Part 1
Chapter 11
New Quest
A couple faeries giggled in the background. I felt a little overwhelmed and faint. Chapter 12 Elmer
Yawning, I hurried around in the pantry, searching for any place one could hide a tiny scepter. Any kind of small box, corner, pouch, cupboard could be concealing it. By the time I'd searched everything, two hours had passed. Chapter 13 Wings
Dragging myself, and the heavy gold scepter over to the table, it was hard for me not to just lean on the thing and go to sleep for about two days. Chapter 14 Jewelry Box
Groggily rubbing my eyes, I opened them and peered about. Red silk cushioning tapered to the wood was all around me. That's when I remembered where Gwinna'd put me; in her jewelry box. For a jewelry box it was pretty elaborate. Chapter 15 Ogre Scheme
"Grab it!" I heard the apparent ring leader order from his position beside Gwinna.
Another boy flew over into my face, "Aren't you a faerie?" For an instance I forgot that I was backed against open air and went to take a step back.
"Whoa!" I quickly gained my balance and fell forward on my knees, taking a breather. "No. Oi'm not. . .a faerie."
Several of them stared at each other a moment, then they settled onto the table like a mass of butterflies.
"Then what are you?"
"Did you get shrunk?"
"Did you loose your wings?"
The questions just kept coming. "Oi'm a person frum Lo'lamond. Thaer, everywoon es mey size. Oi came here when Oi were baneeshed ta thees land o' jättes."
Several of the faeries giggled at me. One was bold enough to comment, "You talk funny."
I paused to calm my nerves. "Uhh. . .thanks." I didn't want to make them mad. Saying I was out-numbered would be a severe understatement.
They giggled again, "And act funny."
I cleared my throat, "Wael, it's been nice meetin' you, but Oi've got ta gu now so Oi'll jist leave." I turned and began to drop to the chair below. Hopefully I'd make it to the stairs in case they decided to try anything.
"Wait!"
Shock overwhelmed me when two faeries suddenly caught me by the arms and flew me back up onto the center of the table. There I was in the middle of their circle. So I backed up against the candle, fingering the hilt of my sword again.
"The King wants to see you." One of them reported with a smile.
A King? Oh no. I had the worst luck with nobility. "You couldn't jist. . .write heem a note fur mey, could you?"
They giggled again.
"Aw, he's nice. Don't worry." One of the fearies waved a hand at me.
How'd they know what he wanted? It had only been a few minutes since they spotted me. . .or had it? "Hoe long did you know Oi were here?"
"Ever since we saw your wagon pass by our tree outside the castle."
"Oh." My face darkened. That would sure explain it. "Then why wait 'til now?"
"Because, we didn't know what you'd be like." Another fearie flew into my face while answering my question. Then she turned upside-down, staring at me. "You could easily pass for one of us though."
Oh that's nice to know.
"The King approaches!" One of the fearies directly behind me announced so abruptly that I nearly jumped out of my clothes.
The King fearie landed only a few feet from me, and peered closely at me. He was dressed in royal blue and purple robes cut unevenly like leaves. He didn't look mean, yet he didn't look friendly either. "So, you're the one that came from across the mountains."
I suddenly became very conscious that I still had my hand on my sword hilt. So I quickly put it down. "Oi think so. Oi couldn't actually see out while Oi were en th' wagon." I shrugged and gave a weak smile.
"Ahhh. I figured it was something like that. The net was very peculiar." He paused, smiling some. "So, why'd you come here?"
I quickly explained my story again, only in a shortened version. They seemed to take it all in like water to a sponge. ". . .now Oi've got ta gu get th' key frum Claiborne ta free Donnelly."
The King looked at me gravely. "And how would you be able to accomplish this? You're our small size, and don't have any wings. Even the mice are more better off than you are."
My temper flared up again. "Oi know 'at. So enstead o' standin' here gabbin' Oi've got ta gu get started." I stopped and waited to see what his reaction would be. In the next moment I'd probably be turned into a little toad, but so be it.
The King stood cold-faced at first, with everyone around him very silent, but then he suddenly smiled. "I like you. You've got spunk. You've especially got a lot of it to wear clothes like that and walk around here with gold skin." He paused, then continued, "We aren't permitted to meddle in affairs here, but. . .if you do one thing for us, I'll give you a pair of faerie wings so you can get around a little bit easier."
I stood and stared. Wings? I could have wings? That would sure make things a whole lot faster!
Finding my voice, I tried to calm myself down, "Oh. Wael, wot es thees woon thing?"
He smiled a little wider, and I knew it was from my strange accent, but he didn't remark. "I dropped my gold scepter in the grass a few days ago. Elmer found it and brought it somewhere here before I could get it. I need you to find it and bring it back here to the table."
Standing there contemplating, I tried to remember what Donnelly had warned me about Elmer, but I just couldn't figure out what he'd said. How bad could Elmer be after all? He was just a stable servant. "Okay. Oi'll du it. . .or at least Oi'll try." I made a small bow.
"That's good. And don't worry, I'll know when you're here with it." Then he took off and flew out the nearest open window. The rest of the fearies flew out after him, several saying 'good-bye' and others wishing me 'good speed'.
And as suddenly as they'd come, they'd gone. I was alone again in the room, and very aware that I was running out of time. The sol was beginning to peek over the east mountains,, and the first rays shown through the window like rippled drapes.
Slumping on the floor underneath a cupboard, I forced myself to stay awake. I could feel bags forming underneath my eyes. It would only be a few more hours before my body forced me into a long, deep sleep.
Standing up and jogging along the floor, I neared a new doorway that I hadn't seen before. Peering around the wood, I looked in and saw a small room.
It was dark and gloomy, with no decorations on the walls, and only one meager window in the left wall. In the middle was a small bed, off to the right was a desk, and off to the left sat a huge box covered with a blanket.
In the bed, I saw the ragged hair on Elmer's head. Perfect! I'd found his room! The scepter had to be in here somewhere.
With new found energy, I scampered over to the desk and began climbing the poor excuse for a stool.
Once on top of the dresser, I searched everything: a little money pouch, a small box, and a large purse. He had plenty of money, but no scepter.
Pausing to scratch my chin, I glanced at myself in the huge mirror while pondering. I noticed that black circles had formed around my eyes. I desperately needed sleep. But I could get the sleep I needed after getting that scepter. Where could it be? In that box on the other side of the room?
"Heh heh, I knew you weren't a figurine."
My eyes grew to the size of saucers when Elmer's face suddenly appeared in the mirror's reflection behind me!
Whirling, I yanked out my broadsword and glanced around for a way of escape. How'd he know I was even there? Now he was beginning to really creep me out. "Hoe'd you know Oi weren't a statue? Hoe'd you know Oi were en th' room?"
He chuckled with a wide, toothy grin. "Didn't Donnelly tell you?"
I backed up a couple steps.
"I used to be a faerie, until they took away my wings and cursed me, making me a giant." His grin grew. Then he reached past me and touched the mirror I'd been looking into. The surface seemed to ripple, then a picture of Gwinna's room shown up clearly on it. "I saw you in Donnelly's room, on Gwinna's dresser, then talking to the Faerie King. It's obvious that you're looking for this." Reaching into his pocket, I watched him pull out the tiny scepter.
There was only one word I could think of, as I backed up some more. "Why?"
"With the scepter, I can destroy those ignorant fearies. The one that holds their scepter is the only one that can rule, because it's an old heirloom. Just too bad they didn't realize how stupid their law was until now, since that way can't change it without the scepter."
"Ain't you more worried aboat wot'll happen if Claiborne finds out aboat you?" I backed up even more, feeling the mirror against my back.
"Claiborne doesn't know anything. I'm surprised that he's gotten this far." Elmer straightened, putting the scepter back in his pocket. "But shouldn't you be a little more worried about yourself right now?"
I snapped my fingers, "You know, you're roight. It's gettin' late an' Oi think Oi'd better gu." I began slipping to the side of the mirror.
"Stay a while. I insist." Elmer growled.
The next thing I knew, I was flying through the air. Or at least I was for a moment. Then a wall came up in my sight fairly quick.
After smacking the wall with my back, I landed back on the dresser again. All Elmer had done was swat me like he would a fly.
Pushing myself upward, I peered up just in time to see a hand coming down towards me!
Rolling, I felt his hand slam the wood just inches from me! I kept rolling. Another couple slams sounded just beside me, nearly deafening my ears!
Finally I managed to break out of the roll and stand up, wobbling some. Finding my sword near my feet, I picked it up just in time for Elmer to swat me again.
This time though, I managed to stab his hand until the sword blade disappeared into his palm. As I flew, I took the sword with me, pulling it from his thick flesh! He yelled in agony, and quickly grasped his hand with his other one.
I, however, hit the wall and landed smack on the dresser again, totally disoriented and worn out. Barely able to hold onto consciousness, I pushed myself up enough to spy three Elmers. . .or was it just my vision playing tricks? Then I collapsed flat again.
"So that's how you want to play, huh?" Elmer growled, still grasping his reddened hand. "I think you'll be much more agreeable as a. . ." he thought out loud a moment as I lay like a flattened spider on the dresser top, ". . .a small, helpless, sparrow. Yes, a sparrow."
Pushing myself up to dodge him again, I stared weakly as a bright yellow light surrounded his good hand and a beam shot straight into my face!
It felt like a hot poker had entered through my heart, and I collapsed forwards with a cry of pain. No. . .it wasn't a cry. . .it was, a chirp!
Looking up, I saw Elmer leaning over me with a large birdcage in his hands.
Next moment all I knew was that I was flying around. . .and around, and around some more! My instincts must have taken over. It was hard to believe at first that I had bird instincts and that I was flying for my life!
"Come back here you little pest!"
Elmer's yell made my head rattle from the noise. Feathers flew from my body as I flapped madly around the enclosure, dodging him, the cage, and his hand.
Then I flew straight into his face and began pecking at his eyes! He wanted to hurt me, so I was going to hurt him first.
"Aargh! Why you little-!"
Something fast made contact with my small, light body and I flew somewhere, and landed on something hard. Straightening up I saw that I was back on the dresser again, in front of the mirror. Elmer was bellowing and stomping angrily over to the desk.
"That's it! I was going to be nice, but now you've gone and done it, little gold sparrow. A destruction beam should suit you just fine!" I saw a red swirl of bright color surround his hands again.
I hopped back some, bumping into the mirror. Wait a minute. . .MIRROR!
The blast of red shot straight at me! In a rush of feathers, I hopped to the side, giving myself extra speed with my wings! The red blast hit the mirror, bounced off and hit Elmer smack in his chest!
"Noo!" Elmer shrieked as his body quickly swirled in a small twister down until it faded on the floor. His clothes laid in a bundled heap, and all that was left was a small pile of dust.
Instantly I felt that striking feeling in my chest again. After collapsing in pain on the desk, I opened my eyes.
My body was back! I was a person again! I was so overjoyed that I leapt up and hugged myself! All that remained of my bird form were a few feathers floating down to the wood here and there. Elmer's death must've released me from his magic.
Pausing to peer down at his mess of clothes on the floor, I saw, sticking out of his small pocket, the top of the golden scepter.
Coming to the chair leg, I peered up at the height I would have to climb. . .again. While staring, I had to squint at the bright sollight. Soon the jättes would be up and about and I'd be spotted for sure. This time, with the new scepter addition in my hands, they'd figure out that I wasn't just a small statue.
Sticking the scepter in my belt, I grabbed the tablecloth and began to slowly haul myself up.
Reaching the table with a grunt, I rolled onto the top with a groan and just lied there so my strength could return. Staring up at the ceiling, I closed my eyes to rest them.
"Are you awake?"
"Oi'm up, Oi'm up." I answered the voice quickly, standing up and using the scepter as a cane while I kept my tired eyes closed.
I heard a chuckle, "You deserve a long sleep, and a large reward. It isn't every day that a sparrow defeats a magic giant."
"Yeah. . .faethers eetch. . ." I commented faintly as I wobbled to the center, or what I thought was the center of the table.
"Thank you." Two hands took the scepter from my sore ones. The ease of weight was enough to make me stretch and yawn right there.
"You're velcaime. . .any time." I opened my eyes halfway and saw the Fearie King standing in front of me with a large grin on his face, and about thirty faeries behind him, also smiling.
"And now, your turn." The King waved a hand to the faerie nearest him. The faerie complied by handing him a large, wrapped box tied with shimmering ribbon.
Opening the box, the King stepped up to me and shown me what was inside. There lay two large, turquoise-purple faerie wings, the shape a mix of dragonfly and butterfly wings.
My eyes sparkled at the way they glittered with the sollight, "They're moine?"
"Yes. They're a queen's wings, because you saved us all from Elmer. We feel that you should have them. You're also welcome to our kingdom any time." His face beamed.
"Wow." I could only gasp as I wavered in my stance.
"Here. Turn around and I'll put them on."
I obeyed, trying to find something to stare at so I could stay awake.
The faeries pulled back my cloak, and took off my bow, quiver, and scabbard. Then they took two small knives and sliced perfect slits in my overcoat where the wings would go.
Next I felt a slight stinging feeling, and then I heard them cut two small slices in my cloak, in case I wanted to poke my wings through. Then they put everything back on.
"There, Finished. It'll take a while though for you to get used to using them." The King informed me as I turned back around.
"Thanks. Oi will be usin' them." I smiled groggily.
"Farewell, young battle maiden." The King waved as he and his fearies took off and whisked out the window.
The cock-a-doodle-do of the rooster outside prompted me to yawn again. Poor Donnelly would have to wait. I needed some rest before I collapsed in a useless heap.
Before I could begin walking towards the edge of the table, I heard the nearby humming of Paul the cook.
Freezing in my original place, I was glad that my new wings were underneath the cloak. I folded them up beneath the cloth so the ends wouldn't stick out.
"Hmmhmmhmm. Oh, Gwinna's figurine." Paul walked into the room and paused. I suspected that he'd seen me, because next I was picked up again and carried back up the stairs and back to Gwinna's door again.
Paul knocked on the door, "Lady Gwinna? It's Paul."
"Breakfast is a little early isn't it?" Gwinna's tired voice came on the other side.
"No. I found yer figurine downstairs. Elmer must've taken it or something."
"Oh."
Then Gwinna's lady opened the door just enough to take me carefully from Paul's grubby hands and hurry back into the room. She closed the door before carrying me over to the dresser and setting me down.
Gwinna sat up in bed and yawned. "Lisa, put it in my jewelry box, so it doesn't disappear again."
"Yes, M'Lady." Lisa instantly picked me back up and set me down in a large, decorated box on the dresser.
The wooden box smelled like peach blossoms, even on the inside. I could only glance up slightly as she closed the lid over me. Then I heard a loud click right in my front where the golden keyhole was located.
"Where should I put the key, M'Lady?"
"Put it in my purse so I can carry it with me on my ride today." I heard Gwinna answer faintly. "Right now I want to get some more sleep."
I agreed totally. Flopping back on a bunch of silk padding, I curled up some and used my cloak for a blanket. The only light shining into the small container was that which fought through the keyhole in the front of the box. Other than that, it was dark, quiet, and comfortable. Perfect for a long sleep.
Sitting up, I stretched and yawned, feeling completely energized again.
I felt a slight tingling sensation on my back after my stretch. Peering back I saw that I'd been stretching my wings without meaning to. They moved back and forth, as I began using muscles that I didn't even know I had. Soon I would be using them and flying around like a humming bird; I could hardly wait!
"Lisa, where's my evening gown?"
Finishing me stretch, I paused to listen to her voice outside of the box. It was evening already? How long had I slept?
Standing up and stepping to the keyhole, I gazed out into the mild sollight. I could faintly see Gwinna pacing back in forth, putting on all different sorts of clothing layers. The sol hung several hours from the mountains though. So it would be a while before they all went back to sleep again.
The sudden thought hit me, as I was peering through the locked keyhole. How was I going to get out of this box?
Then Gwinna exited the room, and I was left alone.
Pulling out my sword, I stuck it in the keyhole and began to toy with the lock. It jiggled around several times, but it wouldn't open. Possibly hours would pass before I could get it open, and by then Gwinna would return for sleep.
Then I felt myself suddenly being lifted off the table, while I heard a ruffle of clothing somewhere near. Okay, who had the box, and where were they going with it. . .with me?
Several minutes later I felt a large move upwards, then the box began bouncing, with me hitting the top and bottom inside. I must've bounced like that for a half hour before it finally stopped and my innards settled down.
Then the box moved back down some, before coming to rest on something immobile. This must have been the 'ride' Gwinna had spoken of earlier this morning. But why would she take her empty jewelry box with her?
Suddenly the key was inserted into the hole and turned with a click. Then the top was lifted from the box.
Freezing, I watched her hand enter and feel around the cushioning of the box. Then her finger hit a small button on the one wall, and a compartment slid out from one of the sides.
I watched her take several small pieces of paper out and close the lid again. So that's what she was after.
Relaxing, I pushed on the lid some. It didn't budge. It was latched. So, slumping onto the cushioned bottom I began to tap my arm impatiently. Donnelly was still at the castle, and it was only the second dag. . .or the end of the second dag, before the wedding. And here I was, stuck in a woman's empty jewelry box, while she sat somewhere reading over possible love poems outside the castle.
Several moments later, when I heard nothing but silence and the songs of love-struck crickets, I got fed up.
"Lat mey out o' here!" I ordered, banging on the wall of the box a few times. That had to get her attention. Besides, if she didn't react in my favor, and took me back to the castle, I could just do my figurine trick and they'd take her for a fruitcake.
Suddenly I heard a rustling sound nearby, then the box latch clicked. Slowly, I saw Gwinna's hand lifting the lid. "Who's in there?"
Good question. Who was I? Maybe my name would just suffice. "Brenda o' Lo'lamond." I had to squint at the blaring sollight that filled the box again. A few seconds later her baffled face came into focus.
"Wow. What are you?"
"Oi'm. . ." I paused to glance back at my wings, "A teeny person. . .with wings."
"You're not a faerie?" She cocked her head, touching one of my glittering wings with her pointer finger.
My wings twitched at her prodding, "No. They jist gave mey thees set o' wings, so's Oi could move aroond your jätte land better."
"Oh." She paused. I suspected that she didn't understand all I said, but she didn't let on that she didn't. "Why were you in the castle?"
I took another few minutes to explain everything to her, but she interrupted me as soon as I told her about Donnelly.
"He's alive?" Her eyes grew wide and her face beamed.
"Yes. But Oi only 'ave a dag an' a half ta get him out." I wagged my finger, still standing in the box. "An' you canni gab ta nowoon aboat it either. Jist act normal."
She quickly nodded agreement. "I will. Quick, stay in the box and I'll take you right back to the castle."
I stood waiting for her to close the lid, but she stopped and gazed around. I couldn't see what she was looking at, since I could only see objects directly above the box.
"Wot es it?"
"Shhhh." She quickly hushed, still looking around. Then she whispered, "I thought I heard something."
My wings pressed down against my back as I snuck to the edge of the box and pulled myself out to peek around. The coast looked clear.
What I originally thought to be trees were only large weeds. The actual trees were much larger. Mostly what surrounded us were waving fields. The nearest tree was to the far right next to a patch of thick forest. And a horse stood directly behind us, pawing the ground.
"It's not safe here anymore. Someone knows." Gwinna whispered. "We must go. Now."
Then I ducked as she closed the lid and picked up the jewelry box. I felt myself being lifted again, as she stood up, and bouncing some as she hurried back to her mount.
Suddenly I smacked into the lid top, then bounced onto the bottom, knocking me for a loop.
Blinking dizzily, I began to wonder what happened. Had she dropped the box?
"What are you doing? Who are you? Let me go!" Uh oh. Gwinna's tone of voice wasn't very comforting, let alone her words.
Then I felt the box slowly being lifted up again. If Gwinna didn't have the box, then who did?
"Don't open that, ye idiot!" I heard a harsh, low voice growl somewhere outside, right before the latch clicked and the lid was lifted.
This was my chance! If something was wrong, I had to get out of this box!
Standing up, I crouched before willing my new wings to move. A second later I zipped out of the box and flew around in the air. . .or tried to. I was very wobbly and had to get used to dealing with the breeze. I felt more like a leaf than a graceful anything.
A fat, green, smelly guy stood holding the box, while two more stood grasping Gwinna between them. They had huge noses and ragged, black hair. They were the ogres that 'd captured Donnelly!
I was assuming that he meant me.
The ogre nearest me dropped the box and began slapping his hands together in the air, trying to squish me. They felt like thunder smacks as I wobbly dodged the blows.
"Ye dolt." The ringleader spat, though he seemed more agitated than angry.
"I's. . .can't. . .catch it." The dumb ogre replied, beginning to breathe hard as I fluttered above his head. I would've gone higher, but the breezes that high were turning into wind currents, or at least they did to me. It would be a long time before I could fly that high and not be swept away.
The head ogre sighed, rolling his eyes.
I was getting tired of this moron also. So, after I'd made sure he was solely concentrated on me, I flew over towards the head ogre.
"Stop!" The head ogre yelled an order, right before I shot up over his head, and the dumb ogre behind me plowed into him.
The one ogre that was still standing, clutched Gwinna with both hands while he bellowed out a laugh.
"Grrrrr, get offa me!" The head ogre shoved the dumb one off himself and began to roll up.
Seeing that the standing one's hands were full, I landed on his large nose and pulled out my broadsword.
His eyes went cross-eyed as he saw me, "Hey. . .wha. . ."
I gave a wide, toothy smile before bringing the sword down on his nose.
"Ouch!" He let loose Gwinna and began slapping himself in the face, trying to hit me. He wasn't much brighter than the first.
"Hurry Gwinna! Wotever you du, dinna marry Claiborne!" I managed in between furied dodges.
Gwinna nodded before hurrying towards her frightened horse, as only one can do with a long, flowing dress, one reason why I don't wear one in my line of work.
The head ogre growled as he finally rolled to his feet and took off after Gwinna.
Before Gwinna could mount the frightened mare, it took off and sped back to the castle at the warning snarl of the ogre behind her.
Pausing at the frightened whinnies and cries of the horse, I saw the head ogre overtake Gwinna again, picking her up like a sack of potatoes, and carrying her back.
"Put me down, you big oaf!" Gwinna helplessly beat on his back as he swung her over his shoulder.
"Gotcha!"
I whirled and saw the second ogre, the brighter of the two in my area, bringing his hands together towards me! I ducked, just in time for his hands to clap together in a 'BOOM' above me.
Now I would swing back up and head towards the leader ogre. . .I stopped, as I noticed I was flapping my wings, but not going anywhere.
I glanced over my shoulder at a loud chuckle. The fea had me by my cloak! It was wedged in between his two palms, and he wasn't about to pull his hands apart.
So I rested my tiring wings and hung there in the air, panting. No point in trying to fly now. I could get him to let go, but my wings were already worn out. Besides, they already had Gwinna.
Coming back to the group, the head ogre put Gwinna on the ground so she could stand. But he always kept an iron grip on one of her arms.
They had us both. Only way out now would be if I could outsmart them. "So. . . you're Claiborne's lackeys?"
The head ogre snatched my weapons from me before sticking his face up close to my body. He eyed me. "Cut the dumb act. We know what ye know. We heard yer whole conversation."
I swallowed. They knew the whole thing? That would explain why they weren't afraid I was a faerie. Then they also knew what I'd been planning. Yep. It would be curtains for me.
I'd have to keep a brave face, keep them talking, just in case Gwinna might have something up her sleeve. . .might mind you. "Then you also know 'at if you hurt Gwinna, an' she dinna marry Claiborne, 'at Claiborne winna be crooned." I folded my arms.
He nodded, "We know."
I blinked. "Then, wot are you duin'?"
"We's original orders if Gwinna found out anythin' to threaten her life if she didn't marry we's boss. And if that didn't work, to threaten her with Donnelly's life. But now, there be only one litter problem with that plan."
I swallowed and unfolded my arms.
"Ye be stickin' yer nose in everythin'." Then he backed up and nodded to the ogre beside the one holding my cloak.
Looking over my shoulder, I saw the third ogre's hands coming towards me, as if he were going to squash a really large bug.
I closed my eyes and braced for impact.
"No!" Gwinna lunged forwards and pushed the ogre's hands up, pushing me out of the way as the other ogre's hands came together with a SMACK! "I know Claiborne wouldn't dare have you hurt Donnelly! They have too many good memories together. And I will not marry Claiborne, no matter what you do to me!" Smart girl. She was saving my life while quickly changing the subject. She was also planning strategically. I would've cheered her on if the circumstances had been somewhat different.
The head ogre yanked her back. "Ye crazy litter wench! I's oughtta. . ." He paused.
I took the moment to breathe, right before bracing again as the ogre's hands came at me for a second time.
"Wait."
The ogres froze, while they waited for their leader to explain.
"Ye know," The head ogre began, turning to face Gwinna, "Ye've got a point thar." He reached over and pulled me from his companion's hands, as he left go of Gwinna.
Instead of running, I was amazed that Gwinna stood her ground to see what he was going to do.
"Let's just say, that if we don't see ye takin' Claiborne's ring on yer finger, that someone's definitely gonna get hurt. Claiborne would never have Donnelly kilt, ye were right there, but this litter girly's another matter." I scowled as he patted my head with a dirty finger, knowing what he was getting at.
Gwinna swallowed worriedly.
"An', just so ye's know we's'll keep we's word, I's'll be thar with her at the weddin' just to make sure ye foller through, and ye'll see that we's keep we's end of the bargain." He smiled, showing green and black teeth. It made me shiver, even though I could hardly breathe in his tight grasp. "So what do ye say, Gwinna?"
Gwinna glanced from the ogre, to me. I quickly shook my head 'no', but the head ogre saw and quickly stuffed me in his musty, muddy purse.
Pushed to the bottom of the empty purse (I wondered why it wasn't full of coins), I felt him draw the top closed tight with the drawstring.
Quickly trying to pry the top apart, I put my ear to the leather and listened to hear what they were saying.
"Okay. You win. I'll marry Claiborne."
No! I shouted at her and began beating on the thick leather, but she must not have heard me, because everything quieted after that.
