Chapter 27

quinn

The gnomes' ingenious ceiling collapse shielded them from Gregor's soldiers. As the dust cleared, they hastily strapped on their cloth armbands.

After using the last of the goo, they crept out of the back exit. Once clear, they spread their wings and ascended, flying hard amidst the clouds toward Gregor's stronghold. A drizzle washed away their concealment.

Tilda clung to Zach. Her eyes squeezed shut. Quinn's powerful wingbeats hammered a relentless rhythm against the air. Beside him, Ana's breaths came in ragged gasps, yet she clung on despite the endless expanse of clouds.

After a long flight and a tense descent, they touched down with a soft thud. Quinn steadied Ana. He rubbed her as she fought to catch her breath, his hand lingering a beat too long on the small of her back.

The castle loomed before them, its shadow stretching like a grasping claw. Ominous laughter spilled from a nearby window, shattering the silence. Three unsuspecting soldiers conversed. Ana white-knuckled her knife.

Quinn brushed against her, putting a hand upon the small of her back. "Do you know where the gnomes are held?" he whispered. "You were captive here."

"No." She shook her head. "I only saw my room."

"We must move," he urged, catching Zach's eye. "I fear there is much to explore."

Zach nodded, and Tilda readied her weapon. "Ready," she whispered, the boomerang gleaming in her hand.

On Quinn's count, they charged into the room. He led with Zach close behind. Tilda's boomerang cleared the way and took down a guard. Zach disarmed and knocked another unconscious as Quinn pinned the last one against the wall.

"Where are the gnomes?" Quinn snarled.

The soldier's eyes darted, fear evident. "The kitchen, down the right hallway." Trembling, he pointed. "Wh…what are you going to do with me?" he pleaded. "I shall serve you!"

Quinn released him with a nod. Zach growled, narrowing his eyes as he walked past the warrior and scoffed. "Coward."

Ana picked up a sword from a fallen gargoyle, adjusting to its heft. Quinn's eagerness was palpable as he stepped closer to Ana, his hands deftly assisting her with the sheath. His touch was gentle, yet firm, ensuring every strap was secure, his fingers brushing against her with a care that spoke volumes of his concern and desire.

Zach claimed the other blade. "I shall hold onto this in case they wake."

Suddenly, Quinn's ear twitched; his senses heightened. The guard they had spared was a lingering threat in the back of his mind. His instincts screamed of deceit. Then his eyes caught the subtle shift in the soldier's stance, the slight tensing of muscles that betrayed an imminent betrayal. Time seemed to slow as Quinn's gaze locked onto the warrior's hand inching toward his weapon. With a surge of adrenaline, Quinn sprang into action, intercepting the guard's strike before it could fully manifest. The guard's head hit the ground with a sickening thud.

"I offered mercy," Quinn murmured, the words heavy with regret. His mind raced with the conflict of what was to come, the gargoyles he once called brethren now turned foes by his father's deeds and his uncle's poisonous words. Yet, he held onto a sliver of optimism, believing that his leadership could restore the trust and unity that had been lost.

Tilda stepped forward, her voice firm. "Stand back. Get behind the corner." They obeyed, seeking cover. Unclenching her fist, she muttered, "Hope this works," before tossing a seed at the unconscious gargoyles.

Tilda dashed to join them. The seed exploded with a satisfying pop, coating the traitors in a thick, minty slime.

"Well, I was not expectin' that." Tilda twisted her lips and placed her stubby hands on her hips.

They approached the substance. Quinn knelt and tugged the hardened goo that effectively trapped the guards. They struggled to breathe within its confines, and Ana whipped out her knife and sliced a mouth hole, allowing one to gasp. Zach did the same for the other.

"It is strong and shall secure them." Quinn turned and looked down the hall. "Time to find the kitchen."

The group navigated the castle. Murmurs signaled approaching soldiers. Using the element of surprise, they disarmed each with ease and secured them with Tilda's seeds.

The faint scent of smoke led them to their destination. They continued wandering the halls. The kitchen finally revealed a mess of pots and a crackling fireplace, but no gnomes.

"The entrance to the gnome prison has to be here." Quinn rubbed the back of his neck. "We need to look again," he commanded, determination setting his jaw, his resolve hardened by the weight of his heritage and the hope of reconciliation that lay in his hands.

Quinn watched as Ana stumbled over a rug, the movement uncovering a hidden door. She kicked at the rug, her claw catching in the fabric. "Look at this," she beckoned.

He approached and pulled the handle. The door creaked open, releasing a musty smell, leading into darkness.

Zach objected, "Sire, I should lead."

Quinn silenced him with a look. "Protect them. I shall scout ahead." With sword in hand, he made his way down. The stairs groaned under his weight.

After descending a short way into the passage, Quinn's night vision allowed him to scan the area ahead. Seeing no immediate threats, he yelled, "It's clear. Come down."

He waited as the others gathered at the top of the stairs. Though gargoyles didn't need it, Tilda lit a torch to illuminate the way for her eyes.

Quinn took the lead, and they all followed in a single file down the narrow corridor. The flickering flame revealed the intricate details of the stone as the air grew dense and musty. The taller members had to stoop to avoid the low ceiling while Tilda moved with ease.

Large footprints in the dirt suggested creatures bigger than gnomes. Quinn gripped his sword tighter, ready for any sudden attack.

The tunnel dipped further and narrower. Quinn felt the strain as he hunched through the tight space, the gargoyles behind him doing the same. Dust swirled around their feet.

At a fork, uncertainty loomed. Zach whispered from behind, "Which way?"

Quinn's muscles tensed as he surveyed the two paths before them, the right one marked by a trail of footprints. "We go this way," he whispered. The group moved forward, the torchlight casting long shadows on the walls.

The network of passages branched off like the roots of an ancient tree, some with large, unmistakable prints of unknown creatures. Quinn's gut twisted with the hope that his choice was right.

"This place truly is a labyrinth." Zack closed in behind him.

With each step deeper into the darkness, the weight of their mission bore down on Quinn. His hand gripped the sword tighter, ready for whatever lay ahead. "Stay sharp," he commanded, his eyes scanning for any sign of movement.

A putrid stench assaulted them, growing stronger with each footfall. Ana gagged, and Tilda coughed. The further they went, the worse the odor of manure became. The rumble of some unseen monster echoed off the stone walls.

"A beast lurks ahead," he announced, his awareness heightened by the danger. Yet, as he sensed its size, a flicker of relief passed through him. The tight passageways they had navigated were too constricted for such an enormous being. This realization brought a momentary respite from the claustrophobic journey they had endured.

Turning a corner, the passage opened into a vast chamber. A furious roar erupted from within, the stomping of heavy feet shaking the floor. Quinn raised his sword.

In the dimly lit cave, a hulking brown creature stood its ground. Its thick legs and round, furry body were poised in a stance of aggression. A broad head crowned with massive nub-like horns sat atop a stout neck. The beast's face, marked by a flat forehead, wide nostrils, and short tusks, gave it a formidable appearance. Its square-tooth maw was set in a snarl.

The creature's sudden movement sent a jolt of fear through Quinn. Its colossal form loomed over them, the sheer size and power of the beast a clear threat. The cart, laden with indistinct shapes, teetered with a bang as the creature collided with the wagon. Its head swung wildly, an erratic pendulum of raw power.

Its eyes, dark and piercing, fixed on Quinn and his companions. With a deafening roar, it rose, its hind legs pounding the ground, sending tremors through the chamber. Dust and small stones rained down from the ceiling as it prepared to charge. Quinn's grip on his sword tightened, his mind racing with strategies to protect his group and overcome the daunting adversary before them.

"Never seen this beast before," Quinn muttered, stepping protectively in front of Ana.

The creature's tail lashed, causing the cart to tumble with a tumultuous crash. Truffle-like fungus spilled across the floor. Quinn stood upright. However, just as he was about to advance, a captivating melody filled the air.

Quinn raised his blade, but before he could make a move, the room was engulfed in music. The creature tilted its head, its emerald eyes reflecting the torchlight. A hauntingly beautiful tune resonated.

With his flute pressed to his lips, Zach played the enchanting song. Soon, a female voice joined in, perfectly harmonizing.

The beast's ferocious snarl softened, its breathing slowing as it lowered its massive body. A purr rumbled from its throat.

As the melody swelled, the creature tilted its head back and let out a long, mournful howl. The sound, raw and discordant, cut through the air, clashing jarringly with the harmonious music. Yet, despite the dissonance, the beast continued its eerie cry as its head swayed to the rhythm.

When the song ended, a gnome in a tattered green dress approached the beast.

"Flub won't hurt you." She scratched his chin. Fresh bruises marred her face, which Flub leaned into with a gentle nudge.

"It's you." Ana neared her.

Tilda gasped, her eyes widening. "Zia!" she cried, her tone filled with a mixture of shock and joy.

"Sister!" the gnome shrieked, startling Flub momentarily.

The two gnomes rushed into each other's arms, a reunion brimming with relief and happiness. "I thought you were dead! I'm so happy to see you." Tilda's eyes welled with tears.

"Come see the others," Zia said, pulling away.

"Others?" Tilda echoed.

Zia nodded. "Jon, Garth, Gabe, and Julie."

"Was Julie the gnome in the red dress?" Ana asked.

"Yes," Zia replied, approaching Ana. "We're sorry about what happened to you, but we had no choice."

"I know, and I told you I'd be back for you." She knelt on the ground.

Tilda added her voice grave, "There's more. Gregor has seized King Quinn's castle after killin' Hamil. We need to help Quinn reclaim his throne and stop Gregor for good." Her hand rested on Zia's shoulder. "I know it's a lot to ask."

Zia's face hardened, her fists clenching. "Too much! Gregor and his gargoyles have tortured and enslaved us for far too long." Her eyes locked onto Tilda's battered face, a spark of recognition flashing in her gaze. "Look at me," she said, her voice softening for a moment. Then, with a bitter twist to her mouth, she added, "Look at you. It seems they treated you no better."

Tilda shook her head. "This was Gregor's gargoyles," she countered. "Quinn is different," she gripped Zia's hand. "His gargoyles saved us. Without them, I wouldn't be here. They're here to save you, too, regardless of your choice."

Zia stared down at her feet, a conflicted expression on her face. "I need to speak with the others."

Tilda nodded. "Of course."

"I'll take you to them," Zia offered, gesturing for them to follow. "This way." She hurried through a passage far wider and taller than the one they had taken down. Quinn rubbed his aching back as they followed. Zia led them to a metal door, revealing a vast cave sectioned into smaller rooms bathed in the soft light of bioluminescent mushrooms. Delicate glow worms twinkled like scattered stars. Despite its ethereal beauty, the cavern lacked the vibrant warmth of Tilda's home.

"Gregor must use another way," Quinn muttered, securing his sword.

Zia shook her head. "No gargoyles have been here since we created it."

Small cells lined the walls, each crammed with gnomes. Fear and exhaustion etched their faces. Ragged clothes, some barely clinging to shivering bodies, spoke volumes of their suffering. Pale, wide-eyed children clung to each other, their tremors echoing the despair in their parents' eyes.

A wailing baby, swaddled in a threadbare pink blanket, filled the air with a heartbreaking cry. The mother, eyes hollow with anguish, rocked the child rhythmically. Nearby, another mother stroked her trembling toddler's hair, whispering reassurances lost in the cavern's oppressive silence.

Occasional coughs rasped through the air, punctuated by the rustle of hay being piled up. A gnome in worn overalls, his labored breaths a testament to their hardship, fluffed the make-shift beds of straw.

"Julie!" Tilda cried, relief flooding her face as she rushed toward a gnome in a red dress. Bruises marred Julie's face, a stark reminder of Gregor's cruelty.

Zia joined them, her tone firm. "These gargoyles claim to be our saviors but want our help." Her gaze swept over the gnomes. Some returned wary stares.

Ana stepped forward. "We need your help," she began, her voice resonating through the silent chamber. "To reclaim true peace and freedom, you must trust us to overthrow Gregor and his soldiers. It won't be easy, but inaction guarantees your enslavement, perhaps worse."

Tilda led the gnomes aside for a hushed discussion. Voices rose in debate, punctuated by emphatic gestures.

Quinn's anxiety manifested in his rapid pacing, each step stirring dust motes that danced in the flickering torchlight. He stole frequent glances at the gnomes, a mix of apprehension and hope churning his stomach. The gravity of their decision weighed on him, but interfering could lead to undesirable consequences.

Tilda, Zia, and the others soon rejoined them.

"For our aid," Julie declared, puffing out her chest, "we want this castle."

Ana frowned. "But wouldn't you prefer returning to Tilda's village below our castle?"

Quinn squeezed Ana's waist. "We offer a haven within the gnome village, a place of belonging."

Zia narrowed her eyes. "We've served gargoyles for too long. We crave independence. This mountaintop castle strengthens our position." Her voice hardened. "Those damned gargoyles wronged us. We can't trust any of them."

"I would never allow such treatment," Quinn knelt before her.

Zia remained resolute. "It's not enough. This castle is key to our freedom and security."

Quinn straightened up and offered a bow. "So be it. A single castle is sufficient for my reign. You and your people shall always be under the protection of my kingdom, no matter where you choose to reside."

"Agreed," Julie responded, her nod brief but acknowledging the gravity of their accord.

Ana approached a stone wall, her fingers drumming against the unyielding surface. "There must be another exit. Flub couldn't have possibly fit through those narrow tunnels."

Julie's gaze followed Ana's, resting on the barrier. "Gregor sealed the other exit." She showed the spot, a hint of frustration in her voice.

Quinn's heart sank. Breaking through a reinforced wall by hand would be a monumental task, precious time they simply didn't have. His back ached at the mere thought of returning through the cramped passage. Desperation clawed at him as his eyes scoured the cavern, seeking a hidden lever, a secret door, any sign of hope. The weight of their predicament settled heavily on his shoulders. Disappointment gnawed at Quinn, but the gnomes' freedom remained paramount.