Author's Notes:
Hey! I'm finally back . . . I didn't get any reviews on the last chapter. I was discouraged. But many thanks to Ashley, who kicked me and made me continue. I know this chapter's kind of short, but . . . I wanted to make it that way. So have fun.
*
It was still dark when Cressida woke up. Of course it would have been dark in the concealed cave regardless, but there was that gloomy feeling about the place that clearly said the sun had not yet risen. Besides - Cressida always woke up early. The day a fairy woke up after the sun, there was something wrong. And yet, the moment Cressida became aware of her surroundings, she knew that something was awry. It was just an instinct, but being a fairy, her instincts were sharper and more reliable than those of a human.
It didn't take her long to notice the missing members of their party - Draco and Ginny were no where to be seen. Their beds were still as they had left them the previous night, and their saddlebags were still as they should be. Everything was in order, except for the fact that they were missing. In fact, Cressida quickly noted, their clothes weren't even gone.
Had they gone for a walk? That didn't make any sense. Why would they have gone for a walk in the darkness, without even dressing? And unless they had left right after she had fallen asleep when her slumber was the deepest, they wouldn't have been able to make it out without her hearing. Instead of narrowing her search, all of these conditions only made it more difficult to decipher. But then again, she wasn't going to be doing them much good just standing there. She had to find them!
Cressida immediately rushed over to Pemmy and Tim. They were still snoring, and she felt a pang of stupidity as she realized that she was actually going to wake that annoying little girl up. But she really did have to tell them where she was going.
Figuring that it was best to postpone Pemmy's whining for as long as possible, she reached out to Tim and gently shook his shoulder. He yawned and stretched his neck before slowly opening his eyes to see Cressida's urgent expression in the dim candlelight. He instantaneously knew that there was something wasn't right, and questioned hoarsely, "What is it?"
"Ginny and Draco are gone," she answered quietly. "I'm going to look for them. Stay here. I won't be long, and you have your blades to defend yourselves with if the need arises. You can wake Pemmy up if you feel like you need to, but be quiet. We don't know what's going on here . . . for all we know, the Queen's troops could be right outside . . . be quiet. I'll come back as soon as I can."
The small blonde boy nodded. Cressida responded likewise before swiftly turning around and hurrying out of the cave without challenge. Trembling slightly, but comforted now that he knew that at least there weren't soldiers directly outside, he reached for his sword and pulled it close to him. This situation was definitely not comfortable.
*
The camp was deserted. It hadn't been hard to follow the tracks left by Ginny and Draco, but they became muddled with the footprints of the Queens forces a slight distance away from where they had been camping. It was distressing to know that they had been so close to the camp - and it pushed another possibility high up on her list. It appeared that Ginny and Draco had been taken prisoner.
Further investigation took her to the nearby village. She had stayed there during past journeys, and knew it for a fact to be jolly and hospitable. But it was nothing as she remembered it - the streets were empty and dusty, all of the vendors were gone, and the site where the local inn had been held only charred ruins.
The tall wooden lamp post in the town square had had a strange symbol burned into it: it was and 'M', except extending from the left prong of the letter, there was an arrow pointing west. Cressida recognized it without hesitation. It was the symbol of the Magharibiah Army.
She realized this with an internal sigh of relief. If they were with the Magharibiah army, then they were better off than they would have been was it one of the other three main powers. Magharibians were not trained as well, and had a history of letting prisoners escape. And since they were from the west, hence the name "Magharibiah" which meant west, there was a chance that instead of taking them the fortnight's journey to the Queen in the east, they would be taken the opposite direction. That would give them more time to escape.
Determined to find out for sure where they were headed before she returned to the cave, Cressida sprinted into the forest in the west.
*
Phyllis moved the dark green curtains aside once again, praying for a sight of her son and husband resurrected by some miracle. Peering into the early light, she thought for a moment that it was her husband who was swiftly making his way towards the cabin in the woods, and her heart leapt into her throat. But as the figure neared, a realization made it sink back down to the pit of her stomach. This wasn't John. It was a female, but an unfamiliar one. These days it was infinitely perilous to trust anyone you didn't recognize, and even some that you did. For all that she knew, this was the Queen herself.
Abruptly she turned back to her living room, where her two children were sleeping. In a rush, she woke up Ravier, who knew what was going on instinctively and quickly gathered Rose into his arms. He carried his two year old sister into the sleeping room, and disappeared from sight in the nick of time, just as a light tapping sounded on the door.
Phyllis grabbed the poker from the grate, and advanced on the door as if she expected it to spring open at any moment. The visitor tapped again, dispelling any hopes Phyllis had had of appearing not to be home. This person had saw her staring out of the window, and knew that there was someone inside.
Preparing to strike with the poker if the need arose, she cautiously opened the door a crack.
The woman who was standing outside did not look dangerous. She was a fairy, and fairies were safe. As far as Phyllis knew, not a single one of them had joined /her/ yet. Still not letting her guard down, in case she was being lured into a trap, Phyllis asked the somber-looking fairy in a hushed voice, "Are you alone?"
"Yes," the fairy replied with assurance.
Phyllis nodded, and opened the door a slight bit more, leaving a space big enough for the caller to fit through. "Come in," she said quietly, stepping aside to allow access. The fairy was bright-eyed, and had long red hair which spilled out of her green hat. Her pretty face smiled gratefully at Phyllis briefly, before resuming its previous expression of concern as she stepped inside.
"Who are you?" Phyllis asked sharply after bolting her door.
"Cressida, of Havish Forest. Who are you?"
"Phyllis Marks. What do you want from me?"
"Information."
Phyllis reflexively recoiled. Maybe this was a foe - one of the Queen's infamous inquisitors sent out to determine which city would be best to be overtaken. But it was too late for second thoughts - friend or not, the fairy was in her home now. "What kind of information?" she finally asked in a strained voice, expecting an unpleasant answer.
Cressida interpreted her expression, and softened her voice. "I'm not working for /her/, if that's what you're worried about. I . . . I think that she took some of my friends. I'm just trying to find out where they're headed." She did not want to scare her source away, especially when she was the only human being left in the forest - Cressida had checked. This woman was her last hope for witness aid.
Phyllis snorted. "If they're with the Azumians, then they've got no chance."
"The Azumians?" Cressida asked in confusion. "But I was in the town - the Magharibian mark is everywhere. Where did you see the Azumians?"
"The Azumians took my son and my husband. They were here, I know it."
"Pardon, but when exactly was that?"
"Two, maybe three nights ago. We were in the town when they came, all of us. John and Thomas resisted. I was barely able to get Ravier and Rose away before they spotted me and took me captive. We've not left here since."
"We?"
"Ravier, Rose, and I. I sent them to hide when you came, but I suppose it's all right. Ravier," she called out gently. The boy of about twelve years or so precariously stepped out from behind a heavy oak door, a small girl in his arms. "This is Cressida," she continued, gesturing. "It's okay . . . " she added softly at the fearful look on her son's face. "She's lost a loved on too . . . "
Ravier jerked his head forward in a motion of strained friendliness. Cressida did not feel offended - this boy had just lost his father and brother. A warm welcome could not be expected.
"Hello," Cressida said gently, extending her hand, which he took and shook breifly. Turning back to the mother, she recommenced her questioning. "Do you know if the Azumians left after they . . . you know . . . took your son and husband."
Phyllis nodded helplessly, as if she felt guilty for not being able to help the other woman. "I'm sorry. I told you, we haven't left . . ." She pause for a moment, and then decided to ask a question in return. "Have they left yet? Is . . . is there anyone left?"
Cressida had to force all of her will power into telling this poor lady that her village had been annihilated. "I'm sorry, Phyllis. Yes, they've gone, but no . . . there's no one left. Not that I saw. I searched the forest."
Phyllis nodded acceptance. She had expected it all along. "I'm sorry that I can't be more help to you. I'm afraid that that's all I know. Can I make you a cup of tea? It's the least I could do, in repayment for this news you've offered."
She would have dearly loved to accept the offer, but it had been almost an hour since she had left Pemmy and Timmy. They would be getting worried, and the last thing that she needed at the moment was for them to go out searching for her. Cressida politely refused, and then slipped out of the doorway into the woods.
Phyllis watched her go from the curtains, and then turned back to her son and daughter, her only remaining family.
*
Timmy had woken Pemmy up a little while after Cressida had left. It had been frightening to be alone in the enclosed space with nothing but a softly flickering light to illuminate the world around him. He was prone to claustrophobia, and not having anyone to talk to made it worse.
Plus Pemmy kept snoring, and it was getting annoying.
He had explained the situation to her as she had groggily sat up. For just about the first time ever, he had seen her look fearful. No matter how indifferent she seemed, or how hard she was on Ginny, he knew that she really did care for her friend.
Pemmy had anxiously paced the small room for a while, listening intently for any sounds outside. Tim had taken to trying to find something to eat. He knew better than to try and start a fire, which ruled out boiled eggs and tea. Their food supply was sparse, but after a few minutes of searching he managed to locate a few slices of bread and some jam. This had managed to calm Pemmy down, and thankfully she stopped walking to accept the slice Tim offered her.
They ate quietly for a while, with Pemmy glancing at the boulder every few minutes. Finally she broke the silence and asked softly, "D'you think they're okay?"
Tim hadn't been expecting this. He fought back the instinct to tell her that he was sure they were fine, just to comfort her. He had to tell her the truth. "I honestly don't know."
Pemmy closed her eyes tightly, and nodded. When she opened her eyes, which were now fixed intently on her piece of toast and slightly watery, he regretted his decision to say what he really thought. Trying to mend his error, he added quickly, "But I trust Cressida. If anyone can find them, I'm pretty sure it's her."
Pemmy didn't look convinced. She muttered, "Yeah," but didn't meet his eyes.
Tim watched her reaction, and then slowly moved closer to her until he was by her side, and then took her into his arms. He didn't know what made him do it - it wasn't like he was really close to Pemmy or anything. But he was compelled to comfort her, and so he did.
Pemmy hugged him back, and buried her face into his shoulder. She couldn't stand to think how she would manage without Ginny always being there. She was grateful for Tim's concern, and felt the tears come as she pressed her face into his vest.
They just sat there, Pemmy crying and Tim soothingly stroking her hair, until the large rock started to move and they saw an out of breath Cressida enter. Slightly embarrassed, he loosened his grip on her and stopped running his hand along her hair, but did not let go. Pemmy was still trembling.
"What did you find out?" Timmy asked, almost wishing that she would not reply.
"I'm not sure," the fairy answered. "But I think . . . I think they've been taken prisoner."
Pemmy sobbed loudly into Tim's arm.
Cressida looked at Pemmy. Maybe she had underestimated her . . . Not wasting time on speculation, she continued, "But by whom I'm not sure. If it's the Magharibians, we're in luck. If it's the Azumians . . ." her voice trailed off, but they caught the idea. "I know someone who might be able to tell us. But it's several hours from here. I think that our best bet would be to leave some kind of a message here, telling them where to go if they come back, and to go find Amaryllis. I'm sure she'll know where the army went."
"Amaryllis?" Tim questioned.
Cressida nodded the affirmative. "She's a friend of mine, a witch."
"A witch?" Pemmy asked incredulously, bringing her head up from Tim's shoulder.
"Yes. But I don't think that she's the same kind of witch you are . . . I think she's different. She can't just wave a wand and cast a spell like in your world, but she is very powerful in her own way. I know that she'll be watching the Queen's movements." Cressida paused, gauging the reaction. Finally, she continued. "We'd better leave now. Until we meet up with her, there's no telling how much time we have. For all that I know, they could be in no danger. Maybe they've just . . . wandered off."
Neither of the teens believed this a bit. They both were quite sure that Cressida didn't either. But in situations like the one they were in, it was sometimes best to suspend your fear and sorrow with hopeful thoughts.
They all just looked at each other for a moment before simultaneously beginning to pack. They had a few very nerve-racking hours in front of them.
*
He he! *evil cackle* You didn't hear from Draco and Ginny! I SO did that on purpose. I hope you are all nice and curious now and will write me many, many reviews telling me to get a move on so you can know what's going on. Right? I hope so. This chapter took a lot of work. And looking back, I think I'm going to go through and revise all the previous chapters. They kind of annoy me to read. So there! Thanks for checking back in!
See ya!
~Manissetan
Hey! I'm finally back . . . I didn't get any reviews on the last chapter. I was discouraged. But many thanks to Ashley, who kicked me and made me continue. I know this chapter's kind of short, but . . . I wanted to make it that way. So have fun.
*
It was still dark when Cressida woke up. Of course it would have been dark in the concealed cave regardless, but there was that gloomy feeling about the place that clearly said the sun had not yet risen. Besides - Cressida always woke up early. The day a fairy woke up after the sun, there was something wrong. And yet, the moment Cressida became aware of her surroundings, she knew that something was awry. It was just an instinct, but being a fairy, her instincts were sharper and more reliable than those of a human.
It didn't take her long to notice the missing members of their party - Draco and Ginny were no where to be seen. Their beds were still as they had left them the previous night, and their saddlebags were still as they should be. Everything was in order, except for the fact that they were missing. In fact, Cressida quickly noted, their clothes weren't even gone.
Had they gone for a walk? That didn't make any sense. Why would they have gone for a walk in the darkness, without even dressing? And unless they had left right after she had fallen asleep when her slumber was the deepest, they wouldn't have been able to make it out without her hearing. Instead of narrowing her search, all of these conditions only made it more difficult to decipher. But then again, she wasn't going to be doing them much good just standing there. She had to find them!
Cressida immediately rushed over to Pemmy and Tim. They were still snoring, and she felt a pang of stupidity as she realized that she was actually going to wake that annoying little girl up. But she really did have to tell them where she was going.
Figuring that it was best to postpone Pemmy's whining for as long as possible, she reached out to Tim and gently shook his shoulder. He yawned and stretched his neck before slowly opening his eyes to see Cressida's urgent expression in the dim candlelight. He instantaneously knew that there was something wasn't right, and questioned hoarsely, "What is it?"
"Ginny and Draco are gone," she answered quietly. "I'm going to look for them. Stay here. I won't be long, and you have your blades to defend yourselves with if the need arises. You can wake Pemmy up if you feel like you need to, but be quiet. We don't know what's going on here . . . for all we know, the Queen's troops could be right outside . . . be quiet. I'll come back as soon as I can."
The small blonde boy nodded. Cressida responded likewise before swiftly turning around and hurrying out of the cave without challenge. Trembling slightly, but comforted now that he knew that at least there weren't soldiers directly outside, he reached for his sword and pulled it close to him. This situation was definitely not comfortable.
*
The camp was deserted. It hadn't been hard to follow the tracks left by Ginny and Draco, but they became muddled with the footprints of the Queens forces a slight distance away from where they had been camping. It was distressing to know that they had been so close to the camp - and it pushed another possibility high up on her list. It appeared that Ginny and Draco had been taken prisoner.
Further investigation took her to the nearby village. She had stayed there during past journeys, and knew it for a fact to be jolly and hospitable. But it was nothing as she remembered it - the streets were empty and dusty, all of the vendors were gone, and the site where the local inn had been held only charred ruins.
The tall wooden lamp post in the town square had had a strange symbol burned into it: it was and 'M', except extending from the left prong of the letter, there was an arrow pointing west. Cressida recognized it without hesitation. It was the symbol of the Magharibiah Army.
She realized this with an internal sigh of relief. If they were with the Magharibiah army, then they were better off than they would have been was it one of the other three main powers. Magharibians were not trained as well, and had a history of letting prisoners escape. And since they were from the west, hence the name "Magharibiah" which meant west, there was a chance that instead of taking them the fortnight's journey to the Queen in the east, they would be taken the opposite direction. That would give them more time to escape.
Determined to find out for sure where they were headed before she returned to the cave, Cressida sprinted into the forest in the west.
*
Phyllis moved the dark green curtains aside once again, praying for a sight of her son and husband resurrected by some miracle. Peering into the early light, she thought for a moment that it was her husband who was swiftly making his way towards the cabin in the woods, and her heart leapt into her throat. But as the figure neared, a realization made it sink back down to the pit of her stomach. This wasn't John. It was a female, but an unfamiliar one. These days it was infinitely perilous to trust anyone you didn't recognize, and even some that you did. For all that she knew, this was the Queen herself.
Abruptly she turned back to her living room, where her two children were sleeping. In a rush, she woke up Ravier, who knew what was going on instinctively and quickly gathered Rose into his arms. He carried his two year old sister into the sleeping room, and disappeared from sight in the nick of time, just as a light tapping sounded on the door.
Phyllis grabbed the poker from the grate, and advanced on the door as if she expected it to spring open at any moment. The visitor tapped again, dispelling any hopes Phyllis had had of appearing not to be home. This person had saw her staring out of the window, and knew that there was someone inside.
Preparing to strike with the poker if the need arose, she cautiously opened the door a crack.
The woman who was standing outside did not look dangerous. She was a fairy, and fairies were safe. As far as Phyllis knew, not a single one of them had joined /her/ yet. Still not letting her guard down, in case she was being lured into a trap, Phyllis asked the somber-looking fairy in a hushed voice, "Are you alone?"
"Yes," the fairy replied with assurance.
Phyllis nodded, and opened the door a slight bit more, leaving a space big enough for the caller to fit through. "Come in," she said quietly, stepping aside to allow access. The fairy was bright-eyed, and had long red hair which spilled out of her green hat. Her pretty face smiled gratefully at Phyllis briefly, before resuming its previous expression of concern as she stepped inside.
"Who are you?" Phyllis asked sharply after bolting her door.
"Cressida, of Havish Forest. Who are you?"
"Phyllis Marks. What do you want from me?"
"Information."
Phyllis reflexively recoiled. Maybe this was a foe - one of the Queen's infamous inquisitors sent out to determine which city would be best to be overtaken. But it was too late for second thoughts - friend or not, the fairy was in her home now. "What kind of information?" she finally asked in a strained voice, expecting an unpleasant answer.
Cressida interpreted her expression, and softened her voice. "I'm not working for /her/, if that's what you're worried about. I . . . I think that she took some of my friends. I'm just trying to find out where they're headed." She did not want to scare her source away, especially when she was the only human being left in the forest - Cressida had checked. This woman was her last hope for witness aid.
Phyllis snorted. "If they're with the Azumians, then they've got no chance."
"The Azumians?" Cressida asked in confusion. "But I was in the town - the Magharibian mark is everywhere. Where did you see the Azumians?"
"The Azumians took my son and my husband. They were here, I know it."
"Pardon, but when exactly was that?"
"Two, maybe three nights ago. We were in the town when they came, all of us. John and Thomas resisted. I was barely able to get Ravier and Rose away before they spotted me and took me captive. We've not left here since."
"We?"
"Ravier, Rose, and I. I sent them to hide when you came, but I suppose it's all right. Ravier," she called out gently. The boy of about twelve years or so precariously stepped out from behind a heavy oak door, a small girl in his arms. "This is Cressida," she continued, gesturing. "It's okay . . . " she added softly at the fearful look on her son's face. "She's lost a loved on too . . . "
Ravier jerked his head forward in a motion of strained friendliness. Cressida did not feel offended - this boy had just lost his father and brother. A warm welcome could not be expected.
"Hello," Cressida said gently, extending her hand, which he took and shook breifly. Turning back to the mother, she recommenced her questioning. "Do you know if the Azumians left after they . . . you know . . . took your son and husband."
Phyllis nodded helplessly, as if she felt guilty for not being able to help the other woman. "I'm sorry. I told you, we haven't left . . ." She pause for a moment, and then decided to ask a question in return. "Have they left yet? Is . . . is there anyone left?"
Cressida had to force all of her will power into telling this poor lady that her village had been annihilated. "I'm sorry, Phyllis. Yes, they've gone, but no . . . there's no one left. Not that I saw. I searched the forest."
Phyllis nodded acceptance. She had expected it all along. "I'm sorry that I can't be more help to you. I'm afraid that that's all I know. Can I make you a cup of tea? It's the least I could do, in repayment for this news you've offered."
She would have dearly loved to accept the offer, but it had been almost an hour since she had left Pemmy and Timmy. They would be getting worried, and the last thing that she needed at the moment was for them to go out searching for her. Cressida politely refused, and then slipped out of the doorway into the woods.
Phyllis watched her go from the curtains, and then turned back to her son and daughter, her only remaining family.
*
Timmy had woken Pemmy up a little while after Cressida had left. It had been frightening to be alone in the enclosed space with nothing but a softly flickering light to illuminate the world around him. He was prone to claustrophobia, and not having anyone to talk to made it worse.
Plus Pemmy kept snoring, and it was getting annoying.
He had explained the situation to her as she had groggily sat up. For just about the first time ever, he had seen her look fearful. No matter how indifferent she seemed, or how hard she was on Ginny, he knew that she really did care for her friend.
Pemmy had anxiously paced the small room for a while, listening intently for any sounds outside. Tim had taken to trying to find something to eat. He knew better than to try and start a fire, which ruled out boiled eggs and tea. Their food supply was sparse, but after a few minutes of searching he managed to locate a few slices of bread and some jam. This had managed to calm Pemmy down, and thankfully she stopped walking to accept the slice Tim offered her.
They ate quietly for a while, with Pemmy glancing at the boulder every few minutes. Finally she broke the silence and asked softly, "D'you think they're okay?"
Tim hadn't been expecting this. He fought back the instinct to tell her that he was sure they were fine, just to comfort her. He had to tell her the truth. "I honestly don't know."
Pemmy closed her eyes tightly, and nodded. When she opened her eyes, which were now fixed intently on her piece of toast and slightly watery, he regretted his decision to say what he really thought. Trying to mend his error, he added quickly, "But I trust Cressida. If anyone can find them, I'm pretty sure it's her."
Pemmy didn't look convinced. She muttered, "Yeah," but didn't meet his eyes.
Tim watched her reaction, and then slowly moved closer to her until he was by her side, and then took her into his arms. He didn't know what made him do it - it wasn't like he was really close to Pemmy or anything. But he was compelled to comfort her, and so he did.
Pemmy hugged him back, and buried her face into his shoulder. She couldn't stand to think how she would manage without Ginny always being there. She was grateful for Tim's concern, and felt the tears come as she pressed her face into his vest.
They just sat there, Pemmy crying and Tim soothingly stroking her hair, until the large rock started to move and they saw an out of breath Cressida enter. Slightly embarrassed, he loosened his grip on her and stopped running his hand along her hair, but did not let go. Pemmy was still trembling.
"What did you find out?" Timmy asked, almost wishing that she would not reply.
"I'm not sure," the fairy answered. "But I think . . . I think they've been taken prisoner."
Pemmy sobbed loudly into Tim's arm.
Cressida looked at Pemmy. Maybe she had underestimated her . . . Not wasting time on speculation, she continued, "But by whom I'm not sure. If it's the Magharibians, we're in luck. If it's the Azumians . . ." her voice trailed off, but they caught the idea. "I know someone who might be able to tell us. But it's several hours from here. I think that our best bet would be to leave some kind of a message here, telling them where to go if they come back, and to go find Amaryllis. I'm sure she'll know where the army went."
"Amaryllis?" Tim questioned.
Cressida nodded the affirmative. "She's a friend of mine, a witch."
"A witch?" Pemmy asked incredulously, bringing her head up from Tim's shoulder.
"Yes. But I don't think that she's the same kind of witch you are . . . I think she's different. She can't just wave a wand and cast a spell like in your world, but she is very powerful in her own way. I know that she'll be watching the Queen's movements." Cressida paused, gauging the reaction. Finally, she continued. "We'd better leave now. Until we meet up with her, there's no telling how much time we have. For all that I know, they could be in no danger. Maybe they've just . . . wandered off."
Neither of the teens believed this a bit. They both were quite sure that Cressida didn't either. But in situations like the one they were in, it was sometimes best to suspend your fear and sorrow with hopeful thoughts.
They all just looked at each other for a moment before simultaneously beginning to pack. They had a few very nerve-racking hours in front of them.
*
He he! *evil cackle* You didn't hear from Draco and Ginny! I SO did that on purpose. I hope you are all nice and curious now and will write me many, many reviews telling me to get a move on so you can know what's going on. Right? I hope so. This chapter took a lot of work. And looking back, I think I'm going to go through and revise all the previous chapters. They kind of annoy me to read. So there! Thanks for checking back in!
See ya!
~Manissetan