Chương 30: The Management.

"I couldn't see anyone," said Cuthbert. "I think we got away." He traipsed up to the waiting group and sat down.

Dreth removed his head from where it had been resting in his hands. "Oh. Never again, I swear. I'm never going to touch another drop."

They were some way outside the town, sitting in a slight shallow. Ahead of them the terrain grew sparse and barren, no doubt the desert that the street had been named after. Back the way they came was the Black forest, whilst over on the horizon the cavern wall could dimly be seen.

"Ha, serves you right, having a slap-up feed and not inviting us along." Percy put his hands on his hips. "Let's all split up," he said in a bad imitation of Dreth. "Now the truth outs. Mr.Piggy here wanted to wallow in gluttony."

"This is all very well," said Redthorne, who was changing the baby. "But where do we go from here? We still don't know where this great treasure is, and half the underworld seems to be after us."

"I wish to find out who I am, and why I'm here," said Emerald.

Dreth thought a moment, though it hurt his head. "Someone said that there was some kind of Castle in the desert," he said. "Or we could head towards the wall, try and find a way back into the dungeon proper."

"Why not ask that goblin we met where to go? He can't be that far away," said Percy, fiddling with his new leg.

"I don't want to hang about too long, who knows if our plan worked, or how long it will throw them off our trail?" Dreth rubbed his forehead and looked around. Why was this so complicated?

The baby burbled and wiggled its legs.

~ * ~

"Well what are we waiting for? Let's go find that treasure!" Percy attempted to strike a dramatic pose.

"And where exactly do we start looking?" Dreth asked. "We need a map or something."

Emerald stood up. "Then we have to see the Management, they will surely know. And in the meantime perhaps we can get a few questions answered. Like who I am."

"Are you crazy?" Percy abandoned his pose. "Stick our heads into the turtle's mouth? Out of the frying pan and under the wire?"

"I don't know," Dreth mused, tapping his chin with one finger. "The idea has some merit."

"Oh, and I suppose we simply stroll up and knock on the front door do we?" asked Cuthbert. "Hello Mr. All-powerful dungeon manager. Could you kindly direct us to the treasure? And whilst you're at it, would it be awfully bothersome to ask you to call off your unstoppable monster that is chasing us?" He folded his arms. "I don't think so."

"Perhaps we could dress up?" Sprat piped up.

"A disguise eh?" Percy smiled. "I like your thinking lad."

"Fine. I shall don the top hat and tails, along with a rubber nose I just happen to keep in my pocket here then," said Cuthbert, who was in full sarcasm mode now.

"Oh hush you two. I'm sure it won't be as bad as all that," said Dreth. "I mean, how likely is it that anyone would go up to the Management castle of their own accord?"

"You mean only the terminally stupid or suicidal would try it?" asked Redthorne, raising an eyebrow.

"Exactly," Dreth snapped his fingers. "It's a perfect plan."

"My definition of perfect is obviously out of date," muttered Cuthbert.

"So it's agreed then," said Dreth. "Off to the castle!"

"Great," said Cuthbert. "Its times like this I'm glad I'm already dead. I mean, what's the worst that can happen to me now, eh?"

"You'd be surprised," said Percy, slapping his friend on the back.

They started walking towards the dark sand of the Black Desert.

~ * ~

"Avast ye lubbers! Pull over and prepare to be boarded!" The ghostly captain shouted down at the tour boat.

Harm leaned over the side, trying to spot his prey amongst the tourists. He turned to Primrose. "Take some men, get down there and secure the baby before those surface scum beat us to it." He turned to face the small figure flittering about near his head. "Fearie, fly over there and scout ahead."

Primrose nodded as Smudge flew off, and turned to arrange a boarding party. Harm waited impatiently as grapples were thrown or fired at the target. The ropes tightened and the vessels began to draw together.

Before they were even close half a dozen dark elves were crawling, or in Primrose's case walking, along the ropes to the other ship. Unfortunately so were an equal amount of elves.

Harm gripped his sword and leaned over the rail as the two parties reached the boat and began searching it.

"I will dispose of you and your vermin kind you know." The leader of the Elves had moved over to stand by him. He too watched the search.

Harm laughed. "You and who's army? We're stronger down here, and you know it. Spare me your empty threats surface crawler."

"The forces of light shall ultimately be victorious!"

Harm glanced at the light elf leader. His armor glistened even here, in the gloomy depths of the cavern. The others' gaze was set firmly on the tour boat. The leader leaned close. "When this is all over," he whispered, "I am personally going to lead another raid topside to your little camp. There I'm going to tie you down so you can watch as my men enjoy themselves with your women before they dispose of them. Finally I'm going to hamstring and blind you, and leave you to live out the rest of your miserable existence as a useless cripple."

The Elven leader went red and gripped his sword, turning towards Harm, who was grinning with glee. "I shall cut you down where…"

"Landlubbers!" The tirade was interrupted by the captain. "Yer men say there be no baby on yonder vessel, arrr. What be ye wanting to do now?"

Harm slammed the rail with his fist. They'd been tricked! He turned to the captain. "Turn your boat about. We're heading back to the village, full speed ahead!"

SUY NGHĨ CỦA NGƯỜI SÁNG TẠO
Neil_H

Any and all Power Stones gratefully accepted. I'd like to see if we can get this into the upper reaches! At the moment it's hovering around the 1000 mark of the Power Rankings.

Thanks to all who read, feedback and Power Stone this story!

Much luv t' ya all.

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