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ลำดับตอนที่ #5 : Chapter 5: Indebted (บทที่ 5 หนี้ที่ติดค้าง)
CHAPTER FIVE: INDEBTED
The troublemaker was humming an extremely annoying tune.
Yes…the moron was nothing but havoc, annoyance and absolute craze. But, seeing as he was the one who had come after her this far, perhaps he was even more of an idiot.
He really should have let the fool go die. Why on earth must he worry about her, when she was the most trouble-seeking, most irrational person ever?
Kalo recalled yesterday's events, and it irritated him even further. He flung his knapsack to the other side of the boat and threw himself down to sleep.
Meanwhile, Felin was striking up conversation with the red-bearded dwarf, who by now must also add ‘red-nosed-and-red-mouthed’ to his description, thanks to a certain someone’s incredible right hook.
“Uncle, where we going?”
“The Volcano of Abyss.”
Redder replied with a sly, malicious chuckle in his throat, but Felin didn’t mind and pushed forth. He liked befriending others.
“Must be real hot over there.”
“Yes. Mind you…Hot and horrific!” Redder narrowed his eyes at the trussed-up boy and continued. “It also goes by the name of Giantcity.”
The dwarf rummaged in his pocket, pulled out a key then thrust it over to Felin.
“Take those chains off. Ain’t no difference there, anyway.”
“Thanks, Uncle.” Felin replied happily as he reached for the key and freed himself.
“You’ve been doing this for a long time, I take it. Are there any survivors from over there?”
“Oh, you’ll survive. The point is you’ll be safe but maybe not sound. Most inmates just go crazy there. Not much pull through sane.”
“You know, it’s been ages since we sent the likes of you there. Just a few nice words, and it’s welcome to Demos! Everybody knows that. You're a first; claiming you’re the princess. Don’t you have any respect? And then there’s that blasted dolt. Wants a trip to Giantcity!”
Redder began speaking longer, and Felin smiled widely.
“What if I say I’m telling the truth, then, would you believe me?”
He challenged. The dwarf laughed loudly and spat into the river.
“Shut your trap and pray to God. I’d do that if I were you.”
Redder shrugged, rowing the small boat into the gathering mist which shrouded them from the dimming sunlight, throwing them into near darkness, with only the shimmering glow of the torch to light the way.
“Why did you come to Demos?” Felin asked up again.
Redder shifted his gaze to the boy. He was starting to feel quite fond of the young lad. The kid was neither cowardly nor fearful like those before him, even though he was heading for the lair of giants. Also, he wasn’t by any means vain or conceited like a large number of others. In fact, his courage and friendliness was such that Redder couldn’t go on despising him for much longer.
“I’ll stay anywhere nice.” He responded shortly.
“It’s nicer here than in Eden?” Felin was interested.
“Of course! At least we have only one face here. No one has to pretend they’re good like the folks on that side. What about you? Why visit Demos?”
Felin sighed softly, looking troubled.
“It’s a long story. Let’s just say I’m going to see Dad.”
“You mean Lord Evides, kid?” Redder repeated and shook his head. “And you keep on telling those tales! What an idiot.”
“What’s he like, Uncle, the Lord? Scary?”
Redder raised his eyebrow and chuckled softly.
“Blimey, you really do seem to be interested in him! Well, talking about scary, he is scary, but as long as you keep your toes behind the line, there’s nothing to fear. Another thing, though, it’s not that easy to get to see him. What you should worry about now, I’d say, is finding a way to survive the giants. ”
Redder concentrated on quickening his paddling pace after that, and Felin fell silent. All that could be heard was the sound of the paddle hitting the water. The sun’s rays faded. Finally, the slowing boat eased to a halt by a thick pole in the middle of the river, where another vacant boat drifted nearby.
When the boat stilled, the sleeping passenger started. Felin looked around, before glancing enquiringly at the warden.
“My journey ends here, but you two will have to go on by your own for another day and night. You’ll probably be there by tomorrow afternoon.”
Redder explained, even though he was feeling, for the first time, hesitant, seeing Felin yawning in exhaustion.
“Here’s food, water and blankets.”
He pointed out and reached over to undo the rope tying the other boat to the pole. He tied it to Felin’s boat instead then jumped over to the vacant boat.
“Why not come with us? We might just escape, you know.”
Felin called and chuckled. Redder shook his head wearily at the talkative little trouble.
“How could you? You’re not the one doing the rowing. This rope here will pull you straight to Giantcity. And if you’re thinking of going for a swim…”
Redder picked up a pebble from his boat and flung it into the water. Suddenly, the calm river parted as gigantic, octopus-like tentacles pierced through the surface. They thrashed about for a while, sending water splashing around horrifically before sinking back down.
Felin gulped. He felt his legs shaking. He wondered what the fearsome monster was but his mouth wouldn’t form the words to ask.
“As long as you stay on the boat and let nothing hit the water, you’ll be perfectly fine.”
Said Redder calmly, but obviously Felin felt not even a bit more reassured. There was nothing here to guarantee their safety at all.
“Once you’re there, the giants will probably lock you up. There’s little chance of survival, but one thing is, giants have a liking for good fighters.”
Redder stopped and sighed, then elaborated.
“Remember this, now. Once in Giantcity, do anything for a chance to talk with the Giant King Grezer. Ask him for permission to fight in the Grand Shields. If you manage to defeat their giant warrior, then all is not lost.”
He jerked the rope linked to Felin’s boat and tilted his torch. The little boat was then slowly guided into the falling darkness.
At that very second, Redder’s eyes grew wide at the sight of the boy who was drifting far off; bright, flashing light radiated from him as he slowly transformed into a willowy young girl.
“The kid…he wasn’t lying, after all?”
He muttered softly and jolted. He couldn’t do anything now. He didn’t dare venture into the deadly waters. For it wouldn't only be him who would be in danger, but also…
The Princess!
Two solid hours passed by in absolute silence. The tiny boat was slowly led on in the dark. A crescent moon shone on the velvet sky. Stars blinked down below where nothing could be seen but vast lengths of water stretching endlessly in all directions.
The intense silence was such that Felin felt she was alone instead of with a friend. She glanced at the prince who was feigning sleep far off and felt all of a sudden like driving someone nuts. She scanned for pebbles and flung them over to the icy lad, but there was no reaction. A few pebbles later, and he still wouldn’t budge.
Seeing that, Felin unfolded her ultimatum. Instead of hitting the target, she tossed the stone over Kalo’s silvery head, aiming for a hello to that something under the river surface.
It worked. The sleeping prince snatched the pebble and bolted up, bright blue eyes glowering over with barely controllable fury.
“If you really ached to die then just stab yourself with Earthsplitter! Don’t drag other people along!”
Felin pretended to gawk then grinned.
“Glad to, but I’m afraid someone would object.”
The prince hitched up a sardonic smile as his gaze wandered elsewhere.
“There’s only the two of us here. Believe me, I wouldn’t waste my breath.”
“You’re not good at lying.”
Felin smiled a little, and Kalo spun around with a furious glare.
“How could you let me die, when you couldn’t stand me simply going to Giantcity on my own?”
Kalo’s snowy cheeks blushed faintly, and his lips formed a cold grin.
“You’re right. I’m wondering why I’m such an idiot.”
“Come now, don’t be so stern.” Felin smiled.
“You try to get yourself killed several times a day. We’re in Demos, not Edinburgh. Have you forgotten?”
“Hark who’s talking! Why didn’t you let go of me yesterday? You want your arm chopped off!?”
“Well, I didn’t know you wanted to die so much you had to jump after Princess Vivien into that whirlpool!”
“Like you’d still have your arm if I hadn’t!” Felin retorted, but the Prince replied flatly.
“That’s my business.”
Hearing that, Felin’s heart softened. Her flaring brown eyes dimmed.
“You’re such a busybody, but anyway, thanks for saving my life.”
Felin sighed, then grinned slyly and added, “By the way, you never told me you like being the hero who saves the princess.”
Kalo swore feverishly. Felin grinned and teased some more.
“You didn’t look the type back when we’re in Edinburgh, but now that we’re outta there you’re showing your true colors! But I’m warning you, that role belongs to me. I love being a hero.”
“A thief will be a thief.” The prince composed himself, retorting monotonously.
“A thief can be a hero, too! I bet you’ve only heard of those prince and princess fairytales and not of the Great Robin Hood.” Felin laughed herself hoarse. “Now that’s the thieves’ favorite!”
Kalo’s expression was already quite stressed, but at that his frown deepened. Then he made a mental note to find time to read said story, see if the little pain was bluffing or not.
He soon forgot his suspicions, however, when Felin continued more sincerely,
“I’m always getting you into trouble, Kalo, and whenever I get mad I’d just vent out on you. I’m sorry.”
The apology was nonchalant. Kalo sighed softly, quipping.
“At least you realized it’s your fault.”
Felin smiled meekly, but it wasn’t long before her eyes regained their mischievous gleam.
“And I also lost you your wand. I must repay you for that, wouldn't you agree?”
The troublemaker smirked. The prince glanced warily at her, then smiled when she continued.
“What should it be? You want my baton? It’s quite a specimen, you know? One touch and it lights up!"
Kalo gave her a tender smile. Felin’s grin sagged when the prince didn’t blow his top like she'd expected him to.
“That’s one of Kanoval’s magical treasures. How could you compare that to your roadside staff?”
Felin's guilt skyrocketed. Eyes bulging, she gulped, cursing herself for bringing it up, for once Kalo took the matter on seriously, she didn’t know how to ever repay him. Looking defeated, she asked in a small voice.
“Well, what do you say, then?”
“Let’s just say you owe me that.”
Felin blinked repeatedly, pondering in amusement.
He’s taking a swindler on as his debtor? There must be some screws off in his head.
She continued with a chuckle.
“Hey, I should tell you. I’m quite one to weasel out of debts.”
The prince was still serene. A soft smile crept onto his lips as he replied solemnly.
“Don’t worry. Kanoval has never allowed anyone to escape his debt.”
******
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