Chapter 14
The next morning, Bootstilla went outside early in the morning while the others were still asleep. Batty was beside her and squeaked in question. "I need to go see my contacts, Batty," she said. "We need to figure out Odalia's next move as soon as possible. I have a feeling she might know that her daughter isn't in the Human Realm anymore."
Nodding, Batty became a staff and Bootstilla sat down, flying towards one of the towns where she had a contact, hoping they had some news. She landed and pulled out a cloak, putting it on and pulling the hood up. "You better hide, Batty," she said and the little palisman quickly slipped into the side of the hood, hunkering down.
The bounty hunter began walking to the blacksmith, who glanced up when he saw her approaching. "Ah, welcome, miss," he said. "What can I make for you today?"
"A crystal ball, please," Bootstilla said.
Nodding, the blacksmith reached down and grabbed a small box, handing it to her before his voice lowered to a whisper. "Word has it that Odalia is seeking to be like Belos," he said and she bowed her head, listening. "The Bat Queen has had the palismans scatter among the towns for fear of Odalia seeking them out."
"Protect them well," the bounty hunter said also in a whisper. "Any word as to where Odalia works?"
"No, but speculation is she's in a dark place that can't easliy be noticed."
She nodded and took the box, paying him. "Thank you," she said before tucking the box away.
"How's that shield holding up?" He asked, his voice still a whisper.
"Strong as ever," she said, smiling. "Your finest work yet."
The blacksmith nodded, looking pleased. "Good luck," he said to her.
"You too," she said before walking away. Batty squeaked softly in her ear and she nodded. "Yes, we'll see the baker next."
The baker, a robust woman, was setting out her pastries when she saw the cloaked woman approach. "I had a feeling you'd be arriving today, dearie," she said, smiling. "What can this humble baker get for you?"
"I'll take three of each of your wonderful pies, a dozen of donuts, and some sweets for my palisman, please," Bootstilla said, smiling at the baker. "It's good to see you again, Mrs. Thorn."
"I'm glad to see you too, dearie," she said before packing up the bounty hunter's order and Bootstilla paid her. "Odalia's magic is starting to give off a horrible odor, the same as we could feel when Belos tried to take over."
"Has she found anything pertaining to Belos?"
"No, but with how she's using the magic she has, it won't be long before she becomes like him," the baker said worriedly. "Right now, word has it she's using the magic to protect herself from being found out, but because she's also using her magic for her own selfishness, it's going to backfire on her."
Bootstilla nodded and thanked her again, heading out and as she walked down the street, she opened the small bag that had been tied to the big bag carrying the pastries and she took out a small cookie, handing it to Batty, who eagerly took it with a happy squeak. Bootstilla saw that Mrs. Thorn had also included a free cookie for her and she ate it with a smile.
Their next stop was a school where the children were playing outside. She sat on a bench nearby and waited patiently. A moment later, a little girl and a little boy approached her and she smiled at them, reaching into her pocket and pulling out two lollipops that had a center filled with delicious taffy. The children lit up at seeing the treats before looking up at her. "That mean lady came to my house the other day, asking my dad if he'd seen her daughter," she said. "She looked scary."
"Her hair was messy," the little boy, the girl's brother said. "Like she had been rolling around in the woods."
Bootstilla nodded. "Has she come here?" She asked.
"No," the girl said. "But some of our friends have said they've seen her at their houses too. Some of the adults are getting upset that she's bothering us."
The bounty hunter gave them the candy. "Thank you, children," she said before standing up and walking away. As she did, she suddenly felt a small hand tug her cloak and she turned to find another little boy, who handed her something. When she looked at it, she saw it was a note from her judge friend.
"Grandpa told me to give you that," the boy said, keeping his voice low. "He said it would help."
"Thank you, little one," Bootstilla said, reaching into her pocket and pulling out a lollipop for him. "Tell your grandfather that my friends and I will handle that woman and bring her before him."
The boy nodded and headed off, to which Bootstilla walked to the outskirts of town and pushed her hood down. "We better get back to the others, Batty," she said.
He became a staff again and soon, they were back at Alador's home. Bootstilla walked in and was setting out the pastries she had bought when Amity and Luz walked into the kitchen, sleepily rubbing their eyes. "Morning," Amity said as Luz leaned her head on the purple-haired woman's shoulder.
"Good morning," Bootstilla smiled. "I've got donuts and fresh pies."
Luz perked up. "Donuts?" She asked.
"From one of the most wonderful bakers I know," the bounty hunter said.
"Ah, from Mrs. Thorn," Alador said as he walked in, smiling. "Her baking is amazing."
The girls came downstairs, both being carried by Emira and Edric. "Did someone say Mrs. Thorn?" Emira asked hopefully.
Bootstilla smiled. "Sure did," she said.
They all enjoyed the delicious pastries and afterwards, Bootstilla went to go talk to Calabaza and Nabo, giving the latter the box she had gotten from the blacksmith. "I learned some things," she said. "Apparently Odalia is seeking to be the next Belos and the Bat Queen has scattered the palismans for fear that Odalia will target them."
"That's not good," Calabaza said. "Hopefully the people can help keep the palismans safe."
Nabo nodded and opened the box, pulling out a beautiful crystal orb and he lifted it up, letting it catch the light. As it did, it played a short video of the blacksmith, who looked at it. "Be careful. Odalia is sending spies out every day. We fear we may need to have protection over our town since she had threatened to hurt the town if she found out we were hiding palismans," he said before the video ended.
"That's not good either," Nabo said. "I think we'll have to ask the Owl Lady and Alador, along with some of the other masters who didn't agree with Belos to help us protect the citizens."
"If only we knew where Odalia was, we could seal her away in a bubble shield," Bootstilla said. "Mrs. Thorn said that Odalia's magic is smelling foul because she's not only using magic to shield herself from being found, but she's also using her magic selfishly too."
"She's going mad then," Calabaza said, shaking his head sadly. "If we don't stop her in time, things are going to get bad and really quick."
"I may have an idea," came Amity's voice as the three turned to find her coming up to them. "But I need to know a few things first. In fact, we all do."
Luz came out and nodded. "Bootstilla, can you please be fully honest with us about yourself?" She asked. "Your actions say one thing, yet the rumors say another and I need to know that you're on our side one hundred percent."
Bootstilla looked at Nabo and Calabaza. "What do you two think?" She asked.
"I trust Alador wholeheartedly and his daughter has proven to be like him," Nabo said. "I know she'd keep your secret, Little Pumpkin."
"Luz would too, Blossom," Calabaza said. "She's proven her loyalty to her friends many times, even though it meant she might get hurt."
Bootstilla nodded and took a deep breath. "You two are right. You deserve to know the whole truth," she said. "But rest assured, I have never lied to either of you."
"We know," Amity said with a nod. "But...it's hard to fully accept something after hearing something else for so long."
"Fair enough," the bounty hunter said. "Alright, gather everyone inside. And you shall learn the full truth of Bootstilla, the bounty hunter."
I did say Bootstilla's back story along with why she is immune to magic and has a palisman would be revealed, didn't I? :) Next chapter will reveal all of that. :)
Please leave a review, but no flames!
GoldGuardian2418