By the time Fox and the movers returned with crates... actual full crates… of books, papers and magical paraphernalia, He had everything prepared.
One of the unused rooms in the lower levels had been emptied of everything except a single table, a wooden chair, and newly installed chains in the floor.
The chains were clasped onto the ankles of Demona, who was unconscious in the chair. She had thrown a fit about not actually being able to leave, and even more of one when she found out that someone was in her home, that David had to drug her.
It should wear off shortly, and he wanted to have everything ready for her when it did.
With the aid of his mechanical suit, he moved the crates into the room. He had just moved the final one in when Demona, still in human form, began to stir.
It was time.
-{- -{- -{- -{- -{-
Elisa watched with a kind of unreality as Nell continued through her day.
The men had gone out in search of work, while the women remained with the wagons just outside the high castle walls. Washing was done, animals fed and groomed, and the area scouted for useful herbs to be used in their medicines.
The men returned with loud whoops and cheers.
Nell joined the other women, hanging in the back of the crowd. She didn't have anyone that she had missed and anxious to reunite with. No father, brother or husband. She was there to show respect, and to find out if they had found work for her to do.
"Nell!" Patrin called out to her.
Nell turned, smiling at her friend. He was riding up with a wide smile on his face, which meant that they'd be welcome to stay for a while, and that he'd found work.
"You, my girl, will be performing for the Princess!" He said, swooping her into a playful turn and dip.
"You mean we will," came the quiet voice of Winnie.
"Of course," Patrin said, bringing Nell upright and slinging an arm around the two girls. "There is a celebration at the castle this evening, and they were wanting entertainment.
"I must get ready," Nell said, breathless from excitement.
"So must we all," Patrin said. "We shall gather together our finest musicians, and tonight," He struck a funny pose, "We dance."
-{- -{- -{- -{- -{-
What is the meaning of this?" Demona yelled, her wits finally returning to her. She jerked on the cuffs holding her wrists together.
"Temper, temper," David Xanatos said, mocking her attempts to break free. "Those are a prototype of some new toys of mine." Xanatos leaned casually back against the wall and crossed his arms. "They are a new kind of restraint that I have had a team working on. They are hard as steel, and wired with a sensor that will automatically adjust to fit any wrist… or ankle," He added, shooting a glance at Demona's feet that were attached to thick lengths of chain by the same cuffs. "If you're still here and cuffed when the sun sets, they will auto adjust to fit your larger size without cutting off circulation or breaking, and without any interference from us."
Demona snarled at him.
"Now, is that any way to treat an old partner in crime?"
Demona clamped her mouth shut, and forced herself into a rigid stillness that belied the pure rage coursing through her veins.
"We took the liberty of having your library brought here," Xanatos motioned to the crates of books, "As well as any loose papers that were laying around."
Demona remained silent.
"Now," Xanatos said, taking a slow step from the wall, "I do not agree with the clan, but they have decided to give you a final chance and release you back into the wilds. All you have to do, is to fix whatever you did to everyone's favorite detective, and you will be free to go."
Demona's jaw clenched in agitation.
"If I may," David said, looking pointedly at his watch, "I would suggest that we start working. It's only an hour until sunset."