by Liss Thomas
“Where’s Charlie?” she asked. Quickening her pace, she hurried back to the room. Sir Alastaire, ready to leave, stood waiting. “Where’s Charlie?” she asked again. Sir Alastaire looked pained. He walked over to Missy and took her hand in his.
“He had to go home, girl.”
She remembered the way he fought to get to her. “Is he ok?” she asked, a tremble in her voice.
“We don’t know. Let’s go, child,” he said. Alastaire and Ginger left the room with Missy automatically following. Elyen stood waiting as they neared the fighting chamber.
“The Devil would like to see you before you leave,” she said, gesturing for them to follow. As they entered the chamber, the crowd cheered on the latest contender. Vrag saw the new comers and made short order of the current challenger, a hyena, who at present was no longer laughing. As the attendants carried the whining animal away, Vrag caught sight of Missy and motioned her to come forth. The crowd parted as she made her way to the center of the circle.
“Ready to try again, human?” he asked.
Missy readied her staff as The Devil did the same.
“If you can knock me down, I will give you what you seek,” he said. Without waiting, he attacked. Missy used swift, vicious strokes to deflect The Devil’s blows. She struck him several times as she blocked. Then she was on the offensive, moving and striking in short, swift movements. The crowd cheered and egged her on as she fought. Her blows were hard and exact. The Devil’s swings were vicious. She knew from the night’s exercise that he would injure her if he hit her. He would not give her an easy victory; she would have to earn it. Vrag tried to keep his feet planted but Missy forced him backwards. She fought unrelenting and soon he stumbled several more steps. Missy saw her chance and increased her attack until she was able to use his momentum to topple him. With one quick move, she blocked his staff and threw her shoulder into The Devil. Using her staff, she swept his legs, sending him sprawling to the floor. The crowd erupted in cheers, the loudest shouts coming from Sir Alastaire. The Devil got to his feet and moved forward until he stood inches away.
Raising his massive paws, palms out he said, “Strike.”
Missy punched his outstretched palms one then the other.
“Again, harder,” he said. She complied.
“Again, harder.” She squared her stance and did as he asked. The Devil nodded.
“You already have courage and determination, but you need strength to become a monster,” Vrag said. Reaching out, he took Missy’s hands in his. The familiar blue light shone from them. It enveloped Missy and she felt the warm comfort it always brought. As the light faded, she felt no different. Raising his paws, Vrag instructed her again. “Strike as hard as you can.”
Missy concentrated and hit his right hand. Vrag staggered backwards from the blow.
“Again, harder,” he said. Feeling the power surging, Missy hit his left hand as hard as she could, sending The Devil around and to the ground. He rose and walked forward.
When he was close, Missy bowed respectfully. “Thank you,” she said.
Vrag leaned forward and whispered. “Your next challenge will not be so easy. You must fight not with strength, but with intelligence and wisdom.
“Yes, sir,” Missy said.
Vrag went on to detail the next challenge in Missy’s quest to become a monster. As she left, what could only be described as a smile, played at the corners of his mouth. Elyen caught a glimpse of it just before it flickered away, and The Devil growled for his next challenger.
Chapter 10
Missy and her companions reached the outer door to The Devil’s dwelling. A small, mouse-like servant waited for them.
“Your winnings, My Lady,” he said as he handed a pouch to Missy.
“What is it?” she asked.
“Gold, of course.”
Missy smiled, relieved she would be able to keep her promise to the troll. They headed south toward the squirrels’ new home. As they neared it, something occurred to Missy.
“Sir Alastaire, why did you help me in my quest? You didn’t need the help moving to your new home, did you?”
Ginger gave her husband a soft smile then walked ahead. Sir Alastaire glanced at Missy and sighed.
“I haven’t always been a fighter, girl. I was like most squirrels; skittish, nervous, quick to run away and hide at the slightest scent of danger. Then it happened one day, Ginger and I were gathering nuts. I wasn’t paying attention as I should have, and two hyenas attacked us. We ran, of course, but they were too close; we had no escape. Even at full height, we couldn’t fight them. It was only by chance, Atian happened upon us. But by then we were pinned and bleeding badly. Atian drove away the hyenas and took us back to the Bullclan territory where we were taken care of.” Sir Alastaire trailed off. He sighed and continued, “I feared for her,” Sir Alastaire said as he watched Ginger reach their tree and ascend. “I promised myself that if she pulled through, she would never have to be afraid again. So Atian trained me to fight. My repayment to him was to help someone else,” he smiled over at Missy, “and you definitely needed my help.”
“I’m so glad you helped me, Sir Alastaire. I shall never forget it,” she said, laying a hand on his arm as they reached the tree.
“Take care of yourself, girl,” Sir Alastaire said. Ginger scurried down the tree, grew as big as she could, and gave Missy a large hug.
“Thank you both for your help,” Missy said, sad to be leaving them.
“You’ll see us again soon enough, girl. Now go, before it gets dark,” Sir Alastaire said. Ginger wiped escaping tears from her eyes as Missy turned and ran toward the bridge. Sir Alastaire hugged his wife and kissed her before they went up and into their new home.
Missy ran. She had never been able to run before, but now her strength had been magnified by The Devil’s gift. She wasn’t tired even after running several miles. She couldn’t contain her excitement. Charlie must feel better and stronger now that she was also stronger. She saw the bridge and slowed as she approached it.
A group of caped travelers were already crossing it. The troll had his hand out for payment but they ignored it. The tallest of the travelers growled and attacked the troll, knocking his club away with ease. The others laughed as they pushed past the troll and made their way across the bridge without paying.
When they were out of sight, Missy continued toward the bridge. The troll watched as she approached. Missy walked up, and with a big smile on her face, handed the troll the pouch. “As promised, gold.”
The troll looked at her in astonishment, and then peered into the bag. He pulled two coins from the pouch before handing the rest back to Missy.
“You kept promise. Most do not. You not like most,” the troll said.
“I always try to keep my promises. I saw the other travelers. Do you ever get paid for guarding the bridge?” she asked.
He looked away and shook his head. “I am small,” he said, frowning. “My brothers will not be happy. If I do not collect my share of gold, they will not give me meat.”
Missy’s heart ached for the troll. He stood at least a foot taller than her and was probably twice as strong. She could tell that a little confidence, a few pointers, and a little luck were all he really needed.
“I’m small too, but I can teach you how to defend your bridge.”
“You will help me?” he asked, suspicious of her now.
“Yes, The Devil and Sir Alastaire Henry helped me. It’s only fair that I help you. What’s your name, troll?” she asked.
“Belinak,” he said.
The troll scratched his arm and followed Missy from the bridge. She demonstrated a few quick movements, repeating some of Vrag’s midnight lessons. The troll watched eagerly and soon trusted her enough to let her teach him. He learned quickly, and within two hours, he moved with faster, leaner swings than before.
The sound of another traveler rustled through the woods. Turning, they saw a badger coming toward them. Missy recog
nized him from his fight with Vrag. Belinak went to the center of the bridge and waited. When the badger tried to cross without paying, Belinak stopped him.
“Must pay gold to pass,” Belinak said.
“Out of my way, runt,” the badger said as he tried to muscle his way past. Belinak pointed his club at the badger’s chest.
“Must pay gold.”
The badger swatted the club away. Belinak smashed the tip of the massive club down on the badger’s paw then jumped back. The badger howled in pain and pulled his staff to the ready. He swung wildly at the troll but never hit his mark. Belinak blocked the staff. He bellowed a maddening war cry and snarled at the badger who jumped back in alarm. Belinak snatched the staff from the bewildered badger and, swinging both weapons, advanced on his foe, knocking him to the ground and pinning him with his own staff.
“Must pay gold,” he said with more heat this time.
The badger threw his hands up in surrender and fished out two gold coins from his money pouch.
“Thank you,” Belinak said, as he took the gold and helped the badger to his feet. He handed the staff back and stood aside to let the badger pass. The badger ran limping from the bridge, down the path, and was soon out of sight.
Missy applauded as she came from behind a tree, congratulating the troll. “That was great, Belinak. There will be plenty of meat for you tonight,” she said.
“Stay. I will share meat,” he said.
“I’d love to, but I must go before it gets too late. Maybe next time. Goodbye,” she said as she hurried away from the bridge. The little troll flashed a crooked smile and waved goodbye.
Missy continued running. The light began to fade, but she had only a few more miles to go. She topped a hill and could see the Bullclan settlement in the next valley. The main stone mound, although not quite a mountain, still impressed her with its size. At first glance, most would assume the Bulls lived in caves. But once inside, the opulence rivaled any palace or castle. They carved the entire dwelling from a single stone mound, creating interlocking halls and rooms to create a maze of exquisite beauty throughout. Missy increased her speed and closed the distance just as the sun slipped below the horizon.
Sophie and Atian stood waiting as she approached the outer door. Missy approached Sophie, whose outstretched arms were waiting for her. Missy threw herself into them. They held each other tight and wept.
“You’ve done well, Missy. I feel your increased strength,” Sophie said.
“Is Charlie alright?” Missy asked. It was Atian who answered.
“He was very weak when we found out what he was up to. When his reflection returned, we thought it best to keep him in sleep until you returned. He would be able to rest and not worry. Come.” Atian led the way back to Missy’s room.
“Why don’t you freshen up, dear? Then we will take you to see Charlie,” Sophie suggested.
Missy didn’t argue. When they left her alone, Missy crossed to the wardrobe and pulled the door open. She smiled in amazement as fresh clothes waited for her. Missy pulled a full length silk gown, in a soft mint color, with a lacy trimmed bodice from the wardrobe. A little note pinned to the front said ‘wear this one’. She smiled and laid the beautiful garment on the bed before heading to the washing room. Water pumped from hot springs made the bath soothing to her tired muscles. There were sweet smelling soaps and oils available for her use and she tried a few. Once cleaned and refreshed from the bath, Missy emerged to dress. Sophie sat waiting for her and helped the girl with the new clothes.
“The gown is so beautiful. Thank you,” Missy said as Sophie adjusted the lace up back.
“So are you, my dear,” Sophie said, smiling. When Missy finished dressing, Sophie kissed her cheeks softly and led her from the room. Atian stood by Charlie’s door waiting for them. He seemed pleased and opened the door for Missy to enter.
“He will awaken at your presence. Well done, Missy,” Atian said, shutting the door behind her.
Missy moved toward Charlie’s bed and sat on the edge. She ran her fingers through the hairs surrounding his face. He stirred a little as she continued to caress him. Finally, Charlie’s eyes opened.
“How do you feel, Charlie?” Missy asked in a worried tone.
“Ok, I guess,” he replied. He sat up and ran his fingers down Missy’s arms, as though looking for signs of injury. “I saw the fight. I wanted to help you so badly but I couldn’t. You don’t have to do this, Missy. I can’t bear to see you hurt like that again. After surviving your world into mine, how can I risk losing you now? Losing you once was enough.” He pulled her into his arms and blinked back the tears stinging his eyes.
“But I did it, Charlie. I completed my first quest. I’m stronger now, can’t you feel it?” She pulled back. The hurt in her chest was gone now, he should feel it too. Missy leaned in and planted a small kiss on his hairy lips. A little blue spark popped as their lips touched. Tingles rippled through Charlie’s body. Then he felt the change, the strength returning. He did feel stronger. Getting out of bed, he walked the room, testing himself. He turned to face Missy and smiled. She smiled too and rushed to him.
“I can do this, Charlie. Trust me. I didn’t fight my whole life with cancer to come here and get taken out by some magical creatures. I’ll fight, and this time, I’ll win.”
Charlie lifted her from the floor and whirled her around the room. He put her back down and wrapped his arms around her small frame, sighing into her hair.
“I love you,” he said.
“I love you too, Charlie,” Missy replied.
“And I love the horns,” Charlie whispered.
Missy drew back and felt at her head. Two small horns like a lamb’s were embedded in her hair. She rushed toward the mirror and stared in awe.
“I guess I am becoming a monster,” She said as she stared at her reflection, poking the horns with her fingers.
“They look good on you,” Charlie complimented. They both laughed.
Charlie led them from his room and down toward the cooking fires. As they entered, sounds of celebration filled the large room. Warm smells wafted through the room sending spicy smoke up the high ceiling to a venting window carved in the stone. Small birds sat on the edge and snatched small crumbs caught in the current. Sophie and Atian came forward and ushered the couple to the center table where a feast of sweet breads, warm butter, fruits, and sliced meats awaited them.
“We celebrate my son and his human today,” Atian shouted. “Her quest to become a monster has begun. May they live long and happy lives together in our world.”
The shouts and well wishes rang out as others of the clan came by to greet the newest member of the family. They laughed, danced, and enjoyed the moment for all too soon the next quest would begin.
Birds flew to and fro from the Bullclan territory. A pair of keen eyes watched from a distance, his muscles twitching in agitation. Soon, a sun yellow wren from the cooking fire’s window flew too close to the predator’s deadly grasp. He snatched his victim from the sky and squeezed the bird in his hands. A black smoky film swirled around the long muzzle otherwise hidden under the oversized cloak. The bird struggled painfully against the force holding him captive, lifting from him the sights and sounds he’d witnessed in the Bullclan’s territory just minutes before. A sinister grin spread over razor sharp teeth at the celebration and the newest member of the Bullclan. Satisfied, he let the film dissipate and die away before he snapped his jaws around the small morsel in his hands. Climbing down from his treetop perch, he examined the unconscious bull on the ground. Another animal joined him and pulled the large bull from the ground, and slung him over his shoulder with ease.
“Find out where the human girl child’s next quest will be,” he said before morphing and disappearing into the forest.
Chapter 11
Missy squinted against the intense sunlight as she walked across the field to the enclosure. Tucked snugly inside her fur hat, coat, and boots, she’d grimaced when she first s
aw her reflection in the mirror, thinking Chewbacca stared back. Once she stepped out into the cold morning air, she felt thankful for the warm clothing. She thought the fur might have been long haired yak but it might be rude to ask. Charlie and Atian looked up and smiled as she neared the pen.
“So, what’s the big surprise,” she asked, as she reached the empty corral.
“Your next challenge is in dragon territory. You’ll need a cabayo to make the trip,” Atian said.
“Cabayo?” Missy asked. Charlie let out a high-pitched whistle and several large cabayo ran to the fencing. Jumping back in alarm and amazement, Missy gawked at the size of the creatures before her. She would have liked to call them horses but they dwarfed even a sixteen hand Clydesdale. Their sturdy legs resembled an elephant’s legs, not spindly and narrow like an ordinary horse, yet their movements were swift as a thoroughbred.
“It’s ok, Missy, they’re quite tame,” Charlie assured her. Missy hedged forward and glanced up at the closest cabayo. Reaching out, she stroked the animal’s leg and marveled at how silky the long black hair felt. Missy smiled up at the beast. Charlie jumped the fence and mounted one of the cabas. It responded and handled just like a horse.
“They are easy to ride and very fast,” Charlie said, as he kicked the caba’s hinds and it began to gallop with incredible speed. They rounded the corral then trotted back to the fence. Atian climbed over and took the reins from Charlie as he dismounted.
A screech echoed from the nearby barn, followed by several shouts of panic. They all turned toward the barn and saw several others of the Bullclan running for cover. Behind them, a small cabayo snorted and bucked his way through the door.
“I thought we got rid of that runt!” Atian bellowed as he ran to help rein in the animal.