Section Ten: The Blood Bayou
Upon their descent from the mountains, the group saw why the King's influence basically stopped at the mountains.
The paths down from the mountains were broken and little used, rough to ride on and frequently blocked by minor avalanches. Their dragon escort was happy enough to correct the later, but reaching the foothills took the better part of the day.
"We thank you again for your assistance." Said Fox once they were safely out of the mountains.
"Only too glad to help." The copper dragon grinned, wings partly open. "We shall put the word out to our allies. We know the King asked some of the Golds to fight. We can bring the others if they so desire."
"Thank you again."
"Our pleasure." The dragon focused past them, looking down at the depilated Bayou. "Are you absolutely certain you wish to pass through there? We could find you a path around…"
"We're sure. It is the straightest way to the border, and I think we will be safe."
"Good luck be with you then." The dragon seemed to shrug, turned, and launched, wings coming down with a clap.
"Now I'm worried. If a dragon doesn't want to enter that place…" Katt trailed off, staring at the not-too-distant Bayou.
"Black dragons live in swamps." Falco replied. "And besides, I imagine the Jack of Tears dislikes invaders." He glanced at Fox.
Fox just smiled a bit, then sobered. "Though it was a hard ride, I believe we should move on. We're still at least a three-day ride from the border."
The others nodded, letting him lead them down the grown-over road and into the Bayou.
Dusk found the party picking their way very slowly down the path, all carrying torches. The air here was rank, a thousand scents combined into one—salt air, rotting plants (or flesh, the party couldn't be sure), old blood. The path was soft and muddy, blending in almost perfectly with the murky waters around it, and almost rotten-looking mangrove trees hung over it, vile-looking moss hanging off the branches. Sometimes, alarmingly close, rustling or splashes would sound off, making the group jump and search for the source of the disturbance, and always by that time it was gone.
"I don't like this." Slippy whispered, carrying a lamp of his own make. The light inside was bright white, harsh on the dismal browns and greens of the Bayou. "I don't want to spend the night here, Fox."
"Neither do I." Said Katt honestly. "This place feels evil and decayed." More rustles stirred nearby brush, making her jump and swing her torch.
"Watch thy tongue, young lady. It would be bad to insult those that live here." Peppy warned, lifting his torch higher.
Fox drew his unicorn to a halt and dismounted. "It's slower, but it'll be safer." He remarked. "It is very hard to tell the path." The others quickly dismounted, leading their horses, following him deeper into the Bayou. The last thing they wanted was to fall into the swampy saltwater.
"Forgive me… but do you hear music?" Bill stopped, staring off into the distance.
The others also fell to a halt, straining. Once the soft clink of armor and weapons was silenced, they did hear it, toward the southwest.
"The Carnival of Shadows." Said Fox, continuing on. "That is our current destination."
"FOX!" Hissed Katt. "Let's just get out of here!"
"Carnival?" Falco asked. "That's where the Jack of Tears is, right?"
"Indeed." Fox said easily.
"Have you got a plan?"
He paused. "What your dragon friend said keeps ringing through my mind, my comrade."
"What?"
"'The enemy of my enemy is my friend.'" Fox quoted. "And I'm wondering if, perhaps, the Jack of Tears is against Andross…"
"You are insane." Falco finally declared.
"Only to those who don't understand." Peppy said, gazing at Fox. "Young man, you are a genius."
"No, I'm resourceful." Fox laughed out loud, the joyous noise ringing off the mangrove trees, unnaturally loud in this place. "That said, however, you have much more experience in negotiating then I, and evil grates on my skin." He seemed to shiver. "Would you be willing to speak to the Jack of Tears or his subordinates? You by far would get us the best deal."
Peppy hesitated. "If he agrees to see us, yes."
"I thank you. Now, shall we continue?"
"So, this whole place came about because the Bay of Tears is cursed." Bill stated, listening to Peppy and Fox explain the Bayou. They were sitting in a small, rather dry alcove off the path, taking the time to rest themselves and the horses. Water was stretched thin, and Katt was kept busy creating more—they didn't trust the brine that filled the Bayou.
"Yes, though it is the blood of Kadum, the Mountainshaker, that taints it." Said Peppy.
"Hmm. And this Jack of Tears runs this place?"
"Yes. It's believed he has several commanders under him though, but information on them is limited."
"A continual Carnival runs on the bay, and all that live here come and go freely. No boats sit in the bay." Said Fox. "The Krewe of Waves sinks almost all boats that come through the Bay of Tears."
"Krewe?" Falco asked, looking up.
"Sector of the Carnival." Fox clarified.
"Ah…"
"You're in Mangrove territory right now." Said a voice from off to one side.
The whole group jumped and spun. A figure leaned against one of the trees, standing on the strange roots like it was a normal thing for him. They couldn't see the figure well, but they saw that it was a male, and he wore leather clothing and carried a cane.
"We apologize, we do not mean to trespass." Said Fox after a long moment.
The figure swung his cane absently with a chuckle. "Oh no problem to us. We rather like visitors from time to time. It breaks the monotony." A pause. "And it is rare that such visitors stay as long as you have! Most are quick to fight, and even quicker to leave."
"Are you asking us to stay?" Falco said incredulously.
"Why, yes, or at least come to visit Demoiselle Antunes." Another chuckle. "She does enjoy new company sometimes, especially the company of men. Though that isn't to say she doesn't appreciate the company of women as well." He added. "Though I dare say the Baron Mirth would appreciate your lady friend's company more then the Demoiselle!"
"I apologize, kind sir. We are strangers here. We know not of who you speak of." Said Peppy, stepping forward. The rest of the group, meanwhile, had packed up and was ready to move.
"Well, you know of the Krewes, I heard. The Baron Mirth is the leader of the Carnival of Bones. I myself am of the Krewe of Mangroves, and as said, my leader is the Demoiselle."
"Could you come into the light? My eyesight is not as good as it used to be."
"Oh, gladly." The figure swaggered forward, spinning the cane, not bothered by the light. He was a rather unusual crossbreed, avian and reptilian, so feathers and scales meshed on him in a strange union, primer feathers hanging out of the leather lacing on his sleeves. Horrible scarring deformed one side of his face into a permanent crooked smile, and strange light seemed to emanate from his eyes.
Katt winced back, hand to her mouth and eyes wide.
"Ah, unusual am I not? Oh get used to it Milady." Said the man in a cheerful voice, strolling forward with an easy walk, not bothered by the soft ground. "I am by far not the most unusual or the most deformed you will meet, no! I am normal by anyone's standards here. And that is good." He added with a little high-pitched giggle. "Now then, where was I going to lead you? Ah yes, to the Demoiselle… Were you here to see someone?"
"We were hoping to hold an audience with the Jack of Tears…" Peppy started.
"The Jack might speak to you. Might not. Hard to say." The man tossed a hand. "Now, come, come. We mustn't keep the Demoiselle waiting, heavens no…" With that he leapt off the path, balancing lightly on one of the lifted, knobby roots. "You follow the paths as I direct, yes? Good good. Try to keep up." Then he was gone, leaping easily from root to root, not using the path.
"Uh, Fox? What now?" Falco asked, eyes wide.
"Do what he says. I personally have heard enough about the Blood Bayou I would do nothing else." Fox replied, and started down the path.
They had to hurry to keep up with their escort, going much faster then they thought safe on such unstable ground, but their escort urged them on, seeming to speed up as he went. They caught tidbits of information every now and then; their escort seemed to be babbling.
"The Demoiselle is our leader because she is a sorceress… powerful magic, most powerful in the swamp… now that Lord Quick, he's always trying to butt in, take our people for his own, but I won't be caught by that, no no no… Not a plague wretch, I! I'm not that stupid… Wasn't for the Jack of Tears, probably would have been a war years ago, but he's a solid leader, mostly… loves parties…"
"I think I could like this Jack of Tears." Falco remarked as they hurried along.
Katt almost clod clopped him with her staff. "All these things you have heard about him, yet you still warm up to him? You haven't even met him yet!"
"Well, he loves festivals. Seems his people have good morale. Why shouldn't I approve?"
Their escort bounced back and was suddenly in front of them, swaying to some crazy inner beat, tail lashing. "Oh good of you to say that sir! We are very merry here, very accepting! You don't seem the sort to join us though… you're too… too…" The man searched for a word.
"Too what?" Falco asked, exasperated.
"Normal sir." The man beamed, then bounced off again.
"He's crazy." Slippy noted.
"Yes. But he's happy." Said Bill.
They continued down the path, then down a smaller offshoot of it, going away from the Carnival and deeper into the Bayou. The man continued his cheerful babbling, at one point leaping and landing next to Katt, spooking her mount and making her yelp. But he apparently didn't mean any harm; just grabbed her hand, kissed it, and bounced off again.
"Belated manners, I suppose." Was Fox's comment to this, looking amused.
"Manners!" Katt sputtered, hand on her chest as her heart pounded feverishly. "That's considered manners?"
"Well he kissed your hand didn't he? He forgot to when he met you."
"Well? Hurry up hurry up!" The man urged from on ahead. "Only a bit farther! You are tired and your steeds are tired but relief is ahead!" He sprang into view again. "The Demoiselle waits! Come come! Why do you not hurry?" The man shook his head back and forth in exasperation, then ran ahead again.
They finally entered a rather large clearing, at the center of which stood a rather large, run down house. It was probably grand once, and even now retained some of its original splendor. Dimly glowing lamps lit the area, and their escort sprang across the empty space to the house.
"Come come! Leave your horses, they'll be safe here." He urged, standing on the porch and waiting, bouncing on his toes and fidgeting.
The group did, slowly climbing the rickety steps to the door.
The man knocked, still bouncing, and another man opened the door. He seemed a bit older, in fact a buck, but something seemed horribly wrong. Looking closer, you could see that his eyes were strange and red, and that his rack split off into two sets of antlers instead of one. He blinked once at their escort, gaze distant. "Yes?"
"Ah visitors, milord! They seem honorable enough, yes? Can they come in?" The man said, working his arms, a grin lighting up his face.
"Visitors? Newcomers in the swamp?" The buck leaned his neck forward, actually looking past the group, apparently blind. "Ah I hear them now… armor, yes, metal armor!" He stepped back, as if satisfied. "I think our Lady would be pleased with some company… Do come in and make yourselves comfortable…" He held the door open and gestured with one arm, showing off claws on the tips of his fingers.
"Don't be shy come on!" Their escort ushered them in, but the apparent Butler stopped him from entering. "Whaaaat?" He asked, confused.
"Did I say that you could enter?"
"Aw, but sir, I found them! I brought them here! Told them all about our Lady! Aw please?"
"Fine." The buck let him past and closed the door.
The other six were looking around. The floors were made from worn, almost rotten wood, as was the rest of the house. Lamps glowed on tables and the walls—like the outside, it seemed to have some bit of dignity left. Threadbare velvet curtains hung over cracked windows, and the floors creaked a bit with their every move.
"Hmm, how many? Six?" The buck frowned at the group.
"Ay yes milord! Six travelers from the King's territory! Nice people sir! Nice people!" Their escort babbled.
"Indeed. Not more of the fighters we heard about not long ago, or representatives of that Warlord that reigns to the west of us?"
"No, sir. We're here of our own accord, though we do fight for the King." Said Peppy.
"Fair enough." He buck nodded once, looking in the general direction of Peppy. "I'll let our Lady know then…" He walked up the stairs easily, one hand on the railing.
"Is he… blind?" Falco frowned.
"To anything living." Said their escort, swaying. "Or at least that's how I understand it. He's a medium, rumors say. I personally don't ask, but if your heart beats, he can't see you. But he can smell and hear you, and is wickedly accurate." He grinned. "Rumor is he's one of the Demoiselle's many paramours as well, but I personally try not to listen to such debauchery…"
"Indeed." Now Falco seemed amused.
Fox had been rather quiet through this, taking the time to study his surroundings. "Well, Peppy, I suppose that you are in charge for now. I suppose that meeting with this Demoiselle is one of the faster ways to get to the Jack of Tears, but…"
"Why so urgent-urgent to see the Jack of Tears?" Their escort frowned at Fox, still lightly bouncing on his toes. "Makes no sense, true! Few mortals wish to meet him! So different you are. Not like we are though. For mortals you almost make sense!" He beamed.
"Why thank you." Peppy said drolly as Falco muffled a snicker, then protested as Katt elbowed him.
"The Demoiselle will see you." The buck came partway down the staircase. Only now did the group note his darkly tanned leather clothing, boots, and bone rings. He was looking at just above them, but it was obvious he addressed them. "And she has decided that you may come as well." He looked at their escort, who squealed with glee. "We run on a slightly different, well… clock then outsiders. She is just having tea, and wishes you to join her." He turned and ascended back up the staircase, a pair of feline tails swinging behind him.
The group followed him up the rickety stairs, their escort leaping back and forth across the stairs behind them, a grin lighting up his face still. Down a hall, then the buck paused at a door, knocking lightly. "Madame?"
"You may enter." Came the gracious reply from inside.
The buck opened the door for them, ushered them inside, and then closed the door, not entering the room himself. The room was richly appointed, if worn like the rest of the manor. A regal woman in her late middle age relaxed on a fainting couch, holding a teacup delicately, looking up when they entered. "Ah, so you are outsiders." She smiled, sitting up regally. "Do pull up a chair. What brings you here, of all places to visit?"
"Actually we'd like a temporary allegiance with the Jack of Tears. We came here because your servant here found and led us here." Peppy nodded at their escort.
"So I was told." She smiled at their escort, who beamed and wiggled happily. "An alliance with the Jack of Tears, though… I wonder why?" She lazily raised an eyebrow at him.
Peppy, having sat down in a worn chair, smiled. "I'd be happy to explain if you would listen."
"Only too happy to." She trilled. "Please."
Time passed slowly as Peppy explained in greater detail what had brought them to the Blood Bayou. The Demoiselle listened raptly, sometimes nodding a bit, asking for more details on the war. The air in the room was warm and thick with the scent of perfume, and it did little to keep the rest of the group alert. Fox ended up taking a place at one of the windows, folding his arms and staring out, one ear twisted to listen to the conversation. Falco, though Katt protested, sat down against one of the walls and dropped his head to his chest, taking the downtime to try to get some rest. They had been traveling hard all day, and now, this place seemed safe compared to the environment that surrounded it.
Peppy, meanwhile, had remembered all his etiquette and diplomacy, easily talking to the Demoiselle, assessing her as he went. She threw off a regal aura, but at the same time it was full of power. Given her attention to his explanation of the war, he guessed that while she was not a fighter, she did like being prepared. She, like the rest of the Bayou, seemed evil, but it did not seem to be a dangerous evil, though she apparently reveled in it.
"I appreciate the information you have given me, Sir Hare." She said when he finished up. "Quite an… unusual proposal for the Jack of Tears as well, though I am the wrong person to discuss it with. My Krewe is quite comfortable where they are." She tapped two fingers together, lacing the others together. "However, I might as yet be able to assist."
"Indeed?" He smiled.
"Indeed." She stood and walked over to a worn cloth map that hung on the wall, indicating one of the lines. Peppy also stood, moving so he could study the map. "The good Baron Mirth runs patrols along the borders of my territory. He's a very disciplined man, and also he is the Jack of Tear's second in command. I could have you escorted to the border of my territory, and from there, the Baron's patrols could take you directly to either their Commander, or the Carnival itself. Would that be satisfactory?"
"Yes, more then satisfactory. I thank you for your hospitality, Demoiselle."
"It is my pleasure." She smiled a bit. "If you wanted to repay me…"
He held up his hands. "I apologize, Madam, but I will have to reject such an offer. I am but a disgraced Knight, and we should be moving on…"
"Your friends are very tired…" She gestured at the rest of the group.
Falco lifted his head from his chest. "Indeed." He said around a yawn. Katt and Slippy had sat down to one side, reading through a tome that Slippy had produced. Fox was still motionless at the window, and Bill was rolling many-sided dice with their escort.
"Yes, but there is nowhere to camp in this place." Peppy replied.
"Perhaps true, but you do not have to camp." She chided. "Would you like to stay here until morning? I would be only too happy to shelter your group."
"We do not want to wear out our hospitality…" He started.
"No, not at all." She smiled. "I would be very glad for the company."
"Fox?" Peppy glanced at his leader.
"Such as I would like to move on, I'm afraid that some sort of shelter is necessary. We traveled hard today." Fox said, turning. "I would be glad if you would shelter my group, Demoiselle Antunes."
"I don't believe that we were ever formally introduced, young man."
"I am Fox McCloud, and my comrades are William Grey, Sorceress Katt Monroe, Guild Thief Falco Lombardi, and Mage Slippy Toad, respectfully."
"Welcome to my house. Now, come along, I shall see about accommodations…"
"You really aren't comfortable here, are you Fox?" Falco said. Once they had been shown rooms, they had taken the tack off their horses, and Fox had switched back to his woodsman's clothing.
"No, I am not." Fox admitted. "I will not be comfortable anywhere in the Bayou I am afraid."
"He's sensitive to the evil of this land." Said Peppy, hiding a yawn.
"Evil?" Their escort sprang up, draping his arms over Peppy and Fox's shoulders and leaning his weight into them. "What evil?"
"Never mind." Fox told him. "We must turn in, so…"
"Oh aye, aye! I understand. Most people seem to need to daily. Me, well…" Their escort grinned.
'This may be one of the many reasons for his apparent insanity.' Peppy mused. "God ye good eve, Fox."
"The same to you." Fox replied, disappearing into one of the many bedrooms in the house.
"The Demoiselle likes you…" The escort remarked to Peppy, trailing after him down the hall.
"It would seem to me she enjoys the company of most men."
"Oh aye! She does she does, but not all the same. I would say she likes you more then most, good sir."
"I'm flattered. God ye good eve."
The escort said something Peppy didn't quite understand, tossed a hand, and wandered down the staircase.
Morning came slowly to the Bayou, beams of sunlight filtering through the mangrove trees and the fog that clung to ground, tinting the whole Bayou faint red. Outside the Demoiselle's residence, the party's horses stood in a small group, Fox's unicorn keeping a wary eye out for trouble—they were no more comfortable then Fox was.
The Demoiselle sighed to herself absently, sipping at her tea, staring out at the Bayou. Already parts of her house were busy, the kitchen bustling as they made breakfast. Though none of the travelers had shown their faces yet, she knew they were waking up, and their leader had been awake for a good while, as had the Knight she had spoken to.
She smiled a bit. Interesting group, indeed. Very diverse. Very well balanced. Perhaps the Jack of Tears would be willing to see them, if anything, for the amusement. Even at an eternal carnival, one was likely to get bored every now and then.
"Morning."
She had sensed the presence to her one side, but startled a bit when she looked. Fox McCloud had not only opened his window, but had hopped out and was currently sitting on the roof outside the window, not bothered by the slant, watching the sun rise as she did.
"And a good morning to you sir!" She finally said, staring. "Maybe I ought to have more balconies built…?"
He actually laughed. "No, madam, and I apologize for my current resting spot. I am not used to such a large, fine house."
"No?"
"No. And I have made it a habit to watch the sunrise each morning."
"As have I." She smiled a bit.
Another window opened, and Falco leaned out of it, looking at Fox. "So. Are we moving out?"
"That would be the plan." He replied.
"Stay for morning meal." The Demoiselle urged. "I'm sure your group is hungry…"
"More then you could imagine." Falco muttered, ducking back inside the window and closing it.
"That would be very kind of you, Demoiselle." Fox said graciously, easily stepping back inside the window.
"My pleasure." She smiled.
"Much as we are enjoying our stay we must move on as soon as possible." Fox spread a map out on the table and circled an area with his finger, grumbling to himself. The map responded, changing and focusing on the area he had circled—an area going from the Bayou to the border. "The King's Army is loosing, I'm afraid. I believe we should dally no more then another day here…"
"Sounds right." Said Peppy. "If the Baron Mirth is agreeable and takes us to the Carnival, I believe that all should go smoothly…"
"Lord Quick might try to poke his nose into this as well, so do be careful." Said the Demoiselle warningly, leaning over the map, making her dress gape. Falco shifted, lifting a hand to cover a smile, and Katt sent her elbow into his ribs again. "His Plague Wretches are everywhere at the Carnival, and they report any information found to their Lord without a thought." She sighed and rubbed her chin.
"The one that escorted us here said something about border problems with the Krewe of Plagues…" Fox started.
"Yes. That is true. But the Jack of Tears negotiates it out… he tends to say 'together we stand, divided we fall' when it's brought up." She sighed, studying the map. "Interesting artifact… did you have it made?" She looked at Fox.
"It was my father's."
"Hmm. I believe I met him, once."
"Oh? He did not mention it when discussing his travels."
She smiled. "Ah but I was not always known as the Demoiselle."
"Fair enough." Fox rolled the map. "With your permission, madam, we must move on…"
"Of course. Thank you for staying here."
"No. Thank you."
"The Baron Mirth is the true second-in-command to the Jack of Tears." Their escort was doing just that, taking them to the borders, making them hurry to keep sight of him. "He's a lady's man, no doubting that… but he's honorable…"
Peppy tried to keep track of the babble as they moved, knowing that it was useful information, but that it came and went so fast that it was sometimes hard to listen. Making it more difficult was that they were moving, and at a rather fast pace, switching trails at a moment's notice. Also, Fox had caught his eye and nodded to once side, pointing out the fact that they were being watched. Other denizens of the Bayou watched them pass by, including what seemed like a number of humanoid alligators, carrying javelins, often in company of other human members of the Krewe of Mangroves.
Eventually they stopped, and their escort bounced up and down, waving an arm. "Hey! Representative of the Krewe of Mangroves! Need to speak to a representative of the Krewe of Bones!"
A very long moment, then some heavy rustles were heard. After several moments, a group of six living skeletons made their way through the Bayou, stopping when they saw the group.
"No they are friends! They need to see the Jack!" Their escort bounced forward and held out a letter. "Letter from the Demoiselle! She spoke to them! Honest sir they're fine!"
"Perhaps." Grumbled one of the skeletons, breaking the seal on the letter and reading it. "Mm. All right then." He 'looked' over the letter at the party. "We'll take them to the carnival. This gives you permission to come as well…"
"Oh yes! I haven't been to the Carnival itself in ages!"
"All right them." The six skeletons fell into positions around the group and escorted them on. They didn't babble or talk like their Krewe of Mangroves escort, no they were silent and disciplined, clearly the military here.
"What is your name by the way?" Fox asked their escort, giving him a hand up so he sat sidesaddle behind Fox.
He seemed to appreciate the ride, kicking a foot absently. Fox's unicorn backed her ears but tolerated the extra weight. "Name? I have a name?" He looked at Fox curiously.
"Oy vey." Moaned Falco, rubbing his eyes.
"I'd assume so." Fox smiled a bit. The skeletons didn't react to this conversation, and as they moved on the air grew saltier; they were approaching the bay. Also the music grew louder, and they could hear the sounds of a carnival or a party.
"Well I suppose you can call me Alan. That's what everyone else seems to call me, when they call me anything." He scratched his head and smiled, shrugging.
"Alan. All right then. I suppose you will continue to accompany us?"
"If I can. Until you leave… you aren't staying are you?" He frowned around at the group. "No wouldn't be right if you stay… you're too… normal to stay here." He smiled again.
"Why thank you." Bill drawled, a smile showing in his eyes.
"What were you before you came here?" Slippy asked, watching as Alan nodded his head in time to the distant music, kicking foot also falling into the distant beat.
"Oh, a bard. But my hometown… they…" He stopped. "Oh they didn't like me. So I came here. They're much nicer here." He grinned. "Outcasts us all here. That's why we seem so odd to you."
Fox suddenly laughed. "Alan, I'm a teenage male paladin who's questing to rescue a princess and rides a unicorn. I think 'odd' is simply a matter of opinion."
The trees got more and more sparse, and then the group emerged from the Bayou, horses' hooves going from soft sandy soil to clunking on a wooden boardwalk. Ocean waves crashed nearby, and the skeletons stopped, trading the group off to another group of skeletons, this group richly decorated. The leader of the new group also read the letter, and led them deep into the carnival.
The group stared around, unable to take it all in at once. The carnival and buildings were brightly colored, though rickety with age, and old battered docks were wet with brine. Large kraken sat on the docks and made their way through parts of the carnival, alongside more skeletons and a large amount of men and women dressed like jesters. Music that was almost hypnotic and addictive to listen to floated through the carnival; they could see a gazebo in the distance that held a band made of the jesters. Drinks passed around in abandon; no one seemed quite sober except the motionless skeleton guards that stood at intervals around the carnival.
"See them?" Alan addressed the party, pointing out the jesters. "Whatever you do my friends do not let them touch you. They are plague wretches. They carry diseases and exchange theme as easily as we shake hands. They can't kill instantly, but you won't be out of the bayou before the disease they gave you strikes you down." He shook off, then smiled again.
"Thanks for the warning." Said Peppy graciously.
The skeletons stopped, and a skeletal man swaggered up to them, dressed very well, clearly of a higher rank then all those around him. The plague wretches and other skeletons parted to let him through, some of the skeletons saluting or bowing. "Ah I had heard rumors of a traveling party. I am pleased to know that is true." He glanced around at the party, smiling when he saw Katt. "And a diverse group you are."
"Letter from Demoiselle Antunes, milord." Said the skeleton, passing it over.
"Ah the Demoiselle!" His smile grew, reading through the letter, raising his eyebrows. "Well, my gracious. A mortal party wishes to see Momus…" He looked at them over the letter. "That makes you either very brave… or very, very foolish."
"We have urgent business, Baron." Peppy said, assuming Momus to be another name for the Jack of Tears.
"Ah indeed, so the Demoiselle says…" He folded the letter and put it in his pocket. "Well, you may dismount, my men will stable your… horses." He raised his eyebrows again at the unicorn, which snorted in warning. "I will ask about that later, if we are on good terms…"
The group willingly dismounted, and a pair of skeletons collected the reins and left, going to another part of the carnival.
"The letter also said that while you, young man, are in charge…" He looked at Fox, who nodded once. "You, good sir, are the negotiator." He looked at Peppy.
"Indeed."
"Well then, I'll take you to him." He lifted a hand, beckoning, and led them through the carnival, the plague wretches and skeletons still parting.
"And what is this? What goes on here?" Said another voice, and another man swaggered up, dressed as a grander version of the plague wretches. He was smiling, and a few members of the party winced back—this man carried with him the stench of disease and plague.
"They wish to see the Jack of Tears, Lord Quick." The Baron Mirth narrowed his eyes.
"Indeed? Very odd… such bravery…" He eyed the party, as if sizing them up.
"Indeed. We must move on, and if I hear of any trouble between these people and your plague wretches…" The Baron left the threat hanging, and moved on.
"Heee heee heee…" Lord Quick giggled. "You do like to believe you are more powerful then me, do you not, Baron Mirth? Hee hee hee…" He grinned and disappeared into the crowd, talking to his nearby plague wretches, who also disappeared, now on a new assignment.
"Momus?"
"Ah Baron Mirth? What brings you here?" The Jack of Tears smiled, pressing his fingertips together. He was dressed in incredibly ornate clothing, a dozen colors splashed over his clothes, gold and silver touched here and there. He held a mask over his face, though the group could see a dark, pointed face behind it. They felt his gaze flick over them. "Outsiders?"
"Yes indeed. They have a… rather interesting proposal for you."
"Indeed? Well then, introduce yourselves." He twirled a wand in the fingers of his other hand, eying the group still.
"Fox McCloud, paladin fighting beside the King's own." Fox said, stepping forward. "These are my traveling companions. Sir Peppy Hare of the King's Knights is our esteemed diplomat." Peppy nodded. "Falco Lombardi is our thief. He's Guild certified and has allies among dragonkind." Falco stepped forward, cape fluttering, and nodded. "Slippy Toad is our Gadgetmaster Mage, and he has allies among wood elves." Slippy nodded, bowing. "Katt Monroe is our Sorceress, and Bill Grey is one of the King's guards as well as a Gladiator."
"Interesting group." The Jack smiled, only partly visible behind the mask. "Very interesting. And it must be an even more interesting proposal if you caught the attention of the good Baron Mirth."
"I suppose so, Lord Momus." Said Peppy. "Are you willing to discuss it?"
"Oh, why not? Little else has been amusing this day." He twitched a finger, and a table appeared in front of him, as well as another chair.
"We shall wait elsewhere, if you please." Said Falco.
"Of course. I suppose only your negotiator and team leader are needed." The Jack wove a hand, and the other four team members bowed and left, led out by the Baron Mirth.
"What do you think?" Slippy asked, rubbing his chin.
"What about?" Alan bounced up, carrying several large mugs. He kept one and passed the others to the party members. Falco took two.
"I think we may have a chance." Said Falco, watching the partying around them with an amused smile. "All depends on what the Jack of Tears thinks about this… Ahem, do we even know what we're offering in trade for his alliance?"
"Not a clue." Said Katt, shaking her head.
"So what do we do now?" Bill enquired, tail wagging in time to the beat.
"I'm gonna play with the band." Said Alan with a happy grin. "About time what I remember has any good usage…" He bolted back what was in the mug and tossed it aside.
"You go ahead, we're going to find a table and wait." Said Falco, and Alan bounced off into the crowd. "I get the feeling this will take a while."
Time wore on slowly. The sun crested in the sky and sank, and still the addictive music flowed over the group. Bill ended up leaving the table in favor of joining a group of card players, quite used to it apparently, because not long later he was gathering brightly colored chips from the others. Slippy produced one of his tomes and started reading, leaving Katt and Falco to talk.
"Still don't like me much, do you?" Falco asked, looking at her over the rim of a mug.
"You shouldn't drink that…" She warned.
"We ate breakfast with the Demoiselle and you're worried about a little ale." He seemed amused, finishing the mug off and setting it down.
"Well, yes… I don't want you to become like these people." She nodded around.
"I didn't know you cared."
"Why shouldn't I?"
"Oh, let me see… I'm a thief, to the point I'm certified as a Guild member. I can't read. I can't write. You claim I have no manners…" He ticked off each one on his fingers absently.
"Falco, we have worked together for how long now?" She inquired.
"So?"
She tapped her fingers together absently. "Can we call each other friends?"
He looked at her, then slowly smiled. "Yes, I think so. Would you like to dance?"
She blinked at him, then looked out at the jovial crowd. "I can waltz, but…"
"And I heard that elves knew how to party…"
She looked at him. "Did I say I couldn't dance, Lombardi?"
He laughed and bounced easily to his feet. "Well prove it Monroe."
She stood and took his arm, and they went out on to the dance floor—or what was being used as one, it was really just a wooden platform. Falco took her hand and tossed her out, making Katt's long hair lift and swirl as she stepped. She released his hand and completed the spin, then took his hands and fell in step with the other dancers, easily adapting to their somewhat wild and fast dancing style.
"Does the King know of this?" The Jack of Tears asked, leaning his elbows on the table, studying Fox's map.
"No, but I doubt he will argue. He does little with this section of land, or any land past the mountains."
"Aye, so I have seen. All I have noticed are small bands of traders, and they seem little allied with the King." The Jack set his mask down and rubbed his chin. "Interesting proposition indeed. Now wonder that the good Baron was interested in this… he has always wished we expand our borders." He studied the two speaking to him. "But what is it that you wish in return?"
"Your alliance in the war." Fox responded.
"Indeed. So this continues to get more and more intriguing… Why would the King need my alliance in the war? He's never cared for me before, and I'm quite sure he has no feelings of friendship now."
"He doesn't need to know until after the fact." Said Peppy carefully.
The Jack of Tears grinned. "I believe that we are going to get along very well."
"Oh?"
"Not only are you brave enough to hold a conversation with me, you are daring enough to bargain away the King's land without him knowing, which is almost surely a beheading offense." He continued his dark grin, eyes full of maniacal laughter. "I take it the King isn't aware he is loosing?"
"I severely doubt it, Lord Momus."
"Well well… I have before me a chance to rescue the King's army, and perhaps earn his alliance for good… Leave me to my thoughts." He sat down, pressing his fingertips together. "I believe I should have to ponder this one for a time."
Both nodded and bowed, Fox leaving his map on the table.
"What news?" Slippy looked up when he saw Fox and Peppy emerge from the Jack of Tear's throne room.
"He's considering. I think we've got him won over, but I'm not sure." Said Peppy. "Where is everyone, pray tell?"
"Bill's gambling. Katt and Falco are dancing." Slippy poked his nose back into his tome.
A minor pulse of magic went through the air, and they saw the Baron Mirth and Lord Quick work their way through the crowd toward the throne room. After a moment, a giant black kraken surfaced from the ocean and came up on the land, circling around to the back of the throne room, adorned with multiple jewels and holding multiple scepters. Another flash of magic, and the Demoiselle came riding in on a bloodmare, coming to a halt in front of the throne room and dismounting. She saw the party in the crowd and flashed a smile at them before entering, skirts swirling.
"Now what do you suppose…?" Slippy asked, staring.
"Oh it's just a meeting." Alan suddenly appeared, wrapping an arm across Fox's shoulders for support, breath reeking of ale, holding a violin in one hand. "They do that sometimes… Th' Jack just called all his council together… th' kraken was Queen Ran… she's a black magician… cold hearted…"
"Thank you for explaining." Fox helped Alan sit down. "Tipple a wee bit too much, did we?"
Alan giggled. "Aw too much is never enough!"
"Did you understand that?" Bill looked at Fox.
"In a sense." Fox sat down, staring out at the crowd. "Now all we can do is wait…"
"Not necessarily." Said another voice, and a skeleton swaggered up. "I heard you are a paladin, is that true?"
"Well yes." Fox blinked.
"Perhaps, then, you would agree to a bit of a sparring contest?" The skeleton grinned.
"Did your Baron Mirth agree to this?"
The skeleton paused. "I am one of his commanders, mortal sir. I am not suggesting we attempt to destroy each other. I am just suggesting an… exhibition of skill."
"I believe I can agree to that." Fox stood.
"You sure?" Bill looked at him.
"Don't worry about it, Grey. I doubt he wants to face the Baron's wrath if I am wounded." Fox quietly replied, then stepped forward. "Where will this be held?"
"Oh, we will use the dance floor. I'm sure the plague wretches would like a moment to fetch more drinks."
"All right, then."
The crowd, as if they knew what was going on, parted for the skeleton. The dance floor willingly cleared, though Katt and Falco went over to Fox to investigate what was going on.
"Just a friendly sparring contest." Said Fox, straight faced.
"Well naturally he challenges you…" Falco shook his head.
"I suppose." Fox walked onto the dance floor, boots clicking very softly on the worn wood, then turned to face the skeleton. "Your move."
The skeleton drew a pair of falchions, easily flipping them in his hands and swinging them, showing off as they circled. Fox drew his Katana, which lit up intense white and blue in this evil place. The circle of people watching winced back from the harsh light as he twirled it one handed, spinning it into a disk of light.
"Mortals first by all means." Said the skeleton after a few moments.
"Thank you." Said Fox, and lunged forward, bringing his sword up. The tip of it drew a dark, burned line in the worn wood as he swung it, knocking both falchions away then stepping into a more combat appropriate stance, deflecting the skeleton's swings and swinging back. After a few moments of close combat, the pair backed off again, stepping back into ready stances. The crowd around them had fallen into an even clap, goading them on.
"Not bad… so far…" The skeleton remarked.
"Not so bad yourself." Fox drew his other sword and changed his position to accommodate for them both. "Shall we?"
"Let's."
The two lunged simultaneously, swords clashing, both going into combination attacks, Fox speeding up to match the skeleton. Since his opponent was an undead, there were a few challenges here—the skeleton didn't get tired, and didn't have the constraints of muscle. He supposed it was like fighting his father years ago, and focused on tactics.
The skeleton continued to block his attacks, but it was obvious that both were putting a lot of effort into the fight, finally falling into something not far from being a sword dance, fairly balanced. Of course, if they had been trying for killing blows, it would have been ended a while ago. But they were just showing off, and the skeleton, being of high rank, refused to turn down a chance to do so. Fox, meanwhile, didn't so much want the attention as the practice.
The crowd around them continued to grow, necromantic golems standing along the edges with plague wretches and skeletons sitting on their shoulders and backs for better views.
"How now? What is going on out there?" Wondered Lord Quick, looking over his shoulders toward the closed double doors.
"We shall find out after this council is over." Said the Jack of Tears, leaning over the map. "So. Are we in agreement, then?"
"I agree." Said Baron Mirth.
"As do I." Said the Demoiselle.
"And I." Said Queen Ran.
"Lord Quick?" The Jack of Tears glanced at him.
"It would seem I am badly outnumbered… all right, I step down my protests and agree."
"It's settled down. Now, my good Baron, you are sure you can work with Lord Quick efficiently?"
"Yes. I believe the bulk of the forces should be my skeletons as well. We do not want to inflict plague wrongly on the King's own."
"Agreed. Now, as for support…"
He paused when the building shook.
"Perhaps we should investigate that first?" Suggested the Demoiselle.
"Perhaps." The Jack of Tears said, and proceeded forward, picking up his mask and wand, holding his mask over his face as the doors opened ahead of him.
What they saw was a huge crowd of people standing around the dance floor, shouting and clapping, the harsh clang of swords carrying over their jumbled voices. Flashing light could also be seen from the direction of the dance floor. The five, led by the Jack of Tears, hurried forward, the crowd parting for them as fast they could, letting them see what was going on.
The Baron Mirth's highest ranking skeleton was sword fighting with Fox, both holding two swords, going into impressive moves and deflecting each other's blades easily. Both were moving extremely fast, and lightning was crawling over Fox's blades, though neither seemed to notice.
"Baron?" The Demoiselle inquired.
"I know nothing of this." He replied, crossing his arms.
"Perhaps it was time this ended." Suggested the Jack of Tears, and clapped his hands together sharply, wand and mask floating in midair for a moment while he did.
Fox and the skeleton stopped simultaneously, both turning to face the Jack, sheathing their weapons and bowing as one.
"We apologize." Said Fox simply. "We did not mean to disturb you."
"You didn't." Said the Baron. "Was there trouble?" He looked sharply at the skeleton.
"No sir, merely a friendly sparing contest."
"We need to speak with your group, Fox." Said the Jack. "If you please?"
Fox's group assembled from where they stood in the crowd, following the five denizens of the Blood Bayou back to the throne room.
"I apologize again for that." Fox said. "I wasn't aware that…"
"No apology is needed." Said the Baron. "None at all." He looked at the Jack.
"We have come to a decision, with little trouble. We have agreed to assist in your war."
Peppy smiled. "We're glad."
"We do have a good army, but it would probably be best if we did not travel with you." The Jack twirled his wand easily, setting his mask down and handing Fox his map back. "Perhaps if we gave you something to summon us with…?"
"That would work well, yes." Fox agreed.
"Well then." The Jack produced a carved bone amulet, holding it by a silver chain. It spun in the air, glowing softly. He passed it to Peppy. "This will summon us to where we are needed."
"Thank you, Lord Momus."
"No, it is my pleasure. You are helping me more then we are helping you. Now in the mean time, you should be moving on… we all agree that there is not much time left for what remains of the King's Army."
Not long later, the group had saddled up and said their goodbyes. Alan, with permission from the Demoiselle to use one of her Bloodmares, led them to the borders of the Blood Bayou.
"You may as yet see me again, kind sirs." Alan said happily. "Even a violinist has a place in war!"
"Agreed." Peppy said. "Thank you for your help, Alan."
"Oh it was no trouble no trouble at all…" He wove a hand. "You must move on and we must prepare. Farewell."
The group nodded, starting down the little-used road toward the border.