Book Three Chapter Fifty Seven: TT_Guards Unlock

Book Three Chapter Fifty Seven: TT_Guards Unlock

This was it. It was happening. As the Chosen One started his make travel go fast method, she held in her heart the knowledge that this might be the last time they fast travelled anywhere. She wasn't sure what would happen with ascension and whether or not there would be some time to go check on everyone before they visited the Devs realm. Or, in fact, if the Chosen One would even stick around once they defeated the Evil Emperor. And if there was no Chosen One, then how could there be fast travel?

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She couldnt think of anything to say. This was the point her entire life had been leading up to, and shed had a million ideas about what kind of heroic or supportive things things she might utter as they approached the lair of the Evil Emperor, but none of her wildest fantasies had involved anyone like Sexy Screamy Spider Briar (who was paging through the book the Chosen One had gotten her while she jogged), or Squiggles (who kept looking back over her shoulder at the town theyd left behind and making tiny whimpering sounds).

So, were going to go defeat the Evil Emperor and restore peace to the land, she said, then instantly wanted to slap herself. Really? That was the best she could come up with? At least there was no teehee. What do you guys think about that?

All right, maybe someone else in the group could come up with a deep and insightful last fast travel conversation.

But the others seemed just as stumped as she was for what to say.

So it was, against all reasonable expectations, the party approached Cobbletown for the last time in complete silence. Not because her friends had been returned to their weird meditative states, but more because well, what does one say when theyre about to fulfil their destiny? Sure hope we dont mess it up at the last moment and doom the world!

It was almost a relief when the snapping flags of Cobbletown appeared on the horizon.

The Chosen One staggered slightly as he left his fast travel trance. Qube was so surprised that she didnt get a chance to steady him before he took a couple of steps forward and righted himself.

Are you all right, Chosen One? she asked, instantly worried.

Yeah, just a bit tired, he said, turning around and smiling at her. She examined him carefully, noting the paleness that was slowly leeching the colour out of his skin.

We can take a rest at the inn, if you wish, she said.

Ah, if you guys want to rest, go ahead, but it doesnt really do much for me, he said. He looked over the group and furrowed his brow slightly. Did you have a bad conversation during your alone time? You all seem kinda grim.

I merely am concerned that the Evil Emperor will still be publicly indisposed, Definitely Bad Guy said cautiously, which was perhaps the politest way Qube had ever heard someone refer to another person standing in the middle of a town plaza and screaming as their world was fundamentally reshaped.

I used the time to study a little bit, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar confessed. I wouldnt want to appear ignorant when we ascend, after all.

I have nothing to say, Sencha Bard paradoxically said.

Squiggles just whimpered.

Hey, the Chosen One said as they approached the gates, dont cry, Squiggles. I dont even know if you can cry. Do you miss your friend?

Squiggles nodded. The Hero reached out and stroked her back.

But you wouldnt want to make him stop dancing with all his friends just to come on your adventure, would you? he asked the sharktopus.

Squiggles nodded emphatically. Yes, she absolutely would.

Yes, maam, Eddie replied.

How long have you been able to hear me? she asked, astonished.

As long as youve been talking, maam, Eddie replied.

No, I mean, how long have you been able to see me? Qube clarified hurriedly.

As long as Ive seen you there, Eddie replied, not missing a beat.

It seems [The Bard Ballad] has spread to here, Definitely Bad Guy said.

The Chosen One, whod been looking between the two city guards and Qube with a gathering frown, suddenly snapped his attention over to the Mage.

Its possible, he said quietly. He looked over at Eddie and Raul. Hey, do either of you remember hearing a song? Ever seen a giant scorpion? Or this Healer before today?

We hear lots of songs, Raul replied.

Never seen a giant scorpion, though, Eddie added.

And we see lots of people come into Cobbletown, a third voice suddenly cut through. A tall, broad-shouldered woman in a bright blue uniform with big, golden buttons stepped forward. She was wearing a cone-shaped helmet, with stiff blue bristles sticking out of it. Captain Major, at your service, Hero, she said, saluting with her free hand.

Captain Major? What kind of name is that? the Chosen One asked in disbelief, ignoring the fact that he was travelling with people named Definitely Bad Guy and Sexy Screamy Spider Briar.

Chosen One, please! Qube hissed. She glanced at the captain, only to find that Captain Major was studying her with an air of disinterest. Behind the captain, five more guards were standing at attention.

Weve heard about your deeds, Hero, and know that the time has come for order to be restored to the land. You shall have our blades.

Now aint that funny? A familiar voice interrupted. Qube, astonished that yet another person had managed to sneak up on them at the honestly rather open area around the gate, was even more surprised when she realised it was the leader of the Thieves Guild. Us lowly members of the Thieves Guild also heard of your deeds, and figured it was time to shake up the boring stuffiness thats suffocating our business. After all, whats life without a little chaos?

The captain of the guards and the leader of the Thieves Guild eyed each other. Once, Qube had suspected that in order for the Thieves Guild to operate as openly as they did, with absolutely no reprisal for their robbery, they must be in cahoots with the city guard, but the open dislike with which the two leaders looked at each other somewhat dispelled that belief.

Of course the fact that the captain of the city guard wasnt immediately trying to arrest someone whod just declared himself a member of the Thieves Guild was a bit suspicious. Perhaps the seven other lethal-looking figures lurking behind the thief leader, including what appeared to be the hooded grate guard, and the half a dozen giant, mutated rats, had stayed the captains hand. Several of the rats had belts wrapped around them with various smoke bombs and knives attached.

The rats have overrun the sewers! Raul said, pointing at the latest recruits of the Thieves Guild. He turned and looked at the Chosen One. If you can clear the rats out and let us know, wed be grateful to you. Thieves are bad enough; I draw the line at giant mutant rats.

Aint no one gonna come after our little fishies, the second-in-command of the Thieves Guild said, a hand drifting to a crossbow strapped to their back.

Do they think the rats are fish? Qube whispered to the Chosen One.

Nah, thats just slang, the Hero said, looking surprisingly serious. But if either of them think theyre coming with us to the castle, theyve got another thought coming!