The Adventures of Theophilus Thistle

by David Partelow

  With swift precision, Theophilus took hold of the satchel upon the goblin’s back. Securing himself, the weed was pleased to see he had remained unnoticed. Now seeing him upon the goblin, Kelisay’s attacks shifted direction, allowing the goblin to flee in his desired direction. Knowing it may be his only chance, the goblin rushed swiftly away from the kelpie and toward safety.

  As the goblin neared his destination, the ground magically opened. Cackling in joyous triumph, the goblin leaped into the hole. The light of the Firestar was quickly snuffed out as the land closed once more. As Theophilus let his eyes adjust, he released his hold on the goblin, landing on the floor before hiding behind some rock.

  Theophilus waited in silence as the goblin caught his breath. The creature was still elated at escaping, not realizing that his escape had been allowed. Now clearly pleased with himself, the goblin ventured deeper into the caverns as Theophilus watched him go. Left to his own devices, the little weed allowed his eyes to adjust as he observed the goblin caverns.

  Theophilus found himself within a wide, rocky tunnel. Looking about, he could see that it wound in every which way, leading into many directions. He was shocked to see how vast the system appeared to be. Every now and then, a goblin or orc worker would pass by, but for the moment the tunnels were relatively quiet.

  Not wishing to get lost, the little weed silently pursued the goblin he and Kelisay had tormented. The fellow now walked at a happy pace, apparently relieved still at his escape and eager for perhaps food and leisure. Theophilus darted here and there, using the dark corners and occasional rocks to hide his pursuit. He used his size to his fullest advantage, moving without a sound and keeping within a relative distance to his focus.

  After long, harrowing minutes of perilous travel, the tunnel reached its end and quickly widened. Theophilus nearly gasped then as he fully realized the scope of the underground treachery at hand. There in front of him was a near stronghold of villainy. Goblins, orcs, and other minions labored making armor and weapons while new recruits were brutally trained for conquest. With what he saw, the little weed surmised that the goblins were helping to prepare for an all-out invasion.

  Seeking cover once more. Theophilus continued to map out the area as he searched for prisoners. He finally set his eyes on three cages, and seeing his friends alive brought great joy to his heart, yet the misery they found themselves in also pained him greatly. Theophilus knew he had to reach them, but first he had to accomplish his task, or his entire trip would be for naught.

  Well, Digus, the time has come and it’s now or never. Let’s hope that the fates are with us today, thought Theophilus as he prepared himself.

  With our luck together, I am far from optimistic, responded Digus dryly.

  I would argue if it weren’t true, replied Theophilus as he set himself to enact his plan.

  Timing the patrolling guards, Theophilus darted stealthily through the goblin's hideout. Working his way to the foundry, the little weed procured a jagged, gray bean from his pack. Finding a crevice, Theophilus jammed the bean under the foundry before searching about and moving on. He then made his way to the other parts of the hideout, strategically and carefully placing more beans before returning to hiding. It was tedious work, but Theophilus remained patient and careful.

  With all eight beans placed, Theophilus made the slow journey toward the holding cells. He could see his friends as well as Mondoor and flowers of the royal guard. Captain Shael rested alone in the third holding cell and Theophilus was relieved to see that the elf was alive. It was then that Theophilus saw Calla and his heart skipped a beat again. He calmed himself, for he couldn't lose his composure. Too much was at stake to fail now.

  Inching his way to the cells, Theophilus remained undetected as he placed his hands upon the jagged iron. Calla rested as Mondoor watched over her. Elor laid curled in Marin's lap and looked quite unhappy in their predicament. Theophilus hated to see his friends in such a state, but he still found relief in the fact they were all very much alive.

  Unable to contain himself any longer, Theophilus spoke. "I hope there are at least some of you among the cell that missed me," he whispered.

  At the sound of his voice, Calla shot up immediately, covering her mouth as her eyes widened. Tears swelling, she rushed to where Theophilus stood, reaching out to the weed. Her hands gripped his hands fiercely as she tried to keep her voice subdued. "Theophilus! I can't believe you are here! I’m so glad you are alive!"

  "You heard otherwise?" he asked.

  Calla nodded. "Yes. Lennix said he finished you off himself," she replied.

  "That is just like him," said the weed as he kissed Calla's hand. "Calla, I need you to rouse the others. We don't have a lot of time, but I am getting you out of here. Please hurry," he said.

  Calla squeezed at Theophilus's hands a final time before she turned and set to work. Notifying Mondoor, the two roused the royal guard who spread the news immediately. Captain Shael roused quickly, nodding to the little weed. Marin almost had to cover Elor's mouth when he saw Theophilus. With everyone prepared, Calla returned to Theophilus.

  "How do you plan us escaping?" she asked.

  "Easy," replied Theophilus. "We run like the dickens."

  "I expected a bit more planning on your part," said Calla.

  Theophilus offered her a wry grin. "That is just one part. I have marked a trail for us. All you have to do is follow me when the time comes," he offered.

  "Please be careful, Theophilus," said Calla. "I can't lose you."

  "I feel precisely the same, Calla," said Theophilus.

  "Who goes there?" An agitated voice brought both Theophilus and Calla back to reality. The little weed turned to face the voice. He saw two goblins both drawing their swords as they approached.

  "Well I guess now is as good a time as any to escape," mumbled Theophilus as he tossed several of his thorns.

  The little thorns struck the face and neck of the goblins. Laced with the little weed's sleeping concoction, the goblins pawed at their neck and faces as their legs buckled. Their falls to the ground stirred the rest of the inhabitants to take notice. Guards and workers alike converged on the cells and Theophilus.

  Reaching into his pack quickly, Theophilus procured the last of his market acquisitions. A small blue orb glowed with mystical energy. Now freed from the backpack it softly shined in the dark cavern recesses. Holding to it, Theophilus darted through the legs of an approaching orc before dodging wild sword strikes. The prisoners in the cell offered cheers of encouragement, hoping that the little weed knew what he was doing. Sprinting and leaping his way back toward the center of the hideout, Theophilus gathered his strength, spun once for momentum and hurled the orb into the air before drawing Digus from his back.

  The glowing blue orb sailed easily into the air. At the peak of its ascent, the orb burst open, allowing a swarm of storm clouds to escape. The ceiling was covered in this growing cloud before it opened and unleashed a heavy torrent of rain. The foundry hissed in response as the inhabitants of the hideout bellowed their annoyance. Momentarily distracted from the rain, the goblins, orcs, and plants refocused on Theophilus, ready to strike down the little weed.

  And that is when the magic beans merged with the swelling waters.

  The beans, infused with magic as they were, could be used for several purposes. The vines they produced could be climbed or eaten in emergencies. But Theophilus had a different use for them on this day. Placed as they were, once fused with water, the vines grew to great heights almost instantly. The strength and speed that the vines grew could be dangerous and damaging if not done with proper care. This was of course, what Theophilus had intended.

  The little weed watched as the vines exploded into existence. Rising like unstoppable flames, the vines upturned the foundry, tore into the rocky ceiling above, and incited immediate chaos. The damage quickly amassed as rocks fell from above while molten steel spilled and spread across the floor. The area was swiftly dominated by the
vines as goblins and orcs struggled to reclaim order or flee outright.

  With Digus in hand, Theophilus pointed the wand at the cages. Firing at the locks upon the doors, the magic wand had more than enough power to blast open each cage. As his friends and allies emerged from captivity, Theophilus set his focus upon any approaching enemies, firing Digus at anyone brave or foolish enough to attack. Soon he was joined by Calla who hugged him fiercely as he kept his eyes upon the hysteria he had produced.

  "My hero," she said teasingly yet with all sincerity.

  "Always," replied the little weed as he looked about. Thankfully everyone appeared to be able to move on their own. Captain Shael had procured a sword and Elor’s satchel from the sleeping enemies Theophilus had hit with his thorns. Theophilus nodded to the captain as Shael cut off the bindings that restricted Marin's magic. "If everyone is accounted for, I suggest we depart with all haste."

  "Lead the way," said Captain Shael.

  "Thank you, Patch!" Elor exclaimed.

  "Thank me when we are free of this place and its evil," said Patch as he motioned ahead. "Follow me!"

  Theophilus rushed forward then with the others quickly following. Captain Shael guarded the rear as Marin made sure everyone else kept up. Theophilus kept Digus at the ready, using it to chase off or fell any disciple of Moreg that stood in their way. Using the markings he had left, the little weed guided them cautiously back to where he had entered the cave. Reaching it, Theophilus fired Digus at the entrance, destroying the magical gateway while revealing the warmth of the Firestar light.

  Theophilus then covered the cavern as the sound of orcs and goblins rallying filled the air. "Everyone, up! We don't have a lot of time!" he commanded.

  One by one, the group made their way up the ladder as Theophilus watched out for them. The sounds of their enemies' anger drew dangerously closer by the second. The little weed knew that if they were caught this time, they certainly wouldn't be held as prisoners. He let that thought push him faster as he too rushed up the ladder before shooting the entrance closed.

  Once free of the caverns below, the little weed breathed a sigh of relief as Captain Shael assessed their situation. "You have done well, Theophilus. But we are not going to get far enough away on foot," he said.

  Theophilus nodded. "I agree wholeheartedly, captain, which is why I have brought some help," he replied before whistling sharply.

  At his whistle, a deep whinny filled the hair. Soon hoofbeats could be heard. As eyes focused on the direction of these sounds, a white kelpie with a flowing red mane emerged from hiding. She pulled a large cart and raced swiftly toward the group, using waters to bolster her speed. At the sight of her, Elor cheered.

  "Kelisay!" he exclaimed.

  Coming to a stop, Kelisay motioned to the cart with her head. "Hurry, friends. Your enemies approach even now!"

  Moving with all swiftness, the freed prisoners rushed into the back of the cart with Theophilus keeping watch as Captain Shael assisted them. As Captain Shael hopped on, Theophilus caught sight of orcs and goblins mounted on armored wolves and boars. When they saw the cart, one orc pointed and screamed and the group's speed increased as they approached. Seeing them, Theophilus leaped upon the cart and urged Kelisay forward.

  The kelpie used the strength of her magic to push them forward faster than normal. Kelisay had them fleeing from the enemy quickly, trying to keep distance between them. But the cart also had to be managed carefully, as its wheels protested the strain and speed placed upon them. Kelisay used great care yet pushed as hard as was allowed. This unfortunately allowed their opponents to gain ground.

  As some of the orcs and goblins broke from their pack and drew closer, Theophilus fired at them with Digus. Not needing as much power from such attacks, the little weed was able to fire with more precision, either forcing his enemies to veer off or knocking them off of their mounts altogether. Elor and the others offered him cheers of encouragement for his efforts. Theophilus felt good about their chances until he saw an even larger wolf snarling as it approached. On it was the fearsome looking gray orc in crimson robes.

  Before Theophilus could aim and fire Digus, his enemy raised his scepter, working his own magic. The road before Kelisay quickly littered with rising, violent shards and debris. The kelpie was forced to dodge them, trying not to lose control of the cart. Those in the cart held on for dear life as their travel grew highly erratic.

  Suddenly, Kelisay cried out as a rising jagged shard of land came too close for comfort. the kelpie tried to evade it, but the rear left wheel of the cart struck against it, violently shaking the cart. Elor was almost cast out, but Captain Shael grabbed him quickly, placing him in the hands of Marin. Theophilus tried to steady himself and counterattack, but it was an endeavor made worse by the weakened wheel. His shots became wilder as he tried to stave off the shaman orc and his brethren.

  Gauging the gaining enemies, Captain Shael shook his head grimly. “We cannot escape them now,” he observed.

  Theophilus nodded. “You are quite right captain,” he said before calling to the kelpie. “Kelisay, it is time for plan B!”

  “I understand,” said the kelpie before she concentrated fully on her next task.

  Pulling from the waters she utilized for speed, Kelisay pushed them so that all the remaining water she held burst into fog. The fog moved as if it were alive, sulking heavily toward the approaching enemies. Soon it engulfed them, hanging to the orcs and goblins fiercely as they bellowed their distaste and confusion. Theophilus nodded to this as the cart came to a stop.

  “This is our stop unfortunately, ladies and gents. We must take to the wilderness while we still have time,” said Theophilus.

  Kelisay unhooked herself from the cart as Captain Shael helped the others to the ground. “Are you sure this is wise, Theophilus?” she asked.

  “Wiser than facing them head on. And judging from the damage to the wheel we would get less than a league further before it broke,” he said as he pointed in the direction of the enemy. “Try to keep that fog going a little longer. We need all the head start we can get!”

  “It will be done,” said Kelisay as she concentrated on her work.

  Theophilus lead the group deep into the surrounding forest. As he kept up the brisk pace, Captain Shael again held at the rear of the group, using his skills to cover their tracks. After a long, difficult sprint, Theophilus found an area dense with trees and bushes, urging the others to get out of sight. With everyone tucked away, Theophilus and Captain Shael joined them. In the distance, the group could hear the displeasure of the orcs and goblins as the fog slowly lifted.

  The frustrated sounds of their search kept the group ill at ease well into the night.

  Chapter Ten

  Through Darkness and Danger

  Evening had fallen fully for Theophilus and his friends, yet the moon bore down too brightly for their liking. Having held cover for several hours, Captain Shael now led the group cautiously toward the relative safety of Alethia. The group was worn and weary, yet determination to reach home filled their eyes. Tension was almost as thick as the foliage that surrounded them.

  Holding Digus at the ready, Theophilus walked behind the group, keeping his eyes alert. He was accompanied by Calla who walked softly beside him. The two plants had said little for fear of discovery, but also of fear of emotion. The little weed watched for cues from Captain Shael, who stopped every now and then to ensure they were safe. Theophilus was grateful they had a Ranger to help them traverse the perilous night.

  Calla could not help but continuously glance at Theophilus. The little weed looked grim in his features, something she hated seeing upon him. Theophilus had barely looked at her since their rescue and now she worried that their friendship had been forever altered because of their circumstances. Calla knew the importance of maintaining silence, yet the distance between them was maddening. The flower hated being so close and feeling so far away to Theophilus.

  Finally, she could take
it no longer and chanced a whisper. "Theophilus," she said softly.

  The little weed held a finger to his lips, shaking his head. Ahead of them, Captain Shael paused to listen to the winds. After long moments, the Ranger moved again, yet more cautiously than before. Theophilus kept his vigil as he searched about with his eyes.

  "Theophilus, please," whispered Calla more softly than before. She also leaned closer this time so that only they could hear.

  Theophilus shook his head again at her before appearing lost in thought. As tears threatened to fill Calla's eyes, the little weed held out the end of Digus and motioned for her to grab hold of the wand. Calla did so, and once grasping it felt connected to the magical item and somehow to Theophilus as well. It was then that Theophilus smiled at her deeply.

  I'm sorry, Calla. But it is dangerous for us to speak right now. Digus said we could talk through him, thought the little weed. Calla was astounded find out she could hear his thoughts.

  I've been sullied in so many ways already, what is one more to the growing list, responded Digus.

  Hush, you, replied Theophilus.

  Calla almost replied out loud. Stopping herself with a hand over her mouth, she tried thinking aloud instead. Theophilus, this is amazing! I didn't know such a thing was possible, she said with her thoughts.

  Nor I until a few moments ago, replied Theophilus with his thoughts. Sometimes this little twig still surprises me.

  Careful your words, weed, said Digus.

  Again, hush you, said Theophilus.

  Chuckling to herself at the banter, Calla suddenly turned serious. I was worried that you were angry with me, Patch, she said.

  Theophilus took a moment before he responded to her. I am angry, Calla, but not at you. I am angry at the situation we find ourselves thrust in and the urgency that robs us of the time to fully address it, he said.

  Calla nodded, gripping to Digus more tightly. I fear the situation steals away at the depth of feeling I have for you, Theophilus, she said.