Cooper Russell Presents

A Fan Fiction Based On 'Fable:'

Prophecy

Chapter 5: The Guild of Heroes

'Wake up lad,' Berkley said, nudging Arlet. 'We're here.'

Opening his eyes, Arlet's fuzy vision faded into clarity as he realized he was outside the main entrance to the Heroes Guild. As kids, Arlet, Keller and Terry would sneak over to this exact spot. They would climb over each other, scrambling on top of rocks to try and get the best view over the walls that enclosed the place that mystified them for so many years. But all they were ever able to see were the tops of buildings that towered high above.

Archer tied the horses outside, as Berkley escorted Arlet into the Guild. Arlet wished to himself that Terry would appear at his side, so that they could share this experience together. Inside, complicated designes were etched into the stone flooring, which the majority of the Guild was made of. A small hallway opened into what looked to be the main hall; sun leaked in from the glass windows above. Staircases clung to the sides of the circular room, winding their way up to other areas of the Guild. In the center of this room was a large table with many sides. On it looked to be a map of Albion, similar to the ones he'd been shown in school. Only this one was very life-like, you could actually touch the mountains, which were raised up from the map itself.

'Is this...' Arlet started.

'Yes my boy, that's Albion.' Berkley smiled. 'That's our playground.'

Archer then came up from behind Arlet, directing his attention toward a man standing nearby.

'Greetings Master,' Archer said. 'I think we have somebody you may be interested in meeting.' Archer then left the two of them alone as he followed Berkley deeper into the Guild. Arlet could hear much praise being given to both Archer and Berkley.

'That could be you someday, maybe sooner than you think.' The old man said. 'I am the Guild Master.'

Arlet's eyes widened, as he stared up into the face of the Guild Master himself. 'I am Arlet Anders, and it is a great pleasure to meet you sir, I've waited many years to meet you.'

'And me as well,' he replied.

'You've been waiting for me?' Arlet asked curiously.

The Guild Master cheerfully smiled, 'We have much to discuss Arlet, and I do not wish to trouble your mind so soon. I can only imagine what you've been through the past few days. I think it may be best for you to rest; calm your nerves.'

'I would much like a meal sir, if it is not a problem. One too many moons have passed without any food.'

'Oh dear,' The Guild Master said. 'I will have one of the students fix you a meal right away.'

'Thank you, sir.'

'Why don't you go upstairs, into the sleeping quarters? Once in the first room, head to the back. To your left will lead to a hall and into the next quarters. You will be sleeping there. Your bed is in the corner of the far wall, right by a bookshelf. It's a brand new shelf, I'm running out of room to put all my books.. have a read if the mood should strike you.'

'Maybe I will,' Arlet said with no intention of doing so. He never was much of a reader.

'If you have any problems finding your bed, don't hesitate to ask any of the other students. They will gladly help you.'

Later that day, after a meal and a short rest, Arlet found himself curious about the rest of the Guild, but felt rather guilty at the thought of exploring it all without Terry. Instead, he wandered out through an opening where a constant draft was coming through during his entire nap. It opened up, overlooking the training grounds of the Guild. It was a very peaceful sight to see, as a small lake flowed below, and the pale moon reflected in the water. Large tree's with leaves of red and yellow, and bushes seemed to fill the grounds.

Feeling a little depressed, Arlet didn't know what to do with himself, so back to his bed he went. Surprising even himself, he browsed through the many books near his bed, but nothing caught his interest. Eventually, more through boredom than fatigue, Arlet fell asleep.

Two days passed since the arrival at the Guild, and Arlet had still been replaying the events which had occurred at the Hobbe cave over and over again in his mind. The fact that he had finally arrived at the Guild, while great, seemed to take second place as Terry's current state ran constantly through his thoughts. Pharis had returned with Terry the night before but allowed none to see him, except for the Guild Master and a few others to assist in Terry's healing; Arlet however was not among those few.

The Guild was very quiet, as everybody separated into their own quarters; except a few who seemed to never sleep, and spent their nights reading book after book in the Library. Berkley and Archer sat across from one another, quietly talking in the Dining Hall as they shared a midnight snack. Though from Archer's point of view it wasn't exactly sharing as Berkley hogged all the food; he almost had himself a full meal.

'I don't see how you can eat so much...'

'It keeps me strong!' Berkley said as he muffled out a burp.

'It keeps you something, but strongdoesn't cross my mind.' Archer said, taking a puff from his pipe.

Berkley reached for a large drumstick, which looked like it had been completely saturated in fat. He dipped it in a small bowl of gravy and proceeded to eat at it like a wild animal would.

'Arlet grows impatient,' Archer said. 'I can see it in eyes.'

'Ah the boy just needs some time.'

'I think he's had quite enough time, he will eventually want answers for his questions. We cannot ignore him forever.'

Wiping his mouth clean, Berkley said, 'He's been through a lot I know, but do ya' think he can handle the answers that he seeks?

'That I am not certain of, but if the prophecy is true; time is not our friend.'

'I wouldn't count on meeting many friends, if the prophecy is true.'

'Arlet is going to need training, and he must learn fast. My daily bow lessons are not going to keep him entertained much longer… even if he is a fast learner.'

'If ya' want me to show 'em how to swing a hammer, I'll gladly start first thing tomorrow!' Berkley said with pride.

'I'm afraid it won't be that simple. I also fear the health of his friend may be clouding his focus. During practice he seems elsewhere.'

'Pharis is tryin' his best; he's even gotten the Guild Master to help in aiding Terry. And if there's anyone that knows healing its Pharis; you remember that time I had a little trouble with that Balverine?'

'A little?'

'A'right, a'right, he beat me plain and simple. But I was in damn bad shape, and Pharis got me back on my feet in no time.' Berkley threw his leg up on the table, as Archer leaned back in disgust. 'I still got the scars.' Berkley said, rolling his pant leg up, show-boating his scar.

'This isn't necessary... you do remember I was there?'

'Sorry I musta' forgot, I don't remember seeing any of your arrows coming to my help.'

'Hey, I had my own problems to deal with!'

'You call a few measly wasps a problem? Give me 20 wasps over a Balverine any day.'

Setting down his pipe, Archer thought for a moment. 'What was Pharis doing during that whole time anyway?'

'Probably off washing his blades still, the lousy bugger.' Berkley let out one last belch that was sure to wake up the entire Guild, as he finished off a large mug of Beer. 'So what should we do about the kid?'

'I'm not sure, we should probably let them see each other soon. It would be good for both of them.'

Berkley and Archer continued talking late into the night as Arlet lay awake in his quarters. He hadn't seen much of anybody so far during his stay. They all seemed to be keeping their distance; he felt as if they all knew something he didn't. He lay on his bed, for hours thinking of everything that had happened so suddenly, absorbing it all in as he thumbed through the pages of his journal. He thought of the people back home, his family; Tegan, and how he left things with Keller. I wonder if coming here really was a mistake... he thought to himself. None of this would have happened if we would have stayed in Bowerstone. The Hobbes... and Terry would be fine... it doesn't seem worth it. Nobody even seems to care about me here; they act as if I'm a ghost...

'I prefer the scared look on your face, this sad one doesn't suit you at all.'

Jolted, Arlet directed his attention toward the voice to see a small glowing figure next to him.

'Arial! What business do you have here?'

'Aw how sweet, you remembered my name. But I was hoping for a much kinder response... a kiss from my darling perhaps?'

Arlet sat up, 'Please, rid me of yourself and save me one more problem, I have no time for your games.' Arlet said sternly.

'Time? That seems to be all you've had lately... laying here in your room.'

'You've been watching me... spying?'

'A girl needs her fun.' She winked. 'Who is it that you spend so much time talking to anyway?'

'I am not talking, I am praying.' Arlet said.

'Praying?' She asked.

'Yes-praying. To God. I as well as friends close to me have been through a lot as of late.'

'Maybe I can make you better?' She said with great coy. She then flew over and placed herself on his pillow.

'I would smother you with that pillow if not for the company you're providing.' Arlet said, annoyed. 'What is your interest with me anyway?'

'It isn't my interest, but someone else's. Is it my fault if I developed a crush along the way?' She said happily as she begun flipping through the pages of Arlet's journal.

'Who's interest, if not your own?'

'Ugh, you are a dull one. We already went over this!'

'Malachi... you mentioned a 'Lord Malachi' in the Hobbe cave.'

'Oh so you do remember? Here I was starting to think you had forgotten all about me and our first meeting.'

'This isn't about you! There are serious matters at stake, and I'd appreciate it if we could get along during our -what I hope is a brief- encounter.

'You were a sad kid weren't you? And who is this Tegan you speak so fondly of? I'm jealous...

'Stop reading that!' Arlet snapped as he grabbed his journal from underneath Arial. 'Now,' he began, 'who is this Lord Malachi?'

'Why? Are you getting jealous too? Don't worry you're far cuter.'

'Enough!' Arlet raised his voice. This seemed to attract Arial even more.

'Quiet, you'll wake the others.' Arial said with pleasure.

'Listen to me, for days now I have been kept in the dark and I would appreciate as much help as I can get. If you know something I think it would be in your best interest to tell me.'

'You say that now, but just you wait. And do not act like you are in control, and especially of me.

'Why? What does that mean? Tell me what you know!'

'Calm down my prince, you're getting me startled.' She whispered.

'Please, save me the names and get on with it.'

Arial fluttered her way onto Arlet's knee. Sitting, she stared back at him. 'I work for Lord Malachi. He has something I want, and I can get him something he wants. So we made a deal that's all, now is that a reason to get all frustrated?'

Arlet pondered to himself for awhile before asking, 'what is it that you have for him?'

'Oh silly, I think you know that already... why, it's you.'

'Me?' Arlet asked, startled. 'But what use could I possibly have?' A look of great concern fell on Arlet's face.

'I know little about it...' she trailed off. 'I try not to dabble in the affairs of my Lord.'

'You know very well what his goals are!' Arlet grew angry. Impatient with Arial, he snatched her up with a stranglehold around her body. 'Nothing but deceit and riddled answers spew from your mouth!'

'Let...go!' Arial said, struggling and squirming.

Loosening his grip, Arlet asked, 'Who is he? If he is indeed a Lord why have I never heard of him?'

'Save these questions for the Guild Master.' She pouted. 'From what I gather you should hear all you want to know soon.'

'Why can't you just tell me now?'

'I come here to gaze upon you my dear, not to teach history.' Arial quickly flew upward, kissing Arlet on the cheek and then shot back outside from where she had come before Arlet could get out a word.

Already having too much on his mind, without Arial's added nonsense; Arlet could think of nothing better to do then to sleep, but even that option risked the chance at yet another nightmare.

The next morning, Arlet joined Archer outside on the training grounds. The day was bright, and students filled the grounds practicing with each other and honing their skills.

Twang!

'Good shot!' Archer said surprised. 'You hit that dummy square in the head.'

'Well, it's all we've been doing now for days...' Arlet sighed.

'And for that I apologize. I know you must be frustrated inside, but know we are all trying our best to aid you as best we can.'

'I know... and I thank you most of all. You've been the only one to show me any attention since we got here.'

'The others are very busy helping your friend.'

'Is he going to be okay?' Arlet asked, concerned.

'Of course, Pharis is very skilled in recovery and the Guild Master himself is even assisting. Your friend has the best of Albion at his side. You need not worry.'

'I hope Terry isn't mad at me...'

'For what reason would he have?'

'I didn't do much to help him...'

'Fear not my friend, for Terry has done nothing but request to see you.'

'Why has he been denied?'

'Terry was not the easiest to look at, you must understand.' Archer handed Arlet another arrow to shoot. 'But the last time I saw him he was looking well, you should get to meet with him today.'

A smile came to Arlet's face, as he shot the arrow into the farthest dummy, which was moving from side to side. 'Then it shall be a good day.'

'You have talent with that bow; better than I expected.' Archer said. 'Maybe you'd want to do away with that sword all together?'

'I could never.' Arlet answered quickly. Setting down his bow he unsheathed his sword and held it out, letting the light of the sun bounce off from it. 'This sword belonged to my father, and I have wanted nothing but to become half as gifted as he was while wielding it.'

'What has become of your father?' Archer asked.

'He is no longer here, he died many years ago.'

'I am sorry... I did not mean to bring up past hurts.' Archer said genuinely.

Arlet stared off into the distance, recalling his last memories of his father. 'I was only a child...' Arlet began. 'He left to Oakvale like he always did. He knew a good tradesman there who my father always did business with. I never liked him going, because of the rumors I had heard about evils that lurked in the East. Whenever he came back, he had no stories to tell, but I could see in his eyes he had witnessed very dark things.' Arlet clenched his sword tightly. 'On this particular occasion, while he was in Oakvale, apparently a pack of bandits had sacked the town... killing everyone who lived there, and sending the village into flames.'

'Just like the Hero...' Archer murmured.

'Yes, our fathers both died that night. Long after, when they had finished rebuilding the town, we got a gift brought to us. It was the only thing recovered of my father... it was this sword.'

'Then never let anyone sway you from it my young master.'

Arlet tucked the sword back into its place, looking up at Archer he asked, 'where is the Hero now, do you know?'

'He has not been around here for some time, not even the Guild Master has been able to reach him. He was last seen going North.'

'I would like nothing but to be able to thank him personally.'

'Thank him?'

'Yes... he sort of carried out my quest through his own vengeance.'

'Have you ever met him?' Archer asked, as he began shooting arrows of his own.

'He came to Bowerstone a few times while I was in school. I never had enough courage to talk to a man so great.' Twang! Arlet let a shot off, improving on Archer's.

Giving an amazed look at Arlet's shot he said, ''remember, he is just like you and I. I'm sure he would be delighted to hear from you.'

'That would be nice... I can only hope that one day I can do something for him, or repay him. But I doubt I will ever be able to do anything so great for anyone to take notice.'

'Sometimes the greatest of deeds, are those that are seen by none.' Archer said, looking Arlet in the eye.

A voice came from behind the two, 'my oh my, has the boy already out-skilled you Archer?'

The two of them turned, to see the Guild Master chuckling to himself.

'I hate to say it, but the boy is competition.' Archer said with a smile. 'You've got a natural on your hands.'

'Well that I am glad to hear indeed, the Guild Master said looking pleased. 'Now we will be able to skip the mundane training.'

'Skip to what?' Arlet asked.

'To great things.' The Guild Master replied. 'But that is not why I am here, we will talk about your future tonight Arlet.'

'But I have already waited...'

'Yes, my ambitious Apprentice. But there is another who has waited as well, and I think he'd very much like to see you.'

A smile flowed across Arlet's face.

Not knowing what to expect of Terry's condition, Arlet followed The Guild Master into a separate building which up to this point was off limits for him. Small hedges and bushes marked the walkway to the entrance of the tower. Once inside, Arlet immediately felt a strange presence.

'What is this place?' Arlet asked.

The Guild Master stopped and turned as he pointed upwards to a set of stairs that twisted their way to the next floor. 'These quarters belong to my advisor, Maze. He's been away yet again without my knowledge.. but I'm sure he won't mind Terry staying here until he recovers.'

Arlet then started his way up the stairs.

'Oh, one thing I might add.' The Guild Master said. 'He seems very troubled, be gentle.'

Arlet nodded and finished his way up. At the top of the stairs, he quickly took notice of the great quality of the room. There was even a fire place, and a window that overlooked the entire site of the Guild. Underneath the window laid a large pile of fluffy white blankets, next to it were empty bottles of all shapes and sizes, and bandages that seemed too had been covered in blood.

'Who's there...' a weak voice was heard coming from a lump in the blankets.

'Terry, it's me.' Arlet said, as he walked forwards.

'No, Arlet! Stop!' Terry said, trembling.

'What is it?'

Terry stayed facing the other way, hiding under the blankets. 'I don't want you to see me... not like this...' Terry said. 'I don't want to be looked down on.'

'I would never... I've been shown nothing but bravery and courage from you my friend. I can only imagine what you've been through.'

'Imagine...' Terry said, almost scoffing. 'You have no idea how evil those foul monsters were... they showed no mercy.'

'I am sorry, I did not mean to-'

'No, it's...it's my fault Arlet. I've been short tempered lately... please, sit by me.'

'Are you sure?'

'I am sure,' Terry said. 'Tell me about the Guild, Arlet. How has it been?'

Arlet quietly kneeled down beside Terry, as he stayed hidden beneath the covers.

'It hasn't been the greatest,' Arlet started. 'Not without you at least.'

'The Guild Master said I should be able to start practicing soon, I am recovering faster than expected.'

'Well that is good news indeed.' Arlet said, with joy in his heart.

'I've seen you practicing outside. You seem to becoming quite the marksmen! Don't get too good, that's supposed to be my specialty.' he joked. Silence then entered the room, as the crackle of the fire filled the space where all voice seemed to disappear.

'It's been lonely up here...'

'I too have been lonely,' Arlet sighed. 'The other students don't seem to have very much time for anything but themselves. I can hardly wait until we can start training together. Just like we used to...'

'I want to get good and strong, Arlet. I want the next Hobbe that bumps into me to suffer like I did.' Arlet sensed a slight agitation in Terry's voice. 'I'll make every Hobbe suffer.'

'Killing them all may not be the best way to seek your revenge.'

'I won't kill them. I will not do them that favor. I will torture every last one of them. I will make them walk the rest of their days wondering if I'll ever come back for more.' Arlet felt awkward, sitting with his friend who has never been anything but soft and full of care his whole life; talk about plans of violence. 'Besides, isn't that what you wanted to do to the bandits after what had happened to your father?'

'Yes, I did. And I'm here to tell you that even though they all are resting in their graves, that the pain inside me is no less than it was.'

'Well I'm here too, and I can tell you without a doubt, that if I had one of those filthy Hobbes at my mercy, it would definitely make me feel better. And when I'm through with them all, they will have nothing to say to each other, except stories of the day they came across Terry Crowbucket. Crow...' Terry began muttering the word to himself. 'The Crow. Arlet, what do you think of that?'

'For what?' Arlet asked, confused.

'A name. Terry doesn't sound good enough... The Crow however, I think that sounds great.'

Agreeing to disagree, Arlet said, 'Yeah, I guess...'

'I want the name to strike fear into the hearts of every wicked thing in Albion.' Terry no longer seemed to be his normal self; even his voice rang of bitterness. 'And maybe the not so wicked... maybe all should fear me.'

'Why would you want that Terry?'

'So this will never happen to me again! Nobody would dare think of doing anything bad to me. Nobody!'

'Alright Terry...' Not wanting to upset him, Arlet tried to calm the mood down. 'Tell me what happened? What did they do exactly?'

This question brought Terry down in an instant. He began to weep underneath his blankets.

'Terry...' Arlet said concern.

'It was awful...' Terry whimpered.

'I am sorry, you don't need to talk about it Terry...'

Almost as if he had not heard Arlet; Terry began retelling the events at the Hobbe Cave. 'They dragged me to a place... far from where you were. It was dark, and quiet. I was put in a chamber of sorts... but I was not alone...' Terry's voice filled with fear. 'Other Hobbes were chained to the walls... they looked terrible, as if beaten to a pulp.'

'Beaten?' Arlet asked. 'By their own kind?'

'They were missing eyes and ears... The Hobbes that dragged me into the room began beating me. At first I tried to stay tough, and fight back. But it only seemed to make them hit me harder. I must had been knocked out, because I came to in a completely different place, strapped... strapped to a table.' Terry's voice quivered. 'I woke from pain.. they were sewing my mouth shut. It took everything in me to let them do it without any struggling. They tortured me Arlet... tortured..' Terry began to cry. 'They set me on fire... I tore my lips with each scream I let out...'

Arlet couldn't help but feel enraged for Terry, as he lay beneath the covers weeping. For a moment, nothing was said by either of the two.

'It's okay Terry. You're safe now.'

'I keep seeing them when I close my eyes...' Terry shuttered. He then uncovered his face from the blankets, 'they won't go away. They laughed at me... while they burned me.'

Arlet witnessed his friends face, turn from sadness to anger. Terry's mouth had several scars around it, 'they laughed... and I cried… screaming in pain. They will pay Arlet,' Terry choked. 'They will pay for what they did to me! They will all die!'

'I am sorry Terry.. it was too soon for me to ask you of this. I do not wish to bring anger from within you.'

'Maze says that anger can be a very good way to channel your thoughts, and to focus on your goals.'

'Maze? He is here?'

'He comes and goes... he seems very secretive. But I like him, he understands how I feel.'

'We all do Terry, and while I may not be as wise as this Maze... I do have my opinions on what anger can lead too, and it will not set you free.'

'How do you know?' Terry questioned. 'Huh? How could you possibly know how I feel?'

'I should leave you for tonight...' Arlet said, as thoughts of Terry's behavior flew about in his mind. 'You need your rest...'

The two did not speak another word to each other. A look of regret came over Terry's face as Arlet left down the stairs to seek out the Guild Master. Then from a small balcony above; a door opened and out walked Maze.

'It is good you did not mention I was here. It is best if nobody knows,' he said.

'Why is that?' Terry asked in a shaky voice.

'Obsidian; the Guild Master. He will try to take you from me that's all. I want to give you the training that you deserve. I believe in you boy, and I believe if we can harness the anger within you, we can unleash a great power.

'That sounds scary…' Terry murmured.

'And it is! That is why everyone will fear you. You have the ability and potential to become something great. I can only hope the hatred is still burning within you, or else it may be too late.' Maze spoke with clever words, tantalizing Terry.

'Fear? You really think people will fear me?'

'Yes, with the proper training that is.' Maze's large clunky boots could be heard as he slowly paced back and forth. 'Let me train you, and I will bring true results. I will ignite what is already in you, and bring it out. I will not deceive you with teachings, and pull your destiny from you like the others will.

'Must it be a secret? Can I not tell Arlet?'

'It is for your own good, boy. You need to forget Arlet, he is on his own path; one that you may not follow.'

'Forget, Arlet? But he is my best friend.'

'He will only sway you from your goals! He doesn't understand; none of them do.' Maze said with a very commanding voice. 'Now, let's get you on your feet. You will grow too weak if you sit here another day; come, let me show you around.'

'Yes… master.'