Quagmire Chapter 6 Difficult decisions

My friend had come down with a sudden high fever. How did that happen, usually he was exhausted, he would rest and the tattoo wouldn't give trouble. How grave it appeared to be! I stopped crying, wouldn't help.

The most difficult promise he wanted to make me swear to! I ought to believe he was going to perish. My mind flashed back to the moment he had returned from the Restricted access and resigned himself never to escape. Now he kept repeating the mantra, "Don't bother about me… promise me not to wait. Do you hear me Felicia? Without the dog, Drizzt too. He will take care of you. Do not care what happens…" he said feverishly.

I covered my ears shaking my head. After sometime, Ilkar fell silent. He had opened his eyes, peering in an unfocused manner. "I won't do it. I can't promise that. You'll come with us. Because those fuckers won't spare you, once they find out." His good hand clasped mine in a sweaty grip. I remained silent.

"Promise me," he whispered. The fever must be affecting his thinking. I made the rag wet again. It was difficult to find a basin of water, as the kitchens were a long distance away. When I told them in a panicked state about needing to aid a sick man, the maids were kind enough to help bring in ice as well. I got some ice onto the rag and wrapping them, placed onto Ilkar's forehead. He finally drifted off, his grip relaxing.

Soon, the dark ranger elf returned with some herbs. I could smell how weird the scent was. He motioned for me to hold the cup and propped the fair elf up. "Drink this, my friend. Slowly now," Drizzt had a good bedside manner- patient and not raising his volume. Then again, he had just met us. I supposed drow were like that. Ilkar swallowed the brew, coughing a little.

Drizzt asked me if this had happened before.

I shook my head. "He just felt a lot of pain and once he slept, would improve. I didn't know he'd become worse like that." Ilkar's pallor had become less ghostly now, and his breathing was less choppy. "I don't want to leave him… he's making me swear not to care. We can't abandon him. We just can't," I said angrily.

Now he was safe, the drow and I were alone. Drizzt answered, "We won't. Perhaps my appearance has instilled more worries. I feel bad for this." His pale brows were sad.

"No no." Then the ranger recalled where he had seen the enchanted prison. I cheered up, wanting to go immediately. As we prepared, Ilkar stirred and wanted to talk to him right away. I did not want to look or know, so I waited at the doorway. Serif, we're coming! You'll be free! Glancing at the two elves, Drizzt seemed to reassure him while Ilkar spoke. Why couldn't he fight off the influence of the people? The Mark could be removed, he should be more confident of his abilities! It could not be that his life would be endangered in doing the Ritual. Surely we could overcome the problems!

I went over the dangers we'd braved. Ilkar shook his head then lay down. Drizzt covered him with the blankets.

"Sorry. We shall go now. This way," the drow said coming to join me and pointing to the darkened stairway at the end of the corridors. I would learn why a dark elf's senses would be helpful in our quest. I told him I feared not for myself but that the cursemark would worsen.

"I don't accept this!" I hissed.

"We will find a way to help. I can kill the target victims."

Drizzt went first to the narrow passageway. This place was more narrow than the other floors. He said it was all right to come. In the shadows, there were many adjacent rooms. If not for his pale hair I wouldn't be able to see where the door was. "The lock?"

I jiggled using the lockpick until the consoling click meant we were in. I stepped right in, and he stopped me. "Wait. I see some alarm triggers. Don't move." The centre of the small chamber laid all kinds of figurines.

"Um ok. Do you see your Guen?" I asked, squinting. He carefully stepped over some invisible wire lines. Wow so agile.

He could still concentrate while talking to me. "No. Is that Serif, a dog barking?" As he pointed moving his fingers, some light traced the spot in the far corner. I strained to hear. Yes yes there was. My animal and I were connected now, and he was right inside this square box of prison.

"Crap! I don't know how to undo this thing," I cursed.

Drizzt said he would try. He levitated and gingerly tapped the top of the prison with nimble fingers. My thrill spiked. He whispered something and the whole thing faded. Gracefully, Drizzt landed with a roll. "Can I move now?" He watched curiously. I called Serif to me. The little dog changed into a bird and came right to me. I cradled him and kissed his little face.

"Yes it is safe to move. Cross over the purple lines. I marked them," he instructed.

Then we had come out. I was so grateful to have my friend back but remembered Guen. "Thank you. I'll help with Guen. Where could she be? Those were statues too."

"Oh. I suspect she may be held to do their missions, or the office."

"Can't you call her to come?" Drizzt sighed. "No, I need to have her statue before I can call her."

He smiled when Serif chattered.

My bird left me as soon as we opened the door to our chamber. He went right for Ilkar and I froze, telling him don't peck him. And that he was sick and weak. The elf heard his chirping and stirred, cupping him in his hand. "What? You got a bird now?"

I smiled. He was well enough to sit up though I motioned for him to relax. "Haha this is my familiar, Serif. Show him." Immediately, he morphed back to the mutt and wagged his tail, panting.

For the longest time, complete silence. I waited for his explosion of hating monsters and demon dog. But Serif looked at Ilkar beseechingly, chocolate love eyes. The elf tickled him like he did this all the time. I remarked cheerfully, "See he likes you."

"Yes not as demonic as I pictured."

I patted his leg. The mage beamed. Drizzt looked out the windows. Ilkar still remembered his problem , "Found the other one yet?" They spoke in elvish for awhile. Wonder if that meant the two different races would become pals. I hoped so, then we could be a foursome! Yeay! I chewed on a fruitcake.

I didn't face the mage, still annoyed he wanted me to promise nonsense, he said, "I am sorry to have upset you. I've been thinking about it."

"Hm don't. Sleep and get well."

"I know that, Felicia. Come and sit nearer." I hesitantly prepared myself for the worst and gazed at Ilkar. He smiled. "I've seen Denser's cat, it was all black and skinny. Has he turned before into his true form?"

Except for the general spiking of his dark hair, he seemed back to normal.

My dog was simply lazing on Ilkar's lap, licking him from time to time. If I was not wrong, his presence had calmed and soothed him. "I don't know. He changed into a tiger once. You're all right with Serif. Hehe won't it be nice to have one too?"

The elf lugged him to me and instructed, "Stay there. Don't lick me. Maybe. I like cats. It is quite unnerving he changed so quickly."

I chuckled. The bitterness had left us. Drizzt turned to us, though he seemed worried, he was neutral. Serif flowed off the bed and wagged his tail at the hero. They connected.

Ilkar winced when he tried to stand almost falling over. We supported him.

"Don't rush to walk. It is almost dawn, and I shall go to my room. Felicia can you remember where my room is?" the drow said.

"Yup the corner one on the other higher level." We ascertained that before he left.

I felt awkward again and busied myself patting my pillows. Ilkar made conversation. "Are you hungry? I am."

Then Serif was huffing in a strange way. I turned. He was standing on his hindlegs and facing the elf. He sighed. "I don't know what you mean." It was so funny seeing Ilkar respectfully speaking to an animal. Serif rested against his legs.

There was some soup Drizzt and I had shared, and some more fruitcake. "These ok? Don't move I'll bring them over." Didn't he know how weak he would be feeling?

"Thank you yes. He wants to stop me?" Ilkar glanced at the dog who now calmed down. I scowled.

"Yes I believe so. You've just had a fever." As he chewed and swallowed the food, I took a seat. This was strange. Serif used to be just intent on me, now he was so focused on the Julatsan. I called to him inside to ask why. The dog glanced at me, smiled and went back to 'guarding' Hoped Ilkar didn't notice that.

Of course he did. The mage put down the utensils and voiced, "Is there a way to call him off? I feel strange."

"Sorry. Here boy. (beckoning, I got the dog to come) He has always been free to move.. I don't know why. I have to train him to see who is bad isn't it?" I added, also how on earth would I accomplish that? Without someone expert in bond with this sort of magic. Ilkar was quiet for sometime. Perhaps he felt tired now. I carried Serif to the other side of the room, and he lay stomach up wanting a scratch. I soon forgot everything and found some inner joy of simply being with my companion.

I glanced at the mage who was lying down. He faced us and smiled. "Why do you have to move so far away?"

"Hm thought not to trouble you. I'm fine. Sleep, having a fever still?" I took out a ball to let Serif engage in it. He batted the ball around.

"No I can't sleep. Can I- play too?" I raised my brow. Then I agreed why not. For a while we took turns to roll or toss the ball for him to play fetch. Once I touched his hand, he still felt warm but not overtly warm.

"Oh, you can talk to Drizzt about animal bonds. He should know more… I don't want him to drool on my clothes." Ilkar wrinkled his nose.

I chuckled. Serif carried the ball back but shook his head in a human way. That probably meant he did not want to play anymore. I patted him.

"Felicia, I have not- been with many young people before."

"Huh really? All old people?" I gaped.

He smiled. "Yes, I am an elf, so I am actually wizened when compared to human age. The lot of them, in their forties to fifties. How I miss their banter, sarcasm, and courage especially Hirad." I listened to his passionate voice. My mind was trying to grapple that Ilkar was probably very very old! Did he have old people pains, worries? So he would be longwinded, as he had mentioned.

"What, you're in shock?" he asked amused.

"No. I'm glad you've friends like those. So lucky. And now we're your friends. Don't be sad." I didn't want to admit my shock.

"I'm not. It's my plan to look them up though now they'd all be scattered. You and Drizzt should come."

I grinned. "Ok. Here I think, you'd abandon us."

The elf said, "Never. I wouldn't. I don't believe you are not shocked." With emphasis on don't.

"Hey hey I can be tactful, don't want to imagine you with a walking stick." Ilkar poked me in the side and I laughed.

"No way, people are going to carry me. I deserve a Really long rest." Then he fell asleep.

Because we were awake through the night, by the time Serif was barking in my ear, I noticed the heat of our room. It was already close to the evening. "What?"

He looked to the mage, who had sat up with a hand pressed to his head.

I quickly came to him. The elf flushed. "Um, I need to relieve myself. The place swims. crap." Somehow we managed and he did not pass out thank goodness. Afterwards, Drizzt let himself in.

"Hey you should have been here to carry him," I said a little sulkily. The ranger shrugged.

Ilkar protested. "I'm not that infirm!"

"Er what is that word?"

His slanted eyes were for effect. Ilkar looked like a shifty eyed bad guy. "Not bedridden and helpless. It's just for now. Drizzt, nice of you to drop by. I don't want to sleep anymore."

Drizzt bowed a little. "Of course, it is pleasant to have company instead of being alone. Shall I make more of the herbs? You have to eat more."

"I have eaten. Anything to improve. Ah yes, did a woman deliver a message? She is a friend too." He described Flo. The dark elf shook his head. "She must be worried. Felicia, have you seen her?"

I scratched my head. "I don't think so. Why, we need to talk to her again?" Indeed, to find out if the chiefs would return that quickly. Ilkar started writing on a paper and then rolled it up. Guess who had to go deliver the message? Me! "Aww but it's dangerous."

"I'm confident of your prowess, lady. Just use a glamour. Please. Drizzt what magic do you know? Other than levitation?" he asked with keen interest. He said something about marking things with some flame.

I sighed and concentrated on making myself look like an apprentice. A few images came to mind. For disguise, normally I wore the clothing and simply changed my features to look less like me. When I opened my eyes both of them were impressed, from the light in their eyes. "K I'm going now."

They were speaking quietly when I returned. Flo had been in this building, so fortunately I didn't need to go all the way back. She'd been so anxious that she grabbed me immediately. I got crushed.

We had a meeting behind a little room safe from prying ears.

"Hey guys." Ilkar exclaimed and beamed as the dark elf whispered something.

Serif had been looking like he could get what they meant. He bounded to me and promptly morphed into a ferret.

"I'm still worried at such rapid changing," the mage said, hand to his chest. "What did she say?"

I told him, complete with her cussing that he didn't take care of himself. "… there have been change of plans. Should we tell her about this place? She wants to see you," I smiled suggestively.

"Flo is just a contact. A good friend. All right, maybe tomorrow."

The drow did not look disturbed by my animal. I guess this kind of thing was everyday occurrence. "I'm glad you're bonding well boys, I mean Elves."

The unique purple eyes of the dark elf twinkled. "Me too. Ilkar has good humor and is smart." At this compliment, the mage chuckled in shyness.

"But I'm poor in health. Are you still awake at dawn? How's your waking hour like?" Drizzt said he was normally awake till the sun's rays were really hot. Like his heritage the drow did not need to sleep when we did, neither did he require a lot of deep sleep.

We agreed on sleeping more, conserving energy during the day and having more meetings, or plans at night to coincide.

"Will that be all right? You might feel tired."

"No prob, I think it's safer to take action when it is dark," I replied. Ilkar did not mind either. Serif spun in circles around our feet and yipped happily.

"I'm one of the best elf mages, was going to be one of the Clan's mages before I left on business. Wish I could return there." His tone did not sound proud though. He sobered. I consoled him that he would get to go back.

I invited, "Drizzt you'll be coming too right? Sounds like an exciting place, Julatsa."

Our hearts were lighter.

"I would like to. Will they accept me? I'm not a surface dweller." Always practical, we would view him as Solemn Drizzt as we understood him more.

Ilkar paused. "I will talk to them. You are my ally. Don't worry." Now he yawned and lay back on the pillows. I took his pulse. He assured me he just wanted to sleep more. "Don't run off too far. Enjoy."

The drow did not talk a lot. He did mention he liked me and was surprised I didn't scream. "Er hehe I don't scream a lot. That's so silly." I sat on my bed.

"But don't I look- odd?"

I frowned and took him in. "Other than being elvish blood, not really. I've seen more dangerous people and you have a good nature. I know this. Hm Ilkar didn't believe you at first, I'm sorry. But I'm glad he's trusting."

Next day. Serif alerted me with his wet nose and ticklish fur. Sigh he always wanted to have some attention. I turned over hearing voices. Huh? Drizzt and Ilkar were at the big table, reading some kind of map or paper. I saw a note. Words words, only recognized one: Quiet p. Ah. Serif was going to dash over,I had to hold him tightly.

The way they spoke was not in common but rather in some singsong dialects. Glad the mage had recovered. It felt strange and sad to see him helpless and shaky.

"Morning, Felicia," Drizzt acknowledged smiling. He drank the last of his drink.

Ilkar was seated with his back to me. He murmured something.

"Hello. Are you done? I didn't get the note, except quiet." I said, walking over.

The Julatsan answered, "Umhm. We're reading it together, the layout of the castle. Some of the codes are not what I understand. Come and eat." His hand was warm and felt consoling on my shoulder.

I chewed on a hunk of meat. "Some more in drow over there, Drizzt. What do you make of it?" he asked, pointing to the left side. He read and deciphered. "For the collars, I am sure where the controls are. The devices are very small have many buttons and each officer has one. I have yet to find out if every device will hurt me. It is well guarded, at night they tend to slip up."

We listened. Ilkar said, "Fine. Usually my friend would make the plan. We'll just-improvise."

I put in, "What is that mean? I can't read."

"Sorry. I mean we have to work together, being flexible at the moment. I will explain this in English. What we've said so far, you can understand?"

Ilkar did not rub in how stupid or dumb I am, usually the people in my old towns would joke. I didn't have much education, though I didn't care for it. My strength is in external tricks. I nodded. "Good. Let's start simple. I wrote: we need to focus on the task, need quiet please." I repeated after him and took note of the spelling.

"You have good writing, Ilks." He smiled and told me not to flatter him anymore. Since there was time and he needed to take it easy, he took out some paper and writing materials. I copied the words, and mine looked big and untidy.

Ilkar wondered why Serif focused on him a lot. "What is it? See, he won't stop staring at me. I don't get why he is like that, Denser's one did not care about us at all. Move back."

The mage snapped his fingers.

The cat meowed and trotted over to my side.

I would need to be firm as his master. Of course Ilkar labeled as 'it' and we both protested. "Yes yes this boy. I think he follows your conscience and emotions too. Remember when I tried to get up he became frantic and you were affected too?"

I nodded. Now I was calm, Serif simply relaxed beside us.