Disclaimer: I don't own Neopets the Darkest Faerie

Chapter 13

Two days went by as the three travelers stayed with Alcasar's family. They needed time for their wounds to heal up a little before they could begin traveling, especially Roberta who could barely walk without her crutch. Lucy's own wound hardly showed any signs of healing, though Tor wasn't too surprised. It had been the bite that turned her into a werelupe and probably still held the poisons that made the change. He would have to speak to Angus about it when they returned.

"Hey Tor," Roberta whispered on the third day at the den. Tor had been sitting outside on one of the boulders around the back side out the cave. From the distance he couldn't see the turrets he was looking for, but he knew that Meridell was only a few days away. He turned to look questioningly at Roberta and saw her holding the chest piece of his armor. She turned it around to show him the completely mended back plate. "Magic is very helpful at times," She said with a smile at Tor's shocked expression.

"Thanks Roberta!" The knight said as he jumped from the boulder, his ever handy sword bumping against his leg. He took the chest piece and inspected it closely, seeing no sign that it had ever been penetrated. "I love magic."

Roberta laughed and nodded. "As do I. It tends to make life rather easy at times. It wasn't especially hard with your armor though, as it's already infused with Light magic. I'm sure that your armor has been growing as you grow."

Tor nodded and remembered their talk with Alcasar and Bredda over stew. "Can I really use that teleportation technique?"

Roberta looked at him in surprise before nodding slowly. "It's Dark magic, but yes, it's very possible." She sat down in the grass, crossing her legs and Tor followed suit, setting his armor to the sighed and leaning forward to listen. "See, I can sense your magic power the same way I was able to sense the magic at work when we were finding the entrance to the tunnels. It's something that sorcerers and sorceresses are trained to do. Seradar taught me before I had even learned how to cast spells. You have a rather high magical prowess, even though it's rarely used. You really put it into effect when you use motes in battle."

Tor thought their months of fighting minions and monsters. Always he had motes equipped to his armor and sword, just as Master Torak had taught him. Tor had always found it easier to fuse motes than the other knights. Slowly he began to nod. "Yeah, I noticed. I haven't seen any of the other knights have any effects from using motes in the way I did. I never thought too much about it though."

"See? You were always able to go much longer when using motes too than most neopets. Any magic used drains your energy, especially when used effectively such as when you use the right elements. Werelupes are fire elementals, so water motes work best against them, as we discovered."

Tor chuckled. "We used every mote we had to try and find out what element they were. I never would have guessed Fire."

Roberta smiled. "Yes. Now, onto the Smoke Step. I can't teach it to you yet, you still have to learn some basic things about magic. Once we return to Meridell though, there is a book in the castle library that has information in it."

"Alright. Teach me then, Professor Roberta." Tor joked, leaning back against the boulder.

With a laugh Roberta rolled her eyes. "Alright, we'll start with the properties of magic. As you know there are different shades of magic. Light, Dark, and an area in between known as Grey. While many forms Dark magic are not strictly forbidden, unlike the magic used by the Darkest Faerie, they are frowned upon. In my opinion however, there shouldn't be a classification for spells such as Light and Dark. All motes for example, may be either Light or Dark Magic, depending on what they are used for. A water mote, classified as Light, may still be used to kill. A shadow mote or a dark mote is classified as Dark magic because they are indeed, dark. Light motes are obviously classified as Light magic, even though they can cause harm. You getting me so far?"

Tor nodded. "Three shades of magic, Light, Grey, and Dark. Motes are either Dark or Light though, so wouldn't that make them Grey?"

"You would think so, but most neopets don't even consider that there is a Grey area."

"Alright, so what about the teleportation spell? How is that Dark Magic?"

"It's considered Dark because it defies the laws of the universe, speaking in simple turns. By using Smoke Step you open a void in time and step through, reappearing in another place at that very instant. The void opening and closing releases an air of Dark Magic which creates the purple smoke."

"Whoa… that's… really strange. But I can see why it's Dark. But is it one of the forbidden magics?"

"Not forbidden, no. But widely frowned upon and thought to be unnatural. Some even say that it should have never been created. We've witnessed firsthand what purple clouds represent. However, mostly because it's you, I don't think that many neopets will mind you using it. Besides, like Alcasar said, we need every advantage we can get."

"I know. And still our chances will be slim. I noticed at the party in Brightvale that he's gotten much stronger than I last fought him. I didn't have a chance against him that night, and I was lucky that I got away alive. If it weren't for your magic, I wouldn't be alive."

Roberta just sent him a sad look. "I'd rather not think of that Tor. We've both gotten stronger since that night, training for hours a day. That night we were unprepared for something like that to happen, you were weakened, and you were worried about your sister."

Tor shivered as he recalled the night. Everything had been going so smoothly, everyone was happy. He'd met some old friends that he hadn't seen for a year, he'd been happy. His parents had been happy. Lucy was having the time of her life. Then while he and Roberta danced, everything had gone straight to hell with the attack. He'd tried to fight off the assassin, but hadn't been strong enough. "It won't happen again," he said with determination. "If I die, he goes down with me."

…..

Another day passed before Roberta decided that they couldn't possibly wait any longer. They had been gone for far too long already, over two weeks. It would be another week before they could get out of the woods and three more days of traveling the road to Meridell. Roberta still had to use her crutch which would slow them down even more, and Tor knew that he would be unable to carry Lucy the entire time.

It was early in the morning that the travelers set off, Tor and Roberta carrying their bags, and Roberta still on her crutch. They were saying their goodbyes for what very well might be the last time. Lucy was having a particularly hard time, having easily befriended Nym and Medea. All three children had been begging that they stay another day, but it just wasn't possible. War was about to break loose and they couldn't just hide out in the woods.

"Thank you for everything, Alcasar, Bredda," Roberta said, reaching out and shaking their large paws. "I hope to see the both of you again."

Alcasar smiled sadly, showing off his large teeth. "False hopes I believe. We cannot leave these woods, less risk being killed."

"There was actually one of your kind who lived in Meridell for a time," Tor informed him. "He fought in the battle arena for extra money. Most never bothered him."

Bredda shook her head. "Our place is here, Tormund."

Tor nodded in understanding. Alcasar put a large hand on his shoulder and said, "I must speak to you for a few moments, over there." Tor looked at him, confused and followed him away from the others. The werelupe spoke in a low voice so that the women couldn't hear him. "Should this come to war, as we both know it will, I will fight on the side of Meridell and Brightvale."

Tor's shock showed on his face. He shook his head vigorously. "I can't ask you to do that."

"I didn't ask for your permission. I will fight with you. These are not the same werelupes that I once knew and the pack alone outnumbers the amount of men you have on your side." He glanced at Roberta, watching them with Bredda. Only Bredda seemed to know what was happening, a sad smile on her face. "And women. With the Ixies also on his side, the odds tilt even more to the Assassin's side. You will need all of the help you can get, and I would be happy to give it."

The lupe knight nodded once and gripped Alcasar's shoulder with his right hand. "Very well. Should you ever come to the Kingdom of Meridell, I will tell the guards to look out for you."

The two walked back to the others and Roberta looked at him curiously, but he said nothing, dipping his head to the adult werelupes. "Thank you again for all of your help. Should you ever need anything, come to Meridell and ask for Sir Tormund."

"The same goes for me," Roberta added. She kneeled down next to Lucy. "It's time to go, Lucy. Nym, Medea."

"No!" the three wailed together.

Had Tor ever flat out 'no' to one of Roberta's orders, he probably would have got himself a smack to the head. But here Roberta only spoke in a soft voice. "Yes. We have to go back. Lucy your parents miss you so much. You don't want them to worry, do you?"

"No," Lucy sniffled.

"Then we have to get moving as soon as we can."

It took a few minutes, stretching their good-byes out longer than necessary. Then the three neopets took their leave. Lucy hopped onto Tor's shoulders, making him sigh deeply and Roberta giggle quietly. It was going to be a long trip.

….

Eight more days were spent picking their way through the dense forest. Lucy still jumped at every sound that came through the trees and Tor couldn't help but tease her endlessly for it. They didn't speak much, not having anything to speak about. He and Roberta still took guard shifts when it came time to sleep and Lucy was able to sleep through the night.

As they emerged from the forest and onto the dirt roads that would eventually lead them to Meridell, Tor wondered what they would find upon arriving. Had the Ixies attacked? Would anymore knights or guards be gone when they arrived? These thoughts worried him more and more, creating a deeper scowl as time wore on. He couldn't help where his thoughts led him, but he knew that he had to put more faith in the knights of Meridell. They were some of the strongest men he knew of and it wasn't fair to be thinking such low thoughts of them.

"Tor, if you keep scowling like that I might have to hit you. It's not very flattering."

Tor looked over at Roberta. Her crutch was now gone and she had placed Lucy on her shoulders to give him a break. The scowl disappeared from his face immediately. "I can't help it," he told her.

"Just stop thinking. I know you too well, and I know what you're thinking, so just don't think."

"Yes, because that's so easy," Tor said sarcastically.

"Better than thinking worst case scenario." Roberta shot back. Lucy was now looking between the two of them. She looked confused, her innocence stopping her from really understanding what they were arguing about. Tor shut his mouth tight and stared straight ahead of him. He really wanted this journey to be over. He wanted to see his parents' faces when they saw Lucy. Was his mother eating properly yet? How many times had the water pump broken since he was gone? Were the other farmers of Meri Acers mourning the loss of Lucy? She was loved by all of the farmers. Tor's thought were cut off when something smashed into the back of his head.

"Roberta!"

"I warned you."

Tor wanted badly to make some retort, but held himself back. Lucy was there, and he didn't want to be blamed for any foul language his sister picked up. Roberta smiled victoriously and there was a slight jump to her step now as she walked. If he knew that Roberta wouldn't try and get him back later, he'd have tripped her. Instead he just said casually, "Now that we're out of the woods, we should use that Meerca Speed potion. I've got three doses for the each of us. That ought to have us there by tomorrow morning if we stop to rest for the night."

"I think that sounds like a good idea. I forgot that you actually get them sometimes."

Tor scowled again but stopped when Roberta raised her fist. He slung his pack off his shoulders and began digging around as they walked. He pulled out various bottles of potions until he found two bottles of the Meerca Speed. He handed one to Roberta and popped the cork out of his. "Bottoms up!" He said, downing a third of the potion. Immediately he could feel his legs vibrating as the potion kicked in. He dropped the vials back into the bag.

"Hang on tight Lucy," Roberta ordered.

Tor was sure that they could hear Lucy's screams all the way in Brightvale.

…

Just as Tor had predicted, the next morning they were nearing the city gates when the last of the potion wore off. Tor and Roberta, panting heavily from their run, slowly walked up to the gate. The knight lifted his sister from his shoulders so that she could walk on her own. They approached the iron gates and Tor recognized the guardsmen, Henry and Yavik. They were tense at the sight of Tor, not quite recognizing him or Roberta from the distance. But once they drew closer they began calling out to them in joy.

"Tor! Lady Roberta! You've returned!" Yavik cried loudly, raising his spear in celebration. "And you've gotten your sister!"

Tor grinned at the guards. "Yeah. Most of it was just traveling, but we found the werelupes' lair."

"And the Assassin?" Henry asked quietly.

Roberta shook her head. "He wasn't there. We must speak to King Skarl about it."

"Of course, of course!" Henry nodded and he and Yavik hurried to open the gates. The three stepped through, thanking the guards, and set off through the city.

There were many similar greetings from the townspeople and patrolling knights and guards, all cheering in celebration at the heroes' return. Tor promised that he would see them all later and tell them a few stories, but first he had to see the king. They were all slightly disappointed, but excited at the thought of hearing the story of the journey.

When the three reached the castle they were greeted by guardsmen Laertes and Oliver who immediately bowed and opened the doors. Lucy was by now in awe of her brother and all of his admirers. Was all this really all for Tor, her older brother who had played with her on the farm and done all of her work when their parents weren't looking? It was something she had never expected, and yet here she was, witnessing it. Tor led her up the stairs onto the first floor.

"I thought we were going to see the King," the young lupe said, staring up between Tor and Roberta.

"Roberta and I are," Tor answered as he nodded in greeting to Lady Leonarda. "You need to rest. I'll take you around the city tomorrow. Then the next day we'll go back to the farm."

"You're going to stay?" Lucy asked hopefully. Tor looked down at her wearily as he opened the door to his personal chamber.

"I can't. There are things that I have to do. But when it's over I'll come back to visit for a little while." He lifted Lucy onto his bed.

"How long will that be?"

"I don't know. Hopefully it won't be too long though."

Lucy looked over at Roberta who stood on the other side of the bed, opposite of Tor. "Will you come too Roberta?"

The blue acara smiled warmly. "Maybe."

Soon, once Tor had made sure that Lucy would be as comfortable as possible, they went back downstairs to see the king. Korbin and Hector were standing guard and they stood straight when Tor and Roberta approached. "Sir Tormund, Lady Roberta," Korbin greeted them.

"You've come to speak with His Majesty then?" Hector asked. "I heard that your mission was successful."

Tor nodded. "It was. May we go in?"

"Of course."

King Skarl sat upon his throne, tapping his large fingers on the arm in wait. Master Torak stood tall next to the seat. Tor and Roberta kneeled down respectfully before standing up again. "Well get on with it," King Skarl grumbled impatiently.

"The mission was successful, Your Majesty," Roberta began before Tor could even open his mouth. Tor found it somewhat strange that King Skarl was her uncle as well as King Hagan, but she addressed King Skarl much more formally than King Hagan. The few times she had met with the blue skeith king he had brushed her off as he would anybody else. "We tracked down the caves that the werelupes are using. They require a password to enter."

"Where are these caves?" Master Torak asked.

"Off to the East between Meridell and Brightvale. You pass Werelupe Woods and move straight into the forest on the eastern side," Tor answered. "It's about an eight day trip through the forest and you will come to a cliff. It's about sixty feet from the top to the beach below. Down at the bottom there are the caves that Roberta spoke of. Like she said there was a password that would grant you entrance."

"And the password?" King Skarl asked. His eyes sparked with sudden interest.

"Sic transit gloria mundi."

"Strange," Torak murmured. "Do you know what it means?"

"It's from an old language. It means 'thus passes away the glory of the world'," Roberta said. "Tor was able to hear one of the werelupes speak the password."

"And how did they know of it?" the King asked. "You informed me that these caves were the hideout of some rotten thief."

Tor shook his head. "We don't know of the connection yet."

"Very well. From what you said I take it that the mission to retrieve Lucy Ellis was successful then?"

"Yes. She'd been turned when we found her, but Angus from the apothecary had created a potion he believe would cure those who have been bitten. His potion worked and we were able to turn Lucy back to normal."

King Skarl stroked his large chin thoughtfully. "Interesting. That potion may come in handy. Torak, summon Angus."

"Yes, sire."

"Now, you two, leave me now to speak with Master Torak of what is to be done. And send the servants to fetch me some food."

Tor and Roberta bowed deeply before retreating from the room. Hector and Korbin closed the doors behind them and Tor looked at Roberta. They both sighed. "Head down to the pub?" Tor asked even though he was well aware of the answer.

"Definitely."

Calling over Servant Gottard Tor told the yellow Kacheek that the King was hungry, causing the servant to scurry away to the kitchens. Twenty minutes later the two found themselves in the pub with Ebard, Rufus, Grayson, Shanra, and Lawrence. All had a drink in their hand, celebrating the successful return of the knight and sorceress. Tor and Roberta told their story, even the parts about Alcasar and Bredda, the friendly werelupes, going into detail about their journey through the caves.

"No way!" Grayson denied. "There's no way that you went through all that undetected! Their sense of smell is ten times better than that of a regular lupe!"

Tor and Roberta shared a sheepish look. "Well…" Tor said slowly, feeling himself heat up with embarrassment. "We managed to hide our scents."

"How'd you manage that?" Ebard asked interestedly, sensing the two's humiliation.

"We… ah… used the rotted prey that was left over from one of their meals."

For a second everyone was silent, processing the information. And then they all burst out laughing. It was several minutes before the laughter subsided and many other patrons were looking at them curiously. When the loud guffaws finally died down Lawrence asked, "So what happened after you got Lucy?"

"We went back the way we came. And just when we almost out, we ran into a patrol. Tor and I killed them, but not before they alerted the entire pack that we were there. We ran out and we had a good lead, but they're damn fast and I got bit in the leg." Roberta lifted her leg onto an empty stood and rolled up her pant leg, revealing the deep wounds from the bite. Everyone winced, seeing the purple bruises.

"Shouldn't that be bandaged up?" Rufus asked.

Roberta shrugged. "I'll get around to it later."

"Anyway, I had to carry her and Lucy back to the rope gun. When we got there we saw Alcasar climbing down the cliff. He came to see if he might be needed, which he was. I sent Roberta and Lucy to the top of the cliff and Alcasar and I fought off the rest of the pack."

"Now I know you're just yanking my chain!" Grayson exclaimed. "Just two of you fighting off practically an entire pack of werelupes? Not possible."

"It's very possible when you know exactly how to fight them," Roberta said. "If I had been able to walk it would've gone much faster though."

"That's amazing!" Shanra said, looking at the two of them in wonder. What exactly had the two neopets experienced when fighting away the purple clouds that the Darkest Faerie had brought forth? There were very few known facts as neither of them had ever really said all that much about their first journey. What was known had come from other villages such as Cogham and Market Town, and most were infused with rumors that none could be sure were true.

"Now that I'm hearing it out loud, it does seem unbelievable," Roberta murmured and Tor nodded in agreement. "But all of it is true."

Tor groaned and stretched back in his seat. He took a deep gulp of his whiskey and set the empty glass back on the table. "I need to go see Angus. He ought to be back from his visit to the king by now." He looked at Roberta and asked, "Are you coming?"

The blue acara shook her head. "I'll see you at the castle."

Tor nodded once and set a handful of neopoints of the table before leaving the pub.