Chapter Sixteen: The Keep Floor

DG was shopping. It was a novelty; in the Palace there were people to fetch her anything she may possibly ever need. In fact there were people to decide what she may possibly ever need. Looking back on her first encounter with the Palace seamstress still made her wince. It had been all DG could manage to convince her not to put ruffles on her socks!

In the centre of Halliford Keep, a building DG having seen it from the outside now associated with fairy tale castles, was the Keep Floor. It was a town really, only in miniature size. There was on particular days, a market with a massive variety of stalls, a blacksmiths and armourers, barrows and carts full of local farmer's wares and in the Keep's wall was an Inn. It was nowhere near the size of the Lower or Outer Town at Central City but DG had learnt that Halliford Keep was the biggest for three hours in any direction. The Princess had also learnt, to her delight, that Lord Halliford did not employ a seamstress.

The storms had passed and now the Keep was bathed in grey half-light. In contrast DG felt at her sunniest in a long time. Some free time was very welcome; the most she had to think about now was colour and style, not symptoms and gunshot wounds. Plus a chance to choose something for herself... even her meals were mapped out for her in the Palace. And yet now she was stood looking at a clothing stall completely at a loss when the stall holder coughed gently.

'Are you looking for yourself?' The holder was a friendly looking middle aged woman with blonde hair and a slightly nervous expression. DG looked at her own clothes, she was wearing another of Cain's shirts but her choice for pants had been limited. Actually, more than limited it was either the pair that Cain had lost a quart of blood on or the jeans she'd slid most of the Brick Route in. Despite being washed neither looked brilliant. DG had opted for the mud.

'Yeah...' The Princess looked at the hanging garments and then looked at the woman in confusion.

'We've a lovely selection of dresses...'

'No! I mean I'm sure their lovely but...' DG trailed off.

'You're looking for something more comfortable?' laughing the woman gestured to a selection of pants lying on a table. It wasn't usual for woman to wear pants in the O.Z, the fashions running more along the lines of long dresses. However there were some exceptions and it wasn't unheard of. The wearer usually got stared at, but DG was used to that.

'Yes! But I'm not good at choosing clothes.'

'How much are you looking for?'

'Oh only...' DG suddenly sensed her opportunity. 'I'm pretty much out actually.' The two women shared a smile.

When DG found Glitch and Wyatt Cain, they were eating a meal at one of the inn's outside tables. She was carrying several large parcels. She was also wearing a new pair of dark grey pants, the same kind that had been made for her in Central City, and a pale blue shirt. The shirt was in the style DG thought of as gypsy but apparently didn't have a name in the O.Z. The parcels contained a few similar tops, and actual shirts as well as some light sensible, and for DG that meant ruffle-less, dresses. Those were for when she didn't want to be stared at.

'Did you buy the entire stall?' Glitch asked gaping at the parcels.

'Not exactly, but this was my first solo O.Z shopping trip...' DG dumped the parcels under their table and threw herself into a chair. 'Oh good! Food!' Reaching over she snagged a piece of bread for Cain's plate. The Tin Man sighed and pushed the plate towards her.

'I must say you look a lot better... I mean...' Glitch hesitated. DG grinned at him.

'No you're right. It's nice not be a walking mud heap.'

'You look good.' The Tin Man said taking a swallow of coffee.

'Thanks!' DG glanced at Cain and then pulled an impressed face at Glitch who laughed.

'Where are Day and Cook?' DG asked examined the contents of Cain's lunch.

'Still with his Lord Halliford. They're discussing how to protect the villages.'

'Good. Though I'm not sure how they can protect against magic like we saw...' DG's sunny mood faded a little.

'You'd be surprised what guards can do. Even our friend resorted to lead himself.' The Tin Man said draining his coffee.

'No jokes.' DG said giving him a grey look. 'Way too early.'

'Anyways,' Glitch interjected to lighten the tone- 'Not all Tin Men are scary.'

'They should be.' Growled Cain. DG tried incredibly hard not to laugh but eventually had to give in. Glitch joined her, his voice ringing out.

Cain watching them both made a noise half way between a tut and snort. DG responded by sticking her tongue out at him.

The sun broke through the cloud and DG tipped herself back to enjoy its heat. Glitch tried not to notice the Tin Man watching her but allowed himself a small smile regardless. It had been a rough couple of days, Cain shot and sniffling from being caught out in the storm somehow. And after Cain was began recovering, DG seemed suddenly exhausted, like she'd run of fight. Looking at the two of them now, Glitch felt relief flood back into his broken mind.

'Can I bring up the subject of Magicians?' Glitch asked tentatively. He wondered if he'd ruined the moment, but all of the parts of him that made him an advisor were telling him timing was vital.

'Urrrgg... Yes.' DG rolled her neck before moving to face him. The Tin Man beside him hummed his agreement.

'I don't think he'll have fled far...' Glitch offered.

'Really?' DG looked confused. 'Surely he'll have gotten as far away as possible?'

'No, Ambrose is right.' Cain shifted in his seat to shield the conversation from passersby. 'He's wounded. Lost his hired muscle... and unless he's a damn sight brighter than I think- he's still shackled.'

'Really?' DG said again, her blue eyes bright and wide.

'Yup. I made them strong... Azkadellia helped. There's no way he got them off without help. Best he's done is break the chain between them, his magic is still bound.'

'Wait- You and Az made those things?' Glitch heard the sharp edge in her tone; it was the same as her sister's.

'Erm... yes.' Too late he saw the Tin Man's pained expression.

'You, one of my best friends... and my sister... made those things so I could be dragged back to Central City!' DG was still sat but her voice was raised.

'What? No! I made them to capture renegade Magicians! Who used them on you?' the last word was a cry.

All of DG's anger faded immediately with one glance at the Advisor's pained expression. The reality of what must have happened hit her. She turned her gaze onto the suddenly very still Wyatt Cain. He had the good sense to look uncomfortable. The Princess sighed and shook her head resignedly.

'Seriously, Tin Man!'

'You were needed.' Wyatt Cain responded looking at her from under the rim of his fedora. DG blew a raspberry at him.

Glitch however was staring from Princess to Tin Man. DG smiled at him gently.

'Don't worry, I'm not mad.'

'Can we carry on talking about the Magician?' Glitch said purely in self-defence.

'I think that may be best left until we're in more, private quarters.' Cain said standing and gesturing to several staring people around him. 'We'll talk tonight. I'm going to send a missive to Jeb.' With that he picked up DG's parcels and strode off through the Keep Floor.

'I can... carry those.' DG said in exasperation.

Glitch smiled. DG felt her cheeks colour as he did so.

'He seems happy you're here now.' The advisor said.

'Yeah. Even if I did him shot.'

'He's a tin man.' It was said like an explanation. DG shrugged.

'I'd prefer him to get to stay one.' Seeing the concerned look on Glitch's face she continued. 'It's okay, it's his choice I know.'

'Well I'm glad you're on speaking terms again, anyway.' He said diplomatically.

'Me too...' DG smiled gently. 'How was Azkadellia when you spoke to her?'

It was Glitch's turn to blush. 'She is good.' DG didn't push it any further. She knew whatever was between him and her sister it was definitely personal. 'We should head back.'

Nodding she followed him.

(#)

'Is there a plan?' Lord Halliford asked.

The group had gathered with the Lord to discuss the Magician. Cain and Glitch with input of Lord Halliford had narrowed down their search parameters to a three mile radius of the inn he had been almost captured at. DG had not been able to help them work out where he was. Because of the shackles the magician was unable to use magic and that meant DG couldn't sense him anymore. It meant that they were not sure of his location but Cain and Glitch had tracked hundreds of long coats in their time.

'We'll start by questioning a few locals. There isn't too many villages in the area, we'll flush him out. It's a case of patience. Best way to find something, is just to keep looking.' Cain said looking up at the Lord. 'Then we try to catch him unawares.'

'Find out what he knows about the Sickness.' Glitch suggested from across the room.

'NOT get shot.' DG volunteered from her seat. Cain met her eyes and nodded slightly.

'You can take as many of the lads, as you like.' Lord Halliford offered. 'When are you going?'

'In the morning.' DG said. Cain nodded his eyes on the Princess. They had already argued over whether or not she was going to go with them.

Cain had lost.

Author's Note: Thanks for Reading! Bit of light relief this time round! Leave me one if you'd like, thanks!