Book Two Chapter Forty Seven: Delivery System

Book Two Chapter Forty Seven: Delivery System

While Qube was trying to think of a polite way to tell Sewer Bard and Definitely Bad Guy that they werent special, the party arrived at Cobbletown and Scaley-waley disappeared. Qube was rather surprised shed thought that theyd been heading towards the Light Temple. Although, given that she had no idea where the Light Temple actually was, it was probably a good idea for them to get some kind of directions. For some reason, A Gentlemans Guide to the Seven Temples didnt give the location of the Temples, only said:

An explorer with a true gentlemans soul will have nothing to fear in this place. However, those with darkness in their hearts will find they have to shatter their self-illusions to be free.

Since Qube was not a gentleman, she was the tiniest bit worried, but she reassured herself with the knowledge that the Chosen One was, without a doubt, the best gentleman ever.

Probably.

The Chosen One ended his meditative state as they entered Cobbletowns gate. The two guards greeted them (as per tradition), only to be ignored by everyone (also as per tradition).

We still need to hand in the stuff from the Shadow Temple, the Chosen One said, even though no one had questioned his decision. I forgot that last time. He paused for a moment, looking at the group as the two guards in the background continued to inform him about where he was.

If any of you want to go anywhere, or do anything, in this place, nows the time. Ill come find you all after Im done, he said. He looked at Qube. Well, except for you, he added. Youll have to tell me where you want to go.

Definitely Bad Guy and Sewer Bard exchanged a glance, before the Bard stepped forward and gave an overly-formal bow to the Chosen One.

Noble Patron, he said, and Qube was relieved that he hadnt decided to continue calling the Chosen One the Chosen One, Definitely Bad Guy and myself have some research to conduct. You will find us at either the Royal Library, or in his tower.

Didnt ask, the Chosen One said cheerfully, but good to know! Go on, then! Shoo! He waved away the two men. Sexy Screamy Spider Lady popped her abdomen to the side.

I suppose Ill see you later, then, she said to the Chosen One, lifting a shoulder. When you want me, come find me. She pivoted and stalked away towards the Royal Bestiary.

Squiggles looked up at the Chosen One and Qube with her little black eyes. She blinked at them a few times, then slowly rotated in a circle, her tentacles waving as she moved. Once her nose was pointed towards the Royal Kitchen, she stopped, and looked back at the Chosen One and Qube questioningly.

Quite how Qube had gotten so good at reading the facial expressions of a sharktopus she couldnt say. Perhaps it was one of the perks of pet ownership.

Go on, then, she said to Squiggles with a smile. Squiggles rushed over to her, bonked her shin with her nose, and then raced off to the Royal Kitchen, where she would no doubt delight all of the staff to screams with her bombastic appreciation of their craft.

Youve gotten more used to trusting your party members, Qube said to the Chosen One as she watched Squiggles slorp away. Im so glad! Its important to trust your fellow party members. After all, were all here to help!

You know, you sound different when you say stuff like that, the Chosen One remarked lightly. Startled, Qube looked away from Squiggless beeline towards the Royal Kitchen. Not that Qube needed visual confirmation of Squiggless location: she had only to listen for the shrieks of joy as the monster made her way through the streets.

Do I? she asked. The Chosen One was leaning against a brick wall, his eyes closed and his face tilted upwards to catch the first rays of the rising suns. As the pale light spilled across him, he smiled. It was the very picture of contentment, and it took Qubes breath away.

You look very pretty! she exclaimed involuntarily.

The Chosen One jumped like a cat thatd just had a bucket of water thrown over it. Qube laughed, as he pointed a shaking finger at her.

Dont you dare! he spluttered. I just got Ms Spider off my back, I dont want to have to worry about you, too!

You never have to worry about me! Qube said indignantly.

I have to worry about you all the time! the Chosen One shot back. Why do you think Im pushing everyone to become more independent? Its the only way you guys will grow fast enough.

The effect on Mr. Clockwork was immediate. His tarnished body flared, his merchant backpack disappearing in the wave of golden light that rolled off him. There was a harsh whistling sound, and all his cogs started spinning at once, even the ones that didnt appear to be connected to anything. The clock-face dials that were his eyes whirled, the minute and second hands moving so fast that Qube was afraid they would fly off.

Slowly, painfully, all the motion ceased. Those same clock-face eyes ground in their sockets as they moved to observe the one who had just done this to them.

The construct and the Companion looked at each other; neither moving, nor speaking.

A cog started spinning in Mr. Clockworks right temple.

Mr. Clockwork? Qube asked, her mouth suddenly feeling strange.

The cog stopped moving.

Qube took a few steps back, unsure if Mr. Clockwork was going to start flailing about, attack her, or explode. His eyes remained fixed on where she had been standing. She took another step back.

Several cogs started moving again.

Ah, hello little potential Companion! he said cheerfully to the cobblestone streets. How are you today? You must be getting impatient to leave the village!

Mr. Clockwork, Qube said gently. I am the Companion. My Chosen One was Chosen. We left the village ages ago.

Had no one at the village told him? Had he not noticed she was missing? Sure, everything must have been hectic, what with all the rebuilding, but how could he not know about the Chosen One being Chosen by the Golden Prophecy?

Have you been to the village? she asked, taking a tentative step forward. As soon as she did, his eyes swivelled, locking on to her.

Once again his cogs froze.

As she stood there, looking at the statue-like automaton before her, she felt an echo of wrongness that had overcome her when shed faced down the Evil Emperor. The same fixed stare, that unbridgeable distance.

But now, rather than drowning her, she breathed underwater, as she had at Lake Fear. She felt the flood of dread slam into her, but it moved past her. She could think, now, a bubble of fragile peace in the horror that something was very, fundamentally wrong.

So she took a few steps to the side, and moved out of his line of sight.

After a beat, the cogs at the corners of his mouth began to move.

The village, he said, mournfully.

The Chosen Ones village, she said quietly, hoping that just the sound of her voice wouldnt cause him to look over to her.

Oh Hero, its good to see you survived, Mr. Clockwork said sadly to the early morning street. Such a tragedy, what happened. So many lives lost. Truly, truly terrible. What would you be looking to buy today? I can sell you things directly, but Im only here at 8am and 8pm. Youll have to be punctual if you want to catch me!

What lives lost? Qube asked, staring at the construct shed known her whole life. His clock-face eyes, staring at nothing, winched themselves shut.

Such a tragedy. To slaughter everyone in a peaceful village! He truly is an Evil Emperor. You must stop him, young man! The kingdom depends on you to avenge your friends and family!