and everyone else followed suit.
"Great, so we're dealing with a bunch of fools." Wendell muttered.
"Yes, and you can use that to your advantage." Artemis pointed out.
"How?" Tony asked, looking interested. Artemis was quiet for a moment, deep in thought.
Holly, who was sitting at the opposite end of the table as him, allowed herself to glance over at him. He looked exhausted and had dark circles under his eyes. He hadn't changed clothes yet and his hair was disheveled. She, herself, hadn't gotten much sleep. She hadn't been able to think of anything except the kiss and when she had slept, her dreams had been all about the raven haired young man. Holly blushed and looked away as she recalled the things that occurred in said dreams.
"Well, I think," Artemis began to Wendell while everyone listened intently, "you should still attend the meeting." Wendell looked at him, clearly believing he had lost all his marbles. He opened his mouth to protest but Artemis raised a hand to stop him. "Wait just a second Your Majesty and let me explain. I believe the leader when he said that he did not order that attack. He would not intentionally risk you not attending that meeting as that would ruin his perfect chance at getting you. If they are underestimating you so, it is clear they don't think you will suspect anything and they will more than likely let their guard down and not be quite as alert or suspicious when you go."
Wendell stayed silent for a moment, frowning. "Unless they want us to think that they're underestimating us so that we underestimate them."
Wolf groaned, "Oh, I hate it when there's these types of situations. How are you ever supposed to know which one's right?"
"Either way, the fact remains that there might not be another way to end this quickly. Going to the meeting would be risky but it also might be the most sufficient method. Once I know more about them and who is leading them, as well as their location, I'll be able to come up with a plan that will make sure the meeting goes to our liking. As of right now, however, we barely have any information on this group, therefore putting us at the disadvantage."
Artemis waited while Wendell was considering it all. He really hoped he wasn't just running his mouth here. It was true that if he was able to get information on them he could come up with something but how to get enough information on a group that has managed to remain mysterious and so secretive for the past five years even while at war?
"So basically, you're saying if I go I have to play a fool for a week and a half." Wendell said gruffly.
"Well, that won't be too hard for you Wendy." Wolf said, smirking. Wendell glared at him and Virginia smacked her husband. Tony, though, chuckled.
"Too bad it's Wendell. Wolf wouldn't even have to pretend."
Wendell gave a small smile at that as Wolf sputtered, "Hey!"
Virginia laughed. "It's okay Honey, I love you no matter what."
"How did this get switched to me?" Wolf pouted as everyone else chuckled. Wendell turned to his aid sitting off to the side.
"Write back telling them I agree to the meeting still. Just so long as nothing of the sort occurs again. If it does, not only will the meeting be off, but I will not hesitate to retaliate. Inform them that their soldiers who were taken captive will be imprisoned until we have negotiated something."
The aid got right to work on that and Wendell sat back and allowed himself a yawn. Tony noticed and said, "Alright Wendell, now that this is all taken care of, you need to get some sleep."
"I'm fine Anthony. Besides, there's still a lot to be done. I can sleep later."
"No, now's good. We can handle all this." Tony turned to all the advisors and such. "If you need anything or something happens, come to me first and I'll determine if it's important enough to wake the King."
They all nodded and Wendell sighed, recognizing defeat. Juliet seemed to notice for the first time just how tired Artemis seemed as well. She immediately got up and went over to where he sat.
"Come on Artemis, you're getting some sleep too. Butler would kill me if he found out you aren't taking care of yourself."
"Butler doesn't have to know and I am too taking care of myself."
"Arty, you're paler than usual and you look like crud. Get some sleep."
"Juliet-"
"Don't make me drag you out of here, because you know I will."
Artemis narrowed his eyes at her as she crossed her arms and gave him a look that dared him to not heed her. "Alright, I'll go to sleep for an hour."
"A few hours at least." Juliet corrected him. Artemis glared at her but stood up. "Good, now Holly, you look terrible too and plus I don't trust Artemis to listen to me. Do you think you could make sure he gets to his room and then you get some sleep too."
Holly paled and Artemis's eyes widened slightly. Unless you were to look real closely though, Artemis betrayed nothing of what he was thinking. The last thing they wanted was to be alone again. They were both embarrassed and no doubt it would awkward.
Juliet and Virginia both noticed the two panic slightly and shared a curious glance. Artemis sent a pleading look to Wendell. He had no clue what the problem was but attempted to help nonetheless.
"Actually, I had a favor to ask of Holly. I was hoping she could run an errand for me."
Holly looked relieved and nodded. Virginia and Juliet shared another look. "Wendell, I'll do it. I got more sleep than Holly did last night." Virginia said and Holly glared at her.
Wendell turned to Artemis and said quietly, "They're all conspiring against us."
"Yes, so it would seem. Any more ideas by any chance?"
Wendell thought for a second. "No, I'm out. Sorry. I could just order them around but frankly, Virginia wouldn't listen anyway and that would only succeed in angering her. She can be quite scary when she's mad."
Artemis chuckled. "The same can be said for Holly. She's even punched me a few times now."
Wendell laughed. "Virginia's never gone that far, although when she first met Wolf, she hit him rather badly and pushed him out a window. But that was because he had tried eating her grandmother."
Artemis's eyes widened and he glanced over at Virginia and Wolf. "Yet they're happily married?"
"Wolf and Virginia had a bit of rough start but got through it. Wolf fell for her right away and insisted on changing for her but it took awhile for her to warm up to him and trust him. Then again, Virginia trusted him before Anthony or I did."
Artemis nodded, recalling Virginia's explanation the day they had arrived. Wolf had betrayed the Evil Queen to help Virginia, Tony and Wendell. "How long did it take until you did trust him?" Artemis asked, curious. They were standing near the door, momentarily forgotten as the others had started talking about the recent news.
"I suppose I didn't trust him until the end when he saved all the monarchs and myself. Anthony and Virginia trusted him long before that though. They agreed to let him lead them through the Kingdoms, acting as their guide."
"What exactly happened when Wolf saved all the monarchs? Virginia never went into detail about that part."
"No, I wouldn't expect her to. She probably had it worse at my coronation. But anyway, when my stepmother escaped from prison, she had made me switch bodies with a dog. The dog was in my body while I was in his. It was rather humiliating you know. She used the dog as her puppet to make it seem to everyone else that nothing was amiss. She pulled all of this shortly before my coronation where I was to become King. In the time before the coronation, my stepmother trained her dog so that when the time came, he successfully passed as me and passed the three tests that each Prince or Princess must take in order to become King or Queen. My stepmother's plan was to poison all the monarchs there when the toast came around, so she would then rule all the Nine Kingdoms. Wolf was in charge of slipping the poison into the drinks and serving it to them for the toast. If it had gone as planned, they would have all drank it and been killed almost immediately. But instead of poison, Wolf switched it so that it merely knocked everyone unconscious for a few minutes to make it look convincing to my stepmother. She was killed and everyone was then safe."
Artemis glanced over at Wolf again, impressed. He opened his mouth to question Wendell further but unfortunately, Juliet looked over and noticed they had yet to leave.
"Artemis Fowl! Get to bed!"
Artemis winced and glared at her but opened the door. She's been around Mother far too much, he thought to himself. He heard Juliet speak in the same tone again and a second later, an annoyed and frustrated Holly came out as well. Artemis couldn't help but snicker at the fact that the normally tough elf who followed no one's order was being ordered around as such. She spun around and glared at him.
"Shut up Fowl. I didn't see you argue with her."
"Of course now. I've seen the way she fights and what happens to those who irritate her."
The door opened again and Wendell came out looking just as annoyed as Holly. "Can you believe he threatened to have my own guards remove me if I didn't get some sleep? Honestly, who's the king around here anyway?" Wendell huffed and stalked off. Artemis and Holly shared an amused look before remembering themselves. Holly looked anywhere but him and Artemis cleared his throat.
"Yes, well, I suppose we should go before Juliet finds us still here."
Holly nodded and followed him through the lobby towards their rooms. There was an uncomfortable silence, perhaps the first real one in six years between the two. They were both relieved when they reached their rooms. Holly had been placed two rooms down from Artemis's room so she reached her door first. Her hand was on the knob when she finally worked up enough courage to speak.
"Artemis, wait, about last night…" She started and saw Artemis tense. He turned around to face her. His face revealing nothing about what he was thinking or feeling. He gave her the barest of nods and she swallowed, avoiding looking into his eyes, knowing that he would see right through her and know that what she was about to say was a lie. "About last night, it was all a mistake. I mean, I was upset and we were both worried about Butler."
Artemis, though his face stayed impassive, he felt as though he had been dealt a blow to the stomach. He felt a myriad of emotions all at once, including being hurt and disappointed. "Yes, of course. It was all a mistake." He said and Holly flinched at the cold tone he used. "Now if you'll excuse me. Some of us were up all night working and helping." Artemis regretted saying the last bit as it came out cold and accusing, and for lack of a better word, snobbish. But his pride refused to let him take it back.
Holly's temper instantly flared as he had hit a sore subject. She had been feeling a bit left out since Artemis had gotten so close to the king and his family and was such an important attribute ever since arriving there whereas she had been more of a tag-along. "Are you accusing me of being worthless?" She growled.
Artemis raised an eyebrow. "You're the one that said it, not me."
"I've been doing what I can. It's not my fault that you're all buddy-buddy with the king. You are such an egotistical, cold, heartless, pathetic excuse for a Mud Man. I don't know why I've ever bothered. You'll never change. It makes me regret ever associating with you or helping you in any way. You don't deserve it." It was only when she saw his reaction that she realized what that last part could have implied.
He instantly went stiff and he looked hurt before he gave her the coldest glare she had seen him give yet. She paled. "Artemis, wait, I didn't mean it like that-" She began but he cut her off, his voice calm yet cold.
"You made it perfectly clear to me what you meant and quite frankly, I'm surprised at you. You regret helping me? You regret saving my parents and Butler? While I may not be, both my parents are wonderful people who have done nothing against you. As for Butler, he has always respected you and never had an ill thought about you. Did you know that when we kidnapped you, Butler, after you saved him and Juliet from the troll, wanted to let you go without getting the ransom? It was only my orders that stopped him. Think and say what you will of me as we both know that I deserve it. But do not speak like that of my family."
He then disappeared into his room, leaving a shocked and upset Holly in the hallway. Fighting back tears, she went into her room, the door closing softly behind her.
Review and let me know what you thought.
