Heres chapter 26, it's from a different person's P.O.V this time since I wanted you to know whats going on elswhere. Let me know if you like finding out what the othe characters are doing or if you'd prefer me just to stick with Sarah and Jareth.
Chapter 26
Allana's P.O.V
Allana wrapped her cloak tightly around her as a harsh wind whipped about. She'd not been this close to the Outlands in decades, The land was as dry and barren as she remembered, black skeletal tress were the only foliage in slight and only carrion birds circled the sky.
As she had journeyed from the Labyrinth the landscape had quickly change, Rolling green hill and sparkling lakes had turned to flat expanses of cracked earth, with dry river beds. It was if the land was slowly dying, which I a way it was. The nightmares from the Outlands slowly leached the life and vibrancy of the surrounding area.
In the distance she could hear the moans and screams of those poor souls that had been trapped in the Outlands and had fallen pray to the nightmares. She hoped dearly she would find Sarah's friends before they were driven mad by the constant attacks.
She stopped and surveyed the land before her, she had reached the very border of the Outlands. She could feel the warding spell that prevented the nightmares from entering the rest of the Underground. It would not be safe to enter the Outlands whilst the sun was up, she might not be able to see the nightmares, but she could sense them. The lurked just on the other side of the border waiting to see if she would step into their domain.
Instead she walked along the very edge of the border, the nightmares followed her progress eagerly. She walked for sometime, a small ram-shackled cottage came into view, a small wisp of smoke twisted up from the chimney. As she drew closer she felt the nightmares drift away, they would not go near the house.
The door to the house was open but their was no sign of anyone outside, still Allana was cautious as she made her to the door. As she stepped past the threshold she was assailed with the scent of dozens of dried herbs . Rosemary, sage, Billings Root and many more hung from the beams, a small grate sat in the center of the room and a fire crackled merrily.
"Allana, what a pleasant surprise." Allana turned to see a tall woman standing in the door, like all witches she was stunningly beautifully, her hair was the color of moonlight and her skin a pale as snow, which was empathized by her long black dress.
"Sophronia." Allana said. Sophronia walked into the room and circled around Allana till the fire was between them.
"It's been a long time sister. Last I heard, you were traveling through the enchanted forest." Sophronia said, adding a few dried sticks to the fire which sparked and spat as flames licked at the fresh kindling. "Dose Merin still reside there?" She asked motioning for Allana to take a seat by the fire.
"The old wizard? Yes I gave him some of my butterflies." Allana said, taking a proffered cup of tea.
"That man is a genius when it comes to potions, I hope you were able to learn something from him." Sophronia said taking a small cauldron and placing it over the fire.
"Potions aren't really my kind of magic, I prefer spells and charms." Allana replied, wincing as she took a sip of the bitter tea.
Sophronia shook her head with disapproval and began dropping hers and powereds in the couldron as the water started to boil.
"That really isn't the right attitude Allana, you should master all magic open to you." Allana just shrugged in response. Sophronia sighed, " I suppose it's useless to try and persuade you to change you mind?"
Allana nodded.
"Besides, I came here for help, not a lecture." Allana told her, placing her mostly undrunk tea down, really, Rue shouldn't be used in tea, it's taste was so bitter.
"Help?" Sophronia stopped adding herbs to the cauldron. "You're not in trouble with the Wyverns again are you? We told that they were to dangerous to approach no matter how fascinating you find them!"
"No it is not the Wyverns, but they're not all so bad you know," Sophronia snorted and returned to the cauldron. "No I need help finding some people in the Outlands."
"And how exactly can I help you find someone in the Outlands." Sophronia asked, " It's so vast, It would take weeks to search all of it."
"It would but it wouldn't if we had a pointer" Allana whispered. A pointer was a rare device, not unlike a compass except it didn't point north.
Sophronia paused, and shot Allana a dark look.
"You know full well that the only Witch to ever possess a Pointer was Duncan and he lost it over a century ago."
Allana grinned slyly.
"Don't you mean, you stole it over a century ago."
Sophronia glared angrily at her.
"Why would I steal it? You can't possible know what happened to it." She snapped.
Allana shrugged.
"You were jealous, just like everyone else that he had it and you didn't. And I saw you take it."
Allana said.
Sophronia narrowed her eyes at Allana.
"How could you have seen me, unless you were there?"
"Because I was there, I was going to steal it too, except you beat me to it."
Sophronia laughed, the sound like chiming bells.
"Well I could hardly leave something so valuable in Duncan's care could I? It's one of only two, it needs to be kept safe where it can't be damaged."
"I was going to use on my travels, a pointer would be invaluable in locating the many mysteries of the Underground." Allana admitted.
The other Witch threw up her hands in exasperation, and moved over to a corner of the room and picked up a bowl of dried fruit before returning to the fire.
"Your as bad as Duncan, always wanting to use rare magical objects for you own gain." She muttered, handing the bowl to Allana, "At least in your case it can be put down to the ignorance of youth."
Allana bristled slightly, she hated being reminded that she was the youngest.
"Are you going to help me or not?" she asked taking out a dried slice of apple and popping it into her mouth.
"Whats in it for me?" She wanted to know.
Allana grinned wickedly,
"If you help, I won't tell Duncan you stole his beloved Pointer."
Sophronia pursed her lips.
"Who exactly do you wish to find? Anyone who's been there longer than a week, will not be sane enough to be worth saving." Sophronia pointed out.
"The ones I seek haven't been there long. They were banished there only a few days ago." Allana informed her.
Sophronia froze.
"This week?" she asked, Allana nodded. Sophronia shook her head in horror. "No. Tell me you don't have plans on rescuing the traitors the Goblin King banished?"
Allana only nodded.
"You fool!" Sophronia shouted, "Do you have a death wish? I you trying to get us killed!" Allana didn't flinch at the sudden mood swings, after all her emotions were just as volatile so she was used to the abrupt change.
"Calm down Sophri." Allana said calmly, using her pet name.
"Don't tell me to calm down! You want to go against the Goblin Kings order? And you come to me for help? How could you? If he finds out, we're both dead!" Sophronia raged, "No! I want no part of this! If you want to risk you neck, fine, but don't involve me!"
Allana shrugged.
"Fine with me, did you think I should tell Duncan in person or send him a letter?" She asked sweetly.
"Do what you like! I'd rather face Duncan over the Goblin King any day." Sophronia snapped angrily.
"Thought it was worth a try." Allana said, still remaining clam. It wouldn't do to have to angry Witches so close to each other, who knew how much damage that could cause.
"And you can forget about using the Pointer, That stays with me!"
"Alright have it your way, I'll locate them without it." Allana sighed. She felt the mood shift once more and Sophronia sat down beside her.
"I wish you'd change your mind Sister, This is too reckless, even for you."
"I can't, I made a promise." Allana said sadly. She could sense the other witches concern and worry.
"This promise won't end well for you." Sophronia whispered.
"I know." She murmured back.
Sophronia striated, shutting off her emotions from Allana and motioned to a cot bed,
"Your welcome to spend the night here, but I want you gone by morning. I won't have you bringing the Goblin King down on my house."
"Thank you Sophronia, You hospitality is most welcome." Allana smiled weakly.
X –
Late that night, Allana slowly rose from the small bed. She listened closely to see if Sophronia still slept. She didn't hear anything, so crept over to where the other Witch lay sleeping. Reaching into a pouch at her waist she pulled out a small pinch of sparkling powered. Gently she blew the powered towards the sleeping Witch. She waited a moment to let the sleeping powered worked it's magic.
"Thank you Merin." She whispered when she was sure Sophronia was deep asleep.
Quickly she searched the small cottage, using her magic to sense for any hiding places or magically protected containers. She found nothing. Cursing quietly she scanned the room again, she must have missed something. She'd checked the cupboards, the drawers, tested the walls for fake panels and looked for lose floorboards. Nothing.
"It has to be somewhere." She muttered, her eyes darting around.
The glowing embers in the fire grate caught her attention. She crouched down and studied the grate closely. The grate stood on a stone slab, with runes engraved into it. Slowly she reached out to lift the grate off the stone.
With a gasp of pain she snatched back her hand, the metal of the grate had burnt her. Their wasn't enough life in the dying embers to make the metal that hot. The runes on the stone must be causing it. She thought carefully what to do, she tried again wearing gloves but the heat seeped through. She was going to have to use a spell, she only hoped she knew one powerful enough to contend with Sophronia's.
Muttering spell under her breath she reached out and lifted the great off the stone, Heat still burned her hand but it was unbearable now. Next she lifted the stone slab, once again it burned her skin and her magic rushed to protect her.
Putting the slab down next her, she looked down into the hole that was no revealed. Inside was an old tattered book, Sophronia's grimoire. Some old letters tied with black ribbon and a small leather pouch. She reached down and pulled out the pouch, opening it, she tipped the contents into her hand. Out fell an old copper device that resembled a compass. Allana smiled, as tucked it into a pocket of her cloak.
Once again she reached into the pouch at her waist and pulled out a small pebble that was roughly the same size as the Pointer. Whispering softly, Allana waved a hand over the pebble, which shimmered and transformed into a exact copy of the Pointer. Grinning she put the fake pointer back in the pouch and placed it back in the hole. Carefully she replaced the stone slab and the grate carefully to make sure she left no evidence that she had discovered the hiding spot.
Now when Sophronia checked in the morning, which she undoubtedly would, she would believe that the Pointer was still safe and sound.
"Sorry Saphri, but I need it more." she whispered to the slumbering witch.
She gathered up some supplies and headed out of the cottage.
It was now the dead of night, and would be safe to cross over into the Outlands. The nightmares would all be in the mortal world, haunting the dreams of those who slepted.
Nighttime was the only time those trapped in the Outlands ever got any peace from their nightmares.
She walked quickly and felt the tingle as she past through the borders wards. Taking out the Pointer. She flicked it open. In order to make it work though she had to give it some of her magic. In the center of the device was a small spike, she placed her index finger on it and added pressure until a small bead of ruby red blood flowed downed the spike. Immediately the arrow on the dial began to spin. She focused on whom she wanted to find and the arrow stopped, pointing forwards.
She followed the arrow's directions, altering her course when the arrow changed directions. She walked for what seemed like hours. The harsh wind snapping at her clothes as she walked. The surrounding landscape was bare except for a few dead tress here and there.
It was eerily quite, except for the howl of the wind. Then she heard muffled voices. The Compass arrow twisted again, she looked in the direction it was pointing in, there about fifty yards away was a gnarled old tree. And huddled beneath it were four fingers.
Slowly she crept towards them.
"Ya can't build a fire!. Them creatures sure ta return if ya do." A gruff voice insisted.
"But if we do not Sir Hoggle, we shall freeze to death out here. The days my be hot but the nights are most chilly." A shill voice replied.
"Ludo cold." another deep voice said.
"How can you be cold? You've got a long shaggy coat, I ain't." the first voice, Hoggle said.
Sarah's friend was called Hoggle these must be them! She looked down and the Compass, the arrow spun madly indicating that she had found what she sought.
They were still arguing over the pile of sticks when she stepped out from behind the tree.
"I wouldn't light that fire, there might be other creatures out here the will be attracted to it."
She could now easily make them out in the dark, they all look exhausted but that wasn't surprising considering what they must have been through these past days.
The dwarf, Hoggle, jumped up in surprise and the small fox knight brandished his sword and shrieking, "Who goes there!", he's steed cowered behind him. Only Ludo the Night Troll seemed unaffected by her appearance, he only cocked his head to the side and studied her.
She raised her hands to show she was unarmed.
"It's okay, I'm a friend. I've come to help you." she told them quietly.
"Don't listen ta it. It's one of em Nightmares tryin ta trick us!" Hoggle insisted, backing away.
"I'm not a nightmare, it's the middle of the night, they've all gone to the Aboveground." she pointed out.
"Yer still a trick, I bet that rat Jareth sent ya to torment us some more." Hoggle huffed.
"Actually, Sarah sent me here to rescue you." She said.
The three perked up at the mention of Sarah.
"My Lady sent you?" Sir Didymus asked. Allana nodded, " Are you then the Witch she spoke of?"
"I am, I'm here to help." she told them.
"You Friend?" Ludo asked hesitantly?
"Yes, my name is Allana."
Sir Didymus sheathed his sword and gave a courtly bow.
"I am Sir Didymus, Lady Allana and this is my noble steed Ambrosius." He motioned to Ludo, " This is my brother Sir Ludo."
"Oh don't put away ya sword! She's a Witch, yer can't trust Witches. They're baddens just like dem fae are."
Allana was outraged.
"That's horrible!" She cried.
"Actually Lady Allana, that's Sir Hoggle." Sir Didymus told her.
"Just Hoggle. I ain't no Knight." Hoggle grumbled.
Allana glanced up at the night sky.
"Not to be rude, but we really don't have time to discuss whether or not I can be trusted, we're only a few hours away from dawn, and we've got a long journey to the border. We need to start moving."
"Of course my Lady. In which direction to we venture?" Sir Didymus, mounted Ambrosius, Ludo also got to his feet.
"Yer can't be serious, yer ain't really gunna go with her?" Hoggle asked in disbelieve.
"Lady Sarah told us she would come, of course we must go with her." Sir Didymus stated.
"Yeah but how do we knows we can really trust her?" Hoggle argued.
"What choice do you have?" Allana asked him.
Hoggle huffed and crossed his arm.
"Fine but I don't likes this one little bit." he said grudgingly.
Allana pulled at the Pointer again and thought hard about the Outlands border. The arrow began to move once more and they set off. Allana in the lead followed by Sir Didymus, Ludo and Hoggle brought up the rear, muttering under his breath.
"What do you gets out of this anyways?" He wanted to know.
"Well so far, and extremely rare magical object and eventually the return of magic to the Aboveground."
Hoggle harrumphed.
"Why'd you want that?" he asked.
"Because one day I hope that Witches will be able to return their." She answered.
They hurried along following the path the Pointer took them, Allana kept glancing worried up at the brightening sky. The nightmares would be returning soon, they had to reach the border before they did.
She picked up the pace. Eventually she felt the wards of the boundaries growing closer, they were almost there. They were going to make it!
A terrible shriek tore through the air. They all turned to look back the way they had come. Although she could see nothing she felt a nightmare close by and it was getting closer by the second. It was tracking them!
"Run!" she shouted, they all began to sprint towards the bordered. But the night mare was faster, She heard a thud and a grunt, turning she saw Hoggle had stumbled . "Keep going!" she told the others as she rushed back to help him.
She gasped at felt the presence of the nightmare, she'd never been this close to one before. The sense of maleficence that came from it filled her heart with dread.
"No! No! Anything but that, No I don't want to see!" Hoggle cried.
The nightmare had him and was forcing him to relive is greatest fear, she had to stop it. Without thinking she raised her hand and a bolt of red electricity shoot out, strait towards the unseen entity. It screamed in pain and she felt it retreat, but not far.
She rushed towards the dwarf who shaking and blinking, trying to shake off what the creature had done to him.
"What? What did yer do?" He asked amazed.
"Honestly? I have no idea." she said breathlessly, hauling him to his feet.
"Is it dead?" he questioned.
"No and if we don't move now it's going to attack again."
He didn't need telling twice, they run towards the boarder. She felt the nightmare chase them again and tugged on Hoggle's arm, pulling him faster. Seconds after they crossed the border she felt the creature slam into the wards. She could feel it's anger at losing it's prey as it was stopped in it tracks by the magic.
"My Lady, Sir Hoggle, are you alright?" Sir Didymus asked, Ludo peered worriedly down at them.
"We're fine, just a little shaken."
"Yer saved me?" Hoggle said. Staring at her in bewilderment.
" Of cause, that's why I came here after all." Allana answered, trying to catch her breath.
"But yer risked being caught by that nightmare. I ain't nothing ta you, why'd yer risk yerself?"
"Because I made a promise." She replied simply, "And I always keep my promises."