Mille' fail

Mille approached the tavern from across the street and stopped. The rain only added to the gloom and disrepair of the place. The sign over the door swung violently in the wind making it difficult to read the sign, but Mille had already been here last week and knew the name. The Happy Centaur, huh? Doesn’t look so happy now. She was soaked to the skin, but she didn’t care. She walked up to the door and entered.

The large blazing fire in the center of the room was the first thing she noticed. “Shut the damned door!” Someone yelled. She stepped into the semi-darkness and closed the heavy wooden door behind her. All eyes were on here and all conversations stopped. Mille didn’t care, she was there for a very specific reason. She looked around the room, noting everyone and dismissing them quickly. Where are you? I was told you were here. Finally she spotted the woman sitting at a corner table and smiled. As Mille approached the table, she could feel all eyes following her. Mille stopped at the table and stared at the woman who returned her stare with a smile. The other three at the table were ignored. “Adora, you are coming with me. You must appear before the Council to answer for your crimes. Please come with me quietly. There doesn’t have to be any problems.”

Adora’s smile didn’t fade. “Mille! So good to see you again. Won’t you sit down? No? Very well.” She refilled her glass from the pitcher on the table and sipped it before speaking again. “You came here alone? No, you’re too smart for that.” Adora sighed, “You know I cannot come with you. The Council and I don’t really get along and honestly, I am not responsible for what I have done.”

Mille’s jaw dropped, “Not responsible?! How are you not responsible for the murders, thefts and secrets you have stolen only to sell to the enemy. We have witnesses and other proofs of your crimes. You are very much responsible.”

Adora sighed again, “I knew you wouldn’t understand so I won’t get into it with you. Especially not here. As for going with you, I repeat…no.” She looked around the room and smiled again, turning her gaze back to Mille. “You really should’ve brought in more people with you.”

“Where can you go? I have the building surrounded. You…”

Adora interrupted her, “How many times have we been in this situation before and I have slipped through your grasp? That’s gotta be frustrating.”

Mille scowled. “You will come with me now.” She reached over the table to grab Adora’s arm, but hers was grabbed by a strong bald man who has several tattoos on his face. Mille stared at the man, her eyes narrowing, “Let me go and you will not be held responsible.”

The man laughed and his grip tightened on Mille’s wrist. With lightening speed, Mille punched the man’s face, breaking his nose. The speed, more than the pain, shocked him and he did let go. Mille straightened up and stepped away from the table, her focus now on the bald man. He wiped the blood from his nose and looked accusingly at Mille. Adora chuckled, “Now you’ve gone and done it. Mille, this is Yavu.” The man stood and he was shoulders above Mille and his strength was obvious even in his loose fitting clothes. “He is very dedicated to me, so now as you two play, I will take my leave.” Adora stood and as Yavu slowly approached Mille, Adora slipped out behind him and made her way behind the bar. As she turned to look, Mille had just dodged a blow from one of Yavu’s massive fists and was pulling her mace. “There is a 5,000 gold bounty on her head!” Milled yelled, but no one made a move to stop Adora. Adora smiled, “Good luck Mille. And better luck next time.” She laughed and opened the trap door in the floor and jumped into the darkness.

The cellar was cool and dark, but Adora knew it well. The sounds of the fight could still be heard through the floor above her, but the sounds were muffled. She made her way to the deep recesses where the barrels of wine were kept. In the corner, one large barrel had been placed on its side and tapped. Adora grabbed the spigot, turned it and pulled. The whole barrel and part of the wall opened to reveal another dark passageway. With a smile, Adora slipped through the door and pushed it shut behind her just as a crash of glass was heard from the upper floor. I’ll have to pay for that. The silence was immediate as well as the darkness. Adora shifted into a jaguar and the darkness brightened. That’s better. Knowing there was nothing in this tunnel, she broke into a loping gait. After about an hour, she came to the end of the tunnel and shifted back to human. She climbed the four steps that were created and placed down here, reached above her head, and unlocked on the wooden trap door, opening it just a crack to listen. Hearing nothing but normal forest sounds, she raised it just enough to look through the opening. Nothing but the woods around her. She opened it all the way and finally poked her head through, looking all around her. She was safe. Climbing out of the tree stump, she closed and re-locked the opening.

Adora frowned and began to walk. Damn Mille. I was just about to get the information I needed when she barged in and ruined everything! I just hope I can still contact that guy. I’ll set Yavu on it in the morning. Mille allowed her feet to follow the well-known path while her mind churned. Now I’ll likely be punished - again. I have been working a whole month to find that guy and now there’s no telling when I’ll be able to find him again. Damn it! She came to a clearing and there was a small house in the center. It wasn’t much, but it was hers. Adora opened the door and frowned as she locked eyes with Flagg. He was sitting on her couch, sipping tea. Adora closed the door behind her and stood there. The man stared at her, waiting, his grey eyes never wavering. Adora considered beating about the bush, but knew it was pointless. “I didn’t get the information. Mille showed up and ruined everything.”

Flagg nodded slowly and set down his cup on the side table. “I see. That is most disappointing. I will have to tell your father and he won’t be pleased.”

Adora nodded, “I know. Not much I can do about that now. I will set Yavu on his trail in the morning.”

Flagg looked around the tiny room as if he expected to see Yavu hiding somewhere. “Where is Yavu?”

“I left him fighting Mille. She is determined to bring me before the Council.”

“At least you were able to get away. We don’t need to upset your father any more than necessary.”

Adora growled, “Yes. That would be a damn shame.”

Giving Adora a half smile, Flagg turned and acted like he was turning the knob on an invisible door and opening it. He stepped through the opening and disappeared.

Adora collapsed on the couch and tried to not think about her father’s wrath with Flagg’s report. She took off her boots and placed them beside the couch. Should I get undressed or not? I can’t afford more clothes right now, should he decide to rip these off me. Sighing, Adora took off her clothes and laid them on the couch. She then climbed the ladder to the loft and laid down on the bed. She was too keyed up to sleep and simply waited. It didn’t take long.

“Adora,” her father’s voice came from down below. Her stomach sank as she got up and climbed back down the ladder. Turning around, she looked into his eyes for just a moment before falling to her knees and bowing her head. He took a few slow, deep breaths and she could feel him staring down at her. “Adora, I ask so little of you and still you fail me. I simply asked you to get the location of the silver arm band of Santinaya and you use the excuse of Mille interrupting you for you not getting it?!” His voice was rising and Adora clinched her fists in preparation for the coming pain. “How many times must I beat you? Was all your training for nothing?” He paused and she waiting for the coming blow, but it never came. “You’re expecting me to strike you, my dear? No, I have come up with a better plan. I will withhold your antidote until you get the information.” Adora gasped and her eyes shot up to his. He smiled and she cringed. I hate that smile. He continued, “Perhaps the pain will be a motivator for you. Since you normally wouldn’t need it until tomorrow, that gives you four days. Don’t waste them.” Her father opened the invisible door as Flagg did earlier and disappeared.

Adora stood. Well, so much for sleep. She got dressed and left her house.

# # #

Mille struck Yavu again with her mace, but it was like hitting a stone wall. The man simply grunted and kept swinging those massive hands. She knew if she let him hit her it would be all over. Thankfully no one else at The Happy Centaur was getting involved; they were just trying to stay out of the way. She had lied when she said she had the building surrounded and now she wished it were true. Yavu never lunged at her, but kept coming towards her, throwing tables out of his way, forcing her back until she finally was against the wall. She had no where else to go and swung out again at the man. He caught her mace this time and jerked it out of her hands. Then he grabbed her neck and slammed her head against the wall. Mille’s eyes rolled back in her head and she collapsed. Yavu picked her up and carried her to the front door, throwing her and her mace outside into the street. He stepped out of the tavern, looked down at her crumpled form for a minute, then turned and walked away. He turned down a nearby alley and was gone from sight. Those still inside the tavern watched him until he turned into the alley then all eyes turned back to Mille. After a moment’s pause, they backed up into the tavern, shut the door and went about righting tables and returning to previously interrupted conversations.

Adora gazed down from the roof of The Happy Centaur at Mille’s crumpled body and frowned. Stupid woman. Coming into this part of town without more protection. Well, perhaps this will teach her. Adora climbed over the roof to the back of the tavern and dropped softly into the back alley. She slipped in the back door, unnoticed so far, and looked at each person, hoping her informant was still inside. She smiled. What luck! The gods be praised. She approached the man from behind and whispered, “I still need that information.” The man squeaked and whirled around. “Adora!” He instantly relaxed, “I thought you had left. I’m so glad nothing happened to you.”

Adora smiled. I’m sure you are. After all, I haven’t paid you yet.

“Shall I order you a drink?” He said. Adora shook her head, “My payment still stands.”

“Yea. About that. I have been going over it and since we didn’t shake on the earlier suggest amount, I was thinking that it wasn’t enough.”

Her eyes blazed and she curled her hands into fists. She barely kept her voice low, “How much more do you want?”

He held up his hands and smiled, “Oh, I don’t want more gold. That amount is fine. But I also want something more physical.” He licked his lips and looked over her body before his eyes returned to hers. “You are a beautiful woman, Adora. And I know you need this information.”

Adora was a mixture of rage and refusal. The man called over a waitress and ordered 3 shots of alcohol. Adora was trembling as she sat down and drank them, one after the other. She stared at the empty glasses long enough to force the man to speak again. “Well, Adora?”

Adora nodded and the man grinned, showing his teeth. “Wonderful! Why don’t we leave here, then and you can follow me to my place. It’s not far from here.”

Adora nodded again and left with the man.

His information was solid he not only told her the location of the arm band in the morning hours, but gave her a map. She dressed, put the bag of gold on his bed, and left without another word.

# # #

Adora knelt in front of her father’s throne, her head bowed, and the map in her hands. Yavu stood behind her. “It seems your informant was useful after all. Yavu bring the map to me.” Without looking up, Adora held out the map which was taken from her. Adora heard paper rustling and waiting while he looked over the map. “How you’d better hope this is accurate.” After a few minutes, Yavu returned the map to her. “Now go to Flagg and get what magical items you may need. This shouldn’t take you more than two weeks, so you’ll need about four doses. Here,” Adora looked up and he was holding out a necklace with an empty vial hanging from it. “This will fill when it is ttime for your next dose. But remember, I can change when you receive it if you piss me off.”

Adora swallowed, nodded and took the necklace. “Your next dose is tomorrow,” her father said, “but I may wait a day to punish you for your almost fiasco yesterday.” He shrugged and Adora jumped to her feet, her eyes flashing.

“Now just a minute, father! That wasn’t my fault! Mille showed up before…” She never finished as she was thrown back by a magical blast and when she hit the floor, she screamed in pain. Her father watched her, his eyes shining, and a slight smile teased his lips. Finally the pain eased and Adora was able to croak, “Father. Please. Sorry.” The pain stopped and Adora forced herself back to her knees, breathing heavily and bowed her head.

“Get out of my sight, you ungrateful slave. I don’t know why I keep you around.”

Because I’m free, Adora wanted to say, but clamped her mouth shut before the words escaped. She stood up, being careful to not fall, bowed and left his great room.

# # #

Adora winced with every step as she made her way to Flagg’s wing in her father’s castle. After checking a few rooms, she finally knocked at his office door. “Come in,” he called. Adora opened the door and walked in. Flagg smiled as she did, and noticed her slight limp. “You pissed him off again.” He knew it was true. Adora nodded. “Adora,” he shook his head, “when will you learn?”

Adora shrugged, “When he kills me, I guess.”

Flagg pursed his lips, “Going on another mission?”

How does he always know without anyone telling him?

“Then you’ll be needing some magic items,” He stood and Adora followed him back down the hall. He stopped at a plain wooden door with runes burned into the wood and no door knob. He traced the runes with his finger while muttering under his breath. When he finished, all the runes glowed brightly and the door swung inward. “Here we go,” he said and he walked inside.

Adora followed and took in a deep breath, her eyes wide. “Wow.” The room was wider and longer than seemed possible. There were shelves of magic items from the very small to hand sized. Anything larger was hanging from the walls and even some from the ceiling.

Flagg chuckled, “It’s a pleasure to bring you in here, Adora. You truly appreciate the wonder and possibilities that is in here.”

Adora slowly turned around, trying to look at everything at once. Finally she returned to facing Flagg, “Where do I begin?”

“That would depend on your mission.”

“I’m looking for the silver Arm Band of Santinaya,” Adora said.

“Now that will require special equipment. Come here and let me show you…”

# # #

Splat. Splat.

What the hell? Mille opened her eyes and Splat! Another rain drop fell into her eyes. It’s raining. Again. She felt bruised all over and tried to move, but cried out with the effort. I can’t stay here. I doubt even they would want someone taking up the middle of the road. Mille gritted her teeth and rolled onto her side. With a few loud grunts she was finally able to get to her hands and knees. This is going to be harder than I thought. She looked up and saw the porch of The Happy Centaur and it’s pillars. If I could just make it over there. She tried to get to her feet, but her body refused to obey. She tried again. Same result. She started to crawl.

“Mille?!”

Mille thought she recognized the voice, but kept crawling. Can’t stop now. Strong hands lifted her and put an arm over his shoulders. “Easy there. Looks like you lost a bet,” the man said. He walked with her the rest of the way to the tavern’s porch and she sat down, leaning against a pillar. Mille looked at her friend (What else could he be?) and smiled.

“Thanks, Tilon.” She had to admit he was good looking with his hazel eyes and tousled, golden brown hair. The scar on his jawline only added to his charm. And that he was the greatest archer for many lands around certainly didn’t hurt.

Sighing, he shook his head, “You’re welcome, but you have to stop taking these missions alone. They could’ve killed you and we wouldn’t know about it.” He shook his head, knowing further argument would be useless. “Who was it this time?”

“Guy named Yavu. He…” Milled paused at Tilon’s shocked look. “What?”

“You fought with Yavu and survived close fighting? He must’ve wanted you alive.”

Mille leaned her head back against the pillar and closed her eyes, “He could’ve have killed me very easily. I lost consciousness when he threw me outside.”

“Who was he protecting, Mille?”

“Adora.”

“You are determined to bring her in. I admire that,” Tilon paused and looked hard at her, “but if you don’t start getting smarter, she will go free and you will be dead.”

“But who will join me trying to bring her in? She is Lord Nicholas’ daughter and there are some in our group who are loyal to him.”

Tilon stares at the ground, then nods once. “I will.”