This made Katrena stop, turn around, and bend down again. “You are doing fine. Just don’t teach the human any more combat skills. You never were any good as a fighter.” She patted his head and was gone.
Rain still fell, but in softer sheets as Queig watched the booth flaps close.
***
Kara woke feeling cramped and achy. Her head hurt, but found when she went to try to comfort it, her hand would not reach the back of her head. She was in a box—no, a cage—of some sort. Panic began to rise, but her mind did its best to hold it at bay.
Wherever she was, it was very dark; Kara could hardly see her hands in front of her. With her fingers, she felt along the sides to try to create a sensory picture of it. There were five long metal bars in the front, with a latch that held what felt like a large key lock. The roof and floor were made of a dense wood. Behind her, from what she could feel, seemed similar to the front without the lock.
Dread increased slowly, as Kara came to terms with her new home. There would be no physical exit out of this box. Trapped and alone again. She held back the tears as long as she could, but a few sobs shook themselves out. Once those released, her resolve just gave up and she wept.
“Tears only get you so far.” A tiny voice came from her left.
Startled, she looked into the darkness and called out. “Hello?”
The voice didn’t return. Kara thought about calling out once more, sure she had heard something, but started to question her hearing. Maybe she was becoming delusional.
“Sadness never got me out of this place.” When the voice came, she did her best to listen and concentrate on it. Kara knew she definitely heard the voice.
“Who are you?”
At first she thought the voice had gone, but it answered back. “Just a nobody, probably like you.”
Rude. Hopefully this isn’t some relation to Ynob.
“Where are we?”
This time the voice did not answer for a minute. She was about to ask something else, when it spoke. “It is a metaphor of life. Trapped in a cage in a cave with limited ability to do anything. How lovely is that?”
Kara finally realized what was strange about the voice. It said it was sad, but the tone held no emotion whatsoever. Anything it said was flat, monotone, and gray.
“So we are in a cave?” Kara was anxious to keep it talking.
“You must be one of those humans.”
“What…what do you mean by that?” She did her best to keep her own emotions out of her words.
“The kind that think there is hope of escaping. The cells are built to last, and magically enhanced so even a strong ogre could not escape. Someone is always guarding the entrance of the cave. Plus, there is Melina. Escape is not possible, human. No one has, and no one will. Just accept your life now.” And the voice faded into the engulfing darkness.
Kara’s temper was booming. The voice was more irritating than convincing. Ever since her ordeal with the shard, she conditioned herself not to be weak. No silly voice was going to bring her down. But she took a minute before speaking, calming herself down. She needed to learn more, but anger wasn’t going to help.
“Melina? Who’s that?” When the voice didn’t reply at once, she thought their conversation over.
“You do ask a lot of questions.”
“Yes, well I need to know more about all of this.”
“Why?”
It was the first time her unknown companion had asked a question. She paused, considering how much she should divulge.
But before Kara could answer, light ripped the darkness. A torch progressed from the right and down into the cave. She squinted.
“This is Melina,” said the voice.
A large obese creature led the way with the torch, followed by a woman, or what Kara thought was a woman. She was green. A memory suddenly flashed for Kara…cave…pain in her head…green glow.
“You…” But she was still putting together the incident.
Melina laughed. The sound was that of a trickling waterfall and a singing bird. Deeper into the cave, the green woman went. Torchlight echoed in the cavern casting shadows upon the walls of multiple cages.
Kara did her best to look around. There had to be at least fifteen crates of different sizes in the cavern. Next to her, from where she suspected the voice had come from, was a small cell. The light wavered so much she couldn’t get a good view of the occupant.
“Humans. Aren’t they just a treat, Warren?” Melina prodded the little one with a long fingernail. Warren did not reply.
From the folds of her dress, or what looked like a dress, Kara saw the green lady bring forth a set of keys. The small cage was unlocked and she reached inside. There was no sound from inside.
Warren turned out to be a creature that could barely be a foot high. Melina held Warren in the palm of her hand. Kara watched in amazement. She had never seen anything that little. Then she remembered Grace. Her heart whimpered for a moment, with the memories of the sprite. But she shook it away.
The small man stood on the green lady’s hand. His rumpled clothes appeared too big for him as they sagged around his waist. On his head, he had a little hat that resembled a sewing thimble attached to some cloth for a brim.
“I need you for a task—a task that I know you can perform for me.”
Kara quickly saw a possibility and spoke up. “I can do the task.”
“Quiet, stupid human! This is only a task the brownie can do because he can do it quickly. No more talk from you.” Melina’s eyes were fierce in the firelight. Kara wanted to fight back, even though she was in a cage.
“What do you say, Warren?” Melina’s tone softened. Kara suspected her eyes had done the same.
The little man stared as if considering the offer. “You wish me to locate someone. I presume it would be Van.”
Kara saw the green lady hide her surprise. “Warren, I underestimated you. Maybe you are cleverer than you let on.”
Warren again stared back not saying anything in return for the moment. “Can I go back in my home?”
Back! Kara held in her surprise. If she had gotten out of her prison, there would be no stopping her from running away.
“My task?”
“He is nowhere in the vicinity. He hasn’t been for most of the day.”
“B-but…” Melina stopped herself. This was clearly not the answer she sought. She took a moment to compose herself. “How?”
The brownie didn’t answer her. Panic and hysteria crept into Melina’s face as the silence ticked by. As her emotions were close to the breaking point, Kara spoke again.
“Maybe the army got him.”
Kara flinched when Melina’s head spun toward her. Those eyes were filled with anger and worry, fear and rage. “What did you say?” Her hand tilted and Warren fell into the darkness.
“Maybe the humans got him.” She wished she could shrink back in her cage, disappear from those eyes.
“Ha! Pathetic….”
Kara suddenly understood that this creature, this lady, did not know about the attacking army. “You don’t know?”
“Don’t you dare talk to me like that!” Her green hands wrapped around the bars, pure emotion taking over.
“The wall is gone. The humans are invading. Van is probably dead.”
“No!” The dryad tried to shake Kara’s box. Kara braced herself, yet it hardly moved at all. The assault only lasted a minute before the green lady ran out of steam.
Quickly, Melina released her grip. “Come, we have plans to make.” She strode to the exit. The ogre grumbled something before following. “He will climb back in his own cage.” And within a minute, the cavern was dark again.
Chapter Eleven
The rain eventually extinguished the fire, but not before doing considerable damage. Everything at the camp was drenched. Soldiers were busy drying off their gear, getting campfires relit, and water off tents. Taylon remained out in the downpour watching the flames grow smaller and sm
aller.
He hoped Kara had been nowhere near the blaze. Or any of her friends for that matter. This whole campaign was ridiculous. Sooner or later, they were going to come up against a strong force of races in the Territories and be wiped out. Not that he didn’t have faith in his men, but under Euphoria’s leadership, one strong gale wind could blow them all over.
Water dripped from every part of Taylon. It added to his feeling of being helpless and lost. He had barely a day left to find Kara, before the assault on the marketplace. Even if he found the girl, he wasn’t sure if she had the power anymore. Maybe she could lead him to the wizard.
Taylon
The horrid tone whispered from out of nowhere. He visibly shivered. Turning slowly, he headed toward Euphoria’s tent by habit. Ten steps later, he paused and stopped. He looked around.
What am I doing? She’s controlling me. A sudden strong resolve came forth from him. He stood a bit straighter, as the self-pity shook off. Was she making me feel that way? Anger grew, bringing forth the old Taylon.
Taylon.
The voice came again, and a wave of doubt came with it. He shook it off as he turned around. His steps became quicker and more assured as he walked to his horse.
I’ve been manipulated too long. The idea came through strong, determined. It felt like coming out of a sickness that had disabled him too long.
Taylon!
Euphoria somehow knew what was happening now. Her tone had a harsh cry to it. Before he could rethink his decision, Taylon kicked his horse into gear. He would find Kara on his own. No more being Euphoria’s puppet.
Taylon! Don’t you dare… But the words were lost to him, ignored as he entered the charred forest.
***
In her tent, Euphoria screamed, letting a wave of anger out. If she could have breathed fire, the whole camp would be ablaze. Taylon had broken out of his stupor. She knew it was a possibility, but she was weak and couldn’t reassert control.
A servant boy came to her tent. “Your Majesty…?” He was nervous to even check on the queen. She summoned him forward with a finger. Timidly he came, eyes glancing back at the tigers who took no notice of him.
As he came within arms’ reach, Euphoria grabbed him by the throat, crushing his windpipe, her nails sinking into the flesh. The boy’s mouth opened, surprise on his face, but he said nothing. She fed quickly, and loudly, not caring who heard.
A guard came in ready to assist, but stopped short at the horror he saw before him. Euphoria only gave him a nod, before Figaro attacked him. The huge cat grounded the guard with one leap. Its teeth went for the man’s throat to stop any further screaming.
When her feeding was complete, Euphoria kicked aside the boy’s clothing and stood. Figaro was playing with his food now, tearing chunks away from an arm. Daisy circled the kill, also wanting to enjoy, but Figaro growled any time she got near.
Share kitty. She was not in any mood to deal with childish tigers. The nourishment from the boy was not much. She would need to feed more. These humans had hardly any magic to them, making her meals like bland oatmeal. Her army needed to find more magical creatures.
Eyes were upon her as the queen exited her tent. She walked through the camp with a purpose. Their assault on Aladedas would need to happen today. But with Taylon on the run, she needed to pick a new captain.
Soldiers stopped and bowed as she passed, but she paid them no heed. The officers’ tent was ahead, and she entered without alerting anyone.
“Queen Euphoria!” was the common cry as most of the soldiers hurried to their feet. She eyed the men, looking them over, reading their inner souls.
“Captain Taylon has deserted us. I must replace him and prepare for the assault.”
One brave man stepped forward. “I was second in command.” It was a statement he held like a shield of honor.
The queen took one look at him. “No, not you.” Shock and a look of pure disgust erupted on his face, but he did his best to hide it. Euphoria stepped down the line. “You, what is your name?”
But before the officer could answer, the second in command spoke up. “Aww, you can’t choose Nonk.” Euphoria snapped a glare at the speaker, and then—on a whim—she came up with an idea.
“Nonk, kill that man.” She pointed at the officer, whose face showed surprise. Nonk said nothing, nodded at the queen, and turned to do her bidding. A sword lay on the bench, which Nonk snatched up. The other officers moved back, trying to stay out of the way.
Cedric, the second in command, lost precious moments comprehending the matter. It wasn’t until he saw Nonk advancing did he realize what was happening. He had time to block Nonk’s sword thrust with his own. Cedric retreated outside, knowing he would have better luck in an open area.
Nonk did not run after Cedric, but slowly stalked out of the tent. He moved with determination, muscles bulging under his uniform. Cedric took a swipe at him as he approached. It was more of a taunting jab to get the opponent to block the fist away. Nonk did not. He walked forward as if to receive a gift. Cedric, on the other hand, fell into form—ready to fight.
Clang!
The swords crashed, but Cedric was the one who had to retreat a few steps. Nonk was not going to dance. He proceeded with his mission to kill, and he was coming full force. Metal clashed again, and Cedric bounded around Nonk. Even though he was a big guy, Nonk was fast on his feet. He deflected a blow to his back as Cedric came around him.
A circle of soldiers grew around the two men. Euphoria stood behind her officers watching the scene. Most of the cheers were for Cedric to win, but there were a few that shouted for Nonk.
Swordplay went on for another five minutes, as Cedric struck and retreated. Finally, Nonk was able to defend against his opponent’s retreat. Swords met and Nonk’s fell to the ground. Cedric looked up, a smile across his face. He had Nonk now.
“Any last…” But the man didn’t get to finish his sentence as a huge fist came in. A sickening crack of bone echoed loudly. Cedric stumbled back with the blow. Blood flowed from his broken nose. Nonk approached with another punch to the face, and an uppercut. The circle expanded back as Cedric fell to earth.
Nonk grabbed a sword as he straddled the second in command’s body.
“Not fair…” Cedric moaned.
“Death doesn’t play fair.” It was a low grunt and a final send off. Nonk jabbed the sword, penetrating his heart straight through. The sword pinned his enemy there.
There was no clapping as Nonk stood. Soldiers eyed him. The officers looked on, some with amusement, others with hate—ready to step in for their fallen comrade. Euphoria strode forward.
“Well done.” She nodded to the big man. “Soldiers! I give you your new captain!” Again, there was no clapping. Whispers and murmurs ran through those assembled. “Captain Taylon has deserted us. He is dead to us. If any have problems with Captain Nonk, feel free to discuss it with that man.” She pointed to Cedric, dead, blood soaking the earth.
When the muttering stopped, Euphoria spoke to the men again of their purpose here. She incited the soldiers to riotous proportions for the planned attack on the marketplace. “And we shall strike at dawn when these creatures will be unprepared and vulnerable.”
Cheers rose up as her speech concluded. She bid the men a restful night. Evening meal would be starting in a few hours, and the men needed their nourishment before the attack.
“Come with me, my captain,” Euphoria said as she passed Nonk. Without another word, he followed in her wake.
***
The rain had stopped almost two hours ago, but that hadn’t changed Fret’s mood. Snow and Ra’na were eager to search for Kara. Gantha and Ynob had already spread out their notes and books. An argument was in the works. Hambone had gone out to check his house, to see if Kara had doubled back due to the storm and fire.
“I think he used the ring for something. He wouldn’t have just made it and then locked it away,” the elf proclaimed again.
“Rubbish.�
� That was all the wizard had to say on his side of the argument.
“What kind of response is that?”
“A wizard response.”
Fret sat and watched the whole ordeal. There were several books spread out, and a golden ring. The elf and wizard passed it back and forth. He found it fascinating while everyone else found it annoying.
“We should really go search for Kara. It will be dark soon,” Snow said to everyone, but directed it toward the wizard. Ynob did not acknowledge her at all, as he bent low over a tome.
“Come here Gantha. What is this?”
Snow threw her hands in the air, turning back to Ra’na. Jesset had fallen asleep to the sound of the rain.
Gantha leaned down and peered at the object of the wizard’s focus. “Just a bug.” He swept his hand across the parchment and the spot disappeared.
Ra’na finally stood up. “Okay, guys. We are going to look for Kara. If you want to come, that’s great, but we are done waiting.” Snow nodded in agreement.
Ynob looked up finally, but he instantly froze. Fret noticed it first, and then the females did too.
“What’s…?”
“There are several elves outside, patrolling the perimeter.” His voice was monotone as he stated this. All looked alarmed.
“Who?”
Ynob came to. “What?”
“Who?” Snow asked.
“Who?” Ynob asked back, unsure of what she was asking.
“Who is outside?”
“Um…I don’t know.” He gave a shrug of his shoulders.
“You just told us that there were several elves outside,” Snow yelled, exasperated.
The wizard thought a moment. “Oh…I set up a perimeter spell once we got here. Usually when that is tripped, it comes in as a message that I can’t recall.”
Snow looked at him flabbergasted. Ra’na spoke up. “What good is that if you are alone?” She ran to the windows to peer out.
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