Ebook 5: Chapter 10: Why are you afraid?

The solar was on the midday place because the clear mountain air blew with a cool kiss. Frank, Legeis, Heather, Quinny, and Breanne stood within the yard earlier than Heather’s tower as Legeis introduced his work.

Now I am Jealous, Heather remarked as she seemed over the palanquin. It was a lovely factor of sandalwood inlaid with golden trims. It was massive sufficient to hold six individuals with a luxurious mattress of purple material and a dozen small pillows. It was utterly enclosed by a body designed to appear to be bushes with branches reaching throughout to 1 one other. Over the arms hung white curtains that might be drawn shut to hide who was inside. Nowhere was there a pointy angle or nook, the entire floor seeming to circulate in mild curves. A trunk was added to the tip to retailer items, and close to the entrance was a particular basket to include the egg. It was wrapped in steel bands and designed to mix into the remainder of the palanquin, seeking to be nothing greater than a big, fashionable acorn.

So that you prefer it? Legeis requested as Heather inspected it.

Prefer it? I like it! Now Im unhappy I’ll spend a lot time as a chook and never driving in it.

Oh, do not be ridiculous, Breanne added as she pulled a curtain apart. You’ll solely be in chook type when others are about. She seemed inside to a nook and smiled to see the small golden cage hanging.And due to Gwen, you could have a non-public area.

I suppose Gwen thought she was being humorous giving Frank a cage for me, Heather sighed.

It does full the disguise, Breanne mentioned with a smile. Moreover, if I’m to say you’re my pet chook, then I have to have a spot to lock you up.

Quinny laughed as Heather glared at Breanne. She needed to make a snide comment however couldnt deny she was proper. A chook in a cage made extra sense, however she hated the concept of being inside.

At the least Frank had a extra cheap disguise that hid his nature and turned him right into a warrior. She was slightly keen on the outfit that garbed him in darkish grey fabric, heavy boots, and steel shoulder plates that sported a inexperienced and white cape with Gwen’s unicorn image. His face was hidden in a full helm that confirmed his eyes and parted simply throughout the nostril to the chin permitting him to breath if he wanted to. What he favored most was the pair of steel gloves Gwen had made that put lengthy steel claws on his fingers. This allowed him to struggle the way in which he was accustomed to with out betraying his nature. Gwen even went as far as to create a canopy story for him, saying he was one thing referred to as a Grollich, a kind of mountain orc that had roughly the identical proportions and grey pores and skin. He was to inform individuals his class was a tribal brawler with a specialization in fist weapons.

Quinny’s outfit was less complicated, with a skinny blue gown over a series tunic. She wore wrappings over her fingers and toes, with a easy pair of sandals and spiked knuckles. A large-brimmed hat of straw rested on a head wrapped in a black scarf with a white masks over her face. It provided no facial options save for the eyes, which in Quinny’s case had been jet black. The entire look had an oriental murderer really feel to it, particularly with a sword belted to her waist. She may move herself off as a Morlock, a sort of human that lived underground with pale pores and skin and jet black eyes. The race was infamous for carrying wrappings and broad hats as a result of Morlock’s pores and skin and eyes had been delicate to daylight. The masks was a characteristic of her class as a Shinji warrior, a gaggle who fought with nice honor and wore masks to hide their feelings. Quinny beloved the concept and stored referring to herself as a samurai as she swung her sword.

In fact, Gwen included one final characteristic meant for Heather. The golden birdcage was her reward to finish the disguise and assist them move with out drawing an excessive amount of consideration. Gwen even went as far as so as to add a small bell for Heather to play with contained in the cage. With a sigh, she circled to seek out Frank trying over the palanquin with a curious expression.

Its nicer than the final one, he admitted with a shrug.

Heather shook her head at his simplistic response. The entire thing was an unlimited enchancment and seemed prefer it ought to be carrying a queen on the shoulders of a dozen bronze-skinned males. She smiled on the considered parading down the highway on the shoulders of a bunch of bare-chested males whereas reclining on pillows and consuming goodies.

Are you alright? Frank requested when she went silent.

Im wonderful, she blurted, the daydream shattering in embarrassment. She seemed round to see each eye was watching and prayed she wasnt blushing. Properly, then. I suppose the one factor left to do is transfer the egg.

Are we positive we will transfer it? Breanne requested. Its frozen to the cave flooring.

Heather had thought-about that time a dozen instances and way back determined to chip the ice away if she needed to. She considered melting the ice however was anxious it was frozen for a purpose. In fact, they already debated the character of the chilly and what was retaining it frozen. The consensus was the crystal was the supply and must be transported with the egg. This created a number of issues with how far the ice would possibly unfold and the way to maintain the egg remoted. Legeis constructed a particular container to behave like a cooler, isolating the egg and the chilly inside. They nonetheless puzzled why it was frozen and determined to ask the one one that would possibly know. Umtha did not appear to grasp why the egg was frozen and knew nothing in regards to the stone.

I’ll chip the ice away if I’ve to, Heather mentioned as she fished round in her belt pouch. With a cautious contact, she eliminated the little figurine of the chook, holding it as much as examine the picture.

You must cover that someplace within the cage, so it is all the time shut handy, Breanne mentioned.

Nah, the cage is simply too small. It must be someplace she may attain it as a chook and have room to vary again, Quinny added.

Hmm, Breanne mentioned as she rubbed her chin. Possibly we will cover it alongside the again wall the place you possibly can attain it from the pillows.

You must check it, Quinny prompt. Change right into a chook, and I’ll put it within the thingy to see if you happen to can attain it.

It is referred to as a palanquin, Heather corrected, however Quinny shrugged. With a sigh, she squatted and put the statue on the bottom earlier than talking the command phrase. Chuthos. She was a crow in a blink of a watch, trying up on the world round her. With a squawk, she took to the air, flying to the highest of the palanquin as Quinny moved to get the statue.

I like the way it all the time modifications form to appear to be you, Quinny mentioned as she picked it up. Rigorously she climbed into the palanquin and tucked it between the mattress and the body. See if you happen to can attain it, Quinny mentioned as she sat again.

Heather flew into the air and thru the curtain to land on a pillow. She marveled at how a lot area there gave the impression to be from a chook’s viewpoint. She hopped to the sting the place the statue was tucked however couldnt get a foot all the way down to seize it. It wasnt actually a priority as a result of she may summon it to her grasp, however retaining it hidden was a good suggestion.

She cants’ attain it, Breanne mentioned as Heather hopped again and crowed. We’d like a greater place.

Possibly we will cover it within the open, Quinny prompt whereas digging the statue out.

I suppose I may construct a mounting for it and attempt to make it appear to be a creative characteristic of the palanquin, Legeis provided as Quinny turned about with the statue.

Yeah, it’s best to do this, Quinny agreed and held the statue out to the crow at her facet. Frequent, say chuthos and

Woah! Legeis cried as Frank and Breanne stepped away.

Heather jumped in alarm, flapping her wings as Quinny seemed about in alarm.

What simply occurred? she mentioned in a wierd voice.

She become Heather, Frank mentioned as he stood by, unable to imagine what he was seeing.

I did what? Quinny requested as she seemed down on the sunny yellow gown she was now carrying. She reached up and took off the yellow solar hat, turning it over in her fingers in disbelief. How did I turn out to be Heather?

Earlier than anybody may reply, Heather swooped down and landed on her head, pecking at her in annoyance. She felt enraged that Quinny was in her physique, much more, aggravated that she could not get it again.

Ow! Get off me! Quinny complained, waving her fingers within the air to drive Heather off.

Frank stepped nearer to stare at Quinny, his eyes attempting to see some distinction as she smiled. However how did you do it? he requested.

It should have been the statue! Quinny exclaimed and seemed about to seek out it mendacity at her toes. Right here, look! she mentioned, selecting it as much as present it was now a picture of a zombie lady in a gown.

It allowed you to vary locations, Breanne mentioned in shock. You might be her in each element like you could have her physique.

Heather felt a wierd sense of panic to be unable to say her physique again, and each second that glided by made it worse. She hopped alongside the sting of the palanquin, squawking and flaring her feathers, attempting to impress on them how aggravated she was.

I feel it’s best to change again, Frank mentioned as he observed the show.

Aw, Quinny mentioned. That is my as soon as likelihood to be a necromancer.

I doubt you get any of her energy, Breanne mentioned with a shake of her head. Now change again. She is clearly not joyful about this.

Quinny shrugged and turned to face Frank, a smile spreading on her face.

So I assume Im your girlfriend now, she mentioned with a sultry voice.

What? he remarked, taking a step again.

Quinny swung her hips and shook out her hair as she stepped nearer, her smile spreading slowly. She did not discover the sudden movement as a chook streaked into her hand and referred to as out a single phrase. In a flash, a zombie was standing earlier than her as Heather curled her fingers into fists.

Change again! Heather yelled, drawing a hand again as if to strike her.

Why? Quinny teased. Simply consider how a lot enjoyable this might be.

I do not wish to give it some thought. I would like you to vary again!

I’m solely enjoying, Quinny mentioned with a roll of her eyes. It isn’t like that is hurting anybody.

Heather went to answer however immediately realized how unusual she felt. She seemed down at herself and tried to rationalize the shortage of heat or perhaps a heartbeat. Even when she used her magic to turn out to be undead, it did not really feel as empty as this.

I do not like this, Heather remarked, beginning to shake.

Quinny, simply change again, Breanne insisted. Are you blind to how upset she is?

Heather noticed her level and watched fastidiously because the glass shard moved, then got here ahead as Breanne plucked it from the icy tomb.

Properly, thats one process finished, Heather remarked earlier than turning to the egg.

What do you assume that is for? Breanne requested as she studied the item in her palm.

I assumed we agreed it was retaining the room and the egg chilly, Heather mentioned as she put her fingers on the egg and tried to wobble it free.

It doesnt really feel chilly, Breanne mentioned as she held it between two fingers to gaze into the sunshine.

You’ll be able to’t really feel the chilly, Heather grunted as she pushed in opposition to the watermelon-sized egg to no avail. I am unable to really feel a factor on this undead type.

I’m banshee, Breanne remarked. Since I’ve a residing type, I can nonetheless really feel some sensation of scorching or chilly, and I really feel nothing from this. It’s fairly to take a look at, although.

Heather slumped to the ground, unable to budge the egg as Breanne marveled on the stone. I would like a jackhammer, she sighed.

I instructed you it was frozen in place, Breanne scolded.

Heather rolled her eyes and tried once more, utilizing her legs to push her again into the egg, nevertheless it did not a lot as budge.

Alright, then I chisel it out, she sighed and reached a hand out, talking the command phrase for her scythe. It appeared out of black smoke, the glass like deal with pulsing with electrical energy as she stood up. There was a wierd whistling noise within the air as Heather circled to see Breanne trying instantly into the stone that now pulsed in unison along with her workers.

They’re linked by some means, Breanne mentioned as she held it out. Its one other signal.

As if I wanted extra, Heather groaned and stepped nearer. She couldnt argue that the stone and the workers gave the impression to be made out of the identical materials, even glowing with a smooth blue mild. Fantastic, extra so as to add to my checklist of mysteries I’ll by no means determine.

Dont be so fast to imagine you wont determine this out, Breanne provided. It was clearly left right here for you.

Heather did not doubt that in any respect, nevertheless it nonetheless provided no perception as to why. The day she made the workers, all of them gathered round it and provided ideas as to why it turned out the way in which it did. None of them appeared believable, and Umtha’s continued insistence that she may break the foundations did not assist. Now she held it subsequent to the crystal and puzzled if maybe it wasn’t a bit of the workers, damaged off by some means and hidden right here.

Why is every little thing about you associated to the colour blue? Breanne requested as she checked out each objects.

Heather paused to contemplate that and remembered that the workers and the shard had been no the one blue objects she possessed. Rapidly she reached into her pouch and pulled out the ring, holding it up because it too pulsed in unison with the opposite objects.

Now that is spooky, Heather remarked as she studied the ring however did not dare put it on.

That is intentional, Breanne mentioned. However what does it imply?

It means I have to do away with the egg as quick as I can, Heather mentioned as she folded her palm over the ring. And possibly go away the ring with it.

Oh, dont be so silly. Simply because it doesnt make sense now could be no purpose to be afraid of it. If something, the egg would possibly result in an evidence of all of it.

Breannes tone was scolding, made even worse by the shrill nature of her banshee voice. Heather folded her palm over the ring and tossed it again in her pouch earlier than turning again to the egg. She was going to should watch out to chip the ice away or threat damaging the egg.

Watch out, Breanne mentioned as if echoing her ideas.

Heather started to faucet on the ice with the purpose of her scythe, slowly chipping it away. It took ten minutes, however ultimately, she had many of the base damaged free and tried to push it once more. With a snapping sound, the toppled to the facet, and Heather scrambled to catch it earlier than it fell over.

Okay, we now have the egg, Heather mentioned as she dismissed the scythe and used each fingers to carry the heavy blue oval. And this feels chilly, she added in shock.

Breanne stepped nearer, placing a hand to the egg and nodding in acknowledgment. You are proper. The egg is the supply of the chilly.

That simplifies transporting it, Heather remarked. Now, we do not want to determine the way to carry the crystal with it.

This raises one other query, although, Breanne mentioned as she held the stone up. We assumed the stone was right here to maintain the egg frozen. Now we do not know why it was right here.

And it glows with my workers and ring, Heather remarked. Deliver it with; I’m positive the reply will reveal itself later.

They retreated to the wall, and Heather hugged the egg tightly as Breanne pulled her via to the opposite facet. As soon as downstairs, the egg was packed into the fastidiously padded acorn formed container designed to mix into the palanquin. Breanne produced the stone for the others to stare upon, explaining the unusual response with the ring and scythe.

So they’re associated, Frank requested as she stared on the shard.

They should be, Breanne replied and held the shard out to Heather.

I dont need it, she replied with a shake of her head. I’ve sufficient junk in my pouch.

Heather, please dont be so cussed, Breanne mentioned and thrust the stone in her face. This was meant for you.

With a groan, Heather took the shard that in some ways resembled Gwen’s kingdom coronary heart. She puzzled briefly if it was a coronary heart of some sort, however with nothing extra to go on, could not make certain. It was tossed into her belt pouch with the opposite junk as she circled to take a look at the palanquin.

What in regards to the crown? Quinny requested.

Its within the treasure room with the magic door, Heather mentioned. I’m not bringing it with.

However what if you happen to want it? Quinny requested. It has saved our butts twice now.

Heather hated to confess it, however Quinny was proper. Nonetheless, the issue was moot.

I’ve it marked with a phrase of calling. I can summon it to my hand anytime I would like it, she mentioned. I hope I will not, although.

I dont such as you placing that factor on, Frank mentioned.

Why? You do not like seeing me lose management of my physique? Heather requested as her worry welled up once more. She shut her eyes, regretting these phrases because the damage confirmed on his face. I did not imply it like that. Moreover, the final time I used it, I had full management, that different particular person did not present up.

No, you probably did imply it like that, Frank mentioned. And I agree with you. I hate the considered someone else having management over you. I even hate that someone has left you a path to observe. I simply need you to see the world like I accomplish that you possibly can play and be joyful.

It nonetheless isnt proper how I reacted, Heather mentioned. I used to be so offended Quinny was in my physique.

Why do you assume I refuse to make use of the statue? Frank requested. I hate the concept of not being me, even for just some moments. Now that I do know someone may steal that method from me, I’ve much more purpose to not contact it.

However consider what we may do with it? Quinny insisted.

Nothing good will come out of switching our bodies, Frank argued. Once I look into Heather’s eyes, I wish to know it is her in there, not someone else.

Awww, Quinny cooed as Heather blushed.

Breanne cleared her throat and prompt they get on with the preparations so they may go away within the morning. Heather was grateful for her interruption and rapidly brushed her yellow gown out and stood again.

I’ll go and canopy twelve skeletons in crops to hold it and act as an escort, she mentioned, turning to look to Legeis. Are you positive about this plan of yours?

Yeah, this could work wonderful, he replied and motioned to a two-wheeled cart simply large enough to hold the steel pantry from the kitchen. I’ll connect the handles to my armor and pull it with us so we can have entry to higher meals.

What if it is a part of the kitchen, although? Frank requested, questioning if it was bought with factors.

Then it would despawn once we get too distant and reappear within the kitchen, Legeis replied.

Let’s hope it’s a magic merchandise, and we will transport it, Heather mentioned as she seemed in regards to the yard earlier than her tower. The palanquin was prepared, the egg safe, and they’d even have cookies and truffles to feast on as they marched. All was prepared for the subsequent path of breadcrumbs and hopefully some solutions. Within the morning, they’d set out, however this time they’d watch out. She ran a hand over the pouch at her facet as she thought-about how they meant to cover her presence. Her eyes seemed to the birdcage hanging inside as one thing tickled in the back of her thoughts. She could not assist however really feel she had been in that cage earlier than.