In the evening they sat around in the entrance hall of the shabby cabin. Thogan’s wrists and knees hurt and while he did get some rest, the floor was not a comfortable place to sleep. Melvin looked over at him, and they immediately understood that they shared the same defeated feelings of waiting for their own demise. “I can’t believe you just told him who you are, they didn’t even need the poster”, the wizard said. “Do you really want to start an argument right now?”, Melvin replied, he sounded annoyed. “It’s just incredible that everything I’ve told you earlier is true. Maybe if you didn’t chug a bunch of brews, you could have helped me in my fight”, Thogan said, just as annoyed. The mantis just looked away angrily. Suddenly his eyes saw light from the window. His partner did too and, as he was taller, he sat up right to catch a glimpse out the window. He was shaken when he saw a long train of carriages. They were dark and looked lit up in red which made them all the more menacing. At the front, there was a kind of battering ram. It looked like a snake and was metallic. This construction would impress any onlooker. Thogan did not remember the bandits to be that advanced in their constructions, they must have learned a lot since Alfred I. Out stepped an old woman with a mean mug. She had an eye patch and leathery boots. She was enveloped by a dark coat and held a sturdy staff in her hand. It was Aunt Velma. Behind her walked a bunch of other bandits with similar features. These were clearly not nice people. Aunt Velma first walked up to Misses Tearbags who was still outside in her carriage. “Look at that”, Velma faked a kindness in her voice, “they took the depressed old hag with them.” The horses immediately turned tiny enough to look straight at Velma’s boots. “Ouch”, Misses Tearbags faintly voiced. In a brisk stride Velma then walked up the stairs and slammed the cranky door open. She marveled at her soon-to-be prisoners: “They really are here. My god Thogan, you couldn’t imagine how I feel right now after all these years”, now she looked towards Melvin, “And here we have the famed architect. Absolutely beautiful.” After an awkward stare, Velma faced Rubin and held him by his shoulders: “What a good boy. You’ve just accepted me into your heart, and I’m already so proud of you.” Velma then playfully strolled in front of Thogan again: “Now my dear Thogan. We both know that I would love nothing more than to send you two straight towards your graves to let you sleep with the maggots”, she held the wizards face, “But I cannot do so, no, no, no. Not yet at least. You are coming with me to king Alfred. Then you will witness his head tumble right in front of you.” “Why not end us right now?”, Thogan asked. “Because”, Velma walked around the room, “Even though I have such a kind-hearted aura, many people get threatened by a witch. We will display you two to the local people there, and I will look like a hero. And then you will witness my revenge, Thogan. As a matter of fact, we will bring all of you there, the whole family.” Rubin seemed irritated: “Why is that necessary?” “We’re playing in the world of politics, Rubin. If the peasantry just sees a bunch of goons strolling into the kingdom, why would they trust us? But with your nice looking family this will really be a people’s revolution.” “I’m not sure if I agree with that.” “Don’t worry kiddo, you don’t have a choice!” As they both stared at each other, Rubin’s coat pocket began to move around. It started leaking. Suddenly a big explosion of water shook up the room.
© Emil Dieterle 2023-09-01