Chapter 233: The Hard Carry

Chapter 233: The Hard Carry

The bones slithered along the floor of the cavern, gathering together as they came towards the raised area where we were standing. By the time they reached the base, two arms had formed and began crawling up the rock.

The wind picked up, whistling and moaning eerily. Maurice and Claire were clinging to each other (any excuse) and everyone was cowering. As the only person standing by the edge, I saw what was coming, but I wasnt really worried.

The bones were coming together to create a skeletal body, but the body was not particularly intimidating. Mainly because of its size.

The skeleton reached the top and climbed over the edge to stand in front of me. It had all the usual partshead, arms, legsbut it was only as tall as Biadet. Maybe a touch shorter.

So youre an elf? I asked him. Im not an expert on anatomy, so I couldnt tell you how an elf skeleton differed from a humans, but it seemed to have the same basic parts and structure. Although not tall and willowy like Peter Jackson would have you believe. More like the ones who sneak into your house and do some cobbling while you sleep.

I am Evand, last of the first. His voice sounded a lot less intimidating rattling around his small, empty skull. And yes, I am an elf. He was an elf, so his name probably had fifteen apostrophes Id missed out.

Forgive us, mighty Ancestor! The shaman threw himself on the ground, fully prostrated. Probably the best place for him. He didnt seem to want anything other than to lie there, so I let him.

And were all of you this, erm height?

What has that go to do with anything?

Nothing, I said. Im just a history buff. Like to know about the old days.

Wait, said Maurice coming forward. He had a serious look on his face. Tell me, Evand, last of the first, is it elfs or elves?

Elfs, said Evand, like it was obvious.

No, it isnt, wailed Maurice.

Hes an elf, I pointed out. He should know.

Hes an imposter! Maurice declared. Claire led him away, muttering.

Where were we? Oh, yes the Queen.

Leave her out of this, said Evand.

He seemed very keen to take the focus off her. Which only made me want to do the opposite. As much as I wanted the spires dealt with, my instincts still told me to force an abdication first.

Youre the last, but shes the second last, right? Why did she leave you down here on your own.

Thats none of your business.

I knocked his head off.

NO! screamed Nicopez. Forgive us, Ancestor.

Stop pissing about and tell me, I insisted. Yes, Im happy to bully anyone smaller than me.

She only wanted to see what had become of the world while we slept, said Evands head from the floor. His body bent down to reattach it. It is a temporary excursion. Our role is to stay here and wait for the signal.

The signal for what?

The return of our people.

The Ancestors are returning? said Nicopez, his voice trembling. When? This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com

Soon, said Evand. That is why the power of the spires must be preserved. If they are drained, we will all perish. You must prevent that happening.

First we deal with the Queen, I said, sticking to my guns. At this point, it was just stubbornness. Her holiday has turned into an extended vacation with a lot of unnecessary castrations, which really spoils the party mood. She needs to be down here to welcome the folks home. I had no idea if the return of the elfs was a good thing, but I didnt have time to worry about it right now.

The skeleton put its hands on its hips. Adorable. The spires are in Fengarad. Why are you wasting time in Requbar? You must hurry to prevent a calamity beyond your comprehension. Worlds will collide.

Then show us the way out, I shouted. Guy liked to argue way too much.

Stop it, said Flossie. Hes only little.

No, thats what youll give us after we help you. Possibly. What will you give us before? Mama didnt raise no fools. Actually, Mama did hardly any raising of any kind, but I digress.

What do you want? he asked me.

A sacrifice, I replied.

A sacrifice? Who?

The Queen. I want her off the throne of Requbar.

The skeleton stamped its tiny foot in irritation. So cute. That isnt important now. We can deal with that later.

No. Im tired of going from one psycho to the next. First we have to secure our position here, and we cant do that with your girlfriend on the throne. And what is this?

I held out the gem the Queen had given me. It immediately glowed bright orange.

No, no, what are you doing with that? He sounded appalled. Are you trying to get us all killed?

Arent you already dead? I asked him.

Of course not. Do I look dead? said the skeleton, waving his arms about like mobility proved life. Which I suppose it did.

I looked at the glowing gem. This wont get us into the spire?

Itll get you inside, and that will be the end of us all. Come with me. He hurried towards the tunnels, like a little kid looking for his parents in a crowd. Everyone got out of his way and then fell in behind me as we returned to the tomb.

The statue (not a life-sized depiction, clearly) was still balancing on top of the altar. The elf stopped to take in the mess, then went to the altar. He pressed the side and a panel opened. Which explained why the top wouldnt come off.

Inside, there were more gems, of many different colours.

He held up a blue gem. This one will get you inside. And this one will open the core. He had a green one now. Or was it the red one? No, no, definitely this one. And use this to recharge the core. It has to be at full charge, not used on frivolous things like. He waved a bony hand at Biadet. ...that. He had a handful of gems now. Here, take them.

Cant you come with us? I said. It would probably be easier if you were the one to use these, however theyre supposed to be used.

In this body? His arm fell off. He picked it up and reattached it. I cant leave here, not unless one of you donate your body to me. He looked around the room. Everyone suddenly had other business and looked away.

Ill do it, said Nyx.

I slapped him around the head. It didnt fall off, fortunately. Dont be so quick to try and save the world. He could be full of shit. Technically speaking, it was clear he wasnt full of anything, but my point stood. Although, I did appreciate the offer. Despite suspecting Nyx of only being here out of self-interest, he kept trying to convince me otherwise.

First we need to deal with the Queen, I said.

No, shouted Evand. I keep telling you, she isnt important.

And I keep telling you she is. Give me a way to neutralise her and Ill bring her down here. You two can spend the rest of your lives or your deaths or whatever it is you call this, in sweet togetherness.

You will bring her to me?

Ill personally dump her at your feet rolled up in a carpet.

Here. He took a smaller gem from the altar, clear like a diamond. You must give this to her. She has to eat it.

I took the gem. It fit quite easily into the palm of my hand but it would be hard to slip it down her throat without noticing.

She must swallow it willingly, he added. But, in order to take it from this place, it must be carried inside you.

I looked at it again. I have to swallow it? Then how will she I realised it would have to pass through me before I could give it to her. Quite possibly it had already been through a number of people already. Im not eating this.

The gem was snatched out of my hand. I will do this for you, said Nyx. He downed it in one. I could see the bulge go down his furry throat.

The skeleton collapsed into a pile of bones. Nyx collapsed at the same time. A moment later he got back to his feet.

Not exactly what I had in mind, said Evands voice from Nyxs mouth. But I suppose it will do.