Part 1
Chapter 1
Oops
I hurried through the woods trying to escape the four men on horses who took up the rear. They seemed to gain by the second, which wasn't very pleasing on my part, especially since I knew what would happen if I'd get caught. And I couldn't afford to get caught! Chapter 2 Punishment
"Who are you?" Lord Birgandham stuck his face in mine, eyeing me. His huge nose poked mine.
* * * * * * * *
The wagon bounced over another large rock, sending me almost two feet above the wooden floor and slamming back down to it again. By now my body must've been all black and blue.
* * * * * * * *
Okay, I was wrong. We hadn't been nearing Imrove. This was the fifth dag of travel, and still no Imrove! The suspense was killing me! Chapter 3 Imrove
Reaching for all I was worth, I finally managed to grasp my broadsword. I must admit it felt like meeting an old friend again. Especially since it and my bow and arrows were the only things I recognized in this bizarre place. Chapter 4 The Land of Jättes
My jaw dropped as I turned back to the huge animal and rider. Chapter 5 Dark Tower
Nearly toppling the jar over, I scrambled out as I heard the light, quick steps of Elmer coming from the next room. Who knew how they took care of pestering rodents around here. Would he try to get me with a club? A bowl of poison? Or a cheese trap? As hungry as I was getting I was contemplating actually trying to foil a possible cheese trap just for the cheese.
* * * * * * * *
"Hmmmhmmhmmhmm. . ."
It wasn't my fault I was running for my life. Honest! How could I've known that man was of the upper class? The guy looked more like an owl with a hooked nose to me. Who could guess that lower classes weren't permitted to speak to the upper ones without permission? Where I come from, there are no classes, and everyone can talk to whoever they want.
After I'd said a simple 'hi' to the man, he'd turned indignantly and acted like he was having a heart-attack. Then he remarked something about my apparel, and how dare I wear men's clothing. Apparently this was the second reason he'd sicked his soldiers on me. Me! A poor, defenseless visitor!
Hopping over a fallen tree, I managed to grab a large branch after landing and pull it along until I could hold it no more. It swung back and smacked one of the soldiers, knocking him off his horse.
Well, okay, not totally defenseless.
"Stop, scoundrel!"
Yeah, as if someone running for his or her life would stop just so they could be punished. Idiots.
The horses continued to gain on me, bringing us together by several feet. The winding, bumpy terrain of the forest was slowing them down, but not by much. Even though I had the advantage here in the thick vegetation, I knew I couldn't last much longer. By now my chest was heaving and heart pounding in my throat.
"Halt!" One of the three soldiers tried again. "In the name of Lord Birgandham!"
So that's what the guy's name was.
I suddenly realized I was out of luck when I came to a wide stream. This would really slow me down. I'd had it.
Hurrying into the water, my feet were forced to slow in the current and mud. My wet boots and cape bottom added to my weight, and it was hard to keep going without slipping on the smooth rocks and stones underfoot.
As soon as I reached the opposite bank, I heard the familiar loud splashes of three horses enter the water right behind me and come plowing through. Some of the splashes actually landed on my cape.
I made it out of the water and to the edge of the next layer of woodland, right before a large, slip-knot net was thrown over me! It was the kind I'd seen Coblanders (Cobland is the name of the rike I was visiting) use for large game when hunting. Never thought I'd get an up-close and personal lesson on the results of using one.
The three guards held the rope connected to all four corners of the net, and brought their horses to a quick halt. This action prompted me to smack into the net like it was a giant web, and get everything tangled in the holes before the knots were drawn tight.
Then because of the speed I was running, I was yanked backwards off my feet, allowing them to close the net totally around me. I felt like a fly in a spider-trap, unable to even reach for the sword on my back.
My struggling only made the net tighten more.
The three soldiers began laughing and jeering, one pausing to dismount his brown mare. I watched him walk over and snatch the sword from the scabbard on my back, then the bow and arrows. "Haye!" Of all the nerve! That sword alone was worth the equivalent of a house!
"Shut-up, trash." He snapped, stuffing the sword in his belt. Then he reached down and tied the ends of the net together. "We're going for a little ride."
"Brenda o' Lo'lamond." I answered, holding my breath and wondering if he'd had bad fish for breakfast.
It was no way possible he could've missed my accent, since people here didn't roll their 'r's.
I was also still covered in the net, but I could stand now, or at least lean on the two soldiers keeping me up, since my legs were thoroughly tangled.
Lord Birgandham paused to stroke the black patch of wiry hair on his chin. "You don't look old."
My eyebrows furrowed. "Old?"
"Your hair is silver, and what of that skin? It looks like pure gold." He narrowed his eyes.
I glanced down at my bare arms and legs. So? Everyone looked like me in Lo'lamond. It was the people here that looked funny, what with them all being white as sheets with black or brown hair.
"And why are you dressed like a lower-class man?" He growled. "Do you have no ethics or morals?" It was more of an accusation than a question.
"Thees es hoe Oi've alwaeys dressed back home." Was this guy for real? My overcoat, gloves, boots, särk and cape weren't bad.
"We'll you're not 'back home'. Here women have the decency to cover the whole of their legs and arms! And no one is permitted to address nobles and royalty unless spoken to first. Do you know the penalty for such atrocities?" He raised a thick eyebrow.
I slowly shook my head, not able to take my surprised eyes from his face.
"Hanging."
His words took my breath away. They couldn't be serious! All I could do was stare with wide eyes and gulp.
"My Lord," An old man hurried up to Birgandham's side, "she is a foreigner. What if her superiors catch wind of her execution?"
Birgandham paused a moment. He seemed to be thinking over this while I waited in anguish. Then he paused and turned to me again, "Lo'lamond did you say?"
I nodded blankly, feeling the hour-long seconds slowly going by.
Pursing his lips together, he finally made a decision, "Fine. Banishment,"
I couldn't hold in a large sigh of relief. This brought all near me to notice, and Birgandham gave a slight smile. My relief was short-lived when I realized he hadn't finished his sentence.
"To Imrove."
Imrove? Where was Imrove? Any kind of fear I had was replaced by total question. Imrove. "Wot's 'at?"
Birgandham made a quick motion with his hand and the four soldiers drug me out of the large hall of his spotless mansion. So much for answers.
Couldn't they've taken an easier path? It wouldn't kill them to show at least some friendliness. 'Course I was probably barking up the wrong tree about friendliness, since these were the people that shoved me into a boxed-in wagon while still tangled in that net.
The wagon looked more like a very, very small building hitched to the horses, with seats in the front for the drivers, than a normal rectangle one.
I'd only gotten a quick look at it before I was shoved in through the back and the door locked behind me. Only blackness surrounded me, since the only window was in the door at the back, which could only be opened from the outside.
But that'd been hours ago. Maybe even a dag or so. I'd lost track of time boxed in this oversized crate. We had to be at least nearing Imrove by now. . .
But at least the soldiers had to stop periodically to eat and rest the horses. When they did so they opened the window in the back long enough to shove in some old bread and dried venison.
Eating was a real chore, since I could scarcely move, but I managed. One would be surprised what they'd do when facing starvation.
Then finally. . .finally. . .we must have reached our destination!
As the wagon pulled to a halt, I listened for the soldiers. They clomped up along the back and over to the door. At first I hated it when they opened the door and came storming in, since the light struck my eyes like knives. But then I was relieved when they hauled me out of the damp quarters and into freedom.
There they dropped me on the moist ground, along with my weapons, before closing up the wagon and walking away.
Still blind, I managed to push myself upright to look back at them, "Haye! Wot aboat th' net?"
They ignored me, quickly mounting their wagon and hurrying back from where I guessed we'd come from.
Great. For what reason were they too afraid to stay?
After getting a good handle on the grip, I brought the sword carefully to my body. Slowly moving the blade back and forth, practically against my clothes, I managed to begin slicing off the net.
When several minutes had passed, and the net lay in littered pieces on the ground, I stood up and peered about me.
Either there were few plant-eaters around here, or someone desperately needed to take a scythe to the place, because the grass was mikla! It was nearly the height of a small cottage!
The trees all bore green trunks, with few leaves, and they stood high above most of the grass. And that was all I could see around me, other than the light blue sky directly above. The sol's heat still reached me, however, which was good. I needed a little sol after being in that wagon.
After turning around in all directions, I decided to begin braving this 'Imrove' place. It didn't seem so bad.
Forcing my way through the tiring grass, I had to practically push my body weight into it to get through. Good thing I didn't hear any animals nearby. If a pack of ulvs wanted to make a quick meal of me it would be hard to resist the offer.
Several hours later, when I could feel the sol's heat leaving, my stomach began to growl hunger. It would soon be night, and I needed food. But the whole time I'd been traveling I didn't once see anything edible. Just grass and trees. Not one mouse, grouse, pheasant, or rabbit. Maybe people were banished here just so they could starve to death? Was that to be my fate here in this life before the great after?
Trudging along through the overwhelming green, I didn't see the looming stone in front of me until I nearly walked into it.
"Brimen'noiy!" I leapt back at its sudden appearance and stared at the huge block, discovering that if they'd had stones of this size back at Cobland they could build their homes using only one a piece, and merely carving out the inside!
I followed the stone with my eyes from the ground up to the top, discovering that there were two layered on top of it and stitched with several others. At first I thought it was some kind of huge wall. But on further examination, which prompted me to strain my neck back as far as it could go, I discovered that the stones went on so far that I couldn't see the top!
After toppling backwards onto the ground, I sat there a few moments, trying to see any end to these stones. But in every direction, they seemed to go on for miles! What was this place? A large dead-end trap?
Collecting my thoughts, and my emotions, I stood up and brushed the moist dirt off myself. The bite in the cold air of late evening struck through my clothes when a heavy breeze blew by. It was strong enough to even make the trees shake and sway.
Then the light of the sol seemed to disappear, and my vision of the area was cut short up to a few feet in front of myself. The cold grew, and I could smell the scent of fresh rain coming.
If the rain cascaded down this wall I could be in danger of getting washed away in a quick river. And if a river didn't get me, the cold rain could, with a bad sickness. Finding quick shelter was the only answer.
Hustling along the wall, I always kept the stones an arm's length from my right shoulder, periodically looking up at them for any sign of a ladder or hole.
My instincts had been right, Not thirty minutes later did the first crack of thunder shake the ground. It was so powerful that I could even feel it through the grass. But still, no end to the wall in sight. It seemed like I just kept going in a wide circle.
Will this wall ever end!
My question was answered when another stone appeared in my frontal vision, perpendicular to the one at my right. It was some kind of end all right, but not the end I necessarily wanted. I had to stop to take a breathing rest.
Turning, I sat back against the crack between the two stones while the storm rumbled on overhead. Closing my eyes, I listened for any kind of sound other than the growing storm. It wasn't until then that I noticed a light rumble, other than the thunder.
Opening my silver and blue eyes again, I peered around for the source. The rumble came again, quicker and louder this time, with three smaller ones almost right on top of it.
It was only half a moment when the sounds came again, so quick and loud that they began to shake the ground worse than the thunder.
The last time I heard them, they seemed to be right overhead, except I couldn't see them. How could that be possible?
Quickly standing up, I hurried along the new stone wall. When the wall finally ended only minutes later, I was so happy that I nearly jumped for joy! But then I saw what had been making the thunders, and what the stone wall actually was.
Coming into a large, dirt clearing, I gazed straight upwards. Directly above me, stood a humongous, black horse, with an enormous rider on top! The actual size of the two was hard to comprehend, since I was barely taller than the horse's hooves! All I could see was a large foot in a stirrup, and the horse's belly!
Staring back at the stones, I saw a large gate set in a stone wall, which went on for miles in each direction. Above the gate was a gatehouse, and above that were large towers in the distance.
Imrove was a land of Jättes!
Jättes! I couldn't believe it! They'd banished me to a land of jättes, just so I could get squashed! So much for a light sentence. Why were these terrible things suddenly happening to me?
"It's I, Stewart Redwhick! Claiborne Dwade's second cousin! Open the gates!" The man atop the horse boomed so loud that I had to cover my ears, right before dodging a front hoof.
Running to the inside of the wall against the dirt path, I ducked and tried to stay out of sight as much as possible. The horse saw me, but luckily his rider didn't.
I watched as the horse stared at me first, then he began baying and neighing. This prompted the apparent 'Stewart' to yank lightly on the reins and order, "Quiet."
A sudden screech and clashing sound made me jump like a flea! Spinning around I saw the first of the three gates being opened. They were all portcullises, with sharp spikes on the actual gates and holes in the ceiling of the stone so guards could pierce anyone below with arrows when under attack.
Then with another screech the second was lifted, then the third.
With another crack of loudening thunder, Stewart kicked his horse in the ribs, and they moved forwards into the outer ward.
After watching the jätte enter the large castle, I glanced up at the black sky. A splash of water suddenly splat me on the head, soaking my body clear through! In this land rain drops were more dangerous than could be imagined!
I paused to stare at the huge castle. Well. . .it was shelter, and I was in just as much danger as I would be in there, if not more. The gates were open, and this was it; not that I wasn't small enough to fit through the holes in the portcullis mind you.
Taking a big breath of air and shaking off a shiver, I sprinted into the large gate, dripping rain. I made it past the first portcullis without trouble. The second one I barely made it underneath before it closed. But the third shut into the dirt right before I could hurry underneath, splashing me with mud.
Pausing at the metal gratings, I peered around at the castle ward. Huge people, much like the ones I'd left behind in Cobland, only larger, bustled about trying to get finished what they were doing so they could get indoors.
A large splat right in front of the grating scared me like a rabbit! I jumped back, before deciding it was okay to breathe. But I quickly noticed the increasing number of raindrops pounding the vast terrain ahead. It was now or never. If I could make it to the large keep in the center, I'd have less chance of being found than if I went to the houses along the walls.
Sticking my upper body through a hole, I stepped through and began running like a mad-person straight for the keep gate. I had to not only put up with the rain smacking me like falling branches, but I also had to dodge the muddy prints Stewart's horse had made ahead.
Several minutes later, I finally came to the gate of the keep, soaked to the bone and muddy up to my chest. Several times I'd sunken into the mud so deep that I thought I would drown.
Hurrying to the gate, I ran through the large, oaken doors that had been open for Stewart. I made it inside just as they slammed shut behind me.
There, I stopped and looked around, panting like a dog. About me were towering objects that I'd seen in Cobland, only larger, of course. At the far end of the huge reception room was a fireplace, with a cauldron sitting inside. The cooking created a pleasant aroma throughout the room. Below me was a large mat full of caked mud for wiping feet. The floor was made of tiles, about the length of a wagon each. The ceiling was made of red oak, and the walls painted white and draped with woven tapestries. To my left was a winding staircase, in front was a doorway to another room, to the left was the kitchen, and sitting between these were tables, desks, and tools.
After the surveillance, I quickly wiped my feet on the rug, as I did the same with my cloak, gloves, legs, and overcoat. They wouldn't mind, since I was only the size of a large mouse.
The thumping of mikla feet against thick flooring prompted me to stand up and watch Stewart and another jätte strolling leisurely through the reception room.
I finally had a clear view of him. Stewart was soaked in his cloak and heavy garments. He had yellow hair, and pinkish skin, while the other had red-brown hair and light orangish-yellow skin. Stewart's companion seemed nice and toasty in his elaborate dress.
"So how are things, cousin?" Stewart asked, placing his hands behind his back.
"All goes well and smooth. I'm glad you could make it in time for the marriage. It begins in only three days." The other answered, as they paused walking to talk.
Hurriedly looking around for something to hide behind, I saw an old jar sitting near the door for decoration. Running over to it, I held onto my bow and climbed in, so as not to make a racket.
"Hey, did you see something scurry across the floor, Claiborne?" I couldn't see Stewart glancing my way, but I could tell that's what he was doing.
"It was probably just a mouse. I'll have the stablehand take care of it." Claiborne's voice sounded almost bored. "So, any news?"
"Nope. The country's still mourning the death of Donnelly, but they'll get over it in time for the wedding ceremony." I heard Stewart clap his hands together.
"Very good. Come, I've prepared a fine dinner just for your visit." Then I heard Claiborne and Stewart's clomps leave the room and head deeper into the keep.
Slowly straightening, I managed to peek over the rim of the jar while standing on my tip-toes. The coast was clear.
The smell of the fire and talk of dinner was enough to get me drooling and my stomach growling. I'd have to get some somehow.
"Elmer! Get in there and get rid of that mouse!"
I cringed at Claiborne's sudden harsh orders from the next room.
Then I heard a younger man's voice, "Yes, sire! Right away!"
I gulped.
Looking around, I saw the only possible escape. . .up the winding staircase.
Sprinting over to the oversized stairs, I jumped and grabbed the top of the first stair. Then I pulled myself up and hid behind the railing pole.
Elmer entered the room thumping along accompanied by the flaps of a leather bag. So I imagined he had a small club with him. "Here little mousy mousy. I won't hurt you. Look, I have some cheese."
I drooled, but managed to control the craving for food. I slowly moved to the bottom of the next stair, and hauled myself up. Then I climbed up the next, trying to be as silent as possible.
Elmer was still searching for me down below by the time I was out of sight above the first floor's ceiling.
I paused to rest against the wall and listen to him downstairs. But then I made the mistake of looking up at the staircase ahead of me. The stairs seemed to wind up and curve out of sight, like a large mountain. It would take me forever to get up to the clear top!
"Hmmmhmmhmm. . ."
The humming of someone entering the stairs below was enough to send me into a frenzy. I whirled around, searching for the source of the sound.
Spying a pot-bellied man hurrying up the stairs, words could not express how deeply I quietly sighed when I saw that he was carrying a large cake and food pouch, which blocked his frontal vision.
After blowing out some air, I quickly deduced that he could be my lift all the way up. So rubbing my hands together, as the feet neared every second, I readied for the right moment.
Just as his left foot pounded the wooden stair beside me, I lurched forwards and clutched his leather shoe! He must not have felt me, and so kept going.
Stair after stair after stair passed below, my body shaking and thumping some when his foot would pound the wood. Then my stomach would churn and ears pop as he pulled his foot up and in the air again.
By the time we reached the next floor, I was so sick that if I'd eaten beforehand, I would've lost it on the guy's shoe. Luckily all that happened was I became dizzy, light-headed, and turned a light shade of green.
"Here's yer cake, Lady Gwinna." I heard the man's low voice rumble above him, as he lumbered over to a table and sat the cake on it. He must've been a cook. At the moment, however, just the mention of food was enough stimulation for me to cup a hand over my mouth and turn even greener.
"Thank you, Paul." I heard the higher voice from across the room. I was only able to get a look at the place when the cook decided to stand still.
Dizzily trying to keep everything from swirling, I saw the faint outline of a woman jätte sitting in front of a large window. All I could make out on her were silk robes, and the fact that she was slumped.
The swaying room was large, as in comparison to the room below, with a fireplace, loom, table, chairs, and a band playing a loud, shrieking medley. If I didn't have to clutch this man's shoe I would've covered my ears.
Then the cook turned and strolled to the right. I only had enough time to spy yet another set of winding stairs before we began the sickening journey upwards. I closed my eyes and just waited for it to end.
The tune seemed familiar. Very familiar.
Opening my eyes, I blinked away the blackness and glanced up. A huge, overcast belly, which shadowed me from above, was all I could see. Oh yeah. The cook guy.
Still clutching his shoe, I scanned the area carefully. . .after my eyes could focus. It took them a moment to adjust to the blackness of the area, and the new height at which we stood. How large had that staircase really been?
A small torch. . .well, small to the cook, sat on a corbel far above. It was the only source of light in the dark surroundings. The rest of the area dwelt in murky grays and blacks, the moist air proving to aid in the effect.
Peering over my shoulder in the direction of the cook's toes, I saw that a long hallway lay mapped out ahead. On the right side were four, heavy oak doors, with only a small window on the tops of each, and a small slit near the bottoms.
Feeling the cook's weight shift, I gazed upwards and watched his arm move and his hand snatch up the torch. In his other hand he held the food back, the smell reaching me even at his feet. I just prayed he wouldn't look down and see the tiny person clutching his shoe-laces.
Shoe-laces! An idea struck me! I could use his shoe-laces as a rope to help me get around more, since I was banished here for a while.
As I went up and down, up and down with the movement of his feet, I quickly began unlacing his shoe. The man had small, pudgy feet, so that his shoe would stay on long after I'd snatched the thin rope. He wouldn't know what hit him.
Pulling out the last of the long lace, I rolled it up and tied it to my belt in a coil, then held onto the top lips of his shoe.
The cook stopped in front of the last door at the end of the hallway. On the right was the door, and the left, another set of winding stairs. I couldn't take another flight of them today. There were few jättes up here, and it was clear that it was some sort of tower dungeon.
Waiting until he'd come to a complete stop at the door, I took the moment of stillness and hopped off his foot, scurrying to the end of the door. Either he didn't notice me at all, or he just thought I was another mouse.
"Here's yer sup'." The cook knocked twice on the door before taking a loaf of bread from the bag and slipping it through the slot at the bottom. Then he took a pouch of liquid and pushed it through also. And last he shoved in a slab of venison.
Then the cook turned and whistled, walking to the new flight of twisting stairs and ascending from sight.
