Cooper Russell Presents

A Fan Fiction Based On 'Fable:'

Prophecy

Chapter 4: Escape

Awakening once again to new surroundings, Arlet found himself lying on a wide dirt path. It seemed like that's all he had been doing lately; waking up to strange environments. But even though he knew this place was foreign to him, there were hints of familiarity. The sky was stormy; dark clouds hung overhead like jagged teeth ready to fall down. Arlet picked himself up, brushing the dirt from his torn clothes. He looked around wondering where he was or what happened to Terry, but not a soul could be found. The wind suddenly began to pick up, as it whaled through the leaves of the ominous tall trees off to the side of the path where a faint light could be seen shining through. But this path was not leading that way, this path led toward a small hill.

Come...

Arlet turned around, looking in the darkest of places for he thought he had heard something; or maybe the forceful winds were playing tricks on him. He then grew very afraid, as every little sound would grab Arlet's attention from sheer paranoia. He wondered to himself if he had been set free, or left behind by the Hobbes, and if where he was now really was better than the cave. Feeling an urge to press on forward, Arlet did so as he staggered toward the hill shielding his face from the wind that was whirling up bits of rock and dust into his eyes. Then amongst the wind, a slight whisper was heard...

Come...

'Who's there?' Arlet asked, his heart shrinking. Looking around, he quickened his pace up the hill. Midway up the path, Arlet soon felt as if an unknown force was aiding his walk up the hill. Then a breeze swooped up, pressing itself against Arlet's back. Full of fright, Arlet turned around swinging into dark nothingness; he was sure he felt someone, or something. Startling him even more, thunderous booms crackled in the sky as lightning flickered high above. Momentarily, Arlet debated with himself to turn back; he wasn't sure if he wanted to get to the top, something felt wrong. Thump... thump... thump... Arlet's heart swelled and beat louder every inch he made upward. Then what seemed to be a great weight placed on his shoulders, he fell on his knees; clutching bits of gravel in his hand. And what started as a low whisper grew to a piercing screech...

Come!

Arlet awoke once again, from what must have been yet another nightmare. He did not wake to peaceful tidings; but to a great commotion amongst the Hobbes. They scattered themselves in great panic, as they grabbed weapons or anything close-by. All of the Hobbe's attention seemed to be drawn to something of greater concern, so Arlet seized the opportunity and crept his way to his belongings. Reaching his things unnoticed, he immediately tucked his diary into his pocket, as a clapping noise grew louder in the distance. Then with a mighty entrance, three horsemen burst into the center the Hobbe village. Arlet watched in awe as two of the horsemen hung low off the side of their horses, swiftly and flawlessly swinging their weapons taking out many foes. The third stayed back, and with pin point accuracy skillfully shot arrows into the heads of straggling Hobbes.

One of the men leaped off his horse and ran into the thick of battle, wielding two blades at once. Watching how he maneuvered his weapons was much like an art. He even thrusted the two swords into the bellies of the Hobbes, pinching them against the wall where he would then finish them off with his own fists. The other man, who was thick and muscular, carried with him a large hammer. He wore what looked like animal fur, draped over his body. The sleeves were torn off to reveal his big arms which were riddled with ink in complicated designs.

Two Hobbes who noticed they were out skilled turned toward Arlet, looking at him with fierce eyes. Arlet took notice at the approaching Hobbes, so he scrambled to his knees awkwardly because his feet and hands were still bound by chain. The man with the hammer saw this taking place, and let out a loud 'aye!' as he hit the side of his horse sending it with great speed toward the two quickly approaching Hobbes. Arlet took hold of his sword, which sent a feeling of empowerment throughout his body. Arlet starred down his enemies who were holding their axes over their heads as they ran toward Arlet. Taking defensive measures, Arlet prepared to block the strike of their axes, but knew he could only deal with one. But then out of nowhere one was slammed at the side by the great force of a hammer, sending the Hobbe a fair distance away and into the cave wall, as the remaining Hobbe came crashing down with his axe. Arlet stood his ground, deflecting the mighty blow that sent him stumbling back, losing grip of his sword.

The man with the hammer then left his horse and once again helping Arlet, he took out the second Hobbe. Kicking it to the ground, he raised his hammer in the air and slammed it down onto the head of the Hobbe; a loud crunch was heard making Arlet feel uneasy.

'Lay your chains out flat boy! Quick!' the man commanded. Arlet did as told, and the man used his hammer to crush the chains and free Arlet.

'What's going on?' Arlet asked.

'We'll explain later, just stay with me, and stay alive.' Arlet then soon realized by the thick, almost British sounding accent that this man was the great Berkley Stoulhound; member of The Guild's Trio. He then ran toward three Hobbes who were throwing stones. Arlet picked up his sword once again and prepared for his first small fight. He ran just behind Berkley, charging toward the unsuspecting three. Hopping over many corpses along the way, each with a single arrow wedged through their heads, red leaking out staining the ground. With one swing, Berkley took out two of the Hobbes, crushing them instantly; while the third was left to Arlet. Knowing that the Hobbe's reach was small, Arlet knew he had an advantage and began to pull back his sword. Arlet aimed for the neck of the Hobbe, who had an acquainted look. It was the very same Hobbe who had given Arlet and Terry some stew earlier. He couldn't hold back, he thrusted forward and with one clean swipe, Arlet lopped off the head of the Hobbe, sending a fountain of blood shooting upward.

'Nice hit lad!' Berkley said.

Arlet didn't respond, only he concentrated on the lifeless body whose life he had just taken. He then watched as the remaining Hobbes were quickly taken out by the rest of the Trio.

'I think that does 'er boys,' Berkley said with a cheer. Arlet watched as the Bowmen whose name he had forgotten, slung his Bow on his back and hopped off his horse. He was hooded and mysterious, as he made his way toward Arlet and Berkley.

'So you are what all the fuss is about.' he said, as he drew back his hood revealing a gritty looking man. He had very dark features, darn brown eyes, and shaggy dark hair that draped passed his nose. Weeks of stubble covered his face.

Arlet was trying to catch his breathe, and didn't know how to respond except for, 'I thank you all, I owe you my life.'

'Nah, this one's on the house,' Berkley said. 'I'm Berk, and that there is Archer,' he continued.

'And please, no jokes. I know that my name is Archer and that I am indeed an archer.'

Arlet smiled, as he noticed the third was off to himself, frantically cleaning his blades. He then turned and yelled over, 'tell him your last name!'

Archer looked disgruntled, 'Bowmen,' he sighed. 'My name is Archer Bowmen.'

Berkley heartily laughed

'That fool over there is Pharis.' Archer said. 'He's got a love for his blades more so than any other man I know. He cleans them after every battle.'

'My name is Arlet Anders, and I was captured by the Hobbes for a reason unknown to me.'

Pharis was happy with his blades, which were now shining. He put them away and jogged to Arlet. He seemed to be the energetic one of the bunch. 'Please to meet ya' Arlet.' He extended his hand out, shaking Arlet's.

'Forgive me if I seem a bit lost, I just haven't the slightest idea of why this has all took place.' Arlet said, looking around at all the corpses.

Leaning on his hammer, Berkley said, 'Ah, don't ya' worry. It'll all be clear once we get ya' to the guild.'

'There was another with me, my friend Terry Crowbucket.'

'Watch it Archer, you've got some competition now for most ridiculous name!' Pharis joked.

'He was taken by the Hobbes earlier; the screams suggest to me torture.' Arlet added, seriously.

The smile was wiped from Pharis's face, and a little punch to the arm was given by Berkley.

'I'll go look for him,' Archer said, as he gave a look of concern to Berkley. He saddled up atop horse and trotted down the dark hallway.

'We've gotta' getcha' outta' this cave boy.' Berkley said. 'There are evil things after you.'

Before Arlet could even gather his stuff, Archer came galloping back with a dozen Hobbe's following. 'Maybe not!' he yelled, as he got a hold of his bow once again.

Arlet quickly strapped his bag to his belt, making sure he got everything back. He looked inside the bag to see Tegan's necklace, still shining bright.

'Grab yer sword Arlet!' Berkley yelled.

Arlet held his sword tightly in both hands. Pharis once again, aimed for the largest group and threw himself into battle, swinging every which way with his swords. They seemed to cut through the Hobbe's like paper. Archer kept still, in the shadows while he controlled his horse he looked for a good shot. Berkley was taking on 3 himself as they jumped all over him, climbing on his back and digging their teeth into him. Arlet had two coming his way.

These Hobbe's seemed a bit keener then the previous bunch. They were working together, using tactics and jumping around making it very difficult for Archer to connect any shots. Pharis was covered in Hobbe slime, and blood by the time he was finished his path of destruction.

'Get off me you little bugger!' Berkley said, shaking off a Hobbe.

One of the two Hobbes after Arlet suddenly leaped toward him pulling out a small dagger. Arlet stepped out of harms way, as he slashed the back of the Hobbe. Then almost in one motion he turned the other way and thrust his blade through the stomach of the second Hobbe. It gave it out a noisy grunt, and then slumped down, lifeless.

Then even more came from the hallway, and they released the same type of animal that had brought Arlet and Terry here in the first place.

'Take out the Fanghound!' Pharis yelled, as he ran toward the new horde of Hobbes. These ones carried small hammers, and had many scars to show their experience and victory in battle. Arlet ran to Pharis to assist him, while avoiding the beast which ran rampant in the cave like a wild dog. Two of the horses ran out of the cave in fear from the animal. Arrows bounced around the beast, from Archer who couldn't get a good shot off. The beast seemed to have its eye on Berkley, who was very animal like himself.

Berkley took an intimidating stance, almost bear like. The beast ran toward him leaving a scraping sound behind, from its claws on the cavern floor. Berkley slowly backed up, still keeping eye contact with the animal. He waited till the last second, as it leaped into the air with its claws outstretched ready to kill. Berkley quickly ducked, turning around at the same time swinging his hammer. The Fanghound flew over Berkley and straight into the wall, accompanied by the smack from Berkley's hammer. With one last howl from the beast, it echoed throughout the death ridden cave as the last Hobbe fell to its death.

Immediately following that, Pharis said, 'we must get Arlet out of here immediately. Fetch the horses and get him to the Guild, I'll stay behind and look for his friend.' he added as he dipped his blade in to a pot of water.

'Right, c'mon lad.' Berkley said placing his hand on Arlet's shoulder. 'Let's getcha' outta' here.'

Arlet threw Terry's belongings onto the back of Archer's horse, as the three of them left, leaving Pharis behind.

Once out of the cave, Arlet felt much better with the sun beating down warming his body. Archer looked around for Berk and Pharis's horses.

'C'mon you smelly arses!' Berkley yelled. He turned to Arlet saying, 'They always run away in battle, filthy buggers.' He then whistled again, and the two white horses showed their faces and galloped toward Berkley. Archer's horse, which was light brown in color, seemed to have a bit more control than the other two. Berkley tied up Pharis's horse outside the cave to be waiting for him when he returned with Terry.

They set off to the Guild, where Arlet hoped to get some answers and a much needed meal. Though he felt safe now that he was out of the cave, and in good hands; the thoughts of Terry's well being still clouded Arlet's mind.