(A/N). Hi guys! As always, allow me to begin by saying thanks for all the support.
Okay then, on with the story!
Diaval had been flying through the woods for almost ten minutes now without seeing any sign of Maleficent.. His heart rate began to quicken in fear, as he noticed dozens and dozens of men spaced out in-between the trees.. By God, if they'd harmed Maleficent in any way, shape, or form...he wouldn't rest until he'd made them pay for it.
''Diaval,'' a hushed voice called out from one of the trees.
Diaval circled back around and spotted his Mistress atop one of the tall trees. He let out a quiet caw before flying towards her...Landing on a thick branch, Diaval transformed himself back into human form. He had to grab hold of the branch in order to steady himself, as he almost fell headfirst down to the ground.
Maleficent didn't wait a moment before swooping down and landing on the same branch. ''Diaval, are you alright?''
''Yes, I'm fine,'' Diaval replied as he sat up straight.. ''Mistress, have you seen them? All those men?''
Maleficent nodded her head. ''They've been observing the village for hours now.''
''Is Captain Drake with them?''
''I don't know,'' Maleficent responded. ''I haven't seen him. Or his Lieutenant, for that matter.''
''How did they discover that we were planning to stay in Ravenclaw for the night?'' Diaval wondered out loud.
''I have no idea,'' Maleficent replied before asking. ''Where's Christopher?''
''Oh, he's still in the village,'' Diaval responded. ''We were planning to stay at an Inn we found.. In fact, that's why I came out here, to fetch you.''
''We can't stay there now, Diaval. It would be far too dangerous.''
''I agree, Mistress.'' Diaval concurred... ''But how are we going to get Christopher out of there? Unlike us, Mistress, he can't fly.'' Diaval stated the obvious.
''I already know that, Diaval.'' Maleficent let out a sigh.
''Sorry.. But what are we going to do?''
''I don't know yet, Diaval.'' Maleficent wiped her brow, wondering how best to proceed... ''Alright, first things first. We must go to Christopher.. You lead the way.''
''Alright.'' Diaval stood up on the branch and prepared to change form.
''Diaval.''
''Yeah?''
''Fly high. I don't want these men to spot us.''
''Okay.. Follow me.'' Diaval transformed back into a raven through a cloud of black smoke, before flying high into the air, followed closely by Maleficent. The men below them oblivious to their presence.
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Meanwhile, at The Naked Lady, Christopher crossed the crowded room and headed towards Vernon, who was seated at a table...
''Hello, Christopher.'' Vernon greeted Chris with a smile... ''Please sit down.'' He gestured to the unoccupied seat opposite his own.
Christopher examined Vernon warily with his eyes, wondering what he was up to.
''Something the matter?''
''I don't trust you.''
''And I don't trust you,'' Vernon replied. ''But that doesn't mean to say that we can't sit down and have a drink together like civilised people. I even took the liberty of getting you a glass of ale.'' He pointed towards it.. ''I presume that you do drink?''
''In moderation.''
''Good.'' Vernon motioned to the chair once again. ''Now, please do sit down.''
Chris hesitated for a moment before sitting down...
''So, tell me.'' Vernon looked around the crowded room. ''Where is Diaval?''
''He left.''
''Really?'' Vernon smiled. ''Well, it seems that all your friends are running out on you, Christopher. I already know that Maleficent isn't here.''
Chris shot Vernon a quizzical look. ''And how do you know that? She could be upstairs in hiding for all you know.''
''Ah, but I know that she isn't.''
''How?''
''That's not important.''
''It is to me!'' Chris snapped as he stood up, gaining the attention of many people in the room.
''Oh, stop being so melodramatic, will you?'' Vernon rolled his eyes. ''Sit down.''
Christopher looked to the people who were staring at him. They each looked away as soon as his gaze met theirs.
''Sit down,'' Vernon said for a second time.
Christopher let out a sigh before complying with Vernon's request, as he sat back down.. ''If you've harmed Maleficent in any way-''
''Aha!'' Vernon smiled once again. ''So that's what your little outburst was all about. You're worried about that winged monstrosity.''
''She's worth a hundred of you.''
''Is that so?'' Vernon raised his eyebrows. ''Well, I don't go around cursing babies now, do I?''
Christopher's face registered a look of shock.
''Oh, yes.'' Vernon nodded. ''I've been informed of her exploits.''
''Really?''
''Mm.'' Vernon nodded again.
''Well...people make mistakes.'' Christopher leaned back in his chair.. ''If Aurora's willing to forgive and forget then that's good enough for me.''
''Why am I not surprised?'' Vernon rolled his eyes once more.
''Maleficent thinks the world of Aurora, Vernon.'' Christopher argued. ''She would kill anyone who dared to harm a hair on that girl's head... Just like me and Diaval will kill you if you've harmed Maleficent.''
''I haven't touched her!'' Vernon raised his hands in innocence. ''I haven't even seen her, alright?''
''Good.''
''Why do you care about her, anyway?'' Vernon asked. ''She's nothing to you!''
''We're...friends,'' Chris replied with some slight hesitation.
''Oh, give me a break.. Do you seriously think that she gives a shit about you?''
Christopher didn't answer...
''I'm sorry to tell you this, Christopher, but...she doesn't fancy you.''
''What?'' The young man tried to suppress a laugh.
''Oh, don't lie to me, Chris.'' Vernon leaned forward slightly, his eyes locked on Christopher's... ''I know how you feel about her.''
''Wait a minute.'' Christopher reciprocated Vernon's gesture, as he leaned forward as well... ''You think I have romantic feelings for Maleficent?''
''I do.''
''Well, you're completely wrong.'' Christopher spoke with confidence. ''I think of her as nothing more than a friend and travelling companion.''
''Is that so?''
''Indeed.'' Chris confirmed... ''Besides, Diaval would kill me if he thought I was pursuing Maleficent.''
''Really?'' Vernon raised his eyebrows.. ''They're lovers?''
''Well...no.''
''Then why would Diaval be annoyed if you pursued Maleficent?''
''Because he's-'' Christopher hesitated, realising he'd put his foot in it...
''Because he's smitten with her.'' Vernon spoke Christopher's sentence for him. ''He is, isn't he?''
Christopher let out a sigh before confirming Vernon's suspicions... ''Yes.''
''Oh, how delightful!'' Vernon beamed.. ''I take it she rejected him?''
Chris didn't answer.
''Aw, poor Diaval,'' Vernon spoke in a mocking tone.. ''The pitiful bastard must be very sexually frustrated if he's willing to mate with a flipping fairy.''
''Well, who isn't a little sexually frustrated in this day and age we find ourselves in?''
''I'm not,'' Vernon responded.. ''In fact, to be honest, I've always being rather asexual.''
''Why doesn't that surprise me?''
''You're not shocked?''
''Nothing shocks me about you anymore, Vernon.'' Christopher leaned back in his chair. ''You're as complex as a giant rubik's cube.''
''Why, thank you.''
''It wasn't meant as a compliment.''
''All the same, I'll accept it as one.''
Now it was Christopher's turn to roll his eyes...
A moment of silence passed between the two of them for several seconds before Vernon spoke up... ''I suppose you've just rid yourself of any lingering frustrations, then?''
''What are you talking about?''
''Well, I couldn't help but notice that alluring woman I saw you with a few moments ago,'' Vernon replied (speaking in reference to Eve). ''Who was she?''
''Just a friend.''
''Oh, just another friend.'' Vernon scoffed. ''I see... I couldn't help but notice that she was dressed rather...slutty. Is that what she was? A slut?''
''I don't have to listen to this.'' Christopher started to get up once again.
''Oh, would you please stop taking offence all the time!?''
Christopher let out a sigh as he sat back down in his chair...
''Are you going to drink that or not?'' Vernon gestured his head towards Christopher's glass of ale, before taking a sip of his own.
''How do I know that it isn't poisoned?''
Vernon started to chuckle...
''Sorry, Vern, but I wouldn't put it past you.''
''Oh, Christopher.'' Vernon shot the young man a degrading look.. ''If I wanted to kill you my men would be swarming all over this place.''
''Where are they, then? Your men?''
''They're just outside this village.'' Vernon put his glass back down on the table. ''Waiting for my orders.''
''And what orders are they?''
''That depends.''
''Depends on what?''
''On how cooperative you are.''
''Cooperative?'' Chris echoed.
''Yes.''
''What do you mean by that?''
''That's a lovely piano over there, isn't it?'' Vernon said (trying to momentarily change the subject).
''What do you mean?'' Chris pressed for an answer.
''And that crossbow mounted on that wall over there.'' Vernon pointed towards it. ''Very nice.''
''Look, Vernon, this has all been very nice and civil, but-''
''But?'' Vernon narrowed his eyes at the young man.
Christopher looked his enemy square in the eye... ''Now it's time to cut the crap and start giving me some answers. Okay?''
Vernon let out a sigh... ''Okay.''
''Okay.'' Chris took a deep breath before beginning. ''First question. Why are you here?''
''To speak with you.''
''And why would you want to do that?'' Chris wondered. ''Normally you just try and kill me on sight.''
''Christopher, I'm going to level with you. Is that alright?''
''Go ahead.''
Vernon cleared his throat before speaking. ''I...don't want to kill you.''
''What?'' Christopher could hardly believe that.
''It's true, I...I have a certain, grudging respect for you.'' Vernon admitted... ''That's why I'm going to give you a chance to determine your fate.''
''What do you want?''
''I want Maleficent and Diaval,'' Vernon responded with honesty. ''But mostly Maleficent.''
''You want them dead, you mean?''
''Of course.'' Vernon gave a nod of confirmation.. ''Well, technically, it's not me who actually wants that. Vandran's the one who wants them dead.''
''But he also wants me dead. too.''
''Indeed.'' Vernon grinned... ''But, I think he wants Maleficent dead more than you.''
''Oh, I don't know. I am supposedly..."The One", after all.''
''Oh, knock it off, Christopher.'' Vernon let out a small chuckle.. ''I can't believe that you're actually falling for all this prophecy stuff.''
''I'm not.'' Christopher cast his gaze to the floor...
''Your arrival in this land was just like mine... An accident.''
''I agree.'' Chris looked back up. ''Most likely, the prophecy is a load of old nonsense.. But as long as Vandran believes in it and thinks that I'm "The One"...then he's going to want me dead.''
''Well, in that case I'll...I'll just have to tell him that I've killed you.''
Christopher shot Vernon a strange look... ''Why?''
''So he'll call off the hunt, of course.'' Vernon gave the young man a warm smile. ''That way...you'll be able to live out your life in peace.''
''And why would you do that for me?''
Vernon's smile suddenly turned sinister. ''In return for aiding me, naturally.''
''Naturally.'' Christopher let out a sigh... ''You want me to help you?''
Vernon gave a nod of his head.
''Okay. I'll play along.'' Chris decided to humour his adversary.. ''What do you want me to do, exactly?''
''I want you to tell me where Maleficent is hiding,'' Vernon answered in a whisper.
''Not a chance,'' Christopher replied without missing a beat.
''Oh, come on!'' Vernon declared. ''Freedom could be yours, Christopher!. A chance to live a life without looking over your shoulder all the time.'' Vernon leaned forward... ''All for the price of a virtual stranger's location.''
''You want me to betray her?''
''Yes!'' Vernon exclaimed.. ''She wouldn't protect you if she were in your position, I can assure you of that!''
''Even if that's the case...I still won't tell you where she is.''
Vernon sat back in his chair... ''Your stubbornness will be the death of you.''
''The same could be said for you, Vernon.''
''Touche.'' Vernon smiled.
Christopher flinched as a small moth flew over his head and begun to circle around the table.
''What's the matter?'' Vernon inquired.
''Oh, it's...nothing.'' Chris fidgeted in his seat.
''Does it bother you?'' Vernon asked, his eyes turning towards the moth.
''J-just a little bit,'' Christopher responded in an uneasy tone, as the moth landed on the table...
''Are you seriously frightened of a moth?'' Vernon could hardly believe that anyone could be scared of such a tiny creature.
Chris didn't reply, but the look of fear on his face answered Vernon's question.
''Ha-ha!'' Vernon let out a laugh.. ''You must be the first person alive to be scared of a moth.''
''Actually, it's a very common phobia,'' Christopher returned. ''It even has its own name. Mottephobia.''
''Ha-ha-ha!'' Vernon let out another laugh at the ridiculously sounding name...
Christopher almost jumped out of his skin, as the moth started to walk slowly towards him.
''Alright, alright. I'll get rid of it for you.'' Vernon suddenly slammed his fist down onto the poor moth, instantly destroying the tiny creature. ''There.''
Christopher looked appalled, as Vernon flicked what was left of the moth off the table...
''What's wrong?'' Vernon wondered upon noticing the look of disgust on Christopher's face.
''Why did you kill it?''
''Because it was bothering you.'' Vernon looked confused.. ''I thought you'd be pleased.''
''Pleased? I could never be pleased about such a thing.'' Chris shook his head.. ''However much it was bothering me I would never have killed it. Every creature has a right to live.''
''Oh, blah blah di da.''
Christopher looked at Vernon with revulsion behind his eyes before turning away...
''Now, as I was about to say before I was rudely interrupted by that moth,'' Vernon said. ''I can't for the life of me understand why you're been so uncooperative... I think I've made you a very fair offer.''
''You can stuff your offer.''
''Tsk,'' Vernon tutted.
''Even if I was mildly tempted by your promise of freedom, I could never trust you, anyway.''
''You're really starting to try my patience, Christopher.'' Vernon shook his head in annoyance.
''Do you think this is just about Maleficent? Aren't you forgetting about Aurora? Without Maleficent and Diaval she's finished, Vernon.. I ca, 't save her on my own.''
''Look, I don't know what Vandran has planned for Aurora, but...I do know that he needs her alive and unharmed.''
''Yeah, for how long, though?''
''I don't know,'' Vernon replied with honesty. ''And to be honest with you...I don't care.''
''That's your problem, Vern. You don't care about anyone but yourself, do you?''
''You think you know me?'' Vernon spoke with a growl. ''You think you can judge me?. Well, you can't.. You have no idea what goes on inside here.'' He pointed to his forehead. ''So you can stop trying to analyze me.''
''I don't need to analyze you,'' Chris returned. ''Your level of selfishness is off the charts, to such an extent that it's making you plain evil.''
''Evil?'' Vernon echoed with a smile. ''I learned a long time ago that it never pays to be sweet and nice.. You don't earn respect in this world, Christopher, you demand it from the word go!''
''Demand it?'' Chris gave a small titter.. ''You know, it's funny hearing you say that considering how much you must have sucked up to Vandran in order to be made a Captain in his army.''
''I didn't have to suck up to him. I was made a Captain because he was grateful that I saved his life.''
''What are you talking about? You didn't mean to save his life. I watched you take the shot... You were just trying to exact petty revenge against the Captain of the Guard for the small beating he gave you.''
''Nevertheless, Vandran was still very grateful.'' Vernon smiled. ''He also saw within me...great potential.''
''Potential?'' Christopher looked down his nose at the man sitting opposite him. ''You?''
''Yes. The potential to be evil!'' Vernon spat out these words. ''You see, Christopher, the conclusion I reached so very long ago was that...it's good to be bad.''
''You know...I was wrong about you, Vernon.''
''Really? In what way?''
''Well, I thought that underneath all that nastiness and spitefulness that you, in your own twisted little mind at least...truly believed that you were in the right.. But you don't. You know that you're completely in the wrong.. You just don't care, do you?''
''No, I don't.'' Vernon freely admitted.. ''I only care about what's good for me. If that's considered evil then so be it.. I don't give a damn about Vandran and his plans for world domination. I only care about what I'm going to get out of it.. You see, Chris, for a long time now I've been living in the gutter. I'd long since given up hope that I could ever get my life back on track. But now's my chance! It's probably the last one I'll ever have. The chance to achieve something better for myself. Something that will lead me...to greatness!'' Vernon declared, his eyes wide with aspiration. ''And by God, I'm going to fight tooth and nail for it!. If that means I have to follow Vandran's orders to the letter then I will! And that, my dear friend...is why I must bring Maleficent to justice.''
''But you're willing to let me go?''
''Indeed, indeed.'' Vernon nodded frantically.. ''I think you've earned the chance to start over afresh just like I have, Christopher.. Vandran never needs to know that you're still alive.''
''Then why not let Maleficent go as well?''
''Because she will make her presence known,'' Vernon replied. ''Even if she tried not to she'd easily be spotted with those giant wings of hers.. But you, on the other hand, could blend in amongst the crowd... Although, you'd have to lose that leather jacket of yours, as it tends to stand out in this place.''
Christopher put his chin down to his chest, as he considered what Vernon was asking of him.
''Tell me where she is, Christopher, and I swear to you that you can live your life out in peace.''
Christopher didn't reply...
''Tell me, Chris.''
''I...I can't do that.''
Vernon sighed with frustration... ''Alright then. Let me put it another way.. If you don't tell me where she is, then tomorrow morning...I will tell my men to advance upon this place and burn it to the ground.''
Christopher looked up in horror...
''I will kill every man, woman and child in this pathetic little village without even having a second thought.''
''You bastard!''
''Enough of the insults already!'' Vernon exclaimed.. ''Tell me where Maleficent is or be responsible for the deaths of all these people around you.''
Christopher glanced behind him to the noisy crowd all singing and dancing, before turning back to face Vernon.
''This is your last chance to do the right thing, Christopher.. Tell me where Maleficent is and I promise that I will leave this village unharmed, and I will also allow you to go free... Now what do you say?''
Christopher pondered for a moment as to what he should do...
''Last chance, Christopher.'' Vernon reminded him, as he extended his hand towards Chris. ''Do we have a deal?''
Chris made a small movement of his right hand towards Vernon's before hesitating...
''Now, just like they always ask on that awful TV game show.'' Vernon smiled... ''Deal-or no deal?''
Christopher looked down, as he moved his hand closer towards Vernon's.
Vernon smiled with glee, thinking that he'd finally managed to convince Christopher to betray Maleficent... His smile vanished, however, upon hearing the words...
''No deal.'' Chris swiped Vernon's hand away before standing up.. ''Now get out of here!''
''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Yelling with rage, Vernon jumped up in fury and tipped the table over.. All the people around them stood back, as they waited anxiously for the two men to begin fighting...
''Do you really want to do this here?'' Chris said. ''In front of all these people?''
Vernon looked around him and realised that Christopher made a good point... Besides, he didn't need to kill Chris with his own hands. He still had his ace in the hole left to play.. ''Business as usual tomorrow, Christopher.'' Vernon sneered at his enemy.
''Looking forward to it,'' Christopher responded with a smile. ''Nice chatting with you, Vernon.. Have a good night.'' With nothing more to say, Chris turned around and headed towards the staircase.
Vernon looked towards a hooded man who standing near the bar and nodded his head (indicating that now was the time to kill Christopher).
The man at the bar, Lieutenant Gerald, nodded his head to show that he'd understood his Captain's order...before making his way towards the staircase.
Christopher was just about to walk up the stairs, when Theodore approached him.
''Hello, mate!'' Theodore spoke with a big grin on his face (evidently, he'd been plowing himself with more booze since Christopher had last saw him).
''Theodore.'' Chris smiled weakly.
Gerald came to a stop right behind Christopher, waiting for an opening to strike.
''I was just wondering if you'd have happened to have been thinking about purchasing that horsey worsey out there.'' Theodore slurred out his words.
Gerald pulled out a dagger he'd been concealing up his sleeve and prepared to move in.
''I haven't had much time to think about it yet, Theodore,'' Chris replied. ''I'll let you know in the morning, alright?''
''Alright, matey.'' Theodore patted Chris on the shoulder before staggering away.. He was so drunk that when a coin fell out of his coat pocket and landed on the floor, he didn't even notice.
''Theodore!'' Chris called out, but Theodore just carried on walking.. Christopher gave a shrug of his shoulders before bending down to pick up the coin.
Gerald saw this as his chance.. He was just about to plunge the dagger into Christopher's back, when, all of a sudden, an old man wearing a cloak and hood stumbled into Gerald and knocked him aside.
''What the-?'' Christopher spun around upon hearing the sound behind him. His eyes widened upon recognising Gerald.
''Watch where you're going you old fool!'' Gerald snapped, as he pushed the old man away from him (annoyed that he'd messed up his chance of killing Christopher).
''Sorry, sir,'' the old man apologised. ''So sorry.'' He walked away and towards the outside door.
''Hello, Lieutenant,'' Chris said, as his eyes gazed towards the glint of Gerald's dagger. ''Fancy seeing you here!''
Gerald quickly put his dagger away, a frown appearing on his face.
Vernon walked up towards the pair and smiled at Christopher. ''Did I say business as usual tomorrow?''
''You did, yeah,'' Chris replied.
''Oh, drat.'' Vernon slapped his own wrist. ''I meant to say tonight.''
''Of course you did,'' Christopher spoke with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.. ''Goodnight.'' Christopher turned around and walked up the steps, glancing over his shoulder every few seconds in order to make sure that Gerald or Vernon didn't try and stab him in the back once again...
Once Christopher was out of sight, Gerald turned to his superior. ''I'm sorry, Captain.. I failed you.''
''It wasn't your fault, Gerald,'' Vernon reassured him, as he eyed the old man exiting the Inn. ''If it hadn't of been for that old coffin dodger Christopher would be dead by now.''
''I know.'' Gerald let out a sigh. ''Lady luck just isn't on our side, is she?''
''She certainly isn't.'' Vernon agreed... ''Let's get out of here.'' He looked around the noisy and crowded room with contempt showing on his features. ''Tomorrow morning...we raise this place to the ground.''
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Outside The Naked Lady, the old man wandered down the steps of the Inn and turned onto a small, deserted side street.. He fumbled and doddered his way down the road until he was out of sight...before suddenly standing up tall and tossing his hood down, revealing himself to be none other than...Oloven. He smiled to himself (feeling pleased about succeeding in aiding Christopher), before clicking his fingers and disappearing in a flash of white light...
(A/N). So, Oloven's still alive and watching over Christopher after all. But why? Well, I guess you're just going to have to wait to find out... As always, please don't forget to leave me a review to let me know what you made of this chapter.
Thanks for reading.
Until next time, bye-bye.