Chapter 4

CHAPTER 4

T his is not how I envisioned my evening. Instead of finding my lost pet, it seems I have acquired another. And if ‘curiosity killed the cat', I fear that may go doubly for humans.

And what in the nine hells am I supposed to do with her? I can't just let her wander around town, but I can't exactly keep her as my prisoner either. Or as my pet. That's Othrix's place, if I can just find him.

What a mess...

And as if things aren't complicated enough, I have to ignore the strange effect she has on me. This pull. Or perhaps I have caught some strange malady?

Who am I kidding. I am an Orc warrior. I don't get maladies.

"So, big guy," Zoe says, breaking into my thoughts. "What's the plan? I don't want to push it, but I am feeling a little anxious. You know, I trust you and all, but am not entirely used to being led around on a leash. Maybe a little reassurance?"

"You are not dead. There. That should make you feel better. Now, just look prisoner-like."

"Oh well when you put it like that, I just feel so much better."

I grunt a response. Why does she keep asking questions? Though I admit the sound of her voice is not altogether ... unpleasant. But no matter how I try to explain she does not realize the danger. "I am taking you to my house. Then I'll figure out what to do with you."

"You? Don't you mean, "we?"

I grunt a response again as I scan the dark streets. They are quieter than midday, but it is only mid-evening and they are still far from deserted.

"But your place? That sounds like a good plan. I'm onboard. Do orcs live in caves? Or? Oh! Do you have a lair?"

"Silence! Enough questions!" This human does not listen. But it must be disorienting for her. This is true, so I add, "You will soon see, I have a cottage. You will be safe there."

As we make our way through the winding streets, while I am focused on avoiding unwanted attention, I can't help but find my eyes constantly drawn back to my new companion. She is like a little kitten, all wide-eyed and full of wonder at the smallest things. The urge to protect her wars with my duty to the town. She is so small and fragile. But what am I thinking? She's a human. A threat.

And yet...

She gasps at every new sight, the spell shops nestled between more mundane storefronts, the mix of medieval and magical architecture.

"Oh my god, look at that building! Is that a genuine Tudor-style half-timbered house?"

I can't help but chuckle at her enthusiasm.

"This is incredible," she breathes. "Say what you want, but to me it's like a fairytale come to life!"

I grunt noncommittally, but inside, I'm... pleased? Why do I care what this human thinks of our town?

"Oh wow, look at that!" Zoe points excitedly at a group of pixies flitting between flower boxes. "Are those real fairies?"

"Pixies," I correct her. "Fairies are much bigger. And meaner."

"Oh!" Zoe listens intently as I explain the differences.

We make our way through the winding streets, keeping to the shadows as much as possible.

We pass by Elowen's Potions and Notions, and Zoe practically squeals with delight. "A real magic shop! Can we go in? Please?"

"No," I growl, tugging gently on her leash. "We're not here for sightseeing."

She pouts, and I feel a strange twinge in my chest. What is wrong with me?

As we round a corner, I spot a small group of townspeople ahead, apparently just leaving as a few shops are closing up for the night. There's no way to avoid them.

Damn.

I tug gently on Zoe's leash. "Remember, prisoner," I mutter.

She nods, schooling her features into what I assume is supposed to be a look of fear and submission. It's not very convincing.

The townsfolk gasp as we approach and jump back a step each at least. I puff out my chest, trying to look every inch the fearsome warrior who has everything under control.

"It's alright," I announce. "This human is my captive. She's no threat."

A chorus of whispers breaks out. Some look terrified, others curious. A young troll actually steps forward for a closer look.

"Is it true they have no magic at all?" he asks, eyes wide.

Before I can answer, Zoe pipes up. "If only!"

The troll blinks, confused. I tug on the leash. "Silence, prisoner," I growl, but I can't quite keep the amusement out of my voice.

This woman may very well be the death of me.

As we continue on, I can't help but notice Zoe wincing slightly. The collar must be chafing her delicate skin. Without thinking, I stop at a nearby stall, purchasing a strip of soft fur.

"My apologies, that can't be very comfortable."

"It's not." She says as she looks at me a bit side-eyed while I carefully tuck it under her make shift collar, my fingers brushing against her skin. That jolt of electricity again.

"Better?" I ask.

Zoe looks up at me, her expression having taken on a new softer affect. "Much. Thanks, Thokk."

I clear my throat, suddenly uncomfortable. "Yes, well. Good."

The words fall short of the odd sensations I feel with her.

As we near the town square, I'm jolted out of my thoughts by Zoe's gasp. "What is that?" she asks, pointing at the massive worn and moss-covered stone structure that's stood there for as long as anyone can remember.

"Just an old eyesore," I shrug. "A pile of rocks. Been there forever."

But Zoe's studying it intently, a small frown creasing her forehead.

But at this point I just want to get to the safety of my place. Still, seeing the town almost anew through her eyes and with her enthusiasm ... it is surprisingly infectious. I catch myself pointing out landmarks before I can stop myself.

Zoe laughs, a sound that sends an unexpected tingle down my spine. "You know, for someone who claims to want me gone, you're being quite the tour guide."

I feel my face heat up. "Oh, well, I ..." I manage to stammer.

"I like it," she replies.

With a start I realize I have become so distracted by– the word enthralled echoes in the back of my mind – with this human that I have all but forgotten about my original mission. "Othrix!" I exclaim.

"Who?" Zoe asks.

"My ca– that is, my fearsome beast companion," I explain. "He's missing. There have been doom dog sightings lately, and I need to find him. That is what I was doing when I found you...looking for him."

Zoe's eyes light up. "Oh my gosh! Why didn't you say so! A rescue mission! We need to find him. What does he look like?"

"He is like a small tiger, but of dark browns and tans. His teeth are sharp as knives and his claws twice so. He is indeed fierce to behold," I say.

"So, he's a tabby cat?" Zoe replies.

To reduce him to such hardly does him justice and certainly does not warrant a reply beyond a grunt of assent.

This does not stop her from proceeding to pepper me with a thousand questions about his habits and favorite hiding spots as we continue on our way.

"You seem to know a lot about this. Perhaps tomorrow we shall be able to put it to better use. We must head home now."

"As you wish, she replies simply. And yeah, I volunteer at an animal shelter. We deal with a lot of lost pets. Have you tried leaving out some of your clothing ... with your scent?"

"You have true animal wisdom. You must have a lot of experience with companion beasts." I compliment her.

"Yes, we just call them ‘pets', but mostly we deal with strays. We trap them, get them fixed, and then either return them to their colonies or find them homes."

I frown. "Fixed? What do you mean, ‘fixed?'"

"Oh, you know. Spayed or neutered. So, they can't have more kittens."

I stop dead in my tracks. "You... remove their ability to mate?"

Zoe nods, oblivious to my horror. "Yeah, it helps control the population. Why? What's wrong?"

"That's barbaric!" I sputter. "You just... take away their manhood like that?"

Zoe bursts out laughing. "It's not like that! It's to control the population. Besides, it's not just the males. Females get fixed too."

I shake my head, deeply disturbed. "Humans are truly monstrous."

"Says the orc who put me in a collar," she shoots back.

I can't help but crack a small smile. She has a point. This small human is not as defenseless as she appears.

"Is there any more you can tell me about Othrix?" she asks.

"I don't know what else there is to add. He's a cat," I reply gruffly. "He hunts mice and sleeps a lot."

Zoe rolls her eyes. "Come on, the smallest detail may help locate him. It's obvious you care about him."

I sigh, relenting slightly. "He is the fiercest hunter in all the village.

"I would expect no less".

"Most assuredly," I say, warming to the topic, as I steal a glance to be sure she is not toying with me. She appears sincere, so I continue, "His full name is actually Othrix, Slayer of Tiny Beasts. Sometimes I just call him S.T.B.... And he is exceptionally soft...especially his belly fur..."

I realize she is giggling.

"What!"

Nothing...it's just...you a fierce warrior, with the S.T.B. ..."

"If you speak of this, I shall be forced to slay you myself." I say gruffly.

"Umm hmm", she replies. "Actually, I find it sort of endearing, maybe even adorable."

Suddenly I am feeling very warm again.

Thankfully I don't need to make an excuse to change the topic. Zoe suddenly stops. "Wait! I think I saw something." She points to a narrow alley between two ancient buildings. "There! A flash of fur."

I peer into the darkness, but the gap is far too small for me to investigate. Zoe, however ...

"I can fit easy," she says, reading my thoughts. "Let me check it out."

I hesitate, torn between my desire to find Othrix and an unexpected urge to protect this strange human who's somehow wormed her way past my defenses. I should not allow it. She is a threat. And it could be dangerous.

But if it's Othrix...

"Alright," I concede. "But be careful." I take a moment to be sure we are alone before I once again remove her collar. "And do not try to escape."

She just looks at me and raises her hands palm side up, "Where the hell would I go?"

"Fine," I reply. "Take this." I hand her a small crystal, which immediately begins to glow.

Zoe's eyes widen. "Is this ... magic?"

I snort. "It's a flashlight, human. Don't they have those in your world?"

She grins. "Not quite like this. Thanks, Thokk."

As she disappears into the crack, I find myself holding my breath.

Why am I so worried about her? She's just a human. A captive. Nothing more.

Right. Remember your mission, Thokk.

But as the seconds tick by with no sign of her, and seconds turn to minutes, I feel a knot of anxiety forming in my chest.