Page 12 of Between Realms

His booming laughter lightens my spirits. I love the sound of his mirth. It’s a rare thing to amuse an elf to such an extreme.

* * *

On the road again, I begin to wish we will never arrive in Ryven. Perhaps we can just walk right past the city and keep exploring. Might Oakes enjoy that too?

The thought is short-lived when a few buildings come into view in the distance, and my heart deflates. Reaching Crowland means I am that much closer to my court appearance, closer to the end of this peaceful walk with a handsome stranger. I am closer to what will probably be the end of my life in Elfhame. Possibly the end of my life itself.

To stay positive, I force my depressing thoughts out of my head. What if the court allows me to return to Merlara? What if everything turns out fine?

But why does it feel like nothing will be the same after this adventure?

“Crowland is a busy market city.” Oakes instructs firmly, “Stay close to me. It would be easy for you to get lost in the crowd.”

“All right.” I shake myself out of my meditative haze.

“I need to make a quick stop here,” Oakes says. “But we will return to the road immediately after.”

Sensing the tension in his words, I ask, “Should I be worried?”

“Just stay close. You don’t need to draw attention because you appear unescorted.”

* * *

The city of Crowland bustles with activity. It’s much more lively than Betonie. Merchants and their wares fill most side streets off the main thoroughfare.

Oakes confidently strides down the congested pathways, and the crowd appears to part, as if instinctively making room for his commanding presence. He stops at a couple of food vendors and buys dried fruits and bread—easy traveling foods.

I follow along in his wake, excited to see another town. Crowland must be twice the size of Betonie. It’s filled with more interesting travelers. Fae, of all species roam the market, shoulder to shoulder, shouting to be heard over the other buyers and sellers. There are elves, nymphs, goblins, even a troll.

A pendant catches my eye, and I stop to study the fine metalwork details of a fellow craftsperson. When I glance up, Oakes is ten vendors down the road.

I gasp, not wanting to cause any problems with the locals. If someone starts an altercation because I’m an unescorted human, then my chances of staying in Elfhame really might vanish.

To catch up with Oakes, I tuck my arms close so I can easily slip between elves along the crowded street.

I’m taken unaware when a rough hand clasps over my mouth from behind.

“Fresh meat,” a voice wheezes in my ear as he wraps an arm around my middle, trapping my arms to my sides.

Then two other imposing ghouls step in front of me, blocking my view of Oakes. The third drags me away. No one in the crowd seems to pay attention since they are all engaged in bartering.

Will Oakes turn to look for his missing human burden and witness my abduction?

I try to scream, but it only comes out as a muffled cry under the ghoul’s hand. Held tightly to the front of its stinking body, the ghoul carries me down a side alley and into an abandoned-looking building. Its companions follow close behind.

Once inside a room with no windows, they slam the door shut and cackle.

The ghoul holding me licks my neck. “A tasty treat.”

The other two circle around me, ravenous hunger clear in their eyes.

I kick and thrash with new vigor, landing a blow to one of their stomachs.

With a shove, I land on the ground. Turning to face them, they somehow look more irritated than their hideous faces should allow.

Their combined stink burns my nose and makes my eyes water.

I scoot away from them until my back lands against the wall.

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