Calla nodded as she touched the cage that held them. It was solid, yet rusty steel, with jagged shards strewn across to prevent attempts at escape. A goblin guard struck at the cage to encourage Calla away. Retreating from the goblin, she spoke to Mondoor once more. "Do you think anyone knows about such a place?" she asked.
The Alethian emissary shook his head. "I don't believe anyone knows of this vast network of villainy. This may even be but a glimpse of it," he offered as he too looked about.
"What do we do, Mondoor?" asked Calla.
The magnolia flower shook his head. "I don't believe there is much that we can do," he offered and he motioned to the toiling goblins. "We are outnumbered. We have no bargaining position. These are not creatures that would release emissaries in good faith. Our hope lies in perhaps reasoning with their leader, though I do not know how effective that will be if they are in leagues with Lennix."
"You are quite right," said a voice from the other cage. "There is no reasoning with such an evil."
Calla turned to that voice, recognizing a new friend instantly. "Elor," she breathed as she rushed to the imp. Reaching through her cage, she was able to take hold of one of the imp's outstretched fingers as she noticed Marin sitting nearby. "I am so glad you both are alive!"
Elor offered a pained, yet brave smile. "It is good to see you too, Calla. We just wish it could be under different circumstances," he said.
Calla smiled back at him. "You both alive and well is truly a gift on such a dark day. How long have you been here?" she asked.
"Not long," said Elor shaking his head. "We were brought here but a day ago, but that is long enough for me."
Calla squeezed the imp's finger. "I agree. We must be free of this place as soon as we can," she said. She noticed another in the cage with the imp and stone troll, recognizing the elf immediately. "Captain Shael! They have you too?"
The elf Ranger nodded but did not move. "I am afraid so," he answered as he pointed to the working goblins. “This place is a stain on our lands. They have sinister plans for our kingdom, yet I assure you our capture is quite personal," he said.
"The fallen Ranger speaks true, for you are all loose ends I want tied up before we proceed," said a silky voice that drew the prisoners' full attention. "But I shall admit, having you all in my possession fills me with the upmost of joys."
Captain Shael stood, filling with anger. "Norrex," he said. "Come to boast, have you?"
The pantheryn held ups hands as he regarded the prisoners with varying degrees of interest. To his left stood a large, gnarled goblin of scarred green. To his right, Lennix stood proudly. "On the contrary, I have simply come to oversee the progress of Commander Drell here. He has been working tirelessly to work our influence into your lands. Soon we will have access to several key locations, even your vaunted Lunamorn. Moreg blesses good fortune to those who bring glory to his name."
The goblin Commander Drell bowed his head at the praise, speaking in a voice with a pitch too high to fit the body that claimed it. "My life for the cause," he crooned before standing at attention again.
Mondoor cleared his throat as he approached, coming to stand next to Calla. "Great Norrex, it is clear you have grievances with our kingdom. Please allow us a chance to arrange a summit to avoid any needless bloodshed," he said.
Norrex's laughter to this was deep and genuine. "But, little flower, bloodshed is needed. These are just the beginning steps of greatness. Examples will be made of those who have chosen to defy Moreg for so long," he said before he waved a hand over the prisoners. "You all shall bear witness to this, the changing of the tides, for the light has festered unchecked like vines in a garden. And in the end, you will live to serve or elevate Moreg, or you will die for nothing," said the pantheryn.
Mondoor continued. "Surely there is a chance here for reason," he said.
Norrex nodded. "Certainly, little flower. Fall to your knees. Cast away your paltry allegiance and pledge yourself to Moreg here and now. You've little time to consider the matter, for either you will be an ally or I will find the proper potion to place you in," he said.
At this, Mondoor turned and shook his head. "Then we have nothing further to discuss at this juncture," he said.
"At least you have the wits to realize that," said Norrex as he then spoke to all the prisoners. "Consider your positions. See the folly of your defiance. Realize the truth and then embrace it. The only other course is death," he said before turning to leave. Commander Drell quickly followed.
Yet Lennix remained, holding to a triumphant, satisfied smile.
Seeing him, Calla shook her head. "Is there not somewhere else you can be, Lennix? No one here values the company you offer," she said.
Lennix was hardly able to contain himself. "I couldn't miss this moment for the world, sweet Calla. I wanted to be there when you saw the truth, when your spirit was truly broken," he said.
Calla neared him, crossing her arms. "You hold the advantage now. Perhaps you will even send us to the Dream. But heroes will come for us. There will be reckoning for what you have done, you will see," she said defiantly.
Lennix fought back laughter as he responded. "I assume you mean the great Theophilus Thistle in this account," he challenged.
Calla drew as close as the prison would allow her. "What are you not telling me," she demanded.
Lennix was still clearly pleased, he appeared to have been waiting for such an encounter as he spoke, savoring every syllable of torment he possessed. "Sweet, sweet, Calla. There will be no such rescue, for I have seen to that myself."
"Leave this place, Lennix. I grow tired of your games, for you lie!" yelled Calla.
Lennix's grin deepened. "Do I, Calla? Do I lie?" he asked before he reached to his belt and tossed something at her feet.
It was broken remains of one of Theophilus Thistle's daggers.
Slowly, Calla knelt to pick up the broken dagger. She could feel her own heart crack as she ran her hands over the damage. "Where did you get this? What have you done?" she demanded.
Lennix looked proudly, unabashed by his work. "I took what I deserved, revenge upon that insufferable weed," he said.
"You're lying!" Calla blurted out as tears filled her eyes.
Lennix shook his head. "No plant could endure the punishment that weed received. I watched him fall and be swallowed by the waters. I assure you, Theophilus Thistle is gone," he replied.
Calla turned from him then, refusing to give Lennix the satisfaction of her pain. Mondoor was waiting to comfort her, but she brushed passed him, holding her hand through the cage to hold Elor's finger again. The two friends wept along with Marin at the loss of their friend, hoping beyond all hope that Lennix was wrong.
Mondoor came alongside her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "He was a truly brave soul. Alethia shall mourn his loss. I am sure he fought gallantly until the very end," he said.
Calla shook her head, still weeping with her friends. "I don't want this fight. I can't hear of his bravery. All I want is Patch back," she breathed.
Satisfied with the effect, Lennix turned and departed, still able to hear faint sobbing in his wake. The grin he held deepened, only faltering for a second. For while he had no doubt about Theophilus's fate, his story wasn't the whole truth. But Calla didn't need to know such details, only that Theophilus had fallen and he had remained.
And that in the end was all that mattered to Lennix.
.
Chapter Eight
From Waters, Revelation
With reluctance, Theophilus found his way grudgingly back to consciousness. He loathed the notion, fearful of the pain he knew to be waiting for him. His little body had endured a vast amount of punishment and in all honesty, the little weed was surprised he wasn’t already within the Dream. He decided to press forward slowly, still as a stone, hoping that it would reduce the impending agony he would face. Drawing a deep breath, Theophilus chanced his luck and moved his right hand.
His hand responded
to his command and through the action, Theophilus felt no pain. This surprised him greatly. With curiosity taking over, the little weed opened his eyes and sat upright. Looking himself over, he was surprised to see that he was healed. The Firestar light continued to rejuvenate him, yet Theophilus also realized even its rays could not heal him so quickly. Rising further, he searched about, taking in his surroundings as he tried to remember what had transpired.
To his surprise, Theophilus found himself resting on a rock in the middle of the stream leading from the waterfall. The waters around him were unusually tranquil and no splashing disturbed the rock. The calm waters radiated in a circle around the rock, leaving the little weed unbothered in his rest. He tried to remember making it to such a rock. All he could recall were the moments before Lennix tried to finish him off, when the waters rose and claimed the little weed. He had been pulled from the shore and away from his enemies. The rest following that was only darkness.
At last, Theophilus brought himself to stand. He was still weak, but he could feel the strength in his limbs returning. He looked over himself again, noting the tatters in his clothing and a missing dagger. Enjoying the relief rushing him, Theophilus was surprised to find his pack resting next to him. But even more surprising was what laid next to the pack.
“Digus,” said the little weed with a grin.
The wand responded with some annoyance. Yes, I am here. I am well. And no thanks to you, it said.
“Would you have rather I offered you to Lennix and the others?” asked the weed.
A fair point indeed, replied Digus.
Theophilus looked about the waters and shoreline again. “Digus, how did we get to be here?” he asked.
I believe you will have your answer soon enough, said Digus.
At the sound of rushing water, Theophilus turned, reaching for his dagger but stopping himself. The waters before him bubbled with mystic energy. The little weed relaxed, realizing if he had been meant for death, whatever it was before him could have claimed him before now. Patiently he waited as the waters regarded him almost cautiously.
“Theophilus Thistle, it is good to see you awake. You were in a bad state when I caught up with you,” said the waters. The voice was gentle and calming.
Theophilus bowed deeply before responding. “Then I have you to thank for my survival and the reclaiming of my wand. I am in your debt,” he said.
“No, you are not. For it was I who owed you,” said the waters. “Now that I have rescued and healed you, I can rest easier.”
Theophilus was confused at this. “What do you mean? And how do you know my name?” he asked.
The waters bubbled and replied easily. “I have searched long and wide for the nameless stranger who saved me, the one who defied his own weed kin to do what he believed was right. I listened to the forest and waters and soon a name of a wandering hero emerged. It was you, Theophilus Thistle, and I knew instantly that you were the one who risked much to help me,” said the waters.
“But who are you?” asked the little weed.
Slowly, the waters rose before Theophilus to tower over him. The waters then shed off a figure before returning to the stream. Theophilus now looked upon a majestic kelpie of shimmering white skin and a mane that blazed red like fire. Her eyes nearly matched her mane, yet the red he saw there was a gentle flame. Now standing upon the waters before him, the kelpie nodded to the little weed.
“I am Kelisay,” she said softly.
Looking on her now, all the pieces came together for Theophilus. “Of course! You are the magical horse I saved from Pyron and his men!” he exclaimed.
The kelpie nodded. “Yes. I had just escaped captivity myself and was ensnared after an exhausting journey. I held little strength left to fight, and that is when you intervened. I could not move forward until I knew that such a debt was settled,” she said.
Theophilus nodded to the kelpie. “Thank you again, Kelisay,” he said before he appeared lost in thought. “So much changed on that day, the moment I rescued you. Ironically it was the first step in the adventures that brought me to these waters today. But my adventures are far from over.”
Kelisay nodded. “I have a feeling that the perils before you are great. There is much evil roaming about, threatening to swarm unchecked,” she said.
“Yes,” replied Theophilus as he gathered his things. “And they cannot be allowed to do so. These followers of Moreg, they have my friends. They threaten more than just Alethia. I need to make things right. And that is why I need to be indebted to you, Kelisay, for I sorely need your help.”
Kelisay looked troubled by his words. “I do not know if I can, little weed. I have my own burdens to bear,” she said.
“We all do,” countered Theophilus. “But I know in my heart that all of our burdens shall be greater if this continues unchallenged. I cannot seek help in Bunda-Bas. And I cannot find help in Alethia for it is obviously being watched. The enemy did not know about you and were unprepared for your power. That gives me a chance to reclaim my friends. Calla deserves that. Captain Shael deserves that, as do Elor and Marin.”
Kelisay’s eyes widened. “Marin? Elor? They have been caught?”
The little weed nodded. “Unfortunately, yes. You know of them?”
The kelpie nodded. “They are good souls who helped me in a dark time. I do not want them left in peril. But what can I do, Theophilus? I have seen your enemies flee to caverns below ground. That is a dangerous place for me, away from the waters. And that is a place that Seark could sense me,” she said with shiver. “If the son of Ornock finds me, we are all in danger. I am afraid I will do more harm than good.”
Theophilus placed his hands on his hips. “They spoke of that creature too, and because of him they were not allowed to go to help me in his domain. But they still found ways to help and do right. And you can too. Where there is a will there is always a way,” said the weed.
Kelisay looked at Theophilus expectantly. “Do you really think that I can help? Make a difference?”
Theophilus nodded. “I know you can. And you already have. Thanks to you, I can continue the fight. And now you can join me. So, what say you, Kelisay the kelpie? Will you stand for the light and our friends? Will you help ensure that these lands are not lost to darkness and evil?”
Kelisay thought long on the little weeds words. There was fear in her eyes, but Theophilus could see there was far more to her than that. The kelpie looked about at the tranquil waters, for it was apparent she felt safe within them. At last she cast her eyes upon Theophilus again as she offered a reluctant nod.
“Very well, Theophilus Thistle. I will help you,” she said.
Theophilus grinned as he slung his pack and Digus upon his back. “You have made the right choice, Kelisay. We will do what we can for our friends,” he said before pointing at the waters. “Can we traverse to the shore now?”
The kelpie nodded as she turned toward the shoreline. “Of course. Just keep close to me,” she replied.
Theophilus walked alongside the kelpie, surprised to see that he was remaining upon the waters and not falling into them. The two of them walked in silence until they reached land. As they did, Kelisay hesitated before she joined the little weed upon the ground. Now free of the rushing waters, the kelpie grew more wary. Using her magic, she drew much water to herself as she focused on the task ahead.
“So what must we do now, Theophilus?” she asked.
Theophilus motioned to the kelpie’s back. “May I?” When she nodded, the little weed leaped upon her back before continuing. “There are supplies I must acquire and there is a spell or two I will need from you. I have a plan to get our friends back, but first I will have to go where you cannot follow.”
“Are you sure that is wise, Theophilus?” she asked.
The little weed nodded. “Yes, I will need your assistance to get our friends to safety, but one of the greatest strengths we have right now is they are unaware of you and your assistance. And we shall us
e that to our fullest advantage,” he said.
“Where to then?” Kelisay asked.
Theophilus grinned as an idea formed in his head. “To the Grand Market, Kelisay. I have to procure some important items and there is a gnome there that owes me a favor whether he knows it or not,” he said.
Chapter Nine
Underground Assault
It had taken some time, but Theophilus was ready at last.
Having haggled, threatened, and badgered at the market, the little weed was able to procure the items he needed for his mission. His little backpack was now full and Theophilus waited upon a tree limb for the first step of his plan to come to fruition. The wait had been torturous, but at last, he and Kelisay had found a goblin above ground. The time to strike was at hand.
Theophilus tried to remain relaxed, for much hovered on his next actions. The little weed had to be swift and stealthy, for they would likely only get one shot at success. If they failed, the enemy would be prepared for them and their chances would be greatly diminished. The little weed focused on the tasks at hand, determined to succeed for Calla and his friends.
Theophilus watched from his branch as Kelisay pestered the goblin. Flying above, the kelpie had used magic to harass the browning green-skinned servant of Moreg to no end. Kelisay kept her quarry within a small perimeter, preventing him from returning underground. After some time, the goblin grew frantic and his attempts at escape grew more desperate. He began to focus on one direction, intent to return to the nearest hidden entrance at all costs.
Theophilus realized the time had come for his plan. As Kelisay goaded the goblin near the tree once more, the little weed took action. Leaping, Theophilus unfurled his petals and slowed his descent, leaning left and right to direct himself. Timing was now of the essence as he neared his objective. The goblin’s focus was solely upon the kelpie that was attacking him. Holding his breath, Theophilus extended his hands just before impact.
The Adventures of Theophilus Thistle Page 21
