“Damned right,” Becky growled, leaving the tent with Kuro trailing her.
Alvin had everything packed and ready to go by the time Becky came back. Seeing her angry face, Alvin offered her the juice he had in hand. “What was the verdict?”
“A group of the Elves that were captured broke away from the area and apparently decided to try and escape with our stuff,” Becky sneered. “You looted the bodies. Did they have chains on?”
“Yes, but not on their arms,” Alvin said slowly.
“The chains of binding normally are used on just the legs, but they used the normal manacles for their arms,” Kuro said. “The fact they didn’t have their manacles is disconcerting.”
“They were using the men to kill us,” Becky snapped. “Then they would have all of our stuff, but could deny it if it failed, which it did.”
“Nothing of worth on them except for two sets of binding chains,” Alvin said. “How do those work, Kuro?”
Kuro glanced at him, then away. “Binding chains are keyed to the one who places them on another person. Only that person can unlock them, and if the wearer gets too far from their jailor, they start to weaken. If they persist on getting further away, they’ll die.”
“We’ll need to keep these, then. They have good use,” Alvin said. “I only have some fruit, cheese, and meat for breakfast. Didn’t want to get anything hot if you were going to be a bit.”
“Thank you,” Becky said as she leaned against Ruffian. “They think we’re idiots.”
“We’ll be leaving them behind once we reach a town,” Alvin shrugged. “We’ll go to the closest city and take a good look at this place, then head back out.”
“Neither of them is coming with us today,” Becky said. “I told them no when they asked, after they lied to me.”
“Works,” Alvin said as he popped a bit of cheese into his mouth. “Kuro, did you want to dance to the song before we leave?”
Kuro paused with a piece of meat halfway to her mouth. “I would like to.”
“What song?” Becky asked, clearly thrown off by the unexpected tangent.
“I played some classical music for her yesterday and she really enjoyed ‘Ride of the Valkyries.’ She mentioned wanting to dance to it, and I suggested she should do so when you were there to watch,” Alvin said.
Hardness falling away, Becky gave Kuro a smile. “I’d like to see that.”
Kuro ate the last few bits of her food, looking at the Humvee. “Will it listen to me if I ask for the music?”
“I’m not sure… it should, since you’re in my group,” Alvin said. “Try it. If it doesn’t work, I’ll tell it to. Just open the driver door.”
Kuro opened the door and asked for the song, then moved a few feet away. As the song started, Kuro summoned her blades, the scrollwork and edges flaring to life with the green energy she imbued them with. The slow build-up of the song had Kuro swaying, her blades idly flickering out to slash at imagined arrows. When the horns came in hard, Kuro exploded into motion. Her body flowed as she danced against enemies, both blades spinning in a dazzling display of attacks and parries.
When the song slowed, Kuro’s dance slowed with it and became spurts of movement in time to the music as she focused on single opponents. As the refrain started up again, she went back to fighting a pitched battle against multiple enemies. Kuro came to a stop when the song ended, facing both of them with empty hands.
“I told you my toy is amazing,” Becky said as she moved to Kuro. “You are beautiful, Mousie.”
“Thank you, Matriarch,” Kuro beamed at her.
“We should let her hear some rock next,” Alvin chuckled. “Lots of good beats to be found in that genre.”
“I’ll have a selection of music playing today and she’ll be with me,” Becky said.
“I don’t blame you,” Alvin said, looking toward the army camp becoming more active as the light grew. “I think they’ll be moving soon.”
“Lightkiller comes this way,” Kuro said, her eyes focused on the solitary figure walking toward them.
Alvin stepped forward to meet the Elf. “Morning. I take it we're going to be leaving soon?”
“Yes. I was also asked to request once more that you let Skyfall ride with you. We know that Gothy has declined, but Skyfall thought that since the army is less likely to be attacked today, perhaps you would like her to take you to town in advance of the army.”
Alvin glanced to Becky, who frowned, but nodded her head slightly. “Just Skyfall,” Alvin said, turning away from Lightkiller.
Standing there, Lightkiller grimaced at his back, not used to men dismissing her so abruptly. “I shall let her know.”
Alvin watched Lightkiller walk away. “I guess I get Skyfall?”
“Yup. I want to know just how she thinks she’s going to woo you away from me,” Becky snickered. “At least we’ll get to town earlier than expected.”
“That should give us a good chance to take a look around before bedding down for the night,” Alvin nodded. “I’ll see if I can send Kuro’s favorite songs over to you. Or better yet, have her ask for her favorites and see if it works.”
“Have fun, but not too much fun,” Becky said, giving Alvin a raised eyebrow. “Sharing is caring, but I’m not sharing you with that bitch.”
Laughing, Alvin climbed into the Humvee and got the switch primed to start the vehicle. “Wouldn’t want her. If I go Elf, it’s going to be a Mousie, all the way.”
Kuro’s cheeks heated, and Becky pulled Kuro to her chest from behind. “My wonderful little Mousie, ravished by you… I have to be there for that.”
“Of course you will be,” Alvin said, seeing Skyfall walking toward them. “Not today, though. Mousie isn’t ready yet.”
“We’ll see,” Becky murmured, kissing the tip of Kuro’s ear. “Come on beautiful, get in the car. We’re going for a drive.”
Skyfall looked toward Becky and Kuro getting into the Mustang, then went to the passenger side of the Humvee. Skyfall gave Alvin an appraising look as she got in. “I see I’m with you today.”
“Yeah, that’s the plan. I don’t think you will be for long, though,” Alvin chuckled. “Since we’re not waiting for the army, we should be there quick. Give me directions.”
“Very well. I do like a man who knows how to listen to me,” Skyfall said, her voice dripping with sugar. “Once you go around them, head the way we have been. I will correct your course as we get closer.”
Alvin rolled his eyes as he started the Humvee. “This is going to be fun.”
It wasn’t long after they passed the army that Skyfall leaned toward Alvin. “Your name is Hero?”
“No, that’s just what Gothy calls me,” Alvin said. “You can call me Alvin.”
“Elvin,” Skyfall said slowly.
“Al-vin,” he corrected her.
“Alvin. You may call me Bemere, as friends should be more informal,” Skyfall said. “I hope we will be friends. I am curious as to the nature of your bond with Gothy. From what I’ve seen, she seems to value Lightskin over you, even so far as making you use this vehicle by yourself.”
Snorting, Alvin shook his head. “You’ve got our relationship wrong.”
“Oh?” Skyfall shifted in her seat to face him better. “Would you care to enlighten me?”
“Gothy and I are married, for all intents and purposes,” Alvin said, deciding that was better than claiming ownership, as that might be too close to the King’s Elves. “Kuro is her new toy, who she has adopted after having saved her life.”
“It doesn’t bother you that Gothy favors her toy over you?” Skyfall asked. “I can’t believe a man with your talent for elemental binding would agree to that.”
“Is that so?”
“A man who can bind elementals would be much sought after in the Queen’s court. The Queen herself would probably have her eye on you, if she knew.”
“The Queen would want me for my ability to bind elementals?”
�
�Of course. At least, I would think so,” Skyfall said, leaning forward.
Glancing over, he saw that Skyfall’s armor was missing, something he hadn’t thought about when she had gotten in. It was a poignant fact now, and her shirt was unlaced enough to show off some cleavage.
“If nothing else, those of power near the Queen, like the Champions and Matriarchs, would definitely be interested.”
“You know, Skyfall,” Alvin said, making sure to use her surname, “it’s too bad I’m perfectly happy with Gothy. I’m sure most men would be drooling idiots for you right now, but compared to my gothic temptress, you’re not even in the same league.”
Lips parting, Skyfall blinked, not quite believing what she had just heard. “Excuse me?”
“I’ll forgive the pass, but it ain’t gonna work. I have Gothy, and if I find the need for any Elf action, Gothy is more than willing to have Kuro service me. You’re superfluous to demands right now.”
Sitting upright as if she’d been slapped, Skyfall was at a loss for words. “Oh, look there’s a town up ahead of us,” Alvin went on after a long silence. “Guess we’ll be able to stop the awkwardness soon.”
Skyfall looked at the rapidly approaching town with a frown. “Your steeds are fearsome in battle and can cover distances much faster than I had anticipated.”
“I’m always surprising people,” Alvin chuckled. “The sun is barely clearing the horizon. That should give us plenty of time to find a place to stay and shop. Oh, and about payment for our services? When are you paying up?”
Skyfall’s face hardened. “I need to report to the Queen to get the items Gothy asked for. She is in the capital of Nightholt, which is many days distance from here.”
“Hmm, maybe we’ll want to take you there ourselves, then. Don’t want to miss being paid.”
“I’ve never failed to pay a debt,” Skyfall hissed at him.
“Good,” Alvin smiled, “I’d hate to be the one to kill you for doing so.”
Chapter Ten
Skyfall brooded silently all the way to the town after Alvin’s casual declaration that he’d kill her if she didn’t pay up. Her face was hard, but she kept much of the anger she felt off it. Alvin let the silence linger and ignored her obvious displeasure as he took in the approaching town.
It was sitting next to a pass in the mountains, surrounded on all sides by fifteen foot stone walls. The stone was etched with runes or glyphs that seemed to hold shadows to them. The tallest buildings inside reached at most three stories, and there were only a handful of them.
Directly in front of the Humvee was a closed gate, guarded by more dark-skinned Elves. The guards were staring at the vehicle with curious gazes, but still ready to act. “Looks like you’re up, Skyfall,” Alvin said, coming to a halt a couple dozen yards short of the wall.
Getting out of the Humvee, Skyfall stood proudly before the guards. “I am Champion Skyfall, returned from battle. The army follows, and should be here by nightfall. Make ready to receive the wounded and serfs. Open the gate, for I must speak to the Matriarch about what has occurred at the Gate.”
Both doors of the gate began to open, and Skyfall got back into the Humvee. “As promised, I am making your way easier.”
“Thanks,” Alvin chuckled. “While you go do your stuff, we’ll be looking around. I’m sure you’ll be able to find us easily enough.”
“I’m sure I will,” Skyfall said. “The Matriarch’s manor is right there, stop for me. The best place to stay is just down from here, called the King’s Head. I will make sure everything is handled for you.”
“It is nice to see the first bits of payment being taken care of,” Alvin said as he slowed the Humvee, stopping before the building she wanted. “Pleasant day, Skyfall.”
Once she was out of the Humvee, Alvin drove slowly down the street toward the inn. The streets were wide enough, and everyone who saw the Humvee stepped well away from it, making the drive much easier than he had feared inside the town. He came to a stop outside the inn, parked, and got out.
Startled gasps, screams, and the sound of running feet got Alvin’s attention. The people who had been nearby were all fleeing from him. “Wow, and I didn’t even get to say anything. That’s a new record, even for me.”
Ruffian came to a halt behind him and Becky and Kuro got out. “I see you’re being your usual charming self,” Becky quipped.
“It’s the fact he is a light-skinned male, and alone in the vehicle,” Kuro said, not realizing Becky was just teasing him.
“Thank you, Kuro,” Alvin sniffed, acting hurt by Becky’s words.
“You’re as hurt as I’m an innocent cheerleader,” Becky deadpanned.
Snickering at the idea, Alvin shrugged. “Fine. Shall we see about a room for the night? We need to use a doorway for the base anyway, but we might as well keep up appearances.”
“Let me handle this please, Matriarch?”
“Of course, Mousie. This is your world; you need to lead us while we are here.”
“Yes, Matriarch,” Kuro beamed at Becky, stepping past Alvin toward the door. “Follow me, please.”
The interior of the inn wasn’t what Alvin had envisioned; he was expecting the standard fantasy adventurer inn, with a bar and a lot of tables. What he saw was closer to the lobby of a hotel, like the Goldfield Inn had been. Rich rugs covered the stone floor, and chairs and small sofas were scattered around, with potted plants or dividers breaking up line of sight. Just inside was a counter, behind which a male Elf with a skin tone close to Kuro’s stood.
“Greetings…” the words trailed off as he looked from Kuro to the other two. “Demons…” the second word was barely a whisper.
“Humans,” Kuro said into the following silence. “They are guests of Champion Skyfall, who is currently seeing the town Matriarch. The army is returning, so your rooms will soon be filled by officers as it was on the march out to the Gate. I’m to secure the best room for these two, Matriarch Gothy and Hero.”
The Elf just blinked as he stared at the two outsiders. Shaking his head, he finally seemed to come back to his senses. “Do you have a chit or letter to prove your claim?”
Alvin chuckled, but stayed quiet when Kuro looked back at him. “I do not, as we’ve just barely got to town. I can go interrupt Champion Skyfall’s meeting with—”
“Dayson, what is the issue?” The smooth tones of a female Elf came from the doorway behind the clerk. “Customers…” she trailed off as she saw them clearly, before her smile became fixed. “I heard your story and we will gladly put you up for the night. You will need to pay in advance, but once Champion Skyfall verifies your story, your coin will be returned to you.”
Kuro pulled out a small pouch from her bag and placed it on the counter. The female smiled and picked up the pouch. Eyes closed for a moment, a real smile formed on her lips.
“This is sufficient for two nights with all amenities. I shall keep the coins in their bag until tonight. If your story is confirmed, it shall be returned unopened. Would you like to see your room?”
“Please,” Kuro said, stepping back and bowing her head to Becky. “Matriarch Gothy, they will show us to the room. Please, follow me.”
“Of course. Lead on,” Becky replied.
“Dayson, ring for a maid to care for them,” the manager said. “I’m the owner, Nym Eveningwine. If you have any trouble, please tell me and I shall fix it.”
“Of course,” Kuro bowed her head to Nym.
Dayson had rung a small bell, and as the conversation finished, a light-skinned Elven woman came out from across the room. “Obel, these are your charges for the next few days,” Dayson informed the maid.
Obel curtsied to them, though her eyes were wide as she stared at Becky and Alvin. “It… it’s a pleasure. Please, follow me.”
“They will likely not speak to you directly,” Kuro said. “I’m their agent while they are under the hand of Skyfall.”
Obel’s already wide eyes grew larger. “It’s an
honor to serve a Champion of the Queen.”
“Indeed,” Kuro said as they followed the maid to a set of impressive wooden stairs.
They were taken to the third floor, where there were only four doors in the hall that ran down the middle of the building. Going to the far-right door, Obel opened it and lead them inside. They were given a quick tour of the suite, which consisted of the main room, followed by the master bedroom and a smaller servant’s room.
“Is there anything you will need?” Obel asked, standing next to the door.
“No. We will be stepping out of the inn for a bit, but will be back for dinner,” Kuro said. “I shall send for you if we have need of anything.”
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