Chapter 5: Hostile city
*Bold and italics are elven/troll language.
*I loved listening to memoria from youtube, it's good background. Just look for Prince Nuada- Memoria and Black Black heart.
Prince Nuada
These people acted as if I were the public enemy. They said in troll kill him! I feinted to the left, rolling and taking out Moonlight and Justice. I twirled them around in a dance landing quick blows to their hands. Some got disarmed. I ran ahead. "Run and hide!" I shouted to the girl.
"Stop this!" I shouted. Why did they attack me? I had not worn the seal on my sash.
The giants bellowed calling more friends. Their huge clubs came for my face. My natural agility kept me ahead always. With this exertion, I could not hope to last for long though. "I am not your enemy. That I ask." An axe landed near my face. On reflex, I dipped to ground level, slicing their legs from under. Thuds as one fell.
Next, I continued parrying, clank of heavy rusted metal on my fine swords. These brutes were like Wink. The good part: their attacks sang a rhythm. Disadvantage: Their strength was limitless. I seized openings to slash at exposed stomachs or flesh. Then somersaulted away.
Two went down hard. Three more obstructed my path. I gripped the blades tighter. I had to find an opening and run up the wall. At the last moment, when the ogres stupidly thrust their clubs at me together, I leapt and jumped up the wall in the opposite direction. Justice scratched one eye. I landed behind them on my feet and ran.
Bellows of rage. Thankfully it became dark now and the crowds were numerous. I sheathed the swords and melted in. Ogres have poor eyesight which was to my advantage. In the old days I could've sustained the offensive. Now I tried to catch my breath, sweat soaking my body. They did not pursue.
I slowed to a walk. Laira met me on the other side. She looked worried. "Are you hurt?"
"No. Listen to me, you cannot go underground with me. Fey are only loyal to their kind. It is dangerous."
She glared at me without listening. "They are aggressive. Rest. Come, behind." The girl had found a few crude benches in an alleyway.
Finally, my heartbeat returned to normal again. She said she knew all the rules, not to eat and drink of their food, not reveal her name easily and so on. Despite my worry, I approved.
"How could they do that to you?" she was crushed. This is no fairy tale world you read in the books. I felt ashamed of this situation on her behalf.
Suddenly a singsong voice said, "Ah you seek the underground seal. Prince Nuada?" In a flash I had his neck pinned to the wall with the edge almost drawing blood. Half-dwarf, tall for his breed, bright green eyes, shock of red hair. "Easy Sire."
"Don't kill him!" Laira jumped up, staying my hand.
"Who are you? How do you know my name!" I demanded.
"You can trust me. Those moves are unmistakeable. 'Sides elves are rare here these nights. To the west you will see a fertility goddess. They are right behind her. But the gates only open tomorrow dawn." I lowered my blade. He gave me a map and explained.
"Thank you, sir. Tell no one you have seen me or I'll kill you." Hope on the horizons at last. I thought the man could not speak English but he suddenly asked, "Who is she? This sweet little muffin."
Laira was going to answer but I covered her mouth. "Names are dangerous here. Unless, you will give us yours. Any news of trolls or elves?" I was thinking of my only elven friends Uriel, Miguel and Salem. The dwarf shook his head and scooted off.
"You look happy. Better news?" she asked, smiling. Did I?
"Yes the gate is westwards." I rolled up the map and kept it safely. But it was no problem, I had already seen where it was. "Once I am in, you will stay away. You understand."
I glared at her. Laira was unfazed. "Ok. I get you. So are you going in now?"
Fortunately we did not meet any more enemies. I was tense and on alert for anyone who would come from behind, plus I had to protect the mortal. Laira was unaware of these dangers. She headed toward the statue.
"No. We are leaving now." I clasped her shoulder. At first, I steered her in the direction we had come in. Oh no the guards. I changed direction, reaching with my mind for an alternative exits. There are multiple doorways to the above world of the mortals. There!
"Why? Aren't you entering?"
"He said they open only tomorrow. I have to send you back first."
I only relaxed when we reached the human market square. Ironic that I should feel this way. Plaintively, she spoke these sincere words, "Will I see you again? I like you so much."
A lump came to my throat. I did not stop walking, she following me behind. I liked her too. Seldom do our kind mix with mortals. These were only children, but they rose above the hunters and despicable representatives of their race.
We drew up together at a traffic junction. Cars beeped at other cars. Laira held my hand.
Joe would never forgive me. I cursed myself for not trying harder to throw her off my scent. My teacher said never to get attached, nor show them our paths into the Fey lands. I had broken both rules. Since it was done, I could only ensure I returned tomorrow without them.
The sun almost set when we reached the flat. I collapsed on the sofa. I had been sustained by hopes and adrenaline alone, which had pushed my wounded form far longer than it should. Beyond endurance and exhaustion.
"How could you do this, Nuada? Abducting my sister? Explain!" he shouted at me followed by curses. Laira was begging him to see sense.
"Stop it, stop abusing him! He needs to go back. I wanted to follow him ok? I wanted to make sure he's ok." Joe seethed. He hated me.
I lifted my head and tried to speak coherently. "I'm sorry. But she wanted to come…. I tried to stop her. Won't burden you anymore." Only a tunneling vision now, and the surroundings spun. I held out one sheathed dagger out in a gesture of friendship. Then I passed out.
My body sweated profusely, heartbeat erratic. I tossed restless. Was I going to die? Have mercy on me, goddess. Someone called to me so far away, "Nuada! Come back, stay with us." Hands on my skin. I struggled.
I tried to return but it ached so much. In the non material planes, there was a smell of trees, my family in the distance! Mother! You're here! Then they floated away. No matter how much I exerted myself, I couldn't reach them. Sweet grass, birds chirping. They mocked me. Father's spirit touched my face in a smoky image.
I had killed him! What folly was this? I knelt down and closed my eyes. No more! No more.
The waking world. I lay in the small garden. Breeze cooling my hot skin. I was gasping. Burning sensation in my head, my throat.
Laira
He was amazing and swift! I would never forget that fight scene. The ogres were no match. Then when Nuada disappeared from sight, I pushed through the crowds to search for him. What happened? Only he ran up the wall, slashing an eye with a saber and spinning to the ground gracefully. Of course, he couldn't fight them all so he was doing a hit- and- run. Cool!
Then that dwarf scared the shit out of us. Which led to Nuada poking his blade close to his jugular. The wildness in the prince's eyes made me frightened. Nothing in the books prepared me for the horror I had just seen. Didn't they even care? An elf was the good guy. Why did they want to hurt him? Nuada had been silent and brooding after the fighting. I feared for my friend. Returning was suicide!
Nuada was ok until we got back and stupid Joe accused him of abducting me. Heated shouting all right. We must have traumatized the elf. My brother was calmer now, using iced water to sponge him.
"He overexerted himself. I could not let him go alone," I said. Joe snorted.
"What can you do? It added stress, he having to defend you as well. No wonder he's suffering."
The elf was comatose, breathing shallow and quick. I prayed that he would get better.
At least there had to be a fighting chance. Late that night, we almost fell asleep. He cried out for someone. But there was no sign of a seizure. Nuada sank into a deeper sleep after that. Maybe it was around 2am, when he stirred. I pressed a cup to his lips.
"Hey, take some water. It'll help."
He swallowed a few sips. Then blinked slowly. "Must go. Alone," he murmured.
How was he going there? He could barely move!
I lay a blanket over the prince before I retired, too sluggish to stay awake any longer. Joe was snoring like a pig.
Only to find Nuada gone afterwards…
Prince Nuada
I vaguely felt cups pressed to my lips. I could swallow after a few hours. The heat of the sun burnt my eyelids when I finally broke the fever. Sitting up almost made everything black out. I stumbled in. Unsteadily I hurried to gather the weapons and slip on a black shirt.
The mortals were snoring on the couch. I had to do this alone. Passing the main table was a sheet of paper. I wrote: don't come after me. Thank you. I am sorry for the trouble.
Now I could focus on what lay ahead.
The same place. Shit, I had missed the dawn. Would the gates be open? I was starving when I reached the Fey markets and the waft of food odors drifted. No money. Someone held out a sign. Many people were gathered round the stalls and I stole a small snack. No one shouted. Good, I still have my cunning.
The same dwarf smiled an oily smile when I neared the statue of fertility. "Hello again. Over there." Could he be an enemy? Closed doors. I used the hilt of my blade to pry the vents. Hell! It was not budging.
Next I rolled out the map. No code words.
"Excuse me. What are you doing?" a voice asked from the shadows.
I spun, tracking the person. about my height, a male. I drew out a dagger.
"Hold please." He stepped out, pulling down his hood. A fellow elf, blond hair, blue eyes. "I am unarmed. See?"
Uriel. I said his name.
He was surprised. "Who are you?"
"Nuada. But not welcome here anymore. I need the healing spring." I whispered.
"Nuada? Last I heard you died!"
"I live again, but not long. I'm glad to see you dear friend." I approached him, then almost collapsed. He steadied me.
"More gravely than I can see." He frowned at the blood seeping out.
"Drink my share. The Fountain has been sealed."
He uncapped a waterskin. I was grateful. More lucid and clear headed, I could walk without his aid.
"What?" My remaining hopes faded. I had come here for nothing? But at least Uriel was guiding me. My vision slowly brightened- it had become hazy from blood loss. I felt unspoken joy at last a brethen! "I have been alone so long. Never seen an elf. Yesterday I crossed swords with ogres."
"We did not dare to follow you into exile, Nuada. We didn't hate the mortals so fiercely. You scared us, to tell the truth. Years later, some of us set out to seek you out. But you did not leave a trace. Like disappearing."
I laughed. "How are things?" We entered the feylands into Bethamora via another gate. He recited some phrases. The gate swung open. No one intercepted our entry. Thank goddess. He updated me on the state of things which were actually peaceful. It was however disturbing that they feared me. The killers had been part of a rebel faction that hated any members of the royal family.
Trolls playing with children? I thought I was seeing things.
"These humans were lost and came in. Bethmora is neutral territory. I hope no one recognizes you." Uriel brought me to his home. It was in a conspicous corner after some twisting paths. His house was simple, but I was grateful I had somewhere to put up. Inside, daffodils and golden flowers decorated the walls.
"Uriel, why? Is it because.."
"You tried to release hell on earth. Both sides, humans and elves and other fey would perish. That decision had separated you from the civilians. Hence you're in danger."
I had brought it on myself. I wondered if there was some way of reversing the situation, to dispel people's hatred of me. He remained silent. I could not focus on the rest of his words. Grief and despair warred in my heart, then seething rage. How dare they underestimate my prowess? I had to hide like some common thief? He added something about Nuala and maybe she could appease the civilians. Yes she would make things right.
I looked up. Nuala! Her aura was nearer this time. I could not wait to see her face and hold her again. The other elf made me something to eat. "We'll have to keep moving, friend. I fear I may be followed."
Laira
No! I burst into tears when I saw the note. It was already late evening by the time we rose from slumber. Prince Nuada Silverlance had gone back alone! I couldn't believe he would be okay.
Joe packed supplies. "You don't know how to fight right? I can."
"What – are you doing ?"
"Obvious, we gonna make sure he's fine. You'll keep crying if we don't take some action now. Count on me, I used to whack those gangsters in school." Brawling to be precise. I laughed. "Oi if not for us being decorated heroes, I would never risk my life."
"What does Nuada mean to you bro?"
He lifted up a bottle of water. "I had my reservations, especially since he said he's a warrior elf. Warriors kill without remorse. But I could leave you at home and Nuada never laid a finger on you. "
I agreed fervently, picking up a dagger with a phoenix head. We can't fight, but we'll show those assholes what humans are made of: resilience and recalcitrance! "Man we gonna fight! It feels good, though we know nuts about martial arts!" he whooped.
My job was to remember the route the prince and I had taken the day before. All the way to Main central market and this door. Joe hurried to catch up with me, lugging our weapons.
'Hey you better carry some of them! I'm not the workhorse," he shouted. His face paled as I pushed open a false door to the underground tunnels. "We going in there?"
Once out into the Fey markets, we looked very odd. No elves in sight,fish headed people, sirens, immortally lovely androgynies stared. Some whispered. Joe's first time here. They were eerily silent.
Where was the fertility statue? It was likely Nuada had already gone into Bethmora. We humans could not open the seal. When the prince had opened the map I had glanced once and known it by heart. It was a talent which mystified me. Since I had been twelve and mom had left to live elsewhere, I always managed to find her. Then I would be brought back screaming and crying.
Now, this talent is going to rock. What words had he said? Meanwhile Joe tried to make a statement. "So any plans how to handle the shit? I distract and you run in. so far all I can think of. Are you absolutely sure?"
I concentrated fiercely. Please don't fail me now. Please, I have to save my friend.
"Er… cliché here. Those don't seem friendly." He tugged my arm. Dammit! Bird headed demons, holding stones hobbled towards us. They reminded me of giant vultures, croaking and smelling of decayed flesh.
"Better hope you can run elsewhere." Maybe they had a weakness, these birds seemed clumsy in gait.
We backed to the sealed doors.
Suddenly they swung open and we tumbled in. we scrambled in as hell broke loose. Bloodcurdling screams as those birds rushed us, cawing. Headspinning. While Joe ran, I drew my dagger. We plunged into the crowds. Unfortunately the crowds parted at centre to let in those demons. No one helped, they just stared. Rocks being hurled in our direction. I easily darted and they missed me. left right.
We put distance between the birds and us. They were slow in gait and only lobbed stones.
"Here children!" a man shouted. A hand pulled me behind. He looked like Nuada, a fellow elven. The elf nocked an arrow glowing blue to fire. Joe was beside me. he had a sword out.
"Explosive bombardment arrows!" one creature babbled in broken english. All of them stopped heads cocked. I looked fierce.
"yes. I will loose an entire volley if you come any closer. I am Salem Errin, Royal Archer. Be gone."
Salem loosed one. the thing exploded into one of the front bird's face. It screeched.
"Princess?" someone asked. She was here? Nuala, twin to her brother. She came from behind and said something in elven. Similar blond hair amber eyes and a special grace. Unlike Nuada she exuded feminine delicacy. The seal showed. Behind her stood a group of uniformed people armed with guns.
Later Nuala explained that upon hearing her brother was in the city, she got Abe Sapien to contact the BPRD. The rebels wanted him dead after what he had tried to do. My mind was reeling- so Nuada had another sister who was pretty, and she had connections to the paranormal team? Abe Sapien next to Liz Sherman is my idol. I love his unique features. My files have info on him. Then gravity sank in. rebels wanting Nuada to die? No!
I looked behind her. "Where is he?"
She regarded me sadly. "We were still looking for him. I hoped he would not come in so soon…but my brother has always been rash. I think he is hidden somewhere inner. You are the mortals?"
"Laira and this is Joe. We took care of Nuada for a while." Flanked by the agents, we headed into the inner city of Bethmora.
*****
"I learnt the Goddess had given him a chance to live again. But she did not heal the hole in his chest. The hole I inflicted on him to stop him from slaying Hellboy, and from the golden army. Only the Fountain of healing life can save him. And it has dried up," the princess said. We sat on some sort of vehicle barreling through. Otherwise walking would be too slow. Abe Sapien was talking frantically on the intercom. I felt crushed.
What if we were too late?
"I read his mind, being twins it is easy to know how the other feels. I felt all he felt only he did not express it. Nuada understood. He did not want to burden you any further and he came here to rest. He believes the nature here can heal him. Even if the fountain is not gushing with life."
I pressed my fists together, crying. Why was he so thick headed? I looked at her chest, not bleeding. "He's dying? You're ok, so he should be too."
Nuala sighed. "He is too grieved that the people shun him. He needs to be loved. Although he is roguish, he is kind by nature. My love was never enough for him." Joe could not help cursing.
"What the hell happened to the fountain? Why is it dead?"
The water was drained by those who wanted eternal youth. It is said mortals will restore Bethmora. I heard and stored it all.
"Abraham!"
"Nuala. What is it?"
She gasped, her eyes dilated and went pale. "My brother and his friend, they're fighting! There!" She pointed at a darkened area of town. No one we could see.
I asked her what was happening. "Many monsters, pure evil. No brother!"