Chapter Fourteen

"What the hell was that?!" Karin asked, now very concerned. Never before had she felt the ground quake like that. Ettinsmere was geologically stable.

Lorian, on the other hand, was far more smug. Due to her experience, she knew these tremors could be caused by only one thing: detonations from a physical explosive. "I think our 'paramour' has bitten off a little more than he could chew," she responded cheerfully. "We're going to be rescued soon."

The other woman felt a surge of wild hope shoot through her. If Lorian was correct, then this nightmare would soon be over. She was going home.

However, in the universe's extraordinary sense of humor, a fae entered the cavern, looking at them. "Can I assume you are the two maidens the Bones kidnapped?" he asked cheerfully. "Or did you both go with him willingly?"

"The former," Lorian replied, obviously appreciating the little stab of humor. She pointed at the bundle in his arms. "Are those my clothes?"

"They are indeed." He quickly located the latch for the cells and opened them. "And you need not worry about the Bloody Bones any longer. "I have defeated him in battle." He grinned. "The story is now over."

"The story… I was right. This was a Telling." Karin sighed as she stepped out. "You lot need to learn how to write your stories down," she informed him. "Straight-up kidnapping is not going to endear you to us." She frowned. "Who are you, anyway?"

"I am Sir Farrara of the Court of Enchantments. The Bloody Bones was my fated enemy. Unfortunately, leaving Uduath is going to be more problematic than expected."

Lorian groaned, her smugness disappearing. She had been wrong about the explosions. "The explosions we felt. Someone was closing the entrance to the cave, weren't they?"

"You got that right," a new voice piped in. "The Red Legion decided we were too much of a hassle to leave alive."

Karin's face paled at this bit of information, even as an Alamanian female entered the area, placing a face with the voice. The Red Legion hated all Fae, regardless of who they were. They would try to destroy any fae they came across.

She looked at the Alamanian before her attention was diverted by the arrival of two more females, one dokkalfar and one Winter Fae. They seemed rather battered, the former looking positively punch drunk. It didn't take a genius to realize she had been caught in the blast.

The Winter Fae helped the Dark Elf sit down. "Before anyone asks if I can get us out, no, I am not a structural engineer," she stated, looking up. "I tend to break things even further. And I'm still recovering from the last time I teleported more than one person anywhere."

"I was about to ask on both accounts," Lorian grumbled, straightening her shirt. "Which means we'll need to find another way out of here." She looked at Farrara. "You know these caves?"

"Enough to get around," he replied. "I couldn't tell you every last nook and cranny of this place, though."

"...So we're pretty much stuck."

"Pretty much."

The Almanian frowned a little, thinking about something. "Since the Ballad's over with… how much trouble would we be in if we were to resurrect the Bloody Bones?" she asked, somewhat hesitantly.

Farrara shrugged. "I have no clue, Sagrell. We never had this situation before, so we don't know what will happen. Why?"

"I ask because I still have half a bottle of the Resurrection Potion." She held up a bottle. "If he is the only one who knows Uduath inside and out, then we have no choice but to bring him back."

"...Fair enough. Go ahead. It's not like we have any other options. Just… keep your sword ready."

"Don't have to tell me twice." Her free hand on her weapon, 'Sagrell' made her way back the way she came.

Karin made her way over to the Winter Fae, who was busy tending to her friend. "I'm a Healer," she said gently. "I can see if I can help your friend if you like."

The Winter Fae hesitated before nodding. "Thank you, madam." The Fae stood up, moving back so she wasn't in the way. Grateful for that, the Varani began her examination…

Ω

"So… why are you here?"

Magwyr looked at Farrara, somewhat surprised by the question. The two of them had gone over to the other side of the cavern while Karin examined Gwyn. She hadn't been expecting any conversation with the Summer Fae, so this came out of nowhere. "Why am I here?!" she repeated. "I'm helping Faith with all of this. After all, Sir Sagrell is an integral part of this series of stories."

"Oh, the fact you are helping her is obvious. Even the blind can see it. I mean, why are you helping her?" Farrara looked at her. "Considering your own position, I figured you would be all for helping the Bloody Bones break the ballad."

She rolled her eyes at that, a habit she had picked up from consistent exposure to the young races. Of course, he would think that. Not that she blamed him. If she had been any of the other villains out there, she most likely would have joined him in his effort to change his fate. "The Bloody Bones has had enough chances to repent and apologize to the King for his actions," she replied after a moment. "And while quite a few women eagerly accepted his advances… I know for a fact that many more did not. He has killed so many of them that he should have been executed. He deserves his fate." She sighed. "I, on the other hand… I never wanted this. I was content simply being the hero of the Winter Court back in Klurikon. But the magic of our world had other plans."

"Fair enough." On that, he could understand. When he wasn't in the role of Sir Farrara, he was building his own legacy. And he happened to like what he had done. "I can assume this is why you have been helping the Dustlings as much as you possibly can in the short time you have."

"That is part of it. The other part is a little darker." Looking around to see if the others were listening in, she leaned in. "You've felt it, haven't you? The change," she whispered.

"...I have. Almost all of the Fae have, though we have no idea what it is."

Magwyr's ears twitched a little. "Well, I do," she replied quietly. "The Tuatha are burning through the magic of our home at an unhealthy rate. They are being reborn far too fast, disrupting the balance of Amalur. If Gadflow isn't stopped before the end of this decade, our species will cease to exist. And once we're gone, the young races will fall afterward."

Now, that he hadn't heard about, but if it was true… then they were in far more danger than he had realized. "And here we are, forced to go through our Telling like nothing is wrong." He grumbled for a moment in irritation. "You know, I'm starting to understand Bones' desire to change his fate."

"Don't we all?"

And nothing more was spoken on the subject.

Ω

Faith stood over the body of Bloody Bones, the Resurrection Potion in hand. She was hesitating, and not without reason.

Not even thirty minutes ago, she and Farrara had been in a heated battle with him, though a scripted one. As the enemy of a ballad, this male was dangerous, and it was a safe bet that he wasn't acting the part. He was the Bloody Bones, after all.

This was the reason she hesitated. This was a being they most likely wouldn't be able to bargain with. He could help them, but his price might be too high. And there were the newly freed 'maidens' to take into consideration. Would he want them as a trade for his help?

A coldness sank into her bones. They had very few options open to them. Vast the cave may be, but the air was finite, and so were their resources. She opened the bottle and poured the potion into the Bones' wound.

Then she stood back, pulling her sword out and pointing it at him. She wasn't taking any chances with this guy.

Ω

The first thought Bones had upon awakening was, 'Is it time for my story? Another chance to break free and get my revenge against Ysa?' His second thought was, 'That is the Dustling that came with Farrara!' So his first thought was incorrect.

His whole body was sore, even if the area where he had been slashed didn't burn in agony. Which meant he had been resurrected only a short time after his defeat. That didn't bode well for him, as she appeared to be in peak fighting shape, sword pointed right at his throat.

The Dustling glared at him coldly. "Can I assume you're coherent, Bones?" she asked.

Bones sat up, wincing. "I am capable of understanding, if that's what you mean. I can also walk if you want." He stood up, testing his limbs to prove the veracity of his statement. "Now, why did you revive me, 'Sagrell?' Sure, it wasn't for the pleasure of my company."

"You're right. The Red Legion destroyed the entrance to your little domain, so we're effectively trapped in here, with a limited air supply and not much food. However, since you have effectively been here for Gods-knows-how-long, you probably know every single last nook and cranny of this place."

Ah, that certainly explained it. The Dustling bandits had decided to try and kill them all. How incredibly ruthless of them. "Well, you are correct," he replied to that. "I do know these caverns very well. So much so, that I can find a way out of here with little difficulty. However, this will not come free. I will be expecting something in return."

"You mean, other than escaping from this hell hole and enjoying your new lease on life?" The Dustling scoffed. "I'm pretty sure not dying a second time would be all the payment you would ever need."

Well, since she put it that way… "Very well. It seems like you, I have very few choices open to me." He gestured. "So, lead the way, Sagrell."

"After you, Bones. I insist."

Bones sighed. Very few choices, indeed.

Ω

A sudden stab of pain to her skull was what startled Gwyn back to full awareness, and she flinched instinctively away. "Ouch!"

"Sorry!" Karin quickly apologized, finishing the wrapping process. "I was hoping to make it as painless as possible."

"Well, it woke me up completely, which is a bit of positive." She straightened up a little. "On another positive, I can confirm that my ribs aren't broken. Not bad, considering that a shockwave hit me."

"Too true." Magwyr winced a little. "I have had broken ribs. It's not a pleasant feeling."

Lorian nodded. "I never had broken ribs," she noted. "I've had a badly bruised sternum, though. That makes swallowing and breathing a bitch, too." She looked up. "Oh look, Karin. Our suitor had returned. I shall keep myself from jumping for joy."

Bones, entering the area, looked like he was ready to deliver a scathing retort, but Faith, clearing her throat behind him, put a halt to that. Getting the unspoken message, he remained silent on the subject.

His gaze latched onto Magwyr's and any cockiness he had bled out. The look in her eyes told her what would happen if he decided to lead them astray. Considering who she was and where she was in the Telling, he knew he would never be able to defeat her in a straight-out battle.

Satisfied that her message was received, Magwyr focused on helping Gwyn to her feet. "Sadly, we can't linger too long. Otherwise, we would give you a chance to rest, Gwyn."

Gwyn smiled at her. "No worries. The sooner we get out of here, the sooner I can get a Healing Potion." She focused her attention on Bones. "Well, you're our guide. Please guide us out of here."

Bones inclined his head. "As you wish, Milady," he replied before heading to the far wall, turning a hidden lever.

A portion of the wall slid away, revealing a hidden passage. With that, he entered, Faith right behind him. No sense in taking any chances.

Farrara turned to the two Maidens. "Fear not," he assured them. "If he tries anything, Sagrell will deal with him immediately."

"Possibly with extreme prejudice," Magwyr added.

Both Maidens believed it despite having just met these people. The one he was calling Sagrell seemed like a competent warrior. And, judging by the Winter fae had been glaring at him, it would be something of a pleasure.

Lorian had a feeling that he was going to go down that path.

Ω

Magwyr stuck close to Gwyn as they followed the Bloody Bones, finding herself becoming lost in her thoughts. It was something that usually happened whenever she came across something that reminded her of her own journey.

She remembered a time long before her Telling when she was far more innocent. A time when she and her friends had grand dreams for the future…

Klurikon, Two Thousand Years Ago

The streets of Bhalie were alive with the Winter King's subjects as Magwyr made her way through the streets with her package, weaving around the adults, her little feet barely making any noise as they made contact on the ground. She needed to make it to her destination before the others decided to start without her.

But where was she going in a hurry? Why, the local swimming hole, of course. The one place where the Unseelie gathered to bask in the magical waters of Amalur, reaffirming their connection with the land. And even for the Unseelie, that was important. It was important because it reminded them they had a role to play, just like their Seelie brethren. Not that she understood that. She just liked swimming. It was fun.

It was also one of the few times she and her brother could socialize without issue. Both of them had both classes and duties most of the day.

She soon reached the pond, setting her cargo on the ground and wading in, reaching her brother and friends who were splashing and laughing while the older Fae watched on in amused exasperation. It almost seemed like everything they were told about respecting the water went in one ear and out the other. (It hadn't, but they were kids. They were allowed to have fun.)

"And what are you lot planning?" Magwyr demanded mock-seriously, trying to convey an intimidating presence. An effort ruined by the fact that she paddling in the water, and a smile on her face. Not very intimidating.

Her brother grinned. "Oh, nothing much," he replied. "We're just plotting to overthrow the king, is all."

"For shame, Brother! That is high treason! Also, I would recommend not initiating a rebellion until after dinner. Our caretaker always insists on a full belly before taking down the monarchy."

"An excellent decision!" said Winter King replied from the shore, grinning from ear to ear. "I did not prove myself worthy by starving, after all!" Everyone enjoyed a good laugh at that.

Her brother sighed dramatically. "Oh very well. Dinner first, then conquest." He looked around. "First things first. Magwyr did you bring the ball?"

The young Fae rolled her eyes, pointing toward the shore. "Of course I did," she replied. "An aspiring knight must always remember important things like this." She pointed at one of their friends. "And no using magic to catch it, Saturnus! You have to use your hands!"

"Magwyr!" Saturnus growled, even as the other children laughed in remembrance. "That was a fluke!"

"Uh huh…"

"...I promise I will keep it reined in."

"Better. Now come on! Let's play!" All of them in good spirits, they made their way to the shore, where more fun awaited.

They had had such grand dreams back then, all believing that they would go on such grand adventures. See the world, save some damsels, bring peace and joy to the Fae Lands. How ironic how life placed them all on different paths, and most were not so grand. Of all of them, she had been the only one who had become a knight and adventurer, and had enjoyed it before the Telling intervened. She hoped that she would be able to enjoy the old life again without that baggage.

She found herself thinking about her past simply because of the Bloody Bones. They had a similar back story, serving their respective courts faithfully. And then something happened, setting them down a path that turned them into the villains of the tale. The only difference was how they reacted. Bones doubled down, seeking revenge and letting it define him. She meant every word when she said that he deserved being defeated

repeatedly.

On the other hand, she decided to help the young races whenever she was revived, guiding the younger Summer Fae in their formative years. She only did what was needed for the story and had to be forced to do it.

'Here is hoping that I can break free at some point,' she mused, looking at Gwyn, then Faith. 'I never want to put the innocent in danger again.'

Ω

Green tubes dotted the cavern walls, giving off an eerie glow. They were the only lights she could see. Shadows danced in the darkness, making it far worse. If one wasn't careful, they could probably go insane from paranoia.

There was a man. A gnome wearing a feathered cap, working on his calculations. A body was laid out on a slab, tubes attached to every orifice.

And then the voice from before, as cold as ever, reported that the procedure was ready to begin. The area lit up in a bright green.

A howl suddenly erupted from the slab, a hand suddenly shooting up...

Faith shook her head as the memory fragment ended, trying not to roll her eyes. That was definitely something that could have waited until much later, when she wasn't in such dire straits.

But why did it happen now? Because they were all walking down an extremely similar corridor. It was dark, with the only real light coming from the bio-luminescent plants that covered the floor and walls. She was happy for that. If that hadn't been the case, they would have been forced to rely on the Fae to lead them out. And considering the fact that one of them was a girl stealing psychopath…

Almanians were not made to see in the dark. No sir, they were not.

Speaking of said psychopath… "How far are we from the exit?" she asked.

Bones smirked. "The caverns of Uduath extend beyond what you realize," he replied. "In fact, most Fae caverns were interconnected, allowing us to move between them. Of course, we ended up sealing most of them when you Dustlings started using them to try and attack us."

Farrara shrugged at her confused expression. "It was usually bandit groups trying to locate our supposed 'treasures,'" he explained. "They were more of a hassle than we wanted to deal with, so we just made it more difficult for them to stab us in the back."

Faith nodded in understanding, seeing the logic behind that. She could actually see some bastard do just that, only to realize that the Fae didn't have those kinds of treasures and they had most likely acquired the other Fae's attention.

"One day, I'm going to ask you how you manage to accomplish that this," Gwyn noted faintly. "But I'll wait until I'm more coherent."

"I'll tell you about our construction methods when you're all healed up," Magwyr promised.

Faith was also curious about that, but for far different reasons. She was more curious about how they were able to interconnect their caves, and whether or not they could do the same with the villages. If the Tuatha came in force, an escape tunnel would be just what they needed.

She was pondering this when Bones suddenly stopped,. She was about to ask when a sudden wave of cold enveloped her, making her shiver. Both Magwyr and Farrara stopped as well, tensing as the latter pulled his blades out.

Karin looked around nervously. If the Fae were unnerved, then something was definitely wrong. "What is it?"

Lorian sniffed the air, eyes widening. "The air is growing foul. I'm smelling something like burnt flesh, as if it had been roasted by an open flame. But that can't be right… right?"

"How long ago did you lot seal these passageways, again?" Faith asked, her grip tightening on her sword. A very deep sense of foreboding was going through her, and it definitely didn't feel like another flashback coming in.

"Two hundred years ago." Farrara stepped forward. "But I doubt we did so with any Dustlings still down here, and we certainly did not use fire."

"It's not new or fae magic." Magwyr propped Gwyn against the wall, calling her stave to her. "There's a foul magic here. Completely unnatural."

"And it's moving," Gwyn added, her ears twitching. "It's heading directly for us." While she couldn't be of much help in a fight, she could still use her hearing.

The sound of skittering feet was soon heard by all of them. It was both a comfort and a concern. A comfort, because it meant that it was most likely some sort of animal. A concern, because it was certainly not any species they knew existed on Amalur.

"Here it comes!" Farrara hissed, entering a defensive posture. Faith and Bones followed, with Magwyr placing herself in front of Karin and Lorian. And then… they waited.

The skittering slowed, slowed… until it stopped completely. For a moment, silence reigned. A silence that was shattered mere moments later when… something shot right at them with incredible speed, howling.

Farrara, Bones, and Faith stepped forward instantly, skewering the thing quickly. Its own blades, if they could be called that, swung in an attempt to take off the latter's head. Unperturbed as she avoided the strike, she brought her knife out and shoved it right through the monster's head. It went still. Satisfied, they pulled out, letting the corpse drop to the ground.

Karin whistled. "Impressive."

"Just the way I like it," Lorian added, grinning.

Magwyr took a few steps forward, her staff ready in case the monster was still alive. Something about that looked familiar, but she wasn't sure why. She needed to get a closer look.

That definitely helped, clearing any confusion she had. "That isn't what I think it is?" she asked, hoping against hope that it wasn't.

Farrara and Bones looked at each other, their animosity set aside momentarily. "It is." The latter kicked the body in disgust as he confirmed it. "It is."

Faith looked at them, rather confused by the look of resignation in their eyes. "What is it?" she asked.

Bones looked at her, a shiver of fear going through him. "This… this is a Niskaru. After more than a thousand years, they have returned."

Ω

Here is Chapter 14. I actually wrote far more, so I decided to separate it into two parts.