Well, it was a long time coming, but I got this next chapter. I purposefully was waiting a month, there was a lot of things I had to do, still some things to work out in my future chapters that I honestly have not figured out yet.. sad face. But I'm working at it, even if it takes me a whole month.
WOW! My town reminds you of a mix between The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe aaaaaand Spirited Away in one?! Original and exciting you say? I am extremely flattered and even more eager to continue writing on this story knowing that you love it so much, THANK YOU
THANK YOU all for your reviews/suggestions/comments/concerns/ideas, every little bit helps, especially now at these writer's blocks I've been having. I am unsure how to properly express my gratitude other than dishing out more chapters and sending PM's to you.
On that note I'd like to point out something, a quick reminder to all readers and writers. Fanfiction was created for us to have the freedom and fun of sharing common interests, we will all have our personal takes of our beloved characters and worlds, some will like it, some won't. As writers, we have the freedom to write what we want, and as reviewers we have the right to say what we want, especially if the writers keeps asking for reviews in the first place. So in regards to those who do not like it, those 'flamers' reviewing your stories, do not take them too personal on something that you are doing for the simple fact that you love and have a passion for it. Is that not in everyday life? Remember that we are here for fun and socializing. Retaliating against potential aggression with real aggression rallies people to warfare, but to retaliate against it with mutual respects to one another rallies people to fellowship. Thank you.
Now for the next chapter...
"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24
Chapter 20- Decisions
Geddyn had made it a habit to serve a breakfast to them as they woke and went to his tavern. It was good, to have someone who provided and important necessity like food, trustworthy. Alicia watched the patrols of guards, the small watch towers and least used dirt or muddy paths between homes. The two snuck away quietly to a quiet place before speaking of their plans.
" We have to check out the prison yard. Right now it's our best lead." The woman stated.
Her friend nodded mutely as he kept eyes shifting about. " I shall see how close I can get. What of you?"
" I'll stick to the back alleys here. Maybe I can find another clue or something."
The elf, of course was not completely agreeable to that, old fashioned he was, but at least he understood the logic and knew that he'd stand a better chance only looking out for himself when it came to spying. With a final nod, the two parted ways. She watched him disappear, before turning around and tensing up as if someone were to jump right out at her any second. And no, she wasn't being too paranoid, this place was a town of espionage. Slowly she walked about, a rowdy group of men and orcs played some dice game on the ground outside a couple buildings down. She noted that place to be a popular gathering spot for many of the guards. It was either where they partook in other activates besides guard duty. There were two more on the other corners of the town as well. She had made a color coordinated map in her head of which building is which. Who was a working class and who were the upper class more 'privileged' of the society. And those were peple who had pleased the Lady U'damia in some way. They received some ptach of her symbol to wear about like some trophy. If they were very impressive at the fighting grounds or something, they were escorted into her castle where they stayed for a bit, partaking in the rewards that came after impressing her. Alicia's insides felt like polluted sludge just thinking about it all, Temptation at its finest.
By now Alicia had become e decent stalker, half way memorizing the more popular peoples' typical daily routine. With a neutral look, she still continued to people watch. A strange muffled sound did catch her attention from her right.
It was the woman from two days ago. Miss Naor. She was trapped between two men, who obviously had dark intentions for her. their greedy smiles became lustful as she was roughly pushed against the wall of a building. The first man saying something in her ear that she was too far still to hear. The second watched bemusedly. The lady had a pained expression as she fought to keep down her whimpers.
She thought of a predatory animal what it does on the hunt, and it helped keep her cool as she approached. If she didn't want to fight, she'd have to be fast and precise. Alicia was fast.
Silently she pulled out her daggers and rammed the first into the side of the nearest man's neck, side stepping him she pounced up to the second man holding Naor and gave him the same treatment before he realized what was happening. Both flopped to the ground with little more than gurgling sounds, to which Alicia had no reaction to. Such noises were not uncommon in her ears and she kept eyes on Naor's shocked expression.
The lady went pale, as if going to lose the contents of her stomach at any second. Awkward. The survivor backed away, gathering and cleaning her daggers to give the older woman a chance to calm down.
"What, what have you done?" she whispered. " You just killed two guards, two of my main customers." The lady stuttered a bit and looked back up at Alicia. "You would take such risks for a pleaser?"
At this Alicia gave a quiet snort. "Yes." She answered simply.
"What do ye wish of me sir?" Naor asked as she regathered her wits. " Perhaps ye wish to be rewarded for such chivalry."
Alicia tried to hide her deadpanned look with a shake of her head. "No."
Naor took a deep breath. "Do you and your friend wish for more information sir?" She whispered. She seemed to have calmed back down again, the color returning to her face.
Now that was an idea. "What do you know about the black powder barrels?" she asked in her best man like voice.
The lady blinked in surprise as she glanced down the path that would lead to the barrels. " I am unsure what they plan to do with it. Do ye wish for a closer look?" She asked quietly. It was an opportunity she couldn't pass up. Alicia peered at the lady, deciding whether to trust her or not, but judging by her relaxed state, she wouldn't be very smart if she betrayed Alicia who was one of the few being so nice to her. The survivor gave a small smile and nodded.
Naor turned and beckoned her to come inside. Wordlessly she led her to the back of the house, outside were stairs that led to the roof. Up they went and into a small store room. The pleaser quietly opened up the back door and crept down the hall to an old wood wall. This wall was the only thing that blocked the women from touching the barrels. No one was inside the barrel room. Naor motioned to be silent and crept to the left where she subtly pulled a box away from the wall and then pulled loose planks from the wooden wall. She moved out of the way for Alicia to go.
She gave the woman and impressed smile at this secret passage. The barrel in front of her was sealed, but slowly with much maneuvering, she pulled the barrel through the hole. She set it down to try to find how to open it. Once the lid was popped off, she gaped at the contents. If Alicia knew what gunpowder was, she'd be looking at it now. A plan quickly formed in her head to do with it.
Naor watched her curiously. " what is it?" she asked.
"Explosive. Like fire works." Alicia answered. She looked back up at the lady. " I want more. When can I come by for it?"
The older lady looked a bit confused by it at first, but nodded her understanding. Quickly as they could, Naor and Alicia took three barrels and rolled them down the hall back to her house. Naor gave a small knowing smile and pointed then to the right of her house which connected to the other buildings. Wordlessly Alicia followed her up the opposite side. From there she was on a kind of catwalk that went along the walls of the town, or by the roofs of the nearest buildings. Naor quietly walked down these paths. During the hour, she would indicate when to be silent, or when to walk normally. Alicia was amazed every step. This lady had a 'rat tunnel' around half the town. Quietly they slunk back to her house, and Alicia decided to crack open the barrels and filled old bags with the powder. Then with a nod, she went back through the catwalks, tunnels, etc. leaving behind a relatively thick trail of black powder that started ten yards away from her home to begin with. This took another two hours, as she had to go back a couple of times to refill the bags and still she had not covered every path Naor had shown her yet. Upon her return, Naor had a pitcher of water out for her.
"Are there more tunnels? On the other side of the town?" Alicia asked accepting the water with a nod of thanks.
"Yes. I can show you." She replied.
At this Alicia smiled, but she wanted to finish the tunnels on this side first. " We put back these barrels first, grab more." Alicia said simply and moved to do so. They quietly stole another three barrels and rolled them back to the house. Before Alicia could continue her work, she saw Sudryl walking down path and went out to meet him.
She greeted him with a hopeful smile. The elf however did not return it. His eyes went a bit misty as he shook his head. " I am sorry. So far I have found no sign of them. I did see more of the most horrid of monsters I've ever heard of." He said with a frown of disgust. He looked back at her now with a look of sympathy. Alicia's face had fallen to one of worry, fear for her friends. If they weren't there where on earth else could they be?! Why were they having such difficulties finding them in such a small but dangerous town? What if they could be lying in pools of their own blood? Her imagination showed her picutures of the gaurds she just finished off but instead of them, their bodies were replaced by Bilbo's and Bombur's. Her eyes widened of their own accord at the awe of the mental image, then it went even further to show the two's eyes opening again and them getting back up covered in their blood like some kind of zombies…. Wait, the awe? No no no. bad image. Alicia shook her head to clear it away.
She couldn't think like that or it'll just make her worry more.
"What were you up to?" Sudryl snapped her attention back to him.
Alicia grinned and brought him back in Naor's house, who was now feeding two children quietly. Sudryl smiled at them as they eyed Alicia and Sudryl with wide eyed fear. But Naor calmed them with gentle words and cooing. Alicia showed Sudryl the barrels and the hidden tunnels.
"When you can, Miss Naor. Please show us the other side of the town." Alicia said lowly.
Sudryl was indeed intrigued to explore these other hidden paths that Naor had. It must be how she kept the kids safe, was transporting them to various hidden places. Very cunning woman indeed.
The rest of the afternoon, they had spent in the company of Naor, learning whatever secrets she shared about the town and who was what. Again, Alicia and Sudryl had given her a generous offer of coin to pay for what she needed. They even escorted her through the small markets to help her buy what her necessities. She was treated to a full meal at Geddyn's tavern. Inside, the father gave a small smile to Naor as he served her and the other two. He greeted them with a simple nod and served them like any other customer before going back to work.
The scout displayed quite an interest in whatever Naor had to share.
Once done with that, they escorted her back to her house, and only when her door was closed, and no one else was around did they discuss their plans again.
They even entertained the children after their discussions. The mother had a genuinely fond smile on her face that neither of her guests had ever seen on her face before.
After their visit with her, they trekked to the opposite side of town, whispering about the unpopular routes the mother had told them.
The other people around them though, it made Sudryl grimace at them or antsy and want to leave places that were too crowded for his liking.
Sneaking down an empty alley way with two sacks of black powder from the barrels, they climbed up to a hidden loft and left as long a trail as the black powder would stretch. From there they returned to the streets. It was evening at that time. Alicia felt a bit tired and decided to go home while Sudryl returned to Naor. There was quite a crowd in the streets again.
The survivor really, reeeeaaaally didn't want to deal with any more people. So she did her best to weave away from the crowd as best she could. Grumpy and irritated at the people, sad at their lack of progress in finding her friends, her shoulders were slumped with the turmoil of thoughts and emotions. A man blocked her path as he hobbled aside, making her have to re-direct her route. Finally it seemed she was finally out of most of the crowd's way.
Then suddenly a hand shot out at her arm, grabbing her in a strong grip and yanking her hard enough to send her flying. It was a more downward pull and she would have stumbled right to the ground had the captor not grabbed her before she fell.
There was a low rumbling growl that reverberated at the side of her head. " Wit what waat?" she stumbled over her words as she sat up to look at her captor. Her eyes popped open. It was the snow white beast she had fought earlier. In the night and dim light he now looked as if he had no eyes at all. "Oh jeeeze." She whimpered as she struggled against his grasp.
"Ooooh no no no I don' wanna fight." Alicia pulled and yanked away from him, but the beast did not relent at all. His grip, although not cutting off her blood circulation, was still a very tight vice grip. He put both her very skinny wrists in one large hand and pulled her closer by her middle. Alicia's jaw tightened from how tense she was and unable to get away from this angry monster.
Or was he angry? In his hindered hug, he had continued a low growl, like a dog trying to purr, there was no threat behind it. His cold nose tickled her cheek a bit as he nuzzled against her. Needless to say, Alicia was so shocked by this she had stopped struggling altogether, accidentally giving the monster the opportunity to pull her more into his grappling hug. The chain from a collar on his neck jingled. She looked around and saw quite a few other beasts about, some in cages. A monster vaguely similar to a lion with its own mane and cat like head, watched her as close as his chain would allow him to come. He flashed a weird smile on his beastly face. Another strange reddish brown creature that had an extra mouth that stretched across its belly, grinning.
Beside him was a Bug man like creature. Huge multi colored eyes, fore arms lined with little spikes with two extra arms from his back that ended in pincers. Alicia stared at all of these mix matched beings before looking back at the yeti beast that was holding her hostage.
The albino creature winked at her and ruffled her hair. Her own head rocked back in surprise. "What's happening?" She said quietly as said monster simply gave a smile and gave a gentle squeeze on her arm and shoulder.
"Oi there!" a male voice caught their attention. It was the ringleader. He scowled at the monster in the cage. " Let go of him!"
The yeti/ferret/man shook his head in response and tightened his grip a bit more.
The ringleader's scowl went even deeper as he began to pull out his whip. "Let the lad go or I'll hit ye again. If he doesn't want to buy ye, then so be it."
"What? Buy?" Alicia repeated as she peered past the monster's shoulders. There she saw more monsters she has not seen before, all kinds of various creatures in different chains to hold them back, all glaring and clawing at the ringleader with various sounds of hissing or growling. To all this the ringleader paid no mind to.
There was a flaming gargoyle like thing that growled at him. A fox man that looked like some undead creature with bones sticking out like spikes from him, another hyena looking man with three snakes from his head like some medusa thing going on, a wolf man who's entire head split open in four 'pedals' each lined with teeth.
"Good lord." Alicia mumbled. She was happy that she didn't have to wrestle any of them.
The ringleader came forth. " Sorry about that lad. Didn't know he'd go grabbing for people." He gave a cold glare at the beast. " Let go now. Last time I'll say it."
The white furred monster still did not comply. He took in a deep breath as if preparing for the hits.
Alicia looked up as the ringleader pulled out his whip and loosened it.
A roar from another scary beast that had a Venus fly trap Mohawk on his head shook at his bars.
"Wait! Hold a moment!" Alicia called out before the ringleader swung. He paused to look at her impassively. " You said you were selling him? Why? And how much?"
" Sometimes we sell the more docile monsters that can be as pets or slaves." The man answered as he gestured to the yeti. "This one here ye gotta force to fight. Stubborn one he is, so he's going on sale for more or less arduous activities. Selling him for two gold."
The yeti leaned his head forward to rest on Alicia's shoulder and close his eyes; and she could no longer help herself, he had melted her heart too just like Lucky Charm. She did remember to keep her face neutral though.
"Let go now. I'll get the money." She whispered in the ferret man's furry round ears. He looked up at her, but only let go of one arm. Eh good enough.
"Deal." The woman said as she fished in her pocket for the coins. The beast's face lit up a bit and he stood with her, watching her get the money.
The ringleader quirked and eyebrow in mild intrigue. " Ye want the beast ye had to wrestle eh?" he said as he came forth to collect the money. He glanced at the beast who hissed at him as he approached, trading the coin for the chain leash of the beast. " There ya go. Enjoy him." He gave a greedy grin before the three turned away from each other. Alicia glanced over her shoulders, debating whether she should try and buy them all, but where would she put them? And what would happen if she did?
The yeti rumbled beside her, gently tugging on her arm to go. With a thin ghost of a smile to him, she continued walking hand in hand with her newest creature friend, thing.
A woman suddenly appeared at the side of the path. She watched Alicia with a strange smile that made it hard for her not to regard the lady. She merely gave the woman unimpressed quirked eyebrows and a grimace. Said lady walked up a bit. " Congratulations young man." She said in a silky yet cold voice she'd ever heard before. The women's black ebony hair was held back in a loose braid down her back. Bright red lips curled into a cold smile as she regarded Alicia.
The yeti man beside her though, he seemed to freeze up as he saw the lady. His grip on Alicia's hand tightened a bit. His upper body had leaned away from the strange lady, a clear sign of discomfort.
Alicia merely kept her face neutral and dipped her head in a small slow nod.
The lady, with skin so pale she could probably be in a vampire movie with little no make-up needed, smiled down at the creature too. This made him look away.
" Such a beautiful creature he is." She continued. "A cuddly fur ball, with deadly cold eyes, sharp teeth and claws that ye least expect." She admired him. The ferret monster refused to look at her.
Her own cold eyes turned back up to Alicia as she again smiled. "It does my heart well to see another admirer. Do enjoy him." She said again.
Alicia gave the same slow dip of her head in muted gratitude. The lady let out a sultry giggle before turning away again to her body guards. She watched her a bit longer wandering who it was, but no one else had body guards like that, that also held some sort of chair for the lady to sit and be carried. Her monster friend let out a low rumble and tugged her arm to keep going quickly. Alicia did comply, still thinking about the strange woman, glancing over shoulder at how people reacted around her it finally dawned on her. That was the witch, in the flesh. The one who everyone talked about in whispered tones. Alicia too was now creeped out as a shiver went up her spine. Yikes that was way too close.
Her monster friend slowed down and exhaled a sigh as he regarded her. Alicia offered a small smile and retook the lead.
Again she avoided the crowds. Which was easier now that they saw a monster walking with her. She turned down less busy paths to one alley way.
"What have we here?" another voice behind them halted their trek. Alicia turned back around to see him. She gave an odd look as he approached, head completely covered to where only his eyes and nose were showing. He casually walked towards them.
The yeti beside her began to tense up, watching the newcomer. When he walked even closer, the monster had even gone so far as to pull Alicia more behind him, blocking the man's way to her.
"What an odd couple." The man talked again as he kept coming.
"Aren't you one to talk?" Alicia responded.
The masked man's hand rested on the hilts of his swords as he eyed the monster and the woman. "So it's like this eh?" the man said. "I suppose I shouldn't be too surprised by your, beastie friend." He continued.
"What are you talking about?" Alicia asked.
The man side stepped a bit to avoid the beast, however, the monster was having none of it and blocked him again. The man frowned at it and pulled out one sword half way. "Back away from me." He said to the monster as he continued his approach slowly. Once he was too close, the monster let out an angry roar, brandishing his obsidian claws towards the man with an angry snarl on his face as he bared his teeth. Alicia gripped his shoulders as the man jumped back gracefully out of reach.
"Easy there." She said to the monster, who continued to growl. She frowned at the man too. "What did you do that for?"
The man pulled off his cowl to reveal the familiar features of Sudryl. " I was testing it. I am not sure that creature can be trusted. Why do you have him?" he crossed his arms as he gazed down his nose at him
The monster gaped back up at him in surprise and let out a sigh of relief.
" He found me you could say. He wouldn't let go of me and, well he wasn't being a threat to me." Alicia explained.
Sudryl did not seem impressed though as he continued to frown at him. " Perhaps he was only trying to gain your trust." The beast made shifted a bit under the elf's scrutinizing. He lowered his head a bit." You cannot keep him either."
At this Alicia grinned. "Actually I can. I literally bought him, so he is mine now." She said as she patted his shoulder. Sai creature looked up to her and nodded.
Sudryl frowned some more. "We are not here for these unnatural fell creatures, Illium." He used her alias name. Do you think your, other friends, would approve if they knew you were doing this instead of aiding them?"
The beast looked back up at Sudryl then, watching him with his black eyes. The elf simply gave a hard stare right back.
Alicia didn't really have an answer to that. As she thought about it, Sudryl did have a point. What would they think to this? They certainly wouldn't be happy. " He might be able to help us. The more we have on our side the better a chance we may stand." Was All Alicia could come up with.
" I am not leaving you alone again. Every time I do something happens." Sudryl quietly chastised as they went back home.
"Well.." Alicia mused. " look at it this way, we need something to happen because what we've been doing has not brought us much closer to finding them."
"Yes. Something that doesn't put our mission at risk." The elf argued back. " Surprise is our only advantage right now."
By this point, Alicia was starting to get a little annoyed at Sudryl's 'finger shaking' at her. Her mouth remained closed as she took it in a stoic manner.
Quickly and quietly they power walked to the comfortable shed that they were calling home for the time being.
Galileo eyed the place oddly for a moment before entering and finding a cushioned spot for himself to lay down. Sudryl went to get dinner for them all from Geddyn while Alicia plopped to the ground, also a bit tired. They didn't have to wait long though before the scout came back handing each of them a large bowl.
Galileo eyed the bowl in a greedy and hungry manner that made Alicia sympathize him. The beast ate every bite, drinking up the broth as well. His bowl was lowered from his face in time to see Alicia smiling in front of him. Her half empty bowl was held out to him as well.
" I'm stuffed." She started. " You want the rest?"
Galileo eyed her with suspicion, looking at her belly as he hesitated. He even shook his furry head, but Alicia would have none of it. " Believe me, I'm fine. I already ate half of it which is enough. You take the rest." She said in a more firm voice still with kindness. With a small sigh and smile, Galileo finally took the bowl, finishing it up in much the same manner. Few words were exchanged that evening, as they were all ready to go to sleep and not think about this town and it's creepy governor for a while.
They decided to sleep in as much as they could, there was nothing in town they wanted or needed to see. Galileo slept like a rock, literally a snoring rock that hardly moved or twitched. They ate and drank and catnapped until Galileo had finally stirred. His shuffling had both elf and human turning to regard him simultaneously. The beast comically froze, blinking at them like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar.
"Hungry?" Alicia smiled at him.
Galileo's own lips peeled back in an effort to smile too. He shuffled outside while Alicia went to fetch him more to eat. Sudryl stood in a deceptively relaxed pose leaning against the wall waiting for the two to return. He stepped out a bit to go do some more clue hunting while Alicia and Galileo went another direction. Nobody gave her any trouble and when walking by they did give a wide birth now that she had a monster body guard following her. Idly she walked along the walls. As cliché' as it is, there would need to be some sort of distraction that took all or most eyes off of their escape route. He sun was beating down today, so Alicia sat in the shade on a rickety excuse for a bench.
Galileo followed obediently behind her, giving no trouble. Until a bit after they stopped though, he hissed. Alicia looked in the direction he was staring and saw people seeming to be cheering and giving praises to Lady U'Damia as she walked by.
"Yikes." Alicia mumbled and hid behind a wall, gesturing for Galileo to follow. The yeti man scurried right behind her, watching her back as they peaked around at the people who seemed to shower their adoration to the witch as she walked by. Just watching it made her seething on the inside at first, until she got her emotions in check again. These people, chose to follow such a walking death trap. Alicia shook her head at it. Even the working class treated her like queen of the world. Did they truly choose this? Maybe Geddyn was right, this entire town was corrupt and he, his son, Miss Naor and her kids, and where ever the company was, were the only ones who saw the witch's truth. With a sad frown, Alicia turned away from the scene. Galileo ducked back behind the wall too tilting his head back to look up at her. the yeti walked in front of her and gently grabbed her by the elbows. Her eyes flickered to his where she found a steely look on his own. He gave a low growl, not unfriendly, to her blank stare. She glanced down at his hands when they gave her elbows a squeeze. The points of his claws were kept away from her, so he wasn't trying to hurt her, but rather make another point.
"I'm just a little sad is all." She tried to explain to him in a small voice. "To see people willingly choose these illusions because it makes them feel more comfortable. But I also know it isn't my fault." She sighed again. "I'm okay Galileo." She smiled to him. "It's all good now." The ferret man squinted his completely black eyes at her, but after a couple of second he finally released her. She led the way back home, but saw something that really caught her eye at a stand and changed direction towards said stand.
"Two of those belts." She said in a mock man's voice and pointed to these belts that had ten strapped to each. The salesman grabbed the belts, named his price and they sealed the deal. As Alicia walked down the street she hummed in contemplation. "One more stop at the bakery." She said and when there to purchase a pound of sugar. Galileo made a sound that could probably be translated to a confused 'huh?' judging by the way he looked at her. She gave another thin smile to him. "Alright we are going home now, I'm done." She said before turning to do just that.
Sudryl was there, setting up the box that served as their dinner table with dinner on it. "Welcome back." He greeted. " Any luck?"
Alicia shook her head sadly. " Not yet. Saw the witch though. She didn't talk to us this time we hid behind a building."
The scout made a face as he served dinner. "I heard the people talk of her as I passed by. I can no longer feel sorry for people here, minus Geddyn and Naor."
Galileo nodded his head in agreement as he sat down and poured water in each cup.
"What do you have there?" Sudryl asked indicating the belts. "Planning on becoming a healer?"
At this Alicia glanced at her belts with intrigue. Is that what they were for? "I thought these were for cooking, like stashing your ingredients in."
Her friend gave a weak smile in humor. "Well I suppose you could use them for that too if you chose. I shall leave for Naor now." He informed after finishing up.
Alicia nodded and bade him be careful before he actually left. Galileo watched him go, and then yawned. His mouth was stretched so wide Alicia could almost see his back teeth, like when a lion yawns.
The beast stretched and lumbered towards the makeshift bed Alicia had made for him. With a nod, he laid down to rest. That looked like the best ides in the world right now. She should do that too. Until she relaxed a bit more, she busied her hands pouring sugar in the mini vases of the belts. The beast began to snore lightly as Alicia had made her way outside for the fresh night air. Something at the corner of her eye caught her attention and she tensed up with one hand on a weapon. Maybe it was just a cat or dog.
She waited to see if it moved again. A shadow came darting from one corner to the next. The woman was tempted to just run back inside while she could. A pair of something long was twitching about. Alicia snarled mutely at the figure while tensing for a fight. Out hopped Lucky Charm, his ears perked up to listen around however. Big eyes shifting this way and that, nose twitching and shifting his weight nervously.
"Lucky?" She whispered in surprise. "How did you get here?" The rabbit man hopped up to her flashing a smile. "You had me going for a moment there buddy."
Lucky waved hello to her then put a finger to his lips while motioning for her to follow him. She hesitated only a second when thinking about Sudryl. " I have to be back in two hours." She whispered to him as she followed the little friend silently.
Lucky Charm led her down a narrow path that had no light touching it and the only way she knew he was there was his light footsteps until her eyes had adjusted to the dark.
Lucky motioned with his little paw to follow her. Quickly and quietly as she could she snuck out through a very small hole through the walls. She idly wandered why anyone hasn't seen it by now. In her colony, every inch of their walls were constantly supervised by someone. There was a sense of thrill sneaking out like this at night as she followed the creature. Bounding through the woods with him, she smiled a bit to herself as excitement filled her. It was almost like a breath of fresh air to be out of that town and she felt a pang of guilt that Sudryl couldn't come. When she climbed up a small hill behind Lucky, he led her around a small bend before stopping. The survivor's nostrils flared from being slightly winded from the climb and stopped in front of him. "What are we doing here Lucky?" she asked quietly.
The rabbit man pointed to his left. When her eyes trailed his direction she nearly jumped from her skin, luckily she caught herself. Gandalf was sitting right there, unlit pipe between his teeth, his grey robes about him making him look as if he was part of the trees around him. Had he not moved his head, Alicia would most likely not have seen his pointe hat to make out his form.
"Good of you to have come so safely." He said as he stood up. He smiled down at Lucky Charm. "Thank you little friend for finding her for me."
There was something different about the wizard, he looked, other worldly or more powerful. Was it the darkness and it's shadows? Or was it just his demeanor? Alicia wasn't real sure how she felt about it and a part of her wanted to run from him.
"Hello Gandalf. Good to see you. We still have not found them, not even a clue." She admitted sadly.
The old man merely gave a smile that had the wrinkles around his eyes creasing even more. "Do not lose hope yet my dear. If the witch did not have use of them see them as a threat it would be easy to find them."
Dead most likely? Alicia thought to herself but refused to admit it. There was a quiet horse snort not far from them, and she noticed ponies were there with her horse and Gandalf's.
The wizard followed her gaze. "They came back to the Homely House." He answered. " And so long as they are kept out of danger, they agreed to come back and bear the company to the base of the Misty mountains as agreed."
Alicia gave a small smile in response.
"How is Sudryl doing?" the wizard asked.
"He wants out as soon as possible. The people in there, it's a town of thieves and immoral activities." Alicia explained.
The wizard gave a knowing and solemn nod as he glanced back at the town below them. " While you were in there I did a bit of studying myself, and the Lady Galadriel shared the advice of the council." He said.
Alicia raised her brows. "And?"
"The town must be destroyed." He finished.
Alicia nodded in agreement, but then stopped and looked back at him. "Everyone? Even the residents?"
The old man turned a sad look to her. "I am afraid so."
"But, there are people, humans there that could change their ways and the company." She tried to argue, now looking sad herself.
"You must find them or make doubly sure they are not in that town. The Men could change their ways, or they will continue in ways of crime. I too wish to show mercy when I can, but I have watched these people from my perch. The council also agreed that this is a stain that must be removed off the lands of middle earth. They are all filled and led with the corruption of the witch. I was loaned power from the lady Galadriel and Lord Elrond so that I may destroy this town and the witch for good."
His words had easily sunk in as she listened to him. He truly meant to fight and defeat the witch for good.
"Not all of them what if half the town is still good folk that only live this way because they can't leave? Will we just sweep away the righteous with the wicked?" Alicia asked.
Gandalf leaned on his staff. "If we can, we will spare them, for their sakes." He answered in an indifferent tone Alicia didn't quite like. "You mean to say you've actually seen half the town is of goodly folk?"
Alicia looked away a moment sheepishly. " Well what if only a quarter of it? Can we save them?"
"If only a quarter, and I cannot guarantee the lives of anyone, then we shall try to save them."
"What if only ten? Can we spare them?" Alicia inquired again.
The wizard turned to his sage like stare to her. "If you can find ten people, five or three. Then yes, for their sakes let us spare them."
At this, Alicia had no more questions for him. There was a small silence before she summarized everything that had happened thus far and her new friend Galileo, as well as the other monsters she had seen and what the Witch, Lady U' Damia, looked like. The wizard had much the same reaction as Sudryl did in regards to it all.
"That witch, may have alliances outside of her town, others that may wish to have Thorin's head and have struck a deal with her to get it." Gandalf suspected. "On that thought then no doubt she would have them hidden away, where they could serve her while waiting for whoever wants Thorin's head. Why would she not try to have a bit of fun with them after all?" He said in resignation. "Illusionary comfort and merriment is one of a witch's strongest tricks."
"What if I can't find the company before you attack?" She asked with a bit of worry.
"When I do the whole town shall be in chaos with people running this way and that." Gandalf replied as he looked at her. "Didn't you purchase that friend for a reason?"
"True." Alicia agreed. "I'll go and tell Sudryl what's happening. He's itching to get out of that place."
Reluctantly, Alicia went back, escorted by Lucky again, to the town and back to her shed home.
As she passed under a catwalk, there was a loud banging sound that had her nearly jumping out of her skin. Same with Lucky who nearly squeaked. Something was happening above them and out came two men, one with shaggy blonde hair that seemed to be escorting the second shorter man with long cascading black hair and a fur coat…
"Thorin.." Alicia mouthed. Shifting gears she followed the two, not able to get too close without giving herself away. She had eyes only for them as she stalked them. If she could get close enough to Thorin and even rescue him, then no doubt she'd be able to find all the others before Gandalf came. Lucky Charm was so quiet beside her she didn't know he was still there unless she looked down to find him. Swiftly the two men made their way to another building. They must be threatening the lives' of his men if he was acting so cooperatively. Finally they went inside some other small building. Sounds of what sounded like sneering and punches being thrown happened that spurred the survivor forward.
She found a lit lantern and threw it inside the small hut like room. People yelped and jumped away from the fire. Alicia burst in there, swords drawn, and ready to brawl. She found the shaggy haired man first and knocked him unconscious in a surprisingly easy blow to the head, probably because the man didn't even know she was there. Tow others ran out to avoid the fire and two more engaged her. The woman did not allow herself to panic. Swinging out wildly this way and that, she at least kept them at bay until one tripped up and fell to the ground while the other came after her. With little choice, she made a quick gut stab which sent him to the ground in pain.
Wasting no time, she pivoted on her feet to bolt towards Thorin who was on his knees facing away from her. "Up." She said as she grabbed his shoulders to help pull him up. Instead of his shoulders though, a fist came flying at her face. She flinched from the shock and pain, releasing Thorin.
She was grabbed and thrown to the wall by him. Instinctively her hands went up defensively as he stood in front of her. When her eyes found his face again, her mistake was realized. This wasn't Thorin.
"Causing trouble where ye shouldn't be eh lad?" The Thorin look-alike man said as he leered at her. "What were you trying ta do?"
"Looking for thief." She made up some lie.
"Thief? We're all a bunch of thieves here!" The man gave a humorless laugh. "Well ye won't have to worry about thieves anymore. Take him o te brawling pits!" he ordered his men who quickly grabbed her roughly. It wasn't a long walk, quickly she was taken inside the arena's wall.
They turned right, down a hall that led to another gate. It was opened and inside was the brawling pit. A loud roaring of some crowd echoed up to them as they walked so fast Alicia was barely able to keep pace if not for her own long legs. They went up these stairs where they suddenly stopped behind the ringleader man. Beneath them was a large cage that had another beast in it. One that was being particularly stubborn.
The man turned around to regard the newcomers with a raised eyebrow. "What's this then?" he asked.
" We have a new fighter for you." The first ruffian said, jerking his head towards her.
The ringleader gave a half smile. "Aren't ye the lad I sold my first beast to? Come back for more eh?"
Alicia shook her head. "No. No volunteer." She argued.
"Stuck his nose in the wrong business. The boss said to just give him to Jose for his shows, for a price." The first ruffian said.
The ringleader rubbed his chin in thought for a second before pulling out a coin purse. "Aye. I'll take him. Running low on fighters anyway." He tossed the coin purse to the man.
"Toss him in with the Crusher right now." The ringleader said.
Without a second's thought, she was roughly pushed down to another orc's arms and from that orc, into the cage.
'The Crusher' was not in a happy mood either. He snarled and growled at anyone who came to close to him. Instead of hair on his head, he had a mow hawk of teeth, like a venus fly trap mouth on his head.
Short twitching mandibles like that off of 'predator vs. alien' twitched in front of his mouth. Yellowed wide eyes glowered about. Black fur decorated his shoulders and upper body. His hands also ended in claws. A tail swished irritably from behind him. He looked like some alien gorilla thing that grimaced at her as she was thrown in. It snorted at her, and snarled at an orc that tried to prod it to attack.
'Are none of these creatures really wanting to fight?' she thought to herself as the crowd roared. Something about the way it crossed its arms, or clenched its fists was familiar.
She wandered what Dwalin would have thought of such a creature.
No matter how they prodded the creature, he would not fight. He turned his back at Alicia and sat down, refusing to budge.
The crowd booed in response. Alicia too, stayed still, not caring to make the first move either. Glancing around at the place she stood in the middle, she truly was reminded of the Roman Empire and its gladiator days. She saw the witch stand up, a wicked smile on her red lips as she waved her hands in the air to make some flourishing gestures. Her lips her moving in some words Alicia was too far to decipher. Whatever she was doing it didn't give Alicia a very comforting feeling, especially when the crowd watched her with eager eyes of anticipation.
The creature in her cage, began to growl and snort in agitation. His head flicked to the side as if casting hair out of his face and his bulky hands went to his head. Alicia tensed.
Crusher clawed at the cage, letting out small roars like an angry gorilla or lion. He swiveled to face her again, now with a wild angry look in his already daunting face. He let out a long growl like a wolf would as he got up to his feet.
Well Alicia knew she was in trouble when it was looking at her. Oooooh was she in trouble.
The other monsters around her seemed to call out and howl as if also distressed as they watched Crusher advance. His fists balled, and he lunged at her with a right arm raised for a straight punch.
Alicia yelped and dodged it. The sound of his fists crashing against the cage, even bending it slightly under his strength, was way too close for comfort. The creature followed her with his enraged eyes, again snarling after her.
At least the cage was bigger than the first one she had been in, but it still did not put a lot of distance between the two. He grunted and followed her, determined to get at her. Ideas raced through her head, what could she do in defense?
She simply tried to dodge him as much as possible, knowing that one of her punches certainly would not do anything this creature for very long if at all. It was not very long actually, till the beast did find a way to trap her and grapple her. It roared in her face as it finally had her in a painful grip. The next thing it did was slam her against the cage wall, then slam her on the ground. The breath was nearly knocked out of her and her head was jarred from the impacts. Her arms and legs flailed before she was able to regain enough control and get back up shakily. The angry beast didn't give her much of a chance through and kicked her hard against her side, pitching her down again and making her grunt in pain. She rolled away from him as he tried to kick her again and scrambled to get up this time.
The creature roared in agitation again at her, charging her again. Of course she did try to dodge him, and when that didn't work, the woman instinctively attacked key areas again like the eyes, ears or throat. No way was she putting her hands near the top of his head.
She did land a few good hits, but even though it made him let go, it also seemed to make him more angry. Her body was no doubt going to have some lovely new bruises in the morning. Tears began to threaten to stream out. She couldn't stay on the defensive or the beast would 'crush' her. as he got closer the survivor lashed out with elbows to the face, which did make him grunt back, then kicks to the knees. The beast had her trapped against a corner, which she used to raise up and kick with both feet at his face. Crusher snorted irritably at his now broken nose.
Acting on impulse, she scrambled from that corner to get behind him, block his leg with hers and swing him down to the ground. The beast swung out wildly around him. He threw of both their weights and ended up throwing them both to the ground. Alicia huffed and grunted again, wincing at a part of his weight landing on her. it slowed her movements temporarily as she groaned to scramble out from under him. The beast also tried to get up. He rolled over, seizing the girl again. Try as she might, she was unable to escape his grip. She tried carefully aimed kicks and punches, but eventually the creature had her pinned. It hissed at her, Mohawk teeth clattering as it slowly opened.
Just as he began to lower his head and eat her alive, his head had dropped suddenly like he was tired. The ire I his eyes had faded and his hiss was silenced to heavy breathing.
He stopped…. Why did he stop so suddenly? She glanced up to see the witch was standing again, hands poised. Whatever she did, she undid it before the creature could kill her.
Crusher's head lifted up, yellow eyes refocusing. A gasp escaped his own throat, and in a second he flung himself away from her as if she was a hot stove. He looked between her and his hands as he sat on the ground. Crusher looked so confused that it actually made her sympathize him.
People cheered, but Alicia paid no attention to that, she hurt all over. Guards came and let her out of the cage.
"Hmm, not bad boy." The ringleader grinned. "Looks like we're in for some good fun tomorrow. Have the course set up this eve." He ordered some of his workers.
Quickly Alicia was taken to her own private cage where some healer did his job quickly and left, leaving behind a dinner and large pitcher of water.
Alicia sighed as slumped against the wall. It wasn't easy getting comfortable on a hard dirt floor.
After a little wait there was a tap on her shoulders suddenly.
Behind her on the other side of the cage wall was Lucky Charm, watching her with a quiet whimper, and beside him was a deeply frowning Sudryl. "Do not tell me. You wanted to rescue the other monsters." He joked humorlessly.
"I thought I saw Thorin." She replied sheepishly.
"And now you are a contestant in the brawling pits. Wonderful." The elf replied. "Lucky Charm found me at the shed and led me here. I know not how to get you out of this easily." He confessed.
"It won't be easy, and too many eyes are watching for it to happen right now. Alicia replied looking over her shoulders. "Finish what we started instead. Get Galileo to help you."
"You wish for me to abandon you here?" the scout asked incredulously.
"You're not abandoning me, you're taking advantage of this situation. Most of the town is going to be watching me tomorrow, that gives you a better chance at going about unnoticed." Alicia tried to explain without her temper flaring, though she couldn't keep the rough tone out of her voice completely, and honestly didn't care either.
The elf crossed his arms. "If I were to use your terminology, this sucks."
The lady couldn't help but smile at hearing him say that. "It's about to get worse too. So the sooner you get done the sooner you can help me get out of here."
"Do you not understand the gravity of your situation right now?" The elf retorted, his face now sporting a look of anger Alicia had never seen before. "You are incarcerated. You'll be forced to fight, quite possibly to the death, against horrid creatures in a very unfair match of skill and strength."
"Yes I'm aware of that and no, they won't let me die if they can help it, because they need me for their shows right now." Alicia explained trying to keep her own patience.
"Shows? You mean these barbaric practices to entertain barbaric people and their dark witch?" Sudryl scoffed back. "This was not part of your wayward plans, or was it? I have been following your requests dutifully and now you go and do something reckless that blows it all to the wind?"
Now it was Alicia's turn for her face to turn steely. "Yeah that's right I did make a bad mistake. But we can still use this. So let's not waste this time arguing." She replied in a clipped tone.
Sudryl wrinkled his nose, seeing the logic but still not at all liking it. "Fine. I will do what I can, but hear me, if things begin to truly take a turn for the worst, do not think I will stand by for long. With or without extra company, I will take you out of here and leave this hornet's nest. Mithrandir will understand if we have to leave, for I did not necessarily come here for them, I came to assist you and Mithrandir."
Alicia said nothing, though she did try to think of something to say other than 'okay'. Honestly she didn't agree with him or like someone else using their authoritative manner on her right now it made her edgy enough to even entertain the thought of grabbing his collar and pulling him hard for his face to hit the bars. That'll keep his useless complaining to himself.
Wait that's mean. Don't do that brain. She chided herself internally.
Lucky looked between her and him in his cute awkwardness. He let out a little whimper at the hard stares the two were giving each other. Thankfully that broke their spell.
Sudryl sighed. "You are not a warrior Lady Alicia."
"Neither are you, you're a scout, perfect for you're doing now." She quipped then pointed at herself. "I am a survivor." She said resolutely.
"Perfect for what you're doing now?" Sudryl asked with clear skepticism.
"Yes, because I don't plan on fighting against this, but flow with it. A survivor does not fight against their odds, they work with it, changing it to their advantage in order to thrive." Alicia said. Though it did make her feel a bit silly teaching a guy who is most likely older than her grandfather, it was something she was passionate about. Judging by his withered sigh, that was enough for Sudryl. Good. better be because that was the best she had.
Man it's one thing after another these days! Thanks again, and i will never stop saying thank you for visiting and reading my works. I hope this chapter was worth the wait and enjoyable. I had to again change/cut/re-arrange a lot of things becuase i fell I maaaay be getting a bit too complicated. Still, I feel like it turned out well enough. What about you? and it's okay, you can be honest with me
Adeleidhis (^_^)