It was a dull dreary day as Taran and his friends trudged through the muddy road.
"Egh, Is it this far to get to civilization?" Asked Fflewdurr, as he wretched at the mud that was getting on his shoes.
"It's not much further Fflewdurr." Said Eilonwy, as she carried Gurgi on her back. "Look, we're nearly there."
And she pointed to the town not too far away.
"Ah, finally." Said Taran. "I thought we'd never find it."
Soon they arrived into the town, A Humble little place with a tavern just on the first block, they entered and took their seats at a small table, nearby, At the front counter, were three large figures in trenchcoats, looking suspiciously around, But Taran paid them no mind.
"So, What's our next destination?" Asked Taran. "I can't imagine Hen Wen would pass through this inhabited place and have people not notice."
"We could just ask." Said Eilonwy. "I'm sure there's someone here who could know."
"Hmm, Perhaps those fine fellows over there." Said Fflewdurr, gesturing to a pair of Squirrels. "Excuse me, my fine fellows, you wouldn't happen to have seen a pig, would you?"
The Squirrels looked up.
"Yes, I believe you know the whereabouts of a pig we are looking for." Fflewdurr went on. "Small pink thing, female, frantic, you wouldn't happen to see one, yes?"
The Squirrels said nothing, they just paid their tab and left.
"Hmm, how rude." Gurgi muttered, as the Waiter came up.
"What'll it be folks?" She asked.
As the Companions stated their order, The three figures in the coats looked over.
"Do you think that's them?" Asked one.
"Don't pay attention to them Grace." Said the Second one. "They're Humans?"
"What if they know about the Freedom Watch?" Asked Grace. "Or probably are?"
"They don't don't look it." Said a third one in a posh voice. "In fact, I'd say they look like they popped out of a Medieval Fantasy book to me."
"Hmm, Charlotte did say to trust a few humans." Said the Middle one. "Besides, it's not like our own kind can be trusted."
"Maggie please cut the Racism." Said the Posh voice. "If they're looking for a pig…"
Outside, a few vans rolled into town, the occupants of the vehicles stepped out, along with their leader.
As the Companions took their meals, the doors flung open and in stepped a group of men, led by a Man in Black clothes.
"The Squad!" Maggie silently exclaimed.
"Nobody get up." Said Ben Sykes, as he strode towards the front Counter. "My boys are just passing through for a quick drink."
He sat down next to the trench coat people, and tapped the counter. "Bar Tenders, I'd like some drinks!" He turned back to the others. "Arnold, Mugsy, get the others situated."
The other Six men sat down, Three each at a table near the Companions, their presence putting the Companions on edge.
"Say." Sykes said, looking at the three Trench Coats. "You three new around here?
The three figures didn't respond, though Sykes took note at a small hoof, poking out the hem of one of their sleeves.
"Why the heavy garb?" Asked Sykes. "Not a cloud in the sky today."
Again, the figures said nothing, But Sykes seemed to eye them continuously, Until the Barkeeper came up.
"Lookin to order?" He asked.
"Ah yes, my good man." Said Sykes. "I'll have a good old fashioned Beer to go, and… I'm sure these fine folks would like one too, my treat."
Taran raised an eyebrow at this scene going on, As the Bartender served up four beverages and displayed them, One of the figures pushed theirs away with a… hoof, which was promptly grabbed by Sykes.
"Ahah!" He exclaimed, pulling out a gun. "Just as I thought!"
The other gang members sprang from their seats and aimed their guns at the three coats.
What happened next, was a blur in the Companions head, they didn't know what to expect, In a blurr and a scuffle cloud, the whole barr was engulfed in a dust cloud, Gunshots and punches were sounding the air, Taran, Eilonwy, Gurgi and Fflewddur quickly escaped the chaos, rushing to the safety of the other side of the street, Than the gang members quickly tumbled out of the bar, followed by the now revealed figures.
They were three female cows, one brown and white, the third black and white and wearing a purple hat with a yellow flower, and the last one was slightly smaller and yellow.
"You A.C.S. aren't rustling us Cattle any time soon!" Declared Maggie.
Ben Sykes got to his feet and pointed his gun. "You damn cows, should have stayed on your precious "Animal Farm!"
And he opened fire, But Maggie dodged the shot and charged, causing Sykes to jump out of the way. Arnold tried to shoot her, but Grace charged in and knocked him into another lackey named Bob.
Than Mrs. Calloway came forth and charged into Mugsy, A Muscular Man in a Black vest, who quickly managed to get her in a headlock and bring her to the ground, two more goons came up and tried to tie her down, But than Taran came in, his Sword blazing as he swiped back at them and cut the ropes.
"That's enough!" He said, swiping his Sword as mrs. Calloway got to her feet.
The last flunky, A lean man in a green cloak, had retreated to another building and took up a sniping position in the Window, aiming at whoever was in range.
"Tricksnipe!" Ordered Ben from a walkie talkie. "Take a shot, any shot!"
Tricksnipe nodded and took aim, But before he could fire, Eilowny's Bauble got in his face, blinding him long enough for him to miss his shot, which went flying off into the air, bouncing off anything Metal until it hit Arnold square in the ass.
"Yeaoh!" He yelped.
Seeing the battle was lost, Ben decided to make a strategic retreat, he gave out a whistle.
"Come on Boys!" He called. "We're out!"
The A.C.S. quickly retreated to their cars, But not before the thug called Bob, noticed Gurgi, grabbed him and took him into the truck with him!
"Gah! Master! Help!" Gurgi called out.
"Gurgi!" Taran exclaimed, as the A.C.S. piled onto their bikes and truck and drove off, Taran gave chase, but the vehicles were too fast, and Taran collapsed to legs.
"Gurgi…" Said Taran, As Eilowny and Fflewdurr joined him.
"Great Belin." Said Fflewdurr. "What do we do?"
"You aren't doing anything." Said the Cow, Maggie. "Those were the Animal Cruelty Squad, Your friends dead for sure, wherever they're taking him."
"And where are they taking him?" Asked Taran. "It's clearly you three they were after."
"Now, Now!" Said Mrs. Calloway. "Let's all keep a cool head here, Ben Sykes couldn't have gone far, The Sectors of the A.C.S. are numerous, and hard to get to."
"We don't have to worry about how to get there." Said Taran. "Just tell us where they're going!"
"She just told you, kid." Said Maggie. "We don't know for sure."
Taran looked off to the Horizon, completely lost."
To Be Continued.
Next part coming in the new year, Sorry for how short and abrupt this looks.
Stay Tuned for now. :)