Chapter 13

Slowly, sensation returned. Eyes blinked open.

Groaning, Karin slowly sat up, rubbing her head a bit. She wasn't sure, but it felt like she got hit by a sleeping spell. 'It probably was,' she thought. 'This is the last time I ever pick reagants with a bodyguard.' She looked around. 'Now, where am I?'

From what she could see, she was in a cell. But instead of iron bars, they were made of wood and thick vines. Beyond the door, she could see she was in a cavern with strange plants growing all around. 'A fae has kidnapped me!' she realized. 'But why? I'm just a potion maker! I'm not important! Why would the Tuatha want me?!'

As she began going through the first stage toward full-blown panic, a groan could be heard from the other side of the wall. Karin quickly crawled toward it, her moment of panic passing. Someone else was here, so she might be able to get some answers. "Hello?" she called out, pressing her ear against it.

There was a moment of silence from the other side, and then a tentative but distinctively female voice echoed, "Hello," from the other side. "Who are you?"

"I'm Karin. I'm a member of the local fishing community. How about you?"

"I'm Lorian. I'm an adventurer from Didenhil. I was just passing through Ettinsmere on my way home." There was silence for a second. "Do you have any idea why a bare-chested Summer Fae decided to kidnap us?" she finally asked

"A summer fae? I thought it was the Tuatha for some reason." Karin leaned against the wall, sighing. "Maybe it's one of those stupid Fae Tellings, and we're lucky to participate in it." Oh, how she wished she knew more about the Fae's stories. It might save them a lot of stress. But their immortal neighbors were about as insulated as they come. And the Tuatha spoke for themselves.

After a moment, she decided to look on the bright side. "Well, we're alive, which is a very good thing," she stated. "So maybe when the Telling is over, we'll be let go."

"You know… I doubt we're going to be that lucky." Lorian sighed. "Right now, though, I'd like something to wear so I don't catch a cold."

Ω

The meeting with the village and the girl's father had proven what Faith and her friends had suspected. The Bloody Bones had taken her. Thankfully, they had been given a clue where they could begin their search.

"Well, here is where she was taken," Faith noted, looking around the flower-rich area. "This is a potion maker's dream, so I can see why she came here." She picked up a basket still full of reagants. "She wasn't holding the basket, otherwise it would have been knocked over."

Magwyr looked around as well. "What I don't understand is why there were no guards here. This is Ettin territory, so having an armed escort of at least three is kind of a necessity."

"Well, either she didn't have a guard, or they were taken too."

"I'm going with the first option," Gwyn stated. "I only see two sets of footprints. And if guards were here, their weapons would have most likely been left behind. Bones isn't going to need swords or spears."

"So she was alone. I'm thinking after today, she's not going anywhere alone for a long time." Faith sighed. "Well, let's get going. This Telling isn't tell itself, and the girl will want to be home for dinner." She immediately started down the shoreline, the other two falling into step next to her. Under most circumstances, it was going to be a pretty average walk.

As such, Magwyr was the only one who sensed something was amiss. She walked ahead, stretching her senses as she tried to figure it out.

It took a second for her to learn what she was sensing. 'Runes,' she thought, a little impressed by this. 'Expertly done, in fact. Possibly concealment and repulsion charms. But where is it?' Not seeing anything before her, she turned around, watching Gwyn move slightly to the side.

Faith, on the other hand, just looked at her confused. Her trajectory didn't change in the slightest… which was a little surprising.

Magwyr's eyes widened as she realized what was going to happen. "Faith, look-!"

She was too late, as Faith hit the edge of something and promptly tripped over it. She pitched forward with a startled squawk, landing face-first on the ground in an undignified heap.

"-out," Magwyr finished lamely before running over to help her. "Are you alright?"

Faith winced as she prodded her obviously broken nose. "Well, my nose is…" a sudden, light snap occurred as her nose righted itself, making her hiss in pain, "no longer broken." This fast healing bit was definitely a godsend, but she could have done without the extra pain. "I'm more embarrassed than anything. When did I start tripping over the ground?"

"Excellent question," Gwyn replied, clearly trying not to giggle at her friend's sudden clumsiness. "Maybe the ground here doesn't like you any."

"Actually, that's not it. She tripped over someone's campsite. Hold on." With a wave of her staff, the camp itself was revealed, with a noe slightly ruffled up bed room. "It looks like it was abandoned. It happens now and then... though I've never seen one with concealment spells left on."

Faith gave the camp a once over, frowning. "I don't think it was abandoned. Not unless they were brave enough to leave her weapons and clothes behind."

Gwyn nodded. "And these spells can only be cast once the person is within the area. Whoever she was, she was kidnapped. By a fae, no less."

"And I think I know which fae it was," Magwyr added, a sour look appearing. It looks like no Telling was truly safe.

They all had the same thought. Another Telling was being manipulated for reasons that none of could understand. But who was doing it?

Faith grabbed the traveler's bag and began packing the clothes up. "Let's get to the cave. At the very least, we can stop Bones from trying to kidnap other women. And we should get this girl her stuff, as well. I doubt he would give her any garments to wear."

Now, that was something Magwyr and Gwyn could agree with wholeheartedly.

Ω

"You are sure of this?" the Red Legion commander asked, his eyes boring directly into the scout's soul.

The spy nodded. "It's the same two women that aided in stopping our attack on Gorhart," he replied, "as well as the massacre of our force in Gorugath. They appear to be mixed up in the Telling now, if they're heading for Uduath. And now, they are in the presence of a certain Winter Fae."

The commander leaned back in her chair, contemplating this turn in fortune for a second. Those women and their allies had become something of a thorn since Gorhart. If Karth hadn't suggested that they slip back into the shadows, they would have most likely been destroyed at Agnur Farhal. And Red had agreed. They had been building their strength since the Crystal Wars started, and were now in a position of real power. It wouldn't do them any good to lose that strength until they could consolidate it properly.

"Do we attack, or wait?" the scout asked.

"Hmm… how about a little of both?" The commander grinned. "They are in Ettin territory, after all. It won't take a lot to let slip to the natives that there is a threat to their power there and send them directly to the Bloody Bones cave. And the best part of it, once that's taken care of, we can seal the cave behind them once they enter."

The scout grinned. "I'll make the necessary preparations, Commander."

Ω

They had no idea how long they had been there. Had it been hours? Days? How long had the fae kept them unconscious? And why did he want them?

For about thirty minutes, the two girls talked about anything and everything they could think of, just to keep their minds off their current situation. Karin learned that Lorian had a great fear for boggarts, even though they were damn near harmless. Lorian, in turn, laughed as Karin told her a story about an incident where she had managed to scare the mayor so badly, he inadvertently fell into the lake. Despite their current situation, they were bonding quite nicely.

But, considering how badly their day was going, it was only a matter of time before their 'host' appeared.

As if by that thought, he emerged from the shadows, carrying two plates of what they hoped was food. With a brief puff of magic, he teleported them into their cells. "My apologies for not being here when you awoke, my dears," he greeted. "But I needed to ensure that you had some sort of sustenance. Otherwise, your time in this mortal coil would be brief."

Karin looked at her tray, taking in the various fruits and vegetables. Noting that none of them were poisonous, she began to eat. She took that as a sign they weren't going to be sacrificed for some strange ritual.

Lorian hadn't started eating quite yet, still staring at their captor. Instead, she asked, "Why have you kidnapped us? And who are you?"

The fae grinned, which made both women almost recoil. "Forgive me. Sometimes, I forget to introduce myself to others." He bowed dramatically. "I am he who is known as the Bloody Bones. And you two… I have chosen you to be mine for all time."

Ω

Sir Farrara couldn't believe what he was hearing.

He had arrived at the entrance to the Bloody Bones' lair in Uduath, mentally preparing himself for the battle that was to come. Bones was considered his greatest enemy, and thus would require the aid of Sagrell to defeat him.

But Sagrell never showed up at the House, and the Telling waited for no fae. So, he set off alone, hoping that Hallum would be able to find someone to take his place. After all, the ballad would remain largely the same regardless of the one bearing the name of Sagrell.

Of course, the second he entered the cavern, he was attacked. Bones' home was home to many creatures, including sprites of various genus, barghests, and the usual batch of boggarts and brownies. In this case, it was the sprites that awaited him. He immediately got to work, slaying them one after another. Nothing would stop him from completing his story.

To his everlasting surprise, just as the sprites were beginning to overwhelm him, an expertly thrown spear impaled one as it was coming at his right. Two fireballs destroyed two of them from the left. With this assist, he was able to finish off the last four without any trouble., before turning around. "Well, Sagrell, it's about time you…" And, just like that, he trailed off, blinking in surprise.

Two Dustlings and a Winter Fae were standing there, the one he identified as an Almanian waving. "You must be Sir Farrara," she said. "I'm Faith. I'll be assuming the role of Sir Sagrell for this story."

That was what he couldn't believe. He walked over to them, eyeing the young one dubiously. A mortal? Was this Wencen's idea of a joke? Hallum's? Judging from the lack of humor on any of their faces, he suspected otherwise. "Well… you look hardy enough. Won't botch the tale of Bloody Bones too much, I suppose. Still, I'm curious as to how Hallum expects you to bring me back from the edge of the Great Balance… but that's his problem, not mine."

Faith pulled a small vial out of her pocket, showing it to him. "Resurrection Potion," she explained. "Hallum gave it to me before we left."

"Ah, excellent." He looked at the other two, almost performing a double take at getting a closer look at the Winter Fae. The Winter Fae gave him a sheepish wave. "You two will have to remain here. This story is mine and Sagrell's alone."

The Winter Fae nodded. "Of course. We'll make sure that the Red Legion doesn't interfere with the Telling," she replied, which surprised him. Why was she trying to help? What was her angle in this?

He shrugged internally. Not his problem. If she wanted to help, let her help. Instead, he focused on the Here and Now. "Well, Sagrell, let us continue. The Bloody Bones awaits us."

Ω

"Bloody Bones?" Lorian repeated, somewhat confused. "Please tell me your parents didn't give you that name when you were born."

Karin, who was a little more knowledgeable about the fae, had a basic clue as to who this was, though she didn't know why he was called that. Fae tales weren't her forte, as she avoided anything involving them like most.

Bones, on the other hand, cocked his head, equally confused by the question. "I can assure you that my… Mother… had no hand in naming me, young one," he replied. "It is the name King Ysa gave me many centuries before. And all for this very reason."

"Kidnapping?" Karin guessed.

"Seeking love. Something I have been trying to do for so very long. And I am always foiled by my enemy." His face split in a grin that seemed somewhat desperate. "This time, I will not be denied."

Karin sighed, shaking her head. Fae were really strange creatures sometimes. She was actually concerned that this was part of their courting rituals. "Uh… Mister Bones? If you really want to get a girlfriend among us young races, might I suggest you court them according to our customs? Kidnapping tends to dampen the mood a little bit for us."

Bones shrugged. "Considering everything the Tuatha have done, do you really think I could simply waltz into your village without a few dozen weapons going through my chest?" he asked sensibly. "Also, I am bound to my story in how I find my mate… except, that isn't entirely true, anymore." He looked up as if staring at something only he could see. "I have been given a glimpse of a world where stories are no longer eternal. Where I can finally acquire what I desire and more without fear of reprisal from the Summer Court. And I will acquire it. I will have what I want." He looked at them again. "Enjoy your dinner, my lovelies. I shall return in a bit. After all… I will have a few uninvited guests that I need to greet. and this time, I choose to meet them as I see fit." With a laugh, he returned to the shadows, disappearing within them.

Karin heard Lorian sigh. "You know, I'm thinking I should have just joined the efforts at Klurikon," she muttered. "At least that way, I wouldn't be stuck in here with this wannabe pretty boy as the jailor."

Karin, who had no interest in going to Mel Senshir, found herself agreeing with her.

Ω

"He looked surprised to see you," Gwyn noted as she and Magwyr stood guard at the cave entrance. "Sir Farrara, I mean."

Magwyr nodded, sighing. They had been standing outside for nearly an hour, so it was only a matter of time before her friend brought it up. "Honestly, I figured that he would have tried to kill me," she confessed. "Like I said, I'm not exactly well liked in the Court of Enchantments. But his sheer indifference… that I wasn't expecting. Probably didn't think that it was any of his concern." She shook her head. "Hallum needs to start doing a better job selecting people for the roles."

"Roles?"

"Well, as you have already figured out, the people sitting in the House of Ballads, except Hallum himself, aren't the original fae heroes. They are often given trials to prove their worth by handling smaller tales done by those heroes. Whoever does so is given that particular hero's seat in the House."

"And yet, you don't have a seat there?"

The fae shook her head. "Those they consider villains don't have seats there," she replied sadly. "Usually, the villain dies at the end of the Story, and I do mean die."

The Warsworn sighed. That was a rather final way to end a story, but the Fae weren't like the young races. After all, they were literally playing out those stories. And they always came back to life after a time, so it wouldn't be that huge deal. "I can only imagine how the villains feel after a while."

"I can imagine how Bones is feeling." Magwyr stretched her arms. "He's stuck in a story where he's trying to get the girl, only for Sir Farrara to swoop in and stop him. Not only that, but the maidens he kidnaps now don't even have the chance to be wined and dined. Most of them are imprisoned and fearing for their lives."

"...And now he has kidnapped two. Not exactly that much of a change, but a change nonetheless. Guess the villain is trying something different." Gwyn leaned against the entrance. "But that's not supposed to happen. What changed?"

"That is the question. And I doubt that we'll find the answer today. ...But perhaps it's the same reason why the Widow chose to leave. Maybe we're changing."

"That is a pretty terrifying theory there," Gwyn stated. "But it also makes sense, considering the Tuatha themselves literally changed their very being somehow." She wanted to say more, when her gaze perked up a little. "Hold on… do you hear that?"

Magwyr was about to ask what she was talking about when her ears began twitching. "Heavy footsteps," she murmured, before her eyes went wide. "It's has to be the ettin! They're heading right for us!"

Gwyn hefted her spear up, not sure what they would do. If it was just an ettin, they stood a chance. If there were a pack of wolves with the ettin, then that chance would be more akin to their dying breath.

Sadly, that was the case, as a pack of wolves suddenly appeared before them, running right at them. And, behind the pack, were two ettin, one of them roaring at them in their language.

Neither one of them knew what it said, but they did get the gist of it: surrender or die. Unfortunately for the ettin, they weren't eager to do either and decided on option three: fight and retreat.

Gwyn stabbed one of the wolves when it got too close, using the other end of her spear to block a second one while she pulled out. She whirled around, catching a third with the flat of the spearhead.

Magwyr targeted the two ettin, throwing fireballs of them to keep them at bay while she retreated. "Gwyn, let's go!" she shouted.

"I hear you!" The warsworn quickly backed up, trying to keep her eyes on all the remaining wolves. She was almost effective in doing so.

Keyword there being almost.

Just before she managed to get deeper into the cavern, one of the wolves managed to get into her blindspot, leaping onto her back and biting down on her should plate. Thankfully, the armor there protected her shoulder from being crushed. Unfortunately, the wolf's right paw was able to strike a glancing blow against her unprotected neck. She dislodged it with a snarl of pain before he could try for more damage, slamming it into the wall. She quickly pushed her hand against her neck to stop the flow of blood, backing up further.

And then, there was a flash of silver. A light plop as several items hit the ground.

And then… there was a loud noise, a feeling of flying, and then her world went black.

Ω

"Bloody Bones kidnapped two maidens?" Farrara whistled. "That's not much of a change, but it's not how the story is supposed to go."

"I kind of figured." Faith sighed. "You know, this is starting to become a theme for your Tellings this time. Something's happening to make them happen differently, even if just a little."

"True. Still, the magic of our world should prevent that from happening. It's simply a fact of the fae. We simply exist as we always do."

"Tuatha Deohn."

Farrara looked at her for a second, before nodding, a slight smirk appearing. "I will give you that one, Sagrell," he acknowledged.

"Well, getting back on the original topic, I have a single question." Faith grinned. "Did any maidens kidnapped throughout the years ever complain about their time with Bones?"

"...Hmm… No, they didn't. They considered it the highlight of their young lives, and were disappointed that he had to die." He shrugged, grinning. "Just because he's the villain doesn't mean he has to be villainous. And if you Dustlings get some joy out of it, then good for you. Of course, he is nothing compared to me in that regard."

Faith had to chuckle at that. Even fae males needed to prove they were better at something than someone else. Such fragile egos they all had. "What about your mate?" she asked.

At that, his pride seemed to deflate, and he slumped. "Alas, it was not meant to be. Good Ellova is a wonderful woman, who followed … me… into the House of Ballads. Twas a forbidden love, though, never to fulfilled. She still serves the Court to this day, one of the few to never wield a sword."

That hesitation… Faith paused her pondering for a moment to take down a brownie, before picking up where she left off. Something was off about that. Why did Farrara hesitate when he mentioned himself? Was there something in his past that he wasn't proud about?

Sighing, she set it aside for later. Maybe Hallum could clarify this mystery when they returned to the House. Right now, she needed to focus on her part of the tale.

That was her thought until they entered a new corridor… and she was kicked in the side.

Ω

Farrara quickly turned around upon seeing the Dustling being hit in her blind spot without warning. It didn't take a genius to learn who it was, either. "Bloody Bones!" he got out, pulling his sword out while Faith rolled away. This was definitely a massive change from the story. Bones was supposed to wait in the antechamber with his kidnapped maiden, not launch a surprise attack halfway there. Suddenly, his kidnapping two maidens didn't seem so minor, anymore. "This is not how the Ballad goes!"

Bones smirked at him, bringing up his blade. "I wanted to try something different," he replied almost nonchalantly. "After all, I think our stories should be interpreted instead of followed so stiffly, don't you agree?"

Farrara didn't respond, though he felt a spike of fear go through him. Bones was far too confident, too knowledgeable about his tale. His grip on his blade tightened. "Why do this? Why deny this story, Bones? How are you even defying your magic?"

"A winter fae came to me with a most enticing offer. She had my story, and somehow managed to change it. And then she offered it to me in exchange for my allegiance. But you know my story, Farrara. It is one of treachery." His gaze shifted toward the Alamanian. "It is still a little surprising to see you in the presence of a Dustling. Especially this one."

"She is the new Sagrell, so she has earned the right to be here for our ballad."

"And speaking of the ballad, why did you kidnap two maidens instead of one?" Faith asked, getting to one knee. "What were you going to do, make them fight for the right to be your wife or something?"

"...You know, that isn't a bad idea, though I doubt they would go for it. But in your case, I will extend an olive branch, new knight. Leave this place, and you shall be spared. Leave this cheap fake to languish in my cave."

Farrara looked at the Almanian and saw that her expression hadn't changed. Her sword was out and ready. He approved. "I think you can guess her response to that," he said. "Those two are not yours to keep, Bones. They must be set free."

"Then you shall die here and now!" With that, the Bloody Bones rushed forward, blade pointed straight ahead.

Farrara met him halfway, pivoting just enough so the attack missed him by inches, his attack being deflected by a last minute block. They quickly broke away before engaging in a flurry of strikes. It looked like a rather well-choreographed dance that had been done before. In many cases, it was. And it was a dance that went on for nearly three minutes.

Faith stood there, watching for a moment longer, knowing not to engage until Farrara was pushed away, before moving to engage Bones herself. She stopped him from killing the Summer fae at that moment, forcing him back, before adopting a fighting stance. "I don't know exactly what the original Sagrell did during this story, but considering how you're acting, I can guess he didn't just stand on the sidelines."

"Too true, though he certainly was far more capable in combat." Bones prepared to attack again. "And unlike Sagrell, you will not return when you are killed."

"Oh, I don't know about that," she muttered to herself, before moving to block his attack. "I might surprise you." Her knee came up, slamming into his sternum. "Also, wear some protection."

Bones doubled over for a second, but quickly righted himself, punching her hard in the chest. She staggered back, even as Farrara once again moved to engage. They were once again clashing, even as she felt her ribs stop spasming. She loved her healing factor.

For another twenty minutes, the three would perform this dance, Farrara being knocked down with Faith intervening at that point. She would fight for a moment, actually getting a few shallow cuts in before disengaging so Farrara could reenter the fray.

The end came in what she assumed was predictable fashion for the fae. Farrara took a stab right through the stomach when his guard went down, even as his own sword slashed across the Bloody Bones's chest. The two of them stayed that way for a second, no surprise appearing on either of their faces, before they crumpled to the ground, taking their last breaths.

Faith immediately pulled the Resurrection Potion from her pocket (thank the Gods Hallum had placed it in a very tough vial) and bent next to Farrara, pouring half of the potion into his wound. She would have poured it all in, but something sixth sense stopped her. She had a feeling that she might need the rest of it later.

Farrara's wound sealed up almost instantly. Two minutes later, he woke up with a gasp. "Well, that was eventful," he rasped out a moment later as he sat up, rubbing his stomach. "This is the fourth time I've been stabbed through like that. He does seem to enjoy that method." He looked at Faith, a small smile appearing. "You did a remarkable job for a Dustling who has never been in a Telling before. How did you know not to be heavily involved?"

Faith grinned. "I just remembered what Hallum said back at the House," she replied. "Sagrell was here in a supporting role, so I held back. It was your story, after all." She looked up. "We should get to the hostages and get them out of here. They probably would be happy to see the sun again… and get dressed, too."

"They would, wouldn't they?" With her help, he slowly stood, wincing. "A pity that I will need time to recover. I would have wanted to comfort them after this."

"… You really like being showered with appreciation from beautiful women, don't you?"

He chuckled, and was ready to respond… when the cavern shuddered. Both of them looked around for a second.

"Was that part of the story?" Faith asked.

Farrara shook his head. "No. If anything, we just head out for wine, women, and song. Never an earthquake."

Faith had a rather horrifying thought, and she looked to the entrance. "We're being attacked." She saw the same look of realization cross her colleague's face. "Get to the hostages! I'm going for Magwyr and Gwyn!" Without waiting to see if he obeyed, she tore back for the entrance as another shudder went through the cave.

She met Magwyr halfway, who was carrying an unconscious Gwyn. "Is she okay?" she asked, looking her over and noting the blood on her head.

Magwyr nodded. "The Red Legion used the Ettin to drive us into the cave," she replied. "Then they threw some explosives at us. Gwyn got caught in the backlash." She sighed. "The cave entrance has been collapsed. We're trapped in Uduath."

Faith looked around, having a sinking sensation go through her. She had a rather terrible feeling that there was no way to replenish their air. They were in trouble.

Ω

The Red Legion Commander nodded, noticing the end result of their work. Not only did they achieve their objective, but they also killed a few of the Ettin as well in the collapse. Uduath was now inaccessible to anyone.

And those ladies wouldn't get out before running out of air.

"Let's go," she ordered, before pointing at the Scout. "You stay here and keep an eye on this. If you see anything unusual, send word immediately."

The Scout nodded. "I will." He didn't see the reason why, of course, but he didn't dare refuse. Besides, caution was necessary. They needed to be sure.

Ω

Yeah, the fight was a little more anti-climatic, but considering that you end up killing Bloody Bones in the game, I figured that I would put him to good use before killing him off permanently.