Tafel sneezed and rubbed her nose with her finger. Is it just , or did it suddenly get cold out here? she asked and shivered. I feel like sothing dangerous is targeting .
Alice looked around before shaking her head. The only dangerous beasts out here are phoenixes, and you wouldnt feel a chill if one of those wanted to eat you, she said. I imagine itd feel like falling into a furnace if you attracted the attention of a phoenix.
Maybe its an elf, Tafel said and sighed. I feel very uneasy right now. Could sothing have happened to Vur? Her face scrunched up as she contemplated it for a second before she shook head. No, thats impossible.
Whats wrong? a gravelly voice asked.
Tafel raised her head. Mr. Skelly was standing over her, carrying a squirming elf with one hand, his bony arm looped around the poor mans waist. The moonlight shone down on them, illuminating the tal fetters binding the elfs arms and legs. Tafel shook her head and leaned forward to pick up a stick. She pointed it at a pile of kindle and firewood, causing a blue fla to burst into life. Its nothing, Tafel said. Did you find a ginger elf yet?
A-are you going to cook and eat ? the elf in Mr. Skellys grasp asked with wide eyes. He had been sitting with the other elves a few minutes ago before Mr. Skelly brought him over. Then the human with horns lit up a bonfire right next to him with a temperature high enough to harm him. I, I dont want to die this way!
Mr. Skelly used his free hand to smack the elfs head. Oh, quit squirming, he said. No ones going to eat you. Youre of more use to us alive than dead. He rummaged through a bag by his waist and shoved a dim blue crystal into the elfs mouth. Here, charge this for . Mr. Skellys bones contorted as he smiled at Tafel. No ginger elf yet, but through so interrogation, we discovered that there is indeed a tribe with red hair. They live close to the phoenixes though, so it might be difficult to kidnap them.
Ive been wondering, Alice said and furrowed her brow, not letting Tafel speak. Does this make an accessory to kidnapping? She pointed at the elf that had tears streaming down his face. The crystal was brightening with every tear that fell. I an, look at this. This is barbaric.
Accessory to kidnapping? Mr. Skelly asked, one eye socket widening. Thats the least of your worries. How about blaspheming the holy dragons, invading the territory of the phoenixes, and waging war on the elves, humans, and dwarves? Did you forget about those?
I guess, Im in too deep now, huh? Alice asked. Her body stiffened. Wait a minute. Waging war on the humans and dwarves? When did I do that?
Uh. Mr. Skelly scratched his head and pulled out a shining blue crystal. He spoke into it. Begin the operation! He cackled and put the crystal away before smiling at Alice. Dread filled her as she swallowed her spit. Since youre on our side; I took so liberties and created so docunts under your na with your signature. As of now, the church of damnedism is at war with the humans and the dwarves.
Thats forgery! Alice shouted and rose to her feet. I never signed any of your docIve signed so of your docunts. Her brow furrowed as she tried to figure out why she had interrupted herself. Truth curse? But why dont I rember signing anything?
Well, most people dont rember things correctly when fairies are involved, Mr. Skelly said with a grin. His eye sockets twinkled. Think of all the docunts you signed back at the adventurers guild. Are you sure none of them were enchanted?
Thats it, Alice said with a growl. Youre dead.
Mr. Skelly cackled and held up the elf in his arm to block Alices view. Youre right. I am. He peeked his head around the elfs body and grinned at Alice. You wouldnt harm a poor innocent elf, would you?
Alice hesitated as the elf pleaded with her through his eyes. I hate your guts, so much, she said. Cancel the declaration of war or whatever it is you did.
Mr. Skelly rubbed his chin with his free hand. Mm, well, you see, he said, causing Alices stomach to drop. Sothing told her she wasnt going to like the skeletons next words. You know the saying, words cant be unsaid? Well, heres another saying; You cant unransack an empire. Two empires, actually.
What did you do? Tafel asked while Alice bit her lower lip and trembled while staring at the ground. The demon turned her head and frowned at Alice. Did Mr. Skelly break her?
Nothing much, Mr. Skelly said. I just created a giant army of skeletons and volunteers, split them in half, illusioned one side to look like dwarves, and illusioned the other side to look like humans. Then I sent them off to attack the other races border towns while simultaneously sending out a declaration of war signed by our very own Alice. He chuckled. I imagine the dwarves retaliation will be swift, and while their cities are defenseless, Ill send in so squads to deal with them that way. I have thousands of spies to help orchestrate this; undead insects are very useful, you know?
Youre a monster, Alice said through gritted teeth.
Why, thank you, Mr. Skelly said, a blush forming on his face. Youre too kind.
A rune shone on Alices forehead as a yellow aura rose up around her body, taking the shape of a lion. Her eyes turned red as she snarled, baring her teeth. Her canines beca pointed, more pronounced, while her hair fluttered around her like a mane.
Oh, shes awakening, Mr. Skelly said. Is this her first ti? How interesting. Well, Tafel, Ill trust you to handle this. Oh, and figure out a way to confront a nest of phoenixes since you want those ginger elves so badly. Toodle-oo. He dropped the elf in his arm and vanished without a sound.
I feel like a nightmares been unleashed on the world ever since the skeletons starting getting along with the fairies, Tafel said and sighed as she stood up while drawing her sword. She pointed it at Alice. Its all Vurs fault, dont you agree?
Alice lunged at the demon in response.
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