Chapter 9

CHAPTER 9

I 've been in Fablewood for a few days now, and let me tell you, this place is beyond anything I could have imagined. Every corner we turn reveals some new wonder that has my inner historian doing cartwheels. Well, metaphorical cartwheels. The actual cartwheels are a bit tricky with this stupid collar on. But I get the need for it. And maybe I'll get another massage out of the deal.

But for now I know we need to keep up the search. We've found bits and pieces - a faded mural here, a broken mosaic there - but nothing concrete enough to prove humans and monsters once lived in harmony. It's frustrating, but I'm not giving up. This town, this hidden world, it's become my passion. I could spend a lifetime studying it.

"No clues, and no Othrix."

Thokk nods in response as we duck through yet another back alley. "I think he'll turn up when he's good and ready."

"Right," I say, as I squeeze his hand reassuringly. This adventure might be crazy and dangerous, but at the same time we've grown closer with each passing hour.

As we're walking, I'm busy admiring the intricate stonework of a nearby building when Thokk suddenly tenses beside me. I follow his gaze and spot a group of very official-looking monsters heading our way.

"Dammit, the Elders again," Thokk whispers urgently, giving my leash a gentle tug.

Great. Just great.

I try my best to look appropriately prisoner-like again, as they approach.

"Thokk," the elf-like one says, his voice dripping with authority. "Step away from the human. We know you're under her spell."

Wait, what?

Thokk and I exchange bewildered glances. "Spell?" he sputters. "What are you talking about?"

The fairy narrows her eyes at me. "She's clearly some sort of harpy! We didn't see it before, but it is obvious."

"Harpy?" Thokk echoes, sounding as confused as I feel.

"Or perhaps a siren," the tree-person chimes in. "Maybe even a succubus!"

"A suck-you-what?" I blurt out before I can stop myself, feeling my face flame.

"Oh, you know very well what you are, demon!" the elf snaps.

"Oh, so now I'm a demon?" I can't help but sass back. "Make up your minds, people!"

"Thokk," the fairy commands, "stand away from this she-beast. Come, get behind us where it's safe!"

Thokk, bless him, stands his ground. "Elders, with all due respect, you're mistaken. Zoe is just a human. And I have determined she is not dangerous at all."

"Zoe?" the tree-person rumbles. "You've named it?"

"Her," Thokk corrects firmly. "And that's her name."

The elders huddle together, whispering furiously. I catch snippets like "bewitched" and "evil temptress." Seriously? Do I look like I have magical seduction powers?

"Clearly, she's not really his prisoner," the elf declares. "She is indeed a harpy or siren in disguise!"

I can't help but snort. "Right, because I just ooze mystical charm."

The fairy narrows her eyes at me. "Perhaps you've seduced him with your evil sexual wiles!"

I nearly choke. "My what now?"

But maybe I did ...

I almost giggle.

I mean, things did escalate pretty quickly, but this is crazy!

"Yes!" the tree-person chimes in. "One shake of her ass and he was putty in her hands!"

Oh. My. God. Now I really don't know whether to laugh or cry. "Look," I say, trying to keep my cool, "If that's a compliment, I will take it, but in truth, zero ass shaking was necessary."

Thokk, bless him, looks as mortified as I feel. "Elders, please," he starts, but I've had enough.

"You know what?" I snap, yanking off the stupid collar. "You are all ridiculous. I'm just a human who accidentally stumbled into your world. I mean you no harm at all. In fact, if you weren't so pig-headed, maybe I could actually get to know you! Maybe we could all be friends!"

This elicits a rather comical double take from Thokk, but I press on. I am on a roll. "I bet you didn't know that there was a time when humans and monsters lived together peacefully!"

The elders gasp in unison. "Blasphemy!" Their reaction and stunned looks would be comical if I weren't so frustrated.

"Quickly!" the elf shouts. "We must exorcise this demon before she sows more harm!"

"But what if she is a succubus?" the fairy frets. "Here to steal his soul and wreak havoc upon our village?"

I throw my hands up. "For the last time, I'm just a human!"

"The salt!" the tree-person bellows. Before I know what's happening, the fairy has poured out a circle of salt around me.

"If you are what you say you are," the elf intones dramatically, "then step outside this circle of salt, beast of darkness!"

I stare at them, dumbfounded. The three of them all hang back in anticipation, apparently terrified of what I might transform into.

I look at Thokk, who seems torn between concern and amusement. With an exaggerated sigh, I step over the salt line.

"Do you know how many margaritas you could have made with that salt?" I say, staring back at the now empty circle.

The elders look bewildered. I'm not sure if it's because their "trap" didn't work or because they don't know what a margarita is. Probably both.

"Now do you believe me? I have been trying to tell you, I am just a human!"

The elf elder recovers first, his expression hardening. "Fine. It appears you speak truth. That makes our decision even easier - we'll must follow the old ways. We shall put her to death."

My blood runs cold. This can't be happening. I look at Thokk, panic rising in my chest...

For a moment he too just stands, mouth agape as he stares at the three elders.