At first Bob wasn't sure how to respond. He stood there, gaping at her,
unable to move. She didn't even seem to notice he was there. She kept
picking up the broken pieces, sniffling softly and wiping her eyes.
"Dot!' He finally got out, approaching her. She looked up and jumped to her feet, startled.
"Yes?" she asked, her voice shaky, ashamed to be caught on the verge of tears. "Who are you?"
"It's me, Bob," he said, pointing at himself. He suddenly felt desperate. "Do you remember anything? Do you remember me?"
The tears were drying and Dot gave him a strange look. "I'm sorry, I don't know who you are. Are you new here?"
"I.y-yeah," he stammered. She didn't remember anything, just like the rest. "I just thought you might have seen me a-around the castle."
She smiled at him. "Welcome to Megaframe. Excuse me one moment while I clean this mess." She turned away and bent down again, picking up the remaining shattered pieces. He watched her, feeling a tad bit disappointed. He had hoped that at least Dot would've remembered him. Somehow he just felt she would be in the same shoes he was, wandering the city looking for him and a way out. But he was wrong. He was the only one.
She straightened back up and headed to the kitchens. Bob followed behind, not quite knowing what else to do. She realized he was still there and gave him a withering glance. "Have you any work to do?"
"What? Oh, work!" He grasped for anything to cover up. "I uh.well."
"It's a simple yes or no answer," she said, her voice sounding more intelligent than most slaves.
"Uh."
"I'll take that as a yes. Here." She handed him the small cloth she had used to pick up the broken pieces. "The kitchen is right down there, throw that out. I must go down and feed the prisoner. Take care." She turned and left.
"Wait, stop!" he cried out. He had to get her to believe him, he couldn't just leave her like this.
She turned to face him again, but then a man stepped into the room. His eyes widened when he saw them standing there.
"Get to work!" he bellowed, causing Bob and Dot to jump. He pointed at the kitchen. Dot quickly hurried in the opposite direction, leaving Bob in the hands of the man.
Matrix was pacing in his room, just having dressed and eaten his breakfast. Despite the fact that the Amazons were supposed to be his sworn enemies, he couldn't get AndrAIa out of his head. Her beautiful face, full lips.he couldn't stop thinking of that. King Megabyte would no doubt kill him if he knew what he was thinking.
He stopped pacing and glanced out the window. She was still in that dungeon no doubt, waiting for him to visit her again that night. Would he tell him about her tribe?
He couldn't take it any longer. Somehow he couldn't wait to see her again, no matter what she was or how much against the king she was. Grabbing the keys leading into the dungeon he left the room, closing the door tightly behind him.
***
AndrAIa sat down against the wall, her stomach grumbling. She couldn't believe how hungry she was. Never in her life did she get this hungry in the forest. It was warmer now during the day so she didn't have to worry about the cold. But now she was starving and that was driving her crazy.
Dozing lightly against the bars, she started when she heard the door to the dungeon creak open and a small figure walk in, a basket in its hands. She peered at the creature as it closed the door and walked toward the cell. It was a female slave.
The slave pulled its head back, revealing dark green short hair and light green skin. She woman smiled warmly at her and opened the basket. AndrAIa didn't move from her spot, eyeing the slave cautiously.
"I've brought you something to eat," the slave said, holding the basket through the bars. "I hope you like it."
At first AndrAIa didn't move. Then she reached forward and took the basket, peering inside. There was a glass of water and several rolls of bread and cheese. She eyed the slave.
"It's not poisoned if that's what you're thinking," she said quietly, sitting down on the other side of the bars. "See?" She reached into the basket through the bars and drew out a roll of bread. She bit into and chewed. Swallowing, she smiled comfortingly.
AndrAIa still didn't reply. She set the basket in her lap and drew out a roll. She turned it in her hands, expecting it closely. The slave was watching her.
"Who are you?" AndrAIa asked so suddenly, causing her to jump.
"M-my name's Dot," the slave stammered.
The amazon nodded and bit into the roll. "Been working here long?"
Dot shrugged. "I don't even remember when I first started."
"That long huh?"
The slave shook her head. "Amnesia."
AndrAIa stopped eating and looked at her closely. "Amnesia, huh? When did it happen? How far back can you remember?"
Dot shrugged again. "I don't know."
AndrAIa nodded. "I see. So, Dot, is it fun working in the castle? Working for King Megabyte?"
"You don't like him, do you?"
AndrAIa was surprised at the question. "Gee, let me think," she said sarcastically. "No. He slottered many Amazons years ago when we did nothing to cause it. He killed my family and all my friends. We are the only ones left and we are fighting to get back. We won't stop until King Megabyte is dead."
"Why?"
That really threw AndrAIa off. "Why?" she repeated, "because. Megabyte's a tyrant. He shouldn't be King to begin with."
Dot was nodding, but the Amazon couldn't tell if it was in agreement or just plain nodding. "What do you think about him?" she asked.
Dot shrugged. "I never really talked to him. I only saw him a few times. He's putting on a big ball tonight. Everyone is invited that's high class. A feast. There's going to be another one tomorrow night as well."
"And why would you be telling me this? We're not high class. And I'm a prisoner, I can't go."
Dot smiled. "That's true, but King Megabyte always makes grand appearances during them. It's rare to see him out in the open like he will be tonight."
AndrAIa raised one eyebrow, interested. She climbed to her feet and approached the bars, leaving the basket on the floor.
Just then the dungeon door opened and Dot flew to her feet, almost as if she were afraid of getting caught doing something she wasn't supposed to do. A figure walked heavily into the room and AndrAIa recognized him immediately.
Sir Matrix.
"Move on, slave," he said gruffly to Dot. The slave nodded her head and collected her things. Looking meaningfully at AndrAIa, she turned and left the room. Sir Matrix turned to look at AndrAIa. The Amazon turned her head away.
"I know it isn't night yet," he said, "but I came down to see what your answer is so far."
"No."
Sir Matrix hesitated, then nodded his head. "I understand. But you're going to want to change your answer if you want to live tomorrow, you hear me?"
She turned her head to look at him and leaned forward against the bars. For a long moment he was afraid she wouldn't answer.
"I hear," she said softly.
"Good," he replied, just as softly. He walked forward until he was closer to the bars. "Don't forget it."
There was another long silence as they stared at each other. AndrAIa waited long enough until she was certain he was off guard then jabbed her fist forward, attempting to punch him across the face. To her surprise he caught her arm swiftly and flipped her around, pulling her back against the bars. She cried out in surprise as her head hit the metal. He kept one hand on her wrist, the other across her bare stomach, keeping her from breaking away.
"You really think I'm that stupid?" he said in her ear. Then his voice dropped to a low whisper. "Don't try that again."
Her heart was beating faster, one with the surprise of defeat, the other with the awareness of being so close to him. With a cry she jerked away. He released her and she stumbled into the middle of the cell, scowling. She turned to glare at him.
He smiled and stepped back. "See you tonight," he said. Then he turned and left the room. She watched him climb the few steps up to the dungeon door and leave. The minute he was gone she crossed her arms and looked wildly around. She couldn't believe what had just happened.
She had to get out of there soon before she did something that would probably shame the Amazon nation.
***
When Sir Matrix stepped out into the main room, he was nearly overwhelmed with everyone running about, setting things up for the big feast that was only hours away. Then he realized that he should check in with the King.
As he headed for the throne room, he passed a very familiar looking slave. He stopped for a moment as the person hurried past him and into the other room. Frowning, he shrugged and decided not to bother with slaves. They were nothing anyway. Turning, he headed toward the throne room.
King Megabyte was the type of ruler that liked to control the kingdom from his little sanctuary room. Whenever he wasn't there he'd go and make public speeches to the populace. At the time being he was sitting in his throne, planning things for the feast later on that night.
Sir Matrix entered the throne room and cleared his throat to announce his entrance. King Megabyte looked up from his seat. The king was a very powerful-looking man just by glancing at him. Rarely was he merciful unless he had a plan to go with it, and he expected all his orders to be carried out without question. He wore the royal robe and crown over his regular robes, but even though he was supposed to be a good king, his face gave off a strange look, like he couldn't be trusted even though he had never turned against his friends.
"Ah, Sir Matrix," Megabyte said, "you are here. Has she given in yet?"
Sir Matrix shook his head. "Not as of yet, but we still have until tonight."
"Yes, and when that happens, bring her out to the feast. I want the people to see her, and I want to see her answer myself. If she refuses, public execution."
"And if she agrees to tell us?"
"Then bring her to me. I will question her personally."
"Yes my Lord." Sir Matrix turned and left the room, leaving the King alone with his advisor. There was a long moment of silence before Megabye spoke.
"Well, Herrdoktor," he said with a familiar tone, with familiar passion, "it seems my plan is going spectacularly well. Better than I thought."
****
Bob couldn't believe how close he was to being caught by Sir Matrix. He hadn't seen him until it was too late, and then all he could do was duck his head and hope his hood covered his face. Luckily it worked, or else he would've probably been dead by now.
When he went into the kitchen, three other persons occupied it, one at the sink, the other at the salt closet, and the third in the next room. They only way he knew someone was in there was by the sound of rummaging and dusting.
Finding the closest thing to a trash can he could find, he dumped the broken pieces of glass and looked around. The other slaves seemed preoccupied with creating some sort of feast and remembered what Ray had told him earlier. The King was holding a feast tonight and maybe the following night.
If he could go to that feast, he could figure out exactly whether or not Megabyte was planning anything. And maybe get to the main clock since the dinner would distract everyone.
"Sugah, where is the big of salt?" A voice called out from the side room as something crashed in there. Bob looked up in that direction, surprised. He didn't think a slave could talk like that, or anyone in that matter.
"Over here," the slave by the sing called back.
"Well ya shoulda told me honey, kept me from making a big mess in here."
Suddenly hit with a thought, Bob crept toward the side room. Could it be.?
"Now I'm going ta have to clean up this mess, just great!" He heard more rummaging. He was about to look inside when a woman appeared in the doorway, startling him. He jumped back to see Mouse standing there, dressed in an apron and a white chef's hat.
His eyes widened in alarm. "Mouse!"
She looked at him, puzzled. "Yeah? I can't talk now, we have preparing to do, you hear me? Preparing! And if you want to attend the feast and serve the people I suggest you get moving!" She pushed passed him and went over to the sink.
He followed her. "Mouse, you're the cook?"
"Best cook in Megaframe- why?"
"I don't know, just asking-"
"Never mind, never mind sugah, just get to work." She pushed a bag of salt into his hands. "You know what to do, now do it." And she marched out of the room, leaving him to stare after her in wonder.
****
The feast was a huge event, and a lot of people in the castle and some from the townsquare came. Tables were set up with food spread out on them. King Megabyte sat at the head, with Sir Matrix on one side and Herrdoktor on the other. Lords, Vassels, and other Knights took up the table. Others took up the other two tables. In the center jokers danced and juggled, making complete idiots out of themselves. Music was played and people talked, filling the once empty front room with sound.
Bob, carefully covered in his robes, walked from table to table, setting down new meals and plates. He was aghast to find everyone eating with their fingers and throwing leftovers on the floor for the dogs to eat. In fact, he distinctively saw a red and yellow dog jumping from table to table, gobbling up whatever landed on the floor in front of him. As he passed it, the dog jumped up and panted for the plate of food in his hands.
"Frisket, down," Bob whispered, handing him one chicken leg. The dog took the bone and jumped down, half pleased to get the treat, half surprised that Bob knew his name.
Dot worked just as busily as Bob did, only she worked more quickly and didn't speak to anyway. She looked up several times whenever Bob passed, and several times she blushed. However whenever he tried to sneak in a few words to her, she'd mumble something about more work and walked off.
Sometime after most of the partying died down, Sir Matrix stood up and pounded the table for attention. Everyone grew quiet and turned to face him. The dogs scampered off around the tables in search of more food, and the slaves stood where they were to listen.
"People of Megaframe," Sir Matrix said loudly, "I must say that I am pleased you can all make it, and so is the King. It is not often that King Megabyte throws parties like these."
Everyone clapped politely and Megabyte smiled politely. Then he narrowed his eyes slightly and continued to study the faces of the guests.and slaves.
"Now, we have something to present to you, and I think it will make you all very happy," Sir Matrix continued. "For I have captured the one thing we can use to end this war between us and the Amazons, and I would like to bring her out to show you."
Right when he finished, a yell split the air and all heads turned to see two guards walk in the room, holding AndrAIa by the arms. She fought furiously to get away, but the guards didn't even flinch through their armor. Finally she gave in and let them drag them into the middle of the room. Some of the people looked at her in disgust. One squire boy threw an apple at her. She turned her head away so as not to get hit, and the fruit bounced off her shoulder. She looked back and glared evilly at him.
Bob looked around, figuring out if he should save her or not. Glancing over he saw Dot. She looked worried, positively worried. He frowned.
Sir Matrix smiled and left his seat, striding over to the Amazon. Taking her chin in his hand he directed her face toward the King.
"King Megabyte," he said, "here I have AndrAIa, Queen of the Amazons. And she's here to tell us if she would help us, or die." He released her and she jerked her face away. He smiled in spite of himself.
King Megabyte leaned forward in his chair. "Well?" he demanded in his aristocratic voice. "What is your answer.amazon?"
AndrAIa looked calmly back at the King, then at Matrix, then back at Megabyte. She frowned when she noticed that the look on his face had changed. Somehow he looked anxious, almost like he was expecting her to refuse their proposal.
Almost as if he wanted to kill her.
"I'll tell you," she said smartly. "I'll tell you everything."
She was surprised to see a facial change on Megabyte. He looked angry as the smirk on his face vanished.
The people sitting around and watching smiled amongst themselves, and Matrix almost gloated.
Megabyte's scowl was getting bigger as he waved his hand in disgust. "Take her away," he said, "take her away."
The guards jerked AndrAIa away, back down to the dungeon. She let them lead her away from the crowd as Bob watched from his corner. Then he looked back at Megabyte.
He had noticed the scowl as well. Something was up with the King. Something not good. And suddenly, he knew.
He watched as Megabyte took a gulp from his wine, then turned to Herrdoktor. Something about his movements, it wasn't different it was the same. The same aristocratic voice and facial expressions. Unlike the others, he hadn't changed at all.
Bob's eyes widened in realization.
Megabyte was somehow behind the time distortion.
"Dot!' He finally got out, approaching her. She looked up and jumped to her feet, startled.
"Yes?" she asked, her voice shaky, ashamed to be caught on the verge of tears. "Who are you?"
"It's me, Bob," he said, pointing at himself. He suddenly felt desperate. "Do you remember anything? Do you remember me?"
The tears were drying and Dot gave him a strange look. "I'm sorry, I don't know who you are. Are you new here?"
"I.y-yeah," he stammered. She didn't remember anything, just like the rest. "I just thought you might have seen me a-around the castle."
She smiled at him. "Welcome to Megaframe. Excuse me one moment while I clean this mess." She turned away and bent down again, picking up the remaining shattered pieces. He watched her, feeling a tad bit disappointed. He had hoped that at least Dot would've remembered him. Somehow he just felt she would be in the same shoes he was, wandering the city looking for him and a way out. But he was wrong. He was the only one.
She straightened back up and headed to the kitchens. Bob followed behind, not quite knowing what else to do. She realized he was still there and gave him a withering glance. "Have you any work to do?"
"What? Oh, work!" He grasped for anything to cover up. "I uh.well."
"It's a simple yes or no answer," she said, her voice sounding more intelligent than most slaves.
"Uh."
"I'll take that as a yes. Here." She handed him the small cloth she had used to pick up the broken pieces. "The kitchen is right down there, throw that out. I must go down and feed the prisoner. Take care." She turned and left.
"Wait, stop!" he cried out. He had to get her to believe him, he couldn't just leave her like this.
She turned to face him again, but then a man stepped into the room. His eyes widened when he saw them standing there.
"Get to work!" he bellowed, causing Bob and Dot to jump. He pointed at the kitchen. Dot quickly hurried in the opposite direction, leaving Bob in the hands of the man.
Matrix was pacing in his room, just having dressed and eaten his breakfast. Despite the fact that the Amazons were supposed to be his sworn enemies, he couldn't get AndrAIa out of his head. Her beautiful face, full lips.he couldn't stop thinking of that. King Megabyte would no doubt kill him if he knew what he was thinking.
He stopped pacing and glanced out the window. She was still in that dungeon no doubt, waiting for him to visit her again that night. Would he tell him about her tribe?
He couldn't take it any longer. Somehow he couldn't wait to see her again, no matter what she was or how much against the king she was. Grabbing the keys leading into the dungeon he left the room, closing the door tightly behind him.
***
AndrAIa sat down against the wall, her stomach grumbling. She couldn't believe how hungry she was. Never in her life did she get this hungry in the forest. It was warmer now during the day so she didn't have to worry about the cold. But now she was starving and that was driving her crazy.
Dozing lightly against the bars, she started when she heard the door to the dungeon creak open and a small figure walk in, a basket in its hands. She peered at the creature as it closed the door and walked toward the cell. It was a female slave.
The slave pulled its head back, revealing dark green short hair and light green skin. She woman smiled warmly at her and opened the basket. AndrAIa didn't move from her spot, eyeing the slave cautiously.
"I've brought you something to eat," the slave said, holding the basket through the bars. "I hope you like it."
At first AndrAIa didn't move. Then she reached forward and took the basket, peering inside. There was a glass of water and several rolls of bread and cheese. She eyed the slave.
"It's not poisoned if that's what you're thinking," she said quietly, sitting down on the other side of the bars. "See?" She reached into the basket through the bars and drew out a roll of bread. She bit into and chewed. Swallowing, she smiled comfortingly.
AndrAIa still didn't reply. She set the basket in her lap and drew out a roll. She turned it in her hands, expecting it closely. The slave was watching her.
"Who are you?" AndrAIa asked so suddenly, causing her to jump.
"M-my name's Dot," the slave stammered.
The amazon nodded and bit into the roll. "Been working here long?"
Dot shrugged. "I don't even remember when I first started."
"That long huh?"
The slave shook her head. "Amnesia."
AndrAIa stopped eating and looked at her closely. "Amnesia, huh? When did it happen? How far back can you remember?"
Dot shrugged again. "I don't know."
AndrAIa nodded. "I see. So, Dot, is it fun working in the castle? Working for King Megabyte?"
"You don't like him, do you?"
AndrAIa was surprised at the question. "Gee, let me think," she said sarcastically. "No. He slottered many Amazons years ago when we did nothing to cause it. He killed my family and all my friends. We are the only ones left and we are fighting to get back. We won't stop until King Megabyte is dead."
"Why?"
That really threw AndrAIa off. "Why?" she repeated, "because. Megabyte's a tyrant. He shouldn't be King to begin with."
Dot was nodding, but the Amazon couldn't tell if it was in agreement or just plain nodding. "What do you think about him?" she asked.
Dot shrugged. "I never really talked to him. I only saw him a few times. He's putting on a big ball tonight. Everyone is invited that's high class. A feast. There's going to be another one tomorrow night as well."
"And why would you be telling me this? We're not high class. And I'm a prisoner, I can't go."
Dot smiled. "That's true, but King Megabyte always makes grand appearances during them. It's rare to see him out in the open like he will be tonight."
AndrAIa raised one eyebrow, interested. She climbed to her feet and approached the bars, leaving the basket on the floor.
Just then the dungeon door opened and Dot flew to her feet, almost as if she were afraid of getting caught doing something she wasn't supposed to do. A figure walked heavily into the room and AndrAIa recognized him immediately.
Sir Matrix.
"Move on, slave," he said gruffly to Dot. The slave nodded her head and collected her things. Looking meaningfully at AndrAIa, she turned and left the room. Sir Matrix turned to look at AndrAIa. The Amazon turned her head away.
"I know it isn't night yet," he said, "but I came down to see what your answer is so far."
"No."
Sir Matrix hesitated, then nodded his head. "I understand. But you're going to want to change your answer if you want to live tomorrow, you hear me?"
She turned her head to look at him and leaned forward against the bars. For a long moment he was afraid she wouldn't answer.
"I hear," she said softly.
"Good," he replied, just as softly. He walked forward until he was closer to the bars. "Don't forget it."
There was another long silence as they stared at each other. AndrAIa waited long enough until she was certain he was off guard then jabbed her fist forward, attempting to punch him across the face. To her surprise he caught her arm swiftly and flipped her around, pulling her back against the bars. She cried out in surprise as her head hit the metal. He kept one hand on her wrist, the other across her bare stomach, keeping her from breaking away.
"You really think I'm that stupid?" he said in her ear. Then his voice dropped to a low whisper. "Don't try that again."
Her heart was beating faster, one with the surprise of defeat, the other with the awareness of being so close to him. With a cry she jerked away. He released her and she stumbled into the middle of the cell, scowling. She turned to glare at him.
He smiled and stepped back. "See you tonight," he said. Then he turned and left the room. She watched him climb the few steps up to the dungeon door and leave. The minute he was gone she crossed her arms and looked wildly around. She couldn't believe what had just happened.
She had to get out of there soon before she did something that would probably shame the Amazon nation.
***
When Sir Matrix stepped out into the main room, he was nearly overwhelmed with everyone running about, setting things up for the big feast that was only hours away. Then he realized that he should check in with the King.
As he headed for the throne room, he passed a very familiar looking slave. He stopped for a moment as the person hurried past him and into the other room. Frowning, he shrugged and decided not to bother with slaves. They were nothing anyway. Turning, he headed toward the throne room.
King Megabyte was the type of ruler that liked to control the kingdom from his little sanctuary room. Whenever he wasn't there he'd go and make public speeches to the populace. At the time being he was sitting in his throne, planning things for the feast later on that night.
Sir Matrix entered the throne room and cleared his throat to announce his entrance. King Megabyte looked up from his seat. The king was a very powerful-looking man just by glancing at him. Rarely was he merciful unless he had a plan to go with it, and he expected all his orders to be carried out without question. He wore the royal robe and crown over his regular robes, but even though he was supposed to be a good king, his face gave off a strange look, like he couldn't be trusted even though he had never turned against his friends.
"Ah, Sir Matrix," Megabyte said, "you are here. Has she given in yet?"
Sir Matrix shook his head. "Not as of yet, but we still have until tonight."
"Yes, and when that happens, bring her out to the feast. I want the people to see her, and I want to see her answer myself. If she refuses, public execution."
"And if she agrees to tell us?"
"Then bring her to me. I will question her personally."
"Yes my Lord." Sir Matrix turned and left the room, leaving the King alone with his advisor. There was a long moment of silence before Megabye spoke.
"Well, Herrdoktor," he said with a familiar tone, with familiar passion, "it seems my plan is going spectacularly well. Better than I thought."
****
Bob couldn't believe how close he was to being caught by Sir Matrix. He hadn't seen him until it was too late, and then all he could do was duck his head and hope his hood covered his face. Luckily it worked, or else he would've probably been dead by now.
When he went into the kitchen, three other persons occupied it, one at the sink, the other at the salt closet, and the third in the next room. They only way he knew someone was in there was by the sound of rummaging and dusting.
Finding the closest thing to a trash can he could find, he dumped the broken pieces of glass and looked around. The other slaves seemed preoccupied with creating some sort of feast and remembered what Ray had told him earlier. The King was holding a feast tonight and maybe the following night.
If he could go to that feast, he could figure out exactly whether or not Megabyte was planning anything. And maybe get to the main clock since the dinner would distract everyone.
"Sugah, where is the big of salt?" A voice called out from the side room as something crashed in there. Bob looked up in that direction, surprised. He didn't think a slave could talk like that, or anyone in that matter.
"Over here," the slave by the sing called back.
"Well ya shoulda told me honey, kept me from making a big mess in here."
Suddenly hit with a thought, Bob crept toward the side room. Could it be.?
"Now I'm going ta have to clean up this mess, just great!" He heard more rummaging. He was about to look inside when a woman appeared in the doorway, startling him. He jumped back to see Mouse standing there, dressed in an apron and a white chef's hat.
His eyes widened in alarm. "Mouse!"
She looked at him, puzzled. "Yeah? I can't talk now, we have preparing to do, you hear me? Preparing! And if you want to attend the feast and serve the people I suggest you get moving!" She pushed passed him and went over to the sink.
He followed her. "Mouse, you're the cook?"
"Best cook in Megaframe- why?"
"I don't know, just asking-"
"Never mind, never mind sugah, just get to work." She pushed a bag of salt into his hands. "You know what to do, now do it." And she marched out of the room, leaving him to stare after her in wonder.
****
The feast was a huge event, and a lot of people in the castle and some from the townsquare came. Tables were set up with food spread out on them. King Megabyte sat at the head, with Sir Matrix on one side and Herrdoktor on the other. Lords, Vassels, and other Knights took up the table. Others took up the other two tables. In the center jokers danced and juggled, making complete idiots out of themselves. Music was played and people talked, filling the once empty front room with sound.
Bob, carefully covered in his robes, walked from table to table, setting down new meals and plates. He was aghast to find everyone eating with their fingers and throwing leftovers on the floor for the dogs to eat. In fact, he distinctively saw a red and yellow dog jumping from table to table, gobbling up whatever landed on the floor in front of him. As he passed it, the dog jumped up and panted for the plate of food in his hands.
"Frisket, down," Bob whispered, handing him one chicken leg. The dog took the bone and jumped down, half pleased to get the treat, half surprised that Bob knew his name.
Dot worked just as busily as Bob did, only she worked more quickly and didn't speak to anyway. She looked up several times whenever Bob passed, and several times she blushed. However whenever he tried to sneak in a few words to her, she'd mumble something about more work and walked off.
Sometime after most of the partying died down, Sir Matrix stood up and pounded the table for attention. Everyone grew quiet and turned to face him. The dogs scampered off around the tables in search of more food, and the slaves stood where they were to listen.
"People of Megaframe," Sir Matrix said loudly, "I must say that I am pleased you can all make it, and so is the King. It is not often that King Megabyte throws parties like these."
Everyone clapped politely and Megabyte smiled politely. Then he narrowed his eyes slightly and continued to study the faces of the guests.and slaves.
"Now, we have something to present to you, and I think it will make you all very happy," Sir Matrix continued. "For I have captured the one thing we can use to end this war between us and the Amazons, and I would like to bring her out to show you."
Right when he finished, a yell split the air and all heads turned to see two guards walk in the room, holding AndrAIa by the arms. She fought furiously to get away, but the guards didn't even flinch through their armor. Finally she gave in and let them drag them into the middle of the room. Some of the people looked at her in disgust. One squire boy threw an apple at her. She turned her head away so as not to get hit, and the fruit bounced off her shoulder. She looked back and glared evilly at him.
Bob looked around, figuring out if he should save her or not. Glancing over he saw Dot. She looked worried, positively worried. He frowned.
Sir Matrix smiled and left his seat, striding over to the Amazon. Taking her chin in his hand he directed her face toward the King.
"King Megabyte," he said, "here I have AndrAIa, Queen of the Amazons. And she's here to tell us if she would help us, or die." He released her and she jerked her face away. He smiled in spite of himself.
King Megabyte leaned forward in his chair. "Well?" he demanded in his aristocratic voice. "What is your answer.amazon?"
AndrAIa looked calmly back at the King, then at Matrix, then back at Megabyte. She frowned when she noticed that the look on his face had changed. Somehow he looked anxious, almost like he was expecting her to refuse their proposal.
Almost as if he wanted to kill her.
"I'll tell you," she said smartly. "I'll tell you everything."
She was surprised to see a facial change on Megabyte. He looked angry as the smirk on his face vanished.
The people sitting around and watching smiled amongst themselves, and Matrix almost gloated.
Megabyte's scowl was getting bigger as he waved his hand in disgust. "Take her away," he said, "take her away."
The guards jerked AndrAIa away, back down to the dungeon. She let them lead her away from the crowd as Bob watched from his corner. Then he looked back at Megabyte.
He had noticed the scowl as well. Something was up with the King. Something not good. And suddenly, he knew.
He watched as Megabyte took a gulp from his wine, then turned to Herrdoktor. Something about his movements, it wasn't different it was the same. The same aristocratic voice and facial expressions. Unlike the others, he hadn't changed at all.
Bob's eyes widened in realization.
Megabyte was somehow behind the time distortion.
